Winter Wonderland?

The girls may think its a winter wonderland but to me it is just a nightmare! This week has been just awful with all the snow and ice and school closing, drama, injuries and our picturesque brink road becomes a slippery slope.
The girls have gone sledding and built this miniature igloo and just love playing in the snow until there little bodies are frozen...then they come inside and put on jammies and wrap themselves in a blanket and request some hot cocoa.
Let go back and share my horrendous week thus far. I must say Monday was a good day, everyone was healthy and everyone went to school and I went to the gym. Tuesday they closed school for the day and usually this would be a fun day spent with the girls watching movies and making cookies but I got a call from a single mom I know that she accidentally sent her 8 year old daughter to school that morning and headed off to work and she was frantic to make sure she was OK. Well I had said that I would go and look for her...so I quickly got dressed and the girls (still in their PJ's) and I jumped into the car. Well our road was a mess, it took us 15-20 minutes to get off our street but to my dismay the main drag was just as bad as our brick road. We went about 100 feet and I realized we were never going to make it to her street and I needed to try and get home. If the car got stuck the girls were not dressed to walk home. I turned around and called the mom and told her about the roads and she said she would head home on the train. She asked me to call the police when I got home to see if they could find her and I said I would. Another 20 min for us to inch our way back home (it takes about 2 minutes to walk the distance we drove) and the police were horrible. If this were a possible abduction the perp would have nothing to worry about...it took about 15-20 minutes to speak to an actual police officer who was in a car and able to look for her. He was so mean to me...he treated me like I had done something wrong. While I was talking with the mean PO the mom came home and she went with him to search for the little girl. It all turned out OK she was found down the street at a house where the dad was outside shoveling snow when she walked by to go to school and he asked where she was going and he informed her that school was cancelled and took her in until he could reach her mom. Let me just say it was a good thing he was a good man...can you imagine? The drama...I cried with relief but then realized that if it had been an unhappy ending the police were inept and it made me so angry I made a few calls complaining about the police officer, phone system and the amount of time it took to get some action. That is just my Tuesday!!! Wednesday was horrible too. They didn't have a 2 hour delay and the roads were not salted and my lovely brink road was impossible to drive on. My neighbors couldn't make it up our little hill so I wasn't even going to try...I decided to wait a couple of hours. A couple of hours later they plowed and salted our street and I attempted to get the girls to school because lets face it one snow day is enough for me...the girls get on each other's nerves after so much time stuck together. It was scary but I got them there and went to get some groceries.
I had to get home and do a ton of stuff for the girl's Valentine's Day parties at school and I was an emotional wreck...I miss having a husband to lean on when the roads are bad or when a crisis arises. I called him and asked him to come home early...I needed him. he said he would try so I planned a nice dinner and when he couldn't come home early I was devastated...and proceeded to get angry at him... you know that irrational kind of angry like everything is his fault.
I promised the girls sledding that day after school and while getting everything ready I stepped on a piece of glass and sliced my heel open...a nice long deep gash! I couldn't get it to stop bleeding and finally just wrapped it and stuffed it into my boot and took the girls to the park. It was the icing on my misery cake. When I got back home Cory was home and was so nice to me I couldn't be mean to him anymore...until he clean my wound and used antiseptic...let me just say I saw white and I may have used some unladylike language!
Happy flippin Valentine's Day came next and well there was just nothing anyone could do for me...I just wanted this week to be over. Friday is finally here, that mean the weekend is just a snipit away and let me just say if I hear "I have to study" once this weekend I think I will scream!
There I think I am finished with my vent!
I hope everyone else had a great Valentine's Day.
I remain...One cranky L

Sick Babies

I know she is 7 already and not a baby anymore but when she is sick and lying beside me with a high temperature she reverts back to being my little baby in a heartbeat. Dene has had a busy few weeks, she filly lost her "fake tooth" as she called it...it was the one in the front that had a cap and was lighter than all the rest. It stood out like a Mormon in a coffee shop (except if its Starbucks because lets face it their scones and pastries rock!) Well she finally lost the snaggle tooth (Cory's affectionate term for her cap) and then she got sick. Fever and sore throat but after some Motrin she perks back up. She went to the doctor's yesterday and they took a swab of her throat, the doctor says she is dehydrated but she doesn't think it is strep...no white dots and her fever stays below 102. She is home from school again today and she is watching cartoons in my bed.
Jonece has no fever and her throat is fine...she has puked and has an awful cough. The other night she starting puking in her sleep...she is on the top bunk and the girls have the T shaped bunk beds so when she leaned over the railing to puke she did so all over her sleeping sister who woke up abruptly and was the one screaming for us to come.
I hate it when my kids are sick...I feel so helpless...no food makes it all better. Well, I had better make sure they are drinking and doing OK.
Later dudes
One L

Sonic Ice!

Yes you heard me Sonic ice here in PA. Cory went there last week and I asked him to see if they sold their ice and the answer was Y E S!!!. I enjoyed a chicken toaster sandwich and an icy cold diet cherry limeade. A little piece of AZ that totally made my month. Every time I need a piece of home I have a soda with good ole Sonic ice and I am back home with all my friends and it is happy hour!
Gotta love the simple pleasures in life.

New Favorite Steakhouse

For Elise's birthday we all went out to celebrate her quarter century milestone at Longhorn Steakhouse and let me just say...yummy! A little more expensive than Texas Roadhouse but it is about 20 minutes closer so if you add in the gas I think it is about the same price. Cory and I shared an entre and the girls had a kids meal each but next time they could easily share one. The bread they bring out before dinner is to die for! Whole wheat bread and all you can eat is a dangerous combination. You almost don't have room for your dinner once it comes...almost. The steak was simply fab...and Cory loved the ribs.
It was fun getting out with everyone...good food and great company...who could ask for more? We were glad the song they sing to the birthday girl was short...and sweet. It sounded a bit like "hey Micky your so fine your so fine you blow my mind hey Micky" But the word chicken was in there some where. Well we got out of there for 30.00 bucks and for a family of 4 that wasn't bad at all. Next birthday we are for sure going to suggest Longhorn! Whose birthday is next anyway?

