Fiona Update

For my dog loving friends... A Fiona update.

I've had my "What was I thinking?" moments. This brings back so many memories of when we got Zoe. We had already had Seadra for 4 years when Zoe came into our lives as a puppy. Seadra was MY dog, very attached to me, and in my eyes could do no wrong. She was the love of my life (still is). And here comes along Zoe, this puppy who loved to chew, was difficult to house train, ... all the typical puppy stuff. It took a good year with Zoe before she won my heart over and I felt like she really belonged with our family. And today I couldn't imagine my life without her. Zoe is a delight. Now I am experiencing all the same emotions with Fiona.

Of course I adore her and in time she will work her way into my heart just like Zoe did. I love watching her grow and learn new things each day. I was so excited today when she walked up the back steps on her own for the first time. I love how she lets out this little squeal when she yawns. She does the cutest little pug run where she tucks her butt under and runs wild in circles. She loves her toys and wants to play tug all the time.

Zoe is very tolerant of Fiona. She allows her to jump all over her, tug at her ears, stick her nose in her food when she's eating, and they play well together. They will be great buddies. It just melts my heart when I walk in the kitchen and see the two of them cuddled up next to each other asleep.

Seadra has no use for Fiona but I am encouraged that she seems to be accepting her. She is no longer hiding and has gotten her appetite back. I think she has realized that Fiona is here to stay and that she isn't a threat. That's all I can hope for out of Seadra for now. I have seen a few brief glimpses of Seadra playing with Fiona... Who knows, maybe someday Fiona will win Seadra's heart as well.... but I doubt it.

More updates to follow....

It's hard to say Goodbye....

The new year is bringing big changes for me. I've know for sometime and have wanted to blog about it but until yesterday it was not common knowledge and I was keeping it under wraps. I am starting a new job Monday.... still working for the same surgeons but a totally new position. For 6 years I worked as a hospital scrub tech in surgery and for the last 7 years I've been a private scrub for a group of urological surgeons... so for 13 years I've been in the OR. Thirteen amazing years!

Surgery was a passion of mine. I didn't really want to be a nurse. I always wanted to be a surgical scrub tech. At the time I was checking into the position the hospital was hiring nurses to hold the positions of scrub techs so I decided to go to nursing school in hopes that I could get into the hospital OR that route. It worked and in '97 I graduated from nursing school and started my new "career" as a surgical scrub tech for the hospital.

Thirteen years is a long time. This morning I was thinking about that. That's as long as elementary school, middle school and high school put together. Remember being back in school those days and wondering if you would ever get to graduation day? That was a long time in years of your life back then. These 13 years in the OR just flew by.... How did 13 years just go by?

Some weeks back the doctors asked me to consider taking the position of surgery scheduler for the practice. There was no pressure whatsoever and I was told that if I choose to stay in the OR there would be no hard feeling and that was perfectly fine. I could make this a long drawn out explanation for you but to make a long story short... I decided it was time for a change in my life. I am excited and ready for new challenges. I will have one on one time with patients, working with them preparing them their surgical procedures, working with the hospital, etc, etc.

The hard part of all this was saying goodbye to my OR family. Yesterday was my last day in the OR. I tried to go around and personally say goodbye to the people I was close to but time didn't allow me to get to everyone. I'll miss them all. There are days when surgery can be long and stressful days. We have all leaned on each other during those times.

Most of the staff was gone for the day when I left yesterday. It was a good thing I was alone in the locker room because I was boo hooing like a baby cleaning out my locker.

Here's to a new year and new opportunities! I'll keep you posted.

Remembering Grandma

Recently my parents, my brother and I had the opportunity to a take a family photo. The circumstances were sad as it was my Grandma Sumner's funeral. Grandma was a few days from her 90th birthday when she went to heaven. She was an amazing woman and left a wonderful legacy of family and love. Grandma had 5 children, my dad being #4 in the order. Grandma will be missed and fondly remembered.....

2009 in review

I wanted to do a post on 2009 in review. Going through my thousands of photos and picking out a few was nearly impossible, as was trying to decide on what events to write about. It was a great year of family memories and good times.

January/winter is my favorite time to feed the birds. The feeders are always busy and abundant with birds.

Winter continues to be Craig's favorite season. He gets to play in the snow (snowmobile) and most of all drive the groomer and maintain our local snowmobile trails.

Cardinals are around much more in the winter... or so it seems.

Unfortunately, I was only able to go on one snowmobile trip up north with Craig. We had great snow through January but none in February.

At the end of February Jordan, my Mom and myself flew to Florida for a long weekend. We visited my brother and Kay and Roger. This photo was taken at Busch Gardens in the bird exhibit, right up my alley.

Kay and Roger took us to Sea World, which we really enjoyed.

In April Caleb bought his dream car and proceeded to total it two weeks later. We were thankful that all parties were not injured. Weeks later Caleb bought another Mustang.

In May Craig found this nesting hummingbird out at the cottage. I had fun photographing her.

Also in May, one of my dreams came true. For years I've been wanting a camping trailer. We enjoyed many little getaways this year with our new camper. We are looking forward to more this year.

