Blog Blog Blog

New Year's Eve

2010-01-02T00:16:00Z

Like so many other people I know, I had to work on New Year's Eve. It wasn't so bad. I got to get all dressed up and do what I love to do...sing sing sing and jump around the stage.

watch this little video

While on break, I took a look at my 2009 goals that I've been carrying around in my wallet. After reading the list of achievements that were important to me last year, I decided to just make one change....at the top of the page, I changed the year to 2010 and left the list as is.....oh well....I'll just keep plugging away!

I am definitely praying for a better year for us all. I especially pray for the people in my life who's hearts are not open.

twenty-ten!

Easter was different, but still Happy

2009-04-14T11:50:00Z

Jesus is Risen. That is the focus of this holiday.

It was different for me than my last 18 Easters. I woke up NOT at the farm. I didn't do Easter baskets with the kids or make them breakfast. (It was Jeff's turn) I attended church with my mom and son James...that was a very nice change....we were Spiritually fed!

Nana and Papa Adams had my sibs over and Grandma Adams. Irene came with baby Sophia, so we were able to pose for a 5 generation picture....

The kids came later, and we all camped out on couches. Still a great time, but different than before.

Mom always said, LIFE IS CHANGE. I am thankful that I have a close relationship with my parents and my children....even the ones who have drifted away.

The current circumstances of my life are temporary. Any of my personal issues seem so insignificant in comparison to what Jesus did to wash away our sins.

Jesus is Risen! Life goes on...

and look how pretty she is:

http://app.talkfusion.com/fusion2/view.asp?NDA2MTQz_2056475

making a deposit

2009-03-26T21:28:00Z

This week, I'm feeling Blessed. On Sunday, I attended church with my son James. It was special because we have not been in touch for awhile. Today, we went to the bank together and made a deposit to Olga Spachil for her help to the orphans of the Krasnodar region. A portion of my book sales goes into Olga's ministry. She is one of my all time heroes. My older children know her as their ANGEL because when she visited their orphanage, something good always came to them. It felt really great to be able to do something POSITIVE with my son. I pray daily that positive people will surround him and influence him.

learn more about Olga and her ministry at www.carefororphans.blogspot.com

go here to watch the video....

http://app.talkfusion.com/fusion2/view.asp?Mzk2MjE1_2056475

Happy Birthday.....

2009-02-06T23:00:00Z

http://app.talkfusion.com/fusion2/view.asp?MzcwNTc5_2056475

This morning, my friends at the gym sang to me....it got me all teary! I am so blessed in so many ways.....

another blessing is to be living in the United States....where dreams can, and do come true!

Sweet (I wish it was home) Alabama!

2009-02-06T22:54:00Z

Last weekend, the fellas and I spent the weekend with Andy and Polly Andrews and many special members of thier church down in Orange Beach, Alabama. It was a great weekend of fellowship and FUN. Pastor Alan and his wife Karen are AWESOME people....and of course, we got to enjoy some great southern hospitality....and some AWESOME seafood!

I so appreciate the moments I get to experience when I'm in the circle of my brothers in the band. I get to let my CHILD out and they are so accepting of my sillyness. Click on the link to watch the video for some inspiring moments that we shared together. These men Bless my life....

http://app.talkfusion.com/fusion2/view.asp?MzcwNTc0_2056475

January.....so far.

2009-01-19T01:31:00Z

So far, January is flying by. I've been practicing guitar alot lately and it feels really good. Next week, the band is going to Alabama to play a concert for Andy Andrews and his community. It'll be nice to get out of the cold weather for awhile and hang with my brothers. I need some group therapy!

The kids are doing great, especially with all the changes taking place with Mom and Dad. They still feel the love from both of us and always will. Whew...so far...

click on the link to see the latest video of my grandchild, Sophia. She sat on my lap at the twins' basketball game today. What a treat...

http://app.talkfusion.com/fusion2/view.asp?MzYxMTYy_2059817

Merry Christmas, and here's to a great New Year...

