It's birthday week!! Happy and sad at the same time. Hayley will be eleven on Wednesday she is growing up way too fast. We are having her birthday party on Sunday since papaw Jimmy has to work (2nd) shift during the week. I redid her bedroom for her birthday...all by myself!! (with my honey's money of course) Well almost by my myself, my mom helped make sure her hardwood floors didn't end up covered in paint. I painted it, then we changed out her bed (went from a queen size to a full since her room is so small) bedding, curtains, decorations, etc. etc. Aaron didn't think it was a necessary change, so I didn't even ask him to help me. He does enough work around the house, so it's okay that he didn't help with her room. We'll probably do some type of birthday dinner on Wednesday, and then celebrate with family and friends on Sunday.
The blood drive for Chloe's birthday is this Friday. Her birthday is Monday. I don't have any major plans for that day...I'm off...haven't decided if that's a good thing or not. I'm actually thinking about getting a massage that day (I have a gift cert. I need to use) and maybe getting my hair done. I think I'll just stay busy that day so I won't dwell on the fact that Chloe isn't here.
Aaron and I joined a Fantasy football league through my work (I have my own team, and he is sharing a team w/my mgr). My team isn't doing so well, but it is so much fun! For those of you who don't know me in "real life" let me just tell you I LOVE SPORTS!!! It's been interesting having a fantasy team. We watch more games, and pay attention to teams and players we normally wouldn't. Now I can see how people get so into their Fantasy Teams. I used to think "what's the big deal", but now I get it. We are Eagles fans...and of course we like the Colts, too.
Hayley on the other hand, has absolutely no interest in football. :)
Hayley received her midterm grades last week. I'm happy to say she had all A's with the exception of one B, an 88% in Science. So, hopefully she can maintain her A's and get that B up to an A. She is doing well in the classroom, but a little bummed she isn't in the same class as the majority of her friends. We talked about it for a while tonight...I told her she can't dwell on that, to try to make new friends. Most of her really good friends are in the other class. I think the main problem is at recess...apparently she isn't very good at jump roping and I guess the kids aren't really nice about that. :( So she decided she would be the spinner, only to have kids tell her she isn't spinning fast enough. :( She's at a tough age. We'll keep an eye on her...encourage her and reassure her that she can be good at anything she puts her mind too. And honestly, I think she may be having some problems because she has some of the higher grades in the class, and she is a little brown noser...so maybe some of the kids are jealous or annoyed because of that? It's hard to try to figure out the minds of 10 and 11 yr olds.
Aaron and I have both been working quite a bit, which is a good thing. Only problem with that, is it doesn't leave much time to visit with my friends. Between the blood drive on Friday and Hayley's party on Sunday we should actually be able to spend some good time with family and friends. YAY!!!!

