Happy Birthday, Trey!

On July 1, 1994, Tony Gene Zentz III (Trey) was born. My nephew is now 14 years old!
How time flies. He is my buddy...always allowing for hugs from his crazy family. Sweet, sensitive and quiet are just a few qualities that come to mind. An incredible athlete who plays baseball, lacrosse and football. A wonderful son, great-grandson, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. Here's to you, dude!

Mooresville, Here I Come!

Yippee! I finally have my flight booked to visit North Carolina. I can't tell you how excited I am to see everybody. I was hesitant to make the trip in fear that wouldn't want to leave to come back to Helledo. Clear the calendar girls, I'm on my way! July 24th-July 27th. See you soon...Ann, Lauri Ann, Kelli, Alyssa, Jen, KK and the little ones! I can't wait!

"Can we rent out an entire floor at the hospital?"

I know I haven't been doing a great job at blogging lately. With summer here, time has begun to fly. We have also been suffering just about every ailment possible. I haven't been able to more my fingers and wrists with out severe pain. The swelling is unimaginable and I have what resembles a claw hand. People have sent me remedies and I will cetainly take anyones advice. The boys have found it to be very amusing. Sarah and Clay had pink eye last week which they so happily gave to me. No amount of hand washing could have prevented it. Jack had a fever all weekend and now Clay has fifth disease of "slapped face" disease all over his face, arms and legs. It has become pretty funny. Trav is the only one to remain symptom free...just wait!

Don't Get Lost in the Chaos!

If you are anything like me, the day ends with a loud sigh and a wondering thought of, "what did I exactly accomplish today"! I try in vain to get the laundry done, the kids bathed and fed something that resembles three balanced meals and a shower for myself. This all done by 7 as Trav walks in the door and I great him in my best clothes, hair done and full face of makeup. Ok, it actually goes something like this...Trav walks in and I am still unshowered, smelly, and I'm pawning the kids off on him as I watch the water boiling for mac and cheese...again. You might ask what my point is....there is something missing from the day. That important thing is "my" time. I truly believe that I can be more focused and content throughout the day if I begin it on the right note. Even if I have to wake up twenty minutes earlier than the kids, I can have that twenty minutes to myself. Try it...take the time to meditate, pray, read scripture, or just enjoy a cup of coffee on the porch...alone. I guarantee you will feel a little more capable of taking on the days tasks.

China Blog

Anyone who is interested in visiting the site of Marc-Michaels latest install in China can check out a blog that has been created to allow loved ones to follow its progress. Great job, Cameron!
www.bigtroubleinlittlechina-mmid.blogspot.com

More Smores, please!

Ma and Pa came up to see us for two days. We decided to have smores over the fire pit. It had rained all day and I had been sick with a migraine(thus the horrible pic....very medicated) but the clouds went away and we were able to sit out and enjoy a few delicious smores.

Bon Voyage, Cam

My sis is on her way to China for an installation on some new homes there. There are many times I am envious of her job..the trips, the people, the glamour. I have to tell you though, its not all that glamorous. It is hard work, sometimes grueling. How do you ship tens of thousands square feet of furniture, accessories, fabrics, etc, overseas? Big Barges and airplanes can help, but then there are the ever demanding clients. I guess it is the satisfaction of seeing a beautiful space created by you. She is very talented and I do believe that she deserves an accolade or two for her great work. So off to China she goes for three weeks. Here are a few pics of the homes early on, I will post more of the interior as I get them so we all can dream of our own humble abodes!

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad

Here's to the two of you and the journey you chose to take together 44 years ago.
I love you both so much!

