Sad Morning

Last Monday morning I woke up in my king size bed with a very sad realization. It would be the last morning that I would ever wake up in my bed in that house. Our bedroom was painted a beautiful ocean blue with white molding. We have a white satiny comforter with ocean blue sheets. I loved our room. The curtains were sheer white and hung by ribbons from curtain rods that Nathan made me from a picture in a book. On the ceiling above our bed was a couple hundred really tiny glow in the dark stars. At night Nathan and I would lay in bed and look at the stars. Kind of silly for an adult but we really liked them. It was always fun when the kids would be in bed and notice them. "Mommy look at the stars!!"

My favorite part was the neighbor's tree. There was a huge buckeye tree on the other side of our neighbor's house. The way the branches had grown was what made it special. When you laid in bed and looked out the window there were branches hanging down just in sight. In the summer the leaves would blow in the breeze and it was so relaxing. I always meant to take a picture but I never got around to doing it.

That Monday was very sad for me. That was the day the move became really real to me. My house, our first home that we owned and made ours, was reduced to boxes. If it hadn't been so frigid I might have spent more time taking pictures. Here instead are the few I took.

Disney on Ice

Last Friday Shagga Bear and I took Abby and AJ to see Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy. The characters from Cars were there, which was the main draw for AJ. They also had scenes from The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and TinkerBell in Pixie Hollow.
We had a lot of fun and Shagga took some great pictures with her new camera. I'll let her tell you about Abby's reactions. Here are some of the pictures.

Did I ever

think I would hear myself say this

"No naked wrestling in the hall!"

They must get it from their uncle.

Have You Ever???

The things I've done are in bold.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain does an extinct volcano count??
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (from the beach)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables mooched them off my sisters
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice I watched one...
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa I lived there.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma they won't take mine...see number 44
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible required to be an Honor Star
86. Visited the White House not yet
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

This was fun. Thanks Stephanie. Anyone else want to play? Just copy and paste. Leave me a comment so I can come and read yours.

I think my brain is leaking out...

There is so much going on these days. This past week I've had four evening activities. Nathan left on Monday and since he's been gone I haven't had one full night of sleep. The children have been sick with various things this week. Along with them missing their daddy, it's just been a hard week. Coming this week, Monday- cluster meeting, Tuesday-Mops, Wednesday- church, Friday- couples party at church or Thaddeus/JR's musical, Saturday- JM birthday party and church Christmas dinner, Sunday- PukPuk's birthday party and a Pampered Chef show, Monday- MOVERS COME!!!! Someone help...I think my brain is leaking out.
On top of this joyous season's activities that I usually love it just all seems so un-joyous this year. Nathan is gone. I miss him so very much. My house isn't decorated at all. It's usually all done the day after Thanksgiving. With the movers coming next week there didn't seem to be much point in putting up the tree and all the decorations. And over all this there is sadness. I so love the Christmas season. Family plays the biggest part in my celebration of the birth of Jesus. I'm a creature of habit and our family traditions aren't just habit, they are what make the season for me.
Without Nathan, knowing we're moving soon, and missing Daniel so very much the days are very hard. Mama Lily always hangs mistletoe and a bell in her kitchen doorway. Daniel was a very very affectionate person. Anytime he caught me anywhere near the doorway he would give me a huge kiss on the cheek. I'm not an affectionate person but Daniel was quite a bit stronger than me and he always won.
Yesterday was Little Buddy's birthday party. It was the first time I'd been over at their house since Mama Lily put her decorations. None of the other kids are quite as kissy as Daniel was and I missed him very much.
Today would have been his college choir concert. Most of the family/like family all went to West Virginia for it and on the way home from church today I was really missing him. I like to go and visit the cemetery. Someone asked me if it was wrong to talk to Daniel like he's still here. I told them that I talk to him like he's still here. It helps me cope with knowing he isn't here. Today was very cold out and I stood shivering, talking to him and crying. I like to clean off the little things that people leave on his grave. There's a little bear, a nice little planter with some frozen ground cover, a hot sauce packet that says, "will you scratch my back?" from Taco Bell and his special Christmas ornament from home. It seems to help to be able to do something.
I miss you Daniel.

Saddle Up Your Horses!

