Friday, April 30, 2010

I'm all girl, whad'ja expect?

Hi friends! More importantly, hi friends husbands!!! I need help! :)

Okay, since I no longer have a Mr. Fix It, I have to take care of things on my own, or with the help of my parents and kiddos. My family is a huge help, especially Michael, a future Mr. Fix It. And I must say, I am not too shabby, I can git-r-done.

Anyhow, we have come across a massive problem. (Probably not that massive, but to me, it is ginormous!) I hit a pot hole this winter in an unnamed friend's drive-way!

*ahem, Amy*

Right then and there I heard something dragging under my car, and I figured since it wasn't a dead body, I wouldn't pay it any mind. Sadly, over time, the dragging got worse, and I got madder by the day....but then I let go of the anger and have found the humor in it. I even make little songs out of the obnoxious sound it makes....and can you say NEXT EMINEM IN DA HOUSE?! ;)

I'm drifting...

So it turns out that the piece is just a massive grey piece that looks like it is covering the engine, or so my ten year old mechanic tells me. He was willing to screw it back into place, but he said the piece itself it is broken in half- of course right?!

My question to all of you gorgeous men (flattery will get you everywhere!) is, can I just rip this piece off without hurting my baby (the van)? Okay, if anyone out there has an answer please email me at hollieo@att.net.

Much love in advance! XoXoXo

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EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!




TOMORROW WE WILL BE AT THE KENT/RAVENNA WALMART AT 9AM SHARP!

We are selling candy bars again, so be sure to come out and get some! We will have CRISP, PEANUT BUTTER, ALMOND, & CARAMEL! MMM mmm! :-) Deeeelishh!

You can also purchase a luminaria to help light the track during the Luminaria Ceremony. A luminaria is a bag with a lit candle inside that has the name of a person who has passed from cancer, or a survivor....it will be with hundreds of others as it literally lights the night sky. It is a beautiful scene, and the public is welcome to come out and see it. The ceremony will be at the Lake Youth Football Stadium on June 12th, at 9:30pm.

If you can't make it our fundraiser tomorrow, please consider helping Samuel and Michael meet their goals, just click the links below.

Help Michael fight cancer!

Help Samuel fight cancer!

CELEBRATE! REMEMBER! FIGHT BACK!

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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Spreading Joy

Things have really been going good today, so I just wanted to share my joy with all of you. (:

I have being throwing myself into Relay for Life to get my mind off of the dogs. Most of you know that my boys and I Relay each year with Michael's 1st grade teacher. Well, I was never really into it very much, but I did it for Michael because he loved it so much.

Last year I decided to walk the survivors lap, and go to the survivors luncheon...which I will admit, the were both enjoyable. What really got me was the Luminaria ceremony last year, I cried like a two year old who just got spanked on the rear end!! My entire life has revolved around cancer, and watching that ceremony was amazing.

I am so blessed to serve a God that has seen me through so many life struggles. He TRULY....TRULY is my rock! Someone asked me (after the Lisa tragedy), "How much more can your boys take?" I thought about that question for a long time, but you know what, this is not hurting my children, it is building their faith. I am so proud of them, I am so proud that they love God, and I know God is teaching them in all of these circumstances.

Back to Relay, I'm drifting here...

Anyhow, today I sat on the phone for hours and hours trying to get donations for our baskets. Then I called several different locations to ask if we could sell candy bars there. Relay literally consumed my day today, and it kept my mind in a more positive place. I praise God for keeping me busy and blessing me with something to do. :)

Before I forget...

If you want to donate to Samuel or Michael you can click the link below the video and it should take you to Michael's page...from there, it is easy to find Samuel...



Just so you all know, my boys have been working hard for Relay, so giving to them online does not in any way make them lazy....they have walked countless miles collecting door to door. They are dedicated.

Tonight Samuel has Jump Rope class, which I enjoy because Michael and I talk for the entire hour and a half Samuel is in class. Samuel is my talker, as I'm sure you all know, but when Michael and I are alone- wow- he chats my ear off. I love hearing him talk since he doesn't do it very often. Last week we talked about his acting, girls he liked, exercising properly, youtube videos, etc... Like I said, he talked the entire time...it was so cute.

