Fall Updates

I know. I'm a "bad" blogger. No posts since August. The shame! As with a young family - time flies. Days become weeks, weeks become months. And no blog entries. Sorry! I'd like to do better this year! Especially since there are so many blogs of friends and family that I enjoy following. I have been recruited by friends into what could be a deep pit - Facebook. I do not update my status every 30 minutes like some folks (sorry if you're one of them!) and enjoy it mainly to keep up with friends and family that I don't get to see often. Knowing what the family down the street is having for breakfast just does not excite me.

Since August, school has been off to a good start. Luke has a first year teacher who is wonderful and Blake continues at Ms. Marie's. Both played fall sports. Luke played flag football at the fieldhouse and Blake played soccer. Luke has shown an interest in ice hockey and we're working out the details for that. Blake is devoted to playing soccer at this time. Both still like to talk (a lot!) and Blake continues to have the loudest voices of almost any kid I know. We are sure he is a future rock star. LOL.

Justin has gone to midnight shift and is lovin' it. My work has become a little stressful as upper management is worried about budgets. The stress has trickled down. Just like most families, the price of gas killed us this summer and although groceries, daycare, etc costs continue to rise, my salary has remained the same. Justin has been fortunate to see some pay raises. So like many of you, we try to do more with less. One thing I have discovered is how to take almost nothing from the pantry and somehow make a meal. I've found some cool blogs to follow by moms for recipes. It's a shame that eating healthy costs more than eating junk food. And anyone who tells you otherwise is crazy. The cost of fresh fruits, veggies and meat is unreal.

Winter is here and I try to fake that I'm ok with that. I meet the challenge of cold weather with my collection of cold weather gear, almost none of which matches. I have been spotted in the grocery store by co-workers who said they almost didn't recognize me. I'm sure it will embarrass my kids as they get older but I really don't care. I've found that I can deal much better with the season if I'm warm. The biggest challenge is it's so much harder to make sure the kids get quality time outside. It's almost dark when they get home from school and they can only play for so long in the cold. They are playing outside right now with the dollar store "guns" that was part of their Christmas which is why I'm finding time to blog right now.

Other big news - we have a new nephew in NC - Levi. My mother-in-law calls him "Nebbie" which I'm sure Becky is praying won't stick.

We continue to pass the cold season with soup, hockey games and good books. Keep me posted on how you thrive (not just survive) the winter season with two energetic kids.

Summer News

Wow! Where has the time gone? This has been a busy, fun summer with only a few weeks left before school and work resumes. We're having a beautiful day here today, Justin is off and we are going to introduce the boys to canoeing a little later as we just can't let this beautiful day to by without being outside.

Here's a sampling of some of the news from our summer. Enjoy!

"A Little Place Called Shamokin!" Our first trip of the summer was a weekend adventure to Pennsylvania to the Knoebel's campground and amusement park. The boys love the loft sleeping cabins and the classic amusement park is easy on the wallet and a lot of family fun. Blake rode his first really big roller coaster - the Phoenix! It was hilarious. We didn't have to do much to talk him into riding but once we headed down that first hill, he looked so shocked! The wide was blowing his face tight and he was holding on for dear life. Luke said "No way!" and waited with friends while we rode. Blake is a wild man. The adults headed out the last night for some time on bumper cars that was voted America's best. They are brutal. And fun. We were all cracking up. It was great stress relief. One of the girls with us is a county bus driver and said they should add bumper cars to the personnel program for stress relief. LOL.

For the 4th of July, Luke was selected to ride in the parade with "George Washington".

Later in July, we headed to Edisto Beach. Lots of great family beach time. One of the highlights was seeing three little loggerheads make their way from their nest for their first swim. Beautiful.

I also volunteered as a camp counselor at a camp on the eastern shore of Maryland. Some newer friends forget that I was in the Army and can hang tough when needed so Justin got lots of questions about "how I was doing". Well - I slept in a pretty rustic cabin with no air conditioning, swam in a pond with leeches, got flipped in a canoe and overall had a great week. The message for the week was that God created the world with "enough" for everyone. We should only take what we need and share.

The boys spent a week with MeeMee and Poppy making some special summer time memories and we visted my folks for a few days. We hiked to an old coal mining site and waterfalls. We also went night fishing which Blake thought needed a little more excitement so he let out his big battle cry for everyone to enjoy. It woke those old men up. They didn't catch anything but did see a 20 pound catfish reeled in. No joke. 20 pounds. We were in the shack when they weighed it.

Luke has been swimming like a fish and jumped off the diving board yesterday for the first time. We are SO proud of his courage. Go little man!

So - the leaves are already starting to turn but it's not over yet. Get out there and soak up some sun!

A Sampling of Spring Pics

A sampling of our spring - playing in boxes, going to a family wedding and picking dandelions - it's definitely spring!

Meet Leroy!

