Guilty

Is this a pitiful face or what? She just had a bath last night....and now look.....muddy nose, paws and EWWWW just a dirty little girl !!

She knew when she came in I was going to be disappointed...she came inside, and tried to hide doing the military crawl...eventually she ran back out and was hiding by the shed.....and Jake found her and snapped this. I called her back in....Steve II was in the tub and she tried to join him. LOL

Spent the weekend on the road....drove up Sat morning to my dad's. Left for Allegan to go my nephew's wedding...it was beautiful- the kids looked wonderful and so did my brother and sis in law!

...then up early Sunday with Riley and made a huge breakfast for all...biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, strawberries and pineapple - and OJ. .......back on the road home before noon...Red Wings playoff game, Tigers game and Nascar race all at 1pm. Unpacked, back in the van to get groceries! lol

I am recovering today! lol

xtra xtra awesome

news....
Dad went to the doctor yesterday....they removed the catheter and decided that they would do a biopsy again in 90 days! HOORAY! His Cancer counts did not go up, his urine retention was very small and his overall exam was great!
Oh my did his attitude change...now he is my spunky, mouthy dad!!
Thanks for all the prayers - this by no means is a clean bill of health but an awesome trail to start on!!

*************************************************************************

Beth and I went to lunch today....always great conversation, a stop at Family Dollar for cleaning products for Beth's fairy and myself. Found the trash can Dad has been searching for....and wee little rubber bands for my baby girls' ...see below....

Yep! her brothers let me do their hair too.....a combination of Sanjaya wanna be's and supporting their sister...you pick....juts plain NUTS I think.

Glad the weekend in nearing- defintely needing the break. Heading north Sat for my nephew's wedding.

Have a great weekend.

artists

Happy Easter from the Barton Crew!!

My Easter egg artists























And one happy little girl.....the Easter bunny brought her a bumble ball....and she loves it. Growls, barks and chases it all over.....too funny!!

The grand finale

for spring break this year? SNOW!



The boys had an awesome week....they saw 2 movies and were spoiled rotten!! Steve and I are heading up this afternoon to free my dad....lol. Brave man had 4 grandkids since Sunday...just him. They have fun together and it keeps him busy and his mind off from the obstacles in his life.
Steve and I did not get much done here- we worked all week and ate lightly. It is amazing at how simple we can eat with just 2 of us. and no eating take out!!
Must finish packing....we are only staying overnight unless Mother Nature holds us captive in Spring lake.

Who says.......

......... dogs don't play baseketball or jump on the trampoline? Riley loves to run, jump and play with her big brothers. Her new favorite spot to be is OUTDOORS. She loves to lay on the bottom of Jake's portable basketball hoop.

Here it is spring break....and the boys have run off. My dad is in dire need of something to keep him busy- so he asked to take the boys. Could I say no? NO way....and my Mom is home (HOORAY and I have talked to her EVERY day since!!) so they will get to go see her too.

Steve and I are taking care of Buck, Emma and McGuire. (beth and kyle's dogs for just a couple days until Koda returns- hated to have him miss the time with his G & G!!)

Been raining here off on for a couple of days....YUCK!

Hope that you are all enjoying the sun- Jill hope you are adjusting well to hvaing 4 instead of 2!

My first 'monthly kit' came yesterday....I was so excited, could not wait to open the box!! I joined at http://www.creatingpages.biz/ , it is $18 a month and you can opt out for up to 3 mos in a row if you would want to. I liked this one for a starter for me. Kind of cool stuff I can see myself using. Some of the other kits....like some of you advanced scrappers get :-)...those papers blow my mind!! LOL Hoping my new kits will inspire me to get caught up!

Know what's scary? the other day I was mail order crazed...I ordered the kit, Pro Activ for Koda- he has been suggesting he would like to try it since we have been going to the dermatologist and not getting the best results...HEY if it worked for Brittany and Carrie Underwood....we will give it a whirl....and THEN I placed a LTD order too. Help take away my VISA! LOL ok maybe it wasn't the pipe replacement that ate my checking acct up last week....it was my spending!!

Back to behaving with my pennies.....the BIG month of May is approaching fast!

• May 5 - Steve II bday (party $)


• May 8- 14 yrs of wedded bliss


• May 12- Steve Sr turns 40 !!


• May 13- Mother's Day


• May 14- Steve II leaves for camp for one whole week...alone. ($140)

For my friends that are enjoying the spring break with a sunny getaway this year - Have fun, be careful and I will waiting to hear all about the fun and see those pics/ layouts!!

For the others stuck here in MI- let's hope for some balmy days here!! Steve Sr and I both have Good Friday off...so we are trying to plan a little something for fun to do with the boys before their break is over. (Have to take Gram to Eaton Rapids for her girl outing with her old friends from grade school that Sat so we will not go far from home!!) Thinking maybe a Lugnuts or Whitecaps game? I am off to look for tix!! :-)

Updates- Gram seems to be doing much better- Dad has his days, truly I think he needs to move closer to me so I can help him and he can stay busy chasing the grand-boys!! I just need a BIG house with property so I can move them all closer!! Steve's dad is also having some health issues so we have just been busy caring for family....Bob went to have a procedure last week and they stopped mid way due to some issues with his heart and now he has to see the cardiologist and get that fixed before he can go back for the other trouble....wow, can I stay in my 30s??

