Lei Lei Land

2009-05-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't been on here lately (two months). I've been hanging out on Facebook. Plus I work fulltime (cake decorator), I'm going to Curves now (3 days a week). Mel and Sarah keep me going. Kadee and Kami definitely keep me busy in the evenings. Mom has them the rest of the time. Evan's going to Summer school in June. (if he wants to go to 9th grade that is). Mel is fine, her and my babies are going camping with Nana this weekend, while Jenny and Sarah are off with their friends in Hart. Selem was home (well, out of Alaska) for three weeks. I didn't see him much. He went to Florida with Alysha for a week and between his dad's birthdays and prom I didn't see him enough. He cooked us a awesome lasagna for Mother's day though. I've received 10 graduation announcements so far. I didn't know I knew so many teenagers. Alysha graduates this year too, then she' s headed to Sitka to be with Selem. I'm not sure if she's excited or not. I cant tell. Pictures later, I need to go to the bank & make a drop at Goodwill. Kisses

2009-03-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

Kami is one! She was too cute! The only (close) relatives that couldn't make it were Grampa Wheeler, Aunt Kim, Jenny and Aunt Lorie (whom didn't receive her invite, unfortunately). Sorry sis! I made Kami's cake at work....

2009-03-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Evan in need of a haircut.

Alysha and Melodie headed to another dance.

Kadee on a bad day!

Kami and Kadee in for a much needed bath!

She'll eat anything....

I think that was on Valentine's Day. Nana got Kami her very one Hershey bar.

Kami eating pizza with her 5 1/2 teeth.

2009-02-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

Mom's been shopping on ebay. She's been collecting these 'fiberglass?' prints that Uncle Warren originally drew, but somehow American Greetings got their hands on. Anyway, once she had a collection of them, she wasn't quite sure what to do with them, until I moved Kami into her own room and she had a bunch of naked walls. Then mom brainstormed and came up with these adorable little wall hangings. The corners holding the pics in are also fabric. We just love the outcome! Kami's saying bye and hi and oh oh (when something is dropped or she throws it on the floor). She's still not walking, I thought for sure she would by now. She'll be 11 months on Valentine's Day. I've healed just fine except for one little spot under neath. The dr. put neosporin and a bandaid on it, which I've been doing all along. Oh yeah, Kami has been to a dermatologist and she has eczema! What a pain, at least it's not a food alergy-that would suck! I gotta go to bed, have to be up by 5a.m. kisses

2009-01-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I got my lift and implants done. They will be beautiful after all these bruises are gone. They're exactly what I'd hoped for. My neck and shoulder hurt more than anything from sleeping weird as to not hurt my boobs. I was supposed to go back to work today but when I called to make my follow-up appointment, they said I couldn't go back to work until after I see the dr. which isn't until the 20th. So, here I sit, bored silly, at home. No plans cuz I didn't have plans to be here all this time. I didn't really want to post pics on here, cuz not everyone wants to see my boobs (like my son Selem), so if you want before and afters, let me know and I'll email you some pictures. Take care!

2008-12-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas was wonderful! Kami and Kadee were so much fun to watch this year! All the kids got laptops for Xmas from Nana. Not laptops, but blankets for their laps...lap covers?

2008-12-14T18:02:00.001-08:00

Yuck! It's been raining for two days here. Today it was 40 degrees. Tonight, we're supposed to get down to 20 degrees and have what the news is calling a flash freeze. Plus it's windier than heck. So, when I get up at 5 a.m. to go to work, and they've called off school, I'm calling in too. 'Cuz I'll know then that the highways are frozen over. And my new four wheel drive durango wont do me any good on ice. Yuck!

2008-12-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

Somehow I neglected to mention what I got for Xmas, a liittle early. While Selem was home, he drove my little neon, and because I work 45 minutes away, Babe let me drive the big Chevy truck, which spoiled me a tad! One night after Selem left for AK, I came home from Ludington, and there was an oddball vehicle in the yard. It had huge balloons on it. But I still didn't believe it was mine, although Babe kept insisting; I thought he was just test driving it. Turns out the beautiful 2006 Dodge Durango was really mine!! I was pretty excited, but still wasn't sure I should believe Babe, he's usually full of it and a big time joker....But I got the plate in the mail and made an extra key, so I guess it really is mine!! (I'll add pics later) Also, central scheduling finally called this morning, my surgery is on Jan 7! I have to be there at 11:45 a.m. with nothing to eat after midnight. In case you haven't heard, I'm getting a breast lift. Dr. Zonca has to add the smallest implant above my breast, otherwise, because they're big enough, a lift would just make them into ski slopes, and I didn't think that would look very attractive. Cant wait!!

2008-12-11T06:48:00.000-08:00

Our Kadee is now 4!!

2008-12-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been awhile. Kami is almost 9 months now. She's crawling and waving, getting close to popping a tooth. She pulls herself up to stand. Mel tried to go back to her natural blonde, and turned orange in between. We finally got it blonde again though- thank God! Selem was here for three weeks and is gone back to AK now. I sure miss him! We did Xmas early with him. We have a ton of snow in MI; probably two feet already. Some years it doesn't even snow until close to Christmas. Mel and Evan's dad finally came and got them for a visit-first time in over three months! They had a good weekend though. He's supposed to come get them again before Xmas. Sis-in-law Kim started her assistant manager training for Wal*Mart, in IN today. She'll be home every weekend, weather permitting. She starts at the Big Rapids store in February. Kadee will be 4 on Wednesday!! I'll post pics then, I'm making the cake!!

2008-10-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

The guys are back from Colorado elk hunting, and did wonderful. Three out of six of them got big bulls. Pretty good odds, and Joel got a small mulie too. Yeah for them! They were gone two weeks, I sure missed my babe!! Back to normallcy (sp?) again. I hate when he's away. The girls are feeling a little better, Kami still has her fussy moments. She's still pretty snot nosed. Kami learned how to sit up while daddy was gone, I thought for sure she'd crawl before he returned, but not quite. She's bounced her nose off the floor a few times trying though.

2008-10-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Kami is 7 months now. Both girls had strept throat last week and have colds now. I'm on vacation this week. Don's in Colorado hunting for elk again. His buddy Joel is the only one so far to shoot one, he got a 5x5. Kami still has no teeth. She sure is trying her hardest to crawl. She's constantly up on her hands and knees (or hands and feet) trying to move her knees, but she doesn't move her hands. It probably doesn't help that everywhere she goes, we have hard wood floors, so she slip slides most of the time. I went to conferences the other day for Mel and Evan. Evan is doing excellent!! And Mel is doing great except for Math (which up until this year was her favorite subject). She's fallen hard for a guy named Ethan. He's a cutie too-hopefully it works out for her. Evan never talks about girls, accept for one he talks to online.....And Selem will be home for 3 weeks on Nov. 13th!!

2008-09-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Kami just had her 6 months shots. She still only weighs 15.8 pounds and is now 26". Dr. West says she's still growing at a slow rate. But she's healthy. She's still low on the percentage charts for weight of course, but average for height. She's not crawling yet, but I think within a month or so we'll need to shut the gate at the stairs. She's still round on the butt too, so she doesn't sit up yet either. She's been trying a new food or two. She loves fresh pears!!

