My McFamily

NOT GREAT NEWS

2010-11-22T21:54:00.002-05:00

ok sooooooo not such a great day at the immunologist. Scary scary stuff. I have spent the week freaking out and crying. Yes I am a little emotional but oh well. The immuno dr thinks she has an auto immune disease. Crazy thing I got the test results friday but no one to interpret them. There were 2 done that have to do with an auto immune disease and one is off the charts high and the other is slightly elevated. Sooooooooo seems to look like I know where this is going to go. I AM SCARED TO DEATH. SCARED SCARED SCARED. Some of those diseases are horrible. Now I just wait for a DR to call ME!!!!!!!!! Ugh!

THANK YOU!!!!

2010-11-08T19:11:00.001-05:00

I also wanted to say thank you to you that prayed for my little Kinsey. I haven't said all my thank yous and I need to. I think I have had a hard time cause I just don't want them to stop. I guess I am scared its going to happen again. Please forgive my craziness and thank you for praying!

2010-11-08T19:02:00.003-05:00

ok soooo lots has happened since my last post. If anyone reads this (I am not sure) Kinsey is pretty much all better. I really hate to utter those words, I guess just afraid something else might happen. She still is being followed by Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Dermatology and an Allergist!!! lol!!!!! oh and of course her new Pediatrician that we switched to after he took such good care of her in the hospital (even though I think I yelled at him a few times!) We are still having a skin issue that we don't know why and also it seems she is sneezing nonstop but overall who cares about those little things. She goes back to the Immunologist next week to have a discussion on vaccinations. Its a favorite of mine, not. Got to decide what to do about vaccinating her. fun. But it will be interesting to hearr what they have to say. Keelin is doing good too. Poor kid kinda gets lost in the shuffle of Kinsey it seems. Hopefully I will be able to make up for all that. I try. I have been having so much fun with the girls every week going to their tennis lessons. Yes Kinsey takes tennis too. They have so much fun. Amazing to think I thought we wouldnt ever be there.

PLEASE PRAY FOR MY KINSEY!!!

2010-05-16T22:45:00.004-04:00

well. Here I am again. But sadly all is not well. My sweet baby kinsey is still in the childrens hospital and has now been here for 22 days. THis place will make you crazy. The plan for the moment is:

today we had scans of internal organs
tomorrow bone scan of the foot and heel
tomorrow last day of iv antibiotics
wait 48 hours
if fevers continue then we have bone marrow biopsy thursday or friday
once we get a negative from that then we start steroids and they bring in a rheumatologist.
also if the bone scan shows something in her heel then we probably have to do a heel biopsy as well.

I am asking for everyone to pray for my Kinsey. WE NEED A CLEAR BONE SCAN. FEVERS TO GO AWAY BY WEDNESDAY AND IF THEY DONT THEN WE NEED A NEGATIVE BONE MARROW BIOPSY.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

sisters blog

2010-01-21T00:17:00.000-05:00

ok so read my little sisters blog and her post on Kansas

orientation

2010-01-10T01:51:00.002-05:00

So I went to the orientation and they basically told us it would be horrible and scary and we might need therapy before its all over. No joke. So yay. I have been studying this weekend since there is not too much going on since its been so icey. Love the fact the mail lady plowed down my mailbox. Seriously I think it's funny. Oh am I am not inspired at the moment.

2010-01-03T14:43:00.002-05:00

So today I need to be doing laundry and cleaning so I can get prepared for the week. Vacation is pretty much over, boo hoo. I have orientation for the new semester this week. Keelin goes back to school on Tuesday. I hate the fact that I have to get up so early to be somewhere by 9am. It takes so long to get to school. I mean my system is in for a shock cuz I have slept until noon for the past week.

my blod

2010-01-03T02:16:00.002-05:00

ok I just watched Julie and Julia and I am inspired. I have decided regardless of anyone reading it or not, I am going to write my blog again. And my deadline like Julie's in the movie is my graduation which is in about 473 days.

2009-06-21T21:27:00.003-04:00

Ok so things still the same but we are doing ok. Shawn is still looking for a job but I am not feeling so insane anymore. I feel positive. He will find a job and everything will be ok. Anyway Keelin's been swimming this summer and this week starts Vacation Bible School. Today we went to the High Museum to see Monet's Waterlilies with my dad for fathers day. I love the High I could stay all day I think. Keelin was very impressed. Last week I took Keelin to White water with Brenna's sister in law and her little girl. It was just the 4 of us and we had a blast. It was Keelin's first water park. She talked non stop about it for 2 days. The week before that we stayed out at Brenna's for 4 days. The kids had soooooo much fun it was hard to leave. Kinsey and Bowie are Frick and Frack (SP?) anyway, Kids been playing in the baby pool and getting eaten by mosquitoes and catching fire flies so I would say summer is off to a big start! I wish i could blog more but my computer finally bit the dust so I can't get on it often. I will try to blog more. I miss everyone!

MAYYYYYY

2009-05-18T09:10:00.010-04:00

I figured I would post of few pictures from Easter, I never did because I didn't take any so I had to get them from my mothers camera. Things are still the same I think I might be going insane. This is the craziest thing. We have applied for a few hundred jobs and I don't know what to do. I am looking for a waitress job now cause we cant both be at home, it would have to temp for me cause I start school in August and there is NO WAY I can do both. It will be hard enough being a mom and having school let alone adding a job in the mix. So I am done with my classes everything passed and all so that is good. Keelins out of school this week and I am happy about not having to take her for awhile. Got her signed up for swimming for the whole summer so she is very excited. Kinsey is OK both girls have colds so of course Kinsey is taking it alot worse than Keelin, I think I slept for about 1 1/2 hours last night. Seriously. The night before was the same except I got to go back to bed yesterday morning.

kinda bothered

2009-05-07T00:14:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to throw this out there. I am kinda bothered by the Obama not doing the whole prayer day thing. I like prayer day.

STILL THE SAME

2009-05-06T13:22:00.008-04:00

Well things are still the same. Shawn is still looking for a job and it is the most frustrating thing ever. He has never had this problem in his life. It seems that all the jobs are too far away. Ugh it is so miserable. He has sent his resume to over 100 places. Today he is just going door to door to businesses. We don't know what else to do. So annoying. No one is hiring within a 100 mile radius. If we want to move to south Georgia(which no way would EVER happen) then we would be set or just move out of this state all together. But I got into the nursing program and that is so hard. Anyway poor Shawn he is so frustrated.
Kinsey is doing well. Her levels are still not where we want them but she is looking better. The Dr said we all need to remember how sick she was and how close we came. So in my book she is awesome.
Keelin is doing good. She just finished her soccer season and she had a great season. They had a family cook out at the school after their last game and she got a trophy which she was really excited about. She is out of school soon and keeps me informed of the countdown every morning. She said she just doesn't wasn't to go to 2nd grade!
I had one final in biology last week and my last one on Monday so i need to cram cram cram. I got an A in the class for the 1st bio class. I have been kinda stressed lately(to say the least) and Brenna was going to see her best friend who was on a vacation break from the middle east. He has a beach house in Virginia Beach and she asked me to ride along with her and my best friend who lives a few hours from their met us as well. We had sooooooooooo much fun it was only a day and a half visit but so much fun. We didn't want to leave. Their place at the beach is 5 star and they spoiled us rotten. It was so relaxing. Sad we had so little time but I am happy I get to see Shannon at all!
So everythings still the same----Just hangin in!

things are getting better!

