Back hand spring~~~~~

Good evening folks!! Just thinking I should let all of our peeps know that Mariah had a break though in gymnastics this week. She can do her round off back hand spring solo!! She was so thrilled along with her coach and parents.
Drew started basketball practice and will be playing with the Cresset Eagles.
Omar is on the JV team and is looking good himself.
Durham had a super showcase today and I so enjoyed seeing all the great dancing and wonderful friends.
I am leaving on a jet plane headed to the Ohio Star Ball will be back Friday in time to drive to Nickolai's wedding on Sat. Looking forward to a busy week.
Take care,
Missy

Back in the U S A

Gee Whiz it has been oh so long since I have written in our blog. There has certainly been many changes and the biggest one is that we are back living in the USA. People ask me how do we like it and it has been an adjustment. Even though I would come back often it is a lot different living here permantly. The same chores of taking the kids to school and picking them up and then taking them to all the different activities is much more taxing than in the DR. We drive so much more here in the states and it seems it is always go go go. Missy has been traveling and so have I and just when we get settled in the house one of us is off again.. It was so nice being out of the rat race for the last two years. However, I just returned from visiting the DR and I can say it is still a great place to visit. I may even want to live there once the children are all grown. The first three months living back here was nice because we did bring a housekeeper from the DR here to live, unfortunately she had arthritis in her knees and the cold was just too much for her. She was awesome though as she would have breakfast ready for the kids and coffee for Missy and me every morning. She would not even start the pot of coffee until she saw us walk out of our bedroom to get the kids up. Then she would bring us our cup as we were scurrying around the house. She did the laundry, ironing and cleaning every day except Sunday. She would also have the dinner ready when we came home from the activities. I will miss her and Missy will miss her more.
Well that is enough news for now. I hope people come back to the blog as now I remember too how to get on and blog. for some reason I would forget while I was in the DR. but now back in the good ol' USA
peace to all

Sunday morning musing..

We must be having rainy season in Durham NC because it has been raining a lot and really gray... I also think that is may be transition into fall. I am not ready for the weather to change but am looking forward to seeing the leaves change.
We have had a nice weekend with getting some house chores done and doing some shopping for warmer clothes and getting hair cuts, manicures and pedicures. Omar was invited to a party last night and we dropped him off after driving forever and finding the lodge in the middle of the forest, he found a ride home thank goodness but he informs me that I owe the principal a big thanks.
The boys received there report cards last night in the mail and they were great. Drew and Omar received all A's and B's we are so proud.
Doug is away at a Fred Astaire seminar in WI and tells me it is super with lots of great info, I am sad I missed it.
I attended a meeting at Mariah's school on Friday and she has qualified for the EC program, we spent time writing an IEP for her and she will start to receive services on Monday, I am thrilled to be making progress with her and the school.
I am not sure what the day holds for us Larry was taken back to the hospital last night and was admitted this am so I will pick up Doug from the airport and go and find out what is happening, it seems to be the same issues as before but his blood sugar levels are what got him sent to the ER yesterday.
Closing or now. Drew and I are going to watch a soccer movie.
Chow,
M

Catching Up!!

So the last post I have written was about my hair...Go figure, I have left you all hanging for a blasted long time I guess my goal should be to post once a month. Durham life is busy and I feel the boys are settled in school and making good grades and friends, Omar finished Drivers Ed last Friday and Drew is playing lots of soccer. Doug has a motto for coaching his team today .."I am just going to sit and watch well maybe yell a little oh we will see". The team is developing. Doug just said to me did you do such and such I said of course he responds I wish I was as good as you are and under my breath I said me too :-)
Mariah is struggling in her new school and has more homework than my students at Duke I usually spend at least 2 hours a night if not more. 2nd grade was never this hard for Drew and boy do I hate it. Mariah started taking a focus pill and it has made a world of difference, I tried the pill last week and stayed awake all night and got lots of stuff accomplished so my verdict is this is a good thing!!We have increased her dosage to 2x's a day and this is helping.
Duke is going great and I really love most all of my students. They are learning quickly and are making lots of progress. Today a kid ask me "Missy, is this a real job for you do you make real money?" I said yes this is a real career and I do make money I am not sure how real the money is because it seems to go as fast as I get it.
Lots happening this month I was at nationals earlier this month and will go to FL and work at the end of the month and have lots of travel and work scheduled for Oct.
So DWTS is back in action and I am excited to have the subject to talk about and watch? I am digging the snowboard kid and can't wait to watch the girls tonight.
I know so many folks mention reading our blog so I will try to keep it coming. Hope you have a great day and remember to smile!!
M

Hair...

I have made a big change and it is not just moving back to the states. I changed my hair color to BROWN!?!? I gotta say I like it and I think it is close to my natural color. I have been thinking of doing this for a while and just decided to go for it last night.. I will post a photo soon.
So excited about the upcoming start to Duke and school for Mariah. I was dancing a bit of salsa today and really did not want to stop.
Seems like alot of storms are happening in FL this week we had an unreal lighting storm last night and boy was it scary. The Internet and cable were out from around 8 ish and did not return while I was awake last night.
I am heading to NC tomorrow and am so looking forward to seeing my guys and gal, can't wait to give them a big hug and catch up.
I have been doing so much research today and am so excited to be working on so many cool projects, I will have to make more progress and then reveal them to you.
I am going to close for now but will be back soon.
Smiles,
Missy

LIFE IN THE USA......

Long time no posting but here I am. We are settling into the new norm for us as a family and have the great adventure of one additional child and a rockin housekeeper/nanny. I am so missing the DR and can't believe that I would go through as much withdraw as I have. I miss my great friends and the simple life, I do not miss the roads, heat and crazy drivers. Drew is going to a private school and is slowly adjusting and Mariah will start her new school next week. Mariah DID attend the Christan school that Drew and Omar are attending but it was not a good fit for her and we had to pull her out on the second day. I have so many Mariah stories and would love to share them but think that the blog is way to open and public for all to read !! You have to have coffee with me and I will tell all :-)
I am currently in Florida at the shop working and having a blast with all the girls and awesome dresses, you would not believe. I arrived last night in the middle of a tornado and will leave on Thur in time to attend the Greensboro competition, I am so looking forward to seeing all my great FADS friends.
Doug, Mariah and I attended the memorial service of a great lady that worked for us in Greensboro and Winston Salem. Beth Horton passed away suddenly last week of a massive stroke and I must say it was a very sad and unfortunate way to connect with alot of wonderful students and staff from this area. It is really hard for me to approach a mother and father in a situation when they have lost a child. I feel so much pain for them and words are not quiet enough in these times.
Dancing With the Stars announced the cast today and I must say I am excited to see and hear who is matched with what professionals. I think it will be a great season.
I am feeling a strong desire to go and see a show this season I have never taken the time to do this but really want to this season. I will keep you posted.
I am still at the shop and think I should close and get dinner and prepare for tomorrow so I will close for now. Here's to many more post while we are here in the states.
Blessings to all,

Missy

Catching UP

We finished our time in the Dominican Republic with lots of action and so much heat. Mariah and I were there so that she could have an intense reading, writing and math program with a super teacher from guess where NC. We know so many people from NC it seems a little weird. Mariah also attend 2 different camps and had a blast she so enjoy riding horses and being in the water. I worked alot and tried to prepare mentally for the trip back to the Carolina's. I had alot of junk to get rid of, I can't believe how much stuff you collect in 2 years.

