Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Kids Printables & Other Stuff of the Week
Hi there - its been quite a busy season around our house. Besides the family things that have been going on, Dino Boy is into wrestling season again, Twinkletoes wants to help with everything, including getting the Christmas cards out and the Husband and I are up to our eyeballs in work and festivities of the season! While searching for maze books that my kids might like for Christmas, I found this link for printables. I am able to make our own book - without paying for expedited shipping since I waited so long. They don't care what format it is in, as long as they can do mazes, word searches and connect the dots. For this type of project, they're easy kids. :-)
Not much else going on. Went to a friend's holiday gathering on Saturday night. It was a lot of fun. Bumped into friends we haven't seen in over 10 years. Go figure -- its just a small world and seems that everyone knows everyone, in one way or another in our community. Not withstanding the fact that I now have a five and six year old and another on the way, the last time I saw their "baby" she was, in fact, an infant - in an infant carrier. Now she's old enough to be friends with our friends' oldest girl - in middle school. Hello - kind of makes you realize that time waits for no one - it was pretty darn cool to see them though. Hopefully we'll keep in touch from here on out.
We'll have my side of the family's "Christmas Eve" at my sister's on Saturday night. Which means that I will miss the birthday party of my friend's daughter. We've missed the last few of her birthday parties. It's just hard - I kind of can't say no to a family event for a birthday party - hopefully they get that and she's not too upset. I did get her a gift and she already knows that, so hopefully, I'll still be in the good graces! :-P
Christmas cards -- my mom and the husband hate them because I did them in sepia tone instead of color. We had matching sweaters, like we do every year, but I didn't like the way they were showing on the card, so I changed them. I really like them and I guess that is all that matters. If you would like to see the family picture in color, I can post it here. Just let me know - I have it on Snapfish. Actually, I have all three pictures in color on Snapfish. But since I didn't order the cards from Snapfish - you either have to deal with the cards that I will send out tomorrow or have the three pictures separately in color. So there.
I did tell the Husband that after Christmas, we can put our sweaters and jeans on and go to the Picture People, like we usually do - and have our family portrait taken. We belong to their portrait club so I can get a free 10x13 family portrait for the wall - keeping in tradition. That seemed to make him half happy. Nothing would have made him fully happy - he didn't offer to help - so I did it myself.
I think that is it for the latest update -- I'll have to write again if I get more time! Have a great day!
Not much else going on. Went to a friend's holiday gathering on Saturday night. It was a lot of fun. Bumped into friends we haven't seen in over 10 years. Go figure -- its just a small world and seems that everyone knows everyone, in one way or another in our community. Not withstanding the fact that I now have a five and six year old and another on the way, the last time I saw their "baby" she was, in fact, an infant - in an infant carrier. Now she's old enough to be friends with our friends' oldest girl - in middle school. Hello - kind of makes you realize that time waits for no one - it was pretty darn cool to see them though. Hopefully we'll keep in touch from here on out.
We'll have my side of the family's "Christmas Eve" at my sister's on Saturday night. Which means that I will miss the birthday party of my friend's daughter. We've missed the last few of her birthday parties. It's just hard - I kind of can't say no to a family event for a birthday party - hopefully they get that and she's not too upset. I did get her a gift and she already knows that, so hopefully, I'll still be in the good graces! :-P
Christmas cards -- my mom and the husband hate them because I did them in sepia tone instead of color. We had matching sweaters, like we do every year, but I didn't like the way they were showing on the card, so I changed them. I really like them and I guess that is all that matters. If you would like to see the family picture in color, I can post it here. Just let me know - I have it on Snapfish. Actually, I have all three pictures in color on Snapfish. But since I didn't order the cards from Snapfish - you either have to deal with the cards that I will send out tomorrow or have the three pictures separately in color. So there.
I did tell the Husband that after Christmas, we can put our sweaters and jeans on and go to the Picture People, like we usually do - and have our family portrait taken. We belong to their portrait club so I can get a free 10x13 family portrait for the wall - keeping in tradition. That seemed to make him half happy. Nothing would have made him fully happy - he didn't offer to help - so I did it myself.
I think that is it for the latest update -- I'll have to write again if I get more time! Have a great day!
Monday, December 10, 2007
U.J. - Gonna miss you.
JAMES F. KELLY JR. (from the Burlington County Times 12/10/07)
Of Beverly, NJ & Warren Center, PA
Jimmy, age 55, on December 7, 2007, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He lived in Beverly most of his life.
He was a proud Vietnam veteran, a member of Riverside VFW Post #3020, and former volunteer fireman for Hope Hose #2, Beverly.
He was predeceased by his loving mother, Helen M. Kelly, his brother Stephen Kelly, and his special Aunt Alice Coleman. He is survived by his loving father James F. Kelly Sr., his cherished and devoted daughters, Heather (Patrick Conway) and Erin (Tim Kramarz), his sister Helen Marie Lavenia, along with many nieces, nephews, friends and especially his faithful dog Ernie.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM and to attend his memorial service Wednesday 8:00 PM at the WEBER FUNERAL HOME, 112 Broad Street (River Road), Riverton. Interment Private.
In Lieu of flowers remembrances may be made in his name to VFW Post #3020, Fairview Street, Delran, NJ 08075, or any act of kindness would be appreciated.
Of Beverly, NJ & Warren Center, PA
Jimmy, age 55, on December 7, 2007, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He lived in Beverly most of his life.
He was a proud Vietnam veteran, a member of Riverside VFW Post #3020, and former volunteer fireman for Hope Hose #2, Beverly.
He was predeceased by his loving mother, Helen M. Kelly, his brother Stephen Kelly, and his special Aunt Alice Coleman. He is survived by his loving father James F. Kelly Sr., his cherished and devoted daughters, Heather (Patrick Conway) and Erin (Tim Kramarz), his sister Helen Marie Lavenia, along with many nieces, nephews, friends and especially his faithful dog Ernie.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM and to attend his memorial service Wednesday 8:00 PM at the WEBER FUNERAL HOME, 112 Broad Street (River Road), Riverton. Interment Private.
In Lieu of flowers remembrances may be made in his name to VFW Post #3020, Fairview Street, Delran, NJ 08075, or any act of kindness would be appreciated.
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Results are IN!
and .... WE'RE HAVING ANOTHER GIRL!!!
We had our fetal atanomy ultrasound with at Dr. Fischer's office yesterday. Our appointment was for 11 a.m. True to form, both the husband and I arrived early - about 20 til 11. Not wanting to waste any time, we went right in - hoping at the very least to be called on time. There was only one other girl in the waiting room when we arrived. We checked in and waited. The other girl in the room got called to the back. Around the same time, a girl came from the back and sat in the waiting room. Now there are two of us. Waiting. The husband finally pulls a Sports Illustrated from the magazine rack and we begin talking college football. Another girl arrives for her ultrasound appointment. Its now about 11:20. At 11:30, the third girl (last to arrive) gets called back by the U/S tech. Ok - now I'm annoyed, taking way longer than an hour that I told the boss I'd be gone, so I go up to the front, asking how much longer they thought our wait would be. The woman at the front desk got so frazzled and realized that the technician had taken the last girl instead of the first girl (of which I was neither) and went to talk to the tech. I told the other girl in there that I will be mortified if the receptionist comes out with the girl who just went back - and she did!!! She actually took someone out of a room and brought her back out to the waiting room. And proceeded to take the girl who had come out of the back to have her u/s first. Oh lordy. I was so embarassed. I apologized to the girl who had come out - telling her I really had no intentions of them bringing her back out. I just thought they might push through a little quicker or have the doctor begin to do ultrasounds - something - anything to get us out of there. We were finally called to go back around 11:40 - yikes!
Everything seemed to be routine - the tech was nice as pie - just as she was the last time. She took lots of pictures and measurements and told us that the baby is definitely a girl. We had more than one clear shot to make sure. Of course, the husband's response to that is "we can just try again". Okay - whatever - we'll cross that bridge when we get to it (hoping that we'll have a five or six bedroom house by the time that bridge arrives!) After the tech took lots of pictures, loaded us up with extra copies of the facial profile to give to the kids she told us to hang tight and the Doc would be right in to see us. She didn't make it seem like there was anything out of the ordinary.
Dr. Fischer is even nicer than the tech. They must give kindness lessons at this particular doctor's office. Dr. Fischer tried to keep the conversation flowing - asking me and the husband a million questions while he was now doing an ultrasound on my belly. Just as he was getting ready to tell us everything is "okay" and good luck, the tech came back in with her pictures and they whispered a little to each other. Hmmmm...what is going on??
Well, Dr. Fischer explains that when the tech measured the baby's kidneys, there appeared to be more fluid on one than the other (a smidge above what they called the baseline) and that concerned the tech. Dr. F. indicated that while he was performing his part of the ultrasound, he did not see these measurments present. But the tech had pictures of the measurements so seeing the film is believeing. He explained that while in utero, this will not affect the baby, and he was probably not seeing it because the baby had urinated either while we were waiting for him or while he was performing the u/s which alleveiated the excess fluid on that one kidney.
He also asked that we come back for another measurement at 34 weeks (St. Patrick's Day) when the baseline for the fluid in the kidneys increases. If the fluid on the kidney still exceeds the baseline, we'll just have to be extra cautious after the baby is born because this fluid could be a predictor of or cause a kidney infection? I'm still not 100% clear on what the implications are and he certainly gave us no cause to worry about it but - it is what it is. We'll go back on St. Patrick's Day for their first appointment of the day and then we'll know more. (the husband is secretly hoping for another look at the genitals - just to be sure that she's a girl. too funny!)
But the ultrasound itself was a funny thing to see. This baby moves around like there is no tomorrow. No one can really feel her yet but me, but she is getting stronger and bigger every day so it's just a matter of time before everyone else can begin to feel the kicks and jabs that I get pretty much constantly (and yes, I've began laying off of the caffeine). She wiggled and squirmed the entire time during the ultrasound. At one point, she layed with her feet crossed, like she was laying down watching the boob tube. Shortly thereafter, she had one leg pulled up behind her butt like she was doing hurdles. Tim swears he saw her give him a sign with her hands. I must have missed that but at least he saw how much she moves. Now I don't feel like I'm losing my mind - completely. Yet. But I'm sure that it is going to happen soon.
Have to run. Time to start the truck and will be getting on the road shortly. Enjoy your weekend!
PS - the color in this text is all screwey. I don't have time to fix it before I leave - sorry if it hurts your eyes!
We had our fetal atanomy ultrasound with at Dr. Fischer's office yesterday. Our appointment was for 11 a.m. True to form, both the husband and I arrived early - about 20 til 11. Not wanting to waste any time, we went right in - hoping at the very least to be called on time. There was only one other girl in the waiting room when we arrived. We checked in and waited. The other girl in the room got called to the back. Around the same time, a girl came from the back and sat in the waiting room. Now there are two of us. Waiting. The husband finally pulls a Sports Illustrated from the magazine rack and we begin talking college football. Another girl arrives for her ultrasound appointment. Its now about 11:20. At 11:30, the third girl (last to arrive) gets called back by the U/S tech. Ok - now I'm annoyed, taking way longer than an hour that I told the boss I'd be gone, so I go up to the front, asking how much longer they thought our wait would be. The woman at the front desk got so frazzled and realized that the technician had taken the last girl instead of the first girl (of which I was neither) and went to talk to the tech. I told the other girl in there that I will be mortified if the receptionist comes out with the girl who just went back - and she did!!! She actually took someone out of a room and brought her back out to the waiting room. And proceeded to take the girl who had come out of the back to have her u/s first. Oh lordy. I was so embarassed. I apologized to the girl who had come out - telling her I really had no intentions of them bringing her back out. I just thought they might push through a little quicker or have the doctor begin to do ultrasounds - something - anything to get us out of there. We were finally called to go back around 11:40 - yikes!
