Girls Night Out-High School Style

This past Saturday was girls night, high school style. Two of my girlfriends from high school decided to put together a girls night when all of us reconnected on facebook. Anyway, there were twenty some of us, and it was ALOT of fun. It was great getting caught up, and talking about old times. Some of us have not seen each other since we graduated! The neatest part about it was that because of it being planned back in January people were able to plan accordingly and travel from Cleveland, Columbus, and Michigan...I know crazy!

Anyway, below is a group picture of most of us there...isn't it hilarious?! It looks like one of my old sorority pictures.


This pic is of us girls who all went to elementary/grade school together! We have known each other for 27 years! Yikes! Except Eva and I have known each other since the age of 2 so that makes 30 years...I know, I can count...I'm so smart!

And this pic is of my very bestest girlies from high school...we all still keep in touch with one another, so we met up early and went to dinner together. We had such a wonderful time on Saturday...I am so thankful for these girlies!

Brody's first fort/tent

This is our first tent/fort with Brody. He was so unsure what to do until Jason and I crawled into it first. He began to laugh and giggle thinking that it was so much fun to crawl in and out of. I am looking forward to many more forts and tents along the way!

The second pic is of Jason and Brody enjoying their time under the tent...I just love this pic!

Sad school blues

Well I just needed to type this out. The school that I have been in since I started my counseling job is closing its doors at the end of the school year. I am absolutely sad and depressed because I love the teachers, kids, secretaries, principals, custodians, cafeteria workers, and anyone else associated with that building.

It is going to be hard at the end of the year to say goodbye to so many things. Usually it is a few tears for the eighth graders moving on to high school. I cannot believe that I have to start all over again. I just hope that everyone has a job come the new school year, whether it be in Akron or wherever. I wish everyone luck, and am going to enjoy the rest of the school year to the fullest.

On a positive note, I have had the kids making valentines' in group this week to pass out on their field trip on Friday. We are going to a local nursing home to pass them out...we are very excited. I am also using some of the money sent to me by some of you to pay for parts of the valentines' so know that your money is going to good use and is going to put a smile on those faces on Friday! I will let you all know how it goes!

Anyway, say prayers for the staff and keep us all in your thoughts! Thanks!

My family

I just wanted to say how thankful I am for the family I was born into and for the family I created. I just thought I would share the latest family pics that we have. I just love Brody and being a mommy. He is such a happy baby and a joy to be around and love. And of course...Go Bucks!

A New Meaning to Freezing Your Assets

Well, today Jason and I decided to clean out the refrigerator because he went to the grocery store and we needed the space. Anyway, as I was moving things around and trying to organize I found one of my bracelets in the door beside the salad dressing. What most of you don't know is that Brody loves to get in my jewelry box and throw my bracelets around the bedroom. Anyway, because there are too many to count I did not know it was missing. Jason and I began to laugh that Brody would hide one of my bracelets in there...too funny.

Pics from the Owl Ornament Exchange

Okay, so here are a few pictures from the exchange, I know it is a little late but better late than never. Tara said I could put her out on front street about not sending them sooner, but I was the one who forgot my camera. Anyway, I am sorry that the pic is sideways...I am not sure how to turn it because it is horizontal in the folder. Anyway, these are the ornaments that we exchanged...how befitting that two of them are of owls.

And here is a pic of Sasha, Tara and I towards the end of the fun. Oh yah, Tara is the lucky one who gets to host the exchange next year! Ashland...here we come! I hope, however, the weather is a little more cooperative next time around.

Crazy Christmas!

Oh my...where to begin?!? Well the madness started on the 23rd of December at Jason's cousins home. It was a lot of fun but started off the numerous miles that would be put on a car over the next few days. Brody stole the show with his dance moves to the song "I like to move it, move it" and cousin Logan joined in on the fun as well.

The next day, Chirstmas Eve of course, we started off going to my aunt and uncle's home on my dad's side of the family. Christmas Eve is always spent with my dad, ever since I can remember since my parents were separted before I was out of diapers. Brody fell in love with Nicole's cell phone (unlimited internet so no extra charges for her), and enjoyed spending time with his 3rd cousins Hannah and Kylie. The picture below is of Nicole, Brody and the girls.

This next one is of my dad, Monkey #2 (aka George), Brody, and my cousin Rob. Oh, and be scared of Brody's sweater because his dinosaur may eat your candy canes!

When we left my aunt and uncles we went back to my house to continue the festivites with my dad, step mom, brothers, and one of their girlie friends. Brody was spoiled with more great gifts, the first being some Gerber munchies, numerous outfits and crayons for the tubby.

Brody then received a tickle me cookie monster, an Elmo chair, and a HUGE stuffed dog that you can see below. He just loves this dog and will attack it at random times throughout the day...it is hilarious.

After Brody went to bed and my dad left we decided that it was time to put together Brody's play house or cottage to be exact. We were so excited for this gift, it has a doorbell, phone, and a small table to built in seats. I told Jason to look "cheesy" for the pic and I think he did a great job!

On Christmas morning I woke up, put the breakfast casserole on (I made 3 pans for everyone), and got the house ready. Then before Brody woke up my mom, dad, step mom, brothers, my brother's girlfriend, two aunts, an uncle, grandma, and four cousins came over to watch Brody open his gifts. I added this next pic because I thought it was hilarious of my dad and Brody's two monkeys.

Of course this is a pic of my dad, Brody and I right after he woke up.

After Brody opened his gifts it was on to my mom's house to open gifts there and we got to visit with Jackson as well. Brody received a table and chairs from my mom, and the neat thing is is that the chairs and table fold down...very nifty Step 2!

Then...after we were finished at my mom's it was on to my grandma's house (and yes this is still Christmas day). Brody at this point was about to have a melt down but did play with his new sweeper for awhile, which kept the gift opening and visiting going. By the way the sweeper actually pics up dust bunnies and such...I definitely suggest. :o)

Random pic of my sweet Brody cheesin' it up for everyone.

Oh...I forgot to put in a pic of Brody in his new home. The morgage is pretty cheap on this one.

This is my mom opening up one of her gifts. Do you think she was surprised?

So...after we were finished at my grandma's house, well after Brody was finished, we went home to get him a nap, as well as ourselves. THEN it was on to Jason's mom's home for dinner and more gift opening...at this point I felt like my body was going to drop to the floor and not get up for a few days. We really had a nice time and so did Brody, which of course ending up with more spoiling of our little boy. Actually Brody was more enthralled with dimming and brightening the Christmas tree with his grandma's switch.

The next day we woke up and were at my mom's by 10am to have breakfast and to visit with my aunt and uncle who were leaving at noon to their next destination. It was a nice visit but we were so exhausted but it was worth the drive.

Then around 5pm we was off to Jason's dads home, and as you guessed, more gift opening. Brody received Elmo live, which he just loved. He tried kissing it, hugging it, and feeding it...it was too funny. Brody also played a lot with his cousin Logan and as you can see he posed below for my camera...isn't he cute!

Brody feeding Elmo.

And then we stayed home all day Saturday and did not get out of PJ's! We boycotted any leaving of the home...well maybe Jason did go pick us up something to eat but that was it! We were so exhausted and wanted Brody to play with all his new toys. All in all we had a wonderful Christmas and were so thankful to have all the time with family and friends.