Palmyra Trip

Jonece with the twins who had parts in the pageant...the girls were very impressed with the costumes.
A beautiful dragon fly in the Sacred Grove.
The three wise men who visited Jesus as a small boy.
This was at the opening of the show with the entire cast on stage...it is a little over whelming in person.

We went to the Palmyra pageant this summer and it was amazing. We got there mid day and did the whole Joseph Smith farm tour and walked through the Sacred Grove and we were all moved by the spirit of the place! We went into the recreation of the log home the Smith's lived in and the actual frame home is still there! It is humbling to walk were others who were so amazing walked.
Log home with a cool cellar that was dark and scary for the girls.
The Palmyra Temple is just beautiful...and so peaceful.
Cory and the girls waiting outside the visitor's center at the pageant.
Actual copy of a first edition Book of Mormon...before they separated it into chapters and verses...cool!
We had a great time staying in a hotel...they had a pool and the girls love to swim. I think if you asked them what was their favorite part of the vacation they would probably say swimming in the hotel pool. For me it was watching Cory's face as he experienced it all for the first time, the girls too but mostly Cory.
We decided to put off our camping trip this week off until next weekend because it was so hot here...I know those of you in AZ will call me a whiner but 92 with a 100% humidity is yucky! This weekend the temperatures will be in the low 80's so we might go then...we love to sit by the fire and roast marshmallows and just chill. Well that is all for today...we love you all!
One L
p.s. the ticker up in the left hand corner is how long we have before we head back to AZ!

Pookie's Visit

Here is a picture of the girls and their Aunt Annette who they call nette pookers (its a family nickname she has had all her life) we were lunching at Pirmanti Bros. It is always fun to eat at a place they have featured on the food network. I love their sandwiches with the fries on them...but their pizza was a disappointment.
Here is a shot of the crew up on Mount Washington. It is the place we take every visitor...could it be because it is free and a nice place to take some photos. Below is a picture of the church right up on Mount Washington, I agree with Annette that the older buildings here are a beautiful sight.
Ofcourse we headed down to Station Square to see the fountains and low and behold a storm blew in...something we have gotten used to dealing with after 2 years here in the Burgh.
Wednesday we headed off to the Children's museum and the girls had a blast.

It was bitter sweet having family come for visit...it is so good to see a familiar loving face but so sad when it is time for them to leave...why can't they all just move here for the next 2 years. Cory's summer break is coming to a close too quickly for me...he goes back on the 21st! We still have a camping trip and a trip to Palmyra and maybe a quick visit to Canada. I will post pictures.
later dudes
One L

Ohiopyle

We went to Ohiopyle last week and we had such a fun time picking a campsite and checking out the area. The video is the girls trying out the natural water slide. The water levels were very high and there was no way I was letting anyone I loved try the whole slide...it looked like a death slide. the bottom was fairly tame...or so I thought. Jonece went down and flew past Cory and he had to swim down and rescue her...it was scary. I promised Jonece I wouldn't post the movie of her being rescued, she was kind of embarrassed that she got into trouble. Cory was such a trooper, he never complained about anything. It was one of those days that I am reminded of why I love him so much.


Back a the campsite we got a hold of some good wood and had a nice big fire. We made smores again and the girls loved burning sticks in the fire. I was such a fire bug when I was little...who am I kidding I still am a fire bug...so it is not surprising that the girls are in love with fire. We sat by the fire for hours and we loved it!
This is the picture of the rapids that you can go rafting on...not us... until the girls are older.
Cookie was being spoiled rotten at the Derricks and even though we missed her she didn't miss us one little bit. Maybe one day she won't bark all night and we can take her with us.
That was our trip in a nutshell and now Pookie (Cory's sister Annette) is here for a visit. I will post some pictures of our visit later.
Love to all!
One L

