Our Life All Daylong

Project Life 2012

2012-01-04T16:30:00.000-05:00

2011 was not a good blogging year for me...I kept forgetting and then when I did remember I felt like it was too late to even start back up. However, this year I hope to be improve.

The past couple of weeks I've been researching Project Life by Becky Higgins and have seriously wanted to do this for 2 years, but its a HUGE commitment. I hate publicly admitting that I don't always follow through with the commitment's I make...so I hope if anyone is reading this blog that you will hold me accountable - and if no one reads it...well then I have to hold myself accountable. I obviously do NOT have the time to take a picture everyday for one year, so I'm going to try and do this on a weekly basis. I'm going to do this digitally using the Shutterfly pre-made scrapbook by Project Life, so hopefully at the end of year I'll have a year in review book to print for my kids :)

DISCLAIMER: I may fall behind (why am I even saying may...I will fall behind) but I really really really want to do this and I promise to try and keep up.

July (Holiday, Injury, Birthday & Vacation)

2011-08-24T16:26:00.000-04:00

Everyone finally seems to be healing from all the sickness we had in June - thank goodness! However, there is more to come...

Mason - his cheek/nose healed nicely and he only had a little shiner...he looked adorable though. He did however, manage to get a sty - a HUGE one. It was so big you could see across the room protruding from his eye.

Don - he finally passed his kidney stones with no problem :) However, Don called me again from work and said he was on his way to Urgent Care because he could move his arm or raise it above his head. Urgent Care told him he had a torn rotators cuff and put him in a sling. Fabulous...this man's job requires 2 arms. Thankfully his work kept him working on light duty. We later find out that he has tendinitis - whew...I was really happy that he didn't have to have surgery :)

Zach - he continued to stay healthy and play summer ball! Oh and he turned 15 - I can't believe my baby is 15...where did the time go. We enjoyed a nice dinner with family and friends at Outback Steakhouse.

Me - I'm still healthy :)

July 4th was a good weekend. Don, Mason and I went to Grandview and watched the fireworks and then bolted afterwards - no traffic :) Zach was too tired so he stayed in bed (such a party pooper)! Over the weekend we went to Jerry's - he had family and friends over to watch the WJ fireworks, which turned out to be really good. I'll have to watch next year.

Don and I decided to take vacation the week of July 25 - the boys went camping with Dad for a few days and then Don and I joined them for 2 days as well. Don and I hung around the house and then went to the Columbus Zoo and I got to see the polar bears - love them! Camping was a bit miserable - it was extremely hot, which reminded me why I hate camping. I stuck it out though because the kids loved having us there.

Don, Zach and I went to the Cincinnati Reds game and OMG loved our seats - 3 rows up from the Reds dugout. I got to see my favorite player JOEY VOTTO! Sweet!

Busy month, but totally enjoyed it!

June (Full of Sickness)

2011-08-24T16:14:00.000-04:00

For some reason I'm having a hard time blogging, I guess 2 busy kids keep Don and I very busy too. So I decided to recap the last couple of months so I don't forget.

June 2011
The last week of school I realized that I had sent Mason to school with pink eye - I just thought he had a cold in his eye (I now know that is pink eye - thanks to Christy). Mason, Christy and I went to Bob Evans for dinner and she looked at Mason said he has pink eye. I panic of course because he had been at school for 3 days now, so I was feeling like a horrible parent - so we rush our dinner and head straight to the Minute Clinic. He didn't just have 1 pink eye, he had 2! Oh did I feel horrible. He missed a baseball game, which he didn't seem to be concerned about.

The next week, he had his first game back from pink eye and wham...he got his in the face with a baseball. A medic at the field said we should take him to the ER because his nose is definitely broken. Thankfully, I was not there because the thought of it made me pass out. So Don takes him to the ER and finally after my nausua feeling went away I headed in to see what he looked like - it was horrible and I felt really bad for him. Every nurse that saw him said its broken - but the x-ray said otherwise - YAY! Thanksfully the way it hit him was more on his check bone...so his nose and cheek looked like one. He didn't get a black eye like we thought he would so he was very lucky.

And to top it off, he still has his plantars warts on the bottom of his foot and continues to limp. This kid has been a hot mess.

So on to Zach - of course, he was enjoying the first few weeks of summer and baseball...but wait...he starts complaining that he can't hear. Great! We take him to the Take Care Clinic and he has clogged ears. The nurse and Don said it was absolutely disgusting what she pulled out of his ear. Zach immediately said, "I can hear" and the nurse said, "I bet you can!"

A week later...Don calls me and said he is on his way to the ER. He was having abdominal pain and could hardly stand up. So we head over to the Dublin Methodist Hosptial (which is really nice) and find out he has kidney stones - possible to big to pass. Fabulous! So of course he has to see a Urologist and have Lithotripsy.

I was the only one healthy for the entire month of June!

I've been busy...

2011-06-07T15:59:00.000-04:00

Gheesh...February since I last posted...that's a long time. Time has flown...since February I have been doing a lot which doesn't leave a lot of personal time for me. Here's what I've been doing:
1. Taking classes each quarter - this totally consumes a lot of my time.
2. Bradley High School - Zach made the freshman team - it was a very rainy season with lots of changes in the schedule which left us scrambling to get the kids where they needed to be.
3. Mason started baseball too and had baseball practice, so while I was taking one kid to a practice or game Don was taking the other.
4. I've been traveling a bit more for work :(
5. I had to plan Mason's birthday, which I'm not a party person at all!
6. Mason and I have both been very sick.
7. End of school year stuff has been so busy that I couldn't even keep track of where I needed to be at what time.

I'm going to try and post some pics soon and blog better :) Michelle - I know I've been bad at blogging.

Mr. and Mrs. Daylong (again)!

2011-02-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

We had a great time in Vegas and were officially married on Feb 17, 2011 (15 years to the day we were married the first time)...more to come later...

Planning for Vegas...

2011-02-03T10:16:00.001-05:00

Well our plans didn't turn out like I thought they would...my sister is unable to go to Vegas so we won't be celebrating her 40th birthday...total bummer. However, Don and decided to go anyways because we had been saving up and already requested the time off.

In my last post, I mentioned that we were planning this trip a few months back and the entire trip was just for fun...but Don mentioned "hey while we are there we should just get married" I blew it off at first because I didn't think he was serious and I wasn't sure how I felt about getting married again. Then January rolled around and it was brought up again so I thought OK maybe Don and I should have a serious talk about this...well, the talk went well and we made it official - we were going to married in VEGAS (oh and on the same day we were married before Feb 17)! Now those of you that know me...know getting married in Vegas is NOT my style, but I need to live a little so I decided what the heck and the planning began.

I started looking online for chapels because I didn't want a cheesy Elvis chapel and little did I know that you really must plan to get married in Vegas if you want a good chapel and a certain time (what happened to just walking in and getting married?!). I found a really nice chapel called Mon Bel Ami Chapel - they are going to pick us up at the hotel in a limo, drive us to the chapel and then drive us to BOA; an extremely nice restaurant located in Caesars Palace. So I asked myself, what the heck should I wear? I've never been married in Vegas before and all the pictures I saw on the chapel websites were fancy wedding gowns - yea...not gonna happen for me...been there done that! My first thought was to wear a short white cocktail dress and I even found one that I ordered online, but when I tried it on...white was not my color. So Missy, Jerry (Missy's friend and mine too) and I headed out for some shopping...we went to David's Bridal...BIG mistake because when we walked in there were loads of people...I mean LOADS (the Bridal show was in Columbus the weekend before)...we were greeted at the front and asked "how can I help you?" I said, "just wanted to shop for a short dress because I'm getting married in Vegas." Another BIG mistake...they proceed to tell me that there is an 1 hour 45 minute wait for the dressing room and for a wedding consultant to help me. I said, 'No I don't need a wedding consultant just a dress over there (I pointed to the "prom" like dresses). I thought how in the world am I going to wait an hour and 45 minutes to even get in the dressing room...but Missy came to the rescue and asked some lady if we had to wait in line to try on the "prom" dresses...which we only had to wait for 15 minutes. So we grabbed lots of dresses and waiting...and once I got in the dressing room...I wanted to CRACK UP LAUGHING! I hate dresses and now I know why...I look horrible in them...but I found one...its red and I love it. Now we just need to find something for Don.

Planning this trip has been super fun and I can't wait to go...
Hotel - check
Chapel - check
Dress - check
Rings - check (love, love, love mine)
Airfare - check
Cirque Du Soleil (Mystere) - check
Spending Money - does someone want to send me a check? He He...

and I have to say...even though my family and friends won't be there with us (and I wish you all could)...my Mom will be smiling down on me and happy that I made this choice! (Gotta go now, I'm starting to cry).

Recap of my December...

2011-02-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

Every year I say I really want to enjoy the holidays and this time I actually did. I had a lot of shopping done early so I was able to bake cookies (a lot of cookies), take time wrapping my presents and scrapbook.

My sister and I started to seriously plan our trip to Vegas (we were planning on celebrating her 40th birthday - more on that later) and we spent every weekend doing something which was a lot of fun.

My Mom's birthday was Dec 10. - she would have been 61. As I am getting older I find myself thinking of how much I am like her and how I'm starting to act like her. There are things that I might do or say that she would have said and it makes me feel really good and connected to her which I really need.

I had a wonderful Christmas, Don surprised me with and iPad - I totally wasn't expecting it and I still can't believe it. The kids had a wonderful Christmas too, they bots lots of stuff as usual but they are worth it :).

Zach and Alexis got back together and they seem really happy and they are super cute together. He spent a lot of Christmas break with his friends which was nice. Mason played his video games most of the time and only stopped to eat, sleep and shower.

I got to take some time off as well which was usual since Bob usually doesn't let me, but now that Justin works with us he actually let's me take some time off.

For New Years Eve we went to dinner at Montogomery Inn with Melissa and John and then met my Dad and Jeanette for a night of bowling. We had a wonderful time celebrating John's 40th birthday as well.

More exciting stuff coming soon, but I'm tired and need to go to bed.

6 Years Ago...and it still hurts!

2010-11-13T09:02:00.001-05:00

It's no secret that I lost my Mom 6 years ago and its no secret that I miss her dearly! Actually, words can't really descibe the feeling I have this time of year - I want to happy because I love this time of year, but I'm also sad because I want to enjoy it with my Mom. I didn't go to the cemetery this year because it makes me cry and I start talking to stone that seriously won't talk back to me...very frustrating. I did watch the DVD that the funeral home made for us - I cried, smiled and then cried some more - the photographs were a great reminder to me of how wonderful my Mom truly is and then I cried because I want her to be here with me.

Well, another year has gone by and every year I ask myself...why did I have to lose my Mom?

Miss and love you Mom!

Zach's Freshman Year Homecoming

2010-10-07T21:42:00.001-04:00

First, let me start by saying the thought of having my son at his first Homecoming doesn't seem possible - where did the time go from when he was born to now?

A month before Homecoming I kept asking Zach if he had a date and he always said, "No Mom!" I actually wanted him to make a deal with Alexis (his ex-girlfriend) because they have been really good friends since they broke-up. Well, she ended up finding a date...so two weeks before Homecoming, Zach decided that he would ask Jody (his other really good friend down the street). Luckily she didn't have a date so they decided to go together so they wouldn't have to go alone. The best thing about having a boy at Homecoming is you don't have to spend a lot of time shopping for an outfit - literally I got his outfit one week before and in about 15 minutes without Zach - thank goodness for Kohls!

Monday before Homecoming - I ordered Zach's corsage. The funny part is that evening when I got home this was our conversation:
Zach: "Mom, did you buy the corsage?"
Me: "Yes I did Zach"
Zach: "Can I see it?"
Me: "No, I had to order it. Zach, do you even know what a corsage is?
Zach: "No"
Me: (as I laughing inside) "It's flowers that are attached to a small wrist band."
Zach: "How do you know it will fit her wrist?"
Me: (still laughing) "It's elastic"
Zach: "Oh! Don't tell anyone I asked." (so pretend you didn't read this)

How funny! He so adorable. Anyways, the night of Homecoming it was raining. I was totally bummed because I knew I wouldn't get great pictures indoors. It rained the entire evening...so I have very few pictures that look good. I was able to grab one quick shot outdoors of Zach and I'll post more later. Plus I have to tell you about the First Bradley HS Parade that Mason was in.

