louonblog

Field Trip to the Reds Ball Park

2011-09-08T23:33:00.000-04:00

My boss took us to the Reds offices today for a field trip. We do all the framing for the Reds baseball team. These 1st 2 pictures are from Bob Castelini's office (he's out of town). I framed the champagne bottles, and re-stained the shadowbox that has the base in it. (It was Ken Griffey Jr's 600 home run....gift to the Castelini's).

On this wall were 3 pieces I framed for last years Gold Glove award winners. It is really fun to see my work on display (each of the players received their own framed piece, I made 3 copies of each...don't know where the others are).

I do a lot of framing for Corporate sales. This is the Press Room. In here are examples of corporate sponsors (Kroger, Skyline...) items that were framed for example pieces. This way, the sales team can show new sponsors, what types of ways they can utilize their business within the ball park. I'm not explaining it very well.

This is the 700 WLW radio booth. Greg is sitting in Marty's chair. You can see Bill's legs on the left, in The Cowboy's chair. There was some artwork on the walls in there, even though it was a small area.

We didn't have any art work in the sports reporters area. This is for beat writers from all over, so the space is kept neutral.

This wall was in the corporate suite.

After the tour, we had lunch at the Holy Grail across the street from the ball park. We have framed most of the pictures and sports items for that restaurant also. So, it was a nice break from the norm.

Hmmm....

2011-06-20T19:34:00.000-04:00

Well, since I haven't blogged in a while, I thought I'd rather not try to catch up. Really. I mean, why? What's the point of writing about all the stuff that happened last week (or 2-3 months ago - for example).

Lets just start with today.

Sam left for Scout Camp this morning. Yep. And I am doing well so far. And so far, I am guessing the leaders are doing well also. We'll see how we are all doing by Friday. I'm sure I will be happy to have him home and safe. And I am also very sure, all the leaders will be MOST happy that he is returned to ME safe and sound.

Bari (Big Bari) is working at the Reds Game tonight......

Soooo... Madeline and I are having Chinese for dinner.

Bari Ray and Brittany are watching movies downstairs this evening....
See How Easy it is to catch up?

And what kind of blog would I have without a pic of Pete Rose and Arnie....

3 Gold Glove Award recipients....I framed each of those pieces for the Reds to present on Opening night....

My 2 lovin-bunches kittens........

And the grand-baby boys!

I will have more grandboy pix soon....
But check out our other blog (cherryblossom design) for our latest wedding and engagement pix!

February . . . . . . WHAT?

2011-02-22T19:17:00.000-05:00

Holy Cow, it is February 22. Somehow I have missed almost the whole month. Then again, my weeks are almost always the same. Work, home, kids, work, home, kids, work, bridal shows, kids, home, engagement shoots, home, work - - -kids. That pretty much catches me up with everything.

I am getting over a pretty rotten cold (thank heavens- and thanks to the RS sisters who put up with it while I taught my class a couple of weeks ago). Bari has the sniffles, so that's never good (he should try Menopause some time- now that's a character builder!).

The kids are all doing well. Sam has his ups and downs. I can't always predict when things are going well with him. We met with his teachers a couple of weeks ago, but I'm not sure anything has really changed.

Madeline is getting ready for Mock Competition this weekend. It is a performance night at the studio in full costume/make-up. There are judges who rate each dance to help with any last minute changes before the first competition. She has 6 competition dances, and 11or 12 for Recital in the spring.

Weekend before last, my brother and his son were in town for college meetings at UC. Ben has been accepted into the DAP program there. We were lucky enough to have dinner with them that Friday night. They live in Boston (Cambridge really), so we don't see each other as often as we would like. The next morning (Saturday) they headed up to Moms for a short visit. It was great to see them. The Tuesday they were back in Mass. he called me. Randy hadn't been feeling well during the trip, and even before he had left for the weekend, his Dr had ordered a Scan, thinking Randy had some kind of blockage. But he called to tell me that it wasn't a blockage as we had hoped, he has Stage 3 or 4 Colon Cancer. He will be having surgery soon, followed by chemo. I am in shock. The whole family is.

What can I say? Life is short. Be kind. Be grateful. Be generous with your talents. Teach love. Teach tolerance. Be at peace with your life and the choices you have made. Be forgiving. Forgive others and forgive YOURSELF.

Back to the norm. . . . the busy-busy norm

2011-01-25T19:30:00.000-05:00

It is about time I got back to the normalcy of blogging. Where else can I write every little bitty thing about my day?

It is Tuesday, Church Activity night. I have already gone from work - to Madeline's physical Therapy - to Subway - to home. So, see how my life goes? Go here and then Go There.

I really can't complain. Yes. We have been busy, but life is good. Bari and I have been to 2 Bridal Shows already this year. There have already been some follow up meetings and bookings. (The latest is for a May wedding at the Cincinnati Zoo!). We have also had the opportunity to go to a photography Trade show here. That is always good for us. It gives us a chance to physically check out products (primarily wedding album/books) that we have seen in catalog's or on line. There were a couple of pieces of equipment that we needed to ask about, also. And (I am so excited) I have a new Tripod! We have 2 tripods- a new one Bari bought a couple of years ago, and an ancient model that was hard to use. Guess which one I got? Well, it only made sense, because I am usually up in the balcony of a church, and I don't move around as much as Bari during a wedding, but now, I am more mobile. The goal is for me to shoot more. For that, I needed a new one.

Speaking of new things, (and old equipment that no longer works)- we got a new bedroom set, with a king size bed/mattress. Have I ever blogged about the joys (not) of having a Water bed. A queen size water bed. Yep. I was getting really tired of trying to get out of it every morning. And there were times I just wanted to prop myself up and that was impossible. And then, there were the tiny leaks that were starting to be a problem. So, all of that lead to the necessity of a new bed/mattress. Last Tuesday it was finally delivered. The last couple of hours bailing out that stupid water-mattress was horrific. But the new king is fantastic.

So, moving on- the kids all seem to be doing well. Katy is busy planning William's 2nd birthday party. Madeline is busy planning her 14th. I had lunch with Joey last Saturday, and he is moving forward with his recovery. Sam still struggles, we will be meeting with the school psychologist next week. Bari Ray is deep into classes and work. He has the best relationship with Sam right now. It is heartwarming to see them together.

Work is busy- home is busy. Life is normal.

Follow up

2011-01-07T20:55:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to finish up with notes about the funeral.

Katy left Monday early afternoon (not before taking Henry to the Dr's office because of a little cough) and drove to Clyde to see my Mom. Of everything that was going on. This is the one event I would have loved to been a part of. Mom saw the twins for the first time. We could have had a 4 generation picture. Well, hopefully, we will all be able to manage a trip at the same time sometime this summer. Anyway, they went to Clyde on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday night they went to Lima and had dinner with Dane and his wife Yuka, and Diane and her family. I guess it was ok, except the boys were all tired and very confused. (Translated, that means they were very Cranky).

I picked up Joey the next morning at 5:30. Sam, Madeline, Joey and I all drove up to Lima from there.

We got to the Church around 8. There was only 1 vehicle in the parking lot, a Council on Aging bus. I did think that was a little weird, but didn't really pay attention very much. Then, as the bus drove past us, it slowed down, and the driver rolled down the window. The driver was an old college friend that I had lost track of years ago. Kathi and I had known each other at Bluffton, but had gotten really close when Gene and I had moved to Columbus Grove. Katy and Joey were small, and we would go to Kathi's house every Friday night when Dane and Gene went to the basketball games. Kathi had a daughter- Samantha, who was Joey's age.
It was so good to see her. She had found the Obituary on Gene in the paper and stopped by to see if she knew anyone. The timing could not have been any more perfect. We are planning on getting together really soon. I can't wait until she meets Bari.

Anyway, Kathi had to leave, so we went on into the church and saw lots of people I hadn't seen for 10 or more years. It was strange. Thea, Gene's younger sister, asked me how I was doing. I put my hands out in front of me- about a foot apart from each other. I said, "It's like this. Today is just this part of my life". I couldn't express how it all took me back to 20-25 years ago. Which has nothing to do with where I am today. Like I said, it was strange.

So, the Bishop who presided over the memorial - oh, side note, Diane had Gene cremated, so there wasn't a casket or urn, or anything. - Sorry, back to what I was saying, The Bishop who was presiding was the Dr who delivered Madeline, and the same Dr who rode in the ambulance when Katy had her seizure when she was 4. He got pretty emotional when he gave a little concluding talk. Anyway, Gene's brother-in-law gave a talk on the purpose of life. He did a good job, then I spoke. I guess it went well. I was able to tell Diane that we all knew how much she meant to Gene, how happy he was when she came into his life. And I talked to the kids about their dad, how he had a testimony of the Divinity of Christ, and how important it was to him. Then, Dane got up and spoke a couple of minutes. He was in his full dress uniform - he serves in the Army. Gene would have been so proud.
There was a really nice luncheon afterward and lots of the guests stayed and visited. The chapel was full for the memorial.

Madeline rode back with Katy and Josh. Katy was exhausted. I don't know if she has gotten any sleep yet. Madeline had a basketball game, dinner with the cheerleaders, and dance. She was ready to stop crying and try to get some normality back into her life. We'll see how she does. I still worry about her.

So, I just had Sam and Joey with me on the way back. We stopped at the Uno's in West Chester. It was a pretty big splurge to go out to eat, but I sure felt that we deserved it. Oh, Joey had a suit jacket and suit pants, white shirt and tie. Besides Katy's wedding and prom, I don't remember the last time I had seen him dressed up.

Not having a casket or graveside services was the hardest on Joey. He said that it didn't seem finished. There was no real closure for him. That might pass in time, we'll see. He was the most emotional at the memorial.

Diane said that she would put a marker for Gene in the cemetery where his parents and grandparents are buried. His ashes will go to her family farm. I think she will eventually settle there in a couple of years.

So, today, at 5 o'clock when my workday ended, Lynne and I decided that the New Year would officially begin (again) for us. This first week sucked. It was time to start over. Sooooo

Happy New Year - 2011 ! I think I am finally ready for YOU!

Saved the Worst for Last. . . . . . .

2011-01-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

If you hadn't already heard, my ex-husband passed away on New Year's Eve day. A little over 2 weeks from the death of Bari's father. My ex, and the kids dad, died in Lima from undetermined illness.

So, I was thinking, if the last 2 weeks of 2010 were the positively worst weeks of that year. And the 1st week of 2011 (with Gene's funeral and grieving children) is the worst week of this year, it is all uphill from here, isn't it? Really, if this is the worst week of this year, then it's just about done and overwith.

Yes, so, Gippy passed away December 14th, we had a wedding on both, that following Friday and another on Saturday. We all left Cincinnati around 4:30 am on Sunday and made it to Chattanooga in time for the last Viewing and the Funeral. A grandson, close friend, and 2 co-workers spoke before me. We all said almost the same things, -he was a great guy, and he loved Cadillac's.

We came back into town on Monday and went back to work on Tuesday- 12 hour shifts to try to catch up. At that time, I was framing Champagne bottles, 28 of them. The first adhesive I used re-acted to the finish on the frames and I had to pull all of them apart and start over. Nothing like doing something TWICE. Anyway, they turned out just fine.

That next weekend was Christmas. Christmas Eve I worked (of course), and we went to Bari's mom's. Christmas Day we all met at Katy's house for dinner. Joey was able to get a ride there, and Dane and his wife drove up from Ft Knox. When I walked in, Katy told me that Diane (her step-mom), had called, and that her (Katy's) Dad was in the hospital with a fever of 104. She didn't have much information, and later in the evening I asked her to call back and find out what was going on. She was able to talk with both Gene and Diane. Diane had taken Gene to the hospital the night before because he had flu like symptoms that were getting worse. Diane told Katy that Gene had a blood infection. Both Bari and I knew that was very serious.

Joey was able to get permission to visit his dad in Lima the next day, so I drove all of my kids, Katy, Sam, Madeline, and Joey to Lima first thing in the morning. We stayed about an hour and a half. Diane stopped in for 20 minutes or so. Gene really didn't seem to feel well, but he acted just like his old self. He did take time to ask each of the kids a question, and try to include them in the conversation. I don't think any of us (adults) left with the assurance he was going to get better soon. It just seemed as if he wasn't getting better at all, and that was a big problem that we all recognized. The next day, Gene's oldest son -Dane- visited, too.

Katy called her dad every day the next week. Thursday night she was distressed that he seemed quite bad off. He took a lot of time to answer her questions, and then the answers were one word answers. Friday morning - New Years Eve Day, she got the call that if they wanted to see their dad, they better hurry and get to Lima quickly. There wasn't any way to get ahold of Joey, but the 3 others were able to drop everything and drive up I75 that morning. Dane and his wife were notified and they showed up later in the afternoon.

From what I understand, at some point in the week, Gene had a heart attack. This possibly changed the oxygen level to his brain, and that was why he was having trouble talking to Katy. When the kids got to the hospital, Gene was already on life support. They think he was still lucid enough to know they were there, but Katy isn't sure of that. Anyway, things got worse quickly, the doctors tried everything, and finally Katy said that her dad would not have wanted heroic measures to keep him alive. Diane agreed, and said she just didn't have the strength to step up and stop it. Katy said that the kids did a little better when they saw him without all the iv's and tubes and things. Unfortunately, they stayed by his bedside watching every last breath and heart beat. I can't imagine how traumatic that is.

They all drove back later in the day. I felt so bad for Katy, she was emotionally and physically exhausted.

So, the funeral is Wednesday the 5th, at 9 (!!!!) in the morning, actually, the visitation at the church (LDS church in Lima) is at 9, the funeral is at 10. And yes, I was asked to speak. No matter how strange that is, it does give me the opportunity to tell my children all the good things about their father. Yes, there were a few.

I will be picking up Joey at 5:30 Wednesday morning and we will drive up with Sam and Madeline to Lima.

I feel bad for Sam and Madeline. They started their Christmas break with a funeral, and ended with a funeral. Pray for the kids.

Tribute to my Father-In-Law

2010-12-14T12:34:00.000-05:00

We got the news this morning that my father-in-law passed away. Bari called me at work and I immediately came home. As anyone who just lost a parent, he is in shock. Bari M. (Gippy), had been ill for several years. I don't know I can name all the health challenges. Arthritis took it's tole, as did some kind of cancer of the tonsils. Like I said, I never knew all the specifics of his ailing health. What I do know, is that Gippy had the flu (or flu-like symptoms) this past week, and this morning he died.

I don't think it is possible to stand by your spouse without reliving your own experiences. This morning as I comforted and supported my dear husband, I remembered every moment of the evening my own father passed away. Nothing can prepare you for the inevitable. Even though I have a strong sense of purpose of my mission in life, my belief in Christ and Eternal Family, it is nonetheless, difficult to move forward in this life without a parent. Parents are the strength of the family, the ties of family bonds. Thinking of one parent without their spouse beside them, is terrible. It isn't just your own mourning/sadness/sense of loss, it is the concern of your surviving parents mourning/sadness/sense of loss that can become even more overwhelming.

I can't say enough great things about Bari's parents (all 4 of them!). All have been nothing but gratious, kind and inclusive for my children and myself in their family.

One of the first Christmas' I had with my kids and Gippy & Nana, they were teasing Bari about keeping us - whether or not he married me. They were instantly in love with all the kids and included them in every family activity. The only sadness I ever saw in Gippy was when he would reflect on not spending enough family time together.

The last time I saw Gippy and Nana, was when they came up (they live in Chattanooga), for Bari Ray's Graduation, and was here for the twin's birth also. (It was all on the same night- my family, over-scheduled, as usual). Bari M. and Linda were planning on coming up at New Year's to have Christmas with all the grandkids, and see the twins.

Of course, we have weddings on both Friday, and Saturday. Bari and Bari Ray will drive down to TN tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and come back the next evening (Thursday). We are hoping any funeral arrangements will be scheduled for Sunday, so the whole family will be able to make it back down by then.

The Saga of the Christmas Tree

2010-11-28T13:52:00.000-05:00

Christmas tree. It should be so easy.

I have been married to Bari for 6 Christmas's. And for 6 Christmas's there has been drama over the Christmas Tree.

When we got married, we each had our own tree. Each of us loved our own tree (and did not particularly like the others' tree). My tree was narrow and tall, kind of sparse so there could be lots of ornaments. We made new ornaments each year to put up. I had gotten it the first or second Christmas after the divorce, and we were living in a townhouse. I didn't want to bother with a real tree (had done that most of my life), and knew the benefits of an artificial tree would outweigh the strengths of a real tree.

Bari had a short(er) W-I-D-E tree. The kind you have to put the yellow branches in the yellow holes. Only most of the color codes were worn off and you just had to guess what went where. Each branch had to be carefully pulled apart and the ends tipped up a little bit so it not only held the ornaments, but looked Real. (Oh, my tree came in sections that fit together, and folded like an umbrella). Bari's big thing was that it 'looked real'. Ok. Maybe. But it was a Royal Pain to put up.

Now, I work Retail. RETAIL. I need Christmas to be fun and EASY. I don't want to miss the holiday because I work (all the time). So, I have (in the last 6 years since we have had the cable network with BYU channel), put up the tree on the first Sunday in December when the church Christmas Devotional is on. It is just long enough after Thanksgiving that I don't feel like it is Too early, but early enough that I don't feel like it is at the last minute. Yes. Lots of thought and experience has gone into this. And thus the problem.

A couple of years ago my tree finally bit the dust. It couldn't be stored well- parts of it wouldn't come apart, and that was a problem. So. We started using Bari's tree. . . . . Everyone was frustrated. The kids couldn't figure out where the branches went. When I wanted the tree put op (on the required Sunday), Bari was busy/taking a nap/not interested. Last year they actually put it up when I was at work, which was ok, but part of the problem is how hard it is to put lights on it.

Last year in January, Bari and I had a bridal show at the Convention Center downtown for 2 days. The night of the first day, we all got the flu. The second day we spent at the show running back and forth to the Restrooms. When we got home, we found all the kids sick, the tree knocked over, and the house a mess. I walked in, surveyed the living room and went to bed.

So, our cats think the tree is a giant cat toy. When they get into the tree (which they do) they knock off branches to make a place to sit. Cute? Sure, you should see the pictures.

Now . . . . all that leads me to this year. I want a Pre-lit tree. I don't want to mess with putting lights all over branches anymore. Saturday night I bought a tree. Today I returned the tree.

The Saga continues........

Let's try again . . . . .

2010-11-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

So, it's Tuesday. Everyone is at church or school and I am at home ALONE. (hurray) Writing on my Blog. (hurray). And typing with one hand because I'm eating a Klondike bar with the other (sugar free) (hurray- - - -challenging, but definitely worth it!).

If it is at all possible, this week is busier than ever. We have Redsfest coming up next weekend, and are setting up 2 Costco displays. On top of all that, I still have custom framing to do. It's all good. I work with some wonderful people. Thank heavens they are all team players. Although, they (both Lynne and Greg- the other 2 framers) have crowned me - "the Responsible One". Yea, that means I take charge of all the stuff no one else wants to do. I don't mind it, but it does get to be a lot extra stress sometimes. So, for instance, these are some of the things that either I do all the time, or things that occasionally someone else will do too. (By occasionally, I mean, when I am on vacation, or crying in the bathroom because I am overwhelmed [no- I don't cry in the bathroom- at work anyway] ).
*I clean the Mymaki (printer) every morning. There is a special cleaning on Mondays, too. Also make sure the cleaning solutions are ordered when they get low.
*I keep inventory of all the length moulding, mats and glass.
* Keep inventory of all frames made that day, size, number made, and moulding type.
*Keep inventory of all the movie posters we have. Keep a sheet of specific posters, and organize all the rolls of posters. So, if my boss (just like tonight before I left) yells from his office -"Do We Have Hoosiers?" He isn't talking to anyone else. I look at my list and yell back -"Yea, One!" and he replies- "Ok- Pull It Out - Steve Needs It Tomorrow!'. So, I'm framing a poster tomorrow.
*I do almost all of the corporate custom framing projects. Not only do we frame for the Reds Baseball team, I frame for CBTS (Cincinnati Bell), ProCamps and lots others.
*I check all the saw blades and change them when needed.
Anyway, the list goes on and on. I wasn't going to blog about all of this, I was going to write about this past weekend.

Saturday I worked until noon, and then went downtown (Price Hill) to visit Joey. I brought him some clothes. He has broken off his relationship with his girlfriend, and because of this, he doesn't have anything, not clothes, not blankets, nothing. I already took a coat and blanket and some shirts. Anyway, he is at the Prospect House. It seems to be helping him. He is always surprised to see me. I stayed for the Family Meeting. There was a woman conducting the meeting that had not done it before. It was mostly about her life and how AA had helped her. At the end there were questions. I didn't find it particularly helpful or interesting, but I was there to support Joey any way I could. We (Joey and I) talked for a while. I met his counselor. Stayed about 2 hours.
Drove home, and was there for only about 30 minutes before Bari and I left to go to a Thanksgiving dinner that his step-brother was having. That was interesting. Bari's step-brother Miquel's ex-wives were there. They were both there last year also. Anyway, we went back this year, because Miquel is planning on moving back to Panama at the end of next year, and so, won't have anymore Thanksgiving dinners. So, we went.
Got home (after stopping by Kroger), at about 10. At that time, I baked 3 Pumpkin pies. Went to bed at midnight.
Got up at 6:30, baked the cake part of a Pumpkin Roll and went to Church. After church, our delightful Home Teachers came by. When they left, I finished the Pumpkin Roll, and made Sam a frozen pizza (what is wrong with that picture?). I also, did some post-production work on a set of portraits for a client we were meeting.
We left for Katy's around 2:30, on the way, stopped by a restaurant where our customer was waiting for us. We delivered a package of pictures to her of her daughter.
Headed on to Katy's and got there around 4. My oldest step-son, Dane and his wife, Yuka, were there. We had a really nice time visiting. Yuka is wild- literally. She was wrestling on the floor with Sam. He had a great time though. I gave Dane a baseball that Pete Rose personalized for him. He was so excited. (Oh yea, I almost forgot- Pete was in Cincinnati about 4 days last week. He was in my store on Monday and Thursday).
So, we had a good time catching up with Dane. I hadn't seen him since Katy's wedding. They are thinking about coming up at Christmas. Dane is in the Army, and is now stationed at Fort Knox. I am just thrilled that all the brothers and sisters might have a strong relationship. Dane was already out of the house when we had Madeline and Sam. So I love seeing them interact and get to know each other. Family is so important.
That's my weekend and more.
Gonna bake more pies tonight to take tomorrow.
Have a great Thanksgiving! (2 down, one to go!).

Oops, missed a couple.

2010-11-18T20:35:00.000-05:00

So, blame it on the Bengals. They played (badly) a Monday Night football game, so I didn't blog. I don't have an excuse for the week after that though.

Bari was so kind as to download all the pictures from my camera.

I never do well when adding pictures to this blog. Bear with me.

Obviously this is Halloween. The boys were the cutest pumpkins ever.

These seem to be going backwards in time. Hmmm. This was taken on Katy's back porch the Sunday the twins were Blessed. What a super cute bunch of boys!

This is Tony Perez. One of the Big Red Machine Reds baseball players. Geez- I need to loose the weight!

The picture of Pete Rose in the chair are from the Pete Rose Roast we photographed in September. This is from my camera, Bari took the 'official' photos from the event. Oh, that's Pete's son - Pete at the podium.

The bat and ball were given to me by the Reds this summer. I framed them as a gift from the Reds to Jonny Gomes. It was his 100th home run bat and ball. Last I heard, Jonny sent them to his home in Arizona.
And yes, that is fake grass in the back of the frame. It gets everywhere when I have to frame with it.

So, I hope the pics make up for the fact I hadn't blogged the past couple of weeks.

Week 5 - - - - basic work/family

2010-11-01T22:44:00.000-04:00

Sooooo . . . . . . . week 5, not so bad.

As I was cutting and joining frames in the warehouse this afternoon, I had lots of time to think about what I wanted to blog about this week. And, as usual, many weird and amazing things came to mind.

Here are a few.

Sam. We have been diligently trying to get him caught up on his homework. It has been a momentous struggle. He is smart enough to know the answers on the papers, he just doesn't know why he has to do it. And he hates to write. So, like I said. It has been a struggle. One night, I think it was Thursday, he was up until 10:30. Now, he didn't do homework the whole time- infact, I don't think he really started until around 7, but still, it was horrible. Thank heavens we are finally in a new quarter, and have a fresh start. Tonight he got done by 7 and even got to watch a little TV. (And snuggle with Mom on the couch).

I want my kids in bed by 10. Usually this isn't a problem. I like my "quiet time". I can be a little cranky about it.

Madeline. I am enjoying re-reading "The Hobbit". She hates it. She isn't into fantasy I guess. I was thinking about the first time I read it. I think I was about her age - 13 at the time. My family are avid readers. My sister has had a novel published. Yea, big into reading. I was raised a reader on Nancy Drew Mysteries. My sisters read them, and I couldn't wait until I was old enough. Now, "The Hobbit" doesn't have much appeal to this new generation. Even the Harry Potter series has to be bigger and more fantastic than the one before. Not to mention the films. Each Potter movie is more animated and fantastic than the last.

I still love reading. I love that you can make the book, the images, anything you want. I would rather read a really good novel, mystery, thriller, than watch a movie. And more so if the movie is made from a best selling book. Then again, that might have something to do with the fact that I live with a man who can turn the TV to any 007 Bond movie at any given part and name the movie, the main actors, what will happen next in the plot, and the band who recorded the film score.

I am the oldest person at my company. Sometimes this bothers me. Mostly because I don't think I am old. Or, Very old. Sometimes it bothers me because I do more. I am given more responsibilities. And then there are days I just physically work harder. Today was a day like that. It was just a hard day, and I'm tired. And I don't want to be tired. I don't think I should be tired.

Yesterday Katy, Josh and the boys came over for Trick-or-Treat. I made a couple of big pots of veggie soup, and we had a nice evening. Sam went with some friends. Madeline stayed home for a while, until a couple of girlfriends came over.
The most fun, of course, was William. He was dressed in his pumpkin suit, (as were the twins), and just ran around the neighborhood looking cute. He had no clue what was going on, but enjoyed every minute. I took a couple of pictures, when I have time to download, I will put them on the blog. It takes forever with this computer.

Our wedding on Saturday was nice. It was a full Catholic Mass at St Rose. St Rose is right on the river. There is a scale on the back of the church which shows where the water marks are from every major flood. This might have been the first full mass that Madeline has been to with me. These weddings last about an hour. Madeline couldn't believe it took so long to marry some one. But she was really helpful.

We are starting to make plans for Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite times of the year. I always loved getting together with family.

Sooooo.....It is now about 10:40. If I hurry, I will have enough time to read another chapter before I fall asleep.

