I'm home. California was great. The weather was absolutely amazing, especially since there was a blizzard here while I was gone. Mia is getting so big, and still so happy. She practically has a smile glued on that little face all day and night. My mom was also there. We drove over the Golden Gate bridge, and spent some time driving up Hwy 1. It was beautiful. Mom left on Sat. and we went downtown San Francisco. It was hard to find somewhere to park, and we had to walk a distance to get to Old Navy. We wanted to check out the 3 level store. Crazy big store. Lots of designer stores as well. We were grossed out big time by a bum doing his "business" on the street in a bucket...that's all I will say about that. They live in Menlo Park and we also walked around the area almost every day. It's a neat neighborhood town with adorable homes, parks, and a great atmosphere. We even went to the local Goodwill a couple of times. Designer clothes, nothing like our Goodwill here. Anyway, it was great to visit and hang out with everyone. Now I'll just have to count down the days till June when we head back...

Peace.

Not so much luck

Stomach flu has come again for the 2nd time this year. Kobe and I were sick on Sat. and he is still recovering. I had the 24hr fun stuff, while the boys got stuck with the "it could take a week to clear" fun stuff. I leave tomorrow night for Cali and even though I am so excited to see my brother and his family and kiss all over Mia, I am slightly concerned about leaving Kobe home since he still isn't feeling well.
We are headed to Caden's basketball banquet tonight. Last hurrah for the year...
KU did win against Dayton last Sunday. It was pretty effortless. ON TO THE SWEET SIXTEEN!

Peace.

KU on to 2nd round!

KU beat North Dakota State by 10 yesterday. I was a nail-biter, with a good ending. They will play Dayton on Sunday.

Kobe is sick. Caden started it. I leave Wed. for Cali, and I am praying this stuff passes over me. It's not fun having the runs...

Rock Chalk!

Caden gets his braces on again tomorrow! I will try to post a pic soon. He is soo thrilled.
I booked a ticket to Cali. Leave next Wed. Will only be there for 3 days, but it will be great to see everyone, especially Mia. She is growing so fast.
Report cards are out. Both boys did great. Time to dish out some good job $. I couldn't have it much easier. Both are excellent students.
Caden finished his interim today. He went to the Juco National Tourney and followed a team's progress. He would love to be a sports journalist someday, so this was fun, yet educating for him. If only he enjoyed the writing part...
Track is in full force. Complaints also. Caden is a thrower, so the first few weeks of conditioning, he hates. At least he gets some new shoes out of it...
Kobe is playing dodge ball. That's his new career choice also. It went from a "pro-football player to a pro-dodgeball player...or last resort is an orthodontist"...lol.
We are sooo excited for March Madness. It starts tomorrow! Our annual family competition is underway. We all have completed our brackets and the winner gets to choose a restaurant of their choice to go along with the bragging rights. Can't wait. It's my favorite time of the year!

Rock Chalk!

Wow, time really does fly by

Finally able to post. I thought I would have all of this extra time now that basketball is over, however, I have realized that I have a ba-zillion other things to do in order to catch up from lost time. March Madness is right around the corner. Our Hawks have done well this season, surprise to many. Their presence at the Big 12 Tourney was short-lived as they were upset by Baylor. I hope they can make more of an impact in a couple of weeks in the NCAA tourney.

Hard to believe it's already been a year since that historical victory and the National Championship. Hard to believe Caden is almost done with his 1st year of high school. Hard to believe my baby, Kobe, is old enough to take care of himself, and will soon be in Jr High. Hard to believe I have worked for almost 8 yrs, and been married to Michael for 4. I really envy time. I honestly have a grudge against time. Time is my biggest enemy. There is never enough, it likes to go by faster and faster, and it's hard to keep track of. We were scanning old pics just the other day, and even Caden commented on how he couldn't believe how fast time is going by. I heard today that my niece, Mia, is scooting around...geez...can't they just lay there for awhile? Can't they just rely on us for a little longer? Can't they just NEED us a little more? I guess that's the unfortunate reality of life. Thankfully, we can enjoy time as we have it. Why waste it being sad, right? Well, just tell me that in say, 3 yrs, when Caden goes away to college...

