Hey God, it's me Michelle....

 

 

 

Summer is just skipping along.   Hasn't been the best summer weather-wise, too much rain for my liking.   Thinking someone really pissed off mother nature.   I'm still waiting for the dog days of summer, but this week has felt like the beginning of fall.   I think we'll be closing the pool early this year.   

Life has been good, busy & I always wish summer would slow down a bit.    

We're leaving tomorrow for a camping trip on Cape Cod this weekend.   The weatherman said that there is a chance of showers/thunderstorms until Sunday.  No worries, but hoping we're able to sit around the fire at night to talk and check out the stars.   August skies at night are a great time to watch for meteors/shooting stars. 

As we packed for our trip this evening, it seemed everything went wrong.   I'm pretty sure we scared off some potential buyers for the house next door in the process, lol.   

As the potential buyers approached the realtor, I saw them glance over and suddenly realized how chaotic my yard seemed too look.   My lawn needs to be mowed, (hoping to get to it tomorrow) and Mike had pulled our 26ft camper into the driveway (along side the boat).   I had one child bouncing on the trampoline, a dog on a leash, and a child riding his bike up and down the sidewalk.   I had to park in the street because there was no room in the driveway & began lugging groceries into the camper.

When I opened the fridge in the camper, I became irritated.   Mike forgot to turn the fridge on and somehow the fridge door closed.   I opened the door and saw mold.  I HATE mold, arghhhhhhh!   I was aggravated & Mike was aggravated because I was aggravated.   No big blow out or anything, but we became a little loud.   Those poor buyer's, lol, they didn't stay long.  

Just as I began to pack for the trip the skies opened up, raining again, what a shock, lol.  Not!   And then I broke the paper towel holder in the camper.   Began to feel that perhaps this was a bad omen for our trip.   But then hope was restored.  A double rainbow appeared, that has to be a good sign, so now no worries about this weekend.  : )

Let's see.....what else is new.  Oh, my hair color or lack of it.   I decided about 3 months ago to stop coloring.   I've been coloring since my mid 20's, ( our family has been blessed with the gene for premature graying).   After coloring for the past 20 or so years, I'm tired of it.   While on a quest for a healthier lifestyle, I've decided that pouring those chemicals on my skin can't be good.   I'm still adjusting to my new look.    Sammi has told me she likes my "brown hair" better, (secretly so do I), but I'm determined to not color.   Hey, if guys can do it, so can I!   Why is it that society thinks men become distinguished looking & often better looking, but women who choose to go natural are thought of as matronly?   Not fair!  And this 40-something is going to try to change that opinion one white hair at a time, lol.   

A few funny things have happened since I've decided to go natural.  Hey, I like that better than saying "gray", lol.   My parents and I brought the little ones to Storyland  Story Land - At the Park and the young girl at the counter gave me the senior citizen discount.   Only realized it later when looking at my receipt.   (I was a little insulted), lol.   The other notable reaction I received was from the parents of a childhood friend.   My friend's Dad came up to me and said, "When's the last time you saw Kathy?"   I told him last year and he said, "Can I take your picture so I can show her what you look like now?"   (Again, a bit insulted, I think).   But I'm determined....  I've lost 20 lbs since May, but thinking I need to lose more so people will notice that instead of my hair.

Today while grocery shopping Sammi wanted to buy baby food.  I let her buy two jars of banana's.   Sam & Mikey weren't impressed when they tasted it.   Later on while cooking supper, I heard giggling,  I peeked around the corner into their room.   Buddy (our 120lb bernese mountain dog) and the kids were sitting on the floor.   They had put a bib on him and were spoon feeding their "baby" those banana's.   He liked them!  Good baby, I mean, dog.   

It's 11:30pm here, should go to bed.  Will be another busy day here tomorrow..... 

s0ngbird1962 at 11:29:06 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 6 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

What the heck?? 

I just logged on to my journal and noticed that the pictures of our vacation aren't working and the paragraph about my abdominal surgery is ***poof***

Well, not rewriting, maybe just a glitch.  Gotta love AOL.  Not. 

s0ngbird1962 at 3:53:22 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 5 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

I knew it had been awhile since I've updated, but since January?  January??  ::::Seriously, in shock::::  Where the heck did time go?

The last time I wrote I mentioned my snowbird folks wouldn't be back until the snows melted up here in New England.  Well, it's April and they are heading home this coming Monday. 

