The Hejnas

Summer is Ending...Now on to FALL!

2011-09-01T13:44:00.000-05:00

This summer has been a whirlwind for this set of Hejnas! As we head into Fall, we are so excited to kick back and enjoy friends and family.

We are still playing volleyball every Friday night with friends in New Town, St. Charles, but for the rest of you family and friends that we don't see on a regular basis let's change that! I'd like to make it up to Pere Marquette State Park at least a time or two to go hiking. Is anyone interested in joining me?

In case you have forgotten, I work every other weekend so if I'm working one weekend the next one I'm off. It's really not that hard to figure out, but people seem to have one heck of a time understanding that.

We love you all and we are sorry if we don't see you as often as we should. Give us a call if you have something going on. If we are available (even across the river) we will come!

Has it REALLY Been SIX MONTHS?!

2011-06-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe it has be SIX months since we last posted anything! We are still fairly boring. Below are some pictures of what has been happening the last six months. Enjoy!

We participated in "Aunt Laurie's Fun Day" with the Sifrigs and actually got to take the kiddos too!

We celebrated New Year's by going out to eat and then hanging at our house

We started a monthly dinner club with some great friends

In February, we took a trip to go skiing in Lake Geneva, WI. I conquered my fear of snow skiing and we got to visit with my cousins, the Mastersons. That is Casey being a ham in the right photo

The Junior League Gala was Masquerade Themed - Of COURSE we had masks too!

We added another furbaby to our family...Meet Roxy (on the right)

We celebrated Mother's Day with all our mothers (Me with my mom and bro here)

Our nephew, Patrick, graduated from 4 year old preschool!

And most recently we took a trip to Ft. Myers Beach, FL...To be in the Steins' Wedding!

I often say we are boring...and on a daily basis we are. But, we have had some fun during the first 6 months of 2011. On Thursday we will celebrate four years of being married. Four years in and I am still super happy to call Steve my husband. We are having so much fun writing our book of life together and thank God every day that each of you are a part of it. Thank you so much for everything you have done to be a part of our lives.

These are the moments...

2010-12-11T10:03:00.000-06:00

...That make my job worth it all. Today was Shop With a Cop 2010 at Target.

Here are all the officers and some of the kids before we started

At 8:00 this morning, the officers of the Alton Police Department took approximately 50 kids shopping and gave each of them $100 to buy gifts for their families and themselves for the holidays.

Sam with one of his shoppers

Each of the three kids with whom I went shopping were great. One of them even remembered me being nice to her one day at work. To be honest, I did not remember her at all, but she was very excited to have me as the officer with whom she went shopping. When that happens it really makes you realize that the smallest interaction with an officer can really shape how they feel about them for life. Here she is below.

This is Nichelle Sumpter (yes, Nichelle. She really gets upset if you call her Michelle)

Nichelle bought something for everyone on her list and STILL got a bike and new helmet for herself. She even gave me a hug at the end of it all...MADE MY DAY!

This is Breanne Lee. Breanne was the best shopper of the bunch. The girl got SO many things for everyone on her list. It was a lot of fun.

My first shopper was Jeffery. He was so cute, but sadly I didn't get a picture with him. Jeffery was very humble and almost didn't get himself anything. But, when I told him he had enough money to do so his eyes definitely lit up!

It was great. I know, I already said that a couple of times, but I mean it. Every year it is nice to get to do something for these kids. I worked last night and seriously need to go to bed, but I just HAD to write about the experience for everyone else before I put my head on the pillow. 'Cause once I do, I am pretty sure I will be down for the count.

I love you all and as you are going through this holiday season I really hope you will remember what it is all about. If you are not Christians, you will still be celebrating this season whatever you believe. Enjoy it, Love the people you are with, and do something nice for someone else. It ends up being selfish because you have no idea how great it will make you feel. Merry Christmas!

So Much To Be Thankful For!

2010-11-27T05:55:00.003-06:00

Well, I have been thinking about this topic a lot over the last few days due to the recently past holiday. I was going to spare you all my rantings, but I feel it is important to occasionally declare to others the things for which we are all thankful. Here are a list of the Top 10 things I give thanks for each day (and some less than I should) in no particular order.

1. My hubby - Steve is an incredible guy and while it is SO much easier to focus on the things he doesn't/didn't do, he does SO much for me every day. I really appreciate the impact he has had on my life even in ways I never expected or wanted.

2. My mom and dad - My parents are two of the most amazing people I know. While both of them work far too much, they are never too busy to take my call or stop by just to check in and see if everything is okay. I love that even though I don't see them that often I always know they are only a phone call away.

3. Being an Aunt - Patrick and Eva keep me on my toes and keep a smile on my face. And new this month is Miss Addy. I can't wait to see the impact she has on the world too!

4. My Health - As most of you know this past year has been filled with trials and tribulations with my back. I have been back at work since April and I am loving every minute of it...okay, maybe not EVERY minute, but I am super excited to be able to continue as a police officer.

5. My friends - I am sometimes a terrible friend and don't keep up on people as well as I should, but just like my parents, my true friends are only a phone call away. I love you guys!

6. Babies - We have had so many new and adorable additions to our lives in the last year or two. Our family and friends are all growing and we are SO excited about it.

7. My In-Laws - How many people can say that?! I love both sets of my in-laws. Even when I get frustrated by being told I'm a crazy liberal or what we SHOULD be doing with our money, I know my in-laws have our best interest at heart. It does get tiring being told we are wrong, but Steve endures it from my parents too. I can only imagine some day we will be doing the same to our kids and their spouses.

