The Beyer Family

Imagination Vacation Continues.....

2012-02-17T12:13:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Feb 7th ~ Key West!!!

Happy 35th Birthday to Kym ;-)

Nothing better then waking up at 7:00am the first week of February to warm temps in the Beautiful Florida Keys!!

These pictures were actually taken from our Cabin window, so they may be a bit cloudy from the window, but the sun wasn't up all the way yet either, NOR were we fully in port yet either. Taking our slow sail into Key West.

Up & Ready to Go!!! Originally we were planning on just walking around key west. I had 2 destinations that I was determined to get too. Mike however was determined for a couple of weeks prior to the trip that he wanted to take a train ride around the island. So.. with some convincing from Jason & Dan (from the roll call) at our Meet & Greet, I succumbed to the Conch Train tour of Key West.

Silly Mike.

Headed out to Breakfast, but had to get our daily picture together first!

And here is our Conch Train! We had a Great Driver, Dan. He was really nice, had a great sense of humor and was a great narrator as well.

Our ship actually ports at the Naval Base in Key West. Since it's a military base, you can't walk through the gates, you need to be transported either by your excursion, or take a trolley into town that will shuttle you back and forth.

Being docked at the Naval Base, was kind of neat, since we got to see alot of the old military buildings. Here is one here.

Here's a good view of our ship as we were headed out of the port on our train.

The best part of doing the conch was the history that got out of it. Obviously we wouldn't have gotten any of that had we gone walking on our own. I am glad we did it, and the next time I'll be good to just walk around the island a bit now. Key West really blew my mind. It's so serene, colorful and tropical, YET, your still in FLORIDA!! It for sure would be someplace I'd visit in the future and spend time at if given the opportunity.

And here is the "0" mile marker! The beginning of Highway 1. Which is the ONLY way in and out of Key west to the mainland Florida.

Earnest Hemingway's House. I would have like to have visited, however there was a $12.00 per person fee. I am too cheap for that. next time though, I would like to walk around the grounds of it, which you can do for free. 60 cats. yes 60, live on this property. All 60 has 6 toes and are descendants of the original cat who lived there. they never leave the property. How cool!!

Hard to get a good picture from the spot I was sitting in, but here's the Key West Light House.

Ok, So you know how we have squirrels running around everywhere?? In Key West, they don't have wild squirrels. They have Chickens. Yep, Chickens. All over the place. It cracked me up. You heard bawck, bawck, bawck every where. Too funny. Baby chickens are called chicken mcnuggets :-)

The Southernmost point in the Continental US. This was my #1 place that i wanted to see. So.. I got to see it from the train, but that was it, We never made it back here. that's Ok though. I am sure we'll hit up this island again someday, and I get to stand next to it then. So that guy in my picture?? Yea, I don't know him.

I should have been taking notes, I wish I could remember what all he history was that I learned about all of these pictures. I did take them for a reason.. who knows what reason though!

This here is a house, all made of CORAL!! Yes, coral. How cool is that. Did you know that Coral is endangered??

One of the resorts we passed along the way...

Here is another military fort.....

Ah... the beach. The ONLY beach in Key West. Because of the shape/place of key west in the ocean, they don't get any waves. Did you know that you need waves to make sand? Well you do, and since they can't make sand, they actually have to ship it in. So.. all the sand you see here in the picture, is actually shipped from Fort Lauderdale Florida.

Key West, National Weather Service.

This the middle school.

These little houses are actually called "Shot Gun" houses. Which means the front door, is either to the left or right of the living room, and in a direct line with the door in the rear of the house. So, if someone was to fire a gun in the house, it would go in the front door, and directly out the back.

Key West has lots of eccentric people living about. This particular person thought it would be fun to decorate their car in Sea shells. :-)

For the life of me I can't remember what these trees are called, but there are quite a few of them, where the roots are above ground.

Captains walk. Way up there is where a captain would watch for boats coming in.

Moped - I had to take of picture cause it said "KYM"CO . LOL

Moped hospital.

Another Shot gun house. I just LOVED all the different colors of the homes.

There's a bar back there... behind that tree. It was significant somehow/way, but I can't remember. It was an Irish bar.

Hey There Mr. Chicken. (rooster)

We had Gloria take a picture of us on the pier. It was just so relaxing and quiet here!

My #2 must do thing Key West?? Hit Up Kermit's Key Lime Shop. Pretty famous shop, they actually ship their pies and good ALL OVER the world. they had everything in here, and everything was infused with Key Lime. Oh My Yum.

Mike & Gloria heading in.

We got our Pie, Gloria got her smoothie, and we headed out to the back deck to enjoy it, and spend some time with the Koi fish! Mike took all these pictures to show my dad, who loves his Koi pond. The koi would come RIGHT up to where you were sitting though and beg for food. Just like an animal. We didn't share though :-)

The Famous Kermit's Key Lime Pie. It was Delicious. The best key lime pie we've ever had hand's down. And it was perfect looking too!

And my amazing Key Lime pie on a stick (dipped in chocolate) my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Mr Koi says I want Pie!

And we were even lucky enough to get our picture with Kermit!!

These next few pictures were taken in the Key West Toy Factory Toy Store. We needed to find Caden a monkey in case we didn't find one somewhere else, so we ended up in this neat looking thing. It was a broken ship that we got to walk under.

Back on board to eat lunch. Why pay for food at the port when it's free on the ship??

Formal Night!

Formal night was tonight. Here we are getting ready.

After we got back on the ship, we changed and hung out by the pool for the rest of the afternoon. until we got too hot. It was a good few hours, we swam, laid out, went in the hot tub, and I read a bit. Gloria was awesome enough to buy me a drink for my birthday up here too :-) We may or may not have had a few more before heading to the room to take a much deserved nap before dinner!!

Here's the fun force in the atrium doing some fun things with passengers. There were only 2 on this ship, but they are always fun to watch.

Mike all spiffed up.

Me all spiffed up. I guess we clean up well huh?

The Library. I don't think I got pictures of this yesterday. It was always so peaceful in here. This was also our meet up spot for the Behind the Fun tour that we took.

See Mike way down there??

Alligator Fritters!!! Part of Carnivals new menu is the Wouldya ever? Part. There is something outrageous and different on there each day. So I thought I would try alligator fritters. They weren't too bad. I had almost all of one of them, Mike finished them, he like them more then I did.

Our animal for the night. Pig??

After dinner we headed down to the theatre for tonight's show. It was alright. Not the best, compared to other's we've seen on ships, but that's Ok. These tables, were neat looking. they are tables in front of the seats on the first floor. Pretty colors.

Loved the purple look at the curtain.

After the show, we went up to Shangri La to watch Gloria belt out some amazing tunes! She quickly became an honoree Canadian, and here she is singing with them.

I only wish these pictures turned out brighter. Dam camera and darker lights at night.

Up next?? Cozumel Mexico!! And Mike's Birthday!!

Our Cruise Family :-)

2012-02-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

Gloria, Kym, Mike, Cyndy & Frank 02/09/12

Gloria, Frank & Cyndy were part of our roll call, the group that we connected with the most, outside of Jason & Dan and Jen & Roxie. Every night we would track down Gloria who was singing her heart away with that amazing voice of her's in Karaoke. She is amazing. Frank & Cyndy, are first time cruisers, and are just the most fun loving couple you'll every meet. Neither of them ever held back when it came to new things and willing to try everything! I really enjoyed getting to know all 3 of these special people on a level outside of the Internet and hope to continue friendships with then in the future. Of course, if we are ever able to plan another cruise together, that would be even better. SOMETHING tells me that we (or I) will be sailing again with Gloria without a doubt.

Thank you guys for being a part of making our vacation a memorable one.

Kym & Mike Imagination Vacation Feb 2012

2012-02-16T11:15:00.002-05:00

So... Mike & I Were able to get away for a week last week and take a 4 night cruise on the Carnival Imagination. We had the BEST time ever. So good, that I am in a serious Post Cruise Depression Right now. Yes, It's Real. :-)

Anyway, We left after I got out of work on Friday Feb 3rd. Mike slept the day away while the kiddos were in school so he'd be able to drive that night. I had to work, so while he drove, I'd sleep. We got the car packed up and loaded and hit the road around 9:15pm on Friday Night. We had a great smooth, no problem drive. I am going to try to blog about the trip in sections, since i have SO many pictures to share, and it should be a bit easier to follow if I do it this way. First I need to say Thank You to Meema (my mom), GG (Mike's mom) And Grandpa (my Dad) for helping out with the kids while we were gone. Obviously this much needed (and deserved if you ask me) trip wouldn't have been possible if our family wasn't willing to help out taking the kids. The kids of course had a GREAT time with all the grandparents, and enjoyed the week of pure spoiled-ness. :-)

So Here are Mike & I at our first pit stop. A rest area somewhere in West Virgina. It was around 3:30am when we took this picture. Excited for the adventure that was to come still!!

And the outside of the rest area, See.... we were in WV! LOL

Ah.. We made it to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina around 11:00am. We were able to spend the rest of this day and night with Mike's Aunt Sandy who lives here. Mike's Cousin Mark & his wife Shelly and their boys also live here, so it was awesome to be able to send time with family, and get to visit the area a bit as well. We never get to see Mark, Shelly and boys much at all, so that was even better.

What's even better?? SONIC!!! we don't have a sonic here. We LOVE Sonic. We stopped at one in Colorado when we were there in 2010 and loved it. Now we actually plan our routes when we travel, so we are able to stop at one. This was our goal, to be able to make it to Sonic around Lunch time. We did it!

The Menu!

Here is just a picture showing GREEN LIVE plants and tress in February. Remember, we live in the North, it's Cold and ugly here right now. How cool that you can drive for 11 hours, and it's 40 degrees warmer and GREEN! And Palm trees... ah how I love palm trees.

Here we are in the car, getting ready to head to Aunt Sandy's house, after our yummy lunch. Yes, we are looking a bit rough, but we had been in the car for over 12 hours at this point.

We arrived at Aunt Sandy's house, got showered and freshened up, then Aunt Sandy took us (well me really, since Mike's been there done that before) of the beach/Ocean and boardwalk. It was SO warm and nice out! Well, for us NYers anyway.

The Sky Wheel, that I would NEVER go on. Nope, I don't do Ferris wheels.

How pretty is this Beach front?? I love the dock in the background.

All the hotels along the Ocean Front. thankfully we weren't here at a busy time. I am sure it was more locals out and about then anything else. A week from now, during winter break, this place would be PACKED.

Looking the other direction.

The boardwalk. I guess this is all new, and it continues to be added onto, I loved the space and feel of it.

Know the group "Alabama" ? (they sang our wedding song, not in person of course, but they sang it nonetheless)

Well, here is the BOWERY where they got their start!

Hm.. Did you know it is the 8th wonder of the world?

Headed to Miami!!

Obviously we don't get hurricanes in Buffalo. We have snow evacuation routes, not Hurricane ones. Our's have Snowflakes on them, so I thought it was cool that theirs had the hurricane symbol. So at 4am, as we were headed out of SC, I had Mike pull over and take a picture of one (and he wanted to get a drink out of the cooler in the back of the car too, so it wasn't JUST for this picture. LOL)

So we left Aunt Sandy's house just after 4am. I wasn't sure how to dress, since we'd be in the car for the next 13 or so hours to begin with, I figured pants? But Mike decided to wear shorts, so I thought, Ok, maybe it will be warm later on, I'll wear Capri's.

Needless to say, as we head out to the car, I sure am glad I put on Capri's.

Look at that temp! It's 4:28 AM and it's already 63 degrees outside!

We arrived at the Florida Welcome Center at around 11am if I remember correctly.

How Fun is it that they give you Fresh squeezed Orange or Grapefruit Juice?? It was good too!!

Wahoo!! We made it to Florida. too bad it's the longest state ever and we still have like 5 more hours to get to Miami. LOL

Talking to the boys on the phone at the Florida welcome center before we head on the road again!

Holy Moly am I glad that I wore my Capri's! Mike was sure glad he wore shorts, It's 80 degrees at 11:48AM! So that's almost a 50 degree difference from when we left home 36 hours before.

And around 4:00 or so we arrived at our hotel! We stayed at the Fair field Inn, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I got a great rate of $78.00 for the night from LMT (last minute Travel), much cheaper then staying right in Miami, and we were only around 30 mins away from port anyway.

Our hotel room. It was small, but nice. Not bad for under $80.00

I liked the contemporary colors that were everywhere.

Los Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

After we got refreshed again, we headed out to find something to eat for dinner. I did some research prior to leaving home, and we thought it would be fun to go to a Hibachi restaurant. So off we went to downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Only we never found the restaurant, so kept driving and found this awesome street that was apparently the happening place! We parked and walked up and down the blocks for a while, taking in all the cool buildings, in fun designs, amazing tropical colors and quaint little rivers etc. It was like being in someplace out of a movie. So serene and pretty. The Blvd was pretty crowded, being Superbowl Sunday and all, BUT there were alot of places closed as well. I am thinking it was because it WAS a Sunday evening, not a Friday or Saturday. I imagine those nights would be even more crowded. Every place had outside seating with candles on the tables, menu's were outside for you to glance at before you decided. It was awesome.