Lots has happened....  But considering I haven't posted since January that shouldn't be a shock, lol.   We did go to FL during school vacation in February.  (A few pics are above).  We brought along Mikes Mom with us.  In 72 years she had never gone anywhere.   Long story short?  I think there is a reason she has never gone anywhere in 72 years.  Lots of anxiety being so far from home....  We are glad we brought her, but, we're pretty confident that she'll be quite content to spend the next 72 years in her own lil' town.  Our time in FL was a whirlwind because we drove down.  The kids are great travelers, but driving is always an adventure.   While in FL, we visited my folks, my brother and his family, my fav aunt & uncle and my foster sister Missi and her granddaughter.  We went to Cypress Gardens, Disney and SeaWorld.    Mikey LOVED rollercoasters, see that face in the pic above?  He wanted to ride them again and again.  I've always loved rollercoasters, so glad to have a lil' rollercoaster buddy.

We returned home happy and rested.

When Mike went back to work Monday he found out he could "rest" more.  He was laid off from work.   Sucked the way it happened, but can't say it was a total surprise.   For the past 6 years, his employment status was always like a yo-yo.  Work was very up and down & more recently the work load had been down.  His job was very stressful there on a daily basis.  Anyone that has been reading my journal for awhile, knows that his boss was not a very nice man.  Anyways, I think his lay-off is somewhat of a blessing.  I totally believe in "When one door closes another opens...."  

>>Tonight is my first day back to work.  Can't do any lifting for 4 - 6 weeks, but thinking that won't be a problem.  Will definitely be taking a nap before going in tonight though. 

 Hmmmm, a nap? 

                    Sounds pretty good right about now.....

s0ngbird1962 at 12:25:00 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 8 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

And so Christmas is over and a New Year has arrived.   Welcome 2008!

All was truly wonderful, probably the best Christmas I can remember, but I'm glad to be back to a routine.  I should say, I'm glad that the kids are back to their routine.  Makes life alot less hectic.... 

After the New Year, my folks have made their journey south to Florida where they'll stay until the snow melts up here in New England.  We are planning on going down this year to visit, just not really sure exactly when.  We wanted to take the kids during school vacation in February; unfortunately things are a bit crazy for Mike at work right now.   But no worries, we'll get there.  We won't do alot of touristy stuff, just want to soak in that sunshine,  but definitely will do one day at Disney & bring the kids to Sea World.  Fun stuff....

We are in the middle of a January thaw.  Yesterday was 64 degrees, today it's about 62.  Almost all of our snow, exposing leaves I didn't rake, is gone.  There's no doubt in my mind that global warming is real, but for a girl who hates snow it's hard to complain about the welcome Spring temps.  Seems almost cruel to have these beautiful days in the middle of winter.  Because it's only a tease, thanks Mother Nature!.  No doubt that soon we'll be plunged back into the artic air that usually surrounds us this time of year.  

Hmmmmm, think I'll share a few more pics from the holidays & then go out and enjoy this beautiful day.  Who knows, might snow tomorrow, lol.  

Mikey opening up his much wished for Hess Truck

Sammi LOVES these dolls....

Spencer and his girl, Jenni

Sammi & her "new sister Violet" in Mikey/Sammi's new F-150 Power Wheel

 

They LOVE bowling.... "New Years Day"

Dancing New Year's Eve to "YMCA"  Love the hats? LOL....

 

 

s0ngbird1962 at 12:34:45 PM EST Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 5 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

I came home this morning after working 7pm - 7am and was greeted by Mike (leaving for work) saying, "Buddy had diarrhea in his cage this morning...."  He cleaned the cage but the smell still lingered in the air.  Seems Buddy still has some on his tail, but try as I may, I couldn't get our 90+lb puppy into the shower.   There I was, exhausted from the night working at the nursing home & now I was trying to drag the dog into the shower....  Didn't happen.  But a funny thing did happen.  I suddenly wanted to come here and put in an entry.    

And so, here I am....

Not really sure one should write in a journal when they've been up for over 26 hours, but I'm going to give it a try.  I'll add pictures so at least those will be amusing if the writing is pathetic. 

Lots has gone on....  Might be easier to show you some of what is happening in my life with the pictures. 

 

First of all, Mom remains in remission and is doing great.  I already have everything I want for Christmas this year.  Truly the most wonderful gift and everyday I say "Hey God, it's me Michelle, thank-you". (Here's a pic of her at the kids birthday party in August.)  We had Curious Creatures come to the party and this albino python was one of the stars.  I think the alligator came in a close second as a favorite.  Couldn't believe Mom wanted to hold the snake.  Mom is MUCH braver than Dad when it comes to snakes, he wouldn't even touch it, lol.   