8. Toby - Dogs really do bring you a bit more happiness. Toby can sense when something is up with me. I love it. He just puts his head on my lap and gives me a look like "It's okay mom. I'm here for ya." It's too great.

9. Our Siblings - Yes, all 52 of them. Not really 52, but Sam, Kate, Kyle, Kacy, Matt, Kathleen, Danielle, Andy, Natalie, Shannon, Kathryn and Allie are all so much fun. We truly are blessed to have so many different and wonderful siblings in our lives. Oh and while Mike isn't official, he's one of the sibs too.

10. Our Grandparents - Both living and dead, our grandparents have had a tremendous impact on our lives. For those of you gone, we think of and miss you every day. For those of you still with us, I am sorry we don't call or write as often as we should. We love you even though life interferes. Please take care and don't give up on us. We will try to do better in this next year.

So those are just a few things for which I am grateful. I thought about naming each individual and saying something nice, but I figured it would be ridiculously long and no one would read it. I love each and every one of you who read this and I hope it finds you well and being thankful for all the blessings in your lives.

Summer Recap

2010-09-13T04:08:00.005-05:00

I realize the last time I posted was when Steve graduated. Steve and I were very busy all summer, but nothing happened that was monumental enough in and of itself to constitute a post at the time. So now that we are embarking on Fall, here is our Summer Recap:

We attended our friend's wedding - Congrats Garneys!

We helped my Gram move out of her house into the Methodist Village. I told Steve I was jealous. That place is SO nice!

On the 23rd of June Steve and I celebrated three years of being married. It hasn't always been the easiest, but we think we have things mostly figured out finally.

We went to my 10 Year High School Reunion

(Me with Andrea and Kelsey)

The day after my reunion we left and spent a week in the Ozarks at Grandma Jo's condo. It was a LOVELY week. We had three different couples that joined us mid-week and stayed until the end. One day we rented a boat. Another day all the girls went to the spa while the boys went golfing. The rest of the time we just relaxed and shopped.

This is me with Landon - My cousin Megan Riley's youngest son

My cousin Jaime and her husband, Rob, had their second child, William, this summer. About a week later her brother, Alex, and his wife, Megan, had their first child, Henry. Then in August the little bundle I'm holding above was born to their sister, Megan, and her husband, Justin. Three boys born to my three Bennett cousins. CRAZINESS! Now, my cousin Michael and his wife, Teri, are pregnant. You have no idea the questions that are flying our way now.

We hung out with Patrick and Eva as often as possible

Steve's mom, Laurie, bought us season passes to Raging Rivers Waterpark and my mom bought Sam, Kate and the kids one too so we went every chance we got.

I remember hearing my parents claim that the older you get the faster time goes and as I was in my teen years I thought they were crazy (as most teenagers do) but as I get older I completely understand what they were saying. I feel like we blinked and Summer was over.

And now as we head into Fall this pic, while not our best, is AS recent as it gets...

Rams Home Opener 09/12/2010

Steve Graduated from LCCC

2010-05-28T00:23:00.003-05:00

Steve graduated from Lewis & Clark with his Associate's on his 29th birthday one week ago.

We are all super proud of him and can't wait for him to get going at SIUE soon!

A LOT Has Been Happening...

2010-04-17T11:42:00.003-05:00

SO much has transpired in the Hejna household since my last post TWO MONTHS ago! I try not to send out too many updates, but I have been informed I am slacking by my hubby.

Well, let's see...

1. WE ARE OUT OF DEBT!!! WAAAHHH HOOOOOO!!!!! We have been working really hard for the last couple of years to have no debt and we did it! We still have the house payment, but hey, that's okay.

2. The House

- We painted the family room. I know, I know, how could we cover knotty pine...well, being stuck at home so much made me realize I really HATED the wood panelling! So, we painted over it.

- We had a new side door installed in the family room. It actually closes without an act of God and Congress now!

- In the next month or so I will be adding more updates about the house as I can.

3. Me and My Back - I have been released to go back to work - FULL Duty! My first day back will be Wednesday, April 21. I am SO excited!!! Steve is excited to have me out of the house more so his "Honey-Do List" stops growing.

4. Steve - Steve finished out the sale at Dad's store, now he is back working with Mark and Total Pool Solutions. In addition to work Steve is still going to school full-time in the evenings and reffing Lacrosse a few days a week. He is super tan and super busy, but he still finds time to fit me in.

4. Em's Family

Dad - My dad's furniture store is officially closed. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a success over the last 16 years. He is now in Oklahoma opening another store with a couple of the guys who ran his sale and then he is hitting the road. A different location every few months, Dad will be running sales for other stores like he did here.

Mom - She is working WAY too much, but the hospital would be lost without her. Mom still watches P and Eva a lot and loves it (they really are like crack to her)

Sam/Kate/Patrick/Eva - The Rineys are doing wonderfully. The kids are growing like weeds and SO much fun to have around

5. Steve's Hejna Family - We have a lot of plans with the BIG Hejna family this summer. Grandma Jo is throwing out the first pitch at the Cardinals game on May 2. June 19 is the scheduled day for family photos.

Kacy & Kyle are expecting their first little November 17. We are super excited to be an aunt & uncle to another little one!

6. Steve's Sifrig Family - I already said Steve is back working with this side of the family. He really enjoys being back around all his "peeps" again.