Everything seemed to be routine - the tech was nice as pie - just as she was the last time. She took lots of pictures and measurements and told us that the baby is definitely a girl. We had more than one clear shot to make sure. Of course, the husband's response to that is "we can just try again". Okay - whatever - we'll cross that bridge when we get to it (hoping that we'll have a five or six bedroom house by the time that bridge arrives!) After the tech took lots of pictures, loaded us up with extra copies of the facial profile to give to the kids she told us to hang tight and the Doc would be right in to see us. She didn't make it seem like there was anything out of the ordinary.
Dr. Fischer is even nicer than the tech. They must give kindness lessons at this particular doctor's office. Dr. Fischer tried to keep the conversation flowing - asking me and the husband a million questions while he was now doing an ultrasound on my belly. Just as he was getting ready to tell us everything is "okay" and good luck, the tech came back in with her pictures and they whispered a little to each other. Hmmmm...what is going on??
Well, Dr. Fischer explains that when the tech measured the baby's kidneys, there appeared to be more fluid on one than the other (a smidge above what they called the baseline) and that concerned the tech. Dr. F. indicated that while he was performing his part of the ultrasound, he did not see these measurments present. But the tech had pictures of the measurements so seeing the film is believeing. He explained that while in utero, this will not affect the baby, and he was probably not seeing it because the baby had urinated either while we were waiting for him or while he was performing the u/s which alleveiated the excess fluid on that one kidney.
He also asked that we come back for another measurement at 34 weeks (St. Patrick's Day) when the baseline for the fluid in the kidneys increases. If the fluid on the kidney still exceeds the baseline, we'll just have to be extra cautious after the baby is born because this fluid could be a predictor of or cause a kidney infection? I'm still not 100% clear on what the implications are and he certainly gave us no cause to worry about it but - it is what it is. We'll go back on St. Patrick's Day for their first appointment of the day and then we'll know more. (the husband is secretly hoping for another look at the genitals - just to be sure that she's a girl. too funny!)
But the ultrasound itself was a funny thing to see. This baby moves around like there is no tomorrow. No one can really feel her yet but me, but she is getting stronger and bigger every day so it's just a matter of time before everyone else can begin to feel the kicks and jabs that I get pretty much constantly (and yes, I've began laying off of the caffeine). She wiggled and squirmed the entire time during the ultrasound. At one point, she layed with her feet crossed, like she was laying down watching the boob tube. Shortly thereafter, she had one leg pulled up behind her butt like she was doing hurdles. Tim swears he saw her give him a sign with her hands. I must have missed that but at least he saw how much she moves. Now I don't feel like I'm losing my mind - completely. Yet. But I'm sure that it is going to happen soon.
Have to run. Time to start the truck and will be getting on the road shortly. Enjoy your weekend!
PS - the color in this text is all screwey. I don't have time to fix it before I leave - sorry if it hurts your eyes!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
It's not Thursday .... yet
Tomorrow is. Tomorrow is the big day ... our 20 week ultrasound. This will be a fetal atanomy scan and we should be able to tell tomorrow if we'll be welcoming a new little sister or new little brother into the family. Hopefully all goes well.
Yesterday, the Husband attended an awards dinner at the Governor's Mansion. The kids and I went to wrestling practice. Somehow, I think I drew the short stick. Although, practice went well. DinoBoy made one of his friends cry by accidently hitting him in the face. It's wrestling. It is bound to happen. For the most part, the coaches have their hands full. I give them a ton of credit for stepping up to the plate to teach these young guys the sport.
Tonight, Twinkletoes and I are home while the boys are at practice. She and I get to enjoy watching the SNOW fall ... she just called me over to the front door to tell me to look out the window to see how "sparkly" the snow is. The she showed me how small her winter pjs are on her. As long she's not complaining, I'm okay with ordering new ones tomorrow. A coupon card for the Children's Place came in today's mail. How appropriate.
So much for my dinner planning. I planned dinner for tonight on the way home from work, while listening to Oprah. That is a special treat for me since it seems that I haven't been leaving work while Oprah is on lately. I planned spagetti and meatballs. Wow - everyone was mighty impressed with me. I did, though, pick up chicken for tomorrow's dinner. So, that will be a big surprise for everyone. Hopefully, I will be able to leave work at a decent time again so that I can cook and have dinner ready when the husband gets home. No practice tomorrow night - it will be nice to eat like a family again. We'll see how it goes.
So Oprah was talking about Mitch Albom's book - darn now I forget what it is called - One More Day, maybe? That is the gist of it anyhow. I've read it and she is sponsoring a tv event of the book on 12.9.07. All of the people on today either had to do with the movie, the book or were touched by the book. Basically, if you had one more day to spend with someone: who would it be? What would you do? Why?
I'd love to spend another day with my Dad - as I'm sure many of you who've lost a parent would. It is hard, at the holidays, with everyone missing him so much. I'd love to show him how his grandchildren have grown and how they love certain things like he did -- being outside, reading books, watching nature programs on the boob-tube, their love of christmas... Its amazing how alike they are. And stubborn - they must get that from him too. To see if he really is laughing at us having a third kid, when it is all we can do to try to raise the other two. Just to be able to tell him that I love him one more time -- it would be priceless.
Okay, enough of the sappy stuff. I just heard from CH and her little monster just pooped on the potty. The kid isn't even two!!! Close, but hello, DinoBoy wasn't 4 until he finally did it on a regular basis.
Ok - check this site out. Its fun for Christmas.
Have to run and enjoy quiet time with Twinkletoes!
Yesterday, the Husband attended an awards dinner at the Governor's Mansion. The kids and I went to wrestling practice. Somehow, I think I drew the short stick. Although, practice went well. DinoBoy made one of his friends cry by accidently hitting him in the face. It's wrestling. It is bound to happen. For the most part, the coaches have their hands full. I give them a ton of credit for stepping up to the plate to teach these young guys the sport.
Tonight, Twinkletoes and I are home while the boys are at practice. She and I get to enjoy watching the SNOW fall ... she just called me over to the front door to tell me to look out the window to see how "sparkly" the snow is. The she showed me how small her winter pjs are on her. As long she's not complaining, I'm okay with ordering new ones tomorrow. A coupon card for the Children's Place came in today's mail. How appropriate.
So much for my dinner planning. I planned dinner for tonight on the way home from work, while listening to Oprah. That is a special treat for me since it seems that I haven't been leaving work while Oprah is on lately. I planned spagetti and meatballs. Wow - everyone was mighty impressed with me. I did, though, pick up chicken for tomorrow's dinner. So, that will be a big surprise for everyone. Hopefully, I will be able to leave work at a decent time again so that I can cook and have dinner ready when the husband gets home. No practice tomorrow night - it will be nice to eat like a family again. We'll see how it goes.
So Oprah was talking about Mitch Albom's book - darn now I forget what it is called - One More Day, maybe? That is the gist of it anyhow. I've read it and she is sponsoring a tv event of the book on 12.9.07. All of the people on today either had to do with the movie, the book or were touched by the book. Basically, if you had one more day to spend with someone: who would it be? What would you do? Why?
I'd love to spend another day with my Dad - as I'm sure many of you who've lost a parent would. It is hard, at the holidays, with everyone missing him so much. I'd love to show him how his grandchildren have grown and how they love certain things like he did -- being outside, reading books, watching nature programs on the boob-tube, their love of christmas... Its amazing how alike they are. And stubborn - they must get that from him too. To see if he really is laughing at us having a third kid, when it is all we can do to try to raise the other two. Just to be able to tell him that I love him one more time -- it would be priceless.
Okay, enough of the sappy stuff. I just heard from CH and her little monster just pooped on the potty. The kid isn't even two!!! Close, but hello, DinoBoy wasn't 4 until he finally did it on a regular basis.
Ok - check this site out. Its fun for Christmas.
Have to run and enjoy quiet time with Twinkletoes!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Dinner planning anyone?
No one stinks worse than me at dinner planning. Fortunately, they've built and opened a new supermarket which is right on my way home - literally 6 minutes from my house. Who can beat that? So often my planning is done on my 1/2 hour ride home and stopping in at the supermarket on my way. If it isn't done this way or planned out way in advance, we eat take-out.
Here's how to put together a quick menu for the next few weeks:
1) Give each family member 5 pieces of paper or 3 x 5 cards. Ask him or her to write down their favorite meal that you make. It can be anything that qualifies as dinner (except holiday meals).
2) Gather up those 3 x 5 cards and make your menu accordingly. If you can, add a couple of more meals you know your family would like and add them in. Once the menu is made, go through and make acorresponding grocery list. Hopefully, you will have a menu with at least 20 meals on it.
3) Stock your pantry with things you know you will use frequently for these recipes so they are always on hand. Likewise, do the same with the refrigerated stuff, but go easy…that stuff has a shorter lifeexpectancy!
4) Post your menu on the fridge so everyone knows what to expect. If you have teenagers or other capable children, enlist their help so the burden of all the meal prep and cooking isn't on you. Remember to ask sweetly, don't be a shrew!
Ok - I really want to do this - maybe it will help you get through the next few weeks too. I have a feeling if I do this, we'll be eating an awful lot of pizza, hot dogs, and chicken fingers. Good luck!
Here's how to put together a quick menu for the next few weeks:
1) Give each family member 5 pieces of paper or 3 x 5 cards. Ask him or her to write down their favorite meal that you make. It can be anything that qualifies as dinner (except holiday meals).
2) Gather up those 3 x 5 cards and make your menu accordingly. If you can, add a couple of more meals you know your family would like and add them in. Once the menu is made, go through and make acorresponding grocery list. Hopefully, you will have a menu with at least 20 meals on it.
3) Stock your pantry with things you know you will use frequently for these recipes so they are always on hand. Likewise, do the same with the refrigerated stuff, but go easy…that stuff has a shorter lifeexpectancy!
4) Post your menu on the fridge so everyone knows what to expect. If you have teenagers or other capable children, enlist their help so the burden of all the meal prep and cooking isn't on you. Remember to ask sweetly, don't be a shrew!
Ok - I really want to do this - maybe it will help you get through the next few weeks too. I have a feeling if I do this, we'll be eating an awful lot of pizza, hot dogs, and chicken fingers. Good luck!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Happy Belated Thanksgiving and Early Christmas
At the rate I'm going, who knows when I'll next blog.
Turkey day was at my house this year (again). The high point is that I killed no one and no one has called to tell me that they were sick for the entire weekend afterwards. Which is always good, right? I will be the first to admit that I am not a good cook nor a gracious host. I do fine the day of but kvetch like none other about having to clean my house, get the food and do it. When in reality, besides the cleaning factor, having everyone over is fun!! I just over-stress over the whole cleaning thing and what if the kids step in dog poop (which they did!!) and all of the other things that could go wrong - but usually, nothing does and everyone goes home with a full belly and a smile on their face.
Turkey day was at my house this year (again). The high point is that I killed no one and no one has called to tell me that they were sick for the entire weekend afterwards. Which is always good, right? I will be the first to admit that I am not a good cook nor a gracious host. I do fine the day of but kvetch like none other about having to clean my house, get the food and do it. When in reality, besides the cleaning factor, having everyone over is fun!! I just over-stress over the whole cleaning thing and what if the kids step in dog poop (which they did!!) and all of the other things that could go wrong - but usually, nothing does and everyone goes home with a full belly and a smile on their face.
OK - it is now the morning after I started this post ... I've been up since 4:30 a.m. - I've already showered, dressed, worked for the husband for an hour via remote controlling his computer at work and Christmas shopped on ebay. Now - my coffee is cold and I'm still having to go brush my teeth before Nanny Extraordinnaire gets here and I'm out the door to the office. Where has the time gone???