My Mom is coming home...HOORAY! She is a snowbird from November to April every year- with her trac fone in tote- our lengthy chats are not possible. This year she had her laptop and wi-fi so emailing was fun....and she checks in here. I just cannot wait to see her - my mom is such a strength for me, I've missed her terribly this year.

and before I could close tonight I had to share my "Flying Puppy' shot. She loves the outdoors and she thinks she is a huge, rough, tough dog on HER side of the fenced in yard! and oh does she love to RUN and chase the boys or play with a ball or frisbee. (or find the burrs from the neighbors yard!!) tonight she was a mess again...dirty little girl with burr in her fur!! Jake said she is a tomboy puppy when she is outside and with her brothers and a girlie girl with mom!! Too funny.

She is just like a kid...changing so much already!! She started black and tan and is turning blue and tan (a silver like they call blue) just like her mom and dad!!

Good night

What a day

• Work load was a lighter yesterday
• Beth and I went to lunch we grabbed Subway then parked at Nixon and enjoyed the sunshine and the gabby girl chat and giggles
• Beth made beef n noodles for us for dinner last night.....YUM! it is all gone...the whole pan
• A.I. was on....and I laughed so hard I almost wet myself when I saw Sanjah's hair do.
• Dancing w/ the Stars was on too.....wow, it was a great tv night for me. I was not sad to see the couple go that did.
• It was 79 yesterday!! Jackson made a new record.

today turned out A-OK

The weather is so nice outside...hate to be sitting here in front of the puter, but I owe you all an update

1. Gram's appointment went GREAT! The diagnosis did NOT include the 'c' word....something she will need to treat fro 3 mos with multiple Rxs and go back for a re-check in June.
2. I got a great card in the mail today from a great friend
3. Got dinner to the Hamlin's this morning before they all left for the day
4. The neighbor brought MY DOG back when the boys left her outside and she found her way out into the front yard !! (while I was with Gram. Steve told them all 3 that if she ever gets lost or hurt they better pack quick because they will all need to leave before mom gets home!!) hmmm, got them all thinking huh? what were they thinking letting my 5 lb puppy outside unattended....she is small enough to crawl though anything!!

Steve and the boys are screaming for icecream....off to the Frosty Boy

Monday again??

<<<<>

This was on my van...and an awesome pick me up!! The quotes are great and it is beautiful. Thank you Beth!

















Just a quick shot of my 4 growing kids...yep, all a little shaggy - haircuts not mandatory right now. However, even shaggy I think they are CUTE as can be...










Playing with Photshop- wow, love the hair!!














Love this one....she loves to try to play frisbee with the boys!!

Off to watch Dancing with the Stars!!

Luck O the Irish to you all!

Happy St. Patty's Day to all of you!!

Irish Proverbs

A soft answer turns away anger.

Both your friend and your enemy think that you will never die.

The mouth that speaks is not as sweet to hear.

A friends eye is a good mirror.

The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune.

You'll never plough a field by turning it over In your mind.

It's no use boiling your cabbage twice.

Gods help is nearer than the door.

You cant' take blood from a stone.

If you lie with dogs you'll rise with fleas.

Neither give cherries to pigs nor advice to fools.

The longest road out is the shortest road home.

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,

And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine down upon your face,

And the rain fall soft upon your fields,

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

-Irish Blessing

Yes, I am IRISH- with a maiden name like McKessy and a red head son? LOL

Just a plain old busy Saturday here. Started out as I was very grouchy....I got some ugly news yesterday about my dad's surgery, I worked until 7 last night, then stayed up til midnight working on our computer and laundry, Riley woke me up a 3am to potty and then she was buck wild at 6am. I finally talked Steve into getting up with her and I stayed and slept till 9. I woke up feeling MUCH better. Thank goodness, I almost could NOT stand myself.

My dad's pathology report came back positive for the BIG 'C'. He is on quite an emotional roller coaster....he is mad, he is scared and he is 'ok' with the news all in one converstaion. I am so worried about him.....that is such a huge balst to get and he is alone....I know I would need Steve to hold me up if ever I was blasted with this news. Good news, it is a slow moving kind!!

Tuesday I have to take Gram to the Gyn Oncologist....help!! This is one very trying time for me...my roller coaster of emotions has me just plain wiped out!! I don't dare say "what's next!!??"

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

By the way, Beth and Jill....had a great time on Thursday night....let's do something fun like that again!! (but yes, my belly was little yucky when I settled in too!!)

Luck O the Irish to you all!

Happy St. Patty's Day to all of you!!

Irish Proverbs

A soft answer turns away anger.

Both your friend and your enemy think that you will never die.

The mouth that speaks is not as sweet to hear.

A friends eye is a good mirror.

The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune.

You'll never plough a field by turning it over In your mind.

It's no use boiling your cabbage twice.

Gods help is nearer than the door.

You cant' take blood from a stone.

If you lie with dogs you'll rise with fleas.

Neither give cherries to pigs nor advice to fools.

The longest road out is the shortest road home.

