Joe is a Hamster Grandfather!

About a week ago I took Joe and Alexis to PetCo to buy themselves a hamster. They had been saving their money and once they got additional money for their birthday ~ they were in "hamsterville"!

This morning Joe noticed that his hamster (named Jaggers) had some pink things underneath it and wasn't

sure what in the world it was and then realized ~ She had babies!!! I am guessing that there are probably 8 - 12 baby hamsters.

In a few weeks we will have to take the babies to PetCo because we are definitely not keeping them all. (Yes, you guessed it ~ they have already asked to keep them ALL) However, we did decide that Hailey can have one of Joe's babies if she would like. So, she is now saving her money for a cage too! She will have the pick of the litter!

Back to School

Today was the first day back to school for Joe, Hailey and Alexis! I am not sure who was more excited ~ the kids or Clint and Me???

Every year I get a picture of them before we leave the house ~ This year was no different.

Joe - 5th Grade

Alexis - 2nd Grade

Hailey was at her Mom's so I was unable to get her first day picture - We talked to her this afternoon and she loved EVERY minute of being a 5th grader!

Pure Beauty

As our lives pass by quickly there are so many times we are in too much of a hurry to stop and take a look at the beauty around us.

The month of August has been an extremely busy, and stressful, month for me (and my family). With 4 Birthday's, 2 Baseball tryouts, and the anniversary of my Mom's death to get through I knew that I needed God to step in and guide me. Today on the way home from the Rockies game I felt a sense relief knowing that I made it through the craziness of this month.

As I looked to the right there were the most AMAZING clouds stacked upon one another and the light of the sun setting illuminated the clouds with blue, gray, pink, and bright white. I hope these photos can give you a glimpse of the beauty, that only God can provide, that we were able to witness this evening.

Rockies Vs. Reds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SUPER STAR!

The kids and I treated Clint to a Colorado Rockies baseball game for his Birthday!

We all look great as professional baseball players don't we? (below)

Look Who Showed Up In The Paper Today!

Happy 40th Birthday Clint!

Fall Soccer Has Started

Today was the girls' first Soccer game for the 2008-09 Soccer Season.

Both Hailey and Alexis moved up an age division so it was pretty interesting to see them in action. They did a great job ~ as usual Clint and I were proud parents!

(By luck of the draw, they both received red jerseys this year)

#5 Alexis

#12 Hailey

(Her entire team painted their hair red for the first game)

UPDATED - It's Birthday Party Time! (Yes ~ Another Birthday!!)

The Party was a big hit - Thanks so much to our family and friends who were able
to celebrate Clint's 40th Birthday with us!


Clint & I before the festivities


It is the 40 Year Old Birthday Fairy!


Clint's friend Vince "hooked" him up with the necessities for being "Old"
Geritol Complete, A Pill Box, Fiber Pills, denture cleanser, Men's Diapers
and even a bottle of Viagra (filled with M&M's)!
Here he is posing with his necessities and a great Enquirier magazine!

The "Boys" making a toast for Clint!

You can't turn 40 years old and NOT have a celebration. I am terrible at hiding things and wanted to surprise him but as usual - he knows about the party! The good thing is that he is still excited.

I have invited all our friends and family to come and celebrate with us and reminisce about Clint's 1st 40 years of life. We have had an overwhelming amount of RSVP's so it should be lots of fun with a great turn out.

All of our Kids are at the "Other Parents" houses so it will be just the two of us. On Sunday, the kids and I are treating Clint (on his real Birthday - Aug. 24th) to a Colorado Rockies Game.

Happy 10th Birthday Joe!

Today is Joe's 10th Birthday - He has now entered the world of double digits!

He here is posing with his baseball cake ~ the most appropriate theme!

I have always wrapped one of Joe's presents in some kind of food box, whether it be cereal or crackers, it has now become a yearly tradition. So, I could not let him down this year - here he is posing with his cereal box gift - He found a Colorado Rockies jersey inside.

Joe loves Harry Potter ~ and has completed the whole series of books. He has been going through withdrawals so Peep bought him a Harry Potter wand (which I let him open this morning) and the whole set of Harry Potter movies from Omi and Opasan. He was thrilled.

Last but not least - Joe has wanted the Guitar Hero game for the XBox 360 - He received it today! He first hugged the box and then decided to give me a big smile!

Memories of Mom

As today comes to an end, I am thankful ~

Normally I find myself wishing I had just a few more hours in a day ... today is not one of those days.

It seems that time today has moved very slowly and as hard as I have tried to keep my mind on other things I feel very deeply, in my heart and soul, the absence of my Mother. She passed away 8 years ago today.

