Calling RALPH to the porcelain telephone!

We all made it through the Cedar Point trip! It was a blast, even though... well, I am not 16 anymore!

We left for our trip Thursday when the dads came home from work. We drove for about 10 minutes, then needed to stop for dinner, and while we were in the area, a Super Hero movie!

Then alas... on our way out of dodge! Because we were going to stay the night in a hotel for only about 8 hours, we didn't want to spend a ton of money on a room. We stayed in the Travelodge 10 minutes from the park. Against my better judgment, and the HORRIBLE reviews! Joel and I got to our room, while Mr. and Mrs. Smith went to theirs. There was a knock at the door, where Mr & Mrs asked, "Is your room cleaned?" Theirs was not! No sheets on the bed, dirty towels, etc. Se we called the front desk, and they had keys to a new room, a suite room! HOT TUB, and Mirrors on the ceiling! (Bount chicka bount bount!!!) Come to find out, they had a night of laughing hysterically at themselves in the circus mirror!

The next morning we headed out, taking the scenic Lake Erie route there. I love the Great Lakes! Our God is truly amazing, and when I see the HUGE lakes, I am reminded how amazing He really is!

In the park, ready, set, GO!!! 1st ride- The Cork Screw!!! Never one of my favorite rides, but good way to start the morning! It was great to see The Smiths, and their 10 year old excitement! It was followed by slight disappointment when The Dragster was not open. No race cars going up 420 feet today! Bummer, or alright with me?


Next up-The Magnum. Has been my favorite ride, since it opened, well, the year after it opened. The year it opened, my dad brided me with ANYTHING in the whole park, for me to go on it. I refused. The next year, I was trying to impress a boy, so I HAD to go! This year, when we got in line to go on it, I saw a 12 year old girl crying, and her dad, pushing her to go! Ahhh, the memories. After The Magnum, we all felt great. Short lines, great weather. Life was fantastic!

The third ride was, The Gemini. This ride has been around way longer then I have. It is a sissy ride compared to The Magnum. No problem, right? Um... problem... I got off this ride, ready to "toss my cookies". I was with three people who were all having a great time, and I didn't want to spoil anything. I just kept going, like I would be fine. No big deal.

The fourth ride (and final in my book, for a few hours) was The Mean Streak. It was literally MEAN! After the longest and tallest wooden roller coaster, my insides needed a break! The Mister and I went for a much needed lunch break. Mr and Mrs Smith kept pushing on. They went right for The Millennium (A$25 Million ride!). Joel and I rode that one in 2005, so we didn't need to go again.

After lunch we waited to see the Smiths come off what happened to be their favorite ride. They loved it, and thought that I was right... you look down when you are at the top, and everyone looks like little dots!

I was feeling a little better, so we took a ride, standing position, on The Mantis. Standing didn't make me feel any better then sitting. It was all the same no matter how I was tossed around. So, Joel and I hit the arcades, the sky cap, the baby swings, the train, and then a shady grassy spot for a little nap! In the meantime, The Smiths went right for The Power Tower.

We met up once again, chatted about how the rest of the day should play out. Then in the corner of my eye, I saw it... at 120MPH and 420 feet in the air, not a bird, not a plane, not a super hero, a RACE CAR! It was empty, but being tested!!! So we rushed over to the frightful, and dare devil ridden, THE DRAGSTER. Let me first tell you, Joel was really looking forward to going on this ride. We saw it the last time we were here, and weren't able to ride, because it was too windy. So we talked about riding this for quite some time. Then he saw it going up, and down, and he opted to take pictures, rather then ride. Isn't he sweet? Girly, but sweet! The ride is only 17 seconds long, so I thought, I would do it. It can't be that bad right? Joel took a video of the ride in action. He then took several pictures of me before the take off, during, and after. After I rode, he videoed Mr and Mrs Smith before the take off. Right before they left, the battery in the camera died, and he missed it. It is quite hilarious to see them in the waiting tank. The way it works, is you hear the hydraulics start to pump, you hear the gate fall, then you wait. There is a traffic light, that goes from Red light, to Green Light. This ride goes from 0-120 MPH in 3 seconds. It is unlike anything you can experience anywhere else.

I am glad I did it, but like The Millennium, never again, would be soon enough. After that, the day was pretty complete. Mrs Smith could have gone all night, and the next day too, but thankfully, the rest of us were all pooped!

About these two love birds. Since I have known them, all of 1 year, I have thought that they are the ultimate power couple. They are so great as husband and wife. So supportive of one another, and generous to each other. It was so fun to spend the day watching them lovingly gaze. Their sweetness had nothing to do with the fact, that I puked on the way back to their house, then again on the way to our house, and one last time when we got home. I am glad I could at least enjoy the day!

