Mother's Day 2013

Wow - 2 years since my last post.

I guess time flies.

Went to the zoo this morning.  Spent time with the hubby & kids.  More to write about in a week as Kurtis will be 10 on thursday (May 16).

I can't be the mother of a 10 year old.  Just does not seem possible.

My life the last month...

This is not giong to be a fun post. I was looking and I can't believe it has been almost a year since my last post.

A lot has happened to me personally over the last month that it is kinda hard to tell.

4/4: woke up freezing at around 1 am, by 6 am (when I am getting up to get ready for work), I had a fever of 103.2. Took some Tylenol, stayed home from work, went to Dr., could not do anything for me but tell me to take Advil to opposite the Tylenol since only symptom was the fever.

4/5: Still had fever so stayed home from work. fever broke late this evening

4/6: went to work (felt I had to since we were going on vacation the following week - leaving Thursday 4/14). By end of day was achy all over - felt as though I was about 80 years old. Fever came back later in the evening.

4/7: now that I had fever & aches, Dr called in script for a z-pac, thinking that I had the flu.

4/8: same

4/9: not feeling any better - still feverish and achy. Went to Urgent care. When Jeff say me in the sun - he said I was yellow (like a banana). They could not help me so sent me to ER (went to Dublin since they have the fastest ER around). Winthin 2-3 hours I was admitted as they thought I had Pnemonia. Found that my liver was impaired or inflamed most likely due to a gall stone (which I have more of and will have my gall bladder removed later this year). Next they found a "growth" in my heart. Turned out to be a Staph infection (not the really bad kind).

4/10: did some tests today but not many.

4/11: Put me NPO and I did not do well with that. Woke me up around 7a for an ultrasound of my liver, around 11a, took me for the TEE test that I was put NPO for, then they started wheeling me around to various other areas for tests - MRIs, X-rays, CT scans - still no food or water. My mouth was really dry and I could not handle it anymore. Finally someone took pitty on me and gave those stupid cotton swabs to wet your mouth - I ended up actually sucking them dry most of the time. After all these tests, I got transferred to Riverside Methodist since Dublin is not rated yet for cardiac care. At some point in the ambulance ride - I passed out and I do not remember anything really concrete for the next week.

4/12-4/18: I remember nothing of this week. I do remember that my Mom came up from Florida to be with me. I remember Dad & Deb, Ellen, Uncle Kenny and Val stopping by to see me but nothing else. According to Jeff, I almost had open heart surgery that week to get rid of the staph infection that was in my heart but Jeff and Dr G (the infection specialist) convinced them not to do it.
Spent the next week in ICU and in step down = got to come home on Friday 4/23 (Good Friday).

We (meaning myself, Jeff and the Dr's) have no idea where this infection came from. We will never know. It grew on the outside wall of my heart opposite the hole that I have always had. Right now, it is mostly dead but I am on a 6 week antibiotic treatment that is being given to my through a pump that I must carry with me everywhere. This treatment is expected to end 5/20. After that I will be meeting with the cardiologist to determine how we are going to fix the hole in my heart. Ideally, he will go up through the groin and just stitch it closed. I will know more later.

I am glad to be alive. Although we missed our first family vacation in ever, I would much rather be here and be able to see my kids grow up than the alternative.

Kurtis' 1st Lost tooth

June 13, 2010




Kurtis turned 7 May 16th. On that day, he also got his 1st loose tooth. Well it has finally come out. Jeff was allowed, by Kurtis, to put a string around it to pull it out.





It was hanging very loosely in the gum so it was not difficult to get out. Kurtis' adult tooth is all the way thru the gum as well.





Here is a picture:

Right there in the bottom.

Kurtis was so excited & ready to put his tooth under his pillow. We convinced him that Daddy & Mommy would put the tooth under his pillow once he was asleep since he would most likely play with it & lose it. We did (of course) and the tooth fairy left $5 for that 1st tooth.

Isn't she very generous??? I don't think the tooth fairy will be quite so generous on the next one.

Anyway, the next morning Kurtis found the money taped to his bed - again so that the money did not get lost. He placed the money in his piggy bank to save for another day.

Another year older

Yesterday, I turned another year older. 36. As my brother so wonderfully put it in a voicemail yesterday: "I'm closer to 40 than 30".

Do I feel that old? No. Although I did wake-up with a stiff back that had bothered me all night long.

Am I happy with my life? Yes. I have a husband you loves me and puts up with me (which as my family can say - is no easy task). I have two wonderful boys who make me laugh almost everyday. I have a job that I feel like I was finally meant to do (just wish it was full-time...maybe soon).

What would I change? Really the only thing I would change would be my undergrad degree choice. I don't regret going to college to get a bachelor's degree - I just wish I had chosen a different major - Chemical Engineering really had not worked out for me.

