Just The 6 Of Us

You are 12 today! How time does fly. I reflect today on the first time I met you and oh what a wonderful boy you were! And now you are still that wonderful boy I met almost 9 years ago, only bigger, stronger, more independent and happy. You have such a flair for life and such a loving and caring soul. Just the thought of you makes us feel proud. Watching you accomplish things, figuring out what’s new. Always remember, that you are dear to us and that we will always love you. A love I hope you can see everyday in everything we do as a family. Happy Birthday Son! You deserve to have a great birthday because you are one fantastic kid!

1. What are the titles of the last three books you read all of? Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris, Lover Avenged by J.R Ward, The Fiery Cross by Diana Galabone

2.What are the titles of between three and five magazines you subscribe to or used to subscribe to? Everyday with Rachel Ray, Better Homes & Gardens, Digital Scrapbooking and Lego BrickMaster

3. What’s on your night table? Nothing extremely exciting, alarm clock, cell phone, land line phone, a huge pickle jar filled almost to the top with pennies, a beautiful small lamp that Dale gave me, a photo of him and I in June of 2001 and a photo of him holding our middle son Elias.

4. What are the three best things that happened to you in the past seven days? I have lost a couple more pounds, I was extremely happy that Noah was finally seen by the Endodontist and that Susan has made definite plans for her future and actually following through!

5.What was your senior yearbook quote, and what would your yearbook quote be this year if there were such a thing? I didn’t have a quote, because I forgot to turn my paper in on time…LOL. If there were such a thing now mine would say: Do whats makes you happy. Be with the ones who make you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe & love as long as you live.

Play along, leave me a comment and I will go check it out!

This love story is just to romantic for words and the series had me in tears more than I would like to admit. Erin, got me hooked on these books. Although, it took me over a year to finish book 6 in the series The Fiery Cross. I think it was because I let the Vampires get in my way.

When I put the book down today and went to the bookshelf to get the next book, I thought to myself, they should totally do a movie! I am always wondering what the characters would look like in real life. I went directly to Google and was thrilled when I saw this article about how Essential Pictures bought the movie rights for this book! Here is an article where Diana talks about the movie. I have to agree with a lot of the articles out there about the castings. Jamie and Claire have to be casted perfectly. Those two are main characters in the series and if they get the actors wrong it won’t do the story justice. A lot of people are really wanting Gerard Butler to play Jamie Fraser and Kiera Knightley to play Claire. I am not really sold on either of them. I have read that the movie should be out by 2011, I guess I will have to wait until then to see.

As I was Googling the movie, I came across several You Tube videos made from loyal fans. Some are who they think should play the roles in the movie and I found two that really touch on the essence of Jamie & Claire. Take a look at these and see if they don’t tug on your romantic side!

The new book, An Echo in the Bone came out on the 22nd and as soon as I finish the one I am on now, I will be headed out to get it. I really suggest that anyone who is a hopeless romantic read this series.

“To her the name of father was another name for love.”

Happy Birthday Dad! I hope you have a fantastic day!

Even though I have been sick for a week, our weekend was so wonderful! The only thing missing was Noah, it’s wasn’t our week to have him. But next weekend,  we will recreate it just for him. Saturday, was yard work day and boy did we work. Cutting grass, weeding the trim around the house and trees, burning wood, cleaning up the back yard, putting pool supplies away, along with pool toys. We worked until it was dark. We were tired, but Dale and I sat on the porch with the boys and drew on the concrete with colored chalk. We laughed until we had tears. Some of the things our kids say are just to darn cute!

Sunday, was more of the same. The tarp and the pool were dry enough to fold up and put in the garage. The boys played in the yard, while Dale washed his car and I read my book in my  lounge chair on the deck, supervising :). My chest was heavy and sore from coughing the day before. Grass and dust had a ball settling in my chest, causing me grief for most of the day. I planned on taking it easy and that is just what I did. The day was ending and Dale and I sat together in the lounge chair, he was leaning back against my chest and we watched Elias and Adam jumping on the trampoline. Dale being the fun Dad he is jumped up and climbed up there with them and at one point I thought all 3 of them would go flying through the air. When Dale jumped, it made them jump higher than normal. I didn’t have my camera outside and didn’t want to run in and get afraid I would miss the fun.