Strange Addiction

Well I have been watching Intervention alot lately and I have come to the conclusion that I too have an addiction...I am addicted to watching my husband play Halo 3 online! I know I know I am the girl that threw her boy's playstation outside because I hate hearing the same music and hearing the boys get frustrated with their video games. Those who know me may find this a little disturbing and may be wondering if there is something strange in the water here in PA. Well I still hate all other video games...I leave the room and would rather clean a toilet than have to sit through 2 minutes of any other video game. I still believe that video games are mind sucking time fillers...well except for Halo 3...it is in a different category. To me it is like watching a movie where you can actually effect the plot and ending. I know this may sound strange and even a little scary but I promise I am not turning into a stedford wife...there is no mind altering drug that has affected me...I just can't get enough of watching him play. Right now he is busy studying for boards on the 9th of February and a ton of tests this next week so he doesn't have much time to play and I have been sulking. I am trying to learn how to play myself but I am pathetic...no that is not a strong enough word...I stink...I can't move and shoot at the same time...I am a loser. So I might just have to step outside my marriage and find someone else who will play Halo 3 online and let me watch. Sometimes we have to do drastic things! I wonder if there is a 12 step program? A support group maybe? Well until I either get my fix or go into Halo 3 rehab I will remain a Halo 3 junkie.

Happy Christmas and Merry New Year

Well it has been awhile for me and I know I am a mediocre blogger but my heart is in it! I love to read about everyone else's lives and I feel closer to them after I read their thoughts and share in their lives fun adventures.
We here in PA had a quiet Christmas, with many great bonuses and some missing of our families that live so far away. Cory was home and even though he was studying for his boards in Feb. he was around and we loved it. He took us to the movies and played video games with girls. The girls were in heaven having daddy around to wrestle with and annoy on so many levels. It was nice to go to bed with Cory and wake up and he was still there! I haven't had that happen since the summer.
My sister has promised to come for a visit soon...and I am positively giddy. She is the one person who really knows me and loves me anyway. She knows all my secrets...and I know hers. I am so blessed to have a sister that is also my best friend. I hope and pray my girls will grow up and have the same loving relationship with each other that I have with Care. Well enough of the sappy stuff...that is what happens when you don't get to see your family for long periods of time.
School starts again for Cory tomorrow and we are all so very sad. Especially Dene...she had the disappointment of finding out today that daddy will not be her teacher next year and she was devastated and to have him gone again...I don't know how she will cope.
We will survive! We only have 2 years 4 months and 20 days to go.
Tell later I remain,
One L

A Clean Sink

When I miss my sister Caroline I clean my sink...her sink is always clean, and it reminds me of her. How do you get through the holidays without your family? I am feeling less than jolly this year but I promise to not be too depressing.
I must admit there is something about having a clean sink that makes me a little bit happier. I guess in some ways I could stand in front of my sink and forget that the rest of my house is a disaster area.
I have so many things to do and I haven't done any of it. I am usually a procrastinator but this year I am a don'tgiveahootifitgetsdoner. I know my friends and family will still love me if they get their Christmas presents in February!
As soon as I finish a craft I will post pictures...but don't hold your breath for it to happen before Christmas.
One L

A Girl and Her Dog

What a cutie, Dene loves all animals but of course her favorite is Cookie. She lives for the day when Cookie will have puppies but I am afraid she would have a breakdown when we sold the puppies and I have no desire to have more than one dog.
Dene has decided that she no longer wants to have bangs and I am torn. She looks so much like her father when her high forehead is showing, which is something I like but she looks so much younger with bangs and she is my baby.
Cookie is in need of a bath and a haircut. Cory wants to shave her...the easy way out, but I love her long hair I just hate brushing her. She gets matted so easily that I might side with Cory on this one. I have a friend who usually takes care of the trimming and baths but she has been busy and my dog stinks!
It has been so nice having Cory around these last few days even though he has his nose in his study cards for boards. It will be nice to have his boards behind him and have him just focusing on the task at hand...like emptying the dishwasher!! JK
We have been out shopping up a storm...ok so it has been at Walmart, Goodwill, Big Lots and the dollar store but hey the kids will never remember what they got they just want to open presents.
We hope this Christmas Season is the best ever for all our friends and family.
We love all of you and miss the ones far away.
One L

Crazy Days of December

This month has been the longest month so far this year and we are less than half way through it. It might have something to do with Super Saturday being on the first and Enrichment being last night. I am exhausted, not so much physically but mentally. I am just so happy that I only have to focus on my own little family now...and NOW I am starting to freak out. I have so many homemade Christmas gifts that I have not even started...and I have to mail some of them out soon! Breath...breath...breath I know that my friends and family will understand if this Christmas is less than extravagant but I love to make and give gifts all year long and Christmas is by far my favorite time of year. I have discovered so many cool crafts and I will post pictures soon.
Cory is half way through hell week aka finals. 10 finals in 5 days is crazy if you ask me. I have not seen so many grown men look scared to death as I have this week. "C"'s are flying around like crazy this semester. Unfortunately, if they get 2 C's they will go on academic probation and they cannot write their boards in January. Yikes! Cory is sweating up a storm...so far so good no "C"'s as we speak but he still has 6 finals to go.
Jonece and Dene are getting sick and I have decided to let them sleep in this morning...school starts in 10 minutes and they are still sleeping all snug in their beds. I know this makes me a loser mom on some levels but they are both smart and doing well in school so I feel OK about letting them miss a morning or 2 now and then. Besides, they were out late last night with me at Enrichment and they played quietly for the most part so I owe them as well.
I hope all my friends and family out there know how much we all love them...we are so rich with blessings that our cup runneth over.
Later
One L

Happy Birthday Dene

Dene had an "animal birthday party" this Monday and I made a cake that kinda looks like a horse. She is excited to be 7 years old. Her party was by far the best we have ever had and to think it was the cheapest too! I found a bunch of fun games on line and I found the directions for the cake on line too. I also learned how to make balloon animals online and you could even make out that it was a poodle to boot. Instead of expensive food we had hot "dogs" with chips and soda. It is funny that everyone was saying it was such a fun party...and I was afraid it would be a flop.
This week is turning out to be the most stressful week I have had in a long time. Monday was the birthday party, Tuesday I was in charge of the craft for brownies, Wednesday I had to print, sort, fold and distribute the 8 page newsletter for the PFO (all 540 copies). Thursday Super Saturday stuff and helping a friend with a poster plus a doctor's appointment oh and I am hosting girl's night at my house and we are doing Christmas ornaments...yikes! Then on Friday I have to finish the kits for Sat. and my parents are coming from Canada. Saturday we have the super sat and the girls are in the parade and I will be teaching 5 classes at the church and then my parents got a hotel with a pool so the girls can have a fun swim. Sunday is a day of rest...if I survive. I am looking forward to Sunday for sure. I wish all my crafty friends could come and visit this weekend and teach a class or two. I miss everyone this week.
Later everyone...pray for me.
One L