Raccoon Creek

Yesterday... we decided at the spur of the moment to head out to Raccoon Creek to celebrate Cory's break from school. Thunderstorms are in the forecast for about a week so we took the last sunny day and hit the campground. We only stayed the two days and one night but I must say it was so much fun! The place was almost empty and when we drove in we saw deer in the campsites! I forgot so many things...I guess that is the price you pay for spur of the moment decisions. The raccoons visited us along with the deer and we made jiffy pop popcorn on the open fire. Of course we made s'mores and hot dogs on a stick...could camping be complete without these mainstays? We plan on going back asap...weather permitting. We are camping at Ohio pile(sp) next...friends are always welcome!
Here is a movie of us making popcorn...or better yet Cory burning his hands trying to make popcorn...well it worked and it was delicious!
later all
One L

Dene's Concert

I just wanted to post this for Luke...it is another movie of Dene's class singing.

An Event Filled Lunch

We had such a good time going out to lunch with everyone...good food and good company (no kids)...what more could anyone ask for. Maybe a little drama? Well that is exactly what happened! We were still finishing up our lunches and the babysitter called...that in itself got my heart racing. The babysitter proceeds to tell me that a fawn...tiny little deer was stuck in/on my fence in the back yard. I didn't think too much of it until he said it was screaming...making a horrible crying sound that was upsetting the children. Well, those of you who know Dene know that she is a huge animal and baby lover and I could just see her having a break down. So we all ran out of the Cafe and hurried home to either rescue the deer or at least get the children away until someone could help. Reita called her husband to meet us there and that made me feel so much better. I called Cory and he felt useless...it would take him over an hour to get home.
My friend Mandi is a go to gal! She is a nurse (LPN) and had gloves in her truck. She put on the gloves and proceeded to the back yard to see what could be done. We didn't know if the fawn was impaled on the decorative fence or what so we were relieved to find out he was just stuck between rungs and his hips were too big to get through. Mandi saved the day and lifted the screaming deer up and released it back into the free world aka my neighborhood. I ran upstairs to get my camera but didn't make it out there in time. The kids were so happy that the deer was fine and everybody heaved a sigh of relief...what an exciting end to our nice peaceful lunch!
I really had a great time laughing with everyone...I think I laughed so hard I almost peed. We have to do that more often!
Sorry I have no pictures to go with the deer post...but at least I did think to take a picture...I was just too slow.
Later dudes
One L

School's Out for Summer!

Phew! it is done...all the last minute projects and gifts for teachers...school functions and concerts! At least for a few months my life will be a little more sane. If you are looking for us this summer, look no further than the Dormont Pool! A bunch of my friends from school and I got a season pass and let me just say...fun! I bring a small cooler bag with drinks and a snack and the girls are off to play with one of the several friends at the pool and I never see them (well I keep them in sight re: drowning) but they are off playing the entire time we are at the pool and I sit with my friends and totally relax and laugh and try not to burn! They are all sun worshipers and I am a shade worshiper. Thank goodness for 80 sunscreen and hats, but if I keep this up I might even get a tan this summer...so look for the slightly yellow person in August and that would be me (I don't tan a nice bronze).
I am excited to go camping soon...our cheap version of a summer vacation! As soon as Cory is done with this summer thing (two weeks) then we will try and plan some fun activity once a week! Everyone is invited! We have a BBQ now (thanks to Tyson) so I am looking forward to having a few get-togethers in the old slanted back yard!
Enrichment is DONE! so I have some time off from my calling and that is a load off but in all honesty it was a snap this time with a huge enrichment committee...what a difference a few motivated women can make! I feel like I made some pork and showed up at a party and had a blast...I kinda feel guilty like I didn't do my share. I am used to doing so much more but my new committee just ran with it and did a superb job... I can take no credit for a successful night!
I will post some pictures of my befreckled little tanned girls later.
Love you all
One L

Ward Picnic

We had a great time at the ward picnic! I took a bunch of pictures and thought that putting them into a movie would be the best way to show case all the fun and all the cool people! Jonece and Dene had a blast! They could have stayed forever. Those of you who know Cory know that getting him to go to ward parties is like asking him to give you a kidney...but he went, he socialized, he had fun and I was the one ready to go before anyone else. It was threatening to rain earlier but we were lucky and the weather was great! It was a well thought out and well orchestrated event and my hat goes off to Jana and her team!
Later all!
One L

So Many Things So Little Time

Cory planted my garden! Lots of tomatoes and peppers and herbs. I can't wait for the first fresh tomatoes of the summer they are the best.