2008-12-24T18:38:00Z

I'm getting ready to leave soon for our Christmas Eve celebrations. It's a surreal time, and I'm soaking it all in. I love the little moments of Christmas and I will especially savor them today.

May you be BLESSED in 2009!

watch a video message from me...

Happy Halloween

2008-10-23T00:11:00Z

watch my video message....and stay warm this Halloween!

http://app.talkfusion.com/fusion2/view.asp?MzEyMzEy_2056475

I am so loving this talk fusion technology.....no downloads or attachments....just click and watch. Check it out...

Just Call Me Gigi

2008-09-09T16:13:00Z

It's a girl!

Watch Me With Sophia

Summer is bumping along...and so is life.

2008-07-24T02:27:00Z

Hard to believe it's already almost the end of July.....where does the time go when there is so much going on?

First off, my daughter Irene (age 21) is now married. On July 13th, she married her boyfriend Ryan at a lovely back yard ceremony. I gave her away. Thank you to all family members who came to offer support at this milestone in her life. She and Ryan are excited about their baby SOPHIA who is due in early September. (Yep, I'm going to be a GRANDMA!!! but I don't think I'm ready to be called that yet....how about NANI or BABA or even ZHA ZHA....now that suits me!)

Secondly, I did the Trenton Street fair with my little duo ....STATE OF FAITH. We performed some inspirational songs that WE want to do. It was very windy, so my Dad held the tent down during the gig. (Thanks Dad) There will be more little gigs to come....I am slowly plugging away at my dream of becoming a folk singer....it's a great feeling to pursue a challenge and succeed at something that is special. It helps with the rough spots of life to have something positive to pursue. (Thanks Tony D for all of your friendship and guidance)

Jeff just returned with the boys from an amazing trip out west. They hiked down the Grand Canyon, spent the night, and hiked back up....grueling! But they made it back and have lots of great memories from the trip. I'm thankful that they made it home safely.

I just recieved my national certification as a group exercise instructor. I am now certified as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.   Currently, I am teaching 2 classes at the Downriver YMCA.....silver sneakers for active older adults...and PUMP, which is a weight lifting class, plus training my own clients. I am loving my job at the Y....so many great people there.   The kids are also liking that they get to come out and work out or swim at the splash park any time...

Jeanette is in summer classes at MCCC. She just got a new job at the country club. I'm so happy for her and proud of the young woman she now is. Our relationship is evolving as she is now an adult. We enjoy hanging out together. They guys flock to her, it's so funny....she is pretty focused, but also having fun too. Rock on JJ...

Nick is still in Russia working hard as a missionary. I'm very happy that he is doing so well and accomplishing so much. He works very diligently daily, and it is not easy work. This experience is so good for him. He is becoming a MAN....the man that he wants to be.

I continue to pray for my one son who quit on himself years ago. He is living the consequences of his own poor choices right now.   We never dreamed that his life would be like this...we worked very hard to pull him out of the negative, but he seems to still be staying in the dark right now. It is difficult, because he is now an adult and there is nothing we can do to help until he wants change. I hate the situation, but I still love the child I used to know. But I also won't be manipulated...it's tough love time. I just pray that no one gets hurt while he is digging himself deeper into the hole. His sister and I had a conversation a few weeks ago that did not go well. Unfortunately, she too has left our value system and chose another way than what we had taught. It's very tough, but I am hopeful that one day she will come back and want to connect again in honesty.

DID I MENTION THE OTHER KIDS?    Dan came back from the Grand Canyon trip with a beard! He is 15, passed drivers ed, and clocked 1000 miles of drive time in the last two weeks. I think he'll be the quarter back next year for JV at St. Mary's (hopefully).   Dennis (17) did some great volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity this summer. He helped to build walls, paint, move shelves, install storm clips, etc. It was a great experience. He has a job at the cemetery cutting grass...he's doing great. Mitch (13) is the master at guitar hero and has a deeper voice than Dan and Dennis....I keep bugging him to play REAL guitar (the girls LOVE musicians!) but he will not have it. Maybe next year. As I write this, Emmalee (13) is in Traverse City with my side of the family on a vacation...cottages, the lake, board games, etc. She is growing and seems to require 12 hours a day of sleep.....Kevin and Craig (10) are gearing up for football in August. LOOK OUT! The RUSSIAN TWINS will take CYO 5th grade football by STORM this year....Jeff is ready to coach all the newbies. It will be a blast!