I am sure the people who live probably don't appreciate the neat architecture like I do, or the fun colors, but I couldn't help but take pictures of all of it.

Underground parking for these amazing townhouses.

How neat would it be to sit out on your balcony and look at the small river flowing beneath. Not sure how you feel, but water always calms me.

We ended up stopping to eat the cheesecake factory. Yes, we have one at home, but neither of us had ever been there before (well, I was once with the girls from work, years ago, but that was it) Outside, was a gentleman making objects from palms. He made this awesome rose, out of 1 single palm. How cool is that?? It smelled so fresh. And We'll have it forever, even after it turns brown.

Side view. We ended up eating inside, because the wait to dine outside was close to an hour. we needed food fast! We had a nice relaxing delicious meal, even if our waiter left something to be desired.

After dinner we made a quick stop at Target (I needed a new blow dryer) and we bought a couple things as well. It was WAY cool to walk into Target on Feb 5th and have SHORTS out to try on!! Mike told me to be quiet, I was sounding like a tourist. :-)

We spotted Jamba Juice in the next plaza and HAD to stop, even though we were stuffed from dinner. We experience Jamba Juice in Colorado as well, and loved it. Why can't any of these good places come to Buffalo??? Hello!!

Sailing Day has arrived!!

Monday Feb 6th 2011

We woke up the next morning to a rainy dreary day. Who cares - We are getting on the SHIP today!! Off to the Port of Miami we head.

Side Note - Miami traffic is HORRIBLE!!!

We eventually made it to the port. I see the tops of some cruise ships!! This moment is so exciting, no matter how many times you've cruised or what port your out of. The first glimpse gives you butterflies in your tummy!

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, NCL, Oh my!!

We got to port about 10:30 am. Miami has a kiosk check in, can't really get much easier then that can they??Got our welcome back sea passes and we waiting for Zone 5 to be called!

As we were waiting to be called, it was 11:00am, and past passengers were STILL filing off the ship. What the heck! I guess there were delays with the weather getting everything and everyone off the ship in time, and the customs to clear then, so we had to wait for them to get off first :-(

Patiently waiting for zone 5!!

Or... Not so patiently.

there's the imagination right out those windows!!! I want ON! Finally about 11:45am, we were called and aboard we went!

Of course, first place was to eat!! Passing the pool & deck area along the way!

Cabins aren't ready until 1:30pm, so we hung out on the top deck and watched them loading the ship with our luggage and other goods for the week. Monday is the big loading day (not Friday when we get back to port and the 3 day cruise goes out, just Monday's)

See that piece of purple luggage in that cage??? It's OURS!! At least we knew some of our clothes would make it. LOL

Miami Skyline.

then we went wandering some more.

Waterworks!! can you believe we never made it back to the waterslides after this day?? We were so busy doing other things we never got back here. Next time.

Serenity - Adults Only spot. there were 2 hot tubs here as well.

There is Destiny behind us

Rain stopped, and the sun came out. And it was HUMID!!

And of course, Carnival's "whale tail" Freddy as the kids call it.

These were some comfy chairs.

Another view of freddy.

Finally able to get into our rooms!! Yippie!!

Here is our bathroom :

Shower/Sink area

Potty :-)

And our Cabin. We had an ocean view room, on Empress deck (7) Cabin # E102

Desk/vanity & Closet view. the bathroom is across from the closet.

We decided since we had time to kill before our Roll Call meet & greet, sail away, and our luggage arriving, we'd take a spa tour. In all 5 of our cruises, this is the ONLY one we've ever taken, and I've always wanted too, so it was fun! Remember this is one of the smaller ships we've been on (as well as Sensation) so I can only imagine what the spa looked like on the Dream! (we never even found the spa on dream)

Front Desk area.

The Salon (Hair & Nails)

this is the women's locker room, heading to the treatment rooms and the gym area. There are benches, lockers, sinks, a shower area with a bunch of showers and a changing room. So quiet and relaxing.

The showers/changing area. ANYONE can use these facilities, you don't have have a spa appt to use these showers or the sauna/steam room. Someday I am determined to take advantage of this. It will have to be a 7 day sail though, so I can fit it in.

The gym!! All the same awesome equipment you'd see at your gym at home, but this one is at sea. And with the best possible view ever! But no worries, if you don't want to look ahead at the water, there are TV's built into the equipment for your pleasure.

Here is the aerobics studio and the cycling bikes.

Just one of the MANY treatment rooms.

This was as a treatment room that had a divider between, so it can open up to the other one if couples or friends wanted to share a room :-)

The Spa waiting room.

Finally! Time for our meet & greet at the waterworks bar from our Cruise Critic roll call.

Ok, me with my first drink of vacation!

And while we were waiting, Mike noticed that Carnival has it's own Trucking company, so he says we can move to Florida, and he can drive for them, and we can cruise all the time, since we won't have to travel to port!

Anyway - we had 30 people on the roll call, but only a few of us showed up (of course, all the important people) he, he. We met some amazing people that we will hopefully stay in contact with for years to come! Gloria, Frank, Cyndy, Jason, Dan & Jenn & Roxie, other then us were the only ones who showed up. We did later on the sea day, meet up with Shayne on deck, so I am glad we were able to meet her. Jason and Dan had been on board for 2 sailing already! they were at the last leg of a B2B2B2B (back to backs) How awesome! (Um... Yea, I am jealous)

Hm... misplaced aerobic room pic

After the meet & greet, we headed back up to the gym to see if we won any prizes from our spa tour. We didn't :-( BUT I have to say I will always take a spa tour from now on. I had no idea that they did sample procedures on you, and gave so much stuff away. See.. 5 cruises in and still learning!

The theatre.

Looking down the stairs from the 2nd story.

WE ARE CRUISIN'!!!

Here's some Pictures of certain areas of the ship.

Here we have the ever famous Casino. Happy to say that we didn't step one foot into here. And it was WAY too smokey to even try to if we did want too. ugh.

The thing with Carnival is the odd decorating style. The Dream wasn't bad since it was a NEW ship, Imagination is 17 years old though. They had these statues through the atrium. No big deal right? Not until we notice the breasts hanging out. LOL

The other Casino Entrance

Heading into the atrium from the promenade

And if you go this way, it brings you to one side of the photo gallery and an entrance to the Dynasty Lounge (the theatre)

Looking down into the atrium from Deck 9 - the promenade, our cabin was down the hallway right behind the shore excursion desk down there. It was an ideal location. Loved it.

Sail away!

Destiny pulled out ahead of us.

Goodbye Miami - How pretty is this place?? love it!

Looking down onto Lido deck 10

Hot Tub, Mike sat in here for a LONG time one afternoon. Way too long. needless to say, his blood pressure was SKY high for a few hours after.

Mini Golf anyway?? Here we are on the sports deck.

Jogging track.

Palm trees!! Love the perfect lines!

Sail Away Deck party!! Shake it Gloria!

At the aft of the ship, as we sail away. Bye Bye Miami!

Happy Birthday to us! What a great week to sail! We decorated our door :-)

Of to dinner on the first night! I think we need to bring a tripod next time. LOL

This picture we took for Courtney - Circle C which is the hangout for the 11-14 year olds. She loved Circle C on Dream.

This would have been her camp counselor.

Our waiters dancing to Low on the first evening. We had any time dining this sailing. It was different, but I liked it.

our first towel animal! Hello Mr Seal

More Birthday Decorations. We had to keep it fun you know!

Here's a good view of our cabin from in front of the window, on the opposite side of the bed. That's the door to the hallway straight ahead. 4 huge closets to the left and the bathroom across from them. Then we had the vanity /dresser area with 4 drawers. We had a chair in our room as well as the king size bed. Plenty of space!

The Atrium in the evening. All lit up and pretty.

LOVE this picture. It really shows you how tall the atrium really is!

Here were heading back to the buffet dining area.

Horizon Grille. Back here is also another bar, the pizza shop and the deli (my FAV!!)

Ah.. Mike's Fav. the pizza!!

Xanadu Lounge & punch liner comedy club at night.

Lounge area.

The outside of Xanadu lounge.

there's Mike, at the Bar.

Stairs down to the dining room.

Pinnacle Club

looking down the promenade, The photographers were all set up, so it blocked alot.

Illusions Night Club

Promenade seating.

Coffee Shop/Cafe

Shangri La lounge, spent a lot of time here watching the infamous Gloria Singing her heart out!

Sushi Bar!

Arcade!

Public restroom - Very clean and nice.

Ok, that's enough for Day 1! We are wiped! Night Night.

Up next? Tuesday Feb 7th - Key West!

Colins Med Update

2012-02-15T15:37:00.000-05:00

Last last post was obviously old, and before we had upped Colin's meds. I had it saved in my drafts, and have just not gotten around to posting it. Since then, we've gone back to see his Pdoc and have him re evaled for his meds. Which have thankfully been readjusted and additional dosages added. He now gets them 2 times per day, in the morning when he wakes up, and in the evening. The morning dose helps him manage his day schedule, and the evening dose (usually around 5:30/6:00) helps him manage his evening and sleep schedule. Since we've began this, Colin has slept though the night EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT!! Because he is sleeping through the night 1 - he's not as tired/dopey at school & 2 - he's more focused! AND 3- I get a FULL night sleep in my bed in my house in almost 5 years!!! It's a wonderful feeling to wake up feeling refreshed. We were working on sticker charts for patience, and I ended up changing it up to sleeping through the night, so he too can feel accomplished and confident that sleeping all night long is a good thing! He really enjoys waking each day and getting to put a sticker on his chart :-)

So .. In addition, since we've played with his dosage, he really is a whole new Colin. It's wonderful honestly. Sad that it takes meds to make him this way, but, if they level out his chemicals and do their job, who I am I to say it's a sad thing?? He is SO Loving!! This is something we really really missed out for the past 4 years. He was never the one to come and sit on your lap. Or give you a hug or kiss. when he got hurt the last thing he would want is comfort. He now will sit on our laps in the evening when we watch his bedtime show. He'll crawl on our laps to be read too, with out us even saying, "Colin come and sit with me" He'll tell you he loves you, just because and if you ask for a kiss?? He'll come up and give it to you!! How awesome is that? he's so focused as well. he is able to stay on task for numerous minutes now, as opposed to only a few. Tantrums are now a few weekly instead of NUMEROUS ones daily. Anxiety has decreased dramatically. It is still prominent, but so much less!! Unfortunately his anxiety makes him scratch himself, and hes not aware of it. Lately we've woken in the morning to blood on his sheets or pillow cases. 2 days ago he came home from school saying his head hurt (it was his fore head, right smack in the middle of his birthmark) so he continued to scratch it until it turned into a brush burn :-( It's much more noticeable since it is on his birth mark which just makes it more red. Poor babes.

All in all, the meds are working as they need too. We are going to continue working with him in counseling (every 6 weeks) so he is able to learn how to control the anxiety that is left over, which will in turn, help him to cope all day long.

So the progression is positive.

Oh!!! I almost Colin was accepted into a food study program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders! I am so excited for this. We are only in the beginning stages, but eventually, we'll get to the point where we attended a meal time workshop and he'll be offered different types of foods. Most children on the spectrum are VERY picky eaters, due to OCD, or tactile issues or whatnot. Colin being one of them, so I am very excited to see the outcome.

Colin & OCD

2012-02-15T15:16:00.000-05:00

This is actually from a couple of weeks ago (1/21 according to the computer) Poor Colin was determind that he had this baby bear that went missing. Becuase of his OCD, he KNEW it was somewhere in this house and he focused on nothing more all day long. For Real. 7.5 hours. This started right before noon and finally settled as we got him in bed at 7:30pm. My poor guy. So this is what his closet looks like, after he tore everything off of the shelves and attemped to climb the wall so he could look in the crawl space for the specific item he wanted. In this picture, he is actually IN the closest believe it or not. He's standing on the bottom shelf. You can almost get a glimce of his PJ's. They are red/green fleece plaid PJ's. My heart broke this day. It killed me that I, as his mom, wasn't able to help him, and put him at ease. the monday after this was a Med check appt with his psychiatrist. I originally wasn't going with, Just Mike, after this, I decided that I too, needed to be there.

Oh Momma Kitty

2012-02-15T15:04:00.001-05:00

Remember THIS post that I posted about how Momma likes to sit on all things tiny on the kitchen counter?? Well, of course I had to take a picture when I saw him (yes, Momma is a BOY) sitting on top of Caden's Lunch Box a few evenings ago. How perfect is this one? Today, as I was leaving for work, Caden's lunch box was open, and guess where Momma was? Yep, sitting INSIDE of it.

Caden & his "girls"

2012-02-01T13:20:00.001-05:00

Can you see how much Courtney HATES being in this picture? Seriously, Caden LOVES his big sister so much, looks up to her, loves her friends and enjoys spending time with her. This night, she had him in tears, becuase she wanted NOTHING to do with him. All he wanted to do was be in her room, with all the girls. He truely loves her friends. She was crazy mean to him. To calm him, we promised him a picture of him with Courtney and Amanda before they left for the dance. This is what we got. It's better then nothing. I so hope, one day, Courtney will realize how much these boys look up to her. Well, Caden anyway. Colin is scared to death of her *sigh*

More Courtney!

