life in the mom lane

2012-01-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

Weight watchers blueberry muffins
2 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup(s) sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp table salt
3/4 cup(s) buttermilk
1/2 cup(s) low-fat milk
1/3 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 large egg white(s)
1 large egg(s)
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
6 Tbsp preserves, blueberry
Instructions Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, ricotta, vanilla extract, almond extract, eggs and oil. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Mixture will be slightly lumpy. Spray 3 mini muffin tins (36 muffin cups total) with cooking spray. Fill each cup 1/3 full with muffin mixture. Add 1/2 teaspoon blueberry preserves to each muffin cup, and top with remaining batter. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Stand for 5 minutes. Remove muffins to a wire rack to cool. 2 pts each

Weight watchers Banana Chocolate-Chip Mini Muffins
1 cup(s) light artificially sweetened vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
1/2 cup(s) uncooked quick oats
1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 large egg(s), beaten
1 large banana(s), mashed
1/4 cup(s) unpacked brown sugar
1 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup(s) mini chocolate chips
1/2 tsp table salt
Instructions Preheat oven to 375ºF. Combine yogurt, milk, oats, vanilla extract and egg. Set aside 5 minutes for oats to soften; stir in banana. In a separate bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into yogurt mixture to moisten ingredients. Do not beat. Dough will be very thick. Stir in chips. Spoon batter by heaping tablespoons into 3 mini-muffin tins coated with cooking spray. Bake until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. Yields 1 muffin per serving. 1 pt. each

2012-01-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

If you have not discovered Pinterest you HAVE to check it out!

It is awesome!!

Vegas recap

2011-12-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy Dec. as I am sure most can commiserate with... but I have finally gotten a bit of time to put up some pics from Las Vegas. We had a wonderful time and I pretty much broke even gambling... Jeff says I actually came out ahead because I didn't have to pay for one drink the entire time we were there. :D

We took an afternoon and drove through Red Rock Canyon- it was absolutely gorgeous!

Beautiful country!

Neat red line of rock through the middle of that mountain- our Geology major cheergirlie explained that the rocks were exposed to higher oxygen levels when this part of the mountain was formed which produced the reddish color of the rocks. (I think I got that right?!)

My handsome hubby!


Still going strong after 27 yrs...but man my hair is a wreck- YIKES!

A wonderful trip together!

MOB shopping

2011-11-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

So today I did it...
I finally went out shopping for my mother of the bride dress....
I have been dreading it... putting it off.... because I am not happy with how I look these days...

Jenny and I went out... the first place we went to... all I can say is BLAH...
talk about matronly dresses... YIKES!

My mood headed south as I tried a few on... and the expense... holy cannoli!

So we moved on to David's Bridal...
Wow what a great selection! AND *drumroll* ... SUCCESS!!!!

I found it... the DRESS! (and it was very affordable!!!!!!)

Take a peek-

I LOVE IT! & the color will be great with my coloring!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Gearing up for Thanksgiving- we have decided since the weather is supposed to be beautiful tomorrow (said while looking at the downpour outside) that we are going to purchase a turkey fryer and try making a deep fried turkey tomorrow. I have a 12 lb turkey completely defrosted (yes I have seen the videos of the whole thing engulfed in flames) and am hopeful that we can pull it off.

What we hope does NOT happen!

Cheergirlie has to go back tomorrow night because JMU made the playoff and they are flying the team & cheerleaders to Eastern Kentucky Fri. morning for the game on Sat. She is super excited to be able to go and we will hopefully be able to watch & catch a glimpse of her on one of the ESPN stations!

Have a SAFE and wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Viva Las Vegas!

2011-11-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

So hubby has a conference in Las Vegas next month... and this time... I get to go :D

So has anyone ever been there?

Any suggestions of must sees?

I know I will spend some quality time with the slot machines while he has meetings but since I have never been there I am open to suggestions. We only have two nights...

brown recluse kiss my a**!

2011-10-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

So last night hubby & I spent 2.5 hrs in the ER. Last Sat. morning he was cutting down the ornamental grasses by our pool and when he was done asked me to look at his leg, behind his knee.
I told him it looked like the got some kind of bite- it was pink and about the size of a dime.

Sunday- the "bite" is now the size of when you put your forefinger and thumb together to do an "ok" sign.... hubby is feeling under the weather- maybe he is coming down with something???

Yesterday I get home and the red part is now about double in size and there is pink radiating around it about 4" all around- it looked NASTY! AND he felt like crap- said he felt like he was getting the flu- all achy etc.

I told him to get in the car- we were going to the ER.
He of course said I was over reacting.....

Guess what? They think he was bitten by a brown recluse spider....

he is now on an antibiotic and they did a lyme test on him "just in case". Poor guy!!!!!

Nice surprise!

2011-10-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last night cheergirlie surprised us and came home early. She was originally going to come home today and turn around and borrow a car and go visit friends at another college for the weekend. Then come home Sunday return the car and go back to JMU.

Usually my family finds it difficult to surprise me- but she got me! It was great! She came home just in time for dinner with her father and I and then we had the evening just to be together. So nice!

The engaged one just began another (#3) new job at a local coffee/muffin shop. She already had two other jobs but has been feeling the financial crunch with the wedding soon approaching so she decided to find another job. She is really enjoying it so far and they LOVE her!! My kids are such hard workers!

This weekend is Homecoming for QB1 and tonight is the Powder Puff football game- for which he is the senior girls Offensive coordinator. He made his "girls" a playbook and everything- he is really enjoying it!

The weather this weekend is supposed to be cooler 55-60* but sunny! I am looking forward to it!
Hope you and yours have a great weekend!

Two Horses/ Author Unknown

2011-10-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

I received this in an email today and loved it so I wanted to share:

Two Horses/ Author Unknown

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.... Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.
When the horse with the bell returns To the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need..
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....
Be kinder than necessary- Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly....... And leave the rest to God!

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT!

JMU bound!

2011-10-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend I will be heading to JMU to visit cheergirlie for Parents weekend. Last weekend the Dukes lost in overtime to Maine so I am hoping they beat the pants off of Villanova this upcoming weekend. Cheergirlie sent me a pic as she was leaving for the game.

This is the face of a Geology/Environmental Science major- go figure huh?

It should be a fun weekend- I haven't seen Cheergirlie since early August so I am looking forward to the visit.

the truth about teaching

2011-09-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Today I came across an article which pretty much sums up how a lot of educators feel these days....http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/06/living/teachers-want-to-tell-parents/index.html

I could associate with so much of what was written in this article. I love kids, I really do- even the so called "difficult" ones because I can usually get past all their bravado and can get them to work for me. It takes patience, faith, and the building of trust.

I work primarily with special education students, many of which will never be able to live on their own so I "get" that these parents have had and will continue to have a tough road. I don't envy them that, not only do they need to plan for their own retirement but have the worry of who will care for their child when their gone.

I wish parents could just trust that most of us who teach aren't in it for the money- we truly care about our students

All that said- truth be told...If I didn't have one child getting married in less than a year and two more in college next year I too would be leaving in large part due to many of the things discussed in this article. Parents like the ones described bring on a kind of stress that eats away from you.

However, teaching & the connection I have with my students minus the "parent factor"....

is AWESOME!

I'm BBBBAAAACCCCKKKK!

2011-09-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am finally back after being away all summer. My summer was so unbelievably busy - you cannot even imagine.
Over the course of June, July & August I was only home 2 full weeks all summer. I traveled quite a bit. In June I flew to Atlanta for 8 days visiting my sister in law & her hubby. There were all kinds of issues traveling there & back, but the visit itself was wonderful! The girls flew down and joined us for 5 of the days and we took them along with us to visit Savannah, GA for 3 days and 2 nights.

We got home just before 4th of July weekend then we left and went to our cabin in the mountains for 5 days. The rest of July we traveled back to the cabin each weekend for 3-4 day weekends.

Then the last week of July I drove my 72 y/o mom to Maine to visit my aunt. (9 hrs. UGH) My uncle passed away and they had a memorial service the 30th. We came home on Monday Aug. 1st and then I had 4 days to prepare for Jenny's engagement party/pig roast. (we had 50+ ppl) All went well and after that I FINALLY had a week @ home.

Then I had to take Stef down to JMU and stayed 4 days.
Whew! It makes me tired just rehashing it all!!

Now I am back at work and on a schedule again... so hopefully I can be more regular with my posts!

end of the year

2011-06-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

School is winding down and there are 3 more student days- can we all yell a big 'ole HOORAY! This year went by so quickly- I don't know if that is a testament to it being a fairly good overall or the fact that as we grow older time seems to fly by- I mean we are 1/2 way through 2011 already!! The final teacher day is next Thurs. hopefully I'll blink and it'll be here! But then the summer needs to go S...L...O...W!!!!

The girls and I are flying to Georgia around the 22nd to visit my SIL Suz- this trip should be SO MUCH FUN! I cannot wait! Suz text me the other day and asked if maybe we could come earlier- I'll have to see if we can swing it. Since the girls are 23 & 20 we don't HAVE to travel together and could go in shifts.
This summer should be fairly busy- lots I want to accomplish around the house- hopefully I can be strict enough with myself and get it all done!

But for now it's back to work... gotta get my end of the year reports completed!

this & that

2011-05-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

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

Have had a lot of personal stuff going on... not all good unfortunately. It is very frustrating.

At school we are down to 19 student days remaining (YAHOO!) We teachers finish up on Thurs. June 16th- not that I am counting or anything (only one month to go...)

Cheergirlie came home last Wed. night so I have all of my chicks at home for the time being.

This summer is going to be a busy one... We are looking into getting new flooring- long overdue, and I want to repaint a couple of rooms. I was able to finally get my flowers/veggie garden planted outside and we had everything mulched last Sat.

This past weekend was QB1's prom- he looked very dapper and he and his new gf looked adorable!

They are really cute together :)

When did my hands become OLD…?

2011-04-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Sitting here trying to think about what I want to write about…. Looking down @ the keyboard and all I can think is “wow… my hands look OLD?”

When did my hands become OLD…?

I definitely would not be able to be on one of those commercials where they put a ridiculously young looking mother & her daughter and you have figure out which is which but can’t because she uses a certain dish washing liquid.

Now that I am in my (gasp) 50’s things have begun to shift and sag a bit more than before… more and more often when I look in the mirror I get a brief glimpse of someone who looks like my grandmother.

And when exactly did my freckles join forces and become the beginnings of age spots??? WTF???

*Sigh*

I was looking @ the new Oprah magazine last night and they had an article about things you can do as you get older to look younger… they did a side by side photo layout and evidently retouched one of the photos to show what the models face would look like dependent upon what she did… from creams, to acid peels to face lifts… it was kind of eerie- and expensive to boot…

Normally in the summertime I spend a good portion of my time out in our yard by our pool… but for the first time I am rethinking how much sun exposure I really want to get this summer… Don’t get me wrong- I love being tan (well as tan as a redhead can get) but then come winter you see it more and more on my face…

My oldest “the engaged one” gets jealous b/c now that I am older I actually do tan better- but I just attribute it to having “old skin”.

I moisturize, exfoliate etc… but I think I am finally @ the point of no return…

I have been pretty careful about sun exposure the past 25 yrs, so I don’t think I ACTUALLY look my age right now, but pretty soon I WILL…

It sucks that wrinkles and a little gray look good on men. Personally I think hubby looks hotter than ever… but me?

Not so much… ;)

my guy is now a GUY

2011-04-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

So QB1 just told me this afternoon who his date for the prom will be… after my questions and cajoling. I mean why is this such a big secret???

Sometimes I REALLY don’t understand boys… about two weeks ago he was supposed to go with a young lady from our high school. Then they decided since they didn’t really know each other’s circle of friends… it would be awkward and to make it null & void- no hard feelings etc.

Then he was going to go with a good friend who just broke up with her longtime boyfriend, but… she will be participating in the district track meet and doesn’t know if she will even be able to go to prom.

So today he tells me he is taking a young lady from the local catholic high school who he has met on several occasions, and is a “friend of a friend”.

Unfortunately QB1’s sole stipulation for his prom date was that she be “good looking for pictures”.

His mother is “oh so proud” *sigh*

I get that his life is busy and that he really doesn’t have the time to maintain a relationship. I’m actually kind of glad he doesn’t have a girlfriend right now; he is more focused when he is single.

But at the same time my cute loving little guy…..(he's on the right- beside cheergirlie)

Is becoming such a GUY. *sigh* :)

sad

2011-03-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

I've been really busy with work etc. lately - and now that my guys are home I actually have to MAKE dinner every night...

and now it is looking like the weather is not going to cooperate to do yard work this weekend...

I have found the past few years that yard work that used to take a couple of weekends now takes like a month and a half to get done. I hate all the prep crap you have to do in the spring, but realize it is a necessary evil...

I AM psyched that we are opening our pool next month.. it looks so ugly all covered up... that is the REAL sign of spring as far as I am concerned!

Now if Mother Nature will just warm things up a bit!!!

Ty decided to move out and move in with his aunt & uncle. (I think this is a front, and I think he is living with his mom again and just telling the school district that he is living @ his aunts)

He is 18 now so we are no longer his guardians... he can sign himself out of school and quit should he choose to...

I still worry about him... I see his grades in the toilet, and since they have been home he has been "sick" about 5-7 days in the past month.

We tried, but I am afraid it was simply too late when we got him. He doesn't really care about school or his grades etc. It is a way of thinking that I simply don't understand. This makes me sad- but again... we have no say.

So I will pray that he makes good choices and hope that he doesn't throw his life away by quitting school.

a new venture

2011-03-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning very sore- my workouts with Paul have seemed tougher lately- he has upped some of the weights he has me lifting and boy oh boy do I feel it! So @ 5:30 I schlepped my old sore bod down and got into the hot tub to loosen up so I can function @ work today....
Did I mention it was pouring down rain....NICE...

What a way to begin the day- a cold hard rain seeping through the deck overhead onto me while I am in the tub....

Today I have to go out of the school building- on site to a work site @ our local special education agency, where one of my students works in a job study placement. It should prove to be interesting. This week is relatively easy and my work load is finally lightening up as I only have 6 more IEP conferences between now and the end of the school year. Some people might say..6?! ugh! but when you begin the school year with 50+ then 6 is nothing! :)

I am really excited about some co teaching lessons I am doing with another special ed. teacher beginning next week.

Many of the students I work with are eventually going to end up in workshops, or supported employment positions- meaning they may not actually be able to get a job within the competitive job market. They may get a nominal salary but not receive "regular" pay- many of these kids function just too low.

There is a group however who have the capabilities to secure a "regular" job and get paid minimum wage at a grocery store, fast food restaurant, retail store like Walmart stocking shelves etc.... These kids are the ones who are not of average intelligence, but do not physically appear disabled say for example-as a downs syndrome student may appear. Often these kids are just labeled as being "slow" by society.

It is this group that we are targeting. Sue (the other special ed. teacher) and I are going to begin a unit on job interviewing. We plan on hitting every aspect they will need to know- from what to wear, what to say (and not say!) all the way through to how to follow up after the interview. Most of these kids have NO CLUE what to do or say when applying for a job. Many of them have a difficult time filling out a job application on their own. When asked to tell you a strength they have they look @ you in confusion.

Most of these kids also don't really understand that the economy is really tight- and that jobs that were once perfect for them are being taken by other people who have been laid off & who will take any job to get a paycheck coming in. In our area it is tough all around- but in some ways it is really tough for teenagers ... many of the jobs that were previously predominately filled by teenagers are being taken by adults with families to support.

This whole unit is new and has never (to our knowledge) been done in our district before. Two years ago (when we were still able to order materials for school) I ordered a series of videos called "First Job Survival Skills- Surviving the First 90 Days". Part of the unit will include the students watching some of these videos as well as them doing "mock" interviews with various staff members as practice. We are planning on video taping their "final interview" and then letting them watch them afterwards to see what they are doing right/or wrong to help them.

I am really excited about this new opportunity and hope the kids will learn from it. Many of them have a good work ethic, but are overlooked by employers because they appear "slow" or "special". Everyone regardless of their mental capabilities should have the right to secure employment and lead productive lives. Hopefully this will help some of them to be able to do just that! :)

BIB BIG NEWS!

2011-03-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

I actually have GREAT news! Hubby, QB1 & Ty have moved back home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am beyond happy!
QB1 actually asked to make the move back- I think he realized how hard this has been on the family/ (and me...) So they began @ our high school and had a great first week.

QB1's face book status has had different versions of how happy he is to be home. The only downsize is having to make dinner every night.... I forgot about that!

This past Thursday my SIL Suzanne flew up from Atlanta for the weekend & cheergirlie came home for her spring break!!!!

On Sat. we girls went wedding dress shopping!!!! The four of us went and the engaged one tried on wedding gowns, and cheergirlie aka the maid of honor tried on bridesmaids dresses.

I am happy to report that WE FOUND THE DRESS!!!!!!!!

We knew the minute she came out of the dressing room because she began crying and said "I think this is it"!!! Needless to say we all began crying (except cheergirlie who began jumping all around) :) The dress is absolutely gorgeous and incorporates everything the engaged one wanted.

If you would like to see the pics let me know- and give me your email and I will send them along in an email... this is a very high security situation so we are taking no chances that "the fiance" stumbles upon the pics by accident! ;)

Think Spring!

2011-02-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

This week the temps are supposed to moderate and we might actually hit 60-65 this Friday! Yay!!

It will be short lived and we will be back to the 40's next week.... BOO!

