Day 31 - Hey, that's my Breakfast

Without fail, as soon as we start letting the kittens loose in the house, they head straight for Ollie's food bowl. Even though they run in fear as he chases them around, as soon as they dig into his food bowl, he just stops and watches.  He eventually gives up and just lays on the ground.  I have to help fight them back so he can eat his meals.

Later in the afternoon, we went to Grandma's house to meet the Kim and Steve and the cousins.  We all went to Station 885 for a fabulous dinner.  It was a lot of fun.  I only managed a few shots and Cassie wants most deleted.  I did get one good shot of my niece Marisa.

Day 30 - Freakish glow in the dark, cross-eyed puppy

I swear Ollie isn't cross-eyed and his fur doesn't glow.  This is definitely not my finest picture, but he looked so cute eating his cheese snack (with hidden pain killer pill).  He's starting to use his paw a little more, but he's still limping.  Hopefully he'll keep getting better quickly.

I managed to make a big enough stink that everyone cleaned their rooms and bathrooms today.  Besides that the girls went to a fund-raiser for their friends cousin who has autism and Kevin had a basketball game.  They lost by 9 to the leading team in our division.  They played really hard and it was a great game to watch.  I remembered to take the camera, but forgot to use it.

Day 29 - Full Moon

Ollie was still limping today so I took him to the vet.  It took a while for them to check him out and see that he has a bad toe.  It isn't jammed, but it might be broken.  So the story here is either that the kittens broke his toe or that I paid the vet $100 for Ollie's stubbed toe.  They did a laser treatment which will relieve pain and help it heal faster and they also gave me pain pills for him.  I'm so glad it's not anything more serious.

On the way home from dropping Alana off at volleyball the moon was just rising and really beautiful.  Of course, by the time I got home and remembered to take my camera out, it was pitch black.  I loved the way it looked over the neighbors' house with the smoke from their chimney.

Day 28 - One Semester Down, One to Go

Thank goodness midterms are over.  Alana was bummed to get a few Bs this semester but her Honors classes are pretty hard.  Cassie thinks she might have gotten all As.  The have a day break before the next semester begins but Alana still has homework.


Besides that the day was pretty uneventful.  Cassie had lunch with friends, Kevin had basketball practice, and Alana went to the movies.

I decided to let Mama cat and the kittens come out of the office and explore a little bit.  In the midst of all the excitement I didn't notice that Ollie had hurt himself.  He couldn't even stand on his paw.  He eventually gave up trying to eat his dinner and slid to the floor.   I had to put his food on the floor so he could eat it.


Hopefully he'll feel better in the morning and won't need to go to the vet.

Day 27 - Midterms - Part Dos

Another day of midterms down.  Both Alana and Cassie thought it went well today.  Just more studying for the last day tomorrow.  Everyone will be glad when it's over.

Day 26 - Midterms and Cavities

The girls had their first two exams today.  Alana was a little discouraged because her Honors Bio was so difficult.  Cassie said she did well enough on both of hers.

Besides that I'm just trying to get things back in order after the trip.  I'm starting to make a big list of light bulbs that need to be replaced.  As you can see, Mark will have quite a few to take care of after he gets back from his business trip this week. Here's 3 just in the laundry room.  I'd do it myself but I'm too short to even reach on the step ladder.

Oops, I forgot to mention that Cassie and I went to the dentist today.  She has two cavities and I have one.  It's my first cavity ever!

Day 25 - Home Sweet Home

We left for the airport at 5am.  Thank goodness for the hotel near the airport or it would have been 3:50am. The ride home was much smoother.  The kids, kittens, and Ollie all survived.  The girls have been studying for midterms that start tomorrow.  I hope it will go smoothly.

I don't get credit for todays picture.  Kevin K. emailed Mark that his car made the front page of the Arizona Republic.  The picture was taken right after Mark won the car.  I don't even know why you use the word "won" at an action, because believe me, it wasn't free.

Photo credit:  David Wallace and the Arizona Republic.

Day 24 - Aren't they just Adorable!

Mark and I headed back to the auction today to see his car and other neat items on display.  We found out it is an auto transmission and that the engine compartment and interior are in really great condition.  He's still really happy with his purchase.  I saw some cool artwork and antique scales, but didn't buy anything.  We then just watched them auction off cars for a while.  There was hardly anyone there early and the cars were going really cheap.  But later things picked up and Mark went onstage when his friend Mark (from dinner the other night), went up to bid on and win a 2002 Saleen Mustang.  It was the prettiest color red I've ever seen, but it doesn't show up on the photographs.

