Another page in the Book of Life has Turned

My beautiful 18-year old daughter Arielle has made another step in life when she graduated from high school over the weekend. Yes, the tears were there, but I was so proud to see this gorgeous, confident girl walk across the stage to recieve her diploma. School was never easy and the School District made it harder than necessary many times, but that is all let go now. She's free! She received that diploma that is so important in life.

Randy and I sat in the front row with the other reporters and professional photographers that were hired to document the event. That's one nice part of my job, a shiny press pass! :) Trevor and Todd sat together and filmed the event. My parents and aunt were further back. Randy's mother had fallen earlier in the month and she was in the nursing home and unable to attend. Sadly, his brother and sister-in-law weren't interested in attending.


I've talked about her many times over the years I've written in this blog. She's been my best friend since birth. We look so much alike, people mistake us for each other. Thanks to Austin Powers, I have a response, "Yes, I cloned her! I call her 'Mini Me!!'"

I homeschooled her for several years and we enjoyed trips to Gettysburg, New Hampshire, Salem, Harrisburg, etc.... as part of her education. She has chosen to become a massage therapist. She made that decision because of my health issues and her grandmother's many health issues. She has chosen to devote her life to helping ease the suffering of others because of what she sees on a daily basis. That shows the heart my girl has.

Following the ceremony, we went out to eat with Trevor, my parents, brother Todd and aunt Judy who came to attend the event. She never misses one of my kids events. It wouldn't be right to have her not be there.


I want to congratulate all the graduates of the Class of 2011!!! You've worked hard and deserve to enjoy your summer before you head off to college, the armed forces, getting married or joining the work force. Don't forget your parents. They were there through the good and bad. Those all night final cramming sessions or 5th grade science projects wouldn't have been done without them. Make sure to give them a thank you as well.

We'll have a large party for her later this summer when her grandmother is able to attend. We'll combine it with her birthday and going away party and her cousin Jessamy's graduation as well. One big, loving family always. :)

Christmas

OK, it's only a week late, but I wanted to post some of our Christmas photos. We didn't go overboard this year like normal. Just didn't have it in me. I always try to make sure all my kids (cousins) know how much they mean to me and spoil them a bit, much to the dismay of their parents. I can't help it, when I'm on the hunt for just the "perfect" gift, I can forget the pain for a few minutes. Besides, I like to see their faces when they realize what they're holding. I can "hold" that image in my mind and bring it back when I'm being jabbed and stabbed, poked and prodded by whatever specialist I'm at this week. So, it's really a selfish reason for me to spoil the kids. Like this one of my cousin Lilly opening the Glee hat and Michael Jackson tee shirt I found for her. Who wouldn't love seeing that reaction to their gift?

My MIL wasn't able to go out shopping at all, so we did what we could for her. She wanted to have some things to wrap and put under her tree. Christmas is an important holiday for her. We gave her a snowman last year and a pin this year that says, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." It's her outlook on it. We don't discuss religion. Much safer and keeps everyone on speaking terms. :) We also did the shopping for my mom since she stays with MIL and helps out while Arielle is at school. I think I've mentioned that she's pretty much moved in to help her grandma.

We started out at 6 a.m. here at home, getting the last of the presents ready and ran the sweeper one last time before my parents and brother as well as Arielle's boyfriend Rustin showed up at 8 to exchange gifts. For me, the highlight of the morning was seeing my mother's face when she saw our gift to her. It's a new 42 inch LED TV. She and my dad deserve something extra nice. They do so much for us, we wanted to do this for them. Mom kept crying that it was too much, but how can it ever be too much for two people who has given me the world? I can make a call and say I need you and they are here practically before I hang up the phone. I only wish I could do more for them.

After they left, we cleaned up the last of the wrapping paper and loaded the gifts for my family's gathering at noon. We were all meeting at my aunt's house and we had dinner and did the gifts. With around 30 or so people, it gets crowded and noisy, but always filled with love. Any holiday with my family can get overwhelming, but that's what happens with a very close-knit family like ours. We gave everyone one of Arielle's senior photos. The kids also got a few extra goodies.