I also had an opportunity to go to the capital and experience the American Embassy. I arrived at 7 something thinking I would go in have an interview and be on my way back to Sousa well...The American Embassy is a popular place with loads of folks wanting that special "pass" to travel to America. We waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited until my butt was numb and my makeup was dripping and my nerves were shot. I can't tell you how bad it sucked but I am trying my best. The restrooms should be blown up and cleaned every 15 minutes they informed me that they were "serving" 700 people on this Thursday JULY 17..700 in such a small space and well I must tell you I had my doubts about getting the visa for our nanny/housekeeper when I saw and heard from the long line we were standing in all the NO'S but God knew better and we were able to receive the domestic work visa. I will travel to Dominican Republic Aug 7 and bring Euserbia "home" Aug 10!!!!! We are so thrilled and excited to have her help us make transition but into American life.

We have another teenager in our family. Omar has moved from the Dominican Republic. Omar is a raising 11th grader. We love him and are excited to see what his future holds.

We are off to the beach tomorrow and will be spending the week with my family at the beach.

The kids start school Aug 12 and I am so excited for them to all be in the same school.

I had another birthday, nothing special I had to drive to the beach to pick up Drew but seeing Drew was a great gift.

Is this enough adventure for one post??

Love and Peace,

Missy

Central Air WoW

Life in NC is going great. I do not remember how to set our thermostat and it is so cool here in the house. 69 degrees. I am sure Missy is hating me right now. Drew and his friends from the DR, Omar and Andrew, are having a great time at Roy Williams basketball camp. I went to watch them last night and although I think Drew is a good bball player he is so overmatched. He is head or more shorter than all the rest. He is the 2nd smallest boy in his age group, yet he is still scoring points. I may go and watch Omar tonight.
Today is Larry's big day. He will be moving into his assisted living home. He has been really good and his health and memory has been improving wonderfully. Well I am over typing now as my new computer is constantly moving the letters around. I am a quick typer and I must hit some button that messes me up. so until I go to the other computer this is all for now. Peace and Love to all dd

HOT!.!.!.!.!.!

How many ways can you say hot? We are melting here and I am still as fat as ever :-)
Mariah started summer camp today and I am going to pick her up in 5 min.
Drew is at camp in NC and I have not heard from him :-(
I am thinking that a trip to Alaska would be pretty cool just about now.
Boy you guys that have central air should be living it up now.
I gotta run so I can get Mariah will check in soon.
Missy

Happy Fathers Day ..

Happy Fathers Day Doug!!! Wishing you a day of fun, relaxation and all the things that make you smile. Mariah and I wish we were in NC so we could spend this day with you.
I know I write it all the time but Doug is the best Dad I could have ever imagined for my children so many great words could describe him but just know he really and truly rocks!!
Speaking of Rockin let me give a huge shout out to Drew who is now in Chapel Hill at basketball camp. Drew received the TOP STUDENT of the year for grade 7. This award was given to one student that the teachers and students voted on and our Drew Daffron is the recipient of this award. He received a plaque and certificate and also got a few other awards what an amazing guy he is.
Mariah also got an award for being the MOST OUTSPOKEN this was no surprise to me and well we love Mariah so much and appreciate her independence very much.
Mariah and I will be in the DR until July 19 she will be doing a academic program for 4 weeks to enhance her reading, writing and math. I am ready to be in NC with the guys but feel that this is what is best for Mariah at this time. I am still working lots and trying to stay cool as much as possible the heat is over the top. Sorry I have not written in a while it seems that things have been a bit crazy. I will be back with photos soon and more news from the DR.
Wishing all of you a blessed day.
Missy

I have a heavy heart tonight and wanted to write to maybe gather some peace. It seems as if death is a popular thing in this country, it just happens to often. Today when the boys were having a lesson with there tutor the director came and had to speak with her to tell her that her best friends life partner had been killed in an accident. The boys wondered why she left crying and I found out that another young life had left this earth. I understand he was killed on the job you see he is a guide for a safari and fell off and then was run over. Just so tragic. I will work at the school tomorrow as most of the teachers want to go to the funeral. I mentioned to Doug that he was killed this afternoon and the funeral will be tomorrow before noon.
The weather is so hot here and I am extremely tired from the heat. The kids are cranky and ready for summer break. I am missing the peacefulness of America. I know if I go and sit by the ocean I will feel better. I plan to now go to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day. Kiss all your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you.
I will,
Missy

FIELD TRIP ON THE RANCH!!!

Mariah enjoyed a class field trip on Thursday while Drew and I went to Santiago to see the Dental Specialist. Take note Mariah had a wonderful time and I am so sad I had to miss the trip. This is Festa 151 and everyone loved it. Ms. Vesna took so many wonderful photos. Drew is doing great and will have the brace removed from his teeth on June 12, he has an appointment with the trauma dentist on the 13 and I feel he will just look him over and give him the ok. This was a close call and we are thankful to have so many great friends to help us see the right people.
Mothers Day is tomorrow here in the DR so we will celebrate this holiday with church and fun at the water park. Great to check in with all our friends and family!!
Take care,
Missy

Lunch Time With Friends!!

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Gator Girl!!

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Dominican House...

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Dominican School..Very Interesting!!

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What a beautiful girl!!

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What Awesome Views!!

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Lost but not alone

Wow being away from the family is becoming more and more difficult. Last night I got a call from Missy and she has been in mom overload. Drew got hurt on the new playground and now will have to have more dental work. He fell and his knee hit his chin and loosen his two front bottom teeth. These are the times when I know we need to be closer together with the family but I am still seeking houseing for brother Larry. A lady came by today but was no help as she was with medicaid and Larry makes too much with his Social Security to be on medicaid. I was also told to call a service that would help me but they said he is already signed up with a case manager who I really need to talk too to get a better direction. Great, that appointment is tomorrow at noon. He has been the same to me but as I look back on his years most of his issues were already there. He still gets up at night an raids the refridge, he did this most of his life. Whenever he would stay with me or our cousin Carl he would eat a moderate dinner but would clean up all the leftovers that night. I have bought snacks and cereal for his late night urges and this is helping. We had a good night last night although the Carolina Hurricanes got beat pretty bad. We watched them at a good pizza parlour and Larry was happy they had N/A beer.(non alcholic). He has been clean since our first or at least our 2nd day together. I have us scheduled to fly to the DR on the 4th of june. this will be good for him and I know for Missy and the rest of the family to have us close by. I know the 2 weeks we are there will be busy as we try and move our stuff and get ready for our time to come back to the United States and get regrounded and back to some kind of work.
I realize Missy is up to her eyeballs in kids, work and just being so I added to this blog to remember the trying times that we have to etch out a fun filled family life.
peace to all.