Wow, it's been a while since I've blogged...not sure if I remember how to do it or not. :) I really do want to blog on a regular basis, but for some reason I haven't been up to it. Also, I figure anyone who really wants to keep on me probably follows me on facebook...and we all know how easy it is to update on that. :) I do like blogging though and I think one day Hayley will look back on my blog (and caringbridge for that matter) and be glad that she can read all about our lives.
We have been staying pretty busy. Hayley is adjusting to fifth grade pretty well. Her test grades haven't been exactly where we one them to be, so we're working on that. They haven't been terrible, but she has been getting some B's and she even got a C on a Social Studies test. We would be okay with those grades if she was studying, but for some reason she has decided she doesn't need to study. I told her that's not going to cut it in 5th grade. She isn't going to be able to make straight A's without applying herself. Needless to say, she WILL be studying for every test from here on out.
Hayley burned her arm on the iron this past Wednesday evening. Aaron had just finished ironing, so the iron was still out on the ironing board. Hayley was messing with Izzy so Izzy bit her on the back, which caused Hayley to jump her wailing her arms (and being overly dramatic) causing her to bump into the extremely hot iron. It really is terrible looking, but it is healing okay. I took her to the doctor just to make sure we were doing what we should be doing. (cleaning it day and applying silvadene cream) I really hope it doesn't scar too badly. It's a pretty good size burn on the inside of her arm (from her elbow to about halfway to her hand). I felt so bad for her, but she really has been a pretty good trooper about it. It was weird to be texting nurse Leslie about a problem with Hayley instead of Chloe.
Aaron and I have been getting along really well. We've started having "date nights" on Fridays which I think is really helping us. Hayley spends a few hours with mamaw Janet so he and I can have a "date". We've just been doing dinner and a movie...this weekend we actually just stayed home...had a pizza delivered and watched a movie. Hayley enjoys hanging out with Janet and Janet enjoys having her so it's a win win for all of us.
Izzy has been keeping us quite busy! She is doing pretty well with the potty training...as well as being really good at chewing just about everything in her sight. Cell phones, laptop cords, toilet paper, socks, etc etc. She hasn't really damaged anything of value (yet!) but she does keep us on our toes.
September is birthday month for both of our girls. Hayley will be turning 11 on the 23rd and Chloe would've been nine on the 28th. I think Hayley is going to have a swim party at the Y. We are hosting a blood drive for Chloe's birthday...people will be able to donate blood and/or a toy in her memory. We will be taking the toys to the kiddos on 7west (oncology unit at Kosairs). If anyone is interested the blood drive will be on Sept. 25 from 4-8 at Silver Street Elementary here in New Albany. If you want to donate a toy it can dropped off at the school during the blood drive or if you aren't local and want to participate you can mail a toy (or gift card and I will purchase a toy) to 1902 E. Elm St, New Albany, IN. 47150. I was trying to decide what to do for Chloe's birthday and I decided what better way to honor her than to do a blood drive, then I thought some people may not be able to donate so if they want to do something for her birthday than can donate a toy for other sick children. Chloe was at an age where she she was starting to understand what it was to "give back and help others".
I can't believe it's already September! This year is flying by. I do love this time of year. Summer used to be my favorite time of year hands down, but it seems like the older I get the more I'm starting to like Fall. I've already gotten my fall decorations put up...I know, I'm crazy! I just love fall decorations and I love the smell of fall...we went to Walmart earlier so I picked up some pumkin spice, mulled cider and vanilla/cinnamon candles...my house is gonna smell so good!
Well, I think I've ramble enough.....especially since I'm not even sure there are people who still read this. :)
don't forget to drop me a line!

still busy............

Hello! Hello! Is there anyone out there? Smile if you can hear me......... okay, okay I'm crazy I know. I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I'd jump on here and do a quick update for any of you who may still be following me. And well, I really like having some type of "journal" to look back on about our life..
Since my last update we have been quite busy! Hayley started school last week..she is now in the fifth grade, her last year of elementary school. CRAZY! I can't believe she is going to be eleven next month. She and I have been getting along a little better. I'm so hopeful things can continue to improve. I really think being back in school is going to help ALOT. She gets so bored, and it was pretty hard to keep her entertained and happy over the summer. She really thought we had to be doing something fun everyday....when I say fun, I mean something that cost money:) I was also thinking that this summer was a huge adjustment for her...it was the first summer she didn't have Chloe and the first summer where I worked since Chloe passed away. I didn't work at all last summer, so it was different for Hayley. I know she missed Chloe, but she had me every single day, all day. Aaron went back to work a week or so after Chloe passed away, but Hayley and I were able to have the whole summer off. This summer we did have some fun times, but I also worked which meant Hayley didn't have me at her beck and call. Granted she was with my mom or mamaw Janet, but it wasn't a fun filled, lets go somewhere every day summer like she had last year. So, I guess overall we survived the summer okay, and we did have a great vacation as well! It was just different than we're used to and I think going from having a sister to being an only child is more on an adjustment for Hayley than I sometimes realize. So, like I said I'm hopeful things will continue to get better for us as we learn to live our lifes without Chloe.
Aaron and I have both been working quite a bit (he works more than I do, but I'm averaging about 35 hrs a week)...which I think is a good thing...for all of us (more normal). We've also been trying to spend more time at home which is another good thing for all of us. I think the more we are at home and the better routine we get into will make our overall quality of life better. I've been cooking alot more and we are all trying to eat better. I've always made Aaron veggies when I do cook, but now Hayley and I are both starting to eat some of those veggies. She whines about it, but is getting better with trying new foods since I've been trying them too. We have also been working on Chloe's area in the backyard...it still has a long way to go before it's where I want it to be, but we're making progress. Izzy is doing pretty good...keeping us busy with potty training. She does well for me, but seems to not do as well for Aaron and Hayley. I think its because I take her outside more than they do. They're both so hot natured, they can't hardly stand taking her out in this heat. I, on the other hand, could stay outside all day. Aaron is not really satisfied with her potty training progress... I'm really hoping she quits having accidents so he doesn't make us get rid of her. We are crate training her so that does help.
Well, I think I've rambled enough for one night......I'd love to hear from you all...don't forget to leave a comment. Also...I can't believe no one left a recipe or a suggestion of new foods to try. Any takers? Oh yea, I tried to make chicken and dumplins today.....let me just say...total flop...had to throw it all out, guess I over cooked the dumplins? ugh!!!!!
night night!!!!