One of our new alpaca's, Summer, is pregnant and due in late September. We will have a new baby kria at the farm this fall. We now have 5 alpaca's, 1 llama, and a new kria coming soon.

Seems like there is growth. I am realizing that I need to go with the flow, but still make my own way. Much of it is beyond my control. But some of it is within my reach and influence. I refuse to get lost in the chaos of some of it. I'm still me, and bumping along, plugging away, looking up, keeping my heart open.

OVER the HUMP

2008-06-01T12:51:00Z

In order to get to that next level, one must challenge herself....and boy, did I ever last weekend! It was the first time I ever PLAYED GUITAR ACCOMPANYING MYSELF in PUBLIC ever. I performed for 1/2 hour at an outdoor concert at St. Mary's Park in Monroe, honoring our veterans for Memorial Day. Thank God for my dear friend Tony, an on-stage backbone, who has been supporting me all along in my little dream of becoming a better musician. He and I have formed a duo, "The State of Faith Project". It's been crazy trying to put the practice time in, but we have been steadily progressing over the last few months. What a great feeling to have finally gotten over my nerves and fear of screwing up in front of people. I did make some mistakes, but just plowed on through anyway. I was surprized that I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. Since then, I have already done another Memorial Day event at Roselawn Cemetery, and my friend Amanda's wedding ceremony. Hopefully, I am on my way with the guitar playing...if I can only find some more time to practice....

Amanda used to be my little sister many years ago, when I was in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. She was such a gorgeous bride. I was so touched to be able to sit with her family at the reception. She and Rob are so in love with each other. It's a blessing to see that connection in people and I always appreciate it every time I do.

Six of the 7 kids at home are out of school for the summer. Dan still has exams next week, but will be done June 6th. They are already eating everything in sight at home and I am constantly pulling them off of the computers and televisions to make them go outside. When I was a kid, we were outside all day long, on our bikes or playing in the street. I can remember not wanting to come in the house because we were having so much fun in our activities.... With today's technology, it's no wonder that there are so many overweight people. I for one am a huge fan of MOVEMENT DAILY, especially where my children are concerned. As a personal trainer, I'm always showing my clients ways that they can move more at home. Every little bit helps...

It's very nice to be done with sports for these next few weeks (until football and soccer conditioning starts)

This summer will be busy for us all. Today, they are coming to the gym with me so while I'm training and teaching, they'll be at the Splash Park pool. Then, we grocery shop....here we go getting on with it...my dreams are still intact, even though there is so much to take care of daily. Life is evolving...

Back from St. Lake City and another great weekend

2008-04-15T12:26:00Z

Wow, it was another wonderful weekend. Nick is leaving for his Mission on April 16th....after a few weeks of intensive scripture study and missionary training, he will leave for Siberia to teach the Gospel for TWO YEARS!!

I was priviledged once again to be with the people who have supported him and loved him for the last few years. The people in his church community are so giving. I can see why he is so happy. There are so many wonderful families that have touched his life and who's lives he has touched. Together, we celebrated this success story. (It sure felt good to celebrate)

Over the weekend, there were many gatherings in his honor to celebrate his mission of service. And Sunday morning was very meaningful to me as I was able to hear his testimony. I sang "I am a Child of God" and made it through until the last word before the tears came!

Thank you, Lisa and Jay, for inviting me to stay at your home and for the impromptu lunch that you provided to his friends. I so appreciate your kindness. And Mark and Pam, may the Lord continue to Bless you for all you do. Nick really loves you and so do I. I am blessed to know you all and I am looking forward to seeing you all again in two years when Nick comes back!

Nick and I went to Antelope Island and climbed to the top so we could see the beauty of the mountains and Greater Salt Lake. It was nice to just talk and be together. I appreciated our time together more than anyone will know.

