Christmas

Christmas was great this year. B got a new quad which he's wanted for awhile, and had no idea he was going to get. (I can't believe I kept a secret that long!).

We wrapped up the keys and put a note in the box that said "look outside". It was great.

Merry Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Chickens

Anyone know anything about chicks? We are the proud owners of five baby chicks. I think two maybe roosters and three are hens, but I could be wrong. They are pretty darn cute. I've wanted to get chickens for quite some time. If I have to live out in the country at least I could get fresh eggs!!!! My luck they will all turn out to be roosters and I'll get arrested for cock fighting!

They are adorable though...

It's been too long.

Wow I haven't posted here in a long, long time.

Well most important on the list is this:

BEST REPORT CARD EVER!

This little piece of paper has brought great joy to our household. It also cost me $250! We pay B $20 for every A, $10 for every B. We made this deal with him when he was in third grade, and only got graded is 5 or 6 classes. Now it is breaking the bank! But it's worth it because he's worked very hard this year and we are so proud of him.

As a reward for his great work, we let B adopt a pair of homeless chinchillas:

If you don't know what a chinchilla is think mouse face, rabbit body, with a squirrel tail. It's also the softest thing you will ever feel in your life. Soon, we ended up with SIX homeless chinchillas. I have reached my limit. Although they aren't much trouble. They don't smell at all. They don't really shed. They are pretty low maintnance pets. B even spent some of his report card money to buy them a new cage, which I thought was pretty grown up. He takes care of them. Feeds, waters, even cleans the cages! I'm pretty impressed.

Halloween

B is away at camp for the week. I really miss him. I feel lost without him. It's hard to cut those apron strings. But, I'm sure he is having the time of his life. He'll probably come home and sleep for 12 hours.

For the first 6 or 7 years of Brendan's life my mom made his Halloween costumes. When he was 2 she made him a dinosaur costume. He loved it. We still have it, and last week Mason tried it on.

First Concert

We took B to his first concert Saturday night. He's into rock music. I'm not. But this was pretty good. It was called The Music of Led Zeppelin. The guy that sang the music was pretty close to the real thing, but it was different because they also had a 50 piece orchestra there. Weird I know, but it works. If they are in your area it's worth it to see them at least once.

Here are a few pictures. I had to take one because we got to park front row, about 20 feet from the entrance at DTE and that never happens. Last time we were there we had to walk like a half a mile to the entrance!

Where Did The Summer Go?

Has anyone seen the summer? It seems to have disappeared. I can't believe that school is starting on Tuesday! :( I like spending the summer with B. He and I spend a lot of time together.

We've been gardening hard this year. Everyday we are out there doing something. Last night I made garlic potatoes from the potatoes we grew in our garden. They were so good. I even used our fresh grown basil on the salmon. Yum! This is the first year we've gardened, and we are getting pretty good at it!

We tried to grow watermellon this year, and were so excited they grew. I don't know how to tell when they are ripe, so I asked my grandma. She told me the thump them and if they sound hollow they are done. So we came home and thumped the biggest one and it sounded hollow. After much deliberation we decided to pick it. We took it inside and cut it.

It wasn't ripe yet! :( My pig liked it though.

And, just for laugh's, here's a picture of B haming it up for the camera. (That is a tomato in his hand. Our tomatoes are so big they are taking over!)

Summer Fun

This summer has been very busy for us. Two weeks ago we went to an annual rib cook-off that they have in my hometown. Just as we were getting ready to leave there was a downpour, and I mean DOWNPOUR! I left B and my grandson M under a tree and ran to get the car. This wasn't the greatest idea because it rained right through the tree and by the time I got back to them this is what they looked like:

Everytime I look at these I laugh because poor M was so mad. He kept yelling "Why you leab me GG!"

Hard Times

B has been having a very hard time dealing with his sister's death. I feel so sorry for him because this is a pain I can not fix. All I can do is help him work through it. He has been seeing a counsoler, and I do think it is helping. But even the mention of her name will send him into bursts of tears. I just don't know how to help him, and it breaks my heart. He NEVER talks about her, and hasn't told any of his friends about her. It's just so sad.

