Thursday, May 31, 2007

L & D-Day

I'm so freakin' excited! As I type this, my sister is at the hospital being induced. My nephew or niece will be born soon, very soon!

NEWS FLASH!!!

My NEPHEW, Charles James was born this afternoon. He weighed 8 lbs. He and his mother are doing just fine!

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

A Little Survey

1. Is your second toe longer than your first?
Yes it is & a wonderful woman from India told me that it meant I would rule my husband ;)

2. Do you have a favorite type of pen?

FINE TIP please!
3. Look at your planner for June 14, what are you doing?

I have absolutely no idea. That would mean I would have to be organized.

4. What color are your toenails usually?
Au Natural

5. What was the last thing you highlighted?
Hmmmm...I don't really remember

6. What color are your bedroom curtains?
I don't have curtain in my bedroom.

7. What color are the seats in your car?
Tan

8. Have you ever had a black and white cat?
Yes. His name was Cosby. I only had him a very short time because my baby sister slammed him in the car door & he met his untimely demise! (Sorry Maggie!)

9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on?
A little note to Brooke

10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming?
I don't think so.

11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time?
To get the boys breakfast at WaWa

12. Who is the last baby that you held?
Probably a baby at work.

13. Do you know of any twins with rhyming names?
My sisters-in-law - Sherry & Merry. Goes with their older brother Terry & my husband Jerry - no kidding!

14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste?
Yes I do. I loved Close-Up. Is that still made?

15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago?
Ford Explorer

16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators.
If I have to pick one I would pick Gators.

17. Last time you went to Six Flags.
Ummm...NEVER!

18. Do you have any wallpaper in your house?
Yup - & let me tell you it is UGGGHHHLY!

19. Closest thing to you that is yellow:
A little organizing box.

20. Last person to give you a business card?
My husband gave me one yesterday at his office for some totally random reason.

21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to?
My CTMH consultant

22. Closest framed picture to you?
A picture of the covered bridge at Grings Mill.

23. Have you ever applied for welfare?
NO!

24. How many emails do you have?
Only three this morning & none worthwhile.

25. Last time you received flowers?
I bought some for myself yesterday.

26. Do you think the sanctity of marriage is meant for only a man & woman?
Well, I think God intended marriage for a man & woman, but who are we to judge otherwise?
27. What are you listening to right now?
The washing machine fill up.

28. Do you play air guitar?
No.

29. Do you take anything in your coffee?
When I drink it - has to be Coffee Mate French Vanilla.

30. Do you have any Willow Tree figurines?
Only one. My sister collects them & she bought me one for Christmas this past year.

31. What is your high school mascot's rival?
My high school - a Brave. The school district we live in - a Bulldog

32. Last person you spoke to from high school?
My best friend from high school Krista.

33. Last time you used hand sanitizer?
Ummm-probably last week at work. I try to wash my hands because hand sanitizer dries them out.

34. Would you like to learn to play the drums?
No.

35. What color are the blinds in your living room?
Cream.

36. What is in your inbox at work?
Ha! I don't have an inbox at work.

37. Last thing you read in the newspaper?
The real estate transactions.

38. What was the last pageant you attended?
Never attended a pageant - thank goodness!

39. What is the last place you bought pizza from?
Oohhh. That's a tough one - I really don't remember.

40. Have you ever worn a crown?
No. Unless you count the imaginary one I wear around the house as queen!

41. What is the last thing you stapled?
Probably recipes together

42. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi?
I'm sure I did.

43. Are you ticklish?
Nope - not even one little bit. Being tickled annoys me.

44. Last time you saw fireworks?
Saturday night at Maple Grove

45. Who is the last person that left you a message & you actually returned their call?
I usually answer the phone. They're aren't usually very many messages.

46. Last time you parked under a carport?
Never.

47. Do you have a black dog?
No - two chocolate ones though.

48. Do you have any pickles in your fridge?
Yes - dill & bread/butter

49. Who has the prettiest eyes you know of?
My oldest son. They are beautiful deep blue.

50. Last time you saw a semi truck?
This past weekend.

51. Do you remember Ugly Kid Joe?
I recall the name & that he was involved in music, but other than that no.


52. Do you have a little black dress?
No, I don't. I wouldn't have anywhere to wear it.

Monday, May 28, 2007

Clutter, clutter everywhere

I HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF.

There, I said it, it's out there. I have admitted it to myself & accepted it.

I am on the verge of whipping everything out into the street. I can't stand it anymore. It's driving me crazy. My children are affected. My husband is affected & now I want to be rid of it all.

I don't care if it's harsh. I want a super simplistic house with super simplistic contents that it takes a very short period of time to pick everything up & put away & then dust, sweep - DONE!