no time to blog..........

between work and all of my arguing with Hayley I have little time to blog. Please say prayers for us...we are having such problems with Hayley and her attitude towards me. I'm really at a point I don't know what to do. We (Aaron, Hayley and I) were planning on going to Holiday World Friday with my friend Suzanna, her husband and her son. I have cancelled those plans...which is really a bummer for all of us. At this point, Hayley doesn't deserve a fun filled day at Holiday World. So, I'm really hoping to make some progress on her attitude and our relationship soon.....

Hello friends!! Just a quick post tonight, since I really should be in the bed! We had a pretty good week. Still need LOTS of improvement on Hayley's attitude towards me (and in general). Aaron and I are going to really try to come up with a game plan or I guess I should say a "Life plan" to improve Hayley's attitude and our qualities of life. All three of us really do have so much to be thankful for, we really do have a great life...we just have to make the best of our lives each and every day. Happiness is a choice, so I am choosing for us to have a Happy Life..sure, everyday isn't going to be a happy, go lucky, peachy kind of day and yes, our lives will never ever be the same without Chloe, but it is what it is...and we have to make it the best we can! This week coming up is the last full week of summer for Hayley. It's so hard for me to believe summer is almost over! I will share some thoughts on our summer soon........it's definitely been a fun summer, but one with some tough emotional days! I hope all of you had a great weekend...here's wishing you a great week, full of love and laughter!!!!
love, Christy
p.s. I tried a sweet potato yesterday..with butter and brown sugar...didn't care for it, reminded me of mushy babyfood!

continuation of foods I've never tried........

potato salad, macaroni salad, deviled eggs, spinach, cole slaw, most seafood, brown rice, apple pie, cherries, tuna fish, guacamole, avocado, mixed fruit cups, grits, oatmeal, sweet potato, pumpkin pie, bread pudding, dressing (or stuffing to some), peaches, etc, etc........
what do I like to eat you ask? I am a meat and potato kind of girl....I love steak (filet mignon is my favorite...don't like anything to fatty), I also love pasta and breads. Check back tomorrow......who knows what new food I may try next!


ALSO...I was playing around with the settings here on blogspot, there is a way for me to send email alerts when I post an entry..not sure how it works. I did put in a few email addresses to play around with it...if you got an email and don't want to be alerted PLEASE let me know...actually I may turn that feature off it I don't like how it works. (I put my email address in to see what the alert is like......)

Trying new foods.........

So, for those of you who don't know me in real life probably don't know how picky of an eater I am. There are so many foods I've never tried. Over the past few months I've been trying to eat different foods. I guess I'm trying to grow up a bit. :) When we were on vacation last month I tried Chinese food for the first time. We went to PF Changs...the food was good and I was surprised by how much I did like it. This week I've decided I'm going to try to start eating a new food each day. On Tues. I ate a whole order of broccoli from my work. (Longhorn for those of you who don't know where I work) I've never eaten broccoli, other than one time I ate some that was in my Chicken Alfredo at Cheddars. Yesterday I ate a side order of veggies from work (broccoli, carrots, squash, zucchini and sugar snap peas). I had never tasted squash or zucchini! Again, I was surprised by the fact the veggies actually tasted okay. Today I ate a whole entire salad at work, it even had cucumbers (which I've never tasted) and tomatoes! I ate it with a little Italian dressing (something else I've never had). I'm hoping I will start feeling better if I eat better. So, just to amuse you (and to maybe get some comments on my blog :)) I thought I'd list a few foods I've NEVER tried.....ketchup, mustard, mayo, watermelon, cantaloupe, raspberries, blueberries, mushrooms, onions, mango, greenbeans, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, most salad dressings, bleu cheese, brown rice, green peppers (any kind of peppers for that matter), cole slaw, cabbage, yogourt, sour cream, guacamole, and I'm sure there are other things I can't think of right now. I really do want to eat more things, but for some reason I can't bring myself to try certain foods. I'm working on it though! Even though, I've really never eaten veggies I do cook them for Aaron. Hayley doesn't eat veggies much either, but we're going to start working on that. It really is kind of exciting to eat different foods...I think if I start eating better I will feel better! So, does anyone have any suggestions of foods I must try? Any good family recipes? I'm sure there are many things out there I'd like if I'd just try them!
So, other than my new food experiences this week not a whole lot going on. Aaron and I have both been working alot...of course he works many more hours than I do. Yesterday he worked from 7:30 am until 2:30 am. They're replacing the phone lines at his work and can't do that until after normal business hours...so it's been a long week for him. My poor honey! Hopefully he can get some rest this weeekend. Speaking of getting rest, I should be getting to bed myself. Good night!

