Keith & Jenny

Is it possible?? Egan's 4!!!

2011-04-30T16:50:00.000-04:00

The Birthday Boy showing off his MONSTER face

That's right. The little man turned 4 on April 27th!!! I can't believe it!!!!!

We went to Tim and Cody's house last night to celebrate Egan's birthday with Nana & Gump (Marlos and Phil) and Nana & Poppa (Judy & Bob - Tim's parents). Cody made us a nice dinner, which was followed by presents and cake.

Tim and Cody had asked me if I would make Egan's cake this year for him, and said that he wanted "a monster cake". I wasn't really sure how to go about making that as it wasn't necessarily a specific monster... Just a monster. A green one (because that is his favorite color). And I didn't want to make it look too scary... I mean, what fun is that to be scared of your cake on your birthday.

So, Thursday night after Keith got out of work, he helped me decorate Eegie's cake. I had baked it earlier in the day so that the cakes would be cool enough to frost in the evening. Thankfully, Keith was willing to pipe on the monster fur for me, as I found it to be monotonous... and I wasn't really that great at it. Then, I put on the eyes and mouths... and the lettering on the cake board. All in all, I think that it turned out pretty cute.

I was really happy that he was so excited about it when we got to the house.

Just getting started

Uncle Keith rockin' out the monster fur

One of the monster faces - There were 3

The finished product

Lots to open!!! :)

Ellery - Chillin' with her bunny

The first of many...

Lincoln Logs!!!!

Hmmmm.... when is my birthday again???

Thomas PJ's

The Mattila Fam

Telling us about his new books

A Bailey-proof bucket for his sandbox

His new camping set

Really Aunt Jenny.... REALLY??

He looks so small in that chair ;)

Opening his card from Uncle Keith and I

Is it time for cake yet??

It's not a party, without a party hat!!!!

He blew out his candles in one breath!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EGAN!!!

April Showers... These May flowers are gonna be HUGE!!!

2011-04-28T10:05:00.001-04:00

April. It has been a crazy month weather wise. We had sun, we had snow, we've had TONS of rain. In fact, right now when I look out my window there is standing water... but I must admit, it is beautiful when the sun shines. Everything is getting green and ready for summer!!!! Yay!

April 9th is my dad's birthday. He was 69 this year. It seems so weird to me, because to watch my dad, I wouldn't say that he is 69.... He doesn't act 69... I don't even think he looks 69...except maybe for the "blonde" hair.... and I gotta say, I caused a good portion of it :)

We went and had birthday dinner with my parents at Cavelli's here in town. We had a good meal and then we went back to my parents house and had cake and presents.

The Loot

Reading his Birthday Card from my Momma

The front of the card... Yeah, it lit up and played hula music

A clock for the mantle in the sunroom

More goodies...

Little beads that you melt and they make the house smell AMAZING!!!

His new shirt and tie from Keith & I

Always angel food cake... ALWAYS

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And ... a gratuitous picture of Syd...

What happened to March???

2011-04-28T09:27:00.000-04:00

Okay.... So, I know. I'm lame. I didn't post ANYTHING in the month of March... I know I didn't take many pictures (if any really) .... which is bad... but lets see if I can remember what happened...

We were both working a lot of hours, so for the most part, if we weren't at our jobs, we were just at home. Puttering about the house. On the weekends, we just lazed about. But nothing really exciting.

We did have friends over for dinner one weekend. It was fun, because it was really the first time that we had invited our friends over to see the house and hang out. We were short a few because David, Erin and the boys couldn't make it (if memory serves, they all had the flu at the time), but all in all it was a good time!

Towards the end of the month is Phil and my Grandma Hillier's birthdays.

We went to celebrate Phil's birthday at their house. We had dinner with the fam, and then Grandma and Grandpa Scrimger joined us for cake and presents. It was a good time :)

I went to visit my Grandma at Devonshire shortly after her birthday. Keith and I had both been sick with the flu and so I did not want to risk giving it to her. She was well, and we sat and talked in the sunroom for a bit, and then we went with her to the salon while she got her hair done. She was in good spirits, and seemed happy that I came to visit.

I guess the most exciting thing that happened in March was that I got my nose pierced. Yeah.... Pretty sure that was about it. I had been wanting to do it for a long time. Basically my general fear of pain is what kept me from doing it.... but one night after work, Keith and I went to a local shop in town just so I could ask questions. Before I knew it, the words coming out of my mouth were something like, "Okay... let's do it... " and the rest as they say is history. It had its interesting moments for certain... but I'm glad that I did it. I like the way that it turned out, and I think that is all that matters :) But I'll give ya a picture. (It isn't the best quality, but it is what I got....)

Moving Right Along!!! We are getting there ♥

2011-02-28T21:48:00.001-05:00

We are getting closer... I can feel it!!!

The kitchen is pretty well finished. Keith finished the backsplash and the flooring is completed. Keith finished up the trim, and there are small things that will need to be worked on, but it is getting there. I really love my kitchen. It is so much bigger than our old one... even than how this kitchen used to be. Keith redesigned it so that it has a much more open floorplan and I think that it turned out great. We ordered a new refridgerator and a dishwasher (our first ever). We already had a new stove and microwave from when we bought the house on Coldwater Road, so we went with black appliances so that they all match. I think that it turned out nicely. Keith still has to install the new ceiling fan, but the majority of the work has been completed.

The kitchen (view from the living room) I love the color ;)

The other side of the kitchen/dining room

Faucet and sink (Keith picked out the faucet... I really like it)

Our new fridge

Our first dishwasher... Awwwww...

The backsplash... you can kind of see our what our countertops look like

The light over the dining room table

Keith and his dad were able to get the doorway moved and the partitions for the laundry room and the new bathroom have been built too.

The office is pretty well finished. I try to not spend too much time in there, since I spend my entire day on the computer... but sometimes, I need to spend more time in there than I like too...

The office

The living room is pretty well finished. Keith closed off the chimney so that it isn't so drafty in the living room, and we are looking into getting some ventless gas fireplace logs. For now, we have some candles in it and I think that it adds a really nice and cozy atmosphere to our living room. My dad built us a door to match the mantle that he made us and the molding that was made to go on the fireplace. I think that it turned out really nice. The brick was a mish mosh of colors, so Keith painted it this summer. I think that it turned out AMAZINGLY well. We still need to get the new front door installed, but I know that Keith is waiting for some warmer weather. I still need to get our pictures in the frames that I bought this summer, and get them put up on the walls.

I LOVE THIS LAMP!!! I bought it at Ikea... LOVE IT! ♥

My dad made me this cabinet a few years ago. It is the perfect place to store most of our movie collection

Half of the living room (Headed into the kitchen)

The rest of the Living Room

This mantle clock belonged to Keith's Grandpa Powell

The fireplace and mantle

Our "fire"

I am really starting to love this new house. It is starting to feel like a home, and now that I have my belongings where I want them, and photos up on the walls... and other randomness to help it feel like it is OURS... it is better. I like being here much more now than I did when we first bought the house. I cannot believe that it has almost been a year already!!!! We are going to be here for a while (Whew!!! 3 moves in six and a half years of marriage.... we have a lot of stuff too!!! )... So, we have plenty of time to make it how we want. I'm super excited!!!

Keith's Birthday

2011-02-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

Given that it is the last day of February, I decided that I should take the time to post the pictures of Keith's birthday party. Keith turned 29 on February 1st, but because he was working so much, we weren't able to celebrate his birthday until the 20th. We had both of our families over, along with Keith's friend Brandon. We had a make your own taco/nacho bar with Spanish Rice and chips and salsa. I made Keith a double chocolate birthday cake (dark chocolate cake and frosting...per his request) and I think it was super tasty.

He got a lot of really nice stuff. I had gotten him clamps and stuff to help him with his welding, and then our family brought along a lot of other goodies. He got a battery charger, a travel mug, socks, digitial calipers and some cash (which is always great)!!!

Happy Birthday Keith!!!! I hope that you had a wonderful day....

I'm not sure why I do this... but I do... what can I say?

Keith's Double Dark Chocolate cake... it was yummy! ;)

Keith blowing out all 29 of his candles... in one breath!!! GO KEITH!!!!

Eegers with his momma... He was a really good boy

Tim (was my "photographer" for the day)... This is his always anticipated self portrait :)

Egan Quin with Nana

Egan and Gump watching the Daytona 500

February?!?!?!

2011-02-02T18:06:00.002-05:00

Okay, so... I think that we all know that even if it were feasible, winter isn't just going to go away like that because I asked it to. We got a really big snow last night... BLIZZARD WARNING!!! Hello SNOW DAY!!! So I know that to a lot of people this probably isn't a big deal... but to a girl who hasn't gotten an actual snow day in 10 years, this was MAJOR! I spent the day cleaning up around the house, baking and dancing around to music on my iPod (today was a Bruno Mars, Jack Johnson and Darius Rucker day... very fun). I am sure that if anyone was watching me, they think that I am certifiably insane... but that is okay too ;)

I really cannot believe that it is already February!!! Yesterday was Keith's 29th birthday. We just spent the night hanging out, and I gave him his gifts. I got him a bunch of clamps and stuff for welding or whatever. He seemed to like them... I always have a hard time shopping for him. But, this year seemed to be a success.

We are having a party with the family on Sunday, so I will hopefully have some pictures to post after that.

If you like the snow, I hope that you enjoy it!!!!

You're moving right along... and then life comes and slaps you across the face...

2011-01-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

Yeah.... I think that pretty much sums it up.

So, I don't know if everyone knows this or not, but I have HORRIBLE luck. Super bad. Not even funny, kinda makes me want to cry at times bad luck. The amount of times that I have tripped over nothing (or my own two feet), sprained my ankle, fallen down, tripped myself, gotten into an accident (i.e. do we all remember my birthday this past June??? Thank you.), buy the item the day before it goes on sale, well, you get the gist of it...

So, I don't think that I ever posted about it, but around Thanksgiving/ Early December, I got rear-ended in my Jeep. My new Jeep. The Jeep that I had just gotten out of the shop in the middle of July after a month of it being at the body shop after Keith and I were in an accident in it. So, we turned it back in to get fixed because happily there wasn't a ton of damage, and since it was the other person's fault... I didn't have to pay my deductible. There is the silver lining!

In December, Keith and I to visit our friend in Florida, and while we were there, we bought a used Jeep for me to drive in the winter. The goal being that we got a much nicer Jeep for our money, since Jeeps down there aren't run thru the salt every winter... the body would be cleaner. Plus, then, we can keep my new Jeep out of the salt, cut down on miles, the whole nine. It was a good plan.

Skip to the Wednesday AFTER we got home with it from Florida. On my way home from work, I had a deer run into the side of the Jeep. REALLY??? What is going on. Luckily, no real damage, aside from a little piece of plastic molding on the side that says "Cherokee" had a little deer fur stuck in it... nothing major. I didn't turn it in, because what is the point. No harm, no foul. Not really anyways...

Flash forward to today. This morning, as I was driving into work. We got a good snow last night, and on my way into work there is an almost 90* turn on one of the roads that I have to take into town. I always go slow around that curve because it freaks me out. I think that the posted speed is 20 mph. I was going much slower this morning. Long story short, oncoming traffic was moving to get out of the way of the car ahead of me, that was driving down the center of the road. It then started to fishtail and the driver was trying to regain control as it was headed for my Jeep. Drivers door.... I adjusted the wheel, and myself began to fishtail. Avoided the oncoming car, but ended up in the ditch. Had to wait for the tow truck to come because it is a deep ditch, and then I came home for the day... I just really didn't feel like going to work today.

While I waitied, a Lapeer County Sheriff's officer arrived and told me that I could wait in his car until the tow truck came so that I wasn't standing on the side of the road like a target for another car to take me out. Good Idea. Downside, I had to sit in the BACK of his police car. Let me just say... I didn't like it. I mean, I really, REALLY, REALLY didn't like it. I was really kind of freaked out. He just kinda laughed and said, " Do you want me to put the handcuffs on you so that you get the full effect??" Ummm, NO!!! I'm good. All I can say, is I don't ever want to be there again. End of discussion.

So, that was the big slap that I felt life (or karma or whatever) give to me this morning... and I guess in the grand scheme of things, everything could have been much worse. I don't think that the Jeep suffered too much damage, and I am fine. No pain, but it could be delayed and I might feel it tomorrow...I'll just have to wait and see.

Moral of the story: Bad Luck. I got it. Hoping that this is not an indicator for 2011...

Still moving...

2010-11-21T17:03:00.000-05:00

It is amazing to me, the amount of stuff that Keith and I have accumulated in our 6 years of marriage... I mean, it is alot. We have been working this weekend on trying to get everything that we have left at the old house moved over to the new house. It definitely isn't put where it belongs... but we will get there. We still have to tear into the kitchen and dining room area... so, I am not in any rush to put things away in those rooms. They will just have to be reboxed and stored until we are finished with that project. So, right now, we are living out of boxes. A lot of boxes... (Sigh). Luckily there is a 4-day weekend coming up and I think that Keith may try to demo the kitchen so that we can get moving on that. I am hoping that we can have the house in some sort of order by the time Christmas rolls around this year... Fingers crossed!!!!

Yesterday we were able to move Keith's shed over to the new house, and today, we finished moving the majority of the remaining "house" stuff. Keith still has a lot in his garage to move, but we are progressing. Slow but sure. Keith is so smart. He attached an axel and wheels to the shed, and then they just pulled it down the road without having to unassemble and then re-assemble it... They just had to wait for a day with now wind, otherwise the shed might have ended up on the road in a bunch of little pieces.

The shed on its way down the road

The shed's temporary home...

Our bedroom with the furniture moved in

Guest Bedroom

Other half of the guest bedroom

Hallway, with my pictures up

Living Room full of stuff

Entry room full of stuff

Storage room full of stuff

Syd on her bed... unsure why I am taking her picture :)

So, I feel like we are getting closer. I am looking forward to the day when we are just living in this house... and not fixing... or changing, or anything. I can't wait to be all done and have some friends over for dinner, drinks and a nice relaxing time...

So Behind

2010-09-12T21:14:00.001-04:00

It isn't even a little bit funny, how far behind on posting I am. I mean, seriously not funny. It seems like every time that I decide to go ahead, sit down and work on updating the blog, something just gets in the way. Laundry, dinner, too tired or too whatever. I am going to try to be better, but for now, I cannot really make any promises. Between work, and all of the stuff going on with the new house, the blog ranks towards the bottom of my priorities list. But I will try to be better. Honest.

Let me see... where did I leave off...

In July, I hosted a bridal shower for Amy. She is getting married on September 25th, and I am her Matron of Honor. I knew that she was going to be having a more "traditional" shower hosted for her in August, so I tried to make my shower more fun and youthful. After a lot of help by my absolutely fabulous family, I think that I pulled it off successfully. It was a lot to do. But definitely worth it. We played a couple of games, everyone walked out with some good prizes, and had a day filled with good food and laughter.