Time in the States

Wow, Time is moving fast yet slowly. I am in the US with my brother Larry and I have had him out of the Hospital since Mon May 18th. He is starting to come around and regain some of his memory. I have been cooking or at least feeding him 3 meals a day and monitoring his medicine. I did make some mistakes though. When I brought him to our house I had beer in the refridg. and of course it was no time when he found it and drank 1 beer. I was nice and he said he would not do it again. Then that night I still had 7 beers remaining and I asked him if I need to drink them all tonight and he said no he would leave them alone. Then the next morning I checked the refridge and all the beer was there. I told Larry I was going to take a shower and we will head out for our day, well while I was in the shower Larry drank 5 of the 7 beers in the 10 minutes I was not around. Now the Gorilla, as Drew calls me when I get upset, came out. No holding back I was P***ed. I know that was wrong but it was effective. I had to pour the other two beers out, it was to early for me to drink them. And now it is Saturday and we are off to finish moving his apartment to the storage. Still no place to house him except with me. I miss my family very much. I miss seeing Mariah in the talent show and watching Drew play basketball. I hope all is going well in the DR. I will be sad that our fun adventure is coming to a close. I will be getting out of all the ventures that I started up, yet Missy I believe will stay on to help her friend out this summer. Until the next time, I wish you all peace and happiness.
Doug

Maintaining...

What can I say this is what we must do in life. Maintain.
More later!!
Missy the Maintainer

time

time--where is it, who has more, why does it go so fast, can i store it....i have so many questions about time and little time to figure out the answers. not much sleep last night. can you believe a client called the house at around 1120pm yes, i was sleeping and the kids were sleeping. hello doug is how i answered because i thought only doug would be calling at this time to inform me that he had arrived in nc. so it goes a little like this..
i am calling about my trip june 4-7
me ah yeah who is this please, thinking is this person for real
other person says and spells his name
it is so bazaar i should not even blog about it people are nuts. the dude wanted to arrange taxi or transportation from the airport to the villa. i did ask where he was calling from and he said the dc area. he really must have been smoking something.
it rained alot last night and i could not sleep well, 2 kids in the bed doug away i know it will take time to get used to.
i am working alot to give peggy a chance to work on another project and at this point i am answering 5 phones this is a first for me, i will let you know how it goes. i have a 9 am meeting so i gotta run.
peace,
missy

melting

its so hot here like i can't find a place to cool off during the day. i feel as if i just stepped out of the shower and i have been running around all day. wow it is going to be a long summer.
hopefully i will loose some weight.
more later
missy

What a GREAT MOM AND WIFE

Wow what a mothers day I had. This weekend I had my first friend come to visit and stay with us. I have had both my brothers visit and a few friends came over Christmas and stayed in an all inclusive but my friend Paul came to hang out and play some golf.
I am so blessed to have a wonderful wife like Missy, who went way out her way to fly home to take care of my brother Larry. Larry as you may know had a blackout and now is a bit delusional and is still in the hospital until I get back today. Well Missy flew in on Friday and so did Paulie. After subbing at the school I was able to pick them both up. Paulie was ready to party and Missy was ready for an easy night. We went to Cabarete and had a great dinner and wonderful views of the ocean. Mariah was having fun swinging in the hammock at the easy bar. You see Paulie and Mariah and me went for a walk on the beach and Missy and Drew stayed back at the restaurant. I told Mariah we will have a beer while she swings and she said Dad have 2, I am having an awesome time in this swing. Well we only had one and back we went to find Missy.
After taking them home Paul and I went out to the casinos and did not get in till 4am.
Then Saturday was a great day at Ocean Village water park for Mariah and her best friend Leila's birthday party. After this fun event Paul and me went golfing at Playa Dorada and we walked the 18 holes. well only 16 as it got too dark. Needless to say this was an at home night. Now I have always wanted to play a great course here called Playa Grande. So I got permission to do this on Mothers day. did I say I had a great Wife. And the only thing I had to do was call Drew, who was staying over at a friends house and wake him up in time to get picked up by Peggy, as she was going to pick up Missy and Mariah and then Drew could get dressed. Wellllll while having breakfast at La Roca with Paul somehow that slipped my mind. I got a call from Peggy at 10:45 and Drew would not get up for her. then I called Missy and Oh boy I was in trouble, yet I said I would get Drew up and drop him off at the church before heading out of town. Problem fixed and off Paul and I went to have a beautiful day on the golf course. Hopefully you will be able to see some pictures of this too. Again I want to thank my lovely wife for being so understanding and so helpful and for being the best girl in my life and I feel, of course, the best MOM in my WORLD. doug

Happy Belated Mothers Day!!

First I want to wish all the mom out there a very happy day!!! I don't know why but I missed wishing all the moms a great day!!! Busy is the word that best describes me I am going non stop and am so sad to think that Doug will leave for the states tomorrow. We were only able to hang a little because of many things happening so I am going to sleep a little sad.
Doug has been choreographing a dance for Mariahs grade 1 class to dance in the talent show May 22. I will get to see and video tomorrow morning so that I can continue to practice with them. Doug has also been teaching the upper grades business math. I know I say it all the time but he is one amazing dad and husband.
Ok I have to run because Mariah is very tired and needs to be put to bed.

adios

M

Sorry I missed the 9...

I Have so many great photos to post and hope to do it today.
Yesterday was Mariah's birthday party!!!

Blog Binge....

I think I am on a roll. I just know that I have bloged everyday since I said I would and well it feels good most days and a little rushed others. I am now in Miami airport waiting for my flight to the DR.
Larry is?? OK I am going to call now and see. Seemed he was having a ok day.
I will arrive in POP at 4ish and feel so tired because I had only 3 hours of sleep. We have a friend arriving today from NC Paul. I think he is staying until Monday so Doug is excited to play golf and have a visitor.

Memories....Mariah is 7....

Dearest Mariah,
I am sitting in Durham and you are in the Dominican Republic. I think this was a similar situation 7 years ago today. You were coming into this world in Ukraine and we were in America. I can hardly believe you are 7 years old today oh how the time has flown by. I am so blessed to be your Mom. At seven years old you are one amazing girl and bring so much life and energy to our family. I had dreamed of a daughter who would be gentle, soft, girly, dainty and sweet but the reality is that you are not those things at all but you are beyond a shadow of a doubt outgoing, strong, independent, driven, a fashion diva that will conquer the world. I know that God put you in our life because you would be good for us and we would be good for you.What your birthday means to me is a blessing in so many ways you may not have grown in my tummy but you did grow in my heart. I am thankful to your birth mom for giving you a place to grow and for giving birth to you, I am thankful to the orphanage in Ukraine that took care of you for the first 22 months of your life. I am thankful to our great friends Nickolai, Liliya, Ira and so many others for all there help and support. Birthdays are so special in so many ways a time to celebrate the year ahead and a time to rejoice in the time you were born. I wish you a great DAY today and a year ahead that is full of much happiness.

Much Love,


Mom

THIS IS THE EMAIL THAT MARIAH'S TEACHER SENT ME TODAY:

Hope all is well. Doug told me you are arriving tomorrow. Mariah did well. She was really happy and is excited about the party. We did not have a great time during Math test. The timing was not right, so I gave up on it and we will do it tomorrow one-on-one. We have been practicing for the Talent Show a lot. Doug is great!
Just to make your day and to make you laugh a bit... I was retyping their poems that they did over the last few weeks. Here is Mariah's. We were trying to use some of the poet's tools: line breaks, repetition, comparisons...

My splits

My splits
are great!
Sometimes when I do it
It really hurts.
But I do it again,
again
and again
and again.