As you know and can see from our previous post, our old kitty, Cleo passed away earlier this spring. I've had cats my whole life. Although my first pets were dogs, I have the most memories of the many cats I've loved through the years and don't want my children to grow up without a feline in the home. No one will ever convince me that dogs are smarter than cats. Yes - Rocky sits on command, walks on a leash and of course, there's always the working dogs - police dogs, search dogs, etc. Yes - they're amazing. Dogs can be trained. Cats have a personality of their own and a strong will to be their own person. You can't really change them. They are who they are. And I have to admit that I've never really trusted people who declare they don't like cats. And I've met quite a few. When someone tells me they don't like cats - this tells me that they're intimidated by them. You can't "control" a cat like a dog. So - yes - I've loved my kitties. From the ones I remember playing with early in life at my grandmother's old garage to Prince, Nash, Cupcake, Gizmo, Tuffy and Buffy, and Cleo.

And now Leroy.

We found Leroy at our local SPCA. I had visited once without Justin and Leroy was in my top 3. When Justin returned, Leroy was his pick. And Leroy LOVES Justin! Leroy was brought into the shelter on our anniversary in March and was sick for most of April. They thought he had a heart murmur but our vet gave him an all clear and said it was probably due to his severe April cold. He's a very friendly cat and only his cold probably prevented him from being adopted earlier. So - we're so glad we found him!

He sleeps in our bed and the only "problem" is that he can get frisky and attack our feet under the covers. He sometimes sleeps between Justin's legs. He plays with Rocky and shows attention to the whole family, even Blake, our loud one who can honestly scare some animals. You can't really see in the pics but he has some orange blended in that gives him a tiger look. They believe he's a couple years old. He's a long cat and I know couldn't stretch out in the small quarters he had at the shelter so you can frequently find him stretched out in his full length.

Welcome, Leroy! We're glad you've joined our family!

Happy Face Toast

The perfect morning start - scrambled eggs and wheat toast, coffee, sitting on the porch listening to the birds sing and finding a smiley face in your toast! LOL! Thought I'd share this funny pic of our smiley face toast. Luke and Blake thought this was pretty funny. Also - check out Rocky in the pic with Blake. He looks like he really wants some scrambled eggs, too! I know I haven't posted in a while. It's that time of year. I hope to post some spring pics today. Although there's been a few little downs we've mostly had a great spring. Rocky's wild side has emerged and we've added a new cat, Leroy, to our family. I'll post some about him soon! Enjoy your day and enjoy the sunshine!

I have a busy week and a half ahead of me with several end of school year events. So - today Blake and I are off to have lunch with a friend and her son at a local, city style park across from the local farmer's market while a local music group performs. I really have grown to love this town.

In Memory of a Great Cat - "Cleo" 1995-2008

I realized last night that Cleo starting to suffer. For those of you who knew her - she was a very social cat. She had not visited with our Friday Night Group friends for the past couple weeks and started sleeping under (rather than on) our bed a couple weeks ago. Last night I went to check on her and gently pulled her out from under the bed. She was so weak that she couldn't walk or rest. This morning we made the call to our vet to let Cleo go peacefully. The vet confirmed our fears and said Cleo was experiencing kidney failure. She was barely 5 pounds. So - this afternoon, she went to sleep in my arms with me telling her how much she was loved and what a good kitty she had been.

Thirteen years of memories - hairballs, "dingle berries", bad breath, no teeth AND MORE LOVE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE. She came when her name was called and loved to get a good rub down. I loved Cleo and she loved me. I'm grateful she was a part of my life and hope I made hers all that she could have ever wanted. You'll be missed...

Roam For Adventure - Come Home For Love

Have Kids - Will Travel

When I was growing up, I dreamed of faraway places. If you read the book "When I Was Young in the Mountains" the last page says, "When I was young in the mountains, I never wanted to go to the city and I never wanted to go to the ocean - for I was in the mountains and that was always enough." It is a beautiful book about growing up in WV that I have read many times to Luke and Blake. I just can't relate to that last thought though. Because I did always long to travel and see new and exciting places and cultures. And I have to admit that I don't quite understand people who don't have just a little appetite to see the world beyond. I've been fortunate enough to live for a year in Asia and spent two weeks in Europe seeing some of the most beautiful villages you can imagine. Travel helps you understand the world is a big yet small place. I have a necklace that says "Not all who wander are lost." I've never felt lost. I've always felt like I had a pretty good sense of who I am. But if I had the available funds and means - I could live out of a backpack (Yes - my orange one, Justin! Well - maybe I do need a new one!) with my kids and husband going from place to place seeing all the world has to offer.

Most every parent spoils their kids in some way. Whether it's by letting them rule the roost on their choice of foods, TV programs, games and such (which we DO NOT do!)or putting only name brand clothing on their bodies (I'm not too proud to shop at thrift stores - you can get some really good deals!). We spend our little extra on showing our kids the world and hopefully helping them become more balanced and appreciative. So, yes - they've done a lot and seen more than some of adults. But I bet you anything that someday we'll see it was time well spent.

