As if I haven't posted enough pictures lately

We had some family pictures taken while we were in Delaware. We went to "Old" New Castle which is an historic area of town. The history is from Colonial days and it still has some original cobblestone streets. You can also see some headstones from a very old graveyard at a church.























My parents...don't they look amazing?!?!?!?!

A mixed bag

Our anniversary was a lot of fun. The Big Man would not tell me where we were going, even driving very out of the way to throw me off. None of my guesses were close. We went to a fairly new restaurant in town called "The Wild Olive." It was really nice. We live in a small town, so there are few non-chain restaurants, and it was really lovely.

My brother and his wife celebrated their 20th anniversary yesterday. So Congratulations to them!!!

However, it isn't all good. My cousin and his wife found out that their 3 year old daughter had a tumor on her kidney. She had surgery yesterday and they removed one kidney and are going to test it. If her lymph nodes are clear, they will consider it a success, but she is still going to have to endure chemotherapy. This weekend is our big family reunion at my uncle's farm in West Virginia, but I imagine the tone will be a bit subdued. Her older siblings may go with their grandparents, and it should be good for them to get to be around the family.

So there you go! Have a great day!

I still don't know where we're going.

19

So today is our 19th wedding anniversary...a day to ask the question I ask every year at this time...what were our parents thinking? This year I am asking the question more, because I have a teenager now, and I was a teenager when we were married. Here is a picture of 19 year old me, and the 20 year old Big Man. Bear with the picture, because we were married in the long ago dark ages known as "pre digital."



If you could see the rest of my dress, you would be certain that we were married in the 80's, although I think my sky high bangs prove it. And it wasn't taken so long ago that the picture was actually sepia, that was just an effect for the frame it was in. I found more that I wanted to post, because apparently little embarrasses me, but they are in an album and I couldn't get any of the pictures to come out clearly.

We don't usually go all out for events like this, but I have been told to dress up tonight. I have no idea what that means, but I can't wait to find out. I have also been told that there are "reservations" involved, and MK is babysitting, so I am quite curious. Maybe she will take a picture before we leave.

Have a great day and please post some old pictures of yourself so I won't feel all alone!

Life is full of disappointments

So the day did not turn out quite as I thought it was going to. We made it to the hospital and checked in easily. One of the nurses even commented on how smoothly it was going. I went into the operating room and remember talking to the nurses and doctor. The next thing I remembered was a nurse at the foot of my bed asking how I was feeling. Then the Big Man appeared by my bed and asked if I would remember the conversation. And I do. It went like this, "They couldn't do it." I actually thought he was kidding, but he wasn't. They were able to do a small procedure that may give me some temporary relief. But the other results were likely to have been PERMANENT. Oh well. Due to a condition they couldn't foresee, that is the way it turned out. I have an appointment with the doctor next week to discuss further options.

However, the bright sides are many. It isn't as though they found something serious. I was pampered all day and received many well wishes from family and friends. MK took excellent care of T. Willy and he brought me a cup of water by himself to make me feel better. The Big Man was very attentive. What more could I ask for?

So that's it. I hope you had a wonderful day with no disappointments!

Procedure Day

So the Big Man and I are on the interstate at 4 48 am and I am blogging! I love technology! All is well and we are headed to my outpatient procedure. I am not nervous but eager for it to be over. Not much else going on. Just wanted to check in.

Soccer camp did not go well. He just wasn't ready. But we had a fun time talking to neighbors and friends we haven't seen in a long time.

Have a great day!

Vacation wrap up

We came home Tuesday and are back in the swing of things here. MK has gone to band camp, and T. Willy is going to start soccer camp on Monday. I have no idea how he is going to do. He is very excited about it and wore his cleats around the house all day. So if it goes well, I'll post pictures next week.

Here are a few more pictures of our trip. Have a good night!

Oh, those Wildwood days!

We have had a fantastic time in Delaware. This morning T. Willy woke up crying. When asked what was wrong he said he'd had a bad dream. "I dreamed the trip was over." That about sums it up. There is never enough time to do everything and see everyone. We had lunch with my dear friend, Shannon, and her husband, Keith, today, and we have already made plans to get together next summer.

