First day of school

I know it is the third day of school and you are just seeing these, but hey, give a mom a break!

As much as they won't admit it, I think they were both excited to be going back. Being back in the routine of school, with bed time and reading time has been nice this week. Not much homework yet, so I am sure when that starts things will not be so peacful. C. already told me this morning that he will be glad when it is friday because there is no school and he can sleep. They do both like to sleep!!

J. and I are still reeling from seeing those two pictures side by side yesterday. I think we just sat in front of the computer for like five minutes staring. It really doesn't dawn on you as a parent how much the kids have changed until you see pictures side by side. How much they are starting to look like. How much they are becoming their own people. How much they are starting to look like J. and I. Sometimes it is so hard to remember their toddlerhood. The chubby cheeks, the sweet giggles. Then other times it is so hard to forget. Often - I find myself saying - if I could do it again I would hug a bit more, or take time to remember that moment.

Our biggest job as parents , is raising our children to leave us. Raising them to be productive, healthy, and mature members of society - to go on a have children and families of their own.

Then- why is it so hard at times as a parent to watch that happen?

Thankfully, I am getting over my "blues" about the kids getting older, and have made a pact to make every day as joyful and enjoy it as it comes as much possible. We are blessed with every day we have with our children. There are families that no longer have the joy of seeing their child grow, or be a part of their family any longer. Or families that are painfully seperated from their children for one reason or another. Families who are not blessed with children at all. No - in is not humanly possible to walk around constantly in a complete state of thankfulness and joy. Life is frustrating. That is just a simple fact. But I am trying very hard to stop wishing the time away. Taking the time to be a part of each day, not just watching it, but being in it. We never know what may happen tomorrow. Will I regret tomorrow anything I did or said today? Maybe. Maybe not. But I can not think about it like that. I need to approach each day with new resolve, and take it as it comes. It is all any of us can do as parents. Do the best each day and go to bed thanking God for what we having, asking for more patience and wisdom for the next day. Thankfully - God doesn't give up on us. He is there to guide and advise if we allow it. I couldnt' do this alone.

Came across these

I apologize for not sharing first day of school pictures yet, but had to share these first.

While we are on vacation, I took a picture of the kids in a tree outside of Dick's Last Resort Restaurant. I remembered that I had taken one of them in the same tree when we were there years ago. So, of course, I had to go in search of it. And of course, more justification to scrapbook - found it in the 1999 vacation scrapbook. So - here they are side by side 1999 and 2006. Talk about making their growth glaringly obvious! Wow. Just as my meloncoly about the kids getting older was starting to pass - I see this.

Man.

I have almost forgotten what they were like then. *sigh* They were both such smiley silly kids.

It really is cool to see how much they have changed. K. looked and said, "holy crap (she has such a way with words) I was small!" In the older photo, she was just getting ready to go to Kindergarten. Interesting the irony, that we went this year and I got a shot in the same tree as she was getting ready to go to Jr Hi. C. in true boy fashion, noticed how much bigger the tree also was this year.

I really need to do a comparison layout, because having gone to Myrtle Beach for so many years, there are a lot of repeat pictures year to year, and they were so cool to look at as I was searching for this picture. I REALLY need a book shelf in the family room so someone besides me can enjoy these albums. Even looking at the pictures of the adults year to year was interesting. The four of us have changed a lot too!

We're back!!

Safe and sound. Back in Pa.

What a week!!

Why does a week at the beach seem to go so much faster than a week at home!?

The week started out with K. getting stung by a jellie fish our first night at the beach. I was certain that pretty much cemented a "no water" vacation. But she was a tropper and got back in the water Sunday morning. We convinced all of the other kids that K. "took one for the team" so the chances of any of the rest of us getting stung was slim. None of them went in the water very far for very long but they still did it! FYI - according to the life guard that we spoke to sunday morning, Windex is the major cue for a jellie fish sting. Takes the sting away immediately he said. He also told us there had only been 2 stings all summer that he was aware of. Of course, K. had to make that 3! She still has an ugly bruised looking area on her shin. I was so proud of her for being so brave!

I am usually ready to come home to my own bed and shower after a week, but can tell you, not this year! The condo is so comfy and we had such a great time. As our best friend and I stood on the balcony on the morning we were leaving lamenting about having to go back home, we had to realize if we stayed, the magic would leave and our favorite place in the US would soon become the same as any other place. Life may leave us alone for a week while we are there, but would find us if we stayed. Being there once a year is part of what makes it special. The anticipation.

Pretty much there isn't a whole lot to write about. We did beachy things, lots of mini golf, MagiQuest( a really cool role playing adventure game that you are an active part of in a "kingdom") Jim was great! He played and swam without being prodded and pushed. He even TURNED HIS PHONE OFF! Those of you that know him know that is a BIG deal! Only a mild burn for him early in the week. Otherwise, the kids and are a tan and healthy!! SPF 30 and we still tan.

These pictures are only some of my favs from the week. One is all of us and our "stuff" going to the beach. We literally "set up camp" for the day. It is hilarious. I pity the guy that sees the elevator door open, hoping to get on! One is our best friend playing around with the kids. They each had a water gun and I told them to do Charlie's Angels. This is what they came up with. K. has the pose down a little too well for my comfort!! Their kids and our kids were pretty much inseperable all week. C. and their youngest are so sweet together. We are secretly planning their wedding. I figure they will be best friends, and never want to marry each other!

So we are home. I came home with a terrible head cold. So, I have been moving a bit slow. School started Monday - so I will post those pictures in the next day or two.