August came and went faster than I thought was possible. Keith has been working crazy hours, and even got switched to the night shift for a couple of weeks... That was the worst. Thankfully, he is back on days... but it was definitely rough for both of us. Marlos celebrated her birthday on August 12th and then the weekend of the 13th, everyone (but us) was able to go to Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville. Keith and I were unable to go because of the crazy hours that he has been working. Instead we went to the Imlay City fair for the first time in years. We watched the demolition derby for a while, and walked thru the livestock barns. Keith really wanted a cow. I had to put my food down and tell him no.... :) The following weekend was Lapeer Days. Keith and I went on Saturday night, and ended up meeting my parents there. My mom and I went on the Tilt-A-Whirl and the Scrambler like we used to when I was a kid. Still fun. My favorite ride is still the Tilt-A-Whirl. I had already made Keith ride it with me twice. He put his foot down and said that he wasn't going to go on it any more. That was when we saw my mom and dad. Thankfully... I think that I should be good until next summer... at least.

I cannot believe that it is already September!!! That is just crazy. For the Labor Day weekend, we were able to get up to Caseville (only the 2nd time this summer... BOO) and spend some time with our families. Keith's parents, my parents and Aunt Yvonne were all there on Saturday and then Tim, Cody & Egan joined us on Sunday. Sydney got really sick while we were up there, and we came home on Sunday afternoon so that we could spend Monday working at the new house.... Lots to do. It seems never ending.

There has been lots of progress at the new house. The bedrooms and living room are painted. The floors in those rooms have been refinished. Keith is working on the doors as we speak. My dad made the new mantle for the fireplace, and is working on the door for the wood box. They just need to be stained and poly'ed and installed. Next is working on the bathroom that we are converting from a 3/4 bath to a full bath, and the "mud room". Then, we still have the kitchen to work on...some new flooring to put down and new counter tops to install. Slap some fresh paint on the walls... It seems like we aren't ever going to be able to move in... but we keep plugging away, and progress is being made. So... I am just going to have to be patient. I am so ready to get moved in though... No words to describe how ready I am.

Up next is Amy & Chris' wedding on the 25th and my SIL Cody is due to have her baby at the end of the month. They have been doing renovations to their house as well, so my in-laws have been wearing a good path in the roads from Columbiaville to Metamora and back... :) Goodness knows how much we all appreciate how much they help us.

So, while there are no pictures at least everyone knows that I have not dropped off of the face of the earth... just been running around like the crazy person that I am.

Like I said, I will try to be better with the posts (and the photos)... Cross your fingers!! :)

Lee Ann & Joe got hitched!! :)

2010-07-20T21:11:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Lee Ann and Joe, who got married on July 11,2010. They had a beautiful ceremony and reception at her parents house. It was definitely warm but it was beautiful. Best wishes for a wonderful and happy marriage you guys!!!!

No Leaks...

2010-07-20T20:23:00.000-04:00

Keith has been working so hard to get the work on the house completed so that we can get moved in. In June, he took 4 days off of work to get the roof finished. That was the biggest project... and everyone helped out so much! Thanks so much to EVERYONE for all of their help... It is sooooo greatly appreciated!!

6 years... and counting!!!

2010-05-17T20:12:00.001-04:00

Saturday Keith and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe that it has been 6 years already... where did the time go to??

I have been pretty stressed out about work and stuff lately, so my husband (being the ROCK STAR that he is) planned a surprise get-a-way for me. He told me nothing... which is hard for me, because I am a planner and like to know specifics. I went crazy for almost a full week. Friday night when I got home, he had his bags packed and told me to hurry up and get packed because we were leaving. Not only did he plan the trip, but he took Saturday off to spend with me too.... (Insert "AWWWWWW" HERE). I hurriedly threw some clothes, and what not into my bag that he had laid out, and by the time we got on the road, it was 10 PM. Had to stop and get gas (and some coffee) before we officially got moving.... and 3 hours later, we arrived in Traverse City, Michigan.

Keith booked us a room at The Bayshore Resort for Friday and Saturday night. He had everything planned. We got up and around on Saturday, and after strolling around thru downtown Traverse City for a while, looking at some shops for a jacket for Keith and stopping into Jacques Torres Chocolates for a WICKED hot chocolate (Hot Chocolate that features allspice, cinnamon, ground, sweet ancho chili peppers, and smoked, ground chipotle chili peppers! ... YUM), stopped to get some breakfast so that we had some food in our stomaches before we went out to the Old Mission Penninsula for the Old Mission Blossom Days wine tour.

I have never been on a wine tour before, and so while I had a vague idea of what to expect, I knew that in reality I was hoping to learn something about the wine... and expand my horizons as a wine drinker. That didn't really happen. I went in knowing that I liked sweet wines... and went out knowing the same. Keith, went in knowing that he liked dry reds... and again, nothing really changed that. But we had an amazing time. Entry was only $15, and for your money, you got a souvenier wine glass, which acted like your "ticket" into 7 different wineries. We went to: Black Star Farms Old Mission, Peninsula Cellars, Chateau Grand Traverse, Brys Estate, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Chantal and 2 Lads Winery. It was so much fun. If you ever have the oportunity, I would highly recommend that you go up...even if you aren't a wine drinker... just the scenery is amazing enough on its own.

For dinner we went to the Apache Trout Grill and had a wonderful dinner... Then on Sunday, we wandered thru town a bit more in the morning and early afternoon before heading home.

It was such a great surprise, and a really wonderful anniversary and get-a-way trip with Keith.... He is such a wonderful husband, and I love him so much... more than I did the day we got married... more each day... and that is saying something... Because the day that we got married, I would have sworn that it was impossible for that to happen. A lot has changed in the past 6 years. 2 houses, 1 dog, a new nephew, 4 new jobs between the 2 of us, and I am sure many, many more things to come. Here are a couple of pictures... a recent one of us from this weekend, and one looking back at our wedding day.... and one of my hot chocolate... ;)

Simple Pleasures...

2010-04-22T20:32:00.000-04:00

This video makes me smile. Wanted to share it with you... maybe it will make you smile too....

Time for some fun in the.... rain?!?!?!

2010-04-20T21:11:00.000-04:00

I went last Thursday thru Sunday to visit my friend Jeff in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I had such a wonderful time. Because Keith does not have any time off with his new job right now, I went by myself, but I had a good time hanging out with Jeff.

I arrived on Thursday afternoon into Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Jeff was a nice enough host to take off Thursday afternoon and all day Friday to try to keep me entertained... not always the easiest thing to do... kind of have short attention span...well, anyone who knows me already knows that. Thursday, after Jeff picked me up at the airport, we went and grabbed a bite to eat, ran some errands and then went back to the house to hang out.

Friday, Jeff and I do what we do the best.... We went SHOPPING to the galleria mall. We went to all of my favorites... I didn't get a lot, but I was limited on space to take anything home...I was not willing to purchase a bag to take home, or to ship my items home.... I mean, hello... that is money that I could put towards more goodies!!! I did get a couple of really cute tops, a new watch and a pair of havaianas in grey. Jeff got loads of good stuff... he had not been shopping since he went down to Ft. Lauderdale back in DECEMBER!!!! I mean, it is not really like I encouraged him to spend money.... but I didn't really discourage him from spending money.... He got a lot of really cute stuff from Abercrombie & Fitch, Macy's and The Sunglass Hut. He got some super cute sunglasses, a pair of Persol's and a pair of Prada's.... The Prada's were my favorite... These aren't the exact ones, but they are very similar to what he got... We went to lunch at PF Changs, and then later on in the evening, we went to a Japanese Steakhouse for dinner. Needless to say, they fed me very well down there....

Saturday, we did the whole lazy day thing. Made some no-bake cookies, watched some movies... you know... that kind of thing. It was nice to sit around and do nothing.... it is so relaxing... but at the same time, it can be exhausting!

Sunday afternoon, I flew out and back to Detroit.... after a two and a half hour layover... did I mention that I was on the plane for that?? Which REALLY sucked. There was 280 available seats on my return flight.... and there was 279 people on that plane with me.... ugh!!! It rained a lot on my last day there... which is part of the reason for the delay.... did I mention that I was on the plane for like a total of 5+ hours.... for a 3 hour flight?? Just checking....

All in all, I had such a great time visiting with my friend.... I miss him lots... but that is what is so great about having a true friend.... even if they are far away in distance, they are always near in our memories... I think that it was Aristotle who asked, What is a friend?? And then answered, A single soul dwelling in two bodies... Jeff is one of my very best pals.... Looking forward to seeing him again soon!

Jeff & I ~ before I left

Jeffrey

Sad News...

2010-04-11T13:14:00.000-04:00

We found out on Friday morning, that my co-worker, Beverly lost her year long battle with lung cancer. She was diagnosed last Spring, and was stage 4 at that time.She went thru multiple treatments and was hopeful that she was going to be able to overcome the cancer. She was a very nice woman, and my thoughts are with her family. Here is a link to her obituary that was posted in todays Lapeer County Press.

Friday was a hard day at work. Lots of calls from realtors wanting details... She had been a part of the Lapeer Real Estate community for MANY YEARS... it was alot to have to keep repeating it over and over. And the more you said it, did not make it any easier... I do not know if anyone who reads my blog knew her, but the details are as follows:

Visitation is at Muir Brothers Funeral Home in Lapeer:

Sunday 5-8 PM

Monday 4-8 PM

Funeral is at St. Paul Lutheran in Lapeer:

Tuesday at 11 AM

*Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Youth Program, Stephen Ministry or American Lung Association*

Happy Birthday Dads!

2010-04-11T13:01:00.001-04:00

Both of the dad's have had their birthdays, and I decided that it was time for me to post some of the photos that I took at them. We had a good time. Phil's birthday is March 24th, and Pop's birthday is April 9th.... Let's see.... Let's go chronologically...

For Phil's birthday, we all went over to their house for dinner and cake and presents. Phil's birthday was on a Wednesday this year, but he had a meeting that night, so we all went over on Monday night. Keith's mom grilled us up a yummy dinner, and then we did the gift/cake (in this case pie) thing. Keith had just bought a tractor, so the boys spent some time after dinner seeing if they could find a picture of a restored one in magazines and stuff. Then, Phil opened his presents with some help from Eegie, and we finished it up with birthday pie... three kinds to be exact (Raspberry, Coconut Cream and Apple) all from Judy's in Bay City.

Looking for a picture of the new tractor

Still Looking...

Family Time...

Egan helping Gump open his presents

Telling Egan about the gift

Hiding his eyes because we didn't wrap the gift

Egan, doing the same ;)

Phil, checking out his present

Egan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....

Make a wish!!!

For my dad's birthday, we met at Ted's Bar and Grill in Lapeer for dinner and drinks before going to my parents house to open gifts and have cake.

Pops

The Loot

Socks... Yay!!!

Reading his card

Hmmmm.....

His new grinder

More presents?!?!?!?!

He was pretty excited about these clamp things that Keith picked out...

He got all of the candles blew out... Wonder what he wished for...

We are so lucky to have such wonderful families... It is so nice to spend time with them.

I kinda miss that feeling of being thrown back into my seat...

2010-03-21T11:53:00.000-04:00

Last week, I turned in my lease on my 2008 Jeep Commander and we bought my new car. With leasing the way that it is now, after all of the bankruptcy's with GM and Chrysler, it really isn't that much better than it is to buy. Plus, now I won't have to be such a freak about how much I drive my car and worry about going over my miles... that was a pain. And, because I am a freak, I always had it broken down, to the day, how many miles I could drive my Jeep. And if/when I was over, I was always a complete nutter... and I know that probably drove Keith insane.

We ended up buying a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It is a nice car. I went with cloth interior (I HATE leather) in gray, and the exterior is called Brilliant Black. It is black, but it has a metallic fleck in the paint that is multi colored, so sometimes I think it looks black, sometimes blue, sometimes gray... you get the point. The new Jeep has a V6 which is perfect for what I need, but I am not gonna lie. Sometimes, I miss the feeling of being pushed back into my seat when I would stomp on the gas in the Commander, the HEMI would start to hum, and I was flying down the road. I won't miss filling up my car every few days, but sometimes, it is just nice to go fast. At least I think so...

So, here is a photo of the new Jeep... I like it.... I had better.... I am gonna have it for a while!!!

Hello Winter?? I think that it is time for us to break up....

2010-03-21T11:41:00.000-04:00

So, I am not sure what is going on with the weather lately. Last week was WONDERFUL. 50's and 60's... I even caved and went and had a pedicure done so that my toes were cute for all of my sandals. Yesterday and today have both been cold... and light snow.... REALLY?? I had errands to run, so I went out. Flip flops and all.... I forgot to check outside before I got ready to go. And it isn't like it is a long haul from the house to my car... So, all was good.

Those of you that know me, know that a little bit of snow on the ground is not going to deter me from bustin' out my open toe shoes and sandals/flip flops. Once the nice weather hits, that's it! I am over the winter coats, boots, mittens, and other miscellaneous cold weather accessories that I have to carry with me (i.e. spare blanket, ice scraper, blah, blah, blah)... I am ready to pack up my sweaters and get out my Spring clothes... because before you know it... Summer will be here!! Yay!!!!

I am ready for the sun to come out, the weather to warm up, and Spring to get here... Whether last week was a fluke, or just some sort of bad joke, I am not sure... but I really wish that it would come back already. I must say, that I am liking having more daylight in the evening. Hoping that the nice weather will come back soon, and from the looks of THIS, next week won't be too bad... Not stellar, but OK. And definitely better than snow....

I'm waitin' on ya Spring... So, can ya hurry it up??

Have you ever noticed...

2010-01-31T19:11:00.000-05:00

... That sometimes life just gets in the way?? I mean, honestly?? Ever since the holidays, the weeks have been flying by, and in all honesty, it has not seemed like we have done very much... thus the lack of posts. This past week on the other hand has been full of different events... where to begin...

We have hired a few new people at my office, so I have been spending the last few weeks doing trainings and trying to help them with any questions they have. The problem is that sometimes I feel like I am getting pulled in about 15 different directions... and since I am not made of taffy, sometimes it is diffiult to keep everyone happy. Doing my best though. Guess it is better to be the person that people feel like they can turn to than someone who isn't... right?

Friday was Keith's last day at Numatics in Lapeer. He was laid off on Friday, just one day shy of having been there for 4 years. On the plus side, Keith starts his new job at Lapeer Industries tomorrow. He will still be doing the same type of work, just on a different machine and in a new location. I don't think that he has to do the programming part of it either. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. His new job has him working a minimum of 55 hours per week. REQUIRED. No exception. He is working for the first 90 days thru a temp agency, and then after the first 90 days, if they want to keep him on staff, the shop will hire him in directly... I think that it will be a good thing... just long hours.

Yesterday, we spent the afternoon/evening celebrating Keith's 28th birthday with our families. We all met in Flint at the Puerta Vallarta restaurant for an early dinner, and then back to our house to have cake, presents and to play some games on the Wii. It was fun to spend time together. Egan helped me put all of the candles on Uncle Keith's cake, and was also helped to deliver the gifts to be opened. ;) I didn't make Keith's cake this year... and I think that this might be the first year since we have been married that I didn't make it for him... Just not enough time. I will have to make him a cake sometime this month... just because.

Egan watching Nana play Wii

The boys... "Wii'ing"...

Nana bowling... She did great at it!

Today, we went to Frankenmuth to visit Shane, Beth and Violet and David, Erin, Jacob and Nathan. We had lunch together, and then we all just sat around talking and hanging out. It was the first time that Keith and I got to meet Violet. She is really tiny... Give her another couple months or so... I am just not a tiny baby person... but she is a cutie. Erin made a cake for Keith and Beth's birthdays... we got together kind of between the two... David and Erin and the boys ended going home early. Nathan got sick, and didn't act like he felt very well... Get better soon little man!!!