Yesterday we went to Wildwood, New Jersey, to walk the boardwalk. It was my first time there. We rode rides and ate all of the beach specialties we could. We walked the whole thing, but took the tram back. It was a wonderful time with my brother and niece. We were also able to see why they sell so many sweatshirts on the boardwalk. By the end of it, we were chilly!! We are definitely not in Florida. Anyway, here are some pictures. Note the one of the three of us texting...my brother caught us in our natural states. In my defense, I was texting Noelle. She was sick so I was checking up on her, and she is feeling better! MK took the go-kart pictures and my niece took the one of me on the ferris wheel...also a very natural pose, because it was HIGH!!!!














































Have a great day and watch out for the tram!!! (If you've been to Wildwood, you will get it!)

My new shirt...don't you want one?

Two malts and a chocolate cone...this is day 3 of the trip...I will just have to roll onto the plane Tuesday.

We're here!

We made it to Delaware this afternoon and have already had fun! We have played with the niece and nephews, hung around with the grown ups, eaten good food, visited friends, and gone to Dairy Palace. What, you may ask, is a Dairy Palace? Thinking about that made me think about some other things that are MUSTS and unique about our visits. So here is a short list.

Dairy Palace - our hometown ice cream stand. It has been around for years and is a local tradition. From the time it opens in late spring until it closes in early fall, it is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. My personal favorite is a chocolate malt, but tonight I had a chocolate cone with "jimmies," or sprinkles to those of you from other geographical areas. Shannon, my very dear friend, and I used to come here as teenagers, and we still can't resist it. It is still as I remember...Little League teams still line up for cones after games and teenaged boys still take their girlfriends there. Ahhh...the memories.

Capriotti's - If you think you've had a good sub at Subway...think again. Every trip home requires at least one visit. The subs are enormous...so I always get one and eat half, then save the second half for another meal. I am never disappointed. The only downside is that I have to choose between Italian and roast beef...they are both so good!!!

Tax Free Shopping - There is no sales tax in Delaware! So shop your heart out and pay what you see on the price tag. This took some getting used to when I left, but now takes getting used to when I'm back. I find myself adding up the 6% we pay at home and then realize I don't have to pay it.

There are others, but these were some that stand out for me. It is nice to be here and we are ready for some more fun! Have a great night!

Smiles and Berries and Phones...oh my

MK got her braces yesterday. She is still uncomfortable but says today is better than yesterday. I will try to post a picture soon. The braces aren't so bad, but she also has a palatal expander and it is really causing her some trouble. She can't eat and is very hungry. It should keep getting better; she just has to give it time. She is also having trouble playing her clarinet, and even though we are heading north on Tuesday, is going to band camp on Monday.

T. Willy and I went blueberry picking on Wednesday. He had a really good time and was a joy to have with me. He picked his little heart out, and never complained. It was really hot, and just one time said he would feel better if he could just have a "little taste of water." Fortunately we had water with us, and he was energized after a drink. All he could talk about was taking the berries home to bake a pie. He talked and talked about how much he wanted a blueberry pie. So, Thursday morning, he and I baked a blueberry pie. Once again, he was an amazing helper. He couldn't wait for it to be ready to eat. Then...he took a look at the finished product and realized it was a circle. Oh dear. He was expecting a triangle. Fortunately the Big Man overheard this and explained that it would be a triangle when it was cut. Then he used our family communication method (a dry erase marker on the bathroom mirror) to draw a diagram. T. Willy seemed satisfied and kept talking about the pie. We had the spray whipped cream that he loves, cut him a piece of pie, poured some whipped cream on top and.....he would not take one bite!!!!! What???? The only reason I made the pie, from scratch...crust and all, was because he wanted it. And nothing...not one bite! Oh well...four year olds, I guess.

