Just pictures today

I am not sure how many I can fit here, but I am going to try to share a lot. Some from minigolf. That sunset that wouldn't post last week. A vacation journal that K. made from a composition book. She chose the colors and painted the stripes herself. The entire project is hers. I made a few "suggestions" and she vetoed every one! I think she matched the colors beautifully! Posed for the photo bed head and all! We had our tradition bagel breakfast. We have seemed to develop a pattern of Dunkin Donut's bagels before our family outtings! Fun fun fun!
So - enjoy.

Pondering

Totally hijacked this from another blog, but it made me stop and think, and anything that can do that deserves to be remembered. I didn't dare not update the blog, lest I be subject to some major threats from some friends! Haven't been taking many pictures lately. What is that you say?? How could it be?? well guess what? I have been actually participating! Yup! I don't have very many pictures of the kids in the pool , because I have been IN the pool with them! Imagine that?? We did go mini golfing Sat am. Big surprise for the kids. Love to do that. They were trying to guess all the way there in the car. Then, when we got there, they remembered that I had let it slip in passing on Friday that we were golfing. They totally forgot!! There are times living with a household of ADD'ers does serve me well! When I get the chance today to upload the pics I will share. Have been hard at work with Ang and Renee on the Crop for a Cure planning. Spent a few hours doing that yesterday. It is going awesome!!

Anyway - here is what I hijacked....let me know what it makes you think about....I added a few comments.

Do You Ever Wonder...

where you will be 50 years from now? ** My gosh I will be pushing 88 - so maybe I better think about 40 years from now!**

who will someday become the most important person in your life?

if the words you are speaking are being taken completely wrong?

what moment in your life will be remembered as the most important you have ever lived?

if that thing you want so badly that you are willing to sacrifice great things for it will really be worth all the trouble in the end?

how much time you have left with the people you love?

if you will get a chance to grow old?**I think of this one a lot**

what you would see if you saw yourself through someone else's eyes?

who will stand by your side and hold your hand when your life comes crashing down?

how brightly your light is shining?

how you will be remembered when your life is over?

if you will ever truly make a difference?

what the toughest battle you ever have to face will be and how you will react to it?

why you get to be the one that all the good things happen to? **Tell me honestly how many of you have EVER said this to yourself???** Come on admit it. Don't we all say, why are we the ones that all the bad stuff happens to - more often????

ARGH!@#$%^

OK - Blogger is being a bugger again and not uploading my pictures. I had a beautiful shot of tonight's super pink sunset. Guess we'll just have to wait to see that one.

I couldn't leave my funky post on by itself for too long.

Feeling a bit better today. Spent time with the kids today. That always helps. Some scrappy retail therapy yesterday and even a wee bit today. That always helps. Got to be a bit creative tonight. That always helps. Rode the tractor mowing the grass tonight. Some nice time alone with my own thoughts. That sometimes helps. Took time to stop and see the sunset. That always helps. Right now I am watching stand up on Comedy Central. Laughing helps.

Remember when there was nothing but stand up on Comedy Central? and videos on MTV? Oh my gosh!! Yes, MTV. Celebrating their 25 anniverary! Forget K. turning 12 to make me feel old, this pretty much did it now! Remember when we were all running around singing, "I want my MTV?" Hopefully there will be some great 80's recall specials on in the next few weeks. Remember VJ's? One of our favorite shows on VH1 is the I love the 80' sand 70's stuff. Man - life was so simple then! Saving for my Jordache jeans, cruching on Rick Springfield, carrying my Adidas gym bag, and watching videos. When the heck did I grow up? So tell me - who was the video king/queen in the 80's??

So - thanks to everyone that tried to cheer me up! Thanks Patti for reminding me of my favorite Larry the Cable Guy joke. Can't wait for his new video to come out.

Funny where my train of thought goes...Sunset....MTV ...Larry the Cable Guy.......scaryyyyy.

Now - if I can only sleep things would be much better! Off to try! Ta!

Funk-y

Not in the "Hey that's cool" way

Not in the "Man did you not take a shower?" way

Funk-y.

As in - in a funk.