Andy passed the GED and we are SO proud of him

Kathleen is still living in Florida with her boyfriend, Mike. They just moved into their new apartment and life is just scooting right along for them

Well, I think that's about it for us for the last couple of months. I will try to post pics of the home improvements we will be working on in the next month or so. We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives and hope to see you soon!

Hi and Bye All in One Week

2010-02-19T13:06:00.002-06:00

This week we adopted a black lab puppy from the Granite City Animal Protection Association. We named him Baloo and welcomed him with open arms. Toby didn't really want anything to do with him the first night, but the next day they were playing like besties.

Well, the first night we had him I noticed my eyes were itching really badly. After I held Baloo, my neck was all red and itchy too. I thought it could just be something left from where he was living before so he and Toby both went to visit the groomer the next day. I picked them up and was very sad to learn the itching did NOT go away. Steve and I talked at length and decided we had to give Baloo back to the Granite City APA to give him the best chance of being adopted by another loving family.

We are SUPER sad to see him go, but we know this is the best thing for all of us. I am taking him back to his foster mom, Kelly, in about an hour and I am a stinking mess. Between itchy eyes and intermittent crying, this is the pits.

If you know of anyone who might be looking for an adorable, loving and super smart puppy, Baloo is the one for them. On the APA website his name is Harvey. He is even doing really well with potty training! Help us find him a great home please!

My take on Lent

2010-02-15T21:27:00.003-06:00

Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism.

Jesus retreated into the wilderness and fasted for forty days to prepare for his ministry. It was for Him a time of contemplation, reflection, and preparation. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.

Ash Wednesday - Coming up THIS Wednesday - Biblical societies relied very heavily on wood fires for heating and cooking, which meant that keeping ashes under control was a major housekeeping task. Then as now, if a person was preoccupied with something serious, they didn’t always tend to the housekeeping—it’s the least of their concerns. Imagine that there is a death in the family. A friend stopping by to pay their respects might gently say, “Did you know you have ashes on your face?”

So ashes became a sign of remorse, repentance, and mourning. During Lent, ancient Christians mourned their sins and repented of them, so it was appropriate for them to show their sincerity by having ashes on their foreheads.

SO - Steve and I will be attending Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning to observe Ash Wednesday (He will be working during the service at EUCC). We will then participate in fasting the Hejna way - We are giving up any place with a drive-thru for Lent. That means no Hit-N-Run or Starbucks too. It should be difficult!

Website Complete

2010-02-13T02:46:00.003-06:00

I have officially gotten all the necessary info on the Policeman's Ball website. Now it's time to get sponsors and auction items. Whew - here's to hoping this year is as big a success as last year!

Feel free to check it out!

http://sites.google.com/site/altonpolicemansball/

Moving On to 2010

2010-01-01T10:38:00.003-06:00

2009 had a lot of ups and downs, but now we are moving on to 2010!

I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions, but at the end of each year I do sit back and assess what I would like to work on in general for the next year. I decided to put these ideas in print in an open forum to hopefully motivate me to actually do something about them rather than just thinking about everything.

So for 2010 I would like to work on the following:

1. Keep our files more up to date and organized

2. Keep the laundry caught up rather than waiting for it to pile up and realizing it when it's too late

3. Spend more time with all of our family

4. Have a game night (or just get together) with friends once a month

5. Choose church over sleep on the days my work schedule allows me to be there

6. Save more money

7. Get back into great shape and train for a 5K once the doctor clears me

8. Get a fence for the back yard

Really, the things I want/need to work on may seem trivial to most reading this, but that is because I have a great life. Steve and I are both healthy (well, minus the back surgery) and we are very fortunate to have each other.

If you are reading this, know that we love you and we hope to get to spend more time with you this next year.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Christmas at the Hejnas '09

2009-12-26T18:59:00.004-06:00

Several people have asked to see our home decorated for the holidays. Well, here ya go!

Steve and my mom did a great job on the outside

Our "pretty" tree

The Living Room

The reason for the season

You can't really see it, but the garland is lit too

Dining Room

All of the LOVELY Christmas cards we received

And, yes, that is a life-sized Santa you see in the mirror (Thanks Dad!)

View from the sofa in the Family Room

View as you enter the family room from the kitchen

Toby likes to lounge in front of the fire

This is our "fun" tree.

The ornaments on this tree have been given to us and each has a fun story.

Isn't this just picture-perfect?

Even our entertainment center has a hint of Santa

Ornament Exchange '09

2009-12-26T18:41:00.004-06:00

As promised, here are some pics from the Ornament Exchange on Dec 19.

I was pretty proud how the invitations turned out. Not too shabby!

Me with Aaron

Heather, Amy, Kate & Katie

Aaron with his "two wives" (Missy & his ACTUAL wife, Aimee)

Missy, Heather & David

Katie, Kate, Amy & Jon

Steve, Aaron, Chad, Rob & Angie

We Were on the "Nice" List

2009-12-26T10:49:00.006-06:00

Santa Claus has been to town and we HAD to be on the "Nice" List! This was an amazing Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve we spent the evening with Steve's Dad's (Doug) family.

Back Row: Natalie, Danielle, Emily, Kacy, Kathryn

Front Row: Matt, Kyle, Steve

Our first Christmas in our new home, Steve and I were very excited to wake up Christmas morning. My mom and dad came over and watched us open our presents to each other.

