Everyone has a Passion....

Everyone has a passion in life, what is yours?  Besides your family and friends that is....

 Well, my passion is animals, and helping people whom are unable to help themselves and need passion and compassion.

With that being said above, I feel that animals are the single most wonderful creatures in our world.  Especially our pets, and others pets as well.  When I see a pet, I see a genuine soul, true love, and companionship.    I speak mostly of dogs, due to my experience and love for my own two labs.  Buddy and Daisy.  My life would never be the same or so feel so rich because of them.  They know when I am sad, happy, depressd, mellow and chilled out, nervous, or needing a little extra lovin.  They are the best.  Animals love you no matter what.  They can not talk, so they live by our emotions and we live by theirs.  The love they give is amazing.  They make me laugh out loud, feel good when I don't by letting me just pet them and be by them.  Just lay still.  Even when they are in the worst or most painful moments of their lives, they just want to give all they can to make you happy and let you know how much they love you. 

This past week when Daisy was sick I would sleep by her side, same would Rich.  We just pet her, loved her, prayed over her, and for her.  I could not imagine not being at her side during her hardest time she has had in her life so far.  We thought we had to put her down, the papers were signed and all.  Then there was a change of heart due to our most wonderful vet in the world.  Dr Baker.  I respect and look up to this man like no other.  She is honest, passionate and compassionate.  Cool, calm and collect.  Just what we needed. 

Many of people may have thought that Rich and I were out of our minds to drive our dog to IL, and fly the kids and I up north to my parents house to what we thought was to put our precious dog to rest.  Well, how could we not.  She has been there unconditionally for us through everything.  Moving to different houses, out of state, me having my surgeries she would jump gently on the bed, lay by me and not leave my side.  Just be there for me for whatever I needed.  She just asked for love, food, water and a yard to use the bathroom.  She lays by the kids doors when Rich is out of town, or in their rooms, even in front of the front door, just to be sure everyone and everything is ok.  She does nothing but protect us from any sort of danger. 

It is truly amazing what one dog will do for a family member or for eachother.  While Daisy was stuck on the stairs the other day and my mom was upstairs and I was in our basement with friends playing with the kids.  Buddy would just keep barking and barking on and on and on.  Louder, more serious and blubbering.  Back and forth at my mom and the basement door.  So, my mom then yells for me, in a panic.  Daisy was stuck on the stairs scared to death.  She was trying to come down by the kids.  When there is a baby around she does not leave their side no matter where we are.  That is just Daisy.  Anyway.  My point.  Buddy was trying to tell my mom that something was very wrong and he was absolutely right and it was just amazing that he did that for her.  I had to carry her up the stairs and listen to her yelp and cry.  She was scared and hurt, but was going to be ok.  Buddy then just gave her a lick, me a lick, and walked and laid down by his sister.

So, this is why I have a passion for animals.  They are amazing.  They are nothing by the best.  All they want in return is the same love and respect and just to be there for them.  They can't walk and don't understand why their bodies are sick and don't know what to do and are embarrassed, this is when they count on us to tell them that everything is going to be ok, lay by them and pet them.  Simply love them.

What is your passion?  I know what mine is.

Fall in Katy, TX 2010

Let's see...

Things have been interesting.  We went from our first love, Illinois, back to Katy, TX.  We have grown to like it, but still our hearts are in IL.

Jimmy and Maggie's school are above and beyond anything I could have dreamed of for my kids.  HONEST!  Jimmy's teacher perfects the word " PERFECT Kindergarten Teacher".  We really love her, Jimmy has a smile on his face everyday after school.  She also puts a huge smile on my face after leaving when I volunteer at his school every week.  I never in a million years thought I would love volunteering at a school so much until this year.  Being involved with my kids and their lives has become somewhat of a passion.  I just enjoying knowing the kids he hangs with, the people that are teaching my child and seeing the walls of the school he walks into from 820 am - 340 pm daily.  That is a long day.  If Jimmy is so happy after such a long day.  I want to see what the buzz is all about lol.  Well, I did.

Maggie's school is wonderful as always.  She is still at the same school as last year, and I can't say enough about it.  She learns so much, has a blast, and has made some great friends.  I have made some great mama friends here too, whom will become my friends for a lifetime.  They have been here for me through thick and thin.  For those of you who know me I have a pretty intense life sometimes.  So, thank you for being there for me in the good and bad.

