And the Nail Fell Off . . .

Remember when Paige broke her finger on New Years Eve? Well, tonight she came downstairs with tears streaming down her face telling me her "finger was falling off". I couldn't help but laugh and the more I laughed the madder she got. What she meant was her finger NAIL was falling off! It was catching everything she rubbed her hand against!

I carefully cut it off with clippers as she sobbed on my lap. We then carefully coated it in Neosporin and covered it with a Band-Aid. As she walked away wiping her tears she said "thank you Mommy, you're good at that".

Bless her heart!

What a Week!! (for me anyhow!)

This has been the longest week in history . . . I'm sure! Work has been chaotic with one crisis after another. Many of my patients and colleagues have had the vomitting stomach flu. My two favorite patients were rushed to the hospital first thing Monday morning and one is now on a ventilator that will probably be discontinued tomorrow, the other is still unresponsive as of 3pm today and it's not sounding good. Tuesday I came home with a horrible headache and achiness all over just praying it didn't get worse! Wednesday I wasn't feeling much better, but made msyelf go through the daily routine of work and kids. Wednesday night Mike and I just passed eachother on the road as we picked up kids here, dropped a few there all at different times and across town from eachother. Thursday is the day I dread every week because I don't get to see my husband at all - I get home at 4, but he leaves around 2 and works until 4am to build movies for all you Friday night movie goers! I did get a phone call and an "I Love You" from him this afternoon. Tomorrow is end of the month - so it's paperwork all day long! I still have the headache and achiness - but so far that's all it is!

All I can say is . . .

Lots of Yardwork To Be Done!!

The above is the before picture - small front part of our yard. Duke Power came and cut a bunch of trees down that were "a danger" and just left it all in the yard. Add to that the storm that carried 50mph winds last week - and our yard was an absolute disaster! The wind was so strong it ripped the cover on the wood shack into threads! So - we spent the better part of the day cleaning it all up.

The kids each had their own job to do in this huge task! Chase and Kayleigh drug tree limbs down to the fire pit in the woods, Paige filled the wheelbarrow with the smaller pieces and Daddy would help her take that down to the firepit. Mike and Devin moved and cut up the chunks of tree left and got it all stacked in the wood shelter. I did all the raking of the leaves, pinecones, and super small branches (with a fractured wrist I might add!).

Below is the "after" picture - after 2 hours of all of us working together! Take note in the before picture - the red bush and the three big treese in the front yard - how the actual yard itself was full of branches, leaves, and chunks of tree. In the after picture below is that same red bush and three big trees - the center yard section is completely clean!! Yeahh!!

Next weekend we'll do another section of the yard. We have 2 acres of this sort of mess! So - baby steps to get it all looking nice again!! Gotta love living in the woods!

Devin Passes Drivers Ed!!!

Devin's been taking the book part of drivers ed for the last few weeks. It's had it's ups and downs - many quizzes, tests, and "silly rules" according to Devin! In the end - he passed with flying colors. Next up - the actual driving! He's been begging Mike and I to take him to our church's parking lot to practice . . . I'm just not that brave.

So - I was thinking as a gift I'd get him a Flintstone's car. At least I know he'd be safe because his legs can't go more than a few miles per hour! Right?

Congratulations Devin!

Introducing: Jeff and Sheri McMahon

(Uncle Jeff, Tyler, Aunt Sheri, Samantha)

Kayleigh, Chase, Paige, and I (Michelle) drove to Wheeling, WVa yesterday for my Uncle Jeff's wedding. It was a quick trip there and back because of obligations at church tomorrow, but we're glad we went! We were able to see lots of my Mom's family that we haven't seen in a few years. Paige and Chase had fun with cousins they had never even met before!

Congratulations Uncle Jeff and Aunt Sheri!

Scenic Overlook in the Mountains

We pass a scenic overlook along the West Virginia turnpike every trip home we make - but we've never stopped. The kids and I needed to stretch our legs - so we decided to see what it was. What a beautiful overlook!!! We'll definitely be stopping when the trees are all green in the spring and again in the fall when it's all full of colors!


This second picture was taken straight out in front of us over the valley. You can see the top of the mountains - and i fyou look close in the sky you can see the moon above the clouds. It was so cool!

Anyhow - if you ever get a chance to stop along the overlooks - do it! Glad we finally did it!

It's Snowing!!!!!

This is absolutely insane! We were at 60 degrees in the Winston Triad today - and tonight it's snowing . . . snowing hard! There's about an inch or so on the ground already - with snow continuing over the next 2-3 hours. It is quite beautiful - but I'll be glad to see it go!

