In honor of my mom's 5 year liver anniversary, here are 10 reasons why I am SO thankful for her...
1. She allows me to call her 52 times a day if I need to...and never acts annoyed.
2. She worries about things for me, even though they may not have a direct impact on her. Heck, she worries about stuff that I haven't even started worrying about yet.
3. She is flexible. I clearly did not get her flexibility skills - I got my skills (uh...um...i mean lack thereof) from some other person that shall remain nameless.
4. She still sends me newspaper articles that she thinks I would be interested in - in the mail. Proof that she really is thinking about us all the time.
5. She stays up-to-date on all the new technology which makes communicating so much easier. In fact, she got a Blackberry before I got one!
6. She always responds with, "Abatha, he really is a good kid," when I share the latest in disasterous Nate news.
7. She is a resource on all things - from cars to electricity to which aisle in the grocery store has powdered milk.
8. She loves Scott as if he were her own (and he often gets better treatment than even me!!)
9. She helps out tremendously with Nate and truly enjoys the time she gets to spend with him.
10. She loves her family fiercely and has always been and continues to be the best mother and grandmother that ever lived.
Happy 5th Anniversary to my mom's liver! 5 years ago today, my mom was the recipient of a donated liver and we could not ever say thank you enough to the person (and their family) that chose to be an organ donor on December 17, 2004. As a family, we recant the story of that harrowing December often...in fact, I think it brings comfort to us to discuss all the details of what we called life for a few months. My mom...not so much, she doesn't really like to talk about it, and I don't blame her. It was a long journey for her to get back to her normal self, and for those of you that know our family, you know she basically runs the show and none of us really knew what to do when she is out of commission...lots of funny stories about this time on that front!!
Yesterday, she got a clean bill of health at her annual appointment. In fact, she doesn't even have to go back to her liver doctor for 2 years! Wow...all I can say is that we are extremely thankful. It is always a good lesson to me during this time of year, be grateful for all blessings and do not take tomorrow for granted.
Mom, we love you and your 5 year old liver - here's to many more anniversaries! Cheers!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Captivated
Scott & headed into north St. Louis on Monday to drop off Angel gifts at the Salvation Army. I was glad I picked him up at work to go with me because we ended up getting lost several times - and for those of you that know the area, it is not the safest.
We stumbled upon an area known as Fountainhead Park, which is a park that intersects North Euclid. The words "ghost town" and "eery" come to mind - it was like we had fallen off into a hole a few blocks away from some of the largest homes and gated communities in Central West End.
We were captivated by what might have been the "better days" of this area. Huge homes and ornate buildings overlook the park. Many of the homes are crumbling, dilapidated heaps of what they used to be, but yet the beauty of what "once was" still shines through. "What a shame" came out of our mouths over 20 times in the 5 minute tour through the area and I truly believe it is a shame that such beautiful architecture is boarded up, burnt out, and falling down.
We made our stop at the Salvation Army and headed back towards Central West End which is less than a mile away from Fountainhead Park. The homes, churches, and businesses we saw reflected years of abandonment and we left the area questioning why this had happened to something that seemed to be, or could be, a prize of the city?
After I returned to the home office and Scott back in the lab, we both began to research this area yearning to know more. One building in particular caught our eye and through much digging, we were able to find it and realized we weren't the only ones that were nostalgic for days past at Fountainhead Park. You can read about it here.
I can't help but feel a little helpless that there is not something more I can do for this area, except to write a blog post about it. I also can't help but think that if this area was able to "gentrify" that the Boyles would be the first ones to move in! Great location close to WashU and downtown plus quaint shops and restaurants in CWE (and not to mention the Zoo being even closer than we are now!) Maybe someday Fountainhead Park, maybe someday.
We stumbled upon an area known as Fountainhead Park, which is a park that intersects North Euclid. The words "ghost town" and "eery" come to mind - it was like we had fallen off into a hole a few blocks away from some of the largest homes and gated communities in Central West End.
We were captivated by what might have been the "better days" of this area. Huge homes and ornate buildings overlook the park. Many of the homes are crumbling, dilapidated heaps of what they used to be, but yet the beauty of what "once was" still shines through. "What a shame" came out of our mouths over 20 times in the 5 minute tour through the area and I truly believe it is a shame that such beautiful architecture is boarded up, burnt out, and falling down.