Buddy and Daisy had a BLAST in IL, and have been ok after being back in TX.  I know they would rather be by extended family as well lol.  Daisy this past few week has been declining in her health which has been gut wrenching for me to say the very least.  We found out that she has a disease called lumbarsacaral disease.  Which is a large build up of calcium on the end of her back bone which is trying to connect itself to her pelvic bone.  It is also the bone that serves the bones to her nerves.  She has been in a great deal of pain but we have her on some great meds.  After 6 days of the meds we are slowly seeing her get better.  I hope and pray for her to get better and better everyday.  With me walking around with puffy eyes and exhausted, it's tough.  Buddy is the usual Mayor McCheese of the town. 

Rich is super busy with work and traveling all over the world lately.  From TX to IL to MI to South Africa.  Don't forget LA, NJ, NY, and IN.  We miss him a lot, but sometimes.  It is what it is.  He is employed and we are happy and thankful for that.  He is also cooking up some awesome meals on the weekends which we all enjoy.

Not much new with me.  Just trying to keep our home as comfy and on schedule as possible.  I also have been enjoying a class at the YMCA called Zumba and walking/running at the Cinco Ranch Beach Club.  It is very peaceful and beautiful.  Zumba, well, it is just fun, to see me dance without alcohol and not at a wedding, purely hilarious.  But, WHO CARES, right lol.  I have also really been getting into the new show "Chase".  It is on Monday nights.  It is also based in Houston.  LOL, who knew. 

My mom also just came for a long weekend visit to Katy.  Maggie did not leave her side, and had a hardtime with her leaving.  We went to the Houston Zoo, rode the choo choo that brings you around Memorial Hermann Park.  I think that is the name of it.  It's right outside of the Medical District in Houston.  We also went to movie night at Crosspoint and saw The Lion King.  A first for my kids.  They liked it but were scared of it too.  My mom and I got to spend a day shopping.  She took me out for my belated bday and I LOVED IT!!!!!  Then on Monday my mom and I took the kids to the Rainforest Cafe.  Talk about seeing the kids in HEAVEN!  It was adorable.

Now life is back to our reg routine, except for us all being sad and dealing with Daisy.  Maggie will be Sleeping Beauty for Halloween and Jimmy Luke Skywalker.  He is VERY into Lego's and building things.  He also loves the Trio blocks...my little engineer and artist.... He also LOVES to create new things on paper.  Maggie is just loving play dough, coloring, and dressing up.

I hope all is well with everyone.  Miss y'all...as I say now.  It is easier to type, and I have to pick up something form Texas right?  I will NEVER pick up soda....  Not in TX or NJ.  I refuse.  HAHAHAHAHAH  
XOXO

Things on my mind......

Today the kids, my mom and I saw Despicable Me and it was cute.  The kids had a great time and were glued to the movie screen.  LOL.   Of course eating their popcorn too.  Then it was off to Caputo's for some delicious and fresh lunch meat, homemade cheese, fruits, veggies etc.  The kids are now napping.  I have some minor errands to run in about an hour and a date with one of my BEST adult friends in the world.  Susan.  Many do not know here, but she is one of my bff's that I have met as an adult, so she does not hang with my other friends and I. 

Last Friday Jimmy had his first official successful sleep over at his friends house.  Patrick and Andrew, they are all great kids and their family is one of our VERY close family friends since Rich and I moved to IL from NJ over 8 yrs ago.  Friday we are going out with our other good friends.  My friend Michelle is playing hooky from work and her two girls who are the same ages as mine....We are going to the Children's Museum in Naperville, swimming etc. 

This past Saturday night we had a DELICIOUS family dinner at Wildfire with my parents, brother, GG and us.  We had celebrated Michael and my bdays.  Then I was off to my friend Michelle's house to hang and LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH for 4 hours.  One of the very best laughs I have had in I can't remember how long.  Eyes watering, stomach hurting, coughing for air, and exhausted when I was done.  The kind of laughing that when you go home and days later are still laughing about the story you shared together. 

Earlier in the summer Rich, Jimmy, Paul, Andrew and Patrick had the annual boys sleep over on the Laskosz's boat.  They are docked at the Abby in Lake Geneva.  I also got to enjoy time with Laura having some drinks, and eating some great Mexican food.  Sharing stories, laughing and sharing heart felt stories as well.  I don't know what I would do without Laura.  She is one of the sweetest warmest people I know....  LOL, kind of like a fresh Krispy Kreme Donut.  YA never forget it.  EVER.

