12-30-2015 The Christmas that Missed Us....

This year Christmas felt like it missed us. Lily was diagnosed with pneumonia on 12-8-15 and I spent them coming days focused exclusively on her. We went to the Convenient Care at Redner's. She was given a script for Zithromax, duonebs, and cough medicine with codeine. We came home and I gave her a Zithromax. A few hours later she developed hives on her face, so I had to give her Benadryl and have a different script called in. That evening I gave her the 2nd antibiotic and the cough medicine with codeine on top of the Benadryl. I was afraid I'd killed her because she didn't make one single peep all night long. While Lily was great taking the antibiotic, she hated doing the nebulizer treatments.

 Even when she was good enough to go back to school, that was all she did was school then napping or taking it easy. She volunteered at the library a week later for 4 hours. She then came home and took a 5 hour nap in which she was out cold.

Luke got sick next. Luckily, I was able to start him on the Zithromax that Lily had been allergic to. He was fine on it and completed the 5 day course, minus the 1 pill she'd taken. He managed to dodge the worst of the sickness thanks to those antibiotics.

Then Charlie felt like he was coming down with something for a few days. Right up until the morning of the 24th , we didn't know if we'd be having family come or not. Luckily, he stayed healthy.

I say the 24th because I had to work Christmas this year, so we celebrated on the 24th. Mom and Dad came down around 1100. Charlie, Kathy and Ben did not come because Kathy woke up with cold s/s that morning. We had 4 different kinds of pizza: cheese, bacon, pepperoni, and special (onions, peppers, mushrooms, sausage, and ham). Bruno's never disappoints and all were excellent.

The kids each got a $100 bill from Santa. Lily used hers to buy Beats headphones. Luke used his to buy Destiny (a game for the playstation). The one good thing about having our Christmas on the 24th was that the kids could take their money and go shopping the same day. They came back from the pizza run with their chosen gifts in hand. I got Charlie a framed map of the Appalachian Trail which he said really meant something to him. I wish we could have video taped his reaction to seeing it bc it was priceless. He'd spotted it the day before at Cabelas and I ran back the next day and secretly bought it. My gift is the new kitchen appliances and island top and countertop being made by Rusty and Mike at Olde Annville Cabinetry. I won't have the tops until February or March, but am enjoying the appliances tremendously!

 I worked on the 25th, 26th, and 27th since it worked out to be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Work wasn't bad, thankfully. Charlie and the kids just hung out at home, still in low-key recovery mode.

Today the 4 of us went to the movies (relax and recline seats which is the ONLY way to see a movie) to see the new Star Wars movie The Force Awakens. It was excellent. We all agreed it was our favorite of the Star Wars movies.

Charlie is leaving tomorrow for a hike on the Appalachian Trail. His Dad is dropping him off and going a few miles with him. His Mom is picking him up on Saturday (3 days later) and bringing him home. He wanted to go over Christmas but I forbid it. The kids deserved to have their Dad home for the holiday for God's sake. I'm off for New Years' so they'll only be alone on 1-2-16 for a few hours while I'm a work and Charlie is finishing up his hike. I'm hoping perhaps they can each go to a friends' house for a few hours.

I have a cold with a scratchy/sore throat and feel like a weight is settling on my chest. I'm taking it easy and hope to not get good and sick like the kids were. The only thing I did today was go to the movies.

Of course, my greatest prayer for 2016 is that we all stay healthy and safe. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake...or sprinkles on the cupcake as I like to say.

11-26-2015 Nonconformist Thanksgiving....Our Best One Yet!

This is my holiday off from work. I woke up at 3:45am with Charlie to follow him to the Delaware Water Gap parking lot for the Appalachian Trail (AT). He left his truck there and we drove together to Slatington. He hopped on the trail there to hike north to his truck. He should be home some time on Saturday. I drove back home to the kids who we'd left sleeping in their beds.

Lily feels like she's getting a sore throat. Her eyes are very glassy, a telltale sign that something is brewing with her. Luke is getting over a cold and had tissues scattered everywhere. We decided not to go to P&J's for dessert and a visit with the relatives. We're going to keep out cooties to ourselves.

Lunch was the best Thanksgiving lunch we've ever had. Screpsi's Italian hoagies with chips and nachos. We have enough leftover to have the same thing for supper. We couldn't be more thrilled!

We are doing a bit of remodeling in the kitchen. We're getting a new wall oven/microwave unit and a gas cooktop. Since we bought both of those, we got a "free" dishwasher. So that meant we needed to expand the island to fit the dishwasher. We're also getting a warming drawer to go below the oven. I'm super excited, although  not thrilled to be spending so much money. I've wanted a gas cooktop since the day we moved in 10 years ago. I currently have electric and hate it. The oven broke last year and I've been using a toaster oven ever since then. I was waiting for the cooktop to break, but fear it may outlive me.

We also installed a wood stove in the walk-in fireplace last week. We feel we need it since we can not get the house warm during the winter months. This year we're hoping to be nice and cozy.

11-3-15 Forty-four...couldn't ask for anything more

Charlie wished me a happy birthday while we were still in bed around 0430 this morning. Then when I woke the kids, they both remembered to wish me a happy birthday right off the bat which made me happy.

Lily had homemade cards and a birthday banner on the kitchen table for me this morning. She laid it out last night so I'd see it first thing. The card is lovely and tells me what a good job I'm doing as a mom and fellow human being. A highlight of my day to be sure.

On the way to school I asked the kids to form a slogan for me for my 44th year. Lily came up with "44...glorious no more." Luke is still thinking on it.

I want to be more active this year. So I went out to the garden bright and early and did a lot of weeding. I think I dumped 4 garden carts full of weeds and plants killed by frost. It's no longer an eyesore to look out the windows at the garden.

I made myself chicken marsala for lunch. Lots of onions, peppers, and mushrooms. It was fabulous! Then I watched The Good Wife on Hulu and read a great book. I finished up my afternoon of pleasure by chatting with Mom.

10-20-2015 No Wealth Like your Health

     I have always believed in the old adage their is  no wealth like your health. That proves true time and again. About 2 weeks ago, Dad tripped over a hose down at the little dam and hurt his shoulder. Mom took him to the ER for what I believe was the second time in his life. They had to wait 6.5 hours to confirm via x-ray there were no fractures. Jill stopped to see him the next day on her way home from work and thought his shoulder had a significant drop. so mom called the oath who took another look at the x-rays and said he thought it would be fine. He was going on vacation, but they could follow up with the family doctor if he wasn't better in a week. Thankfully, he seems to be doing a bit better each day. In the meantime, Mom got biopsy results back from a lesion I noted on her ear. The results were positive for basal cell skin cancer. She is having that removed by the plastic surgeon today. I am nursing a cold. I spent yesterday on the sofa napping and reading, completely unplugged from the world. Today I do feel much better, but not yet back to myself. Charlie felt he was getting sick last evening and went to bed right after supper. This morning he looked and sounded much better. Fingers crossed he and the kids stay well.

9-4-2015 Made it Thru 1st week of 6th and 7th Grade

We made it! The kids were off today and will be off Monday for Labor Day Weekend. On Wednesday morning Luke said, "I'm sick of school. I need summer vacation to be about 70 more years." Overall, I think they are both doing okay. Neither one seems overwhelmed.

8-31-2015 First Day of School

Lily 6th, Luke 7th

They did great getting up and getting ready this morning. I realized after dropping them off that neither one ate breakfast.

Since Luke is staying for full days this year, we decided to have them take the bus home and walk from the bus stop to home. First day went well. I was surprised they didn't complain because it was 92 and very sunny and humid.

They feel like they will like some of their teachers, and others not so much.

I'm thrilled that Luke seemed ok. Not too stressed out.

8-25-2015 OCMD

8-21-2015 Easy Come, Easy Go

So, Charlie did not get the carpentry instructor job he'd applied for. The other 2 applicants already have their teaching certificates. He is quite disappointed. He took the kids to OCMD because his mom offered them to stay in her room for free. At first, he thought he didn't want to go since he didn't get the job, but I think the time having fun will be good for him.

Kathy wasn't planning to go to the beach this year. She'd been to Cape May for a wedding in the spring and that was going to be it. But then she started watching the media coverage of the Pope coming to Philly next month. She's convinced Philly is going to be bombed. She decided to go to the shore "one last time" before she dies in a bombing. Honest to God.

Mom and Dad came down today to drop off Dad's truck for me to use since Charlie has my Highlander. After we had lunch, they left and I went shopping. I had a wonderful time! I bought a little blue and green chippy paint chair, triple hoop earrings, a triple band bracelet, 2 resin birds, and a Vera Bradley backpack at a consignment store. Then I went to Goodwill and bought a pair of Keen shoes, a pair of Merrell shoes, 3 purses, and a jacket for Luke for school. The main reason I quit shopping and came home was because I filled the cab of Dad's truck!