Dene had a concert this past week and I tried to record a song or two but she is way in the back and this amazon boy in a green shirt kept putting his arm in front of her cute face. Don't these people understand that she is the most important participant in our eyes and she should be front and center so we can take lots of cute pictures to share with everyone!
Let me just preface this movie with letting you know I didn't really know how to use the "video" aspect of our camera and couldn't figure out how to turn it off! Dene was wonderful...she spoke her part clearly and with attitude. She is by far my future star!

Feeling Cranky

I don't know what is wrong with me this week but I have not been my usual jovial self. Cory keeps asking me what I want for Mother's Day and I never have an answer for him. Don't get me wrong there are soooo many things I would love to have, like a van, see my boys, see my sister, new desk, new cell phone that is text friendly, a trip to some place warm and sunny, scrapbook supplies, new shoes, a day at the spa with a really good massage, and of course world peace. Lets face it we have no money and it would be selfish of me to ask for anything right now so I say "just a card", when in my heart I know that's not completely true. Summer is a tough time for us.
Cory will be off in 7 short weeks and we want to go camping and see the sights this summer because lets face it we are only here of 1 more year 11 more months and some odd days before we head back to AZ. I think him having this past week off was cruel in a way because he was off for such a short time and finals were such a monster this semester. By the time he was back to his normal self the week was over.
So I am cranky, even though I have no right to be cranky when I have so many wonderful people and blessings in my life. I will try to focus on the good things in my life, like my family, my sweet friends, my house, my faith, my life in general.
The picture is an example of the craft I am doing with Jonece's 3rd grade class today. I am actually looking forward to it! The kids in her class are so fun and they are so appreciative.
That is all for today!
I remain;
One cranky L

School mug shots

You wouldn't know it from the pictures but the girls suffered through curlers in their hair to have some curly locks! When they left for school their hair looked so curly but I guess they fell out by the time they took the pictures. Dene's picture is a true likeness but Jonece's eyes are about to blink...yikes! How can you tell your little girl her picture isn't worth $12.00? That's 12.00 a sheet my friends! I try to buy at least one copy of a school mug shot and a class picture but sometimes they are just not the best...and they never advertise when it is retake day...and how do you tell your angel that her picture isn't good enough so we have to retake it? They know this and manipulate us...making us buy pictures we can't afford and picture that are not that good. I vent...sorry. All in all I love my little girls and their cute little faces.
This has been a busy week/month/year, I can't believe I haven't had a major breakdown yet! I love Enrichment and I love activities but sometimes I get overwhelmed with my everyday life and when I add in a super Saturday and a trip and 2 birthdays and the newsletter and Brownies and ...well you get the idea. Something usually gets left by the wayside...my house and my hobbies! I have a ton of projects I have to finish for Mother's Day and for Teacher Appreciation Day yadda yadda yadda.
Enough of my whining, I had a blast on Saturday...the activity was so much fun and then the Cinco De Mayo party was too fun. Warning to the masses...never leave your camera behind at a Pitcher function or you may have a few surprise photos on your camera you know you never took!
Later
One pooped L

Forgot my Camera!

Can you believe it? We went to Canada, spent time with my mom, dad and my sister, Cory's birthday was celebrated up in Canada and I didn't bring my camera and have no pictures of all the fun things we did and saw. I should be stripped of my blogging privileges!
We had a nice relaxing vacation this time, we didn't stay as long as we planned but we did have a really nice time. I don't get to see my older sister very often and usually it is with a larger group, this time we spent time one on one and it was great. My sister Angie and I are closer in age but haven't been close most of our lives. I have always loved her and looked up to her and wanted to be close but we have always been so very different and it never happened. Our lives took such different paths that we went our separate ways and never looked back. I have always regretted that but accepted the reality that it might never change. We are still different but now I think that maybe one day we will be closer, maybe we can be more like sisters.
Cory's birthday was quiet...just like he prefers them. He hates it when I make a bid deal and the only time I have ever thought Cory was going to say something mean or back hand me was when I got them to sing Happy Birthday to him at a restaurant. I just don't get it! Who doesn't like being the center of attention for 5 minutes? For years I thought he was just being modest and didn't want to make a big fuss about his birthday but he hates it! One day I will throw him a huge surprise Birthday party and he will be mad but when I say it was more for me and the kids he will forgive me.
Later dudes!
One Canadian L