Miss Violet...

After we left Shane & Beth's house, we cruised thru Frankenmuth really quick to go ahead and look at some of the Snowfest scultpures that were displayed thru the town. Me being the weirdo that I am, left the house without a coat, and so I was FROZEN before we got very far... I retreated to the car like the chicken I am, and we headed for home. From what I could see on the street they were beautiful and looked great. The streets were crowded... and it looked like things were hopping... Maybe next year I can plan better so that we can go and see everything.

Happy Christmas!!!

2009-12-27T09:19:00.000-05:00

Well, 2009 is almost over... I cannot believe that we are almost ready to ring in 2010... Crazy!

Wednesday night, my boss April hosted our work Christmas party. I wish that I had taken my camera, but I didn't really even think about it until the next day. Everyone brought a dish to pass, and we just hung out chatting,drinking, laughing, and spending time together away from the stress of the office. I know that there was Wii golfing, bowling and boxing being played, but I did not participate... I was socializing (there is a shocker...)...It is always fun to spend time with my co-workers outside of work.

Keith and I spent Christmas Eve at my Mom and Dad's house. Grandma Hillier came over to join us, and we spent the day gorging ourselves on yummy food and opening up presents. I didn't really get my camera out of the case this year, I should have... but Keith had his out, so he took some for us to have... We didn't get an updated family pic though.... A little bummed about that.

Christmas Day, we went to party with the Scrimger/Mattila gang... It was a good time. Tim and Cody were leaving the next day for Puerto Rico (Tim is in a wedding down there), so it was nice to get to spend some time with them before they left... and just in general. We had lots more yummy food and then we all trooped down to the basement to open gifts. We did get a family picture with them this year (which I don't think that we did last year) so that is nice.

We got lots of great gifts this year. I got some clothes and shoes for work, Marlos made me an apron, a new scarf... lots of goodies. Keith got a lot of good "boy" gifts too... a welder's jacket, knee pads, a new grinder, gloves... We are so blessed to have such a great family...

Hope that everyone had a great Christmas holiday... Getting ready to ring in 2010... Oy...

Happy Birthday Momma!

2009-12-05T19:42:00.006-05:00

My momma turned 60!!!!! Not that anyone ever believes me when I tell them that she is 60.... I gotta admit, I think my mom looks younger than 60...We met for dinner after work on Tuesday to celebrate my mom's big day.... She had been out to lunch with my aunts and uncles to The Farmhouse Restaurant in Lapeer to celebrate.... then, we met at Applebee's for dinner.... and went back to their house for cake and presents.

Mom LOVED all of her gifts.... SHOES!! 3 pairs to be exact. Anyone who has ever wondered where my love of all foot attire... here is your answer. Blame it on my momma.... see sometimes nurture just wins out over nature... learned behavior and all that... HA HA!!!

Here are some pictures from presents and cake. I did not take any at dinner because I was trying to avoid causing a scene... I didn't want them to come sing to her... my mom is not big on being the center of attention. It was a moot point though, since she wore a pin that said she was 60... but at least it wasn't MY fault that she got sang to!!!

Happy Birthday Momma!!!!!

Reading her I LOVE LUCY card from Keith and I

Pair #2

Yeah, that's right. A different shoe on each foot ;-)

See that big grin??? I am SO my mother's daughter...

One.... Two.... Three

Syd sporting some of my mom's birthday bling

I'm sorry... we can't offer an exchange or a refund... it has been 26 years!!!

2009-11-22T18:45:00.004-05:00

So, November 17th marked my 26th Gotcha Day. That is right kids!!! 26 years.... Keith and I met my parents at Outback Steakhouse after work for dinner (had the best blueberry martini of my LIFE), and then on over to my grandma's house for a slice of pie. YUM!!

We looked at pictures from 26 years ago, did the traditional pic of my pops and I, and talked a bit about everything. My mom and dad got me a couple of things for work, and a new argyle boat and tote bag from LL Bean. It was really a great night... lots of good food,.and time with the family...

On a side note, I cannot believe that it is November already and that Thanksgiving is just around the corner... that is insane!!! Before you know it, Christmas and the 2010 will be here... Seems like just yesterday everyone was freaking out about Y2K...

Just don't look him in the eyes....

2009-11-15T22:06:00.005-05:00

They make me kind of sad...

Keith was one of the masses to head out to hunt this morning... and was successful!! Keith shot a 7 point buck at his grandpa's farm this morning. He took it up to Ray C's in Lapeer to enter it into the buck pole... and, well, he got PEOPLE'S CHOICE award. He got lots of great prizes... and is super excited. I am really happy for him... this is a big deal. At least in my brain it is.

I will let Keith tell you all about "the story", the stats and his prizes that he won. Here is one of the pictures that we took tonight at the buck pole judging. I will leave the rest for him to post on his blog.

Good Job Keith!!! Congratulations!!!

Trick Or Treat!!!

2009-11-01T09:42:00.002-05:00

We maxed out at 10 trick or treaters this year... not a steallar year for us at all. We had more last year, so I made sure to buy plenty of candy.... PLENTY..... didn't need it.... and we gave the kids a handful (or more). We have SOOOOO much candy left... We were pretty much the only house on our side of the block handing out candy... and we live on a busy road, which I think is why we don't get that many kids coming to our house. My parents came over and had dinner, watched a movie and helped us hand out candy... I gave them a gallon bag of candy to take home... we still have a ton. Note to self, DO NOT buy so much candy next year...

The kids pretty much only came in the first hour... I think that my top pics for this years group were a little girl dressed up like a blue dinosaur and a little boy who was a red m&m. The little girl must have had on a coat and stuff under her costume. She waddled.... the little boy was completely mesmerized by Syd, who was a complete freak that there were people at her door....

Hope that everyone had a happy and safe Halloween this year!!!

Depner Corn Maze 2009... DINO-MITE!!!!

2009-10-18T19:01:00.005-04:00

We all went up to Caseville today to make our annual pilgrimage thru the corn maze in Caseville. Bill and Ellen (Phil and Marlos' neighbors) joined us this year. It was in the shape of a dinosaur this year, and all of the questions for the punch card were dino-related. ;-)

Keith and I made it thru the maze first this year, but we only got 5 of the 6 punches. Tim, Cody, Egan, Phil, Marlos, Bill & Ellen all made it thru the maze, and all found all 6 of the punches. Towards the end, Keith and I were just too lazy to keep looking.

We also went on the hay ride.... it was very informative.

I did not take any pictures, but I think that Keith took a couple, and I think that Tim and Cody did too. I am sure that they will post them at some point, so you will have to check out their blogs.

It was a good time. If you have time, run up to Caseville and try out the Depner corn maze. It is a good fall fun activity.

Welcome Back to Reality...

2009-10-05T21:04:00.002-04:00

First day back... Stressful.... I am hoping that the next couple of days will be easier since I have that all important first day over with.

I got to hand out presents that I brought back (which I love to do ) and then it was not to the grindstone and all of that.

Wish me luck... I am hoping that tomorrow, and the rest of the week will get better... and easier.

I'm Baaaaackkkkkk

2009-10-04T06:23:00.002-04:00

We made it home safe and sound yesterday afternoon. Perhaps a bit stiff from all of the time on the plane, but home none the less. My parents picked us up, and we went to grab a bite to eat before heading home to Lapeer.

Friday seemed like an exceptionally L-O-N-G day. We had packed up most of our stuff in the hotel the night before, because I am a freak, and was terrified that we might leave something even semi-important in Maui.... I woke up bright and early (local time) and tried to keep myself busy. I was trying to get a jump start on changing my internal clock back to Michigan time (since it is 6:30 AM, I am not sure that I have been very successful with that... but I couldn't sleep...). Anyways, we woke up, and killed a couple of hours at the Westin, before checking out around 10 AM. We spent most of the day driving around the island to see the remaining things that we had not had a chance to visit. We went to the Iao Valley and did the little mini hike. We also stopped at the Herritage Gardens. They had a KOREAN exhibit... lots of stuff to see in both areas. Had a lot of fun in both places.

After we were done, we went back to the roadside park to watch some surfers, before heading back towards the airport. We grabbed dinner at McDonalds, before turning in the rental car. Then, we checked in at the airport. We had to run our bags thru an agricultural check (pineapple sniffers) as Keith called them, before checking our bags with the airline and running thru security. We must have bought lots of goodies, because we had to check a 4th bag to avoid being over the weight limit on the way back... totally worth the $20 or whatever it cost....

I had such an amazing time. The weather, the views, all just so amazing.... Can't belive that we came back to 60* weather.... rain... brrrrrrrrrrrr... it sure is cold, but I am glad to be home too. Missed everyone a lot. Would love to go back to visit again though....

I still have tons of photos to upload, but I am really just way to lazy right now... hopefully I will get around to them soon!!!

UPDATED I've been inked...

2009-10-02T12:13:00.005-04:00

That's right!! I survived... I got tattoo'ed while here on the island. We went on Tuesday and checked out local tattoo parlors. Found one that we liked on the third try.... and made appointments for Thursday afternoon. We went to Skin Deep Tattoo in Lahaina Town. Keith and I both had work done... I am really happy with how mine turned out. Our artist was Darlene, and she was GREAT!!! Especially with me... this having been my first time, I was a bit of and ADD freakazoid... but I am proud of myself. I didn't cry, and I didn't curse... Yay ME!!!

Gonna hold off on posting pictures until I get home. That way people can see it for themselves... I think that the pictures make it look kinda wonky....

Got all packed up last night with the exception of a couple of things. Gonna relax around the motel until the last possible minute before check out... We don't have to be to the airport until 8:30 PM... so we will get to spend the last day doing last minute shopping and enjoying the Maui sunshine.

***UPDATE*** Photos as promised. I will let Keith post his own picture :-D

The wristThe foot

Sitting around the pool doing nothing can take a lot out of you....

2009-10-01T14:57:00.004-04:00

Completely exhausted... I mean, I don't expect any sympathy, but really... really tired. The time change coming home is gonna kill me....

We spent Wednesday morning getting up and around, and then we went back into Lahaina Town for breakfast. We ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise. The portions were massive, and the food was yummy... Keith had macadamia nut pancakes, and I had french toast. It was a really nice restaurant. I got a cup that I am going to take up to Caseville. It says Cheeseburger in Paradise. After we were finished, we walked up and down the street, stopped at a couple of shops and then headed back to the hotel.

We hit the pool around 11:30 AM and stayed there for about 5 hours. The sun is relentless down here, and I am glad that we both went to the tanner before we came. We both probably would have fried down here without. We played in the pools, and went under the waterfalls and thru the grotto... very pretty. Keith went down the waterslide, but I hung back. He flew off of the end of the slide so fast... but it did look like fun.

We took a few pictures with an underwater camera that we had bought, but who knows how good any of the pictures will come out. I hate that I can't see them right away... welcome to the digital era...

After we were done for the day around the pool, we cleaned up, and went back to Leilani's for dinner at Whaler's Village. We went upstairs to eat this time. I had the filet mignon... Keith had steak and shrimp....So good. My filet practically melted in my mouth....

I realized that I had forgotten to post some of the pictures we took at the roadside park with the surfers from Tuesday... Here are a couple.

Back to the Westin...

2009-10-01T14:06:00.008-04:00

We spent Tuesday morning packing up the cabin, and getting ready to leave to head back to the Westin. Keith did a video tour of the cabin so we don't forget it... and then we went and did a mini hike around the park. There is a cave there as well as the black sand beach and the lava tube... So cool.

Then, it was another 3 hours on the road back to the Westin. We stopped at a roadside park/beach to watch some waves come in and some surfers... The water is so pretty here. We stopped at Buzz's Wharf for lunch on the way back. It is right in the marina, so you could see all of the sailboats and stuff. When we got back to Ka'anapali Beach, we checked in early, dropped off our stuff, and then headed back down the road to Lahaina Town for souvenir shopping and to investigate some of the local tattoo parlors. Finally found one that we liked and made appointments for Thursday... I am so nervous, but I think that I will be okay. I really want one...

Anyways, after that, we headed back to the Westin, where we walked down to Whaler's Village and did some more shopping, and had dinner at Leilani's. It is a beach side restaurant. Upstairs they serve the entrees, downstairs is more like bar food and sandwiches and stuff. We opted for downstairs, as we hadn't really dressed (as in dressed up....)for dinner. We had walked along the beach to get there... so we were pretty casual, and the upstairs looked a little fancier... Food was really good though. I had a burger, and Keith had a crab something or other... we had their chocolate cake for dessert... Yummy!!!

Not sure what all is on deck for tomorrow. I think for the most part sitting around the pool, enjoying and trying to soak up as much sunshine as possible.... I can't believe that it is almost time for us to come home..

The Waianapanapa Cave

Black Sand Beach

Lava Tube

Monday, Monday

2009-09-30T03:44:00.005-04:00

We woke up bright and early and headed out to the coast behind our cabin to take some pictures of the view. It was so amazing. You could hear the water crashing in all night, so it was great to see where all of the noise was coming from. It was really something to see.

After we finished at the cabin, we headed back down the road to Hana, to go to the Haleakala Crater. It was another 2-3 hours on the road, but it was worth it. We drove the Jeep up to the summit, and we got to go thru a couple of clouds to get there. It was around 60 degrees at the top and very windy. We got some amazing photos, and then we headed down and did a little bit of hiking down into the crater. So cool.

Behind our Cabin

At Haleakala Crater

Have lots more photos, but the time change is getting to me... I will post more from today, hopefully tomorrow night. Check back in for updates.

Heading to Hana

2009-09-30T03:11:00.007-04:00

Sunday we left the Westin and headed out for Hana. We stopped in Lahaina on our way, and found a flea market going on at the old court house. We stopped and looked at some local art work, and some jewelry before heading out again. We stopped at a roadside fruit stand and got some fresh mangoes, pineapple, and apple bananas. All yummy. We made another stop at K-Mart for a couple of necessities (i.e. a rain poncho, video camera, etc.) and for lunch and gas in the Jeep before heading down the very long and windey road. There are some GORGEOUS views on the way, and it was worth the 3 hours we spent in the car to get out to Wainapanapa State Park to check into our cabin. It was basic... to say the least. But we did not spend a lot of time there, and pretty much only used it for sleeping... that having been said, it was insanely hot there at night. No fan... nothing to help to move the air... but we made it thru.

After we got all checked in, we continued down the road to Hana and then on to the 7 Pools of Oheo. The water was too high, so we could not swim, but the view was still amazing. I think that I might have been too scared to actually swim in it if it has been allowed when we were there, but I would like to think that I would at least have put my feet in....

7 Pools of Oheo

On our way home, we stopped at some guys yard (he had signs out) and bought a plate lunch for both of us for dinner. Typical plate lunch includes: BBQ meat of some type, white rice and macaroni salad. I had spare ribs, and Keith had pork. Mine was without the salad, and extra rice. It was a very yummy dinner, and the owner was very friendly. It was a good choice. After dinner, we went back to the cabin and turned in for the night. Keith discovered that there were geckos on the walls/ceiling in our cabin. He REALLY did not like them, and killed quite a few with just a can of Raid and a broom. Impressive, don't ya think????

Aloha from Maui!!!