After that we headed out to see family.  Unfortunately Mary Beth (Mark's sister) wasn't feeling well so we missed her this trip. We headed to Kevin (Mark's brother) and Amanda's to visit.  The twins, Mackenzie and Anthony, are as cute as ever.  We don't get to see them that often so it was a real treat.  We were even able to get some great hugs and kisses when it was time for us to leave.  It would be great if they lived closer.

Day 23 - Can you say Shelby GT500?

We met Amy and Tom again today at the auto auction.  Amy was sure she wanted to go so I gave Tom my pass and we went to Scottsdale where we walked and talked. We returned to see them later to get them but Mark wanted to stay a little longer to look at the next few cars.  And then he bought one.  We are now the proud owners of this 1968 Ford Mustang.

That should be enough for the day, but we also then met our friend Diane for dinner and a comedy show.  We saw Ant, the comic for Celebrity Fit club.  It was really funny and a great time.

Day 22 - Good Friends and Nice Strangers

Our first day in Phoenix and it was almost as cold here today as it was in Detroit.  But that's okay, we drove down to Tempe to spend some time with our good friends, Tom and Amy.  We spent the afternoon in a coffeehouse catching up..  Amy and I took her yellow lab, Kirby, to the vet.  Kirby is 11 and had two seizures in the past week.  So far they're not sure why but hopefully some of the tests they ran will provide some answers.

Later in the evening we went to dinner with two other couples from Detroit who came down for the Barrett-Jackson auto auction.  Mark knows the guys, but I didn't really know anyone so I had been calling them the strangers.  Luckily the were very nice and it was a comfortable and fun dinner.

The only time I thought to pull out my camera today was when the flaming dessert arrived.

Day 21 - Hello Phoenix, no it's Albuquerque, no wait Phoenix

Well we managed to make it off today for our trip.  I didn't even start packing until about an hour before we left but managed okay.  It's been so stressful getting ready I decided to take a happy picture of me at the airport.  I was so glad to just be on the way.

Well, the happiness didn't last as long as I hoped.  The terrible storms in the west had reached Phoenix and the airport was closed. I'm a nervous flyer and it got really bumpy when we got close to Phoenix.  They made us circle for 45 minutes (bumping around the whole time) and then headed us to Albuquerque.  We giggled our way there and spent 30 minutes on the plane before they decided we could get off to stretch and get some food.  An hour later we got back on to giggle our way back.  Mark's brother, Kevin was giving us updates the whole time since he was hooked in listening to Phoenix air traffic control and checking the radar.  I really loved hearing about the wind shears at the airport and tornado warning as we're taking off to head back.  I finally told Mark, I just didn't want to know about it.  We were able to land safely and after a long time got our luggage and rental car.  By the time we drove the hour plus to Bobbie's house, which included two stops while they cleared sand and debri off the road, it was 3:15am Detroit time.  I wish Mark had listened to me and we had just grabbed a hotel by the airport.

Day 19 - Yum!

This Tuesday was my normal Monday, laundry and straightening.  I'm preparing for my weekend and have been really stressed about making arrangements for the kids.  It is all working out but really complicated and I've been really grumpy with everyone, especially when they aren't cooperating in making their own plans.  However, I did make everyone I nice stir fry dinner with cantaloupe.  (Wow, it just took me 3 tries to spell that right).  It would look prettier with red pepper but was just as yummy!  And yes, I do love the stir fry pan Mark bought us for Christmas.

Day 20 - Things just keep getting better - NOT

If I make it away for this trip without a major disaster it will be a miracle.

On the way home today I got distracted when a light on my dash that looks like an engine block turned on.  I kept looking at it while driving, trying to figure out what it meant.  Then I looked up and saw the green arrow turning red.  I decided to just go rather than slam on the brakes and yep, a cop was waiting for the light to change to come through it.  I swear in my first 25 years of having a license, I got just 1 ticket.  Now in the 6 months, I've gotten 2 more.  At this rate I'll need to hire a driver soon!

I want to at least have one happy picture today, so here is Cassie with the Valentine's pillows and blanket I got from Target last week.  Everyone who walked in the door said, "What's with the pink pillows?"  They don't seem to mind so much now.

Day 18 - MLK Day

Yep, that means I didn't get much done today.  The kids were all home.  Kevin and I still had to get up early since he had an orthodontist appointment.  Kevin is the fifth in our family to get braces from Dr. Anderson, so I always joke that we bought him his boat.  Kevin chose the red and gold bands this visit.

