Grief is hard

 Today we had the Schmidt family Christmas party. All the usual family was there! We had amazing food, fun games and our traditional white elephant gift exchange! We’ve been doing this for a few years and love the silliness of it. our first year I picked the bag with this really creepy monkey head that I swear was possessed and I was terrified that if we didn’t have it out on display it would end up cursing us or something. I was so relieved when I brought it to the next year and was able to unload it on the next person. 

A casual observer would think it was a sweet family gathering with people who obviously love each other! And while that’s all true, just below the surface was this ache and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. This is our Christmas without my father in law, Bob. I’ve spent much of the last two months focusing on the fact that Theo lost his Dad, Ann lost her husband, and the kids lost their Grandpa. But tonight it really hit me that I lost someone too! I know that sounds a bit silly, I mean of course I lost my father in law and I’m totally allowed to be sad. 

But today on the ride there I was thinking about how it was going to be hard for Theo & Ann. I thought “I hope we can feel him there with us at some point. Yes I believe that our loved ones visit us. (I mean Have you heard about my obsession with Theresa Caputo the Long Island Medium). Anyway we were did our white Elephant game and it came time for me to pick and lo and behold I get the creepy monkey head again! My father in law had been the one to get the monkey at last years white elephant exchange. We all got a good giggle out of it and went on with the game. But all I could think about the rest of the night was the giggle Bob would have gotten out of me getting the damn monkeys head again! 

It’s so silly that that stupid monkey has me sitting here with tears rolling down my face because I miss Bob. He was always so kind to me and welcomed me into his family so easily. He helped us with babysitting and fixing the brakes on the car. He showed up for soccer games, swim meets,  and plays. He didn’t need much fuss or carrying on… he was just happy when we could all get together! 

Revival of the Blog …2024

 Hey Look what i just found! It feels like i just opened a shoebox of my kids childhood memories!  So many of these memories are just so sweet. My last blog post was TEN years ago… which coincidently is when I finally got my first big girl job as a teacher! 

So now I find myself in November of 2024! So lets do a quick check in; 

• Current ages 
• Theo: 49 
• Cathie: 48
• Alexander Ryan: 23 
• Alexis Marie(Alex’s wife) 22
• Leah Nicole: 19
• Ethan John Robert :17
• Current jobs
• Theo: Lieutenant at Truro Township Fire Dept. Prevention Department 
• Cathie: Intervention Specialist for Behavior Focused classroom at Highland Park Elementary School
• Alex: Home Remodeling and construction for Browns 
• Alexis Office Coordinator for B & G construction 
• Leah Nicole: Server/busser Olive Garden 
• Ethan John Robert: Busser at Olive Garden 

Snap shot of Cathie & Theo

Cathie has taught in High School, Preschool, Online, and now Elementary I think I found my right fit. In 2020 the I fell down the basement steps at Binns and broke my back(ouch) also the same year we remolded the bathroom and basement stairs! Then after being in the house for Covid we decided we needed a bigger house and sold our place on Binns Blvd and move to Marsol in Grove City. It has been fun redecorating. Theo was promoted to a Lieutenant and the same station he’s been at for almost 22 years. He’s been on 40 hours for a few years which means we get to have him home every night! One of the reasons I wanted him on 40 hours was because of His  a heart condition. It’s called a Left Brundle Branch Block and while he was perfectly safe and completely able to do the job. I wanted him to be in a less stressful position and less demanding environment. This past spring he had a pacemaker put in. It seems to be helping a lot!  

Snap shot of Alex 

Alex graduated from high school in 2019 and found construction and demolition jobs for a remodeling company is something he loves to do. He’s in love with tools and machines and loves working inside outside, on a latter, laying on the floor all while listening to his favorite tunes. Alex got married! Ahhhh I know, my baby… met a beautiful girl and in August of 2023 they tied the knot. Her name is Alexis and she is sweet, calm, crafty,  and immensely  patient with her husband! They also bought a house, adopted a dog and 2 cats 

Snap shot of Leah

The move to the new house meant a new high school in Grove City. Central Crossing was a little scary at first. A lot of people, a huge school, and not doing it online was a lot of changes for our girl. But as usual she was able to find her way and ended up joining swim team, sang in Choir, Corale, & Show choir. She was performed in plays and musicals. She went on a 10 day school trip to Costa Rica, she took me to see Taylor Swift in the Eras tour (SWIFTIES FOR LIFE)! She finished out her high school journey in 2024. Now she is working on saving some money and figuring out what she wants to be when she grows. 