2012-02-01T13:14:00.001-05:00

I really just LOVE that they have photograpers at the track meets and even better that they post them on line for us parents to keep for our personal enjoyment forever!!

And a team photo of the

2011-2012 Depew Wildcats Indoor Track Team!

Go Wildcats!!

Courtney

2012-01-26T15:41:00.004-05:00

Courtney - Has taken up running over the past year. Last Spring she finished out middle school enjoying Track & Field in May. This first year of high school, she decided to do Indoor Track for the winter until Spring comes along to do Track & Field again. She even thinks she'll do Cross Country in the Fall.

I Couldn't be more proud of her. I wish I could upload the picture that was in the Depew/Lancaster Bee, but it won't let me. At the beginning of the season she made the sports section of this community paper! There is an awesome picture of her, but alas, I can't scan it in! :(

These 2 pictures are pretty awesome anyway. They are great action shots, showing how hard she is working. I love her form, her arms bent, fingers relaxed and the way her hair is swinging behind her. I LOVE that she is loving running, and honestly, maybe one of these days, I'll lace up my running shoes again and get out there with her.

Great Job Courtney!!

**I obviously copied these pictures from facebook, its seems that section 6 runs needs to get credit for them! Thanks for the memories!

Out of the Darkness

2012-01-26T15:26:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a parent forum on Teenage Depression & Suicide Awareness. It was beyond informative. Actually, not just in the teenage aspect of it. They had numerous vendors set up out side of the auditorium for about 30 minutes prior to the start of the forum. I was able to get LOTS of good reading material, for all things. Drug & Alcohol abuse in teens etc. I was also able to speak to a few different mental health agencies about Colin, and care for his future. Colin by all means has a mental illness. Not just Aspergers, or ADHD, Colin has anxiety. Anxiety is partially stemmed from Depression. When someone asks me to explain Colin’s mood, I say depressed. It’s the best way to describe him most of the time. Depression is a mental illness. Mental illness is a disease of the Brain. Much like diabetes being a disease of your blood.

On the Panel of those speaking to us were, A couple, the parents of a teenage child who completed suicide just under 2 years ago. There was also Eric Weaver, who was representing the foundation of suicide prevention, and someone representing the office of mental health in WNY. It was quite interesting, listening to each person tell their stories. The parents of course quite interesting. They obviously had no inclination that their son was suicidal, or depressed. It was brought up that we all go about talking to our children about all the important talks in life. Drugs, alcohol, sex, teen pregnancy, bullying etc etc, but we never touch on the subject of depression. Which is odd, since it’s *usually* depression which drives our loved ones towards these other bad behaviors to begin with. Joe, who was the child of Phil & Linda, was 17, a middle child & a successful student at Williamsville North High school. No one had any idea that he was depressed, had they known just a little bit of information, this may have been prevented. He would have been directed to help. He left an older brother, younger brother and his parents behind with nothing, not even a note. They shared their story so we would understand that sometimes it’s not obvious.

Eric Weaver speaking was the one who I enjoyed the absolute most. He threw facts/figures at us that blew my mind. He was just amazing. He started off by telling us that Mental Illness is NOTHING to be ashamed about. He has 4 diagnosable mental illnesses. He has Bipolar disorder, Depression, Anxiety with OCD, and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) He’s been hospitalized 7 times from 1996 through 2008. He’s on medication, in therapy and always will be. He also has a teenage daughter who has depression as well as borderline personality disorder. This stuff is not new to him, not as a person, a professional or a Dad. He couldn’t stress enough how no one should be ashamed of any mental illness. It’s not something we triggered. It’s a chemical imbalance in the brain.

I bring this up, because as we all know, I suffered from PPD after Caden’s birth. (And Colin 2 years later) Was I ashamed? YES! Did I want anyone to know what was wrong with me? NO! That is of course, once I figured it out. Well, Mike figured it out actually. 7 years ago, I would never have told anyone that I suffer from anxiety. After going through what I did, I am MORE then willing to tell others that I suffer from a mental illness. IN actuality, 3 people, out of the 5 in our home, suffer from Anxiety, and are all treated with meds, some with therapy. I have no problem calling my doctor up and saying I have panic attacks, what can I do? Or my medicine isn’t working anymore, can we tweak the dosages? I know what works for me, and am not afraid to ask for it. I know too, what coping tools that I’ve learned over the years will help me get through whatever is bringing me down at that moment. We live in a very stressful house in general. We have 2 special needs children, who require A LOT of attention. We have a teenage daughter who is involved into lots of school activates/sports, on top of just being a teenager. School is always a struggle as well. Not to mention, she has these 2 brothers who require most of mom & dad’s time, and I am SURE that is not an easy thing to deal with. We have a mom who is working full time, and a dad who is currently laid off, creating obvious financial hardships. Add in doctors’ appointments, religious and other actives and meetings and our days are filled typically until pretty late in the evening, with out a second to stop and breathe and enjoy what life has given us. I hope that someday I can look at Colin and not see the sad look in his eyes. To say that he’s not depressed any longer. I think as he gets older, and can better understand what is going on with his body, he too can figure out the coping skills that he needs to overcome this. I know he will, it just takes time. He is so delayed developmentally right now, that understanding why he feels the way he does, is not something that we can work with him on right now. I hope one day when Courtney feels like she isn’t happy, or may be depressed that she knows she can come to us and talk to us. I am not afraid to tell others that I am medication. She knows I take meds and for what I take them for. I hope having this open relationship with her now; will help her to trust us, or another adult in the future.

So now, I’d like to share with you some facts/figures that that I learned last night. Depression and Suicide are real illnesses, which NEED to be addressed.

*Did you know that every 15 minutes a person completes suicide?

*Did you know that every minute (yes that is 1 minute), a suicide attempt is made?

*1 out of every 20 people has or has had suicide thoughts.

*1 out of every 5 people has a diagnosed mental illness. Think about that one for a second. Look around you right now. Think of where you live, or where you work. Look at my family! I have 3 of 5 people with a diagnosed mental illness. As you stand in line at the bank with 5 tellers and 4 people in line with you. 2 of the 10 of you have a diagnosed mental illness.

*Some other signs of depression that you may not think about? Constant complaining of headache/stomachache (Colin always talks about headaches)

*Did you know Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 19-24 year olds, and it is the 2nd leading Cause of death in 15-19 year olds?

*Depression is NOT the leading indicator for suicide. The highest indicators are hopelessness & helplessness. Listen for these cues in your children.

I realize this post might not be proper to be putting on our family blog. Nor is it a subject that most adults or families like to speak about. We are a very open family. We talk willingly and openly to Courtney about a variety of things. I posted this more as a reference and to let others know, you’re not alone. And DO NOT be ashamed if you too are or have suffered.

More Fun with the boys

2012-01-19T11:42:00.001-05:00

Of course, another thing I saw on Pinterest. Grabbed the $1 pack of glow sticks when were at target the other day.

Get em glowing, then through them in the bathtub with the kids and turn off the lights!

The kids thought it was the best thing in the world. They played "fireworks" with them, and just enjoyed the Glow of it all.

I'll for sure be buying more when I go back to the store. How fun it would be too, in the bottom of the pond on a summer night, when we are having a party!

Mya

2012-01-19T11:38:00.000-05:00

Just love this picture SO Much of our Mya Pya girl

Animals need attention too.

2012-01-19T09:12:00.001-05:00

It's not often that I do any posts on the animals, so I thought I would share the love with the furry Beyer's. Lately, we've found the cats in some way odd positions/spots. Since they are, after all, like our "other" children, the first thing we do is run and grab the camera!

Here's Mya sporting her cozy, warm, hooded sweater. And Yes, she is a girl, but the girly sweaters, were really girly, with bling and all, and I wasn't for all of that. Personally, I like the cute puff ball on top of her head anyway :-) It keeps her warm anyway when we take her for walks on cool nights. And she sits right down for you so you can put it on her!

Here we have Oreo & Bobbers. If you can't find Bob anywhere in the house, look for Oreo, he's never far behind. They are the best of pals.

And Momma - Oh Momma. this cat LOVES the kitchen counter. It's so weird. He sleeps on top of anything he can find. If you have a paper towel folded in half, he'll get RIGHT on top of it and lay down. Caden's lunch box? He'll sit on it and fall asleep. It's so odd. This day, he found a tiny spot between the wall, and the clean dishes drying on the counter. Plopped himself there and was curled into this tiny ball, out like a light for a good hour or more.

And then there's Mason... Good Old Mason. I am not sure if he thinks he's a dog, or what, but he's not any ordinary cat, that's for sure. here he is, sitting at the dinner table with us. He loves to eat your leftovers. Only he isn't usually this patient. If you turn your head, He'll come right up and grab your food and RUN. It's Funny and annoying all at the same time. When Colin is eating, he'll be surrounded by Mason & Mya, since they know he won't fight them back like we do. It's terrible. Mason is ALWAYS sneaking a piece of sausage from his plate. And Mya waits patiently until Colin is done, then will take what he didn't finish. This day, Mason got tired of us putting him on the floor and telling him no, So he took up residence in the booster seat, and waited.... It was funny though, because he kept falling asleep sitting up. He'd close his eyes and start swaying. Then he'd open them again really quick, not wanting to miss any tiny scrap of leftovers.

Gotta love the animals. They all have some of the best personality's and the kids love them. Mason sleeps with Caden every night. During the day, Oreo and Bobbers sleep in Caden's bed. Blackberry spends her days and nights in Courtney's room. And Momma... just look for the papers on the floor or counter, he'll be sleeping there for sure!

Colin's EEG

2012-01-18T16:11:00.000-05:00

Part of getting a diagnosis, brings along all the "further" testing to rule any medical problems out. First Up: The EEG. :-( We had to keep Colin up as late as we could the night prior and wake him early. In order to try to get the worst night sleep possible, I figured I'd have him sleep on the couch, and he would be up later too, since we'd be up,watching TV and moving around. keep in mind, bedtime for these two guys is typically 7:30 on a rough behavior day and 8:00 on a typical day. So we let Caden set up the DVD player and they sat together to watch {titanic} of course.

Around 9 Colin kept asking if he could put his head down. I said Ok, but do what you have to stay awake! 9:15 the movie ended, so we took our turns laying down with Caden. By the time we were done and back in the living room (10 minutes) Colin was OUT cold :( I was bummed. I tried to wake him, but it was a no go.

He ended up in bed with us around 2am. We had our alarm set for 3:30/4:00 to get him up and keep him up, however, being tired Mom & dad, we slept through that too, and didn't wake until 5:00! So, Colin ended up with a typical full night sleep anyway :( Which didn't help the test process at all.

We knew he wouldn't take this well. First we got there, and there were about 7 people in waiting room. He wouldn't even go in the waiting room because of the amount of people. Poor guy. Once they finally called him, they took us the back way. Opening a back door, and having us walk around the hall, so he wouldn't have to walk by the people in the waiting room. Nice of them, but so sad that he gets that anxious that he can't go into a full room. My poor kiddo. They take us to a room, that is smaller then my tiny cube at work.

Then, along comes the battle of getting him onto the hospital bed. *whew* It took a good 10 minutes, and I finally went up there and laid down first and had Mike hand him to me. Kicking. Screaming. Crying. Yelling. Poor Colin!

Then he had to lay down! More fighting. THEN they had to swab his head with the sticky stuff to make the wire stick. OMG. End of the world. My heart was breaking. You have NO idea the fighting we had to do. In the end, we had to wrap him in a sheet, up to his neck. Hold it tight around around him, so he couldn't move his body. I was practically laying on the upper 1/2 of his body (remember, I am BIG and heavy) and Mike had to hold his legs down. I had to hold his head (by the chin) down so the wires could reach. Nothing consoled this poor boy. 35 or so mins later I was sweating, my shirt was ripped at the seem from him pulling and I was ready for a nap, the wires were in place. Here's the kicker. The new way they do this, is the test is only 30 minutes long. They expect this child, who is now SO worked up and anxious to relax enough to go to sleep and get a good reading. Are you kidding me? Needless to say, he never fell asleep. He for sure would have, had we had another 30 minutes. He was JUST calming down, as you'll see in the picture below.

These were taken AFTER the test. We couldn't take any before the end. After the 3 minutes of light flashing in his eyes. (which is why the eyes are closed in the one) you can see how red, and sweaty is was from fighting us.

He wouldn't even turn his head, for fear that she would have to touch it again. It makes me upset that we go through all of that, for just 30 mins.

After we get the wrapping off, he is able to sit up, so she can take the rest of the wires off. He did great for this part.

then she went to get water to wash the gunk out of his hair, and he said, That was fun!

WHAT???!!!

LOL

So for being such a brave boy, Colin got to pick a new animal from the hospital gift shop.

Next up? He still needs an EKG and blood work. :-( Anyone want to volunteer to take him? I am not scheduling them anytime soon. This little guy needs a break.

I am however, super proud of him. These 2 boys of ours have gone though more testing in their short years, then some adults have ever had to. In the end, It can only make them stronger.

Science Experiment with Soap!

2012-01-18T15:50:00.001-05:00

I found this fun experiement on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago, so thought I would try it with the kids on our day off on Monday!

You take a bar of Ivory Soap - it MUST be Ivory Soap

Cut it in quarters.

