Addler Family in NC

40 things I have learned....in the last 40 years...

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

Well Today is my 40th Birthday. Throughout my life I have learned things about myself and things that are just facts of life. Just thought I would share them.

1. You can never say I love you enough.....
2. A child's smile will cure any bad day....
3. You are never too old for a nap....
4. Best Friends CAN be forever....
5. Waiting in long lines are not the worst thing in the world.....
6. Breakfast for dinner is sometimes required.....
7. It is OK to spend a day doing absolutely nothing....
8. Thank God for the rain.....
9. You MUST do your homework......
10. Some days shoes are optional.....
11. Just because it rings doesn't mean you have to answer the phone....
12. I love night time thunderstorms.......
13. You are never too old to swing or play on the teeter totter......
14. Don't feel guilty for spending the day without your children.....
15. Learn to use power tools......
16. It is truly amazing to witness a miracle...
17. There are days when the house will be completely a mess.....
18. You can cry in front of your kids......
19. Even with Today's technology you should write and mail your grandmother a letter....
20. Don't take your parents for granted.....
21. If you must punish or spank your children, when it's over look them in the eye and tell them you love them........
22. Find something to make you Laugh Out Loud EVERYDAY.....
23. Learn from your mistakes.......
24. It's ok to cry when pets die.....
25. "What if's" don't matter because they aren't "What is"..........
26. Always be Happy with what you have.....
27. Take LOTS of Pictures....your children with thank you later....
28. Don't squander gifts.....No matter who gave them to you......
29. Family is Forever.....
30. Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer.......
31. Do what you love and the money will come....
32. Pray for those that hurt or anger you.....
33. Adopt a rescued animal............
34. Clean your room and make your bed........
35. Make time for Date Night.........
36. Read a book......or 5.........
37. Walking or Running at least one 5K a year won't kill you.........
38. Helping a perfect stranger is very rewarding....
39. Do it yourself projects will teach you something about yourself.....
40. Life is never what we expected it to be, but learn from the changes.....

TTFN~

Harry and David

2012-01-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

The last few years we have received a WONDERFUL Christmas gift. Harry and David's Fruit of the Month. Yes I said Fruit of the Month....

If you know anything about our family we could go with out a lot of things but fruit is not one of them. Everything from kiwi, pineapple, mangos, bananas, apples, pears if it is a fruit my kids will eat it. When they found out we were getting fruit in the mail again you would have thought we won the lottery. I had to post the list of what we were getting each month so they could keep up.

So far the most popular item we have received the last few years in the HONEY BELLS!! To most they are just oranges. But not really...they are the juiciest, sweet tasting, seedless oranges I have ever had. My kids have to use the bibs enclosed they are so juicy. I usually take one orange and cut it into about six slices and all you see is fresh juice pouring down their chin at every bite.

Then for whatever the reason the silliness begins. Never would I think that simple fruit would bring so much laughter.

One of the most humorous things about this fruit shipment is the warning on the label about how juicy they are and the handbook on How to Eat Honey Bells.

So in case you didn't get the message Thank You Nana Patti, Papa Dave and Aunt Joy we LOVE the Honey Bells and the comic relief it provides.

TTFN~

Just in case..........

2012-01-19T20:56:00.001-05:00

If you were wondering what we have been up to.....

Kaitlynn received a beginners cookbook for Christmas that she LOVES.....

One Sunday when I had to work she and Daddy made banana pancakes from scratch that I heard were to die for. Jack claimed her didn't want any for breakfast but in the end he ate the most for breakfast that morning. Go Figure...

Well the last few days Kaitlynn has been begging to try another recipe. So for an hour we flipped through it and discussed what ingredients we had and what we needed and it was finally decided....Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches. The ice cream was store bought but the cookie to make the sandwich was made from scratch. YUMMY!!!

Unfortunately, they also take 6 hours to set one the sandwich is made. Se we had to wait until the next day to taste our scrumptious treat.

Our little baker was a success......

Thanks for the cookbook Grandma Bacho.

TTFN~

Evan Almighty

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Just to think about the story I am about to tell you makes me LAUGH OUT LOUD.

Every once in a while you run into the three day movie marathon where every time you turn the TV on the same movie is about to start or just end. There are certain movies that when you find them on, especially comedy's. You have to sit down and watch. For me one of those movies is Evan Almighty.

I never used to be a Steve Carell fan, in fact I have NEVER watched an episode of The Office. I am sure at this point my sister is gasping for air right now. However, this movie just makes me truly laugh out loud. One weekend before Christmas this marathon was on and I watched part of this movie at least three times. The kids watched the movie all the way through and loved the animals and I heard them giggling through it.

Side bar:

Early November I went to a craft fair and did a little Christmas shopping. I love these types of events because I can find unique items I won't find at Target, Walmart or any store in the mall. I found a jewelry maker and a really cool pendant. At another vendor I found a cool necklace to match the pendant. I was talking to the lady about the pendant so I could find the right necklace for it. Somehow I just started babbling about Maddie and how lucky I was.

When my transaction was complete I noticed my bag was bigger than it should have been. I looked in the bag and looked back and the lady. She told me she slipped a little something in the bag for Maddie and wished me a Merry Christmas. It was a hand made sewn book. Complete with bright colors and a great story.

Back to the Story:

So Maddie opens the book from "Santa" and was very excited. She has carried it around, hugged it and slept with it. To her it was one of her favorite gifts. I keep finding the book all over the house in the oddest places so I know it is getting used. Not to mention, read at least three times a week.

Did I mention the title of the book....."Noah's Ark"

The first time Katie read the book to me she just finished the first page and was turning to the second; looks up at me as it all the lights in the attic just went on and says, "Mommy we have seen this movie!"

I'm not sure the Bible Story and a Steve Carell playing Noah qualify as the same book and movie but man I laughed about it all day. I can't even tell the story without laughing.

TTFN~

Jack's First Game........

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Basketball season has started.

Just thought I would share a few pictures of Jack's first basketball game. It was really hilarious to see all of these first graders trying to understand the concept of basketball and some of the specific rules designed for his age group. Jack was lucky enough to play against his best friend Sam.

TTFN~

Catching Up.......

2012-01-14T22:16:00.000-05:00

As I type this I realize I am really behind in my posts. When I looked back I hadn't left a post since Christmas. It seems like since Christmas I was dropped in a whirlwind and I just recently found the door to get out. So I am going to post a few Christmas pictures and then move on into the new year.

Reindeer noses compliments of Nana Patti.

The kids were so excited for Christmas I truly thought my house would explode. It was all we could do to settle the kids down. Jack had such difficulty calming down at school I had to threaten to keep his Christmas presents and that Santa would not any for him. He finally got the picture and put the brakes on. On the last day of school before break he brought me home this....

I thought he did a great job. I was bummed we couldn't keep it, but you get the idea from the pictures.

Christmas Eve was spent with Grandma and Grandpa Bacho with Christmas dinner (Grandma Bacho did a FABULOUS job!!), church and presents and yes in that order. We went to the Mass with the Handbell Choir and Children's Choir it was really nice. It was such a crazy day, I was too busy being with family and didn't take any pictures. I couldn't believe it either.

Christmas Day, when in town, we always go to Kaitlynn's god-parents house. The house looks like you walked into the North Pole. Think of everyone of your favorite Christmas treats or favorite food it is on the buffet to eat. I do not eat anything before or after this visit because I think I eat all three meals for the day during the visit to their house. Talk about YUMMY!!!

The rest of Christmas Break for the kids was uneventful, we just tried to spend as much time together as possible since the kids had to go back to school on the 2nd.

We really hope everyone really did have a Wonderful Christmas.

Ok on to 2012!!!!

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas....Day 12

2011-12-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

"For unto you is born this day

in the City of David a Savior,

which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you,

you shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes

lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was an angel

a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

'GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST,

AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN'

That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

I truly hope everyone finds peace this Christmas and never forgets what we are celebrating.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

TTFN~

My 12 Days of Christmas...Day 11

2011-12-23T00:00:00.002-05:00

Well the last of my Christmas shopping is done and my presents are wrapped. The family and friend visits are about to begin and the next few days are going to be a huge blur. The days will be filled with good food, great company, lots of laughter and tons of smiles. It truly is the best time of year.

At least for us this year it will be; it hasn't always been that way. Three years ago on Christmas Day I was sitting in the Emergency Room with Madelynn on the verge of losing it completely. Not quite eight weeks after surgery Madelynn still was not eating and I felt like I was watching her die. She weighed less than before surgery and almost every bottle she ate she threw it back up.

I was completely at a loss on how to help her and I told Phil I was taking her back to the hospital. This was her third visit in less than eight weeks. Talk about a dark day.

A few weeks after that day Madelynn finally started to turn around and we were making the long road back to normal, whatever that is. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not ecstatic she survived and I don't kiss her at least ten times.

As you start rushing through your day, holiday weekend and through the next week in your 'normal' life please remember those families who have children in the hospital. If you have had the luxury of never taking your child to the emergency room much less experiencing long hospital stays you have no idea the strength it requires some days just to remember to breath.

Please pray for those families, the health of their children, that they find peace in their journey and what ever answers they are searching for from God, He reveals it to them. Treasure every minute of your time with you family and friends.

TTFN~

My 12 Days of Christmas...Day 10

2011-12-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

When I discovered Day 10's topic I was really excited. I wasn't sure why it came to me for today but it did. Then the more I thought about it I almost talked myself out of writing about it. I didn't really have a great story to tie it to Christmas. That was until I read a comment from a friend.

As my 12 days of Christmas is creeping to an end you always 'end ' with a friend. So today I am celebrating Friends!!! I'm not going to deny that family is important because it reminds you of who you are and your history. However, friends are a different kind of family. Friends trudge that road with you everyday, learn everything about you sometimes things that even your family doesn't know and love you just as much as family.

Friends help you celebrate those huge lifetime highs....the day you graduated, the day you were married, the day your children were born and sometimes other very special days. They even help you see the light at the end of the tunnel on your darkest days. We all know those types of days. No one's darkest days are ever the same and hardly ever come about the same way. Friends are the ones who help you bury your parents, they are also the ones that keep you together when your child could have died.

My best friend has a HUGE heart and ALWAYS puts others first. When we met in high school we discovered our birthday's were only a week apart. As long as I can remember, my friend always gave me my birthday present on her birthday except once. That one time is probably the birthday I will remember most.

When my best friend entered the NAVY she was going to be away on our Birthdays. That first year she was gone I was really sad. I remember working that day when around the corner came her parents. They brought me a present, a card, a giant cookie and lots of hugs. Her mom has been gone a few years now and her father passed away this year. It is a special memory I will treasure forever.

I am grateful that God made our paths cross back in the Fall of 1986 and through all the moving, military, getting married and having kids we still make time to see each other at least once a year. She is that one friend that no matter the amount of time between calls or visits it is ALWAYS like I just talked to her yesterday.

As you share in the Birth of Christ and celebrate with your families don't forget those friend members who are just as important as family. The comment from my friend was, "I have really enjoyed reading these everyday." That alone made my 12 days of Christmas blogging worth it.

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas...Day 9

2011-12-21T00:49:00.004-05:00

I was once told that my Grandmother Caroline could take a peice of ribbon, carefully fold it over back and forth and convert a simple ribbon into a beautiful bow. To listen to my dad tell that story it was like he watched her do it yesterday, even though she has been gone a long time. I am guessing she had a few creative genes up her sleeve. In college I started working at a flower shop and I loved it. One of the first things they teach you is how to convert a simple ribbon into a fantastic presentation of a bow.

I never knew what a difference it made until I saw the reactions of the people I made it for.

For most people, wrapping presents is a chore and too time consuming, it is my favorite part. Picking just the right paper to match the bow is the present that everyone wants to know what is in it because it catches their eye. I always buy paper and ribbon after Christmas for the next year. I never match the paper and ribbon up in the store. I find cool paper and the sparkly ribbon toss it away till next year and always find just the right combinations when I am wrapping.

I have a friend who LOVES Christmas. She loves every aspect of it. I joke about how when you walk in her house it looks like Christmas threw up in it. She loves to give gifts and buys something for everyone and then some (literally). She likes me to come over once or twice during the Christmas Season just to help wrap. Really what I am there for is to BOW her presents.

The other night when I went over she had another friend wrapping. When I walked in she said there you go. Sitting before me was a pile of presents waiting to be "bowed". So I scooped up all the ribbon found myself a comfy place to sit and away I went. I could almost make bows in my sleep. When I finished the first bow and attached it the lady wrapping looked at me and said, "I have never seen anyone freehand a bow like that before, Wow!"

That's exactly what I'm looking for. Something to dress up the package so you know it was wrapped with love. My dad always saves my presents for last not because of what is in them but because he never wants to undo the "beautiful" wrapping job.

I am trying to keep my focus this season and what we are truly celebrating. We aren't just celebrating the birth of Christ but all the details of why and how he came that makes Christmas so special. It is remembering the details. I consider wrapping a Christmas present a detail. Taking the time to make that present look beautiful is just as important as the present you chose for them.

So whether your talent is baking, decorating or making bows don't forget the details. God didn't forget the details when he brought Jesus to earth for us. Why would you forget the details this holiday season.
Happy Wrapping....wish I could be there to help bow all of your presents.

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas...Day 8

2011-12-20T06:27:00.000-05:00

Today I am celebrating the freedom Christmas Break. There is always so many other things to do during Christmas break there is no swimming, basketball, school meetings or any other place we need to rush off to. So getting home from work the kids are all waiting, wanting to know what will we do. We have been lucky the weather has been warm and the kids can play outside. They have been playing lots of Wii even Maddie is figuring out the bowling and baseball. It is really cute.

Because the next grading period ends two weeks after Christmas Break the school has a reading program for Christmas Break. Katie and Jack are required to read 20 minutes per day for eight days during break. So the kids brought there books and piled in my lap and read. For Katie this is an easy task, she loves to read, I find her reading all over the house. But Jack not so much. He is well above the reading level where he should be for this time of year, it just isn't his favorite thing.

The school also has an at home math program called Math Stars. Katie and Jack log in the computer and answer all kinds of Math challenges. Katie has earned the most points in her class so far. Jack dislikes that she can do it so well so he is working to catch up with her. I know it sounds like a lot of homework over a holiday but I like the freedom of doing it at your own pace.

My employer is pretty generous with days off during the holiday so the kids and I will be together quite a bit. I am sure I will be ready for them to go back to school when it is time but for now I will enjoy all of the early morning snuggling, Wii playing, being outdoors or just all piled on the couch watching a movie.

Happy Christmas Break!

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas...Day 7

2011-12-19T00:10:00.001-05:00

I was at a loss for words today on what I wanted to celebrate. With all the different aspects of the Christmas Season when I first came up with this idea I was most certain the ideas would flow. Well NOT today. I didn't really go anywhere Sunday so I did not have outside perspective to feed from. Afraid I wouldn't think of anything I started walking around the house. At one point I was just staring at the tree.......

Suddenly.....that's it....I found it!!

Christmas ornaments......

As I looked around the tree I realized all of the ornaments had very special meaning. The "Our First Christmas" ornament from 1997, wedding gift ornaments, the ukulele from Hawaii, the Washington DC annual ornaments (we have three of them), the ceramic doves (one for each family member) and my most favorite ornaments; the ones the kids have made me. I have ornaments made from puzzle pieces, foam, paint, construction paper, glitter and most importantly LOVE.

My favorite ornament is more like a decoration but it ALWAYS goes on the tree and right in front for all to see. Kaitlynn made it which is very appropriate. Cut out of red construction paper and bedazzled with lots of red glitter is the word JOY. In the center of the O is a picture of the kids I sent into school.

It isn't just any picture. It was taken about six weeks after Madelynn's surgery. She was still very weak and not eating well so she was very tiny. She had just been released from the hospital for the second time. Even though it was the Christmas Season it was a VERY low time in our life. I would watch her take a bottle and 10 minutes later throw it all up. Some days she would only get about 400 calories not enough to survive if it continued. Her body went through such a shock she wasn't adjusting well at all.

We all know how the story ends at least as of today. I think even in this years Christmas card picture you can see it in the background.

So as you look over your tree I hope it gives you pause to help you find something to celebrate.

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas...Day 6

2011-12-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

The kindness of strangers is a rare find these days. People are so untrusting and don't take a chance on anyone. Most days I feel the same way. Well yesterday I had an obscene amount of errands to run and Phil had an appointment so the kids had to travel with me. Usually going to several different places with three kids in tow is like a suicide mission during the Christmas season. Yesterday I was proven wrong.