Talk to you soon.

H
A
P
P
Y

B
I
R
T
H
D
A
Y

M
A
R
I
A
H

House cleaning so to speak.

I can hardly believe I have been in Durham for a week. The time has flown by and I am preparing to return to the DR Friday.
I have spent a good amount of time cleaning the house and doing laundry today. Usually I hate
this task but for some reason I have enjoyed just haveing
a task I can accomplish and feel the end result is a great reward.
Larry has had some visitors today and seems to be pleaseed
with this. He can not remember who they were but I would like to give a thank you shout out to Kathy, Orsi, Barbara. I know that people have phoned and this is great for him also.
I hope to have more news on Larry and his plan after leaving the hospital soon.
I have to go shopping for Mariah's birthday gifts and party supplies so I will close for now.
Cheers,
Missy

Ready for the beach!!!

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Bring on the sun!!!

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still cloudy...that is the sky and larry...

not much to report today. i did get up really early again to have breakfast with ed and kk and arrived at the hopsital before the doctors made rounds. larry seemed to have a very good night and was really with it this morning but this after noon he is confused and reports to me that he is cloudy.
the weather sucks here today lots of clouds and rain and chilly. i posted on my facebook that i am looking for the sun and i truely feel this way in more ways than one.
i only spent half a day with larry and came home to sleep for a few hours and try to do some research on line i woke up like at 6ish and am so thankful for the rest i really felt like things were catching up with me.
i am having the house cleaned tomorrow and will do some shopping for mariah's birthday. mariah will be 7 on the 7th i miss drew, mariah and doug so much and can't wait to see them on friday.
i am planning to write a nice blog about mariah and her birthday tomorrow so stay tuned.
what else can i say i am comsumed with hospital shit and it sucks, but such is life.
peace
m

a new day...

boy oh boy i miss doug and the kids. i could not sleep last night because dasher had lost his mind, i guess living with larry is rubbing off on him. he was a mad dog running up and down the stairs jumping on the bed and barking. i finally had enough at around 330am and locked him in the closed. i know don't send me any emails telling me how cruel i am to animals you would have done the same or probably more by just letting him run free outside. i did this also.
dasher is calm now and i did not even have to admit him to the hospital. haha its a joke.
ok gotta run more later..

sunny in durham...

happy sunday. i just returned from the hospital where i had a meeting with larrys docs. i am happy to report he is doing well.
i also went to walmart and dollar store so that i could look for stuff for mariahs birthday. had some breakfast/lunch went home for a short nap and received a call from larry that he was lost and did not know what to do. i so wanted to say go back to sleep and when you wake up things will be better but this is not what i said i tried to ease his mind, spoke with the nurse called the doctor and went back to the hospital to smooth things out. i am sad to say that the doctor tells me that this is common and he will come and go and as i type now he is definitely in never land.
on another note i had a great dinner with orsi and returned to the hospital to say goodnight to larry and he told me goodnight "nice lady". at least he is calling me nice.
I will be at the hospital at 730am and speak with the docs when they make rounds.
take care,
m

another day at duke...hospital that is....

i spent a good 7 hours today at duke hospital with Larry. i could not find a parking space after driving around for over 30 minutes so i decided to ask and the man said oh just go to the front of the hospital and they will valet park your car for a fee. i was happy to pay my 7 dollars for my 7 hours it is a flat fee of 7 per day and no more than 35 i guess if you die and forget to get your car.
Larry is coming around and knows most everything and is letting everyone know how pleased he is to be staying in the hospital and that as long as he has OK food and his fave foxy 107.5 he would like to stay longer....well i am ready for Larry to move.... yesterday...i really do not like hospitals and can think of so many other places i would rather be at this point in the game. speaking of game i don't have a plan and thank god Larry is not stuck on asking what is the plan and when is the win fall coming if he asked me this one time he asked 100 times yesterday and i thought they were gong to have to get a room for me or take me to jail because i was going to choke him. he could not think to say anything but whats the plan and when is the win fall coming ahahahahh
he has done a 180 and for this i am thankful. i so appreciate all of you kind words and prayers.
going to get some sleep or watch some TV.
more soon.
m

So much to say...but where do i start..

In your last post I lied about chilling. I just thought that was going to be what I did. No such luck.
Larry is sick and I had to have him admitted to the hospital yesterday around noon and I have been awake all night and all day today. I am just as confused as he is ok not really but I gotta sleep. My eyes are crossing and crap.
Larry is in Duke Hospital and I should have more results soon. I know that he could really use all of our prayers.
Duke has a sitter staying with Larry so that I can take a break.
I am grateful.
Tired,
M
ok they just called from the hospital and they are taking him for a MRI lets see...

Chilling in Durham!!!

Well I feel rested and have accomplished alot in a day and a half. Guess what it's cold here really, like I need to turn on the heat.
I have lots planned today so I will keep it short. I added the photo of Mariah with her braids, I hope we never do that again I want tell you how much Dougs brother paid for them and how difficult it was to take them out.
Cheers,
M

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delay,drunks and finally durham....

WOW the last 24 hours have been crazy and non stop. I arrived at the airport yesterday at 330pm, my flight was suppose to leave at 5 we were delayed until 830pm because the plane was very late leaving Miami and there was a drunk woman that they had to kick off the plane in Dominican Republic this took way to much time I think just drop her ass in the ocean and keep it moving ahahah.
Arriving in Miami at 11pm which meant that I missed my connection to RDU..ok stood in line and got the voucher for food, transportation and hotel. I finally got the shuttle to airport Hilton seemed like we drove in circles. Waited in line to check in and finally got to my room. I tried to order room sevice but they stopped at midnight and it was close to 1pm. I fell asleep after a bit and heard my wake up call at 6am. I left the hotel and checked in at the airport and waited and waited finally got on a flight at 940am and arrived at RDU at 1135am.
I got home dropped my luggage and went straight to check on Larry. I think he is going to be fine. I spent a good bit of time with him and after I finish do some stuff her at home I plan to go and check in on him again.
Just looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.
M

Going different ways...

Good morning. I will fly out this afternoon back to Durham to take care of something that was brought to our attention last night. I know we live in a clam place but things are not always calm. I should arrive at RDU at 11ish.
I need to throw some things into a carry on and get dressed for the day. I will try and update on my layover in Miami.
Cheers,
M

Swine Flu

Good morning!!! The big talk is Swine Flu. We are telling the kids to wash hands and keep there hands away from their face. I pray that we can avoid the flu spreading to the DR. We have so many poor people and the clinic and hospitals are not equipted to deal.

