just a few...

Koda and Stephanie

The Barton 5

Koda and my mom and dad

Koda and Nick

and the Class of 2010 was announced....and the hats FLEW!!

LOSER

22#.  AND I have to admit...I have slipped here and there.  My biggest challenge...ice cold tea or Coke!!

Tomorrow is graduation.  OOOH.  and I am so confused with this big school stuff.  My dad is handicapped so he has to sit somewhere else away from the rest of us....with one guest.  I get to go to the track to take photos.
and we get 8 tickets so we can all go!!

My goal is 25# by the open house.....and I know I am on the way there!!  baby steps!
(I wore a pair of my pants yesterday that I have not worn in over a year!!)

oh my...*sniff*sniff

My boys are getting too darn old.  They have not touched that tramoline in over a year.....so we have offered it to the family across the street.  It still has a lot of good bounces left!!

I will scan a fewpics laterof my boys when they were enjoying their trampoline.

the diet!

Here is the diet plan I have been following.....15 lbs was my last known loss as of Friday.  This weekend was a little rough.....crazy busy getting things ready for graduation and I lost my focus a few times as I was not able to eat as well as I generally do....I was off my 2 hr plan and my choices were not available....this was just one day....yesterday!  But I felt so BLAH! after I ate the 'other' foods.  Back on the saddle and I am off.

I had a couple requests for the diet....here it is.

Life is NUTS right now.  The weather looks like it is going to be awesome for Friday...please keeppraying with us....I need sunshine on Friday all day!!  This will allow for the graduation to be outdoors which means all of the guests can go....otherwise Jake and Steve will miss out!  Not cool.

Dakoda is officially done. This next week...he has practices, awards night, and baccalaurate and graduation!  Then comes Memorial Day weekend, followed by the 1st open house...then comes 8th grade graduation!!  and then the 2nd open house.....
somewhere shortly after we plan to go to the cabin and fix/clean it up.  It is time.  It has been 19 years since I have been with Steve and we have never been there.  Guess we should be more familiar since it goes to Steve if anything happens to his dad!  We have big plans we would like to see happen.....it is oh so close toour friends the Hamlin's...we are hoping they will come for a weekend or overnight visit ......and Beth suggested a great idea.....a cabin crop!  I am trying!!  :-)

Working the second job is also kicking my butt!  Love the workout I am getting 3 days a week, but mentally it is kicking my tail!  Steve is also working with a guy after his first job a couple days a week doing 'odd jobs'....a bathroom remodel, a concrete job,etc.  Our goal is to pay off some debt...lol and then make big plans
The biggest challenge with these working schedules...meal planning!!  Pass along any ideas you might have,please!!  Jake loves to grill so we have been utilizing those skills.

Sums up my fun and excitement.  Back to the diet 

Tic Tac Toe

Jakob has had a lot of fun this trimester in his wood tech class.  He loves it.  I was amazed tonight when I got home and saw this awesome little game that he made.  Tic Tac Toe.....and the pegs are kept inside.  How darn cool.  He made me a shelf for the wall earlier and a letter holder- which is currently a napkin holder on the table.

I can't wait to see what he creates next year in Wood Tech 2!

change

still my focus.  seems like I may not be the only one in our little crew making a change.

Koda went to MEPS (Navy) again today for the foot consult....since he has flat feet.  The dr scored him a 12 on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most severe flat feet)  hmm.  the recruiter told him not to give up....they are working on a waiver?  not sure I will allow him to go with a waiver until I understand it more....a waiver to me sounds like they would ask him to sign something saying if ever he has troubles that are linked to his flat feet he would not be covered?  nope.  at 17 he cannot start out like that.  the dr also gave him a brand of shoe and style that will be great for him....I was scared.....$$$$ but actually they are only about $100/ pr.  which to some might make you squeal but to a mom of boys....and athletic ones....it is a drop in the bucket...just another pair of shoes.

my area of change is going pretty good.  still working out the details....defninitely have to plan ahead.  my weekend was a bit tough staying on schedule but I still dropped another 2 lbs!  :-)

had an awesome weekend.  great fun, but always too short.  miss my mom already.  i need to be closer so I can craft and hang out with my mom more.

will post pics later.  xo
ah ha!  some pics....Jake - handsome young man....dressed in business attire for a class project!!
Koda playing kickball with his cousins at Stony Lake park

Steven turned 14!  Ugh.  My baby is growing up!  and Alyssa playing kickball on Sat!!  (background...Yvonne, Tim and Bill)

whew!

another successful day.  and I have even had to dodge the German Chocolate cake I made Steve yesterday for his bday!

Steve was back to see the ortho surgeon...great news!  He is healing real well.  He was released back to gym class, just avoid exercises that have you putting your weight on that arm....push ups, pull ups etc.  YEAH!

