P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 244 - I surrender

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 244 - I surrender

So I am the kind of person who believes that you just need to keep moving and doing - keep on keeping on so to speak...  That is just who I am.  I am not trying to win some contest here.  It's just something I can't go changing about myself after 39 years.  It is how I cope.  I don't judge others for the ways in which they cope, and hopefully no one judges me for the ways in which I cope.  Luckily the people who really know me know that just because I keep going doesn't mean that things don't get to me.  Luckily the people that really know me don't tell me how to feel or how to cope or when to sit or what to do.  Because I am also not a big fan of people telling me how I should or shouldn't feel, act, or behave.  Anyway, that all being said, this past month has been, for lack of any better description, a lot.  I am not complaining, nor am I asking for anyone to feel sorry for me (insert here, how I am not a big fan of that either) - I am just saying - it was a lot.  Uncle.  I surrender.  I am tired.  I am worn out.  I am sad.  I have had enough.  Today I needed to come up to NJ to meet with my brother to take care of some things.  When we were done, I headed down to the beach house  - My Wonderful Husband and the kids were coming later and I found myself with the luxury of several hours all to myself.  What to do?  I decided that first and foremost, some sushi was in order.  So I picked some up and ate it in.front.of.the.tv.  Then the only sensible thing to do was go get a manicure and pedicure.  So, I did.  To my lovely daughter's credit, when she got to the house and saw that I got a mani and pedi without her - she noticed of course...but said - "They look pretty Mommy.  That's a great color!" 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 243 - Bikers

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 243 - Bikers

There was a gang of bikers in the 'hood tonight.....

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 242 - soaked up

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 242  - soaked up

The kids soaked up the beautiful weather after school today. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 241 - Muffins to Rosters

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 241 - Muffins to Rosters

So, you know the expression "Soup to Nuts"?  Well I think I will amend it today to read "Muffins to Rosters".  That was my day today.  Everything from muffins to rosters.  It was the second day of school and I am still working on getting back in to the swing of things.  After dropping the kids off at school, I paid bills, fielded a bunch of phone calls about soccer sign ups which were this evening, made some yummy banana muffins, got dinner ready, worked out, got the kids, made dinner, went to soccer sign ups, and now here I am with folders of sign up sheets trying to put together the fall rosters.  From muffins to rosters, I got it all done today and now I am going to bed. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 240 - First day of school

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 240 - First day of school

Today, was the first day of school and I sent two 4th graders and one 2nd grader to school.  It is unbelievable to me how quickly time flies... While I was thinking back to preschool days, first days in kindergarten, and more recent thoughts of where my summer went, the kids were excited and ready to roll this morning.  Clothes were out the night before, today marked the first day of everyone taking morning showers instead of the night before (that was big news in this house) and there was a big breakfast of waffles, ham, and eggs.  Then off they went...well off we all went in my car and then off they went....I am so proud of these three kids!  
Given the fact that they are so (sniff sniff) grown up..I am going to let them blog a little today about their first day....
  *The Bear*
Today I had Mrs. Dice as my reading teacher and homeroom teacher.  I have Mr. Brookens as my social studies and science teacher.  I also have Mr. Barr as my math teacher.  I had art as my first special today and we practiced making lines.  It was fun to go back to playing kickball at recess!  I am most excited to learn about geography this year!  
 *The Princess*
Mr. Brookens is my homeroom teacher and he also teaches social studies and science.  I had Mrs. Dice for reading - and I really liked her!  I also had Mr. Barr for math.  My favorite part of the day was seeing my friends again, meeting my teachers, and finally being back in school!  I am excited to learn about science and take the PSSA's this year in science. 
*The Boy*
My teacher is Mrs. Pereschuk and she's really nice!  It was cool to be in second grade.  In writing today, I wrote all about my morning.  We cleaned our desks.  We got to know each other by playing a game.  It was a fun day!    

I couldn't have said it better myself!  Thanks to my guest bloggers! xo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 239 - lunches are made

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 239 - lunches are made

I have been in denial but at some point today I had to face the fact that tomorrow is the first day of school.  Tomorrow I send two fourth graders and one second grader to school.  Once I accepted that fact, I realized that there was much to do...(well not really...but I get stressed in these circumstances..)  First on the agenda, start the year on the right foot and have the kids start getting their own lunches together.  I can sometimes, perhaps..be accused of micromanaging....maybe...;-) But, no more..well.. baby steps really... first step...lunches are made.  Yeah them...yeah me.  

