Friday, September 18, 2009

Introducing......

Nadia



When you look at this picture of this beautiful baby, you would never guess the rough start she had before she was born. You see, Nadia was born addicted to heroin and cocaine. Her mother has a serious drug habit and she used the last four months of her pregnancy. When Nadia was born, she weighed about 6 pds and was a very fussy baby. She had to have drugs that would counteract the bad drugs that she had in her system. Her mother would come to the hospital every day to see her, but would not acknowledge the reason why the baby screamed all the time. She would not admit that she was a drug baby because of her. The social services would not let her mother take her out of the hospital. The hospital called family members to come to the hospital just to hold the baby and comfort her.

We were told that if no family would take her, that she would be placed in foster care. I was not going to let that happen. I told Marvin that if Nadia's grandmother doesn't take her, I am going to. The relationship between Nadia's mother and Grandmother was very strained because of her drug use so she said she would not take her because she was getting to old to take care of a newborn, plus a newborn with problems. When we all went to see Nadia, that all changed.

I went in to see Nadia first. When I laid my eyes on her, I immediately fell in love with her. She was beautiful! She was so little and was just adorable. Her mother was with her, so I talked to her and told her how beautiful she was. She then passed her to me and I held her close. As I was holding her, you could feel her twitching from the addiction. It was then that I began to cry. I looked at her and I cried because I couldn't believe that mother's would do that to their babies. She was so innocent. The reality is that when people are addicted to drugs, the drugs become more important.

Nadia's grandmother went to see Nadia next. I waited in the waiting room for a bit while she visited the baby. After the visit, we went home. Two days later, I got the call that Nadia's grandmother was going to take her! I was so happy that she was not going to go to foster care but to a good home, where she would be loved and cared for.

So when Nadia was a month old she went home from the hospital. The first few months were very difficult. It took several weeks to get the bad drugs completely out of her system. I would watch Nadia twice a week while her grandmother went out to get a break. It was a hard time for all of us. We made it through the toughest times and now that beautiful baby is 8 months old! I love her so much like she was my own. When she comes over, we are all very excited! My girls just love her to death!! When I watch her, I hardly even get to hold her because the girls take over. They feed her, play with her, take her in the stroller, and just have a ball with her. It's fun to watch what little mothers they all are.

In December, Nadia's grandmother will go to court to hopefully become her legal guardian and be able to adopt Nadia. Her mother is still battling drug addiction and is not allowed to see her. At this point, Nadia really doesn't know her or her father. It's really sad to me that this baby will grow up without that bond that she should have with her mother. I pray for her every day, that the drugs will not be more important to her than her baby.

My life is blessed even more with Nadia in my life. I cannot imagine not having her in our lives. She is growing and thriving and learning how to crawl and pull herself up. We don't know what the future holds for Nadia. We don't know if any damage has been done that will affect her when she becomes school age. Right now, she looks perfectly healthy and we hope that she continues to thrive.

Please pray for Nadia, her grandparents as they raise her, and especially her mother. She's lost and alone and hurting. She needs Jesus in her life.




Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Here I am!!!

It's been a long time!!! I have no excuse for not blogging. I figure no one really cares if I do or don't:) I'm always on facebook so I don't get on here too much. I should because I like to write and this is the best way to write and get my thoughts and feelings down. I look back at the things I've written in the past and I see how far I've come in different times in my life.


In May, my baby sister, Kelsey, graduated from high school. It was a hard time for her but she made it and I was so proud of her. She also turned 18 in August. Wow, 18! I remember when she was born. She has grown into a beautiful, young woman and I am proud to be her big sister!

Kelsey in Kindergarten





Labor Day weekend, we went camping. It was a beautiful weekend and the kids had a great time. We camped with good friends and their kids and all the kids got along and they played together and had a great time. I hate packing up and unpacking but in the middle, after the tent is up, it's alot more fun.




The kids have started back to school! My favorite time of the year(I mean that in a good way) I enjoy when the kids go back to school because that gives me a break from them, and them a break from me. The really like to go back to school anyway(except for Matthew)because they get to see their friends again. I enjoy my quiet time, my computer time, and my house cleaning time. I am now the crossing guard after school. It's a volunteer job but I really enjoy it. The kids are ready to go home and I get to tell them to have a good evening. So far, nobody's been hit and neither have I!




Matthew actually let me take a picture of him.

My 2009 diet is going very well! As of today, I am down 36.6 pds. My Dr. told me yesterday that I am not considered obese any more!! That was great news for me:) Even though I am still over weight. I am working hard on that. I am doing WW and seeing a weight specialist and that is helping me. In 6 months, I will be 40. I am totally not looking forward to it. I told hubby that I am going to sleep the day away because it's just another day.

