Snapshots of our life..........

Bad mommy

2011-05-18T07:39:00.001-07:00

Jenna ran track this year for the 7th grade team, she ran the 400, 4x400 and tried the 200. The 400 was her favorite and she did really well. I realized I hadn't taken any pictures of her running due to weather and some other reasons so I knew I had once last chance at the conference meet. Jenna was really excited to be going to conference and I was excited to finally get my pics. The day of the meet - thunderstorms all day long - meet cancelled. great. I will get pics when it is re-scheduled. nope. not for the 7th graders. season over. Luckily Jenna snapped some random pics, it's all i have. bad mom

At first, I didn't notice they were spelling "love" i just thought it was a cool pic

Good job on your first track season, Jenna -you did great girl!!!!!

"15"

2011-05-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Better late than never. Ryan turned 15 in February. I know I say this with every kid on every birthday but time really does fly by. Seems like a second ago that he was this 2 1/2 yr old cutie..

Now he is in high school and will be getting his drivers temps in August. Ry is still just alot of fun, he is funny, kind hearted, he is very close with Jenna but still loves to terrorize her when he can, he is a fun swim buddy and I just enjoy being around him. Someday I will have to stop calling him monkey...but not yet

Happy Birthday Ryan !!!

Lucky 13

2011-03-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

January 29th, Jenna turned 13. I'm somewhat in denial that she is a teenager until she wants to always hang out with her friends, she discovered boys, her hair has to be perfect,she has become sensitive (no idea where she gets that from), she is constantly texting ...I could go on. I also find it funny that everyone her age likes to take pictures of themselves in the mirror with either a strange face, strange hat or glasses on and post them on facebook, that is where i snagged this lovely picture of her. Jenna is a great kid , she's kind and fun to be around. She is still taking piano lessons and started running track this year.

Happy Birthday Jennabean!

Sweet Sixteen

2011-03-04T07:11:00.001-08:00

I'm a little behind with all the birthday posts, Jorey turned 16 on January 24th! I can't hardly believe it and I know her dad can't believe it either. A lot has been going with Jorey as of late, most importantly she got her drivers license and she has a boyfriend. Watching Eric struggle and squirm with all of it is kind of fun in a torturous sort of way. Jorey is smart, she does great in school which is good for her due to Eric's motto of "3.5 or you don't drive". She is still in drama club, she is job searching like mad and still proudly holds the title of having the messiest room in the house. She is still very chill and I love that about her! Happy Birthday Jo!

Classic Jenna

2011-01-27T05:24:00.000-08:00

I guess when you are turning 13, a snowman just doesn't cut it anymore. Jenna, along with a wheelbarrow and shovel created this masterpiece..... a snow couch

She gets an A+ for creativity and for making me laugh

******Update**** snow couch now has an end table, i have to get a picture

Classic Ryan

2011-01-20T10:01:00.001-08:00

I asked him to go plow the driveway and after a little bit went out to see how he was doing, only Ry would dress like this. He makes me laugh all the time.

Christmas in Utah

2011-01-12T05:39:00.001-08:00

This year we headed to Utah for Christmas. This was actually my first Christmas away from home and my family, plus my kids were in Colorado so that was a double wammie for me. I have so much fun when we go and being around all the kids and the babies just makes me smile. I can never get enough of the babies. Rhylan and Zaden are a riot and just so much fun. Here are some pics of the grandbabies

Is it Remy or Avie? Beck

Legend or ledge-hammer as Zaden call him

We had a great Christmas this year, thanks everyone!

My super sweet hubby drove me to Colorado on Christmas night and I got to spend part of the day after Christmas with my kids. It was much needed and very much appreciated!

Santa's helpers

2010-12-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2010-11-08T07:28:00.001-08:00

These kids still love to trick or treat. Even though 2 of them are in high school, I think since they are all lacking in height, they got away with it.

The blind leading the blind...

2010-10-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Jorey's Homecoming! Most of you know Jorey is strictly a jeans and shirt girl. Dresses and Jorey are like oil and water when it comes to her wardrobe!! So as her father I was delighted to be told that she has been asked to Homecoming and that would mean my daughter in a dress! That is cool!! We procrastinated till the last week to get her a dress, so when it came down to crunch time I was the only person available to take her dress shopping!! Lisa was flat on her back very sick and Jorey's mother who basically decided not to be a part of Jorey's life was not willing to help so she was stuck with me.

Well off to Dillards we go and Jorey followed me around as I joined all these high school girls and Moms pulling out dresses to look at. I would ask Jorey "what about this one?" or "this one?" and all she would say is "don't think so!" So we went store to store repeating the same thing. So we finally found a few to try on and I learned quickly what its like having your daughter trying dresses on and stepping out to show Dad while there is 6 others girls doing the same with their mothers!! I looked like some old man pervert standing there, so I quickly got her to move to a dressing room on the other side of store so I wouldnt get arrested!! We finally found one we both agreed upon so that was a big relief!! Now we had to get shoes in which I or her know nothing about or a strapless bra, and jewelery to match. Thank goodness for texting cause we had to text pictures to Lisa and Jorey's big sister for help!! However, when Jorey tried the dress on to show Lisa I did notice her eyes got a little big so I knew then the dress might be a little immodest!! Oh well I did the best I could. I think she looks great!!!

Lisa added the shrug to cover some skin!!

Jorey and Brandon

Jorey and her friends

The group

SHE DID IT!!

2010-09-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Jimmy (lisa's brother), Lisa, Jayna and Shelton (my kids) the night before the Top of Utah Marathon run.

Lisa completed her first marathon!! Lisa, Jimmy, Shelton, and Jayna ran the Top of Utah Marathon. She proved to herself and all of us that she is one tough chick! She started having severe upper thoracic pain 4 weeks before race date. She made many visits to the chiropractor to try and get the pain under control but as you can see from these pictures that it didn't quite work. I was out there on the course with her for some of the miles and I have to tell you that she is tough!! She was in so much pain she had tears rolling down her cheeks during parts of the race but she continued to keep running! I was running along side of her to give her support and motivation. I guess I got a little to pushy and at one point she just stopped and pointed her finger at me and snapped " who invited you to run with me???" I toned it down and she let me continue to run with her! She was just awesome!!

She had to run with her right shoulder pushed upward due to the pain.

Giving everything she had!

Enduring right to the finish line!

Sister and brother.

We made finish T-shirts for our spouses and Jimmy!
Bucket lists are true!

She did it!!
They earned those medals and had some fast finishing times. A big congrats to you all!!

I have to say I am very proud of them all! They put a great deal of time and sacrifice in their countless hours of training! They started training in May for this race. Everyone of them had training injuries to overcome. I witness my wife struggle mentally and physically during her training runs. She shed a few tears during those long 20 mile early AM training runs and training during those screaming hot and humid days that made the thoughts of quitting very easy. I saw her endure extreme fatigue, pain, lack of sleep, blisters, dieting, dry heaves, cramps, heat, humidity, rain, sacrifice of family time!! Its a little to early but I know by next week she will say it was all worth it and she will be out there doing it again soon!! I am very, very proud of her!!

Ironman #2 -Louisville, Kentucky

2010-09-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Another Ironman in the books, only 3 1/2 months after his first one. This one was in Louisville, Kentucky. I have to be honest and say that I wasn't excited about him doing another so quickly, but he was determined. Eric would have to do his 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run in 95 degree heat with humidity just as high. Add a knee injury and I wasn't sure what the day would bring. Myself, Ryan, Shelton, Jayna and Jimmy were all there to support and cheer him on!

His swim was in the Ohio River, no wet suit allowed. His actual swim time was 1hr 27 min

We were fortunate and got to see him twice on the bike course

I couldn't help myself, he isn't an athlete, just some guy hanging out in his turqoise speedo. Jayna and I got a little laugh out of it.