Week 4 ... a funeral, a wedding, and family

2010-10-25T22:57:00.000-04:00

Well, so far this has gone about quite nicely. (Can you tell I am reading "The Hobbit"? It is required reading for Madeline, and I am re-reading to help her through it).

Last week started with a funeral. My former boss' father passed away and I wanted to pay my respects. It was a long drive (Mt. Orab), and a long wait (an hour standing in a slow moving line), but it was the right thing to do. No regrets.

Bari's brother and sister-in-law were visiting the past couple of weeks. There were several family dinners. Kyo-sun is from Korea, and always makes a traditional meal for us while she is here. Kevin, Bari and Bari Ray walked around campus one morning. Kevin is in the Air Force, and almost ready to retire. He started his career in the ROTC program at UC, just like Bari Ray.

Work is fine, I did finish the Ochocinco project, and they loved it. Now the Reds have a new project for us to work on. (No, this isn't the 500 or 1000 pieces for the Hall of Fame, we haven't heard if we are doing that or not). This is a new project. It includes a team picture, brass plate, baseball league emblem, and an empty champagne bottle. Not 1, not 10 of these- probably around 25 shadowboxes for all the owners. I get the best stuff! They haven't committed to this either, but I am working with my boss to find the right molding/mat choices so he can present the design to them. I'm pretty excited to get the chance to do this one. It should be really fun. (Even if there are 25).

And just so you don't think I never get the chance to do some kind of 'normal' family stuff, we carved pumpkins Sunday afternoon. It has been a tradition since moving here with Bari, that we carve our pumpkins while sitting on the front steps of the house. Some years it is a little cold. This year it was beautiful. I always do a traditional face, Madeline did a scary face, Sam has an Avitar-Air Bender face (with the arrow down the top) and Bari Ray had Brittany carve his. It is a scary tree. Amazing how relieved I felt after getting the old flower pots off of the porch steps and the pumpkins carved.

We had a wonderful wedding this past weekend. I think we have 4 or 5 weddings in a row now. Anyway, last week the couple was really cute, and they just seemed perfect for each other. Even the brides dad cried.

I have heard (through Katy) that Joey is going to a Half-Way house for 3 months. The program helps with his schooling, job hunt, and (when he gets out) housing. I am really happy that he found some help. We will see how it goes.

Week 3 and Ochocinco

2010-10-19T23:13:00.000-04:00

So, yesterday was pretty typical for me. Work. Work. Oh, yea, and more work. You need 33 movie posters measured, drymounted, glassed and framed (all around 27x40 inches) in 3" wide moulding? Sure, no problem, let me just finish up the 56 (FIFTY-SIX) pieces for the Reds first.

In the middle of this day, I have a visit from one of the corporate clients I've been working with. They have 3 - 4 separate projects I am doing for them. Now, their company sets up sports camps for pro players -basketball, football, soccer - - -whatever. And the player usually uses this as a way to promote their charity. The company finds sponsors for the camp and the pro athlete. I then frame mini posters, or photographs of the athlete with sponsors, and signature cuts. (Signature cuts are small cards with the pro player's autograph).

Yes, so in the middle of my day, one of the companies shows up. We discuss his new projects, one of which is a multi-opening piece with a mini poster, and Chad Ochocinco's card/signature cut. Fine. I put everything in a large manila envelope, and set it aside. Vicki had been working on some graphics for me and I had to give her some information from this meeting immediately. We had made changes in a design, and I needed to tell her before she got too far into it. THEN, I got a phone call (from the same corporate client) just to review a couple of things. THEN I went to pick up the envelope to make a couple of notes and COULD NOT FIND IT . . . . . .ANYWHERE.

Everyone looked. Everyone looked everywhere.

I don't loose things. ESPECIALLY not signature pieces. ESPECIALLY not Chad Ochocinco. 4 Chad Ochocinco cards. Not 1 card, FOUR cards. GEEEEEZZZzzzzzz.

After getting home, going to bed with a migraine. I looked on my desk this morning and saw 2 manila envelopes with the same name on both. I thought, "why does he have 2 envelopes?". Yep, you guessed it. One was turned over, so I didn't see the correct name. It was on my desk the whole time.

Stupid.

And that's not all.

When I started framing the pieces I noticed something odd about the signature cards.

They were copies. The cards didn't have original Ochocinco signatures on them. They aren't worth squat.

And I had a migraine over them.

And then my boss told me we have an additional order of 88 movie posters. yea.

And then (yes- there is more- and yes, this is how my days really do roll)...... my boss told us that we were asked to put a bid together for the Reds Hall of Fame for 500 pieces.

yep . . . .500

Tuesday - week 2

2010-10-12T21:51:00.000-04:00

So, I am still trying to get into my head that writing every week is going to be good for me. Does this really replace a traditional journal? That doesn't seem right. You can't really store this like you can a book. Then again, how many books do I have that are only written until June or July of that year?

This week was ok. Madeline's knee is getting better. We even bought her toe shoes on Saturday, and she took her first pointe class for this year, on Monday. Her ballet teacher said she did very well for not dancing (pointe) the last 9 months. Infact, she did even better than a couple of girls who had danced all year last year, on pointe. So, that's good. And (most importantly) the shoes weren't as expensive as I had thought. Man, she really does love dance.

We got a call from one of Sam's teachers today. Homework has been a struggle for quite some time. And honestly, I am pretty exhausted when I come home, and Homework is the last thing I want to deal with. So, I have been working with him, but not pushing or challenging him as much as I should. So, today, (like I said) his teacher called and said that (bluntly) if he didn't immediately start getting things in order, he would not pass 6th grade. Yea, great. He is really smart, but he is stubborn too. Bari (thank heaven's) has taken the bull by the horns, and made Sam sit (with a break for dinner of course) and finish/catch up home work for 4 hours tonight. It was a struggle, but he did pretty well. My concern is that when we have a day when Bari and I have wedding meetings, it will be a challenge to have him finish his work correctly with out us there.

Speaking of Sam, he became a Deacon on Sunday with Bari Ray doing the ordination. That probably isn't the correct explanation, but most of you know what I mean. Anyway, it was really nice to see the brothers giving and receiving blessings with (step)Dad, and Brother-in-Law in the circle. Katy and I cried, it was very moving. That was another family moment that Joey missed that he will never get the chance to see. That makes me sad.

What else?

We ran up to Clyde/Fremont Sunday night for an event. I took off work on Monday (SURPRISE) and had a nice visit with my Mom. She is so funny. Bari even gave her an early Hallowe'en Card, and she was thrilled. Although Mom keeps busy (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree), I know there must be times she is just lonely. A last minute visit on a Monday was a great thing for both of us. And even though Bari is Swamped with production work, he didn't mind the longer-than-we-thought visit. I have such a great husband!

Katy called today, the boys had their checkup. Grant is a whopping 12lbs, and Henry is over 10 -maybe even 10 1/2 lbs. They were sooo cute on Sunday. William was a hoot.

I barely see Bari Ray. He is deep into classes at the University, and work. He is working tonight, I think he is keeping it to about 4 hours a day during the week, and all day Saturday. Yea. Livin the good life!

So, that wasn't too bad. I will try again next week. As my mom would say- "we'll just see what happens!."

stuff

2010-10-04T22:18:00.000-04:00

I should probably try to write every week. Right now this blog is always in a catch up mode. And if I write every week I won't second guess if my rantings are interesting, funny (or not), insightful, or just "stuff" that is going on and not worth the effort.

That will probably only last a week or two.

Soooo. The twins are doing well. Henry had hernia surgery last Wednesday. It went well, and he seems to feel much better. Grant is smiling and quite a cute cuddly boy. Katy had an assessment for William (19mos and not a single word), and it went well. He is a smart little boy, and has learned sign language for "more" and "cheese". He uses the "cheese" sign for any food, but the people who were observing him were even more impressed he could understand a general term like "more".
So, they weren't too worried that he doesn't speak yet. He does make sounds (cute coo noises when he holds his little brothers), and will most likely start talking when he wants too.

We had a weekend of shooting. I shot the local Homecoming Parade on Thursday. Friday and Saturday we had weddings, and late Sunday had a family/baby session. No day off this past weekend, and a full weekend coming up.

Katy called me Sunday evening and asked me when I had my next day off. I said it would probably be a week from Monday. She said I work too hard, and that I'm 'not 30 anymore'. (Yea, nice. Thanks for that). She is worried, and wanted to know if Bari knew how hard I work. Well of course he does. And yes it is hard, and yes I am tired and my feet hurt.(I'm not 30 anymore you know). But the whole purpose is to be able to quit my full time job and work from home. I would like to be home when my kids leave for school, and be here when they come home in the afternoon. That way it won't be so bad when I am away on a Saturday for a wedding, or a Wednesday night for a planning meeting. Now it just seems like I am gone all the time. (And my feet hurt all the time).

Too much going on . . . . . .

2010-09-10T20:37:00.000-04:00

So, I haven't written because we have had almost too much going on. The youngest 2 are back in school. They are in different buildings this year. It always makes me a little nervous when Madeline isn't there to watch over Sam. But then again, it is probably really good for Sam to be on his own without sis watching out for him. For instance, this week there were 2 mornings when Sam had to get himself on the bus. One time Bari Ray was home to keep and eye on the clock for him. The other time he really had to get ready (coat and bookbag) and get out the door. I worry about the TV distraction, but when I called (of course! I'm MOM!), he had his jacket and was walking out the door to catch the bus. Yeah!

We have been seriously busy at work. Job security right? I framed a baseball base again this year, but with a twist, it also had a baseball to go with it. It was finished today, and looks pretty good. Bari and I will be going to the Pete Rose Roast tomorrow night. He is documenting it for my boss (who organized it ). It should be interesting. I have never been to a Casino first off, and all the players and celebs should be fun. I have met most of the old Reds - Big Red Machine players, but Bari hasn't. It is really fun that we can do this type of event together. Then, on Sunday we have another trip up to my hometown for an event there. We will have to leave late Saturday after the Roast, or early Sunday. I vote for Sat night. I always sleep better when I am in town, rather than getting up EARLY to travel. Same thing with next weekend. We have a late wedding Friday here in town, and an early wedding Saturday near Lake Erie.

That is just a taste of life here. Good news for me, I finally finished the redecoration on the dining room. It has been torn apart for MONTHS. Labor Day I finished painting and moved furniture around. I did take some before and after pix. We'll see how long it takes to get them posted.

Well, this is a not-so-flattering pic of Madeline after they practiced for the tennis opening ceremony in Mason. It was really hot, but they did really well. Bari has better pix on his production computer. Some day I will see those again. . . .

Even though I tried to put this at the bottom of my blog, it decided to place itself in the middle hmmmmm. Anyway, this is the picture taken right after Bari Ray received the priesthood at Stake Conference a couple weeks ago. It was quite a weekend for Bari Ray.

The boys are all doing well. Katy is doing pretty well. I think she lives for the weekends when Josh is home. Then again, who doesn't live for the weekends? The boys are growing, Henry is almost 8 lbs, and Grant has hit 10. They both rolled over this week. William is a pistol. He is sooooo cute.

I have been able to visit my Mom more often these last couple of weeks. It has been really nice. She is doing well and seems very happy and busy. I love to visit and just sit on her porch. It sure brings back childhood memories.

Some Pics

2010-08-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

Pic

Pictures from our wedding in South Carolina. A very pretty plantation. We could have taken pictures anywhere. The whole place was picture perfect. The pink flowering bushes were Crep Mertle (sp). Beautiful, kind of like lilacs.

Finally got a couple of pix of Henry and Katy with William. Grant was with Madeline at the time. For some reason, I didn't get as many of him. As of today, Grant weighs 8lbs 5oz, and Henry weighs 6lbs 1oz. Wow.

We went to visit my Mom a couple of weeks ago. Madeline showed her an IPod Touch. It was stinkin' hilarious. She would touch something and say "Oh!" every time. Every time!
Love my mom.

Went to a Movie Premier Last Night

2010-07-15T18:30:00.000-04:00

So, this doesn't happen every day. My boss was some kind of assistant producer of the movie -4192 The Crowning of the Hit King. A documentary about Pete Rose. Here is the crew at the After-Party. We get along pretty well most of the time, can you tell?

Got a quick shot of my sweetheart. Those are our VIP purple wrist bands. So we got to party with Pete and the beautiful people as my brother-in-law would say.

The last pic should be the first - this is early in the evening when Pete was doing interviews outside of the theater. Yes. that is Bari in the middle of the Paparazzi. He was the official CEI sports Photoman.
Anyway it was fun. Not something you get to do every night of the week.

I've Been Everywhere Man- - -I've been everywhere.....

2010-07-03T12:37:00.000-04:00

This is the first weekend I've been home for quite some time. We do have a wedding to photograph this evening, but at least it is close by.

I don't really know where to begin.

So, I'm blogging because I am so far behind on all the family news- I'd better get something published before it gets any worse. AND I'm blogging because I've been gone/busy so much these past few weeks/month that my bedroom is a total disaster and I don't really want to clean today.

I will start with Katy. Grant is HOME! he came home 2 Sundays ago. He is doing really well. I got to watch him one night (Tuesday) while Katy and Josh went to the hospital to visit Henry. After Grant woke up from his nap it was time to change and feed him. Man, after unwrapping all the blankets and his tiny little jammies, it really hit me how very Very small he his. What a cutie though. And a good eater. Even at this size you can see a bit of a dimpled chin and how he doesn't look anything like William did. I would post pix, but this takes forever to download (and I do have to clean sometime today before I leave). Bari took a couple of shots of William and Grant (in a basket) this past week. I happened to put the pic of Will next to a pic of Sammy (taken about the same age) on the cork board at my desk and was amazed at the likeness. Little Henry is still at the hospital. He did get moved to the big bed, but is still on oxygen and is having trouble learning how to suck. Katy is ready to have them both home with her instead of making the daily trips across town, but Henry isn't co-operating. I reminded her to be patient. It is amazing that Henry is even here, so she needs to let him progress at his own S-l-o-w pace.

I'm embarrassed to say that Sam has spent much of his summer so far - on the couch in his pajamas. This of course is his goal, and because we haven't been home - he has been succeeding. Thank heavens for Boy Scouts on Wednesdays. Now that June is behind us, as well as most of the summers activities, his summer will also change (for the better).

Madeline is due home from Girls Camp today. Last year she had a Fierce case of Chigger bites. I really hope that didn't happen this year. She was a bit (not toooo bad) less-than-excited about going. Mostly because we had just gotten back from a trip to Chicago the day before, and because she had heard they were going to hike 8 miles. I'm sure none of the groups hike 8 miles, but we'll see.
So, Madeline had Applause National Dance Competition in Waukegan, Ill. a couple of weeks ago. Waukegan is about an hour north of Chicago, almost in Wisconsin. She was scheduled to dance Thursday and Saturday, possibly Sunday. So, we decided to drive up on Wednesday, find everything and get settled. Everything went well until we were about 20-30 minutes past Indianapolis. We stopped at a Rest Stop on Rt 65 outside of Lebanon. When we came back out to the car (my little white Subaru wagon) it wouldn't start. We had just gotten a new battery this past winter. Yea. Great. It was about 12:30. I called Bari, and then I called AAA. The following is our time line for the rest of the day......
   12:30 Call AAA for a Wrecker.
    1:30 A little white truck arrives and checks the battery and the starter. Can't fix it.
     2pm Calls for a tow truck.. . . . .
      . . . . .we call . . . and call . . . and call. . . .
     4:45 The Tow truck arrives.
- - - - -now keep in mind that the Service Dept closes at 5 so there is no way (NOW!) to fix and drive the car to Chicago. AND the RENTAL agency closes at 6. AND it is now RUSH hour in INDI where we are going BACK to. Yea Great
   The tow truck driver insists it is battery, but I don't let him try to fix it because I was too worried about missing the rental agency. We get to the rental car 20 Minutes before closing. Thank heavens the car we were getting was able to fit a metal trash can in its trunk (props- you gotta love em'). (By the way, I was right, it wasn't the battery, and had I let the tow driver work on the car, we would have missed getting a rental car).

So, back on the road sometime after 6. Madeline is fiddling with radio stations when the Emergency Warning System comes on and announces a Tornado in the area. Ok. Too bad I don't really know where I am. I told Madeline that I didn't want anything to happen to the rental, and that if the weather got worse, we would find an overpass to sit under. Yep. You know it. Not 10 minutes down the road, the blackest looking clouds and heavy winds picked up. We (and several other cars) headed for some kind of shelter and sat for almost 20 minutes. It stormed all the way through Chicago. Amazing lightening.
   13 hours after we left home - we arrived at the hotel. I should have been about a 6 hour trip.
    Madeline did well at her competition, her trio received a High Gold, and one of the tap routines got a Platinum. The Mini Team (5year olds) won the whole competition at the Best of the Best program on Sunday. We were already heading for home because we had to pick up the Subaru and drop off the rental car. On the way home by-the-way, I stopped 2 more times with heavy wind and rain.

So, that was Chicago.- Oh we did take the train downtown on Friday and went to Taste of Chicago. That was fun. And the theater where she danced was the home to Jack Benny, and 2 blocks from the lake. So it was beautiful.

The week before Chicago, Bari and I drove to South Carolina for a wedding. It was hot. The venue was beautiful. It even had peacocks on the grounds. The groom had rented the whole place, so we stayed on the grounds at some cabin-type rooms. The facility was mostly used for hunting parties up until now. Recently they started converting it to more of a wedding venue. Which explains why there weren't any ice machines, microwaves or refrigerators in or near the rooms. It was pleasant though. The couple was nice, and the venue like I said, was beautiful. It did rain almost every day at the same time, so they postponed the wedding for about a half an hour, but that didn't really matter. I took pix on my own camera, when I can I will post some. Side note, on the way home through the mountains, at a scenic overlook, my camera broke. (Thanks to my father-in-law for letting my borrow his camera for the Chicago trip).

     So, Bari and I got home on Sunday (the trip was Thursday to Sunday) and then I left for Nationals on Wednesday (Wednesday to Sunday) and Madeline left on Tuesday for camp. BEFORE the SC trip, Bari went whitewater rafting with the older boy scouts (not Sam) in WV for 3 days. That was Mon, Tues Wed and then to SC on that same Thurs.

We were counting all the states we had been through in 2 weeks. 6 or 7 (without driving west!).

I think that is all the trips, EXCEPT Youth Conf. this year, which is a Trek. But Bari Ray is the only one in the family going. Too bad Madeline is just a little too young. Oh, Bari the Younger, also had a mini trip to Cedar Point and then to the Columbus Temple. I would love to take all the kids to Cedar point sometime this summer. That is were I had my first 'real' job (not babysitting). Bari Ray will start classes at UC in the fall.

I won't add much about Joey. His whole situation breaks my heart.

I think that is all the news for now. I will try to get photos when I can. I can't believe it is JULY!

2 boys!

2010-06-04T08:28:00.000-04:00

Katy delivered 2 tiny boys last night (Thursday June 3) at around 11pm. Both are doing well. Grant (top) weighed in at 3lbs 9oz and little Henry (bottom) is a whopping 2lbs and 1 1/2 oz. They are doing better than expected. Katy is fine. I saw her briefly last night in Recovery. She seemed relieved and quite drugged.

28 3/7 weeks!

2010-05-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

Well Katy had some ups and some downs this week. It is fabulous that she is well into her 28th week (29 on Tuesday). They were originally hoping for 32 weeks, then it seemed like she would never make it 26 weeks. So, she is relieved that the babies are staying put.

Her kidneys are functioning well. They would like better numbers from her, but that probably won't happen until she delivers. Since I haven't been with Katy when she has been to see the kidney specialist, I don't know what they are testing for, except "kidney function". So, to give you an idea of where she was when she got to the hospital a month ago - she was a '14', now she is a '7' (better- yes?) well, normal on this test is a '.3'. A - Point Three- not just a three. Hmmm. Better is relative I guess.

The other not so good news she got, was that the family who have been watching William are going on vacation at the end of next week. They will be gone for a month. Yea, we are a bit frantic trying to keep Katy calm about the whole thing. Bari and I will try to take him one day a week, we are hoping his (Bari's) sis and mom will pick up a day. Josh's parents said they will take 2. It wouldn't be so hard if Will wasn't allergic to cats.

Nothing like a little family drama during times of stress. My oldest son seems to thrive on that. Needless to say, he has continued to bring me gray hair and hot flashes. (I tend to get hot flashes when I am emotional- upset or verge of tears).

So, another- normal- busy- crazy week for us. Nightly visits to the hospital, or wedding meetings or work. Gee I believe I am having a flash now - - - -

Good News

2010-05-03T22:31:00.000-04:00

I'm tired tonight, so this will be brief. Bari and I ran up to Sandusky Co. last weekend for an engagement shoot in Green Springs (yes, there is a Green Springs Ohio). We had an engagement shoot Friday night (in Cincinnati) too. Anyway, it was a long weekend, and I'm tired. Seems like I'm always tired the next day- after a big weekend. It even takes me a day to get tired. Weird.

Well, Katy had some big tests today. This was the day we had been waiting for. She had the babies measured. Apparently, they can only be measured every 3 weeks. Don't ask me why. So, everything went very well. Both of their Dopplers were normal, which is a very big deal. And they both had gained weight. Baby A now weighs 1 lb, 6 oz. And Baby B weighs a whopping 2 lbs, 3 oz. The drs are pleased with their progress, and will continue to monitor her in the hospital. Oh, and they will do some kind of testing on her kidney every week. Sounds like they think this may stay stable a while longer. The babies chance of survival went from 0-10% when she entered the hospital to 70- and now to 90% survival on Tuesday when she is officially 27 weeks. So we are so very grateful for all those who keep Katy, the Babies and her family in their thoughts and prayers. Honestly, we aren't out of the woods yet, but this sure seems a bit better news than in the past.

Finally . . . . .

2010-04-28T23:03:00.000-04:00

I finally had my camera card transferred to this computer. I will try to get a couple of the William birthday pics to post. Who knows what else I will find.

Well, I found a couple of Madeline's dance pics. The first one she is in her Bellhop costume posing with my friend Lisa. Imani is behind them.

I'm posing with Joe Morgan, Reds 1975/76 World Series 2nd baseman. He stopped by our store last week.

Another dance pic. Madeline is- can you guess? She is Fred with the other Scooby-Doo cast. This year she is Fred, a Bellhop, a girl from Uganda, Tea Party hip hop, tap cat, and I'm missing one. Oh, a Fire fighter - "We didn't start the Fire . . . it was always burning". For the Recital, she has 3 more routines. And for the Student Spotlight, where the dancers choreograph their own routines, she has at least one dance.

Last picture - William's First Birthday! His first taste of cake. What a cutie.

An exhausting 2 weeks

2010-04-23T21:56:00.002-04:00

Here are a few updates.
Katy got her tests back. Her kidney function is normal. I don't know how that is possible. She has 1 kidney, and that one is 'scarred' and not a 'true' kidney shape. Along with the fact that she is carrying TWINS ! Whatever. I just can't believe it.

Also, she got back some of her Amnio tests. They have a negative result for any chromosome abnormality. So I guess they are ruling out Down's Syndrome. Although, baby A is still quite small, and seems to have other abnormalities. There has been some discussion that baby A may be in distress when delivered. And with all the challenges he has already, that he might not make it to delivery. Katy is cautiously optimistic. I think you have to be if you are a mom of any kind. How could you give up when you can feel him move, and hear his heartbeat? She has a pretty healthy 'wait-and-see' attitude, but knows she will not want to put baby B - who is very healthy - at risk. So, the plan is to (possibly) deliver in 2-3 more weeks (she will be 28-29 weeks). If baby A becomes distressed before that, she will probably not deliver if the outcome will put undue pressure on B. This week has been one of the most stressful I have ever had.

Just a bit of info . . . little William is staying with a great family from their church. The Standish family have twins of their own and have had the same long term hospital stay. On the weekends Josh takes Will. On Saturdays and Sundays after church, Josh takes little Will to the hospital to see his Mama. Usually this is the only time through the week that Josh sees Katy too. It has always been Katy's priority that Josh visit William every weekday morning before he goes to work. They live so far from the hospital that it is not logical to try to do both. Katy thinks it is much more important for William to have a visit every day from Dada, than for her to have a visit from her husband. Again, thank heavens she is pretty close to us. I have been able to go almost every (weekday) night to visit. I think I have only missed one so far.

On top of this, work was crazy, it always is when Pete (Rose) is in town. And Joe Morgan (Big Red Machine 2nd baseman- MVP, HOF) stopped by the shop on Wednesday also. It all keeps my boss busy, and a little cranky sometimes.

Last weekend Madeline and I were in Indianapolis for a dance competition. Normally, this doesn't happen, but last weekend we didn't get home until about 1am. She had one dance on Saturday night, and 5 dances on Sunday. She was exhausted. They scored really well, so that helped.

Last but not least, Bari and I spent Saturday morning (before I left for Indi) at the PNC Bank in Finneytown. I had the unpleasant opportunity of having someone withdraw money from atm's from my account. We would like to find out who it is. Doesn't that sound reasonable? Even though it had been happening at our 2 local branches, Friday night, money was also withdrawn from a branch on Linn St. Do you know where that is? I had to look it up too. DOWNTOWN. And the PNC people WON'T let me look at the VIDEO from any of the transactions. Now, let me ask you IS THAT HELPING ME? no. I think not. PNC is NOT customer friendly. I Highly suggest that any of you who might have had National City, and now use PNC- . . . .RUN- take your money and RUN. We are changing banks asap.

OH, I forgot about the wedding we had on Friday. It was fun, lots of pictures in lots of locations. It make Friday seem like a Saturday. My brother and his family ran through town Thursday night, so that was fun, and I'm sure something else has happened that I have completely forgotten about. But, I'm tired, time for bed and a quiet weekend.

Update

2010-04-16T22:49:00.000-04:00

Katy had the amnio this afternoon. I wasn't able to be with her. Afterword she told the dr that she 'deserved Chipotle'. And he bought her dinner (with Guacamole !). Now it is a waiting game for the results.

new Katy and baby news....kind of

2010-04-15T07:39:00.000-04:00

So, I just glanced at my last blog, and I was right. It was about a month and Katy was admitted to University Hospital. We went to her Dr appt on Monday and after looking at her sonograms, they sent her to the hospital for amniocentesis. As of Thursday morning, they haven't yet performed the test. There is a good chance that she will now be there until the babies are born. We will know more after the test. Her room #3227. Call her room instead of her cell (if you have it) if you want to chat. She is worried about her minutes on the cell.
I have been able to visit every night for about an hour. If there is anything positive about this stay, it is that she is only about 25 minutes from me instead of the 50 if she were at Anderson.
So, briefly, baby A isn't growing well, and there are abnormalities in the head. B is ok, but is something happens to A it will affect B also.
I will try to post again tonight./

Katy news and other stuff

2010-03-10T20:28:00.000-05:00

First, thanks for all the kind messages about my birthday. I really do appreciate it all. There is a kinda funny (I guess it's funny) story about what Bari (Big Bari- not little bari) said the day before the Big Day. He knew I was trying really hard to get over the whole 50 thing- and he said, "honey, now, you know my Mom. Well, she's in her 60's right? And she's happy. . . . . and your Mom, she's what now? [ me answering . . "going to be 85 sweetheart"],   yep, 85, and She's happy Right?." Well there you go. I guess they all made it through 50 to the happier years.
    - - - - Please - - - -someone - - - -explain to me how Men think.