I think his pain is worse than mine. That must be how my mom feels.

Busy Weekend

We have a super busy weekend. I am the Vice President of our local festival, and we had tons of things to do this year. B got to spend alot of time with his friends. He stayed at my mom's Thursday night, Friday night he didn't get home until about midnight, Saturday night he had a friend stay over, and Sunday night he stayed at a friend's house. He fell asleep at 7:00 today. As soon as we got home he took a shower, ate, then fell asleep on the couch. That's the second time he's done that this summer, and I love it. He hasn't done that since he was very little. He even got to be in the parade, which he enjoyed.

Here's a picture. Don't mind the hair. It rained all day.

Gardening

B has become quite the little gardener. My husband went a little crazy this year, and we ended up with a barry patch which includes strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and blueberries. I'm actually excited about the berry's, but I'm really excited about the zuccini. I love zuccini. I will eat it for lunch and dinner all summer long. I won't bore you with a list of all the stuff we're growing, but trust me when I tell you it's alot. The pictures don't really do the garden justice, but believe me when I tell you it's my husband's pride and joy. :)

Happy Fourth of July

We are celebrating the Fourth of July on the fifth actually because that is when the big fireworks are where we live. The fifth actually will be our four month anniversary since we lost our baby Brenna. I'm not sure what the day holds for us, but I'm feeling like the day will be good. I hope you all have a happy (and SAFE!) Independence Day.

Growing Up

Where has this year went? B is growing up so fast, it's unbelievable! It seems like just yesterday he was a little baby. Now he's almost as tall as I am. He's grown so much that we had to buy him all new clothes. Nothing fit. NOTHING. Not even socks or underwear. He grew two inches in two months. He's also decided to grow his hair long. I think it's safe to say that I hate it. But his dad had long hair when he was B's age, so it must be in his blood.


As I write this he's outside helping his dad in the garden. He's become quite the little gardener. This summer has been busy for him, and I'm glad. It's good to stay busy.



I don't know where the past few years have gone. It seems like he was just born. I wish our kids could stay little forever. They really do grow up way too fast. The picture on the right is of Brendan and I. He was about 5 or 6 months. I was 20. That was probably the best time in my life. I miss those times.

Busy Weekend

We had a super busy weekend that included a hotel stay, suprise birthday party, visit to the grandparents, a wedding, swimming, and boat races. We've went to the boat races every year of B's life, so we couldn't miss it no matter how busy we were. He enjoyed it with a few of his friends.

The day before we left B stayed at a friends house. They must have stayed up all night long because he came home and fell asleep watching TV. That never happens so I had to snap a picture.

Take Your Dog to Work Day

Yes, it's true. Today is National Bring Your Pet to Work Day. Since I'm going out of town for a few days, I thought I'd share this little tidbit with you and schedule it to post today.


I love my dogs. Well, actually I love one of my dogs like she is a child. The other two I like on varying levels. (It really depends on if they woke me up barking during the night, or scratched my screen and ripped it again, etc.) We have three dogs, all of whom I brought home (my husband must really love me!).


Daisy is a Shih Tzu that we got 9 years ago. She was a rescue dog, and in very bad shape when we got her. She is my love. I seriously love this dog like she is a child. She goes on vacation with us, actually she goes everywhere with us. She's 10 years old now, and I know she's getting old (but still acts like a puppy!). I dread the day I have to say goodbye. My brother jokingly tells me he expects me to keep her DNA and clone her. I laugh and say I will. I'm not joking.

Lilo is a mutt that someone was trying to give away at the grocery store. She was about 6 weeks old when I felt bad for her and brought her home. She's 5 now, and still not that smart. We love her anyway. She hates it inside (and I hate her fur inside), and we live out in the country so she spends most of her days running around chasing who-knows-what in our fields. She's a good girl, and never leaves our yard.

Peanut is a Chihuahua that my brother found as a stray. When we found him he weighed less than four pounds. He was a sad sight. B always wanted a Chihuahua, and when I saw him I really fell for him. Although we're not sure how old he is, he's getting up there in age. His day goes something like this: take a nap, eat, poop, bark at neighbor, go back to sleep. He's got it rough.