2008-09-07T19:05:00.001-07:00

Aunt Bee is in town. She looks fabulous! We've missed her. We've been busy this weekend. Saturday we had a business/family/friends-pretty much everybody pigroast. Today we had a cookout so everyone could see Aunt Bee-except no cousins showed up!! I was on vacation a week ago, then worked 4 days the holiday week, now I'm vacation again. This week, Kadee, Kami, Nana and I are going camping in Mason County where Aunt Vicki camps. My wonderful husband will be here to deal with the other four kids and school stuff. The first week I was on vacation my family went camping at Crystal Lake in Scottville. That is a very nice place. We had fun. We took Sarah too. Mel is all moved in. Her dad moved to Big Rapids. I originally said no to her moving back in all the way til the end of Summer I kept saying no, then her dad announced he was moving, so I changed my mind. I'd never see her otherwise. He hasn't even called them in a couple of weeks... I think my 13 year old, Evan grew about 8 inches this Summer. He's huge Tall!!

2008-08-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Kami and mama lounging on the bed.

2008-07-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

We went to the playground at the elementary school with the kids today, and had a picnic while we were there. First thing we had to do was find a tree to sit under because it was so hot. It was fun, then Skylar and Kamryn needed naps.

2008-07-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Kaden's Aunt Lorie that I was talking about. She's Don's sister. Could they be mother/daughter or what?!

2008-07-21T17:32:00.001-07:00

I don't know if I ever said, but my sister (in-law) Lorie is here helping out a friend. She's been living in California forever. I've only seen her a handful of times, but she is awesome. She's hilarious. Everyone loves her so much. She's helping her friend Dan out at Hideaway Campground for the Summer, then I guess she's going back to CA. Anyway, I've always said that Kaden looks just like Aunt Lorie, but now that Kaden is 3 1/2, and she has a ton of hair, she looks exactly like Lorie. She could be Lorie's kid. Lorie could have her in town or out and about, and no one would even question her. I've heard lots of stories about Lorie, like on the bus, and protecting her brothers.....Kaden is going to be a bad ass too....and she absolutely loves Aunt Lorie. I have to find a picture of her for on here....

2008-07-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Kamryn weighs 13 lbs, 8 oz!! And she's 25 1/4" long. On the chart they have at the dr.'s, she is tall for 4 months, and she is average for 4 months, considering she was born 9lbs, 5 oz. She's doing very well. She ended up getting 3 shots also. She cried for a second. I think she feels worse now, than she did that day. Poor baby.

2008-07-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

I just thought these were funny. Poor Kamryn looks worried about her predators....

2008-07-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

My Mel's new hairstyle. She actually looks her age now. She's 17. She's wearing my brown contacts too. Apparently she was out for a new look today. It's really cute!

2008-06-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

That's my silly niece Sarah. Then Kadee and Kami in matching outfits. The last picture is my oldest daughter, Melodie, being cute...

2008-06-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

My sweet little Kamryn Grace will be 3 months old tomorrow and has finally gained a little weight. She weighs almost 12 pounds!! Remember she was born at 9.5, then at 2 months she was 9.4. She's been doing so well on soy milk, that stuff sure stinks though, but as long as she is thriving now! In the above picture, can you see where Kami gets her ears? And the same one (the right one) sticks out further on both of them (Nana and Kami). When I hold Kamryn, her ear is folded forward, sometimes when I move her, it's stuck forward (to the side of her face.) Mom figures that's why hers is bigger on the right side also-grandma Wheeler held her the same way. Kami lost all her hair. Hopefully it'll come back curly like Kadee's. Can you tell by the way everyone's dressed, that it's really toasty here these days? Even though it's rained and stormed for a week. Most of Ludington is having a state of emergency because of flooding.

2008-06-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

My niece Cherokee called me three times yesterday. She got a cell phone for her birthday from her mom and dad. She's 10 now. Kadee has been spending the night a few times lately, with Nana and the girls. She sure sleeps good the next night when she gets home!

2008-06-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

I'm feeding my baby off from Ebay!! I was high bidder on some (21 big powder cans)Similac soy formula worth about $400. I got it for $270. (that's with shipping). I didn't have to pay for any of it out of checking, because the previous week I sold all of my maternity clothes on Ebay and everyone paid through PayPal, so the formula money was all in that account. What a deal!! Mom cant wait to tell Kami she was an Ebay baby...

2008-05-22T18:52:00.001-07:00

Here's the before and afters of Kamryn's face rash and forehead. (the dr. switched her from similac with iron to similac soy) If you click on the pics you can see the close up improvement.

2008-05-21T14:33:00.001-07:00

Happy 17th birthday to my sweet daughter Melodie!! I love you! (the top picture is Mel and little brother Evan-he's 13)

2008-05-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Kamryn does seem to be crying less. She still has her moments though....I cant say she's feeling any bigger and she's still not eating more than 3 oz at a time. That soy sure stinks. Mom figured out finally what it smells like, it smells like boiled potato water. Yuck. Kami has always slept, pretty much through the night, so I cant say that's any better. We go back on June 12th to check her weight. Her scalp and forehead are still flakey and her face is still rashy looking.....in other words, I don't know yet if it's the formula or not...

2008-05-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

2008-05-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today was Kami's 2 month check up. As you may recall, she was 9lbs, 5oz at birth. Today she was 9lbs, 4oz. She did grow an inch though. The dr. believes she may be alergic to her formula (Similac Advance, with iron), because she has, what I thought was baby acne, apparently it's a rash, and peeling skin around the forhead and ears. But she never throws up or spits up and her poops are normal. So I don't know where she's putting that formula. But she should be eating 4-6 oz at a time, and she's never ate more than 3 oz. So, dr. West put her on Similac Soy and wants to see her in one month. She's smiling and cooing though, that's "average", that's perfect to all she smiles at, to us. She's so beautiful, flaking head, bumpy face, stinky butt, big ears and all......

2008-05-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

Surgeries went well. Rob will pick me up after he gets out of Peterson's and drive me down to Hackley to get mom and her vehicle. She didn't want any company last night, she just wanted to sleep. They woke her up three times to make her sit in a chair. She can do stairs so she wont be staying here. She's doing well...

2008-05-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Nana's off to another surgery today. She's getting her bladder put back where it's supposed to be. She blames gravity. I have to pick her up sometime tomorrow at Hackley (her second home in the last few years). She'll be lounging for a couple of weeks, I'm sure. Alysha (my future daughter-in-law, no doubt) is staying with them to help get the girls off to school and stuff, so hopefully Mom can sleep all she wants. The hardest part, for her, I'm sure will be not being able to lift over 15 pounds for a year. Kamryn will gain weight eventually. Good thing she lives in our back yard, and has the girls to carry groceries and stuff. She'll find out today, whether or not she can even climb the stairs up to the Granny Flat, she may be on my futon for a few days. I'll keep you posted, try not to call her, for a few days anyway...

2008-05-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow!! We (mom, me and her friends Sheryl and Toni, from school) went to the Brown Bear yesterday (in Pentwater) and Mom ordered the biggest burger (I'd say it's at least a pound of burger-they make their own buns) and she ate the whole thing!! Then she wanted dessert-just kidding. We thought you got it free if you ate the whole thing-you don't. That's not why she ate it all though, she was just hungry I guess. Good job MOM!!

2008-05-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie to get these cute pics on.....Alysha and Kadee; Kami smiling at Nana; cool Kadee; Kami looking like a Buddah; & Kami looking cute. She's 7 weeks today.

