A LOOK INTO A SCATTERBRAIN

Day one in the 100 day challenge

2012-01-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

‎1. My favorite color is currently green

2. My eyes are hazel, not brown

3. My mom died at age 55 & my biological mother died at age 52.…and that scares me

4. I rarely, if ever drink

5. I have never done illegal drugs

6. I talk to my pets

7. My best friend is a brown haired green eyed hunk…aka the hubby Ken

8. I smoke a swisher sweet on my birthday

9. I love my job as a domestic goddess

10. I oftentimes wonder what my calling in life is

11. I believe in forgiveness

12. I used to go to camp with my real dad on the weekends and we would munch on a tube of Pringles and squirt cheese on the way there.

13. I love to run & hope to do a half marathon this summer…as long as my shin splints behave

14. I have soil from Kens grandparents grave in a jar in our bedroom.

15. I’m no longer scared of going deaf

16. I have awesometastic inlaws that treat me like I am their own daughter.

17. I like to spin my own yarn

18. I would love to make or buy a kite and head to the park and fly it.

19. Octopuss’ scare the living shite out of me!!!

20. I actually have come to love how faduckled up my life has been & cannot imagine it any other way.

21. I pray every night

22. I am a firm believer that one cannot read too many books

23. I have never had a pedicure.

2011 in Review

2012-01-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? went to Grand Island, asked for help

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't make resolutions...I like to call them aspirations. I was able achieve most of them. I like to have many aspirations/goals

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? yup, my beautimus sister Elizabeth had my handsome nephew Asher
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes. Aunty Ev & Most people do not really know or understand that my real mom and I actually had quite a nice relationship. She passed away on December 8th, 2011 & I sure do miss her silly self. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity of getting to know her.
5. What places did you visit? family & friends homes, Otter Lake, Lyman Lake

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? I was not lacking in 2011. I have the most awesome friends and family and I HAVE enough. People need to quit wanting more more more and realize what they DO have is all they really NEED.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? March 23~ our 15th wedding anniversary. April 30th~ We put together a benefit for our friend who had been involved in a car accident, November 8th~the day I thought my life was ending, December 8th~getting the call from my real mothers fiance saying my 52yr old real mom had died

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Organizing a benefit for our friend Steve and his family.

9. What was your biggest failure? I'm not a failure, I make mistakes and I learn from them.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes, gotta love being a woman

11. What was the best thing you bought? my hearing aids. they flippan rock!!! I swear I could hear a mouse fart =)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? anyone who stood up for what they believe in and worked to make our world a better place

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Not for me to judge or to advertise

14. Where did most of your money go? trucking stuff....

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Running races, golfing, camping, Lake Superior Adventures, being with family and friends, crocheting, saving our kitty Jade Noel from the Animal shelter, going to the Eskymo football games and watchign my lil brother play.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011? Eric Church's "Smoke a lil smoke"

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? I'm happy go lucky
b) thinner or fatter? same, maybe a bit thinner
c) richer or poorer? about the same

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? writing, learning, hugging

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? worrying

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2011? We went to Ken's grandparents for Christmas Eve, went to midnight mass with my brothers Mike & Kelly, opened gifts that night, slept in Christmas morning and then headed to the VFW for the Pepin Christmas shindig. After the hall several family members came to our house to watch the rest of the packer game.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011? I fall in love with my hubby more and more as time goes on. He truly is one remarkable nerd.
22. What was your favorite TV program? Big Bang Theory, Switched at Birth

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2011? Went camping at Otter lake and took a lil day trip to Grand Island
24. What was the best book you read?South of Superior was one of the many awesoem books I read this year.

25. What did you want and get? help

26. What did you want and not get? for all the homeless animals to be adopted

27. What was your favorite film of this year? "We Built a Zoo"

28. Did you make some new friends this year? I sure did!! I am sooo sooo blessed

29.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? I am quite satisfied

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 20011? I wear what I am comfortable in

31. What kept you sane? a supportive and wonderful husband, family, my fab friends & our furry kids
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32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I honestly don't get into the whole celebrity thing

33. What political issue stirred you the most? I always get stirred about supporting our troops, gay rights and welfare reform

34. Who did you miss? Nana, Joy, Mom & Dad, Karen

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. To Love me for who I am. I don't ALWAYS have to be strong. I cannot change certain things about myself. I am beautiful in my imperfect skin and it's ok to think that.

2012 Aspirations

2012-01-01T14:01:00.003-05:00

It's a new year & with a new year comes a new list of aspirations for the coming year. I look forward to what 2012 has in store for us and our lil furry family & I wish you all the love, light and happiness for a Happy New Year!!!

~Make butter
~Tap a maple tree and make syrup
~Lay in the back of the truck under lots of blankets and gaze at the stars
~Knit a project
~Try new recipes
~Drive across the Mackinac bridge
~Run 8 races
~Grow a successful garden
~Do something extraordinary for a stranger
~Forgive someone
~Milk a cow
~Ride a mechanical bull
~Sew 6 projects
~Clean & organize craft room…and keep it that way
~Repaint the craft room
~Print off pictures of family and put into an album
~Handmake gifts
~Plan at least two family fun days
~Go to a new campground
~Host 6 game nights with family and friends
~Make birthday cakes
~Stay on budget
~Hug more
~Make lip balm and other cosmetics
~Do something for charity
~Put up a new clothesline and use it often
~Decorate for all holidays
~Read as many books as possible
~Take a class (college, art center)
~Attend play performances
~Crochet socks
~Go hiking on Grand Island
~Go to a Packer game
~Do something that scares me
~Swim
~hand wax our vehicles monthly & get them serviced
~Go to a Hooters
~Simplify
~Learn how to cut snowflakes out of paper
~Make a huge snowman
~Wear a dress at least 6 times
~Change oil in our vehicle
~Ride in a taxi or public transportation
~Volunteer
~Learn something new
~Write
~Learn Yoga, Zumba
~Pray
~Visit where my real mom Karen’s ashes are scattered
~Visit our babies memorial twice
~Plant flowers at Mom & dads grave
~Adopt a family for the holiday
~Go to Massachusetts
~Learn to play an instrument
~Have my nieces and nephews and young siblings over for a slumber party
~Run in the rain
~Paint the garage
~Preserve food from the garden
~Buy locally
~Repair or make the items we need when possible
~Purchase as many of our necessities from independent businesses as we can
~Play Twister

Suicide Mud Plunge 2011

2011-08-30T10:22:00.004-04:00

Our team "The Flying Feathers" participated in the first Mud Plunge last Saturday in Ishpeming, MI. It was a 5k run in mud pits with 6 different obstacles. I totally knew it was going to rock all sorts of butt when we signed up. This gal right here LOVES getting dirty!!

This is my Anytime Fitness family. Joining the gym last November was one of THE most rewarding things we have ever done. It's brought us closer, met new friends, not to mention the crazy amount of benefits it has done to our bodies. Have you seen my Ken lately??? Check out those guns!! Yum Ok, back to the race....

We ran through fields, the forest, muddy roads, over hurdles made of logs, through a rope spiderweb, through tires, climbed a 10ft wall, crawled on our tummies through a fantastic mud pit, stood in front of firehoses to rinse off.....ohhh I'm tellin ya, it. was. AWESOME!!! I was so completely terrified of the darn climbing wall. Remember, I can trip on my own shadow and my balance is super wonky. But I DID IT!!!!! CHAAAACHING!!!

Not only was it fun, but mud is good for your skin!! And who doesn't fancy a muddy hunky hubby...and firemen spraying you off with hoses. Man, that water was FREEZING!!!

Can't wait till next years event!! You can bet your buns we will be back!!!

Team Flying Feathers: Derek & Shelli, Kathy & Ken

I'm back =)

2011-08-13T09:46:00.003-04:00

Summer will soon be turning into Autum here in the good ole Yoop. I am looking forward to the change in season. This summer was riddled with some pretty tough events. Events that kinda sorta stole my writing mojo.

On Father's day morning I was doing my hair and makeup in the bathroom. The phone rang and it was my cousin talking to Ken. I hear Ken say "no way, are you kidding, what???" Ken then proceeds to tell me that my cousin, the one next door hung himself that morning! That affected me big time & at times I still think about it. He was a troubled guy, involved in some not too swell stuff. But, he was a human, he had a heart, 5 kids...a family. Truth is, when he moved in next door we both realized we were cousins. We would have minimal conversations, I guess it was going ok. Then the fighting, cops there a few times a week, the staring, them telling me when I could let my dogs in my yard....basicly, our friendly chit chat, or any chit chat for that matter ceased. Oftentimes, I wanted to talk to him, like, sit him down and talk to him, try to help him straighten his life out. The other part of me was terrified to do so...So, I never did. I kept my distance...and he died...next door, about 3 feet from my home. I can't even imagine how his Mom, sisters, girlfriend...family felt. I was not able to bring myself to go to the funeral.

For weeks I had terrifying nighmares. Not the "oh, well that was spooky" type dreams. These were full fledged nightmares. Like the ones I had after my parents died. I spent a good few weeks on the road with my hubby because the thought of being home alone at night made my skin crawl.

I ran races, went camping with friends and the hunky hubby, immersed myself in books, wrote daily, cried, worked in the garden, changed the living room around by myself, cooked enourmous amounts of foods and crocheted. I was on a search for the old Kathy. A Kathy that was somehow lost early this summer....Well folks....I am back!! Totally ready to share all sorts of fantabulastical things!!! =)

A summer of running

2011-07-07T07:58:00.002-04:00

Man, these races are addicting! After we did the Cellcom in Green Bay in May, Ken mentioned he wanted 5 race shirts by the end of summer. Well, folks, we just completed our 4th run on the 4th of July!! We are scheduled for another run on July 9th, another on July 30th and one more on August 27th.

Pictured Rocks Road Race for the American Red Cross. June 26th, 2011. Munising, MI

Freedom Run, July 4th, 2011, Munising, MI

I am struggling with shin horrible shin splints and the last race I was having a bad mm day....so I walked most of that race. Ken beat his previous 5k times on this last race. It's a race within myself. I want to do better, and I will do better...the next race.

Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors.
Try to be better than yourself.
--William Faulkner

John Laurin Memorial 5k run

2011-06-16T20:17:00.000-04:00

On May 28th, 2011 we ran another 5k. Yuppers, two in one month! Ya know, about 6 months ago, we never thought doing this was possible. It was a challenging cross country course down country roads, fields, trails in the woods, but it was pure awesome! We finished this race in 5 minutes more than the one in Green Bay. Which is not all that bad when you take into account this was a completely different terrain.

Our next race is on June 26th in Munising, MI, then another on July 9th in Gladstone, July 30th in Flatrock, MI, and our final planned one on August 27th in Ishpeming, MI. There's a lot of training and prep work going on!!

Run on!!!

A dandy night for a bikeride

2011-06-15T20:13:00.002-04:00

When there is not snow on the ground one of the activities the hunky hubby and I enjoy is to take bikerides to the lake. We only live a short distance (blocks) from the shores of Lake Michigan. It's one of the many reasons I love being a Yooper. On this night my lil brother and his gf joined us on the pedal. Fun times!!

The impact of hearing loss overcome

2011-06-06T21:43:00.000-04:00

The impact of hearing loss overcome: "There are many types of hearing aids to fit a range of ages and lifestyles"

When dreams become reality...our 1st 5k

2011-05-26T10:18:00.003-04:00

On May 14th, 2011 we embarked on the Cellcom 5k in Green Bay, WI. Let me tell you....this was a dream come true!!! We trained, and trained some more...and WE DID IT!!!

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would attain the balance and endurance to compete. For months I spent hours at the gym on a daily basis, working on my balance that menieres had taken away. Ken worked his tail feather off too and built his endurance up. It was quite the preperation...even though it was only for a 5k.

It was a rainy dreary morning but our spirits were nothing but sunshine. We were doing our very 1st race, and we would be running on Lambeau Field, with the most fabulous peeps.

I started out strong and before long my shins were on fire so I walked at a fast pace until I could run again. Never going to give up. That first mile was the hardest. The remaining two just fell into place. Before we knew it, we were heading below the stadium and out onto Lambeau Field. I ran, swiping the grass, we looked around, took pictures and I even bent down on my hands and knees and kissed the tundra. Yup, I totally rocked that move. I mean, hey, how often am I going to be able to touch the field that my fave football team plays on. You know how many great athletes have played on that field.....amazing stuff folks!!

I can tell you this...this was our first run....but not our last! These things are addicting, much like getting tattoos. Ken said he wants to have at least 5 race bibs/tshirts by the end of the summer. As a matter of fact, we are doing another 5k on this Saturday in Carney, MI. There really is nothing that will 'distract' us, or I mean, ME this time. I lost a good 10-12 minutes taking it all in when we went onto Lambeau Field. This time, we are talking sheer focus, determination. Time to kick it up a notch and make some smoke!! Oh, and next years goal???? Half marathon!! YUP!!!

Booya!!

2011-04-01T18:22:00.009-04:00

For the past three weeks, on Tuesday and Thursday nights I've been participating in a Boot camp program the the gym Ken & I belong to put on. The instructor is an ex Marine dude. We're talking hard core! I knew I was gonna get my ass handed to me! I was right....After my first session I could not walk for two days. That's no joke folks!! But, I went back... I must not be right in the head but the buttkickin I'd get felt fantastic! So, I kept going. The class only lasted an hour but in that hour we did numerous crunches of various types, pushups up the wazooo, more lunges than I care to even count and numerous other hard core fun exercises. I only missed two sessions. The first one I missed because my menieres had me all wonkified...meaning dizzy mess. The other night was because we were working hard on the Benefit stuff for our friend. Last night was the last session and I knew my friend Danna wouldn't be there. I was very apprehensive about still going. I was terrified what would happen if I went into a mm episode of vertigo. Who would get me home? Who would go to the bathroom with me if that happened? I called Ken and ya know, I ALMOST didn't go last night....but he gave me the push I needed and told me to just go....so, I did! And it was fantastical! I found myself doing more and more each week. Now, I know I'll never be top notch but hey, I did it!! I won prizes three out of the four times I went. The first time I won a water bottle, the second, a protein drink, and last night I won a free one month membership! Oh, and next week we are totally getting free Boot camp t-shirts! Exciting stuff eh!! (That's the Yooper coming out in me btw)

I feel sooo fortunate to be able to be doing the things I am doing. So jazzed up that I wrote my friend, who is also club manager, a lil note telling her just how amazing the gym has been. This is what I wrote:

"Jayne, I just have to tell you how amazing you all have been at the gym. Boot camp has been incredible!! I just feel like giving high fives and hugs to everybody! Just a few years ago I was unable to do so much due to my balance issues from menieres disease. Just riding my bike was difficult without getting extreme vertigo, I had to hold walls to walk, I couldn't cross country ski or run anymore without falling down. I was apprehensive about doing boot camp because of my wankerd up hearing but it has been beyond awesome!! The gym has given me back so much! I've met incredible people that always keep me wanting to do more, my balance has improved slightly and very soon I'll be sportan single digit jeans! A to the freaking men! I just want you and everybody to know how incredible Anytime Fitness is and I cannot thank the gym enough for giving me bits of my life back!! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could get back to running and now we are doing the 5k in May. I know it's only a 5k but it's gonna be beyond spiffytastic!!"

I'm tellin ya...life changing stuff folks! Take that Menieres!!! It may eventually take away my ability to hear but it sure as hell isn't getting MY LIFE!! =) If you are somewhere in your life, that you don't think something isn't possible, know that it IS possible! Never give up on your dreams, goals or yourself!! You are worth it, believe you can do it.