Steve bought me new golf shoes, a Titleist hat, Some new sweats and...

A ROOMBA!

Steve checking out his new book. He also got a Wii, a bluetooth and a couple of scarves from me.

Toby wasn't forgotten Christmas morning...Here he is with the new "carrot" my dad bought him.

Later in the day, Steve's Mom, Mark and two of his sisters came over to our house. It's the first year they made the drive our way and we were SO happy to have them

here. It really helped not having to run all over so we truly appreciated them being here.

Shannon, Steve and Allison playing Mario Kart

Steve's Mommy, Laurie, getting to "just relax" Christmas morning

Early evening Christmas day, we went to my parents house to celebrate with my family. Mom made a super yummy roast and the kids were in perfect form. Patrick told us all about Santa bringing him a bicycle (A "Woody bicycle" if you ask him) and was very excited to open more presents.

Mom and Dad gave P & Eva a play kitchen and OH how they loved it! Watching them play was just enough to make you melt.

My purse was put in an unknown location during that gathering, so I will post pics once I receive them from the other cameras in operation that night.

Really though, we are loved ABUNDANTLY by our families and are so blessed. Thank you to everyone for helping us make this Christmas SO very special. We love you all!!!

1st Annual Hejna Christmas Ornament Exchange

2009-12-20T23:32:00.002-06:00

Saturday, December 19, was the 1st Annual Hejna Christmas Ornament Exchange Party at our house. It was GREAT fun!

I spent the afternoon cooking food and trying to get everything ready. At 7 people started arriving and I was still finishing things up. We had Filet Mignon on Garlic Toasts (SO yummy!), Thai Chicken Skewers, Teriyaki & Pineapple Meatballs, Shrimp & Avocado with Wasabi Mayo on Cucumber, Bruschetta, and then the general veggies, rye bread with dill dip and such.

It was so fabulous getting to spend time with friends. Sadly, we don't get together nearly as often as we should. I can't locate my camera at the moment, but as soon as I can I will post the pictures from the evening.

YAY!

2009-11-13T22:55:00.001-06:00

Last night Steve and I received a phone call from his best friend, Brandon and wife, Mary. B & Mary asked us if we would be God Parents to their beautiful baby boy, Caleb Christopher Smith.

We, of course, said yes and are VERY excited to watch our Godbaby grow and develop.

Progressing "Perfectly"

2009-11-07T16:30:00.003-06:00

Well, I went to the doctor on the 5th. The doctor said while I still have a long road ahead of me, my "spine looks perfect" for where it should be. I'm still very restricted, but happy to report I have been officially released to OCCASIONALLY leave my house. I still can't lift anything 5lbs or over, and I am to work on weaning myself off the back brace and the narcotics.

Needless to say, I am optimistic at this point. Thanks again to all who have sent well wishes, food, or items. I really appreciate it all. I still love visitors since I am primarily here at the house, so let me know if you are planning on stopping by!

Rough Waters Ahead

2009-10-24T22:56:00.002-05:00

It's going to be some unsteady waters in the months ahead for the Hejnas.

As you all know, I am on the road to recovery from my back surgery. I hurt a lot, but each day seems to get a little easier. I just can't wait to get to leave my house for even a lunch out!

Some of you know Work Comp has decided the payment for my surgery will have to be fought for in court. They are trying to say my injury was not a result of my traffic crash a year and a half ago. We all know differently and we will fight for what is right. SO, I am off work for at LEAST three months without pay. Not entirely sure how the mortgage will get paid, but we have a few ideas.

Then, I learned this week, The City of Alton is officially broke. In the paper they reported that at least 4-5 officers will be laid off by April. I am #6 from the bottom and talk is that they are not sure how safe my job is.

What's that saying-When it rains it pours? Well, I guess we should put out our buckets these days. We're giving it up to God and leaving the worrying to him. It will all work out in the end, we're sure.

We are very lucky to have such good family and friends. Thanks to all who have stopped in to visit since the surgery or sent cards, food, or something else. We love you all!

Impending Surgery

2009-10-12T11:21:00.003-05:00

I haven't been on here in a while. Wednesday I am going under the knife. I have tried not to whine, but it has really sucked for a while.

So, Wednesday I will be having disc replacement surgery in my lower back. Discs L4-L5 and L5-S1 will be removed and then replaced with a prosthetic.

I am not allowed to leave my house for 3 weeks and I will be off work for at least 3 months. The doctor said he would rather me be off the full 4.5-6 months, but I don't think I can afford to be off that long since Worker's Compensation has recently said they don't want to pay me.

Either way the surgery will happen and I will fight it out in court later to try to get them to pay the debt we are about to incur. Please keep me in your prayers and if you get bored, I'll be here.

It's Been a While

2009-08-17T11:31:00.002-05:00

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted something.

Things in the Hejna Household are great. We have been super busy, but I am not sure if I know with what. It seems the days have been flying by this month and I don't know that I have much to show for it.

I guess I do really. Last weekend I hosted, along with Kate and my mom, a bridal shower for my cousin's fiancee, Megan. It was lovely. I am shocked at just how many people will fit in my family room comfortably! Megan had quite a stash of gifts when she was done...Nothing says I love you like new appliances!!!

Later today I am going to present to the employees of Riverbend HeadStart at their meeting at the Gateway Convention Center. The topic? Personal Safety. I think I have the presentation timed perfectly, but I hope I am able to talk slowly so they get all of it and it doesn't turn out to be only 15 minutes. I'm sure it will be fine.

