Winter fun

First time out this year in the snow!

Snow Angel

DID IT!!!!
What an accomplishment for Jonathon....Last year he would have never just sat in the snow let alone make a snow angel!!!!!  Awesome job buddy!

Going for a sled ride.

Tiny dog waiting on the sidelines!  Miss Florida does not like deep snow....

On top!  with Andrew

HI!

OOPS....fell

Pull Andrew....Pull

Andrew has been the best big brother always!  Jonathon loves him very much and they both enjoy spending fun time together!  Thank you Andrew for being a great person and brother!!!

Lots going on

with our family lately.

Jonathon went in for his braces to be checked and currently he has SMO's.  But we are switching to SURE STEPS.  I am very excited for him to get into sure steps.  They look like they will be much more friendlier.  Right now I have a hard time finding shoes and snow boots for Jonathon.  I have to order EW and then the braces don't fit into rain boots or snow boots.  This winter I finally found him a pair of snow boots that actually work with the braces and we did not get any snow.....Figures....

Jonathon and I went out shopping and found some pants for Kenny to wear after surgery.  We looked for hours and then finally decided to buy in the kid department and luckily a 18/20 works!  Hooray.  Next time I won't wait til the last minute to purchase something I really need.  And we found a great deal on a suitcase....  Now I own one.  Hooray.

Jonathon is finally better and was able to go back to school on Tuesday this week.  He is happy, but a little hyper....he has been out for a long time.  And now he needs to get back into the daily routine.

So I opened up all the windows on Tuesday and hauled out the Bissell and was able to shampoo my living room carpet, hallway and my room.  It feels so good to let the warm breeze come through.  I will have to wait to finish the other rooms.

Wednesday after school Jonathon had his friend Rylee come over to play for a little while.  That was nice because they haven't seen each other in forever.

Wednesday night my neighbor/friend texted me to say that she had a fire at her house earlier in the evening and to call her on Thursday.

Today.....today after I dropped my boys off at school I hurried and went over to my friends house.  They have a wood pellet stove and it caught on fire Wednesday afternoon and pretty much just smoldered....therefore filling their home with smoke....Her 16 year old daughter was the first to arrive at home and when she opened up the door she said it was a white cloud of smoke and all she could think of was to get the dogs out.....she got one out and had to drag the other one out because he was unconscious... after all that she called her step dad...never called 911.  Didn't think it was a big deal because there was not any flames.  And then they all slept there along with their dogs.

So I stayed with my friend this morning and got her to go outside with her pets and then I went and picked her up lunch....then after the first adjuster arrived and was shocked they all slept there, he said the dogs needed to go out and stay out.....well....they are inside dogs so I packed them up and took them home with me and put them in my garage....then when her daughter and son got out of school I had them come home to me....I gave them clothes and let them shower so they felt better and did not smell like smoke.  They went out and walked their dogs and seemed ok.  After talking with their mom we decided that it would be best for the kids to stay here overnight and the dogs are staying over too.

Tomorrow they will find a hotel to stay at.  Their house has alot of smoke damage.....the family is lucky that they slept with windows open because they all could have died overnight.  I don't think they understood how bad it was.  They will be homeless for about 6 weeks....everything is ruined....I feel so bad for them, but am very thankful that I am able to help out.  Please keep them in your prayers.

I would hope that if something tragic like this happened to my family I would have friends to help me out.  So we are all getting comfortable and getting ready to call it a night.  It has been kind of nice having another girl in the house though.  She is pretty quiet....mainly kept to herself...but she did enjoy playing with Jonathon.

I have to run out tomorrow sometime with Jonathon and pick up a couple more pair of pants for Kenny since those fit.  Get some last minute stuff done around home because on Monday morning.....My sis is coming early to take care of Jonathon....

Kenny is going in for foot surgery.....He/we will be at the hospital until Tuesday.  His surgery is going to be 3 hours long and then if all goes well he can go home on Tuesday.  I will be staying with him.  I don't want my child to be alone....he may not need me, but I will be there in case he does need me.

My sis will be here for Jonathon and then Gilbert took Tuesday off to stay with Jonathon and help with Kenny when I get him home!  Keep Kenny in your prayers!!!!

Jonathon has been home from school all week!  He is finally on the mend and its looking like he may be able to return to school next week. ((HOORAY)) for me and for Jonathon.  He is ready!  He really misses school along with his friends and teachers.

