x-mas Party's

This is the set of earrings that TJ bought as a gift for me in his class auction. I was very impressed by his thoughtfulness. Truly a good son. So much charm. His dad would be proud.
TJ had fun with his x-mas party yesterday. He received a liscense plate that doubles as a photo album. He actually loves it. He made out better than some of his classmates because it was a white elephant gift exchange. The kids seemed to enjoy it. TJ brought in a orange juice container for his contribution to the gift exchange. It received many laughs. He was quite proud of his cleverness.

Good grades and x-mas

As you can see the SLO's truly enjoyed x-mas at grandma and grandpa's and are very excited to go visit the grandparents in Florida. The favorite of the presents seems to be the Wii games and accessories. So much so that OSLO has not had a chance to enjoy her Wii present, as it has been hogged by the SLO's. It is good to see them happy. When the holiday slows down, I will have my turn at the new Wii games.
The last set of grades are the final grades. Although, I am sure everyone has that figured out. Not too bad for a first trimester of highschool. However, this trimester is proving to have more work and difficulty. She is truly looking forward to x-mas break.

TJ's 11th 2009

Two Wii games to go with the AWESOME Wii that was greatly enjoyed in the evening hours by all. The birthday boy not only had wonderful presents, but great looking and tasting cake. Wonderful and fun memories were made. Thank you grandma and grandpa for a truly wonderful and entertaining present.

From riding bikes to driving a car. Sooo not ready to have a driving teen. According to the law she is eligible for drivers training on Dec. 4th of this year. Michigan law says 14 years and 8 months. Ya, it blows me away to, to think the time is already here. Were did my little girl go? She is ready and raring to go. Excited at the prospect of driving my NEW car. Still thinking about that one. Time stops for no one. How true it is. I have taken the first step and will be putting this registration in the mail on Monday with a big check of course. It is not done through the school anymore in my county.

Halloween 2009

The kids in costume at our house. Not a wet Halloween, but still somewhat cold. Although, we have had it worse in Halloweens past.
Here they are at Grandma's house with their Aunt Julie. They got lots of big candy and enjoyed their evening.

Highschool grades for Nikki

I am incredibly impressed with my daughter. So, I felt like bragging. Once again, she shows how amazing of a kid she is, I mean young adult. Sorry Nikki. Love mom.

Homecoming 2009

As promised many, many pictures of my princess girl, which is what I have called her since she was a baby. Hard to believe the time has gone by so fast. I tried to get a picture with the other grandma, but she did not feel she was dressed up enough. However, she has been told that she will be included in the next set of big pictures. The Friedgen clan was here for the big event, and Nikki definitely seemed to enjoy the attention. Brad took many pictures of Nikki and I, as well as some of Nikki by herself. I thought Ted would not mind having Nikki's picture taken with Brad, knowing that Brad is a good guy and someone else who truly cared about Ted in all their years as friends. Nikki actually did spend at least one dance dancing with her date as well as some group dances with her friends. She had much fun and was truly one of the prettiest girls there if not the prettiest.

Kiss 2009

My pictures are out of order. This is the best picture we could get of the show considering we were using the cell phone. Believe it or not the band members are on the stage.
The concert was Saturday and truly the best concert I have seen to date. As you can see we dressed the part. Actually, we were not as authentic as many of the other Kiss fans were, but don't we look good! Kiss is considered a legend in rock and roll, and they definitely know how to rock out for dudes pushing 60 if not already 60. The accommodations at Amy's very nice house were great. We also got to visit in Greektown and have authentic greek food at an authentic greek restaurant. The COTU's had dinner at Russ's and ice cream on the other grandma and really seemed to enjoy themselves.

Karate & Mud Run in one day

Today was a new event for the Friedgen clan. The group of us enjoyed the show and even had the honor of being hit by some mud.
One of the many trucks that gave us some mud.
The kids are showing off their new yellow belts. Nikki was disappointed that she did not get to break a board. I guess it happens when she goes for the blue. Still, the COTUes are very proud of their accomplishment for the day.

