Birthday Time... Can I really be 37?....

I can't believe I just celebrated another birthday and I am 37!... Yikes.... As many of you might know, I like my birthday, just a LITTLE.... Well, maybe A LOT! I have great friends and family that helped me celebrate my special day a few different times in May.

My birthday celebrations started early in May when a bunch of my girlfriends took me to The Phoenician and we spent the day at the Spa. What a fabulous day it was....

Over Memorial Day weekend, we spent one day over at The Ortega's and Shanti was sweet to get me a Cheesecake and put candles in it for my birthday. Then on Memorial Day we headed over to The Tannenbaum's and Mikey got me my favorite, Baskin Robbins Jamoca Almond Fudge Ice Cream Cake, (well 2nd best to Mint Chocolate Chip, but it was delish). The weekend got me excited for my actual birthday the next day.

Then on my birthday I got to spend the day with my Mikey and we went to the movies and out to lunch together. After J & J were done with camp we headed over to my BFF's Caroline's and had a great evening over there. It was a fabulous day and night!!!

May 2011 Graduations...

Both of my J & J boys had graduations this month. Jayden is on his way to being a 2nd grader and my Jordy is onto Pre-K... Yikes! I guess it's time for another baby in the Callison house...;)

Jayden had an awesome year at Islands Elementary. He finished the year in one of the highest reading groups, loving math and doing wonderful at it and most of all received a green star every single day of the school year for his perfect behavior! Way to go, Jayden... Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and we can't wait to see how much you blossom next year in 2nd grade.

Jordy also had a great year at the JCC with Miss Angela and Miss Katie. We were so lucky to have two great teachers that gave Jordy so much love and taught him SO much. He made some really great friends and we look forward spending more time over the summer with Jordan's buddies.

The Big Day...

My poor little Jordy on February 5th had his Tonsils and Adenoids removed. Mike and I have gone back and fourth for months deciding what we should do. The decision became apparently clear when we were visiting our pediatrician's office and the pharmacy more than going to the grocery story. I am not kidding, this poor child of mine was living on antibiotics and before he was through with the meds he was already starting to come down with something else.

I think the hardest part of it all was knowing my little guy was going to be taken away from me and heading off to surgery. Thankfully, it is a very routine procedure and Jordy came through with flying colors. We stayed the night at Cardon's and then the following morning it was time to go home. For the most part the recovery was also a breeze except for my son's screaming fits when it was medicine time. A Tonsillectomy and sceaming do not mix well, so at times we had a very upset Jordy and a very stressed out Mommy, but we got through it.

Here we are on our way to Cardons....


Jordy and Daddy after surgery....


A very happy Jordy knowing he is about to go home....


Hopefully, now that the surgery is behind us we can start building up my little guy and getting his immune system stronger.... We are so proud of you Jordy!

Happy 7th Birthday Jayden......

Is it really possible that this sweet boy is seven today??? I will never forget the moment I found out I was pregnant and how I couldn't even wait to tell Mike, so of course my Mom knew first. It was one of the best times in my life. I couldn't wait to be a MOM... There is nothing else in this world that I wanted to do more and when I finally had him in my arms if felt AMAZING.... I still feel that way when I look at his bright blue eyes and thank G-D everyday for him.

Jayden is the most gentle, tender, compassionate, and caring boy. He is in love with Superheros, Wii, and the computer. He recently learned how to ride a two-wheeler and LOVES to be with his friends. Jayden is in first grade and is doing terrific. This was a big year, because we transitioned him from the East Valley Day School to Islands Elementary and he adjusted so well. He loves his school and has met some great kids.

I can't wait to get home and make Porkchops, which he requested. Jayden, you are the light in my life and Daddy and I love you so much! Happy birthday sweet boy!

We Will Never Forget Grandma Annie...

A few weeks ago my families life changed forever when Grandma Annie passed away. She suffered for the past four years and then the last few weeks started having some falls, which led to her breaking her hip. The struggle of knowing she would now be bedridden and her weakened body, is what I feel finally led to her passing.

I'm not sure how I knew, but when I saw her that last Thursday in bed so peacefully at Hospice, I knew it would be my last time. She looked so content and calm and I knew in my heart this was the end for her. As I went to bed, with my phone in hand, it seemed only minutes when the phone rang and Lisa told me Grandma passed away. Grandma lived a very good life for eighty-eight years. She desperatley missed my Grandpa who passed away fourteen years ago.

Luckily, Grandma still shared the love of the casino as well as my sweet boys who were her only two Great Grandsons. I will forever be thankful that she got to see them and know them. J & J both put the biggest smiles on her face. The two pictures below are from my birthday last May, one with Jayden and one with myself. The last two really good pictures of Grandma with lipstick on and all... The Callison/Marcus/Katzen/Potter girls always have their lipstick on.... She loved the picture of the two of them so much that I framed it and put it in her room.

All the wonderful memories will help us heal, and rembering her laugh when Jordy played his guitar for her will be in my mind forever.

Happy Birthday My Love...

Today is Mikey's 39th birthday and I am so lucky to have him as my husband and best friend. We have shared sixteen amazing years together, ten which we we have been married for. Everyday I wake up and think to myself I wouldn't want to share this life with anyone else. Mikey is such a terrific husband, caring and loving father and the most compassionate person you will ever meet.

I am always amazed at how Mikey puts the kids and I first, whether he had a full night sleep or no sleep at all. There is never a day that goes by that he is not trying to better himself for our family. He remembers everything and always has a surprise up his sleeve. I don't know what I would do without him.

So, just in typical Mikey fashion, we will be celebrating his birthday at a Bingo Family Night at Jayden's school. Mikey knew how much this meant to Jayden and he didn't even think twice about having his birthday dinner anywhere else. It won't be too bad, they are serving Nic n Toni's pizza.... Our Fave...

Happy birthday baby, I love you!

Still here but VERY behind....

First of all, Happy New Year! Life has been very busy and lots has been going on in the Callison home. I finally posted numerous pictures on FB over the weekend and realized just how behind I am.

So, I will catch up soon and share some of our recent happenings.
Love to all and I hope 2011 will be a great year for everyone!