And, the busyness continues!

Hi everyone!

After being gone weekend before last (President's weekend) for the Stone Mountain/Snow Mountain trip, we headed out of town last weekend as well.

Michael graduated from high school in 1986; and the only reunion that the class had thus far was the 5 year. The officers of his class are bound and determined to make the 25 year (which will be 2011) reunion one worth waiting for. Enter Facebook -- and the success of locating a lot of the classmates. That led to the gathering that was last weekend. It ended up being 12 classmates that showed up...but the goal of that meeting was to schedule future meetings to actually organize and plan the big 25 party. They're attempting to work on getting email/phone number lists for the people that have been unsuccessfully found before now. The class was around 120 I think, so even though it's relative a small group, I think they've only located around 50 thus far, so a daunting task of finding the other 70 or so lies ahead of the group.

Anway, we headed to Michael's hometown last Friday, and spent the night with one of his classmates. On Saturday, we spent catching up with old friends. Saturday night we had a dinner meeting to discuss what those future plans consist of. We will meet at least twice a year each year prior to the reunion in 2011. I graduated the year after Michael, but I did not know most of his classmates, because my family had just moved into town prior to the fall of my senior year. It was neat meeting some for the first time, and certainly nicer to see some of them again after 23 years. I'm looking forward to helping Michael plan this event. I think it will be a great thing!

This Saturday, a co-worker and I are running in a 1 mile fun run...not really a race, but an event to raise money for heart disease awareness. She and I are also involved in an office Biggest Loser contest. She and I are teammates, and there are 2 other teams that we are competing against. Right now, we are in 2nd place. We've been working out together pretty consistently 3 to 5 days a week now for over a month. She's getting ready to go to Las Vegas for a girls weekend (April 23 -26), and I've got our 20th anniversary cruise to Cozumel, Mexico coming up (April 25 - 30), so we both have a goal that we're shooting for. Wish us luck. The contest actually ends on my 40th (OMG!) birthday, which is April 17th.

In case some of my readers (do I still have any out there?) aren't on facebook, I'll take this opportunity to mention that Michael's leg surgery has finally been scheduled, and will happen next Wednesday, March 4. Hopefully once he's fully recovered, and we return from our trip he will go full speed ahead into looking for a more stable job, one that has even a hint of benefits. Yes, we are thankful for the one that he has, but we both think that the time has passed for being happy at his current job.

Time away for bliss and fun

This week sure went by quickly, did it not? No matter to me, really; I'm actually elated about the upcoming fun, and time away our family has planned for this weekend.

Both Aaron and Zack are members of a youth fraternity called DeMolay International, a Masonic-sponsored organization. Michael is one of the chapter's Advisors. Tomorrow night is their Valentine's Dance, and all members and advisors are "encouraged" to attend. So Michael and I will be two of several chaperones at the event. I think they'll have a good time (and us too, I suppose). :) It's a dress up affair, therefore I hope to get some pictures to post.

On Sunday, the four of us are going up to Atlanta to spend the night here: http://www.stonemountainpark.com/lodging-camping/hotels.aspx for an afternoon and evening of relaxation. They have an indoor pool and even a spa for us to use. Monday we are going over to Stone Mountain Park, which is just 5 minutes away from the hotel. In the park they have an area where we can have lots more fun. Looking at this link, http://festivals.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?season=christmas&id=113, will give you an idea of our plans. We have never been snow skiing, and I know it's far from the luxury of that, but it will be the next best thing (and lots cheaper!).

Robbie is back at home and doing wonderfully, much better than what the doctor anticipated for her. They were able to burn off the tumors that were on her liver. For now her liver is cancer free. I say *for now* because she is at very high risk for the cancer to return, considering that this is the 2nd time already that her liver has been plagued with the disease. The last time they removed 40% of her liver (do you remember that?) Also, we hope to get results of Michael's biopsy next Tuesday, when his next appt. is scheduled. I'll keep you posted.

I look forward for this family getaway. I'm pretty sure we all do. We have been through the ringer lately, and need some time away desparately. I'll *see* you guys on the flip side.

Happy Valentine's Day! Show your loved ones that you care, not just tomorrow, but every day!

A new look!

You notice anything different? Of course you do (that is if anyone is still checking in on me here). I can't take the credit for it though. Jennisa at http://onceuponablog.org designed it. Didn't she do an awesome job? And in my opinion, she is VERY reasonable for all of her services. If you're looking for an overhaul (like I was) or just need some ideas, go check out her website. I know you won't be disappointed in what you find.

