Day 365: The End To That Chapter In Life.

WHOA!! 2015 is almost over!! This year went by so quickly, or at least I think it did. Although the month of December does seem to just linger a bit longer. Maybe because I have hope? Hope for the New Year, hope for it to be a good one, and things go right & not wrong. One where family & friends are trustworthy & true. One where everyone is happy & healthy. One that brings peace, and harmony. One that is just stress free & organized......that one I can never get! Haha! So, Cheers! To another year, and another chance to get it right. :)

I found these quotes, and they just sit well with me, and it says things better than I could ever say.

When I give it does not come with strings. I'm not keeping track of what you owe me. When I give, I choose to do so without ulterior motives. I give because I'm genuine. I give because I know what it's like to be without, to long for and be ignored, to speak and not be heard, to care for and have nothing in returned. When I give it's because I get it. It's because I know the value in what I have in my heart and I refuse to let the world stop me from sharing that. But when things start being taken for granted. When you no longer appreciate my sincerity. I won't switch. I won't get angry, and I won't be spiteful. I'll just get smart and I'll change your role in my life. Because when I give, I'm all in. But when I'm done, there's no looking back.

So today, in the present, I offer three promises:
I'll trust you until you show me that you can't.
I'll be consistent as your efforts inspire me to be.
And I'll honor your time which the same respect I give my own.
No games. No gimmicks. No guile.
If you can appreciate this, I can build with you;
if not, I have no time for you.
I've been thru too much to play the same old game,
just to keep getting the same draining results.

~Robert Hill Sr~

Day 364: A Year At A Glance

Hard to believe that tomorrow will be my final photo for my 365 project. 1, whole year down, and a lot of memories, and fun things were created! I enjoy doing this project so much, as it brings Zen to my life. I love how I can pick up my camera, and go on a walk, and shoot what I see and be able to keep it forever. I feel so much calmer after I have walks like those. Photographing my family on the other hand totally creates chaos!! But I love capturing that chaos, it is the memories that make the picture not how perfect it looks. And Kwintyn surely tops the cake with all our family photos that we have had. Oh, the collect I'm gong to have, it will be the greatest! Little does he know that I'm going to make him re-create these photos when he's older. Those will be epic!! LOL!! I thank those who followed my 365 project, and who enjoyed looking at my photos, and saying such wonderful comments. Thank-You!! I'm not sure what kind of project I will do next but I know I will surely be doing something.

Just one more picture!!! Stay tuned to see what the last chapter says. :)

Day 363: Family Game Night

Ok, so it wasn't the whole family playing the games but we did play a few games tonight. Chelsea, Kwintyn, & I, played Operation. So fun! Still jump at that darn buzz! I swear the game is different though besides the pieces they changed, but didn't the old Operation have cards & that is what you went after, and then you would get paid? No cards were in this. It's a free range operation. lol We then played Life, the three of us. Kwin got tired, and quit so Chelsea & I finished up. We played it wrong. LOL We played another game with Keagan, and Frank that was fun. Still missed playing it right. LOL!! So the next time we play, we're good. The games have become so cheaply made, even Connect Four is not the same. They have cheap red & yellow checkers. WTH?! LOL! 

Game night!

Day 362: Baby, It's Cold Outside!!

I'm Mister White Christmas, I'm Mister Snow. I'm Mister Icicle, I'm Mister Ten Below. Friends call me Snow Miser what ever I touch turns to snow in my clutch. I'm to much! Well look who decided to show up!! Mr. Jack Frost & Mr. Snow. Always trying to make a grand entrance with lots of advisories, and always making a storm! Those two!! I have some fine words for those two, but with me being a classy lady, and all........LMAO!! I bet Hell is freezing over, too, or at least an advisory. The whole damn state of Michigan looks to have advisories out, so.. yes, yes, Hell is freezing over right now. Sorry, some lame Michigan humor. If you don't get that you don't know squat about Michigan. LOL!!! Always said we should move there.

Brrrrr........it's really cold outside.

Day 361: I Will Honor Christmas

I have always loved this quote, and I am going to try to remember this so maybe next year I'm in better spirits. :) And......HOLY COW!!! 4, more days left of my 365 project, folks! I've been so busy lately, and feel horrible for not being able to keep up with this as I wanted to, but it happens every year thanks to Christmas hustle & bustle. I'm not sure what I have in store for 2016? Not even sure if I will be on Facebook as much? So, I guess I will see how I feel, and what inspires me.