Where's Kathy??

2011-03-29T10:12:00.004-04:00

Ken & I have taken on a big project. A good friend of ours was involved in a horrible car accident on 2-19-11. Steve was in a medically induced coma for a little over two weeks. He was on a respirator, kidney dialysis, had a shattered pelvis, hip, broken wrist and a badly injured left leg. His left leg is so bad that the doctors had surgery scheduled to have it amputated. But, the following morning, the swelling went down slightly. Steve is now out of the coma, off of dialysis, breathing on his own, has had 5 surgeries on his bad leg (which they are still unsure can be saved), surgery on his pelvis hip and wrist. I brought it up to Ken about having a benefit for him...and it caught like wild fire. It's been amazing. We live in such a remarkable community. People are coming together. It's truly been a blessing.

Spaghetti & Meatball Benefit Dinner

for Stephen Ewing

Escanaba VFW April 30,2011

4pm-8pm

$6 adult, $4 children & kids under 5 free

***Raffles and silent auction***

Steve was involved in a devastating car accident in Manistique, MI on February 19th, 20 II. He was in a medically induced coma for 2 weeks, on kidney dialysis & ventilator. He has had surgery on his broken pelvis, hip, wrist, and numerous surgeries on his left leg. The doctors are still trying to save his left leg from having to be amputated. He has numerous surgeries and many months of rehab in the future. All $$$ raised will go to the Ewing family to help defray travel expenses and bills.

We are also hoping to get Steve a laptop and new hearing aid. Steve is deaf, therefor, he isn't able to use the telephone to keep in touch with family and friends as he is bedridden in the hospital. His communication with the outside world is done primarily through the computer. His hearing aid is also broke.

***Info: Kathy Woodbury kmw825@yahoo.com or 906-789- 1064 ***

Special update: Last week I put the benefit info on my facebook and mentioned that we also want to get Steve a new hearing aid because his was broke in the accident. My fab friend brandy saw my status and told me she would talk to her aunt at Miracle Ear. That very night brandy called me with amazing news!! That very day her aunt Rose had been given a set of top notch hearing aides from a family member of a person that had passed away. The family wanted the aides to be donated to someone who really needed them and can not afford them.

Now, hold on, that's not all. Rose will travel to Steve free of charge. She's doing this on her own. She will do his hearing exam, make his ear impressions and program the aides out of the kindness of her heart. Amazing right!! A pure stranger helping someone out!! Rocks my world!

The only cost is $100 for the actual earmoulds. Which several of us pitched in for. So, Steve will be getting his hearing aides in the near future. Rose told me Steve will be hearing better than he ever has before. What a remarkable gift!!

Being part of this experience has made me realize just how amazing people are. I am honored to be involved in such an amazing event. So, that is where much of my time has been spent. Gathering donations, answering emails and phone calls. It's fantastical!!

15yrs

2011-03-23T23:53:00.002-04:00

On 3-23-96 I was given the greatest gift. I became the wife of my best friend, soulmate and lover. He is the kindest, patient, goofy, dorkipotamus, handsome lovable man I know. I love him more that I ever thought a heart was campable of loving. He completes me....

Even after 15yrs of being married. He is still the hand I reach for, the man I will grow old with, the man who knows all my secrets, supports my dreams, give me a push when I need it, and pulls me in his wonderful arms and wraps me in a hug. He completes me. Fifteen years of wedded bliss...can't wait to share another 128 with this fabulous man!! I love you Ken!!! =)

Warmpth

2011-03-16T08:19:00.005-04:00

You are looking at the gynormous, unsafe, non efficient unit that has heated this home for a few decades. We have only owned this house for 5yrs. On Sunday, February 20th she died. Ken & I were watching a lil tv before he had to go to work that night. I started sweating, asked Ken what the dealio was. Our house was 77 degrees!! He told me he was cold so he turned the thermostat up a couple degrees. Silly boy! If he'd wear some actual clothes in the winter....he was just in gym shorts. He does not parade around the house in the buff. Anyways, he turned the heat down on the thermostat...heat kept pumping through the vents. He went in the basement to shut the actual furnace off and restart it.

When he came upstairs he had that "this is not good" type look on his face. He said that he shut it off and when he turned it back on, flames shot up the side. YIKES!! We called the furnace fixer men. Yup, on a Sunday night. The fella came and confirmed it, our furnace croaked. Totally non fixable. He said that someone can come Monday morning to give us an estimate on a new one. Ok....So, we're gonna have a slumber party for a night and then get a new furnace. No biggie. Ken called his dispatcher and told her he would not be able to go to work until this problem at home was fixed.

We quickly shut the curtains and hung blankets on the windows that we do not have window treatments on to keep the heat in. We turned on electric heaters and blocked off the staircase going upstairs with another blanket. We were going to camp out in the living room for the night.

I put on my pink footie pajamas with polar bears and blew up the queen sized air mattress. We put an electric heating blanket on the top of the mattress and then our sheets and blankets.

Got up on Monday morning and the fella came her to check it out and get the info needed to make an estimate. The day dragged on, no word of an estimate...we thought he forgot about us. Ken called and a short time later we had two estimates. So, Monday night we slept in the living room. Again.

It really wasn't bad at all and we had fun. Reminded me of when we would camp in a tent. On Tuesday we thought, ohh awesome, we will give them their $ and work will begin on the new furnace. Nope, we had to wait until Wednesday. Ok, so night three on the living room floor.

Wednesday morning the banging began promptly at 8am. The guys took a break around 10am. Oh, and one of the fella totally looked like an older Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. I contemplated how I could get a picture of him to show yas. But the hubby thought it would be a bit too odd. LOL

At lunch time Ken & I decided to go get sub sandwiches and we offered to get one for the fella that was still working in our basement. Neither Ken nor I hadn't the slightest clue who this man was, but we were grateful that he was going to hook us up with some heat. When we got home with our sandwiches Ken asked if we were going to make the guy eat in the cold basement or in the semi warm dining room. I said around the dining room table with us of course! Ken was thinking the same thing. Folks, we had a stranger eat a meal with us and it was fun. We learned about where the guy went to college and his family. It really was pretty neatotastic!

After we cleaned up lunch we realized that an aspiration on my 2011 list was completed. We paid for a strangers meal & had them eat in our home with us. Pretty cool if you ask me. By 4pm the 93% efficient new furnace was in and we had heat. I felt like hugging the man!!

Crazy Birthday Hats

2011-03-15T13:03:00.006-04:00

Beware: If I know you, know where you live, know where you work or know what vehicle you drive I am sooo going to make you a crazy birthday hat. No if, and's or but's about it. It's part of my 2011 aspirations actually... to make gifts. Well, I decided this year I am going to crochet sillified hats. I started with a monkey hat for my brother Bruce. His bday is in February. I gave it to him before we went on our annual family sleigh ride.

Then came Cody's 5th bday the beginning of March. Totally hooked him up with a dragon hat.

My lil brother JJ's bday is in March too. Made him an Escanaba Eskymo hat with the #58 (his football #) on the back. I'm working on a few more of these for other 'Mo' fans and bdays.

Then my brother Pat....He's got to be one of the biggest Green bay Packer fans I have ever known. He sooo needed a Packer helmet hat. Can you believe he wore this at our family fun day bowling this past weekend!

I still have a couple more March bday hats to deliver. I think it might be the most busy birthday month in my family. Hmmm, people get really antsy for summer in June I guess.

I only have one bday hat in April to make for my very immediate family. If I hear through the grapevine that YOU have a bday next month you better bet that somehow a personalized crazy bday hat will be delivered to you!!

Day 31

2011-03-10T09:29:00.000-05:00

Day 31...a picture of yourself.

This is me, standing on frozen Lake Superior. This is where I go to find myself, rejuvinate, relax, adventure, be close to my babies. Lake Superior is my lil piece of heaven on Earth. It is the home of my heart and where my dreams are dreampt.

Day 30

2011-03-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

Twenty five years have passed since I lost my parents and I miss them more than ever.

I miss the times we had in the short 10yrs I had them, I miss their laugh, I miss my dad's lunch pail on the counter, I miss going to Red Owl with them, I miss crocheting with Mom, I miss trying to turn the channel when Dad was sleeping on the couch, I miss hearing their voice, I miss our family camping trips in the bus, I miss seeing them with their grand kids, I even miss them saying "Katherine Marie", I miss the memories we never made, I miss that they never saw me grow up, graduate, get married, I miss that they were not there when we lost our babies, when we had numerous adoptions go bad, I miss that they never met Ken, I miss watching Andy Griffith, Beverly Hillbillies and Gunsmoke with Dad, I miss listening to my Puff the magic Dragon 8-track before school with my mom, I miss going to church and taking up a whole pew with the whole Pepin family, I miss being the toast maker for our big breakfasts, I miss hearing mom holler "Kathy" from the porch like all the moms did to call their kids home, I miss the smell of moms Charlie perfume, I even miss seeing Dad's Pall Mall cigarettes. I miss when all the memories I have of them were very vivid and I didn't have to look at pictures or video to refresh my memory. I miss my Mom & Dad

Day 29

2011-03-08T11:00:00.001-05:00

This picture always makes me smile. This is Ken's old truck parked at Woodbury Collision (which is now Bobaloon's). It's the same truck I mentioned before about having bullet holes, the air horn, it is the truck Ken was driving with my friend Scott on the day that I met Kenif. It's a 1974 Chevrolet stepside. Only two wheel drive but the glass packs and air horn made that ok. Plus, the hunky owner totally made this truck the best!!

We spent many hours and numerous gallons of gas cruising main in this stellar mobile. I always sat in the middle of the seat next to my hunny. Ken had plans of refinishing it, even had it all in primer. Then we moved to Green Bay and he sold it to my cousin who then sold it.

What I wouldn't do to have it back. That truck brings back some pretty fantastical memories.

Day 28

2011-03-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

Something I am afraid of....you mean like tall narrow bridges, octopus's', cancer, dying, wood ticks? I chose time, which in this case is equivalent to death. I am afraid I won't have enough time to do everything I want to do in life. There is so much life has to offer, things to experience, goals to achieve, people to love, ice cream to eat, memories to make. I'm an avid liver of life and try to fill it up with meaningful things with the ones I love, chasing my dreams, trying new things, laughing.

I think in the back of my mind I always think of how young my parents were when they passed away. Both in their mid 50's. They had so much more life to live and grand babies and great grand babies to love. But, they ran out of time...

I want to make the best of the time I have here, chase every dream, take every opportunity, and spend oodles of quality time with my loved ones...before I run out of time.

Life is far too short. Whether you live to 35, 55, 155.

Day 27

2011-03-06T11:00:00.001-05:00

This is my little sister Maddy. She was almost ours once upon a time. I am so happy that she stayed in the family and I get to have her as my lil sis. She's super smart and a total nutball. She fills my heart with happiness, love and lotsa giggles.

Day 26

2011-03-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Supporting cancer research means a lot to me. I watched my dad die a slow, agonizing death from it. I have lost family and friends, my friends have lost loved ones too. The more support and awareness of all kinds of cancer, the closer we will be to finding a cure.

I urge you to do whatever you can to help the cause. You can become a chemo angel, donate your time or even a few bucks, participate in a relay For Life near you. I'm telling you, after you participate in the relay you will be filled with hope and determination to do whatever you possibly can to kick cancers ass!

Day 25

2011-03-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Today I went to my sister's house because my niece Joy and her forever mommy were going to stop by to visit. I haven't seen Joy since December and I have to admit, my heart was sad and really missing her. I didn't know how my heart would ...feel because I go through so many emotions when I see her, hear her name, see pictures. I wish the feeling of feeling like a failure would go away. I often wonder if she remembers that we let her go and if she will think we don't love her because of our decision. She fills my heart with happiness and I know we made the right choice. My day is complete after seeing her and getting hugs and kisses from her.

Day 24

2011-03-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

Something I wish I could change??? Hmmmm....I wish I could change the way people treat others and have the ability to change the world into a place of peace and love. I believe one person can help make that change but I also have to be realistic and realize I myself can only change my ways and hopefully inspire others to do the same. Ultimately though, it's up to the others to want to change. So, what I want to change is.....the oil in our vehicles. Last summer I learned how to change a tire. This summer I am going to sweet talk the hubby into teaching me how to change the oil in on eof our vehicles. Not the semi. Usually we take our trucks to the oil changing places. For once I want to be the oil changing place. I'll curl my eye lashes, apply my mascara and eyeliner, put on some bib overalls, wear a polka dotted hat, hang a blue rag out of my pocket and wear goggles and maybe a face mask too. It'll be great! I better start sweet talking the hubby right now....

Day 23

2011-03-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

There is no such thing as a favorite book for me. If you are at my house and ask me that question you will be shown my favorite books on the bookshelf in the living room, then I will show you my favorite books in the den. I'll take you by the hand and show you my cookbooks showcasing some delish recipes. Then, I will take you to the upper landing upstairs and show you those books. Then, we will go into my craft room/office where you will be shown 3 large file cabinets beaming with spectacular pattern books. We're talking knitting, crocheting, tatting, weaving, woodworking, sewing, quilting, miniature dollhouse patterns, cross stitch books...you name it. Just open the files, they are all in alphabetical order. It's like a alphabetized library of craftiness going on in those files. It's rather spiffy, if your a crafty geekoid like myself Then, if you manage to get out of that room and still have an inkling for books, like my geeky self, I'll take you into our bedroom to the three large bookcases that are lined with thrillers, biographies, fair tales, romance, true stories. Books that will scare you, make you cry, chase your dreams, inspire and piss you off.

One of the books I will always grab is "Into The Wild" I think anybody would like this book. It's an easy read. It taps into your adventurous spirit, makes you believe in your abilities, to dream, survive, it scares you, makes you laugh and cry. Oh, just believe me, it's a great book. it was also made into a movie. Must read/see. Oh, and for my Yooper friends, the main characters Mom is from the UP!! p.s. It's also a true story.

Day 22

2011-03-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

I wish I was better at knitting. These are some of Nana's knitting needles and accessories. She had extreme patience and humor teaching me the basic knit and pearl before she passed away. Getting my left hand to cooperate is almost impossible. I am determined it is there for decoration or to help me talk with my hands. Now it's up to me to put these needles to use and make something spifftacular, and by spifftacular I don't mean a dishcloth. We're talking socks, mittens, sweaters...for the whole family! Yup

Day 21

2011-02-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

What would I like to forget? I had a hard time thinking of this one. Sure, there are several events and images the are forever etched in my mind that I'm sure most would like to forget. I chalk it up to a learning experience. That does not mean I wish for these things to happen, because I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy. To watch your dad slowly die as the cancer invades his body is an image no person deserves to see. But I learned how to be more compassionate and fight for others who have it. To be locked in an old mans garage for a few hours and have things happen to you and a few girl friends...no kids needs that either. But, it taught me to appreciate my body. It is mine, and nobody has the right to do anything to it without my permission. Telling my Mom I hated her and wished she was dead was horrible. I was mad because I wanted another Cabbage Patch Kid. Mom died unexpectedly the next morning. That harsh event taught me to never take your Mom for granted, to not be a selfish little brat and to always make sure your last words are "I love you" to my loved ones.