Tonight I am sure all 3 of us are gonna talk about ALIVE, it is our favorite topic anymore. I'm taking my boys and camping out all four days at ALIVE, it is gonna be amazing. We cannot wait to hear good preaching, learn from seminars, and of course hear Toby Mac, Tim Hawkins, and Sean McNeill (our worship leader at church!!). It is gonna be a magnificent four days where we can really focus our hearts on God. I hope to see some of you out there- if you are going let me know, we can try to camp next to each other.

I also want to share with you all how blessed I am to have found ABT in Akron. This church has helped me to grow in ways I didn't even think I could anymore. It is a huge church, but the people really do get to know you, and they are all so friendly. I have heard NO GOSSIPING, which is a first for me, I have never been judged, even when I wear my comfy sweats to church, and I always feel like God is sending me each sermon personally. My mom and Steve are also going with me now, and they love it too. I have prayed for them to attend church with me for a while now, and I am thankful each Sunday they are there.

Okay, I will shut up now. I just wanted all of you to know that no matter how much it seems like a dark cloud follows me around...I don't let it get to me, because I serve a GREAT GOD, and He has never failed me, and never will. <3


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Sunday, April 25, 2010

Emotions running high.

I have still been on quite the emotional roller coaster lately. I can't seem to let go of the images of Lisa on her last day, I get sick to my stomach thinking about it. I am living on Tagamet, just to try and stop the stomach pain.

I also have this deep feeling like I should feel bad that I put the other five dogs to sleep. I mean, they were nice and loving, and great dogs to have...UNTIL THAT DAY. But, I can't shake the image of them drenched in blood with their blank eyes, and my heart is filled with hatred toward what they did to my angel. I don't wanna hate anybody...or ANY ANIMAL. I feel like hating them is not being true to who I am, the vegan, animal rescuer, ASPCA supporting girl that I am. I dunno, maybe this will pass with time.

I also ended up racking up a $1000 vet bill that I did not know what I was gonna do. At this point, I was at a low point, and I just gave it all to God. My parents, my kids, and I just prayed, because we believe in giving it all to God. The next thing I know....Sam (my brother) and Kathleen (my wonderful sister-in-law) called me and said they would pay off our vet bill. When they said that, my heart melted, and I broke down and cried. Even though I have said thank you, I can't say it enough, SO THANK YOU SAM AND KATHLEEN! <3

My mom and I have been so emotionally drained that we have slept almost the entire weekend away. Steve has been wonderful taking care of us, and he has had the biggest burden to bear. He was the one with Lou while she went to sleep, and he was the one who stayed with each of the other five as they went down. So I cannot tell you how wonderful Steve has been, he is such a good dad, grandpa, and a great husband for my mom.

Today we woke up and got ready for church...still quite emotional. But church was great for us, because God always gives us the messages we need to hear. The title to the sermon was "Opening the Door to the Impossible." Here was some key points that touched my heart...

-God can do the impossible.
-Be content, no matter what your circumstance.
-God allows bad things to happen to teach us.
-The door to the impossible opens when we have learned our lessons.
-I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME! (Phil 4:13)

All in all it was such a good service, plus it was a baptism service, which was wonderful to see...and again...very emotional.

Then the pastor ended the service talking about a family in our church that lost their little 19 day old baby girl, Alana. The put up a picture, told her story, talked about the mom who had just planned Alana's dedication ceremony...it was heartbreaking. Then he said, no matter what you went through this week, it was not as bad as that. And that really hit me, because I did lose part of my family, I lost beloved pets....but that is nothing in comparison with losing a child. That has actually helped me put things into perspective, and even though my heart is still aching, my problems are not nearly as bad as that of Alana's family. I am so glad that my pastor shared her story.

