Our Little Baby Boy

School

2010-09-04T18:11:00.002-04:00

Well the summer has come to an end here in Michigan, especially today with the temperature!!

My little boy starts First grade on Tuesday...where has the time gone. Dylan is now 6 years old. He passed Kindergarten with flying colors. It's amazing to listen to him read and he also has learned to play the piano. His lessons start back up soon.

It's amazing that i have 3 other children out of school!

Mike will soon be 29 and is traveling back to California as I post this. He is still working on the documentary titled For Thousands of Miles. Check out his sites and his Kickstarter campaign.

Nick will soon be 25 and moved to Washington at the beginning of August. He is an event coordinator for Habitat for Humanity. So he's living on a dime! But it's an awesome experience for him.

Mandy will soon be 19! My baby girl is all grown up and attending college and working as a waitress/server/bus girl as she puts herself through school. Every once in a while she finds time for her mom....

I just want to say that all 4 of my kids are amazing!

2010-09-03T19:09:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by ericarhiannon

Nick, Dylan and Mandy.

the boys....

2010-09-03T19:08:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by ericarhiannon

My husband

2010-09-03T19:05:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by ericarhiannon

My sons

2010-09-03T19:04:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by ericarhiannon

Flickr

2010-09-03T19:03:00.001-04:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Dylan & Mom

2010-07-31T18:12:00.000-04:00

Dylan turned 6 on July 26th!

Dylan

2010-07-08T22:08:00.003-04:00

My Little Baby Boy is going to be six years old on July 26th!!

The last 6 years have flown by...Dylan "graduated" from K.

He's sporting a mohawk ( I made him cry when I told him no...so I caved...sorta)

He plays the piano.

We haven't found a sport that he likes yet. Though he did say he wanted to play baseball when he gets bigger. He's small for his age and sports especially contact doesn't thrill him!

He's adorable and he loves his mommy...that's all I ask of all my kids!

YP Exhibit Day (47 of 47)

2010-07-08T20:55:00.001-04:00

YP Exhibit Day (47 of 47)
Originally uploaded by ericarhiannon

James & I

2009-04-21T19:15:00.001-04:00

November was the last time I had anything to say...Wow, I suck!

What a week-end

2008-11-16T19:08:00.002-05:00

Tough week-end at work...it seems at times that we work on a psych ward!

I have never been called a "white B..." so many times the filth from patient's mouth WOW is all I have to say.

But it was one thing after another this week-end plus being in charge on Saturday with six patient's. Still doing charting at 2 am. Helping others, lifting, passing medications all night...

It ended sadly with one of my patient's passing away at 06:43...I worked with his daughter years ago at a credit union and we would run into each other every so often and do a quick catch up of who and what.

She left the hospital last night saying "my dad's in good hands" Damn it!!!

WOW

2008-10-23T08:50:00.002-04:00

Can't believe it's been so long since I've been on this site. I've been so busy keeping up with everyone's sites that I forget about mine.

Dylan is now 4 years old and Mandy just celebrated her 17th!! Mike and Nick are right around the corner for turning another year older. Mike just keeps getting closer to that 30yr. mark!!

I went to California in August and spent a week with Mike...that was a lot of fun. Santa Monica was beautiful. Wow, I just love the ocean, it's so peaceful.

Mandy moved out in June and is living with her dad, I don't see her much. She's busy I guess. It's something I'm still dealing with and not liking at all!! I have my reasons but I'll not post them here...

Nick is busy with college, he FINALLY called me yesterday. I think that was the first time in a couple of weeks! Unusually for him, Mike that's typical to go a month without him calling his mom but not Nick! :) But he said he'll come home on Halloween so he can Dylan trick or treating.

For those of you who haven't checked out Mike's pedal project make sure you do, it's awesome. projectpedal.com or vimeo.com and then look for Mike Ambs or even me Deborah Mommers. I like putting video's up but I have no talent compared to Mike!

Lot's of projects going on in the house but none completed!!

We are having stones delivered today for the back patio so maybe next summer we can use it.

