Kelleigh and Fancy

We enjoyed one of the few days we've had rain-free this holiday so Kelleigh had her make-up riding lesson. She rode "Fancy" today who is one of the older horses and a bit less inclined to cooperate.  I think she'll have a new appreciation for "Buttercup" tomorrow!

Christmas 2012

As another year winds down, I want to post a few pictures from our Christmas.  Because of Ryan's work schedule, we celebrated our Christmas on Saturday the 22nd.  Connor and I picked him up late from work on Friday night and he stayed until mid-morning Sunday as he had work.  We tried to squeeze in every food item that he's missed since he was home a year ago; those we didn't get to we'll have when he's back between classes in January.

Here are a few pictures from our day ...

I will start with Kelleigh.  She already knew about her cowgirl boots as she had to be there to try them on but now she gets to have them!  Her life revolves around animal prints, hence, so did her gifts this year.  All her apparel were cheetah print, Ryan got her a grooming kit for Chloe (complete with nail polish), George Foreman grill for her burgers (which is awesome by the way), and a Mrs. Claus outfit for Chloe from Connor.

Connor wanted new tennis shoes so also knew about them since he needed to choose them.  He also loved his Bronco-colors flannel shirt, but his biggest surprise was the gift card from Ryan to get a gecko.  He's wanted a reptile forever!  In addition to a few other items, we got him the tank set-up he needed for the new addition.  We went today to get the creature and chose to adopt one that had been dropped off by a mom whose son went to college and she didn't want to care for it.  Now it has a new home and an enthusiastic owner!

Ryan's big gift was an iPhone as, now that he's a graduate, he's allowed to have one.  It will be a tremendous help with his work schedule.  He got a couple shirts, lounge pants, quarters for the laundry machine, and a new wallet.

Mark got a US Open golf shirt, griddle, socks, kitchen items, Cal mug, and candy.  I got my cowgirl boots, puzzles, calendar, candle, and scarf.

Grandma got a doggie knitting book from Chloe (hint, hint), sweater, yarn, and candy.  

The furballs got treats, bones, plush duck, and a tug-o-war toy.

Everyone was pleased and have things they will enjoy all year long.

Holiday Party

One of the highlights for the guys in Ryan's program is the annual Holiday Party. This year was no exception.  It's always so great to see the progress the boys have made through the last year as well as that of the families.  While I was in Florida, Mom and I got outfits for the kids to wear yesterday to make the day even more special ...

I had a wonderful time visiting with my parents last weekend.  On Saturday my sister joined us.  I was also able to see family friends who I haven't seen in decades that now also live in Florida.  As always, it was hard to say goodbye ...

Holiday time

As you can see, we have begun the holiday decorating and Mark is introducing Chloe to the train!  Given she's like having a toddler around, we are awaiting either the crash of the tree or ornaments scattered around the room.

We enjoyed Thanksgiving Day at Ryan's and again on Friday at home.  Mark was going to do the midnight Black Friday drill then chose to wait til 6am given the baby is up then anyhow.  He and Connor went and came home with several things.  There is NoThiNg I wanted bad enough to venture near a store!  Sunday they got the outside lights up while Kell and I did the inside.  Still have the big tree to do in the living room but we're gaining on it!  Have 99% of the gift shopping done so am thrilled about that.  Even the cards came so have to get labels printed and will be set to mail them.  On a roll!

Some furry cuteness!

I guess when you don't have cute baby pictures to share anymore, you take pics of the furballs!  This is how our morning routine is as we get ready for work and school ...

... then their mid-morning trip into Grandma's room ...

... and ending with a fashion show!  Kelleigh decided Chloe needed to get used to clothes now that it's cooler in preparation for her Christmas outfit!

After attending a holiday open house this morning, Kell and I went into Canterbury Gardens as they are all decorated for Christmas.  It was as spectacular as always, we picked up a few teacher gifts, but fortunately I wasn't tempted by anything else.  Even after seeing all the beautiful trees and decor, I am not inspired to drag out all the holiday stuff.  Hopefully I will be in a few weeks!

Tomorrow Mark and Connor will go visit Ryan with plans of seeing the new Bond movie.  The kids are off from school Monday but I'm not - boo.  

What season is it?

It's a tough day when it's November 4th and it's 90 degrees out!  Just when you think it's safe to put away those summer tops and break out the sweaters ...

Must say I've never been a fan of Daylight Savings Time and this year is no exception.  I much prefer getting up in the dark and driving home in sunshine than the reverse.  Not to mention I was about ready to feed the new furball to the coyotes about 4:30am when she thought it was time for breakfast.  Granted the routine is up at 6:00am, potty, then eat and play with furry brothers but today that could not happen given it was dark out and all of them were sleeping.  So I fed her, tried bribing with a bone in the crate, ignored her begging to be out despite seeing us all three feet away, commented more than once that it's a good thing she's VeRy CuTe but all to no avail.  So I plopped her back in Kelleigh's room with the bone and shut her door and ours!  Tonight I'm going to try feeding her before bed too in hopes it will work like it does with babies - feed them well before bedtime and they sleep longer ... we'll see  :o)

Kell and I went to L.A. to visit Ryan today.  We were supposed to go yesterday but I had some virus on Friday and couldn't even go into work so didn't think it wise to go.  I feel so much better today so off we went.  Had a lovely lunch, got him a flu shot, made a couple stops, and then back to the house to help him study for his test tomorrow.  He's so excited that his grade is currently an A which is a huge testament to how hard he's been working in addition to work and the requirements of the house.  So very proud of him.  He also told me today that he has lost 30 lbs since he's been there.  Another huge accomplishment.