So all in all I suppose I am starting to do much better, as is my mom and Steve. I would be a lot better if my boys were home. Both of them have been gone all weekend, and I don't get to see them until tomorrow afternoon. I think I am missing them more this weekend because of all that has happened. I just cannot wait to hug and kiss my babies. I love those boys more than words can describe, and I am so grateful to have them.

Okay, I will shut up now, I have been so emotional, I just had to write about it, and let it all out!

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Tragedy



I honestly do not know if I can get through this blog, but I will try.

This morning I woke up to my mom screaming for me. I jumped out of bed and ran into the living room, there was blood everywhere, it looked like a horror movie. My mom was trembling uncontrollably, and hysterically crying. That is when I looked down and saw the most gruesome thing I have ever seen...

My precious baby girl, Lisa, was laying on the mattress, soaked in blood (it looked as if she had been dipped in blood), and gashes so deep that you could see her bones and tendons. Her lips had been torn and were hanging from her hurt face. My mom was finally able to get the words out...

"The other dogs would not get off her, they were attacking her like a pack of wolves."

At this point I got numb, and don't really remember a lot of the next hour or so. My mom just stood there shaking and crying, my boys were laying in Lisa, covered in blood as well, trying to comfort her. She was not dead, but almost.

We began calling every vet in town begging someone to make a house call, since Lisa could not get up, and we could not move a 120 pound dog. While my mom and I were trying to get help, Steve came home and sat with Lisa and the boys. When they all began loving her and talking to her, she finally felt safe. All the other dogs were outside....AND NOT WELCOME IN OUR HOME!

Our dogs have always gotten along famously, and I honestly did not think they were capable of such cruelty. I don't know why they chose Lisa, she is the most docile dog we own. But when I looked out the sliding glass doors, the scene outside was just as bad as the one inside.

All of the dogs faces were covered in blood...some of them were covered head to toe. They looked like wild dogs, not domesticated dogs. The saddest part is, the two that had the most blood were Wendall and Lola, whom have always been Lisa's best friends. My heart was filled with hatred and rage toward them...something I have NEVER EVER EVER felt towards any animal.

During my evaluation of the situation, we finally got someone to agree to come to our house. He was a horse vet, but he was very polite and understanding of our hysteria. He looked at Lisa, head to toe, and decided that she had to be put down. :'( I can't stand talking about this...

My mom, Michael, and I left the room while he put her to sleep...Steve and Samuel wanted to stay with her. I asked Samuel not to, but he insisted, so I did not fight him. And he is glad he stayed, he told me, "I am just glad she is out of pain now mom." as tears filled his eyes.

We then asked the vet to look outside at the other dogs, and he agreed that they all needed to be put to sleep. He said the fact that they turned so quickly makes them "unpredictable" and therefore unsafe to be around the other pets and my children. I think all dogs can be unpredictable at times, but I have never seen the world's sweetest dogs turn so quickly and so violently.

We are leaving in 20 minutes to put down the 5 that attacked her. It is going to be hard, since they were family for so long, but if you had seen my blood covered house and yard, and a half eaten dog laying on the mattress, you would do the same thing. So today we say goodbye to Lola, Wendall, Fergie, Bootsie, and Helga. And while this will be hard on us, we know we have to do it. But it does not even compare to losing Lisa the way we did, she did not deserve that at all.

I am worried about my mom, she actually witnessed the fight and was desperately trying to break it up. She just wails and keeps repeating, "How will I ever get that image out of my head?" She needs prayer for peace, she is hurting so bad. I am sure watching a dog be killed is the worst thing in the entire world, and I am so sad that she saw it happen to her beloved dog. :'(

There will never be another Lisa. She would lay on the couch every night and have "conversations" with my mom, and I actually think she was "talking" to her. She would get up next to Steve and do "smacky lips" and gently kiss his face. When she was feeling overwhelmed with love she would go get a king size quilt and suck on it until she fell asleep with it in her mouth, like a pacifier. She would run out with the boys to play the "bubble game" and the "water game." She will be missed more than words can explain. I love her so much, my whole family loved her. :-( Goodbye princess, goodbye Miss July, goodbye LooberDoober, goodbye my love.

