Outside Looking In

Do you ever feel like you are on the outside looking in??  I saw a man today at the cemetery over by our house and he was standing over a grave playing his guitar.  It made me smile and at the very same moment it made me cry.  I wanted to know who this man was with his spiky hair, baggy shorts, his rock star sunglasses & all his tattoos.  Who was he playing for?  Whoever it was he must have really loved this person.  Standing there on a beautiful day with nothing but his guitar and his grief.  Sad and amazing all at the same time.

Mario Bros.

It has been a loooooooooooooonnnnng time since I have blogged about anything!!  So here is my attempt at easing my way into the blogosphere.  Two of my favorite dudes in matching jams.  Even tho the photos are pretty much the same I love their different facial expressions in each photo. 

AHHHHH!!!! I'm addicted to Facebook!

I gotta say, I don't know why I was not on Facebook a long time ago! It is really cool. I have already connected with people I have not talked to in years. I can chat with any one of my friends who are on line at any given time. It is really neat. Usually what happens is my brother is online so I chat with him, which can be very hilarious! He is and always will be one funny dude. So there it is. Let's just say it. Let it get some oxygen. My name is Michelle, and I am addicted to Facebook. I LOVE IT! FACEBOOK!

I'm on Facebook

It is very odd, I was just talking with someone about facebook yesterday. Today I open my email and I get an invite from my friend Traci who I have not heard from in awhile to be her friend on facebook. But I have no clue what to do!! I need some advice. Halp!

I would like to thank the academy.................

I went to karate this evening, typical trip to the YMCA. Nothing unusual here. Sensei calls all of the students to attention, has us all line up. He says that at the beginning of the year it is tradition to give out an award to the two most inspirational students, one junior the other to an adult. He calls Jake up first and then he calls me! Ok, so I won't go all Sally Field on you guys here but it was a real surprise and an honor. I really do try my best but somedays it seems that I struggle even with my best. And then I wonder, "Do they really think I am doing my best?" I think that question has now been answered. My two year anniversary will be coming up in June. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago. It is longest I have ever stuck with any sort of a sport or hobby. But karate is more than a hobby, it is a way of life. It has changed me in so many ways. I am really thankful to my Senseis' and my family for always encouraging me to stick with it and not give up.

Unauthorized Napping

Well Well Well.............What do we have here? Two naughty little kitties who have not been cleared for a nap. These two little no-goods have been thundering through the house in the wee hours for several nights. They are no longer free fed so they think they must make as much noise as possible so we will get up and feed them..........Oh, but they are sadly mistaken! Cuz, Daddy goes to bed armed! Armed with a squirt bottle, that is.......

While You Were Sleeping

The other night, I went to check on Kristian before I went to bed. The light in the hall was on and I spied something most unusual. I turned on the light in Kristian's room (he didn't even twitch) and all I could see was the top part of Sully's round head. So what do I do? I go get my camera and take lots of pictures of course.

He looks a little miffed at being discovered, doesn't he? I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago and I just showed them to Kristian tonight. He couldn't believe that we would take pics of him when he was sleeping. I told him that he drooled in his sleep........

Loss for Words

Well, I don't really have any new pictures to post of our family......Ok, I do, but I don't really have any material ready for the posts. So, I entertain you with my crazy kitty photos. I love them they make me happy. Anyways, why is this kitty shocked you ask????? Well, I have a Kristian/Victoria update. Kristian comes home today with a card...........a business card. This is no typical business card. It has a picture of Victoria on it with her name and phone number. I was speechless. And, I must admit, found it pretty darn funny. Then he informs me that they "occasionally" hold hands. I told him that I really didn't think it was appropriate to hold hands with her. I told him he needed to be a gentleman. Several of the parents at school have told us how well Kristian treats their daughters. He is a very kind, compassionate little boy. He treats women with respect. He has a very good teacher, his Dad. He then he tells me that 2 more girls in his class are "in love" with him. I am freaking out, friends. Freaking out.......................

YOU WHAT?