So, this past weekend was the opening of the Home and Garden Show at the Convention Center. Sat and Sun and then again today (Wednesday) through next Sunday. We weren't exactly sure what to expect, or how to market for this. But Bari made a really nice postcard type coupon to either sell, or give away as information on our Family Sessions. By the end of the weekend, we had given (and talked to) almost 700 people. We explained our 'on location' family/group/baby/high school seniors sessions and briefly how they worked. Just handing out info without any explanation would be a waste of time. Anyway, so far it has been a very good experience for us. The real surprise in all of this is the number of interested brides we had. Infact, we have already booked one wedding from the show. Weird. Can you hear that conversations with her bridesmaids? "where did you find your photographers?"     "Oh, at the Home and GARDEN Show!". And to top it all off, it is a location wedding on a plantation in South Carolina. Yea. No kidding.

So, Bari is there tonight and tomorrow during the day, I'll go afterwork tomorrow and he will be there Friday all day. Both of us will be there this weekend (but I'll go Sunday after I teach my RS lesson). It is a BIG commitment, but so far it is worth it.

Now, the Katy news isn't great. She is feeling pretty good and little William is terrific. The twins seem to be thriving. Unfortunately, Katy's challenged by her weak kidney. If you don't know, she had surgery when she was 4 years old to remove her left kidney. The right side kidney is rounded and scarred. The Drs said the remaining kidney is functioning, but there is a problem. I don't want to go into detail, and honestly, I don't know all the details, but it is safe to say that the Drs don't think the problem is related to the pregnancy. So, long story short, she is going to be admitted to University Hosp in about a month. She has to stay till the babies come, and even stay longer than that. She cannot have any testing on her remaining kidney until the twins are born. So, after the babies are here, they will keep her in the hospital to do all sorts of testing. Worst case scenario, she will need a transplant in 3-5 years.

Now, she has a wonderful family who will take William through the week, and Josh will have him on the weekends. The family went through almost this exact same challenge. The mom was on hospital bed rest for the last 2 months of her pregnancy with their twins. So, I don't think there could be a better solution to a terrible problem. This has helped her feel a little better about the whole thing.
If you would like Katy's phone number, or mailing address, email me and I will be happy to forward it to you. She does not have internet access.

I know you will keep her and her little family in your thoughts and prayers.

It's a big day for me

2010-03-08T18:22:00.000-05:00

Alright, I've been dreading this day for about a year (or more). And regardless of what I've said, done, haven't done or thought of doing, it has come anyway. Today. The Day. The Big Day....my birthday..... I'm 50. FIFTY. wow. half a century. 25+25. wow. Yep.
I've been dreading this day. I don't know why though. Because I don't fear getting older. I certainly don't fear dying. I don't know why this is such a big deal. Yep. and I know I'm older than almost all of you who read this occasionally. (Yep, Like I wasn't older before too, but NOW I'm REALLY old). That makes a difference.

So, to get on with life. Today is also the anniversary of my baptism. 30 years in the church (also older than some of you). Funny, that still makes me a convert, although I've been in the church longer than out of the church.

AND- Bari is taking me out to dinner (we have a gift cert. that we haven't used yet). Reservations at the Boathouse, Montgomery Inn. Yea Baby! Ribs tonight!

So, I have more Katy news and more Home and Garden news, but since I am venting on my birthday, I'll blog that tomorrow. (When I'm full of ribs).

Stars in your Crown and a bit of news

2010-03-01T22:45:00.001-05:00

I believe there is a special place in Heaven for Elementary School Band Directors.    Yep.    I'm positive.

If you have ever had the privilege of going to a 5th and 6th Grade Band Concert you would certainly agree. After attending Sam's concert last Thursday, I have come to another conclusion.

Strings performances are always accompanied by a piano for one reason.    So you can identify the song that is being 'played'. Yes.     If it weren't for the piano being played throughout the song, the audience would never know where we were on the program.      We had 6 ( S - I - X ) groups of strings play BEFORE Sam's 5th grade band. RRRRReeeeCCCChhhhh               SSSSccccRRRREEEEccchhhhh. Six times. Starting with the 3RD GRADERS. Now, you might ask, "Why don't you think the Strings Teacher deserves an automatic place in Heaven?".    That is a good question. And there is one simple answer.

Because they are just crazy. Certifiable. They have to be after spending hour after hour in closed rooms with 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders making all sorts of insane sounds with their violins (and other such stringed instruments). Yes, they certainly have lost their minds by now.

I'm just grateful that Sam chose the Trombone and not a string of any kind.
Last week he showed some interest in learning the piano.    Now, I could live with that.

p.s.   - - - - - - Katy is doing well, but is on bed rest for a couple of days. And - - - - -- -(I love those little dashes - - -it's a great way to p -a - u- s -e ) And -- she is having twin BOYS!

The Pin Oak Tree

2010-02-22T22:10:00.000-05:00

We have a Pin Oak tree in our back yard. I took a picture of it after the last big snow storm. This is the new picture on my blogsite.

I have a love/hate relationship with this tree.

If you know me at all, you know that I am totally in love with trees of all shapes and sizes. Any time of year, any weather condition. I love trees in the rain, dancing branches in the wind. I love snow on the trunk near the ground, and how it creeps up the side. I love the new -barely buds in the very early spring. In fact, I try to catch the first site of buds as they slowly emerge from the branches. I watch the shadows of the branches in the summer sun. I love how the branches turn toward the sky right before a summer storm.

Yes, I love trees. Sometimes, I don't love my 'backyard tree'.

Did you notice the leaves? Yes, after a snowstorm- SNOW storm. There are still leaves on the tree. And in the snow. Did you notice? Do you know what that means? Yep.

We rake leaves A - L - L YEAR. It is a game to see when the last leaves will finally fall off the tree. Can you guess? Yep.

Usually around April the last of LAST years leaves fall.

. . . . . . . right before the first leaves start to bud . . . .

I love trees in the winter.

It's a 'bloggett'.. . . .-aka- mini blog

2010-02-11T07:40:00.000-05:00

I only have a minute or 2 to blog this morning- so it is a miniblog!

Just wanted to let you-all know that Bari has been working on the business web site and blog. So, if you haven't checked it out for a while- look at the other blog listed in our 'complete profile' area. And check the web site at cherryblossomdesign.net.

Oh, and if you had youth at the Winter Formal and want to check out the pix, email us at either address - bariandlouann@yahoo.com, or bariandlouann@cherryblossomdesign.net. and we'll get you the password.

More bits of info. Bari reserved a booth at the Home and Garden Show this year. If you are not familiar, it is a premier indoor home decorating and remodeling show down town at the convention center. It is about 10 days long. I will have to be there for work (CEI Sports), and for Cherryblossom Design, too! AND- that is Madeline's first Competition Dance weekend. Geez.

Gotta go and scrape off the car!!!

Holy Cow. . . . . . some really B-I-G news . . . . . .x's 2 !

2010-01-25T23:06:00.000-05:00

Ok, ready for some really big news? Big news for our family anyway. Ready? ready? Katy is expecting. She is due in early August. And. . . . .it's. . . . . twins. Yep. No kidding. Would I kid at such a thing? She is just finishing her 1st Trimester. We went to her ob specialist this am and checked out the little punkin's. The doc met with us for a while, as did the Genetic specialists. The babies are really good. They have good heartbeats and measurements. Baby 'B' (or was it 'A' ? I don't remember), moved his/her mouth like it was drinking - And then his/her Tongue came out! It was so cute, like it was sucking on an invisible binki. The Dr is pleased with how well Katy is doing, and doesn't think (beyond the normal risks of multiples and pregnancy) that this will be too difficult for her. So, I called my sis and bro and Mom tonight to spread the good news and thought I'd blog a bit too.

(That's me and Pete Rose the baseball player. Just in case you didn't know.)

Did I mention that I got a new camera for Christmas? Yea for me! AND it came with the correct cords to download images to my computer. Again - Yea for Me! So, for the first time in a LONG time, I'm going to add photo's to the blog. We'll see how well that goes. The problem now is - how do I choose which of the 94 images to publish. Hmmmmmmm- gotta put in the cats, and the little William, and , hmmmmmm.

Ok so I'm not so good at putting these where they should go. I thought they'd drop at the end of the last paragraph, but apparently not. I'll wait to add pics of the cats and such nonsence the next blog- I don't want to add anything more to the MIDDLE of this one-

My Year in Review, and Holy Cow ! 4 days in to the New Year and already it's Crazy at the Cruzes

2010-01-04T21:29:00.002-05:00

My year in review.

As I was driving to my Mom's the weekend after Christmas I had much time to reflect on the last year. Bari was happily snoozing in the passenger seat and the kids were with family. I actually tried to do a month by month assessment of the year, but since I can't remember each month, that became a fail. So, here goes (the best of my ability to remember anyway).

March - see how time flies? I'm sure something happened in Jan and Feb besides Joey and Madeline's birthdays. Anyway, along came March 5, 2009 and little William Drake Colonel my 1st grandbaby was born. What a cutie. Nothing else of importance happened in March including my 49 -FOURTY-NINETH Birthday! Let's just not talk about that.

May - I left my job of 6 years and went to work for a sports memobilia store. Since that time I have framed baseball bases, seatbacks, LOTS of different signed photographs, a sign from the dugout from the old Reds Stadium, and a tile from a roof from Germany. I can't even remember all the things I've done. I've met Pete Rose and George Foster, Kyle Cook (starting Center for the Bengals). I really like local sports, thank heaven's.
In May we also celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and spent a weekend at Murphin Ridge Inn. Beautiful. I want to go back. We remenise often.

June-July-August- Summer- who can remember?

September- Bari left his job at a studio where he had been working for 13 years to devote full time to our photography business. It was a BIG jump. We are keeping busy (kinda) and paying our bills (mostly). But it is scary. I'm still very confident that this was the right move for us, but even though he has been photographing weddings for over 17 years, it is a LOT of hard work.
In late August-early Sept, my brother and family came to visit. It was really fun to have them around for the weekend. I miss having family close by.

November- Thanksgiving in Savannah, Ga. It was so much fun. The city is beautiful. The trees are incredible. We had a great time with Bari's family. They are always so much fun. I've never eaten Thanksgiving Dinner outside on a patio before. We would really like to go back and visit.

December- My first Redsfest with the company I work for. I mention this because it might help explain just how busy my job is. This is a 2 day Reds Baseball party held at the Convention Center each year. We stock and man a HUGE booth at the convention center. There are baseball signings, bands playing, old and new players there. It is a family event. Next year I want Bari to bring Sam and Madeline.

January 2-3, 2010. Bari and I decide to take the BIG step and pay the BIG bucks to have a booth at the most prestigious bridal show in the city. So last weekend we were at Wendy's Bridal Show in the Grand Ballroom at the Convention Center. OK, so starting Friday night (the night before-) we went to Bari's sister's house because his dad and step mom were visiting from Chattanooga. We had so much to do to get ready, but went over anyway and had dinner. Sam and Madeline went to his mom's afterward to spend the night. We came here and organized everything we would need for the booth. We had already done 2 small bridal shows in the summer, so everything was there, we just needed to double check, and put it in one place for easy packing the next morning. Rise and shine early- we were at the venue at 7:30 in the morning. The show would open at 10. We thought it went well even though there were 25+ photographers there. That evening were were exhausted, and all we wanted to do was go home and sleep. Our feet hurt, we were hungry, and emotionally exhausted from being 'up' and happy to every one of those brides. WELLLLLL...... Bari's dear mom decided to have a dinner for everyone that evening. It was really nice, although we didn't feel any too nice. Headed home around 9- Madeline was starting to complain about her stomach. We recently found out she is lactose intolerant. So I thought it was that. Fine. The next day was Sunday, we made sure the kids knew they were all going to church together, we would still be at the show. . . . . . . . . .Midnight I get up to find Bari Ray terribly sick. He said he had texted Brittany who had been at dinner too, and she was also sick. Yea, I was trying VERY hard to NOT be sick. Tums, Peppermint, anything . . . . . . . .yep, 2am I was sick as a dog (worse than a dog). I knew Bari would get it too. We still had the next day at the EXPENSIVE wedding show to go to - and how could we not be there? What kind of reputation would we have as photographers if we missed it? So, I started making a plan, I would go early and set up the few things we had taken down the night before. Bari could come around 1 or 2 when we were supposed to be really busy. Maybe I could call my friend Gail to help me. Then I remembered --oh oh--the booth next to us was a restaurant, Lebanese and Greek foods. Then smell the day before was incredible, but with a very sick stomach, oh oh.
So, I did get up (somehow) and got myself to the show. Bari followed a little later, and we managed to make our way throught it. We made it somehow, even with the smell of roasted lamb, and the lack of bathrooms close by (it was in the ballroom). Really, it was the hardest thing we have ever had to do together.

Nope, the story doesn't end there. When we got home we now found Madeline sick, the Christmas tree knocked over, and I remembered that I hadn't made it to the grocery to get anything for the kids lunches. With that, I went in my room to rest - Just A Little While - at about 6ish I layed down, at 8:50 I woke up! ! !
Walked out of my room to find Madeline still sick , in her bed, she had called a friend of mine for advise because I was sick and sleeping - LOVE YOU LISA-. So, we think all is winding down, I sleep most of the night in my own bed. Get up in the morning, and SAMMY'S sick. (All over the Bathroom- of course).

Well, Bari is the At Home Dad now, so I cleaned myself up and went to work like any good wife.

And this is only the 4th day of the year- - - -

Should I stay, or should I go?

2009-12-15T23:01:00.003-05:00

For some reason, I've been considering writing a final blog.

It seems to me that I either complain (and whine) or brag about what is going on with my family. I know that a couple of you write blogs as journal entries. This concept puts even greater pressure on me to write more often, and include EVERYthing that is going on. All I need right now is more guilt about what I am not doing.

Maybe it is just the time of year. Christmas (actually- from Thanksgiving to Christmas) it the most stressful time of my year. Work is more stressful and more physically demanding. And I have 2 jobs. One I work at 5 days a week, the other I work in the evenings and some weekends. The kids have even more activities to go to, and even the 'normal' activities seem to become more challenging. Putting up a tree and decorations is hard to schedule, let alone, making cookies or sending cards. Even getting all the kids together for a gift exchange and dinner has been a scheduling nightmare with family, grandparents, out-of-town parents thrown into the mix.

I sat in church with Bari on Sunday, and said "I think I need an attitude adjustment". To my surprise, he agreed.
Then 2 things caught my attention during the talks. First, Emily said something about her testimony being very simple for a long time. Well, maybe 'simple' isn't the right word- but something on the line of - not being complicated. Wow- i was right there- I don't have a big - giant - complicated testimony. And I have worried about that. I wondered if I wasn't pushing myself enough, not stretching enough, not challenging myself to learn more. - Ok. more guilt. When is all this going to happen? Where am I going to find time to study more? Oops- more guilt.
Then, Jamie gave her talk. She said that all we can do is all we can do, and that is enough. Wow again, I really needed that. Right now, I am so overwhelmed that I can't even allow myself the thought of feeling guilty.

On the way home from church, I was alone in the car and just started thinking over the whole day. I came to the conclusion that there are times when I can't do one more thing. Not one. This seems to be one of those times. I could write a list of all the responsibilities that I have, that I don't act on. This makes me feel like a horrible person , that I am letting down so many people, I feel like a hypocrite.

Yea, maybe I need to stop blogging for a while.

See? Whine or brag. Either way is isn't pretty.
Ok- in a couple of days I'll write another blog, and it will be about my blessings.

Can you hear it?

2009-11-11T22:32:00.002-05:00

I went to visit my Mom a couple weekends ago. It always makes me a bit sentimental when I visit.

This time I started thinking about all the little sounds that I love. For instance. When I was in one part of Mom's house, I could hear her and Sam and Madeline in the kitchen. I don't know what was said, all I could hear was the happy sounding voices of my children and my mom giggling. How cute is that?

Later in the day we went to a Hallowe'en Parade. It is held right before Trick or Treat- so everyone - EVERYONE was dressed up (except us). It is a really small town of about 8000 people- but the parade had everything. Firetrucks, floats, Fair queens (even a dam queen), marching bands, and groups of children all dressed up for a costume contest. Amazing.

I always forget how much I love the sound of a Marching Band. It is so Americana- it can almost bring tears to my eyes. In the summer, I can hear our local High School band practicing. It is so quaint.

I love the sound of a train off in the distance. It is a lonely echo.

I love the sound of leaves being raked, and snow shoveled in the winter. I hate that the sound of snowplows have replaced the scrape of blade against sidewalk.

I love the sound of a highway. Weird, I know. But from my house, I can hear Cross County Highway- something about all the movement and tire noise satisfies me. I know all is well in the world- buses, trucks, cars all all traveling, all is well.

I like the sound of a campfire. The crackle of the twigs and popping of the dry tender.

One of the most comforting sounds to me when I was young was when my dad could tap his pipe on the side of his glass ashtray. I would be upstairs in bed- and hear that sound. I knew everything would be ok as long as daddy was down stairs.

My favorite hymn is 'God be with you till we meet again' sung by the Tab.

I love the sounds of birds in the morning. In the early spring when they start to be more active- I love that. There were Mourning Doves in the eves of the house across the street from my parents. Every morning (and evening?)- they would sing their lonely song. No other bird sounds quite like that.

There is a tin roof over the porch at my mom's house. It is right outside the bedroom windows. The house didn't (and still doesn't) have air conditioning, so the windows were left open pretty much all summer long. On a rainy day, the tin roof would sing.

That reminds me how much I enjoy the sound of thunder. The low rumble of building storms. We used to sit on the porch and watch the rain.

When I walk down the hallways at church while classes are in session, I love the different sounds coming from the rooms, specially when there is singing. Men singing in Priesthood- low, meaningful hymns, then on to Primary with the enthusiastic young voices. Last week in Sacrament Meeting we had the opportunity to sit in front of a young girl and her family. She sang every hymn, her sweet voice following along with the words (sometimes a teeny bit late-).

Speaking of last Sunday. The little brother in the family behind us - hummed a little tune while Sacrament was passed. It was sweet, it didn't bother any of us. Then, as time went on, the humming turned in to a little song. Hmmm - Hmmm- Poooo - Poooo ---- Pooooo ---py.
Poooopy - poopy in the pooootty- poopy in the potty. Yep, a little hard to keep reverent- but really cute.

Told you I was a little sentimental.

Once again - - -

2009-10-03T12:01:00.002-04:00

Once again I've missed a whole month of blogging. And as I've checked (and checked and rechecked) other blogs - some of you have missed a month of blogging too. That's ok- I guess I need to learn how to Facebook.

So this was a neat summer. My brother and his wife and 2 teenage sons visited for a couple of days at the end of the summer. We don't get to see each other nearly enough, so it was quite a treat. They met us at a baseball game (and the Reds actually won that night!), and there were fireworks too, so that was fun. We also spent quite a bit of time at the American Sign Museum at the Essex art complex. It was really neat to see it with my brother. I had been there at least once before with Bari. My dad was a sign painter by trade. I remember his shop, and how he would letter the trucks seemingly with out much more than a steady hand. As we walked through the museum with the curator, I learned so much about my dad. Randy (being older- and the only boy) had a different relationship with Dad than I did. I'm sure I just didn't pay much attention to what was going on most of the time. Anyway, Randy went with Dad to paint the big billboards along the highway. I had forgotten that. He talked about what it was like to work with dad, and be that high up on scaffolding. Something I really didn't remember (I don't think I ever knew this)- Randy told me that Dad's dream was to become a Mural Painter. He even had some schooling set up in Berea, Ky when they lived in Richmond (Ky). But because of some family challenges, they had to leave Ky and move back to Ohio. That makes me a little sad, but even more proud of dad at the same time. I can't imagine giving up on a dream when it is so close- and to do it because - because - I don't really know why, except he had to support the family, and my mom, and that constituted moving back. In a side note, Randy said that Dad's talent for mural work made him a kind of specialist in the billboard field, because he could accurately paint a scene on one of those HUGE signs, and have it make sense to the viewer who was driving down the highway a 1/2 mile away. I miss my Dad.

Sam and I took a quick trip to my Mom's just before school started. We sat and talked most of the time. It was so quiet, and the weather so perfect, I actually started and finished a book while sitting on her front porch. Man, I really need a patio or something.

I went back (to the Clyde/Fremont/Sandusky area) with Bari in September and set up displays at another wedding show. We visited Mom a couple more times that weekend. She seems well. Bari and went up to Marblehead to the lighthouse and had a family member (my cousin's youngest daughter) model on the rocks for us. It was really fun to do that kind of shoot. Oh, she was in a wedding dress, sunglasses, rocks with waves crashing- really neat stuff.

Back in July and August we were sending Madeline to a different dance studio to get their opinion of her strength as a dancer. It was kind of cool, and stressful at the same time because they liked her so much, and she did so well, that she made their Competition team, too. So there was a week or so when she was on 2 teams for 2 studios. In the end, we decided to stay at the same studio where she has been for the last 5 years. They have added some (needed) classes in tumbling (for Hip Hop) and stretch (for Lyrical and Ballet). I just wasn't sure if we could commit to the new studio with the changes in Bari's job and the distance (it was near Ward's Corner). Madeline was good with either place. Thank heavens.

So Bari has been at home working for about a month now. He seems much more relaxed in lots of ways. And stressed in the same ways (money). He has worked diligently with the website, the promotions and the brides. The bonuses are the dinners every night, Madeline taken to dance, and Sam to Trombone lessons. It is less stressful for me. I think he is finding that there still aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. It seems like a really long time when you are away from home, at a job- but the time flies here- photo production, telephone calls, emails, dinner, Kroger, laundry and cat box. Yep, less stressful.

Honestly, I still am convinced that this is a really good move for Bari. He really has so much more talent that he knows. I just need to find a way to let the rest of Cincinnati know too.

I think that's all for now. My job is still really good. It is very physical, so I get tired (I'm not a spring chicken any more ! ! ). But I do like my boss, and the other women I work with. The framing is interesting most of the time. Every once in a while, there are hard - very boring - projects. Right now I have 73+ movie posters to frame before next Friday. They are 40inches tall and about 27inches wide, and get 4 1/2 inch wide moulding (which I have to cut and join). Along with dry mounting, and glass. Yes, it is every bit as physical as it sounds. Not one of my fun jobs- but then again they all can't be fun. Speaking of fun (or not) I just found out that I get to work a booth at the Golf Show (yea!)- the Home and Garden Show (YEA!) and Redsfest (WHOOT! ! ).

On a final note-- St X beat ELDER! ! ! ! (Bari Ray is on the Spirit team- - - -).

Miss you-all- Don't forget to blog once in a while.

Julie - Julia

2009-08-14T22:22:00.002-04:00

Madeline and I just got home from seeing the movie "Julie, Julia". It is about a woman struggling with her place in life ( difficult job/ turning 30 / moving to a new-not so great home) and setting a goal of cooking her way through Julia Child's cook book.

It was really great. Of course I love everything Meryl Streep is in. But this was really good. Both women were really strong role models (well, at least Julia Child was). They certainly had passion for their love of cooking. They were supported by unbelievably wonderful men (if I didn't have one like this in my life- I don't know if I would have believed it).

It really makes me think. Watching it with Madeline made me even more aware of the messages in the movie. Besides "lobsta-killa" (joke in the move)- there were very moving messages about true love- love of passion and support, best friends. It was, like I said, a movie about strong women who persevered through discouragement and change, to see their passion come to reality.

I told Madeline that when ever (in MANY years) she thinks she is in a serious relationship, she needs to think of Paul, Julia's husband. He was a saint. I also told Madeline that passion for SOMETHING is important. I told her that was why it is important that Bari leaves his studio to photograph for us full time. His passion/creativity is being crushed where he is.

Passion can come from anything. It doesn't have to be a job where you go to work everyday.
It can be seeing neatly folded clothes in a drawer, beautiful nutritious dinner on the table. Thank heavens I married a domestic goddess- the whole housekeeping thing is very old- as well as cooking dinner every night. I do find passion in helping my husband. I feed off of his creativity. And I love my job. Thank heavens, because I need to stay there another couple of years until the photography bus keeps us both busy full time.

Anyway, grab a girlfriend (or husband if he's willing- he might enjoy it)- and go see the movie. It would be a good movie night for the girls. (I would suggest 14+ - Madeline did ok- but generally, it was a bit mature).

And - bon appetite!

Jeez-

2009-08-02T23:39:00.003-04:00

Holy Cow,
I didn't realize I missed blogging ALL of July. Lots happened. We were busy. Now it is August.
So much for a detailed update.

Seriously, I'm feeling pretty bad that we've been so busy I haven't had a chance to visit my Mom. I told my sis I'd make a trip up in July, but didn't make it.

I'll be happy when Bari is finally finished with his studio (incase you haven't heard, his last day is August 28). Right now, I feel like we both each have 2 full time jobs. When he's out of the studio, he'll be able to take the Wedding business and run with it. That will help.

This weekend we were part of a Bridal Show in Anderson Twp. It went really well. We'll see how many calls we get. It was brutal trying to get ready for it- the displays, cards, set up, etc. We also stopped by a big wedding show at the convention center. We wanted to check out other photography displays to compare with ours. All in all, we made some good connections with some vendors that Bari knows. We will link to some Video, Dj and even Dress designer web sites. Things are movin and shaken- we just need the bookings! (Remember, we do families - and kids).

Madeline is in Idaho this week with Katy and Will. They went to see Katy's friend. So, I just have Sam and Bari Ray- (besides Joey and Jillian). Anytime we have 1 less person around, every thing gets a little easier. Sad, but true.

I got an email from my step son Dane. He is being transferred to Ft. Knox. It will be nice to have him a little closer. I'm sure his dad is thrilled.

Work is still great. Ups and downs, but the ups far outweigh the downs. Little side note, I met Pete Rose last Monday. He was in my shop for almost an hour.

I'm tired, I took Madeline and Katy to the airport at 3 this morning- after having the wedding show yesterday- after setting up the wedding show late the night before (after working all day). It was one long weekend.

Allrighty then- - - -

2009-06-22T20:12:00.002-04:00

So, what a week. Every one is busy and out of trouble at the moment. That's always good.

Just a couple of tidbits.
Some of the fish we bought Bari for Father's Day died before he could see them (we were in Lexington). He looked in the aquarium when we got home and said ' Oh, you got me dead fish for Father's Day'. But not just that! We also found him a couple of fish with hearts (yes- HEARTS) on their side. It looks like someone Magic Markered them. THEY didn't die. (Yea for us!).