But....there is something I would like to forget and I am working on it. On 6-28-10 was one of the best days of my life. We were granted custody of my niece Joy and given the chance to adopt her when the time came. Dream come true seeing we can't have babies of our own and I love her, she is my niece. I can't even tell you how "complete" I felt holding her, feeding her. In the two days that we had legal guardianship of her I was beyond sick. My meniere's was the most wicked it had ever been. I laid on the bathroom floor begging Ken to take me to the ER. We knew that my health crap would get in the way of keeping her. How was I going to be able to take care of her every day when I have days I struggle to take care of myself? We made the call and the search for a new family began on 6-30-10. I was devastated, a complete failure in every aspect. I was pissed, hurt, sad and hopeful. Hopeful that Joy would find a perfect new home, pissed at myself and meniere's, hurt that our dreams were vanishing. Her new family is beyond amazing. The hurt and feeling like I failed surfaces now and then. We know we made the right choice to let her go...yet, I don't understand why I still cry when I see pictures of her, why I miss her, why I wonder, why I haven't washed the blanket I'd snuggle her in because it smells like her. What I wish I could forget is the pain of realizing we couldn't do it, the pain of handing her over to her new mom and saying goodbye, the pain in Ken's face and heart to let her go, the feeling of my arms being "empty", the feeling of failing myself, my husband, my friends and my family, the pain of knowing we will never try to adopt again. Most days I do not have these feelings. Most days I am happy with our decision and know I am blessed because I am still Joy's auntie and she is with an amazing family. It's the days that all those emotions fester that I'd like to forget.

Day 20

2011-02-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

I'd love to travel to Alaska. Not by plane or boat. You miss way too many things taking the fast way. Instead, I would take a road trip. Pack up the camper and the pups and the hunky hubby and just go. I have always appreciated road trips over any other mode of transportation. You meet the locals, experience different cultures and see so many sights you would never see had you traveled any other way. I want to hike it's majestic mountains, fish it's waters, camp in the wilderness, sit under the open sky, watch their aurora borealeus, see whales and seals and play in its snow.

Day 19

2011-02-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

A picture and a letter is today's picture challenge. I don't have to explain anything here. Just read the poem, and promise me you will make the most of your dash.

Day 18

2011-02-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

A picture of your biggest insecurity...I'd be lying to say I am 100% secure with everything about myself. I'd say I'm about 99.999% with who and what I am. But that small 1% is two big things for me. So big, I almost opted to skip day 18 all together. But what kind of person would I be if I only showed the happy go lucky, goofy, sappy side of myself that is secure in life?

So, here ya have it, my two biggest insecurities about myself and my chin, or lack there of and I have a huge issue with wearing my hair up when I am wearing my hearing aides, unless I am with Ken. Then I could care less. It was such a big insecurity for me that we kept it a secret from most family and friends for four years before anything was said. I got sick of hiding it.

I can be very anal about picture angles and hate pictures being taken of myself, especially from the side. I feel like I have 5 chins that all blend into one another and into my neck and that my face is super flat.

Then a couple weeks ago Ken and I were all set to go to the movie theater to see Sanctum and I forgot I had my hair up. I insisted I had to redo my hair before we left. Ken, bless his heart said "Kat, your hair is great up, you're not the only one to have hearing problems ya know, wear em loud and proud" That loud and proud part was his way of making me laugh. I will tell you this, I had my hair partially up and the rest down. So I guess if people really looked into my head they would have noticed. But guess what? If they did, nobody said anything and we had a great time. =)

Day 17

2011-02-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of the officers of the EDC (Escanaba Deaf Club) and it is what has made a huge difference in my life.

I never realized how many unresolved emotions I had about my hearing loss crappolla until I joined this group. No, they did not tap into my emotions or counsel me or anything like that.

What happened when we began going to the meetings and then joining the club opened my eyes and reminded me I will be just fine if/when mm takes my hearing. They accepted me for me. I didn't feel like I had to hide my problem or explain anything because they understand. They have also unknowingly helped Ken. How's that? Ever since we joined Ken has more patience with me when talking to me. He makes a conscious effort now to better communicate with me and he has even learned some new signs. Plus, these folks are ooberously cool and fun to be around. They have truly changed both mine and Ken's life for the better.

Day 16

2011-02-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

Two of the people that have and do inspire me are Ken and his Nana.

I don't think Ken even knows how much he inspires me. He is the kindest, most gentle, patient man I know. he is not afraid to follow his dreams and make them come true. He is also very forgiving. He loves his family so much and will do anything for them. He inspires me to be a better sister, daughter, auntie, cousin, niece and sister in law.

A part of me died when Nana did. She is still with me in my heart but I miss her soo much. She said it like it was, she strived to be the best person she could be, she was frivolous, loving and funny. One of the biggest ways she inspired me was through yarn. Yup, yarn. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 5. I did little odds and end projects and as the years went by and I missed my Mom more, I put the hook away. Then Ken & I married in 96 and we went to meet his grandparents in Massachusetts. I took along two skeins of yarn and my crochet hook. During our stay I would sit on the chair crocheting, Nana sat down by me, told me I was holding my hook wrong, I should be using different colors (remember Nana said whatever was on her mind) She also showed me two new stitches. She inspired me to try new stitches, which lead to more involved projects. You see, without Nana knowing it, she gave me part of my Mom back that I missed sooo much and inspired me even further. It is from my mom and Nana that my love of yarn and crocheting came from.

Day 15

2011-02-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot find a picture for day 15 which is something you want to do before you die so I made one myself.

I have many goals, aspirations and dreams but I don't say "I need to do such and such before I die." I seize the moment and live life every day. If an opportunity arrises, I take it. I hope when I die people say I lived, loved, helped, laughed, dreamt, never gave up, inspired and that I made a difference. What kind of difference? Well I don't know for certain. But I can tell you this, I am too occupied with living and conquering what I can while I am here to worry about what I want to do before I die.

"Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift, Thats why it's called the Present" ~Bill Keane

Enjoy your "present" Don't live your life thinking what you want to do, DO IT!!

Day 14

2011-02-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot imagine my life without these three amazing men. Without the two men on either side of me, I would not have the man on the far left. You see, the men on either side of me are Hank & Doug. They are brothers and they are two of the three men who pulled me from the car when I was 5 days old. If they had not been the first on the scene who knows if I would even be here or that the breath that the police officer gave me would have even worked. They rushed into a smashed up car that smelled of gasoline and used their bodies to get me unwedged from under the passenger seat and then gave me to the officer who administered cpr. I can never thank them enough for the opportunity at life that they gave me.

We all know how much I love and admire my husband, Ken. I can't imagine a Kathy without a Ken. He is the part of me that was missing, before I ever knew something was missing.

These three men amaze me, inspire me and make me want to be the best me I can possibly be.

Day 13

2011-02-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day 13 is a picture of your favorite band or artist. You cannot even expect my music loving self to narrow it down to one favorite. If I am not listening to music I am singing, if I am not singing I am humming, if I am not humming, I am tapping something. I listen to every genre of music imaginable. Some days I need some ACDC, others I need some Michael Buble, Korn, Seger, Billy Joel, Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, Green Day, Pink, Motzart, Beethoven, The Beatles. You see, it varies on any given day.

Here's the thing, we all know I have mm and it will eventually make me deaf. I come from what I would consider a musical family. The majority of us sing or can play instruments. I grew up with music playing on the piano, guitar, harmonica, radio or being sung all the time. I fill each and every day with tunes and cannot imagine the day it goes silent.

I listen even when I have no clue what is being said. You can feel it in your bones. The lyrics can be read and put to the music you have within you. Music reaches all of your senses, it takes you places you have never been and takes you back to past memories. It doesn't matter if you hear the music with your heart or your ears or your eyes. We all have music in us.

Day 12

2011-02-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Something I love...ok, just one thing? This picture sums up several of my loves. Lake Superior, sunsets, family, friends and being at our babies memorial.

This past summer for my 35th birthday we went on a week long camping adventure on the east coast of Upper MI. What can I say? I LOVE Lake Superior. Our andventure took us to several places on the shores of my Superior and we finaled in Munising, MI for the last few days. While there we went to our favorite place on the rocky cliffs of Superior to watch the sun set and the moon rise. Our babies memorial carving was not far from where friends, family, my hunny and I watched mother natures show.

Front Row: lil Cody, Zack, Shelli, myself, Hunter, Ellie
Back Row: Dave, Derek, Bruce, Ken, Lindsey, Jay & Jen

Day 11

2011-02-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Something I hate....hmmmm, if you know me I don't HATE much and I have been told by a couple people that they think I live in a Norman Rockwell photo or have the Beaver Cleaver type of life. True, I did have a hard time thinking of what I hate. I thought about my total digust for octopuss', but then again, I live in upper MI, how often will I ever come in contact with one of those beasts? There is one thing that terrifies me more than anything and I can honestly say I HATE HATE HATE it!!!

Above is a picture of colon cancer cells. What I hate is cancer. I hate that it took my dad, Gpa, Uncle Leonard, Brian, Amy, and Max...just to name a few. I hate that cancer has invaded my friends and several family members bodies and is forcing them with a battle of their lives. But get this cancer, they HATE you too and they will kick your ass to hong kong fooey!! Cancer makes my problems sooo miniscule and makes me angry at myself for getting so bent out of shape over something so little. Yup, I HATE cancer!! I hope my public confession of my hate for the evil C-word scares the bazoinkels outta it and it takes the hint that it's not wanted or needed! Fly the coop, just vanish Cancer, nobody likes you!!!

Gonna conquer it!

2011-02-17T12:58:00.003-05:00

This is my new shirt. Ken has one just like it, but only bigger. Part of Ken's Valentine's gift was that I signed us up for the Cellcom marathon in Green Bay, WI on May 14th, 2011. http://www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/ These shirts commit us to training our bodies. We are going to do the 5k. It's our first ever marathon and I just know it is going to be awesome! Two of my bestest gal pals are joining us too.

I cannot even express what doing this race means to me. It means I am not giving into being out of shape, I am chasing my dreams and NOT letting Meniere's take over my life. My goal has always been to run a marathon. I know it's just a few miles, 3.1 to be exact. But it's a start and I can already tell you I will be shedding tears when I cross that finish line!! I know I won't be the first person to cross the finish line but in my heart I will be a winner! Hmmmpf, take that Meniere's!

Carpe Diem! Seize the day! Make your lives extraordinary! Go For a Run!

With that being said, I am off to the gym! Happy Thursday folks!!

A big honkan horse and a terrified Kathy meet

2011-02-17T11:53:00.008-05:00

I, "Katherine M Woodbury, the Last" pet a horse!!! Yup, and this wasn't any horse, this was a big honkan one. Not like the pony I planned on petting at the State Fair to complete my aspiration list. (My dear friends, I am terrified of horses) Nope, this was one of the horses that pulled the sleigh we were on for our "Annual Pepin family and friends sleigh ride" on February 12th. I even did it with my bare hands!! Did you know horses nostrils are super soft? Like a bunny? I do now. =)

Another aspiration fulfilled!! Many more to go and dream up. Life is a wunnaful adventure.

Day 10

2011-02-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day 10, a picture of the person you do the most &%%#$%^$^%$# things with. It's pretty much Ken, BUT, to change it up a bit and to show that I do have a life outside of my hubby I am going to say my sister Jamie. She really brings out the extreme inner geekoid in me and when that happens all sorts of heck breaks loose!!

Like, we get inspired by Walmart and Menards bags and make ourselves a wardrobe, complete with bonnets!!

Then we walk across the alley to visit my ultra hip 70 something year old neighbor friend.

Oh, it's never a dull moment!! Laughs begin, tears are shed from laughing and good golly grapes, anybody that knows me knows that I snort when I laugh real hard. I am convinced it helps with my coolness factor....

Oh, and then there's times that we go to the local thrift store and try stuff on. Like these stylish swimming goggles. Jamie kept shouting, "everything is orange, I can't see!! Kathy, can you hear me? I cannot see! Take the picture, I cannot see!" I reminded her that the goggles were orange tinted. I almost peed my pants that day. Which would have been ok because they had a whole wall of adult diapers. Not that I want to wear them. But they had them nonetheless.

Then they had these ridiculous bonnets. Notice the placement of the pricetag. It was our attempt at being Minny Pearl. I don't think we pulled it off though. Maybe if we would have worn the goggles with the bonnets...hmmmm

Day 9

2011-02-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day nine is a photo of the person who got you through the most. That would be my hubby and myself.

Ken has gotten me through some of the deepest darkest and saddest days of my life. He has also been there for the countless awesome days. One of the very darkest days was the day I met him. It was March of 1994. I had been in a relationship for a few years and it went bad. It was not a good breakup at all. I did things, said things, saw things I never thought I'd see or do. I. was. a. mess. A lost confused ball of teenage mess. I didn't even feel worthy of love or life. That day, the guy driving that bullet hole riddled Chevy pickup truck with his best friend was the day my life changed. =)

He's laughed and cried with me through the happy times and the sad times. Even though I didn't meet him until I was 18, it feels like I have known him my whole life. We share everything and by doing that he has gotten me through chapters of my past just by allowing me to talk and just listen. I was dealt with numerous obstacles that would make a lifetime movie seem like a comedy. But, I have always had the motto "life happens" Sometimes one of those past obstacles comes to the surface again and Ken is right there by my side to let me vent, cry or whatever I may need to do.

He's held my hand and at times he forces me to stand on my own, reminding me I am indeed the strongest person I know. Together we can and have gotten through every single obstacle that has come our way.

Day 8

2011-02-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day 8...a picture that makes you laugh. need I really say more?

No, that is not his hat, and no he doesn't normally throw up the Nixon fingers either. Truth is, we were camping with his family at camp and my dear Kenif had a couple drinks and let his true wackadoodle self out. Scary part? Ken rarely if ever drinks and this is the type of goofball he is pretty much 99.999678% of the time.

Side note: That is me looking at him like "oh my hecklets, cat's out of the bag now hun."

Day 7

2011-02-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day seven...a picture of my most treasured item. Impossible for me to list one stinkan "item" that I treasure. I had a hard time trying to follow this one as I am not a materialistic person. I do have many prized posessions though that I treasure. Such as: my Mom's wedding gown, Dad's tie wreath, Mom's porcelian dolls, Ken's Nana's Mother's ring, Memiere's china, Ken's Meme's quilt and teddy bear and numerous photos and memories engraved in my mind of family and friends. That is why my most treasured "item" is a no brainer...

~Family and Friends~

This is a recent pic of our furry family. Taken this past winster Holiday season. Allison Jeanne, McKenzie Elizabeth, Brayden Michael, Macey Jewels, Arizona Claire and the hubbykins.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T10:59:00.004-05:00

It's Valentine's Day today. (Well when I wrote this and thought I posted it, it was) You know, the day where people spend oodles of dollars on candy, flowers and stuffed animals? Oh, and cards. I have nothing against the thought of the day but shouldn't V-Day be something we celebrate 365 days a year? Just sayin.

I made strawberry cupcakes with a semi homemade butter cream frosting, homemade caramels, homemade shortbread cookies, and white chocolate hot chocolate for our Valentine themed sleigh ride we did on the 12th with the fam and some friends. Pictures and recipes coming soon!!

I did pick up two things for Ken...a movie he really wanted and a spoon. Yup, a spoon. He's had a thing for this spoon for some time. I refused to purchase it for $6. I mean, why buy ONE spoon for $6 when I can get a whole bag for $3? Oh, did I mention we have Arizona Claire our Alaskan Husky that thinks "if it's wooden it belongs in her mouth?" Another reason not to buy the spoon. But by golly! It's a great spoon, and it made Ken happy.