Back to School...Already!

2010-08-24T07:22:00.047-04:00

Every year I complain about the kids going back to school because I hate having to deal with homework, fighting with the kids over doing homework and forcing them to read. However, this year, I had a different complaint...I didn't want them to go back to school because I feel like they are all grown up. Let me explain...Zach is going to be a Freshman and this is Mason's last year in elementary school so to me this was their last summer of being "kids". They were at home a lot this summer (previous summers they were always gone), they also spent a lot of time with Dad and Jeanette and towards the end of summer they spent time with Jerry. Right now they enjoy being with their grandparents - not that they won't in the future...but the reality of it is the older they get the more they hang out with friends are more active. This year the kids played baseball, went camping, went to a Reds game and went to Zoombezi Bay. I feel like I didn't get enough time with the kids this summer, but I know they had a good time when they said, "this has been the best summer."

Zach was really excited about going back to school. I think the thought of being a "freshman" was exciting for him. Every year it gets a little harder for me to take a picture of him because he doesn't want anyone to see that I'm taking a first day of school picture plus he has to leave so early in the morning that its dark- so this year, I was smart...Monday night I had Zach put on his outfit he was going to wear the first day of school and we headed to the back yard so no one would see him. He was cracking me up...he was concerned that his shoes were going to get dirty in the yard so he didn't want to walk around the yard...please...he should have been my girl - he loves shoes!

Mason on the other hand was not excited...I would ask him if he was ready for school and his response was, "Mom, I don't want to talk about it, its still summer." OK, fine, however, on Monday we went to meet his teacher and he was ready to go. His teacher this year is Mrs. Jordan - this isn't the teacher he wanted because he heard she was mean, but trust me we don't have anything to worry about because Mason doesn't talk in school anyways. Mason rules the school this year, so he thinks he's cool!

Boys - I hope you have a great school year and I look forward to another great year watching you become fine young men!

Updates...

2010-08-17T21:57:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know its been a few weeks but I needed a break from my computer :) Since the summer baseball season has been over, I have been RELAXING...and it feels really good. So here's what I've been doing:

1. I got an iPhone and I love, love, love it. It's the best think ever! No REGRETS!
2. Last week I was home from work because I've been having trouble with my neck/shoulder/arm and my doctor didn't want me on the computer for entire day...that was hard since my world revolves around a computer...which brings me to the worst thing that has happened...
3. Our air conditioner went out and this wasn't an easy fix...the furnace (32 years old) and air conditioner (18 years old) both need to be replaced, so the old shebang needed to be replaced :( So I've been sweating my tushy off for a week now. Keep your fingers crossed...its suppose to be replaced tomorrow.
4. I've cleaned out the laundry room so now you can actually move around.
5. I went to Zoe's 1st birthday party...I can't believe she is one! I saw my friends Amy and Leslie there...so good to see them.
6. Hung out with Missy, Brian and Reese...and even got to scrapbook a little bit.
7. Took Zach school shopping...that was interesting...he starting to get very picky!
8. I started counseling to help me deal with some issues...

OK, that's all I can think of and now I'm rambling just to please Amy because she said I needed to update my blog...so AMY, here you go!

Baseball Design

2010-07-31T21:37:00.000-04:00

Every year for Zach's summer league, I take lots of pictures of all the kids on the team. At the end of the year, I create a print collage for each year...here is what I made for each kid this year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACH!

2010-07-22T09:53:00.000-04:00

I truly can't believe Zach is 14! Over the past year, Zach has grown up so much - he's actually becoming a fine young man and I can tolerate being around him :) It just seems like yesterday he was asking for "bulk" which in his language was milk. Time sure does fly by, so all you young parents...take it all in while you can!

I wish my Mom were here to see him now...she would be so proud of him! :(

Catching Up...

2010-07-21T21:06:00.000-04:00

We've been super busy over the last few weeks that I truly haven't had time to post, I like to include pics, but that will have to come later. Mason finished his baseball season with the Angels - his team did so much better than we expected, they made the playoffs which was a complete shocker. Mason started pitching more at the end of the season and he was super fun to watch.

For the 4th of July, we drove down to Jerry's brothers house which is near Cincinnati. For many years, his family lived in WJ so every 4th we would go out to Grandpa George's house and DJ (Jerry's nephew) would set off lots of fireworks - I'm talking the big stuff, none of this piddly stuff. We hadn't done that in a while because they moved south. It was a lot of fun, especially seeing all of DJ's kids (4 boys and 1 girl).

At work, Ally ended up leaving me at work all alone. I was sad, but tried not to focus on it. Her last day was July 9, but was the day before we left for vacation so I thinks distracting me. I wish her the best, but hopes someday she'll regret leaving.

The Daylong's and the Grcic's left for vacation on Saturday, July 10 - we packed up the car and headed south to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN. The trip down seemed long, but we met up with John's sister for dinner (she lives in Georgia); she drove up to meet us. Once we checked into the hotel, we headed to get some ice cream and then the pool.

On Sunday, we headed to Gatlinburg - the search was on for the Pancake House. This place was recommended by Melissa's friend and said it was worth the wait in line and it was totally scrumptious!
On Monday, it rained all morning, which was a bummer because our plan was to go to Dollywood, but we stayed in Pigeon Forge and shopped at the Outlet Malls; I found an adorable pair of shoes. The kids didn't find this very fun so by lunchtime they were ready to go back to the hotel. Don was gracious enough to take the kids back to the hotel while Melissa, John and I went back to shopping. John definitely is one of the girls when it comes to shopping - he bought himself an entire outfit. Melissa and I found awesome Eclipse t-shirts and of course we had to buy them. I was torn because I have a "Vampire Girl" shirt, A New Moon shirt, so I took the plunge and bought a Team Jacob shirt. I know, I know, but I'll take either.

On Tuesday, we went to Dollywood for the day - rode lots of roller coasters and then climbed on this obstacle course that was several feet above the ground - it was a lot of fun and the boys loved it. That evening we headed to the Dixie Stampede. I'm not sure if you've heard of the Dixie Stampede is a dinner and show - Zach loves this place and always has since he used to come quite a bit with my Mom. For dinner you get soup, biscuit, a small whole chicken, pork loin, corn on the cob, potato and an apple turnover - oh, did I mention you don't get silverware - you can only use your fingers! Very messy, but totally yummy! Oh, I forgot the most important thing - Melissa got to participate in the show, she rode a horse...ok a horse on a stick!

On Wednesday, we headed home...it was super fun but I was definitely ready to come home and relax a bit before I went back to work.

Did I say relax? On Thursday, Melissa and I took the kids to Zoombezi Bay for the day! Oh, and on Friday, Don, Zach, Jerry, Patty and myself went the Cincinnati Reds game - we won 3-2 - awesome game.

On Saturday, Zach had 2 baseball games, we won both! Go Cubbies!

Hopefully, I'll have time soon to post some pics!

Photoshop CS3

2010-06-27T17:19:00.000-04:00

I've decided to teach myself how to use Photoshop - not an easy thing to do. This program is NOT user friendly at all, so this might be a challenge for me. I know very basic things about it - last night I played around with the white balance, exposure and a few other things. Here is a before and after:

Super Sad..

2010-06-22T22:10:00.000-04:00

We all know that I'm not crazy for my boss and the only thing that keeps me from NOT losing my mind is my work buddy Ally. Last week, she put in her notice and is leaving me :( I'm super duper sad...no really...like I cry and I'm depressed. I really don't want her to leave, she is the ONLY person that understands what I'm going through. Having her at work gives me something to look forward too. So I'm hoping after she reads my top 5 reasons why I will miss her, she'll want to stay.

1. She is a fabulous listener
2. She can make me cry and laugh within a few seconds
3. She is fabulous at her job and makes me better at mine
4. She is my biggest cheerleader
5. She is my working buddy
6. OK, I had to list one more...I will miss all the times she has had awkward things happen to her while she is with our boss and I thank her dearly for experiencing those things so I don't have too :)

Although I know she will be wonderful at her new job and I do wish her the best of luck. I hope really quickly she realizes how much she will miss me :)

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STAY!

Schools OUT!

2010-06-06T22:05:00.000-04:00

Friday, June 4 was the last day I officially had an 8th and 4th grader :( So I guess you can say Don and I officially have a freshman...yikes...that sounds like we are old. This past year flew by and both boys did very well in school this year. Zach made the honor roll every quarter, which is a HUGE accomplishment. Mason doesn't get graded yet, but his report card was very good.

We had a lot of great memories this school year. Mason learned how to juggle this year and became very good. His teacher thought over the course of the year that he improved so much. Mason is one of those kids that can make friends any place...he has never met a stranger. We are so happy that he is so outgoing and look forward to watching him grow into a fine young man.

Zach had a lot happening this year. He actually started going out with friends after Don and I made him go to a party at the beginning of the school year (yes, we forced him to go!) He had a girlfriend that lasted more than 2 weeks, he made the 8th Grade baseball team and went to the 8th Grade Formal and looked fabulous! He also had a huge growth spurt - my first born is officially taller than me.

Great job to both of you boys! We are super proud of you!

I wanted to compare the the first day to the last...

The Start of the Season for the Hilliard Cubs!

2010-05-31T20:32:00.002-04:00

We had our first double-header this past Saturday and the Cubs looked good! We crushed the Dodogers 12-2 in the first game and won the second game 4-2 again the White Sox. Zach has been playing very well and considering how much he has grown over the past 10 months, he actually picked up some speed running around the bases. His hitting has been amazing...Don and I could not be more proud of him. Also, on Sunday we played against the Dublin Rockies and beat them 11-0 too.

Happy Birthday Mason (and me)!

2010-05-24T22:18:00.000-04:00

Last Friday, we had family over for cake and ice cream. I ordered an Oreo-filled cake from Cake Creations and it was DELICIOUS! We had a very low key party this year because Mason wants to go to Fort Rapids (indoor water park).

Today, Mason had a baseball ball game so we didn't get to have a b-day dinner together, but we are going tomorrow! I did manage to grab a few pics of Mason at 10.

A few more...I couldn't resist...I'm a proud Momma!

2010-05-14T22:26:00.000-04:00

Felt like Prom to me...

2010-05-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

Tonight was the 8th Grade Semi-Form Dance at Memorial Middle School. All week Zach kept asking me what he was going to wear and finally last night I bought his shirt and tie (nothing like waiting until the last minute - thank GOD I have boys). He bought his and Alexis' ticket with his own money (from mowing his Grandpa's lawn). I was pretty proud that he bought her ticket on his own with his Mom telling him too...good boy! Anyways, when I got home tonight he seemed a little nervous, but overall ok. He thought he looked sexy and should be in a calendar...whatever!
His friend Jessica Justice (no relation to me), the daughter of Kent Justice (you may remember him from Channel 6) was having a pre-party at her house. I had asked Zach how many couples would be there and he named like 2 or 3 and told me that I really didn't need to go there because no one would taking pictures. I said, I don't care...I'm going to take pictures. OK, I should know better...boys don't find out anything and at all and when they do they don't tell their mothers. When we got there, it was a small crowd, I knew a few parents...within minutes...lots and lots of kids were there...never expected that. You would have thought this was the red carpet with all the mothers flashing their cameras. I took 135 pictures in 45 minutes...so much to share, but here are a few of my favs...aren't they adorable?

Don Juan

2010-05-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

Yep, that's what I call Don. I don't typically write a whole post about him, but I decided he deserved it. I don't know if any of you have watched the show Spartacus: Blood and Sand, it's not typically the kind of show I would watch, but it's awesome. Let me pre-warn you that it's for a mature audience (I had to set-up parental controls to block this show). Anyways, over the last several months, Don and I have been watching it...and I've been making a lot of comments of how H-O-T the main character Spartacus is. I'm not sure what sparked something in Don, but for a little over a month he has been working out using the P90X system. This workout is an hour long 6 days a week - it includes a lot of different workouts including Yoga (let's just say Don is NOT flexible). After working out he looks like he just stepped out of the pool.