We left the house and landed at Chick-fil-a because we had time to kill and I figured the kids would be ready for lunch. We ordered our food and the order taker said we'll bring it to you. It was fabulous I didn't have to find a table, balance a food tray and get everyone in their seat without spilling anything. They brought us our drinks, our food and even stopped back by to make sure we didn't need anything else. I have never been to a fast food restaurant that. They didn't want anything extra for the trouble it was very nice.

After getting Katie and Jack's hair cut we headed off to drop Katie off with my Mom and Jack and Maddie headed off to do our business. The first store had a line eight people deep so Jack, Maddie and I went to the back of the line. In my mind I am thinking this is going to be a difficult wait. However, God sent us a little angel. He put a 63 year old a man in front of us, who is patiently waiting for grandchildren.

During this incredible long wait, he made the kids laugh and chatted with us, the next thing I knew it was his turn in line. When he finished, he turned around wished us a Merry Christmas and was gone. I hope he does a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Our next stop was again another line, thankfully shorter but a line nonetheless. This time we had an ordained biker minister. At first glance he was a very scary being. For whatever reason, he turned around and started talking to us. When I looked him in the face he had these amazing blue eyes. We started talking and the scary exterior melted away. He talked about his mother coming to visit, his son in the Army and reaching out to other bikers wanting them to find Jesus. The next thing I knew it was his turn. He also wished us a Merry Christmas and was gone.

Had it not been for the wonderful people filled with Christmas cheer our 3+ hours of errands would have been totally miserable. I am very grateful we crossed paths and it made my day a little easier. I just wanted to remind everyone there still good people out their.

Happy Errand Running!

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas....Day 5

2011-12-17T07:23:00.000-05:00

Today I am really excited for what I am choosing to celebrate in my 12 days of Christmas. Let me start off by saying, "He did it!!"

Over the last three weeks Jack has had a very difficult time in school. He has gotten in trouble for not following school rules and most recently fighting. I have tried so many different avenues one day I just sat and cried because I didn't know how too help him. I finally looked at him and gave him an ultimatum.

Either behave in school and follow the rules or your Christmas is CANCELLED. You can come with us to all the parties and accept the gifts but you will not open them. They will sit in the living room until you earn every single one of them with excellent behavior . He started to stammer some type of argumentative response out and I stopped him. I told him if he uttered another word about it he would open every present to see what he received and then we would drive up to Goodwill and drop them off.

That was the quietest he has been in six weeks. Needless to say he behaved and he will get to have Christmas. Friday he came running off the bus, ran all the way down the street and exclaimed, "I did it Mommy!! I had a great day!!" That was just the icing on the cake. He had a few good days to redeem some of the terrible behavior.

I was so worried. I prayed for him all day. I did not want to see him fail or take away his Christmas. I would have done it if I had too but I can't promise I wouldn't have cried doing it.

My problem right now is not that he is failing in school, he in fact is actually excelling faster than Katie did. He completes his Math homework so fast I barely knew he had any to do. Then he tries to figure out Katie's. His reading level is where he should be at the end of February not Mid-December. I truly believe he is bored and it is getting him in trouble. If I could only get him to understand he is not in charge and he MUST follow the rules.

But for now, today I will celebrate the small victory of getting him back on the right road of following the rules. I do not have to take away anything away at Christmas. more importantly I have a lot of work today helping him understand. His kindergarten teacher said this would be a difficult year for him. When he made it through every other year would be a breeze. I hope she is right.

Today is for SMALL VICTORIES!! Good Job Jack I knew you could do it.

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas...Day 4

2011-12-16T00:51:00.000-05:00

Update Day 3:

So I guess I was wrong or we are just really loved. I was so bummed about the lack of Christmas cards I thought people were in someway giving up. Thursday we received 6 cards in the mail. I guess people were almost as behind as us. I just mailed our cards Thursday.

OK now moving on....

Day 4:

When I talked about Christmas traditions one of my FAVORITE traditions is Christmas cookies. I don't remember her, just what I was told or saw in pictures but "no lie" I had a great grandmother named Cookie Grandma (at least that's what we called). Apparently, she cornered the market on baking. She has even had some of her recipes published in a cookbook I have.

I love to bake. I guess I was blessed with some of her genes.

When Phil and I moved in our neighborhood we developed some friendships that even though some of them have since moved away we still keep in touch. Every Christmas I would bake cookies, pack them up and go out early in the morning on a weekday and leave them on their front porches. After the first year, about December 1st the neighbors would ask when baking day was. I would spend one whole day baking.

After our world changed with Madelynn's birth and surgery I haven't really made it a priority. I just stopped doing it and I shouldn't have. My Grandma Angie makes some of the best cookies. Every year she would have this plate of cookies that were almost too good to eat. Little green tree shaped cookies with red hots as the ornaments, Neapolitan striped cookies and my most favorite cookie in the world the peanut butter drop cookie with the slightly melted Hershey's kiss in the center. My mouth is watering just typing about it. She made it such a priority that even when I moved to NC she always sends me cookies at Christmas.

Realizing the error of my ways I will be spending the better part of Saturday and Sunday baking cookies. I can promise you they won't even be a close second or third to those that have come before me with their supreme talents; but I will be giving it my best shot.

So if there is a tradition for whatever the reason you just stop dong, find a way to make it happen. If I can attempt cookies with all three kids at home and Phil at work, you can bring back any tradition.

Good Luck and Happy Baking!!

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas...Day 3

2011-12-15T00:27:00.000-05:00

In the last house I lived in before moving to college it had these wonderful archways when transitioning from room to room. It was something I always loved about that house. During Christmas season I loved getting the mail because it was one of the times I was allowed to open the mail and we decorated the archways with the Christmas cards received. Some years we would get so many we covered two archways.

In the last few years, I have noticed a sharp decline in the amount of cards we received. This year we have only received 6. I realize the economy has been in the toilet and we have all had to make cuts where ever possible. However, not sending Christmas cards shouldn't be one of them. Christmas cards are a way to send Christmas cheer. I have always had a family picture to include and some years I even included a Christmas Letter because life had changed so much. But I have never not sent Christmas cards.

Three weeks after Madelynn was released from the hospital the first time and one week after she was released the second time, I made the kids sit and smile for a picture . It took longer than it should have but I finally clicked that one picture. A day or two later my Christmas cards went out in the mail. It was important at that time to find something in my life that seemed normal. I felt great sending them out because people were receiving something other than a bill.

So before you decide to skip it this year, ponder the possibility that you could be mailing a smile when the person at the other end opens the card.

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas...Day 2

2011-12-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

Day Two.....

When thinking about what else I wanted to celebrate in my 12 days of Christmas it was easy. Eight years and eight days ago I gave birth to my first child, Kaitlynn May. She is nothing less than amazing and she never ceases to shock me when I least expect it.

During these years, I spent my first Mother's Day in the ER because it was one if the few times she became very ill. What I will never forget is the lady who had been waiting to see the doctor in the ER, step aside so my daughter could be helped right away. Every time I remember this day, I stop and pray for this woman. This is the day I started writing hand written letters to her. One day she will have a box full letters to read from her Momma anytime she wants.

I have spent countless hours reading, singing and dancing with her. I love to see her smile, count the freckles on her face and hug and kiss her anytime I want. She is a fantastic BIG sister and I am beyond proud of her. This year she was tested and selected for a program called Global Kids. This is a enrichment class that helps her prepare for the year end test to see if she is eligible for AIG classes.

So today I celebrate my daughter Kaitlynn. I love you Punkin!!

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas.....Day 1

2011-12-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

The 12 days of Christmas as we all know is a very long sometimes annoying Christmas Carol. But when you really think about it, the song talks about things to celebrate during the 12 days of Christmas. Traditionally, the 12 days of Christmas begins Christmas Day. Today I am going to start my own 12 days of Christmas ending Christmas Day.
Day One:
Forty Three years ago today my parents made that promise before God, Family and Friends that they would be together forever until death do they part. As with any life journey, I am sure it was not always easy but they seemed to always do it together and some days make it look so easy.

As my parents celebrate the longevity of their life together I am reminded of some of our Christmas Traditions. I remember spending Christmas Eve at my Great Grandmother Foster's house, going to Mass as a family and spending Christmas Day at my Great Aunt Bernadine's. It was always the same but as a kid the traditions were very comforting.

Even though my great grandmother has been partying it up in heaven for quite a few years now, I can count on one hand the amount of Christmas Eve's I have missed with my family. Since moving to NC I have created a new Christmas Day tradition that I believe my Great Aunt would give me the nod of approval. But none of these things would have been possible without my parents creating those traditions and instilling the importance of them.

As my parents celebrate their day, I am grateful for their time spent making sure the traditions always took place. I am very sure that was not always easy but very much appreciated. Thank you for all you do.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!

TTFN~

Happy Birthday Kaitynn!!!

2011-12-04T01:56:00.000-05:00

Eight years ago today, I was in the hospital totally miserable confined to my bed. I was four days away from my due date, the doctors decided to bring Kaitlynn into the world as she was beginning to make me sick. Tonight at the dinner table we were talking about Kaitlynn's birthday and what Phil and I were doing this day eight years ago.

We went to the doctor for our weekly check up and she asked us to go directly to the hospital. From the time we checked in, it took Kaitlynn 31 hours to actually make it into the world. The doctor sent us to the hospital about 3 pm December 3rd, but Kaitlynn didn't join the party until shortly after 10 pm December 4th. I was one tired Momma but I was so happy to finally meet her.

Here lately I see this tall, thin, beautiful girl who is trying to find her way in life. Sometimes this journey includes making wrong choices and I have to let her make those wrong choices. I realize as she ages it will only become more difficult, something I am not looking forward to. Today we will just celebrate today and how far she has come.

She is thriving in school this year in so many ways. I can count on one hand the amount tests she brought home that were not 100. She recently started her Global Kids Program. This is a class designed for 2nd and 3rd graders who the school believes will be eligible for AIG classes and tested for admittance at the end of the 3rd grade. We are absolutely thrilled at all of her accomplishments. Outside of school she has been swimming for the last two years and loves it. I just beam with pride when I see her dive.

When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday this was her response. "I wanted to get my nails and toes painted. I want to play soccer in the Spring. I want to go to the movies and out to dinner."

So her godmother set it up for her to get her nails and toes painted. She was so excited. We are going to dinner after Sunday School this afternoon. We will be going to a movie in the next week or so and in the Spring we will sign her up for her first soccer season.I did buy her some presents to open too but she is most excited to play soccer in the Spring. Funny, I never thought of myself as a soccer mom.

Here are some pictures the night Kaitlynn went to go see Beauty and the Beast with Aunt Joy. It was part of her Birthday presents she received while we were on vacation.

She was so excited to wear this dress.

Before we curled her hair.

And After.....

Happy 8th Birthday Kaitlynn!!
Love Always,
Momma

TTFN~

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:04:00.000-05:00

The last couple of years we have awakened Thanksgiving Morning in South Florida. It is not your traditional Thanksgiving Day that I have grown up with cold weather, working part of the day, and needing layers of clothes. Today we will be wearing shorts, going to the park and swimming all before our Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and although the scenery has been different in recent years I still love it. As I type I hear the Thanksgiving Macy's day parade. I remember as a kid when my mother got up at the crack of dawn to put the turkey in, we would watch the parade, go to church, come back watch more of the parade and within a few hours people would arrive. We would have a big feast surrounded by family.

Today we will be surrounded by a different family but family nonetheless. The ginormous table will be surrounded by 25+ people most of them we know for a big feast!!

We hope where ever you are this holiday you too are surrounded by familiar faces and family.

We are Thankful for all of our family especially those we can't be near today. We are Thankful for good friends who have always been there for us without blinking an eye. We are Thankful for our children, even when they make us crazy, they are still always the best gifts we were ever given.

As you come together today we hope you can find something you are truly Thankful for and celebrate it. For us it will always be God's impeccable timing to save Madelynn's life because without her our family would never be complete.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

TTFN~

My Little Indian..........

2011-11-18T00:43:00.001-05:00

Thursday I walked out of my office to find this very cute little Indian and her classmates walking down the hall. Since it was raining the kids had to find an indoor activity. They decided to come up to my floor and show off the latest fall fashion.

Madelynn's teacher later told me, when Madelynn found out they were going upstairs she asked if she could see her Mommy. Once they reached my office I was not in it but coming out of the office next to it. I could see Madelynn very disappointed I was not in my office but when she saw me come out of the other door she lit up like a Christmas tree. She gave me a kiss and led the class back down the hall. She even waved and said, "Bye Mommy!!"

It totally made my day. Since I did not have my camera at work I took some pictures of her as soon as we got home.

Madelynn and I were talking about vacation after school and she asked me if she could drive. Here is my little Indian taking the first leg of the drive. LOL!!!

Have a Great Weekend!!

TTFN~

Skip a Beat moments....

2011-11-17T23:09:00.000-05:00

The other day when I was checking the kids backpacks, I found this in Madelynn's. They were going around the room asking the kids what they were thankful for. (Mind you this is 3 year olds.)

It was such a sweet suprise to find in her backpack. I love the fact that she chose Daddy and not Mommy. Sometimes I worry that she spends so much time with me she won't be as close to Phil as she is me. When I read it my heart skipped a beat and I couldn't wait to show it to Phil.

Now Madelynn is in both a MWF class and a TTH class. So Madelynn was able to do the excersise twice. In true 3 year old fashion the second time she chose "cookies". Phil and I joked that Mommy got the shaft. Lucky for me Madelynn never makes me feel that way.

TTFN~

Something to share..........

2011-11-17T00:22:00.000-05:00

People are often unreasonable and self-centered
Forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives
Be kind anyway

If you are honest, people may cheat you anyway
Be honest anyway

If you find happiness, people may be jealous
Be happy anyway

The good you do today, maybe forgotten tomorrow
Do good anyway

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough
Give your best anyway

For you see, in the end it's between you and God
It was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa

Someone handed me this the other day and thought I would share.

TTFN~

One Sunday Morning....

2011-11-15T00:50:00.000-05:00

Getting ready to head off to church one day and I had Phil and Katie take a few pictures.

Mommy and Jack

The Girls

Mommy and her munchkins

TTFN~

Lucy Says.....

2011-11-05T22:21:00.000-04:00

I came across this today and thought I would share.......I love the Peanuts. They make life seem so simple.

Lucy Says

The world is filled with wonderful things.

A chocolate chip cookie can not be one-sided.

Life is full of choices.

A gift of a flower is always a gift of LOVE.

How come winters are long and summers short?

All you need is a dog.

There's a lot more to life than dancing.

Life is full of surprises.

TTFN~

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T23:04:00.000-04:00

I know I posted pictures of the kids on the way to the Halloween Party at the Rec Center but the weather was a little different and I needed to change Maddie's costume to keep her warmer so I have some new pictures to share.

Superman, The Ladybug and the Butterfly Pixie

She was so excited about this costume.

My Superman

One little Bug I would not squash.

I will have more to post in a few days for now I am going to bed.

TTFN~

3rd Heart Birthday

2011-10-30T04:20:00.001-04:00

Today is the 3rd Anniversary of Madelynn's Heart surgery that saved her life. When I think about this day there is a phrase that jumbles around in my head I will never forget.

"There is no medical reason that your daughter is alive today. She really is a miracle."

If I let it, that phrase would bring me to my knees every time. It reminds me that God has a perfect plan for Madelynn. Most certainly not my plan but God's. There is a handful of pictures taken about 10 days before Madelynn's surgery that when I see them, I would think that is the last time my life made sense. Really these pictures are the last time I controlled my life. I am reminded daily that God is in charge and I need to be obedient in what plan He has for my children and I.

Recently I came across this and it just made me stop.

"I can not give you half my heart and pray He makes you whole."

As a heart parent, there is always this underlying fear that if you love with every ounce of your being and it is not enough how do you recover from that and where do you go from here. After surgery, I was so afraid to love her with everything I had. I couldn't hold her, there were wires coming from every direction and that little girl that just beamed with smiles was gone. I used to tell Phil, I just want to see her smile. (It took 10 days to see that smile again.)

A few days after surgery I was so desperate to hold her I asked the nurse if it was safe. It took a little doing but they set me up in a rocking chair and in my arms she came. It reminded me of the day she was born. There is no feeling like it, simple, pure Joy! I watched her body relax because she recognized me and tears rolled down my face. We watched the sun go down out the hospital window, I sang her the bedtime lullaby I would sing at home and she fell asleep.

