married without children

We have been without kids so much lately.....I am really missing them BAD! I laugh and say it is great to wake up without fighting to get kids off to school...but I really do like that routine.

I am missing the big meal prep to feed starving teens.

For those of you wondering.....they all went to Steve's sister's on Thursday night - no school Friday - to help them move. Only Jake and Steve came home Friday- as they had a meet on Saturday! Koda and his cousin, Richard came on Saturday to the meet with us. Right after the meet and showers they all went back to Richard's.

Finally came home yesterday! Only to leave today to go with Grandpa!!

Steve and I will go up on Thursday after work for the weekend. I am taking my dad to see a neurologist on Friday! Hoping to get some answers!! or at least working towards finding som

Then we plan to do some cleaning and repairs.

However, it has definitely been nice to hang out with my hubby....talk with no interruptions, eat dinner together without any squabbles over who ate the last whatever, no bedtime wars ...... but all in all.... I miss them. I am MOM and I love that title and all the fun that goes with it.

ahhhhhhhhhh

Season finale.

I have missed you

Have you missed me? Ugh. Our hard drive 'pooped out' on us. I struggled for a couple days to find the time to work on it, then struggled to figure out what was wrong....and then was stumped. Just so happens, my 'geek' friend called and in chatting I mentioned how it was behaving and she offered to take a peek. $100 later We are mended and up and going again.

Lots of 'busy stuff' going on....collegiate wrestling season comes to an end tomorrow. Out last meet is tomorrow at 9am in EATON RAPIDS! 9 teams. This is an individual tournament...medals will be handed out. They boys are excited.

Last weekend Koda wrestled in a freestyle tournament in Webberville....he did great. It was his first freestyle meet....he met up with an old classmate from elementary....his opponent!! The kid now wrestles for East Jackson, We got home and in bed around 2am....then up again at 530am to get Jake and Steve off to wrestle in Battle Creek. It was a L O N G weekend. Jake and Steve had to wrestle each other...THAT was tough! It was a great invite....it was individuals.....Jake took a 4th place medal and their team overall took third place.

That's about all the catch up I can provide today.... life is good.

Sunday good stuff

This boy...saved his monies up...for 2 things...and has made it to one...and is now working on the second. He wanted an iPod touch and an electric guitar! He has folded and purchsed the iPod and is getting near his mark for the other. We have not see his eyes or heard much from him since the thing was charged and ready yesterday....they have been fixed on his screen

This little lady went to see her doctor on Friday, she stayed over night and come home yesterday morning .... no puppies for us. The one of she and I was on the way home from the vet....she has not left my side since I picked her up. She waits at the top of the stairs even when I go to do laundry!! We are happy to announce that we no longer need puppy pants! HOORAY!

Today we are all chillin and having family time. It is a change for us....infact we cannot recall the last time we all just hung out for the weekend at home and together!!

Back to the chaos tomorrow.

Stayin alive !

I am attempting to make the vow ... to keep this darn blog alive.

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03.13.09

No work today!! and it feels GOOD! I had planned to a vacation day (originally part of my vacation request when I was going to Florida ). I had no plans other than to spend the day doing what makes me happy...needed a stress reliever. ahh, then I looked at the calendar again and realized Koda had no school. Hmm, debated if I should switch to Monday....but decided I really would enjoy spending some one on one time with him EVEN more than being alone. :-)

I was called last night at 630pm by my mgr - asking me to go into work and do an urgent home care IV referral. I needed to get all the computer registration and paperwork done so the nurse could do the visit. This gave me a perk for today's vacation day....I only had to use a 1/2 day. :-)

Took the younger two to school today, which is a treat as they usually get on the bus at 635am!

Then I came home and picked up Riley and Koda. We took Riley to the vet and dropped her off...I finally just did it! It was tough as she likes to go there....but she had the saddest eyes when the girl took her from my arms and we walked away. Her surgery was around noon, I can call after 4pm to check on her and she can come home TOMORROW after 10am!