I just taped off areas at the entrance to paint again, we sanded the stairs to match the flooring and since the entrance is red there is no washing it so I'm repainting and this time I bought a washable red!

I've been getting estimates on the kitchen since that's the next project...I can't wait for this one since my kitchen is awful! I'm just so overwhelmed with the choices, the colors the different door styles....it makes my head spin.

Work has been busy busy busy. They have called me everyday to work this week...but I burned myself out a couple of weeks ago because I did a every other day thing for a week and a half. When you work 12 hours and the night shift that's tough. But I did pick up Monday and then my week-end. That's enough for now! The patient load has been tough.

We got our passports last week-end, well they were ordered. They are taking about 2 weeks. We are planning a family vacation for Christmas break...I need it! Dylan is even excited when I told him he had to take his picture so we could go on an airplane...he was ready when the picture was done.."can we go now?" He's so darn cute!

Well this is just a quick update, I need to go and do a little painting...

Love, Deb

NO SYMPATHY

2008-02-22T10:51:00.002-05:00

Well I guess Nick wasn't satisfied with my "illness" blog.

Work has been VERY BUSY...we are short nurses so the phone rings all the time with offers to pick up hours. I picked up last night and even before I left work they were asking me to pick up either Friday or Saturday. I didn't commit because that would be 3 in a row again and I still have a slight cough, even though my doctor said my lungs are clear.

Had to re-do my yearly because of "insufficient amount"...why of all things! Couldn't be "not enough blood to test. Oh no it has to be the pap! I was not a happy camper after that phone call, but I did schedule my mammogram for the same day and got that over with too.

My patient's the last two weeks have been wonderful...even "Bill". You have to love this guy even though he does a lot of yelling all night long and I mean all night!

I had a patient pass away on my shift...sorta expected it because I thought her coloring was off. But it's still a shock to walk into a room 45 minutes after she tells you over and over how pretty you are and just like that she was gone so quietly. The phone call to the family was the hardest...

Another patient made me nervous because he was so short of breath after having a 2 tail HD catheter put in. I was worried he was going to throw a clot...luckily he was better but not until the end of my shift and I still couldn't get him off the 4 liters of o2 when he was admitted on none! SCARY

My 94 year old patient last night was the sweetest thing...she would always say "when you have the time" most patient's say "now". We strive for fives at our hospital for a rating...we all rated her a perfect 5. Sweet, sweet, sweet.

Now onto my family...

Mandy... basketball season has ended finally! It was not the season we hoped for but I guess it's to be expected with a new coach. The girls didn't click with her. Mandy didn't see much playing time which was a BIG disappointment to her, it broke my heart to see her sit on the bench so much especially at Districts...but we all knew this coach was like this (only playing upper class-man) and she didn't change her ways when she came to Onsted. We can only keep our fingers crossed she doesn't come back! Now softball season begins in 2 weeks...will Mandy tryout?

Nick...hmmm haven't heard from him lately. But he is coming over Saturday to do his FAFSA. So I'll get caught up then. I think he's still single...but then again I could be wrong.

Mike...the Hollywood writers strike has ended!!! Hopefully he gets his job back at NBC.(PLEASE) He's been trying not to spend money (no job) and work on his project and I'm sure he's keeping his fingers crossed just like me that they call him back soon. Oh that reminds me (the call back thing) Call your MOM! :)

Dylan...so cute. He actually told me "WHATEVER" the other day. I busted up, we were arguing about something and he gets up off the couch with a "whatever" and he heads up the stairs. As he's going up I yelled "DYLAN, are you going to bed"...he goes "whatever" and kept going. He was in bed when I went upstairs and sound asleep! He's patiently waiting for me to finish so he can take his bath...

Well that's it 3 months you would think I would have more to say,which I do but Dylan's patience is wearing thin...

Until next time which I hope is just a couple of days!

SICK

2008-02-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

I just worked 3 nights in a row...I feel sick. GERMS!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE AND NICK

2007-11-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

I turned on the evening news
Saw a old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what's the secret to life
He looked up from his old pipe
Laughed and said "All I can say is"...