8-18-15 Second Interview Down, Just Waiting on the Word

Charlie had his second interview this morning for the carpentry instructor position. He had to teach a class on how to layout a common rafter using a framing square and the step off method. He put a lot of thought and effort into it. He thinks he did well.

We are supposed to find out tomorrow either way. If he doesn't get the job, I feel like we can rest easy knowing he gave it his best shot.

8-13-2015 Second Time's a Charm?

Charlie interviewed today for a position as a carpentry teacher with the vo-tech. He had interviewed back in 2011, but didn't get the job. At that time, they wanted someone with advanced education. That teacher was terminated when he was unable to build a house with the students. So, now the focus has shifted fro advanced education to carpentry knowledge.

Charlie feels today's interview went very well. He needs to go back next week and present a lesson plan and teach a class on gable roofing. He feels good about it.

Our fingers are crossed that he gets this job. We are at the point where we think a steady paycheck, full benefits, and a mention plan are all things to be desired. The pay is less than he earns through our construction business. We are hoping Ryan will be able to keep the construction crew going Monday-Friday while Charlie is teaching. The plan is for Charlie to check in on afternoons and maybe a bit on weekends.

Luke & Lily slept overnight last night at P&J's. They all went to Knoebels for a few hours and then I picked the kids up and brought them home this afternoon. Fall Ball practice started this past Tuesday. Charlie and Tom Fronina are coaching.

7-3-2015 Great Wolf Lodge Vacation

Last week we were talking about plans to go to the shore the last week in August as we've done pretty much every year since the kids were in school when Charlie chimed in that he won't be able to do that this year. He has a big kitchen remodel he'll need to stick with and won't be able to break away. After a bit of discussion, we quickly booked a 2 night stay at Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark in the Poconos.

We arrived yesterday around 1pm. We went to P&J's first to drop off Smoochie and gifts for Aunt Gayle since we'll be attending her retirement party at P&J's tomorrow. Then we drove up to Great Wolf. The trip up was smooth going with no traffic issues. Once we got here and checked in our room was ready and we were able to start having fun.

The waterpark is a hit with all of us. We all agree it's very nice to be out of the sun, heat, and sand. The chlorinated water is a little drying and eye irritating, but nothing compared to the beach. There have been an unusual number of shark attacks this summer and I'm glad we don't need to worry about that or jellyfish.

We brought Screpsie hoagies with us and had them for lunch and snacks yesterday. This morning Lily and I ran to Dunkin Donuts for coffees, milk, hot chocolate and munchkins. We snacked for lunch on ring bologna and cheese and then went for an early dinner to Olive Garden. That may have been a mistake simply because the traffic was unbelievable. We didn't really think about 4th of July traffic plus regular Friday traffic. It took maybe 30 to 45 minutes to get back to the hotel which was just 8 miles away. Slow going. Now Luke and I are relaxing in the room and Charlie and Lily are doing an outdoor ropes course.

We'll check out tomorrow and head back to P&J's for Gayle's party and to collect our Smoochie.

The highlight of the trip for me has been seeing Luke playing basketball in the pool with kids he's never met before. He's come such a long way and I'm so very proud of him.

6-26-2015 Historic Ruling Today: Gay Marriage Legal in All 50 States!

6-12-2015 Dorney Park Birthday Celebration

Yesterday we took Lily to Dorney Park for her birthday. She originally invited 2 friends, Jade and Emma. Jade wasn't allowed to go, so it was just going to be Emma and Lily. Then something came up and Emma couldn't go. So, I called Jade's mom and she agreed to let Jade go, but not to the waterpark. It was 91 degrees with high humidity. I stayed at the waterpark and Charlie and the kids came and went. Lily had a good time.

After Dorney, both Jade and Emma stayed at our house for a sleepover. The plan was for the girls to sleep in the tent, but it was thundering and lightening too much, so they slept in the living room instead.

This morning I made pancakes and served fresh fruit for breakfast. Then the played games and hung out until 11 when they were picked up by their moms.

Lily has been laying around and napping throughout the day. I think Dorney really wore her out yesterday. I feel like I was out all night partying and so have been taking it pretty easy myself.

6-8-2015 Lily's 11th Birthday

Today is Lily's 11th birthday. It was supposed to be the last day of school, but both kids skipped the 1/2 day since it was only going to be field games. Instead, Luke stayed him and chilled in the morning then mowed grass in the afternoon. Lily and I started the day with a trip to Legman's. She had a strawberry smoothie as a birthday treat. Then we went to the movies to see Pitch perfect 2. Then we did some shopping at Pier One, TJ Max, and finally Bed, Bath & Beyond where she bought a armrest fuzzy pillow for herself. Then we picked up her friend Emma and had a play date. Then we went to the library where the girls made elastic band bracelets. Now we are home watching "Into the Woods" on DVD. Overall, a very busy day, just like Lily likes it.

Smoochie, our kitten is thriving. We all love her, even Charlie.

4-24-2015 Kitten

We found a kitten in our barn (the corn crib or 'log cabin' side) on 4-14-15. We left it alone there overnight thinking the mama was nearby and would come back for it. She didn't and so the morning of 4-15-15 we brought her into the house. She's been with us ever since. We feed her kitten milk replacement through a bottle. We wipe her butt with cotton balls to stimulate her to pee and poop. It's been quite an experience.

She is absolutely adorable. Day 1 she cried frantically because she was cold and hungry. As soon as we got her warm and fed, she settled down. She sleeps through the night getting a bottle somewhere between 7p-9p and then sleeps until 5a-6a. No complaints there. I do keep her in a basket at my bedside...just in case.

When I work weekends, Lily manages her feeding. Mom and Dad came down so Charlie and I could go out for our anniversary on 4-17-15. Mom managed the kitten beautifully with Luke's help. We went to Collegeville to the Movie Tavern to see "Insurgent" and then did quite a bit of shopping at Wegman's.

I supposed you could say Charlie's birthday/anniversary gift was a John Deere lawnmower we bought. It was delivered on the 17th while Mom and Dad were here. I haven't even driven it yet. Charlie mowed with it and is pleased with it's performance.

Luke is playing baseball. Charlie is assistant coach. They've had 1 game so far. Tomorrow is picture day and an away game. I'll miss both since I'll be at work. I arrived at his first game just as they were packing up and lined up at the concession stand. 

4-5-2015 Easter 2015

We had a lovely day with P&J celebrating Easter. We played Farkle, trivia, and had an egg hunt. Lunch was Italian hoagies from Screpsie's, chips, Doritoes, pineapple, strawberries, grapes, pepper jelly dip with cream cheese, bologna and cheese, and Grandma's famous chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. Everything was delicious. We took a walk around the property and enjoyed the signs of spring including crocuses in bloom. It really was a great day spent with family. 

3-20-2015 Spring?

Today is the first day of spring. Unfortunately, we've had about 6 inches of snow so far today. School was dismissed at 1130. That worked out perfectly for Charlie and Lily since they were going to leave at 1200 anyway to go to Hershey for boys' basketball state championships. Luke and I stayed home, warm and cozy in our nice, quiet house, snuggled up with the cats.

3-9-2015 First Time Calling Off at Work

I am down and out with an awful upper respiratory infection with sore throat, ear ache, sinus congestion, exhaustion, and dizziness. I feel like I've been hit by an eighteen wheeler. I managed to work my shift on Saturday, but just barely. I called off for Sunday.

I spent all of Sunday in bed. I did get up this morning to take the kids to school and pick Luke up again at 0915. I'm now back in bed. While I don't feel as bad as I did yesterday, I wouldn't say I'm anywhere near good. I plan on resting and pushing fluids all day today.

Charlie is fighting the good fight. I pray he wins and fends off these evil germs. If he comes down with what I have...God help us all.

3-5-2015 Two in a Row thanks to Snow

Today is the 2nd snow day in a row for the kids. Yesterday was actually more of a sleet and freezing rain type morning. This morning we are having heavy snow. I'm happy to be snuggled in at home with them. Charlie stayed home and did paperwork yesterday. He just left this morning to venture out.

Last night Charlie and Lily went to see the Harlem Globe Trotters. Lily enjoyed it and even bought herself a souvenir headband which she had all the players sign. Charlie said he enjoys watching high school players more.

This weekend Lily has her "spring" concert at 6:00pm. The Reading High School boys basketball team have a state playoff game at 7:00pm. We are going to try our best to do both.

