tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59699544710260152882011-09-21T09:59:22.300-07:00Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.comBlogger1181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-11078506628435368522011-06-22T06:31:00.001-07:002011-06-22T06:36:12.496-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGd8LiI4Mp8/TgHvVbdsO_I/AAAAAAAAAUk/lxyiWRjlErg/s1600/DSC03133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621036961363672050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGd8LiI4Mp8/TgHvVbdsO_I/AAAAAAAAAUk/lxyiWRjlErg/s400/DSC03133.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtytSFjpDkk/TgHu9obIVtI/AAAAAAAAAUc/P5yaZLpf5nc/s1600/DewRemi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621036552525731538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtytSFjpDkk/TgHu9obIVtI/AAAAAAAAAUc/P5yaZLpf5nc/s400/DewRemi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Doin' the Dew!</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">love it!...</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-1107850662843536852?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-42629193438041905992011-04-30T12:20:00.000-07:002011-04-30T12:27:01.750-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfbSD_o6X58/TbxhstBym-I/AAAAAAAAAT8/KEICMlWI4oI/s1600/brit%252Cdad%252Cme.JPG"></a>April 10, 2011<br />Renewal of wedding vows and big celebration in Amberg...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BO5UE6CFfgw/TbxhUBy6V7I/AAAAAAAAAT0/tgbkpZZCK0s/s1600/50th.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601459033249306546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BO5UE6CFfgw/TbxhUBy6V7I/AAAAAAAAAT0/tgbkpZZCK0s/s400/50th.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>More pictures to follow soon...<br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4262919343804190599?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-27584160385009596112011-03-10T10:41:00.001-08:002011-06-22T06:47:26.510-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wbHGr2xPmcE/TXkdM7J9m_I/AAAAAAAAATE/QVpqn79fzZY/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582525320977554418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wbHGr2xPmcE/TXkdM7J9m_I/AAAAAAAAATE/QVpqn79fzZY/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Remington at 8 weeks... </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kyCnuRrlEM/TXkeK6ofMGI/AAAAAAAAATU/6dB8_UGwLt8/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582526385989038178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kyCnuRrlEM/TXkeK6ofMGI/AAAAAAAAATU/6dB8_UGwLt8/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I cannot believe this little guy is 12 weeks old already...<br />and getting so big SO fast!<br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-65WSmURyGcQ/TXkd2NOOnZI/AAAAAAAAATM/Fl3rC_S8ARQ/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582526030201920914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-65WSmURyGcQ/TXkd2NOOnZI/AAAAAAAAATM/Fl3rC_S8ARQ/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I truly cannot imaging our life without him and although he has been somewhat of an extra hassle with all of dad's stuff going on, he has also given us both something good and fun to look forward to...<br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbwho6TbXsA/TXkbdBODzpI/AAAAAAAAAS0/hgQJNSSKfhQ/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582523398460001938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbwho6TbXsA/TXkbdBODzpI/AAAAAAAAAS0/hgQJNSSKfhQ/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Doesn't that face just melt your heart?</div><br /><div>♥ ♥ ♥ ♥<br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-2758416038500959611?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-46837698790611396122010-12-24T08:52:00.001-08:002010-12-24T08:53:26.585-08:00Merry Merry Christmas!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4683769879061139612?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-32755464687465212552010-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:002011-06-22T06:42:18.744-07:00last year, in November, my world fell apart...<br />when brittany had to go to jail...<br />i had many "BIG" wishes/prayers<br />that she would do what she had to...<br />face what she needed to face...<br />learn from her mistakes...<br />and make a new life - one that would not involve being in that place on a holiday again.<br /><br />but my selfish "little" wish/prayer was...<br />to have her HOME for Christmas...<br /><br />she has had a great year and has made great strides and I am so proud of her...<br />i got that "BIG" wish/prayer answered.<br />and unbelievably, she was released on Christmas morning at 5:30 am...<br />i got my "little" but "HUGE" oh so important wish/prayer too.<br />my baby girl in my arms...<br />last Christmas.<br /><br />this year, in November, again my world fell apart...<br />this time... it was my dad.<br /><br />and i have had so many "BIG" wishes/prayers almost constantly...<br />that the doctors would find out what was making him so sick...<br />that he would celebrate his 75th birthday with us...<br />that my he would make it off the ventilator...<br />that he would survive the chest tubes and surgeries and treatments...<br />that his lungs would heal and he would be able to make it without oxygen one day...<br /><br />my one selfish "little" wish/prayer was that my dad just might be able to be home for Christmas...<br />today I got that "little" but "HUGE" wish/prayer answered...<br /><strong>my dad is coming "HOME" today... </strong><br /><strong>HOME!!</strong><br />just in time for Christmas...<br /><br />we can't hug him...<br />because of his treatment...<br />but we can sure welcome him home with open arms...<br />and huge smiles... from ear to ear!!<br /><br />i cannot IMAGINE how he will feel!! But i know how good I will feel!<br /><br />"HOME" - what a wonderful word!<br />SO thankful for answered wishes and prayers - BIG and small but oh so HUGE!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3275546468746521255?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-31013770705816497952010-12-20T13:47:00.000-08:002010-12-20T13:54:46.716-08:00We are anxiously awaiting discharge details from the docs!!!<br />i can't believe it...<br />dad is doing SO good...<br />he is up walking...<br />there are times he is without any oxygen at all...<br />even WHILE walking!!!<br /><br />It is so shocking to see such a difference...<br />part of me finds it so hard to believe that he was as sick as he was and now this...<br />i really never tried being pessimistic - just realistic...<br />this is such an answer to every prayer i prayed for every wish in my heart!!!<br />this was the UTIMATE!! OVER THE TOP HOPE!<br /><br />but i also prayed that god's will be done...<br />no matter what it was... so had to accept that just because I wanted it so bad - it did not make it right or god's way...<br /><br />Just like so much of life...<br />but this time... i got my answer to my prayers...<br />any many other peoples prayers...<br />i really really think he will be home by christmas!!!<br />what an AWESOME AWESOME gift!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3101377070581649795?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-12806573165267158522010-12-09T08:21:00.000-08:002010-12-09T08:26:26.391-08:00we just got an early Christmas present!<br /><br />ÜÜÜÜ<br /><br />for the first time in a month, Dad was able to get into a wheelchair yesterday and Mom took him on a little stroll... out of ICU and through the beautiful indoor Healing Garden on his floor at the hospital!<br />i had tears in my eye's as I envisioned the two of them...<br /><br />the doctors all walked in his room yesterday with big smiles on their faces and have made the decision today to transfer him to a regular room - hallelujah!<br />I just can't seem to stop smiling today!<br /><br />ÜÜÜÜ<br /><br />he is still very weak and struggling to fight the disease every day but what an answer to many people's prayers!<br /><br />ÜÜÜÜÜ<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-1280657316526715852?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-45074524660103157702010-12-07T11:25:00.000-08:002010-12-07T11:35:05.830-08:00things are looking up... Ü<br /><br />dad has made some definite improvements!!!<br /><br />his breathing is less labored...<br />his oxygen is at half of what it was...<br />he has been sitting up in a chair...<br />he is working very hard at rehab...<br />and...<br />the docs are hinting at a possible move to a regular room???<br /><br />part of me is very cautious as we have been here before...<br />BUT...<br />he truly is looking and acting better...<br />he is amazing the nursing staff...<br />and...<br />I AM LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!<br /><br />my dad is a fighter!!!<br />and he has a lot of great people in his court rooting him on!<br />thank you all~<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4507452466010315770?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-19836399449898831082010-11-29T11:31:00.000-08:002010-11-29T12:33:38.553-08:00as those of you who know me best already know...<br />i am a mess...<br /><br />my dad and I have always been SO close...<br />there has never been anyone that could measure up to him. ever.<br /><br />i always knew that i would be a wreck when something happened to him...<br />i am a mess... I AM A MESS...<br />on the inside...<br /><br />on the outside though...<br />i trudge on... i muddle through...<br /><br />i...<br />organize the visits...<br />try to take care of mom...<br />go to work...<br />try to be there for aaron and brit...<br />sit with dad through the long dis-orienting nights...<br />stroke his hand and keep him calm...<br />ask the important, real questions...<br />blot his tears...<br />update the families...<br />make jokes and keep him smiling...<br />read him the many cards, his devotional and his favorite book, the bible...<br />take care of the flowers and try to cheer the room and appear busy...<br />keep smiling when his numbers are not good so he doesn't see the worry...<br />wipe his brow with a cool cloth when he looks wore out...<br />just stroke his forehead, when words are not enough...<br />give him the thumbs up when he hits small little goals that seem like huge accomplishments...<br />but...<br />i will be honest...<br />i have seen my dad suffer more than I hoped to in this lifetime...<br /><br />the disease seems to have progressed too fast... and too far...<br />no one seems to know how to treat this awful awful process...<br />it has been a an un-believable roller coaster, some parts too scary to describe...<br />his doctors are trying options...<br />many, many, MANY wonderful people everywhere are praying...<br />he is fighting... we all are fighting...<br />but i have faced all the outcomes...<br />and i have faced that the disease may win.<br /><br />dad ALWAYS told me that if he dropped on the side of the road running, i had better not try to bring him back...<br />i have always known, felt and respected his relationship with his JESUS...<br />i know that he is ready when he is called home...<br />i just secretly, selfishly hope beyond hope sometimes, that it is not for a long, long time. <br /><br />my dad has taught me SO much in my lifetime...<br />he has always lived north of me for my adult life so I call him my "north star"...<br />last year he placed a cross in a special place where i can go to talk to his JESUS...<br />and to talk to him when he is gone... who does that?<br /><br />NO MATTER WHAT has happened to me in my life... he has always been there.<br />but come to find out - he has been there for SO many people...<br />it is so hard to imagine him falling...<br />but he is so loved, by so so many!!<br /><br />It is not hard for me to imagine what my heavenly father will be like - i think he will be very much like my dad.<br />My best words to describe what has set my dad apart as a person but mostly as a man are the following words...<br /><br />Nothing is as strong as gentleness, Nothing is as gentle as real strength<br /><br />I am so thankful for each moment that JESUS gives me with my strong, gentle, real strength - my dad...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-1983639944989883108?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-51527490834756010762010-11-10T13:42:00.000-08:002010-11-10T13:59:27.699-08:00After weeks of watching my father go downhill healthwise and seem to age before our eyes... we finally have a diagnosis. That in itself is answered prayer... although we all know, sometimes we don't necessarily like the answer...<br /><br />He had not been feeling well for a long time - we watched him suffer through a stomach infection, a severe ear infection, a horrendous eye infection, some heart issues along with chills, fever, nightsweats and a host of other symptoms... symptoms that you would never think would be related to each other.<br /><br />Tuesday when he started coughing blood, mom made the decision to bring him to Aurora ER. His bloodtests from last week were back and he has been diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis, a rare auto-immune disease where the anti-bodies in your system basically attack your body.<br />It is un-curable... <br />The treatment's side effects are almost more debilitating than the disease...<br />BUT there is a chance of remission!!<br /><br />He has started massive doses of prednasone...<br />They are trying to stop the bleeding in the lungs...<br />He will need to start Chemo soon.<br /><br />It is daunting, scary and very overwhelming... please pray for us all as we start this day to day journey towards remission and good health. He will need all the prayer strength he can gather!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5152749083475601076?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-40012375973447800512010-09-30T08:28:00.000-07:002010-09-30T08:36:33.849-07:00<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#003300;"><em>Friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest... It's about who came, and never left your heart...</em></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;"></span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4001237597344780051?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-51334049816376197092010-08-25T12:34:00.000-07:002010-08-25T12:44:44.140-07:00<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/THVwzdKjIuI/AAAAAAAAASc/qquTnQF2qZw/s1600/b%26me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509433748462183138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/THVwzdKjIuI/AAAAAAAAASc/qquTnQF2qZw/s400/b%26me.jpg" border="0" /></a> You can do it Brittany!<br /> Good luck with college...<br />take one day at a time...<br />make good decisions...<br />study and work hard...<br /><br />and have the time of your life!<br />Very proud of you today!<br />I'll be...<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5133404981637619709?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-17014190802563520412010-08-23T07:24:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:29:27.804-07:00<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/THKE1rE2WLI/AAAAAAAAASU/z_tlo5aVzPc/s1600/0Aaron.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508611351858534578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/THKE1rE2WLI/AAAAAAAAASU/z_tlo5aVzPc/s400/0Aaron.jpg" border="0" /></a> Aaron at Gravity Park </div><div align="center"> I love that dirt in the mouth/nose area... </div><div align="center">He never stops smiling when he is on that bike!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-1701419080256352041?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-33824880338784244992010-07-16T06:21:00.000-07:002010-07-16T07:17:10.624-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TEBnrg9aFfI/AAAAAAAAASM/87mopZ90z1Q/s1600/daboys.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494505542671537650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TEBnrg9aFfI/AAAAAAAAASM/87mopZ90z1Q/s400/daboys.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TEBnNvu-RxI/AAAAAAAAASE/w1gMzm8f1MY/s1600/daboys.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I have known for years that Aaron is going to serve his country and enter the Marines after high school...</div><br /><div>Ever since he was little, he has worn military hats, berets, camoflage, army boots - anything to be like his heros. (He still does!) Ü</div><div>And one of my favorite memories of him is the summer that he would sing all four anthems for each branch of service - proudly... at the top of his lungs... whenever he was asked!!<br /></div><div>To be honest - I think he would go tomorrow if he could - that is how much he wants to serve!! </div><div></div><div>I have always been ok with it - probably because he is so determined...<br />Occasionally, he has vacillated between Army and Marines but he always comes back to his number 1 choice... to be a Marine - "like his Grandpa"</div><div></div><div></div><div>I was very emotional at Memorial Day Services this year (OK, more than normal)</div><div>~ Our flag, waving in the wind... there were 37 of them out this year - breathtaking!</div><div>~ Hearing my dad speak - and feeling so proud and thankful for his life.</div><div>~ Watching my great uncle Carl and his son Denny stand side by side, saluting our flag.</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TEBmhxUzoxI/AAAAAAAAAR8/YydCf0hXyy8/s1600/dad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494504275754328850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TEBmhxUzoxI/AAAAAAAAAR8/YydCf0hXyy8/s400/dad.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Then, when they played Taps... usually one of my favorite moments.<br /></div><div>It suddenly dawned on me... Aaron entering the service is now than 2 years away... </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>This year... I admit, I did, very persuasively, try to talk him into sticking with the drums...</div><div>My argument to him - "Aaron, you can have an awesome career in the Marine band, travelling, seeing the world, getting great pay and benefits" - all the while selfishly, not wanting him to see combat.</div><div>His response? "Heck no!! I am not taking the easy way out! Mom, I want to fight... I need to serve my country... someone has to protect YOUR freedom"</div><br /><div></div><div>How can you not be proud of that???</div><br /><div></div><div>SOOOOO.... I have already started praying...</div><div>~ for his safety</div><div>~ for his friends and commrades while he will be there</div><div>~ that if he has to serve... that he will make a difference!! </div><br /><div></div><div>This link/tribute gave me the chills... and reminded me of Aaron that summer!</div><div>They are all my heroes!!!</div><br /><div></div><div>This was filmed in Iraq at a USO tour of a US Marine Base. Play it and enjoy...<br /><br /><br /><a title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtdIO23MKM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtdIO23MKM</a></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3382488033878424499?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-23615915819769093602010-06-07T12:38:00.000-07:002010-06-07T13:16:38.684-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TA1P-BY4XkI/AAAAAAAAARM/PZeXDoEm33Y/s1600/IMG_4330.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480124248523038274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TA1P-BY4XkI/AAAAAAAAARM/PZeXDoEm33Y/s400/IMG_4330.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TA1PvA2EC-I/AAAAAAAAARE/odpe9sLeZEU/s1600/IMG_4324.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480123990678965218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TA1PvA2EC-I/AAAAAAAAARE/odpe9sLeZEU/s400/IMG_4324.jpg" border="0" /></a> Two of my favorites of our "older" Mattision generation... it is so fun seeing these brothers together and there are always a ton of laughs!!</div><div> </div><div>Plus, I think they worked harder than I did on the fence project!!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-2361591581976909360?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-50965238278599971542010-06-07T12:35:00.001-07:002010-06-07T12:38:17.975-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TA1KdxTBb7I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/RvQFmk0BGJM/s1600/IMG_4333.