2008-04-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a month. I think Kamryn has developed a little colic. She pretty cries all the time. But mainly between like 7-8 p.m. But also, all day long, unless I am holding her. Today was a rough day. My back is killing me. Amazing what a little ten pound bundle will do to your back. She's a good sleeper at night, up to 6 hours at a time during the night, one pretty long nap during the day, and lots of little ones. So, I don't get much done, because she wants to be held. I go back to work on June 7th. That's a month after mom's next surgery. And the kids will be off from school by then, so if mom does need help.... Don is working a lot, and hanging out in the taxidermy shop when he's not electrifying something. The crying drives him bonkers. I'm pretty laid back, 5th kid and all, but wow...

2008-04-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

First day of GORGEOUS outside!! Wow, it's nice. I've been stuck in the house since the end of November, being so huge pregnant and uncomfortable I couldn't walk, and Winter and all. Now it's 60 out and beautiful. It's still pretty windy, course, we're up on top of this big ol' hill, so we catch all the wind. I just have to bundle Kamryn up in a blanket when I want to go out and wander around. Today I watched Nana clean out her camper, again-dead flies mostly. She wants to sell her camper. We need to get it parked out by Silver Lake somewhere, SOON. It'll be Memorial weekend before we know it, so I'm sure it'll sell out there. I should put it on Ebay for her....

2008-04-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Skylar and Sarah!!

We partied all day, the 4th was Skylar's birthday, she's 2 and yesterday was Sarah's birthday. We also went to Mom and Dad Taylor's house for Grandma Taylor's party, although her birthday isn't until the 10th, she'll be 84, I believe. I forgot my camera then though.

2008-04-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

Kamryn lost an ounce in 2.5 weeks, and only grew a 1/2 inch. But it sure seems like she eats constantly, and she's not a spitter upper. So where's it all going? Originally, the nurse came back and said she weighs 16.8 lbs. I argued with her saying there's no way she gained that much in 2 1/2 weeks!! Eventually, she took her back to the scale and adjusted it, and only weighs 9.4lbs. We went to Wal*Mart to shop yesterday and of course I cant get out of there with 3 hours when I have Kaden and Kamryn with me. Everyone wants to drool all over them. They all say Kamryn looks like her daddy too.

2008-04-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

Kadee spent the night at Nana's. She went to bed farely (or fairly?) early, like I knew she would, cuz I got her up at 8a.m. yesterday to go to the dentist. What we didn't foresee, was her getting up at 1a.m. after only 4 hours of sleep. We had some pretty good winds last night, and she was scared. She doesn't normally hear things like that, because we sleep with fans. She took a 5 hour nap today, so hopefully she wont be raring to go tonight. Jenny is spending the night tonight, she'll be off school tomorrow for an appointment in Muskegon. We have 3 there. They postponed Kamryn's hip ultrasound for another week. It doesn't seem to bother her as much as when she was first born. Now we go on the 10th, at 1:30, rather than tomorrow.

2008-04-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

I just had to put these pictures on...just because they're soooo cute. I just love the first one of Kamryn, it's my current desktop.

2008-03-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Babe took the Walker pups up North, to drop them off at coyote training school this morning. I think they'll be gone for a month. It's $3.00 a day, per dog, which pays for food mainly. He figures the two males will do pretty good. I think the female will do well, she's one mean bitch, but she is petite, so we'll see. I think they're like 9 months old.

Mom T., Sarah and I went to see the drama production of Beauty and the Beast, at the high school last night. It was awesome!! Those kids were great. I dont remember having the guts to do anything like that when I was in school. They were all amazing!

2008-03-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Kaden has major attitude when it comes to Kamryn, other times, she loves her to pieces. Kadee played outside with Nana for awhile today, when she came back in, she was "so happy to see her baby sister." Kamee smiled when Kadee kissed her the other day, Kadee really thought that was cool. Kadee laughs at her sister when she has the hiccups. Pretty cute.

2008-03-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Woo, Kadee is being sooo bad. I don't know if it's because she's used to having me to herself since Thanksgiving (that's when they took me off work), or what it is. Cuz she seems to like Kamryn. Well, most of the time. She's screamed at Nana, she had a kicking, screaming fit last night, while playing with Jenny. When we got home from Nana's (Easter dinner), she hit daddy's arm, and made him drop some of the food we brought home. That earned her her very own first spanking. She apologized to daddy, but only because I told her to. She was fine after that. She had had a lot of candy yesterday, and she was probably tired, but... who isn't. I cried after spanking her, cuz I didn't want to do it. Then later, when things calmed down again, I was feeding Kamryn, on the bed, and Kaden jumped and kneed (sp?) the baby right in top of the head. Kamryn has found her voice. I've already been pretty emotional, because Kamryn has what a pediatrician thinks is hip displacia. It seems to hurt her-sometimes. I hate not knowing, and they're not going to do an ultrasound until the 2nd, they want to see if it'll fix itself. In the meantime, it's scary to even change her diaper or pick her up, cuz I don't want to hurt her. Poor little innocent baby. She's so sweet, and sleeps pretty good, she's a great eater and a fabulous sailor-like burper.

2008-03-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, now that things are kind of back to normal again, I can blog again. Kamryn is perfect. She sleeps well, she eats great, she burps like a man, She poops regularly...she is just awesome!! Kaden has her moments. Most of the time, she likes having a baby sister, one time so far, she's wanted to take Kami back to the hospital. Kaden is doing well with her otherwise. She laughs at the baby when she has the hiccups. Kamryn does have to have an ultrasound on the 2nd. She has some sort of hip click. It's not out of socket or anything, but it pops when they rotate her legs, like she's bicycling. Two pediatricians heard it or felt it. My family dr couldn't, but now I do too. I don't know if I hear it pop or if I'm feeling it. It doesn't seem to bother her. I try to be really careful when I'm changing her diaper, as to not pull her leg straight to hard. Hopefully she wont need to wear some sort of cast or anything. Well, we're going to Nana's for Easter, along with Rob, Kim & Skylar. The Taylor mom and dad are coming too. Mom T. deserves a holiday dinner off. She usually goes all out for everything. Evan will be at his dad's, and Jenny & Sarah will be at cousin Kristie's Saturday night and Sunday. Chad and family are staying home this year. I hope you all have a nice, peaceful Easter....love you

2008-03-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling miserable today. I was hoping Kamryn would come before Saturday, since I'm feeling better (sick wise). The miserable part comes from feet in my ribs. She may not only be a 9lber, but right now it feels like she's two feet long too. It is uncomfortable to sit because she's so compacted, it hurts my pelvic bone to stand, cuz of her head. I like to lay on my left side, but I can only do that so long too. I sure am too old for this s*@t.

2008-03-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hi, if I don't have the baby this week, on my own, I have to go in on Saturday the 15th at 8a.m. to be induced. So far, Kaden is the only one of my kids that has not had to be induced. They sure don't want to come out. Last Friday this baby was 8lbs, 13oz., so by next Saturday, she should be pushing 10lbs. I'll let you know. I have to go get a non stress test on Friday again, and I'll pick up Mel after school that day, so no one will have to find her Saturday morning. Mom, Don and Mel are going in to labor with me, and Mom T volunteered to watch Kadee....