Koda and I went to Walmart and got groceries, took lunch to Steve at work, went to butcher (A&A II) and have been enjoying some awesome conversations all day long! He is getting so mature and it is awesome - and on the other hand it makes my heart hurt! I just cannot believe that he will graduate in a YEAR! ho hum! I love to hear that he now has plans for his future and they DO include education! ha ha he is planning a career in the medical field....physical therapy! He was very smart with his class choices now as well....attempting to get classes that will prepare him for college levels. Infact, we are meeting with the counselor to see about dual registration for next year....as he will have all of his required classes for graduation in by the end of this school year! ( I think I just sprouted 20 more SILVER hairs! just by typing this)

Koda and I were going to cruise up and check on dad today...but dad requested that we not come as he is having a bad day. They changed his pain meds again and he was not feeling well. Hoping they will come up with something soon that can help him regain a little of his mobility! It is wearing him out - mentally and physically.

Low key night planned...making a favorite dinner for my men...chicken fajitas!!

No big plans for the weekend. We will see what develops.

O' Barton"s Where Art Thou?

Seems I have lost focus on my blog as I felt life was extremely boring and not much to post other than work, wrestling, and my unorganized crop I am planning to have this weekend.

Then I was inspired by a special friend of mine...to just blog , for ME! Blog what makes me happy!

This week...what makes me happy?

• the fact that I have a full time job with benefits and it appears to be secure
• my boss called me in for a private meeting twice this week to compliment my accomplishments and willingness to learn new tasks and conquer them with little or no training! (this helps #1)
• I won a $50 gift card for 'logo wear' from Allegiance for 'outstanding work ethics' - we have an ongoing program called Steps to Excellence and my boss put my name in for the prize drawing - and believe it or not I am excited as they have some cute hoodies
• I have lost 17 lbs in just under 4 weeks
• I was able to catch the meet tonight in Lansing which I had debated going to....felt like I needed to stay at work since we are short handed as well as I needed to complete the details for the crop.
• I am hosting a crop at Jackson High to raise $ for the wrestling program that is such a huge part of my life now. I now have 16 ladies = $400 for my guys!
• Jake and Steve wrestled tonight in Lansing - it makes me happy to see them enjoying the sport! They both were up against big fellas tonight. Steve held strong for 2 periods...and then got tired and got squished. Jakob was up against a small tank....the boy weighed 247#- 50 lbs more than Jake....but Jake took the pin to win!
• Just a few highlights of my week so far....
• OH and a new book I got....Love & Respect- liking it!

Bummer note....just before Steve went out to wrestle tonight...my camera DIED! I was devastated! Missed BOTH boys. :-( I was unsure if it croaked totally or if it was the battery....put it on the charger when I got home....and all is well. Shopping online now to find a back up battery!

updates and thank you's

First of all...Thank you to all of you for my awesome cards, gifts and birthday wishes! I am happy to say that I have decided to be fond of my new age ...39 and will continue to hold on to it until something smaller comes along.

Updates=

Spent the day in Coldwater - middle school wrestling tournament. This invite was individuals not team. They allowed one wrestler per team per weight class. Steve was chosen as he had the most experience and most # of matches in so far for his weight class. ( the weight class he shares with his brother - even though they weight 15 lbs different)

The boys were warming up- Steven got hit hard in his ribs. (those ribs that we hoped were nicely healing after the last crack up!) Took him out. I, the mom, told the coach to make him wrestle and be tough. They could not change wrestlers...if Steve did not wrestle then it would just be a forfeit for Jackson all across the tournament for that weight class. So....the coach approached us with a new idea. Since everyone confuses my boys for twins(?) how about we just let Jake wrestle as Steve? Whatever. Jake wrestled under his brother's name and took 5th place. Jake did all the work and Steve got the credit. :-) If you win, you have to sign a paper at the scorekeeper's table...Jake had to be reminded that HIS name is S T E V E Barton. Oh my.

Parkside took 2 second place medals, 3 5th place spots.

Meet at home on Wednesday.....Saturday in Bellevue.

Jackson High wrestlers were at districts today in Saline. We have 2 wrestlers that are heading to regionals next weekend at Everett. Nick Martin and Emil Lee.

SNOW! It was expected to be about an inch an hour...however, we only got about 3 inches here in Jackson. I understand across the lake ( Tonya ) and north of us ( Beth ) and ( Chelle ) received a much thicker blanket than we did.