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480118196889546674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TA1KdxTBb7I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/RvQFmk0BGJM/s400/IMG_4333.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Saturday project was a 7 foot fence in Amberg!!</div><div>Turned out great!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5096523827859997154?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-81948669282999971952010-06-02T06:13:00.000-07:002010-06-02T06:25:05.283-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TAZaSVUrO-I/AAAAAAAAAQs/7IeAzf6MkYk/s1600/IMG_4294.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478165267750796258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TAZaSVUrO-I/AAAAAAAAAQs/7IeAzf6MkYk/s400/IMG_4294.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The boys and their grandpa...</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TAZZbjNGyZI/AAAAAAAAAQk/keeyIXPM5IM/s1600/IMG_4289.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478164326584338834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/TAZZbjNGyZI/AAAAAAAAAQk/keeyIXPM5IM/s400/IMG_4289.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Featured speaker - my dad!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>One proud daughter!!</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-8194866928299997195?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-15764575978915816042010-05-24T05:45:00.001-07:002010-05-24T06:45:36.040-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/S_qCp6buEtI/AAAAAAAAAQc/1TQvwOikGuk/s1600/b%26me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474831953594028754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/S_qCp6buEtI/AAAAAAAAAQc/1TQvwOikGuk/s400/b%26me.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>So many feelings were so close to the surface this Mother's Day.</div><br /><div></div><div>I took a few minutes to look back at photos of where the years have gone.</div><br /><br /><div>I never would have imagined that our lives would take so many twists and turns...</div><div></div><br /><div>I never imagined the sweet moments could be so sweet...<br /></div><br /><div>nor that the painful moments, could cause so much hopeless anguish.</div><br /><div></div><div>What I have learned through it all?</div><br /><div>To appreciate each and every day... every moment!</div><br /><div>To value each child (and their unique-ness)</div><br /><div>That there is always hope... And un-conditional, un-failing love...</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/S_qA5Jw-d-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/9aovVIZlkNs/s1600/family.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474830016384497634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/S_qA5Jw-d-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/9aovVIZlkNs/s400/family.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>To know that I am SO THANKFUL to be Brittany's "Mommy" </div><br /><div></div><div>and Aaron's "Momma"</div><br /><br /><div>And to remember to take life (and mothering) </div><br /><br /><br /><div>ONE DAY AT A TIME!</div><div><br /></div><div></div>Thanks for the photo's Brit - great job!<br /><br /><div></div><div> </div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-1576457597891581604?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-90546596581802205662010-05-08T12:57:00.000-07:002010-05-10T11:14:43.180-07:00My tulips glistened this morning from the soft gentle rain that fell overnight...<br />Grandma's iris and lilacs have burst with beautiful purple splendor...<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain</span></em><br /><br />We all know what we want, don't we?<br />Enjoy!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-9054659658180220566?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-13373007143594217172010-01-29T13:39:00.000-08:002010-01-29T13:40:55.531-08:00I really do not have many words today.<br />Just a lot of feelings.<br />Winter is a time for seeking refuge,<br />for our mind, body and spirit.<br />But I refuse.<br />There are lots of changes going on inside of me<br />and I feel like I am jumping off into the deep end<br />without my "floaties" on.<br />Yet, at the same time, I feel my power welling up inside of me<br />and I am in search of the tallest cliff imaginable so that even<br />in the moment where I need to be still and grow,<br />I am taking action and standing up for my self.<br />So, today I just feel like putting on my swimming suit,<br />and plunging into the water from heights I've never been before.<br />HERE I GO!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-1337300714359421717?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-85329877165742461082010-01-12T08:24:00.000-08:002010-01-12T11:41:19.959-08:00Health:<br />1. Drink plenty of water.<br />2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.<br />3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..<br />4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy<br />5. Make time to pray.<br />6. Play more games<br />7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .<br />8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day<br />9. Sleep for 7 hours.<br />10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.<br /><br />Personality:<br />11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.<br />12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.<br />13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.<br />14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.<br />15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.<br />16. Dream more while you are awake<br />17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..<br />18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.<br />19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.<br />20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.<br />21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.<br />22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.<br />23. Smile and laugh more.<br />24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...<br /><br />Society:<br />25. Call your family often.<br />26. Each day give something good to others.<br />27. Forgive everyone for everything..<br />28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 &amp; under the age of 6.<br />29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.<br />30. What other people think of you is none of your business.<br />31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.<br /><br />Life:<br />32. Do the right thing!<br />33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.<br />34. GOD heals everything.<br />35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..<br />36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.<br />37. The best is yet to come..<br />38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.<br />39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy. Last but not the least:<br />40. Please "pay this forward"... I just did!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-8532987716574246108?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-59775906111117467912010-01-05T12:38:00.000-08:002010-01-05T12:39:57.989-08:00I found a freebie...<br /><br />I have been wanting to try one of these canvas portraits for awhile...<br /><br /><a href="https://secured.canvaspeople.com/freegift">https://secured.canvaspeople.com/freegift</a><br /><br />Good luck - let me know how yours turns out!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5977590611111746791?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-43870612410048250752009-12-31T10:09:00.000-08:002009-12-31T10:15:12.081-08:00<span style="color:#990000;">These words are from a lullaby... </span><br /><span style="color:#330000;">but I think appropriate at any age...</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">My wish to all I love in 2010!!</span><br /><br /><br />May you always walk in sunshine<br /><span style="color:#993300;">Slumber warm when night winds blow<br /></span>May you always live with laughter<br /><span style="color:#993300;">For a smile becomes you so.</span><br /><br />May good fortune find your doorway<br /><span style="color:#993300;">May the bluebird sing your song</span><br />May no trouble travel your way<br /><span style="color:#993300;">May no worry stay too long<br /></span><br />May your heartaches be forgotten<br /><span style="color:#993300;">May no tears be spilled<br /></span>May old acquaintance be remembered<br /><span style="color:#993300;">And your cup of kindness filled<br /></span><br />And may you always be a dreamer<br /><span style="color:#993300;">May your wildest dream come true<br /></span>May you find someone to love<br /><span style="color:#993300;">As much as I love you...<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4387061241004825075?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-75040496967354741562009-12-10T07:52:00.001-08:002009-12-10T07:59:45.598-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SyEauB4e5wI/AAAAAAAAAPw/rhWG5UHeOz0/s1600-h/reminder.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413637605157693186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SyEauB4e5wI/AAAAAAAAAPw/rhWG5UHeOz0/s400/reminder.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SyEZVHdzlFI/AAAAAAAAAPo/XkxEE4Au3Uo/s1600-h/foryou.jpg"></a><div><br />A message?? </div><div> </div><div>it worked for me...<br /><br />We all have days that we need to be reminded!!<br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-7504049696735474156?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-43645924146297927042009-11-16T11:50:00.000-08:002009-11-16T12:19:41.130-08:00I saw this on a blog I read regularly and it hit home:<br /><br />I found they best way to see my future is too look at my past and that the older I get, the more I sound like my mother. <br />I learned that people are the same everywhere I go, but the ones that I’ve known the longest have a box seat in my soul.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4364592414629792704?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-57337035841572928242009-10-31T11:48:00.000-07:002009-10-31T11:52:17.632-07:00I really!!!! want the Packers to win tomorrow! <br />Is that too much to ask?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5733703584157292824?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-71386659913562402382009-10-29T14:36:00.000-07:002009-10-29T14:38:14.620-07:00You know?<br />I was just thinking how long it has been since I blogged…<br />Some people would say that it means that our lives are boring…<br /><br />If that is true, then I really kinda like boring!!<br /><br />When you are living life in the “eye of the hurricane” – just pure and simple survival is tough enough.<br />We had all been in survival stage for quite awhile.<br />We have all had to learn what our new “normal” is.<br />It has drastically changed – it is MUCH better in some ways and yes, worse in some ways… but we have settled into our new “normal” and make the best of everyday!<br />We could always wish for more or better or nicer but realize that we have an awful lot to be thankful for.<br /><br />A quick life update on us and what’s new:<br /><br />Aaron is having a good school year grade wise. His top interests continue to be:<br />1) His truck and driving EVERYWHERE!<br />2) His dirt bike - it is in the shop &amp; we are determining the cost to repair the motor…<br />3) Hunting season!!! (Need I say more?)<br />4) Kyle the cat – They are best buds!! Aaron has determined that he is getting fat and has put him on a strict diet (I hope he doesn’t decide to do that with me!)<br /><br />Some little things I love about this BIG kid lately??<br />1) When I hear him snap his retainers out of his mouth every morning and I didn’t even have to remind him to put them in the night before<br />2) When he realized that putting up the Christmas lights in October before it is cold out is a lot smarter than waiting until November and snow<br />3) When he is willing to help out his mom and our neighbors with projects without even complaining<br />4) The way he plops on top of me for his goodnight hug/cuddle before bedtime as I am reading in bed<br />5) The way he finagles gas money and excuses to use the truck! (oh yeah – did I mention that I love that he has his license?)<br />6) His big giant hugs! That he shares important details of his day! And that he is a responsible “Scoopie” at Culvers!<br />7) That is has been listening to Christmas music for a month and a half already!<br /><br />Brittany is learning a lot of life lessons since turning 18!<br />1) She continues to meet her requirements and has @ 8 months until her goal is fulfilled<br />2) She has signed up for courses at the Tech School<br />3) She has a new job at Bath and Bodyworks (I think we will love that discount!)<br />4) She has learned that nothing in life is just handed to you – you make your own road and you deal with the consequences<br /><br />Some little things I love about this young adult lately?<br />1) She is grateful for the small things that someone does for her<br />2) She is no longer rebellious or combative – I see a new appreciative side that I love!<br />3) I really am enjoying getting to know her again – we are healing – we are friends!<br />4) She talks to me – really talks! It has been a long, long time!<br />5) I love her notes, e-mails, poems and songs that remind her of me!<br />6) She is SO looking forward to being with her family at Thanksgiving!<br /><br />Me???? Between my job at Camera Corner, the extra hour a day I am on the road and then working at Lambeau Field (which I love!) - the days fly by WAY too fast. In my spare time? Let’s see… I:<br />1) Rake – a lot! Ha ha<br />2) Have been spending great time with Brit and hanging out with Aaron<br />3) Head Up North – a couple of times (need to get up there more)<br />4) Made a Halloween costume for a friend<br />5) Try to make a new homemade soup every week<br />6) Practice the banjo – it is coming slow though - uggg<br />7) Work on finishing 3 quilts<br />8) Cuddle with Kyle on the couch – with the fireplace going – a lot! TOO much!<br />9) Just finished two Jodi Picoult books<br />10) Started listening to motivational CDs on the drive to and from work<br />11) Joined the YMCA and lost some weight!! (without Aaron’s help! – LOL!)<br />12) Re-aquainted with and forgave an old friend that had hurt me badly through the divorce – amazing to watch a relationship heal!!<br />13) Oh yeah – and I booked a trip to Puerto Rico in March with some friends!!<br /><br />It really doesn’t sound boring to me…<br />it sounds busy…<br />and productive…<br />with goals and hopes and dreams for our future…<br />Normal?<br />Maybe not yours… but ours.<br /><br />Did I mention that I really like it?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-7138665991356240238?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-64358460476327688762009-10-20T07:06:00.001-07:002009-10-20T07:15:11.918-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/St3D86ttX7I/AAAAAAAAAPA/VYQKOCe70uY/s1600-h/Emily.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394683379980263346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/St3D86ttX7I/AAAAAAAAAPA/VYQKOCe70uY/s400/Emily.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>awwww...</div><div>what a miracle!! </div><div> </div><div>the whole pregnancy, labor, birth experience still blows me away!!</div><div> </div><div>Welcome baby Emily!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-6435846047632768876?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-85416713305776168582009-10-19T12:15:00.000-07:002009-10-19T12:19:34.592-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sty7HpwPoRI/AAAAAAAAAO4/5zxCOaUnrro/s1600-h/Emily+Morgan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394392193824694546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sty7HpwPoRI/AAAAAAAAAO4/5zxCOaUnrro/s400/Emily+Morgan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My newest great-niece!!</div><div>7lbs 11oz 20 inches</div><div>Awwww....</div><div></div><div>Now I really need to get healthy to get over and love on her!! </div><div></div><div>Congrats Mitch, Jenny and Allie!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-8541671330577616858?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-48658195657818400512009-10-10T11:24:00.001-07:002009-10-10T11:24:43.304-07:00<em>"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melodie Beattie</em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4865819565781840051?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-72143182888067391762009-10-06T16:54:00.000-07:002009-10-06T16:56:27.140-07:00Aaron passed his road test today... stay off the streets of Kimberly!!<br /><br />Mom is so relieved!!!<br /><br />Wouldn't you know... the battery on my camera was dead??? Pictures to follow...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-7214318288806739176?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-68237955885509854222009-10-05T09:38:00.000-07:002009-10-05T09:41:34.131-07:00Thanks for the post Brittany... I love you!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q9S3cT18Fs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q9S3cT18Fs</a><br /><br />Loved it...<br />Funny how life works that way, hey?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-6823795588550985422?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-34652065476240382942009-09-30T11:02:00.001-07:002009-09-30T11:13:02.768-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SsOdZYE8eDI/AAAAAAAAAOw/hzKs7I9t_FI/s1600-h/P9051418%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387322638550726706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SsOdZYE8eDI/AAAAAAAAAOw/hzKs7I9t_FI/s400/P9051418%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bruce took this picture and caught my favorite time of the day...<br /><br />at my absolute, most favorite place on earth...<br /><br />The cabin!<br /><br />I love the reflection of the birch trees on the water...<br /><br />and if I close my eyes, I can hear the water rippling over the rocks...<br /><br />so calming...<br /><br /><br />I have dual monitors at work and most of the day, my screens are full with too many windows open at one time...<br />sometimes I just diminish them all and gaze at this spot...<br />It instantly calms me and makes me feel so peaceful!<br /><br />(If only we could "diminish" all our problems and worries as easily!)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3465206547624038294?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-25056228303169345502009-09-17T09:43:00.000-07:002009-09-17T10:01:53.122-07:00Please pray for Kristy's family...<br />I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through...<br /><a href="http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090917/APC010301/909170555/1007">http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090917/APC010301/909170555/1007</a><br /><br />I cannot seem to get this off my mind or out of my heart and pray for them constantly.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-2505622830316934550?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-44855573408354019822009-09-16T21:07:00.000-07:002009-09-16T21:16:41.816-07:00<em>I had to post this... </em><br /><em>Aaron wrote this for school and it makes me cry every time I read it...</em><br /><br /><strong>I Am What I Am<br /></strong><em>Written By Aaron Mc Gowan<br /></em><br />I am what I am...<br />I am a student at the two time back to back state champ school Kimberly and am very proud to be here.<br />I am a student and I understand that I don’t know everything and have much yet to learn about life.<br />I am also a believer in choices.<br />I believe we all face the same choices in one way or another.<br />To smoke and drink and do bad things compared to doing what I was always raised to do and say.<br />I believe we are all tested to see what we can achieve in life.<br />I am what I am, a son and brother.<br />A son of two outstanding parents that I know love and care for me as much as I care for them.<br />I am a brother to a wonderful sister that even though she is older still looks at me as her peer and best friend.<br />I am a friend as well as a mentor in many of my families and friends problems and decisions.