2009-03-28T00:18:00.002-04:00

Ok so things are getting better. We recently went to Kansas and had an awesome time visiting relatives. I think I have THE BEST FAMILY EVER!!!!!! My grandmother is awesome, we had the best visit ever. I was so comfortable at her house I never wanted to leave. I was more relaxed than I have been in a long time. Her cooking was great and how awesome to not have to worry about dinner??? The best! The baby actually went to bed with no problem every night! and slept all night. I got to read my book and watch tv. My aunt and uncle were great also. I love being with them and all my cousins. They are very special, generous and giving people. Shawn said something that is pretty awesome and that makes me very proud, he said he never knew families that just step up and help you with everything they have , and will do anything they can. He loved my family and finally got to find out why i love Kansas and I never want to leave when I go and why I always have a little hope that I will one day live there. I always say I can breathe better there, Shawn actually said the same thing the 2nd day we were there. We did actually come home all sick but that's ok it is that time of year. I just have to say I can't believe it that as soon as I leave they get a blizzard!!!!!! I am the one who loves winter the most and never gets to see it and then bam there it is and I have already gone home!
The other thing that is making things look a little better is that I found out this week I was accepted in the nursing program at North Georgia State College and University. I am very excited and nervous. I can barely believe it, I almost didn't think it would happen. So things are getting better!!!!!! Also Shawn got his CDL which is something he has wanted for a long time. He worked so hard for that. I helped him study and that thing scared me, all the things you have to know is overwhelming. There is no way I could pass that thing! So I am very proud of him!!!!

crap

2009-02-14T22:54:00.003-05:00

so friday we got the awful news, shawn was permanently laid off. sucks sucks sucks. i guess i shouldnt be suprised but you know it still hurts. what to do what to do i dunno. its kinda exhausting just thinking about it. well we will have to figure it out. its frustrating when you always try to do the right thing and you still get screwed(pardon my french) Shawn is awesome when it comes to work. he will work his ass of. he has NEVER been late and NEVER missed a day since he started 4 years ago. Every review he has had has been perfect. what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ughgfrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ny wAY(i am typing one handed have kinsey in my lap so everything will be misspelled or not capitalized right)
so today i took keelin and bella putt putting it was fun. then tonight shawn and i had been promising for months that for vday we would take keelin and kins to build a bear. so now i am really tired but the kids have their bears n they r happy.

my doggies

2009-02-11T00:06:00.003-05:00

Ok so this past saturday I told Shawn that we were going to check the pound. I had already sent them a lost dog form and called the animal control and reported them missing but it takes like 4 days or so for them to get back to you. So we headed down there Shawn was convinced they would not be there. This place is in a very icky part of town its about 30 minutes away and its on the same road as the jail, dump, health department etc..... so anyway we go in and we start down the first row we had almost gotten down to the end and at the last cage I look in and there is Jessie. I was in total shock. I couldn't believe it. It was like she was looking at me saying Its me Its me!!!!!! I started screaming and running down the aisle out to the front screaming its my dog you have my dog! they told me what to do so I went back in and I thought that Jessie was alone since I never saw thora. But when I went back in Shawn and Keelin had found thora on the next aisle. there were two girls who work there who were like these are your dogs? and we were so excited and I am like yes yes yes and they were saying how Happy they were that we had found them that they are so sweet and that Jessie is the best dog and they wanted her. They told me that they were picked up less than a block from my house at 2am early Friday morning. i saw those dogs at midnight! and somehow they got out and picked up in 2 hours?????? I dunno weird. I really cant say enough about how awesome the girls at the pound were they were the best I want to do something nice for them they were so awesome. They spent time with them in their cages even. The upside of all this is their shots needed to be updated and at the pound they got their shots and they were both micro chipped . they only charged me for one dog which was $55! What a blessing in disguise. I was stressed about the money to pay for new shots but now its all done! Anyway they are here safe and sound-very traumatized but happy.

FOUND THEM :)

2009-02-07T17:08:00.001-05:00

I FOUND MY DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I WILL POST MORE LATER

my doggies are gone and i don't think they are coming back

2009-02-07T11:03:00.004-05:00

my doggies are gone and I don't think they are coming back. I am very sad and I miss them terribly. They say outside only but I guess I have become dependant on them always being there with their smiling faces (yes dogs smile). The are the best watch dogs. A few years ago we just had Jessie and shawn was working 2nd shift. Keelin was in the living room alone and I was in the bedroom packing for our trip to the beach. Keelin started screaming and Jessie was going nuts. I ran in the living room and Keelin was freaking out saying that a man was looking at her through the window. I asked her what he looked like she said black mask that was on his whole head and a brown coat she said it looked like his eyes were popping out and he had black hands but no gloves on-(I would say he was probably black) she said she was face to face with him in the window above our love seat. I wasn't sure if I believed her because she was 4 and she was dramatic but Jessie was going crazy like she was going to eat someone. I left for the beach and the next day my neighbor was attacked, kidnapped and raped by a black man in a mask. My neighbor did escape and the man kidnapped and killed another lady a few miles down the road then thankfully a good citizen shot and killed him. So crazy. I feel bad for not believing Keelin but She was little and I didn't see anybody. But still to this day she can tell you exact detail and they have never changed. Jessie makes me feel safe. They are so good with the kids. I just feel like I will never have dogs as good as them. I drove around for hours yesterday and Shawn did too. I am very sad. Shawn woke up yesterday morning at 4 am for work and when he went outside the gate was standing open and the dogs were gone.

Keelin is sad too. Even Kinsey pointed at the yard and said Dog?dog?dog? cause they always run to the gate to lick her hands when she is outside and she laughs and laughs. I guess we will have to get new dogs. I just dont want to. I just dont feel safe without them.

This is a picture of Jessie when we first got Thora.

A good good day!

2009-01-31T00:30:00.004-05:00

Well I am in a good mood. I had a really great day today. Shawn is on his layoff right now so he is at home. Yes he gets on my nerves sometimes but that's ok that's his job! hahaa anyway today my mom watched Keelin and me and Shawn got to have a day date. We went to the morning showing of The Wrestler. I so loved it. It was really great I felt like I was watching someone who really exists and it's like a home movie or something. I felt very invested in this guy. I have always loved Micky Rourke even when everyone made fun of him. So I am happy he decided to do such a great movie. The cool thing is he pretty much got paid nothing. I think he's super cool. Anyway and Marissa Tomei has the best body it's sick. I aspire to look like that in my 40's(yeah like that's gonna happen)

Then after the movie we went over to the mall and walked around for a few minutes and I got some new sunglasses. I typically don't go around spending money but I am having a huge eye issue. I pretty much need to wear a full face mask sunglass if I leave my house otherwise I am sick and have a headache or a full blown migraine. such a mess. And I got new sunglasses already but the lenses madee me so sick i almost crushed them into tiny pieces. I didn't. Anyway so then we went to lunch. It was great really fun. Then we got the Kins and then Keelin. Eventhough I had to clean up a nasty stiny wet mess from our pipe explosion under the kitchen sink I am still in a good mood. School is super stressful for me and I sometimes wonder how I am going to make it. It's so hard. I feel guilty leaving the kids so much. This is the most I have ever left Kinsey. It makes me feel torn. I hate that. But I am going to finish, I have not come this far for it to get me now. No matter what I am in it till the end, whenever and whatever that may be! I gpt my hair cut yesterday and I REALLY like it. I think it's my favorite hair I have ever had! It's not that much different from before but then it is. I love it! I will post a coupe of bad pictures! And don't make fun of me if I am looking off in the distance or have my eyes closed, I have a hard time with flashes, I spent half my birthday in bed cause my sister took my picture. I so could not be famous.

STUPID STUPID SICKNESS,ILLNESS, YUCK

2009-01-19T23:36:00.004-05:00

well I am tired. I am just tired. I am still being upbeat but darnit I am tired. Tired of being broke. Tired of school. Tired of cleaning endlessly and most of all tired of the baby sickness. I don't know what to do. We go back to the immunologist at emory soon. I just am ick. and I have a bunch of bills regarding this that came over the weekend and I am like why should i pay when this is not fixed!!! but then I have to remember to be greatful for what I do have. But ugh. I am supposed to take her off her medication every now and then to see what happens. Hahaaaa so fun. Last time was just a notch below medical emergency and I didn't give it to her last night and last night and today were awful. She looks crazy acts crazy and I feel lost. what do you do???? I have now been to:
3 pediatricians
1 dermatologist
1 specialized dermatologist
too many to count er visits
1 immunologist
1 allergist
and here we are. still after almost 6 MONTHS. I know I am feeling sorry for myself. but whatever I am cranky. what's the next step?????????

