The 'house'

Today we were again reminded of our status as "the house" for Josh's friends (and sometimes large groups of Hans and Bethany's friends, as well).  4 of his friends came over today to hang out.  They ended up taking Hans with them on a bike ride to the lower Norwood park, then picked up pizza on their way back to the house this evening.  Yes, the teens bought their own pizza for dinner - and Hans pitched in some money for his share as well.  I'm so proud!  We watched School of Rock with dinner, and then I built my first real fire in our fire pit (it is BEAUTIFUL weather here, thank you God!).  Bethany and some others roasted marshmallows for smores, Hans made me a marshmallow, and while everybody hung out and chatted, I cut down some pesky branches.  And pushed Boo on the swing - love that swing!  It's a rather unique experience being the 'house' that everyone wants to hang out in.  But very nice.  And I know they are really becoming comfortable here, because Alex walked in this afternoon and called out, "I'm home!".  Without knocking.  So it's kind of cool...

Love to all!

(ps - Happy Anniversary, love!  We miss you - everyone's asking about you, and we're waiting for you to come home!)
  

  

Happy birthday, Bethany!

Fourteen years ago, Bethany was born - a little early, and definitely little! She seemed such a fragile thing, except for her spirit. Going through all the danger of early labor, hospitalization, and a preemie, and it turns out she is a fighter. Bethany is such a strong, independent young lady... I hope she always remembers to ask for help when needed, and never stops being as creative and unique as she has become. And that's no little girl, anymore; I'm just lucky her feet are bigger than mine. So she can't borrow my shoes!  I love you, Bethany - I am so proud of the woman you are becoming, and blessed to be a part of the process.

More stuff done...

So I got the drywall up in Cindy's living room, and we've been hanging out as well!  We even got the lattice done for her grapes so she can support them.  And best of all, the weather seems to look good for the next couple of days, so I think I'll have great traveling weather.  Thank you, God!  This has been a great trip, and I'm sad that my time is almost up, but I know it will be wonderful to see Hans, Josh and Cody again.  And Bethany will be home soon, as well!  Maybe someday Cindy will move in with us.  All that room for the dogs, lots of area to help me garden...  wink, wink!

     

 

My visit with Cindy...

I've been enjoying my time with Cindy, although it's been a bit...  ODD this time. Well, more than usual. I spent a few hours with her at the Dr's for kidney stones and a small back surgery.  And we've been working on projects around the house while still having a good time. We even went to the mall one day; yay shopping!

This is one of the projects we worked on - front steps. Here are the before and after pics. We can't believe how quickly the time flies; only a week left now. Although it breaks my heart knowing that Hans misses me - I don't want him to feel bad.

Overall it's been a great trip, and I hope I can get everything done that is really important.  Love to all!

BTW, the steps weren't the only fix. I added on an addition to the gate - now it can close at the top of the stairs AND to the right of the door.

On the road...

A quick stop to eat and in a minute I cross the bay bridge - my old nemesis. I'll be fine, but please say a prayer that the HOV lane is open on 95. Love you all!

It's official...

SHE'S PACKED!!!  All that's left is a water bottle and the granola she's going to share with her fellow delegates in Miami.  15 more days!

Sad but true...

So today, for the first time in 2 1/2 years (since moving to Philly), I can finally say it:  all our vehicles are officially titled, tagged and inspected in the state of Pennsylania!  WOOOHOOO!!!!

Thank you, God, for watching over us and for helping me to FINALLY get this stupidly monumental task done.  And, I think there was a method to it all, because we had to get the front windshield replaced.  And because I have Harry Press Auto for a mechanic, I got a brand new - with heating element! - windshield for $220.  WOW.  When I looked into it years ago they wanted over $800!  So once again God takes care of things, and I am super grateful.  Have a successful day everyone; I'm trying to!

Love to all...

Bethany's dance!

Tonight was the 8th Grade Dance, and I'm so proud of Bethany for going!  I kind of 'forced' her to go, and even though she went under duress, she had a nice time.  Maybe not a spectacular time, but she enjoyed herself, looked like a princess, and was brave and daring!  I told her not to worry... I remember my 8th grade dance, and it was AWKWARD!  And I had a date.  (Part of it was the dress - she looked amazing, but she said she didn't know how you could dance to hip-hop and rock in a nice dress.  Makes sense!).

Most of all, I'm proud of her for going, and - more importantly - going with a positive attitude and open mind.  But I'll let the pictures tell the story!

Love to all...


   

Hans' birthday party!

Only ONE kid couldn't make it to Hans' party - that is a record!  We used to have an issue getting anyone to come to a party in NC.  So he wanted to have it at this Ice Works skating rink, and it was really nice.  Everyone had pizza and drinks, we went skating (I gave the newbie's a lesson), opened presents, and had plenty of quarters for the kids to play around in the arcade.  PLUS, per Hans' request, I made a carrot cake for him.  A VEGAN carrot cake.  It was amazing!!!  No one would know it was vegan; it was that good!  And of course we had to do it up as OmNom, one of the cutest characters ever, and that looked great as well.  Cody, Bethany and Josh really stepped up and helped me out getting everything ready for the party.  I am so grateful for their help, and everybody seemed to have a great time!

