Havin' a ball!

It's been awhile!! But my goal is to keep dedicated to this, 'blogging' so I will!

Life has been crazy the past few weeks!

Our lovely family just returned from spring break, a nice weekend in Omaha, NE. We all stayed together at the Settle Inn in Bellevue. The grand total in attendance was 19 at points. On Friday, we went to cross-town rivals, Holy Ghost, for a delious fish fry.

The fish was so good!

And the family time was amazing!

 Then headed to the old neighborhood bar, Darby's! After Darby's we went to Dj dugout. As you can imagin in my family, there was plenty of beer invloved, and many many laughs. Made many new memories and reminisced about old ones.

The is my newphew #4, whos name is Darby, he was named after this bar!

Saturday was packed full of adventures!

First off- behind the scenes at the Omaha Hendly Doorly Zoo! Which was amazing! We were fortunate enough to go into the bottom of all the buildings and see what they do to keep the animals and everything enclosed. We also had the oppertunity to feed the giraffes! Which was SOOO cool!

Our new friend Sam!

They were so cool!!

After that we headed to the Aquarium, which was so very neat! We went inside to find we were meeting a Penguin! And on the way to the Zoo, I was talking with Kaylee (grandchild #5) and she told me that was her favorite animal! Everyone was very excited, including Kaylee! The penquins were very soft, but look oily. Really were a neat thing to see so up close and personal.

Kaylee and her favorite animal

Then we walked around, and visited all the other animals, it was a very fun day at the zoo! Lots more pictures via facebook. But all the kids has a wonderful time, and we learned lots!

Thanks mom and dad for getting that for our spring break!

 After the Zoo, we headed back to the hotel. It was a moment of down time before we were on to Family Pictures, and with 19 people in our family, you can only imagin how it went. LOTS AND LOTS of organization, and communication. Maybe the two biggest things our family lacks! But as they say, we might not have it all together, but together we have it all! That fits our family omost to well. After hectic amount of pictures, we had a nice steak dinner with everyone at Casio's in South Omaha! After dinner, the children retreated back to the hotel. And I went out for a night on the town with my lovely Big Sister, Jamie!

We always have so much fun!



We went to numerous bars, but my favorite was the Sushi house we were to, call Hiro I believe. My brother-in-law Dave Kommer, his brother Phil, worked there. So we had a ball, and I tried a saki bomb for the first time. It was a rough sunday morning, but I had a great time! Thanks for takin me with, and also thanks to Nick and Amanda Allington for joining us!

Jamie and her Bud Light!

Me and my radiation beer ;) it was a japan beer, that went with the saki!

All in all, we had an outstanding trip. It was so so good to see all my family, together for a weekend in about 2 years! The good times with you all are endless, and the laughs are something I could never forget. I am so luck, and blessed to call you all my siblings, and I look forward for what it to come! :) <3

AJG

There's no other love like the love for a brother.  There's no other love like the love from a brother.  ~Astrid Alauda

Lake Delhi 2010

Aj Goldsmith

Big Brother

Best Friend

Partner in Crime

Enemy At Times

My big brother, has got to be one of the best I could have ever asked for. Since we were born, we have always had this love/hate relationship. Throughout school, and life, I for sure took our relationship for granted because it want until these past few years Ive realized how special he is to me. Aj gives hands down the best advice, there is literally anything going wrong or having a hard time, Aj will tell you straight up what to do, and how your going to do it. There was never a time where I did something (meaningful) and didn't have Aj's support. He gives the most uplifting support, and never ever has let me down  (except that one time where I got called out in front of everyone at the GHS football game, because you were getting a MIP). This past month, we have all struggled, been tested, and pushed to our limits. Aj has showin his strength and it is something I admire so much in him. I also admire how he can carry on a conversation with anything that will talk back, most the time, from time to time, when we are waiting on him, I just want to sow your mouth shut! But I am so proud to call him my brother and I'm so lucky to have him in my life. I just want to let him know, day in and day out, I love you so much and I am always here for you. I know at times I get so mad at you, like when you wear my shirts, and socks,  when you park behind me and won't go more your car, or when you won't plan ahead for anything...I'll always still love you, even though I probably say different.