I had to stick this photo in here. This was a rare moment with Seadra and Craig. Rarely does Seadra let anyone hold her but me. I love my Boo-Boo.

Spring is wonderful for photographing birds. I love the nesting season and the baby birds. If I absolutely had to pick a favorite bird photo from 2009 I think this would be it. I just love Momma birds buggy eyes peaking over the nest.

In May both Caleb and Jordan attended Prom. Our kids are beautiful!

One of my happiest and saddest bird stories of 2009 was my bluebirds. For YEARS I had dreamed of attracting bluebirds to a nesting box in my yard and finally this was the year. Momma laid 5 eggs and shortly after they hatched Daddy bird disappeared. Momma bluebird tried hard to raise them on her own but sadly all the babies died.

Summer trips to Silver Lake continued. It's one of our favorite places and although I don't enjoy the dunes as much as Craig and the kids I love to go up and camp, cook the meals, and go antiquing.

In late summer the yellow finches were everywhere. When we stepped outside in the back yard it was like the trees were alive!

This was the big year for the Jeep. From the winter, spring and through the summer Craig worked on restoring his precious Jeep and in September he finally finished it. Totally new engine, new body, new interior, new wheels and tires. He's proud of his Jeep and I LOVE to go for rides out in the country with top off.

This fall we experienced something new with Jordan... cross country. What fun that was! I didn't know how much we would enjoy going to her meets and cheering her on and watching her break goals that she set for herself.

Whenever time allowed I continued to visit nature centers and sanctuaries with my camera. This continues to be a passion of mine and brings me much joy.

In November Jordan did her last duty as Drum Major for her high school career. We are very proud of Jordan for being the youngest ever drum major for Hartford, holding the position for 3 years and doing a wonderful job. We will miss the band next year.

Had to stick a fall bird photo in here. Red Breasted Nuthatches were new to my yard this year. I always get so excited when I can welcome a new feathered friend.

This past November Craig and I flew to Florida for a long anticipated vacation and went on a Cruise with Kay and Roger. We had a few days before the cruise and Roger took us on an airboat ride which is something I've always wanted to do. I can't even tell you how much I enjoyed that!

We also visited a wildlife sanctuary in Lakeland and I now have a new appreciation for wading birds. I wish I could have spent more time there!

And our cruise with Kay and Roger was amazing. We are very thankful to Kay and Roger for inviting us. Too many wonderful experiences to list.

And my year in review wouldn't be complete without including our new baby. She finally has a name... Fiona. Now I just need to survive this puppy stage!

But above nothing else family continues to mean the most to all of us. We are blessed beyond belief. I love you Craig, Caleb and Jordan and thank God everyday for each of you.

My arms are full and so is my heart

We always have this conversation at our house..... Do we want another dog? Yes we do! Are we crazy? Do we want to foster again? If we get another, what kind? A puppy or grown dog? A little dog or a big dog?

Last Sunday Jordan and I went out to eat at this little diner in our town. In the entryway people post ads and we always stop to read them. Wouldn't you know it? "Pug puppies for sale. 3 females (1 fawn 2 black) Born Oct. 10th". It must have been a weak moment for me because within an hour Jordan and I went and picked one out. We told Craig nothing! We weren't trying to pull a fast one on Craig, as he's always the one who wants another dog. We just wanted to surprise him.

The next day we went and picked up our new puppy and waited for Craig to get home for the big surprise. When he pulled in the driveway we tried to stuff her in a stocking but that wasn't working so instead Jordan put a red bow on her head and sat with her in front of the Christmas tree. I greeted Craig at the door and told him we had a Christmas surprise for him. He closed his eyes and I guided him into the living room. SURPRISE!

All Craig said is "What is that???!!!". And then he melted, just like the rest of us did.

We are absolutely loving her!

She's the sweetest thing ever. We haven't named her yet. We called her Raven for a few days and now we are calling her Moe. We'll see it that sticks. We are still deciding.

Zoe seems to like her. She plays with her an is very gentle with her. I know they will be fine together.

Seadra is another story. She isn't being very tolerant of her and is quite upset with us for bringing this intruder into the house. Seadra isn't eating well and she's pouting and hiding a lot. I'll need to give her extra attention and time to get used to this puppy.

As for me? My arms are full and so is my heart!

Christmas Concert

Wednesday was another one of Jordan's "lasts" for her senior year of high school... The Christmas band concert. That's Jordan in the front far left making beautiful music with her oboe. Jordan is planning on participating with the symphony when she goes to college next year. I can hardly wait to go to those Christmas concerts.

Birds Eye View

This suet log hangs just inches from my kitchen window. I love being able to see the birds up close.

The Boo and The Zo

No matter what kind of day I'm having these two can melt my heart!

My Zo-Zo... cuddly, affectionate and loves everyone!

My Boo-Boo.... Affectionate, and she needs her Mommy. Guess who her Mommy is?

How much more can I take?