I'm so totally impressed that he has kept doing this - he's been either getting up at 5AM or doing it at night when everyone goes to bed. He is totally dedicated to finishing this out (90 days). This morning, when I got up he was tightening up his belt, when I noticed just how good he is starting to look...I think after the 90 days are over, I might have my very own Spartacus right at home :)

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T22:32:00.001-04:00

Every year I think to myself...this Mother's Day will be easier than the year before because another year has passed since my Mom has been gone...but it never turns out that way. Instead, its getting harder...I had a really rough Mother's Day this year - I could not stop feeling sorry for myself and thinking why do I have to go without a Mother being here on Mother's Day? Unless you lost your mother, you really don't understand how it feels to know that you can't call your mother on the phone and tell her how much you love her. You can't go visit her on Mother's Day and tell her how special she is because she's not there. You can't give her a hug and say Thank you for all you did for me. Instead, I'm left going to the cemetery and talking to a stone that won't talk back to me. Now, I know my Mom can hear me and I'm sure if she could she would tell me she loves me in return and wishes she could be here too, but I just wish I had one last chance to tell her exactly what she means to me. So remember, to tell your Mom (even when it's not Mother's Day) how much you love her because someday you might not get that chance...

Mega Meet...here we come!

2010-05-05T09:19:00.000-04:00

This Thursday, me, Melissa and Missy are headed to our annual Mega Meet in Michigan. I can't wait to surround myself with all the products, other scrapbookers and more products! Every year, we leave early enough to stop by the Scrap Happy Store in Tiffin, Ohio; however, this year we are going to Scrapbooks in Lima, Ohio (Sorry Tasha - we'll still visit again). This store is WONDERFUL. We visited it last fall when we were taking a couple of classes from The Whole Kit & Kaboodle; when we walked in the store, Tasha and I immediately fell in love with the store because it reminded us of Cord Camera - back when it was in its prime. Anyways, we will crop Thursday night and then on Friday enjoy the classes and shows. I hope I find lots of stuff to buy :)

Tasha - we'll miss you this year!

Mental Day

2010-04-28T15:31:00.000-04:00

We all know that at work I have to endure smelling like I walked out of a bar and spending 9 long hours with my boss everyday (yep, 8 hours of work and 1 hour lunches). You see, "the boss" is extremely needy - he can't use a computer, eat alone or stay awake for an 8 hour day. I pretty much do all the work for both us - oh wait, the other girl that worked in our office when I first started got fired, so I'm still doing her work too.

Anyways, over the last week, I have been extremely irritated by "the boss" and very moody with him because there comes a time when he just wears on me. It all started last Monday when he need to get new lenses for his glasses - he wanted them quick (he has no patience). He pulled out the Yellow Pages and found an eye doctor that says "Get your lenses in as little as 1 hour." Of course, the eye doctor he found was my eye doctor on W. Broad Street (keep in mind, we work in Dublin), so I mentioned to him (on Monday), you should probably call to make sure they can do what you need before we drive down there. Fast forward to Tuesday, I said, "Did you call the eye doctor to find out if they can do your lenses?" "No, not yet," he said. Fast forward to Wednesday, he left at 10:30am to go get his hair cut, got back at 11:30 came inside and got me so we could go to lunch. Of course, we drove to W. Broad Street, had lunch at Roosters and then around 12:45 headed over to the eye doctor's. We walk in...

Receptionist: How can I help you?
My Boss: Huh? (Did I mention he always says that because he can't hear?)
Receptionist: How can I help you?
My Boss: I need to get lenses for my glasses.
Receptionist: I'm sorry, our lab is only open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
My Boss: Huh?
Receptionist: I'm sorry, our lab is only open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

About this time, I'm thinking to myself OMG, he is going to flip out and this is my doctor's office. He turns around and we leave. As we are walking to the car, he says, "Why aren't you saying anything?" I told him that he didn't want to know what I was thinking (I TOLD YOU SO)!

We get back to the office around 1:30pm. He waits 20 minutes and leaves again to find another office (in Dublin) and doesn't return until around 3:30pm. Waits 45 minutes and then leaves again to pick up his lenses. So what did he do all day on Wednesday? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

On Thursday and Friday, we barely spoke, I was extremely irritated with him and it was obvious because he was making all kinds of remarks to me.

So, this brings me to Monday, April 26. I'm still annoyed with him, so I'm still kind of quiet. Around 4pm, I go into his office for him to sign all the paperwork that I did for that day. He says, "Oh, you mean you finally started to work around here?" OMG, he did not just say that...I do ALL THE WORK!

Tuesday - April 27 - I NEEDED A MENTAL DAY! A MUCH NEEDED MENTAL DAY. I called in sick and I must say it was the most relaxing day I have had in a long time. I didn't even think about work.

To all my friends, please pray that he will retire soon and I can live a long happy work life without him. You just don't know how badly I would like to have lunch on my own terms and not smell like smoke every day.

A Photographer's Workshop Update

2010-04-25T16:38:00.001-04:00

I just completed week 3 of The Photographer's Workshop with Karen Russell. The class is FAB-U-LOUS! I am learning so much. This class is so different from the traditional photography class you would take at a college. It's weird, I feel like she is speaking my language instead of a professor blabbing to me and room full of young college kids. I will say though, this class makes me want to buy a new camera; however, I settled for a new lens...the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4. This is the lens that Karen uses all the time. It definitely is taking some getting used too because you can't zoom...I'm the zoom. I either need to back up or move forward.

The one thing she talks about is your mental checklist, basically, all the things you should do before actually pressing the button to take your shot! This week will be covering Shutter Speeds, which is important to me because of all the pictures I'm taking of Zach and Mason for baseball. I hope to post a picture I took last year compared to this year to see if you can tell the difference.

Tasha - I can't wait for you to start your class, so we can really talk about all this great information :)

Easter (I know it's late)

2010-04-25T16:27:00.002-04:00

Finally an Easter with SUNSHINE! I was thrilled since the last few Easter's it has been either cold and/or rainy. We actually could have an easter egg hunt that didn't involve getting bundled up to go outside. We had a pretty low key day...we went to my sister's house for dinner and then hung out playing cards and flying kites! Here are few pics...

Mason took this picture of Don and I. Of course, Mason didn't realize that my shirt thingy was hanging out. Oh well...at least we look cute!

Here's a pic of the boys with their Easter baskets.

Any here is my precious Rylie!

The Photographer's Workshop

2010-03-30T10:11:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to say that I am taking Karen Russell's "The Photographer's Workshop" - here is her personal blog. Karen is a fabulous photographer - her main subject - kids, family and friends! Karen also was a scrapbook designer - she actually had her own personal line of products through Creative Imaginations. While working at Cord Camera, I was forunate enough to meet Karen when she visited the store to teach scrapbooking classes. The thing about Karen that I love is she is a self taught photographer, she was a dental hygenist for 12 years before she started her scrapbooking line which then evolved into her own photography business.

The Photographer's Workshop officially started yesterday, Monday, March 29. Each day there is a different lesson to read and/or listen too and then on Friday, we are left with an assignment. I'm super excited about this class, but alittle frightened by the schedule...so if I don't blog for a while...it's because I'm too consumed with this class, baseball and everyday life stuff.

Wish me luck!

Meet Alexis...

2010-03-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

This cute little girl is Zach's girlfriend - according to Zach they have been "dating" for 2 months 6 days. She is a super sweet girl! Yesterday she was over with her friend Jodi (Zach's best friend - yes, she's a girl too). All three of them watch movies all day and hung out with Don and I. Here's a pic I took from my phone...

Is this puppy love or what? Oh and if you look really closely on the wall with the star, you'll see a picture of WWE wrestlers that Mason decided to hang there, he thought it added character - silly kid!

The kids are on spring break this week, so I'm sure we'll be seeing Alexis more as the week goes on...

Baseball Tryouts - Day 4

2010-03-11T16:53:00.001-05:00

WOO HOO - HE MADE THE TEAM!

Baseball Tryouts - Day 3

2010-03-10T16:51:00.000-05:00

Yeah! Zach finally got to bat - he was the only one that hit the ball! Keep your fingers crossed!

Baseball Tryouts - Day 2

2010-03-09T16:46:00.000-05:00

More conditioning and he got to pitch some...the kids thought he pitched really hard - so I guess that's a good sign.

Baseball Tryouts - Day 1

2010-03-08T16:29:00.004-05:00

Today is the first day of the Hilliard Memorial 8th Grade Baseball tryouts - as usual, I'm nervous. I'm not sure why, Zach has been practicing with his summer league team all winter long - its just something about trying out for the school team that makes me sick to my stomach. He has also been working out with Don at the YMCA too, he actually has some biceps going on...he has also thinned out a lot. Anyways, it's 4:30pm and Don is in the school parking lot texting me and wondering how it went. Keep your fingers crossed!

UPDATE: All they did was condition...he didn't even get to touch a baseball!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-02-17T13:56:00.003-05:00

Today would have been our 14th Anniversary - we celebrate our anniversary as if we never were divorced because it doesn't even seem like we are. I love this man sooooo very much, even through all the ups and downs and trust me, there have been a lot of downs...somehow I find myself more in love with him now then I ever did before. I'm sure it has a lot do with us getting older and realizing how important it is to be love, honor and cherish the one you love. I didn't always say or do the right things before and it was truly all about me, but now I've learned that I can accomplish a lot more with Don by my side and now it can be about both of us :)

We are also celebrating 17 years together. Don and I were the best of friends our senior year in high school. We both were dating other people, but we found ourselves spending a lot of time together...to the point that his girlfriend wasn't liking it. Don would show up for my basketball games and I would always go to his to cheer him on. Thank goodness at the time, my boyfriend was out of school, so he was clueless :) We decided for the Valentine's Day dance that we would go together...as friends of course...NOT! That night was the beginning of the rest of my life...

I look forward to the spending the rest of my life with Don...and maybe...someday...we'll get re-married :) Until then, here are some pics...

This is from our Valentine's Day dinner with the Braniff and Hoover's!

10 things that make me HAPPY!

2010-02-04T16:22:00.002-05:00

Yep, I've been tagged...thanks, Leslie!

1. Zach and Mason because life without them wouldn't be a life!
2. Don - he never complains when I spend the money on #5.
3. Rylie because he loves me unconditionally!
4. My Family - I have the best parents, sister and nieces.
5. Scrapooking & Photography
6. Thinking about my Mom and knowing that she is proud of me!
7. My precious friends...you know who you are!
8. Food - I love food...why does it have to put extra weight on?
9. Watching "The Biggest Loser" - it's soooo inspiring.
10.My Scrapbooking Room - I totally love, love, love it!

I can't tag anyone...because the only people I know that read my blog have already been tagged!

Class #2

2010-01-13T20:03:00.003-05:00

Well...I've started my next class...Photoshop for Photographers! I'm taking the class online because I did NOT want to drive to Columbus State in the winter, try to find parking and then walk out in the freezing cold...so my first online class has begun and I'm totally confused on how to submit the work. I'm also trying to get in a routine each week to go downstairs (my classroom) and study...it's not working out so much because the boys come down with questions and then Don will come down..."I'm sorry to bother you, but..." Yep, I'm not sure how this is going to work...I think I'm going to have to go to the library each week to work on my assignments. I need to stay focused and sitting in my scrapbook room (classroom) makes me want to scrapbook! Wish me luck!

Hilliard Bradley High School

2010-01-12T20:07:00.000-05:00

We had to go to HBHS for parent orientation to register Zach for classes for his freshman year. Yeah, typing Zach and High school in the same sentence just doesn't seem right...how could I, Cindy have a soon-to-be Freshman? It just doesn't seem possible...

So we listened to an hour long speech how they are going to make their Freshman year at Bradley High School the best year for them...well, I hope so because he's going to need all the help he can get. He has to take a foreign language...he doesn't even understand English, let alone Spanish. This is going to be quite funny...he says it will be no problem because he has a lot of Mexican friends.

Anyways, Don found someone he knew, Tom Woodford - a guy that graduated from WJ and then helped out with the WJ boys basketball team. Apparently he is the Guidance Counselor at Bradley so I'm happy we'll know someone that can guide the way for us.