Thanks for everything you do for me, and for Corri. And we both look up to you so much.

It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on!  ~Author Unknown

This has been a tradition for us and probably why i have a bad back ;)

I love you so much Aj. Thanks for all the memories, and many more to come!

-DP-

Daniel Poly- I'll never forget you, I'll never let you go, I'll always remember, I hope you know.

My heart is throbbing at the thought of writing this post. A brother, a best friend, a shoulder to cry on, a referrer when it came to fights with Aj, a smile from ear to ear, the biggest heart, best tan, wore orange shoes when he played basketball, and carried the same book bag since 7th grade. He gave me rides to school, came over for family dinner, told me when I was being stupid, and needed a reality check, he gave it to me. Dan always made you feel like the most important person when he was around you, he cared so much about everything going on. He made time to make your day better, and Dan LOVED to have a great time, and I mean, GREAT time.

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 we received news of my dearest friend Dans death. No one word, or one action can tell you how I felt at that very moment. I actually found out view his facebook, after receiving multiple random calls from Omaha numbers, silly me thought they were just butt dials. After finding out, I immediately called Joey Carney, Ajs very close other friend, who at this time is in New Zealand, therefore his phone was off. I next call John-Paul Baker, who goes by JP, and he confirmed. He told me that we would be okay, and we will make it through this. Boy was it tough to get home that afternoon, I then called my dad, Maggie, and Sarah, to tell them all. Still not sure if I could even believe it. My heart was crushed..I was just praying somehow that this was all a dream, a bad, sick, twisted dream. Then I arrived home, before everyone. Within minutes, Aj's car pulled it. He had already found out, thank god, but seeing my big brother that upset and in such disbelief, Aj and Dan were more then friends, they were.."sexy-kinda," has they said to each other for years and years. Holding my brother while he cries, is something my heart most could not handle. He is SO strong when it comes to emotions and struggles, so to see him this upset, just crushed me even more. After gaining some composure, mom and dad both arrived home. Aj was still extremely upset, and I needed to get away. I went over our family friends, The Randall's, house and talked with Mama Reg, it was so nice to step out, and processes some thoughts, but then of course came more thoughts, more phone calls, more texts, more facebook post, basically our life's were exploding at this moment. I still can not process that there is no more Dan, I started this post Thursday late afternoon, it is now Tuesday late afternoon.

Wednesday, Aj took off for Omaha. Arrived safely to the comfort of close friends and family. Thursday, I took off for Omaha to join them, we all went to the Poly's, saw Dans family, sat in the infamous basement, drank plllllllleeentty of beer, for Dan. Just talking about old times, and hearing those boys share stories about Dan help more then one person can say. You could just feel Dan there in spirit. After sometime, we went over to another friends, where we were greeted with even more of Ajs close friends. Saturday was the same thing, more friends around, more beer, and even more memories. Just the way Dan would want it. Sunday was the Wake, Dan's sisters, Ellen and Maire, spoke and did an outstanding job. Sharing stories, talked about his love for his friends and family, about his cheesy pickup lines, and his 'game' that many women there had experienced. Me not being one, due to the fact I was ALWAYS prepped before hand to set him up with one of my friends, which successfully worked for Dan in more then one occurrence. Seeing everyone there showed how blessed and loved Dan was. And if you couldn't guess, we ended the night at a bar, in South Omaha, called 'Darby's' we had a great time, remembering Dan and healing all together. Monday was the funeral, when we laid our Dan the man to rest, where he could be at home with his God.  It was absolutely beautiful outside, Aj was a pallbear, and dad assisted both did a wonderful job!

