goals...

The kids have goal reading calendars for school in which they are supposed to read so many minutes a month and at the end of the school year they earn carnival tickets from the minutes they've read throughout the year. Last year they both exceeded the minimum minutes required, and this year is no different. Kaycey has become a bookwork practically overnight. At the beginning of the year she really struggled with words and spelling. All of a sudden she can read almost anything you put in front of her!! Cal's teacher would like to have him tested to be put in a gifted reading group. The homework he brought home today brought back memories from one of my favorites about grade school--reading a few chapters from a book and having to answer questions on those chapters. I remember I was always done with the book in a day or two, even though we had a week or two to do it. Once in high school my AP World History teacher gave us a book report assignment and while we could choose the book (from a specific list), he challenged us to read "Pillars of the Earth". I was the only one who took on that challenge, and I read the book in a few days (it was 1000 pages long). I really miss reading the way I used to. I'd love to start reading avidly again. Anyone with good book recommendations?? Anyhow, Cal is supposed to be on chapter 4 for tomorrow; he is on 8. Perhaps he'll be alot like me!!

Onto my project goals....I think I've decided to use Fancy Pants' "Daily Grind" collection for my carousel. Not that I am going to stick with just that; but I wanted something to start with. I love this collection so much!! Office looking, yet colorful; I think it will be easy to work with since I'll be able to use B/W photos as well as color photos, and it'll all flow nicely. I'm excited to start this project. I haven't been doing half as much as I used to. It seems ever since we moved out to the "boonies" I don't scrap as much; mostly I'm guessing because it just isn't as convenient to go to the scrap. store whenever. I have so many projects I want to do!! A small book from when we went to Mackinac Isl, an NKOTB concert book for my cousins, sister, and myself (laugh if you want--but I have the perfect paper and embellishments for this minibook!), and at least 4 other 8x8 books or smaller that have been started but not finished. The more I scrap the happier I am. I really should bring the stuff out more often. I don't know what I'd be doing if I hadn't started working at the store. I don't know what I'd do without my scrap friends, either. I'd be so bored : ) If it weren't for my scrap friends, I wouldn't cry as much (to the point of laughter, that is!!)

Daily grind paper collection:

party pooper

So we went to Chicago on Saturday night for an engagement party. On the way we did stop at Gurnee Mills so I could stop at Archivers. I found some more stuff for my photo carousel, now I just have to decide what pictures and what paper to use.

The party was for a very good friend Mike used to work with. They are also the 2 who came to Frank Caliendo with us. Mike is standing up in their wedding in August, which is taking place in Michigan at a restored barn (that will make for GREAT pictures!!)

We got to the party right around 8pm. I didn't eat a whole lot for supper, and was already hungry by the time we got to the party. That was foolish on my part; I usually make a point to eat a lot before we go to a party, because I never expect there to be vegetarian things for me to eat (there wasn't!). I hadn't felt great late Friday night, and alot of Saturday. Anyhow, I didn't drink anything but cranberry juice because I was a bit tired, too, and I knew if I had a glass of wine while hungry, I'd be toast (and I'm not big on wine)! We saw people we hadn't seen in a while, too, so that was really nice. The couple-to-be make such a wonderful couple; they are just so perfect for each other.

Some people at the party began discussing the bachelor party (not a conversation I particularly want to be part of!) And the guys found out Mike doesn't have a passport. Apparently a passport will be needed for the bachelor party. I don't think so. I hate to be the rain on their parade, but when Mike gets a passport, it's going to be for us to take a trip somewhere. Am I being to harsh? I think not. I don't think Mike thinks I'm being too harsh, either. I would have no problem with a guys weekend for Mike--fishing, rock climbing, camping, whatever...but leaving the country???? Anyhow, initially we planned on staying the night, but since I had nothing to drink we decided it would be best if we just drove home. We got home very late, but it was nice to have all of Sunday to ourselves. It's not like me to be the wallflower and drinking nothing but water or cranberry juice. But I only knew a couple of people, and I guess I just wasn't in the mood. So anyways, I was kind of a party pooper this weekend.