Our new (old) washer broke at the end of last week. He is on the way home now- Bari had to take it to Bethel for the repairman to see. At least it didn't cost us anything- it was a hose. (Yea for Us!).

This weekend is Madeline's last dance competition. It is in Mason, at the High School and there is no charge. So, if you are looking for cheap entertainment (and air conditioning)- she's dancing.
The schedule has her at 5 and 5:30 friday, and on Saturday at 9:30, 10:30 and12:30. Then in the evening at 7 and 8pm. Let me know and I'll get you the titles of the songs, so you know what to look for.

So, she has dance this weekend, her first Girls camp on Tuesday (through Saturday). Williams blessing on Sunday, Dance camp on Monday for a week. And another dance camp in August. Good thing she likes to keep busy. (Yea for Madeline!!)

Work is still going well. There are bumps in the road at times, but not too often, and the boss seems to like me, so that helps. It is all production right now. I cut probably 30-40 wood frames today. It wasn't too bad. The warehouse where the saws are, is hot, but we have fans. I really don't mind. (Yea for ME!)

Get the word out OUT!!! Bari is pulling away from the studio where he has been working for 13 years-- we are willing, anxious and very able to pick up ANY photography work -freelance. Wedding, even familys and Seniors (later in the summer- early fall). (We can do weddings anytime). So - - - at work- family friends whoever- we are ready for business. Check out the updated website - still in the process- but it's lookin pretty good.

cherryblossomdesign.net Yea!!!!!

Time for an update

2009-06-14T09:16:00.002-04:00

Good Morning! It is time for an update I guess. As always, there are lots of things going on here.

First off, I had a really nice visit with my Mom a couple of weeks ago. She seems in good health, and even more importantly, in good spirits. She is working on another novel. (Keep in mind, I went to visit on her 84th birthday!). Anyway, along with visiting Mom, I got to see my sis Dorothy. It was really great. I sure miss having family close by sometimes. Then again, sometimes I wonder if we'd get along so well if we DID live close! Well, it was just 2 days, but a real treat for me.

Katy, Josh and the baby are all well. He (Will that is) is quite a chunk-. But a happy, content little fella. They hit gold their first try.
Katy is working a little more on her house. She has decided to put a back splash in her kitchen and is painting tiles to put up. Wow, full time job, new baby and husband. I wonder if I was that crazy when I was her age. Now it just seems like a bunch of steps-(buying the tile, cleaning, painting, curing- and the worst- Renting equipment to cut the tile). Good for her- just please don't ask me to help.

Joey is doing ok considering the circumstance. He'll be in Clermont Co until July 6. Jillian is looking for apartments. I really hope they can keep working on their relationship when he's out. She is a good person, and good for him. I hope he realizes that.

Bari Ray is deep into summer stuff (after only 1 week into vacation). He is in Drivers Ed, I guess the test (THE TEST)- and I don't mean the ACT or SAT's is coming soon. Although, in the last 2 consecutive weekends, he took the ACT and SAT's. The best news here is he made First Honors this last quarter of school. Good for him, I'm really proud he has done so well - - if only he could get the Eagle Project off and running.

Madeline is sleeping at the moment. She had her Recital last night. Friday night was Rehearsal. Both nights are really long --L-O-N-G- - - . But she did really well. There were 40 dances, and she was in 9. That was a lot of costume changes- sometimes with only 2-3 dances in between. The good thing (REALLY GOOD THING)- is that with 9 dances, we didn't have to sit through 3 hours of recital and watch our daughter dance in 1 or 2 dances. That can be really hard. One thing about the studio that Madeline dances for, the director has a lot of different styles of dance, so the whole thing is pretty entertaining. Add on little bitty girls in ginormous floofy dresses, and the cute factor is certainly there.

Sammy went to a carnival with Jillian instead of the recital last night. I had a bit of communication breakdown there - he could have gone, but I thought it (the carnival) would last longer, or they would stay longer or something. Anyway, he missed it, and I probably feel worse than he does. So, last night, while we were all away, he wrote in his summer journal! I was so surprised, I didn't even know he had a summer journal. Sam said that if he writes in it all summer, he'll get a prize when he goes back to school in the fall. Well, good for him. I'm really proud. I don't think even Jillian knew he had a journal.

Yesterday, before the Recital, Bari and I had a wedding to shoot in Eastgate. We started around 12:30. Actually, we started around 1 because the groom and groomsmen (and grooms family) were late. The nice thing was that the couple choose to see each other before the wedding, so we were able to get lots of pics of them early in the day.
I was a little worried about the time, because we (actually- Bari) were supposed to shoot the recital, too. The wedding was supposed to be early in the day- originally it was about 2 o'clock- (no prob to get the recital too). Then, sometime about a week or 2 ago, they changed it to 4:30. Ok- not too bad. It was a Baptist wedding, they are usually 20-30 minutes. That means the wedding is from 4:30 t0 5, I could stay for about a half an hour of Alter Returns after the wedding, and then zip to Winton Woods High School for the recital. Bari would be done early (about 7 when the wedding was at 2 in the afternoon)- and meet me there, and finish up. Well, when the time changed to 4:30- we knew he wouldn't be done till 8 or 9. No prob- I'd start, he'd finish. WELLLLL- -- we got the Pre-Bridals (pics before the wedding) done (even with the half hour lost) and got to the church. The mom's came down the aisle at 4:30- - - good - - - -THEN they had a slide show (no kidding) and it lasted 15 - 20 minutes (NO KIDDING). At that point, I knew I was shooting all of the recital alone. Yey for me. Thank heavens Bari and I practiced the night before at the rehearsal, and (although pretty nervous) I was fairly confident I could do this. So, as of 10 this morning, I still haven't seen most of my pics, but I'm hoping they are not out of focus. And I'm glad I had the chance to shoot and gain some confidence behind the camera. Well, we'll see how confident I am AFTER I see the pics!!!!

Next weekend Bari and I will be in Lexington to go to a Photography Seminar. I'm really looking forward to that.

BUSY - BUSY -BUSY

Wow- wow- wow- - - -

2009-05-31T21:33:00.002-04:00

This was the best weekend ever E-V-E-R!!!! We stayed at the Murphin Ridge Inn. It is only about an hour and a half from here- near Peebles. It is in Adams County, in Amish country.

The cabin was fun! (#7-Frolic) on the on-line brochure. Fireplace, whirlpool tub- NO TV! Relaxing- front porch with rockers, back porch with privacy. In the middle of the country side. Easy walking trails.

I can't even BEGIN to describe the food- yummy - and wow- wow- wow. All homemade, with garden or locally grown ingredients.

All the shopping was Amish made stuff, and antiques. It was close to Serpent Mound. What Fun!

On the way home- really- it was hard to leave- we went to Portsmouth and saw the murals. INcredible!

So now we're back home - laundry waits, kids who need to go to bed NOW! and I am going to go see my Mom tomorrow. Can't wait!

We will return (again and again I hope)- to Murphin Ridge Inn.

Oh, because of the lack of TV and radio- (there was a radio, but we had it on NPR, and weren't listening on Saturday night)- we missed all the excitement with the weather.

Saturday update - - -

2009-05-23T10:36:00.003-04:00

This is one of those drive-by updates. There is tonz going on- I just don't have time to write (because there is tonz going on!).

My job is terrific- I love it. Busy busy busy. There is always something (if not 5 things) to do all the time. I'm getting better at multi-tasking frame orders, and understanding the 'priority' list my boss has. It is really fun, and interesting (specially since I like sports, and kinda follow the Reds [local pro baseball team for those who don't know]). It won't be long before Pete (Rose) and Johnny (Bench) drop by. My boss is close/best friends with them both. [baseball players- you know- retired, from the Reds]. Again, the framing is interesting but the girls I work with are terrific, and the environment is super.

The kids are all doing well. Bari Ray has the Cappies tonight. It is a local high school awards program for the theater performances this year. They were nominated for Cats. I'm disappointed that I didn't get to see it. We tried to get last minute tickets, but it was sold out. My biggest challenge right now, it that Bari Ray doesn't tell us where he is going, or if he will be home. Most of the time, if we don't know, his mother does- but it is frustrating. He will be 17 on Monday- hmmmm.

Sammy and Madeline are just looking forward to the end of school. They have some fun days coming up. Field day, bowling, and skating. How great is that? We only had a field day- ha, back in the day!

So, this weekend is FULL- a wedding today, church-then BBQ at Bari's mom's tomorrow, and painting the living room Monday. (I don't have to work Monday- AND I'm getting PAID!- just like normal people!). Hey- does anyone have painting drop cloths I could borrow? I can't find mine. I just can't wait to paint the living room!!!!

And (if it could get any better!!!) next weekend is our 5th anniversary. We are going to Murphin Ridge Inn for the weekend. I am soooo excited. We have a cabin booked. The web site shows a great restaurant, and local Amish shops all around. OR we could just sit back on our front porch and chill! Wahoo! - - - -SO, Katy is mad. Yep. Silver lining in every cloud. She and Josh (and baby) are going to my Mom's that same weekend. My big sis from Cali is coming in for Mom's 84th Birthday. Katy thinks I should be there the same time they are, so I can see Grandma (actually- Great Grandma) with her Great Grandson for the first time. Well - see- I'll be there on Monday and Tuesday (AFTER my weekend with my husband). I am taking my sis to the Cinci airport on Tuesday. So it only makes sense to go Mon and Tues, not Sat through Tues. Besides, I'll have Sam and Madeline with me, and that is a long-time for them to visit (and a long time for mom- it would wear her out). BUT- I am excited to see my sis- and my mom. AND I don't feel at all guilty for not being at work because I have a great UNDERSTANDING boss- . Could life get better?

On the side, a little update about Joey. He as voluntarily gone back to jail. We had a long talk, and he said that another year of probation and reporting and all the mess would drive him insane. He already has panic attacks. (Yes, really). So, he went back to court expecting 4 months (the rest of his sentence) but the judge only gave him only 60 days. So, he still has challenges with going back, but I told him to think of it as a job- he has to be away from his family right now, it is his job, but it is temporary, and things will be much better when he gets out. I think he will get better when he is out, because this time he went into jail from HOME- he knows what goes on here, he knows he has stability, peace, a family. All the other times, he went from a 'friends' house, and back again. What is the progress there? I know there will still be hills to climb, but I can't help be a bit optimistic.

Ok- I have laundry, wedding equipment to pack and something else to do before I leave to the wedding this afternoon---- so I better go.

Have a great WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the new job

2009-05-12T21:21:00.002-04:00

Well, I just finished my second day at my new job. I am worn out. What was I thinking?

I took a nap Monday ( mostly because of the big weekend in Columbus- and very little sleep)- and I took another nap today. I was tired, grumpy, hungry and my shoulder hurt. . . . . . . Actually, I really like my job. It will be very interesting. There is some repetition. But for the most part- it should be fun.

Yesterday and today I re-framed 40 (yes-40. That's where the repetition part comes in) autographs and pictures (not to be confused with autograph pictures). They were all different. And they were different types of celebrities, some sports, some movie (Paul Newman), some music (Johnnie Cash), even coaches.

I learned how to use the double miter metal saw, and the wood saw and joiner. I've used the joiner before. Infact, I think it is the same kind I used to own back in Lima/Dayton. But, for some reason, I can't seem to get good joins on my frame corners. I hurt my shoulder trying to lift frames in place to join. It was frustrating. I've got to figure this out tomorrow because I have 20+ movie posters to glass and frame.

So, if you like sports, especially the Reds, it is a really cool place to work. It isn't uncommon for Pete Rose, or Johnny Bench to stop in. There are other former Reds that my boss represents. I need to go to the web site and really commit those guys to memory so I don't embarrass my self.

I like the people I work with. They are funny and fun. Lynne even made cupcakes for my first day of work. It is really non stop. Like I said, I am really tired when I'm done, but it goes by fast, and there is TONZ to do all the time.

Even more surprising (maybe not) is that I don't miss my old job. I guess that is the best thing of all. Although, my old boss DID A-L-M-O-S-T cry my last day of work there. I also got hugs from the delivery driver of one of our vendors, and the mailman (!!!). You never know. I was surprised how they all said they would miss me.

Well, I'm looking forward to going to work tomorrow. I'm going to master that joiner (or the saw- I still can't figure out which one is giving my the trouble).

And maybe- MAYBE I won't be quite as tired as I was tonight.

Tuesday night

2009-05-05T23:14:00.002-04:00

It's Tuesday night and I feel the need to write something.

So, this is my last week at work. Thursday will be the end for me. It is strange and a bit surreal. I've worked for this company for almost 6 years. I haven't ever worked for anyone that long. And I have never worked with the same group of people for so long either. They all seem really sorry that I'm going. Now, that could be because I was a really good framer, or it could be because I got out and they haven't. Or- (and this is probably it) it is because the schedule is totally screwed without me there.

I called my new boss tonight. We were working out my schedule for next week. (I start on Monday). And he was so excited to have me come and work for him. It is really nice to hear that. It is hard to work and put your heart and soul into what you do- and feel no appreciation from your boss. My customers would be really pleased and grateful for what I could do for them, but my (new) boss could care less.

I'm taking Friday off from everything because I will be watching Little William for Katy. She had a conflict with the sitter, and needed someone to help out. My new schedule is Monday-Friday, no Saturdays or Sundays, so it will be hard to help her out.

I bought paint for the living room. I'm so excited. Right now, the walls, ceilings and trim are all painted a flat tan. I can hardly wait to start. The ceiling is going to be white (Yea!), and the walls will be a pretty yellow/green. Clean and a bit bright. I think in the mornings it will look more yellow, and the afternoon/evenings, more green. We'll see. And I have bright white for the trim, including the doors all along the hallway. It will be so nice.

Madeline has a competition in Columbus this weekend. She dances Friday night, all the way through Sunday. It will be a long competition, but it will be fun. We enjoy the time together. (I'd enjoy it a bit more if gas prices came down and I could find a hotel room for under $60 a night).

Well, it is about 11:30- time for bed- Oh I almost forgot- last night we were up really late (even for us)- because we were installing a new (for us) washing machine. Ours broke a week or so ago, and finally stopped altogether last night. We found a great deal on Craig's list, and picked up a Whirlpool front-loader for a fraction of the cost of a new one. It is a relief to have a working washer. One night Bari and I went to the 24 hour coin laundry mat. We had 4 loads. I wouldn't want to do that very often.

So- Happy Mother's Day to all those biological moms- and all those who by choice or cause, have become Mom's to others around them! Love you!

2 blogs in one day- - - this is good news

2009-04-28T20:07:00.002-04:00

Two blogs today. Aren't you excited?

Well, this is news. I had a job offer today. Was I looking for another job? Kind of. Is this a surprise? Well, yes it is.

Last Thursday I was on Craig's List looking for something for Joey, and this Picture Framing job kept coming up. It sounded intriguing, so I sent an e-mail in response. The next day I received a call from someone I had met before I went to work for Ff. This person didn't hire me for his retail framing shop (although I would have been great there). Anyway. He called NOT because of my email- he called because he had hired one of my assistants from Kenwood and she recommended me- AND because he knew who I was and had always REGRETTED not hiring me before. Weird. So I told him about my response and we set up a time to meet.

We met for an hour and a half this morning. It is better money (a little more than I was earning BEFORE my pay cut), extra $$$ to be used for Health Care, vacation and holiday pay, and ( I can't BELIEVE THIS!) it is Monday through Friday - - - - -No SATURDAYS!!!!- - - . I don't think I have EVER had a job that I didn't work some Saturdays. Wow. - - - - I mean - -- Wow. It really seems like a nice environment to work in. I'm really excited.

So, now comes the hard part. I have to tell my boss tomorrow. I hope he doesn't cry.

My sister - - -

2009-04-28T13:57:00.002-04:00

When I was growing up, my older sister Ellen and I were best friends. In fact, we were so close we were called 'the twins'.

This week I was walking through Kroger- just an average day doing average things - and it hit me. Somewhere, my sister was also doing mundane average things too. Somewhere she was shopping for groceries, picking up her mail, driving to work listening to the traffic report on the radio. I'm not really sure where she is.

Also this week I started thinking about a friend of mine who's sister had passed away 5 years ago, sometime around this time of year. It was a surprise, a tragedy for the family. I never knew the sister. But I do know how much she is loved and missed.

My sister is here- somewhere in Michigan- I think. She isn't talking to the family. Or my mom. It is a tragedy for my family. As hard as this is - we (my brother and older sis) and I have come to realize that this is her choice- not ours. She has to live with her choice. Unfortunately, we also have to live with her choices - even more so because it all involves my mom.

My friends sister will not return to this earth. I cannot imagine the feeling of loss - as a sister or as a mother. My heart weeps for them.

I miss my sister. I am in mourning for her friendship. I will always love her.

You're invited

2009-04-17T23:48:00.002-04:00

Next weekend- the 24,25 & 26th, Madeline has a dance competition here in Cincinnati at Winton Woods High School. She dances all three days. The times are approximate- it may be later (even much later) than scheduled - all depending on the other groups and how well they keep to the schedule. The competitions are always free and open to the public.

Friday night she is scheduled at 8pm for her 'Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows' trio tap routine.

Saturday she doesn't dance until 3:30pm with the group tap- 'Flintstones'. In this routine she is Dino the Dinosaur.

Sunday is a long day. Starting at 8:30am with Cinderella (group jazz), 9am Silent all these Years (group lyrical), 10am Shawty get Loose (group hip-hop).
Then a long break (some of the senior team dances) until 9pm when she has her last jazz trio-'Ladies Night'.

I'll update with any scheduling changes.

LIfe is good

2009-04-03T08:09:00.002-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while. Sorry.

Wow- Life is good. Katy/Baby Will/Josh are all doing well. There are the usual bumps in the road of New Babies and New Jobs- but really- it is just fine. They are almost at their one year mark. What a year it has been for them. I'm really proud of Katy, she has decided it is time to address a 'dragon' of her past. I can't explain exactly what it is-maybe sometime later- just let me say, it is a BIG -REALLY big deal that she had finally decided to take action to confront a skeleton in her closet. And I am soooo proud.

Joey- wow again. It is a complete turn around. He and Jillian are still with us. He keeps the living room and downstairs clean- it is amazing. He is fun and funny. He is taking seriously the challenges he has ahead of himself (I think this has motivated Katy to move forward in uncomfortable places in her own life). And he even said prayer at our family meeting on Wednesday. It was really nice to see him such a part of the family. He really has become a good example.

Bari Ray just keeps plugging along and improving with every step. His grades are through the roof. And that is with Early Morning Seminary and TX (theater- performance). I am really proud of him. He doesn't complain (that I know of) -and just tries his best. There was a debate if he was allowed to go to the Reds opening day game. My Bari was wishy-washy about the whole thing with it being a school day and all. I was the one who finally said- of course he should go- My gosh- the kid as worked his butt off- he really deserves to go this year. Yea for him. He is going with Alfonso-his uncle.

Madeline just finished her first competition in Indianapolis last weekend. It went pretty well. The first one is always the hardest. There are quite a few changes that will be made because of the judges suggestions. She really likes the competition side of dance, but she has been asked to do some really hard things this year. The next competition is here in Cinci at Winton Woods HS the weekend of the 24th. It is free to the public. I'll try to post suggested times for her dance routines if you want to go and watch. It is hard- because they rarely dance exactly when the time is.

Sammy just keeps improving- but we still have a long way to go. I met with his 'team' this week, and it is always hard to take that dose of reality. But- like I said, it is not all bad- he is really good in Math, and even his reading comprehention is better than expected. We still need to work on his Social Skills. We see improvements at home. He is more likely to do something that he is asked to do- instead of just pouting or saying no. Speaking of Sam- it is time to get him off to school.

That's the update for now-

Strange . . . . .but true

2009-03-15T23:53:00.003-04:00

This was taken at a family reunion in Gatlinburg last fall. I'm getting better at the picture download thing- but I just lost a couple of images that were originally chosen for this post. Oh well, I'll find them again sometime.

Christmas was fun this year. Especially for the cats. Jonesy is above, Jay below. This was one big cat toy.

So, here is the really strange turn of events. I had a really really good week. Well, everything except work. Anyway, Katy, Josh and little Will are all doing well. They are healthy and happy. Their refrigerator is full of food, and their closets are filled with clean diapers. What more could you ask for?
Joey and Jillian are staying with us right now. I have to say, it has really worked out well so far. On Thursday I came home from a very stress full day to find my living room swept and cleaned. All the kids shoes, bags (dance bags) and stuff- were all put away. I was amazed. Joey had cleaned during the day when we were all working. I washed the dishes and then went to my room for a while because I wasn't feeling well. While I was laying down, Joey put all of the clean dishes away. He kept after the kids when they got home from school to put their things in their own rooms, so the living room stayed clean. Then after supper, he and Jillian cleaned the family room downstairs. You should have seen Bari's face. He couldn't believe it. Keep in mind that Bari and Joey were still staying away from each other a little. There was quite a lot of bad blood between them after we got married, and Bari hasn't approved of how Joey would disrespect me at times. Now, here Joey is, cleaning Bari's house. Bari likes a clean house- keeps trying to have a clean house. Sometimes we are more successfull than others. Now, here is Joey, that without being asked, is not only cleaning and vacuuming, but insisting his little brother and sister keep it picked up too. Like I said, you should have seen the look on Bari's face when he realized that Joey is on the same side in this battle. They are fighting the same war -TOGETHER! who would have thought it. So, not only that, but Joey has been back to work at Kohl's at the warehouse working 6am to 6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 36 hours in 3 days. I am really proud of him. I think he may finally be coming around. He goes to court on Friday and wants to convince the judge that he would be better off living in Allen Co (Lima, Oh) with his dad, and away from all the junk in Clermont Co. We'll see what the judge says, but if he says no, I think it wouldn't be too bad to keep him here for a while.
Tonight everyone was here, all those that still live here, plus Joey and Jillian, and Katy, Josh and Will came by. It was fun to have everyone here. It was really nice to see Joey have conversations with Josh and Bari. Wow.
Is there a difference between Venting, and Complaining? Because, I really want to vent, but not complain. I feel compelled to explain why my job is so hard right now. I mean, I just frame pictures, I don't design rocket engines, or save lives. I frame. But this project is really a bear. One of our designers is commissioned to put artwork on the walls of the Humana office building downtown somewhere. It is 6 floors of artwork. Probably around 150-160 pieces. If the mear number isn't daunting enough, the pieces have to be kept organized by floor and location. It would be very time consuming, if not impossible for the designer to hang each of these pieces in the correct location, if they weren't numbered by floor and specific site. So, on the back we have to remember to put 6- #5 or 3- #2 (sixth floor-piece #5, or third floor -#2). Now, not all the pieces are just framed art posters, some a original artwork created for the space, some are photographs of local scenes and buildings, and about 40-50 are already framed, but we have to put wire on the back for hanging. Non of this would be so hard, except we never have all the artwork we need. The original pieces haven't been delivered yet. Some of the photography was brought by the studio last Thursday by the artist. (and for those, he was signing the mats, so they had to be cut early, and organized so I would know which photo went on which mat in WHICH DIRECTION). The upside there, was that I got to meet J. Miles Wolfe the local photographer who has made a living from photographing iconic Cincinnati images. Nice guy.
ANYWAY- back to the artwork- to top it off, many images are just HUGE!- 32x63- or 45x45. Even with plexi on these instead of glass, they are very heavy because the frames are very heavy at this size.
OK- I've vented enough. But- just to let you know, - - - last Thursday I also got an order from the University of Phoenix to frame 14 pieces for this coming Wednesday (!!!!) I don't have any idea how all of this is going to get done. The big order for Humana is due all this week. Some being delivered on Monday, then on Wednesday and then (hopefully) the rest on Friday (but I doubt it). I still have to figure out how to splice mats for the oversized prints. I've done bunches of them on a regular mat cutter, but ours stinks- and it isn't setup right to cut 60"mats. And I have no idea how to set something up like that on the Wizard Computerized mat cutter.
Well, besides that ----all is well in the world. Oh!! and the best news I got this week, my big sis is coming to visit my Mom for her (Mom's birthday) in early June. Can't wait to see her!

Grammie's Brag Book, Volume I

2009-03-08T19:00:00.010-04:00

Welcome William Drake Colonel

Josh took this in the nursery -

Bari took this with available window light.

Look at the hair!!!

The proud new Grammie with the brand new boy!

The new parents - 'it's only just begun !'

I'll attempt to post pics today. If I am successful, this is Volume I of Grammie's Brag Book.

I went to the hospital Saturday morning- Katy and Josh had a really trying night. I wasn't going to go until later that evening- but the poor kids were exhausted. I stayed until about 10:30 and then spent the rest of the day doing the 'dance mom' thing with Madeline. I have a couple of pics of her in current dance costumes I'll try to download too. Well, when I download the pics- they always turn up at the top of the page and I can't seem to move them. So- another blog on Madeline's dance another time.

She had a small performance in Reading at the Country Club there, and then we ran back to the studio for mock competition. It lasted until about 6. I went back to the hospital at 8pm and decided that I should encourage Josh to go home for the night, and I'd stay with Katy.
It wasn't too bad. I'm just not used to running on such little sleep. I got back to the house at about 9:30am and took a nap until 12:30pm. When I got up there was a little 'display' of cards, ice cream (a pint of Graeters) and red roses. It was really cute. (Happy Birthday to me).

So, I need to catch up on a little laundry- and then it is an early night tonight for me.

Oh, Katy just called, and she will be released tonight, but will let her stay in a 'family room' so she can keep nursing. Will is not going to be released tonight as far as I can tell.

I'll keep updating as we go along - - - - - Thanks for all of your wonderful thoughts and prayers.

March 5th is a good day for a birthday

2009-03-06T06:53:00.003-05:00

Finally! Katy delivered William Drake Colonel, 7lbs 11oz, 20 inches - March 5th, 2009 at 12:48pm by c-section. Wednesday March 4th was a very long day.

She thought that after all the preparation on Tuesday night that she would deliver on Wednesday. But the little pumpkin was turned the wrong way and would not (and believe me- we tried!)- roll the other way. So, the decision was made at about 11:30am Thursday that she would deliver by c-section. She and the baby are doing very well. She had gotten quite a good rest the night before (even though her water was broken at 2am). So she was really ready for something.

He is beautiful (of course!). He looks like Katy (I guess)- but has Josh's chin (a little cleft dimple!). And the LONGEST hair I have ever seen on a baby. My babies all had hair of some kind or another, but nothing like this.

I will get pics posted asap- Bari has to help me with that. Call my cell if you want her address or for me to text a pix to you!!!!
Little Will is here!!!!- OH and she'll be at Mercy Anderson room 356 until Sunday.

We're gonna' have a bo-y! We're gonna' have a bo-y!

