Popcorn Cupcakes!

I was inspired to post the popcorn cupcakes I made for Aly's 11th birthday (almost 2 years ago!) I have been following some cooking blogs and really like the recipes they share. Unfortunately, I don't have the site where I borrowed this idea, but will look to give them credit.
These are just frosted cake mix cupcakes with miniture marshmallows on top. I picked out yellow and white ones from the colored type to make it look more like 'buttered popcorn'. I then cut them in half with kitchen shears. My mom helped me create the popcorn label--cause she's creative with the computer like that!! They were a big hit with the girls.

Family Vacation Pics...........

More Pics from Camp Dearborn, one is of when my Mom and Dad brought Max and Jack out for one of the days.

Family Vacation to Camp Dearborn, MI

During the last week of August we went took our annual family vacation. This year we went to Camp Dearborn in Milford, MI. My friend Margie Theriault and her family stay there every year with her husbands family. We stayed in a Cabin that had electricity, but no running water. Talk about roughing it! We had a great time. We went to the pool daily, paddle boating, fishing, bbq'd,and had bonfires every night after we took the kids to the Cantina (my name for it). That's where all the kids hang out and everyone dances! It's was so much fun we're thinking of doing it again next year!

Some Fundraiser Pics.....

Well, the benefits this weekend went well. We had a great turnout both days. Dennis organized Sat, while Andy organized the one for Sun. We're thankful for the bowling alleys that donated the lanes (Collier Lanes and Fiero Lanes) and the many businesses and individuals that donated prizes for the raffle. We're also thankful for everyone that gave cash donations, those that showed up and gave their support and everyone else that helped us out one way or another! It means alot to us! Again, if you were there for us and Andy's family, during this hard time, We Thank You!

Bitter Sweet.....

The day after my last post, Andy's dad was evaluated by a Home Care Nurse and she told him he needed to go the the emergency room (again), she felt he was dehydrated. Andy Jr rushed over to assist his mom in taking him there. When he got to their home, Andy and his dad had a short talk. He decided he didn't want to go thru with the Chemo after all. They knew once the decision to forego chemo was made, they could get hospice involved. Together, they (the family) thought this would be best. So, instead of going to the ER, Cranbrook Hospice came out that afternoon. He was starting to have alot of abdominal pain and dry heaves. They stayed until he got comfortable. On Monday afternoon, March 31, 2008, Andy's dad passed away peacefully with Andy by his side. Thurs was the funeral and I was overwhelmed by the amount of people his father touched. He was a great man and I will truely miss him. Dennis (Andy's brother) organized a benefit Sat, and Andy organized one Sun.
The Lake Orion Review wrote an article about Andy Sr and the benefit. If you'd like to read, copy and paste:

http://www.lakeorionreview.com/Articles-i-2008-04-02-216364.112112_Fundraiser_will_go_on.html#543"

Thank you,everyone, for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Andy Sr

As many of you know, Andy's Dad got diagnosed Feb 1, 2008 with Stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer. It has already spread to his liver, kidney, adrenal glands and brain. He got radiation to his brain to stop further spreading (to the brain) and tolerated it well. He's decided to keep fighting, and is to begin Chemotherapy April 1st. Please keep him and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Andy is extremely close to his dad, Andy Osip Sr and is doing his best to stay strong and positive. His mom has been taking alot of time off work and as a hairdresser, she potentially could lose some clients. Unfortunately their insurance isn't great either, so we're hosting a fundraiser April 5th and 6th to offset some costs and help with everyday expenses. Please email me if you'd like information.......

Tigers Game - 2007

Andy's work hosted their annual Picnic at the Park. We went to Comerica Park and enjoyed the Tiger's game. I'm not sure if we won...... it got hotter than we anticipated and bailed early. Afterward, we got a chance to show the kids the waterfront, where we enjoyed the warm breeze.

World's Largest Moccasin

Yes, you're viewing the world's largest Moccasin. Thought I'd share......I took (as pictured) Max, Dean, Jack, Alyssa & Danielle to the Native American Festival in Southfield (Nov '07). Interesting event if you ever get a chance. They have TeePee's set up and had a ritual dance with rings.

Dean - 16 months

This posting compliments of my cousin Connie. I borrowed it from her blog.......

Splish-Splash.......

Here's Dean taking a tub bath at 2 months old and in the tub with Danielle at 16 months.

"DE-TROIT BASKET-BALL"

Andy took Aly & Danielle to a Detroit Shock (Woman's Basketball) Open House back in 2006. They even got to tour the Pistons locker room after the game. They had a great time. Then, later in 2006, Andy and I got some free tickets to a Pistons game. We took all the older kids (sorry Dean!). It was fun cheering for the guys, and screaming out the popular phrase "DE-TROIT BASKET-BALL!!!"

Glamour Girls

2005 at Club Libby Lu

more......

My oldest son Alex and his favorites things.....