As I was driving home to see Kaitlynn and Jackson, I realized I had to trust that giving my all had to be enough. I needed to "recklessly" love her.

Over the past three years, we have reached Monster Highs; where you felt like you were flying and could barely catch your breath. Those dark, cold, Evil Lows filled with tears, anger, frustration days that will just suck the life right out of you. We are still here and the journey is far from over. We have learned to focus on finding today's Joy. When the dark times try to overtake the day, we refuse it and never stop fighting.

To see Madelynn today you would never believe her journey and you are fully aware we fought with everything we had. We have learned to never refuse an open door, move on from the door that refuses us and look for the window.

As we celebrate our third year at our second chance with Madelynn, we are Thankful for God's perfect plan of Dr. Alfred Kendrick, Dr. Christopher Baird, Dr. Nicholas Sliz, Dr. Alan Harsch and Dr. Douglas Chen. We know it was God's impeccable timing for each of them to be there when we needed them most.

For those family and friends who were there from the beginning and if needed we can call on again today....Thank You! We would have never been able to make this journey without you.

TTFN~

Halloween Fun

2011-10-28T22:34:00.000-04:00

Last year we discovered the rec center we belong to throws a safe indoor Halloween party for the kids put on by the staff. I love going because it is indoors mostly little kids and the kids play games for candy. Complete fun for the kids and I am not freezing my butt off.

So before we went I took a quick picture of the kids.

The Butterfly Pixies and Superman

I just wanted to gobble them up.

Early this week my employer did a staff "field trip". I brought home a rather large pumpkin for the kids. We don't usually carve pumpkin's but since I had one to carve, why not! Before we left for the party I cut the pumpkin open and cleaned it out. We talked to the kids and they each decided one feature to the face for Phil to carve. After the party Phil finished it and placed it outside.

I must say it turned out pretty good.

Hope everyone has a SAFE and HAPPY Halloween!!

TTFN~

Not sure how I feel......

2011-10-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

Lately I have been watching Kaitlynn in her school work and all the papers she brings home and I am surprised every week. The last two months I am more stunned than surprised. Every test but one Kaitlynn has brought home was 100% and two in one day two weeks ago. Some days just telling her how proud I am of her just doesn't seem like enough.

As parents we are always biased of our own children. I wasn't quite sure what to do and how to help her the most. So besides the normal help I give with homework, I just started praying for God to show me how to help her. I kept praying but I never felt like I was receiving any answers. I was worried I was missing something.

But I wasn't the only one watching out for her. Kaitlynn's teacher was keeping an eye on her too. Friday I received a letter asking for my permission for Kaitlynn to test into a Global Program. I had never heard of this before. Ultimately, they want to see if Kaitlynn tests into an early admittance for the AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) program for both Math and Language Arts.

Sure....I have heard of it but not before High School. Granted Kaitlynn is my oldest child so some of this is very new to me. I could barely speak. I just handed the paper to Phil and asked if he was okay if I signed it.

His reponse was, "Are they serious?"

All I could say was I guess so.

So today at 9:30am she will be tested.

I talked to her over the weekend and again Monday night. I explained to her that she would be taking a series of tests. These tests were just to see how smart she was. No matter what the result Mommy and Daddy would not be upset and we only wanted her to try her very best.

She seemed a little nervous, took and deep breath and said, "OK".

So if you are reading this please pray that if this is the door God has opened for us; He help Kaitlynn shine at her very best. More importantly if this is the wrong door He guide us to the window.

Praying for Kaitlynn....

TTFN~

My Girls......

2011-10-24T21:53:00.000-04:00

In recent weeks, it seems as if all I have done is lug the girls to Jack's soccer games. I must admit....I LOVE going to his soccer games. The girls on the other hand have had to just come along, watch and find something to do for the hour or more that we are there.

Kudos to them for trying REALLY hard to behave.

After Jack's game while we were waiting for the team meeting to be over, I took the girls to the playground at let them run, swing and just feel the wind through their hair. They were in heaven.

I love the dimples.

Messy hair and all I could just gobble her up.

But I also took these..........

I LOVE the freckles.

Those big brown eyes melt my heart every day

SISTERS

Although they are completely different people in so many ways, they will always be MY GIRLS.

TTFN~

Aw Shucks!!

2011-10-14T01:40:00.000-04:00

Well I had to rework my schedule to make all of the last few days happen but, Thursday despite the on and off rain I was able to go on Jackson's field trip. It was really stressful to map out all of the logistics for all three kids but in the end I was really glad I went. Not to mention it was a great way to celebrate Fall.

Sometimes I feel like Jack always gets the shaft. I could go on about things I don't have a memory of for Jack but I do for the girls. I feel like I will always be making things up to Jack. Today I believe made up for some of it.

It looked to be a miserable rainy day. I prayed on the way to the farm that we have a great day together. Seconds after the prayer the sky opened up and fell. My first thought was .... Seriously!!! But, I just kept driving to the farm in hopes of a great visit.

When I arrived I started to see blue sky and sunshine. We were able to get most of the visit in and the rain came again. We took cover and had lunch. We took a nature trail walk. Right at the end of the trail the rain came again. By that time we waited for it to stop again and the kids headed off to the bus and I drove home.

The one on one time with Jack was well worth all the stress of logistically making it happen. It is a day he will forever have in his memory and if I didn't go I would never be able to get back.

TTFN~

October has been very busy.............

2011-10-13T23:45:00.001-04:00

October has been really crazy and we are barely half way through it. Jack is really enjoying soccer and doing quite well. His game last Saturday was against his best friend's team. He did really well with a goal and a couple of assists.

He can run.

Jack and Sam

After the game there was a fall festival in a community near our neighborhood. Old cars, games and fun for the kids, something for everyone.

I loved the blue color.

Phil checking out the old cars.

Daddy teaching Maddie how to check out an old car.

Get Ready!!

Away we go.

When things don't go quite as planned.

We walked the festival, did a little face painting it was time to go.

I am not sure who was more exhausted the kids or myself. Monday was a teacher work day so Katie and Jack were out of school. I promised we would paint pumpkins.

It makes me laugh when the tongue has to come out to get the job done just right.

She begged me for that little side ponytail.

His concentration kills me.

She loves to paint.

Those last few days have been busy and it just continues. I have a few more photos to post of Jack and I, maybe tomorrow.

TTFN~

10....12....16....14....

2011-10-06T21:41:00.000-04:00

You are correct they are not in numeric order and no there is no reason to correct the order. Added together they equal 52.

Lately I have been asked the same question over and over and I have been giving the same answer over and over.

When are you going to cut your hair? Will you be donating it?

I will probably wait until April, which will be 3 years since my last cut, and MOST DEFINITELY I will be donating it.

Or should I say donated it AGAIN. It was just time.

BEFORE

AFTER

In the last 13 years I have only had 4 haircuts that resulted in donating 52 inches of hair and today was my last donation. For all my Family, Friends and Children of Friends who have had their bodies ravaged by cancer this was my silent fight. I couldn't fight your fight, take your pain away, make you miraculously healed or stop you from dying.

What I could do is grow my hair, take care of it to get the best possible result, cut it when the length was enough and start all over again. My hair helped someone feel normal again. I don't know who that was but I pray for that silent victim often.

The kids loved my hair cut, Phil won't lie he really dislikes my short hair but he appreciates the cause. Hope everyone has a GREAT WEEKEND!!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Joy!!!

2011-10-04T00:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Joy!!!

We wanted you to know that we are thinking of you today and are sorry we aren't there to help you celebrate. Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn drew pictures for you and we have mailed them to you but we thought we would share them with everyone.

This one is from Kaitlynn.

She wanted to make sure you knew all the words in yellow on the right were supposed to fit in the thought bubble. This is what she thought you would say about your presents.

This one is from Jackson

What you should know about this picture...... Jackson wanted to know your eye color before he started drawing. Whenever he draws a picture eye color is VERY important!! He was very excited you and he had blue eyes.

This one is from Madelynn

She was very proud of this picture and brought it to me with the biggest smile on her face. However, I must share the best part about this picture. The whole time she was drawing it I could hear her singing the WHOLE Happy Birthday song including inserting Aunt Joy when she got to that part. It was really cute!!

All that to say we truly hope you have a Fantabulous 18th Birthday and we will see you soon!!

Sending lots of Hugs.....

Phil, Chelsea, Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn

TTFN~

Art with Daddy

2011-10-02T22:08:00.000-04:00

Here lately it isn't that things aren't going on it is almost like too much is going on. I can barely keep up between work, soccer, swimming, Maddie (yes she gets a category all by herself) and keeping up with everyday things I just can't get it all done.

I did however get a chance to meet up with a friend and go to a Christmas Craft Fair. It was so much fun. I didn't have to worry about which child was running off in which direction. I had two uninterrupted hours of shopping and talking to vendors. It was GREAT!!

All to often when the two hours were over it was back to the grind, a quick run in the grocery store, stop home to put the cold stuff in the fridge and off to Jack's soccer game. They didn't win but 6-7 year old kids playing soccer always provides great entertainment. I must say it was FREEZING....the sun wasn't really out, the wind was blowing and it was only about 58 degrees. I was so glad to get home and warm up.

Probably the best part about my weekend was watching Phil and Katie complete her homework. As an assignment Katie was required to make a musical instrument. The back of the instructions from the teacher were some ideas to make an instrument. They were really clever ideas.

About a month ago, Phil cleaned off his truck with all the old copper pipe and fittings to be turned in to the scrap yard for cash. At the time were a little strapped for money so I knew if we helped him it would help us all. When you added it all up we spent about 24 hours breaking down the copper so we would get the most for our money. The kids were helping sort and clean it was kind of fun with all of us chipping in.

When Phil came back from the scrap yard we were straightening up the garage from our work stations we set up and realized we left a length of copper pipe in the corner. Phil was a little disappointed we had missed it. Off the cuff I just said, "There was a reason it was missed. Just leave it there and we'll find a reason. If not we'll take it the next time."

Little did I know the length of pipe would be broken up into a homemade xylophone. With an extra set of chopsticks we had, Katie is so excited to go to school tomorrow. Bonus points for Daddy!!

Art with Daddy

TTFN~

A Family Tidbit..............

2011-09-30T19:37:00.004-04:00

A few hours after Kaitlynn was born we were talking about how our pets would respond to the new little person in our home; especially the cats we had at the time. One of the nurses suggested Phil take home the hat they put on Kaitlynn's head at birth. This article of clothing would have Kaitlynn's strongest scent on it. Phil said the dogs and cats were completely enthralled with it and wouldn't stop smelling it.

The purpose of this exercise was to help with the day Kaitlynn came home. All of the pets would recognize the scent of something familiar. It work!

This hat (Kaitlynn).

And this hat (Jackson)

And this hat (Madelynn).

Well a few weeks ago Phil came home from my parents house with some photos. There was some discussion as to which baby was in the photo. The picture in question was this one......

Which one was this???

During the discussion of who it was there was mention of the hat and that not all three kids had the same hat at birth. Phil was very confident that all three of the kids wore the same hat at birth. My parents were a little skeptical and wanted to know why Phil was so confident........

Because Phil pulled this out of his pocket.......

From left to right Kaitlynn's, Jackson's and Madelynn's hats.

My parents were a little surprised. By the way, the child in the photo was Madelynn.

October 3, 2008 I took this picture because I loved the fact that Phil does not start his day without first putting the hats in his pocket. I knew one day I would have a reason to use it. I loved the contrast of the cleanliness of the hats as to how many days they travelled in Phil's pocket. Until today there were only about 10 people that knew this family tidbit.

There have been some mornings where Phil has startled me by coming back in the house at 6am because he did not have them. There was even one morning I came downstairs to the kitchen and found them on the counter.

He forgot them.

I have to admit it stopped me in my tracks. The kids even asked me why Daddy forgot them because they know Daddy carries them.

I assured them it was an accident and just to make sure Daddy did not have a bad day we called him to wish him a good day. Everyday he comes home from work and I see him pull the hats out of his pocket. It always makes me smile.

TTFN~

88,888............

2011-09-26T01:20:00.001-04:00

The title of this blog is a very large number and it has a lot of memories attached to it. It is the amount of miles driven in my van since we rolled it off the lot new in 2005. Where in the world have I been to reach such a large number?

Last week I was sitting at a stop light trying to prepare myself for what was going to be a ridiculous week. I looked down at the odometer and saw that when I rolled through the stop light I would be reaching 88,888. Suddenly pictures flashed through my mind like they happened yesterday of places I have been in this van.

We purchased the van because we quickly realized our CRV would not properly suit our growing family once Jack came along. Jack was born in July and we drove our 2006 van off the lot one late September evening in 2005 just hours after it arrived at the dealership. Phil had been shopping for weeks and finally found our best deal.

Just off the top of my head North Carolina Beaches, Florida to see Family and old friends, Washington, DC to see family and help old friends, Ohio and Indiana come to mind. Most of these trips were filled with laughter and hugs, peace and joy all surrounded by those who mean the most to us. I have the thousands of pictures to prove it.

Kaitlynn and Jackson's first Disney Parade (Orlando, FL).

Ft. Macon, Atlantic Beach NC

Hendersonville, NC (They last day I felt like my life made sense)

Family vacation (there is nothing like them)

I look back and see all of these wonderful memories of fun and laughter. Times when I was just worrying about that moment right in front of me and not what I needed to do tomorrow. I wish I could say it was all happy times travelled in those 88,888. It was not. There are many times I racked up miles with tears streaming down my face asking God why was I on this road.

Taking Jack to all three of his surgeries and emergency room visit due to post op complications from one of these surgeries, taking Madelynn to her first pediatric cardiology visit (the day we received her diagnosis) and the daily visits to and from the hospital hoping for good news as Madelynn recovered from her surgery are near the top of the list of most hated miles travelled.

Probably the worst miles ever travelled in the 88,888 was December 3, 2008. This is the day the pediatrician told me Madelynn was in trouble and needed to go back to the hospital. She was stable enough for me to take her but we had to go DIRECTLY to the hospital. It was the longest 20 miles I have ever travelled and I cried the entire way. It took two other visits like the one from December 3rd for the doctors and other specialists involved to finally get the tide to turn.

Today, Madelynn and I travel down the road everyday playing I-spy, talking about anything or me listening to a movie she is watching. Kaitlynn and I are making tracks as she turns herself into a fish once more making laps in the pool. Jackson is showing me that with each mile to and from the soccer field, we believe he found his calling. Both the joyous and painful memories are all part of the 88,888 mile history it is what allowed us to reach today's destination.

TTFN~

Jackson's 1st soccer game....

2011-09-10T18:45:00.000-04:00

Attached is a quick little video of pictures from Jackson's soccer game. It made for a crazy hour of trying to watch the game, take pictures during the game and keep Madelynn happy while all of this was going on.

Enjoy the pictures......

While Jackson was running up and down the field Madelynn discovered that I loaded a new game on my phone for just such an occasion.

As for Kaitlynn, she discovered she wanted to take some pictures of her own during the game. So Daddy gave her his phone and she followed Grandpa Bacho around the field snapping her own pictures. I have not checked Phil's phone to see what the result was but It should be interesting.

Happy Saturday!!!!

TTFN~

Peanut's first day of school.....

2011-09-07T00:01:00.001-04:00

Well we finally made it to Madelynn's first day back to The St. Gabriel Cradle. She absolutely LOVES her school and could not wait to start back. She watched Kaitlynn and Jackson pick out their new favorite outfits and fill their backpacks....she couldn't wait for her turn. This week is a staggered week and starting next week she will go everyday.

This morning she was a little confused at first, we were walking into a new classroom. I explained she was now three and this was the three-year old room. She seemed to like the comfort of her old classroom and really wanted to stay there. I explained she was now a big girl and big girls went into the big girl class room.

That seemed to be enough for her to explore the classroom. I showed her where the big girl potty was and her teachers showed her some new routine's. I asked her if she was ready to have fun??? She assured me she would love it, threw her arms around my neck, told me she loved me, kissed me and waved good-bye.

She was so ready for school!!

I am sure I will repeat this experience throughout Madelynn's life. Today was so much easier because I take her to school and walk upstairs to my office and walk back down to get her at the end of the day. Knowing she is on the floor below me instead of across town, across the state or across the country today was easy. One day it won't be so easy.

Happy First Day of School Madelynn!!!

TTFN~

The heart doctor........our annual visit.

