Whatta Rush!!

Finally!! Alex got to play (his away number is 38).The weather was absolutely horrible. You know, the cold sideways rain that you question if it's really snow masquerading. Rick was at his traditional NRA banquet with Geoff so Tony and I made the trip to meet up with the rest of the family at the JV Football game in Whitmore Lake. We were getting a true stomping and in runs Alex for the 2 of the 3 last plays of the game. Whatta Rush.....

I thought he would literally be bouncing off the walls after waiting half the season for the opportunity. Apparently I was a little more geeked about the whole thing that he was. He was definitely ALL smiles but is more reserved in his celebration than I'm used to. If you ever saw Kyle do well in anything, well, its full body slams and running around at top speed shouting. I'm not used to the quiet victories. He was glad he got to play and was thrilled he broke through the line the first time with double coverage. Me? Well, I'm simply thrilled he is still going home in one piece. Way to go buddy!

Martin in the News...again!!

Martin's expertise made it in the news, Channel 7, and on tv this time. Check it out!!

'Tis The Season!!

I love this time of year. The crunch of leaves under your feet, the spell of fall air as the nights become crisp. With the season change comes hunting season. With Rick's crazy travel schedule, the last few years has left him feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. This year Rick actually took off opening day of bow season. It's a first since I have known him and I hope will become a tradition. Granted the first day didn't yielded him slaying Mr. Biggie-Biggie he has been stalking for several years but at least it didn't leaving him feeling unfulfilled.

Day Two... well that is another story. Rick got a deer, a perfect shot too. It was a doe and will put meat into our freeze that will help with grocery shopping throughout the rest of the season. Most importantly, it will relieve the pressure for him to selectively shoot his next kill. Hopefully it will be the one he has hoped for.

The Pathologist Says...

....Free and Clear!!

I have been sort of hush-hush about the whole situation. Please don't take it personal. Some things are hard for me to talk about until I can wrap my head around the details. This news took awhile to process. Tammy is at home and in recovery now so I feel it's safe to go into the details because I won't 1) overreact 2) bawl 3) blow things out of proportion AND now can focus strongly on the positive without fighting internally with my negative ego.

Tammy is Rick's older sister. For whose of you that haven't met her yet, she is the poster child of health. Exercises daily, eats pretty healthy (was on a "clean" eating kicking for a while) and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I'm blessed to say I married into the best family. Tammy had difficulty breathing during a 5k race this spring. At first we all chalked it up to the fact she ran her first race ever in 21 mins. Quite a feat in itself. I mean, come on, who does that?

So she decided to go in and see if she could get medication for her self-prescribed ashma but instead found out she had a polyp in her nose. While in outpatient surgery to remove, the doctor discovered that it was 5 ½ inch tumor in her nasal cavity. Tammy went home for a strained recovery after losing a lot of brain/spinal fluid and blood. Still at this time, we were told everything was ok. The tumor was sent off for its procedural testing to discover something wasn't quite right. After additional testing, it was discovered to be a rare form of brain cancer. I'd insert the name here but frankly it's so long I can never spell it correctly to Google it.

A second surgery was scheduled with three specialists. The first time slot was a week before school started so Tammy opted to push it out one month "just in case" the recovery was the same or worse than the first time. In additional, more extensive testing the specialists felt that the cancer had rooted to a bone over her eye in front of the brain. Their hope was the bone blocked it from reaching her brain. This would be rare but the best scenario. The surgeons had prepped her and the family that they may need to remove a donor bone from behind her ear to insert should there be concerns once in surgery, or worst case scenario, they would select a synthetic bone to utilize in lieu of the one infected. The surgery was to be 5 hours minimum in length. The family collected at the hospital to blow up the joint with our positive energy and prayers. After 7 hours of surgery she was taken to recovery and we were given the formal update. The surgeons elected to shave the bone. The bone actually protects the dura. If the dura was damage it would affect the recovery time and the amount of fluids Tammy would have lost while in surgery (directly impacting her brain). There were 2 small nicks that sealed on their own. Other than that, things went better than they expected.

Tammy looks amazing having just undergone surgery. The whole surgery took place through her nose. Her very little nose. I was expecting swelling, bruising, and a bloody, scabbed nose when we went to see her in recovery. Nope. She looked like her normal self.

