Jersey Born

Walking Tall

2010-02-25T13:07:00.002-05:00

This July I am going to join Alex, Kirk, Michele, Maggie and Alex's best friend McKenna, in Boston to participate in the 3 Day for a Cure Walk. We are walking 60 miles in just 3 days!! We have each committed to raising $2300 towards Breast Cancer research and Community Outreach programs.
Can you imagine it? Really, a world without Breast Cancer? Ever?? Is it even possible?? What if it is possible. Think of what the world would be like for our children.
I am so proud to be a part of this incredible movement. Check out my personal site at the Susan G. Komen web page http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/BostonEvent2010?px=4948343&pg=personal&fr_id=1462

Click on the Team Alex button to read my team mates' stories.

Together, we really can make a difference. You too can be a hero!

Snow Day

2010-02-07T12:48:00.005-05:00

We are finishing digging out of the 20" the Nor'easter dumped on us Friday and Saturday. Today is bright, but cold!! The roads are pretty much all ice, but hopefully the sun will dry them up before school tomorrow. (Who are we kidding? Oxford will have a 2 hour delay if they have school at all!!) I would prefer to stay inside all day, but we have a cookie booth at Wal Mart (of all places) this afternoon. I am trying to talk Randy into taking me, so far no luck! Lets see, drive an hour to a Wal Mart and wait around another 1-2 hours while I try to hock some Girl Scout cookies, or stay home, dry and warm and watch the Super Bowl?? That's a tough decision!

Ground Hog Day

2010-02-04T20:15:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom!! I hope it was a good one. Well, as good as it can be, 5 days post op, three days home, with a new hip. Slow moving, but Nurse Cratchett will get things running faster pretty quick!! Thank goodness for Alex and Michele. They have been non stop helping to keep mom comfortable. We finally get to do something for the woman who does everything for everyone else, its a nice feeling.
We are going to miss Michele after she leaves tomorrow, her visit was too short and distracting. But, we were able to get some plans made for the Walk, more to come on this soon.....

Deep Breathe, things are crazy, but that makes the roller coaster more fun!!

Grease

2009-05-18T07:26:00.006-04:00

The Girls attended a Sock Hop the a couple of weekends ago . Sounds simple, nice, huh? Not for me.

Let me rephrase this, The Girls attended a Sock Hop the other weekend, alone. Sans Parents. No Mommy allowed. What the??? Not allowed? Excuse me, who says I am not allowed to attend a social function that runs from 6:00 to 10:00....P.M.?

Well, the Girls say so, of course. But 6-10, at night, when its dark. That's four hours. At a dance. Without their Mother. I don't know if I am ready for this. Well, apparently, it doesn't matter if I am because Quinn is ready. And, as it turns out, she is ready.

Now, let me explain that I do have faith in my Quinn. I am aware that she is growing up and ready to take on more responsibilities. I just don't want to believe it. So, she did exactly what I would have done, she proved me wrong. She went to the dance with her sister. She brought my phone. She called me every hour, not because she missed me or wanted me to pick her up, but because I asked her to and she was being (gulp) responsible. "Hi Mom! Everything is fine." "Do you want me to come get you?" "Uh, no Mom. We are at a dance. We are having fun." She didn't even say it with attitude. Just the fact.

I'll admit it, I was sure she would lose the phone. (So much for faith in my kid). But she didn't.

What does this mean? Am I supposed to allow her to continue on this course of maturity? Surely she will be wanting to do more and more without me and where will that lead us?? Riddle me that Batman.

I turned away for a second and she grew up. I missed it.

Must Love Dogs

2009-05-18T07:21:00.003-04:00

Another sample of Gabbie's writing. This is interesting because instead of the normal straight forward plea to her father for a dog, she is starting to write stories about dogs and their plights. This one is about 6 dogs who are confused about what they should eat for breakfast. (Get it?)

Easter Parade

2009-04-11T14:04:00.000-04:00

Here are some pics from the Oxford Egg Hunt - I took the girls and their cousins for a scavenger hunt around Oxford. They were very excited and thought they made out like bandits, until they got to the car and started opening the eggs up. That's when they discovered that, like their school Administration, The Easter Bunny has new ideas on nutrition and ole' style jelly beans and chocolate are not on the menu. They have plenty of plastic "Some Bunny Loves You" rings, Pencils, braided string bracelets and tiny plastics dinosaurs though.

We also had a new arrival to Nana-re's and Pop Pop's family, namely the love Bam Bam. What a cutie! He was thrown into this crazy family, with all these kids trying to hug him and play with his ears, Stanley absolutely freaking out to play with him and the normal yelling and screaming of our lives, and took it all in stride. In fact, its like he has always been here. His a mellow dude with a low rumble of a bark. He kinda looks like a white and tan seal when he is facing you, his paws stick out and he has a long, low body. He also thinks he is a lap dog. We are all madly in love with him!!