Peace

Ila Mae Waller - strong, dedicated, & faithful to the end.

It has been awhile since I posted. A lot has been going on around here.
Sunday, the 15th, the nursing home called the family in because my grandma wasn't doing well. We visited and waited, and grandma seemed to improve. She wasn't alert, but her stats were better. Stopped by on Monday evening, spent 5 hours watching and waiting again. No change. On Tues., I went by in the evening, and grandma wasn't doing well at all. Her body just kept breathing, even though it seemed she was already gone. She didn't respond at all, and at one point opened her eyes and starred at me for a min or so. I thought that was the end, but she, (being the stubborn, strong woman she is), kept going. Most of the family was there, my mom, aunt Sandy, many cousins, and once my uncle Greg and Aunt Darla arrived, it was late. The hospice nurse had visited as well. It was just a matter of time. Right before midnight, my grandma opened her eyes, looked at my uncle Greg, and let go. It was her time, she had lived a long, prosperous, and eventful life. She had inspired many, and taught us all the value of hard work, strength, respect, and faith. We all shared many memories and stories over those few last days of her life. Her funeral was nice, with many people sharing memories. She was featured in the Hutchinson News on Sunday with a very nice article about her life. She can now be with her family, friends, and son Marc, who left us a month ago.
My brother, Steph, and Mia were able to come home for the funeral. Mia has grown so much and is so active. She is still a very happy baby, and easy to please. She rarely fusses, and usually it's due to hunger. It was great to see them even under the circumstances.
In the midst of our family's loss, I was scheduled to have knee surgery. I went ahead with it, as I had already taken the following week off from work. My surgery was on the 19th, the funeral was on the 21st, and my bro left on the 23rd. Needless to say, I didn't get much rest until Tues. I practically spent much of Monday in bed, and am feeling much better.
Caden had his last game of the season last night. He didn't get to play, but was excited to score 4 pts in the JV game last week. I think he saw about 3min of playing time...
Our lives are so busy, but time keeps on going. Time is precious, and I hope we all can appreciate that. Losing a loved one makes us realize how important it is to share the time we have with those we love.

RIP Grandma. We love you.

Caden finished his career on the freshman team on this past Saturday. His final 2 games were not as we hoped, but he did his best and had the last rebound and shot of his last game. Even though the season was frustrating and trying, he battled through it. Final record was 3-12, I think. He did receive some exciting news as he was moved up to the JV squad for the remainder of the season. He will practice and suit-up for the last 3 games.
Kobe's season ended on the 7th, but he will play in another tourney next weekend. I vow to not yell at the ref's, unless my child gets punched again...
I am scheduled to have orthoscopic surgery on my R knee on this Thursday. The Dr. knows my meniscus needs repaired, however, it is a possibility my ACL is damaged. I have a week off from work, and am not looking forward to it. Anyway, Michael has been working like a dog today...He has done many loads of laundry, finally put away the Christmas decor, paid some bills(which he NEVER does), and is even cleaning up. He claims it's to be ready for my surgery, but little does he know, I have a list prepared for the 2 days he is off to take care of me...
Went to visit my grandma Waller today. The nursing home called my aunt Sandy and told her she wasn't doing so well. My mom, dad, uncle Greg, Aunt Darla, aunt Sandy, and Carrie were all there. She wasn't very responsive, very sleepy, and wouldn't eat. Hospice said they thought she was just exhausted. It's hard to watch her like that. She has lived longer than any of us ever thought she would.
I am so excited because I might be flying to Cali in March to visit Mia...oh and my bro and his wife. I hate that I am missing out on her life, and it kills me not being there. So, I might try to fly out on a Wed eve. and return home on Sun. Not sure yet, but I just don't think I can wait till June...

Until later-