Sunday, August 31, 2008

Notes from the Underbelly

Image of Notes From The Underbelly

There were times while reading this book that I couldn't quit laughing...I guess it was because I was able to relate somewhat to the main character Lara; and some of the things that she did and said were just hilarious! I am going to reserve this book from the libarary asap, I just can't wait to see what happens next!

All American Boy

IMG_0354 A quick layout featuring Landon. I got the title and paper pieced boy in a swap, so I figured it was time to use them! I also got to use some stamps I had bought awhile back, so I was happy about that too!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

All Tied Up

After several weeks of practicing, Landon has finally figured out how to tie his shoes. He still has to work on getting them tight, but at least he gets the basic idea...I was beginning to wonder if he would be the only kid in high school who could do it!

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Creamsicle's

IMG_0339 With the kids back in school and my new LONGER days (5:30 am is KILLING me!) I am hoping to use some of this time to scrap. I did finally finish our Myrtle Beach vacation pages and then I had some cute picture's of the kids and I enjoying some creamsicles...so a page was born! The creamsicle, orange popsicle frame and eyelet frame were all made by a scrapper in a group I am in and I won it in an online auction. It sure did make this page go together quickly, and I am quite happy with it!

To the Max!

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This outfit just screams 80's doesn't it? Tight, red jeans with converse shoes...who knew? I feel like she is missing something though; possibly some leg warmers or a Swatch or three! 

Monday, August 25, 2008

And He's Off

IMG_0332After a rough night, and an early morning, Landon is officially off to 2nd grade.  He woke up on his own a little before 7 and asked if Zoe had already left. When I told him yes, he said "Oh, man." LOL!

He got up, got dressed, made his bed, brushed his teeth and washed his face all by himself. He had nearly an hour to waste before school started so he ate a little breakfast and watched cartoons...I can't wait to hear about their days when they get home!

Tony and I are going to do some shopping today as well as have a nice quiet lunch together and then Tony has his doctors appointment to get his stitches out. Hooray for school!

One down...

IMG_0330Ouch, 5:30 am is something I haven't seen in quite awhile! I couldn't believe how dark it was when Zoe headed out this morning (I know it doesn't look dark in this photo, but it was!). She was the first one up this morning; Tony and I rolled outta bed right after though to see her off. We'll see how long she's the first one up!

New haircut, new dress, new shoes...new high-schooler! So cute!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Great Falls

We decided to go over to Mom's for a visit today. Dad is in Indianapolis on business, but everyone else is there, so we went to hang out...no plans. I still needed to find some shoes for Zoe for school, and LaTisha wanted to look for some clothes for Jaron for school so we headed over to the Leesburg Outlets...not so good. It is the outlet center for the wealthy, for real! Barney's New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry, Kate Spade, Coach...I mean really. I can't afford their half price stuff! So, we left and went to Target where Zoe got some great new shoes for school and LaTisha didn't end up getting anything for Jaron. At least she still has a week to look around, my kids start Monday though, so I needed to get that done!

IMG_0300 Once we finally got back to the house, we gathered up Tony and the boys (Landon and Jaron) and headed over to Great Falls Park. What a gorgeous place! There are several different lookout's to the falls and the kids had fun climbing on the rocks. Tony even did ok in his boot...he says his leg cramps up more than anything, but he still did really good! IMG_0299

 

We brought Ginger and Bruno with us and they both did really well, but Bruno really isn't a dog equipped for this kind of thing. He just can't get enough air in his little pug nose for all the walking we did! Poor thing could barely breathe on the way home and it took him quite awhile to catch his breath. Guess we won't take him next time!

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Friday, August 22, 2008

A Soccer Debut and a Little Clean-Up Too!

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Today was Zoe's debut on the high-school soccer team. She did a wonderful job and is fitting in nicely with the rest of the girls. They have some work to do but they are looking strong! Today was only a scrimmage, and they lost 3-0, but we are hoping that as they get to know each other, they will play better.  Her position so far has been midfield, which she is thrilled about. That position means a lot of running, but she does love to run, so much so that she even signed up to do indoor and outdoor track! I am so proud of her taking on all these new opportunities in high-school, hopefully she will have a terrific time!