We took Kenny to his consult for surgery this afternoon.  Looks like mom will be staying overnight with Kenny after all.  Our good friend Nik and best friend Rylee will be coming over to help out with Jonathon while I am gone.  March 19th is coming up quick.

We went and seen Miss Barb today(Children's EyeWear) and picked up Jonathon's new lenses.  His prescription changed a little bit, but nothing to worry about.

Then we headed off to Walmart and picked up some snack foods and a few extra items to pack away while Kenny is home after his surgery.

Then off to Kroger to pick up some bread and brown sugar.  Juice for Jonathon and a few other items.

Jonathon specifically asked me for pizza afterwards.  I was so proud that he asked me that I turned around and went back to the pizza store and grabbed a pizza and some cheese bread.  Forgot to take pictures but he ate his pizza like a big boy!  I didn't have to cut it up tonight.  I have noticed a lot lately that he is finally taking off on eating by himself.  I pretty much don't have to do anything anymore!  He is really doing great.  Now the rest of the crew need to get on board....they still have their moments where they worry and tell him to slow down and I just remind them that he is almost 5 and he is doing just fine!  5.....I can't believe my baby is going to be 5 soon.

Then there is this attitude problem still going on!  Not listening.....ignoring me....telling me no....saying FINE!!!!  I have resorted to the whistle!!  If you do not listen to me after the second time I blow the whistle....and let me tell you I BLOW the whistle and Jonathon comes a running!!!!!  I hope we get over this quickly!!!

Jonathon.....could you please just listen to mommy!!!!!

Tonight he took one of his special little stuffed animals and gave it to his Tiny dog.  Now she has a baby to cuddle...and it's so cute!  She is actually sleeping with it.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy birthday to me

Today was mostly like any other day except for the fact that it's my birthday.  43 today.   Wow....I remember telling my mom and dad that 40 was sooo old.  Goodness, was I naive or what?

Every year as I get older I find it harder and harder to believe that I am actually "that" old.  I don't feel old...."that" old.  I can't believe that I have a 17 year old child.  And a 15 year old child.  My teenagers have grown up so quick.  And I am so proud of them.  And holy moly.....I have a 4 year old.

Jonathon keeps me young!

My boys were good to me today.  They made sure the kitchen was clean before they headed out to school.  They did errands after school for me. (very nice having an extra driver in the house)  And they actually just kinda sat around and chatted with me before dinner instead of just coming in and heading off to do homework.  That was nice.  That's all I needed.

We ate dinner and then I opened up a couple of presents.  A Coca Cola from Gilbert....because I can't live without my Coca Cola. (thanks hubby).  The boys got me a snuggle blanket.  That will be nice when I am relaxing watching t.v.(I am always freezing).

Kenny is going to take me out shopping this weekend.  That should be fun.

And my sis and her hubby(Carol-Ann and Dave) with new puppy Scarlett stopped by really quick to drop off something for Kenny.  I got a nice cake sheet with a cover and some Spearmint life savers(my new addiction after giving up cigerettes)from them.  Thanks sis!  I love it.

Scarlett is so cute.  And so big already.  Tiny met her really quick because they couldn't stay, we will get the dogs together another day.

So pretty much just another day around here...except for it was my birthday!

my new snuggie

Kenny, Jonathon and me

Andrew, Jonathon, Tiny and me

Happy Heart Day!

My boys and I went to the movies today.  We took Jonathon to see Alvin and the Chipmunks...Shipwrecked this morning.

Waiting for movie to start

Brotherly Love

After the movies we stopped off and picked up a cake and balloons for Jonathon.

Loves to get balloons

When we got home we made soup and sandwiches for lunch.  Then we turned on the radio and listened to music while we all hung out together and played with Jonathon.  We had dinosaurs, and army guys, and imaginext castles.  It was a very nice lazy afternoon.

Later on in the afternoon we decided to watch Gnomeo and Juliet with Jonathon.  While the boys watched the movie I made an easy dinner....eggs, sausage, toast and pancakes..

After Gnomeo and Juliet finished, we hurried and fed the animals and then got out the cake to celebrate some more!

me and Jonathon

Kenny, Jonathon and Daddy

Kenny, Jonathon, Andrew and Daddy

Happy Heart Day my son....I am so grateful that 4 years ago we were able to have your asd/vsd corrected.  I am so thankful each and everyday that you are healthy and that your heart is doing great.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) repair......The atrial septum is the wall between the left and right atria of the heart.  There is a natural opening before birth and this usually closes on its own when a baby is born, but when it doesn't the baby/child has an ASD.