However, there was a terrible accident on I94 in Jackson County. Many cars and several people were sent to Allegiance Health. Which explains why I had a message on the answering machine when I got home requesting a call back to the supervisor on call if I was available to come into to work as they had put the disaster plan in place- which means they call asking for those not working to be available if needed to assist. WOWZA! However, I was home too late.

That was a first....always been involved in the drills but never actually had a call for real. Scary!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend.

This is what has been consuming me.....

Wrestlers....three of them. Well, since Koda's injury to his elbow- and the fact that we were at the end of the season..he is done. Still practicing and going to all the meets, but he is out. Dislocated elbow with nerve stress?

Jake and Steve were half way to Lakeview on Wednesday!!
They both lost in the third period of their match. :-( But are
learning and having fun.

Is the coach over there praying?

Steve putting the hurt to him...lol



We are at an all day meet in Coldwater on Saturday. 12 schools. Steve promised me

drive thru birthday dinner..lol and I get to pick. Thinking Subway!!

Sorry that I have been out of the blogging loop....pre-occupied with boys, I guess.

quick post....

busy weekend...enjoying the time...so not much to post



Too darn cute.....Riley is rockin out

Winter is B A C K!

UT oh....

This was not a very close match weight match....

Happy Birthday Jakob Tyler !!

14 years ago today....a beautiful blue eyed baby boy was born to the Barton Family!

Mom made pancakes just like the birthday boy ordered this morning....and tonight he picked taco salad for dinner. My dad came over for dinner- we had a short but nice visit.

We had birthday cake ice cream for dessert- Jake's favorite.

Hoping that I can make another of his birthday wishes come true for him this weekend.....bring the Hamlin boys to Jackson!

I wish I had made more time to get pics posted, maybe later this week I will post them

.....pssst!! I need a scanner!!

Here is how this child has grown in just 14 years!

on Feb 10, 1995 weight 8#5oz length 22 3/4 inches

on Feb 10, 2009 weight 206# height 6'1"

**I really cannot believe Jake weighs over 200#!!

all three have a meet tomorrow...updates to come.

Happy Birthday, Jakob Tyler!

a glance at the Barton's week ahead

Monday- practices and normal day- orientation at J High for Jake.
crazy day at work....seems like I am always a step behind - and those of you who really know me....it is driving me NUTS!! worked 7am-5pm today- feeling a little more caught up!

Tuesday- Jakob's birthday. 14 already!! Grandpa is coming over for dinner!

Wednesday-wrestling meets at J High and Parkside.

Thursday-J High practing at NW high...Steve will be chauffering 6 boys to NW

Friday- J High 1/2 day

Saturday-Valentine's day

Sunday-

Monday- NO SCHOOL

Twins?

No, they are not - but with the same color singlet and shoes very similar, same head gear.....you might need to look a little closer..... Jake and Steve. Both boys are first year wrestlers....and lovin it. Thinking all three may continue the season with freestyle afer the school season.

Tonight we were in Eaton Rapids....Jake's very first meet, first match, first wrestler of the night....took the win with an awesome pin!!

Steve followed shortly after....and as any brother would be, determined to not be shown up....and eager for a win - he took home a win with A PIN! His first match tonight- he took it away!! and it's only Steve's second meet!!

Steve

Steve

The PIN for the WIN! Steve

Jake

Jake

The WIN - Jake

Had to get some pics posted....been a long day....heading to bed. Tomorrow will come soon - just had dinner at 930 pm and then sent them to bed...lol Letting them sleep a little later tomorrow-they need some rest! Mom TAXI will deliver. :-) G'night

Happy Tuesday

This makes me happy in the morning...
.
FULL of HOT coffee and white chocolate macadamia creamer. New found love.

First of all....February always starts with sweet memories of G & G. Their anniversary was yesterday....sure do miss them. XXOO ( my favorite mug was from them ^above)

Today was Jake and Steve's wrestling meet at JCMS - great meet! HA!! they both had 'by's' so neither of them ever hit the mat.

Tomorrow all three have meets.....middle school in Eaton Rapids and high school in Grand Ledge.

Saturday off again in different directions.....

Have the crop almost set. Waiting on just two emails back to see if any vendors want to attend.
Everyone planning to come help me?

