Are you, YOU?

Michael Jackson's latest release, Hold My Hand, (featuring Akon) got me thinking about the diverse interests and likes the world consists of. How the old cliche, "One person's garbage, is another person's treasure." does ring true. Opinions make the world go round; how we view life, the people we surround ourselves with, God forbid, our parents, and our very DNA all determine what's on our playlist, the car we drive to the clothes we wear.

I have never gone with the flow or pretended to like something just to fit in or make myself look good to someone else. I am a very serious LOVE or HATE woman in all aspects of my life. I like what I like and while others may influence that to some degree as they help open up my world a bit, I have no problem sharing those likes/dislikes no matter the reaction.

I have always loved MJ. I grew up listening to the Jackson 5 and wore out more than one cassette of Thriller as a preteen/teenager. I am not a huge fan of any mainstream music, but Michael's music always made it into my day. I had the "glove", jacket, T-shirts and posters. I did the moonwalk with no finesse whatsoever. I sang at the top of my lungs that Billie Jean was not my lover. I cried when I watched, This is It.

I won't even pretend one iota that I knew MJ to any degree, media coverage or not. Was he a very very odd man, yes. Did he put himself in situations that caused much ado about serious subjects, yes. Towards the end of his life, he did not look one itty bitty bit like the Michael Jackson I grew up admiring. Does any of this change the talent, the sheer natural talent this man had a songwriter, singer, dancer and all time Pop icon of my time? Nope.

With all of today's false fluff and entertainers trying to be so different (yet all looking like a bunch of complete idiots), I miss the old days of true talent. I miss Michael Jackson, I truly do.

Michael Jackson, the true King of Pop

I'm bad...

Got Cute?

I do! Who can have a bad start to the day with these guys around?

Spencer only keeps me around to cut the crust off of his bread but I'm ok with that.

Pistachio or Heavy P to his tank-mates.

Hasta manana!

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Sleep. Who doesn't like it? There is nothing like that feeling of climbing (or falling if it's been one of THOSE kind of days) into bed after a long day and doing that super gigantic stretch that pops bones you didn't know you had. Cuddling with your honey (spooning is one of my favorest pastimes ever), hogging all the covers and drooling on your pillow. Ahhh, sleep is good, rejuvenating and a time to shut the thinker down.

Around here though, we do things a little differently. We, well, just pass out. See below.

Here is a planned sleep.

Aren't they cute all still and quiet like that?


Here is unplanned sleep.

Who falls asleep at the dinner table? This must be standard etiquette on the planet he came from.


Is he praying? Seriously, my cooking is not that bad.

This happens after 2 days of hardcore gaming. Our friend Ramsay fits right in.

It's after 3 am here and now it's time for me to sleep. Goodnight!

Spencer's Six Month Cancer Check

He is clear again of all cancer! He had his blood work done and an ultrasound, both showing no signs of illness or irregularities. Life can now resume for me and I can breath a little freer and think a little clearer. It has been 4.5 years since he went off the I.V. chemotherapy and 4 years from the pill form of chemo he had been taking. My little miracle continues to baffle doctors and make his mother run around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Ahhh, life is good.

The pictures below were taken in October but I thought they were cute since Spencer won't normally tolerate these types of rides. He rode on two this time. Pictures were also snapped with John's cell phone, so the quality could be better.

Christmas 2008

I am truly hoping everyone reading this had as fabulous a Christmas as we had. This year was near perfect. Of course, I do wish my brothers could have shared the day with us, but they were in my heart that is full of other Christmas past memories.

We shared Christmas Eve with our good friends Tammy and Brian and their two boys. Tammy made homemade pizza. It was delicious!

Opening gifts. Spencer loved his new Slinky. Must have tasted good!

Note the bag Brian's gift was wrapped in. I had nothing to do with this; John is a twisted individual. **cough, cough**

Christmas Day was hosted by my sister, Tanya and her husband Rich. Going to their house is always a treat, especially when you get to spend time with family you wished you saw more often. Tanya's house is beautiful and warm and cozy. The perfect atmosphere to spend Christmas Day at.

My Dad and I.



Tanya's Corgi, Sophie.

My nephew, Sam. He not only plays electric guitar, but the sax too!

Spencer playing with Grandma and Sam.



Helping Daddy open a present.

Spencer actually took interest in his gifts this year. My family is so wonderful. Aunt Tanya got him a frog book. It's super cute.



Remember my sister Robin's wedding I stood up in this summer? Here's the happy couple.

We are such a blessed family.

Taking Some Good When Times Are Bad

The economy...on a downward spiral, going fast. Almost everyone I know has taken on a second job/side job to help make ends meet. We are no different here. I have been laid off for 1/2 a day, a week, for a few months now with extra time around the holidays. I will admit, I LOVE the time spent at home and with Spencer, but it hurts the bank account. John took a second job a few months ago along with extra hours at his current job at the hospital. I wanted to help also, but refuse to spend any more time away from Spencer. I love this kid and it would break my heart not to see him or be able to put him to bed at night. So, I went back to the very first job I had at age 13. Babysitting!

Meet Kayla. She is 14 months old and adorable to boot. We love having her at the house. Her mom and dad are both nurses and work long shifts, so we get to enjoy her while they can't. She and Spencer are very jealous of one another and fight over everything from sippy cups to my lap. Then they kiss. They make me laugh and it is actually quite nice to have another wee one in the house.

I sat between them at dinner time. I want to make sure Spencer isn't feeling left out or as if he is being neglected. He is having a bit of a hard time understanding any type of sharing. I think it is healthy for him to interact with Kayla also as she is one smart cookie.

Not liking sharing his mommy at all...

What a mug!




A little sulker we have here. Lounging in his bean bag, giving me the sad puppy dog look. With each visit, Spencer is warming up to her more and not throwing as many tantrums for attention.

See...good things can come from bad, Kayla is just what we needed!

Samson and Delilah

Adorable...