2011-09-06T01:11:00.002-04:00

Because of the way Madelynn was diagnosed with her congenital heart condition (chd) I am always a little gun shy when I have to take her to ANY doctor. For me the pediatric pulmunologist and cardiologist visits rank right up there with some of the scariest events in my life.

Since I didn't really talk about Madelynn's pediatrician visit until after it was over and received such stellar news; I decided to do the same for the pediatric cardiologist hoping for the same result. I have to say even three years after surgery every time I walk into the pediatric cardiologist it takes all I can muster not to puke while ANYWHERE in the office.

This time was no different. I walked in, I felt my stomach in my throat and tried to just remember to breath. As I looked around, I saw Madelynn everywhere. There is a big picture of her on the wall where she is about 17 months old, Camp Luck photo collages for the last two years and there is Madelynn and those big brown eyes smiling back at me.

It was as if Madelynn was reminding me, "See Mommy look at me now!!!"

About 10 minutes later, my breathing returned to normal and I could just wait. When we were called back Madelynn took control and just marched down the hallway like she owned the place. The staff just smiled. She jumped on the scale and told the nurse how to measure her height too. It was very cute. Then into the dreaded exam room. I tried to just focus on Madelynn helping the nurse get blood pressures and other vitals.

I know I shouldn't, but there is a part of me that waits for the pediatric cardiologist to very politely but in matter-of-fact style tell me there is something else wrong. I am always afraid that if I let that wall tumble, my world will change forever AGAIN. To be honest, I am not sure I am strong enough to walk this road AGAIN.

Thankfully, AGAIN would not happen Friday. After her exam and echo I was told that Madelynn was a PERFECT RESULT. She looked great in every sense of the word and her doctor told me he was very pleased. Before we left he would not be doing his job without a word of warning. For the time being she has to come back every year. Because Madelynn needed an "extended repair" there is always the possibility the repaired area will shrink and need to be altered again. He is not comfortable with her not coming back every year just yet.

So while Madelynn enjoys her second year of a pre-school she loves and lives every day to the fullest, I will be on the sidelines smiling, laughing and cheering her on. I won't lie though, there will always be a small wall that I refuse to let tumble. The part of me that will do everything in my power to protect her with every ounce of my being. To give her every chance to live as normal as life as possible, broken heart or not.

Friday was a GREAT day!!! We received excellent news and it helped the battle inside me rest easy for now.

Who doesn't love a kid in goggles?

Beautiful and thriving!!

TTFN~

Girls Weekend......A little late................

2011-09-05T23:44:00.000-04:00

The last weekend of the kids summer break we headed off to one last.....Hurrah!!!

Phil, Kaitlynn, Jackson, Madelynn, Grandma Bacho and myself piled in the van and headed off to Mason, OH to crash Aunt Jenni's for girls weekend. So why are Phil an Jackson going......They only dropped the girls off and headed further on to Phil's brother's for some family time of his own.

So while Jen's house was filled with five sqealing little girls, Phil and Jackson visited with his family and did a little fishing. There is a picture on my facebook page of the first fish of the day on the trip. There were probably 300 pictures from girls weekend. My only regret from this 2nd annual girl time, we never took a picture of Grandma Bacho with her daughters and grand-daughters.

Below are a few pictures of the five raving beauties............

In one year they have grown so much

So we told the girls to line up on the hearth and on the count of three they should jump.

Three!!!!!!!

Silly Girls!!! ....No Kaitlynn does not wear glasses.

They were hot, a little tired and ready to run through a fountain or two.

It was a really great weekend. My hope is that we can continue this tradion every year.

TTFN~

Tooth Adventure Update.....

2011-08-27T00:46:00.000-04:00

So with the drama of having her teeth extracted and starting school I almost forgot to share a little something. Kaitlynn was so exhausted the day they took her two front teeth she just wasted to be close to Mommy and Daddy. I think she grew velcro at her hip and attached herself to Phil and I.

I sat down to watch a little t.v. and she had to be right there...touching me. She cried when we told her she had to go to bed she wanted to lay in my lap instead. It really was pitiful. By the time she fell asleep she was all snuggled up to Daddy and her life was simply complete.

It was at that point we did not put her teeth out for the Tooth (or in her case Teeth) Fairy. In the morning, she didn't even ask about it, I just figured we would take care of it that evening.

Well at bedtime that day I found her sitting at her desk writing. I reminded her it was time for bed. She responded, "Ok Mommy I am almost done."

"Done with what??"

"I wrote a letter to the Tooth Fairy." She proudly handed me her note.

Kaitlynn's Letter

She is in fact excited she lost her two teeth. Her headache's and mouth pain is now also gone.

She received special treats from the Tooth Fairy four gold $1 coins and a $2 bill. She came running in my room the next morning shouting, "Mommy, Mommy the Tooth Fairy left me gold and a dollar bill with a two on it!!"

I wish life could always be that simple. It warms my heart to see her smiling so much after such an unfortunate event.

TTFN~

The First Day of School.............

2011-08-26T00:03:00.000-04:00

Not sure what is cuter the braids or the toothless smile.

Daddy's Flower Child

He really is ready, he was excited to go.

He suddenly looks so old.

They were so excited to go to school this morning. I was a little disappointed Phil was already gone to work and couldn't be there this. However, he made it home to meet them at the bus stop this afternoon. It just made my heart flutter when the kids lept down the bus steps yelling, "Daddy!" and went running for him.

I have to say I was really shocked when Jackson told me he couldn't wait to go back tomorrow. Over all it appeared to be a fabulous day for them.

TTFN~

Toothless Beauty

2011-08-25T21:46:00.000-04:00

The missing picture of my toothless beauty.........

Emergency Visit

2011-08-23T23:09:00.001-04:00

Today was not what I expected it to be. For the last two weeks Kaitlynn has been complaining of mouth pain around her top two front teeth. Those teeth were loose and we were just waiting for them to fall out. Unfortunately for Kaitlynn her gums had other plans.

The mouth pain was created because her gums grew back over the hallow teeth and would not let them go. I had no idea. All of the sudden they are preparing Kaitlynn for emergency extractions. It was awful. She was crying asking him to stop. It was all I could do not to cry. They numbed her gums but the shot had to go in the most sensitive part of her mouth. There was nothing I could do but sit there, hold her hand and try not to pass out from the needles and blood.

So by 4:00 pm today Kaitlynn was missing her top two front teeth. But more importantly the pain is now gone. I hope never to sit through that again. I would post a picture of my toothless beauty but my internet is down at the house. I hope to have a picture posted by Thursday.

Until then.......

TTFN~

The latest numbers are in.........

2011-08-16T23:58:00.000-04:00

Usually when I am taking Madelynn for the dreaded weight check I blog about my expectations and leave the doctor's office bitterly broken hearted. Not wanted to sing the same tune and hoping to change history I chose not to blog about it prior to the visit. Actually all three kids had their annual physical Monday and strange things occurred.

We'll start with Kaitlynn she came in at 3'11" tall and 47 lbs. Not really a big surprise until the doctor told me she was in the 25% for her weight and 10% for her height. I knew she was thin but I thought she was rather tall for her age and come to find out she is short.

Then we find out that she needs to see an optometrist. I just gave the doctor a blank stare. The initial eye exam shows her right eye to be 20/40 and possibly something wrong with it. It sounds like no big deal but when Daddy is blind as a bat without contacts and Mommy you name it and her eyes have it. I can't even get contacts. So it makes Phil and I a little nervous. But we will see what an advance exam discovers.

Next we have Jackson, he was 3'10" (yes only an inch shorter than Kaitlynn) and 52 lbs(3lbs more than Kaitlynn). He is the big winner 80% for weight and 60% for height. The only thing I need to do is keep a better eye on what he is eating. His BMI was at the highest range to still be considered normal. So I need to just make sure that when he is eating more, it is healthy.

He is starting soccer in about two weeks and then wants me to sign him up for basketball. Once he gets into a routine of practice and games his body will change again. Right now I believe if Jackson stayed on his current path the doctor would be concerned. I am hoping Jackson just finds something he is good at and enjoys.

Finally, there is Madelynn. She was the shock of the day. When we last visited the doctor a few months back she was less than 26 lbs. I was so discouraged I was not looking forward to this visit. But I was SOOOOOOOOOOOO WRONG!! With all the excitement she could muster she JUMPED on the scale. She was so wiggly the scale wouldn't register. I saw where the numbers were headed. I finally said, "Madelynn FREEZE!"

Miraculously there was just enough freeze in her for the scale to register once. 27.8 lbs!!!!! My knees almost buckled me to the ground. During the summer, she gained over a pound and a half. To most this is no big deal, most days not even mentioning. For Madelynn it is like winning the lottery. Before Summer she gained that same amount in 10 months.

She topped off at 3 feet tall. These numbers put her back on the chart!!! She was 20% for weight and 25% for height. I was speechless. I almost cried when I called Phil as we were leaving the doctor's office. The days I sat and cried because she was in the less than 5% or I was trying to feed her and she refused are still in the recent past but I hope this is the beginning of a new journey.

Over all the doctor was very pleased. Not as please at Momma.......

TTFN~

Silence from the peanut gallery please...........

2011-08-15T00:00:00.002-04:00

Throughout the summer I have made different attempts to get Madelynn potty trained. Several times she screamed and cried and wanted no part of it, I let it go for a while. Recently I went out and bought new "cool" panties trying to encourage her again.

This weekend I am off four days due to the fact I don't work Friday's and I have Monday off because of a Church Holy day. So I thought what a perfect time to try again. I can be home with her for four days. So Friday we woke up went to the potty and the panties went on.

Things started out with me taking her to the potty every hour. She was doing really well. That is until Kaitlynn and Jackson got involved. For example: I take Madelynn to the potty, she is sitting on the potty, I am sitting on a stool encouraging her to go. We have a rule that we have to sing two songs before we can get off the potty. Madelynn and I are singing the songs.

The next thing I know Kaitlynn and Jackson are screaming in the hallway, "Did she pee pee! Come on Maddie you can do it! Mommy is she done yet!! I'll go get the stickers!! I look at Madelynn and she just looks at me like ,"Geesh guys!!"

I tell them no we aren't done yet! No I do not need the stickers! Go back and play please.

After that potty attempt Kaitlynn and Madelynn were playing. I reminded Kaitlynn if Madelynn tells you she needs to potty please tell me. Well Madelynn told Kaitlynn something about poo-poo. Kaitlynn didn't believe her, so she checked her panties and you guessed stuck her finger in poo.

So the next scene goes something like this.....Kaitlynn is screaming, "GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!!! I tell her to go wash her hands. She doesn't want her other fingers to touch the poo finger. Madelynn is running around, " Mommy I poopied!!" I get the girls in the bathroom and there's Jackson looking at girls like they suddenly grew two heads. It was insane.

Eventually things settled down. I thought we were doing really well with the one pooping oops! and a little dribble. Over all it was a successful first day. The second day was a bust from the word go. She woke up telling me she did not want to wear panties and cried. I told her she was a big girl and big girls wear panties.

We did the usually breakfast, get dressed, I set her on the potty and while we were brushing teeth she peed on the bathroom floor. It has been raining and the kids haven't been out much I thought we would take a walk in the neighborhood. We walk the big circle once and stopped to talk to one of the neighbors. The next thing I know she peed in the neighbors yard. It was so embarressing.

Suddenly I realized I was not going to win today and that I had a small window of time to get the yard mowed before it rained again, Phil wasn't home so I put a diaper on Maddie let the kids outside with me and mowed the grass. That too was a bust. Three quarters of the way through mowing, the sky opened up and fell, the kids are full of grass and we are getting pelted with water.

Trying to gain control of the situation I bring everyone inside, upstairs to my bathroom and set them on the floor. One at a time, they all went in the shower. I am suprised I didn't clog the shower drain with all the grass that went down it.

By the time Phil arrived home from work I was pooped. I thnk I fell asleep about 8:30.

Sunday was a much better day. Maddie did really well with her pottying. However Kaitlynn and Jackson were so involved Jackson was sprinting to get the stickers while Kaitlynn was trying to hand Madelynn the toilet paper. I could have done without the extra hands. But we even took her out to eat and she didn't have an accident. I still had to take her to the bathroom five times while in the resturaunt but no accidents.

We will see how Monday goes.....

In case you were unaware......I LOATHE POTTY TRAINING!!......

TTFN~

12 years.............

2011-08-14T10:38:00.001-04:00

It is hard to believe that twelve years ago today Phil and I made the giant plunge. If you ask Phil what he remembers ..... the church had no air conditioning and he probably left 10 lbs at the altar.

If you ask me what I remember......I lost Phil's ring and delayed the ceremony by almost 20 minutes, I was so nervous my knee was bouncing uncontrollably and Phil wouldn't stop laughing, the unity candle almost started a fire in the church, being surrounded by friends and family - some of which are no longer with us and waiting for the guests to arrive at the reception Phil and I took a walk. Not just any walk our first walk as a married couple. I remember feeling the summer breeze just blow through my hair without a care in the world.

Twelve Years ago today.

I have this picture on my desk at work.

The Wedding Party

The Bacho Family

The Addler/Covey Family

Life is so much different now. No cares in the world turned into three kids, a mortgage and juggling a job with family life. What I thought my life would be at this point, it is not. But like Phil and I remind each other almost everyday....we are together, we love our children and together we will get through everything.

Today there is no big date or fancy dinner. In our own traditional fashion we are going over to a friends house, Phil is helping them with a plumbing problem and as payment we are having dinner at their house. It should prove to be a good time and lots of laughs.

Happy Anniversary Pilbert!!! I love you!!

TTFN~

Family Weekend 2011

2011-08-11T22:14:00.000-04:00

It has taken me a few days to recover from the BIG Family visit and Madelynn's Birthday Celebration. The Family visit was fun but I was just flat out tired. I have attached a few photos from the weekend.

The Bacho Family Summer 2011

The Addler's Summer 2011

The Boys

The Grandchildren

As you can tell it really was a fun day. Thanks to my Dad who took most of the pictures. He always seems to get just the right pictures that make the best memories. As he would say these are "Calender Worthy". At the end of each year we turn in our best pictures to my dad and he converts them into a calender for the next year. It really is my favorite Christmas present. I believe he is considering using the follow picture for the cover compliments of Aunt Jenni.

Hope you are enjoying your last few weeks/days of Summer. Family weekend may have ended but Girls weekend is coming up and the Addler Girls can't wait.

TTFN~

Not Recommended....

2011-08-07T23:29:00.000-04:00

This year for Madelynn's Birthday celebration my sister, her husband and three adorable girls along with my brother all descended at my parents house and Family Weekend began. Five squealing little girls and Jackson began to play the instant we walked in the door, games, movies, make believe, you name it they played it.

We also did the usual and sometimes exhausting Family Photo! Trying to get six kids to stand still, look at the camera and smile along with the parents reminding the kids to smile and also look at the camera is also quite a feat. My dad's favorite comment to this task is like trying to coral a box of puppies. This year I think we did it in record time. It helped that we bribed the kids that if they tried their best, the reward would be swimming.

Although completely exhausting Saturday was an excellent day. Madelynn had the best time opening her presents and I have never laughed so hard seeing her in her Jesse(toy story) Boots, Jesse Hat and a hot pink tulle skirt. Thank you for all the great presents!!

Sunday on the other hand started out a little worrisome. I rolled out of bed about 8:30 and came downstairs to find Phil feeding the kids scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. As I jumped in to help serve breakfast Phil handed me the kids vitamins and Jackson's allergy medicine (dosed out in a cup for him to drink). As I handed out the vitamins I set the allergy medicine down. When I went to pick it back up to hand to Jackson I looked down and Madelynn drank Jackson's medicine.

The first words out of my mouth were, "HOLY CRAP!" I told Phil what happened, ran upstairs to get my phone and call the pharmacy. When I get the pharmacy tech on the phone I calmly tell her what happened so she can look the prescription up to know exactly what Jackson takes. As I tell her Jackson's weight verses Madelynn's and that I she drank one of his doses she responds with this statement....

"You know it is not recommended that your daughter take this medicine."

I was speechless. I wanted to scream and say I just told you it was an accident!!!!!!!!!!!!

Instead, I said all I need to know what kind of reaction she could have and if I need to take her to the Emergency Room? Her response was I need to double check something and puts me on hold. This is one of those times in life I needed to just breath through those waiting moments.

When she comes back on the phone she tells me she might be dizzy, the medicine will make her tired but it will wear off and she should be ok. Just keep an eye on her. All I have to say is if Madelynn had allergies this is not the medicine for her. Not only did she not take a nap today she ran at a buck eighty all day. I am completely exhausted!! Never a dull moment when my kids are involved.