In pain but determined

In severe pain but so happy it is over!!!

A promised "thumbs up" to his Dad who could not be there.

He finished strong despite the horrid heat and his knee pain!! Eric improved his Ironman time by almost two hours! We are all very proud of him. He has been in Ironman training mode since October and I bid it a fond farewell!!!

Provo Tri

2010-07-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

Last month, Ryan did his second triathlon of the season out in Provo, Utah. He raced with Uncle Jimmy, his dad and Jayna!! Unfortunately I wasn't out there yet but Eric took some great pics for me, he sat this one out to watch and support Jayna in her first triathlon, she did great!!

Good Job Ry!

Family Photos...

2010-06-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to do this forever. Thanks to my friend Jenny for taking on the task. I warned her we are not the most photogenic family but I am really happy with how they turned out. http://www.jennygildeaphotography.blogspot.com/

From Family Photos

Piano Recital

2010-06-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Last week Jenna had her piano recital. My daughter loves to learn how to play the piano but she does not like having to play her music in front of other people. All this time I have had this image in my head of someday Jenna playing a hymn at church but after her mini-meltdown before her recital (because her song wasn't perfect), I'm thinking it is not likely. She tried to negotiate that she still wants to learn and take piano lessons, just not do the recitals?

Good job Jenna, see you at your next recital :)

1 down, 3 to go

2010-06-06T15:59:00.001-07:00

Today Callie graduated from high school. The graduation was held downtown at the State Theater and Callie had alot of family there to support her. An added bonus was that the ceremony was an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish.... loved that. It was bitter sweet for me but I'm happy that she is starting a new chapter in her life. Callie chose Olive Garden for her celebration dinner

Congratulations Callie, we are proud of you!!!

Best Husband Ever

2010-05-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

My fear of flying is a level 10! I have to take medicine to calm down and I take just enough to go to sleep so I basically wake up when we are landing. It works really well for me. Well, unbeknownst to me, my BHE (best husband ever) shot this little video on our last flight .....

First, the poor guy next to me probably had no idea what to do and my BHE did not come to his rescue. Second, I did not realize I had that many chins. Third, I did chuckle when I saw this video, only because the look in Eric's eye thinking he really got me. I don't get mad but I will get even.

"17"

2010-05-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was the cutest little 3 year old boy who loved the power rangers!He wore his power ranger costume everyday for months and absolutely had to have a power ranger birthday party. How is the little guy 17 years old already?

Tyler continues to be one of the easiest going kids you will ever know. He seems to be busy all the time hanging out with friends ! He still loves to snowboard, weight lift and has started running, recently running his first half marathon.

We held off celebrating birthdays until Tyler came for a visit then we celebrated 4 birthdays at once ...Ryan, Tyler, Jenna and Jorey

Happy 17th Birthday Tyler!!

My very own IRONMAN!!!

2010-05-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Eric's dream to complete the Ford Ironman in St George Utah became a reality!! He did it!! He trained extremely hard for 6 months, out on long rides and runs week after week - putting in the time to achieve his goal. I really don't think anyone realizes the dedication it took to get ready for this race and that my husband chose the toughest course. The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 marathon.

Ironman St. George!

We had a great weekend and Eric had a ton of family support. Dad and Irene, Jim and Laura, Shelton and Stephanie &baby Legend, Clint and Jayna, Shea and Britt, and Jimmy all made there way to St George to cheer him on.

2.4 mile swim in 57 degree water!

We boarded the bus at 5:30 am to be shuttled to the lake to see him before the start. The weather turned out to be perfect. The water was cold but the lake was calm and the wind was not a factor. The day before at the lake, the weather was cold, the wind gusts were ridiculous and the water was extrememly choppy.

112 miles throughout challenging hill climbs!

About 30 miles into the bike, Eric started dealing with some serious stomach issues. The bike course was hard, packed with tough climbs, and heavy winds and I'm not really sure how he kept going dealing with his stomach pain.

26.2 mile run to finish the toughest Ironman course!

Luckily, we were able to be at various spots on the course to cheer him on, gets some pics and take some video. The marathon was tough, full of hills and you could tell he was hurting. His stomach never really quit hurting but he never stopped running!! I was so proud of him, waiting for him at the finish line I couldn't help but tear up when i saw him coming. I know how hard he had worked for that moment! It was inspiring !!!!

Callie's Senior Prom!

2010-05-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? I know that it hasn't come fast enough for Callie. She has been waiting for her prom since she was a freshman. I honestly can't believe that the time has come for her senior prom and in a few short weeks she will be graduating from high school. Makes me feel sad and old.

Hair and makeup

A few weeks before prom, Callie texted me telling me that the most amazing unexpected thing happened to her. When she got to school, one of her teachers told her he needed to talk with her and when Callie got to his room, Tommy was waiting for her to ask her to prom. She was on cloud nine that she got asked to prom.

They had a great time!!! I think they both look fabulous!

I have to say a huge thank you to my mom, Holly and my cousin Jennifer. I was out of town for Eric's ironman but left Callie in really good hands. Thanks to my mom for running her to get her nails done and a couple other appointments. Thanks to Holly and Jennifer for helping her get ready, doing her hair and makeup, taking her to Tommy's for pictures and taking a ton of pictures for me. I really really appreciate everything you did to make her day special!!

The season has begun...

2010-04-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ryan is becoming quite the swimmer!! He is closing the gap on us
Coming into the finish.

Uncle Jimmy and Ryan.

The gang!
My swim wave left a half hour before their wave, that's why I am the only one in a wetsuit!

Ryan got to take a week off from school to head down to Vegas with me, Uncle Jimmy, and his Dad to race the Rage Triathlon. Of course his Mom was not to happy about it but Ryan promised her he would make up his homework- not sure if that happened yet?? Ryan had a pretty good race but due to living in Cleveland its very hard to get outside and train. Cleveland is not conducive to triathlon training during the months of October to April. Uncle Jimmy who lives in Arizona has great sunshine to train year round- not sure why he looks so white!!

Ryan experienced a triathletes worst nightmare, Fed Ex lost his bike in transport and could not deliver his bike in time for the race!! We had to rent him a road bike from a local bike shop. Ryan was a great sport about it and didn't let it mess him up mentally!!

Great job Ryan- do your homework!!

Guido races his first half marathon...

2010-04-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

Tyler (Guido) races his first half marathon in Moab, Utah! Early morning races are always cold so we usally go to the Dollar store to buy our race throw away clothes. So while we were at the Dollar store, Clint decides to bet Tyler if he would wear this tiny little girls shirt and the pink Barbie princess hat throughout the entire race we would pay him 50 bucks!! He took the bet! He did get the looks and the comments which made the bet worth it!!

Guido in his outfit!!

Eric and Clint

Jimmy, Scott, Guido, Eric, and Clint

The race was fun and we all had a good weekend in Moab. Clint took the honors of beating all of us and had to pay the price of waiting and cheering for us as we passed the finish line!! Tyler did a great job and finished with a great time! Not sure if Tyler enjoyed hanging out with the old men all weekend but he did add some entertainment for us!!

Oh Baby!!

2010-03-26T05:51:00.001-07:00

This past week Eric and I were in Utah to help with Shelton and Stephanie's new baby, Legend. He is absolutely adorable and I loved every minute of getting to hold, cuddle and snuggle him. I grew quite attached and shed some tears when it was time to say goodbye.

Such a good baby He loves to be talked to and would just smile and coo

I hadn't seen the triplets since July so I was super excited to get to see and play with them. Wow, have they grown. So cute, so smiley and so happy!!! At first they weren't sure about me but that didn't last long and I couldn't get enough of them.