unexpected good fun

The kids are gone for the weekend. It's so quiet and boring when they are gone all weekend, I know I should enjoy the silence!! We have an engagement party to go to in Chicago tonight. And it was just easier for Mike's parents to take them for the weekend. Cal went to an overnight birthday party last night at a hotel with indoor waterpark. They even got a limo ride to/from the waterpark. Geez, what are they going to do for this kid's 16th birthday. I can see it being like "My Sweet 16" on MTV. Ah, the joys of cable and trashy TV, but for as much as I rarely watch TV, one juicy trashy show every once in a while is all in good fun. Anyhow, Cal got dropped off after lunch, and Mike took Cal to meet his parents so Cal is staying there tonight.

Last night after meeting my dear friend at a scrapbooking store on my end of town, my aunt called and asked if I wanted to go to some Brewers thing. Mike had been in a terrible mood all week, and planned on staying in to watch the netflix movies he got this week. So I figured, what the heck, I'll go. So to the Riverside my Aunt Lorie and I went (for the second time in 6 days for me!). It was called "Bob Uecker's Winter Warm Up". I had never heard about it, and I like to think I stay on top of news, sports, and upcoming shows (Cracker in Madison and Illinois the first week of Feb, for example & Morrisey coming to the Rave in April), etc. Anyhow, the Riverside is pretty small, I'm thinking it was private invite or something only for sponser/employees of sponsors (my Aunt got tix through a friend's husband). You could pay $500 to eat and mingle with the Brewers beforehand, but yeah, we didn't do that. Anyways, it was really fun!! While I have to say Bob Uecker is an outstanding announcer, he is the worst interviewer I have ever seen. I don't know if it's his old age, if he had been drinking, or if he's always that awful. Anyhow, the Brewers were there, and they made it fun. There was a great comedian, too. Can't remember the name of him...they did a Family Feud like game show between the Brewers. Then they had a "Hot for Hardy" show, a spin off of the Dating Game for JJ Hardy. They showed highlights from the season, and I know this sounds ridiculous, but it was just amazing and emotional to see the replays from the final games; the excitement and pure craziness--just awesome. While at home all summer we did watch (at the very least, listened to) every game that was broadcast on TV, watching it on the big projection screen at the Riverside was just so much cooler. I wish we would've gone to more games. Well, now with the season tickets, we'll be going to lots of games this coming season. Hopefully they are just as good of a team.

I am such a goof. Who else in the world gets excited over paper, stickers, and sports to the point of doing little dances and "oot-hoot!"'s over sports. Okay, now that I probably put 75% of my blog readers to sleep...sorry. Now I am going to subject you to pictures of them. But I convinced Mike we have to stop at Gurnee Mills on the way to Chicago so I can go to Archivers. That's a good end to a blog, isn't it???

Mark Antanasio (owner) and Bob Uecker


Jeff Suppan and Corey Hart--this one's for you, Laura : )

Ryan Braun and Bob

The team, owner, GM, etc...

these guys rock! Oh the winners of the Feud game got "Tenntucky" t-shirts and bratwurst (the winners are wearing their shirts : )

sweet treats...

I meant to post this a while ago! I didn't realize that next week is already January 26!! I wanted to let you know Kaycey is selling girl scout cookies. Orders are due 1-25. If you are interested, send me an email. Thanks, in advance!

I wish...

that I could cure cancer.

I check on Jack everyday, and I happened upon a little girl I hadn't heard about whose mom had commented on Jack's page. I checked the little girl's web page and she passed away 6 months ago after a third relapse. I read some of the posts, and was struck at how similar Kaycey and Emily's (the little girl) initial presentation of the disease was. Anyhow, while it was sad to read how difficult their past few months have been, I didn't tear up until I read under the heading where it lists hospital info, room #/home address, it was listed as "Heaven".