Has it really been since Christmas Eve that I put a new post here? That's pretty pathetic, I guess. Amazing how time flies, right?

Here we are in the middle of February, and I've got nothin'! Well not really...a lot has been happening, but most of you I've kept up to date via text messages and/or emails.

We're still waiting on Michael's biopsy results from last week. He's got a follow up the middle of next week to get final answers (we hope it's a final one anyway - we've certainly been waiting long enough). I pray that the answers come quickly and whatever is going on can be fixed just as quickly.

Graduation time for Zack is rapidly approaching. We've got the invitations, cap and gown, and senior portraits ordered. We've got the ads complete that will go in his school yearbook (you know the ones where you send in "that was then, look at him now" photos. He's staying busy as always, with debate and his many clubs. As a matter of fact, next week is the Beta club convention held in Atlanta. He has made it to the Nationals again in Debate, and will be going to Albany, NY with 3 other teammates near the end of May (well, if they can get enough funds raised -- apparently the program is pretty tapped out this year, though I'm not surprised with everything else happening in the economy these days!). He has been invited to read an essay that he wrote for a scholarship competition. He'll be reading it at the county Republican convention meeting, and will possibly go on to read it at the district and state levels as well. Time is passing by at rapid pace. We've got his enrollment and housing deposit sent in for his dorm next fall. Even though he will be awarded $27,000 annually in scholarships in tuition money (we're still lacking just under $2,000 a year for total amount of tuition), none of that includes room and board, so he has continued to follow through with filling out and competing for additional monies. Too many to count really. We should find out something no later than May 1 for most of them, with some of them promising notification by April 10th. We'll continue to keep our hopes up, and pray that he'll be awarded quite a bit more, so that he won't have to apply for much student loans.

Aaron's soccer season will begin in the next couple of weeks, which means our life will begin to get a bit more hectic soon with practices, and soon to follow with games beginning.

We are going on a cruise! Our 20th anniversary is March 25, and we have booked our trip for April 25, an all inclusive 5 night cruise from Mobile, AL to Cozumel, Mexico. We're trying not to think too much about the "what-ifs" in our life right now that could throw a big wrench in our plans.

Merry Christmas!

Here it is, nearly 10:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve, and I'm anxiously awaiting 11:00 to get here, so that I can go home and enjoy the holidays for the next four and a half days. Christmas shopping finished now for well over a week, Christmas dinner purchased from the grocery store, the anticipation of this beautiful season is building to a crescendo now.

I pray that each of your families has a very Merry Christmas, and that 2009 brings you nothing but happiness, prosperity, and peace.

Until 2009 -- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

On Zack and college...

Ok – so I guess it has been a month since my last entry. No real excuse, just slacking again I guess.

The school year is flying by already. A little more than eight weeks into the first semester, and things seem to be going pretty well. Zack’s progress report a couple of weeks ago proved he is taking his senior year seriously. Even with 2 AP classes and a 2 period Humanities class, he’s keeping all his classes above a 90% average.

He’s even been accepted to a very prestigious private university – and even better than that, a mere 30 minutes from home. Go here http://www2.mercer.edu/default.htm if you’d like to browse the site. Obviously, with this prestige comes a high price, right? He was even invited to the university’s scholars weekend that only a select few receive. This is a weekend that the invitees compete for one of only 30 coveted presidential scholarship awards. The awardees receive a scholarship for a full four years of tuition, which is current $28,000 a year. We’ve told Zack that this could be a long shot…first of all, a very competitive school to begin with. But this scholarship competition is HUGE. I think we all understand if in fact he isn’t a scholarship recipient that the chances of him going to this university is slim to none. So we shall see!

He’s also been accepted to the three other universities for which he has applied. Those three are all public universities in Georgia. This means the state’s HOPE scholarship program will be available at his disposal. This program allows any student with at least a 3.0 GPA, full tuition to any PUBLIC school in the state. Consequently, it only pays for $3,000 a year for any private school. You see the difference? HUGE – right?

He is taking the SAT again this Saturday. Although he had great scores when he took it this past May, he thought he’d take it again to attempt to raise his scores even further, therefore raising his chances for the scholarship aforementioned above.