Then it was back home and to MIL's for the final meal and gift exchange of the day. She always says not to give her anything, she has everything she needs. Can't do that though. We thought about what she might need and decided a new phone system. The ones she had were forever being left off the hook because they were old and didn't sit right anymore. Of course, she loved that. Arielle was the big "winner" of the day, I guess you could say. She got a new laptop since she'll need one for college in the fall. Trevor also got more than enough with all the video games and gamer clothes. He has a different gamer hoodie for each day of the week and enough tee shirts to not wear the same one twice in almost a month's span.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that 2011 will bring only good. There's been too much suffering and hate in the world in 2010 and I for one am good and tired of it! Why can't we just try something new and let peace reign? How much longer are we going to keep sending our troops off to fight endless wars? It's obviously not working, so how about we try to stay out of it? I realize how radical that sounds, but war isn't working. I better get off my soapbox or this post will never get up.

A gag gift for Randy from my dad. What a joker!

My updates

Sorry I haven't been around lately. We had another family emergency and it's taken over all my life and thoughts. This is the first time I've even opened my laptop in about a week.

My mother-in-law got very ill on Friday afternoon and we had to rush her to the hospital. On Saturday, she was bleeding very badly and was sent immediately to Hamot Hospital. They wanted to fly her, but the weather was too bad, so it was a stat ambulance. We followed and go to Hamot around midnight. By the time she got there, she had been given almost a dozen bags of blood and 5 or 6 bags of plasma. It was a very scary day and we almost lost her.

She was in Erie four days and after exploratory testing, they found the bleeding had stopped on itself, so she didn't need to have surgery. We're very thrilled about that. We brought her home Wednesday night. After the holidays, she'll be getting her knees replaced. She's in horrible pain from them and can't take much more of it.

She's home now where she feels better. My 18-year old daughter has moved in to help take care of her. When she leaves for school, my mother goes over to hang out. MIL won't let me just stay there because she's too worried I have too much on my plate to bother with her. Silly and I've told her that, but she won't budge. I can stop by and have lunch and run a few errands, but that's it.

This was another of those turning points in life for me. I've always known how fast we can lose those we love. We make sure we hug and kiss and say I love you before we leave. Those should be the last words your loved one hears.

Since it's Christmas time, the moral of my story is to please make time for your elderly family and friends. Record that show or football game and go spend a couple hours making grandma happy. Have her tell you about Christmas when she was young. Let it be the start of a family history. Record it and you can make special gifts for everyone with photos and words telling about their family tree. Imagine how important those CDs will be for future generations.

We all need to tell those we love that every day. I hope everyone has a wonderful season!

My brother's girl

We finally got to meet my brother's girlfriend. Her name is Jan and I really like her. I'm sure he'll pass out reading that, since he's rarely found someone I could say that about. So, after he picks himself off the floor, he can call and say thank you! :P

He brought her home to meet our family and she passed my kids' test. If they both like her, then she's a keeper. They both like her, so ... We went to a church rummage sale and I had to tease him by handing her books on being a bride and getting engaged. No, I don't think either of them are anywhere near ready, I just had to lighten the mood. It's hard to meet your guy's family.

I'll get to see her again on Thanksgiving when he brings her back. Jan, you're always welcome here! Call me!

Movie Night! AKA Harry Potter!!!

We haven't been to the drive in for over two years, but last night, we loaded up the truck and off we went! What kept me out way past my bedtime? Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, of course! I've read all the books and we have all the movies on DVD so far and this will be another one we'll add.

I won't spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it yet, but it stayed pretty true to the book. The most crutial scenes were practically word-for-word from the book. Always a good thing! Why mess with perfection?



The movie is quite DARK and some of the scenes would probably scare younger kids, but my two are 14 and 17 and thought nothing of it. There is the death of a beloved character and lots of snogging (making out), so make sure your kids and you are ready for that.

Hubby wasn't as thrilled with this one because it didn't settle anything. It just left many questions unanswered. That's because the final book is being made into two ... yes TWO ... movies!!