Luke is doing baseball clinics every Saturday morning. Charlie will be his assistant coach for the spring. Lily is not doing baseball since she did not enjoy fall ball.

Grandma J is recovering from a stomach bug. She actually passed out in her kitchen Monday morning. I was very worried about her. She's now feeling much better. Hopefully, Grandpa P doesn't come down with it. 

2-23-2015 Racoon Crosses the River

We all watched a raccoon run across the frozen river this morning. It's the first animal we've seen walking across the surface other than birds. It was pretty cool to see.

2-17-2015 Baby It's Cold Outside

We have been experiencing some record breaking cold. Thankfully, the house seems to be staying warm at about 69-70 set at 70.

The river looks to be frozen over. It has about 4 inches of snow that we got overnight sitting on top of it. It's surreal to look out the windows and have it looks so still.

2-13-2015

Something very, very good has happened. We seem to have finally hired plumbers who have figured out the many, many issues with our heating system. The past few days have been very cold and windy and the house has held it's temperature at 69 to 70 degrees. This is rather miraculous. I am reluctant to celebrate quite yet, but if it lasts another few weeks, I will be ecstatic!

Charlie and the kids are at a boys' high school basketball championship game tonight. I didn't go along for the following reasons: because I really didn't want to, I work tomorrow and need to get up bright and early, they took along 2 boys from Charlie and Luke's basketball team plus a friend for Lily so the car was pretty full, it's absolutely arctic outside and I just want to be snuggled up in bed.

2-11-2015 Frontline Video: Being Mortal

Video: Being Mortal | Watch FRONTLINE Online | PBS Video

2-4-2015 Luke's Twelfth Birthday

Today is Luke's 12th birthday. I woke him for school this morning by singing "Happy Birthday." He went to middle school for math, as he does every day. Afterwards we took at quick trip to Walmart in search of thermal underwear. We had no luck on that particular quest. Then we headed home where Luke opened all his birthday cards. He didn't want a birthday lunch. Nor does he want a birthday cake. It seems he wants the day to be low-key.

He is planning a trip to Sky Zone in the near future, possibly this Sunday. Charlie will not be jumping on the trampolines this time. His back is still recovering from when he did that for Luke's 1/2 birthday in August.

We have snow on the ground. Most days have been in the 20s. Today is a high of 40. It feels like spring when the sun is out. We may get a little snow overnight.

1-6-2015 First Boys Basketball Game

12-30-2014 Year in Review

I follow a blog The Enchanted Home and  today's post over there inspired this post.

My favorite memory of 2014 is not just one but a collection of many moments in which I can see how far Luke has come socially. He has friends over every weekend. He just went on his first sleepover. He is enjoying his life and welcomes others into it. A true pleasure to see and makes my heart smile.

My wish for the world for 2015 is an end to wars and suffering caused by man-made violence. It's not a  likely to come true, but it is what I wish for.

My personal resolution for 2015 is to be a bit more artistic. Maybe, I can learn a bit about painting or pastels. I'd like to create art on canvas to hang inside our home.

Looking back, 2014 was a good year. We had our health. We had each other. We had enough money that if an appliance broke, we could easily replace it with a new appliance (refrigerator in September, dishwasher in November, toaster oven in December). Charlie bought a grill in September. Our business traded in a 10 year old truck for a new one just today. Being able to make these purchases is my idea of living in luxury.

The perfect way to ring in the New Year is fast asleep with those I love safe and sound in their beds. Icing on the cake would be to sleep through the fireworks and gun shots making noise outside around us.

12-30-2013 Luke's First Sleepover

Luke slept over at his friend Tyler Fornina's house last night. It's the first time Luke has slept over at someone's house who wasn't Grandma and Grandpa. We haven't heard from him yet, so he's on our minds. I certainly hope and pray it went well!

12-26-2014 We had the Merriest of Christmases

Christmas 2014 was a good one. Maybe one one of the best yet! Lily woke up around 5:00 a.m. and came to our room suggesting we go downstairs to open gifts. Uh, no….we are not getting up at 5:00 a.m. to open gifts. So she snuggled up in bed with Charlie and myself and dozed off and on until 7:00a.m. Then we all got ourselves ready and headed downstairs. Luke actually didn't come down immediately, the first time we ever did not go down all together. Since he did not have any presents to open other than a little gift box holding a $100 bill, I didn't see the point in forcing the issue. What was the sense in making him sit there and watch Lily open her gifts. He timed it perfectly and came down just as Lily was opening her last gift. She got: a pair of fashion boots, an under armor sweatshirt, leggings, a batman tee shirt, a batman sweatshirt, and Uggs sheepskin lined shoes. I know the shoes were a surprise and I have a feeling she snooped and knew about the batman items and leggings. She picked the boots and under armor sweatshirt herself.

Ben Z. who works with Charlie quite a bit as a subcontractor got him 2 fleece lined sweatshirts which Charlie opened Christmas morning. Both are very nice and should keep him warm this winter. Weather was not a concern yesterday. It was very mild with temperatures in the 50's I think. It felt like a spring day!

Mom and Dad arrived around 10:30-ish. Gram Ada fell getting out of her shower and they had to get her up and squared away before coming to us. They brought the chocolate cake with peanut butter icing that we always have for Baby Jesus' birthday.

Next we played a rousing game of Christmas trivia with a deck of trivia cards I'd bought at the Dollar Tree. That was a lot of fun! We were quite competitive and blurted out answers, much to Lily's annoyance as she was the one asking the questions for the most part.

After that we played Reindeer Rummy with cards Mom had brought. That was fun as well. Lily won several hands right off the bat with the cards she was dealt. That often happens as she is really very lucky in gaming.

We eventually made our way in to the living room where Mom handed out cards from Gram, Gayle, and Jill with money for the kids. This was per their request. They were very pleased with their final totals and are planning/plotting what to purchase.

For lunch we had Screpsie's hoagies, chips, fruits and veggies, cheese cubes, mulled cider with apricot brandy, chocolate covered pretzels, cream cheese with hot pepper jelly, and homemade cranberry relish. We all were stuffed by the end of that feast!

After lunch Dad, Charlie, and Luke loaded buckets with wood for the furnace. Grandma, Lily, and Luke did a gingerbread house and tree, I took photos and flittered around the house tidying up a bit. The afternoon ended with games of Battleship and Connect Four.

P&J left around 3:30. Mom fretted that they'd be getting home just in time to help load Gram Ada into the car to go to Paula's for Christmas.

We left around 4:30 to go to Kathy's house. George, Denisse, and Brendon were in from Utah. We haven't seen them for a few years. Because they flew in the night before, they slept in and didn't feel up to coming to our place. We were perfectly fine with that. I must say, this worked out perfectly for all. Perhaps we'll do Christmas this way every year. Wehrys in the morning and Crowells in the evening. We visited and played a round of Farkle before leaving around 8:15.

Of course, by the time we got home we were all quite tired. The kids went to bed with no fuss at all. I think we all were in agreement that it was one of the best Christmases ever!

12-22-2014 How Do You Solve a Problem Like….

I started singing "How do you solve a problem like….."

Lily chimed in "ebola?"

Only Lily.

12-18-2014 A Most Wonderful Day Spent Thrifting

Charlie stayed home all day today working on estimates and invoices. He was able to take kids to and from school. That meant I was free to go shopping all by myself. It wasn't Christmas shopping. That's been done. This was just shopping for the fun of it.

The first place I went was to Sal Val in Lebanon. Since our local store closed the end of November, Lebanon is the next closest one for us. Within 5 minutes of entering the store, my cart was full and I had to go thru the checkout. I bought 4 fabulous folding lawn chairs that will be perfect down at the dock. I also bought 2 accent lamps and shades which I've been keeping my eyes open for. After a trip to the car to unload my loot I went back inside and hunkered down to some serious clothing shopping. I made out fabulous and bought all kinds of turtlenecks, cardigans, comfy pants, sweaters, etc. I bought so many clothes my cart was full again and I had to make another trip to the car. I went in 1 final time and found a fabulous shoe tree organizer. It's quite heavy and sturdy and was a wonderful find.

My next stop was Goodwill in Robesonia. I made out fabulous there as well. I bought a pair of black, fur-lined North Face boots (THE thing/label to have this year) for $8.97. They probably retail for about $150. I also bought 2 wall hangings for bathroom to jazz it up a bit. I got a slate grey/black turtleneck there and 2 or 3 winter scarves as well.

