Gaffney Gab

My Days

2009-02-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

WooWhoo! I have made it to 27 weeks! I feel confident that I can make it to 31 weeks even though my doctor gave me a sarcastic "ok" when I told her! My new theory is constant nutrition = constant flow.
I am actually surprised as to how quick my day goes by....what do I do all day you might wonder? Basically eat!
I have started to spend most of the morning in bed so I don't get uncomfortable as quickly in the recliner. I have even taken to sleeping in until about 8:30 - 9:00! I eat breakfast and a snack in bed and shower around 11:00. I feel like it is important to shower and get dressed in day clothes everyday.
By the time I am done with that it is time for lunch and then I spend some time on the computer. And then another snack! Watch some tv or read for awhile and before I know it, it is time for dinner. The time between dinner and primetime seems to take the longest. I have started to lay down around 4:00 - 5:00 and then have dinner later and that seems to help.
And amazingly enough, my head hits the pillow around 10:30 - 11:00 and I sleep soundly for the night!

Thursday

2009-01-29T09:47:00.000-08:00

So the nurse called at 5:30 last night and almost let it slip what the sex of Apple is! Kevin stopped her about 3 words before it came out! Phew!
The amnio test came back normal, she said all the numbers look good. This was just the quick results back, the full report will be back in 7-10 days but still, nothing fatal and no downs. We will have two babies!!
It is crazy how you don't even notice how tight your chest has been and how you haven't taken a deep breath until after....
I realized this morning that it is Thursday, already closer to 27 weeks than 26!! Woot woot!!

Unfair

2009-01-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

It should be illegal to have to just be made to sit and wait for a phone call when it is this important. Since I woke up this morning, while being minorly distracted with some work I had to get done, the only thing I can think about is if something is wrong with Apple and what it is going to be....
WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO CALL?!

Week 25

2009-01-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

Last night Makenzie asked how long it had been since I had been out of the house and it has been over a week. Thanks for bringing that up and pointing it out. Nice.
At least I have a doctor's appointment on Friday to get me out of the house....

Update

2009-01-13T09:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I would expect to update a lot more often now that I don't have much else to do. Well, besides growing these two wonderful babies!
I have a couple of PowerPoint presentations for work that I can at least do from my recliner but other than that, anyone have any suggestions?!
Friday we went to the doctor and found out Apple grew a whooping 6 oz in the past 3 weeks!! Apple is only about 1/2 pound behind Boo for now so that is encouraging. I go back next Friday for the steriod shot for their little lungs just in case and then have another ultrasound the following Friday.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T10:09:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness it has been a long time since I posted, or really even looked at our blog!
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Ours was great! Over the weekend we celebrated with Tyler and Makenzie, Christmas Eve my mom came over for dinner and a movie and Christmas afternoon, after Kevin tore me away from Makenzie's new Wii Sims game, we went over to Steve & Melissa's.
I had been stressing over what to get the boys because they all play with the same things: fire trucks, police cars and hockey. Eventually we decided we would give Steve & Melissa a bit of a gift too by giving the boys a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. Tristen and I went awhile back and he still talks about it so he was just super excited about it. Nathaniel and Pierson could have cared less but hopefully they will enjoy the trip.
Ryan and Kate got some gifts for the Gaffney Babies off our registry, so cute! Some wall decals and the softest blanket I have ever felt, seriously. I am not exaggerating at all! I can't wait to snuggle with our two little ones! I will be 22 weeks on Sunday and I look like I am about 7 1/2 months! I will try and post some pictures soon!

Cyberbullying

2008-11-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

I am sure everyone is aware of the cyberbullying case involving a neighbor mom being charged with multiple counts for the suicide of a teenage neighbor she had been harrassing, along with her daughter, on MySpace. This is an actual quote from her attorney:

Steward also argued that nobody reads the fine print on service agreements.
"How can you violate something when you haven't even read it?" Steward asked. "End of case."

Are you kidding me?! Well, I didn't read the rules therefore they shouldn't apply to me!
She is lucky she got off as easy as she did!

Week 17

2008-11-25T13:44:00.001-08:00

By week 17, your baby weighs about 4.97 ounces (140gm) and is 5.12 inches (13cm) long.
He or she has a much more normal "human" appearance now. She holds her head more erect and her body and limbs are longer in proportion to her head.
Pads are forming on his tiny fingertips and toes. Soon those individual swirls and whorls will be apparent.
Her eyes are looking forward now, but they are still firmly closed.
Meconium (composed of products of cell loss, digestive secretion and swallowed amniotic fluid), is accumulating in the bowel. This black gooey substance will become your baby's first poop!
The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger and continues to rush blood and nutrients to your growing baby.
If your child is male the prostate begins to develop.
Her skeleton is transforming from cartilage to bone. The bones remain flexible to make the journey through the birth canal easier.

Week 16

2008-11-18T12:40:00.001-08:00

Fat begins to form underneath skin, providing your baby with insulation for the coming months.
Did you know that both baby and placenta are now about the same size?
Your little one has reached 4.57 inches (11.6cm) and approximately 3.53 ounces (100gm).
His head and neck are held straighter now.
This is a week of "mights!" You might hear the tiny thumps of his heartbeat with an external monitor now. The genitals are developed sufficiently that an experienced sonographer might be able to determine if your baby is a boy or a girl.
Her heart is pumping as much as 6 gallons of blood a day and beats at a rate about double your heart rate.
If you could take a peek inside, you would witness your child's reflexes in action! (Sucking, swallowing and blinking are now evident.) She is probably even hiccuping even though you don't feel it yet!
Your baby has learned to breathe! This is apparent from the regular movements of his chest. Isn't it amazing that he is able to breathe "underwater," inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid? These actions help the lungs to develop and grow.

Luminaire

2008-11-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

We are so excited for what will surely be another inspiring Christmas performance at Daybreak. I believe we are attending the Saturday, December 20, 2008 6:00 pm show but we will be volunteering at other shows so make it whenever you can! Check out the link below to see a clip from last year's performance. I think they have nursery available for your little ones and your older ones will definitely want to see!

http://www.daybreak.tv/luminaire/

Country & Crying

2008-11-12T07:37:00.001-08:00

Since I have been pregnant I have cried every time "he drops to the ground and pulls out a ring" during Taylor Swift's "Love Story". And I don't just mean a tear here or there. I mean, where did my mascara go?! I thought I was over it and had gotten down to just that tight chest feeling but I just heard it on the carpet layer's radio and now my boss has had the pleasure to witness it.
Sweet.

Week 15

2008-11-10T07:41:00.001-08:00

You may begin to feel some fluttering movements as baby kicks, flails, twists and turns (but don't panic if you don't yet). She can also grasp, squint, frown, grimace and maybe suck her thumb!
Your baby's legs have grown longer than the arms and the body is now longer than the head.
And you'll be happy to note that he is moving those arms and legs often!
His skin is very thin -- so thin blood vessel are visible. It's covered by a fine, soft layer of hair called lanugo. Lanugo comes from a Latin word meaning "down." This hair is thought to help insulate your little boy.
The three tiny bones in his middle ear have begun to harden. The auditory centers in your baby's brain haven't developed yet, so she might not really understand what you say but her hearing capacity is in the process of developing.
Fingernails and toenails are growing.
Eyebrows are beginning to grow and even the hair his head is sprouting. It will probably change color and texture after birth.
All this and your little one is an amazing 3.98 inches (10.1cm) long and may weigh 2.47 ounces (70gm).