I hope to have a party at the house in the next month or so to sort of show it off. We wanted the back yard oasis to be complete prior to the party, but it's just not in the cards. So keep your eyes open for an invite. It will just be an open house and I would love it if you are able to make it.

Okay. I'm back to bed now. After my presentation, you see, I have to go to work for the night.

Destin Day 3, The Armament Museum

2009-07-14T11:34:00.007-05:00

Well we started our day on the beach but the rain
came and quickly dampened our fun in the sun.

After showers and lunch at Taco Bell; Mark, Shannon, Steve and I went to the Elgin Air Force Base Armament Museum. It was really neat looking at all the planes and weapons from the various wars/eras in our military's history.

Not to mention learning about all the advancements!

Mark knew a lot about all the planes!

Steve, Shannon, and Mark in front of Mark's favorite plane!

Steve and I both got to sit in an A-10 Warthog Trainer cockpit!

Destin, Florida - Days 1 & 2

2009-07-12T22:18:00.002-05:00

We got up early Saturday morning and joined Steve's Mom (Laurie) and Dad (Mark) and kids (Andy, Shannon and Allison) in the Yukon XL for the 12 hour drive to Destin, Florida. 7 seatbelts and 7 people = oof.

It was a long ride in tight quarters, but we made it here without any problems. The first night we unpacked and went to the beach with Mark, Shannon and Allison. Laurie and Andy missed out on the fun the first night while they went to the Urgent Care. Turns out Andy has MONO! The poor kid feels like crap. The rest of us are stocking up on Vitamin C and just trying to stay away as much as possible. Hooray for Clorox wipes!

Today was fabulous. Steve and I woke up around 0630 and sat on the balcony for our coffee and breakfast. Laurie and I went to the store and bought food for lunch and dinner. When we returned from the store, we all went down to the beach. After finding a few jelly fish in the water, the boys removed them with the lacrosse sticks Steve brought and we headed to the pool.

Swimming, tennis and a trip to Target led up to a fabulous dinner cooked by Laurie. Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti, I am STUFFED! After dinner I helped Alli with her math summer homework and realized I am WAY out of practice. Who has summer homework anyway?!

Tomorrow should be either beach or the armament museum. Maybe both! We'll post as we can and I will try to actually take pictures over the next few days. Love you all!

SO much fun!

2009-06-17T05:03:00.003-05:00

Since Steve and I are spending more time at home now that we have our house, that means Patrick and Eva are coming over more to play with or help us. Here are a few pictures of our good times. (Can you tell I just downloaded pictures tonight?)

They were being so sweet!

Eva was hangin with the monkeys

P is just like his mama...Gotta have the Humm Dingers!

Uncle Steve built P a fort. He LOVED it!

Look at me go!

2009-06-17T04:52:00.004-05:00

As I just promised in the previous post, here are some pics of us moving in. I got busy moving and unpacking and didn't take very many, but here ya go!

This stairwell proved to be difficult

Getting our bedroom set upstairs was "interesting"

Dad definitely didn't want me taking his picture

YAY! Look at my guys go!

Even Patrick got in on the action!

The "before" pictures

2009-06-16T15:48:00.011-05:00

A few of you asked for pictures of the house we bought in May. Since it is the reason I haven't posted in a while, I figured I would get on that.

We didn't really have to do anything to move in, but there are still a few small projects on the list for inside and a couple of larger projects slated for the outside of the house. We do have one big project in the back room we want to accomplish, but that won't happen for another year or so.

We should be getting the last chair this week and that will complete the furniture buying for this phase.

Here are the "before the move" pictures of the house. I will post the "during the move" pictures soon and then I will take and post some "after the move pics in the next few days, or let's be realistic, weeks.

1821 Evergreen Ave; Alton, IL 62002

The view as you walk in

The living room is to the right just inside the door

More of the living room

The dining room is directly across from...

The kitchen!

The family room is an addition at the back of the house

It is "L" shaped and GIANT!

The upstairs bathroom

Our bedroom

The guest room

A second view of the guest room.

The meaning of life

2009-05-25T22:12:00.004-05:00

So things have been crazy with the move (I promise I'll have pictures soon), the Policeman's Ball (we raised around $10,000 WOOT!), and work.

Today when I took a moment for continuing education I found something. You see, for the last bit I had claimed my brother's favorite quote, "True victory is victory over one's self" as my own. That quote will always be up there on my list of faves, but today I found one that moved me even more than that. My new favorite quote from Confucius is truly a description of my philosophy on life, " To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice."

How great is that?! Short and sweet, but to the point. I love it. Just had to share. Love you all and I will post something you all really care about soon.

Why all the craziness?

2009-04-27T13:25:00.003-05:00

We close on our house one week from today. My current house is complete chaos at the moment. I started packing yesterday... "I can do it in a week," I said, "NO PROBLEM!!!" My dad told me I was crazy.

Well, my parents get wiser as I get older - I SWORE I had less stuff than I actually do. But, I will get it done! We WILL be ready for the move. I just might not sleep in the process.

Oh, I'm also in charge of planning the Policeman's Ball this year. Kate had been extremely helpful in ensuring everything gets done for this, but I am about to pull at my hair. Note to self, "Next time you buy a house, don't close a week before an event you're planning." Got it. Where was my advice when I started this mess.

