The Christmas Spirit!

I can honestly say that I've got one of the best kids around! Every year for Christmas the Home Depot chooses a family to play "Secret Santa" for. This year Rick recommended that the Home Depot sponsor one of his friends that has been having a really hard year. The poor guy had some really bad luck with finances, sewage in the basement (been there, done that!), and just trying to keep food on his table. Last night was the deadline to bring all the gifts in for the kids. This morning Rick told Nicholas about what the Home Depot was doing for this family and how there was a 12 year old boy that wouldn't be getting much of a Christmas without others help. In their conversation it came up that this young boy would really like a handheld video game player. Nicholas than proceeded to gather up his PSP, a handful of games, and a really nice carrying case to give to this child that was less fortunate than him. Rick was in shock (if you've ever met Nicholas you're well aware of his true passion in life....video games are his world!!!). He couldn't believe that Nicholas had so much compassion to give a child that he's never met before something that he loves and enjoys so much. It not only choked up Rick, but the 12 year old neighbor girl was also over and also had tears in her eyes. I can't describe the feeling that you get when you watch you're children make such amazing choices in life. Nicholas, along with my little two, are such good kids. I really have been blessed!

The Bithell Curse Strikes Again!

Earlier today I needed to take some Christmas presents downstairs. I had a huge box that I was carrying down and I couldn't see over it. When I hit the basement floor my foot landed in around six inches of water. I hurried and put the box down and saw that my whole basement was flooded with water. I could deal with the water being everywhere (if you're a Bithell, you're use to it!), but I totally broke down when I saw all of my Christmas presents ruined. Every single gift was water logged. I got on the phone and had Rick come home from work, and of course tried to reach my parents (their pro's with water problems!), but they wern't home! Rick brought one of his plumber friends home with him and he was able to get the sump pump working. It only took around 20 minutes for all the water to drain....now everything is soaked and ruined. We've been hauling garbage bags to the curb and have a cleaner here at the present moment trying to get things squared away. I do have to say, I have an amazing insurance company. I called them and told them what was going on and they had the cleaners out here with in two hours. Not to mention, I'm compiling a list of all that was lost and they will be taking care of it. I guess that $40 a year sump pump rider that I have on my home owners insurance really came in handy! And, I guess the situation isn't too bad....I get to go shopping all over again!

Who's George?

When Nicholas was around age 4 he had an imaginary friend. He always talked about his friend "George". Rick and I didn't think much of it, other than Nicholas was a little odd (which he still is!). About a year ago, Ellie started talking about George, her friend. We laughed and thought it was a little freaky that our kids had the same imaginary friend. Now for the kicker- Aiden adores his friend "George"! He talks about George all the time. When you ask him questions about George he gets so giddy. He loves talking about him. So- who's George? Do I have a realative named George that's passed on? Maybe there's a spirit that's just really taken a liking to my family. Than again, maybe I've gone some odd kids....they did get my genes!

The Cruise!

What an amazing vacation! We went to Key West, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. My favorite destination was Grand Cayman but the most gorgous was Jamaica! In Jamaica we climbed the Dunn's River Falls- what a trip! I haven't had that much fun in a long time!

In Grand Cayman we went to a Sea Turtle Farm and snorkled.

When we weren't on land we relaxed by the pool....there we're many to choose from! We also spent WAY too much time eating! I've never eaten soo much food and sooo much GOOD food! Lobster tail, prime rib, tons of deserts!!!! Yummy!!!!

As much fun as we had, I'm glad to be home. I really missed my kids (more than I even thought I would!). I think I'll be ready for another vacation next year!

Beef Stroganoff

I've never been a huge fan of Beef Stroganoff, don't get me wrong, I liked it I just didn't love it. Last night I was in the cooking mood so I decided to cook up a batch (it's one of Rick's favorite dishes). I went online and got this recipe- I can honestly say that I am now a true lover of stroganoff!

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, divided
1 large onions, chopped
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
1 (4.5 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup sour cream
cooked rice or noodles

DIRECTIONS
Dredge meat in flour.

In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat; saute onions until tender. Remove from pan; set aside.

Melt remaining butter and brown meat on all sides. Add broth, basil, salt and pepper, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce and onions.

Cook until mixture thickens, about 15 minutes. Just before serving, stir in sour cream. Heat through, but do not boil. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

It's even better the next day for lunch!!!

For Those Of Us That Thought We Knew It All!