Where I have been for a few days and really bad today.

I was officially diagnosed with clinical depression 8 years ago after having C. and my mom died. This is the part where most people go - No! You!? Was on meds for a few years. But through herbals, some "weeding" of the some of the negative influences in my world, scrapbooking, and trying very hard to surround myself with things that I love and that make me happy, things have been manageable. I also have the blessing of being able to work part-time and decrease some of that stress. Most days, I can deal pretty well, and do very well.

Then I get hit with periods like the last few days. Days that I need to talk myself out of bed. I am always the cheerful positive one. I hate when I feel mopey and sad. The social butterfly in me, is grounded today. Guess I am human after all. Imagine that.

So - I am hoping some time with my kiddos and hubby this weekend will help. Going to do some creating with the kids tomorrow. That usually helps. Scrapbooking has been a saving grace for me. Maybe I should prescribe some time alone at my scrap table.

My challenge for you today - cheer me up!! Post something funny!

Bringing forth the beauty.

I know I already posted today - but I came across this excerpt in the book I am reading Perfect Summer by Luanne Rice. Highly recommend her books.

But the two main characters are discussing how gardening seems so trivial in the light if tradgedies that just occured. This is what one of them says...

"I don't see it that way. I think life is supposed to be beautiful. We're supposed to try to make it that way....sad, terrible things happen, but it is up to us to plant flowers. to bring forth the beauty."

Maybe that is why I enjoy gardening so much. Maybe that is why it is so important to some humans to be surrounded by the beauty nature has to offer. I often feel sad for those that can't seem to have that joy, but also pray that they may find it elsewhere in their lives.

I find peace in my garden. May all of you that I care about have a place you can feel the beauty of something good in a world that sometimes feels so trivial.

18 days and counting

Myrtle Beach SC here we come!!

18 days and counting.

Hate to wish the summer away but man, do we need a vacation.

This will be our 10th or 11th year going to MB. I've lost count. We started going when Kaite was 1, but I think we missed a year in there somewhere, and had one year cut very short with my mom's passing. The kids protest at the mear mention that we *may* go somewhere else. It has become such a tradition with us. Seeing familiar sites and eating at favorite restaurants is wonderful. We never really took a *family vacation* when I was young. we camped here and there to visit family. I hear we went to the Pa Grand Canyon, don't remember. But there was never anything consistent to look forward to each year. I love that we have given that to our kids. They talk about MB all year. Discuss what they want to do while we are there. My favorite is the, "Remember when we..." That just makes my heart warm.

I love these pictures of the kids at the pool.

The enthusiasm and excitement in the pictures is palpable.

However, as much as I enjoy the beach, and good book and the warm sun, I really can't imagine a summer vacation that doesn't involve sand. You will see the photo I chose of me enjoying our vacation is far different than the kids. It involves good seafood -not cooked by me - and margaritas. ( The fact that my relaxing involves tequila may have something to do with the look on the face of the child sitting next me at the table. Look closely and all of you mom's reading this will say, "ah - yes - been there) I look most forward to relaxing with our friends, enjoying watching the kids have fun and putting my feet up. Well as much 'putting my feet up' as a mom can be.

In 18 + days I will be sitting at that same restaurant (Cheeseburger in Paradise by the way) in Myrtle Beach SC pretending that the rest of my life doesn't exsist. At least for one week anyway!

Things that make me smile

Because I have nuttin' else! Just been hot and busy around here.

What makes you happy??

Truly happy??

One of my scrap assignments recently was to document my most cherished possession. For me it was my house - which I guess can be another post another day. But that led me to thinking about what makes me happy.

So - here are my ten. Comment and let me know what makes you happy. Then - do at least one of them today. My challenge to you.

In no particular order -

1. A good hearty belly laugh from the kids. An honest to goodness no holes barred giggle. Double happy points if it is Daddy making them laugh.

2. Sitting by my pond on the patio early in the morning with a good latte.

3. A venti decaf iced mocha from Starbucks.

4. Goooood ice cream.

5. Snuggling with J. on the sofa every night.

6. a weekend scrappin' with good friends.