Zack is still dating Arrie, now for nearly 21 months. I thought this past weekend though that the time had come for their relationship to end. Zack broke it off with her, not really giving us a lot of details other than she was continuously doing things to annoy him. After only two days, and seeing how miserable he was (literally – he wasn’t sleeping, hardly eating, and spent most of his time moping around the house), he had a long talk with her, and they got back together.

He is currently doing some community service for his Humanities class for 2 hours a week. This year the class requires each student to go to different schools in the area to help assist teachers in tutoring, making copies, etc. He is enjoying it immensely, but I think its because it gets him out of the hum drum of every day life at his own school. Next semester these same students will be required to search for and find someone locally that are in current positions of what the students themselves wish to become. Zack has decided that he wants to major in political science for his undergraduate degree, and go to law school. Of course anything at this point is subject to change. He still has ten months before he even begins college, much less declare a major.

I guess this entry ended up being all about Zack. It was long overdue though. I have been meaning to write about his college decisions for awhile.

I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of Fall. We’ve had some beautiful weather the last few days, and I hope that the trend continues, at least for a few more weeks before getting too chilly for short sleeves.

We’re having a family portrait done this weekend in our yard. We haven’t had one done in over 7 years, so I thought that it’s definitely time. After all, this could be the last one in a long time considering that Zack will be a high school graduate next May.

Any suggestions on coordination of outfits? I’m still trying to figure this one out…

Until next time!

Labor Day 2008 (a weekend that I never want to relive again!)

This weekend was supposed to a weekend of some relaxation, some sight-seeing, some shopping, and probably some good eatin' -- and doing all that sans kids! Our plan included spending the weekend nights at Michael's brother's house in North Georgia, and driving into Helen during the days -- http://www.helengeorgia.com/, a beautiful mountainous city just 15 miles from his brother's home. But those plans all went out the window last Saturday morning around 4:00.

It all went down like this...

The boys were scheduled to go on a church youth whitewater rafting trip, leaving this past Saturday morning at 8:00. Michael and I were planning on pulling out of the parking lot right behind the church bus to our own destination. Friday night came, and we finished packing -- each of the boys with separate bags because of the middle schoolers and the high schoolers, although going together, were not going to be spending any time together once they got to their destination. We all went to bed, anticipating what our weekend was holding for us.

I woke up at 4:00 to the sound of Zack wretching in his bathroom down the hall. I should have prefaced this all by saying Aaron had been sick just 36 hours before with the same virus. I helped Zack back to bed after giving him some tylenol for his fever, which was 103, and some medication for nausea. Then I woke Michael up telling him our plans for the weekend were now null and void. We all three went back to sleep and Mike woke up in time to get Aaron up and to the church in time for his departure.

After getting up, I decided to get weighed in at Weight Watchers -- down 11.5 lbs in 10 weeks, thankyouverymuch!, have my eyebrows waxed, and head to the gym -- in that order. I knew that I would probably be spend the rest of the day de-funking the house thinking that the virus was probably thriving, in our home. And I was sure that I didn't want it. When I came out of the salon for the waxing appt., I realized that I had a flat tire. I called Michael, who in turn came and took care of changing to the spare. We both drove to a place down the road that would repair the tire for us. It was at this stop where I realized that I was not feeling so well. I had a headache coming on, my body was beginning to ache, and I was suddenly feeling very fatigued. I told Michael as much, and told him I would see him at home when he got through.

By the time I got home, I couldn't get in the door and under the covers fast enough. Michael was home just 30 minutes later. I was covered up head to toe, joints hurting so badly I could hardly move, burning up with fever, and had chills. I had tears rolling down my cheeks when he came into check on me. After getting me the meds and the fluids I desperately needed, I slept til 4:00 that afternoon. (I had gotten home around 11:30).

When I woke later, Zack was already beginning to feel like himself again. I still could hardly move, nor did I want to try. My first trip to the restroom post virus-attack, my legs were like jello. Michael had to help me walk. I was so sick, ya'll. Sicker than I have been in a very, very long time. Michael heated me up some chicken noodle soup and brought me a bowl in hopes that it would help build my strength back up. I ate it, and ate it heartily. I was hungry, and still very, very weak.

