7 Months

November 24th marked 7 months since I have seen him...touched him...heard his voice...told him I loved him. Every day is a new day with different challenges. I am not sad anymore, just grateful to have had such a wonderful father on this earth. I am so lucky to have so many great memories. I miss you, Dad!

“Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness. The darkness of death can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. ‘I am the resurrection, and the life,’ spoke the Master. ‘He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.’ [John 11:25–26]” - Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, Jan 2002

Holiday Number One

Today, I am thankful. I am blessed with amazing people that I call my family. The holidays this year are expected to be emotional. Thanksgiving was the first major holiday without my Dad. I am relieved that the day simply came and went.

I started a new tradition this year, as change is good with grieving.

Normally, Thanksgiving dinner is at my parents' and Mom does all the cooking. Everyone comes to eat and relax. This year, I did the cooking and everyone came to my home. The food was a success and I got many compliments that my version of dishes were similar to my Grandma's. She taught me well! I think I called her 15 times before the turkey was even stuffed!

We also changed up our Black Friday tradition. Instead of trying to sleep for a few hours, we occupied ourselves with card games after dinner until around mid-night. Then we hit the road in search of not a whole lot. We didn't have a game plan or a huge wish list this year, so we were just going to say we did. Our first stop was Walmart where we scored the $25 Leapster with a few games and bedding sets....a quick trip to Walgreens for cheap WebKinz, Meijer just to browse and see the crowds, Big Lots for Zhu Zhu's and Pillow Pets then K-Mart for digital cameras and knitted socks. Yeah, we stood in line 45 minutes for knitted socks! We made it home by 8:00am and we were exhausted!

The weekend wasn't a complete waste, we did manage to find the energy to dig the holiday decorations out of our barn. We put our tree up and decorations around the house. I am excited about filling the floor with gifts and making new memories with my awesome family!

Halloween

The weather was perfect for Halloween. We carved Pumpkins and I failed once again at trying something new and had to piece the design together with toothpicks. It was worth a try! It is meant to be an owl on a limb...but Lacey tells me it looks more like road kill. Ashley's turned out great...although hers too is tooth-picked! The third pumpkin we decided should be a normal pumpkin so we carved a silly face.

Owl or Roadkill?

Ordinary Bat or Edward Cullen? Each year it is getting more difficult for the girls to chose a costume. Lily wanted to be twenty different things but finally decided last minute to be a nerd. Why a nerd? "Because I have all the accessories already and you can give me the costume money for the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book!" She bought the book and had it completely read in 2 hours. I hesitated telling her that dressing up for Halloween should be something out-of-your-ordinary every day persona. Anyhow, she did a super job picking out her clothing and accessories from her own room..and Ryan's closet.

Lacey originally wanted to be a Nurse. Lily was a nurse a few years go and we kept the home-made accessories and the custom was simple and easy. We looked everywhere for scrubs and had no luck and then she saw a Devil horn headband. Decision made.

We took our normal route on beggar's night. The houses participating were spare and after walking 6-8 blocks, for a total of 2 hours, their bags were half full. Mom, Ashley and Jordan (Skeleton), Lee and Xavier (Robin Hood) came with us. We all had a great time, and we're so blessed to have such beautiful children :)

Welcome Fall!

The fall weather has been lovely! We really enjoy the cool nights and drinking hot chocolate on the front porch. The leaves on the trees have changed and mother natures color scheme is awesome. Fall has slowly became my favorite season as I have gotten older. The changes are more apparent than other seasons and it inspires a change within myself. I have endured many changes this year and have learned a lot about myself. When my Dad passed away, I was lost. I was in a state of shock for weeks, maybe even months. I honestly didn't know how to cope with the loss of a huge part of my life. I found myself in a state of depression and it began to affect my ability to be a wife and mother. Through much prayer, I finally gained courage and strength to detour my emotional state. Today has been 5 months since my Dad left this earth, and each day is a new day with new feelings and experiences.

On a happier note, Lily went to 5th Grade Camp at Camp Kern last week. She had a great time! I was so nervous, as she has never stayed away from home before. I was expecting a 2a.m phone call each night! She was able to participate in Archery, Canoeing, Hiking, and Pioneer Days - making homemade ice cream and much more. She made some new friends and gained a feeling of independence. I always fix her hair every morning before school and pick out her clothes. For once, she was able to do those things for herself, and she said she didn't like it! That made me feel great :) She'll always be my "baby".