<br /><br />I am a lover and fighter.<br /><br />I will be nice and fair to anyone and everyone who I meet.<br />I can also be a weapon as I am trained in the art of Tae Kwon Do and am a recipient of a 2nd Poom Certificate, which is a 2nd Degree Black Belt.<br />I have trained for six years at this and know what my abilities are and what to expect of my opponents abilities.<br />I am what I am.<br /><br />A dreamer and realist.<br />I am a dreamer of one day being able to compete with my buddies who are pro motocross riders. I am a realist in seeing that I can only jump my bike so far and go so fast till I get better, but I learn.<br />Just as I was taught to follow my heart and get up after falling in everything.<br />Just as I have been taught to be thankful for everything I have and all the time I have here.<br />I have experienced this many times in the deaths of friend racers and my cousin.<br />In this I believe they are in Gods hands. For I am a christian and not afraid to say that.<br />I am what I am.<br /><br />A kid.<br />I live by that.<br />I live my life now and here and want to do as many cool things as possible that I can as a kid.<br />I love activity.<br />Whether it be practicing motocross, or snowboarding, it can be from fishing in one place along the bank of a river to hunting a friend in the woods during paint ball.<br /> I love my dirt bike and working on it.<br />I love hanging out with my friends that ride and watching them learn.<br />I love lots of things and the list is long trust me.<br />I am what I am.<br /><br />I am Aaron James Mcgowan.<br />I am 16 and love my life for how it is and don’t regret one minute of it because without what has all happened I wouldn’t be here loving it now for what it is.<br /><br />I am what I am…<br />nothing more…<br />and nothing less.<br /><br /><em>Needless to say, I am one proud mom!</em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4485557340835401982?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-25736421364518682472009-09-15T12:58:00.000-07:002009-09-15T14:43:04.342-07:00The Appleton Airport<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sq_z-XdiLMI/AAAAAAAAAOo/8NGMaRKOSRw/s1600-h/3+amigos.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381788332506361026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sq_z-XdiLMI/AAAAAAAAAOo/8NGMaRKOSRw/s400/3+amigos.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">On a much lighter note...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">My brothers and dad...</div><br /><br /><div align="center">"the three amigos" or maybe?</div><br /><br /><div align="center">"the three stooges"?</div><br /><br /><div align="center">ha ha ha ha</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><p></p><p></p><br /><br /><div align="center">left today on an "adventure"...</div><br /><br /><div align="center">a flight to Montanna...</div><br /><br /><div align="center">a stay in the "hunting cabin"...</div><div align="center">(ya right!)</div><br /><br /><div align="center">a visit with great family and friends...</div><br /><br /><div align="center">many, many good gut laughs...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">and there are SURE to be a few GREAT stories...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">and a loooonnnng drive home in a van...</div><div align="center">(with more of the same, I am sure)</div><div align="center">Just don't let Dad have the first sleep shift - he will never wake up!!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">(I am so jealous...)</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Enjoy, laugh and have loads of fun!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">God Speed!</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-2573642136451868247?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-39277997325295531462009-09-15T10:44:00.000-07:002009-09-17T13:26:52.803-07:00Yesterday...<br />on a day that seemed oh so normal...<br />just driving home from work...<br />I received a call from Brittany with tragic news...<br />of the suicide of a 17 year old from Kaukauna High...<br />Kristy.<br /><br />We knew her.<br />It shook my world...<br /><br />My hair stood on end...<br />I did not believe it...<br />I hated telling Aaron and hoped that it was not true.<br />I still get chills everytime I think about it.<br /><br />Every parents worst possible nightmare.<br />Horrific.<br />Tragic.<br />There does not seem to be a word to describe it and I cannot even imagine.<br /><br />She had touched our lives personally...<br /><br />I took care of her...<br />for two years when I was an at home "day-care" mom...<br />She and Aaron attended preschool together at Good Shepherd...<br />and then all our kids were in day-care together...<br />Her grandparents were our backyard neighbors for years.<br />A vivacious, bubbly, out-going little girl that made us laugh! All the time!<br /><br />Her mom and I were great friends when the kids were young.<br />As the kids grew...<br />we drifted...<br />but would quickly try to catch up at the kids events through the years.<br />I watched her grow up from afar.<br /><br />Recently, there had been a move from Kimberly...<br />I had heard rumors of a nasty divorce...<br /><br />But...<br />What makes a child do this? Anyone do this?<br />How can there be no other options?<br /><br />We knew her...<br />no longer closely...<br />but still...<br />she had been a part of our lives.<br /><br />It made me realize again just how tough of a world our kids are growing up in.<br />It made me pray that neither of my kids ever feel this desperate or hopeless.<br />It made me extremely sad.<br />It made me text Brittany to always be strong and never give up.<br />It made me wish (a lot more than usual) that I could giver her a bedtime hug.<br />It made me have a talk with Aaron that I should probably have more often.<br />It made me hug him a lot tighter at bed time, to make up for both their hugs.<br />Because I am so lucky to have them.<br /><br />And when I crawled in bed...<br />it made me sob...<br />uncontrollably...<br />because I am so thankful that...<br />somehow...<br />someway...<br />we survived divorce...<br />not just once.<br /><br />it was not easy...<br />there may be scars...<br />but these can heal with time and love.<br /><br />Because we still have each other.<br />And for that I feel so grateful.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3927799732529553146?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-43910602553174288702009-09-10T11:35:00.000-07:002009-09-10T12:20:17.356-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqlNkeN1GDI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Cc7dTtEkCAI/s1600-h/IMG_2842.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379916518852466738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqlNkeN1GDI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Cc7dTtEkCAI/s400/IMG_2842.jpg" border="0" /></a>I had a glimmer last week...<br /><br />and again yesterday...<br /><br /><br /><br />Glimpses...<br />of the way it was at one time...<br />and maybe...<br />of a new beginning???<br /><br /><br /><br />I spent a few wonderful, relaxed, hours just hanging with my beautiful daughter...<br /><br />playing with the camera...<br />cooking dinner...<br />eating...<br />driving...<br />and mostly, talking...<br />about important things...<br /><br /><br />about silly things...<br />laughing...<br /><br />and just catching up.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqlOH277qmI/AAAAAAAAAOg/tExkcMqMhZI/s1600-h/IMG_2834.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379917126783707746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqlOH277qmI/AAAAAAAAAOg/tExkcMqMhZI/s400/IMG_2834.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I loved every precious minute...<br /><br /><p></p><p>Just enjoying each other...</p><br /><br /><br />And like time does...<br />with everything special...<br /><br /><br />the minutes went<br />way to fast!!<br /><br />(And we did pretty good at catching and enjoying a beautiful sunset together too!)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4391060255317428870?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-8034316333975584922009-09-09T12:40:00.001-07:002009-09-09T13:14:09.500-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgMYl-UzrI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/qUo7Zv-7cCs/s1600-h/IMG_2738.jpg"></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgHr8IKMCI/AAAAAAAAAOI/P02I-vA_EJ0/s1600-h/IMG_2749.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379558206350176290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgHr8IKMCI/AAAAAAAAAOI/P02I-vA_EJ0/s400/IMG_2749.jpg" border="0" /></a> Taking a ride in Bennie the jeep to Uncle Matty's pond</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgGMNJtRQI/AAAAAAAAANw/Fygo9t6oB6g/s1600-h/IMG_2737.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379556561652630786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgGMNJtRQI/AAAAAAAAANw/Fygo9t6oB6g/s400/IMG_2737.jpg" border="0" /></a> Jumping in off the cherry picker!!</div><br /><div>They really got a lot of air...<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgF-grCFNI/AAAAAAAAANo/WAhrhGzCVJ4/s1600-h/IMG_2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379556326374511826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgF-grCFNI/AAAAAAAAANo/WAhrhGzCVJ4/s400/IMG_2709.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Aaron rolling Hunter into the river...<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379557993530093650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgHfjT5cFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/jjHyixOvsOU/s400/IMG_2783.jpg" border="0" /> Hunter... my... what big antlers you have...<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379556118394701826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgFyZ4yCAI/AAAAAAAAANg/dxZsG2rbrX0/s400/IMG_2664.jpg" border="0" /> Say "Cheese" Mitch...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgFlos1yPI/AAAAAAAAANY/TvrZl543_SQ/s1600-h/IMG_2708.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379555899032848626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgFlos1yPI/AAAAAAAAANY/TvrZl543_SQ/s400/IMG_2708.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's the inner tube boy...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgFGNowsiI/AAAAAAAAANQ/YcxSE-Ro8GE/s1600-h/IMG_2659.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379555359192035874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SqgFGNowsiI/AAAAAAAAANQ/YcxSE-Ro8GE/s400/IMG_2659.jpg" border="0" /></a> Julie and Carol having fun...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-803431633397558492?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-31581585115797303772009-08-28T10:12:00.000-07:002009-08-28T10:23:43.313-07:00pretty excited...<br />I feel like a kid in a candy store...<br />learning something new...<br /><br />photography!!!!!<br /><br />always wanted to try...<br />who knows???<br /><br />please stand by...<br />you... as my friends... may have to suffer through some pretty awful attempts!!<br /><br /><br />no worries Franklin<br />I have been practicing 15 minutes a day on the banjo...<br />(ok, well just since Tues. - but that is a start right?) ;)<br />now... where is my cd??<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3158158511579730377?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-71100597929262535842009-08-27T10:23:00.000-07:002009-08-27T12:13:51.871-07:00For about the last month, I have been thinking about friendships...<br />A LOT...<br />and was going to try to put my thoughts in words today.<br /><br />I peeked at my regular blogs I visit and this was on my cousin Jessica's site - I could not believe it!! Almost exactly what I would've written but she says it so well.<br />So I say... DITTO!!!<br /><br />Thanks Jess - like I told you... I am blog lifting!!<br /><br /><em> </em><br /><em>I've just been quite amazed at how people come and go into our lives once or several times in our lifetimes. Its something that I've been more aware of and have come to accept as a part of our life's journeys. I used to think that when someone quit talking to me or just kind of faded into nowhere, that it was something I did. It would haunt for a long time and I would feel like I needed to make this gigantic step of getting back in touch with them. Sometimes that is required, but if the effort is really forced then it obviously wasn't meant to be. </em><br /><em>It is always kind of hard to see someone disappear out of your life, but maybe that is why it makes it all the more amazing when they reappear. Maybe the friendship was meant to go another direction and when the timing was right, the friendship would resume (sometimes as though no time has passed). I believe that our relationships with people throughout our lives are meant for us to learn and grow and transform. Some people come into our lives at a certain point just to provide a gift we needed then, and for us to provide them with a gift as well...and then, poof...they are gone. Some people have really left a lasting impression and have touched my heart and soul. Obviously, not all gifts are ones that I've treasured at the time and wonder, "what the hell?"..."why was this person in my life?". Well, to teach you some sort of lesson, dummy. I usually don't see it at the time (but am becoming more aware of it), but later down the road it all makes sense. </em><br /><em>It's actually quite amusing if you think about it. It sometimes even makes me laugh inside. Sometimes I've found myself just totally attracting the same types of people in my life all at the same time. This is when it amuses me most. Well, apparently I'm supposed to learn something in this journey of mine right now! I still beat myself up sometimes when I'm unable to find the time to call someone back or just really don't feel like talking at that particular time. I kind of think this is ok though. If it seems more effort than it should, maybe it wasn't meant to be at that moment. Eventually, we make the time (that is sometimes needed) and reconnect up for the time being...and then go our own ways for a few days or months...and the reconnect, etc, etc. Other times, there are friends that you can share a lot with during a particular time and it is effortless. Quite bizarre. </em><br /><em>I've been able to reconnect back up with some old friends...some through the wonderful world of Facebook, (internet) and some just naturally. I'm quite grateful for friends in my life because they make my world so much brighter. For those friends who I'm not in constant contact with...I'm still thinking of you always. We are all so connected in so many ways....more than our tiny, little human minds can fathom. Its those instances where you can recognize the connection that is pretty awesome. When you can be in the moment and really be aware that every one you come in contact with every day plays some role in your life...that is quite enlightening.</em><br /><em>So, thank you to everyone who is in my life...or who was in my life...I'm grateful...for you have made me who I am. And, who I am, is... who I am. </em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-7110059792926253584?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-52189022788763420442009-08-26T10:16:00.000-07:002009-08-26T10:39:04.700-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVyTxUQb2I/AAAAAAAAANI/1vJbBf3LFDk/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+055.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374327414317936482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVyTxUQb2I/AAAAAAAAANI/1vJbBf3LFDk/s400/Picture+summer+2009+055.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVyI-hT7JI/AAAAAAAAANA/r3a56KN9yMg/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+053.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVx7-AOH4I/AAAAAAAAAM4/VgAhJqDIq90/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374327005406699394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVx7-AOH4I/AAAAAAAAAM4/VgAhJqDIq90/s400/Picture+summer+2009+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVxrtzm1gI/AAAAAAAAAMw/8Oj2Z-Wz-og/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374326726180918786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVxrtzm1gI/AAAAAAAAAMw/8Oj2Z-Wz-og/s400/Picture+summer+2009+059.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVxPjVTkOI/AAAAAAAAAMo/R7BfOYweS2g/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+057.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">A few summer fun pics from waterfest weekend... </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374324564816613698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVvt6GM0UI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Kr0ZbtpavyE/s400/Picture+summer+2009+054.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVviHY5fZI/AAAAAAAAAMY/TnUIuzS17ZE/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374324362226269586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVviHY5fZI/AAAAAAAAAMY/TnUIuzS17ZE/s400/Picture+summer+2009+062.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">It was SO HOT at the parade so we went to the "pier" to cool off and it was just the ticket!! </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVvS2sZgZI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/sfjkubFb_ys/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374324100046619026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVvS2sZgZI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/sfjkubFb_ys/s400/Picture+summer+2009+092.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We had a great time "tailgating" for the parade, hanging out with family and old friends and reconnecting with some "new" old friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVvEkXelNI/AAAAAAAAAMI/d1Q4CYicfkM/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+086.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374323854608864466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVvEkXelNI/AAAAAAAAAMI/d1Q4CYicfkM/s400/Picture+summer+2009+086.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVu3DobSCI/AAAAAAAAAMA/X0KwVvc8pUM/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+085.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374323622483281954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVu3DobSCI/AAAAAAAAAMA/X0KwVvc8pUM/s400/Picture+summer+2009+085.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVunG_22UI/AAAAAAAAAL4/meBabzeg5d8/s1600-h/Picture+summer+2009+088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374323348508956994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SpVunG_22UI/AAAAAAAAAL4/meBabzeg5d8/s400/Picture+summer+2009+088.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />(Apologies, I cannot figure out why these posted out of order but we were at the parade first!!)<br /><div></div><div><br /> </div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5218902278876342044?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-41919683592309733472009-08-25T10:55:00.001-07:002009-08-25T10:55:27.373-07:00In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4191968359230973347?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-53673946781916050362009-08-06T08:13:00.000-07:002009-08-26T10:36:50.948-07:00those letters feel like my life lately...<br />uP aNd dOwN!!<br /><br />as a GREAT friend just reminded me...<br /><strong>oNe dAy aT a tImE, cOlLeEn...</strong><br /><br />hard to remember but so true...<br />it will still probably be rocky...<br />but easier to handle!<br /><br />thanks for all your support and love today...<br />i feel it!!<br /><br />today is a great day!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5367394678191605036?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-60158926150096173852009-08-05T12:18:00.000-07:002009-08-05T12:19:51.458-07:00it seems that every time I start to feel hopeful…<br />like I can breathe a little easier…<br />and sleep again…<br />just when I think I start to feel the sun on my face…<br />that the shadows and dark days are behind us…<br />and I am looking toward the horizon, hoping for better days…<br />then…<br /><br />whamo!<br /><br />we are talking awful news…<br />vivid details…<br />devastating words…<br />heartbreaking visuals…<br />dream shattering actions…<br />out of the clear blue!