Wordless Wednesday

Meme from my dear friend Ruth

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Great Great Grandma

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? so/so

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 8!!!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?yes

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? um - yes

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Oh no - I am sure I would get the malfunctioning cord!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? apple and cinnamon oatmeal

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? mint chocolate chip

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their faces

15. RED OR PINK? red.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? my worrying

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Austin

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Grey and no shoes

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Special K protein snack bar

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My kids playing Wii

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Indigo

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? newborn baby

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Austin

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Hockey, baseball, football

25. HAIR COLOR? Blonde

26. EYE COLOR? Blue

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No.

28. FAVORITE FOOD? Chocolate

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? We are Marshall

31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer

33. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs - I love to cuddle

34. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake.

35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? "Home To Holly Springs"

36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Spongebob

37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? American Idol and Biggest Loser Couples(Previously recorded by me)

38. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Laughter

39. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Rome

41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Talking!!!

42. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Midland, Michigan

i tag anyone who would like to do this! It was fun!!

Wordless Wedensday ( I copied from friends)

Happy 16th Birthday Austin!!

Today is our oldest son's 16th birthday. I can hardly believe it!! time goes by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday he was learning to walk, then ride a bike, then skate.....

We are so proud of the wonderful young man Austin has become. He has lots on his shoulders yet he deals with it with maturity and grace. He has lived with my parents since he was 12 to continue on his path to one day play professional hockey - his ultimate dream. Through all the adjustments he has done so well. Through all the scouting and scrutiny - especially this year - he has thrived and handled it with poise. On top of that all he has kept up his grade point and focused. We are so very proud!

Just an fyi - watch out because he will be getting his license in February or March!!!

We love you Austin - Happy 16th Birthday!!!

Pic 1 - Austin with his teammates at the Michigan vs Notre Dame football game. He is on the far right in the bottom. Pic2 - Austin playing with his brothers and friends in Michigan in August. Pic 3 - Austin comparing muscles with RJ

Captial One Bowl Game New Year's Day

On New Years Day we were fortunate enough to have tickets for the Capital One Bowl game with Michigan vs Florida. Of course having been born and raised in Michigan it was a no brainer who Mike and I were rooting for. My sister and her husband came too - it was their idea to go - but they were split. She was rooting on Michigan and he was going for the Gators.

We had the best time! W got there early so we could tailgate which was lots of fun. All the fans really enjoyed themselves and were very kind to each other. During the game it was a nail biter. it is one of the best football games I have ever seen. I never wanted to leave my seat- even to use the facilities. The highlight of the game for me was when my best friend called me from the New Years Day party her family was at with many of our other dear friends. They put me on speaker phone and they yelled and cheered on the Wolverines with me!! It was the best!!!

The pictures are of Mike, Me , my sister and Brother-in-law tailgating outside the stadium. Mike and I in our seats. The Michigan Wolverines coming on to the field - you can tell how high up we were but we could see everything very well. Last is the Wolverines running on the field after their 41-35 victory over the Florida Gators.

Go Blue!!!!

Sunning on Our Dock Today....

Today as we were sitting down to lunch Mikey says "Look at that turtle in the water" So I look and I totally miss seeing the turtle because I see this very large iguana sunning himself on a chair on our dock. The kids were thrilled and of course wanted to capture him to have as a pet! I must say he was pretty amazing. It is a perk to living in Florida to have such a variety of wildlife right in your own backyard..

Our Visit to the Nursing Home Tuesday

On Tuesday we went to a local nursing home with other home schoolers from our parish. Father came and said mass, we sang Carols, and then the kids helped give out gifts and even helped some of the residents open theirs.

this was such a wonderful experience for my kids. It is actually the first time we have done this. They were a little shy at first and taking in their surroundings. Once they warmed up they jumped right in.

Maggie tried to take a couple of the residents for rides, Kolbe helped open some gifts, Christian shook hands and said "Hello" to many of the residents....it was wonderful. It was so nice to see them interacting with the residents and seeing how happy the residents were to have children among them.

What Happens When a 4 yo Trys To Ride a 2 wheeler

About a week and a half ago Christian decided to take on rising a two wheeler. Unfortunately the bike won! Christian feel off and hurt his eye pretty good. He came in the house with blood coming out of the corner of his eye which was frightening. He had cut himself up under the eyelid in the corner. Luckily he was just swollen for a few days.

I am sure next time he will wait for someone to teach him how to ride and pick a slightly smaller bike!

May Tracy and All The Souls...