Once I get all the pictures from my dad I will post some of them. In the meantime here are a few pictures of Madelynn in some of her favorite Birthday Presents.

The crown was part of a Birthday card and matched the new skirt.

The Jesse Hat and Boots came from two different people and exactly matched.

I just love this hat!

Thank you again for all the great gifts!!

TTFN~

2011-08-06T04:09:00.000-04:00

Dear Madelynn,

Today you celebrate your 3rd Birthday. But yesterday, during your last day of being two you absolutely pushed every single button on every single level throughout the day. By the time we arrived home I was literally exhausted and it still took you an hour to fall asleep.

With all that to say yesterday is history and today I not only celebrate your birthday but your life. There was a time not so long along I wasn't sure you would reach your 1st Birthday let alone your third. I am very grateful for my miracle in life, YOU!!

I treasure the days we have spent in the backyard when I pushed you on the swing under the tree. I treasure that even on your worst day at being two, I find you sleeping in your room as innocent as a cherub from heaven. I treasure that even on my worst day it only takes the simple phrase, "I wuv you Mommy", to change everything. I treasure that even on my most exhausting day, I hear, "No I want Mommy."

Thank you from always helping me find Joy and changing my life forever. Thank you for helping me stop and take a breath to see certain beauties in life.

I hope that you love everything about your Birthday.

Love, Mom

Happy Birthday Jackson!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Jackson,
When you wake up you will be 6 years old. I can't ask where the time went because I know, I was there.

The day you were born July 20, 2005

Your 1st Birthday!! (2006)

Your 2nd Birthday!! (2007)

Your 3rd Birthday!! (2008)

Your 4th Birthday!! (2009)

Your 5th Birthday!! (2010)

Your 6th Birthday!! (2011)

If I look really close I still see that baby boy in your first birthday photo. But at 52 lbs you most certainly aren't that baby boy anymore. I am relishing everyday watching you learn and thrive. You amaze me daily at how exceptional you are. I know one day you will be too cool to hug your mom but today, I love the fact that you always want me to tuck you in and I get at least three hugs a day. Which by any mom's standard is never enough.

Although some days it makes me absolutely crazy, I love your competitive nature and drive to succeed you share with Kaitlynn. You get so mad when she wins. I love the fact that you believe you are Madelynn's sentinel. It makes my heart melt to hear you read to Madelynn and teach her things. You have two sisters but you are capable to develop different relationships with them.

In a few weeks you will start playing competitive sports and you are so worried you won't do it right or will fail. I have to remind you daily that at your age it is the coaches job to teach you how to play. That absolutely stunned you. I can't wait to watch you play. But I believe in my heart when you find that sport you are really good at and like you won't remember the day you thought you might fail.

Today, while you are at Camp, I hope you have a FANTABULOUS Day!! Enjoy sharing your treat with your friends and don't worry I know which bike you want, I promise to get the green one (as you have reminded me daily for the last week).

Happy Birthday Jackson!!!

Love, Mom

Why I love my Friday's.......

2011-07-15T22:42:00.008-04:00

Those that know me, know I haven't worked a Friday in almost two years. This year or should I say this summer as been has been very stressful, crazy and some days I wonder what I was thinking?? But Friday's are my day to spend with my kids to do whatever we want.

Today, the kids and I didn't go downstairs for breakfast till almost 8:30. For Jack that is really late, usually he is wide awake at 7:00am (At least God loves an early bird). We were lacking in the breakfast food department but we made due and no one really complained. Jack was very concerned why I wasn't eating breakfast.

I had to explain to Jack I was having a few tests this morning and had to fast (I was allowed water) and could eat after it was done. It was just the simple exam for life insurance. No thanks to our previous agent we were forced to shop for new life insurance. So my exam was today. I think Jack was most fascinated with watching the nurse draw Mommy's blood. Maddie didn't speak she just watched with big eyes, not sure if she blinked or not. If you have ever had a conversation with Jack once he is fascinated with something he will not stop asking questions until he is completely satisfied.

20 minutes later we could move on........

Moving on meant getting the lawn mowed before it rained. It started to sprinkle a little but I was successful in mowing the grass so Phil wouldn't have to. Phil will have to weed eat as certain power tools I am forbidden to use. This particular one because it was new and slightly expensive. By the time we were done all of us had green feet and we discovered a few things in the yard.

A locust shell hanging upside down in the tree. Had it been a little closer I would have pulled it off the tree so Jack could get his science lesson for the day. He just thought it was really cool and wanted to know all about it.

Then we come to a slightly creepier event that happened outside today. I have this love hate relationship with spiders. They absolutely fascinate me as long as I can control how close they get. There is a particular spider I have an appreciation for. It is a simple garden spider but there is nothing simple about this spider. It is very scary looking but I love them....weird I know.

I was actually happy to find this spider because it is a part of summer. But you have to be careful there is never just one of them. I usually find 3 or 4 of them in my yard every summer. So far I have only found two. They are good to have because they eat lots of other bugs. But today I found the first one in the yard for the summer. I need to remind you this is a baby spider.

From the tip of the longest front leg to the tip of the back longest leg this one is about 3 inches long. Full grown these spiders I have seen 6-7 inches in length. They never try to come in the house, they love the sunshine and I am just in awe of them. (Creepy, I know).

After the spider science lesson we moved on to pulling up "baby" Bob's and seeing if we could get them to take flight. So before I mowed them all over again Katie and I dug three of them up and planted them in pots to see if we could get them a good start.

This one is Maddie's and she named it Minnie Mouse (original I realize) but affirmed my choice in the Minnie Mouse birthday cake I ordered for her.

This is Jack's. I liked the idea that his would be the tallest. I think he did too. However I don't remember what he named it.

I found this pot in the garage that Katie decorated for a plant we moved to the outdoors so she was only to happy to use it again. That of course is until it gets taller and she wants a mason jar just like Jack and Maddie.

When I woke up I had no idea this Friday would be Science Day but the kids loved it. Funny thing is they were more in awe of the spider than I was. I guest the apple doesn't always fall far from the tree.

Happy Friday,

TTFN~

Madelynn Rose

2011-07-09T22:47:00.006-04:00

Lately I have noticed that Madelynn likes to pose for pictures. She doesn't always look at the camera but she loves to catwalk...

Earlier today we went up to Costco and found these really cute skirts for the girls. Madelynn combined an existing skirt with the new skirt, a swim hat and came prancing downstairs.

She then decided to turn the hat inside out and become a pirate. She turned and looked at me and exclaimed, "AYE MATEY!!!!" Needless to say Phil busted out laughing.

I turned to talked to Phil about our little pirate. When I turned back to Madelynn this is what I found. All of the kids ended up with Phil's fantastically long eyelashes. Madelynn was the only one who ended up with my brown eyes and the ever famous kool-aid mustache.

TTFN~

Katie May........

2011-07-01T23:52:00.004-04:00

I really didn't have that much to say. Just wanted to share my new favorite picture of Katie May.

Not sure if it is the missing tooth, freckles, smile or that bright orange day lily in her hair. I just love it.

Happy Friday!!

TTFN~

Things the kids learned from the back yard....

2011-06-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

So in whatever spare time we might have (LOL!!!!), while the kids are playing outside Phil and I have been working on the yard. This usually consists of me mowing and Phil weed eating and we clean up the flowerbeds. As I was mowing one day I noticed out of the corner of my eye the fence moving. This is what was moving. They kids were ecstatic and wouldn't stop touching it.

One day Phil was working and dug up a bunch of landscaping rocks and brought them home. It took Phil, Katie, Jack and myself and the wheelbarrow to get them out of his truck and put them in the back yard. I wasn't quite sure what to do with them when we first started. As I cleaned out around the crepe myrtles we started placing them it all came together. I was really happy they way it all came together and it was free.

Something else we found in the yard were "Baby Bob's". For those of you who don't know, back in 99 we planted a tree not knowing what it was. So we named the tree Bob. It turned into this beautiful tree that has served as homes for the birds, shade for the kids and a perfect anchor for some wooden rope swings.

As I was mowing the other day, I discovered some of the acorns that fell from Bob (Yes, we now know he is an oak tree) in the fall rooted and new trees are growing. I harvested one and moved it to another part of the yard. Hoping it will grab hold and just grow till it's heart's content.

Below is picture of Bob today. I am hoping that in a few years I will the "Baby Bob" starting to become like the original. My only worry is that Bob is a hard wood tree and in a bad storm his branches won't bend they just break, fall down or crash into the house. Always hoping Bob remains good to us.

TTFN~

VBS 2011

2011-06-29T19:44:00.010-04:00

Over the last two weeks we have been very busy. Upon returning from DC, Kaitlynn and Jackson attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) and had a great time. They rode with me to the office and then went off to VBS. All week they were singing song and telling me Bible stories.

Kaitlynn was excited one of her Sunday school friends ended up in her VBS class. Jackson just loved it. He loved it so much one morning he woke up, dressed, and came in my room. He realized it it was way too early (try 4:30 AM!!!) so he crawled in my bed fully dressed (hat and all) and went back to sleep.

TTFN~

Honeydew and Chocolate Pie

2011-06-22T23:23:00.005-04:00

Recently the kids have discovered honeydew. They get excited when they see it and fight over it.

If I let him, Jack will literally stand in the kitchen and eat it as fast as I cut it up. Maddie likes it so well I bribe her with it to eat foods that are not her favorite. I make her take a bite of the meat she doesn't like so well (trying to get her used to it) in return she gets a bite of honeydew.

That is until it backfired the other day and she bounced up and down in her seat shouting , "Honeydew, Honeydew, Honeydew!!!" Since she ate half of a cheeseburger and she really dislikes ground beef I gave in and she turned into 'hoover sucking up honeydew'.

Since that adventure went so well I decided to get creative. I went snooping through the cupboards, freezer and refrigerator and found the following.....pie crust, chocolate pudding, cool whip, chocolate chips.

After baking the pie crust, filling it with the pudding and cool whip and grating the chocolate chips over the top I snapped a picture and sent it by text to Phil. I titled it, "Tonight's Dessert". Within a few minutes Phil walked in the door. After dinner everyone inhaled the pie.

As the kids were clearing the table I asked Jack if he would put the pie in refrigerator. Phil looked at me and said, "Are you sure that is safe?"

To take precautions I asked Katie to open the child gate and open the refrigerator so Jack could safely put the pie on the shelf. Phil looked at me and said, "Whatever."

I explained he has to learn to help and try new things, besides Jack makes life exciting. Just then I hear, "SPLAT!! Oh No!!!"

"Mommy I dropped the pie!"

I walked in the kitchen and Jack didn't just drop the pie, he dropped it putting it into the refrigerator and it went everywhere. On EVERY SINGLE shelf, in, on and under the drawers and on the floor.

Phil walks in sees the mess and says, "Is that exciting enough for you??"

Point taken.......at least everyone ate a piece before it hit the refrigerator and floor. Jack and I cleaned up the mess and YES it was interesting enough for me. Besides how else is Jack going to learn if I don't let him try knowing it could be a messy result.

So I learned that my kids love Honeydew and Jack is not ready to carry pie from the dining room table to the kitchen.

TTFN~

Graduation in VA.

2011-06-21T19:33:00.002-04:00

This past weekend we had the opportunity to help Phil's niece celebrate her high school graduation. As three generations of family came together, the afternoon was full of laughs. There was a boys on girls basketball game with the players ranging from 5-22. Lets not forget the scooter races or just cousins just getting to know each other. There were lots of smiles all around.

TTFN~

To my Dad....

2011-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

How lucky am I to still have my Dad......

For starters ask anyone......I look just like him.

So many people I know have had to bury their Dad, don't talk to their Dad or just don't know their Dad. I don't fall into any of these categories. Without my Dad I wouldn't be the person I am today.

He has a work ethic like I have never seen. He always made sure we went to church. Most of all he made sure we understood the importance of Family. I do remember times that he couldn't always be with us.....he was working. When it matters most he is always there.

He was there when I graduated kindergarten, elementary school, high school, and college.

He was there for paddle boat rides, canoe rides, roller coaster rides (I can't tell you how many coaster rides we went on).

He paced the floor in the hospital waiting to see Kaitlynn's face (his first grandchild/granddaughter). I remember the camera just clicking away but I also remember watching him hold her for the first time. He was such a proud Grandpa.

He bought Jackson his first baseball glove, spent all day putting a train table together and even when he shouldn't, the first one to go outside and play with the kids.

He talked and laughed with us as we waited ALL day....literally....for Madelynn to show her beautiful face. Although, Madelynn was not in our plan, but God's, he was just as excited to see her with his camera at the ready.

He sat in silence as the doctor's told us about Madelynn's open heart surgery the next morning. I know he and I talked that night but I don't remember much of what we talked about. I just remember he was there. I know he left that night, I don't remember when, except he was back early the next morning to see Madelynn one last time before surgery.

I can count on one hand the amount of Father's Day's we haven't been together. This weekend will be one of those few times. He is headed to a car show in Michigan and I will be headed to DC for Phil's niece's graduation. I have to admit I wish I were going to the car show with him. I have been there many times even took Phil once. When the weather is nice it is a GREAT day!!!

So to my DAD.....I remember the day that you walked me down the aisle. Right before we took the first step you reached over and kissed me on the cheek and told me that you loved me. It is a memory I will never forget. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories. I am sorry we won't be together today. I will be thinking of you today and hoping you have a GREAT day!

Happy Father's Day!! We love you!!

But Not Tonight.........

2011-06-06T22:25:00.002-04:00

Life these days have been really crazy......I am hoping in the next few weeks things settle down. But not tonight................

I am Phil's personal hairstylist. However if you have ever met Phil you would know what an oxymoron that really is. Basically every few weeks I "mow" his head. I promised to get the mower out after dinner tonight.

Katie went upstairs to get the bag with all the tools (cutters, comb, scissors, etc). While waiting for Phil to go to the bathroom, I jump on the computer. Little did I know that the kids unzipped the bag and each was investigating a different tool.

Yes!! You are exactly correct............you know exactly where this is headed........so drum roll please.... the answer is Maddie got a hold of the scissors and took three inches off the side of her head.

Lucky for me she has really blonde hair from being out in the sun, she cut the side of her hair that shows the damage least but it will take a year to grow out and then I will have to cut her hair short again to get it all evened out. I should have known. I did it as a child, Katie did it twice and now Maddie did it.

So the moral to the story is each child will be locked in their room the next time I cut hair OK!.... so maybe just watching from the next room.

TTFN~

What Might Happen.............

2011-05-31T22:42:00.004-04:00

Life has been CRAZY, Busy these last three to four weeks but they are finally settling down. Back in December Kaitlynn lost her first tooth. Since then Jack has lost two teeth and over Memorial Day Weekend Kaitlynn lost her second tooth.

Both Kaitlynn and Jackson were VERY excited to lose their first tooth. Jackson was so jealous that Kaitlynn lost her first tooth I think he was trying to loosen his teeth and it was a little scary for a while. When Jackson lost his second tooth it was really loose one night before bed. I warned him he might want to just wiggle it right out before bed because you just never know what might happen.

Well sure enough "what might happen" did happen. Not only did he lose his second tooth but he in fact ATE it. Yep! He swallowed it in his sleep. Mortified that morning, he was crying that he had eaten it. Praise God for small favors he did not want to see if he would poop it out. Instead, I quickly suggested he write a letter to the tooth fairy explaining what happened and see what she would say.

Due to our Chaotic May, Jackson finally this evening wrote a letter to the tooth fairy apologizing for swallowing it and asked if he could still get money. He is just beside himself with worry at the response. Shown below is the letter Jackson wrote to the tooth fairy. I did not help him with it, in fact I didn't even know he was writing it until he was standing before me proud and tall showing me what he had done. He was very anxious to know what I thought and ask me at least three times what I thought the tooth fairy would say.

I simply told him that I believed the Tooth Fairy would love his letter, especially since he wrote it all by himself. It certainly made me smile.

In case you needed a translation: I am sorry but I swallowed my tooth will you still give me money please I love you Jackson Addler (not sure why the M is in front of Addler, I forgot to ask).

Then on top of everything else, I lost Kaitlynn's tooth. Luckily I saved her first one so I dug it out as a substitute and she never knew the difference. I had Phil dig out some of the One Dollar coins I was saving and each of them will find two one dollar coins in the morning.