He will be missed by everyone while he is away, but we all know that God will have his Hand wrapped around him. He is going back to his home country to do some good with the blessings of many people who care. I love you Nickolas.

Another radio show, a great weekend, and I was wrong

2008-02-13T20:15:00Z

First off, I missed the airing of my interview with Jack Krasula which was on WJR...the "Anything is Possible" radio show. (I think it can be archived if you go to www.anythingispossible.biz) On Sunday at 5:00pm, while it was being broadcast, I was at a WalMart in Layton, Utah with my 20 year old son, Nickolas. Actually, I didn't really care about hearing it at the time. It was too amazingly fun for me to be exactly where I was at, just hanging out with him and getting STUFF. We hadn't done that together in over 2 years. (Thanks, friends, for all the texts!!)

I had been living in anger for too long. It was very ugly when he left at 17. I was still cleaning up the mess in my heart. I had lumped him together with some of my other kids who had betrayed my love and our family values. I pushed him away. I didn't believe what he was telling me about his life...for 2 years. He never gave up, he kept at it, telling me about positive things that he was doing. I didn't believe him. He had manipulated me before, many times. I didn't want to get too close, because I feared he would do it again. Finally, he got to me, and something resonated deeply. He told me that he was going to become a missionary of the Gospel and he would be gone for 2 years. He needed to have peace before he left. He wanted my forgiveness and he needed to know he was loved.

I surprise-visited him. Just showed up at the doorstep of the house he was living in. Mark and Pam were wonderfully welcoming....they showed no judgment...I assumed that they had been told bad things about me, because this is what some of the other kids have done (not only my own, but many other older Russian adoptees). Perhaps I refused to feed him? Threw him out of the house? Beat him? hmmmm, I wondered what they had been told. Mark and Pam were extremely warm people who praised Nick constantly. They were very happy that I had come to visit. I WAS WRONG my earlier assumptions. This family had been told good things.

We drove to where he said he was working. International Armoring in Ogden. There, a co-worker let us inside so Nick could show me the cars he works on as a welder. His co-worker thanked me for coming...he said "This is so great for Nickolai, he's told me great things about you..." He works 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, and also on Saturdays....

I asked him to take me to Job Corps, where he lived for almost 2 years once he turned 18. This place was in Clearfield. We were not allowed on campus, since he was no longer a resident there, but I did meet his previous resident advisor, a woman named Wanda. She gave me a big hug, told me I had a big heart, and praised Nick like the others had been doing.

Later, we went to downtown Salt Lake City because Nick wanted to show me the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple. It was a beautiful place. Nick knew people there, because he visits there often. We took a mini tour and I learned some things about the Mormon faith. I watched. I listened. I noticed that he has been studying the Bible and the Book of Mormon. He has become more religious than I had remembered. He explained many things to me about how he took a bus to this community on his 18th birthday and now it is his home. His church home. He has found the Lord. I could feel it from him. He spoke about his mission trip. He is going to Siberia in April and will not return until 2010.

After dinner, I took him back to Mark and Pam's house, his home of the last 3 months. Day one had awkward moments, and good ones too. Everything he had been telling me for all this time was checking out...so far.

On Sunday, I attended services with Nick and the Nielson family, (or should I say his entire church family!) As soon as we hit the door, people were approaching me so warmly and welcoming me, telling me again and again how exceptional Nick is and how much they love him and appreciate him. It was almost overwhelming. Once the music started, and I could sit next to him and let the spirituality of the moment in, I cried. It was difficult to compose myself many times. We did some small group study of the Gospel and then another group session with just the women. It was there that I lost it, again. I told them all how touched I was that my son had been welcomed and nurtured here. He was happy, and that made me happy. Once again, no one showed any judgment, only caring. I met the Bishop on the way out, and our eyes locked. We spoke a little, and we both teared up. He knew how huge this visit was for Nick and I. I sensed that Nick had confided in him.

