So You Think You Can Dance

So feeling a little "under the weather", due to the alcohol consumption the evening before at Bahama Bobs, Sunday was a pretty unproductive day. I managed to take a long and much need nap with snuggle bunny Erika. The rest of the evening I went through toys, toys, and more toys, to tried to get ready for my garage sale this weekend. So I parked my butt in front of my t.v. a bucket full of cleaner and baskets of toys and started my season of "So You Think You Can Dance" from my faithful tivo. I couldn't peel myself away. I ended up watching the whole season and went to bed around 3:00 am. I loved it!!! This is the 3rd season and I haven't missed a show in 3 years. Every year gets better and better.
Dancing was one of the biggest parts of my life in my younger years. If there was a dance class, I was in it. By junior high, I was at Bunny Sanfords School of Dance Monday through Thursday until almost 9:00 every night and also assisted in two children's classes, my junior year in high school. My mom was hoping for a ballerina........ballet was OK, but the couple years of dancing on my toes, bleeding toes and sore ankles didn't do much for me. I LOVED tap and the chorus line and contemporary, I love a story! I was the second shortest in my chorus line class, and in a kick line, just cuz your shorter doesn't mean your legs don't have to be as high as the taller girls in the middle, they have to be higher. In that class I danced with my instructors and I was an equal and I remember being so nervous I couldn't see strait. I ended up being second to the last in the kick line, side by side with my ballet instructor, who was phenomenal and I did it, and it was great, exciting, perfect, flawless, in my eyes anyway. It was a "jazz hot" number, kinda like some of the routines in the movie Chicago. I nailed that routine and I was proud! Needless to say, my senior year, some friends and a little partying later (sad to say I partied more my high school years than my college years). I quit dance because my social life and my party accessories were more important. 13 years of dance, done, just like that. I'm not saying I was all that, or that I would've done anything "big" with it, or gone anywhere special, l but it was one of those choices that you look back and cringe. I forgot how dancing made me feel.
Last night watching 13 episodes of that show, my emotions were going crazy! I love routines that tell a story. The dramatic routines that make you feel something in the pit of your stomach and you get a funny feeling in your throat. There was a day that I thought I would be dancing some little number on Broadway but dreams fade fast and are sometimes hard to come by. One of the forks in the road that you'd wished you'd at least attempted.  My favorite choreographers are Mia Michaels and Wade Robson. They are just awesome!!! I just can't get enough! Now that I'm all caught up, I can't wait until Wednesday.

Kimmy and Bobbie are..................

A GIRL :)

Congrats!!!! Marina and her baby sister will be 22 months apart, just like Erika and Olivia! I told her that I will keep her in my prayers!!!

A Life's Journey

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather a skid broadside thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What A Ride!"

~Author Unknown

A day on the lake....

I was trying to post this yesterday when a storm blew right on through and we lost power until this morning~Our great day at the Jeffrey's a couple weeks ago!







It was a fun filled day. They bought this awesome mat raft thing that floats at the end of their dock and the kids had a ball jumping on and off it all day.

The "big" boys also had a great time on it as well. It's just a good thing there were no broken bones or heart attacks, due to someone's age, I won't name who.


We ended the night with some fireworks, smoke bombs, and sparklers. (That Eli was letting Olivia light on her own and I could have rung his neck). Some of the girls caught a bunch of lightning bugs instead of doing fireworks.

You can see the rest of the pictures here......Thanks to Dave! (click on album)

Jeffrey's Cottage

A light at the end of a LONG tunnel

Eli and I were lying in bed last night and he told me I was slacking on my blog and I might as well delete it, so I thought that I could catch up a little while Makenna was napping today. Sorry for my absence. Honestly besides the last 2 posts, my life has pretty much been eating, sleeping, making breakfast, lunch, taking care of my beautiful, yet argumentative girls, and studying. (Eli, of coarse is a an awesome cook, so I leave dinner up to him, I can't compete)

Officially, I only have 1 more week of school. Happy to say that I finished my MATH107 early, and I ended up with a 4.0! Yippy! Eli called me a dork and Diane called me a geek, and I'm alright with it! I am going to "early start" MATH112 and am going to try to get 2 tests out of the way so my 14 credit semester in the fall won't seem as heavy. Yes I know, aside from being a dork and a geek, I am insane as well!