The second feature was The Proposal. We really didn't expect much from it. Romantic comedies are not our thing at all, but we were truly surprised and enjoyed it! We laughed and laughed. Betty White truly stole the show and made the movie. You have to see her in the woods. I still laugh when I picture the scene. :)

I've had enough of interesting times

Wednesday morning, I was woken by a call before 6 a.m. from my father-in-law. He was screaming to get here right now. I could hear my MIL in the background yelling for me, too. What now? FIL is not in the best of shape, as most of you know, and can't make calls anymore, so I knew MIL had to give him the number to call me. I grab the clothes that are laid out the night before and call my mother as I'm pulling on pants and running out door. She lives only 2 blocks from them and could get there faster. I scream for the kids to get up and ready for school. They're worried and scared, but do it.

I fly the 1/2 mile to their house and run in. MIL is laying on the floor crying. Mom has her covered up with a pillow under her head. She fell down the steps and thought her hip was broken. I run upstairs to find FIL. He's confused and needs help getting dressed. The ambulance comes and takes MIL to hospital while Mom and I dress FIL. I've called hubby at work and told him he had to come now. We get to the hospital and sure enough, her hip is broken. She's to have surgery the following day.

FIL can't stay alone, so Randy, the kids and I stay at his house until I can get someone in to help. He fell while I was there alone with him and I couldn't help him up. We just sat on the floor until Randy could get to us. It was scary and told me there's no way I'm able to care for him. The other son decides to come home for a day to stay while MIL has surgery and I'm at a doctor in State College. Everything happens at once. I had tickets to see Disturbed on Friday, but had my brother sell them. I need to be here. I can go to a concert another time.

Friday, FIL is even more confused, so we take him to ER and they admit him. He'll be in there a week or so until his medicine can be straightened out. Maybe he'll be more himself then. MIL will be going to nursing home for 10-14 days to get the strength back in her hip. Not sure what will happen with FIL or if he'll be able to come home. It's scary to think about. They are so independent, but now we have to think about how to care for them the best way.

Valentines Weekend

We had a good Valentines weekend. I didn't take my meds, so I was able to enjoy the weekend. Isn't that something? The stuff they give me to function makes me so miserable I can't stand up most days, but it's for my own good? How does that work?

Anyway, we went to see Friday the 13th and Taken on Saturday and met the kids for dinner at Hoss's. Yes, my kids were on a double date! How did that happen? Stop laughing Kim! They all went to see Friday the 13th when we were at Taken.

Yesterday, we went to State College for a minor league baseball winter welcome back festival and met some of the players and coaches. Arielle's boyfriend went with us. Got lots of autographs in my scrapbook and on posters and schedules. Took a ton of photos. I interviewed the new head coach of the State College Spikes. Gotta love a press ID. I'm a freelance writer/photographer for those who don't know and people who work with media always mark me as a reporter. Guess it's the huge camera around my neck and the way I look? I don't know. :) Anyway, the All Star game is being held in State College in August and the general manager has me on the list for press credentials for that! Woo Hoo!!!

We stopped at Hot Topic, of course. I had seen a Twilight bag last weekend when I was there and was so good and didn't buy it. Mentioned it to Randy and it was my Valentines' present. (I'm a purse addict for those who don't know) I just love it! Got another fairy shirt, too. We went to my favorite restaurant for dinner Outback Steakhouse and I ate way too much. I always share a meal with Randy. We had prime rib this time. Oh, it was soo good! We went to a few stores and stopped by to see my new little cousin Layken on our way home. What a great end to the weekend! She is such a little sweetie! Can't wait to start spoiling her. That's my job in the family. All the cousins' kids call me when their parents won't let them get something. They know I'll find it and they'll end up with it for a birthday or Christmas. That's the only positive about being so ill, nobody has the heart to yell at me for spoiling them. Of course, I use that.

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

You're hitting a milestone today. Hope you enjoy it!



Melissa is one of my cousins. We're an extremely close family. She's a "few" years younger than me and I use to babysit her. Now she's all grown up and a mom now.

Photo Hunter: Together

The theme of this weekend's photo hunter is "TOGETHER." Family should always be together, so I offer my daughter and her cousin as my entry. :) This was taken at our youngest two cousins' baptism.



To take part in the fun, stop over at Photo Hunter and check out the rules.

Sad day

We got some pretty hard news early this morning. Randy's aunt passed away at the age of 93 1/2. I had written about her being in the hospital about two weeks ago. I am so happy that I had recorded as much of her life story as I did. I only wish I had been able to get her to talk more.