What are my hopes? I hope that my family remains healthy. I hope that all my friends are still here next year. I hope that things become more financially stable for my family and friends. I hope someday to travel to Europe and Australia but first I would like to be able to take a family vacation.

What are my plans for the next year? I want to learn to quilt (something Jeff's mom did and I wanted her to teach me but never got the chance). I want to make my kids happy and teach them that life is special - enjoy the day.

We will see how I do next year.

My New Job

Well, it has finally happened. After a year & a half, I have a new job. It is just part-time for right now but I am happy with that. The possibility exist for it to quickly become full-time as the company continues to grow.

The company is STi. We work with hopitals, mostly Labor & Delivery departments to make sure that their computer information is correctly sent to their reporting system and that the information is saved as it needs to be. I am the Project Manager, working with/in charge of 3 programmers.

Being a Project Manager is what I want to do so this is a step in the right direction for me and my family. I am excited by the opportunity.

Pinewood Derby

January 23, 2010

I know I am late in putting this together but, better late than never, right? I did intend on doing this on Saturday or Sunday but just never got around to it.

Kurtis had is first Pinewood Derby race for the cub scouts this past weekend. Here is a picture of the some of the cars that were entered in the race from the various dens (1-5th graders).

This picture below is of Kurtis' car. Kurtis picked out the design, Jeff cut it out and Kurtis helped sand it. Kurtis picked out the paint and the wheels.

Kurtis' den, the Tigers, where first on the racing schedule, since they are the youngest. They had their preliminary heat which Kurtis won! Everyone else went into the secondary heat to see who would face Kurtis in the finals. That ended up being Case. We do have video of the race but I can't find it right now - I may add it later. Kurtis won the race against Case and took 1st place for the Tigers.After all dens had determined their winners, the four champs raced to see who would be the pack champion. Kurtis' car did well but he ended up in the secondary side. He got all the way to the final race to determine who would be facing the first heat winner and lost by a nose. Kurtis ended up 3rd overall in the den. Not too bad for the first year doing this.

Here is a picture of Kurtis with all his trophies and holding his car which earned him "Best in Show" for his den as well.

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Joey also had a car too - he picked the shape out from a kit at the store. Jeff painted it the same colors as Kurtis'. Joey's car did well too. He got 4th in the sibling category. Here is a picture of Joey's car.

Flag Ceremony at Cub Scout Meeting

Thursday, December 17, 2009, Kurtis participated in his first flag ceremony at his cub scout meeting. We only had 4 Tigers in attendance so each on got to handle one of the flags either at the beginning of the meeting or the end.

Kurts got to be responsible for the American Flag during the opening ceremony. Hope you enjoy. We did.

Celtic Women

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfO6JpR5Ip8

If you go to this link you will see one of the songs we heard at this concert.

These women are amazing. No special effects - just music and song. Very simple stage to not distract you. The Violinist is amazing - she jumps around the stage while playing the violin. Don't know how she can do that but must be the years of practice she has had playing.

If you ever get the chance to see these women in concert - go. It is worth the money spent.

Halloween 2009

Now that I have some pictures to include for this post...here it goes.

Kurtis & Joey got to do the first trick-or-treating of the season with Kenny, Jacob, Meghan & Ellie since Jeff & I went to the Shadowbox Caberat that night (Thus Oct 29).

Got to love when the city of Columbus tells everyone several years ago that they would "Always" have trick-or-treat on Halloween no matter what day it fell on. Oh well - never trust a politician.

Jeff made Kurtis SpongeBob costume for him. This was something he did in just a few days because until the Sunday before Halloween, Kurtis did not know what he wanted to be. Joey had no real requests and Amanda just happened to have this Fireman costume. Thanks again Amanda for letting us use it.

The second set of Trick-or-Treating was at the Boat Club with Dad & Deb. Rachael's son, Dominic was there as well. Below are several pictures from that event.

Joey decorated this cupcake & just had to eat it.

Dominic did not like the mask that went with his costume - I tried to get a picture but he would not stand still or look at me with it on. Oh well.

Since Oct 30 is Jeff's birthday, we went to the Shadowbox Cabaret with some friends on Oct 29th. This show is so much fun. We love to go whenever we get the chance.

Joey Sayings

I thought I would take a page from Emily & write down a few things Joey has said in the last few days that has made me laugh...

1. Monday, we were at a friends house where I am doing a little work for him. He has a Guitar Hero game & all the instruments to go with it. While I am sitting at the computer doing the work, Joey comes up to me and says "Mommy, the guitar won't work. Now I can't be a Rock Star." Tell me your heart just does not laugh at that one...