Several months ago Nathan got a call from a recruiter in NC asking him if he was interested in a job in NC. At that time it had only been a few weeks since Daniel died. Nathan said we really couldn't leave Ohio because it was a bad time for our family. In October Nathan got another call from a different recruiter about a different job in NC. Nathan decided he would get more information and this recruiter set up a phone interview. The phone interview took place on a Friday at lunch.
We've had so many doors slam shut over the last couple of years that Nathan prayed that we would get some kind of answer that afternoon, either way. We weren't really expecting any news until the following week. But that afternoon Nathan got a call asking if he could come down for an interview just four days later on Tuesday. Turns out it was election day. Nathan went and voted early and late Monday night got on a plane to NC.
Nathan was a huge hit! Which isn't surprising! They loved him but wanted to make sure that I was on board with a move. Once I talked to Nathan's recruiter and assured them that I was excited about the move too they started his background check. The state of Ohio apparently drags their feet to get background checks done. But the official offer came through last Tuesday morning. Nathan signed it and sent it back and Wednesday he resigned from Epic. YEA!!!!
Nathan's new job is in the small town of Tarboro NC doing work very similar to what he's doing now. This company makes circuit boards for Honda. We're going to be living in the town of Rocky Mount. Nathan and I are flying down this coming week to look at several places to live. Nathan will be starting work on Dec. 2 in NC. The kids and I will be packing up and will be here in Norwalk through Christmas. We'll be joining Nathan after Christmas.
We're really excited about our new adventure. We're also going to miss our family and friends here in Ohio.
*updated- Nathan and I are flying down tonight to look at several places to live and do some paperwork for his new job. Pictures later this week when we get back.

Gobble Gobble

Today was a MOPS day. A friend of mine, Shaunda, is in charge of the moppets. Moppets is the childcare part of MOPS. They do stories, activities, and crafts. Now for the most part AJ and Little Peanut are my craft lovers and you can't really get JM to do one to save himself. Today must have been a good day because he made the cutest little turkey out of foamies. I was so surprised that it was really well done. He was very proud of his turkey and wanted to take it into Burger King and Wal-Mart. I didn't want him to loose it because I had plans to add it to my turkey collection on my mantel.
After we stopped at Burger King and Wal-Mart we were on our way to pick up our van from the shop. I heard a wail coming from the back seat. His turkey was ripped. I was disappointed too. I told him not to mess with it and I would try to fix it when we got home.
I managed to tape him back together and here is the newest and most beautiful addition to my mantel.

Ouch

This morning I am babysitting a sweet little baby for a friend of mine. I was picking her and her blanket up to lay her in bed and I got a splinter under my little finger on my right hand. It really hurt as I pulled it out. And it reminded me of something much funnier that happened several years ago in our other house.
JM was just a month or so old. Nathan and I were upstairs. The kids were asleep so it probably was after 9 pm. Nathan had been teasing me about something or other and I was chasing him with the intention of pinching his butt. He headed for the stairs and just as I caught up with him my left hand brushed against the top of the banister. All of a sudden there was searing pain in my left little finger. I started saying, "Ow ow ow!" I ran down the steps and knelt in front of the end table and held my hand under the light. My little finger nail was half normal looking and half brown. I realized that a large splinter was jammed all the way under my finger nail. There was no way I was going to start messing with.
I called my sister and told her what happened. After she finished howling in laughter she said for me to come over so she could look at it. I drove over and she decided there wasn't anything she could do for it, after more laughing of course. So I made her come with me to emergency room.
After much explaining, and a lot of disbelief on the part of the ER staff, they decided to numb my finger and lift up the nail and pull out the pieces.
For as gross as it sounds it really didn't hurt when they took it out. And you couldn't even tell by looking at my finger nail.

LIFE

I voted.
Nough said.

and now the future President of the United States....