A busy week coming up between all my jobs but that's always good.  The elections should be interesting but have to admit I'll be happy to have the campaigning over; it's all so very annoying.    Have a great week!

Cindy

Pre-Halloween party

The kids went to the youth group's Halloween party tonight as punk rockers.  I guess what your mom won't let you be in real life you have to embrace at Halloween!  Tomorrow night Kell is going with her girlfriend to another party as a bumblebee but wearing the same costume two nights in a row isn't cool as some of the same kids will be there!

After all these months ...

I decided that I was long overdue to catch up on what has been going on for those who may be interested!  I guess the easiest way is to break it down by person ...

Mark has taken on the role of Mr. Mom and is doing a great job.  It's amusing to hear him say he doesn't get much done in a day by the time he does his Costco run, school trips, errands, etc.  His latest project is the creation of a guidebook for guests traveling to Berkeley and he did an incredible job on it.  Check out the website at www.gamedayinberkeley.com.  He's also been creating and improving websites for several schools and athletic teams as well as developing plug-ins for public use.

I am still enjoying my job at Francis Parker School and the role continues to expand.  I continue to work with a teen counseling company as their office manager (www.PacificTreatmentServices.com), am in my sixth year coordinating enrichment program at eight elementary schools, and also created a foundation to help families who can't afford treatment for their substance addicted teens - www.ANewEnding.org.  I have a great Board and we are awaiting the 501(c)3 approval and can then begin soliciting donations.  This need is great and I hope you will consider making a donation to this worthy cause.

Ryan has had a year of much change.  He graduated high school in June and has been working for most of the year at a dog day care and now at Petco.  He is in a vet assistant course currently with the goal of becoming a vet tech.  He has 17 months sober and hopes to be a graduate of his program by the holidays.  The new year will find him moving out with two other graduates into their own apartment as well as continuing with gen ed college classes.  It's been awesome to watch what a wonderful young man he has become and all that he has overcome.  The picture below is him today with Will, the counselor he started with at PTS, and Connor.

Connor is in 10th grade and doing independent study through the first of the year when we decide if he will return to public school or apply to the private school Kell goes to.  He is excited about going on a mission trip with the youth group in March to Bolivia but that is contingent on grades, behavior, etc.!

Kelleigh is in 9th grade and doing very well at the private school she started at in March.  She's made friends with a great group of girls and recently enjoyed all the Homecoming festivities.  It's great to see her enthused about school and adjusting well socially with a new group.

Blanche turned 93 in July and continues to do well.  She enjoys making knitted and crocheted hats for newborns and preemies which we send off to an organization who distributes them.  The dogs have their daily visits to get treats and her most recent adventure is getting an account on Facebook!

We have a new furball in the house thanks to a trip to Petco where Mark was tasked to get a turtle filter and comes home talking about a darling little white fluff ball that would be perfect for Kell.  After convincing the rescue group that we were worthy parents, we picked her up the following week.  Sadly, she has had a series of health issues and nearly died a week ago.  Mark is the most smitten with her and she is indeed darling.  She is a 10-month old Maltese mix named Chloe who takes no flack from her two big brothers!  Buddy absolutely refuses to have anything to do with her but Jake is happy to play any time.  Below is a picture of her after her "spa day".  Darling huh?!

I think that brings us up-to-date and I'll try to update this weekly ...

Cindy

Ryan's (almost) 18th Birthday

Today Connor and I visited Ryan and celebrated his 18th birthday which is this coming Tuesday.  We enjoyed a lunch at a restaurant of his choice then back for cake with the guys.  It was great as they were all soooo excited to wear the party hats and made it special and fun for him!  Mark will go see him next weekend for another celebration.  Hard to believe we have an 18 year old but we are very proud of the progress he's made and for his excitement of all this year has to bring him.

Mark vs. Flowers

Mark's valiant attempt at having flowers under the fountain ...

Hmmm ... which furball could it be ...

... nope ... Dad needs to try again ...

... those flowers won't do either ...

... CSI on the job ...

... this calls for serious measures ... "NO DOGS - Yes, Buddy, ur a DOG despite what mommy might think" ...

... when dirt was discovered emerging from the right side, chicken wire was added as further reinforcement.  Then Thursday morning this sight greeted Mark ...

I could hardly breathe I was laughing so hard!  Do you think there's a hidden message here?!

Our birthday boy

Gracious I forgot to post the pictures of the birthday boy so here we go ...

... chocolate satin birthday pie ...

... and new defense lacrosse stick with Mt. Carmel's red color ...