Catching up...

2010-01-06T20:38:00.007-05:00

Where do I start...well, mid-December Mason was in a juggling show at school (I know..out of all the sports he could play, he chose juggling:)...anyways, we weren't sure what to expect, but I have to say I was super duper proud of him - who knew he had these skills. I actually got a tear in my eye watching him...I also took Barb to watch since she hasn't been to any of Mason's school stuff before.

Then, a week or so later, I attended Mason's 4th Grade Holiday party...not very exciting, but Mason loves for me to go...(I should enjoy it while I can, because if you haven't already notice I don't get to attend Zach's school stuff)...here's Mason at the cookie station.

Here's Mason with his teacher, Mrs. Huffman...

I had to work on Christmas Eve - Bob took a couple of vacation days and it was wonderful not having him around, however, he wasn't there to tell me to leave early. Don was on call the week of Christmas so of course he got called out on Christmas Eve to board up a broken window on a vacant house - really...was that necessary? NO...for real people...a vacant house! I was bitter about it...can you tell?

This year for Christmas I was so prepared...I had all my presents wrapped early and my house was clean since I was having my family over for Christmas. Christmas morning we opened our gifts...the BIG gifts this year for the kids was an I-Pod Touch (for Zach) and a XBOX 360 (for Mason). Don and I got each other a few small items since we bought a 47 in HDTV. Around 9:30am we went to Jerry's house for breakfast and to open gifts - it was a lot of fun...but again...not the same with my Momma:( Around 11:30am, we came back home and my sister and her family plus my Dad and Jeanette came over for Christmas dinner and more gifts to open...here's an annual family picture...

Oh and I can't forget my precious Rylie...he was very excited to see his gift from Barb...(Don's photography skills aren't that great - of course he cut off my head)!

For New Year's Eve, Don and I went to dinner at Cap City Diner (very good food) and then went to see AVATAR at the I-Max theatre...TOTALLY AWESOME...YOU'VE GOT TO SEE IT IN 3D.

Enough of me babbling on...hope everyone had a great NEW YEAR!

Cookie Swap

2009-12-13T19:46:00.002-05:00

Missy had a cookie swap on Friday, I made 7 dozen of the same cookie - lots of work, but they were yummy...here's the recipe.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-12-10T19:31:00.003-05:00

Today my dearest Mother would have been 60! I don't know how old my Mom is in this photo, but I thought it was appropriate for today. I found this photo in one of the many boxes of photos I got from her house. Wish she could be here to celebrate!

Miss you and love you bunches!

It's OVER!

2009-12-07T16:57:00.001-05:00

I've officially completed my photography class! I took the final last night and got a 95%. My grade for the class is an A+! Woo Hoo! Yippee! Now...on to the next class!

Weekend plans...

2009-11-21T19:25:00.004-05:00

I was so thankful to Bob for letting me leave work at 4pm on Friday, considering I didn't show up until Noon because I had to sleep in after seeing the movie. When I got home, I didn't want to go to bed too early because then I would have been up in the middle of the night, so I kept myself busy.

Today, Olivia had her Birthday at Skate America - the last time I took Mason skating was a disaster...the poor kid couldn't stay on his feet. However, this time, I made him listen to me (because I'm a pro :) and guess what...he can skate. He is a little slow, but he got the hang of it pretty quick! Great job Mason!

OSU won today! Thank God! I didn't watch, but I kept getting updates.

I was suppose to scrapbook tonight, but sudden change of plans :(

Tomorrow, I'm going to my instructor's photography studio to learn about studio lighting and take some pictures of models. This should be interesting...

OMG!

2009-11-20T15:30:00.002-05:00

This was awesome! Me and the girls officially saw...

last night and it was AWESOME! Jacob and Edward looked very YUMMY! I'll be seeing it again soon :)

Photography Class Update

2009-11-17T09:42:00.002-05:00

I must say I'm down to the last two projects - one is light modification (basically photograph the same subject twice but chaning the light in the second one) and the second project is take three photographs that would let you form an opinion (this cannot be a candid). My first thought was these would be really easy, but have taking two rolls of film, I'm still unsure if I have everything I need.

When we were at Zane Trace two weekends ago, I took some photos of Tasha in the fabulous kitchen cooking. She had messy hair, an apron and cooking untensils all in place - it was quite funny considering she wasn't sure if she should pose or not. I also took a picture of Melissa outside with her hoodie up and she's trying to peep inside the neighbor's windows. We got a lot of laughs and I can't wait to print them to see how they turned out.

This past Saturday, I had Tasha and Josh meet me at the Prairie Oaks Park so I could get a picture of them (or should I say their feet). I had Tash wear high heels with her jeans folded up and Josh wore jeans with dress shoes. Our goal was to head to the bridge, but the gravel path to the bridge looked great, so I decided to have them stand in the middle of the path. In my mind, I was creating a secret place these two people in love could meet (possibly a love affair) and this was their hide out. Now keep in mind you can't see their faces only their knees and below...so I had Tasha lean up and forward so it looks like she is either kissing or hugging him. It turned out super cute...I wish I could show you, but its on film. Oh and the best part is...I got to hold and see Zoe :) love her bunches!

I'm looking forward to the end of the class and the start of a new one next quarter!

Five years ago today...

2009-11-13T08:28:00.000-05:00

I thought my world had ended. God had taken from me the one person I loved, cherished and needed the most in the world. My Mom always fixed all my problems and now what was I going to do with her gone…especially when I didn’t have my husband to support me. I remember waking up in the middle of the night and going to the hospital alone and thinking to myself “She’s not going to die. She can’t, I need her.” I remember a few details from that day, but the one that is so vivid in my mind is when I walked into the room and the woman lying in the bed could not have been Mom – she was hooked up to everything and the nurses were working on her. I felt like I could have collapsed right there on the floor – I remember my sister grabbing my arm. I couldn’t breathe, my heart was racing and my mind was blank. I walked over to her side and grabbed her hand and immediately starting to talking to her and begging her not to leave me. I kept telling her to fight and not give up, I needed her and my kids needed her. Then…she squeezed my hand…in that moment, I knew she could hear me…she wasn’t going to leave me, she knows I need her. I looked at the nurse and told him, “Please don’t let my Mom die…I need her.” As the nurses and doctors continued to work on her, I walked out of the room and went to the waiting room…I fell asleep…and then I remember waking up in a hurry and running to her room…they told us she wasn’t going to make it. The pain struck me; a pain that is indescribable…all I wanted to do was die myself. How could I live with out my Mom? I sat there holding her hand while my entire family packed into the room…they unhooked the machines and within minutes my Mom took her last breath. I had never watched anyone die before…I remember looking up around the room and seeing tears and hearing Jerry crying…I sat there…looking at my Mom and literally wanted to die with her. I left the hospital with my Mom’s belongings in a hospital bag (a bag that I still have with all her stuff in it from that night – the way she put it in the bag in her room – I can’t seem to move it or look through it).

The next thing I remember is Don waking me up and telling me how sorry he was that he was not there for me. I can’t remember what or even if I said anything to him…I think at this point I was numb. I had no feelings inside me…all I wanted was to sleep. The next thing I remember is my Dad waking me up and telling me I had to eat…the thought of eating made me sick, but my Dad insisted…I remember sitting at my kitchen table, barely holding up my head trying to eat and then I lost it. I started bawling asking why? Why did God take my Mom? The next several days, weeks, months were the hardest of my life…I had two kids to take care of and that needed me. Zach was a complete mess that he lost his grandma. Even though there were many times I wanted to give up…I couldn’t.

Now, five years later, I survived my Mom’s death. I survived Don and I being separated and then divorced. I survived…without my Mom. My Mom made me a survivor, she knew I could do it; she knew that I would make it through it and come out a better person. I am stronger today and although I have my moments when I wish I could pick up the phone and call her to tell her what I have accomplished; or to hear her say how proud she is of me – I know deep down my Mom is saying on those things about me as she watches me become the person she wanted me to be. I miss and love her tremendously and someday I will get the chance to see her again…

Here we go again...

2009-11-05T21:45:00.003-05:00

Adhesive - check! Trimmer - check! Scissors - check! Pillow - check! MY FAN - DOUBLE CHECKED! Yep, we're headed to Zane Trace Inn for our Girls Weekend Scrapbook Retreat - YAHOO! Can't wait to spend the weekend with the girls...lots of laughs are in my future :)

It's Worth the Money...

2009-10-30T15:04:00.003-04:00

At the beginning of the school year, I decided that the kids needed to earn their video games. The goal was Zach needed to get on the Honor Roll and Mason had to have a good report back from the teacher (he doesn't get graded). About a month or so ago, Zach received his interim report card, he got A's, B's and two C's. His goal was to get Madden 2010 for his PS3 - well today, he made the Honor Roll. I am so proud of him! This is the best $60 I could ever spend on him!

WAY TO GO ZACH!

Woo Hoo!

2009-10-27T16:14:00.002-04:00

I just received my Project 2 back from the instructor for my B/W photography class and he said I had the best picture in the class! Yay for me! The funny thing about it...it was the last picture I took on the role...I literally spent 30 seconds on it because I was in a hurry. I guess I need to just do it and quit analyzing everything!

Photography class (update)

2009-10-14T21:06:00.004-04:00

I'm now into the 4th week of my black and white photography class. The instructor is really great, very easy going and gives me a hard time :) I'm definitely learning a lot, however, I'm not a big fan of developing. It is so time consuming, I just want to take better photographs. Anyways, I have my first test this weekend...keep your fingers crossed.

On another note, I'm looking forward to attending Andrea Deer's classes this weekend in Lima with my girls Melissa and Tasha! We have to leave at 6:30am - I'll be sleeping in the backseat :)

Happy Birthday Jeanette!

2009-10-08T17:00:00.002-04:00

Hope you have a wonderful Birthday today! Jeanette has been my step-mom for I think around 30 years! She is the one of the most loving, caring, generous, supportive person to me and my kids...thanks Jeanette!

Under the Weather

2009-10-05T12:56:00.002-04:00

On Friday morning I wasn't feeling great, but I knew I had to go to work because Bob was out of town all week and he would need me there. So I made myself get ready and head out the door. As the morning went on, I could feel myself get worse and worse. I told Bob I wasn't feeling well, but he said he needed me to hang in there today because he needed me. Not what I wanted to hear, but what's a girl to do. We go to lunch and I barely eat, and finally Bob says, "You don't really feel well, do you?" HELLOOOOO, I wouldn't just say it if I didn't meant it. So around 1:30ish he left me leave. All the way home, I feel myself getting hot, then cold and then hot again. I pretty much sleep all afternoon and night. I woke up Saturday morning and still not feeling much better. Zach had a game, which I missed. Mason went with Barb and Don was pretty much gone all day/evening. I have a project I'm suppose to be doing for my photography class on Monday and all I have done is lay in bed all weekend. So Sunday, I made Don take me to the park to get some photos. I felt horrible, but made it through and back home. Today (Monday), I'm still under the weather and at home. I finally went to the Clinic at Walgreens, I have a viral infection and ear infection...so they loaded me up on the meds...so hopefully soon I'll be feeling better.

Our Family Photos...

2009-10-01T21:29:00.007-04:00

Happy 35th Birthday Don Juan!

2009-09-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

This good looking man is 35 today! Hope you have a wonderful day, even thought I won't get to see you much today, I'll be thinking of you!

The Wilds

2009-09-27T21:26:00.006-04:00

This morning we headed out to celebrate my Dad's birthday at The Wilds. We were a little worried because it started off raining this morning, but by the time we got there it stopped. The weather was cool and cloudy, but that means the animals were out and about. We chose the closed bus because everyone thought they would get cold. Here are a few pics..

Emily, Mason and Olivia

One-Horned Asian Rhino

The Giraffe's were my favorite!

This mean looking thing is a Sichuan Takin which actually got near the fence and got a little bit of an attitude towards the kids. I'm glad they weren't standing to close because they are mean by nature.

This is a Dhole, which is a Asian wild dog (looks like a fox to me)!