The weekend ended with lots of school work for Drew to finish. Math lots of problems, Science a marketing or advertisement to prevent smoking and in English a paper on alcoholism. I really don't have a pulse on what is happening in the states but here in the DR kids are smoking and drinking at a very young age. Drews class and grade 8 have several kids that are drinking and smoking. I hope these projects help the kids stop and think about these addictions.
Mariah wore blue jeans to school today. She is not a jean girl but has wanted to try the pair of jeans that have been in her closet for a while. I will be interested to hear how she makes out.

```IRONING UNDERWEAR```

OK I gotta remember this. I am in the process of interviewing new maids so that I can find one to travel with us back to the states.
I will just give her initial because I think she is the ONE that fits the perfect bill. I am typing as she is cleaning the fan and more dust that you can imagine.
U asked me to go to the laundry room for something, I see pajamas and underwear that have been IRONED what is this?? "Normal" I have been missing out on for almost 2 years now? I ask her when she ironed the underwear and she said yesterday oh and she ironed swim suites and I think socks were next. Do you wanna see a photo? I think it is photo worthy. OK we will see. Maybe it is in honor of my Moms birthday you may not know that my Mom is a clean freak and also has a somewhat addiction or love or need to iron. I should research this therapy...........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA

Today is Nana's birthday, Missy's Mother. I would let you know the age but that would not be very nice of me. I do wish her a super duper day and we send our love to her. I believe sheis at her home in Arkansas and I just want you to know that she is a very special lady. She has been to our home several times and she has visited us here in the DR for a month last May. She is always a pleasure to have around and she is super with our children. We love you and will hope to see you in the Summer in Charleston or Mt Pleasant when your 8th grandchild is born. 1 from Kim, 2 from Karla, 2 from Missy and now it will be 3 from Karen.

April 26th 2009

Missy and Doug

Wow Missy is on her Mission!

Hey I am becoming a believer that Missy will actually make it for 30 days. It will be more of a challenge when our friends leave for the states on May 1. We will then be doing the friend duty of caring for their two children. Missy will stay some nights at their house while they are away for a few weeks.
Anyway, I think she has finally gotten the hang of doing a great blog with pictures and consistency. Today is Sunday and we just returned from having a great lunch after church. Missy is getting ready to read the book that I just finished titled "the Shack" by Wm. Paul Young. It is truly an inspirational book. I usually do not read books, I listen to them on audio books. My favorites are the John Grisham books. I have listen to almost everyone of them while I am on my travels in the states. I was out of books to listen too and I had some time on my hands so I started reading books that Missy has brought to the DR. I started with the book that I gave her for Valentines day
"365". This is a great book for developing an open relationship with your spouse. Missy enjoyed this book too. I then read another book "Take One" another inspirational book and the author has many other great books that I may start reading, yet when I got into "the Shack" I was taken back at how well it is written and how thorough and deep it gets for our connection with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Even though it is an inspirational book,(not a religious one) it is very, very good and a bit scary and suspenseful.
Oh well she has now started "the Shack" and I am sure I will not get to talk to her until she finishes the book (which is usually the case once she starts a book) so I am off to take Wolfgang, our dog, for a long walk. thanks for reading today and now that I have been reviewed on how to get on this blog again to write I will try to do it more, yet I will not make the same 30 day commitment that my love has.
until next time LET THE SUN SHINE IN.
Doug

Rainbows~

Good morning!! I got out of bed this morning and walked to the window and stretched while looking out at the beautiful mountains and landscape there was a rainbow!!
I think this is a great way to start a day! Drew had a sleepover with a friend last night and we were home late from a birthday party so I took the new maid we are trying out home and just chilled for the evening.
Doug went to Santiago yesterday. I worked and tried to get some things accomplished. Mariah was with me so the day was not as productive as I would have like. I did enjoy hanging with her and getting her feed back on what we were doing.
I was checking one house and the Gardner was sleeping, I asked him whats up and why in my Spanish and Mariah says Mom don't ya know he is tired. OK go figure.
We were at a great birthday party for a girl that Mariah and Drew are friends with. I took alot of great photos and will post later. Drew needed his camera for a project he is working on for Monday.
I am going to enjoy some coffee now, go say goodbye to clients that are leaving today and head to church. I am looking forward to a restful day. I have a book I want to start.
Hope your day is great.

M

I am really getting into my blog and posting photos. Thanks for the emails about whats happening and such.
The afternoon was pretty busy and we had a family dinner date with our friends. Mariah and her friend Ophir love to dress up when we go out. Drew and his friend Ofeck like to just "go" and could care less how they look. I am so thankful we have gotten the chance to meet such great people and will treasure our lifelong friends.
We love you Idan, Ilanit, Ofeck and Ophir.

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Earth Day With Classmates.

Yeah for Friday!!

So thankful for Friday. I will enjoy 2 mornings of not having to drive down the school road. I remember the stories that my Mom told us about having to walk to school, pick cotton and other interesting things. I think living in the DR and living back then may have many similar things.
I have already accomplished so many things this morning and it is not even 11am!!! Getting up early and going makes for productive days. I always find myself going to sleep really late in NC and waking late, its the exact opposite here early to bed and up early.
I am now in search of simple cream colored standard curtains and I have searched stores in POP and STG and can't find any. I so wish we had just one store that carried them. I may go to the web and have them shipped, its just a pain to wait I have to have the house ready by May 1.
I was in the salon this morning... color, coffee, reading a updated People magazine.
Going to get more work done.
I am thinking I should start getting rid of stuff June 18 will be here before I know it.

>

Report Cards~~

The picture is of Teacher Vesna and Mariah
I hope you are enjoying the photos....I am going to be adding more. Check the previous posts to also see pics. I know it will be great to have this as a memory book forever.

I was so pleased with the kids report cards yesterday. They both got all A's and B's.
It was great talking to Mariah teacher Ms. Vesna. She really loves Mariah and WE really love her. Drew was a rock star getting the highest grade in several of his classes. We have smart kids.

Doug and I took a unexpected trip to Santiago today so that he could go to the dentist. We just arrive home and HE will return next Tue for x-rays and to have 6 cavities filled. I was a nervous wreck on the mountain roads and was thankful to have miss a rock or bullet that hit the window I was sitting next to. I will post a pic so you can see the shattered glass.

I am going to close for now. I must admit my body aches and if I had not made a promise to blog daily I would have just gone to bed.

Thankful to be safe at home with my family.
Peace,
Missy

Happy Earth Day..

OK I want you to know I borrowed the post below from an email Doug sent. This is how I almost had heart failure yesterday. I was so exhausted during the Earth Day concert and while watching DWTS I could hardly make it up stairs to sleep. Today the kids have community service and Drews class is washing cars, go figure I really don't know a family at the school that does not have a Gardner that does not do this every week if not daily for lots of folks. I could think of alot of things they could have done for community service but oh well such is life. We have a conference with Mariah and her teacher at 1:30 this afternoon. OH just to note its raining now ..car wash should be going great. I have already gone to school, driven to POP for a lawyer appointment, gone to the big super store in POP to look for bagels, no luck and am now waiting at home for the guy to come and figure out why we have no water up stairs. ahhh i wanted to have lunch with my family!!!!


We really do not know where we are going to have Mariah go to school. She has been thriving here in the DR where there is only 10 kids in her class, yet when we were home over spring break Missy had her tested by a psychologist and sure enough she has disabilities (challenges) in reading, and writing and a few others, her math is good and the Dr. said she has a lot of strengths as well and she would be the type to run the company if we get her to read. Anyway, the way Missy works with our kids she will get her the best school that can help her have extra help. Which leads me to a funny story yesterday.