2008-03-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

Hello, I haven't been on because I've been sick. Besides being miserable from being so pregnant, now I think I have strept throat. It's pretty white polka dotted. This all started with flu like symptoms, everything hurt. Coughing kills me. The first few days it was my chest that hurt when I coughed, now it's my throat. But it's loosening up at least. Kaden was sick first. She's stilll not back to 100%. We went to Grandpa Taylor's birthday party last Sunday, and Grandma wasn't feeling well-she knew something was coming on. Then she missed work on Monday and Tuesday and came home early on Friday. I think maybe Kadee got whatever Grandma has. Kadee had a fever off and on all week, so Friday I took her to our dr. while I was in Muskegon for an ultrasound, and she has an ear infection. She's still coughing and isn't sleeping well, but is feeling better. Don's been playing outside and in the garage all weekend, so hopefully he wont get it. Mel came up for the weekend but her dad is sick too, so she figured she get it either way. My fabulous mom volunteered to take Mel home today, so I didn't have to go out. I love my mom so much. She's been taking care of us all week. Lately, I've been praying to go into labor, but now I want to wait until I'm done being sick, because they probably wont do my surgery afterwards if I'm sick. Oh-the ultrasound. A month ago I had one too, and the baby weighed 5 lbs, 15 oz. This month, she gained almost 3 lbs. She now weighs 8 lbs, 13 oz!! And I've still got 3 more weeks before they say I'm due!! I suspect while the midwife and the specialist are debating whether to take the baby a little early, I'll go full term, or with my history, 2 weeks over my due date and the baby will weigh a good12 lbs. But, I guess I'd rather be sick like this and miserable then have a fractured rib like I did in the last few weeks and first few weeks after Kaden's birth. The dr's think that Kaden's kicking did that!! Tough, big ol' babies I have.
Selem Dan was 9lbs, 7oz, Evan was 9lbs, 9oz, Kadee was 9lbs, 11oz, and Mel was the smallest at 7lbs, 14oz., so nothing will surprise me this time. I'll keep you updated.

2008-02-22T18:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a few of the things my hubby has been doing for the last 8 weeks. We are all pretty impressed. They are beautiful mounts. I'll probably make him a web site of his own eventually, mainly for advertisement....

2008-02-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Snow'n, snow'n more snow'n. My brother Chris shoveled like 4 times yesterday! At least 6 new inches at a time!! (I told Evan I was gonna trade him in for Chris) This morning Chris shoveled a new path before I even got out of bed. It must of snowed all night again. The schools were cancelled before we went to bed last night. I bet we have 2 feet of new snow. Normally, when Chris and Sam are here, they shop a lot. They haven't left the house yet. It took my brother Rob (he took Mel home yesterday, back to her dad's) an hour and a half to get to Muskegon from Hart. Normally it takes 35 minutes. Don debated on leaving Sunday or not because it was raining and starting to freeze. Thank God he left when he did, or he'd still be here. Not that I wanted him to leave. But he still has one week left of school. The deck picture (with the black chair) was shoveled clean the day before. The other pictures are Chris and Sam's son, my nephew Gage-he is so adorable. And look at those eyes!!

2008-02-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

This is my new baby's quilt that mom just finished. It's adorable! She's made a few flannel blankets too, that are bigger and (doubly) thicker than your average receiving blanket. I love them. She's working on a diaper bag now. The footprints in the second photo are the backing of the quilt itself. Thank you mom!

2008-02-17T17:07:00.001-08:00

We had a great turnout for my mom's surprise 60th birthday party. She said she didn't realize she knew that many people. It ran perfect and smoothly. Thank you to my mom-in-law, she did a huge amount, including set-up, clean up, making the awesome "quilt cake".......thanks mom T. My mom was very excited, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Warren got to come from AK for a few days, my brother Chris and family made it from NE for a week!! Friends from school, friends from Wal*mart, cousins she hadn't seen for awhile, friends from the river, my hubby that's been in PA for 7 weeks even came home for the party. Marcy was even there. We had fun. Happy Birthday Mom, I love you so much, you're the best!!

2008-02-13T03:33:00.001-08:00

Good morning. I'm at the insomnia stage of my pregnancy. 6a.m. yesterday, 4a.m. today. I'm get up to pee and I'm up, although Kadee woke up at 6 this morning, so maybe we'll be getting a nap today, for a change. When I lay back down, I think about Don coming home for the weekend, and mom's party, and my soon to be baby.....I sent Selem his laptop last week, so he's online now, if you want to keep in touch, it's saltine75@hotmail.com. His friends called him "Saltine" in school, rather than "Cracker"........ If they were going to take my baby early because of her size, I wanted them to do it on my birthday (the 5th), Don will be home and all. But now mom is having yet another (out-patient, this time) surgery. Her reconstruction didn't turn out all that perfect, so she's gotta go back in and have the area between her breasts tacked down, to give her cleavage, so she can wear a bra comfortably again. I can't think of who, but someone she knows is calling it a uniboob right now. Pretty funny. Later, kisses....

2008-02-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

Selem's in Sitka, I've heard from him a few times. So far, he likes it. He's got his own little "apartment". They don't stay in barracks or dorms. I think it's more like an efficiency place. His own fridge, microwave.... sounds cool. His address is Selem D. Lake 610 Airport Rd. Apt 17
Sitka, AK 99835. He's love to hear from anyone. Well, my blood pressure is down, finally, and my glucose numbers are fine. I actually lost 5 pounds this month. I had an ultrasound while I was in town yesterday too. My little girl, who is supposed to 3 3/4 lbs, is 6 lbs!! Got some more cute 4D pictures of her. She was smirking and trying to open her eyes after we woke her up this time. Last month, she yawned at us. I can hardly wait to hold her. Although, she still has no name. Any ideas?

2008-01-31T04:16:00.000-08:00

That's my Kadee playing with her new collection of animals. The next picture is of our latest major snow. Yuck!!

Selem left yesterday for Sitka, AK. He first flew to Houston, then to Seattle last night, spent the night in the USO place in the airport. This morning he leaves for Juneau, then to Sitka. Yesterday was awful weather too. The day before it was 40 and rained all day. Yesterday it was 10 and ice everywhere. Don's fabulous partner actually volunteered to take Selem to the airport, but I had him just take him to Muskegon. Selem's dad took him the rest of the way. And he did call from GR, so they made it!! He'll call today when he arrives in Juneau, and again from Sitka, if he has a minute before he starts his new life. I miss him already!! Selem and my mom (log look) wallpapered my bedroom while Selem was here on leave. I love it, I'm sure Don will too, because it was yellow, and he didn't like it.

2008-01-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

Don and Selem made it home. Don a day early. Then we drove to Muskegon Friday night, in a blizzard and picked up Selem from the airport. I have never been so proud as when I first saw him in his uniform. What a change from jeans and sweatshirts, plus he lost 32 pounds in 8 weeks. He's at his dad's for a few days, when he gets back we're going to take him and Mel to the condo, if it's available. Don went back to PA yesterday. He loves the school time, but hates time after and weekends. There's nothing to do there. Course, on February 2nd, the town will be over crowded with people trying to see the groundhog. Yee-ha! Anyway, my ketones are normal, and my sugar numbers are not steady but they are pretty much staying under the max numbers they gave me. So, apparently, changing my meal plan a little is helping. Hopefully this diabetes thing goes away after the baby is born. We still have agreed on a name. Don likes Peyton, Gracen and Leila. Mom likes Donni Lee and Lily. I like Kari, Karlee, Hallie, Jewel... I think Donni Lee would be kinda cute too for a little country girl, and after Daddy, but Don just laughed it off. I'll let you know.....

