Pics from the trip to Idaho

I'll just warn you now that this could be a long one. I have several pictures to post and some long descriptions. I just go on and on. Just tonight I was talking to Ky on the phone and he told me I needed to get to the point of what I was trying to tell him because I can ramble on and on and on and on.
So buckle up and enjoy the ride!

These are my brother Robert's kids. Owen, Avery and Payton. Avery's hair looks platinum next to Kei. They are all toe heads like their mom. We stayed with these guys while we were in Boise. Love these kids to pieces. Like all little kids, Owen loved Kei. I'm not sure what spell he puts kids under but they just go to him and like him more than anyone else around. He also gets them to laugh when no one else can. Don't worry guys we'll be back soon!

These are some of my girlfriends from High School. Ram Power! Amy (on my left) just got engaged, sorry fellas. BUT the hot sauce to my right is single. Jamie is her name and she is amazing. She is a registered dietican and teaches aerobics at the gym she is also talented in other areas but the page isn't long enough to fit it in! She is a catch. Let me know if you need her number. I'm sure she is going to appreciate the online dating advertisement I'm doing for her. Don't worry Jam, I'll screen all applicants. I wish I could blog about all our adventures we had together but this is a family friendly blog! Let's just say Amy and I were grounded from each other on more than one occasion. For some reason when we were together we always got caught everytime we tried to do something we weren't suppose to. I'm so glad I got to see you girls.
This is my other friend Mendy I met the FIRST time I went to college at Idaho State. Go Bengals! She just recently found out she is expecting and we can't wait to find out what she is having. This is not the best picture of her so it is hard to tell, but she looks just like Sheryl Crow. Her daughter Ashia is in the pic with us. She is so stinking cute. It was good to catch up and see both of them.
Oh ya, Kei was acting a little crazy around Ashia. I think he might have a crush on her!

My mother in-law (Jan) and I went to my father in-law's (Dan) grave. We just cleaned it up a bit and snapped a few pic-

tures. I can't believe that it has been

four years since he

has passed away. In

some ways it feels like it was yesterday and other times like it was forever ago. There are times when things will come up and Ky will think "I'll call my dad and ask him." He always knew the right thing to say. He was an amazing man. I miss him.

This little sweet pea was born 2 days before we left Idaho. What a wonderful sister in-law I have to accommodate us like that! The baby's name is Kaitlin. She was the best baby, well the little time we were around her. Maybe she just likes us the best so she acted that way!! I regret not taking more pics of Kerri (mom). She looks like she wasn't even pregnant only two days after delivering. I guess that is a benefit of being 6'1. I also missed out on taking pics of the brothers and cousin. I'll post those studs when their moms send me pics (hint hint). Welcome to the family Kaitlin. Good luck little one!

5th Grade

Kei had his first day of school today.

Academics have never been a problem

for him so he wasn't nervous at all. In fact,

he is ready to "rule the school" as he would say.

Nothing like being big man on the totem pole.

I would say that he is getting old but then that

would mean that I am getting old too. Kei's

day didn't go off without a hitch though. Well

he was fine but I had a slight bit of drama.

Big shocker since my week has already been HELL!

I decided to hurry and take a pic of Kei before we left. We went out the front door and there were several bumble

bees flying by the door (we have flowers growing up the railing

they like to collect nectar from) one of them was about to go

into the house so I hurried and shut the door. We have one

of those locks on the door that allow you to open it even though

it is still locked. Yes, I was locked out of my house. I had no shoes

on but at least Kei had his backpack on. I had no way of getting in the house. I had no phone, no neighbors home, and no way to get Kei

to school. Not so bad if it weren't the first day. I decided to walk around the

block and see if one of his friend's mom could take him.

Fortunately a friend that lives behind us was sitting at the bus stop waiting with her son. (he goes to a different school) She was on her way to work

and was just waiting until the bus came. She offered to let me use her phone to try and call Ky to get the landlords number. Of course he was unable to answer so she gave me the code to open her garage and use her phone and phone book. I stayed and watched her son get on the bus and she took Kei to school for me. Sad, I didn't even get to take him on his first day. He was just laughing the whole time anyway (punk) so he didn't really care. I'll make sure to ask him how his day was and give him a big hug when he gets home!

So back to my saga. I really didn't want to call my landlord because I hate to admit that I have already locked myself out of my house 2 other times. One of them not so long ago. When I opened my friends garage I noticed she had a ladder and I got a brilliant idea. I took the ladder over to my patio and climbed up. The ladder wasn't quite tall enough so I had to swing my leg up and then use my arms to pull me up over the edge. Spider Man has nothing on me! Once I was on the porch I knew I could take the kitchen screen off the window and climb in. I had the window open through the night to cool the house so I just

needed to get the screen off. I used the kabob stick from the grill to pry open the screen. I then Climbed up on the chair and through the window. It was quite the process to get over the kitchen faucet but I was in and I didn't have to call and look like an idiot AGAIN. I just looked like an idiot to anyone seeing me climb through the window! I'm going to go get 2 copies of the house key made and my neighbor is going to hide one at her house so I will always have a spare. Whew, that was a winded blog. The week can only get better, right??

p.s. usually kids are dressed up on the first day of school. I was lucky to get Kei to wear something other than his under armor. It just isn't worth the fight.