We made our stop at the Salvation Army and headed back towards Central West End which is less than a mile away from Fountainhead Park. The homes, churches, and businesses we saw reflected years of abandonment and we left the area questioning why this had happened to something that seemed to be, or could be, a prize of the city?
After I returned to the home office and Scott back in the lab, we both began to research this area yearning to know more. One building in particular caught our eye and through much digging, we were able to find it and realized we weren't the only ones that were nostalgic for days past at Fountainhead Park. You can read about it here.
I can't help but feel a little helpless that there is not something more I can do for this area, except to write a blog post about it. I also can't help but think that if this area was able to "gentrify" that the Boyles would be the first ones to move in! Great location close to WashU and downtown plus quaint shops and restaurants in CWE (and not to mention the Zoo being even closer than we are now!) Maybe someday Fountainhead Park, maybe someday.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas Celebration #1
We welcomed family from South Carolina and Georgia over the weekend for a two-fold celebration, Christmas and Nate's 4th birthday. Mimi, Paka, Aunt Amanda, Uncle David, Noah & Gavin made the long drive to be with us and we are so thankful! We had a great time and their visit made the weekend extra special.
Christmas celebration #1! Nate & Gavin - he still hasn't lost his love for Gavin...:)
The kid table for Christmas dinner - I think they spent more time standing at the adult table, but I guess that's what holidays are supposed to be about, fighting with your kid to stay in their seat...at least that's one of our traditions!
The adult table! We are so thankful David got to join us - it was his first visit to our house in STL and we were very glad to host him!
The best part for the kids - opening presents!
The second best part - helping Mimi & Paka open presents!
Happy Holidays!!
Christmas celebration #1! Nate & Gavin - he still hasn't lost his love for Gavin...:)
The kid table for Christmas dinner - I think they spent more time standing at the adult table, but I guess that's what holidays are supposed to be about, fighting with your kid to stay in their seat...at least that's one of our traditions!
The adult table! We are so thankful David got to join us - it was his first visit to our house in STL and we were very glad to host him!
The best part for the kids - opening presents!
The second best part - helping Mimi & Paka open presents!
Happy Holidays!! Another new post below...
Nate's Birthday Party
We hosted Nate's 4th birthday party at Monkey Joe's on Saturday. It was crazy with a capital C, but we had fun and most importantly the birthday boy had fun.
I had to hold him down, but he finally consented to a picture with me.
The birthday boy!
Cousin Noah - he was fearless on the big slide!!
Cousin Gavin got in on the jumping action too...
Some of the spectators - Aunt Amanda, Debbie, and Olga
We were so happy to have Charlie join us - he was a big kid in the middle of lots of little kids!
Peter posed over and over again - he would make a great model!
The Peach Family - Sad that this picture turned out blurry!
Cousin Elena - I had a hard time posting just one picture! She is also a poser!
The cake moment - Nate didn't really like the attention when everyone was singing Happy Birthday...certainly does not get this from me!! At this age I was an attention hog! No comments about present day...
The birthday boy opening presents - thank you to everyone for braving the craziness to celebrate with us!!
I had to hold him down, but he finally consented to a picture with me.
The birthday boy!
Cousin Noah - he was fearless on the big slide!!
Cousin Gavin got in on the jumping action too...
Some of the spectators - Aunt Amanda, Debbie, and Olga
We were so happy to have Charlie join us - he was a big kid in the middle of lots of little kids!
Peter posed over and over again - he would make a great model!
The Peach Family - Sad that this picture turned out blurry!
Cousin Elena - I had a hard time posting just one picture! She is also a poser!
The cake moment - Nate didn't really like the attention when everyone was singing Happy Birthday...certainly does not get this from me!! At this age I was an attention hog! No comments about present day...
The birthday boy opening presents - thank you to everyone for braving the craziness to celebrate with us!!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Merry Christmas Post-It Style
Nate discovered post-its this weekend. I'm finding post-its in every nook and cranny and it makes me crazy. I dispose of them as soon as I find them - an action that Nate was slow to pick up on. I was telling my mom about his latest discovery on the phone yesterday when Nate overheard the "dispose" part - he said, "MOM, DO NOT THROW MY POST-ITS AWAY! THEY ARE CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS!"