Lacey is doing GREAT in school this year! With her ADHD diagnosis and being unmedicated I am amazed. She hasn't brought home a grade below an %80! Reading is still her weakest subject but she is very determined to finish a book once she starts. Math is her favorite subject and she has became a pro at counting money, telling time, and figuring out story problems on her own. Spelling seems so much easier for her this year, we study each night with a dry-erase board to make it fun. She has rarely missed a word on a test so far. She is super-excited to be starting the Aquatic's Team in a few weeks! She will be going to the YMCA on Friday's for swimming and aquatic exercises. They are also teaching life skills in her resource class including a weekly cooking class where she gets to make simple meals for lunch. I am so pleased with our school system since our move 2 years ago. I am looking forward to hearing great news at conferences in a few weeks.
Ryan is still working and loving his job. He has interviewed for a few different, more permanent positions with the company and we're both excited to hear good news next week. I am not back to work yet, but collecting unemployment. I am lucky enough to qualify for the the extension which gives me 20 additional weeks. I am really looking forward to a position in home-care so that my schedule will be more flexible and I will not be dependent on anyone to help me with the girls. We learned that Ryan isn't any good at dressing or hair-fixing last year!

I am making a goal to further my education. With the job-search that I've been doing, I have discovered that the higher the degree, the better the position. I am looking into Ohio University's Online Program, RN-BSN. Most of the prerequisites from my current bachelor's degree will transfer and I will have to take about 15 5-week courses to complete the program. I am also looking into becoming certified in Palliative Care, CPHN. That an examination that is offered after gaining two years experience in the field, and the credential shows expertise in the area. Working in home care and with geriatric patients will give me the experience needed to be able to sit for the exam.

We are truly blessed with so much greatness in our lives. Each day offers a new beginning!

New Beginnings

The month of August was full with lots of excitement! Everything from Ryan's new job to the girls starting a new year of school.

My little sister also quit smoking, obtained her temporary drivers license, and scored a boyfriend!

Lily will be going to Camp Kern with her 5th grade class next month. She is nervous and a little reluctant about going, but it is expected as she has never spent time away from home without me. I know she will have a lot of fun, and gain many experiences that can never be replaced.



Lacey loves her new teacher and friends! She is in the resource group again this year and there are many new activities planed for them, such as swimming at the YMCA on Friday's in place of phys ed class. She aced her first spelling test and I am so proud of her! Lacey had her annual optometrist appointment in August, also and she chose a really cute pair of Ray-Ban frames. We were pleased to hear that her vision hasn't declined any further since last year.

The weather has been cooler and fall is setting in. I love fall, and everything about it! The smell, the festivities, and the nice weather. For the month of September, we plan on finishing up on some housework...painting, flooring, decorating the family room.

Picture Perfect

Today was a beautiful day! The temperature was perfect in the 80's and the humidity very low. We spent the day at the Arboretum taking pictures. I am very pleased with how some of them turned out, but the fact is I need a new camera!! There are more posted in a Facebook album :)

Lions and Coasters

This month has gone by so quickly. The girls and I went to the Cincinnati Zoo with my sister, Cousin Jason, his girlfriend Amanda, and my cousin Megan and Kadience. I wore my pedometer and we walked nearly 5 miles! Luckily, this time it wasn’t all uphill. The last time we went, we must have taken the wrong direction because it was ALL uphill. Now we know the way to go! The girls loved the elephants, and the monkey exhibit. We were thankful that it didn’t rain, however there was a heat advisory most of the day. It was pushing 100 deg and very humid.

A few days later, we went to Kings Island with cousin Daniel. He works there and scored us some free passes. Again, it was a hot and humid day. The girls had never been to an amusement park that size, so they didn’t really know what to expect. Lacey got in line for the very first roller coaster and by the end she had regretted the decision. She was a little nauseous afterward and it took a while for the feeling to settle. It was one of the bigger coasters, but she was determined to give it a try. She loved the water rides, and even my Mom rode it once. Lily went off with Ashley and to my surprise they rode the Diamond Back. It is the newest, probably largest coaster in the park. I am so proud of Lily for being brave and trying something new. I am also a little shocked, as the week before she was very nervous and hesitant to use the escalators at the Zoo! We ate buffet there (mistake) for lunch and attempted the water park area. The water park area was nearly a mile walk just to discover that everyone from the surrounding states and their grandmother was in the water or in the lines. Of course, it was 99 degrees! In fear of losing the kids in the crowed, we headed back towards the front of the park and the kids rode some “kiddy” rides and then we headed home.