Our latest trip was this past weekend to NYC. We scored a half price hotel room online that was in the heart of the Broadway district! The room was small but as I said - IT WAS ON BROADWAY! Whoo Hoo! We traveled by train to Penn Station and spent Friday afternoon visiting the Statue of Liberty. We just missed the time cut-off to buy tickets to go inside but the woman at the counter saw Luke and his sad disappointed look and slid out four free tickets making us promise not to tell anyone. And who said New Yorkers are rude? We walked almost 200 steps to the top of the pedestal. My legs still hurt and the ferry ride back made me sick as we hit choppy waters. BUT - the boys loved it. It's the Statue of Liberty after all!

We dined at ESPN zone that night in Times Square and the next day we took the subway to the Bronx. Again - not as scary as the movies make it look. We met a lot of nice people. We were all decked out in Yankee gear but I'm sure it was clear we were tourists. It was pretty exciting to be in such a legendary stadium where players such as Babe Ruth and Micky Mantle played. The Yankees lost but that's ok we still had a fantastic time.

On our way home we stopped by Central Park (purely by accident). It was beautiful. We also got a look at some of the Trump buildings in that area. It's amazing how one city has so many personalities.

The highlight for me was Saturday night when our hotel was able to get us their last four tickets to the sold out performance of "The Lion King". The show was so beautiful that I could have cried. Blake earned laughs from hundreds of people when he yelled out "She's funny!" after a big number by the woman who played Rafiki. That's our Blake. He said during the last of three songs - "I'm tired and going to sleep". He passed out and missed the big finale. We had had a LONG day!

Both Luke and Blake said after this visit they wanted to live in NYC one day. This is also what they say when we return from visits to the mountains of WV or the beaches of SC. I told them if they're ever going to live in NYC do it while they're young and single or they'll never do it. Luke asked "Why?" One day he'll know why. In the meantime, they're growing up fast here in the suburbs. We're just trying to make the time count. It will be amazing to see where in this big world their hearts will take them one day.

Puppy Love

Justin's mentioned more than once that I haven't blogged in a while. Maybe it's the long, cold winter (without ANY snow!) that's got me down or perhaps I've just been busy! I think it's the second one!

In late January, we added Rocky to our home! It's been a labor of love. I do believe I had an easier time potty training Blake than house training Rocky. Pray for us! Seriously! Just pee outside, Rocky! Please?!

Pee and poop aside - we are in love with this little pug! He's great with the boys and we love seeing all three of them run around like crazy in the back yard and he's a real cuddle bug with me much to the disappointment of Justin. I have to admit that I've napped with him a couple times on the couch with his little head right on my shoulder snoring away and I loved every minute of it. Cleo has adjusted fine and she's been around a number of pets over the years and outlasted them all. As long as she gets a daily rub down (usually on the couch at night while watching some tv) and has her place on the master bedroom king size bed she's happy.

Rocky was so scared he was shaking for about the first 48 hours we had him and just balled up for about a week. It's been a journey - hopefully he and Justin will become better friends - as Justin is the one who rescued him in the first place. So - it's been pretty awesome watching him become more comfortable knowing that he will be loved and that everything is ok.

For now - I'll continue learning lessons in patience and forgiveness and love...

A New Year

We're finally receiving the first snow of the year after Blake was throughly convinced that winter was gone. Too bad it's not snowman making snow. I snapped this pic with my new camera at a local elementary school. I spotted the little flower peeking through the snow as I was leaving - hope you enjoy.

I have thought of some new year resolutions but haven't committed to put them in writing - if I change my mind - they'll be posted here.

For now - some updates... Luke was announced as the district winner in his age category for the Reflections program and will be going to state competition. Whoo Hoo! Great job for a little first grader! Blake is playing and using that imagination non-stop. I had forgotten how delightful 4 year olds are. They are hilarious.

Justin will be celebrating his birthday next week with a hockey game and dinner. We do a lot with our children and we've opted for a night out with another couple. Other than that, I felt like I was talking someone off a ledge last night as I tried to convince my husband of 13 years that a Siberian Husky was not the dog for him. Those of you who know him well will know that I am 100% right in this. Lord help us. I believe we will end up adding a small dog to our family soon though, as I live with three males who don't seem to be complete without one. We've done our homework this time and will get it right. I've heard folks say, "Have a dog before you have a baby." I believe it's the other way around. The babies has taught me more patience and love than I ever thought possible. I learned how to really care for someone... including a new perspective on those with four legs. They really are like babies and need to be treated as such. Poor Justin. I promised him he could get a Siberian Husky for his retirement when he has time to exercise it. Right now, I don't feel like coming home to find a chewed up cat and sofa. He'll come around and thank me in the end.

Most of you know I've gone part-time and it's been worth it. I can't help but to feel a little anxious about the economy with the price of gas and groceries. But - it will all work out. Phil 4:6 says "Do not be anxious about anything... present your requests to God." I read a devotional recently that highlighted this passage and mentioned many of the same worries I have right now as a mom. So - although I am still without any real resolutions - this is a great verse to focus on in the new year. This morning, Luke said as I was putting on my make-up, "Mommy, you look nice everyday. You're the best mom. You work but you're home as soon as school is over. You're just there." So - the economy stinks but God is great and good and will see families like ours through.