Nothing newsworthy to report in the last 24 hours - had a regular monthly check-up at the OB yesterday afternoon. All seems well. I've gained a whopping ten pounds already since this kid's inception. Heartrate 144. The girls at the office think I'm carrying like a girl. I think it was the pink shirt that I had on yesterday when I saw them because today I'm in brown and blue and the belly is looking totally different. It really is all in what you wear! We go for the 20 week ultrasound next Thursday - stay tuned. Of course, if this baby is anything like Twinkletoes, we might have to go for four more ultrasounds before we can determine the gender! :)
I have to run ... the Nanny E. just pulled up and is on her way in. I'm obvioulsy still here typing which makes me ... running behind.
Have a fantastic Wednesday!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Obviously
I was smacked in the face last night with the harsh reality that even in today's day and age where children have been snatched when their parents have turned their backs for a few minutes, that I am a bad mother. Isn't it obvious? I nitpick, I complain and I do my best to instill manners, respect and discipline into my children.
After we went to visit the Husband's Aunt Pat, who was given just months to live after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, on top of a great many other things, we took the kids, their aunt and a cousin to dinner at our local diner. We visit this diner quite often. My kids were a wreck - there's no denying that. They had just spent over an hour rough-housing with Aunt Pat's grandson, Junior, who is just a little older than Dino Boy. The house was hot and I figured as long as no one was crying, we were all in good shape for a little visit. Of course, no one wanted to leave because they were having such a good time but - dinner calls. I was hungry. And hot. And exhausted after a trying day at work.
Anyhoo - after we received our dinners - Dino Boy decides that he needs to go to the bathroom. The husband and he had just returned from the men's room. I had already taken Twinkletoes to the ladies room. So, because DinoBoy indicates he needs to go #2 - I go with him. He wants to go in the men's room but I'm not going in there to wipe his behind. (Yes, I still wipe his behind - keeps me in practice for the diapers that are coming in April.) I yank him out of the door of the men's room and place him in the ladies room, telling him that an adult cannot utilize a bathroom of the opposite sex (now how many times have I been at a concert, nightclub or bar and after seeing the line at the ladies room, opted for the men's room instead???) but because he is still young (and well mannered most of the time in public) we wait for a stall in the ladies room. While we are in the stall, I'm conveniently peeking out of the door - and there is a grandmotherly type woman with whom we'd conversed before entering the stall talking to the woman who had just emerged from the stall. The emergent woman's voice was muffled, but I could hear the grandmotherly type saying that her daughter still takes her 6 year old grandson into the ladies room. Uh oh. Trouble. The emergent woman is still in the bathroom waiting for a teenage girl she is with (her niece, I think I heard her say) to come out of the stall. While DinoBoy is washing his hands - he still can't reach the soap dispenser in this bathroom - she tells me that he is too old to be in the ladies room. I just looked at her, stunned that she is speaking to me, and continued to help my son. After her niece is finished drying her hands, its DinoBoy's turn to use the dryer, which is still running. She says it again. I just looked at her and said "okay". I am just pissed and stunned that she is still talking to me. Then she said that "his father really should be taking him into the men's room because she doesn't appreciate a boy in the ladies room". HELLO - Whatever. In the meantime, the dryer turns off. Dino Boy looks at me, his hands still dripping, ready to leave because this woman is starting trouble. I walked him over to the hand dryer, right past her. WHY IS SHE STILL IN THE BATHROOM ANYWAY??? We turned the dryer back on and made sure that every drop of water had evaporated from his hands. How did she know that I was with my husband? How did she know there was a father? What gives her the right to tell me what to do? I could definitely understand her point if my kid was looking under the stalls or if there were no stalls at all and she needed to utilize a public toilet for all to see -- but that wasn't the case. There are clearly two stalls. My kid was with me at all times. At no time during our 5 minutes in the bathroom was he disrespectful. At no time did he cause anyone harm.
I guess it just comes down to the fact that I'm a bad mother. I help my kid out. The only bad part about it is, I couldn't think of a dang thing to say to her while she was telling me what to do. I need to work on this skill so that I'm not up all night pissed about a situation that I didn't handle properly. Or up first thing in the morning complaining about it all over again.
UGGGGH!
After we went to visit the Husband's Aunt Pat, who was given just months to live after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, on top of a great many other things, we took the kids, their aunt and a cousin to dinner at our local diner. We visit this diner quite often. My kids were a wreck - there's no denying that. They had just spent over an hour rough-housing with Aunt Pat's grandson, Junior, who is just a little older than Dino Boy. The house was hot and I figured as long as no one was crying, we were all in good shape for a little visit. Of course, no one wanted to leave because they were having such a good time but - dinner calls. I was hungry. And hot. And exhausted after a trying day at work.
Anyhoo - after we received our dinners - Dino Boy decides that he needs to go to the bathroom. The husband and he had just returned from the men's room. I had already taken Twinkletoes to the ladies room. So, because DinoBoy indicates he needs to go #2 - I go with him. He wants to go in the men's room but I'm not going in there to wipe his behind. (Yes, I still wipe his behind - keeps me in practice for the diapers that are coming in April.) I yank him out of the door of the men's room and place him in the ladies room, telling him that an adult cannot utilize a bathroom of the opposite sex (now how many times have I been at a concert, nightclub or bar and after seeing the line at the ladies room, opted for the men's room instead???) but because he is still young (and well mannered most of the time in public) we wait for a stall in the ladies room. While we are in the stall, I'm conveniently peeking out of the door - and there is a grandmotherly type woman with whom we'd conversed before entering the stall talking to the woman who had just emerged from the stall. The emergent woman's voice was muffled, but I could hear the grandmotherly type saying that her daughter still takes her 6 year old grandson into the ladies room. Uh oh. Trouble. The emergent woman is still in the bathroom waiting for a teenage girl she is with (her niece, I think I heard her say) to come out of the stall. While DinoBoy is washing his hands - he still can't reach the soap dispenser in this bathroom - she tells me that he is too old to be in the ladies room. I just looked at her, stunned that she is speaking to me, and continued to help my son. After her niece is finished drying her hands, its DinoBoy's turn to use the dryer, which is still running. She says it again. I just looked at her and said "okay". I am just pissed and stunned that she is still talking to me. Then she said that "his father really should be taking him into the men's room because she doesn't appreciate a boy in the ladies room". HELLO - Whatever. In the meantime, the dryer turns off. Dino Boy looks at me, his hands still dripping, ready to leave because this woman is starting trouble. I walked him over to the hand dryer, right past her. WHY IS SHE STILL IN THE BATHROOM ANYWAY??? We turned the dryer back on and made sure that every drop of water had evaporated from his hands. How did she know that I was with my husband? How did she know there was a father? What gives her the right to tell me what to do? I could definitely understand her point if my kid was looking under the stalls or if there were no stalls at all and she needed to utilize a public toilet for all to see -- but that wasn't the case. There are clearly two stalls. My kid was with me at all times. At no time during our 5 minutes in the bathroom was he disrespectful. At no time did he cause anyone harm.
I guess it just comes down to the fact that I'm a bad mother. I help my kid out. The only bad part about it is, I couldn't think of a dang thing to say to her while she was telling me what to do. I need to work on this skill so that I'm not up all night pissed about a situation that I didn't handle properly. Or up first thing in the morning complaining about it all over again.
UGGGGH!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Another Freebie
A planning list for TURKEY DAY
Check out the SavingDinner website and FreezerPleasers if you dare.
I'm bound and determined to start cooking ahead of time. I waste so much time at the grocery store and money on things that look good but go bad in the fridge before I use them. Need to start pinching the pennies before the new baby comes ... wonder how much I can really save by planning ahead? I'll let you know. :-)
Check out the SavingDinner website and FreezerPleasers if you dare.
I'm bound and determined to start cooking ahead of time. I waste so much time at the grocery store and money on things that look good but go bad in the fridge before I use them. Need to start pinching the pennies before the new baby comes ... wonder how much I can really save by planning ahead? I'll let you know. :-)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Not a bad deal....
Family Fun is the Deal of the Day! 11/13
1 year term (10 issues) Special Price today $3.89
Save an additional 15% off with code MOMMYSAV15
FAMILYFUN
Got this from Mommysavers.com in thier forums section. There is always good info to be had in there.
Have a great day!
1 year term (10 issues) Special Price today $3.89
Save an additional 15% off with code MOMMYSAV15
FAMILYFUN
Got this from Mommysavers.com in thier forums section. There is always good info to be had in there.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Our newest angel...
HELEN MARIE KELLY
Beverly, NJ resident
Helen (nee Zigenfus), age 88, left this world peacefully on Monday, November 5th after a courageous battle with cancer. The angels guided her to Heavens' Gate, where she was met by her parents, Helen (nee Parker) and Elwood Zigenfus; her sisters and their spouses, Katherine and Paul Lindsey, Virginia and George Harding, and Alice and William Coleman and her brother, Elwood (Buddy) and spouse Delores (nee Bowers) Zigenfus and their daughter, Dana. Also greeted by her first son, Stephen T. Kelly, whom predeceased her in 2005.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, James F. Kelly, with whom she celebrated sixty years of marriage this year and their children, James F. Kelly, Jr. and Helen Marie LaVenia; her daughters-in-law, Barbara Kelly, Judy Kelly, and Nancy Kelly. Also survived by her beautiful grandchildren, Kristie (Tim), Karen (Luis), Heather and Erin, and Zachary and Joshua. Also four adorable great-grandchildren, Jonah and Ella and Nicholas and Jacquelynne, along with so many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit Thursday from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Joseph's Church, Warren Street, Beverly, NJ 08010 and to attend the Liturgy of Christian Burial Thursday, 10:30 AM at St. Joseph's Church. Interment: Monument Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Mass Cards, donations to St. Joseph's Church, the Beverly Emergency Squad or any random act of kindness in her memory would be appreciated.
Beverly, NJ resident
Helen (nee Zigenfus), age 88, left this world peacefully on Monday, November 5th after a courageous battle with cancer. The angels guided her to Heavens' Gate, where she was met by her parents, Helen (nee Parker) and Elwood Zigenfus; her sisters and their spouses, Katherine and Paul Lindsey, Virginia and George Harding, and Alice and William Coleman and her brother, Elwood (Buddy) and spouse Delores (nee Bowers) Zigenfus and their daughter, Dana. Also greeted by her first son, Stephen T. Kelly, whom predeceased her in 2005.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, James F. Kelly, with whom she celebrated sixty years of marriage this year and their children, James F. Kelly, Jr. and Helen Marie LaVenia; her daughters-in-law, Barbara Kelly, Judy Kelly, and Nancy Kelly. Also survived by her beautiful grandchildren, Kristie (Tim), Karen (Luis), Heather and Erin, and Zachary and Joshua. Also four adorable great-grandchildren, Jonah and Ella and Nicholas and Jacquelynne, along with so many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit Thursday from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Joseph's Church, Warren Street, Beverly, NJ 08010 and to attend the Liturgy of Christian Burial Thursday, 10:30 AM at St. Joseph's Church. Interment: Monument Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Mass Cards, donations to St. Joseph's Church, the Beverly Emergency Squad or any random act of kindness in her memory would be appreciated.
Monday, November 5, 2007
sad -
not sure when I'll be blogging next, although I have tons to say --- found out that my dad's mom passed away last night ... when I get a few free moments, I'll begin posting again.
This is from just this past June and was published in her local newspaper ...
Newsbreak
Good morning and happy 60th wedding anniversary to James and Helen Kelly. On this date in 1947, the New York Yankees were beating the Philadelphia A’s, 5-2, at Shibe Park and the Phillies were losing to the N.Y. Giants, 14-6 at the Polo Grounds. Some things never change.
Mommom, I hope that you are in a better place, free of pain. We'll miss you.
This is from just this past June and was published in her local newspaper ...