Ma the Do-Gooder

I just wanted to give a big shout out to my mom who truly rocks. She wears so many hats, many of which she wears multiple times in one day. She runs multiple support groups throughout the state including Alzheimer's, ALS/Lou Gehrig's, Parkinson's and Cancer. While she is very modest, she does deserve many accolades. She is invited to speak throughout the state and beyond on behalf of the victims of these diseases and their caretakers. She was truly one of the many heroes who participated in the local Relay For Life in honor of my Aunts who both had cancer. She had her arm painted for her grandkids. This pose reminded me of Rosie the Riveter So, when you are out and about wanting to support a cause, do so. It truly can help make a difference in the lives of others. Lovin' the tattoo, Momma!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

There is a man in my life who I could talk about for hours and hours. What an incredible man he is. I remember growing up and thinking what a laid back, humble and Christian man he was. I was so lucky to have him as my father. It wasn't until a little over ten years ago that I saw such a change in him. While he was still soft spoken, he began to fully love and experience life. In doing so, I saw such growth in him. I found that he was not only my daddy, but also a friend. I can always count on him to give the best advice without judgement or bias. I have relied on him many times like asking him how to unclog the garbage disposal or change a light fixture. He pretty much can do anything. He finds so much joy in his grandkids, too. The way he interacts with them and scoops them up to do "tick-tock" always puts a smile on my face. I am very lucky to have such a man in my life who shows others such a gentle spirit. I love you dad...and I forgive you for running over my dog 17 years ago and just telling me about it over Memorial Day weekend. Hee, Hee!!!! Love ALWAYS!! -Ed

1)A gentle and humble man who's love for family speaks volumes without words
2)A fun Pa who will always buy doughnuts for the kids on the weekends
3)My fellow E-Bay bidding buddy and Starbucks consumer

To the Man in My Life

Trav,
Happy Father's Day to you! You are my partner in love and parenting..my soulmate, my best friend. What a wonderful dad you are to our three children. I thank you for being such an incredible influence in their lives. The patience you show makes me want to better myself as a parent. I love you so very much and thank you for being such a wonderful father to them.

For the Love of Corn

Yellow, white, multi...just a few of the delicious varieties of one of my favorite things. It is the start of corn on the cob season(I am a Hoosier!) There is something about eating nothing but a couple of ears for dinner that puts a smile on my face. Husk and boil it and let it sit in a puddle of real butter and salt...perfect! Sarah experienced it on the cob for the first time and loved it.

1) Real butter and lots of salt
2) Mint flavored Glide floss
3) The corn dishes that my mother-in law bought me

Happy Birthday, Ethan!!

Happy Birthday Ethan Matthew! You are such a cool nephew...you know it too! I will never forget the phone ringing and it was your mom and dad on the other end telling us that they were on the way to the hospital. That was 12 years ago...eeks! I always would get in trouble by your dad because I would always sneak into your nursery and try and wake you up from your nap...you had the reddest hair I had ever seen. What a young man you have grown up to be. I have always said you have so much love and compassion for others. You are very sensitive to the feelings and needs of those around you. You can also have a great football arm on you! You are so cute and still allow me to hug and kiss on you. Happy B-Day, Boog!

1) Babies growing up to be young men
2) Adorable freckles
3) That look that you give me when I tell a stupid joke

Heat Relief

When the price to join the club pool is too expensive, you have to make your own summer fun! That's exactly what we tried to do. I have a feeling it is going to be a long summer.

Chao and Kids

Sunday we did our best to make it a family day. After going to church we decided to go out for lunch. This is a huge feat for us seeing that we have to take Sarah with us. We reflected how we really haven't eaten out in seven years. The Perry's and eating out just don't click. We had a gift certificate to a place(to remain anon for fear of ridicule.) The kids refused to eat there because its, "where old people eat". We ended up at the ole' Zentz/Perry standby, Panera. We sat down with our food to notice that the air conditioner was broken and we tried to eat our boiling hot soup(another don't ask) Sarah got taken out twice for hitting her brother, the boys were playing light-sabers with their straws, Trav was hastily eating butter, and then the end all was when Sarah proceeded to dirty her diaper and tell the other patrons. It stunk. I took her to the car and the boys made two trips to the restroom and refilled our drinks. As we were dripping in sweat driving away, Trav looked at me and said, "we actually paid money for that experience"! -the end

Would You Rather.....