Back To The Books

It's official, I'm a student...AGAIN.

I'm attending Kent State this Fall and today

was my first day of school. Kei took a picture of me this morning when I left and then met me

outside when I came home and said "Come here

and give Kei a hug, how was your day?" He did this in a very mimicking way, laced with much sarcasm, as this is what I do to him after he comes home from school. It was amusing but I needed more than a hug after the introduction I had into my Spanish class. I wish I knew a curse word in Spanish and I would use it right now. I've got to go do some reading...other than my friends blogs! Adios.

Conquering Infertility

Don't get excited. This post is not about me. I can say that I do know what it is like to take your temp. everyday, use ovulation kits, and turn something that should be natural into a scheduled routine. Ky and I tried for over 3 years to get pregnant. Going through the semen analysis, HSG testing, and uterine biopsy were only the beginning. We were told there was no reason we shouldn't be able to conceive. We tried several treatments, some of which included multiple daily shots, leaving a less than desirable bruised stomach and hind end. Those who have experienced this know the monthly, emotional roller coaster of feelings of elation, of expectation, and thinking finally, finally this could be it, this could be the month. Only to get that

unwelcome visit from Aunt Flow.

You know what I'm talking about. It is unpleasant when you're not trying to conceive and only more so when you are. But enough of the downside of infertility. My girlfriend Amy had been trying to get pregnant for 7 years. She just did IVF and is now pregnant with twins. She is having a boy and a girl! Knowing a little of what she has gone through, I am so exited for her and her husband. I was able to go to a baby shower for her while I was in Idaho and had such a great time. Amy is amazing and I can't wait until the little tikes arrive!

Nostalgia

Pulling into Grandma McBride's driveway I could almost smell the lilac bushes and the memories came flooding back. Hours during the summer were spent at Grandma's playing on the tire swing and running down the street to the store to buy penny candy. Yes, a penny, way back in my day, it was worth something.

I can't believe we use to be able to squish four of us on that tire swing. I could barely get on it by myself this time. It was the best when the older siblings or cousins would push you and knock you into the tree trunk. The day wasn't a success unless you left a layer of your skin either on the tree trunk or the rope.

I had such an exhilarating time getting back on the swing. There isn't a care in the world when you are floating in the swing. Very therapeutic.

Kei and his buddy Jake had a fun time as well. Sometimes don't you wish you could just go back to being young and carefree?

Happy 4th Anniversary

I'm not sure what you get for your fourth wedding

anniversary but I'm sure it is something from Tiffany's.

I hope you are taking note Ky. I just love a celebration

especially when it involves getting a present! Four fun filled

years and plenty to go, life couldn't be better, well maybe if

we were done with med school, but even then we are enjoying

the journey.

It all started with this picture. I'm sorry Ky that
you were so deceived but this was actually intended
to impress Mark, your friend, but I guess it worked
to snag you! Plus, now you know that I have a much
skinnier neck than that. (because everything else
is in prortion)HE HE HE.


This anniversary post wouldn't be complete without
a picture of us & Kei. Every year he says "What
are we going to do for OUR anniversary?" I guess in a way
it's his anniversary too. What a sweet little boy he was when
we got married. He's so glad that he has a dad 6 foot 5 so that
he can be that tall when he gets older (he'll learn genetics soon enough).

Rain or shine we didn't care. We were married and
ready to move on to the honeymoon! What a wonderful
day that was with all of our family and friends. Too bad
You are in Michigan and I am in Idaho. We are going to have
to celebrate when we all return home. Happy Anniverary
Ky & Kei.

Does Josh Know What He is Getting Into??

Kristen & Josh got married Friday August 17th. The ceremony was beautiful and both of them looked fab! These are just a few pictures.

Look at Payton, she's such a doll face and then there is Olivia who's just as adorable with Kei and Noah. Do they look like they are having fun?

Kei is faking a smile for the camera and Noah looks just as thrilled, and the girls, well they are at a wedding, and like all females, are loving every minute of it!

It is impossible to get 11 people to look at the same

camera and look good when there are 10 different

people taking pictures and you just aren't sure when

they are snapping. This was the picture that at least

everyone had their eyes open. How did my mom ever

handle all of us kids? Maybe this is why we are all so

crazy!!!

Some call her Grandma J or Grandma Great,

I call her a saint. She is the most amazing woman.

