Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
On the Attack!
In the past few days, Justin has gone from the army crawl to full blown motoring across the room. Nothing is off limits to him anymore. It took 2 days of crawling for him to figure out how to pull himself up. Still a little wobbly, but he's improving tenfold every minute!
We were taping his exploration of the plastic cup on the hard floor, and he decided to attack the camera! Kind of like the Discovery Channel when the camera crew gets attacked by the animal they're documenting!
We were taping his exploration of the plastic cup on the hard floor, and he decided to attack the camera! Kind of like the Discovery Channel when the camera crew gets attacked by the animal they're documenting!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Cost of Children
I got this as an email forward from one of my best friends, Jamie. I loved it and had to pass it along. I know that a lot of my mommy friends read this blog and it was too good to not re-post!
Have a great holiday weekend!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from
birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk
about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.
But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month, or
* $171.08 a week.
* That's a mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have
children if you want to be "rich."
Actually, it is just the opposite. What do you get for your $160,140?
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said
or how your stocks performed that day.
For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watching Saturday morning cartoons,
* going to Disney movies, and
* wishing on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator
magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.
For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck.
You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream or pizza regardless.
You get a front row seat to history, to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have
all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits. So, one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!
Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren!!!!!!!
Have a great holiday weekend!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from
birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk
about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.
But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month, or
* $171.08 a week.
* That's a mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have
children if you want to be "rich."
Actually, it is just the opposite. What do you get for your $160,140?
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said
or how your stocks performed that day.
For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watching Saturday morning cartoons,
* going to Disney movies, and
* wishing on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator
magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.
For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck.
You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream or pizza regardless.
You get a front row seat to history, to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have
all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits. So, one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!
Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren!!!!!!!
Small World!!
Last week, Rob and I were walking on the river trail and there was a group of runners...one of them looked like Britta (DZ from Tech). Then when we were at lunch with Katie & Josh, she told me that Britta worked at CAT.
Today when I dropped Rob off at work, there was a girl waiting to cross the street downtown and I could swear it was Sesselman. I had my window down and just said "Kristen"; not very loud to see if she'd turn around. In true Sesselman fashion, she stopped in the middle of the road and screamed "METZLER" and proceeded to try to have a conversation...almost getting hit by a truck :) Then my light turned green and I had to go. I need to find her number so we can touch base.
Tonight after work, Justin and I went back down to the river trail and the first person we saw was AJ Lee (Sig Ep). He asked me what building I worked in...people assume that all Tech grads work for CAT. I think that Rob and I are the only two alum down here who don't!
I love knowing people again!
Justin and I walked from Joe's Crab Shack to Detweiller Park. It was a really nice night; almost 90 degrees but there was a strong wind blowing. It helped on the way to Detweiller, but it was a little rougher heading back! It was about a 3.5 mile walk and it felt great! On the way back we stopped at the Riverplex - a health club on the river. I got pricing for memberships and checked into the programs. It's pretty reasonable, so I think that we will probably join in the fall. I don't want to be inside during the summer. With the family membership, day care up to 2 hrs a day is included. Plus all of the classes (spinning, yoga, pilates, step, etc.) are included in the monthly 
fee! So are infant/kids swim classes. I want to get Justin in the water early. From teaching kids swimming during high school/college I remember how much of a difference you could see in the kids who were in the water from a very young age and the ones who waited until they "were old enough to learn to swim" at 4 or 5. Our little fish will be swimming in no time :)
I know there is a power cord down here with a green light on it. If I could only find it before mommy drags me away from it AGAIN!
Nothing is safe anymore if it's within a few feet of the ground!
Look Mom - I'm a tent pole :) He thought it was so funny to have this on his head, but he got mad when he couldn't get out from under it!
Today when I dropped Rob off at work, there was a girl waiting to cross the street downtown and I could swear it was Sesselman. I had my window down and just said "Kristen"; not very loud to see if she'd turn around. In true Sesselman fashion, she stopped in the middle of the road and screamed "METZLER" and proceeded to try to have a conversation...almost getting hit by a truck :) Then my light turned green and I had to go. I need to find her number so we can touch base.
Tonight after work, Justin and I went back down to the river trail and the first person we saw was AJ Lee (Sig Ep). He asked me what building I worked in...people assume that all Tech grads work for CAT. I think that Rob and I are the only two alum down here who don't!
I love knowing people again!