Mom Finally Gets Her Hair Cut . . .

Much to Michael's dismay . . . I finally went and go my hair cut off again! Kayleigh insisted on taking a picture and me putting it on our website.

Andra (at Allure Day Spa) tried to cut it so that Michael wouldn't notice how MUCH she really cut off! Off the back went just more than 4 inches and off the front sides about 2 inches. I absolutely love it and I got the approval of the kids. As for Michael . . . . he'll get over it!!!

Andy Gets A Bath . . . and so do we!!!

(This is Devin's attempt at not getting wet and holding Andy still!)

It's beautiful here in North Carolina today - right around 70 degrees and sunny. So - Devin and I decided we'd try to bath Andy outside instead of taking him to the groomer like we've been doing over the winter - maybe save $75. HA! Boy was the joke on us! Andy did not care for the cold water coming out of the hose, let alone it being sprayed in his face! Devin and I ended up as wet as Andy was and we really didn't do that good of a job! Now I know why the groomer charges so much . . . but we've definitely decided it's worth it!

( Poor guy finally gave in and let us do our thing!)

Mr Groundhoug Has GOT To Be Wrong!!

Is spring coming?

According to all the news reports, our friendly groundhog claims we have another 6 weeks of winter coming . . . . Then explain why today was 65 degrees and gorgeous!

We were able to spend time outside with the kids and even get a little yard work done. Mike decided to try playing basketball for the first time since his shoulder surgery in November. The boys blasted him in games of HORSE multiple times! Actually, Chase beat out his Dad AND his brother Devin! Man that kid's got an arm!! Paige decided to take up skateboarding with the help of Kayleigh!

As for me . . . I just ran around taking all the pictures!

And he shoots! But doesn't score!!

Wow Dev! Look at that follow through!

Chase grins at yet another victory!

Mike will NOT give in!!

An Accident Waiting to Happen!!

Father-Daughter Dance at Church

The Knights of Columbus at our church, Holy Family Catholic Church, held a Father-Daughter dance Saturday night. Mike couldn't get off work to go, but Paige was invited by Chris to go him and Carissa. Chris and his wife, Theresa, were in charge of the decorations and festivities of the night. The girls had a wonderful time and we are very thankful to Chris and Theresa for thinking about Paige.



Theresa took pictures for us. It looks like a lot of fun. Paige said next year Daddy can take her!

Chris and the girls dancing!

Carissa and Paige having their princess meals!

Devin Gets Buzzed!

I've been waiting on this day for a long long long time! Devin's long shaggy hair drives me crazy! I knew eventually he'd come to his senses!! He came home tonight and says "Mom, can you pleeeeaaaaase buzz my hair tonight?" I'm sure it was driven by his girlfriend of the week wanting it cut - but hey - it got cut! Look at all that hair that's on the floor!!!

ps - don't let the pouty face fool you . . . it was all his idea!

Please Send Up Thoughts and Prayers

We are once again facing a challenge with Chase that we are seeking guidance on. He's been having outbursts at school again, and today it all came to a head. One of the other children in class was teasing him and Chase went into one of his "frozen" states and followed that up with pure anger. He began throwing things, crying out, and even kicked his chair over. When the school called me, they called it "violent" in nature.

We have tried so many interventions, strategies, and even medications. Here at home, where things are more controlled, he does very well. But, in school, it doesn't seem to be enough. As parents, we are feeling at a loss and very sad that we can't seem to help this child with what he is feeling inside.

We have taken the next step and are having him seen by the Behavioral Psychologist at Baptist Hospital. We've been told he's one of the best in the region.

Please, keep Chase in thoughts and prayers as we continue to fight this battle with him.

First Reconciliation for Chase and Kayleigh

Kayleigh and Chase both celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation at our church tonight. They've been preparing for several months and both did a great job. We're very proud of them both!!

The "Snow Storm" In North Carolina!

This is a picture of the snowstorm aftermath!! Thought you folks up north in Ohio and Indiana would get a kick out of it. This "snowstorm" closed schools for 2 days and 178 churches in the area on Sunday!!!!! Mike and I sat back and laughed - even the kids thought it was crazy to cancel school for it!!!

Paige Loves Her Grandpa!

I ran across this picture last night while I was sorting through photos of our trip. It's probably my favorite picture of all! She spent every chance she could on Grandpa Casto's lap while we were back home. Just precious!

We're Back From Our Trip Back Home!