Snap shot of Ethan 

Ethan was also part of the new school transition and boy did he struggle! We tried to do online for awhile, but it was too easy to get distracted! So we went back to in person and we quickly discovered he was struggling with an anxiety disorder. We also had more testing and discovered not only does he struggle with writing, but he also has dyslexia and that was one of the reasons he struggled. At first struggled  with making friends because of his anxiety but his sister convinced him to join back stage theatre and he made a group of goofy guys that continue to hang around. But despite the involvement in theater he absolutely dreaded school This all created the perfect storm of missing school, not getting work done, and not earning enough credits so we made the decision to switch to working on his GED! It’s not how we planned for him to earn his high school education, but he’s already taken and passed his science exam and is taking prep classes for his rest. His happiness level has improved significantly! He’s working at his pace. Taking the exams one at a time and he has a part-time. He also has a sweet little girlfriend name Lilly that just as goofy as he is! 

Pets

In the last year of Gus’s life we found a little pit bull rescue group that had a sweet little girl whose birthday was the same day as mine so we decided she had to come home with us. We brought Millie home in March nd the next January we had to say goodbye. It broke our hearts to loose our Gus! He was almost 13 years old. 

Well Millie really struggled being an only puppy so for Valentine’s Day I brought home Jack a little brindle boy who we think is a Plott Hound. He is all things puppy even though he’s almost 3 years old. He’s completely obsessed with me, while Millie is Leah’s best friend forever. 

Lucky #7

luck- noun \ˈlək\ 

:the things that happen to a person because of chance : the accidental way things happen without being planned

:good fortune : good luck

:success in doing or getting something

No doubt about it, I got lucky! It was by chance, good fortune that I ended up with a sister like Christie. While I know many sisters do end up to be quite good friends, I have no doubts that luck played a part in the relationship I have with my sister. When we were young children my sister was a playmate and companion. We played Barbie's, roller skated, and watched the Rocky and Bull Winkle show. During out teenage years we played less and bickered more. about borrowing clothes, taking too much time in the bathroom etc. Pretty normal stuff, and when she went away to college I missed her, but life went on. As most kids tend to be, I was quite self centered! I'm a little ashamed to admit my self-centered tendencies lasted longer than they should have and it wasn't until my mid twenties that I finally "grew up". When I finally stopped to look around and take stock of who was around, I was pleasantly surprised to find my sister. Here's the thing though...she'd always been there! I'd just been to wrapped up in myself to realize! The only reason I still had her... was luck!

I don't deserve a sister like her!

I looked up personality traits to describe her and found words like: genuine, patient, orderly, kind, funny, smart, creative, forgiving, generous, supportive, logical, loveable, observant,  rational, trusting, practical.

I giggle at how few of those words describe my personality! (rational? patient? practical?) hehehe

While we are so very different, I like to think that is why she means so much to me! She's the jelly to my peanut butter, the hip to my hop, the cheese to my macaroni, ...she's my best friend!

 

I don't know where I'd be,  Without you here with me

You stand by me you believe in me, Like nobody ever has

When my world goes crazy, You're right there to save me

                  

Life with you makes perfect sense, You're my best friend!

 I'm so lucky to have you as an Aunt for my kids, as an advisor for my problems, a sounding board for my latest scheme, fortunate to have you as the Mama of my nephew & nieces, to have you as a friend! So why did I title this Lucky #7? Her birthday is tomorrow April 7th! And we are all lucky she was born!

Happy birthday Christie!!! 

Broken road

I set out on a narrow way, many years ago

hoping I would find true love along the broken road.

But I got lost a time a or two. 

wiped my brow and kept pushing through 

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you 

I have always loved this Song. It's called the broken Road by Rascal Flats. The first time I remember hearing it the song brought tears to my eyes. Alex was just a baby, and the awesomeness of caring for another human being was catching up with me. Things were hard and I'd been struggling with school, work, money, friends.... everything and this song made me stop and think.... it's all worth it... all the "stuff" that I've been through and I am going through is worth it.... it's all going to be worth it. I have Alex. 

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

                                                     Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

I spent the better part of my late teens and early twenties a drift.... no real plan or purpose. I switched from job to job, followed a boyfriend across the country because he had a plan & I didn't.... It seemed like all my friends, and my siblings, knew exactly what they wanted and how to get it.  They got degrees, jobs, engaged, took vacations... and I was just floating where ever the breeze took me. Don't get me wrong, I had fun too! Having no real responsibilities, no real plans can be liberating at times. Staying up late, going out dancing, meeting new people, learning new cities, buying that outfit just cause it makes your butt look good!!! . there are days that I long for that carefree life...
There are days that if I have to wash ONE more load of laundry, make one more peanut butter and Nutella, hear the kids argue one more time about who's turn it is, get one more bill....I think I am going to explode..... I want to go back to AZ and float down the Salt river in an inner tube. I want to dance down at Navy Pier to an old Jazz band, to be free..... to be a drift.....