Pay It Forward

2009-03-08T12:05:00.001-04:00

When the girls are not distracted by their "How to Get a Pet" Campaign, they donate their time to various PSA's (Public Service Announcements). Here are a couple of Posters they designed for Jordan Banks Elementary School (grades K and 1st): (Please keep in mind that JB Elementary is not aware that they asked for these PSA's...yet. Gabbie is planning on telling them when they are all finished.)

Important fact here: Bullies can be a boy OR a girl!

That is one of my favorites!
Here we see that a friend is also forgiving

Are they saying Pop Corn isn't good food or that Cake is a good food?

Another one of my Favs!
Again, we do not discriminate, a boy and a girl can both steal.

A few simple ideas to help make the world a better place. Way to go Quinn and Gabbie!! You rock!

Puppy Love

2009-02-24T20:21:00.001-05:00

Well, things have taken a very dramatic turn in our house. It seems that persistence has won over a certain member of the family. Unfortunately for Gabbie, it is not a key (i.e., income earning) member, but still, her ranks are growing and we are beginning to get the full force of their united front. Here is the latest essay delivered to my husband by none other than Quinn!

Again, for those not used to reading over a third grader's homework, a quick interpretation:

Dad, can we please get a puppy. I will skip school to take care of it. I will walk it every day. It can stay in my room. Please! You can watch all the TV you want. I will feed it every single day. I will brush it too. You can pick it out . Please, you can pick it out!! PLEASE! PLEASE! I am begging you. I will make sure it doesn't touch you. I'm begging you. It will be trained. It will never go to the bathroom in the house. It will be 12 months old. it will be 2 feet. It will never jump or run away. DAD, PLEASE.

- Quinn B. (in case we were sure which one)

NOTE ABOUT THIS POST:
This is a post from May that was in my drafts. since this post Randy has worked very hard in turning Quinn to the dark side. Unfortunately for Gabbie, it has worked!!

Dog-ma

2009-02-22T11:46:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you a story of my girl Gabbie. Gabbie, a self proclaimed expert on dogs and cats, has the grave misfortune to be in a home with a person with pet allergies, a person with animal fears and a person with no patience. The odds have been stacked against her since birth. However, she is diligent to get her message across. She needs a pet. That is her message. Straight forward and simple. The delivery is what changes. Some time it is a subtle hint when you least expect it, other times it is an "in your face" attack. My favorite is the written messages delivered and left in inconspicuous places around the house. Case in point the following essay addressed to her father:

For those of you who are not used to the writing stylins' of a six year old, here is a translation [wording in brackets added by this author]:
"I want a Pet: I want a dog. Let him lick me. I will be nice to him. I will clean after him. It will be a size you want. Even a cat [what the hell]. I [will] clean after her. The cat could live in the basement. Buy nice rugs for it. Buy a bed for her. I will be there every day to take care of it. I will be the best owner ever. You will never see it. I will do everything. I will brush it. I will be so, so good to it. I Need A PET to make my life perfect...[I will be] the best owner ever and ever!"

It is pathetic. Someone needs to adopt a dog for this little girl. And by someone, I mean Nana-re and Pop Pop.

Saturday the 14th

2009-02-14T08:20:00.000-05:00

Just when you thought it was safe to look at the calendar again....
Happy Valentine's Day! Randy and Quinn got up early and got Dunkin Donuts for breakfast, Yeah! I'm all for celebrating another Hallmark Holiday!
Yesterday during Quinn's Valentine's day celebration at school, her class had a Mystery Reader. This "mystery person" submitted five clues that Mrs. Heeter gave the class throughout the day:

My favorite Book when I was in the Third Grade was "Island of the blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell.
I love to listen to music.
I was born in New Jersey.
I love to scrap book.
My sister and her family live in Alaska. In 2007 I went there with my daughters.

Now, pretty much everyone reading this figured out who the mystery reader was by number 3. In a room of 27 kids, there is the possibility that someone else had a parent who was also born in New Jersey. However, there is no way Quinn did not know what was going on by clue number 4. I mean, really.
Mrs. Heeter told me that she kept asking the class if ANYONE had any idea who the Mystery Reader was, and NO ONE guessed correctly. In fact, one little blonde at the back of the class didn't even attempt to guess. No, she was busy looking down and fidgeting in her seat. After clue five, still no guess. At this point, the little girl had her head on her desk.
But I am jumping ahead. I have no idea this is going on, I am in the hallway waiting for my big entrance. Mrs. Heeter opens the door and I walk in with a huge smile on my face. I say Hi! and scan the room for Quinn... and my heart stops. My smile falters. I think...Bad idea, Kim. Bad idea. Get out, Get out, Get out. There is Quinn, she is an off shade of green with such a look of distress and sickness on her face. It hits me, she is embarrassed. Of me!
So now, I am completely panicked. I am trying to act cool, but I am scared to death. They are having a party and are still eating and cleaning up. I take advantage of the chaos to approach Quinn. I bend down and whisper, "Is this OK?" She nods slightly, but doesn't speak. Is that a good sign?
The class settles in and Mrs. Heeter gives me a stool to sit on and read. I brought two books that Mom bought in Alaska. The first is "Eye of the Needle," a Yupik tale about a young boy who learns an important lesson about sharing when his Grandmother sends him out to hunt for food. Its a good book. The boy swallows everything he finds (even a Walrus and a Whale). The kids are getting into it. There are some smiles, then a giggle. I look up. Is that a smile on her face? She looks relaxed, as if she is not embarrassed. For now. Briefly. I know I can tip the scales either way in a moment, so I stay on script and just read the book.
I read the second book "Aurora" a story of how the Northern Lights got up into the sky. It wasn't as big of a hit as the first, but not a complete flop either. She's laughing with her class and looks happy. Crisis averted.
To sweeten the pot, I take her home with me when I am finished. 10 minutes before the rest of the school is dismissed. This is the best part for her!
Later at dinner, she whispers, "I wasn't embarrassed, Mom" and quickly walks away.
That was a close one.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