We had a wonderful trip back to Ohio to celebrate the Christmas Holiday. The four days went by so quickly! The first day we were able to relax and rest from the trip at my Dad's house in Bryan. The next day we drove to Paulding to spend the afternoon with Mike's Mom and Chris where we were also able to see his sister, Anita, and her children; his step-brother Ryan and his girlfriend; his Aunt Carol; and his Grandma Reinhart. The kids had fun playing together and playing "monster" with Grandpa Chris! Saturday evening we spent back at my Dad's house with my sister and her family. The kids had fun playing Electronic Monopoly with Grandpa Casto! All day Sunday was spent with Mike's Dad and Judy; his sister and brother-in-law, Trish and Bill; and his sister Anita again. Grandma and Grandpa Lyons had their hands full with 8 grandchildren taking over the house! On the way back to Bryan we stopped to visit Grandma Molitor and Aunt Carol. The kids love spending time at Great-Grandma's house. We were sad to leave on Monday morning; but we know we'll see everyone again soon!

Paige Avoids the ER on New Years Eve!

Daddy was outside getting the trash can, Mommy was outside putting up a new IU flag; we both heard a blood curdling scream from inside the house . . . Kayleigh hollars "MOM, PAIGE IS HURT BAD THIS TIME!!!!!!!!" We come running in to find that she has broken her finger in a bad way!

She was in the hallway and had her hand around the wall to the living room with the fingers in the hinged side of Chase's bedroom door. Chase didn't know it and shut his door from inside his room by pushing it hard - completely closing her ring finger in the door! It's entirely broke and was smashed thin at the D.I.P. joint (the joint closest to the end of the finger).

With the doc on the phone, I was able to manipulate it a bit and make sure it was straight. Fortunately - because I work in Occupational Therapy and had a clinical rotation in hand therapy - he was ok with me just splinting it. But - she would NOT stop screaming or let me touch it, let alone try to fix it. So - doc said to give her the leftover pain medicine from her surgery.

While the pain meds kicked in I ran to the store for coban wrap, came home, dug out splinting materials, and made her a finger splint. Chase went with me to Walgreens and found a stuffed puppy dog down the toy aisle that he wanted to get her. He feels so bad she got hurt! He cried as much as she did to start with!

She's all fixed up for now and laying on the couch watching TV snuggling with her new puppy. Splint stays on until we go to the pediatrician's office on Wednesday for him to check her out.

Happy New Year To Us (and all of you too!)

A New Pair of PJ Pants

Kayleigh asked for material, patterns, notions, etc. for Christmas. She's taken quite a liking to sewing and designing her own clothes. Up until recently, she's been doing it by hand. She now has a sewing machine (thank you Great-Grandma Eschbach!) and is loving it!

Tonight - it took her 3 hours to make a pair of PJ pants out of the material we got her for Christmas. Devin was ticked - he just finished sewing PJ pants in his Life Skills class - took him 3 weeks!

Anyhow, they turned out super cute! She did a great job! Next project - Paige wants a matching pair!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Wow what a morning! Chase got up at 3am to check and be certain Santa came!! I hear he woke up Kayleigh and then went back to sleep around 4am only to get up at 6:30. As always, when the kids got up they were allowed to get in their stockings (gives Mom & Dad more time to sleep!). Around 8am we could smell the coffee, hot chocolate, and cinnamon rolls that Devin had made for us - we knew we couldn't sleep anymore!

After coming upstairs the kids were all quite excited about the gifts. One at a time - they each opened their presents taking turns. Paige's favorite present was her Leapster and Dora game for it. Chase's favorite present was his bow & arrow set (a nerf style - but super cool!). Kayleigh says her favorite present was her earings (go figure!) and Devin says his favorite present is the kickboxing bag.

We'll spend the rest of the day playing with the kids and going outside. Chase got a trainer golf club -so he and Daddy plan to go out back and practice. Paige and I are going to play with the play-doh. Devin's reading his magazine (he got a subscription to Blender) and Kayleigh's planning on practicing with her Wilton cake decorating tips.

We miss all of our friends and family and can't wait to travel back to Ohio next weekend to visit everyone!

Merry Christmas from Michael, Michelle, Devin, Kayleigh, Chase, and Paige

Letter to My Mom

Christmas 1998

One of my favorite Christmas pictures of Mom, Dad, and all the grandkids!

(minus Paige and Abbi of course)

Front: Devin (5), Chase (4 mo), Mom, Jacob (3 mo), Kayleigh (4)

Back: Dad holding Samantha (21 mo)

Dearest Mom,

Here it is Christmas Eve again and I can't help but cry as I always do. I know you're with me, but I miss you so much. The kids are growing so fast and talk of you often. We tell Paige all the time how wonderful you were and she told her friends at school we made gobs of cookies like Grandma used to. She knows your pictures now and says your her Grandma in heaven. Chase gets sad now and then and wonders why you had to leave us so soon. It surprises me how much of you he remembers. But - you were always a special person and anyone whose life you touched remembers you fondly as well.