THANKFUL

Just today as I was moaning and groaning about the Consumers bill that just came in the mail and ranting about the darn taxes....I ran across this.....and I am now a happy camper...and

I AM THANKFUL:
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE HE IS HOME AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS HE IS AT HOME, NOT IN THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME .
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

This really bothers me....

This is exactly why my kids get bent out of shape - and say that I am 'constantly in their business'


12-Year-Old Boy Raped By Guy He Met On Xbox

January 27, 2009 5:16 PM

Utterly horrifying. Police in Parma, Ohio have arrested Codey Hawks, 19, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old boy he met on Microsoft's (MSFT) Xbox Live service.
Here's everything we know so far, from local media:
Parma police arrested a teenager accused of repeatedly raping a 12-year-old boy.
Police said Codey R. Hawks, 19, met the boy via his computer through Xbox online live a year ago. Xbox is a video game system.
Hawks then traveled from Michigan to Parma Jan. 15 and was staying with the boy, officers said.
Hawks was arrested Monday. He is in the Cuyahoga County Jail.
He was charged with rape and sexual imposition.
We've long known all sorts of anti-social behavior occurs on the videogame console online services, but this obviously is a different order of problem. Expect congressional investigations into videogames, calls for greater restrictions on videogame sex and violence, lawsuits, etc as this one plays out.

Lazy day

Oh my - we had a completely low key day today. We did not do a single thing we had talked about doing....no movie goin', no payroll, no movin' cars.....

• I slept until 8am when my hubby woke me with the tv on and the smell of coffee
• I cooked three meals
• I researched cell phones and plans
• We cleaned house...all 5 of us
• We watched a couple movies from On Demand!
• I finished my book....laughing outloud many times
• thinking that about wraps up my day

and it feels good for a change!!

Saturday news

Saturday busy-ness. I woke very early - just could not sleep....so I got into my Janet Evanovich book, Plum Spooky....it has laugh outloud parts and I gigled enough to wake up the hubby! oops- oh only 15 minutes before the alarm!!

Started the day early with a wrestling invitational in Napoleon for the middle school boys....their very first! It was very exciting- Steve had one win and 3 losses....good for a beginner!! :-) Steve's first match was against his cousin...second cousin I guess, Steve Sr's cousin's son...the boys knew one another and actually started the match laughing as they saw who they were up against!! OMW- Steve wrestled a young man that was a big guy, looked very mature for 8th grade, 200#....Good Lord, the boy had more chest hairs than my husband - the kid has a 5 o'clock shadow and a full chest of hair??????? Not sure how many years he had been in 8th grade?
*Jake did not wrestle today - he was struggling to get his grades up this week. Child does the work but forgets to turn it in....thinking I need to pin his homework to the back of his shirt for the teacher...like they used to for little kids with notes home!!

wrestlers' dinner request....Coke floats and pizzas from Walmart deli. The boys love those pizzas...more than Caesars! Give them a TRY!!

Walked in the door after the invite and Jake got a call from Alex who wanted to come over and hang out...so they've been watching movies OR on the XBOX all night!

Thinking tomorrow we may go catch a movie and I have to go to work and play with payroll a little, as I also have a big meeting on Monday to attend to go along side my payroll deadlines...ugh, not the best way to start a Monday!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

wrestlers gung ho

Here we go...tomorrow Koda - J High wrestlers do not have a meet- but the middle school boys do!! Now comes the FUN of 3 wrestlers ...wish me luck!
Tomorrow Steve will wrestle his first match- sooo exciting!!
Jake did not make the grade this week....hoping sitting this one out will be enough to get his attention!! ( I personally LOVE that they watch the grades and make the kids sit the bench if their grades slip!!)
You know I will have loads to post tomorrow......

Thank you Treximet!

This was me today - woke at 2am with a terrible headache..and it did not go away until I went to the dr and got the new MIRACLE drug....oh my.
I had been migraine free for some time now....but this one hit me hard!! Went to work as we had a computer upgrade this morning and I am the only one that knows how to complete it! ugh. Went to the doc at 945 - was in bed asleep by 11am! Woke at 230p feeling much better - and the best I ever have after a migraine. (most of the time I woke feeling 'hungover')
there is just one downfall....the dr said she does not think my insurance covers this drug...OF COURSE! Mom, do they have it in Mexico?