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,

And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine down upon your face,

And the rain fall soft upon your fields,

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

-Irish Blessing

Yes, I am IRISH- with a maiden name like McKessy and a red head son? LOL

Just a plain old busy Saturday here. Started out as I was very grouchy....I got some ugly news yesterday about my dad's surgery, I worked until 7 last night, then stayed up til midnight working on our computer and laundry, Riley woke me up a 3am to potty and then she was buck wild at 6am. I finally talked Steve into getting up with her and I stayed and slept till 9. I woke up feeling MUCH better. Thank goodness, I almost could NOT stand myself.

My dad's pathology report came back positive for the BIG 'C'. He is on quite an emotional roller coaster....he is mad, he is scared and he is 'ok' with the news all in one converstaion. I am so worried about him.....that is such a huge balst to get and he is alone....I know I would need Steve to hold me up if ever I was blasted with this news. Good news, it is a slow moving kind!!

Tuesday I have to take Gram to the Gyn Oncologist....help!! This is one very trying time for me...my roller coaster of emotions has me just plain wiped out!! I don't dare say "what's next!!??"

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

By the way, Beth and Jill....had a great time on Thursday night....let's do something fun like that again!! (but yes, my belly was little yucky when I settled in too!!)

excuse me.........

Is this why we love Michigan?




Tuesday








Thursday





I was shocked at 430am when I opened the door in my pjs to step out and let Riley out to potty.....BRRRR- SNOW??? I was hoping I was dreaming but even a cup of coffee did not make it go away!! Guess I missed the weather outlook last night!!

Today is Thursday which is usually a dreaded day for me....the day before Friday, which is one of my favorite days.....BUT tonight after work we are going on the Restaurant Rally in Jackson from 5pm-9pm. We= Beth, Jill, Paula (Beth and Jill's mom), her friends from work and me.....there is a list of participating restaurants and you go from place to place sampling their finest. There is a bus that will transport you to and from as well.....a few are within walking distance from Beth and I's offices so we are meeting up downtown. :) Hmm, a few drinks to wash down all the cuisine....updates to come from the FUN!
Bummer...work tomorrow. lOL

Update....Dad is doing great, as normal he tried a little too much yesterday and was noticing a little last night....MEN!
Gram goes to the oncologist on Tuesday....I will have to take another 1/2 day to take her to Lansing. Thanks for the well wishes and prayers.

Be careful in the fluffy stuff today and updates on tonight's fun coming soon...

SPRING and a beautiful day off

Voila- a spring day in March!! Loving the fact that it was in the 70s today and I decided to stay home.

Spent the morning cleaning house, and sorting out old clothes....then took Gram to the dr in the afternoon.....but oh have we all enjoyed the sunshine this afternoon/ evening.

Steve is grilling burgers and I have beans and potato salad to go along with them.....oh doesn't that just help with the spring feeling.

The boys have been having a ball with Riley in the backyard. She may seem like a ladies dog and be a prissy breed (my boys talking) but she is as wild as Mandy (our lab mix) was when she was a pup. Riley and Steve II were playing tag and it was so darn cute....then she played hide n seek and I swear she speaks English and knows how.....it was so stinkin cute.

Dad is still improving nicely, he called me today to share a little issue he was having- nothing major just a little set back or so he feels. He was doing so well so quickly and then I think today he was doing more since he sent the nurse home (me)and I think his body is adjusting.

Had to take Gram back again to the dr....not so good. Looks like I will need another day off soon...they are sending her to Lansing to a Gynecology Oncologist, Dr. Pugmire. Keep your fingers crossed and prayers coming....I have already lost one Grandma to female cancer, so this is a struggle for me. Much more involved in seeing the drs and such with the Gram though, as my mom was with her mom. My dad just having surgery and his sister is in S.Carolina makes my cousin Kim and I the main caregivers now....so...we will see.....

Just a few snapshots from outside today.......sure hope tomorrow brings a repeat!!

I am back

I came back home yesterday evening around 5ish. Dad is doing super as long as he stays home and relaxes, follows the rules, I think he is moving towards a very speedy recovery!!

Riley is happy to be home- like a new adventure to her....getting in trouble all over for the things she is re-chewing that was a NO! before we left. Today is a schedule bath.....#2. She did so well with the last one....hope this one goes as well. *she stinks'

The boys all did well with no girls home for a few days but they were all very happy to have us home. Even happier when they found out I was staying home today with them - they do not have school so I thought it would be fun.

I will go back to work tomorrow- a day earlier than expected. Save a day for a sunny one that I can take off later!!

So, today I plan to do some morning cleaning- and relax a little. THEN I have to take Gram back to the dr as she seems to be having some trouble...gee, glad I came home early. :-)

Happy Tuesday

GOING GREAT

Hello all. Been busy here and wanting to post but just seems time slips away.

I made it....Riley was a blast to travel with....NOT! She was not sure about riding in the carrier, so I let her out and attemped to let her ride in the seat up front....nope she wanted on my lap. That was cool until she wanted to start kissing all over my face and barking....she quickly moved back to the seat next to me before we crashed ( yep, a little toss got her there quickly.....ugh, I thought we were surely going to crash!!). Then she rode nicely for the rest of the trip.