I am ready for spring...

I am tired of the gray, brown ugliness that is the landscape these days.

I am ready for my world to turn green again... ready for the first signs of spring.

I am looking forward to getting my yard cleaned up, planting some flowers, starting a vegetable garden (oh how I long for fresh grown tomatoes!)

I want to get all the covers off of the lawn furniture, off of the pool, to be able to sit outside in the sun and feel the warmth.

With the coming of spring also comes the knowledge that summer is around the corner and I can hang out here:

this is my little slice of heaven @ home- our pool :)

That groundhog better be right! :D

My 5 things

2011-02-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Skippy over @ I Make Soap tagged me to answer "5 Things You Couldn't Leave the House Without."

I got to thinking about it and in some ways my first one is kind of a cheat- because #1 is my purse.

I say it's a cheat b/c within my purse is the following: my wallet, my checkbook, my make up bag, change purse, pencils, pens, hand lotion, a flash drive, tissues, aspirin and assorted coupons.I used to have a JMU button in my purse, but took it out a few weeks ago when I was cleaning out my purse!

#2 is my cell phone- I don't remember what life was like before my cell phone...

#3 are my glasses- I have to take them these days because without them I can't read anything...

#4 are my sunglasses- I have a condition called Addy's pupil which is one of my pupils stays dilated so I HAVE to wear sunglasses outside

#5 would have to be my keys... on my keyring are house keys- car keys and work keys... all kinda important :)

Should they choose to answer the challenge- I am passing this along to:
hed over @ Head Above Water
Mrs. Blogalot over @ Mrs. Blogalot
Michaela over @ Oxygen Masks Will Drop
Alexandra over @ Good Day, Regular People
Diane over @ Just Humor Me

Romance is in the air....

2011-01-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

My girls...
The engaged one is well... engaged! ;) and the wedding planning has begun full force. She is embarking upon a new chapter in her life - an exciting time- stressful yes, but joyous as well. She and her fiance are excited to see each other and try to spend as much time together as they can.

Cheergirlie called me today from JMU- it seems this weekend she met someone... The ~~boy~~ young man is a friend of a friend and the attraction was instantaneous. The young man does not go to JMU but lives about an hour away- and she met him Fri. saw him Sat. night and he asked if he could come back Wed. night to take her out to dinner. He also wants to come back next weekend to see her as well. She is flattered and excited to say the least.

I love romance... I read romance books... I love romantic movies...

Hubby and I have romantic moments... from time to time... but after 26 years you tend to take each other for granted- it's inevitable. The fact that we don't get to see each other every day makes us excited to see each other- but that isn't the same thing as romance.

We both still do the "little things" to make each other happy, but again- it's not the same.

I miss romance- the giddy feeling of anticipation you get in the pit of your stomach. The "looks" you give each other, the flirting...(well we still do that with each other)

The most romantic time I can remember recently was when we took our last vacation together to Jamaica a little over a year ago. Granted our current situation is not conducive for romance. But I think we need a weekend away- just us.

So am I the only old married lady who feels this way?

What do you do to foster romance? Any ideas? :)

Snow day!

2011-01-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our mailbox

Our house

Believe it or not there is a pool under all of that snow

Snow pups... Let us in mom!

We got over a foot and a half..... on the bright side- no school.... :)

A cabin, fireflies, and why I will never get mom of the year ;)

2011-01-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

I was trying to think of something to post about but let's face it my life is kind of boring right now so I decided to post about something that happened a LONG time ago.

Hubby's family has a cabin in the mountains about 15 miles west of Gettysburg. His grandparents built it back in the 1930-40's. It's a real log cabin and has been handed down and now we ~~pay for~~ have it. When we were first married we had very little money. Then the kids came along and we had even less money - so if we wanted to take a vacation we had no limited options so we would go to the cabin on vacation. [Let me state here that my idea of a vacation is parking myself on a beach, then going back to an air conditioned hotel with both a maid & room service]

Anyway, our girls were about 2 and 5 years old at the time and I think I was pregnant with QB1. It was summertime and the girls had decided they wanted to catch fireflies in a glass jar. The idea being that if they got enough fireflies they could use them as a night light. The way the cabin is set up is that there is a screened in porch on the back of the cabin where we spend a lot of time. So one evening it was beginning to get dark and the girls begged to let them catch fireflies. Cheergirlie being only two needed to practice because she had a tendency to "catch" them too hard aka squish them. The engaged one decided to "teach her the right way"- yes she was bossy back then too ;)

So hubby and I are sitting there watching them catch fireflies and I suddenly had an idea. The girls LOVED playing monster with their dad- so I told him why don't you go out the front door and go up into the woods and come out like a monster????

So my poor little innocent daughters are out beside the cabin and from the back porch I start directing them.

"You need to get closer to the woods girls- that's where the best fireflies are".

So they moved closer. Ever trusting...

"No a little farther up the little hill"

Now at this point it is almost dark....then all of a sudden hubby comes crashing out of the woods growling and making monster type noises.

Both girls screamed, and jumped up in the air and in doing so then ran into each other (hard) knocking each other onto their butts... then they got up and raced onto the back porch screaming the whole time and then crying.

And what might you ask was I doing as this all occurred?

I was laughing my ass off- honestly I wish I had had a video camera because if we had sent it into Funniest home videos we would have won hands down! I was laughing so hard I was crying and I almost peed my pants.

The girls eventually calmed down and of course poor daddy ... felt bad because he REALLY frightened them!

Me? I was still laughing & to this day when we reminisce... It still makes me laugh remembering...

Yeah, I definitely had mom of the year wrapped up for that little episode!

What can I say- it's what I do *shrug* ;)

snow day

2011-01-12T18:12:00.000-08:00

Today we had a snow day- we ended up getting about 6" of snow- it was light snow easy to shovel.
Surprisingly enough I got very little done today- a day in which I did whatever I felt like- it was nice!
Went and had "the engaged one" put some highlights in my hair. Then later baked banana bread muffins for hubby QB1 & Ty and then hubby came home for a bit and made him dinner.
Was able to catch up on some of the blogs I follow- so all in all- a great relaxing day!

Tomorrow is back to school and then a three day weekend! Yay!

50 things you might not know about me

2011-01-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

I am a natural redhead
I have three children, but have been pregnant 5x-b/c I miscarried twice
I love strawberries
I am deathly afraid of snakes *shudder*
I had my first kiss when I was in 7th grade
My best girlfriend is Tobie, she was my college room mate
My favorite color is blue
I love the beach/ocean
I like to cook
I love fresh summer tomatoes
I once jumped off a cliff into a sink hole in Cancun
I am 5'6
I have trouble staying asleep at night and usually only get 4-5 good solid hours of sleep
My favorite soda is coke zero
I was a cheerleader in college
I once chased a purse snatcher who stole my purse when I was 4 mos. pregnant(I didn't catch him)
My favorite liquor is vodka
I actually have a really nice singing voice
I am very generous
I can touch my tongue to my nose
I often "talk" for our dogs and the kids will argue with them (the dogs)
I have a knack for computers and have taught myself a lot
I suck at sewing
I am a really fast reader because I read so much & I have read the Twilight series three times
I cry at Hallmark commercials
I. LOVE. ITALIAN. FOOD.
My first dogs name was Herbie
I like wine
I snore
My favorite cereal is corn pops
If i had it to do over I would have chosen a different major in college
I can be a bitch
I am good at bartering
My favorite season is summer- since I am off from work- But I also really like the fall when it is cold enough to wear a scarf and sweater
I love to swim
I love (most) animals, the exceptions are reptiles and insects
I love movies- some favs include "While You Were Sleeping", The"Twilight" movies, "Day After Tomorrow"
I have had artificial nails for about 16 years
I once won a mini grant @ my first teaching job which included an Apple computer and $1500 of software- I then never got to use it b/c #1 child was born and I became a stay @ home mom
I drive a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee
I have only ever had one speeding ticket (over 20 years ago)
Ironically I tend to be a lead foot when driving
I have to wear sunglasses outside when it is sunny because one of my pupils stays dilated due to a condition called Addy's pupil
I lost the hearing in my right ear five years ago & also have tinnitus in that ear (which is really annoying)
My favorite flavor of ice cream is anything chocolate
I have a warped sense of humor
I had major surgery on my back when I was 40
I can remember life without cell phone, the internet, & microwaves
I am good at Wheel of Fortune
I am a good mom

another year

2011-01-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

I am not going to do a recap of my year or make any New Years resolutions because quite honestly I rarely follow through on them.

What I am going to comment on how I feel, right now- this minute. I am going to just type whatever pops into my head...

As I sit here still in my jammies with a now cold cup of coffee, the tv on in the background and my dog Cali loudly chewing on a bone I feel relatively happy. OK, happy is not really accurate- content?... no...hmmm OK... yes, I feel OK- not happy but not sad either. No one in my family is ill (thank God) no life threatening illness, no major crisis going on (that i know of) so I guess for now life is alright. God that sounds pathetic- life is OK?

We had a nice Christmas, hubby surprised me with diamond studs, (very nice!) and my oldest got engaged. We have begun looking for a venue for her May 2012 wedding and I have shed a few tears in private at the realization that I will only have her with me another year and a half. :( The dynamics of our family is subtlety changing, we are going to have a son in law... that is a weird concept, but like many other things I will get used to it.

Paul, my trainer has gently gotten on my case and told me I need to get serious in my quest to lose weight and get in shape... and he's right *sigh* and is using the wedding to blackmail me into getting into shape...so I will have to suck it up and get back into it. ugh.

My younger daughter "cheergirlie" will go back to JMU a week from Sunday (not looking forward to that) and my hubby and son will head back to the apartment tomorrow and our house will become QUIET again. I can remember when my kids were very young wishing for alone time, and now that I have it, it's not all it's cracked up to be.

I don't think I've ever really commented or explained why our lives are like this. Two years ago we decided to pull our son from our local high school to put him in a catholic high school. Long story short, the school principal filed a complaint and he lost eligibility to play football for his sophomore year. So he & hubby moved into an apartment out of state about an hour from home. They live there full time and I see them on the weekends- either I go there or they come home. The first year was VERY difficult for me. In a 2 week period hubby and QB1 moved out and cheergirlie left for her freshman year of college. The engaged one and I were left @ home and we work opposite hours. I went from a bustling house of five to being virtually alone. It has been hard. Very hard. But amazingly enough you get used to it.

I miss my husband. I miss all the little things he does (good & irritating).
I miss my baby boy. I hate that I feel like I am missing his high school years.
I hate that I don't know his friends the way I knew the girls friends.
I hate that I don't have a gang of teen-aged boys hanging out at my house.
A lot of hate in those last few lines...

It's emotionally draining, and it's lonely.

One thing this experience has taught me is patience. I find I pray more and I don't let the "small stuff" get to me as much as I used to. I pray for the strength to accept whatever God has planned.
My hope for 2011 is to just get through it-

QB1 #15 Junior Highlights 2010

2010-12-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas Blessings

2010-12-22T09:55:00.000-08:00

I decided I'd better post today before things got too hectic with Christmas etc... I know I am such a disciplined blogger- posting on a regular schedule *HUGE EYE ROLL*

Anyway, my guys come home tonight and I will have them home through New Years so I am jacked to say the least! Cheergirlie got home last Tues. so life has been good on the home front- and as of tonight... all my chicks will be home! :D

From left to right...Buffy, hubby, me. QB1, the newly engaged girl, Cali, Ty & cheergirlie

I am blessed to have all of these individuals in my life- both human & canine. They give my life meaning & value and I treasure them all!

I thank God that hubby & QB1 are both OK after they were each (separately) rear ended within a 3 day period since last Sat.. One car is OK- the other one *not so much* - but they are things & replaceable.

We have no specific plans for this Christmas other than to have family and friends with us and to enjoy time with one another- a commodity we do not have enough of these days.

My wish for you this holiday season is health, happiness, and time with the ones you love.

Have a joyous Christmas and New Years!

Barb xo

Engaged!

2010-12-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Last night our oldest, Jenny got engaged!!!

Her boyfriend- now fiance Mike proposed and gave her a beautiful ring!

the "rock"

She is ecstatic- it is so nice to see her so happy! :)

so... now what?!

I think I need a "how to" book right about now!

Any suggestions?

My baby boy turns 17

2010-12-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today is QB1's 17th birthday...
my baby... all 6'1" or so of him...

This past year has been a good year for him, he didn't have as great of a FB season as he may have liked but unfortunately that is in large part to the crap plays his coaches called. Unfortunately they are very "old school" and don't think that they need to change anything. I just think they have never had a really good QB and simply do not know how to call plays for a passing game effectively. But I'm just his mother... what do I know? !

Some changes from last year- this year QB1 has a steady girlfriend (who I like very much),

He is also now sharing his room etc with Ty...

QB1 & TY circa 2006

I have to say even though he tends to procrastinate about school work more than I'd like him to, QB1 is a pretty awesome kid...he really is...
He has matured a lot this past year and even though I do not get to spend as much time as I'd like with him, I am very proud of the man he is becoming. He has stayed true to himself throughout all of the changes he has been through the past two years and has made good choices. I know his dad thinks he needs to be more focused, but I think in his own way he is... he is just very laid back- which is hard for his dad to understand.

It's both wonderful and horrible watching your kids grow up into adulthood.
Wonderful to see the great people they have become,
and horrible knowing that the time you have with them is becoming less and less as they move on with their own lives.

Because to me he will always be this little guy-

Cheer girlie & QB1

Happy birthday J- I love you more than you know.. xoxo

weekend update

2010-11-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

This morning Jenny & her bf Mike ran/walked in a 5K- way to go guys!

Tonight is the last round of the playoffs for QB1- if they win they go to the state championship next weekend... wish them luck! GO RAIDERS!

Stefanie goes ack to JMU tomorrow afternoon sometime.. having her home makes me realize how much I miss her when she is @ school.

We had a great Thanksgiving, good food, family & fun! Jen & I hit the stores Fri. morning @ 4:30 AM to get a particular gift for someone... we lucked out & it was in stock...we hit 2 other stores before going to breakfast & then coming home and going back to bed @ 8AM

Today I have ordered a few things online and hope to do more online shopping tomorrow. Christmas is around the corner & will be here before we know it. Back to school on Monday... boo!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

My updated Thankful list 2010

2010-11-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

My husband
My kids
Our family
My puppies
Good health
God
Having all of us together as a family- doesn't happen that often these days...
Our home
Hearing "I love you"
Christmas morning
Hugs
Smiles
Laughter
A clean house thanks to my cleaning lady
Wine
Martinis
My cell phone
A good book or movie
Starbucks
Manicures, pedicures & massages
When I can sleep all night without waking up
Snow days
Chocolate
Summer = a teachers favorite season :)

“If I knew then what I know now . . . ”

2010-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

I would have exercised more...

I would have drank more water...

I would have stayed in touch with more of my college friends...

I would have studied more in college and probably chosen a different major...

I would have gone for my Master's right out of college...

I would have bought stock in Microsoft...

I would have used sunscreen even more than I did (especially on my face)...

I would have traveled more when I was younger...

I would have invented something like those material seats for babies to use while shopping in grocery stores...(I probably would've made millions)

I would have saved A LOT more $...

I would have stressed less about things I cannot control...

I would've continued with the diet plan they put me on when I was pregnant with QB1- (I probably wouldn't have Type 2 diabetes if I had)...

I would have spent more time with my grandparents...

I would have worried less about housework because it always was clean enough...

I would have bought more real estate( if I had bought it on the Jersey shore or down in the Outer Banks when it was cheap- I could sell it for big $ now)...

I would have started my own business...

What would you have done differently???

my hippie geologist

2010-11-12T06:34:00.000-08:00

My daughter "the cheerleader" @ JMU is a Geology major. What will she do with that you ask? Well, specifically she wants to become an Enviromental geologist. I looked up what they do & this is what I found:

"An environmental geologist is a geologist who studies the interaction between humans and the natural environment, and the impact of various human activities on the environment.

Environmental geologists work to keep the environment safe and healthy while also making it accessible and useful for people."

The other night she called me on the phone and we talked for an hour about her major and what we are doing to the planet. She said the more she learns the more of a "hippie" she is becoming...

I love that she is passionate about what she is studying and some of the stuff she was telling me I had never even heard of... I am learning about some issues like mountain topping.... She also posted the following link on face book about some of our food supplies.

A mountaintop mining operation in West Virginia

It's scary when you hear about stuff like this and it makes me think- where the hell have I been that I have never heard about some of this stuff?

IN. CONTROL.

2010-11-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Friday Jeff and I had a meeting with the diagnostician to discuss having Tyreik tested to see if he has a learning disability. Ty has been working very hard, doing his homework etc, but has been not doing as well on his tests. The teacher in me thought hmmmm... could he have an unidentified learning disability?- hence the meeting.

The meeting went very well. The diagnostician explained that since he has had gaps the past few years due to multiple absences from school- she proposed NOT testing him because she said she believes that if she did test him now he would test out as having a learning disability. (are you following me here?) When in fact she believes that he has missed key information the past few years since he has missed so much school. (these were facts that I was unaware of) His mom did not share some of this info with us and what she did share was modified (to say the least).

She proposed doing curriculum based assessments to see where his areas of weakness are- then teach the concepts, see if he can learn the concepts, & then she will reevaluate him at a later date to see his progress. If he improves then he does not have a learning disability, if he does not- then he does and they will change his schedule to get the help he needs. Either way- he is going to be getting extra help- which was my ultimate goal.