The Day After

2008-11-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

Pray for Our President and Our Nation November 5, 2008
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, whether you’re recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today’s a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
And the new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world—challenges that, in my opinion, neither he nor any government on earth will have the power to overcome without divine aid.
How has America come to this point? Why is our economy on the brink of disaster? Why is our culture so utterly depraved?
I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. “I recall,” he said, “hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.”
Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can’t find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we are in. We have forgotten God.
We have also forgotten that American democracy—indeed Western Civilization itself—is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism flourished in Western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.
Friends have asked me whether this economic crisis is God’s judgment upon us. I don’t know.
As I’ve re-read the Old Testament prophets recently, I couldn’t help but notice the recurring theme: The people of God turned away from Him and worshipped false idols. The result was always disaster.
Is God responsible for credit markets collapsing around the world? No. We’re responsible. Because instead of worshiping God, we’ve worshipped false idols of the marketplace, credit card companies and cheap mortgages. We’ve put our own appetites over our duties to God and neighbor.
So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers. No time to wail or moan over our retirement plans. This is a time to repent, to pray more, to give more. It’s a time for Christians to lead, encourage, and minister to a faltering country in a faltering economy.
This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace.
So pray for the new President and his administration. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and to hunger for God and His righteousness.

2 Cents

2008-11-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

Do you know that stem cell research is already happening? You aren’t saying no to helping that little girl with diabetes by voting no on proposal 2. As someone who has extra embryos from fertility treatments, I had to choose from the following: freeze my embryos, donate my embryos for someone else to use, donate my embryos to research or discard them myself.
If you notice the wording “A PROPOSAL TO AMEND”. To amend something means that that something already exists.
Proposal 2 is simply to prohibit state and local laws from regulating and allowing only federal law to regulate.

13 Weeks

2008-10-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

I hate when people haven't updated their blogs in forever! I however have been busy growing two babies so I am giving myself a break. Seriously, I have been so tired! I can barely make it through my day to come home and crash for the night. More often than not, my boss finds me slouched in my chair every afternoon, awake, but still...
However, the past two days I feel like I actually want to get something done when I get home. I haven't, but at least the want it there!
We finished our registry and ordered our cribs so that is exciting! The cribs should be here early next week! I can't wait to start getting everything ready. I am shooting for everything to be done by 28 weeks but I am not sure if that is feasible.

Week 10

2008-10-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

Baby is now called a fetus in "medical terms". You, however, may have chosen the name "peanut," "angel," "jumping bean" or simply "miracle."
The most critical part of your infant's development is complete. Now you are headed into a period of rapid growth.
While a bit strange to envision, your baby's head is now about half its length - Soon the rest of the body's growth will catch up but this area is prepared to keep up with the rapid brain development!
Eyelids fuse shut and irises begin to develop - Eye color is also determined by this point.
Placenta begins to function this week or next - The placenta is the organ responsible for both the provision of nutrients along with the removal of waste to keep your baby growing strong!
Your baby will be about 1.22 inch long (3.1cm) and weigh 0.14 ounce (4gm) at the end of this week

Daybreak...

2008-10-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

Daybreak is starting a new evening service tomorrow! It is at 6:00, join us! You will find Kevin and I at the info counter tomorrow, hope to see you there!

Week 9

2008-09-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Baby has begun movement - While still too small for you to feel, your little one is wriggling, shifting, and dancing already! Makes you almost wish for a window to peek in whenever you want!
Most joints are formed now - and trust that your little one is practicing bending and flexing.
Fetus will curve its fingers around an object placed in the palm of its hand - This is amazing to see! At only nine weeks, if you happen to have an ultrasound, you may observe your infant fascinated by everything he or she can lay their fingers on (mainly other fingers, toes, ears and nose!
Fingerprints are already evident in the skin
Average size this week -- length 0.9 inch (2.3cm), weight 0.07 ounce (2gm)

8 weeks 1 day

2008-09-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

So I have made it 8 weeks 1 day and now I am feeling much better about saying I am pregnant. Maybe it is because the tank top I am wearing right now was nice and flowing 2 weeks ago the last time I wore it.
We went to Rochester Hills for an appointment on Friday, not with our doctor, and the nurse looked at the ultrasound and commented that one of the sacs was smaller than the other and said, "we will have to see if it grows next week." What the heck?! I was trying to be ok with it but I woke up Saturday morning obsessing about it and not feeling well. Later in the evening I started having a sharp pain on my left side (opposite of the smaller size sac) and Kevin decided to call our doctor. We talked to Dr. Ayers, our doctor's partner, for awhile and he said it was completely normal the discomfort I was having but that we could come in today and have another ultrasound. So I continued to obsess the rest of the weekend.
We went this morning to Ann Arbor and we met Dr. Ayers and he looked at our perfectly healthy little babies. They both measured the exact same size and both sacs looked great. He said there was no concern and that I am practically a "normal" pregnant woman now. Special, but normal! I think Kevin and I had goofy grins on our faces the whole way home!
It is so crazy that just a few months ago we had no idea this was going to happen and now we can not imagine our lives without both of them.

Goodbye Sweet Saab

2008-09-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Kevin was right when he said we should get rid of the Saab and get something with more room because he was sure we were having twins. I think that was just his excuse to get something new because he is a car guy and that is what he does, gets bored even though it isn't his car and get something new. I know why he always took my Saab when he could, I do not understand why he constantly tries to take the Pilot instead of his brand new Honda!
I love my Pilot and obviously it will work a lot better for us but I sure do miss my turbo!

And The Winner Is...

2008-09-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Everyone but Laura Kennedy and whoever else guessed just one! Just like everyone but me, Laura and someone else thought, Kevin and I are so blessed and lucky to be having twins! We saw two beautiful little heartbeats today!

DETOUR

2008-09-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

Isn't the construction supposed to be over? I had a detour today that actually was a closed street?! What the?! The detour off of that was a one-lane muddy mess because that street was torn up as well.
This afternoon I had 2 detours from EGR to Cascade and one of the detours was again down to one lane. Come on, at least give me one clear path!

Long Process

2008-08-30T08:09:00.001-07:00

It has been a long road waiting....
We are pregnant! Yes it is very early still but I think almost everyone knows that we are going through the very long and trying process of IVF (in-vitro fertilization). It has basically consumed our whole summer. All the shots, crazy hormones, bloat, craziness and driving (our doctor is in Ann Arbor).
We are thrilled and can not wait to have our ultrasound in two weeks to find out if we are having one or two. You can vote at the top and here is something to base your decision on:
When the pregnancy blood test comes back, they say 50 is considered a viable pregnancy. Most of the beta numbers I have read about are anywhere from 50 to 200ish. They also want your beta number to double within 48-72 hours. My betas were as follows:
beta 1: 401
beta 2: 921 (48 hours later)
beta 3: 1,912 (48 hours later)

Another Summer Weekend

2008-07-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

What a birthday week I had! I got good news from work, Sydney Lynn Davidson was born, flowers from my husband delivered to my work, a slushie machine, decorations galore at my desk, lunch out at Cherie Inn and a wonderful stomach ache later on. Oh well. That only lasted for a couple of hours and then it was over.
Friday night Kevin and I went over to Kyle & Heather's to meet baby Sydney. She is precious! And sleepy! Hopefully I will post some pics soon.
Saturday Krista and I met Kim and Laura for Kristi's bridal shower. I love taking Krista out in public! Ha ha! I started making food as soon as I got home for Lisa's 40th surprise birthday party. I made this really cool blow-pop sucker tree that said "40 blows" on it. Krista said she wanted me to take a picture of it so when I was done I moved it and what do you know, I forgot that the top wasn't glued on and it toppled over, broke the top in half and suckers went everywhere. Luckily, painted styrofoam doesn't take long to dry and we were only 1/2 hour late. Anyway, the party was a great time, I love parties, especially surprise parties!
Sunday we went up to Kevin's niece's house in Whitehall for a family pool party. The weather wasn't sunny but at least it was warm and before we knew it 5:00 had come and gone. We took a little detour into Kevin's past and went to White Lake where Kevin first learned to sail. We walked out onto the Lake Michigan side of the pier (that is right, we walked! Kevin walked! Woot woot!) and watched some boats come in and stuck our toes in Lake Michigan. It was a lot warmer than we expected so I am definitely going to the beach next weekend! I can't wait!