The third stop was to A Wrinkle in Time country craft store. I bought a few pair of earrings at $1 per pair, a necklace, a copper bracelet, garland made of nuts painted red (sounds weird to describe but has a nice rustic look to it), a few old wooden box ends. The best purchase there was a replica of a wooden dough bowl trencher. I've wanted one for a long time, but couldn't bring myself to pay the going rate of $125 or up. This one looks great and was only $38. A much better deal.

I took along a little cheese tray for myself and a few bottles of water and juice. It was such an enjoyable time. I am so happy I had the chance to spend the day this way today!

12-17-2014 Concert Last Night, Colonial Williamsburg Re-Enactment Today

Lily had her 5th grade concert last evening. It was quite enjoyable. I sat with my friend Patti since Charlie and Luke had basketball practice.

This afternoon Lily's 5th grade class presented Colonial Williamsburg after school. Children stood in front of shops they had created and did a little spiel about their shop. Other children offered refreshments. A group did square dancing. Others played Christmas songs. It was quite enjoyable. Mom and Dad came down around lunch time. They treated Luke and I to Chinese for lunch and joined us for Lily's presentation. It was a nice family afternoon.

12-11-2014 Snow Globe Kind of Day

We woke up to snow this morning. It was just a heavy dusting on the grass and trees. It continued snowing all day, often heavy, but never sticking to roads or slate. In my eyes, that made it the perfect snow. It was so pretty to watch. I put on Christmas songs and distributed decorations throughout the house.

Mom was supposed to go with her sisters, Linda and Gayle, to Long Wood Gardens today. She canceled going due to the weather and Aunt Linda yelled at her and hung up on her. I feel bad for Mom. Even though she knows she made the right decision, she doesn't feel good about the way Linda reacted. Gayle also decided not to go and her and Mom are in agreement not to pre-arrange any more long distance events during winter months.

Charlie and the kids are at basketball practice. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet of the house while snuggled up under my electric blanket upstairs in my bed.

12-1-2014 Thanksgiving Break Summary

I worked Thanksgiving. It wasn't too bad. We had a crowd of guests for lunch and they were not satisfied with the meal. I can't say I blame them as the chef substituted brussel sprouts for carrots. That was our biggest problem of the day, so I'm considering it a win.

Charlie and the kids went to ThanksGibney as is the tradition. They came home grumpy and starving as is the tradition.

Friday we stayed home and decorated around the house, but did not do the tree because Charlie decided to get a real tree this year. To get the full experience with horse drawn wagon rides and hot cocoa, you need to go to a tree farm on a weekend. I was fine with that.

Saturday he and the kids did the tree farm experience while I was at work. Unfortunately, I got stuck at work and texted them to go ahead and decorate without me. I must admit, the tree is the best looking tree we've ever had!

Sunday Charlie and Luke went to Lowe's and bought and installed a new dishwasher. Ours had broke 2 months ago, but I was reluctant to buy a new one so soon after buying a new refrigerator.

Today Mom came down while Dad was buck hunting. We visited, went for Chinese, and did some shopping. We had a very nice time together.

The kids go back to school from their long break tomorrow. The forecast is for freezing rain, so hopefully they get there before it starts and it ends before I need to go pick up Luke from math class.

11-26-2014 A Little Pre-Thanksgiving Snow

Lily had early dismissal today at 1100 when it started snowing big, fat flakes. I think we were forecasted to get between 3 to 6 or 4 to 8 inches of snow. It looks like we only have about 2 or 3 inches now (8pm) and I think it's winding down. That's fine with me since I work tomorrow, Thanksgiving. I'm okay with working the holiday because I'll be off Christmas.

Charlie stayed home from work today and did paperwork. Once both kids were home they basically did screens and relaxed during the afternoon. We baked gingersnap cookies after supper even though the snow blower was not fired up. In general, the policy is that I must bake cookies whenever Charlie uses the snowblower.

Black Friday we plan on decorating for Christmas as is our tradition. Then I work the weekend. Monday we may visit with Mom and Dad, that's still up in the air at this point.

11-19-2014 Reflections after loss of former co-worker

There was a terrible, senseless accident this morning in our area. A tractor trailer driver fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into stopped vehicles. One of this killed was a nurse I had worked with in CCU. Her name was Jane and she leaves behind a husband and 2 found sons. all who knew her are devastated at this tragedy. It has me thinking about how many folks I work with and really enjoy and appreciate, but they probably don't know it. I'm going to make it my goal to show more appreciation each time I am with them. That will be the legacy of Jane.

11-13-2014 Snow Flurries

It's flurrying here a wee bit. Luke said I must make note of this event so we can compare it to past years. Duly noted.

11-03-2014 My 43rd Birthday

Charlie and the kids brought home pizza and stromboli from Bruno's last night for my birthday meal. They surprised me with a bag of gifts including a red reindeer mug I'd admired, a beautiful blue and green mug, an electric blanket throw to use downstairs (cream with dark blue snowflakes), and lids/straws for ball jars (to protect drink from fruit flies…we've had a problem with them lately). I was pleasantly surprised.

This morning Luke and Lily each sang and danced "Happy Birthday" for me. That was a highlight of my day. I also got birthday emails from my pen pal in England, mom, Jill, and Gail (a former nursing student).

I've spent the day puttering around. I watched Madam Secretary this morning before getting Luke. After picking up Lily I went to the library to pick up final book in Divergent series by Veronica Roth. That's the perfect birthday treat and I'm planning on reading the book start to finish this evening snuggled under my electric blanket birthday gift.

I am so very thankful to be at this point in my life. I am so grateful for another year with my family, spent in good health, living comfortably, with a job that challenges me every single weekend. It's a good time in my life. I am thankful, grateful, appreciative, humbled by my blessings.

10-23-2014 From Fall Ball to Basketball

Fall ball is done and basketball has begun. The kids are both doing basketball and had their first clinic last Friday. They have another clinic tomorrow night and then I think it's two weeks each with three clinics. I'm hoping they both enjoy it, although as always, my main concern is that no one get hurt. Charlie has offered to coach wherever they need him and hasn't found out yet if he'll be with Luke or Lily.

I've gone in to work 3 weekdays in the past week. I'm doing a leadership training program that involves some webinars I need to attend at work with a group of other folks in management. Today I was at work for my annual education day. I had attended that back in August, but they pulled me to work on the floor that day.

It's been quite blustery and rainy the past few days. We've had our employees in the barn painting our house shutters. We've decided on Chester County white after being up in the air all summer about what color we were going to go with. Now we just need to decide on the door color. I think we may go with a green/black.

Next week is Halloween and then my birthday. I can not believe we are almost to November. It seems like the kids were just at the shore and then getting ready for back to school. Next we'll be talking about Christmas!

10-6-2014 Kids-free Weekend Bliss

Mom and Dad had the kids this past weekend and I took off both Saturday and Sunday from work for the first time since I started working every weekend back in June 2013. It was wonderful!

Charlie came with me and we met Mom and Dad 1/2 way between our houses Friday afternoon around  4:00ish. We then came home and relished in the peace and quiet for a while. Eventually we head upstairs to showers and relaxing in bed.

Saturday we slept until 7:30 am. I still can't believe I actually slept in that late! We got up eventually and did the 4 Centuries Historic Homes Tour as we do every year. It was in the Oley Valley this year and was quite enjoyable. We took along drinks and snacks and nibbled our way through the day. Charlie's upper respiratory issues persist, so he drank hot tea with honey and juice as well as coffee and water.

We ordered Bruno's stromboli for supper and stopped in a cute little shop a mile or so from Bruno's to kill a little time before picking up our take-out and heading home. Just being able to eat a quiet dinner without bickering or interruptions was quite lovely.

Sunday we slept in again then went to a local flea market and antique shops. Charlie bought some TIME magazine year in review books for $1 a piece and enjoyed looking through them in the afternoon.

The kids did a fall festival with P&J on Saturday afternoon after spending the morning decorating pumpkins from P&J's garden. They went to Tobias's Animal Farm on Sunday. They all agree they had a great time together.

It was absolutely wonderful to have a weekend just the two of us. I look forward to the next…hopefully it won't be a year from now!

9-29-2014 The Carpenter has a Cold

Charlie has been sick since he came home from work on Friday. He took the kids to their fall ball game Saturday morning, then came home afterwards and slept the entire day. Sunday he worked 10-ish until around 5pm, then came home and went to bed. Last night he was awake coughing and carrying on around midnight and sounded awful. It seems too early in the season for him to get the typical respiratory problems he usually develops later in the winter. I'm hoping he went to the doctor today as I instructed him to. Waiting for him to come home from work to see how his day went.

10-5-2013

We went to the historic homes tour today. Enjoyable as always. Kathy watched the kids. Mom & Dad were supposed to, but Mom is having a hypertensive crisis. Her BP was as high as 240/120. I'm taking her for a renal doppler on Tuesday.