This is my Dad...love this picture...he doesn't even look like he could be 60.

I took this picture of the Buck because this is as close as Don and John would ever get to one :)

The Cheetah's seemed to be popular, there were a lot of photographers there will their huge lenses (I was jealous)!

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY DAD!

2009-09-24T15:48:00.002-04:00

I can't believe my Dad is 60! He looks way to young to be 60.

So here is my top 10 list that I love about my Dad.

10. Funny
OK, you know the Mop commercial where the lady replaces the Mop with the Swifter and the music in the background is "Baby come back" - my Dad gets out the mop and sings it!
9. His Dimples
Yep that's where I get my big dimples!
8. Supportive
It seems no matter what I do, he supports me!
7. Gives good advice
And the Lord knows I need it sometimes
6. Respectful
He respects his family and peers!
5. Honest
I'm telling you...this man has never told a lie!
4. Patient
Did I mention he takes care of his Mom and he drives a school bus full of preschoolers?
3. Good Listener
I can vent just about anything to him and sometimes he never says a word...just listens to me rambling.
2. He loves ME unconditionally
Who wouldn't?
1. His FAITH
Everything about my Dad is a blessing from above and anyone that knows him should thank God that he put him in your life!

My Mason Moments

2009-09-23T08:37:00.000-04:00

It's Tuesday evening around 9pm, Mason and Zach have a late start on Wednesday so they didn't have to be in bed as early as usual. I'm laying in bed watching The Biggest Loser when Mason comes in and says, "Mom, can I lay with you for a little bit?" (My heart starts to hurt (in a good way) - my little baby boy wants to lay with his mommy...oh how sweet) Of course I tell him yes and while we are laying there watching TV we just talk and as always Mason has the funniest/cutiest/silly things to say...

1. Mom, How did these people get so big? (talking about the Biggest Loser)
2. Mom, Do you wish I was still a baby?
3. Mom, If these people lose 1 pound each will they get kicked off the show? (back to the Biggest Loser)
4. Mom, Can we go to Disneyland for vacation next year?
5. Mom, When I have kids will you want them to come over and spend time with you?
6. Mom, I love you more than you love me (IMPOSSIBLE)

Oh how I love these moments...I know they are few and far between, but I am going to cherish every second Mason wants to be with his Mommy! I just wish Zach would have those moments, but considering he's 13 with an attitude, I just don't see it in my future.

I forgot to mention...

2009-09-20T10:11:00.001-04:00

I'm officially signed up for my first photography class at Columbus State Community College. My first day is Wednesday - I'm a little nervous because I feel like I'm too old to go back to school with these young pups, but this is something I have wanted to do for a long time. So wish me luck and Tasha...be ready for my panic attacks!

Picture Day!

2009-09-20T10:02:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, we met Ben at Homestead Park to get some family pictures. We haven't had pictures of us as a family since early 2004, so I thought it was about time. Ben gave me one rule: do not wear black and white. First, every woman wants to wear black because it makes us look skinny...so all week I started to consider what the heck we were going to wear. We ended up wearing jeans (Yes, Mason wore jeans - he hates them, but I told him he didn't have a choice) and our colors were brown, light tan and teal. The kids looked absolutely adorable - fine young men I have :) I told the kids to make sure to listen to Ben if he said stand, sit, turn your head a certain way and this would go much quicker. It started off great...no problems, then Don decided he would start grabbing or touching us to distract us so we would start laughing. Then Ben decided to take a few individual pictures of each us and of course we all have to make jokes while it's our turn. Mason is super sensitive especially when it comes to Zach making fun of him, so we can't have a picture day without a few small tears. Mason quickly pulled himself together and we started to get some more shots. We were there about an hour and Ben got about 130 shots - I look forward to seeing them and will share a few with you!

More than I thought...

2009-09-18T22:07:00.002-04:00

we finally decided to get new carpet downstairs where my scrap room is located. The hard part about this project is I have to back all my scrapbook stuff up, move all the furniture to the garage, Don needs to do a little repair with the drywall, paint, and put on baseboard. Don and I headed downstairs to evaluate the space and discuss the steps we needed to take. Don starts looking around the room and has the look on his face and says, "I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all your stuff and the thought of packing it up makes me really overwhelmed." I started laughing, I could tell by the look on his face that he really couldn't believe how much I really had. Now, Don has never ever complained about any scrapbooking product I have bought, so my first thought was oh no, he's going to notice just how much buy. Note to self, have Don start on his work and I'll back up my scrapbooking stuff. Now after one week, I've been going through all my stuff and started making three piles (donate, throw away and keep). We're now getting ready to move all the boxes and furniture to the garage to we can start painting...I'll post pics as we start.

Long and busy weekend...

2009-09-08T15:29:00.004-04:00

Friday, September 4
We had a very busy Labor Day weekend which started early on Friday (I was happy to leave at 3:45pm)! Mason spent the night with Grandpa Jerry and Pattie - so me, Don and Zach headed out to do something...we ended up stopping at Dad's to say Hi and then headed over to Bob Evans for dinner, then Home Depot and Kohls (believe it or not, Zach loves to shop at Kohl's - we bought him 2 pairs of jeans).

Saturday, September 5 (GO BUCKS!)
We had an early start on Saturday morning - we went to the Neverman tailgating party. We met Mike (he works with Don) at the shop and drove over to campus together. I've never been tailgating so it was quite interesting to see all the people and what they were wearing (or not wearing). There was lots of good food, games, drinking and socializing (which apparently according to Don I did not do a lot of). I only knew a few of the guys from when Don worked there before, so I guess I was a little shy (I know it's hard to believe that I could be shy). Zach had a great time - he played corn hole with Drew (Mike's son) and two girls who were clearly in their 20's, the whole time Don and I were thinking Zach has got to be heaven and thinking to himself "I can't believe this girl is standing beside me!" We ended up leaving around the beginning of 3rd quarter so it didn't take us long to get back to the car.

When we got home, we started getting ready for the Corn Festival in Millersport, Ohio. We went with Jerry and Pattie - we also saw Nancy, Kurt, my aunt Diana, uncle Mike, my Mama. The corn was scrumpdelicious (I know that's not a word, but its the best way for me to describe the buttery piece of heaven). Mason rode lots of rides of course, but he only let Don and I ride a few because we were taking up his tickets and he only had 30. Tracy Lawrence was playing that night, but we didn't stay for the concert because it would have been forever to get out of there, however, before I left I definitely had to have an elephant ear!

Sunday, September 6
No time to sleep in, we had to get up at the crack of dawn to go to baseball. The Hilliard Cubs won the first game, but lost the second. Don left to go play in golf league and didn't get home until later so the kids and I headed over to Jerry and Pattie's for a cookout and then to the Ox Roast (which was extremely boring) so we left and came home. Finally relaxation!

Monday, September 7
Christy and I headed up to B&B scrapbooking and bought a few things, then to the Flower Factory where I found some great deals on Thickers :) Then we spent over an hour at HH Gregg looking at TV's. Afterwards, me, Zach and Don headed over to Bob Evan's for dinner with the Hoover's!

Well, that about wraps up my weekend!

Top 10 Reason Why I hate School!

2009-08-31T21:27:00.004-04:00

I really do hate it and here's why:

1. Setting the alarm clock 1 hour before I even need to get up so Don and Zach can get ready.
2. Coming home from work and immediately cooking dinner because there isn't enough time in the evening to get everything done.
3. Making sure Zach and Mason have their homework done.
4. Fighting with Mason about reading.
5. Arguing with Zach and Mason about playing video games.
6. Fighting with Mason to get in bed.
7. Negotiating with Mason when his bedtime should be.
8. Watching Don sit on the couch and play PSP while I'm trying to get Mason in bed.
9. Finally, sitting down and then realizing I have no time to do anything for myself because it's time for bed.
10. Starting over the very next day with the same things.

I must be grumpy tonight...I'm just trying to get back in the routine of school and wondering why we even send our kids when the parents have to do all the work.

Back to School (already)!

2009-08-25T20:58:00.003-04:00

Today was the official first day of school. Zach headed off to Memorial Middle School for 8th Grade and Mason is still at Brown Elementary for 4th Grade. (OK, next year this time, I will have a freshman...CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE? Freaking me out!)

I got up early this morning to get pictures of Zach, we can't do our usual routine of taking pictures outside because 1) its still dark outside and 2) that so is not cool! I practically had to beg for him to smile and act like he enjoyed it, but he didn't.

Mason wasn't as hard to get a picture because all I have to do is threaten that he won't get to play with his friends and he'll do anything I ask.

After work I went over to Tasha's to see my little Zoe - oh my how cute she is! I only got to stay about an hour because the kids were telling me to hurry up and get home because they had things for me to read and sign. As soon as I walked in the door and I was bumbarded with paperwork, signatures and more supplies that are needed. Again, why do we send our kids to school? We as parents have to buy and do all the work.

Anyways, I asked Mason a few questions that I wanted to share/remember:
1) What was your favorite part about today?
Organzing our stuff, we had a tub for our folders, supply crate for all of crayons, markers, glue sticks and a cubby for all our reading materials.
2) What did you think of Mrs. Huffman?
She's really nice.
3) What do you look forward too?
Math, and we are starting tomorrow
4) Your least favorite thing today?
Sitting on the carpet and listening to Mrs. Huffman read.

Gotta love my Mason!

Zach didn't want to answer my stupid questions, but he did say his favorite thing was the Name Game. He had to use an adjective before his name and it had to start with a Z. He said he could only think of Zippy Zach. He also wrote on a paper that I saw that he looks forward to meeting new friends.

Mason, Mason, Mason

2009-08-23T15:09:00.001-04:00

This may be boring for anyone who reads this, but I want to make sure I remember some things about Mason this past summer.

Mason started the summer obviously playing with his friends. If you ask Mason what his favorite thing is and I guarantee it he will say his friends. He spent a lot of time at Barbs this summer too, which of course he made friends. The good thing about Mason is that no matter where he is he can make a friend anywhere...there was this cute little girl (Katie) a couple of houses down from Barb's that he would play with and she had a cousin that would come and play too (his name is Chris). Mason also played baseball this summer (through June) - the season wasn't very fun because he had a horrible coach and they sucked.

Most of July he was either with my Dad or at Barbs. I think the kids spent a total of 3 full weeks at home this summer, which surprised me because as they get older I figured they would want to stay home more. We went to Disney on August 9-14 and since we have returned Mason wanted to immediately go to Barbs for a few days, came home for a few and then went back to Barbs. On Thursday (8/20), I picked up the kids and brought them home - Don and Zach had baseball practice, Mason's friends were at football practice so Mason and I were home alone. He played video games for a little while I was down in my scrap room. Then I could tell Mason wanted some attention from me, so we went outside and sat on the step while we watched Rylie play. I took this opportunity to talk to Mason and as always, he has the best answers:

1. What was your favorite part about summer? Disney

2. What do you think your favorite thing will be about fourth grade? All the games we'll play.

Then this was our conversation:

Me: "Mason, I can't believe you are going to be in fourth grade...just think next year you'll be in fifth grade and you'll rule the school."

Mason: "I think you might have some trouble with me in fifth grade."

Me: "Why would you say that? You are always so good, I doubt you'll be any different."

Mason: "Yea, your probably right." (I thinking, thank god...Zach is already hard to deal with).

Me: "Mason, I wish you were still little, I miss you being so small."

Mason: "I'd go back to Kindergarten, so I would only have to go to school half a day." (Again, I'm thinking, this kid only thinks about playing).

Afterwards, Mason and I come inside and play Wii together. Then, Friday, Saturday and Sunday came and I haven't seen Mason all weekend. He has been at the neighbors all weekend (and even went shopping with them and he hates shopping).

I miss him! But I know, he is having a lot of fun before he goes to school on Tuesday.

Getting ready for school...