Weekend

2008-07-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Friday night Kevin and I headed out to Bostwick Lake Inn for dinner. We sat out on the deck and it was the most perfect night for it! We watched a plane land on the water and come over for dinner, I got some good shots on my phone but of course can't get the dang thing to Email them.
Saturday Kevin and I cleaned out the laundry room and did some major scrubbing. I swear I had things to take care of from last summer still! After dinner we just hung out and watched "Knocked Up" finally. It was good but there was a lot of f-bombs. Goodness!
Kevin picked the kids up this morning and after church they all just took off and left me at home! Turns out they were out shopping for me. The kids got me a slushie machine and syrups and cups to go along with it. The slushies are really good!! I can't wait to keep experiencing!
Soon we are headed to my mom's to celebrate with my family. I am sure I will have some good pictures of the boys from that! When you have presents to open, you are always their favorite!

Text Message from Heather

2008-07-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

C-section on tues. Baby 2 fat 2 pass! She's already 9 lbs & I'm only dilated 2 a one! Cant wait much longer. Holy crap! Im scared.

Kickball Pictures

2008-07-06T15:56:00.001-07:00

You can check out all the action over on Dave's website:
www.greedyfly.com

Ryan and Kate are Engaged!

2008-06-29T14:47:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Ryan and Kate! We can't wait to have Kate as an official part of the Kloppe family. We couldn't be happier!

Kickball Weekend

2008-06-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend except that the kids had to work all weekend. Friday night we went to Z's for dinner then went home to take a nap before heading to Kyle & Heather's for a campfire. It rained though so we ended up playing euchre with Eric & Kristi and Todd & Christy. Christy and I won one and lost one. Eric and Kyle were fierce competitors...not that Heather & Todd weren't but, they didn't win a single game.
Saturday was the 4th annual kickball party! We again won one lost one. It was a lot of fun. After the game we went to Dave & Andrea's for a cook-out. And some tippy-cup! I am so competitive I even love playing drinking games! Te he!
After church on Sunday we went to Chili's for lunch and stopped in at Old Navy for 4th of July t-shirts. I guess I am glad that I have invested so much into "traditions" with Makenzie however, I really didn't want a 4th of July shirt. However, I am glad she appreciates the importance of annual family events, even as simple and silly as 4th of July shirts.

What happened to May?!

2008-06-08T15:54:00.001-07:00

It has been a busy couple of weeks! I can't believe it is already June! The past couple of weeks we have: gone out to celebrate May birthdays; went to Tyler's graduation; have been trying to get ready for Tyler's graduation party; getting Kevin's knee better.

We met up with family and friends at O' Toole's to celebrate Ryan, Kate & Melissa's birthdays. May is a busy month for the Kloppe family!
Krista and I walked in the "Stomp Out Stigma" walk for mental health. It was perfect weather and Krista is always good company, as long as you have a dollar to bribe her!
Thursday, May 22 we watched Tyler graduate, it was more emotional than Kevin realized it would be! He will be off to MSU in just a few short months, hard to believe.
Meanwhile, we have been trying to get ready for our open house graduation for him. We haven't touched the landscaping because it was just so overgrown, we had no idea where to start. I literally just starting hacking away and it at least looks better. My mom came over to help while Kevin enjoyed some rays. I told him to at least watch us and seem interested because I was a little bitter about him just lounging!
He is off work again but we have seen major improvements the past week so hopefully it will continue.
This past weekend I went to Z's for a bit on Friday, Saturday we went to Tyler's graduation party at his mom's (Hello?! What is the point of separate parties if I still have to go to the other one?!) and Sunday I went to Kristi's baby shower and Katie's (Ty's girlfriend) graduation open house and then just ran some errands to pick up a couple more things for Tyler's party, we are in the home stretch and I am SO not ready!

Busy Weekend

2008-05-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

It was a busy weekend! Saturday morning I had Heather's shower. It was so nice! She got a lot of her big ticket items which I think are the best things to get! However, we did play 3 shower games, one of them being that candy bar melted in the diaper game. Why?! Some of them were still wet and it was disgusting!!
Later Saturday we stopped by and dropped of the flowers for Tyler's senior prom! Their last dance...boo. They went to XO downtown and headed over to the museum for the dance. They had a great time and I can't wait to see pictures.
Sunday afternoon Kevin, my mom and I met Ryan and Kate at Bonefish Grill. It was our first time there and it was fabulous! Thank you Ryan & Kate! Later Sunday afternoon we headed over to my mom's for more Mother's Day fun and to celebrate Melissa, Ryan and Kate's birthday. That's right! Kate's birthday was the 3rd and Melissa and Ryan's birthdays were the 13th. Crazy birthday month for us!
Anyway, it was a busy but fabulous weekend!

Happy Birthday Krista!

2008-05-06T06:25:00.001-07:00

Sweet 16!

2008-04-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

It was a great weekend. Makenzie is 16! Hard to believe....I have know her since she was 6 and she is growing up so fast and turning into such a caring, beautiful girl.
She chose to go to Olga's for her birthday and then rent Juno. It was great. We all really liked it and I would definitely recommend it.
Saturday Makenzie and I ran some errands while Kevin was at work and later Kevin took her driving. She loved it. And, she was good. Hopefully she will be taking driver's ed this summer.
Sunday Tyler came over (he had to work Friday and Saturday) and we went to Steven & Melissa's church for Camille's confirmation. We are so proud of the young woman she is becoming and how open her heart is. I am very lucky to call her my niece.

2008 Stomp Out Stigma Walk for Mental Health

2008-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Grand Valley State University - Downtown GR Campus is the 6th Annual Walk for Mental Health! Please help us decrease the stigma and discrimination often associated with mental illness.
Let me know if you would like to walk with us, need more information or would just like to make a donation to the cause.

Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.
1 in 4 adults - approxiamtely 57.7 million Americans - experience a mental health disorder in a given year. 1 in 17 lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder, and about 1 in 10 children have a serious mental or emotional disorder.
Without treatment the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering: unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives; The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United States.
An estimated 5.2 million adults have co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders. Of adults using homeless services, 31% reported having a combination of these conditions.
Fewer than one-third of adults and half of children with a diagnosable mental disorder receive any mental health services in a given year.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

2008-04-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

Today we remember the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee and the importance of his brief life and his work for social justice which remains unfinished.
In the story below is the poem quoted from Aeschylus which captures the tragedy and hope for wisdom which we search for at this time 40 years later:

On that very day, Robert Kennedy was campaigning for the presidential nomination in Indianapolis and was prepared to make a routine campaign stop when he was informed of the death of Martin Luther King Jr. The police warned him not to go into the inner city campaign location. He went without police escort and made a very brief announcement and a few remarks. His audience was primarily African Americans and he told them of the shared grief that he knew they were feeling because he too had seen his brother John assassinated.
As his car entered the neighborhood, his police escort left him. Once there, he stood in the back of a flatbed truck. He turned to an aide and asked, "Do they know about Martin Luther King?"
They didn't, and it was left to Kennedy to tell them that King had been shot and killed that night in Memphis, Tenn. The crowd gasped in horror.
Kennedy spoke of King's dedication to "love and to justice between fellow human beings," adding that "he died in the cause of that effort."
And Kennedy sought to heal the racial wounds that were certain to follow by referring to the death of his own brother, President John F. Kennedy.

"My favorite poem, my — my favorite poet was Aeschylus. And he once wrote:
Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget
falls drop by drop upon the heart,
until, in our own despair,
against our will, comes wisdom
through the awful grace of God.

"What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love, and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black."

Two months later, Robert himself was felled by an assassin's bullet.