Getting to the POINT!

In case this is my last blog post! Tonight, our Smith friends, and us (minus 4 kids) are going to Sandusky, OH. and tomorrow morning we are going to ...

The last time I was there, was the year before Nora was born. When I was a teenager, I would be up all night anticipating the day of fabulous fun! The last time I was there, I thought, I AM TOO OLD FOR THIS CRAP! I guess this time we are anxious because The Smiths are so fun to hang out with, and they have never been there. So seeing their excitement is going to be worth the whole trip! Last time I checked, this park had the most roller coasters in one park, then any other park in the world. It is always competing to be the biggest, fastest, tallest, longest, longest lines, and most expensive park ever! The "Millennium Force" was the last biggest Joel and I were on. I remember getting on, thinking, this could be it. I am going to be on the news! As we were inching towards the top, I thought, "Wow, we must be almost there... OH MY!!! Not even close, look down... I can't see anything, my vision is clouded by... CLOUDS!" It was quite the thrill, and honestly, I can't believe I am doing it again. But of course this year, they are even bigger! The "Dragster" is supposed to be great, but the last time we were there, they couldn't open it, because there was a light wind, and when you have that tall of a ride, it is dangerous to ride when there is even a teenie blow of wind. What happens if someone sneezes? Maybe we will sit that ride out. Then again, what fun would that be?

"The Italian Stallion"

This story, makes me laugh every time I think of it! In December 2002, my friend, lets call her "Jennifer", and her sister "Jessica" and her friend, "Jen" and I, all went to Chicago. This was way before we had kids, and were even married. So we were living the single life in the big city for four days. We stayed at a beautiful hotel on the "Magnificent Mile" called "Inter Continental". the only thing I remember about this hotel, besides the beautiful lobby, was the doorman. His name was Giovanni! All four of us crazy, giddy girls, had a little thing for "Giovanni". Now, "Jennifer" who is never afraid to say what is on her mind, said, "Oh Giovanni! Is that Italian!? You Italian Stallion!" Giovanni was flattered, and gave us some good choices for places to see while in the city. Every time we came back to the hotel, the Italian Stallion was happy to see us! He was the talk of the entire trip. So much, that a year later, "Jennifer" and "Jessica" took their mom to Chicago, stayed in the same hotel, and of course, flirted with Giovanni again! When she came home from that trip, I heard all about how he remembered her beautiful eyes. One day about a year later, I received a call from "Jennifer" saying, "Giovanni is on TV!!! There was a commercial on coming to see Chicago, and at the very end, the doorman tipped his hat, and it was THE ITALIAN STALLION!!!" Wow, we have hit BIG TIME! We know a real true celebrity!!! Right! OK... so now that 5 years have passed, and we all have kids, and are all married, Giovanni somehow still comes up in conversation. So here is where the fun starts... In Chicago last week, me, "Jennifer", and "Katie". "Katie" has heard "Jennifer" talk about Giovanni over that last few months. Of course we are in the city, "Jennifer" insists that we at least walk by to see if he still works there. She asks one door man, "Is Giovanni here?" He tells us he isn't, and when he gets in. So that night, on our way to dinner, we pass Inter Continental of course, and there he is... her real life, Italian Stallion. Very innocently she approached him, says, "Hello". He looks at her a little blankly, she looks back blankly at his name tag. She looks at his face, it is him. That is Giovanni, why does his name tag say "Hussain"?

"Jennifer": You are Giovanni, why does your tag say Hussain?
Italian Stallion: No, I am Hussain.
"J": Yeah, but you were Giovanni?
I.S.: Oh, I lost that name tag. I am really Hussain.
"J": You're not from Italy?
I.S.: No, I am from Iraq.

Her dreams have been crushed! Not only is he not from Italy, he is much shorter, and much older then he was the last time she saw him. After we picked up our much saddened friend, we laughed about it the entire night! And even on the way home. We called "Jessica" and "Jen", and told all about our devastation. We got pictures though! And we will always remember the "Iraqi Short Old Stallion, or Camel". And will always wonder, "why was he Giovanni the first and second time "Jennifer" saw him? If you work at "INTERCONNTINENTIAL" do you have to change your heritage, and become a different international character?" We will just have to always wonder!




The names in this story have been changed to protect the innocent and broken hearted. The story has been altered to add dramatic appeal, (not really, "Jennifer" does that all on her own!)

To Grandma SUE!