Here's Colin showing you his quarter.

Caden getting in on the soap action (Colin wouldn't hold it, hense the need for the plate above)

Put it in the mircrowave.

Set it for 3 mintues and WATCH it!!

{As in, do NOT walk away}

The light in our microwave is broken, so we couldn't see much, it's much much more fun to watch the process, but we had to guess.

Because we had to guess {and I was nervous} I stopped it just after about 1.15 mintues. We also have a high powered microwave. So a lower power, you may want to use the full time, or close to it.

Look at our end product! becuase of the air bubbles in Ivory Soap, the heat makes it expand, and once it cools down, it stays like this!

So much fun! It's still usable as well, just break off the chunks as you need them! We actually put the whole plate in the shower with Caden, so he could use it as he wanted or needed, then when he was done, took it out to let it dry out again, and it holds it's shape!

On a side note, Look at Col's eyelashes in that last picture, God I LOVE them!

Loving Therapy Toys

2012-01-18T15:29:00.000-05:00

Colin met with his new Counselor last week, During the visit, and after learning of his diagnosis, Darsh (the counselor) pulled out this toy from his desk, and told Mike, see if he'll play with this, it's designed for Children with Autism/sensory problems. Colin LOVED it. Mike took a picture of it for him with his cell phone, so we could order one for home. The next morning I started some online searching with the help of my friend Heather. We found a couple different ones, but they weren't exact. I KNEW Colin would need exact color, size, texture in order to even want to play with it. And those ones were around $20!! Finally I did a search that brought up the EXACT product, for $4.99! By the time we add in shipping and taxes, it come to around $8, but I couldn't have been happier. It shipped super super quick and we had it just 3 days. It just happened to be on Saturday, while Colin was having a rough weekend. We had some running around to do with the new car and to the store for some much need storage solutions. Colin of course, was NOT happy to leave the comforts of home, so it worked well that I checked the mail, before we headed out. The kids were already in the car. I opened the box and put it in my pocket.

Went into the car, and told him I have something for him. This is the IMMEDIATE response he gave when he saw it. You can see we were still in the garage too. He was SO happy about it.

He's played with it quite a bit since as well. We have too actually. I am ever so thankful that people think of these great toys to use as therapeutic tools for our kiddos!

Please take the time to Understand Special Needs Families.

2012-01-09T20:57:00.000-05:00

I found this amazing blog post posted on lifeunexpected.com. HUGE credit goes to the Author Marianne Russo, who wrote what most of us special needs parents feel at LEAST once during our trials. Our Children are amazing and wonderful, and SO many others are missing out on getting to know them, and us, because they only see the cover of the book..... Thank YOU Marianne for allowing us to share your writing and showing others that every person, is just as important as the next.

To Whom it May Concern,

I am the parent of a special needs child. I was overwhelmed, confused, heart broken and struggling to unravel the complexities before me.

Please do not pass judgement of me without knowing why I did not attend the school PTA breakfasts or community picnics. Please take a few minutes to understand why I did not take you up on your offer to have lunch or grab a cup of coffee. Although we see each other in the supermarket or at school functions, I don’t think you really ever knew me, actually, I can guarantee that you did not know me because just as my child was different, so was I.

I was in survival mode to keep my family in tact and to give my child the best quality of life possible.

I was presented with parental decisions that have torn me apart and kept me up more nights than I can possibly remember.

I had spent most days of the week at therapy and doctors appointments and most nights up researching treatments and medication options.

I was forced into isolation at times due to the stigma and misconceptions that are epidemic in our society.

I became proficient at prioritizing my life and learning to let the little things go, to look at others with compassion instead of tabloid material and to turn a blind eye to the stares or ignorant comments.

I did the best I could.

I survived.

I am one of the lucky ones, my child has blossomed and has exceeded all our expectations.

I have now become strong, I have become confident and I have become a fierce advocate for parents of special needs children. The growth did not come without much pain and many tears but it came.

So I ask you, please

The next time you see a parent struggling with a raging child, a child terrified to go into school, a child making odd movements or sounds, a child that seems to be in a world of their own… .Be kind. Give a smile of recognition for what that parent is going through. Ask if there is anything you can do to help, give them a pat on the hand or offer for them to go ahead of you on line.

The next time you have a birthday party for your child remember that their child has a hard time with a lot of sensory issues and social situations. Please send their child that invitation and know that more times than not they will not be able to attend but appreciate being included. Understand that in order for their child to go to the party they may need to stay for a little while and please make them feel welcome. When they let you know that their child cannot make the party consider inviting that child for a one on one playdate or an outing at the park.

The next time you are grading homework papers please understand that their child struggles, some with learning disabilities others with the exhaustion of their disorders or the obsession with perfectionism. The Perfectionism is not necessarily to have the answers right but to have it “feel” right for them. They have spent hours doing what most can do in ten minutes. A paper returned with red circles and comments only hurts a child’s self esteem and causes school anxiety. Please understand that when they see the school come up on their caller ID their hearts sink, remember to tell them about all the gains their children are making as well as their deficits. Take a minute before that call and know that they appreciate all you do and want a collaborative relationship in their child’s education.

The next time you are in the teachers lounge, please do not discuss their child. Please do not make negative comments about their parenting or their child’s behavior, it gets back to them and it gets back to other parents in their community.

The next time you pass the cafeteria and see their child sitting alone please consider inviting that child to eat lunch in your classroom and be your helper that period. Consider working with a guidance counselor to set up a lunch buddy group in a different area.

The next time they are at the CSE meeting planning their chid’s IEP know that they are educated, informed and confident knowing special education law. Know that they have found the courage to stand up to conformity and will explore every option to give their child the differentiated educated that will show their gifts and not just their disabilities. Understand that educating a child with special needs is one of the most difficult tasks a parent can face, know that the last thing they want is an adversarial relationship. Please show them the same respect they show you.

The next time you are creating an educational plan please take into consideration that their child may have specific interests or obsessions. Foster those interests, instead of taking away that art class for a resource class consider adding an art class instead. Think outside the box, these parents do.

The next time you see that child in a wheelchair unable to speak or control their movements, don’t stare, don’t look away, say hello. Do not assume that because this child is nonverbal that they are not intelligent or do not understand the awkwardness that you feel. Take a moment out of your day to show kindness, support a parent enduring incredible pain and just give them a smile.

The next time your child comes home telling you how Johnny or Susie is so weird, take the time to teach about differences. Take the time to talk about compassion, acceptance and special needs. Please remember that your child learns from you. Be a role model, mirror respect and discourage gossip.

The next time you hear a comment about how out of style these kids are, educate about tactile sensitivities and the fact that these kids cannot tolerate many textures and fits. Imagine what it would feel like to have sandpaper in your stilettos or tight elastic holding on your tie.

The next time you see an out of control child do not assume it is bad parenting. Understand that many of these disorders have an organic basis, are biological and are real illnesses. When you hear the words mental illness, take out the “mental” and remember ”illness”.

Know that it is this generation that can stomp the stigma and create a world of acceptance.

The next time other parents are talking about “Those Kids” be our heroes, stand up for us.

The next time you see a special needs child know they are not just special in their needs but in their brilliance as well.

Take the time to meet our children. Take the time to know us.

AFTER POST: Thank you for the tremendous response to this writing and requests to post or share on your blogs, websites or educator sites. Feel free to copy in its exact form and use author credits to comply with copyright.

2011 Survey

2012-01-05T09:31:00.001-05:00

I thought it would be fun to get some of the kids perspectives from the past year. I'd like to do this every year, just to see how it changes as they grow up, however, we'll see if that happens or not :-) Here are the answers the kids gave to the following questions:

Courtney Age 14

Past 2011
Hardest Thing in 2011? Had my first ever cavity filled
What you loved most about 2011? Don't know
Favorite 2011 memory? Cruise Vacation
Present
What is your favorite Activity? School Sports (Track, Tennis, Cheer)
Favorite Color? light blue & teal
Favorite Book? The Lying Game Series
Favorite Food? Pizza
Least Favorite Food? Stuffed Green Pepper Soup
Favorite Song? Fly by Nikki Manaj
What do you like best about Mom? She is Nice
Dad? He is funny
Caden? Cute
Colin? Nothing.
Future
Biggest Goal for 2012? Run Faster
What do you want to get better at? Raise Grades
What do you want to be when you grow up? Doctor, Lawyer or Vet.

Caden Age 6
Past 2011
Greatest lesson Learned in 2011? I don't know
Best Part off 2011? Cruise Ship (can I go pee now?)
Present
Favorite Color? Red, Blue & Green
Favorite Food? Strawberries
Favorite Book? Sponge Bob (I laugh at his, we don't even have this book!)
Favorite Activity? I don't know
What do you like about Mom? She Loves me
About Dad? He lets me put wood in the fire place before he lights it
Courtney? She loves the cats
Colin? Nothing
Future
What do you want to get better at? Jobs
What do you want to be when you grow up? A Mailman

Colin Age 4
Past 2011
Best Part of 2011? Ugh, leave me alone I am playing with my cars!
Present
Favorite Color? Blue
Favorite Activity? Playing Trains
Favorite Food? Salami Sandwich
Favorite Book? Cartoons
What do you like best about Mom? I love her
Dad? He's just funny
Courtney? Nothing
Caden? WHAT?!?!
Future
What do you want to be when you grow up? A Train Person.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T15:33:00.001-05:00

How did you ring in the new year? For us, it's typically just another day. This year though, While Courtney had a babysiting job down the street, the boys slept and Mike went to work for Designated Driver of Buffalo. I sat at home, played on the computer, relaxed and stayed on the phone with Courtney to watch the ball drop on TV. Courtney came home around 1 and we were all in bed.

Mike however - had a late night. He strolled in around 5:30 :-) As I said earlier, in an effort to make some extra money since he is currently laid off, Mike teamed up with DD of Buffalo to drive home people who had too much to drink and we not able to drive themselves home. A good cause? Of course! He drove the person home, in their own car, and his team member followed behind to pick him up after the drop off. Although the pay off ended up being less then what we would have made on umeployment, Mike had a good time, and did something really good for some people in the WNY area. Good Job Honey!

Colin Happenings & diagnosis'

2012-01-04T15:19:00.000-05:00

Since it's been almost a full year since I actually posted many comings and goings, not many of you would even know all the problems we've delt with Colin. A while back, our pediatrician diagnosed him with a general anxiety disorder. Our days/nights and basically everyday life was affected by How Colin woke up in the morning. If Col wasn't Colin in the happy form, you were doomed. It wasn't worth it to try to make it better, or fix it, Since there was NO "fixing" it. Someday I'll write about our October Dream Cruise Vacation from Hell with the kids. Caden wasn't quite as bad as Colin, but Colin... oh man. Needless to say, Mike and I could NOT wait to get home, and get back to work. Col's sensory issues, OCD, anxiety and over-activeness were too much for this family to handle for 10 days straight out of the house. It was not pretty, and Yes, we did have ugly words with others who commented on our child.

So.. our pediatrician (who is wonderful by the way) agreed that Colin needed SOME sort of med to even him out. However she didn't feel comfortable enough to distribute an anxiety med to such a young child. We were given a million referrals, none of which would either take our horrible insurance, Or, those who would take said insurance, did not accept pediatric psychiatric patients. :-( We were put on the waiting list to get into the psychiatric program at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, but that list is months, almost a year long. Knowing he, and us needed help sooner, we turned to catholic charities, In Buffalo. We met with a counselor a couple of times before being refereed to the dr in the office for a psychiatric eval. And... that day (dec 27th 2011) Colin was his typical usual hyper overactice, anxious self. We were shocked to learn that with all of the things effecting Colin (OCD, anxiety, ADHD, meltdown, tantrums, depression to name only a few) that Colin fell on the Autism Spectrum as well. Colin has Aspergers. Thankfully, we were able to get him not only on one med, but 2. Some pretty strong ones to be honest. We are at the lowest possible dosage we can be at right now, but the one med, is used in adults over the age of 13 (with a different dosage obviously) to treat Bipolar disorder & Schizophrenia. What??!! I freaked when I read this. SO of course, I read the ENTIRE 10 page phamplet that came with it, to find, that it ALSO is used to treat Autism Symptoms in Children under the age of 10 *whew* I felt much better about that. He was also put on a 2nd med to help with his anxiety and Hyperactivity.

1 week later, the meds are doing what they should. Colin is like another child. He can be loving occasionally, he is much more relaxed, and he is much more focused. It's evened him out, and made daily life bearable for all of us involved. He still needs to go for medical testing to rule out anything else, as we had to do with Caden. He is scheduled for his EEG next Tuesday the 10th. Then we need to do an EKG and numerous blood works. I am doing only one at a time, only because remember that horrible insurance I mentioned? Yea, will it covers only 15-20% of all of these tests. Add up the EEG and EKG alone and we are well into the thousands and thousands of dollar range. We'll do it was we can , but for now, I couldn't be happier that we were able to end 2011 on a positive note, with not only meds for Colin, but a diagnosis as well.