Okay, sweet boy. Whatever.
Okay, sweet boy. Whatever.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Christmas Time Already??
All I can say is WOW...my Christmas baby is almost 4 years old. Where does the time go??
Putting up the Christmas tree almost did me in this year, our easy "pre-lit" tree came out of the box with one strand not working. Instead of putting another strand on right away (THAT WE HAD RIGHT THERE...sigh), my Mr. Fix-It husband had to unscrew every bulb in the affected area to try to locate the one that was bad. After about an hour and no luck, we finally put the extra strand on the tree and moved forward. Sigh. But it is up and looks beautiful, smells wonderful too even if it did come from a spray can and not the real thing. My OCD does not like real trees. Too much mess, so we'll stick with a fake tree and evergreen spray - same thing, right?
Putting up the Christmas tree almost did me in this year, our easy "pre-lit" tree came out of the box with one strand not working. Instead of putting another strand on right away (THAT WE HAD RIGHT THERE...sigh), my Mr. Fix-It husband had to unscrew every bulb in the affected area to try to locate the one that was bad. After about an hour and no luck, we finally put the extra strand on the tree and moved forward. Sigh. But it is up and looks beautiful, smells wonderful too even if it did come from a spray can and not the real thing. My OCD does not like real trees. Too much mess, so we'll stick with a fake tree and evergreen spray - same thing, right?
Thanksgiving 2009
The Boyles and the Odoms had Thanksgiving in Smithville, TN this year. The house we rented was perfect - so spacious and lots of places for the kids to play. Nate had a great time playing with his cousins and snuggling with one of his favorite people in the world - Mimi (not to discount Paka, Aunt Amanda, or Uncle David, but Mimi is A#1 most important when she is around, even above Mom & Dad!!)
Nate loves him some Gavin...warms my heart that he is so sweet to him.
Part of the Thanksgiving dinner table...Nate is on the other side loving on Gavin.
Hunting for salamanders at Burgess Falls on Friday. They did find 2 salamanders, and one was a baby - so cute.
Plentiful sunshine, gorgeous day!
Nate's "do you like it when I smile like this" face -
The big boys - they have a great time together.
Mimi & Paka with their boys...
I think I taught Gavin the "how big are you" game - here is he saying "sooooooo big!" I might just get a nod in his baby book for this one!
We were trying to get a picture of Mimi, Scott & Nate, but Nate didn't want Gavin to leave the bench...what can I say, again, he loves him some Gavin!
We had a wonderful time - lots of fun, lots of laughs, and even a Black Friday trip to Wal-Mart! My first time ever to grace Wal-Mart's doors the day after Thanksgiving. But it was worth it! Great deals and not crowded in Smithville, TN - who by the way has a spotless Wal-Mart. If you are ever in the area the day after Thanksgiving, I recommend it - ha ha!
Nate loves him some Gavin...warms my heart that he is so sweet to him.
Part of the Thanksgiving dinner table...Nate is on the other side loving on Gavin.
Hunting for salamanders at Burgess Falls on Friday. They did find 2 salamanders, and one was a baby - so cute.
Plentiful sunshine, gorgeous day!
Nate's "do you like it when I smile like this" face -
The big boys - they have a great time together.
Mimi & Paka with their boys...
I think I taught Gavin the "how big are you" game - here is he saying "sooooooo big!" I might just get a nod in his baby book for this one!
We were trying to get a picture of Mimi, Scott & Nate, but Nate didn't want Gavin to leave the bench...what can I say, again, he loves him some Gavin!
We had a wonderful time - lots of fun, lots of laughs, and even a Black Friday trip to Wal-Mart! My first time ever to grace Wal-Mart's doors the day after Thanksgiving. But it was worth it! Great deals and not crowded in Smithville, TN - who by the way has a spotless Wal-Mart. If you are ever in the area the day after Thanksgiving, I recommend it - ha ha! Now on to Christmas - this year has flown by!
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