And today...for the Big Man...I woke up at five and drove to Fort Walton Beach to get in line for the new Iphone...which he is playing with right now. The wait was kind of long, but a lot of fun. Everyone was excited and I was number 11 in what would become a very long line. We were hoping to get 2, but they only allowed us to buy one, so I hope to get one for myself very soon. It is so fun!

So there are some highlights from our week! I hope yours was great!

Happy 5th

I hope you had a great holiday. Ours was fine. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary. The Big Man worked, but we cooked out when he got home. We watched some neighborhood fireworks and that was about it.

We had a busy week of appointments. MK is getting braces on her teeth on Thursday, so we went to get her separators this week. I will be having a little outpatient procedure at the end of the month, so I went to the doctor too. We are living large, aren't we?

Other than that, we are doing well and getting ready to visit my family on the 15th. The kids are a little bored, I think. It seems that anything fun requires money and/or a long drive. Our town is sweet and small, but the fun stuff seems to be at the beach, about 30 minutes away. No job news...but I'm not losing hope!

Have a great day!

A Big Easy weekend

After taking T. Willy to a birthday party on Saturday, we all drove to New Orleans for a few days. We had a really nice visit and too much food. But when you are in New Orleans, it is a requirement to eat!!!! On Monday we went to the city with the Grillmaster, the Mrs. and Miss (the Big Man's brother, wife and daughter.) We had a great day walking around the French Quarter, and, again, eating too much good food! It was T. Willy's first trip to the city and he loved the river and the ships. He did great and walked around like a champ, although he did let the Big Man carry him on his shoulders for awhile. MK was a great sport and very helpful holding his hand and keeping him occupied. She is a great big sister to him. We came home yesterday and pretty much spent today recuperating. So here is a picture of the 4 of us by the river and the "Natchez" as it prepared to take off. MK is not taller than I am yet...but it may not be long.

What's Happening.

Our plans for next year have been up in the air for awhile. This week one thing was solved. We were on a waiting list at our preschool of choice, 96th on the list to be exact, but I was trying to be optimistic. They called this week with an opening. The girl was laughing when I arrived because she said there was an opening and I said, "I'll be right there." And I was right there. It is right in our neighborhood and a good friend has children there, so we knew its reputation. This has solved one big dilemma and makes job hunting less stressful for me. I have expanded my search into a neighboring county, so we'll see if anything happens. Otherwise, I will try to sub in our county and hope the college can offer some more classes.

We have made plane reservations to go to Delaware in July. All 4 of us are going. The kids are really looking forward to seeing their grandparents and cousins. I am looking forward to my annual "crabfest" with my sister in law.

Finally, yesterday we were at Target. I saw a rather large handsome man walk by and realized it was former NFL player, Kevin Greene. We had seen him one other time, rumors are that he has a beach home down here. He graciously agreed to have his picture taken with me...so I am closing with that. Does it look like maybe I was a little more excited to meet him than he was to meet me? But, thank you, Kevin Greene!

Pictures

Here are a couple of pictures of Ty and me. The first is us when we arrived at the park the other day. The next is us at the mall. There is a carousel in the mall, and we have never taken him on it before. He was so excited, but when we started to put him on one of the animals, he said that he thought he would get off. So I rode with him on one of the seats, and he loved it. Maybe next time he will be more daring. No problem...I enjoyed it with him and he loved watching MK and her friend every time we went around.

A day at the park

MK had a busy few days, but T. Willy is already bored. He wants to be on the go at all times. So today I took him to a nearby park. It has some water features, sprinklers, etc, and I thought he would have a lot of fun with it, because he has gotten really brave in the pool.















However...he wanted nothing to do with the water. He just wanted to play on the slides and monkey bars, and the racecar.














He still had a great time, and was able to get out of the house, which he enjoyed the most. I just liked hanging out with him.

Checking in

MK had her first official babysitting job last night. She has watched T. Willy plenty of times and watched some kids at a party once, but the parents were all in another room. This was the first time she had been at someone else's house watching other people's children alone. The kids are 11 and 8, so didn't need a lot of care, but she was in charge. She had a blast. They were very well behaved and, when the mom called to check in, the daughter said she hoped that they weren't heading home yet. I think that's a good sign. Tonight she is spending the night at a friend's house, so she is aleady having an eventful summer.