It is the end of the quarter here and today if a student in middle or high school that is failing the parents need a conference,(all elementary kids have a conference led by the student) anyway I got a call from the counselor yesterday saying we have an appointment for Drew at 11 am. I called Missy and she was flabbergasted. She immediately called this counselor and said are you sure you have the right Drew.( there are 2 drews and 1 andrew in the class) He said 100% positive. Missy thought he could be failing in Music (who is an awful teacher) or Spanish which could be. but the counselor called me back and said that Drew is failing science and social studies his grades are below 70 and is failing. Well Drew just told us on Monday that he has a 96 in science and a 93 in math and a 90 in social studies. I could not believe Drew would lie to us and even Missy talked to the teachers last week and all was fine..So she asked me what we should do and I said I guess we will meet the guy at 11. that was not good enough for her. she has spent way to much time in Drew and his school work to believe this was true. she called back to make sure it was the right Drew and the receptionist put her on hold, well after a few minutes (Missy was with her friend and boss, Peggy whose son is the Andrew in the class getting ready to have a meeting on a property, Peggy is in the property business but they delayed the Meeting as Missy went right to the school and pulled the counselor out of a meeting to demand to see the report card. He said please sit down and she said I do not have to sit down just let me see the report. He set it down on the table with the scores face up and Missy didn't even look at them she just turned the card over and it said Drew Smith.(the other Drew in the class) He of course was apologizing profusely and she said did he even pass reading. she asked him specifically twice on&nb sp; the phone to make sure it is Drew Daffron and he said 100% he is sure. Anyway, this just goes to show how in tune Missy is with our kids and how determine she is not to let the school make mistakes. And we knew that Drew could not be lying about his school work as we are in touch with the teachers almost daily. After the confusion it made for great laughs for all of us.

Missy and Doug

28

Doug, Drew and I were at our friends surprise Birthday party last night. We had a blast and loved the company. The diversity of this country is amazing and we are so

thankful that we have had the opportunity to expose our family to the culture and lives of others. We enjoyed dinner with alot of different folks I have been working with

in the

property management business. I am still lacking Spanish but understand quiet a bit and body language goes a long way. I noticed that our Gardner and his wife didn't even

speak with each other or anyone around them. I love Jose and wonder what he was thinking sitting in a nice restaurant that he has never had the opportunity to afford.. Jose

was dressed in his Sunday best and was very handsome, his wife who is pregnant with I think there 4th child was dressed in a very nice dress. I am looking forward to asking

him what he thought and if he enjoyed everything. Jose may just be a man of few words.

I missed DWTS so I am excited to watch tonight, but we have another function at school that is in the evening. The Earth Day concert. Mariah is going to say something about

not burning things and making explosions...How fitting for our fear loving little one. I never told you guys that a few months back Mariah had a wonderful experiment with

fire and the end result was burning up the maids umbrella, should I remind you that life is never boring with the D-CREW.


Doug and I had a nice conference call with the psychologist yesterday. I feel overwhelmed with the task that we should accomplish and where she is going to go to school but

after a few days of analyzing I will chat about it.


We welcome this day with lots of bright sunshine and wonderful weather. I must say summer is definitely here in the DR. Hope you have a little shine in your

day.


Sending many hugs and lots of peace.

M

29

Happy Monday!! The count down is on. The kids are getting ready for school. Eating, taking vitamins, brushing teeth, finding shoes and books and such. This is the way we start each of our mornings. The alarm going off and the race is on to be to school by 755am. I am lucky Doug is a great partner to succeed in this race.
I have a conference call today at 2pm with the doc that tested Mariah.
We have a party to attend tonight.
Drew has basketball training after school.
Mariah has tutoring.
I have work.
Doug has a haircut :.)
Just another day in the life of the D-Crew.
I think I might grab my hat and go for Monday morning circle.
Yeah I will.
Catch u soon.

Peace,
M

Spring Break-Easter and such...

I am kicking myself for not posting in a while. I truly love writing about what is happening with us and especially going back and reading what I have posted in the past. I am going on a 30 day post binge. I pledge to post every day something, even just a hello.

We were in Durham for the week of April 2-12.
I first want to mention that Doug and I welcomed our 14 year anniversary did I just type 14 I am in awe of how long we have been married but if you can believe that we have been dating for 19 years wowowowo. Doug had been in Durham a few weeks before we arrive on the 2 so we missed celebrating our anniversary on April Fools Day. Doug had the house so perfect with beautiful flowers and oh so clean. He had purchased great snacks for the fridge and all the special drinks we like and miss. I know I have the best husband, father and friend that anyone could ever dream of :-)

We were excited to have our Dominican friends Judy and Omar visit for the weekend and for Drew and Omar to have a visit to a school that they are interest in attending next year. We were busy with school, friends and life in the south?./?
Judy and Omar headed back to the Dominican Republic on Monday morning and I stated my doctor marathon with Mariah and Drew. Mariah had her educational evaluation on Monday and Wednesday and the results are indicating she has a learning disability and ADHD. I knew she was ADHD and well we will deal.

Doug, Drew and some of Drews friends had a blast going to the Dean Dome and watching the final four game and then heading to Franklin Street for the wild celebration.

We visited Dr.Betty on Tue and Drew and Mariah got checkout and such. All is well.

We had fun seeing movies and hanging in our Durham house. Did I mention how cold it was? Mariah's lips were so chapped. We departed Durham on Easter and the kids and I flew Delta while Doug was on American. We arrived in Dominican Republic at 130pm and Doug arrived at 430pm.
We had a super Easter Egg Hunt at Peggys and she prepared a great dinner. What a great friend she is just like a sister.
I am stressing over where Mariah will go to school but know that all will work out for the best.
Mariah was in trouble again this week Wed to be exact...Writing on the sidewalk "I LOVE SEX" and putting a heart around it she also wrote that she hated a classmate.. (I thought she couldn't spell) The principal and teacher agreed that her punishment would be scrubbing the walk with brush, soap and water. Must I say she enjoyed this..AHHHHH
Doug and I were chatting that we had always thought that "bad" kids must come from parents that are not doing anything at home etc. Well must I say more we feel pretty crappy.
We attended New Life Church today as a family. I had gone with Mariah before with my great friend Judy and Mariah but never with Doug and Drew and only one other time in the year and a half we have been living here. I really enjoyed the off tuned music and the super friendly pastor and congregation. I am thankful we have found this English speaking church...The only one I might add or that we know of on the North Coast. Thankful for all the blessing we have been given.

Peace to you,

M

The kids are healthy and the sun is shining we are enjoying a beautiful day in paradise. I was very thankful to meet Friday and enjoyed a great evening with some friends. Drew had a friend sleep over and Mariah and I snuggled up and had a good rest. I was in Puerto Plata yesterday for a meeting and went to a new store thats similar to Target/K Mart/Wal-Mart and got some bagels this is the first time we have purchased bagels here and the kids were so excited to have them for breakfast. Oh the small things that mean so much :-)
Mariah and I have been working today, inspecting houses and getting ready for clients to arrive. She is a great assistant and very hard to keep up with.

Funny Mariah quotes from last night.
The prostitute say to Mariah how pretty she is..Mariah yeah by the way..why aren't you wearing any clothes..its cold out here.
Mariah to her friend you better stop talking to that stranger he is going to KILL you.. AHAHAHAH

Life is never dull for us.

Peace,
Missy

Sick girl!!

Thursday!!!
One week away from our trip to Durham.
Its raining again today.
Mariah is home from school. She has a fever,stuffy noise and her tummy hurts??
We dropped Drew off to school and came back home to rest and get some more sleep.

I have been sleeping with both kids for the past week and I find it really nice and a great bonding experience. Is it healthy who the heck can say but I really enjoy chatting in bed before Drew and I fall asleep and tickling them both when the alarm goes off.
I remember sleeping with my mom for alot of years. I slept on one side and my sister slept in the middle and my mom on the other side. Gotta love king size beds.