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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Happy Birthday Michael!




My boys are growing up so fast, and I just cannot stop it- no matter how hard I try. :'(

Today is Michael's 10th birthday, and I still call him my baby. It really does seem like yesterday that I was in the hospital being rushed to the OR to deliver my newest angel.

Michael came early, just like his brother, but his birth complications were far worse. I had the emergency cesarean, and the quickly took the "blue baby" out of the room. Justin and I did not get to see him for a little while.

I will NEVER, EVER forget the first time I laid my eyes on him, I just thought quietly to myself, there is my little miracle. He was in an incubator, hooked to IV's, and breathing machines, and even had a feeding tube in. It was the saddest thing ever. But, through the the gas, past all the tubes and tape, I saw those little blue eyes and I loves him more than anything.

Seeing Michael was so much harder for me than seeing Samuel. When Samuel was born, Joel cut the cord, the nurses cleaned him, and the I saw him for the first time while Joel was holding him. He was chubby and pink, the ideal looking baby...no tubes, no IV's, no incubator. When Michael was born I had those same expectations, but I have learned that you cannot expect anything with childbirth. It is painful, long, exciting, and unpredictable all at once.

Ten years since I have given birth, I keep saying it, and it still doesn't seem real. I am so thankful to have my boys today. They both have some health problems, but God is taking care of them. And, for the most part, they are happy, healthy, normal boys. I love them more than any words can describe, I could write about my love for them all day, and it would not do it justice. God has entrusted me with these two miracles, and I thank Him everyday for that. I love being their mother.

Birthday's are always hard on me, because I cannot help but reflect on the past, and try to predict the future. I go through pictures and think about every step of their lives, from their first steps, to the first words they read, to their first crushes. I just sit back and soak it all in on their birthday, and I try to imagine the men they will become, and the kinds of lives they will lead. I am so proud of them, and I know they will both do great things.

Okay, now I am getting teary, and this is supposed to be a happy blog about Michael's birthday. I better shut up.


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RELAY!!




I have been seeing purple Relay shirts everywhere I go! :-) How exciting is that? Please take a minute to read this short blog about our involvement with Relay for Life.

First, please watch this video that my little guy made. He wrote the top 5 reasons he Relays and he wanted to share it with all of you...



Next, please visit the Conkle Caravan website and consider making a donation. My boys are desperately trying to reach their goals, and if you click on their names (SAMUEL BARTON AND MICHAEL OLESKY) you can help them meet those goals! You can donate as a little as $5 on the American Cancer Society's SECURED website....

CLICK HERE FOR THE CONKLE CARAVAN PAGE!!

If you are curious as to why we Relay, you can read my cancer story...

CLICK HERE TO READ HOLLIE'S STORY!!

And finally, we would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see you at one (or both) of our fundraisers. Here are the dates and locations...

MAY 1st at KENT/RAVENNA WalMart from 9am-3pm

MAY 14th at BRIMFIELD WalMart from 4pm-8pm

**We will be selling Relay Candy Bars, and possibly baked goods.**

If you have been one of the MANY families that has been generous on our door to door fundraising...THANK YOU, from the bottom of our hearts. We live in a great community, and we could not do it without all of you!

NOW LET'S GET MOVING A MEET OUR GOAL, AND GO WAYYY BEYOND THAT!!! :-)

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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

A gay time at the park!

Most of you know that I am a VERY conservative, right wing Christian, so none of this will come as a shock to any of you. :) And if you don't know this about me, now you do!

I had to tell you that because I am sure this little story is going to offend some, but I don't care, I speak the truth as I believe it, so here goes...

I took my boys to the park in Stow (with all the bright red equipment) with Sam, Kathleen and their boys. There are always teenagers with no life hanging out at the park, so when we pulled in and saw half a dozen teens, we were not shocked.

Sam and Kathleen stayed in the car (it was chilly out and Sam was reading), but I decided to go sit and listen to the kiddos play. I love watching kids interact, and I am talking all ages, it fascinates me. Tonight was my lucky night, because I hit the jackpot of teenage interaction.