Don't blink

Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes
your wife.
Don't blink.
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink.

I was glued to my tv when it looked like he looked at me and said
"Best start putting first things first."
Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand
You can't flip it over and start again
Take every breathe God gives you for what it's worth

Don't Blink...

Everytime I hear this song I think of my two sons and wonder where the years have gone.

Mike turns 26 on November 11.

Nick turns 22 on November 16.

Don't Blink!

Happy birthday to both of you.

Love, MOM

Izzy and Mike

2007-07-24T11:14:00.001-04:00

Izzy and Mike
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat

Mike and Mom

2007-07-24T11:13:00.003-04:00

Mike and Mom
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat

Wave hello

2007-07-24T11:13:00.001-04:00

Wave hello
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat

Mom and Mandy on the teeter-totter

2007-07-24T11:12:00.001-04:00

Mom and Mandy on the teeter-totter
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat

Visiting Mike in Monroeville Indiana on July 18th. The building behind us is for all the biker's who come through the town. There is a number on the door you call and they come and open up the building for them. It has showers, washer and dryer...

Mike

2007-07-24T11:11:00.001-04:00

Mike
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat

nick, mandy, dylan, monkey

2007-06-28T17:38:00.001-04:00

nick, mandy, dylan, monkey
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat

Here are 3 of my 4 kids...Nick, Mandy and the little blond is Dylan.

Mike is on the road filming is "projectpedal" . If you haven't seen his clips and updates check it out.

What a beautiful family I have!! Lucky me.

S.O.S.

2007-06-17T20:40:00.000-04:00

Just wondering where Mike (my son) has disappeared to, you haven't posted on your site since the 11th! This is not keeping us up-to-date or worry free...

MIKE

2007-06-03T07:51:00.000-04:00

Boy I really do neglect this site...

I just wanted to let the few readers I have left know that Mike has started his bike trip. Check out his blog site projectpedal.com and click on all the side bars to get updated!

I got nervous for him just reading some of them! But I know he'll be great and it sounds like he has alot of wonderful support out in Hollywoodland...which in it self is awesome considering the short amount of time he has resided in LA.

And Mike...if you find a minute and read this...if there is anything you need let me know. I'm on vacation the first week of July and if you are anywhere near and are needing food...whatever. I along with Mandy and Dylan could make that our road trip.

Good Luck and be careful!!

Love, Mom

Cockroaches

2007-04-05T14:29:00.001-04:00

Cockroaches
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Watching for sea lions

2007-04-05T13:57:00.003-04:00

Watching for sea lions
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Sitting pretty

2007-04-05T13:57:00.001-04:00

Sitting pretty
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Princess of Dung

2007-04-05T13:56:00.005-04:00

Princess of Dung
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Mandy and Dylan

2007-04-05T13:56:00.003-04:00

Mandy and Dylan
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Being hatched

2007-04-05T13:56:00.001-04:00

Being hatched
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Goofing with her cousin

2007-04-05T13:55:00.001-04:00

Goofing with her cousin
Originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Walking Down the Aisle

2007-03-07T10:31:00.001-05:00

Walking Down the Aisle
Originally uploaded by k&tlueder.

Barefoot on the beach

2007-03-07T10:30:00.003-05:00

Barefoot on the beach
Originally uploaded by k&tlueder.

Hurry up!

2007-03-07T10:30:00.001-05:00

Hurry up!
Originally uploaded by k&tlueder.

Smile Pretty!

2007-03-07T10:29:00.001-05:00

Smile Pretty!
Originally uploaded by k&tlueder.

More garden poses

2007-03-07T10:28:00.001-05:00

More garden poses
Originally uploaded by k&tlueder.

WITNESSING TRUE LOVE

2007-03-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

The last couple of weeks of working at the hospital have been trying and touching at the same time.

Last week I had a 85 year old man get teary-eyed on me talking about his special lady...he laughs when he sees I'm getting choked up and tells me not to cry...if you don't sir I won't!