Endurance should be her middle name. Kei

says "My First love of candy came from grandma and

the tootsie rolls she would sneak me in church!" Those

of you who know Kei very well know that he truly

does love tootsie rolls and now you know who started it.

We have had such a blast hanging out with Grandma

at mom's house and everyone else. It has been so nice to

be at the wedding and see everyone and then to hang

out after. I'm going to be sad to leave.

Smells Best Forgotten

I've been in Idaho for 4 days now and have been going nonstop. I guess that is what happens when you see your family and friends only once a year.

I had the chance to drive to Pocatello today to visit some friends and family there. I must admit that I forgot what a stink hole it is between Twin Falls and Pocatello. On our drive home we went through 3 different spots where the stench of cows could burn your nose hairs off. At one point it was so strong that I felt I needed to not only hold my breath but close my mouth in case I could taste it. UGH! I kept thinking of the song Linger by The Cranberries because that is exactly what the smell would do. It was like a hazy cloud of funk that just wouldn't go away.

I guess every place has it's good points and not so good points. This is on the top of not so good.

Idaho or Bust!

First and foremost I am excited to see all of my FAMILY and FRIENDS when we get to Idaho. But right now I can't wait to be back in mountain country. I will actually be able to tell which direction I am going without relying on the car monitor to guide me. It is beautiful country out here in the east or is this still Midwest, who cares, the fact remains that there are NO mountains. I'm also looking forward to DRY heat and fuzz free hair, well the little bit of hair I have left after chopping it all off the other day. That is another story for another day. So watch out Idaho, HERE WE COME.

It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my fabulous Mother in-law.

She doesn't look a day older than 30! I typically

won't do birthday blogs because there are far too

many family members to do such a thing but I'm late

getting the birthday card and gift off so I thought I

better do something today Happy Birthday Mom.

Keion wanted to say "Happy birthday, peace out, and

I hope you get a lottery ticket and win." What a weirdo.

I'm sure Kylan would have something to say if he were

here but he's still in Michigan doing his ENT residency

rotations. We love you and hope you have a fun filled

day.

I SPY...

I don't know how many times this game

has entertained us during our cross-

country road trips, which have been one

too many. So here is a picture of a 5 mile race I

entered, in preparation for the half marathon

I am running at the end of September. I

thought it would be fun to play I Spy. Are

you up for the challenge? O.K. here you go.

I SPY...

Danette (me), 12 hats, 3 watches, 8 headphones,

1 burly mustache, 1 escaped convict(2070) and

his friendly sister(1498), 1 guy heading the wrong

way, 3 women on prozac (too happy for the early hour),

1 mystified man (close to me), and 2 lime green and 5

yellow shirts.

A Real Butt Clincher

If my BUTT looked like this then I wouldn't have had the problem I did this morning while out on my run. For those of you who run or train for runs you can't deny that this has happened to you or maybe I'm just hoping that I am not the only one. So...
I only had a short 4 mile run this morning. No problem until mile 3. Holy crap, literally! I had to go to the bathroom so bad and was at least half a mile from home. I thought I could make it. If only I could clench as good as the girl in the picture. It was so bad that I had to stop running because I had no
control and I was about to CRAP my shorts. Never mind that my stomach is now in a knot. So I think I have it under control again and start back up. I almost made it home when again I had to stop. What do they call it when this happens... a turtle?? Anyway, I had to just stand and squeeze for dear life. When cars came by I tried to act like I was stretching and nothing was wrong. I'm sure the twisted, distorted look on my face gave nothing away. I
had to walk a block to my house with my CHEEKS fully clenched. Now there was no way that looked unsuspicious. Nothing short of a waddle.
Finally, I am home and just have to wait an eternity for Kei to come unlock the door. Oh the RELIEF once I'm in. I'll just end by saying I took a shower right away! I think I will start my lunges now.

Teasing Twister

I took this photo off of my back porch.

The storm came rolling in while I was

out grilling chicken. I was on the phone with my

friend Dulcey when she told me there was a

tornado warning in effect. I quickly hung up,

grabbed the camera, took one lousy picture and

hurried to the basement with Kei.The white

clouds near the black corner, were being sucked

up (I know it is hard to see) and then the others

in the upper right corner were rotating in a circular

motion. It's as close as I want to come to being in a

tornado and I thought I left tornado country when

we moved from Missouri. One minute after I took

the picture the wind and rain came rushing down.

I'm just glad the chicken was done so we wouldn't

have to wait to eat...I get cranky when I'm hungry!

ALL ABOARD

I've officially jumped on board after

several friends have talked me into

making a blog. I must admit I have

been addicted to reading blogs, even those

of people I don't know. Ironically enough,

before this I had just made fun of my sister

in-law for doing the same thing and then

later found myself wasting precious sleeping

time absorbed in random blogs and withering

the night away. If you could see me now you would

know that I have been missing out on my beauty

sleep! Enjoy the postings and I will try to keep

you posted on all our latest adventures.