An Alien Has Taken Over Kendall

In all my years (13) of being a mother, I've not had one single child that, at Kendall's age, willingly goes to bed without crying and/or getting out of bed. For one week now, since we moved her out of our room and into her own room with her new toddler bed, Kendall lays down when she's told. She doesn't cry. She doesn't wimper. She doesn't fidget. She doesn't do anything except go to sleep. It's amazing. She's either possessed by Aliens or God saved the best for last.

Kendall's First Snow Storm

We finally had some snow that didn't bring bitter temperatures. (..at first).

Kendall got to go out amist the biggest snowflakes I think I've seen in a long time.

She enjoyed putting her fingers in the snow and, of course, eating it too.

The camera didn't capture the falling snow but it was coming down very hard. Look at Kendall's hood. That was from about 5 minutes of being

in the snow.Lexy & Kendall

The only two that wanted to be outside!

Frenchy was eating the snow also.

It must've been sweet!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love and Hugs and Wishes,

From all of us,

To you and yours,

for a

BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Life's Big Questions

Life really boils down to 2 questions...

1. Should I get a dog...?

OR...

2.. Should I have children?...Or do like some of us smarties and have both!!

Someone emailed this to me and I thought it too cute not to share.

Whetstone Wildcats Vs. Grandview Bobcats

Today the Wildcats took on the Bobcats.

Twinkie was very excited for Kyran and Daylan's first game.

She wore her red to support both the Wildcats and the Buckeyes!

Kruz, poor Kruz.

You can tell by his color choice who he was supporting today.

Boo!!

That's what we all think of the Wolverine's, Kruz!

Here's Daylan with a steal and a bucket. Whoo~hoo!!

And KJ with one too!

Please excuse the blur. My camera just isn't a 'sports' camera. Maybe I'll get one for Christmas (hint, hint!)

Kyran shooting freethrows.

He gives me 10 push-ups for every missed free-throw.

Kelley used to pay me $100 bucks. Fortunately, for him, he didn't miss many.

The Wildcats were victorious today, as were the Buckeyes, as were the Crush!

Couldn't ask for a better day!

Kendall's First Birthday!!

Today the baby turned '1'.

She loved the attention when all the kids sang "Happy Birthday" to her.

We didn't have a party but I made cupcakes for her and all the other kids.

She was honored to be given a cupcake.

But she wouldn't touch it.

...ooops!

This was as close as she would get to the cupcake. She wouldn't touch it, only point at it and talk to it.

Her party with family is next week so this was just a trial run. Hopefully, she'll dig in next time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TWINKIE!!

My Embarrassing Moment

You may not use adjectives like 'graceful', 'elegant', or 'light-footed' to describe me and after my latest tumble I'd definitely say I'm more 'awkward, clumsy, gawky, graceless, lumbering, ungainly, and ungraceful.' (Courtesy of Websters Thesaurus). I say 'latest' because I fell again last night and since I've become an adult I can no longer count on both hands how many time's I've fallen.......lets just say a lot. (Altho, the rollerblades really made my stats jump!)

Kyran and I walked up to the store last night right as it was starting to get dark. There was a very light sprinkle and the wet fall leaves were making everything slippery. (If only I had them for my excuse...) On our walk back we got to teasing each other about who was faster and for some idiotic reason we started racing. I was, of course, winning but decided I would take a short cut at the edge of the neighbors yard, cross our drive-way and to our front door. Too bad I forgot that where the neighbors yard meets our drive there's a 4 inch drop. I hit it and my knee buckled, my legs turned to jello and I went face first like a runner stealing home plate all the way across the drive-way (but much less graceful). Mostly on my palms and belly but my knees and elbows gave a great assist.

As I'm laying there thanking God that it was dark, I look across the street and my neighbor (the one that hates us because Kelley yelled at his kids) and his friend were standing there. They just stared at me with blank faces as if to confirm what I already knew. I'm an idiot.

Kyran's Birthday Party

If you've been around the family for very long, you know the tradition Grandpa has started with his Grandson's when they turn 13.

Let's just say Kyran was geeked to turn 13 for this very reason.

A shotgun.

We are always telling Ky to stop scratching when he's nervous (usually when he's in trouble), but when Grandpa started talking about Ky shooting it, he started scratching and says "ME?!!" Like the thought never crossed his mind that he had to actually fire the thing!

Grandpa took the opportunity to teach a few gun safety and prevention tips to all the young boys at the party.
Kyran and Grandpa.
Neither one even noticing that Ky's got that thing pointed straight at grandpa's head.

10 Months Old

I remembered all day long that Kendall was 10 months old today but I totally forgot to take pics of her until after she fell asleep.

I guess her sleeping pics will have to do.

Football Pics

He didn't want to get an individual photo taken but I told him that someday he'd appreciate it.

13 years ago today....

Anyone remember this cutie??

He turns 13 today.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy.

15 years

Today marks the day that 15 years ago 'WE' began.

Through ups and downs,

ins and outs,

head over heels.

I'd do it all over again.

Love ya, Babe.

Always and Forever.

Breast Cancer Survivor

This was done by my BFF Natalie's sister Jenifer.

You may remember their Mother (Ky's Gramma Jane who was by my side when Kyran was born) passed away from cancer many years ago.

Listen to her new single and read her story below.

If you can't see the above video click here.



Here is my story. I was 6 months pregnant with my second child when diagnosed with breast cancer. I was stage 2B which meant that my tumor was large and had spread to some lymph nodes. My daughter, Sophia, was still in my womb for my first 3 chemotherapy treatments. My son, Nicholas was 13 months old at the time. I had a long family history of breast cancer, so I actually thought I might have to face it "some day". I didn't realize, however, that I could get cancer at such a young age. Since diagnosis, I tested positive for the BRACA 2 mutation,(a breast cancer gene) so my treatment became very aggressive. I had a full hysterectomy and a second mastectomy, plus reconstruction. I worry about the future for both of my children. I continue treatment with a drug that helps prevent recurrence. I deal with joint and bone pain everyday, and it makes it difficult to care for my children. I will not go off of the drug, because I need to know I'm doing EVERYTHING in my power to be there for my babies. I am a 4 year survivor and I plan on being a cute old Yia Yia (grandma in Greek). I believe my cancer journey has made me a stronger person. As I read in a book, The Cancer Conqueror, (by Greg Anderson) My body may have had cancer, but my mind and soul only have cancer if I allow it. I will NOT allow it! My song "You Are Not Alone" is my song of inspiration to women everywhere! It expresses what gave me strength and what I hope will empower women around the world battling women's cancers. A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to cancer research and awareness. Cancer has touch all of our lives in one way or another by now, so my message to everyone is simple.

You are not alone!

Jenifer Menedis

Dooder-Bug & Booda-Butt

Dooder-Bug threw a touchdown pass and ran for a touchdown while Booda-Butt ran for two touchdowns Saturday against the Vikings.

Final Score

Panthers 24, Vikings 0

The nicknames they loved as kids now makes them cringe with embarrassment in public. Apparently, it's no longer appropriate to cheer for them using anything other than their birth names. Guess it's time to bring out the cowbell then...

I learned a new trick

I've recently learned how to braid cornrows.

See Kori's braids?

They're far from perfect but I'm still super excited!

~Yay for me~