My grandmother's things

2009-01-15T23:24:00.005-05:00

Tonight I was looking through my grandmother's recipe box. I have looked through it so many times and I love all the recipes. Some she cut out of magazines and taped them to an index card and then would comment on the recipe. Others are her handwriting which is very cool and then there are some she has written and then put whose recipe it originally was. I love having this little piece of my grandmother. When she died I was single and living the single life and moving around and whatever. I got to pick a few things of hers to keep. I am soooooo glad I was not an idiot and was able to keep up with them. I have to say they are probably some of my favorite things I have. The recipe box of course is a favorite but I think my all time favorite is this little wall hanging in the bathroom of a little boy getting in the tub with his frog. I remember being little and when I would visit my grandparents and have to go to the bathroom I would stare at that thing, I loved it. And now it's in my bathroom. I think it's awesome. I got a couple of towels-pink ones of course and I use them all the time. I love them. I also got some doilies. Right now I am not using them. When I was single I had them on my dresser but now when laundry and little hands I feel better packing them away till the girls are bigger. Oh and another item that I adore is my little chickens. I collect chickens for my kitchen and my grandmother had a collection as well. I got these tiny little chickens. They are soooo cute. I know there are some things I am forgetting There are some things I packed away for awhile so they will not get broken. HMMM I will have to think about it and post more later. So this week has been slightly exhausting. School started this week and It has been insane. I will have to elaborate later. Let me just say this- It should no longer be luck of the irish---it should be luck of Kelli. Ugh you know- you step in poop and you say well at least I wasnt bare foot. Thats luck of the irish. anyway more later

cleaning up

2009-01-03T15:45:00.009-05:00

Well I thought I would post a few pictures from our fantastic Christmas! I had a great Christmas and I am sad it's over but I am optimistic on the year to come. I am hopeful. I am not excited about Keelin going back to school and me going back to school and all that stuff. I have really enjoyed all of us hanging around the house. I got all the Christmas stuff down last night and I have most of the house cleaned which makes me feel really good. I have a nursing exam Jan 9th so I need to be studying it is for a nursing program I am TRYING to get into. Soooooo competitive. Some of these programs i am applying to only take like 30-40 people!!! But like I said I am being hopeful! Right now Shawn's son is here visiting over the holidays and they are getting ready to watch the Falcon's play. So my house has been pretty busy!! I will post more pictures later!!!!

Missing MY Kansas Christmas.

2008-12-27T00:59:00.003-05:00

Well it's the day after Christmas and I am sad. But that's the usual for me. I am silly I know. I am a HUGE CHRISTMAS GOOBER. I think I wait all year for Christmas. I can't wait to watch all the cheezy lifetime movies and all the rest of my traditions. I think my problem comes from my family. My Christmas growing up was always a drawn out process. It would start with Santa coming early like on the 22 or 23rd. And then going to Kansas, Christmas eve at The church in Wellington(my favorite part always being silent night with candles in the dark) Christmas day at the Shore's then days following with various family members, Gram, aunts, uncles, cousins(cousin reunion at Dixie's), Having soooooo much fun. I guess I have always identified myself in that way. That that part of my family is who I am. I don't know if they know that or understand that. It is just such a huge part of who I am and how I feel. My love for them, their lives, that part of the country haunts me. yes haunts. because it is so close but so far away. I wish I could readily be apart of it but financially I can't. I can't wait for the day that I can just plan a trip and do it! Ugh so icky sad!!!!! Even Keelin gets it. She cried and said she wants to be in Kansas. Anyway, wish I was there, want to be there, will eventually be there. Love you all and miss you all.

I have gone Christmas Crazy!!!!!!!!

2008-12-23T01:23:00.004-05:00

I love Christmas. I always have. This year Christmas time has been really great. Crazy as that is because of Shawn's layoff and all but it's been great. I think alot of it has to do with Shawn. He has fully thrown himself into Christmas for the first time. He is with me on all the cheezy stuff I want to do, all the cheezy Christmas movies I want to watch, driving around looking at people's Christmas lights, help me decorate the house WHILE watching cheezy movies, put Christmas lights all over the outside of the house and all of this with a fantastic cheery attitude! He said he realizes it's all about the kids and making really great family memories for them, yes he actually said that. And he actually said he is really enjoying it for the first time and can't figure out why he has been such a pain in the butt in the past. Woo hoo for me. I guess if I get a warm and fuzzy family in exchange for a layoff well I guess we will just figure it out and deal. It's funny usually when i am worried about money I am twisted in knots. For the most part I am happy!?!? Weird. Anyway since my husband is so on board with EVERYTHING I am getting more things done this year. Like I already said we have watched Christmas movies just about every night and we have driven around looking at people's lights, gone to Life's Nights of Lights, I have had the Christmas stuff up since the day after Thanksgiving(didn't happen last year), Listened to Christmas music every time we get in the car, actually let me take 20 or more pictures of us trying to get a somewhat normal one for Christmas cards and NO ONE complained!, me and Keelin made a gingerbread house, and tonight we baked cookies. Tomorrow we are making Christmas candy. I don't know guess I have gone Christmas crazy! but I like it!!!!!

Swap Gift

2008-12-20T22:36:00.004-05:00

I got my swap gift today and I LOVE IT!!! so me! Natalie made mine and I love it. It is a Christmas pillow with a sewn on gift tag that says Merry McChristmas. Awesome. Now my mission for next year is to find some cool Merry McChristmas cards!!!!!!

fun fun

2008-12-12T23:41:00.005-05:00

well i thought i would blog a smidge. I have to post these pictures of me and brenna. SOOOOO funny and we cannot be held accountable for our looks. We went to bed at like 2am and were at the flea market at 7am-it was like 1 1/2 hours from my house-also it was 20 degrees out and we had nowhere to go but outside. We were there till like 2pm so we looked a little rough. I had fun though and made like $75 selling my old clothes so wooohoo. Tonight shawn and i took the girls to the varsity for hot dogs then we went to life college for the christmas light thing and it was awesome sooooooooo much fun! Kinsey kept saying cute cute cute, we didnt tell keelin what we were doing so she was sooooooo excited!!!! ILOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Busy Busy

2008-11-27T01:55:00.008-05:00

Well I have been busy lately....... I have been so icky sick I feel very crappy but anyway Monday night we had Keelin's Thanksgiving program at school and it was awesome. The kids were so great I almost cried it was so fantastic. The kids were so perfect and proud it was such a neat thing. Unfortunately my drama baby did something I don't know what at the reception after the program and we had to take her to the ER because she had pulled her elbow out of socket!!!!!! Tuesday night I had a presentation at school that I was nervous about and proceeded to have a coughing fit(thanks to my cold)in the middle of my presentation! oh well! Then today we went to the zoo with my grandmother. Tomorrow is turkey day so hopefully I will feel better!

TWERDS!!!!!

2008-11-20T20:30:00.001-05:00

OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH LOOK AT MY TWILIGHT COUNTER!!!! OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH HOLY COW!!I AM SOOOOOOO EXCITED !!!!!

keelin's american girl 7th bday party

2008-11-15T22:57:00.007-05:00

we had lots of fun for keelin's 7th birthday. We went to American Girl and Keelin got her bitty baby with lots of bitty gear. we went to pf changs for dinner then we stayed at the embassy suites for a slumber party. we also celebrated brenna's birthday. this morning we got up and had breakfast in our room then we all went swimming. Lots and lots of fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEELIN

2008-11-14T01:29:00.005-05:00

Today November 14 is Keelin Kate McElreath's 7th birthday. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. She was so perfect and cute. She was 8lbs 2 oz. She was born at 6:41 pm at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Md. I can not believe she is 7 today and she is in the 1st grade! Tonight we will be off for a night of birthday fun and we are going to make a stop at the American Girl store. She is very excited!

the sad thing about this picture is how much i have aged in 7 years. i look like i am 14!!!!!

My crazy cute silly baby

2008-11-12T00:30:00.005-05:00

I had to post these pictures. Yesterday Keelin and I got home from the store and when we walked in Shawn was sound asleep sawing logs on the couch and Kinsey was passed out on the floor in front of the TV, like she was playing and just fell over. I have NEVER seen her do that.

Then today I was doing the daily "chores" and i was in the back of the house and Kinsey was all over the house but I had play with me sesame or whatever that's called on in the living room. So I come out there to check on her and I see her sitting quietly in front of the TV. I think oh how cute what a good girl! then she turns around. She had found a Halloween peppermint patty and had squished it till it melted and popped out of the wrapper. When she turned around I gasped and said Kinsey in the oh my gosh voice and she immediately gave me her squinched face smile that says "what? me? but I am sooo cute!" so I just laughed and took her picture then hosed her down. I love this crazy weird face she makes!