***Update:*** after ONE use the spoon got a crack. :/

I think Ken felt guilty for telling me I had to stay home while he went on the road...why you ask? Because he took the time to make me heart shaped pannycakes for breakfast before he left. Ken got home late Vday night/the wee hours of the morning of the 15th. I was already in bed. He handed me a card and two bags. He bought me Eric Church's new cd, a wallhanging I have wanted for eons and gave me the sweetest card. =)

Monkey Business

2011-02-13T16:38:00.002-05:00

It was my brother Bruce's birthday on the 11th. I figured he totally needed a monkey hate so I went up to my craft room, gathered materials and began crocheting. I presented the hat to him in the Walmart pakring lot yesterday. Why the parking lot you ask? Because that's where we decided to meet everybody before the 2nd annual Pepin family and friends sleigh ride.
But, before it was presented to Bruce we tried it on. I can totally see how we derived from our primate ancestors...I think.

Day 6

2011-02-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day six is a picture of someone you would like to change places with. Well.....not to sound rude or anything, but I wouldn't want to trade places with anybody. I never get bored and I am always learning new things about myself and I've become pretty ok with the person I am and am becoming. It's an ever changing, exploring adventure being me. Why would I want to be anybody else?

These two quotes sum it up nicely...

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ~e.e. cummings

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." ~Judy Garland

Day 5

2011-02-12T10:24:00.000-05:00

On Day five the subject of the picture challenge is "your favorite memory." Now, I have sooo many memories. The day I met Ken, our wedding day, seeing my niece Jordyn being born, being given custody of our niece...I'm the type of gal that loves life and every moment is cherished. But, on April 1, 2010 I met Hank. Hank was one of the men who helped save my life when I was 5 days old. I was in a car accident with my Mom & Dad and their friend. Their friend, Joe, was killed instantly by the drunk driver who hit our car head on. Jim (my real dad) was ejected from the car and tossed into the ditch, Karen (my real mom) was crushed in the back seat and I was on the floor smushed behind the passenger seat. I have searched for the man or men who saved my life pretty much my whole life. Last spring when the maple trees were tapped at camp my brother bruce poked his eye with a stick. That got the guys talking about gruesome things. Hank (my brothers friend and neighbor) went on about this accident scene. All the pieces fell in place and I recieved a phone call that the man who pulled me from the car was up at camp.

On April 1, 2010 Ken & I went to Hanks house. He filled me in on what happened and told me there were three men there. On May 15, 2010 we had a picnic in honor of Hank and Doug, two of the men who saved my life. It was a dream come true meeting my heroes. I was surrounded by family and friends and these two wonderful men. It is because of their actions that I have had the pleasure of making many more "favorite memories"

Day 4

2011-02-11T10:19:00.001-05:00

Day 4 is a picture of my night. Well, the handsome hubby got home. I had a pot of chicken noodle soup on the stove and his Valentine present on the bar. He got a movie and a spoon. Yup, a spoon. Truth is, Ken loves to cook and has had a thing for this spoon for sometime. Like everytime we went to the store he looked at it but I refused to pay $6 for one stinkan spoon when I can get a whole bag for $3. I gave in.

Day Three

2011-02-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day three is a picture of your favorite show. Mine has got to be Big Bang Theory. It's pee your pants hilarious. Plus I have a thing for geeks as the below picture shows. This is my "it's Big Bang Theory Night shirt"

Day Two

2011-02-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

Day two is a picture of you and the person you have closest with the longest.

I met Ken when I was 18 and he was 16. We have been together for almost 17yrs. In those short 17yrs I have shared every single bit of my past, present and future with him. He is not only my best friend, he is my husband and my biggest cheerleader in life.

We have gone through losing two babies, failed adoptions, sicknesses, losing our house and all of our possessions and traveled the 48 continental United States and 4 Providences in Canada together. We are open with everything in our life and cherish one another. He supports my dreams and loves me even though I am no walk in the park. He doesn't stand behind me, he stands beside me. He knows my heart inside and out, upright and upside down. He is my Ken =)

2011-02-08T20:08:00.003-05:00

I am doing this thing called the 30 day photo challenge on facebook and thought, hmmm this is totally something I could do on my blog. I seem to lack inspiration on here. Maybe this will put me in the right direction.

So start off by making a photo album and naming it "The 30 Day Photo Challenge"
It's all about being creative everyone!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Day 04 - A picture of your night

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Day 31 - A picture of yourself

Ok, so today is Day number 1. A picture of yourself with 10 factoids. You know how hard it was to come up with 10 facts about myself that maybe some may not know? LOL

1. I have 20 siblings. Chris, Darryl, Bruce, Joe, Jim (who is also my bio dad), Pat, Mike, Laurie, Kelly, Jamie, BJ, Elizabeth, Bobbie Jo, Amber, Aaron, Je...ssica, Josh, JJ, Jesse and Madison.

2. I am a huge sports nut and can scream and holler with the best of the boys.

3. I prefer a big Chevy truck over a BMW, Vette, Mercedes or any other fancy schmancy vehicle.

4. I have meniere's disease that is making me lose my hearing and wanks up my balance. So if you see me with a stagger don't think I'm hitting the bottle hard.

5. I am terrified of octopuss' and cannot look at a picture, an item or eat a gummy octopus without gagging.

6. One March 23, 2011 Ken & I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.

7. I do not judge others bytheir looks, what they have or do not have, what they do or do not do. Nor do I believe in teasing others. I believe we should all embrace one anothers differences.

8. We cannot have children. I had two tubal pregnancies which left me unable. One on 8-23-95 & the other on 8-31-97. Our babies names are Angel and Alex and they have a special memorial carving on the shores of lake Superior.

9. My dream is to write a book and to own a dog/cat boarding kennel.

10. I have been through a fair share of sadness, dissapointment and struggles in life but wouldn't change a thing. Those events have helped form me into the bullheaded, strong willed, loving, compassionate, goofy, beautiful imperfect person I have come to love.

Stay tuned for day two tomorrow...the person I have been closest to the longest.

Super Bowl XLV

2011-02-07T20:09:00.001-05:00

On Sunday February 6, 2001 our boys, the Green Bay Packers brought Lombardi home after winning Super Bowl XLV!!!! I am lacking a voice but being with dear friends and fam to watch the game and celebrate their win was awesome!!!

Hittin the ski trail

2011-02-04T08:32:00.008-05:00

On Tuesday we hit the ski trail. It was our first time in years. Like we're talking a dozen or more. We weren't sure how either of us would do. We'd go often when we were dating. Then there were health issues, work issues, punk butt kids vandalizing the trail and then my meniere's crud that kept us off the trails. Hittin the gym daily, sometimes twice daily has truly paid off. We had the energy to complete the loop without any major issues and I stayed upright on my skis without any vertigo. Bozinga!!!

It's a mile in until you hit the loop. Once you hit the v there is a hill to climb. I had Ken go first so I could take pics. Once he neared the top he did a lil turn around pose for me. Then I said he should go down the hill. You know, for funzies. Plus, there are bigger hills on the trail so this would be good practice.

He even did another fun lil pose. Notice his exquisite form. Ski pole behind him, knees slightly bent, upper torso pointed down and forward. It looks like he's a pro at thins right???

He got to the bottom of the hill and fell on his rearendolla!!! Laid there for a minute, muttering. Saying it was my fault, he was going the wrong way on the trail...Keep in mind, we are both laughing hysterically. Like almost pee in your pants laughing!!

We got to another hill, Ken went down first. You could tell it was going to be a bit of a challenge. I had given him the camera before he went down so he could get a pic of me. Apparently he wanted to prove his theory that I would not be able to do it. Well, folks, the video proves that I MADE IT!!! =)

The day was riddled with two falls for me and another fall for Ken. On my first fall I was going down an uneven hill, fell flat on my butt, eyes up at the sky. There was a bald eagle soaring above. Ken was at the bottom of the hill and he noticed another eagle circling above. We stood there for 5-10 minutes. Took pictures, video and just marveled in the gorgeous place we call home. It's good to be a Yooper!!

Making the best of some down time

2011-01-31T10:28:00.004-05:00

On January 23rd, 2011 I did something I didn't know if I'd ever be able to do. I dominated the Bosu ball. Going to the gym was paying off. All of the balance exercises and workouts I put myself through worked!! I stood on this ball for several minutes while Ken was across from me. Then we tossed an 8lb weighed ball back & forth. I never even fell or anything. Totally stoked!! I went home and totally posted this pic on my fb wall...cuz I'm cool like that. Everything goes on fb. Especially this!!

Gosh, I was doing so well at kicking meniere's rearendolla. Being on top of this ball put me on top of the world!! The day before this Bosu Ball victory I took on the treadmill. I had to get rid of mine about a year ago because being on it gave me horrible vertigo attacks, sending me to the floor while my brains spun. A little over two months after we joined the gym I went on the treadmill. I was warned by the hunky hubbykins to be careful. I was. It felt GREAT!! Better than great. I sped it up, and ran. I, Kathy Woodbury, love to run. The track geek in me will never die. It. Was. Awesome.
Well....I think I jinxed myself royally because my meniere's has me beyond my normal wackadoodled self. It has been kickin my arse since the day after the wunnaful Bosu Ball victory. Very discouraging. I have gone to the gym three times since the 23rd. I usually go at least once a day, sometimes twice a day. Not acceptable. I was doing alright by Thursday this week so I decided it was time to make the birdies a treat. Some peanut butter mixed with bird seed and then smeared on pine cones and then rolled in more bird seed would provide a lil winter treat for my feathered friends.

Hunky hubby came home on Friday and I was doing pretty good until later that night. Way to mess up the weekend meniere's. All was not lost though. We watched some movies and did lots of snuggling and I slept a lot. We're talking 10-12 plus hours per night. I also whipped up some funtastical slippers.

I think meniere's knew that my body needed a good crochet bonanza so it reared it's disgustingness. It also reminded me I can only do so much. It, meaning meniere's is here to stay. There will be little breakthroughs like the Bosu Ball and treadmill. There will also be challenges. I'm always up to a good ole challenge. Remember, the inner track geek will always thrive for a victory.

I'm well on my way to opening up my very own ETSY shop after this week's crocheting bonanza. If meniere's didn't knock me down a few notches I may never had made the time to work on my aspiration of having an etsy shop. I will get back on that Bosu Ball and running on the treadmill again. That is a promise.

"It's not whether you get knocked down. It's whether you get up again."~Vince Lombardi

A family pic with all the "kids"

2011-01-28T10:11:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I haven't shared this picture on the good ole blog yet. We had my little brother come over to take "family pics" with our non humanoid "kids." Well, actually those are the only type of kids we have. So yeah, they are our babies and that means every once in awhile we need a family picture session.

Getting the fab five to sit nicely and all look at the camera was a bit of a challenge. But, we did it and I just love their fluffy heads to pieces. Aren't they the cutest puparoodles ever? Ok, I may be biased cuz I'm their mom and all. From left to right are : Allison Jeanne, McKenzie Elizabeth, Brayden Michael, Macey Jewels and Arizona Claire. Yup, they have fancy middle names too and when they are getting disciplined we totally throw out their middle name to get their attention. You know, like our parents did when we were sneaking cookies from the cookie jar. Or, if you were like me, you were always into mischief so the Katherine Marie was uttered pretty much on a daily basis.

Our original plan/hope was to have the dogs, our cat Betsey Sue and our tortoise Chloe Michelle (get it? Mi-shell...it was Ken's idea after I refused to let him name her "Shelly" ) all in the same photo. Ummm yeah, totally didn't work so I got the honor of holding them. Chloe is rather photogenic eh? This was our last Christmas with our gorgeous Betsey. I am so happy we captured this photo.

So, there you have it, the whole Woodbury zoo. =)

First book of 2011

2011-01-19T16:33:00.003-05:00

I received this book for Christmas from my in-laws. This book was so wonderful. I hated to see it end and I hope the author Cynthia Keller elaborates on this wonderful story with a sequel. It touched every emotion possible. A family loses everything after the husband loses his job and then makes some bad choices. The family must go live with other family members until they get back on their feet. On the journey to the relatives there is an accident that brings the family to the home of an Amish family. It is there that lessons of hard work, love and simplicity are learned. Trust me on this, it was a stellar book.

I started another book a few days ago called "Faded Genes: Memories of a Motherless Daughter" by Donna Jean Pomeroy. Her first book was called "If Mama Were Here" I received the first book for a Christmas gift a few years ago from my brother Kelly. Do you see a pattern here? Books for Christmas...LOVE IT!!! Anyways, the first book dealt with the different emotions Donna went through when her mother died during childbirth of her youngest brother. The book touched home very close. Not only because Donna Jean Pomeroy is from Rapid River, MI (about 15 miles from me) but also because I lost my Mom and my Dad when I was 10 years old. She touched emotions I forgot I even had about the losses of both my parents. I purchased her second book, "Faded Genes" some time ago. It sat on one of my many bookcases just begging for the day it would be the book I'd choose to read next. So far it's been a great book. I find myself not wanting to put it down at night. More on the book when I am done reading it. You can find both of Donna Jean Pomeroy's books on Amazon.com or in our local bookstores and I am sure her books will be in the library.

My goal is to read 12 books this year. By golly, I'm on a roll!

For the love of yarn

2011-01-18T19:54:00.005-05:00

Holy smokies! I rarely post about the crafty stuff that goes on anymore. Well, other than on facebook. That's gotta change. Remember, limit FB time this year? I'm working on it. Here are some projects I've hooked up.

This is going to be my Valentine scarf. I wore it once so far but it's going to make it's big debut on our family sleigh ride on February 12th. A couple of us decided we'd make it a Valentine theme. Super stoked!

The interesting color choice in these footies was chosen by our neato cousin Kasey. Apparently she wears shoes to school and then changes into various slippers for her classes. She asked me on Christmas Eve if I could make her a lavender and bright yellow pair. She'll be 15 two days after the hunky hubby and my 15th wedding anniversary. To this day Kasey says she could hear the music playing at our reception while in her mom's womb. Haha silly girl. But ooberously swell and we love her.

These itty bitty booties are for my sweetie pie head niece Joy. I could never put into words the love I have for her and I miss her everyday.

My nephew Danny wearing the puppy dog hat I made for him while he chows down on some beefaroni.

I saw a picture of a hat like this and used my noggin, rather, the measurement my sister Jamie gave me to customize the hat as per Danny's head shape. Then I put my noggin to work to make the ears, nose and eyes shapes. Super fun and I think I'm totally going to experiment with other oinky, mooy, meowy characters.

Oh, and there's a doggytastic scarf to match the hat! Had a pattern for this but shortened it up to fit the lil goober.

So many snowflake scarves were crocheted this fall/winter. Every time I wore my scarf it snowed the day after. I kid you not. I should start sleeping in it so we get some major fluffage. Mother nature has been rather skimpy on us the past two years.

Next week I am hoping to go on the road with the hunky hubby and reteach myself how to knit. Stay tuned...

25 years

2011-01-14T09:07:00.002-05:00

Twenty five years ago the world lost a handsome, intelligent, funny, loving man. He was a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a son, a friend, cousin, a husband, and my Dad.

Dad's passing was a blessing. He had fought the colon cancer for some time and I know he missed my mom dearly. Mom died two months before Dad. Sometimes when I think of Dad, the memories of him seem to be taken over by two times. When he had cancer, and when he didn't.

I'm not going to lie, most of the time, my memory goes to when he had cancer. I was 10yrs old when both Mom and dad died. I have horrific images forever engraved into my mind of his struggle. I don't know what was worse, seeing Dad's body slowly deteriorating or knowing and seeing that his heart was broken without my Mom.

Dad worked at the paper mill to provide for his children. Ten, including me. He was a hard worker and did his job well. He loved his children, even if the words were rarely spoken. We knew.

