Too Long!

Has it really been over three months since I last updated my blog? That is crazy! What I find funny about it, is that I get annoyed when the blogs that I follow don't update every couple of days. Hypocrite. Oh well. The last time I updated, Josh had three weeks left of kindergarten. Now, he has 6 days left of summer vacation. So, here is a recap of our summer and some pictures.

May - We FINALLY got a new dog! Bella is a (now) 5-1/2 month old black lab. She is adorable and so sweet, but full of all that puppy energy that we hadn't experienced with Tommy for MANY years. So, it is very different. She is very much a hunting dog to. She loves to fetch, although she doesn't always do so well with bringing the ball back. She also caught her first bird, a dove, just last week. Gross. I think that Jeff may have to resume hunting now that we have her. We all love her to bits. She was just what we needed. Josh finished kindergarten. My dad was informed that his cancer has returned. :(

June - Josh learned to ride his bike WITHOUT training wheels. He is so proud and just loves riding around. I wish we had more pavement for him to ride around on, but he rides on the rocks and grass too. Doesn't seem like there was much more in June... there probably was. That is a reason to update more often.

July - Well, the drama of the month was me getting burned by an artillery firework. No fun. The good news was that the burn was small, and healed entirely in about 3 weeks. So, I am now rocking an even shorter hairdo than before. Josh and I went to Yankton for the Relay for Life. It was so stinking hot, but always a very moving tribute to loved ones (mom and Carolyn) who have lost their battles, and for my dad who continues to fight. It was a quick trip, as I went home the next day, but Josh stayed with Papa, Pauline, Grandma and Grandpa for about 5 days? I was so glad when he got home. I just miss the little guy so much. We were also able to go to Kansas City one weekend to see my good friend Jenny Rohret get married. We are so happy that she found Scott. Congratulations to Jenny, Scott and Miss Elizabeth. We were able to see my bff's Kara and Carrie and their families while we were down there, so it was a packed trip. We were there less than a day!

August - Not too much has happened this month. Josh goes back to school the 19th. The 18th I have a job interview at his school for a teacher's aide position. I am hopeful that it will work out, as that is what I wanted to do when we moved up here. We'll see. Fingers crossed! Jeff leaves that day for Wyoming for a couple of weeks. So, it will just be Josh and I. We are going to my dad and Pauline's that weekend because my sister, David, Natalya and Niko will be visiting from Arizona. I am so excited to see them!

Blogger is being a turd, so I will upload pics later!