Last night we got the best news we could have gotten. The pathology report came back as clear. The extra bone they removed around the targeted spot showed no signs of cancer. That leads the doctors to believe they removed all of it with no additional treatment required. That means NO chemotherapy or radiation treatments. The prognosis for this type of cancer to return is slim to none. It looks like Tammy is in complete recovery.

I want to take a chance to thank everyone that offered their support and prayers. I'm blessed to have the best friends and family that were there to listen and let me cry on their shoulders or answer my zillion texts, no matter the crazy hours at times.

I'm not a hugely religious person. I do believe in a higher power that protects us all. I have always felt comforted by that feeling. A little strange given that I was not raised in a religious household and that half the time its contradictory to my other beliefs. I just feel there is. I can't define it. I prayed harder than I ever have before. Some of those prayers I actually assumed the position hoping it gave me a direct connection for my request somehow. Some praying took place in line waiting for a coffee, staring at my computer screen as I forgot the task at hand or holding onto my husband in tears. In situations, both good and bad, I always lean on the fact that everything is suppose to happen for a reason. The reason we have to discover and there in lies the struggle when you try to find good in something that doesn't make sense. I feel that this has opened my eyes again to the importance of family. I forget or sadly, take advantage, of the relationships that I have. I can't say I won't forget again because, after all, I am human. But this event has made me see and be thankful for the relationships that I have. Each and everyone of you. Smooches!!

Tammy - go sit down and rest like you are suppose to or I am coming over with the duct tape. Don't push me. You know I'll do it :)

It's That Time Again...Yeah

Season 8 of The Biggest Loser premiered last night. My pick is Abby. I'm sure most of America is rooting her on. Her story is just horrific!! If she can do it, anyone can!! I still love my Tara though. You go girl!!

PS. My fortune cookie from Monday read "A journey must begin with a single step". I'm back on the wagon.

Week One Conclusion

I thought I was all over the blogging thing lately but a few people have asked how the first school week has gone and why haven't I posted it. So here goes....

Verdict: Great!!

One activity this weekend was a cookout with all the host families and their students. My typical self was a little nervous about being around people I didn't really know in an environment I wasn't familiar with. It was a lot of fun. Currently in Clinton there are four students - Alex included. One family is hosting 2 boys, one on a temporary basis until he finds a permanent family. One boy has been troublesome. It's quite the culture shock coming from let's say Sweden as an example, to the small little town of Clinton. Not only that but the lifestyles are very different. Yacht to small farm. I think I would have a little trouble adjusting too. He has a great family thought that has been through this before and knows what to do. Hopefully it all works out.

One thing I wasn't prepared for was the students comparing notes on the hosts (still freaked out by the "parent" thing. We are known as Rick and Kristal only to Alex, not mom and dad. ever.). Yikes!! Never even dawned on me, why I didn't think of that is beyond me. I did over hear Alex say, "Well they don't care about that" or "They are cool that way" or "No they haven't done that yet" when it came to rules or different situations that the other kids have experienced. Frankly, I haven't felt the need to restrict him at all. We haven't had the rule, money or sex talk because it's like he is more a friend than anything else. Besides, HE monitors himself pretty well. He doesn't eat us out of house and home, he makes his bed (although still not to be my standard but I have adjusted and removed 5 of the pillows on it - teehee!!), he tells us when he is concerned about something, he does his homework without being told and asks for help where he needs it (which can I say I love this part. Weird, huh?), he doesn't overuse the internet or his cell phone, he tells us when he needs something for school or when he hates a certain vegetable (he hates corn, what's up with that?), he doesn't spend every waking minute in his room or talking to friends and family in Germany. He even cleaned and organized his closet the other day with the new school clothes he bought. Frankly, he is how I imagine our own kid would be. Hopefully. If that ever happened. Which it will not. Don't get any ideas. Just to clarify - Hosting is the closest we will get to children. Enough said :)

My heart even swelled a little bit when one of the other hosts asked him if he liked Clinton and staying with us. His answer: Clinton is great and he thinks he got the best of them all. sniff, sniff. sigh!