Birthday Girl

Jonece has grown so much this past year...she cut her hair off and it has grown back! She is in third grade and writes in cursive all the time. (Even Cory doesn't write in cursive yet!) She got baptized last year and she has become such a lovely young lady. She had a party last Saturday and even though most of her friends couldn't make it she had a blast.
Looking back at her 9 long years I remember simple things, like her love of her binkies, her lack of fear when her brothers would take her for a spin in her stroller while wearing rollerblades. I remember how afraid we were when she was born and was having trouble breathing, she looked so tiny in the NICU with all those tubes and wires. She is a fighter! She has always loved water and would stay in the pool/tub/cooler forever if I let her. Jonece has always been soft spoken and funny. As she gets older she still makes me laugh and I am in awe of the peace that surrounds her. She is precious and I am the lucky one who gets to be her mom. I look forward to another year with this wonderful little girl. Let's face it how many more years do I have before she is a teenager and no longer thinks I am cool!
Please excuse my attempt at making a movie...I am not sure why the music doesn't play and why certain letters are missing...but hopefully you get the idea.
Loving you all,
One L

As Promised

I promised I would post some pictures of the projects I have been working on and I am actually doing it! I know, I know how unlike me.
The first picture is the first grade book I made for Dene's teacher...I started doing a little book about our field trip to the Children's museum and the Aviary but then I decided to include the whole year...Dene's teacher is giving me more photos tomorrow at the open house so I can finish the mini book for now.
The second picture is of a card I made...I am loving these envelopes...they are so fun to alter.
The third picture is a little pencil case/box I made for a friend who had a birthday...but I haven't seen her for weeks!
Last but not least Jonece's birthday party invitations for her party this Saturday!
When oh when does life slow down...I want to stop and smell the roses or at least have time to plant some!
Gotta run it is late and I have to make treats for Jonece's class tomorrow so I have to get up early...wish me luck!
Love you all
One L

Busy Busy Busy

I have been so busy with life this past few weeks, I went to see Romeo and Juliet with Reita and Stephanie...way cool! I can't remember the last time I saw something artistic with Cory. His idea of going out to a show is seeing the latest stupid comedy! I am sorry but Anchor Man is just not funny to me! I suffer through his idea of entertainment but we never go to plays or musicals. I think this will have to be a "girl's night out" activity because I do not see Cory changing anytime soon. Thank goodness I have daughters and can look forward to many years of sharing my love of the arts with them. I have been working with my friend Mandi, she teaches CPR and first aid classes and I am her lovely assistant. I printed off the PFO newsletter this week and it is all distributed, and I have to start it all over again next week! Lindsey came over and we finished her letters and they turned out just fabulous if I do say so myself...I hope she posts a picture on her blog because I forgot to take a picture before she left. Had lunch with a few friends and managed to shop and cook but not clean.
I started seeing a dermatologist and let me just say he is amazing...I came home and told Cory I loved my doctor and he asked if he was cute...NOT! but I love him because he listens and you feel safe, that he knows what he is doing. My psoriasis has never really bothered me...well not enough to do anything but lately it is making me crazy...burning and itching.
My options for treatment are wide ranging and we are starting off at the minimum...the ones on the other side of the spectrum include treatments that have horrible side effects like lymphoma!
I am using some creams and going for UVB light treatments. My first treatment was only 1 min and I got burnt. They had to re classify my skin type to the most fair. I am the fairest in the land...he he he. I have only had 2 treatments and I am so impressed...it is working!
I have been more scrapbooking lately...making presents for teachers, sisters and friends. I am excited by the projects I have done...cute cute cute even if I do say so myself! I'll post some pictures later. Gotta run, another busy day getting nothing done. Love you all!
One L

Totally Cool!