So much rain this season. I would be totally ticked off if I were coming for a week or 2 vacation. Lots of gray skies and more rain than normal.

Lots of things planned for our spring break visit to NC. Mariah will have a educational evaluation, ultrasound on her breast (she has a growth that needs to be checked) and a visit to 2 schools. Drew will spend a day at a new school and take entrance exams and have his annual physical.

Off to color and entertain Miss Mariah.

Peace,

M

GOD SON!!!

I have a GOD SON this is the first time I have ever been honored by being ask to be a God Mother but my great friends Katy and Paco ask me to be the God Mother of there first child!!
~~Introducing Bryon Montan~~~ He is too cute!!! I can't wait to hold him~~




Monday!!!
Its raining. Drew's sick. Doug's away.
Fever, soar throat.


The weekend was nice. Friday we had a great International Day at the school with interesting facts about many different countries and lots of great food. Drew had a birthday sleepover and go cart excursion and came home very tired and full of mud.
Work is going well and I feel like we are making progress.


Missing Doug...

Happy Birthday Drew!!!!

My amazing son Drew Edmond Daffron is celebrating his 13th THIRTEENTH BIRTHDAY today. I can hardly believe that I am writing this in a post much less experiencing it in real life. It was only yesterday that I had arrived home from a seminar in Nashville TN and awoke the next day to start another Monday as the manager/co-owner of the Durham FADS studio. I arrived in time for one on one meetings and the big meeting we always have. I was big and pregnant with our boy but driven as usual by the joys of work…Doug had left earlier to go to Greensboro for his daily schedule and life as we knew it in the danc-biz… hectic. Drew was due at the end of March and by all indications should have arrived around the 27. Drew had plans of his on and was ready for the party outside the womb and decided to let me know the afternoon and evening of March 4. I decided to go home early 7ish with a pit stop at Wal-Mart spending over 300 dollar. I still wonder what I purchased and why I didn’t do what normal extant moms do and go on a cleaning- home improvement spree.

Home with a stomach ache, backache, headache and what I diagnosed myself with the flu I settled in for the night waiting for Doug to come access the situation and make a plan. Thanks to great friend Dawn she was able to locate Doug and get him to come home quickly.

We arrived at the hospital and one of my favorite docs Dr.Killiam broke my water and told us to plan for the contractions to progress and that we would have a little one soon….

18 painful, frustrating, stressful, sick, agonizing and any other adjective you can think of hours later Drew arrived with much thanks to the vacuum devise I still wonder why they waited 18hours to tell us about this, I could have picked one up at Wal Mart and brought it to the hospital with us..

Drew arrive at 5:18 pm. What can I say I am so thankful to Dr. Helen Kay for hanging in there with us and delivering just before she went off duty?

Drew, you were the most beautiful baby that we had ever laid eyes on and seemed so small in stature but in reality bigger than life to both dad and I. The amount of love that I had was overflowing for you and I am so blessed to call you my son.

We spent your first night in the outside world on our own in the small private room in Duke Hospital . I look back now and wish that I was not so suborned because it was so very difficult why I didn't just ask dad to stay and help, I am too independent to a fault and often times only realize this in the end.

Thankfully we went home on March 6 in the evening and had the joy of sleeping in our bed. You slept with us a lot and made for a more peaceful night for you.

We have celebrated so many wonderful times with you and so many wonderful birthdays just thinking back through the years brings back so many memories and putting it to paper or this blog is a wonderful journal and source to reflect. Where has the time gone and why has it gone so fast. I have so many why questions but the reality is it’s happen and I must reflect, rejoice and enjoy. The saying is so true “time flies when you’re having fun”.

I wonder how many of your birthday parties you remember?? A good trivia question and trip down memory lane for you as well.

1st Birthday was at Chuckie Cheese with the staff, Grandfather Ed and Grammy Helen

2nd Birthday was at Ms .Danielle house. She was taking care of you.

3rd Birthday at our dance studio with the Teletubbies.

4th Birthday at the Museum of Life and Science with our new friend Nickolai!!

5th Birthday at the dance studio with the cool blow up tunnel and magician.

6th Birthday bowling at Mardi Gras.

7th Birthday swim party at the Triangle Sports Plex!!

8th Birthday bowling at Mardi Gras.

9th Birthday sleep over at La Quinta Hotel.

10th Birthday Duke/Carolina on the big screen. Sleep over at the studio and lots of technology.

11th Birthday 3 day beach trip friends.

12th Birthday trip back to the states to see buddies and bowling with friends.

What can I say from a newborn to a teen you have given us so much joy. I love you with all my heart and soul.

May the next 13 years been as joyful.

Much love,

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday

Birthday Letter to Drew

My amazing son Drew Edmond Daffron is celebrating his 13th THIRTEENTH BIRTHDAY today. I can hardly believe that I am writing this in a post much less experiencing it in real life. It was only yesterday that I had arrived home from a seminar in Nashville TN and awoke the next day to start another Monday as the manager/co-owner of the Durham FADS studio. I arrived in time for one on one meetings and the big meeting we always have. I was big and pregnant with our boy but driven as usual by the joys of work…Doug had left earlier to go to Greensboro for his daily schedule and life as we knew it in the danc-biz… hectic. Drew was due at the end of March and by all indications should have arrived around the 27. Drew had plans of his on and was ready for the party outside the womb and decided to let me know the afternoon and evening of March 4. I decided to go home early 7ish with a pit stop at Wal-Mart spending over 300 dollar. I still wonder what I purchased and why I didn’t do what normal expant moms do and go on a cleaning- home improvement spree.

Home with a stomach ache, backache, headache and what I diagnosed myself with the flu I settled in for the night waiting for Doug to come access the situation and make a plan. Thanks to great friend Dawn she was able to locate Doug and get him to come home quickly.

We arrived at the hospital and one of my favorite docs Dr.Killiam broke my water and told us to plan for the contractions to progress and that we would have a little one soon….

18 painful, frustrating, stressful, sick, agonizing and any other adjective you can think of hours later Drew arrived with much thanks to the vacuum devise I still wonder why they waited 18hours to tell us about this, I could have picked one up at Wal Mart and brought it to the hospital with us..

Drew arrive at 5:18 pm. What can I say I am so thankful to Dr. Helen Kay for hanging in there with us and delivering just before she went off duty?

Drew, you were the most beautiful baby that we had ever laid eyes on and seemed so small in stature but in reality bigger than life to both dad and I. The amount of love that I had was overflowing for you and I am so blessed to call you my son.

We spent your first night in the outside world on our own in the small private room in Duke Hospital . I look back now and wish that I was not so suborned because it was so very difficult why I didn't just ask dad to stay and help, I am too independent to a fault and often times only realize this in the end.

Thankfully we went home on March 6 in the evening and had the joy of sleeping in our bed. You slept with us a lot and made for a more peaceful night for you.

We have celebrated so many wonderful times with you and so many wonderful birthdays just thinking back through the years brings back so many memories and putting it to paper or this blog is a wonderful journal and source to reflect. Where has the time gone and why has it gone so fast. I have so many why questions but the reality is it’s happen and I must reflect, rejoice and enjoy. The saying is so true “time flies when you’re having fun”.

I wonder how many of your birthday parties you remember?? A good trivia question and trip down memory lane for you as well.

1st Birthday was at Chuckie Cheese with the staff, Grandfather Ed and Grammy Helen

2nd Birthday was at Ms .Danielle house. She was taking care of you.

3rd Birthday at our dance studio with the Teletubbies.

4th Birthday at the Museum of Life and Science with our new friend Nickolai!!

5th Birthday at the dance studio with the cool blow up tunnel and magician.

6th Birthday bowling at Mardi Gras.

7th Birthday swim party at the Triangle Sports Plex!!

8th Birthday bowling at Mardi Gras.

9th Birthday sleep over at La Quinta Hotel.

10th Birthday Duke/Carolina on the big screen. Sleep over at the studio and lots of technology.

11th Birthday 3 day beach trip friends.

12th Birthday trip back to the states to see buddies and bowling with friends.

What can I say from a newborn to a teen you have given us so much joy. I love you with all my heart and soul.

May the next 13 years been as joyful.

Much love,
Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday

