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