Fall

The weather here is getting colder by the minute. We took the girls out to a farm to pick out a pumpkin and they had a petting zoo and hay rides and the girls had a blast. You can see their rosy cheeks and eventhough the sun was shinning the wind just goes right through your clothes and chills you to the bone. They had some homemade apple cider to warm us all up and while Cory and the girls played at the park with the 100 foot slide I went shopping in the market and bought lots of yummy veggies and the Winesap apples are by far the best for eating. We had a fun day with daddy and we all treasure the hours he can spend with us without a book or packet to read. I will never take for granted the lazy days ever again...you know the days that you just lay around all day with everyone home and underfoot. I used to complain...never again.
The boys are doing well in school, Greg is part time and Chris is full time. They are financially independent and that is scary too. I wish I could see them more often...they are poor and so are we right now so I will just have to be patient and before you know it school will be over and we will all see each other often!
I miss my friends too...you guys can not be replaced...EVER!
later dudes and dudettes
One L

Happy Halloweew

The girls had a fun Halloween this year...the weather was great and they looked great. We only did our street and the one behind us and the girls were by far the most adorable trick or treaters in the whole state of PA. They have enough candy to keep a dentist in business for a few months for sure.
I asked Cory if we would give out sugarless gum or toothpaste when he is a dentist...he said heck no! He said we would give out whole snickers bars and then he said we would have to give something that stuck to the teeth and caused tooth decay. Looking out for the future.
We have been having a bit of a chilly week here with the highs in the 50's and the lows around freezing. Our furnace/boiler uses gas...alot of gas so we are trying to hold off turning it on but our little electric heaters are just not cutting it...brrrrr. Cory loves the cold weather but I am an AZ girl through and through...I hate being cold. By the way did I mention at this very moment my fingers are freezing...I haven't broken down to wearing mittens in the house yet.
The girls had a Halloween Parade at school with class parties that followed. I was a helper for Jonece's class and I got to peek in on Dene as well. They have great teachers this year and I am trying to spend more time at the school. Being on the PFO (PTO) is harder than I thought it would be. If one more person suggests I should run for president I think I will scream.
Well there was some drama in our little girls night group...one of the girls decided that they wanted it to be just for student wives and no one else. Well needless to say I had a fit. We started this group because we felt like everyone else had their cliques and we were not welcome to join, so we created this girls night that invites everyone and anyone. Now they wanted to change it. Needless to say I am now taking over our girls night and the other girls are starting their own little clique. Drama drama drama I guess I can't complain this is the first sniff of drama since we moved here so I guess I really can't boo hoo too much about it. There are only a few things that get me going and I guess trying to make our girls night exclusive this was one of them.
Have a great day everyone.
One L

'Look at That"

Dene's teacher called me in while I was at the school helping with the Book Fair, she wanted me to confirm what she already knew...Dene had forged my signature and she is only in the first grade! The teacher asked her if this was really her mom's signature and Dene looked her right in the eye and said "yes". When the teacher pressed her she admitted that she had signed my name. What a little monkey. Can you imagine what she is going to be like in 10 years...yikes I am sweating already.

Missing my sister

It was so nice spending time with Caroline and her sweet family, our time up in Canada with my mom was nice but when they were here it was GREAT! I miss cooking with my sister, we are a good team in the kitchen (she does dishes and constantly cleans the sink). We went shopping together and I could almost cry thinking about how much fun it was looking at stuff with someone who is just as crazy as I am. I have made some great friends here in PA but there is nothing like a sister to make you feel at home and all warm and fuzzy. It was so nice spending time with my nieces and only nefew on my side. Sadie is only a few months old but she is a kindred spirit...she is all smiles and though her parents may disagree is nothing but sunshine!
I talked to her today and she is feeling the same...I bought some pie crust yesterday...just because we were going to make butter tarts...and she went out and bought the same laundry detergent and dish soap just to feel closer to me...ahhh shucks
We are hoping to find a way to spend some time together before Christmas, either she will come here or the girls and I will come to AZ for a few days during their Christmas vaca.
Later dudes
One L

Cottage fun

There was a jacuzzi bathtub at the cottage we went to this past week and the girls had a blast! You should have seen the bathtub after they got out...yikes! I have never seen such a disgusting bathtub ring in my life! The girls had a great time with their cousins up at Morrison lake. They had a campfire almost every night with roasting marshmellows and swimming every day.
Jonece and Dene learned how to use a kyak (sp?) and let me just say Jonece is a natural.
The girls jumped off the dock and daddy and uncle Seth pulled them behind the boat on a tube and it was so much fun.
Great grandma Smith came for a visit and she brought her dog Elmo. Grandma Chaffe was there and she got to wake up with 3 snugglers and her dog Morgan. All in all it was a great week filled with fun, family and lots of laughs, but to tell you the truth I am so glad to be home. I don't know if it is my age or what but I have a 4 day limit and them I am ready to go home!
Caroline and her crew of 4 kiddos are coming back tomorrow for a quick visit and then they fly back to AZ on Wednesday. They have been so fun to have and I really wish they could stay longer.
Today the girls and cory got back into the swing of things...back to school and I am so busy doing nothing.
Till later...we love you all!

Trip to Canada

This is a shot of Cory and the girls at Town Beach and one of Jonece and I up in Parry Sound Ont. The Bay can be cold but that didn't stop the girls from swimming every chance they got. I has been years since I was there and to tell you the truth I had a hard time finding my way around Parry Sound via car. When we were little, we went everywhere on foot or by bike, we had short cuts through the woods and through peoples yards and nothing looked the same to me any more.
My grandma's house gets smaller every time I go...I remember it being so much larger when I was a kid...her garden used to be huge. It was wonderful to see my grandma and spend some time with her, she is getting older and I know she won't live forever. The drive up was long but the girls were great. There were two dogs and Grandma Chaffe in the back seat with them...maybe that is the secret to peaceful long trips...take along an extra few dogs and a grandma. We came back to St. Catharines and had a few days with grandpa and grandma Barb. All in all it was a long week but a fun week. We are all glad to be home.
One L

Big Brother

Chris and his girlfriend Tara came for a visit and it was just plain wonderful. I forgot how much the girls love to torment their brothers...they have always been their favorite toys. Poor Chris was practically mauled by Dene this past few days...she misses having a wrestling buddy since her sister is not one for being tackled at the drop of a hat.
We had fun while they were here, we saw the movie Transformers and it was very exciting. We went to the zoo on the muggiest day so far this year and we especially enjoyed the airconditioned exhibits. We dragged them to lots of different sites and they were gracious about everything. All they really wanted to do was stay home and hang...and eat. Chris had a list of foods he wanted me to make, and it was fun to make all his favorites but I think I will take a break from baking for a week or six!
With Cory off for the rest of Aug we are off to see the grandparents in Canada, even my grandmother up north (Parry Sound). It is so nice to have Cory around morning noon and night, and we are not sick of him yet...maybe by the end of the month we won't be so sorry for school to start up again, but I doubt it. We will take pictures up north and post again when we return.
love One L