2008-12-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving in OBX - where to begin...It was Great! Although, it started out kinda rough. Gabbie got car sick twice on the way down. Then on Monday Quinn got a nasty stomach virus that quickly made the rounds around the house. Housekeeping must have been cringing when our number came up on their caller ID.

On the up side we had a beautiful house (that I somehow forgot to take a picture of). The girls had a good time with their cousins, especially Maggie! Quinn and Sammy were her shadows the entire trip. Then there was Indie and Casey!! (I Casey Ireys! Who you?) Two great, big, giant lumps.

We were able to get some sightseeing in, had great Barb-B-Q at Pig Man's in Kitty Hawk, went to the beach and shopping, but mostly played catch up with everyone. We realized that the Standishes had not been together for Thanksgiving Dinner in 15 years!! (Thanksgiving a la Fred & Edna).

Thanksgiving dinner was fantastic! Everyone played a part. Randy smoked a turkey (delicious!). Mom out did herself with her apple pie, but her stuffing was a little low on mushrooms and pecans!! (Just kidding mom!!)

The Breakfast Club

2008-11-12T07:24:00.000-05:00

I had the most wonderful morning on Wednesday! The girls made me breakfast and a BEAUTIFUL card! The night before Quinn and Gabbie started asking me cryptic questions about my favorite breakfast foods. The next morning, Quinn was out of bed before I got in the shower. (which is unheard of in our house). Gabbie wasn't as eager and would not get out of bed when Randy tried to wake her. I tried to wake her before I went downstairs but she wouldn't have anything to do with it.

So, I go down stairs, and there on the table was a place mat (paper towel), bowl of cereal, bagel with jelly and a card they both made that said Thank you Mom! We just wanted to say Thank You and We love you!!

I started to cry! It was so sweet. Randy told me it was all Quinn's idea, but Gabbie wanted to have a part in it too, so Quinn let Gabbie help make the card and told her she could get up early to help make breakfast.

So, of course, Gabbie was soooo angry she didn't get up. And, of course, she was angry at everyone else for not being able to wake her up. She was not very pleasant, but after much conjoling, she dropped the attitude and joined Quinn and I for breakfast together.

Quinn read me the Smucker's jelly jar label during breakfast. She asked me if I knew that they had been making jelly since 1869. "No, I didn't know that," I answered. "Yeah, they did. So does that meand Pop Pop didn't have jelly when he was little?"

Then we finished watching "Arthur," where they were discussing that Pluto is no longer a planet. It seems that Astrologers have found what they believe to be another planet farther away then Pluto and bigger then Pluto. "Oh, I know about this planet, Mom!" Quinn yelled. "You do?" I asked. "Yeah, its planet Uterus."

Huh, Planet Uterus. I've been there.

Trick or Treat

2008-11-01T10:31:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone had a very happy and scary Halloween!!! On the positive side, the we had a great Halloween week. On Wednesday, we carved pumpkins with a friend of Quinn's from school. We got "Boo'd" twice in one night, so we had four bags of goodies we had to distribute on Thursday. Gabbie and I got Sarah's house and the Stanfield's next door. Randy and Quinn got Sammy and Paige's house. Most of them were at the parade in town, but Randy and Quinn really fooled Nana-re! Then, last night, we went trick or treating with Dyllon and Reed. It was a lot of fun to spend time with Meg and Mike & the kids. The whole neighborhood was out and about.
On the bad side, I bought way too much candy so now I have a full bag from BJs that we haven't even opened. Of course, it is filled with all of my favorites. That sucks.
Now we are looking forward to Thanksgiving and seeing Michele, Justin, Maggie, Casey & Indie!!! We can't wait!!

Kevin

2008-10-22T11:45:00.000-04:00

On Monday, October 20, 2008, my dear friend Kevin passed away. My family was fortunate enough to know Kevin, not only through his friendship with me, but also through our community, where we grew up and through Scouts. Many of my extended family knew Kevin personally. He visited us on one of our annual Dedham reunions in Avalon in the 80's, he attended family gatherings and was eagerly introduced by me to any of my cousins who happened to visit New Jersey. I, in turn, was fortunate enough to know, not only Kevin, but also his incredibly loving family, who always seemed to have room for "one more" in the their lives. It could never be too crowded.