Then there was the day with the Cano's.  Lourdes came over with the kiddos for us to go swimming, eat great food made by my mom and I enjoyed meeting her son.  Lo and I also took the dogs and the kids to explore Pop Pop's garden, and to check out the lake.  The dogs went for a dip and Buddy looked like a lazy hippo after awhile lol.  One thing Lourdes and I have.......  We have know one another since 1st grade.  I sat in front of her in class.  We sat in my room talking and reading magazines like we have known each other and doing the same things we have done since grade school.   Cackling at old stories....  SO MANY GREAT STORIES.

Then there was visiting the Gatto's.  Jimmy still can't stop talking about wanting to play hockey again like Dominick.  He thinks Dommy is one of the most talented kids he has ever met.  So cute and sweet.  In fact, he just asked me again today when we are going to go to one of Dominick's hockey games....  Hopefully this week if they are still playing.  Jimmy really looks up to Dommy.  Dommy's twin sister Delaney is like a guardian angel to Maggie.  She plays with her, is patient with her and dresses her up. Then there is John Patrick and Joey.  AKA batch #2.  Her second set of twins.  SO CUTE and SO sweet.  They are a TRIP to watch.  They are Colleen's extra legs and arms.  I of course get to have total comfort hanging out with Colleen, their mommy, an my old college roommate.  We have a million stories, and a million memories until this day.  Kid stories, family stories, and stories of being crazy and fancy free in college. 

I have so many more stories that I will tell about our trip.  Seeing the Gassmann's, Mikec's, Wadington's, my cousin's, and many more others.  In the mean time...  My dad is doing ok from his last stroke in the beginning of July.  Good and bad days.  I worry about him.  Rich is super busy with work, but got to enjoy some time with his friends as well.

ME....I dread going back to TX.  NOT because of any other reason then that I will miss my family and friends in IL, worry about my dad, and the life I have here.  I have met some of the most wonderful friends in Katy, I don't want to sell that short at all.  TX is just not for me, I just don't feel like it is home. 

Confusion

All is good in Katy.  No complaints about Katy, the neighborhood, our church, friends or anything in genereal.  OK, maybe the electrical bill lol, or taxes.

My REALISTIC complaint is, is that I miss home.  I miss living in Chicago.  I have a beautiful home, great friends, and all a person could want.  What is wrong with me I wonder???!!!  My kids are happy.  Jimmy cries a lot more than Maggie about living in IL.  He wants to go by his friends, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles etc.  I can understand that.

What is comes down to is family.  We have friends in both places and could not ask for better friends if we put effort in and tried.  They are top notch!!  Nothing less.  Our home is beautiful and what is considered our dream home.  However, it is a home.  I would give it up to live near family and get a smaller home in a cute town with good schools in an instant!  Just give me the go and I would. 

I would visit TX often, just as I do IL.  However, I am waking up now, because this is all one big dream........

Back to reality.....

The kids are great and adjusting well.  Jimmy graduates preschool this week and is so excited.  Jimmy and Maggie both have their end of the year Spring Programs and parties.  It is hot outside, so we go out mornings or later in the evenings.  Makes it much easier.  Jimmy is in swim lessons and both of the kids will be in Summer Slam at CrossPoint for 2 weeks.  Then it is off to IL for a month and a half.  We are all so excited.  Rich and I will also be celebrating our 7 yr anniversary.  Life is not easy but I could not imagine going through it without Rich.  We are unique, funny, and love to laugh.  For me that is perfect.  I love you Rich.

Good Times!!!! They are here!

So Friday my grandmother GG came into town with my mom.  We are all so excited that they are here!!!  The weather is fantastic as well.  My mom and GG took Jimmy to see "To to Train a Dragon" in 3D today.  They all had a great time.  I took a nap and Rich took Maggie to the YMCA so I could nap a little longer and get some stuff done around the house.  My sinuses are a big pain, but the nap helped a ton!!!  Then tonight my mom, GG, and I went to a delish place called La Finca .  DIVINE!  After that we went on  long walk at the Beach Club.  Then it was off to TCBY to indulge in some fantastic frozen yogurt.  Ahhhh, life is good.  BUT then it got better, I got home and found out that I won an i pod shuffle from the Crazy 8 store for signing up for their contest!!!!  YAY, I never win things.  I am so excited. 

Maggie and Jimmy were in HEAVEN that Grandma made her famous pancakes for breakfast.  We all stuffed ourselves to the point that we could barely move lol.  YUM.  Nothing like home cooking....From your mom.

Buddy and Daisy always want to be laying near or sleeping with GG.  Too cute.  Tomorrow we hope to head to the beach for the day after church. 


Later this week my mother in law comes in late Thurs and leaves early on Sunday.  She will be able to see Jimmy play a Tball game , which will be great.   Then we have many other plans as well.  Maybe even the beach as well.  We shall see.  She is going to eat the kids up!!!  They have grown so much since her last visit. 