Katie

May 2, 1995 and May 2, 2010

This day stinks. There is no other way about it. May 2, 1995. I remember sitting in the kitchen at my parent's home in Yankton, SD with my mom's best friend Carolyn Larsen. It is lost on me as to who else was there. Maybe Grandma and Grandpa? I don't remember. What I do remember is being super hungry... at 2am. My mom had been rushed to the hospital at approximately 9pm the night before. She had been battling cancer for just under a year (from diagnosis), but her struggle had been going on for about 18 months. We knew she wasn't going to beat the cancer, but we never would have thought that it would end early that morning. I was a senior in high school. I had spent the early evening of May 1st at a friends house addressing graduation invitations. At about 9, I got a call saying mom was really sick, and I needed to come home. The rest of what happened from 9 until about 2 is a blur. At about 2, Carolyn and I popped a Totino's Party Pizza in the oven. Not too much later, I remember seeing my dad and Pastor Bob drive into the driveway. Complete and utter devastation. My 12-year-old sister and I were now motherless. Even when you know it is the inevitable, it still sucks. I don't think we got very much sleep that night. I remember calling my best friend, Marie, at 7:30 to tell her. She was in the shower. She was on my doorstep, dripping wet by 7:45. I don't know to this day if she knows how much her friendship meant to me. The next few days were a blur of planning, family, tears and hugs. Fast forward to May 2, 2010... today. For some reason the anniversary of her death has hit me especially hard this year. Don't know why. I think it might be because, in 2 more years, she will have been gone more than half of my life. Let's face it, that is just sad. Not only that, but my "2nd Mom", Carolyn passed away from brain cancer almost three years ago. So, I was having a bit of a pity party for myself. I think once in awhile it is deserved. Anyway, I joined the Catholic Church April 3, 2010. I love our church. Our priests are awesome. But, I think what I like best, is the music on Sunday mornings. The music director at the church, Ellen Soukup, is AMAZING. A love of music is something that I shared with my Mom, Dad and sister. I have always been a huge fan of gospel music. Ellen is an amazing vocalist and pianist who can bring tears to my eyes during a regular church service... this did not bode well for today's service! We had received our weekly Catholic newspaper Friday a week and a half ago. On one of the inside pages, I saw a large picture of Ellen. It was announcing that she would be putting on a benefit concert for the Pius (Catholic High School) students wanting to attend World Youth Day in Spain in 2011. Obviously, with my love for Ellen's music, my interest was piqued. So, I read on. The concert was May 2nd, and it was honoring Mary, and our mothers here on Earth and those in Heaven. Well, it was almost more than I could bear, but Jeff, Josh and I went to the concert. It was amazing, and Ellen didn't disappoint. She was amazing. So, that is how I spent part of my day. Celebrating my mom's life. Also, I asked my friends on Facebook to leave memories of my mom. And they too didn't disappoint. Thanks to all my FB friends. Thanks to my family for putting up with my crazy the last week or so. Mom- I love you so much, and miss you more each day. I wish you could be here to see the women that Kara and I have become, and to see your grandchildren. I know you would be spoiling them like crazy. Love, Katie... PS- Take care of Tommy for Josh... he misses him... we all do. Katie

March and April 2010

Hey out there. So, what has been happening with us since my last post? Lots, I guess. My big news is that on April 3rd, I became a member of the Catholic church, after 7 months of weekly classes. It was a very exciting time, and I am excited that Jeff, Josh and I are all of the same faith now. I find that at the age of 32, I am finally to the point where I ENJOY going to church... took me long enough. On that same note, we enrolled Josh in the school at our church for the 2010-2011 school year, so he will be a St. John Jet. He is excited, but I am sure there is some anxiety about the switch.

Jeff is getting busy with travel at work again... we knew it would happen! He and I planted a garden (or most of it) in the last week and a half or so. We are trying to grow radishes, beets, peas, green beans, sweet corn, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, and we have yet to plant the zucchini and cucumbers... maybe this weekend. Jeff also got the yard mowed for the first time this year. He bought a sprayer since we have our fair share of crab grass, thistles, and dandelions.

Josh is enjoying what is left of Kindergarten. Next week we are going to be going on a field trip to the Lincoln Children's Museum. He is way more excited about this than I am... that is a lot of kindergarteners! We also got him signed up for T-ball. We were a little behind schedule, so he didn't get on a team in Eagle. We will be trekking to Waverly for the majority of his games, with one in Eagle. He will be on the blue team this year. We have a meeting on Sunday night to meet the team and discuss team names. I suggest to Josh the Bluejays. I told him to come up with some other ideas. So far, I have heard Blue Bulls (ummm... I think not), Blue Horses, Blue Dogs, Blue Cats... you get the idea. We'll see!

This coming Sunday, May 2nd, will mark the 15th anniversary of my mom's death. While I remember it like it was yesterday, it still seems so long ago. It has been harder than usual for me for some reason this year. Not sure why. The pianist/soloist from our church is putting on a concert this Sunday (May 2nd) at the church celebrating Moms and those who cared for us. This singer brings me to tears during a normal church service with her beautiful voice and piano skills. I can only imagine what the concert will do to me, as I will be thinking of my mom a lot that day anyway, and my Chuckie is never far from my mind either.

Well, I guess that is all for now.

Katie

Tucson Trip - Feb 2010 and New Nephews

Hillbilly Papa and Hillbilly Josh, sunning their extremely white bellies! Hopefully the neighbors weren't blinded!

Josh and Niko

Papa, Niko, Taly and Josh.

Well, it has been two and a half months since I did a blog update. I think that is bad, but know that there are only a couple people who check this thing out anyway, so who cares!