Newsbreak
Good morning and happy 60th wedding anniversary to James and Helen Kelly. On this date in 1947, the New York Yankees were beating the Philadelphia A’s, 5-2, at Shibe Park and the Phillies were losing to the N.Y. Giants, 14-6 at the Polo Grounds. Some things never change.
Mommom, I hope that you are in a better place, free of pain. We'll miss you.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Rainy Saturday
Hello - we're soggy!! Its been raining for practically 3 whole days. Jack and Guinness are spending more time in their crates today than they have in their entire lives with us! The soccer games that were scheduled for today were cancelled because the fields are under water. Dino Boy's game is tentatively scheduled for next Saturday at 10 a.m. Maybe they'll just cancel Twinkletoes' game all together. She is already playing a make up game on Thursday night and her last game is scheduled for Saturday at 10:30.
I am not looking forward to Saturday. In addition to the soccer games, I'm scheduled to vend at a crop to support my friend's PTO. Its not far away, maybe 15 miles or so, but I'll be needing to go - set up, come home - get the kids ready and out the door, go to the fields - watch their last games, get them back home - hope that the Husband is home to watch them (or find a sitter at the last minute - not always the easiest thing to do because we aren't the only ones that are busier than we know how to deal with) and then get back to the crop for the next, oh, 9 hours. I am not complaining about going to a scrapbook event. I haven't been to one since the weekend away in March. I have a ton of projects to work on - and, truthfully, I'm hoping to pick up one or two new customers at the crop and reacquaint myself with other customers that I haven't heard from in while. So - I'm shutting the trap. It will all be fine. The kids will do well on Saturday. I will not lose my mind and I'll get 10 new customers! :-) Isn't that how the "secret" tells you to do it? Or was that Peter Pan - think happy thoughts? Whatever, it'll all be good.
The Husband, a few of his buddies and his partner at BLA are up in New Brunswick for the Rutgers/WV football game today. Yes, you heard it right, in the RAIN. Thankfully, I'm here and only ventured out to McDonald's for lunch and the video store. (Hello - why else would I be blogging in the middle of the afternoon?) I haven't heard from my husband but Chris heard from hers. They're WET. Very wet. He was afraid to use his phone for long because the water might ruin it. The game started at noon - still in the thick of the rain (the sun is starting to peek through here) and we were able to gain access to the alumni Hospitality Tent. They were supposedly serving food, beverages (including beer and wine) all at no cost to alumni and their guests. See this is why I'm still paying my student loans off. We pay them for long enough - and they give back to us! hee hee!!!! I wonder if any of them thought to take pictures with their phones? Did they brave it? Doubt the thought even crossed their minds. Would have been neat to see. I did take a picture or two with my phone when we went to the RU/Navy game a few weeks back. I did get a few weird looks from my Husband. Oh well. Can't have everything - a few pictures to scrapbook would have been fun though!
Hope you're enjoying your weekend! I'm thinking of sending the kids outside to stomp in the puddles. I think this baby is affecting my thoughts. I am surely losing my mind!! :-)
I am not looking forward to Saturday. In addition to the soccer games, I'm scheduled to vend at a crop to support my friend's PTO. Its not far away, maybe 15 miles or so, but I'll be needing to go - set up, come home - get the kids ready and out the door, go to the fields - watch their last games, get them back home - hope that the Husband is home to watch them (or find a sitter at the last minute - not always the easiest thing to do because we aren't the only ones that are busier than we know how to deal with) and then get back to the crop for the next, oh, 9 hours. I am not complaining about going to a scrapbook event. I haven't been to one since the weekend away in March. I have a ton of projects to work on - and, truthfully, I'm hoping to pick up one or two new customers at the crop and reacquaint myself with other customers that I haven't heard from in while. So - I'm shutting the trap. It will all be fine. The kids will do well on Saturday. I will not lose my mind and I'll get 10 new customers! :-) Isn't that how the "secret" tells you to do it? Or was that Peter Pan - think happy thoughts? Whatever, it'll all be good.
The Husband, a few of his buddies and his partner at BLA are up in New Brunswick for the Rutgers/WV football game today. Yes, you heard it right, in the RAIN. Thankfully, I'm here and only ventured out to McDonald's for lunch and the video store. (Hello - why else would I be blogging in the middle of the afternoon?) I haven't heard from my husband but Chris heard from hers. They're WET. Very wet. He was afraid to use his phone for long because the water might ruin it. The game started at noon - still in the thick of the rain (the sun is starting to peek through here) and we were able to gain access to the alumni Hospitality Tent. They were supposedly serving food, beverages (including beer and wine) all at no cost to alumni and their guests. See this is why I'm still paying my student loans off. We pay them for long enough - and they give back to us! hee hee!!!! I wonder if any of them thought to take pictures with their phones? Did they brave it? Doubt the thought even crossed their minds. Would have been neat to see. I did take a picture or two with my phone when we went to the RU/Navy game a few weeks back. I did get a few weird looks from my Husband. Oh well. Can't have everything - a few pictures to scrapbook would have been fun though!
Hope you're enjoying your weekend! I'm thinking of sending the kids outside to stomp in the puddles. I think this baby is affecting my thoughts. I am surely losing my mind!! :-)
Friday, October 26, 2007
Wildfires 2007
I know you're all tuned in - as we all are - pretty much 24/7 to the Wildfires currently raging in California. Its a devastating prospect - losing all you own and escaping with only the clothes on your back and a few little things. I saw on the news this morning a man and his nephew sifting through the ashes of his MIL's home - she's 81 and had been in the house for over 20 years. They were able to find (literally, using a sifter) a few rare coins that were still hot from the fire and a few pieces of jewelry that she owned. I don't know what I would do -- what would I grab? Seems that even some of the fire proofed safes aren't able to withstand the intense heat these fires which are reportedly fueled by dry conditions and 90 mph "Santa Anna" winds.
I guess all of the "information" can be replaced - birth certificates, social security cards, financial information, etc. But what about the other stuff? What about the scrapbooks??? What about the videos of my wedding in Jamaica? Now, I know it is just stuff - and stuff isn't your family or your life but I would be devastated. I have pictures of my father beaming in Jamaica. Who'd have thunk he'd actually get on the plane and go to Jamaica for our wedding? Pictures of my BIL's supposed last trip in an airplane!!! I'm sure eventually my SIL will convince him to once again brave the skies - but - know what I mean? What about the first teeth that the kids lost? I don't know what will ever become of them anyhow but at least I have them and I know where they are. Pictures of my Poppop H. at my wedding reception and my college graduation...do I scan them all and upload to a secure picture server some place else? Pictures of my FIL and his family before all of the feuds and fights and if you know the family, you know what I mean. Pictures of my Uncle Ray and my Uncle Tony ... my Aunt Hon, Nan, Aunt Kay and Uncle Paul, Dana, Uncle Matt and Aunt Helen D....pictures from high and grade schools (before the digital age) ... ultrasound pictures ... okay ... you get my point. I'm still clueless as to what I would do if I were in this situation and I pray that I never am faced with something that I'm mentally and spiritually unprepared for.
On a side note, one of the student groups here at school, is collecting items to be sent out to CA to help those who are in need. Please let me know if you've got anything that you'd like to contribute - right now I think they're concentrating on toiletry items and the like that people may be in need of. I'm sure I can convince my kids to clean up their toy room and I'll send the toys (which have been barely played with) out to make some other little kid happy. Here is the link for donations to the Red Cross for the California Wildfires: https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=178830632&df_id=2653&2653.donation=form1
Thanks to Janine for providing me with the most up to date link to their local newstation http://www.nbcsandiego.com/firestorm/14414192/detail.html so that they can efficiently direct their efforts to helping where it is needed the most. You rock Janine! Give the kids a squeeze for me!
I guess all of the "information" can be replaced - birth certificates, social security cards, financial information, etc. But what about the other stuff? What about the scrapbooks??? What about the videos of my wedding in Jamaica? Now, I know it is just stuff - and stuff isn't your family or your life but I would be devastated. I have pictures of my father beaming in Jamaica. Who'd have thunk he'd actually get on the plane and go to Jamaica for our wedding? Pictures of my BIL's supposed last trip in an airplane!!! I'm sure eventually my SIL will convince him to once again brave the skies - but - know what I mean? What about the first teeth that the kids lost? I don't know what will ever become of them anyhow but at least I have them and I know where they are. Pictures of my Poppop H. at my wedding reception and my college graduation...do I scan them all and upload to a secure picture server some place else? Pictures of my FIL and his family before all of the feuds and fights and if you know the family, you know what I mean. Pictures of my Uncle Ray and my Uncle Tony ... my Aunt Hon, Nan, Aunt Kay and Uncle Paul, Dana, Uncle Matt and Aunt Helen D....pictures from high and grade schools (before the digital age) ... ultrasound pictures ... okay ... you get my point. I'm still clueless as to what I would do if I were in this situation and I pray that I never am faced with something that I'm mentally and spiritually unprepared for.
On a side note, one of the student groups here at school, is collecting items to be sent out to CA to help those who are in need. Please let me know if you've got anything that you'd like to contribute - right now I think they're concentrating on toiletry items and the like that people may be in need of. I'm sure I can convince my kids to clean up their toy room and I'll send the toys (which have been barely played with) out to make some other little kid happy. Here is the link for donations to the Red Cross for the California Wildfires: https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=178830632&df_id=2653&2653.donation=form1
Thanks to Janine for providing me with the most up to date link to their local newstation http://www.nbcsandiego.com/firestorm/14414192/detail.html so that they can efficiently direct their efforts to helping where it is needed the most. You rock Janine! Give the kids a squeeze for me!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
check it out
Did you see the new little icon that i have over here on the left? Pretty cool, isn't it? One click a day funds food and housing for animals in need. Thought that since we're all so busy every day and no one really wants to donate any more than they need to (I know, it doesn't sound like I mean it to, but hopefully you know what I mean.) At this site, you can also click to support Breast Cancer; Hunger; Child Health; Literacy; and the Rainforest. One stop shopping! If you purchase from one of these websites, even more monies are donated to the charities in question.
Also, I've added a blog to my "blogs I enjoy list" - it is a blog that promotes buying American Made Stuffs - in order to keep American jobs here instead of shipping them out overseas. Pretty neat. Its called Made in the USA - check it out if you have time. They're even doing raffles and giving stuff away. Not too bad!!
Not much else going on. The kids are doing a fund raiser so if you need cookie dough, pies or frozen soft pretzels, be sure to let Dino Boy know. Actually, I think he is the only one who brought the paper work home. He also came home with his school pictures yesterday too. Not Twinkletoes. Wonder where her stuff is?
This weekend is Dino Boy's last weekend of soccer. Thank goodness. Its been a long haul with him and soccer. He seems to enjoy it but he's lacking direction in how to actually play the sport. Maybe we should send him to a summer camp or something this coming summer. We'll see. Twinkletoes plays through next weekend and even has a night game on 11/1. She's pretty excited about that!!
Also, I've added a blog to my "blogs I enjoy list" - it is a blog that promotes buying American Made Stuffs - in order to keep American jobs here instead of shipping them out overseas. Pretty neat. Its called Made in the USA - check it out if you have time. They're even doing raffles and giving stuff away. Not too bad!!
Not much else going on. The kids are doing a fund raiser so if you need cookie dough, pies or frozen soft pretzels, be sure to let Dino Boy know. Actually, I think he is the only one who brought the paper work home. He also came home with his school pictures yesterday too. Not Twinkletoes. Wonder where her stuff is?
This weekend is Dino Boy's last weekend of soccer. Thank goodness. Its been a long haul with him and soccer. He seems to enjoy it but he's lacking direction in how to actually play the sport. Maybe we should send him to a summer camp or something this coming summer. We'll see. Twinkletoes plays through next weekend and even has a night game on 11/1. She's pretty excited about that!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Cousins...