Then I had two nights with a cerebral palsy patient with a mental capacity of 18 months (she's in her 30's) . How sad when she looks at you and you can see fear in her eyes, fear from her nurses, her step-dad... because we had to protect her and us by wearing gowns, mask and gloves. Think about it...an 18 month old baby would cry in fear seeing just someones eyes. All I could do is "coo" to her...telling her it's okay as I assessed her, suctioned her, changed her... but will it ever be okay? Heartbreaking.

Then my little lady (all of 74 pounds) that was having trouble breathing and it went on all night...several breathing treatments and still struggling for a breath. At one point while I sat with her on her bed I asked if she wanted me to call her daughter (I didn't know if she was scared or not) she said no, no I'll be fine...besides I have you here with me and that's all I need. "I'm here for you sweet lady."

Then last night...a man who has been married for 65 years! He was tearful and wanting to go home to her because he was to use to being by her side every night.
I asked his secret to his long marriage, he thought for a moment then replied..."We shared everything". He looks at me with tears in his eyes and said "simple, huh" of course I'm blinking back tears and could just nod and smile. I hope he went home to her today.

I don't work again until Sunday night...

SHARE THE CHIPS KID

2007-01-16T16:22:00.000-05:00

SHARE THE CHIPS KID, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Dylan actually was sharing...he would drop them on the ground so the dog would follow him everywhere.

NEW SHOES FOR MANDY

2007-01-16T16:11:00.000-05:00

NEW SHOES FOR MANDY, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Mandy displaying her gifts from Christmas...she also got an Italian charm braclet, a dress outfit that I don't have a picture of yet.

Frozen crabapples

2007-01-16T16:01:00.000-05:00

Frozen crapapples, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Check out the other pictures in my flickr account...Pretty but it's cold outside!!

Victoria Secret...HO HO HO

2006-12-25T19:16:00.000-05:00

Victoria Secret...HO HO HO, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Nick handing out gifts at Aunt Bonnie's.

To all the ones not home this year for Christmas, Love you and miss you.

Check out the pictures on my flickr account.

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME...MAYBE

2006-12-14T16:23:00.000-05:00

First off I've been "tagged" by Mike, why I don't know but here's to tagging.

1. I went back to college at the age of 38 and eventually earned my associate degree in
nursing. I am now entering my third year on the job.

2. At the age of 44 I had my 4th child!

3. When I was 13 I was accused of shoplifting...all I was really doing was hiding my
hands because I had lots of warts! P.S. warts removed!

4. I still have a crush on my first crush...no names!

5. My sister and I were approached in Florida and offered modeling jobs...we didn't
because we thought it was a line that would lead to something worse.

NOT VERY EXCITING BUT IT'S THE BEST I GOT!

Now I'm tagging the "Rooster"...you're it!

WINTER IS COMING

2006-11-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

WINTER IS COMING, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

These wintry pictures are for Mike who lives in California, who still thinks this weather is funny because he was enjoying a beautiful sunny day yesterday. Well at least we got to 29 degrees!

HANG ONTO YOUR HATS

2006-11-03T11:28:00.001-05:00

HANG ONTO YOUR HATS, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

FIRST SNOW THAT STICKS

2006-11-03T11:28:00.000-05:00

FIRST SNOW THAT STICKS, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

AT THE PARK

2006-11-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

AT THE PARK, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

HALLOWEEN '06

2006-11-01T07:42:00.000-05:00

HALLOWEEN '06, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

MOMMY AND DYLAN

2006-11-01T07:40:00.000-05:00

MOMMY AND DYLAN, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

GRUMPY DYLAN WITH BIG BROTHER

2006-11-01T07:36:00.001-05:00

GRUMPY DYLAN WITH BIG BROTHER, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

He's wanting the camera to watch the video shot of him in the Halloween maze.

DYLAN AND KELSEY

2006-11-01T07:36:00.000-05:00

DYLAN AND KELSEY, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

HALLOWEEN MAZE

2006-11-01T07:35:00.000-05:00

HALLOWEEN MAZE, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Thank you!!

2006-10-26T08:54:00.000-04:00

Thank you!!, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

She was up until 11pm on a school night reading this book from Mike! Needless to say she slept through her alarm.