TTFN~

Camp LuCK 2011

2011-05-24T07:00:00.005-04:00

Things have been a little nuts and I am trying to catch up on my postings. Over the weekend we were able to go to Family Camp and get "unzipped". We arrived at Camp LuCK Friday evening and settled in for good ole Family time. By the time lunch time came Sunday afternoon we were absolutely exhausted but the best kind.

We are grateful for all of those who worked tirelessly to make our weekend unbelievable. Now that we are home, unpacked and all the laundry done we are already looking forward to next year. Thank you Jay "Bird" Thompson, Dr. Rene Herlong, The Jackson Family and everyone else who helped make our weekend of fun memorable.

See you all next year.................

TTFN~

I know I posted this on Facebook too but for family not on facebook I thought I would share.

A short little trip.......

2011-05-23T22:23:00.002-04:00

The day started out very gloomy, gray and rainy. We showered, dressed and headed to Fall Church, VA not far from the days events. My excitement was building in a strange kind of way. I haven't seen my best friend of over 20 years in about seven months and I couldn't wait to see her. Oddly enough I believe her Father would have understood that.

However, the reason I was headed to Virginia was to help my friend and her family say farewell to her father. He was retired Navy and was to be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

In the past I have only heard about what this event entails or seen it on TV but never witnessed it first hand. Experiencing it live is one of the most serene, breath-taking, reverent moments of my life. As we entered the cemetery we saw the rolling green hills, lined with the white headstones in amazing perfection.

As we waited for the events of the ceremony to get started, we watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown solider. Speechless as I was after that, watching my friend and her brother walk hand in hand behind the horse drawn carriage, I found tears just gentling rolling down my face.

This day I will remember the crisp, clean, white Navy uniforms, the impeccable perfection at the way they folded the American flag, the stunning amount of medals each solider displayed on his chest but most of all the words I heard are in blazed in my memory. "On behalf of the President of the United States and a Grateful Nation....." at that point the tears just fell in a slow steady stream.

I'm not going to lie I almost fell over when the 21 gun salute started. I knew it would happen but I wasn't paying attention to see they were getting ready. At the beginning of "Taps" I looked up at the sky and the gray clouds were gone and all you could see over the green rolling hills were blue sky and sunshine.

"Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Brett for the kiss of sunshine".

Probably the one thing I was most unprepared for was the letters my friend and her brother read out loud to their father before they closed the crypt in the columbarium. It was a final farewell that was sweet, honest and would have made him very proud.

Thank you Justine and James for including my family with yours. I will treasure the memory forever.

On a side note: You will see no pictures not even of my friend and I those few days because I of all people forgot my camera. I know my dad just let out a huge sigh. Of all the places to go and forget your camera this should not have been one of them.

TTFN~

Expected and Unexpected Visitors

2011-05-15T23:08:00.004-04:00

Friday afternoon we patiently waited for Phil's brother Jason and his wife Franka and two of Jason's boys to arrive. I don't think I have seen Jason and Franka for almost two years. It was very nice to see them. The kids were thrilled when they realized they were here.

We didn't do anything spectacular but it was nice enough to grill out dinner, the girls got to escape to get pedicures and the kids played until they were literally exhausted. Today as Jason, Franka, Jared and Kaden headed to the beach we started preparing for the craziest week this year.

Kaitlynn, spent most of the day completing all the work she will miss being out of school a few days. Jackson after watching a movie or two completed his as well. We head to DC this week to bury my best friend's father at Arlington National Cemetery. I know her father would appreciate the fact that he has brought us together even if it was to wish him farewell. I am so excited just to see her.

We will head home so that we can see Jackson and the rest of the kindergarten's in their year end performance. I love kindergartner's and this musical performance ought to prove a little comical. Most of all it will be nice to just highlight Jackson. Sometimes I think he and Kaitlynn feel a little left out and night's like this help remind them they are important.

But oh the week is not over, Friday afternoon as soon as school gets out we are on the road again for a weekend to get completely "unzipped". We are headed to CAMP LUCK - Family Heart Camp for the weekend. No phones, TV, or other electronic devices just time to spend with Phil and the kids and other heart families. Sometimes it is nice to be around others who have walked our road and understand a new "normal".

Thinking the upcoming week could not get anymore exciting..........I was soooooo wrong. Over the last few weeks we have heard strange noises in the wall behind the dryer. We knew we had a momma bird make a nest on the outside of the dryer vent and where we live you can battle with other small critters. Phil however was convinced it was a bird.

After dinner he decided to move the dryer and investigate. He pulled the dryer vent off the dryer using Jack's flashlight to look down the vent. But there was nothing there.......Seconds later a FULL size robin flew out of the DRYER right over the top of Phil's head. A slew of expletives "flew" out of Phil's mouth to described his shock.....I yelled WHAT, WHAT, WHAT, is it!!!! There was this dramatic pause and Phil yells "BIRD!!!" Here she comes rounding the corner to the dining room and I hit the deck.

It was utter chaos the kids are jumping up and down yelling THERE'S A BIRD IN THE HOUSE!!!, Phil is trying to compose himself not to swear any more and you can tell his brain is burning "How in the H_LL do I get a bird out of the house. As the momma bird is making her rounds about the ceiling, the kids are really freaked out to see the bird up close and personal and I just kept ducking hoping not to get pooped on from above; the bird flew into the blinds.

We were able to trap the bird between the blinds and the window. As Phil kept her trapped and hoping not to cause injury I stuck my fingers through the blinds and opened the window, popped the screen and away the momma bird went to freedom. I would have never guessed the noises I have heard over the last two weeks was a bird in the dryer vent.

But I believe the best part of the story was listening to Maddie retell it to Phil as if he weren't here. Never a dull moment in the Addler household.

To Jason and Family: So glad you were able to stop by on your way to the beach.

To Justine: My friend I am so sorry your Father is gone but I am so glad he is no longer suffering and the thought of your mother meeting him as he entered heaven what a joyful reunion that must have been. Can't wait to see you.

To all the Camp Luck Campers: I hope that all of you take full advantage of Family Camp this coming weekend. To Jacob's Family: I can't imagine what it will be like entering the camp ground without him but I know he will remind us he is there in spirit all weekend.

To Phil, my bird rescuing hero: Thank you for always reminding me there is nothing in life that a little humor can't cure. Hopefully the kids didn't hear the potty words, LOL!!!!

Hope everyone has a great week!!

TTFN~

Easter Monday......

2011-04-25T00:07:00.010-04:00

Today is a little bit sad....I am off of work Madelynn is out of school for her spring break but Kaitlynn and Jackson had to go back to school. I really wished they would have been out of school one more day. Yes I am one of those rare parents who is not wishing for school to start to get them out of my hair.

Please don't get me wrong my children make me just as crazy some days as the next mom but I LOVE to be with my children. Easter Sunday was actually more fun than Christmas. We rolled out of bed early and Phil made pancakes. We all dressed for church. This year we were able to celebrate Easter Sunday with Phil's parents and we went to church with his mom. We met Kaitlynn's God-parents at church too. It was really nice.

After church the kids gave me about thirty minutes of picture time before they ran through the back yard looking for Easter eggs. Jackson was so excited about looking for eggs he forgot his basket and tried to carry seven eggs. Kaitlynn collected the most with nine; while Madelynn wins the award for the most joy exhibited during the egg search.

Shortly after lunch Phil and Papaw dropped Kaitlynn and Jackson off at the movies with my parents, Grandma and Grandpa Bacho. It was a nice break from all the noise. However, I learned that Jackson can snore as loud as the Lions on the big screen while napping. Kaitlynn had been waiting to see Grandpa Bacho because she wanted to show him she could ride her bike without training wheels. She spent hours practicing with Papaw the day before.

Easter feast was in fact that fresh Ham from the farm, roasted chicken, stuffing, cheesy potatoes and just in case that wasn't enough pineapple upside down cake from scratch. All I can say is 'Holy Stuffed Batman'.

I was going to wait to share a few photos from Sunday but I changed my mind. Hope you had a Wonderful Easter Sunday!!

TTFN~

Easter Weekend........

2011-04-24T00:17:00.016-04:00

I love Easter Weekend..... There are no other real words for it.

For the last 12 years that Phil and I have been married and lived in this house we have tried to do some type of home project. Sounds strange I know but it gives something around the house a new beginning. We have built a fence, deck, flower beds, planted new vegetation of some kind, painted, you name it we have probably done it.

Saturday, we dug up two big flower beds that really needed a face lift. We are going to take our time shopping for plants both green and flowering to refill it. So today I do not have new pictures of what the changes look like.

We spent most of the day outdoors digging in the dirt,

assisting Kaitlynn with her quest to be proficient in her bike riding adventures,

watching Jackson peruse the street with his scooter and bicycle,

giggling as Madelynn confiscates Kaitlynn's scooter and helmet,

mostly just taking the time to enjoy the day.

As we were waiting for dinner to finish on the grill I had a few minutes to take a couple of additional pictures. I really liked them and can not figure out where to put them in the house so I figured I would at least share them.

All I can say is, "They are mine and you can't have them."

We hope you have a very Joyous Easter Sunday and are able to enjoy your family as we will.

TTFN~

Need to catch you up.....

2011-04-23T23:29:00.008-04:00

As we are approaching Easter Sunday I realized that I haven't posted in about two weeks. So much has happened in two weeks I wasn't really sure where to begin.

Shortly after Kaitlynn's field trip to the Zoo, Jack had his field trip to the Lazy 5 Ranch. Travelling with about 100+ kindergartners to a place to see animals talk about crazy times. It was lots of fun though.

Walking it to the animal area like you would see in the Zoo was this wild (but tame) peacock. The colors in the photo do not do it justice. It was beautiful. Listening to the boys as we walked around and freak out about being so close to the camel was very comical. But thinking about where these innocent little boys will be in 10 years......frightening.

As for me personally that day I received lots of compliments about Jack. Both the teacher and the assistant teacher were very impressed with him. They talked about the good choices he has been making recently and they were very impressed with his progress. I very much worried about Jack as he entered kindergarten, he turned 5 four weeks before school started, one of the youngest in the class. I had always wondered if Phil and I made the wrong choice. After the field trip I was assured it was the right choice.

I am not sure how it happens but Jack gets left out of things accidentally, too many times. I was VERY glad I was able to take the day off work and ride the bus with him to the ranch. As a family we had already been there. But that day, it was very nice to just be with him.

TTFN~

Milestones of all kinds

2011-04-11T00:36:00.009-04:00

If my records are correct this is my 400th post. It seems like quite the milestone that is a lot of posts in less than 3 years. This particular post is about a milestone of a different kind and what an exhausting one it was.

Kaitlynn came to her Daddy and asked him to take her training wheels off. So for the next hour Phil and I took turns running up and down the street behind Kaitlynn's bike hoping she would find her balance.

For those of you in desparate need of a laugh, Phil can always provide it. It is one of the things I love about him.

TTFN~

Our Week in Pictures

2011-04-10T20:10:00.005-04:00

Last Monday I had the opportunity to be a chaperon for Kaitlynn's first grade class to the NC Zoo. Kaitlynn and I have been there several times but this time it was really fun to go with just Kaitlynn. I didn't have to worry about Jackson or Madelynn's needs. It was really nice. Thought I would share some photos.....

The rest of the photos from the Zoo are below. The rest of the week seemed to trudge along until this weekend. I will share Katie's other experience tomorrow.

TTFN~

Our Week in Pictures

2011-04-10T19:09:00.003-04:00

Something Missing............

2011-04-06T16:00:00.005-04:00

Well not to be out done by his sister, Jack lost his first tooth after school today. He was very startled when it happened but was very excited. He has such little teeth to begin with but the gap is there on the bottom row. Hopefully the tooth Fairy can book us in tonight (and doesn't forget....HAHAHAHA!!)

TTFN~

Some picture fun......

2011-04-03T22:59:00.011-04:00

As we just recently celebrated the 12th anniversary of the day we bought our house, it was cause to celebrate. Most people don't celebrate that day. But I remember it like it was yesterday. I took a half day off from work, and Phil and I met at the lawyer's office for closing. When we left the office we thought it was some type of joke. We were only required to pay half as much as originally quoted to the closing table. Since it was in fact April Fool's Day we asked ourselves if it was some type of joke. But in wasn't. In hind sight it was the way God provided for us to also buy a refrigerator that we paid cash for and did not have to finance. This past weekend we were able to get some new pictures of us and the kids. My dad was wanting a picture of himself and each of his grandchildren to feature on his facebook page. This time it was Kaitlynn's turn. Since I had to nicely dress one child I figured I should nicely dress them all. Then the truth comes out. We walk in the door and my dad says, "Oh good I can take your picture too, I really don't like your facebook picture." It made me laugh coming from dad the perfectionist photographer. But I also reminded him that Kaitlynn took that picture when she was six. So needless to say if you reached this page from my facebook page, you'll notice the picture has changed.

As I looked through the pictures, I am reminded of how lucky I really am. I have a wonderful family starting from my dad who was a saint for trying to get my box of puppies all looking in the same direction and smiling. To my husband who silently sat there for an hour while I was smiling with my children. He really didn't want to sit and smile but he did for me so I could get a new picture of us. But he also let my dad take pictures of the kids and I but he doesn't always remember to do that. Usually I am the one taking the pictures.

Then I see these B-E-A-utiful (Jim Carrey reference) pictures of Madelynn. I was thoroughly impressed with all my children as they played in between pictures and turned the smiles on when needed. But I see Madelynn and it takes my breathe away first that I was intrusted with such a gift, to know she could have died and today she amazes me everyday. I hear people talk about they are waiting for their Miracle. Well she is mine and I Thank God everyday that she lived.

The picture below has only meaning for one person. In trying to get the picture above I told Madelynn to stick her piggies out so everyone could see that Miss Amy had painted them. However, initially it had back fired because Madelynn leaned over to pointed to her painted toes, then sat up and smiled. So the picture below is for Miss Amy. I know it will make her laugh, and some days a good laugh is all we need. Thank you Miss Amy for all you do for us.

Hope you enjoyed the family picture updates. Have a great week!!

TTFN~

Swimming Goggles

2011-03-29T21:54:00.003-04:00

I simply couldn't resist......

I will never understand the kids fascination with wearing swimming goggles around the house but it makes for really fun pictures.

TTFN~

Where have we been.....part 3; Procrastination is over.

2011-03-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

During my 30 day hiatus from blogging it wasn't because I didn't have anything to post. Some days I just had too many thoughts drizzling around in my head I wasn't sure I could put it into words and it make sense. So here's hoping I don't sound like a blithering idiot.

I received an email at work telling me there was an opportunity for a little mini-retreat on company time. During Lent things are very different around the office, just very quiet. The Director of Adult Ed brought in this wonderful guest speaker to tell her story about a stunning journey of forgiveness.

Listening to her tell her heart-wrenching story about the kidnap and murder of her 7 year old story was very sobering. Her encounters with the man who did it and how she came to forgive him was very compelling. Everyone in the room was very touched by the journey as there was not a dry eye in the house.

However, I was more in awe as the mother spoke about her journey and how God carried her, loved her, taught her and strengthened her along the road. She showed an almost impossible blind obedient faith like I have never seen. She spoke about how she had no idea how when she said Yes to God she was going on the ride of her life.

That was it. This was exactly how I felt. I had no idea when we said yes to God about every decision for Madelynn that we would be on a ride some days; I would beg Him to let me get off. I am not sure why for so long we endured this ride. That is until recently I would pray that I have had enough I can take NO MORE. Over the last two weeks I have watched my children play, laugh, sometimes cry but mostly smile. I forgot about the fact that Madelynn was a heart child. Instead I just saw my youngest child who LOVES to smile.

I still hold my breath at every doctor visit praying the other shoe doesn't drop. Sometimes I let my mind get away from me and worry about, I could not handle walking this rode again. I will never measure up to this blind obedient faith this mother carries with her. But everyday I get up saying Yes to God. I just want to make it through today being a normal family of five (whatever that is). As each of these days pass, someday I will find peace no matter where Madelynn's journey takes us (secretly hoping it would be no where).

Honestly, I am not there yet and I still carry alot of rage about this whole experience. But if this woman can find peace with God after her daughter was kidnapped and brutally murdered. My daughter is still alive and sharing sunshine where ever she goes; I don't want to miss it.

I believe and hope that each day of sunshine Madelynn spreads will make whatever darkness we may encounter later just a little more peaceful.

Here's hoping you find a little sunshine no matter what form it is in. With the pictures I posted over the last few days how could you not find sunshine.