The funeral is set for Wednesday afternoon. We spent the day running around getting her clothes and jewelry for the funeral, then finalizing the arrangements. This is horribly hard on everyone. I am truly worried about how Randy's dad will do on Wednesday. His health isn't the best as it is. :(

Not sure I'll be around much this week. Of course, the whole thing has set off a major migraine, so as soon as this posts, I'll be heading for bed.

Please think of Feenie tonight. The only positive about the whole thing is her nurse told me she didn't feel any pain. She simply went to sleep and never woke up. I hope to go the same way when my time is up.

The photo is of her and her brother celebrating her 93rd birthday last December 23.

Rest in Peace, Feenie. We'll meet again some day.

Family Reunion Time

Yesterday was my dad's family's annual reunion. He comes from a family of 18 brothers and sisters. Yes, that's 18! I can barely manage two, so I can't imagine dealing with that many.

Not everyone made it this year and we've lost several uncles, but it was still fun to catch up with my aunts and uncles I rarely see and get to meet all the new cousins. My kids really don't know them at all, so it was all new to them.

Weekly hiking session

We went on our weekly hiking trip on Sunday. The ice was almost completely gone at the tunnel, the frogs were "talking" and the birds were flying and singing, so I guess spring might finally be here! Shhhh... better not say that too loud or Mother Nature will lay the smack down on us for sure.

I did much better this time and was able to carry my backpack the entire time, much to hubby's relief. Of course, he did have to put my jacket in his pack on the way home because it was too warm for it. That made all the difference for me.

The pack is a new one that my daughter made for me in her sewing class at school. It's very lightweight and beautiful. It's sparkly with crescent moons, stars and clouds on a dark blue background. She's very talented and plans to be a fashion designer after she graduates.

My dad and brother went with on this trip, but the kids stayed home with my mom. T can't be out in the wind because of his ear. It'll be another week and a half before he has his post-op check and the surgeon releases him to do all the normal things.

I'll be off to Washington D.C. in the morning, with my mom and her sister. Should be a fun day.

Our Family Ski Trip

It was a complete surprise to us when cousin Val emailed on Thursday and invited us to join her family at Holiday Valley this weekend. Of course, we jumped at the chance. No, I wouldn't be caught dead with two skinny sticks strapped to my feet as I fly down a snow-covered mountain, but Randy and the kids loved it.

I never leave home without my camera, so I spent the day taking photos. It was cold, so I didn't stay outside a lot. I was in the ski lodge reading most of the day. The lodge we were staying at was gorgeous!


We got to Ellicottville, NY around 9 a.m. on Friday and they spent the rest of the day on the slopes. A had enough about 7 p.m. and came to the lodge to stay and we dropped off Val's two oldest boys and their snowboards to finish off the night. Around 10, the four of them came in. Randy's knees are still killing him, but he said he'd gladly do it again.

A had a great time getting to know cousins she rarely if ever gets to see. She stayed up til almost 3:30 a.m. making pizza and putting together puzzles with cousin Rhonda. After we got home, she went to bed at 4 pm and didn't get back up til this morning.

Randy had to get to work Saturday night, so we packed up and came home early that day. Hated to leave and can't wait for another weekend. Hopefully, Randy will be able to get the whole weekend off next time and we can stay longer. Thanks Val, Joe and boys!

Happy Birthday, Kaitlyn and Abby!!!

They had their birthday party tonight and it was a real teenage party with LOUD music (most of the stuff I had never heard of before, not even in a nightmare), lots of food (AWESOME Chocolate brownies), balloons, confetti, streamers and more.

This was their first real party, not just family, but lots of friends.

I felt sooooooooo old there. Of course, I had to grab my camera and take a few pics of everyone.

Have a good one, girls!!

It's prom time

My cousin's oldest daughter went to her first prom tonight and he asked me to take the pre-prom photos. Of course, I was happy to do that since it gave me a chance to see her all dressed up.

How did she get to be old enough to even go to a prom? I know in my head she'll be 16 next month, but in my heart, I still see that little girl who use to carry the kittens all over the farm, even when they'd rather not be carried.

She looked like a princess in her dress, with her hair all pulled up. She couldn't wait to take off those heels though. :)