WW

2008-04-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

You might have noticed I have a ticker for my first weight loss goal to the right. You may have also remembered that I had lost 9 lbs. and it has now changed to 5 lbs. Amy, Krista's neighbor has joined the WW weigh-in with us virtually so last night was her first "weigh-in" with us. Krista had 0 change and I had +4 change. Oopsies. I am more mad about it than anything else. We were out living it up from Thursday through Sunday and because I wasn't feeling well earlier in the week, I only worked out twice. I did it to myself and am really not too upset about it. I know there will be back and forth weeks. Just as long as I keep moving forward. Or down I guess I should say! So, it has made me more determined to get back to where I was. We don't have any plans yet for the week and I hope to keep it that way so I can get to the gym at least 4 times. I went yesterday and am planning on today and since KEVIN IS AT WORK UNTIL 8, I have plenty of time. Yup, that is right! Kevin is at work! Woot woot!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-30T15:18:00.001-07:00

Clubman

2008-03-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

Andrea got a new Mini Clubman and I don't know if she is just always out and about driving around or what but I have seen her three times in the past couple days! She is always driving so fast though I don't ever have time to snap a picture! Te he!
Show off!

Shouts for Krista and Me!

2008-03-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Krista and I have been doing our own Weight Watchers and did our first weigh-in after a full week of counting points and we both lost weight! Woot woot! Here's to new summer clothes!

Welcome!

2008-03-18T06:39:00.001-07:00

3 people have gotten on the blog train! Woot woot! Isn't it weird....look at the the names of blog links I have!

Irish Blessings

2008-03-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go, and guide you in whatever you do--and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always.

May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire.

May you have: A world of wishes at your command. God and his angels close to hand. Friends and family their love impart, and Irish blessings in your heart!

May you alway walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

Easter Sunday

2008-03-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Our church is putting on another production! This one is for Easter and we can't wait! There is a cast of over 75 people!
We are going to the Sunday, March 23, 2008 service at 10:25 am. We have extra tickets if anyone would like to go, let me know! The other times are listed on Daybreak's website where you can order complimentary tickets:
www.daybreak.tv
If it is anything like the other performances they have done, you do not want to miss it!

Baby Tipper

2008-03-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Pat, Amy and Polly came over the other night and apparently Tipper thought she could hide behind the lamp and Polly wouldn't tackle her!
Polly was too busy sleeping under the table to care much!

Weekend

2008-03-04T16:14:00.001-08:00

This weekend Makenzie, Tristen and I went rollerskating with Krista, Jacob and Sophia. It was so much fun!
Later that night we watched the first Indiana Jones which I never knew I have never seen. It was rated PG in 1981 but I after watching a man's face being melted, I strongly feel like it should be changed to PG-13. We are watching them leading up to the new release so hopefully they will get better and better.

Sunday we celebrated Tyler's 18th birthday! Can you believe it?! Crazy! Our family came over and we had cake and good times!

Happy Leap Day!

2008-02-29T06:24:00.000-08:00

We have an extra day to use right now!

What are you going to do with this gift?

I have a few suggestions:

Join us for a girls sleepover tonight! (Makenzie is having a friend over)

Spend a night in front of the fire with your love!

Come roller skating with us tomorrow! (Ok, not on the actual extra day but nonetheless, fun!)

Update your blog Krista and Christy!

Start a blog!

Start commenting on other blogs you are reading!

Make a treat!

Go see a movie!

Enjoy the snow!

Just don't waste this extra day that has been given to you! Enjoy life!

Bad, but funny!

2008-02-28T16:56:00.001-08:00

Have you seen the Sarah Silverman / Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel / Ben Affleck clips? They are hilarious! Inappropriate, but hilarious!! Both made us laugh but the Jimmy / Ben one is just crazy because of all the people: Cameron Diaz, Huey Lewis, Josh Groban, Brad Pitt, Joan Jett, Harrison Ford?! Give me a break! It is too much!
Check it out, make sure you watch the Sarah / Matt one first. Oh and be careful with your volume!
http://abc.go.com/latenight/jimmykimmel/index

Sneak Peak

2008-02-27T09:44:00.001-08:00

We won tickets on the radio again! This time for the sneak preview of the movie Penelope. My mom, Krista, Makenzie and I all went to Star on Alpine last night. It was a great movie and maybe even one of Makenzie's favs! Definitely a chick flick. It was only 90 minutes so I didn't get too vested in the characters but it was a nice, feel good movie.

I give it 3 out of 4 stars.

Weekend

2008-02-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

Our weekend was pretty low-key. I am still trying to get over this chest flu and Kevin is still on crutches. I did go to Hayleigh's birthday party, Jennifer's daughter, on Saturday afternoon. She is almost the big 5 and she cracks me up. She is such a little adult! I love it!
Other than that, we played some Wii, got some new pillows and looked for a coat for Tipper. It is so cold outside she doesn't want to go out and play!

Bubbleicious

2008-02-25T05:59:00.001-08:00

I am all about not getting my hair and make-up ruined but this might be too far out for me!

I can't tell if she looks more like an astronaut or deep sea diver!

Jonas Brothers

2008-02-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

We won tickets to the Jonas Brothers concert last night. Makenzie and Dexter went and they got to go to a sound check party.

Makenzie sent me this picture....later she sent me a text that said:

"Oh my gosh, Nick Jonas just touched me!".

Nick is her favorite!

I can't wait to hear how the rest of the concert is, she probably won't be up for a couple more hours!

Pictures for Jen!

2008-02-21T16:17:00.001-08:00

Te He!

2008-02-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

I think when the K-Man is all better I am going to have a party for him. Everyone will have to come with an injury! Ha ha!
Speaking of Kevin, he had a different physical therapist yesterday and he is not doing well. The pain kept him up a lot last night and when I left this morning, he was in pretty rough shape.
I love him so much! I can't wait for him to not feel bad!

Upswing?

2008-02-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Kevin had surgery on Monday and it seems it went a lot better this time than last. He is already in physical therapy and hopes to be back to work in a couple of weeks. They did a lot more work this time than last so it took longer and he woke up in pain. There was a lot of scar tissue that wasn't allowing him to straighten his knee. They cleaned that up, flushed & rinsed his knee, smoothed out some jagged edges on his meniscus and manually straightened his leg. In a couple of weeks he will start to get lubricating injections because his knee cap is completely exposed because of arthritis. Poor guy...but of course good ole Kevin is in great spirits and ready to get back to his life!
Makenzie has been staying with us which has been really nice, but the reasons behind aren't the best. Poor girl. I am so lucky to have been raised in my loving, supportive and complete family. You never realize it until you are older...sometimes even too late to express.
Anyway, I am going to Email my momma right now and tell her I love her! You should do the same!

Drat!

2008-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

How is it that one week ago I stopped taking 1800 mg of anitbotics after a full month yet I woke up this morning with a cold?! COME ON! Shouldn't some of that medicine still be in me a little?! Enough to at least block a cold?!
Jennifer said it is because a new girl started on Friday and she had been really sick. I like that reason too....lets blame the new girl!!

Celebration Weekend

2008-02-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

Friday night we went over to Kyle & Heather's for Michelle's 30th birthday party. We played Smarty Pants on the Wii (which Kevin and I went and rented the next day because we were obsessed with it) and American Idol on Playstation. I have to get a karaoke machine! Christy and I were so good! As was everyone else of course!

Saturday night Tyler had his Valentine's Dance so we brought him Katie's corsage and took a few pictures and then just went home and caught up on some tv shows and played Smarty Pants.

Sunday we did a little cleaning, a little more playing Smarty Pants and then went to Nathaniel's 3rd birthday party! Apparently we aren't very good singers!

Dang!

