Christmas and mixed emotions

I LOVE Christmas!! However for our household it comes with many mixed emotions, love and happyness of being together and the missing of Doug's mom and the reminder of Christmas of 2006, when Audrey was fighting for her life in the PICU of Children's hospital.


For those of you who have come into our life since then. Audrey was admitted into Children's on Dec 19th (her 2 month birthday) with a 103 fever and a white cell count of over 20,000. With in 48 hours she was went into respitority distress and was rushed into PICU where she was sedated and put on life support for 10 days. She was dianosed with RSV, which was very uncommon for a healthy full term baby to become as sick as she did, most extreme RSV cases like her's were results of preterm births, the drs called her the sickest RSV healthy baby they had seen. She fought with all she had and we got to bring her home on News Years Day 07.

I am forever greatful to have her home however more so around the holidays. Even if her fighting demenior drives me crazy sometimes LOL!!

This year has been really hard on Doug and I without Priscilla around, I know she is watching over us but I would much rather have her here with us. I hoping spending Christmas at the cabin this year with help lift and brighten our spirits this year.

Rain Rain,

Stay as long as you want we need it LOL. The girls had a blast playing in the rain over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

My First Thanksgiving

ok so it was not my first Thanksgiving, but it was my first Thanksgiving cooking the entire meal. Doug and I were in the Kitchen on and off through out the day, it was a long process but it turned out great!!! We had Turkey, Stuffing, Yams, Green bean casserole, and Rolls.

A Christmas for Noah

This is Noah, he is 5 and he has been fighting Nueroblastomia (the same cancer Madeleine's has). Unfortunately he is loosing his 2.5 year battle and the Doctors have told his parents that they only have a couple of weeks left with him. They are celebrating Christmas early next week and all he has asked for is Christmas cards. We are trying to get him as many Christmas cards as possible from all over the country. Please send him a card if you can here is his information:

Noah Biorkman

1141 Fountain View Circle

South Lyon MI 48178.

Kassidy is growing up

Kassidy is offically enrolled in "Big Kid School". I turned in her paperwork today for EAK (Early Admissions Kindergarten). EAK was formed for those students who just miss the cut off date for that years Kindergarten, Dec 15-March 15, who are ready to start a modified K schedule (only 3.5 hours) instead of staying in a Preschool setting. She will be starting in Jan.

I didn't think it would effect me to much since she is in preschool, however it is weird to think of her in a school setting.

Trick-or-treat

We were super busy this year for Halloween. Madi had her 2nd Birthday (her first one since chemo) The kids wore their costumes, the girls had a wonderful time playing with their friends and it was great to see Madi's extended family on happy terms not in a hospital.




Then it was home to rest and get ready for trick or treating:

Audrey's Birthday

Wow it has been a crazy October around here, sorry for the lack of posting :(

Audrey turned 3 on the 19th, I CONNOT believe my baby is 3!!!

She had many friends over for her party and Tinkerbell made an appearance too!! (a friend from HS does parties and singing telegrams). She was a huge hit, she did fairy dust, face painting, tinkerbell says and sang happy birthday.

Disneyland Details and pics

So sorry that it has taken so long to get the pics up :( We had an amazing day at Disney land for Aunt Tauna's 40th Birthday

I was solo (w/o Doug) so I was consumed with the girls so I didn't get many pics but here are a few:
It was an extremely hot day so the girls needed hats, I tried to convince them into cute princess floppy hats however on our way to the cash register when they spotted the spinner hats and it was all over (they still wear them around the house :) The girls had a great time and were great for me except for the usual fighting and crankiness that comes with being hot and staying until 9.
We were able to ride many kids rides. One highlight was It's a Small World they loved it, Disney incorporated most of the Disney characters into the ride as well as updating all the Worlds during the recent remodel and the girls could not stop pointing and saying mommy look at that.

Kass begged all day to go on a real roller coaster, however I put her off until the end of the day not sure what their reactions would be. Tauna and I stood in line with them for 45 minutes to ride the goofy coster in toon town, while the rest of the group rode Indiana Jones but they did get there just in time to watch.

Kassidy cried while Audrey laughted the whole way, the oposite of evpected with their desire to go on the coaster while we were in line.

The girls of course had to play on everything we passed in Toon town on our way out:


But we did get a chance to see part of the parade on our way out of the park the girls loved their high view of it on Tauna's and her Uncle Tom's sholders:

Vacation

We had a great camping trip to Big Bear Lake this past week. I will down load pic and give details soon (along with our Disney land trip ).

Bye cyber world

We are off to Big Bear Lake for the week, good bye cyber world see you in a week :)

Joe Legal vs. Jose Illegal

You have 2 families...
"Joe Legal" and "Jose Illegal". Both families have 2 parents, 2
children and live in California.