2009-03-02T22:24:00.002-05:00

Yep, time and date are ready to be announced. Katy is going to the hospital (Mercy Anderson) Tuesday night, and will be induced Wednesday morning. We're gonna' have a Bo--Y!

She is ready- - I'm not so sure about Josh.

My mom-in-law is going to the hospital tomorrow night to make sure she gets 'settled in'. Isn't she the best????????? I'll go over on Wednesday morning, even though it will probably be a very long day. I'm excited to be able to be there.

It will be hard to concentrate at work tomorrow, but it should go by quickly. Work is really busy, and when I get home I need to finish off all the costume tweeks for this weekend. I've already told my boss that I won't be at work either Wednesday or Thursday. Madeline will be picked up for dance Wednesday and Thursday. Bari has ym on Wednesday and usually takes Sam to Scouts, but we may need to make other arrangements so he an visit the hospital before going home.

Well, all the excitement is tiring me out. I'm going to bed- and hopefully to SLEEP!!!!

Well - nothing ever seems to stay the same around here - - -

2009-02-26T23:53:00.002-05:00

So, where to begin, where to begin.
First off, I'm pretty proud of myself. This was the 3rd day that I drank water (not pop, juice, or 'other') all day. There are some qualifications. It has to be ICE COLD water- WITH ice cubes floating in it. I have successfully overcome this constant need by - ta-da - - -taking a large (1 liter) bottle, filling 2/3 with water and putting it in the freezer. I let it partially freeze, then squeeze the sides so the frozen part breaks loose from the bottle and TA-DA!!!! ice cold water with wonderful floating ice pieces in it! (Wow, a whole paragraph on ice water- I must be desperate).

News on Katy, as of 12:01 am Friday February 27, there is no baby boy. She is complaining of contractions (Braxton/Hicks- false labor), and being tired of being pregnant. Today she actually felt more cramping, and overall pain in her back, etc. It all stopped within a half hour or so. Sounds like this little boy may be here before the 10th after all. Her nursery is done and very cute. She had a couple of Showers over the weekend. It was really nice.

Joey ruined my day off on Wednesday. Yep. I had one of those elusive days off during the week. And he totally screwed up my day. I won't go into details ( at least not like the Ice water paragraph ). He went to see his parole officer, she didn't like some things that he had said, and had been doing. So she had him arrested for parole violations. I can live with that. But, Joey's girlfriend was not prepared for it, and was not handling it well at all. In the end, someone else (not me, or the girlfriend) bailed him out. It was a long ordeal. However. I got a promising call tonight from him. Joey is trying to arrange things so he could go and live with his dad for a while. He called his dad (!) and asked him to find out about drug rehab classes and anger management classes. (!!!!). He is going to present all of this info to his parole officer on Monday and see if she will release him to attend classes in Allen Co. Wow- a GOOD decision for Joey. I am still in a wait and see mode, but at least he is trying to get out of Clermont Co and all the junk there.

Oh, I have been working on making costumes for one of Madeline's dances. It is the Flintstones. She is Dino, the other 2 jr tap girls are Baby Pus (the cat that puts Fred out at night) and Hoppy ( the kangaroo/dinosaur who watches Pebbles and Bam-Bam). The Sr. tap girls are the 4 main characters, and the 2 mini tappers are the kids. Needless to say, you can't order the 'pets' costumes on line, they have to be made. I was really worried about the tails, but it is finally working out pretty well. Their Mock Competition is March 7, so everything is supposed to be done by then. We'll see.

Well, there is always more news, but this is enough for now. I'm really tired, and I' better try to get some sleep (between the hot flashes and all)!!!!

Facebook?

2009-02-14T06:58:00.002-05:00

So, Bari is trying out this Facebook thing. It seems like all of you are there already. I guess I need to get my own page. It looks like a fun way to keep in touch. And I certainly feel 'out of touch' most of the time.
Everytime I try to Google - Facebook- I just end up with Bari's page. I can't seem to find a place to start my own. I'll keep trying, but any ideas?

3 in the morning- - - - I'm eating Pop Tarts

2009-02-04T03:08:00.002-05:00

It's 3 in the morning, I've been awake since 2:30. I need something to nibble on ( dinner was at 5:30 tonight- that was a l-o-n-g time ago). I don't know where the Pop Tarts came from. I don't buy them. I really don't buy much snacky food. And if I did - Pop Tarts still wouldn't be on the list.

So, we got what- ? another 8 inches of snow today? Wow- the first predictions were 1 - 3 inches. This was soooooo wrong. Now, we have another 2 hour delay tomorrow. Yuck. I'd rather have school cancelled, than a 2 hour delay. Tomorrow, I'll get to work at 11 and leave at 3 (!!!!!).

OK- I have a funny story. Last Sunday I was in my class of CTR's- there were 8 I think. Anyway, they were so good for me, we were talking about Joseph's first vision. I was trying to find the book of James in the Bible. How hard is that? Well, I couldn't find it. They were being good- waiting as patiently as any 6 year-olds could. And I got frustrated and said, " oh, heck". Well, you should have heard them!!! " Sister Cruze said- - - the 'H' word!". " Sister Cruze said a bad word! She said the 'H' word!" Oh, my. Somehow in my memory, the 'h' word ISN'T - HECK! How funny.

Well, it is about 3:30, I'm still not tired. I guess I'll read a little bit before I try to go back to bed. - Oh, Katy had a good check up. She is going in twice a week now. Her blood pressure was up a little. The dr she saw said that they would probably induce on her due date if that continued to be a problem. Her due date is March 10. You should have heard her complain tonight. It was as if no other woman had gone through 8 months of pregnancy before. I told her she could only complain AFTER her 4th delivery (like me!).

Any Joey news would not be good. His parole officer called me because he missed an appointment with her this morning. Big trouble. Choices - Consequences. I don't know what it will take for him to learn this.

Well, off to bed (or the couch to read). And I could sleep in tomorrow- we already have a 2 hour delay!

a great week-- - --REALLY !

2009-01-26T05:40:00.002-05:00

I've had 2 really good weeks - in a row! Yep, very little drama, and some great dates with my husband.

Might as well get the Joey news out of the way first. After the 'bad' blog, he came and stayed with us for about 3 days. He had a BAD cold- really bad. I don't know if it was a type of withdrawal and cold together- but it was disgusting. Anyway, that was when the weather was terribly cold outside, and the basement of our house became North Siberia. Bari Ray has a little heater in his room, but I don't have any more to give Joey. So, he finally left for warmer climates. I didn't hear from him for a week, (Hmm- can we say- 'back to the same old pattern?')- and then he called and said he was looking for a job- needed to do his community service, and needed money. (Yes, back to the same old pattern). I have gotten over feeling bad about not helping him. He will be 22 in 2 weeks. Somehow Joey has got to make it in this world. At 22 I was living with my parents, BUT- I had just graduated college, was painting everyday, and showing my watercolors at art shows and galleries.

Ok- enough of that- on to my really great week. The Friday before last I had a DAY OFF ! Yes!! a WHOLE day- with NO children! No weddings- no travel anywhere (w-o-w). I was able to work on wedding production all day, and play with a trial wedding album program. The best part (although I do like doing wedding computer stuff)- was that I watched my fave soap at lunch, while reading my fave author (during commercials) and treating myself to HOT chocolate pudding. Wow. What a day.

Then, as if that wasn't enough, on that Saturday night, Bari and I had a DATE! we went out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Tri-county near my store. It was pretty good. We will go back again sometime soon I hope. After dinner, we went to see what was on clearance at one of the stores that are going out of business. We need to upgrade the computer downstairs. It is getting to the point where we need more memory for all the programs needed for the wedding business.
It was a really nice evening.

On Wednesday, I got to go to Sam's scout meeting and talk 'art' with them. They were so cute. I was able to show them paintings that Sam's Grandpa (my Dad) and his Grandma (my Mom) had done. I also showed them one of my watercolors, and Sam's Derby car that I framed from last year. It was fun. I give huge thanks - and hugs and kisses- and any other heartfelt love and admiration to Heather and Karlin for taking on that group of boys. They are a handful- fun, but a handful.

Saturday I went with Bari to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center and attended seminars and a trade show at the Professional Photographers Association Mid-East States Expo. It was really great. I only had a 1 day pass, but next year, I will try to get to more. We had really good Seminars. The first was all about turning photography into fine art- his artwork was incredible, and very motivating. We ran into friends of ours at the trade show and were able to catch up and 'talk biz'. The trade show was small, but very helpful. We have contracted with a web design company who will help up design and manage a new web site (I'm soooo excited). They also do online hosting, so we can post our wedding images. There will be some manipulating with printing and shipping, whether we use their labs or not, who will ship prints and things like that- but it was a great step forward. Bari was also able to purchase some equipment we needed at a discount price. Trade shows are really good with bargains, you just have to know what you need.

Then on Sunday, Madeline had an awards program we had to go to. One of her drawings from school was entered in the Reflections program through the PTO. She won first place in her grade category (1st grade through 5th). Her piece was sent on to Hamilton County where it placed for an award, and then sent on to the Ohio competition. So, that was pretty exciting. We knew how it did locally, but not that it won on the County level, or that it was sent on to the Ohio state level. Next year I want to get Sammy involved. He is really good at drawing, and I think that he would enjoy photography more, if he had his own camera. Hmmmm- I'll have to look into that.

So, here it is 6am on Monday. I've been up since about 4:50am. I don't know why so early, except I was able to clean up the kitchen (which I neglected last night- we looked at sample web pages instead- which was MUCH more fun), and blog.

- - --------I just got a recorded message from St. X- school is delayed an hour. I'd better get done with this and check the school listings for delays!

Have a great week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My unspectacular list- - - -aka 'less drama blog'

2009-01-10T15:57:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking about this list for a L O N G time (funny obsessiveness is not on my list)- and I think I finally came up with 5 things.

#1. I'm a news junkie. When I was growing up, my parents subscribed to 4 newspapers. 1 Weekly paper, 2 daily papers and 1 Sunday paper. The also took Time Magazine. My dad (had he been living today) would have been obsessed with Headline News. I know this, because I am.

#2. My secret perfect job is to be the voice-over announcer for those old animal documentaries. 'The big cats are asleep on the desert floor . . . . . a Mongoose not far away'. Mongoose? I hope I wouldn't need to actually KNOW about the animals- just read the copy.

#3. I want to be funny, you know, like Heather, and Erma Bombeck. And Roseanne Barr when she first started. I'm not near as funny as I'd like to be. It is a struggle for me. I'm always trying to say funny and clever things to the cashiers I'm in contact with at Kroger or Meijer. Much to the dismay of my children. Maybe that's why they don't shop with me anymore.

#4. My favorite foods are anything a l m o s t burnt. The stuck-to-the-pan roast pieces are my favorite. Same with rice and even soup. It must have come from my upbringing. No, my mom wasn't a bad cook- she was just an OVER cooker. I've inherited this trait. I'll cook something, and then microwave it 'just to be sure'. That's why I don't make brownies.

#5. My favorite snack food are potato chips. BUT they have to be brown (browner than normal-see #4), and thick, and wavy and it is a rare and treasured find - FOLDED! Yes, it's true (and a bit sick). My new treat is to (this has nothing to do with potato chips by-the-way)- toast bread, butter it when it is still hot and immediately add a little brown sugar. Yum! The brown sugar melts in your mouth- yum-yum. Someone suggested I add a little cinnamon to the recipe, but I'm too lazy. That is just one too many ingredients to add.

Well, that's my list, I hope it was worth waiting for.- It was fun.

I need to write blessings - this is long

2009-01-09T22:33:00.004-05:00

I've had a very bad week. In every way, it has been disappointing, challenging, and depressing.

I need to write blessings.

In just a minute- because I still have a little venting to do.

The first disappointment was finding out that one of the other managers earns more than I do. She left the company 5 years ago. I took over the store. She came back to work at Tri-Co. and then, after a year, got her original store back. I moved. This is a big deal because I have been told for 5 years, that the company cannot afford raises. Nada- nothing . For 5 Years. It was a slap in the face to me. Bari said he was surprised that I didn't walk out. I'm a little surprised too. Then again, I'm working on a really (R E A L L Y) cool golf shadowbox.

I can eventually get over it. I probably almost am already.

Then the worst of my suspicions and More- came to my bad week. I visited with Jillian, Joey's so-called girlfriend. I hadn't seen or heard from him since New Years Eve. I already suspected the worst- he was back with his old friends and using and selling drugs. Well, no. I was wrong. It was MUCH worse. Jillian suspects him of using Heroin. I still cry. I can hardly speak when I think of the possibility of this being true. I have no reason to doubt her.
I can't express how angry I am about all of this. I'm angry that I have to go through all the muck of not blaming myself for his bad choices. I have to go through all the stupidity of trusting/not trusting, believing/not believing him. There was a whole day when I was sick to my stomach and cryed in the ladies room.

Update- Joey called today. He sounded bad (tired, mumbling) and wanted to come home on Sunday. I am numb. I was not happy to hear from him. How is that possible? I am still very angry. Talking to him on the phone doesn't stop me from imagining him over dosing somewhere.

When he was in jail, every night I thought about him trying to go to sleep in -what I was sure was- a loud, bright room with other noisy men. Now, I wonder where in the heck he is. Who is he staying with. If something happens, will I even know about it? I'm mad.

I'm not stupid, I knew the chances of him getting out and really staying clean were 2- slim, and none.

That was not the end of my week. Oh, no. My new boss came into the store on Thursday and met with each of us. There are going to be changes, yes, changes goin' on here! Starting with the employees. Yep. If the store makes money, Ken makes money, Ken is happy. If the store makes money, the employees make money. If the employees make money, they are happy. Yep. Whatever.

I was given a $2 an hour decrease in wages. DECREASE. I was also given a commission rate of 5% of anything I sell. Great. This is the slowest time of the year. And I hadn't gotten a raise in 5 years! so, I'm now at an hourly rate that is L O W E R than any starting rate for framers in the city. With the POSSIBILITY of making more- M U C H more than I did before.

Can any one say RECESSION?

So now we get to today. I have a meeting at Children's Hospital to go through all the testing and make a game plan. Ok. Bari can't make it, of course, so I am by my self with the burden of the week hanging off my very being. The Dr tells me that yes, Sam does have a form of Autism.

This was not a surprise. But it came at a very bad time. I didn't cry until I got in the car.

This is a good place to start counting blessings. Sam is challenged with lack of social skills, speech and communication. All of those concerns are teachable/treatable. He is able to learn correct social skills, speech usage and be a better communicator. He is already a smart, funny kid. It will only get better.

Blessings. At work. I will only work from 9am to 3pm most days. If I suggest my regular customers come in at that time, I could (possibly) make more money than the original hourly wage. Blessing-2. I still have a job. Blessing-3. I still get to do awesome framing, like make a golf ball sit in a 'cup' deep in a shadowbox frame. It is cool.

Blessings. At home. I have a caring husband who would do every thing in his power to make this all go away and have his happy peaceful wife back. I love my husband. He bought me ice cream, and (no kidding- I really was happy)-Brussels Sprouts- In Butter!

Blessings. My kids. Overall, my kids are doing quite well. Making good decisions. Happy with their choices. All of Katy's appointments have been exceptional. She is more healthy now than she normally is! Blessing-2. Katy and I went up to Clyde to visit my mom last weekend. We had the best time!

Blessings. My church kids. I only have had them 1 week, but how cute are they! I have a bunch to teach- but I am looking forward to it.

We live, grow and evolve. We are separate but still part of our emotional muck. Thank goodness there is a new day every day, a new week- new year. I am grateful.

Happy New Year

2008-12-28T21:16:00.003-05:00

I had visions of actually blogging my 'Christmas Tag' and 'unremarkable' tag all at the same time. Wrong- and it isn't really called the 'unremarkable tag' either, I just can't remember at the moment what it is. See, I'm brain dead (again). ---Unspectacular--Blog??
The 2 weeks before Christmas, I worked over 50 hours each. And Christmas week (even with Christmas Eve - half day, and Christmas {which is now an UNPAID holiday}), I still came in with 40+ hours. So, yes, I am grateful I have a job, but had failed to recognize that I now work for Scrooge Mc Duck. Apparently, his employees are supposed to save up their personal days, or vacation days, for Christmas. Unfortunately, we have not worked for the company long enough to support vacation time off, and, (AND) only FULL TIME employees get paid vacation days. FULL time is 43 hours a week. Bah- Humbug.

Enough of that- Christmas was really nice. We went to Mt Healthy on Christmas Eve and visited a live Manger scene. There are life sized, life like models of the Wise Men, Joseph, Mary, the baby and maybe a shepherd. The animals are neat to see. The kids had just watched the Nativity video in primary, so I had the chance to talk with Sammy about how they really had to prepare the 'barn' for Christ's birth. There were lots of people there, but it wasn't too bad. At least this year there weren't any drunk people singing Happy Birthday.

Christmas Day was nice. They slept in until about 9:15. I guess Sam was up earlier, but went back to bed, yea! for older kids! It was a low key Christmas, we have never done a lot with the kids, and this year wasn't any different.

In the early afternoon we went over to Katy's house. Joey and his girlfriend, Katy and Josh, Sam, Madeline, and Bari Ray all exchanged presents. They draw names and try to keep it all a secret from each other. It is cute to watch what they come up with, and how they try to figure out who has whom. Before dinner, we all went to Bari's mom's house in Anderson. Linda and Al had a huge buffet dinner all prepared. Al's niece from Panama, and her 2 children were there. We were told that they didn't speak any English, but that wasn't at all true. They speak very well. Madeline and Marie (who is 10) are now joined at the hip. The boys stayed over Thursday night, but Madeline came home. Friday morning she went with me to Katy's ultrasound and got to see and hear the baby. It was fun. Katy is doing very well.

After I dropped Madeline off at Grandma Linda's I picked up Bari from work and we shot a wedding in Saltair. Yes, we do get all the exotic locations around the Greater Cinci area. The reception was at Pattison Park Lodge, (for those of you who don't know, that is just outside Owensville). It was the ugliest day you could have chosen for a wedding. It was cold (December, remember? Dark, (December). And rainy (snow would have been better). The church was a typical brick type. The inside was decorated for Christmas, and it was really pretty, so that helped quite a lot. We got home from the wedding at 12:30 or 1am. I worked the next morning- actually, we both worked the next morning. Saturday evening, Bari brought both boys home, and left Madeline. She says she isn't coming home until she has learned Spanish.
That brings us to today. It was our last Sunday with this class. Next week we will have a different group of CTR's. I'll miss these chatter-box, excited, expressive kids. They were great.
I promptly fell asleep on the couch after lunch for a little while, then got up and went to the bedroom expecting to 'nap' and ended up sleeping for 2 TWO! hours!

Oh, and I have failed to mention that sometime on Thursday my kitchen sink became clogged. It is Sunday 10 pm and still clogged. We have taken apart the pipes under the sink, and put them back together. Who knows. It is such a pain. I wish I were more handy around the house.

So, I hope your Christmas, and New Years are full of fun and family. Ours certainly are.

News flash- -

2008-12-10T22:15:00.002-05:00

Hey Ya'll- just a quick blog of upcoming news and information.

Some of you wanted to be told when we had positive information on Josh's baptism. Katy called tonight with the exact time (I had the date, but not time). The baptism will be in the Clough Pike building, Cherry Grove Ward at 5 pm next Sunday. (It's really on Ferguson Rd if you want to Google it). His Confirmation will be the following Sunday during church (which is also at 9am). Bari and I will be speaking at the baptism (come anyway). I don't know who will perform the baptism or the confirmation. As luck would have it, her dad and step mom will probably be visiting that Sunday, too.

Time for bed- it's Christmas and time for 12 hour days-no day's off (except Sunday- when I'm giving a talk-and teaching the class-and something else, I'm sure).

2008-12-02T13:33:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't updated for a while. It's stupid, but I don't like to blog unless I'm the only one at home. Everything just gets too confusing if the kids are at home, and somehow, Bari has tonz to talk to me about at the same time if he's home. So, it is just the Sam-boy home with me this afternoon.

He had another appointment at Children's this morning. It was with the Psychologist. They met for about an hour and a half, had a little break and then met again for another hour or more. All of this was to help assess if Sam has Autism. I met with Dr Mack after Sam was done. Dr Mack didn't have the Speech assessments, but from his testing today, he saw little or no indication of Autism. He did say Sam is a 'very interesting child'. Yes, I agree. But everything that was an indicator of some challenge, could be directed to his ADD, and not Autism. He is recommending Educational testing, he thinks Sam has learning disabilities of some kind. This also can be attributed to the ADD. We have the final meeting in early January where all of the information is in one report, and recommendations are made at that time.

More news. Joey is home with us. He came home the day before Thanksgiving, when the rest of us were up North (aka: The Great White North) with my mom. I had mixed feelings when he was released. The judge originally said that Joey wouldn't get any more 'chances' - he had to make restitution for everything up to that moment in court- the 180 days and all that. Now, the same judge said, 'well, I don't ever do this but........I'll let you out, but you have to still full fill the probation requirements you had originally.' I'm afraid that Joey will never learn that he has to finish anything-----. He always seems to get away with something. Well, on the bright side, he got out Wednesday, spent the weekend between our house and his girlfriends, and went to church with Katy on Sunday. Monday had an appointment with his probation officer, filled out job applications, and today went on an interview and was hired at a factory near Middletown. Unfortunately, he goes in at 3:30 pm and works till 1am. He Can't Drive. So, what do I do? He is really trying hard to get a legit job, and there isn't much out there. So, do I drive him and make my husband not-so-happy (it's unfair to say Bari would be mad-), or do I not drive Joey, and make him try to find something else-and look like I'm not supporting him the whole time. Just because he gets this doesn't mean he has to stay if something else better comes along. And it also doesn't mean he will always have those hours. Although, if you have any idea of my schedule, those are probably the only hours I could take him somewhere. Anyway, I have to admit, that although it is really hard to have him at my house, it does seem like things may be getting a little better for him. The road is long in his case, but right now, he really seems to be trying to do the right things to move forward in his life.

Katy is feeling well, Joey even felt the little guy moving around. She is a cute little-momma-to-be. Josh is laid off for at least a month. They were doing ok with it all until there were problems with the heath insurance coverage. Because of all the specialists that she sees, it is a major concern. They are counseling with their bishop, and he is helping them through this. It is nice to know that she has a good relationship with him and can go to see him for whatever council she needs. Josh has been taking the discussions with the Missionaries, and has a tentative baptism date of Dec 15. They seem to be happy together, even with such big trials so early in their marriage.

I know I have some kind of other news, but I'm tired, and my brain is mush. Oh, and Sam has come into the kitchen and wants my attention- what did I say about writing ALONE in the house?

My job is ok. Busy isn't even the word for it. Being 'caught up' with my projects is impossible, there is always something more to do for someone. Both of the designers we work with are placing big orders that they need next week, and then one of the other stores took a large commercial order for the University of Phoenix. Along with the frames and mats we cut daily for the other stores, and our own orders. At least now, we can send the big framing orders to the Fab Frames Montgomery store and let them cut and join, we'll mount, glass and finish-fit. It really helps. There is a Christmas party at the new owners house in a couple of weeks, it should be interesting. This week is Bari's Christmas party. There just isn't enough time (another reason I haven't blogged). And the reason I need to go---- love you all!!!!!

ps---to my favorite Gordonfan- I will address your tag another day- (sometime soon I promise)- and I think Chelle tagged me too- - - -Sorry!!!!

Not every day is this busy- - - what was I thinking?

2008-11-11T16:02:00.002-05:00

Keep in mind that my day isn't over yet.

6:30am- wake up, start making Madeline's lunch
wake up Madeline
wake up Sammy
find clothes for Sammy, and encourage him to put them on
clothe myself

7:10am- Bari comes in from taking Bari Ray to seminary

7:13am- I leave for Children's Hosp.
7:45am- appt with the psychology dept for Sam

9:10am- pick up Sam and drop him off at school (only a little late)
9:40am- get to work
- fix paperwork for my boss
- cut 2 Double multi-opening mats on the Wizard

3pm- Leave work
3:30pm- get home
- pick up living room- wait for plumber
- start supper

4pm- Sam is home from school
- wait for plumber

- - - - -it is now 4:10- the plumber is late - - - -so should go the rest of my day - - -

4:20 -- Leave to pick up Madeline from Art Club at school
4:45pm- back home-
- finish making dinner
- help with homework ( if Sammy doesn't finish his workbook packet, he won't be allowed to go to Webelows tomorrow)

5:45pm- leave to go to Sammy's school

6pm - Conference with Sam's teachers (all of them)

6:20pm - back home
6:30 - leave for church

7pm - Meet with Bari at church for our Dave Ramsey class tonight

9pm- leave class

9:20- get home and (hopefully) find all the kids in bed already. (Most of the time they are)

10Pm - CRASH!!!!!!!

Where is the plumber?????????????????

What next ???????????

2008-10-30T17:58:00.002-04:00

I only have a couple of minutes to update the drama in my life, and yes there is drama.

Sammy had his speech tested at Children's hospital on Monday. I have no idea how it went. I was a little surprised at some of his answers, but then again, when am I not surprised at Sammy? I'll let you know when I hear anything about the testing.

I also heard from Joey. He is doing as well as anyone could in his circumstance. It is hard to talk to him. I don't know what to say most of the time. All I can do is encourage him to try to go to the church, and educational meetings as much as possible. I think of him every day. Mostly at night when it is time for bed. I think of him in his 'room' and how noisy and uncomfortable it must be there.

When I got back to work Tues (after taking off Monday for Sam), I got the big news. Yes, BIG news. I can hardly stand it. - - - - -My store (all the Fastframe franchises in Cincinnati) were sold- SOLD-- - - S-O-L-D. To the owners of Fabulous Frames and Art. They have 3 locally owned stores in Cincinnati. The new owners are closing the West Chester store, and laying off one employee (not me)- . I've heard that everything is supposed to stay the same for 'a while'. We are all assuming that means 'through Christmas'. But we don't know for sure.
The new owners are taking over this coming SATURDAY. Yep, November the 1st. Not a lot of time to tie up loose ends or anything. And to really make it difficult(er) - (which isn't a word)- we are finishing up an order from one of the designers. It is a bear- large canvases we stretched, painted the sides and float - framed. My arms hurt most every night.

So, once again, I hate DRAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The big news- - - - drum roll please .........

2008-10-23T18:50:00.002-04:00

I only have a minute to blog-

Here's the news, Katy had her sonogram this morning, and - - - - - -
it's a BOY!!!!!

She's doing well. There are more tests and dr's appointments mid November- we'll find out more about any Preclampsea (sp) then. Right now things are Fabulous. -

I think I like 'grammie'-( for now anyway. )

More news later-

Wednesday Evening

2008-10-15T18:56:00.003-04:00

I've wanted to update this for a couple of days. Tonight Madeline is at dance until 8:30, Sam, Bari Ray and Bari are at church. It is almost 7, so I only have an hour and a half to myself. It's kind of like sending your first child off to Kindergarten, and imagining the day without him. And then realizing that it's half-day Kindergarten, and he is only gone about 4 hours.