Maybe I would have better odds of becoming a concert pianist.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

PASSING THE TORCH

It has happened. Like the Olympic runners that ceremoniously pass the torch from one to another. So gracefully & full of pride, so too has the torch been passed here in good old Mohnton Pennsylvania.

But you see, our torch passing is very, very special & one of a kind.

Our torch was passed from someone that is no longer with us. Our torch skipped a generation (or two) and was handed to my eldest son Austin. The torch was passed from grandmother who I'm sure is just as pleased as punch.

And what, may you ask, is this torch? It is MOONING!!! You know the tried & true tradition of pulling down your pants & showing what God gave you to someone. In this case it was a random car driving by.

Here's the story:

Austin, Aidan & I were up the road visiting with our dear friends, the Pianka's. It was around 9:00 when were heard a very loud popping sound that rumbled through the valley. We all realized that it was the fireworks display coming from Maple Grove that had produced the sound.

John & I watched from Pianka's deck that overlooks the driveway as Brooke, Cody, Austin & Aidan ran down to the road where they could see most of the fireworks. Of course they can't just stand & watch, they need to be acting like...KIDS (God forbid!).

It started out with the universal symbol for trucker honk your horn. You know arm extended, elbow bent, hand up, fist clenched, all frantically moving up & down. This request was granted by several passing cars. They tired of this quickly because not many passersby complied.

Next thing you know we here someone (I think it was Brooke) shout from below, "AUSTIN JUST MOONED A CAR!". Aidan had a flashlight & I'm sure he was shining it on his brother's bright white behind, so whoever he blessed with this sight was probably saying to themselves "Look at that kid with the bright white shorts on!"

I yelled at him, while trying to stifle my laughter, to not do that because you never know who could be passing by. A policeman, a neighbor - who knows.

The boys then progressed into flashing cars - Girls Gone Wild style & then we all (John included) piled into the mini-van to buzz the 1/4 mile down the road to see the finale.

Mooning people. What's next? Showering in the rain in his underwear?

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Pirates!

The boys had a half a day of school yesterday, so at 1:00 I picked them up & we made our way towards Ephrata to the Main Theatre (where matinees are only $5.00!!) to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At Worlds End.

After being disappointed by the the ending of Dead Man's Chest, let me just say I was amazed at the special effects & how exciting this movie is!

Austin & Aidan both enjoyed it very much - even though Aidan asks a million questions during the movie (Mom, did they die? Mom why is he crying? Mom, can I have some popcorn? Aidan, be quiet. We are watching a movie!)

Below are the lyrics to the very first song in the movie. It is starts out being sung by a little boy & then all the pirates join in. Very haunting start to the movie that keeps you interested the whole two and a half hours +!

Yo, ho, haul together,
hoist the Colors high.
Heave ho,
thieves and beggars,
never shall we die.

The king and his men
stole the queen from her bed
and bound her in her Bones.
The seas be ours
and by the powers
where we will well roam.

Yo, ho, haul together,
hoist the Colors high.
Heave ho, thieves and beggars,
never say we die.

Some men have died
and some are alive
and others sail on the sea
– with the keys to the cage…
and the Devil to pay
we lay to Fiddler’s Green!

The bell has been raised
from it’s watery grave…
Do you hear it’s sepulchral tone?
We are a call to all,
pay head the squall
and turn your sail toward home!

Yo, ho, haul together,
hoist the Colors high…
Heave ho, thieves and beggars,
never say we die.

Friday, May 25, 2007

Boys - HMPH!!!

You know I love my sons with all my heart. They are truly the lights of my day, but you know sometimes, okay maybe a lot of the time, they make me CRAZY!!

Take this morning for instance. Aidan is in the living room while I am checking e-mails, contemplating what I am going to do today, etc. & I hear a thump. Like the sound of the remote control falling, being dropped - you get the picture.

"Aidan" I say, "What are you doing?". No response. That could be one of my biggest pet peeves, when I ask a question & there is no response. Maybe he's engrossed in the program that's on tv. I don't know. What I do know is that it irritates the hell out of me.

Five minutes goes by. What do I hear...THUNK...from the living room. Remote control falling/being dropped. GRRRR!!! "Aidan, WHAT WAS THAT?" I hiss from my perch.

Again - no answer. I am possibly going to freak. I have my "I'm not happy" face on even as I retell this story.

Two minutes goes by. THUNK..."AIDAN CHARLES!!! IF I HEAR THAT REMOTE CONTROL FALLING AGAIN I AM GOING TO SEND YOU UP TO YOUR ROOM & YOU WILL NOT WATCH TV, PLAY ON THE COMPUTER OR PLAY X-BOX FOR A WEEK!!!" I say very calmly & in a non-threatening tone (If you believe that - man you don't know me well at all!)

