On the plane

Yesterday, Bethany, Hans and I FINALLY made it to Chicago.  We had about a 4 hour delay in Cincinnati, but God must've heard my prayers because we made it!  I'm so grateful; and today they are hanging out with family, hopefully having a great time with Oma and their cousins.  Here's what the flight looked like yesterday...

  

Bethany was so cute - and tired!

Well...  since I have the day to myself, I think I'll see Beautiful Creatures.  And I hope to get some time in at the exercise room they have here.  Wish me luck - you know I can get distracted!

Love to all...

Missed Valentine's...

 So last week we had Josh get sick with the Norovirus, and then kindly pass it on to Cody and I.  Miraculously... Bethany and Hans did not get sick!  By Thursday we were over our sickness, but Cody and I were still getting back to full strength (literally).  So I missed wishing you all a happy Valentine's Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  (late...)  

I was writing this yesterday as we waited for our flight out of Cincinnati to take off, and of course everything I wrote is lost.  But the good news is I have a working internet connection, and I can actually upload the pics I wanted to share from that afternoon.  It was a very practical gift exchange; Bethany got new slippers, Hans got a super-soft robe, Josh got ankle weights (which of course broke 2 days later - darn), and I got Cody the first two Twilight books in hardcover.  And socks.  I keep asking what he wants, and since that's the only answer I've ever gotten...  he's gonna be loaded with socks!  And Cody got me the new perfume from Curve - fruity and yummy!

I really wanted to say that - if you're reading this - then we love you very much, and you WERE thought of on Valentine's Day.  As you are every day...

Love to all...

  

  

Love and other heartaches...

Bethany, Hans and I are off to Chicago tomorrow for Opa's funeral. He passed away Wednesday morning, after a lengthy duration of dialysis and a life of living with diabetes. I only mention this because now – for those of us who know he's in heaven – he will have an eternal life free of pain, with his mother and brother, and all his other family. It's still sad; I told Bethany and Hans that losing a loved one is – possibly – the most difficult thing to do in life. For most of us, we're never ready to say goodbye; even when it means a better life for that person. It's the selfish side of love; well, there are many selfish sides to love, but this one is bittersweet, and comes from a caring part of our hearts.

On the brighter side, we are extremely grateful Obachan is recovering nicely, and that God was watching over her when she needed help (and Richard and Michelle, too – what an amazing daughter!). This year has started off rather rough; people in the hospital, hospice, passing away – sickness and death. But for all those hard things we've had to deal with, so many have been miraculous blessings. My sister had a cancer scare that turned out to be a poorly read mammogram; thank you, God! Josh got terribly sick a couple weeks ago, gave it to Cody and I, but Bethany and Hans were spared – AMEN! Whoohoo!!! Obachan got the medical help she needed right away, and is recovering... how wonderful!

I apologize if this sounds a little 'preachy' (the AMEN; too much??), but it's important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, and every one of you reading this is someone I'm grateful to have in my life. So I'll be thinking of you, sending a little prayer of love out to you, and smiling inside as I pack a black outfit to say goodbye. Because love never really leaves – it just changes location.

Skiing Shawnee

We had a great day today - a nice family day we've needed to 'reconnect'. We took our time with the trip itself... Slept in a little, packed up the car, then had nice breakfast at Cafe 11 before we hit the road. Bethany and Hans napped on the drive up here, and then we checked in, had some lunch and got settled. Finally, we hit the slopes, and the powder was awesome! Came back to the resort for some dinner and a movie, and then Cody and I got to do some night skiing; it was like a date! And now everyone is exhausted. Goodnight...

 
  I wanted it to look like I was running into the tree, but - as Josh pointed out - it looks like I'm singing.  A skiing musical?  Could be!

The weekend...

Will be an opportunity to get away and spend some time together!  We went skiing last weekend, at Camelback Mountain, and it was very nice - but there was a snow storm that made it difficult to see, for several hours.  (Plus, skiing is NOT the easiest sport, and we weren't fully ready for more than a day.  LOL)  And it wasn't just me, due to my age!  ; )


Right now the blizzard is coming through downtown Philly; I had dance class tonight while Josh and Cody went to a play (a requirement for Josh's acting class).  The snow was really starting to come down, but just as we passed the airport, it was almost nothing.  So fresh powder in the Poconos tomorrow!  Hahahaha...

Our thoughts are with all the people further north and in Canada who are being hit by the storm.  We're praying for your safety, and that everyone is watched over.  And hi to my parents, down in sunny Florida - THIS is why you're down there!   <insert diabolical laughter>.

BTW...  I did it!  The Social Sec. Admin. acknowledged that I DID NOT have to pay back the overpayment they gave Josh.  YAY!!!!  Thanks Dad, for making me so stubborn.



            

   

       

Love to all...

Happy Birthday to ... ME!

So, I turned 41 today...  Not really a milestone.  More like wet sand in my underwear.  Annoying, but it will go away soon.  (The annoyance - not the age.  Darn.)