2009-08-19T20:05:00.004-04:00

Today, I had to take Zach to Jag Days. We got his schedule (Black team), locker information, pictures (and ID) and fees paid for 8th grade. It's amazing how different your child acts once they enter the school building. Zach is usually a pretty silly kid most of the time but as soon as we walked inside he became this cool quiet kid that didn't want to be near his Mom. His picture was super cute, which also becomes his school ID and then headed to find his locker. This year he's going to Hilliard Memorial so we had to find a way around again, but once we found his locker it took us 10 times to figure out how to use a locker combination. I couldn't remember the whole start at 0, then go to the left, right, left - still can't exactly remember how we got into it, but we did. We then headed to the Media Center to get his books...again, Zach looked like he was totally embarrassed to be with his Mom. Afterwards, we headed to the exit and once we leave the building, BAM...Zach is back to his usual self - he said, "Mom, that wasn't so bad!" Ok, I thought to myself...is that the same kid that was just inside?

Then, Zach and I headed over to Target to get school supplies. Zach was totally funny and back to normal, so I started asking him if he knew any of the kids. He said, "I knew the girls in the library." I asked him why he didn't talk to them and this is what Zach said, "I didn't go up to them because I was with my Mom - you would have went up to them and said, Hi, I'm Zach's Mom. If I were Dad, he wouldn't have done anything." I said, "WHAT, I'm so cool and I would have never have done that to you." Zach said, "yea, right!" I think this is a sign that my little baby boy (first born) is growing up and hanging out with Mom in front of his friends is definately a no-no. I hope this is just an ackward stage for him and soon he'll want his Mommy back :)

A few photos from Disney...

2009-08-16T20:39:00.002-04:00

Much to do...

2009-08-16T09:03:00.002-04:00

Since we've gotten back from vacation, I have done pretty much nothing (except sleep). I now have a to do list and really need to accomplish most of this today: laundry, clean, buy school supplies, brush Rylie and trim his nails, paint my toe nails, place my first CM order and lots more I'm probably not even thinking of.

Oh and yesterday I got to visit Tasha, Josh and Zoe at the hospital. OMG, Zoe is so very cute...very tiny and precious. I can't wait for Tasha to get home so I can hold Zoe some more :)

We're BACK...

2009-08-15T19:54:00.003-04:00

from Disney and we are EXHAUSTED! On Sunday morning Jerry picked us up and took us to the airport...it actually was pretty busy for a Sunday. Zach was really nervous, anxious and excited and Mason was just excited to fly that I didn't need to worry about him. Once we got on the plane, Mason and Zach sat together and I was across the isle (by Zach). Right about take off I thought Zach was going to throw-up...the look on his face was priceless, but thankfully he did a great job and without anything leaving his mouth :)

We stayed at All Star Movies Resort - our rooms weren't ready when we got there, but we were all starving, so we grabbed some lunch with our dining plan (at first this was very confusing), but we quickly got the hand of it after a day or two. Once we got into our room, we went straight to the pool. After an hour or so, we decided to go to Downtown Disney and do some shopping and get some dinner at the T-Rex Restuarant (which was recommended), however, it wasn't the great and the prices were outrageous for what we got.

Day 1: Magic Kingdom
It was HOT! Yep, hot and humid. Our first character was Mary Poppins. Mason jumped right in line and got his autograph and picture, which was suprising because I didn't think he would want to see the girlie characters, but he did. The kids had very little patience and wanted to go straight to the rides, our first one was the Stitches Great Escape. After that we watch several parades, shows and even the Spectacular Show at night.

Day 2: Hollywood Studios (f.k.a. MGM Studios)
It was really HOT and HUMID. We went straight to the Tower of Terror - Mason, Olivia, Emily, Melissa, John and myself all waited in line...I sat by Emily and she was more scared of the holligrams then the actually dropping of the elevator. She made it through it and afterwards, Mason said that was the best. We then got a fast pass for the Aerosmith ride so we wouldn't have to wait in line. In the meantime, we all headed over to the HSM 3 Senior Year show where Mason was picked out of the crowd to join the cast and dance in a circle - too funny and cute! Afterwards, we went to ride the Aerosmith ride, which was AWESOME! Then back to the parade where I danced on the street with Frozone (from the Incredibles).

Day 3: Magical Kingdom
My first priority for the day was that I wanted to make sure I saw the daily 3pm parade, so we did some more rides and character visits. I love Tinkerbell, so we decided to wait in line for 75 minutes to see the 3 fairies. I was really excited...but I have to say I was very disappointed in Tink - she was NOT friendly at all and was very disappointing after waiting for so long to see her. We attempted to watch the fireworks, but did have a good view, so we headed back to the hotel.

Day 4: Animal Kingdom
Since we were a large party, we could make special reservations for a Safari Celebration Dinner. However, Disney screwed up on our reservation and we didn't get to go. We complained to the manager of the hotel and they offered us Hopper Passes and VIP seating for the Illumination and Fireworks at EPCOT. We decided that was a good idea since we weren't going to get the Celebration dinner. Since we weren't planning on going to EPCOT anyways, we thought it would be nice to at least see for a couple of hours since the Animal Kingdom closed at 6pm.

So once we arrived at Animal Kingdom we headed straight for the Safari - I truly enjoyed this, however, it was disappointing that the ride made it extremely difficult to get good pictures of the animals. The truck wouldn't stuck and the bumpy ride made it hard to focus the camera on the animals. Then we headed over the "Its Tough to be a Bug" which was extremely good and gross at the same time. Mason got an autograph from Flik from a Bug's Life, he was great and gave Mason a hard time. Then we headed over to the Jurassic Park ride, which on the way we say Pool, Tigger and Eeyore. The ride was great and a little rough, but Zach loved it - and considering he doesn't like rides, we were happy he found something he liked. Afterwards we had lunch and went to the Mt. Everest ride which was AWESOME. After another long day we headed back the hotel for much needed rest (and the pool for the kids), ate pizza and headed over to EPCOT. We didn't get to see a whole lot of EPCOT but the fireworks were great and worth going too.

Day 5 - home to Columbus! We got home about 11am and by 1pm I went straight to bed and slept until around 5:30pm, got up and ate dinner and then went back to bed at 9:30 and didn't get back up until 7:30am on Saturday.

Oh and did I mention, I took 766 pictures with my new lense :) and Mason had my little digi camera and took over 200 pictures. Can't wait to make my scrapbook!

And were off to...

2009-08-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Try not to miss us!

All ready to Go!

2009-08-08T18:02:00.002-04:00

We are all packed and ready to go. Zach is getting a little nervous about the plane ride, but I'm sure he'll be fine. I was so organized getting us packed that I had time to go Tasha's last night to see the baby's room (super super cute), to go B&B today with Christy and to the mall. Oh and I took a little nap. Rylie has been following me around all day, he must know we are getting ready to leave. We don't have any food in the house so we are all headed out to grab some food.

Tasha - I can't wait to see Baby B when we get back! I'll be thinking of you :)

See everyone next week!

Ants in my Pants

2009-08-06T21:08:00.002-04:00

I can't sit still...I'm so excited about vacation to Disney! I have every one's clothes laid out ready to be packed. I think I have just about everything ready. I have a few last minute things to get together, but for the most part I'm ready to go!

Last night, I was taking Mason to his reading program and he had lots of questions about Disney...
1. What time do we need to be at the airport?
2. How long will it be from when we are at the airport to when we get on the plane?
3. Will we only feel the plane take off and land? Can I sit by the window to look at the clouds?
4. Is Grandpa going to be on the plane?
5. Do they drop us off at Disney or do we have to walk?
6. Do we have a pool at our hotel? Can we go there at night?

So many questions, but you can tell he thought about each one. He's not nervous, just excited :)

Guess what I got today when I got home...my new Tamron 18-270mm lens! Love, love, love it! I have 4 other lenses and this one combines them all in one! Too Cool!
And, Christy finally gave me my Birthday present - Quickutz Blossom and a Twilight Calendar - totally cool!

I'm sure I'll have more to say this weekend!

Back to the Norm

2009-08-03T21:50:00.002-04:00

Bob was officially back today :( I enjoyed my week long break from the smoke and having lunch when, where and with who I wanted...

We were really busy today, but I must say my mind was completely on VACATION! I'm still trying to decide whether or not to buy my new lense before I go to Disney and sell my others - anyone want to talk me out of it?

So much to do and so little time...I have to pack for 4 people...at what point to boys do things for themselves? Must not happen soon since Don is going to be 35.

Did I mention...

2009-08-02T20:37:00.002-04:00

WE ONLY HAVE 1 WEEK FROM TODAY BEFORE WE LEAVE FOR...

End of a Season

2009-08-01T22:02:00.004-04:00

The Summer Baseball Season is finally over...two weeks off and Fall Ball starts! The Hilliard Cubs lost the first game and won the second game. Zach didn't get to play today because he hurt his back :( He's fine though. Anyways, here is what I created for each player.

The parents and kids loved them!

A little of this...a little of that...

2009-07-29T10:15:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday, I went to Sewing 101 at Joann's - a little pricey ($35), but I really wanted to learn more about my machine and the "how to's." The class was about 2 1/2 hours long, it was very informative...I learned a lot about patterns, how to thread my machine and bobbin. We were suppose to make a pillow case, but I decided to make a cover for the pillow I purchase the day before. After the class I realized I was still missing some essentials, so I spent another $20 after all my coupons. The pillow turned out great, so now I'm trying to move forward with my fabric bucket (see post below). I'm having alittle trouble understanding "interfacing" and how it works, but apparently this will make the bucket stiff (not flimsy). I need an extremely heavy weight one and Joann's doesn't carry it, so I'm off to find a fabric store that does. Any suggestions?

Sunday my day was filled with baseball, a showing and laptop issues...I was too busy running around that I don't even remember what I actually did.

Monday was the funeral :( however, that evening me, Mason and Don had to go to the Summer Reading Program we signed Mason up for, which is a 2 week program. They provide dinner and then Mason goes to a classroom to learn reading/comprehension technqiues and Don and I go to our parent classroom to learn how to help our children. What is so great about this is it's all FREE! Thank you Hilliard City Schools!

Bob is on vacation this week! YIPPEE! WOO HOO! HOORAY! A little break from the smoke is always nice :)

Sewing 101 & Memories

2009-07-25T22:56:00.000-04:00

After a long day yesterday, I decided that I needed something to do today. Last night around 7pm, I was looking on the internet for basic sewing tools I should have and after reseaching, I decided to head to JoAnn's at 8pm. I feel like everyone knows when you are a "newbie" because I'm wondering around looking at all the sewing essentials and look completely lost...but I had my list: pins, thread, scissors, marking devices, seam ripper, machine needles and bobbins. I came home with this...

I also picked up The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing book...let's hope it helps me!

I started reading it last night to help me with some basics and now I know what all the information is on the back of pattern envelopes. So if I never finish the project I'm about to start, at least I know what the info on the back of pattern means :)

Around 11pm last night, I looked at Don and said, "Do you remember how to sew a pillow?" Now, you are probably thinking why did I ask him...well...the last official time I remember sewing is my senior year when Don and I were Home Ec partners. Yep, that's where our love story started. We were "Just Friends" (and both were dating other people) when we realized our friendship was turning into something else. So during our love story, we had to sew a pillow and a shirt. All I remember about the class is pinning the fabric and giving it to Don to sew on the machine (I think I was more into him than the sewing machine) :) We passed the class and now 17 years later we're discussing just how horrible our sewing abilities were. So keep your fingers crossed that I will make sense of this stuff I just purchased!

Tasha - keep your phone near by...I might have questions!

So You Think You Can Sew

2009-07-24T08:21:00.010-04:00

Sometimes I get these bird brain ideas that I can do everyting...lately, I've been really into my Mom's sewing machine. I want to sew so stinking bad that I'm going to take a sewing class at JoAnn Fabric's. I started re-doing my scrapbook room for over a month now...I spent countless hours organizing cardstock by color, pattern paper by vendor or theme, putting buttons in jars by color, etc. You name it I've been doing it. However, the one thing the room is lacking is color. I live with all boys (even the dog is a boy) and I want a room that is all mine and somewhat girlie - I'm not really into pink, and my favorite colors are blues/teals and green.

I bought an Expedit Shelf from Ikea, but really haven't put anything on it because I can't find the right storage bins that I'm looking for.

So then I did a little searching online and found fabric storage baskets on Etsy - but it costs $40.00 for one basket and that doesn't include shipping - and I need 4 or more.