Other than that, things are quiet here. I think T. Willy is going to miss school, because he has been drawing and coloring, and wants me to say some of the things his teacher said, "Stay in the lines," etc. He is so funny.

So, that's it for us. Have a great day!

Said by me today

"Why am I yelling at you with 15 minutes left in the school year?" Not my finest moment.

Today was the last day of school. It is so wonderful to have the entire summer ahead of me. I still don't know what the future holds, but right now lots of time with the kids and time in the pool. It was a good day overall. We gathered around the office after the students were dismissed and shared some hugs and a few tears. And that was it. I think it will sink in much later. It was such a fun place to work, and this year was the best out of the seven I spent there.

My mom traveled with some friends from church to New York for the memorial for Baby Jacob. She texted me that they arrived safely. The service is tonight and they will be able to spend some time with the family tomorrow.

That's about it. Have a great night!!

Pray

Many of you may have checked the sidebar and followed the sweet, short life of Baby Jacob. Please pray for this amazing family!

We have talked about the Fahmers in our class and prayed for Baby Jacob. We even took a trip to the office once to see pictures of him. I didn't check his site this weekend, so when we came in this morning, one of the kids asked about him. I told them that I would check when they went to P.E. We prayed for him as we always do. I came to the office just now and saw the news. I will tell them after lunch.

Thinking

We were touched by death twice this weekend. The first was a man who has been a part of my family's life since before I was born. He and his wife were very dear friends of my parents and if I remember correctly the first people to introduce themselves when my parents started attending the church that they still attend. He had battled health problems for quite some time, and was even hospitalized once when I was there, while the doctors were telling us to say goodbye. Incidentally, that was before T. Willy was born. That day I just sat by his bed and held his hand. He and his wife had agreed to "take me in" if something ever happened to my parents. At our wedding, they told the Big Man, "She's yours now," because they took that very seriously. I know that Mrs. V. is mourning today, but rejoicing in the hope of seeing him again.

The second was a friend from church. We weren't close, but she was a presence and always cheerful and friendly. She was also our age. She leaves a husband and three young children. We ate out on Sunday morning and saw her and her family there. She was so weak and in a wheelchair, so her kids were holding doors open. I grabbed the fourth door so I had a chance to say hello. It is quite shocking. She had been ill, but I think we were all hoping she would pull through.

Life is short.

Wrapping up

There are eight school days left in the year. Hooray! I have loved this year, but now that it is winding down, we are all ready for it to end. Today we had "camera day" and took lots and lots of pictures. I am going to post some. I did get permission from parents. I took a picture of myself with each student and plan to print them and then write a letter to each child and attach their pictures. It is amazing how attached I have become to each of these kids.

They journal every morning. I give them a topic and they write about it, then I respond to them. Yesterday the topic was to write about a special memory of the year. Today they were to write about what they will remember most about me. The most popular responses had to do with my, and I quote, "big bushy hair," and my red Liberty hoodie. It is often freezing in my room, so I keep the jacket at school most of the time. Once I exchanged it for another jacket and they revolted. So it was appropriate that I am wearing my jacket and having a "big bushy" hair day.

I am also going to add a picture, albeit squinty, of two of my coworkers and me. These two women have become so dear to me this year. We can talk about anything and share each other's burdens. I am not a woman who has a lot of "girlfriends," but these two qualify.

It was also red day at school to show support for the troops. It wasn't just a big coincidence. Although, I would wear red every day if I could.







So that is a literal snapshot into my life. I will miss this school very much, but am eager to see what lies ahead.

Party pictures

Not much going on. I was going to teach a summer class, but it was cancelled, so I am enjoying the extra time. As soon as my dryer goes off, my laundry will be all caught up, I cleaned out T. Willy's room today and even managed to cook dinner. I think the family is appreciative that the class was cancelled. Only about 3 weeks left of school, and then I'll be officially unemployed, but I plan to really enjoy the summer!