The best news, we got is that my brother Gary, and his wife, Julie, are expecting their first baby together:) We are very excited to add a new family member. I have prayed since the got married that they would have a baby. I am praying that God will give them a baby girl. Gary lost his baby, Amber, to crib death in 1987. He had for sons after Amber, so it would be great for him to have a baby girl again. But, if it is a boy, I know that it is God's will and I will love that baby just as much. She is due in May, 2010.

Well, I guess that's it. I will have another post in a few days to introduce my baby cousin, Nadia. She is a blessing to me and my family. Stay tunes:)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009


This is my friend, Donnie. I took this picture at the Detroit River many summers ago. Marvin, Donnie, and I went there quite often to fish and talk. On this particular day, Donnie was teasing Marvin and I because we had just begun our dating relationship and Donnie said to us that day, 'I'll take a nap and let you love birds fish together. Wake me if something happens." I'll never forget that day.

Donnie passed away in March of 1998. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and how special he was to me. I have kept all the cards he ever sent me and when I look back at his handwriting, I remember so many things. He said that he never thought he would see the day, that Marvin would be dating somebody and he knew that we were going to get married one day.

I miss him so much. He was loved by so many people. He loved it when I would come over and bring Matthew, and we would go out somewhere, whether it was driving around Grosse Ile, eating lunch, or walking Matthew around Heritage Park, we always had a good time together.

Donnie did a lot of painting in his free time and when Marvin and I came to see him, he let us pick out a few. Those are some of my precious treasures. He was one of my best friends and I wish he was here today. I know he would have been so happy to see where Marvin and I are in our lives. I know that he would have loved my kids. One of these days when I get to heaven, after I see Jesus, I'm going to run to Donnie and give him a huge hug because I loved him so much!

I miss you Donnie!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Hello, It's me!

Wow, has it really been two months since my last post? So much has gone on in two months! All the kids are out of school, summer is in full swing, We got a new computer, we had an empty nest for 5 days (first time in 12yrs!), and I have trained for the breast cancer 3day!

My weight watching has been a constant battle and so far I'm not winning:( I AM going to succeed in this area, I just have to get my butt back in gear and focus. I WILL be fit by 40, mark my words!

My buddy, Stellan,has had a few battles himself but he is doing really well right now and I pray that he stays that way. If your not familiar with his story, you can read about him here.

We are getting ready to venture out of Michigan and heading to Virginia to see my Aunt and Uncle, with my Dad. We have not been to VA. since Matthew was a baby, so we are really excited to show all the kids a place they have not been. Matthew was so small he has no memory of it, so it will be new to him. What I'm really looking forward to, besides seeing my family, is our trip to Washington D.C.. I want to see the Vietnam Memorial more than anything!

Here are some pictures of our summer.


Windmill in Holland



Pony Ride


Father's Day

For the first time in 12 years, all of our kids were gone for a week AT THE SAME TIME!!! Matthew went up north with a friend from church and the girls went to GA camp at Bambi Lake. Marvin was also on vacation that same week so we looked at each other and said "Wow it's quiet around here." We were able to sit together and have nice,quiet dinners, talk with no interruptions,and just get to know each other in peace. We neglected each other when the kids came along because we focus on them, so it was nice to get some quality time together.

So, that's about it for now.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Finally!!

So, after many months without a computer, we finally ordered one. We should get it mid-June. I miss not having a "real" computer. It's hard to do things on a little iPod! I miss being able to put up pictures, see full web pages, and doing homework!

This weekend, Ashlee and I are doing back to back 5k's. Saturday's 5 is for the American Cancer Society. Sunday's is for the Alzheimer's Association. She is really excited and so am I.

The weight loss journey has been a struggle but I press on! I've got a bet going on with J.D. And I plan on winning it;)

Less than a month and the kids will be done with school for the summer! We are planning a few trips this year and Matthew will be doing a summer mission trip and all three girls will be going to GA camp!

That's all for now! Have a great weekend:)

Saturday, April 18, 2009

I did it!!!!

I COMPLETED the 1/2 marathon!!!! It took me 4 hrs. and 8 mins to cross the finish line with my sister in law, Julie. We got to the starting line at 6:30 am. I was excited and nervous. I let Satan keep telling me that I would never make it and that I never complete something i set out to do, that I'm always a quitter! But I showed him! I can do things that I put my mind to. I prayed that God would guide me and push me and tell me that I could do it and by golly I did it!

I had a wonderful time with Julie. We walked and talked and shared snacks and drank water and kept going. When it started to get a little rough we played the alphabet game. We started with "a' and had to come up with a city with that letter. It was fun and kept us busy.