2008-01-15T18:30:00.001-08:00

Well, I went to my gestational program today, only 3 women were there. It wasn't as scarey as I thought it would be. They gave me a meal plan. I have to eat 6 meals a day, and I'll be counting carbs. I get 30 carbs for breakfast, but no fruit or sweet foods, and 45 carbs for the other two meals and three snacks. It doesn't sound so hard. I have to check my sugar 4 times a day (poke my finger). Then if changing my eating habits doesn't change my numbers then maybe they'll have to start me on insulin of some sort (shot or pill). My highest number after the glucose challenge was 193. They like to keep the numbers between 70 and 140. Mom and Don have both been wanting to change their eating habits too, so they're going to "diet" with me. Also, after I have the baby, a meal plan to lose weight (for just me) is also included in this program. So, wish me luck. I have a 2200 calorie diet plan, which is more than the other two women got, but I'm a lot taller than they both were, and they were both bigger around, and not cuz of baby. One of the girls is having twin girls, and it's both of the women's first pregnancies. Good thing I am so tall, otherwise I would look a lot bigger. I never considered myself 'obese', but apparently they do. I always knew I should lose about 20+ pounds though. I'll update on 'our' progress. kisses....

2008-01-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I received another call from the dr's office regarding my 3 hour glucose challenge. Numbers are still very high, and now I have to go to a gestational diabetes program next Tuesday. She didn't know anything about it, so I don't know if they're going to just tell me how to eat or what not to eat or what it's all about. Hopefully this all goes away after this baby is born, like my high blood pressure normally does. Although, my sister-in-law, had gestational diabetes with one of her pregnancies and she still has diabetes. So, I guess it doesn't always go away. I'll keep you updated.....

2008-01-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

We just back from a week at Uncle Dave's condo. The kids swam everyday, Rob and Kim and Skylar came to swim one night. We shopped, went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks, the kids went skating. I had a couple of appointments while we were there, which was convenient, because we were twice as close to the dr from the condo. Thursday I had to go take a one hour glucose challenge and get a rhogam shot, because I have rh- blood. I was there for three hours. Then on Friday the office called and said my numbers were extremely high, and they wanted me back on Monday to take a three hour glucose challenge. I had an ultrasound after that. My soon to be born baby is a girl, for sure, and just as beautiful as her sister Kadee. This baby was hiding behind her hands for most of the ultrasound. Some poking and prodding got her to move around a little. We were apparently boring her, she even yawned for us. She is just over 4 lbs with 2 1/2 months to go, she's only supposed to be around 2.5 lbs. Guess they don't need to worry about her being too small anymore. By the time we got back home, there wasn't anymore snow. It has been in the 50's. It's supposed to be back in the 20's by this weekend. I've talked to Don every night from PA. He's been working on ducks and a turkey so far. He's having fun. And Selem Dan will be home in a couple of weeks already for 12 days. He said it flew by even though he was sick the whole time. Happy New Year.

2007-12-31T18:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve!!
Here's an adorable picture of Grandpa and Skylar right before she fell asleep on him. Also a cute one of Aunt Vicki and mom at Selem's going away party (I think). Then our weather lately. Next week is supposed to be in the high 40's. And that's my little Kadee at Christmas.

Babe left today (his birthday) for taxidermy school in PA. I miss him already. Christmas went well, although it sure seemed strange without Selem Dan around. He did get to call though. He is awfully sick. He called the other day too, to see if I knew if anyone was coming for his graduation. We would if Don were home, but I dont really want todrive by myself, this huge pregnant and all. I told him to just buy a plane ticket. His dad is trying to find a way to get there, borrow a car or something. But a plane would probably be cheaper, and definitely faster. He'd get to spend more time home that way. My brother in law Seth, just left yesterday, to go back to VA. He's the one in the Marines. We (nana and girls, me, Kadee and Evan) are headed for the condo tomorrow til Saturday. They don't even go back to school til the 7th. We'll take them to the movies (Chipmunks) and probably skating, maybe to the dunes to sled. Get my mind off missing Don so much. The longest he's been gone is two weeks, to elk hunt in CO. This class is 8 weeks, but he'll be home half way through for a weekend to pick up his trailer to bring home stuffed stuff. My two brothers and I bought my mom a Dell computer for her birthday in Feb. She's excited. She already knows. She had no luck at all with a laptop. She bought a $1700. one for her, and the girls each got $500. ones, and mom is using theirs. Go figure. Happpy New year again.

2007-12-20T20:46:00.001-08:00

I shot another deer last night. A doe this time, out of the blind Selem put up. Shot her in the heart but she was facing just right that the bullet ended up going through her guts. Peee-uuuu!
She was a whopper though and lots of fat, so she'll be good eating for someone. Don's giving his buck meat to Rob, who still hasn't gotten a deer. And I'll give my doe meat to Lisa at work. We've had 8 deer in our garage this year, and Don still has a buck tag. His brother Seth shot a tiny little doe tonight. I asked him if she still had her spots. I gave my doe's heart to my manager at Wal*Mart (he likes them fried-yuck). He said "it's not every day that a girl gives me her heart"... awwww-Don said "what a kiss-up". Merry holiday!!

2007-12-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

Don and his buddy went looking for the antlers this a.m. and only found one side. It used to be an 8 point, but the side they found had a broken tine. Brother in law Seth made it home last night, late. I still haven't seen him. He went to North Carolina for a visit with a friend first. He'll be here til the 28th. He's a blast to hang out with and just listen to his stories. He's pretty funny. Kadee and daddy are out snowmobiling at the moment, hopefully not scaring away the deer that I plan to stalk tonight.

2007-12-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

Don shot a buck tonight. He tracked the footprints, cuz there was hardly any blood. He found it about 150 yards away. When he found it, it didn't have antlers. He had two perfectly round blood spots on top of his head. This is the time of year that they lose their antlers. More than likely on his way away from Don, he probably ran into some branches. He brought the deer home, huge bodied buck, and will go back out in the morning to see if he can find the antlers. Hopefully both sides. Now that he thinks back, the buck may have only had one side to begin with. But either side of his head was any more or less bloody.....I'll let you know. Regardless, he is going to take the hide to taxidermy school with him.
Jenny's concert was tonight. Pretty good for her first year. The high school band and jazz band are excellent too. Thursday is Sarah's chorus concert, during the day. I cant go to that because I have to go see another specialist in Muskegon (yes, because of my age). Take care.

2007-12-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

My Kadee is three today!! She was so excited about her Barbie cake. She attempted to hug it. Helen, at Wal*Mart, made it for her. She made it at home though, Uncle Rob picked it up for me. Kadee loved it. She got all kinds of goodies. She got earrings from Grandma and Grandpa. Nana gave her a yearly Shutterfly book. Those are mainly for me now, until Kadee gets a little older. They are awesome!! They have pictures of everyone throughout the year. Take care.

2007-12-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hi there. I got a letter from Selem Dan's commanding officer. Here's his address:

SR Selem Lake
Co. Uniform 178
US Coast Guard TRACEN
One Munro Ave.
Cape May, NJ 08204-5083

They say the guys really appreciate words of encouragement, and uplifting letters. He graduates right around January 22.
Don signed up for a taxidermy class in Oliveburg, PA, so he'll be closer and more able to maybe attend Selem Dan's graduation. That would be cool. I won't go, because I'll be pretty pregnant by then.

2007-11-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

Yeah, Selem Dan weighed in at 218 the next morning. So, he apparently wanted to go pretty bad. Good for him!!