Poor Jack has such terrible mouth sores right now as a result of high chemo-low white blood cells, he is on methadone. I remember Kaycey's first time with mouth sores; we spent 10 sleepless days and nights in the hospital. Then home for a few days, then back for 6 more days/nights for chemo, again. What a monotonous cycle of Hell. I pray that there is a cure sooner than not, and that no one has to go through what Kaycey, Jack, and thousands of other kids have gone through with this terrible beast called cancer.

Saturday night...

with Frank Caliendo. We saw him at the Riverside with a couple friends who drove up from Chicago. The show was really funny, I highly recommend it to everyone. Lots of laughs. And family friendly. Who would've thought, a stand up act that isn't vulgar? One of the only stand up people I know who isn't vulgar is Jerry Seinfeld. We saw Robin Williams live 6 years ago and WOW, he was hilarious, but boy, he needs his mouth washed out with soap. Anyhow, back to Frank. For those who don't know him well, he is esp. well known for doing impersonations, John Madden being one of the best. He does a great George Bush, Bill Clinton, Dr. Phil, Charles Barkley, Tom Cruise, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld (and other characters from Seinfeld's show), Robin Williams, the Fox Sports guys (Terry & Howie, M. Strahan). I know there are more, but those are the ones I recall from the other night. http://www.frankcaliendo.com/
There's alot of youtube videos on it, check it out, he's funny!!
Here he is promoting his site.

our cold day

So, school was called off today for a "cold day". I find it kind of silly, since we could get in the car (which is in the garage) and I could drop them off at the door of school, hardly spending a moment outdoors- instead of them taking the bus (I've driven them to school Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week). But I do understand, there are plenty of kids who walk to/from school, or have to take the bus (which means waiting for the bus in the cold!) But for whatever reason, I don't believe our school plans for any snow/cold days. I thought there were two planned for all schools. But because of the snow day the week before Christmas, the kids now have to go to school the Friday before Memorial Day (they were supposed to be off that day). Now with today being cancelled, I think that means that instead of getting done with school on June 5, their last day will be June 8.

I was feeling SO inspired after reading Ali's post today. I was ready to paint a room and go to Goodwill. http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/ And I felt like scrapbooking. Too bad I have very little adhesive left. I haven't scrapbooked in a while, so I haven't been keeping up on buying my necessities, like adhesive. That was foolish of me.

Today I read that Pittsburg mayor Luke Ravenstahl is now Luke Steelerstahl. I find this funny. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Pittsburgh-mayor-Luke-Ravenstahl-is-now-Luke-Ste?urn=nfl,134346

The kids are playing football...Cal is completely obsessed. I think it's funny, until they start whining, crying, and arguing over a current game of football with their webkinz they created themselves (often Cal and Kaycey are playing football in the upstairs hallway, always results in a fight and crying, and postponement of the game by Mom or Dad). Part of the current conversation concerning the football game of the Ravens vs. Packers (this time the webkinz animals are the players):

"But you have tougher players,"says Kaycey (in a whine, of course)

"Come on just play. Maddie do you want to be drafted?? You can't be a puppy though if you want to be drafted", says Cal.

"Ruff, ruff!" says Maddie.

{Cal humming ESPN tune}

"Your guys are really good so we probably won't get any touchdowns," whines Kaycey. "You have a lion."

"Your snowman webkin is going to lose his foot if it's the kicker," says Cal.

"Don't even say that, you're scaring me," says Kaycey.

"I wanna go home!" says Maddie.

"Hey you're cheating!! You were in the way. You are such a cheater!," Kaycey squeals.

"You don't even know how to play," says Cal.

Pretty close to Mom interrupting game and taking all the webkinz and footballs away.

Time for lunch.

martini time!

Wow, three times in a month. I guess I needed my gal time. Especially after Maddie's birthday party this past Saturday (lots of little kids. 'nuf said)

with jess Dec. 13

with mary Jan. 2

with nikki & danna jan. 10

sigh

Got a call from Patti, the secretary at Children's Oncology clinic. Here is our schedule for Kaycey's next Oncology appointment.