Anyway- the reason I am explaining all of this was that for the first time I went to a parent teacher conference and actually felt like I was IN CONTROL.

Most of the parent conferences/meetings I attend are for students I work with in special ed. and the school often does not ultimately have the control- the parents seem to run the show, and unfortunately what the parents want is not always best for the student. The stories I could tell...yikes! In my district if a parent does not get what they want they will often threaten to go to mediation which involves getting lawyers involved and 9 times out of 10 when this happens the district typically has always "given in" to the parents demands.

Jeff said that he really enjoyed the meeting b/c he had never seen me in "professional mode". He said he likes to watch peoples body language and that based upon the body language I totally was in control of the meeting. I wasn't aware of it but he said every time I disagreed I would lean forward- and she would lean back... he said when I had a question and would stop her for clarification - this seemed to intimidate her & put her on edge a bit... she knew she was dealing with someone who understood special ed. I asked him if I appeared rude- or like a bitch b/c that was NOT what I wanted to convey- he said no- I just appeared to know what I was talking about, I understood the jargon/terminology she used and asked pertinent questions so there was no way she was going to be able to get anything by me...

We were able to come to a consensus and actually this will be more work for her than simply testing him...My momma bear emerged and no one was going to NOT help my adopted son!

This past weekend Jeff & the boys went to JMU to visit Stef & this was the first time Ty got a taste of what college life is like... He LOVED it! So hopefully this will help him to stay focused & committed to his studies.

pics from our vacation last July

2010-10-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

beach near our hotel

northern coast of Maui

northern coast of Maui/surfers

Our last night in Maui

I never got around to uploading our pics from Hawaii... so here are a few to get you over the hump Wed.!

Enjoy!

Jam packed weekend

2010-10-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

So it is Friday afternoon and I have about 45 minutes till my weekend officially begins. As per usual I am headed to DE to see hubby , my son (QB1) & Tyreik for the weekend.

This weekend is going to be jam packed. Tonight my SIL & BIL fly up from Atlanta for the weekend and tomorrow my other SIL drives in as we have two football games to go to.

QB1 in action

#1 game starts @ 1:00 PM for my son (QB1)- this is a BIG game for his team, but unfortunately he is not 100% b/c he sprained his shoulder during last weeks game and was in a sling until Wed. Most likely he will not be able to throw much, but should be able to hand off. It sucks because last week there were 2 colleges there to see him and he ended up getting hurt :(

Cheergirlie in action

Then we have to drive 45 min. to be @ Villanova to see our daughter (cheergirlie) cheer for JMU. That should be a good game since Villa is ranked #1 (I think). Unfortunately she won't be able to stay around after the game and will have to drive back to school with her squad- but it will be great to see her for however long we can. Cheergirlie got kicked @ practice last Sun. night and had to get x-rayed to be sure she did not break her collar bone (she didn't) AND her knee is out of whack (think possible torn meniscus/surgery in her future???) She insists that she is fine, but she also sports an elbow sleeve & an ankle brace and is pretty much refusing to wear a brace on her knee for fear of looking like Bionic cheergirlie.

The "girls" doing what they do best- chillen'

Add to all of this packing up the two pups(+ their stuff) - bedding for our "company, some food to take with us and it rounds out the weekend nicely :)

Ten Guilty Pleasures

2010-10-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

I was trying to think about what to write and was stuck... I thought about trying the 30 days of Truth idea that I saw on Skippy's blog I Make Soap... but honestly I don't feel confortable sharing some of my own dirty laundry so to speak. So I came upon the idea for ten guilty pleasures and decided to take a whack at it. I should note that these are not ranked or in any particular order.

Ten Guilty Pleasures

1. Any really high quality milk chocolate- hands down one of the best things if you are having a bad day.

2. A lazy morning when you don't have to get out of bed and can just lie there and relax and cuddle with someone you love.

3. Getting either a massage or pedicure (or both*)- there is nothing like a good massage/pedi to make yourself feel pampered.

4. Playing hooky on a work day just because you need a "mental health" a.k.a. day off.

5. Reading a good book, even though there is other stuff you should be doing.

6. Going out to eat @ a really nice restaurant and getting dessert!

7. Playing my games on Face book. I farm, I am conquering the wild frontier... you have a problem with that?

8. Buying yourself a new outfit, pair of shoes, perfume- whatever it is that floats your boat.

9. Time alone *sans kids* with my husband (preferably somewhere tropical)

10. Going out to breakfast and being able to take your time and not rush.

So what is your guilty pleasure?

D Day

2010-10-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight I go to my very first boot camp class... oh boy oh boy!

Can you tell how pumped I am?

No?

I was doing so well up until late July early Aug. then I fell off the wagon so to speak... *sigh*

So today is my D Day of sorts... the boot camp is Tues./Thurs. nights and I am going to get back to working out with Paul on Wed. nights... hopefully this time I will be more consistent...

We shall see....

the latest in fall accessories

2010-10-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

Do you have the latest accessory for fall????

No?

Oh I guess that means you are NOT a klutz like me... *sigh*

Sprained my ankle Sat. en route to my sons football game... I did however suck it up and stayed for the WHOLE game! (Impressed?)

As a sign of unity Cali was laying smack up against me... see her leg to the left of mine?
However hers is unhurt...
mocking me....

destiny

2010-09-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

Today my best friend Tobie & I went into Philly to the Women of Faith Conference.. It was a day filled with laughter & tears.

To many people this would be one of those oh, that's nice kind of thing.. how sweet etc.. but this was really a life changing experience for both of us because Tobie was brought up Jewish.

Recently she shared with me that she has been having a lot of thoughts about the possibility of switching and becoming a Christan. I mean it is kind of a conundrum- I mean Jesus WAS Jewish....

She has lots of questions (to which I do not have all the answers) & she is searching for a spiritual path to follow and has begun questioning what she has always believed to be true.

It was amazing today to be able to share this with her, and it was if God was reaching out to her over and over again throughout the day. Many of the topics discussed during the day were issues she has dealt with or is dealing with right now- it actually became kinda creepy.

During the lunch break we were talking about some of what was said and she told me she didn't "feel worthy" -that she had made many mistakes in her life, and why would God "want her"? It was amazing...after the break the next speaker discussed how God will forgive any sin if you just believe.... that we are all "worthy" of his love- all we have to do is ask for it.... it gave me chills.....

We came out of the conference uplifted and overwhelmed at the same time... this weekend gave us both lots to think about. It was a wonderful experience to be able to share with my best friend and I will treasure this weekend forever. We then drove home and had some wine together... ;) our own little private communion...;)

All kidding aside today was AWESOME! I hope we can go again next Sept.!

our new addition

2010-09-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had family over for a bar-b-q and as we were chatting my oldest (Jenny) turns to me and says... "yeah you need to start writing on your blog again.. it's been like forever..." to which my mom chimes in... "yeah!" It seems that my last short blog wasn't good enough.... over the summer I didn't write because most of my family was home and I simply wanted to enjoy having everyone home and not spend hours on the pc as I do when everyone is back to school. I haven't even been keeping up with the games I play on face book.

So school is back in session (boo!) and I am back to work full time... if it wasn't for those lovely paychecks I'd rather spend my time at home- I guess I need to start playing the lottery more frequently.

I thought awhile before I decided to share the following on my blog- I am not looking for kudos etc. but there is something new going on within our family.

This summer we obtained legal guardianship of my son's best friend Tyriek.

Tyriek is JJ's age and we have known him since he was 8 or 9 years old. His mom is a single mom of 3 kids, working 3rd shift- doing the best she can. Unfortunately they live in a neighboring town which has become more dangerous as of late. There is a lot of gang activity, shootings, drugs etc. and it was really in this kids best interest to be outta there. So as per his moms request we stepped up and got a lawyer and got it done.

I am not trying to minimize this- we did a lot of soul searching before deciding to commit to the care of this child. I mean it's one thing raising your own kid- you make a mistake. *shrug* But to raise another persons kid... That is different.

Many family members & friends tell us they cannot believe that we are doing this and what wonderful people we are... blah blah blah...kind of our version of The Blindside. When we first discussed doing this Jeff and I could not deny the fact that this was a child who was struggling and at risk.We talked as a family and we were all in agreement. I will freely admit that the whole thing scared me to a certain extent... all those what if's that nag at you... Plus our lawyer strongly advised us to really consider NOT doing this- he played devil's advocate and told us we had everything to lose by taking Ty on.

The bottom line was we saw a young man whom we cared about, who has potential & who without some type of intervention would either become a statistic and possibly drop out of school or, worse case scenario- get killed. We prayed for guidance and ultimately decided that we really did not have any other choice. I knew that if we did nothing & something happened to Tyriek, we would never be able to live with ourselves.

It has been a month now since he has joined our family and I am no longer scared.

Tyriek is a great kid! He is respectful, funny, and a hard worker. He helps out without being asked and has meshed with our family. He has joined the football team with JJ and is doing homework every night. His mom told us the only thing he doesn't like is his 10 PM curfew on school/practice nights. But he understands that we have rules & expectations for both him & JJ and he is ok with that.

The biggest difference that I have noticed is that he now talks about his future. Before I think he really only thought day to day... now he is talking about "when he goes to college". His mom can see a difference as well when she sees him. She told us that before the only male role models he saw were men who did not hold down jobs and hung out on street corners either drinking or doing drugs.

Last weekend I sat down with him and asked "mom" kinds of questions, like which classes does he like best, and has he noticed any particular girl he might like to date? etc. [and yes he has ;) ] He told me he really likes his new school and is making friends. :)

I will continue to pray for guidance, and hope that we are making a positive difference in his life. One thing I DO know, is that he has made me reevaluate my priorities. I have taken many things for granted in my life, but am recognizing that it is the little things which are most important.

boredom

2010-08-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well here I sit....
Stefanie back @ JMU,
Jeff & JJ back in DE,
Jenny working a double.....

just me & the pups....*silence*

Watching tv, playing games on the computer... basically doing nothing....should be great huh?

It's not.

I can't help it- I'm bored... and unfortunately cannot seem to motivate myself to do anything....

I know I should clean up around here....do some laundry...exercise....

I can't.

All I seem to be able to do is to sit here...
like a slug....
feeling sorry for myself....

*sigh* I need to snap out of it....

return from paradise?

2010-07-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

We went to Maui- had a good time, but ultimately I have to be honest... I was disappointed.

First of all the flight... about 13 hrs out 11+ home.... SUCKED!

Secondly- I guess I have been spoiled... the past few vacations hubby & I have gone on were to adults only resort....this place had WAYYYY too many little kids!

Thirdly- Maui is unbelievably EXPENSIVE! Their gas is $3.78/gal. a cheeseburger anyplace other than McDonald's or Burger King was a MINIMUM of $15. I honestly don't know how the people afford to live there???

We have been to the Caribbean multiple times and that is where we will return to! Don't get me wrong- Hawaii was beautiful.... the ocean was blue, the beaches nice... the hotel was very nice(overpriced in my opinion but *shrug*)

The kids seemed to enjoy it, we had a great time on the snorkeling trip we took, but unfortunately Jeff was pretty uncomfortable for most of the trip (he has a herniated disc)- He was happy to get home. The one thing that did kinda tick me off- the hotel we stayed at did not have fireworks on the 4th... I mean it was a 5 star hotel... and no fireworks? WTF??....hotel- FAIL!

Then... our rental car was hit- not once but twice! When we looked around most of the cars had dings in them...

It took me a good week to get back in the swing of things with the time change-

Am I glad we went... yes... I can say we visited Hawaii- will I ever return? Probably not- at least not on my dime! I'll head back to Jamaica or Dominican Republic....etc...were it's all inclusive and you don't feel like they nickel and dime you for everything!

Aloha kakahiaka (good morning)

2010-06-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

OK, I can't stand it anymore....

I have news... June 30-July 5th

WE ARE GOING TO HAWAII!!!!!! (*cue Hawaiian music*)

JJ was in a series of football competitions and is one of 10 high school junior finalists (out of 2100 kids) who has been invited to Maui to participate at the next level. Needless to say we are VERY proud of him and beyond excited- Jeff and I decided that since the kids are getting older- this may be the last family vacation we might be able to take with just the five of us.

The last big vacation like this we took with the kids was to La Romana in the Dominican Republic about 4 years ago. As the kids were growing up we didn't do many "big" vacations- we would usually go to our cabin in the mountains, or go to the beach. We didn't have to spend a lot of money on those kinds of vacations- and through the years we have been pretty frugal when it came to family vacations. Looking back we didn't go anywhere besides the cabin the first 15 years we were married- it has only been in the last ten years that we have traveled more.

So, we will visit Maui- and from the pictures I have seen it looks beautiful! The girls have been looking at things to do while we're there and have lots of ideas- the one I want to do with them is go snorkeling to Moloki crater. Moloki crater Stefanie wants to see some volcanoes (since she is a geology major) and Jenny is looking in to bike tours & zip lining as well. Other than the snorkeling- I will be happy to lay on the beach :) Jeff's sister Suzanne & her hubby David will meet us there. They worked for an airline for years and are able to fly for free. So in lieu of driving to Atlanta this summer- we will have time with them in Hawaii!

Paul (my trainer) & I have kicked my workouts up a notch in the hopes that in the next two weeks I can lose another 5 lbs- putting me down 20 lbs. before we get there. If last nights workout was any indicator, I will definitely lose those pounds! If anyone has ever been to Maui and can recommend any tours or restaurants- please let me know! Aloha!!!!

winding down

2010-06-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

After today we have 6 days left in the school year!!! *happy dance*
We teachers have to come in on that Fri. to close up our rooms etc. then we are free till late August. I have to pack up my room because I was told my room will be changing, so I will...

I have been pretty busy lately and next week will be very busy...most likely I will not have time to blog till school is over... the beginning of summer vacation always fills me with a sense of hope- usually I plan several jobs I want to complete around the house, but invariably I never get to them... this years list includes:

Repaint the powder room
Repaint the finished basement + bathroom
Clean out my kitchen cupboards
Repaint our kitchen table base (with the paint I've had for about 2 yrs....)
Clean out /organize our garage
Walk/run every day- OK not a job per se but it feels like one!

Will I get to any of my list?

Well the walk/run- maybe not EVERY day, but hopefully at least every other day!

If I am honest, most likely the only one I will get to is repainting the powder room- only because I can no longer stand the way it looks....

Guess I could term myself a "ambitious procrastinator"!

Summer Va Kay here I come!

Jersey shore, & best friends

2010-05-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

The weekend is upon us and Stefanie and I are heading to NJ for the Memorial Day weekend. Jenny will be stuck @ home working & babysitting our puppy Cali, big girl Buffy gets to go on the road trip with us.

Jeff & JJ are headed to CA for a two day football camp for JJ- so we will be a bi-coastal family this weekend.

We are going to visit my best friend/former college room mate Tobie & her family. They live about 10 minutes from the beach so when we visit I get to go and walk on the beach - which I LOVE!

Tobie & I met our freshman year of college. We both tried out for cheer leading & made it. When I first saw her she was pretty intimidating- she was such a phenomenal cheerleader and could do a "Russian split". She was kind of stand offish so I actually thought she was stuck up. I later found out she was just shy.

About a month into our freshman year I decided one day to ask what she had planned for the weekend. She told me she was actually supposed to go to a party with this guy she had just met and that his roommates were going along. She felt a little uncomfortable going alone and asked me to come with them. So I did- best decision I EVER made! After the party we ended up sleeping (a term loosely used because we ended up staying up all night talking) and found out we had a lot in common and just *clicked*. From that weekend on we spent more and more time together and became best friends. Tobie is a beautiful person both inside and out and back in the late 70's early 80's it didn't hurt that she was a dead ringer for Farrah Fawcett! I remember going out with her and watching the guys drool all over her *L*

We ended up rooming together our Jr/Sr year and it was so awesome! We NEVER fought- EVER... we only ever really have had one disagreement-(not even an argument) and that was when I was upset because the guy she had been seeing was treating her pretty shitty and I was upset for her. We both seemed to go for similar type guys too... but we decided early on, we would share everything - except guys!

Tobie grounded me during college. She was my voice of reason when I wanted to do something stupid. She always had my back as I had hers. I can tell her anything. We have often joked that we will HAVE to stay best friends forever because we know too many secrets about each other! ;)

She came and helped me after I had Jenny and was so very sick- and after we moved to western PA we met every summer @ our cabin near Gettysburg because it was halfway for both of us. Each summer we would stay for a whole week- just us and the kids. The first year we met there Stefanie was about a year and a half and Jenny was about 4 and a half. Tobie's two daughters Jennie and Allie were a year older than each of my girls so they had a lot in common. Then JJ came into the picture and he came too. We had such great times there with the kids!

Through the years we have remained close, even though we don't get to see each other nearly as often as we would like. The thing that I find so remarkable about our friendship is that no matter how much time has passed, when we are together it is like it has only been a week or so. There is never any awkwardness etc. we just pick up where we left off- to me that is a rare thing. Besides my husband & mom, Tobie is my go to person when anything really good, or bad happens.

Through my life I have been blessed to marry my best friend, but besides Jeff I have really only ever had one woman best friend... and she is it. I value and treasure our friendship and don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to her.