I think about the years I spent just passing through.

 I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you. 

But you just smile and take my hand you've been there you understand. 

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true...

But then I remember.... oh how AWFUL it was to not know what to do with myself. The nights I'd cry myself to sleep because I had no idea who I was or what I wanted,  the boys I'd try hopelessly to find myself in, and I realize that all of THAT led me to now. I have three kids that are smart, funny, healthy and they love me & trust me completely. I have a husband... who is funny, and smart, hard working, honest, and who knows me better than anyone in the world and still wants me to be his. I'm finally getting my degree doing something that I was always meant to do.... I have friends, true, honest, reliable, hilarious friends... I found my northern star..... the path was always leading to this... I just didn't know it....

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms,

 this much I know is true. 

That god blessed the broken road that led me straight to you 

A decade ago...

The year is 2003 
          The #1 song is Crazy in Love by Beyonce  

http://youtu.be/ViwtNLUqkMY

          The movie Finding Nemo hits theaters

          Lance Armstrong wins his 5th tour de France
          Americans try to rename French Fries to "freedom Fries"
          Arnold Schwarznegger is elected Governor of California. 
          Theo Schmidt & Cathie Tierney go on their first date. 

That's right boys and girls Theo and I have survived TEN years together!!! While neither of us can remember the EXACT date we met, I can tell you our first date was July 10th. We met for dinner at the Martini's up by Polaris Mall. I arrived early and worked out a code with the waitress that if I ordered an APPLE martini that was code for You have a fake phone call at the bar for me that I can use as an excuse to leave! I know it's crazy but I was SO nervous, every guy I'd EVER dated I had been friends with first. Meeting a guy for dinner that I'd only met ONCE was a bit nerve racking for me and I wanted to find a way to gracefully exit if I needed to! The waitress was awesome and even told us there was a happy hour special on Apple Martini's after he arrived. Luckily I didn't have to order one that night, and 10 years later I've STILL never had an APPLE martini!! (I'm afraid it'll be bad luck or something!) 

Its hard to remember what my life was like 10 years ago, I was working Full time, going to school full time and trying to keep up with Alex. I know I was busy and a little stressed, but I remember being happy. I wasn't really looking for a relationship at the time because I couldn't imagine having time for one, but when I met Theo I remember thinking that he was just as busy as I was. Over the summer we managed to see each other off and on and in the fall he went on a trip with his Dad out to AZ. I didn't expect to hear from him while he was gone but one night the phone rang and it was him. I remember being so surprised and at the same time relieved that he had called. After that trip we were together... a couple.... boyfriend/girlfriend.... only neither of said it... we didn't have a "TALK" about it.... it was just the way it was. 

Now it's 2013 and Theo and I are married with 3 kids, a 3 bedroom house and a minivan in the driveway.... We've survived both of us getting college degree's, supported each other through the loss of loved one's, teething babies & potty training, house repairs, and road trips. We've laughed about living the dream, and stay at home parents ground hog-esq days. It's been FAR from a fairy tale romance, but I can't imagine what life would be like NOW if I'd ordered that Apple Martini THEN!!! 

A little old lady once told me, "marry someone that you can have fun folding the laundry with!" I thought she was a bit nutty at the time, but I now I think I know what she meant! Being a grownup/parent is always the most fun... It is hard & exhausting, and having someone that you sincerely enjoy being around makes all the difference in the world! It's hard to imagine what life will be like in another 10 years... Alex will be 22, Leah 18 and Ethan will be 16 years old, YIKES  I don't like the sound of that!!! I want my kids to stay little....I don't want them to be grownups so soon! 10 years sounds like so much time but geeze the last 10 have gone by so quickly!!! 

I have no idea what the next decade has in store for us, but hopefully Theo will still be by my side making me laugh while we fold our 5 millionth load of laundry!!! I love you babe! 

Dog Gone Lucky!

I was playing around on my computer just now and found these pictures. Leah and Ethan must've hijacked my computer when I wasnt looking and took these with the camera in the computer. At first I was laughing at their silly faces and then I found THIS one

Are you KIDDING me with this? It just KILLS me! This was NOT a mom sponsored picture! I didn't comb their hair, or putting them in matching clothes, or try to frame the picture... it was just two kids, playing with a camera and it captured who they truely are... Best friends! 

I often get caught up in the day to day grind of life and parenthood and trying to prepare them for life, pick up your toys, take a bath, eat your vegetables, quit hitting your brother, do your homework and I forget how lucky these two kids are to have each other. They are and have always been best friends! Sure they fight and get on each others nerves but when no one else is looking... this is what you'll find! My favorite part of this picture is their arms around each other, his protevtive curl, her reassuring grasp, they've got each others back! Always! 