Beck, Remy, Avie

Beck Zaden is pure fun. He has the best personality, cutest little voice and you gotta love those curls!!

Papa is Z's buddy

Avie and Papa

I love this picture..

Have you ever seen blue eyes like this?

We took these the morning we left and Rhylan was at school so I didn't get any of her.
We had a great trip. We have alot of fun while we are there hanging out with everyone and getting to play with babies!!It is just hard to say goodbye. Thanks to my mom for staying with my kids and toting them around town to their various activities.

Snow much fun

2010-03-02T10:48:00.001-08:00

Looks interesting. They were out there for hours building a snow fort. Also, proof positive that Jorey secretly likes Jenna despite all the beatings. They actually get along really well and always find interesting things to do, not including the time Jorey stuffed Jenna in a snowboard bag and zipped it shut.

weirdos

Ah, I love that face!

SLEEPING BEAUTY at 11,000 ft!!!!

2010-02-26T12:22:00.000-08:00

I woke up early to sneak this pic of Lisa sleeping in the bubble to let you all know she is alive and adjusting to high altitude sleeping!! I am sure she is going to KILL me for blogging this pic. I know she will take this blog down asap when she finds out about it, so dont call her in regard to it!! However, I think she looks pretty sexy!! As of today she still loves me!!!

We tried to make him go to rehab and he said no, no, no

2010-02-17T08:44:00.001-08:00

Count them up people...yes, you counted right -that is 20 pairs of running shoes. Would you believe me if I told you they were all labeled and numbered as to the order of puchase and how many miles are on each?.... I thought so

Pushing the envelope....

2010-02-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

My lovely, sweet wife came home to find her bed turned into a 11,000 ft high altitude training tent!! I wont repeat her response or her reaction when she walked into the bedroom. I calmly explained to her that due to having some high altitude races coming up this year, it would be nice for me to be able to have the same number of red blood cells pumping oxygen into my muscles as the other athletes blah blah blah. That didn't help my case. Then I tried explaining that sleeping at high altitudes will help raise her metabolism so weight loss is easier!! That opened up another argument with me now accusing her of being overweight blah blah blah- dumb move on my part! Of course I had to then joke that this will be the only way to join the mile high club (she takes to many drugs when she flies)- that didn't humor her!!

Well, as you see there is a generator that pumps a big blast of oxygen every 5 seconds into the totally enclosed bubble tent. She says it sounds like a dying man taking his last big breath!! The air does get a little stale, hot, and smells of plastic. We each have a zipper hatch to get in and out. Very inconvenient when making night time runs to the bathroom. However, I am losing some sleep due to her yelling at me because her zipper is stuck again!!

I put a flat screen inside to help win her over.

I cant say things are good in the Bischof bedroom yet. She has been awesome at giving it a try. She has slept in it for a week now and is up to 9000 ft altitude!! I am still alive so that is a good sign. It will be nice when she just kisses me goodnight instead of giving me the double roll every night-her eyes and her body!! I guess I give a new meaning to taking a women's breath away!! Thanks honey- I owe you big time for this one!!!!!

"14"

2010-02-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

February 4th , Ryan turned 14

Ry has always been a picky eater so for his birthday dinner he didn't request anything that I or Eric make, he wanted a DiGiorno single serve cheese pizza .... ok, a pizza it is! The morning of his actual birthday I got up and surprised him with his favorite doughnuts

Some things about Ry:

The kid is hillarious and is constantly making us laugh, especially Jenna!! When I'm getting irritated I say to Jenna "don't laugh at him, he's not funny" but he usually is

Ryan is loving and kind hearted. He loves to snowboard, hang out with his friends and torture Jenna the way only a big brother can!

And...he started training for his first triathlon of the season..Go Ry

Happy Birthday Ry!!

The bean is 12!

2010-02-04T05:27:00.000-08:00

January 29th, my baby turned 12. On the day of her birthday she went snowboarding with Jorey and Ryan and for her birthday dinner on that Sunday she wanted my chicken enchilladas and a dairy queen cake.

Some things about Jenna right now... She is very particular about her hair, she will spend way too much time on it in the morning straightening it and if there is even one little flip in the back I have to go in there and get it even though i don't see what she is talking about. Jenna is very smart, funny and I'm thinking a little hormonal! She does really well in school, piano and she loves to snowboard. She is definately becoming a teenager but I still love her to pieces!!

Happy Birthday Jennabean!!

Jorey's 15!!

2010-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

January 24th, Jorey turned 15! It seems hard to believe that she is a freshman in high school and 1 year from driving. Jorey is very smart, witty and has a very easy going personality.

This past year she has....

been involved in the drama club working on the prop crew

started taking drum lessons

still an avid snowboarder

still loves to beat on Jenna

started running

She requested her dad's famous stroganoff for her birthday dinner and cheescake for her "birthday cake" The next weekend she had 5 of her friends over for a sleep over and from the sounds I heard at 3am, they had great fun!!! Happy Birthday Jorey!!

No words...

2010-01-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Should I be worried?

What's wrong with this picture??

2010-01-11T12:40:00.004-08:00

Eric's vehicle tucked safely in garage...

Heres my vehicle....

Dont worry about me though, look what Eric got me for part of my Christmas gift!

Thanks honey!!!

For your viewing pleasure...

2010-01-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ryan loves to make and create videos. He used to use an old digital camera that took small video so for Christmas/birthday my mom got him a video camera. He bought some video editing software and away he went. Ryan thinks this video should be the new trailer for the movie Eagle Eye!!! Enjoy

The wait is finally over....

2009-12-08T06:57:00.001-08:00

CALLIE IS 18!!!!!!!!!!!!

To say that she has been counting down the days for this birthday would be the understatement of the year. I KNOW that all of you who are friends with Callie on facebook KNOW when her birthday was and how many days until her birthday. All of us in the house were made well aware of the upcoming big event almost daily so we had to make it a fabulous birthday for her.

It started Friday night with Grandpa and Holly taking Callie down to the Cavs game with her cousin Jennifer. You will never meet a bigger Cavs fan than Callie, sometimes we want to take her LeBron James jersey that she wears every game day and hide it just to see what would happen

Callie and Jen ..dinner before the game at the Hard Rock Cafe

Jen, Callie and Grandpa

Callie had an absolute blast at the game, the next day we had a small family party and some friends over later in the evening

Did she turn 18 or 78?

I was in a hurry and thought i grabbed a "1" but I'm undecided if that is a 1 or a 7??

Callie and her friends had a alot of fun playing "Do you really know me?"

Holly had them busy busy busy decorating chalk boards that you hang outstide your dorm or bedroom door for notes..

**Disclaimer -Jenna loves her cousin Jordan and despite what her chalk board says she does not think she is stupid, I believe Jordan's says "I"m with challenged --->"

Callie, we hope you had a great birthday!! We love you

I'm pretty sure at some point during the last 4-5 challenging years I told her she wasn't going to live to see her 18th birthday and she did!!!!!

Name that booty!

2009-12-07T05:25:00.001-08:00

Over Thanksgiving break we took the kids to the rock gym to climb, really...what other pictures could I get except of their backsides???

I'm sure you figured it out but the pictures are as follows (in no particular order according to size)

1. Jenna

2. Jorey

3. Ryan

4. Tyler

Carrying on the tradition

2009-11-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

Jorey started playing ultimate frisbee with some kids from school and invited Ryan along. They both love it!! Jorey and Ryan both have a pretty good forehand and I think they impressed some of the older kids. All of Jorey's siblings and brother in law play in leagues and Jorey and Ryan will definately be future players!!

Jorey in white top and black shorts.