Outta here

We are OUTTA HERE!!! Off to the beach. By saturday - this will be my view. We can't get there soon enough. Wishing we could take some folks along - but alas - not possible. Looking forward to a margarita in my hand, sand between my toes and a trashy novel in my lap.
So long everyone!

surreal

Yesterday, I had one of the most surreal experiences ever.

K. has decided to try to bandfront - YEAH! That is what I did in school. Flags - or "silks" as they are these days. She is more interested in the "guns" aka rifles, but the teacher didn't have any with her yesterday, so K. tried the flags.

So there I was , sitting in my car - listening to the drum line practice, watching my daughter practicing her flag routines at the same Jr hi, in the same parking lot that I stood and did the same thing oh so many years ago. It was very surreal. I started to cry. I am not sure why. I called my best friend, who used to march with me, and told her where I was, and she too got the same goosebumps I did. Only she would understand. I could almost close my eyes and be back in Jr hi, marching around that parking lot on a hot summer day. My Pappy was always there on the sidelines rooting for me. Man - did the emotion come flooding back.

Then it dawned on me - I have roots. Here. History. And my kids do too. Cool.

Many of you know that I am having a terribly hard time with K. growing up. I am so happy to be so blessed that she is growing, healthy and happy, but on the other hand I mourn the baby years. Wasn't it just yesterday that I watched through tears as that little curly head get onto that big yellow bus and barely be able to peek out the window? Unfortunately, my mom is not here anymore to tell me she used to feel the same way. Did she" I will never know. If she did, I never knew. I miss that she can't share her stories with me. I would love to know what she was feeling, and would be comforted if I knew she felt the same things I do now. I am not sure my mom spent too much time looking back. She always grabbed today by the horns and ran with it. I am trying so hard to do that too, but it is tough. And not only is she going to Jr Hi , C. gets to move to the other side of the school this year. 4th grade ( through sixth) is on the other side of the school. BIG step. *sigh Where did the time go??

But I resolve to stop wishing for what was and cherish and enjoy what is happening today. Liek looking forward to going to the Calvalcade of Bands this year, for the first time in FOREVER, because K. will be performing. Wow. Now that will be a blast from the past.

Uh-Oh

The heron was back today.
In the middle of the day. All the fish are still present and accounted for. Wheew.
Scared the $%^& out of the baby-sitter! When I came home, she was just busting to tell me that it had been in the yard. She said the same thing I did - those suckers are HUGE!

We added some frogs to the pond that the kids caught over the weekend. Haven't seen hide nor hair of them since. K. says she saw one under a rock yesterday.

The heron's can't feed where they can't stand, so we are hoping the slope in the pond is enough to keep teh fish safe. We also have a four ft end, if they are smart enough to dive.

We'll see!

New furniture

I got scolded for not sharing. So - here is our new bedroom furniture. I am so excited. Never ever in my adult life and in the 20 years Jim and I have been together have we owned furniture that matched. As a I noticed around the house this morning, this IS the only matching furniture in our house. We are slowing adding to and replacing pieces, but there is always something more important. A couch here, a table there. This was a big step for us. All we have had for years is a bed frame with those round wooden tables from WalMart on the sides. I have coveted a new bedroom set "foreva"! You see - we don't carry debt. If we can't pay for it, we don't get it. So this was a big step for us. It was one of those no payment, no interest deals...til 2009! We have 2 1/2 years to pay it off. So we took the plunge. Now maybe I will get motivated to get some things up on the walls. I have pictures i want to hang, but want to have enough money to put them all in black frames. This is called Attic Heirlooms. Made to look distressed and old. It is amazing the difference it made in the look of the room. I LOVE it. The finish even goes with the antique washstand.

Morning greetings

What is this?, you say. I let the dog out this morning. She was begging at the door, and I soon figured out why. As soon as Zoey hit the deck, a HUGE shadow floated across the yard. I went out to investigate, following Zoey's gaze. And what did I find? This fellow perched on the neighbor's roof. Yup - that would be a blue heron. Most likely wandered over from the resevoir. Most likely attempting to snack on the goldfish in the pond. You really don't realize how huge one of these guys is until you see them this close. I did a fish count and we must have interrupted his breakfast because they are all there.

Totally awesome.

Bad Mommy

Just had to let you know.

My daughter informed me yesterday that I am a mean mommy.

Not the first time she has told me.

Wanna know why?

I wouldn' t let her get candy at WalMart.

She had just finished a huge Sprite and had a baby bottle pop of some sort. But when I wouldn't let her have another candy bar - I just turned into some sort of ogre. Totally forgetting we had just spent the last 30 minutes buying everything she wanted/needed to start Jr Hi.

So-I say to her - "Oh really? Mean mommy? Because I won't get you candy? Well, geez, I can start beating you tomorrow and then you can tell me which mom you prefer. "

Well - you should have seen the look the old lady in front of us gave me! Guess I should be more careful what I say in public.

Just trying to give K. some perspective. Kids need that every now and then.

My two have no clue how spoiled they are. I refuse, however, to let them get rotten. I try hard to keep them humble and giving.

Funny how I was so totally the coolest mom in the world last weekend when we were mini-golfing. Funny how quickly that tide can turn!

**Side note - I am not looking forward to the kids going back to school at all - BUT I am looking forward to being able to do the shopping alone once again. Totally different experience. **

Pool

Finally took some picture today of the kids in the pool. Only took a few. This week's weather is gorgeous. Mid to high 80's in August. The windows are open and we are having a great time.
Going school supply shopping today. GASP! I won't even go there yet.

Great day everyone!

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!