Mandy

2006-10-26T08:53:00.000-04:00

Mandy, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Eating cupcake

2006-10-20T08:32:00.001-04:00

Eating cupcake, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Going for just the frosting!

This thing won't work!

2006-10-20T08:32:00.000-04:00

This thing won't work!, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Learning the potty chair

2006-10-20T08:31:00.000-04:00

Learning the potty chair, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Now what, mom?

Inside joke

2006-10-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

Inside joke, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Cleaning supplies for Mandy from Kelsey, AJ and Al. I guess when she was in Florida they all got a good laugh because Mandy didn't know how to run a vaccum cleaner...she also got another bag full of candy!

Teddy bear from my boyfriend

2006-10-20T08:28:00.001-04:00

Teddy bear from my boyfriend, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

New bra's and panties for my Birthday

2006-10-20T08:28:00.000-04:00

New bra's and panties for my Birthday, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Big brother in California wanted to see his sister's birthday gifts, so here's a few pic's. This is only a couple of the bra's, one on, one panty on the head along with another bra and wearing a thong over the jeans.
Smile pretty!!

THE NIGHT FROM HELL

2006-10-04T10:26:00.000-04:00

This has got to be the first night in almost two years that I could have torn my hair out!!

It was non-stop BUSY from the minute we hit the floor at 7pm. I had patient's vomiting blood, "can't breath", "have to go to the bathroom, but I can't walk", beeping IV pumps, I've been here for hours with no food or water, grrrr!

I finally seen my first patient at 8:30pm!! at least to actually do an assessment and pass their medications.

I talked to the family of one patient who was unhappy with 1st shift nurse, I told the the family I would make sure that nurse would not have her in her assignment again...then I told the patient I would be back shortly! 3 blasted hours later I got back to her...GRRRRRR.

The patient that had to go to the bathroom...270 pounds and deciding it would be best to stand and use the urinal and then after that walk to the bathroom! Needless to say he was incontinent of urine and stool all night and we probably changed his bed and him 5 times including one last time at 7:30am (isn't that the time I should be clocking out?) My back is killing me...

Then the guy with no food or water...the first shift nurse said "I'll make sure I have the orders done before I leave." So I run and get the gentleman water and said I'll go check your chart for your diet order (this is 10pm) NO ORDERS!!! Oh my GOD...so I call the doctor and quickly put the orders through and got the poor man a tuna fish sandwich. What the hell happened to "I'll get the orders..."

The "I can't breath" patient kept everyone busy all night...I feel it boiled down to loneliness, a way to have attention. Because when she STOPPED TALKING her o2 sats were fine! But when she talked I think she forgot to breath in through her nose! OH, and to top it all off at 6:25am she decides she is having chest pain and wants a nitro NOW. So I get the nitro, check the blood pressure and o2 sats and order a STAT EKG. Needless to say the lady is TALKING through the whole 15 minutes of chest pain. It took all 3 nitro's and a non-rebreather mask at 10 liters of 02 to get her o2 sats up into the ninety's but the chest pain I'm not so sure was really real.

Now the lady vomiting blood...let me tell you. I sent a sample to lab so that's why I knew it was blood, got orders from the doctor and cleaned her up numerous times. But things never really looked extremely bad at the beginning. But a few hours later things got ugly...my cena called to let me know she was only at 78% o2 sats and her blood pressure was 89/56 (80 over 60, patient getting sickly) and I had just commented that she didn't look that great (but amount of blood puked wasn't extreme) so I called RT to help with her o2 sats (more 02, nurses can only go to 6L) and she needed a non-rebreather mask at 100% o2! and luckily my supervisor went into the room before I got there and realized she had a GI bleed going on (she's in for pneumonia).
I ran and got STAT orders from the doctor (who lives in ANN ARBOR) for a NG tube and foley, etc. Marcia took out 2800cc from putting a tube down her nose!! Her abdomen went from being a rock to mush in a short time but we still transfered her to CCU because of her blood pressure (shock) she was going to get 3 units of blood and possible surgery the doctor arrived just as we were getting ready to move her.