 IMG_0222 Landon on the other hand is learning quite a bit about taking care of himself and learning how to help around the house as well. I believe Zoe was in either 2nd or maybe even 3rd grade before she had any "real" chores,  but I am starting Lan a little earlier because he is growing lazy and asking people to do the silliest things for him. Some of his new tasks are making his own bed in the morning, putting his dishes in the dishwasher after he uses them (including rinsing when necessary), all bathing/dressing/brushing teeth on his own...as well as learning to tie his own shoes and general cleaning up after himself. It's a lot to take in all at once, but he did get up the other morning, get dressed, brush his teeth, make his bed and then drag me upstairs to see his accomplishments. He was incredibly proud, and so was I.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Purple Toes

After finally getting an appointment with my doctor she told me there was really nothing she could do except send me to an Orthopedic doctor and let them have a look. So, I came straight home and called and now have an appointment for tomorrow at 2.

I picked Zoe up from Mema's house (she took the kids to the pool) and brought her to her 2nd round of try-outs and then got Tony to the Radiologist to get his post operation x-rays. Landon didn't want to come with us so he stayed with Mema for awhile longer, and then she brought him home in time for us to go pick Zoe up from the school. I was so nervous I couldn't even sit in the car to wait. I had to get out and pace...but, she did make the team, and we are so happy for her! I am just thrilled that she will be starting with a new team and she will get to know a new bunch of girls. She has several games (12) and three scrimmages, all of which will be held after school during the week. She hasn't decided wether or not she will play for her other team, but I have left the decision up to her.

IMG_0218 Tony's doctor showed me how to "exercise" his toe yesterday, so today I have been trying to do that for him. I don't know which one of us is more worried about the pain. I barely move his toe back and forth, but all I can imagine is the pins holding his foot together popping out and his toes falling off! He definitely feels pressure (and a little pain) when I am moving his toe, but its all for the greater good. At least that's what his doctor told us...

Monday, August 18, 2008

Excuses, excuses...

Reason's why I haven't been blogging:

  • Soccer events; Zoe had a tournament last weekend and the weekend before as well as high school tryouts and a camp in between. Back, forth, back, forth. Good news though...she made the first cut for the high-school team. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she will make the final cut tomorrow. I am incredibly proud of her!
  • Back to school; haircuts, groceries (for lunches & quick dinners), school supplies...you know what I mean. Good news here too...kids are going back to school! Hooray! Summer is nice, but I sure do love the fall weather and the routine school days bring!
  • Tony's foot; the first two days after his surgery were the busiest for me really. Trying to make sure he was comfortable as well as keeping things running as usual. He really wasn't too whiney or anything, but it was just another thing to worry about. He is much more mobile now and feeling better. He had his first post-op appt. today and when the doctor showed him how he should be moving his toe he nearly passed out from the initial pain. He said it didn't really hurt, but something got him because he turned a little green and the doctor made him lie back for a few minutes. He is doing ok though...just gotta make sure we keep that foot from getting bumped, and keep working on that joint. Ouch.
  • Animal Crossing; just being honest here. I haven't missed a day yet! I am the only one who plays it every day and I am kicking everyone else's booty! Tony also re-introduced Landon to the  board game Clue, so we have been playing that lately. The two of them have played it at least a dozen times, but even Zoe and I have played a few rounds. Landon always wins and we can't figure out how...
  • My left knee; I have been having some pretty severe pain in my left knee for a little over a week now. After trying to get an appt. for the third time today at my doc's office I finally get to go in tomorrow at 1pm. I sure hope it is something simple because it is seriously painful sometimes. Last night I had to get up and walk around our bedroom till the pain stopped, but every time I would lay back down it would start throbbing again. Hopefully I can get this taken care of tomorrow without too much trouble. We'll see.

So, these are my excuses for not blogging and not taking pictures. It really bothers me when I have the same crap on my page for more than a day or two and I hardly have any photos for this month even though there has been a lot going on. I hope to get back into the swing here soon. Maybe I'll drag my camera with me all day tomorrow and see what I get.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Bunionectomy?

Today was Tony's much anticipated/dreaded foot surgery; he had to have a bunion removed from his left foot. His surgery was scheduled for 8am, so we got there around 7:30 to do the paperwork and sit and bite our nails until they called him back. I had planned on waiting in the lobby for him, but the lady at the desk said it would probably be a couple hours, so I went home for awhile. When I got back at 10am they still hadn't finished and it wasn't until 10:40 that I saw them wheel him out. We finally got home around 11:15 or so, and he has been in bed since. I don't expect him to move much this weekend...hopefully he will be able to get around somewhat early next week. I am so glad it is over, I just felt a huge wave of stress lift as soon as we got back home. (The title comes from what Tony and I guessed this procedure was called!)