Kevin was even keeled, steady, sure, and above all, dependable. No matter what, he was always ready and willing to help his friends. His friendship was a gift and I truly treasured it. I thought of him as one of my best friends throughout High School, college and beyond. In high school we hung out in Carl's basement or cruised around in one of their cars. In fact, they both made me late for our HS graduation. I would meet up with him in Philly when he attended Drexel. We would always get together on weekends home.

Kevin was constantly in motion. You name it, if it was something to do outside, he not only did it, but excelled at it. Skiing, Hiking, Roller blading, everything. He loved photography. We would take day excursions out to photograph different subjects, one day nature, the next architecture. They are some of my fondest memories.

After Kevin's accident, I wondered if there would be a change in his character, if anyone deserved it, he did. It wouldn't have mattered, we all still would have loved him regardless. But he didn't change. He just kept going on, as laid back as ever, trying to get every one around him relaxed, too. Its as if he wasn't truly happy unless the people around him were happy. He needed to feel that "vibe". (He would know what I mean.)

When I first moved to PA a few months ago, I turned on the radio and found a Philly station, WMMR. I remember Kevin commenting once that he liked one of the DJs on that station, Pierre Robeirre. It was just a comment, made in passing, just an observation he made sometime in the early 1990's. And yet, I remember it like it was a profound statement, his opinion to be weighed greatly. But, that's how it is with my memories of Kevin. I thought of him constantly. A song on the radio brings up the time we heard it at a concert together and the ensuing conversation we had; a book in the library reminds me that he liked it and told me about; a comment made by a co-worker reminds me of his opinion on the matter and what we would say of it; I did this subconsciously for years, for decades. I never realized it, until he popped into my head Tuesday morning because "The Waiting" by Tom Petty was on the radio, and we went to that concert at the Arts Center and had such a great time. And then I remembered, and it hit me.

So, I have to say good bye. We have to say good bye. And I see Kevin, just as I always have in my dreams, walking and smiling. Ready to get going. He waited very patiently to be able to continue to do all of the things he loved, skiing, biking, hiking, moving.

If you would like to leave a message for Kevin's family, click here for his guest book.

http://www.legacy.com/APP/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=119183434

Working Girl

2008-09-09T10:38:00.000-04:00

I got a job!! Yeah!! I'm so excited!! It was by pure luck that I was able to get a job so quickly. My realtor gave my name to an attorney in Oxford (5 min commute) who needs help while his secretary is on maternity leave. I am starting next week. Ideally, it would be better if I had furniture and all my stuff before I started working, but I can't turn down the opportunity to work and get my name out there when it is practically handed to me as a gift. The paint is still going on the walls. There is a rumor that the majority will be up by Wed. But that's tomorrow, so I am not placing any bets. Its very depressing and frustrating not having your belongings, the things that make your house a home. C'est la vie!

PA Resident?

2008-09-05T08:52:00.000-04:00

Not sure if I actually qualify for that title yet. True, I have a PA address (and the mortgage to support it), but I still feel like I am visiting and any day now I have to hit 322 to the Commodore Barry Bridge to get home. We are having the interior of the house painted before we move the furniture in. I am hoping (praying) that we can get the furniture next week. It will make the whole family feel like we are home and not just camping out. Gabbie is not happy with our living situation, she feels left out and stressed. Quinn is a real trooper, but the lack of routine makes her edgy. We are all treading water, looking toward the light at the end of the tunnel that is getting brighter every day!
On a happier note, the girls love their new schools and teacher. Quinn is actually comparing her teacher, Mrs. Heeter to Mrs. Reagan! (for those of you not in the know, Mrs. Reagan was Quinn's First grade teacher who taught her "everything she knows" and was the end source for all queries.) It is a HUGE relief that they are adjusting to school so well!

The Move

2008-08-10T07:37:00.000-04:00

It was been a long time since I have had a chance to look at the blog, let alone put a few thoughts together to write down. Memorial Day Weekend was a big one for us. We found out Randy was being transferred to Aberdeen and the summer has been a blur ever since. it has been crazy getting the house ready, selling the house, finding a new home, getting the girls ready for their new school, saying good bye to friends. the packers are coming Wed. and they load the truck up on Thursday. Then we are for all practical purposes homeless. Hopefully things will fall in place!
The girls and I went around Eatontown last Sunday and took pictures of our favorite places, Quinn's Gym, Gabbie's dance studio, the school, library, Rita's, etc. We are making a collage to hang in our new home so we never forget how much we loved living here. Let's face it, you can take the girls out of Jersey, but you can't take Jersey out of the girls!

First Holy Communion

2008-05-10T16:54:00.000-04:00

Today was Quinn's First Holy Communion. She looked beautiful!! She brought up the gifts during mass, but never told us she was participating in anyway! I was pretty surprised to see her get up during mass! It was a lovely service and all of the kids looked so pretty!!