I just thought I'd post a few pictures of the party and then go to bed. I didn't ask any parents for permission to show their kids, so it's just a picture of MK and her smore, her "Hello Kitty" cupcakes and the tents in the morning.

Have a great week!!!
A

Slumber party...NOT!

When T. Willy was born we set the alarm on our house to chime every time a door opened, so that we would hear him in the event of an escape. I rethought that around 5:00 this morning. I "slept" on the living room sofa just in case they needed anything. Apparently they needed to enter and exit the house a few dozen times. However, I think they had a good time. Some of them actually slept for a few hours. MK and a couple of friends slept on the hammock under the stars for a couple of hours. I am pretty sure she will enjoy a long nap today. They have been swimming already this morning and made their own breakfasts, played Wii and are now playing Rock Band. I am laughing that I had visions of them sleeping in and not having time for breakfast before their parents came to get them. How naive!!! Two girls left last night and two have already left...only 7 to go!!!

Field Day and Slumber Party

Today was the last Field Day at our school. Everything is like that: the last this, the last that. But it was a lot of fun, and if I can figure it out, will post a picture of a coworker and me after we were pelted with water balloons.

My night class ended on Wednesday. All but 2 people passed, and I am so sad about the two that didn't. I loved the class, and have signed up for another one for the summer, but the numbers are light, so I don't know if I will get to do it. It's a different level of English, but should still be fun.

Finally, MK is having a slumber party tonight. The girls are here and wild already. They are playing "Rock Band" right now, so I stole some time away to blog. One girl realized that her boyfriend (yes, they're 13) lives around the corner and has asked no less than 5 times to go to his house, or if we could invite him here. Ugh. I will be keeping an eye on her. We borrowed some tents from some generous friends who even helped by putting them up! Great friends, thank you W & K! We are going to roast hot dogs and make smores...should be fun. I will post pictures tomorrow if I am awake enough to think!

Cinco de Mayo

I am the mother of a teenager!!! Happy Birthday, MK!!!!!

I loooove....

So yesterday T. Willy and I were driving into the parking lot at school. I mentioned to him that we were following Miss Becky, another teacher at school. He said, "I love...I looove....I looooove...." and I was expecting him to say Miss Becky. Instead he said, "I love Mr. Mike's parking space."

Busted again!

That is what I get for using real names in a previous post. You know who you are! I hope you'll write and let me know how you're doing!!!

Fab-u-lous

I have to admit; High School Musical on Ice was very entertaining. We sat on the ice, the most amazing seats I've ever had. The kids loved it...I sat by screaming girls (and boys - don't tell them I know) and they sang and danced and had a blast. But what did they come back to school talking about? In one scene, a character rips off his shirt to change into another. I finally had to ask them to stop talking about it, and still 2 girls wrote about it in their journals yesterday morning. Oh well. They had so much fun and were very well behaved. I have one student who is, we'll say, unpredictable. I sat right behind her to monitor her. No need...she was mesmerized from the second the lights went down until they came up. She didn't move. I have never seen that from her before. Too bad our classroom isn't sponsored by Disney.

The Big Man kept Ty home from school yesterday and took him strawberry picking. He sent pictures throughout the day and texted what they were doing. They had so much fun that T. Willy asked to go to bed at 7:30, when normally he doesn't go till sometime after 8. He was exhausted.

After the show, I had a doctor's appointment that I had been absolutely dreading. I have had a mole on my nose for quite a long time. It wasn't too bothersome, except when I wear glasses I could feel it. I scheduled an appointment about removing it last year and completely "forgot" to go. Anyway, I actually went to the appointment on Wednesday. It was the last appointment of the day, so I figured they would look at it, evaluate and then schedue the removal. Wrong...she removed it right then. It was the most painless procedure I've ever had. I didn't feel the shot, didn't feel the removal and still feel no pain or even tenderness. I can't believe I put it off for so long. It had been there since at least high school, and now it's GONE!

So, that's it for us. Have a great day!!!