My mother-in-law, spends one month each summer, volunteering at the library of a National Park. I know she loves the wilderness, and the peace and quiet, but I also know she misses her grand daughter. So, please don't mind the post and pictures just for Grandma Sue.

This is Nora telling her dolly, "OH NO" or (No, no) after she dumped all the books on the floor. That dolly is teaching her bad habbits, becuse I swear Nora dumps the books just like that! (She is actually shaking her finger at her too, I think I taught her that?)

We miss you grandma, and hope you are having a relaxing, fun time there! Lets get together as soon as you get home!

Oh, to be young again!

Nora and I are in a play group that meets every week. The first week of the month we play with the residents that live at Ashley Court assisted living. They love playing with the kids. I really want Nora to learn that we help other people even though it may be doing something we don't want to do. I spend so much of my time doing whatever she wants, and giving into her every need and sometimes want! She may not know it now, but there will be a day where she will remember her mom, making her do service. Hopefully at some point, it will be something she also wants to do. At this point, I know that the residents and I get more out of it then she does.

This is Emery. Emery doesn't talk, but he uses his hands, and eyes to communicate with us. He loves Nora, and likes to take her crackers, and her crayons! She doesn't mind at all. She gets annoyed that he won't take his hat off. They are becoming quite good buddies. He is so sweet with her, it makes my heart melt!



This is Shirley. She LOVES everyone. She may look frail, but if you hold her hand, you will learn she is one tough gal! She gets a death grip on your hand, and WON'T LET GO! Here Shirley is talking to Julie, and Julies twins, Logan and Tanner... well, who knows what they are thinking, you tell me!


This is my sister-in-law Alie, and baby MJ. Emma A is so good with all the residents there. She is the shining example of children in service!

Firework Photographer!

I love fire works. I always have! This year we saw a few shows. They were decent. I then saw a blog of a friend who is also a photographer! Her firework pictures were better then all the displays I saw this year! The pictures are amazing! So is her work... check her out! http://whitneymccoy.typepad.com/ricknwhit_and_crew/ Thanks Whitney!!!

Crib to Big Girl Bed?

Just some help from the moms I know... How and when do you transition from a crib to a toddler bed? I am not worried about her falling out of bed, but I worry about her getting out of bed. I have heard to keep her in as long as possible. Maybe I should just wait till I need to use the crib for another baby? Just leave any advice you have. I would really appreciate it!

Happy 29th

I need to explain the previous post, it by no means defends, or promotes the behavior!
As Joel mentioned, he is great at many things... he is very committed to being a hard worker for our family. He creates value in himself with his company. One of the ways he does that, is whenever there is a holiday, he works, so everyone else doesn't have to. He will take the on-call pager, because he doesn't drink, and all the guys want to party during the holiday. Anyways, he does that often. The night before my birthday, there was lots of RAIN. Lots and lots and lots!!!! When he went to work on Thursday, he learned that several of his tenants had some serious issues with flooding, and sewage backup. Because it was before the big 4th, he and only a few others were there to take care of this situation. So soon, noon turned into 6pm, and he was just then on his way home. We had planned to have a nice family dinner, get a babysitter, and make it to a concert. He got home just in time for us to make the concert. There were a few things that he had wanted to do, but because of work, he wasn't able to. So, maybe I was a little hurt, and disappointed. My love language is "Acts of Service", followed by "Receiving Gifts". Joel and I speak totally different love languages. I am ok with that. Putting a post on the blog is one way he speaks his love language. He is almost 100% "Words of Affirmation". So this weekend, we are working through some of our imperfections as a married couple. We all have em! Just keepin it real!

Happy Fourth!

Because my birthday is near the fourth, I feel extra patriotic this time of year. I tear up when I hear the national anthem, or the country song, "God Bless the USA". I love the American Flags, but when they blow in the wind, I get chills. Good thing when I see fireworks, I just say, "Ooooh", and "Ahhhh".

This fourth, we went to a parade in the morning. Nora stuffed herself with sugar, and was glazed over the whole way home. (The same way she looks when she has spent the day at Lulus!) When we got home, we had some belated birthday cake. (Joel... really, I love you!) Anyways, after the belated birthday cake, we all took LONG naps, anticipating the late night ahead! After the naps, we went to our friends beach house. (PARTY PLACE! During summer). The J's always know how to throw a party, and last night was no exception. Papa brought his boat, and Nora got her first boat ride! The pictures look like she was terrified, but really, she loved it. Then we ate, played, chatted. Nora made new friends. Then we took all the boats out on the water to watch 3-5 firework displays! They were all around us. We are so lucky!!! We got home super late and because my child is perfect, she is still sleeping, and so I can post!