Great news...my dad is doing wonderful. He is healing quickly and really making improvements. Infact, I am thinking about heading home a day or two early- and Dad is encouraging me. ( I asked if I was cramping his style? LOL)

Riley is having a ball playing with her cousin, Dori....and being spoiled rotten by her Grandpa and uncles. She has been an angel.

Missing Steve and my boys but I know this is good for all of us. :-) Thanks for all that have been wishing dad well and praying for him :-)

Talk or see you soon.

a happy post

this weekend has totally rejuvenated my happy- ness - I so needed it.

Things that made me happy this weekend-

1. a trip to Walmart to get photos developed alone Friday night- all alone....relaxing!!
2. a SUPER DUPER large pop for my crop party
3. Croppin with the girls all day on Saturday
4. Creating a 6x6 album of my Riley girl
5. Taking the boys to the movies
6. Laughing my tail off at the movie, Wild Hogs
7. Taking all 3 boys with me to get groceries and they all got along- dad got to relax a little.
8. Hanging out, watching the Breakfast Club on a Sunday afternoon ( I remember dressing, talking and being like them!! LOL)
9. Getting a call from my Gram asking us to come for dinner (bring pizzas) and RILEY!
10. my boys just talking about life, old memories and funny times

Oh I feel like I could go on and on today......yeah!! The sun is shining too!!

The week ahead-
Work M-F
Heading north to take care of my dad for a week
Orthodontist appt for Koda (the tin grin will soon be in!!)
Make a family pic appt!
Making dinner for the Hamlins

bak to blogger

I am going to move back over here now....will post a little later. Wordpress and my pc are just no longer friends??

Had a great Saturday!! Cropped, laughed and snacked all day long.....then went home long enough to grab the 4 guys and we went to the movies to see Wild Hogs......what a funny movie!! There were a fun innuendos and scenes but no more than regualr tv nodays....a movie we want on dvd!! LOL

Update coming soon!

moving my blog

http://bartonbabbles.wordpress.com/
i am moving here....

what a weekend

ready to hear me whine? if not please check back again later...as it is needed.

Friday was the busiest day at work- EVER! I had to stay for an hour after just to get us caught up enough to make it through (or attempt to) the weekend.

*on a good note- for my lunch hour we went on another walk through - a house we like. It is a repo, so it needs a little TLC (paint, carpet, etc)

Saturday- Happy Birthday, Jakob!!

woke early, ran to Walmart to pick up the rest of the bday party accessories, and some groceries. (and a pink and brown tshirt with paisley brint and polka dots on it for RILEY!!) Came home and decided to get Riley checked by the vet (she had been having trouble- vomiting her kibble in the evenings).....NOT GOOD! The vet said they needed to keep her for the weekend....xrays, barrium swallow, more xrays, and a 2 night stay at Gaide Animal Hospital....it broke my heart to leave my baby there. I had to hand her off to the tech and about lost it. Koda went with me, and when I turned to see my teenager's eyes welling with tears, being tough enough to hold them back....I lost it. :-(

The day must go on.....we gathered a group of boys and over headed to Country Inn and Suites for the night. The boys swam, set up video games frenzy...we had a suite which meant 2 tvs....so they hooked up PS2 on one and Xbox on the other!! We had pizza, pop and icecream cake....YUM! Dakoda, Steve and I left around 9pm and allowed Jake and his pals with dad to hang out!! My night was rough....I am so used to taking Riley out multiple times between 9pm and 6am...

Sunday- the vet called this afternoon. Riley is feeling better, the suspicious area on the xrays seemed to be ok today....the barrium moved through as it should and she is taking antibiotics. :-) I begged to get her today but they said tomorrow after 10am!

Monday- planning to go get my baby....took the day off...personal day! Placing a bid on the house.....let's all hope for a better week!!

Love this one

are you tired of seeing Riley yet? LOL This is my fav pic so far...had to share!! She has really made herself to home....quite the spunky little girl. One downfall...she thinks at 2 am she needs her Momma....so far she has been waking up around 2am and NOT going back to sleep!! Ugh.....so yep, the goofball I am....she comes to bed with Momma!!

Trying to break this before it goes to be THE routine!!

Little Miss Riley Attitude Barton

Riley

adorable winking cheese!!

More pictures of my new baby!! Riley- she adjusting very well- a fiesty lil stinker!!

Shhh, the baby is sleeping!!

OH WAIT- wake her up- she'll be up all night long!!

The newest Barton ...her name is Riley Alexandra Barton.

She is an AKC Yorkie. She is 7 weeks old, weighs 3.2 lbs!!

Alas, a weekend

I am so happy this work week is over. It seemed like a rather long week....it may have seemed longer since I was fighting a nasty winter cold. YUCK. I did not get much sleep as I was coughing my head off and then the coughing makes for a throbbing headache! (whine- sorry)

Other work week updates.....MEDICAL, DENTAL.....a big list of copays!!
Koda is going to get the tin grin....starting orthodontics again....ye$, again. He had the appliances and spacers minus the tin grin in the 4th grade....however as he grew things did not line up......he we go again!! LOL
Steve Sr had his allergy testing and ENT appt.....no surgery needed afterall...YEAH!
Dad is having another surgery mid- Feb so I may be taking some time away to go help him out.
Experienced a whole new adventure this week....took my GRAM to a dr appt....she is having some troubles and needed to see a gyn dr. Things are on a roll now for getting her some help. Back again in a week. Sure was different being on the other side....the grand daughter taking my 85 yr old Gram to the dr.

