Winter doesn't offically start until the 21st, but it made itself known in Michigan today. And I have to say I don't like it one bit-YUCK! These pics are where I am:
THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Where I am and where I want to be
Winter doesn't offically start until the 21st, but it made itself known in Michigan today. And I have to say I don't like it one bit-YUCK! These pics are where I am:
Frohliche Weihnachten. (Merry Christmas in German)
I Can Say "Merry Christmas" in 12 Languages |
 I can say "Merry Christmas" in: English Spanish Japanese French Arabic German Italian Swedish Portuguese Greek Hawaiian Dutch |
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Thanksgiving, Birthdays & Dance Recitals
Here are the latest pics from the past month. I had Thanksgiving with Julia and the kids, celebrated Hannah and Dave's birthday and also attended Mckinley's Christmas dance recital. It's been a busy 2-3 weeks.
Always a Classic
I love the movie "Christmas Vacation". Here is a clip from it that always makes me smile-enjoy!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Appalled, yet enthralled
Has anyone seen the show on ABC Family called "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"? I watched the first season yesterday and could not believe what I was seeing!
The show is about a 15 year old girl who gets pregnant at band camp and has to decide if she wants to keep her baby, blah, blah, blah. Your average after school special, right? Wrong! The entire show is based around sex. The only part that isn't is the girl's boyfriend (who is not the baby daddy) who wants to marry her at the age of 15!!!
Is this really what goes on nowadays in our schools to our children? Are kids really getting pregnant and having sex all the time at the young age of 15? I may be old fashioned, but it wasn't long ago that I was in high school and I wasn't even thinking about sex at 15. I thought it was a big deal to kiss someone, let alone go on a date at that age! I am proud to say I was a virgin until I was 18. I knew that I was ready and I knew the consequences that came with having sex and I am glad I didn't have sex at a younger age.
As much as I am appalled at this show, I find myself enthralled by it, to think this is what our society has become. Do kids really take this show seriously? Or are they thinking that it's cool for kids to have sex? Whatever happened to "going out", holding hands, morals and self-esteem?
Maybe this is what is happening to kids now in our society. It's horrible to think that children are having children. Parents, teachers, older brothers and sisters, grandmas, aunts, etc; please don't let our children become these kids on TV. High School is a time to have fun with your friends, go to football games, school dances and just be a kid; not a time to be raising a baby. Just thought I would put in my two cents. Have a good day!
The show is about a 15 year old girl who gets pregnant at band camp and has to decide if she wants to keep her baby, blah, blah, blah. Your average after school special, right? Wrong! The entire show is based around sex. The only part that isn't is the girl's boyfriend (who is not the baby daddy) who wants to marry her at the age of 15!!!
Is this really what goes on nowadays in our schools to our children? Are kids really getting pregnant and having sex all the time at the young age of 15? I may be old fashioned, but it wasn't long ago that I was in high school and I wasn't even thinking about sex at 15. I thought it was a big deal to kiss someone, let alone go on a date at that age! I am proud to say I was a virgin until I was 18. I knew that I was ready and I knew the consequences that came with having sex and I am glad I didn't have sex at a younger age.
As much as I am appalled at this show, I find myself enthralled by it, to think this is what our society has become. Do kids really take this show seriously? Or are they thinking that it's cool for kids to have sex? Whatever happened to "going out", holding hands, morals and self-esteem?
Maybe this is what is happening to kids now in our society. It's horrible to think that children are having children. Parents, teachers, older brothers and sisters, grandmas, aunts, etc; please don't let our children become these kids on TV. High School is a time to have fun with your friends, go to football games, school dances and just be a kid; not a time to be raising a baby. Just thought I would put in my two cents. Have a good day!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Finally got it up!