2007-11-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Don and I took Selem down to Lansing this afternoon, it snowed like crazy the whole time. He signed a ton of papers which will continue tomorrow. We waited at the hotel for an hour, til check in time. The recruiter called right after he checked in, wanting to know how much he weighed. He said about 220. He's only allowed to weigh 222, max. He ran down to the weight room, and he actually weighed 229, with his clothes on. So, he figured he had to lose at least four pounds, overnight. Don suggested sit ups and push ups in the bathroom, with the hot water on. And drinking or eating nothing til after weigh in. Don lost 8 lbs in one day during wrestling in school, to make the weight class he wanted to be in. Otherwise, we'll be going to get him in the morning for another week. The recruiter said she didn't even want to send him to NJ if he was even close because if they have to send him home (for even one pound), it'll be months before he can go again. Heck of a time to tell him all of this-four days after Thanksgiving and four days of leftovers. Plus Nana has made pull apart (monkey) bread a couple of times. I'll let ya know. Love ya

2007-11-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

Well, they took me off from work today. No holiday pay for me. My BP today was 169/88. My return date is June 1, 2008. Wow, a half a year off work. I can change the return date if the baby's born earlier or they take her early. Selem Dan leaves this Monday, we'll have a little family get together to say good bye on Sunday. Don and I drive him to Lansing Monday to look over and sign the contract. And he leaves for New Jersey (Cape May) the next morning. He's excited. I'm glad he is. I'm happy he's doing something with his life, wouldn't want him turning out like some people we all know. But I'll miss him. I'll update. Happy Turkey Day!!

2007-11-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Check out my brother's new website: rjsartworks.com . He's so talented. The only talent I have from my mom is cross stitching.

2007-11-15T07:55:00.000-08:00

I shot my first buck, this morning, opening morning. My hubby is so proud. It's a seven point, although you cant see all of the tines in this picture. Don says it's the perfect first buck, that way if I get smaller next year, I won't be disappointed. Obviously it's not going to be mounted, but I'll definitely keep the horns. As I type, Don is out searching for his. He said it's huge. The boys saw 3 doe this a.m., but they don't have doe tags, so they couldn't shoot. I guess no one else saw a thing. The second picture is my Kadee helping me wash up daddy's buck meat. She didn't want anything to do with touching it at first, until I reminded her that she held and kissed a fished her and her daddy caught in the pond across the road. Then I couldn't keep her from touching it and throwing it into the water. The third picture is Selem Dan and his new tattoo. It's awesome, the guy did an excellent job. It's flurrying a little today. Winter is here.

2007-11-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

That's Kadee on Halloween, she didn't look too thrilled did she? But she had fun. She walked right in to the first house we went to. Oops... And the other pict is Mel acting silly on her last visit here. Thursday starts rifle season, we've been seeing deer everywhere. Maybe I have a chance at a buck this year. Friday I go to my ultrasound. Next Wednesday is my midwife appointment. I'm sure she'll take me off work when she sees my ankles- they're huge!

2007-10-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

How about Leila Viola?

2007-10-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Geez-100mg every eight hours wasn't enough. BP is still pretty high, so now I have to take 200mg every eight hours. I asked her if it wouldn't be safer just taking me off work, and all she had to say was "oh, we're not worried about this medication". So she scheduled me for another month. I have to take my bp an hour after I take the pills. At home it's much lower than it is at work. I'll keep you posted.....

2007-10-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

Hi, I went to the dr. today, she'll put me on high bp meds, 100 mg a day, three times a day, and I have to go buy a bp cuff, she wants that read three times a day. My legs are swelling, I look 7 months, I'm only 4. I'll get an ultrasound on the 1st. I go back to the dr. in just two weeks, so she can see how my bp is doing. She figures she'll take me off work a lot sooner than they did with Kadee. I worked til two weeks before Kadee was born. Eventually, I'll be getting an ultrasound every week, so they can see how the baby is growing and watch the fluids. Not that I'd ever had trouble with a baby growing before. Three of the kids were high 9 pounders and Mel was 7ob, 14 oz.. I'll keep you posted....

2007-10-01T17:53:00.001-07:00

Apparently Don didn't know we were naming the baby Hunter regardless of the sex. He likes it for a boy, but now he's not so sure about Hunter for a girl. But when I look up popular names for babies, Hunter is on the boy and girl list. Plus....Hunter Tylo, she's a famous model and an actress on (I believe) The Young and the Restless. We'll see....

2007-10-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hi, we've decided on the name Hunter, regardless of boy or girl. Hunter David for a boy. That's a definite. But we're not sure of a middle name for a girl. Any suggestions? I have a few ideas:
Joi, Faith, Rose, Lee, Jean, Dawn, Viola, Marie, Olivia.... My personal favorites are Dawn and Olivia. Although Olivia, would leave her initials H.O.T. Everyone is fine here. Don and all the buddies are getting ready for the Colorado trip to hunt elk. I'm actually on vacation this week. I had to use it, or lose it, and I didn't really want to be off while Don was gone. That would be boring. Selem Dan is going along, probably the last hunting trip for awhile. He now leaves for New Jersey (boot camp) on November 26th. He's pretty excited. Mom and the girls are fine, although Jenny came home not feeling well, from school today. I'm feeling ok, I do see a specialist on the 10th for my high blood pressure. It's higher every month I go. This last time it was 150/90. Last month it was 152/82. I'm not even sure which number it is they watch, but they keep saying "that's way to high!". I'm only 15 weeks along. I'll keep ya posted. kisses

2007-09-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

That's a cool deer we saw in the Upper Penninsula last month. The kids had never been there.

Hi, I'm now 13 weeks pregnant, due March 22nd. My midwife had us all worried for a few days there. She was testing me for pre-eclampsia (protein in the urine). I have all the signs, swelling in the legs and feet, headaches here and there, high blood pressure (this month it was 152/82, last month it was 147/74). But she just called and I do not have pre-eclampsia, just gestational hypertension (high blood pressure while I'm pregnant). Next month I see a specialist. Elyse says I have to meet all the OB's there, mom thinks it's because I'm high risk. Speaking of mom, she's doing very well, except for the broken toe she keeps ramming into furniture. (Yep, still clumsy). She got a big fat bill today for her new boobs-like $30 grand worth of boobs!! And she doesn't even have the nipples yet. The kids are back in school now, and selling a bunch of way too expensive crap already. Don and Selem went to Cabela's today, in preperation for the Colorado trip in 4 1/2 weeks. Selem gets to go this year. It sounds like boot camp for Coast Guard won't start til after the first of the year. I guess that's about it for now. See you next time.....

2007-08-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

The picture of the girls is at the Shelby airshow. Kadee enjoyed this year's Hart Fair more than last year. She went on the merry-go-round a few times, with daddy and grandma. Plus there were more rides for short kids, boats and trains...

2007-08-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Mom's tubes are all out and most(?), maybe all- of her stitches. She's doing well. She does still seem tired every time I see her. Linda is staying another week though, because we're going to the U.P. in the a.m. We have to come home a day early, because Selem Dan has to be in Lansing on Monday and Tuesday to sign up for the Coast Guard. He's pretty excited. I went to the midwife for the first time last Thursday. She said the ultra sound people changed my due date from March 9th to March 22nd. So now I'll definitely be 40 when the baby is born. I'm hoping for a boy, and Don says he doesn't really care what it it. He's having so much fun with Kadee. A boy will be Hunter David. Although I'll have to start over with buying clothes if it's a boy. If it's a girl, all I'll need to buy is another crib. Kadee's converts to a double bed. She's in a toddler bed part of it right now. She's totally potty trained, even at night. Always wakes up dry. It was pretty easy with her. We just put her in a lot of dresses, and no panties at first. It was just easier. Well, gotta go pack for our mini trip. We'll take lots of pictures I'm sure. kisses

2007-08-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

Mom is doing fabulous. It hurts her to laugh and cough, and she cant bend or stretch too well yet. But she manages the steps, sleeps pretty good and seems to not even hurt. She looks great! Maybe she'll even let me take a picture when she gets all her tubes and stuff out. We, of course, forgot to take before pictures, but I guess the dr. did. She wont get nipples for six months, if she wants them. They are just tattooed on. I, on the other hand, feel like crap. Just starting my third month of pregnancy. I feel fine until I get to work, and the first thing I smell is garlic bread and chicken, and cake and donuts. What a combo! I have vacation in two weeks. It was supposed to be to take care of mom or the girls, whichever, but she's doing so well, she may not need much help. Linda is there this week and next. Don wants to take us to the U.P. My boys have never been there. And with Selem Dan joining a military soon, he wont be able to go for awhile. Grandpa Don goes back to work tomorrow, he's so excited! He's been off with carpel tunnel surgery then he had a hernia surgery. All's well with everyone else. love ya

2007-08-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Mom's surgery went well. I talked to her tonight. She told me it was an 8 hour surgery, turned out to be 10 hours. But all went well, and no concerns, she's fine. I finally went home and Grampa went up there. I'll go before work tomorrow. As for my ultrasound, we saw a heartbeat, but couldn't here it yet. Everything looks good.