Harry Potter fever

Well Cory and I went to Costco early on the 21st to get a copy of the new Harry Potter book. I don't know what I was afraid of they had hundreds of copies and I am sure they had more in the back. I was starting to get Cory's cold he brought back with him from AZ and had a party at our house that night so I didn't get a chance to read it until all our guests had left. I felt awful and couldn't even read...what a bummer! But I started feeling a bit better late on Sunday and finished the book Monday night. WOW! It was gripping, I won't say anything that might spoil the experience for other HP followers out there but let me just say...alot of things were answered. The girls want me to finish reading it to them but Cory has first dibs.
Cory has only 2 more final and then he is done for a whole month! We are excited about seeing him more...we have missed him these past few weeks. We have a ton of plans, people and places to go.
Chris and Tara are coming on the 4th and we are all excited about that! I will post some pics even if he hasn't cut his hair.
love ya
One L

The skyline

We took this picture when we took friends up to Mount Washington so they could take some picture for their Christmas cards. The Johnsons were moving back West after 4 years of school here in Pittsburgh, they wanted their Christmas card to have a picture of this "home" since it feels more like home than Washington state. They are gone to work on an Indian reservation far from friends and family. I guess after 4 years here in PA you know you can live anywhere...make new friends and all that you really need is you little eternal family and a phone...and the internet...and maybe money so you can afford to fly and visit friends and family often. The girls are getting so big, and I am so proud of the little ladies they have become.
Cory went to AZ for a very sad family funeral (his cousin Rodney Clark) and the girls and I had a weekend full of girl stuff. Cory had his fill of Mexican food and his tummy may never forgive him, and he had the chance to spend time with all seven of his brothers and sisters. It is hard to get all of them together for anything, they are all spread out over this country. Cory gets rejuvenated when he spends time with his siblings, he laughs more, he smiles all the time and he loves them all so much. He is so proud of the people they have grown up to be...and along with his parents they are the standard he sets for himself and the people he wants to emulate most. It is sad that it takes a funeral to get everyone together...but when the going gets tough this family is one unit...and there is such a comfort in this.
Hug your families.
One L

10 Things I Love about Pittsburgh

All my friends here in PA tell me I am such a downer re: living in Pittsburgh and I am trying to prove them wrong...I am going to come up with 10 things I love about this place and try hard to remember these and not focus on the negatives.
1. I love the cool nights in the summer.
2. I love the pizza here.
3. I love that the girls can play outside in the back yard 10 months of the year.
4. I love my neighbors...they are the kindest sweetest people.
5. I love my house.
6. I love the outdoor parks.
7. I love Primanti Brother's sandwich place (it was on the food network)
8. I love the people here...once they accept you and let you in they are so genuine.
9. I love fireworks...and they are not illegal here.
10. I love that we only have 2 years, 9 months and 24 days to go.

Well I almost made it to 10.
love you all
One L

Dance Recital

The girls had their dance recital and let me just say I was the proudest mother in the world. Dene was the prettiest little ballerina in the place, and Jonece jazzed up the place. They knew their parts and didn't even have a touch of stage fright. I helped make Dene's costume but just dished out the bucks for Jonece's. As soon as Cory can figure out how to make copies of the recital we will send a copy to all who want one. Next on the agenda is violin lessons and gymnastics. Dene wants to keep up with the ballet but Jonece isn't sure.
Oh the joy of little girls...the boys were much less complicated...what sport starts at what time of the year.
It was so much fun doing their hair and make-up but it was a little scary for Daddy...he didn't like his little girls looking so grown up. That's all for now.
One L

Devine Memories Forums

I was so sad to see that DM closed their forums...it was my way to stay informed and feel close to my friends in AZ. I guess this means I will have to update my blog more often. I guess I could do that.
The girls have about another week of school here in PA and they are looking forward to a fun filled summer. Chris is coming for a visit the first week of August and Tara is coming too...I just love Tara. We are spending a week at a cottage...in Aug. (Cory has the whole month off) and I am hoping to come and visit in AZ for about 5 days...I have to smoosh my new niece Sadie. As soon as the flight is booked I will try and get a crop going.
I have decided to make a scrapbook of my mother's life...while she is still here to fill in the blanks and tell the stories. I desperately need Care's help...I know I am an fairly good scrapper but I take FOREVER to do my personal pages because I want it to...sing to me!
The girls have their dance recital this Saturday and I am so excited...they are so cute in their very expensive costumes.
I haven't decided what they will do next year besides piano lesssons (Jonece doesn't want to take dance again next year)...I think gymnastics. They have swim lessons this summer and a bunch of weekend trips so I am hesitant to sign them up for anything during the summer months.
We are planning a trip to Palmyra this summer for the pagaent and I can't wait to see the girls faces when the volcanoes erupt and stuff...I remember the boys thought it was so very cool.
Well later dudes...love ya all and miss you.
One L

I Miss Cory's Parents

It was so nice to have Cory's Mom and Dad here with us in Pittsburgh...it was a treat to have family around. You take it for granted when family is always there but when you get to be around family only on holidays and special occasions it truely is a wonderful time.

Another positive of having family come and visit is you get another perspective of the area you live in...Karen and Norm really enjoyed the greenery and the many rivers. I guess if I was hard pressed to say something nice about PA I would have to mention the water all around...not just the constant rain but the many creeks and rivers. I also love the brick roads (not so much to drive on but they are pretty to look at). Can you believe it???? I actually said two nice things about PA. before you know it I will want to stay...NOT!

One L

Two Years 11 Months and 29 days To Go!!

Cory just finished his first year of Dental school and he has an entire week off!!!yehaw!!! so in less than 3 years we will be out of this forsaken place and somewhere that has a sun shining in the sky. In honor of Cory's huge vacation from school we are squeezing in a babpism, his parents visiting, my mother visiting and going to Canada to visit my dad. And he has a list 3 feet long of things he has to do around the house and to the car! There is no rest for the CORY.
Missing everyone that isn't visiting this week and loving you all.
One L

A Baptism

Can you believe my little baby girl Jonece is turning 8 next week? Her baptism will be on Saturday April 28 at 2:00pm. All our friends and family are invited and there will be a huge party back at my house. Cory is so excited...his first child he gets to baptize...he is so honored.
I am making the cutest invites for her "aloha" birthday party on the 21st and when they are all done I will post a pic. I haven't got a clue as to what I am doing for her actual baptism invites...any suggestions? Normally I would go to the Quilted Bear and Deseret and get a ton of ideas but neither store is here in no where land. There is always the internet...so I am off to check out some sites.