After eating the soup and drinking ginger-ale, I also ate a popsicle. I did begin to feel like I was going to pull out of it. We all watched tv, the guys played cards, while I was still lying around on the sofa. I went back to bed around 9:30, woke up at 1:30 shivering so badly that I couldn't stop my teeth from chattering. My temp had spiked once again - 102.5. I woke Michael up, begging him to pile more covers on me. The shivering would not stop. My back was spasming -- I was in so much pain, I didn't know what to do. He finally brought me a heating pad, and started placing it in different places on my body intermittently. The chills finally stopped about 30 minutes later - no lie. I thought I was dying!

Believe it or not, just 7 hours later, I felt like that the virus had finally run its course, and I was feeling alive once again. I still was weak, but was beginning to feel good again. We were all waiting for Michael to catch up. Thank God that he did not!

A Labor Day weekend that I don't ever want to repeat! No thanks!!!

Senior Class of 2009

Finally...

Hey everyone! I wanted to give you the good news. An entire year has passed since Michael's accident; a year since I've had a peace of mind about this whole situation. I'm glad to say that my husband is finally employable again. The best news...he got a job!!

He begins next week as an advertising executive for a local radio station. Therefore, he will still be in the car a lot, but the driving time will only be locally! He will be home for dinner most every night; will not be required to drive the 1000 miles a week that he was doing in his last job. Although it's not "all" that we were hoping for, it has us both looking up again. The benefits package is severely lacking, at least for now. But his new employer hopes to have a good one put together by the end of January or so. For now, I'll keep him on my health, dental and vision plans. We are contemplating whether or not we will continue to pay the COBRA premium or not. I'm thinking that maybe we will, at least until the end of the year. The main reason is that it looks as if Aaron will be getting braces by the end of the year. Michael's formal employer's dental plan is outstanding, and has an orthodontia plan attached to it. My dental plan has that plan as well. But I'm sure you realize that having double coverage for orthodontics is a wonderful thing to have. It cuts the monthly payments substantially.

So that's that, and I'm hoping to get my next post up soon. I wanted to write about Zack's college search. I've put it off for awhile, but think I have finally put it all together in my head to finally be able to write an entry about it.

Until next time.

1st day of school

Hey everyone. Yeah I'm still around reading blogs. I just haven't posted in over 2 months.

I'm finally getting around to posting another entry. I won't apologize, because that just sounds lame and "I'm all important and such", so I'll just get right to typing.

Today is the first day of school here in Central Georgia. And you know what? There's something so wrong about having to start back to school when it's still 100 degrees outside. Man, am I ever thankful for air conditioners!

Aaron started middle school today. He was going to ride the bus this morning, but for some reason it never came by. Mysterious, because it's been coming by for years now for other students in the neighborhood! This will be the first year that he's ridden the bus, because we lived too close to the elementary school in years past.

Zack started the first day of his senior year - boo hiss! He actually drove himself to school for the very first time today. We had his senior portraits taken a couple of weeks ago. They turned out really well. If you would like to see the proofs, email me or let me know in the comments section, and I'll be glad to send you the link. We had some taken at school this summer, and we also had some taken at a professional studio.

It's been an emotional first day for me, no kidding. I was very sad, and cried on my way to work. I guess every mother goes through this at some point in their kids' lives. From preschool, to kindy, to "big school". It's just all so surreal to me. The last 17 years of parenting have flown by entirely too fast!

Yeah, so Zack's driving now -- full speed ahead. Still dating Arrie, and still pursuing his college choice. It will be an extremly busy year for him, what with Debate competitions and multiple club activities, no to mention the two AP classes, Calculus and Spanish, as well as a 2-hour Humanities class. I hope he can keep his grades up. He definitely has his work cut out for him.

Aaron is just beginning the soccer season. Practices will begin in the next week or so (can you imagine practicing in this HEAT?), with games beginning the first week of September.

Michael has had a wonderful summer home with the boys. He said although it's been very tough financially for us for him to be unemployed, he's enjoyed doing things with the boys. He has just gotten released from all his doctors to go back to work the first part of July. He also had time to give Zack some more driving training, which helped us both more confident in letting Zack drive. He is smack dab in the middle of multiple interviews. Three of them over the last couple of weeks, and one today. He also has a phone interview (which is actually a 2nd interview from one that he went to last week). I would appreciate your prayers and good thoughts. We are both so ready for him to go out into the work field again.

Until next time!

In lieu of a title...

Hi everyone!

The month of May, as well as the 2007-08 school year is quickly coming to a close. I can hardly believe how quickly time has passed by. I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We certainly did, spending some family time at the lake and on the water.