Two of the boys, I am guessing about 15 years old, were an openly gay couple. First of all, 15 is too your for couples anyway, but come on, openly gay at a children's park?! I was ticked, would have been more ticked if my kids had been younger.

We are 100% against the gay lifestyle. I am by no means a "gay hater," I love all people. I hate the gay lifestyle, it is a sin. I know a lot of you would argue that is a sin just like lying, but I do not see it that way. Got destroyed an entire city for being gay...he didn't do that is cities where there was lying. God calls homosexuality an ABOMINATION, that is one powerful word to chose. The Bible also says that homosexuality makes God nauseated!! So yeah, I am against it. I do not hate the sinner, I hate the sin.

Back to the park...

These two boys were not flirting with each other in a way that males and females flirt, it was vulgar and disgusting. Like I said, I observe the behavior of children everywhere I go, it is something that I intelligently speak about. This particular behavior was so far from normal.

Usually teens will have potty mouths at parks, and maybe try to push some boundaries, but nothing like these two. The boys were playing tag with a group of friends (all girls), running throughout the equipment, past little 4 year olds and their parents, they were extremely rude- and all of that was aside from their unthinkable sexual behavior.

Next thing I know, one of the boys gets tired, and lays down at the top of the slide. He props his legs open, and up on the bars. Then he begins breathing heavily, as if he has not exercised in 5 years. It was at that point that things got really bad.

The other boy was at the bottom of the slide, he looks up to the boy with his legs in the air, and shouts, "YEAH BOY!!" Then he begins to climb up to get in between his legs. Now mind you, there are parents and children everywhere, but of course, no one will say anything, it would not be politically correct. However, if it had been a straight couple, parents would have jumped all over that. If I haven't learned anything else in the world, I have learned that moms at parks look for reasons to call the cops out.

I was just about to wrap things up, because I simply could not take anymore of this, it was making me sick to my stomach.....when Samuel fell and got hurt. I bet you can't guess who was by his side first??!?!?! That is correct peoples, the two gay kids. One of them was walking around Samuel, panting as if Samuel had been shot or something...the other was touching his knee to see if he broke something since he could not get up. All I could think was, "Please get those gay kids away from Samuel before I hurt someone!!"

I picked Samuel up and carried him to the car (yeah, he is heavy, 110 pounds heavy, but moms can find their strength when they need to). After he told me he was okay, he said, "Mom those gay dudes touched me." I burst out laughing, which was probably not the best response. BUT....if you had seen the disgust in which he said that, you would have laughed too! :)

I am sharing this story just to let you all know how very sad I am at the changes in the world. I know that God is allowing things to move quickly, and I know it will all be over soon enough and in His perfect time. But living through this world of hate, and filth, and greed, and gluttony, and "whatever feels good" is making me sick. I almost wish that I had lived during a time when America was more focused on God, and lived according to His word, and a time that cherished families, and wanted children to grow up to be decent, God fearing adults...not this new age way of allowing them to grow up expressing themselves.

The world is so sad right now, and so many are blind to it, and it is in our own backyards. :(


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Sunday, April 4, 2010

Homeschooling :)

I am writing this blog from my heart, and my personal convictions. I am not looking to start anything, so please, no negative comments. This is just my opinion, and I thought I'd share it.

When my kids were younger I homeschooled them, and they were intelligent, well behaved, properly socialized children. Their state standardized test scored were well above national averages. They had deep relationships with God. And, my boys were all well socialized, I made sure of it. I hate that argument anyway, please don't get me started.

After pressure from everyone around me, and my kids pushing for it, I allowed them to go to public school. Biggest regret of my life. In the third grade kids were talking about sex, how their teachers had sex, they were cussing, and mocking God. My kids slowly became brats that I could not stand. They were lying to me, which they had never done before, and they were "embarrassed" of their Christianity. This was all a shock to me. I could tell that my kids did not want to be a part of that world, but they were stuck at this point.