So you had open heart surgery...OHS to correct this.  The dr. used stitches to close the hole.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair......The ventricular septum is the wall between the left and right ventricles of the heart.  A hole in the ventricular septum is called a VSD.

Sometimes these holes close on their own after time, but yours did not.  You had open heart surgery to have this corrected.  Dr. put a gortex patch on you. (the material that is used to make wet suits for scuba divers)

Peace

Today was Grandpa Stones memorial.  Finally.  He passed away on Jan 3, 2011.  And so much had to be done to get him from Florida to Michigan.  But today Family and Friends gathered for a few hours and we all said our "Goodbye".

I promise to take good care of your Tiny dog grandpa!  She will be loved and always have a home with us.

I believe that Jonathon and her will become the best of friends!

I love you grandpa and will miss you dearly.....

"Goodbye"

Wordless Wednesday

Happy 17th Birthday Andrew!

New Friends/Family Members

Grandpa Stone passed away on Jan 3, 2011.....He left behind some very special friends......They now need a home.....

In this picture is two of grandpa's friends/babies......The one sitting down has found a home....She is on her way right now from Florida by car to our home...Her name is Tiny.  She is a yorkie/shitzu I am told.  And she was born July 2005.  Hard to tell right now.  I have never met her before because I have not made the trip to Florida in over 13 years.  She is a little overweight.  She is friendly I am told.  She loves hugs I am told.  We are excited for her to get here.

She should be arriving on Wednesday this week!  I hope she likes us.  We will love her unconditionally.

She has a brother and sister in need of a home immediately...If you know anyone or yourself that would love to give a dog a home that had no say in their owner leaving please contact me.  I am sorry to say that if we don't find homes in the next few days they will have to be put down.  Please pass on to your friends....They are house broken.  They are inside dogs.  They just need someone to step up and love them since their master is gone.......

The dogs left to be adopted are Cutie(girl) and Lucky(boy).

Grandpa/Great Grandpa

Clarence Stone

My grandfather lived in Florida for many many years.  I was only able to visit one time.  Andrew was 4 and Kenny was 2.  Andrew is now 16 and Kenny is 15.  So it was a very long time ago.  But grandpa loved to travel and came home to Michigan practically every year until 2008.  2008 was grandpa's last trip home to Michigan.  At least he was able to meet Jonathon.  I have been trying to save money since then to go and visit, but with a family of 5 and only one parent working and then throw in a child who has special needs......well lets just say we never came up with the money.  But I did call and talk on the phone once in a while.

This Christmas grandpa had a major heart attack.  His health has been up and down since 2008, but this we did not want.  He went into the hospital and they got him back.  He stayed there until Christmas eve.  He was home for Christmas....I am so happy for that.

Doctors wanted to put in a feeding tube....Grandpa said no!  He wanted to taste his food.  He wanted to taste his ice cream and raspberries....Grandpa was 89 years old....He lived a good life.

This man had 2 wife's and 1 girlfriend.  He was a good man.  His first wife...my grandma died when I was very young.  But I do remember some things about her.  His second wife....Donna lived a very long time and became ill and passed away a few years ago.  Then he came across his high school sweet heart a few years ago and they were together to the end.  I think it's really neat that grandpa was able to have so much love in his lifetime.  If only we all could have that.

Grandpa took a nap on Jan 3, 2012......grandpa left us and went off to heaven that afternoon......

I will miss you grandpa....I will always remember riding the bull at your house when I was a little girl....I am so proud to be your granddaughter.....I am so happy that you were able to visit us and get to know Andrew, Kenny and Jonathon.  We were honored to have you in our home.....

Your great grandchildren will miss you.  Your great grandchildren love you very much.

Thank you for all the special times and great laughs

RIP

Saturday Fun

Jonathon is so funny lately!  He loves to play with Kenny.  When it was still warm enough to go outside he would wait for Kenny to get home and hurry and ask if he would go out and play "guys" and get the toy guns.

They would go out back and run around pretending to be people and zombies.......Doesn't every little boy run around and play zombies......well maybe it used to be cowboys and indians, but now its zombies!  It's so calming to watch.