Luke is doing well in 5th grade cyber school. He says he wants to go back to school after Christmas. I've talked to Dr. Shoudt about it and we'll get a plan together to ease him back in.

Lily is doing well in 4th grade. She likes Mrs. Miller and is looking forward to signing up for basketball this week. She also just signed up to play the flute.

I'm enjoying working every weekend on the rehab. unit. It's working out perfectly.

9-25-2014 Work Stress = Looking forward to Adults Only Weekend

Work has been quite stressful for me of late. The kind of stress that carries over from the weekend and drags me down all week. I have been discussing it at length with Charlie and have decided to drop down my hours from every weekend to per diem. I will need to tell them tomorrow.

I want to put it behind me and move forward before the first weekend in October. That's when the kids go to Mom and Dad's and we do our annual historic homes tour. I am very much looking forward to it, this year more than ever!

9-18-2014 Fall Ball, School, and New Routines

I think we are all settling in to our back-to-school routines pretty nicely. The kids have a few more weeks of fall ball (practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 7:30, games Saturdays and/or Sundays).

I wake them each weekday morning at 6:15 so they have enough time to dress, gather together last minute school items, eat breakfast, and have a little screen time before going off to school. I or Charlie drop them off at school anywhere between 7:10 and 7:30. I pick Luke up at 9:10 and we often run a few errands before coming home to eat (of course) then do cyber school.

We have started going to bed at 7:30 pm since I'm waking them each morning at 6:15 am and they are still asleep when I knock on their doors. I have a feeling as it gets dark earlier, I may even bump the time up to 7pm. We'll see….

9-11-2014 Remembering 13 Years Later

I talked to both kids about the significance of today leading up to and including this morning. After I picked Luke up from math class, I asked if they did anything in school to remember 9/11. He said they had moments of silence and he was very disappointed that some kids talked right through those moments. I was so proud of him for recognizing this as wrong.

We got our new refrigerator yesterday. GE with French doors and freezer on the bottom. It's much more spacious than the last one.

9-4-2014 Luke gets a new bike

Luke has got a new bike. It's a mountain bike he bought today at Walmart. He did lots of online research into exactly what he wanted with special focus on brakes and gear shifting. He did not pay for the bike with his money. Instead he and Charlie have worked out a deal (scheme) where Luke will load buckets of wood for the outdoor furnace from now until Christmas. In other words, he's paying off the bike debt with manual labor.

Lily went back to school today. She missed yesterday with pink eye. Hopefully she feels alright and has a good day. They have baseball practice tonight and the first game is on Saturday.

9-4-2014 First Illness Casualty of Back to School

Lily missed school yesterday. She has pink eye. I was planning on taking her to convenient care after school on Tuesday if she still had a sore throat and bit of earache which had started Friday afternoon. When she got off the bus, her eyes were blood red. So, she's on the antibiotic drops for conjunctivitis.

Charlie and I went to the local flea market yesterday morning around 0630 to pick up 6 pairs of shutters I'd found the week before. They are currently painted green and Charlie is going to hang a pair or two to see how we like that color. They are the perfect size for our windows and were quite a find!

Luke is struggling to adjust to cyber school. He was in tears yesterday. This happens every year and I feel quite bad for him. We did finish the day about an hour earlier than the day before, so that was a definite plus. Then we both sat on the sofa together and watched Iron Man on DVD. I think he needed to veg out a little bit, as did I.

Adventures in grilling continue. We had steaks, hamburgers, and hot dogs last night. Even Charlie admitted he is getting quite sick of eating so much meat. The kids and I agree. More veggies, less meat!

9-1-2014 Labor Day Party and Reflections on Summer

Mom and Dad are coming for lunch. We will be cooking on Charlie's new Weber gas grill. We've never had a grill in the past. I've been afraid of them. But this past spring Charlie became quite adamant that he wanted one after driving home from developments where lots of folks were using grills and entire neighborhoods smelled fabulous with steaks on the barbie. So, we made a deal that if our business checking account stayed at a certain amount for over a month with no commercial credit, he'd get a grill. It did, so he did. Turns out, we love it. The food is absolutely fantastic. Both kids are even in agreement the burgers and steaks are right up there with our favorite restaurant's Austin's.

Mom and Dad will be bringing things from their garden like basil, zucchini, tomatoes, squash, spinach, etc. They're also bringing things they picked up at the butcher shop last week and vacuum sealed and froze for us. Not sure what exactly we'll do after lunch. Maybe we'll play cards or a board game if it's hot and muggy or raining outside.

All summer our weather has been outstanding with temp's in the low to mid 80s and low humidity. The past few days have been more typical summer weather than we've had all summer. It's been mid to high 8os with high humidity. Strange that it comes so late in the summer. Wonder what kind of fall we'll have?

Luke and Lily go back to school tomorrow. It will be another 4 day week, like last week, which I think is good to help ease them back into the routine. Luke will start K12 cyber school tomorrow as well. At least that's the plan. We have all the materials, but the site isn't updated with his classes yet. I really wish it was so I could look everything over ahead of time. They'll also have baseball practice Tuesday and Thursday. Busy, busy, busy…something I do not enjoy. Lily has not embraced baseball yet, and is not enjoying practice thus far. We're hoping that changes as she gets more experience with it. Surprisingly, Luke seems to really be enjoying it.

8-27-2014 So Far, So Good

The kids seem to be adjusting well to being back at school. They've been waking up on their own. We are insisting bedtime remain at 8pm. They are insisting they are the only ones in the entire school who go to bed so early. I told them they should be proud to be the only ones well rested.

Luke has come right home yesterday and today and completed his math homework. I'm very proud of him.  I think it will work out well that he started math at public school a week before starting the rest of his classes via cyber school. Less stress that way. Lily came home today and watched a show on the computer before getting her homework done. Always the one to delay the unpleasant as long as possible.

I went to farmers' market and the flea market after the bus picked them up this morning. I saw a man selling shutters that I thought would work for our house. turns out he has 6 or 7 pairs and they will be a perfect fit. He's going to bring them next week and Charlie will pick them up before he starts his workday. I also bought a birds eye maple dresser with mirror. It caught my eye and is quite pretty. The price was right at $60. I consulted Charlie via cell phone after texting him pictures and said said to buy both the shutters and dresser. We haven't brought dresser into the house yet. It's still in the back of the minivan. I'm debating wether I want to start with it in the classroom or our bedroom.

Today was hot. Mid 80s with high humidity. Not fun. Charlie still hasn't gotten the grill he ordered, but he admitted it would be too hot to cook outside even if he did have it. I actually turned the air conditioning on today. I don't think we had it on more than 5 to 10 days all summer.

We don't have big plans for Labor Day Weekend. I know Lily wants to have play dates with her friends on Friday. I think Luke wants to do tune-up work on his RC car.  Charlie is pretty sure he'll need to work Friday. I work Saturday and Sunday. Mom and Dad are going to visit us Monday. I think by then it's going to be around 80 with lower humidity. Perhaps we can go fishing down at the dock for part of the visit.   

8-25-2014 First Day of School, First Day of School

First day of 5th grade for Lily and 6th grade for Luke. Both kids back under the same roof, this time at the middle school. Luke is taking math every morning from 0750-0910. I'll pick him up and bring him home and then we'll do the rest of his classes via cyber school.

Both kids rode the bus to school. Haven't done that in quite a while. We were stopped in the parking lot  at the bus stop. The owner of the orchard said it is private property and we can't be there. I've forwarded his concern to the district and they can figure out what to do.

Luke and I went to a quick orientation at the I.U. for the new cyber school we've switched to this year. Then I took him to the job site to work with Charlie since he owes him money for repairs to the RC car and is paying back the money via labor.

Lily and I are hanging out here at home waiting for them to arrive with pizza and stromboli from Bruno's…our favorite! Great way to celebrate the 1st day of school.

8-13-14 Getting Ready for Vacation then Back to School

Well, the summer has surely flown right on by. The kids and Charlie are leaving for the beach Friday morning and coming back Tuesday afternoon. They'll be going to OCMD as they have in the past. Last year we did day trips instead of the beach and I loved it. Turns out, I was the only one who loved it. The kids insisted they wanted to do the beach this year and so beach it is. I will not be going along. I hate the beach.

Lily had locker training at the middle school this morning. I think she was a little nervous. After a bunch of practices, she got the lock down pat.

Luke (and I) will be switching online schools from Lincoln Interactive to K12. I'm excited, but also a bit nervous to have to learn a whole new system. Luke will take math every day at his public school and have that count as his math grade.