P365(+1) - 2012 - Day 238 - back home

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 238 - back home

I make no secret (nor apology) about the fact that I am a Jersey Girl through and through.  This Jersey Girl sometimes has a hard time being land locked in PA - far from my ocean breezes, good pizza, great bread, and of course family and friends that are still in NJ.... Given everything that happened in the past month, it was even harder for me.  But all of that being said, it was nice to get back home and settle back in to life on the lane...my flowers were waiting for me. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 237 - 15 years!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 237 - 15 years!

* 8-24-97 * 
Happy 15 year Anniversary to us!... 
and what a wonderful 15 years it has been.... 

 I was so happy we were able to get some sand in our toes, salt water on our skin, and sun on faces while the kids played on the beach and in the water... As far as anniversaries go, I couldn't have asked for more!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 236 - New school clothes

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 236 - New school clothes

We went shopping today and got everyone some cute new school clothes to start the new school year.  Even though I am still in denial about the fact that they go back on Monday...

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 235 - A "dash" well spent

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 235 - A "dash" well spent

There was a poem read today at my father's funeral that spoke of the "dash" between the day you are born and the day that you die and how that is the true measure of one's life.  The "dash" is everything in between birth and death -

From the beginning..to the end.
He noted that first came his date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears, 1940 - 2012
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on earth..
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars..the house..the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

My father spent his dash well.  My brother gave a beautiful eulogy that spoke of our dad's generosity, loyalty, hard work ethic, and love of family and friends.  He summed up our father's "dash" as well as one can in a few minutes.  He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, a doting Poppy, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend..... It was a life well spent - even if the dash was shorter than we would have liked.  

My brother put it well when he said - "I will miss you like crazy!"  We all will. 

 

 

P365 (+1) - 2012 -Day 234 - Roses and Butterflies

P365 (+1) - 2012 -  Day 234 - Roses and Butterflies

There is a rose bush in the backyard at the beach that had already bloomed this summer...but when we left to go to the viewing for my dad, there were several new beautiful roses blooming on that bush.  Along with those roses, were beautiful butterflies on the butterfly bushes. Thanks Mom and Dad! xoxo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 233 - Laugh together along the way

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 233 - Laugh together along the way

I am not going to lie here... these three can argue and get under each others skin.  They know each others buttons very well and can jump all over said buttons.  But more often than not, they are best friends.  They have fun together and enjoy spending time together..  We might hear bickering a lot..but we also hear laughing.  So today while we were at the park, I caught the three of them going down the three slides together - Ready, Set, Go... and I couldn't help but think that as they go through life I hope they always slide side by side.  Just like these slides are a bit different, so may their paths be a bit different but I hope that they laugh together along the way just as they did today.  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 232 - Heal my heart

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 232 - Heal my heart

I went up to the beach this afternoon in hopes that the ocean, sand and salt air would heal my heart a little....

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 231 - You will never be forgotten

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 231 - You will never be forgotten

Poppy passed away today.  While I am heartbroken, I know that he is now with my mom who he has missed more than anything for 6 1/2 years. 
So, when my brother and I picked the poem for his prayer card today, we chose a poem that would remind all of us... 

Don't Grieve For Me For Now I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free. 

Rest in Peace Daddy/Poppy - You will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. You will never be forgotten.  Give Mommy a hug and kiss from all of us - I will be waiting for my sign.  All our love!!! xoxo

 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 230 - Support

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 230 - Support

As I said before, it has been difficult...My heart is heavy as I watch what my dad is going through.  But I can not say enough how thankful I am for all of the love and support from family and friends.  My brother and I are staying with my dad and we have had constant support  - people coming to the house, bringing food, just being here, calling and checking in, offering their help in any way... My Wonderful Husband has been staying with the kids (and I miss them all sooo much...) and he has not been without support either - friends and neighbors checking in and today my cousin had the kids to her house all day to swim and eat while he got in some almost end of summer surf lessons.  There is nothing that can make this situation better but thank you to everyone who is helping to make it bearable.  xo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 229 - a run

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 229 - a run

It has been a hard couple of weeks and an especially hard couple of days since Poppy has been back home.  I took the advice of family and friends and tried to take care of myself as well and went for a run. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 228 - just makes me feel better...

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 228 - just makes me feel better...