I have encountered many many interesting things on my evolutionary journey through motherhood. And I must admit I was ill prepared for what awaited me this afternoon. I should have known. There were warning signs. I always said to myself "Noooooo. You've got plennnnttty of time." Well, Kristian informs me this afternoon that he is in love. He has a crush on Victoria and Victoria has a crush on him. Like I said earlier, I should have seen the signs. Last week at school Victoria tells me that Kristian is cute and he might be the "One". I was not prepared for this one bit. I called Luke to tell him what took place today and he says "Well, it's only gonna get worse." Kristian said he was getting teased by another boy saying "Kristian has a girlfriend! Nanananana!" He really didn't seem to care. But I do! He is only 7 people! What do I do? Oh the agony! Me being the Mother that I am tells him that it is ok to be Victoria's friend and that he is to young to be "in love". He informs me they are going to get married! I reply "You are too young to get married!" Once you think you've got one thing taken care of another one pops up from the depths. Help! I am not ready for girls! Girls scare me!

Play Us a Song, Pajama-Man

For your enjoyment Kristian playing the piano in his pj's. He has just started to learn to play with both hands and he is doing very well. Click the play button and enjoy Christmas Parade, Row Row Your Boat and Love Somebody. These are songs that he is practicing this week.

I Has a Cold

Yesterday I had a great day! We had a 60 degree day and the sun was shining in January of all things! I felt pretty good. Then as the day wore on my throat started to get scratchy. We went to karate and after the warm up I had no umph left. I woke up this morning feeling totally rundown and my throat was sore. I went to the store and I purchased myself some Zicam. Hopefully it will help shorten this cold and I can get on with my life.

Down, Kitten! You've Been Soft-Clawed.

Last night we put a stop to Remi's devious clawing ways. My friend gave us some soft claws to try out since I decided not to declaw her.

They are a soft gel like cover that fits over the claw. You cut them to fit the claw and then you fill them with glue. When you have all 10 filled you then start putting them on said Kitty. It was really easy and it only took a few minutes. They are said to last for 4-6 weeks. Remi was a very good girl. She doesn't even know they are there. They even come colored. When we run out of these I am going to get her some red ones! As for Sully, he gives 2 paws way up!!

I am Shmell

On Monday night after karate, we were standing around visiting with our karate peeps. One of the smaller ones, a boy named Robert (who is 2 cute) asked Luke if he was testing for his green belt in March. Luke said "No, my Wife is testing for her green belt." And Robert asks, "Who is your wife?" Luke replied "Michelle." Robert very shocked says, "Shmell's your Wife!" Which brought back memories because my brother used to call me (and on occasion still does) Shamell. Pretty close.

Just Peachy

Here we are already half way through the month of January. Where does the time go? Luke is feeling much better! We went to Walmart yesterday and he was walking through the store saying, "I feel good!' Do I hear a little James Brown in the background? He was back to work today working on his favorite seven-plex.

Remi is doing much better after her little snip snip and she has mellowed a smidge. Sully is on the mend after we discovered a large lump on his neck which turned out to be an abscess (a gift from the Naughty One) and I kid you not one week later a bought of Gastroenteritis! Vet bills, you gotta love them.

We had to initiate Operation Toy Lock down on Sunday. Kristian's attitude has been less than desirable lately and we had to resort to drastic measures. We completely cleaned out his room. All he had was his bed, blankets and dresser. It was very dramatic. At first, he says, "This is fun guys!" Then it finally sunk in. He later threw the Mother of all fitties. Luke handled it very calmly. He left him in his room with his head buried in his pillow. Finally, he came out of hiding and I asked him what he wanted for dinner. He was totally mute. I then played my wild card. "Would you like waffles?" I asked. His demeanor quickly changed. Then he was back to the Kristian we all know and love. Later, he walked over to me and he said, "Mom, I'm sorry for throwing a fit in my room." I accepted and thanked him for his apology and told him it was a very mature thing to do and that I was proud of him. He apologized to Luke when he got back from the store. This is turning out to be pretty good for all of us. Kristian especially because I have let a few things slide and I need to fix them before he gets to old to train. Kristian is a good boy but he needs to learn that life does not revolve around him. So, remember us in your prayers this week! He has already earned 2 items back for his room. His sound machine and a giant teddy bear that he likes to sleep with. I went in his room and saw that he (without anyone asking him) laid out his clothes for the next day. I immediately praised and rewarded him.

I am feeling much better! I think I have gained some of my sanity back. I worked today and then I made some volunteer phone calls for an upcoming event at school with most of the positions filled. Kristian and I are getting along a lot better which is good! And it pretty much sounds like I will be testing for my green belt in March. Am I nervous? Maybe. We'll see. It's going to be a really cool promotion so I can't help but be excited!