I KNOW, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God does not want His children being influenced by those worldly views for 8 hours of their day. Would Jesus send His child to public school, I highly doubt it. A place where we cannot even mention His name.

After two years in public school, I felt so blessed when my kids got accepted into a top rated Christian school. I was finally at peace with sending them to school. Now, private school does not mean you are without problems, kids are still kids, but it is managed better. The biggest selling point for me was that everything was Christ centered. The children prayed before the day started, they prayed when there was a need, and they studied God's perfect word.

Christian schools are nice, especially if you can find a good one. However, they are unbelievably expensive. We were barely scraping by when I was still with Justin. Once he left us, I slowly began to drown in school debt. So I started thinking, would Jesus want me to pay every dime I have to tuition, and let the rest of my bills go unpaid? I doubt that.

Eventually, God took it out of my hands anyway. Samuel was diagnosed with some more heart issues, and he was getting chronic illnesses when he was around other icky kids for 8 hours a day. He was missing so much school, I was forced to pull him out this year, and homeschool. I left Michael at the private school, but that proved to be too much as well. I know it was God's had forcing my decision, which is fine, since I want to raise those boys according to His perfect plan for them. After the 3rd quarter, Michael too joined our homeschooling team.

The world is our classroom. Doesn't that just sound beautiful. My kids now learn from worldly experiences, as well as text books. We try to make everything a learning experience. Plus the kids are keeping up with their extracurriculars, like music, theater, and computer class. It is amazing what one on one teaching will do for a child. And in all reality, I am raising those boys with the conviction that God has placed in my heart, I believe that is the way He always wanted it. God does not allow us to borrow his children to let someone else raise them, He chose each parent specially, and I feel beyond blessed to be Samuel and Michael's mother. :)

As far as the social issues go, my kids have so many friends. We have "play dates" at least 3 times a week, plus they have church, and their extracurriculars where they see friends. That is all I am defending myself there, because this notion that homeschooling means sheltered aggravates me.

Some verses that will prick your heart about homeschooling...

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Jeremiah 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

And my favorites...

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.


Next year my kids will not be homeschooled, at least not technically. They are enrolled in a virtual academy (k12.com) that gives each child individual education plans based on where they are at academically. Samuel will start 8th grade and Michael will start 4th. This particular school has projects that they get in the mail and must complete and send back, they offer all of the typical classes for high school and middle school, they offer field trips for the kids to meet up and play with each other, and they have a teacher that they can call or email at any time. Plus they have to actually meet with other kids to take the yearly state standardized tests, which I think is awesome!

In my opinion, this is the nest of both worlds. My children are getting a "typical" education by state standards, while hearing about God's love at home. My kids will also have more freedom to me involved in even more activities next year. Michael has really become interested in drama and the arts, so I am supporting that as much as possible. I hope to keep him with an acting group year round. Samuel has shown a great interest in programming and learning computer skills, which I think is great. My brother is currently teaching him that stuff, he owns his own business, and is in college right now...they let him CLEP/test out of almost two years of stuff because he has life experience in his field. How great would that be for Samuel? :) As far as physical activity goes, Samuel is planning on fencing, and Michael will probably choose swimming. They can both go into the actual workout area with me when they are 12. Yay!

Again, I am not looking for comments or opinions or anything. I am simply sharing what God has laid on my heart. I felt this conviction before my children where even born, which is amazing since I was only 17. But, slowly, I allowed everyone else to pressure me, and talk me into something I was uncomfortable with. I am grateful that God forced things to turn out this way, of course, I probably should have just obeyed the first time. It was almost like I was saying, "Yeah God, that sounds great, but did you hear so and so's opinions on public school? Sounds pretty good to me." God just simply allowed me to learn my own lesson, and I did.

I am finally comfortable again. :-)


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He's ALIVE!



I went and saw him in concert wayyy back when I was a teen. This video was shot even before that. However, the song still sends chills down my spine and brings me to tears. Believe it or not, this very song has helped me through almost all of my problems in life, it has never been just an Easter song for me. :)Please listen to the lyrics and allow them to soak in.

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