Mother's Day Tea

2008-05-10T07:28:00.000-04:00

Thursday may have been May 1st to the rest of the world, but to the moms of the kindergarteners at Meadowbrook Elementary School, it was the day for the Mothers' Day Tea. Presented by Mrs. Lake's Kindergarten class, its an annual tradition in Eatontown. Across town and across the county, Moms everywhere drop what ever they are doing at 2:00 and converge on the school where they are met by their child holding a flower and escorted to our seats. There, we are regaled with poems, songs and declarations of love (seriously, they each stood and declared why they loved their mom!) There wasn't a dry eye in the house! I have a clip with Gabbie singing "You are my Sunshine."

I also have a clip of Quinn sining the same song during her Mother's Day Tea. Halfway through the song the kids came up, held their moms' hands and sing the rest of the song. It was sooo sweet!

After the show, we have our tea, some cake and get to open our cards and gifts! What a great day!

Derby Day

2008-05-03T17:55:00.000-04:00

Today is Derby Day. Randy spent a week handicapping the ponies and went over to the track to place our bets. Gabbie is the only one who won, $2 on 16, Dennis of Cork, to Win Place or Show. Her handicapping consisted of me reading out the jockeys' colors before stopping at "fuschia, black diamond." Way to go Gabbie!! Her purse = $11.60.
I was able to get away last weekend to visit Gina-re. The purpose was to get caught up on our scrapbooking. We went to a "Scrap and Gab" (as A. Andy would say) but got more talking done then scrapping!! Speaking of my wonderful Aunt, whose personal slogan is "Have Dinner, Will Travel," she made a wonderful dinner and brought it over to Gina's. We had chicken, rice, biscuits, and 1/2 a cherry pie! Seriously, 1/2 of one! It was quite remarkable and delicious.
Gina and I called Molly, who is covering the Tribeca Film Festival. I asked her to keep an eye out for Orlando for me and keep me posted. Then Gina (a/k/a "the big downer") ripped the carpet from under my feet. Who knows? Maybe he would be interested in a 38 y.o. mother of two from Joisey? Maybe those are the qualities he looks for in a woman. Did you ever think of that Gina? Huh? Why don't you just go fix your Rudda-Beater-Better Bar!
Nana-re flew back to PA from AK today. She will have little time for rest before coming to NJ for Quinn's First Communion next weekend. Then she is coming back the following w/e because Randy and I have a wedding to go to and it just makes more sense to have my mom drive out from PA then to hirer the babysitter who lives a mile down the road. This means she will be traveling with her "bills" and claiming that she will get them all done over the weekend. Good luck with that, mom. We are all pulling for you!
Quinn is getting ready for next weekend. Tomorrow is her last day of Sunday School, then we have rehearsals next week. We made our communion banners two weeks ago at a small "Retreat." The Deacon had all the kids try the host so they would know what it is like. All the kids said it tasted like nothing, except Quinn. She sat down at the table, looked me right in the eye and said "No way am I eating that. Never gonna happen." Does anyone know where I can pick up a case of hosts to do some experimental cooking? Chicken cutlets with Eucharist breading. The Body of Christ bread pudding. I will let you know how it goes.

Who am I kidding. I could never leave this glamorous life for Mr. Bloom. Sorry sweetie, it was just not meant to be.

What's going on?

2008-04-13T19:16:00.000-04:00

Things are getting busy in NJ. It seems like we have an event going on for the next 10 weekends. Friday was the Sweetheart dance. Quinn was not interested in going, however, since it was a "Princess" theme, Gabbie felt obligated to make an appearance. She looked so SWEET! Randy & Gabbie had their pictures taken while at the dance so I hope to get those up when I get them. Quinn and I planned a girl's night, breakfast for dinner at the diner and then walked over to Rita's. (Oh, by the way Ross, if you are reading this, there's a Rita's in Eatontown now!!) I had a great dinner with Quinn, she was so grown up! Poor thing ran a fever all night and has been sick all day. She couldn't go to the birthday party, but she didn't complain. She just asked me to sit with her to watch TV tonight. What a love!!!
Gabbie asked me to put curlers in her hair before she went to sleep last night. She woke up with the craziest curly hair! It was out of control, but, thankfully calmed down by the time we went to the party. She loved the curls!!! When we got back I was in her room and noticed an outfit she had tried on shoved in her drawer (I know! can you believe it wasn't on the floor!!!) I asked her why she didn't wear it to the party. She looked at me with her straight face, put her hand in her hair and said "It didn't go with the curls."

Mishap

2008-04-04T15:51:00.000-04:00

OK that was as far as I got yesterday trying to type on my blog when I heard a noice from my kitchen. It sounded like a cabinet door being slammed, but Gabbie and I were the only ones home. I got up to investigate, walked into the kitchen and remembered that I had put noodles on the stove for Gabbie's dinner. The flame was on, but there was no more water, the noodles were completed mushed together, but all dried out. They were completed black on the bottom and I think I may have to throw the pan out b/c I can't get all the burnt stuff off. the house kitchen filled up with smoke and the whole house stunk! I never found out what the sound was, but I am sure glad I got up to investigate, the whole mess was only a few minutes away from flames. Pretty scary!