Throughout the day, I debated on whether or not I mention this on the blog but decided that yes, I should. This is an important part of my life, and it too reflects who I am. My Mother was a brave woman who fought hard to live a normal life and although she had more bad days than good days, she was an amazing Daughter, Mother, Grandmother and Friend. I pray that she can see the happenings in my life and I know that if she does, she is smiling ~ I have a wonderful husband, 3 amazing children and have friends and family who look out for me in her absence. (Thank you Omi , Aunt Karin, Aunt Lisa and Peep Sr., and my sweet husband Clint, for your kind words today - you touched my heart when I needed it most)

The poem below is one that she loved and would recite ~ I had it etched on her tombstone and wanted to share it with you.

Ample Make This Bed

Ample make this bed.
Make this bed with awe;
In it wait till judgment break
Excellent and fair.

Be its mattress straight,
Be its pillow round;
Let no sunrise' yellow noise
Interrupt this ground.
-- Emily Dickinson

Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

Alexis' 7th Birthday Party was last night - and WOW what a night it was.

She had a swimming and sleepover party at the Holiday Inn here in Cheyenne.

After the pool party, the boys left, and the girls has some crazy fun. They ate dinner, swam some more, decorated matching t-shirts, put on makeup and wrapped up the evening with a movie! I must say.....it is hard to sleep in a room with 7 girls. This morning when we woke up we ate a quick breakfast and hit the pool one last time before everyone went home.

(I am exhausted today!)

Here are some pictures of the Gang fashioning their make-up!

Movie Time!

CONGRATULATIONS JOE!

Joe tried out for the Cheyenne Raptors 10 Year Old Baseball Team today -

He received the good news ~ He made the team!

As you can see from this picture, he is GLOWING!

We are so proud of him ~ this is something he has been wanting since last year. Good things come to those who wait!

Happy 7th Birthday Alexis!

Today is Alexis' 7th Birthday. I think she has been counting down the days since January! So, it has been a long time coming for her.

We are having a Birthday Party for her tomorrow. We originally were going to have a swimming pool party at the Little America Hotel Pool and then some of the girls can stay the night in the Hotel room. Unfortunately, Wyoming weather has won the battle and I had to change the party to the Holiday Inn so they wouldn't freeze swimming outside! It is only supposed to be 58 degrees tomorrow! Thankfully, it will all work out! She can still swim and her friends can still stay the night in the Hotel with us!

* The top pictures are of her opening her presents this evening. The 2nd two pictures are of her when we ate cake this evening.

Fusion Pictures

I went to see my doctor earlier this week to give him a progress report. He sent me to take a couple x-rays of my lower back to see how the healing process was going. I got an electronic copy and have included two pictures. The first is a head-on view. It shows the screws and the titanium rods used to stabilize my back. If you see the shadow to the sides of the titanium, that's the bone fusing and providing additional support for my lower back.

This next picture is a side view of the hardware. It kinda creeps me out to think this is in my back!!! If you're thinking this may set off metal detectors, my doctor said for some people it does, while for others it doesn't.

My doctor was pleased with my progress. Since this week, I have been doing Physical Therapy in the pool. I am now on dry land!!!! In my doctors words, "It's time to test the waters" referring to me now doing more and more things like I used to. I'm up to lifting 30 pounds, can mow the lawn and vacuum as well as other things. Thank goodness I'll be able to help Mel out more now.

Anyway, I wanted to share part of my inner self and thought this would be the best way!!

Change of Plans & Great Opportunity

The prayers must have worked for Alexis' party - I came up with the idea this morning to find a hotel with an indoor pool! Imagine that!!!

So, I have switched Alexis' party from Little America to Holiday Inn on Saturday! Things will work out perfectly.

In addition, One of Joe's friends is on the Traveling Baseball Raptors team. His mother called and left me a message that Joe is invited to go to their practice this evening. He can meet the players and coaches - This is AWESOME considering tryouts for this team are on Saturday. But, please don't stop praying - we still need to perform well on Saturday and make the team!

Prayers Please

I must say that August is a busy and emotional month for me and my family. You may need a few minutes to read this one but I hope you can share some of my craziness with me!

Friday 15th:
Alexis' birthday if this Friday the 15th, I am having her Birthday Party on the 16th at the Little America Hotel Pool. You may think...this sounds like a great time. Well, the weather channel is saying that we can expect a high of 58 degrees that day. So, I am a little nervous about how everything will turn out. (All I can do is pray)

Saturday 16th:
Okay, so if Alexis' birthday party is not enough to stress me out. Joe is trying out for the Raptors Traveling Baseball Team. When he is at a baseball tryout I honestly need to be sedated! You may laugh but I worry so much about him and know how much all of this means to him that I cannot focus on anything else. Now, I was very impressed at how he handled the news of not making the All Stars team but to be honest with you, his first choice of teams to play on is the Raptors. So, this adds to the stress! Lets not forget that my Grandmother has finally gotten her apartment and is wanting to move Saturday morning. This shall be fun - (Pray for Clint and Myself, Alexis, Joe and Dorothy!)