So I have a little bit of time to catch up. Katy is feeling really good. She feels the baby move all the time. It is such an exciting time for them. I'm glad it is all very boring and normal. Next week, on Thursday she has an ultrasound and will find out the sex. I'm looking forward to it.

Joey is all settled in his new digs- for the next 6 months. He is taking it well, with a good dose of humility. He has a good friend, Jillian who is being the 'voice of reason' right now. She's been telling him that this is the time to make a plan for when he gets out. What does he want to do, and how can he accomplish it? For some reason, it is better coming from her than from me. Oh well, I don't care as long as he finally gets THE MESSAGE, and grows up. Katy and I went to see him last Saturday, it was emotionally draining. I finally told the kids on Saturday morning. They took it pretty well, had a few questions, and got just a little teary when they realized that he wouldn't be around for the holidays. But all in all, they know Joey is doing the right thing, and this does not reflect on them.

It is now Thursday and I'm going to try to finish this before any more children come home from school. My blogging was interrupted by a 45 minute call from my loving husband who missed me, and wanted to talk.

Soooo- Bari Ray is in a play at McAuley High School. Anyway, the girls school is always looking for guys who are willing to do male rolls in their theater productions. He seems to be enjoying it. (Ha)- it is Pride and Prejudice.

I'm almost through my 2nd week at the Tri-county store. I miss Pam and Cristyn. Really badly. I do like the woman I work with, but there is a little adjustment going on. She talks ALL THE TIME. And she doesn't own a TV, so she talks all the time and repeats her self. And she doesn't even know what Project Runway is! I forgot my aspirin today. It was bad. She's a good framer though, and she is nice, and not too crabby. (Most framers are crabby - just so you know). So, I'm sure it will all work out - but I miss Pam and Cristyn anyway. Oh- Chelle- I did have a customer go to Kenwood, ask where I was, and then come to Tri- Co. to find me. AND he had something fairly interesting to frame. I'll get over this, at some point, but right now it's hard.

Well, time's up, I need to heat up some Chili for Madeline before she goes off to dance. Sam should be in the door at any time, it's time to put on the Mom Hat- - - - -- well-----Make that the Super Mom Hat!!!!!!!!!!

What goes up.........

2008-10-08T15:39:00.003-04:00

Monday afternoon I was on my bed doing a little reading, just trying to relax a little. I could hear the local High School band through one window, and the next door neighbor (5th Grader) practicing his Clarinet through the bathroom window. It was just a little 'home-towny' for me. I love that stuff.
Monday was my first day at the Tri-county store. It was fine. I worked with my boss and finished framing about 15 pieces for one of the designers. Good thing I already know how to frame. So far, the hardest part is standing on concrete all day. There are some rubber mats by the framing tables, but it is still hard on my feet. The other challenge is taking a break for lunch. I'm spoiled, and used to getting my stool to sit on and my book and having a few minutes to eat and a little down time. Rose (who I work with every day except Mondays) stands by the microwave and eats her lunch in about 10 minutes. Hmmmmmmmmmmm- I'll have to make some kind of compromise. Other than that, it is ok. There really is always lots to do. I have learned how to use their frame joiner (it is different than the machine in Kenwood), and today I used the Wizard mat cutter for the first time. It will be fun to experiment with different types of openings. It will get better. It's not so bad.

Katy had a really good Dr's appointment. I can't remember everything he said, but she had gained weight, and looked fine.

Joey had his Court date today. The judge asked him if he wanted to postpone the hearing so he could get a Public Defender, but Joey said no. I got a call from one of his friends, because he didn't want me to go. Anyway, Joey just wanted to get all of this over with, so he didn't defend himself, and basically wanted to go to jail. He wants to start fresh when he comes out, without any probation, or meetings, or anything. In fact, he wants to move away from Cincinnati.
He spent a few minutes with Katy last night, and was really sorry he wouldn't be around when the baby is born. He really likes kids, and is looking forward to being an uncle for the first time. Katy said he patted her belly at least twice (she isn't t-h-a-t big yet)- and gave her 3 giant bear hugs. She said he didn't do that after she got back from Russia! It breaks my heart that he has made such bad choices, and that he will miss so much. But I want him to take responsibility, and this is one way he can.

I'm adding a little more to this post. I spoke with Joey tonight. He is in the Clermont Co. Jail. He was sentenced to 179 days. He kept saying, 'Mom, my release date is 4-4-09. My release date is 4-4-09.' Yep, that is a long way off, 6 months or so. He has a lot of time to do some serious thinking about his future, and what he needs to accomplish in his life. Katy is trying to get in contact with the Bishop in that area, so he can visit Joey. It seems like right now he really needs a support group that will help him gain back the self esteem he has lost through this whole awful relationship and unbelievably poor choice of friends and money. It will be a long road to the end of this incarceration. We'll see what happens.

I need a little Alone Time- - - and Ice Cream . . . . .

It's a day off- well, not really. . . . . .

2008-10-02T11:16:00.002-04:00

I've been spending this morning reading everyone's blogs. I tried to take a nap first. That didn't happen. Now, all of you young mom's with little ones still at home. You know who you are, you're thinking it will all be wonderful when your kids go off to school, or (even better) married and out of the house. You can do what ever you want- - even TAKE an nap! Well - hold on a minute- Yes, my kids are all out of the house for school or whatever. So, what happens? I'm all curled up with the cats, thinking happy thoughts, and I get a call from Katy. She knew I was home today, but never in a million years would have thought I'd be TAKING A NAP- I just don't do those kinds of things. (and there is a reason why- - - ). So, I finish my conversation with her, settle back in with the cats, and the phone rings again. Joey. I hadn't heard from Joey for at least a week. I promised myself that I wouldn't panic this time. But I did want to answer the call. We spoke for a little while, and when we were finished, I just decided that I had better get up and get MOOVIN' - cause, I wasn't getting anything done just lying around. Hmmmm.

So, Joey's news. He has put in some of his Community service time, but not all. And he hadn't made a new appointment with his councilor at the Alcoholism Council yet. He has a court date on the 8th, and he said he just wanted to go to jail, pay his debt and try to come out clean and ready for a new start. I told him I would support him in what ever he decided. I know this sounds terrible, (no Mother of the Year AGAIN!!)- but I'll be relieved and less stressed if he goes to jail. I worry every time I hear of any crime, robberies, shootings, accidents in Clermont Co. At least I'll know where he is. I am also aware that it is likely that he will come out with even more information on drugs and crime, than when he went in. It is, and always has been his choice on what to do in any situation. Including this one. So, I'll update after the 8th on Joey and the courts decision.

I've spent the morning not only going through blogs- - -I miss the Apple Festival EVERY darn year!!!! My grandpa had an apple farm, I'd love to go to the festival sometime.

Anyway, I was looking up suggestions for Baptism talks on line, and got a couple of good ideas. Jackson is being baptized after conference this Sunday. Bari and I will be speaking. I'm looking forward to it. He is such a cutie.

Now, I'm heating the oven for lunch, I've already made plans for dinner, and when I'm done (eating- and blogging)- I HAVE to clean my front closet. It is total disaster- so much so, that I don't trust the kids to do it. And I need to clean under the fish tank, where all the games are stored.

SOOOO- that is my day off- no wedding production today (although Bari signed 2 new wedding contracts this week- for October and November weddings!!)- so, I am cleaning and working around the house.

Does this still mean it is my day off???

OOOOOOOhhhhhhh my gosh, I almost forgot to update on the whole work issue. Yesterday Bruce came to my store and told me about the meeting he had with Marty. It was pretty much what I thought. Marty is all business, and business is not good. Also, Marty is all about keeping an even playing field, if I get 4 weeks, there should be others who get 4 weeks. (I figured all this out too), AND- - - if I'm only working 30 hours (or less) I've become part time, and the part time people don't even get vacation. Oops. Actually - I thought of that too, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from asking. Now. I might loose all of my paid vacation next year. We'll see. I have a plan for that, too. Anyway, Bruce was able to negotiate 3 payed days for me. That was a lot more than I expected. That Bruce, he's a good guy.

THEN- -- Bruce told me a funny story. Bruce went to his office Sunday to do a little work, and he saw an Email from Corporate Fastframe. It said, 'you should read this'. Well, to make a long story short, he opened the attachment, and low and behold, it was MY BLOG! Bruce didn't know what it was at first, and had to figure it all out, but what happened, is that the company (this is common practice) does Internet searched to find their names associated to dialog about their products, etc. Blogspot is a public domain, so there weren't any blocks, and Fastframe picked up on it. Well, like I said, he read it and then told his wife, that what I had written was almost word perfect of what I had told him at out meeting. I guess, if anything, my integrity was intact after all of this. Weird, isn't it? Starts making you think of Big Brother (no, not the tv show). Well, anyway, I'm off to Tri-County with a much better attitude, and enthusiasm. Oh, I did ask Bruce if he read the comments, because they were really good. He didn't answer, too bad. I wonder if corporate will send him this one, too. Fastframe-- -Fastframe- - - - Fastframe!!!!!

the Job ........ Part II

2008-09-27T22:06:00.002-04:00

So, after much debate with Bari and all the little voices in my head I made some interesting discoveries.
1. My job is flexable - - -FLEXABLE- -- - I can leave for a couple of hours in the middle of the day (under certain conditions) and not be repremanded, or fired.

2. Money is not the most important thing. This was a BIG suprize (especially with Madeline's 10 (TEN) dance classes this year).

3. Spending time with my family is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.

4. The ability to schedule my work around weddings and wedding meetings is SECOND in importance to me right now.

5. All the confusion came into the picture after the job interview. I wasn't really happy about leaving Kenwood, but I certainly wasn't confused about it.

With all that figured out. (Thank you for all the support, I know I was a little testy about it, but I really did appreciate it). Anyway, with all that figured out, I met with my boss on Friday. I was working alone, so it was really easy to call him and ask him to stop by. The conversation was pretty simple. I told him I had the opportunity to leave Fastframe and take a framing position with another company. That I felt that even though I made scheduling difficult for him sometimes, I did take my responciblilites seriously, would go back to work late at night after the kids were in bed if need be. I have always been the Senior framer, taking on the most complicated pieces and giving advice to the other framers if they got in trouble with their projects. I also told Bruce that I knew he had been loyal to me through the years, allowing me to take extra days off if needed, and changing my schedule to accomidate the kids activities.

Most of all, I told him that I was just going to be honest and not play games concerning this job offer. I said that I always was straight forward with what I needed and expected the same from him. If I ask for a bonus, then I expect that request taken seriously, and that he would do his best to fight for me when he relayed this to his boss. I also said that if he - after taking my request to the owner- came back and said that it just wasn't possible, I would trust him to be truthful.

We had quite a talk. Bruce went on for a while about why none of us had gotten raises, etc. I expected this. I told him it wasn't about the money. What I really wanted was another week of paid vacation. It would be such a benefit to be able to take off more time and not lose pay over it. It's not like I stay home and watch soaps when I'm off. Usually I'm helping Katy or Joey with their appointments and meetings.

Anyway, Bruce said that he would talk to Marty about it. That's all I can ask.

I'm not going to Deck the Walls. I'm going to Tri-County, even if I don't get the extra week. If the kids that are at home were older, or out of the house. I would take the offer. But right now, I need the flexability more than anything else. I doubt if the new job could offer that, and I would feel terrible (and stressed) if there was a problem and had to leave during my shift. I'm going to call him Monday and thank him for his time and consideration, but I'm staying.

I feel calm again.
That's a good sign.

When do I not have news?

2008-09-26T00:01:00.002-04:00

So, I have exhausted myself whining and moaning about the change in storefronts. I tried to really look at the positive. I even got really tired of everyone telling me to look for the positive. Then, the very next day - in the morning - something really weird happened.

I was back at work. It was really slow so my assistant for the day, Lynne, and I were examining all points and pieces of my upcoming move, when the front door bell rang. I went out front and met the man who had come in the door. He immediately told me that he wasn't a customer, and I immediately thought, 'well, he must be a vendor'. I was wrong. He introduced himself as Ken, the owner of the Deck the Walls store, just down the road from me. Hmmmmm. This was odd, very odd. We spoke for a while about the stores and the economy. Then Ken said that he was looking for more help in his store, and if I knew any one who FRAMES and would be interested, to give him a call. Well, we had a little discussion. I told him I was supposed to change stores, and that I might be interested, but I had a specific schedule that was hard to work around. I told him what it was- 9 to 3 every day, No Sundays, 1-2 Saturdays a month. He said I should call him, that wasn't a deal breaker, and that we should talk. I spoke with Bari a little later that day and set up an interview with Ken for Thursday (my day off).

So, today I met with Ken again. We went through all my history, framing experience, expectations and all the questions I had. Then he said he would look over the schedule, and see if it would work out. He wanted another interview with me. It all looked really good. The money is better, but the way the pay system is set up, it is a little confusing. There seem to be quite a few opportunities for bonus money and extras through incentive programs implemented each month. I'd only have 1 week of vacation the first year, 2 the second, and 3 after 5 years. Nothing really seemed negotiable. But, it was a positive meeting.

All afternoon I thought about both stores and how I would fit in. The differences and what I really need. After all of the debate, and even though I haven't seen a raise - ever, I am leaning toward staying with Fastfame. There is really only one reason to stay and that is because Bruce is really very flexible. He knows my family, and any challenges I would have. I can only assume the new store wouldn't be as easy going, at least for the first year. I don't know how much money it would take for me to overcome the flexibility issue.

So, I thinking I'm going to talk to my boss, tell him I've been approached about another job, but let him know that all I really want from Fastframe would be another week of vacation.

Now I'm worried that I'd be letting an opportunity that literally knocked on my door- go.

Well, it's not over yet. They say that when a door closes, a window opens. In this case, a door closed, and another door opened, and if that one closes, we'll see what else makes it's way in the room. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm-- - - - Why can't my choices be easy and obvious?

A little bump in my road---------

2008-09-23T19:04:00.002-04:00

Well, today I had a little bump in my road of life. No, it wasn't about Joey and his whole thing. No, it wasn't about Katy and her life with husband, baby-on-the-way, new house and job. No, it wasn't about Bari Ray and teen age angst. No, it wasn't about Madeline, dance - dance - and more dance, dance class, dance teachers or dance mom's. It wasn't even about Sammy and his school, Webelo, Nintendo DS filled life. Nope. This was a little bump, all for me.

I am moving stores. My boss, Bruce, took me to Panera for a 'little meeting' - - - - -never a good thing. And told me he would like me to move to the Tri-county, Kemper Rd store. I surprised myself and didn't cry. I've been in my store for over 5 years. I've worked with Pam for 5 years. I know my customers, we get fun people from the radio station, and the Bengals and all sorts of really fun stuff. Did I say it was fun stuff? Yes, all fun stuff for me to be creative and frame.

Bruce wants me to move so he can accommodate my schedule. I will still be able to go to work at 9 and leave at 3. He needs to put a full time person in the Kenwood store. I understand that. I was waiting for that. But I didn't think that meant I would be leaving. My store. That's fun. It's a fun store. Where I can do creative things.

Tri-county Kemper does a lot - - - - A LOT- - - - of commercial (boring commercial) framing for (boring) commercial designer and corporate clients. Did I say boring ? What I really meant was- - -- - -B-O-R-I-N-GGGGGGGGG stuff. It is busy, I don't mind that, but it doesn't have the residential client that I'm used to. Ugh.

So, I have a bump, not a pot hole, or a flashing Red four-way Stop, just a bump. The commute should be better (I wonder if I can take the bus?)- and -- - -he didn't fire me. Bruce could have said that he couldn't accommodate my schedule, and just let me go, but he didn't. He found a better solution. So, there you go. Bari isn't even home from work yet, and I'm working through my therapy/blogging session quite nicely, don't you think?

Oh, and he wants me to move next week.

1 week later- - - - -

2008-09-20T07:33:00.002-04:00

Well, what a week. Considering we were all caught by surprise, I think my family did pretty well.

Food storage and emergency kits are not our strong point, but everything came out fine in the end. Our power came back on late Tuesday afternoon, but we could have held out longer. The longer the outage, the easier it was for our family. Boring, yes- but in a sense, easier. One night the kids slept in the tent out in the back yard. That was fun, until the wood chippers/tree trimmers came along and woke them up (at 8am). We got used to taking the flashlight into the rooms (bathrooms) which had no windows. We were able to clean out the garage (finally) because there just wasn't anything else to do. Thank heavens the weather was fabulous!

I went back to work on Tuesday. I doubt I'll get paid for Monday even though our store in Kenwood didn't have power until late in the day. The tri-county store didn't have power until Wednesday. School started back for all the kids on Thursday. Madeline said only half of the students returned on Thursday. There is still whole residential areas without power. Sis Rice (some of you know her- she was in the RS Stake) lives in a neighborhood across from Whittaker school. Most of that area is still without power. Katy's family in Indian Hill is still without power, too. They might not get it back until early in the week. Of course, the neighbors of Katy's family said that was just fine with them, they'll just take a little vacation in the mean time. Wouldn't that be nice? Then again, sitting in the back yard with the kids, just chillin' and watching them all play together was a pretty nice vacation too.

By Monday night ice was scarce, the Kroger was open, but only on half power. So Bari called around and found a store that still had ice. We picked up 20 bags and knocked on doors in the neighborhood and gave them away. That was probably the most unusual Family Night service project we had ever done. The kids really had a blast giving away the ice.

We learned a couple of valuable lessons. Get better prepared for one. We did pretty well. I need more candles and fresh batteries. The big lanterns were easy to find, but it would have been nice to have individual flashlights for each of the kids (I think we did at one point, but they've all gotten broken or lost). We did ok with the food. We hadn't done any big shopping for the week, so there wasn't much in the freezer to worry about. The first night was peanut butter and jelly, and then we started grilling. The supply of briquettes was good, but now I will probably want to keep a back-up bag, too. We have a couple of camping lanterns that need a little maintenance, that now needs to be a priority. Other than that, more crackers in the pantry, and cans of fruit, something that can be eaten cold, would be good. Like I said, we got through it all without any real problems, and with a few reminders thrown in.

WHAT ? ? ? ? ? ?

2008-09-11T23:45:00.002-04:00

Ok- I just posted a very long (for me) emotional commentary on forgiveness. My day was (again) VERY EMOTIONAL. You - all have read my last couple of blogs about the challenges I am having with the whole Joey situation. (Which, by the way- is S...L...O...W...L...Y............. getting better). (I think). And then- - - - I check my e-mails and we have a Wedding request! I was soooo excited! The bride saw our website, and wants to meet with us- wahoo!!!! May 24, I'm pretty sure that is after Prom season. Yep it is Wahoo!!!!!!! Oh- - - no........... May 24th is a SUNDAY!!!!!!!
WHAT??????? Like I don't have enough trials ALREADY ????? You couldn't just GIVE me this????

Forgiveness

2008-09-11T22:53:00.002-04:00

Some lessons in life are learned over and over again. Each time taught a different way than the last. The lesson is learned with more depth, perception, awareness, than the time before. Today was one of those life lessons- again.

The event that changed my life is one of the most sensitive, because it involves one of my children. Although I love you all, and understand you are the most sincere friends and family, I feel that if I tell the story in it's entirety, I will be breaking a sacred trust with my child. The security of privacy is not taken lightly, even more so in this case. With that said, I will do my best to express the 'Forgiveness lesson' I learned today.

This story started 2 years ago. There was an indiscretion which happened at one of my children's' schools, to one of the kids. It shocked us, and upset my child. The offender was arrested. Because this offender was a minor, the court case was The State of Ohio vs John Doe, not us against John Doe. Our child did speak to the Detectives, and had to appear in court. It was traumatic. For all of us. Well. Moving on, this was 2 years ago, and we thought everything had been resolved, until I received a letter concerning this situation. I was caught off guard and was FURIOUS about the supposed changes this offender wanted on the official record. We called the Victim's Advocates office and was told that we could attend the court ourselves, and were welcome to speak on our child's behalf. That was all I needed, my goodness was I going to speak my mind. How dare they want a change in status! I took some time and wrote a letter to the Magistrate, which I was prepared to read.

This morning Bari and I headed off to court. He was full of questions, I was full of righteous indignation. We were briefed by the prosecutor's office and victim's advocates office. Well we found out that not all the information we had (what little info we had) was correct. They weren't asking for leniency just out of the blue. There had been a change in the law, and that change affected our offender dramatically. Even more so than the original judgement. I listened to a Phychologist, and his assessment of the situation, and I kept thinking, "this is wrong". It was wrong for this person to have the new law apply to him, it was excessive, and wasn't fair. I agreed with the defendant. The person who had offended my child.

I did have a chance to read my letter and speak my mind. I told the Magistrate that the new law should not apply to this situation. Well, in the end, our offender was able to keep the original judgement, no more, no less.

That is when I knew forgiveness. When we were done, and excused to leave the court room, I asked if I could speak to this young man. As I walked over to him, he was still sitting in the chair, but immediately got up as I started to speak to him. I told him I was a mother more than anything else, and as a mother, all I wanted him to do was to stay out of trouble, make something of himself. And I told him I was proud of him for all the progress he had made. He hugged me and wouldn't let go. He apologized over and over, promised be productive, and apologized again. I can't even describe the moment. We just stood there holding on to each other, whispering our private conversation, promising and accepting all sincere gratitude's. I looked in his eyes, held his face in my hands and knew he was sincere. Knew, I had forgiven.

Updates from Friday-Saturday

2008-09-06T21:16:00.002-04:00

Before the updates I have a little unfinished business. First off, so sorry I published the last post without Spell-check first. I'm an atrocious (better Spell-check that)-speller, and I depend on it. Secondly, sorry I didn't make it to Enrichment on Thursday. I was really looking forward to some 'me' time -(and I even had my nightgown out and ready)- but alas, I had some last minute Wedding Production to do. I'm sure it was a great evening. Again, I'm sorry I missed it.

Ok- on to Thursday. If you haven't read my last blog, none of this will make any sense, be warned. Read at your own risk.

Thursday I had a very nice phone conversation with Mr Brown from the Alcoholism Council. He was trying to reach Joey, but in the end we both agreed that this was a much better-much needed conversation. First off, he gave me some specific ideas on how to get Joey back into the final assessment meeting without having to wait 3 weeks for the next appointment. That was helpful. Then he pretty much gave me a pep talk. It was nice to hear. I think I am done with thinking that all of this trouble with Joey is my fault. That I'm a bad mother because of it. There really are things I could have done better, his education for one. But, in the end, it is his choice to use this as an excuse, or move on productively with his life. Is it an embarrassment? of course it is. But it is not my choice, these are his destructive behaviors. So, Mr Brown confirmed all that to me. He also said I was doing really well with my choices of when to help and when not to. It can be difficult to know when it is enabling, and when it is helping. Then he said something that made me cry. Mr Brown said that he could tell that Joey was raised right. I had done a good job raising him in a Christian home. Really, I cryed. And I told him that he made me cry. Then Mr Brown said, "well, sometimes you just have to let those floodgates open and let it out. Let the emotions out. It's a good thing". What a nice guy. Like I said, he really made me feel better about the whole situation.

Then came Saturday. I stayed in bed Saturday morning debating about going in to work or not. My hours were really pitiful this week because of all the Joey stuff. Then Madeline called at about 9 (right when I would have left) to ask me to pick her up from a sleepover. The rest of the morning there was a debate about where we were going to go for the day. For once, Bari and I both had the day off without any weddings or meetings. Just as Bari bought tickets on line for the Zoo (I had never gone there) I got THE CALL. I can't say I was surprised. I was hoping it would be different, though. Yep, Joey called. He was even more sick than before. He now had severe diarrhea, cramping and still couldn't sleep all night. And worse than that, he kept saying over and over,"I just can't take this any more, I just can't take this". I asked what that meant. He said he was tempted to just give everything up, and forget about trying to stay clean. And what did that mean??? More importantly, what did he expect ME to do about it? He called the clinic that Good Sam had referred him to, but it isn't open on the weekends. It is an out patient clinic. I did have the director call me though. He (also) was very nice. He (I can't remember his name) suggested we go back to the hospital and tell them what is going on. He also suggested Joey get emotional support from somewhere. So, at 11:30 or so, I left and went to the eastside (again) and took him to a hospital. (again) This really was worse. He is so defeated. He kept saying that if it wasn't for his friends, he would have done something stupid by now. I did my best not to cry.

We were at the hospital until 4 or 4:30. Bari, Bari Ray, Madeline and Sam all went to the Zoo without me. Bari bought a family pass though, so we (hopefully) will be going back soon.

Back at the hospital, Joey kept telling the nurse that he needed something stronger to help him. She of course (in a very nice, but firm way) told he wasn't going to get anything else. We did get a prescription for a medicine that was prescribed at Good Sam in a patch form, only this time in a pill form. I didn't get the patch because I just couldn't afford it. Thank heaven's the pills were a fraction of the cost. So, in the end. I took him back to Batavia, and cryed all the way home. Bari asked why I was so low this time, much more than the last time at the hospital. I think I was cautiously optimistic last time. This time he seems so defeated. He has such little hope for himself. I can't even tell you how sad that makes me feel. My 21 year old son feels he has no hope.

Madeline asked how Joey was doing. They (Sam and Madeline) know he's been in the hospital, but not for what specific reason. I told her he was trying to get better, but what he really needed was prayers.

Well, I've re-read and Spell Checked. We'll see how the rest of the weekend pans out. I'm looking forward to Church tomorrow. I miss you all. Oh, I better get cracken' on that Class Presentation! I think I'm doing the 'Whole Armor of God'. I need it. It's a lesson that can't be taught too many times.

Oh, and thank you for all of your kind word. I have read all the comments and REALLY appreciate all your thoughts and prayers on my and my family's behalf.

Lifes' little challenges. . . . .

2008-09-04T21:26:00.002-04:00

If you thought I already blogged about everything in my life, you were wrong. I have had a couple of weeks' worth of little challenges. I think I've hinted about my oldest son and his lack of good choices. If I've ever miss-stated anything, that would probably be it. He has gone from making foolish choices, to being just plain stupid. A couple of weeks ago he dissappeared for almost 10 days. Now, he's been living out of my house for over 3 years, and I don't always hear from him consistantly. He's all boy, and doesn't communicate very well (or at all). Anyway. This time, I knew he was in trouble. Very big trouble. I have known for a while that he had been selling drugs. It broke my heart. Then things got worse. The last 8 months he has been doing Meth. I cryed (and screamed and swore) when I heard it. He was not encouraged to stay at our house. We were afraid about anyone coming to see him, or any other problems that might come from his drug use or business. Then he got in trouble AGAIN- and I think I blogged about him having to see a Probation Officer.