John McCain!!
Wednesday evening my mom and I had the opportunity to go the Sandusky Republican headquarters and prepare for John McCain's visit on Thursday. We helped make a bunch of signs for the event. Because of security, the signs have to be made in advance and checked over in the morning.
Thursday morning I dropped the kids off at a friends house and picked up two of our youth and my mom. We got to Sandusky about 11 am. The park was already being secured with police, dogs, and Secret Service. Since we were volunteers we got to go through a different checkpoint with a local high school's marching band. Marianna, Trevor, mom, and I directed the foot traffic to the main entrance.
Once inside the volunteer section by the gazebo where John McCain would be speaking a local reporter from our home town paper noticed Trevor and Marianna. He said, "TV tells us that all young people are for Obama. You guys can't be McCain supporters." All four of us gave him a weird look and Marianna and Trevor said yes they were for McCain. He asked why and Marianna told him the McCain supports life and that's the big reason. He asked us several more questions and I must say we gave him an ear full. We did make the front page of Friday's paper. His write up was more social event than new report, and I was misquoted. Argh.
John McCain was running late, which is not surprising, but Joe the Plumber did arrive shortly before the Straight Talk Express. I must say John McCain is shorter than I expected. But a great man. His wife is beautiful too. They shook some hands, recognized some of the people with them, and Sen. McCain had Joe the Plumber say a few words too. Sen. McCain's speech was short and then he went into the local school that was behind the park.
We didn't get to shake his hand or get close to him however, we did get some really great pictures. Unfortunately, I haven't got them from other people yet. Man I wish I could get a new camera.
Here is me and KC.
Here is John McCain.

How smart is he?

Yesterday afternoon.
Me: Nana want to know what you want for your birthday.

AJ: (pouting) I can't tell her.

Me: Why not?

AJ: Cause then I'll know what I'm getting.

How funny is that?

Last night we went trick or treating. This morning we overheard this over the baby monitor at 7 am after having sent him back to bed.

JM: Little Peanut I can't find the candy anywhere and I looked everywhere.

When I walked into the kitchen after that comment I saw all the cabinets open and chairs pushed up to them so he could climb up. I knew he would look first thing so I made sure I hid it last night in Nathan's filing cabinet. hehe. I was so proud of myself this morning when we heard him say that.

Sarah Palin is AWESOME!

Yesterday I got the opportunity to go see Sarah Palin in person. I'd never even heard her name until just before the Republican National Convention. I had no idea who this woman was or why she had even been picked. Part of me thought that perhaps she was only picked because she was a woman. I wanted to know more. And now I do.
The more I learn and see about her the more impressed I am. Her integrity and upstandingness (is that a word?) is just incredible. She stands for truth and justice. GO PALIN!! shameless plug over.
So back to Wednesday. My mom had been really excited about possibly seeing Sarah Gov. Palin. I was kind of so so on the subject. I thought it would be nice but she was so pumped that I made an effort. We left home at 6 am. One of my MOPS friends had said that she was really eager to see her as well and we're so glad it worked out. KC and her daughter Princess joined us.
We got to BGSU about 7:30. After figuring out where to park and riding the shuttle over to the arena we got in the very super extremely long line. We had a nice chat with those in line around us. Once they opened the doors we were able to move pretty quickly into the arena. There were a whooping 9 protesters outside with their Obama signs.
Once inside, past the metal detectors we walked into the arena we were asked if we would like to sit behind where she was going to be speaking because they wanted "intelligent looking women" who were Palin supports to be seen on tv. We were, of course, obliging.
We were sitting in a section full of college students and high school student. I think KC, my mom, and me were the oldest ones in the section. The guys in front of us were having fun shouting cheers and starting the wave. There were several local and state candidates that were announced. And then....
They announced my girl Palin and arena ERUPTED! Her husband was with her and she had Joe the Plumber come up on stage. She spoke for about 20 minutes and was very well spoken.
Afterward she walked off the stage in the opposite direction that she came in. The crowd followed her getting more and more packed. I really wanted to shake her hand, (future post coming about another VP candidate's hand that I shook, any guesses Sandy?) and I realized that she had to go out the same way she came in. !!!!!!! I went flying to the opposite side of the stage and SQUISHED my way up to the edge. I had my arm out there and she shook my hand. Princess was behind me holding her ticket and I thought she wanted it autographed. I handed to Sarah and SHE SIGNED IT. She looked right at me and I told her, "MOPS moms love Sarah". She said, "Oh thank you so much." Yea me! Turns out Princess already had her autograph (you can read about that here) so she gave it to me.
When we came out of the arena there were more protesters holding signs and asking all cutsey about what Gov. Palin was wearing. There were only about 60 of them.
We didn't get home until after 3 pm. Long day. But very worth it. On the way home I was able to work out the opportunity to be a volunteer today at the McCain rally in the town just north of us. More on that later.
It was a very awesome day. The following pictures are swiped from KC's blog.
Me and KC
The banner behind where we were sitting.
KC and Princess.
The one the only Sarah Palin.
You Go Girl!