Taught a class

It has been so long since I taught a class but I thought it would be fun...well let me just say I learned so very much about what not to do here in PA. NO MORE CHOICES! I will pick the paper and the embellishments and if they don't like it they can get their money back. What a nightmare...I was showing about 12 girls how to alter a frame and I brought from my stash several sheets of paper and a bunch of different embelishment choices. Well, since I taught the class in my home I ran upstairs to my scrap room to get a few things I had forgotten and the word got out that I had a small scrapbook store upstairs...well now everyone wanted to "take" stuff and I was getting upset.
From now on I will limit the size of my classes and do the classes at the church or make upstairs off limits. Live and learn...live and learn.
One L

So Many Babies on the Way

NOT ME!!! Hope I didn't freak anyone out. I am completely and "no going back now" finished birthin babies. My sister is having another sweet girl in June and my sweet friend Amy is preggos too! So many ladies in my ward just announced that they are having a baby too...there must be something in the air...or in the water. I just love other people's babies...the ones that go home at night and I sleep a peaceful 6-7 hours. I knew the day would come when Dene would finally sleep in her own bed...the day has come. She almost never gets up in the night and to think it only took 6 years!
I miss my boy babies like crazy...ok so they are 19 and 20 but they are still my babies. I know they are busy with their own lives and they don't really miss me...except when they are hungry. A son is a son till he takes a wife is too true for me...I hope my girls still call and need me more when they are their ages. I raised them to be strong loving independent men and I can't be angry that they are just that...I just miss their faces.
My mother is doing better and that has been a blessing...all the prayers are really making a difference. There is a new treatment that may prolong her life and she is probably going to do it and I hope she does. I remember each day that she is terminal but hey if I knew I had 1 or even 2 years left I would make the best of them...and that is all I hope for her.
All in all we are doing the best we can living in this place called Pittsburgh...it snowed again!!
Cory will be so done with this place soon.
I love all my friends and family
later
One L

Same Stuff Different Day

I feel like I need to post an update but now I know how my friend Amy feels...I have nothing to say. We are all busy doing nothing...I drive the girls to school, dance, activities, friends houses, etc, clean the house, cook and shop and Cory goes to school.
I could make a long list of all the things I hate here in PA but I am trying not to be a downer. On a happier note the weather is warming up and they actually have spring for more than a week here...it lasts for months!
The girls are looking forward to swim lessons and Jonece is having her 8th birthday next month. Grandma and Grandpa Thompson are coming for a visit during her Baptism.
Everyone is invited...it is the 28th of April...we have a lot of room!
Our dog Cookie has been in heat and we are hoping that she didn't meet any other male dog when she took off up the street for an hour...I guess we will find out in a few months.
That is all for now.
One L

I am SOOO done

I am so done with this weather, I am tired of the snow, ice and the wind chill factor. The kids are still loving it, they can't get enough of the white fluffy stuff. The dang groundhog is such a liar... early spring my butt. The roads are down right treacherous and I have had so many near misses when it comes to car accidents. ABS brakes are incredibly annoying and they make you feel like you are sliding AND you have no brakes. They have no place to but the snow that they plow so the already narrow roads become single lanes... and people park on the street everywhere because no one and I mean no one has ample parking. Can you tell I am not happy right now? I remind my self that come summer time when we are camping and hangin out on the rivers and lakes that are everywhere I will be happy...I might just be fooling myself but I can live with that. Well I think that is it for my vent.

Snow Day

The girls were ready bright and early to go sledding but we were snowed in on our street., so they improvised and started at the top of the driveway and went all the way down the backyard and they had a blast. I even went down twice but I smashed into the swing set and bruised my left side and my left arm will never be the same...I am getting too old for this stuff. No school today and it looks like school will be cancelled again tomorrow, that makes 4 snow days this winter so far. Don't they know how much I need time away from my sweet children. Dene is out by 11:00am so it is only a few precious hours all by myself and I treasure them.

Cookie has had a love hate relationship with the snow... she loves running around in it and digging her nose into it but she hates when it gets between her toes. She totally looks like a bunny hopping through the snow...I sure hope the hawks don't think so too.

We have freezing rain tonight and everything has a thick sheet of ice on it so everything looks shiny and new...but when I tried to go next door to bring them some fresh homemade rolls I just about flew there...yikes.

I was hoping that this string of severe weather would make Cory less entralled with PA but so far he still love it here...but we re not staying regardless!

One L

I love Sundays

Our time for church has changed to 1:00pm and you would think we would be on time every Sunday but not us...no siree...for some reason we are 5 minutes late everytime. But this Sunday we don't have any primary classes so no running around trying to finish lessons and stuff. I think we are staying home today anyway because I have been fighting a cold...and I am still feeling awful.
We had a pretty decent snow fall this past week..not quite enough to build a snow man or go sledding but it was fun to have snowball fights with the girls. Dene is a great shot and I have had to take her down a time or two. We are expecting more snow this week.
Cory loves school and he is still in love with PA but the shine is coming off the apple everytime he has to scrap the ice off the car. Right now he is doing anatomy (gross and head and neck) so he has been working with cadavers (sp?). He always has some yummy tale to tell that pretty much ruins dinner if you know what I mean...and I will never eat beef jerky ever again. I want to share in his "school experience" but not with that much detail...yuk!
Gotta make pancakes...I promised...so later dudes.
One L

Life can Suck

We returned home from AZ with our hearts full and our sunshine meter reading full. We have enjoyed unseasonably warm weather here in Pittsburgh...Not as nice as AZ but not as cold as it could be.
Shortly after returning home my mom called to let me know her cancer had returned...She battled and won a bout of breast cancer several years ago. The news is not good. There is no cure for secondary bone cancer...It is just a matter of how much time treatment can give her and how much pain she is to endure.
I am always heartbroken when I hear of small children losing their mothers...I think all children need to have a mom to love them and hold them and kiss all their boo boos. The most devastating thing for me would be to lose one of my children...I hope and pray I never have to endure that. I know my mother has lived 64 years and that in itself is a gift. She has loved, lived and touched many lives, I just selfishly want to have her for about 20 more years.
I keep writing things and deleting them because some things are just too...Well the word inappropriate jumps to mind.
I just wanted to let you all know what is going on in our lives..I will update soon.
One L

Back from AZ

WE are back and the girls had a blast hanging out with their brothers, cousins and friends...we didn't get to see as much of the brothers as we would have liked but beggars can't be choosers. They have jobs and school and girlfriends and we are not at the top of the list...its ok for now.
Friends and family were on our list and unfortunately we didn't get to see everyone we wanted to this visit. I thought 2 weeks was enough time but I was wrong...so many friends and family that we love very much.
Restaurants...that was Cory's first concern...and we did manage to eat at every place we had missed...and the Gecko Grill twice.