Nothing much new going on.
Heard that one of my SIL's is expecting around the same time as me. Pretty exciting stuff!!!! But, she hasn't told us yet - so I bide my time wondering when it will be common knowledge. Its an exciting concept - having babies around the same time. They'll be able to grow up together - share fun stuff together - and be close in age, very close in age. That doesn't say much for anything in our family though - age. It seems that no matter what the age difference, all the cousins seem to care equally about one another. The older ones protect and look after the little ones. The little ones worship the ground the oldies walk on. Its quite a neat thing to sit back and watch.
I had cousins. They were all around the same age as us and it really didn't affect me on as astounding a basis as my kids and their cousins. Don't get me wrong. I love my cousins. I love spending time with them - then and now. They're interesting friends and bring a lot into my life. But to watch my little ones actually worship the older kids in the family - it is pretty cool. And to watch the older ones have as much patience and understanding and time to play with the little ones (as much of a PiTA as they may be at times) - it makes me proud. I hope that my kids can do that at one time or another. We'll see. They're on the low end of the totem pole, I think, agewise. Not quite sure how many will come after them. For all I know these two due in April may be the last. You never quite know until it hits you on the head. ;-)
Heard that one of my SIL's is expecting around the same time as me. Pretty exciting stuff!!!! But, she hasn't told us yet - so I bide my time wondering when it will be common knowledge. Its an exciting concept - having babies around the same time. They'll be able to grow up together - share fun stuff together - and be close in age, very close in age. That doesn't say much for anything in our family though - age. It seems that no matter what the age difference, all the cousins seem to care equally about one another. The older ones protect and look after the little ones. The little ones worship the ground the oldies walk on. Its quite a neat thing to sit back and watch.
I had cousins. They were all around the same age as us and it really didn't affect me on as astounding a basis as my kids and their cousins. Don't get me wrong. I love my cousins. I love spending time with them - then and now. They're interesting friends and bring a lot into my life. But to watch my little ones actually worship the older kids in the family - it is pretty cool. And to watch the older ones have as much patience and understanding and time to play with the little ones (as much of a PiTA as they may be at times) - it makes me proud. I hope that my kids can do that at one time or another. We'll see. They're on the low end of the totem pole, I think, agewise. Not quite sure how many will come after them. For all I know these two due in April may be the last. You never quite know until it hits you on the head. ;-)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fogo de .... I'm full!
This weekend we had an adult's night out. We haven't done something of this nature in quite a while!!! We rented a limo - a big Excursion one - dropped the kids with the SIL and took a trip into Philly to the coolest restaurant we've been to in a while: http://www.fogodechao.com/ If you are not familiar with this restaurant, it is worthwhile to take a spin on the website to check it out, but I can tell you all you need to know. :)
When you arrive, your server greets you and makes you aware that the restaurant offers a "two-course meal" which is included in your cost of dinner (all dinners are the same price, there is no ordering here - except for drinks and dessert.) Your first course is this amazing salad bar. They have everything short of the kitchen sink (and cocktail shrimp as we were reminded by friends who have gone to another Brazilian Steakhouse in Myrtle Beach). I was so full by the time I only half finished the food that was on my salad plate, that I didn't know what to do with myself. As you finish your salad course, the server brings you a clean plate. You, when you sit down initially, also have this token at your seat, which kind of resembles a coaster. It is red on one side and green on the other. This comes into play when you've received your clean plate and you're ready to start eating your second course!
The second course is like nothing I have ever seen before. There are servers running all over the place with meats on huge swords (skewers) and if you have your token on the "green" or "go" side, they'll come to your side and offer you the meat that they currently have. You also get a cool pair of miniature tongs that you use to catch the meat as they server is carving it off of the "slab" in front of you - to transfer to your plate and enjoy. You can have as much or as little as you want and you can try nothing or everything - for TWO hours. I cannot eat that much these days but I'll tell you - our guys put a lot down. They just about every type of steak you can imagine, along with chicken wrapped in bacon, chicken legs, lamb chops, beef ribs, pork ribs, parmesan crusted pork, I cannot even remember half of what they brought out. I think I can remember what I tried though. I had filet, garlic sirloin, regular sirloin, parmesan crusted pork, chicken wrapped in bacon, filet wrapped in bacon and I think that is it. I know the husband had all of that plus a chicken leg, prime rib, pork ribs and lamb chops. I think the only meat we didn't see at our table was beef spare rib. But that is okay. I stopped eating while others were still going strong. I saved enough room to try a dessert (I could only eat 1/4 of it) and a cup of coffee!! I would love to go back. It was a lot of fun. I even saw someone that I knew from high school while we were there. Can you imagine?
On the way home, we were able to stop at a bar, have a few drinks (no, I only had Sprite - no need to get your knickers in a knot!) watch the Red Sox kick the daylights out of the Indians and then head home all before it was time for the limo rental to be finished. I was alseep probably before the limo even returned to where ever his home is - I even had my glasses on when I woke up a few hours later. I was full and exhausted. Guess that caffeine and sugar high didn't last as long as I expected it too. I should have had another cup of coffee when we got to the bar instead of drinking Sprite!!
When you arrive, your server greets you and makes you aware that the restaurant offers a "two-course meal" which is included in your cost of dinner (all dinners are the same price, there is no ordering here - except for drinks and dessert.) Your first course is this amazing salad bar. They have everything short of the kitchen sink (and cocktail shrimp as we were reminded by friends who have gone to another Brazilian Steakhouse in Myrtle Beach). I was so full by the time I only half finished the food that was on my salad plate, that I didn't know what to do with myself. As you finish your salad course, the server brings you a clean plate. You, when you sit down initially, also have this token at your seat, which kind of resembles a coaster. It is red on one side and green on the other. This comes into play when you've received your clean plate and you're ready to start eating your second course!
The second course is like nothing I have ever seen before. There are servers running all over the place with meats on huge swords (skewers) and if you have your token on the "green" or "go" side, they'll come to your side and offer you the meat that they currently have. You also get a cool pair of miniature tongs that you use to catch the meat as they server is carving it off of the "slab" in front of you - to transfer to your plate and enjoy. You can have as much or as little as you want and you can try nothing or everything - for TWO hours. I cannot eat that much these days but I'll tell you - our guys put a lot down. They just about every type of steak you can imagine, along with chicken wrapped in bacon, chicken legs, lamb chops, beef ribs, pork ribs, parmesan crusted pork, I cannot even remember half of what they brought out. I think I can remember what I tried though. I had filet, garlic sirloin, regular sirloin, parmesan crusted pork, chicken wrapped in bacon, filet wrapped in bacon and I think that is it. I know the husband had all of that plus a chicken leg, prime rib, pork ribs and lamb chops. I think the only meat we didn't see at our table was beef spare rib. But that is okay. I stopped eating while others were still going strong. I saved enough room to try a dessert (I could only eat 1/4 of it) and a cup of coffee!! I would love to go back. It was a lot of fun. I even saw someone that I knew from high school while we were there. Can you imagine?
On the way home, we were able to stop at a bar, have a few drinks (no, I only had Sprite - no need to get your knickers in a knot!) watch the Red Sox kick the daylights out of the Indians and then head home all before it was time for the limo rental to be finished. I was alseep probably before the limo even returned to where ever his home is - I even had my glasses on when I woke up a few hours later. I was full and exhausted. Guess that caffeine and sugar high didn't last as long as I expected it too. I should have had another cup of coffee when we got to the bar instead of drinking Sprite!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)
Got this emailed to me. Thought it was worth sharing ...
...being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the Family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's Family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessing of you. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
May you have more DOG days in your life!!!
...being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the Family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's Family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessing of you. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
May you have more DOG days in your life!!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
October
October is a hectic month. But, as I'm finding out with two kids in school and sports - all months are. I was hoping for a slow down in October, but I haven't found it yet.
Twinkletoes loves school. Too bad our kindergarten isn't full day!! She is only getting homework one or two nights a week and she's doing it in her kindergarten enrichment class before she comes home which is kind of crazy because she's still looking for something to do while the Dino Boy is doing his homework. Soccer is only on Saturday's for her and she will play at our local fields at 10:30 this weekend. Dino Boy, coincidentally, plays at 10 this Saturday and we have to be at Wrestling Registration between 10:30 and noon. Somehow I think we'll be walking in as the registrars are walking out.
Both Mommoms are sick. Not a good thing. Trying to figure out what is going on with my mom's mom. She's just passing out at inopportune moments - such as shopping in the Walmart and she's dizzy and feeling sick almost all the time. YUK. The docs are sending her for bloodwork and testing. Who the heck knows what's going on. I believe she's going back to the doctor tomorrow for another check up. We'll see. Dad's mom has cancer - back with a vengance from what I've been told. Not a good thing. She is weak and sick and it just plain sucks. Please keep them both in your prayers.
What else? Everything is good with the dogs (knock on wood). Jack is almost finished his medicine for Lyme's. Guinness and Sudz have been playing together a lot more than usual lately and Jack is watching jealously.
On Sunday, we tried to go to Conte's to get pumpkins. I wanted a no hassle - let's get the pumpkins and some ice cream and get out of here kind of trip. The place was MOBBED!!! People were coming out of the bakery building waiting in line for ice cream (which was sideways on some of the cones that I saw because they were serving so much of it - the machines couldn't keep up). People were waiting in lines for a ride to the pumpkin field to pick out their own pumpkins. Ok, its fun sometimes, but there are other times just getting a pumpkin is enough. Thank goodness the kids didn't give me a hard time about the ride. No way I was doing that and then getting stuck in a field for who knows how long. Forget it! See the spirit of Halloween lives on!! Maybe we'll head up one day after school for the ice cream that we missed out on. I hear they have an apple flavor. I would really like to pass on that one but later in the month they do a pumkin flavor ... it tastes just like pumpkin pie. It is awesome!!
Ok, I think that is everything in a nutshell. One of my friends is doing a Pampered Chef show on Friday. If you're in need of something, let me know. Then next week, another friend is doing a Tupperware/Tastefully Simple/Longaberger open house. Likewise, if you need something, please let me know. :-) Hope everything is GREAT with you!
Friday, October 12, 2007
BABY #3
Ok, here it is, the moment my sister has been waiting for ... it's a ....
BABY.
Further news to follow in DECEMBER when we find out what this little person's gender is! (Please ask Hayley if that was politically correct enough for her!)
Friday, September 28, 2007
1st month of school - Gone!
I cannot believe I haven't written but once all month. Things have been quite hectic here as I'm sure those of you involved in your kids' sports well know. I'm actually out of my mind crazy!!
We've been doing two soccer schedules each Saturday. We've been fortunate (or unfortunate - depending on how you look at it) that the kids' schedules have overlapped the past few weeks and we've been off the fields by 10:30 each Saturday morning. The fields that they're playing on are somewhat next to one another so I'm able to straddle the two fields and watch both kids play at the same time. Not too shabby, huh? Sadly enough, I have no pictures to post. I haven't taken my camera once yet. Its too crazy trying to make sure that no one is getting hurt at either game. But this weekend will be different. Twinkletoes is playing one of the later games and DinoBoy is playing at 8:30. We won't leave the field until around noon, but at least the snack bar will be open to appease the one who isn't playing at any particular time. I will bring my camera this weekend and hopefully will have lots of pictures to show off soon.
The kids are loving school!! Dino Boy gets homework every night and Twinkletoes complains every night that she has no homework. She doesn't realize that she's actually getting off good at this point but I'm going to start making up work for her so that she has something to do instead of looking over DinoBoy's shoulder and giving him all of his answers. I've been told that is because she is a girl. A few of the other mom's of Kindergarten girls I've spoken to recently have told me that their girls are the same way - even if they don't have older siblings doing homework ... odd. But - good enough. Maybe she'll be the next president of the United States. Only time will tell.