And then we have Miss Josie. She had a run in with a plastic bread bag while we were at Karate. She is now wearing what remains of the bread bag. Need I say more?

It's Official! I'm Wiped Out!

I have another Luke update. The crazy Doctor called me tonight and decided that maybe Luke does have the flu. He said that influenza test can throw a false negative. So, tomorrow I have to call him and update him on Luke's condition. He said he put him on the antibiotics for his cough. Finally, we get some answers! And me, I am done. I am sleepy but I know that when I lay my head on my pillow, little green belts will start dancing through my head. Explanation: I may test for my green belt on March 1. Can we spell p-r-e-s-s-u-r-e? I know it's a silly thing to worry about, no that's not silly that's just plain stupid. Of all the things to worry about! I am also worried about Luke missing work. We have been so fortunate that he has always been healthy and now the provider is sick. It is very scary to think about. We do have some money put in Savings so that should help. The scales have fallen from my eyes so to speak. Anything could happen at any given time.

I am Very, Very, Very Irritated

I have come to a conclusion. And that conclusion is that we have now entered the Twilight Zone. I took Luke to the Doctor this morning. We arrived at precisely 8:08 am. Their sign said open, yet the door was locked and some very sick people were waiting in the entryway. We were 4th in line. We waited our turn. I asked Luke if he wanted me to go in with him, not wanting to be a hoverer I decide it would be better to sit and wait. Huge mistake! He gets called back. I'm thinking influenza test and we're gone. I wait and I wait. People keep pouring in. I am surrounded by sick people! Finally, a woman comes in with her toddler and the boy has no coat, no socks and no shoes. He starts running around and screaming and laughing. Typical toddler behavior but after waiting 3 hours, I am not amused. I then ask the receptionist if I can go back and check on my husband.

I find Luke huddled in a chair and I inquire what it is they are doing. Blood tests. Oh OK, that's good. The Doctor comes in (I totally don't want to seem prejudiced in anyway) he is from another country. He is very hard to understand. He tells us that there is something seriously wrong. It is not normal for a 29 year old male to get sick. People in their 20's don't get sick. His exact words. He asks me if I have noticed any changes in Luke. I tell him that Luke had a really bad headache over the weekend and he started feeling ill on Monday. I told him about coming home yesterday and finding Luke with a very high temperature and that he was shivering and out of it. I say that I thought he might have the flu. I literally watched a light bulb come on over this man's head. He says to me "I wished you had come sooner." He then tests him for influenza. And much to my dismay, comes back negative. I then ask if it is viral. He says maybe and prescribes him antibiotics.

He then hmmmed and haaaaed about what to do next. Told us that Luke was very sick and if he got worse to run him to the ER and that he should be hospitalized. He then wrote a note for Luke to take to work and told him he could return to work on Friday. If he is very sick is that enough time to get over whatever has got him? He then changed his mind about the type of antibiotics to prescribe citing a stronger more expensive alternative. I tell him we have insurance. He says "It's still expensive with insurance." Then goes back to his original idea. So now I am worried. I constantly worry no matter what, it is unavoidable. It is in my DNA. What is going on? Could he just be sick? More than likely. This Doctor looked him square in the eye and told him that he should not be sick like this. So, now what?

Luke and His Flu Blug Minions

Well, it finally happened. Luke is really sick. It all started with a headache and a few dizzy spells. He almost went to work today but I told him he needed to stay home. I checked on him after lunch and he said he was feeling a little better. When Kristian and I got home at 4 o'clock, he was totally out of it. I took his temp and it was 103.4. In all our years of marriage, I had never seen him like this before and it was pretty scary. I gave him Motrin and some cold packs to try and bring the fever down and then I called Ask -a -Nurse and the Nurse said he probably has the flu. Kristian and I then went to Walmart to purchase a Humidifier, Gatorade and NyQuil. His fever has now broken and he seems to be doing better. He can at least carry on a conversation. I said to myself "Self, how are we going to get him dressed and to the clinic?" Thankfully, that did not happen and he seems to be resting comfortably. Luke is always the healthy one so it was a little frightening seeing him like that and I think I did a pretty good job by not freaking out. Kristian and I both received our flu shots in November so hopefully we are covered. The Nurse asked if Luke had his and I said "No." and she said "Did he not get around to it?" and I said "No, he's one of thooose people." and she said "Oooohhhh. Maybe he'll get one next year." Yes, let's hope.