I will honor Christmas in my heart. And try to keep it all the year.

Day 360: Day After Christmas

Well everything you bought is now on sale or clearance. When will we learn to do Christmas the day after?! LOL!!!!  So happy my kids weren't whining to go to the store to spend their Christmas money & gift cards. Today we went and finally saw my Step dad. He has been transferred to an Acute rehab center, and will be doing therapy there till he can come home, and then it's therapy 3x's a week for him. He looked really good, so I was happy about that. I guess I'm glad that I didn't have to see him when he wasn't looking to hot like other family members had. Sounds like he has a good outcome, and that makes me happy!

Wise words, here.

Day 359: Merry Christmas!!

We had a nice Christmas, and I hope the kids are happy with what we got them. To me, it didn't feel like Christmas. I, guess I just didn't get in to it this year. :( I just felt really stressed this year, even though I got an early start. I just can't tell you why I didn't rock around the Christmas tree this year. I did enjoy it, though. Frank, & I were really excited for the big kids gift this year! Ya'll ready for this?! Still think I'm a little crazy for saying yes. Keagan got a tattoo kit!! Kyle got 12" subs, and an amp for his truck, Kameron got a phone. They got some clothes too, but those were the big gifts. Chelsea got a scrapbook kit, and some sharpie's, and shoes, clothes, & some games, amongst many girly items. Kwintyn got a Hot Wheels from Santa...just what he wanted! And some Paw Patrol toys, and clothes, and games. I'm sure I'm leaving things out. But they seem to like everything.

 We were invited to my Sisters for Christmas this year. They always do such a nice dinner, and it's always really good, too! We got new that my Step Dad got moved to the Acute Rehab Center so that was wonderful for Christmas. He will be in there for a bit working his muscles, and getting stronger, & all that. We draw names for Christmas gifts there, and that is always fun.


Merry Christmas!! 2015

Day 358: Happy Christmas Eve!

What a beautiful day it was today. Sun was shining, no snow. Just one thing. It doesn't seem like Christmas! I ain't gonna complain but it just doesn't feel like Christmas. But that could be due to my lack of Christmas spirit this year, too?!  Today we celebrated Christmas with Frank's Mom & Stepdad. Had a lovely brunch, and got some nice gifts. The boys, & Frank surprised me with a gift over there. They all pitched in and got me a new Keurig. This one can make a small pot of coffee. 😍 I guess my kids do love me! 😁 We did our traditional Christmas Eve gift that had pajamas, hot cocoa, Captain Crunch Christmas Crunch, and Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch cereal, and Oreo's. Oh! And we made cookies for Santa. But they turned out horrible. They were the Pillsbury snowman & reindeer sugar cookies & they were either burned or under cooked. I did the 8 minutes as the package said, 8-10 minutes. Might have to leave Santa some Oreo's. Wonder if he will stop? 

Christmas Eve 2015

Day 357: Merry Christmas & Thank-You!

I just want to thank everyone who has sent us a Christmas card this year. Fun fact: I save all my Christmas cards. 🎄 I have used some cards in my picture projects. I, of course love getting the cards with photos. Those go on my fridge, and the others go on the wall. I feel bad because I am not doing Christmas cards this year. It just never works out on me. That darn time! 😂 It's a blessing to be thought of and I, thank-you, all. 💞

Christmas cards 2015 

Day 356: Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String

Made this paper bag out of wrapping paper. Frank helped, so gotta give him most of the credit. I forgot a few things I wanted to get, but right now I really don't give a falalalaf$&k. I'm done shopping. LOL! 

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String, These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Day 355: Calling Archangel Raphael

Today I am summoning Archangel Raphael. This archangel is known as the angel of healing. My family could use some good thoughts, and prayers. 

Day 354: Happy Birthday!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Kwintyn!!! I just can't believe he is 5 years old!!! It just does not seem possible that he is FIVE!!! Thank-You SO much to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. You all made Kwintyn feel so special, and loved. We hope you all had a good time at his party, he had a blast!