Poppy was resting comfortably in his home today, so I took some time to cook.  I realized that it had been weeks since I cooked!  We were in Disney and then since we have been home, I have been back and forth to see Poppy.  My Wonderful Husband has been on dinner duty with the kids and I realized that I missed cooking...  There is something about cooking and feeding people around me that just makes me feel better... 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 227 - cute new shoes

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 227 -  cute new shoes

While I continued to spend time with Poppy, My Wonderful Husband took the kids back to school shoe shopping.  Now, first I would l would like to say... I thought I said no more talk of back to school!!? ugh...it's coming, whether I like it or not... so I guess it's a good thing they now have cute new shoes.. (yes those are The Princess' Chuck Taylors...)  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 226 - Recognized and Awarded

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 226 - Recognized and Awarded

I am a rule follower by nature.  I try to raise my kids to be rule followers too....  So when they get recognized and awarded for following the rules in life, it helps this Mama out a bit. ;-)  Today, while riding their bikes - with their helmets on - a police officer stopped them and commended them for following that rule and awarded them with a gift card for an ice cream.  They were so excited!  What a great way to encourage kids to be safe! 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 225 - Sent their love

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 225 - Sent their love

The kids made some signs for Poppy and sent their love along with them. xo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 224 - Happy to see Poppy

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 224 - Happy to see Poppy

When I got to the hospital today, Poppy had gotten all washed up and shaved and was looking good and feeling pretty alert - so I asked him if today was a good day for the kids to come up and see him and he smiled and said "yes".  So My Wonderful Husband and the kids came right up.  The kids were happy to see Poppy and give him hugs and kisses- they have been asking about him everyday - and I know that he was equally happy to see them.   

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 223 - some comfort in the ordinary

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 223 - some comfort in the ordinary

It was a long day at the hospital with Poppy yesterday and after staying the night, I left in the morning when my brother came back.  I went back to the house for a few hours and found some comfort in the ordinary....  It was pouring when I got back, so the kids were just inside playing, I threw in some laundry, and showered before returning to the hospital to be with Poppy.  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 222 - Jump

P365 (+1) - 2012- Day 222 - Jump

Here I go again with my "wisdom".... are you ready for this?  ........

Life is too short to only swim in the shallow side....Sometimes, you need to jump into the deep end!!  xo






 
 

 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 221 - A Rose by his side...

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 221 -A Rose by his side...

My brother found this beautiful rose on a rose bush at Poppy's house and brought it to his hospital room.  This little rose kept catching my eye all day...so vibrant and pretty...sitting by his side.... I couldn't help but think that while my mother is not here with us during this difficult time, Poppy still has a Rose by his side....

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 220 - The Story of the Butterfly

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 220 - The Story of the Butterfly

While at the hospital with Poppy, I saw a poem posted on the wall along with a paper butterfly.  As I read the poem, I flashed back to a day a couple of years ago when the backyard at the beach was full of butterflies... we stood quietly and just watched as tons of butterflies flew in circles around the yard.  It was beautiful and I was so glad that the kids got to see it.  Similarly, I thought this poem was beautiful and another important lesson to share with my children....

The Story of the Butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.
One day a small opening appeared.
He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours
as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole.
Then it stopped, as if it couldn't go further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly.
He took a pair of scissors and
snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon.
The butterfly emerged easily but
it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch it,
expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge
and expand enough to support the body,
Neither happened!
In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life
crawling around.
It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness
and haste did not understand:
The restricting cocoon and the struggle
required by the butterfly to get through the opening
was a way of forcing the fluid from the body
into the wings so that it would be ready
for flight once that was achieved.

Sometimes struggles are exactly
what we need in our lives.
Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us.
We will not be as strong as we could have been
and we would never fly.

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 219 - "new" movie

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 219 -  "new" movie

Before I left to see Poppy at the hospital, the kids were watching their "new" movie that they had gotten the day before - Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.  After seeing the stunt show in Hollywood Studios, they were so excited to see the movie!  It got raves reviews from the boys - not so much from The Princess....  After I left, they had a day of playing soccer with Daddy.  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 218 - 3 more weeks

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 218 - 3 more weeks

While I was at the hospital with Poppy, My Wonderful Husband took the kids shopping.  This is the loot that they came home with... new backpacks and lunch boxes...  I don't want to be a poop, but really??  How did this happen?  Is it that time already?  Cute bags, but.... stop. :-( This is the last I want to hear about back to school for 3 more weeks.

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 217 - Missing!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 217 - Missing!

