Losing power from a snowstorm and your husband is in Florida...

Anyone who knows us, knows that we, (Eric and I... well, just Eric) take forever in making decisions on most purchases.  And while after 23 years of marriage, I'm completely bought into the "don't make knee jerk purchases", "do your research" program.  Any idea which one of us is the "researcher" and which one is the "knee jerk purchaser"?!!  

Last summer while the girls and I were at a horse show and Eric was home, we lost power.  For like a week and a half.  We lost a lot from our two freezers but Eric also purchased several huge coolers and was our hero caveman!  

We spoke about a home generator and it sounds amazing when you lose power  but then the power returns and you go about your life.

Last month we lost power and it was record low temperatures.  Eric was certain we would freeze to death.  We revisited the conversation about a home generator and he assured me he was going to have people come out and give us estimates.  Keep in mind that our power was restored sooner than they said so hooray for power!!!  

Eric is currently in Florida visiting his parents.  At 5:15am this morning after being hit by the current snowstorm, our power went out..... 

I sent the following text:

Eric told me that he went on to the DTE website and it said our power was to be restored by Friday.  He said that he knew that he was in trouble!  He immediately called a company and I am to expect a phone call after 5pm today from a guy who will be coming out to look at our home about a generator.  

Being in Florida and knowing your wife and daughter lost power from a snowstorm can be a great motivator!  

Whatever it takes!!

I wish you...

I wish you days of peace, for there will be many trials in life.

I wish you days of sunshine.  We never realize how much we enjoy the sun until we don't have it.  

I wish you days of trials..... so you will appreciate the peace!

I wish you struggles in life so you will know exactly how strong you are.

I wish you love.... the kind of love you feel when you become a parent.  There are no words to describe it.

I wish you laughter!!  Deep gut laughter and if you almost pee your pants, that's a bonus!

I wish you butterflies in the pit of your stomach when you see that special person.

I wish and hope your Character, Morals and Values will stay firm and grounded in life.  Never jeopardize those.  Once lost, they are so hard to retrieve.

People will remember you for something.  You will always be known as the person who _______________.  

There is a saying, "People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."

Make it positive.

Photo Shoot

Sarah and Lizzie were asked to be part of a photo shoot for The Skin Bar http://www.dbtstheskinbar.com/ which is a "pod" store for Delicate Beauty Spa http://www.delicatebeautyspa.com

Both which are owned by a friend of mine Nancy Young who is an incredible entrepreneur, esthetician and fitness guru!  She is also my spinning instructor whom I complain bitterly about but couldn't live without!

I'm thankful for our chance meeting, for her friendship and for being such an amazing role model to all three of our daughters!  

If you are in the Ann Arbor area, go to one of her locations!  You won't be disappointed!  And tell her I sent you :)  

Lizzie far left, Sarah far right

2013 to be a milestone year!! I'm ready! I think...

2013 - The world didn't end... those Mayans!  So now we continue forward with the new year, ready or not!  

I had the realization yesterday as I was cleaning, meal planning, laundry (sitting on Facebook) that 2013 is going to be monumental for our family!

Emily turns 21 this year.

Sarah graduates high school, will be traveling to the University of Michigan for college (approximately 5 miles from our home) and will turn 18.

Lizzie will turn 16.

The one bummer about all of this is that Eric and I turned 50 last year!  Can you even imagine the excitement if we would be celebrating our 50th birthday's this year as well?  Dang... had I only planned this better.... :)

Speaking of Lizzie... we went to the DMV to get her drivers permit last night.  I realized how much you change as a parent after each child.  We left the DMV, Lizzie got behind the wheel and said to me, "I'm such a good driver", proceeded to put it in drive instead of reverse and almost hit the pole in front of us.  I laughed and immediately Tweeted about it! That would not have happened with the other two!!  

On another note, Eric will be having knee surgery Monday.  Not a replacement thank goodness!  We are hoping that he will be as good as he was at 48!  One can only hope!  I'm feeling some pressure because I will be taking him to the hospital... (thank goodness for free WIFI so I can document his day), and cooking which will be added to my usual routine of... well, making the coffee, eating breakfast that Eric made for me, starting my job as researcher for Facebook and Twitter and Instagram, working out, having lunch with friends and getting my nails done.  I know, I know... it's a lot of pressure but I'm feeling up to the challenge!!  Don't worry, it will be well documented on Facebook and Twitter.  

Losing loved ones.

December 26, 2012   I lost a family friend to liver cancer. He was diagnosed January of 2012.  I went to see Charlie in August, he got tired easily but was still going to work.  It was a wonderful visit but on my drive from Columbus back to Michigan I had time to think about the fact that plans were being made for when he was no longer alive.  I mean, his wife and I talked about this and the things that Charlie wanted to make sure were in place for her, trying to decide if they should sell their home because he didn't want her to have to take care of their large property, etc.  Having the "I probably won't make it to the end of the year" conversation was very real.  I had 3 hours to let this soak in and wondered how I, if given the same diagnosis, would handle it.  Charlie took a hot air balloon ride, walked one of his daughters down the isle and connected with old friends.  I went back to see Charlie December 9th and he wasn't doing very well.  I felt certain that would be the last time I saw him alive.  We didn't think he would make it the week.  I had to be back in Columbus on Dec 17th with Emily and we went to see him again.  He was so proud of my girls when we talked about their riding, Sarah being accepted to colleges and Emily interviewing for Internships.  Before we left, Charlie told Teri that they needed to contact their neighbor who works for Limited Brands and put a good word in for Emily.  That was Charlie, always thinking of others.  That was to be my last hug and last goodbye to Charlie.  He died 9 days later.  Charlie was 57.