4 Years and Going

Can you believe we have surpassed our FOURTH wedding anniversary? We have long left my record in the dust. Now onto kicking Rick's previous record to the curb. It feels like it's still the honeymoon and a lifetime gone by all in the same breath. I still couldn't think of another person I want by my side for eternity. Love you baby!!

One Year Anniversary

Today marks the one year anniversary to blogging. It's been a great release to issues I need to deal with. Thanks Lisa for talking me into it. It's so much better than a journal :) It's a journal with pictures.

First Day Observations

Ok, ok!! Now I know why parents get so worked up when their kids go to kindergarten. I have always picked on my friends that go through this mourning period when their children start school. I have always thought that it should be more of a celebration in newly found freedom.

NOW I know why.... It is like you are releasing them to be their own person. AND hope you have done enough to prepare them for the world. For me, it's a little different since this is the first time and I don't have a previous relationship with my "kid". Our relationship has been short. But has it been impactful? The bond is growing. I have really come to enjoy the developing relationship between Rick and I and our student Alex. (I feel weirded out by calling him my "son". I think that should be the honor of the mother that actually gave birth but that's just my weird thing).

I went through a whole gamet of emotions.
Worry - What if the other kids are mean to him? What if he gets lost? What if he doesn't understand something?
Excitement - Will he makes new friends? Will he like his classes? Will he get into his locker?
Anxiousness - What if we are not cool and he hates us now?
Panic - Oh god!! Homework again!

Yesterday I was on pins and needles waiting until I could get an update on the "first day". The verdict: Alex likes it!! Yeah!

He said that there was boys that looked 12 years old and boys that looked like they were 21 years old. He likes changing classes every hour. His English teacher will be rough. A little scary since this is his feared class too. He's got cute girls in his PE aka "Athletic Conditioning" class. He loves his World History teacher so far. "She is crazy. She likes Monster. (the energy drink)". And he super excited about his Physics class.

Off to a good start so far. Let's hope the momentum continues. No teenager moments yet. I'm waiting though. Let's hope they are painless. :)

Pads and a little Puke

Alex got his football pads today!! He has been waiting anxiously for this day. He had an early practice today that was rough, rough, rough. 3 hours! Alex said he liked his egg sandwich but not good before workout. Hey, puking in the football club gets you a t-shirt and an "attaboy". Good job in giving it your all!!

Taco Night

Apparently Mexican food is not real big in Germany. Well, I just can't wrap my head around that. I made sure Alex had his first Taco Night with us in full force. My parents, Rick's parents and TJ joined us for the voyage experience. Response....DELICIOUS!!

yeah....score!!

Enjoy Your Day At....

...Cedar Point!!

Normally, Rick and I take a backpacking/camping trip the weekend of Labor Day to finalize the end of summer. Instead we decided to take the boys to Cedar Point. The boys rode literally every ride the was classified at a double black diamond. The weather was perfect, the lines were short (there was 2 lines that were 1 hr. 15 mins. - Maverick and Top Thrill Dragster) and it was a great time!

PS. I dreamed the most about my fried cheese-on-a-stick!! Yummy!!

My Surprise Grows

Just like the love for my Lisa!! I can't wait until I make my first salad with my mixed greens.

Welcome Alex!!

We decided that the easiest way to introduce Alex to our families is with a party. Alex was really excited about the idea too. So we sent out a few text pages and had the whole family over for a nice bbq. The amount of food was overwhelming!!

Chelsea Fair Fun

Oh, the things that farmers do on the weekends. We decided to take Alex to the Chelsea fair. It was our lucky night. Friday the fair got rained out so we were able to see the truck pulls AND the tractor pulls. It was an action packed night!! Alex got a kick out of the pulls.

We also got to see a few cute things that I can never miss when we got to the fair. The baby barn is one of them. Enjoy!!

Gifts From Germany

Awwww! SweetPea even got a little something. How sweet!!

Alex is Here!!

Omigosh!! I nearly burst from anxiety last night. We arrived early at the airport.

First off, I love people watching at the airport. It's way better than the mall and art fair people watching. I love the happy reunions I witness. I also love to follow a person (visually only - I haven't reached stalker status yet) across the airport and imagine their plans or where their path is taking them.

