Happy Birthday Kaylen!

Wow it's hard to believe that Kaylen is already 6! I remember her birthday like it was yesterday. Kaylen has gotten to spend some of her christmas break with us and has that ever been fun for EVERYONE! Today we went to lunch @ panhandler pies (they do a free birthday lunch and piece of pie in case you didn't know... and I can't pass up free!) She is a girl after my own heart she LOVES to eat, she had ribs, fries, salad, and mud pie (actually she didn't eat all the pie she was sooo full!)

MMMM Ribs...

Mud Pie...

After we got home, the girls were bored, I had to fold clothes and clean my room and Dana was trying to get dinner done so I decided to let them play with my old make-up kit. A short time later this is what emerged from the bathroom! The best part was watching Amber 1st thing dig in the gold eye shadow and rub it under her eyes... I think she has seen a few somebody's do that a time or too!

Thank God they have a few years before they can wear makeup!

I have a feeling Amber saw her reflection in the mirror...

Atleast they had fun....

Happy Birthday Kaylen, hope you had a special day!

TOT {Better Late Then Never}

1. Many changes have occurred lately (which I blame for my absence and forgetfulness... although that is just an excuse)

2. A.J., Dana and the kids moved in a few weeks ago. So far everything has gone very well everyone seems to be transitioning well (in my opinion). And although living / personal space is very limited, I am Thankful to have a close loving family and for our home. (A.J., Dana and the kids are staying in Post Falls tonight and oddly I am feeling a little alone... weird right?)

3. Today my C.N.A. class started... I am so excited!! I eventually plan to become and OB Nurse, but for now I have to pass this class and do then do this job while attending school. Right now my only concern is my clinical in which I will be dealing with the elderly. That is just not my forte , I am just way more comfortable with Children.

4. I have learned to trust God more and more in the last few years and trusting him is now my first response! For example on August 30,2009 I was admitted to Sacred Heart Medical Center for four days for what the Dr.'s are calling a Mild Stroke. At first I didn't want to go, but as my symptoms progressed and Mike and Mom determined it would be best to go. As Mike drove me to the hospital I prayed for God help me get through whatever was happening. I don't remember much of the ride or the first day, but I do remember praying (lots!) and an overwhelming peace. For the next few days Mike was by my side every waking minute and I just kept saying that everything will work out.

• And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (my Grandma Molly's favorite verse)

5. About 1 1/2 months ago I was finally dealing with my depressingly large bills from my hospital stay. I first started with the hospital and I called to make payment arraignments as I was going to do with the other various agencies. Due to my income (or lack there of) and having no insurance, the gal suggested I fill out the financial assistance paperwork. So I spent a few hours filling it out, digging out some financial documents and writing a letter of circumstance. And patiently began the waiting process. Several weeks ago I received a letter in the mail stating the entire hospital bill was paid in full. In complete disbelief I called to verify the information I had received and with a slight chuckle the gal said "yes, you owe nothing!" She then informed me that some of the other outside bills would qualify for that as well and to send them a copy of the letter. I started with a $24, 942.86 and now only owe a little over $2,000. Praise the Lord!!

6. God provides so much that I am very rarely in "need".

7. So about that wedding anyway... Althought Mike and I would like to get married months ago, we are waiting for God's timing. Everything is slowly falling into place and we are still hoping for a late winter/ early spring wedding (no exact date yet) !!

8. The devils attacks are ever present in so many ways! Please pray for some of my extended family who are currently under attack.... these attacks can be so devastating!

9. Yesterday I made 100 Oreo Balls for the Varsity Football team... That was a lot of work! I promised them if they made it to State I would make them. Although they lost they made it to state so I had to follow through! Today I dropped them off and I think I may have scored a few "AWESOME SISTER" points!

10. I am so thankful for being surrounded by such wonderful friends and family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jon & Melissa's Wedding

Here are just a few pictures from my cousins wedding this past weekend in Lewiston! Lots more to come :)!

The Bride & Groom

*Note first two pictures are unedited...

No News Is Good News, Right?

WRONG!
I am so annoyed... I have been waiting to hear from the main Neurologist about some test results. I am fully aware I am not her only paitent, but come on I got poked over 16 times last week and I just want to know!! GRR!!!

First Day of School....

This may seem a little odd, but it's tradition in our house! No matter how old you are if it's the first day of school expect to get your picture taken! This is the first year Brodey is the only one starting school, and on top of that he got to drive... my car!!


He's only 16, but so responsible!! It's hard to believe he is playing Varsity Football, Driving and yeah a Junior in High School!

Quick Update...

