A very nice sweat jacket from Aunt Julie, Uncle Jeff and cousin Leslie. He wore it this morning for school. The three kids have not grasped the Michigan winter theory yet, hence sweatjackets in the morning.
A present from Brad and Dalton. A future project for future step-son and step-dad. Good job Brad. TJ's favorite color on purpose.
TJ with cousin Katie. Very happy kids. Good time was had by all. Happy birthday son of mine. Love you, mom.
Hard to believe that his wrist and ankle were that small. He came into the world 5pds. 15oz. The next day 5pds. even. He is much bigger in size and soooo much personality.
A very happy and proud grandma. Thank heavens for having my mom and dad to help me through a scary day.
Sooo happy to be a big sister and holding her new baby brother. One very proud dad. He got his girl and boy. The loves of his life. Happy Birthday TJ. We all love you soooo much!
I need to put an older picture up, but for now this will do. Disney world 2008. I believe this is at the rainforest cafe restaurant. A trip filled with much fun and wonderful memories. Hard to believe 12 years has gone by so quick. He let me know he was on his way at 7:30 in the morning, but did not arrive until just after 1:00, c-section, a month early. Scary, but a wonderful surprise for all of us. I will wish you a happy b-day tommarrow wonderful son, on the actual b-day.
The snow has not flown yet, so I totally bundled up and went for it. Was plenty warm enough and would have done more. Unfortunately, there are some bills to pay and errands to be done. The snow is suppose to stay away until Totally Jammins b-day. I may go for it again tomm. The b-day boy is very excited and is already trying to talk me into letting him open presents early, however, as cute as he is, he will have to wait 2 more days. I was wondering also if Santini can bring over a tool to fix my bottle holder when she arrives for the celebration?
Just a note to say thank you again for the bike. I also wanted to let the family, especially Santani , know that I accomplished almost 17 miles today on my wonderful new bike. Very sore, but soooo worth it.
Here is TJ rocking middle school after just 3 days in middle school. It has been said that the lockers are a challenge for sixth graders, however this does not seem to hold true for the great "TJ". He has only needed help once with his locker in the first few days of school which is why he is smiling so nice in front of his "OPEN" locker. As can be seen in the first picture, it is official. He is now a middle schooler. Congratulations my son.
A very proud mom with a very happy and proud TJ. On to sixth grade and new school. He is excited about his accomplishment and is enjoying being big man on campus. He did so well during his ceremony. I am sure Ted was smiling. Brad was with us. TJ and I were very glad to have him with us for this special event.
A very proud fifth grader as he leaves his mark on Peach Plains. The last of the Friedgen clan to go to this school. He is the 3rd generation to go through this school. The hand prints of both sister and cousin are also in this same hallway. Today he is at his future school White Pines to explore what life will be like as a sixth grader. A proud time for his mother. He has done well in his career at Peach and is well liked by all teachers who have been lucky enough to have him in their class.
To those that have an interest in knowing what my future downstairs bathroom and bedroom will look like. I am showing the supplies for both. The ceiling light fixture, not the fan will be for Dalton's room and I am showing a sample of the floor we think we will be using for the bathroom. However, Brad and I are still wondering if this is the best choice for flooring. We both like the stone look, so for now that is the one we will be going with. Opinions welcome.
I hope you can maximize the picture and see his awesome grades. If not I can tell you that he brought his grade up in Math and Writing and got nonstop compliments from his teacher on his intelligence, hard work and abundant creativity. Yeah for TJ! He has made his mother proud again. 
The proud artist showing yet another true testament to her incredible talent. Her father would be soooo proud, maybe even jealous of his daughters talent. I think it bears a slight resemblence to the artist herself. She, however disagrees.
The new play area right next to the stairs. The castle sits right next to the stairs, just to give you an idea of the size.
This is by the electrical box. This area now has 4 new shelving units with all my stuff. The paints and trim are sitting on the other side that you can not see. We are thinking one more set of shelves to get them up off the floor and for storing Brads stuff. Boy, I guess I have alot of stuff. I have actually gotten rid of alot of old baby toys and still working on clearing some stuff out. A long ongoing process.
This is the area that will be Dalton's room, that previously was the play area. Now the play area sits right next to this on the same side of the basement. The kids think the new play area is smaller, although after looking at the carpet area and were the stairs begin, they will actually have more. We told them to give it time and see it when it is done. This will be the biggest room Dalton has ever had. He is excited.
A good Valentines for all. I was spoiled by a wonderful man. Brad outdid himself. I was thinking I would probably get a card and that would have been enough. However, Brad is not only smart and has good character, but knows how to treat a woman right on Valentines. Thank you Brad for giving me a wonderful Valentines. We will also be doing a Valentines dinner out at Logan's courtesy of my wonderful parents.
The kids have also had a good Valentines. Candy from their mother and grandma Mckee in addition to $5 each from grandma. As you can see, TJ enjoyed his party. Up above you can see him in a heated game of Family Fued. Their team came in second and the class loved playing the game. A good weekend for all.
The time has arrived. The state has given Nikki permission to drive a vehicle. Fortunately, she may only drive with a licensed adult over 21, of her mothers choosing. Not only are Brad, Uncle Jeff and Grandma Mckee on there, but of course, grandma and grandpa Boyd, when they return from the supposed hell hole. They are not required, but are welcome to take me up on the offer. Good luck in driving with your granddaughter. Won't that be different.
She is driving, Yikes! She has driven for a second time now and brought this home with her. She did better out on the country roads and only had the instructor hit the brakes a few times. She seems to sound more confident about her skills. This little paper gives me and another liscensed adult legal permisssion to drive with her. Fortuneatly, Brad has volunteered his time to help me with this project. Were did the time go, REALLY. Sometimes I think it wouldn't be so bad to go backwards instead of forwards. I do realize she is growing up and ultimately I trust she will do well and make her dad and I proud.
This is the very impressive present from Brad to the kids. It put all of us in tears at the time of receiving it. A truly thoughtful present from Brad. He truly cared about Ted and has yet again shown what a wonderful person he is. This was also made by Ted's cousin DJ, Ted's Uncle Ron a good friend of Ted's that worked with him for years and a close family friend, Ron's brother. They all felt privledged and to do this for Ted's kids because they also loved Ted. It is truly one of those special presents that will have meaning for generations to come. Thank you Brad from the kids and I.