Before Dale and I went to bed last night, we were outside talking. I mentioned to him what a wonderful weekend this was, he agreed whole heartedly. I said a little prayer and Thanked God for my family and all the blessing that has given to us. Sitting outside under the stars reliving the past 2 days in silence, I know just how lucky I am! If this was all I ever have in my life, that is all right with me. I am content and happy!

I was catching up on my Blog reader this morning and IkeaGoddess did this fun little Q&A on her blog. Since I really don’t have anything to interesting to blog about except for me having a terrible cold. I thought instead of reading about my coughing, sneezing and stuffy nose, this would be more interesting. Or not..:) Play along if you want.

***********FOODOLOGY***************

What is your salad dressing of choice?

French

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

Outback Steakhouse

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?

Seafood Lasanga

What are your pizza toppings of choice?

Cheese & Pineapple

What do you like to put on your toast?

Butter & Mom’s homemade strawberry jam

***********TECHNOLOGY***************

How many televisions are in your house?

6-is that bad? LOL at least the question wasn’t how many computers are in you house!

What color is your cellphone?

Silver & Black

Do you have an iPod?

No, but the kids have MP3 Players

***************BIOLOGY******************

Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Right handed

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

My tonsils & 3 children-ROFL!

What is the last heavy item you lifted?

I would have to say our trampoline, have to move it to cut the grass underneath.

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

No. Although, I almost knocked myself out in 2007 when I stepped on a rake handle and bashed myself in the forehead..bwahahaha!

************BULLOLOGY**************

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

No way!

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Pamela

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?

Hmmm, maybe. But I have been watching Man VS Food and not sure I could even do it. Some of the challenges he does involve hot stuff and it sometimes I think he could just fall over and die.

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

Season?

Hands down SUMMER!

Holiday?

My children’s Birthday’s & Christmas

Day of the week?

Saturday

Month?

August & December

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

Missing someone?

Yes, My Grandmother

Mood?

Very happy!

What are you listening to?

The hum of my Mac, the fan & the silence of children.

Current worry?

My Family

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

First place you went this morning

Same place as every morning – the bathroom. Then straight to the coffee pot!

What’s the last movie you saw?

P.S I love You. It was on while fixing dinner, what a sad movie, with bits of funny.

This part in the movie had me in tears, almost the ugly cry. You know how hard it is to cook Kung Pao chicken while doing the ugly cry?

Dear Holly, I don’t have much time. I don’t mean literally, I mean you’re out buying ice cream and you’ll be home soon. But I have a feeling this is the last letter, because there is only one thing left to tell you. It isn’t to go down memory lane or make you buy a lamp, you can take care of yourself without any help from me. It’s to tell you how much you move me, how you changed me. You made me a man, by loving me Holly. And for that, I am eternally grateful… literally. If you can promise me anything, promise me that whenever you’re sad, or unsure, or you lose complete faith, that you’ll try to see yourself through my eyes. Thank you for the honor of being my wife. I’m a man with no regrets. How lucky am I. You made my life, Holly. But I’m just one chapter in yours. There’ll be more. I promise. So here it comes, the big one. Don’t be afraid to fall in love again. Watch out for that signal, when life as you know it ends. P.S. I will always love you

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?

I can’t wear flip flops they hurt my toes, I wear sandals. I have 2 pair of those.

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?

It wasn’t a run in, but we had to call them on our neighbors. They broke one of our windows.

Last person you talked to?

Susan-she just got out of bed-there goes my silence

Last person you hugged?

Elias-before he went out to the bus

Do you always answer your phone?

No. Caller-ID was invented for people like me.

It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?

It could be Dale, if he was called out to work or Elise if she was out.

If you could change your eye color what would it be?

The perfect shade of Blue

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic

Anything, because I think I like their ice better than the drinks.

Do you own a digital camera?