Home

We had a fabulous time in Tennessee for the 4^th of July. I was able to meet some of Ryan’s who are moving back to the Tennessee area. It was really great to put a face to the names I have heard so much about over the past many years. We look forward to visiting again before the year is over, possibly Thanksgiving.

While we in Tennessee, Lacey was baptized. It was a beautiful day and everything went perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for a better day for Lacey. She was very excited initially but was nervous when it came time, but she did all that she needed to do and I am proud of her. She is a special child and I am so blessed to be her mother. I regret not getting better pictures of her in her pretty dress.

We are planning a lot for next week; A trip to the Cincinnati Zoo and Kings Island. I hope that the weather is nice, but my expectations are not too high, it is July.

An important, but dreaded task was accomplished this week. My Mom, sister and I went to finalize the decisions for my Dad’s headstone. It is going to be beautiful, and a little bigger than Mom wanted. I knew my Dad well and he would have wanted the best, biggest, shiniest one they had. It will be ready in about 8 weeks. By that time, maybe grass will be growing on the grave site. Seeing a pile of dirt is so depressing.

Ryan has an interview for new job in a few days. He is ecstatic about it, as the pay is nearly three times what he makes now, and the insurance/benefits are awesome. I am still not working, as I am using my time wisely and spending every waking moment with Lily and Lacey in the sun, by the pool. I will return to work, eventually.

Roadtrip

We're leaving for Tennessee Saturday morning! I have so many things left to do before we leave. I really need to make it a goal to not be such a procrastinator! Maybe later I'll add that to the list :)

Lacey has her interview with our bishop tonight. Her baptism will take place there in Tennessee on Sunday evening. We will finally have the chance to meet some more of Ryan's family and to catch up with Matt and Alison, some of Ryan's friends that he worked with at ACN.

On the way, we plan on stopping in KY. Ryan's Mom and possibly JM will be meeting us at a water park near the Tennessee boarder. The girls love water, and Lacey is a huge fan of water slides! The girls are loving the new pool. It is much bigger than I thought it was going to be, but thankfully it isn't over Lacey's head. The first thing she does in the morning is put on her bathing suit!


Lacey's optometrist appointment went well and they want to see her back in August when school starts. She will be getting her new glasses then, also.

The weather is so nice right now! The high is only 78. I have opened all of our windows to let the breeze in, and our plans for today are to finish up the laundry, steam clean the carpets and pack for our trip!

Reminising

Lily turned 11 years old today. I am so proud of her and all of her accomplishments and goals. She is very intelligent, comical and caring. She does great in school and although she has some trouble with math she always puts up her best effort. She loves church, her primary friends and learning about the Gospel. Next year she will be ready for Girls' Camp. Lily is so well behaved and such a blessing to have in our family. I was browsing through old photographs on the hard drive and I can not believe how much they've changed over the years. I miss the days when I could just pick them up and hold them! I aim to cherish every moment and to take as many photographs as possible!

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003 - in photo albums - will scan later! :)

2002

A video of Lacey, Christmas 2007. She loves to dance!

Birthday Picture Blog

The weekend has been very eventful. Friday evening we celebrated the girls' birthday with a small get-together at my Mom's. The girls really enjoyed their gifts, the pizza, cake & ice cream and the presence of the ones they love.

Beautiful Lacey

Pisanello's Pizza The best Pizza in Town!

The Presents

My Handsome Husband

Lily & Lacey Opening Presents

Lily & The Cake

Lacey Eating Cake

Jordan Eating Cake

Xavier Eating Cake

Garden is growing!

We have the first tomatoes on our plants! Everything looks like it is growing well especially the weeds! The last few days have been really hot and humid so I haven't pulled any weeds and cleaned up since planting them in the beginning of May. We planted Watermelon, Zucchini and Cantaloupe along with our Bell peppers and Tomatoes. I think we were a little late at planting. Mom's garden is so much fuller and more grown. This was the first year we have attempted a garden and I wouldn't be disappointed if nothing was edible.