I have a picture that they took during the race but without a computer I can't post it:( I had a blast and will one day do it again.

Ashlee and I are registered for a 5k in May for the Alzheimer's Association. I am not soliciting donations for that because of the 3 day, but Ashlee is. She is really excited about it as am I. It will be at Kensington Metropark, one of our favorite places. We will be walking it in honor of my in-laws, James and Betty Metcalf, who had Alz. I know that they would be so proud of Ashlee.

I am training now for the breast cancer 3 day. I am at 38% in donations and have peace that I will get the $2300 I need to participate. I am really excited to be a part of something I care about. It is a big challenge to walk 20 miles a day for 3 days. I know now that I have it in me to be a success.

Please pray for my friend, Julie Scheving. She suffered a stroke this past week and is in the hospital. She is one of the most Godliest people I know. I know that my God can heal her and that He is able to do so if it is His will. I pray that He does.

Have a great week!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The Breast Cancer 3 Day

I will be walking in the breast cancer 3 day this year for the first time. This is a BIG step for me and I am more than ready for the challenge. The 3 day is an amazing statement to end breast cancer for everyone. I will be walking 60 miles in three days to put an end to this dreaded disease. Breast cancer affects me personally because I lost my Grandmother to breast cancer in 1989.
She was taken from my family way too soon! The 3day takes place in August, which will be the 20th anniversary of her passing. What an honor to do this in her memory.

Every monetary donation made will help try and find a cure for this disease. I want a cure to be found so my children will not have to worry about it. You can click on the widget to go directly to my personal page and make your donation today. I emailed 86 people. If those 86 people donated $24 I will reach my goal!!! I am counting on my family and friends to help me reach AND PASS this goal.

Thank you so much!

In other news, the 1/2 marathon is 10 days away! OMG!!! I am excited, yet nervous. When I'm walking, I will be thinking of the 3day and my grandmother and my friend, Linda Mathis. Say a prayer for me!!!

Well, that's it for now. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, March 05, 2009

One month away!

The 1/2 marathon is one month away and I'm getting nervous! 13miles is along walk and I'm not quite there yet. The farthest I've walked at once is 5 miles and that wore me out! I'm going to walk again on Saturday for as long as I can. I'm going to give it all I got and just pray I cross the finish line in one piece!

I'm also inspired to walk in the breast cancer 3day in august. I will be walking in memory of my dear, sweet grandmother who passed away from breast cancer in August of 1989. As I type this I just realized it will be 20 years that she has been in heaven. What I tribute I could give her! I am also walking in honor of Linda Mathis, a survivor. So, soon everyone I know will be getting a personal letter from me for their support. I have to raise $2,300.00 on my own before I can participate in the walk. I know God will bless me in this endeavour.

I am still without a computer. I'm hoping to get one by the end of the month. It's hard to do everything on my iPod. Starting this weekend, Marvin and I will be doing the financial peace university coarse by Dave Ramsey to get out of debt. I am really excited to get going on this. We have already started and we are blessed how God is guiding us! With His help we can do this!

Well, that's all for now. Enjoy the weekend!!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The latest

Well, the sickness seems to be over for now. Lauren was sick all weekend and Monday,and Matthew had a fever on Monday. I was still able to get some workouts in even though I wasn't feeling all that well either.

I took Ashlee to the doctor yesterday and her wrist is not yet completely healed. She got a new blue cast for two more weeks. She was not happy. She misses swimming.

My weight loss has slowed a bit but it hasn't deterred me from still working hard. I stayed the same last week so I hope to lose good this week. I'm almost at my 10% goal.

The twins were baptized the Sunday before last. I was so happy that my pictures turned out this time but I can't post them because I'm still without a computer. This weekend I'm hoping to talk marvin into getting a new one.

That's it for now. Enjoy the next few warm days we have coming.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

The Best Day

Today, Lauren and Lyndsey were baptized. It was awesome to see and to know that all four of my children are saved and their names are written in the Book. I have pictures of the event, but my computer is broke so I can't post them yet. I am writing this post on my iPod touch.

As of Jan. 30th I have lost 20 pounds! I was so happy that I made my goal to lose 3pounds last week. I still have a long way to go but it looks like I may get there if I keep working hard.

Last Saturday, Marvin took the kids sledding and Ashlee came back saying she fell and hurt her wrist. It didn't look bad so I just told her it was probably spraigned and she would be okay. On Monday, the school called and said her wrist looked a little swollen. I made her an appointment and found out it was fractured:(. She is now sporting a hot pink cast. She was excited at first but now she wants it off so she can swim. She goes back to the dr. on the 9th.