Now it's cold and we are inside alot lately.  So tonight as I was folding laundry I look over and Jonathon is taking his tools and sliding them under Kenny's back....and quietly telling him "shhhh" and then grabbing Kenny's nose and then you hear Kenny say "please .....no more"....and then they both laugh!  So as I am watching I ask Jonathon "Are you a doctor?"  and he says "yes"  I then say are you a mad scientist?.....He stops....he thinks...and then says "YES"  and then continues to torture Kenny.  So I then ask Kenny what he has been watching or showing his little brother that he wants to be a mad scientist and torture him.  Kenny of course responds......"I didn't do anything mom"

Well my little boy is very smart!  And I am guessing its from watching Kenny play a zombie game on PS3.  No I am not worried.  He does not act out to other people.  It is some sort of bond that him and Kenny share.  If they are happy playing zombies.....then play zombies!  How many 14yr. old brothers would still want to play with their 4yr. old brother.  I too have a brother who is 10 years younger than me and you know what....we have an incredible bond....I wouldn't change anything!  And I hope Kenny remains this close with Jonathon forever!!!!!

An end to our simple, but fun Saturday!!!!!

Happy 125 years Childrens of Michigan

Today we packed up and headed down to Jonathon's Hospital....well Children's Hospital of Michigan, but Jonathon's Hospital.  The hospital was having a birthday party to celebrate 125 yrs.  We signed a piece of paper and they are going to take the paper and make an origami butterfly.  Jonathon left a special message and I also left a message.  I can't wait to see the butterfly when it's all done.


We ate some ice cream, and then had some cake.  Jonathon really did not like his sponge bob ice cream stick, but he loved the birthday cake...especially the frosting!


He had fun running around and meeting the clowns, but would not get his face painted.  Oh well, he at least sat and talked to papa clown.


We also got to meet Jake and Ellie....at first Jonathon was afraid of them because they do not speak, but it wasn't long and he was best friends with them.  Thank you Jake and Ellie for making my son happy!

Talking to Jake and Ellie

Enjoying our summer

is why I have not been current on my blog.  I have been spending every minute outside with Jonathon.  We only come inside to fix something to eat....clean up....and occasional movie and of course shower and bed.


He is really enjoying the outdoors this year!  And our summer vacation is flying by.


A few weeks back I had mentioned that we had a surprise for Jonathon.


Here it is!

He is loving his pool!  And we are loving the fact that we were able to do this for all 3 boys!

Day out with one big brother

Gilbert was unable to attend, but Jonathon and I went to Kenny's graduation at school last week.


We were invited to attend breakfast along with a short ceremony and diplomas were handed out.


I can't believe that Kenny is now officially a Freshman.  All three of my boys are growing up fast.  I kind of lose track of time with the older two.  I really focus alot of my time on Jonathon...making sure he is learning all he can learn.....making sure he stays healthy....making sure he is content and happy...making sure he remains safe....and then I sit back and watch.....


I watch my 2 older boys.....I see how they are growing up to be wonderful young men.  I am so proud of all my boys.


I love you Kenny!  you had a great year finishing up junior high....your grades were awesome!  your art projects blew me away.....you are very talented....Never give up Kenny and always keep dreaming.


Congratulations!   You are a Freshman!  Good luck son.


Thanks for being a great big brother to Jonathon!

morning of graduation

smile Kenny!

brotherly love

Kenny, me and Jonathon(trying to escape)

Grandpa and grandsons

Fun in the Sun

This is how we spent our Saturday today.......

who needs a pool!

Always great when big brother joins in....

Outside

Love the outside.....love the hot weather.....love the sun shining......


AND......


Jonathon loves to run through the mud and water......


All I could do was stand back and laugh....it took so long for us to see Jonathon run...and this year he is really running!!  And he loves to run too.

quick break to play ball

snack with daddy

time to wash the mud off!

Just stayed home

We do not have any particular plans for this weekend.  Jonathon has come down with a cold too, so we decided to just work around the house.


Today Gilbert finished putting the sides on our deck. A project that we started last summer, but ran out of funds.  I am glad that its finished and now I don't have to worry about Jonathon falling off of the sides.


Took Jonathon out to play after his nap.  It was extremely wet and muddy so I let him play on the deck instead.


All in all a great relaxing warm day!