Justin and I walked from Joe's Crab Shack to Detweiller Park. It was a really nice night; almost 90 degrees but there was a strong wind blowing. It helped on the way to Detweiller, but it was a little rougher heading back! It was about a 3.5 mile walk and it felt great! On the way back we stopped at the Riverplex - a health club on the river. I got pricing for memberships and checked into the programs. It's pretty reasonable, so I think that we will probably join in the fall. I don't want to be inside during the summer. With the family membership, day care up to 2 hrs a day is included. Plus all of the classes (spinning, yoga, pilates, step, etc.) are included in the monthly 
fee! So are infant/kids swim classes. I want to get Justin in the water early. From teaching kids swimming during high school/college I remember how much of a difference you could see in the kids who were in the water from a very young age and the ones who waited until they "were old enough to learn to swim" at 4 or 5. Our little fish will be swimming in no time :)
I know there is a power cord down here with a green light on it. If I could only find it before mommy drags me away from it AGAIN!
Nothing is safe anymore if it's within a few feet of the ground!
Look Mom - I'm a tent pole :) He thought it was so funny to have this on his head, but he got mad when he couldn't get out from under it!
Fightin' Mad
Did anyone else see this interview with Clinton Portis about the allegations against Michael Vick fighting dogs? I don't know if Vick really did this or not - that's not the point. I CAN NOT believe that these "role models" go on national TV saying that dog fighting is okay! Rob and I saw the interview last night on ESPN and it made me SO MAD!!! I am sure his PR rep is ready to kill him - or should be! Nice statement he put out hours after the interview...too little too late!
The good news is if he's convicted and goes to jail (yeah right!), then Joey can be the starting QB!!!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Portis defends Vick, dog fighting/
FOXSports.com
Posted: 2 hours ago
SMITHFIELD, Va. (AP) - Authorities had nothing new to report Monday in the Michael Vick dog fighting investigation, but Clinton Portis gave the saga a new wrinkle.
The Washington Redskins running back defended Vick during an interview with a Virginia television station.
More coverage
Hench: Biting back at Portis
Portis backs Vick; investigation continues
Video: Portis defends Vick
Poll: What do you think?
Congressman blasts Vick
Falcons owner 'stern' with Vick
"It's his property," Portis told WAVY TV 10 in Virginia. "It's his dog. If that's what he wants to do, do it."
When reminded that dog fighting is a felony in Virginia, Portis was not deterred.
"It can't be too bad of a crime," Portis said. "There's lots of stuff that's (a crime). There's killers on the loose...You want to hunt down Michael Vick over fighting some dogs, you know, I think people should mind their business."
The case began April 25 when police conducting a drug investigation raided the house Vick owned in rural Surry County and found dozens of dogs. They also found items associated with dog fighting, including a "pry bar" used to pry apart a dog's jaws.
Portis added during his comments that he believes the problem goes well beyond Vick's backyard.
"It's prevalent in life...I know a lot of back roads that got some dog fighting, if you want to go see it," he said. But they're not bothering (anybody)...I'm sure some police got dogs and fight them, some judges got dogs and everything else."
Authorities investigating evidence that suggested a home owned by the Falcons quarterback was involved in a dog fighting operation met to compare information on Monday.
"At this time, the investigation continues. We have no further comment," said a statement distributed to reporters after the nearly 2-hour meeting said.
The meeting at the Surry County government office involved Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter, Sheriff Harold Brown, the county's animal control officer, two special agents from the Virginia State Police and an investigator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture also representing the U.S. Office of the Inspector General.
No charges have been filed in the case, but Poindexter last week told The Associated Press as many as six to 10 people could be involved.
Vick is a registered dog breeder.
He has blamed relatives for taking advantage of his generosity and insisted he's rarely at the house — even though he's the owner.
The Daily Press of Newport News has reported Vick has since sold the home.
Poindexter said the county seized some 60 dogs from the house. Several dogs had old scars, but mostly the dogs appeared to be well-cared for, he said.
Vick has said he let a cousin, Davon Boddie, live at the house, and that he didn't know a large kennel on the property could be involved in a criminal activity.
Vick, the former Virginia Tech quarterback, in recent weeks has been sternly warned against misbehavior by Falcons owner Arthur Blank, and summoned to New York to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
A California congressman has joined the cause against Vick on Friday, firing off a letter that urged Goodell to "act swiftly and forcefully" if the quarterback was involved in dog fighting on his former property.
Hours after making light of the possible crime in the television interview, Portis issued a statement late Monday through the Redskins.