Yes. An Olympus SP-560 UZ It was a Valentine’s present from my sweetie Dale.

Have you ever had a pet fish?

Yes, many times.

Favorite Christmas song(s)

Do You Hear What I Hear?

What’s on your wish list for your birthday?

Absolutely nothing. I have everything I have ever wanted!

Can you do push ups?

No!

Can you do a split?

No way, I can make a banana split does that count?

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?

Nervous & Excited. The future means my babies growing up and leaving me, but excited for the prospect of grandbabies.

Do you have any saved texts?

Yup! I save everything, you never know when it will come in handy

Have you ever been in a car accident?

Yes one in 1996. Susan was 4 and we both had to be taken to the hospital in separate ambulances. I was ok after test and she had to get 6 stitches in her chin.

Do you have an accent?

People say I do. Especially those that are not from the Eastern Shore. Of course I can’t hear it, so what do I know.

What is the last movie to make you cry?

Last night watching PS I Love You.

Plans tonight?

Homework, take Susan to work, dinner, clean up, baths, bed for kids, pick Susan up from work, some reading and snuggling and the bed for me. I live such and exciting life..lol!

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?

Yes once in my early 20’s

Name 3 things you bought yesterday?

I didn’t buy anything yesterday, I stayed home, cleaned & did laundry.

Have you ever been given roses?

Yes, several times from Dale and Noah. Noah & I planted a rose bush.

Met someone who changed your life?

Yes, a few. Dale was the biggest influence. He has loved me like no other, shown me love like no other, listened, gave advice, given me support and just held me when I needed it. Not to mention all the things he has taught me. He has made me a better person. And I thank him for that.

How will you bring in the New Year?

The same as every year. Surrounded by our children, drinking sparkling apple cider and watching the ball drop.

What song represents you?

She’s Everything-Brad Paisley

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?

To see my family when they were younger. My parents & My Grandparents

Do you have any tattoos/piercings?

No, just my ears.

Does anyone love you?

YES! I am truly thankful for that!

Would you be a pirate?

No

What songs do you sing in the shower?

None, because I have to shower quickly. As soon as I get in I am missed by the kids. LOL!

Ever had someone sing to you?

Yes, Dale has and he even wrote me and album of music.

Do you like to cuddle?
Yes, yes, yes. There is nothing better!

Have you held hands with anyone today?

No, not yet, but I will when Dale comes home and we go to bed. We watch TV holding hands almost every night.

Who was the last person you took a picture of?

My children.

Are most of the friends in your life new or old?

A bit of both.

Do you like pulpy orange juice?

UGH! NO!

What is something your friends make fun of you for?

Lot’s of things. My too nice personality, my obsession with the BDB and True Blood.

As much as I hate it summer has come to a close. Summer is my favorite time of the year and I go through some sort of depression when the days & nights start to get colder & shorter. I think I need to move west or as far south as I can, so I don’t have to go through the withdrawals of summer every year…sigh!

We have discovered that in our back yard we have all sorts of creatures. I am sure they have always been there. But it seems as though they might be comfortable with us now, having been here a little over 2 years. Because, they are making themselves known.

There is this (not so) little guy, that greeted me one morning.

One afternoon as we all were playing on the back porch, this tiny little fellow, just scurried across the porch. And was able to avoid capture by Elias.

Early one morning Susan was taking the trash out and yelled for me. I look out the back door and on her finger perched every so pretty was Madame Butterfly.

The not so nice creatures of the dark and moist also let their presence be known. We took down our pool yesterday and underneath there were 3 black widow spiders. They scare me, so I did not take photos of them. They met and untimely death

Our last swim of the year was bitter sweet. In the late part of August, Adam finally learned how to let go of the ladder and let his swimmies keep him afloat. Here he is just having a good time.

And I can’t forget Elias. Mr. Show Off! And what is so cute about this photo is, if you look close you can see his one giant front tooth that has come in. I really hope the other one comes in quickly, because it is just so funny/cute to look at.

