So much this past year

So much has gone on over the past couple years. I Never would have imagined I would be a single mom despite all the rough times I made a vow to stay married and fight for what I believe but that is not always God's plan.

I sure have learned alot and continue to every day. I look back on my mom alot these days, how she managed with me and it makes me stronger. If she can do it then so can I!! I guess with Facebook the blog gets lost in the shuffle but I think this is a way to say what I want and not get sensored or "watched". Life sure makes us stronger and makes us want to be a better person and for me I am greatful for my mom raising me to be strong and for having Jenna in my life to keep me going.

Mary and I

After loosing my grandma 2 years  ago and shortly after that my best friend, my mom then marriage going south just a few months after that in a way I think I'm numb sometimes. I have found some great new friends and could not have survived the past 2 years without them and am greatful for them every day. I will do my best to keep this thing updated. It's much easier to say what's on my mind and not everybody has to read it if they don't want to.


Jennie and Hazel

Renee and Katie



Did you miss me??

Sorry folks, been MIA for some time. I guess I just got to wrapped up with Facebook. Hopefully someone still reads this?? Do you?? Let me know if you still view my blog?

My Mom!!!

On Febuary 24th I lost my mom. Mom initally went into the hospital with a bacterial infection called C-def for short. She was admitted for severe dehydration on a Tuesday 2/16, by Thursday night she had a massive stroke. I flew in Friday afternoon to be with her and by Saturday she was doing much better but knowing her health my Step dad Bill and I decided that mom would not want extra measures to prolong her live so we put a do not ventalate order in place just in case.

There was a big snow storm expected for Chicago so instead of flying home Monday I had to leave Sunday. By Monday afternoon she was not doing well and slowly going downhill. It was just a waiting game really to see if her lungs would hold up.

On the evening of Febuary 24th with my step dad Bill by her side she took her last breath and left this world to be with her mother (who we just lost 8 months before), her brother, father and several aunts and uncles.

My mom and I were very close being that I am an only child. Over the last few years I was concerned over moms health and would call her everyday not really for any reason but to hear her voice to make sure she was ok.

I will truly miss her and our every day phone calls. I look at everything and keep thinking someone will tell me it's a joke or that it's not real but it is. I have the memories and pictures to remember her and I am so glad she was able to meet Jenna, only sorry Jenna will not remember her.

This has brought me and my step-dad Bill closer. I lost my dad about 6 years ago and I have realized that Bill has always been there for me even before Dad was gone and I am very greatful for that.

The Camaro

It was finally time to say goodbuy to the Camaro. It has sat for so long with no chance of being restored let alone driven. The Camaro and I had a good time, many car shows, dates with David in high school, graduation and being know as the girl with the cool car.

I got the car when I was 17 as a gift from mom and Bill. About 6 months after getting it I rear ended a VW bug, messed up the front end but got to meet a very special man, Bruno, David's dad. David's dad knew I got in an accident and was concerned that I was ok since I had no seat belts in the car, didn't need them at the time, and I bumped my head but was fine. Bruno wouldn't take no for an answere so he picked up David and came to the house and almost went toe to toe with my mom which was pretty funny. Bruno was trying to convince my mom that I needed to go to the hospital to get my head looked at, my mom not being one to over react said I was fine and didn't need to go, needless to say mom won. Bill repaired and car and it was good as new.

Had another accident several years later, again with a VW, man that car didn't like VW's, lol. Car was repaired and looked better then it ever had. Went through one engine, 2 accidents, several road rally's, car shows, had a couple broken windows from careless kids and a move to Illinois.

Of course I would be crazy to say I wasn't sad to see it go, it broke my heart at first when I listed it but I new it was time. I listed it on Craig's list and within 24 hours I had over 30 responses and had it sold in 24 hours.

Live on little Camaro!

We miss you!!!

I only had a quick minute to say yesterday was Stosh's birthday (David's little brother). We miss him every day but we know that he is in a better place without the daily struggles. At least Jenna was almost born on your bithday.

THANK YOU!!!

Today as we celebrate Veteran's Day I thought I would show my support and post some pictures of Family and Friends who have served for our freedom.

I start with My step Dad Bill, USMC retired, Rank Top.





Picture left
1960

Picture right
1980'ish
Marine Corp Ball




















Cousin Sheryl Atoigue Sergeant US Army along with Husband Tom Atoigue SPC US Army







Chris Gotcher Staff Sergeant USMC

Steve Woods Active Reserve US Army, getting ready for his 2nd Tour of Duty in Iraq

Be Safe Steve !

We've Moved

Like alot of people the economy caught up with us, both of us loosing great jobs in the mortgage industry, as a result it was time to move out of our house. We were very fortunate to find a place just 3 streets over from where we were living. It's was pretty much an upgrade except it was smaller. The house is beautiful inside with hardwood floors, tile bathrooms and a great paint scheme. The house also came with a great giant wall unit and beautiful bar. The master bedroom has skylights along with a beautiful tile showered bathroom.

Our move wouldn't be complete without a little drama.

We were scheduled to move in on August 1st but the former tenants did not move out as planned so as we were trying to move in they were still moving out. The boyfriend never showed up to move his stuff so the poor girlfriend was trying her best to move stuff but she had no sleep and no help to move. We moved the boyfriend's stuff aside in the garage so we could start moving stuff in and then the boyfriend showed up and was not happy. The landlord called the police to make sure there were no problems with the boyfriend, what a great first impression the neighbors had I'm sure. They finally got their stuff out and we were able to move in with the awesome help of our friends (and relatives). We could not have done the move without their help and we are forever grateful for all they did, including Dinner provided by Marykay.

It's a month later and of course there are still many boxes to unpack and a big yard sale to be had. The kids like their new house but Jenna still gets a little turned around sometimes.

Kayla looks so grown up these days. It is difficult to believe she is my baby-girl

Grace and balance at 2 1/2 years old? Very nice.

Angel to Angel

Jenna Leaning on her Angel

I see trouble brewing

Tastey, Juicey, Summer

She looks so tiny

Here comes my baby

First Haircut

Last month Jenna had her first official Haircut. David's Niece came over and cut her hair at our house which was just great. Jenna sat real still and didn't wiggle around. She looked so cute with her haircut. I have been cutting her bangs since she was small but it's just not the same as having a professional cut it.

Summer Passes

We treated ourselves to passes this summer for Great America. The best thing we have ever done I think. I think we have been to Great America just about once a week since we bought the passes and have had a blast every time we have gone. I think the favorite for David and the girls is Buccaneer Bay, it's a water ride that you get soaked and you get to shoot water guns at people outside the ride as well.

David, Kayla and Becca are out of town this weekend so Jenna and I went to Great America yesterday, she loved it, we did all the things she wanted to do.