Road Trip

2008-04-03T18:23:00.000-04:00

We took a road trip to OH and KY over Easter break. It was great to see Andi and the kids and Randy's family. Here's a link to my scrapblog:
Road Trip
Easter Day
We drove 10 hours to OH not to see Uncle D who was in China (seriously, they couldn't wait one more week?) then drove another 2.5 hrs to see Andi & Ross, but Ross' plane broke and he couldn't fly out until after we left! Oh Well! We had a good visit with everyone...

Friday Night Movies

2008-03-12T14:46:00.000-04:00

Friday night is movie night in our house. The rules are simple, each week a different family member picks a movie and everyone has to watch it. We keep track of who's week it is in our google calendar to stop arguments. It works out pretty good because we like the same types of movies. (The girls aren't too happy about Daddy's sports movies) Then there is Gabbie. She has been able to pick a movie with the word "Princess" in it for the past 3 years. Who knew there were so many Princess movies? Apparently Gabbie did.
Quinn likes scary, suspenseful movies. She's been on a Goose Bumps kick lately. Gabbie is not digging it. She asked me if I liked scary movies. "Well, I used to, when I was younger. But now I like comedies and action movies."
"I like action movies too!"
"You do?"
"Yes, you know, movies that are fast and exciting and then a little bit scary but end nice. You know, like Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses."
"Yes baby, just like that."
So if you are looking for an edge of your seat, action packed thriller this weekend, you might want to check this one out.

MIA

2008-01-22T08:34:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since September!! That is not good! We have been very busy in NJ. The girls had a great Christmas (So did Randy, as you can see) Lets just say it was a Buck Eye Christmas. Special Thanks to Aunt Jeanie for the 8' Brutus that graced my front yard for three weeks. Don't worry Jeanie, you'll get yours!! We got a new computer for Christmas, a Mac. I really like it. Its easy to use, but I have to admit, I cannot work their word processing program. I guess I am just to stuck in my ways! I really love the ichat. We can see Michele & everyone in AK while we talk to them! The girls love it!!
We had a busy night Christmas Eve! Not only did we get a visit from Santa, but we also got a surprise visit from the tooth fairy! Gabbie lost her first tooth (eating a banana of all things) She looks so cut with that one tooth gone!
Both of the girls have been extremely busy - Quinn with her Gymnastics & Brownies and Gabbie with her Dance and Daisy's. Its GS Cookie time so anyone who needs to replenish their thin mint supply, let me know!!
I have to take a minute and say "Way to Go Big Blue!!!" We are very excited for the Super bowl. Check out the Alaskan Giant fans on Michele's blog.
I promise to talk to you soon!!

Alaska

2007-09-19T17:28:00.000-04:00

Wow! I haven't posted in over a month!! Well we have been pretty busy. The girls and I went to Alaska with mom to visit Michele, Justin, Maggie, Casey and Indie. We had a great time!!
The plane trip was too long and exhausting, but we all agreed we would do it again in a heart beat!! We had so much fun visiting with everyone, sight seeing, and (for the girls & Maggie) watching HSM2 100 times. Casey is the fastest, lovingest k'nubber around and Indie is THE BEST BABY EVER (Blog entry to come on him)

Pic of Maggie and the girls at Portage Glacier.

Here's a pic of everyone next to the Tram on top of Alyeska Mountain in Girdwood, AK

And this is the moose calf we came across when the girls & I went for a walk to the park behind Michele's house.

Mike wins it!

2007-08-12T18:23:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Mike!! Check it out! My cousin Mike Acord won the co-anglers division of the Capitol Clash, a Bass Masters Elite tournament.
Way to go Mike!!!

Indio James Ireys

2007-07-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

His time has come, Little Indie is here at last!!! Michele & Justin had their baby boy yesterday, Indio. According to Mom and Michele he is absolutely beautiful, but I think they are a little biased, eh? We haven't rec'd any pics yet (My sister who is hardly recognizable without a camera blocking her face hasn't sent me one. She's just lying in the hospital bed, doing nothing, you think she could send ONE picture, jeez!!) Independent, Self-determination, Freedom, Liberty, Unconventional, Unconstrained, Separate, Individual, Objective, You get the idea, liberated, unfettered, etc, etc. It's also like Indiana Jones and that's just cool anyway you look at it.
I can't wait to see him, hold him, kiss him!!! I am so 'cited!

Summer has Begun

2007-07-11T16:55:00.000-04:00

Wow! It has been crazy these last few weeks. We had end of school, end of Girl Scouts, end of Gymnastics Showcase and end of Ballet Recital. Then we had the start of summer camp, start of summer hours, start of summer gymnastics and start of summer ballet! Crazy, crazy, crazy!! After all of the "end of year" stuff and before all the "start of summer" stuff, we slowed down to spend some time together at home. That's when Quinn honored me with her song about the 50 States. Check it out - It is very cool!

I also have some video of Gabbie's recital, she is a little too far away and the camera is shaky, but you get the general idea.