Ok, it doesn't look to hard, right? Well, when you don't know how to sew, its extremely difficult, especially when you are reading the pattern and you don't even know what some of the terms mean.

I'm also really loving Amy Butler's fabrics...very unique and love love love the different colors. So to all my friends out there that know how to sew...we have a project to do...

George C Fenton Sr.

2009-07-24T08:15:00.001-04:00

George Crozier Fenton Sr., 95, of West Jefferson, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009, in Madison House of London.

He was born Oct. 6, 1913, in Winchester, the son of the late Earl and Emma Fenton.

George was a retired manager for General Motors and a lifelong farmer.

He was a member of the General Motors Employees, a past member of the Humbolt Lodge No. 476 F&AM and a present member of the New England Lodge No. 4 F&AM.

Survivors include two sons, George C. “Jerry” (Patty) Fenton Jr. and David J. (Carmen) Fenton Sr.; five grandchildren, J. Scott (Peggy) Fenton, Perry J. (Heather) Fenton, David J. (Andrea) Fenton Jr., Cindy (Don) Daylong and Melissa (John) Grcic; 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Anna Mildred “Millie” McCracken Fenton; son, Larry and daughter-in-law, Polly Fenton; daughter-in-law, Judy Fenton; a brother, James Fenton.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 26, in the RADER-McDONALD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 W. Main St., West Jefferson, where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2009, in the funeral home. Rev. Glade May will be officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in West Jefferson.

Missing the Moments...

2009-07-23T15:58:00.004-04:00

I know everyone probably gets sick of me writing/talking about this, but I miss my Mommy. Last night we took Zach out for dinner for his birthday with my Dad and Jeanette and had a great time...I'm so grateful for them. However, not having my Mom at dinner with us to celebrate Zach's birthday was hard. I think about her everyday, but its moments like this that she's not there that really hit me the hardest...

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY ZACH!

2009-07-22T11:37:00.003-04:00

Oh my...my baby is officially 13 (ok, so not officially until 2:28pm), but I have a 13 year old. I know what you are thinking - there is no way I could have a child that old and still look so good (LOL...I have to give myself some credit...or maybe it's just because I had him so young). I remember when I found out I was pregnant, honestly, I was devestated because I was 20 and thinking how in the world am I going to take care of this little person when I can barely take care of myself? We all know I was a miserable pregnant woman, but somehow managed to pull it off and now 13 years later...I have a great young man!

Zach is loving, sweet, sincere, athletic, caring and most of all funny! Zach has grown up a lot the past year or so and even though we are a lot alike (I know..scarey) we still seem to get along pretty well for him being a teenager.

Zach was extremely close to his Grandma Judy and he misses her a lot. However, I know if my Mom were here today - she would be extremely proud of him!

So, Happy Birthday Zach! Your Dad and I (and all of your family) are extremely proud of you!

Why do I...

2009-07-21T13:32:00.003-04:00

think I can plan parties? We had Zach's 13th birthday party last Saturday. After weeks of planning and discussing with Don what needed to be done, I still managed to have a major break down which lead to Don and I fighting, cancelling the party and then deciding to go ahead with the party. The last party I planned for Zach was when he was 8, I now remember why! Where's your Mom when you need her (in heaven)? :( She always managed to calm me down and tell me it will all work out and it did, but it sure did take a lot out of me. Unfortunately for my Dad, he had to listen to me...I'm pretty sure he was thinking I was crazy.

I'm glad I decided to have the party for Zach - after telling him we weren't having it...to then telling him we were, he said, "Mom, I'm glad were having the party, because I really wanted to have it." Ok, I wanted to cry, I felt like a horrible Mom. This poor kid has been through enough and his Mom had to go off the deep end!

The party went really well (I think). At least Zach had a wonderful time and got a lot of money to buy himself a new TV for his room. For those that had to endure my break down...thanks for listening! Don and I haven't mentioned a thing about our argument and I think I'll leave it that way :)

I'll post pics later...

Zoombezi Bay

2009-07-09T21:35:00.005-04:00

On Monday, Missy and I took the kids (plus Olivia) to Zoombezi Bay. The weather was perfect, and we had a wonderful time. Mason and Olivia pretty much ran around the whole park together, which was great...all that know Mason would know that he's pretty demanding at places like that because he wants to be non-stop on the go. So having Olivia was perfect. Zach hung out with them sometimes and then hung out with me, Missy and Reese. The park is wonderful, so if you haven't made it there, you should...it's a lot of fun. Here are some pics...

Big tube slide that seats up to 6 people; 700 pound limit!

Kids hanging out in the lazy river - a river that wraps around the park, you can either float or grab a tube.

Me and Reese

Missy and Reese

This is Mason on the way home...he wore himself out!

One more month...

2009-07-09T16:33:00.001-04:00

until we go to DISNEY! I can't wait...there is a total of 10 of us (me, Don, Zach, Mason, Melissa, John, Olivia, Emily, Dad and Jeanette)! Our first family vacation with all of us :)

Sad...but Happy!

2009-06-30T16:34:00.002-04:00

Today I found out that Tasha is not returning to work at Meadow View. You see, I've been spoiled when it comes to Tasha. I worked with her a Cord for a few years and LOVED her...when I moved on to work for TGM she stayed at Cord. Shortly after, we had a leasing position available at Meadow View and Tasha was the first person I thought of that would great at it - so Tasha joined our team! So lucky me...I got to hear her voice just about everyday. I don't get to see Tasha that much so talking to her everyday at Meadow View was nice...now she's going off to have a baby and won't be returning to work (really I'm happy for her). I guess I'm just being a little selfish and wish I could have her all to myself :)

Best of luck and I love you Tash Bosh!

Dinner at Dads

2009-06-09T14:29:00.004-04:00

The kids spent the entire day with Grandpa so we decided to stop by and join them for dinner last night. Jeanette was cooking a wonderful dinner, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing and biscuits...YUMMY! I miss the days of stopping by my Dad's everyday to pick up the kids when they were little...I always arrived around dinner time, which was really nice because I never had to worry about feeding the kids...those were the good ole' days.

Now, my Dad loves brownies...however, he doesn't like to share the corner pieces, so what's the next best thing...buying a special brownie pan from QVC so everyone has an edge. Below is a pic of this special pan (in case you have a edge loving brownie eater!

It didn't take us long to scarf those down...I was good and only had 1, however Don ate 3. Since the boys stayed the night with my Dad - I'm sure there isn't any left over for today :)

Summer Break

2009-06-05T11:47:00.003-04:00

This was the first official week of Summer Break! Every year my kids tend to disappear during the summer - they either stay with Barb or my Dad. This year they obviously want to be home more to play with their friends - which is great! However, the plan was changing a little bit...Zach is going to be 13 years old this summer and still is alittle afraid to stay home without an adult. This year, I told Zach that he had to stay with Mason until 9am and then Barb would come. At first, he kept reassuring himself that he would fine. I told him not to worry it was only an hour he would be alone with Mason. The first day, he was up bright and early waiting for me to leave. I reminded him of course that he should not answer the door, do not use the stove and do not go outside! So I'm off to work and I get a phone call and Zach says, "Mom, did you want me to wake up Mason?" I said, "No, you don't have too!" He got really quiet...I said, "well, did you want to wake him up?" I got a quick response of YES! I guess having Mason up made him feel better :) After just 1 full week of staying along - Zach says he's a pro!

New Moon

2009-06-01T09:42:00.002-04:00

OMG - Love it! Cannot wait to see more Edward - he's so yummy!

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

to me....and Mason! My baby has officially turned 9 and I'm 29 (plus 5). Where did the time go? He is growing so fast - what happened to my little boy who liked to cuddle with his Mom? Now I have to force him to sit on my lap :( Mason really hates sharing his birthday with his Mom - I'm hoping that when he is older he will appreciate it more, but for now all I hear him say is I wish I had my own birthday. He actually has thought a lot about this - he said to me, "Mom, no one else in the family has the same birthday - why do I have to share mine with you?" I wanted to cry...I could feel the tears getting ready to run down my face, but I told myself to compose myself because I didn't want him to feel bad. I tried to explain to him and WE were SPECIAL and not too many people in the world get to celebrate their birthday with their Mom! He just gave me a look and said, "Whatever Mom."

We have a lot planned for today...2 baseball games and a party at D&B's. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be exhausted by the end of the night.

For my birthday - we went to IKEA yesterday! Yippee! IKEA is soooooo my happy place. I was buying more stuff to organize my scrap room. Once I'm done, I'll post a pic.

Anyways, my wish is for another great year with my family and friends!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASON! I love you bunches and love sharing my b-day with you :)

Gone too long...

2009-04-17T14:52:00.003-04:00

Well...considering the last time I wrote was in February...a lot has happened. But I'll just give you the most the exciting new information...Zach made the 7th Grade Hilliard Heritage Baseball Team! Yippee! Yoo Hoo! I was very stressed out the entire week of tryouts. I knew he was capable of making it, but you never know how good your kid is until they are up against other good kids. Don and I were very proud of him. They have had a couple of games so far...with all the rain we have had in April, they cancelled more than they have played. Last night, Zach got to pitch! Yep, pitch...not my favorite thing, but I survived. I looked at Don and said, "I'm not nervous...I just feel like throwing up!" I didn't...but I wanted too...you want your kid to succeed at everything they try and I must say for little pitching that Zach does, he did a great job! We're proud of you Zach!

Mason is getting ready to start his baseball as well. This year he's on the Angels...he wasn't really excited about not being a Tiger anymore...but a change is good. Once again, Don and I will have very busy summers.

I'm getting ready to leave for our National Manager's Meeting in Dallas next week. I'm not very excited about it, I'll be busy from sun up to sun down. And to top it off, we just found out that this July we won't be getting raises because of the economy. I have mixed feelings...our company is in no way shape or form in bad shape...matter of fact we still purchase properties that are millions of dollars, so really they can't spare that $.50 extra I might get on the hour???? I know...I should be thankful that I have a great job, but really...everyone is motivated by MONEY. OK, I'm done with that.

My friend Tasha and Leslie are pregnant...yes, we all probably know by now, but since its been awhile since I blogged and my family and friends might not know...I wanted to share it. I don't get to see Leslie, so I'm not sure how her baby belly is looking, but Tasha looks so stinking cute...her little belly is popping out...and way too quick! I'm really excited for both of them, they'll be a great Mom! I'm also sure that in the very near future...Missy will be trying for baby #2.

Well...hopefully I'll be back sooner than 2 months!

Misunderstandings and Stuff...

2009-02-09T20:38:00.004-05:00

Do you ever wonder why people take things so personally? Especially when something so innocent becomes a big deal...I must admit, I can takes things personally too. Sometimes I have to remind myself to look at the bigger picture and ask myself if I'm just overthinking it. So the question is, why do we do this to ourselves? Instead of letting stuff build up inside of us, why can't we just confront it before it becomes a huge misundestanding. Just a thought...

Ok, so it doesn't feel like I have much to say since the last time I wrote. I've been super busy helping the kids with homework since Don has been working late every night practically. Homework is hard, I got from one extreme to the other with Mason and Zach. Zach and Mason are both very smart - however one applies himself more than the other (wonder who?) I wish homework were easy :)

A lot happens in February - my aunt Diana just turned 50; Valentine's Day; my old anniversary; Melissa's 38th b-day; and my aunt Barb turns 74. Good ol' Barb, she's pretty amazing...I think about when I was little and how she took care of me and my sister. And then my Mom used to tell us how Barb always watch her and my aunt Diana when they were little and now Barb is watching my kids and occasionally Melissa's kids. Three generation of watching kids - that takes a lot of patience!

For V-day this year, we are going to dinner with Melissa and John. On Friday, we are going to the Blue Jackets game and dinner with Missy and Brian. I'm looking forward to another fun weekend.

Also, Missy and Brian are finally getting a house, yep, FINALLY! I don't want to tell you all the details when I'm sure you will read all about it on her blog. I'm excited for them, but a little sad they will be moving farther away...they are like 7 minutes from me... and soon it will be more like 20 or 25!