Well, here it is! I finally got my Christmas tree up! Yipee! It's MUCH smaller than last year, but with the new townhouse I don't have much space to put my big, huge tree, so I got this tiny one from my mom and went to town decorating it! Although smaller, I still think it is just as beautiful as my big tree. And so much easier to take care of after Christmas!! Have a good weekend.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Hard Day
Today has been a hard day for me, actually as the Holidays near, every day gets a little harder for me. Realizing you will be alone for the holidays is probably not something people look forward to, at least it isn't for me. It has been pretty good up until now. It seems as though all I do is work, go home, sleep and the vicious cycle starts all over again. Day after day after day. I go to work in the dark and I come home in the dark.
I yearn for the companionship, the cuddling, and the safety I felt this time last year. I want to feel warm inside instead of feeling cold and dull all the time. I know my family is trying to be supportive, but they can't fill this void I have in my life. I pray that God will help me through this tough time in my life, so I may be at peace with myself and not have such a heavy heart.
Everywhere I look it seems as though everyone else's life is going great-they are in great marriages, having children, enjoy their jobs, have accomplished things. I will be 30 in exactly 30 days and I have accomplished nothing in these 30 years except to fail in two marriages.
My question is where does the loneliness, sickness, heartbreak and discouragement end and when will my life begin again?
I yearn for the companionship, the cuddling, and the safety I felt this time last year. I want to feel warm inside instead of feeling cold and dull all the time. I know my family is trying to be supportive, but they can't fill this void I have in my life. I pray that God will help me through this tough time in my life, so I may be at peace with myself and not have such a heavy heart.
Everywhere I look it seems as though everyone else's life is going great-they are in great marriages, having children, enjoy their jobs, have accomplished things. I will be 30 in exactly 30 days and I have accomplished nothing in these 30 years except to fail in two marriages.
My question is where does the loneliness, sickness, heartbreak and discouragement end and when will my life begin again?
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A Thanksgiving Prayer
O God of all Creation: You have cared for the earth, and have filled it with your riches. Abundance flows in your steppes, through the pastures and wilderness. You provide for our land, softening it with showers, bathing it in light, and blessing it with growth.
The hills sing with joy; the meadows are covered with flocks; the fields deck themselves with wheat; and together they glorify your name!
On this occasion of our Thanksgiving, we as a nation take rest from our labors to consider your many blessings. We thank you for our freedoms, and for the opportunity to contribute our skills, our attributes and our values toward the good of society.
We thank you for the mixture of our cultures, blending us into one people under God. Help us to be a light unto other nations, and to further the cause of freedom and justice all over the world.
We remember those who are less fortunate than we. We lift up in prayer the victims of poverty and racism, and all those who suffer from forms of political and economic oppression. Let the word that goes forth from our mouths speak of your peace, and let us proclaim our hope in Christ as Savior of all humankind.
We pray that you will bless all those who gather here, as we have come to experience your presence among us. Give us your guidance, O God, and empower us for your work. For we claim nothing for ourselves, but return all honor and glory unto you, and offer our thanks and praise. Amen.
From "Prayers for God's People"
Thomas P. Roberts-editor
The hills sing with joy; the meadows are covered with flocks; the fields deck themselves with wheat; and together they glorify your name!
On this occasion of our Thanksgiving, we as a nation take rest from our labors to consider your many blessings. We thank you for our freedoms, and for the opportunity to contribute our skills, our attributes and our values toward the good of society.
We thank you for the mixture of our cultures, blending us into one people under God. Help us to be a light unto other nations, and to further the cause of freedom and justice all over the world.
We remember those who are less fortunate than we. We lift up in prayer the victims of poverty and racism, and all those who suffer from forms of political and economic oppression. Let the word that goes forth from our mouths speak of your peace, and let us proclaim our hope in Christ as Savior of all humankind.
We pray that you will bless all those who gather here, as we have come to experience your presence among us. Give us your guidance, O God, and empower us for your work. For we claim nothing for ourselves, but return all honor and glory unto you, and offer our thanks and praise. Amen.
From "Prayers for God's People"
Thomas P. Roberts-editor
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Re-think Christmas?