2008-02-08T09:19:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I had another ct scan on my sinuses to see if there has been any improvement since taking the antibotics and while we were waiting, I was thinking about how that was the best my sinuses have felt in a long time and maybe even though I am done with the medicine, I would assume that 1800 mg a day for a month would still stick in my system for a bit and maybe it was starting to do something! Woot woot!
So, while I was having the best sinus day I have had in forever, I was upstairs helping Jennifer decorate Lolita's desk for her birthday and what happens...I bend over to pick up some balloons and smack the back of my head on the Bev's overhead. I instantly started crying because I am a dork and I even think I said, "It's not funny." like a 5 year old would.
Anyway, I went downstairs and Ellen came over to look at it and noticed it was already swelling so she got me so ice which worked so well! The swelling went down quite a bit....on that bump. Later I noticed I had yet another bump higher up on my head which is still killing me!
And it's funny because while I am normally a side sleeper, because I couldn't lay on the back of my head, I just could not get comfortable. Or maybe it was because my whole head was pounding....

Happy New Year

2008-02-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

You know when you keep putting something off and the further and further it passes the worst you feel about it and you don't even want to face it?! That is what I did with our blog! I was trying to get a slide show put together of Christmas and just keep pushing it off and look, it is already February!
I still don't know how to post a slide show but I am ok with not having the time to figure it out.
The New Year has started out the same as last year ended. Kevin is still limping around the house, not at work. Friday he went back for a check up with the second opinion doctor who sent him to physical therapy. After 3 weeks of therapy, it has improved but K-Man is going to have surgery on the 18th. Hopefully they will just straighten his knee out and flush it out but they have to wait and see when they get in there. Poor guy...
Now that I have finally faced my procrastination, look for more comments. Oh, and I am going to post a bunch of pictures now because that is what Jennifer wants!

Poor K-Man

2007-12-10T05:07:00.001-08:00

Kevin has been up since about 3 this morning trying to get comfortable because his knee is bothering him. It looks like it did before the surgery. And there is so much heat coming off of it, it is like it is burning. I was getting ready this morning and he said he needs me to take him to the doctor because he doesn't think he can make it. I told him of course, no problem. A couple of minutes later I smelled smoke and at first was going to yell about him smoking in the house but then thought better of it...what am I going to make him do?! Walk down the three steps over to the garage to make him smoke?! The poor man has been up all night and in terrible pain. Too bad for him that those painkillers don't work on him. Oh, and yesterday we found out that is a family thing on the Gaffney side....huh.
Anyway, we have an appointment with his regular doctor at 8:40, a call into his surgeon, and Joe, my brother's friend who is a physical therapist, is calling a surgeon he knows to see if Kevin can get in with him. It is a partner of Kevin's surgeon so hopefully.....I really don't want to go to the ER.
I will keep you posted!
Please keep Kevin in your thoughts today.

Weekend

2007-12-09T16:14:00.001-08:00

Our weekend was nice. Friday night we went up and had pizza with Harold and Lisa and later played euchre. It has been forever since we have played. While we were there, I noticed Kevin's knee was visibly swollen. So much so that I could tell through his jeans. And it is really hot. You can feel the heat coming off of it.
Saturday I made him stay home and stay off his knee. It is just terrible. It helped a bit staying off of it but still. Later that night we went bowling. I was totally not into it and don't even remember the scores I got. Oopsies!
This morning and went and picked the kids up, did a little shopping at Target and went to the Gaffney Christmas over at Kevin's brother & sister-in-law's house. It was a fun time but Kevin's niece is always late so we ended up missing dessert because Tyler had to get back for work. We stopped by Steve & Melissa's later for Steve's birthday.
Busy but nice.
Oh, and the two most important things:
Kevin has a doctor appointment tomorrow morning with our regular doctor for a regular old check-up so hopefully after he sees Kevin's knee, we can get it taken care of right away.
And, possibly even more importantly, Kevin's friend, Cam, called last night with a line on the Wii. Supposedly all the Meijers were getting 30 of them in and Kevin got the 25th one at the Jenison Meijer!
WOOT WOOT!!

Update

2007-12-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. I know you all must just be waiting on the edge of your seat.
Anyway, Kevin scheduled an appointment with a different orthopedic surgeon to get a second opinion. He is no where close to back to normal and it has been three months. Geesh. Poor hubby.
I went to the doctor yesterday and I have to get a ct scan on my sinuses. I have been taking cold & sinus medicine almost every day for at least 6 months now. I know, I know. Not good. My doctor said because this has been such an ongoing problem, I have had this issue for over a year now, we might as well just get the scan done and figure out for sure what is happening instead of just guessing and hoping a prescription here and there works. He said it might be a deviated septum or my drainage passage might be too small and they would have to make it bigger. FRICK.
I called Kevin after the appointment and he said, "I wonder if your voice will change?!". I had not even thought of that. What if it does? I make people do things because of my annoying, nasally voice! What if I don't have it anymore?!

Shout Out to Athena!

2007-12-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Woot woot! Not only did Athena post on her blog about her trip, she even did a slideshow with her pictures!
And, she has even posted since then!
Way to go Athena!

Do It!

2007-11-29T08:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was up eating lunch and I told our maintenance man, Mike, that I really wanted the carpet cleaned in the boardroom and he said there was no way, absolutely not. And certainly not this week.
While the headache from the carpet cleaner is a little nauseating, it is worth it!
Te he! And they wonder why I think I can just make people do stuff!
Seriously though, Mike has done a lot of work for me lately and it looks great and I really appreciate it. In fact, I am trying to figure out some sort of treat for him and his helpers.

Wii

2007-11-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

Is there a conspiracy with the Nintendo Wii? We were thinking about getting it as a family gift and I assumed since it has been out for a year, it would be easy to get now. Why is it not? Is it Nintendo? Is it the stores? Is it Americans insane desire to have everything immediately and not allow others to have it because then how would they know that they are cool?! How would they know their worth?!

Chinese Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

We had a Chinese feast for our Thanksgiving lunch at work. We also had to write what we were thankful about for each of our co-workers on a little slip of paper and I got one from our president that said:
"Thank you for your welcoming smile and response, and the creative fun you make us enjoy"
Ha ha!
And the funniest part was about 10 minutes after I told people about that, Tommy, our executive director, came back from a meeting and I said, "Deanna, make Tommy come in here and get his envelope."
Now the big thing around here is how I make people do things and why would I think I could make people do things. Here is why:
Tommy did come in and get his envelope.
Kevin came and brought me $10 today.
I just signed up for my gym membership.
Jennifer is getting us some pie right now.
Happy Thanksgiving!

To Christy

2007-11-20T06:21:00.001-08:00

I see the excitement of blogging has already worn off.
Whatev.

Family Weekends

2007-11-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

Another fabulous weekend!
I picked Makenzie up Friday after work and met Kevin back at my work to pain the boardroom. It was fun and I left my little mark somewhere in the room! Te he!
Tyler had to work Friday night and Saturday morning when to the EGR game with Katie and her dad so he stayed at his mom's Friday night.
Saturday, Makenzie and I went to work-out and then went and picked up my materials for my "spirit sticks" for Camille's cheerleading competitions. You will have to wait and see what I am talking about...
Saturday night we had dinner and then watched Shrek the Third. I love the drakey babies! So cute! I hope there is a straight to video knock-off for them!
Makenzie went to bed around 10:00 because her and her boyfriend broke up on Friday and we had some drama to deal with before the movie. Little girls....
Anyway, Kevin, Tyler and I watched "V for Ventetta". Some parts of it were good but there was too much violence for me.
Sunday we went to church and then went home and made pizzas and played games. We played two games of Clue, I love that game and hate that I can't play it with only 2 players, Break the Safe, Tyler didn't play that one, and then a quick round of TV Scene It.
Overall, a great weekend!
Hope you had the same!!
P.S. We are going to Mega 80's this Friday night if anyone is interested. Now that Ryan has a girlfriend, he plans all theses couple things! It is so cute! We haven't been to the show in a long time now so it should be fun. For a while there we were a little cashed out on it. I don't think we will be able to stay the whole time because of Kevin's knee but it will still be fun to the out on the town!