What else? oh yeah. I'm pregnant. Again. At this point, its still early and I'm as sick as a dog. I'm about 10ish weeks now. Estimated time of arrival of this one - mid to late April of 2008. All would be good if I could just shake this yukky feeling. And, because I'm so sick feeling but not physically sick I've been eating a boatload and am gaining weight. Dr. C. is going to have a fit when he sees me next week for our second appointment. Whatever. It'll be a long few months. And, I haven't told the kids yet. Too afraid of a miscarriage - since we've been down that road before, I'd rather just not tell them until later. This way I don' t have to explain all of that not so fun stuff to them. Know what I mean? So if you see the kids, mum's the word!
Have to run. Sorry for not keeping up to date more frequently. Things are just NUTS - what can I say? :-)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Mid-September Already?
Wow - time has flown. It was just yesterday (it seems) that we were waving goodbye to the schoolbus - with both Twinkletoes and DinoBoy on board! Twinkletoes even pushed her brother out of the way so that she could board the bus first. They sat together - very cute. Very good of DinoBoy to sit with his sister instead of his friend from down the street. There are pictures - they're going to have to come later because I have no idea where they are - other than on Snapfish. :0)
Twinkletoes loves every minute of kindergarten and thinks it is just so cool to go to school! She is disappointed because she hasn't had any homework yet and her brother has had homework every night since the second day of school. Now that is a lot of homework already for a first grader! DinoBoy also likes school so far this year. He enjoys having his lunch in the cafeteria with his friends. He was so excited and told us how loud it is in the cafeteria when all those kids are in there!
This weekend, the husband and I are heading to my cousin's wedding in York, PA. Should be a good time. My MIL is coming over for the night Saturday to "watch" the kids and the dogs. This will be the first time she's sat for us since ..... infancy? And, hopefully, the dogs will be okay and won't knock her down. She'll have a full day on Saturday - soccer in the morning, a birthday party for one of our nephews in the afternoon and maybe she'll take them to Sunday school the next morning. Only time will tell.
I'm still doing two jobs at work. Not very effective at this point on either one. i feel like something is always getting pushed aside to do something "more important". But - interviews have been done to fill my old position and hopefully we'll have someone in place shortly. Then I have to train too. Yikes. By the end of the year, I should be caught up -- one can only hope!
Have a great day! I know I'll be taking a walk at lunchtime to enjoy the nice fall day!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Countin' Down the Days
The kids start school in less than a week. Twinkletoes will be beginning her knowledge adventure with her first year in the "big" school. She's been waiting to start kindergarten for well over a year. She just didn't get it when Dino Boy started last fall and she still had to go to pre-school. Them's the breaks for being born almost a whole year behind her brother. But this year - its her year. She can hardly contain herself and is counting down the days at bedtime. I don't know if she'll be able to sleep at all on Tuesday night. The bus picks them both up (she has morning kindergarten) at our house at 8:34 a.m. Dino Boy is quite excited to be entering the first grade. Wish him luck. He didn't enjoy his Rutgers Reading program this summer that he did for 5 weeks. He just doesn't care to learn to read ... as much as I read to him and around him, its easier to have us read to him rather than have him read for himself. I'm sure Twinkletoes will be just the opposite! Watch out!! I'll let you know how it goes next week. I've taken the day off so that I can be there when they get on and off the bus!
We don't have much planned this weekend. Hanging out with friends on Saturday and Sunday. I plan on taking the kids to the pool on Friday - but we'll see how Dino Boy's foot is feeling. He was at the pool today but when he left the house, he didn't have his swimsuit on and insisted that he wasn't going to swim because he didn't want to have to change the bandage on his foot. But, the Nanny Extraordinnaire, good grandmom that she is, packed his swimsuit and the waterproof tape anyhow and was able to accomodate him when he changed his mind. Quite a piece of work he is.
Saturday we went to a surprise party for one of the Husband's best friends. Looks like the Husband is having a good time, no? 
Monday, August 20, 2007
DINOOOOOOSAURRRRRSSSSS
This weekend we took the kids to go see Walking With The Dinosaurs in Philly. What a fantastic show!!! I cannot get over how it held the attention of every kid and adult in the Spectrum for almost TWO HOURS!
A narrator went over each and every aspect of what was going on with the show - from the plant eaters (brachiosaurus, etc.) to the meat eaters (T Rex, etc.) and everything in between. Even a flying dino was featured. I cannot get over the reality of each of the dinosaurs presented and the way in which they all interacted with each other and the audience. Be sure to catch this show if it comes to your area. I was surprised at the expense of each of the tickets but they were definitely worth every penny!! Our kids asked on the way home if they could go see that show again next year. Definitely - if it comes back 'round!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Ahhhh....Spritey Lives On...
Or so says my mom this morning. Seems that our great white hunter, Sprite, finally has decided to rejoin the family by possessing Jack and Guinness. Don't get me wrong, Jack and Guinness have had their share of bird kills this summer but no rabbits or other animals - until today.
Today is a different story. Today they got a rabbit. Mom said it was disgusting. Spritey usually only killed the poor rabbit (what were they thinking anyway - the dog was FAST). These two new ones though are usually like dumb and dumber when the husband tries to show them where the rabbits are in the back yard - out by the shed or under the shed. They just run and play with each other instead of paying attention to the villain rabbits who are trespassing in Dog Territory. Today, they got a rabbit and got it good. Mom said it was a mess and the head is missing. I can only imagine that dumber swallowed it while trying to keep it away from dumb. Mom said she searched the yard for it. Its not there. So - I called my friend Natalie at the vet's office -- I told her on Monday when I was picking stuff up not to talk about not seeing me in a while because that is sure to bring me in with at least one of them - - she said to just watch for the runs and/or puking. Lovely. And, I just shampooed the carpets on Saturday afternoon.
The kids have their annual check ups first thing in the morning then the day is ours!!! Yippee!! We'll see what we do.
Have a great evening! And weekend, if I don't get back here.
Today is a different story. Today they got a rabbit. Mom said it was disgusting. Spritey usually only killed the poor rabbit (what were they thinking anyway - the dog was FAST). These two new ones though are usually like dumb and dumber when the husband tries to show them where the rabbits are in the back yard - out by the shed or under the shed. They just run and play with each other instead of paying attention to the villain rabbits who are trespassing in Dog Territory. Today, they got a rabbit and got it good. Mom said it was a mess and the head is missing. I can only imagine that dumber swallowed it while trying to keep it away from dumb. Mom said she searched the yard for it. Its not there. So - I called my friend Natalie at the vet's office -- I told her on Monday when I was picking stuff up not to talk about not seeing me in a while because that is sure to bring me in with at least one of them - - she said to just watch for the runs and/or puking. Lovely. And, I just shampooed the carpets on Saturday afternoon.
The kids have their annual check ups first thing in the morning then the day is ours!!! Yippee!! We'll see what we do.
Have a great evening! And weekend, if I don't get back here.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Another HumpDay
It's the middle of another summer week here ... it is supposed to be hot, humid and otherwise unbearable this afternoon. Although the swim club is taking its toll on Nanny Extraordinaire, I still think it was a good idea to get all of the kids out of the house pretty much daily. How else can we keep them from killing each other? And the Nanny's tan is definitely something that we haven't seen in years!! *grin*
Our vacation ended without incident on Saturday morning. The Husband had wanted to go right from the beach to the mountains overnight where friends of ours are renting a lake house for a week. We were just too exhausted. I think the kids finally recovered ... yesterday. There were just many days of late nights and early mornings at the beach. We definitely won't do it at that same beach for a week again next year. Maybe a night or two, but that will be plenty for us. A week with the kids, as young as they are, is just hellish for everyone involved, including the unfortunates who have to sit next to our "camp" on the beach - you know,the people with children who don't get in trouble or are old enough to "lay" on the beach or boogie board on their own - they have to put up with our kids tattling, whining or just plain getting in trouble every time they turn around. So to all of you strangers out there -- sorry. I aspire to be you someday. My kids will behave. They will learn to deal with their frustrations and they will learn that when they're tired and exhausted to just take a break instead of going full force 24/7. Okay? Someday soon, I hope.
The job is going well. I'm in a transition and currently doing the administrative assistant job that I've had for just over 3 years and the accounting job that I should be doing f/t by 9/1. Its a little hairy as things are slipping through the cracks and other things are just taking longer to get done. Its hard to do the job of two people in a day long enough only for the job of one. Did that make sense?
On another note, almost ten pounds has found me when I wasn't looking since we vacationed in May. Not a good thing. The husband and I are back on Weight Watchers full force. This blog might just have to become my food diary since I don't have have time to post on two different blogs every day. I barely get to this one as it is. But, with all of your support, I know I can knock the weight back off and even the extra pounds that I had hoped to lose before will come off as well. Anyone have any good, low-point recipes to share?
Friday, August 10, 2007
Another vacation ... almost over
Hello there - got an email from my SIL today (ok, she may have sent it anytime between Tuesday early morning and this morning at 7:00 a.m.!) advising me that I am neglecting my blog. Not so. I'm up to my eyeballs in black sticky sand, ice cream on the beach and the whiniest kids you've ever heard. Now, you may have thought that I called them whiners when we were in the OBX. Maybe I didn't but I'm sure I thought that. I now stand corrected. They are total whiners now. Holy cow. At least in the OBX they went to bed at a halfway decent hour (which I'm told won't happen next year because they're already planning on rooming with their twin friends!). Down here in Wildwood - its early to rise, late to bed and a whole lot of excitement packed in between!Let's see. This is how our week went. Saturday - after getting stuck in traffic where the Parkway meets the AC Expressway (which was my fault because we didn't leave at 7:00 a.m. but at 8:30 a.m. and we got stuck...) - we went to the beach. Sunday - waterpark then some rides afterwards then to Stone Harbor for dinner and swimming with friends. Monday - beach then boardwalk. Tuesday - beach then boardwalk. Wednesday - beach then home (kids went to the movies with the Nanny Extraordinaire and the husband and I went to the DMB concert - it was HOT but AWESOME!) Thursday - we left home for the beach at 7:30ish a.m. and went to the beach then boardwalk. Friday - beach, we're planning on going out to dinner at 7:00, then to the boardwalk. CH and I have to get this place in top notch condition before having to get out by eleven a.m. tomorrow. Plausible but exhausting.
But - in reality - it is a vacation. Dino Boy was royally PO'ed when we were coming off of the beach today and I told him and his sister that we were going to go back to the beach house, clean up, nap and go to dinner and the boardwalk for our last night here. Holy Cow - you'd have thought he lost his best friend. Or two. He had a major temper tantrum. They get worse as he gets older but at least he is expressive. He wants to know why we don't own a shore house that we can stay in all summer long (hey auntie d - are you ever going to build that house?? I'll give you an indentured servant for the entire summer if you just let him go to the beach for a few hours a day!) (On a side note - there was a hotel down here called the Thunderbird - ironically right at the end of our street - where we used to stay when I was younger. In the recent years, I'd noticed what a dive it had become. What a shame. Since our last trip here (for a week) in 2005, they've since torn down the hotel and created beautiful townhomes at the site. They're not cheap either. I believe the price on the sign said starting at $699,999 - now that is CRAZY - but they are pretty!!) Anyway, not sure how I won but both kids are now sleeping on couches right outside of my bedroom. Yippee. Dinner reservations aren't for another two hours so they have plenty of time to gather their energy for the boardwalk and all the rides and games tonight. I think their favorite ride is the long flume - just like their Poppop Kelly!!!!! So if H&E would like to take the kids to GA for the day and relive a part of our childhood, riding the log flume for hours at a time, we're definitely up for that!!!!I'm going to run ... have to dry my hair before it dries itself in the shape of the towel that is on top of my head. I will do my best to upload and share all pictures taken this week (and of the OBX - have I done that yet???) and update the blog with wonderful tidbits of our evening tonight. I think it will be interesting considering the menu reads "all margaritas are $8 with the exception of the Crystal Margarita" -- when you look that one up it is $75! Holy baloney batman ... until manana.... toodles!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
hints
these hints were emailed to me. i know the baby powder one works very well ... even on the sticky black sand in wildwood! let me know if you are fans of any of these.
Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.'
Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, and keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the corner tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.
Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.
Reheating Refrigerated Bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
Newspaper Weeds Away
Start putting in your plants; work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.
Broken Glass
Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little pieces of broken glass – the fibers catch ones you can't see!
No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
Flexible Vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift-wrap roll to your vacuum hose. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.
Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and - voila - static is gone.
Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
Foggy Windshield
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!
Reopening Envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Voila! It unseals easily.
Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...
Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!
Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," & can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, esp. if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!
Sand on the Beach
Take baby powder to the beach Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When your ready to leave the beach sprinkle yourself and kids with the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin.
Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.'
Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, and keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the corner tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.
Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.
Reheating Refrigerated Bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
Newspaper Weeds Away
Start putting in your plants; work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.
Broken Glass
Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little pieces of broken glass – the fibers catch ones you can't see!
No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
Flexible Vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift-wrap roll to your vacuum hose. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.
Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and - voila - static is gone.
Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
Foggy Windshield
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!
Reopening Envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Voila! It unseals easily.
Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...
Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!
Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," & can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, esp. if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!
Sand on the Beach
Take baby powder to the beach Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When your ready to leave the beach sprinkle yourself and kids with the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Is it Friday YET?
Holy cow! This has been a doozy of a week and we're not even in knee deep. The auditors are in for their annual audit at work (yes, I used to be one of them too so I know that I need to be nice to them,) I'm trying to swing my regular job and a new accounting job with the district - which involves relearning some of my accounting skills! not to mention the ins and outs of a new computer program all the time while still doing my "real" job and trying to keep the auditors happy. I cannot wait until FRIDAY! (And I even have to work this Friday!!!)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Happy 6th Birthday DinoBoy!
Six years, huh? That's an awful long time buddy! We're going to have a great day today celebrating. First to the Sports Zone to help your buddy Patrick celebrate, then to the movies, then to dinner ... you're one lucky kid and we're lucky to have you! I love the way you challenge us (constantly) and the way that you finally realize that we're right. You've definitely come pretty far in your six years ... when you were a baby, you hated to nap. I should have known then that we were in for trouble -- that you were an infant and already so strong willed. Of course, this will only benefit you in the end but your dad and I are going to have to find a way to harness that stubborness and make it work to your advantage. I'm proud of you for being so smart! I am not sure that there are any other boys your age that know all the facts about dinosaurs like you do. You're going to make one heck of a palentologist one day! Now, let's get to work on your reading and we'll be all set. You're doing great!! You learn something new every day as do we ... your dad and I and we have you (and Twinkletoes) to thank for that.
Love you pumpkin! 
Beautiful Day @ Ship Bottom
On Friday, we spent an awesome day at the beach in Ship Bottom with Uncle Todd & Aunt Kristen. The kids had a blast and it was nice to get some time to talk to SIL K. She played and played and played with the kids until I wasn't sure who was going to fall asleep first her or the kids. They dug for sand crabs, jumped in the waves - even when the waves were breaking right on the beach. Thanks!! The kids had a wonderful time. My camera is still in the Husband's truck, otherwise, I'd post the pictures. I did miss whatever happened between UT and Twinkletoes but when UT came down to the water to wash off, he was covered in sand ... did he let her bury him? Where is the camera when I need it and why don't I play closer attention??? Will update this post when I can put the pictures on it.
Thanks for having us! We had a blast!!!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Cha-Ching!
Can't you just hear the money falling from the sky and into my "vet account" (or it should be called - "pay off the animal credit cards account"). I've been reading like a fiend this summer. It is the first summer that I've done so in .... I can't remember when. Maybe before the kids were born?? I've always LOVED to read. I guess that is why its so hard for me to understand why DinoBoy isn't as anxious as I am for him to read. *sigh* Anyway - I've listed most of the books I've read this summer on ebay. Don't get me wrong, these are not books that require a lot of brain power to get through like the Kite Runner or something like that - Most are just mindless "summer reading" I like to call them. Romances, a little mystery, some gore ... you know - whatever gets you through. *smiles* So, I have a bid of $5.00 for the Virgin River Trilogy. Not bad. I also sold a first edition of Joe Hill's Heart Shaped Box with buy it now!! Wahooo!
If you're not familiar with Joe Hill, and you're a fan of horror, you should definitely meet his acquaintance. Joe Hill is none other than the son of Stephen King! I had seen him on GMA one morning (or heard him on GMA while riding to work is more like it) and he was promoting this book of his - I ordered it as soon as I got to my desk! It was fantastic! Not a hard read, not too long like some of those King books can be and not complicated at all like the other King books that aren't long ... I definitely suggest you give him a shout if you're in the mood for a change of pace.
Ok, off of that soapbox and on to another ... we had an awesome time last night. At least I did. I enjoyed the music and the husband took me to a quick dinner beforehand too. Its funny the crowd you get at a Jim Brickman concert. I am not sure how big the following he has really is but you always get that strange mixture of fans of whomever he is touring with. This time, he was touring with a jazz-saxaphone guy. The guy was good but a lot of those songs sound the same. I can't tell if it is Dave Koz or Kenny G or this guy that we saw last night. I guess you just have to have an ear for it. Its not something that I want to listen to every day but once in a while, its not bad. The husband on the other hand regards Jazz, especially with a sax, the same kind of annoyance as nails on a chalkboard. And he sat through an hour of it, without getting up, having a stroke or complaining in my ear about it. Intermission was a different story. I thought he was ready to leave before Jim Brickman even came on! Not to mention that we bought drinks at the bar and I put $6 in the tip jar - accidentally. Our drinks were $3.50. I threw the change in and then was trying to get the dollar separated from the five but couldn't do it quick enough -- i didn't want my hand to be hanging out in their tip jar for an unnecessary amount of time -- so I just dropped both bills in the jar. Ok, I will give the husband $5 of my dollars if that makes him happy because he was certainly not happy that I did that. But - we spent money on dinner, then a drink before the concert and these drinks at intermission. The drinks totalled less than $20, even with my generous tip. Now that is a lot less than if we go to another concert, say at the Tweeter Center where a beer is $11 ... so quit your bellyaching ... I had an awesome time and all in all, I'm still a cheap date.
Must get to work for BLA before I'm allowed to go to the beach today. Hope I can get it done -- Its going to be a swelter basket today! YUK. Gotta love this state in the middle of summer. Heat and Humidity Galore. TGIF!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A new look
So, what do you think of the new look? I like this template; its called Harbor. The other one was called Sand or something like that but reminded me nothing of the beach.
Nothing new is going on here. Still waiting for word on my new job (at the same place.) You know if I got it, if I didn't , who did. That kind of nicey, nicey stuff. The waiting is driving me crazy! (Like I needed any help at all!)
The husband and I have a date tonight to go see Jim Brickman play at the Keswick Theatre. I'm pretty excited about it. I love seeing Brickman in concert. I am a nerd - who cares. I found him online when I was looking for relaxing music when I was pregnant with DinoBoy. Now, I think we've seen him in concert over 5 times and have seen him play twice at the Kimmel Center in the city. The concert starts at 8, the husband will probably work until 7:00 so I'm thinking I'm cooking dinner before we leave. Anyway, the kids used to listen to his CDs while they were sleeping. Now they listen to nothing. Maybe that is something we should get them into the habit of again. We'll see.
Found a cool freebie for you if you're interested (enjoy):
Whew
What a week its been so far! I can't believe we're already at Wednesday! So far, I've got *squat* accomplished. We've talked about doing a million things this summer and I've not followed through on any - to the point of where it isn't just "talk" anymore.
Here is a list of what I need I need to do before summer is over (heaven's help me!):
- Redo playroom into "library room"
entails: ordering furniture, removing wallpaper, removing carpet, replacing flooring, painting walls, new light fixture for ceiling, find desktop lighting - I'm sure there are many more things that need to be done but this is all I can think of so far.
- EXERCISE! The husband has been good at doing this whether it be swimming, the treadmill or playing racquetball at the gym. I did do
- Clean the office. This is pretty self explanatory. *sigh*
- "JUMPSTART" Close To My Heart. Now that I have two downlines, I need to get my own "house" in order. ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE! I have so much scrapbooking stuff - CTMH and not - everywhere around the house that it is driving us all batty! I think the CTMH will definitely need to follow the "office cleaning" so that I can store the goods up there.
- I'm sure there are many, many, many more projects and goals that I need to look to but that is all I can think of off the top of my head.
I've also found a site called WeightCircles which is pretty much just an online support system for losing weight. I think I joined on Monday and today was the second time I logged in (only because I got an email that someone had left me a message.) Its pretty neat though - they have different "circles" that you can join in order to find people "like" you -- interest wise, weight to lose wise, etc. One day, when I have even more time, I will check it out more thoroughly.
Another site I've found is called FLYLADY now this is cool. I've used a pseudo email address to recieve the millions of email messages that come if you subscribe but you don't need to subscribe. You can just check it out for "organizing" tips and "cleaning" tips. We all know I can use all the help I can get in this area. Just as a side note: my sink has been clean more often than not when I do remember to go to the site at lunchtime!
Have a wonderful day and a wonderful weekend if I do not find time to get back to the BLOG before then. Saturday is DinoBoy's birthday and we'll be celebrating his friend's birthday then we'll take him out to celebrate for dinner!
Monday, July 23, 2007
A Wet Monday
It's a dreary morning here. I actually love rainy days but not today - I have too much to get done! Not outside but sometimes the dreary weather makes my work computer run a little bit slower and I have to go from building to building today because of meetings. YUK! The Nanny Extraordinnaire will also have her hands full today as the kids won't be able to go to the swim club or even the pool next door. An entire day with four kids stuck in the house! (The Fifth is at a stay-away soccer camp for the entire week!!! I'm sure that she'll do awesome, but what do they do when it is raining? Think they go inside a gym or tough it out in the rain all day?)
We had a fun weekend that started on Thursday night! The Husband, Nanny Extraordinnaire, me and Auntie C went to see The Police at Citizens Bank Park in Philly. It was fantastic!!! I was worried at first that I wouldn't know too many of the songs but I really thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Sting and the Police. As it turned out, I knew all the songs but 2 or 3 and I sat down for those two or three! The rest of the time I was up dancing at my seat. I don't know how you could watch them rock it out from a sitting position!! The tickets were definitely worth it!!
Friday was a down night for us - which was good because we went to our friends' house for their annual "Farm Fair Party". Can you believe that I didn't take one single picture? I took the camera bag which held inside my "big" camera, my "little" camera and the video camera. I never pulled the bag from under the chair where the husband was sitting until it was time to go. Every year, J/C put on an awesome party. Next year, I will supply a Super-Sized bottle of Tums to go with the Margarita Machine! The kids had an excellent time not only on the rides at the fair but up in the fort and the swings at the house. We took them over to play games of chance after dark but after dropping $40 in the blink of an eye, it was all over. Can you believe that one game is $5? ONE GAME. What happened to the $1 games? They did get to play skee-ball where you get 3 games of 4 balls each for $2. They played that a few times. But - no prizes unless you score 450 points; for my kids, that was tough. Dino Boy was at 400 a few times but no cigar. They were able to find a "fishing" game that was $5 per play but you were guaranteed a small prize for your money. That's nice. A toy that is 2 for a buck at the dollar store, I just paid $5 for. I'm not usually a miser with my money; I just find it hard to believe that people bring and spend this kind of money at a fair. I did find a vendor at the back of the fair who had "street fair" items - blow up Scooby Doo and Barney's. Next year, the kids can play 2 games each and then we'll go buy them something that they want -- seems like we'll win all the way around. We shall see.