Before dad died I never gave it any thought on what it would be like to not have your dad and just how much he would be missed. I miss seeing him laying on the couch, eyes closed, him snoring while Andy Griffith was on the television. We'd try to change the channel and he'd pipe up "hey! I'm watching that!" WOW!! Dad had special powers! I often wondered how he did that!

I don't drink beer, nor does Ken but how I would have loved to see dad share a beer with his son in law, just like he did with my brothers numerous times. I'm pretty sure I would have twisted his arm enough to teach me how to play cribbage.

One of my special memories is when we would go camping as a family. Dad, with mom's help outfitted an old school bus into a motor home for the family. That "tan sedan" took us on some fun adventures. The funnest being the years we had our family reunions at Otter Lake in Munising, MI. I often wonder if that's why I love the area so much. It is a place of fond, fun, happy times in my family. It was a time before cancer, before colostomy bags, before oxygen tanks, before medications, before those stupid sponge swabs to moisten his mouth. It was a time of innocence. A time where not a care in the world was around me. It was a time to watch my dad drink his Strohs or Blatz while he stared at the ceiling singing "Please Release Me" while my brother Pat strummed his guitar. It was a time of Dad daring me to throw a water balloon at my brother and offering me a nickle, a dime and a quarter. Those are the times I truly miss.

I hate that cancer took my dad. I hate that he never saw me finish grade school, or meet my boyfriends and threaten them in some sort of fashion. I am sure he would of thought of something to try to "scare" them into treating his daughter right. We never had the father daughter dances or days at school. I really wished he could have been at my wedding. I know he would think Ken is pretty top notch.

Oftentimes I compare the love Ken and I share to the undying love my parents had for one another. It is when I look at Ken's and my marriage and the love we have for one another that I realize...not all of my memories of Dad revolve around cancer. Ken's love for me and his family is a mirror image of the love Dad had for mom and his family. I was able to learn what true love was in the short ten years I had my dad. Cancer didn't teach me that, dad did. That my friends is the most treasured memory and the biggest gift my daddy gave me. I miss him everyday.

Goodbye Betsey Sue

2011-01-13T21:39:00.003-05:00

On January 12, 2011 we said a tearful goodbye to our sweet girl Betsey Sue. Four months to the day after we said goodbye to our sweet boy Buster Brown. Life is so strange without them. My heart is sad, but I know they are both in a better place and not suffering anymore.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" ~Anatole France

20 years later....

2011-01-07T20:53:00.003-05:00

Twenty years and three days after I did a shoulder roll doing gymnastics in 9th grade, which, resulted in me breaking my collarbone, I did it!! I, Katherine M Woodbury did a somersault. Not only once, but TWICE!! The first attempt sent me into the coffee table. The 2nd somersault was a success but neither Ken nor I even thought about taking a picture. So, for the heck of it, and because I'm super daring I did another one tonight. Why you might ask? Because for 20 years I cringed anytime I saw someone do one. Plus I'm 35, and well, ya never know how much longer my bones will allow it. Oh, and I'm cool like that & it was on my aspiration list for 2011.

Sure, there have been several other things I've accomplished that were on the list, but do we really need to see pics of me laughing daily? uhhh nope.

Have fun, laugh, and embrace your inner geek. It makes life that much more fun!!

Aspirations for 2011

2011-01-03T16:49:00.004-05:00

Holy wowzers!! Christmas came and went so quickly & before you knew it, we were ringing in the New Year! I realize I didn't even write about Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. I guess the month's all blurred together. Ken was involved in an accident in his semi the beginning of the year which pretty much kept us busy, and still is. He is fine and so is the other guy. But what a headache and a real happiness mojo damper. We've had some positively fantastic happenings and I'm going to do my very best to share them here. But, this post is about the New Year. New dreams, goals and aspirations. A time to reflect and a time to grow. Each year I make a list of aspirations, dreams, goals I have the coming year. I don't always achieve it all but oftentimes I fulfill those dreams without even noticing it until I begin my new list for the New Year. This year is scattered with a myriad of such goals. Some serious and some wacky. I'd like to share some of them with you.

~Read a book a month. I don't read as often as I'd like or as I used to. I tend to get dizzy if I read too much at one time and the letters dance on the page causing me to get headaches. Thank you meniere's for that. But 12 books is realistic and actually I am hoping to read a lot more than that. The year before last I was lucky to read 3.

~Limit Face book time. I get notifications to my cell phone and I feel it is my duty to respond right away, which interrupts my day. Before you know it, an hour has passed. I won't be ignoring my fab friends or family, instead I will manage my time more wisely.

~Anonymously pay for dinner for a stranger. It's just something I want to do and to see somebody smile would make my whole day, week and month!!

~Get down to a size 6. I know, one of those health type goals. We joined a gym on November 12th which was the 25th anniversary of my Mom's passing. We are both enjoying healthier us's and plan to continue this way of life for the rest of our lives.

~Work out at least 3 days a week. The gym we belong to is open 24/7 365 days a year so there are no excuses other than if I am sick. Knock on wood, the flu bug that is raging through town has not hit either of us yet and I am working very hard on doing everything I can to keep my meniere's under control. The gym has helped that so much. I not only see an improvement in my overall health and size but my balance has gotten a bit better which pretty much rocks all sorts of fanciness!!

~Ride my bike more. Last spring and summer I was such a slacker. The year before I rode 10-15 miles almost daily. It's something I thoroughly enjoy and it also helps my balance and keeps me healthy. Plus, if you've ever been to the Upper peninsula of MI, you know I live in a gorgeous area and it's a shame not to get out and enjoy it.

~Run a marathon. They have a memorial run on the 4th of July and another run in Green Bay in the summertime that I'd love to partake in. They are both for an amazing cause.

~To make birthday gifts. Sure some things will be bought but something has to be handmade for the gift. Be prepared friends and family. Gone are the days of $ or lotto tickets or the like. You might be getting something crocheted, cross stitched, baked or sewed. Who knows what it will be. But I have a deep belief that handmade gifts really show a special kind of love.

~Grow corn successfully in our community garden. Last summer/fall our corn was already thigh high by the 4th of July. Around here the saying is "knee high by the 4th of July" So, we thought we would have a bumper corp...nope. We have several organic gardening books so I will be spending some time this winter and spring learning everything I can about corn. 2011 is going to provide us with enough corn for our consumption and to share with friends, family and whomever I can pawn some off on. Hopefully.

~Make our own bread. The store bought stuff doesn't even come close to a home made bread. First I need to scour my dozens of cookbooks for a recipe. My hope is that all, if not all, then the majority of our bread will be home made.

~Make butter. No, I don't have a butter churn. I would love one though but that's really not going to happen. Instead it is my hope to acquire cream from a farmer or even buy some at the market and make it into butter. Just something I think would be pretty neatotastic!!

~Brush the dogs weekly. Ok, we have 5 dogs and for the most part they are self groomers and don't get all snarly haired. But, brushing on a regular basis would definitely cut down on the loose hair that floats around the house. Say buh bye to giant "extra pets" that are found when the furniture is moved. Plus, it's cute when I'm all done brushing them, they think they are royalty the way they walk around all fancified.

~Open and ETSY store online. I love to craft and I want to do something to bring a bit of income into the household. I believe it would help my esteem or whatever you'd like to call it if I knew I had a "purpose" other than my at home domesticated chores. I love being a housewife but I do miss working. Even if it only brings in a small amount. I'd be doing what I love to do, sharing that with others and contributing to my home.

~Simplify. There are so many areas of my life that need to be simplified. It is something I work on all of the time. We are getting closer but still HAVE way too much and desire too much at times. This is a subject very dear to my heart. I could go on and on for paragraph after paragraph on the different areas that need work.

~Try one to two new recipes per month. I love to cook and Ken loves to cook. Eating the same old things gets rather drab. Even we get stuck in a rut eating the same things from time to time. Time to put those dozens of fabulous cookbooks to better use. If you have a recipe that makes your taste buds have a foodgasm, I'd be happy if you'd share it.

~Write more on my good ole blog. I write often but rarely share my thoughts on here anymore. The last 6 months we have been dealing with so much. It hasn't been all bad but much of it is pretty deep stuff and my heart needs to heal. Those closest to me knows what we have been dealing with. I just hate to clutter my funtastical wacky blog with stuff that does not represent me entirely.

~Become more fluent in ASL. In October Ken & I joined our local deaf club and let me tell you, it's been amazing!! Most people know I have meniere's disease which affects your hearing, eventually making you deaf. At 1st I didn't do as well digesting all of it, then I accepted it. Or so I thought. Since joining this group I am now at total peace with it. It's an amazing group of fab friends. many of which I have known for years. Ken can see more confidence in me and I can totally feel it!!

~Write more on my story. My story, meaning my book. I tend to get frustrated when writing about certain times of my life. It was anything but normal. What is normal anyways? right? It was scattered with love, abuse, death, hardships, infertility, hope. I often times tell people my life began when I met Ken. If I could just get passed the sadness and hurt of the early years and get onto the past 17 years I'd be all set. I'm going to work on that.

~Go on a self searching journey. For lack of better words I call it that. I know my true self and I love myself. But, I want to take a couple days and just "be." I am always connected to many fabulous people and at times I just want to be with myself. Challenge myself, try something new, do something I never thought possible. for myself, by myself.

~Laugh daily. This is a no brainer and is the key to a happy life.

~Hug more. You'd think with me being all sentimental I'd be the extreme "huggy type." Nope. I like my invisible bubble and like it when people respect that bubble. I'm going to work on it.

~Preserve food. Whether it be from our garden, the Farmer's market, berries we foraged for in the woods. The pressure caner and dehydrator will be in full force and the pantry will be well stocked.

~Try a new food. This differs from a new recipe in that I want to try a new ingredient. Like fish. Neither of us eat it. But I want to.

~Ice Skate. It has been years since I skated. I was never really very good but I did enjoy doing it. This past year was getting back on cross country skis and getting my balance where it needed to be to do so. e live in a wunnaful area that offers a few rinks. It's time to utilize them. or at least try my very best.

~Forgive someone. For the past couple years I have done this and it's THE most fantastic feeling to have the anger and hate in my heart gone. I never set out each year with a person in mind. It's just happened. I have a couple people in mind this year. It's gonna be tough, but it can be done and I will do my best. If complete forgiveness does not occur I hope my heart brings me to a content place with that person.

~Sing in front of Ken freely. Ok, we have been together for almost 17yrs and we don't sing in front of one another unless we are goofing around. I love to sing.

~Follow our monthly budgets and put $ in savings. I'm pretty good with this but I do fall short at times. There's always something tempting me to stray and at times I do. I will be accountable and stay focused.

~Go to more play performances. We used to go to several performances a year. Truth be told, we stopped going after my ears took a poo and the whole meniere's thing. It affected so many areas of our lives. But this past year we went to "Wit" and it was the best and totally enjoyable. Plus, in the back of both of our heads is the fact that who knows how long I will be able to enjoy them. So, yup, date night supporting our community theatre is a must.

~Learn how to weave a basket. They offer classes at the Art Center now and then. I've always wanted to enroll. I want to make a basket to gather goodies from the garden.

~Learn something new. I have no clue what. Maybe it'll be yoga, or kickboxing. Maybe it'll be a form of dance. Heck, you never know, it could be yodeling. Doubt the yodeling. But you never know.

~Make a meal for a neighbor.

~Go to our babies memorial at least twice.

~Do at least 6 sunrise bike rides. This past summer I did a few and holy smokies!! amazing. I even had two deer run toward me and then continue down Main Street right in front of my eyes at a little before 6am.

~Watch the sunset and moon rise.

~Pet a horse or ride one. Those that know me know that I am terrified of horses. I find them gorgeous...at a distance.

~Do a somersault. Strange right? I haven't done one since I was in the 9th grade when I broke my collarbone while doing a shoulder roll doing gymnastics. Basically a shoulder somersault. Time to get over the fear I think. lol Hope my bones hold up!

~Grow watermelons and honeydew in the garden.

~Make Christmas gifts.

~Take each of the pups for a walk/run once a week.

~Go fishing and eat the fish we catch. I won't touch the worm but will touch the fish. Ken is the opposite so we make a good team. Now we just need to acquire the taste for it.

~Start a fire with two sticks. Meaning, no lighter fluid, matches or even flint and magnesium. I swear I should have been a boyscout at times. But, I like being a girl. =)

~Do four jig saw puzzles. I never make time to do them and it's something I like to do.

~Visit friends and family monthly. Too often we only get together for special occasions. Holidays, bdays, etc. Gone are the days of "just because" Those are coming back. =)

~Make a skirt using Nana's sewing machine. I have the fabric, the pattern and I've had the machine since Nana passed away. I was always too scared to use it, that I'd break something. Time to use it and make something beautiful for myself.

~Milk a cow. Yup, horrified of cows too. But, I like milk and want to just try it. Any farmers out there willing to let me play with some udders?

~Make household cleaners/soaps/candles. This just goes with wanting to be more green and frugal.

~Use our solar clothes dryer religiously. meaning hang laundry on the line, which I love to do. But sometimes it's so much easier to pop it in the dryer.

~ Visit a new Campground. Camping is an adventure we both love. It's great fun to visit a new place and meet new people.

~Visit Joy. Joy is my sweet baby niece that we were given custody of this past June. We made the difficult but right decision to let her go. She has a new forever family. Yet, it sometimes hurts. I'll get into that some other time.

~Knit. I still want to learn how to knit well. I can do the basic knit and purl with some difficulty. I have Nana's gorgeous needles and want to do something great with them. I will do it. Yup.

~Decorate for holidays. No, not just for Christmas. I used to make little things for different holidays and put out different decorations. I stopped after ken thought it was a waste of time. I do miss having a few decorations out throughout the year. I admit, when ken said it was a waste of time I was a bit over the top. I want to decorate but do it simply. Remember? Simplify.

~Last but not least, I want to tell the people I love them as often as possible. If you are in my life I truly do love ya.

Fab Five

2010-12-06T21:40:00.005-05:00

You know the Fab Five I talk about so often? Well, they were gracious enough to pose for some yuletide pictures. They even sported a fancified Santa doggie hat. Ok, they really had no choice but they cooperated fantastically.

Macy Jewels
Brayden Michael

McKenzie Elizabeth

Allison Jeanne

Arizona Claire

Next up....the cat (that thinks she's a dog) Betsey Sue. Yup, this is gonna be interesting!!

Embrace The Season

2010-12-06T11:26:00.005-05:00

When Mother nature gave us our 1st real dusting of snow I, along with my fab friend Kathy plopped our bodies on the ground and made snow angels.
Let your guard down and have some fun.
Get in touch with your inner child.

You're never too old to play in the snow and make snow angels!!

C'mon, you know you wanna!!

Embrace the seaon. =)

Illuminated

2010-12-01T18:52:00.004-05:00

I'm happy to report we have lights in the front yard. Oh this excites every bone in my body. I'm totally not joking folks. I get all giddy when the sun goes down and the lights turn on. Tonight I did my housework after I got back from the gym, then hopped into my Eeyore footie pajamas and sat by the front window waiting for the lights to turn on. There's something magical about Christmas lights.

"Blessed is the seaon which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!" ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

Happy Holidays from our home to yours.

Scarf-utopia

2010-11-30T15:04:00.003-05:00

Friends, family, neighbors...don't be surprised if you get some version of a scarf from me this year. I take that back, YES pretend to be surprised. LOL The fact is, I love scarves, I love making scarves and I've only got one neck and a certain amount of days in the year I can wear them.

I have a handful to make for orders but if you'd like one made for you, a child or heck, even your pet...I can totally "hook" you up. Get it? "hook" you up. Haha I kill me!!

