Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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!!