100,000

Back in September 2011, I posted about the 88,888 miles we had travelled in our van. We bought it new. We put every single mile on that van. In September 2005, some time in the afternoon that 2006 Van was rolled off the delivery truck. They hadn't even pulled all the delivery stickers and tape off of it yet and we signed papers to drive it home.

 I am not going to lie I felt like I was driving a tank. Earlier last month we reached the 100,000 mile mark. I was so caught up in the everyday events of our life to even notice. Phil finally had some time at home, so he did a little tune up on her before we left for Family Weekend to Mason and noticed the numbers had turned. To be honest, I liked the fact I didn't notice.

If we aren't careful we can spend our whole lives worried about the numbers and what they mean. Until Madelynn had her surgery I always worried about the "numbers" and every little detail they represented. While Madelynn was recovering, the nurses were constantly telling me, "Don't look at the numbers look at your daughter."

That phrase rings so true in too many aspects in life. I know sometimes the little details are incredibly important but if I spent all my days on the little details I would miss the big picture. I want to share my big picture.....

Quick side note......sometimes I have difficulty and am technically challenged. I recently figured out how to link my phone to my laptop to transfer pictures. To most this is an easy task but I finally just spent the time two hours exactly and educated myself. Because of my recent education I can share the following......

This is Madelynn's Heart 10/12/2008.

In a recent visit to Madelynn's Pulmunologist, he showed me x-rays from the day the Urgent Care Doctor realized there was a problem (the one saved her life). Her heart was boot-shaped, deformed from lack of blood flow. The only reason this x-ray was taken was to rule out a different condition.

This is a picture of Madelynn's Heart last week (7/5/12)

The second x-ray is from the week before her appointment to the pulmunologist. You can clearly see how much she has grown but her heart has also re-shaped. This is that bigger picture that brings me so much JOY!!!

The side view from 7/5/12 that shows the reminder.

If you look closely at the this third x-ray along the breast bone you will see the metal wire wrapped around her when they broke it to repair her heart. We were told the bone would eventually infuse over the wire but I don't think it will ever disappear from a x-ray.

We have come so far in 100,000+ miles. We bought the van because our CRV just couldn't manage our two car seats and everything else you need for a 2 month and 21 month old children (Madelynn wasn't even a thought at the time). The van has seen beautiful beach filled coastlines and crazy bitter winter weather. It has heard hoards of crazy laughter and silently cruised as tears streamed down.

Hopefully, with Phil's mechanic background it will easily last another 100,000.

For those of you, wanting an update on Madelynn's Pulmuology appointment. We did not get any bad news but still nothing concrete. They did do a quick lung study that confirmed her lungs appeared to be functioning normally. There is a more detailed study they will do around her birthday next year. If she is cooperative they will be able to tell how much nerve damage there is from the collapsed lung and paralysis in her diaphragm she suffered days after her heart repair.

The doctor's best estimation is that the nerve damage will be minimal. The best explanation he gave was that she will be allowed to play sports but she would never be a marathon runner. We will know more next year. In the meantime, we will do our best to keep her healthy and enjoy all the every day moments with all of our children. Spending the days enjoying the bigger picture and worrying about the details as they occur and not let life control us with them.

TTFN~

Endings and Beginning.....Part 2

I am not sure who was more excited that school was ending, Maddie, Katie and Jack or myself.

Maddie has been out of school for two and a half weeks prior to Katie and Jack's last day. During her million question a day conversations, she would always ask how many days until Katie and Jack could stay home with her. Finally that day came.

Good-bye boots, sneakers

....and cleats

Hello flip flops, crocs, slides

.....and bare feet

We don't have many big plans for the summer except to spend as much time together as a family. Needless to say, this will make Maddie one Happy girl.

TTFN~

My 12 days of Christmas...Day 8

Today I am celebrating the freedom Christmas Break. There is always so many other things to do during Christmas break there is no swimming, basketball, school meetings or any other place we need to rush off to. So getting home from work the kids are all waiting, wanting to know what will we do. We have been lucky the weather has been warm and the kids can play outside. They have been playing lots of Wii even Maddie is figuring out the bowling and baseball. It is really cute.

Because the next grading period ends two weeks after Christmas Break the school has a reading program for Christmas Break. Katie and Jack are required to read 20 minutes per day for eight days during break. So the kids brought there books and piled in my lap and read. For Katie this is an easy task, she loves to read, I find her reading all over the house. But Jack not so much. He is well above the reading level where he should be for this time of year, it just isn't his favorite thing.

The school also has an at home math program called Math Stars. Katie and Jack log in the computer and answer all kinds of Math challenges. Katie has earned the most points in her class so far. Jack dislikes that she can do it so well so he is working to catch up with her. I know it sounds like a lot of homework over a holiday but I like the freedom of doing it at your own pace.