Zack’s national debate tournament (in Wisconsin) was this past weekend. It was a looong weekend – the six students and three chaperones left at 8:30 Thursday morning, and didn’t make it back home til after midnight Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, none of the team members placed in the tournament, which means that the Vegas tournament for Zack (and his dad getting to chaperone the trip) won’t happen. Honestly though, I think it is a blessing in disguise, because at the tail end of the long trip to Wisconsin, Zack is heading to Niagara Falls, Canada with the youth choir next week. They are going to be gone for eight days, and are blessed to do some mission work while they are there. They will be working on and repairing homes of seniors with fixed incomes. They will also perform a couple of concerts at different churches while they are there. I thought that maybe we could make this into a family vacation when I first learned of this trip. I thought Michael would be long-settled into a job again by now, alas, it is not meant to be. To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement.

Speaking of Michael’s job – he is just beginning the job hunt. He’s at a time in his life that he knows he can’t go back to being on the road like he used to. But by the same token, he’s just unsure what his career goals should be. The doctor told him that he could give him the go ahead – to seek employment – at any time by giving him the official medical release, but wanted to let him do some therapy on his own first (non-ordered) to see if his progress would regress, impede, or continue to improve. Ironically, his knee has begun to bother him a bit more in recent days – and he’s trying to decide if he should call the orthopedist to examine him. The knee was injured in the accident when the bottom of his thigh bone actually came through the kneecap. Up to now, he’s made good progress where his knee is concerned. I’m thinking he’ll be making an appt. in the next few days if it doesn’t improve.

My trip to Colorado was wonderful. The bonding my sister and I were able to do while I was visiting is irreplaceable. We had a fantastic time. I was honored to be able to watch my nephew graduate from high school. I want to post some pictures, but haven’t had the time (or energy, lately) to download them to my laptop. I’ll attempt to post some soon – but can’t promise when that might be!

We had parents’ night for orientation to middle school a couple of weeks ago, and it made me sad to think that my baby is heading toward adulthood so fast. He is excited about this new venture, and can’t wait to be in Band, so he can play music. He’s done hand bells at church for two years now, but now wants to spread his wings and learn a new instrument. Zack’s girlfriend has volunteered to tutor him this summer in a couple of instruments to see which he may be interested in.

Friday is the last day of school for the boys. Zack exempted all but one of his semester finals and is finished except to take that exam tomorrow afternoon. We all have a busy weekend ahead – two graduation barbecues as well as a graduation ceremony. Arrie, Zack’s girlfriend, is graduating, and her parents have invited us over in the afternoon on Saturday for a cookout. The ceremony begins at 7:00.

I guess that’s it for now, with the exception of having to buy a new grill. On our old one the burners finally burned through, so we had to put it out by the street. I guess Michael will be getting his Father’s Day gift a little early. We got to be able to do the summer cookouts, right?

Until next time!

Miscellaneous

I guess I’m slipping back into my old ways…and that being I’m neglecting my blog. This part of the year is so very busy for us, as we begin to wrap up the school year; i.e., final exams, AP exams, cramming, award ceremonies, etc. The sports and hand bell practices continue for Aaron – so our schedules begin to get crunched, thus the reason for abandoning this website.

I figured I owed my blog (and the few readers I have left) an update.

After my doctor ordered a CT scan of the head following four sinus infections in as many months, everything turned out “normal” – good? Yes, but now we still can’t figure out why I continue to get them. At the moment, things have settled down – I don’t feel bad. The regimen of meds I’m currently on are and have been helping now for over two weeks (fingers crossed). Let’s hope that trend continues.

Prom night turned out great. Everyone had a good time. Arrie’s parents didn’t have to send anyone home for getting out of hand. NO ONE got more than an hour of sleep. I believe Zack is still attempting to catch up on his. I think Zack’s respect grew immensely for us letting him be allowed to be part of that night away.

Aaron’s middle school orientation is next week – OMG – I don’t think I’m ready for this. Middle school? Where has my baby gone? He is looking forward to having a bit more freedom educationally – and having multiple class changes (as well as teachers) during the day. He is also looking forward to riding the bus. We’ve always lived too close to school for him to be allowed to ride, so he’s always been dropped off and picked up by us.

He said he was also very interested in being a part of the drama club – which I think is great. Aaron is a part of the cast in a musical at our church this evening. I take this latest statement to mean that he’s taking this gig more serious than first thought. It’s his first real “part” in acting and he is responsible for 8 or 9 lines. I think I’m more nervous than he is.