Big plans for the weekend....nope. Just a little list of to-do's. Hoping to shake off this lingering cold. Need to get my pics and stuff together for next Sat!! Oh I wish it were today!!

barton blogger update

Hmm, where to start....

Blogger has totally fallen on the 'to do list' and it keeps getting pushed lower on the priority list.

I have not been making time for the computer lately.....working 8 hours a day then 3 days a week I was cleaning too. I have not done that for over a week now....as I got sick with a cold.

Went to the dr last week for my physical and they decided to try to do something with my flucuating blood pressure....nope they did not give me a month of R & R on a white sand beach some where warm and toasty....they made me start a RX! YUCK, I hate pills. and on top of that....they made me feel OLD....but my friend Beth did offer to alter a pill box for me....LOL

I am pledging today to try to get back on track with my bloggin....

sums up my week

A - Available or single: nope
B - Best Friend: My Mom
C - Cake or Pie: not a big fan of either...BROWNIES
D - Drink of choice: COKE
E - Essential item you use everyday: my van
F - Favorite color: green
G - Gummy Bears or worms: bears
H - Hometown: Stony Lake, MI
I - Indulgence: scrap stuff and janet Evanovich books
J - January or February: February, my bday, Valentine's Day
K - Kids & Names: Dakoda, Jakob and Steve II
L - Life is Incomplete Without? Three Fs - family, friends, faith
M- Marriage Date: May 8, 2003
N - Number of Siblings: 2 older brothers
O - Oranges or Apples: apples, cold from the fridge
P - Phobias or Fears: enclosed spaces with no windows or escape routes
Q - Favorite Quote: I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. Mother Teresa (this quote has carried me through the toughest days of my life....it was a daily chant for me for a while!!- and as you see- I made it!!)
R - Reason to Smile: watching my boys grow into young men....everyday is a new adventure:-)
S - Season: FALL!
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: I am out of people to tag- LOL
U - Unknown Fact about Me: I am a licensed cosmetologist- since 1991
V - Vegetable You Don't Like: wax beans
W - Worst Habit: biting my cuticles/nails- YUCK
X - Xrays: oh my- broken clavicle, finger -yep the middle one....basketball injury
Y - Your Fave Food: pizza or mexican
Z - Zodiac Sign: Pisces

all ok

Just a quick note to tell all...my dad is well, the surgery went very well and he is feeling great. Koda and I are(or maybe WERE) heading up for the weekend to help him with the things he should not be doing.

The catch....wanna guess? MY VAN the piece of *^%$%&**. Steve says it is the lifter? Whatever it was making an awful noise on my way to work. He is taking it to Extreme Dodge right now to have a diagnosis and I am hoping ......antibiotic will make it feel all better. Thinking it needs to be pushed off a very high cliff...sent to the recycling center for lemon vans. UGH. Since the new truck, now Steve says he is going to buy a new FORD van!

Jakob has a terrible ear infection....it was a very yucky one...and ouchy! With some antibiotics and drops he seems to be feeling better.

My highlight of the week.....CKU is coming to Detroit. I never dreamed they would come to MI....oh how I would LOVE to go....a true scrapbookers dream getaway....(yes, my opinion). The Downfall....$345 for Th, F, Sa then lodging is $117 per night. Hmm...maybe if I take all my bday $$ and add them together and then talk sweetly to Steve I can go
www.creatingkeepsakes.com click CKU on the left....check it out. Registration starts Jan 17th!

Hopefully, I am off for the weekend. ENJOY.

Back to the CHAOS

Today was a wild n crazy one.....surprised? NOPE not at all. After a long weekend we always have lots of people that were discharged and need a visit ASAP! I have been doing lots of extra time lately....I worked my first Saturday since I transferred to this department this past weekend. Love the OT $ but wow was I whooped. (I am aslo cleaning a large pediatrician office with a friend, Dina and that has been a great way to start paying off my Christmas debt!)
Christmas debt....hmm, well speaking of that...I have a credit card (VISA) that when you spend you earn scrapbook supplies.....YESSSS! lol I used this card only for Christmas and I claimed a few 'prizes'- now just wait for the loot to arrive. I ordered a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook Monthly , the new AMM Tote-ally cool brown and pink tote full of goodies, the MM stamp and paint kit, Heidi Swapp deluxe kit, wow and maybe more...lol. They cost me ZERO as I have already gone in debt and they feel sorry for me...LOL- it takes 4-6 weeks for delivery for the items so it will be Happy Birthday to ME! LOL
The boys are going stir crazy being home all day while we work.....we have 3 little Guitar Heroes....darn good. Now we need a garage for my Barton Boys garage band! LOL
That is part of my New Years resolution....we will move in 2007! Well, I am with or without the other 4...LOL
Tomorrow Dad has his gallbladder surgery....keep him in your prayers....he is very nervous and is worried they will find something else while they have him open. This stems from problems friends have had and tell him about right after they retire....horror stories. He is the healthiest now as he has been in YEARS! He has lost over 100 lbs in the past year! Walks 2-6 miles a day now.....yes, I need to learn from him! Trying!!
Heading off to watch a movie with Steve....Gnight all.