I saw this on Jess & Jake's blog and it really got me to thinking about Christmas, how commercialized it is and what we can and should be doing for others this time of year. I think for next year my family is going to get together and play board games rather than exchanging gifts. The little ones will still get presents, but I think it's good for the family to just spend time together and realize that Christmas isn't just about presents, but the presence of Jesus in our life. Very inspiring....I hope you think so too.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Silver Bells
Well, we all decided to venture into the cold night air last Friday and go see the Silver Bells parade and watch the tree lighting ceremony at the Capitol. It was fun, not as fun as some year's past, but I enjoyed spending some quality time with the fam. Bubby and John stayed home at Dad's because Bubby was sick with the flu. Even though I didn't touch the kid, I ended up with the flu and had to stay home from work today because of it. And it wasn't only me that was sick. McKinley, Dad, Alexa, Ben, and John all had different variations of it this past weekend. I guess that Ben, Dad and I had it the worst though. I am starting to feel better and am ready to go back to work tomorrow.
Hope everyone has a great Turkey day. Although, we aren't having turkey. Grandpa wanted Chinese for Thanksgiving. I know, weird, but when you get to be his age we try to oblige him in his requests. I am going to see if I can maybe sneak some turkey in at Julia's on Thursday, though. I have to call her first to make sure it is okay. Have a good week!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Spartan Spectacular
This past weekend my dad, me and my two nieces, Mikayla and Mackenzie went to the Spartan Spectacular at the Wharton Center on the MSU campus. It was pretty good. The beginning was a little boring, but when the marching band came out it was really good. I've posted some pics below. Click here to hear the fight song.
Not too much going on. I was diagnosed with Mono this week. Not really sure where it came from, but it explains why I have been sleeping all the time and getting wore out so easily. I had a meeting with Andy, his lawyer and my lawyer last night. It went alright. We still don't have a settlement because we need to figure out what we are going to do with the house, since neither of us are living in it. All in all, life is okay. It could be a little better, but I can't complain too much because I am here and I am breathing. Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving if I don't post again before then. The last pic below is my cousin Reid. He is in the drumline.
By the Way-GO Green! GO White!! Let's hope for a win against Penn State this weekend! Game time 3:30 p.m.
Not too much going on. I was diagnosed with Mono this week. Not really sure where it came from, but it explains why I have been sleeping all the time and getting wore out so easily. I had a meeting with Andy, his lawyer and my lawyer last night. It went alright. We still don't have a settlement because we need to figure out what we are going to do with the house, since neither of us are living in it. All in all, life is okay. It could be a little better, but I can't complain too much because I am here and I am breathing. Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving if I don't post again before then. The last pic below is my cousin Reid. He is in the drumline.
By the Way-GO Green! GO White!! Let's hope for a win against Penn State this weekend! Game time 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Pottery, Halloween & Christmas Tree Planting
So here are a few pics from this fall. I have pics of the girls from Halloween, finally some pics from painting pottery and last, but not least, we "planted" the tree for Silver Bells at the Capitol this past week.
For those who don't know about planting the tree here it is... We all get together and go hunting for pine cones in the dark woods. We then take all the pine cones we find and "plant" them in the manhole where the Christmas tree goes for Silver Bells. After we "plant" the tree we pour magic green water on the manhole to make it grow fast. The older kids know what is going on, of course, but the younger ones think it is pretty cool. Also, this is Bubby's first year participating, so that made it extra special. Enjoy the pics!
For those who don't know about planting the tree here it is... We all get together and go hunting for pine cones in the dark woods. We then take all the pine cones we find and "plant" them in the manhole where the Christmas tree goes for Silver Bells. After we "plant" the tree we pour magic green water on the manhole to make it grow fast. The older kids know what is going on, of course, but the younger ones think it is pretty cool. Also, this is Bubby's first year participating, so that made it extra special. Enjoy the pics!
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Celebration of the Election
A great song and video about the beginning of a "new day" in American history! Just press the Play button and enjoy!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Let's Paint Pottery!!!
