Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas one and all!!!

(neighbors house)

Homecoming 2006 - Finally ready for the dance

another drum roll please.........

Now introducing the most

beautiful girls in this world!!

Alyssa Taylor & Cristina Alvarez

All decked out and headed to the Homecoming dance with friends. They are off to Brittany's house to meet up with the other girls, dinner at Red Robin, another friends house for pictures and last but not least, off to the dance.

The shoes are hard to see, so here's a close-up of each.

Alyssa's :

Pretty silver sparkly heals with French tip polished toenails

Cristina's :

Pretty bronze sparkly heals with French tip polished toenails

This house is gleaming with pride over these two ladies. Both just drop dead gorgeous!!! Cristina's not our daugher, but she will always be welcome in our house any time she feels the need to stop by.

Homecoming...The prep work

(drum roll please)..............

It's currently 12:45 pm, Sat. September 30th. It's the day of the BIG homecoming dance. Every girl in town is trying to out-do the other as they prep for the big fashion show tonight at 8:00 pm. After all, isn't that what it's all about. Who really looks the best all cleaned up? It's kind of like a high school version of the best/worst dressed of the rich and famous without the red carpet.

The girls have a 1:00 pm appointment for their hair and nails. Cristina broke a nail yesterday so that needs to be fixed. While she's there, she's also getting them filled again before she goes home to Germany.
Alyssa is getting her hair done while Cristina gets her nails done. Then they will swap places. Alyssa is only getting hers repainted due to some polish chipping during work at Arby's. Both girls have the French tip style finish.

The picture below is the before the hair, nails, etc.....This picture was requested by the hair salon so they now how to do their hair the best to fit the dress. Smart idea if you ask me.

Neither dress has shoulder straps. Cristina's dress is 100% rayon. Alyssa's dress is nylon, spandex and polyester. It is plum colored with a plum sparkle netting over the whole dress. You can't see it in this picture, but her dress is floor length.

...here we go again...updated

Well, after waiting most of the day, the phone finally rang around 8:20 pm. It was the neurologist. He had been in surgery most of the day and wasn't able to call any earlier.
He did get the x-rays and check them out. His diagnosis just from what he could see, was that Jonathon has what they call a Clay Shoveler's Fracture. A fractured vertibrea in the neck.
So, no more football this year. He could play if he felt up to it, but the doc was afraid he might lie about just how bad he felt and play anyway. SO, no football.
The good news, they probably won't have to do a thing to him. The old saying "Time heals all wounds" will be in effect here. We have an appt. to see the neuro doc on Monday to find out for sure what needs to be done.
So, until then...here's some medical information I copied from a website for you all to read.
Updates will follow after the next appt.
*****************************************************************
Treatment:
Clay shoveler’s fractures tend to be stable as long as only the spinous process is involved. However, if the fracture extends into the spinolaminar region, pedicle or pillar, one must rule out spinal instability, nerve root and spinal cord involvement. The literature is unclear as to whether the avulsed spinous fragment should be excised. However, treatment should begin with a conservative approach. This typically may involve the use of a soft cervical collar, especially in the acute stage. The collar may be worn intermittently to prevent muscle atrophy over a period of 4–6 weeks. Modalities such as ultrasound or microcurrent may be applied to damaged soft tissues. If severe pain persists even after conservative management, then surgical excision of the avulsed fragment may be warranted.

Prognosis:
Non-union of the avulsed fragment is common due to themuscular pull in this region. However, with minimal displacementof the avulsed fragment, reattachment may occur. Typical clay shoveler’s fractures tend to heal without residual sequelae in terms of neck function or pain.

For more technical info on this, go to:
www.jcca-online.org/client/cca/
JCCA.nsf/objects/An+atypical+clay+shoveler

here we go again...

I'll use blue...for ALL, 100%, without a doubt......B-O-Y!!!

My poor baby has suffered yet another fracture, but at least this one happened while he was having fun. I guess if your gonna get hurt that's the best way...

Football...Helmet to helmet contact...ouch! They don't mix well.
In a pro game like the NFL, this could result in an extremely serious injury. Is it any different for 12/13 year olds? I honestly don't think so...So, on that note, I think Jonathon got lucky this time.