2009-09-27T11:32:00.008-04:00

We made it! We got in after about 14 hours dedicated to airport terminals and airplanes, but it was COMPLETELY worth it!!! Our plane actually arrived about 45 minutes early, so we were able to get our bags and our car and get on the road by 3 PM local time. We called to check in with the fam so they knew we got here okay, and then headed around the island to check into our hotel. After we got settled, and showered, we went driving. Stopped at a local taco stand for dinner. Yummy. Keith was sad about sun set being at like 6 PM, but it is so beautiful here, I think that we will make it.

I LOVE the Westin. I LOVE Maui... time change is messing with my head a bit, but other than that it is PERFECT!!! I am so thankful that we were able to come.

Today, we are going to be headed over to the other side of the island to camp at the state park in the cabins for a couple of nights. I will be offline due to lack of internet access, but I will try to take some great picutres and notes to upload when we are back on this side.

Here is just a couple... the photos just don't do it half of the justice that it deserves... but here they are!!!

Roadside park

Keith by our JeepFlamingos in the Lobby
Keith

Behind the Waterfall View from our terrace

Keith updated his blog with pictures too... check them out... I love it here....

I have to be up at WHAT time???

2009-09-25T18:55:00.002-04:00

Keith and I leave for our anniversary trip tomorrow morning... bright and early... well, I guess it will be dark and early. We are going to have to leave for the airport around 4 AM... our plane leaves at 7:59 AM.... but, I know that it is all gonna be worth it when I get to Hawaii.

Keith and I are both taking our laptops and cameras, so I am hopeful that we will have loads of pictures for keeping and to post on our blog... so that our friends and family can take a vicarious Hawaiian vacation!!!

Well, I guess that is it for now. Working on finishing up the packing, printing off itineraries, etc. Don't forget to pack this... do I really need to take this with me??? You know, that sort of thing.

Aloha!

Can I NOT be sick??? CAN I???

2009-09-13T08:42:00.004-04:00

I am hoping that I am not getting a cold. I have a runny nose, enflamed eyeballs (I affectionately refer to it as 'demon eye') and a sore throat and my head is always pounding. I think that it is really just allergies because Keith has most of the same symptoms - less the demon eye. I feel fine, but can it be gone before we go to Hawaii??

That would be great.

Labor Day... Hello Summer!!!!

2009-09-13T08:31:00.002-04:00

Finally getting around to posting about our Labor Day weekend... it was a lot of fun. I have some pictures that I have taken, but who knows when I will get around to uploading it into my computer. Still wanted to get around to posting about it. I can always upload pictures later... right? Sure, sure.

Keith and I went up to Caseville for the weekend, hoping that we would have loads of fun, and some good weather. The weatherman had guaranteed us that it would be a beautiful weekend, but we had been promised this before.

The weatherman did not lie this time. The weather was gorgeous. Warm, sunny, perfect. We went out to Charity Island on Saturday and then to the beach on Sunday. It was Tim, Cody and Egan's first trip out to the island with us, and I think that they had fun. We got out to the island, and relaxed, played in the water and did some snacking.... it was great!!!

I got to work on my tan a bit, so that I will not have to go to the tanning salon as much before our trip.... That makes me happy.

We had loads of fun in Caseville. We always do....

Sad...

2009-09-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Anyone who talks to my parents on a regular basis are probably aware that my brother, Matt and his wife Renee, my sister Tracy and her son Wesley will all be in state this weekend. Unfortunately, their mom passed away the week before Labor Day weekend. They are all coming in for the funeral on Wednesday.

Visitation is Monday night and Tuesday. Funeral Wednesday.

My thoughts and prayers are with them all...

Fun In The Sun ?!?!?!

2009-08-29T11:18:00.004-04:00

.... Or not. The weather did not co-operate AT ALL last weekend when we went up to Caseville with our families for some boating fun to Charity Island... this would be our 2nd annual trip... The weather man said that it was supposed to be okay on Saturday and the good weather on Sunday....

LIAR!!! Saturday's weather was definitely better than Sundays, but we all put our faith in the weather man, and decided to hold out until Sunday. Instead, we ended up spending a the morning playing a rematch of Alley, and hoping for the clouds to break.

Dad did end up launching the boat so that we could go around the bay a little bit. Past the houses on Sand Point. The waves were big, and they were crashing up over the front of the boat. Egan (and Tim, Cody, Keith and I) all found it to be pretty fun when the ride got a little rough.

We are going to try again next weekend for Labor Day... hopefully it will work out better. That is when we went last year... hoping for the best!!!!

Facebook Frenzy

2009-08-29T10:54:00.000-04:00

Ok. So, I held out for a long time before joining facebook. I could not ever really see the point of it all. I probably still would not have joined, but Keith and I went to my friend Katie's wedding a couple of weeks ago, and almost EVERYONE was asking Keith and I whether or not we were "on" facebook.

So, we caved. We both joined... I don't check it very often, so if you send me something and you don't get anything back, it is not personal... Just my own laziness....

Mama's got a brand NEW car!!!

2009-08-10T18:31:00.003-04:00

That's right. My mom turned in her "clunker" of a mini van for a brand new 2010 Chevy Equinox. I think that she is very depressed about turning in her van... but it really did seem like it was on its last leg, and with all of the rebates, my folks thought that it was too good a deal to pass up.

My dad said that he took pictures of my mom with her van before they turned it in. I think that she is really going to love her new car... it might just take her some time to get over the "hurt"...

The pictures are not the best, but at least you can tell what it looks like and what color she got!!! Now her and my pops have matching automobiles... Awwwwwwwwwwww, that is so cute!!! ;-P

Cheeseburger in Paradise....

2009-08-10T17:56:00.008-04:00

Or so the song goes....

We had a great time in Caseville for Cheeseburger festival this year. It was the 11th year.... Lots of fun and good food. I think that anyone who has not been before should try going at least once. There is loads to see/do. People everywhere.... burger stands line the street, and the smell of grills permeates the town. LOVE IT!

We left our house Friday after work, and got up to the house at 7:45 pm or so. We went with Phil, Marlos and Johnny to get our first burger for dinner. I was starved, and my first burger seemed exceptionally yummy. Tim, Cody and Egan came up Friday night too, and we had a camp fire before turning in.

Saturday was.... rainy. There was company headed up to join us Jake & Heather(Jake was Marlos' TA last year... I think) and Russ & Kim (with Bruce... Russ is Keith's uncle and his fiance and their dog). While we waited for everyone to show up, we adults decided that we all needed temporary tattoos.... did I mention that it was rainy... and not a ton to do??? Everyone had at least one... it was funny.... The weather was not in a co-operating kind of mood, so we drove down to the fire hall for burgers. Saturday afternoon we always go to the fire hall... proceeds go to the firemen directly. They make a good burger.... and it is for a good cause... why not. After lunch, we all went back to the house to play some games... 31 and Spoons. I had never played either... and since I am not really all that competative, I decided to just play spoons. We had fun. We went for a walk around town, and picked up a burger for dinner... joined by DEEP FRIED TWINKIES!!! I don't like twinkies as a general rule, but these were pretty good. After dinner, we did another bon fire, before getting some more rest for Sunday.

Sunday morning, the weather was still a bit dreary, but we all just poked around the house in the morning. Tim and Keith went for a couple of bike rides.... I read a little bit.... it was good and relaxing. After lunch, we went to the beach for an hour or so... the sun decided to peek thru... it was very nice. Then, before I knew it, it was time to head home. We grabbed a final burger before we left, and then made the drive back to Lapeer. We got back around 8 PM and had to unpack and get ready for work this week.

I had a lot of fun... Did not take that many pictures though... Hopefully Cody and Tim got a few more and you can check the link to see some more.

Egan with Uncle Keith (playing 31)

Jake, Heather and Tim playing 31

One of my tattoos... I really do want to get one on my left wrist....

Jake in the "winners" hat... he won 31 & Spoons

Tim in his HOMEMADE Cheeseburger hat with Egan (he got MULTIPLE compliments on it...)

Family Camping

2009-08-03T19:43:00.012-04:00

Keith and I went on the Paslean family camping trip this past weekend. It was loads of fun. My family has gone camping for the past few years, and Keith and I had never been able to go until this year. As many Paslean's as can manage get together and head up to Otsego Lake County Park for a long weekend. This year my parents had Wesley and Gage, so it was great to get to spend time with the little boys before they went home to start school this fall. Keith and I went up after work on Friday, and stayed thru Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, we did not make it back for Nathan's 1st birthday party on Sunday (I hope that he had a GREAT b-day!!!!).

We arrived Friday night around 9:30 PM and had to set up camp before we went to join the family around the camp fire. Keith is an early riser (not sure that is a real word), and so we were both up before most anyone else in the family both days. We had a big breakfast every day (my dad is a "feeder" and so we were never hungry.

It rained on Saturday off and on, so we took the boat out a couple of times, and gave the cousins a quick ride around the lake in the boat... everyone seemed to have a good time. Wesley and Gage had LOTS of fun. Saturday night, my aunt Sharon and uncle Joe gave us all a wonderful fish fry dinner. It was SUPER yummy... my pops made homemade ice cream for everyone to enjoy... also SUPER yummy... everyone seemed to really enjoy it. The kids ran from the pavilion and the playground, and they all seemed to have a good time. They rode bikes all around (Wesley learned how to ride his 2-wheeled bike up north!!! Good Job Wes!!!) the park, to the camp store, back to the playground.... back and forth... back and forth... wish that I still had that kind of energy! The definitely made me feel old... that really bummed me out!

Sunday, the sun finally broke out! We were able to take the boats all out to the point around noon, and have a picnic lunch. It was a lot of fun. Afterwards, we did some tubing, and I bit the water. I am okay, but according to Keith's account, the tube was upside down, and I was hanging on, and my head (okay, face) was getting dragged thru the water. No blood was shed, it was fun actually. I love to go fast... I really love that little purple boat (even if it is purple....).....Keith did a great job fixing it all up.

Here are some pictures from this weekend. There are lots of Aiden... she is such a cutie... my mom says that she reminds her A LOT of me... she is awfully sassy.... hmmmmmm, I guess that it is like looking into my past??? Such a cutie though.

Mom and Pops

Wesley and Grandpa

Our tent

The boats at sunrise

The rest of our "camp"

Aiden going down the slide

Aunt Ruth going down the slideThe gang
Getting ready for the fish fry

MORE FOOD!

Aiden doing her "trick"

Nick & Gage

Gage (showing Aiden that he can do the trick too...)

Wesley

Aiden

Aiden at the Fish Fry (check out her fancy glass... ;-p)

We had loads of fun with everyone! We are so glad that we were able to make it up for the weekend. Looking forward to going next year... hoping that we can make it!!!

Lame-o's....

2009-08-03T19:32:00.002-04:00

Seems like we have been running like a crazy person for the past couple of weeks (given the last 2 weekend 'camping' trips). But I don't feel like I have much of anything to post about (posting pictures from camping in a separate post...)... Let's see....

John is up to visit from Georgia. He is going to join us for cheeseburgers this weekend, and we are going to go out and do some boating this week one night after work.

This coming weekend is Cheeseburger in Caseville. We are going to head up this Friday night after work. .. hopefully I will get some good pictures to post. The 12th is Marlos' b-day so we will all meet up at Conifer Drive for partying. The next weekend, we are going to Katie and Ian's wedding ( I worked with her at RE/MAX). The following week we are going back up to Caseville to go boating with our families, and try to make another trip out to Charity Island. The last weekend in August, we have a wedding for Sarah and Josh (Josh is one of the LO's sons at my office).

Work has been really stressful lately, so to de-stress, I usually try to read something mind-numbingly easy to process. I started reading the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I am still on the fence, I cannot tell if I like them very well yet. But they seem to do the trick. They help me relax so that I can try to get some sleep before another day of fun at the office.

Fun stuff... the 'Plum Crazy' boat is working good. We had lots of fun out on it this weekend. Really glad that we bought it and that Keith was resourceful enough to figure out how to fix it for so little $$$. I got a new phone. I had gotten a LG Dare a couple of months ago, and I really don't know that I like it very well. So, my new phone, and LG eNvy Touch arrived today. I activated it and I am going to try it out for a couple of weeks. I am going to decide whether or not to keep it or my Dare... I am just so picky about my phones. I always end up never liking the one that I buy... that is a problem. Need to work on that.... Keith bought a sailboat from Craigslist. I will let him post about that though at his own speed.

Other than that, we have not been doing much of anything... work.... Oy Vey... Just 4 more days until weekend... YAY!

OMG!!!

2009-07-28T22:39:00.004-04:00

I am loving this website... Aqua Poppy Designs. So, I know that it has been like half of forever since I have blogged. Lame, I know. But tonight, I checked in to see if anyone had posted any exciting news, or new pictures. I cruised over to Cody and Tim's blog, and saw that Erin and Timmy had posted about their Harry Potter addiction. While I LOVED the pictures, what really drew me was the new backdrop on her blog. I went to check it out... The designs are so fun! So, I have "borrowed" Erin's blog designer... and updated my own backdrop.

I have added a link in the side bar. She has loads of FREE backgrounds. Check in, because I have not really had time to look thru all of her free back drops. My might be ever changing... until I find one that screams ME.

So, thanks much to Erin for the subliminal hint about the new fun backdrops!!! I owe ya one!!!!

I am going to try to get some blogging done this week. Not a whole lot has been going on, but I will try. Hope that everyone is having a good week!!!!

*** UPDATE: Okay... so I know that the header is hokey, but I just worked thru how to make my own, and I could not let myself go to bed until I made one that I did not 100% HATE. This one is OK. Going to work on it more tomorrow maybe... it is 1 AM now, and I gotta work in the morning...well today. Bear with me.... I will get better. I PROMISE! I really need to get some more photos of Keith & I... anyone have any good ones that they can email to me??? ***

P.S. I got my other super cute backgrounds from THE CUTEST BLOG ON THE BLOCK If you can't find something on Aqua Poppy, check them out too!!!!

Couples "Camping"

2009-07-28T22:22:00.002-04:00

Alright, so every year since Keith and I have been married, we have gone on a camping trip with Shane & Beth and David & Erin (and the kids... whether 2 or 4 legged). This year, we decided that we would use the house in Caseville. Since David & Erin have the 2 boys, and Beth is preggers this year. Unfortunately, David & Erin could not join us this year because they were moving from their house since it has sold... YAY for SOLD houses!!! Bummer because it is the first year that we weren't able to all be together.

Shane & Beth came up on Friday afternoon after Shane got out of work. It was nice to be away from the norm, and we had a good time. Keith got the jet boat working while we were up there, and so we took it out for a half hour or so. We were definitely pushing the weight limit on the 'Plum Crazy', but we zipped around for a few minutes but then decided to turn in. RAIN was coming. We went out for dinner and then drove around for a while. Saturday, we went to Port Austin to the flea market (SUPER cute lab puppies for sale. I told Keith if they were $20 he could have one... Shane said that he would front Keith the $4 that he had in his pocket... but then we noticed that another person was reviewing paperwork... whenever there are papers involved, you are DEFINITELY over $24... right?!?!?!) Then, we went to the Pointe Aux Barques lighthouse and Grindstone City. Final stop was the Grindstone City General Store for the Thumb's LARGEST ice cream cone... Yummy!!! We spent the rest of the afternoon bumming around town, before Shane & Beth headed home in the evening.

Sunday Keith & I came home, and took the boat out on the reservoir. It was fun. I am LOVING my little boat.... sooooo much fun.... Anyone who wants to go for a ride in the newest Keith & Jenny boat, let us know!!!!