This evening will be the last of the summer reading programs at the library. The kids have gone once a week and really enjoyed it.

The day they come back from the beach starts fall-ball baseball practice. That will be Tuesdays and Thursdays with games Friday evening or Saturday. Charlie will be an assistant coach.

This summer the weather has been outstanding. Very few hot, humid days. Lots of days on the 80s with low humidity. I'd like to order the same for next year please.

7-10-2014 Fall Ball (in July)

Both kids have signed up for fall ball which is a mini version of little league. Every Wednesday in July they are having an open clinic. Last night was the first one. Both kids did great.

7-3-2014 Where the Heck did the Month of June Go?

I absolutely can not believe tomorrow is the 4th of July. I was just thinking about the kids getting out of school for the summer a second ago. A minute before that we were in the midst of a brutal winter and dreaming of summer days. Now here we are in the middle of summer!

We are having a wonderful summer. One or both kids are hosting play dates nearly every day. We are going shopping and to the library and to Blue Marsh Lake and many other places. Both kids have gone to P&J's for a multi-night sleepover. Separately.

Monday we found out who Lily will have for a homeroom teacher in 5th grade. Already! Usually, we don't know the teacher assignment until about 2 weeks before school starts. Of course, now that she's going to middle school, there won't be just one teacher, so I don't think it matters as much as it did in years past.

I need to devote more time to trying to find a cyber school for Luke. I'd like to change to a school that has a teacher conduct class each day, rather than doing it myself. I have been asking around, but not had any luck yet.

7-3-2014 Giada Recipe for bruschetta

To die for!





Recipe Box

6-9-2014 Lily is Ten!

So Lily has turned 10. Her friends Emma, Jade, and Lila celebrated with her. The festivities started with a skating party at Fantasy skate from 1-4 pm. Charlie handled this since I was at work. Then everyone came back to our place to hang out and run around outside. I brought pizza, Stromboli, and wings from Bruno's on my way home from work. After eating they played some more outside and lit sparklers. Later they did s'mores and played flashlight tag. Eventually they got in the tent set up on the riverside porch. A thunderstorm came around 10-ish and we moved everyone into the living room to sleep on the air mattresses from the tent. This morning they played outside then played board games until it was time to send them packing. Lily said she took a survey and everyone rated the sleepover a 10 out of 10. She is currently napping.

6-7-2014 School's Out for Summer

Yesterday was the last day of school. It was the last day for us to have a child in elementary school. Today is the last day the same child will be in the single digits of age. She turns 10 tomorrow.

After school yesterday we all went to Knoebles' Amusement Park to celebrate. We had a wonderful time. Perfect weather. Not too crowded. Lovely.

Luke is having a sleepover at P&J's until Tuesday. Lily will have a skating party followed by pizza and wings followed by a sleepover. All that fun will begin tomorrow at 1pm. Charlie will handle the skating party while I'm at work. I'll deliver pizza and wings I pick  up on my way home.

5-26-2014 Memorial Day

     All four of us were together today with Mom and Dad to celebrate Memorial Day. It was lovely weather, partly cloudy and around 80 degrees. We had hamburgers, lots of little side dishes, fruit and ice cream for dessert.

     The kids have something like 8 days of school left. Hard to believe. Lily has mixed feelings as she'll miss her friends. Luke usually has some anxiety because summer isn't as structured as during the school year. I'll need to put together a basic daily routine for us to follow. He started going to public school for language arts the end of March and has been doing that daily since. It's going okay, but I don't think he's ready to go back to full days next year.

     Charlie is quite busy with customer projects. He is feeling overwhelmed, but does realize it's a blessing to have too much work. He's doing his best to balance everyone. Last Thursday we had a freak hailstorm that caused a lot of damage to vehicles and property. Luckily the work trucks only have dings, but windshields remain intact. Many hundreds of vehicles in our county were totaled from the storm damage. Our house and property were fine, just some shredding of plants. We were very blessed.

     I've been at work for just over a year now at the rehab. center. I am still working every weekend, 2 eight hour shifts. I function as supervisor and have been doing that since January. Of late, it's been quite stressful and approx. 7 nurses have left in the past month or so. That's quite a lot considering we probably on have 20-some on staff to begging with!

   

1-21-14 Valentine Cream Wafers recipe from Betty Crocker

Valentine Cream Wafers recipe from Betty Crocker





This is the recipe for cookies my Mom made for us every Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day when we were kids.

12-23-2013

Thousands of carolers sing to terminally ill girl - TODAY.com We did not attend the caroling, but this story, so very heartbreaking, is on my mind almost constantly this holiday. Last year it was the Sandy Hook school shooting just before Christmas. It's as if God wants us to remember what is truly important this season. And it isn't gifts or the perfect holiday spread or the decorations or anything else commercial or material or superficial. It is love. It is family. It is health. It is a thankful heart.

12-10-2013 Snow Day

We got about 4 or 5 inches of snow today. School was cancelled. Charlie is home sick with sinus infection, reactive airway disease, asthma flair-up. So we were all together for the day which was nice. I baked cookies. Luke shoveled the slate and driveway. We put more lights on the tree and more decorations around the house. The snow is gorgeous and the kids were out twice to play in it.

12-4-2013 French Tart's Cookbooks - Food.com - 242729

French Tart's Cookbooks - Food.com - 242729


Love her!

12-3-2013

     For the 1st time in many, many years, I worked Thanksgiving. Charlie and the kids went to ThanksGibney without me. They came home starving, but otherwise fine. My day at work wasn't bad and I enjoyed the quiet time alone at home before they returned.

     I have been experiencing low BP, tachycardia, shakiness, and blurred vision. All labs, physical and eye exam came back normal. I don't have as much energy as I normally would. This has caused a delay in elf gifts and decorating for Christmas. Normally, we decorate on Black Friday. No one wanted to this year. So, we didn't. I took fall decorations down yesterday. They're sitting in a tub in the hallway downstairs, waiting for someone to carry them to the attic. The Christmas decorations are in the attic, waiting for someone to carry them downstairs. I finally bought elf gift candy yesterday. So, elf gifts started this morning, minus the traditional elf gift stocking that would normally hang in my room. I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet.

     I took Lily to the Chinese buffet for lunch yesterday. She ate 3 plates full of food then puked all over the passenger seat and floor of the minivan. Thankfully, Charlie was home to clean up the mess. Lily is fine, she said she was just too full. The car still stinks and I'm using baking soda to try to draw the stench out. Luke was horrified and hasn't been in the minivan since the incident. Luckily, he stayed home and wasn't witness to it. If that was the case, we'd probably never hear the end of it.

    

11-13 - 2013 Snow Flurries

We had a few snow flurries blowing around yesterday morning before Lily was getting ready for school. Nothing stuck, but fun to see the first of the season flurries.

Charlie is going to coach one of the 3rd/4th grade girls' basketball teams this year. It should be a hoot. Lily is very excited….we'll see how long that lasts.

Luke is really into his Traxis remote control truck at the moment. It's all he talks about.

I'm meeting with his therapist this morning to discuss plans for helping Luke transition back into middle school, at least on some level.

10-28-2013 Halloween's Around the Corner

Saturday morning while I was at work Charlie took the kids to the library for a Halloween party. It was just Like, Lily, and her friend Emma. They had enough pudding for 20 kids, so they each got to eat as much pudding as they wanted. Due to the lack of kids, Luke thought it was the best party he'd ever attended.

Yesterday afternoon, Emma's mom took Lily along to a "Trunk or Treat" event at a local church parking lot. Apparently people park in the lot and give out treats from the trunk of their car. This is a new concept, Lily seems to think it worked.

Wednesday I will meet with some staff to begin the process of helping Luke transition back into public school, since that's what he wants to do. I am concerned that he will regress back to the high anxiety he had in the past and so want to take it slow and do it right.

Thursday is Halloween and we do plan on going trick or treating to a local development, weather and health permitting.

10-15-2013 Where the heck have I been?

Just checked back in the blog to see the last time I posted....August 2nd, holy cow!

 I can't believe I didn't post when the kids went back to school. Luke is in 5th grade, doing cyber school at home with me. Lily is in 4th grade, her teacher is Mrs. Miller.  We had a pretty uneventful start to the school year. Luke and I struggled a bit the 1st week, especially since we only had online textbooks, but now we have the hang of things and are doing just fine. Luke has actually expressed interest in going back to public school. I take it as a sign of great progress. On the other hand, I am concerned that it will undo or reverse the progress we've made in the past year and a half. I've told Dr. Shoudt and she's going to help us devise a plan to ease him back in, one small step at a time.