Those are the latest updates. If and when my of is fixed, I'll post some pictures of the best day!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

A little of everything..

I have been trying to get myself to blog more but I just can't seem to get it together lately. I'm tired and sore just about everyday, so I don't do too much in the afternoon but be lazy!

I have a schedule every morning that I try to do and this is the first week that I actually did it. After I drop the girls off at 8:30, I head to the gym. I do 20-30 minutes on the treadmill, do the fitzone circuit, do another few minutes on the tread or the elliptical...(that machine KICKS MY BUTT!!!) When I get home I don't even take my coat off, I get some dog doodoo bags and the leash and Buster goes crazy! He knows already that when I come home it's time to go for a walk. We walk around the block but today we went 2 blocks. He loves it! I did that schedule all week except tomorrow because I don't work out because I go to weigh -in and I don't want to get all sweaty and the kids have a half day. I'll do Wii fit at home after we get back.

When I went to the gym this morning, I got measured again. I have lost a total of 10 inches! I was so surprised. The biggest loss was in my hips! I was really excited about that.

It is so exciting to see several of my friends getting in shape! They all are doing a fantastic job and I am so proud of them!! It is also exciting to have everyone encouraging each other and being a great support system. My biggest inspiration comes from Karina. She is doing awesome and I am extremely proud of her! She encouraged me to do a 1/2 marathon in April with her and I am bound and determined to do it with her. Thanks K for your prompting and encouragement.

My other friend, Jennifer, is also doing an amazing job and I am really, really, proud of her. She is focused and is a exercise machine, doing Richard Simmons too!
She is also a good motivator and encourager. Keep up the great work Jennifer, your doing awesome!

Well, I guess that's it for now. Have a great weekend and stay warm:)

Monday, January 12, 2009

Weight Watchers-month one

I have been on WW for a month now and I am down 13.6 pounds. I have along way to go but I am taking it one pound at a time.

I have not had pop in about 40 days. I only drink water and occasionally I'll treat my self to a glass of tea.

I am down 2 pant sizes and looking forward to dusting off my old "skinny" clothes from 2006.

I am eating venison now because its leaner and only 1 point per ounce and its GOOOOOD!!

I exercise just about everyday on the Wii- fit and the Wii personal trainer video.

I park at the end of store parking lots and walk to the door.

I shovel the snow instead of snow blowing and even did my Dad's.

I realized that I AM WORTH IT!

I look forward to what I will weigh at the end of this month and am excited to do a 1/2 marathon with K. even if I walk it!

Monday, January 05, 2009

Off and Running!!!

Well, so far things are looking pretty good for me as far as eating right and exercising. I made it to the gym today after a two month absence. I fought the urge to stay home and rest but I figured I had all day to do that. I stopped going to the gym when I hurt my elbow so when I went today there was still some pain but I kept at it. Maybe that's what it needs to get to 100% again.

I have been Wii-fitting since Christmas day and it is awesome! I got the Wii fit fitness coach today and I am excited to try it out tomorrow. My gaol is to do some exercising everyday except Sunday.

I am also planning on doing a 1/2 marathon in April with my friend. She has got into awesome shape and has been very inspiring to me, so as she runs in the 1/2 marathon I will be walking it, unless I can get this body to run by then. I am very focused and committed to get into shape.

I have another friend who invited me along to mall walk in the morning. So I may work that into my day and walk there until it is time to get outside. I really enjoy walking and that is really the best exercise to do because anybody can do it and it's not hard to get started.

So, that's it for now. Have a good week.

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Exercise, Eat right, Excercise, Eat right

Okay, I'm not into resolutions anymore because they really don't work, so I'm not even going to go there. But, I am going to follow through with my plans to exercise and eat right. I need to make better choices if I am going to lead a better life for myself and my family.

From the time I was 16 years old, I have struggled with my weight. It has wore me down, ruined my self image, cause several health problems, ie:high blood pressure, caused me MANY opportunities to get down and play with my children, and caused me to withdrawal from my husband because of embarrassment. I no longer WANT or DESIRE to live that way any longer. This is not a resolution BUT A COMMITMENT!!!!

I will be the big 4-0 in 2010 and I commit to be fit and fine by 40. It will take hard work, sacrifice, determination, motivation, and Jesus Christ. I cannot do any of this in my own strength but if I put Christ first, He will give me all that I need to succeed. I have wasted alot in my almost 40 years of life and I will not make that mistake again. My husband, children, and family deserve more than that. They need me to be my best so I can be there for them. My kids need me to be an example to them, so that they in turn can be happy, HEALTHY, adults. I need to do this for me. I did it once, I can do it again:)

Enough said!