Sunday 17th:
All of Alexis' little friends that stay the night in the Hotel with me are to be leaving approx. 10am on Sunday. I figure 10am is about as late as I will be able to handle up to 8 little girls who are tired from being up most of the night! (Pray for my Sanity)

Monday 18th:
Monday is the 8th anniversary of my Mom's passing. I miss her so much and everything that I do with my family and friends makes my heart even heavier without her presence. She would absolutely love my husband. He would have respected her for who she is and that is something she cherished; True human beings who can love unconditionally. She would be so proud of Joe, Hailey and Alexis. Alexis looks a lot like my Mom ~ My Mom would have been amazed at how much she resembles her. (Please pray for me)

Tuesday 19th:
Happy 10th Birthday Joe - It is amazing to know that my once "baby" will now be in the double digits. He has grown up to be so responsible and is truly now a young man ~ Time flies. Thankfully, I had Joe's party a few weeks ago at Water World with his two best buddies.
(Pray for Joe)

Friday 22nd:
Happy Birthday Dorothy! What a special year this will be ~ I can actually spend her Birthday with her. I haven't been able to wrap my arms around her sweet neck on her Birthday for 9 years. The last time I did was the day of my Mom's viewing - it was not a birthday or event for either my Grandma or Myself to remember. (Pray for Dorothy)

I cannot forget that I am hosting Clint's 40th Birthday party this evening! His real Birthday will be two days away but I wanted to be sure and have a "get together" with our friends and family to celebrate the 40 years he has already had on this Earth and the 40+ years to come that he and I will have together. His party is at Uncle Charlies (Bar and Grill/Tavern) We have had many RSVP's so it will be a fun evening. (Pray for Clint and our Guests)

Sunday 24th:
Happy 40th Birthday Clint! I have purchased great tickets for the Kids and I to treat Clint to a Colorado Rockies Game. We will have such a fun day! I have become such a baseball fan so this will be a treat for Clint, Myself, Joe and Hopefully Hailey and Alexis can find something to love about it too! (Pray for Us)

Tuesday 26th:
Jessup Ice Cream Social - It is hard to believe but the school year starts tomorrow for the kids. Thankfully ~ I truly think life is much easier on EVERYONE when the kids are in school and their schedules are much more structured. (Pray for the Children)

Wednesday 27th:
1st Day of School - Although I shouldn't get the teary eyes and a heavy heart on the first day of school anymore, having done this numerous times, I still do! I think it is because I realize that they are all growing so quickly and life seems to pass by way to fast for me. I want to just slow down life and savor every moment.
(Pray for the Kids and their Parents!)

So - If you did not feel sorry for me before, I am guessing you do now. But I am not looking for any sympathy. After every days description you notice that I am asking for prayer. (Thankfully) I have found as I have gotten older that really there is not a whole lot you can do when life seems to be crazy and out of control but the one constant that will always be there for support is God ~ So please pray for me and my family as we get through the rest of August. We all need it.

Baseball All-Star Results

It is with a heavy heart that we report Joseph just missed out on joining the All Star baseball team. We got the news tonight that Joseph was "on the bubble" and if any of the players had to quit the team, he would be getting the first call. With that said, it still didn't help. Joseph took the news better than either Mel or I. He was very proud of how he did and he reminded us he still wants to try out for the Raptors (another competitive baseball team in town) this Saturday. And even if he doesn't make that team, he still has his comrades on the Marlins AAA team. The hardest part of the whole experience was telling Joe this evening that he didn't make the team. As parents, we dread these times. On the bright side, Mel did offer some comic relief. Joe and I couldn't stop making fun of her as tears streamed from her eyes. Even in the tough times, we have to try and find some humor, unfortunately this was at Mel's expense.
All in all, it was a difficult night for Joe and his parents. We were amazed with Joe's sense of maturity as he learned the news. Not a single tear shed. Together, we could look back and see the tremendous improvement in his game, his sportsmanship and his maturity. Both Mel and I couldn't be more proud of our young man!

Rock Concert in Our Living Room

Last night Celina (My Goddaughter) stayed the night with us. She, Joe and Alexis put on a Rock Concert for Clint and I. They were completed dressed up and sang two songs each.

Joe was the DJ who introduced the performers and he had two performances of his own.

So Far So Good

I received a call around 8pm last night from the All Star Baseball Team Coach asking if Joe could come back and tryout for a 2nd time today. There were 6 boys that were there today and they will take 2 - 3 of them to complete the team.

Thanks for your prayers - keep them coming. Hopefully we will get some good news for Joe today!

Good Luck Joe

Joe tried out for the Cheyenne Junior League All Star Baseball Team today. He was so excited, and nervous, although he said he was calm ~ I know that he wasn't. I actually couldn't go to the try-outs because I get too nervous so Clint took him. He did call me and give me some play by plays!