That is a picture of us outside the Gecko grill with Cory's family too.

I did a chance to work at Devine Memories twice and I had a blast...thanks to all my friends who could come out and crop with us...thanks everyone. I didn't realize how much I had missed working in the store until I put that apron back on...it was delicious.

The weather...the sun...the landscape...the mountains, were also soaked up...I couldn't get enough of it. On a strange note Pittsburgh is having the most unusual winter...with the highs in the low 60's and high 50's. Sounds like we brought a bit of AZ back with us...no complaints from me.

I loved visiting AZ but was glad to sleep in my own bed and cook in my own kitchen...now if I could just get my bed and kitchen to AZ then that would be great!

We had a wonderful Christmas and wish everyone the happiest of New Years

One L

Leaving on a jet plane

We are all packed and ready to go. We have to drop off the dog with friends because Southwest doesn't allow pets, can you believe that? Then it is off to the airport, and we will be in AZ in time for dinner at Gecko Grill...We can taste it now...Yummy.
The irony of it all it that it will be warmer here this week at times than it will be in AZ. But the sun will be a shining!
Thursday we will be at Devine Memories for a tasting party for a recipe swap I signed up for...What was I thinking? I have 26 6x6 pages to finish...I have one done as we speak. I might be in trouble.
Well I have to get going see you all soon.
One L

Devine Memories virtual challenge

These are a few of the pages I did, the flower pocket, black and white with a whisper of red and my version of winter joy. I did a clipboard and hand cut out the phrases. For the challenge to use some kind of office supply and I was in my element. I used a prong fastener to add some ribbon. That is all for now.
One L

Visions of sugar plums

WE are all getting into the Christmas spirit here in PA. Well, except for Scrooge aka Cory, he is about ready to snap...no warm and fuzzy going on in him right now. I guess I would be a little less into the season if I had an exam everyday...and my future hung in the balance. Come Thursday he should have an overwhelming sense of relief and have room in his life for some Christmas spirit. We are excited about coming home in a week, we have missed our family and friends more than we could have imagined. The girls are most excited to see their brothers...and Grandma.
Later
One L

Happy Christmas!

The girls decorated the tree and I think they did a great job! Since we are leaving here on the 19th I opted for an artificial tree this year...that way when we get back I won't have a dead tree and needles everywhere to clean up. It was prelit and let me just say "THAT ROCKS!!!". I just wish real trees came prelit too and that would be the bomb. The girls ask everyday if they can open 1 present and I am such a push over that I usually let them. (Not the big ones, just the dollar store ones) They don't care, half the time it is just ripping the paper off that floats their boat.
Cory got 100% on his final on Friday and I am so proud...not so much because he got 100% but because so many other guys had trouble. Does that make me shallow? Cory says it does but I disagree, I don't want to rub it in I just like him to be the smartest in the class...whats wrong with that?
I am more excited and have more energy lately than I have in months...I know it is because I am going home...dang I miss you guys! Soon I keep telling myself...soon.

More pictures of the house

Just thought I would show you guys a few more pics of the new homestead. I painted the provo craft letters and sanded the edges and I altered this table and chair set from IKEA. Everything is coming along...slowly. More to come.

First real snow

The girls were so excited about the snow they went out and made snow angels...you can wee the darks spots in the grass. It is funny that they didn't seem to notice the freezing temperatures because they were having so much fun. I stayed indoors like any sane person and made hot cocoa for the girls and warmed up blankets...they had those red rosy cheeks when they came back in and Dene said she couldn't feel her chin. They amde snow balls and threw them at eachother, but there really wasn't that much accumulation. They are expecting more snow over night and more tomorrow, we are hoping to build a snowman as soon as we can. I will take tons of pics.

Christmas decorations are done...the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. I made a huge wreath for the front of out house and it was prelit. It is beautiful if I do say so myself but we are having issues with finding an outlet to light it up...these 96 year old houses do not have outlets outside. Later all.

I've Been so Busy

I can't believe I have been so deliquent in updating my blog, but in my defense I have been out of the country. Ok so a weekend trip to Canada doesn't sound as impressive...But it has been an eventful couple of weeks
We had a super Saturday and I was busy getting ready for it and I still haven't cleaned up my scrap room either.
Thanksgiving was so nice, a little lonely but nice. We had a family over who was dealing with some health issues and making a turkey dinner wasn't going to happen for them so I got to spoil them. Everything turned out great except that my Mother in Law makes these rolls that are to die for and I used her recipe and they were great but not nearly as good as her. I am going to have to work on it.
The Friday following Thanksgiving we jumped in the car and headed to Canada to spend some time with my parents...And eat some yummy food. My parents jammed into 3 days about two weeks worth of adventures. There was shopping and eating and water parks and birthday parties and underground parking and valet parking...It was a blast. The girls want to spend every weekend up in Canada.
Crossing the border was easier than expected...Going there... But coming back the line up to go over the Peace Bridge was miles long. After inching along for over 2 hours we finally made it back into the great USA. It was the first time I felt like I was coming home instead of leaving it, I must be an American now.
I have a new calling in church...I am the Nursery Leader...And we have a huge nursery...yikes!
I told the Bishop that I have been in nursery or sunbeams for the last 5 years so I am hoping it won't be "for a long time" calling.
Now I am getting ready for Christmas, buying presents and making a few things and things to boot. I need a personal helper...or a personal stand behind me with a whip helper.
We are leaving for our Christmas vacation in AZ in 19 short days and I am counting them down with anticipation...I am more excited than I can say.
That is all for now I will try and post some pics from Canada trip.
One L

Cookie

Dene decided to take her dog to school...we caught it just in time. Cookie loves to be maulled by Dene and Dene loves to drag that poor dog around everywhere.
Cookie's life is in danger but not from Dene...the other morning I looked outside and saw a bunch of feathers in the back yard in a little pile. I thought the neighbor had killed a pidgeon and just left it there but no that wasn't the case. When I went outside to investigate, there was no bird just feathers and one foot. An hour or so later Dene noticed a huge bird in the tree just above where the feathers were...it was a huge hawk or falcon. Someone had told us that a Yorkie was abducted by a hawk but it was a tiny one...well I think this hawk could make a meal or two of our little puppy. So now we have to make sure Cookie is never outside by herself...that or get her really fat.