7. Driving up the road and spotting the house after a long day. Knowing that my family is in there waiting for me.

8. Flowers. Happy sun soaked flowers.

9. Making someone else happy with a little surprise or treat.

10. Doing anything fun or different that we haven't done before. Love to explore.

I could go on, but I said ten, so ten it is.

Oops - can I add 11?? I love to find all my favorite blogs freshly updated and waiting to be read!

Sweet.

I was just sitting here checking for comments on yesterday's post. K. strolls by, spots herself on the screen, and says, "oh, sweet."

Hmm, guess it is cool when mom blogs about you.

Sweet.

This and that...rambling

You are all going to be sorry that you have been hounding me to post!

I can't believe it has been a week since I blogged!!

In that time - K. has turned 12. TWELVE! As in one more year til teenager. As in, when the heck did I get so old!? As in, getting way too mature! I wouldn't have it any other way though. She is a wonderful girl. Caring and sensitive. I couldn't be more proud of her. She is into all things animal print and dying for a cell phone. To call whom? No one. Just to "have".

We decided to try to surprise her for her birthday and take her to one of her favorite places...Shady Maple Smorgasboard for breakfast. She guessed it however. I suppose she knows there are very very few things that would get us all up and out of the house by 8 AM! Jim's brother Bob and his daughter were visiting for the weekend. So, it was exciting to have some company.
You won't know what we did for the rest of the day because this terrible mommy didn't take any pictures after breakfast!

After a gorge-fest at SM, we stopped at Jim's aunt and uncle's farm to visit since we were very near. The kids always enjoy the horses. It was very very hot, and K's second most favorite thing in the world is ice cream at the Cold Stone Creamery. So - we stopped there on the way home. Can you say "decadent"? I swear that stuff goes right from the spoon to my arteries! But welllll worth it!I had the Cookie Doughn't Ya Love it. Vanilla ice cream mixed with mini choc chips, cookie dough, fudge and caramel. Man oh man.

Kaite had tried to invite some friends over to swim and do s'mores but everyone was busy. To cheer her up , I suggested we go see Monster House instead. She was all over that. So - the kids and I left Dad and Uncle Bob at home, and hit the theatre. I LOVE movies. The big screen. The popcorn. Jim is less enthused and was more than happy to stay home.

Kaite got to pick dinner. Pizza, of course. Thunderstorms put the kibosh on the smores though.

This is how a 9 year old boy entertains himself in the car. I dubbed him "The Lunch Lady". This is the netting that was the packaging for a rubberband gun he bought at Shady Maple.

Now - all of our out of town company has gone. I have my house back. I love having family here. I truly enjoy cooking and feeding, and visiting. But there is also something nice about having your quiet family time back. Jim enjoys his brother's visits and we are hoping they get more frequent.

We have still not adjusted to any sort of summer schedule. The kids have rarely been up, with the exception of early morning when their cousins were here, before 10 am. We are making plans and getting excited for our beach vacation now. Thankfully there is not much on the schedule until then. I always have big plans for the summer and always wind up in Sept wondering where the days went! I love having the kids home in the summer. But a piece of me also loves my quiet time on my days off during school - usually spent cleaning - but still - it gets done. Right now the barest of essentials are getting accomplished. The first day of school will be a rude awakening - literally - for both of them. K's bus time is 7 AM - YES - I said 7 AM! Believe me - I will not be a happy mommy at that time in the morning. Unfortunately - it does not mean she gets home any earleir. She is the first pick up but the last drop off, because her bus then goes across the street to the elementary to pick up C. So she will leave an hour and a half earlier in the morning, but only get home ten minutes earlier than C. Good for me, because I know she won't be home here alone.

Hmm...what else can I write about? Bet you are all not so glad anymore that you wanted me to blog. More like blog vomit today.

Happy day everyone!

What does Uncle J. teach you?