But WOW-those people are amazing, all being together this whole time made this extremely painful experience, as easy as one can get. I will forever be grateful to you all, who help my brother, his friends, my family, and myself get through this experience. The phone calls, texts, thoughts, and prayers really showed how blessed my life really is, with such an amazing base around me. Dan was a brother to me, he at many times was the calming factor when Aj screwed up, Dan Poly will live with me day-in-and-out.

RIP DannyBoy-always and forever <3

Herniated disc day.

I have had, and have a herniated disc in my lower back (between L4 and L5 for those who care medically savvy). I went to the ER Jan. 9, and they did an MRI and found it, after having some intense pain on my back and left leg. Send me home with drugs, and a doctor to call. Now, four weeks later, I have seen a orthopedic specialist, done lots of PT, and had a epidural. Still having lots of pain and heading towards a second opinion soon.

-SO that is the update on my back issue-

Now, lets get started on why I wrote all that! Today, after a long weekend celebrating birthdays in Iowa City, and the Superbowl with my AMAZING family, I had three back-to-back-to-back apt this afternoon! W.O.W, did I feel busy, and like everyone wanted to poke at me. Some much nicer then others, but I am SO over this back issue, I do not do good sick, or injured (as many of you know) I would just rather be on the go, and doing work as best as possible, boy has this really put a tamper on that! It has really put my heath into prospective, and how much we seem to take it for guaranteed in everyday life style, took something like a silly ole' herniated disc for me to get my body some rest and relaxation! I am not whining, at all. It was just a very very emotional, testing day. I struggle with those. Looking back in my phone, called mom 8 times, within the 4 hrs of my appointments- gotta love having that mom, always can make ya feel better :) But I will come back from this, hopefully scare free, and being able to touch my toes....we have a long ways to go, so prayers would help!


Thanks mom, family, Regina, Sarah, and mag for putting up with me, and helping me out so so much!

Nice win tonight Solon, and good luck tomorrow! Mom has Kaylee over night, I will have her tomorrow, it has been quite the treat to have her around the past two days.

COLORADO WEEKEND!

Friday morning flew into Denver; we were greeted with a big smile and hug from my oldest sister Bridget, always refreshing to see her. After we got the car loaded up, we headed to a nice breakfast in Denver. Called the squeaky bean, very cool place! Low key and simple. Then it was off to the Coors factory in beautiful Golden, CO! WOW, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. We all enjoyed ourselves, had our three free beers, and found out how they made their glorious beers. My favorite, as always, was the old school Coors light. Although, I did try winter fest ( :( ), Coors original, and the abbey ale ( :/ ). Great experience with some amazing people. From Golden, we headed up the mountain to Winter Park! We stopped for a bite to eat and water halfway up in Genesse, CO. And well...I'm not sure where to start...there was one convenient store, liquor store, restaurant, ski shop, and gas station. We decided we would eat at the restaurant. It was a very small
place where they served mainly German food. A VERY German older couple greeted us, began to tell us all about their famous bratwurst, they were homemade! I fell for it and got the bratwurst...........terrible idea, not only was the bratwurst bad, the beer was bad, and my total was 20!! As you could imagine, I was not happy. Then we hit up the liquor store and well. Things were looking up :) We began the rest of our journey to winter park. Got to the condo, and went out on the town. Had a great time with all the girls, and learned that I really enjoy tuwaca!!

Saturday morning came along, everyone was feeling a little under the weather, but we kept on going! OFF TO SNOWMOBILIN'!!  Having a bad back, I was quite nervous, big sis bridg and I decided we would make the adventure ssssslowwwwwwllllyyy. And when I say slowly, I mean slow! It was the most beautiful, breathtaking, adrenaline rushing adventure, ever. No word to describe the sights. It was so freaking cool. At the very top, you have the option to go to the continental divide or stay at the open fast area. Bridg and I really were not sure about going up this steep mountain side. But everyone else took off, and Bridget says to me, the driver, we will never be able to see this again ab! So we went, up the mountain side, to the top of the continental divide. Shocking, unbelievable, most incredible sight I have ever seen and I could not have done it without my sisters. It was so amazing. You have no idea till get the chance to try it.