We had the Sanders in for a brief but fun visit the last week end in June. They swung by on their whirlwind trip across America. They were weary from the road and their long trip so they welcomed a break to sleep in and we welcomed their visit.

As we turn our thoughts ahead to the summer, we are very excited to have the MacDonalds in from Kentucky-town for the entire summer!! I even promised the girls I will go to the beach, if Andi goes that is!!

Camping Trip

2007-05-09T19:48:00.000-04:00

Quinn and I went camping this weekend. Don't be too impressed, we went Girl Scout camping. It was a blast! We went with my co-leader, Eileen, and her daughter Emily. Friday night they had a bon fire, where we got to make S'mores (the only reason to camp) and sang camp fire songs. (I actually remembered a couple of these) The next day they took Quinn and Emily off and Eileen and I did our Out Door Training. While we learned about SWAPS, how to make fires and pass knives, the girls went hiking, boating, did archery and crafts. They had a blast and made lots of friends (Pickles, Raven & Rocky, in particular) Oh, that's right, we all had to pick camp names (Quinn = Rainbow; Emily = Bear; Eileen = Luna; Kim= Clover) The four of us slept in a platform tent. The girls loved it!! It started getting cold around 3 am, and we kept waking up throughout the night, but the girls loved it. Now that Eileen and I have a clue, we can't wait to bring the Brownies out for an overnight.

Disney pictures

2007-05-09T19:38:00.001-04:00

Pictures from our trip to Disney last November.

Disney Pictures

2007-05-09T19:32:00.001-04:00

More pictures from Disney.

The Scrapblog

2007-05-01T08:23:00.000-04:00

OMG - combining blogging with my most favorite hobby, scrap booking!! This is way cool! I don't know how to edit it so it fits in the space below, but I am working on it. I am adding a link to my scrapblog site for you to check out new layouts, right now these are the only two I have.

My new scrapblog

2007-05-01T08:20:00.001-04:00

Easter in OH

2007-04-17T07:43:00.000-04:00

We had a great (though too short) trip to OH for Easter. The Ester bunny followed us to Grandma's house. Check it out, Quinn heard the front door open in the middle of the night and then the sounds of something big hopping around downstairs!! Too cool! The girls had a great time playing with their cousins and seeing everyone. We drove out on Good Friday, April6th, and hit white out conditions west of Columbus!! It was crazy! The whole weekend was snowy, nothing really stuck, but it was cold!! It was all good though, we spend most of the time inside making Mii's for everyone and playing Wii all day and night!! We are back home and getting back into our groove, waiting for our next big trip. Yup, you got it....Gina-re's Birthday Party in May!!!!!
(oh, we are also going to swing by Michele's in September for a bit)

Back Home

2007-04-02T14:22:00.000-04:00

Back home from PA. We had a great time! On Saturday Meg and her family came to over for dinner. It was nice reminiscing and catching up with them. Dylan and Reid have gotten so tall!! On Sunday we celebrated Pop Pop's 71st birthday! I was happily surprised that other friends and family were coming to visit as well. My mom's sister, Aunt Andy, My Dad's sister and brother in law, Aunt Edna and Uncle Fred and their two close friends, Aunt Loretta and Uncle Bill. (Its funny, the last time I saw Aunt Edna and Uncle Fred was when I was visiting PA. I have to go out there to see them when they live in NJ!) It was wonderful seeing everyone. Aunt Andy and Aunt Loretta (two of the most marvelous cooks my stomache has had the pleasure of meeting) discussed some of their favorite recipes. I told them they need to have a cooking show - They are both a pair of characters who could develop quite the following...
The girls loved seeing Sammy and Teddy. All of the kids were so good. They played and played and (for the most part) got along great. Quinn & Gabbie told me they were sad when we got home last night, that they missed Sammy and Teddy! We signed up on Club Penguin so they can talk with Sammy more often.

Upcoming Trips

2007-03-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Just a post script to my St. Patty's day note - it is very difficult, nay, impossible, to find a corned beef in a supermarket at 3:00 pm on March 17, 2007. Hence, the new tradition of Mexican Fajitas in honor of the Snake Eradicator on the Isle of Eyre. However, we were able to track down a piece of meat from one of those corn fed cows (personal joke) on March 18th!~~

Next on the agenda, a trip to PA next weekend to say hi to the world traveler, Regina, Happy Birthday to Pop Pop and big ol' What UUUUP! to Uncle Kirk and Aunt Alex and the rest of the crew. Then the following week we pack up the car and head on out to Ohio for Easter. Unfortunately, due to construction scheduled to take place at Quinn's school this summer, we are getting out early and starting next year late so we have an abbreviated Spring Break, in other words we are off Friday and Monday! So it will be a very short visit, but at least we will get to see our cousins and family.

Top o' the mornin' to you!