<br /><br />things that a mother should not have to hear…<br />or know…<br />because…<br />they should not be happening.<br /><br />countless times…<br />in the past year…<br />monday… again??<br />it keeps happening…<br />when will it stop???<br /><br />and each time, it takes a little more out of me…<br />each time, it is a longer process…<br />to recover…<br />to forgive…<br />and heal.<br /><br />I have known others…<br />who have been forced to travel a similar road…<br />that have suffered as they watched their children’s mistakes…<br />or their grand children’s…<br />but I could have NEVER, NEVER have imagined how hard it is…<br />or how much it hurts…<br />or how absolutely helpless I could feel…<br />and disappointed…<br />and hopeless…<br /><br />there are no rules…<br />or roadmaps…<br />or designated time frames…<br />and sometimes…<br />the tunnel seems endless…<br />and I wonder how long it will be until I see even the smallest glimmer of light at the end?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-6015892615009617385?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-73665969383945120372009-08-03T07:19:00.000-07:002009-08-05T12:25:25.536-07:00<div align="center">My friend Barb rescued me this weekend!</div><div align="center">She makes me laugh...</div><div align="center">til my tummy hurts...</div><div align="center">and it is so good for my soul!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366562073796763506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Snnbxdm9X3I/AAAAAAAAALw/26LZ03cRHO8/s400/barbandme.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(We have been friends since we were 4!)</span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-7366596938394512037?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-90644603758496934242009-07-28T10:37:00.000-07:002009-07-28T10:50:44.344-07:00<div>It was a super weekend - we had our family reunion on my mom's side and it was great to see our cousins that we sometimes only get to see once a year. (Brit was supposed to come but ended up having to work).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>THEN - we headed to the cabin... </div><br /><div>I was thrilled as I have only been there a couple times this year...</div><br /><div>Aaron is ALWAYS!!!!!!! thrilled to be at the cabin.</div><br /><div>We had some great visits, a little relaxing (I zonked on the couch with everyone in the room - that never happens), some fun and games and ofcourse a campfire!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On Sunday...<br />Bruce was giving Lisa and I crap because we were "relaxing" and the bridge area needed to be weeded...<br />First we tried to say it didn't "need" weeding... (which it really did - in fact more like an overhaul)</div><br /><div>We finally agreed to "weed" under protest...<br /><br />THEN weeding turned into digging out the HUGE rock that I "fell down and broke my crown on" ...<br />ie: now known as the $3800 rock (what my hospital bill cost for my concussion!) It is now place of honor... in the middle of the hosta ring so no one else can fall on it.</div><br /><div><br />THEN Lisa and I decided that the bridge was a hazard and needed to be taken down...<br />Bruce wasn't so sure... we convinced him and it headed to the fire pit.</div><br /><div><br />THEN Lisa and I wanted a flat rock walkway where the bridge was...<br />Bruce wasn't so sure - he said there weren't going to be enough flat rocks...</div><br /><div><br />THEN we said sure there are and kept digging out more...<br />we had plenty!! HA! Looks great!</div><br /><div><br />THEN Bruce was gonna pull ONE clump of brush on one side of the outhouse by the roots...<br />BUT Dad decided that the scraggy tree next to it needed to go also...</div><br /><div><br />THEN Lisa and I decided that ONE big bush needed to go on the OTHER side because the forest was taking over...<br />it looked so much brighter with it gone...<br />THEN mom got in the picture... she said we should clear more so we could see the rock...<br /><br />I think you get the big picture...<br />The result? The "camo-flage" pile of brush and trees on the jeep!!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363569279727993154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sm85165igUI/AAAAAAAAALg/EyyEn2Bz3b8/s320/benny2.jpg" border="0" /><br />Anyway by the time we moved to the clump on the other side of the outhouse - my tummy was rumbling and I thought it must be 11:30. </div><br /><div>I was shocked to find out it was 1:30 and we needed to fly to get Aaron back to work.<br /><br />Funny... </div><div><strong>I wonder if Bruce will just let us girls relax next time???<br /></strong><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-9064460375849693424?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-45537156990245051292009-07-14T09:15:00.000-07:002009-07-14T09:24:59.149-07:00<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The three musketeers...</div><div align="center">these three get along SO good it is unreal!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">They had a blast like always...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">jumping at the pier...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">sleeping in the camper... </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">just spending good cousin time...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">playing with Gabby...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">eating strawberry shortcake...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">painting my trucks bumpers and rims black...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">going 4 wheeling with my pickup through the woods...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">(a-hem: my brake line had to be replaced and my muffler fell off!)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Bruce and Dad had the brake line fixed for me there thankfully</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">but it was a noisy ride back to Kimberly!!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">But mostly...<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358351937329242978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Slywsn4JI2I/AAAAAAAAALY/i0fN-4RCPss/s320/3bikes.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">they dirt biked!</p><p align="center">How fun!<br /></p><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4553715699024505129?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-5415093636560708432009-07-09T08:57:00.000-07:002009-07-09T09:02:32.081-07:00Aaron is up at Bruce's so I e-mailed this morning to see how things were going. This is too cute and I had to post part of an e-mail from him back...<br /><br /><em>"Last night was man cave night! Cody's friend Luke (dirt biker) slept over also, so the 4 of them (Aaron, Cody, Hunter and Luke) were on truck seats, etc. sitting in the garage looking at their dirt bikes until 11:30 pm. </em><br /><em>They all wanted to sleep in the garage, but crabby Uncle Bruce made them opt for the camper instead. It was funny tho, I made Lisa go out and look. I swear they all would have curled up and slept on their dirt bike's, if there was any way to do it."</em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-541509363656070843?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-33559098220507568292009-07-07T12:21:00.000-07:002009-07-07T13:10:05.741-07:00<div align="center"></div><div align="center">OK... ok... finally time to get a little caught up...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355801202534260962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SlOg0USqIOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/RA5aMGPp5YU/s320/DSC02128.jpg" border="0" /> June 8, 2009</div><br /><div align="center">Notice something missing???</div><br /><div align="center">Yepp...</div><br /><div align="center">Hard to believe...<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Aaron got his braces off !!<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">FINALLY!!<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">after almost 6 years...</div><div align="center">but his smile is AWESOME!</div><div align="center">(and worth every penny!)</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Let's see... what have we been doing?</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">working hard at our new jobs and really liking them...</div><div align="center">gardening...</div><div align="center">mowing...</div><div align="center">weeding...</div><div align="center">barbecuing with friends...</div><div align="center">boating when lucky enough to be invited...</div><div align="center">just being outside and enjoying the sun when it is out...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">(Figured I'd throw this in here for fun)</div><div align="center">me on the surfboard simulator...</div><div align="center">at our work Technology expo... </div><div align="center">working hard... Ü</div><div align="center">(I did pretty good actually...)</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355806883595786866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SlOl-_5RmnI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Yr37GZjXkck/s320/TECHSHOW569.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">and doing lots of "guy" stuff with Aaron this summer like...<br />the races on Thursday nights...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">spending time in water parks and the dells...</div><div align="center">(thankfully no swimsuit pictures to post from the water park!)</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">going to Culvers... </div><div align="center">a lot!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">go carting in Wisconsin Dells...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">and Appleton...</div><div align="center">a ton... </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">AND hey!!!</div><div align="center">I got this great picture of Aaron zooming around the track...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355802149590559858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SlOhrcWebHI/AAAAAAAAAK4/YKG0pMjDpos/s320/DSC02132.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">oops! </div><div align="center">(Honestly, it was the best one of them all - LOL!)<br /></div><br /><div align="center">And lastly...</div><br /><div align="center">(and Aaron will tell you - most importantly)</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355803050298637458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SlOif3wA_JI/AAAAAAAAALI/5onC3mhtw-U/s320/DSC02166.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">We bought a dirtbike!</p><p align="center">After nearly bugging me to death...</p><p align="center">and having the neighbors gang up on me...</p><br /><p align="center">Yepper - number 15!!!</p><p align="center">(so cool to match his age hey?) </p><br /><p align="center">A 1997 Kawasaki 125cc<br /><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355802846833848018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SlOiUByOrtI/AAAAAAAAALA/LMt79WUgD7U/s320/DSC02172.jpg" border="0" />And he is loving it! </p><br /><p align="center">He has been smiling ear to ear... non-stop...</p><br /><p align="center">we have had the fenders and number plate professionally painted...</p><br /><p align="center">he has "pimped" it up and we are having special decals made...</p><br /><p align="center">he got to take it "dirt tracking" on Sunday...</p><p align="center">(remember we live in the city so we have to find places to ride)...</p><br /><p align="center">BUT tomorrow... </p><p align="center">it gets loaded on the little pickup and he and the bike...</p><br /><p align="center">are making a trip to Marinette...</p><p align="center">with Uncle Bruce and Aunt Lisa, Cody and Hunter until Sunday.</p><br /><p align="center">(They have dirt bikes too and miles of land!!)</p><br /><p align="center">Happy and SAFE trails Aaron!!</p><p align="center">(Mom's actually glad she finally gave in!)</p><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><br /><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3355909822050756829?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-14699960300290591512009-07-01T13:50:00.000-07:002009-07-01T13:56:33.174-07:00<strong><span style="color:#000066;">A friend from grades school has been diagnosed with 4th stage cancer with no option for chemo or radiation...</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">She is my age... scary...</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">So...</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#00cccc;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#00cccc;">Be in the moment.</span> <span style="color:#993300;">Enjoy <em>THIS</em> day.</span> <span style="color:#663300;">Hug a little tighter;</span> <span style="color:#663333;">share a smile with someone around you.</span> <span style="color:#663366;">Give yourself permission to let something else go and make a memory you'll cherish for a lifetime.</span> <span style="color:#993300;">Even if it means staying up past bedtime and going a little over the top to make the memory extra special. </span><span style="color:#000099;">How sad that sometimes it takes a tragedy for us to all see the gift of what we already have. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#663300;">I have learned the significance of now.<br /></span><span style="color:#339999;"><span style="color:#993300;">SO...</span> do something 'special' just because YOU can, to celebrate the simple and ordinary moments we have with one another.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#339999;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#330099;">Happy safe and fun filled 4th of July!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#330099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#330099;"><em>I snuck this from a fellow blogger - it was too good not to pass on!</em></span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-1469996030029059151?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-8471810109643041812009-06-24T11:04:00.000-07:002009-06-24T11:10:15.601-07:00<div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;">Yep... I am quiet...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;">Yep... there has been more hurt...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;">Yep...I have needed time to retreat, reflect and revitalize...</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SkJqw9l8pTI/AAAAAAAAAKg/GM_FKUAz-L8/s1600-h/aynrandquote.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350956696669562162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SkJqw9l8pTI/AAAAAAAAAKg/GM_FKUAz-L8/s320/aynrandquote.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SkJqw9l8pTI/AAAAAAAAAKg/GM_FKUAz-L8/s1600-h/aynrandquote.jpg">Nope... I am not giving in or giving up...</a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-847181010964304181?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-40276096900861658982009-06-04T11:22:00.000-07:002009-06-04T12:53:10.171-07:00This week has been a whirlwind emotionally...<br /><br />Monday, Brit had to go back to court for her on year follow up hearing. The feelings, emotions, and memories that went into that trip to Sturgeon Bay and the time watching my daughter in court are indescribable.<br />The outcome? Although she was hoping for expungement - Brittany will continue to be on probation for one full year yet with the opportunity to have the felony diminished to a misdemeanor at that time. I pray for her - sometimes multiple times a day - that her decisions and choices each day take the rest of her life into account.<br /><br />Tuesday was the one year anniversary of my divorce - in a way, it seems like a lifetime... SO much has happened since then and today, I realize that I am much stronger than I ever thought I was or could be!! I stand amazed at all that God has brought me to... and then brought me through. SO... never really alone!<br /><br />Yesterday, Brit came over to address her graduation party invitations - for awhile this year, we were not even sure if there would be a high school graduation and or a reason to celebrate!! She made spaghetti for supper and ate cookie dough with us...and participated!! as if she misses it!! No conflict... great night!<br /><br />Tonight is sure to be the most emotional...<br /><br />Brittany will walk with her class and graduate from Kimberly High School with the class of 2009. I remember... when she was born... figuring out that she would be part of the class of 2009 and thinking that it was a lifetime away. It seems as though I blinked... and now she is graduating!<br />I have struggled this year with so many feelings this year with Brit... disappointment... anger... frustration... bitterness... embarrassment... betrayal... bewilderment... misunderstanding... denial... guilt... but always with love as the main motivator. and... although she thinks I may have... and many times, has thought of me as the enemy... I never stopped loving my daughter - not for a moment.<br /><br />I had such high hopes for Brittany and the person that she was...<br />she has struggled... she has made big mistakes... she hasn't cared what could happen to her or thought about consequences... she won't be attending UW Parkside as planned...<br />and as she once dreamed...<br /><br />So...<br />today is bittersweet...<br />BUT... it is sweet just the same.<br /><br /><br />SHE MADE IT!!<br /><br />I am VERY proud that Brittany is graduating.<br /><br />I am VERY proud that she has earned a scholarship.<br /><br />I am celebrating!!<br /><br /><br /><br />She is graduating... from high school and one chapter of her life...<br />this is not an ending but a beginning... of the rest of her life... she has a new chance...<br /><br /><br /><br />I am VERY proud that Brittany is my daughter and I will hold my head high tonight...<br />and shed tears (I am already)...<br /><br />and look forward to her future...<br /><p>and new choices...</p><p>and new hopes and dreams...</p><br />I hope her future is so bright... she has to wear shades!!!<br /><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343556160453855986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SiggBD0zyvI/AAAAAAAAAKM/uCuVy0bFTtI/s320/brit1.jpg" border="0" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4027609690086165898?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-32658268932157823332009-05-22T11:22:00.000-07:002009-05-26T05:59:02.830-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ShbxjxAGsMI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/5KS1usbbwPg/s1600-h/zav08001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338720005045792962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ShbxjxAGsMI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/5KS1usbbwPg/s320/zav08001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><p align="center">Thank you to all who fought or served for our freedom...</p><p align="center">what a great country we live in!</p><br /><p align="center">Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!</p><br /><p align="center">A special thanks to my favorite people in uniform - my dad, "T", Kurt, Murph, Alexa and Shane! </p><p align="center">And Matt!!! (How could I forget - everyone</p><p align="center"> else was active except my dad but still shame on me!!)</p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3265826893215782333?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-23750652939488438142009-05-20T14:53:00.000-07:002009-05-20T15:02:28.885-07:00Thank you to all of you that have shown concern...<br />and wondered where I have been...<br />You know me well...<br />when I am quiet - there is trouble...<br /><br />There have been some rough storms... I am extremely frustrated... I feel betrayed and used...<br />I have some very tough decisions to make... alone...<br />I have felt so alone...<br /><br />Through a friends, friends blog - I stumbled on this...<br /><br />"The narrow road is extremely narrow by design. Those who travel it must by necessity travel light. There is no room for hatred, malice, pride, greed, prejudice, injustice, or selfishness on the narrow road. It leads to the throne of the Almighty God Himself, and He is only interested in the travelers, not their baggage <em>(I love that part).