Of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in Peace - Amen

Yesterday our dear friend Tracy passed away after a year long fight. A year ago in October she had a heart aneurysm and during the open heart surgery to save her she suffered a stroke. She was badly brain damaged. She was on a feeding tube and respirator. Over the past year she started to make improvements - she was taking some breaths on her own occasionally and beginning to respond by movement and trying to open her eyes to familiar voices and music. Well - her heart gave out yesterday morning and they were unable to revive her. Tracy was such a wonderful person. She loved God and was a loyal and faithful friend. We will miss her very much but know she is on her way to the Lord. At least she is whole again and not suffering anymore.

We will miss you Tracy - God Bless your family and friends in their time of grief.

Happy Birthday To My Dear Husband

Today is my husband Mike's 37th Birthday.

Happy Birthday Mike! I am so proud of the husband and father you are. I love how open to life you are and how much you love all of us. No matter how big my faults you love me unconditionally.
I hope that you are blessed with a great year this coming year. May God Bless you and keep you close to his Heart.

I love you very much!! Thanks for all you do and for our beautiful children!!!

Remember With Me...

Today is one year since my D & C with Ambrose. This year has gone by so fast and yet I have cried many times over the loss of our precious Ambrose and our two other babies . It has been hard, but it is comforting knowing my babies are in heaven.

I remember so clearly going to my in-laws for Thanksgiving a year ago and telling everyone we were having a baby; a week later going to the doctor and there seeing my perfect little one with no heart beat. Crying all day and knowing that I was going to have a D & C 4 days later. Going in and wishing it wasn't true but knowing that I saw with my own eyes that there was no heartbeat and knowing it before they even told me. Feeling so much pain and being so sick after the surgery - two hours to come to - being sick for hours afterwards. The phone call the next morning from my doctor telling me that I had lost a lot of blood because the baby was not 12 weeks as we had thought but 4 weeks further - 16 weeks. Crying and crying with my hubby and kids. Feeling all those postpartum things but with no baby to hold and love....

Please pray for us today and remember with us.

Kolbe's First Reconciliation

Kolbe made his First Reconciliation on Saturday December 2nd. It is such a special day for all the kids. Kolbe did a wonderful job and had his Act Of Contrition all memorized.

Each child made a lamb and put their lamb on the banner after they made their Confession to Father. The kids also sang a song after they were all done. The following day they were announced at Mass and then there was cake and punch for them in the Parish Hall to celebrate their sacrament with them.


You see Kolbe with his lamb, waiting to go to confession, in front of the banner with all the lambs, and then at the parish hall with his buddy Jack after eating his cake.


Congratulations Kolbe!!!

Happy Belated Birthday Ben

Ok - I am the biggest slacker - I am way behind on Ben's Birthday post seeing as his birthday was November 20!
Ben turned nine this November and is just a delight. he is such a sweet and smart boy. he likes to play soccer and baseball. As you can see he got catchers gear for his birthday from Aunt Chris and Grandma and Grandpa. He loves it! He uses it as much as he can for now. Baseball season will put it into much more use.

We had a nice celebration at our house with Aunt Jenny, Uncle John, and Jake. Then we celebrated again at Thanksgiving with Grammy, Grandpa, Aunt Kris , and Uncle Brian. So much fun for such a wonderful and handsome boy.

God bless you this year Dear Ben!

Joy And Thankfulness

I just had to post and tell you how happy, excited and absolutely grateful I am today. My hubby finally got a job!! It has been a long 3 months let me tell you. He started working today for a company called Majestic Airport Transportation. He picks people up at the airport and takes them to their destination or else picks them up at home or the hotel to take them to the airport. They pay everyday and he makes 1/2 of each fare ( they are set fares) plus tips. So far he loves it!!

The drawbacks are that he is an independent contractor so there are no benefits. Also the hours are long - 12 to 16 hours per day. The great part is they pay everyday and provide the vehicles (either a van, mini-van or a town car) This is such a good job for him I am sure he will succeed.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed, offered encouragement and just listened when I needed to vent. I love you all and I am so thankful to our Good Lord for this job!!!

Fun With Maggie

Hi All - I am very behind on posting but I thought I would post some of the silly, crazy, and funny things Maggie has done recently.

The first story is from Thanksgiving at my in-laws. After eating turkey and all the trimmings, watching a great movie called "the Ultimate Gift" and playing outside we had some sandwiches for dinner before heading back to Cape Coral - a 3 hour drive. Maggie was eating her sandwich while her brothers sat and ate also. Some of them finished before her and asked Grammy for an apple. Maggie then decides that she would also like an apple. We tell her she may have one after she finishes her sandwich. After banging her hands on the counter and saying she wants apple and getting the same answer she decides on a different route. She takes what is left of her sandwich off of her plate and puts it on the loaf of bread in front of her. After doing this she proceeds to hand Grammy her empty plate and wait for her apple. Needless to say after watching this and hiding our laughter she still did not get the apple for she never finished her sandwich.