2. Tonight, I was getting the kids into bed. Joey has to have Baby (a brown bear that mom actually got for me before Kurtis was born) and Bear (a large white bear) to go to sleep every night. He likes to put his finger in Baby's bow around his neck. Well, tonight we could not find Baby before bed time. I have gotten into the habit of reading to the boys a story of their choice before I turn off the light. Tonight I could not start the story until Joey was done talking to Bear and this is what he said:

"Bear, I know Baby is your best friend." pause (I think he was listening to what Bear was saying) "I can't find him right now." I even think he said something about missing him too but he said some things so quiet I could not here them.

Luckily, I was able to find Baby - in our closet (the door was shut which is why we did not see him at first).

Just thought others would like to hear what Joey has said that makes us laugh...

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On a whole other note: Abby, our baby kitten, decided to do something that made Jeff & I both laugh. She tried to walk up the banister on our steps. She would get up a few steps then slide right back down. She did this several times before giving up. Got to love animals - at least they can make you laugh.

Lindsey & Homecoming

Lindsey is a Junior this year - can you believe it???

This weekend she will be going to her High School Homecoming dance with a date. I thought I would share a picture of her in her dress that her mother sent to us.

Enjoy - this is the first time I have seen Lindsey in a dress since she was 7 (Susan's wedding to Eric).

Cub Scout Shoot-O-Ree

Today, we took Kurtis to Camp Lazarus in Delaware County for the Cub Scout Shoot-O-Ree. At this event, cub scouts have the opportunity to participate in activities such as BB Gun Shooting and Archery - activities that cub scouts can earn belt loops for but have to do so at a BSA event.

Kurtis tried the BB gun first. Not a lot of success. He just could not quite understand how to site the gun properly to hit the target. He was a little upset about it.

Next we tried the Hatchet/Axe throwing activity. Kurtis actually did fairly well. He hit the target with his first try but it did not stick into the wood. Jeff also tried and came close but no luck. I did try it once but was too low the first toss and to the right on the second.

We next went to a water shooting event where the boys had to run down to the center, fill up the water gun and then shoot the water into a plastic jug to move it along the length of the wire. That was fun.

Archery was next. Kurtis enjoyed this. He hit the target 4/5 shots and really liked that.

He did also try the BB gun shooting for a special patch but he did not hit the target, although both Jeff & Kurtis thought that he did. In order to get the special patch, Kurtis had to hit the BB target about 10 - 15 feet away (not sure how far it was) and score 35 points.

But the good thing through all of this - since Kurtis participated and learned the safety rules of the BB gun & Archery range, he was able to earn TWO Belt Loops. He will be getting those at the next pack meeting. He also got a special patch to remember the day.

Kurtis told you what?????

This is just too cute not to share...

Tuesday we had our first PTO meeting of the year. It was really early (4:30pm) which allowed quite a few teachers to come to the meeting but not as many parents. Anyway, Kurtis' teacher was there, Ms. Massie. She walked up to me and said "Congratulations" and I just looked at her. She asked if I was Kurtis' mom and of course I said "Yes". She then proceeded to tell me that Kurtis has told the whole class that I am having another baby (or already did - not sure which) and that his name was Ben. I bet you can imagine the look of surprise on my face.

I did ask Kurtis about it and he said that he wanted a bigger family and that is why he said that.

Ms. Massie then told me that another boy in the class told her that his father was in jail and had this big long speech about it. Ms. Massie saw the mother and found out that it was not true and that his father was a truck driver. Oh the imagination on these boys.

The good news is - after somewhat of a rough start to the year, Kurtis has settled down and according to Ms. Massie "a pleasure to have in class". That's my boy.

1st Grade Here He Comes

Today was Kurtis' first day in first grade. He was really un-talkative about what he did today - said that he did nothing fun. Well, it was the first day.

I really thought that he would be hungry when he got home (lunch is around 11:30am) - nope. Nothing in his bag for me to fill out and return.

Today was not nearly as hard as last year. I remember sitting at the computer composing my blog and crying that my "little guy" was heading to school. This year is just different since he was gone all day (7 hrs - including bus time). The quite really got to me around 3pm. Until then I had things to do to keep me busy - Susan stopped by, had to take some paperwork to the car dealership, went grocery shopping...Anyway, enough about my day & a little more about Kurtis'.

He picked out his own clothes for school today, had is breakfast, told me what he wanted in his lunch (did not what hot dogs or pizza that they were offering at school today).

They only have 2 first grade teachers this year - trying to save money within the district. Not that I really agree with it since this is the first year that they are in class all day and could really use more one-on-one time to learn what is expected from them easier. Kurtis has 28 kids in his class (what I counted). The next door neighbor, Eddie, is actually in the other teachers class. Kurtis' teacher is Mrs. Massie. She sent Kurtis a nice postcard last week welcoming him into the first grade.