Ok, back to my lil scarf-utopia. Have a superbaliffic day. =)

Pass it on

2010-11-28T21:09:00.002-05:00

Today after our workout we went to food court in the mall and picked a boy and a girl of of the angel gift tree. It makes me so sad when I see that all a 10 & 11 yr old want is some new socks and a pair of jeans. Ken and I are fortunate to be in the position to help these kids and I am so grateful.

Today, I posted this on my facebook and holy smokes!! The conversation went in a direction I never expected. Some talked about people abusing welfare, others talked about how middle class white males have the upper advantage. Seriously folks? It sickens me that people would go to thos eextremes. The facts are, there are people and pets out there who need help and we should absolutely do what we can to help them.

Christmas is not about gifts. I despise Corporate Christmas. This year Ken & I will be helping out these two kids and donating to our local Animal Society. My sister and I exchange handmade gifts and I choose to make the majority of the gifts I give.

All I am asking is for people to remember those less fortunate. Remember, you are blessed, pass it on.

To Mom

2010-11-14T23:07:00.003-05:00

To Mom:

You taught me how to crochet in one day. We'd sit for hours making skeins of yarn into balls.

I'd pick handfuls of dandelions you would proudly display on the windowsill.

I'd go upstairs and collect the "dirty hangers" Why empty hangers were called dirty hangers is beyond me.

We'd put my Puff The Magic Dragon 8 track in the player and listen to it before I went to school.

I was your Suzy Bell.

When I was 10....You died

I am living with my real dad and his wife now. They love me very much and treat me like their daughter. But, I still miss you, Mom.

I'd pick two handfuls of dandelions so you could put them in a jar on the windowsill, but toss them on the ground.

Man, I wish I could sit on your couch and watch you crochet.

I have learned that wanting "things" and having more is selfish.

I wish I told you I loved you on November 11th instead of getting mad that you said I couldn't have another Cabbage Patch Kid.

I wish I hugged you and told you that I loved you every day.

When I was a teenager

I'm in high school now, Mom. I wish I could tell you about the boy/boys I have a crush on.

I sit in my room crocheting while thinking of you.

Your voice is beginning to fade away now. But, I never forget the way you'd say Katherine Marie.

I go to your grave and tell you I love you and long for a hug from you.

What I wouldn't do to sit in the Church pew with you and hear you sing "Amazing Grace"

I go to my Junior and Senior Prom but you aren't there to help me get ready.

I have my first real boyfriend and fall in love, only to have my heart shattered.

I could use your advise so I go to your grave and talk to your stone.

When I am 18 I meet the love of my life. I wish you could meet him, Mom. his name is Ken. I think he is The One.

I was given the blue afghan you made. It always was my favorite. I sleep with it every night. It makes me feel like you are giving me a big hug when I have it in my arms.

I got engaged to that wonderful boy Ken, Mom. Oh how I wish I could tell you this in person rather than visiting this stone.

I took a pregnancy test and we are expecting!! You are going to be a wonderful great Grandma!! I want to rush to you and get your advice, Mom. After all you raised 10 awesome kids. Who better to talk to than you, Mom.

I'm lying here in a hospital bed. I lost the baby Mom. I had an ectopic pregnancy and they had to remove my ruptured fallopian tube. I don't know what hurts worse, the pain of losing our baby or not having you hear with me, Mom. I realize my step mom is a god send. She understands and shows me the love I know you would show.

Mom, I need you.

Today is my wedding day. I am 20 years old. I wake up and get ready all by myself. Darnit, you should have been here. You would love Ken. he treats me like gold and he's rather handsome. He wants a big family too, Mom. We played a song in yours and dad's memory and our baby's too. I hope you heard it. The whole day I thought of you. I even wore your Mother's ring to have you near.

It's my 22nd birthday I and I just found out we are pregnant. I want to share my birthday and this awesome news with you....so I close my eyes and think of you.

I can barely remember your voice now and it breaks my heart.

I really need you, Mom. We lost the baby to another ectopic pregnancy. Dreams of having a family are shattered. I could really use a hug from you right now. Our angels reside with you and Dad in heaven now.

We go through a handful of adoption processes and they never go right. I need you Mom.

I'm 35 now and it's the 25th anniversary of your passing.

I still sleep with your blue afghan every night.

I go to your grave and I smile when I think of you.

I crochet for hours on end. You have put the passion for yarn in my bones. I know, my passion is a bit extreme.

I find myself missing you more today than I ever have and I wonder how that is possible. I only had you for 10 short years. How can I miss something so bad that I barely had? Then I realize, you have always been with me, Mom. you are in my heart. You are in my thoughts.

It is you that inspires me to be the best daughter, wife, daughter in law, sister, cousin, aunt and friend I can possibly be. In those short 10 years you made such an impact on my life. I want to be a better person because of you.

I honor my husband. The love you and dad showed for one another is a mirror to the love Ken & I share. You taught me what that kind of love is and I knew what to look for. You continue to teach me every day to never give up, because, you never did.

You were full of P&V and well, Mom...I guess you could say, so am I. I do wish I could pick up the telephone or just drop by and hear your voice.

I close my eyes and I feel you in my heart. You may not be here on earth with me but, you will always reside in my heart & I can reach in there and talk to you anytime I want.

I miss you Mom

Love,

Suzy Bell

Game night

2010-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Food, fun, games, laughs and friends is what life is all about. Boy oh boy, have we ever been blessed with the greatest friends!!

Game night at the Woodbury's

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words"

Life is too short

2010-11-03T13:44:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I went to my Uncle Harold's wake and this morning was his funeral. It's always nice seeing the family but so sad that we meet up under sad circumstances.

This past summer we went on several camping trips with many members of my family and it was awesome. Oftentimes on those trips it was mentioned that we hardly ever get together as a family anymore other than some birthdays and major holiday's.

Ya know, life is really too short. Even if one lives to be 110yrs old. It's still too short. We talked about each family member taking a month and and having a day or night that they family comes over for food, fun and laughs. Last month my nephew and his wife hosted a Pumpkin Carving party/Fall festival. This month my family is going to have a chili cook off up at our camp and next month Ken and I are hosting a Christmas event.

I think it's so important to make those memories and enjoy one another's company. I never thought I would have lost both of my parents at 10yrs old. If I would have thought it was possible I would have made more memories, been kinder and done my very best. Life has a way of throwing curve balls and we never know when it will end. Nothing lasts forever and nothing is ever going to be perfect. So don't wait for the perfect moment...it may just pass you by.

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right,. Love the ones who don't just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Kiss slowly, forgive quickly. Nobody promised life would be perfect, they just said it's worth the ride"

Make your ride one worth remembering.

The Over The Top Democrat

2010-11-02T20:08:00.002-04:00

Did you get out and vote today? If not, I sure hope you had a good reason. I feel it is our duty and an amazing privilege we have been given to elect our officials. I was filled with excitement and hope as I drove to my voting place.

I will be beyond ecstatic for the never ending phone calls to stop and my mail box won't be bursting at the seams tomorrow with the "vote for me because so and so sucks" type of fliers. I am hopeful and excited for the outcome of today's election.

I want to write about my experience I had yesterday. I was using the leaf blower/sucker in the front yard when a gal in her early to mid 20's approached me. At first I thought she was the neighbor from across the street returning a piece of mail she accidentally got. Nope, it was a young gal informing/begging me to vote a certain way. Now, I don't think I am straight Democrat or Republican or Independent and often times, I wish we could vote for Papa Smurf. There's always the over the top, psycho Independents, Democrats and Republicans. I know several of those types and I appreciate their opinion even if it is not shared by me.

Well, this gal called me by my full name and I realized I was in for it so I played along with her psycho babble. I asked her questions and the answers she gave were nothing close to factual. She would stumble on the facts about her candidates and couldn't even say their name properly. She then went on to tell me what Human Resources are....like I was some sort of idiot. She, assumed several times that I was a teacher because I was wearing my home team sweatshirt and jogging pants. Now, I have nothing against teachers and I find them to be rather fabulous. But when she referred to me as one several times because of my apparel and told me I NEED to, and please vote Democrat I seriously wanted to blow her away with the leaf blower.

She then went on to say that the folks on the Democratic ballot are very similar to the folks currently in office....UMMMMM, I live in MI, the U.P. We are often forgotten or not even acknowledged on the map of the United States. I feel the current office holders are not doing their job and I hope for change. I guess I should have said, " thanks miss psycho Democrat for sealing the deal for me. Your current Democratic officers suck and you are now telling me that the ones running are extremely similar to them...." Did I mention she mentioned the teacher thing several times? After about the 5th time I told her I support my home team and happen to find the outfit comfortable.

One more thing...I was hounded two more times today from this political party begging me for their vote and telling me why I needed to. I mean, seriously, that kind of nonsense turns people off and is completely rude.

I am sure I may have offended some people by writing this but this is my blog, where I can write about whatever I choose.

I love my Country and I feel completely privileged that I have the right to vote. I respect other's opinions and do not, and will never force my personal opinion on someone.

Betsey Sue

2010-11-01T11:26:00.002-04:00

Betsey got a new kitty house on Friday.

I had a few Cheetos's and our cat, who thinks she's a dog decided she wanted to lick my cheesy fingers. I just love how her tongue is sticking out mid lick.

She is doing so good since we had to put Buster down. We weren't sure how Betsey would do with being an only cat amongst all our pups. I am happy to report, she is the most lovable, social little butterfly than she has ever been. She even runs to the back door when I let the pups out. I recently bought her the collar she's wearing and a leash. To my surprise, she loves going for walks!! Pretty odd seeing she has never, in her 16yrs been on a leash.

We are unsure of her actual birth date but it's sometime around the beginning of November. Happy Birthday my sweet feline princess kid Betsey Sue.

Random Shenanigans

2010-10-29T21:26:00.002-04:00

You know all those thoughts I have whirling around in my never resting brain? The same thoughts I can't seem to put into words? I thought it would be fun to do a post about some of the shenanigans, thoughts and dreams I have floating around in my scattered brain.

I truly have THE best husband. Ever. I know I say this often but I cannot even put into words the love I have for this man. He inspires me so much and keeps me focused and makes me a better me. I am by no means a walk in the park on a sunshiny day.

We recently joined the deaf club here in Esky after being asked several times. No, I'm not deaf yet but we know that that is what meniere's disease eventually does. This group has some of the most amazing people and we are honored to call them friends. I debated for some time if I should join so I asked Ken's advice. His reply? "Kat, I think it would be great, embrace what is going on instead of being scared." So bless his awesome heart and these fab group of friends. I am not afraid and I will embrace it for what it is and no longer pretend everything is "just fine."

On September 12th we had to put my dear fluffy boy Buster Brown down. My heart still aches for his snuggles but I know he is in a better place. We buried him up at camp, right next to Sassy and Alex. He was 16. We still have Betsey Sue (another feline kid) and she is doing awesome. We were worried she would be lost without her brother. But alas, she is more sociable and lovable and energetic as ever.

I had an amazing birthday in August. Ken and I took a mini vaca and took the suburban and camper and pups on a eastern U.P. adventure. The highlight of that trip was being able to spend it with the ones I love and all those sunsets at Paradise. I definitely need to show pics.

I find myself missing my Mom and Dad more and more as time goes by. I don't know why or if it's "normal". I wish I would have had time to make more memories with them. Ten years was not nearly enough.

I put up two of our Christmas trees yesterday. I know it's early, but I was extremely crabby yesterday with all sorts of family drama. p.s. I despise drama and would rather free flowing, happy, love one another and be considerate vibes. But, I love Christmas and it brings me happiness. Plus, I was only a couple days early from when my "normal" decorate for Christmas bonanza begins.

Ken and I are both dieting. Rather, eating healthy. The word diet makes me think that you're hungry all the time. Believe me, we are not hungry. It's actually hard work to pack all those calories in during the day when you are eating good calories. Ken has dropped 18lbs now and if I wasn't so dang bloated I'd be down 12.

I wish I could get a hysterectomy so I wouldn't be so dang bloated and all that other fun lady junk. I mean, the stuff does me no good and cysts and endometriosis kills!! Last night I asked Ken if he'd slice me open and do surgery himself. I'm sure next week will be better.

I still sometimes have thoughts of wanting to be a Mom. I don't know if those will ever go away.

I'm very excited about the surgery Dr's in WA did on a man that suffers from meniere's. They did a procedure similar to a cochlear implant but hooked the electrodes to certain parts of the inner ear. When the man feels and attack coming on he will be able to utilize this unit to hopefully stop the attack. Technology is fantastic!! I sure hope it works and progresses. I'd love to sign up for something like that. To have my life back, or to some degree would be beyond smurfy.

We got a stellar deal on laminate hardwood flooring today. $0.61/ sq ft!! Plus all the underlayment is FREE after rebate!! Do you even know the awesomeness of that!!! Next weekend Ken and I will have a big project on our hands. This is where not hearing the greatest works to my advantage. I am sure there will be bickering and frustrations expressed.

I am so proud of my husband for all he has done, all that he is and all that he is becoming. I swear, I fall more deeply in love with him as the days pass by.

There's so much more I could write, so many more ideas, hopes, dreams and goals and future plans I wish I could just blurt out. Life is great!! We have a stitched quilt thing on our wall in the living room that it sums it all up...."We may not have it all together, but together we have it all"

What I did yesterday

2010-10-29T21:13:00.002-04:00

I have so much to talk about but when I go to type it out it comes out as gibberish. Once I get my mind focused on all of the awesome and exciting things around me I'll have more words to say. For now, here's a peek of what I've been up to the past couple days.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the Woodbury house.

"Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind." ~ Mary Ellen Chase

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth...

2010-10-28T09:14:00.003-04:00

Whew, it's been a long time since I've been on here. Every once in awhile when the world seems to be too much or too hectic we all need a break...and that's what I took. Time to rejuvenate and heal and have some up to our eyeballs fun adventures canoeing, camping, hiking, embracing each other and ourselves.

I've got sooo sooo much to talk about, but yet have no clue where to even begin. Life is wonderful, my heart is full, and we are at peace.

I will have more to write about...but for now, I am going to put up a Christmas tree or two and make some cookies and a cake. We are having 11 friends over Saturday night for game night. It's going to be fantabulastic!

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself ; I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." ~Groucho Marx

New ear implant for Meniere’s disease

2010-10-26T10:42:00.000-04:00

New ear implant for Meniere’s disease

There just may be hope and relief on the horizon!!! =) This excites every bone in my body

The end is near

2010-08-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Before I show you the new floor I've sooo totally gotta show you the ceiling in the den/dining room all finished!! Shazam!!

Look at the floor!! Ken and his dad layed the laminate last weekend. Ohhh, did I mention we only paid 77 cents per square foot for this yummy floor? Yup, totally awesome sale at Menards! It's not junky quality either. It had far better qualities that many of the more expensive ones.

Ohhh, a couple more things. The underlayment plastic stuff was free after rebate!! So, in a couple weeks we'll be getting a check, which will then be used to buy the remainder of the items needed for the bathroom remodel.

One more thing....Ken's parents had a rummage sale the end of July and we put a bunch of our non used, don't need anymore, this is cluttering up our house type things in the sale...anyways, guess what??? We were able to completely pay for this floor with the money we made!! BONUS right?!?! Get rid of stuff which we don't need and be rewarded with a beautimus new floor!! Bozinga!!

Buh bye yuckoid orange linoleum and fake marble looking linoleum stuff that always snagged my toes.

Putting up the Harvest

2010-08-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

The gardens, the wilderness and our neighbors have blessed us with oodles of great fruits and vegetables that I have been canning. Two of my favorite books are the Ball Blue Book of Preserving and Small- Batch Preserving. Both are extremely amazing.