</em><br /><br />Life along the narrow road is not perfect, because perfect people don't travel there. It is possible to break down on the narrow road too, to be hurt or to be abused. Sickness and pain are not uncommon - and neither is sin. But the difference in the two roads (the narrow vs. the broad) is this: You are never alone on the narrow road. Never. God is not on the broad road, but He is your constant companion, through the Holy Spirit, on the narrow one."<br /><br />I know there is a plan...<br />just hard to imagine that is possible today...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-2375065293948843814?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-87203160893451454992009-05-11T11:07:00.000-07:002009-05-11T11:38:03.069-07:00Funny...<br />For the past few weeks, I have caught Kyle...<br />(a.k.a. our "kitty", now almost a full grown cat)...<br />staring up at the ceiling -<br /><br />At first, I thought he was seeing spider webs, he was looking in the corners (spring, spiders on the move?)<br />Then I thought, bats in the belfry? (meaning his belfry?)<br /><br />I even asked him if that was what was going on as he seemed so "dis-tracted"...<br /><br />One day last week - he was looking up at the ceiling and his head was darting from side to side...<br />a lot...<br /><br />I finally got it - critters in the attic!<br /><br />OK - I have cellulose insulation - how will I find a thing in that?<br />Next question - squirrels? Chipmunks? mice?<br /><br />I covered all bases - bought 2 mouse traps, 2 boxes of d-con and a "rat" trap (big enuf to catch a squirrel.) Aaron also set the "small animal live trap" just in case and a prayer went up that there are no "babies" in a nest.<br /><br />Aaron checked every fifteen minutes the first night - nothing.<br /><br />By day two - 2 mice after school.<br /><br />One more this weekend.<br />(Gotta admit - they sure are cute... as long as they are in the attic or dead)<br /><br />Kitty's head was calm this morning when I left for work...<br />I am hoping the critters are gone...<br />I am hoping that there are no 'babies" ...<br />please stand by...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-8720316089345145499?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-4489822966388298202009-05-06T13:49:00.000-07:002009-05-06T14:03:25.974-07:00Why... You ask???<br /><ol><li>I am off my blood pressure medication!! I had cut back to a quarter of a pill a day and needed to get through my new job STRESS!! but decided a week ago that life had settled enough to try it without... Blood pressure has been about 110/60 since - watching it closely and I feel great!! It made me SO tired at work... but already by Monday, there was a marked difference and I am feeling great!</li><li>Aaron's confirmation was awesome! (Pictures will hopefully follow soon!) It was a beautiful day and he was lucky to have so many of his family there to celebrate!! Brittany even told him that she was very proud of him!! Sweet sisterly love!</li><li>Celebrated Cinco De Maya with both kids last night - we had great fun and a good chance to catch up with Brit. Keep her in your prayers this month and June 1st - she has a HUGE day coming up and needs all the love and support she can get!!</li><li>Found out on the weekend that I am going to be a great-aunt again!! Mitch, Jenny and Ally are expecting a sweet little addition to their family in October!! Can't wait!</li><li>Getting a haircut tonight - always make me feel like a million bucks!!</li><li>It's mothers day on the weekend - isn't every day mothers day??</li><li>Aaron helped me on Monday night and we got all the mulch for the gardens! (Pictures will hopefully follow soon!) Big job and we worked until 9:30 (after dark) but the results were worth it... it sure looks nice! Thanks Aaron - Culvers ice-cream tonight for a treat!! </li><li>Yum!!!!!!! Yeah, it is a good week! Ü</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-448982296638829820?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-38210993825896538022009-04-30T10:47:00.000-07:002009-04-30T12:34:36.357-07:00<p align="center">Lots of things to pray about this week!</p><ul><li>The accident on Monday, that I last posted about... took the life of Peggy Baumann last evening - she was 37 with two adorable small boys and a great husband! I worked closely with her at Heartland for 5 years and she had a heart of gold... how sad! It tears at my heart that she never got to say goodbye to those that she loved the most - especially those precious boys! </li><li>My brother Ken - through his work - knew the man who died that day from the same accident. And the one that is critically injured and still in the hospital goes to Ken's church. How bizarre that between the two of us - we would know all three random people that were injured or killed!</li><li>Last Friday, Aaron and I attended my uncle Ray's memorial service. He was 88 and lived a great life but... still... hard to say goodbye to his earthly body! Even knowing that he is in a better place! Harder still for his daughters, his wife of 33 years and his two brothers (my dad and Uncle Matt!)</li><li>The same day, at the funeral service - I got to celebrate life! I met my cousin Riley's baby Rafe! When Riley was a tyke, she was connected to my hip (that was the joke) I was in 8th grade and I spent every spare minute at their house! ( I have always loved babies!) I can tell she is an AWESOME mom already! </li><li>I am loving spring this week and the "new hope" this time of year brings! I am "re-discovering" all my perennials that I planted in my yard when I lived there before!! How often does that happen in someones life, hey? Lilacs, iris and roses from my Grandma Doris' garden... roses, spider wart and chives from my mom's garden... and my tulips from when Lisa went to Holland. My rhubarb and grapevines and hyacinths and daylilies and hostas and peonies and crocus and daffodils! AND yesterday, I spotted my two Asiatic Lillies (my absolute favorite) Wonder what I will find next week?? </li><li>My mom had her cancer re-check this week - hard to believe that she has been cancer free for 18 years!!! Hoping for the best news possible - STILL no cancer!! </li><li>Aaron will be confirmed on Sunday!! It is twice bittersweet because he is my baby - my last one - to go through this AND because Pastor Doug just resigned and it would have been so sweet to have him perform the ceremony but hey... change is good right??</li><li>My cousin Heath - out west - has been diagnosed with cancer. Metastatic Seminoma... a type of cancer that is non-aggressive in nature and has a pretty good prognosis BUT it is still cancer... and scary... and overwhelming! He is a fighter... he has a great, strong supportive wife - pray for strength for them all! </li><li>Lastly, (and minor in comparison) my back!!! I am so frustrated!! I had just gotten back to Tae Kwan Do (I would love to say I injured it there - NOT!) I moved wrong on Sunday night - one small twist and... I have been miserable all week!! The hot tub helps - my stretching excercises help... but when your back is miserable... it kind of makes everything miserable! :( </li></ul><p align="center">Oh well - this too shall pass!! </p><p align="center">Happy May everyone! </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3821099382589653802?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-82142551126293780582009-04-27T17:33:00.000-07:002009-04-27T17:37:07.716-07:00<div align="center">There was a terrible fatal crash on Hwy 141 this morning...</div><div align="center">my heart goes out to those people and their families.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">on a typical day, I would have been in just about that spot...</div><div align="center">at just about that time.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I left early this morning to avoid the summer construction that had started...</div><div align="center">grumbling the whole time...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">His eye is on the sparrow! </div><div align="center">thank God.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-8214255112629378058?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-74381434553041120452009-04-27T17:06:00.000-07:002009-04-27T18:00:59.823-07:00<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SfZKFD5OutI/AAAAAAAAAJs/itccU6Layns/s1600-h/momandme.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329528659844709074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SfZKFD5OutI/AAAAAAAAAJs/itccU6Layns/s320/momandme.jpg" border="0" /></a> It seems like I am behind in everything this year!</div><div align="center">Luckily I did not miss mom's birthday...</div><div align="center">BUT I am late in posting this!</div><div align="center">bEtTeR laTe tHaN nEvEr??</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I know that I was not always the perfect child...</div><div align="center">I know we had years of strife...</div><div align="center">when I thought I knew it all...</div><div align="center">when I had to learn to spread my wings... </div><div align="center">and even as an adult... when I make wrong decisions...</div><div align="center">when I need parenting advise...</div><div align="center">or help in making career decisions...</div><div align="center">or a vacation...</div><div align="center">or help with a quilting project...</div><div align="center">when I make mistakes and have to start over... </div><div align="center">you are always there!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Thanks mom...</div><div align="center">for your endless example...</div><div align="center">your godly nature...</div><div align="center">for loving me no matter what...</div><div align="center">for giving me wings...</div><div align="center">for knowing when I have a bad day (even an hour and a half away)...</div><div align="center">for teaching me to be strong...</div><div align="center">for showing me what family is all about...</div><div align="center">for always listening...</div><div align="center">for your never ending support...</div><div align="center">and most of all...</div><div align="center">for being my best friend!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">On Friday, an old family friend commented that I look</div><div align="center">more like you each time she sees me!</div><div align="center">That is one of the best compliments that I could ever receive!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I am so thankful that God has blessed me with you as my mom </div><div align="center">and for giving us so many wonderful years and memories together! </div><div align="center">I thank God for you every day!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">*I just realized that Reba's song was on here because it was Brit's and my special song...</div><div align="center">but it sure rings true for all the you have been for me mom! </div><div align="center">Thank you!! </div><div align="center">and as life goes on...</div><div align="center">and our roles merge... </div><div align="center">I'll be... </div><div align="center">for you too! </div><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-7438143455304112045?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-44200440366118248832009-04-07T10:28:00.000-07:002009-04-07T10:29:57.208-07:00Look below - I edited the pictures so you can actually see them this time!!<br /><br />Also, congrats to Aaron - he got his temps the day before! Stay off the sidewalks!! Ü<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4420044036611824883?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-28616798066154981352009-04-02T09:42:00.000-07:002009-04-02T09:46:57.913-07:00<div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">Invite Your Audience Carefully. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in your life. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">There are some people in your life who need to be loved from a DISTANCE. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">It is amazing what you can accomplish when you </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">let go of - or minimize your time with</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"> - those draining, negative, incompatible, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">'not-going- anywhere' relationships or friendships. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">Observe the relationships around you.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"> Pay close attention... </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">Which ones lift, and which ones lean? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">Which ones encourage, and which ones discourage? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">Which ones are on a path of growth uphill, and which ones are going downhill? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">Which ones always have drama, or don't really </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">understand, know or appreciate you &amp; the gifts that lie within you?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"> Remember that the people you have around you will have </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">an impact on your life, your values and your income. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">So, be careful when choosing the people you hang out with, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">as well as the information with which you will feed your mind. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">We should not share our dreams with negative people, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">nor feed our minds with negative thoughts. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">love and truth around you...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"> the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">sit in the FRONT ROW, and who should be moved to the balcony of your life. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">Ask your God for wisdom and discernment, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">and choose wisely the people who will sit in the front row of your life. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">You cannot change the people around you...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">but you CAN change the people you choose to be around!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;"> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330000;">WHO IS IN YOUR FRONT ROW?</span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-2861679806615498135?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-48818275694350745992009-03-31T21:37:00.000-07:002009-04-07T10:28:28.985-07:00<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SduNCg-sgZI/AAAAAAAAAJc/O0pEEU6GpAI/s1600-h/aaron3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322002459020525970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SduNCg-sgZI/AAAAAAAAAJc/O0pEEU6GpAI/s320/aaron3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SduM9XZW0tI/AAAAAAAAAJU/YVB1swUhgBE/s1600-h/aaron.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322002370548650706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SduM9XZW0tI/AAAAAAAAAJU/YVB1swUhgBE/s320/aaron.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322002527180908690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SduNGe5ZaJI/AAAAAAAAAJk/SvD3vc4QwuA/s320/aaron2.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4881827569435074599?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-33567971192626704282009-03-25T08:28:00.000-07:002009-03-25T08:34:03.858-07:00<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ScpN1GyaP3I/AAAAAAAAAJE/mUnk6hXsEug/s1600-h/blackbelt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317147884814745458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ScpN1GyaP3I/AAAAAAAAAJE/mUnk6hXsEug/s320/blackbelt.jpg" border="0" /></a> Best of luck to Aaron as he tests for his Second Degree Black belt on Saturday!!</div><div align="center">Above is a picture of when he earned his First degree!</div><div align="center">I am so proud of you bud... </div><div align="center">when I told you that you could do the first degree</div><div align="center"> and would not let you quit, </div><div align="center">who would ever dream that you would be SO good at it</div><div align="center"> and that you would continue on past that goal!!!</div><div align="center">And now to teach? At 15??</div><div align="center">You rock!!</div><div align="center">You can accomplish great things when you put your mind to it!!</div><div align="center">I can't say "break a leg" - so how about...</div><div align="center"> BREAK SOME BOARDS!!</div><div align="center">More pictures to follow after the weekend!! Stay tuned!!</div><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3356797119262670428?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-69901315260263771572009-03-24T09:06:00.000-07:002009-03-24T13:07:56.691-07:00this week... I am overwhelmed...<br />my baby girl graduates from high school...<br />I am so very proud!!!<br /><br />My very best wishes and all my love and prayers surround you as you begin your journey through life... without me by your side!<br /><br />Enjoy the SMILEBOX SLIDE SHOW below... it shows a few pictures through the years...<br />because, for once... I don't think that words can describe what I am feeling...<br /><br />maybe pictures can help...<br /><br />I am overwhelmed with memories... <br /><br />the pure elation of holding my baby girl in my arms for the very first time...<br />teaching this small sponge... about manners... and God... and life... and bugs... and hurts...<br />the wonderful, small, seemingly insignificant moments that I have cherished and carried in my heart as I have had the privilege of raising her...<br />the "over the top" joy in watching her grow...<br />the feeling that part of me was missing, when I was not able to kiss her good night!<br />the complete desolation as you watch your child fail...<br />learning about "tough love" - it is... by far... the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life!!<br />the raw, painful, feeling of having your heart ripped apart, as the child your brought up to have wings, ventures out of the nest into independence...<br />the feelings of "wanting to make it all better" that just get more intense, the bigger the child is...<br />the feeling that... I blinked... and somehow, 18 years have passed...<br />The way my heart, still reaches out to my child, even when I cannot hold her...<br />the feeling that I felt on Sunday... that I will never loose her love - no matter what - as she sobbed in my arms again!!<br /><br />It has not always been an easy journey... but it is one I would do all over again... in a heartbeat!!<br />Today... and every day... I am so thankful for this beautiful, sweet girl...<br />and for all the feelings that I will always cherish for having been blessed with the title... "Brittany's mom"<br />Happy graduation - baby girl! I will always be your biggest fan!! I will always love you and remember... I'll be...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-6990131526026377157?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-539727317376147982009-03-24T09:05:00.000-07:002009-03-24T09:06:17.220-07:00<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4f444d304f546b774d413d3d0d0a&amp;blogview=true&amp;campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Brit - happy graduation" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4f444d304f546b774d413d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&amp;campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/slideshows" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox slideshow</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-53972731737614798?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-65668850183242955312009-03-19T08:38:00.001-07:002009-03-19T09:17:36.141-07:00<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ScJnEgKRVJI/AAAAAAAAAI8/ZkKHFbXe6mA/s1600-h/mismatched.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314923837300757650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ScJnEgKRVJI/AAAAAAAAAI8/ZkKHFbXe6mA/s320/mismatched.jpeg" border="0" /></a><br />I had to "blog-lift" this picture from another site I follow...<br /> because I laughed out loud when I saw it!!<br />This is SOOOOO me most days!!<br /><br />We are so obsessed with making everything "match"... <br />We feel we have to present ourselves as though we have everything together...