Happy Birthday

2008-11-07T01:13:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to do a post about this but i guess I changed my mind. 15 years ago today I had a baby. She was 7 lbs 4.9 oz. She was perfect. Her parents named her Erin. That was a very hard day for me and I guess still is. It's funny I don't even know I am cranky about it until I suddenly realize the date on the calendar. I mourned her adoption for about 2 years thinking back. I didn't really understand my feelings then but I get it now. I know it was the right decision but it is still sad. I wonder what she looks like now? The last pictures I have are from when she was 6 or 7. I would like to be a fly on the wall for a day! So anyway Happy Birthday Erin! I love you forever!

bella's halloween party

2008-10-26T15:37:00.001-04:00

Bella had a Halloween party last night and we all had a fun time dressing up! Keelin was a clown and Kinsey was Little Red Riding Hood. I was Spiderella and Shawn was Pumpkin Head

more of me and shannon-cause i want to

2008-10-22T01:04:00.000-04:00

Ok I am posting more pics of me and shannon cause i love them and i just want to, also it is such a momentous occasion that we FINALLY got to see each other I think it is worthy of at least 2 posts if not a million more!

TOGETHER AGAIN

2008-10-20T12:03:00.001-04:00

It actually happened. finally. i got to see my bff. i already miss her.

NEW HAIR

2008-10-17T23:57:00.000-04:00

WOO HOO FINALLY NEW HAIR DO-i know i know i look like erin

Sunday at the park

2008-10-12T19:21:00.000-04:00

Today I decided to take the girls to the park. Shawn and Dad went to the Falcons game so I decided to take the girls and get happy meals then on to the park. there were so many people there I had to circle the parking lot 3 times. People were parking all along the street. People REALLY wanted to go to the park. I have to say it is a really cool park. It is huge. There are so many paths you can walk or ride bikes, scooters roller blade. There is a huge playground for big kids and a huge gated playground for little kids. They are also in the process of putting in a skate park. Right now they have a huge drop in ramp. I think it is neat they are putting in the big skate park. I don't think I have ever seen a public park with a skate park. It is a great idea. So the girls had a great time. Kinsey couldn't run fast enough. The only problem I had was it was soooooo stinking bright out. I felt like I could barely open my eyes and when I did I couldn't really see. Ugh I hate the stinky sun. I needed some kind of visor, bigger and darker sunglasses and then maybe it would be OK. Oh well. We stayed for almost 2 hours. I am now really tired. Kinsey is still not feeling good. She has good moments then she gets all cranky crazy. So I need some sleep. HA like that's gonna happen. I have a paper, a project and an oral test in front of the class all due this week!

my far away friend

2008-10-11T16:59:00.000-04:00

I have not seen my best friend in 6 years. She lives so far away and we both have little kids. In some ways I feel like It was the other day I saw her and then others it seems like it has been forever. We try to talk several times a week. It seems crazy it has been this long! Shannon is the bestest friend ever. I sometimes say she is my other half. The more wild other half. I feel like I understand the things she feels even when other people don't get it and I definitely feel like she understands all my weirdness, quirkiness, strangeness and hypochondriacness. I have never met anyone that I feel that way about. No matter how far away or how long between visits I feel like she is and always be no matter what my best friend in the world. Sounds strange but I think I am very lucky to have found her. Alot of people never find their best friend soul mate. Sounds silly but what else would you call it? ANYWAY we might actually get to see each other soon. I am afraid to be excited. Afraid that it wont happen at the last minute. I guess I will have to wait and see. But I am hopeful. So here is to the countdown to see Shannon.

My 7th wedding anniversary

2008-10-08T01:09:00.000-04:00

I meant to do a new post yesterday but lost track of time. Yesterday was me and Shawn's 7th wedding anniversary. We got married 7 years ago in Helen, Ga. I loved our wedding. It was very small but I loved it. I always say I would never change anything except for the dress. I always wanted the big dress. BUT being that I was 8 months pregnant that just wouldn't be appropriate! But it was very sweet. I still remember it clearly. On the way to Helen Shawn was following us in our car and it broke down half way there! I wish I had a scanner so I could post the picture of all of us on the side of the road. Very funny. I remember not being scared or really nervous just like I was a little nervous like I had to remember my lines for a play or something. Also my feet were killing me in my beautiful heels. I wasn't sure I would make it down the aisle and back. Also it was Oktoberfest and the town which is a German town in Georgia, had to hold off the bands till our wedding was over so when we came out of the Chapel there were tons of people outside in the lederhosen and all raised their steins to us. Funny Funny. then we went to dinner with everyone. It was great. we stayed in Helen that night and then we drove home-I drove home-to Baltimore-12 hours away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ugh I still remember! But It was awesome. Now 2 kids later we are still the same silly couple. I love him truly, madly and forever. The carpet is not messed up in this picture its the picture is messed up!

I forgot to say......................

2008-09-29T23:16:00.000-04:00

I forgot to post this picture of Keelin and Brady. I think it is so funny I told them to say flamingo and I caught them both at the O! Also in my other post I said I was worried and that is why I have been wonky lately. I am sharing all this because I have been so ucky lately and I have been acting that way. Well I said I thought it was because of the news that Shawns company was doing a mandatory layoff of all employees. Shawn and I were also upset because we didnt understand why they were treating their employees this way. Shawn had never missed a day in 4 years and never been late not even once. Some employees have been there for over 20 years. Well today was the corporate meeting to discuss the layoff. I was a little scared. BUTTTTTTT Shawn came home and said they were very reassuring. They siad that it would probably be only about 1 week not 3 months. And it would be the week of Christmas and we can use any left over vacation days! Shawn still has 4 left. So we are pretty sure everything is going to be OK! Its kind of good actually that Shawn gets to take a break at Christmas. I have always hated that he has to work the day after Christmas. So I am very thankful and my prayers have been answered. Again. I think I need to go to Church. Anyway just thought I would share and so if I start to act rediculous again you can hit me and say "you dummie you have way too much to be thankful and greatful for so shut the * up!"

Today Kinsey brought me a pair of Shawn's socks and then lifted her feet for me to put them on her then she danced around in them for awhile!

Kinsey got new shoes yesterday and is very proud of them and danced around in them all day today, after she eventually took the socks off!

The Weekend

2008-09-28T23:22:00.000-04:00

So my weekend was ok. Friday was very good. We went to the zoo (Keelin, Kinsey, Me, Mom, Brenna, Brady and Bowie) Every time we go to the zoo Kinsey loves it even more it is sooo fun to watch her with the animals. She loved the Gorillas, Pandas, Meercats, otters and the reptile house. She squealed in the reptile house. She kept pointing and saying see see see see. At the otters they were laying in a pile sleeping and Bowie pointed and said kitty! Mom asked him where are the kitties and he pointed at the pile of otters. So stinking cute. Keelin of course loved everything. at one of the exhibits that I had no idea what kind of animal it was(some sort of big bird) Keelin went on to tell us and everyone around all about the bird and its habit and all kinds of stuff. Someone said wow that's a lot of good information she should work here and keelin said it was on animal planet. Who said TV was bad??? anyway we had a picnic lunch and it was a very good day. Once we were home we all had the thought that maybe we should not have gone to the zoo considering that none of us can find gas but I don't really even care cause my babies had so much fun. Hopefully I can get Keelin to and from school Monday and Tuesday and i have enough to get to school and maybe I can find some in one of the little towns north of school. My theory is to go to less populated areas. we shall see. I think the Gov should have declared a 2 day school vacation for all schools and universities so we could conserve a little. I mean I saw a gas station today that had gas and the line was at least 150 cars long. Crazy. Anyway I think my problem feeling crappy is that I am worried right now. Not only about Kinsey cause we are still battling the rash UGH but also because Shawns works is saying they are going to temporarily lay everyone off. Maybe for 3 months maybe for 1 week a month for awhile. Either way not good. Not good at all. So That is probably my issue. Well I am trying to send out good thoughts good thoughts yes I am trying to be positive. The other will get me nowhere!!!

blech

2008-09-26T01:33:00.000-04:00

well I got good grades on both tests so I am very happy. I am feeling so blech today. I dont know why I feel this way I have been trying to live more upbeat and positive and really kinda felt that way but right now I AM NOT FEELING IT! I feel all kinds of poopy. I need to shake it off. AHHHH. I know there is something off when i dont even want to talk to anyone on the phone and i am cranky with the kids and i feel like i am nervous about something but cant figure out what it would be........... ugh hopefully i will sort it out over the weekend!

2 tests

2008-09-23T07:18:00.000-04:00

I have 2 tests today and to say I am not ready is an understatement. I have not felt like studying and Kinsey does not help with that situation. I have been so tired since last week. I tried to study over the weekend. Got a little sone but sassy pants thinks I have to be at her beck and call. I studied last night until 2 am and right now it is 7:20 am. I am tired. Hopefully I will get to study a little more before I go to school today!!!!!!!