Random Picutres

2012-01-04T15:01:00.000-05:00

I figured I better get some pictures on here while I have a chance too, or as we all know, I'll never do it. These are only a VERY VERY Few. It's what I have on me at work. Last week we headed out to Olean to Celebrate Christmas with Chris & Melissa while they were in town. GG set up a Horse drawn wagon ride for everyone while were there. It was a super nice day with the temps in the 40's, so it was perfect. All the kids on the wagon to take take turns sitting up front and holding the reins, which they all really loved. Courtney & Aunt Melissa then go to drive the horses back to the barn! How Fun!

Here is Caden, being his silly self.

Caden was one of the 3 king in the Nativity play at our Church on Christmas eve. He did such a good job, but didin't really want to sit near the other kids, so after he handed his gift Joseph, he walked as far as he possibly could away before he sat down. :-) In acutallity, he should have been seated right next to Mary, before that king in the red, since he was King #1 giving the gift of Gold. Good Job Caden!

Here is Colin on the wagon ride. Poor Colin, had just started his new meds the day prior to this, and his little self was just adjusting to them. He was pretty out of it for a while. He didn't eat for the first couple of days, and fall asleep at random times as well. I am glad he's adjusting better now, over a week later.

More Colin resting up on Daddy

Here's our yearly family picture before heading to church on Christmas eve. This was HARD to get this year. We had to lock the dog in the garage, and Colin wanted nothing to do with it at all. As you can tell, he hadn't yet started his meds yet, and this is what Colin "typically" looked like before meds. I may start refering to him before and after meds. There proves to be QUITE a different Colin in there :)

My Babes when they were all happy. Long before the family picture. I am super glad I was able to get this good picture of the 2 of them.

And Christmas eve, setting out Cookies, Milk & Carrots for Santa and the reindeer. of course we all sproting our annual christmas eve pj's as well. It's hard to find courtney 2 pieces that match at her age, so she only bottoms.

And here is my Little Pengiun man and Elf boy. How cute are they!? The PJ's made me laugh my butt off, but oh so adorable.

Clydes Goodbye

2011-12-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve Night, we all had to say goodbye to Clyde. Colin got right down to him, and said goodbye and how much he would miss him. He ended, by blowing him kisses. So Sweet Colin

Clyde Night 23

2011-12-29T14:07:00.000-05:00

On Clyde's last night with Us, He left the kids their Christmas Eve Pajamas and Reindeer food to sprinkle on the front lawn so the reindeer know where to stop.

He also left us a goodbye note, since it was his last visit until 2012. We were all pretty sad to see Clyde go, but know how busy he'll be up in the North Pole with Santa!

Clyde Night 22

2011-12-28T14:51:00.000-05:00

Clyde wrote out his name in Cheerios on the floor......

THEN

Along came Mya, who ate them ALL up!

So.....

Clyde thought it would be MUCH safer to write his name on the magna doodle board instead!

Clyde Night 21

2011-12-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

Clyde was caught playing with Col's trains!

Clyde Night 20

2011-12-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

Clyde made us cookies for Breakfast!

Night 19

2011-12-28T14:32:00.000-05:00

Clyde got into some stickers last night... and made a mess all over himself!

Clyde Night 18

2011-12-28T14:27:00.000-05:00

Clyde took a Marshmellow bath!

Clyde 17

2011-12-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

OH NO! Clyde got caught in a snowflake between the dining room & living room!

Clyde 16

2011-12-28T14:21:00.000-05:00

Clyde left a note for the kids with Santa's phone number, so they can call and give him their Christmas list!

Clyde 15

2011-12-28T14:17:00.000-05:00

Playing with Cars.... One by One by One ....

Clyde Night 14

2011-12-28T14:12:00.000-05:00

Clyde Decorated the tree with Candy Canes

Clyde Night 13

2011-12-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

Clyde Made a toilet paper mess! From the pictures on the wall to the lamp and down to the stockings. Silly Clyde!

Best Picture Ever

2011-12-13T08:53:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how much I LOVE this picture. We took it while we were on vacation in October. It was Colin's first time ever at a beach, let alone the Ocean. He loved it more then I thought he would. Caden hated it, and just wanted to go back to the car. This picture of Courtney & Colin is just amazing to me. It's perfect!

Taken 09/30/11

Courtney's 14!

2011-12-13T08:50:00.000-05:00

Actually right now, she is 14 years and 9 months, but for her 14th birthday, we splurged and got her this AMAZING cake! It was huge, super heavy and oh so delicious!

2011-12-13T08:48:00.000-05:00

Courtney Riding in Style! Here is Courtney riding in Jack's car last summer. yes, I know these pictures are QUITE old, but I am just posting a ton of stuff while I have the chance. It's all picture that i've had on work computer.

Caden

2011-12-13T08:42:00.000-05:00

My uber brave guy had his tonsils removed last April. It's a hard surgery to go through, and even harder recovery, that takes about 10-14 to really recover from. Of course, he did amazing. He's always been a fighter through and through. Here he is after surgery, in recovery. They were awesome, and let him bring his "babies" in with him, and even put little hats on each of them while he was sleeping!

Our Christmas Tree.

2011-12-13T08:38:00.001-05:00

For the past couple of years, I've tried to add some thing "primitive or countryish" to our tree. 2 years ago I found the star that is our topper, and last year, I found the Merry Christmas Banner.

This year, I found this adorable Snowman tree hugger. Feel in love with him and HAD to have him!! Isn't he adorable?? I can't wait to see what I can find next year!

Caden's Christmas List 2011

2011-12-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

This little guy has some serious taste! Thankfully, the Nissan Quest is off the lilst for the time being, however, Santa still can't fulfil 50% of it! :-)

Great Job Caden!

Caden's Jungle

2011-12-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

Again, Better late then never. I still need to make another vine to hang some more monkey's from, but for now, his room is DONE! I think I am most proud of that tree. LOVE LOVE LOVE It! We actually have more leaves on it now, a bunch more on the ceiling as well.

{thanks heather for cutting all that vinyl for me!}

Clyde Night 12

2011-12-13T08:20:00.000-05:00

Playing Candy Land with friends.

Gingerbread Making

2011-12-13T08:18:00.000-05:00

Here's the boy's making/decorating the Gingerbread house that Clyde brought on night 9!

Beer reindeer!!

2011-12-12T15:32:00.000-05:00

Saw this done on Pinterest.

Loved them.

Made them :-)

Do you have any cool hoilday craft ideas I can use too??? I LOVE this part of the holidays!

Homecoming

2011-12-12T15:27:00.000-05:00

Seriously? I have a child in HIGH SCHOOL. When did this happen? I feel SO out of my element. I can't believe she is in her freshman year of high school already, let alone going to the Homecoming dance!! Of course, more pictures are at home, but isn't she just looking wondeful??

Not sure who this guy is, a friend I know for sure (no she is not dating yet {whew})But I do know he moved the friday after homecoming, so I didn't have to worry anyway! :)

Halloween, better late then never.

2011-12-12T15:23:00.000-05:00

When I get home, I'll have to find a single picture of Courtney. Mom and Jack were kind enough to take all 3

kids to a costume Halloween party that Jack's niece throws for kids every year! Everyone was super excited to get in on the action... um... as you can tell with Jack. I told him he was missing the Bling around his neck!

So this Year, Caden was a stop light, that actually lit up, and Colin of course was stuck wearning more hand me down costumes (wonder if I'll ever get him his own??) But he sure did make a cute dinosaur {or dragon as he would say} even it was a size too small! :-) His favorite part was the wings and tail, as he showing you here. Courtney was a super cute bumblee bee. I have a single picture of her at home. I'll get one up soon!

Caden the hairstylist?

2011-12-12T15:14:00.000-05:00

The Friday after Thanksgiving, Courtney and I headed out to do some shopping later in the afternoon. I got a text from Mike a few hours into our trip, and he asked me guess what your son did? Something every child does at least once. As SOON as he said that, I KNEW. he. cut. his .hair!

With Child safety scissors.

Down to the scalp in most spots.

But he didn't do it.

He says the ghost did it :-)

So here is the awesome job he did:

His hair was really long to begin with. He was in BIG time need of a cut, but I don't like a shaved head on him, he needs hair on top. Well....guess he likes the bald look! This was nothing. there were 3 more scalped spots on the back of his head too! {he would hide his face when you asked to see it, he was so embarraed that the ghost cut his hair!}

Here I am holidng up the hair that was still long, so you have an example to see how long it was and how short it is now.

And here he is, after a good friend of mine, our hairdresser, Tracy, fixed him all up. She would have gone shorter to get it to where he has it, but I didn't want it any shorter, it's getting too cold out for that. When we left you could still see 3 "dents' in it, but thankfully it's growing back now.

Clyde Night 11

2011-12-12T14:01:00.002-05:00

Before we go to bed at night, we get the boys clothes and bags all ready for school. everything is laid out on the kitchen table in order of who needs to get ready and out the door first. From their socks and undies to tops and bottoms to book bags and jackets and shoes.

I guess clyde got bored when he came back from the "pole" last night. He put on Colin's undies and DRESSED the Christmas tree!!

Here he is in Col's undies.

Caden, not realizing the clothes from the table were missing, thought Clyde, brought him new pants and shirts! LOL Too cute!

Clyde Night 10

2011-12-12T13:55:00.002-05:00

Tonight, Caden and Colin spent the night at GG's house becuase Mom & Dad had a couple of events to attend. Clyde, with his magical powers and all, knew where to find them!! Because he was at GG's we don't have a picture of what he was up too, but GG did send us a picutre of the boys with him in the morning!

If you look really really close , Caden is sitting next to Clyde. If you look even closer, at the bottom of the picture, you can see Caden has his "desk" set up with his phone and notepad etc. that's my boy! Always keeping busy!

Clyde Night 9

2011-12-12T13:50:00.001-05:00

The Boys were SUPER excited to wake up and find a gingerbread house kit to build with Clyde today!! Wahoo! I'll have to post the pictures of them working on it later on, but they sure had fun doing it!

Clyde Night 8

2011-12-12T13:47:00.001-05:00

Clyde found Caden's Christmas coloring book tonight and made SURE he colored the picutre of the Elf headed to work. He even crossed out the elf's name and put his in there! Crazy Clyde.

He sure is a good Color{er} Like Caden is!

Clyde Night 7

2011-12-12T13:45:00.000-05:00

Since we still haven't had any snow yet in Buffalo, At least CLYDE gets to make snow Angels right??? He had fun doing this. :-) After all, elf's SHOULD get to have fun too..... right??

Clyde Night 6

2011-12-06T15:55:00.003-05:00

Last night, Clyde took up residence in Courtney's warm & snugly boot. You see today is St. Nicholas Day. St. Nick, comes and puts treats in your shoes while you sleep... So Our little elf friend here, decided he would get in on the action and get Courtney. Since there was ALREADY Candy in 3 shoes......

He added a candy cane to each one, and an envelope for Courtney. To her amazing surprise, there was a note in the envelope, telling her to go home with her Friend Amanda after school this evening. As well as $20.00 and a concert ticket for KISSMASH BASH 2011 this evening!

For those of you not from around here, and those who don't know, Kissmash Bash and Kiss the Summer Hello, are 2 HUGE concerts put on by our local radio station Kiss 98.5. Featuring all current artists, and sometimes some new and upcoming as well. Justin Beiber's been here, Cody Simpson, Big Time Rush, We Three Kings, Michael Boublea (sp wrong) Patrick Stumpf (sp wrong) as well as many many. So for one price, you get an entire show of all of these great acts!! It's the "go" to event basically. We surprised her with this ticket. It's actually pretty reasonably priced, ($15.00) but we typically don't go to these events, simply because it's easier to not go. So she opened that this morning and was as happy as can be! Friends of ours are the ones who really helped me pull this off, and she'll be having dinner with them, then going to concert with them to. SO.... My Clyde the elf there, really made Courtney's morning.

I hope she didn't touch him too long getting him out of her boot... after all he does need his magic for a couple more weeks still!!

Clyde Night 5

2011-12-06T15:42:00.001-05:00

And today was the tractor.... Clyde brought some snowballs back from the North Pole for us to play with! they even included sparkly ones in red and green, how fun!!

Caden & Colin saw it threw a child's eye though, and were to excited to see that Clyde didn't leave the cats out off all of the fun and brought the kitty's some Cat Toys!!

Mike was in the living room for this reaction (I heard it from the bedroom) and Colin just BUST out laughing (screeching!) He's on my tractor!!

I can just picture him jumping ALL around saying this. too funny.

Clyde - Night 4

2011-12-06T15:38:00.000-05:00

I tell you, maybe we should just leave a door open for Clyde! he's always finding some crazy way to get into the house, last nigh the sleigh, tonight Repelling! What what!?!

Of course, what better spot to repel, but into our soft and cozy stockings :)

Here's a close up of our newest family member. He's pretty darn good and slid down with just ONE arm!!

Of course the boys were cracking up when they say this. Caden touched the sting and it came unraveled and down came Clyde, not into the soft cozy stocking he imagined he'd land in.

And on the living room floor he stayed until Mom woke up to put him back on his perch of the fireplace. The children couldn't touch him of course... or he'd lose him power :)

Clyde Night 3

2011-12-06T15:35:00.000-05:00

Last night, Santa sent a letter to our family, thanking us for welcoming Clyde to our Family!! He is such silly Elf friend, Just take a look at what he did to get this letter to us!