<br />when often, nothing really is and to be totally honest,<br />we feel just like "little~miss~matched"<br />on the inside!<br /><br />I too, wonder how much our stress levels would change<br />and how much more <strong>FÜN</strong> we would have in life<br /> if we could just adopt fashion whims<br />when it comes to how we present our<br />mis-matched<br />„uʍop ~ ǝpısdn„<br />selves...<br />just let us be... what we is...<br /><br />p.s. I had to order a pair of flip flops from their website<br /><a href="http://www.littlemissmatched.com/Catalog/womens-flip-flops">http://www.littlemissmatched.com/Catalog/womens-flip-flops</a><br />I am gonna laugh out loud...<br /> every time I wear them!! <br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-6566885018324295531?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-91254293514451068332009-03-17T08:25:00.000-07:002009-03-17T08:33:45.914-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sb_BvdL1_cI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Ph9psGxo4Bg/s1600-h/4leaf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314179106352790978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sb_BvdL1_cI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Ph9psGxo4Bg/s320/4leaf.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">May the road rise up to meet you.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">May the wind always be at your back.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">May the sun shine warm upon your face,</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">and rains fall soft upon your fields.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">And until we meet again,</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">May God hold you in the palm of His hand.</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-9125429351445106833?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-31441786364581237342009-03-16T14:25:00.000-07:002009-03-16T14:27:32.839-07:00<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sb7EFT9T_PI/AAAAAAAAAIs/Udt10_N2VDM/s1600-h/DSC01962.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313900205879590130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sb7EFT9T_PI/AAAAAAAAAIs/Udt10_N2VDM/s320/DSC01962.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kyle the kitty - King of the "Kouch"!! <div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313900091898374690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/Sb7D-rWEqiI/AAAAAAAAAIk/uqB1pUJUduE/s320/DSC01963.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center">Love those crossed paws!</div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3144178636458123734?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-46848660687273863612009-03-12T18:09:00.000-07:002009-03-12T18:10:26.734-07:00"There are only two ways to live your life.<br />One is as though nothing is a miracle.<br />The other is as though everything is a miracle."<br />— Albert Einstein<br /><br />ok - I will admit that I am a quote nutt...<br />just one of my many psychosis~<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4684866068727386361?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-20928944536042500562009-03-12T13:21:00.000-07:002009-03-12T13:22:57.567-07:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><em>"Forgiveness is God's invention for coming </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><em>to terms with a world in which, </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><em>despite their best intentions, </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><em>people are unfair to each other</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><em> and hurt each other deeply. </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><em>He began by forgiving us. </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><em>And he invites us all to forgive each other."</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><em>Lewis B. Smedes</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-2092894453604250056?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-56207935063467741862009-03-11T12:21:00.000-07:002009-03-11T14:32:19.650-07:00<span style="color:#330000;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>I know it has been forever since I blogged... </strong></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color:#330000;">sometimes life just seems to get in the way, doesn't it?</span></strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="font-family:arial;">It has been a tough year &amp; a half, I am not going to say it hasn't been...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I try to understand &amp; I truly believe, everything for a reason...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">But...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Sometimes I have such a hard time seeing the good in any of it...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">But today, I am feeling reflective... </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">&amp; very thankful... </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">&amp; in awe of God's timing... </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">so I have to share!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330000;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>ok... here it is... this is what my heart tells me... </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Some <span style="font-size:180%;">very</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">dear friends</span> have come back into my life this year that I had lost touch with for far too long... </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>I <span style="font-size:180%;">know</span> that I never want to lose touch with any of them again...</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>my life has been so <span style="font-size:180%;">blessed </span>this year because, it feels like my life has come full circle.</strong></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">so today...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330000;"><span style="font-family:arial;">for always loving me even when we were apart...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">for not forgetting the great times we shared &amp; cried...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">for having the nerve to take the chance <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">&amp;</span> </span>make the connection, it is still there &amp; always will be...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">for keeping me in your heart, all these years... just as I have kept you in mine...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">for loving me... I feel your love &amp; hope you can feel mine...</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br />thank you my friends... thank you! </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">{{{hugs}}}</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5620793506346774186?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-23753530031744042882009-01-28T06:45:00.000-08:002009-03-17T08:42:10.786-07:00<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-2375353003174404288?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-47961995545310019762009-01-13T14:54:00.000-08:002009-01-13T15:03:34.875-08:00<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SW0cHbb4vmI/AAAAAAAAAIU/woWuSwJP0P0/s1600-h/matt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290916051179585122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SW0cHbb4vmI/AAAAAAAAAIU/woWuSwJP0P0/s320/matt.jpg" border="0" /></a>I just realized that some of you have not seen my family for a few years - Doh!<br />so will try to update you! </div><div align="center"> This is my nephew Matt's family, Ken's youngest stepson.</div><div align="center">Matt, his wife Cara and daughter Taylor! </div><div align="center">They live in the state of Washington so we don't get to see<br />them enuf but Cara is an avid blogger (and a great mommie and wife)<br />and she keeps us all so up to date. (thx Cara!)<br /><br />Matt just had a birthday and is a whopping 28!! Happy birthday Matthew - we love you!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SW0b1TO251I/AAAAAAAAAIM/KZLZz6KLxjE/s1600-h/taylor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290915739739809618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SW0b1TO251I/AAAAAAAAAIM/KZLZz6KLxjE/s320/taylor.jpg" border="0" /></a> And this cutie patootie is Taylor Jade - tada!! She is 15 months old today...<br />she is an adorable little spit fire!!<br />They are lucky enough to live close to our Washington relatives which<br />encompasses a HUGE extended family!<br />In fact my cousin Jessica and Cara were great friends<br />growing up and Matt did not even know it when he met Cara!<br />Everything for a reason!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4796199554531001976?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-65796553284556722722009-01-13T09:23:00.000-08:002009-01-13T09:27:31.131-08:00<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzOOCyafcI/AAAAAAAAAIE/lTSWhIgRvVY/s1600-h/snowman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290830402915302850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzOOCyafcI/AAAAAAAAAIE/lTSWhIgRvVY/s320/snowman.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#663333;"><strong> My poor snowman... he is practically buried!!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#663333;"><strong>Even he looks like he is begging for help!</strong></span><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-6579655328455672272?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-36563334602465996312009-01-13T09:16:00.001-08:002009-01-13T09:19:20.278-08:00<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzMjkSzl-I/AAAAAAAAAH8/Hq6rJhxif8w/s1600-h/mitch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290828573663533026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzMjkSzl-I/AAAAAAAAAH8/Hq6rJhxif8w/s320/mitch.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;"><strong> I love how handsome Mitch looks with his stetson... </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;"><strong>I teased him about being an "out west" cop and told him that I would be </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;"><strong>much happier seeing him with this on inside his home</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;"><strong>than I would be if I saw this when he was pulling me over </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;"><strong>alongside the road in Winnebago County!! Ü</strong><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3656333460246599631?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-31732944818759105482009-01-13T09:09:00.000-08:002009-01-13T09:16:25.943-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzMA5fi01I/AAAAAAAAAH0/SiEwgf-Kugc/s1600-h/mitch.jpg"></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzL0LEbs-I/AAAAAAAAAHs/UpRDrDAWeqM/s1600-h/mitch.jpg"></a>We had such a great time at Ali's 2nd birthday party! </div><div align="center">She was talking up a storm and definitely stole the show!! </div><div align="center">I can't believe that she is growing up so fast!<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzLaykgCwI/AAAAAAAAAHk/5ChhyvrzJ5Q/s1600-h/Alijen.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290827323365395202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzLaykgCwI/AAAAAAAAAHk/5ChhyvrzJ5Q/s320/Alijen.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, </div><br /><br /><div align="center">Happy Birthday to Ali, Happy Birthday to you!</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzLNNy4gpI/AAAAAAAAAHc/IxsXzcSKza4/s1600-h/alicupcake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290827090155307666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SWzLNNy4gpI/AAAAAAAAAHc/IxsXzcSKza4/s320/alicupcake.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ali eating her "lello" Elmo cupcake...</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3173294481875910548?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-32310574243690506222009-01-12T12:29:00.001-08:002009-01-12T12:29:54.789-08:00Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn't you - all of the expectations, all of the beliefs - and becoming who you are. --Rachel Naomi Remen<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3231057424369050622?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-47429753037524385062009-01-06T06:36:00.000-08:002009-01-06T06:38:40.116-08:00<em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Please pray for Brittany today... </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">she needs to feel all the support and love that she can.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">thank you</span></em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4742975303752438506?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-72860862392872390112009-01-02T12:37:00.000-08:002009-01-02T12:57:56.267-08:00<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SV570VmZWdI/AAAAAAAAAHU/EKB15OF_xQA/s1600-h/asheil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286799151661144530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SV570VmZWdI/AAAAAAAAAHU/EKB15OF_xQA/s320/asheil.jpg" border="0" /></a> Too funny and too cute Sheila... </div><div align="center">I got this through Tess' photo's from LLBC through facebook - I just had too!! </div><div align="center">I can just imagine your expression as you are checking my blog!</div><div align="center">Her comment was the funniest... </div><div align="center">"ha, ha - she thought she wanted to leave the house w/her hair looking like that!"</div><div align="center">Sounds just like my teens!</div><div align="center">Have a great day - I promise I won't leave it out here long... </div><div align="center">and I know, watch out, you owe me one!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-7286086239287239011?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-85388586926972255662008-12-31T08:12:00.001-08:002009-01-02T06:17:20.774-08:00<div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SVuaePIlzwI/AAAAAAAAAHM/KmaTyFa9Tos/s1600-h/quilt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285988431898726146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SVuaePIlzwI/AAAAAAAAAHM/KmaTyFa9Tos/s320/quilt.jpg" border="0" /></a>As promised - here are pictures of "the survival quilt"!!</div><div align="center">My quilt top for my mom was finally gifted to her on Christmas eve! </div><div align="center">After a year and a half of working on it every spare minute I got - it is finished! </div><div align="center">I never imagined when I started that this project would be as big or mean as much as it has...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SVuaDEBH_uI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Ood1TeAjgVo/s1600-h/quilts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285987965058154210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SVuaDEBH_uI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Ood1TeAjgVo/s320/quilts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Each of the twelve blocks were done seperately.<br /><div align="center">All the wool pieces were hand cut and fused on to the fabric.</div><div align="center">Then each piece was handstitched in place.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Sometimes when you work on a project of this magnitude - you get sick of it along the way. </div><div align="center">BUT I still absolutely LOVE this quilt!!</div><div align="center">It is made of the cuddliest flannel!</div><div align="center">And it is jam packed with love in every stitch!</div><div align="center">My mom (as a quilter) appreciates every second that went into it and</div><div align="center">I love that this has become an "Over the top" heirloom" that can be handed down through the generations as my great grandma's and mothers quilts have been!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I always joke that, I (and my kids) have always been "quilt" people!<br />We love snuggling and have many great quilts in our house so of course it is special but<br />I call it my "survival quilt" because when our world got uprooted last fall - there were many days that I wanted to just give up... on work, on family, on projects and on life in general.<br />This quilt project kept me going - I knew there would be an end result that would show how much I had accomplished and I was determined to NOT GIVE UP!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">SO... I stitched...</div><div align="center">while surrounded by good friends and family in conversation, </div><div align="center">on the beach, in the car and while watching movies, </div><div align="center">while I was shedding tears and missing my old life,</div><div align="center">while I was learning what me new life was starting to be like,</div><div align="center">while I was happy,</div><div align="center">while I was lonely,</div><div align="center">while I was hopeless,</div><div align="center">while I was determined that life would not always be sad!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">SO CHEERS! To the "survival quilt"!! </div><div align="center">For me it will always be a symbol of all that I have learned and how far I have come!</div><div align="center">I hope years from now - others that I can only imagine - will appreciate</div><div align="center"> all the heart and soul that come with this quilt!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">And yes - another quilt has been started in its place!! Ü</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">A Happy and Healthy 2009 to each of you!</div><div align="center">I love you all!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-8538858692697225566?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-32277774285259569992008-12-19T08:53:00.001-08:002008-12-19T09:50:53.246-08:00<div align="center">Aaron thought he would help out the </div><div align="center">fire dept by shovelling around the hydrant... </div><div align="center">he must have been bored? </div><div align="center">Cute - he was afraid they couldn't get to it if there was a fire...</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281545660001501378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SUvRy4FlQMI/AAAAAAAAAG0/3uhcQUltHS8/s320/firehydrant.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Then he must of got really bored... </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I came home to an ice rink in the driveway...</div><div align="center">I said, buddy... what the heck?</div><div align="center">he said, Uncle Bruce has a bigger one mom, mine is small.</div><div align="center">I said, Uncle Bruce has a well, he doesn't have to pay for water - I do!!</div><div align="center">BUT... it really is kind of cool...</div><div align="center">and he was so excited and proud...</div><div align="center">and I think I may have to use it tomorrow...</div><div align="center">I just hope someone doesn't</div><div align="center">slip and fall and I end up with an insurance claim for good old Uncle Bruce!! </div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SUvTXf2MVFI/AAAAAAAAAG8/K7JNHoUT55I/s1600-h/icerink.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281547388661290066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SUvTXf2MVFI/AAAAAAAAAG8/K7JNHoUT55I/s320/icerink.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Note: This was two days ago, we now have another 6 inches of snow!</div><div align="center">Winter Wonderland!!!!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3227777428525956999?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-31851339478829624012008-12-17T08:44:00.001-08:002008-12-17T08:54:15.253-08:00<strong><span style="color:#660000;">As I was getting up to go work out, I forgot that it had snowed! I woke up to 3 1/2 inches more of fluffy white stuff again this morning... </span></strong><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#660000;"></span></strong></em><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#660000;">Where is global warming now that I am single?????? Hello!!