Yes, this is his neck. A digital picture of an X-ray taken today. Hopefully you can follow this and see what the issue here is. Directly above my typing in the picture there is a good sized white spot/blotch/blob... Above that is an intact vertibrea. The very next one above that is the problem area. On the left side just above the intact one, you can see a small piece just kinda out there in it's own little world? sorta? Squint, its there...lol...well, that's the broken piece that should be attached to the larger one just slightly higher and to the right a little.

So, for now, no football or phys. ed until further notice...and we play hurry up and wait to see what the neurologist has to say. No neck brace, no meds, no nothing. Just hurry and wait. He's supposed to call tonite after he looks at the x-rays. He was in surgery when he got the phone call and was expected to be there a while. Lord only knows when/if we'll hear from him.

Until then...keep squinting at it...you'll find it.

5 Years Later...

NEVER EVER FORGET!!!

September 11, 2001

final baseball results...

Well, at least the trip for those that went wasn't a total loss. The BP Pirates that went to the Ohio Valley Regional playoffs didn't come home with a trophy, but a commemorative t-shirt from the event........AND...
the satisfaction of placing 4th out of 25 teams.

Ya gotta love that at least!

...and now they are all at it again locally. They are playing Thur-Sat this week in Pulaski. It is currently 5 minutes before the start of the 2nd game. They called the first game after the 4th inning as BP was winning 10-0 over Menasha. (and no, I'm not there because I have to be at work at 2am. Bed time is reeeeeeeeeeal soon.)

It's been hot and humid here with storms to follow off and on for about 5 days now with no end in site. The humidity here is 2x what it is in Washington. Who'd a thunk it could be worse? Anyhooo...there is no end in site right now for all the above with the next 7 days temps ranging between 92-98.

Our only relief is that we aren't St. Louis without power, or Calif. with 15 days straight of 90+ temps. To my knowledge, no one here has died from it here.

Until tomorrow or the next day.....Stay cool!!!

no LLWS this year...bummer

This is copied and pasted from today's (7/25/06) online edition of www.shelbynews.com .

Schererville (Ind.) defeated Howard Suamico (Wis.), 13-3, and then rallied to beat Okolona (Ky.), 10-4 Monday to earn a berth in tonight's Ohio Valley Regional championship game at Donald L. Johnson Park in Shelbyville.

It is a bummer, but yet still a relief. As I stated yesterday, I have mixed emotions about this. Knowing the heartbreak that the next step would have brought to those that weren't of "the chosen few", I'm glad for them that this is over. Hopefully next year will be different and the WHOLE team will be included...especially if this parent has anything to say about it!
.......getting back off my soapbox to watch the storms roll thru again :)

Have a great day everyone!!!

Mixed baseball 'mom' emotions...

Ok, it's hard to get excited about this, for me, because Jonathon isn't there, but this IS his baseball team. The team is just too big (19 kids) and not all of the boys could go. They were limited to 12 boys. He plays for the Howard-Suamico Bay Port Pirates baseball team.

But, I still feel the need to cheer them on anyway. Mixed emotions I guess. Keep in mind as you read this, they are playing in Shelbyville, Indiana. These are the regional play-offs, and the next step is:

The Little League World Series


Here's the latest on the Howard-Suamico Bay Port Pirate 12 year old boys representing Wisconsin for a chance at the Little League World Series. This is from today's (7/24) edition online.

Way to go boys!! Keep up the good work!

link:http://www.shelbynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=40&SubSectionID=94&ArticleID=40325&TM=53305.12