This is just a small portion of what we have "put up" so far this season.

So far we have preserved:

5 - 1/2 pts blueberry jelly (blueberries were foraged in the woods)

2 pts blueberry jelly (blueberries from the woods)

8- 1/2 pts bluebarb jam (blueberries from the woods and rhubarb from my garden)

10 pts green beans (beans from the garden)

7- 1/2 pts sugar snap peas (peas from the garden)

5pts garlic green beans (beas from the garden)

12 pts dilly beans (beans and dill from the garden)

7- 1/2 pts apple maple jam (local maple syrup and free apples from our neighbors apple tree...they were given to us, we did not steal them lol)

5 pts red hot applesauce (free apples from our neighbors apple tree)

6pts red hot apple wedges (free apples from our neighbors apple tree)

8 qts baby red potatoes (from our garden)

9qts white potatoes (from our garden)

2 qts green beans (from our garden)

2qts sugar snap peas (from our garden)

6pts stewed tomatoes (tomatoes and green peppers from our garden)

3 pts zucchini relish (zukes and green peppers form the garden. Red peppers given to us from my cousin)

7- 1/2 pts blackberry jam (blackberries picked by my sister's house)

We have also picked raspberries which were made into a custard cake dessert, strawberries that were froze, peas were shelled and froze, onions dried for future use in coups, salads, etc. Before I began keeping track I made rhubarb sauce, rhubarb jam, strawberry rhubarb jam and a few rhubarb desserts. The rhubarb comes from the garden and the strawberries were picked at a local pick your own strawberry patch/farm. We also have blueberries in the freezer from our foraging adventures.

Other goods I will be preserving in my very near future is more applesauce in the fall when we go to the orchard, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, stewed tomatoes (we can never have too many jars of those), whole tomatoes, salsa, sweet pickle slices, hamburger dills, sweet pickles, tomato soup, hopefully pesto, roasted red pepper spread, summer squash, zucchini, peaches, cherries for pies, cherry jam, cream corn, whole kernel corn, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and more beans and peas. August and September are busy months here for harvesting and home preserving. Our gardens are just beginning to give us an abundance of what we need on a daily basis. In the coming weeks I will have my hair in a pony tail, forget the eye make-up (because it would just melt off my face), towel on my shoulder and my green rooster apron around my neck. It's a great time of the year!! (Just don't judge me if you see me out in public and I have forgotten to take my apron off...hehe)

On the Homefront

2010-08-12T10:28:00.005-04:00

Every morning I am greeted by several sunflowers in the raised bed at home. It seems they grow 6 inches every night. Before long they will be as tall as the garage roof line.

Even the cherry tomato plant is reaching for the clouds. I had to trim some of the leaves from the zucchini because the vines were taking over more than half of my driveway and they were much taller than myself.

The potatoes in our tater tower are almost ready to harvest.

I came home from harvesting at our community garden plots and was looking around by the summer squash plants. I saw that there were oodles of large yellow flowers so I went to take a picture & holy bean bags!!! I found this almost 2lb squash hiding.

part of the larger raised bed. I'm soo glad we put these gardens in this year.

Nasturtiums keep garden pests away and the flowers and leaves are edible. We have yet to try them however. I'm really hoping to get another crop of lettuce and spinach. The onions and other lettuce have been harvested. Gosh, I sure do miss fresh spinach though.

We have 4 Eastern Black Swallow Tail caterpillars hanging out on the dill and cilantro in the back herb/strawberry raised bed. I look forward to being a witness to their transformation.

A daddy-long-leg finds some shade on the leaves of a sunflower.

We're starting to harvest carrots at home too. =)

We are still getting a couple zucchini per day and we've just begun getting rip tomatoes from the cherry tomato and yellow tomato plant. The birds have been munchin on the sunflower seeds and I'm happy to report that the planting of spinach, lettuce and beans I planted are all poking through the soil.

Tally Hoe

2010-08-05T11:01:00.003-04:00

July gave us plenty of veggies and fruit. I know it's nowhere near other peoples gardens but hey, it's a start and we've been able to "put up" a pretty decent amount of home canned goods.

Green Onions- these were harvested before I got my handy dandy kitchen scale. But we had at least 100. This was the 1st year growing onions and guess what?? I JUST learned that onion sets DO NOT produce large onions like I guess I assumed. Either way, we have enjoyed these onions in salads, soups, and other dishes. I dehydrated some as well to use in the future.

Asparagus- I planted asparagus this year so no harvest until next year. We did get a few adorable lil asparagus shoots but had to let them grow so they come up thicker next year.

Strawberries- again, no scale when these were harvested. Despite the insane amount of rain we got we were able to harvest a couple handful of berries. Chloe (our tortoise) got a few of those berries and I'm pretty sure her shelly self was pretty darn happy. I also went to one of our local berry patches and picked two flats of berries.

Spinach- several gallons which made for some pretty yummalicious pestos, salads and again, Chloe enjoyed quite a few leaves.

Lettuce- uncountable amounts.

Sugar snap peas- 8# 2oz

Green Beans- 16# 5oz

Carrots- 1#

Radishes- about 1#

Cilantro- It's growing like a weed. Just as soon as our 70 some odd tomato plants ripen up we'll be snipping that cilantro to make salsa. I'd really like to incorporate it with some dishes as well. Time to experiment with new recipes/concoctions.

Dill- We have mammoth amounts growing. I've used several handfuls when making the dilly beans. Once our cukes are harvested we'll be snipping dill to make pickles and relishes.

Yellow Squash- 1# 7oz August has just begun and we will be up to our eyeballs in this very soon.

Zucchini- 1# 9oz We are harvesting at least one of these per day now. I for see August to be one heckuva busy month already.

Baby Red Potatoes- 17 1/2#

Superior White Potatoes- 14#1oz

THEN.....I was very blessed when my neighbor friend came over one afternoon while I was sitting on the porch. He told me I could have as many apples from his Iridescent Apple Tree as I wanted. I figured we'd pick a basket full. Just enough to make some applesauce and maybe some jelly. Well....27 1/2 lbs later....I was able to make apple maple jam, applesauce, red hot apple wedges and red hot applesauce and I still had a basket left over!!

Ken and I went on a car rd adventure one day that took us to a popular raspberry bush area. The bugs were horrendous but we managed to pick a total of 4 cups worth of berries and a handful of thimbleberries. I tried a new recipe to use the raspberries and holy delish!! I'll have to post that one for sure!!

We are also extremely blessed to have forests all around us that are oozing with blueberries. It wasn't even the height of the season when we went and we picked 2-3 gallons. I hear the berries are at peak right now. I just may have to hop in the truck and go foraging!!! I'm extremely excited to see what August brings. July has blessed us with over 100lbs of homegrown, some free delicious fruits and veggies.

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. ~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show

From the porch

2010-07-27T13:20:00.005-04:00

Sunshiny days call me to my front porch to read or just look at the garden. The Hostas we brought back from Nana's garden in Massachusetts after she passed away are blooming with their pale purple flowers.

I sit on the bench my brother Aaron made for us or on one of the rocking chairs that used to be Nana & Grandpas. Great memories and conversations, bird watching afternoons along with numerous Red Sox games were watched in those chairs with Nana and Grandpa when we'd visit them in Massachusetts. Sitting in them reminds me of those amazing memories we shared.

The Tiger Lilies are bursting their colorful orange in the front garden.

Thanks for enjoying an afternoon on my porch with me.

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

Community garden plots

2010-07-27T12:06:00.008-04:00

Our community garden plots are bursting with life. It's where I spend several hours a week weeding, watering, weeding some more, harvesting, eating, reading and smiling. Yup, smiling. How can you not smile when you witness the seed you planted become food.

We've been snacking on sugar snap peas for a few weeks now.

The Roma tomato plants are loaded with fruit. The Big Boy and the Yellow tomato plants are bursting with fruit on their branches as well. I'd say they should be ripe in a week or two. I'm sooo ready! Bring on the salsa, tomato soup, stewed tomatoes, pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, all that is tomato making, canning business ON! I am sooo ready to don my green rooster apron!

The pumpkin plants are flowering now. We have 5 different pumpkin varieties planted. Some are for eating and others will be used to host our first ever Jackolantern carving party this Fall.

This pickling cucumber plant is going to burst any day now. We'll be making dill pickles, sweet pickles. relishes and all sorts of cucumber salads.

Green peppers are almost ready to eat. I know we can't rush mother nature but please, ripen my tomatoes somewhat soon so I can use these peppers along with the jalapeno peppers to make some salsa and stewed tomatoes. Yesterday I used our last homemade jar of stewed tomatoes. I'll need to add about 10 jars or so to our stewed tomato needs for the year.

Tomatoes and squashes are loving this warm weather.

Below is our one and only eggplant plant that survived all this rain we've been having. There are a few flowers so maybe we'll get a couple eggplants from this. We've never grown eggplant so we shall see. I love the suspense of the surprise.

My lil, 6ft tall brother and his girlfriend standing by a stalk of our sweet corn. This is the 1st year we have ever grown corn. Our soil definitely needs more nutrients and after this season we will be able to add manure and compost to our plots. This was our 1st year at the community garden and we have no way of knowing what was planted where last season. Next year we're going to be closer to having "black gold."

We've harvested oodles upon oodles of green beans. We have 4 more rows than these two that are providing us an abundance of beans and on Sunday I planted 4 more rows where the potatoes were. Ohhh yeah, last week I harvested the rest of our potatoes. Our tater tower at home is still intact and will be harvested in the next couple weeks.

The storm

2010-07-22T10:50:00.002-04:00

A big storm went through our area last week. We had tornado warnings all through the day that were to end at 8pm. At around 9:30 that night Ken called me as he was passing through town and told me to look out the window. I went to the front porch, stood in the middle of the road, in the rain and watched the sky, then ran upstairs to my bedroom with my camera and stood on the back roof and took pictures. The sky was deep orange, red and yellow. Pretty but eerie at the same time. It was calm as can be and muggy as all hecklets.

It eventually got dark and there was no thunder or rain and the warnings were over with so I headed up to bed. I slept like a champ...which is entirely odd for me. When I awoke I let the pups outside and looked in the backyard. There were a scattering of leaves and twigs...nothing major. When I looked out the front door I saw that our big Adirondack bench was on the opposite side of the porch upside down and on top of my flower bed. Then there was a huge honkan limb in my neighbors front yard where their car is usually parked. Hmmm, it appears we had quite the storm that night. I never heard a thing. Either I am that deaf or my house is that soundproof. Whatever the case may be, I got dressed and went to our community garden to see how our veggies weathered the storm. Our corn was laying on the ground but still rooted in the ground. We have 22 or 24 rows of sweet corn and I spent the next few hours lifting the corn stalks from the ground and moving soil around the base so that they would stand back up. Yup, I did that to each and every stinkan stalk of corn. The peas had fallen down so those had to be put back up and re stringed. Only two tomato plants out of our 72 plants fell. We got very lucky!!

We have green beans and sugar snap peas coming out of our ears from the garden. I've harvested a few zucchini so far, the corn is beginning to tassel and ears of corn and lil tuffs of silk are forming. Let's hope we don't get another doozy of a storm. Having this garden has been amazing. It keeps me busy, feeds us, and there's nothing like muddy toes and some dirt under the nails.

Thinking of Joy...

2010-07-21T23:45:00.002-04:00

This is one of the songs that reminds me of my niece, Joy. I miss her so much....

Digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

Stepping outside the box

2010-07-21T11:31:00.004-04:00

While reading "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert while traveling down country roads in Minnesota, I ran across this quote: "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody elses life with perfection."

Firstly, I highly recommend this book. It has opened my eyes and heart even more so. Secondly, this quote spoke to me. Rather, it screamed to me. I read it over and over, and over again. Then I'd look out the window and think. Then I'd try to begin reading and my eyes kept going to this particular sentence.

Ken and I as a couple have been going through some pretty deep stuff. We still have some pretty not too swell days since our niece left our home. I struggle on days with what I should be doing, what I want to do and what we are doing. I do not regret our decision to let Joy go and I never have. I just miss her immensely. There has never been any other child who felt "just right" like she did.

Both Ken and I have been reflecting on what we want to do with our lives, and how we can get there. We know that the life we are living right now is not what we inspire to do. But yet we continue and sprinkle a few of our core values and inspirations in our lives when it's possible and live the "American dream."

We live rather comfortably. Meaning, bills are paid and we can go to a movie or play or out to dinner a couple times a month. Can we splurge and go on some exotic vacation on a whim? No. And that is alright with us. I admire Ken because he is on the path in life that he has always dreamed to do. He has always wanted to be a truck driver. He also has strong feelings toward a country lifestyle. Having a hobby farm, a large garden, raising animals...being self sufficient.

I also have many of those dreams...minus the raising of farm animals. Well chickens would be fine. We'd use those for eggs. But to feed an animal only to have to butcher it does not appeal to me one bit. No, I'm not a vegetarian but there is no way I could bulk up an animal day after day and then serve it for dinner. This is a big area where Ken and I differ.

I sometimes find myself letting go or putting my dreams on the back burner so Ken can chase his. That's one area that this quote was calling my name. I need to allow myself to chase some of my dreams. I know Ken would support me 1000000000%

Another area is on what people expect from me and what I allow myself to be. In certain areas I am sacrificing my destiny and living what people would see as a perfect life. I need to do things for myself and allow myself to chase my dreams...whatever they may be. No, I'm not gong through some mid 30's crisis or any other type of change. Ken and I both have these feelings of always doing what feels right or what people may expect from us. We've come to this realization after having Joy in our home for those few days and then making the choice/sacrifice to let her go. We had no other choice but to let our dream of having a family go, even though we had numerous people telling us to stick it out, everything will work out, they wanted another family member...we had to let that dream die...and never revisit that dream again.

With that dream dying we have realized many different things we want to do in life. We want to live in the country, have the big organic garden, be self sufficient, get rid of the nonsense of clutter we own. Be more simple. We want to honor our values and live them to the fullest. With these dreams of ours we know there are some risks and we feel that we can chase them seeing we won't have to drag a child through them. We've always done what's right or what would be perceived as the "norm" It's time to step outside the box.

2010-07-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Wild blueberries are bursting in the forest...and we've been out to pick three times. The taste of wild blueberries is astounding. Nothing like the flavorless bluckoid tasting store bought ones. Plus, it's oodles of fun taking a ride to the middle of nowhere and foraging for berries...that got made into jam last night.

Check this out...a Smurf house!! Call me silly but when I saw this mushroom when we were picking I giggled and had fond memories of my childhood. It's the little things like picking berries and stumbling upon a "Smurf's home" that tickles my funny bone and reminds me just how awesome life is.

Garden Mania

2010-07-11T09:55:00.007-04:00

They say corn up in our neck of the woods should be knee high by the 4th of July. By golly, ours is thigh high. I know, I'm short...but still. We have 15- 15ft rows of sweet corn growing and it's all doing super!! Oh, and yeah, I went to the garden in between thunderstorms and left once it began down pouring on me.

The tomatoes are doing much better since we put mulch around them and the cauliflower is growing nicely. I don't know about you, but I can taste the cauliflower with melted cheese already. Yummoids!!

We're going to have oodles of pickling cukes, summer squash and acorn squash from these plants. Well, if the weeds don't take over. It had been very rainy and stormy for several days when I took these pictures. Now that it's been nice, although unbearably HOT and humid I've been pulling those buggers.

Yup, I'm gong to have to add a few more strings for the sugar snap peas to climb on. I may even have to take a step stool to harvest them if they grow much bigger. Remember...I'm only 5'5" which is pretty average but compared to my beastly hubby, I'm pretty darn tootan short.