Here are Sammi and Mikey with a few cousins and a friend holding the python.  I think both adults and kids had a good time with all the creatures.   Another thing that has been happening over at my end of the swamp is house renovations.  Our house is over 150 years old.  I believe the last time itwas updated was in the 70's.  The outside is now complete, but the inside is a work in progress.

Before pic....  

Another before pic....

And here's an after pic.  Actually I just noticed that the house is not totally completed in this picture, (there are some shutters missing) but as you can see, things are looking ALOT better.... 

Lets see, what else, what else?  Ohhhhh, I know.  Another big thing that happened here since I've last written is that the kids had plastic surgery.  I know they are a bit young, but peer pressure to look a certain way has already begun in kindergarten and 1st grade.  They hated their thin lips & so following the lead of popular actors/actresses  they had their lips plumped up.

A great improvement here too.  : )   

 

 

 

Ok, beginning to seriously nod off here, :::::must keep my eyes open and finish this entry::::::  Here are a few pics of our 8 month old puppy Buddy.  In this first pic he's wearing Mikey's t-shirt.  The kids used to love to dress him up.  The big goof would just let them.  They can't dress him up anymore though, because he's outgrown their clothes.  (And I better not come home and see Buddy wearing mine, lol). Sammi weighs 42lbs, Mikey weighs 46lbs, Buddy weighs 90+lbs. 

 

And lastly,here's a recent pic of all my kids.  (Spencer just turned 20 years old on Decemeber 15th!  20!  Is that possible?)  Guess it is & life is good. 

Well, my bed is definitely calling me now, have nodded off here a few times in the past few minutes.  I'll be back soon, still have lots to say. 

Everyone have their Christmas shopping done?  ....Like my house, that is also a work in progress.  Like my house, that is also a work in progress.  Oh, oh.... repeating myself.

Heading for bed...

                  Take care all & stay warm....

                          

s0ngbird1962 at 10:11:43 AM EST Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 8 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

                                                  

Just in case you've wondered.....

Walking a 6 month old 80 lb (yes, 80 lbs!) puppy on a leash is no fun when they decide to chase every falling leaf they see.  Ok, so maybe it was a little fun experiencing Buddy's unbridled joy and enthusiasm seeing his first autumn leaves, and hey, at least my neighbors had a good laugh.   (His leash got wrapped around my legs a few times almost knocking me over.)

But one thing is for sure....

I'm not taking Buddy walking outside the first time he see's snowflakes. 

s0ngbird1962 at 10:26:04 AM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 3 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

This pic of my lil' one's first Halloween seems like just yesterday.... but yesterday was Mikey's first day at kindergarten.   

Mikey was so excited about his first day.  In the morning before we left for school  I overheard him ask Sammi for fashion advice.  He said,  "Sammi, should I wear my socks up or rolled down?"  Sammi told him to roll them down, lol.   Mikey ran all the way to school singing at the top of his voice, "I'm gonna LOVE Kindergarten..."  When Sammi lagged behind he stopped and urged her to hurry up.   He ended up being first in line.   His smile faded a bit as he stood there.  Waiting.  A little anxiety crept into his face, but no tears.  

When the teacher told the kids to wave good bye to the parent's, one of the little boys freaked out.  Big time.  As I watched the teacher attempt to loosen his grip on his Mom's hand, my heart strings went *plink.  Next thing I knew, my eyes were filled with tears as I watched my lil' one march into school. 

The tears took me by surprise.  Because I am happy about this new transition in my life.  At least that's what my mouth says.  Guess the tears mean that the heart is saying something different.  In many ways, I will miss my lil' sidekick.  My heart doesn't lie...

When I left the school yard, I was suddenly aware that I had some freedom, freedom I haven't had in years.  I started thinking, what can I do?  Almost felt giddy...  I went to the bank and then went to Dunkin' Donuts and bought a coffee.  In the car, I cranked up the volume on the radio and listened to MY music on the way to the grocery store.  In peace.  No child whining or begging me to buy something.  Once in the store, I saw a harried Mom with two active little ones.  She looked tired.  In that moment, I was thankful that wasn't me....

Life is changing.  But with the change and new found freedom comes the realization  that I have to let my children go.  I'm losing them a little bit to the world.   Now there will be teachers and peers to influence them too.  I've done this once already with Spence, it should be easy, but it isn't.  Will take some time to adjust.