He thought it would be FUN to come in from outisde on a sleigh, with his snowman friends, carring the letter. Oh, did I mention he even brought snow?? Yep, he sure did.... lots and lots of little... fine...white.....follows you all over the house..... SNOW.

He even left his signature in it!! :) Silly Clyde!

I was tottaly bummed that I missed the reaction this day. Courtney had to be at school by 6:00am for a track meet, by the time I got home at 6:30, the boys were already up and playing in with their trucks and trains :( I am sure the rection had to have been pretty darn neat!

I did manage to get them to sit for this picture, before Clyde took his perch upon the fireplace for the day, and the boys played in the snow for the next 5-6 hours. Let me tell you about this here special snow. I'll still be vacuuming it up in JULY!

Another old post with pictures

2011-12-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

This was another post that went with the previous one. It's remnants of that storm, and the fun we were able to have with the few feet of snow it left behind. These pictures of the boys playing in the snow, were the FIRST time either of them had EVER played in the snow, EVER!! they sure love our neighbor Emma, who is just a week younger then Caden!

Old posts!

2011-12-02T14:27:00.002-05:00

This is an old draft I JUST found from Last December. Funny I find it today though, and that I didn't post it then. This storm in the pictures, actually started exactly one year ago today on December 2, 2010! How funny. Today we sit here, with no snow At all yet {measurable anyway} and are lucky enough too, that we haven't turned our heat above 62 either! In an effort to cut cost and save $$ with Mike being laid off so early this year, we are using just our Electric Fireplace upstairs and the wood burning stove downstairs. it's works!! Most of the time the house is around 65-66 degrees, and if you get cooking or everyone is home, we can get it up to a good 67/68, even 69 some nights! With any luck we can keep this up for the next couple of weeks, however, my guess is once the snow starts to fly, the heat will have to be turned up to about 65 :-(.

So,.... enjoy these snowy pictures from one year ago today, and hopefully I won't have to post any like it anytime soon!

This ALL fell within about 12 hours. It started around 7:30/8:00pm, and by the time Mike got up for work at 5:00am, there was no going anywhere!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Reactions

2011-12-02T14:06:00.001-05:00

I am hoping to actually keep a log of ALL reactions of the kids too, so we can later print this out as a book and look back on it!

Night 1 - Clyde arrived at our house. The Kids LOVED the concept and immediately understood what was going on. Caden woke up at 5:15 in the morning, looking and asking if Colin was awake yet because he wanted to look for the Elf! Colin, however was of course in bed with us, sleeping. We made Caden stay in bed. Rather then going back to sleep, he played the ipod. :-) Around 6:15 he again, asked if Colin was awake yet. Colin (who we thought was sleeping) SHOT up, and said "did you say MY name Caden??" {Love it} Caden said lets go find the elf Colin!! They then went to the living room, talking in low voices saying we need to find that elf, he's magical. They turned on the Christmas Tree for light, and see Clyde, sitting on the couch (In Cadens spot of course) with the DVD players remote in his hands, and the Santa movie next to him. Caden is CRACKING up laughing so hard. Runs back to tell me how he finds Clyde and runs back out to the living room. The 2 of them now begin to discuss what they should do, since if they touch Clyde, his magic powers are gone, and he can't report back to Santa. Colin assured Caden, that Mommies and Daddy's can move the elf and he will keep his magic (he even came back to confirm this with me) Laying in bed listening to them was well worth every cent we spent on Clyde.

Night 2 - Clyde brought the kids advent calenders tonight! Caden, again up before Colin, asks where Colin is, (sleeping in bed with mommy of course) because he needs to find where the elf is. Colin gets up and they both going running out to the living room. Turn on the tree again for light, and there is Clyde! This time hanging out out on the small couch, with presents for them! Caden thought the best part was that he MOVED couches!! too funny. Courtney came upstairs and Caden was THRILLED to tell her that Clyde brought all 3 of them advent calenders. I can't wait to see what Clyde comes up with tonight after he reports to the North Pole!!

Clyde - Night 2

2011-12-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

Our Elf brought the kids their yearly Advent Calenders!

Night 1 - Clyde the Elf

2011-11-30T21:52:00.000-05:00

Night One

Clyde thought he would make himself at home! Have a seat and watch Santa Buddies while we sleep!!

Oh Clyde! Where will you be tomorrow??

The Elf on the Shelf

2011-11-30T21:43:00.000-05:00

Today we received a package, labeled to the whole family. It was wrapped in a beautiful bag, and said it was from the North Pole!!

To All of us!!

We were SO excited to open it and find out it was and Elf on the Shelf, sent to us from Santa to keep tabs on us for the holiday season!

Meet - Clyde, our family elf!

We are excited to welcome Clyde into our family this holiday season and to become a fun holiday tradition for many many years to come! Where will we find Clyde after he reports to Santa tonight????

Class of 2015!

2011-02-10T15:49:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Mike & I attended High school Orientation for Courtney. Just 9 years ago were sat in the multi-purpose room at Cayuga Heights elementary school for Kindergarten orientation. How in the WORLD did time go by so fast? I remember each second of that orientation 9 years ago. How is it that she is ready for High School already? To be a freshman? How is it that I am old enough to even have a child ready to enter that huge building and graduate in just 4 more short years? If I thought the first 9 flew by, how fast will the next 4 go? Will I even see it happen? Wow!!

I really enjoyed last night though. I am also, even more glad that I will never have to go back to high school again! Man, I could NEVER pass the requirements that these children now have to meet. Not only that, but New York State is implementing new Educational standards and our children , the Class of 2015, will be the first ones to try it out. The standards are being set quite high. Some things they are pretty sure that will be changing are the passing grades, up from 65 to now an 80 in most classes. This is going to be hard for those students who really really struggle. Also An extended school year and longer school days. This is nothing really new in our area, as charter schools now make up a large part of the WNY area, they have already implemented this into everyday routine. I personally think it’s a great idea. I am SURE the kids think otherwise. The way school has changed was amazing to me too. Although, coming from a City school, this could just be how things are in “burbs” I wouldn’t really know. But they have Link Teams, so the kids always feel welcome. Each group of 10 children are assigned 2 upperclassman who take the Freshmen under their wings so to speak, and invite them to events, do team building exercises with them over the summer & acclimate them to the change from Middle to high school. And this isn’t just for a couple of months, they have these leaders the ENTIRE year. They also have “freshman Academy” so they have a core group of teachers,that teach ONLY the freshman. The core classes are kept to one part of the school (math, ELA, social) to make them feel more comfortable, and only are the sciences and electives scattered throughout. The choices these kids have amaze me. I don’t know how I would ever be able to make a schedule with all the options that are out there! 22 credits are required to graduate, and the children are already coming into high school with 1 full credit thanks to the LOTE programs at the middle school level!

I brag quite often about how much I truly Love our school district. Since Courtney’s been in Kindergarten, to Caden needing special needs in another district to Colin requiring a special needs preschool, we have had the best luck. Mike and I have talked about moving out of state for a while. We know now, that we want to move to Colorado when that time comes, however, It will not be until our children are out of school. It’s noted that some of the best schooling is on the East coast. I’ve come across people who’ve left the west and come east for this reason. We will be sitting tight here for the next 12 years.

When you have friends and family tell you to enjoy those elementary school years for what they are worth…. Listen to them. One day, your going to wake up like me and wonder how your teenager ended up in High School!

The Cat Ate my Homework

2011-02-10T15:24:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it’s already the 100^th day of school for the 2010/2011 school year? Caden has officially been in Kindergarden for 100 days. Of course, there was a pretty neat homework project to go along with this milestone. The kids had to come up with 100 items of any sort and find a neat way to display then. I thought we would make a “fish tank” and have a 100 days of “fish” school. So we went to the pet store and got the coral picture backing for a real fish tank and bought some colored Goldfish crackers. We gluded groups of 10’s to the picture and had ourselves a little fishtank! It looked adorable and we got lots of lessons out of it as well. The color of the fish, counting to 10, grouping in 10’s and counting by 10’s to 100 to name only a couple of them. Caden LOVED doing this. So as we went to bed Sunday night, we left the project on the counter to dry. Wouldn’t you know it when we woke up in the morning, Mason (the baby kitty -5 months) ATE a decent amount of them! There were crumbs all over the place and missing fishys everywhere! Bummer!! We ended up having to bring the project into school a day early and sent Caden with glue and fish to fix it, so the cat wouldn’t eat it again. In hindsight it really is quite funny! Mason, we are pretty sure thinks he is part dog. That’s for another story! But really… how many kids can say, and Mean,

“The Cat ate my homework?”

Friendships

2011-01-31T12:41:00.003-05:00

Recently I lost a friend(ship) Those who really know me, Know how much this is killing me. Just when I think I am over this and moving on, something strikes me and I get stuck and hurt all over again. Yes, I am crying even as I type this, because yes, I am STILL hurting. Again those who know me, and the situation know how much this has hurt me and continues to do so. With learning over the past couple of years exactly how precious life is, and how much you need friends in your life, the fact that this had to be sickens me. I can’t help thinking I am making the wrong choice sometimes, although this far into it, I am sure there will obviously never be any turning back now. Honestly, I just don’t know. This is another one of those posts, that I am not sure why I am writing it. I just know that it’s floating around in my little mind and it won’t go away, SO maybe, just maybe, posting about it, is just what I need to do to let go, or make it worse, who can say really?

My friends mean the world to me. I am just as close, if not closer to them then I am my own family. As are my children. Actually the kids know my friends and their families better then even know some of my family members. I am ok with this, simply because I feel you should always have people around you to love and support you no matter what. It doesn’t matter to me what color, nationality, style of life, or if you’re my real family or family made up of friends or even my internet family of friends. If your there for us, then we will in turn do the same for you. I’ve gone, days, weeks, months, some friends even YEARS without constant contact, and we pick up like it was just yesterday. A best friend of mine who passed was this type of friendship, and one that I valued dearly. After her passing, it just opened my eyes to talk more often, and to be aware much much more. I would never talk about a friend behind their back or lie, I've never before had to walk away fromr a friend either. I can’t lie at ALL, I’d never be able to sleep again. If I was going to say anything about you to another person, it’s something I’ve either already said to you, or would have no problem doing so to begin with. I share just about every aspect of life with my friends, after all, isn’t that really what having friendships is all about?? If you really really know me, then you KNOW that I posess each one of those qualities. When you see a person daily and your not anymore “aware” of what’s going on in life, you have question if this is really a friendship. How can you see a friend everyday yet forget TINY important details that you’ve always shared in the past? How can you remain friends with someone when they don’t trust you with their kids? Isn’t friendship all about trust and honesty? Once you’ve been hurt like that, It’s hard to ever look at things the same. I did though. I tried really really hard for a while. It just didn’t seem to be working anymore. Out of no where things changed, stuff happened, things were said, and it was over. Still over a month later, I am not sure if I made the right choice. Mike seems to think that I have. My heart tells me I didn’t, but my conscience tells me that there is nothing more that I could have done differently. the fact of the matter is, I just miss that friendship. I miss the good times. The people,the phone calls, the visits, the fun. I just miss.

It’s said that time heals all wounds right? It does to an extent. At least to the extent that you can talk about it and think about it with out it tearing you to pieces and making you cry every single time! For me, I am hoping that time comes soon. I am not sure how much longer I’ll continue to second guess myself. Then I ask myself if the other person feels the same way? Are they struggling like I am? Are they hurt as much as I am? Do they miss me/us as much as I truly miss them?? Somehow I hope it is that way, just because I don’t want to be the only one hurting in this, but then who really knows…… it very well could not have meant half as much to them as it did to me. It’s been said to me that after you drop the bag of rocks, you excel so much further. I am still waiting for that light blub to go off in my head. I guess in time it will right?? After all, time heals but for now, I’am not seeing much excelling going on either. Losing touch with friends over time is one thing, CHOOSING to lose friends is hard. Like beyond words hard.

Anyone else ever have to go through this type of situation? If so, how did you cope with it? How long does this GUILT last??? Seriously….. I welcome ANY feedback on this one!

I guess I am having a day......

2011-01-18T15:26:00.001-05:00

I’ve been lucky enough to have a ton of friends and life lessons each teach me new things about not only life, but myself as a person as well. Sadly, some of my very best and closest friends passed away before they were able to fully live their lives and see what the future had in store for them. I remember just being in Jr. High (7th grade) when a classmate passed away over a holiday weekend after choking when eating. Every year thereafter, we lost another classmate, I’ll never forget my Junior year of high school when we lost a very close friend to Spinal meningitis. That phone call from the guy I was dating at time broke my heart. I remember thinking for hours that he was joking with me. Not until I made some additional phone calls did I know the truth of it all. How Could he have died when just YESTERDAY he was sitting next to me in class and were sharing a Orange Crush Soda? To this DAY I will never forget that moment. He went home sick after class, with a headache. Passed away that night of cardiac arrest. I learned early on about death and how to accept it in life and learn from it. My grandfather also passed away while I was in school. Not to mention other family and/or friends and loved ones of those family and friends. As an adult, working in an industry where your co-workers become your family, I lost many more good people. In June of 2008 I lost my soon to be step father, my mom’s fiancé Les to Cancer as well. Even the loss of those we never know personally touch our lives, as I personally learned a few months back. Being 33 years old and experiencing death to the extent that I have, I guess makes it easier for me to accept? I am not exactly sure what I am trying to get at here, but there are a lot of people that are lucky (or unlucky?) enough to not experience much if any death until their adult years. What is the point of this post? I have NO idea really, just typing what comes to my mind I guess!