My sister found this t-shirt on line and it is pretty darn funny...it looks like the periodic table but it is all Canadian things. It is hard to get a picture big enough so you can read all the funny things they have put on this shirt but you can tell it wasn't a Canadian who did it because they got a few things wrong. I just noticed that if you click on the picture it does get bigger and you can read all the squares! My favorites are Bx (Boxing Day), Cu (Curling), Dd (Dudley Do-Right), Tb (Timbit) and last but not least Tq (tuque, which I think is spelled touque).
My friend Mandi made this towel for me with One L embroidered on it...don't you just love it? Can you believe some people who know me fairly well still spell my name with 2 L's! I know I am a little fanatical about it but come on! I can not be the only one who is a little obsessed about the spelling of their names..can I be? My friend Mandi gets peeved when people spell her name with a Y instead of an I at the end! I know some of you out there are particular...right?
Well that is all for now!
your friend,
One solitary L

Gratitude

My father has shared with me over the years many great snipits of wisdom and I can't tell you how many times I play them over and over again in my head. It makes me aware of how much our children do listen even when we think they are zoning! I am making a little book for him and inside the pages are the pieces of advice and the wisdom he has shared. This has been a work in progress for years...I cry a lot when I remember the drives and the late night talks and my heart is filled with gratitude. My dad says that gratitude is the secret to happiness...and as I get older I see the wisdom in this statement. I used to think he was...well let's just say wrong. I have thought a lot about gratitude lately. I see the numerous blessings everyday that I am blessed with and try hard not to take them for granted.
I have some of his words of wisdom that I thought were worthy to share with my friends in the blogging world.
1. No one is better than you are and you are not better than anyone else. People may be better at a certain thing than you are and in turn you may be better than them at something else...basically talents are given equally. It is up to you to find them within ourselves and master them.
2. When we stand before the Lord and we are held accountable for the lives we have lived, it won't be the bad things we have done that will stand against us as much as the good we choose not to do!
3. Someone somewhere has it worse than you! Be grateful for the trials you have to face...you could have had to face worse!
4. It is not a sign of intelligence to explain a complicated concept using big words...it is a true sign of intelligence when one can take a complicated subject and explain it in simple terms!
5. When you are down to your last dime...give it to someone who has less.

I jokingly tell Cory that he will be the defining man in his daughters lives and that their self esteem and sense of who they are and how wonderful and important they are will all come from their father and how he treats them and how he builds them up. That if he fails...they will have poor relationships with men their entire lives...he says "no pressure". In all honesty I know that my father and his opinion of me has always meant the world to me and the fact that he has always thought that I was all that and a bag of chips has made me who I am today and for better or worse I thank the Lord for such a wonderful father.
Today I am grateful for my dad. I am grateful and I am happy.
Later my sweet friends
smooshes
One L

Baby Shower Fun

Well the deed is done...the baby showers are finished and I am so grateful that both turned out fine. At Rachelle's we played name that poop...it was actually chocolate bars melted in a diaper...they looked gross but not too gross because I saw more than one lady tasting the goo! I was surprised at how many got them all right...Let's just say Brooke knows her poop/chocolate! I think I had the most fun watching the ladies race to finish 2 oz of water out of a bottle! Seriously it was the funniest thing ever!
I have been running on pure adrenaline these last few days and now that it is done I am exhausted. Now I sit and wish I had done things differently...I wanted everything to be perfect for the new mothers to be. I am not a perfectionist as much as I know how I want things to go and I get angry with myself if things don't go the way I foresaw. All in all I think it went OK.
Monday is a new week with nothing pressing to get done and let me just say ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. I have a few things like the newsletter but hey I can deal with just that!
I am grateful for wonderful friends who kept me sane and helped out so much...thank you! How can anyone get through this life without a few good friends who have their back? Love you!
One L