I just wanted to say that I couldn't be doing any of this, without the tremendous support from so many important people in my life, especially GOD, Eli, Diane, Cathie, and of coarse, my girls. Eli is my rock, he keeps me grounded, he supports me like NO other, Diane and Cathie are there for me through thick and thin~to help me see the big picture, they keep me going when I feel like giving in. Oh my girls, my wonderful girls, they wish me luck on every test, high five me when I get home, and pray for me at dinner when I'm not able to sit with them at the dinner table because I'm at school. How blessed am I? WOW, I can't even being to tell you! SO.....Thank you! To all of you in my life! I am truly grateful for everyone in my life!

Some exciting news......Bill, AKA, Papa Schultz with the big truck, is coming to visit. He will be here from August 18th to the 26th. We are all very excited! He is trying to arrange a visit every 6 months! YEAH!

So, for a couple weeks, there may be more to read....don't expect much from September to December! I'll do my best!

My Special Friend

Cathie and Cathie's Mom kindly invited the girls and I out for a pool day. The thing I didn't know about Cathie was that she likes to excercise with some pretty nifty equipment instead of lounging around the pool!
It was a HOT (90+ degrees with a heat advisory). Needless to say, we didn't get out of the pool much! It was a great day. All the girls were like little "shishies" (as Kenna would say). Erika is much more confident in the pool and is now lovin' the diving board. Olivia was tossed in the water...and handled it well! Makenna just wanted to keep jumping in over and over again with someone counting with her.....1, 2, 3.....jump. She loved Jeannies taste in music and danced around the pool! We had to end the day early so I could take a test (the last thing on my mind that day), but managed to pull off an A.

You can see the rest of the pictures here. Click on the album.

Pool Day With All The Girls

DEEEEEETROIT!

On Friday 6/29/07 Eli, Jeff, Diane and I went out for the first time without children in 3 years! Yes.....3 years. We headed downtown and I had a GREAT time. I haven't been downtown in a while and it looks beautiful. I loved walking around Detroit. (Never thought I'd say that) We went out to dinner, went to the Tigers game (that I didn't pay that much attention to), and to the the bar after.

Here are the pictures.....Click on the album

Tigers Game 6/29/2007

*Yes I know this posting is really late, but I have had no spare time so excuse my tardiness!

Goodbye Cutie

So an update on our animal situation. The girls were given 2 hamsters two years ago, "Goody" and "Cutie". We lost one a couple of months ago because of a cage failure (meaning someone forgot to close it). With 4 cats in the house, I'm sure he didn't survive the night. Sunday night, "Cutie" died from old age. Erika was pretty upset. Olivia was just fascinated that blood was coming from his mouth and told Erika to "stop crying".
So last night, "the family" buried him in the garden of weeds by the shed in the back yard. Trying to dodge all the mosquito's, Eli and I tried to hurry up the funeral procession. Erika told us she needed some "private time" with Cutie. So we happily ran to the house. Yeah, rude, but again....the mosquito's, it was bad.
Here's a note she wrote to God and wants to but it by the grave...........

"Tittle: God wach out for my hamster. God I hope you wach over quty my hamster. I rilly injoyd having him in my family. I love him and I'll miss him. I'm glad he is in a beter plase."

For old time sake!

Cathie and I have been friends for about 16 years. I met her in high school. Only because I was her boyfriends~ex-girlfriend, awkward. She came over to my house to kick my a$$. (I know, high school drama) Well anyways, instead of kicking my a$$, we became friends and the rest is history. Cathie and Kevin are married now. Which is kinda funny how things happen. Cathie and I have been through thick and thin together. There even was a time in our friendship that she lived with me in high school and we did bicker about who's turn it was to use the phone, typical sister fight. We have lost touch through the years but when we get together we seem to pick up where we left off. The only think that really changed was the amount of growing the children have done.
On Sunday we went out to Livonia to watch the spree fireworks (which 11 years ago, the night of the same fireworks, Eli and I had our first kiss) We barbecued, laughed and caught up on old times. The kids got to jump on the trampoline, swing from the trees, catch a whole bunch of lighting bugs, and giggle till their hearts were content! It was a late night, which is pretty typical when we get together.
Our families are going on vacation together in August, up to Kevin's parents cottage. Which I am just so excited about! They have boats, jet ski's, campfires, and all the accessories. So it gives us all something to look forward too! Can't wait! School will be done then, so I just get to relax and enjoy.

You can see the rest of the pictures here:

Spree Fireworks

At the end of my ropes!