Since my last entry, we survived two more blizzards here in Nebraska, one of which kept everyone away from home for Christmas. So, we spent our first Christmas in Nebraska by ourselves. The snow started Tuesday, and we didn't leave the house until Saturday afternoon, and that was just to drive around and check out the snow... probably should have stayed home. The weather was so bad, that when we tried to make it to Lincoln for Christmas Mass, we got about one mile west of Eagle, and the roads were drifter shut, so it was a no go.

January brought us three more snow days, so Christmas vacation didn't end until January 11th! Crazy! Josh was ready to be back to school, so that was great for him. My sister and her fiancee David finally made things official on January 5th.

February has been an exciting month for our respective family's, and also sad for Pauline's family. On February 11th, Brad and Heather welcomed Lincoln James Hilfiker to the world. He weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces. We haven't seen him yet, but are hoping to tomorrow. I've seen a couple pictures, and Grandma Del Rae assures me that he is super cute, and a good eater. February 22nd, Kara and David welcomed Nikolas (Niko) Omar Ash to the world. He weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds 7 ounces... she was only in labor for 5 1/2 hours, and actually complained that she felt like she was jipped out of the labor experience, because once she had the epidural, she slept until she pushed. That sounds like heaven to me!

Pauline's mom, Marge, fell and broke her hip and collar bone February 18th. Pauline drove up to North Dakota the following day. The injuries, along with her other medical problems proved to be too much to overcome, and she passed away on February 28th. I only met Pauline's mom once, but know that it is difficult to lose your mom.

Dad couldn't wait to get down to Arizona to cuddle his grandbabies, so Josh and I joined him on a whirlwind trip. We left Friday at 3pm, and got to Tucson Sunday about 1. Niko and Natalya were super cute, and it was great to see everyone, and see where Kara lives. The weather was nice other than the first day. We left Tuesday at noon, and got home Wednesday at 10 pm. If you counted, that is 5 1/2 days gone. Two down, two back, 1 1/2 there. We actually drove 16.5 hours on Wednesday. It was a really long day, and I don't think I will do that again. I am attaching some pictures.

Happy Holidays - - 2009

Season's Greetings! Well, as 2009 draws to a close, I thought I should blog one more time. I know I am bad about updating, but I don't think that many people read this thing, so I don't feel too bad!

Things are going good in Eagle. Josh is loving kindergarten. He has lost his two middle teeth on the bottom. No progress yet on the top. He just realized last night that he has some molars coming in on the bottom. They don't seem to be bothering him to badly! He had three snow days, not last week, but the week before. It was a lot of fun spending time with him, but he was very ready to get back and see his friends.

Jeff is still enjoying working at DBI. He hasn't been out of town for over a month now. It has been really nice having him home. He has been attending physical therapy for three weeks, as he tore his rotator cuff. He physical therapist has suggested requesting an MRI, and seeing an orthopedic doctor, as he should be 50% better at this point, and has experienced no relief from the pain at all. Poor guy. He rarely complains about being sick or in pain, and this has been bothering for over two months. Hopefully after the holidays, he can get it squared away.

I am just keeping busy with the same old stuff. Taking care of Josh, and medical transcription class. I think that my brain has a hard time getting all the cobwebs out. It will get done eventually!

I travelled down to Kansas City this weekend to visit my friend Kara. She is going through a bit of a tough time, so I'm glad that I was able to go, and that Jeff was willing to hang with Josh for an entire weekend. The boys had a good time, but as usual, I came down with something while I was gone. Not feeling the greatest now, and I'm sure staying out way past my bed time didn't help! I also got to see my #1 Carrie (I have a lot of Carrie's) for the first time since we moved. I knew I missed her, but I didn't realize how much until we got to hang out. Good friends are hard to come by. I feel that I have been very blessed in that category!

We are looking forward to Christmas with our families this year, as last year we didn't have time to travel up home. It will be a quick trip, but we will get it all in (as long as the weather cooperates! Fingers crossed!)

Merry Christmas! I'll try to blog more next year!