Hi All!! My ex-sister-in-law and I are having a pottery party this Friday for a fun girl's night out. If you would like to come you are more than welcome. The info is below and we would love to have you there. Email me if you need more info or if you plan on coming so we can plan accordingly for food.!!! Have a good one.
Hosts: Alissa Holzschu & Nicole Fahnestock
Location: Playing Picasso (across Sears parking lot)
300 N. Clippert
Lansing MI 48912
Telephone:517-974-3431
When: Fri. Oct. 10, 2008 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
WE'VE CHANGED THE DATE TO A WEEK EARLIER!!! IT WILL NOW BE FRIDAY OCT 10TH FROM 6-9 PM.
Hello Ladies!!! We are inviting you to join us for a fun night out painting pottery!! We thought it would be fun for the women we know to get together and enjoy some time outside of the house for a girl's night out. For those of you who aren't "artistic", that's okay! There are patterns, stamps and ideas galore to create a piece that is truly unique.
You can paint a cup, bowl, platter, tiles, piggy bank, vase, etc. The possibilities are endless! Prices range from $5-$40, depending on the piece, and include the piece, paints and firing fees.
We will be serving dinner, dessert, wine and other beverages. Let us know if you can make it so we can plan accordingly for food.
We hope to see you there and bring a friend-the more the merrier!
*please note that if you bring a guest we ask that they be at least 12 and older.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I'm Moving!!!
Well, as I start off fresh with my new life I have decided to move. I will be moving to a Co-Op in south Lansing called Village Townhouses. For those of you who don't know what a Co-Op is, here is a brief explanation... You buy a share in the townhouse, so you actually own it and can earn equity in it. Then each month you pay a carrying charge-kinda like rent. The Co-op mows your lawn, provides you with flowers/woodchips in the spring, salt in the winter, fixes the furnace, plumbing, etc. if it gets broken and the monthly rent charge pays for your gas, heat, water, sewer and trash!! Woohoo!! I was just approved for my loan and am super excited to get the ball rolling. It's a lot smaller than my house, but it will just be me and my dogs, so it should be alright for the three of us. I will post more info on it when I get closer to moving. It will probably be another 2-3 weeks before I move. I need to have a yard sale first to get rid of all the stuff that either won't fit or I don't need. Hope everyone is having a great week-can you believe it's almost October? Yikes!!!
The Front Yard
The Back Yard
The Living Room/Dining Area
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Journey
Alana and I went to see Journey last week and here are the pics from our trip to Pine Knob. It was an awesome time and they rocked. Even without Steve Perry the new guy is awesome! I was lucky enough to find someone on craigslist to take the tickets. Her name was JoAnna and she brought her mom along with her. They ended up sitting with us and we had a great time!! It was nice meeting her and her mom.
sisters...
joanna,her mom, alana and i
sisters...
joanna,her mom, alana and i
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Great Labor Day
Well, with the recent Labor Day holiday it is safe to say summer is almost gone. But, that didn't stop me from having a great time this Labor Day.
One of my BFF from high school, Jessica, came to stay with me for a few nights and it was awesome to get to catch up, spend time together and just be girls for few days. It was great. We met at Horrocks and stocked up on Sholom (best wine ever!) and sweet corn. We just hung out and caught up on Saturday. We did watch the Sound of Music on Sat. night. It was fate...that is a favorite movie for the both of us and it just happened to be on TV while she was here. We sang all the songs, kinda like high school.
On Sunday she went to church with me and then we went and painted pottery. I made a dog bowl for Abigail and she did a decorative plate. It should be interesting to see how they fired when I pick them up tomorrow. I can't wait to see them! I took her back to good ole' ER and showed her my sister's house and the high school. She hasn't seen all the construction they have done in the 6-7 years since she's been gone. She was in awe of all of it-it was too funny. Then we went to my mom's and then we went to go see Mamma Mia! I've already seen it once and fell in love with it and I knew for sure it was something Jess would love-and I think she did. For those of you that don't know it's a great musical set in Greece with all of the songs from ABBA. It rocks!!!!