Surprises and Pretty Girls

We have had a fun week with a surprise birthday party for Rachelle and a shower for Lindsey (I forgot to take pictures even though I remembered to bring my camera). Let me just say I was afraid that Rachelle was going to have the baby right there in her living room when we all yelled surprise and pulled our poppers! She was definitely surprised...you can't fake a near heart attack. Maybe we should rethink surprise birthday parties for women who are in their last month of pregnancy.
We have had a few days off this week from school for the girls (not so fun for me) and we have been watching a friend of Jonece's for the school holidays because her mom has to work! You wouldn't know it from the loving picture of the sisters but they just don't get along when they have days on end together and add in only one friend and...its a nightmare! The girls have this Friday off for some dumb teacher in service day and that means I will get nothing done and I will have to deal with the girls and their drama drama drama! It always goes better when I have things planned like a trip to the park or a movie or a museum or a few fun crafts but I am busy putting the final touches on Rachelle's baby shower on Saturday. Maybe if I were better organized I wouldn't be such a scatter brain and leave so many things to the last minute...I plan on working on no longer being a procrastinator...maybe tomorrow or next week.
I miss my sister...she is like my right hand and when I get overwhelmed she steps in and makes everything OK and even seem fun...I love and respect her so much. She is the most loving, giving, spirit of the Law person I have ever known. We rub each others shoulders when we are stressed and she has the best hands...she is a great team cook and she does dishes too! She is an example to me when she is so willing to help out her fellow man/woman, feed their family, let them move in for a week, lend an ear and even watch their children all while juggling 4 little ones of her own. It seems like forever since I saw her beautiful smile light up the room...she is trying to find a flight to come for a visit and I can't wait. OK I will stop the pity party! I just hope my girls will be close like Care and I are when they grow up...there is nothing as comforting as a sister who knows you...warts and all...and still thinks you are all that and is in your corner even when you might not be completely right! When Jonece and Dene fight I cry inside...I want them to love each other and be close always. I know I am not in control of their future relationship but it is my fondest wish that they have a wonderful relationship like the one I share with my little sister. I ramble...well it has been a while!
Later dudes and dudettes
One L

Random Thoughts

I was just dreaming a few minutes ago and when I realized I was dreaming...I laughed! I was shopping and found an incredible bargain, it was a scrapbook kit that was normally 29.99 and it was on clearance for 2.50. I was positively giddy, I didn't particularly like it but I bought it anyway because it was such a great deal. I am such a sucker for a bargain...I cannot resist!
Random thought number 2...I love real people...the kind of people that others might find offensive. They come off a little rough around the edges but they never lie and they are loyal till the end. They are the kind of people that can't hide exactly how they feel at any given moment...what you see is what you get! They would run a mile barefoot over glass for you but if you look stupid in that outfit they tell you. They tend to tick other people off but I think they are just misunderstood and a treasure to have by your side. I am blessed with several of these wonderful friends and I thank my Father in Heaven everyday that I have them in my life.
On the flip side I detest, abhor, loathe, phony people. You know the ones...they smile to your face and stab you in the back. They pretend to be someone they are not. Maybe I don't despise them as much as I feel sorry for them, I hate the fact that they haven't figured out that it is always best to be yourself because in the end, it is what it is, we are who we are...maybe I don't really despise them...maybe I do.
Random thought number 3...I love other people's children. I don't mean in a superficial way, I mean the kind of love that one might have for your own children. I used to be in awe of those that adopted because in my heart I knew I could never love another woman's child as much as I love my own. That is no longer true...I could totally take several of the sweet babies in my ward home with me and raise them as my own. Don't worry I am not about to steal anyone's baby but if I had to raise one I could do it with a peace knowing that they will be raised with a mother's love.
That concludes Michele's random thoughts this early Sunday morning!
Later my friends
smooshes
One random L