A conversation overheard between Jack & Clay in the basement:
Clay: "hey, jack"
Jack: "what clay"
Clay: "would you rather be stuck in an elevator for ten days or drop your pants and show everybody at school and church your privates?"
Mommy: no comment

Last Day of School & Our Song & Dance of Tears

Today was Jack's last day of school. After a week of counting down the days, he awoke so excited to have a half day that was filled with Field Day festivities. I have to say that over the past three months, he has done remarkably well adjusting. I told him that I don't think even adults could have handled the stress of a new school, new friends and new surroundings like he did. He looked at me puzzled, and said, "it's no big deal, mom." So Clay, Sarah and I went to the grocery and bought every frozen treat we could find to surprise him. I heard the bus pull up to the cul-de-sac and we all started our song and dance to welcome him home. The door opened and instead of all smiles and laughs, he burst into tears. The sobbing continued and we all stood silent shocked at what had just happened. After consoling, he finally told me that he was so upset because he had to say goodbye to his teacher. Jack has always had a tender soul, but recently I think he came into the idea that he is too old to have "feelingse" like this. I sat the holding him thinking what remarkable compassion and feelings this seven year old has. I haven't given him much of one-on-one lately(sad to admit due to the move) and I think I just thought that he can fend for himself. In that moment, I came to the conclusion that all kids need their parents, and may need them in different ways as their siblings. He opened my eyes so much. Thank you to Mrs. Jiminez who welcomed Jack with open arms(literally) and helped him adjust. He wouldn't be the same without her.
1) My child teaching me a lesson
2) Seeing sadness and compassion coming from a young child
3) M&M ice cream sandwiches!!!

White, Brown or Fried..Give Rice. Help End Hunger!

Many of you know I am a news junkie. Sometimes I find it draining, but I always learn from some of the stories that I read. This week heads of state met in Rome to discuss the world food crisis. They are trying to combat the soaring prices of everything from wheat to dairy products. The UN World Food Program(WFP)said global food prices rose 40% in 2007 while the price of wheat has risen 180% since 2006(according to the World Bank) That being said, I came across a really cool website where you can become smarter and help the food crisis. I have to admit, I was stumped at first, but at least I'm not looking at People or TMZ all day. You can go to www.freerice.com and check out your vocabulary skills. For every multiple choice question you get correct, Free Rice and their sponsors will donate 20 grains of rice. So, grab your dictionary and thesaurus and help feed the world.

Good Morning, Family!

I have started a blog for my immediate family and sometimes put different things on it that I don't share on this blog. If you are interested, you can check it out at www.zentzindyhome.blogspot.com
This is my morning family post for them, but I felt complelled to share it on this blog. Thanks for sharing today with me.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Good Morning, Family




Good morning, family. Not a whole lot to blog about today. Waiting to figure out how to post an awesome slide show that Tony Gene made(promise to try again today). I just wanted to share with everyone something that might be a little deep, but I was complelled to share. I have been trying to figure out why in the world I am here...here, being Toledo. I have been thinking and praying everyday for some sign to show me my purpose. I haven't been thrilled with my surroundings, but then I realized that it's not my surroundings that are going to determine my happiness, but rather who I surround it with. God has blessed me and every one of you with incredible people in our lives. I truly believe the meaning of life is to love and to be loved while praising God for all of these blessings. Today, as you go about your daily schedule, think about the following. It is a quote that I keep on my dashboard and read every morning. Something to think about.




On this day, mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter to someone you miss. Encourage a youth who has lost his way. Keep a promise. Forget an old grudge. Examine your demands on others and vow to reduce them. Fight for a principle. Express your gratitude. Overcome an old fear. Take two minutes to appreciate the beauty of nature.


Tell someone you love them.


Tell them again,


and again,


and again.

Long Lost Art of Manners

I received something very special in the mail today. It was a thank you note from one of my nieces, Olivia. I had to stop and think to myself when was the last time I had received one from a child. These days, kids are so in "give me" mode with a sense of entitlement.(mine certainly are from time to time). I do make my kids write thank you's and sometimes I am shocked that they happily oblige. What a good impression it makes....it certainly brings a smile to Aunt Eden's face!
1) thank you on cute puppy stationary
2) a priceless keepsake
3) what happiness the price of a stamp can bring