Learning how to change my background and personalize blog

Wow, I just spend over an hour messing around with the background on my blog....not having much luck with backgrounds and banners. Guess, I'll just have to keep playing around with it until I get it all figured out. I'm way past ready for bed, so I will do a real blog post tomorrow.

love to all!

Learning how to change my background and personalize blog

Izzy has a play date with her sister, Allie!!

What a beautiful day we had today! Hayley, Collin (my friend Suzanna's son) and I went to my friend Venessa's to swim and play cornhole. Venessa has our new puppy Izzy's sister, Allie. So, we decided to take Izzy with us. Allie is quite a bit bigger than Izzy, kind of makes me think we're not feeding Izzy enough. Or maybe Izzy is just the runt? They are about 12 weeks old now. The puppies did pretty good together...like typical sisters one minute they were fighting and the next minute they were playing. Allie is definitely more agressive than Izzy. Venessa has another dog as well, so I'm sure that's one reason Allie is a little more fiesty. We put Izzy in the pool...I think she liked it. :) Venessa has two children, Lexi and Dylan. All of the kids had a good time. I think I'm just as big of a kid as they are when it comes to playing cornhole. :) I'm happy to say Collin and I beat Dylan and his friend, Chase. (they beat us last time we were there) Hayley's attitude was okay today, but still not great towards me. I guess it's always going to be a work in progress. This evening we went for a two mile walk with Suzanna, Collin and the Wambold clan. (for those of you who don't know Sophie Wambold was Chloe's best friend, her mom is Sarah and she has a little brother as well as two older sisters, Kelsey and Sydney) Hayley and I have been walking with Sarah and her girls for several weeks now. We've come to realize the girls do better on our walks if we walk throughout the neighborhood instead of walking at the highschool track. When we walk at the track they complain about the distance, when we're just walking without doing laps they complain so much less! I say "they" but really it's mostly Hayley who complains. Walking isn't her exercise of choice...she'd much rather be swimming or playing tennis. :) I think we are going to try to start going to the Y more often...there is so much to do there. I even managed to get some housework and laundry done today. Only thing I didn't get to do much of, was spend time with Aaron. He worked pretty late and doesn't do outside well....at least not when it's this hot. I'm really hoping he and I can start spending some better time together. When the weather is cooler he'll probably start walking with us. :) So, I did enjoy my day off......yay, for that! It's nice to have a day off that is fun and productive. I hope everyone has a great week!

Is it just her age (10)? or am I missing something......