Holiday Time

2007-11-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas music! And I love that it is on 105.7 already! People say that it is too early but I say, too early for what? For that joyful time of year when everyone is just a little more friendly and a bit happier?! Too early for the time of year when you get together with friends and loved ones to make memories?!
Too early, too smearly!
Don't try and rain on my holiday parade! I'll punch you in the throat! Ha!

Weekend

2007-11-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

Another fabulous weekend!
Friday Kevin took the day off and cleaned our bedroom which was an absolute mess. He made dinner for us and then we just hung out for the night.
Saturday I did a little shopping and then made some brownies and caramel corn to bring to Harold and Lisa's candle party. We got up there around 6:00 and it was so much fun! We saw a couple people that we haven't seen in forever. Later, we went over to Mike & Kari's and played Catch Phrase. I definitely have to get the digital game. It is much easier for Kevin to read! Krista, you know what I am talking about. We had to make a rule that if Kevin couldn't read it right away he was allowed to switch to the next one! Te he!
Sunday we picked Makenzie up and went to the late service and then went over to Steven & Melissa's. Melissa wants to sell some baby stuff on ebay but didn't know how. She is all set up on ebay and paypal now....welcome to the internet world Melissa!

WWJD?

2007-11-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

What Would Jesus Do?
Jesus would probably stop frantically waving his arms around as he was telling his passenger no doubt a fascinating story about this car that almost swerved and ran him off the road. He would also notice all the cars passing him in the right lane and see that the Saab that is hanging on his fish tail, would like to go faster than him but is waiting and not passing him in the right lane because the Saab has ultimate faith that this person should be allowed to drive and will in fact to the right thing and GET OVER!

My Morning Trip to Work

2007-11-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

This was the traffic I dealt with this morning on Wealthy. The pick-up truck who thought he was so important and couldn’t fathom sitting through another red light wedged himself between the VW Bug that was already sticking out therefore causing the oncoming traffic to have to merge into one lane because he was blocking them. They got all backed up and when the semi-truck tried to turn, he couldn’t make it. Everyone literally was stuck. It was like Twister! The cars not allowing the semi-truck to complete his turn couldn’t move because they were all jammed into a 4 car space and couldn’t move forward and out of the way because now the semi-truck was blocking all 4 lanes.
People, people. Come on. What is really going to happen if you are a couple of minutes late? Is the world going to end? Are you going to go straight to the fiery depths? Is your boss going to fire you? I seriously doubt it. Relax. Let Go, Let God.

Tipper

2007-11-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

Tyler thinks it is horrifying if we talk about putting a bow in Tipper's hair or dressing her up. I have a Halloween costume we put on her again this year but only because it is hilarious, not cute. When we were at Target yesterday Kenz and I found this costume and had to get it. It is so funny!

I Love My Husband So Much!

2007-11-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

I woke up with a nasty little headache this morning so Kevin went and got the cookies I needed to pick up for work and picked up a breakfast burrito from McD's for me. I am obsessed with those things lately.
Thank you Love!

Weekend

2007-11-04T14:29:00.001-08:00

I love Sunday nights. Get ready for the week, thoughts of the fun weekend.
Friday night we had spaghetti with the kids and then watched Transformers. It was such a good movie! I was really surprised! And it was nice it was PG-13. None of us had seen it which was a surprise because the kids see everything in the theaters.
Saturday the kids and I just hung out for the day at home while Kevin was at work and then Tyler went to work and I took Makenzie to Dexter's for a bit.
Kevin and I watched the game...GO BLUE! What a great game huh?! No matter what side you are on, you have to admit it was an awesome game to watch!
I picked Makenzie up around 7:30 and we watched Evan Almighty. Such a cute movie! I loved it!
Tyler got home from work around 11:30, I made him an egg sandwich, and we all watched SNL for a bit.
Sunday we woke up and went to late service and then went to Target to buy gifts for our Operation Christmas Child. You pick a specific aged girl or boy and fill a shoe box full of gifts. The kids and I decided to pick the 10-14 year old boy. We figured everyone picks the little ones. There was a suggestion list so we got him: colored pencils, mechanical pencils with refills, pens, notebooks, playing cards, calculator, candy and a Tigers hat. Makenzie added a note explaining the Tigers hat and letting him know we would be thinking and praying for him. We are adding our picture and address as well.
I made some super yummy potato soup and then we all put together a puzzle. I had two poster size puzzles from Disney and while during a scene of Evan Almighty, I remembered the Lion King one with all the animals coming to see Simba. Unfortunately, I couldn't find that one but 101 Dalmatians was still fun. I could tell Kevin was a little hesitant when I suggested it but Makenzie was all in and Tyler had fun sometimes.
Tyler mentioned while we were eating that no one can eat a piece of bread in one minute because it soaks up too much saliva...Kevin and Makenzie did not believe him so they tried. I will not tell you the results, it is something fun to try. At least it is if you have teenagers...

Lonely Friday

2007-11-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I have started Emailing during the day while we are at work. But today he actually took the day off and now I have no one to talk with. Especially since Athena and Jennifer aren't at work today. Boo.
Athena is never here on Fridays because she is a slacker but normally I at least have Jennifer. She had to have her gall bladder removed on Wednesday though. Thankfully, everything went well and we should have her smiling face back here next week!
I miss my hubby and my friends.

Another Halloween Party

2007-11-01T17:01:00.001-07:00

We went over to Pat & Amy's for Halloween and it turned into a impromptu, racy party! It started out innocent enough with our cute little family photo. I will post some other pictures from later in the night when I get them sorted. What is it about wigs that change people?! It was a great time. They just got back from Fantasy Fest in Key West and Pat said he felt like they were still there. It was something else!

Halloween Party

2007-11-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

Kyle and Heather had a Halloween party and while I was not feeling the best, there was no way I was going to miss it. I had both my brothers there with their significant others, and Kristi, Heather's neighbor was going to be there and I hadn't seen her in forever! It was so much fun!

Kevin Update

2007-11-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

This is one post that I can scratch off my list posted earlier...
Well, Kevin's knee is still not 100%. He went to the doctor last week and they gave him a prescription anti-inflammatory that seems to be helping. The doctor told him it would be another 8 weeks or so though! Last night it was really bothering him so I told him he should go back to using two crutches. He went down to one because he felt like he should be better by now but with another 8 weeks to go, he probably shouldn't be putting all his weight on it yet.
He will see if he took my advice. He never takes it until the doctor says it 2 weeks after I do!
If only I could run the world...or at least Kevin's!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

My desk is high so when people come in, I literally pop my head up to see who is coming in. Since the day I started, I thought about being a prairie dog for Halloween. Unfortunately, this was the only costume I could find. And while it is awesome, it is also $1,000!

I will show pictures later of my desk and what I ended up being for Halloween.

Geez, I have a lot of pictures I need to get posted.

Hookerween

2007-10-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

When did Halloween turn into the excuse for women to dress like hookers?

Thank You GRPD

2007-10-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what that cop was looking at but a big thank you for not noticing me speeding by you this morning on Market! I mean speeding! And I mean right by! I could do a sketch of this cop I was that close! Oopsies!

Finally!

2007-10-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have so much to update about but I have been sick almost this whole week! It has been terrible. But, finally, I am feeling better. My ears are still plugged but everything else is returning to normal. You know I am definitely sick when I cancel Monday night with Krista and don't bowl on Tuesday! I should be posting some pictures soon of the past week or so. A lot happened! Here is what to look for:
Tyler & Makenzie's homecoming
My Baptism
Kevin's knee
Kyle & Heather's Halloween party

Details to follow!

I forgot...