Quilt'n & Scrap'n TruckRLady's spot

Quilt'n & Scrap'n TruckRLady's spot

A pick-me-up for parents of rotten kids...lol

My son came home from school one day, with a smirk upon his face. He decided he was smart enough,to put me in my place. "Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr. Wright? It's all about the laws today, The 'Children's Bill of Rights.' It says I need not clean my room, don't have to cut my hair. No one can tell me what to think, or speak, or what to wear. I have freedom from religion, and regardless what you say, I don't have to bow my head, and I sure don't have to pray. I can wear earrings if I want, and pierce my tongue & nose. I can read & watch just what I like, get tattoos from head to toe. And if you ever spank me, I'll charge you with a crime. I'll back up all my charges, with the marks on my behind. Don't you ever touch me, my body's only for my use, not for your hugs and kisses, that's just more child abuse. Don't preach about your morals, like your Mama did to you. That's nothing more than mind control, And it's illegal too! Mom, I have these children's rights, so you can't influence me, or I'll call Children's Services Division, better known as C. S.D." ******Mom's Reply and Thoughts****** Of course my first instinct was to toss him out the door. But the chance to teach him a lesson made me think a little more. I mulled it over carefully, I couldn't let this go. A smile crept upon my face, he's messing with a pro. Next day I took him shopping at the local Goodwill Store..I told him, "Pick out all you want, there's shirts & pants galore. I've called and checked with C.S.D. who said they didn't care if I bought you K-Mart shoes instead of those Nike Airs. I've canceled that appointment to take your driver's test. The C.S.D. is unconcerned so I'll decide what's best." I said "No time to stop and eat, or pick up stuff to munch. And tomorrow you can start to learn to make your own sack lunch. Just save the raging appetite, and wait till dinner time. We're having liver and onions, a favorite dish of mine." He asked "Can I please rent a movie, to watch on my VCR?" "Sorry, but I sold your TV, for new tires on my car. I also rented out your room, you'll take the couch instead. The C.S.D. requires just a roof over your head. Your clothing won't be trendy now, I'll choose what we eat. That allowance that you used to get, will buy me something neat. I'm selling off your jet ski, dirt-bike & roller blades. Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights', It's in effect today! Hey hot shot, are you crying? Why are you on your knees? Are you asking God to help you out, instead of C.S.D..?" Send to all people that have teenagers or have already raised teenagers,or have children who will soon be teenagers or those who will be parents someday OR ANYONE WHO'D JUST GET A LAUGH ...I love this One!!!from MOM(Mean Old Mother.)

Live artist, or folklore?

(borrowed clip from the internet)

Jack Frost
by Micha F. Lindemans ********************
Jack Frost is a figure from folklore, an elfish creature who personifies crisp, cold weather. He is said to leave those beautiful patterns on autumn leaves and windows on frosty mornings. It is thought that he originated in Norse folklore as Jokul ("icicle") or Frosti ("frost"). In Russia, frost is represented as Father Frost, a smith who binds water and earth together with heavy chains. In Germany however, it is an old women who causes it to snow by shaking out her bed of white feathers.

>>>Evidence: frost artistry on our pick-up as well as other cars close by. >>>Clues: just the artwork. No foot or finger prints. No other evidence or clues found. So, is he real? Could it be an alias? Could the artist be female instead? For many generations our parents have been telling us of this mysterious artist. How do they know? What is the real history behind it? Does anyone really know? Perhaps it's just a way for Jack Frost to leave a gift of love for his favorite woman......... his secret love,........Mother Nature. I don't know if anyone other than a scientist can truely explain the beautiful art work, and I really don't care. But I would like to say to the artist if they are listening...

Keep up the good work, and can you put this on canvas too? Just thought I would ask. :)

Bring a book, or open the blinds?

Ok, this may be TMI (too much info) for some, but it's my blog and I'm sticking to it...LOL.....It's a part of life. We all use the bathroom throughout the day and night. Some take a book, some don't. We have a window in ours, and this morning I noticed that the birds were just going crazy. If you lived here you would know that it isn't normal...they, like us hide from the cold most of the time. Of course this morning, it was 35F outside and the sun was rising. A light breeze if any at all. The weather for the day is supposed to be around 50F with a good chance of thunderstorms. The neighbor behind us had been putting out his bird feeders the last couple of days. I should offer to help as he struggles with his cane to get thru the snow out back to his shed. I feel so far behind with that...I need to go get some fresh seed, etc. Anyway...I opened the mini-blinds to see what I could see, what all the noise was about, and in the tree next to the house was this:A Cardinal. I don't know male from female, and this is a borrowed picture from Webshots.com that doesn't do justice. This bird in our tree was a lot brighter red. My guess would be male. All prettied up for the ladies of spring. I only share my bathroom story with you because it's the only one I have seen here at the house since we moved. I've been waiting. Neighbors have said they are here, now I know for myself.
The blue jays here are of similar size. Not the big ugly black and blue of Washington. The jays here are alot smaller. More fragile looking. Light blue and white such as this one:
another borrowed picture from Webshots. Yes, I have a camera. Yes, I will be taking my own pictures. The good 35mm needs to be cleaned. My digital just won't stand up to the speed of these lovely critters :) I hope your day either starts or gets as good as mine was this morning. Birds are relaxing to watch. They don't have a care in the world. Except my cat...who's off cattin' around somewhere other than here already. Have a great day all!

Was it Hockey, or was it WWE?