January 5, 2012   I just returned home from the viewing of the mother of a friend.  Wendy's mother passed away on Wednesday.  It was very fast.  Wendy saw her mom at 10am Wed morning and she passed away at 11pm that night. I didn't know Wendy's mother but listening to Wendy talk about all the things her mother taught her and her love of horses and the plans they had of doing things together broke my heart.  There was no time to make plans, no time for talking about what you would like to have done with your home, your animals, etc.  It happened so fast.  Wendy is still numb and in shock as anyone would be.  

Death happens, none of us can avoid it.  Will we ever be prepared?  I don't think so, no matter how well we have things in order or how fast it happens, no one if fully prepared for death.  

Hug your kids, your spouse, your parents, your friends.  Stop and listen, really listen when they speak to you.  I find myself half listening if I'm doing something else I think is more important.  Nothing is more important than the relationships we have with those we love.  I have promised myself to be in the moment when someone is talking to me.  I hope you will too.

Happy 17th Birthday my Sweet Sarah!

To our sweet Sarah!

infamous "dog" shirt

Seventeen years ago today, at exactly 1:49pm, you came into this world and our lives have never been the same!  You've been a determined child since birth!  Lifting your head up at just a few days old, walking at 7 1/2 months and running as soon as you put it all together!  Refusing to sleep in your crib, but preferred the floor, your crib was apparently only used for book reading..... refusing to take off your "doggie" shirt for days on end,

the crib was merely a playground

 to figuring out how to maneuver yourself out of your car seat at the age of 19 months as I'm driving down the highway, scaring me to death and laughing your head off!  

When we would go to your dad's business functions where families were welcome, your dad's co-workers referred to you as "The WildCat" as you ran non-stop!  



You would get very excited about something and decide to go running to the back of the house, only to run head on into the wood beam in the living room.  Stunned for only a moment, (and I'm sure after the stars cleared from your vision) you took off running again!

with Mrs. Jenkins

 As soon as you were allowed, age wise, I enrolled you in Montessori school where you were able to learn and grow at your pace, which was rapidly!  The bond you developed with your teacher Mrs. Jenkins, will forever be a special relationship.  We are thankful for her and the care and patience she took with you.  

"Party Time" & Grandparents

You soon caught the horse bug and what an incredible journey that has been!  Our girl who only wanted to do Hunters, not Jumpers because they "go too fast" went on to be the 2011 NAL Child Jumper Champion!  You've turned into quite the natural when it comes to horses and we continue to love watching your ride!  

The most important man in her life next to Eric!
Her trainer, Aaron Vale

"Queen of Hearts"

"DaSilva's Amore"

First of many wins!



You have been trying to get Lizzie's affections for many years!  With only 19 months separating you two, you have your own special bond and although you fight a lot, I know you also hold each others secrets close to your heart.

 We love watching the two of you and your relationship even with the ups and downs of it all!

USET Finals 2012

It's been several years since we've been to USET finals.  Sarah qualified for the first time and I was thrilled because it is by far, my favorite finals to attend.  It is held at the USET Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ and where the US Olympic team practiced for many years.  Such history at this place.  

I know I'm being biased when I say this, but Aaron has the best guys that work for him.  Trey and Abel drove I believe 18 hours, leaving Thurs afternoon and arriving at 5am Fri morning to drop Lizzie's horse off at a layover farm and then on to USET.  We arrived Friday afternoon and had a warm up class.  We went to dinner, headed to the hotel and they were up and gone by 5am the next morning!  Abel takes care of our horses and the pride he has is off the charts.  He said some of the other guys were asking him what he does to get the horses so clean and shiny!

Abel and Gregor

 Both Trey and Abel were there to do whatever needed to be done!

Trey and Abel

 Going over some last minute details before heading into the ring.

Aaron Vale and Sarah

 Working on the flat.  Judges Karen Healy and Robert Ridland in the background.

Sarah and Gregor

Sarah and Gregor

 The jumping section.  Sarah started out strong, and her first seven jumps were unbelievable!  Then they headed to the open water.  Going strong with much determination, they got right to the open water and Gregor planted his feet.  It was a dirty stop which is unusual for him.  He had just jumped the open water on Friday but on Sunday, he wasn't having it.  Obviously a sad moment but as we sometimes say, "that's horse showing for you."  You can be on top of the world one minute, and on the bottom the next!  It's a very humbling sport!  As the mom, obviously the wins are better than the defeats.  I hate to see my girls sad, upset, frustrated, etc but I also realize that these are all life's lessons.   Life doesn't promise us things won't go terribly bad.  It does promise us, however, there will be another chance.  We are heading to Harrisburg for Medal finals and then Maclay finals!  Life is good.