It's only 4am people!! I have 3 1/2 hours to go and have not done all my assessments on the computer and have not done any chart checks! This was getting uglier by the minute.

Oh I think that was only 5 patient's I talked about...my sixth patient GOD BLESS HER, was no trouble, 92 years old and cute as a button!

As I'm leaving Lisa and Tony asked if I was back tonight (they said with a smile knowing about my night) NO and if I was...cough, cough I feel a cold coming on!

I finally crawled in the door at 8:30 this morning.

WAITING ON DYLAN

2006-09-19T10:59:00.000-04:00

I worked last night and now I'm just waiting for Dylan to get tired so we can lay down for an afternoon nap!

Work was busy last night, I came in to 4 patient's and went to 6 within 1 hour of being there. Luckily one patient came from the admit unit and they do all the computer work and they also get the orders from the doctor.
My other patient came through the ER department which means I do all the paper work...which is tough sometimes when the family doesn't stay. There are alot of questions to ask including what medications and the amount they take at home, I ended up calling his daughter at home...but this patient was so scared, he was having trouble breathing and his 02 sats at home were only in the 60's and 70's but once on 02 he jumped up into the 90's. The doctor put him the CHF pathway which brings back memories of my Dad, some nights too vividly.
He was so anxious which was not helping his breathing...so I held his hand for a while...he thanked me several times and said I was just the sweetest to stay with him and that, people, makes this job worthwhile. I can only hope someone held my Dad's hand that night...

Okay, well...let's think of something happier!

Mandy has basketball tonight against Clinton...that's a happier thought!

Nick improved his time at his Cross Country meet by a minute! That's a happy thought also.

Mandy slacked on her first test...dang that's not a happy thought! LOL

I'm craving chocolate, that's a happy thought just not a healthy one!

I hear Dylan's little feet running around upstairs so I'm going to quit writing now and see if I can convince him it's getting close to nap time...another happy thought!

Dinner with Marie and other Doll Friends

2006-08-29T10:16:00.001-04:00

Dinner with Marie and other Doll Friends, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Dedicated Husband (that's a doll he's holding)

2006-08-29T10:16:00.000-04:00

Dedicated Husband (that's a doll he's holding), originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Yes...there were other husband's there too! He was just in my camera view.

Duck Heaven

2006-08-29T10:15:00.001-04:00

Duck Heaven, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

CUTE

2006-08-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

CUTE, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Guarding the White House.

Wash. dc Marie O. 046

2006-08-29T10:14:00.000-04:00

Wash. dc Marie O. 046, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Washington Monument

2006-08-29T10:13:00.000-04:00

Washington Monument, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Bon, Marie and Deb

2006-08-29T09:57:00.001-04:00

Bon, Marie and Deb, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

All dolled up

2006-08-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

All dolled up, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Friday night dinner, don't we look great! Bon did my hair and her own....which took her several attempts even though we kept telling her she had it.

Marriott in Georgetown

2006-08-29T09:55:00.001-04:00

Marriott in Georgetown, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

The hotel we stayed at Thrusday and Friday night.

Bon Deb and Tracy

2006-08-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

Bon Deb and Tracy, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

This was the day Tracy got sunburned, even the back of her legs!

Korean War

2006-08-29T09:54:00.000-04:00

Korean War, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

WHITE HOUSE

2006-08-29T09:53:00.000-04:00

WHITE HOUSE, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

We also managed to almost get lost trying to find this place! But we stopped a man (homeless, I think) who for a minute wasn't going to help...but he got us there. We were only about 5 or 6 blocks off in the wrong direction.

SUMMER'S GONE

2006-08-28T19:27:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you guys but this summer has flown by.