Kwintyn has always taken us on an adventure! The day he was born was surely an adventure, as we took a turn that we didn't know we would end up. And he doesn't like to be bothered either, and his birth reflects that. Technically, on December 17th, 2010 I was in labor. I walked out of the Dr's office dilated to a 4. We had hopes that he would be coming that night, or early the next morning. I cleaned, shopped, and walked so my contractions wouldn't stop. But they ceased up a little. We had plans that if he did not arrive over the weekend then I would be endured on Monday, December 20th. Saturday came, no baby. Sunday came, still no baby! I thought I was going to end up there late Sunday night but I didn't. I now think that maybe I should have gone, but I wasn't having that painful contractions or anything like that so I had no reason to worry. I woke up early Monday morning to get around, and head for the hospital since he wasn't here yet. I was sad, yet excited. My last time I would be pregnant. Frank, & I stopped at Tim Hortons for some coffee & doughnuts but I didn't eat or drink much of it because they got my order wrong. Which actually was a good thing! LOL The only think I wanted to do with his birth was to document it with video & photos. I had hopes of even photographing him being born if that was even possible. Hahaha!! I change, and do the standard procedure for checking in. Temp, blood pressure, baby's heart beat, which took a few minutes to find, and I remember feeling this horrible fear until they found his heartbeat. The Doctor came in, everything was going great, and then he checked me. Everything changed at that moment. I was 8cm dilated, but Kwintyn was breech. They worried about a cord prolapse and so it was off to the O.R. I went for a C-Section. I was so bummed. So close, and this. I said, this one is going to be trouble, and boy was I right!! I never had a C-section before, even having twins I didn't have one! I knew this boy was going to be total opposite of them all, and we were in for it. He actually was laying transverse, side ways so there was no way he was going to come out. Although I did threaten him if he didn't come out, we would come and get him a few days prior. I guess he took me seriously! He was born on his actual due date, so technically he was right on time. That Lunar eclipse was about to happen around the time we was born and I have always wondered if that had anything to do with him flipping like he did. The ironic thing is, that the Doctor had said my birth was like Deja-Vu for him because he just got out of doing a C-section on a Mom who was dilated to an 8 like me, and the situation was just Deja-Vu. Weird! He was also born on a cusp for the zodiac so I am curious to see what traits he possesses from the zodiacs. He was born at 7:30 AM and weighed 8pds 5oz, and was 20.5 inches long, and was just he cutest thing ever! His Daddy was the first to hold him, and then his Aunt Sam. I was in recovery and I hated that!! Just give me my damn baby!! LOL!! He roomed in with me the whole time, and I loved it. I remember a nurse who started dressing him in his clothes I had picked out, and then she said, "Oh, I am so sorry!" I didn't even think to ask to dress him." Most Mom's want to do this themselves as it's special." I chucked, and said, No, You're just fine! I'll get to change him many times and well, he's not my first so you're good! LOL I knew then I was a Veteran Mom. Hahaha! He was instantly loved by so many & he was so adored by his siblings. He surely has kept us on our toes, and I know he will do all the things we haven't experienced as parents yet. So, here's to many more adventures with Kwintyn!!

P.S. If none of this makes sense, it's because...I'm tired!!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Kwin!!

Day 353: Hustle & Bustle

After we left the hotel Frank, and I, went to breakfast with some friends, and then did some Christmas shopping. We are almost done! LOL Just have a few more things to get, I forgot some coupons so, of course I gotta use them. Got a lot of things wrapped today, and everything is ready for Kwintyn's birthday party tomorrow!! I had my camera out so I took a few pictures of the tree, I think it looks so pretty! Christmas trees are just so pretty!

Our Christmas Tree 2015

Day 352: Christmas Work Party

I'm late posting but I just have been so busy! Today was Frank's Christmas party for his work. It was at the Ridge, and was really nice!! We had a wonderful time and we even got to stay in a hotel room for the night!! Now that was great! A night away from the house & kids, it was marvelous! I'm thankful that my Husband works for such a great company, and has such a great boss. Was a wonderful evening.

Christmas Party

Day 351: Cowabunga, Dude!

Super busy weekend! So I had to get a lot of stuff done. I still feel like I have a lot to do. Tomorrow is Frank's Christmas party for work, and the kids start their Christmas break. Saturday we have to do some shopping, Sunday is Kwintyn's birthday & party. Got the goody boxes all done, and his gifts wrapped. Teacher gifts are all wrapped. I have not started wrapping any other gifts yet. I'm so glad the kids will be on break Monday. Cause I have a feeling I'm going to be exhausted after this weekend. 