</span></strong></em><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#660000;"></span></strong></em><br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">I was the first one in the neighborhood out to shovel today (very unusual!) And actually, it was so peaceful and serene with the fresh white blanket of sparkly snow that I really did not mind. (bonus: it was Fluffy, Light Snow)<em> </em></span></strong><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#660000;"></span></strong></em><br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">Plus I multi-tasked... I had a load of laundry running and shovelling became my workout! Good feeling to have it all done...</span></strong><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#660000;"></span></strong></em><br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;"><em>Let it snow???</em> I am excited to go snowshoe-ing this weekend though so ok, maybe... <em>just a little more?</em></span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3185133947882962401?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-45745796431615779082008-12-16T07:44:00.000-08:002008-12-16T08:04:14.636-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you read my last post about the Christian christmas music played at the band concert last night, the other song they played in the trio was<span style="color:#336666;"> <strong>"The Twelve Days of Christmas"</strong></span> which I thought... ok, they played two christian and one secular, makes sense I guess. </span><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But that song has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?<br /><span style="color:#990000;">Today, I found out. (Thanks Kristie)</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.<br /><span style="color:#990000;">The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke &amp; John.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.<br /></span><span style="color:#990000;">Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.</span></span></p><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So there is your history for today. <span style="color:#660000;">(AND they played three Christian songs last night - ha!)</span> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">You have to admit that you wondered too right?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#660000;"><strong>Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone</strong></span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4574579643161577908?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-31108428719919734352008-12-16T06:58:00.000-08:002008-12-16T07:29:49.491-08:00<span style="color:#000099;"><strong><span style="color:#666666;">Last night was Aaron's Christmas Band concert and I so look forward to getting to hear him play. It always means Christmas is just around the corner and I am amazed at how great they all sound together.</span> </strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>He is the tallest kid and seeing that ear to ear grin and him, so handsome in his uniform in the middle of the percussion section, makes me so proud. (Plus... he is really good!) :D</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#666666;">The Christmas music is always the traditional Santa songs and carols.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Last night - a pleasant surprise!! </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>At a school function, they actually played <span style="color:#336666;">"O</span> <span style="color:#336666;">Come, O Come Emanuel"</span> and <span style="color:#336666;">"What Child is This"</span> - two of my all time favorites! I sat there with goosebumps (they sounded so pure and sweet) as I was reminded of the true reason for the season... </strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#666666;"><strong>Not sure how those songs were chosen and I actually heard two people discussing it on the way out but I say kudos, to whoever "slipped" those beautiful christian pieces in... they made my night!</strong> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3110842871991973435?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-35679309330300445062008-12-10T08:48:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:20:16.723-08:00<strong><span style="color:#000099;">OK - remember, if I there was a Santa, I was going to get a "snow day" because it was exactly what I wanted for Christmas???? Here is the story of how yesterday played out...</span><br /><br /></strong><strong><span style="color:#666666;">When I found out about out our "snow policy" on Monday - I called my two Tuesday testers and let them know if Appleton schools closed, we would be closed. No problem.<br /></span><br /></strong><strong><span style="color:#000099;">We also had a "room rental" for the first time since I was here. Basically a local business was renting out our facility so I checked on how to handle it. Was told they had been contacted, to post a sign on the door when I left on Monday saying "closed due to weather" and if I came in, take it down. Cool. Easy. I can do that.<br /></span><br />Left work - TOTALLY ANTICIPATING A DAY TO LAZE AND GET STUFF DONE! Lisa and Danielle came over and we had a couple of drinks and watched the snow fall and planned what we would do on our "snow day" the next day!<br /><br /></strong><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. - Heard Appleton Schools were closed on radio!<br />Tuesday, 6:10 a.m. - Brittany plopped into my room to announce that there was no school and she was going back to bed.<br />Tuesday, 6:12 a.m. - Got a text from a friend about "playing" on our snow day... lunch... some decorating... starting to make plans<br />Tuesday, 6:15 a.m. - Get a call from my plow buddy, Travis... knows I usually need to be plowed by 7:15 to make it to work but if I didn't need him, he was swamped. Told him no worries, he had all day!<br />Tuesday, 6:16 a.m. - Back to dreamland!<br />Tuesday, 6:33 a.m. - Phone call... uh oh... (608) are code. Madison. Not Good, Corporate. It was my HR guy saying that "someone" needed to open the office for the room rental, they had not been contacted and had people here from out of state. I needed to be there by 8 a.m. Told him OK, nicely. Hung up and moaned loudly!!! uggggggghhhhhh Darn snow!! How can the word SNOW sound so lovely in "Snow Day" and so annoying in "Snow Removal"???<br />Tuesday, 6:35 a.m. - Texted friends that snow day plans were off... sad thing.<br />Tuesday, 6:38 a.m. - Looked out front window and realized that there was about 3 1/2 feet of snow at the end of my driveway and that there was no way I was backing over it to get to work and letting Travis clean up the mess later... double uggggghhhhh<br />Tuesday, 6:45 a.m. - started shoveling, got a nice section done (note: very heavy wet snow, not the fluffy white stuff) where I could just ease the car through after about 20 minutes. Stood back to rest and contemplate my work and think that the positive side was I just got some excercise. No lie... the snow plow comes down the street again and I look right in his eyes as he completely fills in what I had just shovelled. (I know that he got some preverse pleasure out of that, I could just tell!) At this point, I told myself, "Colleen, when are you gonna learn - there is no Santa Claus!)<br />Tuesday, 7:10 a.m. - start shovelling again!! My neighbor, Al happened down with his snowblower - thank god! He did the heavy stuff and I did the front walk. Aaron (precious child) got up to help and first thing commented that he had seen the snow plow incident and the look on my face said that I wanted to kill the driver... (I was slightly embarrassed about this, but just slightly!) Al finished the driveway (saved me $15 for the plow job, still looking for the good in this) and Aaron and I headed over to help the older neighbor lady shovel hers.<br />Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. - Hit the shower...<br />Tuesday, 7:58 a.m. - Made it to work on roads that had hardly been plowed - 2 minutes ahead of time to find out that our snow removal service knows that if Appleton Schools are closed, we are closed and they had delayed out snow removal til later in the day assuming there was not hurry. Suffice to say that no one was happy to walk in 6 inches of snow and I had more than my fair share of shovelling AGAIN!!<br /><br /></strong></span><strong><span style="color:#666666;">I did miss the day lazing in my jammies and hanging out with the kids...The plus side is - it was an exceptionally slow day other than locating a business that would deliver them lunch! I was told I could leave but a tester had been really disappointed that they could not test so I rescheduled and figured as long as I was there, what the heck? My boss recommended I spend the day getting my online Christmas shopping done and gave me a half day to take at my discretion yet before Christmas - (score!! ok, so maybe there is a Santa?) I had thought to throw mom's quilt in, got a ton done on it while listening to Christmas music and watching the snow fall, my neighbors came again and removed the second batch of snow and plow droppings, Brittany made Christmas cookies and did laundry and baked chicken, Aaron shovelled the deck and around the hot tub... hmmmmm... maybe being at work wasn't so bad??<br /></span><br />The best news... I have been worried to death about renting the long arm to finish mom's quilt - it has been booked for moths with everyone completing Christmas projects...<br />Called the quilt store... last minute cancellation!!! With my bonus day, I will be able to rent the long arm machine 12/22, mom is going to meet me there and watch and assist with the completion, we are going to have Christmas girls dinner together to catch up and enjoy each other before the busy holiday! I am so excited - mom's quilted portion should be done on Dec. 22!!! There will only be the binding to do and am hoping to complete it on the 23rd on my planned, leisurely day off before Christmas and (knock on wood) it should be wrapped and ready for delivery on Christmas morning!! Just like I planned - ha!!!<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">There is NO planning... is there? But the unexpected surprise of a 1/2 day when I want it and someone else taking care of the snow, Christmas cookies?? Not a bad trade off, all things considered!! AND the snow sure is pretty today... when I don't have to think about moving it!!</span><br /><br />Sure is good for a laught today! I can just hear the snow plow driver telling his story about me also! :D<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><em>Have a great day!!</em></span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3567930933030044506?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-3092565560597734922008-12-10T08:32:00.000-08:002008-12-10T08:35:08.933-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;"><em>Life will bring you pain all by itself. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;"><em>Your responsibility is to create joy.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;"><em>-- Milton Erickson, MD</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">Thanks Kristie - you were right, I absolutely love it!</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">{{huggs}}</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-309256556059773492?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-71701322647326793992008-12-08T09:52:00.001-08:002008-12-08T12:09:14.519-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ST1fCIgFggI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Djw30Rt7T3g/s1600-h/christmasmemories.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277478828594528770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ST1fCIgFggI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Djw30Rt7T3g/s320/christmasmemories.jpg" border="0" /></a> Christmas is always so nostalgic for me... and I cannot, nor do I want to... decorate in a hurry. I am a putt-zer!<br />I like to open the rubbermaid containers and look at the ornaments that I was given as a child, the ones that my children have received and savor the memories that go with them. I have items that people have lovingly crafted and favorite cards I re-read and let's face it, it takes time (probably the thing I have the least of).<br /><br />To be honest - last year at this time was brutal. I had to go through and divide out half of everything Christmasy and separate items for each child - it was the crucial blow to me that my blended family had fallen apart and we would not be celebrating the holiday as we had. I got through it... somehow... painfully.<br /><br />But I just could not bring myself to decorate. I did not want to face all those old memories while I was hurting so badly and too be honest, I was afraid of starting new ones with the thoughts that they too may be shattered. Finally, a week before Christmas, Aaron kicked me in the butt. He said, that's it mom, it is time to decorate the tree. He proceeded to haul up all the rubbermaid and even put up the tree, forcing me to decorate!! I was so thankful he did but was ashamed it was not me making Christmas fun for my kids... BUT that was the nudge I needed... I went into auto pilot and pulled out exactly what we needed and decorated in a hurry so the memories would not seep in. I somehow pulled it together and we had a somewhat merry christmas after all. (The best that could be expected at least!)<br /><br />This year, I am savoring... each moment... each memory. The rubbermaid has been in the kitchen for 5 (yes 5) days and I am sorting and remembering the people I have loved and lost, so many wonderful memories, funny stories, santa visits, past Christmas traditions, thinking about new Christmas traditions, realizing that Brittany will be at college next year and realizing that life changes - whether we want it to or not.<br /><br />But somethings don't... deep down, who we are, does not change...<br /><br />Because of this blog I have been lucky enough to reconnect with two people from my past that meant the world to me 23 years ago and we have re-connected to realize that part of our journey is to create bonds and touch lives and some of those bonds can never be broken, even though the world steps in.<br />I have been having the hardest time with not being able to see my step-daughters. I vacillate between being angry that I was just a "nanny" and missing them so much my heart breaks. I somehow want them to know that even though there dad chose to divorce me, I did not "divorce" them. I truly have wondered if all I did and everything I shared with them, all those years, was in vain.<br /><br />Amy and Kim, my nieces from 25 years ago reconnected with me in the last few weeks. They were like 8 and 6 when I last was with them. They both let me know that although I was only in their lives for a few years, they have never forgotten me. The things I taught them (our projects and crafts) and the time we spent was very important and they have never forgotten their "Auntie Colleen". And I have never forgotten them and all the wonderful memories we shared! Their e-mails were truly an answer to prayer and have shown me that even though Jen and Brooke are teenagers and "don't quite get that the world is not all about them" and don't seem to have time for me - someday, someday they will appreciate and understand.<br />Amy and Kim are now moms and wives with children of their own and I look forward to getting to know them as adults and friends!! Thank you both for following your hearts and being led to share your lives with me! I love you and have missed you both a ton!!<br /><br />The christmas decoration above is one of my absolute favorites but one I hid, way in the bottom of the rubbermaid last year. This year is proudly sits on top of my refrigerator!!<br />A "project" memory - go figure! Each of the four kids painted a square and then signed their name on it. There was spilled paint and arguing over brushes and Jennie was in the stage where she wrote her 9's backwards for the year and laughing... all 9 years ago. It seems like yesterday!<br />The time that we spent doing this was invaluable and they all have a little bit of craftiness in them now (some more than others) and I know, as a mom and step-mom, I helped foster that with this and other projects. Just as each day and minute we spent together helped make us all who we are today!!<br /><br />We can be stripped of a lot in this world but we cannot lose the times and things and people and memories that we hold dear and choose to hold close in our hearts!! So my rubbermaid might sit in my kitchen a couple of days yet, kiddos... (Brittany is groaning as she just had her friends over at lunch as I was "putt-zin" on my break) Someday you can look back and smile about mom and her rubbermaid and her memories!!<br /><br />Thank you, each one of you for having touched my lives and for listening to my ramblings and for sharing one of my most valued "lessons" of this most blessed season! And I am so blessed to have been given the chance to have touched your lives, Kim and Amy and Jennie and Brooke and Brittany and Aaron!! And all the rest of you. Thank you for touching mine!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-7170132264732679399?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-40233341686510350842008-12-08T09:38:00.000-08:002008-12-08T09:50:41.229-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ST1bkohQqVI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7Mj11cyQjTI/s1600-h/tree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277475023258429778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/ST1bkohQqVI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7Mj11cyQjTI/s320/tree.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Just had to take a minute to post our "half" of a christmas tree. Hee, hee </div><div>Our living room is pretty small, so instead of opting for a small dinky tree ona tabletop, Aaron helped me put up half the tree.</div><div>No, not the top half. </div><div>Literally half of the circumference and we wired it to the wall so it kind of looks like it is growing right out of the wall. </div><div>I have to admit that the white lights and having the tree up has finally made it seem like Christmas...</div><div> </div><div>But <strong>unfortunately</strong>, Kyle the Kitty seems to think that this is his new toy. That beautiful ribbon has already come off twice and been halfway down my hallway and the pinecones are just too much for him to avoid! I feel like I have a toddler in the house again! I can just imagine how the wrapping paper will be chewed off the presents! </div><div> </div><div>P.S. I just found out that when Appleton schools closes, our office closes!! They are saying 8 to 14 inches for us!! I have to admit that I feel just like a kid in school possibly waiting for a snow day!</div><div> </div><div>SNOW DAY!! Doesn't that sound wonderful? A whole extra day at home to stay in my jammies and try to get organized and start baking and just hang "in"? I will even take the shovelling!!</div><div>(I broke down and hired someone to plow my driveway, just no time!!)</div><div> </div><div>I was joking because out of all the things that I could have asked Santa for - a whole extra unplanned day off would be exactly what I want and need. I really do love my job but am selfishly keeping my fingers crossed.</div><div>I still believe Santa, I still believe!!</div><div>Stay tuned!! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4023334168651035084?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-87511547560837615272008-12-01T06:55:00.000-08:002008-12-01T07:13:30.320-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;">Aaron transitioned from deer camp back to reality at mom's on Wednesday night. He had a great time, has many cute stories and new memories (and I am sure some I won't ever hear about!) AND he was SO TIRED!! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;">Unfortunately, there were no deer shot at hunting camp this year in Amberg. He is bummed but on the way home on Friday, we got to stop in Marinette to see Cody's 3 pointer he shot that morning... Aaron was thrilled for him (and a little jealous) but they were fun to watch together as they discussed all the details.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;">There is a lot of talk of a new Remington and Aaron is already dreaming of next year and his "30 pointer"...