I am on day 4 of my diet....and doing good.  no cheating - although many times tempted !  A few girls were really trying to get me to 'cheat' for one day....they were ordering in for lunch.  I stayed true to my turkey burger on diet bread.....woo hoo.  and Sprite ZERO.  (bought a 20 oz bottle and drank LESS than half!)  water. water and more water!

There is a cute 40 yr old chic inside screaming to get out.....just watch!  lol

Woot!

Hooray!  I survived 3 days of detox....10# and now I can add real tasty foods back in.  I hope it keeps melting away.....I am ready for CHANGE!

Goodstuff:
Koda goes to MEPS on Monday to have the foot appt.  The recruiter sounded much more optimistic when we last talked.....said he will be measured and probably just fitted for special boots and inserts.  He graduates in just 15 days!
Jake is on the honor roll, just filled out papers for football = happy boy.
Stevie is doing great, growing again - Dear Lord please keep him small enough to fit a normal bed!, back to the surgeon today for a re-check - he can finally lift his own arm again- amazing how long it takes to heal and regain strength!
 Steve II is working some side jobs too now making some extra cash.  We have a goal.....hopefully he stays on my team and we can achieve it.
I am cleaning 3 nights a week after work..great work out too!!

I am going to see my MOMMY this weekend.....and I am so excited.  Love that she can travel since she is retired but I sure do miss her.

XXOO

day 2 of detox

I am excited.....and still ok with my awful menu selections.  Actually today was better than yesterday,.....YAY!
Love my cheering squad....thank you ladies.  xxoo

The caffeine withdrawals have been a bit tough...headaches.....I gave in both yesterday and today, but today was smaller quantities than yesterday.  I am ok with no DIET COKE!!  I am drinking water and coffee!!

Today is day 2  of- oatmeal, water, hamburger and lettuce ...I got creative and made a sandwich....with a burger patty and lettuce leaves it was great!!

Tomorrow is the last day of detox.....whoopee.

Happy Birthday Steve Sr tomorrow......43!!  Poor dude...dieting wife and I am working both jobs tomorrow....he is making his own bday dinner.  :-(  I will make it up to him on Thursday!!

Thanks friends!!

new me?

let's see how this goes....hoping it will be the magic I need.
Starting my second job - working M, W, F $60 bucks a week/ cash 530-730pm
Starting a new food plan....worked magic for a hometown girl I talked to lost over a 100#s since Sept!

ugh, today is day 1 of a 3 day cleanse......I can eat oatmeal, lettuce and burger.....YUM! all day long only those 3 things over and over...and I am supposed to eat once every 2 hours.
One packet of oatmeal down and a bottle of water.....now to eat burger and lettuce.

I am optimistic....hopeful....and ready to find the me inside this fluff. :-)
I need cheerleaders!!

Graduation 2010

Here it comes, ready or not!!
Graduation - Friday, May 28th 7pm!
Open house #1 - June 5th in Jackson
Open house #2 - June 19th in Spring Lake

I have menus planned, shopping lists written all over the place, reminders, to do lists, and more!!  What will I wear!!  Now that one is a challenge!!  ugh

May is already a busy month for us....
May 5th - Steve II birthday - he turns 14!!
May 8th - 17th wedding anniversary
May 9th - Mother's Day!
May 12th- Steve Sr birthday!!
and so many appointments....its's crazy!!

Life is good...no new pics as I am still trying to find someone that can recover my photos from my old computer.  My sweet mom gave us her old pc hard drive, unfortunately it was not compatible with my system, trying to see if we can combine them.....so far no luck!!  I have just my rickety old laptop which takes a lot of work to upload my camera to it.  :-(

Life is good.  Last weekend I got to see both brothers, my mom and my dad.....good stuff!  all in one trip.  Even snuck in a 15 minute visit from Michelle - still had to settle up with her and some Girl Scout cookies!!
My niece, Amber, was in Les Miserables musical at Spring Lake High School....she was awesome!!  I loved the show!!  She was very animated and you see that she loved entertaining...I believe I will be coming up to watch more of her programs!!  :-)  Good weekend

Now on to the week's busy-ness!!

Last weekend

A quick recap from last weekend....Koda's senior prom was Saturday.  He looked so handsome - together they were the most stunning couple.  Kelli is a junior and a friend.....they had a great time.

He was such a hoot.....he loved being dressed in the tux...strutting about!!

Then on Sunday....we went north for a few SURPRISES!!

#1 surprise

It was Michelle's 40th birthday which I had helped her mom plan and find old girlfriends to reunite.  It was loads of fun and nice to see old friends.  Michelle was truly surprised.