Jimmy signed up for Griffin Elementary for school next year.  YAY.  He is super excited, and I am for him. 

Ok, I am exhaused and going to bed.

Peace, and talk to you all soon.
Michele

Shake this

Today it's sunny and beautiful outside.  The birds are chirping and the sounds of Spring are in the air.  So far the banging and pounding of the house being built next door have stopped.  They have also taken down the "available" sign.  Maybe a nice young couple with 2 kids my kids age bought it.  Wouldn't that be nice!  I am also getting ready for my family from IL to come and visit.  My cousin Jen (Jimmy's Godmother), her hubby Andy, and 1 yr old daughter Cam will be here on Sunday afternoon.  Monday my cousin Danielle (Maggie's Godmother) arrives on Monday morning.  We have plans throughout the week to go on a picnic, to the beach, possibly to the zoo, the parks, and various other things.  I can't wait to just have the feeling of home (Chicago) in my house!!!  I can't seem to shake this missing home thing.  I know that the weather is better here, much better.  I also know that everyone has their own schedules in IL, but I still miss home.  Seems that about after a month of not seeing my IL  friends and family, I feel sad and lonely.  I always feel bad about saying that because I have met great people here too, and that does not mean I like them any less.  I may not feel as bad if Rich did not have to travel so much.  I know it is a part of what he does for a living.  It always has been.  However, this is more travel then usual.  Laying in bed or sitting in the family room by myself  3 or 4 nights in a row can suck.  I don't mind 2, but 4 sucks.  Looking at a computer or talking on the phone is not the same as having physical body here.  So, with that being said, I need to shake this!!!  I am counting the days until Summer in IL.

The good news!!!  I got my CT scan results back from my sinuses.  I have a lot of swelling but no polyps!  YEAH!!  I also got back the results from my blood test for allergies.  I am allergic to several trees, brumuda grass, and very badly to ragweed.  The doctor said, I need to be sure to have my epi pen for when ragweed blooms.  I need to stay in those weekends.  She thinks that my infections are due to allergies.  So, no surgery needed.  Whoo hoo.  Just allergy shots.  I am really happy about that. 

Jimmy and Maggie are getting up from their naps now and ready to play, play dough outside, and get ready for our picnic at the park later.  I am going to bring the bounce house out too.  They are living large.  Yesterday we went to two parks and got frozen custard with the Harmond's.   

I will keep you updated about our family visit.  I can't wait!

Tetering.

Hmmmm.  Just one of those not sure how you are feeling days.  Happy I am in TX with good weather, but also sad, because I miss home too.  Certain things I miss are hanging out with my old friends that I have know forever and being able to talk about whatever.  Laugh, cry, chill, hanging in your draggy clothes etc.  I miss the comforting  part of being with a bff.  Knowing you are not judged and that your kids are not judged.  Life is just good.  I am really missing my friends from IL.  I want to have a fire pit and hang out with Dave Matthew's Band playing in the background and eating smores and sharing old stories.  Watching our kids playing and having fun.  I miss the simple things.  I miss being able to go to my parents, aunts and uncles, or cousin's houses to just say hi and stay for dinner.  I miss the little things.  The most important things....  FRIENDS and FAMILY.   Things some how just seem more simple when my friends and family are around.  This Easter we will be solo this year.  I was hoping my parents could come down to visit, but they can't.  So, Rich , the kids and I may just take a trip to the Moody Gardens or something to enjoy some time of celebrating Jesus and being surprised by the Easter Bunny. 

With all of this being said.  I do have to say I have met a handful of new pepole.  One I think is my guardian angel watching over me and my family.  One I have me makes me some how want to be organized and totally independant.  I have also met another great genuine person that just makes my life somehow not seem so nuts.  I do the same for her.  We lean on one another, and trust and respect both of our opinions.  I am starting to make or should I say figure out some of the people I have met her could be life long friends.  Which is great.  I don't want a bunch of random friends.  I want a few close friends.  That I can laugh, cry, be cranky, anal or whatever and they still love me for me.  I love all of my friend for their quirks too. 

This blog is a lot of random talk, I know, but bare with me.  I am very tired and took some medicine that makes me sleepy sometimes.  Just know this....  As much as I miss home.  I have also met some great friends and guardian angels on my adventure though TX..

Goals

So, today I have thought about a few things.  One of the main things being, well, my health.  I NEED to try my very best to be healthy.  Losing weight is great, but only if it is for the right reasons.  I decided my reasons would be mainly, besides myself, for my family.  Here are my goals....oh, and please chime in for any tips.  I am totally open minded to any and everything.