So, I'm at my wit's end, I haven't heard anything for almost 2 weeks, I pray on the way to work that I will at LEAST hear from him. I wasn't asking for any Devine intervention, he needs to pay restitution for all he had done up until now, but I needed to hear from him. While I'm at work, Katy calls. She and Josh had a funeral to attend that day. One of Josh's cousins saw Katy and told her that he knew where Joey was. Incredible. Katy told the cousin, to tell Joey that we love him, and that he needed to CALL HIS MOTHER! About 30 minutes after that call, Joey called me. It was a really hard conversation. I was happy to hear from him, but I was not going to enable him. At all. Nada. He seemed calm, but not feeling well. He said he didn't have any money, no car, no phone, and was being supported by his friend. He also said he was trying to stay clean. Yea, yea, yea, talk to the hand. I felt terrible after that conversation. I wanted desperately to help, but knew I shouldn't. I felt like a terrible mother, and I was afraid that he would feel abandoned.

I didn't hear from him for a couple more days. Then he called on Tuesday and told me he had an appointment at the Alcoholism Council that afternoon, but no way to get there. I told him that I would take him IF he called his Prob. Officer and talked to her. He did, so I agreed. Somehow, I felt this was a breakthrough. I took Joey to his meeting, and had the opportunity to also talk with his counsellor. It came down to just a couple of choices. Joey needs intensive drug therapy. Mr Brown highly recommended a 3 day a week program. Joey said that would be a hardship on his family. Man, talk about feeling guilty. I want to do all I can, but he was right, 3 days a week would be really difficult. So, we started talking about facilities where he could stay during his treatment. Somewhere in the middle of this meeting, I was absolutely over come with the reality of my son's addiction, and the seriousness of Meth addiction specifically. I found out (and Mr Brown, with all his experience- believed him) that Joey had been going Cold Turkey for over a week. It was incredible he had come so far all on his own. Anyway, we weren't able to place Joey at that time, we were supposed to go back and sign papers and have another meeting the next day.

When I came home, I had to try to explain all of this to Bari. It was hard to get across that Joey REALLY was trying to get better. Bari was very suspicious. I don't blame him. But sometimes I just want support without discussion.

The next day (Wednesday) Joey was sick and wanted to go to the hospital. He had gone 10 days without any additional medication helping him through withdrawl. He had heard from his friends that it could take a year to clear all the medicine out of his system. A YEAR!!! Well, an amazing thing happened. On the ride to the hospital he really opened up to me. He told me that his first addiction was the money. That he wouldn't have done the drugs if he had known how much money it actually cost him ($80 a pill). And that he had enough money (and access to drugs) to have overdosed without a problem. WHAT??????? He also told me when/how he decided to give it all up. This drug is incredible - in all the wrong ways. Anyway. Because we spent 3 1/2 hours at the Emergency room, he missed his appointment. He is trying to get back to see Mr Brown next week. Joey has an appointment with his Prob. Officer tomorrow.

I can see a difference in him. If we had to spend that much time in the waiting room before, he would have been - impatient, angry, belligerent, restless. But, besides the normal 'slightly irritated' way we all feel in an emergency room, he was fine. Oh, and besides feeling sick from the withdrawl.

I know this is all very early. But I have to be a LITTLE optimistic about my son. I am well aware that there will be many ups and downs. But at least he is showing some intention of wanting to make a good choice.

So, that was my week, anyone watch Project Runway?

So sorry- - - but........

2008-08-28T17:04:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm probably the only Stake member who was (a little) happy Elder Ballard wasn't able to be at Conference last weekend. Now, don't get me wrong, I would not wish ill health on anyone, but, at the same time, I did have a feeling of relief. Relief because we were in Clyde the whole weekend, and weren't able to make conference. My brother had called MONTHS ago to ask which weekend was better for us. He was making the trip to Chicago from Boston (Cambridge MA- actually), and wanted to meet up with us at my Mom's. We haven't seen his family since our wedding 4 years ago- so I was pretty excited. Until, of course, I heard Elder Ballard was to attend. UMMM- well, since I chose the weekend, I couldn't very well tell them that all of a sudden my plans had changed. So- again, I was a little relieved that Elder Ballard was a no show.

The trip was FABULOUS! had a great time with my brother, his wife and 2 boys. They were fun to be around. My mom was in very good health (and spirits) the whole time. Katy and Josh were able to make the trip too. My mom hadn't met Josh yet, so that was a riot all unto itself. (I think he found out just how much like my mother I am)- and Katy is following right in my footsteps. YEA!
We all went to the (only) Italian Restaurant in Clyde (actually, it's about the only sit-down restaurant of any kind in Clyde) on Saturday night. It was fun. Did some Geocaching on Sunday.

The only really hard part of the weekend (actually there were two parts that were hard)- Mom's house is really OLD- and has no air conditioning. It was HOT. I remember summers very well, you go outside to sit on the porch to find a breeze and then when you can't take that anymore, you go inside and sit in front of a fan for a while. Wow, years of summers like that. I'm getting soft- I couldn't wait to sit in my car with the air going (thank's again Dave!).
The other sad news (this is more serious) is that we found out a little more about why my Mom hasn't heard from my sis in Michigan. I won't share all the details- and there were - lots - of details. Just let me vent a little bit. I can stand it if my sis chooses to be non communicative to me, it is her loss. But it really makes me mad when I find out that she won't speak to my Mom. I'm STILL really upset about it all.

ANYway---- like I said, it was a really good visit. We sat around and tried to explain cell phone commercials to mom. She is such fun. I really need to visit more often.- Especially since my sis isn't making the drive down anymore.- - - -
Missed you all- I know conference was great, even without Elder Ballard. I'm sorry I had to miss it. Saturday evening meetings are my favorite. I'm looking forward to the next one- and I'll TRY not to schedule anything else that weekend!

More news- - - - - -

2008-08-14T18:57:00.003-04:00

What a week (or 2), it has been busy with dance and school prep and church, and wedding meetings (last night we booked one for next March), and Katy is expecting. WHAT? WHAT?
NOOOOOO-----they promised they'd wait a while. NOOOOOOO- - - -that means I'm going to be a (shhhhhhhh-- - -say it v-e-r-y quietly. Grandma. NOOOOOOOOO- - - - - I don't want to be a GRANDMA! Hmmmmmm- well, that isn't exactly true. I don't mind being a grandparent, I just don't want to be CALLED Grandma. So, I need to start a list of COOL g'ma names. Any suggestions? We have until March 3 (give or take) to come up with an alternative. (And for me to get used to the idea).

And that blew the heck out of Madeline's great news- she's going to be on Toe Shoes this year "on Point" as they say. Soooooo how much busier can I be? OH, AND Katy closed on their house on Monday. Yes, we can say, busy busy busy.

Calling all Bloggers.......

2008-08-05T16:23:00.003-04:00

Help, This is taking every ounce of humility I have left.

HELP- - - -

I need a Prayer/Exercise Buddy- someone (or more than one- I need lots of help!)- someone I can e-mail everyday. I will go weeks (this is the humble-pie part) without thinking of my personal prayers or my exercise commitment.

Does this make sense? I remember I need to e-mail a friend, I will remember to keep to my challenge of prayer, scripture study, and exercise. The responsibility of 'reporting' also helps.

So, any takers out there? I'll warn you, I'm an exellent excuse giver!

Wedding pics- better late than never...

2008-08-03T23:45:00.002-04:00

Well, we've had Katy's pics online for a week or more. There are 2 sites you can check out if you want. The first has all the pics from the wedding day. Sorry- if I was more computer savvy, I'd be able to link you right up- but I can't. So, here's the site and instructions- -

Collages.net - go to View an Event - User name - Katy and Josh Colonel
Password is- 20074

The other site has a book we designed for my Mom. It has more of Katy's family than Josh's (remember, it's for Katy's Grandma). I thought it turned out really pretty.

My Publisher.com - Click on My Bookshelf (at the top of the homepage)
The ID-or Order ID is - M755722
Password is - 1242239

All right, I feel better now. Enjoy!

Happiness is . . . .

2008-07-29T22:41:00.002-04:00

Remember the Peanuts book 'Happiness is a warm puppy'? I think I need to write a list of things that make me happy.
Having an adoring husband makes me really really happy. He works so hard at trying to keep me happy that it drives me insane sometimes- but I know he loves me truly.
My many children make me happy. I love seeing the little ones grow up, and although I miss the toddler years (yes, really- and Yes, I do remember how hard they were), I love that they are getting older and more independent. Silly me, I like kids who have an opinion, it shows me they are thinking for themselves. (Although I don't always agree with their opinion).
Having a house, neighborhood, and neighbors I know, is wonderful. I don't miss living in apartments and living by rules a property owner has dictated. I like knowing who lives on both sides of my house, even though I don't see them very often.
My cats give me the giggles. They are so much like- - -- CATS! You know, independent one minute and 'in your face' don't you love me? the next. Happiness is a warm furry, cat food smelling kitty!
Family makes me happy. I don't get to spend much time with my own family, so I am very grateful that Bari's family has been so welcoming to me and my children.
Memories of my childhood give me happiness. I grew up in a very average household without much extra money floating around. For some reason this summer, I find myself reminiscing about my summers in Clyde, and how we spent our time. Those are good memories.
Sometimes my job makes me happy. I am really good at what I do, and I like saving treasures and making them into showpieces for their families to keep. It can be very rewarding.
I like a good movie. Going out with my husband and my children makes me happy. We don't always have to go out to have a good time, but it is fun to do something different. Last weekend we took Madeline, Sam and Bari Ray to Macaroni Grill in Tri-County. Since the kids ordered from the kid's menu, and we got water to drink, the bill was less than $10 a person! So, the key is to take them out only as long as they can order from the Cheap Menu!
I am happy with my life. I know I complain about hot flashes, and busy schedules (it won't get any easier next school year), but I am happy with where I am right now. I am grateful for the gospel in my life. I am 'out in the world' more than with church members, and that is a constant reminder of how wonderful the gospel and the church are. People really are confused, and even more importantly, they seem to want to take the easy way out. I have several friends who attend a very large non-denominational church who are constantly talking about how great and fun and exciting the 'messages' are each week. They wouldn't dare call them 'sermons' because that would mean that it was something other than a suggestion. Anyway, I am reminded that we are taught the Meat of the Gospel every week, not fluff, or suggestions of what we should do. It surprises me how scared people are that they might be told what to do. Or even the ministers seem hesitant to do more than suggest a Christ like life. Christ's baptism was absolute, not a suggestion. His teachings were specific.
Happiness is getting the chance to blog my thoughts and feelings no matter what they are.

Gotta D-A-N-C-E . . . . .

2008-07-24T23:31:00.002-04:00

Ok, I know we aren't supposed to brag, but it is my blog, so if you don't want to read it- - then don't.
Madeline had Competition tryouts for next year's team. Last year she was on the Junior team and loved it. She really wanted to make the Senior team, or be allowed to perform a duet or trio next year. Well, the studio has changed a few things for next year, including the addition of an Elite Squad for Jr Jazz/Tap and Sr Jazz/tap. In a performance, if there is a special role to be danced the performer will be selected from the Elite team. Also, duets trios and other special dances will be made up of elite dancers. So tonight Madeline did her try out and made the Jr team again. The judges did not select an elite team for the Jr Tap, and only 3 members for the Senior Tap squad for elite. In Jazz, there were 2 members from the Senior team selected, and ONE member from the Jr team. Yep, Madeline was the only Jr team member to be chosen to be an Elite team dancer and that was for Jazz.

Back again

2008-07-17T22:48:00.002-04:00

Well, Madeline and I made the trip back without any problems. We had a great time in Gatlinburg. We spent very little time sightseeing and enjoying the attractions, most of our days were spent in the Convention Center watching other teams perform. And I really ment Our DAYs. We were at the competition by 7-7:30am both days even though she didn't perform until the afternoon. The Senior team and duets performed in the mornings and she didn't want to miss them. On average, we were done around 10-11 each night. So, yes, they were really long L-O-N-G days. Good thing we enjoy watching all of it. Madeline's dances did very well considering it was the first year the Junior team went to Nationals. They got 3 Golds, and one HighGold (which was really really good). They last day we were there, I was able to take her to the Dixie Stampede. If you have never been, I don't know if I can explain the experience. Madeline Loved it. It was really fun to spend time with her. I love how much she is still a little girl, and new experiences still really excite her. She never got over the fact that EVERYONE had an Accent! Too cute. I was really proud of her. She really enjoys performing. I don't know how she does it.

The other big news- PROJECT RUNWAY is BACK!!!!!! Who watches? I love it. I'm a little dissapointed that there are so many 'professionals' in this group. But, oh well, LOVE it anyway! It will take me a couple of weeks to pick my favorite designer, but I already have a few I'm not crazy about. I'm not sure I'll like the suntaned freak. He seems like he is a Christian wannabe, and the Cher look-a-like needs a makeover. Anyway, Love the show! One of my all time favorites.

Anyway, it's great to be back!

Final Score-Cats :2 vs Birds:0

2008-07-08T22:20:00.003-04:00

We used to have 4 Cocktails in our living room. (Yes, this isn't going to be pretty).

They - Elvis, Ozzy, Moe, and Cosmo lived happily (I would guess) in a very large green cage in the corner of my dining room. They had every thing a captive bird could want. Elvis was the first, Katy bought him over 7 years ago from a breeder. She got Ozzy from a friend of her brothers about 6 years ago. Not long after that, I bought Cosmo for Bari for Christmas. We weren't married yet, so it was a weird kind of gift. That was about 5 years ago. Then, my boss gave us Moe about 4 years ago. Moe was the bosses' sons pet. Moe was the least liked of the bunch. (or flock as it may be).

Fast forward to Mother's Day this year. Bari and I choose 2 beautiful male European Burmese kittens (6 months- so they weren't too little) for our new family pets... All is well. For a while. Then we spy Jay sitting on top of the bird cage. Now, I have to explain that the cage is fairly large. It stands almost as tall as I am, and is at least 3 feet wide on each side. We bought it at a bird show, so it is a standard type cage for this breed. Ok- so there is Jay, on top. At night we'll put a blanket over the cage to keep the birds quiet in the mornings. A couple of times, I heard strange noises, only to find Jay UNDER the blanket that was COVERING the cage. We went full-scale trying to discourage the cats from being near the cage. Then one day last week, I heard the vacuum going at 7 in the morning. Uh-oh, this can't be good. Bari was cleaning up the feather fest from the living room and hallway. The cats got a hold of Moe. Jonesy looked pretty guilty, but I think he just got Jay's left overs. So, we work even harder at keeping the cats at bay.

Tragedy strikes Monday morning - 4:30am. There is pounding at our door. It is Madeline screaming "Cosmo! Cosmo!" Yep, Sure enough, Cosmo is outside our door, looking like dinner. (Or maybe a really early breakfast). He was still alive (in his own little birdy voice calling for help), when Madeline found him. Did you know that not all Vet's offices take birds? Well, none of the 24 hour pet hospitals take birds. So, off we go to Wyoming at 8 the next morning, with our little chewed bird in a Little Debbie box. So sad. They kept him over night, and even considered an amputation of the wing (there was muscle damage). But what got him in the end was the bacterial infection from the cat bites. - Side note, oddly enough, Bari brought home KFC that night (which rarely happens) and instead of the regular dinners, brought home WINGS-(he has never brought home wings before). Maybe Jonesy had an accomplice.

OK- back to the story, after $200 of treatment (our absolute limit), he was pronounced incurable. Even if they took the wing, the infection was too bad. Now, another decision. If we have him cremated, it would cost $80 !!!!!! Oh, no thank you, I'll just pick him up and bury him myself. So, I did just that, (went and picked him up) and they sent him home in a little box. Well, Sam and Madeline wanted to see him. The last time I saw him he looked a little plucked. But, I opened the box and there he was, all dead and all, but with a little (no kidding) PURPLE cast on his wing! In an odd way, I think that purple cast helped the kids know that they did everything they could for him.

We have yet to hear from the fish. Maybe I'd better start counting.

ps, the rest of the birds have now been moved to the spare downstairs room. I just hope someone remembers to feed them. Katy better hurry up and take them.....soon.

Weddings -day's past and day's to come

2008-07-06T23:17:00.002-04:00

What can I say about my week? Work is pretty slow right now. I think there may be 5-8 orders on the Production Log (it is usually around25-30). Needless to say, about 3 of the orders are 'hold for Louann' requests. I like doing the more complicated pieces but I think it frustrates my boss when there is so little to do, and the other framers aren't aloud to work on them. One of the orders has 3 newspapers to frame. They are articles or advertisements and the paper heading with date. These are for my old friend Dr Mark Mandell-Brown. He's a plastic surgeon in town. He is one of my regulars who always requests me. That's ok with the other girls because they say that helping him makes them think he is sizing them up for surgery. I have something to cut apart and put back together for another customer, and I don't remember the 3rd thing I have to do tomorrow. I need to work more, but it is really nice to be home, too. I don't think - infact, I am sure I couldn't find another job that is as flexible as this one.
I need to start getting things together for the trip to Gatlinburg with Madeline. It should be fun. We should have quite a lot of free time, if we are scheduled to dance 3 days, and they only have 4 routines. That's where not working very many hours really bites - it will take some serious budgeting to get us through 4 days, meals and some entertainment. The condo where we are staying has a kitchenette, and Madeline is in favor of making some dinners in our room. We are taking off Thursday and will be back on Monday. The dance studio director and her husband were married 10 years ago in Gatlinburg, during National competition- so they are renewing their vows on Thursday night. All the girls (and any family members) are invited to go. It should be fun.
Sammy is going to his Dad's again this week, leaving Wednesday night and returning next Tuesday night. He is going to Cedar Point, so it should be a fun trip (I hope).
Bari and I had two weddings this past weekend. One was on the 4th at a Lutheran Church in Anderson, with the reception at Dree's Pavilion. If you haven't been to Davou Park, it is just off I75 in Kentucky, just after the bridge on the right, up a BIG hill. It has a pretty view, but the evening was foggy, and you could only see the bottom half of the fireworks. It was pretty neat to see all the individual fireworks along the hill sides, though. But, I would hate to have spent the BIG bucks to have this view, and then have it be cloudy. Oh well. Anyway, it was the most difficult wedding we have done. It was a challenge because all the timing was off, and people were not where they were supposed to be. For example, the brides brother was supposed to stay at the parents house for portraits, but he went to the church to be with the other groomsmen. (Who were not dressed when we arrived for their portrait session). It was hard to keep up with which portraits we were missing, and then try to pick them up later. Usually, we meet with the groom, groomsmen and grooms family at a specific location. Next, we travel to the bride, photograph her, her 'maids, and her family. That way, after the wedding all we have to do is portraits with the bride and groom together with families, and wedding party. Lastly, we'll do some romantic shots of the couple together. If we miss the individual families from the early sessions, it just makes the portrait time in between the wedding and reception even longer. No one likes to be late to the reception. The second wedding was also in Anderson-Withamsville area, with the reception at the same hall where Katy had hers. It went like clockwork, a perfect wedding photography day. Thank heavens for that because we were still a little hung over from the wedding the night before. It's hard to explain why the day after a wedding is so hard. The only way I can think of explaining is that the day of the wedding we are running on adrenalin for hours and hours, and the next day you just crash. While I'm gone next weekend, Bari has 2 more weddings, but he is shooting for someone else so it isn't quite as intense. Oh, the second wedding had the cutest Grooms cake, it was huge- about 20 inches long and 8-10" in diameter, it was a serious looking Coney with cheese. Bari took 2 photos, one from the front, and one from the end. The end view looked just like a hot dog with chili beans and cheese. It was so fun.

Well, to make this post even longer, I'm going to write a few of the things that I'm grateful for. This is probably pretty repetitive from other lists, but we talked about Gratitude today in my primary class, and I need to write just how grateful I am.

I'm grateful for my kind and loving husband. He would do almost anything just to make me happy. He loves me and loves taking care of me. I can't even express what this means to me.

I'm grateful for my children. I love them all and am grateful to be their mother. I was looking through some old pictures tonight, and fell in love with my little 2 and 3 year olds all over again. Thank heavens we only take pictures of the good moments and fun times. I'm grateful that Sam and Madeline are having a normal childhood, and are loved and cared for.

I'm grateful that we have a house to live in, that all my children have their own beds, and even have their own rooms. We have hot and cold running water that is clean. We are protected from the elements. That there is peace in my home.

I'm grateful that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I know what a lost and wandering soul I would be with this knowledge. I am ever grateful that I know that Heavenly Father knows me personally, and that he helps me, guides me, supports me and forgives me without comparing me to anyone else.

Well, it's late and I have a couple of big days ahead (and I haven't gotten to bed before 1 am the past 2 nights)- so I'll just say that I'm grateful for the bloggin' sisters (and Ray)- this wasn't a deep and insightful blog, but it does help to just write sometimes.

What's new

2008-06-20T14:15:00.002-04:00

I guess I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I'd record a few things that are going on in our lives so far this summer.

Tonight is the rehearsal for Madeline's recital tomorrow. She has to be downtown at the Aronoff by 4 this afternoon. Bari is taking her because he has become the official recital photographer for the studio. I was looking forward to going because this is the first year I won't be a Back stage helper. This year I am free to watch all the performances. I like the rehearsals because it is so chaotic. Now, this is not normal for me. If you recall, I don't like going to the Christmas party because of the chaos. Who knows why I can deal with one and not the other. Anyway, I'm blogging partly because I am trying to keep busy since I don't have to get ready. Soooo- Madeline has 5 dances this year (oh, I wasn't going to start with Madeline- - - -pardon me as I switch family news to another member). - - - Bari is shooting this event tonight and tomorrow night. He is also working tomorrow(regular job) until noon, and then helping another friend-photographer with his event. THEN he'll meet us downtown. Bari is deep in Senior portrait season. It can be a bear, but the kids are fun most of the time. He sometimes thinks his bosses are pushing him out of the studio and that they will let him go in the fall. Besides all the financial challenges, I can't say I hate the idea. Anyway, he's holding his own for now.

I'm getting a lot of 'how's Katy?' She and Josh are doing well. If you haven't heard, they have a new puppy, a Yorkie named Chewie (like Chewbaka in the Star Wars). Katy only calls 3 or 4 times a day. Sometimes it is work, sometimes a manners question (do I need to send Uncle Randy a Thank You if he sent a card and no gift?), mother-in-law venting (her's -not mine), and my very favorite- . She'll tell me something Josh did 'just to help' that really wasn't any help at all. Yes, we all love our husbands when they 'think' they are helping. Anyway, all is good as rain (?) (what is the saying?. Katy is happy and that is all that counts.

Not many of you know my son Joey. He is 21, just 2 years younger than Katy. Joey gets himself into trouble now and then. And, he makes poor choices most of the time. The worst of his choices lately is his ex-girlfriend. I won't get into details, but just so you know my weeks aren't all fun and games (ha) - I'll let you know that last week, Wednesday was his trial. He and his ex had a fight (not physical, but she said menacing). After weeks of pre-court dates, it finally came down to this, Joey is on probation for 2 years. During this time he cannot speak, text, call, or send messages through a 3rd party to her. He will have random drug/alcohol testing, alcohol/drug counseling, anger management classes and have to report to a probation officer. The judge looked at Joey's prior record (not good-not terrible) and told Joey that he needed someone to check in with and report to. I was sooooo happy to hear this. Joey needs to be accountable to SOMEONE, and he won't talk to his dad or to Bari. I was also happy with the anger management classes. I hope he really learns something from this. Now, if he breaks his probation, he would have to serve all the jail time he has avoided until now. That could mean a year in jail. On a positive note, he called today and said he had met with his probation officer, and she seemed nice and reasonable. If he checks in regularly in the next couple of months, and starts taking his classes, she'll only want to see him every 3 months. I want her to see him every week, but I guess that isn't possible. Soooo that is the Joey story. I have always worried the most about him. My prayers are always with him.

Bari Ray, boy is he happy school is out for the summer. He has his summer reading to do, and has already started on it. Infact, the kids have a mandatory 1 hour reading session every morning this summer. So far (3 weeks into summer) it has been very successful. I hope I can keep on top of it. Next week is Boy Scout Camp. He is looking forward to the new camp. Sometime this summer is will probably try to make a trip to Tenn to see grandparents, but we'll see how that goes. He is thinking about the Air Force, and a Mission. I'm proud of his choices. When I get frustrated, it is because he is acting like a typical 16 year-old boy, and not the cute, happy, wanting-to-please kid I've come to know and love.

Like I said earlier, Madeline is at her rehearsal tonight. She has 5 dances, ballet (it is beautiful!), tap small group (dr's and nurses routine), tap large group (Undead, zombies routine), jazz small group (shimmy-shimmy, fringe and all), jazz large group (disco fever, yellow shiny bell bottom hip hugger pants). I've seen all the routines at competitions except the ballet. There is no sign of stopping or slowing down next year either. She wants to add a lyrical class, and a duet or trio. Last Sunday she had a small performance. It was for students who wanted to create their own dance and then perform it. Madeline choreographed a lyrical dance for 3 friends and herself. The parents and other teachers were really impressed with what they had come up with. It was beautiful and sophisticated. This summer she has 3 one hour workshops, a 4 day (all day) dance camp, and a competition performance in Gatilinburg. I guess she dances pretty much all year round. I don't want her to get burned out, but it is really hard to stop her when she wants to do this, and does it so very well. She, also will (maybe) take a trip to see family in Tenn, but it will really depend on her schedule.

My sweet Sammy. He had a pretty busy couple of weeks. Today was his last day of his Summer Reading Program. It was only 2 hours a day, and he love it. He wants to do it again next year (funding is only for 3rd - going into-4th graders). It kept him busy, he felt like he had something to do too (like his bro and sis). I wish the class was closer to the end of summer, as a refresher before school starts again. Well, they didn't ask me, did they? Last Friday Sam had his first appointment at Children's Hosp. for his Autism assessment. We met with a really nice doctor who asked a lot of questions and told Sam he wouldn't have any shots that day. Sam said he had prayed for that (and indeed he had! the night before, it was Sam's turn for family prayer, and he added "please help me have a good day at the Dr's tomorrow, and no shots." Don't you love that?
Anyway, the Dr is sending Sam to see a Speech Pathologist, and a Psychologist. Unfortunately, the next appointments are not until November. I have to keep calling to find a cancellation. After the next appointments, we'll meet with the Dr again, and make some kind of assessment on his behavior. Hang tight, this is just the beginning.

So, between dance, dr's, judges, brides, husbands, kids, and my regular job, life just gets better and better. So, how can I summarize this ? I do love my life. I love my family. Everytime I'm at a wedding and they pronounce the bride and groom married until death I cringe, and then say a prayer of thankfulness that I do have the gospel, and the temple, and a loving, adoring husband who is my husband FOREVER. Could my life be better? I don't know, it would help if we were a little more financially stable. It could be better if Bari had more time to spend with us. We do alright. Yes, life is good. I am thankful.