Lily is going to learn to play the flute. She just brought it home last week. Right now she's at basketball sign ups with Charlie. She likes her teacher and seems to be pleased with most of the kids in her class. So far, so good. It's her last year in elementary school and I do believe she plans on enjoying it.

Work has been going well for Charlie. He spent the summer doing a custom home and enjoyed it for the most part. That's pretty much done and so he's back to doing various remodel jobs. 

I am still enjoying my working every weekend. It is perfect for me and our family and I thank God for it.

Mom has been having concerns with high blood pressure. It started about 3 weeks ago. I took her last Tuesday for a renal doppler, which was negative. She's started on 100mg of cozaar and has a follow up appt. and labs in a month. Her pressure was as high as 240/120 and she and I were both quite concerned. Hopefully, the med's bring it under control.

8-2-2013 Apple store with Grandma

Charlie and I took Mom to the Apple store in Allentown today to buy a MacBook Pro. It was a LONG day.

 Lily went home with Mom and Dad to go to yard sales tomorrow. She asked Mom to hook up wifi. Mom declined. Lily said, I asked her to do it and she went "kablamoh!" Too funny!

7-31-2013

Well, I for one, can not believe today is the last day of July! This summer is flying by. We went to Root's Auction yesterday with P&J. Mom retired, her last day at work was this past Sunday. I don't think it's sunk in with any of us just yet. Lily went home with them from Root's for a sleepover. She'll come back Friday morning when Charlie and I take Mom to the Apple store to buy a laptop. It will be their 1st computer. EVER! This past week they had Dish Network installed for satellite TV and DSL installed for internet access. They sure are moving forward....FINALLY!

Charlie is busy building a house in Lehigh County for a lovely young couple. We are thrilled to have the work.

I'm absolutely loving working every weekend. It's great to be home with the kids during the week and just as great to be back at the bedside doing nursing care. I am a happy camper!

Video: Facing Death | Watch FRONTLINE Online | PBS Video

Video: Facing Death | Watch FRONTLINE Online | PBS Video

6-6-2013 Last Day of School!

I can not believe it's the last day of school! I do not think Lily is ready for it. She was snapping at everyone last night and teared up over nothing a few times. Luckily, her teacher gave them a class yearbook with phone numbers and email addresses. Hopefully, she can stay in touch with classmates through the summer.

We will celebrate the end of school by going to the Chinese buffet for lunch. Lily TOLD me that's what we're doing.

I worked my 1st weekend last weekend. Felt good about it and think working every weekend will be a great fit for our family. I enjoy the 2 days in a row, but then like having the week off to 'recover' as well.

I need to get into the garden and get planting. Last week was too hot. This week I've been too busy. Tomorrow is going to be rainy, so I hope to get in today.

Charlie has been extremely busy with work. That feels great. Better the phone be ringing off the hook than not at all!

5-25-2013

I just finished 2 weeks of full-time orientation. Wow, was that hard! I came home exhausted these past few afternoons. So glad to be done the M-F part of orientation. Now I'm off this weekend and the coming week. I'll have next weekend orientation and then be on my own.

Charlie took Lily to and from school all week, including yesterday which was a 1/2 day. Luke went along with him to job sites and helped out or hung out.

We made it. I'll be spending today getting caught up on laundry, cleaning, groceries, etc.

I have a whole new respect for households in which both parents work full-time. I don't know how they do it.

5-13-2013 Mother's Day Review

I had a very enjoyable Mother's Day this year. It started out with Lily delivering cards to me in bed. Then Charlie and the kids went to Dunkin Donuts and brought me back munchkins and coffee. After breakfast and the paper all 4 of us went outside for some manual labor. We helped Charlie clean up aside of the barn and in his truck. I also mowed the back 40 and cleaned up the kitchen.

For lunch we had spaghetti and salad. Then the kids and I headed to Mom and Dad's, while Charlie stayed here to finish up some tasks.

At P&J's we went for a 1.5 mile walk/bike ride. The cat, Mr. Fluffy, had 3 kittens the kids thoroughly enjoyed. Then we helped them cover all their strawberry plants since the forecast was for frost last night. By the time we got the plants covered, it was supper time. We had leftover ham, cheese, apples, crackers, mushroom salad, and pickles. Then everyone but me had some ice cream.

We arrived back home just in time for bed.

I am so grateful we all have our health and were able to enjoy the nice weather, together, getting some much needed work done. A productive day, is a good day, and especially appropriate on Mother's Day!

5-8-2013 GREAT News x 2 Today!

Wonderful news today! I have been hired for a weekend position at the facility where I first started my nursing career. I am so excited to be going back there. This time on their rehab. unit.

The other great news we got today is that a young couple Charlie has been working with has been approved by their bank to build a custom home with us.

Wonderful day!

5-1-2013

Great Spring weather we've been having.


 We started watching Luke's friend Tyler after school until about 8pm 2 or 3 evenings a week. This was week 1, so far so good. Tyler does little league and karate, so it's more running around than we are accustomed to.

Charlie is finishing up an addition and hoping to start a house by the end of this month.

4-9-2013 Our 11th Wedding Anniversary

Today is our 11th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, we are not spending it together. Charlie has a carpentry committee meeting this evening. 

3-31-2013 Easter

I am spending Easter alone. I have a cold, complete with sore throat, ear ache, and overall lethargy. Charlie left with the kids about an hour ago to go to my parents. We were supposed to have Easter here, but decided on a change of plans this morning. I think the kids are going to sleep overnight there and I'll get them sometime tomorrow.

The Easter Bunny did manage to fill the baskets last evening, even though both kids were awake in their beds upstairs. Lily got a couple of tee shirts, cash and pair of capris. Luke got k'nex pieces, sparklers, and cash. Both got candy, gum, and a case of Propel flavored water. Charlie will share the candy and Propel with the kids.

It's cloudy, the wind is picking up and it should start raining any minute now. We hung out together this morning in the living room watching Frasier and Everybody Loves Raymond on Netflix. I'm now tucked in bed.

3-20-2013 Decisions, Decisions

I am feeling quite conflicted about what to do with myself professionally. On one hand, I want to pursue what has been a long-time goal and open my own nurse advocate business. On the other hand, I feel like I should become employed as a staff nurse by a big, stable corporation and start bringing home my fair share of the bacon (and health benefits). Ugh...what to do, what to do.

I'm actually working on both. I did not get the float position I'd interviewed for, but I am continuing to apply for jobs I think would fit our life. In the meantime, I am planning how I want to lay out a nurse advocate business and doing research to that end.

Time will tell. I haven't been sleeping well and our finances are heavy on my mind.

3-9-2013 Signs of Spring

3-8-2013 Typical Friday Night

Charlie and Lily are at the end of season girl's basketball party at the coach's house.

Luke and I are home, each enjoying a screen in our own bedroom.

Wind is howling outside.

Squirrels are running around in the attic and chimney.

2-22-2013 Humble Pie

I had a job interview this week and do not feel it went well at all. Very humbling for me. I thought the hospital would welcome me back with open arms. Turns out they do not believe I have enough recent experience. I'm keeping the faith that God has a plan for me and our family. funny thing is that I didn't really want to work full-time night shift...until they didn't want me. Now it feels like such a blow to my ego.

Lily is winding up her first basketball season. She has a game this evening and another tomorrow morning. The forecast is for freezing rain, so hopefully we can be home safe and sound before that starts.

Luke had a play date with his friend Tyler on Monday since they were off for President's Day. I'm happy he is doing so much better with cyber school and the social pressure being off of him.

Charlie is doing an attic remodel and will then begin a master bedroom addition for a classmate of his from high school. Very thankful he has work.

2-17-2013 Facing Death | FRONTLINE | PBS

Facing Death | FRONTLINE | PBS...Excellent show about death and dying in America today....

2-5-2013 Luke's in the Double Digits Now!

Luke had a low-key birthday yesterday, just like he wanted. We dropped Lily off at school then went shopping for a Wii game. He chose Harry Potter Lego years 5-7. We also bought sushi rolls and croissants (which he calls ka-zams) since they're his favorites and he DID NOT want to go out to eat.

We came home from shopping mid morning and he spent the rest of the day playing the new game.

P&J called and sang happy birthday to him complete with meowing and purring. That made him smile from ear to ear. 

2-3-2013 No Party, No Problem!

Luke did not want to have his 10th birthday party this weekend. He did not want it on Saturday because lily had a basketball game at noon. His reasoning was that if the grandparents went to the game and saw Lily play, it would steal some of the thunder from his party. He did not want the party today because it snowed last night and is supposed to snow again this evening. That on top of it being Super Bowl Sunday persuaded him that the grandparents should not be on the roads. Perhaps we will try to have a party in 2 weeks when Mom is off again.