So the conversation went something like this at 8pm on a Monday night:

Ryan - "mom, did you give my cleats away when we moved? i'm playing ultimate tomorrow after school"

Mom - "Ryan i have no idea and why are you telling me at 8pm that you need cleats for tomorrow? i'm tired and you will have to just wear you tennis shoes for tomorrow"

Ryan - "mom, if i wear my tennis shoes i will be sliding all over the place and i will probably fall and hit my mouth and since i just got my braces on that would be bad"

Mom "no Ryan"

Eric - " oh look i have a coupon for Dick's sporting goods"

Ryan " cool"

Mom "So"

Eric " and i have a little something left on this gift card, between the coupon and gift card you probably wont' be spending anything"

Ryan " oh cool. thanks Eric your the best"

Mom "he sure is"

****Note his brand new blue cleats in the pics below*********

The end.

Meet "The Baby"

2009-11-09T08:09:00.001-08:00

Callie has a Parent and Child Development class this semester and part of the class and a significant portion of her grade is bringing home and taking care of a baby for 5 days. She got him on Thursday morning. Technology is amazing and this baby was as close to a real baby as you can get. Callie had to wear a wristband with a sensor in it so only she could tend to the baby. The baby has a sensor in his back, a sensor in the bottle and diaper so it would record how often she fed him, how long she fed him, how often she changed him and how long he cried before she tended to him. And yes, he did wake in the middle of the night for feedings and changings.
I believe the first day it was fun. Callie had a doctor appt the first day she had him and the baby started wailing during the middle of her appt. The doctor said "this is first, i've been interuppted by real babies but never a fake baby"

We did get alot of strange looks for various reasons. From a distance you can't tell its fake so people just assumed Callie was a teenage mother. Callie made sure everyone knew it was a school project.

By Sunday morning she had enough, she soon realized how hard it was. I woke her for church and she basically had a meltdown...crying she said "I'm so tired you don't even understand, the baby kept me up all night, I couldn't go to the football game and I can't even find time to take a shower, this is so hard -you don't even know"

Oh, I know....

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

He's such a nerd!!

Jorey and Jenna really stepped out of their comfort zone (note sarcasm) Jorey was a drummer and Jenna was a skateboarder

Jorey had a couple of her friends come over and they were all kind enough to let Jenna trick or treat with them

Sorting and trading, I never did that as a kid -I just took my bag and hid it from my brothers..

The kids had alot of fun. They have alot of candy which is good for them, not so good for me...Did you know that you have to run a mile to burn off 5 little tootsie rolls? I didn't either until one day a page from a magazine article miraculously appeared on my fridge, any guesses?

To have and to hold..

2009-10-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

Shea and Britt's marriage took place in Los Angeles. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding and Eric's cousin Michael performed the ceremony. Shea and
Britt had that look of real love and happiness in their eyes!!! It was wonderful to be there and be apart of it. Shea's brother Shyler is in Mexico serving his mission so I put a few extra pictures on here for him to enjoy. Thank you to Laura for taking these pictures and sharing them with me.

After the wedding festivities, we got to spend the next day in Santa Monica where Eric lived as a kid for a brief time. It was alot of fun, Shelton and Stephanie spent the day with us and Shea and Britt met up with us for dinner because we were all leaving for home the next day.

This is what I got to see a good part of the weekend, the horrid traffic of LA. It is as bad you hear and it is why I could never live there. I would explain what it was like to drive with Eric in LA traffic but I would just raise my stress hormone levels and probably gain weight while typing this.

For our family we have 3 weddings down and 6 more to go! ugh!!!

A little bribery was worth it!!

2009-10-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Jorey was adamant about not going to Homecoming, makeup-dress-heels, No way!! So Eric offered her a bribe to get her to go. He thought it would be a good experience for her and she pretty much refused until he sweetened the deal with some concert tickets. I was blissfully unaware of the task at hand. Finding a modest, appropriate dress proved impossible. Jorey tagging along behind me for 3 hours saying "Ugh, i hate dresses" every 30 seconds didn't help either. Finally i said to her that every time she said "I hate dresses, i hate this nonsense" she owed me a dollar" After 3 hours and going in every store in the mall we walked out empty handed but had one possibility in mind. We tried again the next day and after texting Jayna and Eric pictures of Jorey in the dresses, we found the dress!!! I had a brief moment of happiness until i realized she still needs shoes!! She put up somewhat of a fuss about wearing a small heel but relented.

I actually have never had anyone growl at me while I was applying their makeup before. Despite the growling and the glares, she let me do it. I felt i would be pushing me luck if i tried to curl her hair or put it up so we just straightened it.

We had pictures at one of her friends house before they left for dinner and then to the dance

She looks like she is enjoying this!

Jorey looked absolutely fabulous!!! We were a little nervous to get the report from her, we were really hoping she had a good time....when asked how it was she replied "tolerable" which for us was a victory!!

Go #88

2009-10-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Monday night was the annual Powder Puff game to raise money for the Susan G Komen foundation. The senior girls vs. the female faculty in a flag football game - the faculty has won the last 5 yrs in a row......make it 6 yrs in a row!! Callie had alot of fun and played the first half -and kept the quarterback protected!! She played tough!!

She was easy to spot becasue she was the only one with different color socks!

Eric, myself, Jorey, Ryan and Jenna were there to cheer her on, final score 18-0 but she had a great time for a great cause!!

The Season is over!!!

2009-09-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

I think Lisa is pretty happy the season is over!! However, this last race was special because Lisa got to see Ryan compete in his second triathlon. Due to work, she could not attend his first triathlon in Utah! This triathlon took place in Lake Huron up in northeast Michigan. Half mile swim, 13mile bike ride-5K run. Due to pneumonia I picked up a week before the race and docs orders to take a month off -blah blah blah- Jimmy was kind enough to change his race to a sprint relay race to allow me to do at least a portion of the race- which Lisa was not to happy about it!! I got to race the bike portion.

I am ready!!!

Little sisters support-plus mommas helper!

Keeping step-bros (shelton) tradition alive!!

Jimmy forced us to put the "mean look" on!!

These smiles disappear real fast!!

Wheres that smile Jimmy??

Ryan still has his smile!!

My HR at 164 beats and dying!!

Ry coming into transition!!

Jimmy completing a strong run!!

Ryan putting the hammer down!!!

Ryan making Momma real proud!!!!

Great race for Ryan and Jimmy!! Ryan took third in his age group that included 15 year olds. Jimmy had a great swim and run. I thank him for letting me do his bike portion but I did pay for it later!! The season has come to a close and Lisa is pretty happy about it. But now all the hours of biking and running comes indoors and the smell of sweet sweat comes with it!!! Sorry dear!!

Thanks to everyone for all the support and sacrifices that made it all possible for us to compete in these races!! Lisa was a champ in all her running around with the camera to take pictures of us all at various spots on the course!! She ends up sprinting and running a few miles!!!

See you next year and we will have more races due to Jayna, Clint, and Shelton will be adding some races- and maybe even Lisa!!!

Her life is complete!

2009-09-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday my sister-in-law Mary was ~~crazy~~ brave enough to take a group down to the Q to see the Jonas Brothers Concert. Jenna is a huge fan and is sure she is going to marry Nick Jonas!! Callie jumped at the chance to go as well. It was Jenna's first concert and only Callie's second, the first being N'Sync when she was 9!

my niece Jordan, Jenna and Callie Jordin Sparks opened

Thanks to Mary and Jordan for taking the girls, they had an absolute blast!!!! Jenna still thinks Jenna Jonas has a nice ring to it, I would be concerned except Ryan is more than happy to claim he is Mr. Taylor Swift.

I think Lisa forgot to add this pic!!!