Hey Mom, up to a visit on Monday?  I'll be able to sit and drink coffee with you, without any interruptions.  When is the last time that happened?  LOL...

s0ngbird1962 at 2:36:58 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 4 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

Go ahead, click to view larger...   : ) 

 

Life has been busy, busy.   Summer is in full swing, had a birthday celebration for the kids & the house is in total chaos.  Having new siding put on the house, the front steps redone, windows replaced, a new sliding door to the deck, bathroom tubs removed & replaced... the list goes on.  Living amongst rubble, but the inconvenience will be soooooo worth it.

Be back when I can find my computer again, lol....  

s0ngbird1962 at 2:47:57 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 7 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

 

Who needs their morning coffee when you can do this instead?

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Yup, instead of having that cup of coffee that wakes your senses up slowly, step into a pile of fresh, steamy dog poop while wearing pajama's.  Barefoot.  I'll tell you, that helped me wake up quicker than any cup of coffee ever did.  

The scenerio of how this discovery was made:  (In case you haven't stopped reading because of impending nausea...)

This morning when I opened the door Buddy (our bernese mountain dog/pup) bounded out of the door before I could get a leash on him.   He's done that before and has come right back, so it really wasn't a problem.  That is until 7:15am this morning.   Our cat, Gilbert, picked that moment to dash directly in front of him.  Buddy, who still thinks the cat is a play toy, ran after her.  I tried calling Buddy back, but he was having too much fun.  So I ventured out into the backyard (aka...mine field) to get him.  I was trying to be careful, but I guess my eyes still bleary from sleep deceived me.  :::::Squish::::: Ironically the first word that came out of my mouth was, "Shit!"  Yup, there it was squishing up between my toes.  I grabbed the dog's collar, took note that the lawn needed a mowing and then limped (on my heel, poop toes in the air) my way back to the deck.  Seriously thanking God for the invention of a garden hose and high powered nozzles. 

On a good note?  I was happy that I stepped in his poop while he is still just a 15 week old pup.  (I don't even want to imagine what his poop will look like when he's full grown at 110 lbs)  I also discovered that dog poop washes off the barefoot much easier than off the bottom of a shoe. 

The down side?

 

The aroma of a fresh cup of brewed coffee smells ALOT better....            

s0ngbird1962 at 11:40:36 AM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 8 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

Yeah, yeah.... I know, it's been awhile since I've last posted an entry.  Well, no excuses other than life gets busy.  I actually don't have time to do an entry now, but thought I'd post a few pics and try to catch up on what's been going on for the past few months.  We just got back from a family trip out west on Weds, so lots more pics & stories to share....

Here's a pic of my Mom and Dad at their surprise 49th wedding anniversary we gave them.  We kept it low-key and casual.  Kind of a BBQ gone wild.  They were both very surprised.  Think I even saw tears in Dad's eyes, though he might just tell you he got something in them, lol.  Music, good food, lots of friends and family showed up to help celebrate.   And speaking of celebrating.... Mom just had a CT scan the 2nd week of June.  I was afraid to talk about it, to even think about it.  But results are in and she's in total remission.... Yahoo! :::doing the happy dance::: No sign of cancer anywhere in her body.  So many prayers answered.  Mom has been given her life back and my parent's are living life.  They are leaving for a 2 week trip to Alaska July 15th.  That should be a great adventure.  Hey God?  It's me Michelle.  Thank you.....  

My folks dancing to "Perhaps Love"   

Here's a pic of me dancing with my Dad.

Sammi dancing with her Daddy

Dad and Mom dancing to one of my Dad's favorite dance songs.  "Good Time Rock and Roll"  Even with her cane, Mom can boogie  This dance brought tears to my eyes....

Sammi even got Spencer to dance.  : )

Mikey and the gang.  Cousin's Nate and Tyler....

Mikey at preschool graduation.  He's waiting for the music to start so he can walk in.  It's off to kindergarten in September for Mikey....

Sammi on her last day of Kindergarten.  She just loved her teacher, next year Mikey will have the same teacher.  In September Sammi is going into 1st grade.  Can't believe how time flies.....

Sammi after her dance recital in ballet.  Was so sweet to watch....

 

And INTRODUCING our newest family member......

 

 

 

Buddy!   He's a 3 month old Burnese Mountain Dog.... he'll be about 110 lbs when full grown.  Just the cutest pup I've ever known....  No doubt, he'll be a gentle giant.

 

Well, vacation is over.....  and it's back to work for me in a half hour.  Suppose I should go get ready and be on time.

Will post pics of our trip to Portland, Oregon (and then we drove down the coast to San Francisco) in my next entry....

                                         xox  

                                                  Michelle 

s0ngbird1962 at 2:17:37 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 11 comments: Show Recent | Add your own