~~~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREW~~~~

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Bummer..

So I am still hanging in NC.
I have really enjoyed my
2 weeks of working,
relaxing and
being re introduced
to my previous life.
I am please with
the stuff I
got accomplished
and even the things
that I was forced
to learn and do.
I must say that I
have more appreciation
for my awesome husband
and what he does for
our family and others.
What a great guy.
One difference between
Durham and the DR
is that we get mail
in the US DAILY!!
I really thought I
liked this on most
days. I love my
magazines, junk
catalogs for fashion
and decorating and
the coupons are
not a bad deal if
I do say so myself.
B U T
Today I received
ANOTHER rejection
letter from the
Durham Public Schools
now this is not my
first it happens to
be my 3rd over the
past 3 years and
I am starting to
take it very personally.
They are nice enough
to thank me for
applying to the DPS
and I did not get
picked, chosen
or selected or should
I say Drew did not.
Crap, this sucks again
and I wanted to scream.
I hate to gamble and
this is how this process
feels. SO yet again Drew
does not have a space
at either Durham School
of the Arts or Rogers Herr...
I continue sorting my
mail and see ANOTHER
letter from DPS referring
to Mariah Daffron and
what would you know but
ANOTHER rejection!
So the questions I
have is why in the
hell can I not deduct
private school tuition
from my taxes??? I
want to send my children
to public school and
would be thrilled to
save the money I have
to pay in private school
for college or their
future. I am so frustrated
and fed up with this system
but feel helpless. How
will writing about it change
anything? This is
what I am doing at
2am on a Thur. I should
we blogging about the
great friends I hung
out with tonight and
the meal I prepared
for them, I should
be writing about the
American Ballroom Challenge
we watched and all
the great dancing and
costumes we saw.
No I am pissed about
the school thing.
AHHHHHHH
Yes I have a private
school plan. Yes I
checked all my
options with charter
schools and such.
Just playing this
game is NO fun
and I should think
positive and be thankful
that God has the
best plan.
I gotta do
what I tell my
kids.

Thoughts are Things
Only Feed Your Brain
with GOOD Thoughts.

Hoping you receive
good things in
your mail today and
a l w a y s.
Many Blessings,
Missy
PS- The sun will shine bright tomorrow and the new day will bring great things.

HOME ALONE

WOW it's Friday night and I am home in DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA alone, solo not even a dog is present. I arrived in Durham last Sunday night with the intentions of spending the week getting our taxes and other paper work done for the month. I had planned to go to another state to work for a week and then travel back to the DR on the 1st of March. Guess what? Plans change and bodies sometimes dictate what we are going to do and my body has come down with an awful cold, flu, sinus infection and wants to just stay in. I have decided to rest and chill and enjoy my quiet home. I am so missing my wonderful hubby who I know would nurse me and my active kids who would bring life to this quiet house. I did spend some time with several of our Durham friends and even got to see Drew's buddies play basketball and Jade and Star diving and doing gymnastics. These guys are getting taller and leaner and their hair is growing like wild grass, I guess this is the cool way to be for a 13 year old. Did I tell you that Drew will be turning 13 on March 5 and that we will officially have a teen in the house!?!
I can remember when he was born and now he is going to be a teenager. Where do the time go? I plan to write a post about the day he was born as we get closer to his birthday so stay tuned. I am also a little ahead of the game because I purchased his birthday present yesterday.
Hope your staying warm and that you have a restful evening.
Peace,
Missy

Drews English Paper....

a few notes he wrote on the top of the paper: I kinda got in the writing mood, take a look for yourself.
BTW: there is a lack of periods.
subject:English Mr.Mack Date December 12, 2008
A+ comments from Mr.Mack Nice job D.D This is excellent Drew.

HOW TO DO WELL IN SCHOOL
In life you will have to do well in school to survive in the future, if not your dead! With my advise you can do well in school, but if you want to be a failure in school then put this paper down and forget about everything someone put into you to try to make you successful. Then stop reading this now! This was only made to help people who want to succeed in school.

If you want to do well in school you need to make your teachers day colorful by making him/her feel good by giving compliments to them... You will always need to be in a positive attitude because you don't want to get all fussy (angry) for no reason. Remember to be nice but not be the teachers pet! You will also need to be in the learning mood, you can't do well if you do not want to,  I mean make the teacher feel good but if you don't put any effort into your  studies you will not pass.

Another fact about how to do well in school is to always listen to what the teacher says because if you do not you will not be on his/her's favorite list, and you really want to be on that list. To do well in school you will also have to participate in the lesson even if you are extraordinarily shy. When I say participate I mean you constantly have to raise your hand and answer questions, study even if you are not told to do so it will help you for quizzes, tests and projects.

THe final facts I am going to tell you starts with a few key things that I have acknowledge and thought special card written down for the of the story,

When you are finished reading this I'm sure ou will be dumbfounded just like I was when I found out how to do well in school. Ell, back to the story.
The most common thing I hear after or even before people (mainly friends) get their report cards. I hate this teacher she teaches horrible blah, blah, blah blah.
I learned this ti from one of th the best teachers I will ever have and it is to not be so selfish. What I mean by tis is that you need to not just think of yourself when this happens. Your parents, guardian argue and make their child and them look stupid.

sun fun

I am speaking on Skye and typing this at the same time. I am very good at multi tasking (hahaha).
We are enjoying the sun. I know that lots of you guys are having your fun in the cold winter snow. Well, you can have the cold weather.
Whats happening!! Half a day of school so that we can receive the kids report card. We had a great lunch at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. Great view. I had to return to work but Doug spent the rest of the afternoon with the kids at the water park. The sun was hot and the weather was perfect for them.
The report cards were great for Drew and very good for Mariah. The kids are thriving and loving island life.
Work is interesting for me lots of new fun and not so fun and crazy things happen every day.
Sending the rays your way. Hope your day is full of sun.
Hugs,
Missy