I have decided that I'm at the end of my ropes! I hate, yes I say HATE my algebra class. I have spent endless hours on Algebra. I eat sleep and breath algebra and the grade isn't even included into my GPA for acceptance into the nursing program. I have let my intro to psychology class slip because I have been so wrapped up into understanding equation, integers, story problems, and absolute freakin values. I didn't even realize that I have a pschology test to take this week that I haven't even begun to study for (this grade is part of my GPA). I had an algebra test tonight, scored a 73% and I think my teacher felt bad, she told me which ones I got wrong and told me to fix them. I made stupid mistakes, I just couldn't see strait. I went back to my seat and felt like I was just going to loose it, fixed what I could and I ended up with a 90%.
Can I just say that I AM BURNT OUT! I told Eli tonight that I think I should take a year off of school and maybe go back to work and just focus on get some of our debt paid off. I feel like I am running around in a circle and there is no end. I have really tried to keep a positive attitude about life lately and I feel like I'm gonna crack!
Driving to school tonight I was second guessing my life. The choices I've made in the past and the one's I am making right now. I just hope that in 5 years I can look back at it all and laugh, unless I'm in a psycho ward at some institution.

Bobby

Our friend Bobby had back surgery today around 2:00 and I am still waiting to see how he is doing. But I just thought I would ask for some prayers. He has been a gimp and not been able to do anything for over 2 months now. He has had physical therapy and injections in his spine and nothing has helped. So surgery was the only thing left to do. Please pray that this surgery will be the answer and he will have pain relief. He has been in so much pain. Also please pray for Kimmy. She is pregnant, taking care of Marina and Bobby, and is working full time on top of it. She is a trooper!

Fathers Day at the Boat

My Happy Daddy

Makenna swimming with her Daddy

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Over tired Makenna swimming with a binky....

Sittin on the upper deck

I did actually get in the water!

Yeah, I'm a couple days late. This week has been busy. Fathers Day was a nice warm sunny day out at the boat. Makenna went swimming at the pool at the clubhouse and just couldn't get enough. She loves the water and is completely fearless! She only tried to drowned herself twice. She scares me. I told Eli that she is his "boy" with a vagina. Olivia was still feeling a little under the weather and didn't swim too much, but I think overall she had a good day. Erika is a fish! I don't think she got out of the water except to eat and pee. Here are the rest of the pictures......


Or click on the album

Fathers Day at the Boat 2007

Yea, She's Ours!

When you ask Makenna to say "cheese" for the camera this is what you get!
Can't get much cuter than that! HEE HEE!

The Girls!

The gang was back together to see Sherry while she was visiting from California (bottom left, the cute pregnant one). It is so amazing that even though she's been gone for almost 2 years and Cathie and I haven't seen her since Febuary of 2006, we just picked up where we left off! I am truly blessed to have a great group of friends! Next time she will be in town it will be for Will and Monaca's wedding!!! Yippy!

Playing Catch Up

Olivia surgery went as well as expected! Her recovery feels neverending and I was so sad for her and I felt so useless. I felt so bad for her! Today is her first day off the codeine and is just on Tylenol. She still looks like she's been smacked around but is finally laughing and giggling. THAT WAS ROUGH! I was totally not expecting her to be so miserable, just happy it's over and she is smiling again!

I haven't been near a computer since Wednesday when I did some Psychology homework. Dealing with Olivia's recovery and trying to catch up with homework and other stuff including sleep. I went on the computer today and had 54 new blog postings and 120 emails from school and friends. It took me about 2 hours with lots of breaks in between (5 children running around and laundry, etc). I am finally caught up, finished my first cup of coffee and am happy to say that I am ready for my 1st algebra exam tonight, that I managed to study for while Olivia took a nap yesterday!

I am also excited because my friend Sherry is visiting from California and "the girls" are going out tonight to catch up. I haven't left my house since Friday when we took Olivia to the hospital. Pretty sad! I need to get out........I think I'm starting to loose it!

Bible verses that I need to repeat everyday!

“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14, NIV)

Sounds so simple!

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Proverbs 29:11, NIV)

I'm a total FOOL!

It was a freakin beautiful day today!

Well my semester is in full swing as of today. I started both my classes....Algebra and Intro to Psychology. My procedure on Monday went pretty good and today is the first day I didn't have to take any pain medication and I'm feeling a little "hung over".
The great part about today was being outside! I sat outside with Ryan from about 12:30 until 4:30. It was BEAUTIFUL, or should I say NIIIIIIIICE! I love it when it is sunny and 70! Not too hot and a great breeze. I tried to get some reading done but Ryan wanted my full attention, we played tee-ball, basketball, soccer etc etc. It was fun to hang with him. The girls were in their own little world and Ryan actually wanted to hang with his AUNTIE. Pretty cool!
The next 8 weeks are going to be pretty rough on Eli and I won't see each other Monday through Thursday which mean we are flying solo in the parent department with the kids Monday through Thursday......3 - 1 isn't always a good combination. So I am savoring my good mood and hoping it get me through it. I will be looking forward to the weekend by Wednesday.
I can't believe the girls are going to be out of school after this week. This year flew by! I'll have a 3 of them biting at my ankles by Monday.
Olivia is having her tonsils and adenoids out on Friday. If you could keep her in your prayers, I would appreciate it. She seems pretty scared about the surgery. Tomorrow I'm going to take her to the store and let her pick out all the ice cream and popsicles she wants.