No Rest For The Wicked

Yeah! Enrichment is done! Now I can focus on Rachelle's and Lindsey's baby showers. Last night was fun and the food turned out OK inspite of the fact that while laminating some cool pages I burnt the sauce. I carefully poured out the chicken spaghetti into other pots without scrapping the bottom and was lucky there was no burnt flavor throughout the whole dish. I was horrified because there was no time to make another batch...but thankfully it could be saved. The ladies who spoke were perfect...short and sweet! Our theme was based on a talk about standing strong and immovable in faith, family and relief. The talks were dead on! We had to scramble a bit in the final few days as our leader had a death in the family and had to fly home. Everyone pitched in and we pulled it off and let me just say...THANKS!!
Now on to bigger and better things...the showers! It has been ages since I threw a shower, and I am grateful for my friends here who have stepped up to the plate and are helping out more than words can say. Thanks everyone for all your help!
One L

School Field Trip

I got the chance to go with Dene on her school trip to the Aviary and the Children's Museum and let me just say we all had a blast! I am ashamed that I haven't taken my kids there before, both are totally up their alley. I think we could have spent the entire day in the art room of the children's museum and it would have been an amazing day. Dene loves art and being creative, and she is talented! She gets that from my side of the family...yeah! one thing from side! My mother is an amazing artist/painter. We are planning another trip there so both girls can play. Some parts of the museum are too young for the girls but all in all it has so much to offer. Family passes are expensive but just a day is very reasonable. Just a little note to anyone thinking of going...bring a change of clothes because there is a floor where they learn about water and they can get soaked.
At the Aviary we saw so many birds and a few shows. The birds are so close you can even touch them...not that you should. The pictures do not it justice...there are birds at your feet and flying around your head! If you plan a trip to the Aviary...wear a hat!
We have had a busy week so far and it will get worse for sure! Why oh why do I sign up for so many things??? Its not like anyone asked me...I volunteered! I have the newsletter to do this week and I am working the Book Fair everyday as well! I am also in charge of the cookie booth outside of Kuhns Saturday...I think Cory is going to be our best customer...he seriously has a thing for the new Lemon chalet cookies not to mention Samoas! Well that is all for now, totally love you all and miss everyone in AZ.
One L

Undecided

I have been working on Rachelle M.'s baby shower invitations and I cannot decide which way to go. the two on the bottom that are entirely patterned paper are the...most involved, but I think they are the cutest. I also have a plain one, just blue, no patterned paper and it is the cheapest and the easiest but not the cutest. I have to make about 50 of them so I am torn...cute or easy? Or do I compromise and add a bit of paper like the one on top left or bottom right? I just cannot decide! I must also say that I have a hard time doing the same card twice...its a gift/curse, so whatever I decide there will be 50 some odd versions of it. Let me know which one do you like the best? Thanks for any help...or suggestions.
One L

Not So Grumpy Anymore

The weekend has revived me a bit and I am in a better frame of mind...and a kinder gentler Michele. Cory is no longer responsible for every bad thing that happened in our little world. We tried to have a quiet "family" weekend with no company and no errands. Cory was grounded from saying "I have to study" or "I have to read" and the girls had a blast asking daddy all sorts of questions trying to make him slip up and say one of the phrases he was not allowed to say. Cory is not an easy man to trick and as much as they tried he never had even a tiny slip up. He did say several times that he had to write his talk...and that was allowed. Cory spoke in church and did an excellent job...even though he was the final speaker and he started at 3 minutes to 10:00. He wasn't too broken up that he had shorten it at bit.
The girls had the day off from school and we bummed around all day. We had some super cute friends over in the morning and then played Halo all afternoon (Jonece and I, Dene hates Halo).
The week starts again in the morning and I hope this week is better for my family. We do have 2 drs appts, a follow up for Dene and the other requires stirrups (Yuk!) Other than that we are planning on a fun week with clear roads and good health.
One L

Cute Valentine Box

Someone suggested I post some pictures of the crafts I do...well this box I bought at Goodwill for a buck and Dene and I sanded it, painted it, added pretty paper and made it pretty for her class Valentines box contest...she won!

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!