Mandy has been busy with sports since she got out of school,so she hasn't had much of a summer. Softball went until the middle of July with the girls winning one championship and coming close one other time. We also had one week-end in Holland, kinda a mini vacation but it consisted mostly of ball games. She also has played basketball all summer with practices, camp, and tryouts. Her first JV game is tomorrow against Grass Lake. We also attempted to color her hair...the first day was okay but then it turned a red color. So we have learned it's best (I knew this) but Mandy has figured it out also that it's best to let the pro do it. So today we visited the pro(Bonnie) and she added some highlights which also toned down the red in Mandy's hair. Thank goodness especially since today was picture day at the high school for sports. Mandy is also grounded for the week because she chose to stay over to her friends house without letting me know...I told her to be home at nine. She must of thought she could get away with it because mom was suppose to work but I got staffed and she got caught! So she's stuck with just mom on her last week of vacation.

Nick started at Siena Heights College today and his first Cross Country meet is Sept. 9th...stayed tuned for more on Nick!

Bon, Tracy and I went to Washington D.C. Aug. 18th through the 20th. There was a dinner in honor of Marie Osmond for her dolls and since we all collect her dolls, and we all love to eat dinner and play dress-up, away we went! No kids, no husbands...
We got brave and took the subway into the city to see the sites. That was fun! Confusing at first but fun...then we got turned around in the city and added a few extra blocks to get back to the subway station, in flip flops no less! I'm the only one who did not get blisters on her feet! Tracy ended up with a sun burn because she doesn't tan...needless to say none of us noticed until she put her dress on for the dinner. YIKES!! She had quite the farmers sunburn going on. I was one of the 15 lucky women to win a proto-type doll from Marie...and I got to talk about my favorite doll with Marie plus other things. It was the first time I had ever won anything!
We had the doll expo the next day, and Marie signed dolls for about 3 hours for all her fans. Then we headed out to go back home...but we added over 2 hours to our trip because we decided to go to a QVC store to buy some more dolls...like winning one and getting 2 in a gift bag was not enough. Oh well...
I can't think of the name of the town that we stopped in for dinner (somewhere in Pennsylvania)but all I have to say is...we never got dinner. We sat in a Perkins for 45 minutes and never ate except for a salad that we had to ask for and our drinks which we also had to ask for...dinner we just plain got tired of asking for! So we walked out and went through the Taco Bell drive-thru and Bon drove another 2 hours because she was so steamed about the slow service. Plus we really didn't want a 8 hour drive on Sunday. OH and we also got turned around and ended up in Pittsburgh! Thank goodness Bon's husband drives truck and has a cell phone! All he said was get the hell out of there! Why I don't know...but we did get to see the Steelers Stadium all lit up, thank goodness the game was still going on...who knows what the traffic would have been like. Well Brian tried to get us to drive all the way to Youngstown, Ohio...but the very next exit I insisted Bon take it...one Hotel and it had our name on it!
We finally made it home Sunday afternoon, after a slight detour (only 5 min) in Ohio because needless to say we took the wrong exit again! And once again thank goodness Bon's husband has a cell phone and use to live in Ohio. We were taking our time because it was race week-end in Michigan and I live right in the middle of it all, so traffic does get heavy. But we timed it just right for Bon and Tracy to continue on their way home. And needless to say I came home to an empty house...nobody thought it was important enough to stay home to greet mom. (big sigh)

Well, Prison Break is on...I'll be back later!

NEVER LOOK AWAY

2006-08-10T10:25:00.000-04:00

Not going to say much about this because I'm still stunned at how close we came to losing two kids. All I have to say is they move fast and NEVER take your eyes off your little ones. God and Jesus thank you!

I have'nt posted in awhile except for pictures...Dylan keeps me busy as does his sister. Mandy has had a summer of sports. Between basketball practice and camp, open gym for volleyball and softball her summer is just about done before it even gets started. She doesn't start school until after Labor day but she has two basketball games at the end of this month with the next two weeks being tryouts and practices!

She's over at her best friends house right now, we spent the day there yesterday borrowing their lake. My sister and I along with Dylan and Izzy decided to get in the paddle boat and go for a ride. Before we knew it we were heading around the lake! and it's a big lake. We made it about 3/4 of the way when Mandy, Kelsey and Allison showed up on a jet ski...we begged for a tow but they just laughed at us and couldn't believe we had peddled so far. We really were serious about that tow...
Dylan was bored and fell asleep for a short time and Izzy was just...Izzy and our knees were ready to blow and we had sand on the seat (ouch) and the back started to complain because it had no cushion to lean back on and even though it was only 83 degrees we were without water (to drink) and the sweat was poring down the face and I really thought I was going to cry, but we did it and yes we are 46 and still strong!
but we really wanted that tow...