</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000099;">Thanks Grandpa for all your work to make hunting camp happen to accomodate all that great male bonding. As you commented, it is a lot more fun setting up hunting camp than taking it down... your hard work is appreciated by many!! It is probably a lot like labor, you tend to forget how much work it is until you get back into that same position going, what the heck??</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-8751154756083761527?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-3608985479947843252008-12-01T06:53:00.000-08:002008-12-01T06:55:24.803-08:00<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;"><em><strong>"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melodie Beattie</strong></em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-360898547994784325?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-13180652580690213922008-11-26T06:49:00.000-08:002008-11-26T08:02:31.110-08:00<strong><span style="color:#000099;">Yesterday, I accepted a new position at work! I am moving into Education Sales three days a week!! I am ready for a new challenge plus it will give me a little more flexibility with my hours and the opportunity to earn commission!! Yahoo!!!Ü</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">I am glad that I have so much to be thankful for, even with our struggling economy. I worry "what if" especially on a single income but I should know better... somehow it always works out. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">I also am extremely thankful and sentimental today for another reason... 17 years ago, I cooked my first and only Thanksgiving dinner at my parents. Mom had just come through a kidney cancer diagnosis and removal of the kidney. She was released just in time to spend the holiday with us and she was even able to hobble to the kitchen to make her awesome " grammy gravy"! </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Brittany was a baby at the time and mom was so worried that she would not be around to watch her grow up or to have other grandchildren. She has lovingly grandmothered (like no one else could) 3 more and two great grandchildren besides. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">We worried that we would not have her another Thanksgiving but we have been so blessed and lucky that she is still here with us, 17 Thanksgivings later. I cannot wait to enjoy another yummie traditional Thanksgiving meal (no holds barred -crystal and china and silver, the whole sha-bang) with mom at the head of the table. I can almost taste that "grammy gravy" already!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#336666;">"I have more than I need; much more than I deserve, and I overlook things far too often. However, I am grateful. Not just today, but as I look back in my life I see how much I have been given. I'm glad that we have a holiday and time to spend thinking about our blessings" -</span></strong> <strong><span style="color:#000099;">I am SO blessed!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">I hope you have a lot to be thankful for in your own life. I wish for you a Happy Thanksgiving.</span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-1318065258069021392?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-44940413118596794462008-11-24T14:48:00.000-08:002008-11-24T14:53:59.507-08:00<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000066;"><strong>Quick note: Yesterday, I finally got around to getting those shovels that I was so worried about buying...</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000066;"><strong>Then guess what? This morning, I woke up to about 4 inches of beautiful, white fluffy snow... </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000066;"><strong>It was me. I jinxed us. I know</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000066;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000066;"><strong>For today, it was beautiful! And it got me in the winter, christmas mood... cute blog background, hey? On the weekend the snowman decorations will take over our house!!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000066;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000066;"><strong>It won't be long and I will probably be complaining about shoveling but not today!! ( It all melted off the sidewalks by noon! Gotta love that!)</strong></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4494041311859679446?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-46195801351632550732008-11-24T09:00:00.000-08:002008-11-24T09:05:39.546-08:00<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SSreWYOEkFI/AAAAAAAAAF8/NVZbQrTVTUI/s1600-h/StateLisame.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272270789830545490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SSreWYOEkFI/AAAAAAAAAF8/NVZbQrTVTUI/s320/StateLisame.jpg" border="0" /></a> My best friend Lisa - go Papermakers!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SSreJBFXNJI/AAAAAAAAAF0/dcDPs42LNdU/s1600-h/State.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272270560281703570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SSreJBFXNJI/AAAAAAAAAF0/dcDPs42LNdU/s320/State.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center">Cold but fun!! I had a blast with Brit!</div><div align="center">Thanks for a great time baby girl!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4619580135163255073?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-42135576478530646182008-11-19T10:55:00.000-08:002008-11-19T11:14:36.146-08:00<span style="color:#330033;"><strong>I know - we all have them...</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663333;">~The alarm did not go off this morning so I woke up late...</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">~I stubbed my toe as I got out of the shower (because I was running late)...</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">~I ran out of toothpaste...</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">~I forgot to take my dress pants out of the washer last night...</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">~I gave all my cash to the kids for lunch, tickets to the playoff game, tshirts for the playoff game, leaving me none for lunch and no time to pack one...</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">~Was almost late to work...</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">~Felt completely overwhelmed with thinking about getting Aaron to hunting trying to make sure he has everything he needs, remembering all I needed to pack for Brit and I to go to Kimberly's final game at state tomorrow, wondering if they would find a temp for me to be able to take off work tomorrow, thinking about the recycling and the leaves to rake and shovels that I need to buy before it snows... </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">~Felt sorry for myself that there was no "significant other" to wake me up on time (or even care that I was late), to help with the packing and the raking and the shovel buying... </span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">~Realized that I forgot my work laptop at home, once I got to work, almost late...</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">~Tried to transfer the load of clothes (with my dress pants)when I ran back home to get my laptop. BUT my awesome, new, red, "Jetsons" washing machine only blinked DOOR LOCKED over and over - IT <strong>REFUSED</strong> to give up my wet clothes.</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">~Had a few messes to clean up at work (of course, work could not even go smoothly right?)...</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">~The printer broke trying to print nametags for a last minute project...</span><br /><span style="color:#663333;">~<strong>UGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Fortunately, a co-worked offered to buy lunch and we ordered chinese</span> <strong>(OK, maybe it isn't SO bad to be out of $$)</strong> <span style="color:#330033;">and guess what my fortune was?</span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993399;"><em>"You have so much to be thankful for"</em></span> - ir doesn't get more simple than that...<br /><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Puts it all in perspective, doesn't it? <span style="color:#330033;"><strong>This day too shall pass!!</strong></span> Hoping that all the bad stuff happens in one day and glad that tomorrow will be a new one!!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4213557647853064618?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-42888055313387986352008-11-19T10:42:00.001-08:002008-11-19T10:55:12.452-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SSReXak6ojI/AAAAAAAAAFk/PNGmUu-como/s1600-h/Aaronhunting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270441220294484530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SSReXak6ojI/AAAAAAAAAFk/PNGmUu-como/s320/Aaronhunting.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I truly believe that Aaron has developed ADHD! Fortunately, it is a temporary condition for him - it stands for "All Dedicated Hunters Disease"... I don't know how this develops or why (as I do not get the whole hunting thing) but he has every symptom.</div><div> </div><div>~ He talks non stop about hunting camp</div><div>~ He bugs me daily (OK really, ten times a day) to get his hunting license</div><div>~ He obsesses with the food (and the amount of food) that will be available "up nort"</div><div>~ He bounces off the walls, drums on contertops and prances around in anticipation of "Opening Day"</div><div>~ He has fulfilled every requirement and the necessary grades to allow him to spend a week with "the guys" and grandpa</div><div>~ He cannot wait to "bring home the big one" and "feed the family" from his first deer.</div><div> </div><div>All kidding aside - it has been fun to watch him be so excited about something! Hunting for his first time, IS a HUGE deal! The fact that he will enjoy some great male family bonding is just a bonus that he appreciates and looks forward to almost as much. (Let's face it, being the only male in the household HAS to get old at times)</div><div> </div><div>Unfortunately you cannot see the ear to ear smile on his face as he signed his hunting license but as his mom - I enjoyed every moment!! Good luck Aaron! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4288805531338798635?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-34945527231643914212008-11-17T11:22:00.000-08:002008-11-18T08:09:16.032-08:00<span style="color:#000000;">Saturday... I found "me" again...</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I don't know why or how come or the reason or the timing or what took so darn long but something just clicked.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Maybe my mourning period is over, maybe it is called giving up and giving in, maybe all the times I "slapped" myself finally worked, maybe it is all the thousands of prayers, maybe I have decided that I have "wasted" enough time and maybe it is finally, just "TIME"...</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">Life goes on... time heals...</span></em><br /><br />Don't get me wrong, it still frustrates me...<br />that someone could throw my life (and my kids life) into such a tailspin...<br />that choices and decisions were made that I had no say in....<br />that someone could break every promise they ever made...<br />that I gave my heart and 110% of myself, for what?...<br />that a blended family, could "unblend" so quickly...<br />that he "regrets his actions" everday...<br /><br />That may sound bitter... I'm not... but it is raw... it is my pain.<br /><br />More than anything, it makes me sad that I believed him, that I shared my kids, my family, my heart and our lives. Ultimately, he didn't deserve it... but I don't regret the time with Jen and Brooke. I hope I a made a difference in their lives that they will never forget. They did in mine!<br /><br />Pete asked me if I hate him?? I don't and I can't but as I told him, I am still so deep down disappointed that <strong>he</strong> <strong>gave up</strong> - that sums it all. Along the way, I lost bits of respect but when that happened, when he threw in the towel... I lost all respect.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">=Charlotte Elizabeth Aisse</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">I could never love where I could not respect...</span></em><br /><br />I am not over him... I will probably never get over him... I am scared to death to ever think of "trusting" anyone again. My mom told me that it takes 3 years to get past a divorce. I believe that.<br />In my mind, there is no timeline... it takes experiencing every emotion, grief, frustration, question, memory - both good and bad.<br />BUT...<br />for today...<br />I have more good days than bad.<br />and I am thankful for the spot that we have landed.<br />I am done "wallowing"!<br />I am not "normal" but I probably never was! (I know my brothers and kids are laughing at that)<br /><br />Whatever the reason... all I know is it sure feels good. :)<br />I really think it is called "peace"... I am at peace with where I am - for today.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><em>Webster defines peace as<br />2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions</em></span><br /><br />I am getting there... slowly but surely. And looking forward to the future, for the first time in a long time. (((hugs))) to all of u!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-3494552723164391421?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-40396423427329974982008-11-14T09:27:00.001-08:002008-11-14T09:33:27.526-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SR21NPkAdEI/AAAAAAAAAFc/uRNG7rjFxd0/s1600-h/gas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268566378213831746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_QeFFHCMv0/SR21NPkAdEI/AAAAAAAAAFc/uRNG7rjFxd0/s320/gas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#330099;"><em>I had to look twice... Gas? Finally under $2.00?? </em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#330099;"><em>I giggled, sang and smiled all the way to work on my newly filled gas tank!!! </em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#330099;"><em>Some days it is the smallest things...</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#330099;"><em>It has been a tough couple of weeks financially and I have been playing the game of only partially filling the tank. </em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#330099;"><em>Always hoping that the prices will go down "just a little more" before the next fill !!</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em></em></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>Somehow, someway - it always works and there is enough!</em></span></p><p> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-4039642342732997498?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-83857218565926972902008-11-10T08:18:00.000-08:002008-11-10T08:21:51.566-08:00<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#003333;"><em>A true friend sent this to me today... thank you!<br /><br /><strong>God doesn't give you the people you want,</strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#003333;"><em><strong>He gives you the people you NEED.</strong></em></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#003333;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#003333;"><em><strong>To help you, </strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#003333;"><em><strong>to hurt you, </strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#003333;"><em><strong>to leave you,</strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#003333;"><em><strong>to love you... </strong></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#003333;"><em><strong>to make you into the person you were meant to be.</strong></em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-8385721856592697290?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5969954471026015288.post-54382422289324594742008-11-07T09:23:00.000-08:002008-11-07T10:25:36.000-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">The biggest lesson that I have learned this year is that so much of what I have tried to keep quiet or hidden in my life, does not stay there... at some point - it all gets laid out there for the world to see! So what you are getting on this blog is "tranparency" - my feelings, thoughts and (often random) ramblings as I continue down the road of healing through "journaling"!</span> </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#663300;"><strong>This involves a toilet so I will spare you the photos and I will try to paint a picture so you too, can laugh!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>In a rush of running errands on Tuesday night, I did not have time to "potty" so was waiting until I got home (anyone who knows me at all knows I am always running for a potty, usually last minute!) </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>I had just talked to Aaron on the phone, he assured me, <span style="color:#663300;">"all is fine at home, the kitty is good and I am at Dylan's playing video games".</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>I rushed to get home, unloaded bags and boxes from my car and RAN to the bathroom.... To find a toilet that was about 1/4" from overflowing and a plunger sticking out of the top. As I found a pail and emptied water out of the bowl into a pail, (let me note - no floaters, just pulpy wet toilet paper) and grabbed the plunger... </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Aaron called to tell me, <span style="color:#663300;">"oh yeah mom, I forgot to tell you, the toilet is plugged".</span> </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>(REALLY???) </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>I was plunging away (with no luck) when a friend came to pick me up for dinner... </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>I quickly got over my pride and embarrassment of asking people for help... swallowed hard...</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>and asked for his assistance (something that I am becoming better and better at). </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>(Talk about humbling... help with a plugged toilet though????)</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>He is a big guy but after about 5 minutes, declared that I would have to call a plumber with a snake... ughhh! I decided that we could make it one night with a bucket and hadit all set up with a big note for the kids.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Then... my neighbor Brent happens to stop over - he decides to take the plunge (sorry - hee, hee) but nothing, it is not budging at all! </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>The decision is made to call Aaron to see WHAT the toi=toi is plugged with. He sheepishly admits, <span style="color:#663300;">"I have been putting the kitty's droppings and litter down the toilet"</span> CLUMPING KITTY LITTER - which has now become almost concrete!!!!!!! </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>I hear...<span style="color:#663300;"> "I didn't know mom!!!"</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Brent is determined - he heads home and comes back with a "homemade" snake and announces that he is going to give it "the U.P. plunge". After about 10 minutes of being in water up to his elbows and a lot of determination - success!!! After many funny little "poopy" jokes and comments - he heads home... happy that he was able to help and waving his "snake" - and me - smiling and very grateful that he is so handy!!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;"><strong>Ya know - another small lesson in life - there is always two ways to look at everything. Meet the challenge, determined, head on... or run and hide!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>It has been a year of "meeting the challenge" - part of me wants to yell - hooyah! bring it on!! But I dare not... let's just say, I am thankful for the support and friends that will help me through the tough times and for the ability to be humble and laugh... as I am sure there will be more to come</strong>!!</span> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5969954471026015288-5438242228932459474?l=gr8day2chatter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921594426218624124noreply@blogger.com3