The other night when I went to the garden to harvest I ate a handful of the sugar snap peas and the green beans. Hey, instant dinner! =)

I spy a sweet green pepper. This will soon be incorporated into some salsa or stewed tomatoes. Deeee-lish!

We should have a nice crop of Roma tomatoes. I can't remember right off the top of my head but there are at least 40 Roma plants. We use these for salsa and stewed tomatoes.

These are a yellow tomato variety. I find eating tomatoes just gross but Ken doesn't. I'm thinking we will add a handful of these along with the Big Boy tomatoes when we make our homemade tomato soup.

Woot woot!! Our first zucchini is growing. These are just a few pictures I took almost two weeks ago from our large 30x60 plot at our community garden. We now have yellow squash growing, pumpkin vines getting bigger, tomatoes filling the bushes, onions have been harvested, a few pounds of green beans and sugar snap peas have been harvested also. The acorn squash and butternut squash is taking off like wildfire. The potatoes are almost ready to be dug. We'll give them till the end of the month and the corn is much much higher. =)

Our raised beds have provided us with many green onions, carrots, a handful of strawberries, wax beans, green beans, chives, lettuce, spinach and the zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes and pepper plants are going through a growth spurt. Soon, I will have to use a step stool out there too so I can harvest.

Letting go...

2010-07-06T20:34:00.003-04:00

On Monday, June 28th I awoke with sadness in my heart. It was my niece Hailey's birthday and I knew I was not going to be able to see the lil peanut as her Mom (my sister) does not speak to us. There are some things that I cannot change and have to go on with. It is what it is. That does not however, mean the love isn't there in my heart.

Also, on Monday afternoon Ken and I were given custody of my sweet baby niece. We were also given the opportunity to adopt her should rights be terminated. This filled our hearts with hope and we love Joy so very much. This was a dream come true. We purchased a new swing for her along with other items. When I took her home I felt as if she was finally home. My heart was full and my arms were no longer empty. The love I have for her runs deeper than anything I can even describe.

I cried while holding her, marveling at her perfectness. Feeding her is amazing and she always lets a big ole belch out for me. I enjoy the hustle bustle and our pups were always on their best behavior.

Ken got home Monday night and we were just so happy, and hopeful. Monday night we went up to bed and put Joy in her bassinet. Eventually after a few hours Ken decided he would take her downstairs and allow me to get some sleep because I had been running myself ragged with this whole stressful situation.

Tuesday morning I came downstairs to see the most beautiful sight. Ken was holding Joy in the recliner and they were both asleep. I tried to hide the fact that my menieres disease was acting up. Truth is, I rarely talk about it as I don't like to be a negative person. As the day went on it was pretty obvious I was not well at all. I knew deep in my heart that I would not be able to care for Joy as I would like to and I voiced that to ken. Sure, I could do it when Ken was home. But eventually he has to go back to work and he'd be gone sometimes two nights in a row. What if I had a horrible two day attack when I had Joy? I had to admit to myself that I am not well and that Joy deserves better than I can give her. I do not take admitting something is wrong too well. I like to be a strong person. I tend to hide the MM stuff and pass it off like everything is A-OK...but it's not.

Ken and I cried all day on Tuesday and his Mom came over a few times and later that night his Dad came over too. I felt obligated to make them, along with everybody else happy by having a family. We wanted this for as long as we have been together...and everybody wanted this for us so badly. I did not want to disappoint anybody or be considered a failure.

Ken sent me to bed Tuesday night after I took my meds and a sleeping pill. At that time Ken still wanted to try to keep her, that I'd wake up and magically feel like a million bucks. Well, Ken came upstairs at 5am and said he understands how hard it would be on me to care for Joy each and everyday. He did it two nights in a row because I was a spinning mess. We were both on the same page...we knew we had to let her go. She deserved better.

I phoned the office that morning in between puking and napping on my bathroom floor. I begged Ken to take me to the ER to make me better. This was by far the worst attacks I have ever had. Ken's Mom spent most of the morning with us. We cried, and cried and cried some more. Heck, I am still crying. I miss her so much and frankly, I am very pissed off at my body for not allowing my dream.

Ken's parents had given us sweaters that his Nana had knit and crocheted for Ken and his sisters when they were little. Ohhh how I longed for the day she would wear them. I could even imagine in my mind the adoption party we'd have when she became a Woodbury. It would have been the best day in my life next to the day we got married. Those dreams would never happen though...

Wednesday late afternoon a woman named Anne came to pick Joy up. It was the hardest thing we have ever done. To have Joy...in our arms...and let her go. The woman was very nice and she told us so much about herself and family. We exchanged phone numbers, hugs, tears, more hugs, more tears...for about a half hour. We walked them to the car and broke down as we said what we thought were our last goodbyes to our precious lil peanut. We went inside, cried, broke down, watched as Anne put our baby girl in the car, buckled her in...and drove off.

Ken and I were so scared that people would be disappointed in us. I am sure there are people who will never understand. But Joy deserves the best...because she is the best. Ken and I decided we'd go camping for the weekend to escape it all and heal our hearts. Where we go camping is the same area where Joy now lives. It's also the same area Ken and I have been looking for some property. If you remember, we did a carving in Paradise for our babies we lost in 95 & 97...Joy is just up the road from our most favorite place. She is home....just not ours.

Her new family has wanted a little girl for such a long time. Their dream is coming true. On Friday I received a call from Anne and she asked if I would like to go visit them. We made plans that we'd go to their home on Saturday after dinner. Their home is beyond gorgeous and Anne is so gracious and I feel like she is a kindred spirit. We enjoy the same things and she loves Joy so much. It brings our hearts peace to know that Joy is in a great home. She will have everything and so much more with this other family. We support them 100%

This certainly wasn't what we ever thought would come out of this situation. In time I am sure the feelings of being lost, the hurt, my arms feeling empty and the feelings of being a failure in a sense will begin to subside. I feel like I had a child and gave her up...but I know she is in very loving arms and has an amazing home. Like I said, in time...

In the meantime Ken and I are spending our days reconnecting and dealing with letting our dream of having a family go. We need to get my health where it needs to be. We know we can be happy without having children. We kept certain items that were Joys. Her purple headband hangs on the rear view mirror in the suburban, her MSU shirt is still on the shelf in the living room and we have an unwashed, mascara stained blanket that was hers. We also have a shoe that was hers. I gave the other shoe to my sister Jamie and said to her "Joy has forever made an imprint on our hearts" In my shoe is a bunch of dried wildflowers Ken picked for me the night that Joy went to her new home. I am sure in time we won't "need" these things near us.

Joy will reside in our hearts forever. We have come out of this stronger, more aware of ourselves and we now have an awesome extended family an hour away.

Relay For Life

2010-06-27T11:24:00.003-04:00

On Friday night at 10:30pm Ken and I met my sister and her husband at the Gladstone athletic field to participate in the Relay For Life.

It didn't matter how tired or stressed out we were with current events going on...we were walking/running for a cause very dear to my heart. I lost my Dad to colon cancer when I was 10 years old. I've had numerous uncles that cancer has taken too. My friends little brother lost his battle, our dear friend Max did as well. A couple months ago we lost our friend Mike, and this year my friend Amy. My friend's Mom lost her battle after many years of fighting. We lost Nana and Grandpa to the evil C-word as well. There are more people than our fingers and toes can count that we have lost to this nasty disease. BUT...my friend Becky conquered it, so did my sister Chris and Jamie. My aunt Barb is cancer free too. Our neighbor is alive and well, and so is my friend Marshall. My cousin's wife is doing well too after fighting lung cancer. We are completely blessed to have Ken's Uncle Don and Gpa in our lives after having prostate cancer.

My body was tired, but my heart was soaring. Seeing all those luminaries adorned with people's names and decorations lit up BOTH sides of the track inspired me and keep me doing...one more lap...numerous times. The pain in my legs and tiredness I was feeling at 1am was absolutely NOTHING compared to what a person fighting for their life feels. Those luminaries represent people who are fighting, have beat or have lost the fight. I consider it my duty to not only run for my loved ones who I have lost and am honoring, but to also support the others.

Like the banner says: THERE IS NO FINISH LINE UNTIL WE FIND A CURE

Joys first MSU shirt and little sweater

2010-06-21T13:03:00.002-04:00

Joy is a month old (on the 20th) and she already is a MSU fan....just like her Uncle Ken & Aunty Kathy. =)

I made her a sweater the other day. She had her first sleepover with us on Saturday night. She's such a joy to have in our lives. To say we love her is an understatement. There is nothing like being an aunty.

Remembering Nana...

2010-06-13T21:44:00.000-04:00

It's been a year...

2010-06-13T21:37:00.002-04:00

If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to heaven
And bring you back again

No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why

Our hearts still ache in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know

But now we know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store

Since you'll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where you'll always stay.

Today is Nana's 1 year anniversary of her passing. It seems like just yesterday we got the news, but at the same time it seems like it's been am eternity since we shared laughs, hugs and kisses. I miss her so much... I miss our random phone calls, the emails, her words to the wise, and outspoken demeanor. There are several times a week I just want to pic up the phone and call her. No words could ever express just how much she meant and continues to mean to me. Her memory lives in my heart. Her knowledge continues to guide me, and I continue to love her. We miss you Nana!!!

Today's sunrise bikeride came with a pleasant surprise

2010-06-10T07:58:00.003-04:00

I got up at 5am today, got dressed and hopped on my bike and headed for the lake to watch the sun rise.

As I sat on the bench on Municipal Dock, watching the lake I saw what I thought were two "dogs" running toward me out of the corner of my eye. I was sure their owner would follow soon. No owner followed and these "dogs" were running right toward me.

By golly! They were deer...running toward me. They got about 10 feet close and I made a clicky noise to kind of scare them off. I think deer are gentle but didn't want to chance having a hoof print in my face.

What a treat to see!! I'm really diggin this early morning thing and cannot even wait to see what tomorrow morning brings.

Get out an enjoy life! Don't forget to brng your camera. You never know what you may see.

Joy

2010-06-09T21:39:00.003-04:00

Whoever said you can't fall in love at first sight was wrong. My niece Joy has me wrapped around her precious, long, beautiful fingers and she is only a couple weeks old.

Cleanup

2010-06-09T21:02:00.003-04:00

I was asked today by a couple friends if I would be interested in going down to the Gulf Coast to help with cleanup for a few weeks. My heart wants to be there and to help all of the innocent animals. It breaks my heart to see them suffering and dying. Last night while watching Anderson Cooper I cried. The complete devistation tugs at my emotions. I am not gong to go into the politics and turn this post into a rant on the Oil Industries but dang!!! This is ridiculous!! Be responsible, follow safety regulations, and clean this up!!

We are still unsure if we will go, or if I will even be able to go. We have 5 dogs who happen to be extremely attached to their Mommy and wouldn't do too well with just their Daddy. Our lives are also on standby on the whole adoption situation.

I wonder if we could hook the camper up and all head down there. Ken and the pups included. July is a very slow month at work for Ken. There has to be something we can do to help all of those animals...

Happiness, a place more people should visit

2010-06-08T20:25:00.004-04:00

I'm sure most of you can see from previous posts that I live life on the sillified side. I find something beautiful in each and every day. I like to have fun, laugh at life, experience it and just live it!! I don't understand why people have to be so negative to others and to themselves. I tend to distance myself from those types of people. I am sure we all have friends or family members who constantly nag about their looks, the car they drive, who has what, what they want...you get the point!!!

I'm gong to be honest, I do happen to have a few of those such type of people sprinkled in my life. Often times I get comments, "ohh you are so happy all the time" "well you have Ken to make you happy" "your life is perfect and you have this that and the next thing" "You have such a close, perfect family life" Well....folks. I'm here to tell ya....NO, I am not happy all the time but I DO make it a point to find something in each and everyday that makes me happy. Sometimes I have to search, but most of the time I don't.

I know I am very fortunate to have Ken, and yes, he does make me happy. He also makes me sad, angry, hopeful, eager and proud. The only person who can make YOU happy is YOURSELF and I know that.

I laugh when someone comments on my family life...LOL if you even knew. I am very fortunate to have a large loving family. I also have a sister who doesn't speak to me, a niece I have never seen, family who has addictions...Life is not always "perfect" I choose not to dwell on the negative nonsense and go about living. You can't change people, or even make them happy. They have to do that on their own.

All the material bologna we have is just that. It does not define me or limit me or give me any more power than anyone else who does not have what we have. Remember, four years ago Ken and I lived in a camper and the semi. But, even then, without running water, driving around an old pickup we bought for $300, we still had it all.

Happiness is a frame of mind that I truly wish more people would allow themselves to visit. Quit comparing yourselves to others, quit cutting yourself and others down. Truly love yourself, and all your imperfections. Embrace life, live it, and open your eyes to the beautimus things around you.

We give new meaning to the phrase "Bag Ladies"

2010-06-05T20:40:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure that any of these pictures need a description. My friend Sammi and sister Jamie got our hands on some bags and got creative. Tons of laughs were had. It's the simple things like this that make life that much funner!!

Like our bonnets and halter tops?

Nice tankini right?

If you look past the bag lady you will see the veggies are growing in the raised garden bed...I know, it's hard to see past my sister in her pretty outfit.

Sammi went for the biker chick look.

Walk to the park

2010-06-03T23:33:00.002-04:00

I take a lot of walks and when I do, often times I am greeted with awesome things. This was written on a sidewalk on the 20th of May which just so happens to be the same day that Ken and I decided we would try to adopt...one more time. I needed to see this =)

"When the world says, "Give up,"Hope whispers, 'Try it one more time.' "~ Unknown

Welcome Home

2010-05-31T10:12:00.003-04:00

On May 27th a total of 4 large buses made their way through Esky on their way back from Iraq at 7am. We lined the street just before 6am. Oh yeah....My little brother Aaron Michael Munchkin Peanut Pepin was on the 2nd bus!!

Welcome Home 1434th Engineer Company!!!

Kenster's 33rd

2010-05-31T10:02:00.003-04:00

On the 24th was my hotty's 33rd birthday. We went camping and hiked into one of our favorite areas along the Lake Superior shoreline we call "Paradise" This is also the area we did a carving for our babies. This place is beyond gorgeous and brings solitude and peace.

I'm one lucky gal that this guy chose me to spend his past 16 birthdays with.

She brings me Joy

2010-05-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

This is my new sweet baby niece Joy. She was born on the 20th of May. Just saying her name makes me smile. I foresee a great many years spoiling her rotten. =)

Ok, so maybe we're not "normal"

2010-05-26T22:59:00.004-04:00

I've never claimed to be "normal", in fact, the word normal is boring an to me insinuates the complete opposite of fun!! Anytootles, my sis & I went to the thrift store today to rummage around. It seems each time we do this we find ourselves doing something so off the wall goofy.

Sometimes our silly antics have us ready to pee our pants from laughing. Like when we find a hard baseball hat, a wiffle ball and a brand spankan new athletic supporter. Take a picture of the wierdo holding and wearing said items...minus the athletic supporter...and you have some free laughs!!

You could also go in the summer section and find yourself some out of this galaxy awesome face masks...now if they only had a ducky inner tube or arm blow up floater things.

Oh look!! They had these stylin goggles that really accentuated our...ummmmmm...yeah, I dunno!! But we did laugh so hard that we began snorting!

Move over Minnie Pearl. We're holding down the fort here in Esky with these glorious bonnets.

Who says you need money to have fun? Try on some hats, take some pictures and get laughing!!