My employer is pretty generous with days off during the holiday so the kids and I will be together quite a bit. I am sure I will be ready for them to go back to school when it is time but for now I will enjoy all of the early morning snuggling, Wii playing, being outdoors or just all piled on the couch watching a movie.

Happy Christmas Break!

TTFN~

Girls Weekend......A little late................

The last weekend of the kids summer break we headed off to one last.....Hurrah!!!

Phil, Kaitlynn, Jackson, Madelynn, Grandma Bacho and myself piled in the van and headed off to Mason, OH to crash Aunt Jenni's for girls weekend. So why are Phil an Jackson going......They only dropped the girls off and headed further on to Phil's brother's for some family time of his own.

So while Jen's house was filled with five sqealing little girls, Phil and Jackson visited with his family and did a little fishing. There is a picture on my facebook page of the first fish of the day on the trip. There were probably 300 pictures from girls weekend. My only regret from this 2nd annual girl time, we never took a picture of Grandma Bacho with her daughters and grand-daughters.

Below are a few pictures of the five raving beauties............

In one year they have grown so much

So we told the girls to line up on the hearth and on the count of three they should jump.

Three!!!!!!!

Silly Girls!!! ....No Kaitlynn does not wear glasses.

They were hot, a little tired and ready to run through a fountain or two.

It was a really great weekend. My hope is that we can continue this tradion every year.

TTFN~

Interruption.....

I had one more post about where we have been but It was interrupted by the arrival of a small package this afternoon. Last Thanksgiving we went to Florida to visit Friends and Family. I have to say it was the most fun we have had in a LONG time. I know I posted my photos but these were some photos other people took. Thought I would share.

They clean up well don't they?

At the end of an eventful day, just not sure who fell asleep first.

In the nice Florida evenings, we could take a golf cart ride through Plantation acres you just never know what you would see.

The horses were always a hit.

Enjoying Nana Patti and Papa Dave's ginormous jacuzzi tub. Jack had a ball.

TTFN~

Fort Macon State Park

(I did not take this picture.)

So this is Fort Macon State Park. This ariel view is cool but does not do the fort it self justice. I was just in awe at how beautiful it really was. I hope one day we can go back to see it again.

(I took this one)

In May of 2009, Phil's brother was married at Ft. Macon State Park in NC. It was truly one of the best times we have ever had as a family. I could have spent all day at this fort. It was stunning in all of it's history.

(I took this one)

This is the road you travel on through the fort. The days we were there the sun was so bright and beautiful it just made the colors in the cobblestone just jump off the road. It was easier to travel on the brick part of the road but you know me I LOVE a challenge so I walked mostly on the cobblestone.

It reminds me of my life. I could travel the smoother, simpler surface but why? I believe I was designed to ride the bumpier, more colorful road in life. I am strong enough to handle it and by choosing it the reward is so much greater.

Look at the journey I have finished so far and not alone I might add. The cobblestones were big, bold and brash. There were days that I did not feel I could go on. I was stuck between the stones where the water flows when it rains and I was going to get washed away. But it takes more than water to get me down or to stop me from swimming against the water flow.

Some days I wish I could go back to the orchard to where my life made sense but I don't wish it for long. Today I just have to remember to be happy for the road I am on and accept whatever cobblestone throws me off course and keep moving. Think of all the things I would have missed had I stayed in the orchard or on the smoother surface.

Here's to the bumpy ride I have made it this far.

TTFN~

Summer Part II

Even thought Kaitlynn had to start school last week, it didn't feel like summer was officially over until today. Tomorrow, Jackson will start Kindergarten. Thinking about the second half of our summer I don't think the kids could have really had it any better.

In the third week of July as we celebrated Jack's 5th birthday, Kaitlynn and Jackson spent a week at Camp Gabe and Loved It! Some of the friends Kaitlynn made at VBS were also and her camp week. She was ecstatic. Jack was able to have a little party with his camp friends plus a family party. I think we celebrated for a week.

Following Camp Gabe, Kaitlynn and Jackson discovered swimming lessons. We have spent so much time at the water park and they just love being in the water that I signed them up. Tonight I watched Kaitlynn swim one complete length of the pool without help or a life jacket. I am not sure who was more excited me or Kaitlynn.

At the end of July, I was able to do something I hadn't done in two years. Travel a great distance from home with Madelynn. There were several people who had not met Madelynn or had only seen her in pictures. I introduced her to her Great-Great Uncle and his wife, she was able to see Grandma Angie again and she met my mom's step dad for the first time, who I fondly call Grandpa.