12 years of Brian.

People always talk about and/or ask couples how long they have been dating/married. We ask about when they first met,  how long before they fell in love, when they knew the other was "THE ONE"…  but I think we forget that when you start dating someone, or get married you get a family, you get relationships built in to the romantic relationship! 

No one can tell you more about "getting" a family than my brother in law Brian Grube. I always remember when he and my sister started dating because it was only a few weeks after Alex was born. Right from the beginning I felt differently about Brian. I hadn't always been "fond" of some of the guys that my sister dated, but the first time Christie introduced us, I liked him. He was kinda cute, really smart, he had a weird sense of humor that I appreciated and most importantly he treated my sister really well! As you know Christie and Brian dated for almost 7 years before they got married, but I decided after only 6 months that this guy was "THE ONE" for my sister. 

 We formed a fast friendship, and he became my go to "girlfriend"! I called him to talk about boys, school, car trouble, computer issues, and homework help. He was my first phone call when I found out I was pregnant with Leah, He called me the first time my sister had a pregnancy melt down. 

I have never doubted him, nor have I ever wished for Christie to be with someone else. He has always been honest, patient, and supportive all the things I require in a friend! And I Genuinely enjoy being around this guy! 

Yesterday was Brian's birthday, and I wanted to take this opportunity to say: 

I am so grateful for the husband you are to my sister, the father you are to my nephew, the uncle you are to my kids, and the friend you are to me! 

I love You Brian James, Happy Birthday! 

Thankful!

Every year people put post on Facebook everyday saying what they are most thankful for... This year I took a somewhat comical approach and focused on the small things in life. Elastic, sleep, sugar.... the little things that make life comfy and delicious. But I of course am most thankful for the people in my life!

The newest love in my life is my nephew Anson. He is absolutely adorable. He's such a good baby and he changes so much every time I see him! I've said it before but I'm seriously obsessed with him. Like I almost need to go see a shrink obsessed! When he's in the room I can't take my eyes off him! I practically stand on my head trying to get him to smile! I spent the entire Fakesgiving kissing on him! No like for real, I spent the entire day like this!

 Luckily he hasn't learned to crawl yet so he can't get away from me!

2012 has been a good year! We've had to work at figuring out how to make it all work and we've been busier this year than ever... but how lucky are we! TO have such a full life. TO have the opportunity for me to go back to school, how lucky that Theo has not just one job, but two and we are able to creatively afford all that we need and even a little of what we want!  We are healthy! We have love!

We have EVERYTHING!!!



First Day of School 2012

It happens every fall, and every year it almost catches me off guard! I'm always amazed at how fast the summer goes and how we never quite get a chance to do all the fun things I'd like to do. I was especially not wanting this school year to start because it was bringing about such big changes for my boys!

Alex started middle school! He went from our little bubble of Westgate where everybody knows him and I know all the teachers and started at a brand new school with teachers I don't know. He has to use a locker and switch classes every hour and navigate a much bigger student body. It was alot for a Mom to process for her baby. So you can just imagine how hard it was for the "baby" to process especially with out 2 of your best friends because they went to different schools!

He was a mess! There was alot of nervousness, questions, concerns, tears and sleeplessness leading up to the big day. In fact the night before I'd be generous to say he got 4 hours of sleep! It took me telling him that he didn't have to go that first day just to get him to go to sleep! He of course went, but thinking he didn't have to go was all it took to get him to chill out enough to get a few hours of sleep!

It's so hard navigating all these new feelings and challenges that your children have. Especially since you don't know what's going on inside their heads! As he gets older trying to figure out what he's thinking/feeling gets harder and harder. And I think he and I can talk to each other pretty well but still, what I'd be worried about and what he's worried about are very rarely the same thing. I tell ya it makes me long for the days that potty training him was the most challenging part of my day with him.

Darn kids growing up! Luckily he survived his first day and decided it was not as bad as he thought it would be. Tonight he even told me that he thinks he's got his locker figured out and that was a huge stress! It also helps that he is VERY excited about his band class. He wants to learn to play the flute.... Again the choice of instrument surprised me, but he LOVES the teacher and seems to have alot of fun so I'm excited to see how this plays out for him. I've always regretted not learning to play an instrument so I'm hoping all three of my kids pick up something musical and can play me songs in my old age! :)

So here he is the big bad 6th grader....

That same day Leah started 2nd grade. Her transition back to school will hopefully be a little easier. She knows the school, the teachers, and the friends. She of course gets REALLY tired the first few weeks and so our bedtime routine becomes even more strict so that she gets plenty of sleep. BUT I will have to say that I'm going to have to take out a loan just to be able to feed this girl lately! She's going thru a HUGE growth spurt the last few weeks... it seems like her legs are growing 1/4 inch every night. Skirts and shorts that we OK to wear in July have suddenly become short shorts on her.... 