1. I can give great advice, but suck at taking it.  I am stubborn, and need to do things when I am ready and on my time.  So, with that being said, my first goal is to get healthy.  I am finally going to try and walk my walk.  I am not perfect, but I promise myself to try my best.  The best is all I expect from my kids and everyone I know.  Why should I be any different.  I owe it to myself and my family.
2. Lower my cholestrol, and possibly get off cholestrol meds.
3. Keep my sugars at healthy levels, so I never have to struggle with diabetes like my dad and other family members on my dad's side of the family do.
4. Keep a healthy liver.
5. Lose weight, in a healthy way.  A change in lifestyle.  A realistic change that I can stick with.
6. Exercise...  For energy, stress relief, help sleep better, and to help all of the above.
7. Try to drink more green tea, instead of coffee.  I still enjoy my Starbucks, but that needs to be a treat.
8. Set rewards for when I achieve each milestone on my "GET HEALTHY" journey.  Things such as a trip for Rich and I or a friend and I to Vail or Washington State after I lose my goal weight and get to where the doctor wants me with my blood work.  The little rewards would be after each 5 lbs a manicure or to have a day at Boarders to lounge and read whatever I feel like, with no kids, just along time.  And, I can buy a book on my way out.  10 lbs goals can be manicure and pedicures, or a new pair of shoes.  
9. What I will do to get fit, besides try my best....Go to the gym.  Go to Spin class, after I get a more comfy bike seat lol.  Enjoy a body pump class after I am fully healed from my surgery.  I still get very swollen and have pain when working out.
10. Walk outside more often, even after the gym to get fresh air.  The kids and I love walking to the park etc.
11. Try and take the proper steps to exercising.  I get very frustrated with my abdomen getting so swollen after work outs, and then hurting for a day.  For instance, I go into the gym looking good, and come out looking totally bloated from not being fully recovered inside yet.  
12. I have to allow myself to say it is ok, to do half of a class, until I am fully recovered, and add a little more every week.  Also, to allow myself to try new things such as water aerobics or swimming laps.
13. All in all, I want to take control of my health.  Not meds to control my health.  My synthroid is here for life.  Hypothyroidism does not disappear.
14. Keep reminding myself, even though it takes more work and efforts to lose weight due to my thyorid, that I still stick to it.  
15. I really really want to try yoga.  Anyone who knows me lol, knows I need yoga.  So, one of these days, I just need to try it, and stop saying, I need to try it.

Each day is a different part of our journey.  I need to enjoy my journey, so I can always have the good memories and stories to share with my kids, my friends, and family.  It is what makes life interesting, and we all know, I do not lead a dull life lol.

I ask that you please pray for me, that I can stick this out, and reach my goals.  I really want this, but need a lot of encouragement and support.  I love health advice, good recipes, tips, and anything homeopathic I am open to.  I have not done it yet, but I hope to get more into eating organic foods.  I hope to update you on my GET HEALTHY for me journey.  Let me know if you want to join my me in my adventure, let me know. 

Testing Testing 123.....

Is there anybody out there????  I am just curious to see if anyone reads my blogs.  If not, it's a great life joural.  That means YAY for you, you get to read my life story.  LOL.  Aren't you lucky.....

Today it is 65 degrees and sunny, what more can you ask for in Feb?  Rich is working from home and the kids are napping.  Ahhhhh.....

Today one of my good friends and her kiddos came over to play and have lunch.  It was nice.  The kids all play great together and our families both get along.

Rich made some delish homemade sweet potato fries for us.  We ate as if we had not been fed in days lol.  mmmmmmm. Later we plan on going to the park down the street to get some energy out etc.  Jimmy and Maggie need to run, run, run.  Maggie keeps asking me to take her to dance and soccer.  I am going to look into signing her up.  Jimmy is looking forward to Tball.  The kids are both starting swim lessons next week.

I just talked to my dad and he is exhausted, they are working him hard at rehab he says.  This is a good thing.  I am glad they are working him hard, so he can feel good for summer.  My mom and brother are well. 

Ok, off to look at BP healthcare options with Rich.  Oh the joy....  LOL.  I am sick of all the hospital bills etc, however, we have great healtcare, so I can't complain too much. 

Today.......

Well today was not a bad day, but a busy and exhausting day.  I cleaned my house from head to toe along with the man who cleans my home.  I don't have the time go get mani pedi's anymore, and even dyed my hair with a box color. So, the one thing I wanted for our tax return...  Was Freddy to come to help me out today.  Ahhhh, it was wonderful  He does a great job.