For 25 years I've been enduring treacherous roads on my way back and fourth to work in the winter. I live approximately 25 miles from St. Joe where most of my employment has been during our married life and most of that 25 miles is interstate driving. Maybe some of you are thinking "25 miles isn't so bad, and what's so bad about driving on the interstate?". I will be the first to tell you that I am a wimp when it comes to driving in the winter and Craig will be the second one to speak up and tell you the same thing! It absolutely terrifies me.

Now let me tell you about my drive this morning..... I walk out of the house about 7:00 this morning. As I walking out to the garage I noticed what looked like a light dusting of snow. Not too bad I was thinking and surely the highway must be fine, it wasn't too much below freezing and the salt trucks must have been out by now. I get in my car and drive about 2 miles and take the entrance ramp to West I-94. Merging into traffic I'm cautious and anxious to see if the road is slippery. I get up to about 50 mph and the back end of my car does this little fish tail thing making my blood pressure rise and my fingers tighten around the steering wheel. Immediately I lower my speed and set in for who knows what is ahead of me for the next 20 miles. It's an all too familiar feeling.

Driving a few more miles I see 2 cars in the ditch and it looks like they have hit each other. The cops are not even on the scene yet. A few more miles I see flashing red lights. By this time the traffic is down to 30 mph. As I'm approaching the flashing lights I can now see it's another car in the ditch. I slowly change lanes to be in the opposite lane as the police car (this is a law in Michigan). Trying to change lanes on a sheet of ice makes me very nervous (as if I'm not nervous enough!) but I manage to do it.

Ok, now I am past the cop car and traffic is still going about 30 miles per hour. I have no desire to go any faster but the SUV behind me thought I was going too slow and decided to pass me. When he or she was directly beside me they completely lost control. Next thing I know their headlights are shinning directly at my door. At this point I am praying "Please Lord SAVE me and don't let this SUV cram into me. Oh please, oh please oh please!". By the grace of God somehow they missed me and flew in behind my car doing about 2 complete circles.

Shortly thereafter I exit the highway. By this time I am totally stressed and I want to cry. And all these thoughts are going through my head..... How much more of this winter driving can I take? I'm too old for this s***! I've been doing this for 25 years!!!! I'm lucky to be alive. Craig only drives 5 miles to work and drives a truck! I'm quitting my job, I refuse to do this any longer! I wonder how many years all this has taken off my life?.....

When I get to the hospital and safely park in the parking garage I call Craig on my cell, who I might add is in sunny Orlando this week! When he answers I tell him I need some sympathy and he listens to my story, the same one he has heard over and over. He tells me he understands and he's sorry, but somehow I don't think he understands at all. I feel a little better being able to rant for a few minutes. It takes me well into our first surgery of the day before I'm feeling normal again.

You might think that this story is not the norm but it is! OK, maybe I don't always have headlights shinning directly at me every day but normal winter driving is seeing multiple cars in the ditch, accidents, driving 30 mph, dealing with white out conditions. Of course some winters are worse than others. Last winter was an unusually bad winter for driving to work and I haven't forgotten it yet. After this morning I'm wondering what kind of winter driving I have to look forward to for the rest of this winter... it's only Dec. 7th! Oh, and as I type this we are under a winter storm advisory this very moment. What will tomorrow morning be like when I wake up?

You very rarely hear me talk about disliking snow or winter. In fact I LOVE winter. I think it's one of the most beautiful seasons we have. Our whole family loves to play in the snow (snowmobile). I love being home on the snowiest of days all nestled in my warm safe house. I just really DISLIKE driving in it!

Sorry to be using my blog to vent.....

Christmases Past

Christmas 2004

5 years ago......

Happy Birthday!

Today my hubby turns 46. Craig was 22 when we married. Wow, we've spent more years of our life married than not. Everyday I grow more grateful for this man.

I love you! Happy Birthday Craig.

Another Chapter

Jordan got her acceptance letter in the mail yesterday from Ferris. She was in Chicago when the package arrived. I knew what it was without even opening it. That girl is so intelligent and amazing that I knew without a doubt it was an acceptance letter. I sent her a text and told her there was a big white envelope from Ferris Office of Admissions waiting for her when she got home. Of course I got a text back "DON'T OPEN IT!".

Now the part where I get to brag on Jordan. Ferris is registering her as an honor student. She'll register for honors classes, will live in an honors dorm and have a private room. And best of all... Ferris is giving her an awesome scholarship based on her GPA and ACT scores. Her scholarship will consist of approximately half of her room and board renewable for 4 years! What a blessing that is and what an honor for Jordan. She's worked hard and has truly earned it.

I've got 9 months to get used to the fact that Jordan will be leaving us. I'm excited for her and at the same time apprehensive of not being able to tuck Jordan in each night. I know that this is just another chapter in Jordan's life with many more to come and I look forward to what the future brings.

Congratulations Jordan. I love you!

It's beginning to look a lot like......

....Christmas. We were busy last weekend putting up our Christmas tree, decorations and lights.

Craig and Jordan didn't let the cold rainy day stop them from putting up the outdoor lights.

Now if we could just get some snow. Last year at this time we had over a foot of snow already.

We are ready to break out the snowmobiles.