We had a good time "camping". Wish that the Barr's could have joined us, but there is always next year, right?!?!?! Beth has posted some of the pictures that she took on her blog HERE. I have to admit, Shane was rockin' that pink flower umbrella and his LW Marching Band Tee...

Mama said there'd be days like this....

2009-06-22T19:59:00.009-04:00

Have you ever had one of those days??? When nothing goes right... and you know almost immediately that the best thing that you could do is crawl back in bed and pull the covers up over your head and sleep until the next day??? Last Friday was one of those days for me.

Typically, I really enjoy Friday. For the obvious reasons. 2 days off from work... time to hang out with Keith... boat.... shop.... whatever.... Last Friday was B-A-D. Let's see... where to begin. The weather was HORRIBLE Thursday night. Syd got left outside all night in the rain, and was soaking wet when we got up in the morning because the storms had scared her, and she stood by the sliding glass door all night crying to get in.... POOR SYD. Because of the bad weather, we lost power at our house around 5 AM. Enter Stress. Because we had no power, we also had no phones... cable phone. Gotta love it. Cell phone, aside from getting ZERO reception at our house, had a dead battery (Let's kick that stress level up a notch). I had to use Keith's cell phone to text message my boss and co-workers at 6 AM that I would be late into work. Then pray that the message was both sent and delivered (please note the before mentioned crappy reception - up another notch). Keith left for work at normal time... and I had no way of knowing that anyone knew why I would be late to work (One more notch please...). Then, I decided to wait it out at the house. I REALLY don't have to start at work until 9 AM.... I am just typically in by 8 AM (I know, I am a nut... and apparently a glutton for punishment). I decided that if I could get there at/around 9 AM, and while in my mind I was late, in reality I would be on time (About now, the adage from Mr. Burns in high school band is rolling thru my brain, " To be early is ON TIME, to be on time is LATE"... thanks for that!) Anyways...set my travel alarm clock for 7:30 AM... takes me about an hour to get ready, 20 minutes into work.... give or take, 9 AM was seemingly a piece of cake.... Or not! My alarm went off, and I apparently shut it off. Woke up at 8:15 AM - STILL NO POWER!!! (Thanks for that.... keep piling on the stress... I have not had a heart attack yet, right?!?). Threw on some clothes. Threw everything I needed to get ready into a bag. Fed Syd, and then trapped her in the house.... got in my Jeep and flew like a lunatic to my parents house to get ready. Got to my parents in record time, and ran upstairs to try to make myself presentable for work. I rolled into my office parking lot at 10 AM. Already late. Already stressed. FABULOUS!

Lunch Time: Did not eat anything, because I got to work late and I did not have any money to buy lunch.... sure as heck did not have time to pack my lunch.... Great. So now, I am crabby because I was late to work, hungry because I ate no breakfast (which my dad tried to bring me, but I went crazy on him due to the stress at work).... telephones are ringing off of the hook, people are pulling at me in all directions in the office and I am sleepy. I just don't get any good sleep during the week.

I decided that the "fix" for me was a Venti iced tea from Starbucks and some fresh air.... I had gift cards left from my birthday and it seemed like the answer to my problems. Well, then of course, others in my office decided that they also needed a caffeine boost to get them thru the day. My boss offered to pay for my tea, since I was going to go and pick up.... Things I thought were getting better. But asked that I stop at one of the businesses downstairs to pick up a check. Easy enough, right? Nope. I go and get Starbucks (a tray full no less). I stop at the title company to get the check... They give me a package! 120+ legal size pages in a folder. Nice. Anyone who has ever been to the Market Place Plaza can attest for me that the stairs suck. They are grates that are slippery and not very.... patron friendly. Can you guess what happens??? Not only do I BITE IT on the steps, but I drop the tray of Starbucks...on the package of closing docs (they were only originals... they don't matter, right) while I slam my shins, knees and forearms into the previously mentions metal stairs. Suffice to say, I have some very nice bruises. I was so angry. No one got Starbucks from me (Jennifer from my office went later to pick up). I just left the spilt drinks there in the stairwell, and I picked up the soggy package and went to my office. I sat at my desk and decided that it was just not my day.

Late Afternoon: I am working, just trying to make it to 5 PM without hurting someone... anyone.... everyone. I get a call from both a realtor and a buyer asking me about an appraisal for a file. Now, the file in question has other problems, so the appraisal has not been my main concern... but since I am getting yelled at by 2 different parties, I decide to make it my issue. I look in the file. I had requested the appraisal on 5/21/2009.... It is 6/19/2009... almost a month. No report. This should typically take 7-10 days. MAX. Now, I am mad. I don't like to be yelled at (honestly, who does).... but the best part, is while I was promised the report by 6/2/2009, the appraiser is out of the office... and not due back until 6/23/2009... at the earliest. Because he is golfing.... (I just kept telling myself to breath at that point....)

Part of my job is to pay my boss' personal bills. Online, write out the checks.... whatever. She is not as organized as I am, and if that is what she wants to pay me for... Okay. Somehow, and I am not sure how it happens, there is never enough cash to go around. So, while I am shuffling money around, I am also trying to accomplish other tasks.... Typically, multi-tasking is no problem.... except I am being pulled in about 15 different directions.

GLORIOUS 5 PM finally came, and when it did.... I had 30 minutes left of work to do. After work, Keith met me at the office and we went downtown to El Charitos so that I could have some Chicken Tacos for dinner (personal fave).... then, we had to get groceries and stuff.

Today went much better... I am hoping that last Friday was my "THAT DAY" for the year....REALLY hope so. Not sure how many more like that I could take! Whew!

Happy Father's Day!!!!

2009-06-21T21:03:00.000-04:00

We spent the afternoon over at Mom and Dad Scrim's house.... we had food.... way too much food... and good times watching Egan play in the yard and whatnot. My parents joined us, so Eegers got to see "Bob".... Really, it was a pretty quiet day. Keith took some pictures with his camera, but I am going to see if he wants to post them first. If not, I will add them later. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of the Dad's!!!

Keith did a trial run with the smoker on Saturday, so we took our goodies over for lunch. Ribs and a venison roast, both smoked for 6 hours. We figured out a couple of things to tweak on the rub recipe, and we noted a few changes for next time, but all in all it was a good 1st attempt. Hopefully it will only get better from here on out.

On a side note, we "officially" finished the patio this weekend. We got a couple of new chairs for relaxing. Some tan Adirondack chairs. Very comfy, and much nice to look at than the scary old chairs that we had. Will post a picture soon.

One more thing to check off of the list....

2009-06-18T21:49:00.004-04:00

Keith got the patio done today... He got the final blocks laid down. MAJOR IMPROVEMENT!!!Now, we have 2 grills, 1 smoker and our patio table out on the deck.

MUCH BETTER!!!! Now we just need to get a couple of new chairs to keep on the new patio for relaxing so that we don't have to move the chairs that go with our patio table.

Good job Keith!!! Thanks for our new outdoor area!!! LOVE IT!!!

Floral Fun

2009-06-18T21:45:00.003-04:00

Ok. So, I am a girl... I love flowers... I just think that they are really pretty. That being said, we have pretty much NO FLOWERS in our yard. We have a lilac bush in that flowers in the Spring, and two trees in the front yard. Other than that, we have in previous years had gerbera daisys (favorite) and some hanging baskets in the front. This year, nuthin'.... but my M-I-L has loads of flowers/flowering plants in her back yard. Took some pictures the other night. I thought that I would share them with everyone... They just make me happy.... Thank goodness tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!!

Let there be smoke!

2009-06-14T18:02:00.004-04:00

Yay for my super handy husband!!!! Keith finished up my smoker Friday and we had the first fire Friday night to try and burn off any of the residual materials left inside it from its previous life.... Then yesterday we gave it a coat of high heat paint, attached the handles and the thermometer.... and VOILA!!!! Smoker! ;-) Perfect for smoking all kinds of tasty treats. We are going to have a cook out... (or would it be smoke out) this summer for everyone to come over and have some BBQ.... Keith wants to try a pork shoulder and brisket (both of which take about 12-14 hours) and I would kill for a good rib pretty much anytime. He still has to seal up around the doors, but I can't wait to try it out. Keith has posted more pictures of the smoker (from start to finish) so to view the progression, check hereIn other parts of our world, Keith got his parts for his bike, so he has been working on that.... I think that I heard it running this afternoon. We picked up patio blocks this afternoon... hoping to get that project done and out of the way (our group BBQ is contingent on this getting done).... and we are still looking for a motor for the new boat. Which apparently has a name.... Plum Crazy.... well, at least the crazy part fits me ;-p

So much to do, and so little time to get it all accomplished in... wish us luck!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

2009-06-08T20:07:00.002-04:00

I turned 26 on June 2nd.... CRAZY...

On my birthday, I had to work, but we had mini party at work to celebrate my birthday. Then, Keith and I went to dinner with my parents in Flint. We stopped at Rocky's in Flint so that Keith and my dad could get something to work on their boat motors with. Then, we went to Olive Garden for dinner and then shopping.... busy day...

Then, on Saturday, we went out on the resevoir with the boats. Keith, Phil and my dad all had boats...Egan had fun driving the pontoon and honking the horn. We had lunch and presents at our house before we went out on the water. I got lots of great gifts from everyone. Stuff for our trip to Hawaii this fall, and money for clothes to take with me. Can't wait to go shopping!

Thanks to everyone for spending my birthday with me, and for all of the gifts and cards..... LOVE THEM!!

Shaken... not stirred....

2009-05-31T20:36:00.003-04:00

I am sitting on my couch, trying to replay the weekend, which I think was a pretty good one over a nice cold lemon drop martini. YUMMY.

Days... weeks... months... years... as an adult, they all seem to blur together, and later I have a difficult time sorting out what all happened... It is my birthday in 2 days, and I am busy trying to figure out where the first half of the year has gotten to. Seems like just yesterday we were pulling down the Christmas decorations. Oh well... nothing to be done about it.

My work week was hectic as it always is, perhaps more so because we only had 4 days to get everything accomplished. Keith's parents left for Maine last weekend, and so we watched Shelby while they were gone. She was really good this year. She did not bark and she seemed happy. They just got back in town a couple of hours ago and picked her up...Sydney seems pretty happy to be the only dog in the house again.

On Saturday, Keith and I had to go and upgrade our cell phones in the morning. My mom and dad went down with us, but then we ended up keeping their part of the plan the same, and they did not need to go down at all... but, didn't know it at the time. Then, in the afternoon, Amy & Chris came to visit. We went out to dinner and hung out for the night. Just catching up and remembering. With Amy's wedding coming (eventually) we looked thru my wedding pictures and thought back to that day.

Today, we took the boat out for the first time this year. It went really well. The motor fired right up, and we spent a couple of hours out on the water. There was a few boats out there, mostly fishermen...a little cool to be out swimming and whatnot, but a nice day to be out enjoying the sun. Keith is working on our back deck now. He is pressure washing it so that he can treat the wood. It is amazing the difference in the wood once all of the funk has been removed.

So, tomorrow is the beginning of yet another week. I fully anticipate craziness and the like that make up a typical work week. With my birthday landing on Tuesday this year, I decided to postpone family festivities until next weekend. I am hoping that the weather will be nice so that we can be out boating and play in the water...

In Memory

2009-05-25T19:00:00.002-04:00

It's Memorial Day!!! And, while to many, it is just another day to get out of having to go to work, it is a day to remember those who have lost their lives fighting for our country.

Wikipedia explains Memorial Day as 'Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action...Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at National Cemeteries.'

My Pops served in the Vietnam war... I cannot count the number of times that my dad has told stories of his time there. Lots of them are funny... lots of them are a little scary... some are a lot scary... but I am always thankful that he served... and obviously, that he was one of the lucky ones who made it home. I have friends who went right from high school into one of the branches of the military.... Everyone is related to, knows, knows someone who knows someone, etc. who has similar stories... doesn't make them any less important, or special.

So, while to many Memorial Day serves as the 1st "unofficial" day of Summer, the first BBQ, the first party weekend, the first whatever... Remember what it really means... what it really stands for....

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

Trash or Treasure???

2009-05-25T18:34:00.000-04:00

Keith and I went to Caseville this weekend to spend time with his family since we both had today off. We left Friday night after I got home from work, and came home yesterday so that I could get some stuff done around the house before the start of the crazy work week. Keith spent the day working on his boat now that we have it back on the trailer.

Memorial Day weekend is the official "Trash and Treasure" weekend in Caseville. Garage sales all over the place. The weather was nice and warm with just a few sprinkles here and there. We went to some garage sales. Keith and his dad both bought bikes (3 total), while Tim got a space heater and a grinder (I think anyways)... Plus there was some new toys for Eegers. It was a good weekend... there did not seem to be as many garage sales this year, but they had some luck anyways.

We also went to the Lady Slipper festival. It had been sprinkling, and you walk thru the woods looking for them. The mosquitos were out in full force, but I was attacked minimally, and walked out of the woods with only a couple of bites! ;-) We found more this year than last (I THINK the final number was like 99. I am the "official" counter for our group, but now I can't remember the final tally... anyone else remember?) but someone had written on the tally slip that they had found 149... I find it doubtful, but I guess possible.

Hope that everyone had a good weekend!!! Do anything fun?

Really??? She is the best dancer???

2009-05-20T18:30:00.001-04:00

Now, don't get me wrong... she was good. And I think that this dance is what got her the trophy... and I did like her from the beginning... but I am not sure that she really deserved to win... Watch the dance... compare... let me know what you think.

5 years... Time Flys...

2009-05-16T11:18:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was our 5 year anniversary!!! I cannot believe that it has already been 5 years. All day yesterday I found myself thinking about what I was doing/where I was 5 years before. 7 AM in 2009, finishing getting ready for work/ 7 AM in 2004: trying to haul my cousin Ellie out of bed so that we could go and get our hair and nails done.... 12:30 PM 2009: Answering a constant stream of telephone calls so that my co-workers could eat lunch and I could leave early/ 12:30 PM 2004, sitting in the nursery at Calvary Baptist while my bridesmaids did their makeup and waiting until the last minute to put on that crazy heavy dress. It was kind of fun, just remembering...

As previously mentioned, I left my office early so that Keith and I could go out for our anniversary and actually leave before 6:30 PM. We did not do anything big... since we have our trip in September. We went out to dinner at Stir Crazy (they have my favorite Asian food... Chicken Imperial Rolls and Sweet and Spicy Chicken) in the Great Lakes Crossings Mall and then to the movies to see 'The Soloist'. Oh, and we did do a quick stop at DSW so that I could look for some new sandals.

All in all a good day!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T21:21:00.003-04:00

Keith and I spent a very nice Mother's Day with our families. We had lunch with Keith's parents, Tim, Cody and Egan and my folks at Phil and Marlos' house. We had yummy steaks and other goodies. There was a plethera of desserts (there always is...) and we had fun just catching up.

Then, Keith and I went to my Grandma Hillier's house for the get together with the entire Hillier crew. It was nice to see everyone, as it had been a while since the last get together.

Hope that everyone had a WONDERFUL Mother's Day!!!!

Growing Up...