"Joe Legal" works in construction, has a Social Security Number, and
makes $25.00 per hour with payroll taxes deducted.

"Jose Illegal" also works in construction, has NO Social Security
Number, and gets paid $15.00 cash "under the table".

Joe Legal... $25.00 per hour x 40 hours = $1000.00 per week = $52,000
per year.
Now take 30% away for state and federal tax. Joe Legal now has
$31,231.00.

Jose Illegal... $15.00 per hour x 40 hours = $600.00 per week =
$31,200.00 per year.
Jose Illegal pays no taxes. Jose Illegal now has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays for Medical and Dental Insurance with limited coverage
... $1000.00 per month = $12,000.00 per year. Joe Legal now has
$19,231.00.

Jose Illegal has full Medical and Dental coverage through the state
and local clinics at a cost of $0.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has
$31,200.00.

Joe Legal makes too much money to be eligible for Food Stamps or
Welfare so Joe Legal pays for food... $1,000.00 per month = $12,000.00

per year. Joe Legal now has $7,231.00.

Jose Illegal has no documented income and is eligible for Food Stamps
and Welfare.
Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays rent of $1,000.00 per month = $12,000.00 per year.
Joe Legal is now in the hole -$4,769.00.

Jose Illegal receives a $500 per month Federal rent subsidy, which
entirely pays his rent of $500.00 per month = $6,000.00 per year.
Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays and gets a part time job
after work to make ends meet.

Jose Illegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family.

Joe Legal's and Jose Illegal's children both attend the same school.

Joe Legal pays for his children's lunches while Jose Illegal's
children get free government sponsored lunches.

Joe Legal's children go home after school.
Jose Illegal's children have an after school ESL program which, again,

is provided free of charge.

Joe Legal and Jose Illegal both enjoy the same Police and Fire
Services, but Joe Legal paid for them and Jose Illegal did not pay.
ARE YOU MAD YET?!?!?!

Disneyland

It is 10 am on Thursday and Kassidy is still asleep, I would be too it Audrey was not awake LOL. We had an amazing and extremely long day at Disneyland yesterday, we left the house at 8 in the park at 10:30-8:30 and home at 11!!

The girls did great especailly for me being the only parent with them. I did have other family with me to help, my dad, older sister- it was her 40th birthday (she is OLD!!!! LOL), her mom, and Aunt and Uncle.

The girls did great and we had a great time. I will post details with pics soon :)

Kassidy Started Soccer

I know blogging has been light, I have been over whelmed with working full time and now we are preparing for a Disneyland day trip tomorrow (they girls and I are meeting my sister Tauna there for her Bday)and a camping trip next week. We are all excited for camping, we are headed to Big Bear Lake.

Kass has started soccer with AYSO their teem name is The Lollypop Kids and they are so cute. Here is a shot form practice last week.

Personality Test

my friends Apryl and Jenn have recently taken this personality test. I of course was intrigued and had to try it my self. Here are my results that are right one for me, it is pretty scary how a quick test of 75 questions can define a person so clearly:

Guardian™ Portrait of the Provider (ESFJ)

Providers take it upon themselves to insure the health and welfare of those in their care, but they are also the most sociable of all the Guardians, and thus are the great nurturers of social institutions such as schools, churches, social clubs, and civic groups. Providers are very likely more than ten percent of the population, and this is fortunate for the rest of us, because friendly social service is a key to their nature. Wherever they go, Providers happily give their time and energy to make sure that the needs of others are met, and that social functions are a success.

Highly cooperative themselves, Providers are skilled in maintaining teamwork among their helpers, and are also tireless in their attention to the details of furnishing goods and services. They make excellent chairpersons in charge of dances, banquets, class reunions, charity fund-raisers, and the like. They are without peer as masters of ceremonies, able to speak publicly with ease and confidence. And they are outstanding hosts or hostesses, knowing everyone by name, and seemingly aware of what everyone's been doing. Providers love to entertain, and are always concerned about the needs of their guests, wanting to make sure that all are involved and provided for.

Friendly, outgoing, neighborly - in a word, Providers are gregarious, so much so that they can become restless when isolated from people. They love to talk with others, and will often strike up a conversation with strangers and chat pleasantly about any topic that comes to mind. Friendships matter a great deal to Providers, and their conversations with friends often touch on good times from years past. Family traditions are also sacred to them, and they carefully observe birthdays and anniversaries. In addition, Providers show a delightful fascination with news of their friends and neighbors. If we wish to know what's been going on in the local community, school, or church, they're happy to fill us in on all the details.