TTFN~

And then there is part 2

2011-03-28T00:06:00.000-04:00

I have talked about this before but in our master bedroom it is painted two different colors. One color is called coffee bean but it looks like I smeared Hershey's Syrup on the lower part of the wall. The top part is an antique lace which is a very light brown, beige color with a white chair rail separating them.

Because of this paint decision all of the art on the wall is either a picture I or my father took converted into this sepia tone. I took this pictures at the same time took the ones I posted yesterday but I converted them to these tone. I was very excited about the result and hope to get them printed and on the wall soon.

Enjoy!

TTFN~

Procrastination just a little longer part 1

2011-03-27T20:25:00.008-04:00

I am not sure if it is procrastination about writing or the last few days I managed to get a few pictures that just made me laugh. I had been watching the weather and cold tempatures and rain is coming for about four days. I finished mowing the grass Friday late afternoon and about 30 minutes after I finished I saw the clouds rolling in. Before long I heard the rain. It hasn't stopped since and is to continue through Tuesday. Our 80 degrees days are a thing of the past.

In an effort to make the best of it I let the kids play outside till the last possible minute. With everything I accomplished I still managed to sqeak out a few pictures. I will have one more post of pictues and then I will finish my part 3. Part 3 is a little more difficult to write about so I figured I would procrastinate for a few days more.

So some made me just laugh out loud, some made me smile and some just melted my heart. I'll let you decide between today and tomorrow which ones they are.

TTFN~

Interruption.....

2011-03-24T00:13:00.001-04:00

I had one more post about where we have been but It was interrupted by the arrival of a small package this afternoon. Last Thanksgiving we went to Florida to visit Friends and Family. I have to say it was the most fun we have had in a LONG time. I know I posted my photos but these were some photos other people took. Thought I would share.

They clean up well don't they?

At the end of an eventful day, just not sure who fell asleep first.

In the nice Florida evenings, we could take a golf cart ride through Plantation acres you just never know what you would see.

The horses were always a hit.

Enjoying Nana Patti and Papa Dave's ginormous jacuzzi tub. Jack had a ball.

TTFN~

Where have we been.....Part 2

2011-03-22T00:15:00.001-04:00

While on this thirty day sabbatical from blogging all of the kids were sick in some fashion. Because we get early Spring the pollen comes very early. Combining that with a week of high winds Jack was one miserable little man.

We made our annual visit to the doctor to get his additional allergy medicine he takes for thirty days twice a year. It took a few days for the medicine to adjust to his system and getting him to take it at the right time of day. A few days later Katie came down with a virus that kicked her butt for about five days. Lucky for me it was over the weekend and I only missed one day of work.

Poor Katie just lay on the couch as I crammed liquids down her and she just slept for what seemed like days. Because I didn't see a significant difference in Katie and she passed it to Maddie off to the doctor we went for a third time in less than a week. We were able to get Katie something else and I saw huge improvements. It took her over a week to get her strength back. One day she slept 14 hours straight.

However, the damage to Maddie had already been done. Maddie had a weight check Friday and weighed over 26 lbs. Monday when we went back she was less than 25 lbs. She lost over a lb in three days. I was emotional wiped out. She officially fell off the chart and did not register in a percentile. I just wanted to crawl in a hole and cry because I felt as if I failed her once again.

I have been told, "Oh she looks great!", "Are you sure she has lost weight?", "What are you so worried about?".

Most of you were not there as I literally watched her whither away and beg the doctors to help her with her eating after surgery. She spent two extra days in the CVICU because of it. I have been to two different nutritionist trying everything I can to pack weight on her without turning eating into a nightmare. My ultimate goal is to pack enough weight on her that if it ever came to pass she would be able to withstand another surgery and lose a little weight.

The brightest side to these most recent events as the weather is changing Maddie is wearing shorts and t-shirts. The shorts are tight and need to be adjusted. It means that even thought she is losing weight and has a lot to make up for she is still growing. If she is growing she is still getting good nutrition just not enough to pack on the pounds but just barely over enough to sustain or gain and ounce here and there.

Trying to focus on that positive is what keeps me going; not to mention the infectious smile or the for no reason at all she walks up to me and says,"I love you Mommy." It melts my heart every time. The last few days have been very successful in the food department. We are making great strides. In about another week or so I will head up to the doctor's office for the dreaded weight check.

In the mean time I attached a few pictures of the scenes I see everyday that inspire me to continue.

This face is what makes me work harder to find a better answer to give her the best possible life sometimes at a very emotional cost.

This is a new photo that will hang in my bedroom. She just had to know what the Hyacinth's smelled like.

TTFN~

Where have we been......Part 1

2011-03-21T20:37:00.009-04:00

The last 30 days have been sometimes more than I can bare. To start Spring has more than sprung. I did get some pictures of spring arriving both in the front and back yard over the last month and thought I would share a few.

Two years ago Katie, Jack and I planted the Hyacinth's in the Fall and waited the long Winter to see the fruits of our labor. Katie and Jack now know when the Hyacinth's bloom we will spend a whole lot of time outside.

I have to say that the Plum Tree's are my favorite. It is a slow growing soft wood tree so it is perfect for the front yard. Overlooking the logistics of why I planted it in the front yard it is just a pure sign of spring and I love it. However today the blooms are all done and the dark purple leaves remain. I truly enjoyed my three weeks of blooming tree.

Last but most definitely not least we have the Pear Trees. The buds are pink but one fully open they are a pure white. Fully blooming the trees look like white cotton candy or a giant q-tip. The Pear Trees are EVERYWHERE. One year an old friend had been staying with my mom and he came home one night and was a little disgruntled. I asked him he told me he thought winter was over but when he was driving home it was snowing.

Now mind you this is in the middle of the spring and the daytime highs we in the mid 70's. I asked him where he was at when he was driving home. When he told me I just laughed. This 2-3 miles of road is completely lined with pear trees and it was the white petals shedding from the trees. There are so many of these trees on this stretch of road at night it looks like it is snowing.

So yes we are still around completely drowning in everyday life. But I suppose there are worse things. Have lots more to share and hope to catch up this week.

Happy Monday!!!

TTFN~

A little something to share.......

2011-02-20T20:31:00.002-05:00

Thursday I thought it would be a very boring weekend. I was very wrong. After I picked the kids up from school Thursday, I let them play outside. It was the warmest day of the year at 78 degrees and I didn't want to waste it.

Later that evening, Kaitlynn's first grade class performed during a PTO meeting. The bug theme was very cute. I didn't notice until I was watching the show that Kaitlynn had been practicing the songs for weeks. I heard her singing in the shower, cleaning her room and doing her homework. I loved all the bug hats.

During an earlier conversation, I thought Phil would have to work late Friday and most of Saturday. It turned out he made it home sooner than expected Friday and he and the kids goofed around on the trampoline. Maddie and I took a few pictures. It was a fun afternoon and the kids slept incredibly well Friday night. Saturday, except for a short visit with my mom, was a bust because Phil was gone working most of the day.

We made up for it today as we grilled out dinner with friends and rang in the beginning of racing season with the Daytona 500. While nobody's driver, in the room, won I thought it was kind of cool a rookie won. To be honest, I didn't want any of our driver's to win because in the last five years which ever driver won the Daytona 500 the driver tanked the rest of the season.

So although I didn't get to do the things I wanted this weekend I thoroughly enjoyed the First Grade Bug performance, I did have a good time with the kids Friday and excellent dinner and fellowship Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy the pictures. Have a Great Week!!

TTFN~

From this weekend

2011-02-20T20:28:00.004-05:00

To my sister.............

2011-02-19T19:25:00.003-05:00

So there is no doubt in my mind that I might be slightly in trouble for this post. However, it was done with great love and not for embarrassment purposes. Today is my little sister's birthday. However, my little sister is not so little anymore, in fact she is an amazing woman, wife and mom.

As her birthday approached I wanted to do something other than the mailing of a card with a gift card enclosed. But what for the woman who has everything. She has three beautiful daughters, a wonderful husband who loves her completely and this incredible, charming way about her; even when she is knocked down by the worst curve ball imaginable, she can still find sunshine.

For whatever reason, a very long time ago I collected her school pictures. The first photo in the collage below is prior to kindergarten, then her kindergarten through eighth grade photos. I know when she sees this she will be squirming inside, shaking her head wondering what was she (our mother) thinking at all the outfits.

On the back of one of these pictures she wrote the following: "Chelsea, Parents don't listen but oh well. I hope you like it. To the best sister I love you even when we do fight. Love, Jennie"

I realize some of these pictures are not her favorites and is probably wondering "I thought all of those were burned." I see my best friend I shared a room with, laughed with, cried with and oh fought with. From the outside, we are very different she looks like and sounds like my mom in so many ways and I look like and act like my dad not to mention I am almost 5 inches taller than her without shoes. With shoes, some days I feel like the jolly green giant. Our journeys in life took us in opposite directions until we had children.

From 2003 to 2008 our parents went from having no grandchildren to having 7 grandchildren. However, in 2004 one of those grandchildren, my sister's daughter, passed away due to complications from pre-mature birth. How do you recover from that? The courage, strength and ability to be human she showed all of us, she became my hero. I don't know if I could ever recover from that and she did it with such beauty and grace.

Thank you for being there when I needed it, being a sounding board when I just wanted to be mad and laughing with me when our children did something totally ridiculous. I like knowing when I am sitting in the car pool line with nothing to do, I can call you and we can talk about nothing and everything.

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful sister and her beautiful family. Although we are not there to help her celebrate, please know we are sending lots of hugs and love.

Anna, Jen, Ruthie, Dave and Lily

And.....Oh by the way.....since we never seem to get our birthday presents to each other on time I didn't want to break tradition, it is on its way....HAHAHAHA!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!!!

TTFN~

A Mother's right

2011-02-16T23:49:00.008-05:00

As a mother we have lot's of rights....the right to run and play like my 5 year old, the right to cry because I stubbed my toe like my two year old or the right to sit on the floor and play dress up with the Barbies with my 7 year old. Today I am going to evoke a different right as a mother, I am going to try and express with words about beaming with pride.

Two or three months ago I received a letter home from school that almost caused my teeth fall out. Kaitlynn's Art teacher sent home a letter asking us to give our consent to allow her art work to be displayed in the education building for an entire year.

My first thought was what in the world did my seven year old produce that required recognition like this. We had to wait several weeks for it to be ready for viewing. About two weeks ago, we received a letter from the superintendent of schools letting us know it is now on display and the hours it can be viewed.

Today was the day we went to go see it. The building is actually a rather boring square box. When we walked inside we were greeted by a very sweet and understanding receptionist. There is a hallway that goes all the way around the building with offices on both sides. About every 4 feet on both sides of the hallway are matted, framed artwork from kids all over the county. My best guess says there were about a hundred framed pieces out of thousands of kids in the county.

Truthfully I was speechless to see all of the beautiful works of art and that my daughter was chosen to be one of these few. As we started our jaunt down the hall the receptionist reminded us to please be very quiet as people are working and we would not want them disturbed. What I did not know was how serious she was about that final comment.

As we rounded the second corner of the hall I hear Kaitlynn say, "I found it."

After taking a few pictures I looked over and realized Kaitlynn's art is right outside the superintendent's office and he was there. I know it sounds kind of hokey but everyday for the next year when he comes to work Kaitlynn's art will start his day off right. When we left I thanked the receptionist for allowing the interruption and left with a HUGE smile.

Below are the pictures of our venture today.

Thank you for allowing me to brag about my artist.

TTFN~

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier in the week on Facebook I saw someone do a post about the upcoming Valentine's Day. You were supposed put a photo of you and your significant other and tell how many years the two of you have been together. Because of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (February 7-14) I left the Heart Tree up.

Also throughout this week I was urged to not only talk about my heart child but my other children. But what I haven't done is tell you about the glue that holds this family together no matter what, Phil. Whenever we are knocked down and faced with a new task, Phil wants to know what are we going to do about it, not mope about it. He always reminds me not to waste my energy getting upset but work on a solution.

February 14, 1998 was the day he proposed and my world hasn't been the same since. We have been together for 14 years and this year we will be married for 12 years.

We have experienced huge highs (the first time I told him he would be a dad) and astronomical lows (the day before Madelynn's surgery) but we have always done it together. Thank you for never getting off the ride and some days adding a few loop to loops just for fun.

Happy Valentine's Day Pilbert!!!

TTFN~

LCK Walk A Thon 2011

2011-02-13T21:55:00.002-05:00

For those friends and family who are not on Facebook, I wanted to make sure you were included. This weekend we participated in a Walk A Thon to raise money for Camp Luck. This is the Heart Camp that we went to as a family May 2010. However, starting in sometime in 2012 there will be Family Camp, for the weekend and also Camp Luck just for the 'Heart Kids' and their siblings for a week.

We are very excited to participate in this. To see all of those bright shinning faces with there walking shoes who could have asked for more. To learn more about Camp Luck click here. If you feel so inclined to send a tax deductible donation to Camp Luck (5013C applied for) please use the following address Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft 227 West Trade Street Charlotte NC 28202, Attn: Bryon Mulligan.

We are thrilled to watch as a young boy's dream comes true.

TTFN~

2011-02-13T21:54:00.005-05:00

Leader of the Pack

2011-02-12T22:39:00.004-05:00

To see her whether in a photo, playing with her siblings or standing back in awe at some new accomplishment all I can do is sigh. She is such a leader in this small pak I have and a drive like nothing I have ever seen.

Earlier this week we finished up the first session of winter swimming. At the end of the lesson I was speechless. Not only had Kaitlynn swam close to 300 meters, she learned how to dive. I watched the instructor ask her if she wanted to get out and walk back after swimming the 50 meters down. The answer was always no.

In the last 10-15 minutes of the lesson the kids swim down to the "deep end" to practice diving. In the phases to teach this skill the kids first sit on the edge of the pool and push down under water. Next they stand them up and have them dive in. Katie could not get the standing part. She was constantly belly flopping because she would lift her chin up.

After each child had two tries they were allowed to do any jump. Kaitlynn did not want to do any jump she wanted to keep practicing the dive. That is until finally she figured out how to marry herself into the water. It was perfection and felt almost like slow motion as her body melted into the water. My first thought was OMG SHE DID IT!!! But that wasn't enough she wanted to do it again and she did.

Today we went to the Levine Cardiac Kids Walk A Thon to raise money for Camp Luck (Heart Camp). For each lap the kids walked they earned a silly band in the shape of LCK with a maximum of 25 laps. As we counted her silly bands, she walked a way with 20. She, another heart sibling and a chd survivor all about 7 walked it together. It was very cute to see the girls round the corner and giggle all the way. Just like the swimming, I would ask her if she wanted to rest. She would always say no.

On Kaitlynn's most recent report card her teacher was very impressed with her outstanding math skills. However, she wanted Kaitlynn to practice her reading out loud to help her fluency. I talked to Kaitlynn about it explaining it wasn't like she received a bad grade but that extra practice was required. As I was cleaning up from lunch today, I found her sitting on the couch with Madelynn reading her poetry notebook without being asked.

She has this drive like I have never seen. In about a week, Kaitlynn will participate in the Jump Rope for Heart in honor of Madelynn. When all is said and done I believe she will be $50.00 over her goal. She is very excited about jumping and has been practicing.

Phil asked me one day where does all of this come from. I reminded him of all the compliments she received last year about her impressive leadership skills. As far as the Math expert she is becoming she can thank her Daddy for that. I could tell he had to stop and think about that and he walked away smiling.

It is no secret we are a family living with the Congenital Heart Defect but it does not control us and we are learning thrive at any challenge. Kaitlynn is my true example of that. No matter what crosses her path she comes out successful.

TTFN~

More to life.....

2011-02-11T23:08:00.003-05:00

As I said in yesterdays post there is more to life than having a child with a CHD. For example, I have two other children who have the most normal, crazy lives as far as being 5 and 7 go. So I can't spend all this time talking about my CHD family without telling you about the rest of the family.

So today is Jackson's turn.....ahhh my sweet boy....No really I promise he can be. LOL!

Some call him.....Opie Taylor......or Dennis the Menace....and some days even Ralphie......

Jackson has challenged me from the day we found out he was to be a boy. I started really gaining weight; that was until the day he was born. Of course I should have felt some relief since he was almost 10lbs!!!