I can hardly wait to get there, have a glass of wine, & catch up!!

workout update

2010-05-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ok it has been 6 weeks.... this breaks down into:

6 weeks of no cheating food wise (which is a revelation in itself!)-
Blood sugar levels which have ranged from 87-102! (previously I had trouble getting below 126)
ONLY two glasses of wine in the past 6 weeks....
Hrs. of torture thanks to Paul my trainer...
Seeing my improvement in doing exercises that I couldn't do 6 weeks ago...
Days of soreness- again thanks to Paul...
And a pride in myself I haven't had in a very long time!

AND... *drumroll*
I am down 11 lbs. as of this morning!!!!
WOOHOO!!!!

The proof will be in the pudding however when I get the results of the blood work I had drawn today.

I feel better, have more energy, am sleeping better... and my clothes are fitting better, and some pants are actually feeling a little big...

I went about 5 weeks hovering around the 7 lb. mark and all of a sudden I have begun to lose a little more... like a 1/2 lb. every other day or so. I know this won't last... that I will probably taper off to a pound or two per week, but these extra few pounds off have really jazzed me up!

Hubby has been inspired to try some of the eating strategies I have used and lost 10.5 lbs. in ONE WEEK!(jerk!) ;) I'm sorry but it is so unfair that men can drop weight so easily...

My oldest Jenny began the week after me and is doing well also... she had lost some weight before we began and is down 17 lbs!

So- what do I miss?

I miss wine- but Paul said I could have a glass (in moderation) maybe 3x times a week...
I miss cheese... I have cut way back because of the fat/sodium in it.
I miss cereal... I loved having a bowl in the evenings, but I try and cut off carbs after 3-4 PM now...

But surprisingly that's it... if there is something I really am hungry for I have it on my weekly cheat meal. One thing I have learned after this 6 weeks is that I really believe I am lactose intolerant. I have not had much in the way of yogurt or cheese and been using either soy or almond milk instead of cows milk and my stomach is SO MUCH BETTER!
It's all good...:)

Happy Birthday Stefanie

2010-05-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Our middle child, Stefanie was born 19 years ago today. We were living in western PA @ the time and were having a heat wave with record temps in the 90's. I sometimes think that's why Stefanie loves the summer/beach so much. Stefanie came along almost exactly three years after her big sister. She and Jenny actually had the same due date, but Jenny was born two weeks early. Like Jenny, I was sick as a dog for the first three to four months, and could barely keep anything down.

At one point they threatened to put me in the hospital because the nausea was so bad. Then I got the flu and was vomiting so hard that all of the blood vessels in the whites of my eyes burst- I looked like a walking Halloween mask- not attractive. I had decided that I wanted to try and do a V-back, meaning I wanted to try and have Stefanie via a "regular" vaginal delivery since I had to have a C section with Jenny. They told me they would not allow me to go past my due date because she was so big. They were afraid I might rupture my uterus. After twelve hours on Pitocin, they stopped it around midnight and told me they were just going to do a C-section the next morning (not that I got any sleep because even though they stopped the Pit drip I continued to have contractions all night.)I found out later that Jeff had a talk with the doctor just before midnight and asked him if she would be born anytime soon because he didn't want me going through what I did with Jenny- the doctor said he didn't think so- so they stopped it. Stefanie was born just after 8:00 A.M. all 9 lbs. 15 oz. of chubby baby. (Yes I said 9lbs. 15oz!)She had to go into an incubator for the first 24-48 hrs. because she was having a little trouble breathing.

They sent Jeff along with her to the nursery and I was taken back to my room. I kept asking for her and no one would bring her to me. By mid-late afternoon I got worried. I STILL hadn't seen my baby. I kept asking the nurses over and over to please bring me my baby. I guess they all thought someone else did because she never came. Finally I decided enough was enough, and when the last nurse came in to tell me she was fine, but in an incubator I started to try and sit up, then STAND up and began getting out of bed while holding on to my IV thing which was on wheels. I was going to FIND MY BABY! The nurses all started getting very excited and kept asking me to get back in bed etc. but I made it out into the hallway before one nurse stopped me and asked me to please get back in bed, the she would personally go right then and get Stefanie for me.

I remember taking her hand and telling her I NEEDED to see her, she needed to nurse. The nurse promised me she would go get her and she did. They wheeled the incubator into my room about 5-10 minutes later... and there she was :)

Stefanie was a good baby. She slept and ate well and had a very happy disposition. We called her our sumo wrestler baby because she had these rolls of fat on her little thighs, but she quickly slimmed down and was just adorable. I knew early on that Stefanie was going to be a handful- after her brother was born and she was just about three my mom came to visit and brought gifts for the kids. It was JJ's christening so she made up gift bags for the girls so they would have something too. Jen just dumped her whole bag onto the bed and sorted through stuff. Not Stefanie... she took each item out, one at a time and then sorted them all into a line and placed everything according to size... from the smallest to the biggest. My mom looked at me and said "oh you are in for so much trouble..."

Stefanie was my over achiever in high school, she was very driven and had excellent grades. She also cheered in high school and was on the all star team her sister cheered on outside of school. By the time of her junior year she was in the National Honor Society and senior year chaired a fundraiser held the day before Homecoming (Powder Puff football) which raised about $10,000 for Alex's Lemonade stand. She was named to the Homecoming court that year and believe it or not broke her nose the day before Homecoming- thank God for ice and make up!!!

Stefanie just finished her freshman year @ James Madison University and her "Big Daddy" & I are so very proud of her. She switched her major from Business Marketing to Geology and absolutely LOVES it! She cheered @ JMU and just made the squad for next year as well. It keeps her very busy, but she loves cheering! She just got home for her summer break and will begin working soon.

Our Stefanie A.K.A. "Tweety" is a loving, caring, spiritual, intelligent & beautiful young woman.She out of all of us is the one with the soft spot for people. She LOVES old people and is the one who will probably be "stuck" with Jeff & I when we grow old ;) She helps @ home without being asked and pushes herself harder than Jeff or I could ever push her. I miss her terribly when she is away at school, but know that she is spreading her wings. She has decided that she wants to work to help save our environment and to help develop "go green" technologies. Whatever she ends up doing I KNOW she will be successful.
Happy Birthday Stefanie! Daddy & I love you VERY much!!
Love,
Mom <3

The mind is willing

2010-05-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was proof positive that I am getting older. I had such high expectations of all the yard work I was going to accomplish this past weekend. (yeah not so much)

Ten to 15 years ago I was able to prepare my flower pots, go buy the necessary soil, plants, come home get it all planted, watered and cleaned up- all in one weekend.

Twenty years ago I could do all of that- PLUS prepare the flower beds as well as my vegetable garden, buy all of the needed plants/flowers and plant them all in one weekend.

This is not happening now.

Friday night I weeded my flower beds, sprayed some of the weeds that are particularly TOUGH.

Saturday I went to three different places looking for plants for my flowerpots. Unfortunately they did not have out their full selection of stuff because we can still have frost through the 15th. I was able to buy some herbs and some potting soil. However getting the potting soil into my car turned into a major undertaking.

Holy shit, when did I get so weak?

I almost didn’t get the two bags into the back of my car… and I was doing a lot of groaning etc. when I did get them in. And don’t think it did not escape my notice that some man walked right by while I was trying to get the stuff into my car and didn’t even offer to help. (Asshole)

Sunday came and I got my son to move around the pots for me (because I just can’t lift them without straining something anymore). He also had to get the soil and put one bag on the wheelbarrow for me and the other into the shed. I then planted my parsley, rosemary & basil and then transplanted some plants that were getting way too big to another area. By the time I did all of this and watered everything I was exhausted and grumpy. (In my defense it WAS in the low 90”s and humid). I finally went in, showered, then lay down and promptly fell asleep.

So now I am waiting for my daughter Stefanie to get home from college to help me go buy flowers and plant them. Luckily she likes that kind of thing.

It is very frustrating when you have been used to doing a lot of your own yard work etc. when you finally realize that you simply cannot do it the way you used to. The last time I did the mulching was three years ago- I could barely walk for almost a week after. I am sure in the next few years I am going to slowly experience this sort of thing more and more. The mind is willing- the body is not!

Thinking back- I can remember being 29 and eight months pregnant and I dissembled a full size bed and moved the mattress, box spring, head boards… everything -all alone! (Jeff was NOT happy with me- but I was “nesting”!)

So for now I will pace myself… and call our landscaper and see if he can do the mulch for us soon.

If you see someone in our garden it will be me; I'll be the old broad puttering around with the hat.

Happy Birthday Jenny

2010-04-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

I received the following email from my daughter Jenny who is turning 22 tomorrow:
(BTW I think I was 12 when I had her) *cough* *wink*

*note no salutation*

1. you need to write on your blog like daily- when I get bored during the day I go on there to read stuff and there is nothing new. get with it! oh.... you can write something about me since it's my birthday soon....:]you know how i am your favorite child, how pretty I am etc. etc. etc. etc. :]

2. when are we going to GA I need dates ASAP so I can def get the days off.

3. Can you please transfer $300 to dad and label it half of taxes

4. Can you pay my insurance please

**but can you transfer the money after 9:15 AM I am depositing money after personal training**

thank youuu!

Love,

Your Favorite child.

Jenny was born 22 years ago on April 28th- this time 22 years ago I was in the hospital and they had me on a pitocin drip. They had decided to induce because my blood pressure kept getting higher and higher- I had preeclampsia and was very swollen- pretty miserable by the 38th week. I also had gestational diabetes which did not help. So began my 19 hr. labor. At the end I pushed for 3 hrs. but just couldn't get her out and they opted for an emergency C section. Out popped an 8lb. redhead :) I remember after she was born and I had been given pain meds my husband (looking pretty worn out) looking at me and saying "that's it, we are never having any more kids. I cannot watch you go through that kind of pain ever again". I remember laughing at him through my drug induced haze. :)

Recovery was difficult, I developed an infection in my incision site and it was weeks before I felt better- added to that, Jenny had colic... I tried breastfeeding her, but after 8 weeks (of hell) my doctor told me to supplement, once she had the bottle she didn't want me anymore.

Jenny has always been referred to as my mini me, we look a lot alike and our temperaments are fairly close as well- watch out for that red headed temper! She was a good girl, became a good big sister (after asking if we could take her sister back after she was born) and has been a pleasure most of the time -sometimes we butted heads...but we always worked those bumps in the road out.

Jenny grew up, was a cheerleader in high school - then went off to college and cheered there as well, but mid way through her sophomore year she came home upset. She just didn't like college. She loved the social aspect, but hated going to class. So she made the very mature decision to drop out after finishing out the semester and started beauty school that Jan. She said she didn't feel it was right to waste our money if her heart wasn't in it. Pretty mature for a 19 year old. :) She went through beauty school and finished with honors. She got her license Dec. a year ago and is now happily working at a local upscale salon. And you know what? She loves what she is doing & is an awesome hair stylist! She excels in hair coloring and has really found her niche!

Through the years we have watched Jenny grow up and mature into the beautiful young woman that she is today. She and I are very close- we are roomies while her sister is away @ college and her brother & father are living apart from us. We work well together @ home and take turns taking care of "the girls" (our 2 yellow labs) and she will often do thoughtful things like yesterday when she did all of the wash. :)

We enjoy Margarita Wednesdays(unfortunately curtailed due to our diets) and are able to go out to dinner together usually once a week. I honestly don't know what I would do without her during this "alternate" living arrangement we are living with.

So Jenny, here is your Happy Birthday post...I promise I will try to be more on top of the blog- I've kind of been busy with work... but I will strive to do better to help when you are "bored" ;)

You paved the way for your brother and sister and have brought such joy to our lives...Daddy and I are very proud of you!

I love you Jenny <3

Love,
Mom

I'd like to thank the little people who made this possible...

2010-04-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please......

I have recently been awarded my first Blog award (how cool is that?) from Diane over at Just Humor Me.

According to the rules of the award, if you receive the award you have the choice of doing one of the following:

(a) Get really drunk and blog for 15 minutes straight, stream-of-consciousness style.

b) Write about your most embarrassing moment.

(c) Make your next post a "vlog", or video blog

Then when you are done you are supposed to pass the award on to at least three amazing bloggers, like yourself.

So I have been trying to decide which I would do...(decisions, decisions)
This was hard because first of all I have no idea how to do a vlog. So that left either blog while drunk or share my most embarrassing moment...which is hard to choose because I have had MANY embarrassing moments in my lifetime. One of which was when I began taking yoga classes 3 years ago at an awesome (and unfortunately now defunct) yoga studio. The first month they were slow getting people to take classes but for me it was really great because the owner/instructor Jason would do class and it would be just me. Since I had never done yoga before it was like have my own personal yoga instructor.

So one day about a month into classes we are having class (just me & him) and we are doing this position called happy baby. Now when you are in this position you are lying on your back with the soles of your feet facing the ceiling and your knees bent kinda like a frog... you can hold your ankles and you are trying to "open" up your hips. So anyways.. we are almost through with class and are doing happy baby and Jason notices my form is off and comes over to adjust how I am holding the position. In doing so something within me relaxed and as he turned around to go back to his mat I let loose with a really loud fart... you know one of those ones that creeps up on you and you simply cannot hold back that sounds like a motorcycle discharging?

Considering the fact that it was just me & him in the room there was no way to pass it off on someone else...(not that I would EVER do that *cough cough*- I have 2 dogs for a reason!)

So the fart is "hanging there" so to speak (both literally & figuratively) and I am thinking OMFG!!!! and I freeze (I don't know, in hopes that my sphincter muscles would somehow atrophy?) but in doing so somehow I inadvertently triggered something and I then felt the pressure of another building. (I couldn't make this shit up if I tried) So I am lying there legs up in the air, trying to hold the next one in and Jason being the gentleman he was, just continues on with class like nothing ever happened. The pressure of trying to keep myself "composed" begins to wear and I feel like I am beginning to sweat a bit... luckily it was the end of class and Jason put some music on during our final meditation time... he is telling me to try and find my focus, and control my breathing... meanwhile the mantra I am saying in my head is "you will not fart again, you will not fart again..."

So we are in the ultimate relaxation pose-dead mans pose- and I am trying to relax, but am afraid to REALLY relax for fear that I will let loose with another fart. The music is now fading... and we are to the part at the end where all we are doing is deep breathing... the room is silent.

Until...
yes...

*sigh*

fart #2 (shoot me now)

I of course was mortified... and I think I said something like "you have got to be kidding me- I'm sorry". Jason, being the cool dude he was told me it was perfectly fine, that it was a natural occurrence during yoga. I think he was just being nice...

That was just one of my most embarrassing moments...

SO.. I hereby bequeath the incredibly prestigious OH MY BLOG award to:

Nicolasa over at Keepin' it in Perspective , Midlife Mama at Midlife Musings , and Michaela over @ Gimme that tea towel I'll dry .

Skippy over at I Make Soap- I know you have not been feeling well, but when you are up to it I nominate you as well! :)

What'll it be ladies??? :)

rockin the workout

2010-04-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

So last night was my first "real" workout with Paul...

HOLY SHIT...(most intense workout I've ever had)

Paul explained how our workouts would go.. he has me do exercises in pairs back to back with no time in between... and I do 3 sets of the exercises with no down time between them. Instead of doing a set number or reps I do each exercise to exhaustion ( yes I said exhaustion). He stressed that form was more important than anything else... if I can not do the exercise fully- do it as much as I can...

Example...We began with squats/10 jumping jacks...So I do these squats (always a favorite-NOT)... until my legs are burning... then immediately do 10 jumping jacks... then right back to squats... then jumping jacks... you get the idea (3 sets of this).... then I get a break--- get a drink (hydrate hydrate hydrate!)

Last night much of the work out was geared to my upper body/arms, but he would incorporate squats with some of them to get my lower body involved.

I did all kinds of bicep/triceps exercises... with one really awesome (that was sarcasm) exercise called a "dip"... for the dip you sit on a chair and then support your weight on the chair as you lift your body and dip in front of the chair. Like this...

(these are f*cking hard)

For my last dip my arms were so wasted that I could not lift my butt back up onto the chair. (literally) So I just sat on the floor- loser!

We ended up my workout with push ups/planks.

This is a plank...

By my last set I thought I was going to throw up... for real...

I have NEVER worked so hard that I wanted to throw up. When he told me to stop I collapsed to the ground (I am so sure I looked pathetic) He was very complimentary telling me what an awesome job etc I did and I looked up @ him and told him" I think I am gonna throw up... do you have a trash can"?

I was mortified... luckily I didn't actually throw up but was REALLY nauseous. He told me not to feel embarrassed... that in his experience, when people begin back to working out, if they have an intense workout it is the body's way to say "hey knock this shit off". He told me that when your body can not take any more it's self defense is to make you feel nauseous so you HAVE to stop whatever you're doing.

So all things considered - I ROCKED MY WORKOUT!!!! I gave 100% and was oh so proud of myself!

When I got home, I took ibuprofen, iced my arms, showered and went to bed...

Today I am sore, & I know that tomorrow will most likely be worse...

My "homework" this week is to walk at least 4x/wk for 30 min. and to run through some of the exercises we did -maybe one set each... which I will do... I know this first month will probably be hell... but I can do it...

How awesome would it be to look like this @ 50??

hope

2010-04-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

So I went and met my new trainer last night. What we did was talk about my current health, my goals, he took my measurements, weight etc. and ran me through a series of exercises to see my current level of fitness as well as my range of motion etc.