Wouldn't I love to Win!!

5 minutes for mom is hosting a photo contest of 'sleeping angels' and they are giving away beautiful bedroom furniture for children. I'm hoping to win the summer breeze collection. The deadline for entries is today.
Well, we certainly have pictures of our 'sleeping angel', one in particular. I had a hard time choosing just one picture. This is JM- at the time he was 2 and we couldn't get him to stay in his bed. He was just too busy and we frequently found him in this or similar positions. Sound asleep...not quite in bed. v

Friends are Awesome!

Last year Nathan and I went to the wedding of a friend of mine in NY. We were excited to meet her new husband and couldn't wait to spend time getting to know them. They've spent the last year in South Korea teaching English to some very cute, young children. Laura blogged about it at Kilpatz Kronicle.
Yesterday we finally got to spend time with them. They are home in the States and have been traveling around visiting friends and family. Dan grew up close to us and loves Cedar Point. Laura has never been so they were trying to work in a visit. Nathan and I jumped at the chance to go with them and we loved having them stay with us as well. We took Nathan's brother Peter with us.
It was a PERFECT Cedar Point day. Short lines, lots of sunshine, and nice cool air. We were able to hit every major coaster 2 or more times and still have time for some of the other cool rides. It's HallowWeekends at Cedar Point so we got to see the really cheesy Halloween Parade with Snoopy and the other Peanuts characters. Here are a few pictures that I snapped with my cell phone.
Dan had to make a Dippin Dots stop. There's a newer ride called maXair. It spins as it swings back and forth. I think it holds close to 60 people. The guys rode it and Laura and I watched. They really enjoyed it. Nathan. Peter. Dan.

There are No Words.

I can't begin to describe my feelings and do them justice in any way. Here's a sampling of some pictures I found on our computer. I miss you so much Daniel. I love you!

Moving July 2005

Fall 2005

County Fair 2007

Sleeping with Baby Grasshopper

Updates

Our school year is off to a running start. AJ started kindergarten. I can't believe that he's 5 1/2, what happened to my little blond baby with chubby checks. He's a lean mean running machine. He's playing soccer again this year and doing great. I think we may have a budding JR in our midst.
JM on the other hand is ornery as all get out. Everything is a weapon of some kind. Everything must be fought. The other day he spent a long time in the tree house killing monkeys that were attacking. I have no idea where he gets these ideas but it does keep him occupied while AJ is at school.
Little Peanut has discovered that she doesn't have to stay in her crib when she's put there so tonight out comes her new toddler bed. She's going to be so excited. This means of course that I'm going to watching her closely at bed time and nap time for the next few weeks.
Grasshopper is doing good. He's still on multiple daily matenience meds for his throat, however, they seem to be working well.
I'd love to post some pictures but since our camera died a tragic and permenant death I can't. Hopefully, I'll get a new camera soon. Hint Hint!!! :)

Hot Hot Coooold!!

As I mentioned before we don't have air conditioning in our house. We do however, have a wall unit installed in our room. That's one reason why it's our room. We try not to use it all the time but some nights just beg for some cool air.
JM frequently gets up at night and moves Nathan over so he can get in bed with us. Nathan usually doesn't wake up until he's squished between JM and me and I'm elbowing for some room. The other morning I woke up early to go help with the yard sale and here's what I saw.
I should mention that this was one of those cold air nights in our room and JM was milking it for all he could. They were both sound asleep and snoring I might add. Yes, Nathan is wearing Christmas light boxers. What can I say, at least the laundry was clean.

Wordless Wednesday *

*and some fashion don'ts!