Happy New Year

The New Year

Author Unknown

The New Year lies before you

Like a spotless tract of snow

Be careful how you tread on it

For every mark will show.

Happy New Year- 2007 already! I just cannot believe the time flies to quickly when we are grown ups! As a kid I remember thinking time went soooooo slow...but nowdays everything is much faster!!

Our New Year's Eve was a lot of fun. We went bowling from 630- 9pm. It was a nice party- complete with party favors, pizza, pop and FUN! Afterwards we watched a movie - followed by the famous ball drop- and then CRASHED :-)
New Years Day at the Barton's- low key- laundry by the baskets full- and a little R & R.

Have not set any personal resolutions in stone, but of course the normal ones as always....LOSE weight, love more, yell less and enjoy the years we have left raising 3 boys molding them into the awesome young men they will soon be- how about you?

Happy Birthday Beth

Happy Birthday Crop Diva!!

Hope your day is the BESTEST!!

YOU deserve the royal treatment !!

have you seen me?

do you see the resemblance? We have our very own Santa Baby Boy here....and he is already in the movies.

And it is Koda's favorite holiday movie.... :-)

Hope everyone is enjoying their final preparations and shopping for the holiday....I was off today for my floating holiday....I was at Meijer before 7am getting groceries then I took all 3 boys out to shop for one another! Met the girls from work for lunch at Los Tres Amigos and then off to Target....now we are home hoping to get some R & R!

Feeling much better today.....for those of you unaware....I've been having gallbladder or pancreatic attacks...spent an evening in Express Care- now planning for some tests next week that will make some final decisions for me......is this a true sign we are getting OLD?

Hope everyone is healthy and enjoying our snowless holiday season.

where did it go?

I cannot keep up....time is just flying by! I am losing control....help me, Dear Santa- please!!
Work has been just plain CRAZY- our schedules have been NUTS! Appointments and more appointments...ugh. I am NOT done shopping- are we ever?
I have been busy making angels...will post one later...they are so simple yet just adorable.
Making cookies by the dozens....need to send a bunch to school Thursday with the boys so I bought the pre cut ones from Gordon's....thankfully they know the working moms just do not have enough daylight hours to do it all...lol
Mom, I did NOT get your box out in time....I am certain it will be late...sorry...extend your Christmas just another sya or two for us...lol

Great news- Dakoda was released from the ortho dr for his shoulder....not so great news...he has decided to just wait until next season to get involved as he missed so much and he is not completely healed.

So here it is 4 more shopping days and I am a NUT- and I need groceries too....have I lost my mind? please do not say the answer out loud. :-)

Hope everyone is prepared and enjoying the holiday season...miss you all.

Traditions

Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition? Have you carried on any traditions with your kids/ family that were from your childhood?

I have carried on a couple of them from my childhood...
1. santa mugs for cocoa on Christmas morning- as kids my Mom always made hot cocoa (not from the little pks either...the good stuff with Hershey's Cocoa.) and peanut butter toast for Christmas morning. I bought a set for each of my brothers so they too could share the memories with their families.
2. as a kid....if you woke before everyone else....you could get the item or items that Santa left for you IF they were unwrapped and your stocking. We have kept that rule and or tradition here too. However, as my mom will assure you...I am still the first one awake...and when I hear the first one wiggle I am up making coffee...and Steve is grumbling something about someday I will grow out of this....LOL doubt it sweetheart....I am 36 and still just as excited!

Now a new tradition we have started in our family....Santa leaves gift cards in our stockings for each of us from the local movie theatre . We go to the movies on Christmas afternoon. My family is all 2 hrs north or further ( my Mom is in CA!) and Steve's family is just too big and he chooses not to fight for air and a plate of food....so we go to the movies and have something fun and easy for dinner on Christmas.

Tell me about yours......

HOORAY

Our new computer is up and running....at last! It really was not our computer having troubles....just the fact that my old modem for dsl and my new computer with Windows XP were not compatible....who knew?
Here is the BEST part.....I bought Adobe Photoshop when I bought the pc! Cannot wait to start playing! Jill- can you tutor me??
**so the shopping weekend was GREAT! Michelle and I had a great time...made great dents in our lists - had a nice dinner with a few (uh huh) drinks. Lynchburg Lemonade? WOW! Kicked my tail quick....the highlight of the night .....when we returned to our hotel, parked the van....and as I was crawling out - I hit the PANIC button on my keys....LOL I had not ever done that and had no idea how to shut it off. OH MY we were laughing so hard! Poor people that were sleeping near where I parked.

Christmas this coming weekend with my family up north! Have been waiting all day to hear when my dad will have his surgery....debating on when I need to make the run for that too....they said they would call today to schedule and he never heard from them.....??? Nope, not at Foote or I would have been making calls...lol. He will be at Hackley and it should be in and out same day.