Katie

Prayer Request - Ty Sichmeller

Hello, All! Just a quick request. Annette Sichmeller's (a friend from my days visiting my grandparents in Estelline, SD) 3-year-old son, Ty was diagnosed with ALL leukemia this week. Please send prayers up for not only Ty, but for Annette who is expecting baby number three sometime this month, and the rest of their family. Thanks!

Trip to KC, Swine Flu and Pneumonia... BOO!

Well, as you can tell in the post title, this has been a busy couple of weeks for us! We were fortunate to get to make a quick trip to KC (our first since moving five months ago!). We got to see lots of friends. Unfortunately, we were all sick the whole time we were there. Jeff and Josh had a sinus infection. I was diagnosed once we got home, with the H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Pneumonia in my upper left lobe. It was AWFUL! I can really only speak for myself, but I was down completely for a week. Yuck! We are all feeling much better now. I am doing a lot better, still just a little wheezing. Good times!

While in KC, we were fortunate to visit with Lonnie, Randy, Mitch, Jill, Addyson, Shannon, Sarah, Leslie, Cathy, Steven, Rob Vanbiber, Terracon friends, Jenny, Elizabeth, the Green's and the Gross's. We thank everyone for putting up with us and all of our germs! So far, I don't think anyone else has gotten sick!

Josh is still loving school. He is really excited, as next week all the kids are going on a Safari field trip. It will be his first. I got the opportunity to read to his class September 11th. It was a very fun experience. I also got to sample what school lunch was like... Fiestada... yummy (not!) We had our first parent/teacher conference with Miss Ottemann. It went very well, and she had nothing but great things to say about Josh. Awesome!

Jeff has been on the road a lot for work. He is on his way back from Colorado today. Heading to Canada this weekend, and then the following week, off to Vegas.

In other news, my dad and Pauline bought a new house in Yankton, and moved two weeks ago. They were fortunate, and the house that Kara and I grew up in sold quickly. Also, my little sis, Kara and niece Natalya came for a visit in August. It was so great to see both of them. Kara and David are expecting a baby boy at the end of February.

First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Josh's first day of kindergarten. The excitement has been building for months. The buildup culminated this morning, upon arrival at the school at 8am. After a few minutes of walking around the playground looking lost (WAY too many kiddos!), Josh and I waited patiently with his new friend Connor for Miss Ottemann. I am anxious to pick him up this afternoon to see how he liked it.

Jeff and Josh... they look nothing alike! RIGHT!

Our Family.

Josh coming out the front door to go to school.
Josh with his big ol' backpack in our house.

The kitties

Well, as promised, here are some pictures of the cats. Jerry seems to like our tractor. If he isn't out roaming around the property and through the cornfield he can be found laying in the seat of the tractor, on the mower deck, or underneath the Tahoe.

Karen seems to be doing well too. I am still a little apprehensive about letting her stay outside of her cage. I think I will just have to give it a try tomorrow.

New Challenge/Adventure/Journey

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting every doctor under the sun. When you are a "problem child" in the medical area (such as myself!) it is a pain in the rear to move. Well, it was time. So, I got a new primary physician two weeks ago, and she referred me to my millions of new doctors. Upon doing my bloodwork, it was determined that my cholesteral is off the charts (BAD!) and my diabetes could use some work as well. In addition, I have been wanting to lose weight, but needing a nudge. Well, nudged I got! They aren't forcing me, but tomorrow, I am starting the Glycemic Index Diet. I bought the book, and some food tonight at the store (what I remembered off the cuff from reading, I've got a real list ready to go to the store tomorrow!) I am ready. The treadmill is plugged in and ready to go.

I am going to do a daily food journal, and will blog about my experience as I begin this journey. I am hoping to lose 70 pounds (YIKES!). Say a few prayers for me, (Jeff and Josh!) as I'm sure the first days and weeks of this lifestyle change will not be a pleasant one!

Here's to a healthier me!