The kids both had school and enjoyed their days at school as well.  YAY!!!  I did make it to my first Spinning class.  It was fun, but I need a bike seat cover.  We also went out to Gayle's house to feed her cats today.  They are so sweet.  Rich's plane was delayed and he won't be home until after midnight.  I am EXHAUSTED.  I have to say I did get all the laundry done too which is an extra plas.  The good news is Rich will be home for the next 2 weeks before traveling.  YAY!!!

I have made it to my 10 lb loss mark.  I have a lot more to go, so I am just focused on keeping things going the way they are right now. 

Well, I am thoroughly EXHAUSTED, I can barely even spell.  I will continue tomorrow. 

Until next time TTYL.

Various Pictures to look at of Family and Friends....

 I will write a real post later.  I just wanted to share some pics of the kids, friends, and family.

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3494184009/a=23020343_23020343/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=147911&id=788609205&l=10b9ce39f1

Life....

Right now it is 11:03 am and I am sitting in my office with my Yellow Labrador Buddy and my Black Labrador Daisy. Daisy, is snoring, and Buddy is having a dream (his paws act as if they are running in the air) LOL. Welcome to the life of.... The Kilcoyne Household.

Today started out nice. Breakfast in bed, and slept in until 9 am. Not bad for a Saturday morning with a husband, 2 kids and 2 dogs. Rich is going to be traveling this week, so, when this happens, I usually get a break one weekend morning.

So, I thought today I thought.... Rich was going to take Jimmy with him to run various errands, which they did, and Maggie and I would have a day together. After all of the above. I thought we were going to go to the Chase's house for dinner and fun (FYI, the Chase's are Mike, Lindsey, Sammy and Sophia...oh, and they awesome German Shepheard Kona). INSTEAD. The boys did their thing. They got a lot done and had a great time together. Jimmy even picked out a pair of sunglasses for Maggie. He told Rich, that she had to have them. So sweet. Meanwhile. Maggie was getting super whiney and cranky. Hmmm.... So, she went down for a nap, and woke up with a fever of 100.7 (around 215pm). I then called Lindsey to let her know, we had to reschedule, which she was totally understanding. I felt so bad. She was going to make a great dinner etc etc... Then, around 530 pm, I took Maggie's temp again and it was 103 F. Yuck!!!! Poor girl spent the day hanging with Rich or myself in bed instead. We watched Dora, Wonder Pets, Oliva, and the movie Bolt. Then after her meds and her temp was under control off to bed she went... Jimmy followed shortly...

Rich and I cleaned the house a little, and chatted while he was packing for yet another trip to Michigan. I swear, IL and Michigan are his home. Texas is his second home LOL. I wish him a very safe trip and flight. Sometimes we all gotta do, what we gotta do. It all works out.

I am realizing how fast our kids are growing up today. Makes me so sad and excited at the sametime. I also notice, we have bright kids. Not master minded geniuses but bright kids. Our kids also have a great sense of humor. Jimmy is all boy, but very sensitive. He is very into how people are feeling and concerned about what is going on around him. Maggie, for the most part is very easy going, but stubborn. She knows what she wants and when she wants it. However, she is very loyal to the people she loves.

Today, was a pretty boring post. I am in a ho hum kind of mood. I hope to report tomorrow that our home is fever free and that we have a great start to a new week.

My day and the little things that I miss, and thing that make me happy.

So. Where do I start this blog with the long title?????

I see the word RANDOM in my title. So I am going to write RANDOM things lol.

Lets see....

The little things that I miss. ..

1. Having a mailbox at the end of my driveway.
2. SNOW storms a few times a year.
3. Skiing
4. A small downtown area. Ya know... The kind with the butcher, the baker, and the candle stick maker??? Literly!
   
5. The Post office where people know your name.
6. Living in a town that you can walk or ride your bike to the train station if you want to. Then hop on the train and head to Chicago.
7. I miss seeing different faces. The faces of people who work blue collar and white collar jobs, but raise their families with the same values
8. No humidity.
9. Seeing faces from all over the world. I see that here too, but not as much as Chicago.
   
10. I miss the ZONEing laws they have in Chicago and all of the burbs.
11. I miss the Creative Learning Art Studio for Kids, The Children's Museum, The Park District, Ice Rink, Ski resort areas. Even the little one we have in town. Sledding is available all over, snowmobiling, and ice skating on the pond.
12. I miss my old church and all the people we have met along the way.
13. I miss the Chicago food. We are not small from Chicago, but damn are we happy. LOL!!!
14. I miss Wrigley Field
15. I miss my friend and family.
16. I miss the lush trees, hills, and traditional and old school views people have.
17. I miss the security, meaning, you don't feel you need a loaded gun, and having an alarm system is just a plus. Not a necessity.
    