Totally Radical, Dude! 

Day 350: Christmas Concert

Chelsea had her Christmas concert today. Was a nice program, and the kids did a wonderful job singing. I did get some pictures but haven't had the chance to upload them yet so I made this on my iPod for my pic of the day. 🎄

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. 🎶🎄

Day 349: Warm Today, Cold Tomorrow

Well so much for that 55 degree weather we were having. Finally had some snow today. Almost a 20 degree difference in temperature. Well. It was nice. 

Day 348: Reflection

How pretty, and unusual is what I thought when I saw this gardening dish full of water. Unusual you ask? Cause it should be frozen solid!! Today was 55 degrees outside...in December....in Northern Michigan! No complaints, but whoa! I know it's not the first time with no snow at this time of the year. I could get use to this!! Who knew we could have actually had Kwintyn's party outside if we wanted to?! lol 

Day 347: Star Of The Week!

Kwintyn is in for a fun filled week!! His week starts off with him being "Star of the Week" at school. Thursday they are having a pajama day, and next Sunday he turns 5!!!! Today we made his star poster, and some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ornaments for his "Thank-You for coming to my party" gift. He's having a ninja turtle party, and I thought these would be perfect since its ninja turtles, and with his birthday being 5 days before Christmas, an ornament. He is one excited boy!! 

My Shining Star. 💕

Day 346: German Chocolate

Today I had a photo shoot, and I was really excited out this one. She's an exchange student from Germany, and she is my first international client!! I had the pleasure of taking pictures for her host family this past Fall and I offered her a free photo shoot, so she could have some great memories, and photos from the U.S.A. Plus, I wanted to be the first photographer to do a photo shoot on a future model. 😉She's beautiful, and it was so much fun to learn about how life in Germany is, and how different it is from here. I hope to have her company again because I have so many more questions. Is it bad that we asked her what a few bad words are?! 😜 Many thanks to her Ash, her host "mom" for hanging with us. Be sure to be on the look out for my sneak peek of this beautiful young lady. And I will take chocolate as payment any day. 😝

German Chocolate 

Day 345: Doggone it!

My dogs think they are cats. Thinking they can sit on the couch like the cats do! You would think Sarge would have learned his lesson when he fell off the back of the couch  one day. Kwintyn thought that was hilarious! LOL Today I had conferences for Kwintyn, and he is doing good in school. He's got some things to work on, but he's doing a lot better than I thought he would do! Pump for the washer broke down today, and the pipe was loose so the basement flooded today. Lovely!! I HATE how my washer is set up!! It's in the basement so the water from the wager gets drained in a sud sink and then the pump turns on & bye-bye water. Our basement has flooded many times, and Frank had a solution to the problem, fixed it. We never had a problem until now. UGH!!!!! Hoping to come up with a new solution this Spring, and hopefully add a toilet down there. Maybe we should get flood insurance, Frank?! LOL!!!

P.S. 20 more days and my project is complete!!

Doggone it!

Day 344: Merry Birthday! Happy Christmas!

Chelsea saved her birthday money but she was short. So we told her we would give her the rest, but it would be part of her Christmas present. I decided to give it to her early because her money was more than the amount we had gifted. I did wrap half, too. It's a gift! She got an iPod touch, the blue one she wanted. I think she's gonna love it, because I love mine! I don't have a cell phone, but this works perfect for me. So...if I don't answer your texts right away, I don't always get wifi! Gotta pay money for on the go wifi. And I'm to cheap for that! Hahaha! 

1/2 Birthday gift, 1/2 Christmas gift

Day 343: O' Christmas Tree

Finally got the tree up and decorated! Was actually due to Frank's prompting, and not mine. I've just been to blah to care. Put the tree in a different spot this year & I'm not sure if our living room looks odd or not. Not use to having the couch away from the wall. But, the tree is in the spot I wanted it to be, and I wanted it there for years so....whatever! I gotta get some better pictures, these were taken on my iPod and they are blurry. We also decorated the tree different. We pulled out my wash bin & put the tree in that. I must say, it looks lovely! I also now need a bow, star or something for the top, and I'm thinking about getting some red ribbon and some popcorn & cranberries and make a string of garland. I think it needs some burlap, too! 