This afternoon Alana had a get together.  Unfortunately, it didn't go quite as she planned because a few of the girls didn't come who said they would.   I think it was hard since a lot of their parents work.  Morgan and Stephanie were able to come and they still had a great time.

The blog is slowly getting better.  I gave up on photobucket.  It kept saying my file was not there, but I know it was, so I uploaded to Imagehost.  Now I just need to add some more elements to my header, a few other gadgets, and I'm waiting for Cassie to create a cute cat drawing for me.

Day 17 - Aren't I pretty

I had to get up early to help Cassie and Kevin leave for their soccer referee re-certification class.  Cassie had to pick up Kyle and go to Dearborn for the 3 hour class.  It's her first 20+ minute trip to a place she had not been before.  She did great even though the battery died on the gps unit on the way there.  Luckily it was pretty much a straight trip and Kyle was able to spot the ice rink before they passed it.

Mark and I went to the Flynn's to plan our ski trip next year.  I saw Ariella (aka Powder Puff) for the first time in months.  I of course forgot to take her picture, but it's great to see your little kittens growing up happy in their new homes.  She's turning into quite a beautiful cat and so friendly.

I came home an worked on my blog for a while.  I've learned to increase the width and get a new background, but I cannot get the sizing correct so there are no side bars showing.  I'll work on that another day.  Here's what it looks like so far.  Of course, you already know that, but when I scrapbook it will be a little more meaningful.

Day 16 - Holiday party

It was such a busy day today.  I had dealt with a soccer registration problem (mainly that I completely forgot to do it and missed the deadline) and made a return visit to the vet all before 11am when Mark was just getting out of bed.  I guess he's still on California time.

Kevin had a soccer game, basketball game, and it was the night of the company party.  I didn't have anything much to wear, but I lucked out finding a $14 top at dress barn and recycled some previous party clothes.  I should have taken a picture of me in my new top but forgot to take the camera to the party, so you'll have to settle for the flower arrangement the hall gave me after the party was over.

The party was very nice.  We did not have one last year so I think everyone was looking forward to it.  We started with a moment to remember those who were no longer with us.  There have been some employees and/or their family members who have passed since the last party.  We then moved on to the celebration.  The highlight was the two employees who had been with the company for 25 years.  For your anniversary you get a travel voucher.  Other employees dress up to present you with a book related to your trip and it's always really funny.  This was no exception.  We had a golfer in knickers and what was possibly a swiss yodeler.  Bob R is going to Greenbrier golf resort and Tim M is planning a trip through Europe but not one specific place.  It was also amazing to see there were also two people who had been with the company for 35 and 40 years.

Overall, we talked, danced, and generally had a great time.  I only wish I had a chance to talk to some more people.  I didn't even get to talk to Bobbie (Mark's mom) who I hadn't know was coming.

Day 15 - Got Milk? Not so much

Nope, Mama cat just doesn't have the milk she needs for this crew.  As you can see everyone still comes to the table, but they leave hungry.  I've kicked up the syringe feeding and everyone is getting back on track except poor little Kitten #6.  I realized that she wasn't moving around too much and by last night she was just limp.  We made an emergency vet visit this morning and she had 103 degree fever.  Everyone else is around 100.5.  I had to take her temperature this afternoon.  I thought I could get Alana, our future vet, to do it but no such luck.  She held the kittens for me while I wielded the thermometer.  All kitten now run in fear of me.  But seriously, it was harder than you'd think.  They were just so squirmy. 

Day 14 - Just another day

It was just the usual today, school, kittens, and some grocery shopping. I did make a cover for my calendar book and it came out well. The girls and I watched "Fireproof" tonight. We like the movie but sometimes the acting was stiff and the lines were a little over the top. I think we had waited so long for us to all have a time to sit and watch it together that we were expecting more.

I haven't changed the blog any yet.  I know, you can already tell that.  But I have started learning a little and I was checking out the code from everyone's blog pages.  Some of it even makes sense.

Day 13 - Official Blogger

My previous blog was nice and pretty, but I pretty much just forced it. I figure I might as well really learn blogger. The books I ordered arrived today. Pretty blog is right around the corner. In my life, that means a few weeks.


The rest of the day was spent with the kittens. They've stopped gaining weight. I don't think Mama kitty has the milk they need, so they're gonna have to learn to drink formula. Four of the six picked it up right away.

Day 12 - Cat Fight!