"In the recent interview I gave concerning dog fighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dog fighting or condone dog fighting in any manner," the statement said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The good news is if he's convicted and goes to jail (yeah right!), then Joey can be the starting QB!!!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Portis defends Vick, dog fighting/
FOXSports.com
Posted: 2 hours ago
SMITHFIELD, Va. (AP) - Authorities had nothing new to report Monday in the Michael Vick dog fighting investigation, but Clinton Portis gave the saga a new wrinkle.
The Washington Redskins running back defended Vick during an interview with a Virginia television station.
More coverage
Hench: Biting back at Portis
Portis backs Vick; investigation continues
Video: Portis defends Vick
Poll: What do you think?
Congressman blasts Vick
Falcons owner 'stern' with Vick
"It's his property," Portis told WAVY TV 10 in Virginia. "It's his dog. If that's what he wants to do, do it."
When reminded that dog fighting is a felony in Virginia, Portis was not deterred.
"It can't be too bad of a crime," Portis said. "There's lots of stuff that's (a crime). There's killers on the loose...You want to hunt down Michael Vick over fighting some dogs, you know, I think people should mind their business."
The case began April 25 when police conducting a drug investigation raided the house Vick owned in rural Surry County and found dozens of dogs. They also found items associated with dog fighting, including a "pry bar" used to pry apart a dog's jaws.
Portis added during his comments that he believes the problem goes well beyond Vick's backyard.
"It's prevalent in life...I know a lot of back roads that got some dog fighting, if you want to go see it," he said. But they're not bothering (anybody)...I'm sure some police got dogs and fight them, some judges got dogs and everything else."
Authorities investigating evidence that suggested a home owned by the Falcons quarterback was involved in a dog fighting operation met to compare information on Monday.
"At this time, the investigation continues. We have no further comment," said a statement distributed to reporters after the nearly 2-hour meeting said.
The meeting at the Surry County government office involved Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter, Sheriff Harold Brown, the county's animal control officer, two special agents from the Virginia State Police and an investigator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture also representing the U.S. Office of the Inspector General.
No charges have been filed in the case, but Poindexter last week told The Associated Press as many as six to 10 people could be involved.
Vick is a registered dog breeder.
He has blamed relatives for taking advantage of his generosity and insisted he's rarely at the house — even though he's the owner.
The Daily Press of Newport News has reported Vick has since sold the home.
Poindexter said the county seized some 60 dogs from the house. Several dogs had old scars, but mostly the dogs appeared to be well-cared for, he said.
Vick has said he let a cousin, Davon Boddie, live at the house, and that he didn't know a large kennel on the property could be involved in a criminal activity.
Vick, the former Virginia Tech quarterback, in recent weeks has been sternly warned against misbehavior by Falcons owner Arthur Blank, and summoned to New York to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
A California congressman has joined the cause against Vick on Friday, firing off a letter that urged Goodell to "act swiftly and forcefully" if the quarterback was involved in dog fighting on his former property.
Hours after making light of the possible crime in the television interview, Portis issued a statement late Monday through the Redskins.
"In the recent interview I gave concerning dog fighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dog fighting or condone dog fighting in any manner," the statement said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Quick crawling clip!
Justin has been cruising around pretty good lately. He stops whenever we get the camera out. This clip is good, but nothing like some of the room-wide trips he's taken so far!
He's perfected the art of sitting up from any position. Notice the lack of handles on the dresser drawers at the end!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Weekend
Sorry it's been a while!
Things are going pretty good here. The hotel is getting old, but it could be worse! Everynight we get out and do something outside which is nice. I can't imagine being stuck inside all the time!
Friday night we went to the Peoria Chiefs game - it was "Pink in the Park" night. The players all wore very pink jerseys and used pink bats with the proceeds benefiting breast cancer awareness. It was fun! We went with the Wisley family, friends from Michigan. Dave went to Tech and he and Rob played on the bar league softball team when we lived in Detroit. They have a 7 year old daughter Samantha and she absolutely LOVED Justin. Justin really likes little kids too and he just kept smiling at her...and trying to pull her hair! I don't have a picture of them together - Stacey does so I'll have her email it to me and post it later.
Saturday we met Katie and Josh down on the riverfront and went to Indiafest. It was smaller than we thought it would be, but it was a beautiful day down on the water! After that we went shopping at the Shops at Grand Prairie, an outdoor mall.
Today the plan is to go to Dave & Stacey's for the Wings game and then over to Katie and Josh's for dinner. They are grilling out for us since we have not had grilled food in 3 weeks :)
Rob and Justin watching the fireworks after the Chiefs game. We were really surprised how good they were!