2015 Christmas Tree

Day 342: Not Today

Just nope. Not today. Feeling sore. That is all. Just not today. 

Day 341: A Very Merry UnBirthday!

Today Kwintyn got a package today while he was at school. He was super excited when I told him he got one. He said, I bet it's that Hot Wheels toy that I wanted?! Or maybe it's it's MineCraft stuff.  He has this idea that when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday & Christmas, that he was getting everything he asked for....which is everything!!! LOL!!! I said, I don't even know what it is, or who this package is even from?! He waited for Frank to get home & opened it up, and he was so excited....MINIONS!!!! LEGOS!!!! How did they know we like minions?!?! LOL Guess when it's you're Auntie, and bestie they know! Thanks Sam & Seth!!!! Kwintyn loves his gift, and he misses his best buddy so much! We also loved the photos!! Thanks, Aunt Sam & Seth! Love Kwintyn. <3

A very merry UNbIrThDaY!!!

Day 340: SANTA!!!!!

Today we took the kids to see Santa! Mrs. Claus was there, too! We went to The Call Of The Wild to see them, and the kids got to go through the museum. We also got a family pass that is good till March, so that could be fun for Kwintyn & I, this Winter. We met Kevin, Maria, and the kids up there, so that was nice to stand in line with good company. The weather has been BEAUTIFUL!! It's December 6th, and we are up in to the high 40's. And no snow!!! I told Frank, I'm surprised that I'm not getting busy with photos shoots since it's been warmer out. I have one in mind for Kwin & Chelsea. :)


My visit with Santa

Day 339: Silent Night

Spent a few hours at the walk-in clinic today. Kyle was complaining of chest pain, so I took him up. I'm still not feeling well, but didn't feel like I need to see a Doctor. Place was packed, too! Guess everyone's sick. Lovely. Kyle was diagnosed with pleurisy, but his X-Ray came back okay. He's fine other than some chest pain. I tried to make chicken & dumplings today. It was a crockpot recipe and I followed it, but something just seemed off with it. I did it exact, and yep, something is not right. I think it calls for a can of cream of chicken soup or something, and it is not listed anywhere in the recipe. Found it off Pinterest so I guess this was a Pinterest fail! Hahaha! We ended up getting pizza. LOL!!! I ended up playing around on the computer again and came up with this cute little image. I really need to get my printer fixed so I can print some of these lovely art pieces up and put them on the wall.

Silent Night

Day 338: Peace, Love, Joy

I'm not feeling well today. I have a sore throat, and just feel crummy. Took Kwintyn outside today & I snapped a few photos but am to lazy to upload them at the moment, so I came up with this instead. LOL My mind is also warped with thoughts of dpi and ppi, bytes, pixels. I have to re-size a photo and I get so confused by this stuff. I think it's because it involves math, and I suck at math. Photography has a lot of math in it, and it sucks! Haha! I *think* I got the image size I needed, at least I hope I got it. I saved like 9 images because I over thought the whole damn thing. But a lesson I did need to learn, and learn more about.

Peace, Love, Joy

Day 337: Bear With Me....

Just what a day!! That's all I can say. So....as one my favorite quotes goes; Everyday may not be good. But there is something good in everyday. I have found my good for the day...but I'm still stressed! LOL! My heart melted today seeing Kyle & Kwintyn sitting in the back of Kyle's truck. Kwintyn LOVES his truck!! He see's Kyle in his truck, and he has to go out there with him. 

Bear with me.....

Day 336: Cold & Cozy

Tis the season for cold nights, hot cocoa, warm blankets, candy cane goodies, and cuddles. Struggling to keep warm! LOL

Cold & Cozy

Day 335: Welcome December

December 1st, and we already had a snow day! Kids had no school today because I guess the roads were slick. But we have no snow!! Freezing rain. Frank had mentioned no school last night because it was freezing rain, and it was cold. I said, no way!! Guess he called it! Haha! Was nice to go back to sleep. Took Kameron up to Walmart to get his hair fixed. He couldn't wait for me to make an appointment with the two people I trust to cut my family's hair. He had clipper marks or uneven spots, whatever you want to call it. Should have asked for the refund because the person who fixed it, was the person who messed up on it to begin with. Good grief!!! 

Welcome December