18. I miss the beautiful forest preserves.
19. I miss that being different is a good thing, and that it's what make the world go round and makes friendships closer....
20. OK, it's number 20, I need one more thing.... Oh, I miss good shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do have to admit, even though I do miss IL. I have become to accept and get used to TX. It will grow on me. It already is. It is just going ot take time. Here are the things I love about TX so far.

1. My new friends.
2. Southern hospitality
3. People are polite
4. The kids have the best preschool and I don't know what I would do without the teachers, and parents I have met.
5. I enjoy the fact that most people are from somewhere else, so you don't feel like you are the only one who has moved from out of state. They have been there and done that too....
6. The thunderstorms are amazing.
   
7. There is a park right down my street.
8. Neighbors are great.
   
9. People want to visit because it is warmer than the North.
10. I have a fence in the back yard and a beautiful home. One I cold not afford in IL.
11. I will work on getting to 20, but that will take a little more time. Just give me time. I WILL get there.

Today....

1. I brought Maggie to school with her friend Claira. Jimmy went with Rich. AFTER we jump started my car lol.
2. I grocery shopped.
3. I ate lunch with the kids at school.
4. I had a mamogram, and it looks like it went well. THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!
5. I worked out for an hour at the gym... OK, I walked, but hey, that is better than doing nothing.
   
6. I was able to return some calls that needed to be returned.
7. Rich made avacado and cucumber sushi rolls for dinner. DELISH!!!
8. I am doing laundry. It is all a work in progress. LOL
9. I called my mother and grandmother.
10. Now, I am off to read and go to bed. I am cashed!!!

If this post was boring sorry. If it was annoying that I was venting, tough. I needed it. LOL!!! Have a great night an talk to you soon........ TTFN.

Random day and thoughts...

Well... Today.....

My friend Cathy called me first thing in the moring to see if the kids and I could meet her for breakfast at Egg Harbor in Geneva. Well, there was no pulling my chain, we were stoked!!! The kids enjoyed sharing Jimmy's bday pancake, and their lunches. Cathy also got the kids each alittle something. What more could the kids ask for!!! Cathy is one of my oldest and best friends. I used to nanny for her kids in the summers during the college years. She's the best and I learn a lot from her.

Jimmy and I worked on his 100th day celebration shirt. He counted 100 buttons, and glued those 100 buttons onto a tshirt. Super cute. He also did some homework for school.

Later today we met the Laskosz's at Creative Learning Art Studio for Kids in Roselle. The kids were in HEAVEN.

Later Rich and I went to 7 pm Ash Wed mass at St. Peter Damian Catholic Church. It was a great sermon and the priest made some great points. Interesting readings too.

Then it was packing and putting the kids to bed, book and shower after that!!!

I am now going to fisish my packing andd watch the olympics....Its the best.

Happy Valentine's Day 2010

Hello from Chicago! Jimmy and Rich just left for Monster Truck Jam with the Laskosz boys. Their yearly tradition they have kept up since the boys were 2 years old. The kids were stoked! Then Jimmy is off to his first sleepover with Patrick and Andrew after the show. He is thrilled, and I am too, but also sad. It means he is offically a big boy going to his friends house for a sleepover. However, I love the fact that Patrick and Andrew's parents are also some of our very best friends. COMFORTING!!!

This morning my mom had both of the kids place mats filled with candy, new Valentine's Day cups, and each a book. Jimmy got a Skippy John Jones book and Maggie a Pinkilicious (sp?) sticker and story book. They were so happy. Rich got to sleep in after enjoying a night out with Keith, Paul, and my brother at Bannerman's for some beer and the Winter Olympics. Speaking of Olympics. Vancover is one of the most beautiful places on this earth. I would live there if given the chance. The Kilcoyne Family is a winter sport family. Jimmy is already getting into snowboarding, and Rich and I ski. Maggie even wants to learn to ski. I plan to get her on some ski's next year. We also love to sled, snowmobile, and ice skate. Even ice hockey. The things we can't do in TX. Go figure. Hopefully one day we will find our family back up North again. However, only Rich's job will make that decision. We can't complain about Rich's job. OR maybe we will just win lotto and have a home in TX and a home in CO. I could live a good life with a second home in Vail.