It was a laid-back day, taking the kids to school, running errands; Cody joined Josh and I for lunch, and I spent the afternoon helping Hans with the last of his school project.  Plus today was Bethany's day to have peanuts reintroduced into her diet, so I made Buckeye Bars for everyone to enjoy.  (They're the lazy version of Buckeye's - I spread the peanut butter in a lined pan, then pour the chocolate on top and cut into bars once the chocolate is set.  Delicious AND easy!)

Cody and the kids got me WONDERFUL presents, and most of them were inexpensive (which I love!).  Cody got me a really nice pair of silicone oven mitts (red) that I needed; my other ones were so old, there were thin parts that would get me burned.  And fun!!! new toys for my camera!  An awesome 5-in-1 foldable reflector, and some lovely lens filters.  I am so excited!  Bethany got me a beautiful autumn leaf candle, some Papaya scented tea lights (for the christmas gift she got me), and a bag of coconut M&M's.  Yum.  (And a dollar from Hans - I won't spend it all in one place!)

And thanks to mom and dad for the beautiful shirt (purple) and lovely scarf from Italy, with the crocheted edging (also purple)!  I got a lot of calls from everyone wishing me a happy birthday; so I need to return calls, but know that I appreciate all the well wishes!

Have a great weekend - love to all!

Comments are working!

"Wile E. Coyote - SUPER genius!"

So, it was actually pretty simple - which makes me feel a little dumb - but the comments seem to be working now.  Yay!

For all those reading this (and I know that's a small number), please keep a couple of people in your thoughts and prayers...

+  Josh's Obachan, who suffered a ruptured aneurism last week (but is strong and stubborn, and seems to be doing REALLY well)....

+  And Katie, my sister.  She's getting a second follow-up after something unusual showed up on her mammogram.  I'm sure God is watching out for her, and it's probably something minor, but praying for all those things can only help!

Thanks so much for all the love you constantly send our way, and for all the good things you do.  My love and gratitude to you all...

Hard being a Mom...

So Josh just went in to surgery. He's having all 4 wisdom teeth removed, and I can't be in there. I have to wait, not able to watch the Doctor, or make sure Josh is okay. Not that I have magic powers and my presence wil make a positive difference, but... Don't we feel that way as parents? The kiss that makes the tears stop, the joke to make them laugh instead of cry...  maybe that is our magic power. Making things better just being there!

Almost Christmas!

Cody and I got Bethany and Hans off to Texarkana safely, and they are having a nice time!  Josh rode down with us to North Carolina, and we stopped in Stafford to drop him off at his grandparents.  Obachan has time off through Christmas, and they should be spending time together, along with Aunt Michelle and his cousins.  And he's looking forward to a delicious Suki Yaki dinner for "New Year's" eve (which they'll celebrate a little early).  So Cody and I finished our trip to NC Friday morning, making a brief stop at Hinnant Winery on the way down.  We've really just relaxed so far and enjoyed ourselves (doing a little Christmas work along the way).  I'm relieved and blessed to know that all the kids are safely visiting family, and that we made it to Cindy's safely.  We are having a wonderful time with her, and hanging out together.


Our love and prayers are constantly with the families in Newtown, CT, who are suffering this season with such an unimaginable loss.  May God watch over them and everyone affected by this and all tragedies.

Love to all...

-Kris (Mom)

Inner Peace

My dad sent me this email talking about how to reach a sense of peace in a crazy world.  I thought it was incredibly useful, and could be applied to so much of life.  Hope you enjoy!

"A doctor on TV said that in order to have inner peace in our lives, we should always finish things that we start. Since we all could use more calm in our lives, I looked around my house to find things I'd started & hadn't finished.

I finished a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle of wum, tha mainder of Valiuminun scriptins, an a box a choclutz. Yu has no idr how fablus I feel rite now.

Sned this to all ur frenz who need inner piss. A  n telum u luvum."

Hahahaha...  love to all!

Social Security, ugh!

I'm pretty pleased with myself, at the moment.  Tomorrow was the deadline to turn in the appeals paperwork to the SSA; they gave Josh a payment for 18 months of UNDERpayment, and then 3 weeks later sent me a letter saying that those numbers were incorrect and now I owed them $1400.  WHAT?!?!?

Seriously, I'm not paying it.  I went through all my paperwork today; they have a history of underpaying Josh annually, and this time seemed no different.  And then, on the appeals questionnaire, they ask why we didn't tell them (the SSA) about whatever change or event caused the overpayment?

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, since we didn't do anything to cause it, and all the other reasons I have proof of, I'm feeling pretty confident.  And if all else fails, I'll send a letter to the President, his whole Administrative Staff, and my Congressman.  Certified mail.  And if anyone thinks I won't, ask Dad what happened when I sent a letter to the president of Embarq and his entire Board of Directors.  I didn't know they HAD an executive complaint department!  ; )

It's late, I'm tired, and I have some butt to kick tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

Love to all...

Christmas is coming...