Providers are extremely sensitive to the feelings of others, which makes them perhaps the most sympathetic of all the types, but which also leaves them somewhat self-conscious, that is, highly sensitive to what others think of them. Loving and affectionate themselves, they need to be loved in return. In fact, Providers can be crushed by personal criticism, and are happiest when given ample appreciation both for themselves personally and for the tireless service they give to others.

William Howard Taft, Barbara Walters, J C Penney, Ray Kroc, Louis B. Mayer, Sam Walton, Dolley Madison, and Dave Thomas are examples of Provider Guardians.

This is what Wikipedia defines as characteristics of ESFJ:

The MBTI tool consists of multiple choice questions that sort respondents on the basis of the four "dichotomies" (pairs of psychological opposites). Sixteen different outcomes are possible, each identified by its own four-letter code, referred to by initial letters. (N is used for iNtuition, to differentiate it from Introversion). The MBTI is approximately 75% accurate according to its own manual.^[4]

• E – Extraversion preferred to Introversion: ESFJs often feel motivated by their interaction with people. They tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances, and they gain energy in social situations (whereas introverts expend energy).^[5]
• S – Sensing preferred to iNtuition: ESFJs tend to be more concrete than abstract. They focus their attention on the details rather than the big picture, and on immediate realities rather than future possibilities .^[6]
• F – Feeling preferred to Thinking: ESFJs tend to value personal considerations above objective criteria. When making decisions, they often give more weight to social implications than to logic.^[7]
• J – Judgment preferred to Perception: ESFJs tend to plan their activities and make decisions early. They derive a sense of control through predictability. ^[8]

Characteristics of ESFJs

ESFJs focus on the outside world and assess their experiences subjectively. They largely base their judgments on their belief system and on the effects of actions on people. ESFJs are literal and concrete, trusting the specific, factual information gathered through their physiological senses.

ESFJs project warmth through a genuine interest in the well-being of others. They are often skilled at bringing out the best in people, and they want to understand other points of view. They are serious about their responsibilities, seeing what needs to be done and then doing it. Generally proficient at detailed tasks, they enjoy doing little things that make life easier for others. They value tradition and the security it offers.

Easily hurt, ESFJs seek approval. They take pleasure in other people's happiness. They give generously but expect appreciation in return. Sensitive to the physical needs of others, they respond by offering practical care. As expert people readers, ESFJs often adapt their manner to meet the expectations of others.

ESFJs tend to be vocal in expressing their sense of right and wrong. Their value system derives from the external standards defined by their community, as opposed to a personal set of ethics. (This is one of the traits that distinguishes them from their ENFJ counterparts.) ESFJs raised in an environment of high ethical standards tend to display true generosity and kindness.

ESFJs seek structured, controlled environments, and tend to be good at creating a sense of order. They generally feel insecure in an atmosphere of uncertainty. They value the rule of law and expect the same of others. ESFJs may be less interested in understanding the concepts behind the rules, tending to shy away from the abstract and impersonal.^[11]

101Things To Do In 1001 days

I have been inspired by my friends, Jenn and Apryl to create a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days.

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Here is what I have so far (it is a work in progress) I decided to use a start date of May 1st 2009, so I can count my 1/2Marathon because it is something I never thought I would do:

101 Things to do in 1001 days:

1. Take a first aid class (to complete my credential)
2. Pass the Constitution test (also to complete my credential)
3. Receive my Credential.
4. Join the Vi Weight loss challenge
5. Loose 5 lbs
6. Loose 10 lbs
7. Loose 15 lbs
8. Loose 20 lbs
9. Loose 25 lbs
10. Loose 30 lbs
11. Loose 35 lbs
12. Set a new workout schedule with Karen and stick to it for 21 days
13. Walk a 1/2 marathon
14. Walk a 1/2 marathon with my husband
15. Go Camping with my family.
16. Take my girls to Long Marine Lab to meet my boys (AKA Primo and Puka the dolphins)
17. Go to Sea World with my family (all 4 of them).
18. Take my girls to meet their grandparents in Illinois.
19. Go to Hawaii
20. Re-enter the Scuba Diving World.
21. Set up my sewing area.
22. Finish my King quilt.
23. Start and finish my lap quilt.
24. Finish Kassidy's Quilt
25. Start and Finish a Quilt for Audrey
26.Have a weekend away in Vegas with my hubby
27. Take a vacation trip to Santa Cruz with my family
28. Take the girls on the Santa Cruz Train ride.
29. Buy a House
30. Make a kodak Photo album for Kassidy 1st year
31. 2nd year
32. 3rd year
33.4th year
34. Start the tradition of a photo album for each birthday starting with year 5 for Kassidy
35. Make a Kodak photo album for Audrey 1st year.
36. 2nd year
37. start the tradition of a phote album for each birthday starting with year 3 for Audrey.
38. Clean off/out my desk at home
39. east Vegatarian for a week
40. get negatives from our Wedding Photographer
41. Have a wedding album made
42. Hang pictures on walls of "our house' (I'm so not doing this again till we know we are not moving again)
43. Decorate "our house" (see above for reason)
44. Put resent pictures in digital picture frame.
45. Have a family photo session done.
46. teach my family to ski
47. Take a family ski trip
48. Relearn to crocet
49. Crocet a gift for someone
50. Have a date night at Seaport Village
51. Eat at the Harbor House
52. Take a horse drawn carriage ride
53. Visit and explore tide pools with my girls
54. Take a hooping class
55. Take a golf lesson
56. Play a round of Golf with my husband.
57. Read 10 books.
58. Play Pan at a table in Vegas.
59. Go whale watching with my family
60. Take a Harbor Cruise with my husband.
61. Teach Kassidy to read.
62. Teach Audrey to write her name.
63. Plant a garden.
64. Buy a Houseplant and keep it alive.
65. Volunteer for a beach/park clean up
66. Ride in a hot air balloon