Well, my blogging isn't going kind of slow...not really ever too sure what to blog about....so I guess I'll just ramble like I normally do. We had a pretty good week with the exception of Hayley's attitude towards me. Somedays she can be so sweet, but other days not so much. I really don't think her attitude has anything to do with Chloe being gone. (I do realize there are times she may be sad without Chloe, but I don't think her anger towards me is stemming from that) Honestly, I think alot of it is because she is so spoiled. Her attitude towards me is fine if she is getting what she wants. It's when I tell her no that she goes off on me. (like yelling, trying to hit or kick me, etc) Or if I'm doing something without her. For example, I went to dinner the other night with a friend...... Hayley told another one of my friends "can you believe she is going to Olive Garden without me?, she doesn't deserve to do that". Hayley really, truly believes I don't deserve to have fun without her. So, I'm wondering...is this a phase with her, or am I missing something? Because of her attitude this past week, we took her tv out of her room, took her cell phone away (like she really needs one of those at 10 yrs old) and are not letting her on the computer. Which are huge things for her, but it's hard to stick to that since Aaron and I both work. Friday my mom watched her, so I said they could watch tv for awhile and yesterday she went to Mamaw Janet's for most of the day (since I worked a double and Aaron hung out with the guys). So, while she was there she watched tv and played on the computer. Then tomorrow I'm off, it's supposed to be pretty out (and rainy the rest of the week) so we'll probably go swimming at my friends. We should probably stay at home and do nothing, but I want to enjoy some sunshine. What to do, what to do.... I just want her to respect me. Aaron says we are both just so much alike that's why we argue so much. We do have times where we get along great, we have lots of fun and I have no doubt she loves me very much. And, I hope and pray she doesn't have any doubts of my love for her. I guess what it boils down to, is Hayley needs to learn she doesn't always get what she wants and that when she doesn't get what she wants it doesn't mean it's okay for her to disrespect me. She doesn't talk to Aaron the way she does me...so, it's just a work in progress for all three of us. Our family has been through so much these past few years, and I know we will only become stronger. I just want Hayley and I to get along a little better. I want her to know I love her very much....even if I do tell her no. I want her to know that is okay to not always get what you want. I want her to realize "no" doesn't mean she isn't loved, and I want her to realize she doesn't have to get angry if things don't exactly the way she thinks they should. So........how's that post for some rambling...I really did get off on a tangent huh? If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated!

Life is busy!!!

The picture above was from our vacation last month. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and daughter. Too bad Hayley is going through her "you're the meanest mom ever" stage...so frustrating, but we'll get through it.


Hello, blogland!! Wow, there is so much to learn about doing a blog. I have so many ideas running through my mind....many different things to blog about, but no time to do it. It seems like we always have something going on. I need to learn how to just stay home and not always be on the go. I've never been one to just stay home and chill out...I think my mind just gets too busy to let me do that. One of my main goals for this year is to spend more quality time at home...better time with Aaron and Hayley. Actually, Hayley and I do spend ALOT of time together, but it seems like Aaron and I don't get much time together. Probably because I'm always on the go....life is busy, but I intend to slow it down a little.

Join this site

so, I think to follow this blog you can click on "join this site" (top left hand corner), or you can sign in to become a member. Like I mentioned earlier...maybe some of you (our cb friends and followers) can create blogs too. It could be a neat way for us to get to know each other...come on, join in on the fun. And if you already have a blog, let me know about it.

Melanie ~ I think you can somehow follow this blog and get updates when I update. I'm going to have Aaron help me play around with it so I can learn more about it. I'll let you know when I know more. :) I'm really hoping this new way of blogging will be a good, healthy outlet for me. Maybe you should start a blog, too! I'd love to learn more about my "CB" friends.
I'll post a real update soon........
lots of love,
Christy

I just saw something on the top left hand of screen that says follow this blog...so that may be an option for those of you who want to "follow me"......... but, come on everyone lets all start blogging and becoming even better friends~

I think I may start blogging on this site, instead of Chloe's caringbridge site. I do plan to continue to write on her site, but I think I'll use this site to blog more about our daily lives. I started her caringbridge site to journal about HER cancer journey. I am not sure it is appropriate to continue to use that site to update about our lives without her. I'm sure I will still share some thoughts on her caringbridge site, but I thought using this site would be a healthy way to still allow people to check in on our family without always reading about how sad I am. We are truly sad without Chloe here with us on this earth, but we DO have happy days and fun times, and that is what I want to share with people. Even though we are heartbroken without her, we do realize life does indeed go on...and we need to make the most of each and every day.

I am totally new to this type of blog so bear with me while I try to figure it out! Let me know, if you found me on here.

lots of love,

Christy

So, if you've found me on here and are wondering how to leave a comment....you click on the comment button...if you have a google (or gmail) account you just type in your username and password and you can post a comment from there. If you DON'T have a google (or gmail) account click on comment then you'll see an area where it says "no google account sign up here". It just takes a second....you can enter your current email address and create a password (which only YOU will know and see) then from there you will be able to post a comment. Who knows maybe even some of you will create blogs (which from what I'm seeing creating a blog on blogspot.com is relatively easy). I think blogging is a neat way to retain memories, share stories and pictures without having to write it all down. If you have any questions about posting a comment you can always email and I'll try to answer them.