Now if my stupid tooth would stop aching.  Ah, thank God for Valium.  And Vicodin.  Whichever is working right now...

Love to all - and Happy Birthday Hans!


   

   

 

Stand down, Noah...

I woke up Saturday morning to leave for a dentist appointment; I have a filling that is causing me problems.  (And now I have a root canal that is causing me problems, but I digress!)

After the torrential downpour, the backyard looked better in the morning.  THIS is a picture of 'better'.  LOL.  <sigh>  I am super grateful that there was only a small wet area in the basement; without our water-proofing, it would have been a disaster!

Love to all...

Bethany's 8th grade trip

Wow.  Every time I turn around, Norwood school is doing some amazing thing for it's students again.  This time, the whole 8th grade class went to Hershey Park.  Wow, right?  Bethany said she had a wonderful time; she rode the Wild Mouse roller coaster 6 times in a row when they first arrived, since there was hardly a line.  And she rode some rides with different friends, and spent hours enjoying the waterpark area!  She was so good - she didn't get burned because she used the sunscreen, she watched what she ate (for her sensitivities), and even took her supplements when she needed to.  What an amazing young woman!  So tonight I made her download the pics so I could share them with you all.

Love to all - and stay dry and safe!

 

Hans...

Ended up visiting the hospital tonight. Abdominal pain, no interest in his ravioli at dinner... so we went to the ER. It seems it's just agitated stomach issues - thank God! He'll stay home tomorrow and rest. Better safe than sorry! And still so cute.

Happy Birthday, Hans!

So 12 years ago today, my youngest son was born - it was not the easiest of births (though Bethany always wins that competition), but he sure was a beautiful baby boy.  Since that day he's just gotten cuter and more amazing to me!  His sense of humor is well-developed for a young man of 12, his smile is just dazzling, and I'm happy to say he inherited my mojo.  But most of all, I'm amazed to watch my children grow up into these new people that didn't exist before, and now they're here - and I'm helping to make that happen.  It is SO cool to be a part of that!  Watching Hans blossom into a strong, grounded leader - the kind of person others will be able to count on - and still maintain a great attitude and wonderful outlook on life is one of the great joys in my life.  I love you, so much, Hans.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

      

Happy Memorial Day!

What a beautiful morning!  Hans took Cody and I down to the Norwood Memorial, and we had an al fresco Dunkin Donuts breakfast on the lawn while waiting for the parade to come by.  Now we're just hanging out around the house (I'm going to head out to finish lawn work and some gardening), and I'll grill some marinated chicken and pork chops this afternoon.  Josh is heading out to a BBQ with his friend Shannon, and I'm just grateful to have my family safely here and able to enjoy this day.  Please pray for all our veterans, the active and deployed military, and especially their families (particularly those who live in Oklahoma).  And remember them more often than holidays.  I'm probably 'preaching to the choir' on this one, but I just wanted to say it out loud.  As a nation, we don't give enough due to our soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors.  But tomorrow is another day, and we can start each morning hoping for our best in everything.

Happy Memorial Day - we love you all...

Awesome deal...

So I just bought this waterproof case for my smartphone, and thought I'd add the link to purchase it.  I bought a couple for gifts, and thought it might be a nice gift idea for other people (birthdays, Christmas... I really do plan that far ahead!).

Click here to see the deal!

It's supposed to allow you to use the phone, as well - take pictures, etc.  Since we like to travel - heck, just going to the pool or beach - and I take my phone everywhere, I thought this would be a great opportunity.  I'd love to give you a real review, but I won't have it before the deal is up.  (I will be testing it, first though - just to make sure!).

Love to all...

Happy Birthday, Cody!

Today Cody turned 37, and we had a really great day!  He woke up to decorations and gifts in the Living room/Kitchen, and Josh and I took him out to lunch at this GREAT Indian restaurant, Shere E Punjab.  We stuffed ourselves - seriously.  This afternoon I finished his last gift, while Bethany and Josh rode over to the store and she got him a new dress shirt.  Tan, just the color he loves.  Meanwhile I baked him a Vegan/non-soy birthday cake with lemon icing; it was REALLY lemony and tangy.  I also attempted chocolate vegan ice cream, and this came out much better than last time (although I had to stir by hand, since the mechanism on our maker broke.)

 Finally, I grilled a New York Strip and a Sirloin steak (delish!) along with some corn on the cob and a salad.  We had a really relaxed dinner, opened presents, and then played some darts with the magnetic game I got him.  (It's double sided...  the kids played darts, but they aren't allowed to use the other side. Adults only!  wink wink!)



So it was a really nice birthday.  Cody seemed to enjoy himself and relax, and eat lots of great food, and overall be adored.  As he should be every day.  And thanks Mom and Dad for calling him tonight to wish him a happy birthday; it means a lot to both of us in our own ways.

Love to all...