2007-07-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Mom goes in for her breast reconstruction tomorrow a.m. I've got my Mel here for three weeks to care for Kadee while mom is recovering. And mom will have her friend Linda Mayo here to care for her and the girls. Jenny and Sarah will be camping with Aunt Vicki and Uncle Al the week that mom is in the hospital. Mom is finally in her apartment (a few weeks now). You can check out the pictures at emsfunnyfarm.blogspot.com Mom's surgery is supposed to be eight hours long. She's going to spend the night at Rob's tonight, that was she won't have to get up so early. Then about the time I get out of work, surgery should be done. Also, tomorrow a.m. I go for my first ultrasound, so early because I've had a miscarriage and also because "I'm old". I'll update tomorrow. Kisses.....

2007-06-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

This is Selem's new toy. Believe it or not this is a moped. Pretty cool looking, eh? He bought it himself. It goes up to 50 mph. He doesn't have to wear a helmet because he's over 19, but I suggested one anyway. We'll see where that idea goes. I was shocked when I saw it though, it looks nothing like a moped.

2007-06-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Jabrocki (& Skylar), and mom and Grandpa.

2007-06-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

That's my cousin Kim, she got all the boobs in the family, not really, she just borrowed my mom's expensive falsies for a sec. Ok, I got my kid graduated. One down, three to go. Mom's apartment floorting, painting and wallpapering are complete. Uncle David was here all weekend doing the tile. Everything is looking good. Babe is working 60 hours a week at the local apple cold storage place, so he hasn't worked on the garage at all. He can do the electrical detail anytime, wood trim can be started and we need to get our plumber back up here to start hooking up bathroom fixtures. The kids are almost done with school, couple of more days. They've been swimming in the ponds daily, except for today, it's been raining. Rob and Kim are getting married this coming weekend. Hope all goes well, they haven't asked us for much help. We'll take pictures that day too of course. Mom's getting geared up to move in and then it'll be her reconstruction surgery she'll be looking forward to. (Aug. 1st). I tell people at work, "My 59 year mother will have a better body than me!"

2007-05-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell you, Nana's granny flat is painted and wallpapered. Aunt Vicki was here all day one day this past week. The white peeling paper (it only looks like it's peeling) is in the kitchen and the log is on the outside walls in the whole apartment, except the sewing room, bathrooms and girl's closet. I love the log look. I want some! She painted what needed to be painted all the same color, to make it easier on Don (he sprayed it on, and it takes just as long to clean the machine as it does to paint it on). Rob is coming up tonight after work, to stay the night and start the wood flooring. Uncle David and Linda will be up soon to do the tile floors (bathrooms). Our plumber, Farin (Jonesy) can come up anytime now to finish up, and soon Don can finish the electrical. So, we're getting there!! We're also painting the downstairs of the garage too now.

2007-05-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

Selem's graduation open house was a hit. He made out pretty good (money wise), he had enough to pay me off (for the last vehicle I bought him) and still enough to probably get a new convertible top for the sunbird his dad just sold him. He also wants to go to CA to see where he was born and to visit Aunt Lorie. He was especially happy with the gift from Don and I. We bought him a lap top computer. He hugged Don and even cried! It was a nice day. I'll post graduation pictures after tomorrow. Love you all!

2007-04-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here's one for ya Lorie!!

2007-04-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

The surgery my mom is having in June is TRAM flap breast reconstruction. (not trans flap) TRAM is trans-rectus abdominis muscle and the surrounding tissues. Just look up TRAM flap on your search. Breastcancer.org comes up when I type it in. It's pretty interesting.

2007-04-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hi, mom decided to postpone her trans flap (?) until the middle of June. That's after Rob and Kim's wedding. That and the original surgery date was right around when Don figured she could start papering and painting. She didn't want to have to hire that done! So, two more months...

2007-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

I just had to get the latest picture of Kadee on my blog. It's her little Princess outfit I bought a clearance ready-made Easter basket after Easter just for this outfit and the accessories. I threw the basket out. She is so beautiful!!

Also, my mom got her other dog back. When she first moved in with us last year, she had both dogs, but it was too much. So she gave them to friends Bob and Tammy, who have since split up. Bob called offering Brandy (on the right) back, and of course, my mom's a sucker for animals, she said "ABSOLUTELY!!" Don was not thrilled (mainly because they're puppy pad trained), so the pups are living in their very own $30,000 trailer/camper. The girls visit them every evening and give them warmers to stay warm all night, and mom and Kadee go feed them and hang out in the morning. The ceilings in the granny flat/garage are drywalled. The insulation guy comes back and spray in above the drywall on the ceilings soon, then the walls can get done, then we can start papering and painting. Mom sure is anxious!!

2007-03-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hi, my mom has been busy changing her mind again. She went and got fitted for her new breasts. She received her new bra and the prosthetic boobs that fit into pockets in the bra. After one day, she decided she didn't like them. Since then, she has been scheduled for surgery to get "real" breasts. The surgery is called 'trans flap'? (I think). They take muscle, fat, and skin from your belly, and make new breasts out of that. "A boob job and a tummy tuck on the same day? That Bitch", to quote a friend of mine at work. Apparently, it's an eight hour surgery with a 5 day hospital stay, and a 6 week recovery time. A friend of mine at work had it done to one breast 9 years ago after a mastectomy. She was perfectly pleased. Mom talked to her for awhile the other day. She's found a surgeon and had the consultation, the surgery is scheduled for the end of April. I'll keep you posted. love ya!