After church, Nick took me to lunch, and we went to Salt Lake City Community College, where he really did get on the Dean's list last year. (he showed me the documents). Then, in the late afternoon during the radio show, we were at WalMart, shopping. Nick commented on the number of texts I was getting.

Later, we parked the car and just talked. We shared our thoughts, we cried, we both asked for forgiveness. We hugged. I let go of my anger once and for all. It was like a huge weight was lifted...Healing for both of us.

For dinner, I was invited back to the Nielson's home for dinner. This was their monthly family gathering night so I was very lucky to be able to meet and experience their grown children and grandchildren, and extended family. Everyone took a turn to talk about what was going on in thier lives. I watched. I listened. Nick and I both had a turn too. It was really wonderful. Pam and I spoke more. I thanked them again for all they have done for my son.

I could tell that Nick is really happy and surrounded with loving support. He thanked me for adopting him because if it wasn't for me and Dad stepping into his life when we did, he wouldn't have been able to experience this. I didn't work out the way I expected when I first adopted him. But, I'll say it again. He's really happy. He wants to give of himself to others. How POWERFUL is that?

Being angry for so long was WRONG. Assuming that I knew what he was doing was WRONG. Pushing him away was WRONG. I am so glad that I took this adventure to see for myself. I couldn't stay away. I am still his Mom and I have always loved him so much. I have seen something special in him for a long time, and now others have seen it too. We got so much accomplished, and we put the past to bed. We are blessed. We agreed that we like learning from each other as life goes on. I am looking forward to a healthier and more close relationship with my son Nick. Now I will really miss him when he is gone. I will continue to pray.

I think it's time for a new brag page, I hope to have it done soon...be watching....I love you Nickolas...

It's a new year...

2008-01-21T19:24:00Z

I've been too too busy to write lately. I guess that is good news. I just wish there were more hours in the day some days.

Personal training is going great! The Downriver YMCA is quickly becoming "my happy place". I've made lots of new friends at the gym since this summer. It's a great place to work. Motivating my clients keeps me motivated. I actually look forward to coming to work, mostly because of THE PEOPLE and the RELATIONSHIPS I am experiencing.

Our book, "Fresh Paint, a Memoir of Adoption" is also keeping me busy. I am doing some book talks and signings here and there and am getting a great response from my readers. Most people tell me "it made me cry"....wow, that is what I was hoping for...to reach them at that emotional level.

Music with the band is also busy right now. We are preparing for a gig next week at a prison. I have never gigged in a prison before, especially a state-run institution...I'm a little nervous about it, but am looking forward to this new experience...    February 2nd and 3rd, we'll be a t"SELDOM BLUES", a jazz club inside the renaissance center in downtown Detroit. That should be fun.

I'm still practicing my guitar, but not enough as I would like. I've got some appearances coming up this Spring and Summer, so that is helping me to stay with it so I can do those gigs WELL.

Kids at home are doing well so far:

Jeanette (20) is at MCCC and still working...she's going away to school next fall. She is doing great and it's nice to hang out with her at the gym.   She has lots of plans for her future.   I'm thankful that she has stayed around and still embraces us as her family.

Dennis (16) is a sophomore and will probably be running track in the Spring. I'm looking into getting him to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity this summer. He loves construction and is very good at building things. I think this would be a good experience for him.

Dan (14) loves wrestling and has already earned his varsity letter as a freshman.   I am looking forward to it ending so he can gain some weight again.   He will also be in track in the Spring. So far, he is getting A's in his classes.   High school agrees with him.

Emmalee just turned 13. She is now getting into all the girly things....hair stuff, makeup, and boys. (here we go...)

Mitch is on EXPERT in guitar hero 3 and is UNBELIEVABLE!   I can't get him to take real guitar lessons though....maybe over the summer.

Kevin and Craig will be 10 next month. We're having a rock climbing wall/swim party at the YMCA. It's hard to believe that "the babies" will be double digits. Football rules with them these days..