I feel like I've hit a landmark since I now have more then one page of posts! Yay! I might just be able to pull this off. Here's today's post:

Nothing too special happened today. Alana stayed home sick, Kevin had midterms and a half day of school, and Cassie went to tutor a friend in Math. So I thought I'd take a picture of an every day occurrence in our house. The daily play fighting of kittens. This is Kitten #2 v Kitten #6. I know, I know, they really need some real names.

Day 11 - She's Climbing the Walls

Or in this case the door. I heard a scratching noise and came to find Mama Kitty scaling the mullion bars of the door trying to find a way out. I Obviously, I was not bringing breakfast fast enough.

It was just a regular Monday here. That means school, laundry, and my weekly chat with sister Sue. And would you believe Alana and I had to snow plow, AGAIN!

Day 10 - Technical Difficulties Already

Are you kidding me! Did I really leave the memory card plugged into the computer at home. Grrr, I hate when I do that. The Blue Thunder basketball team won by 18 points (2-2 for the season). It was fun to watch and Glen Piot had a really great game. Kevin played some and got 2 points, but sat a lot with his sprained ankle. I had planned to take a picture at the game, but no such luck.

On the home front, Mark left for Lake Tahoe for 4 days of skiing before 5am this morning. So me and the teens just kicked back today, did some general clean up and played Alana's new Christmas game, Qwerkle.

Day 8 - No Snow Day

There was no luck on the snow ritual so it was an ordinary day. I did some post-Christmas cleaning, Kevin had an Our Lady of Victory Dance and Alana had Volleyball. Cassie and Erica went to Panera and came back to watch "Silence of the Lambs" in the theater while waiting for Alana. Little did we know this would be the site of the big fight over who slept where that night.

Day 9 - Another Kitten Lover

Sarah and Sally came to visit the kittens tonight. Sarah was babysitting D and A Mxxxx, our old neighbors kids. They were so good with the kittens and just loved them. It was great to see Sarah before she heads back up to Grand Valley State tomorrow. Sarah and Sally motivated us all to get involved with the Pet's Mart habitat and fostering. So I blame them for becoming a crazy cat lady.

Day 7 - Snow Much Work

Tanya called it the Kitten Palace, but I call it the Mini-Mansion. :)

It snowed all day today from 11:00am on. The house looks so pretty but with such a long driveway it takes quite a bit to clear the snow even with a snowblower. My niece Melicce came over in the evening and she and Alana helped a little. I bet Melicce is one of the few people from Phoenix that can say they've used a snowblower. We played card games and had a lot of fun. Too bad she has to leave in the morning.

The kids performed their Snow Day ritual, backwards and inside out jammies, ice cubes flushed down the toilet, and white crayons on the window sills).

Day 6 - Hooray, Kittens!

Yay! I brought home a Mom and 6 kittens today. They're about 4 weeks old and cute. Mom looks part Siamese with her long pointy face. Everyone was saying they felt a little lost without a kitten in the house. It must be fate that they found 3 Moms with 14 babies outside at a trailer park in Canton. Figures Anne would give me the biggest litter. :)

Kevin's team lost their soccer game tonight (8-4) but they didn't have any subs until half time and the opponent was a travel team. I think it's the best game I've ever seen them play.

Day 5 - Rooiboos Jungle Fire

Day 5
I woke up wanting to take a picture so I took a picture of my tea steeping. I'm so in love with Rooiboos Jungle Fire tea from the Community Tea House. I could drink it all day. And the day got even better as I talk one of my dearest friends, Renee, for the first time in years. I also found out there are kittens on the way!!

Day 4 - No more Procrastinating

One of my New Years resolutions is to be more active and not procrastinate. So when we got an inch of snow I headed outside and used the snow blower on the upper pad and shoveled the rest on the driveway and sidewalks. It all took about 45 minutes, but it felt really good to see it all done.

Day 3 - Kevin's Holiday Bed

Day 3
It's the last day of Christmas vacation. Last chance for Kevin to sleep on the vent because I insist everyone be in their rooms on school nights. It's so funny because my older sister Sue always did this and I never told my kids, they just picked up the habit on their own.

Day 2 - Zoey

We had been babysitting Zoey and she was going home this day. She loved being here and playing with Ollie, but I'm sure she was missing her family.

Day 1 - The Aftermath

Memories of a great New Year's. We rang in the New Year with ping pong, pinball and rock band with great friends. Mark was in bed until noon and it was mostly a lazy day. We went to the Fite's for a nice dinner and watched "The Hangover."