2009-05-11T20:39:00.005-04:00

So my cousin Danny is growing up... I mean, we all are, but somehow this is different. A little background. Danny is my cousin, and really growing up, he was more like a little brother. My mom babysat with him from the time my Aunt Louise went back to work after she had him.... and he was with us thru elementary school (well, until he was old enough to go home and not light the house on fire and whatnot)... Even when he was in Jr. High/High school, if he was sick and needed to be picked up, my mom would get "the call" from the school to come and get him... He has always kind of just been, around... until now.

Danny left this morning for South Carolina. He is moving down there and is going to try and find a job down there and live on his own (first time out of the house on his own!!!!)...

Danny and Andy stopped by my house last Thursday night to say hey and check in. We got talking about nothing, and Danny and I got laughing about how he was always in all of my 1st day of school pics.

Exhibit A, below.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I am sure that when I was little, it bothered me, but now, looking back, it is just funny. I mean, I think every year, there is my first day of school picture, my first day of school picture with Danny, and then one of JUST DANNY!!! :-)

I don't know if Danny ever checks my blog, but if you do, Good Luck Danny! Be good! Have fun!!! Talk to you soon!!!

"Egan is 2" !!!

2009-04-28T20:44:00.006-04:00

Egan turned 2 on April 27th.... and while I cannot believe that he is 2 already, I will let Cody post the majority of pictures (and details) from the party on their blog , I wanted to at least post a picture of buddy boy's birthday cake.

I made Egan's cake last year, and was excited when Cody asked me about making the cake again this year. Last year, the entire process was a lot of trial and error. English toffee cake, carrot cake, should we make a 'destruction' cake that is made with natural ingredients and a regular cake for everyone else???? Yikes! Decisions... Decisions...

This year was a lot easier. Cody had a couple of pictures from one of her parents magazines and I just decided to do my best to replicate. There were four different options. Egan's birthday party had no main theme, but was based on primary colors. The first option (while Egan's pick) was definitely out... a little too feminine. The second cake was a bit more gender neutral, but did not really fit the color scheme. The third option, while matching the criteria for colors, I thought the pattern might be a bit tricky to get the m&m's perfectly even, and that would have driven me OUT OF MY MIND!!! And, I like there to be words (whether "Happy Birthday" or "Over the Hill" etc.) to be on cakes... not sure why. But the WINNER, in my opinion, had it ALL! Primary colors... check. Words... check. Simple design...check. DING! DING! DING!

I started baking on Sunday morning. The cake was square (favorite) with the bottom layer being chocolate cake and the top layer was yellow cake. I just used white whipped frosting... another favorite... I use a mix that I get a Jo Ann fabrics. Not too sweet. Easy to make. Easy to use. I think that the cake in the magazine was covered in fondant. But I have never met anyone who really likes the way that fondant tastes... I know that I don't anyways. The letters and boarders are actually Jolly Rancher fruit chews and Starbursts that you soften in the microwave and then squidge (I know... not a real word, but I like it) them together and roll them out with a rolling pin. Keith helped me with the rolling and cutting of the shapes and letters. I thought that it turned out pretty well... and it even tasted pretty good!

So, here is the picture that we took before we transported the cake... just in case something happened ;-)

Well, what do you think?

New and Exciting

2009-04-28T19:56:00.001-04:00

Well, there has been lots of stuff going on these past couple of weeks. Or at least it seems that way....

Lets see ;-)

Eegie Quin turned 2!!! I got to make his cake again... I think it turned out pretty good. Post to follow.
Keith got another new toy.... but that is his secret to share... Oh yeah! And he got the crawl space finished...check HIS BLOG for updates.
Shane & Beth are expecting!!!! CONGRATULATIONS you guys!!!
David, Erin & the boys walked in the March of Dimes walk... and Erin made it with no breaks or stroller hand offs...
Reading a new book... Always Looking Up: Adventures of the Incurable Optimist by Michael J. Fox. Really, really like it.
Cody turns 30 on Friday... Can't believe it is almost that time of year already!!!!

Anyone else have any news that I have forgotten to post?

Did you catch this???

2009-04-15T20:32:00.007-04:00

Has anyone (or everyone) else seen this??? I think that it is incredible.... I mean, she comes out on stage, and you see her, and you expect nothing.... and then... its just... I dunno. Every time that I watch it, I smile.

Hope that this helps to perk up someone elses day... Moral of the story.... never judge a book by its cover!

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
Uploaded by dwarthy

Or, did anyone see this dance on Tuesday night's elimination episode of Dancing??? Love the lifts!

Anyone else catch anything so far this week that just kind of makes you smile?

Cruddlefudds!

2009-04-13T20:38:00.004-04:00

Sometimes, Keith and I use that word when we just don't know what to say. Or, when we are frustrated and there is just JUNK EVERYWHERE! Think Mary Poppins "superkalafragalisticexpialladocious"....I don't think I spelt that correctly... oh well... Does anyone else have any good, um.... "substitute" words?

So, Keith's newest project is to install some type of flooring in our crawl space so that we can actually USE the space for storage. You know, camping gear, Christmas decorations, etc. etc. There is lots of junk in the crawl space apparently... Keith just hauled out a garbage can full of it, and then asked me for 2 more trash bags...

Will try and post a picture once he has the floor down. Nothing fancy, but better than the dirt that we have now!

Sometimes, you just gotta stop & smell the....

2009-04-13T20:07:00.007-04:00

...ROSES!

Aren't these really pretty? I bought them a few weeks ago, when I needed some help getting out of the Winter doldrums... I have no idea what type of rose it is, but they were so pretty when they bloomed... and they lasted almost 2 weeks!

On a more serious note, I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that we were one person short this past week. One of my co-workers (who I am going to keep anonymous as I am not sure how many people she truly wants to know... and since it is not my secret to tell) was just diagnosed with lung cancer last week. While we do not "know" the full extent of her diagnosis, I can wager a pretty good guess. She is supposed to start chemotherapy 2x's a week sometime this week, and we are all rooting for her and hoping for the best. I know that her status is very serious, and while we do not know the stage of her cancer, I can tell that she is worried. We all are....and I know that your thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated.

That having been said, I am trying to keep myself from getting so worked up and stressed out about pretty much everything. Honestly, I think that is just something that is ingrained into my personality. I can't help it! I like to get everything finished... I don't like loose ends... and I like to do things properly... correctly... failure is NOT an option... Oh well. I guess that sometimes there are just some things that cannot always get done in 24 hours...Keith is always telling me that, and I should really listen to him.

So, I guess that the entire purpose of this post is two-fold: 1) ask for your thoughts and prayers for my co-worker and 2) to remind everyone how quickly things can change... sometimes for the best, and sometimes for the not so best... I don't want to have any regrets or miss out on "the good stuff" when it is all said and done... ya know?

CARPE DIEM!

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

2009-04-12T20:39:00.005-04:00

Happy Easter!!!

Keith & I went to my parents house for Easter this year. Keith's parents joined us for lunch, and then Tim, Cody and Egan joined us for dessert (Yummy! Pies from Achatz pies...raspberry cream and German Chocolate). We played a game of alley before the Mattila crew got there, and then afterwards Egan got to ride the 3 wheeler for the first time! Ok, obviously not by himself or anything, but he seemed to like it!

Hope that everyone had a great Easter!!!

Happy Birthday Pops!

2009-04-12T20:27:00.004-04:00

My dad's birthday was April 9th... he turned 67!!! Keith & I went over to their house and had a small party with my parents, Hunter, Gage and my Grandma. It was fun.... We had pizza, Pa opened up his presents, and then we had cake and ice cream. Pretty tame stuff, but it was nice to have us all be together for his birthday. Happy Birthday Pops!!!!

Not much to say about anything

2009-04-10T23:26:00.004-04:00

It has been a VERY busy week. We were one person down at my office this week, which made for a more rushed and hectic daily routine. I worked from 7 am to 6 pm (or later) Monday - Tuesday-Wednesday, and from 7 am Thursday and today until 4:30 pm Thursday (my Dad's B-day) and 3 pm today (the office "officially" closed at 1pm).

Trying to think of anything exciting that has happened since the last post...

Keith got a new toy and he got rid of a boat.
Jacob turned 2!!! I did not get my camera out at the party, but Erin blogged about it on her family blog here.
My best friend Amy got engaged!!!! Keith and I met her tonight in Flint for dinner. Her fiance was at a hockey game with his daugher... she seems really happy (and truthfully a little stressed already) and the ring is really pretty. It kind of looks like this, but I think that hers is prettier.
My dad turned 67!!! Pictures of his birthday to follow.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPS!
Chris and Wendi are going to have ANOTHER GIRL!!!!

I think that is the best generic post that I can come up with for now. We went shopping tonight with Amy after we had dinner... I got a new pair of shoes for Easter... very un-practical, but sooooo sassy! Then we swung into Barnes & Noble so that I could get a few books to help me de-stress from this week...

Hmmmmm, maybe I will need to get a quick (and cheap) pedi to go with my new shoes :-)

도움

2009-03-31T20:50:00.006-04:00

... for those of you who cannot read Korean (myself being one of them - I got the translation from Yahoo! Babel Fish)... that means HELP!

Let me begin by saying that I do not think that I am the only person who has stress in their life or that feel like their heart is going to quit from the amount of stress/pressure/whatever that its owner could be putting it thru...

However, that having been said,today was one of those really busy and stress-filled days (see this post )the file wanted to push the closing because it was the end of the month (which equates to BONUS check if it closed in March)... So, yesterday at 4:30 PM I received an email that the file was going to be closing today at 4 PM. In short, less than 24 hour hours to co-ordinate 2 realtors, 1 lender, 1 title company, a seller and a buyer... easy, right??? Not so much!

Long story short, at 5:30 PM today, I still did not have lender approval on the final numbers, the seller had not said whether or not they would accept their bottom line, the buyer had basically made me give up all of my company's fees/commission on the file so that he could have carpet/appliances and the buyer had been sitting at the closing table for 1 h 30m with not a single piece of paper signed out of his 105 page package....Are you beginning to see why I am stressed and asking for help???

I got other things done today, but it was just one of those days...there were things that I wanted to get done (and didn't) and will have to work on tomorrow. I am hoping that tomorrow (and the rest of the week) will be better...it has to be...right?

Maybe I should not ask the question if I am not sure that I will like the answer!

Who wears short shorts???

2009-03-30T22:01:00.000-04:00

Apparently Mark and Shawn... but, on to the dancing.

"I could not tell who was the professional..." That is what Carrie Ann said about Cheryl and Gilles' tango....I have to admit that it was really very good. In fact, there was a lot of really great dances tonight. Still have not picked a favorite. Melissa and Tony danced a good Lindy Hop... as did Ty and Chelsie. Julianne and Chuck's Lindy Hop was okay, but not great. Shawn and Mark's Lindy Hop was full of "tricks" but I had a hard timme finding the dancing in their routine, but it was a fun dance to watch.

Has anyone picked a favorite yet??? Just curious if it is just me having a hard time picking a favorite, or if others are as well.

She's ONLY 17!!!

2009-03-16T21:41:00.008-04:00

OK. So voting is over, and Belinda Carlisle got sent home... I thought that the "dance off" was horrible... but I guess that it is only the 2nd week, and it was the bottom too... might be a little too early to truly expect great things from the dance off...

However, I do think that this years pro dance might have been my favorite of all of the seasons (thus far). I was confused about why all of the pros didn't dance, but whatever...I still liked it!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Judge for yourself!!!Click this link to get to the Dancing with the Stars home page... You can watch full episodes...

I am having a hard time picking a fave for the season. No one really stands out in my mind... at least not yet anyways. Quickstep is one of my favorite dances to watch... I really like watching Shawn Johnson dance... she just seems REALLY young... but I guess she is almost a decade younger than me.

Favorites anyone???

Gosh it is warm!!!

2009-03-15T21:21:00.002-04:00

Ok... so not HOT or anything, but for March in Michigan, it felt pretty good this weekend. Keith and I were making lots of fun of Sydney, because she layed on the deck in the sun, panting... like it was 100 degrees outside or something. Typically, with her black fur, anything over 45 is too much for her to handle :-) Keith worked on a bunch of his outdoor projects this weekend. He moved trailers around and picked up some of his stuff in the yard.We ran errands yesterday and then today, I did a lot of baking in the morning, and then this afternoon, we took Syd for a walk around the neighborhood... and then over to Keith's parents house to play with Shelby and Bailey. Cody and Egan were out visiting for the afternoon. Tim was away at a class, so it was just the 6 of us. Egan got to play outside in his sandbox, the dogs ran around and played frisbee and Sydney supplemented her diet with mass quantities of acorns and pinecones... a yummy and fiberous treat!

I have started wearing my flip flops again. Yay! I can't wait for summer.... I just love the warm weather... and getting to be out boating... working on my tan.... having fun with the fam up in Caseville and what not. Does anyone else have any fun plans for this summer?

No Baking Required

2009-03-15T21:08:00.002-04:00

I made a batch of no bake cookies this morning, which in turn, always makes me think of Gage. When he lived in Michigan (and when he comes to visit now) he LOVES to make and eat my 'No Bake Cookies'... which is the same recipe that I have used for years. It is my friend Emily's mom's recipe. In fact, on the top of my recipe card, I have it labeled "Mrs. Stange's No Bake Cookies". When I used to make them with Gage, I always used 2x's as much peanut butter to help cut thru the cocoa and sugar that is in them... whenever he would eat one when he was little, it was about 15 minutes before he was flying around the house. When I make them for Keith and I to eat, I use extra peanut butter, and dark chocolate cocoa powder.... Yummy! I think Keith's favorite cookies are chocolate chip (recently with nuts)... I don't know that I have a favorite cookie... Do you?? If yes, what is it?? Are they easy to make???

I also made the cake for April's birthday this morning. Cherry chip with whipped frosting. It turned out good. Hopefully it will taste okay too. Will let you know if she likes it or not!

I thought that my head was going to EXPLODE!!!

2009-03-11T21:21:00.006-04:00

Or that I was going to have to beat someone senseless... Or pitch myself off of the balcony at my work...

I am a loan processor for mortgages. In Michigan. And while a lot of people think that we would be pretty slow right now, we are actually pretty busy right now. Lots of people are trying to refinance their current homes or buy a foreclosure home. We are SOOOOOOO busy! There is never enough time in the day! Between everything that I have to do in the day, for this person or that person, or errands to be run and what not, my day is hectic....crazy....stressful.... to say the least. Tonight I had to bring home 5 files to work on so that I am not behind for the rest of the week!!! And I did not get to leave the office until 6:30 PM... and I was at work by 8 AM.... typical.... But I am thankful that I have a job...especially in todays economy.

So, when I finally make it to my car, and start the journey home, I need to try to figure out a way to de-stress before I get home...if I can. Most nights coming home, I listen to my Sirius radio in my Jeep. Channel 103... Blue Collar Radio...It really is funny and stupid, and relaxing. It helps me relax on the way home. There are some things that are just too funny. Don't get me wrong, some of the stuff on it is kind of "questionable" but I really, really, really like HENRY CHO. Anyone who knows me, knows that I joke a lot about being Korean... Asian.... whatever.I mean, I can't do anything about it, right? Thus, why I like this guy....

Anyone esle got a favorite comedian? What do you do to de-stress.... I will take any suggestions at this point!!!

Henry Cho: Insults

Joke of the Day
Stand-Up Comedy

Free Online Games
More Funny Videos

Henry Cho - Whistle

Joke of the Day
Stand-Up Comedy

Free Online Games
More Funny Videos

Dancing....