2009-08-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

I am not sure which was worse- her face or the blood curdling scream that emitted from her mouth, but together it was horrifying!!!! However, I could not stop laughing at her the whole ride. The kids and I were very, very surprised that we talked her into going on this coaster!! For those who don't know Lisa and her fear of heights, she has to take 3 Xanex to just fly on an airplane in which it knocks her out completely to the point of her not knowing where she is!! She had no Xanex in her purse at the time of this ride!! We are proud of her for doing this for her kids but we have been told it will never, ever happen again!!

1st. row. Scary wife, laughing husband.

2nd.row. Ryan and Jorey

4th.row. Jenna

It's not summer without Cedar Point!

2009-08-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Eric and I took the kids to Cedar Point on Monday, the kids went back to school on Wed. so this was their last bit of fun before they hit the books. We had a perfect day, 77 degrees, the lines were not too long and the kids had a blast.

getting ready to ride the power tower

the power tower, it takes you up and then just drops you

The Maverick-the kids loved it -very fast with alot of twists and turns.

Top Thrill Dragster, this ride is insane. It is 420 feet high and it takes off lightening fast. I could barely watch for I was sure Jenna was going to fall out. All the kids rode it and Eric did manage to catch some video. I hope from the photo above and the video you can tell how high this ride really is.

We had a great day!!

End of summer pool party

2009-08-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Tyler launching Jenna

Tyler trying to drown Ryan

Callie and Hailey

Jenna and Hailey

Flex

friends

Back to school next week......:(

A little look back.....

2009-08-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Oh my, these pictures crack me up

Jenna

Ryan

Jorey

Tyler

Callie

Not sure where the time has gone....somebody please explain this to me

Shyler update - 1 Year !!

2009-07-20T05:28:00.001-07:00

The end of June marked 1 year that Shyler has been on his mission. He sent some pics and I told him I would blog them so everyone can see how he is doing. Shyler is doing great, we hear from him weekly and his letters are always anxiously awaited. He is very good about keeping us informed, sharing his experiences and being Shyler!!

The night he completed 1 yr.

A member from his first area made him and Elder Lopez a cake for competing 1 yr.
Shyler and other missionaires serving in his area

Shyler with his mission President and his family

Shyler has enjoyed all the family blogs, he loves to keep updated on all the kids!! He cant believe how big they are all getting!!

"You are not going to come home and ask me for a baby are you?"

2009-07-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

Um, no.( I think the 9 children we have between the two of us will suffice) I just got back from a week in Utah trying to be of some help to Jayna and Clint with their triplets...3 babies is like wow!! plus a 2yr old and a 5 yr old makes for one busy day....when I say busy, I mean non-stop busy, ...I mean I think I ate once a day busy...I mean I brought my camera planning on taking a boat load of pictures...nope, no time for that!!! But I did manage to get a few.....

Avie, Remy, Beck. I know this not by being able to tell them apart in this pic, it is by their color coded bottles. This is how you feed them when you are by yourself, yes it is possible and by the end of the week I was getting the hang of it.

Enjoying their nap out in the fresh air

Avie(not only are their bottles assigned a color, so are their binky's and it totally helps)

Beck about ready to fall asleep

Zaden is just cool!!

So I was lucky enough to be out there for Rhylan's 5th birthday. She became my little roommate while i was there and she waited patiently the morning of her birthday to open her presents from me and papa.

I think she liked her hsm movies.

It really wasn't on purpose to get the high school musical barbies that sing!!

Birthday girl

I'm not gonna lie, it was alot of work. I was definately tired and I was only there a week, I am amazed at how Jayna and Clint are managing all of it. At the same time it was fun and i loved every minute that I got to hold and snuggle them, I got very attached to them and it was hard to leave. To Eric's dismay, I got home Saturday afternoon and went straight to bed to SLEEP and stayed there until Sunday, although I did wake up twice in the night thinking i heard the babies......

Ryan's first Triathlon!!!

2009-06-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

Ryan's race day has arrived!! The race took place in Utah Lake, Provo. Ryan began training for his first triathlon 3 months prior. Ryan had a 1/2 mile swim, 13 mile bike, and a 3.1 run to complete. Ryan was the smallest and youngest (age 13) competitor in the race. He had to compete in the 16 to 19 year old age bracket! Competing along with Ryan was his Dad, myself, and his swim escort Clint.

The four of us getting prepared to get in the water. 62 degrees!

The four of us entering the lake. Little Ryan felt like a little seal among a bunch of Walrus's. We have king kong Clint pounding his chest!!

The usual pre-race stare down or just thoughts of "why do I torture myself?"

Another pre-race stare down or just thoughts of "I know I can do this!!"

No time for pre-race stare down! Just thoughts of "I am the man and I have triplets waiting for me, so lets get it on!!"

The gun goes off and Ryan is on his way!! He swam great!!

Ryan completes the swim!! He is off to to transition to get on his bike. Clint swam along Ryan just to be there in case of anything, but Ryan was an animal in the swim!! He did awesome!!

Ryan on the bike coming out of transition showing the guy next to him that he means business!!!

Ryan out on the bike course giving it his all!! Ryan and his Dad finished the bike portion without me due to I got a flat at mile 8 and had to call it a day!!

Ryan in transition getting his running shoes on! I am sure he is feeling pretty tired about now!!

Running becomes quite painful when your giving it your all!!!

50 meters to finish line!! Ryan is looking strong and trying to run down this big guy!!

HE DID IT!!!

A very happy, tired 13 year old after his great finish!!! We all commend him for his great race!! Not to many 13 years want to show up to a race at 5am and jump in a filthy lake of 62 degrees and spend the next hour and a half pushing yourself till you drop! Ryan spent most of his summer days training for this event. He had to endure days of training in cold Lake Erie with 5ft waves throwing him around like a rag doll with the fear of death on his face (abusive step dad)!! His mother didnt approve!! All he had to say for his great accomplishment is
"whens the next race??"

photos by Jayna

And they're off.........

2009-06-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

The kids left today for Colorado....It's always a tough day for me Saying goodbye never gets easier, I think this one might miss me a little...

I always miss them a ton when they are gone!!! and just for the record -i overheard Eric say he was going to miss them too!!

Big smile = Driver's license!!!

2009-06-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Tyler passed his drivers test yesterday ...he is officially a licensed driver. You have all been warned!! The downside- It has taken my worry to a whole other level. The upside - I have been waiting a long time for a slave muffin errand boy!!

A little Mozart in the making...

2009-06-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Jenna had her spring piano recital on Monday night. She did a great job, she has worked hard all year despite her siblings yelling at her to stop playing all the time.

Minuet by Mozart

Morning Mist

Good Job Jenna!!

He caught the triathlon fever!!

2009-05-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

As if being married to a triathlon psycho isn't bad enough, now I'm a mother to one as well. Ryan has decided to train and compete in his first triathlon on June 20th in Provo, Utah. He has been either swimming, biking and running daily and is very excited for his race. I, however, am a little nervous about this whole thing. At least Eric and Ryan's dad will be in the same race! Looking like a stud in his new wetsuit!!

Working out in the fast lane( a pool treadmill)

His first open water swim made him a little nervous.. he had to pee

He's ready to go!! Lake Erie 56 degrees. brr

Getting some instruction from Eric

Ryan making me nervous...Lake Erie scares me

Eric ending his one mile swim!!

My camera will be busy this summer....stay tuned..

Deja Vu......

2009-05-29T17:34:00.001-07:00

Only Jenna could do this.....at school she and one of Jorey's friends were running towards eachother to give eachother a hug and somehow they smacked knees. The nurse called me and said Jenna's knee was swelling pretty good and she had ice on it but Jenna wanted to stay at school. Cool. An hour later Jenna called me again and said her knee was hurting and being the good mom that I am I said" just keep putting ice on it, you'll be fine- stay at school"

I felt bad so decided to get it checked, i've learned that unless it is obviously broken, it is a waste of time to go to the er. After 2 1/2 hours all we got was there weren't any fractures, there was alot of fluid, possible growth plate injury....follow up with orthpaedic. But if you are going to get stuck waiting for 2 1/2 hours -Jenna was by far more entertaining to wait with than Tyler. !!