It's quite hard to believe it's the end of January as we are having such Spring-like weather.  I even laid by the pool for a bit this afternoon and enjoyed every minute soaking up the sun and beautiful day.  To say I desperately needed a bit of solitude and tranquility is an understatement.  The last week has been very busy as I adjust to our new routine and my lack of freedom!  On an amusing note, the kids now have their cell phones back as a couple times of inconvenience for Mark and suddenly they could have them again should they need to reach us. 

Thursday night we were surprised to go to our family support group and see Ryan.  The last Thursday of the month a group of guys from the recovery house come down to interact with the kids and families and show there is recovery happening among the young people.  Ironically it was his 8 month mark of the day he was taken up there.  The families who have known us these last two years were amazed at the change in him and the level of confidence and maturity he's achieved over these last 8 months.  It is always sad to say goodbye but especially emotional to do when they are on "home" turf.  Connor was quite upset and cried as we walked to the car. 

Mark continues to do his workshops and meetings for his lacrosse referreeing.  Today he had a four hour clinic which he said was very good.  Hopefully he'll like it after all this studying and effort.  He told me it was very hard to squeeze in his car and dentist appts with all his Mr. Mom duties tho!  The kids are both off today doing things with friends. 

Have a great week! 

Happy news!

Just a quick note to report that my biopsy report came back benign with "fibrous changes" noted.  Hopefully this won't become an annual event but I'm quite happy and relieved.   I'll post pictures of the birthday boy tomorrow!

Life on Shoal Summit

The weeks just seem to rush by and things are busier than ever.  I started my new job on the 12th and am very much enjoying it.  It's both challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding.  The individuals I work with are great and have made me feel very welcome from my first day.  It's all still a bit surreal as I get up and ready each morning but we're all getting more into the routine.  Mark has handled the ortho appointments, teacher meetings, taxi service, and Costco runs (which he likes a little tooooo much).  He continues to sub when called, studies for his referree clinics, and to work with an executive search firm.

My biopsies went well but I am very, very happy to have that behind me.  While the procedure itself wasn't something I'll jump at doing again, it was more the length of time (3 hours) that it took than the pain level.  The radiologist has sent the report to the doctor however, despite my calls, they haven't had the courtesy of telling me what they are.  Monday I intend to bring that to an end.  My shingles are gone with only a tinge now and then of back pain. 

Tomorrow is Connor's 15th birthday which he's been planning on for the last three months!  Truly no child gets more excited over a birthday than him!  He already got his lacrosse stick so hope it's not a disappointing day for him.  His birthday pie is ordered and he hasn't decided where he'd like to celebrate dinner.  Stay tuned for pictures of the big event!

Catching up

Before too much more of 2012 goes by, I thought I would take a few minutes and catch up on what's new with us.  We were fortunate to be able to have Ryan home for the evening prior and Christmas Eve day.  We celebrated our Christmas then and Sunday simply attended church and enjoyed a turkey dinner.  He continues to do well and the kids had a great time being together again.  Santa was good to them as always.  My sister and nephews spent the weekend with my parents so we were able to Skype which the kids loved.

Ry with his new shirt and Prada cologne ...

Connor got his gold Cal jersey and iPod ...

Kelleigh got a Kindle and Wii game (plus clothes) ...

Enjoying the warm morning outside with Grandma ...

Mark got his Cal Memorial Stadium picture wiith a piece of the bench from the stadium that is currently being renovated (and the Samsung tablet he'd opened weeks earlier!) ...

With Ryan ...

Crystol with Josh and Jake ...

and my parents ...

Before the holidays began I had interviewed for a position at Francis Parker School assisting the Director of Extended and Student Services as well as the Director of Fundraising.  It was a perfect fit from the corporate and school positions I've held over the years.  While I wasn't seeking to return to work, it's an opportunity hard to pass up although I admit to struggling with the idea of giving up my freedom!  I am to be formally offered the job this week so Mark will soon be assuming the role of Mr. Mom.

After the holidays I began having terrible back pain and thought I had a pinched nerve.  When nothing would cease the pain, I went to Urgent Care and was given muscle relaxers.  When they did nothing, I got a doctor's appt as I suspected I had shingles.  They confirmed that was so and the back pain was where the virus had settled causing the rash and pain throughout the nerve path around my hip and down my leg.  The meds have helped tremendously and each day the pain is less and less.  As if that isn't enough fun, I had a second mammogram and ultrasound when the first one came back indicating further evaluation was needed.  The follow-up results showed two masses in my left breast.  On the 17th I will have a stereotactic biopsy procedure done to see what they are.  I pray they are just calcifications although I can't say I'm looking forward to this procefure (YouTube has a great video on the procedure should you care to look!)

Connor and Mark attended his football banguet yesterday.  He enjoyed it and each player received a booklet with pictures of them from the season as well as their League Champions t-shirts.  Afterwards they went and bought his new lacrosse stick and head.  He's very excited to pick that up today.

Mark has been busy getting websites created for different things and attending seminars at the executive search firm that was one of his severance package benefits.  He also has decided to referee lacrosse so will be attending their certification classes soon.  He's developing quite a diversified resume these days!

I think that brings me up to date!  More as life unfolds ...