2007-10-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention the most important part....Kevin is back to work! Woot woot! Today is his second day and he just Emailed me to say his knee really hurts. He pushed it way too much yesterday. He is down to just one crutch so he is getting there. He just keeps forgetting it takes time. He didn't use that leg for almost 3 weeks!Also, I forgot to mention that I have always wanted one of those Tony Little's Gazelle machines. I don't know why, they just seem fun. Well Saturday, when Kenz and I were running errands, we stopped at this Nice Twice used store on 28th Street. And I found one! It isn't actually a Tony Little one but it is the same thing. It is so much fun! And it was only $12! It does need a little grease but it is in perfect condition. SWEET!

Weekend

2007-10-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Happy October 15!
Our weekend was good.
Friday I picked Makenzie up and then stopped at home to get Kevin and headed over to On the Border. It was delicious!
After that we went home and had a long heart to heart with Makenzie. About 3 or so hours long. It was really good and after hearing her talk, apparently this needed to happen a long time ago. Her morals and values worry me. We talked a lot about her, her thoughts, her values, her convictions, her mom and us. We learned a lot of interesting things about what Kim has to say. Well, not that we really just found out but got confirmation.
We will see where it takes us. She wants to live with us but it never works because as Makenzie has told us, her mom makes her feel bad that she is leaving her. We will have to set it up for a specific timeframe and see if she still wants to stay after she has been there awhile. If so, I think we will have to look at moving to EGR.
Saturday Makenzie and I went shopping and Tyler came over and hung out with Kevin and had a little heart to heart of their own. We all had dinner and I went off to bowling. Kevin came for a little bit but then headed home after the first game. I did a little better, 120, 120 & 102. Not good but better than the crappy way I have been playing.
After bowling we convinced Heather to karoake. She really likes to sing Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You. I was trying to explain to all of them that it really doesn't matter if you are good or not, as long as you have fun. I also explained that once the microphone is in your hand, it is crazy. And, I was right. No one had karoaked before but everyone did it. And did solos no less!
After that, we went to the pub for last call. And what a last call! A huge fight broke out throughout the whole bar. We were trapped in the corner and had to climb out over a wall to leave. I called 911 it was so bad. I mean the whole bar was fighting! They were people laid out cold all over. When we finally got out, 2 cops had just gotten there and had some people outside but then it erupted all over again in the bar. I called 911 again and told them they needed a lot more help there. They ended up pepper spraying the bar.
Seriously, it was crazy. There were young and old people fighting. I have never seen anything like it in my life and hope to never again.
Sunday we woke up and went to the late service. Our series right now is called seX games and it is really interesting. And a little unsettling because it is just so open and honest and you just don't hear the word "sex" used a ton. I love Wes, our pastor. He makes it so personal and real. I was glad the kids were there to hear a good point of view. I don't know whether they really listen or not though. They have both taken a really liking to their step-dad's athiest ways.
After church we went to Red Robin and then home to all snuggle and read the paper and watch football. Tyler went back to his mom's because while she is gone, he is taking care of their dog. The three of us took a trip later to decorate my boss' office for her big 5-0. Makenzie is such a scaredy cat. My office freaks her out. Not that I would ever be caught there alone! After that we stopped at Taco Bell, we ate terribly this week, and then just hung out while we got ready for the week. At least I sent Makenzie off with a nice, healthy lunch for today!
Anyway, this week should go by quick. Makenzie is staying with us through Wednesday and will be at my work volunteering every day after school. She is going to make a trip down the road to get a real prospective so that should be interesting! Tonight I am getting my hair done, tomorrow I am skipping bowling because I have my Baptism video shoot to do. Little nervous for that....
Anyway, have a great week!

One or the Other

2007-10-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of weeks I either have Hannah Montana's theme song, Best of Both Worlds, or Kanye West's, Stronger, going through my head. And I mean trucking right through. It won't stop!
Right now it is Hannah Montana...frick.

Weekend Update

2007-10-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

The visit last week to the doctor really helped Kevin turn that corner. The swelling has almost completely gone away now and after his visit yesterday, he can start doing leg exercises. He should be back to work next week.
Because it was his birthday on Sunday and was literally laid up on the couch, I decided to throw him a last minute surprise party. He had been talking all week about guys from his work so I figured it would do him some good. It is definitely not easy to throw a surprise party for someone who is always around! Luckily, we were having the family over on Sunday so I convinced him that all the decorations and food prep was just me getting ready early so we could have a nice day on Sunday, his actual birthday.
Sometimes I worry that I am too good of a liar! He totally bought it and was completely confused when people started "dropping by". Ha ha! It was great. It was nice to see him happy and you could really tell it did him some good. He definitely was missing his little buddies from work.
Sunday we had the kids and my family over. It is so nice when everyone gets together and it seems like those little ones just make everyone happy. It felt like I was reliving the previous day because we had a lot of the same food and Ryan, Kate (his girlfriend) and Melissa were all there Saturday too!

Knee Update

2007-10-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Kevin went to the doctor today for what was originally supposed to be a 2-week follow up. The doctor drained Kevin's knee and said this happens in about 1 of 50 patients. Kevin's knee just doesn't want to be messed with. He is stuck on the couch still with it elevated and iced until Monday afternoon when he goes back. He has to stop doing the exercises he has been trying to do and walk only when necessary and only using the crutches. What a great way to spend his birthday weekend.
I think the reason Kevin and I met and are meant to be are as follows:
Kevin has "routine" knee surgery that should have him back on his feet and working after a long weekend. He is going on two weeks now.
I tore my leg muscle last year and while most of the world tears the muscle either away from the knee or the hip and can have surgery and be up and about in a week, I tore my whole muscle right down the middle from the knee to the hip and was laid up for two months before I could even start physical therapy.

We are freaks meant to take care of each other!

Krista was over this week and commented on how we had a worn out spot on our couch from both of us being stuck laying there. Not that you could actually see it because Kevin is still laying there!

October weather?

2007-10-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

I wore shoes again today....it is supposed to be warm on Friday but I think I have figured out a plan for my shoe issue. I will keep you posted...

Weekend

2007-10-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome October! Typically, I refuse to wear sandals into October. At least, dress sandals. However, it is supposed to be 80 degrees this week! That is crazy. What do you think? Do you have a cut off for the switch or do you base it on the weather? I will keep you posted as to what I decide. Today I have shoes on.

Anyway, weekend was good. Kevin went to the doctor on Friday for an ultrasound to check for blood clots because he is still in so much pain and it is really swollen. No clots but they found a large mass of blood and fluid under the knee. He got to take the wrap off but still has to keep it elevated.

Saturday morning Tyler and I went and volunteered at Recovery Palooza. It was a free event for the public in honor of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Recovery Month. I think Tyler had quite an eye opening experience. Our clients came down and got to spend time with friends and family so it seemed like everyone had a great time. Tyler and I made the balloon arch, we were quite impressed with ourselves!

By the time I got home around 3:00, it seemed like the swelling in Kevin's calf, ankle and foot went down quite a bit but not in his knee nor his thigh.

We went to our couples bowling league Saturday night and Kevin stayed and watched for the first 2 games but then was too uncomfortable and went home to rest. April's husband John subbed for Kevin. He said he hadn't bowled in about 3 years but still managed to get a 209! Dang!

Sunday we just hung out and watched football.

This morning I called Kevin and told him that I Emailed him some pictures and he sounded so upset. He was trying to do his exercises and he was in so much pain. He has another call into the doctor. Obviously something is not right.

Poor K-Man....