Jailcat says, "LET ME OUGHTA HERE!!"

My first post of 2009 is of our sweet little jailbird er cat, Remi. She was so naughty that I had to resort to drastic measures and set up a cozy little house for her in Josie's kennel. She has full amenities: food, water, bed and a litter box. What more could a cat want? Well, as nice as it is she is not happy. I took this cute picture of her with my cell phone as she was begging me to let her out. The vet prescribed a "analgesic elixir" that we give her 2 times a day for the next 7 days. She must of shown them some of her "naughtiness" because we never got anything like that for our other cats. It doesn't start to work until afternoon and she lapses into a little kitty coma. I let her out of her pen today and she napped with me for about an hour, then just like that she shot off the bed and she looked back at me with this wild glazed over stare and for a few moments I don't think she knew where she was. I was left with no other alternatives. Back to jail, Cat!

A Year in Review

Well, here it is. Another year down the tubes. I really should not be surprised. This will be my last post of the year so I decided to do a little 2008 recap. So here goes:

Luke started out the year by passing his Journeymen's exam and he received his license to become a full-fledged turd chaser (side note: his words, not mine). Then things began to sour at the company he worked for for 5 years. He finally decided it was time to move on. The very 1st placed he applied hired him that afternoon. It was a scary decision for Luke but it was meant to be. The company he works for really takes care of him and he comes home happy. It was a total blessing all the way around. Luke also got tired of watching me take karate and decided to join up himself. He is a natural!

Kristian had a big year as well. He lost a bunch of teeth which was a little traumatic on the guy, but he got over it and found he had something to brag about. He started 1st grade and is doing really well. His reading is off the charts. He loves to learn and he really likes math (did not get that from his Mother). He started taking piano lessons. He really seems to enjoy playing the piano. 2008 was a major growth year for Kristian as well (did not get that from his Mother either). All in all, he had a pretty good year.

In August, Luke and I traveled to Troutdale Oregon for a karate camp. It was an eye opening experience. We certainly got our butts worked off and we met a lot nice karate people. The road trip was a little long but we saw some really pretty parts of our country. In September, I teamed up with my MIL and SIL's to do the Montana Marathon. Kristian's school hired me to be their volunteer coordinator. And in October, I received my High Purple Belt and since I had no one else to spar with, I sparred with Sensei Kevin and that's all I'm gonna say about that (using my best Forrest Gump voice).

We also lost our sweet Frannie in 08'. This was the toughest part of our year. Or maybe I should say mine. Tough on Luke and Kristian because they had a very out of it Mom and Wife for about a month. The pain has eased up a bit but I still really miss her. She was one in a million. We still don't know what went wrong, I guess that no longer matters. The big thing for me in 2009: Forgiveness.

23.jpg" border=0> And then we have the wild thing, Remi. She was the wildest thing about our year. Kittens! They are more work than kids! She was spade yesterday and I brought her home this morning and she is totally wild. They say: try and keep it quiet for her over the next week. Yeah, right! It has not slowed her down one bit. On the other hand, she has made our grief easier and she is so cute. She is the complete opposite of Frannie and she has the potential to be a good cat. As I type, she is being totally naughty. Remi's big thing for 2009: getting bit by our bird. Then maybe her fascination will end even if it involves some pain.

Well, there it is. Some of our bigger moments for 2008. It was a pretty good year and it certainly had it's challenges. We just want to say thank you to all our friends and family who helped us get through 2008 in one piece. We love you, guys!! Until next year!

Montana Snow-Thaw Massacre

Yesterday the weather was absolutely beautiful. So we decided to go out and build Snowmen. We ended up building a Snow Dad, Snow Mom and Snow Kid. They turned out totally awesome, we put hats and scarves on them and they even had carrot noses. But, alas my camera was still at my Mom's and I did not think of using my cell phone until is was to late. It was then that I made my shocking discovery. It looks like we had some sort of crazed social path go after our Snow Peeps. Limbs lying everywhere. All that was left of the Snow kid was his arms and all that remained of Luke's was his lower half. Snow Mom was the only one left standing. The sole survivor left to tell the tale. Total chaos. But it makes one funny photo op.

Kristian says, "Move it along folks, nothin to see here!"