New Additions - Jerry and Karen

Well, we are, for the time being, pet owners once again. While up visiting Grandpa and Grandma Hilfiker this weekend, Josh and I decided it was time. So, we are now the proud owners of a gray and white cat that is about a year old. He is a tom cat, and is named Jerry (after the mouse on Tom and Jerry.) We also had the opportunity to go see a domesticated fawn (baby deer for any of you city folk that might be reading this (Kara Green)) named Lenny. It was born at the end of May, and sports a rhinestone collar (if you can believe that!) While we were visiting Lenny and his adoptive family, I was admiring the tame calico kitten that they had. I must have been admiring too long, because they told me I could have it! So, that would be Karen. Again, Josh's choice. She is adorable and maybe 10-12 weeks old. I will try to put a picture up once they aren't so freaked out.

We thought that Jerry was gone for good as soon as we let him out of the cat carrier. But, he came back. It is going well so far, and Josh loves the cats to death, so I hope they stick around!

Visit from the Green Family!

We were so excited to have our KC friends Jeff and Kara Green come up to visit last weekend, along with their two girls, Avery (5) and Ellery (almost 3)! They were here for a somewhat action packed three day weekend.

They arrived Thursday night. Not much to tell there. I think that the girls really enjoyed running around the "farm", and catching fireflies. Also, Kara was perplexed by all the corn. She had no idea that the corn you see around here is for feeding animals... not humans! She also could not believe the amount of corn between here and KC. I believe that quote was, "Do we really need that much corn in the United States?" Again, it is to feed the animals that we in turn eat ourselves, so the answer is a resounding, "YES! We really do need all that corn!"

Friday we went to the Omaha Zoo. We started off at the Skyfari, the new attraction this year. It was "OK". We spent about three hours there, and while the weather was surprisingly good, we were pooped, and most of us were ready to go!

Saturday, it was off to the movies. The men took the kids to see the newest Ice Age flick, and Kara and I took in a chick flick, My Sister's Keeper. Those of you that know me, know that I cry at the drop of a hat, and at a movie about a kid with cancer, this couldn't have been a good choice. I however, did very well... three tears. Kara was a mess. That girl can do the "Oprah Ugly Cry" with the best of them (I can make fun of this, because I too have quite the "Ugly Cry"!)

After we got back to the house, it was off to Eagle Days. I think we got there at the wrong time, because there wasn't a whole lot going on. We let the kiddos play on the bouncy toys, and then it was back home to the AC!

Lots of Phase 10 was played (by Kara and me), and some Wii Tiger Woods disc golf was played by the men. All in all, a good visit!

Relay for Life 2009 - Yankton, SD

Josh and I traveled to my hometown of Yankton, SD this weekend, to take part in the annual Relay for Life. As I'm sure most of you reading this already know, I lost my mom to cancer in May of 1995. This is not where my family's fight against cancer ends. My dad is a prostrate cancer survivor. My Aunt Lois is a double survivor of Hodgkin's Disease. My Aunt Ann is a breast cancer survivor. My mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor, and my mom's sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and is currently undergoing treatment. My mom's best friend Carolyn died two years ago of brain cancer. And sadly, last September, my son Josh's 4 year old classmate, Sarah Macy, died of complications from Wilm's Tumor, a cancer of the kidney.

Nobody is unaffected by cancer. Everyone has lost someone to this awful disease, whether it be family or friend. I am including pictures of the luminaries that Josh and I made (most of them). We did six. Three for survivors (Papa Ordell, Aunt Linda, and Grandma Del Rae), and three in memory of our loved ones who lost the battle to this beast, but definitely earned their angel wings (albeit at a much to early age!)

Tommy - 02/01/2000 - 06/28/2009

For nine years, we have been blessed to call Tommy our dog. He was a faithful friend, our constant companion. It is with heavy hearts, that Sunday, June 28, 2009, we said goodbye to our best dog Tommy. We are sad that he is not here with us anymore, but we are thankful that he is no longer in any pain. We are having many conversations of our memories of Tommy, and hope that he is hopping from cloud to cloud, playing catch, and catching Frisbees up in heaven.
Please see the attached pictures of our boy. Please note that even right before we had to put him to sleep (picture on left, by himself), he still was full of smiles. We miss him terribly already.