Happy 16th Birthday Tyler!!

2009-05-17T18:11:00.001-07:00

Tyler turned 16 on May 15th, I know I say this with every birthday with every kid but i really can't believe how time flies!! I can't believe Tyler is 16. It is scary and exciting at the same time. Scary at how fast time goes by but exciting to see how they grow and change. Tyler requested for his birthday dinner that I make him chicken enchiladas and he wanted my banana cookies and a dairy queen ice-cream cake.

Tyler did not request the rainbow/heart cake -Eric picked it !!!

16 Things you may or may not know about Tyler

1. His most frequently used sentence "I don't know"
2. Loves to snowboard, skateboard and sleep
3. Tyler has one mood -easy going!
4. He has broken his collar bone and foot
5. Favorite snack is swedish fish
6. Currently in drivers education, hopes to get license in 2 weeks.
7. Weight Lifts -but can't figure out why one pec is bigger than the other
8. Enjoys picking on Jenna
9. Thinks his frequent loud gas is funny
10. Favorite store -Pac Sun
11. Hard worker when asked but doesn't volunteer
12. Last year one of his teachers called him McFly
13. Eats constantly
14. a BAD Haircut is the only time you will see him upset
15. Likes to hang out with his friends
16. What drives Tyler crazy....loud breathing, gum smacking and what he calls "a bubble in your throat-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER!!!!!

"At least I broke it doing something cool"

2009-05-06T17:14:00.001-07:00

Doing something cool translates to running up a wall in the high school gym and doing a back flip off the wall....really Tyler??? ( I won't mention the fact that I just had a talk with him about doing back flips and that he was going to get hurt) After a couple hours in the emergency room and some xrays, Tyler has a fracture and possible ligament tear. We have to go see the orthopaedic in 2 days.. ...

On a postive note, Tyler is in driver's ed right now and said he is happy that he didn't fracture his "pedal foot"

4x100 Relay & Long Jump

2009-04-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ryan ran track this year for the 7th grade team. It was his first year running track - he ran the 4x100 relay and did the long jump. Luckily with Eric's experience with Shelton's and Jayna's track days, he took Ryan to the track and was able to help him with long jump. I am still fussing with my camera trying to learn how to take good shots without them being blurry or too far away...I may need some help!!!

Yes, he is handing off to a 7th grader, I asked.

Good Job Ry!!!!!

RAGE Triathlon, Las Vegas

2009-04-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Triathlon season has officially begun(poor me). This past weekend we were in Vegas for the RAGE triathlon. The race started in 56 degree water at 6:40am which meant we had to be there by 5 am (poor me) so Eric could set up his transition area and get ready.

Lake Meade

Swim start

Jimmy and Eric

Jimmy starting on the bike

Should I tell Eric I think that is my top?? lol

Finishing a tough hilly course

The run was all on dirt and rocks, Eric's least favorite

He had a good race for the first race of the year, I'm sure there are many more to come (poor me) Eric enjoyed this triathlon due to having some old friends in the race -Tyler Walton, Jady West, Scott Cameron (direct all questions to Eric) and my brother Jimmy. Overall we had a great weekend

Easter Brunch

2009-04-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

Every year, the Saturday before Easter we get together for a brunch and an Easter egg hunt with my mom and her side of the family. This year it was at my brother Matt's house. We had alot of food, a competitive game of apples to apples and some chilly weather for the easter egg hunt. It was a fun day except for the fact that i was missing Eric, Ryan and Jorey who are out of town during spring break this year :(

Make a Smilebox slideshow

About the post below

2009-03-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Yeah so this is Jorey writing this. I didn't know how to add stuff about the video in that actual post so I'm putting it here. Me and Ryan were looking at Deric and Kimmy's blog and we saw the High School Musical 3 video things in there and thought they were hilarious so we decided to make our own. Lisa said we should put it on the blog, so now there's finally something new up. In case you're wondering we did purposely put me as Troy and Ryan as Gabriella. My picture is horrible (I am not photogenic) but Ryan's is really funny. Enjoy the video.

Me (Jorey) and Ryan got bored...

2009-03-21T18:47:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Update from Shyler in Mexico!!

2009-02-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

Shyler sent some pictures of his mission and I told him that when he sends us pics that I would put them up on the blog so that everyone can see how he is doing!! He is a great missionary and loves the people he is teaching.

(Shyler wrote captions below each pic)

The one where I am with a big family was where I ate lunch on my birthday. They gave me a big lunch and cake and they all came for it.
The one where I am with a a girl a little girl and a mom in a blue tie. They are converts of mine as well and thats where I ate dinner for my birthday I got ties and a cake. They are a really great family and still active.

The one with a bunch of guys are some of the single adults that we talk to a lot and try to get them to go on the mission no success so far with that

The group shot of missionaries is with Elder Mikelson and his wife and our pres and his wife. It was after the big mission conference.

The one with a lady and me in front of a christmas tree was where I went for christmas and that is Oralia the less active that we reactivated in October and still is active to this day. She even spoke on sunday and did really good

The last two baptisms are of the same family. But the wife son and daughter got baptized first then the father 2 months after. They are a family with tons of faith they keep giving us more and more people to baptize within their family. They share the gospel already and were barely baptized.

We will keep you updated when we get more pictures...Thanks Shyler, we miss you.

Happy 13th Birthday Ryan!!

2009-02-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

February 4th Ry turned 13! Another teenager in the house! Ryan had 3 of his buddies spend the night Friday and then I dropped them off to spend the day Saturday snowboarding. Sunday I made him his birthday dinner.......pancakes and bacon!!

How time flies!

13 Things you may or may not know about Ryan

1. Nicknames..Ry, Monkey, Monk
2. Loves to snowboard
3. Not a fan of school right now
4. Likes hanging out with his friends
5. Favorite band is Jimmy Eat World
6. Not a morning person
7. Loves Bacon
8. Likes to ride his dirt bike
9. Favorite candy is a Fastbreak
10. Likes to listen to music on his ipod
11. Sensitive -gets crabby
12. makes us laugh with his dance moves
13. Favortie soda is Dr. Pepper!

Happy Birthday Ryan!!

Happy 11th Birthday Jenna!!

2009-02-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

On January 29th, Jenna turned 11!! I honestly can't believe it either! Jenna's birthday fell on the weekend that we were moving so she decided to postpone her party and celebrate her "1/2" birthday in July with a swim party with her friends!! We did make her a birthday dinner of her choice (steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls) and had cake and ice-cream!!!!

11 Things you may or may not know about Jenna....

1. Her favorite band is Paramore

2. Freaks out over spiders

3. She earned a 4.0 on her last report card

4. She does not enjoy being beat on by Jorey (all in fun of course)

5. Her favorite store is PacSun

6. She loves to snowboard, rock climb and dirt bike ride

7. She takes piano lessons

8. She loves to entertain us by talking in different accents (ukrainian, new york, british, etc.)

9. Her favorite food is steak

10. Her favorite tv show is Lost

11. She love penguins and has a massive collection of beanie babies!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNA BEAN!!!

Jorey's B-Day Beau???

2009-01-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

Sean Kennedy lead singer Tickle me Pink

NOT!!! Jorey wanted Dad to take her and her friends to a Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Concert for her 14th Birthday party. Jorey loves music so I reluctantly agreed to do it!! We gathered up her friends, fed them pizza and headed down to a scary part of downtown Cleveland to see a bunch of creepy looking guys jump, flail, and scream on a stage!!