Maggie and I will go to our friends The Hadjuk's later. Their names are Michelle, Keith, Megan and Kaylin.... So, if you hear me refer to them again, you know who I am talking about. Michelle is making a big turkey dinner with all the fixins. SCORE!!!! We are LUCKY!!!! This way Maggie can enjoy time with her friend Kaylin who is less than 1 month younger than her while Jimmy is at his big day.

Rich bought me a dozen red roses and 3 protein bars. If you don't know yet. I am on a restricted diet. Unfortunately it has sucked in the past almost 24 hours, but is back to the grind starting 2:00 pm to be exact... (which is what time it is RIGHT NOW). LOL. I have to be on a low sugar, low fat diet. It is soooooo hard for me, but I have to. I also have to exercise. Bottom line, there needs to be a new and healthy me.

Then..... This morning. I visited my friend Carey and her dog Hank. Of course her two kids and hubby too. Hank is one of the sweetest large breed dogs out there. He is called a Leonberger. Which is a cross between a St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees. He is BEAUTIFUL and the sweetest dog... He is sick, and it is sad. He is 10 years old and Carey is having to think about things she never wanted to about Hank. Hank even has a 2009 Denali XL named after him, laterly. The liscense plate says "Hankerdoo". So, as all of you know, I LOVE ANIMALS, and will be praying for Hank and the Olson's. There is nothing that can get you through a rough day like the love of a pet.

So, for me.... my life.... Hmmmmm..... Same shit different day. LOL. My main focus as I said earlier is my health.... besides my bad diet in the last 24 hours. I also want to live on a strict budget and make 2011 an EXCELLENT year.

My dad has his good days and bad. My mom is concerned about her school district. U-46 sucks!!!! Michael is taking two classes at the local community college and has met a great group of new friends. I am proud of him for doing that.

Ok, it is mid afternoon. Maggie is sleeping and the boys are out. Hmmm, now for some ME time.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Blogging STUFF

Well.... It has been a LONGTIME since I last blogged. I am more into Facebook, and don't know if anyone is even reading this. We are all so busy all the time, that when we all sit down to have down time and relax. Reading long Blog's are just not always the priority. So, that being said. I am writing to write. This way I have my Blogs to look back on later in life for myself, and if you would like to join my crazy journey. You also can enjoy the journey with me.

Jimmy is going to be 5 on Feb 16th, 2010. First off the time passes so fast. I also really miss some of those precious baby and toddler moments. I do have to say, however, I also enjoy all of the new stages as well. They all have their good and challenging moments. Jimmy is always coming up with something hilarious and innocent to say. He is also a child that loves to learn, red, and just enjoys being a kid. He is learning how important friends and family are right now. He is also learning that things are just things. People and our animals mean the most. We can both LOVE and have feelings. More or less, you can not only see but sense our emotions.

Jimmy's biggest accomplishment in the past 2 weeks have been to know our full names, address, phone number, and how to count to 100. I am super happy for him that he has been able to achieve the goals and expectations of his teacher, Rich, and himself. It makes him feel good, and helps with his self esteem which is so important. He starts swim lessons in March along with Tball. He is super excited. He also takes Enrichment, Art and Drama for his afterschool activities.

Maggie is now 2.5 and loving life. However today. Life is challenging because she is getting in her last molar and is miserable. She has a swollen cheek and the back of her mouth looks like it is in pain. Poor girl. We hope for a better day tomorrow, with a new tooth. Maggie has also decided to pick out her own clothes. She is very stubborn and strong willed. If she wants it a certain way.. BACK OFF!!!! It will be her way, and she is very particular about it. She even matches the clothes she picks out. Pretty impressive. I have enough challenges matching lol. Maggie is also very into dressing up, her Fisher Price Loving Family Dollhouse, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She is so excited to see my family on Saturday and take a family vacation. We pray for a big snowstorm for our trip up North! Maggie also LOVES to wear tutu's and anything to do with Princesses. It is adorable. I honestly never picture myself with a girl because I was such a Tomboy, however, I DO NOT know what I would do without a girl now. I get the best of both worlds having a girl and a boy.

Rich has been working very long hours. He is exhausted and burning the candlestick at both ends so to speak. However, somehow he keeps up..... BTW, I just realized how much I used the word HOWEVER in this Blog. LOL!!! I have insomnia tonight and it is super annoying. I am finally getting a little sleeping, but it's ONLY 115 am. UGH!

Ok, off to try and get some shut eye. I have a Dr appt that has me a little bit scared, but I hope and pray for the best. I will report if it is anything worth reporting. Have a great night everyone. See ya!