GAS?????

2008-09-21T00:56:00.000-04:00

so ummm tonight I needed to get gas in the car and I drove and drove and drove. I went to 12 gas stations and finally at the 13th they had some gas but for some reason the pumps were screwy and went really slow and some how was double charging everyone. The Indian people that run that gas station were claiming they don't know and its just fine. What? The guy next to me was flipping out he only got 10 gallons and it charged him for 22 gallons. I got 6 gallons and left. This is crazy. The news said don't panic everything will be back to normal in a few weeks What? weeks? I have to get Keelin to school, my self to school etc... 13 gas station!!!!!!!!! I was going to go to church in the morning but its 25 minutes away and I think I need to save my gas???? I don't know???

My miracle McBaby

2008-09-19T01:12:00.000-04:00

well I am VERY happy to let you know that our news today was good news! Needless to say this week has totally wiped me out. After getting home from the DR today I crashed and slept for 3 hours. I don't do that. I do not take naps anymore so I was very drained. The Dr today said it was not Mastocytosis.

Today was a very strange day. This morning I got Keelin up and then got the baby and put her in the car and I took Keelin to school. When me and Kinsey got back she was just then waking up and that's when I noticed it. She had NO RASH. NONE. NOTHING. NOT ONE SPOT. She has not been like that in 2months. Her skin was perfect. Just like it was when she was a little baby. I swear it is a miracle. I did give her a small dose of the medication the er gave me early last night. But still, GONE? can you believe it? It has never, ever, ever disappeared. Even on the steroids it was never gone. all the prescription creams and benadryl. And today she is perfect. So that is why the Dr said no way mastocytosis. It never completely goes away. He thinks that it has something to do with her immunizations that she got at her 1 year check up. That is the day this all started. He said basically that she had a severe reaction to the vaccines and we never were able to fix it. The benadryl was just keeping it down and steroids doing kind of the same thing. Her system needs to be inundated with a heavy dose of antihistamines. We almost need to overwhelm her with it. Then slowly eventually we should be able to ease off of it. We might have to do the steroids again(I hope not baby roid rage is no fun!). But whatever. We are sooooooooo happy. My house was crazy happy this evening, we were giddy. Even Shawn, maybe especially Shawn. It was a great heart swelling night.

Thank you to everyone that sent prayers Kinsey's way. Shawn and I think that was the major part in this whole thing. I mean look at her today. Yes she had one small dose of the medication but so what? It couldn't have done this alone. The Dr even doubled the dosage for the rest of the time we are on it. So anyway I am so thankful for everyone that got busy yesterday praying for my little mcbaby.

Not to be debbie downer or anything but what do I do about her 15 month vaccinations?? I am very perplexed about this.

I am posting a picture of the little miracle rash baby so you can see the difference between what has been our everyday, which is the pictures I already posted and then what is today.

You can really only see the fading bruises and that is pretty much it! Even on our good days she had the rash somewhere and by evening it would be full blown horrible. But it has never looked like this!

rashhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2008-09-17T16:24:00.000-04:00

the rash. well we went to childrens hosp. last night due to brusing on her stomach. they thought it was leukemia which was scary to say the least. they finally figured out it wasn't. which was a huge relief. they were sure it was leukemia. so they think mastocytosis. not so good. but better than leukemia. my brain is muddled at the moment. she is going to get a biopsy hopefully tomorrow. so i guess i just need to wait to worry any further till i talk to the dr.

Saga of THE RASH

2008-09-16T08:59:00.000-04:00

Ugh this rash is soooo frustrating! We have now been doing this since July 29th. So insane that no one can figure this out. We have now been to 2 pediatricians, 2 dermatologists, and Childrens healthcare E.R.. We have had different diagnoses from each one. Virus aka(we don't know) rash in the chicken pox family, hives, allergic reaction to vaccines, etc. So here we are September 16th and not any closer to figuring this thing out. You might think that its just a rash no big deal. BUT it is causing her to be irritable, itchy, inpatient, aggressive, she has loss of sleep, and just can't be a baby. We start the day not too spotty maybe just a few here and there. Then as the day progresses so do the spots and by the end of the day they are raging. I then feed her dinner and then put her in the bath. Bath usually calms them down. Then she has her nightly dose of Benadryl and falls restlessly asleep. Then starts the waking up every hour and the crying and screaming etc till morning. What is this? Food allergy, allergy to something she is coming in contact with? And what would that be? Nothing has changed since she turned 1. I don't know. I have cut things out of her diet to see if it made a difference and it didn't. We changed her detergent and no difference. I just don't know. We are going back to the Dr on Friday and I am going to demand some testing for major food allergens and then progress from there. UGH this sucks! I am going to post pics from the 2nd week of this til now

the first pic is at the hospital on Aug. 8th
the next is Sept. 12th
the 3rd is Sept 14th
the 4th is Sept 15th

She is like this everyday I have been sporadically taking pictures.

My BLOG

2008-09-15T14:24:00.000-04:00

i decided to take the read my blog thing off cause either no one reads my blog or they dont want to do it !! LOL!!

READ MY BLOG

2008-09-12T23:00:00.000-04:00

I JUST ADDED THE READ MY BLOG THING. SO IF YOU READ MY BLOG WILL YOU PLEASE ADD YOURSELF? I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IF ANYONE READS THIS THING! THANKS!

SEPTEMBER 11

2008-09-12T00:46:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post something about 9/11 I am just now able to sit down at the computer. In my psychology class the other the teacher mentioned 9/11 and how we felt and no one really acted like it was a big deal and I was looking around thinking REALLY? Then she says "Oh thats right most of you were 10 or 11 then." WHAT AHHHHH holy crap It seems like last year to me and I guess when you are a kid events in the world are different then when you are an adult. I was so shocked at their attitudes and the fact that I am in a class with 18 year olds. Anyway I remember that day almpst perfectly. I had just moved to Baltimore on September 8th. I was 7 months pregnant with Keelin. I had gotten up at 5am that morning to see shawn off to work and I stayed up for a bit and read then I fell back asleep. We did not have a phone at that time but I did have a cell phone. I think it was a little after 9am and my cell phone was ringing like crazy so I got up to answer it and I think it was Brenna and she was upset and I couldnt understand her. We lived in a teeny weeny apartment that was in the basement of the building. I couldnt get a signal so I had to go outside. At this point I had no idea what had happened but when I stepped outside it was crazy. We lived about 30 minutes outside DC and there were military helicopters swarming the sky above me. It was like we were at war. Brenna told me what happened and I didn't grasp it until I ran back in and watched TV. I remember being so scared. I was 7 months pregnant and I was so excited to finally be having a baby and now they are saying that this country will never be the same and the way we lived then would not be the way we lived anymore. I was just like nonononononono I am having a baby I want her to have a normal life! When Shawn got home he was freaked. He was working close to DC and it was crazy for him to try to get home that night. We just sat and watched the hours and hours of news coverage. I remember driving around that week after and on the highway every bridge had flags and banners and people had flags everywhere and the highway signs for New York had flags and banners and it was very emotional and moving. I got the Sept 11 2001 people magazine put out with the twin towers coming down on the cover and put it in Keelin's baby book. It became a huge part of my pregnancy. Keelin was born 2 months later. At christmas we were flying home and it was weird to fly so soon after that and we were flying out of Dulles. It was surreal being in the airport and people everywhere armed with machine guns. I want all those kids in my class to know how it was. I am happy Keelin is learning about it in school. Alot of schools dont do much for it where as I think it should be a national holiday. Keelins school is very big on patriotism so they got to wear red white and blue today and abandone their uniforms. They had a church service in the Chapel this morning to remember 9/11. I think that is a really neat thing. Anyway enough for now. I will always remember.

2008-09-10T21:39:00.002-04:00

well I scrambled and we made the quota for the fundraiser thanks to Erin, Mom, Brenna and Shawn! I brought it to school this afternoon and when Keelin got in the car at carpool she was soo excited because they called her name because she made her quota and her name got announced and tomorrow all the kids that made their quoto get to throw a pie in the face of either the principal or the teacher. She was like mom thank you thank you over and over again. She said only 4 other kids in the 1st grade made their quota so she is thrilled! We just got home from a shopping trip to the mall. I usually try to avoid those but she needed a skirt for school tomorrow. They get to no wear their uniforms tomorrow because they are having Patriotic Day since it is 9/11. They are supposed to wear red white and blue but they have to wear a skirt as long as their uniform which is to their knees. Can you believe I went to Old Navy, Khols, Target, Walmart and none of them had anything that went anywhere near her knees!!!! so stupid and not right!