All of my kids at home are growing up fast and moving forward in thier lives. I just wish I had a better relationship with the ones who have left. They seem to be doing their own thing, which is where they need to be I guess. It has just been very hard for me to understand their choices. I continue to pray for them. In the meantime, life goes on, and I am thankful that I have so many positive things in life to keep me smiling.

So many of my friends have been bugging me to write another book, this one about some of the not so good times. I am considering it, because I think people need to know the realities of adopting older kids and what could be involved in that. I am slowly getting over the pain as time is ticking on, maybe I will make time for it this summer? It might be a cleansing experience to finally get it all down. We shall see.

One of my colleagues in my Monavie business told me recently..."Don't let negative thoughts or negative people rent space in your head". I think I'll have a tee-shirt made on that one! By the way, my Monavie business is booming! I now have almost 400 people in my organization. Every time someone buys juice from the company, I make money....LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! And we are still drinking it daily.   I am continually amazed at how awesome it is to be a part of such a great company that gives back to the people of Brazil and is helping to save the rainforest. I have met so many great and caring people since I got into it in June. More new friends who are into health like me...

It's a new year...

The Tiger's last home game is tonight....add it to my list of happenings....

2007-09-26T19:02:00Z

I just have a couple of minutes before I go pick up the kids from school.

Tonight is the last Tiger home game of the regular season.   I'll be hanging out on the field before the game with my brother Mike A and his buddies. Should be a good time. We had lots of fun this season at the games cheering on my favorite team. This is always a sure sign that cold air is coming ...when baseball season is done.

I started a new job! I am now a certified personal trainer at the Downriver YMCA, and loving it. What an awesome facility....what an awesome staff....and what great people I've met who work out there...I am really excited about the fact that I am now building relationships with new friends, and also building my clientele. I actually look forward to coming to work. Still trying to juggle my schedule with the kids' games and practices, but so far, so good. check out the Y at    www.ymcametrodetroit.org

I have several book signing/speaking engagements coming up.   "Fresh Paint, a Memoir of Adoption" is now officially published and is available for purchase by going to my store:   http//www.shop.loriadams.net

Pat B, Tony and I really need to get back into the studio to record my Fresh Paint song.....that needs to go at the top of my list for October goals.

So far, 6 different local radio stations have a copy of my Christmas song, "All About Love". Also, great news this week.....magic 105.1 FM is now playing my version of the Star Spangled Banner within their usual rotation of performers every morning at 7:30 am. Hurray! Thank you Magic morning crew!

I've also been involved in promoting a new nutritional drink since June. It's called Monavie. I am blown away by the health benefits I am seeing in those around me who drink it. Also, I'm making hundreds of dollars a week in residual income. I can't believe how fun it is to be involved in such a great company. I was not looking for a side business, but this is an amazing company. check them out at    www.monavie.com
More on that later.

oops, gotta go pick up the kids!

now THAT was a PARTY!

2007-08-05T12:58:00Z

Wow. Last night's graduation party for Irene and Jeanette (Jeffferson HS graduates!) definitely beat all others we have had in the past. We combined it with our two nieces: Jodi Moore, who graduated from Monroe High, and Mollee Chowen, who graduated from Canton High. We figured "same family, 4 girls, let's just combine and just to go big with it"...so, of course, we did. Wow again...

The new barn was completed just in time...on Friday night, we were literally wiping the construction dust. It's brand-spanking-new. Jeff Langton and his team did such a beautiful job on it. My Jeff is thrilled at how cool everything turned out. He's got his dream barn.

There were at least 75 kids running around, playing on the swingset, jumping on the trampoline (ours is ground level for safety), playing with the alpacas, playing volleyball, etc. They were all having so much fun. It's so nice to have a party where families can come together and bring their kids. Thankfully, no one got hurt.

I think I counted about a dozen babies...they were everywhere! It's been a long time since we've had little little ones around here. What a joy....and to top it off, my friend Tina Cook showed up to tell me that she is finally expecting....TWINS!!!! YEAH!!