School Days

A very proud and confident freshman. Were did the time go? On the second day of school I had no kids, so I did a 15 mile bike ride. Thank you for the new tire Santani.
Notice the safety belt. He is following in his sisters footsteps. He is very proud to be a safety and especially a fifth grader.

Flowers from Brad

Incredibly beautiful flowers from my very good friend of 18yrs. Thank you Brad. You are truly a classy and wonderful guy. They made my day and week to come a lot brighter.

kids in training

I know Jeff would probably be mad at me for putting his picture in my blog but it is such a nice picture of Jeff and Nikki together. Also, I wanted to show that TJ was being supervised by us adults at the time of this picture. Jeff is teaching TJ and Nikki how to use the lawn mower in hopes of having them replace my lawn guys down the line. TJ and Nikki actually did a good job at running the lawn mower. The blade was not down, the riding was just for training and fun. I think I have my future lawn guy. His dad would be proud.

Long bike ride and no kids, Yeah!!!

These are for Santini. Right on the way and very near Hofma Park. I had no kids and got a long ride. My distance counter stopped at 5.6 miles for some reason. I rode for two hours, so I am guessing I was probably close to 14 maybe 15 miles. My legs are sore, so I did well. What a beautiful day. Don't know when I will get the chance again, so I thouroughly enjoyed it.

This picture of Tulips is for my uncle Jim that likes pictures of Tulips. I thought they were pretty. Just like the day.
This is for my prairie princess cousin Kelsey. What kind of grass is the red stuff?

Finally, warmth and color

warm and beautiful in Grand Haven. Ted would have loved this day. The tree is coming along well.

Fresh lawn, tulips and budding trees, Yeah!!!!

Not only has my lawn been freshly mowed, but the maple is coming along and I can see beautiful tulips. Everything is looking and feeling nice again. Hoping for a continuing trend in my lawn and the warmth of summer coming.

Green, Green and blossoms, Yeah!!!!!

My new tree has proven its strength. I see buds. Time for the deer repellent. The whole lawn is looking very green. Now it is time for my new lawn guy to show up and mow the lawn. Ted would be proud of his beautiful lawn. Ted is smiling.

My tulips in bloom

In the spirit of warm weather and following in the theme of Santini, I would like to present my other tulips at the end of my turn around. The soccer game was warm enough without the wind, but the wind made it feel like 50 instead of the 62 my clock claimed this morning. Unfortunately, the team did not win this one, but TJ was consoled with chocolate donut holes. He seems to be ok with the outcome for now. Better luck next week. Look forward to seeing you there next week Santini?

Sure signs of summer!

Not only wonderful temperature at11:00 this morning, but I got a surprise from my brother in law and sister in law last night. Jeff showed up with Teds old truck filled high with this bark. Not only did him and Julie help the kids and I put it down all around the house, but Jeff said I do not owe him anything. I was touched. I am still family I guess, glad for that.

Finally sun!!!!

I was trying to show the buds on my tree. I am not sure you can see them though, but my new tree survived its first Michigan winter. Now I just have to keep the deer away. Time for the spray.
Lots of sun. Maybe 80 by Friday? If it stays like this today maybe? I sure am hoping. Here's to hoping for warmth and a sign of summer.

From wet and cold to dry and warm, Yeah!!!!

This is the dry and sunny part. It is about time. Yeah!!!!!!! Maybe 67 by Friday. Badmitton anyone?
I say 68.5 degrees. Any other opinions welcome, although I hold true to 68.5.

Wet and Cold, but 67 by Friday, I hope?

Although I would rather have sun, I think my tulips are liking this. The grass has been dethatched and does not look to bad. I think the grass is probably happy to have water as well.
Here is the wet part of it. It is too cold for my blood to take a picture of the thermostat. You will just have to trust me.

Signs of Spring on Comstock

It was so pleasant outside. I decided that the sun was inviting me to bring out the Spring furniture and start the warm weather tradition. Soon, maybe Santini may be able to enjoy this as well and visit the grandchildren.
I found the picture with bubbles to show the fun part of Spring. Lots of bubbles.
50 at11:00 today.