The plumbing company was passing out, mini plungers, toilet paper and tootsie rolls! Eeeeewww!!!



I don't like the frosting, and Nora doesn't like the cake, so together, we get enough of what we love. Good thing birthday cake doesn't come every day!



The weather on the 4th was perfect! (Another thing that made me teary eyed! We are so blessed to live in this BEAUTIFUL country!)


First boat ride together as a family! Nora will warm up to it..


"There ain't no doubt I love this land! God Bless the USA!"

Things I'm good at

There are lots of things I'm good at. I can fix anything that's broken. I can build a building. I can give a great pep talk. I can pull out a smile every time. I can wash the dishes like nobodys business. I can unconditionally love. I can see both sides. I can catch a big bass or not, and still have a great time. There are lots of things I'm good at. There are also things I want to be better at. My job, my faith, being a good friend and most of all loving my wife. I have only gone to God with all my heart twice in my life. Meeting Kirstynn was the answer the second of those two prayers. Every day with her is confirmation for me that despite myself my Heavenly Father loves me and so does my wife. Just the other day when she told me she loved me I said, "Really?" "Of course" she said. "I don't love me most of the time, how do you do it?" I asked. She just smiled and kissed my cheek. Sigh, she's the best. I don't know how it happened that the one person who can put up with the insensitive and stubborn nature I have, landed in my lap. Well, truth be told it did require a little convincing on my part. We had only been dating for a bit when after a particularly great date I caught Kirstynns eyes (my heart still pounds nervous when i think of it) and told her I was in love with her. "I'm in love with you," I said. "oh", she said and looked down. "Thank you." A quick peck and she fled into her apartment. Little over a year it took for me to sell her on the idea of spending her life with me. Another year to win eternity with her. To this day being Kirstynn's husband is on my list of things I need to do better. I am just grateful that she loves me today and will give me one more birthday to get it right. Happy Belated Birthday Baby! I love you Kirstynn.

Amazing People!

My mom has told me, I have a way of attracting GOOD friends. Since I was young, I always was drawn to the people that were really honest and true people. Joel gives me crap, because I am always making more friends. My social cup is never full. I don't have a lot of friends, but the ones I do have, I feel very close to. I value my relationships, new and old. I love that no two people are exactly the same, and what I lack in my life, I can find in my friends. The last two days I spent time with two amazing people. One who I have known for 12 years, and the other I have known for 6 months. We spent 4 hours in the car at 5:30 in the morning talking the entire time. Then we spent the next 40 hours laughing, smiling, posing, reminiscing, learning, and feasting (literally, and figuratively speaking). The last 4 hours home was a little quieter, but never uncomfortable. Never before have I felt so comfortable saying what was on my mind, politics, religion, spirituality, anything! The Lord has blessed my life in so many ways! I have never considered friends to be a gift from God, more like, one of life's great perks! I have now reevaluated, and know that our Heavenly Father knows us. I believe he places those people in our paths because he loves us. He desires for us to be happy. Besides missing my baby like crazy, this was 100% a perfect trip. Thank you guys for your amazingness! I think I should say one more time... I LOVE YOU! =)



The blog is about to see a CHICAGO FRENZY!!! I'm a little worried! Are you ready?

LOVE... new loves!

Just home from my Chicago trip. MUCH LOVE!

Random Cuteness!

I am headed out of town for 2 days! I am going to celebrate the last birthday in my 20's in the WINDY city! Shopping, eating, tasting and fun with moms! No kids! Much needed by all. Before I go, I have to post a few pics of Nora in June! Just plain and random, but SOOOOOO cute!

No, I wasn't punched in the face, I just have allergies. Oh well, my kid still has to take a bath!


I absolutely love the time of day when Nora is in her pj's. She is so snugly, and cute!


Really, she must want to be just like me! A girl that knows and cares about hygiene!


Life without allergies... wow... must be great!!!

Balloon Festival, minus the balloons!