Tonite we all decided to go to a hockey game. Mike had a rough end to his week at work and needed to clear his mind. I knew it was Teddy Bear toss nite, but we hadn't purchased a bear for this because the decision to go to the game was a last minute one. Lucky for us, we were able to get one at the arena for $5. Boy was it an interesting game. Our seats were great. A little higher up than I would have liked, but great anyway. We were able to see every thing from where we were. And boy was that a game. We got several sports in one. Ice hockey, wrestling, boxing...We weren't sure by the end if what we had just seen was an ice hockey game, or WWE on ice... Below I have listed the penalties of the game. Most are typical of the sport, and the the urge to fight takes over the players, and let the fun begin!!! Green Bay did go on to win 5-2 which also meant free taco's from Taco Bell for all the fans. Any time GB scores 5, the audience all gets a free taco coupon. Twas a great night!!! Wish I would have taken the camera...oh well. There were several other ejections in the end, but I don't have all the players numbers that got that penalty. PENALTIES
Period 1 (typical hockey penalties)
Green Bay - Andrew Johnson - (Roughing), 2 min, 7:54Lincoln - Chris Vande Velde - (Charging), 2 min, 9:26Lincoln - Eli Vlaisavljevich - (Tripping), 2 min, 16:18 (tonite was Teddy Bear toss nite with all Teddy Bears given to children in the pediatric care units at local hospitals. All bears got tossed onto the ice after Green Bay scored their first goal of the game with 1:49 left before the first period ended. This resulted in the players getting their break early. With 6,536 fans in the stands (a new record), 4,700 bears got tossed. I'll post pictures once the post them on the web for me to find. Boy what a site to see!!!
Period 2 (a little rougher this period)
Lincoln - Trevor Bruess - (Hooking), 2 min, 2:45Lincoln - James Perkin - (Holding), 2 min, 8:33Green Bay - Kevin Deeth - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 18:24Lincoln - James Perkin - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 18:24Green Bay - Steve Silva - (Hooking), 2 min, 9:07
Period 3 (Hockey or WWE?)
Green Bay - Brian Roloff - (Checking from Behind), 2 min, 5:53Lincoln - Danny Baco - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 8:31Green Bay - Ryan Little - (Fighting Major), 5 min, 8:31Lincoln - Josh Brodeen - (Hooking), 2 min, 11:16Green Bay - Steve Silva - (Roughing), 2 min, 13:13 (This is where the excitement began with only 1:56 left in the game. All this must have taken about 10 minutes to clear up before they resumed playing.Talk about your brawls. Gees, even the referees where tackling players to keep them from fighting.) Green Bay - Justin Braun - (Roughing), 2 min, 18:04Lincoln - Trevor Bruess - (Roughing), 2 min, 18:04Green Bay - Jeremy Dehner - (Fighting (Under 5 Mins) Game Misconduct), 10 min (ejected), 18:04Lincoln - Justin Milo - (Roughing), 2 min, 18:04Green Bay - Steve Silva - (Delay of Game), 2 min, 18:04Green Bay - Sergio Somma - (Roughing), 2 min, 18:04Lincoln - Chris Vande Velde - (Delay of Game), 2 min, 18:04Lincoln - Mike Davies - (Fighting (Under 5 Mins) Game Misconduct), 10 min (ejected), 18:12Green Bay - Brian Roloff - (Holding), 2 min, 18:58

GO HAWKS GO!!!

wTG Hawks...you didn't win the big dance, but way to go anyway!!!

Hello again!

Yes, I'm terribly slow at this. I must admit, I'm an expert at procrastination :)

I drive up and down the road for 4-6 days a week, 10-14 hours a day, and come home for 2 days of relaxation. I don't have this website (blogging)figured out yet, and I'm not even sure if this is going to work.

Since 12/26 we've had little or no snow to speak of. Most of the snow we got around Thanksgiving has melted. Except for the piles that the snowplows made. Every other dusting just comes and goes. The temps have been 45 or less, and only a few peaks at the sun once a week or so.

Last week I was south of St. Louis and heard on the radio that the high temp there for Sunday was 71. WOW!! Heat wave!! BUT, that same area didn't expect temps to rise above 45 on Monday and snow was back in their forcast for Monday nite, Tuesday morning! I'm glad I don't live there...only because with that kind of teasing with warmth, I'd be hunting Mother Nature down...lol

Oh, by the way...GO HAWKS!!!!!!!