Paul is VERY knowledgeable, and while he is probably only like 5'8 or so... he is BIG as in like a marine or body builder. He is basically a walking advertisement...He told me last night was basically a get to know you session so he could see where I am at and that Wed. night we will really begin. It was embarrassing how out of shape I am but he was very encouraging. He told me in no uncertain terms that if I want this... he can help me make it happen. And you know what... I believe him.

If you've ever had a significant amount of weight to lose (like anything over 30 lbs.) you usually begin with an open mind, but deep down I think you think- I hope I can do it, but you aren't 100% sure that you can. There is always a part of you which thinks.."yeah I can't really do this".
After an hour with Paul, that uncertainty is gone- I know that if I do what he says... I CAN DO THIS!
Am I going to enjoy every minute?- hell no- I am probably going to be sore, and bitch & whine that I want to still eat things I shouldn't, but I am going to try...

I'll keep you posted on my journey :)

anticipation

2010-04-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Tonights the night... I meet & begin with my personal trainer Paul tonight.
I am nervous...actually I am beyond nervous... I am so nervous about this that it has kicked my IBS in gear and I woke up with the runs...

I KNOW that I HAVE to do this...
and I really WANT to do this...
but I am worried that I am going to be really sore...
I'm worried that I will fail...

I'm just worried...
I am such a f*cking wussie...

revelation

2010-04-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well I've done it...
I made an appointment with a personal trainer for next Monday night.

Two years ago I found out I have type 2 diabetes... and since then have really done very little ~~like nothing~~ about it. Sure I have made some improvements on my diet... but exercise? Uh... that would be a ~~hell~~ no!

I hate to exercise... loathe it... always have.(even when I was thin) Unfortunately I now have come to the realization/revelation that if I do not do anything about my weight I will really begin to compromise my health. I am 50- not a spring chicken, but also not ready for the grave either and I am finally sick and tired of always feeling sick & tired.

I found someone who comes highly recommended by a fellow teacher who has lost at least 35-40 lbs. since she began working with this guy last summer.She looks FANTASTIC! I spoke with him this morning and set up my first session. He sounded really nice in a kind of I'm going to torture you kind of way. There was also the little fact that he told me that he has trained Navy Seals who can not pass their physicals - with a 100% success rate- this little tidbit has actually thrown the fear of God into me.

You have no idea how nervous I am right now...My choices of time this guy has available were either 5 AM (are you f*cking kidding me?) or 9:00 PM- (yuck) I chose the 9 PM time because it was the lesser of the two evils *shrug*.
As soon as I hung up the phone the first thought that went through my head was "what the hell did you just do?".
To say I am feeling remorse is an understatement- but I know I HAVE to do this.
Wish me luck!

the powers of medication

2010-03-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we have an annual parent conference with the parent from hell...
This particular parent is unlike any other I have ever worked with. I think she must be bipolar. I know at some point she mentioned a head injury in her past- from roller derby... (yeah that inspires a good feeling).

In any case it is the yearly review for her child and I' m not really sure what to expect...
My first experience with this parent occurred three years ago, and it wasn't pretty. Without going into detail, suffice it to say she came out the winner, because she had me ejected from the meeting because I dared to *GASP* tell her the truth and contradict something she *thought* was in her child's IEP. (Individual Educational Plan) She *thought* that every teacher & therapist that her child was working with was *supposed* to email her weekly with an update on how her child was doing. Unfortunately that was NOT the case. Only the student's special ed. teacher was required to do that.

And anyways WTF lady??... it is April and you wait till now to say anything???? I mean if it was my kid and I *thought* teachers were required to email me weekly I would've been on the phone in Sept. and not waited till mid April.

But I digress...
This parent will literally yell and scream in a meeting with 13 professionals if she does not get her way- this tends to put people on edge-(ya think?) and it causes principals & supervisors ~~with no balls~~ to ~~cow tow~~ give in to every whim this person has. Sad but true...

Since our initial meeting I have learned that this woman runs either hot or cold- either she hates your guts or she loves you. Right now I *think* she loves me...last I heard she had it in for another teacher. (Hey at least I am off her shit list...)

Funniest thing happened at the following years IEP meeting... Mom said she was having a real problem with communication with her child... I asked if it was anything I could help with? Evidently the student(who is a teenager) had an argument with Mom.. and told her to "Fuck off".
As I maintained a straight face (but God was that hard)I said, "Well you were concerned that *student* was not communicating like a "normal" teenager... not that I condone the language, but the response was a typical teen aged response you might hear during an argument".

This kid is now my personal hero. =)

*UPDATE*
I waited to post this till after the meeting... I am still alive-
*Mom* acted normally for once... no screaming etc. Most of us sat waiting for the other shoe to drop- but that time never came. I looked @ the teacher mid way through the meeting while the parent was talking to another teacher and whispered that things were going way too smoothly. Then later *Mom* made a comment about remembering to take her meds today.

*Light bulb*
AHHHHHHH... she must be on some good stuff.

Eva

2010-03-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

The world has lost a truly beautiful human being.

Eva Markvoort finally lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis and died March 27th.

I found Eva's blog 65 Red Roses through another blog and read as she described her battle to live. Her day to day struggles were written with honesty and integrity. This young woman left a mark on the world which is a testimony to her life.

Eva touched my heart as she did thousands of others... my heart and prayers go out to her family & friends during this sad time.

Field trip

2010-03-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today I was lucky enough to be able to join our 9th grade Life Skills class on their field trip to Longwood Gardens- it was during their "orchid extravaganza". Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!

The joys of flying... NOT

2010-03-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

We flew to Atlanta last weekend to see family. Before we even got on the plane we experienced something like this pic. A family was getting ready to board the plane when all of a sudden a husband and wife and their two little boys moved to get their boarding passes. The younger child (about two) was in some snuggly thing strapped onto his mother and the other one (about 4 years old) was screaming and making his body limp while his dad dragged him towards the gate. As they got closer they to the gate the 4 y/o began screaming in gusto and trying to hit his dad. Needless to say the people waiting (mainly business people) all looked at each other with fear that they would be sitting near this happy little family.

Now I understand that all kids at one time or another behave like this, however by the time we were all ~~trapped~~ in the plane- both kids decided to scream and try and climb over the seats and bother everyone around them for the ENTIRE flight. We were 3 rows behind them so we had a birds eye view of what was going on. My problem with this whole scenario is that the parents did NOTHING to reprimand or even try to control their kids. During the flight they were observed to be passed back and forth between parents. The kids tried to climb over the tops of the seats in front of them to see what the passengers were doing. Then the 4 y/o kept trying to push the air/light buttons as well as grab the book the woman behind him was trying to read. ::This is Parental FAILURE::

WHAT was wrong with these ~~idiots~~ parents? I just do not understand...

At one point the stewardess (upon the request of another passenger) went and asked the parents to buckle the boys in (for safety reasons)- this lasted all of about 5 minutes. I can only imagine what these kids are going to be like 10 yrs. from now.

Unfortunately it made for a miserable hour and a half for everyone on the plane. So I propose that the airlines adopt the following... if a child simply cannot behave themselves during the flight they should be placed in an alternative area for the duration of the flight:

Works for me ;)

My Bucket List

2010-03-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

I was over on Vodka Logic, and I read where a friend of hers has posted a completed bucket list on her blog. Her friend invited her to play along and I am inviting you to play along as well. Just place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not..easy. Feel free to add on to the list...I did.

(x) Shot a gun. does a bb gun count?
( ) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school do classes in college count?
(x) Watched someone die
(x) Been on a plane
( ) Been on a cruise ship
( ) Served on a jury
(x) Been lost
(x) Asked for directions
(x) Gone to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
( )Been to NYC
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robbers
(x) Played cowboys/girls and Indians
(x) Seen puppies or kittens born
( ) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang Karaoke with friends
( ) Paid for a meal with coins only
(x) Remember when McDonald's was 15 cents?
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
( ) Made prank phone calls
(x) Laughed until you cried or peed in your pants.
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) Gone ice-skating
( ) Gone snow skiing
(x) Camped out under the stars
(x) Seen something so beautiful that it took your breath away
(x) Are or have been married
(x) Have Child(ren)
(x) Have a pet/ had a pet
(x) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(x) Been fishing
(x) Been boating
(x) Been water skiing/tubing
(x) Been hiking
( ) Been camping in a trailer/RV
( ) Flown in a small 4 seat airplane
( )Flown in a glider
( ) Been flying in a hot air balloon
( ) Been bungee-jumping or sky-diving -are you out of your mind???
(x) Gone cliff diving/jumping
(x) Gone to a drive-in movie
(x) Done a split
( ) Done something that should have killed you -
(x) Done something that you WILL regret for the rest of your life
(x) See a meteor shower
(x) Flown in a pontoon airplane

I would like to do some of the following:
Take a: cooking class, pottery class, jewelry making class
Visit Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii
See the Grand Canyon
Live overlooking the ocean (I can dream...)
Ride a horse through the surf of the ocean
Be thin (again... I can dream)
See my children grow up, find their true love and be around for the birth of my grandchildren
Help build a house for Habitat for Humanity

good times

2010-03-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was great- had hubby and all three kids together (in one room) and had a family dinner Sat. night. This was the first time since Christmas that we've all been together so for me this was a big deal.

My younger daughter Stefanie is home for spring break. She pretty much spent the whole weekend with us and it wasn't till Sun. night that she ventured out to see some of her friends. She was so cute last night- I could tell she was itching to go see some of her friends but felt guilty about leaving me. Hubby and JJ had left and gone back to DE and Jen was @ her boyfriends. "But you'll be all alone" she said. I told her "honey I am alone most evenings now, I'm used to it" to which she replied that she didn't like that I am alone so much and that she had talked to her sister who said she was on her way home, so she felt she could leave ~~without feeling guilty~~. I told her to go and have fun, and if she wanted to sleep over @ her girlfriends just let me know. She ended up sleeping over and me... I went to bed early.

Tonight I have a dinner date with my two daughters. We are going to The Melting Pot and I can't wait- I have never been there but have heard it's wonderful! It is a restaurant that everything is fondue! So it should be fun!! I'll let you know-

Ten on Tuesday

2010-03-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ten on Tuesday
Chelsea at Roots and Rings hosts questionnaire that I decided to take...!
1. If you were given an hour to use a $200 Amazon gift card, what would you buy?
Probably make up and/or perfume.

2. Are there any fairly common foods that you’ve never had?
Swordfish and grilled tuna

3. What was your favorite way to use your imagination as a kid?
Either play beauty shop and have my poor mom be my "customer" or play Barbies and make them an apartment using stuff like kleenex boxes for beds (we couldn't afford the Barbie Dream House so I had to make my own house/furniture etc...)

4. What’s your favorite state? Why?
I guess PA since I have lived here most of my life, but I'd like to travel more and see more states.

5. If it was our culture to have our parents choose our spouses, do you think yours would make a good choice?

Yeah, cuz I think they would've chosen my hubby. :)

6. What’s your favorite herb?
Basil

7. If you could have dinner with one celebrity, who would you choose?
This is tough... I guess Marisa Miller not because I want to meet her but my daughter Stefanie would go insane if she had the chance to meet her, so I'd have her tag along.

8. What’s your favorite Disney movie?
The original Parent Trap.

9. If you had to listen to the same song over and over for 24 hours, what song would you choose?
California Girls by the Beach Boys... I've found that is one song I can tune out after awhile.

10. How do you order your steak?
Medium rare.

How would you answer these ten???

nothing like getting felt up by a machine

2010-02-24T18:09:00.000-08:00

Went for my annual mammogram today... I missed last year and took shit from my doc & hubby so I scheduled it and went in this afternoon & had my boobs smashed...

Luckily the place I go to has a very nice woman who actually has the perfect personality for a mammo tech... It's embarrassing enough to stand there exposed... if you had a tech who was a bitch it would really be a sucky experience.

My tech.. Rose was very nice and kept up a running commentary during the entire process- I guess to help me feel more comfortable...she was awesome. She was the same one who did my last mammo 2 yrs. ago. Why is it that those rooms and the machines are always freezing? I got to thinking about it and it must get kinda boring looking @ boobs all day...in the past they always used these little sticky things that they put on your nipples... but this time they didn't (thank God). I've always kind of wondered why they even bother giving you a gown... as soon as you get in the room you have to slip half of it off so they can smash one side in the machine...

In any case... if you haven't scheduled your mammo... DO SO... it doesn't take that long & it could save your life. :)

Curling

2010-02-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

This past weekend hubby and I watched the olympics- in particular- curling.

At first look admittedly it looks like a totally stupid sport- kinda like boccie on ice, but the more you watch it the more interesting it becomes.

We caught the US vs. Great Britain (Scotland in particular)- these women take this seriously! The announcers were discussing a problem that has been happening- it seems that curling spectators are supposed to conduct themselves in a similar fashion to golf spectators.. and it seems they have not been...and this has upset some of the competitors because they say all the noise is breaking their concentration. Many of the spectators are REALLY getting into it and have been very vocal, even bringing bells & air horns! We even saw the crowd doing the "wave" after one match! :) (Gotta love their enthusiasm)

After watching curling we have learned that it is one of the oldest of the winter sports- I guess it is just recently that it has gotten more TV exposure. But what I want to know... where do people in the US actually do it? I mean in our area the only winter sports you ever hear about are ice hockey, skiing & snowboarding. How do these individuals start curling?

I guess my real question is how does it qualify as a "sport"? It seems more like a game to me... goes to follow that we could totally add boccie to the summer Olympics....

texts from last night

2010-02-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's Friday and another weekend is about to begin... YAY! :)
My daughter Stefanie found a new website that she has been using to add random status messages on her Face book. The site is called http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/

They only reason I figured out that it was from a web site was because of how weird some of the messages were. Evidently you can read through hundreds of text messages that people put on the site and some are really hysterical. Warning.... ~~most~~ many of them are raunchy and inappropriate so if you do not like that kind of stuff- don't look.
My two favorite ~~clean~~ ones are:

1. You don't know the meaning of what the f**** until you wake up naked and alone in someone's bed staring at a dead squirrel on their dresser.

2. My math teacher staples burger king applications to failed tests

So if you have nothing better to do this weekend- check it out... I dare ya not to laugh!!!

Wake up call

2010-02-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

This past weekend a 17 y/o student @ our high school was killed in a car accident. His passenger a 16 y/o is in critical condition with two broken legs and a punctured lung. It happened on Sunday afternoon and he lost control of the car on a back road and hit another car head on killing a young mother of 4- her husband was driving and sustained serious injuries as well. They do not believe there was any drinking, or drug use involved. It was simply an accident.

This has really hit my son because he knows both boys involved in the accident. He kept saying... it's surreal because it never happens to someone you know.

We actually drove on that road Sunday morning on our way to church, road conditions were not bad and the road was for the most part dry. So I assume that the young driver was driving too fast. The police said that the teenager lost control and went into the other cars lane, unfortunately due to the snow banks on either side of the road there was no where for the cars to go.

The kids here today @ school seem somewhat subdued- I believe this has been a wake up call for many of them.

My heart goes out to the families of all involved. You can't help but think, what if that had been my kid? I talked with JJ about it because he gets frustrated with us critiquing his driving. (he has his learners permit) We actually had to tell him to slow down on that road that morning. While he drives I try and offer him input not only to what he is doing right/wrong but more importantly why I am telling him this. Just that morning I told him he needed to slow down because this particular road is a windy road with many curves and blind spots. I know he thought I was nagging, but after hearing about this accident and losing a friend I think he "gets it" a little better.

Jeff and I talked about it and he believes part of the problem is that many kids play computer/video games and "drive" in the games so they think that makes them a "better" driver when they actually get behind the wheel. I always have told my kids that no matter how careful they are, they need to drive defensively because maybe the "other" guy is not paying as close attention to the road as they are. It only takes an instant to change life forever. There are no do overs like a video game...

fun in the snow

2010-02-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

Anticipation thy name is snow

2010-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

I can hardly wait for this snow to finally arrive...

I don't mind snow- it's just that I am so sick of everyone talking about it... the kids couldn't focus today @ school and it is ALL anyone was talking about... will we have school?

We are scheduled to have a 4 day weekend this week... so the other hot topic was do you think we might have Thurs. off too? because that would mean a 6 day weekend!!!

I will be happy to snuggle in... turn the gas fireplace on... have a glass of wine and read a good book...

Stay warm!

Friend Makin' Monday!

2010-02-08T05:10:00.000-08:00

Amber is hosting another round of Friend Makin' Monday! This week she is asking us about the Superbowl!

Did you watch the Super bowl? Yes!

If so, who were you rooting for? The Colts :(

Where did you watch it/not watch it? Our family room with hubby , JJ, Jenny & the pups.

What did you eat? Tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa, nacho cheese sauce

Favorite Superbowl commercial:

Budweiser:Fences don't come in between friends.

Least favorite: Coke: Simpsons

What did you think of the half time show? I didn't watch it.

Who do you wish would have been the half time show? Bruce Springstten- he did an awesome job before...

What about you?

Join in!

you are not invincible

2010-02-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

I was REALLY upset last night.