(a now deaf Dads view)!

Concert groupies pumped up!! (Jorey, Claudia, April, Ryan, Savanna)

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus performing

Ronnie Winter (RJA lead singer)

14 Things you may or may not know about Jorey..................

1. Her favorite band is The Used

2. Her favorite movie is Monty Python and the Holy Grail

3. Loves to beat on Jenna

4. Despises mornings!!!

5. Her favorite shoes are Converse

6. Loves going to concerts

7. Has been snowboarding for 8 years

8. Favorite song is currently Typical by Tickle me Pink

9. Wants to play the drums

10. Loves winter

11. Sleeps when she shouldn't be and doesn't sleep when she should be

12. Favorite stores are PacSun and Hot Topic

13. Almost always has a song in her head

14. Goes through books really fast!!!

HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY JOREY!!!!

Cake, compliments of Ryan (step-bro)

Church Basketball has begun....

2009-01-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

That time of year again for church basketball. The kids enjoy playing, however, today's boys game started at 8am and the girls at 9. They were not too happy about that on a Saturday morning especially since it was only -2 degrees when we left the house this morning!!

Tyler #35 going up for a lay up, #25 blue is Brett McAdams (Clint's little brother)

Defense

Notice the Michael Jordan tongue!!!

Half time

Callie is right handed in everything except dribbling a basketball?? huh?

She did score a few points this game!!

The kids won their games, i do believe as i write this at almost 4 in the afternoon that Callie and Tyler are still napping!!!!

Christmas...Part 2 at Lisa's brothers!!

2009-01-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!! Christmas Eve we had a nice evening together, we had dinner and played some competetive rounds of Scategories.

Christmas morning we had to wake almost everyone to open gifts. Teenagers like to sleep and Christmas morning is no exception, you will notice in some of these pictures that they literally are still half asleep!!! After presents, Eric made everyone a huge breakfast!

Santa brought Jorey and Callie some much wanted cash so they could do their own shopping!!

Still sleeping Ryan with his new ipod!

Can't go wrong if you get him something to do with Triathlons, even if it is a magazine

My new camera bag rocks! it is a bagpack and will be alot easier to run and try and get shots at Erics's races.

I can't believe he isn't pinching her or something in the pic which is what he normally does!

We had a great Christmas this year and hope everyone has a great 2009!!

Happy 17th Birthday Callie!!!

2008-12-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

I cant' believe she is 17!! Time really does go by fast!!! Callie was counting down the days until her birthday -i'm sure the new cell phone had something to do with it!! Eric made her the dinner of her choice (steak and salad) and we had a dairy queen cake!!!

17 Things You May or May Not Know About Callie............

1. Other names she answers to: "Cal", "Cal-punks", " Callita-Schmita"

2. She is the text messaging queen

3. She loves to play church basketball

4. She is kind of a pack-rat!!

5. Broke her arm 4 times in 1st. grade, found out she had juvenile osteoporosis

6. She never leaves home without her ipod

7. She is obsessed with Hoop Earrings, has more than i can count

8. Her favorite tv show is the Hills

9. Stubborn is her middle name

10. She is very organized with her school work, her bedroom-not so much!

11. Can you say "MOOD SWINGS"?

12. Her favorite fast food....Subway !!

13. She loves, loves, loves to dance!! never missed a church dance yet!

14. She has a love/hate relationship with Jenna

15. She attends a vocational school program for computers

16. Her favorite store...Hollister

17. Have a computer problem, ask Callie.....she will figure it out!!!

Kitchen Remodel.....Phase I

2008-11-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

The kitchen remodel is underway, this is what we have done so far. Luckily, Eric and I have agreed on most of it and he has been a real trooper with the mess, dust and living out of storage containers!!

The pantry before

The pantry after

Kitchen cabinets before Kitchen cabinets after

Next the countertops will be installed, we have to paint and figure out the flooring. Can't wait for it to be finished, maybe then i will start cooking again!!

Looks like Winter........Feels like Winter!!!

2008-11-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

What a difference just two weeks makes. Can't believe we were running in shorts and tank tops just two weeks ago. You know what the say about Cleveland weather.....if you don't like it, just wait a minute, it will change!!!

On the plus side, the kids are super excited to maybe get snowboard season started early and the possibility of a snow day for school!!

Looks like Fall..........Feels like Summer

2008-11-07T08:32:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe that it was 70 degrees yesterday! This is our metropark and this is where Eric and I run and bike. We love it here..the trails seem endless and it is very beautiful especially in the fall. Eric and I went running yesterday in shorts and tank tops, it was that warm :)

Happy Halloween

2008-11-03T06:44:00.001-08:00

The kids had great weather for trick or treating, it was in the 60's that day which is unusually warm. This year, Jenna decided to go as Super Mario from the video game, I had made the identical costumes for Tyler and Ryan when they were 2 and 4 years old and was surprised when Jenna asked me to make her the same costume. Sewing is not my thing but luckily only the hat and pants and suspenders needed to be made. Jorey went as a goth but unfortunately she was already at her friends and i coudn't get pictures -we are trying to get them so I will post them when I get them. Ryan, well ....you be the judge!!

Mario and ????????

I'm glad you can't really see how I put some of this costume together, lets just say there is staples, safety pins, hot glue and ribbon!!

He has on Jenna's clothes, Callie's jewelry & make-up , that was the only wig we could find at the last minute, he wasn't thrilled about the gray hair but he made it work.

The kids had fun, Jorey, Ryan and Jenna went out this year with their own friends and I think they had alot of fun....and I'm enjoying the candy!!!! I am looking forward to seeing all of your kids halloween blog pics!!

Hola from Shyler

2008-10-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

We sent Shyler a digital camera while he was in the MTC to take pictures of his mission in Mexico, he sent these to us today. Shyler is enjoying his mission, he loves the people, he loves the food and is getting better daily with his germ-a -phobia. His companion is from Veracruz, Mexico and speaks very little English, which makes Shyler learn spanish even faster. I asked Shyler to give me a brief description of his pics so here ya go:

The one of night is of me and my district in the MTC

The family we baptized last month

Always time to play with the kids

The one of the house is my house! Crap I know

Shyler is doing great and we are very proud of him, we will keep you updated as we get pictures.......

6:00am + 38 degrees + 13.1 mile run = Pain

2008-10-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

Lisa and her brother Jimmy getting ready to start their Detroit Half-Marathon (13.1mile) race. A very chilly morning with 18,000 competitors running this International event. It is called International due to this race crosses you over the border into Canada and allows the Canadians to either wave to you or curse you for a few miles and then you return to USA through a 1 mile underwater tunnel!! However, Lisa and Jimmy said the Canadians were very friendly!! Due to injury I was the cameraman for this race. Of course I forced them to smile for this shot!!
The gun goes off!! The two are off for their grueling, overcrowded, and very chilly run!!

No problen here at mile 9 !! Sure of himself Jimmy is in control! He did look pretty strong!!

Rusty (Jimmy) gets a supportive low five and a water hand off from his Dad at
mile 9.

Now this girl looks serious!! Shes looking strong at mile 9!!

Better make a fast pause here at mile 9 and get some biofreeze on these painful legs!!!

"Oh please is there any time for a sip of diet Coke???"

Of course there is for Lisa!!

One block from finish line and looking pretty good!!!

The race ended with both Jimmy and Lisa finishing strong with great times. Lisa tried to stay up with her brother but he proved to be too strong! I think it's because he is 13 years younger! This was Lisa's second Half-Marathon for the year and Jimmy's first one. The only complaint was the race was so crowded with runners in some areas it forced the runners to have to walk for a few minutes till the crowd thinned out! This of course hurt the runners time and brought out some anger from the runners! Overall a great day for the both of them. Congrats to the both of you!!!!!