Today while I was our running errands Maggie was taking her nap. We have put her in a "big girl bed" - actually her crib converts to a day bed. Now that she is in a "big girl bed" we sometimes find her sleeping other places besides her bed at nap time. When Mike went in to check on her he found her asleep in the rocking chair. He was amazed that she could curl up and fit in such a small space and still be comfortable enough to sleep. As you can see she looks so sweet sleeping in her rocking chair with her blankets, pillow, and care bears.

The last one is the icing on the cake! Today after maggie woke up from her nap she kept telling Mike to "get it out" while pointing at her nose. We thought she had a big booger in there so we kept trying to clear out her nose. Then she tells Mike "to get it out" and shows him a popcorn seed. He asks me to look and see if she has a popcorn seed in her nose but I do not see one from the angle I am looking so I say "no" and think no more of it. About 10 minutes later she is rubbing her nose and saying "get it out" and getting ready to cry. I decide I better take a better look up her nose to make sure it is clear. I put her on my lap and tilt her head back and sure enough there is a popcorn see up her nose!!!! Luckily there is some space on the top so it is not totally lodged in. I tell her to blow her nose and she makes me get a kleenex first. While Mike is getting the tweezers I am able to push her nostril back enough to bring it forward and then I am able to use my little finger to get it out. Immediately afterwards she says "Better now". Amazing how that works isn't it? After all those boys she is the first of our kids to put something in their nose.

Oh my - here I am typing and she is at it again. Maggie has been chewing a piece of gum now for about an hour. This is amazing to me as it is since my boys never master the concept of chewing gum until they are about 4 or 5 and she is only two. The only problem is she likes to put it places and then go back a little later - like a minute or so - and chew it again. Well just a minute ago I asked her where her gum was. She runs over to our entertainment center - which is missing its door handles so it has two holes - and shows me her gum put neatly in the little hole where the handle should be. She then picks it up and starts chewing again.

I tell you she just cracks me up! She sure does keep us on our toes!!!

Go Illinois

Thank you Fighting Illini!!!




I never thought I would be so excited to see one team beat another, but today I am!! Thanks to the Fighting Illini for beating Ohio State! Because they came into Columbus and beat the Buckeyes it is now a show down between Michigan and Ohio State for the Rose Bowl. I am praying that Chad Henne and Mike Hart will be healthy enough to play next week in the 'Big House'. What a sweet victory it will be if Michigan can pull this off. Now - I am smart enough to see that Michigan will need it's home field advantage and Henne and Hart, but as we can see nothing is impossible. Go Blue!!

Biopsy Results

Yesterday I was told the results of my 2nd biopsy! What great news- they got all of the cells. I need to go back in 6 months for an all over skin check, but that is all! I am so happy. thanks for all of your prayers.

Halloween, Chicago, And more

Yesterday was so much fun. In the afternoon the boys helped clean out the pumpkin so I cold make pumpkin seeds and Dad could carve the pumpkin. Then My sister, brother-in-law, and nephew came over for piza and trcik-or-treating. The kids all dressed up so cute a you can see. Mikey was the basketball head, RJ was a ninja, Ben was Darth Vader, my nephew Jake was a warrior, Kolbe was a football player, Nate was Captain Jack Sparrow, Christian was a fire Fighter, and Maggie was Dorothy. I must say it was so much fun dressing her up. She said trick-or-treat , Happy Halloween, and thank you when she got candy. She was a hit around the neighborhood as well as all of the kids. I must say I thought we would have a lot more trick-or-treaters than we did. Now I have tons of candy left over in addition to their haul.

Today I leave for Detroit so I can go to Austin's tournament in Chicago. I am really looking forward to the time with Austin and my family. It is going to be buys but wonderful. Austin and I are also going to be seeing some very dear friends while we are there. I can't wait it has been years since we have seen them.

Please keep prayingf or Mike's job situation. He did not get the city job. They gave it to someone with previous police dispatch experience. He did apply for 911 dispatch where we live and call taker for Ft. Myers. Please pray he gets a job soon. Also my job has ended. The company I work for has ceased operations. I am so bummed. It was a great job for at home and I was starting to earn a decent amount. I know God has a plan I just wish it involved jobs for our family.

Not much else new but you know I will be posting when I get back from Detroit.