During this visit I also went to my 20 year school reunion, WOW have things changed but yet the important things stayed the same. You see I made this trip with my best friend, we met the first day of high school and we walked back into those halls 20 years later together. She also brought her two year old daughter. Talk about funny times. Madelynn and Isabelle became fast friends it was cute to watch.

Weeks after Jackson's birthday we celebrated Madelynn's 2nd Birthday. Phil's sister and her husband were able to come and visit to help celebrate along with my parents and some of our close friends. You know those friends the ones that when I needed to take Madelynn to the ER at midnight I could call and wake them up and they were at the house in seconds. Most days they are more like family. We are most grateful for them.

This year Phil and I also celebrated out 11th wedding anniversary. We were able to go to dinner and not worry about any of those kids things. We even went to a restaurant that had very few children in it. It was nice to be in an adult world even if it was just for a few hours.

Our last hoorah for the summer, I took Kaitlynn and Madelynn to Mason, OH to see their Aunt and Uncle (my sister and brother-in-law) and their three daughters. Holy Tons of Girls! Batman! it was crazy but fun. This trip however was just Kaitlynn, Madelynn and I. Phil took Jackson to see his sister and brother-in-law in DC.

As our summer came to a close Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn were able to go to the Carolina Panther Stadium and meet Sir Purr. This trip was not what I expected but at the end of the day they were very excited about meeting Sir Purr and couldn't stop talking about when I was trying to put them to bed.

At the beginning of the Summer I had no idea how I would keep the three of them busy but under a budget. It was not done without an incredible amount of help from friends and family. The kids had a wonderful summer and we just wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU for those that made it happen it did not go unnoticed.

Normally, I would not point anyone out but I have to give a huge THANK YOU to Ms. Amy. She took care of the kids on the days I had to work. She was always there when we needed her most. She has a huge heart and a very gentle soul to care for Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn. We would have never made it through the craziest days with out her and her family. You truly are a Godsend and very much appreciated.

TTFN~

Crashing with Sugar and Spice 2

So I am finally getting around to posting the rest of the pictures of the girls and the visit to Mason. The drive there was uneventful except for the nervousness of driving almost 500 miles without Phil and carrying the precious cargo of my girls.

Holy Cow!! when we arrived it took only a few minutes and there was giggling everywhere. Within minutes you couldn't see the floor in the playroom. It was really nice to see all of them playing together.

The girls were all able to go swimming together. Katie thought is was cool she was able to see Ruthie's school and Anna's first soccer practice and then Grandpa Bacho arrived....and without any question...camera in tow. He had just as many photos as I did he will have to post some too.

In the evenings Madelynn had a very difficult time getting to sleep. She is used to Daddy putting her to bed and Mommy just wasn't cutting it. Fearing I would keep the other four girls awake I brought her down to sleep in my lap as we watched a little TV. It took a little longer that usual because Grandpa Bacho was having too much fun making her smile.

We also were able to take all the girls to the zoo. Watching the Polar Bears swim and fight was interesting. I had never seen Polar Bears fight. It didn't last very long. Listening to Madelynn as we entered the Monkey Habitat or Kaitlynn's eyes as she looked at all the snakes was priceless.

It was a wonderful visit and we will definitely have to do it again. Kaitlynn asked if we could go there every year...which has promise. However, one of the best laughs I had was Monday morning as I was getting ready for work and Madelynn came in to my room she asked me where Uncle Dave was.

She will see Uncle Dave this weekend.

TTFN~

Weekend Events

Last Thursday was when all of the events with the cardiologist happened. I asked the pediatrician if it was okay for Madelynn to travel out of state. He agreed as long as she did not go swimming until her heart is checked.

I was really glad we could travel because I had big plans. My best friend from high school and her daughter who will be two next month came to NC. The day after their arrival we, Madelynn, Isabelle, Justine and I, headed to O-H-I-O. Two, Two-year olds and their moms...what were we thinking............

Even the frustrated children while we were in a traffic jam that took us 2 miles in one hour. It was the craziest trip but well worth the end result. I was able to see my grandmother, my grandpa and my great uncle and aunt. They were also able to meet Madelynn for the first time. It was nice to see family. However, that was not the only reason my friend travelled 20 hours to hang out with me. We went to our 20th high school reunion.

The events of the weekend were lots of fun I laughed a lot, watched my daughter bond with my best friend's daughter and just had fun. It was funny to watch my daughter run the halls of my high school, see all the changes of the school and yet how it all remains the same.

To be honest I don't miss that time of my life, being a teen-ager, but I am more grateful today than ever for my best friend. Whether she is half way around the world in the Navy or right down the highway she will always be my best friend and is truly irreplaceable. Thanksgiving won't come fast enough see you then my friend.

Madelynn and Isabelle at the picnic.