2009-03-09T22:15:00.004-04:00

Update: Okay. So, now that the season premiere is over... gotta get it out there. I liked the gymnist (Shawn???) and I liked Julianne and her partner. I always like Julianne, just 'cause I think that she is cute kid... Cheryl and her partner did pretty good too. Alright, so they were the ones that I like. Which if you are counting, leaves about8 that I did not care for, and 2 that I am on the fence about. Now, the question begs to be asked: 1.) WHAT happened to Little Kim's nose? 2.) Does being dumped last week on national tv really make you a "star"??? Gotta admit. Feel a little bad for her...

So, that is my thoughts... Let me know your favorites and why!
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Starts tonight! I am always so excited when the new season of Dancing with the Stars starts... I usually don't have a favorite (except for the Kristi Yamaguchi season... childhood idol....). I mean, I have some that I really like, but usually not a favorite. I don't even know who are the "stars" competing this season... Guess that I will find out tonight at 8 PM!

Yay!

Betty Crocker ain't got nothin' on me!!!!

2009-03-07T18:02:00.006-05:00

So, my office was voted Best of the Best 2008 for real estate mortgages last summer. Ever since, we have been running ads like this in both the Lapeer County Press and the L. A. View. Since the award, our office has recruited a few new loan officers and another loan processor.

And while the month always seems to fly by really quickly, it goes faster for some reason when there are birthdays. This month we have 2. Ed Johnson (a new LO) and April. So, this weekend, I will be baking a cake for the birthday lunch that we always have for everyone. This Monday is Ed's Birthday and then the next Monday is April's birthday.

And of course, I can't bake cakes for work and not make one for Keith. He has been wanting cake since after his birthday cake was gone this year. So, I think that I am going to make him another... same flavor, just smaller.

Next week I will probably be baking for April's birthday. I think that she likes cherry chip... I will have to check before next week. Hope that everyone is having a good weekend!!!

Wanna Get Lei'ed?

2009-03-05T20:35:00.010-05:00

So, Keith and I have been planning this for a little while now, but we did not want to say anything to anyone until we were sure that we were going to 1) be able to afford to go and 2) that we were actually going to go....

With this year being our 5 year anniversary in May and all that, we are going to take a vacation to Hawaii this fall! I am SOOOOO excited! I can hardly wait. We found a really GREAT deal on plane tickets and a car rental for a week on Orbitz... It was too good to pass up. We will be flying out of Detroit airport on September 26th at 7:45 AM (unfortunately, that means that we will have to be at the Metro airport by 5:45 AM.... oy vey!!!!). We have 1 stop en route in Phoenix, Arizona. Then, on to Maui.... Yay!!!!

We are going to be spending 4 nights in a hotel and camping the other 2 nights. We are hoping that the 2 nights that we are planning on camping the weather will co-operate, and that there will be openings at the different campgrounds. You cannot book reservations for the campgrounds, it is first come first serve. Keith is excited because we are going to take our backpacks and do some hiking. Hopefully, I will be able to pull my own weight and not slow him down too much. The other 4 nights, we are going to get to stay here.... at the Westin Ka'anapali .

My cousin got us a CRAZY good deal on the rates because he works for the chain (otherwise we would never be able to stay there...) and we are really excited. I believe the exact word(s) out of Keith's mouth was.... "Da-ang!"

We have a couple of travel books that we are using to help us figure out some fun things to do while we are there. Although, really, I cannot help but think that it would be more difficult to have a bad time in Hawaii. We were not sure what island to go to, but after talking to a few people, we decided that Maui seemed to suit our agenda the best.

I am so excited that we are going to get to go and take a big vacation this year. We have not gone anywhere out of state since our honeymoon... I can't wait!!!! If anyone has any suggestions of someplace that is a "must see" or something that is a "must do" please let us know! I am hoping that we can visit a lot of neat and interesting places, and try to avoid the tourist traps.

We will only be gone for a week, and will be coming home on October 2nd. We will leave at 10:30 PM and fly thru the night back to Phoenix, Arizona and then onto Detroit for a late afternoon arrival. Hoping that jet lag won't hurt us too bad because we both have to be back to work on Monday!

I will take lots of pictures while we are gone so that I will have help to remember all of the great memories to keep for ever, and lots of great pictures to post for everyone to enjoy! :-)

Drip... Drip.... Drip...

2009-03-01T19:50:00.003-05:00

I have to say that I am really very thankful that Keith is so... handy? I guess that is the correct word for it. He is so good at fixing things and making things to fix problems around our house.

This morning, Keith replaced our bathroom sink. He got it for his birthday, and we got a new faucet this weekend. The old sink was getting REALLY bad. It is the sink that came with the house and I do not know what the old owners did to the sink, but it was BAD. It had been like chipped or something, and it was changing colors and it would not clean up very well either. I mean, it was okay, but I really hated brushing my teeth in the morning, because when I would spit (sorry, gross visual I know, but there is no other word for it...) I had to look at it. NOT GOOD.

So, now, we have a nice new white sink with a pretty brushed finish faucet. I really like it. Actually, when I walk past it, I don't notice the change really, but I am sure that every morning and night, I will be very glad for the upgrade.

Boys will be boys...

2009-03-01T19:35:00.003-05:00

That is the way that the saying goes, right??? Well, last weekend Keith, Shane, and David went to Shane's parents cabin up north.

I am assuming that they had fun up there. Keith and David left around 10:30 PM on Friday, and Keith made it home Sunday evening. Keith took up his guns, and I guess that everyone took turns shooting the guns and whatnot. He has not provided me with any pictures like he did from last years hiking trip...Maybe he is going to post them on his own blog...

I stayed home for the weekend. Did some shopping with my mom, had dinner with the parents, hung out with Syd... I know...I am a wild woman!!! :-)

I think that Keith had fun. However, when he got home, we were reading thru emails, and Beth had sent one that she had gotten a new puppy while Shane was gone... Keith quickly asked me where his new puppy was!!! Too bad for him... Oh well... We will survive with just Syd.

Tracey Update

2009-02-21T17:12:00.003-05:00

Hey Guys!
I have added a link to Tracey's blog so that everyone can check in on her progress (if you want).I do not know how long they are going to keep her blog going, but at least for now, it is available to check. Oh... Erin, Tracey is 37.... she will be 38 this year.

Cupid....

2009-02-15T16:40:00.005-05:00

...Is really just a man dressed in a diaper.... with wings.... and yet, so many people think that it is such a romantic day.... I just don't really get it.... never have, probably never will.

Keith and I did not do anything because it was Valentine's Day, but more because it was the weekend...but it was a good day, any way that you look at it. We have not ever really celebrated Valentine's Day, because we both think of it as just a hallmark holiday and really, why is it that there is "special" days set aside to tell those you love that you do in fact love them.... I mean, if anything, to me that makes it seem not really less special, but more forced? If that makes any sense... but anywho, enough of my mini-anti hallmark holiday tirade.... I guess we can just put Valentine's day up there with Sweetest day, Secretaries (or Administrative Assistant) Day, and any other odd day that Hallmark and other companies make cards and stuff for.

Keith loaded up our backpacks and we went for a "hike" down the trail that starts in Columbiaville, and will take you thru Otter Lake, Millington and to Bay City. We only went a couple of miles, but it was for me to try out the back pack that he bought me a couple of years ago for Christmas. We might do some backpacking this year on our vacation... I think that it will be a lot of fun.

After we got back home, we went to Frankenmuth for dinner. Keith still had his birthday coupon for Zehnder's, and so we decided to go to have chicken dinner. It was a nice night out, so while we waited for our reservation time, we walked thru town and went into a couple of the shops. The horse drawn carriages were out in full force, and I thought that the people inside looked kind of cold.... but the horses are kind of neat to look at.

Then, we just came home and watched a couple of movies. So, like I said, we did not do anything big, but it was fun and relaxing and we got to spend the day together.

If you don't believe in miracles.....

2009-02-14T11:43:00.005-05:00

then you should.... Below is an email that I got from my parents last night. It is about one of their friend's daughters, Tracey Demerly. My parents have been friends with the Demerly's for as long as I can remember, and to me they will always be Mr. and Mrs. Demerly (not Ron and Judy as my parents call them) because I met them when I was a baby at First Baptist.

This email tells a recent update to Tracey's story. She was in a REALLY terrible snowmobile accident just after Christmas. It was her first time driving her own snowmobile, and she had a deer run across her path. She swerved to avoid hitting the deer, but she ran into a tree and as a result has been in the hospital ever since. The story as a whole is AMAZING, but this update that my mom sent to me was so powerful and moving, I could not help but share it.

Please keep Tracey and her family in your thoughts and prayers.... I can't help but think that this story is proof that miracles DO happen...

Dear e-mail friends and family,
I have the honor and privilege to write this latest Blog at the request of Ron Demerly, my father-in-law and the proud Dad of "Tracey - The Miracle Child". My goal is to explain what has happened over the last 12 hours through the eyes of my Paramedic background. It will be in depth and expansive. It is truly the only way I believe this message can be illustrated with the appropriate recognition to the almighty power of our Father.

This particular journey began on the morning on February 12th. Tracey was alert and interactive. Her vitals were as stable as they have been for weeks. The trauma staff in ICU were even making plans to down grade her to a re-hab floor and she was performing well under physical therapy. For all intents and purposes, she was on the road to be discharged within weeks.

At 1:30 p.m. Tracey was scheduled for a "Minor" procedure to replace a Sub-Clavian catheter that is used as an access for Kidney Dialysis. Tracey was apprehensive and scared, however assured by the Nurses and her caring family, she would do fine. Considering all she has been through over the last 7 weeks, this was like a Neuro surgeon administrating Aspirin. Once she left for surgery, her tale of victory began. While on the OR table, Dr. Johnson, her trauma surgeon that has been credited for saving her many times over, ran into a major complication. While he replaced the catheter, her Mammary Artery was perforated which triggered perfuse arterial bleeding. Tracey's fragile body began to tailspin into hypovolemic shock which is a sudden loss of fluid, either blood or water. Immediately, Dr. Johnson knew her chest cavity had to be "cracked" open and the artery repaired without hesitation. If not, she would surely die. Just then, a visiting cardiologist was in the hospital for a completely separate issue. He was "yanked" into the OR and thrown into a life and death fight for Tracey that he had not prepared for. None the less, the surgical team worked tenaciously and was able to perform the following: Her chest was exposed and an incision was made on the sternum. The surgeon then saws the bone up the middle in order to place the retractor. Once that is in, the sternum and ribs are opened and the artery is isolated. The surgeons then clamp the bleeding artery. The cardiologist was able to suture the vessel and trust she would be able to clot the site herself. All this while she was given 10 units of blood and hundreds of milliliters of replacement saline.The team put in bi-lateral chest tubes, which drain off excess blood that has pooled into the bottom of the lungs impeding oxygenation. By the end of surgery, Tracey lost all of her own blood supply and was now using donated blood from folks across the country. A huge thanks to them and a challenge for me to never make an excuse again about donating blood. Tracey was brought back to the I.C.U. at 4:00 p.m., very unstable. Her blood pressure was being maintained by fluid replacement and vaso-pressors (Blood Pressure Control Medications). As the hours passed, the staff advised the family that they should call those that were not here and encourage them to come to the hospital right away. Tracey was not doing well at all. Within hours she went from very stable, to very unstable. The last of the family that could be here, arrived at 11:00 p.m. We prayed for Lord's hand to bring Tracey out of these dark hours. Her condition was failing fast. At 11:50 p.m. Tracey's attending nurse, Liz, came to the visiting room and for the first time painted a bleak picture of Tracey's prognosis. Her blood pressure was 60/40, pulse of 140 and climbing, back up to 100% dependant on the ventilator. She was at "square one", and may not make it through the night. Once again we gathered together in our traditional "prayer circles" and humbled ourselves before the Lord, asking for His mighty hand of grace.

At 12:00 a.m. words were spoken over the hospital P.A. that will forever be embedded in our memory, "Code Blue room 151...Code Blue room 151..." Tracey was in cardiac arrest. The life was sucked right out of this family, but not our hope! We prayed, cried and sat quietly knowing Tracey was in her last moments of life unless the Lord chose otherwise. 12:10...12:20...12:25 the nurse advised us they will not stop CPR until they have used all their options.

Tracey's heart was not contracting. It was receiving the body's electrical stimulus to do so, but it was not happening. Her heart was shocked by the paddles, multiple doses of cardiac drugs administrated and compressions delivered. At 12:45 the nurse came in and gave us the news. They witnessed the resuscitation of Tracey which they could not explain. Not only did she recover, she was taken off her vaso-pressors, able to maintain her own pressure once again on the road to recovery.

As I write this, I have personally worked on dozens of cardiac arrest patients from all ages as a paramedic for 14 years. I have intently studied emergency pediatric and adult cardiology and have NEVER witnessed this type of recovery after 45 minutes of CPR. It gets better. Within that hour the nurse returned and told Shelley and her mother Tracey was responding. They saw Tracey open her eyes and look side to side. All this within one hour of her in cardiac arrest. By 6:00 a.m. while the family slept in chairs at the waiting room, I witnessed Tracey respond to all voice commands. Squeezing her hands, moving her toes and shaking her head. The entire staff here in I.C.U. have never witnessed this type of recovery. Tracey was again chosen by God to experience His mercy.

As I write this, she is scheduled to restart her re-hab as early as tomorrow and asking for water.

Psalm 46:5 " God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day." (Remember the time Tracey's "Code Blue" was called? 12:00 a.m. The Break of Day...) God's assistance arrives when we need it the most!

Please share this incredible testimony of a witnessed miracle by this family and that whatever battle you may be going through, trust in the Lord's plan. Whether we understand it or not, his plans are the best.

Thank you again for all your support and prayers.
We will be forever grateful,
Chris Swanson
Tracey's proud Brother-in-law.

See what I mean?

What do you call it....

2009-02-11T20:21:00.006-05:00

... when you are an adult, but you get a day off from work due to the weather??? That is what happened to me today. It was really rainy and windy and we lost power at my office. So, I got to go home early today from work !after lunch. Yay!!! I mean, it kind of stinks because I know that the rest of the week is going to be crazy busy, but it was kind of neat at the same time. Every time that I see the school closings rolling across my TV screen in the morning, I wish that I still got a "snow day". So, I finally got one!!! I came home and just hung out. I brought a couple of files home to work on as best as I could, but that only took me about 30 minutes. After that, I played some with Syd in the yard before it started to rain.

I have to admit that I am loving the warmer temperatures and the lack of snow... but then again, this is Michigan, so it could be back again, but I hope not. I can't wait for Summer to get here so that we can go back out on the boat and camp and just relax. I am hoping that Winter is finished (for the most part) so that I can pull out my warmer clothes and pack up my sweaters and stuff. I really want to get out my flip flops...

Speaking of Summer, Keith has bought ANOTHER boat. I am not sure what he is planning on doing with it, but we will see. I think that he mentioned something about swapping out the trailers.

Sunday already????

2009-02-08T22:14:00.004-05:00

Can ANYONE tell me where the weekend always gets to on me? I mean, it feels like my work week typically flies by pretty quickly, and my weekend zips by just as fast... I consider myself to be really fortunate that I have a job that I like and that I work with people I also like. The work itself keeps me busy throughout the day and before I know it, it always feels like I have jumped from Monday to Friday.... I wish that I could somehow slow down the weekend.