Well it's been possibly ten minutes & I have not heard anything REMOTELY (ha ha I crack myself up) sounding like a remote falling coming from the living room.

Maybe I effectively communicated with him. Or maybe he set the remote down.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

TERRIBLE TWOS

Two Names You Go By:
1. Tracy
2. Mom
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Crocs
2. Camo Capris
Two things you want in a relationship:
1. Sincerity
2. Love
Two of your favorite things to do:
1. Scrapbook
2. Camping
Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. Stay home from work
2. & scrapbook!
Two pets you had/have:
1. Ruger
2. Cabela
Two people who will fill this out first:
1. Tricia
2. I have no clue
Two things you did last night:
1. Played computer games
2. Watched the last 2 minutes of American Idol
Two People that live in your house:
1. Austin
2. Aidan
Two people you talked to last:
1. Aidan
2. Jerry

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Scrapbooking
2. Taking Aidan to school
Two longest car rides:
1. Orlando, FL
2. Montreal, CANADA
Two of your favorite Holidays:
1. Christmas in Harbor Creek
2. July 4th on Mom & Dad's back porch
Two favorite beverages:
1. Clover Farms Icy Tea - on the rocks of course!
2. Crystal Light Raspberry Green Tea

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Practice Lunch Day

Aidan is having a practice lunch day today. Since he only goes to school for half a day, he doesn't eat lunch there, so there are having a run through today.

He keeps reminding me, "Mom, I need $1.35 for school tomorrow so I can get lunch." He will probably eat lunch with me at camp, then go to school & have lunch their too.

Then tomorrow they are having Moving Day at school where the kindergartners go to school all day. He will spend the day with a first grade teacher and see how their day is spent. I have to drop him off at school at 9:00 a.m so my guess is he will be tired tomorrow night after his full day.

I'm not sure what I will do with myself while he is gone in the morning before I go to camp. The possibilities are endless...scrapbook, clean, weed flower beds...OH - that's right...I will be going to the laundromat since my washer is on the disabled list. FUN! FUN! FUN! Oh well, at least I don't have to subject him to the torture of going with me.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Governor Mifflin Prom 2007

Where has the time gone is my first question. I mean, I'm not getting anyone older - it's everyone else around me...RIGHT!?!?!

I guess what has prompted me to ask this is the fact that the little girl that was the flower girl in my wedding went to the prom on Saturday night.
Not to mention the fact that on June 8th she will graduate from high school. It's not possible!

Our little Julie is 18, going to graduate, has worked at WaWa for the past two years and will attend Reading Area Community College in the fall.

My sweet girl...who usually has a smile and a hug for me...is a young woman...and I DON'T LIKE IT - not one bit.

Here is Aidan waiting for the limo to arrive:




And here is a picture of Julie & her friend Jen arriving at the Inn at Reading where prom was held.

Doesn't she look beautiful? F.Y.I.: She told us the next day that she had 104 bobby pins in her hair!


Sunday, May 20, 2007

LOVE/HATE with the 5 senses

LOVE:
the SIGHT of my flower beds when they are in bloom (and all weeded!)
the SMELL of my husband's aftershave
the TASTE of my mother's banana nut bread...and GOOD chocolate
the SOUND of my sons playing/talking/giggling...and thunderstorms
the FEEL of the ground between my fingers

HATE:
the SIGHT of dishes in the sink...and stuff on the kitchen table
the SMELL of my husband's feet
the TASTE of liver
the SOUND of my sons fighting...and crying
the FEEL of dampness...like when you're camping & it's time to go to bed & your sleeping bag is damp...YUCK!

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Fire Expo 2007

Jerry had they day off of work on Friday, so we decided to take the kids out of school for the day & go to Fire Expo in Harrisburg.

They had a good time I think. Aidan's behavior may have left a little to be desired, but what can you expect from a seven year old boy?

I got to meet the E-One salesman that Jerry spent time with in Florida. His name is Tom & he seemed very nice to me. Tom said that when the new tanker is completed, the fire company can either choose to send people to Florida to inspect it, or they can just look at pictures. Jerry said that he is not too sure if he would want to go to Florida again. I don't know if he will even get that opportunity. That's the chief's decision!

Here is a picture of the boys with Sparky the fire dog from Expo.

We also went to see Shrek the Third last night at the Ephrata Main Theatre. It was really cute & everyone enjoyed the movie - even Jerry!

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Field Day 2007

So, what are the chances that Austin & Aidan have land olympics/field day on the exact same day? Pretty good - in fact excellent! Throw into that equation the fact that their schools are 8 miles apart & I have to bring Aidan back for afternoon kindergarten after watching Austin all morning...we had a very busy day!