Going today to finish up the birthday shopping for the party tomorrow. The girls are excited, and hopefully they will not be disappointed as this party was kind of planned at the last minute. The "theme" is summertime and the cake is so cute, with a beach scene and candy flip flops!

No cavities!

Many plans for the next few weeks. Lacey's birthday was last Friday and Lily's is coming up on Sunday. We're having a joint birthday party on Friday. Next year we will most likely have two separate parties as they are getting older and have totally different personalities. We always celebrate their actual birthday on the day by letting them chose the dining place for dinner and an activity. Lily is undecided about her birthday dinner but would like to play miniature golf for her activity. Granny gave them $50 each to spend and tomorrow I am going to take them to a place called The Lazy Squirrel. They sell WebKinz and have a buy one get one half off sale going on.

Yesterday the girls had their dental check-up. No cavities! Although, Lacey did have three of her bottom baby teeth pulled. The x-ray showed that the adult teeth were still in the same position as 6 months ago and pulling the baby teeth would help the adult teeth grow in normal and straight. She wasn't in pain, they numbed her really well and the numbness didn't wear off until late last night. She wanted to eat Apple Jacks for breakfast this morning and that went well so hopefully she will remain pain free. Lily was able to have her retainer removed. It was placed 4 years ago to help her bottom teeth become aligned so she will never need braces. She was very happy!

Next Monday, Lacey has an appointment with her optometrist. She is in need of a new pair of glasses and some of the frames are so cute! I really like the Vera Bradley frames, but Lacey gets her pick.

We're STILL waiting on report cards to come in the mail. Lacey's progress in 2nd grade was tremendous during the last quarter. The first three were not so great, but I am praying they place her in the 3rd grade. She has one-on-one throughout the day and she is very smart WHEN she focuses on the task. I don't like medicating, because all of the medications we have tried have side effects that are very apparent. Weight loss, lethargy..constipation. I am impressed with our new school system and have faith that they will help Lacey learn and grow to the best of her ability without the need for meds.

Today, we are just hanging out at home. Going to try a new recipe for Italian Spinach Meatballs for dinner and then work on the garden, the weeds are taking over :)

Withered

I knew that today would be tough to get through without thinking about how much I miss my Dad on Father's Day. Thankfully, most of my day was occupied with the great time we had at Chuck E Cheese for Xavier's birthday party. Afterward, we went to Mom's for dinner and then to the cemetery. I was saddened by the sight of his grave site, the beautiful $290 bouquet of flowers that laid atop his casket at the funeral were withered and the dirt was sinking in. The other graves that were laid the same week had a mound of dirt, but also had withered flowers and trash on top. I had plans of purchasing a wheelchair ramp for his van for Father's Day and Ashley was going to get him an automatic change counting piggy bank. I have the van now, since Mom doesn't need two vehicles and I think I am going to take it through "robo" car wash soon, because he would have said it needed it. I still have the bag from the hospital in the back of the van...and the clothes he was wearing when passed, and his shoes. It's hard to look at, so I've avoided it. What do I do with them?

Italian Mafia vs. Big Giant Mouse

Chuck E Cheese is a great place to have a birthday party :) Xavier, one of my best friend's son, turned 5 today. Ryan and I took our girls and Jordan to his party and they had a great time playing games, eating pizza and playing with their party gadgets. Lee was very creative with the Mario theme and even made hats for all of us to wear. Of course, I wore the Toadstool Princess tiara instead :) Everyone wore fake mustaches to support the theme. The cake was decorated perfectly - my pictures do it no justice! Lee's sister Cary and her family came in from Tennessee and Rana, Ethan and Callum came. Callum had his first taste of cake and loved it! Lily and Lacey opened their gifts from Lee and Xavier at the end of the party and when we got home we made necklaces and bracelets with the bead set they got. Xavier and Jordan got into the birthday ticket blower to catch as many tickets as they could and it was pretty comical. Jordan's safety goggles were on upside down and when he caught just one ticket, he held on to it tight and just stood there. Xavier tried his hardest, and together they gathered 10 tickets. Watch the video!

Blowing out the birthday candles