There was 16 kids located from all over the world (China, Thailand, Germany that I know of from the signs) on Alex's flight that were being picked up at the Detroit Airport as foreign exchange students. Everyone had signs and interesting ways to welcome their kids. I felt a little outdone in my sign adventure. Lesson learned. In the future I will be my completely over-the-top sign designer with no fears of standing out.

Katey, our area rep, told me it's very difficult to pick your kid out of a line-up because you have one picture and that doesn't take into consideration tans, haircuts, growth spurts, etc. Alex was one of the first kids off the plane. I knew him instantly and surprisingly, he knew us too.

It was a happy reunion!! Because of our multiple conversations back and forth via email we had things already to talk about. I'm happy to note that there was no awkward silences or strange situations yet. I'm sure they will come. I'm very thankful not the first night though.

We already introduced Alex to Wendy's (we failed to eat dinner beforehand). As much as we frequent there, we thought we might as well get it out of the way. He noticed how much slower we are forced to drive here and that there are a lot of fields. He comes for a little town outside of Frankfurt. However, in his class at school there is 25 people. Rick graduated in the 80's with 89 people in his class and I had 110 in my class. He is excited about that part. WE drove right by the school. Alex said he already "toured" it online with the link I emailed him. Great!! MY thoroughness pays off.

We gave him a tour of our home. We left ambient lighting on so he could see it when we drove up. The cop that was arresting someone on our way there I'm sure made a great first impression too. Nice!! Small town cops like their authority.

His house is (gulp) 450 years old, senior to the birth of our nation even. We did have to tell him about our dreaded bat situation. (Yep! another one this week. It actually hit Rick in the head because he unexpectedly walked into its flight path). He wasn't surprised.

We are off to a great start. He seems very comfortable. I'm thrilled!! I spoke to Katey and she is having a rough time with her student (apparently he has never been told NO and expects fancy desserts on a regular basis). When I brushed my teeth this morning, Alex had already moved into our bathroom cabinet. It made me smile. I'm glad he is making himself at home and felt comfortable enough to do it without our direction. I am still dreading the "rules" conversation we have to have before he starts school. We have a grand approach though "Right now you have our trust, you can lose that though. The more you lose it, the tougher the rules get". Teehee! Let's see if this works. Luckily Rick is going to take the lead on that one. I'll be the "money" girl and breakdown the budget and what's what in that department. Like any good parents with their first child, we will faithfully avoid the "sex" talk as long as possible.

PS> Alex and SweetPea like each other. Phew!! Situation averted :)

Awww...Papa Karson

Karson is the lifesaver of a lone bunny, smaller than the palm of his hand. We are guessing "he" is less than 12 days old because his eyes haven't opened yet. Already though he knows who his "papa" is and loves to be held by Karson. Let's hope the little guy makes it through.

Did Edward Visit ME?

Little strange. I woke up with these two little marks on my hand Sunday morning. Could Edward have visited me in the middle of the night? Is the cause of my headaches this week not from the panic of taking a week of work but because I am being transformed? Hmmmm....it could explain my crankiness. You decide.

Happy Friday!!

Whatta great way to end the day!

OCD = Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

I just now noticed that the number of posts for this year equalled last years total. Well, that was unacceptable and an easy goal to beat. So here is a wasted post to say ...hey, this year I blogged more than last year.

Yeah!!

Hmmmm...what other goals can I still knock out with a few months left to 2009? Maybe I can still complete that marathon? Nah!! This is much easier.

PS. Rockin' out the to-do list. I can't wait to share my home at book club (or really ever, the door is always open so if you are in my neck of the woods, swing by).

Childless to 16 yrs. in 1 week

It's official!! Rick and I have been approved to host a foreign exchange student. We applied less than a month ago for the position through Youth For Understanding. That process was relatively easy, probably because Rick and I are "squeaky clean" as far as our criminal backgrounds go. Well, hell, I can't even cross the border to Canada telling a little white lie even. Breaking a rule is simply outside my limits, mostly (teehee, I did smoke a cigarette once in high school and hated every minute of it)(Oh gosh - sorry mom! I swear that's the worst of it). I must say too that I simply have the best friends and family a girl can have. Thank you for your references. I am sure you made me sound like a saint when I didn't deserve it.