Clint said that Joe did a great job. There were 24 boys and they only take 13 (max).

Please pray for him - He wants to be on the team so badly he can taste it.

Here is a picture of him before he left this morning.

Alexis Rides Without Training Wheels!

Alexis rode her bike today for the first time without training wheels.

We have practiced a few times this summer and today was her day - she did it. We will have many additional practice sessions before she is on her own completely but she did amazingly well.

Picture 1 - Alexis Posing Prior To Riding

Picture 2 - Mom is Helping Her Get Started

Picture 3- To ride a bike and think at the same time - you must use your tongue!

Picture 4 - Riding Solo

It's Clint's turn (finally)

Just when you thought it was safe to read the blog, it's my turn to finally add my $.02!!
I have to admit to the entire world how wonderful my loving wife has taken care of me during my surgery and recovery. Even before my surgery, she has always been so wonderful, caring and thoughtful. But, she has been even more so within the past 5 weeks. She so thanklessly does all the "little" things I used to do: mow the lawn in 90+ degree weather, tackle the gas powered trimmer, pull the weeds in the garden, give the dogs water, and many, many more minor tasks. All this along with the usual things she does every day. She is the real reason I have been able to recover as I have.
I also want to mention that it was Mel's turn to give me a scare. Two days ago she noticed a vein behind her knee which was knotted, very sore and warm to the touch. She thought it was a blood clot; which concerned me greatly. Yesterday morning, the area was significantly bruised and even more painful. So, after lunch (after training all morning), she went to the Emergency Room (by referral from her doctor which couldn't get her in quickly enough) to get it checked out. The physicians checked her out thoroughly and determined it was indeed a blood clot which had burst the vein. Hopefully this event is now over but I can't help but wonder where the clot went. Anyway, I sure would be in a world of hurt if something happened to the love of my life!!
Well, this concludes my very first attempt of writing in a blog! Hopefully I'll get my rear out of the couch more often to let you all know what's happening with Mel.

Hailey & Alexis Serve Communion in Church

It seems as if we have been presented with many trials and tribulations lately in our family. Having God and our Faith as the center of our lives seems to help make the hard times bearable.

Thankfully, our Children have embraced our new Church and seem to really enjoy attending on Sundays and love learning about God.

This past Sunday, Hailey and Alexis were able to be Communion Stewards for the Church. It was a wonderful experience for them and they were extremely excited to have this special opportunity and enjoyed every moment.

Clint said that the girls did an outstanding job. They were very passionate about their "duty" and took it very seriously. (I was unable to attend ~ I took Joe and his buddies to Water World that day for his 10th Birthday)

*I ask that you please continue to keep Clint in your thoughts and prayers. Although he is healing well and making progress daily, his going back to work part time has been a rough transition for him. In addition, he has a hard time getting comfortable enough to get "good" rest at night. Furthermore, please pray for my Grandmother Dorothy ~ 2 days ago she received some bad news reagarding her health. It is a scary time for her (and me) and we could use your prayers and healing thoughts as we face our next steps in treatment for her.

Happy 10th Birthday Joe!

Wow ~ It is hard to believe that Joe has reached double digits in age!

Where does the time go?

Although his birthday is really August 19th ~ With so many Birthdays and Events in August, I had to be sure and set a date aside for his party. It becomes very difficult to plan parties when I really only have two weekends in August to choose from yet Clint, Joe and Alexis and Dorothy (My Grandma) all have Birthday's this month!

I took Joe and two of his best friends, Nate and Jake, to Water World in Denver. It was a beautiful day in the upper 90's and we were blessed with a rain shower right after lunch that gave us a break and cooled things off some.
Here is a picture of us about to ride the "The Lost River of the Pharaohs".

From Left to Right: Nate, Mel, Joe, & Jake

Oma's Summer Picnic

Every year, on the first Saturday of August, Oma has a family picnic. The past two years Omi has had the picnic at her house to help keep Oma from stressing over getting everything set up and ready at her house.

There was a great turnout this year!

1. Charlotte "Oma" Paul (Guest of Honor)

2. John and Liv Hanes

3. Aunt Ginny and Cliff

4. Fred and Gulby Bloom

5. Kristen Bloom

6. Greg, Kyoko, Ayanna and Keelan Hanes

7. Steve, Birgit & Meridith Paul

8. Jan and Cindy Paul

9. Chasley Paul

10. Judd, Krista, Vivian, Caroline, Zack, Aaron Nash

11. Clint, Myself (Mel), Hailey, Joe and Alexis

12. Last but not least ~ The Neighbor Kids

As always, Omi had an amazing spread of food to eat and we were all in great company!

The "Youngest" Generation & The "Older" Generation

The Whole Gang (Minus Clint & Myself)

We look forward to next years summer party!