Yesterday, the Husband took the kids swimming next door. They swam for hours and hours. I took a trip to the hardware store to purchase the special stain for the inside of our front door. The outside is now stained mahogany and is beautiful. What they don't tell you when you purchase the door and the stain kit is that the stain kit that you just purchase is only enough for one side of the door. What kind of crap is that? Good thing we did the outside of the door first or I'd have been very po'ed. Wound up getting a lighter color for inside but am just irritated now because you can't even go buy the stain off the shelf (for a fiberglass door) you need to special order it and it takes 10-14 days to arrive in the store. Now this is a racket as well!
Today is a soggy Monday and I must get to work. One more cup of coffee and I should be able to open my eyes and function for the day. Have a great week!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Spashing into SIX and Floating into FIVE
Last weekend we had a birthday party at the swim club for Dino Boy's 6th birthday and the 5th birthday of Twinkletoes. It was a ton of fun!! The mom's actually got to sit down for a few minutes and talk amongst themselves while the kids were swimming or on the train ride or playing tennis or playing in the splash park or ... the list at this place goes on and on and on (kind of like my blogs!). The cake was one of the highlights of the day! It was fantastic and I told the bakery that we were doing a swimming party and this is the cake they handed me when I went to pick it up on Saturday morning. It was a fantastic cake -- the best I have had in ages! I will post more pictures as we get them uploaded. These things take time people!
I think we may just end up back at the swim club to celebrate the birthday's next year too. Now that is something to look forward to!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
We're baaaaack ..... (continued)
The Boys....
and Twinkletoes The Warrior ....The drive to the OBX was rainy and quicker than usual this year. I guess because the normal 4th of July weekend beachgoers in DE, MD and VA were waiting til the sun came back out before venturing out that particular weekend? Who knows? All I know is we wound up on Hatteras Island a full 4 hours before our house was ready! At least the rental agency has a pool and snack area that we were able to utilize (and we got lunch up the road) while we were waiting. Since the kids are waterbugs this didn't faze them in the least. The Husband, though, he's a different story. I don't think he got of out the truck once while we were waiting. Ok, maybe while I was putting my bathing suit on. I wonder if he even peed?
Saturday, we didn't go to the beach so on Sunday a.m. the Paleontologist was jonesing to go, even though the weather channel said scattered showers through 3 o'clock. At 11 we ventured out anyhow, if nothing else, just for something to do and to shut that kid up! It wound up being a beautiful day and we didn't get any showers on the beach.
The Dino Kid is not afraid of the ocean at all, which we learned all too quickly. Before we could even get the beach chairs out of the truck, he had already swam across the tidal pool, crossed a section of beach and was playing IN the ocean water, beyond the first breakers. Hello? Whose kid is this? Who was the crazy mother who wanted him to have swimming lessons so that he wasn't afraid of the water? Holy COW!
Monday - beach. Tuesday - beach. Wednesday - the 4th of July - BEACH again. We really do love it there. The kids can't get enough of it. On the 4th, we didn't leave the beach until after 5 o'clock. I think we got there at 10:30 that morning. The tide was great, the water was warm and we only saw one lady get hooked on an abandoned fish hook. YUK! (Yes, everyone made sure that I was not around for the scene so that I would not pass out as had been done in years past. I'll tell you the story, only if you ask nicely.)
To celebrate the 4th of July, we went to the Pelican's Pad. A restaurant? Nope. the house where our family and friends were staying. They have a bird's eye view (no pun intended) of the fireworks and we were having the same dinner from Corky's that night so we just brought ours on over and called it a party. Everyone had a fantastic time - kind of like old time. Miss those days and I'm not even that old! We had to carry Twinkletoes out because she had fallen asleep on the couch. How she slept in all of the noise is beyond me! Let's do it again next year!
Thursday - the day from hell. Started off beautifully. We had to drag the kids out of bed to go on a day trip to Ocracoke Island. (I'm sure I've misspelled the name of the Island but that is what it sounds like!) So we drive 1/2 hourish to Hatteras to hop on the free ferry to the island. Wait in line (shop at the shops while we're waiting) for about 45 minutes then drive onto the ferry for a 40-45 minute ride. Dino Boy pooped in the only bathroom on the ferry. With his dad, of course. I was stuck in the truck. We were so close to the edge of the boat that I couldn't even squeeze out of the door. I should have known that was a sign ... the door, then the poop - to make matters worse, he came back with no underpants. He said he felt better after that (the kid hadn't pooped as long as we had been there) so all was good in never-never land. We drove onto the island. We missed the first restaurant (i thought it was good last year, but this year we were looking for something different -- and that would seat our 27 people!) We went down to the other end of the island, near a marina and tried to park in public parking. No spots open except for one extra long one, which had a guy pacing the length of it. Not sure that he should be able to do that, especially since there were three trucks (of our party) which had not been able to find a parking space and we all could have fit easily into this spot. Anyway, we wound up parking illegally on the side of the parking lot. What else were we supposed to do? There is no parking in town. Each store has 3 or 4 spots that they threaten to tow you out of if you're there for more than 30 minutes. What kind of shopping trip is that anyway?
Woops - got off the subject a little didn't I? Ok, so we park, walk about 1/2 mile to a cool outdoor restaurant where we have eaten before. Let's start with this: our waitress SUCKED. I'm not sure you get the full hint, but she was really, really bad. So because of this, our afternoon went this way: Dino Boy got sick. Turned all pale, said he needed to rest his head on the table, then got shaky and puked all over. Then, had the runs to top it all off. And, did you remember that I already told you he was al'fresco? No underpants? So - I tote him of to the Ge-rody (there isn't even a good enough word to use for this type of yukky, smelly - eeeech.) so there we are with all of the Lil Guy's wipes and I'm washing out shorts in the grody sink. Did I mention I felt like it was 110 degrees on that island? No air passes through the village! So we clean up, Dino Boy feels and looks much better and the waitress FINALLY brings his dr. pepper. A little too late, don't ya think? And the husband and Twinkletoes have vanished. They trekked all the way back to the truck, came to pick us up - stopping traffic to let us into the truck - and off we went. We weren't really quite sure what was going on. We did know one thing for sure: we needed to get fluids into this kid and fast! On that note, we stopped at the local market and I went in for gatorade, soda and apple juice. He had to drink at least one of these. He was so adamant about going to the "pirate store" which is Teach's Hole, that he wasn't giving up. I figured if we could pump some food and water into him, he'd be good but I can tell you that there was no way I was getting back onto that ferry with a sick kid. Not until I was sure he wasn't going to pull another stunt like that,especially on the ferry.
So, we waited FOREVER at a mexican place on the island for lunch. It must have taken the girl 20 minutes just to come take our drink order. Can you imagine how the Husband was reacting to this? (I just secretly think that the waitress at this place is related to the waitress at the outdoor restaurant that we had just come from.) We got our food after about 45 minutes. The husband didn't even order anything but I was not leaving another place without food in all of our bellies (you know, like we're starving or something). After lunch was finally over because, I swear, we were there almost 2 hours. For lunch. And we were seated immediately because there were only 3 other tables occupied in the entire place when we got there. Ok, got sidetracked again. After lunch, we went to Teach's Hole, the pirate store that Dino Boy wanted to go to in the first place. He needed new pirate equipment see. He got a sword (I think it may be broken already), a treasure chest, and some type of pirate game that has "dubloons" as pieces and some type of strange dreidel-looking dice. Twinkletoes - yes - she was on the trip too. She was beginning to whine by the time we got to the store (I know what you're thinking - not her! But, yes, she was starting to lose patience with the whole day's events as well.) She picked out some sort of miniature turtle, a small velvet purse with "treasure" inside and a mermaid doll that has a purse with a dolphin in it. Very cute. I picked up a 1st reader Pirate book for Dino boy and Twinkletoes. I still haven't given it to them. Guess I should probably do that in this millenium. Oh yeah, we also got shark's teeth.
We had decided that it would be safe to leave the island after this excursion. But, after jumping in line for the ferry both of the kids decided to pitch fits because they wanted to go to the beach! That is how we historically have ended our trips to the island - with an afternoon beach trip - we usually find the coolest shells and the waves aren't usually too bad ... so, we caved. (I think we just wanted to relax at the beach as much as they wanted to play). We got out of line for the ferry and drove to the beach access. On the beach, I had my first cell phone signal of the day and was able to get in touch with D to find out where they were and C to find out where they were. I really should put G and V's cell numbers into my phone, then I could have bugged them too. C was leaving the island because they were pooped and Mr. H was tired. D and the gang were almost at the beach access. So we met up with them there and hung out for a bit before leaving the beach -- and sitting in a long line for the ferry back to Hatteras Island. The ride home was uneventful, we were pretty used to the whining in the car by then.
That night, however, was a different story. We all had dinner - the kids had chicken nuggets - again. I can't even remember what we had - take out? It's escaping me. Anyway, we finally got the kids in bed and started to get into ours when Tim heard Dino Boy cry -- he puked. chicken nuggets and whatever else he took in since we got home - all over the BED. How disgusting. So I was on puke patrol. There are many other things that I could imagine myself doing on vacation rather than cleaning up puke. But, because he turned so pale, again, I called the doctor's office. They have a warm line setup through CHOP so I was able to talk to a body and explain to her what was going on. After she ad me look at his tongue and make him move his head up and down and side to side, she said it sounded like a heat/sun stroke, with some mild dehydration. Nice. Only us, right? Some people say it isn't a party until someone cries - I say it isn't a vacation until someone pukes. So, while I have this doctor on the phone, I casually mention that Dino boy has had terrible bloodshot eyes for the past two days. I think that it is irritation from the ocean and the pool water but she says that would disappear over night in most cases. She suggests that it is ... sunburn. On his eyeballs? Yes, sunburn. So all you moms, put sunglasses on your kids when they're out playing this summer. I'm sure that it has to be dangerous. (Not that my kids have been wearing sunglasses since, but their goggles for the pool are UV protective - I'm anal. Yes, I've been told quite a few times.)
I'm not done - we're still on Thursday. While I'm on the phone with this doctor, Twinkletoes starts to whine (someone should give this girl some cheese) so I left the room and went into our bedroom for all of two minutes then I heard the husband yelling for me. Holy cow - now they're BOTH puking. So, we cleaned her and the bed up, keeping our fingers crossed that they were both done for the night since we were fresh out of clean sheets and blankets. (I had enough laundry to keep the washer occupied for DAYS.) And, they rested. All but the husband. I think he was up half the night with worry because both of them were sick and worried that we were going to infect the rest of the gang. But - we're on a week later and I haven't heard of anyone else puking (except one friend's kid on the way home - I'm hoping that was motion sickness.)
As a side note: as I type this trying to download some work to do for the husband, the kids and he are tying Dino Boy's tooth to a piece of string and a doorknob because they cannot wait another day for the tooth fairy to come. This kid is not afraid of anything! He now has lost his second tooth - this one at the hands of his father instead of me - we're even now. Hope the tooth fairy remembers to come tonight. And, i just heard Twinkletoes tell her Dad that she "would never, ever want (you) to do that to any of my teeth" Nothing like traumatizing a 5 year old.
Back to the story - Friday - we laid low for most of the day - going to the beach way after lunch and staying a little late - but not too bad. While we were home in the morning, I made a mac 'n cheese and we had that for dinner. We hit the road at 4 a.m. to head back. We made good time, again, and were home by noon.
I cannot believe I almost forgot. The Husband got hooked through the side with a fish hook. That is a story for tomorrow's blog.
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