Scott and the kids had their annual Gingerbread House making night last night. And yes, Jacob did not participate this year. He was busy having a HUGE meltdown in his room!
Merry Christmas!!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Gingerbread House Making 2011
Scott and the kids had their annual Gingerbread House making night last night. And yes, Jacob did not participate this year. He was busy having a HUGE meltdown in his room!
Merry Christmas!!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Cookie Baking 2011
Every year Debbie and I make a ton of Christmas cookies and this year was no different! Jacob actually helped this year - WOOHOO!! I lost count of how many dozen of cookies we made, but I can tell you that we made over 8 different varieties.
Loss Of A Dear Friend - Mary Jeanne Barker Behrends
Mary Jeanne Barker Behrends April 16, 1963 - November 25, 2011
On November 25, 2011, my dear friend lost her life to cancer. Till the end she told me that she was going to beat it and if anyone could kick that cancer's backside it would had been Mary.
I met Mary in the Singles Ward in the fall of 1989 - right after my Granny Rynders passed away from lung cancer. Mary and I became close friends and she was even my Visiting Teacher (LDS). Mary and I had similar interests: 1) Church; 2) Osmonds and we were both 3) Nerds/Geeks. I could talk "shop" with Mary and she knew exactly what I was talking about. :) We were also close in age - just 9 months apart!
When Mary got married to the first loser, there were several of us that tried to talk her out of it. She didn't listen and married him anyway. She hung on to the hope that the marriage would work for over 18 years, but it ended anyway formally in December 2009. I know the marriage ended many years earlier than that, but Mary was full of hope that things would turn around. It is hard to be married to someone that doesn't have a desire to be married or contribute to the marriage in any way possible.
Mary introduced me to Scott right after I came home from California. It was at Mary's home that I first met Scott, just days after returning home. Mary was also in my wedding party and at my wedding in the Washington DC LDS Temple in 1996.
Mary overcame many obstacles in this life. She had a rough childhood; married a loser of a "man" (and I use that term very loosely); lost a ton of weight (about 80 lbs); remarried to a second loser and obtained a Bachelor and two Master degrees. In the fall of 2010 it looked like her life was turning around. Finished her 2nd Masters and was in a job she loved at Kelly Services in Troy. It was just a few months later that she was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread to her liver. And it was that cancer that took her life just a little over 11 months later.
When I think of Mary, the first thing that pops into my head is her love for everyone and her positive outlook on life. You can read more on Mary from her very brief blog that she kept:
http://marybehrends.blogspot.com/
I know Mary is in a better place - free from pain. I know she is with her Mom and her other family members that have gone on before her. Even with that knowledge, I still miss her terribly.
Until we meet again, Mary Jeanne!!
On November 25, 2011, my dear friend lost her life to cancer. Till the end she told me that she was going to beat it and if anyone could kick that cancer's backside it would had been Mary.
I met Mary in the Singles Ward in the fall of 1989 - right after my Granny Rynders passed away from lung cancer. Mary and I became close friends and she was even my Visiting Teacher (LDS). Mary and I had similar interests: 1) Church; 2) Osmonds and we were both 3) Nerds/Geeks. I could talk "shop" with Mary and she knew exactly what I was talking about. :) We were also close in age - just 9 months apart!
When Mary got married to the first loser, there were several of us that tried to talk her out of it. She didn't listen and married him anyway. She hung on to the hope that the marriage would work for over 18 years, but it ended anyway formally in December 2009. I know the marriage ended many years earlier than that, but Mary was full of hope that things would turn around. It is hard to be married to someone that doesn't have a desire to be married or contribute to the marriage in any way possible.
Mary introduced me to Scott right after I came home from California. It was at Mary's home that I first met Scott, just days after returning home. Mary was also in my wedding party and at my wedding in the Washington DC LDS Temple in 1996.
Mary overcame many obstacles in this life. She had a rough childhood; married a loser of a "man" (and I use that term very loosely); lost a ton of weight (about 80 lbs); remarried to a second loser and obtained a Bachelor and two Master degrees. In the fall of 2010 it looked like her life was turning around. Finished her 2nd Masters and was in a job she loved at Kelly Services in Troy. It was just a few months later that she was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread to her liver. And it was that cancer that took her life just a little over 11 months later.
When I think of Mary, the first thing that pops into my head is her love for everyone and her positive outlook on life. You can read more on Mary from her very brief blog that she kept:
http://marybehrends.blogspot.com/
I know Mary is in a better place - free from pain. I know she is with her Mom and her other family members that have gone on before her. Even with that knowledge, I still miss her terribly.
Until we meet again, Mary Jeanne!!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Emily and Austria
Tonight was "This Is My Country" at the kids school. Emily selected the country of Austria to research. She wanted me to "whip up an Austrian dress" for her to wear. Ok, the dress doesn't look that Austrian, but she does look cute with her pigtail braids and her green dress and apron.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Toby Keith's New Album - Clancy's Tavern!!
How about a coupon from Best Buy for Toby Keith's new album "Clancy's Tavern"? Available in stores on October 24, 2011!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Kenny West: January 15, 2004 - October 2, 2011
Our precious little scottie boy died today. This was very sudden. Kenny had been under the weather for the last few days, but he was eating his hamburger/rice combo and drinking water. It started out with diarrhea on Thursday - no blood and he was getting better yesterday and today. His nose was cool and his breathing was not labored - an indication of pain. Kenny also was not vomiting. He even ran outside to bark at the generator kicking on yesterday during its test run. Since he was feeling better, I gave him a mini bath this morning to help wash off his butt. In typical Kenny style, he put up a good fight (he HATES baths). After his bath, I knew I wanted to clean the area rug in the family room so I put him and the girls into their crates. I cleaned the carpet and left them in their crates for a few hours while the carpet dried. Late this afternoon I went to go let them out and that is when I found out that Kenny had died.
I want to thank the Scottish Terrier Club of Michigan that allowed us to adopt Kenny through their rescue program in September 2004. From the first day Kenny came into our family, he fit in perfectly. Austin and Kenny grew up with each other and were buds. We all have been taking this hard, especially Austin and Emily.
Till we meet again my sweet boy!!
Kenny West
January 15, 2004 - October 2, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Family Reunion 2011
Every August we head to corn country (aka...central Illinois) for the family reunion. This year Emily and Austin went with me. Even though it was HOT, we still managed to have fun!! :)
15th Wedding Anniversary and Keith Urban
On July 20th, Scott and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. I had bought Scott tickets to see Keith Urban for his birthday and that is what we did on July 23rd. Anyone and everyone that knows me knows that I am a die-hard Toby Keith fan, so seeing Keith Urban wasn't the highlight of my day! ;/ He is OK, but his music I wouldn't consider country - more like a combination of pop and country. Oh well...this concert wasn't for me - it was for Scott. He enjoyed the concert and that is all that matters.
Monday, July 11, 2011
4th of July 2011
The 4th of July was typical - BBQ and sparklers! Even Jacob got into it this year! Happy 235th Birthday America - we LOVE you!!!
TOBY!!!
On June 30, 2011 I had the opportunity to meet Toby Keith in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Our meeting was quick - about 30 seconds, but it was the best 30 seconds of my life! HA!! I love Toby's music - down to earth; slightly red-neck and full of attitude! When Jacob starts his autism meltdowns, it is Toby's playlist on my iPod that keeps me sane. Thanks Toby! Can't wait to see you in September at DTE!
Austin Baptized
On June 18, 2011, Austin was baptized. I still have to get the photos from the actual day from Aunt Debbie (appointed photographer). This picture was taken with my new camera - a Nikon D7000. I am still learning to use it!!
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