We started the day by going to WaWa for breakfast & GatorAde for the day. Then dropped Austin off at the Intermediate School at 9:00. 5th Grade Land Olympics didn't start until 9:30, so we had about a half an hour to kill. We visited with Merry at the Athletic Office which is directly across from the stadium to waste time & then went over to watch Austin.

He competed first thing in the 50 yard dash. Well, I hate running so I give him & any other child credit because they were the ones that chose which three events they would compete in today & my view is ...WHY RUNNING?.

Austin came in third in his heat for running the 50 yard dash. Only the top two finishers from each heat went on to the finals, but he told me that the fastest kid in the class was in his heat & he was just glad he came in third.



In the above photo he is on the left, working his way up through the pack.

Then Austin competed in the long jump. He made two jumps with the first one being 8'4" & the second one 8'7". Not too shabby! He said there were kids ahead of him that had jumped 11' or more, but I was just so darn proud of him for trying & doing his best & also having FUN!









Austin on the left after completing his first jump.




Austin after completing the long jump - my handsome guy - even with the long hair.

Around 11:30, Aidan & I left to get some lunch & then back to Brecknock for school & Aidan's field day.

Aidan started field day with the Bean Bag Challenge. They had to run with a bean bag several different ways: balanced on their head, tucked under their chin, between their knees, between their ear & shoulder & I'm sure their is one that I'm forgetting. There was a lot of running involved. See Aidan's concentration with his tongue sticking out?





Then it was on to the bean bag toss. The children had to toss four bean bags into three rings that were spray painted on the ground. All the kids in Aidan's group were pretty good at this event.

Next it was on to the obstacle course where he was "lightening fast" & ran through it in record time I'm sure.










Last they had a sack race & three-legged race that they competed in & Aidan was really good at that too!

















The last thing all the kindergarten & pre-first classes had was a candy scramble & that was enjoyed by all the kids.
I picked Austin up from school & he told me that after we left his 4X100 relay team had taken first place & his class won the tug-o-war. I felt bad that I missed it, but I have found that it is impossible to be in two places at once...no matter how hard you try.

Monday, May 14, 2007

May 14, 2007

Today was a normal day I suppose.

I thought I would be going to Austin's 5th grade Civil War Reenactment, but when I called the school this morning to ask what time it started the reply I heard was, "It starts at 9:00 - I think, but you know it's not open to the public - security reasons."

I was disappointed, but was then questioning the Field Day that will be held on Thursday & anyone can go to that, just walk in the stadium or on the elementary school property. Who knows what their logic is.

I worked in my flower beds & herb garden this evening & Jerry worked in his salsa garden.

I also planted the beautiful flowers that Aidan bought me on Saturday in my flower beds. He truly loves flowers & he loves to touch them all. He is my grandmother through & through.


Many thanks to my parents who helped to weed out my flower beds & plant the perennials that were on the front porch.
It was so nice to actually spend Mother's Day with my mother. Even if she did make me work.

That was the best Mother's Day gift of all.

Friday, May 11, 2007

SEVEN

My baby is seven. Yes, seven years old. I am blinking back tears as I type this because I realize that he is my baby & he is growing up & there is nothing I can do about it.



Jerry & I went to Wal-Mart with him in the morning to pick-up a cake so he could celebrate with his friends at Camp Adahi. While we were there we also looked at bikes which is what he told us he wanted for his birthday.



We walked over to the toys (which I usually dread because he can always find something he "needs" over there) and he looked over their selection of bikes. Aidan's only requirement was that it looked cool & Jerry's only requirement was that it have coasting brakes (you know the kind on the pedals). Me , of course, wanted it to cost less than $100.00 which suprisingly it did.



We walked over to the bike section & began our quest for the perfect 20-inch two-wheeler. Aidan wanted one that was yellow & looked like a dirt bike. I vetoed that bike due to the fact that it had a lot of plastic pieces on it & if you know my youngest son, that would end in certain breakage.



Jerry found a red bike - with a BMX look to it, with padding, a quick adjust seat, coasting brakes & to Aidan's delight...A KICKSTAND AND A WATER BOTTLE!!!!



Much to my chagrin, the bike is called a Wipeout. Not exactly the name you want for the bike of your daredevil seven year old, but it does have the features we are all looking for, brakes, price & did I mention...A WATER BOTTLE?!?!?



So without further adieu, here he is with his newest prized possession.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Stepping out of my comfort zone

I have never kept a journal for very long.

I have wanted to, had every intention on doing it, but never have - not enough time - too tired. The list of excuses could go on & on.

I have seen blogs done by other people & I thought maybe I can do this - so I will give it a try. I can definitely type faster that I can write so hopefully I can keep up with all my thoughts and daily events.

I hope that this will keep everyone posted on our daily happenstances. You know I thought we really weren't that interesting - but we are pretty cool!