I'm Loving her toothless smile!

And then on Thursday this little guy started kindergarten! That's right all of my babies are school age now. He's going to a full day kindergarten so he's gone as long as his brother & sister. Leaving this one at school was like a kick to the heart! I tried to keep it together and managed to make it out the doors and to the first step before the water works started. UGH!!! And the thing is, I'm so excited for him to start. He's totally excited to finally be a westgate kid! His teacher is a friend of mine, and the same teacher Leah had. So it's just the fact that he was my baby. My last little one to snuggle with during the day while the "big kids" were gone. No more quiet times watching loony tunes or eating Nutella sandwiches in the living room because it's just the two of us and no one else has to know...

That Thursday Theo was home from work and we sat down to eat lunch, just the two of us... it was so quiet... so weird....

I know that it's all part of life and that I will get use to this next phase of life, but for that day, I gave into feeling sorry for myself... I cried for the baby days gone by.... There were quiet a few tears!!!

But not from this guy! No sir! He hopped out of bed, got dressed and nearly ran to school!

Although I have to say I think he found some comfort knowing that Leah was just a few doors down. (they actually sat at tables next to each other at lunch)

He was also very excited about having his very own lunch box! But packing 3 lunches is going to be a challenge! I need Ideas of different things to send with them!

Here is Daddy giving some last minute words of encouragement

Then he grabbed a book and sat down at a table and gave a quick wave and was ready to be

 a BIG kid NOW!!!!

I know we will all get use to the school routine again, and having school work of my own will keep me plenty busy while the kids are at school... And I have to say that getting Alex up and ready for school at 6:30 everyday is just about my least favorite thing to do these days. But that's all apart of growing up... for the kids too!

Happy School Year Everyone! Learn lots!

A month of Anson

It's been 11days since I've seen Anson! I know it's ridiculous but it seems like so much longer! Do all Aunt feel like this or do I need to go see someone? I was too exhausted to really enjoy my own newborns babies, and having a newborn nephew to love and hold and squeeze.... Yes I'm like the abominable snowman in Bugs bunny!!!

I wanna hug him and squeeze him and call him George".

But as you can see I'm not the ONLY one that is mesmerized by this little guy... I caught this picture of Alex without him know I was evening paying attention! I took it with my phone so the quality isn't all that great... But look at how they are looking deep into each other's eyes... They sat this way for a few minutes.... I wish I'd been able to hear what they were both thinking!

Another one caught with my phone.... My sister is an amazing mom already! I am in awe at how calm she is! She is so gentle and patient and just smitten...also completely exhausted...but with his every 2 hour feeding schedule.... Who can blame her!

Ethan didn't want ANYTHING to do with Anson the first time he and I visited... he wouldn't look at him, didn't want to talk about him.... all the new babies in his life competing for his Mom's attention was not sitting to well (We are watching a friends 2 month old a few days a week this summer).... luckily 5 days later he was willing to look at him and even let me snap this picture! I guess it was helpful to realize that the babies were NOT coming home with us...and that Mommy was still crazy about him too!

Leah of course is quite the mother hen around Anson. Wanting to make sure that I'm holding him right, and that the bottle is just so...and the blankets have to be .... We fought over who's turn it was to hold him...

And of course I tried to help Christie and Brian catch up on their sleep when we were up there spending the night... It's not MY fault he's so stinking cuddly! and 6AM is pretty stinking early so if He's gonna sleep... then I'm gonna sleep too!!!

I'm Crazy about this kid! I love you Georgie!!

Leaving Westgate

Well a Few weeks ago I took Alex to Kindergarten and then ***poof****...he's done with 5th grade a moving onto middle school! I honestly can't believe how fast the time flew by for him! We've been so lucky at Westgate with awesome teachers and great families!

Westgate has a cool tradition called the Clap out! The 5th graders start at the door next to the kindergarten classrooms and walk all the way thru the school. All the students and teachers line the hallway and clap and cheer as the 5th graders walk by....The first time I witnessed it I got tears in my eyes and chills....It just such a great way to say goodbye to the 5th graders!

I knew it would be hard for him to say good bye...But I was not prepared for all the tears! His entire class was crying their eyes out at the end of the last school day! I don't know if it's the fear of the unknown or afraid that he'll loose his friends...It's hard for an 11 year old to imagine that his Best buddy in the world in 5th grade wont be his best buddy in the world when he's 25. So this has been a rough transition for him. I know he will be just fine in middle school and beyond but I just wanted to take a second to say how incredibly proud I am of you Alex! You have grown and changed and learned so much in the last 6 years! I am so impressed by the young man you are becoming and feel so lucky that I get a front row seat! I am so excited to see what the future holds!