Zack is scheduled for the Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT) exam tomorrow morning. He is required to be there at 7:45. That should be interesting to say the least. He is SO not a morning person that boy. He’ll just need to go to bed by 10:00 tonight to ensure he gets a good night’s rest.

Our belated anniversary trip to Savannah will begin about the time Zack gets out of the bed in the morning. Our plan is to be out of the house and gone by 6:30. His girlfriend will be taking him (along with her sister, who is also taking the exam) to the testing site. Zack will be taken somewhere else to spend the night away, while Aaron will be with Arrie overnight. I’m looking forward to this trip in so many ways. The wedding we’re attending is at 4:00, so we’ll have some time to just hang out and sight see before the ceremony. We’ll be home on Sunday evening.

I still owe an entry on Zack’s college search. I promise it will still be written.

Until next time.

Prom 2008

If you can believe it, Zack's junior is quickly coming to a close. I am having a very difficult time wrapping my brain around that fact myself.



My son has grown up in the blink of an eye. (sniff! sniff!)


These pictures were taken in our yard this afternoon before the prom. (her prom -- he didn't want to go to his -- figured they would go to that one next year.

They actually met up with 3 additional couples (and two stag males) at their restaurant of choice after these pictures were taken.
I want your opinions on something. I hope I didn't make the wrong decision. Curious about your thoughts.

Arrie 's (Zack's girlfriend) parents have opened up their home to an all night fellowship for Zack, Arrie and their friends. Their plan after the prom is to run home, change into comfortable clothes and go bowling. After they're finished bowling they're headed to Arrie's house for some popcorn and movies. All of them plan on staying away all night, with Arrie's parents in the house. (Their house is only 1500 sq ft, and their bedroom is right off of the den).

They all are going to church in the morning in their prom attire.

Be honest...would you all be ok with your teen(s) given permission to do the aforementioned in this situation?

Why or why not?

I'm 39 today!

Happy birthday to me. This will be my last birthday in my 30's. Waaa! Where has the time gone? The answer is beyond me!

I was thinking about this the other day and realized how big a year 2009 will be for us. Huge milestones next year for sure! Our 20th anniversary, my 40th birthday, Zack turning 18, Zack graduating from high school, and (gulp!!) also beginning college!!

But...I guess I need to age gracefully, and just let it all sink in.

OMG -- I'll be 40 years old in 365 days!!!!!!!!

Catch up entry on what's up with Aaron

Aaron is definitely keeping us on our toes these days. First and foremost, he’s been struggling academically this semester, specifically in the subject of Math. Standardized testing is scheduled for week after next. All 5th graders are required to take and score a minimum for Reading and Math sections in order to be promoted, or be required to take summer study classes to retake the standardized test at the end of these courses. We are a little concerned that Aaron will not make the minimum score in Math.

We feel we are doing everything right. Examples: he’s been in after school tutoring for Math twice a week for the last six weeks. His brother (you know, our young mathematician) has been checking over his homework papers, and going over mistakes with him. Apparently, when it comes to testing, Aaron gets a mental block. He rushes through to get through due to frustration levels. The last report card Aaron received, he had a 79 in Math. Since then, I would guess to say that it has slipped down even further. My question is this…how could this be the same child as the honor roll student of last year? Different teacher? Perhaps. But from having an “A” in Math to the fear of failing this year? I just don’t get it. Any suggestions?

Aaron is still loving soccer. He has become the team’s 1st string goalie. The teammates look to Aaron very respectfully. These two things combined have definitely helped his confidence level on the field this year.

I can hardly believe that my youngest son will be in middle school this fall. *He* can hardly believe it either. He’s growing up way too fast!

P.S. Just as a clarification...the person (Robbie) that I mentioned in my last entry is Michael's sister. My sister is the one I'm flying out to visit with and attend her son's high school graduation. I think I confused some of you. Sorry! :)

Until next time!

Next up…

Zack’s college search, and the latest discovery that we've made about funding the same.

Continuing as promised...

The allergy troubles that I was having when I first put up the list of what's to come on my blog, for the most part (and I cross all things crossable here) has worked itself to a "better" mode. I no longer have continuous sinus drainage down the back of my throat. I'm not constantly sneezing. For the most part, the sore throats and headaches are staying away. The ENT specialist put me on an elixir of meds hoping it would soon do its magic. It looks that for now, it has begun to do so.