I always get a bit sentimental when it's the kids birthdays. I find myself reminiscing about what stage of pregnancy or labor I was in at this time of the day 10 years ago.

Poor Ben has broken his tibia and fibula. He fell while walking on Wednesday and Kathy took him for x-rays yesterday. He's in a cast and using a walker to get around. He isn't in any pain because he has neuropathy...which is why they didn't realize he had a fracture in the first place.

We are planning on watching the Super Bowl online this evening. I suppose we'll pile onto our bed and see what we can see. I told the kids they could stay up until 8 pm. We'll see if any of us make it that long. They were outside with Charlie for a few hours this morning loading and stacking firewood. Between the cold, snow, and manual labor, I don't expect them to last long. 

1-28-2013 Snow Day!

We had a good weekend. Lily had a play date with her friend Emma on Saturday. I got a lot of the house cleaned during that time. Luke had a play date with his friend Tyler yesterday. That was after Lily's basketball game.

Today we have a snow day! It just started snowing, but they are calling for snow through the morning then changing to ice in the afternoon before finally ending as rain. I think the schools made the right choice in closing. Both kids are currently enjoying screen time (as am I). We'll have to see if they can go outside to play in the snow. It's not as bitter cold as it has been the past number of days.

I've juiced all the oranges, clementines, and mandarins I'd gotten at Root's Auction last week. I do still have 2 bags of lemons and 2 bags of apples. We'll have to see how the weather is tomorrow. I may make another trip there to stock up again on healthy produce. Unfortunately, Lily only likes the clementine juice. I was hoping she'd like all forms of juice since she's the least healthy eater in the family.

Luke's birthday is coming up next week. I've offered him the activity of his choice to celebrate. He's leaning towards a family party with both sets of grandparents only. Not a problem. Of course, many of his parties get rescheduled due to weather and or health issues. Such is the life for one born in February I suppose.

1-13-2013

Not much beyond the status quo going on around here. We had colds last week. Lily has started playing basketball and is enjoying it. Luke had a play date with his friend Tyler this afternoon. Charlie hauled wood to the outdoor furnace. I cleaned and cooked. Not much going on.

1-1-2013 New Year

I think we set a personal record with bedtimes last night. We were each tucked in our respective beds by 5:30 pm. Lily was hanging up clothes, then listening to her iPod. Luke was using Charlie's iPad. Charlie, who has a cold, and I were watching The West Wing on the MacBook Pro in our bed.

I asked Lily this morning what her favorite part of 2012 was. She said vacation at Ocean City, MD.

I asked Luke what his favorite part of last year was, but he wouldn't give an answer. I, personally, think  starting cyber school was the best thing that happened to him last year.

I'm drawing a blank on any one, big thing that would qualify as a 'best' for my 2012. I think we were very blessed in terms of good health. I think we were fortunate that I was able to leave my job as a nursing instructor and stay home with Luke for cyber school. It always feels like a bit of a miracle when Charlie's business is able to support us through another year. So, looking back on 2012, I'd say the best part about it is that we made it through unscathed, healthy and together.

Charlie is still in bed. I'll have to get his take on 2012 later today. He did mention last night that he did not look back on it as a banner year.

We do not do resolutions. Better to try anew each day to do our best.

12-26-2012 Christmas and Beyond

We had a nice Christmas. Mom had to work 12-25-12, so we had Christmas on 12-24-12. The night before, Lily was asking a lot of questions about Santa and the logistics of him coming a day early. I thought she had everything figured out and so told her the truth. Turns out she didn't have things figured out and was DEVASTATED. I felt awful. We talked it out and talked it out until we finally came to the following agreement: Santa is real and will continue to be real as long as he lives in your heart.

Luke wanted and got $100 worth of red plastic cups for cup castle building. He also got a box of chocolates wrapped up in foil to look like cats and the Wii Sport Resort game to share with Lily.

Lily got a $50 iTunes card, notepad set, water bottles with sport spouts, iPod charger, earbuds for ipod, box of chocolate cats, and tights.

The two of them got rechargeable batteries to share.

Mom and Dad came to our place around 9:30. Kathy and Charlie Sr. came with Ben around 12:15. Doris stopped in around 12:45. Because the forecast was for snow in the evening, everyone was gone by 3:30. Perfect staggering of the coming and going of guests in my opinion and I'm always for rolling up the sidewalks early.

It did begin to snow around 5:00 pm and the kids were out playing in the snow until around 8:00 pm. It really felt Christmas-y with the snow coming down.

The morning of the 25th, our day after Christmas, we woke up to a winter wonderland. The kids got dressed and went outside for a few hours to enjoy the snow. Charlie slept in while I loaded the outdoor furnace, a rare occurrence. Then I went around the property snapping pictures of the snow covered scenery. What a great way to enjoy the morning.

Today we ran to the bank, had Chinese buffet for lunch, made a run to the library and just made it home before the snow started to fall. Charlie and Ryan came here from the roof job they were working on and are currently working out in the barn. Luke is upstairs building cup castles. Lily is on the other end of the sofa from me playing Wii Sports Resort. Outside, it looks like a full blown snow storm coming down. Lots of accidents reported around the area and I'm happy we're all here, safe and sound.

12-24-2012 Merry Christmas!

 

12-22-2012 Start of Christmas Break

Lily was home sick with a cold and fever Monday and Tuesday. After the school shooting in CT, I was  fine with keeping her home with me and Luke. Her class party was on Friday and I volunteered in the classroom. The kids had a good time, as always.

 After school, I took her for frozen yogurt as a special treat. Then a bit of window shopping at Marshall's. Luke chose to stay home and requested lemon orzo pasta soup as a treat for him.

Today I woke up feeling like I was coming down with her cold. I just sat around in the living room all day. Charlie did paperwork and customer phone conferences well into the afternoon. Then he and Luke played a bridge building game on the ipad. Lily and I played a few hands of Uno. No one left the house. No running around. No crazed Christmas preparations. It was really nice.

The wind has been howling all day with the occasional snowflake flying by. The forecast says we may wake up to a white Christmas. That would be nice, although we are having Christmas on the 24th since Mom is working the 25th. So I suppose it will be nice, but a day late, for us.

12-15-2012 Fall Deck & Roller Hockey

 

12-8-2012 Truck #10

 

12-7-2012 Mercedes it Is!

Charlie has been having quite a bit of trouble with both of his Chevy work trucks. Today he bought a 2011 Mercedes Sprinter. He'll attach a Supreme Spartan work truck body to the back. this will be Truck #10. Truck #9 is in the garage, where it's been for about 3 weeks. We're waiting for a price for a new engine. Truck #8 will be sold.

We learned earlier in the evening that a customer did not get approved for financing an addition that would have kept us busy for 3 months or so. not great timing, but Charlie wanted to move forward with the truck purchase. Hope we won't regret it.

Our health insurance is going up 10% over last year. Still less than what we were paying 2 years ago.

Lily has started basketball...her dream. She has practices on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Games will start after Christmas.

Luke seems to be doing pretty well. He's been playing a lot with Legos the past few days. And building his cup castles. For Christmas he asked for $100 worth of red plastic cups so he can build even better castles. He then comes up with videos filming their destruction  and posts them to YouTube.

We are planning on having Christmas here again this year. Mom is working Christmas Day, so we'll celebrate on the 24th. Santa understands and makes allowances for health care workers.

Mom and I went shopping Wednesday and she bought the last of what she wanted to get for the kids. We had a good time. It was nice for me to have a break from my daily life. dad stayed with Luke. Lily was in school.

Weather has been mild. We had minimal flurries and a dusting last week. Rain today, although Jill and Eric encountered some black ice this morning going to work an hour north of here. I definitely don't miss worrying about driving in bad weather!

12-3-2011

We've had a lot of things going on around here lately. We did ThanksGibney at Plow Church with Charlie's side of the family. Left there hungry, as always.

Black Friday we decorated for Christmas as is our tradition. We did a quick run to Salvation Army and Goodwill in the afternoon and were pleasantly surprised that neither one was really crowded. We each got a couple items and kept it under $50.00.

Luke has been meeting with a psychologist, Dr. Shoudt, for a few weeks. 

11-14-2012 Well...

I was helping Lily with her math homework after school today. She had to solve a word problem and write an answer in sentence form. She looks at me and says, "I like to start each answer with, 'Well..." I completely cracked up.

Only Lily would start math sentences with, "Well.....". Love that girl!

10-28-2012 House and Dock Stairs before the Storm

 

10-28-2012 Barn Exterior and interior roof