Also, I want to take this time to say I appreciate all the votes of confidences, encouraging words, and even those of you that expressed your concerns about adding to my crazy schedule and generally worrying about me. Wow! I certainly appreciate every last comment, even the concerns, because it shows me that you care and take an active interest in my life. I don't think I realized how much others cared for me until now or worst yet, maybe I took that for granted. I really love you all. I actually had others pray for me and wish me well. Again, double wow! This makes my heart swell so much to think that others care for me on that level that I actually shed tears. I am so thankful and blessed to be at this stage in my life. I remember the days when I felt I had no one and they seem foreign to me now. I feel like I can conquer the world with the people I have with me. Watch out - I must just try. :)

This process so far has been both exciting, anxious and nerve-wrecking. I am excited to think I have a small chance to make an impact in someone else's life (of course the reason behind the madness). I'm anxious because, as always, the questions of "what if I fail" or "what if my fears of being a "parent" figure come true and I really do suck" can be overwhelming at times. The nerve-wrecking part coincides with the latter but also with some of your concerns that I did bite of more than I can chew. Yep! I thought about that too. A lot more especially recently. That being said, I think that 1) I am most productive and happy while helping others and also from being busy but 2) I need to feel like I am contributing to the world and moving it forward in the positive direction.

Thanks again to everyone, even those that will likely never read this blog (you know who you are so I won't point fingers) for all your love. Alexander arrives next Thursday, August 27th. I can't wait to share with him all the wonderful people Rick and I are blessed to have in our life. I am truly the luckiest girl alive.

Bye-Bye Birdies!

My babies left the nest today!!

This moment is so bittersweet for me. I am so happy to see them grow and adventure out on their own but I'm also sad to see them leave at the same time. Sadly, I was not there to witness their brave attempts at first flight this year. If you have never witness this on your own, well you are missing out. I don't think I have cheered, wished, hoped or prayed harder than when I am rooting on a little bird to take that first step. I feel so many emotions all at the same time. Last year I was fortunate to catch one little baby taking flight for the first time. It was worth it to stop in my tracks and take the time to witness the event. (Thanks to my SweetPea for alerting me with her attack dog barking - you know baby birds are vicious right?).

Just Monday, one day earlier I had checked on my little ones and knew it had to be soon. While Rick was mowing the front yard, he noticed a bird in the distance flapping around on our front porch and was quick to blame the neighborhood feral cats. (It's true the first flight looks like something between public intoxication and a fatal injury with excess feathers added). After investigating, he realized it was a baby bird. He scooped up the little guy, put him back in the nest and waited. After baby calmed down, mama came back, sat on the nest and took off a few times. Sort of like a formal flight lesson. Then he was there to witness the little miracle. Happy flying little ones! I wish you well and don't forget to visit!

PS. I'll promise to have ferns again next year "just in case".

I love my Auntie Lisa

I couldn't find someone on her favorite chaise lounge. Instead she was totally enjoying Auntie Lisa's giftie too!!

Ohhh...Surprises!!

Can I just say how much I love surprises?

Delicious and beautiful truffles & the most inventive creation ever - seeds on stick to create a mini garden. I love my gifties Lisa!! You are simply great!!

Toronto and the 3P's

I love my free time with Rick. Recently I tagged along on a service trip with him to Toronto to check out the scenery. Once making it through the interogation and inspection at the border and a full night of sleep we arrived at University of Toronto. I never get enough sleep the first night away from home so I decided to start my day on vacation with a nap. Poor Rick had to deal with Robert and a broken machine meanwhile I'm out snoozing in the car. After a relaxing time, I moved onto coffee, cookie and reading while enjoying a soccer game. Once Rick completed his grueling, tortorous experience he gave me a personal tour of campus. Now I have not the slightest idea how old the campus is but I loved the architecture.

Buildings with faces, how can it be any cooler? Rick's tour of campus also included a sneak preview of Trinity College. We almost got kicked out but some smooth talking sidestepped the dilemma.

Rick surprised me with the hotel's romantic package and great views....of The CN Tower!!