40 is the new 20..........Right?????

2008-10-15T14:12:00.001-07:00

Well its official, I turned the big 40 yesterday!!! The day started like any other Tuesday..until I noticed something in my yard, I couldn't tell what it was because it was still dark out when Callie and Tyler left for school but I soon realized what it was...I instantly thought Eric or my mom was responsible. Well it wasn't my mom, it was my dear, sweet husband!!!

Everyone now knows - it stayed there all day!!

I think Eric got way to much enjoyment on me turning 40

He did have some beautiful roses delivered to my office, that saved him

A card from Jenna telling me 40 is not that bad with .40 cents worth of nickels taped to it

Birthday cake from my mom

I remember as a kid thinking how old 40 was, well it crept up on me and now i'm 40 but it's not so bad. Maybe a few more gray hairs, a few more aches and pains but Life is good and I'm happy!

Gearin up for the game!!!

2008-10-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Seriously, when did she get old enough to want to go to to friday night football games at the high school and hang out with her friends????????????

Jenna and her BFF, Tori

They grow up too fast!!!!

Parkour

2008-10-05T12:17:00.001-07:00

Parkour........I didn't know what it was either!! Parkour is the art of moving through your environment as swiftly and effectively as possible using only the human body. They learn to vault, roll and jump. It is like taking gymnastics outdoors, where they will jump on, off or over any obstacle such as cars, walls, rails and poles. Jorey learned about it on the internet and was interested so she found an instructor nearby and got a couple friends and Ryan to the classes. Jorey added some comments for your reading pleasure...............

Painful warm-ups!! They were all crying. (not like tears like ow!-Jorey) Ryan's lazy vault

Jorey's lazy vault!

monkey vault

monkey vault ^

Now they take what they learned inside to the outside...

(OH MY GOSH! IT'S SPIDERMAN!-Jorey)

She didn't fall and kept good balance

It was interesting to watch, the class is two hours and the kids worked hard. The next day, they were pretty sore, but they still want to go next week!!!

(because we're just beastly like that-Jorey)

Just having fun!!

2008-09-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Almost every day the kids head out to the backyard to jump on the tramp, they love it. They are all about flips and getting as high as they can!! Last night, Jorey, Ryan and Jenna went out and were just having fun so i grabbed my camera and went out to try to get some shots -they instantly turned silly!!! We had so much fun viewing all the pics and we laughed alot at some of the funny ones. I am still learning my camera and was trying different effects but these are the pics the kids chose as their favorites!!!!!

The trampoline was the best present my mom has given them, they love it and spend a ton of time on it!!!! Its always fun to hear them out there jumping and laughing and just having fun!!!

Akron Marathon Relay -Saturday September 27, 2008

2008-09-28T15:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the Akron Marathon - we had a 5 person relay team. The race start was 7am so Tyler was extremely "happy" to have to get up at 4:45am! As most of you know a relay consists of your first runner running his leg and handing off to the second runner and so on until your 5th runner finishes the race and it usually goes pretty smoothe until Eric thoughtfully decided he would carry a digital camera and try to get action shots (for my blog) by running and trying to go ahead of each runner to take action shots. PROBLEM? Eric was our second runner and when Jimmy entered the shoot to hand off to Eric.........Where's Eric? Somehow they missed each other-nobody knows how, so Jimmy waited for quite some time and finally decided to run Eric's leg: (in the meantime, Eric gets back to his exchange still lost and confused and realizes he better start running -so confusing). Mr. Eric cost us 35 minutes!!!!!!

Leg 1 (6.2 miles).......Jimmy (Mr. Save the day)
Leg 2 (3.1 miles).......Eric (Mr. No Show)
Leg 3 (6.2 miles).......Rocky (Steady Eddy)
Leg 4 (3.1 miles)....... Tyler (all uphill with 2 upchucks)
Leg 5 (7.6 miles).........Lisa ( The organizer)

Our team: Rocky, Eric, Lisa, Tyler, Jimmy

(Not sure what is going on with my visor and my ears, but hey-it is the only team shot we got)

Tyler looks happy doesn't he?? May be the only race he does with me!!

Enjoy some pretend action shots to replace the ones Eric tried to get....ha ha!!!

Not sure what Tyler is doing, I wonder about him sometimes!!!
We actually had a good time, we lost over half an hour on our time due to Erics exchange mix up but everyone did a great job. Eric did try to spin it so it wasnt all his fault but we eventually forgave him!!

Locks of Love

2008-09-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today was the big day! Jenna has been waiting to get her hair cut until she had enough so she could donate it to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a non profit organization that helps children who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Jenna is very caring and sweet and it didn't surprise me at all that she wanted to do this.

A before shot to remember

Donated hair has to measure at least 10 inches from end to end

There it goes!

No tears and she was very happy to not have to deal with the knots and tangles anymore (and so was mom)

Ta-Da!!!!!! She did a great job and and she is a great example. I am very proud of her

Disney World

2008-09-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Last month we took the kids to Disney World, having Jayna and Rhylan with us made the vacation alot of fun. We really enjoyed having them with us and seeing Rhylan get excited to see the princesses that she loves!!!!

Ryan, Jorey, Jenna and Rhylan at the Magic Kingdom!!!

Rhylan loves Cinderella, it was so fun to see her get to meet all the princesses!!!

Rhylan in Minnie's house, she's so cute!!!!

Jenna and Rhylan on the shuttle, Jenna loves to play with Rhylan and look after her!!!

Jenna and Rhylan in the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon!!

Jorey and Ryan getting ready to scuba dive!! there were all kinds of fish and baby sharks for them to look at, I passed on that activity!!

Crazy kids with there crazy hats!!!!

Rhylan with Papa and Lisa with her Tinkerbell face!!!!!!

Jayna and Rhylan in Downtown Disney!!!!

Jenna, Rhylan, Jorey and Ry in Downtown Disney, we had dinner and ice-cream and shopped for souveniers!!!

We had a great vacation, the kids had alot of fun and were troopers considering the heat, humidty and crowds and Eric escaped us only once to the hotel, he was a trooper too!!!!

Half IronMan -Saturday September 13, 2008

2008-09-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Eric competed in a Half IronMan in Tawas, Michigan. It consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and ends with a 13.1 mile run. I drove up the night before with Callie, Jorey, Ryan and Jenna to cheer him on and spend the weekend. However, when Saturday early morning rolled around, nobody was getting up except for me!!!! My little brother Jimmy was there to compete in his first sprint triathlon (500meter swim, 12 mile bike, 5k run). The weather conditions were not great, heavy rain and wind made race conditons more difficult.

Eric and Jimmy

Eric is in there somewhere but no idea where!!!

Racing out of the water and sprinting to get to your bike while trying to get your wetsuit off and bike shoes on seems like it would take some time -but they change pretty fast. It also means the person trying to get actions shots with her camera has to sprint from the water to the bike transition in time to catch him before he takes off on his bike!!! I got a workout that day trying to get pictures of Eric and Jimmy

Eric does not like cycling on wet roads and it was pretty much raining the whole race!!!

Starting his run, unfortunatley i didn't get any of his finish because some guy would not move out the way. He ran a 8:24 pace which is really good ..............still raining!!!!

So happy i didn't have to call my mom and tell her Jimmy drowned.

Jimmy did really well for his first tri, he trained hard !!

Eric finished 1st in his age group and really did well (no ambulance needed this time, his last half ironman he ended up needing iv fluids due to dehydration from the extreme heat) Very proud of him and how hard he works!!! They both did great and despite the rain (it rained the whole weekend) we had a fun trip.