We had to go by the mall today to get a bunch of vitamins and things for Bethany, and decided to 'meander' a bit while there.  Macy's had tons of Christmas things out all ready, including some beautiful Nutcrackers, and I wanted to stop by Claire's to find some new clip-on hoop earrings.  Of course, it's never "just" with us...

For starters, Josh saw this lovely Nutcracker, and Cody pointed out that it was specially designed to crack Chestnut's.  ; )









And Josh got into the Jingle-Bell Hop mood at Claire's.  He's such a cute elf!  Be sure to press 'play' to watch him jingle his bells!  Hahahahaha......

Love to all...

Upromise shopping

Just an update - for anyone who shops online, it would be helpful for both of us, if you checked out my Upromise shopping link.  Through Upromise, you can often find shipping and coupon deals, and a percentage of the purchase (NOT from you!) goes to a college savings fund for Bethany, Hans and Josh.

Here's the link:

http://www.upromise.com/guest/2635266402

So, you get to save a little money when you shop online, and the kids get a little cash back for college.  I use this link ALL the time - if nothing else, I can usually get free shipping!  I love  free...

Making 'new' friends...

So I was pulling the last bits of drywall, insulation and miscellaneous crap out of the kitchen for the last of the demolition the other day.  Wanna see what new 'friend' I made while doing this?  Remember, I wear a breathing mask and goggles, along with a hat, gloves and long sleeves to protect myself as much as I can...  but some things you can't prepare for!

Yep, a 3' long, mummified snake came out of the insulation.

For all of you who think I'm such a tough B, you didn't hear 

me whining like a fire siren!

Ugh............

New York, New York!

So months ago, I bought tickets to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular - long before we knew about the storm that would hit.  But the show must go on - and it did - with wonderful grace and incredible sets.  The 15-20 blocks of Manhattan we walked looked 'business as usual', which was a blessing for all the occupants, and it was nice to spend the day in New York (and infuse it with a little financial assistance!).  We went by Dylan's Candy Bar (the largest candy store in the country) - all 3 stories of it! - and had a great lunch at the Metro Cafe...  a little gem we'll be returning to!  And of course, the Rockettes!  Most of the show was the same as last year, but I still got all choked up and overwhelmed with both the spirit and fun of the season.  It's a great way to start the holidays!

On the way home, we did something we hadn't done in years, literally - we went to Golden Corral for dinner.  Everyone was in "down south" heaven!  I had fried okra...  oh, how I've missed them!  It was a long day, but what a blessing that we're so close to NYC, we can make a day trip!  We are still praying for all those struck by Sandy, as well as the families and homeless that are just struggling this time of year.  We can't forget them.

Love to all...

Hans and I LOVE OmNom! 

   

Cody looking good between the black and
white candies.  Gray is his color!

Josh wasn't the only one who looked good at Barney's...
OmNom really rocked the bow tie! 

Snow?!?

Whoa...  It's November 7th, and it's SNOWING outside!  It's not sticking, but it is coooold outside, and the snow is coming down.  It sounded like rain at first, and when it got quiet, you could see the flakes beginning.  This is a good omen for skiing this season!

I hope that things are well with everyone else - my parents, who were out of communication for a while; Cindy, whom I desperately need to call; and all the people affected by Sandy.  Our prayers are with all of you.

On a lighter note, the picture of Tucker is so cozy...  I wish I could be a cat!

Love to all...

Election Day...

... and Bethany and Hans had the day off.  So they surprised me with a lovely breakfast!  Mini egg and bacon frittatas!  Delish, and good for you.  Bethany did the cooking, and Hans did the decorating and reading of the directions.  They even made coffee - good coffee!  They are such wonderful kids; so thoughtful AND talented!

Well, I hope everyone got out to vote!  We are still praying for all the displaced families in the area.  Take care!

Love to all...

The best night EVER!

I love this night.  I usually squander the whole hour any way I want.  And by squander, I mean waste the time doing something inane like blogging or checking Facebo...  Oh, wait.  I'm doing that right NOW!  Okay - I have to go, because this is productive, and there is an hour's worth of squandering to be done.  Love to all!

SLEEP IN!

Happy Halloween!

YEA!  Halloween was so much fun!  And for the first time EVER, we had everybody's costumes done BEFORE Halloween!  Amazing...

"Mirror, Mirror in my hand,
who's the fairest in the land?"

And another first?  Neither Cody nor I went out with them.    They're so grown up!

Hope everyone else had a wonderful Halloween, and is doing well after the storms.

Love to all...

Rouge the Bat (Shadow's girlfriend).

Hans my (cute) Angry Bird pig.

Our candy headquarters

Cody and I went as Elphaba and Fiyero, from Wicked.

Oh Sandy...

So we're all alive and fine, here.  There's some real heavy winds right now, and the kids had today and tomorrow off, but so far, we're managing really well.  Cody even has the days off (though he's working from home), so it's actually kind of nice.  We've been praying for everybody that they're safe and there's no serious flooding...

Take care, and we'll talk to you soon!

-Kristen