*****************************************************************************
The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for Blood plasma. ***************************************************************************
No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven (7) times. Oh go ahead...I'll wait...~ ****************************************************************************
Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes. ************************************************************************
You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television. **************************************************************************
Oak trees do not produce acornsuntil they are fifty (50) years of age or older. ****************************************************************************
The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley's gum. *************************************************************************
The King of Hearts is the only king WITHOUT A MOUSTACHE ***************************************************************************
American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987by eliminating one (1) olive from each salad served in first-class. **************************************************************************
Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise. (Since Venus is normally associated with women,what does this tell you!) *********************************************************************
Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning. ***********************************************************************
Most dust particles in your house are made from DEAD SKIN! ****************************************************************************
The first owner of the Marlboro Company died of lung cancer. So did the first "Marlboro Man." ***************************************************************************
Walt Disney was afraid OF MICE! **************************************************************************
PEARLS MELT IN VINEGAR!*********************************************************************
The three most valuable brand names on earth: Marlboro, Coca Cola, and Budweiser, in that order.**********************************************************************
It is possible to lead a cow upstairs... but, not downstairs. ************************************************************************
A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ************************************************************************
Dentists have recommended that a toothbrushbe kept at least six (6) feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particlesresulting from the flush. (I keep my toothbrush in the living room now!) ***************************************************
Richard Millhouse Nixon was the first U.S. president whose name contains allthe letters from the word "criminal." The second? William Jefferson Clinton(Please don't tell me you're SURPRISED!!!) *********************************************************
And the best for last..... Turtles can breathe through their butts. (I know some people like that, don't YOU?) ********************************************************************* *********

Happy Birthday to you and you and you!

Happy Birthday to Aiden, Emily and Susan!!!! How special that 3 birthdays in one family are all on the same day.

My Daughter Has My Jeans!

I really have to laugh sometimes. My daughter has my sense of style! I was playing on the computer when she came inside and decided to change her outfit (something that she does a dozen times a day). This time it was a doozy- ballerina leotard, stripped tights, and water shoes! She's such a beautiful little girl!

The Police Are Coming!!!!

Yes, that is Susan in the back seat of a police car! This past Thursday my work had an Open House because we just moved locations. The company I work for outfitts police and emergency vehicles. Of course, my family had to represent!!! There was a ton of food, door prizes (which was rigged...and not in my favor), and good company (the Bithell's are always good company!). Susan is such a nut and had to play around in one of the cop cars and I couldn't resist snapping some pictures. Here is a close up....too hysterical!

Dains Family Reunion

This past weekend we took a family trip to a little town in Illinois for a Dains Family Reunion. It was a really nice trip. Everyone, except for Nicholas, enjoyed themselves. I feel so bad for Nicholas, he was the only one his age and he really didn't have anyone to hang out with. He mainly stayed glued to his PSP. We did make it up to him by stopping in Indiana on the way home to buy some illegal fireworks! The little kids had a blast. They played with their cousins and had a great time. My favorite part of the trip was a visit to Pines State Park. It was really beautiful. There were parts of the park where we had to drive through a river- the kids loved that. Enjoy the pics of the family!

Baby "A"

I was planning on blogging about my newly planted garden and retaining wall, but my little baby Aiden got me on a roll!

When I was pregnant with Aiden, Rick and I were going through a really rough time. There was a long while when I conteplaited giving Aiden up for adoption. I couldn't stand the thought of raising three kids by myself and I thought it was really unfair to Nicholas, Ellie and Aiden. Bottom line, I wanted what was best for everyone. Thankfully, Rick and I worked through our issues and Aiden came home with me from the hospital. I think about that time period in my life when I look at Aiden and think about how my life would be without him. No one could ever love him as much as I do. No one could have ever have loved him when he was a colicy baby for nine months. No sibling could ever love him more than his older sister Ellie. He is such a happy smiling baby. He truly makes my heart melt. He really is the complete link in our family.

Slacker!

Sorry guys......I've been a slacker when it comes to keeping my blog current. To be real honest, we've had really nice weather lately which puts me outside most of my free time. My next blog will be pictures of my freshly planted garden and my new retaining wall that Rick built. It rained today so I don't want to take the pictures yet.

Rick and I chaperoned Nicholas' field trip to the Tigers game last Thursday. Let me just tell you- this whole event just re-confirmed to me that leaving the teaching profession was the best choice I ever made! If it was just the three of us we would have had a blast, but we had a handful of other kids that we had to keep an eye on and they were lame. It was 90 degrees and I just don't like kids. We left the school around 9am and didn't get back until 6:30pm......way too long of a day to be hanging out with 11 year olds in the hot sun. I did snap some pictures of the trip with intentions of blogging....since my friends have pointed out that it's been a month since my last entry! Enjoy the pics!