All of our nieces and nephews have always love their Uncle J.
We may now know why.
He teaches them poker and gives them alcohol.
My sister-in-law and my two nephews came for a visit this past weekend, while my brother stayed home to work way too much. We had a great time. The boys loved that Uncle J. would play poker with them, and even take the time to try to show them how to bet and why to bet. Basically, all the ins and out wisdom of a more mature player. Although my sister-in-law may never leave them in my husband's care again! Saturday we left them with him, while we ran to the grocery store. When we arrived back home, we were greated with a chorus, of "Guess what we had!?"....Uncle J. let us have some whiskey. To which we both replied, WHAT? Considering that none of us really drinks that often. Seems, that I had left the bourbon bottle on the counter, planning on using it for a recipe that evening. The kids were curious about what it was and what it tastes like. My dh's wonderful wisdom is - let them taste it now and hate it, and they will never drink it again. So he gave each one barely a touch to their lips, which sent all of them running to the sink to wash it off. Maybe he is right, maybe not. They sure don't want anything to do with it now!

So now we may have discovered J.'s secret.....booze 'em up and teach 'em to gamble...that is why they love him so much!!

On a more serious note - for someone who didn't even know if wanted to be a dad himself, J. has not only stepped up and been a great dad, he is also a great role model and pal to our nieces and nephews. They all honestly do love him, and he loves them. He enjoys being around them, and has them over even when I am not here. In his quiet nonassuming way, he patiently answers their questions, listens to their stories, lets them help him with his chores, and just let's them know he is interested. For this, I am grateful.

A boy and his box

"Can I keep that box mom?" Starts off innocently enough. I have gotten used to saving them before I even hear the words.

We see a box.
C. sees - a B52 bomber (if you turn the flap this way)
a helicopter (if you turn the flap and handle this way)
a regular airplane ( if you turn the other flap over)
Later - it was even a bed for his bear.

There are "switches" drawn inside to "flip" to change from one plane to another. Lots of other things and computers drawn inside that honestly this mom brain has forgotten their purpose.
The soda can and paper towel roll taped to the side and attached with a paint stick- is a bomb.

This boy can turn any box into something.

He can turn paper plates and plasticwear into space ships using duct tape.

Toilet paper rolls into spy glasses or spy cars.

If he is not some sort of engineer when he is older I will be very surprised.

I can't wait to see.

But for now - we continue to bring boxes home. He continues to get excited when he sees a new one, esp if the old one is getting worn out.

Go - now.

Go now. Immediately to this link, and watch this video clip.

I will say it stopped me in my tracks this morning. Had to immediately stop my blog surfing and share it here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjPrL3n63yg

The moving power in this message is incredible. I have met many physically challenged human beings and their families that have moved me with their will and determination. This trumps all of them.

As a parent, it sums up everything. No matter the situation, you want your children to experience everything. Support and love them. Let them enjoy thier life to the fullest. This family has met this challenge with gusto.
Since my words are really coming out quite inadequate, just go watch.

This is what you get...

When you ask your husband to take a few shots of the kids. I handed him the camera, said "I haven't blogged in a few days - can you take some pictures of the kids for me?" I figured - they were out hanging with him. I wanted to see what they would do. Well - here ya go. Two . That's it. Two rather, um, ordinary shots.

But I can make a blog out of them!

Kaite has been reading a lot lately. Hurrah! Although, I feel they are a bit below her reading level, at least she is reading. She has also been totally into Egypt and tombs recently. She saw a special on Discover and was hooked. Barnes and Noble gift cards would make great birthday presents! Although, she also wants a video camera more than anything. I can't believe next week she will be 12.

Christopher's hair contiues to grow. Everyone loves it but me. Well - I don't hate it. It is cute. I just can't see my sweet boy's face! We have chosen not to make hair length an issue. Does need a trim though.

Still wrestling with shaking off the blues. Tired all the time, but can't sleep at night. Slowly getting better though. Sister-in-law and nephews coming to visit from NC this weekend. :O) Design team projects due. We need hair cuts. Finally busy at work. Trying to balance with time with the kids. Ah - the life of a mom. *sigh

Wednesday's picture

This is the picture that was supposed to be with Weds. post...for some reason blogger will just not let me upload a picture to that post! ARGH!

Thank you to all of you who have contacted me, sending prayers and thoughts. Please keep praying for peace of heart and wisdom so that we may know what to do and where to go from here.

Hugz