Daughter #2 with her Dad last June before prom

Daughter #2 called me at about 9:45 P.M. from college. As we were talking she sounded like she was breathing a little harder than normal so I asked her if she was coming down with something. The conversation went something like this:
Her- "No- No I'm fine... why?"
Me- "Well you sound out of breath"
Her- "oh, that's because I'm on my way to the gym to workout."
Me- "oh... who are you going with?"
Her-" oh by myself cuz my room mate is sick."
Me- "By yourself? Stefanie it is 9:50 P.M."
Her- "yeah well no one wanted to go, so I decided to walk by myself- I'm almost there."
Me- *agitated* "Are you out of your mind? Walking to the gym... ALONE... @ night."
Her- "It's ok it's really well lit."
*thinking but not saying... are you out of your ~~f*cking~~ mind?*
Me- "That is really not safe, you shouldn't be walking across campus alone @ night, do you have your whistle etc. with you?"
Her-" Mom I am fine...I have my keys if someone would try anything and I'm here- gotta go." *click*

I was beside myself upset...
For a smart girl she does some really dumb things sometimes. What is it with kids? They think they are invincible- it won't "happen" to them...and furthermore if all she has to protect herself is her keys... by the time they are close enough to grab her her keys will be no match for any guy. Stefanie wears like a size 1... she is thin- very fit, but no match if someone wants to hurt her.
She later sent me a text msg. saying she found a friend @ the gym and they were going to walk back together. I was still upset... so in the meantime till I heard back from her (AROUND MIDNIGHT) that she was safe in her dorm I informed her that along with the Valentines care package that in the next few days she would be receiving another package containing pepper spray which she can attach to her key chain- I even ordered the hot pink one so it would look "cute". She told me she couldn't believe I had ordered it. I made her swear to me that she would never- ever walk across campus alone at night again. She swore she would not-and she better not be lying to me.

I think I am going to develop an ulcer and gray hair...the gray will enhance the bags I will get from not sleeping...

Millionaire Matchmaker

2010-02-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

I love Millionaire Matchmaker. It is my guilty reality pleasure...

Patti rocks! Yes she is over the top... but she is honest and as she says "I get the job done."

The fact that people actually pay to get set up simply blows my mind- I watch and am continually amazed. Just goes to show that money does not always buy you happiness or smarts for that matter.

You would think that these people would watch what they say considering that they will be on t.v., but no that doesn't seem to be in any way a deterrent. One of my favorites last season was the woman who owned the salon and she and Patti were like oil & water... I am watching the rerun as we speak- this lady evidently comes back for more in a new episode later tonight.

I cannot wait!

advice for my daughters... source unknown

2010-01-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where this came from but I wish I wrote it... it is exactly what every mother should tell her daughter...for now I dedicate this to my single daughter Stefanie who is currently @ college ~

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot,

who calls you back

when you hang up on him,

who will lie under the stars and listen to
your heartbeat,
or will stay awake just to watch you sleep...

Wait for
the boy who kisses your forehead,
who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats,
who holds your hand in front of his friends,
& thinks you' re just as pretty without makeup on.

Love the one

who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares

and tells you how lucky he is to have YOU...

The one who turns to his friends and says, " thats her... "

Anonymous...BITE.ME

2010-01-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I made a comment on a friend’s blog about teaching... my opinion...in relation to my job situation. Then someone made a comment about my comment... funny how the person made the comment anonymously...
Anonymous stated that "I remember all my teachers and hope that I have had the impact on my students that my teachers had on me. I enjoy every day of my profession and try to stay positive for my students."

You know I am truly happy for her that the school/district that she works in is obviously doing something right in that she loves her job.... but unfortunately she then felt compelled to take a potshot at me by saying ”Perhaps Life in Mom Lane needs to do a little reflecting about herself."

I decided out of respect for my friend’s blog to not make another comment there, but the more I thought about it the more annoyed I became.

So "Anonymous" here is my response to your comment ... BITE.ME.

Do not PRESUME to know anything about my job or to infer that it is in some way shape or form my fault. I showed my comment and your response to three other teachers I work with and all three felt I showed great restraint in my original comment. That I really could have ranted about the crap that goes on in our district.
I also remember that part of my comment said "the kids are awesome... if all I had to do is work with the kids then I would LOVE my job." Even though I am unhappy with many things our district does I do not carry that over to my students-my students are great- they keep me going, but I am also not going to lie and say everything is wonderful when it is not.

I wish my district made me feel the way yours does, but unfortunately that is not the case. Our district (at least at the secondary level where I am) is not so much about education the past few years as much as it is being run as a business. I could list multiple problems but am not going to do so here.

So Anonymous, the next time you decide to pass judgment on another- take a moment and think. Until you have walked in another's shoes you are in no position to imply that they have a problem. My suggestion is to rather thank God that you DO have a wonderful job/district that you love. And if you can't do that, then perhaps it is YOU who ultimately has the problem- at least I don't bash someone else with a holier than thou attitude or hide behind an "Anonymous" name without knowing anything about that person's situation.

2010-01-21T05:22:00.000-08:00

Blast from the past- found this one ... Stefanie (on left) is now 18 & a freshman @ JMU & JJ (on right) is a 6'1 16 y/o and a sophomore in high school.....

precious pups

2010-01-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

Some of the blogs I read have had blogs about their pets recently... so I decided to do the same...I have two yellow labs...

Cali (on left) 9 mos. & Buffy(on right) 5 y/o

cute aren't they?!

Buffy is not your typical lab... since we got her when she was 7 weeks old she has always been very calm and laid back. My vet actually told me he has NEVER seen a lab as calm as she was/is in all his years as a vet. Buffy is just an old soul... she is the very loving and is a pleaser. She became the princess in our house to my "queen". It was our 20th anniversary and hubby said he would get me (within reason) anything I wanted- *he thought I was going to ask for jewelry*... I had been hinting @ diamond stud earrings. But I surprised him and said "I want a puppy" to which he responded "man I walked right into that one". :)

Ever since then...she has become ~~the traitor~~ "daddy's girl"- she can do no wrong in her father's eyes.

Well... our 25th anniversary was coming up last summer and instead of waiting for hubby to ask what I wanted (he by this time had learned not to offer an open ended kind of gift) I decided to take the bull by the horns and tell him it was time... I wanted another dog...hence...

Cali a.k.a the "wild child"

Cali is more your typical lab... she isn't as bad as Marley from the movie, but she has her moments... Cali is definitely the alpha at our house, but her disposition is so sweet that you don't really think of her as an alpha. She is a snuggler.. and doesn't understand that she is really too big to lay on you anymore.

Jenny/#1 child & Cali laying on her-

their "serious shot" :)

I know hubby gets frustrated with her, she is demanding... she still has occasional "accidents" but all in all I feel much safer with her around, especially since we are living apart right now ... She barks when she hears something (which Buffy NEVER would do) and she growls when she is in the car with me and someone gets too close to our car. And most importantly Cali ADORES me *which is vitally important* and unlike ~~the traitor~~ Buffy - I am HER favorite... She is still learning and we will both benefit from obedience training later this spring.

Both of my "girls" have the same coloring- which is somewhat unusual for yellow labs- their eyes are greenish hazel and they have light brown noses unlike the usual dark brown eye/nose of most yellow labs. To me they are perfect... they have added such joy to my life I can't imagine not having them...It was a transition because Buffy was very jealous of Cali @ first but now they play and wrestle and Buffy has been spotted actually kissing Cali *when she thinks no one is looking* I know they both are anxiously awaiting summer (as am I) because they both love swimming in our pool.

Now if I could only get my kids to listen as well as they do....

a pregnant pause

2010-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

I just watched a video of a Fox news story about a woman in the UK who got in vitro and is pregnant at age 59- she will be 60 when she gives birth.

Is this woman out of her f***ing mind?

Don't give me that bullshit about how she's always wanted to be a mom.... she couldn't have felt that way sooner? What about adoption? This woman has a two year old daughter from an in vitro procedure done when she was 57. She states that she wants a sibling for her daughter. Just because she can do this... should she?

Personally I believe it is unbelievably irresponsible and selfish for this woman to do this at age 60.

Even if she is in "great health" as she says, is she going to be around by the time her kid(s) graduate high school? This woman comments "Perhaps 65 is too old, but I'm still so healthy I don't see why I shouldn't be treated." The only bright spot in this whole situation is that her boyfriend is 11 years younger than her. I hope for the kids sake that he is in good health.

And what about the doctors who are doing this? Everyone ranted about the Octomom and the irresponsibility of the medical community - how is this any different? At what point are these doctors going to be held responsible? Will they be around for the next 18 -20 years to support these children should one or both of these parents die?

Finally what about the children of these geriatric moms... it seems there are many of them in the UK- it's hard enough losing your mom when you are an adult- what kind of psychological implications are there for these kids in the future? One mommy to be who is going to turn 67 after her child is born states "I don't have to defend what I've done."It's between me, my baby and no-one else."

Seems these women talk about their rights- what about the rights of these children?

poem

2010-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

I get this poem every winter & every winter I love re-reading it.

It's a beautiful poem and very well written.

Thought it might be a comfort to you, it is to me.

' WINTER '

SHIT...

It's cold!

The end.

Be careful for what you wish for

2010-01-10T16:39:00.000-08:00

Today my daughter Stefanie went back to college- hubby & son went back to Delaware- where they are living due to a situation out of our control and my oldest Jen is @ work till like 10:30 PM.

So here I sit... all alone...except for my dog Cali-we already took our walk (Buffy went to DE with the guys for this week)

To many women this would sound like Nirvana... I remember the days when all 3 kids were driving me crazy and I would've killed to have a few hours to myself... Be careful for what you wish for- it's not all it's cracked up to be... being alone that is.

I find myself watching tv. playing games on facebook, doing laundry... and being bored. I seriously need to find a hobby. On the upside I have a new book to read... but after having my whole family home over Christmas- this alone most evenings is going to get old... FAST.

Somehow way back when when I was wishing for some time to myself- I didn't actually think it through, because an occasional few hours is nice- night after night is not. Last month when I went for my check up with my dr. he told me I seemed depressed. He wants me to get out around people and suggests I join an exercise class or something. I wish I actually liked exercising and was in shape enough to actually do this, but the idea of trying to do an exercise class is really intimidating. I looked in the adult education flyer that came home and they are offering a pottery class beginning in March- that actually sounds like fun to me.

So what do I do in the meantime?

January sucks

2010-01-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

OK so Christmas vacation is over *sigh* and it is back to school... if that is not bad enough- I went back on Monday and got to school and mid morning I had to go to a different school to work with kids... guess what... my #!%&*! car wouldn't start again... what a pain in the patoot!

Luckily my daughter is still home from college and was off so she came & helped me jump start the car. So I took it back to the place that put the new battery in and of course after I left it it started right up for them. *sigh* So I called the dealership and they told me that the next time (next time...it shouldn't have happen THIS time) instead of jump starting it- I need to have it towed up to them so then they can do a diagnostic test on it.

Well that offers me so much comfort and confidence...

Later that day I picked up our 9 mo. old puppy from the vets- she was spayed yesterday.. Poor baby- all she did last night was whine & cry- I felt so bad :( My daughter said she has perked up today- so once I get home it will be lots of TLC for her...

Sleeping off the anesthesia

Tonight it is cleaning up around the house then early to bed- didn't get much sleep last night.

x-mas va kay

2009-12-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas was very nice this year- everyone seemed to get everything they wanted- *for once*.... The piles weren't as big as previous years but then the price tags were bigger per item- hence the lack of quantity. But nevertheless.. all three kiddos seemed pretty pleased with their loot.

My husbands 2nd oldest sister and her hubby came for Christmas and stayed till Sun. they have just moved back to PA from Detroit. It was so nice having them for more than 24 hrs. we don't get to see them as often as we'd like. Now tomorrow his youngest sister and her hubby are flying in tomorrow for New Years- they are both a lot of fun as well so I am very happy they are coming. Then his oldest sister will drive in on Thurs.

I am hoping that we can get out to the movies to see Meryl Streeps new movie with Alec Baldwin & Steve Martin- It's Complicated it looks really cute.

I guess the best part about Christmas/New Years this year is simply having my hubby & kids all home. My house is not as clean as usual with the added people, but for me it is way better with them all home. The added bonus of having off til the 4th is very nice as well...

We aren't going out for New Year's- we haven't gone out on New Year's eve for the past 20+ years... it seems like it is amateur night... people who do not usually drink go out, drink too much then try & drive home...so what we do every year is get frozen shrimp and steam them and I'll have ~~several~~ a few drinks while hubby has a coke (he doesn't drink)... this year with added guests we'll make more food and maybe rent a movie or something... I am sure all three kids will be going out to celebrate with friends. Not quite sure what the weather will bring- they are hinting @ a storm coming through here Thurs/Fri/Sat. but I have been to the grocery store & BJ's and have plenty of food!

What is everyone having for New Year's day? We are making a PA Dutch tradition- roast pork, sauerkraut & mashed potatoes. You have that and supposedly have good luck in the upcoming year. Through the years it has been what we ALWAYS have and the kids have to taste all of it whether they like the sauerkraut or not- so they have good luck...

So what are you having? :)

Christmas blues

2009-12-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to a funeral. My brother in law David's mom passed away, she was 88.

Now I did not really know her, I think I met her two or three times, but we went for David- to support him. As we sat there during the service it brought back memories of my mother in laws funeral two years ago. That was tough...Jeff's mom stayed with us the last 2 mos. of her life as she went to Fox Chase Cancer Center for treatments every day. She beat the cancer, but her resistance was so compromised that she contracted an infection while in the hospital and her system turned septic.

As I sat there I began to think about my own mortality...and for the first time I felt ~~old~~ older...I know I am 50 but mentally I don't FEEL like I'm 50. For the first time I faced the fact that most likely my life is more than half over. Time seems to go by so quickly, it seems like just yesterday that it was my birthday in July.

I look at my children and they aren't really children anymore...they're all young adults now. I love this stage of their lives, but at the same time it makes me sad. I miss little voices, holding hands, believing in Santa, snuggling and their belief that Mommy & Daddy knew "everything".

This week I find myself tearing up for no real reason.. Unfortunately I battle depression (and have my whole adult life)and it seems to be trying to take hold of me again. So I think I need to REALLY take a look around and count my blessings and try and live each day like it could be my last. I need to shake myself out of this blue funk and reflect upon why we celebrate Christmas. I need to find the joy of the holiday season and focus on that. I need to stop obsessing about the things I simply cannot change. I need to take a second look at my list of things I am thankful for (from Thanksgiving).

I am very thankful that:

I have everyone home this Christmas.

God - listens to me whine & bitch on a regular basis- thanks God!

I am married to a wonderful man, he is my rock, my partner, my everything. I cannot imagine my life without him in it.

I have three great kids- Jenny, Stefanie & J.J. bring me such joy even while they sometimes drive me crazy.

My family is all in relatively good health We all take our health for granted because there are many people who are living with debilitating diseases for whom seeing another Christmas is truly a miracle.

For my home, because there are many who do not have homes or who are losing their homes due to the economy.

To have a job- not that I love my job, but I am happy I have a paycheck coming in...

For my two dogs Buffy & Cali.

That our family is economically "ok" we're not rich, but we have enough.

**I am also thankful that I have off until Jan. 4 after today :)**

May all of you have a wonderful Christmas... and remember to keep Christ in Christmas- because isn't that really what it's all about?

What you do on a snowy Sunday afternoon if you are bored...

2009-12-20T16:51:00.000-08:00

Back to reality...

2009-12-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

We're home... back from Jamaica.
I can say in all honesty it was BETTER than I had even hoped- an absolutely perfect vacation.
The pictures tell the story...it's better in Jamaica!

the swim up bar... yummy strawberry daquiries & rum punch

Jeff giving the vacation a thumbs up

me relaxing by the pool

Jeff's foot & the hotel

kissing my sweetie poolside

5 Star hotel...$$$$
Rum you bring home ... $22.00
Tips ... $20
Vacations alone with your sweetie.... PRICELESS!

leaving on a jet plane

2009-12-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow hubby and I leave for Jamaica for 5 days/4 nights. I am beyond excited...

It's been about a year and a half since the last time we had any *real* time alone. We went to a very nice bed & breakfast in Hershey,PA, stayed 2 nights and went to see Billy Joel in concert *awesome concert by the way*

So this time we decided to go longer *sans kids* and somewhere warm & "all inclusive". Now for me it's great because I can drink as much & whatever I want and not have to worry about the tab, Jeff how ever will not really take advantage of it because he doesn't drink. If they have coke then he's "good".

We went to Jamaica about four years ago and really enjoyed it- I think the fact that everyone spoke English factored into our enjoyment of our trip but I know high on Jeff's lists of favorite things was the high tea every afternoon around 3:30-4:00 PM. No matter what we were doing we had to drop everything and go to tea. They served these little fruit tarts and pastries that he simply went nuts over. I can only hope that this hotel we are going to does the same or else I am in *deep* doo doo...

The first 15 years we were married we never went anywhere alone like this- our kids were young and we lived about 5-6 hrs. away from the closest family. We took the kids on a couple of trips to the Dominican Republic but this year we decided we wanted/needed alone time. Plus we both turned 50 this year and celebrated our 25th anniversary.

Twenty five years... wow... when you add on the number of years we dated then it is 33... that's a lifetime...unfortunately I don't look the same as I did all those years ago, but I like to think that Jeff loves me more than for just my bod...

So ta ta for now...see ya next week... I'll think of you... ok no I won't- I'll be soaking up sunshine with a drink in hand....

yeah mon.. no problem ;)

baby boy

2009-12-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

Today my "baby" (all 6'1 of him) turns 16... a momentus age- a learners permit is in his near future...
I looked at the clock a few minutes ago and saw that exactly 16 yrs ago I was in the hospital -sedated due to my c-section and very happy that he had finally arrived.