Okay, back to the mess that is my house now. It seems to look so much worse before it looks packed. Ugh! Anybody know a master packer who would want to donate their services to my cause? No? I didn't think so.

Here's to Homeownership

2009-04-06T21:42:00.003-05:00

Steve and I put an offer on a house today, AND IT WAS ACCEPTED! We now begin the inspection process and as long as everything goes smoothly, we will close on May 4 or 5. SO EXCITED!!!

Update on Mom

2009-03-31T20:54:00.002-05:00

Mom got to go home from the hospital today after the tests returned fairly normal. At this point they are going to avoid interventional treatment and just try some lifestyle changes.

Steve's aunt is still fighting to get better. She is only in her late 40s, so she still has a lot left in her. Please keep her tucked in your prayers and we will let you know if anything changes.

Long Weekend

2009-03-31T08:41:00.002-05:00

It was a long weekend/beginning of the week here. Steve's aunt was rushed into the hospital Friday night after having a seizure at work. We didn't actually find out about her hospitalization until Sunday while she was in surgery. You see, she has a clot in a vein that caused her seizure. When they went in to dissolve the clot, it was discovered the clot was at LEAST seven inches in length and much more involved than they had originally thought. She's in pretty bad pain and will be in and out of surgeries for probably the better part of the week.

Then yesterday Mom tells me she is being admitted to the hospital. Right now she is in getting a stress test and some lab work. Pending the results of her testing, she should be able to go home today. Mom's fine, just a little scare with her heart. She said last night that she will probably just get a lecture after the testing to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. She said she knew the conversation was coming soon, she was just hoping to avoid it. If there is, in fact, anything to worry about, I will let everyone know. But it doesn't look that way.

Right now though, everyone is chugging along. If you would tuck them in your prayers, that would be great.

Play Day

2009-03-19T20:28:00.005-05:00

I went to the park with Sam, Kate, Patrick and Eva on Tuesday. Here are a few pictures from our fun play day. I hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed taking them!

Patrick climbing the rock wall

He stopped halfway down the slide to tell me not to take his picture

CLEARLY that didn't work

Patrick and Daddy (Sam) going down the slide...Patrick won!

Me with my girl Eva.

Listen To That Laugh

2009-03-18T23:11:00.001-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks

2009-03-16T20:56:00.004-05:00

Steve started working again as of this past Thursday. He is working at his family's pool company. Total Pool Solutions is lucky to have Steve on the team. They have a very full schedule of openings coming up soon, so I am looking forward to a tired and sore hubby soon too.

I went back to the doctor today for a follow-up on my back. It looks like I am going to go ahead with trying cortisone shots. Hopefully that works and in the fall Steve and I can really start expanding our family. Here's to hoping!

Go Eagles 2-0

2009-02-28T16:26:00.001-06:00

The boys won their games again! It was closer much closer, but they won the first two games of today's match. Steve and I are SO proud of them!!

This Year For Lent

2009-02-26T00:05:00.002-06:00

Steve and I are biting the bullet and as of this moment we are giving up soda for the Lenten Season this year. Wish us luck, we both LOVE to have a pop in the middle of our day. I don't really drink coffee, so Mountain Dew is almost an addiction for me. It should be interesting to say the least.

Volleyball on Saturday

2009-02-24T07:51:00.002-06:00

Steve and I are coaching the 7th grade boys' volleyball team at Evangelical Elementary School (the school attached to our church). This Saturday was our first game and the boys were stellar! They won the first two games and didn't even have to play a third game.

This is the first year we have ever had boys volleyball in our area, so for our guys to win their first time on the floor was fabulous! See, all those suicide drills really paid off.

We are super proud of the boys so don't be surprised if I include a weekly update about them. If not, I had to at least share this one.

Fun Friday Night

2009-02-24T07:45:00.006-06:00

We went over to Saint Louis and had dinner with Dave and Heather this past Friday night. It was a ton of fun! We had sushi courtesy of Dave. Once dinner was done and the mess was picked up it was then a two hour marathon of Rockband! SO much fun! Thanks for a great night guys!!!

So yeah...We are boring

2009-02-19T07:26:00.001-06:00

I wish I could say I have SO many updates for you guys, but Steve and I are really boring.

Steve is on the hunt for a new job after being released from Regions almost two weeks ago now. (Long story. If you need details you'll have to call) If any of you know of anyone who is hiring, PLEASE let us know. Steve is pretty open to any opportunities at this point.

I just found out last night that as of April 3rd, I am being transferred at work. Really, this doesn't sound so shocking to a normal person, but I don't like change and I LOVE the shift I am on right now. I'm sure it will be fabulous in the end, but I'm still making my list of pluses.

Really, all is quiet on the Hejna front, and that is not always a bad thing. My back seems to be healing well and we really don't have any major complaints.

OUCH!

2009-01-29T13:41:00.000-06:00

I finally had my MRI today on my back. Turns out I have two torn discs in my back. L4-L5 and L5-S1.

For right now I am going to continue physical therapy for the next 6 weeks and then return to the doctor on March 16 for follow-up. The doctor will measure my improvement then and based on my results, there might be a shot of Cortisone. Then, probably more physical therapy and another check-in.

We are just trying to avoid surgery at this point.

How did this happen?

2009-01-28T23:36:00.000-06:00

So Steve and I both decided we are fat...

Now we know compared to the general population we are just fine, but I am finding clothes too tight and sometimes I get winded when before it would have never been a problem.