February 3:
9am Audiogram (hearing test)
10am Pulmonary Function tests
11:15am Echocardiogram

February 4
8am injection for bone scan (radioactive compound (Technetium-99 injected)
8:30am drink contrast/inject contrast for CT's
9:30 CT's
10:30 Bone scan
lab work
1:30pm Oncology clinic check in (weight, height, temp, BP)
2pm Dr. appointment

Could there be any more tests?? For crying out loud...I mean, I will feel relief after it's done, and it sounds like they are hoping to give us results immediately at the appointment. Usually I have to call multiple times and find out results a week or two later. But I don't think we've ever had so much crammed into a day (other than the initial process of diagnosing, of course). Usually the tests are divided over a few weeks, if I remember correctly. She hasn't had this many done for a long time. But it's the three year mark from completed treatment, so that means complete work up.

I dread having to walk into that place again. I really hate it there. My stomach flips the second I walk into the skywalk. And to have to spend a whole day there--ugh. We'll even have to eat lunch there. And we'll be lucky to get out of there by 3!! Well, the positive side is we hope everything will continue to be fine and she will still be NED (no evidence of disease.)

unfair justice?

In January of 2008, one of Mike's very good friends from college, Joel Marino, was murdered in broad daylight in his home. Read article here:
http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=21756

The case made National news on Fox's Greta Van Susteren show, due to supposed problems in how the Madison police handled the case. As of May there were no arrests, but thousands of leads. Finally, seemingly out of nowhere in June, an arrest was made of a man in Minnesota.
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/21813314.html

Well, this coward committed suicide. I find this incredibly unfair.
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/37414424.html

Today my little baby...

turns four!! Happy 4th birthday to Maddie. I can't believe she's four. Time really flies, and this time of year is always a little bittersweet as it will be 4 years (in just over two weeks) that Kaycey got sick. Maddie was only two and a half weeks old. I am happy that I can remember the day I went to the hospital to have Maddie (a scheduled c-section at 1:30pm, Jan. 7, 2005). But I honestly don't remember much of Maddie's life for about her first 6 months after she was born. So many other people took care of her, while I spent countless nights at the hospital with Kaycey.

Back to Maddie's birthday, which should be a happy day! Here are a few pictures.

A crown for the princess

Posing for a picture...all 3. Amazing!

Happy to have the "new" vanity!

Showing off the puppy tattoo on her cheek

We had my Dad and Maria over this past Sunday, and she got some birthday presents then. Today, we'll give Maddie her presents from us (one I gave her already--a Little Tykes makeup vanity that was Kaycey's and in storage for the past couple years, Cal picked out a necklace for her, a princess notebook, and a little polly pocket princess thing). Saturday we are having Mike's family over for a party. Then Sunday my Mom, sister, cousin (?), and grandparents will come over. People say why don't we just have one big gathering, but I'd rather have the multiple gatherings. Somehow it's just easier. Which reminds me, I was going to ask my blog readers for input on games and arts n craft ideas for 8 kids ages 3-9. With the nieces and nephews coming over on Saturday, I'd like to have it more structured so that all the kids aren't running around the house like mad. Any suggestions??

2009, already??

The kids had such a long Christmas break, yet it flew right by. Back to school already today, and though it was tough getting them moving early this morning after so many late nights the past couple weeks, they were awfully excited about getting on the bus this morning.

It was a quiet day here. While I should've spent it putting Christmas stuff away, after lunch, Maddie and I went to a friend's house (they live less than a mile away). It's friend time for Maddie (Lauren is also 3). And friend time for me (Lauren's mom is the one gal I have befriended out here since the kids started at the new school). The more friend time I have, the happier I am : ) I always have such a hard time taking down the Christmas stuff anyways. It's so much work for having it up for such a short time. I swear I'd leave it up till February if Mike let me.

I'm excited to say the house feels a little more like a home...I FINALLY put some stuff up on the walls (just the kitchen, but I figure we spend much time there, and the fact I have no idea what to do with the other walls in the house!)