Jokingly, Mike and a few friends of ours joke that it seems everyone that I am friends with, end up passing away quite young. They joke they need to watch their backs. It is funny, and meant to by funny, but it’s also quite true.

Often I am asked what my longest friendship has been. I have a couple of them, but the one that I always seem to mention first that will always be #1 in my heart is My Jennifer. Godmother of my daughter. We meet pretty young, as our dad’s were friends. We reconnected after working for the same company just before I got pregnant with Courtney. We had the type of friendship that was never awkward. I always knew she would be there for me, and I for her. We could go weeks, months or even some years not speaking, only because life got in the way, then pick up as if that time never passed. It was true, honest, loving, valuable and everything a friend should be. Jen passed away in April of 2008, suddenly. I never felt as alone as I felt during that time. I cried for days and days. I cried myself to sleep most nights. I asked Why more then I ever asked before. Jen left behind, not only her parents, brother and sister, nieces & nephews, tons of family and friends, but 3 children as well. I was being selfish asking why she was taken from me, when I KNOW I would need her, I KNEW Courtney would need her godmother in life as she grew up, but what about why he took this mother from her CHILDREN?? These are just things I’ll never understand. It changes the way you look at life. It took me awhile to get over Jen’s passing. Although I don’t think your every really “over” anyone passing, you’ve just learned to cope. It hurts me that Jen never got to meet Colin. It hurts me that she never got to see her youngest start school, or will not see her oldest graduate from High school. Thankfully her family, always considered me a part of their family as well. I am even more grateful for Facebook once again for reconnecting me to them after some time. Like Jen, it was as if time was never an issue and we only saw one another just yesterday.

A while back, maybe 9 years ago, I found out that a friend of mine and her brother had passed away in a fatal car accident the previous year. This too was a special friend that I had met, through a church I was going to at the time. We were friends for a good couple of years during my early high school years. But like most friends, we just grow older and lose touch. This was what happened to us. It was never anything against one another, it was the timing of life. When I found out her and Jason had passed away, all the thoughts of why didn’t I get to say goodbye came flooding back. When was the last time we talked? Was it a good conversation? Did we actually let each other know what we meant to each other? Probably not. Not to mention that they passed over a year ago and not only did I not KNOW, I wasn’t able to say goodbye at a wake or funeral either. I can only hope now, after passing that each of them know how much they DID and still do mean to me. Recently through facebook (again!!) I was reconnected to Michelle’s mom. Actually she decided to purchase 2 of the Heart Wreaths that I made. I was so excited to get to go visit her after so many years. It was probably the early 90’s when I had last seen them. The Joy I felt after that visit yesterday was astounding!! I was able to come over, to the same house where Michelle and I hung out so many times. Hug her mom and dad and sit and chat for over an hour about how things have been and how they were. We talked about Michelle and Jason. Barb, Michelle’s mom, actually found a book that Michelle had bought for me, when she was going through things after her passing. She gave it to me yesterday. Of course, I cried, as did she. What an amazing gift, that Michelle was able to give through her mom all these years later. I can’t wait to read that. I know there is a reason that I got this NOW and not back in 1994 when she dated it. I will find that reason! It made my day to sit and reminisce with them yesterday. I was then able to go home and talk to Mike about Michelle and her family. What she was like all those years ago. It’s special to share those stories. All too often in life we never stop to think about it, I for am well more aware of it these days.

So last night, after talking to Mike about my visit, I found myself wondering if when we pass, if we stay in our current state or continue to age? I KNOW we feel no pain, that our pains and suffering are all gone. But If I lost a dear friend when they were only 19 or 20, and I don’t happen to pass away until I am in my 60’s, will they even know it’s ME since I’ll be 40 years older then them?? Why have I NEVER thought about this in the past?? I’am sure there are some people out there that think I am crazy right now, I could very well be. But having lost so many loved ones at a young age, I don’t want to be 50 years older then them when I pass and have that age difference that visible, I want them to remember me as I was when they left, not all these years later and have them have no idea who I even am! (is this being selfish?) I know that no-one can actually answer this for me, since we are obviously all still here in the human state. But it’s something that has sparked my interest and I want to find answers to this! Those who know me, won’t be surprised that I now want to go have another reading done and ask this question……

IN the meantime, sorry for the out of the blue , depressing, off the wall, blog post about death. I guess maybe I am just missing lifelong friends today. Or reconnecting with families makes you think about past friendships and those we love and miss and will always think about. Regardless… I will always Love and Miss, each and every one of my family, friends and loved ones that have passed. I won’t name then each individually, because then I will feel horrible if I leave anyone out. I just hope they each know how much they each mean to me……….

Knot Just Rags

2010-12-29T13:09:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my new business!

Soon I'll be opening an Etsy store, once I have enough inventory to post things on it, as well as possibly starting up another blog. I also have a Knot Just Rags album on my facebook page, that I post current in stock fabrics and items on as well.

Knot Just Rags are Handmade Rag(fabric) Garlands and Wreaths. The big item currently is a Valentine Heart. The heart is 12 inches around before, and after completion about 14 inches. It's very pretty! I will also be working on a Valentines Garland hopefully within the next week or so as well. My wreaths are all done on pre-shaped Heavy Metal wire frames or light wire frames that we shape. Garlands are done on Twine with loops at either end for hanging. This can be used anywhere, Draped over windows/curtains, mantles, baby or kids rooms, and entry ways. Your Imagination is the limit! They are PERFECT for any decor in your home, whether it's Country, Primitive, Casual, Contemporary, or a mix of all, we can find a fabric to match and work with your specific taste.

I am looking forward to working on St. Patrick's Day themed items, and some Spring colors as well!

Custom orders are MORE then welcome. This can be from the fabric design/colors to the length of garland or shape/size of the Wreath.

Matching Garland & Wreaths are also available!

The Current Heart Wreath.

How are we doing??

2010-12-20T14:34:00.002-05:00

So now that I am caught up until the end of November, I am only a month behind, I thought I would do an indivdual catch up post. So here goes.

We are all doing well. Mike has been laid off now for 3 weeks, but will thankfully be returning to work in 2 weeks. The kids (and I too) have enjoyed having him home. It's a much easier transition for them to handle, then going to a sitters house before/after school then coming back home etc. Much easier for all involoved. Since Mike's been home, he's been doing some dogsitting for my boss at work. She recently got a Toy Poddle, Fonzy, who is just SO adorable. He is all of maybe 4-5 lbs and a little fluff ball. the kids love him and he follows Mike around like he is god. When Mike leaves the house, the dog sits by the door and cries! We did have him for 4 days while Donna was out of town, then for the past week and this week as well, he gets dropped off in the morning and picked up in the evening. It works for everyone, and keeps Mike busy until he goes back to work. I know the boys will miss him terribly though! Once Mike goes back to work, Donna is hoping to get him into some sort of doggie day care, rather then bring him to work everyday, which is what she did until Mike came to save the day! Here's Mr. Fonzy coming out of the igloo Mike made for him.

Here's a cuter picture of the Fonz

I am going Ok too. A bit stressed with the lay off, time of year, and the fact that our babysitter quit on us due to Mike's lay off last week, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I KNOW in the long run this will be a good thing. We'll get though it, we always do. In the mean time, the craft bug has bit me, and I've been making wreaths and garlands like crazy. Making these seems really theraputic to me for some reason and I HOPE to someday make enough to have stock and be able to do some small local craft shows or maybe have a small part of an online store etc. Other then that, Just keeping busy with work, the boys, the house, you know how it goes.

Courtney is going good too. Being a Typcial Teenage girl, whatever that might exactly consist of! She spends lots of time hanging out with her friends. During the fall/football season, she spent lots of time at the JV and Varsity Football games at school. Next year is the big move to high school, so she is still trying to mentally wrap her head around that now. We talk about it every so often. She is at the age now too, where she can babysit, so every so often, Mike or I can run to the store while the boys are napping and leave her with them. It's nice to be able to have her around for quick things like that! It gives her some extra responsibility as well. We had her cheerleading banquet last weekend too, those pictures again will again come later, But it was a really nice time. Each girl got an awesome scarf that one of the mom's made in the team colors. Courtney really improved her jumps this past season, so she got an award for that, and she also got a trophy. She had a lot of fun hanging out with the girls. Most of them won't see one another now until next August, so it's pretty sad for them as well! I know Courtney is ALREADY starting to plan her 14th birthday party for March as well! Did I mention too that Courtney and I are attending her 8th grade Class trip to Washington DC this coming Memorial Day weekend? Her and I both really excited for that! I am excited to go as an adult and learn and experience all the history that I ignored as a child. She is excited for a few nights away from home with friends in a hotel. :-) I am sure when her children go on their trip to DC she'll want to go experience it as an adult too!

Caden - Is doing really really well. He's grown TONS in his 6:1:1 class. SO much so that they are hoping to have him "visit" and interact within a typical Kindergarden class after the Christmas holiday! He just loves to learn, color, teach, play school, play work, boss around etc etc etc. his one big things, that drives me INSANE?? he is a HOARDER! He saves every gosh darn thing you can possibly imagine. He has piles, amoung piles amoung piles of things that YOU ARE NOT TO TOUCH. EVER. and if you do, oh he sure knows it. And school supplies? yea, he knows not to play in that closet, however we are now out of 8 boxes of crayons, 5 compositon notebooks, 12 folders, 3 bottles of glue, all the post its, ALL the sharpies, dry erease markers and highligters. not to mention the new found binders and loose leaf paper. *sigh* I love that he wants to learn and play, however I don't like that the $$$$ I spend in August stocking up on supplies is now GONE to NOTHING! In other news, Caden is pacifier free!!! For like 8+ days now! We had to "restart" 3 seperate times because you know he has his own secert stash. Each time got harder and harder. We had to re-convince him each night that the fairy came again to bring it to the new baby in the hospital who needed it more then he did. Each time was harder and harder, since he thought she just kept brining it back to him each Night :-). So. after over a week w/o it, he is still surviving. Before bed EACH night, he still asks us to looks for it for him, which we tell him, of course, but I am pretty such that little baby is really grateful that you gave it to him! I am so proud of him!

Colin - our cute little devil. He is SO lucky he is so darn adorable! He is just about 80% potty trained now finally! I only say 80% becuase he still won't go #2 in the potty, and he's not night trained yet. I could care less about night time, diapers at night are fine. But going #2 will be so much better in the potty when he chooses to do so. For now, he requests a diaper, then asks where he can go and hide to do his thing. he'll then come to you, tell you he's done and you change him. Any ideas how to transition that to potty are MORE then welcome! He also has the best bladder control of any toddler. He is scared to go in any potty when we aren't there, so he won't go at school. This means, from 8am until he gets home at 2pm, he doesn't go at ALL. And he doesn't have accidents either. He does however have to go pretty bad when he does get home and then he says - whew, that was a long one mommy :-) He is doing really well in school and has been participating in group activies alot more as well. I am really quite proud of the small changes I have seen in him lately. He is sleeping through the night maybe 4/7 nights and the other 3 nights, I just set the timer for 5 mintues to lay with him, rather then staying in there like I was. I am hoping this way transitions him into sleeping a full night alone much better. Time will tell.

We are all pretty excited for Christmas this year too. it's the first year the boys have actually "got it" and are excited about Santa and opening gifts. This year has been a year of many firsts for them. On Dec 1st we got a pretty huge lake effect snow storm, that dumped 4 feet of snow on us in a 24 hour period. We couldn't get out, couldn't get to work or anything. We were in a state of emergency, had a driving ban in effect and the schools were closed for 2 days. Well my boys, who never in the past have EVER worn, boots, gloves or hats, wanted to go outside and play. We managed to get not only those items on them, but snowpants as well! If you got a christmas card from us this year, you'll see the picture of them all bundled up ready to go. It was so adorable and they had SO much fun! They've even been out a time or two since then, and Colin even wanted to go out again after he fell into our pond! It was completly covered in snow from the storm, so you had NO idea where it was, he was playing and got sucked in by the water. Mike had to rescue him and he was done that day. It took DAYS for his clothes and boots to dry. Never mind the fact that he smelled like swamp water. blah!! So with all of these exciting firsts in the past few weeks, we are more then excited to see what 2011 holds for our little guys/Courtney as well!

Innocence

2010-12-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we took the kids to Santaland at Chestnut Ridge Park. Colin's been wanting a blue tow truck for christmas for months, it's all he talks about. So we are waiting in line for santa, and he keeps repeating what he wants. We get up there, and Caden sits on his lap and tells him he wants his (flatbed) tow truck and poor Colin is scared to death to go anywhere near the guy. So he stands there, anxious and paniced, but manages to say behind his gloved hand, ever so quietly he wants a blue tow truck. So Santa continues to give Caden his gift bag and hands him one for his little brother as well. We go sit down at the table to see what we've got. Caden a little matchbox car, Colin an audio storybook for the car. Colin looks at it and almost in tears says

"Mommy, I told santa I wanted a blue tow truck?!?"