Today started as a true Monday...just plain poopy doopy! Everyone has looking for a tail to chew on and my was close by and there is plenty of tail to go around....yet, none of it was truly anything they were angry at ME about....just letting their unhappiness flow over into my office. UGH. THEN I decided to check in with my TRUE friend (aka favorite lunch pal) Beth- as she can always make me laugh or smile...and to my surprise we were both sharing the poopy doopy Monday syndrome !! What better than to share the misery...misery loves company - or so my mom always said. Beth and I decided to run off to Target on our lunch and grab lunch on the go- we always have fun laughing and shopping! Thanks Beth for helping me turn my poopy doopy Monday into a more bearable afternoon!

Well the way over due post is being cut short because Steve just woke up crying with a sore throat.........g'night.

I am ready

for the weekend. This is the weekend when I get as much shopping done as I can in 30 hours! Michelle and I meet in Lansing..shop till we drop then have dinner and drinkage. :-)
I am so ready to go....and the snow will NOT stop me this weekend.

• Big Steve now has the crud that lil Steve had....it is rough! He is struggling ... choking down Theraflu and sleeping!!
• Koda went back for a re-check and Dr. Medlar said NO WRESTLING for 4 more weeks....he is not healing as quickly as they hoped....maybe because he is still a male and he doesn't always remember his restrictions?? Hoping he will stick with the team and at least go learn!!
• Lil Steve is doing much better- less crooping. Sleeping much better at night! Thinking about going to 5th grade camp- but a little hesitant. Hoping we can encourage him to go!
• Jakob enjoyed a pizza & pop lunch today with the science teacher because he got a high score on a test that was HARD - 2 from each grade level were rewarded. After the special lunch they were allowed to go to the computer lab and play games until the lunch hour was over. He was very excited.
• Me? finally received my long overdue raise that was promised to me 6 mos ago when I took the new job- which was a relief. Looking forward to a weekend shopping and sleeping in a Queen bed alone....ahhhhhhhh! After a little glass of wine or something- I should sleep GREAT!

Hope this finds everyone staying warm -

The boys have been doing the snow dance all evening hoping for all of the storm we were warned about- SNOW DAY! SNOW DAY!

Good night.

our new friend

Spongebob!!

We were discussing the need for some new decorations for the outside of the house...and the boys found him in the Walgreens ad in Sunday's paper! Could not resist!

He is perched on the porch right now but he is heading for the front yard- maybe? I kind of like him on the porch!

Have you started putting up your holiday decorations??

Below is the reindeer Jakob had to decorate with family over the weekend....he will go up in their hallway at school for the Holidays. Yes, we used Mom's scrapbook stash- but he was totally into it. he was searching through my scraps and punches!! The wreath around his neck is actaully my BIG maple leaf punch and small circle. :-) He came home with just a brown reindeer cut out...and we added all of the colors and decorations. He and I had lots of fun

I am home today with Lil Steve - went to walk in last night with him....he has pharyngitis. The dr said if he wasn't so old she would have diagnosed him with CROUP. He got a steroid shot and is doing breathing treatments every 4 hours!! He woke up sounding a little better but still fighting a yucky nose and fever! Mom- I think he has the same crud I used to have as a kid....and I tried Dimetapp for 3 days and it kept getting worse....it used to work for me! What did they call my constant yuck nose and cough, besides allergies? Rhinitis? something like that?
Well hope you all had a nice weekend....did you go shopping with the NUTS?

We're back

We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner at my brother and sister in laws in Saugatuck. We started out at 815am - picked up my Gram and Michelle's Gram and brought them up for dinner too. it was a nice ride....
No deer yet for my family......closest we came was on the highway in the morning on our way to Saugatuck. We saw a deer try to cross the Highway 6 like the frog on Frogger and the last car he tried to cruise in front of clipped his hind end....sent him doing summersaults into the ditch..and omnce he stopped tumbling he jumped up and ran! He was counting his blessings on Thanksgiving day! YES, HE it was a BUCK! The men in my van were wishing they could get a shot! LOL
Just a few pics to share of our day!!

Relaxing a bit today...thinking about starting some re-arranging for the holidays....need room in my little place for the tree and such! Heading down to do laundry and to get groceries sometime today or tomorrow.

Have a great weekend.

YUM!

Happy Thanksgiving friends. Again this year I was asked to bring this very yummy treat! I thought I would share the recipe....be careful you cannot eat just one small piece BUT it is very rich!!

Pumpkin Crunch
1 package (box) yellow cake mix
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 can (15oz) solid pack pumpkin
½ tsp salt
1 can (12oz) evaporated milk
½ cup chopped pecans
3large eggs
1 cup butter
1 ½ cup sugar
whipped topping

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Pour into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Top with pecans. Drizzle melted butter over pecans. Bake at 350 F for 50-55 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool….serve chilled. Top with whipped topping when served.

have you

started your Christmas list and /or shopping? I have started all of my lists and picked up 2 gifts! OH MY- and I looked at my calendar today.......it is almost here already!
What is on your wish list this year? Are you a day after Thanksgiving shopper? Are you planning to fight for any of those 'this year's hottest toys'??