My Birthday

2008-09-09T23:56:00.002-04:00

Well my birthday was this passed weekend and my sweet little baby Keelin decided she wanted to throw me a birthday party. She sent out invitations and everything. We had it at our house and she had balloons and she helped nana make a cake and she wanted subs for adults and happy meals for the kids and she also had a pin the nose on the clown game and she made goody bags for everyone. So sweet. I do not have any pictures and I am very sorry for that I wish so bad I ahd one of me and her. She deserved some sort of record of it.I was having major eye problems that night and the flash from cameras about killed me the one picture i was in I actually had to go lay down in the dark. I wish I had been better. I think I got too hot that day at Keelins soccer game it was 90 something that day and then I had to clean the house in 1 1/2 hours and them get myself ready I think somewhere I messed myself up. I have major guilt over Saturday. Ugh being a mother just make my middle name Guilt. Anyway I was very happy that she had a party for me it was great. Erin and I went out later that night and it was fun. We went to a silly bar and everyone seemed about 14 and were listening to crap rap I have never heard of and doing dances I did not know. Erin and I discussed whether we are getting old or if they are just stupid. We settled on stupid. I think I had the most fun at the bar I used to work at and me and erin just sat at the bar and hung out and talked. hahahahaaa maybe I am getting old. We did go to another bar after that and it was goofy too. erin got hit on like left and right. Being out with her can be a blow to your ego. thankfully I already knew this fact so I didnt get too upset! we got home around 3:30am so I am not THAT old! School wore me out today My brain feels swollen! My psychology class is good but slightly stressful. So much controversy discussed and papers due every second and every class we have to speak in front of the class on things we feel and think about on the world today. Very interesting but very exhausting especially when you REALLY disagree on what someone else says. Keelin has a fundraiser do tomorrow and I forgot to get it to everyone and she is going to be so sad we didnt sell anything. I need to scramble and figure something out between now and in the morning. Maybe I can make phone calls and bring it later in the morning into the school and just say we accidently left it at home when i dropped her at school??? Ugh fundraisers!

My New Tattoo

2008-09-04T00:48:00.005-04:00

I am so happy. I got my new tattoo tonight. Erin and Brenna helped get my tattoo for me for my birthday. Without my sisters I would not have been able to get my new tattoo so I am very thankful. I was feeling bad because I have the tattoo with Keelins name and now Kinsey is 13 months and I felt I needed to get hers on too. So now I have it and I love it. The tattoo artist was very good and helped me figure out how to make it all work. We added some thistles which I am very happy about because I have wanted to get a thistle tattoo and thisis great it was worked together. Anyway this is a picture I took myself so its not the greatest because it was hard to take it with my other arm I couldnt really get at good angle but whatever I am excited about it!

2008-09-03T07:28:00.002-04:00

I had to take Kinsey to the dr yesterday and i am traumatized and so is Keelin. They are trying to find out why she still has some of that rash left trying to make sure there is no infection, I still think it is an allergic reaction to something I just don't know what. She also hadn't s;ept in 3 days I thought she might have an ear infection but they said it's just an upper resp. infection. Anyway they needed to get a urine sample. How do you get a urine sample from a baby? AHHHHHHHHHHHH a catheter(sp?) awful, horrible, sad, scary, my instincts were to knock the nurses out of the way and take the baby and run. Kinsey was crying Keelin was crying I was crying ugh awful. And then it came back negative. I felt so awful like why did I just put her through that? Am I a bad mom? I hate crap like that. I missed class last night too which makes me feel icky. I hate missing class you get so far behind. Well I am going to get tattooed for my birthday today. My birthday is on Sunday and Erin and I are going today unless Shawn doesn't get home from work on time. I am getting the Kinsey tattoo finally and possible the Erin Elizabeth one for Kinsey's I will get the same as Keelins only a slight difference and how can I get theirs and not the others? It feels like I am leaving something out so I wa wanting something small discreet and cute. The last time I saw her she was a baby so I was thinking a little baby footprint I have hers from the hospital so maybe I cant believe she is turning 15 this fall. That means I am getting old. I am tooo tired today. I so wanted a sick day and I almost caved to Keelin, she said her nose hurt tummy hurt and throat hurt. I think she wanted a sick day too but I am the mom so we are up and getting ready for school.

August 28

2008-08-27T20:24:00.002-04:00

I was just looking at some of my old posts and I realized that I have misspelled like a million words! Hello there is spell check. I look like a moron! I am having trouble coming up with my paper. I have to write a paper about my philosophy. My what??? do I have one????

Saturday

2008-08-25T00:35:00.005-04:00

nothing much here this weekend. Brenna and the kids came and spent the night sat night. the kids had a blast. We took them to the park to run around and Kinsey and Bowie were so cute. They were going after the soccer ball. Sat night Brenna tried to teach me how to knit. I really want to learn but I can't figure it out. I can cast on or whatever its called but that's as far as I got. Anyway I am thrilled that I just dejunked my desk it looks sooooo nice. HAHAAAA

Kelli's 1st day of school

2008-08-20T21:14:00.004-04:00

Well I started back to school Tuesday. Ugh how I hate it. It's nice to think about something else for a change but I like being at home. But school has to be done there is no alternative I will get that degree no matter what. It was funny. I am like one of the older students in my classes. In my psychology class we were supposed to stand in front of the class(ugh) and tell our name and what high school we are coming from and what animal we are most like(???????REALLY?????REALLY!!!!!?????) Everyone was" I am Barbie from Kell High School class of 2008" blah blah blah and yes there really was a Barbie. When it came my turn I said I am Kelli and I graduated a long time ago. 12 years ago. And I do not know what animal I would be. kind of funny I think. that animal deal. There were actually 2 girls sitting behind me arguing about the animal and them some other girl said the one girls animal and she was like she stole my animal! and actually whined for a few minutes. out loud. I hate the classes like this where everyone is fresh out of high school its very annoying. I am sure they think I am a huge dork but whatever. One of my classes this passed spring semester the people were talking about where they were going for spring break. I am like what is that? hahahaaaaa. In my Spanish class the teacher only spoke in Spanish. I am looking around thinking isn't this beginner Spanish?? and then don't you know she looked right at me and asked me some long question in Spanish. I'm like WHAAAAAAT?????? can you slow that down a bit? I actually figured it out but LORD am I a little worried about this class. My closest thing to knowing Spanish is going to Walmart on Saturday. I can't wait till I can speak Spanish fluently. It will happen one day.I also joined Spanish club. Not really my thing but maybe it will help me learn Spanish better. Also I have a test already tomorrow and I went to the bookstore and they are out of my book! AAHHHH . oh well what are you gonna do. I am glad I am in school. Even if I whine about it I like the feeling I am being productive with my life.

The Yucky Sun

2008-08-16T13:09:00.004-04:00

My sister is so funny she calls my family the Addams family. I think that is the funniest thing. What she is referring to is the fact we hate the summer and we are slightly depressed when spring comes cause that means summer is just around the corner. We prefer cloudy cold days. When I wake up in the morning and see no sun and its a cloudy day I feel invigorated and excited about the day. And whats even better is when its cold. Some of my favorite pictures, painting etc are of winter. When the trees are bare and there is white snow on the ground and no sun. I think those are beautiful. I honestly do. It looks calm, clean and relaxing. Like you can breathe. I remember when I was in the 4th grade my friend told me there was something really wrong with me and maybe I needed to see a dr because I hate the sun. She was so mad at me and disgusted. Funny. I think some of it has to do with my eyes. I have REALLY light sensitive eyes. I HAVE to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days. Sometimes it is dark enough I don't have to. And there are times I am in a restaurant or mall and its too bright with the sun coming in from the windows I have to put sunglasses on. I am sure people think I am thinking I am too cool for school but it just a necessity. Otherwise I run the risk of a headache or even worse a migraine. the other thing I think it has to do with is my EXTREME hatred for heat. I hate the heat I cant stand it. It makes me cranky, tired, beat down, depressed, sick. I mean it really makes me feel ill. When people come to my house they joke they need to bring a jacket. I keep it really cold. We also run fans on top of the ac. Even in winter I still have my ceiling fan on in my room. I like the way cold air feels on my face. In winter I rarely use a coat. I love winter clothes. I love sweatshirts, sweaters, jeans, clogs. Oh how I live in the WRONG place. Shawn and I joke we need to move to Seattle or somewhere where its dark. Really I think the only reason we don't is my family is here. In the deep, sweaty, HOT, humid, SUNNY south.

everybody is feeling better

2008-08-13T00:05:00.007-04:00

we went to the neurologist yesterday and they said they are almost certain it's Bell's Palsy. That is a good thing. We do have a MRI scheduled for friday just to recheck everything. Shawn is so happy he feels like a giant weight has been lifted. The face paralysis is not so fun but he knows its way better than what could have been.