He's HERE!!!!

I'd begun to think that it was never going to happen! My sister's pregnancy last 3 times longer than all of mine put together! I could hardly wait any longer, but the one day that I'd promised to help the PTA at the school with manual labor is the day the call came 10am! Christie and Brian were headed to the hospital! I ran home grabbed my already packed overnight bag, drove up to my Mom's and slowed down just enough so that she could jump in and we headed up to Cleveland.

It's was May 10th, it was a beatiful day with Blue Sky's and big puffy clouds that looked like cotton balls. I headed up I71 at mock speed and about half way there the red and white lights started going..... BISCUITS..... The State trooper sauntered up to the driver side window and I immediately started talking and shoving my Driver's License, proof of insurance etc at him.... My sister's in Labor... Like right now... they are at the hospital and it's here first baby and this is my Mom and we have to be there and I know I was going to fast but I'm just so nervous and excited... and I just..... The trooper holds up his hand and asks "what hospital?"

Uh.... It's oh wait where's my phone... I have it in my phone... Southwest general... I know it sounds like a hopital from a soap opera but I swear it's real it's on bagley road... it's not technically Cleveland, it's just north of brunswick that's where they live....

He holds up his hand again and walks away.... I immediately burst out laughing..... I sound like a mental patient don't I??? Needless to say the statey had pitty on the nervous Aunt.... and I got off with a warning!!!

So after that we crept along at 69 miles an hour and took FORVER to get there! We made it there by 1:30pm Even though we had been in a hurry, Anson was not! Following in his Daddy's footsteps he took his own sweet time.... dinner time came and went..... 9pm.... still at a 6......finally at about 2:30 am they said...Lets start pushing! Becuase of the epidural Christie's right leg was a little wobbly and she had a hard time keeping it undercontrol between contractions so I would hold it for the nurse, but she finally realized that I could hold it during the pushes too so she could do other things to get ready! It was great... Brian had one leg, I had the other, My Mom was holding her head and we were all counting and encouragin her and ... I realized that I would clench my teeth and hold my breath and squeeze my tush together when we were telling Chris to push!

 Finally at 3:18am Anson Norbert Grube made his grand entrance into the world!

I have to admit I thought I'd be a little grossed out by the blood and such, but watching him be born was incredible! I watched him slowly come from his safe little spot...from within my sister.... It was crazy!!!

It's entirely different when your the one doing the pushing. Your so focused on breathing and pushing and the pain.... you dont get to see how amazing it is... His little head came, then his eyes, nose and mouth.... was out before the rest of him and I could see his little face even though he wasnt actually "BORN"!!!!

It really makes you realize how truly amazing and miraculous the whole process is! How lucky we are that so many babies are born healthy and that the mothers are too! Just thinking about it gives me chills!

Anson is here!!! And he is ADORABLE!!!   

The proud Papa!

 I promised him on the day he was born that I would kiss him on his right cheek

 EVERY time I see him for the rest of his life!!!

 A few days later I went back up to check on my sister and Anson just to make sure they were doing alright! Christie is a rock star! She stays so calm and is such a natural! This is my new favorite picture of the two of them!

I'm So Thankful that Christie and Brian let me be a part of his birth! I hope that I'll be as good of an Aunt to him as you've been an Aunt and uncle to my kids! I know I have some catching up to do but Aunt Sassy is READY!!! Let the Spoiling begin!!!



It's Spring time!!!

This year spring came early! The weather has been beatiful! The alergies have been horendence, and trying to get homework done when all the kids want to do is play outside has been challenging but I am so excited Spring has sprung! There is so much to look forward to.... Babies are coming.... Julie & Laura's daughter Gia arrived 5 weeks early but in great health! After 2 1/2 weeks of adoption paperwork and laws they were finally able to bring the little 5lb 3oz peanut home! She is a doll!
AND My nephew is due in just a few weeks..... It's hard to believe she's still had 7 weeks to go in this picture because I dont think there is ANYMORE room in there for him to grow and fatten up! My Sister is the cutest little pregnant lady you ever did see and I can't wait to see her holding her very own baby! She's been holding and caring for everybody else's baby it's time she gets the JOYS and the PAINS of Motherhood! Say a prayer that everything goes smoothly and that everyone is healhty & safe!!!

Spring, April in particular, means that the MONTH OF A MILLION BIRTHDAYS is well under way! In particular this little guy... He turns 5 years old on the 26th! It is impossible to believe that he's 5 years olf already!!! Hope your having a fabulous Spring!!!!

Can you believe this?