What a Weekend!

This past weekend was absolutely amazing. If you live in Michigan you are already well aware that there are a few days each year where the weather is absolutely perfect (the rest of the year is either too hot and humid or way too cold!). This past weekend fell into the "perfect" category!

To enjoy the beautiful weather we went to the fair one day and the beach the next. The kids had way too much fun. Aiden was a little dare devil at the beach. He couldn't have cared less that the water was only 50 degrees. He was still wet up to his waist. The rest of the kids were content playing in the sand. Enjoy the pictures!

Bootsie!

We have a new addition to our family!

Bootise is 5 weeks old. She is the sweetest little kitty around. Nora (our older kitty) has even taken a liking to her. Most of my time is spent trying to keep her safe from Ellie and Aiden. She is a welcomed addition to our family!

Easter!

It's that time of year again! Last night we had family night and dyed Easter eggs and watched Charlotte's Web. It wasn't exactly thrilling for Nicholas, but he entertained the two little kids. We'll be going to an Easter egg hunt at our neighbors house later on today, hopefully I'll snap some cute pictures to share.

I had to throw this next picture in because I thought it was so hilarious. Ellie got a new Easter hat to wear on Sunday so we were playing around in it the other day. This picture makes me laugh because it totally doesn't look like her. It's the goofiest expression.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Happy 30th Birthday Sam! Your family loves you and cares about you. Try to make the most out of every situation....every if it's a crappy one. Take care of yourself- love lindsay.

(For those of you wondering why I would bother with a post for Sam knowing that there isn't a chance in this world that he will see it anytime soon- I've been printing the blogs out and sending them to him. He will get to see this little message. If you leave him a comment I will be sure to print those for him also. If you are reading this and would like his address, e-mail me and I will send it to you.)

Congratulations Mark & Minnie!

We had a wedding this past weekend. Mark (Rick's brother) married Minnie. It was a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations!

Ellie & her cousins

Nicholas, Ellie, and Aiden with their cousins.

The Family Tree!

I should have known by now that when Rick says he's going out to "talk" to someone about a purchase that it really means he's going to buy it right than and there!

Yesterday Ellie and I had the worst case of the 24 hour flu. There is nothing worse than kissing porcelain! All I remember in my daze of sickness was Rick saying that he was going to "talk" to a guy about getting a new tattoo. We'll, three hours later he showed up with a new one!

Here's the history about the tattoo- for starter's the tattoo is not finished. This is just the outline. I think Rick got a little scared if he spent any more money in one trip that his wife may go a little crazy and secondly if he was gone any longer while having two sick people at home his wife, once again, may loose her mind!

I love the fact that there isn't room on the tree for new names! I love my kids to death, but three kids is enough for me!!! Also, I love the fact that is we ever get a divorce his new woman will always have a nice little reminder of ME!!!

The Bithell Curse

If you were born one of the lucky bearing the last name Bithell, you are probably already aware of the curse that also follows that name. It has to do with having a wet basement. Basically, any Bithell that owns a house with a basement is guaranteed to have major problems. It's just the facts!
So here is my problem. Our neighbors lived in the City of Warren before it was established as a city. In fact their house is one of the first farmhouses that was built in Macomb County. If you live in Warren you are suppose to be connect to city water and sewer. They are not. Not a big deal if your house isn't right next to their septic field. Still not a big deal unless you complained to the city earlier in the year about flooding in your front yard and the city so nicely re-routes the flooding to dump in their septic field (which the city was not aware they were doing). So now we have a septic field which I think is too full. I hate to be a witch and all, but the thought of my kids playing in the poop filled puddles outside just don't sit well with me. So now I have to complain to the city once again and have them deal with my neighbors and their pooh. My neighbors have made it clear to us that they have no intentions on connecting because it would cost them $$$ to do so. I guess I have no choice other than to be a bitchy neighbor.

Back to the curse, not only do we have puddles outside, but that poopy water has also found its way into my basement. I guess that's what happens when you put gallons upon gallons of water up against a cinder block wall. The curse lives on!!!!

A face this cute should not have to play in poopy water!

My New Toy!

I'm so excited, I got a new toy! I finally got a digital camera. I have been using my video camera for my stills and it just wasn't cutting it. It's a Sony 10.1 megapixel camera. I promise to post so amazing pictures!!!