Well the weekend was a busy one...I cleaned the dr office after I finshed at Foote on Friday so I would not have to deal with that all weekend.
Then Sat morning I went shopping with Lil Steve in tote...it was also his Reward Sat, so it was a full afternoon!! I invested in a new pillow $$- love it! One of the Memory Foam pillows..JCPenneys had them 50% off....
I'm a :-) Happy girl.
Today I spent the afternoon baking and cooking! I made yummy Pumpkin Choc Chip Cookies.
They are a fluffy cake like cookie...loved by all 5 of us. Sound yummy....I'd be happy to share the recipe!

Update- Koda is feeling good...still not great but better!! Thank you to all of you that left your encouraging posts and sent emails. He is much more optimistic now and planning to tough it out! Therefore, once he gets back to the mat, Miss Beth and Cory- I will let you know what the schedule looks like and hopefully you can come watch one day!!
All else is well here- no deer yet! Koda is out and unable to hunt this year- so it is up to Steve Sr and so far he has only seen one doe. No doe permit for state land. The bummer for him....he has lost all of the contacts he used to have for private land hunting....except for deer camp in the Manistee Forest with my dad and brother. So he hunts state land in the Waterloo area! Maybe soon! I would love a freezer full of venison.
Off to finish my new Danielle Steele book that I started this morning when the house was quiet!

GOOD night!

try this again

UPDATE!
Blogger is not cooperating.....I typed a long post earlier and it kicked me off....UGH!

My injured wrestler....will be ok! He is on 'no contact and no upper body strenthening' for 2 weeks. He dislocated his shoulder (popped back in on it's own!) and is now suffering from a jammed A/C joint! (The joint where the shoulder and collar bone meet!) A 233 lb teammate and he were practicing and Koda was slammed into the floor = shoulder first! OOOPS! OUCH! We saw the Ortho Doc today, Dr. Medlar- he was a HOOT! Koda had fun even though he was in quite a bit of pain after we left! We go back in 2 weeks for a re-check and he will determine then if he can be relased for contact again...it may be longer ? His first meet is the 30th and that is when he goes back to see Dr. Medlar. This whole thing has him quite discouraged so we are trying to keep him upbeat and interested....he feels he will miss this much he may as well QUIT! DID he say that forbidden 4 letter word?

Jake and Steve both had conferences this week....GREAT REPORTS from the teachers and the report cards were great too! Both teachers said the boys were quiet.....I was afraid I was in the WRONG room? MY kids? hmm, I am happy to hear they are that well behaved there!!

I better hurry and post so I can finish my cards!

Good night

is it over again already?

What a weekend...and so quickly it is over...
Quick note to a few of you...tougher for me to find time to post right now...I am working at Foote still and cleaning after work for a pediatrician's office 3 nights a week. Nice for Christmas cash! I am going to try to type up some posts at work if I have free time then it will be just a matter of copying and pasting at home....thanks Beth for the idea! !
Hooray- I heard from my mom....she has landed in CA. This is her cold weather parking spot (for now) and the weather is in the 80s! (can you box it up for me? just a little?) She sounded pleased with the park and is already making plans to join in a water exercise class...get out there and make friends! ( I think we have changed roles....I recall the same chant from her!! when I moved!! LOL)
Sat- Spent the afternoon at Grandma's visiting with her and my dad. The boys had a riot...Gram lives in an assisted living community....and right outside of her apartment is the 'game room'. They have a 3 in 1 table....the boys love to shoot pool as the adults visit....well this time Gram got out there and shot pool with Jake against Steve and Koda. No, I did not bring my camera BUT I did run in and grab hers so I could have the picture!! It was priceless!
Sun- cleaned this morning at the dr office, then came home and baked cookies and made chicken n dumplins! Homemade....and they were yummy! Koda got a replacement hunting licence (his wallet was stolen from his locker during wrestling practice and his license was in it, along with every other thing important to him! and $25.00) and he and Steve went out to scout out a spot on state land for opening day....Steve loves to hunt opening day on state land in Waterloo? and it usually proves to be a good choice...let's hope! I would love to see Dakoda have an opportunity to get a deer his first year!! Good luck boys! After opening day they will hunt an Amish farm outside of Vandercook Lake and possible go up to the McKessy Deer Camp on a weekend which is in the Rothbury area....Manistee Forest.
JHS Wrestling starts tomorrow full force!! Practice every night, and we will soon be doing the all day meets and conferences! I am still amazed that my homophobic, germ-a-phobic son is wrestling but I am anxious and excited that he has found a passion for something...a sport!

Take care, stay warm.....and my big question of the day.....what is on your Christmas list and do you have a hard to find item from someone you will be searching for?
Thanks to Santa Grandpa I think I have mine under control! :-)

Happy Birthhday Mom

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Happy Birthday Mom!!

We hope you are enjoying your western adventures while we are suffering through Michigan's crazy weather! Yes, you escaped just in time - we have had 60s and 30s within hours of one another.

(for those of you who do not know....my Mom furthest on the left the cutest one! is now retired and she and her hubby are now snowbirds come November...and they return to MI in April.

Hope you are enjoying warmer temps and having a great time! Happy Birthday Mom, Grandma- We Love YOU!

XXOOXXOO