This is where the 3P's come in. Now, anyone who knows me knows of my constant struggle to overcome my fear of heights. I have managed to go parasailing, climb a terrifyingly tall rock building without any safety harnesses and climbing ladders without fear, well, not paralyzing fear. The CN Tower is 1815 ft tall. It was the tallest building from 1975 to 2007 and remains the tallest building still in the America's. The trip to the observation deck was a quick 28 second ride in an elevator with glass floor inserts. This is a terrible design - really, how is this not terrifying to everyone? Racng away from the ground. Now the leak in the elevator ceiling probably added to my fear. Logically I know that it was completely safe but in my twisted mind, I felt like the world was going to end. Rick stated that he had never seen me that scared. He thought I was going to pee, puke and passout. Literally I was so shaken by the trip that my legs nearly collapsed while exiting the elevator. The trip was well worth it - the views were amazing!!

That is our hotel!!

After a night on the beach and a great night of sleep we decided that we would spend the last day of our trip at the Royal Botanical Garden.

I love gardens and the inspiration that it give me. The gardens were amazing. We hit it durring their sculpture event that left surprises at ever bend. We had a great time (minus Rick's hilarious run in the snake). There was so much ground to cover that we couldn't see two gardens but it was necessary to leave in order to get home at a somewhat reasonable hour. I was certainly missing my SweetPea. Rick knew this would make me sad so he surprised me with a stop off at The Grasshopper Imports. Again, more inspiration!! Boy does my man love me and knows me so well.

A Little Love for Grandma

Rick and I had a chance to visit with Grandma on our way home one night. It's always a fun time!

I'm a Mama....

I'm so excited!! My house finch family has decided to come back!! Last year Rick and I bought two huge ferns for our front porch from my favorite nursery Block's. Within a week, a mama house finch took up residency and created a nest. The first nest fledged 4 young. After her babies took off, she decided to move - to my other fern!! That brood yielded 5 young. I immediately purchased ferns this year in hopes of their return. It took a while for them to visit and I feared the feral cats in my neighborhood scared off yet another family. Fortunately it was more a test of my patience. I have 5 babies happily growing!!

What I love even more is the wonderful songs of the happy father as he boasts over his ever-growing family to the neighborhood.

Time to "Catch Up"

Journaling has never been my strong suit, well, anything that requires consistency has really never been my strong suit. I'm going to try to get my "journaling" caught up. Here are a few things that happened since my last post. It's been busy :)

The Oliver Girls Return

Geoff and Cheryl celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. As our gift to them, we took their three beautiful girls for the weekend and spoiled them rotten. It started out with dinner and a movie Friday night after we welcomed Rick back from Ireland. Then Saturday was spent walking through the Farmer's Market in Ann Arbor, The Hands On Museum and Monogolian BBQ for dinner. Sunday we explored the gardens in Marshall before our sad departure. Whatta blast!!

My Bro Turns 3-0!!

My brother's girlfriend, Lisa, pulled off a surprise party for my brother. (Yep another Brad and Lisa in my life). Rick and I helped as the "diversion". We headed out for a nice dinner then, true to form, my brother bugged us to go out for drinks. We agreed after his typical prodding. He was certainly surprised!!

A Walk Through The Garden....

I love to get ideas for my ever growing garden. I started out with a blank palette. So far my garden is your average run-of-the-mill garden. I'm happy with what I have but I am always looking forward to expanding it. In June and July, Rick and I hit the Ann Arbor Garden Walk solo. We took a trip to the Battle Creek Garden Tour with Lori and Matt. Then we drug the Oliver girls to the Marshall Garden Tour with us. So far this year, we have received the most inspiration from the garden on the Ann Arbor Garden Tour.

The garden was constructed on a flat lot. The husband and wife duo worked hard by building up several garden beds using large boulders as their base. They then added multiple trees of several varieties throughout. The remaining space in the garden was infused with several varieties of low maintenance perennials. Having the same varieties located throughout the garden in different areas provided consistency and "flow" to the garden. I counted over 20 Japanese Maples!! The garden was titled "Labor of Love". My favorite new plant that I feel in love with is the Foxtail Lily. Courtesy of Battle Creek garden tour. Thanks Lori for the invite. We had a blast! I simply love plants!!