Justin liked them too!
I could never get a good shot of the big ones!
Justin's new favorite snack is cut up pancakes. He usually has more in his highchair than his mouth, but he still likes it and is learning to feed himself!
Things are going pretty good here. The hotel is getting old, but it could be worse! Everynight we get out and do something outside which is nice. I can't imagine being stuck inside all the time!
Friday night we went to the Peoria Chiefs game - it was "Pink in the Park" night. The players all wore very pink jerseys and used pink bats with the proceeds benefiting breast cancer awareness. It was fun! We went with the Wisley family, friends from Michigan. Dave went to Tech and he and Rob played on the bar league softball team when we lived in Detroit. They have a 7 year old daughter Samantha and she absolutely LOVED Justin. Justin really likes little kids too and he just kept smiling at her...and trying to pull her hair! I don't have a picture of them together - Stacey does so I'll have her email it to me and post it later.
Saturday we met Katie and Josh down on the riverfront and went to Indiafest. It was smaller than we thought it would be, but it was a beautiful day down on the water! After that we went shopping at the Shops at Grand Prairie, an outdoor mall.
Today the plan is to go to Dave & Stacey's for the Wings game and then over to Katie and Josh's for dinner. They are grilling out for us since we have not had grilled food in 3 weeks :)
Rob and Justin watching the fireworks after the Chiefs game. We were really surprised how good they were!
Justin liked them too!
I could never get a good shot of the big ones!
Justin's new favorite snack is cut up pancakes. He usually has more in his highchair than his mouth, but he still likes it and is learning to feed himself!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
My 1st Mothers Day!
As I said before, we were going to BW3's and to the zoo for Mother's Day. We had a great time! Most of you who know me well know that BW's is one of my favorite restaurants - and Peoria has TWO! We tried the one by the Shops at Grand Prairie (for Katie who knows where that is)and it was good! After lunch we went to the Glen Oak Zoo which is part of the Peoria Park district. It was fun...the most fun was the petting zoo - Justin loved it! It's not the Detroit Zoo by any means, but it was only $5.95 for all of us to get in (Mothers were free). It was a great Mother's Day!
Justin beating his Daddy at trivia :)
Mommy and her sweetie pie!
One of the two tigers at the zoo.
Mommy, Justin and Daddy....
...yes I realize that I blended in at the zebra exhibit!!! :)
Justin loved the pony, we just couldn't get a very good picture of it.
He loved when Daddy fed the goats :)
Justin beating his Daddy at trivia :)
Mommy and her sweetie pie!
One of the two tigers at the zoo.
Mommy, Justin and Daddy....
...yes I realize that I blended in at the zebra exhibit!!! :)
Justin loved the pony, we just couldn't get a very good picture of it.
He loved when Daddy fed the goats :)
Happy Mother's Day & Alec's Birthday
On Friday night we went back to Chicago after work to take care of a few things. I had to exchange some files at my office and we (Rob!) had to do lawn work. After that was done we went to Alec's soccer game and to his birthday party at Build-A-Bear / McDonalds and then headed back to Peoria last night.
Today we are going to the zoo and BW3's....my idea of a perfect Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to Mom Metzler and Mom Brooks and all of the grandma's too! We love you and miss you so much!!!!
Happy Mother's Day to all of my mommy friends (and mommies to be!)....hope everyone has a great day :)
Hanging out at Mickey D's having a french fry :)
Alec and Justin (and Justin's foot!)
7 years old!
Blake, Alec, Justin and Brandon
Today we are going to the zoo and BW3's....my idea of a perfect Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to Mom Metzler and Mom Brooks and all of the grandma's too! We love you and miss you so much!!!!
Happy Mother's Day to all of my mommy friends (and mommies to be!)....hope everyone has a great day :)
Hanging out at Mickey D's having a french fry :)
Alec and Justin (and Justin's foot!)
7 years old!
Blake, Alec, Justin and Brandon
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Riverfront walk
The weather here has been SO BEAUTIFUL! Tonight we drove downtown and walked along the riverfront. It was really nice! There are a lot of nice places to eat down there right along the water...we'll have to try them!
Justin's first time swinging - he really liked it!
He might still be a little small for the swing, but he didn't seem to mind!
He wasn't so sure about the slide.....
But he decided it wasn't so bad afterall :)
Mommy and her angel baby!
My goal is to someday have a boat at the marina that is over my shoulder - it's so nice and having a boat would be fun here with the river so close! Someday....
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