My heart broke. I then had to explain to him, that this wasn't really santa that brings the gifts, just one of his helpers, and that the gifts we ask for don't come until Christmas eve night. He was SO confused and upset that he didn't get that blue truck. I SURE hope Santa pulls though with that Blue one, or man, We're going to have one sad little boy in 5 days!

Turkey Trot 2010

2010-12-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

Since we went away for Thanksgiving this year, I wasn't able to run the 8K Buffalo YMCA Turkey Trot. I was pretty bummed since I had already paid and registered for it as well. I told Mike the only way I would go to Olean for the holiday, is if we found a race for me to run that morning. So... he did! Good Job honey. It was free, exepct for a canned good to the local food pantry, so I didn't feel so bad about paying and missing the Buffalo one. this one was only a 5K (3.1 miles) rather then 8K (5 miles) which probably ended up for the best, since 1- I hadn't ran in almost 3 weeks. 2- It was a different area that I wasn't familiar with and 3- I ended up sick and figthing a pretty yucky cold the whole weekend. So it all worked out in the end. I still finished in an OK amout of time, I am pretty consistent with all of my time. This one was 39:43 I believe. that was what Mike timed me. Exact time really isn't known, since they don't have a clock there, and it's not chip timed. Oh yea. It was snowing when we woke up, pouring rain by the I started running and only about 34 outside. Brrrr......

Here is my super cute turkey ribbon I got for the holiday! If anyone has any little girls and is looking for some super cute hair bows, let me know and I can send you Belly's Bow's info. Too cute! She even has Christmas Trees for Christmas!

The race course was all along St. Bonaventure University In Allegany, NY

There I am running past Student housing.

Coming up to the finish line. My pants, which I have never ran in before really ended up weighing me down. The wet from the rain made them way heavy, and they were too long wet, and I kept stepping on them. lesson - never wear new pants in a race when it's raining.

Before the race. I was pretty bundled up. It was COLD!

Future Mechanics?

2010-12-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

What happens when there are problems with your little tykes car?? Call Colin & Caden, your certified LT Mechanics. they are available as needed, and do a pretty through job too. :-)

Here is Colin doing his job.

And later on that day, Caden needed to get in on the action as well.

Working hard.

Photo Shoot!

2010-12-20T13:12:00.000-05:00

I am always trying to get some good pictures of 3 kids together. Anyone with more then one or two kids understands how very difficult his is. espeically with 3 or more. Good Luck trying to get 2 let alone 3 all looking at you at one time, oh and you want them to SMILE too?? Yea, not so fun. So here's some from our shoot a few weeks ago.

I LOVE this one! Colin was actually sitting this way, and it looked good, so I made them all roll over.

My FAVORITE!! Courtney, Caden and Colin November 2010

Free Night Out!

2010-12-20T13:07:00.000-05:00

In Novemeber I was offered a free night at Either the Seneca Niagara or Allegany Casino. Free room, $75 in food and $50 in gaming! How could I pass up that option?? So since GG lives so close to the Allegany site, we chose that one. GG kept the kids overnight for us and off we went!

How did I get this you? The Marketing department I guess offeres this to their customers 1-2 times per year. I typcially don't even read these emails, Boy am I glad I read this one. I am the contact/Marketing person for the casino for my charter customers. I take care of booking all of our busses that take trips to the casino with their marketing dept. I was excited to be asked, and it was really cool to be taken on a "tour" of the casino/hotel area. Our room was so beautiful and classy. We were able to have amazing dinner, delicious breakfast and sleep ALL night long with out kids! Of course I still woke up 3 times, but that's ok. After we ate dinner, we spent some time in the hottub relaxing before, we went down and litterly BLEW though all of our free money in a matter of mintues. Never spent a dime of our own money (how perfect!) If not for the free money part of the deal, I dont' even think we would have gambled at all. Mike and I are KNOWN for having the WORST luck possible, and we proved it by zippping though $85 in less then an hour. I could never justify that if I was my own money. I could DO so much with $85!! All in all though, we had a nice relaxing night out, which is pretty far and few between. Thanks GG for keeping the kids for us, and hopefully we'll be giving this opportunity again and can visit Niagara next time! :-)

View of the Casino/Hotel on the outside

The falls outside. so pretty!

The inside of the hotel almost reminded me of the inside of a cruise ship, with all the statue's and huge things hanging from the ceiling everywhere.

Waiting to be able to check into our room.

Our HUGE bathroom!!

View of the room from the Foyer. Yes, there was a separte foyer!

View from the other end.

The Dressing area/cosmetic area and foyer. that's our bathroom to the left. Which was just huge. There was a open all glass walk in shower on one side, then the sink area, which was bigger then our one bathroom at home, then behind a seperate sliding door was the toilet area! geez! All ceremaic tiles as well mind you. We didn't get any other pictures of the pool/casino area or anything else, we just enjoyed our time alone!

Toilet Paper Party!

2010-12-20T11:57:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of House Party? You can visit it HERE and learn all about it. I applied for a BUNCH of fun ones, and what was I chosen for?? yep, Toilet Paper! Quilted Northern to be exact. So I made do with what I had to work with and planned a fun party. The hosts were given a couple things for the guests, $1.00 off coupons, a 6 pack of toilet paper, Poopouri (LOL) and re-useable grocery bags. So We took it to the next step and had some fun! We saved empty toilet paper rolls and filled them with Candy and wrapped them up in Quilten northern colors. Then I bought extra toilet Paper and wrapped them up as well, and attached a coupon to it. I also got everyone a toilet brush, Air Freshner and hand soup. They all went into the gift bags with another coupon and everyone was set! For some game prizes we had Toilet bowl cleaner wrapped up in a hand towel with another coupon and A plunger with yet, yes another coupon! I had a lot of fun prepping for this party. We decorated the house with toilet paper and Mike TP'd his truck and the garage as well for the coming guests. We had a TON of yummy food as well, chicken wing dip, a veggie tray, Quilted northern colored cupcakes, Sweet and sour lil smokies, and some dill dip with bread! Yum, Yum, Yum. So here are some of the highlights!

The guest bags!

All full and ready to go.

Some TP decorations.

The Candy favors and Poopouri

Cupcakes.

Party Signs!

TP Fun!

and the garage.

And let the fun begin! The guests... Amanda, Shevone, Mom, Pam

Heather, Tasha, Joy,

Uncle Bob, Aunt Norma, Not pictured are Gina, David, Jason, Mike, and Jack. We had a house ful!

Here we asked how you "did" your Toilet Paper. Do you fold or ball? We used examples as well.

Shevonne, below,was the best, She balled, and folded, which made a very pretty Flower!

Here are the boys, hanging out by the food!

there's Gina!

Here we played who can unroll the fastest as a team. One person, unrolled, one held. it was quite amusing.

In the end, Gina and Shevonne really got theirs going!

Joy and Heather were second runners up.

With their prizes! Did you have any idea how dusty toilet paper was?? Man it sure was!

Clean up time. Colin had fun with that.

We also did a work search From the words QUILTED NORTHERN. Jack by far blew everyone away, I think he found over 80?! they had to be 3 or more letters.

He won the coveted Plunger and sash

Ms. Joy won the crown, for not only teaching her man to put down the toilet seat down, but how to wipe too! Go Lester!

Caden has fun wrapping up Amanda

And more!

Amanda, Kinah and Mason kitty.

And our little guys love Joy as much as I do! Here she is playing SUPER Fast with them!

Gina playing at the end of the night too.

We all had a great time and can't wait to host another House Party!

Playing Catch up

2010-12-15T14:06:00.000-05:00

Almost daily I look on the blog, and think " I need to update this", " I really should update this" then the kids start screaming, or laundry needs switched or the dishes need washed, dinner needs cooked, by the time I think about it again. I am ready for bed, or back staring at it the next day, starting ALL OVER AGAIN. So, needless to say, I haven't been very good at sharing the past um.... 4 months of our lives??? After a few people checking in on us, making sure we are still ok (thanks Valerie, for the extra PUSH :-) I promise to try to keep updating little by little as I can. If only the pictures uploaded in less then a mintue, it sure would make it easier!

So... with that being said, I think I have us completed for the most part up to Halloween now. (with a Christmas craft one added in as well.) I'll do an update on everyone soon too!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Friends, Family & Loved Ones!

Halloween at Last!!

2010-12-15T14:01:00.001-05:00

Yea,yea, I know. I am WAY WAY behind. And YES, I know Christmas is only 11 sleeps away, but better late then never right??

We had nice Halloween this year. No fun that it was on a school night, but so be it. It was pretty Chilly out, but that didn't affect the kids in any way! Courtney of course, is beyond trick or treating with her parents, which is fine, and went to her friends house for a party and trick or treating on their own. I did try to get some decent pictures of the kids together before she left though.

Here is Courtney in her snow princess costume. She has wanted to be this for about 3 years now. But I can't justify spending $60 on a COSTUME that will only be worn 1 MAYBE 2 times at most. So last year after Halloween, while Christmas shopping, it was marked down like 70% or something crazy like that, and I ended up getting it for $15. That I can justify AND it was given to her as a Christmas gift to boot! She was thrilled!

Princess up close.

AND here is the best picture I could get of all 3 kids at one time. Your lucky this was a good one!

Mommy and the boys.

Caden the pumpkin and Colin the monkey Both uber warm!

Our carved pumpkins.

We met up just about 1/2 way with Caden's Friend Hayden, who he actually went to preschool with, then they both ended up in Alden together too. They live about 3 blocks away, so the boys were super excited to go together. So here is Colin, Krita, Hayden & Caden

Glowing pumpkins. really hard to get a good picture of that.

Girl Scout Troop 1227

2010-12-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

Our girls are cadettes now!! Can't beleive how fast they've all grown. For our fall trip, all families, girls and friends went on a haunted hay ride. We had a ton of fun!

And here are the kids posing too. Caden, Colin & Haley. Such good friends!

Colin's First Ever Field Trip

2010-12-15T13:47:00.000-05:00

This past fall Colin's class did a trip to Kelkenburg Farm in Akron, NY. I took the day off, so I could go with them. I try to go on a least 1 trip with the kids during the elementary years. I was able to go with Courtney in 6th grade, and Colin to this, so Caden is my next one. He's never been on a field trip yet. I am looking forward to taking one with him as well. AND I am also going to Washington DC with Courtney for her 8th grade class trip this May, both of us are pretty excited about that! We, as a family love the quanitness of Kelkenburg, so I was really happy that his class decided to go to a Non-commercialized farm so to speak. Ever better that there are only 6 kids in his class too! We got to do a pony ride, see the chickens and other farm animals, as well as pet and hold them too. It was pretty neat to just have Chickens/roosters just walking around the barn like it was nothing. Bunnies were out of the cages, and interacted with the kids and all. Even a goat was wandering! Loved it. After that the kids got to take a horse drawn wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch and pick ANY pumpking they wanted! Colin really had a great time, and it was fun for me to watch him interact with his classmates. Did I mention it was THE coldest day that day?? Oh man, it was freezing, and the first cold day at that!

Tony & Colin holidng hands

This is the class picture. The light in the back kinda messed with it though. It's Ms. Megan & Ms. Renee. Along with the kiddos. Zachary, Kobe, Coiln, Tony, Drew & Derek

Col holding the Chicken. I was SO proud of him. This little guys was SO soft!

And the goat. LOL

And a pony. Colin was pretty curious about the darker brown stripe down his back.

On the hay ride. Freezing!

Riding the Pony... so serious!

This is Col's good buddy Kobe riding the pony too.

And Colin picking out his pumpking in the patch!!

Fall Family Time :-)

2010-12-14T14:55:00.000-05:00

The Y had a Halloween family night this past October that we took full advantage of! This year really is so much fun with the boys really "getting" most things and holidays the older they get. This is one of the first years Caden has voluntarilary worn a costume. I let him choose what he wanted to be, then went on a scavanger hunt to find it. He was a pumpkin. Poor Colin, who only gets hand me down costumes was a Monkey :-) we had a really good time.

Col Mommy and Caden (and Mason)

Mommy & Court

We got to paint pumpkins..... Lots to choose from!

Mommy & Colin. They had a non-scary haunted house for the kids, pumpkin painting, craft makings, lots and lots of games, bounce houses and even a magic show and costume contest!

Courtney, who is really starting to enjoy cooking, mentioned to my friend Pam, that she loves Pumpkin Pie. Pam then offered to teach her how to make it! It was H E A V E N L Y to say the least. It was a lot of work, but all of us had a good time, and I always love new recieipies. Here are Pam and Courtney cleaning the insides out.

Oops. out of order. Here are our pumpkins from family night.

Courtney, working hard.

Seperating the seeds. She didn't like this too much. Nothing like getting 2 pies and a HOLE tray of seeds from a couple of small pumpkins!

Mixing the batter up.

Pretty Smile!

Before cooking. Doesn't it look delish?? it was! Even more so since we got to get it HOT with COLD Whip Cream.........

2010-12-14T14:47:00.001-05:00

They really DO love each other!!

Priceless Moments

2010-12-14T14:47:00.000-05:00

Need I say More?