#2 surprise

I was the ONLY one that knew my mom was home- she called me on Sat night and revealed that she had landed..  It was also my nieces, Rosa's, birthday so I told Mom that they were all getting together for a cookout at 11:30 and she arrived at the party!!  They were so surprised.

My boys were dragging their feet all morning and begging for me to let them stay home.....I strong armed and made them go....they were so excited that they got to see my mom....they really miss Grandma!

Well, except for Koda...I let him stay home to return his tux, etc and he missed out.  He was really bummed that he missed seeing his Grandma.....Grandma's boy!  

Class of 1988- WILD thangs  LOL

Sara, Dina, Me (YUCK), Michelle, Heather and Brenda!!

PROM 2010

Time flies

Where did the years go?  

quiet house = spring break

Having teens makes life much different!!  Spring Break = Quiet House.

Jake and Steve went home with Grandpa McKessy for a couple of days.  

Koda is off with friends....first he was playing basketball with his buddies from elementary- Ryan and Kyle!!  Then he came home for a shower and was off with Phil to a get together with friends to watch the playoffs.

I enjoyed DWTS all alone in my quiet room......Steve was watching westerns in the living room!!  I fell asleep BEFORE he came to bed!!

Has an awesome weekend.  Started with dinner at the park with the Hamlin family!!  What fun!!  We miss them so much!!

Saturday we took a long afternoon ride out in the Waterloo Rec Area - took some pics even though it had started to rain!!  (post them soon)  

Sunday - Easter.  First time ever that we went somewhere.....it was fun.  Relaxing.  We went to my Aunt and Uncle's for dinner.  She loves to cook and she put on quite a meal!!

The boys all enjoyed their new shorts and yummy baskets loaded with candy!!

Steve II

The second surgery is over...the pins were removed and all is well.  He did great!!  He has asked for pain meds only once since surgery yesterday!!  No immobilizer....a sling as needed.  No use of the arm for lifting, etc...which is harder than it sounds.  Without it strapped to you it is natural for you to reach with that hand and try to use it.  Oh YES after he does he FEELS why it was a NO NO!  :-)

He is already begging this morning for muffins and for me to take him to the wrestling championship meet.  I kind of miss it myself and all the kids too....so I think we will head to Eaton Rapids soon.

Have an awesome weekend.

weekend craziness

seems to be the normal for the Barton's anymore.

• i had to work a few hours....had to pick Steve up a few times this week....thereapy and on Friday when he got punched in his arm!!...right where the pins are!!  He now has a bruise there!!
• Hutch's in Spring Arbor.....one day meat sale.  Filled the freezer for 128.00.  pork steak, chops, bacon, corn dogs, chicken quarters, fish, burger, ribeye.......no hungry boys here for a few weeks
• took the younger 2 today to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D.  (love giftcards) had my favorite movie theater popcorn for lunch.  :-)
• going to have dinner with Gram....Ceasars's pizzas!!  Koda is working and will meet us there

I have one computer back up and runnin= which means I am online.  That sums it up.

I think we will get the other one fixed this week.....found some parts and hoping to recover all of the pics and stored stuff on my pc harddrive.  crossing my fingers!!

Have an awesome week.

improving

We have the laptop back....it's a start.  We need to shop around and seek deals for either parts or a new tower for the pc. darn it.  Just don't have a load of spare change for everything that keeps popping up.

Good news.  Steve is doing great.  He is taking less and less pain meds....he is doing his OT and PT at home without being reminded.....he is getting his homework made up and turned in!  whew!  So glad he is a such a good kid.  :-)  He made it school and stayed most of the week.  Tomorrow he starts his PT / OT routine ....after school for 1.5 hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  The therapists are both young girls and they love him and think he is too cute.  He has to be seen by pediatric therapists because of his age....both girls were shocked when they called 'Steve Barton' and Baby Godzilla stood and walked towards them.  He towers over both of them ...too funny.

Life is good.  (By the way, I  am blaming my crazy life on the curse of turning 40!!)

computer - less

The Barton family are out of order......our motherboard is toast on the pc and the laptop is infected (has been for months and I was refusing to get it fixed).  Therefore, we are OUT OF BUSINESS.  and frankly, other than homework and writing papers....I am ok with it, because we are CRAZY stinkin BUSY!  appointments and more appointments and then there are Navy meetings, and work schedules and ......
Life is good.  Change is good.

text me or call me.

A SPECIAL GIFT

Jakob gave this to me for my 'special birthday' today.  (he calls it that instead of saying 40th)  lol

He made this clock in art class and had been trying to get it home in time.....I knew about it, kind of, but no details other than he made it just for me.

I love my new clock!!

Thank you Jakob Tyler!!