Welcome back!

It has been forever since I blogged about anything and I could not believe how time has flown. It has been well over a month since my last post and quite frankly, I thought that I might never find time to get back to this simple pleasure. So, here goes the update.

Emmeline is doing well in school and her freshman year is progressing nicely (with road bumps), but she is doing her best (she is still allergic to homework). Her birthday is coming up and she will be 15! Her Aunt Heather has taught her to drive...just the basics - forward and reverse- those are HUGE to the new driver. However, she will not be attending any driver ed classes anytime soon. She gets in as a passenger now and has to punch radio buttons wildly for the first 10 minutes of any car ride. I highly doubt that her attention span will allow her to safely operate a vehicle at this time or any time in the next few years.

Ethan is growing everyday and learning more and more words. You can decifer hi, bye, shoe, dog, ball. "Oh God" is another favorite of his and so is "Shut up" which he gets from me. I don't say it in a mean way, just as a statement of surprise. He has picked up on it though and it is very clear and audible when he says it in the middle of a crowd. I usually get the annoying looks from other mothers at this point. It is with these looks that I really want to teach him things like "What's up hooka" and although thoroughly amusing to me, it IS completely inappropriate.

Here they are at Halloween with my niece and nephew, Megan and Cameron. Kudos to my SIL Heather for the awesome skeleton costumes. That has to be the cutest spider and strawberry shortcake I have ever seen!

Nick is headed to Baltimore for his next project. We thought the Arizona job would be longer, but this offer in Maryland cannot be passed up...the opportunity is just too fantastic.

I just returned from a business trip last week to meet customers. Although I was sick for most of it, it turned out to be pretty enjoyable. I stopped in South Carolina and then on to Indiana and Ohio. It turned out that I happened to be in the middle of Amish country in Hicksville, Ohio. I thought that was only in Pennsylvania?? Anyway, it seems that we have all become dependent on Wal-Mart in one way or another. The local Wally World has amish parking - seriously. There was a small horse barn in the parking lot where a horse and buggy could be "parked" while you did your shopping. Incredible!

So all in all, we have been well and life has been chugging along. Before you know it Thanksgiving and Christmas will be upon us. The stores already have their holiday decorations up and there are wreaths and lights everywhere. So...until we blog again (that was dorky)...cheers!

Just to let you know...

I have not fallen off the planet. Since Hurricane Ike, we have been completely disconnected. The house has been over-flowing with family and their dogs. We were fortunate enough to be without electricity for only 14 hours....14 very long hours. My mom still does not have electricity and neither does my SIL in Kingwood or my MIL in Hitchcock.

I have enjoyed having the time with my family, but one of the dogs chewed up my favorite pair of bronze heels....loved those shoes, had a matching bag....oh the agony! If you know me, you know that I love my shoes. They can change your life...ask Cinderella!

I will update soon and add pictures of the damage in our neighborhood...love to you all. I hope everyone is safe and life is returning to normal or as normal as can be!

Watch out KHS...here she comes!

I am the mother of a freshman! I can hardly believe it! It seemed that just yesterday, my darling little girl was playing with her Barbie dolls...they were naked, but their hair was ALWAYS done to perfection (read on...this comment will explain itself).

Emmeline is staying with Aunt Heather and Uncle Brent until a house is ready which should be within the month. With Nick heading off to Arizona for work, moving by myself should be grand, but I am trying to get it together so we can be back in the same house. I miss her terribly and she has no idea what a great help she is to me. Em frequently steps up to the plate and helps with Ethan. She is an amazing young woman and within her I see so much potential. Certainly she has had her moments of teenage angst, but who doesn't at 14?

She called to tell me about her schedule. For those of you who are lucky enough to know Em, it will be no surprise that her elective is Intro to Cosmetology. Those Barbie Dolls had no idea that they were just the first steps in the deep, deep love that Em has developed for hair and make-up. I have never heard her so excited about a class EVER! You have no idea what it is like for me to hear that excitement. This comes from a mother who asks everyday, "What did you do in school today?" only to have the response be, "Nothing" EVERYDAY.

So, watch out KHS. You will never be the same...you have been given a gift...the gift of my daughter, the precious gift of her laughter, the precious gift of her unbelievable personality.

I love you, Em! May high school bring you new friends, new experiences and a lifetime of wonderful memories!

My 35th Birthday...

was AWESOME! I can honestly say that this was the best birthday I have ever had. I feel so overwhelmed that my family did so much for me this year. Emmeline made a cake by herself....utterly amazing. She worked so hard and I was so impressed!

Nick sent flowers to my work and then took us to dinner with my mom on Thursday (my actual birthday) to Miyako's. If you know me, you know I love this place. My mom got me a fabulous new purse...thanks mom...love it!!

On Saturday everyone got together for dinner at Rudi Lechner's. It was a first for most everyone in the family. This restaurant is truly one of a kind! If you love German/Austrian food or if you have never tried it, take the time for this place. You will not be disappointed!! Some pictures from dinner are here.

Between doing the chicken dance and stuffing our faces, I got to open presents. The Kellers added to my charm bracelet for me. My nephew picked out the cutest charm ever. Thanks CAM! You are such a sweetheart!!

Nick and the kids picked out birthday cards together for me. He even helped Ethan write his name....yeah, I know he cheated but it was way cute!! Nick had been very secretive about my gift and I truly had no idea what was in store for me. When I opened the card I was just shocked...floor tickets to MADONNA!!! Shut up!! So...come November 16th, Heather, Brent, Nick and myself will be rocking out to the Queen of Pop herself. I can't wait!!

On Sunday, we vegged out and went to the park. Ethan and Emmeline got to feed the ducks and play at the aquatic park. It is fun just watching them together.

Gifts, cake, cards, and flowers aside, this birthday was very meaningful to me. I got to spend it with family. Yes, we have our dysfunctions (who doesn't, right?), but we love with no end, we are protective of our own and we know that when the cards are down, there will always be someone there to catch you.

Thanks to everyone that made my birthday so special...I love you all!!

A cause for celebration...actually two!

So Dr. Conlon's (the oncologist) office called and my results came back...I am going to be fine!! Yippee!! I couldn't be more joyous about this news. I still have some issues with my blood clots, but everything and anything else they were looking for is all clear.

The last week has left me with a heavy heart wondering what would happen to my family if something were to happen to me, who would watch out for my kids, who would take care of Nick. I spent alot of time stressing and talking to family. It is quite surreal to tell your family members your wishes if the inevitable were to happen. I know that my family is my strength. They are a group of completely outstanding people. It is hard for me to remember that just a few short years ago these people were not family members. They have all truly opened their hearts to me and Emmeline. I have 2 great mothers-in-law, incredible sisters-in-law and remarkable brothers-in-law. I would never worry about my kids with them around.

I have family that would raise my kids to love the outdoors and love the simplicity of life.

I have family that would raise my children with dignity and class and make sure that they get an education.

I have family that would forever be there for my kids.

My mother has been my saving grace the past week and I am shocked at my mother's level of sacrifice for me....AND I cannot forget to mention Nick who has been my cheerleader throughout all of this. He has told me to be upbeat and positive...that God would not have brought us together to separate us so quickly. I so dearly love this man for who he is.

So...I will rejoice and go to my next appointment with Dr. Conlon on Friday with a smile and renewed sense of being...but first I will celebrate my 35th birthday on Thursday...surrounded by family!!