My Purse does more than hold my stuff

I was doing some research on my new purse, I'm in need of a new wallet as well. I came across their website and learned that Bungalow 360 makes 'Earth Happy' bags. They use natural canvas and water based ink. They use solar energy and drive hybrid cars. They recycle and re-use as much as possible. They donate portions of sales to animal rescue organizations. Woo Hoo!!

Happy Anniversery

6 years ago yesterday I married the love of my life, this post is dedicated to you Doug, I love you more everyday and I'm looking forward to the rest of our lives together.

Then:

Now:


We had a great day together. We dropped off the girls at grandma's and grandpa's for their sleepover at 3 (they couldn't get ride of us fast enough once we got there). We then headed down to Seaport Village for a relaxing afternoon of wandering around, window shopping, checking out the kites and all the indepenant entertainers there. Then it was time for our reservation at the Harbor House (it is one thing I have always wanted to do, I am putting it on my 101 things list that I am going to post this week). We ate out on the covered patio, which provided a great view.


We had drinks, I had the best Mi Ti I have had since our Honeymoon. We shared delicious Calamari, Doug enjoyed a dinner salad and stole a few bites of my wonderful claim chowder and them we shared a mouth melting Miah Miah entree. They treated us to a piece of cheese cake which Doug enjoyed (I'm not a fan of cheesecake). The couple sitting next to us was celebrating their 27th Anniversay it was pretty neat to talk to them.

We finished up dinner and headed to purchase out anniversay gift. We had decided to get ahmmock swings for eachother, Doug has had opne for 10 years that I stole when he hung it up in the garage when we moved in. I wanted to get him a new one, the one he has is falling apart. He thought that it sounded like a great idea and that we should get 2 so we could swing together. We are building a stand for them today I will post pics when it is doen.We then headed to get frozen yogert for me, Doug was stuffed from the cheesecake. We were sitting on the wall enjoying while I enjoyed my frozen yogert, when Doug "ran to the restroom" or so he told me and he came back with a adorable purse I had been looking at several times that evening (I love my coach one however it is surper heave and hot for summertime).




The it was off to a quite house for the night.

I LOVE YOU DOUG!!!

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together :)

Wonderful 4th of July

Our 4th was filled with family as well as kid free fun with friends. We spent the morning playing with the girls at home and then one of my best tutors came and hung out with the girls "kidsit" as they call it and Doug and I headed to a friends house for some adult time with friends.

The evening was filled with drinks, food and fun with friends.




I enjoyed several Mi Ties, and a couple turns on the ice luge.


Swimming in the amazing pool:


Amazing fireworks from this view:

And great tiems with our friends:

Cabin Trip

We headed to the cabin for some time with friend and family. The cabin was full of People, Kids and dogs, final count 8 Adults, 1 Preteen, 4 Kids under 5, 5 dogs!!! LOL, We had a great time with everyone!!

Here are some highlights, We huge out at the cabin, cooking and eating:

Playing on the deck


Richard cooking dinner friday night


Tucker and Madi haginf out on the deck



We went an a couple of walks:

Audrey and Tucker being silly


Madi resting or posing not sure which (she is soo cute)

Rich helping tucker through the woods


Jenn and Tucker in the creek

Kassidy and her rcoks wanting help


Madi gets and assist from Ryan




We went for ice cream yummy:



They weekend was filled with fun times.