JJ was by far, my easiest pregnancy- I was sicker than a dog the first 3-4 months with my girls and I looked like shit most of the time... but with JJ I felt great- wasn't sick, my skin, hair & nails looked awesome and I glowed... Another factor that made him easier.. with the girls I put on 36 & 35 lbs respectively.. with JJ only 12.5 lbs. From the back you couldn't tell I was pregnant- it looked like I had a basketball under my shirt I was all rounded belly.

I had gestational diabetes with all three of my kids and my doctors ~~scared the shit out of me~~ told me that unless I wanted to have to do injections every day that I had to follow a very strict food plan to control my glycemic index... I guess by baby #3 they must've really layed it on thick because I did not deviate from my ok'd foods... it was to the point that raisin bran tasted sweet to me by 9 months...

I remember being about 8 mos. pregnant and having to take the girls in for a check up and my pediatrian (who was origionally from Romania and had an accent that sounded like a nazi) asked me how much weight I had gained... I thought she was going to have a coronary when I told her at that point about 9 lbs.... she started getting really agitated and the more agitated she got the heavier her accent got to the point where I have to say she got down right scarey.... she kept saying how I was starving the baby and she liked fat babies etc..... Finally I was like Dr. C- I am taking in 2000-2500 calories a day... just not "bad" foods...

She still was not happy about it, but I guess I redeemed myself when he came out all 9 lbs. 5 oz. of chubby baby...

JJ learned to adapt to a household that up until that point had been dominated by females.. 2 sisters, a mom, and both a female cat & dog. Jeff was so happy to be able to buy something other than barbies or something a shade of pepto bismal pink. I think the fact that he did grow up surrounded by women is one of the reasons why JJ gets along with girls so well... that and the fact that he is a cutie!

with his big sis Stefanie

J was a good baby, easy actually, but that also could've been due to the fact that I had already done this twice and did not worry every time something happened...he was my buddy when the girls went off to school and we would bake cookies, go to the park and watch movies (I think we both knew the entire dialog of Jurassic Park). It just about broke my heart when he finally began 1st grade- I remember driving him to school and him *trying to not cry* say "but Mommy, who will make cookies with you?"

with his sister Stefanie

Jeff & I have watched our son grow up to be a handsome, intelligent, caring young man. He has a strong faith, excels at academics/athletics and is an awesome football player. And while I get frustrated that he doesn't share as much with me as the girls did, I can only hope that he understands that I nag him out of love.
So Happy 16th Birthday my baby boy... Mommy loves you XOXO

thank God for good Samaritans!

2009-12-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I stopped @ our local A.C. Moore to pick up something to make a Christmas gift. (can't say what 'cuz I have family who read my blog) So I am getting a kind of warm fuzzy feeling inside thinking about how much this gift is going to be appreciated as I headed out to my car *in the rain I might add* The skies were gray, but I was feeling kinda sunshine & roses :)
That is until I got into my car.... and it wouldn't start....

Now I generally LOVE my car, it's a Jeep Laredo and it has NEVER given me a moment of trouble. That is until yesterday.

Now I looked @ the time and it was 3:30- I knew my daughter had to be @ work by 4:00 so I called her quick... and asked her to come help me jump start the car. She was like "but I have to be @ work in a half hour" to which I said... call work & tell them I am sitting in this parking lot with a dead car- I guarantee you they will not get mad....*which they weren't* So there we were... me & Jenny (who is 21) in the rain... trying to jump start my car.... which I have only ever done alone once before my whole life...

I guess I should paint the scene for you... a steady drizzle... the hood of my car would NOT stay up- it does not have one of those bar things it just stays up on it's own, but since I was on a slight grade it kept dropping shut... so I am standing there trying to hold up the hood while at the same time hold the live ends of the jumper cables apart...meanwhile Jenny is standing there watching...*looking cute but just watching*
Did I mention that I accidentally let the black and red touch for a millisecond before dropping them to the ground? They aren't kidding... DO NOT let them touch.....sparks & everything...

Jen: *after seeing the sparks and watching me drop the cables* "Mom be careful"
Me: "Will you just hold up the damned hood for me before I kill myself"?
Jen: "But I thought you wanted me to open up my hood?"
Me: "oh yeah.. do that"
So she tries... & she can't get her hood up... *are ya kidding me?.. God must have a wicked sense of humor*
It was at this point that an older gentleman and his wife stopped and asked if we needed help- I told them I didn't know yet... with that his wife nudged him and he got out of the car and kind of took over... *thank God for good Samaritans!*
Well he couldn't get Jenny's hood up either... so he had Jenny move her car and he pulled his in to try and jump it.
Good Samaritan: "are you sure it's the battery?"
Me: "uh no...I have no idea what's wrong with it"
Good Samaritan: *to Jenny* "you might want to move back"
Jenny- eyes HUGE now...moving away...
Good Samaritan:"Just try it again before I try to jump it."
Me- " ok"... *nothing happens*
Good Samaritan: "it must be your starter"

So with that I thanked them and they left... Jenny drove me home and I had to call for a tow.
Now I haven't had to have a car towed in over 20 years, holy shit... $65 just to show up and then a dollar a mile after that. I had them tow it to the car place across the street, *too badd I didn't have JJ with me- we could've pushed it and saved the $68*
So I get hold of the towing company and they tell me they can be there in a half hour. So I have to drive back there to give them keys... I had to do something that I am sure drove my hubby crazy. I had to drive his porsche back to the ~~scene of the crime~~ parking lot. So I call hubby...
Me:" Uh hon, I have to drive the porsche over to the Giant because my car is dead."
Him: *silence* "why can't Jenny drive you?"
Me:" because she had to go to work"
Him: *sigh* "well ok -but BE CAREFUL" *side note, this car is kept in the garage, covered and used only on *nice* days*
So with that I go out to the garage take off the cover etc from the car and try to start *Roxy* (his name for the car)...
It won't start....
are you f*cking kidding me?
I look up and say "is this some kind of test?"
Then try again and Roxy starts *Thanks God*
So I get to the parking lot and the tow guy starts trying to get my car out of the parking space...I was standing there watching & asking do you need help? And with that out of no where two gentlemen come over to help.
They were very nice and really were a help. So the one man says "I guess you get to ride in this fancy tow truck", to which I explain about having to drive Roxy and how she's kept under a cover etc. and since it was an emergency I was allowed to drive it.
Both men look at each other and say "does your husband know it's raining?"

*Pause* Is this a guy thing? I mean... who the hell cares if it was raining? My damned car was dead.
So end result- it WAS my battery and it is being fixed today and should be ready by the time I am done with work.
By the time I got home I was beat...so I made a drink.. took a hot tub and vegged out in front of the t.v. till I fell asleep.

So when it's all said and done I will probably be about $200 poorer but I guess the real reason I began this blog is that the thing that stuck with me and that even now puts a smile on my face is this...

Now a days in our society people are so busy, and it often seems like it is every man for themselves- ... I had 3 people stop and ask me if I needed help... not just one.. but 3... kinda restores your faith that people are inherently nice. :)

Hey... I'm getting that sunshine & roses fuzzy feeling again... *smile*

being thankful

2009-11-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving is upon us (like tomorrow) I decided to reflect on what I am thankful for...

Top of my list of course my family & friends. I am very thankful that I have everyone home this Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for God - I am also thankful that he does not always answer my prayers in the way I think they should be answered.

I am thankful for my husband Jeff, he is my rock, my partner, my everything. I cannot imagine my life without him in it.

I am thankful for each of my children. Jenny, Stefanie & J.J. bring me such joy even while they sometimes drive me crazy. They are all growing up to be unique interesting individuals who I am very proud of.

I am thankful for my health and the health of my family- We all take our health for granted because there are many people who are living with debilitating diseases for whom seeing another Thanksgiving is truly a miracle.

I am thankful for my home, because there are many who do not have homes or who are losing their homes due to the economy.

I am thankful to have a job- not that I love my job, but I am happy I have a paycheck coming in...

I am thankful for my pets- my two dogs give me such joy- I take them for granted too- Buffy is a gentle soul and even though Cali can be a handful and is still in her "puppy stage" chewing things up & having the occasional "accident".

I am thankful that our family is economically "ok" we're not rich, but we have enough.

Some other stuff which are favorites and I am thankful for:

flowers- there is something nice about having fresh flowers in your home
chocolate - needs no explanation.
summer = NO SCHOOL!
my swimming pool- my favorite place to hang out during the summer
when my kids just hug me for no reason
my orthopedic pillow
massages
Christmas morning
facebook and the games I play there
microwaves
for parents who told me “NO” sometimes
blogging
sunglasses
coming home right after my cleaning lady cleaned and my house looks and smells good
wine
a good book
Starbucks white chocolate lattes
ice cream
pedicures
my cell phone and the ability to text with it - my life is so much easier with it
when I can sleep all night without waking up - not a frequent phenomenon
remote controls
hearing my husband and kids tell me they love me
snow days
going to the movies
that sound you hear when you open a Snapple bottle
my laptop- even though my employer actually owns it-

Christmas on crack

2009-11-18T06:06:00.000-08:00

This house is not the guy up the street from me but it might as well be...

The guy three doors up from me has begun putting out his Christmas display. Now really "display" in reference to his yard is somewhat of an understatement I guess I should say extravaganza.

This guy has so many Christmas decorations in his yard and on his house that it looks like the North Pole on crack. His decorations can no longer be contained to just his front yard, but also his side and back yard as well. (Thank God I don't live next door to him)

The light his decorations put off is bright enough to look like a small town, really... It's like when he flips the switch to turn everything on- the rest of the neighborhoods lights probably flicker in and out....due to the power surge.

So honestly, what is with these people who go so over the top? I don't get it... I decorate every year, but my house looks ~~sad~~ modest by comparison... does this guy believe in the whole bigger is better mentality?

This house is also not up the street from me but it might as well be...

My daughter said she one overheard one of his kids say that their dads ~~display~~ extravaganza ~~mortified~~ embarrassed them. Duhhhhhhhh......

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Christmas... love decorating my home both inside & out, but I guess just not to this extreme. So how much money does one of these extravaganza's (I just love that word don't you?) cost??? Enough to probably feed a third world country for a week at least.... When you figure out the cost of each decoration (and those things aren't cheap) then the wiring necessary, the electricity... holy cow your racking up big bucks!

I was driving by their house a couple of weeks ago and he happened to have his garage doors up and his Christmas stuff took up half of a two car garage.... he was walking around with a clip board- (maybe he was itemizing his stuff)... I'll give the guy credit, he does spend ~~an inordinate~~ a lot of time and effort on his ~~display~~ extravaganza. Each night I know I will see him outside...adding to...checking his decorations. He usually has it finished by the beginning of December.

So what is it that drives someone to go ~~so over the top~~ to such lengths? What ~~was~~ is lacking in their lives that they have to make this kind of statement?

This house is not the guy up the street from me but it might as well be...

Do these people really love Christmas that much or is it a challenge to see just how ~~god awful~~ nice they can make their home look each year? Do they want to spread the joy of the holiday season or just show everyone else up? Are these guys (and it is usually a guy) like those guys who buy a corvette cuz they ~~have small dicks~~ are lacking and feel the need to compensate? I just don't get it...

This house is not the guy up the street from me but it might as well be...

I am feeling the pressure...*sigh*

I am afraid my home ~~extravaganza~~ display is going to be inadequate yet again this year...

*Foot note* These pics were found when I googled "tacky Christmas lights" ( I feel somewhat vindicated by the term "tacky" :)

I'm on a need to know basis

2009-11-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

My son JJ is a sophomore in high school and almost 16 (Dec. 3rd) and is "talking to" a very nice girl who is a year younger than him.

(I guess I should add that the young lady is VERY attractive and could pass for 20- but I digress)

I was finally able to pin him down as to what he meant by "talking to".... I had asked him if he was "dating" her and he was quick to tell me that NO he was not DATING her. It seems the term "dating" now means the couple is exclusive- and are not seeing anyone else..... if you are "talking" it means you could be "talking " to any number of people.. 2, 3, 5, ....

When I was a teenager back in the dark ages of the 1970's "dating" meant that you went out with multiple people on dates. If you were "going together" it meant you were exclusive- you were in a relationship & monogamous to one person.

So when did "dating" turn into "talking to"?

It is interesting that with a teen aged son you have to really pry to get any kind of information when it comes to social relationships with the opposite sex. Boys are sooooooo different from girls! They are not giving away ANY info..... My girls were very different- they would often tell me about boys they liked etc. and would even on occasion ask me for advice.

You would think when I asked JJ who he was "dating" (yes I know I used the wrong lingo) I had asked for classified information. I have come to realize that I am now on a "need to know basis"and in his opinion I don't need to know.

So what is a mother to do? Short of having him followed? How are we supposed find find out what's going on unless we ask???

Trust me -I don't want to know specifics- (unless of course he would like to share that with me) I'd just like to have a general idea of what's going on in his social life. I know that he has been hurt in the past so maybe this is why he is so closed mouthed? Actually no- he was like this before...

It was so much easier when he was 5 and I was the most important woman in his life - his biggest concern was if we were going to bake cookies and could he lick the spoon? Now my little J Man is almost a man and is pushing 6'1.... where did the time go?

where to go when you don't know where to go?

2009-10-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

My hubby and I have decided to go away on a long weekend- (Thurs. through Monday) in early December.

If anyone has recently tried to plan a trip to the Carribean you are now feeling my pain. First off I now have probably every travel site known to man sending me "vacation deal" updates every day. Now these can be helpful because sometimes they suggest places I've never really thought about, but mostly they just confuse me more.

We have previously traveled to Cancun, the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana & La Romana) and Jamaica. We enjoyed all of our get aways. The problem this time is I can't decided where I want to go...

This past July was our 25th anniversay so we've decided to go away (without the kiddies). Now when you factor in adult only resorts- this cuts the choices way down. I mean why on earth would we want to go somewhere that has kids? The whole idea is to get away from it all- (including kids- I love mine but need time with just Jeff) and have some well deserved alone time.

So these days I find myself behind my pc with multiple windows up looking at various destinations- but then the cheapskate in me second guesses myself so I have to cross reference and check out the same hotels at various sites... (can you say obsessive compulsive?)

The choices in front of me are somewhat intimidating... I don't think I am actually "cool" enough to go to some of these places! The couples pictured are all very attractive, slim, young-ish etc.. and well... we're 50 (enough said).Plus the thought of actually taking my lilly white bod out in a swim suit in Dec. is not my idea of fun-

So all that aside, I guess the main thing(s) I should look at include:
1. the price
2. the hotel reviews
3. is it all inclusive?
4. how long does it take to get there (yeah I'm not doing over 5 hrs. on a plane)

If you've been somewhere fabulous recently- drop me a line... I need the help!

Why is it that most kids think their parents are dumb?

2009-10-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

Jeff & I are both college graduates, and are both professionals- he is CFO for a local company and I am a speech therapist. I thought the natural progression was that as our children(ages 21, 18, and almost 16) got older they would suddenly see the error of their ways (in regards to their perception of said parents) and we would miraculously become wise and worthy of listening to...

Yeah that isn't happening here...

So I guess the question is- at what age do our parents seem smart?

After we got married and I became pregnant I can remember thinking how smart my mom was- Man she knew it all when it came to pregnancy and the symptoms you had... and once the baby came- she was a pro... changing diapers, burping the baby etc... I had such great respect for her...

** sidenote**Not that I am proposing that ANY of my kids propagate any time in the near future- (hold off at least ~~five~~ eight yrs. Jenny)

But it would be nice if once in a while our kids recognized that their mom & dad are pretty ~~cool~~ intelligent people.

I think deep down they do believe this, but are silently taunting us by with holding their awe of how wonderful Jeff & I actually are.

It is a given that when it comes to anything financial or sports related- their dad is the go to guy- he is very knowledgeable about finance/$$ and has participated in sports his whole life. He is a great guy and an excellent father- and will be there for them no matter what.

So what is it about me that they secretly think is fabulous?

*silence with the exception of the sound of crickets*

OK- I've got nothing...zip... maybe my warped sense of humor????

So I asked my oldest (Jenny)..."what is it about me that you think is smart ~~or really cool~~?"

Her response (after a long pause I might add)
"I guess your writing...(she just started reading my blog-and she likes it except that she thinks I should write about her and not her sister who is away @ school). (can you say sibling rivalry much?)

So all of this got me to thinking.... what am I good at? Which led to the conception of:

Barb's list of things she is good at:
1. I have been told(multiple times) I have a nice singing voice.
2. I am good with computers, and most electronics.
3. I am a ~~pretty~~ good cook. (ok, ok yes I do tend to burn things at times but that is because I get involved in other things and forget I have stuff in the oven)
4. I am good @ gardening- flowers etc.
5. I am really good at proof-reading my kids school papers.
6. I am good @ my job.
7. If motivated... I am very good @ cleaning (I'm just not that motivated anymore).
8. I am good with animals. (except for snakes.. I don't "do" snakes.. trust me this is non negotiable)
9. I can hold my liquor pretty well.
10. I have a decent sense of color and can make a home "homey".
11. I am a good swimmer.
12. I have become (over the years) better at saving $$.
13. I am good @ procrastinating..(what do ya mean that's not a good thing?)
14. I am ~~usually~~ always on time.
15. I ~~can be~~ am very organized.
16. I am a fast reader.
17. I am good @ Wheel of Fortune and would probably make a ton of $$ if I ever went on the show.
18. I have a warped sense of humor. (yes this is a good thing)

So all this self reflection also made me think...

