Catch up

Wow! So it's been FOREVER since I've been on here to blog. It isn't because I don't have anything to blog about or blog worthy moments. It really boils down to the fact that I am an insecure blogger. And the fact that although I have good intentions, sometimes I can't get past the thought of doing something before something else takes up my time or concentration.

We've had quite a busy and very interesting summer. Tony ended up having shoulder surgery which was his first surgery EVER (lucky guy). He had a torn labrum which has been the cause of his horrific back pain for years. He's still in the healing process with it but is doing really well and exceeding the doctor's expectations for his abilities right now. Only a few more weeks of physical therapy and then he's on his own.

Since I've not been working much, I've had a lot of time to spend with the girls enjoying the nice weather when we've had it. We've become great fans of Sanford Beach this year. And I have to say that Sanford Beach is MUCH better than it used to be when I was a kid. The girls play endlessly in the sand and water all day long while I watch or join them. And a lot of time I can sit on my blanket to watch them and soak up some rays for my casper white self.

We've been pretty busy going places it seems this summer as well. We've spent a lot of time down in Portage which is near Kalamazoo where my best friend Amy lived. I say lived because she just moved back to Midland last weekend. She works for the state in the Family and Children Services department and got a lateral transfer into Midland County. It was a crazy 3 weeks for her because she saw the job posting, applied for it and then interviewed for it. Before she could even get home back to her house in Portage, she got called with the job offer! We are so excited to have her and Ethan in Midland now so we can watch him grow and spend more time together. We'll be spending the weekend down in Portage again this weekend packing up more of Amy's house and helping out another friend of ours, Steve King, as he flies in the national balloonfest competition that is being held in Battle Creek.

This past weekend we went to the Kenny Chesney concert at Ford Field and had a FABULOUS time. There was constant music by performers from 4 pm until 11 pm! With the short breaks for stage changes. It was a great way to celebrate Amy's return to Midland and also this new chapter in her life.

This summer has also been full of spending time with friends and also falling in love with a new local band, Steel Wheels. If you haven't heard of them and live in the area, check them out. They are the best country music band that I've heard and are so talented. We're officially addicted to their music and have been following them wherever they perform. Word is that they are going to be the performers at the Northern Bowling Alley for their New Year's Eve celebration. That will be one fabulous time for sure!

Before I go, I think that the conversation that took place between Emily, Maddie and their Auntie Katie is worth sharing. Katie and Garth have been dating for a while and the girls know that they aren't married yet. Well out of the blue, Emily just looks at Katie and says, "You and Uncle Garth need to get married." I think Kaite might have choked a little and asked her why and that's when Maddie blurted out, "So you can have babies!" I'm certain Katie choked then and she quickly sent Garth a text letting him know about this conversation. Garth probably choked himself and then jokingly said that he wasn't claiming Maddie anymore. Which then made Maddie make her "tough face' and ball up her fist and say that she was going to beat Uncle Garth up. Via texting, Uncle Garth challenged her and that's when she told him to "Bring it on!" I'm thinking I won't have anything to worry about with Maddie once she starts school. I think that girl can take care of herself.