Pictures will have to come later, once I figure out how to download them from my camcorder (will have both stills & video).

This picture was just too cute - Joey had to have his backpack too...

BlueJackets Draft Day Party

June 26, 2009

The Columbus BlueJackets held a FREE Draft Day party at the arena so we decided to attend.

We got to do all kinds of fun stuff that we normally don't get to do like, view the locker rooms (really nice TV, workout gear, etc for CBJ - bare bones minimum for the visiting team), sit on the zamboni, play street hockey, and just have a good time.

Both boys wanted to play street hockey. Joey was soooo cute. All he did for the 5 minutes they were out there was fall down, stand-up & say "I'm ok." No one was ever near him nor did he ever really get near the ball but he had fun. Kurtis got upset because "the goalie was not doing his job" to Kurtis' liking. Not that Kurtis has any idea what he should be doing... Finally, as we were getting ready to leave, Jeff was able to get this picture with Jared Boll, one of the players. Wish Kurtis had smiled but Jared is a cutie...
We try to go to anything we can find that is FREE when it comes to the BlueJackets. Also helping out the Foundation has been a great experience for Jeff and I. We get to meet new people and know that our efforts are helping great causes.

Last Day of School Party

May 29th was Kurtis' last day of Kindergarten. We had a party with both classes of kids (50 in all) that consisted of Potato sack races, egg race, cornhole, balloon race, cat tail, face painting and finally an brownie ice cream sundae!

All the kids really enjoyed the day. Made it very special and fun. No major problems except how to rotate the kids around so everyone had a chance to do everything.

Well, on to Next year!!

Fishing Derby

Kurtis has offically joined the Boy Scouts for next year. He is in Pack 481 and he will be in the tiger cub den which consists of other first graders in his school.

Wednedsay we went to the first function of many for this coming year - a Fishing Derby! Kurtis has been saying he wants to fish but I don't think he really knows what is involved in that. If you know Kurtis, he is neither quiet nor patcient so I don't know if he will really enjoy fishing or not.

This is one of my favorite pictures from that day:
Jeff knows nothing about fishing but he is trying his best to show Kurtis what to do.Joey thought the best thing to do was to throw rocks into the pond. Luckly no one wanted to fish by us.
This was just a beautiful day - before we had a little rain shower. Thought others might enjoy as well.

Kindergarten Graduation

Yesterday was Kurtis' Kindergarten graduation. He will be moving forward to first grade in the fall and all the fun a full day of school will hold. Here are some pictures from that:

The kids are singing a song to the tune of "New York, New York" with the words: "I want to be a part of First Grade, First Grade". It was really cute. They even did a kicking chorus line. Wish I had a video camera.

Here Kurtis is getting his certificate from Ms. Davis. She was a wonderful teacher and a joy to work with throughout the year. I don't know how many times she told me, "It's a good thing Kurtis is smart..." She was very understanding with Kurtis and he learned a lot during this year with her help.

Kurtis and his Kindergarten graduation certificate. We will be putting this in his scrapbook.

So much fun. The year is over. Now to work on writing and reading over the summer with him to make sure he improves.

"The Unit"

Here is a link to the Best Show on TV that is being Cancelled.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4QraA0LF3o

I love this show and hope that the strong campaign to bring it back to TV is successful. I will not be watching any new CBS shows this season as a protest.

Birthday Party Pictures

We had a great time at the party. Here are some pictures:

Kurtis' Cupcake as we are singing "Happy Birthday"

We had neighborhood friends over - Nick (Batman Shirt) and Nathan (White Shirt), School Friends (Will - black shirt & Austin - not pictured)
And Old Babysitter friends - Jacob (from Ms. Theresa's house).

Kurtis got many cool toys - including this Slip-N-Slide, a Mario Kart game for the Wii, some money to buy his own toy, workbooks and flashcards to help with his reading, writing and math skills over the summer, a Nerf gun and swim trunks and a cool beach bag that matches them.

Family was also able to make it to the party. Above is Debbie with my nephew Dominic (Rachael's little one). Dad, Aaron and the kids were also able to attend.

One of the biggest hits seemed to be the craft that I got for all the kids to do while they waited for their parents to arrive after we had cake and ice cream. I had gotten several little wood model kits for the kids to put together. The bad thing was that we ended up working on them outside on the porch & several lost pieces between the slates. They all got to take the paint that came with the kit home so they could paint them later.

The cutest thing was when Joey was sitting on Dad's lap and Dominic got upset - No one could share his grandpa's lap, that was only for him.

Overall, the party was a success. Rain stayed away until we were grilling out hamburgers and hot dogs for family and friends in the evening (Steve, Anny and the kids, and Susan were also here). It only rained for a brief period so I was happy.