Monday, I got the chance to just veg and lay like broccoli. It was awesome. That night I went to my mom's for our annual Labor Day BBQ. It was good having everyone together. Not a whole lot going on. I am still going to my First Place 4 Health group at the church and am enjoying it. Next week Alana, Alexa and I are going to see Journey/Heart/Cheap Trick at Pine Knob-WOOOHOOOO! I started working 4 ten hour days last week, so I am able to get a day off during the week which I LOVE! Other than that, things here are going okay. I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and maybe when I get the chance I can start posting some pics on here. Cheers!
One of my BFF from high school, Jessica, came to stay with me for a few nights and it was awesome to get to catch up, spend time together and just be girls for few days. It was great. We met at Horrocks and stocked up on Sholom (best wine ever!) and sweet corn. We just hung out and caught up on Saturday. We did watch the Sound of Music on Sat. night. It was fate...that is a favorite movie for the both of us and it just happened to be on TV while she was here. We sang all the songs, kinda like high school.
On Sunday she went to church with me and then we went and painted pottery. I made a dog bowl for Abigail and she did a decorative plate. It should be interesting to see how they fired when I pick them up tomorrow. I can't wait to see them! I took her back to good ole' ER and showed her my sister's house and the high school. She hasn't seen all the construction they have done in the 6-7 years since she's been gone. She was in awe of all of it-it was too funny. Then we went to my mom's and then we went to go see Mamma Mia! I've already seen it once and fell in love with it and I knew for sure it was something Jess would love-and I think she did. For those of you that don't know it's a great musical set in Greece with all of the songs from ABBA. It rocks!!!!
Monday, I got the chance to just veg and lay like broccoli. It was awesome. That night I went to my mom's for our annual Labor Day BBQ. It was good having everyone together. Not a whole lot going on. I am still going to my First Place 4 Health group at the church and am enjoying it. Next week Alana, Alexa and I are going to see Journey/Heart/Cheap Trick at Pine Knob-WOOOHOOOO! I started working 4 ten hour days last week, so I am able to get a day off during the week which I LOVE! Other than that, things here are going okay. I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and maybe when I get the chance I can start posting some pics on here. Cheers!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Taking Hold of the Reins
So, since I last reported not much has really happened. I am still single and still dealing, but as each day goes by it gets a tad bit better.
I went to my first First Place 4 Health bible study on Monday and it was interesting. I was a little nervous, but I think as time goes on I will learn more about the women in the group. There is approximately 20 of us, varying from all ages. I am really enjoying the bible study book that we have with the program. It has us read different verses in the Bible and shows us how to apply them to our lives.
I also just signed up for a career diploma as a Travel Specialist. I am taking a course from Penn Foster online/correspondence school. Travel has always been my passion and I am so excited to begin this chapter of my life! Even if I don't choose it as a full time career it would be great to do from home/part time.
I have also found a new way of relaxing...I am painting pottery!!! I absolutely love it. I can paint whatever I am feeling and it is a great stress reliever. I just finished painting a dog food bowl for Klaus and I plan on working on one for Abigail tomorrow. I have been going with my ex-ex sister-in-law Nikki (ok that's sad, ex-ex?). Anyhow, I really enjoy it and it's fairly inexpensive, which is always a plus. The place where we are going is in Frandor and it's called Playing Picasso. I took my nieces Mikayla and Mckinley last Sunday and they really had a good time. I am going to pick up our pieces tonight, so it should be interesting to see what they look like once they are fired.
Other than that, not much going on....oh I almost forgot! Miss Jessica, one of my BFF from high school is coming to stay with me for a couple of nights next weekend. I am super excited!! We haven't seen each other in over 2 years, so it will be good to catch up and just hang out again. I have to say, she is an amazing woman and I am proud to have her as one of my best friends in life. Hope everyone has a good weekend-Ciao!