As the kids open their gifts tomorrow we'll talk about the angels that you gave them and how your gift to them is being an angel walking beside them.

Until we meet again

With Love and Laughter

Michelle

We're Getting the Hang of this Bloggin' Thing!

We're really learning the ropes! Spent lots of time over the last day searching how to add links, quotes, bible verses, formats, and more to make our site a bit more interesting! The kids each gave a little on the right side - I typed what they said. As you can see, the next time they'll be more careful what they say!

Please be sure to stop in and visit the links on the right hand column. They are all things that have touched our lives and are very important to us. My Mom lost a battle with Melanoma on April 13, 2003, leaving us quite passionate about prevention and education. Shortly thereafter, Chase went through a terrifying ordeal with Kawasaki Disease and has an ongoing struggle with High Functioning Autism. Kayleigh watches her sugar very carefully and is very interested in research to fight Juvenile Diabetes.

Anyhow! Hope you all enjoy and continue to check in to keep up with Life in the Lyons Family!

Happy Birthday Mike!

Well - I'm not so sure he's up on the "happy" part - but it is his 36th birthday today! He's been sick all day and insisted on going to work - so tonight - he's absolutely wiped out! He did spend about 30 minutes upstairs when the kids were making cookies and he opened his birthday gifts/cards. The kids picked out a few henleys for the winter season. Paige and Chase made cards for him. Chase even had all the kids in his class sign the card! An added surprise was the math test he put together for Mike to take! Maybe on another night - he's just not up to it tonight . . .

We'll celebrate over the weekend by taking him to dinner and coming home with a DQ ice cream cake.

Cookies, Cookies, and more Cookies!

Over the weekend, the kids cut out and baked all the sugar cookies - 96 of them!!! Tonight, we all were home early enough to get them iced. Kayleigh, Chase, and Paige iced them - Devin was there to taste-test! Only a few more kinds of cookies to make - then we're done - whew! On the upside - we'll be able to pull cookies out of the freezer for the next few months!

Week of Programs!

Hello All!

I posted each night's programs and blog comments in a separate post - so that each child had their own "blog of fame". They all did great this week - with no hysterical fits, nervous nights, or freeze ups on stage! Devin had a track meet that he ran his best time this year at - but we didn't get pictures of that :0( We're so proud of each of our kids!!!

Here's a few extra pics that didn't make each blog.

Paige before her program on Wednesday - very excited!

Chase at Kayleigh's band concert - he had no idea how bored he'd be!

Paige enjoying her cookie for doing such a great job Wednesday!

Chase's faculty dressed up and sang to "12 Days of Christmas!"

And the Christmas Programs Wrap Up with Paige's on Wednesday

Paige's preschool and daycare had their first ever Christmas Program last night. All the kids from infants on up had a part in the evening. The infants had jingle bells on their ankles - the teachers held them and shook their little legs to "Jingle Bells" - it was soooo cute! The toddlers danced with the teachers, the two's tried to sing - but most were in tears scared to death! The threes had more courage and most of them sang "Frosty the Snowman".

Our Paige - and her four year old classmates got to sing 2 songs. Paige Olivia was quite the performer! Hands on her hips, singing loud, and having a good time! Leave it to our daughter to be the show off! Her little friend Cassie (the youngest in the class) was not quite so brave. Had to include her sweet little face in the pictures!

Kayleigh's Christmas Band Concert on Tuesday

On Tuesday night we went to Kayleigh's Christmas band concert. Mike was pleasantly surprised and actually enjoyed the concert. Afterwards - he was sure to tell Kayleigh heard every note that SHE and ONLY SHE played! Here's a few pics from her night!

Chase's "From Then 'Till Now" Christmas Program

Monday night was Chase's Christmas program titled "From Then 'Till Now". The school has been open 10 years and done 10 programs, so the kids did 2 songs from each year as well as 2 for this year - yep - you did the math right - we sat through 20 Christmas songs sang by 4th and 5th graders! Mike and I were nervous that Chase would freeze up and not move in front of the huge crowd - but he did great! We were so proud of him! The picture is small because we were clear in the back - but this is Chase's class on stage - he's the blonde on the far right of the picture.

Also is a picture of him at his school the night of the program. Below are pictures of Mike and Paige enjoying the program. Paige danced the whole way through it!