Ernie had surgery last friday and all went well. I was unable to pick him up (& he needed lost of rest) friday or saturday so he stayed the weekend in 24 hr. care. Monday when I went to pick him up they informed me that 2 of the Ortho Dr.'s felt with "extreme" cage rest for 4-8 weeks his shoulder should heal on it's own. Praise the Lord for that! Although that means I have to hand feed him, take out to potty, and give him meds. The other night I was getting ready to feed Ernie his Turkey Dinner and I jokingly asked if Amber and Drew wanted a bit (before Ernie of course). Amber declinded, Drew egerly shook his head & body yes! Much to my suprise he loved it! Amber then decided she would the instant it touched her tounge she was gagging and ready to spit it out! But that's ok I ended up having to open up another jar because Drew ate so much of it. Guess it's a good sign being that he has been so sick and not eating very much. Anyway for now all is going well, please Keep praying for Ernie's shoulder to heal (Amber tells me everyday she prays for Ernie Bernie)!

Ernie...

Well I know this may seem strange but here goes....

Ernie (my 5lb Yorkie Pomeranian puppy) got attacked this evening by my cousin's dog (Alaskan Malamute ) He is doing well just in lots of pain. He has Three deep puncture wounds which will need surgery first thing tomorrow (today), another on his neck that will just need stitched (hopefully), and a shattered shoulder which will need surgery by an ortho specialist in spokane (if they feel they can't save it, it will be amputated).

Now my strange request to my friends, family, and fellow bloggers please pray for my dog and his surgery! I don't know what I would do without my little "rat dog", since I don't have kids he is the closest I've got and I don't want him to live misserably or be in pain! (I guess you could pray for me too, to make the right decisions)

(It's ok to Laugh.... My brothers all have & think I'm nuts for even caring!!)

Graduation....

Tonight is Micah's High School Graduation!

4:00 Pm Memorial Field, all are welcome :)

Here are a few Outtakes from his Senior pictures

( By Shelby)

(and a few serious ones as well :)

Congratulations Micah!

He made it....

today was Micah's last day of high school!

You could always tell when dad let Micah dress himself!

still a goof ball! Today after I took him to lunch !!

He made it, and we are all so proud :)

Nerds...

One "dirt" bike wreck and this is how he rides his "Mountain" bike :)


You should have seen Micah running down the road....

Nerds indeed :)!!!

Sweet 16...

Happy 16th Birthday Brodster!!

Does everyone remember this little toe-head?

Right after Brodey was born, hard to believe it's been sixteen years!

Family Pic 1993

Uncle Brad (Left), Dad & Brodey @ Grandma Allard's- July 1994

Father's day 1995

Family Pic 1996

Dad, Micah & Brodey after seeing Aunt Bonnie -1997

Dad, Micah & Brodey- Summer 2000

Brodey @ the SHS Football Banquet- December 2008

As a little boy he was always so sweet and tender, very rarley do you see it 16 years later. He is such a huge help and every night he still kisses my forehead and says 'nite, I love ya'

Hope you had a wonderful birthday Brod!!!

I can see clearly now….

The kids always want to play with my glasses and I never let them because I don’t want the lenses scratched or the arms broken off. This time knowing I was getting them fixed Monday each of them got to try them on for a second. I guess it goes to show how blind I really am, none of them could see out of them and Drew looked like it hurt to try to see.

There will always be a hole...

Yesterday was dad’s birthday! Although it seems to be easier to make it through the days, some will always be harder than others! There is not a day goes by that I don’t miss my dad’s, his hugs, kisses, sayings and yes even his smells J! I am so very grateful that God has given me the strength to survive each day & everything life has thrown at me!

This Picture was 12 Days before he died- He just won his race & Kaylen was Congratulating him!

This is @ the Kootenai Falls in Montana after we spent the weekend in Kalispell.

Easter 2004- Your never to big to sit on daddy's lap!

My First Christmas (look how young my parents look :)

So sick....

of the cold! I can't wait till Spring, I am one of those life long North Idaho folk that HATES snow. I know it's hard to believe, but I can't stand it! It's wet, cold and such a pain in the butt (litterally, I fell atleast 3 times this winter). The warm weather is coming, just not soon enough! Alright enough whinning, off to bed I go!

(Can't wait till this view has no white stuff!! :)

Thank you.....

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! You will never know how much it meant to me. I truly enjoyed every minute, it was an awesome day!

Approaching 25

Ok so Saturday is my 25th birthday! I am starting to feel old all of a sudden (no offense to those who are older than me), but I can’t believe I am finally going to be 25!! I think I am more excited to get a break on my car insurance than anything, although from what I hear it’s not that great!! Anyway in the past few years I have learned the importance of family and friends, so this year for my birthday I have decided to have a Barbecue, with games and movies, mainly just a time to relax and hang out with family and friends. I know hamburgers and hot dogs aren’t the traditional birthday meal for a February birthday, but what can I say I like different!
Anyway back to the inviting part! Everyone is invited to come to my house Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 2:00pm (or you can come whenever), Please bring a side dish or snacks, we will supply Hamburgers and hot dogs! If you cannot bring something to eat, bring a game, if neither are a possibility, just bring yourself!! I hope to see everyone here :)

*PLEASE NO GIFTS – Your friendship is more than enough for me*