We also have a cat who my husband had before he had me! He's 14 or 15. His name is Simba and now that he's older he will finally allow me to pet him.





Oh yeah, I also have this little lady:

Her name is Sadie. No she does not live in our house, but she does follow us around like a dog. Her only "trick" is to squeal at us until we give her food.

And for your viewing pleasure, my favorite picture of my baby Daisy, and grandbaby, Mason:

It's one of those pictures you get lucky enough to take, but didn't plan on it. I makes me smile every time I look at it. I just love it.

FYI- I did not take any of my pets to work today. I hope you didn't either.

Growing Up

B is growing up. He doesn't really need me anymore like he used to. He wants to be with his friends and have fun. He still likes hanging out with his dad and I once in while, but he doesn't depend on us like he did when he was little.

I remember when my stepdaughter was his age. My husband was heartbroken when he relized she was growing up and didn't want to hang out with him anymore. I know what he's feeling.

He's at a friend's house right now, and I'm really missing him. This morning he was driving me crazy (cabin fever) but the second he was gone I missed him.

We are going away to the boat races this weekend. He's bringing a friend along and we're staying at a hotel. It should be fun. I'm looking forward to it.

Vacation

We are on a short vacation for the weekend while my husband has a conference to attend. I just thought I share a quick photo of B goofing around. It's been hot here, and the break is nice.

Rewards

Today was B's last day of school. On the way home we had a conversation that really touched me. He goes to a private school, and they had their last chapel today. The conversation went like this:

B: I didn't know Mrs. M's husband was going to Iraq. She told us today in chapel. She was crying.

Me: That's sad.

B: Of course it's sad there are suicide bombers there! (Quiet for a minute) I don't understand suicide bombers. Why do they do that?

Me: Well, they think they are doing the right thing, and they think that if they sacrifice themselves for what they think is right they will be rewarded when they get to heaven.

B: That doesn't make sense. For one, killing people is wrong. And for another Heaven IS the reward!

I don't think I've ever been prouder.

Life is Good

We are blessed to live out in the middle of nowhere. On any given night of my life I can go outside and know that I am the only person out there. It's kind of peaceful, kind of scary.

You never realize how many stars are out there, until you are out in the country, away from the lights of the city. Some nights the stars are so bright they light your way, other nights it's so dark you can't see six inches in front of you. I'm a city girl. I was born and raised in the city. It wasn't until I met my husband that I moved out to the coutnry. At first I hated it. It was dark, and desolate, and lonely. Now that I'm a mom, I have to say I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to raise my son here. He's kind of sheltered from the crap that goes on in the city, but pretty street smart because we travel a lot. I have to say, I think I'm a country girl now. (I even listen to Country Music- YIKES!)

Time to Brag

I'm usually not one to brag, but being that I'm am blessed with an incredible son I have to take a few minutes to brag about my son's accomplishments. Yesterday B's school had an academic banquet. It was invitation only, and you had to carry at least a 3.2 GPA all year to be invited. B was invited. We all went and they had a great catered meal, and B was given a medal for having such a high GPA all year long. It was really great.

Tonight was his first band concert. He was so excited. I've been feeling under the weather, and B is coming down with it now, but he wasn't going to miss that concert for anything! He went and played. Then, we all got a suprised when his band instructor gave him an award for Oustanding Band Member. He was so suprised! I asked him if he knew he was going to get it and he said he had no idea. He was really proud of himself. He loves music and takes band really seriously.

School is out soon and he's really looking forward to the summer. We just planted a really big garden, and are planting a few more things in it this weekend.

B had his crossing over to B.oy S.couts last week. He's going to spend a lot of time working on getting his badges this summer.

Brenna

Brendan wrote this for his sister. It's the cover of a scrapbook he made to remember her. I think of it all the time. The words are stuck in my head like lyrics to a song.

Welcome

I started blogging to journal my feelings after the loss of my infant daughter. In those two and a half months, I've realized I need to start focusing on the child I do have here, my 11 year old son, Brendan. This is his blog.