Yes, I have a testimony

2008-05-28T15:29:00.002-04:00

I just want you all to know that I do have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This past month has been stressful in many ways, but challenging my testimony is not one of them. Well.....that isn't exactly true. I want to know something. How can a loving God in Heaven give to women, mothers, daughters of God, HOT FLASHES ?????? This has challenged my testimony. Yes, I know you are ALL too young to understand the complications of such a seemingly innocent body function. But I ask you, have we not already sacrificed a week of our lives every month since we were at the tender age of 10? Sacrificed sanity, water gain, white jeans and swimming? I don't understand. What more can I give? Well, apparently, I can give a little more. In the middle of the night (3am to be exact), I can give up my sleep, covers and any modest pj's. Is that enough? NOOOO.....IN the middle of the day, a slow sweat drips down my back, as if I am sitting in the middle of a beach. I am not on the beach.
I LOVE the Lord, but if I ever get the chance, unexpected hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and hair growing in all the WRONG places!!!! I will make a change or two.
This isn't over yet.

Sometimes . . . . .

2008-05-21T07:30:00.002-04:00

Sometimes we have to do really hard things in our life. Things that we don't choose to do, but things that we know are the right thing to do. Or we are prompted to do. Life is not always easy. Sometimes we just have to do hard things because no one else can do them. Not because they don't want to, but because they are paralized and can't do them. Last weekend was one of those times.

I gave the eulogy for my little niece on Saturday. I have no idea how many people were there. (Lots). I got really nervous as we were driving to the church. It was one of those things that no one wants to do. I felt compelled to speak for the family. (And I was asked by my brother-in-law).

I am grateful that I have had a lifetime of service in the church, teaching and speaking, that I wasn't paralized, that I could express the love Maddy had for life, and her family. It was the most difficult speech I have ever given, I cryed, but got through it.

Most importantly, the family was appreciative. They knew I spoke for them, through them to everyone else who was there grieving.

Prayer made it possible. Prayer is beautiful.

The circle of life - - - -

2008-05-16T01:06:00.002-04:00

The circle of Life - or- 2 funerals and a wedding.

My (Bari's) niece died this morning. She was 9 years old. She had Cerebral Palsy. The last couple of days of her life were spent with loving members of her family holding court at her bedside at Children's Hospital. We have spent the last couple of days also with the family. Some of the family are holding up pretty well. It is a difficult time burying a child. The grandparents are not coping well with the loss. It seems that those who have some faith, even a little bit of faith, are dealing with grief much better than those who do not. Maddie really did change those around her. She had a marvelous life. She saw and did many things for such a young girl. I think she was tired of missing out on all the dancing at the weddings she has gone to. We love you Maddie - - - dance on!!!!

Maddie's funeral is Saturday at noon. Bari and I are photographing a wedding at 3. It is a contract for another photographer, and we can't get out of it. It will be difficult, but we'll manage.

There is another funeral on Monday, in Chattanooga, for Bari's Step-Mom's father. Bari's dad (also Bari), and step-mom Linda were on the way here on Tuesday, they got as far as Knoxville when they got the call that Linda's dad died. Bari and Linda went back to Chattanooga, made funeral arrangements and Bari drove back up here. Linda and other TN relatives will be driving up tomorrow for the funeral Saturday. I guess it will be a caravan back down on Sunday morning. Bari and I (my Bari) will also be driving down on Sunday and returning on Monday after the funeral.

Throw in Dance photos, Seminary graduation, scout camp outs, birthdays, modeling shoot, wedding rehersal meeting, and regular work stuff and it could possibly be even crazier than normal. And our normal is pretty crazy.

Only have a minute- - -

2008-05-09T15:25:00.002-04:00

I only have a minute or 2 before everyone gets home from school and the weekend begins.

The Wedding. So sorry I'm inept at the computer. The wedding pics are BIG and I mean B-I-G files and I don't know how to make them smaller. When Bari gets time to teach me, or just does it for me (!), I'll post all the beautiful portraits of the bride. The wedding was beautiful. The day was spectacular. Everyone behaved themselves. It was a nice, pretty, low-key, conservative, Prodestant wedding. The cake was really good. I questioned their choice of Carrot Cake, but it was delectable. They had a chocolate fountain that was a hit. I never got over to it, but the guests who did seemed to enjoy it. It took me until about Wednesday before I felt recovered.

On to the rest of the family. A week ago Sam's Cubs put on a magic show. It was really cute. I have to admit that I really don't like going to events where I don't know too many people (sometimes even places I do know most everyone there-) anyway. I wasn't looking forward to it, but wanted to support Sammy and the Cubs. I was so glad I did. It was sooooo cute. Each boy stood up and presented a trick he had learned. I can't even describe how fun it was. The boys were a hoot. I have to put in a big THANK YOU and HUGS to the Sisters who run our Cub program. They are terrific. Sammy really loves to go.

Madeline has a dance competition this weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Yes. Mothers Day. That's ok, I'm a low maintenence mom. I just want someone else to do all the cooking on that day. This is the closest competition to home, so if anyone is looking for cheap entertainment, it's free. It would probably be a bit boring, too. Anyway. That is what is coming up.

You have all noticed that I have (finally) figured out how to add a pic to my blog title, but now I need to learn how to make it SMALLER ! Again, the file is probably huge!

Work is pretty good. While I was out on Wedding-Leave, one of my favorite Bengal's players dropped off more things for me to frame for him. That was kind of a bummer because he is such a cutie, 390lbs, 6'6''- just one big Teddy Bear! He picked up his stuff Wednesday and I wasn't there Again! I still have another jersey to frame for him, so I'll get another chance in a week or so to see him. I am also framing 2 shadowboxes full of stuff for Marvin Lewis. They are all full of football and lacrosse items of his son Marcus. Marcus is graduating this year. They want them for the graduation parties. Oh, and the week before the wedding I framed up a really nice piece for Shayne Graham (the kicker for the Bengals) as a gift for his mother. It was really sweet.

Enough of that- -- I need to start to check on all of the dance stuff for this weekend !!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !!! to all the Great women I know -

Monday night- 5 days and counting- - -

2008-04-21T22:39:00.002-04:00

Well, considering that none of my usual readers have had children old enough to move out of the house ( sorry Michelle, college doesn't count- they come back), I will give you-all a little information on the subject. Yes, at some point, you really ARE anxious (and happy) for your children, your sweet, kissy, lovey, innocent children to leave your comforting, secure, safe, arms to go out into the big bad world. Yes. Really. But, it doesn't mean you aren't going to miss them, or worry a little, or call to check (although you would NEVER say that was why they were calling).

Katy moved to the new apartment Saturday morning. It was a little surreal. Sunday when we got back from the dance competition, we drove over to 'help'. (As in "Mom, can you come over when you get back to help?"). I helped arrange and hang pictures, and give advise (much needed advise) on how to put together a kitchen table without the correct screws. Mom can be quite handy.

Like I said, it was surreal, mostly because when I left, she didn't come with me, she stayed there. Weird.

In how many? 5 days she'll be someone's wife. That is REALLY surreal. I will probably cry. Mostly because she will be beautiful. And scared. And someone else's responsibility. And because I am old and my children (who aren't children anymore) are ready to leave me. I will also cry because I'm happy. My mom cried when I married Katy's dad, but I'm sure it wasn't because she was happy.

Just wait until your children leave the house- not for missions, or to go to school, but to be married. To start a life. A new life. Their own life.

I am really REALLY happy. I am so happy. . . . . . I'm crying.

Just couple of minutes ---- and BIFOCAL contacts? ! ?

2008-04-14T17:16:00.004-04:00

I have a couple of minutes to catch up before driving Madeline to dance.

I just realized that I never posted anything about the mini-vacation Bari and I took on our week-off. We went to Richmond, KY to pick up some paintings that my cousin had that my parents had done. I have 2 oils from Dad, 2 watercolors & 3 oils from Mom. It is really nice to see them again. We have lots of pottery of my Dad's, but Mom has kept most of Dad's paintings- which is ok since those are very large. Anyway- Bari and I also went to Berea, KY and spent the day walking around the shops. It was fun. We made a couple of little purchases. Then we went to a smaller KY town, Bybee. There is a pottery there that I wanted to see, and purchase a couple of bowls and mugs. It has been around 100 years - family owned, very utilitarian stuff. I love it. We want to go back and really re-think how we can use more (Bybee Pottery) at home. Then we went to the Natural Bridge. It was beautiful. I'm really- REALLY out of shape. It was fun.

That was a while ago. Just last weekend, we photographed a wedding in Mason. 8 Brides maids, 8 Groomsmen, 4 Ushers, and 2 flowergirls. It was interesting. The groomsmen were late, the pastor told jokes and almost forgot the scripture reading, and the mother of the groom almost didn't show. But----the bride was beautiful, we collected about 50 e-mail addresses to notify when the wedding goes on line (potential extra $$$$ for this wedding), we had some new equipment which worked perfectly (specially with a large group), and I got to be creative with the wedding dress portrait. So----it was pretty fun.

Sunday morning early I sped off to Louisville to watch Madeline's last 2 competition dances. It was really fun to see all the girls cheer each other on, and the hard work pay off. We got back home around 10 pm. Madeline really enjoyed it, good thing, because there is another this weekend in Indianapolis.

Next Saturday (when I'm fast on the way to Indi) Katy is moving all - ALL - her stuff to their new apartment in Batavia. That is the first big event of WEDDING WEEK, followed by Monday- liscense, Wednesday - mani/pedi's for K, M, and I. Thursday- family and friends coming into town early, Shower in the evening. Friday- move the flowers and kids wedding wear to the eastside, 5pm rehersal, dinner, pick up my sis at Dayton. CAN'T WAIT TILL SATURDAY- 10 am hair, 1pm, all over town for picks, 4pm family pics, 6pm ceremony - then on to the reception. SUNDAY- birthday party for ex-husband for kids (I don't go to this one!). Oops- -sometime on wednesday I pick up my dress. And I need to clean my house (early in the week) and take my sis BACK to Dayton on Sunday.

Add to that, I'm working all day on Monday and Tuesday. And the Matt Maupin procession and memorial is - SATURDAY - just down the road from the Reception hall. Let's hope the president doesn't come.

Love you all! I'm reading blogs although I'm not always commenting. It really helps me feel like I'm kind of keeping in touch.- - --

I think I took the wrong week off for vacation.

I just realized that I never explained the contact comment. Yep- I'm officially old. Not only is my first born getting MARRIED, I got a new perscription for contacts and their BI-FOCAL! (and their really great- I can see close up and then - - -really far away--). It is amazing. (See? I do sound old).

Temple dates

2008-03-31T21:55:00.002-04:00

Bari and I had a fabulous week of vacation. There were all sorts of suprises, climbing mountains in KY, getting myself locked in a Women's Room stall. But I will expound on every detail at a later date. I need to write about something we heard at the end of the week. I found it all very interesting - on many levels.

Although Bari and I photograph weddings for our own business (check out the web site- there are more photo's on it)- we also photograph weddings as sub-contractors for friends of ours. Scott and Aimee have their own business photographing high school seniors and events, but hate doing weddings. They know how good Bari is, they pay well enough, and so we go and photograph for them.

This couple both (not always at the same time) worked for an LDS family business. Unfortunately, the LDS family were not very good manager/owners which is why Scott and Aimee both eventually left the company. The LDS couple were very difficult to get along with, micromanaging the business and undermining accomplishments of the staff. The office was always very on edge about every little detail that could possibly go wrong, because that would trigger unpleasant consequences from the LDS bosses. (I am being gentle in portraying the LDS family- really). The LDS family was very active in their ward. He would go on Scout campouts, and serve in the Bishopric and on the High Council. She served in Stake capacities. They would take an afternoon off and 'go to the temple' about once a month. Most of the time, the mood in the office would be better when they returned from their temple date.
Scott and Aimee were not an active religious couple when they worked for the LDS couple. In fact, they were quite amused by the hypocracy they saw coming from the LDS family.

We speed up in time 2 years. Scott and Aimee now have their own fledgling company. They took us out to eat after the wedding reception on Saturday and we visited over dinner for over an hour. Scott told us that when they get overwhelmed or stressed about the business, the go on a 'Temple Day'. They actually call it a Temple Day, too. They get into their Jeep, take off into the countryside, find a beautiful calm spot in nature, put in a favorite Christian CD and 'talk' to God. They said it was kind of like praying. (It was EXACTLY like praying!). They express their needs, concerns, and frustrations, and ask for help (!). Aimee said that almost immediately, they will receive what they need to meet their bills, not more than they need at the moment, but just enough to relieve the stress. It was amazing. I never would have seen this couple as looking for spiritual experiences for help.

What REALLY gets to me is that - no matter how (seemingly) awful the example of the LDS couple was, Scott and Aimee gleaned the ONE thing that they needed to become more spiritual as a couple and family. I just can't get over that.

I can't figure out what this means. Does it mean that if (as LDS) we do 'everything right' - go to church, hold callings, pay tithing, attend the temple,----that if we do all that- no matter what bad -horrid- example we set- we'll still somehow also - - - what?- - - help ?

I don't get it.

It's a new day - - - -week

2008-03-18T23:14:00.002-04:00

Well, after a perfectly awful weekend, this week has been pretty good. Tonight Madeline and I went dress shopping. I'm often out shopping for her (please don't ask how many different dance shoes she owns)- but tonight it was all about US. We went through a Burger King drive through for dinner (to save more $$$$ for the dresses) and hit the mall. I thought we might have some luck at the TriCounty Mall, but no. We walked the whole thing twice. Then we went to David's Bridal just down the street. I think we were there 2 hours, maybe 3. Definitely 3. I can't even begin to tell you how many dresses we each tried on. Madeline settled on a sweet light pink dress, and I actually ORDERED one for me. The first dress I tried on the sales assistant refused to sell me, because it made me look too old for my age. Thanks to her I tried on another 6 or 7. Anyway--- it's done.
That's just the beginning of a great week for me. I'm (finally) getting my hair done -cut-dyed-hilighted-whatever!!! on Thursday. I cannot wait. And on Friday we are having friends over for a game night. I'm excited. I rarely take time for me just to do something fun, and I'm really looking forward to it. Not only that - my vacation starts Saturday, and the kids (M & S) are going away with their Dad for the week. Wow. I'm ready for a Good Week!
I hope you all take some time to do something nice for yourselves this week !

Prayer needed- - - - -

2008-03-11T22:28:00.002-04:00

2 weeks ago a little girl almost drowned in Winton Woods pond. She was pulled to safety and sent to Children's. Her family goes to the same church in Mason as my assistant Pam. There is a blog of information on her condition. Please visit gracegoodday.blogspot.com. The family would appreciate any words of encouragement and prayer on their behalf.
Thank you.

My ABC's-

2008-03-11T16:18:00.002-04:00

Some of these things might be a little different than some of the other lists I've seen. Here we go.

A- Attached or single. Yes, I'm attached to pretty much everyone I know. I can be quite a pest. I am especially attached to my sweet, adoring husband!

B- Best friends. I have quite a few GOOD friends, but I think my 2 BEST friends are Margaret, and Patty.

C-Cake or Pie? Cake. Pie begins with a 'P'. I got 3 cakes for my birthday, homemade Lemon (kids), Buskin (my boss), Peach Crumb Cake (Pam) and 2 cupcakes also from Buskin (Cristyn).

D- Day. The day after Christmas, everything slows down, the kids are happy, I'm not as busy.

E- Essential Item. Cell Phone- and Contact Lenses.

F- Favorite Color. Let's all say this together - - - - Orange.

G- Greatest Accomplishment. Great Kids.

H- Hometown. Clyde, Ohio.

I- Indulgences. If we don't count the birthday cakes- - - Diet Soda.

J- January- July -Jam - Jelly. (I added a couple). July, who doesn't like the warm weather. Besides, I'm going to Gatinburg with Madeline this July.

K-Kids. Dane, Katy, Joey, Bari Ray, Madeline, Sammy. Do I add Josh when Katy get's married?

L- Life is incomplete without---Madeline (she told me to write that!). I was going to put Project Runway or The Amazing Race.

M- Marriage. May 28, 2004.

N- Number of siblings. 3

O- Orange or apples. Well, oranges start with an O. Apples should have been listed under 'A".
I eat more apples, but like the flavor of oranges better.

P-Phobia-Fears. Water, swimming.

Q- Quote. As said by my Mother EveryTime we left the house,"Be Careful! All the Nuts are out!"
(Yes, really)

R- Reason to smile. Sammy just gave me a kiss.

S-Season. SPRING! The squirrels in my back yard are changing from winter gray, to summer brown. Did you know they change colors?

T-Totally Cool. Madeline (again). I'm not (cool-that is).

U- Unknown Fact. Bari and I took a Swing Class when we were first married. We never finished the class.

V-Vegetarian Dish. I don't make too many. Almost eveything I make has hamburger or chicken in it.

W- Worst Habit. Waiting too long to dye my hair.

X- Xtra-Special Date. April 3, 2007. My Sealing date to Bari.

Y- Your favorite food. Well, I don't know what YOUR fav is, mine is old fashioned Pot Roast cooked on the stove in a big pot with all the veggies.

Z- Zodiac Pisces. Chinese Calendar- Rat.

I know I changed a few things. I hope it made this a little more interesting. Madeline helped. (and Danced).

My 100 things------

2008-03-02T21:40:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking about this since I saw one done a week or so ago. I'll try to have some kind of music- or alarm go off half of the way through so it will WAKE YOU UP!!!(Yes, I have the feeling this will be a little b-o-r-i-n-g.

1. I think about blogging, and what to write on blogs almost every day. But don't write them after all.

2. I also pretend that I'm at a food competition when I'm cooking sometimes. This happens most often when I'm throwing things together from the pantry.

3. As an example of #2, on Thursday I was going to make Spaghetti w/ sauce, but found I had Zitti instead - an ok sub. But also had no sauce so I used Manwich, Salsa, and left over French dip. I mixed it all together with browned hamburger and the cooked pasta. Good!

4. Not all of my answers need to be as long winded as #3.

5. My Dad has been gone for almost 20 years. I miss him everyday.

6. My Dad was a flyer in the Korean War.

7. When I was in New York last summer I saw a man who looked like my dad and was wearing the same exact clothing and hat he would wear. I miss my Dad.

8. I love cut flowers because I would kill plants anyway. This way it is presumed I did nothing wrong.

9. I want to go to Nauvoo on my vacation this year.

10. I've never been to the Palmyra pagent.

11. Someday I will (maybe) stop dying my hair. I started when I was 38- gray and had a new baby. I didn't want to be called 'Grandma' by mistake.

12. Tonight I told the 'dance mom's' how old I'll be this year (even though I 'm not too happy about it).

13. I'll be 48. (I'm still not happy).

14. I'll always be 'the baby' to my brother and sister.

15. One of our favorite Sunday night shows is the Challenge on the Food Network.

16. I try to inspire my children to think creatively.

17 The Toledo Museum of Art purchased one of my Dad's paintings for it's collection.

18. It's in storage.

19. I really want to paint my living room and put a new floor in the kitchen this year.

20. There are still times when I think of this house as Bari's and not 'ours'.

21. When I was little, my grandma Cox- Grannie, used to send clothes she made to us.

22. My sister Ellen and I would have matching outfits.

23. My Mom would draw pictures of the clothing for her journals.

24. My Mom has a Dead Book. Inside she has drawn pictures of much of her furniture. Along with the drawings are written explanations of where they came from or who made them.

25. I wish I was half as talented as my Mom.

26. I love my Mom. I want to be more like her.

27. I have seen ghosts.

28. My mom's house is haunted.

29. My mom has lived in her house for 48 years.

30. I think the ghosts are used to her.

31. I don't mind winter when there is snow.

32. Spring and Fall are my 2 favorite seasons.

33. I think I like Spring best. I like seeing the subtle changes in the trees when the buds start to come out.

34. I collect mugs.

35. I especially like hand blown glass mugs, but will collect anything that catches my eye.

36. I have a couple of mugs my dad made.

37. I also collect hats.

38. Katy brought a hat home from Moscow.

39. I try to play Sudoko every day.

40. I play the easiest and try to beat my time from the day before.

41. Todays time was my best so far. Just over 8 minutes.

42. I also want to paint the kitchen.

43. I'm sitting in the kitchen.

44. I think my mother-in-law picked out the wall paper in the kitchen.

45. It's fruit.

46. Bari and I had a beautiful wedding. I'm sorry I didn't know any of you then.

47. It's very odd to realize that 4 years ago I didn't know any of you yet.

48. There was a 3 year period in my life when I- Moved to different cities, twice. Changed my
job, twice. Had a baby. And filed for divorce.

49. The Lord is my Strength.

50. THIS IS THE ALARM !!!!!!!!!!!

51. Bari will reset the alarm 2-3 times some mornings before he gets up.

52. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to get back to sleep.

53. I have finally worked out my schedule with my boss.

54. I work 9am to 3pm.

55. Life at home seems much easier if I'm home a little bit before the youngest 2.

56. I was with Katy when she tried on wedding dresses today.

57. I didn't cry once.

58. I'm saving that for the wedding.

59. I really liked the last book we read.

60. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to Book Club.

61. I loved the part about people being players or not.

62. I talk to people in the grocery line.

63. I need to buy a dress for the wedding.

64. I still need to buy a dress for Madeline for the wedding.

65. I love to put together jigsaw puzzles.

66. The last puzzle I put together was a pattern like a kalidescope.

67. I really love to bake from scratch.

68. I wish my kitchen were just a little bit bigger. I need more counter tops.

69. My favorite color is orange. It has always been orange. When I took Sarah's color quiz my color was orange.

70. I love to hear my children sing when they are riding in the back seat of my car.

71. I love the young mom's I know. I miss that time in my life.

72. Sam used to call Madeline - Nin.

73. She hated it.

74. I'd like to learn how to fly a plane.

75. I've never been in a small plane.

76. I'd like a hot air balloon ride sometime.

77. I hate water.

78. It is always a relief when my kids get pretty good at swimming.

79. They don't share my fear.

80. I get really nervous, but I don't really mind speaking in front of groups.

81. I would like a make-over.

82. I would like a kitchen/house makeover!

83. I would like our Wedding business do well enough that Bari could quit his job.

84. Bari is the Love of My Life.

85. We often wish we had met 25 years ago.

86. I've met Dolly Parton.

87. I drove to Indianapolis in a snowstorm on Empty - to take Katy to a Backstreet Boys concert.

88. I've been at Meijers at Midnight for book or cd releases.

89. I painted a mural of Noah's Ark at a Mennonite church in Bluffton when I was in college.

90. I've framed 19th century fashion sketches from the St Petersburg, Russia Opera.

91. The drawings were sent to 3 other cities before we got them back to dismantle and ship back to Russia.

92. I wear a ring Bari bought on a cruise as an engagement ring.

93. I was named after my grandmother Mary Lou.

94. My first name is Mary.

95. The only time in my life I was called Mary, was when I was in college.

96. I should have named one of my girls Mary.

97. If Bari and I ever had a baby girl (impossible)- the kids want to name her-Bari Lou.

98. Down to the wire, this wasn't too bad. I do like a challenge.

99. I will never respond to an email like this- (I never get the cutting and pasting thing).

100. I love my testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love the gospel and the knowledge that I am a daughter of God. This sustains me through life, love , conflict and confusion. Love you all -

Satuday morning

2008-03-01T07:22:00.002-05:00

Good morning Bloggers- I only have a couple of minutes before chaos becomes a reality. I have 5 little girls in my livingroom - leftovers from a birthday party sleepover for Madeline last night. Yes- my life is Fun AND EXCITING. Which leads me to the real purpose of the morning blog.

Katy's wedding is April 26. She and Josh are getting married in a beautiful old Christian church in Monterey, Ohio (near Owensille). The reception is at a hall called- Receptions Eastgate. They have invited 150 people to the wedding/reception. I know this is not the 'typical' invite-everyone-in-the-ward type wedding. Sorry. I hope no one is offended. Honestly, if Katy had her way there would only be about 75 people invited, she is not one who likes a lot of attention. We have the invitations all mailed out, the flowers ordered, cake chosen, DJ and photographer on contract. My mother-in-law will host the Rehersal dinner. Yes, a full blown, all-out traditional Prodestant wedding. Am I dissapointed that she isn't haveing a temple wedding? of Course. Josh is a really good match for her. He is all LDS- just not wet yet.

Because of the traditions in our church, I just wanted to post the wedding plans, so the information will 'get out there'. To those who have received invitations- please use the response card to RSVP. The kids are getting worried about how many guests will show up.

I love you all. I wish I could afford to invite everyone to a HUGE party to celebrate. Josh and Katy are paying for almost everything. Besides- it's her wedding, not mine (I only had 45 people and mine!)

check it out

2008-02-23T15:37:00.002-05:00

Check out the wedding blog-Bari has been working on it. Click on the Buttons- I really like how the Gallery displays.

cherryblossomdesign.net

What do you think????? Well have more 'pages' with pricing and stuff- but I thought this was a really good start.

coming soon------

2008-02-13T09:05:00.002-05:00

Bari is working on an actual web site for our wedding/design business. Check out :

cherryblossomdesign.net---- and watch for changes in the coming weeks!!!!

Aunt Katie passed away this morning

2008-02-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

My Mom called me today and told me that my Great Aunt Katie (my Dad's only living sister) died this morning. As a child, she was my favorite Aunt. I even named my daughter after her.

Aunt Katie was quite ill the last couple of years of her life. I went to see her last February when my sister was here visiting. My aunt lived most of her life in Richmond, Kentucky.

I've told the story before of how my Grandpa had 'visited' my Grandma just before she died. I was only 3 when my Dad's father passed away. I have few memories of him. But I had quite a loving and long relationship with my Grandmother. I was named after her. She lived in a double house in Richmond with my aunt Katie and Katie's only daughter Sandra. On the opposite side of the house lived Jane, who had become friends with my Aunt. My grandmother never really liked Jane, but Jane would sometimes (more often as Grannie got older) check on my Grandmother when my aunt was at work. My Grandma (Grannie) was ailing for quite a while, and one day Jane stopped by to see her. Grannie was looking at the foot of her bed and talking. Jane asked who she was talking to, and Grannie said," I'm talking to Papa, and he's telling me what to bring". (Who knew you could take something with you!) and then she proceeded to tell Jane how much she appreciated all she had done for Aunt Katie. Soooo, we figured out that she was taking gratitude and good relationships with her.

Now, back to Aunt Katie. A couple of days ago she was having lots of conversations with people who had passed away before her. She mentioned all of her brothers (including my dad) and her sister Mimi. She even said,"Mimi, make me something to eat." They must have been getting ready for her. Then the best statement of all, she said, "Daddy's at the bottom of the hill waiting for me". The veil can be very thin at times.