Last night, some of my old friends were able to get to know some of my new friends. I was watching it all from the band. Of course, my fellas played. We don't miss each other's parties. Family does that for family. And, of course, we were our usual awesome selves..ha. I love those guys. Tony had to bust out because he was going back to Ann Arbor for a Chapman Stick convention with the top stick players in the country. I'm looking forward to hearing how that went.

Sr. Jannita has been a special tutor for my Russian children and a friend to me for years. I was so touched that she came to celebrate. She gave me a big hug and said...."you did well, Lori. These girls will be fine..."
Our current tutor is Jeff's sister, Peggy...who is making amazing progress with Dennis. Peggy and Sr. Jannita had a chance to meet and talk...they really hit it off. Their backgrounds are so similar...both have spent years teaching on Native American reservations.

Jeff's brother Neil came all the way from Chicago. He always makes me laugh.   It was just so great to see so many people...my sisters' friends and their in-laws...what big fun it was. Everyone had a blast...and we had just enough of everything. The only food left is part of the pork from the pig....everything else...CONSUMED! But no one left hungry. Thanks to all of my neighbors who brought vegetables from their gardens, and thanks to Heidi Adams, who brought deviled eggs, and home made canned pickles and peppers that everyone RAVED about. Thanks, Aunt Lois and Uncle Paul, for helping cut up the pig. It seemed like everyone just chipped in and helped out last night. How blessed we are to have so many good people around us.

I was able to get one picture with JJ and Irene while we were still looking "fresh" before the band started. It was so crazy, I didn't get as many photos as I wanted. I will post all the pics on the family section of the site soon.

The thing that most everyone was saying to me last night was this. "Your girls are so polite...they hugged me when I came in and talked with me, they thanked me...So many kids don't communicate anymore. It's so nice to see..."   I heard that statement at least 10 times, I'm not kidding.

I am amazed by Irene and Jeanette. They came to this country at 13 and 14 years old. They could not speak the language. Now, they seem to be the exception over many teens.  They overcame such a struggle in their early lives. Now, they are making positive choices for thier lives. They are such beautiful young women. They amaze me, they truly do.

Last night, we celebrated their huge accomplishment. In my heart, I know how much they have worked, and I know that they have turned out to be strong women.   I thank God that they decided to embrace our famly and our morality, when they could have chosen something else. They so deserved to have a huge celebration! and HUGE it was....Can't wait for them to open their other gift from us today...they will need it for college, as they are going to Monroe Community in a couple weeks....they'll be thrilled.

time for more coffee, and to take a look at the state of the barn...yikes.

Whew......YES!

2007-07-02T11:27:00Z

It's seven thirty and this house is QUIET....I am LOVING this....

Jeff took the younger six to the cottage and JJ and Irene are both working....finally, I am going to once and for all catch up on some book stuff, song stuff, and email stuff.

I love it when it's totally just me in the house....it almost never happens. I've got 2 1/2 hours until my next appointment so I'll get a lot done this morning.

So much going on right now that there is no time to even write about it all. In short, I've started a new business only a couple of weeks ago, and I'm going gangbuster with it.....it's literally exploding. More on that later.

The personal training certification is getting closer. I've been working with Shelly at the Y and assisting her with clients. It's starting to come naturally, I'm gettin it. And I'm working out along with the clients so now I'm getting leaned out myself....bonus!

Horses were sold. They are in a great place and happy. We now have no more poop to deal with. hurray.

gotta go. Tons of work to do today, and I am PUMPED about it!

summer is here

2007-06-04T10:27:00Z

I don't know why I've been up since 5:18 this morning. Too much on my mind I think. Last week was the end of school for the kids. JJ and Irene graduated from high school, and Dan graduated the 8th grade. Wow...they are all growing up fast.

Already, we are well into the summer traditions, starting with the last day of school. We ate Burger King out in the front yard on a blanket...a fine way to kick off summer. BK is a special treat for us as we usually don't eat much fast food...that stuff is terrible for you...plus it was $44 for lunch for everyone....say no more!

The boys already have the tent pitched in back. Too bad it rained all night long so they could not spend the night out there with the dogs.