For Labor day we were invited to a BBQ at my good friend Michelle’s house. What a great time & food! She has some great photos on her blog too. Elias and Jaden camped out in the tents after the party. They got homesick one time. Elias said he missed Noah, because the last time they camped out Noah was with him. But Michelle gave them cookies and they were fine. Everything can be solved with cookies! This photo of Mr. Grumpy Pants, cracks me up. Poor Adam takes a long time to warm up to people and evidently fun!

After Elias swung on this tire swing for what seemed like forever, we now have to get one for our house. Like we don’t have enough playground equipment in our back yard

Elias enjoyed playing this game with Maia so much, I have put it on the Christmas list for the kids. I even played a game with her and she beat me…bad!

And what is a end of Summer party without a slip and slide. Or slip and crash! HAHA!

I have to say this has been one of the best Summer’s we have had in a long time. We are so blessed to have such wonderful kids, to have so many activities to do and terrific friends to do them with.

Now onto our fall activities, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas! I’ve got my lists going for each one already! Elias is really excited, Halloween is his favorite holiday. I wonder why?

Elias will be in 2nd grade this year and it is really hard for me to comprehend that my baby is in the 2nd grade.  My kids are growing up and there isn’t anything I can do about it. Next year Adam will be in Kindergarten, Noah in the 7th grade (wow)!

Yesterday I took Elias & Adam to open house, so Elias could meet his teacher, find his room and his desk. His teacher started off by saying you can pronounce my name anyway you want, it won’t bother me Poor Elias said HUH? I told him her name is like Mrs. Puff in SpongeBob but with that a sound. LOL! He was cracking up, I got Mrs Puff as my teacher.

I noticed this class room is filled with boys! 17 boys to be exact and only 5 girls. This sound be an interesting year for Mrs. Puff

I watched Adam as he scanned the halls, the kids, the teachers and the classroom. he will be going to this school next year. But what had me laughing is he did all this looking around from behind me, peeking around my waist. SIGH! Visions of trying to leave him in a class room next year just have me all knotted up inside.

We got home from open House and Elias checked and doubled checked his book bag to make sure he had everything on the list, which of course he did plus so many extra things. I always go over board when preparing for school with our kids, because I just want the best first week they can possibly have. And it makes them even more excited about going. I just can’t imagine sending them to school not prepared and excited.

Elias is pumped, I am excited and Adam is in the middle. Next year I will be here all by myself, that is such a depressing thought, but has infinite possibilities!

I really had a good laugh just a few minutes ago. Because people really make me chuckle. On my blog reader I get updates for a blog called Scrapping with IkeaGoddess. She rocks, really she does. She takes time out her day, everyday to search all the digi sites, blogs & forums to find freebies for those like myself who are either to lazy to do so or don’t know where to find them. She has been doing this since 2007.

Well it seems she shares a vampire addiction to True Blood as I do, so Monday she had a crappy day at work & posted one of her favorite Eric quotes. Now for those of you who don’t know what True Blood is or who Eric Northman is see this post. And lets not forget a photo! Click on it to see full size, so much better at full size

The quote:

“When you smell like that” he said, “I just want to fuck you and bite you and rub myself all over you.” - Eric Northman.

Now I usually don’t drop the F bomb on my blog, however I use other, not so nice language occasionally. Well…..she posted that and all hell broke loose! Literally!

People who never once thanked her for posting freebies for 2 years came out and just let her have it. I mean really people, you are getting free stuff and never once thanked her for doing it, but can judge immediately. I think that is the part that really got to me. UGH! Self righteous people.

As for me, I don’t care what you write on your blog, it’s your blog or “my house” as Angie put it. It seems to me that people are so quick to judge other people. If you don’t like it don’t read it, but don’t use her services for years and not post a simple thank you and then condemn her to death because of one, two or 3 choice words.

I will leave you with a quote from Angie and I think that pretty much sums up the way I feel about it too.

“Which once again prompts me to say, if you don’t like my house, don’t visit. If you feel the need to bitch about not liking my house, I would really appreciate if you do that on your own turf. This is MINE.” ~Angie aka IkeaGoddess

And PS: Angie I have one of those too, he’s at work, but will be home at 7pm