2007-03-17T11:09:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all. Yes, its that time of year again when we ask ourselves "why don't we make corned beef and cabbage more often? Its so good and so easy!" Of course, one would have to actually go to the grocery store to buy the corned beef and since I absolutely hate grocery shopping, I don't know how I am going to swing the traditional St. Patty's day feast. Usually I can count on my mom to come in from PA carting all the fixins' (as well as that giant pot to cook it in) but she already made her St. Patrick's dinner while visiting her first born (and obvious favorite) child last month. Just kidding mom (We all know I'm your favorite). Don't worry, I'll suck it up and make it myself and I won't whine any more!

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

I posted a pic of the girls from Valentine's Day. Maybe I will get the St. Patrick's day pics up by April Fool's Day.

PS- For those of you wondering - Ode to KY was a shout out to my peeps Andi and Ross - Halla!

Ode to Kentucky

2007-03-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

What can we say about this 15th State to join the Union? Kentucky, nicknamed the Blue Grass State (due to the fact that bluegrass grows abundantly throughout the State) is considered a Southern State, however, it is also often included, geographically and culturally, in the Midwest. Kentucky is well known for its thoroughbred horses, horse racing, bourbon whiskey distilleries, bluegrass music, and college basketball. (Welcome to March Madness!!) Kentucky has 120 counties, third in the U.S. behind Texas and Georgia. The original motivation for having so many counties was to ensure that residents, in the days of poor roads and horseback travel, could make a round trip from their home to the county seat and back in a single day.
The largest city in Kentucky is Louisville Metro, with a 2005 census estimated population of 556,429. Wait, make that 556,433.
Here are some interesting facts about Kentucky:
Its official State Bird is the Cardinal; State Butterfly is the Viceroy Butterfly; State Dance is Clogging; State Drink is Milk; State Fish is the Kentucky Spotted Bass; State Fossil is the Brachiopod (Of course, what else would it be??); State Flower is the Goldenrod; State Fruit is the Blackberry; State Gemstone is the Freshwater Pearl; State Grass is Kentucky Bluegrass (I believe we may have covered topic this previously in this post); State Latin Motto is "Deo gratiam habeamus" ("Let us be grateful to God"); State Horse is the Thoroughbred; State Mineral is Coal; State Outdoor Musical is "The Stephen Foster Story" (known as the "father of American music," Mr. Foster was the pre-eminent songwriter in the United States of the 19th century and wrote songs, such as "Oh! Susanna", "Camptown Races", "My Old Kentucky Home", "Old Black Joe", "Beautiful Dreamer" and "Old Folks at Home" ("Swanee River") it is not my friend Steve Foster who lives in Oceanport as I originally believed.); State Instrument is the Appalachian Dulcimer (a fretted string instrument of the zither family, typically with three or four strings. The body extends the length of the fingerboard and traditionally has an hourglass, teardrop, triangular, or elliptical shape); State Rock is the Kentucky Agate; State Slogan is "Kentucky: Unbridled Spirit"; State Tree is the Tulip Poplar; State Wild Animal Game Species is the Gray Squirrel (makes for a good stew); State Song is "My Old Kentucky Home" (revised version); State Silverware Pattern is The Georgetown Pattern (Every Kentuckyite has service for twelve); and State family is the MacDonalds.

My Girls

2007-03-08T07:43:00.000-05:00

I have two beautiful girls, Quinn, 6, and Gabbie, 4. Even though they look alike, their personalities are polar opposites. Quinn is very shy and apprehensive when you first meet her. Once she is comfortable, her true personality comes out, she's a bit of a clown. She is very competitive and can focus all of her energy into completing the task she is working on. This comes out in her gymnastics. She practices relentlessly! Her intensity when she is concentrating on her routine is that of a much older person. She loves gymnastics and I love that she loves it. We will keep doing it as long as its fun and she enjoys it. Once it becomes a "chore" for her, I will want her to ease back or stop it all together. She's just a kid and sometimes I have to remind her of that!
Gabbie girl is out going and charming. She's 100% girl! She loves pink and purple, dressing up, ballet and doing her hair. She is four going on 17. Randy and I often look at one another and say that we are in for big trouble when she's a teen ager! Two days ago she put curlers in her hair before she went to bed. Unfortunately, they didn't work and when she woke up her hair was just as straight as ever. She was so upset, she stamped her foot and declared "I am not going to School with my hair like this!!", turned on her heel and marched away! She definetly has her own opinion!
I am very lucky that I have two cuddle bugs - they love curling up with me in our big chair and watching TV. We share lots of hugs and kisses and smiles!

First Entry

2007-03-06T16:35:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm new at this so give me a break while I try to get my stuff together. I am starting this Blog to stay in touch with my family. I have a sister in Alaska, a brother in Pennsylvania, and my Parents-in -law and Sister-in-Law in Ohio. We can't get together as much as we would like, but I miss them something awful and want them to know I think about them a lot. The girls talk about their cousins and are always asking when they will be able to see them. It breaks my heart!
I am also starting this blog to show my sister that it is not that heard to up date your blog and there is no excuse why the last pictures on her blog are from November. I have not seen a picture of my niece or nephew since then and I would like to know what they look like!
Just Kidding Michele!!