Updates

2007-09-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!
Things are good. I have been so tired trying to take care of Kevin! He is a lot of work. But worth it. While we originally thought he would be back to work by now, he is still at home on crutches. He has a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and hopefully will be back to work on Thursday. But he is still in a lot of pain and has a lot of swelling still. He is pretty disappointed today. He put a call into the surgeon's nurse so hopefully she will have some good advice.
Other than that, not much happening. I realized my fingers hurt from bowling! I can't tell if they are bruised or what but they hurt to touch and move. Not incredibly bad but enough to notice. Seriously. I can't believe that! And we have couples bowling tomorrow night. Obviously, Kevin isn't bowling but he is hoping he can come by for a little bit.
Work is going great but my boss announced that she is leaving at the end of November to move to Texas. While it might be a good opportunity to get more responsibility, I am going to miss her. What if I end up with someone worse? I am hoping to pick up a large part of her responsibility so we will see. The president, my boss, the COO and the director of HR met the other day and Diane told me it was "mandated" that I will stop working for the community relations director after Recovery Palooza and start shadowing my boss until she leaves. So that is a good sign.
Anyway, have a great weekend!

Kevin

2007-09-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Kevin had knee surgery this afternoon and everything went well. They found an additional tear under his kneecap so they repaired that one and the meniscus tear, took out some pieces of floating cartilage, and smoothed some bone edges. It only took about 30 minutes for the actual surgery but they still put him completely under. I of course, being the huge gay-wad that I am, cried. Te he!
He is resting on the couch now with his leg wrapped from his foot to his thigh. He is still in quite a bit of pain but I think if I can keep him on the couch with it iced and elevated, that will help.
We will see how the weekend goes!

GIANT!

2007-09-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Those of you who worked with me at HM might remember how funny I thought those big post-its notes were that they used for ideation sessions. They are the huge almost poster sized paper that you could stick to the wall and write on. When I would be typing up all the hand-written notes / comments, I would laugh because I would always think of my boss being a giant and that was just his normal notebook. In fact, it is making me giggle right now!

Anyway, look at what Jennifer got me! Giant Smarties! I have been walking around with them all day! I was thinking that I felt huge all day but I guess that it should make me feel super small. Oh well. Nonetheless, they made my day! Hhmmm, now I feel so confused....and yes, I did eat some before I took this picture. She gave them to me first thing this morning and they have been sitting at my desk! At least I waited until after lunch!

Thanks Honey!

2007-09-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

As part of my birthday month, Kevin bought me a watch. Today is the first day I have forgotten it and it is awful! Our phones for some reason don't keep the right time so it shows 2:01 am and our computers don't show the time because we have to be on some gaywad portal system. I don't even know what time it is right now. I hope it is at least 2:30.....oh it is 2:25! Not bad!

Catch Up

2007-09-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ok so I haven't posted in quite a while. Sorry! Here is a recap of things from the past couple of weeks:

Krista still hasn't gotten a bike helmet.

I started my bowling league with Heather & Melissa on our team, "Can't Touch This". We have done two weeks now (we pre-bowled on Friday instead of tomorrow). Melissa got a 98, 196 and then a 90! That is crazy! I have been more consistent with everything between a 120 and 150.
Kevin and I just committed to bowling every other Saturday with Kyle & Heather and Eric & Kristi. It worked out perfect because that is the Saturday we don't have the kids. However, that is a lot of bowling! I am already worried that my left arm will be much stronger than my right because of this and it will be noticeable!
Kevin and I went camping for the final time at Aunt Karen's for Labor Day weekend. She is moving in October and it is going to be so hard. For her and for me. To know that she is leaving the house her and my uncle built together as their dream, crushes me. She knows she can't maintain all that land herself and that she needs to leave, but I don't think her heart is ready for it. I took a bunch of pictures that I hope to post soon for those of you not lucky enough to have seen the natural beauty.
The kids started school last week and so far, so good! Makenzie is loving it as she always does for the first couple of weeks. Things may be different though with a chance at a cell phone dangling in front of her. I am honestly considering dangling that in front of her for the rest of high school! Tyler of course is doing well and looking forward to the fact that it is his last year. He started filling out college applications for GVSU, Western and MSU.
Kevin's "good" knee has been bothering him for about a month now, swollen with water on it. Tuesday night he did something to it at work and started limping. Wednesday morning his knee, calf and ankle were swollen to about 3 times its normal size. Yet, he went on his guys canoe weekend! Boys! They are such dorks! I will say though that the swelling has gone down and he isn't in nearly as much pain. He is getting an MRI done tomorrow morning so hopefully, they will figure out what is wrong.

Because Kevin was gone this weekend, I spent my second weekend ever alone! And I handled it quite well! Friday I met up with some friends at Z's, met Heather, Melissa, April, Kyle & Zachary to bowl and then headed over to Kyle & Heather's for a bit. Saturday I was lazy all morning and then started to do some major "fall" cleaning. Saturday night Steven & Melissa invited me over for dinner and I stayed there until about 11:00. I haven't seen my nephews in a while and they change so fast! Tristen can count to 100 now and rides the bus to school, Nathaniel is talking so much more now and Pierson is getting to be such a stinker. You can see it in his eyes. I will post some pictures of them soon too.
Andrea started her new job today! Welcome to the other side Andrea! I got a quick Email from her today and so far, she was loving it! Yea!

Ok, that seems like enough to appease you. I will post more this week....promise!

It is nice to be loved!

2007-09-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

I promise to post tonight. A lot!

Not To Be...yet!

2007-08-22T08:25:00.001-07:00

Krista of course has not gotten a bike helmet yet. She thinks she will look like a dork. Everyone does but everyone still wears one! What kind of example is she setting for her children?! Please help me in my pledge to help Krista get a helmet.
Post your comments here or feel free to click on her blog's link to post a comment on her page. Whatever you think will be more annoying for her. Maybe both!
If you check out her page, you will see pictures of her beautiful smiling children. They won't be so smiley when mom's laying on the couch all day because she hurt herself riding her scooter. The Miller Lites flying out of the basket alone could be enough to lay her up for a week!
Te he!

To Be or Not To Be?

2007-08-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

Will Krista have a bike helmet on her head tonight?
Cast your vote!
Results will be posted tomorrow morning.

Paper Flier

2007-08-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

You would think with how long I have been in the corporate office field, I would have used a paper folder at some point. Nope!
Have you ever used one? They really are quite handy after you figure out you have to stop the paper from shooting out and flying all over the floor! I literally had about 100 folded letters laying all over the floor! They shoot out so fast! And make this little muffled gun shot sound. It was a little terrifying!
Guess I didn't have to be so careful about keeping them in order with the envelopes while I was signing them all!

Outdoor to Indoor Sports

2007-08-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yup, summer is definitely ending! Our softball league is done and Heather has asked me to be on her bowling league. It is on the same night softball was, which is Tuesday, so it works out perfect because Kevin works until 8:00 anyway.
Our team is going to be:
Heather
Melissa (her sister, my sister-in-law)
Dona (their mom)
Me
And someone else, not sure yet who that will be.
Anyway, Heather sent me a text message this morning telling me to ask Melissa what our bowling team name was going to be and mentioned that I was going to love it....it is "Can't Touch This". Come on! I can't do that! There was got to be something better out there right?
Any suggestions?

Amanda's Trip to MI

2007-08-15T10:41:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few photos from Amanda's visit to Michigan last week.

The first one is a picture of me apparently being really happy hanging out with my brother!

The next one is of Amanda and me!

I will post some more later...

Princess

2007-08-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Last night when Krista came over for our Monday nights, I showed her my new bike helmet. The deal was that if I got one, she would get one. Now of course she is saying she said she would only get one if her momma paid for it. Seriously, she fell off a scooter. Don't you think she needs a helmet?!
Anyway, I was explaining how I bought it at Target and that they had all these bright girly colors that I liked but I ended up buying the silver one because the other ones didn't match my bike. She burst out laughing! My bike is a dark teal so why would I buy a bright baby blue helmet? Shouldn't it match if possible? Or at the very least, not clash?!
Let me know your thoughts.
ps. Thanks Krista for staying so late last night!