I have an appointment on May 1 for a follow-up with him. For now anyway, I can safely say that I can go in there with a good report. He had told me that if it wasn't a good bit better that he was probably going to discuss the next step with me -- which was of course, a tonsillectomy. He told me when I was in his office last that my tonsils have become "pitted" over time from numerous infections, and that THAT was why I was having continuous sore throats. The infection would never completely go away. It would then rear its ugly head once the antibiotics got out of my system.

Some of you may know that I have a sister who lives in Colorado near Springs. She and I are the closest of all our siblings. She called me one time last fall right after her son started his senior year of high school. She was very emotional and told me that she was dreading when her son graduated this spring, and the fact that she had no family around her for support made her even more sad. I told her then that if there was any way possible that I was going to be there for his graduation. Thanks to getting a nice sum back from our taxes this year, I'm flying to Colorado Springs in just over five weeks...all by myself! I say that because I feel the need to get away by myself for awhile. I've had to shoulder so much these past few months. I'll be leaving on May 15th, and returning on the 19th. This nephew is the brother of the neice that went on vacation with us last fall.

Oh -- one more thing. Robbie got a great report from the Mayo Clinic last week. She is currently cancer free! She has to endure 4 chemo treatments as a precautionary measure only. To say that she is excited is a huge understatement. You may remember that when she was diagnosed last June that the one thing she asked for was to see her son graduate high school. Now here we are six weeks away from his graduation.

All I can say is I am so glad that our family is finally getting some good news again!

Until next time!

Next up...

- A catch up entry on what Aaron has been up to lately.

Our (delayed) anniversary plans

As some of you may have already read in a previous entry, Michael and I just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary on March 25. Due mostly to financial constraints we opted not to do anything special together besides having dinner out until we can better afford it.

Then I remembered a dear friend’s wedding that’s happening in Savannah on May 3rd. I had an aa-ha! moment and suggested to Michael that we make this our anniversary trip. I thought that we could spend two nights away to begin with. Then I looked at my calendar and realized that Zack has the SAT exam on the morning of the 3rd. I didn’t think it a good idea to allow him to spend the night away before an uber-important exam such as this. So, we decided to wait and leave town at dawn that day. We have worked it out that he will be picked up and taken to the testing site by his girlfriend, who will then return to the house with Aaron until the testing is complete. (He has a vehicle, yes, but doesn’t have his regular license yet. We are working on him getting them. Just not quite there yet.) She has also agreed to pick him up. They'll all have lunch together, and then take Zack to where he will be spending the evening and night. She and Aaron will spend the night at our house. Works out perfectly for us.

It’s a mere three hour drive to Savannah, and the wedding is at 4:00 in the afternoon, so we’ll have sufficient time to site see, enjoy lunch together, get checked into our hotel, and get ready for the ceremony. The wedding reception will be a sit down affair at the famous chef Paula Deen’s Restaurant, (http://www.ladyandsons.com/) which means the only money we’ll need is for fuel, lunch, and any souvenirs that we may want – oh, and a wedding gift for the happy couple of course! I’m so excited I can hardly stand it! The best part of this trip? Michael was able to use the last of his Hilton honor points to reserve a top notch hotel spot for us. Buffet style breakfast included!

All in perfect timing, no?

Until next time!

Next up --
- This never ending allergy crap!!
- Tonsillectomy in my future?

- My future trip to Colorado Springs...alone; May 15 - 19

Michael's recovery progress report...another surgery ahead?

Michael had an orthopedic appt on Monday, and it looks like, at least for now, that surgery is not on the horizon. His physical therapists have been documenting that stiffness and/or scar tissue is impeding progress. After several tests last week they told him that they were sending his doctor(s) notes to describe what was going on. The flexibility in his foot has stopped increasing. Stiffness is an understatement…I think the word they used was “frozen”. The doctor told us way back when that this may happen, and “may” require surgery. For now, the doctor is modifying the therapy treatment, to focus specifically on his gait. He thinks that Michael is favoring the foot so much that the flexing isn’t happening mainly because of habitual “compensating”. Does all that make sense? He’ll begin that therapy on Friday.

In the meantime, the doctor has scheduled an MRI for his shoulder. He has had shoulder pain since a couple of days after the accident, and even mentioned to the doctors this fact. They were more worried about his foot and leg (rightfully so) at that time, and casually mentioned to him that they would put off tests of the shoulder until a time that he wasn’t going to have to rely on that shoulder for mobility. (Remember, he used a walker exclusively for 4 months post-accident, and obviously had to rely on use of both arms).