Hot Hot Hot

This past weekend was almost unbearable with the heat and the humidity. Although our house is nice we do not have air conditioning. We spent most of the week at a friend's house working on the MOPS yard sale. She has air conditioning. (sigh) So even though we were covered in dirt and sweat at least we could take a little break and cool down inside.
My children however, only wanted to be outside. And you can't reason with a 5 year old and a 3 year old who want to play outside.
Friday I think was the worst day for sticky and hot. After we left our friend's house we went to Wal-Mart and bought the kids a sprinkler. We met Nathan there after his softball game and picked out this really neat toy. It was only $8. Nathan drove home to set it up and I took the kids through the local ice cream drive through. Have any of you ever forgotten to give your kids dinner but fed them ice cream instead?? It wasn't really planned but with everything going on that evening that's how it all worked out. I didn't even realize until after they went to bed that I was hungry and remembered that no one had eaten dinner. Opps!!!
The sprinkler was a HIT!! JM loved it immediately. He ran right up and stood over it. He even picked it up and tried to get AJ wet. AJ however, was rather upset that we wanted him to get his clothes wet. He wanted to change into his swimsuit. I told him they were all getting a bath afterward and to just go play. Little Peanut wasn't sure about it at all and didn't really start to enjoy it until we were almost done.
Here's a video of them playing in the backyard.

Memorial Day

I can only say Thank you to all those in the service. Our prayers are with you.

Here Comes the Busy

Wow! What a weekend we have planned. Tonight I have the first Pampered Chef party I've had in awhile. I'm very excited. I'm hoping to make some great contacts and book some June shows. A friend of mine is hosting it and she's so sweet, I'm looking forward to spending some time with her. While I'm 'working' Nathan will be having a softball game. Hopefully we'll work out the kid situation to everyone's satisfaction.
Tomorrow is yard work and errands with the family. I'm sure we'll be attending church in the evening. Nathan will be working half a day and working on his ditch.Groceries must be gotten since today is payday...and bills too.
Sunday we will be going to church and then......my nephew is graduating!! I can't believe how big and old he is. Makes me feel really old. But.....not quite as seasoned as my sis. It's her birthday! Happy Birthday Sis!!!! We'll be having a big ol' shindigg for her birthday. Nathan take notes- I love shindiggs! I can't decide what to get her. I'm sure I'll come up with something.
And as I was typing I realized that this is a holiday weekend! Hokey pete! We'll be doing the bonfire/family thing all together and perhaps I will be on my game enough to post pictures. And right around the corner is Nathan's birthday. He wants to have friends over so I guess I better get planning on that too! Man was I right...Here comes the busy! I guess I better make sure all my house chores are all caught up. See ya later!
*updated- I'm also going yard saling this morning with a friend and all four of my guys in the van too!! What fun.

Water, Water, Everywhere

It occurs to me that AJ hasn't gotten much front page time recently so here's some info on what he's been doing lately. Aside from preschool and the usual church activities AJ took swim lessons last month at our local rec center. JM did too but I had to be in the water with him for his class so thankfully there are no pictures of that. :) AJ did very well in his class learning to blow nose bubbles and working on his front and back glide. Honestly though, I think the part he enjoyed the most was the goggles that we bought him. Hopefully he'll get more practice in since we're planning on spending some time at the rec outdoor pool this summer. I think the goggles make him look like a bug!

Wordless Wednesday

Meet them again

You remember when I posted here about how funny I thought the dinosaur in Meet the Robinsons was? Well, before JM got his summer buzz his hair was rather long. One night after he had had a bath and was in bed this is what I saw. All he needs is the glasses and he will look just like Lewis from the movie. Nathan and I thought it was pretty funny.

Little Peanut's Birthday

Little Peanut turned two last month. I love that she is a girlie girl. With all these boys running around and all the mud recently I enjoy a little girl who loves to wear dresses and have her hair fixed. For her birthday we had cake from Auntie in WV. Here's the birthday girl with her cake. You'll notice that she has two different dresses on in the pictures. No, it wasn't two different days. She started out in the pink one and then Auntie get her the blue one and when she opened it she insisted on putting the dress on right there in front of all her guests. So we did. Auntie got to enjoy seeing it on her that day.
Papa made her a great kitchen cabinet for her toy dishes. Cousin Abby was the 'creative consultant' on the project. She even got to play with Little Peanut with the finished product. Mommy and Daddy got her a playhouse specially designed for little hands.
Back around Easter, my mother-in-law got all the kids a rubber ducky. They each got a different color. AJ was green, JM was blue, Little Peanut was pink, and Grasshopper was yellow. Little Peanut commandeered them all as hers. It was really funny how much she loved those ducks. So guess what Grandma got her for her birthday...four more ducks. She was so funny pulling them out of the packages. Happy Birthday Little Peanut ! We Love You!! We can't wait to see all the wonderful things you're going to learn this year.