Playing in front of the famous fireplace at Grandma Angie's

Best Friends and their girls.

Justine, the girls and her god-son.

Miss you already my friend see you soon.

TTFN~

My camera............

................I love my camera............I will never have even a smidgen of the talent that my father does................But I love taking pictures nonetheless.

However, for the past week things have been different. As Kaitlynn completed her first year of kindergarten there was the end of year performance. I was so excited about it. But the more I talked to Kaitlynn about it she kept telling me she doesn't get to get up and talk. I didn't understand it at first.

The four kindergarten classes total about 80 students and only twenty had speaking parts, five from each class. Kaitlynn always wants to do well and thought because she did not have a speaking part she did not do well. We assured her we wanted to hear her sing even if she didn't have a speaking part. As we walked into the gym, I realized I left my camera at home. We only live a half a mile from the school. But I did not want to go back and get it.

I wanted to watch the performance with my own eyes instead of through the camera lens.

It was wonderful. We stood in the back and waved to her and blew her kisses. She sang really loud and we could hear her from the back. She loves to sing. Although it is a memory I will never have a picture of I will remember standing in the back of the room, watching her face light up when she found us and blowing her lots of kisses.

Even though I was really mad at myself I had too many other things to do to worry about it for very long. I had to finish laundry and get us packed to leave for Newport News, VA. Phil's nephew Bayley was graduating from college. We have a special place for Bayley as he spent part of a summer with us one year.

It was somewhere between 5 - 6 hours to get there. Two hours into the trip there I realized I forgot my camera. I was really mad then. Twice in three days what was wrong with me. This is where the moping thing would come in. I could have let it ruin the trip and just be mad about it or spend money on a disposable of some kind. I did none of those.

Two hours after we arrived we were sitting in the hotel and I asked Phil what were we going to do. He said he was waiting for Jackie. All of the sudden I said, "No we aren't, we are going to pack up the kids and find a beach."

Phil looked at me as if I had two heads. I reminded him his sister was busy we would see her later lets take the kids to the beach. I found a free map. He asked how do you know where the beach is. I simply told him I don't lets go find one.

As we pulled into the beach parking I was regretting not having my camera, once again.

I didn't regret it for long.

When my feet hit the sand it was if timed stopped. I could tell you that the vibrant orange-blacked-eyed susan's were breath-taking as they lined flower beds between the sidewalk and the sand. I watched the waves crash up against the pier and rocks. I remember the feeling of the air through my hair as I buried my feet in the sand. I watched Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn try and jump the waves and make instant friends with other kids in the water. I watched Madelynn run through the sand with pure joy beaming from her face.

This pure bliss only lasted about 90 minutes and I don't have a single picture of it. But I saw it with my own two eyes instead of through my camera lens. My kids will remember walking the pier with Mommy instead of having to stand there while she gets one picture of everyone smiling. They will also remember just being able to play instead of having to look at Mommy so she could get just one more picture.

Don't get me wrong I love my camera and taking pictures and I am sure there are many that take much better pictures than I. But for a brief few days I was just able to enjoy life and watch my children sing, play in the ocean, laugh, walk on the beach and just have fun without a care in the world.

Wishing the trip could have been longer, we had fun anyway and many treasured memories buried away forever.

TTFN~

The beach trip part 3

I have posted losts of photos from the trip. This has been a really busy week but I wanted to share these. I did not share most of the wedding photos because they were not mine to share. Franka posted them on her face book page.

Enjoy the photos!!!

TTFN

Trip to the beach part 1

Below you will see some of the photos I took while at the beach over Memorial Day Holiday. I took over 500 Photos and these are some of my favorites. I have a few projects I want to work on that will take a while. I will do a separate post of the kids and family. I wanted to show some of the scenery first.

I can not even put into words what a great time we had. Phil and his siblings have such fond memories and really happy times at this point in their lives. I can truly see why. There was just a sense of peace. I never looked at my watch or cared a ton about meals. Some how I just knew when it was time to feed Maddie. It really was great.

In a five day period we visited Ft. Macon (before the wedding), spent time with the kids at the beach, Phil, Jason, Jacque, Sandy, Franka and Tony went to Cherry Point, Had the Wedding at the top of Ft. Macon and took some family photos at the beach, Went to Cape Hatteras and walked all 500 plus stairs up and down, the view was amazing, went to Kitty Hawk (my personal favorite) and on Memorial Day we toured the USS North Carolina.

I believe the best part is that I went there with no expectations and only know we would be at the beach, we were there for a wedding and I was taking pictures. All the rest of the trip was decided after we got there. I can not wait to go back as the kids get older so they can appreciate all there is to do.

Family photos coming up soon.

TTFN