We'll that's about it for now, I hope to write more often, but I've been busy facebooking it!

Where have I been...

2009-01-13T19:50:00.002-05:00

geeeesh...it's been awhile. Time passes by so quickly, I really don't know where to begin. During the holiday season I got a lot of time off, so I did a lot of shopping, sleeping and hanging out with Christy. For New Years, Don, Christy and myself met Josh and Tasha at Red Lobster (yummy!); afterwards Christy went to hang out with a "friend," Tasha and Josh went to Nataleigh's for game night and Don and I were going to go to the movies, but it started to late so we headed over to my Dad's to see what other movies were playing...we decided just to get a movie and go home. Well, let's just say, Don fell asleep at 10:30pm - what a way to celebrate the New Year!

Anyways, Zach started batting practice - seems so early, but he needs to get ready for tryouts for the 7th grade team. I really hope he makes it, but I'm sure there are a lot of kids that are really good. Keep your fingers crossed :) Mason is is usual self, which is unpredictable. The kids have been enjoying a lot of the gifts they got for Christmas. They started back to school with no problems, so that was good.

Jerry officially put my Mom's house up for sale. I had a few more things I had to pick up and while Jerry was there grabbing last minute stuff too, Pattie was cleaning the bathroom. My emotions took over and I started to tear up...why am I crying over a house? I'm not sure except this was my home, the last place my mother lived and the last place I lived with her. My memories are there and now this is the last official physical thing I have to let go of...you would think 4 years later I could "get over it" but I can't, I guess I never will...

Over the holidays, I gained 5 pounds...not much, but enough for me to tell the difference so I started back at Weight Watchers. I'm going to try desperately to lose 20 more pounds...I want to be skinny so I can wear those adorable spring clothes. I've been walking on the treadmill everyday for 20 minutes which has been giving me a lot more energy. I feel great!

Oh, I forgot to mention, Don painted my kitchen....LOVE IT! My house is slowly coming together...2 more years and I'm selling :) and moving on to a bigger house!

EXHAUSTED!

2008-12-25T20:10:00.004-05:00

It's amazing how much time we spend to prepare for Christmas...not only on shopping for our loved ones, but cleaning, wrapping, making cookies, etc...and in only a few short hours its over. Don and I were up around 6:15am - yep we beat the kids up...but only because we had to be at Jerry's at 8:30am for breakfast.

So at 6:30am we woke up the kids...Santa was extra nice this year! Mason got a 26" flat screen TV, Zach got a PS3, Don got a Circular Saw and I got an iPod Touch! Plus we all got lots of other stuff too (too much to tell). Anyways, we headed over to Jerry's, which actually wasn't bad, more people than I thought would be there - Patty's brother was in town so he likes to dress up as Santa - it was pretty funny...as soon as Mason saw him he took off for me and said, "I am not sitting on his lap." By 11:30am, we were all back at my house for Christmas with my Dad and Melissa's family. I actually was a little nervous that my sister was coming over (she hasn't been to my house in 4 1/2 years); you see her house is perfect...I really do mean PERFECT. So for her to see my house and its many flaws was very overwhelming. Anyways, we all opened our presents, had dinner and poof everyone was gone. Time goes by so quickly...luckily Jeanette and Dad was able to stick around for a little bit, which was nice.

This is the first Christmas in 13 years that I only had to go to 1 place and then home for the rest of the day...I actually enjoyed it and so did the kids, they got to enjoy all their toys!

Christmas was great this year...but of course there will always be someone missing...my dearest Mom - Merry Christmas Mom and I miss you very much!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends!

More to add later...

Christmas Party

2008-12-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

After a long day, Don and I had to go to his work party at Dave & Busters. The party started early or at least I thought so (5pm); most people don't even get off work until then, but we arrived around 5:30pm and we were still the 4th or 5th couple that showed up. The party was actually fun, its quite humorous listening to a bunch of construction guys talk. There was one guy there named Clay that must of drank 10 or more Long Island Ice Tea's - we all know if that was me I would have passed out by the second one. Anyways, it was great nite...I had to take a pic of Don and I - because we looked so HOT! :)

Never enough time...

2008-12-19T22:30:00.001-05:00

Today, I had lots planned. 1) Meet with Mason's teacher at 8am; 2) Meet Tasha at Bob Evans for breakfast; 3) Be at Cord at 10am; 4) Go back to Mason's school for a party at 2:30; 5) Go back to Cord to finish scrapping and; 5) Go to Don's Christmas party.

Well...I did most of it, but I really, really, really wanted to go back to scrapping with Tasha, but didn't get to because Don's work party started earlier than I thought. I only got 4 pages done of the gift I'm making. I still have 6 pages to go and I will never have time. My plan is to go buy my Dad's gift tomorrow and then off to Tasha's to finish my project - let's keep our fingers crossed.

Oh, I almost forgot...Mrs. Hughes (Mason's teacher) said that Mason was a great kid and doing very well. She said he is so well behaved and always listens when she's teaching. She said she could put Mason next to the most talkative girl in the class and he still wouldn't talk back to her. My thought of course was...he must be saving it all for home because he never stops talking.

Guess who is coming to Columbus...

2008-12-17T20:23:00.005-05:00

Guess who is going to the concert? ME ME ME ME ME

The Rockettes ROCKED!

2008-12-15T11:04:00.005-05:00

What a spectacular night!

Tasha, Talea, Megan, Melissa, Missy, Jeanette, Ruthie and I met at Boston's and had a great dinner. The pizza was fabulous. Then we walked over to Nationwide for the show - our seats were great. Tasha and Missy got a lot of cool pictures. My favorite part of the show was the soldiers falling over.

What a great night to remember my Mom on her birthday! She would have loved the show.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-12-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

Mom, We miss you so very much

On your sweet Birthday;

And not just then, but every minute,

Since you went away.

You were the center of our lives

Before your soul passed on;

It’s just so hard for us to believe

That you are really gone.

But we celebrate the life you lived
And all the things you gave us;

Our wonderful memories, Mom, of you

Are the things that will comfort and save us.

Please think of us, as we think of you

With hearts so full of love;

We’re looking up at you, sweet Mom,

As you look at us from above.

We love and miss you very much!

Cindy, Don, Zach and Mason

Sorry! Sliders Anyone?

2008-12-04T11:48:00.003-05:00

Who would of thought a simple game like Sorry Sliders would be so hard to find. Mason mentioned over a month ago that he wanted this game for Christmas...note to self, find it on Black Friday. After Melissa and I searched all day on Black Friday, we couldn't find it anywhere...no biggie...I thought on Monday I'll look online to find the game. So on Monday, I began the search...every website was "Out of Stock." Ok so the stores are recovery from a busy holiday shopping weekend, I'll try again. Tuesday, I look again and Target says they have some at the Rome Hilliard, Polaris and Morse Rd stores. I immediately call Rome Hilliard and guy working in the toy departments is new and can't find it...great. Tasha left work early and was going by that way so she was gracious enough to look for me...but their out. I go the Target on Sawmill just hoping they might have them...but their out. Don was working in Polaris and their out of stock as well. I had also called Meijer on Sawmill and the operator said this location was showing 4 on hand. Fabulous...I'm on my way. I get there and the shelf is empty. A very nice lady that works there asks if she can help me find anything...I told her I just called and operator said there 4 on hand here. She immediately began searching the store for me. She came back and said she couldn't find them, but she would take my name and number and call me if she found them. I called Toys R Us, the guy said they expected a delivery (Wednesday) and to try on Thursday. So this morning on my way into work I stop by Toys R Us, the shelf is empty. I call my sister to let her know that I cannot find them anywhere...she began looking online, but we quickly realized that we might not get this game this year! Bummer. We hang up and I get a phone call from a number I do not recognize..."Hello"..."Hi Cindy, this is Shelly from Meijer, I was calling to let you know we found the two Sorry! Slider games you wanted if you were still interested." Needless to say, I drove straight to Meijer to pick them up! THANK YOU SHELLY! I now have 2 Sorry! Slider games for me and my sister!

Where did all the time go?

2008-12-02T11:49:00.005-05:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged in while. So much has been happening that I sort of forgot, so I'll just start with Thanksgiving...

My sister hosted Thanksgiving again this year. We had a smaller crowd this year - my Dad and Jeanette went to Kansas to spend time with her with family. They were missed, but I'm sure Jeanette needs to see her family too. Melissa made a fantastic dinner - I'm glad she knows how to cook. My grandma made lemon pies...yummy. As usual, I was in charge of paper products; however, I have very strict instructions on what paper plates I need to bring. They have to be the rectangle ones with dividers (apparently my sisters food can't touch). After dinner, we played games and planned our route for our annual Thanksgiving shopping!

I went to bed that night at 8:30pm because I knew I had to be up early for shopping. I convinced Don to go with me to Target because I wanted to make sure we got Mason the flat screen TV he wanted. So at 4:30 in the morning we headed to Target. When we got there, there weren't many people in front us...maybe 15...my sister showed up a few minutes after us, but she wouldn't get in line with us because she was afraid people would get mad...she such a chicken. Anyways, were in line at 5am...Don says, "Why aren't they open" I said, "Well...they don't open until 6pm" of course Don was like why in the world would I get up this early to stand in line, I thought they opened at 5am. Nope...sorry! I tried to prepare him for what was to come because he has never been shopping on black Friday. I told how people will run you over and you have to get in with the crowd to get what you want. Lucky for us, Target was very organized...they gave our vouchers for the items they thought would be a big hit. The voucher guaranteed you get the item as long as you purchased it by 8am. That was super nice, our number voucher was 3 for the TV. I was super happy...that meant we could rush to the next big item on our list. The doors open promptly at 6am and we took off, we let Don grab the cart to pic up the TV while Melissa and I took a mad dash to electronics for the Guitar Heros for Wii. Then we run for the toys to buy toys and go to the front of the store - our hands are full...where the heck is Don? I call his cell phone and he says he's stuck in the electronics dept and can't get out. Oops, I forgot to tell him NEVER take the cart to the eletronics department because you can never get out.

After about 5 or minutes Don finally shows up with the cart. We purchased the TV and our other goodies. Don went back home to bed and Melissa, Shelly and I went on to Kohls, Walmart, Toys R Us, lunch and then to Meijer. It was a very exhausting day, but worth it.

Did I mention I didn't even take a nap? When I got home at 5pm, I headed back out the door to meet Missy, Brian, Reese, Linda, Dave, Ryan, Donna and Gary at D&B for dinner. We didn't get home until 10ish. I was out!

Home Sweet Home

2008-11-20T09:29:00.004-05:00

Finally, after 6 days in New Orleans, I'm on my way home! I had to come down here for work because the property that is down here is recovery from several hurricanes that have hit this area (Katrina and the most resent Gustavo). The front door of this property has a revolving door for staff, so we were sent down here to help out and hopefully stabilize the staff. I have now worked 11 straight days and I'm exhausted. My main duty here was to due a lease audit, which means I have to go through 268 lease files to make sure everything matches in the file with the MRI system we use to keep track of this information. Let's just say it was a complete mess.

Anyways, Ally, Bob, Sean (he's a maintenance supervisor from SC) and I spent the very long days here. We have all been on "Bob's schedule" - it stinks that he gets to control our every move on the clock and off. After our long days of work, we wanted to do something fun, but Bob's idea of fun is going straight to the bar - I finally had to ask him to take me back to the hotel because I was tired of the bar scene. He said no...so where was I...at the bar.

I will say, one night this week, we went to Bourbon Street, where all the action is...or should I say where all the trash is? It's not what I expected, but interesting. This is definitely not a place for children, but surprisingly I saw kids. Hello...are parents that stupid? As we walked down the street, there are many strip and hustler bars. People said very inappropriate things while walking down the street. Let's just say, people aren't shy about asking for sex. Gross! We did however, find a fabulous restaurant called the Red Fish Grill - I took a chance an ordered there Red Fish and it melted in my mouth...I actually ate the whole thing. After dinner, Ally and I were determined to find a sweatshirt to take home, but of course, we Bob on our back telling us to hurry, so we didn't get much of a chance to shop. We didn't find one :(

Anyways, I look forward to being home with Don and the boys!