Nick was there and he met us part way on the kayak, the girls tried to flip him with the jet ski...he's yelling at them that he didn't have a life jacket. He hates deep water when he can't see the bottom! hmmm wonder where he gets that from.

We headed back home just before five, Bon and Nick stayed for dinner...it was a beautiful day.

I went to the fitness center this morning and yes my legs hurt! bad! peddling around the lake and then trying to run the next morning...ouch. But I did my three miles and worked out then ran a mile on the track besides, and yes once again the sweat was poring down the face...if this stomach doesn't go away soon, grrrr.

Well...Dylan is going to keep me busy already this morning. I have a messy diaper to change! I'll post again soon.

Have a sunny and happy day, Deb

WHO ME!!

2006-07-31T12:17:00.001-04:00

WHO ME!!, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Look at my face, do you really think I could do that...

MIKE AND MANDY

2006-07-31T12:17:00.000-04:00

MIKE AND MANDY, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

After a trip down the slide.

MIKE AND DYLAN

2006-07-31T12:15:00.000-04:00

MIKE AND DYLAN, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

They look tired...

DYLAN

2006-07-31T12:05:00.000-04:00

WaterPark 034, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

What is this dog doing...

Dylan wearing big brother's shoes.

NICK

2006-07-31T12:04:00.000-04:00

NICK, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Nick giving his brother the evil eye for bumping him while in line.

MIKE

2006-07-31T12:03:00.001-04:00

Dylan's 2nd birthday, go-kart, izzy b-day 092, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Mike getting ready to go...

MANDY

2006-07-31T12:03:00.000-04:00

Dylan's 2nd birthday, go-kart, izzy b-day 094, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Mandy waiting to go...

I WANT THAT SHOVEL

2006-07-31T11:54:00.000-04:00

I WANT THAT SHOVEL, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Izabell and Dylan at Sand Lake.

The look on Dylan's face...you can just tell he's wanting that shovel. Oh the joy of teaching kids to share. They always want the one that's being used by someone else even though there is a box of them on shore.

Oh well, they had fun with very little arguments...

SAND LAKE

2006-07-31T11:52:00.000-04:00

SAND LAKE, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Mike, Nick and Dylan (and Izzy in the corner) at Sand Lake.

This is at Mandy's best friends house (kelsey). Her dad offered use of his lake anytime we wanted to swim. It's so nice! They have a sandy beach area and the water stays shallow, so you don't have to worry so much plus there are not alot of people there!! Just us.

It sure would feel good today considering it's a high of 96 today with a heat index of 100! But I have to work...

FIRST TIME GO-KARTING

2006-07-31T11:49:00.000-04:00

FIRST TIME GO-KARTING, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Daddy and Dylan in the Irish Hills of Michigan.

Dylan was all smiles until the car started then he was one unhappy baby!

WATERPARK FUN

2006-07-31T11:48:00.000-04:00

WATERPARK FUN, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

A day of fun at the Battlecreek waterpark.

Mike, Mandy, Dylan, and parents (Nick had to work) went to Battlecreek waterpark for a day of sun and fun. But the sun wasn't cooperating that much. We had several days of HOT and HUMID weather and then when we decide to go to the park it was only in the seventies!! Not quite warm enough for pool water, brrr.

But it has a deep pool, kiddie pool and waterslides. Also has an indoor pool and game arcade and basketball courts.

Fun...

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY

2006-07-31T11:25:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY, originally uploaded by beautiful brat.

Can you believe it's been 2 years...July 26.

Dylan had alot of fun, friends and family joined us to celebrate his second birthday. It was so cute when we all started singing Happy Birthday to him, he got that shy look on his face and looked away until we were done.

He received alot of gifts for his new sandbox that both his brothers made for him that morning.

Thank you everyone!!