Michael mentioned to the doctor once again this past Monday that his shoulder was still bothering him and was anxious to get something done about the pain he was continuing to have. The MRI will be done later in the month. I’ll keep you updated on the results.

Until next time.

Next up --
- Anniversary trip; May 3 - 4

Of posts to come...

Just so that I have something to help me remember, as well as to keep my reader(s)? coming back, I wanted to put a list here of different subjects about what I want to blog.

- Michael's recovery progress report
- Another surgery ahead?

- Anniversary trip; May 3 - 4

- This never ending allergy crap!!
- Tonsillectomy in my future?

- My future trip to Colorado Springs...alone; May 15 - 19

- Catch up on what's up with Aaron blog entry

- Zack's College search

- Zack's 1st prom, April 26

- Zack's 1st car - finally purchased (the one we looked at way back when didn't work out for us)

Happy Anniversary, my love!

I want to say a BIG “Happy Anniversary” to my wonderful husband. Nineteen years ago today, I was walking down the aisle, at the arm of my dad, toward my life partner, my best friend.

I don’t tell Michael enough how much I appreciate him. We have been through many rough times through the years (these last 8 – ½ months notwithstanding!) but we can always count on each other for never-ending encouragement, love and support.

I love you Michael – more than words can ever say! This poem says so eloquently what doesn’t come so easy for me.

I Love You Because

I love you because of your sweet, gentle, ways;
So, slow to condemn, so quickly to praise.
Encouraging words, with a soft easy touch ...
Just some of the reasons why I love you so much.

I love you because you are honest and strong.
Right here, in my arms, is where you belong.
You hold me, console me, and you are my best friend.
I can't live without you, no need to pretend.

I love you because you light up my days,
Fill my heart and my soul with your sweet loving ways.
I love you because you never pretend.
And if I'm hardheaded, you always give in.

You're so easy to love, so hard to forget;
Faithful and true since the day that we met.
I could search the world over and still never find
A love like yours. You are one of a kind.

I love you because you are quick to forgive
Overlooking my faults each day that I live,
So slow to anger, so quick to respond
To my loving wishes; above and beyond.

Thank you for choosing me to be your wife!

Sickness, sickness, go away!!!

Here it is little more than a week after my last post, and unfortunately I have been sick at least half of those days.


Zack had a debate tournament this past weekend. We didn't get home until 2:00 on Sunday morning. He and his partner came in 4th place out of 30 other teams. The top 3 teams are going to Vegas this summer. Although he was very disappointed he didn't make 1st, 2nd or 3rd, he was excited that he made it as far as he did. It was a double elimination tournament, and the last debate of the night was his team's 2nd loss, thus knocking him out of 3rd place.


Overall -- that part of the weekend was good. All day Saturday my throat was feeling raw from sinus drainage, but wasn't feeling too terrible. It was the ride home where the symptoms of my previous malade reared their ugly heads. The sinus drainage and pressure, the dry cough, the sore throat and fever all were making me miserable. I spent the next two days in bed and went back to the doctor yesterday. I marched into the exam room (after spending 45 minutes in the waiting room -- apparently everyone else has been suffering from similar symptoms) and, after listening to my lungs, and examing my throat and ears told me that bronchitis was plaguing me again (still, I say!). So I'm currently on my third round of antibiotics and having to use an Albuterol inhaler four times a day. Doc said that my chest was very tight -- and this combo should do the trick of loosing up the mucous in my lungs. So, we shall see!!! I had to go back to work today, suffering through a blinding headache most of the day. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be feeling quite a bit better and can say I'm over the worst part of it.








Zack's girlfriend traveled with us on the 2 hour trip to the tournament. She had never been to any of his competitions, and was curious to know what Debate was all about. We gladly invited her along with us. It actually helped him pass the time way in between rounds.

The boys are out of school this week for winter break and are enjoying playing the Wii with different friends coming over different days. It helps pass the "boredom" away they say. Well that and they're staying out of their dad's hair as well. Win/win, right? :)

Zack is competing in another tournament this weekend. The top three teams of that trip will go to Appleton, Wisconsin for competitions on Memorial Day weekend. It's apparently a pretty big meet for the winners. We shall see. Wish him luck!!

Until next time...