Have you ever had someone say simply amazing things about you and it just leaves you speechless..... Well this is one of those times for me... follow this link to read my pre-eulogy


http://byuckeyes.blogspot.com/2012/03/in-2007-when-cortney-and-i-left-holy.html

Trip To DC

You may or may not know that the story of me began in Washington DC...yep that's where my parents met and fell in love back in the early 70's! They have some great stories about their time there and although I know I've been to DC before, Sadly... I dont remember ANY of it! Well last fall when Amy & her crew moved to DC she told us we were welcome to come visit any time. You've got to be careful what you say to me because I might just take you up on it! :)


Over MY spring Break Alex and I snuck down to DC for a 4 day Mother and son trip! It was great! We got in Thursday night and went straight down to the mall to see the monuments. I was not prepared for the grand scale of things! Pictures do NOT do these masterpieces justice! My favorite had to be Abe... I've got a soft spot for him since I grew up in Lincoln Illinois. On Friday we got a personal tour of the Capital Building thanks to the Senator from Utah. Alex got to sit at his desk and we even got an official letter excusing Alex from school on Official US Capital letterhead! We got to ride the train over that the senators use when they go to vote and got to see something that people dont normally see on a regular tour! It was awesome!


Saturday the McAlisters escorted us to the natural history Museum and we spent the rest of the day playing frisbee, eating icecream, and flying kites on the mall underneath the Washington monument! Here is Alex and Will waiting on the Orange train. Will LOVES to ride the train and LOVES the maps of the different lines even more!

Here's a snap shot of Amy and Cort...

This trip to the city was sponsored by SPF 50 Suntan lotion!
And here's a picture of me and "my boys" I love these two little fellas so much and I had so much fun playing with them!

It was a great weekend with the McAlisters and an even better weekend with my Alex! he's turning into such a great young man. We are often so caught in the day to day grind and struggles that we dont get all that much time to just enjoy each other! I'm so glad that I was able to take this time and hope to continue to take solo trips with all my kids... But first I need to take a solo trip with my husband again! :)

Does it get better? Why wait?!?

So today I got the chance to go and listen to Dan Savage talk at the Columbus Convention Center. The afternoon was to be all about bullying and I just happen to be doing a project about bullying for one of my classes. So I went. Not really sure WHO Dan Savage is or why he'd be someone that I'd want to listen to. But Some friends encouraged me to go so I went....

So maybe you don't know who Dan Savage is either. He is the co-founder of the "It gets better project". This group created video's to help give hope to kids who were being teased about or struggling with being gay/lesbian.

http://www.itgetsbetter.org/

Dan Savage is a great speaker! I think I'd enjoy listening to him talk about anything! He's funny, knowledgeable and passionate! Unfortunately the Columbus Teaching Community really dropped the ball on this one...there were hardly ANYONE at this presentation. (This was part of the E-tech Ohio conference for teachers and with Bullying being such a BIG problem in Schools and because of the 10+ teachers that I've talked to, None of them really feel like they know what to do when a student is being bullied! The tell the bully to stop it.... but don't really know what else to do! )

In his talk Dan, yeah I think I know him well enough to just call him Dan, talked about why Gay & Lesbian kids need a "special" out reach... what makes them so "different" or worthy of the little extra attention is this.....

If you've got a Black, Muslim, kid from the Bronx and he gets teased for his accent, the color of his skin or his religion.... it's wrong... but in most cases this kid can go home to his black, Muslim, NY accent speaking parents... and they GET it... they know what it's like to be black... because they are...they know how it feels to get teased for being Muslim... cause they are....and 9 times out of 10 they have the same NY accent.

Now if that same kid gets teased for being GAY.... he goes home to his straight parents...and they've got NOTHING... they don't know what's like to be gay.... So how can they possibly relate to what he's going thru. GLBT kids need to know that there are others out there that get it!!!
This made a great deal of sense to me!

Another thing I took from this talk was about parents, it's OUR job to teach our kids not to judge people. You & I may think we do that... but are we really... what are our church's saying.... GOD loves all people.... UNLESSSSSSSS...... What do the TV shows we watch show our kids..... Disney channel isn't really rocking alot of "diversity"..... Prime time line up.... isn't either...... How about our friends..... do we have a group of diverse people in our kids lives..... or do they all look and act and talk like we do......

Kids bully other kids because they are uncomfortable with something they see or feel towards that other child. If they are different from us..... it scares us.... that is something we need to work on with our selves.... and our kids. I don't want my kids to be bullied..... and I don't want them to Bully other kids.... I also want for my kids to be at least 5 ft 8inches tall.... and for them to have 6 figure incomes when they are adults..... Exactly how much control do I have over these hopes for my kids.... I can't MAKE them be tall.... nor can I secure them a job.... but I CAN do something about how tolerant they are of different people!!!