The last straw was when my fat jeans were tight and I couldn't wear one of my pair of uniform pants. YIKES! Steve's was when he saw a picture of himself from this summer and he knows we have both only gotten bigger.

SO, I took photos of the before (won't share until I have the after) and Steve refused. We both stepped on the scale and we are off. I have a goal of looking fabulous for the Policeman's Ball in May, but clearly I hope to see results before then. Steve's goals are more ambiguous, but wish us luck. Or at least, wish us perserverance. I have a feeling we will need it.

I will update frequently about our progress...I think having to write it out will hold me accountable (or at least, I hope so)

It's good to be home

2009-01-16T22:48:00.000-06:00

I got home today from a CIT Training in Champaign, Illinois. It was literally -14 degrees yesterday, but it felt like -33! I love the winter, but it's so nice to live in an area that is 10 degrees warmer than where I was for the last few days. It was even hard to start my car!!!

Plus, you know it is GREAT to get to sleep in my own bed tonight. Ugh to having to wake up in the morning, but yay for the comfy bed and warm home I have to call my own.

When I got home I thought my puppy was going to come out of his skin he was so excited. Steve came home from work and took me out to dinner since he was so happy to have me back home.

It is good to be home and to be loved as much as I am. I may not say it often enough, but I truly am blessed.

New Year's Celebration

2009-01-05T07:49:00.000-06:00

So I am a bit behind in my blogging. But in my defense, after taking a day for recovery from the new year, I had to work all weekend, so this is truly the first opportunity I have had to make this post.

This year for New Year's we went to the Hyatt with some great friends. Heather and Dave met us at the very beginning...

Then, Jon and Carrie didn't get there until MOMENTS before midnight...

Steve found out my drink was empty and ran to fill it. Yeah, he missed midnight...

But it was still a great New Year's complete with dancing, drinking and having a great time!

I hope everyone else had as great of a time as we did...HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!!!!

2008 in Review

2008-12-28T06:07:00.001-06:00

2008 brought many weddings, babies and changes in our lives. Here's our year in review:

January - Nothing really exciting happened in January.

February - I had my one year anniversary with the Alton Police Department!!! I am still loving it today.

March - Steve had a scare when I totalled my squad car in a traffic crash while on duty. There were no visible injuries other than a burn on my chin from the deployment of the airbags, but I had a pretty bad concussion and no short term memory for close to two weeks. Steve's patience was definitely tested.

April - Some of our good friends, Sara & Scott, delivered their first child, Adam. He's super cute and all boy. Steve celebrated a promotion with Liberty Bank and was transferred to the Belthalto branch.

May - Steve found himself another year older and now sharing his birthday with his cousin Ashley's new daughter, Lucy. She too is super cute.

June - We celebrated our one year anniversary! Sometimes it's hard to believe we made it this far, other days it seems like we just met. Steve's sister Kacy also married her beau, Kyle. It was a beautiful wedding and we loved being able to participate. Thanks for including us!

July - Our friend James celebrated the birth of his son, Schafer. Congrats James! Steve bought a scooter to save money while gas prices were through the roof. He was so cute tooling all around town.

August - We got a hot tub!!!! Steve's cousin Johnny and his wife, Mary, were SUPER generous and gave us their old hot tub. Steve solicited our friends from STL to move the tub from The Lair's back yard onto the trailer and then I solicited a bunch of guys from work to move the tub from the trailer to the pad built by Steve and my dad. I was expecting this grandious effort complete with grunting and sweat pouring, but I was SORELY disappointed. They made it look absolutely effortless.

September - Steve and our friend, Amy, threw a surprise party for my birthday at the house. It was a luau theme and a ton of fun. I didn't even have to cook anything! It was great to have all the family and friends together (even though I felt a little under the weather)

October - The first found us on an airplane en route to Phoenix, Arizona. We went to Arizona so Steve could be the best man in his best friend Brandon's wedding. Mary was a beautiful bride and we even managed to fit in a trip to the Grand Canyon. It was absolutely gorgeous. On the 3rd our niece, Eva Grace Riney, was born to Sam and Kate. Patrick makes a great big brother and Sam and Kate are handling two children smashingly. In the middle of the week I worked on my first CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) class in an instructor role. It's awesome that I am actually using my Communications degree while working in this field!

November - I had to work on Thanksgiving Day, so Steve spent the day with his families and I stopped at my parents' house in between calls. The day after Thanksgiving we all traveled to Chicago to celebrate Christmas with the Hatfields and PawPaw's 80th Birthday. It was lovely having everyone together in one place. That virtually never happens.

December - On the 2nd Steve's cousin Jeremy was blessed with a baby girl, Kiera Vivenne Bright. She is absolutely beautiful and doing wonderfully. She's now off the respirator and gaining weight and strength. On the 8th Steve started a new job with Regions Bank. He misses the people at Liberty, but is very optimistic about the growth potential. Some of the Alpha Phi girls got together for an annual ornament exchange and it was great to spend time with everyone and their families. If only we lived closer so we could get together more often. On the 17th Sam turned 30! Kate and I arranged for his best friend, Shawn, to fly into town and surprise him. It was great. The family all went to eat at Bella Milano and then us young folk went to Dave & Buster's to play. I had to work on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so we have been hitting all the families since.

The whole year has really been a whirlwind, but we have been able to reflect on how blessed we are and thank our friends and family for everything.

