Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Flowers From My boy!

Today I received these beautiful flowers from my son Austin for Valentine's Day. He sends me flowers for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day every year. I am always surprised and touched when I get them. He is such a good son!!

Kolbe also gave me a nice card he made for me for Valentine's Day. I found it in my room on my purse! I was touched and surprised. I am soo blessed!!

Wordless Wednesday

Article on Austin From The Bangor Daily News

Sports

Michigan forward makes commitment to Bears

By Larry Mahoney
Saturday, February 09, 2008 - Bangor Daily News

The University of Maine men’s hockey team has landed another forward from Todd Jenkins’ Compuware Midget Minor Elite Under-16 team in Michigan.

Austin Watson, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound right winger, has verbally committed to attend Maine on a scholarship beginning in 2010. Watson’s linemate, center Stuart Higgins, had committed to Maine earlier.

Jenkins, who coaches the Compuware team, is a former Black Bear winger.

"Austin reminds me of David Capuano," said Jenkins, referring to the former two-time first-team All-American at Maine. "He has great hands in traffic. He has soft hands. He can distribute the puck real well, and he’s a goal scorer. I expect him to be a first- or second-round NHL draft choice."

"You can use him in every situation," added Jenkins. "He sees the ice real well and plays well in the defensive zone."

The 16-year-old Michigan native is fifth in the league in scoring with nine goals and 23 assists in 22 games.

Watson chose Maine over Wisconsin, Notre Dame and Michigan.

"I just really liked the way it is in Maine," said Watson. "I liked the atmosphere. It seemed like a terrific atmosphere to play in."

He said having his linemate and friend Higgins going to Maine was another factor in his decision.

Jenkins said both Watson and Higgins have been invited to the U.S. National Team Development Program’s camp next month and both have a good shot to earn roster spots on the USA Under-17 team next season.

Watson said he wants to spend the next two years "getting bigger, fine-tuning my game and shooting the puck a little more so I’ll be ready to step into a big role when I get to Maine."

Watson’s coming to Maine is dependent upon his being accepted to the school and meeting NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.

lmahoney@bangordailynews.net
990-8231

Congratulations Austin!!!

Join us in celebrating Austin's verbal commitment to University of Maine to play college hockey there. We are soo proud of all he has accomplished. He had three NCAA Division I schools to choose from. We all think Maine is a great fit. He called the coach yesterday after many months of visiting schools and weighing his options.

Thanks to all of you who have stood by us with all of your prayers and support.

Wordless Wednesday

Going To The Gym

Mike and I joined a gym for the New Year so we could get fit and healthy.

I must say that I am so blessed to have a dear friend to go with. We go Monday thru Friday. She pushes me in such a good way. I have lost 5 pounds in 2 and half weeks. We usually alternate between working on our legs and arms. We do our abs everyday and then the treadmill everyday for 30 minutes. All of this with a 1500 calorie diet an I am feeling very good.

I feel great and appreciate the help I am getting in keeping my commitment to get healthy.

Mike is not able to go as much but he is watching what he is eating more and getting to the gym as much as possible on his days off. I am excited to see what our transformations will be after a few months of taking care of ourselves!!!

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.