Take this weekend for example. Saturday we went to town for Recycle Saturday and met with my parents for lunch in town. Then, we ran a couple of errands and came home. We picked up the house and I baked some cookies. This morning I got up and finished a once over on my house. Emily came over for a visit (it had been WAY to long) and we spent some time catching up. Then, Keith and I ran more errands over in Flint. Looking at items for this remodel that we are hoping to do this Spring/Summer at our house.... Now, here I am on Sunday night at 10:20 PM and am about ready to finish this up and head to bed for the night!

I can remember being a little girl thinking that the weekend would never come, and then I always felt like I had lots of time off and to do whatever I wanted.... The week took FOREVER to get to my 2 days off, and I was always so happy for a snow day....

Crazy how your perception of time changes as you get older. Guess that I should be thankful: 1) that I have a job in this crazy economy and 2) that I have the weekend off instead of having to work 24/7.

Well, it is back to work tomorrow.... Hope that everyone has a great week!

Keith's 27!!!UPDATED

2009-02-01T21:09:00.009-05:00

Keith turns 27 today!

We spent the afternoon sledding with his family, and this evening we had everyone over for dinner, presents and cake and ice cream.

Toboggan HillKeith and Tim - Getting ready to raceThe long walk back up... left Keith and Tim both a little bit winded....

Egan (he was ready to go "down") Phil and Marlos getting ready

The Cake (It tasted alot like a GIANT swiss cake roll)

Keith Benjamin

Egan helping Uncle Keith open his gifts

Eegie

Keith and his new gun (his gift to himself)

Egan and Uncle Keith's new gun... he really liked it

Keith and some of his loot (gift cards, which will help with our Spring fix up project)Keith blowing out the candles ~ It took MULTIPLE attempts this year!

I have taken lots of pictures, but want to spend Keith's birthday with him... Will post them as soon as I can.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH!!!!

The fumes...UPDATED

2009-01-31T21:10:00.003-05:00

are starting to get to me....

But, I think that they are worth it. Keith re-painted our bedroom this week. It used to be chocolate brown (which Keith has never liked) and now it is a turquoisey color.

I really like it alot and as you can tell, I am NOT afraid of color :-)

Who Dunnit????

2009-01-18T16:09:00.017-05:00

On Friday night, we went to my office Christmas party. April was forced to push it back from the original date of December 19th because of the snow storm that we had that day.

We went to the Peters Mansion in Columbiaville for a Murder Mystery Dinner. The house has been refurbished and it looks really nice. It was fun.... think life size CLUE. We all had roles... some were MAJOR, some were minor, but I think that we all had fun. It was nice to see everyone outside of work, and just relax and have fun. Basic idea was that Mr. Shephard has been murdered, and his ghost requests that you find out who at the party killed him.

Keith was Johnny Jump, a gangster who's boss is owed a lot of money by the deceased's son.... I was Maggie Tagalonger, a photograper for Sly Hazafox... a tabloid reporter. So, I got to carry my camera and try to take pictures. It was requested that we all "dress up" for our part, and some people went a bit further than others. I was originally supposed to be the secretary (a B-I-G stretch for me :-) but at the last minute, April wanted to switch some rolls.... ). I had already picked my outfit, so I wore it... I really liked it alot and got a lot of complements on it.

Tim and Al

Alan and Keith Phil

April and Tim

Scott and Teresa

Louise and her husband Greg

We spent a cocktail hour mingling with the other "suspects", listening in to their conversations and trying to figure out who the murderer was.

April with Teresa, Scott and Karen

Everyone seemed to have a good time. The food was good, the game was fun, and we all got the chance to hang out and relax.

Baby Zielinski

2009-01-18T15:58:00.006-05:00

On January 10th, I helped to hostess a baby shower for Keith's cousin Michelle. This will be her first baby (a girl) and she is due in March (I think...). I helped Marlos and Cody along with Michelle's mom, Yvonne. We had the shower at the Oregon Township hall.

We played a couple of games (present BINGO and a word scramble) and talked with Michelle about the new baby....

The weather was not that great, but everyone seemed to have fun. I thought that the hall turned out really cute and Michelle (and her husband Dennis) got a lot of great things to get ready for their new addition.

Happy Birthday Amers!!!

2009-01-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to wish Amy a very HAPPY 26th Birthday!!!!

Hope that you have a GREAT day!!!

Me & Amers (sadly, don't have any recent pictures.... )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T20:59:00.013-05:00

I cannot believe that it is 2009! I am still trying to figure out where 2008 went to.

On New Years Eve, Keith and I went over to Shane & Beth's so that we could all ring in 2009 together. David & Erin came with Jacob and Nathan... we had a lot of fun together. Keith, Beth, Shane, David and Erin all played a game called QUELF. I just watched... it was fun, just to watch everyone.

David... not in focus... sorry :-(

Keith in his party hat Shane & Beth

Erin & Nathan

Nathan

Today, Keith & I went out to dinner with my friends Lee Ann, Amy and her boyfriend Chris. Lee Ann was up from North Carolina for the holiday, and it was great to get to spend time with them again. I am sad that she is headed back home on Saturday, but she is doing well and I am happy for her.

Amy, Lee Ann and I

Amy and Chris

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-31T16:44:00.015-05:00

Keith and I opened our presents at our house before going over to his mom and dad's house to open presents with the Mattila/Scrimger gang. We did not take a single picture of us opening our presents from each other. (Keith got clothes and a new winter coat and stuff... but no new puppy ...) and I got some new scrapbooking stuff. Then, with some of my Christmas bonus I bought a Cricut Expression... LOVING IT!!!

I did get a picture of our tree though. I love it... always think that it looks pretty with it's white lights (Keith thinks they should be colored). Especially since it is fake and almost as old as I am!

But, we did get some pictures of us opening some of our afternoon presents.

Egan and his new puppy

Cody and Egan

Keith in his new sweater....love the argyle

Eegie and Thomas

Tim

Uncle Keith and Egan

Hillier Christmas

2008-12-31T16:20:00.010-05:00

This year, with Christmas day falling on a Thursday, we went to Mom and Pops' house to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. I had the day off, but Keith had to work. Grandma Hiller was there, and we were able to get a group picture. Pops made a yummy Turkey dinner, and I made personal cheesecakes for everyone.

It was a nice night, and we got lots of really great presents!

The group picture... Syd just would NOT sit down...

But then she finally did
The Tree

Mom and one of her "BIG" presents... I think the DVD player, but she got a laptop too. She must have been really good this year for Santa to get it for her!

Pops opening up one of his gifts.. a book on GM

Keith

Cheesecakes... Yummy

Paslean Family Christmas

2008-12-31T15:56:00.013-05:00

Paslean family gatherings are always a big deal. There are so many of us, that we used to get together at the Hadley Town Hall, but for the past couple of years we have been having it at my cousin Jeff's new house. I have been trying to do the math as to how many of us there were this year... with the 3 generations and all... anyways, a lot of us. The best way to describe it is, LOUD!!!

I never posted any of last years pictures, because I don't think that I had started doing that yet. So, here are a couple of the group/generation pictures from last year [in case anyone wants one] and some from this year too.

The Paslean "kids" (Dec. 2007)

Aunts and Uncles (Dec. 2007)

The Kids (Dec. 2007)

The Kids' Kids (Dec. 2007) Santa's HelperWaiting to get their gifts from SantaLoud... P.S. Ok... so I said that I was never going to do/say this... but I CANNOT believe how big all of the little kids are getting... I FEEL SOOOOOO OLD!!!!

Christmas with Friends

2008-12-31T15:39:00.008-05:00

It is always fun to get together with our friends.

This year we got together in the beginning of December at David and Erin's house in Davison. We went over to hang out, eat pizza and just catch up. It had been a while since we were all together (not since camping?!?!?!?!) and play with the boys. It was fun, as it always is. Beth held Nathan most of the night [I offer this as an explanation as pretty much all of the photos we had of Beth, she is holding him ;-)]. He is a really good baby.

We will be headed to Shane and Beth's house in Frankenmuth for New Year's Eve. That means next time it is our turn to host!!!

Keith and David "cuddling" on the couch

"The Boys"

"The Girls" [and Nathan]

Jacob... I just think that he looks mischevious...

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

2008-12-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

Today is my Mom's 59th Birthday!

We went over to her house yesterday to celebrate with my parents and my grandma.

Dinner was a really yummy, Thanksgiving-esque meal... Deep fried turkey, mashed potatoes, etc. I have been making my mom's cake for as long as I can remember. It always used to be gingerbread, but the past couple of years it has been white cake with raspberries. This year, she had chocolate cupcakes with raspberry filling and chocolate frosting. I was too beat after shopping to stop and get the stuff needed to make the white cake, and I had everything for the cupcakes at home. It worked out perfectly.

After lunch, was present time. Keith and I got her a KATHY purse in black patent leather. It has lots of great hardware on it and whatnot. I really like it. Then, my dad, Keith and I went together on a troll bead bracelet for my mom. I have one, and she really liked mine. It is like the pandora bracelets, but a different brand. She really seemed to like it. We got her the bracelet and clasp and then 3 glass beads and 2 silver spacer beads.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!

Ready... Set... SHOP!!!

2008-11-29T17:14:00.006-05:00

Friday morning at 4 AM I picked up my mom to start shopping.

We started at Kohl's. I was able to pick up a few of the items that I had hoped to get... some for others and for myself... a new knife set. The lines were long, but moved quickly. After we were finished up at Kohl's we went to Meijer, KMart and Walmart. We stopped for some breakfast in between KMart and Walmart. We did not get anything at any of those stores. The lines were long and most of the sales seemed to be geared towards toys or electronics. As I had no use for either, we were quick to run thru the shops and quick to leave. We made it thru all 5 shops before 8 AM!!!

I spent 1-1/2 hours up to the office as there was a title company that required a closing package Friday in order to close a file on Tuesday... mom just looked over some ads and I waited for the lender so that I could do what I had to do. It was 9:30 by the time that we headed over to Flint to go to the mall. We started at Macy's because I was in desperate need for a new wool coat. I got a great deal on a coat that was supposed to be $300 for $80... I love a good sale!!! While there we went to Barnes and Noble, JC Penny, Express, American Eagle, New York and Company... after the mall, we went to Old Navy and a couple of other stores before calling it a day. 15 hours later, we headed for my home.

It was such a long day, but I did get a couple of people finished up, which I feel pretty good about. I don't really know whether or not the "deals" are any better on "Black Friday" than any other time before Christmas, but it is the only day in a year that I can get my butt out of bed at 3 AM to go shopping.

I'm Thankful for....

2008-11-29T17:03:00.008-05:00

There are so many different ways that I could finish out that sentence.

We spent our Thanksgiving with our family at the Scrimger parents house. Marlos invited my parents over and we all celebrated together. It was a really great day... filled with good food and togetherness. The food was really yummy. Turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries, yams, rolls, beans.... and loads of desserts. I took apple pies, cookies, cream puffs and eclairs. My mom brought pumpkin pies and pumpkin rolls. Gage made us some special turkeys for dessert. They were really cute, and Gage did a great job decorating them.

We finished up in the early evening. We came home and I went to bed because I go shopping with my mom every year for the day after Thanksgiving sales.... I MUST be crazy!!!!

GOTCHA!!!!

2008-11-17T00:01:00.004-05:00

Today is my Gotcha Day! 25 years ago today, my parents and grandparents went down to the Detroit Metro airport to pick me up.... you know, the day that they "got" me. So, anyway, we celebrate it every year, and always have.

This year, we went to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Stir Crazy, down at the Great Lakes Crossings Mall in Auburn Hills. They have some really yummy chicken egg rolls that as much as I try to make them, I can't ever quite get them right... I think it is the sauce that they serve it with...

Anyways, after we finished dinner, we stopped at Coldstone Creamery to pick up an ice cream cake. When we got back to mom and dads, we had cake and presents. It is kind of like another birthday... I got a new pair of slippers and a new LL Bean boat and tote bag... super cute...

It was a lot of fun, and I love to have such a special day to share with my family.

The traditional pic... we take one just like this every year :-)

See, I told ya!!! :-)

Poor Bambi...

2008-11-16T19:31:00.009-05:00

Keith went over to the farm on Saturday morning and this morning, but did not have any luck. I do not know whether he saw deer and did not want to shoot them, or if he just did not see any at all. Either way, both mornings, nothin'.

Tim went hunting with Keith this afternoon (his first time deer hunting...) and they BOTH got a deer! When I talked to Keith he said that Tim's is a 3-point and Keith got a 7-point! They had just finished (what I can only assume would be the unpleasant task of) gutting the deer and were headed in to warm up with a cup of coffee with the grandparents before heading home. I would imagine that Tim is pretty excited, especially since this is his first attempt. I think that this is the biggest deer that Keith has gotten too.

Tim and his 1st deer

Keith and his deer... 7-pointer!!!
Good job boys! I mean, I do not eat deer (and neither does Cody), so the meat will probably go to Grandpa and Grandma Scrimger (for the most part), but they had a good time, and that is what counts!

THE HUNTERS and their KILLSCONGRATULATIONS KEITH & TIM!!!

Visual DNA

2008-11-06T08:20:00.003-05:00

Ok... So I got this in an email, and I liked it. I thought that everyone might want to try it. So, I have posted it in the side bar for easy access. Basically, you are given about 12-15 pictures to choose from in response to a generalized question. When you are all done, it will tell you a few things that your choices say about you. I thought that mine were pretty accurate!!!

Give it a whirl and let me know what you think!!!!

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-05T18:58:00.004-05:00

We did not do anything "fun" or "cool' for Halloween... No crazy parties... no nothing. We just stayed in and handed out candy to the local kids. Mom and Dad brought Wesley over and they did the candy thing around our neighborhood. Wes got a pretty good size haul from the neighbors. We only had 25 trick or treaters come around and a majority of them were teenagers. We handed out candy to them, just the same as the youngsters, because per usual, I bought WAY to much candy and we had to get rid of it if we did not want to be eating candy until next Halloween.

Tim and Cody brought Egan out to our neck of the woods on Sunday. We all met up at the Scrimger parents house. He came up to the door with his costume on (a DINOSAUR). While he did not get the words, "Trick or Treat!!!!" out of his mouth, he was awfully cute and so I gave him his treats anyways... Animal crackers and Goldfish.

I have a picture of Wesley on my camera, and I am going to post the picture up here as soon as I can. He was Spiderman, and it looked cute on him, I cannot believe how big he has gotten!!! The pictures of Eegers I swiped off of Cody's blog because Sunday I did not have my camera with me.

Some special time with Wes

2008-10-20T20:55:00.008-04:00

Anyone who was at the Paslean family hay ride last Saturday already knows how excited we all are that Wesley is here for a visit. Pops was so excited about it, he could hardly contain himself for the week before he flew in!!!! Ma and Pops did not waste any time spending "special" time with their only grandson. I know that they hit the hay ride on Saturday night, and then on Sunday after church they went to Past Tense for some fall fun of their own. They got some cider and doughnuts, and Keith and I came to visit after we got home from Caseville. We went over and had pizza for dinner, then doughnuts and cider for dessert. Wes showed us how he was learning to ride the 3-wheeler... He is getting pretty good at it, and he really seems to enjoy it.

Grandpa, Grandma and Wes

Grandpa and Wesley

Wes on the 3 wheeler