Daddy's turn

I love this picture of Cory taking the girls to school...it was a while ago so there is still leaves on the trees. The leaves are all gone now, but you can see their school up ahead.
The girls both love their teachers and love going to school...they are going to be geeks like their parents. They are growing up so fast I feel like stopping time for just a while. The day will come when they no longer want to snuggle and I won't be their favorite person to hang out with.
This is the one flat spot in Dormont, everything else is on a hill...some of them drop off kind of hills. I will take some pictures, you won't believe it unless you see it. I miss the flat streets of AZ, I miss the warmth of the sun, I miss my sister, I miss my friends. When we move back to AZ I know there are some things I will miss from here, but probably only people he he he.
I am painting the girls room this week and I am excited about it. We are going with knock your socks off pink but I am doing it only on the lower half of the wall...it is too powerful to go all the way up. I will post before and after shots.
Later
One L

Some pics of the new house

Well I finally figured out how to do this...I promise there will be a photo with each post from now on...unless I encounter anymore technical dificulties. So far the Living room and the dining room are just about done, and the bathroom is cute as all get out. I have the bedrooms and the play room left and after they are all done I could start on the basement. I kinda love this old house and all its creaky floors and old world charm, I am enjoying fixing it up. The few people who helped us move in cannot get over the transformation...heck even I am surprised at how cute everything is turning out to be. I painted the dining room but the living room and the bathroom are the original color...pale yellow (yuck). I have a plan for the girls room and I just have to paint in our bedroom, the one that I have no idea what I am going to do with is my scrap room/spare room. I will definitely do a before and after shot with that one. Miss you all
One L

Pretty & Scary

This Halloween we had a very pretty princess and and very scary witch. It was raining here in Pittsburgh but the girls still mananged to get enough candy to rot every tooth in their mouths. It is a good thing Cory will be a Dentist in a few years. Cory braved the cold rain with the girls and I stayed home and handed out candy to the multitude of brave children who don't seem to even notice the rain or the cold for that matter. I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween this year.
One L

BRRRRR

It is getting chilly here is Pittsburgh. I wish we had a fireplace that worked...for some unknown reason they sealed ours. That would make these cold evenings nice...a warm fire and that smell that takes me back to my childhood. Cory is immersed in biochem, dental anatomy and histology. He thinks it is all so interesting...nerd. But I guess if he is going to be doing teeth for the next 30 years or so he might as well find it fasinating.
I am finally fitting in here...or should I say the people here are finally seeing what a truely fun and "cool" person I am. I am teaching some scrapbook like classes at the super saturday here in Nov., so I had to go all "Kim" on them. (for those of you who don't know Kim, it means I had to go all out and make a mini book out of a card). Ofcourse they were all impressed, not that I am all that... it is just their idea of scrapbooking is CM and they haven't seen the old stuff let alone the new stuff. They were fairly easy to impress.
I think these 3 years and 9 months will be ok.
Later my friends.
One L

I did this page last night as part of Devine Memories virtual crop...it was a blast. This one was "the chipboard" challenge or the 10:00pm challenge. I cannot believe that I stayed up until 4:00am playing, but I did get 5 pages done. This one is my favorite.

Well I can upload some of my pictures to my blog and then others I cannot fine. I took a bunch of pictures of the house and I have 2 rooms pretty much done. Computers...can't live without them can't shoot them.

Greg called the other day and had a long chat with his sisters...they were having brother withdrawl. I knew we would miss them but I am surprised at the silly things I miss. I miss their excitement and appreciation of their favorite meals. No one gets excited about chicken spaghetti like Chris and I made baked subs the other day for lunch and there was so much left over.

Friday morning it was dang cold here and the girls were excited about seeing their breath, our furnace was down and we were chilly even with the oven going and the space heater on HI. Snow is coming and I dred it!. On the bright side...I could do some cool snow pictures.

We got the girls a swing set and it was delivered on Wed. I know I am going to have to put it up all by myself...Cory is focusing on school and he doesn't understand that a swing set IS a priority!

Till next post...I love you all my friends.

One L

Sorry with an "O"

Oh my goodness...I didn't to post until I had some pictures to download and then I had a series of unfortunate incidents. Now that I have the camera and computer working I still haven't taken the necessary pictures and it has been ages since I last posted an update here on my blog so I will just give a short update and try to put the camera thingy into the printer thingy and figure out how to post it on my blog all by myself because Cory is MIA these days.
The last I heard from the eldest son...he had lost his job and was looking for another one but he was in good financial condition because he was saving up for a car I think.
Son number 2 still hadn't resolved his car issues and he has to do something soon...his car is still in impound and he had no insurance when he hit the police car...now he has to pay for everything out of his pocket...I feel for him. I sent some money for school and living expenses but I think he might have to use that to fix the police car.
Here in Pittsburgh life is moving along regardless of how I feel...the girls are really enjoying the cool weather. They are patiently waiting for snow...and several people have offered to take them sledding as soon as there is enough snow on the ground. They are too funny...everyday they ask if I think it will snow and the other morning we could see our breath and they were totally stoked. Cory is studing hard and getting high "B" 's so far...they grade on a curve and there are alot of single guys who study about 6-8 hours a day...compared to Cory's 2 hours I think he is doing magnificient! He loves the stuff they are learning and he is already in the clinic. One of the perk is that a lot of toothpaste and toothbrush companies are trying to woo these young guys and they give them a ton of product to play with...needless to say I won't have to buy another tooth brush for the rest of my life.
I have been so very lonely here...the people here are very nice but only to a point...nobody wanted to play with me...they were willing to give me directions and chat for 2 minutes but nobody wanted to invite me over or come to my house. So I took the advise of some friends and sisters and stopped feeling sorry for myself and started inviting people over for diner...it has been my motto in the past..."feeding people...a great way to make friends and infuence people". So I have had people over for lunch and diner a ton of times and I am starting to feel like I could make a friend or two. But I will not get too attached because there is no way in hell I am staying here after Cory finishes school.
Well my short update has grown beyond its years...later my friends.
One L

Settling in

Finally I am beginning to settle in here in PA, not that I want to live here any longer than I have to. Cory is busy with school, he is doing well so far and he really loves not working at Boeing. The girls are starting to make friends...I wish I could say the same thing about me...I don't really want to make new friends...I already have the best friends a girl could ask for. I do miss having someone to paint with, scrap with, work with and just hang out with. I don't know what is wrong with me...I miss my friends but I am not willing to extend myself and make new ones. This part of PA sucks! Now if I could just convince 2 or 3 of you guys to come and live here for a year of so...life would be grand.
It is freakin cold here...all the time! I am not saying this to make you want to come for a visit...though that would be nice...I just hate being cold. Cory loves the weather so far...he is a weirdo...who loves gray skies and cold damp air? I miss the sun and have to find a sun lamp soon or my sun deprivation illness may rear its ugly head.
The son who never calls, called to inform us that he had a car accident and can no longer drive the car...he hit a police car of all things. Then he opted to buy my sister's car...then the next day it wouldn't start...then he calls. I wish we could help but when I told him to just pack his bags and move here with us he said "funny mom" like I wasn't serious.
I miss them tons...I miss my sister...I miss my friends and I miss all my family (especially Ella Bella).
I am not depressed, just reflective. I will try and post some pics with the next post.
love ya
One L