Keelin started school Monday. I was soooooo nervous for my baby. Her first day of 1st grade in a new school where she didn't know anyone. This school is very different than what she is used to. It is a private Christian school with VERY traditional values. It is a very structured school with lots of rules. And it is a long day they start at 7:55 and get out at 3pm. I do like that they have old fashioned values. I am so tired of seeing little girls dressing and acting like teenagers. They aren't little girls anymore. I think it is the parents fault. I guess parents do not filter things for their children. But then again I have not kept my daughter in the dark but I think I let her know whats acceptable for a girl her age and whats not. Like I would not let her have a Bratz doll, that just goes along with the little girl teenager thing. I encourage her to dress like a 6 year old. I have seen little girls the same age in belly shirts and low rise jeans with platform sandals! I like the fact that Keelin is getting a Christian education because I do not get to church on Sundays like I should and I like that she will still get the knowledge. They also have a mandatory church service every Thursday during school. They have a special uniform for that day. I was so happy when she got in the car Monday and told me she had the "bestest day of her whole life!" she said she made 6 new friends and she loved her teacher. So I am happy. Today she still loved it. She said some of the kids were cranky today I just told her that the kids are probably tired and trying to get used to getting up so early.

Kinsey looks OK today. i am still worried she still has the rash but not nearly as severe as it was. I guess maybe its just going to take awhile. The picture of her was before they got to thir worst. Also the flash kept muting them abit but you get the picture. It has been an eventful past week. I am greatful for everyone in my life. I love my family. This stuff really makes you think about all the scary stuff. I think Shawn and I are closer than ever. We had a talk I thought I wouldn't have till I was old and gray. Anyway.............I am a little sad my summer break is almost over. I have to start school again next tuesday. BOOHOO. Oh well. I am excited about my psychology class. I already took advanced psych and loved it so bring on the psych class!

This past week..........

2008-08-09T17:15:00.003-04:00

Well I think everyone that reads this knows what all has been going on at my house this past week. Shawn is feeling ok. He is very frustrated and mad. I guess you would be when your face is not working the way you want it to. His speach has gotten worse, but the dr said that might happen. And his poor eye. I have bought all kinds of stuff to help it but nothing is working. I cant wait to get to the neurologist to see what all they say and what we can do for these side effects. We are very blessed to have great family and friends that have prayed for us. I think our prayers have been answered and are pretty sure it was not a stroke.
Kinsey is now feeling a bit better. I decided to go with my instincts and take her to the hospital yesterday. She has had a killer rash and I mean killer. So startling I could not take her out of the house. I took her to the pediatrician twice and a specialist once. At the 12th day I had had it and she was miserable and the rash had gotten about 100 times worse than the day before. I took her to the childrens hospital in Atlanta and they were a bit horrified and rushed us right back. (second time this week I have gone to a hospital and not had to wait in the waiting room, not a good feeling!) They diagnosed her and bascially she is having a reaction to something and it could be her vaccinations she had 12 days ago. Not the vaccine itself but what they use to make them, And her body was trying to attack it but was in hives and it was feeding off itself and thats why it was getting worse and worse. So now we are on steroids and some other meds and are 50% better today!!!!!!! So we are now I think on the upswing of things!! hooray!

next to the last summer weekend

2008-08-03T20:58:00.003-04:00

Keelin starts back to school Aug 11 which is only a week away. This weekend was the tax free weekend so we decided we were going to get all out school stuff. Keelin had to get her new uniforms which are soooooo cute I love the plaid jumpers with the little white blouse and socks and mary janes. Keelin was bouncing off the walls. She loves school and is sooo excited to start back and loves getting new school stuff. She loves her new uniforms. I can't wait to post a picture of her in her new jumper. She had to pick out a new book bag and lunch box. It was kind of difficult. Her school does not allow you to have book bags or lunch boxes that have anything that has to do with rock,rap,country music, hollywood, or anything to do with the counter culture of today. There words not mine. I have to say I was perplexed as to what the counter culture would be. Does that include Hello Kitty? My Little Pony? I was lost and almost all the choices were Hannah Montana, High School Muscial, Hello Kitty, Little Pets, Disney stuff. I didnt know what was Hollywood or counter culture I was so confused. So we opted for pink polka dots. And a butterfly lunch box. Hopefully those things are ok???????? Its hard to explain that to a 6 year old. But we are very excited about her new school. Our parent student orientation is this Wednesday so that will be neat to get to meet the other kids and teachers.
Kinsey has had a weird rash since last tuesday. I took her to the Dr and she said it is a virus and in little kids it can come out in a rash. Well let me tell you its insane the poor baby looks awful. She is not contagious so there is no reason to keep her home. But like yesterday this woman said to her kids DONT TOUCH THAT BABY. And not in a nice or quiet way. I got looks all weekend like I was doing something wrong by having her out or the stares at the baby. I swear this poor baby. She is so pretty and she has had one weird thing after the other. Since she was 8 weeks old. Thats when we discovered her strawberry or Hemangioma on the top of her head. Totally not as big deal and they go away by the time they are 2 but when you are fair skinned with no hair and you have a flaming red large knot on the top of your head people stare, point and come right up and ask you if you dropped the baby on her head!!! I have gotten that one more times than I can count. Then she has had rash after rash and skin irritation adn allergic reactions its crazy. Keelin was kinda like this with the rashes and then she eventually grew out of it. But this current rash is awful. She has it from Head to toe. kinsey I have been assured will grow out of the rashes like keelin did but Lord poor babies. Well I thought I would vent about it for a second. None of this is a big deal. I am very thankful that she is a healthy happy baby and I am not a mother dealing with a life threatening disease or accident so rashes no biggie just irritating(hahaaaa) .
Today was fun Dad called and invited us out to lunch. Shawn had mowed our lawn and was getting ready to head over to there house to mow theirs and Dad called and said tell him to get in the shower we are going out to luch. Big treat because we dont do that very often. We went to a place that is at the local private airport. so one side of the place is all glass and it sits right on the runway. So the kids loved it. they got to watch the planes take off and land. Then Keelin shawn and dad all went swimming. When we got home Kinsey was sacked out and Keelin wanted to lay in bed and watch a movie so me and Shawn got to lay on the couch and watch tv together. Very nice. We get so wrapped up with life and the kids we never get to do that. Well I am off to plan this week because I need to instate a schedule to get us on track for school!

Kinsey's 1st Birthday

2008-07-29T11:48:00.005-04:00

We had a princess party for her at my parents house this past satuday july 26th which is her actual birthday. I had the kids come dressed as a princess or prince (the boys would only wear crowns) we had my dads yummy spaghetti and then Kinsey dug into her cake. After she opened all her presents we went for a late night swim at the pool. The kids thought it was really cool to swim in the dark with the lights all on in the pool. Everybody had a good time!

Keelin's First Haircut

2008-07-28T18:23:00.008-04:00

yes I said Keelin's first haircut. The poor little girl has hair that does not grow! She had baby hair until she was 4 and it has just now gotten long enough to get a real haircut. Erin made Bella and Keelin hair appt. at a really cute hair salon just for little girls. Keelin insisted on wearing a dress and told me she had to bring a purse. I told her sure just go get one of them from her room. She said no mom I need one of your purses I am not a baby. I guess I got told. Anyway she loved it and her hair looked so great. Her and Bella also got their makeup done then we took them out to dinner at Red Robbin. They had a good girly day!

July 4th

2008-07-21T20:30:00.007-04:00

Heres a few pictures from 4th of July, we went to Sharon and Brian's house for a cookout and fireworks!