2007-03-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

HI!! Since neither one of my brothers, who both have their own blog sites, never write anything new in their blogs, I guess I'll give you the updates on them. Rob finally decided to marry his girlfriend and mother of his baby. They are getting married the day before my first anniversary and the day after my mom and dad's anniversary date. June 9th, this year. Originally planning to marry here, we kind of all decided that we dont want a major drunk here, let alone all the campers and trailers parked all over for those people who don't want to drive home. So, they decided to get married at the beach. (good luck with the weather). Baby Skylar is just starting to walk. Yeah-she's so beautiful!! Maybe she'll be the flower girl after all. I suggested to Kim the other day, instead of using Kadee (my 2 yr old) to walk Skylar down the aisle, and possibly lead both of them astray, why don't they use Rob's daughter Nichole and Skylar. At least Nichole could carry Skylar if need be. In other news, my brother Chris, in NE, has been asking questions about possibe jobs in Michigan. Sounds like they might want to move back to MI!! How exciting! Baby Gage has been walking for a month or so now. Yeah-he's so gorgeous! I haven't heard much on Marcy, even though she lives in Hart. She is married now, so hopefully this will grow her up. She wasn't invited to my wedding. I just didn't need the drama in my life. Just from what Babe has heard about her, since he's been around, like the money order ordeal, he really doesn't want anything to do with her. She hasn't been invited to my house either. I imagine when my mom moves out to the Granny flat in the back yard, I'll have to suck it up and deal with Marcy eventually. (wish me luck). Anyway, Babe and I are going on a mini vacation up to Traverse City. He'll be working a hunting and fishing show during the day, and probably at night, we'll be gambling with Chad and Angela (Babe's brother and his sister in law). My mom is doing well. Her hair is about an inch long now, and very white and gray. Not at all the blonde and curly that she previously ordered. She and the girls just spent a long weekend with her dear friends Floyd and Jeannie. They had a good time. The week that the girls are on Spring break, they and mom will spend the week at Unlce David's condo. The girls will attend "Uncle David's Math Camp". They both are on the honor roll, but mom doesn't want them slacking over the Summer. Gotta go, TTFN

2007-02-28T14:57:00.000-08:00

I was tagged for weirdness several times:

1. When I read or look at a magazine, any magazine, I start at the back and look forward.

2. When I eat my pizza, I eat everything, the toppings along with the sauce than I eat the crust.

3. I can flare my nostrils, very fast.

4. I can move my lips, very fast, like Bewitched's twitch.

5. We have a new custom, in my immediate family-we plant a tree for everyone that dies.

6. When I want a Skor candy bar, I freeze it, than eat the chocolate off trying not to break the
toffee inside.

There you go Michelle, Aunt Bee, Marcy and Mom!

2007-02-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

Well, my mom made it through another birthday (thank God), she's doing well. Chemo side effects seem to be out of her system. She gets around pretty good with the broken bone in her back. She did slide under her vehicle one day stopping at the mailbox and getting out, cuz she couldn't pull up close enough to it. She's okay though. My nieces are doing well, Jenny and Sarah are A students here in Hart. Skylar still has a drippy nose (almost every time I see her). I've been on the puter a lot lately selling 15 years worth of cows that I'd collected. I've only got a few left, and made almost $400. Who knew? My sweet mom in law lost her younger brother, Uncle Billy this week. Seth got to come home for the funeral, unfortunately Lorie didn't. We miss her so much! Mom T. seems to be doing a little better now that it's almost over. They'll have a grave side service later too. My Babe has been working his tail off. He made huge money last year, and unfortunately we now owe the Federal Government huge money. This year we'll be putting more money towards our quarterly taxes for the business. My Babe and I are going away for a weekend to Traverse City. It's actually for a hunting and fishing expo and my Babe will be working a table. But at night we'll go gamble or something. My bro in law, Chad and sis in law, Angela will be there that weekend too. The kids are fine, Evan's at his dad's this weekend-today is his birthday (and my dad in law's too). Selem Dan got excepted to West Shore in the fall, Mel is still living with her dad, enjoying life as the 'only child'. And dear sweet Kadee is wonderful (that's her latest word, by the way). She's got a little cold right now, and she is definitely two! (attitude is her middle name) When I was pregnant, I considered "Addison" as a girl name, that way I could call her "Addie" (short for Addie-tude). My cousing Brandon and wife Laura are having their first baby-a girl, her name will be Carys-she'll be a beauty-her parents are model-like (both gorgeous). That's about it now. Take care!! Oh yeah, Mom T, be careful on that ice!! We'll have to give that klutz award to you next. Love to everyone!

2007-02-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, the first time it snowed was December 1st. Then it didn't snow again until Januay 15th. Now, in the last two days, we've gotten a foot of snow. I even stayed home today, calling in under my Family Medical Leave Act (I have that incase there's a day here or there when mom doesn't feel good). Really, I didn't want to drive in this crap. I drive 40 miles to Muskegon (that's one way) and I drive a dodge neon. Right now, it's 1 degree-how come I dont have a degree sign on my keyboard?! But the wind chill makes it feel like 20 below. This is crazy. Oh well, supposedly only a few more weeks, I guess the groundhog was a good boy this year. Yeah!!

2007-01-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

I saw my beautiful niece Skylar today at Wal*Mart. She looks like she feels wonderful again. She's her cute little self, smiling and clicking her tongue at me. What a doll. If it's not crappy out on Wed., maybe mom, Kadee and I will go visit her and Kim.

2007-01-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

My mom informed me that I spelled puemonia wrong. It's PNEUMONIA!!

2007-01-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

Update: My sweet little niece Skylar has puemonia. Poor thing. She stopped breathing in the night. My brother, thank God, happened to be awake watching her sleep. He put his hand on her chest, then he had to shake her-still nothing. He picked her up and her eyes flew open. Wow. I bet that was scary. That's when they went to ER. The chest xrays were back to the dr by then and that's when they found out she had puemonia. I said that 2 days ago. Maybe I'll go visit her after work tomorroww. She is at home, and Kim is taking leave or vacation until Skylar feels better. She doesn't need to go to daycare now anyway.

2007-01-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hi, since no one else has blogged lately, I guess I'll spread the gossip. Not really gossip, just what's new. My sweet little niece Skylar is very sick. She's been sick for a week or so, probably got whatever her mom had. But Skylar had to have a breathing treatment today, and chest xrays. She also has a few prescriptions now. Poor little baby. (robnkim.blogspot.com) Seth (Don's brother) will be home from Japan on Saturday. We're so excited. Then we'll have Christmas with that side of the family on Sunday. He'll be home a few weeks, then he goes to VA Beach for the next duty station. My brother Rob has quit his job and Hi-Lift to work with Don as an electrician. Don's partner is wrking mainly at Peterson Farms and Don and Rob are doing to residential part of their business. They're doing quite well. My cousin Brandon and his bride Laura came to visit me (a surprise) at work. They're travelling the U.S. for a month from Kwadjelein (sp?) It's an island in the South Pacific. They sure are a beautiful couple. (see shareourlife.com) Selem is still working with his girlfriends parents. (sometimes, I think they're restaurant is closed for a month in the winter). Evan and Jenny and Sarah are doing wonderful in school. The girls both made the honor roll. They got to go to the Muskegon Fury hockey game because they made it. They've all got lots of homework on most days. The garage and apartment are about to get a rough-in inspection. Kadee's still our little entertainment center. She's our greatest joy. We're still trying for another baby. Marsha wanted another grandchild for Christmas-but we weren't quick enough. The girls 'mother' lives in Hart again. She and her new husband moved back from PA. I'm not sure why, but the girls went to see her (with my mom) and they'll hang out with her again on Sat. My mom's feeling wonderful at this point-course it's been over a month since she had chemo. They wouldn't give it to the last time, because she had the flu. So much for the flu shot she gets every year. I guess that's about it for now. Take care everyone.

2006-12-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

This was our gift from my brother Rob. He did it over night. It's all colored pencil. He said he started with gray and black and white, but we looked really old. He sure is talented. If you look at my mom's blog, you'll see what he did for all of the kids. (woodburning on plaques). Christmas was fun. It was at my house. I made lasagna-it was wonderful. We had Mom and Dad Taylor over and Cody & Rob and Kim (Kim got a ring!) and the girls, plus me and mine and mom and the girls. It was nice. I got diamonds & a sewing machine from Babe and Will & Grace (seasons 1-5) from mom. Yeah! It was a very nice day.