One box at a time

The process is slow but steady...I have committed to unpacking at least one box a day. Sometimes it is a very small box and some days it is 3 or 4 (like today).
It must be the rain that makes me want to settle in here, or maybe because I have the urge to scrap and I promised Cory I would get the other rooms in working order first. The bathroom is 95% done and the kitchen is a close second. Our bedroom is close and the girls room is even closer. The living room and dining room will be the toughest...lots of crap that I stored in the buffet that has no home now and I am at a loss as to where to put all this stuff.
The basement will be the catch all but because it has a moisture problem I can't store everything down there.
I have an arrangement with a lady I met while picking Dene up from school...she has a kindergartner too but she is in the other class. She was in desperate need of a babysitter from 11:00 until 3:00 and we struck a deal. I don't need the money right now but I would love to have a full day (8-3) all to myself. So we are switching off I will take her daughter for 2 days and she will take mine...yeah! Now I can take some time to check out the suburbs without worrying about being late to pick up Dene at 11:00. Also I could use the time to work on the house, since I decided to paint...I know I know I swore I would never do it again but I love color and would love to go crazy and do the dining room in chocolate and the girls in pink pink pink.
I will post pictures when a room is finished. Promise.
One L

Freak!

It has taken me for ever to get this computer up and running with internet. I am so happy to be back in touch with the world via the web. We had a nightmare road getting this house and I still can't talk about it without getting all choked up...but the final result is great, we moved into the house we wanted and life is good.
The girls absolutely love their new school and teachers, and I think the world of them too. The Principal is really on the ball and makes the school a fun safe place for the kids to spend most of their day.
The boys are ok in AZ, well I guess they are because the 18 year old hasn't called his mother yet!!!! I have left messages everywhere but I haven't heard from him, I know he is alive because I have spoken with his girlfriend Tara and she says he is alive and well. Greg and I text eachother often and I know he misses his sisters alot.
I am growing to love my new house and its old time charm...I have decided to do it shabby chic.
I will post pics as soon as a room is done.
Love to all.
One L

The house is so bare

Cory has dismantled just about everything and it looks like nobody lives here...picture me with a sad pouty face...the truck is here at 8:30 and everyone who is helping will be here at 9:00am, we have a ton of people coming to help and that alone makes me cry...people are so nice, so willing to break their backs and spend a hot Saturday morning putting boxes and stuff on a truck. I am so blest.
We had a minor snag with the house in PA, we can't get possession until the 28th instead of the 25th. So the girls will have to start school from a hotel room. But in the scheme of things I will not complain...I will leave that till when the freezing rain comes and lays a thick sheet of ice over my house and car. That also means my computer will be down longer than originally thought.
If I don't have the computer up and running right away I will use someone else's computer to give everyone an update.
The computer is gone in the morning so wish me luck with the drive...Cory, myself and the dog...I hope we all survive.
Love you all and know that I think of you all and our fun times and your kindness will sustain me until I return.
One L

Boxes here and boxes there

Boxes boxes everywhere. We are packing! I am very surprised how much stuff we still have after cleaning house and filling a storage unit. The junk a person can aquire is mind boggling. The house is starting to look bare, like I am really moving.
Today my friends from church threw me a going away party and I was so touched by how many people showed up to say good luck and see ya in four years. I have a great ward here in Gilbert and know I will never find that quantiy of really great people anywhere. I realized I have loved theses people for over 10 years and watched some of them grow from young teenagers to amazing parents with their own babies to smoosh...I DON'T WANT TO GO!!!!
I transgress...I am going and I will see all my friends everytime we come back to the valley to visit.
The computer will be dismantled on Saturday morning just before it gets put on the truck so I will post again just before we head out.
Later dudes

10 on 10

There is a 12 of 12 photo challenge out there started by S. Kueter and I am too much of a loser to ever remember what day it is let alone take 12 pictures that represent my day. So I have come up with 10 on 10. Ten things you are grateful for on the tenth of the month.
1. I am grateful for Mexican food...yummy
2. I am grateful for new papers
3. I am grateful for In and Out Burger
4. I am grateful for my 20 year old son finding the courage to live on his own.
5. I am grateful for my daughters that bring joy and sunshine into my life.
6. I am grateful for Christopher and his long hair.
7. I am grateful for a husband that loves his family more than anything in this world.
8. I am grateful for Amy giving me a new picture for my blog, roses are not my thing.
9. I am grateful for all the wonderful friends that bless my life everyday.
10.I am grateful for my faith and the peace I enjoy because of it.
One L

Wow time is flying by...

I cannot believe we are leaving a week from Friday. It has always seemed so far away and now it is right around the corner. I won't be able to update my blog while we are travelling and then once we get there I will have to wait until we have the computer set up and have cable up and running.
The girls are so excited about the new house and I promised them a swing set to put up in the back yard. I really want a swing for the front porch too. Their school is close and so it church and there is a hugh park with a pool and a castle...a little girls dream.
I haven't worked at the store since last Wednesday and I have missed it more than I could have imagined, I miss the people and my coworker/friends I get to see before and durning my shifts. I think I just might have to hang at the store a few days next week, I have a few projects I need to get done before I go.
One L

I have a Pittsburgh address

Yes it is true...we found a house put in an offer and they accepted it. I don't think I could be happier... I really love this house. So I guess since this house is sold and we have a house in Pittsburgh I really am moving this month. They had a going away party for me at Devine Memories, and we laughed so hard... I will never think about "Dolly Parton, just visiting" without remembering all the funny stories. Later in the night we all had a good cry...it was theraputic for all of us. Crying is a good stress reliever and crying with friends is a bonding experience. Let's just say we are all well bonded. It was so fun spending time with people who are real and have flaws and you just love them to pieces anyway. I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life who make each day a pleasure...I will miss all of you.
One L

Cross Everything

Well we accepted the offer and if all goes well will no longer own our home in Gilbert as of the 29th of August. Cory left this morning to look at houses in Pittsburgh and maybe even buy a house if all goes well. Everyone seems shocked that I would leave that decision to him but it is for only four years and who cares what the house is like as long as it is in a safe neighborhood and the schools are great.
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