Been a long time

2008-07-21T20:15:00.006-04:00

Well I haven't posted for a while because my computer has a major problem! It totally sucks!!!! It has some crazy virus and I just now can get it to work a little bit. But anyway, I have one week left of summer school!!!!!! Big deal! I thought for sure I was going to fail this class. I actually broke down crying 2 weeks ago cause I felt so beat and humiliated by this stupid class. But I might just come out of this ok! Fall session starts Aug 18 so not much of a break but at least its a break! I am very excited to say Keelin passed her assessment and was accepted to Harvest Baptist School. I am very excited for her and I am very happy I can finally relax about her school. I have had major anxiety over this. I have to say I am not excited to get back into the hustle of the school year though. Keelin to and from school every day me to and from school at night , Keelin to an from soccer practice and then saturday crack of dawn soccer games!!!! But in a way I like it it feels like I am accomplishing something like I am getting somewhere with my life. Kinsey is turning 1 this coming weekend and I am very excited and sad for her! I can not believe it has been a year aleady. She runs around like a big kid. She eats like a big kid, when you ask her how old she is she holds up her little finger for a one. soooo cute, she already kicks the soccer ball all over the house, she is just such a big girl. not a good sleeper but a major sweetie pie. I have started dieting again............................ugh...................I have been at around 1400 calories a day for 2 weeks and I have only dropped 2 pounds.........so sucky. I guess I need to go lower but jeez I am struggling with 1400. I need to kick it up with the gym so maybe that will help. we shall see..............................................

This week June 18

2008-06-18T19:08:00.002-04:00

Well I did not go to school on Monday because I had a migraine and it is totally biting me in the ass. I am so in deep doodoo. I am already so lost! UGh!!! I hate math! But I will spend this weekend with my head in the book! Shawn is on this new schedule with work and I hate it! He has to get up at 2am and that means he goes to bed at 6:45 pm. So annoying. I have to have dinner by like 5pm and that is just to early. Especially when it does not get dark here til 9pm . And he is home by 12:30 pm which is strange also. I don't know I just like the regular schedule. Home at 4pm dinner at 7pm and he goes to bed at 9pm. Much better. Keelin is going through a weird thing right now where she can't get enough veggies. Like last night I made brussel sprouts and she ate a plate full and went back for more. Then tonight I had broccoli and she ate her plate then went back and finished the rest! Strange, but I am not complaining. There is something I will complain about an d that is our stupid drought. I remember when I was a kid in the summer you got the slip n slide out and baby pools and the hose and all that and now if I had any of those out I would go to Jail!! The kids are excited to go to our friend Sharon and Brians on the 4th because they are on well and so they can have the slipn slide and baby pools galore! I told Sharon I am looking for a badminton(SP?) net as well, sounds like fun to me! I can't wait for my classs to be over with but that would mean my baby is turning one so I can wait! I can't believe it Kinsey will be one July 26th!!!! Ok I am rambling...............................

Our weekend with company

2008-06-08T12:21:00.006-04:00

Eating lunch at a German place in Helen, Ga

ok so my out of town guests have just left and now it is very quiet. I have soooo much homework I am a little afraid. It's like being a kid again. Weekend fun is over it's Sunday time to do homework. Ick, gives me that icky butterfly feeling in my stomach! We went to Helen, Ga yesterday and I can't even tell you how hot it was. I could feel the heat coming through my flip flops. I thought they might melt!! I was driving to meet Erin and I was like Oh my gosh it is sooooo freakin hot what in the world and she was like Kelli you know we are in a heat wave right? I am like what really???? I guess I haven't watched the news much lately! ahahahaa its' was 97 yesterday and soooooooooooo humid. One of my out of town guests decided Georgia is not for her and ended up having to take a few showers a day to try to deal with the humidity. HAHHAAAA I guess I have gotten used to the sauna. I guess for someone from the mountains of Virginia coming down here for the first time in a heat wave was not a good idea! Well gotta get to the homework!

MEMORIAL DAY

2008-05-26T22:53:00.008-04:00

Well this weekend we had lotsa fun. Saturday Dad took me, Keelin and Bella to Stone Mountain which was fun since I haven't been in 7 years I think so it was neat. We were completely worn out from all the walking. We took the train around the mountain and then we did the gondola to the top and walked around up there. Sunday we did nothing. Like really nothing. We never even got out of our jammies!!!!! We watched movies ALL DAY. So fun. Then Monday me and Shawn met Mom and Dad at the lake and Kinsey had her first boat ride! She did good for awhile but then she got sunblock in her eyes poor baby! When we got home Shawn made dinner!!!!! Burgers and watermelon. wooohoooo total vacation weekend!!!!

2008-05-23T09:38:00.002-04:00

Well I am very optimistic right now. Keelin had a great last day of school. I am a little sun burnt and I kinda like it! HAHAHAAAAA. I had a fabulous day yesterday. We just went to Target and Old Navy and places like that but it was fun to do those little things with him when I usually have to do them alone!

2008-05-21T20:42:00.002-04:00

It seems I have been on a roller coaster of things happening to my family this past week. Keelin and Kinsey were both sick this past week. Then Saturday night we went to a birthday party and Keelin ended up getting sick on the way home-me going 65 miles an hour down the highway with Keelin hanging her head out the window. When I pulled over it took me more than an hour to clean the car good enough to get back on the road! ahahahaaaa. Then I have ended up with a killer case of poison Ivy like ALL OVER MY BODY!!!!!! I had to go to the dr it was so bad! Tomorrow is Keelin's last day of school and she is so devastated. Keelin loves school sooooo much. When it's the weekend she gets mad because she wants to go to school so I have no idea how summer is going to go........... I have her signed up for Vacation Bible School and swim lessons her brother is coming to visit so hopefully she will have lots to do.

2008-05-13T22:13:00.002-04:00

Ok so we have had a weird thing happen to us Yesterday. I left the house at 2:15 to pick Keelin up from school. I was on my way home and got to my street and remembered that I forgot to go the post office and I was about to turn around but then I decided to just go on home. I was pulling up to my mailbox when Keelin started yelling "MOMMY FIRE!!!" I look at the house and there were 6-7 foot flames coming off the corner of my house and fire spreading across the grass. I could barely dial 911. The got there and it took them about 30 minutes to put the fire out. We have a little damage but crazy enough not that much! The firemen said they thought the whole house was on fire when they pulled up because of all the flames and smoke. Thankfully it stayed outside. We do have smoke damage in out bedroom. When I went through the house with the firemen we thought my room was on fire because when we walked in you couldn't even see the furniture there was so much smoke. So right now we are living in what smells like a campsite!!! You could look at it that we have pretty bad luck but I am looking at it that we have great luck because nobody was hurt and we escaped without much damage. They don't know what started the fire. I am now missing all my bushes on the side of my house and the front corner and the siding at the top of the brick started to melt but oh well!!! The fire also burnt up the phone and cable lines to the house. Those were fixed this evening(thank goodness) . So I am happy but a little scared after all that. Its just not something you expect to see. I love coming home and I always feel that my bedroom is such a nice relaxing comfy place and that was somewhat spoiled. But what can you do?? Keelin thought it was all very exciting!

2008-05-09T23:39:00.003-04:00

I am really bummed. Keelin has a fever today and its been about 103 all afternoon. She is supposed to have her last soccer game tomorrow and get her trophy and party and now I don't think she will be able to do any of it! Poor thing.

Hopefully she will be totally fine by tomorrow. I have heard this is going around and its a 24 hour thing. Sunday we are supposed to all be together for a picnic and I can not wait to see my niece and nephews!

I love this picture of Kinsey and Bowie in the baby cage-more like the baby octagon- Ultimate Fighting Babies! Kinsey always attacks poor Bowie!

2008-05-07T23:20:00.002-04:00

Ok, I am never going to quit school-unless I graduate! you sillies! In fact summer session starts in a few weeks. Oh my gosh I forgot Top Chef is on! gotta go!

2008-05-07T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hmmmmmm I decided since my sister did one of these things I would too. I think I like this better than Myspace!ahahahaaaaaaaa anyway nothing much going on except procrastinating on cleaning my house which really should be the quote of my life. I think that is something I have been in the middle of for the past 7 years!(cleaning my house) I think I am in the middle of alot of things right now, laundry, school, thinking about losing weight, quitting nursing, hahahaa story of my life. I have created a little monster by the name of Kinsey. I never let her get too upset so now I can't walk out of the room or put her down without a complete and total meltdown from her. I put her in her crib yesterday so I could take a shower and she went nuts and never stopped. She spent the rest of the day with swollen eyes! I have no idea what to do about any of this!