Happy Weekend

How silly is this pic?  These new tissue boxes from WALMART make me smile.  I love the designs....don't you? 
We have finally had a low key weekend....and I am so darn happy! 
I found some awesome new blogs....Coupon Geek , Frugal Girls! and Common Sense with Money that made me super happy today too.
Shopped with coupons at Walmart...just me, no helpers....and saved $17.00 with coupons alone.  Rockin and Rollin!  New menu items for the next week....I am excited.
How silly is it that all of these simple things make me happy?  I colored my hair and had it cut today too!!
Ahhh!  I feel like ME.  I almost forgot who she was ......
and to top it off....no boys tonight again.....just Steve and I.
Hurry!  find the pause button!
Have a great weekend.
Oh my goodness....Steve just came home with Save Time pizza after being gone all day with his brother....MY Romeo.  :-)  lol

WOW!!

Tim, Bill, Grandma Meek (Cruella De Ville) Kim,

front Jim (hlding Tony) and Kandi

Jake and I were scanning pics today....and all 3 of my boys love this pic!  Because they love Gram's coat!

the calm

oh my.  ahhhh.  life has calmed down a few notches. and it feels good.  so good.

Koda got a postcard today from the cardiologist that says all tests came back within normal ranges and see you on Feb 11th.  He has been released back to physical activities too - only suggestion was to be smart and listen to your body!  WOOT!  WOOT!

Dad said he went to breakfast today.....using just his cane.  His pain doctor is weaning him from his stronger drugs and working with those that target the nerve pain.  Good stuff.  He has been so much more optimistic it is awesome.

Life is good.

No wrestling this week for Steven II.  Tonight he went with Koda to the varsity wrestling meet.

May 29th is gaining on me...must scrapbook and get Koda's book ready and start my planning!!  Graduation!  WOW. 

where have we been?

Where to begin....my life has been a big blut for the past couple of weeks.

• Dad had his surgery....everything went great and he seems to be really gaining some feeling back and control.  Let's just pray that this continues and that the awesome dr's at the U of M actually did repair the problem.
• Mom & Noel - sunning in TX at last!  The temps today were in the 80s and when we talked today she seemed to be enjoying each and every ray!  :-)  Miss you Mom
• Dakoda- his EKG and stress test came out great!  His echo....well, it showed that 3 of his 4 valves in his heart are showing signs of regurgitation.  2 are trace amounts and one they called trivial.  He has a great doctor at Michigan Heart that he and I both love, Dr. Zande....we meet with him again on Feb 11th.  College is going great....all of his fears and assumptions were false...he is still in the medical program....and he is re-taking an algebra class is the biggest problem he has!
• Jakob- doing great - no sports or illness at this time....weight training to stay in shape.
• Steve - wrestling....won his first match on Wed.  Did not wrestle this weekend and none next week. 
• Me?  Insane, crazy and trying my best to get it all back on track...on my calendar and in sync.

It's been a long time since I have taken a day off for ME!  and I did last Wed!  Beth and I swore we would make time periodically to get together ...a year later we actually made it happen.  Of course, we had a day full of fun and laughs .....even had a run in with mall security at Eastwood ?  Seems you are not allowed to take pics of the store names?  Silly rent a cop thought we may be working for the competitors and were planning some big take over...lol.  All in all....we did some super window shopping, had a great lunch and best of all Girl Time with Loads of Laughs!  The best medicine ever.  Thanks Beth.  Can we do this again soon?

Spent the evening tonight chillin......making some cards.....have some ideas for a few more just need a few accessories.  Just one kid....the other 2 are with friends and going to Rock n Bowl tonight where they will actually run into each other, maybe?

Tomorrow....planning to get my meals ready for the week.  Laundry.  Clean house.  FUN day?

snow day

• Snow day Friday....we got about 7 inches of snow. They called it off about 6:10am. I get Jake and Steve up at 5:30am.....they catch their bus at 6:30am! darn those people.
• Koda went to the cardiologist - EKG looked great. Stress test and echo scheduled for next week. Dr. Zande suggested that Koda may just have a bad case of gerd (acid reflux) and his lactose intolerance is flared up, but he is still suspicious that there may be a problem with his heart. His cholestrol is 228...high, especially for a 17 year old that is fit and exercises regularly.
• My 'boot' is gone....and I am in phyicial therapy 3 times a week. Feels better, but weak.
• Next week is crazy busy. wrestling meet for Steve II, Koda tests, college starts back for Koda, I have therapy, Dad has his procedure at the U of M....and I am certain there is more too.

I have declared this weekend a resting weekend. We are all home tonight....movies and xbox. Me? finished some payroll homework and made a couple cards. Now I want to scrapbook or make some more cards.

Tomorrow....NOTHING on our agenda!! I want to keep it that way!! It is my snow day

My word for 2010

change.

It fits.
Lots of changes coming about it 2010.

our first born son graduating high school, healthier lifestyles and menus, my sister - in - law turns the BIG 5-0, I turn the BIG 4-0, my parents celebrate their 50th year class reunion from ERH, Steve II is in his final year of middle school, Jakob will be able to start his driver's training, I think I could go on and on......

*OK, Beth....something that makes me happy?

Jakob & Steve II laying on my bed on their bellies side by side.....Jakob explaining algebra to Steve II ....and the light bulb came on for Steve - and he thanked Jakob with a lot of enthusiasm...including telling him that Jake explains it so much clearer than his teacher.....did I hear compliments? from one boy to another? am I in the right house? that's happiness.

Coming home to a warm dinner made by my hubby, plowed driveway, cleared walkway, and some laundry done. YES!

Happiness is finding doctors that you are confident in. Dad's doctors at the U of M are making amazing steps towards finding him some relief. Hoping tomorrow we will find the same awesome results with Dr. Zande for Koda's new troubles.

a room with a view

This would be the view from my office.....well it was last week. Seems to be my second home nowdays. I think we may have finally made it over the hump of the new year and loads of Medicare changes that has kept the computer program changing almost daily!

Back to work tomorrow....

2010

We had a great New Years Eve...went to the Peek's. The adults played euchre, kids played XBOX or Wii.

Thank you Hamlin's for letting us borrow 2 of your boys.....our 2 were so darn happy to have them. They all got along great and traded several hours of sleep a night for gaming time.

It is so cool to see them all together again......awesome boys!

It was nice to get to see Beth, Kyle and the other 2 when we picked up and dropped off too. Quick visits but nice to see them for a minute!! Sure do miss them all.

Missing my Koda....he went north for the week to help Grandpa out! He has had loads of fun up there and had a lot of freedom. I sure do miss his wit and humor and all around just plain good kid. Hope he comes home tomorrow......could be a hold up due to the new storm.

Thanks Beth for the inspiration! I have started some de-cluttering. Started with the fridge....and kitchen cabinets. Also hit my bedroom.....that is a disaster in the works!