Memorial Day

COME TO PAPA!!!


LET'S GO!!!

Like Mother, like daughter

It was a beautiful Memorial Day out on Lake St. Clair. The water was a woppin 68 degrees, but didn't stop my girls from jumpin in! Makenna didn't want to get back on the boat. She was practically numb but she didn't care. Papa let Erika drive the boat (with some help of coarse). Here are some more pictures and a little video of Makenna with Daddy HERE

Or you can click on the album

Memorial Day 2007

Taking a puppy from a baby

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Nana and Papa got a new puppy. It probably won't have a name for at least 3 months and will come by the name "puppy" because my Mother can never make a decision. Makenna and all the kids are in love and this poor puppy gets tormented but is a great sport! Sorry the movie is a little dark.

Pearl

The Landlord from Will Ferrell

Ok..............Is it totally wrong that I think this is hilarious!

A visit with the COONHOUNDS

I have learned the 6 breeds of Coonhounds and have seen them all up close and personal. I don't know what was more interesting, the dogs or their owners. Jeffrey Animal Hospital sponsored a vaccine/heartworm clinic at the oldest raccoon hunting club in Michigan. Dr Demetriou, Jeannie, Kimmy and I set off to Ecorse Michigan. We saw and heard some things that were very funny and yet very scary at the same time.
There was a branding vendor set up right by us and one of the old men without teeth asked the vendor if he would brand his wife. There was also a sign that was hanging up said~

"A WOMAN SHOULD............
Look like a girl,
Act like a lady,
Think like a Man,
and Work like a dog."

Most of the men were very sweet. Just old, toothless, and wearing overalls. These men really loved their dogs and were not afraid to share story after story about just about anything. My coworker said that the whole situation reminded her of the movie "Deliverance". I have never seen the movie but am tempted to rent it.
We did get to see the water races where they dangled a live raccoon above the water on a zip line. Most of these dogs just went NUTS. The raccoon became bored and started grooming himself half way through the races. They are so LOUD and there were probably over a 100 dogs barking simultaneously for over 4 hours. All in all, it was great to people watch and I learned a lot about coons. It was an adventure! The clinic was a bust, but at least it was interesting. Sorry Dr. Jeffrey, we tried!
My favorite coonhound breed was the Walker Coonhound. VERY CUTE!

Best Buds!

Makenna and Marina had her first official sleepover last night. They hung out and played like 1 year olds do. Uncle Eli read Marina a book then they had their night night bottle and then off to bed. Marina was a trooper and slept through the night at her Aunties house we had french toast sticks and banana's for breakfast.

Welcome Melanie Cynthia K Pollock

We have an addition to our family. Tara (Eli's sister) had her third child last night. Her name is Melanie Cynthia K Pollock. She entered the world weighing 5 lbs and is 19 inches long. Both Mommy and Melanie are doing well! Better pictures to follow, says Grandma. This is Grandma's 8th grandchild.

Melanie is my 4th niece. I am an Auntie to a total of 7 children from my side of the family and Eli's combined and have only met 3 of them. I think Eli and I need to start going to Utah a little more often.....or maybe they need to visit Michigan a little more often! There is a family reunion in Oregon next summer that Eli and I are trying to save up for.

Nana's Angels

This was the picture that we matted and framed for my Mom for Mothers Day! They look sweet and innocent don't they?

Novasure

On June 4th I am going to have an outpatient procedure done called an endometrial ablation. I have chosen the safest kind, it's called novasure. Endometriosis is a total bummer and now that my family is complete, I'm ready. I'm not up for another laparoscopy and I am way to young for a hysterectomy to even be an option, so hopefully this is what will work. I should only be "uncomfortable" for a couple days and I should be feeling pretty great for Olivia's tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy on June 8th. My new semester starts June 6th and the girls will still be in school that week. Considering what I've already had done this should be a walk in the park.

More Pictures From Mothers Day

I will always be taller! Just not by much!

By the Pond

Aren't they Beautiful!

From my Moms camera and I also added some to the album from previous post.