After that long cold afternoon, we decided nap time, and a late dinner was in store. Then we all went to bed. Sunday morning we went to breakfast at rise and shine in winter park, and it was so good! Then we were off to the airport to drop of the first batch, then Lindsay, Emily, and myself went to stay at Bridget’s for the night!

It was an all-around great trip, we had so much fun!

THAT yellow bus :(

Have you ever felt that point in life where hardly ANYTHING is going your way? Where one thing bad, leads to another bad, then something feels good, and one ten time’s worse thing happens 2 hours later. That right there ladies and gents, was my day.

I just feel like I have bad luck, I nanny for 2 very very very special little men, I take them to school and pick them up, and supervise them before and after school. Today, like every day, at 3:15 went to pick them up. I was in the carpool line, where there are approx. 8-10 cars every day. We just line up on the far side of the parking lot and wait till they are released and brought out to us. I was the last one in line, minding my own business and had been there for 4-7min give or take a few, on twitter to be exact. All of the sudden I felt my car move? And then I heard a horn? All strange, I look in the back mirror. The school buses were entering at this time, and one had hit my car and proceeded to honk at me. Needless to explain what all went down but I now have a YELLOW scratch on my car, and the drive did absolutely nothing after knowingly had hit me. BAD LUCK!? Yes.

Now that’s off my chest!! Tomorrow we leave for Jamie’s Birthday Weekend in Colorado :D I am traveling to Omaha, Nebraska tomorrow with Emily Mattke (my brother A.j’s girlfriend) and Lindsay Supple (A Cousin on my Supple side) and we will be staying that night in Omaha with some of my old friends. Feels so nice to even be going back home for an evening, see some old faces. Always puts a nice prospective on life and where I am from. On Friday morning we leave at 7:15 AM with 5 other people and head to the B-E-A-utiful Colorado! Bridget will be picking us up from the airport. I am so every excited to see her, it has been a long time since we have got to catch up. Should have a great time, hopefully the herniated disc in my lower back will give me no issues :/

SO- here is to a weekend away, one more car payment paid, and good weather for all! Happy February being over, and enjoy the weekend.

Summer……………………………I’m waitin for ya!

Davenport, IA for the evening

I know that I am only 21, but I feel like I have experienced soo much in life, and it has made me appreciate the little things that go on from a day-to-day bases. Of course like, monumental things in life like vacations, holidays, and things of large matter are always great too, but there is nothing like friends and family. Tonight, I traveled to Davenport to babysit and see my sister for her birthday, I knew it would make her day if she didn’t have kids for the night, so me being the amazing, beautiful, fun, aunt , and sister I am made the trip. I ask one of my best friends, Sarah, to come along and also another close friend Maggie who goes to St. Ambrose, which is like a mile away from Jamie’s. It Blows. My. Mind. how good they are with my niece and nephew. It was a breeze, we got dinner, had cake, did baths, and got ready for bed all with smiles and laughs. I don’t know, just thinking back made my mind just start turning. How can two people in my life, mesh so well with my family? Like..hello…blessing? for sure. Then Jamie and Dave came home from dinner, kids were, well at least ready for bed, but Jamie sat down to talk to us ‘young stallions’ and we just laughed and laughed like we had all been best friends for 10 years.

I guess im getting at how something so simple as babysitting for my sister, and all being together for not even 3 hours on a Tuesday night, makes life so so so much worth living for. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God for the people and family that I have been so honored to have. I appreciate every single person who I come in contact with day in and out. My family-wow, where to even start? From my sister to my fifth cousins, to my crazy aunts to awkward hello’s at holidays, I love every single one of you, and I am so stinkin’ blessed.

That is that for the night, Solon Spartans got another 'W', God is good, and Maggie is going to break Kaylee and feed her to the ducks! (maggie taught kaylee this tonight as a joke) :)