Nora has a minor obsession with balloons. Hot air, cold air, no air, whatever. I think she really just likes to say the word. Don't we all have words we love to say? Mine is helicopter. Anyway... she loves to say balloons, and of course when she says it, I run her over to the computer, and we watch balloons on YOU TUBE for a straight 10 minutes. Then she wants more, and I am done! So, this weekend you can imagine her total excitement when I told her it was balloon Fest weekend!!! "You get to see balloons for real! Real up close, in your face hot air balloons! Aren't you excited?" She then runs to the computer and chants "Balloons..." and then begins the routine! So we went with our cousin to the FESTIVAL! Something that I have loved since I was a kid, and now I get to share that same love with my girl! We hit the carnival first. I took her on the Crazy Slide. Just to gripe for a minute. Nora was too little to go alone, so I had to go with her, and of course pay for her and me! $6.oo to stand in line for 15 minutes, and slide for 5 seconds! What a rip! When we got to the bottom, Nora said, "MORE MOMMA!!" Yeah right! So, that was interesting. Of course she doesn't understand money, and time. She just understands that last 5 seconds of her life! So I take a heart broken kid away from the slide in search for the next cheaper excitement! Thanks to cousin Ky, we were able to make this little girls life! Until it was over of course. I have always seen moms like me at carnivals, and thought... what a wacko! I can totally relate to those wacko's now, and I am one! Documented for the world to see, Noras first carnival ride...





When that was over, we said "Goodbye" to Auntie, and cousin (cousin number 3 had to eat... whatever! hehe)and met daddy at the launch pad. While he was saving us a place, he met a few pilots. We were able to run around the launch pad. Nora was wearing her squeaky shoes, so of course was attracting all sorts of attention. We met the photographer for the Daily Argus. He mentioned that he would love put Nora in the newspaper. Not only because of her squeaky shoes, he especially loved her pig tails that stuck straight up, and didn't even notice her shirt had hot air balloons on them. After I pointed that out, it was a for sure deal. OF COURSE! So, add another photographer friend to the list! After that I was able to document the rest of the launch pad experience!

She has been looking forward to this day for a week!



Hot dog in one hand, granola bar in the other!


Nora and daddy actually in a basket of a hot air balloon!



This is Nora being held by the pilot. She is really nervous, and excited to actually meet him. He admires her shirt, and her pig tails, and probably would have taken her up in the balloon, had we let him.


Nora says "My life is now complete. I met the man of my dreams!" (Oh and, there were umpteen million mullets too. I wish the few hair dressers out there that still cut mullets would say something to these poor people! Even David Beckam couldn't pull it off!!!!)

It was a very fun day for her. She loved every minute of it! Oh yeah, the balloons never did launch! They said it was too windy! What a bunch of wimps!

Thank you Grandma!!!

When my grandfather passed away in March, everyone asked Grandma, "What are you going to do now?" Her response was classic Grandma Staub, "I am going to spend more time with my grand kids." We can all agree that we have definitely seen her more, but I don't think it is us she really wants to see. She knows that if she wants to see the little kids, she has to see us! Either way, we love it, and we love her.

She came our way this weekend, with a purpose! She had no idea that her coming here would alter my life in some way. I haven't seen the affects of it yet, but it got me thinking, and I can't wait! The purpose of her coming, other then seeing her BEAUTIFUL, CHARMING, CARING, FAVORITE grand daughter (me of course), was to make a craft with the little kids. (Cousins... you know I'm KIDDING! We all know Natalie is the favorite!)

This craft is the most genius thing I have seen in a while. I asked grandma where she came up with the idea. Of course... she goes to the Red Cross to donate blood, and the cookies they gave her were magnificent! Cookies like that cannot be homemade, so she went to ask the workers where she could buy cookies like that? I can imagine her talking to a volunteer for an hour about these cookies. Turns out, they are homemade. Now, I am not kidding you when I say this, these taste just like the cookies that you can buy from the girl scouts, the peanut butter ones! Why didn't I think of this? This is my new treat that I will be bringing to pot lucks, road trips, parties, during All My Children, whatever (by the way, I don't watch soaps, I made that last one up). I have only tasted the ones that the kids made, kind of scary, but I can only imagine how yummy they will be.

Here are some pictures, and the description you are all dying to know.

Fist of all, I usually recommend store brand products, in this recipe, you must use the name brand. It really does make a difference. RITZ crackers, JIF Peanut Butter, and good quality chocolate. And do what Ky, Nora, and their Great Grandma do:



When you are done with that part, and ONLY when you are done with that part, you are allowed to do this:


Then of course, what is peanut butter without chocolate? GOOD CHOCOLATE!




So that is the short and sweet of it! Put them in the fridge for a half an hour, then you are ready to enjoy! If you do decide to make this with your kids, here is a little look at what you are in for:

Germ free of course!


Happy but dirty, KEEP IT REAL folks! Have fun with it!



I had to add this one of Alie, because I LOVE HER!!!! (Don't be mad)


And this one of Matt... he deserved it!

I had to add this one, because this hasn't happened since I quit nursing last... December. I miss these sweet moments with my daughter.