Barb's list of things she is not so good at or needs to improve:
1. Losing weight- I know what to do but don't do it. (didn't I say in a previous blog that menopause was the ~~excuse~~ reason for this?)
2. I forget things a lot.(it's that whole hitting 50/menopause thing)
3. I am not always the most patient person...(especially if service is bad)
4. I am not a bad driver, but am not a great driver either.
5. I don't do snakes... EVER.
6. I am not very good at putting up Christmas lights on our tree- (luckily Jeff is awesome at this)!
7. I am the wrong person to take to an amusement park because I don't like most rides .
8. If I am wrong I ~~always~~ usually say I'm sorry.
9. I worry & over analyze stuff too much.
10. I get too emotional sometimes (I cry @ Hallmark commercials).
11. I am not good @ sewing.
12. I look stuff up on the internet when someone is sick and usually think the worst.
13. I tend to let things get cluttered around the house.
14. I don't clean out my refrig as often as I should.
15. I don't exercise regularly. (refer to #1)

I could probably come up with another 15 things I SUCK at but I don't think my ego could take it...

I think I need to concentrate on my good list and have some wine...

Road trip!!!!!!

2009-10-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am traveling to James Madison University to see #2 child Stefanie.
My oldest (Jenny) is coming along as well and is bringing a friend. The best part of this trip however is my sister in law Suzanne who we're picking up on the way from Dulles airport in D.C. (Suzanne is flying in from Atlanta).

This is going to be girls only weekend and we are going to have a BLAST!!! Suzanne is so much fun and has been loosely termed "mom's drinking buddy". OK... so we like our wine, and Cosmo's... we're both over 21 (obviously) we will be @ a college so we will fit in fine!

Originally we were going to go for the parents weekend- but I couldn't get tickets for the football game- Stefanie made the all girls cheer squad @ JMU so going to the game is a priority. Lucky for us that Stef is cheering b/c she will get two parent tickets... Suz and I will just have to pretend we are Stefanie's two really cool lesbian mom's! Stef is trying to get two student tickets for Jen and her friend... I figure if they can't- they can tailgate *shrug*

We will be nomads to a certain extent because I was unable to get a room for two consecutive nights so we will stay @ one place Fri. night and another Sat. Hopefully the beds are comfortable!

Each day I am receiving countdown from Stefanie.. "3 more days"!!! Which excites me, but at the same time makes me realize I have ALOT to do before we leave Fri. morning.

My mom is going to come and stay @ our house and take care of my pups Buffy & Cali. They are both yellow labs- Buffy is 5 and very laid back and Cali is 6 months and a pistol! Not quite Marley & Me caliber but a handful just the same. My mom is a good sport and I know she will really enjoy her time with them.

I have the maps all printed out for our route... have the confirmations for the rooms etc... so what else do I need?

Let's see... short list of necessary road trip items & Things To Do :
CLEAN OUT THE CAR (not something I particularly want to do but necessary just the same unless we all want to arrive @ JMU covered in yellow lab fur)
Get Drinks, Munchies (what is a road trip without munchies?)
Bring wine + opener (learned that lesson long ago- have to actually bring the wine opener to drink the wine)
Pack clothes/shoes/toiletries
Go to bank and get $$$
Bring Camera- charge battery ahead of time so I can actually take pictures)
Bake Peanut butter cookies...(have to make them they are Stef's favorite)
Bring MAP!!!!(Yes I have a GPS but with my luck it would break mid trip)

The route looks pretty easy to get there except for having to drive around D.C. which on a Fri. morning could be a mad house. We are scheduled to pick Suz up @ around 11:30. One thing I KNOW I will not do is let Suz be our navigator- she and her sisters ALWAYS get lost when they take road trips! Thank God I have GPS...

Hot flashes suck.....

2009-10-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've started menopause and I'm hear to tell ya it can be a royal pain in the ass.

For one thing- how are you supposed to know how to dress in the morning? I mean the temperatures outside are dropping so you need to begin wearing warmer clothes but once I am inside.. I range from either being cold to sweating like there is no tomorrow. I know they say you should layer, but honestly...I can't layer everything.

I work full time as a speech therapist in a public high school. In my office it is either meat locker cold, or pushing 75+ degrees- depending upon the day and the weather outside. Don't tell me to talk to the custodian because he is not a particularly nice person who would just as soon tell me to fuck off as he would say hello.

I am increasingly having night sweats as well.. last night... I had just a sheet on... and was still hot...

Another thing.. when I CAN sleep... I generally wake up by about 2AM (after about 3 hrs. of decent sleep) and then keep waking up till the alarm goes off @ 6:00 AM.

About 3 wks ago I began waking up each morning feeling nauseous... so I thought oh shit I'm getting sick...uh no, according to a friend, this is another stupid symptom of menopause!! After complaining that I was nauseous every morning, a friend told me that some women feel this way because of the hormones like when we were pregnant way back when.

Well shit, then I am really screwed because with both girls I was so nauseated that they almost slapped me in the hospital because I couldn't eat and was nauseous 24/7 for the first 4 months.

So I Googled "menopause symptoms" and this is the list that came up and the ones I am experiencing:
The number of stars 1-5 indicate the severity for me- the more stars the worse my perception of them.

Common Symptoms of Menopause
1. Hot Flashes ** (they are a PAIN!)
2. Night Sweats **(and yes I have had to shower & change nighties at times)GROSS!
3. Irregular Periods *** (so either stop already or continue... my periods indecisiveness is annoying)
4. Loss of Libido ***** (and this sucks for my poor hubby )
5. Vaginal Dryness ***
6. Mood Swings ** (WTF is your problem?)

Changes
7. Fatigue ************Can you say off the charts?
8. Hair Loss (thank God- but for now at least- NO!)
9. Sleep Disorders ******* refer to #7
10. Difficult Concentrating *** (ummm what did you say?)
11. Memory Lapses *** (again... ummm what did you say?)
12. Dizziness *
13. Weight Gain ** (ok, ok so I cannot completely blame that on menopause!)
14. Incontinence ** (I freaking feel like I have to pee ALL THE TIME)
15. Bloating * (like for the past 20 yrs.)
16. Allergies *
17. Brittle Nails *(although this could be from having artificial nails for 15 yrs.)
18. Changes in Odor (ewww, but no)
19. Irregular Heartbeat ?
20. Depression * (Who wouldn't with all this shit?)
21. Anxiety * (somewhat)
22. Irritability ** (my family would probably add more stars)
23. Panic Disorder ?

Pains
24. Breast Pain (does phantom pain around when I am supposed to get my period count?)
5. Headaches *****************ALWAYS
26. Joint Pain **
27. Burning Tongue(for real? - NO Thank God)
28. Electric Shocks (for real? - NO Thank God)
29. Digestive Problems *****(can you say irritable bowel & acid reflux?)
30. Gum Problems (N/A- but something to look forward too- NOT!)
31. Muscle Tension (a good excuse to get massages more often!)
32. Itchy Skin (N/A- but something to look forward too- NOT!)
33. Tingling Extremities (N/A- but something to look forward too- NOT!)

Gee.... no where on that list is feeling nauseous every morning like I did when I was pregnant!? WTF????

Don't tell me to try the medicinal route...aka hormone replacement therapy - tried some "natural hormones" last year as prescribed by my dr. they didn't help.

So, in light of all of this I think my only option at this point is to drink more...
because:
1. It will make me happy
2. It will help me sleep
3. Wine is healthy for you- doesn't it have antioxidants in it or something?
4. If I am feeling "good" after a few glasses of wine I won't care about my symptoms!
5. It will make me happy- worth restating! :)

2009-10-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

Tonight my Stefanie comes home for the weekend from college with 2 or 3 friends.. # 3 is possibly going home to her own parents this weekend not that I care how many kids she brings- the more the merrier.... As soon as she comes thru the door I will no doubt start crying as I put a killer death grip hug on her.

Tonight life will be good.....

Tomorrow she is taking her friends to our local mall in King of Prussia (we are outside of Philly)... these girls are all from small towns in Virginia where malls are only one floor *gasp* they are so excited to go to KOP it is unreal. For those of you who have never heard of King of Prussia- it used to be one of the largest malls in the US prior to Mall of America. It really is a nice mall and I take it for granted....

I have the requisite items already purchased as per her request "food mom, we need food" for her to take back to school... and am making her favorites for dinner Sat. night.

My cleaning lady comes today (please Rosalba do not cancel today) so the house should look pretty good... ok... yes I have a cleaning lady- I work full time and she comes 2x month- and I do clean in between her visits....not that I have to justify that to anyone- best $ I spend 2x a month!

Stefanie went home with her roommate last weekend and met her family and said her home was absolutely gorgeous... she told me their house looked like a model home for a new development... no clutter anywhere, etc... she said her roommates parents were very nice, stricter (OMG how is that possible) that we are and seemed a little...hmmmm uptight...aka prim & proper. She told me she prepared her friends for coming home to our house.

At first I was like.. umm what do you mean by that??? She said she told her roomie that our house & family were NOTHING like hers...
First- the house will be (relatively) clean, but there will be areas of clutter... Second- her mother has been know to swear (gasp) on occasion...
Third- her mother does on occasion drink (holy mother of God).
Fourth- they can all expect to be given a nickname- we nickname all of the kids good friends... some previous nicknames include: bubblebutt, piglet #2, diva... you get the idea.

Evidently her roomies father did not whole heartedly approve of my daughter (wtf is your problem buddy?)
It seems that he took exception to a poster Stefanie had in their dorm room.. it is titled "Big Shots on Campus.. what I really learned in college" the pictures below are of various kinds of shots and includes the recipe to make each.

He found the poster highly inappropriate. Stefanie told her (in private) ummmm my parents have that poster matted/framed and behind our bar in our basement. Luckily Natalie thought that was "cool".

So I guess the girls will be "slumming it" this weekend... :)

Life as an empty nester

2009-09-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

My daughter (number 2 child) left for college August 18th... It was very difficult for me leaving her @ college, but I sucked it up, shed my tears and off we went. Luckily for us some good friends allowed us to borrow their pick up truck to transport all of Stefanie's "absolutely necessary" items. Suffice it to say that the truck bed was filled to the gills...

So we got her here and unpacked everything to an enormous heap which several "frogs" (freshman orientation group leaders) helped haul up to her 2nd floor room. The heap appeared to be the never ending pile of stuff... and I was relegated to standing watch over it and apologetically telling people who looked (in awe) at it that "we live 5 hrs. away from the school". So we finally got all her shit up to her room and began the assembly of her "loft" on which her bed mattress sits. Luckily there were other dad's there who graciously allowed us to borrow hammers/screw drivers etc. to get things set up. After about an hour and a half of "helping" get her settled it was time to finally leave.....

OMG...talk about hard... she walked us back down to the car and then she got teary when the "time" had finally come. Up until that point I have to say I was holding it together pretty well. But again.. I tried my best not to latch onto her with a death grip and just quietly let a few tears roll...

So we got back on the road... Jeff driving and me crying... My poor husband... he kept trying to reassure me... "she'll be fine" all that kind of stuff... but it was like I was transfixed and missing a huge part of my heart. After about an hour I was able to (for the most part) stop crying...we made it home in about 5 hrs.

Luckily she and her roommate have hit it off and are like 2 peas in a pod. The are bff's and seem to be having a blast @ school.

This weekend they are traveling to the roommates house for the weekend.. and next weekend. they are coming home to our house....

It's taken me over a month to finally be able to write about this without losing it. I am now finally able to actually go into her room again. Now I am just looking forward to next weekend! It will only be a short visit, but at least I will be able to see her... in person...Then again the weekend of Oct. 16th... when I travel to her college for the weekend to visit.

I guess the real question is... will it ever get easier to let her leave?

I think not...

dancing my happy dance!!!!!

2009-06-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

God has heard my prayers......

I absolutely LOVE Ebay..... I found 2 bottles of my perfume!!!!

They are en route as we speak from a vendor in Georgia & once I receive them if they are what they say they are (and they better be or I will be uber pissed...) then I will order the other 4 bottles they have (God willing that they are still there).

I have temporarily been reduced to my fallback perfumes (Channel No. 5 & Celine Dion) but I am just not feeling them... *shrug* what can I say- my Fendi is distinctive on me.

So at least this has bought me some time to find a "new" perfume....

So in looking around through Ebay I was struck by the diversity of things people are selling on there. It made me stop and think... and look around my house.... hmmm is there anything I could sell here. What is the old saying one man's junk is another man's treasure or something dumb like that?

I mean my girls clothing alone.. could rack up big bucks...I need to really take a look at stuff we have laying around here... :)

I am a woman on a mission! Nothing is gonna be safe :)

WTF?

2009-05-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

They have discontinued making my favorite perfume...

WTF?????

I have worn this perfume (ONLY this perfume) for over 8 years... and now I cannot find it anywhere- even online- I am so Upset!!! :(

This perfume (Fendi) was totally awesome and smelled amazing on me.. I constantly had people telling me how good it smelled and asking what it was...

I only have a tiny little bit left now.... and I don't know what to do...

I thought I had found a website that still had some in stock and ordered 8 bottles...I just got an email today from them saying... sorry we thought we had some but didn't and are refunding your credit card *sigh*

You have no idea how upsetting this is... this scent was my signature scent... I'd go up behind people and sometimes they would say they knew it was me because they remembered my perfume....

So now I have to go out perfume shopping *bigger sigh* almost as bad as bra shopping (not fun) and I'm going to have to try and find something that smells as close to Fendi as I can and just hope it mixes with my body chemistry to smell as good as the Fendi did.....it's either that or just be smelly... :( which would be socially unacceptable.

DAMN! This pisses me off... I mean Fendi is a big company.... could they REALLY have lost that much $ on their perfume? Damn frenchies! :(

summer VAY- KAY

2009-05-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

I can hardly wait for summer.... I teach so I am counting the days down...14 days... Now in regular time that is just under 2 weeks... but in school time this is probably going to be a VERY LONG two weeks/14 days. The kids have mentally checked out- and with the weather becoming nicer it is hard to keep them focused.

Who am I kidding? It's hard for ME to stay focused! Plus there is so much to do at the end of the school year!

I have begun to make my annual "Summer Work Out & Get Back into Shape" plan. The plan while well thought out and effective (when followed) generally does not see results. Which leads me to ponder why? I am a fairly intelligent person, I understand that to lose weight I need to:

1. Eat better- (meaning stay away from ice cream/cookies/bread etc...)OMG- does that mean I have to curtail what I drink... as in wine, etc?????

2. Exercise- (actually walk/swim/lift weights/do cardio etc.)

The whole plan only has 2 steps to it....easy right? so why is this a problem?

The answer is that while in theory #2 is easy-

I hate to exercise.

I have had periods in my life when I have lost weight and have exercised but I'm sorry to say for me... the whole "follow it for 6 wks and it becomes a habit", or "once you do it you feel better" (thereby tricking yourself into liking exercise) is just not happening.

I HATE EXERCISING- ALWAYS HAVE ALWAYS WILL!

I keep reading that once your over 40 it is even more important to focus on weight lifting.... so does hefting a heavy purse while shopping count????

Probably not....

It is really even more important than before for me to get on the band wagon because I have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes..... I knew it would probably happen at some point...I mean you don't have gestational diabetes with all 3 kids and pop them out @ 8lbs. (2 wks early), 9 lbs 15 oz., and 9 lbs 3 oz on their due dates and not have a clue....

So unfortunately now I ACTUALLY HAVE to do something about it.... I have to do what I tell my kids... and "have to suck it up" ....and exercise. SHIT!

On the upside... I just found out that drinking Bloody Mary's is better than wine.... V8, is like having a vegetable right???

I knew if I really tried I could find a silver lining somewhere!

life in the mom lane

Pinterest

Vegas recap

MOB shopping

Happy Thanksgiving

Viva Las Vegas!

brown recluse kiss my a**!

Nice surprise!

Two Horses/ Author Unknown

JMU bound!

the truth about teaching

I'm BBBBAAAACCCCKKKK!

end of the year

this & that

When did my hands become OLD…?

my guy is now a GUY

sad

a new venture

BIB BIG NEWS!

Think Spring!

My 5 things

Romance is in the air....

Snow day!

A cabin, fireflies, and why I will never get mom of the year ;)

snow day

50 things you might not know about me

another year

QB1 #15 Junior Highlights 2010

Christmas Blessings

Engaged!

My baby boy turns 17

weekend update

My updated Thankful list 2010

“If I knew then what I know now . . . ”

my hippie geologist

IN. CONTROL.

pics from our vacation last July

Jam packed weekend

Ten Guilty Pleasures

D Day

the latest in fall accessories

destiny

our new addition

boredom

return from paradise?

Aloha kakahiaka (good morning)

winding down

Jersey shore, & best friends

workout update

Happy Birthday Stefanie

The mind is willing

Happy Birthday Jenny

I'd like to thank the little people who made this possible...

rockin the workout

hope

anticipation

revelation

the powers of medication

Eva

Field trip

The joys of flying... NOT

My Bucket List

good times

Ten on Tuesday

nothing like getting felt up by a machine

Curling

texts from last night

Wake up call

fun in the snow

Anticipation thy name is snow

Friend Makin' Monday!

you are not invincible

Millionaire Matchmaker

advice for my daughters... *source unknown*

Anonymous...BITE.ME

precious pups

a pregnant pause

poem

Be careful for what you wish for

January sucks

advice for my daughters... source unknown

thank God for good Samaritans!