I went to my first First Place 4 Health bible study on Monday and it was interesting. I was a little nervous, but I think as time goes on I will learn more about the women in the group. There is approximately 20 of us, varying from all ages. I am really enjoying the bible study book that we have with the program. It has us read different verses in the Bible and shows us how to apply them to our lives.
I also just signed up for a career diploma as a Travel Specialist. I am taking a course from Penn Foster online/correspondence school. Travel has always been my passion and I am so excited to begin this chapter of my life! Even if I don't choose it as a full time career it would be great to do from home/part time.
I have also found a new way of relaxing...I am painting pottery!!! I absolutely love it. I can paint whatever I am feeling and it is a great stress reliever. I just finished painting a dog food bowl for Klaus and I plan on working on one for Abigail tomorrow. I have been going with my ex-ex sister-in-law Nikki (ok that's sad, ex-ex?). Anyhow, I really enjoy it and it's fairly inexpensive, which is always a plus. The place where we are going is in Frandor and it's called Playing Picasso. I took my nieces Mikayla and Mckinley last Sunday and they really had a good time. I am going to pick up our pieces tonight, so it should be interesting to see what they look like once they are fired.
Other than that, not much going on....oh I almost forgot! Miss Jessica, one of my BFF from high school is coming to stay with me for a couple of nights next weekend. I am super excited!! We haven't seen each other in over 2 years, so it will be good to catch up and just hang out again. I have to say, she is an amazing woman and I am proud to have her as one of my best friends in life. Hope everyone has a good weekend-Ciao!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Single, but dealing...
Here I go, I am heading into the world of singledom and am scared beyond belief. For those of you who don't know my husband and I recently split and are getting a divorce. You can find out more about my life prior to this by visiting parenthood-journey.blogspot.com.
I have been alone now for about 3 weeks and I am starting to get used to it-kinda. My house is so empty; I do have my dogs for comfort, but it just isn't full with life anymore. I am trying to be strong, but at times I let my guard down and my tears are overflowing.
Andrew (my soon to be ex) says he can't wait until the divorce is over so he won't have to talk to me. These are hurtful words and I am not sure I know what I did to him that would make him feel that way. He has no answers for me, so I may never know. We had been together for 4 years and he acts as though our relationship never exsisted.
I am going to counseling once a week and it is helping a lot. She gives me little assignments to do before the next session. This week I am supposed to be thinking about what kind of career I would like that would make me happy and be able to pay the bills.
On a brighter note, I have joined a group at church called First Place 4 Health. It is a weight loss program, but not only do you focus on weight loss, but also how to become a better person spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. I start next Monday and am looking forward to meeting new people at the church. I haven't been going for too long and don't really know many of the members. All in all it should be a fun time for some girl talk.
Hope everything is going good for everyone. Enjoy the rest of the summer, because before you know it, fall is here!
I have been alone now for about 3 weeks and I am starting to get used to it-kinda. My house is so empty; I do have my dogs for comfort, but it just isn't full with life anymore. I am trying to be strong, but at times I let my guard down and my tears are overflowing.
Andrew (my soon to be ex) says he can't wait until the divorce is over so he won't have to talk to me. These are hurtful words and I am not sure I know what I did to him that would make him feel that way. He has no answers for me, so I may never know. We had been together for 4 years and he acts as though our relationship never exsisted.
I am going to counseling once a week and it is helping a lot. She gives me little assignments to do before the next session. This week I am supposed to be thinking about what kind of career I would like that would make me happy and be able to pay the bills.
On a brighter note, I have joined a group at church called First Place 4 Health. It is a weight loss program, but not only do you focus on weight loss, but also how to become a better person spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. I start next Monday and am looking forward to meeting new people at the church. I haven't been going for too long and don't really know many of the members. All in all it should be a fun time for some girl talk.
Hope everything is going good for everyone. Enjoy the rest of the summer, because before you know it, fall is here!
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