When Jackson was about three months old he started getting sick all the time. He was cranky, irritable and simply misunderstood. After talking to his caregiver, she suggested he might have a need for tubes in his ears due to poor drainage and lots of infections. After plotting all of the ear infections and talking to his doctor, off to the ENT doctor we went. The caregiver was right he would be scheduled for tubes right away at 11 months of age.

The weeks before tubes I would play with him on the floor and make sounds for him to mimic but he wouldn't repeat them. Three hours after surgery we were at home playing on the floor. I started making the same sounds again and too my surprise he made the exact same sounds back to me. His ears were so bad he could not hear. Or at least what he could hear was like talking to him while he was underwater.

The victory was short lived as 21 months later he was to have a new set of tubes put in and his adenoid removed. Still not quite right, five months later just two weeks after Madelynn was born we were back at the ENT to talk about his tonsils. It took some convincing by me to the doctor but he agreed to also take his tonsils in a third procedure. He had to be three to have the tonsils removed, so 4 weeks after his third birthday they were gone.

Finally Jackson was really thriving and even though at first it was just me, he is really smart. I am sure Katie had a small part to play in that fact as he is always wanting to do what she does. Reading, writing, games......He wanted to do everything she did.

But if I had to describe Jackson, he has a gentle spirit. Don't get me wrong he is just as rough and tumble as the next boy but he has a huge heart. Eight weeks after Jackson's tonsils were removed Madelynn's damaged heart was discovered and two weeks later had her open heart surgery.

One day in the middle of all the pre-surgery drama, Jackson came up to me like we were best friends put his arm around me and asked, "What's wrong Mommy?"

It is truly by the grace of God that I was able to muster up the following answer. "Well Buddy the Doctor says that Madelynn's heart isn't shaped like yours and mine." I took my two pointer fingers and traced a heart on his chest where his heart is. I continued, "Her heart is broken. We have to go see a doctor to see if he can fix it." At this point I could not see as the tears rolling down my face were blinding me.

But what I felt was a three year old little boy hugging me as tight as he could.

When he let go he walked over to the bassinet, picked up Madelynn's hand and just held it. Today, I still see him pick up her hand the exact same way; as if he is going to guide her.

Watching Jackson now, I know I have my hands full with a five year old in kindergarten. In his most recent parent teacher conference, which I requested, I walked away speechless. His teacher started out by telling me that he needs to be reading level three books by June. He is reading level four and starting level five. By June he needs to read, write and recognize numbers one through thirty. He is reading, writing and recognizing numbers over one hundred.

In my mind I am thinking...."Holy Crap!"

The teacher shows me his first day of school Math assessment and it was off the charts. She looked me in the eye and said, "He is really smart."

Jackson still has a lot of maturing to do. This is his down fall. People see and hear him and expect more from him and forget a few weeks before kindergarten started he turned five. At this same time, he was starting a swim class that was designed for 6-12 year old.

There are days he thrives on showing others how smart, strong and independent he can be. But I won't lie I like to spend time with just him; my heart overflows when he hugs me every single day. I love to rush home from work to be one of the first moms in the carpool line just so I can see that beautiful smile.

Eventually, I won't be that person that surrounds his whole world. I will be standing back but cheering the loudest and whatever he has accomplished. I hope he never loses the gentleness about him and finds a way to celebrate it as often as possible.

Complete strangers come up to me sometimes and see the three kids in all of our normal chaos and say, "You have your hands full."

To which I usually reply, "You have no idea." I just smile and walk away.

Not sure what I would do if my hands were empty.

TTFN~

Congenital Heart Defect

2011-02-10T20:27:00.006-05:00

This week is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. What I hear most of the time is that 1 out of every 100 babies are born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). The more astonishingly statistic is that each year 36,000 babies are born with a CHD (according the the American Heart Association). In November of 2008, Madelynn became one of those 1 in 100. I must say it has been an amazing journey.

Below is a photo of Madelynn 3 days after surgery (November 2, 2008) and a photo I can pull out of my purse at any given moment. I don't want to ever forget but more important any chance I get to make others aware, I will do it any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

But if I was really going to do my job to spread awareness, having a child with a CHD is NOT the end of your world.....It is only the beginning. It is true your life will never be the same but at some point you find your road to be travelled and voice to educate others about your incredible journey. Levine Cardiac Kids is a support group for CHD families and they have really helped us see there truly is life after a CHD diagnosis.

CHD kids want to be and treated like everyone else. They don't want to be picked out of the crowd they want to blend into the melting pot and be as normal as possible. Most times unless someone tells you it is hard to pick those 1 in 100 out of the crowd. Does the smiling face below look like a heart patient to you. It is a recent picture of Madelynn that will soon be hanging on my wall.

If you are ever moved to make a tax deductible donation to the American Heart Association please note Legacy for Life on your check. Your donation goes specifically to Congenital Heart Defect research.

Today, Madelynn sees the cardiologist once a year, the pulmonologist twice a year (collapsed lung and paralysis in her diaphragm, side effect from surgery), a nutritionist as needed to help with her weight gain and we sneak in the pediatrician's office for weight checks once a month. She's doing stellar and her outlook is better than we could have ever asked for. We celebrate all the little details and worry about the big stuff when and if they ever happen.

Happy Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week!!!

TTFN~

HoneyBells

2011-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

As a Christmas present we received a three month gift of "Fruit of the Month" from Harry and David. If anyone knows our family even a little bit, fruit is a very exciting gift. My kids fight over fruit, who will get the last bite or banana you name it. They eat everything from, apples, bananas, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, strawberries......I don't think they have met a fruit they don't like or won't eat. So when the first box of fruit arrived you would have though we won the lottery.

When the second box of fruit landed on the door step, Jack was ecstatic, it was oranges. I had never heard of honey bells before and there was a pamphlet about them and some bibs in the box. The literature mostly spoke of how juicy they are and recipes to use them to their potential. I thought the bibs were really funny until I cut one into slices for the kids to snack on. All I have to say is it was one of those, "Someone could lose an eye moments". The bibs and possibly safety goggles were required.

Phil taught Jack something silly to do with oranges added to the wearing of the bibs proved to be quite the comical snack time.

Thanks for sending laughs to the house Aunt Joy, Nana Patti and Papa Dave.

TTFN~

Spring time weather

2011-01-31T00:40:00.004-05:00

We were very lucky to experience some wonderful spring time weather Sunday. I think we reached 70 degrees. The doors were open and breeze was blowing I couldn't have asked for a better day. I was able to take a few pictures of the kids while they played outside.

A few years ago Phil made two swings to hang from "Bob" (the oak tree). We did not know what kind of tree it was when we planted it 12 years ago, so we named it "Bob". The kids love the swings and run to them as soon as we tell them they can go outside.

After Sunday's weather, I have the worst case of Spring fever.

My girls

My little man

(my new favorite picture of him)

TTFN~

Time for a little catch up....

2011-01-30T23:56:00.007-05:00

Between Kaitlynn's birthday in December and Christmas presents I promised to take pictures of gifts and post them and I have not.....Bad Mommy!

So first we have a picture of Madelynn in her gingerbread nightgown a Christmas present from Grandma Bacho.

Then throughout her birthday and Christmas, Kaitlynn received lots of Tinkerbell goodies. When I asked Kaitlynn what she wanted for her birthday and Christmas she explained her room needed more purple in it and that Tinkerbell items could do that.

As you can see she received Tinkerbell wall art, comforter, sheets and blanket for her bed. Since all of these gifts it is never an issue to get her to go to bed. Thanks Grandma Bacho and Uncle Ted. As strange as it sounds she sleeps better. Not sure if the two are related but whatever works for a better night sleep.

TTFN~

39 is not old....

2011-01-24T22:37:00.004-05:00

Do I feel old???? The simple answer...No.

My daughter asked me if 39 feels different than 38. When I told her No, she asked are you sure??? Phil has been cracking jokes all day about me being his old lady. Since he is 4 years younger he thinks he's pretty funny. Then I was reminded that next year I officially become a cougar because of Phil's age. Today was a lot of good, silly laughs.

My blackberry (early birthday present) started chirping at 5:15 this morning. Thanks Justine even that early it made me smile. Of course best friends always want to be the first to send birthday wishes. My phone never stopped it was alot of nice interruptions. As I am typing it is still chirping.

Maddie sang Happy Birthday to me about six times with pretend cakes she build out of blocks. Katie and Jack thoroughly enjoyed the double chocolate ice cream cake Phil brought home. It was Yummy!!!

39 years......It makes me wonder if I am really living life the way I was meant to. Like any person, my life is filled with mistakes and scars. But those memories do not control my life. When I finally made that decision I have been happier than I ever thought possible. Let me assure you it is not because my life is easy or because I won the lottery. It is because my life is surrounded by family and friends that have been there for ever smile, burst of laughter, tears of joy and those of pure fear.

I am grateful for the friendships from those dating all the way back to kindergarten, that began the first day of high school, developed from former jobs or that came from life changing experiences. I am not the same person because of it and I like the person I am becoming.

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful, sweet and even some silly birthday wishes. It truly helped make my birthday complete.

TTFN~

Weight Update.....

2011-01-23T00:25:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know I should have posted the update Friday when we returned from the Doctor but everyday life just took over plus a few extra things.

So Madelynn's big # was 25.6 lbs. YES!! she did it. She is finally over 25 lbs. There was such a feeling of relief.

But I also checked my chart for her height and weight and she actually dropped in percentile's for her height and weight. So I wasn't quite sure how to feel and if it truly was victory.

Accentuating the positive, she is eating more food than ever before and actually asking for specific food and eating all of it when served to her. The other day I fed her breakfast and hour later she asked for a piece of toast. Before I could ask her she handed me a plate with just the crusts on it. She did the same thing with her peanut butter sandwich for lunch.

We are also really working on meats and potatoes. Up until recently the only meat Madelynn would eat was chicken and 95% of that must be in nugget form. However, as stressful as it is to work with her at the table sometimes, she is now eating pork chops and unbreaded chicken. I can usually sneak in a little ground beef with spaghetti. So we are making progress.

When we visited the doctor for her 2 year check up in August he was just sure she would suddenly turn a corner and just start eating like never before. As my hopes to that theory were dashed again, I am still waiting for that day.

If you see her, talk and interact with her you would NEVER believe the journey she is on. Everyday when I see her eat scrambled eggs, cinnamon toast, yogurt and milk for breakfast she gives me hope. If I could just slow down the motion and calorie burn just for a little while.

During lunch the other day I noticed something that made me smile. In the recovery room and the days following surgery with all of the wires and tubes attached to her, I was afraid to touch her. Her feet were the first to be free of extra appendages so I found myself rubbing her feet so she could feel my touch. As this went on, when I would walk in the room and talk before I could get too her bed I could see her feet moving. When I pick her up from school she has to wait for me to get down the hall she is jumping up and down. When she and I were having lunch the other day, we were talking and eating. I happened to glance under the table and she is wiggling her feet just like the days in the hospital.

Everyone says, "No wonder she doesn't gain weight, she burns it off almost as fast as she puts in." She truly is that body in motion that stays in motion.

So for now I will put my leery feelings away in a room and lock the door. If I continue the tunnel vision of her weight gain I would miss so much.....meals would be horrid and stressful, tears and screams would in sue or she would hate meal time. I want none of that.

I will be Thankful for my miracle, praise God for every day I have with all three of my children and let God show me when it is time to open that door again, but not today.

Happy for 25.6 lbs!!!!

TTFN~

Weight check.....

2011-01-20T23:21:00.002-05:00

A few months back I met with a new nutritionist for Madelynn. I was very excited about all the information that she shared with me and made some changes to Madelynn's diet. It has really been a work in progress. In the last few months I have been able to get her to eat beef, pork, chicken (not in the form of a nugget), she loves Trader Joe's Potato Tots (yummy), most vegetables and every fruit she has every tried.

I know she is growing taller and it seems like she has gained a little bit of weight but I am so afraid to take her for a weight check. Her last weight check she wasn't quite 24 1/2 lbs. She has been 24 lbs forever. The other day she stood on the scale at home fully clothed shoes and all and it still said 24lbs. I wanted to cry because I feel like I am still failing her.

But the other day Phil was playing with her and made a comment that today she seemed different. Almost like he was just sure she would be over 25lbs. I knew he was going to say it and I didn't want to hear the words...."Why don't you take her for a weight check Friday?"

My first thought was ...."You did it you said the horrible words I don't want to hear....WEIGHT CHECK." I LOATHE, no really LOATHE weight checks. I see her growing and changing and becoming so independent every day I hear, "No Mommy I do it by MY self." I step back and watch her do it with pure joy.

But then the reality check of the scale to see how much she weighs always knocks me down. I want to know but I don't want to know. To have a have a 2 1/2 year old still not even weigh 25 lbs would really knock me to my knees. So tomorrow I am going to bite the bullet and take her to the doctor for a weight check.

I need some positive news so here is hoping the weight is 25.somthing....I do not want to see 24.something ever again.

TTFN~

Trying to process the mess

2011-01-19T23:17:00.002-05:00

It seems like ever since we came back from our trip at Thanksgiving I am in my very own personal hurricane. I feel like I am just no stop spinning, stick my head out to take a breathe and back into the whirlwind I go. I let the last eight weeks of events control my life and it is now time to let it go.

While trying to celebrate my oldest child's 7th birthday we were informed that one of the Heart Children we have known since joining LCK in November 2008 passed away. This amazing young man was the epitome of this group. Seeing him "really living life" gave moms like me hope that my child could have this same type full life experience. When he died it reminded me how precious life is and not to take a second of it for granted.

But I am not going lie....I was really scared. Seeing this young man, you did not know how sick he really was. Seeing my daughter even on the day before her surgery it still amazes me that she should have died. But today as she runs into pre-school and she seems totally fine, how do I know the difference between those two days is she fine or not. Some days the stress eats me alive.

The last few weeks were not what I expected or hoped for either. It has been really sad, depressing and oddly lacking in laughter. I was very sadden by the death of my best friends father. I didn't have any really spectacular words to help ease her pain except to tell her that I loved her and I would see her soon. Oh how I wanted to help take some of her pain away.

In the same week I was informed that someone I knew from my last job passed away in his sleep at the ripe old age of 27. I just kind of looked up at the sky and asked God...'Are you kidding me?!?!?!' What appears to be a normal healthy male goes to sleep not feeling well and dies. I can't imagine what his parents are going through or his friends, I know, that found him the next morning.

While this is going on we have a snow storm one Sunday evening followed by ice the following evening and Katie and Jack missed four days of school, went to school on a two hour delay Friday and then they were out for a three day weekend for MLK Holiday. By Thursday of this adventure, I told Phil I needed to go to work or I was going to lose my mind. So he stayed home with the kids and I went to work.

The last eight weeks I have really felt beaten down and defeated and I want out of this rut. It has really been a struggle too. However, I am finding joy in old and new places. This is a new year and I refuse to take the heartbreak and sadness with me into the new year. One of the things that I have done is not worry about the stuff that will always be there. The dishes, dusting and laundry will always be there. But my parents, husband, friends and children may not. So everyday after school homework gets done, rooms are cleaned and we eat dinner as a family. Even if Phil has to work late the rest of us are still at the dining room table with his place left ready in case he makes it home to join us.

The kids are back in swimming lessons and it is as if the lessons never stopped. Lessons are longer and later than before so when we get home it is showers and to bed. Non swim lessons night, dinner and dishes are done by 6:30 so I can do anything or nothing with the kids. Jackson asked me to change his room around the way he wanted. I thought why not what would it really hurt. Since I did it, his room is clean EVERY day.

Back during the snow storm when the snow came down in HUGE flakes for hours I stood in the snow in my pajamas, wearing Phil's shoes and coat and took pictures. I wish I would have taken video of Phil bouncing Katie and Jack on the trampoline in the snow. The flying snow and all of the giggling would wash any tear away at least for a little while.

So going forward, I am going to find something to laugh out loud about everyday. I am not going to get frustrated when I have to wait for Maddie to blow Katie and Jack kisses as they walk into school. I am going to remember that every hug, kiss and 'I love you' matter and don't take them for granted. I am going to find someone to pass my positive energy to everyday even if they don't wanted.

Don't get me wrong I will still worry about Maddie and some days worry too much about what could be. Will Jackson mature fast enough to accomplish kindergarten and will Katie figure out how to get along with her classmates and not get into so much trouble. I am still going to get frustrated with my kids and need that few minutes of complete silence where someone isn't yelling Mommy 24/7/365. But my goal is to make those events less and less the center of everyday life.

My hope is that throughout the year I always find something to hope for to bring better balance in my life.

TTFN~