One of the video's on the It gets better site says this:

It doesn't get better... We just get smarter!

I want my kids to be smart enough to NOT bully and not be bullied! I don't know HOW to accomplish that... but I'm gonna try! How do you teach this to your kids? Share your ideas with me

Secret Revealed

In early October my sister told me a secret.... I wasnt suppose to tell anyone.....It was the meanest thing she's ever done to me! She dropped a bomb and then told me to be quiet..... ME QUIET???? Needless to say I immediately called Theo. Over the next few days I told everyone that does not know my sister or anyone else in my family. Figuring it would not get back to anyone that wasnt suppose to know the "big secret"!!!

Then On Christmas Eve I got the official green light to tell the world......

I'm going to be an AUNT!!!

Now I have nieces & nephews thru marriage that I sincerely love and adore! I've adopted kids thru friendships to act as an Aunt. I even earned the Title "Aunt Sassy" by one of my favorite little boys! But this little one will be my first official blood nephew. Yes I said Nephew! Christie & Brian are expecting a little boy in May!

I got to go with my sister to a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and see the little guy for myself. I snapped this picture before the technician told me I couldn't take pictures... You can't really see the baby, but I love that Christie is looking at the screen at her son! :)
I have to admit I didn't think my sister was going to have children of her own and I giggle at the thought of her with a 2 year old little boy climbing the walls... but I know she's going to be an amazing Mom! I also like to think that my 3 crazy kids have helped prepare her a little, for what she's got in store!
I can't wait to meet this little One in May... I'm working on designing my official "Aunt Sassy" T-shirt to wear to the hospital!

Fakesgiving

Fall in a Flash

I've not been able to keep up with posting pictures of our fall so here is a recap of our fall 2011

First our trip to Yellow Springs:

We decided to break in the new ride with a road trip to Yellow Springs, We've decided it's called yellow springs because it makes the kids have to pee ALL THE TIME!!! Honestly the entire day was about finding a place to pee! It's a one hour car ride and we had to stop twice on the side of the road so little Gabi could pee, followed closely by her older sister that used a Porta potty that was so full, it was almost overflowing (YUCK) I was able to hold into until we were deep in the woods and then I made EVERYBODY pee.... our families have a special bond now~!It was beautiful there and we hiked through some amazing land! Then on the way home we stopped for some ice cream..... AMAZING &enormous ice cream!

I'm not ashamed in the least to post this picture is was THAT good!!! The kids were all hopped up on sugar from the giant ice cream cones and decided to ride some of the cow statues in the ice cream shop! We decided we should let them run it off outside on the Farm and managed to get the first picture of 7 of us together! The Schmierney-Eisel Clan! UP next Halloween

We went trick or treating with some of Leah's friends from school, Becca the princess, Leah the Cowgirl, Sophia the witch, Hannah the Evil queen, and sheriff Ethan
I'm sorry but how freaking cute is my baby in a cowboy hat and a duster! Turkey Night

I've also managed to befriend some of the mom's from Westgate and talked them all to coming over and making turkey's with me one night before Thanksgiving.

Alex, Becca, Courtney, & Tonia Kelly, Sally, Courtney, aka Kibby Here are all the turkeys... oh and the crafty ones we made that night... Here's a close up of our masterpieces! It was such a fun night and I'm so glad to have found friends at the kids school! I just love Westgate!!!

Last but not least... Fakesgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving with my Mom, sister and their families the weekend before thanksgiving, which also happened to be the same weekend that my little brother came for a visit! It was so fun to have us all there eating and playing games.

As usual the kids used Uncle Brian as a jungle gym/punching bag... I'm not sure who like it more, the kids or Brian...

Can you believe this is my niece Chole.... she's so grown up! And so good with the little ones. Gabi loved on her all night and I know that I can trust Chloe to keep everyone out of trouble

So to reward her we gave her a drink.... ok it was sparkling grape juice but the younger kids thought we were letting her drink "wine"

I'm starting to understand why other countries arrange marriages... these two will be perfect for each other!
Speaking of perfect for each other.... Little Gabi has completely stolen my husbands heart!

The kids were so excited to have Uncle Justin have a sleepover with us for 3 whole nights, and they wanted him to read stories to him. On his last night here I'd found an old book that I use to read to him when he was Leah's age.

We were able to spend alot of time just hanging out, on Sunday we didn't even get out of our PJ's. I grabbed this one of all three of us before Christie had to head back to Cleveland and he left to go back to IL! I always love when he visits, but then get so sad when he leaves! I miss this kid so much!!!

And that is our fall in a nutshell, I'm really looking forward to the semester being over with and being able to enjoy a month of Christmas and new year fun! I plan to sew and craft and sleep!!! :)