Mitch, Kevin and Craig rode their bikes to the party store and bought out every box of mac and cheese that they could. They decided to make it all at once and had a huge pot of it to share. It was gone within minutes....

JJ and I got some vegetables for the garden, but it's been too rainy to plant. Maybe this week I'll get it done.

Already, kids are laying around saying they are bored. It seems like I have been going non stop. Mostly cleaning up after them....ugh.

GOOD NEWS: My manuscript was submitted on Friday.....it should take about 3 months to have the printed/published book. I'm very excited. My dad read it over the weekend and really liked it...and he's a hard sell. I can't wait to share it.
My Christmas song, "All About Love" is on it's way to 500 different radio stations around the country as part of a sampler program. It will be heard....we shall see what happens there.
Look for new pics in the family section of the site.

time for more coffee.

a good day with family

2007-05-28T01:52:00Z

This morning, I sang at Eagle's Nest Community Church for a Memorial Day special service for our military heroes.....those that have died fighting for our country and those who are the walking wounded. It was so great that Daniel could meet and hear the speakers. He's really into the armed forces lately and is thinking of serving when he gets older. It felt good to be able to share the experience with JJ, Dan, Kevin and Craig. I think they got a good idea of Memorial Day and what it is really about. Freedom is not free. People are fighting so that we can go on with our lives. All politics aside, this weekend is the time that we honor all those who have served our country and paid the ultimate price.

Unfortunately, the afternoon concert was cancelled due to the fact that heavy rain was forcasted for the day and they didn't think that people would sit in a church for 5 hours listening to various music. I apologize to all those who went to the event. So far, I haven't had much luck when participating at events at St. Mary's Park...I'm two for two....hopefully, we can reschedule one day and all will go well.

We went to a family reunion this afternoon. It was a tribute to my mother's mother, Grandma Hazel Coffey, who would have been 100 years old May 29th. Four of her seven children are alive and were there to honor her with stories and good memories. I saw a picture of my mother at the age of 8 years old, and scary....it looked exactly like me at that age..wow. It was great to see my uncles, aunts and cousins, especially Tim, Erin, Ryan, and Megan. We reminisced about all the fun we had visiting Grandma and how we would sleep under the kitchen table in sleeping bags and wake up to her clanging the pots and pans in the early mornings. Her breakfasts were always the best.....biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs, cornbread, good coffee. She would start cooking early, we all remembered the waking up to the smell of bacon in the mornings. Great stories and great memories. I posted a picture of our cousins in the family section of the web site....check it out....I think we all look good...I would love to spend more time with them and catch up. It seems like life just gets away from you sometimes with all the business that needs to be taken care of. It was good to just be.

Today was a good day.

Tomorrow, I am doing two Memorial Day services...one at Roselawn Cemetery and one in Taylor honoring the only fallen FEMALE soldier in Michigan. I love and support our military. I am happy to do it.

talk soon,

L

May Madness

2007-05-21T11:26:00Z

whew....what a busy month this is.    JJ and Irene have only three days left of high school...they are very excited about FINISHING. Irene is still waiting to hear about that job at the hospital she interviewed for two weeks ago. Today, Jeanette starts an internship with the prosecuting attorney's office...that will be a great opportunity for her. Mitch played his last baseball game yesterday. (next week is tournaments) He made two great catches and is hitting the ball hard this year. Dan has been playing well too. He will graduate the 8th grade next week.   He's already started football prep for next year. (here we go). Tomorrow night is the Spring Concert for the younger kids. Dennis has an ROTC program tonight. It seems like there is something going on every day and night until the end of school...field trips, parties, award ceremonies, etc.

Meanwhile, I'm finishing up my book and working on my new song.   Next Sunday at 2pm, I'm playing my guitar and singing for an outdoor concert. I am really looking forward to that experience (challenge). I think I'm finally getting to the 2nd grade on that instrument. It feels good to be singing the songs I want to sing.

Finding time to practice is a struggle, but I am getting it done.   Once school is out, we're all looking forward to some lazy days of summer. We've been non-stop since August so I'm ready for NO SPORTS!!