We got back from the airport at 2am this morning and it was then that we realized that someone was missing.  The Boy picked out this Donald Duck while in Norway in Epcot.  He was so excited to have a Norwegian Viking Donald to represent that part of his heritage.  He basically didn't put him down all week..... after playing with him on the plane, he finally fell asleep.  We thought we grabbed everything....but it seems that Donald was left behind.  There were tears at 2am - (and some were mine) - I felt so bad.  My Wonderful Husband and I called the airlines, the airport, and the transport bus.  We have filed a lost and found  (missing duck) report and we are keeping our fingers crossed that he makes it home! 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 216 - Last Day in Disney World

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 216 - Last Day in Disney World

We spent our last day in Disney World back at Magic Kingdom.  We did some of our favorites again and did some shopping on Main Street. We said goodbye to Mickey and the gang and then headed back to our hotel where we caught the Magical Express to Orlando airport and flew into Philadelphia late that night.  It was a great last day in Disney World and a wonderful vacation!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 215 - Hollywood Studios

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 215 - Hollywood Studios

We spent our fifth day in Hollywood Studios.  We loved Star Tours (all three times!), had so much fun on Toy Story, laughed with the Muppets, saw even more great characters, oohhed and ahhed with Indiana Jones, learned a little about animation, went under the sea with The Little Mermaid, danced in the streets, got cool tattoos, rocked and roller coastered, and braved the Tower of Terror.  It was a day chock full of fun at Hollywood Studios!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 214 - Do Over Day

 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 214 - Do Over Day

We picked Magic Kingdom as our "do over day" on the fourth day.  We got in early to see the opening of the park (which I love!) and then had breakfast at the Main Street bakery.  We had to get to the things we  we missed like Buzz, Astro Orbiter, The Laugh Floor, Winnie the Pooh, Goofy's Barnstormer, Philharmagic, and Country Bears and go on our favorites again...and again..  We caught the afternoon parade and even though it rained a bit, it was awesome!  (even if Jafar turned his nose at Daddy and refused to shake his hand during the parade)...  When the rain stopped, we went back on Splash Mountain and got absolutely soaked - but sure had fun together!  It was a great "do over day" in Magic Kingdom!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 213 - Animal Kingdom

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 213 - Animal Kingdom

We spent our third day in Animal Kingdom and we had a terrific time!  We conquered Kali River Rapids  (and got soaked in the process..), climbed Everest,  braved Dinosaur, went back in time on Primeval Whirl, enjoyed Nemo, saw tons of characters, got autographs and pictures and saw a great parade - I even got a kiss from King Louie during the parade!  It was a great time in Animal Kingdom!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 212 - Epcot

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 212 - Epcot

After checking our handy Disney apps, we discovered that Epcot was the best park for our second day and it really was... it was practically empty!  We had a fantastic day going through the World Showcase countries - the kids loved all of the countries but especially loved checking out their heritages in Italy, Germany, and Norway.  I found the perfect backpack in Mexico and started wearing my birthday pin on my shirt instead of my backpack when I changed over to the new one....and OH BOY! I think I will wear a birthday pin every day!!!  I got Happy Birthday greetings from everyone!  Then we made our way to the front of the park for Planet Earth, Captain EO, Nemo and Crush, and Soarin.  We ended the long day with Illuminations.  It was a picture perfect day in Epcot!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 211 - Magic Kingdom

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 211 - Magic Kingdom

We started our vacation in Magic Kingdom.  I don't care how old you are, there is just something about walking down Main Street and seeing the castle.  It is the happiest place on earth and truly a magical time.  We made our way to the back of the park and started the day with Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and then Splash Mountain.  The best part was that we went on every ride as a family because all three kids were tall enough for everything and willing to go on everything.  We have three kids who LOVED Space Mountain and couldn't get enough of Splash Mountain.  We made sure to go on Peter Pan, Dumbo and It's a Small World too.  After a short break in the afternoon, we went back in for the Electrical Parade and some more rides.  We even saw the fireworks going off over the castle as we were at the top of Splash Mountain.  It was an exhausting but fun filled first day and we were definitely having a magical time in Magic Kingdom!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 210 - Disney Vacation!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 210 - Disney Vacation!

We flew out of Philadelphia and landed in Orlando Saturday night.  We followed the signs to the Magical Express that would take us to Port Orleans Riverside.  Mickey Mouse - here we come - we are ready to start our Disney vacation!