Steve Leaves Liberty

2008-12-09T20:35:00.000-06:00

Monday Steve started a new job. He has left Liberty is now at Regions Bank in Granite City. So far, he loves it! It's a little better pay and a LOT more growth opportunity. We are very optomistic about the change.

YAY Family!!!

2008-12-06T08:21:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving was great. I worked Thanksgiving Day, but Steve hit both of his families and my dad's family was in town from Chicago and Milwaukee, so it was great to catch up. My nephew, Patrick, and my cousin Sarah's daughter, Casey, were too cute. Patrick was absolutely enthralled by another kid being around so they could play. We did our Christmas exchange that Wednesday and then lunch on Thanksgiving Day. Since my parents live in the city, it was nice to be able to stop in for a plate of goodness. Thanks!

Friday morning, Mom, Sam, Kate, Patrick, Eva and I drove up to Chicago to meet up with my mom's family for a lovely Christmas gathering and to celebrate my PawPaw's 80th birthday. My dad and Steve then rode the last train out of Alton up and met us there.

It was great getting to be around the whole family. That never happens! Megan and Jaime's kids are growing like weeds and all the kids played together so very well. I have pictures from the gatherings, but I will have to add those later as I have apparently not yet loaded them on this computer.

I hope this note finds everyone well and in good spirits for the next holiday. Love you all!

What I'm Thankful For - 2008

2008-11-20T17:24:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine from high school used to always make a list of each thing for which he was thankful. The last couple of years I have tried to do the same. I mean, really it's what Thanksgiving should be about right? You should each make your own whether you share it with the masses, or keep it for yourself, it really helps put you in the spirit for the upcoming holiday. The following is my list of things for which I am thankful this year:

1. My husband, Steve - for all the love and all the fights...my life would not be as full without him.

2. Our puppy dog, Toby - he gives unconditional love and will do whatever he can to make us smile.

3. My neice, Eva, and nephew, Patrick - who knew you could love two little people so much?

4. My family - The Rineys, The Hejnas, and The Sifrigs. Each has a special place in my heart.

5. Good friends - We are blessed to have so many more than below.

6. My job - The schedule sometimes is rough, but it stays interesting

7. Helping Others - Steve and I put together one of the events for St. Baldrick's to raise money for kid's cancer research

8. Our First Year Wedding Anniversary - Steve had the florist do a remake of my wedding bouquet. It was fabulous!

9. Taking Scooter Rides - Steve rode more than I did, but it was fun to go through town on it

10. Kacy & Kyle's Wedding - It was a truly wonderful day guys...thanks for including us...we love you!

11. Completed House Projects - The hot tub is great and SO relaxing!

12. Days on the lake - Thanks Tim! Miss you!!!

13. Birthday Surprises - Steve and Amy threw me a birthday luau. It was great!

14. The Grand Canyon - It was absolutely breath taking

15. Pumpkin Picking with the fam - Patrick was so cute running to all of the pumpkins. It was ADORABLE!!!

Cleaning Day!

2008-11-16T20:14:00.000-06:00

Steve and I spent the entire day cleaning, re-arranging, and just generally re-organizing our house with the help of my parents.

It was FABULOUS!!! Organization truly is my bliss.

The whole thing started because my Aunt Beck and Uncle Pete gifted us a second refrigerator so we would have more storage room. SO, we had to find a place to fit the fridge in our teeny house.

It fit quite well in the back room one I purged some stuff. I was a throwing away machine today. Mom had to stop me a couple of times before I threw away something I actually needed. Thanks again Mom!

Steve and Dad installed the fridge and hooked up the icemaker (YAY! We will have ice on a regular basis now.) They also hung the new curtain rods in the living room and dining room. And finally, they fixed our long broken grill! (Now we will have ice AND grilled meat! I won't know how to act.)

It was so cute watching the my men do the "manly" jobs around the house. I kept Mom busy too though. While the boys were installing the fridge Toby and I locked ourselves in the bedroom and then I cleaned out my closet and moved my summer attire to the garage and unpacked the sweaters.

Once Mom got here she joined right in on the action. She and I finished the backing for the living room curtains (we bought thermal panels for the back to save energy and hopefully save us some money). Soon after that was done the boys decided they were hungry so we made a food run. Once everyone had eaten Mom and I cleaned, scrubbed and re-arranged the mud room.

All in all, it was a great day with family. You can't ask for too many of those. We only wish all of our family lived as close so we could spend more time with them.

Below are some pics of the results of our hard work. If you haven't been to our house, you probably can't appreciate the change, but like a doof, I forgot to take "before" pics. We love you all!

Whaddya think?

Steve and Toby were pretty pooped after a long day of work

And the mud room...I know not very exciting.

We finally decided to blog

2008-11-12T04:23:00.000-06:00

People keep asking us what's new and exciting in our lives. We don't feel like there is anything to tell when people ask, but this way we can give you all a weekly or bi-weekly update so everyone can stay in the loop.

It seems like this year has FLOWN by. Steve is still working at Liberty Bank and is in school at Lewis & Clark. I am still an Alton Police Officer and love it!

Toby is about as big as we think he is going to get, but he is doing so well. We went to Gordon Moore Park to have family photos taken last week (For our Christmas cards) and he was too funny. I swear we thought he was going to jump in the lake at LEAST five times.

Steve and I are trying to figure out what we are doing for the upcoming holidays since I have to work. Juggling all the families is tiring, but worth it in the end.

Please drop by often and fill us in on the happenings in your lives too. We love you all!
Em & Steve