While I was waiting for Tony to get out of surgery today, I read about this site called Cash4Books. I know I have some books that I can get rid of around here (Tony does too...but he is much more reluctant than I am!). I am feeling the need to purge, and books are always a good start. There are a select few that I won't get rid of, but most of them I know I will never read again...maybe I will get a little dinero for them, I gotta give this site a try!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Are you kidding me?

I find this despicable. These people are not going on vacation. No, they are going to war. They aren't packing their extra flip flops, sunscreen and souvenirs from a tropical vacation...they are going to war with the essentials. I suppose they don't have enough to worry about, they are only leaving their families and friends to go fight in a war where more than 4000 American's have died in the line of duty. No, that isn't enough; they also need to make sure they have a few spare hundreds in their pocket to afford their overweight luggage. I am just disgusted.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

My dog is...

IMG_0207 a picky eater. I tried to get her to eat "healthier" dog food by mixing it with her regular food. She just picks out the pieces she doesn't like and makes little piles  everywhere. Guess she showed me.

When life gives you lemons...

IMG_0197 Today was a day spent at the mall shopping at Modell's for soccer goods. Both kids needed cleats, socks and guards. We sure do spend a lot of $$ on soccer stuff. Our bill today was over $120 and I haven't even signed Landon up yet! Zoe was wearing a size 7 1/2 cleat, but today she got size 8 1/2's; maybe this is the reason she has blisters...uh, hello! You gotta tell me when your shoes are too tight...lol.

                                                                                                       Since Zoe was off to practice/camp yet again, IMG_0203 Landon and I decided to bake a cake. We picked a Lemon Chiffon Cake out of a Taste of Home magazine. It wasn't the easiest cake to make, but it was fun. He really likes to help and he is actually learning something at the same time. IMG_0213

He is really getting the hang of measuring things and he's getting better and better about cracking the eggs. The cake was good but the frosting was amazing! I love lemon flavor and this definitely tasted lemony. It was sweet yet tart; perfect!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Mum's the Word

IMG_0157 After a long weekend spent in the heat (cheering for the Blue Angels Heat Cup soccer tournament) it was a nice surprise when I went outside today to 70 degree weather. I asked the kids to go out this morning to drag the trash can's back up the driveway and when they came in Zoe asked me if I had been outside. I said I hadn't and she told me it must only be 50 degrees out. She went straight upstairs and put on jeans to prove her point!

When I did finally make it outside I was shocked at what a gorgeous day it had turned out to be! I ran in the house and opened all the windows and made sure that the kids and I got out to enjoy some of this fall like weather. IMG_0170 I also stopped by Lowe's and picked up some mums for the backyard! I just know it won't last long so I made sure to enjoy today.  Apparently I wasn't the only one struck by thoughts of cooler weather either. Mom called on her way home from work panicking about what this weather meant for our winter months! I thought fall, she thought winter! IMG_0172

Zoe has camp soccer camp all week, and then she begins high-school tryouts this Saturday. She is a bit nervous and excited all at once. I sure hope she makes the team, I think it will be a great experience for her.

We have been managing to watch a little of the Olympics this year and we stayed up last night pretty late to watch the US men's team beat France in the 400 Freestyle relay. It was so fun to watch them win especially since the French were talking a lot of crap right before the race. I am sure that made their victory that much sweeter!          Go USA!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Oh Shoot!

A joke as told by my 7 year old:

3 men are stuck on the top floor of a burning building. They are each given one wish.

The first man runs and jumps out of the window while yelling "I wish to land in a pile of hundred dollar bills!" and lands softly on a pile of bills.

The second man runs and jumps out of the window while yelling "I wish to land in a pile of hundred dollar bills!" and also lands softly on a pile of bills.

The third man starts to run and as he reaches the window he yells "I wish to land in a pile of" and then he trips on something and finishes with "oh shoot!" And he lands in a pile of shoot. The end.

I am sure you can imagine the alternate (adult) ending to this joke! He had us all laughing with his version though! 

Playin' at the Park

Monday night my sister, my nephew and my future brother-in-law came up to spend the night so that we could get up early the next day and head to 6 Flags. They got here pretty late Monday night so the kids didn't get to bed till after 11pm and Tish, Lorenzo and I stayed up till 2am talking. (Tony worked Tuesday so he needed his beauty sleep.) We made it up to 6 Flags around 11 or so and it was overcast and threatening to rain nearly all day, but it never did while we were there and we had a lot of fun. I let Kiersten and Zoe run around the park and ride the coasters that they wanted while the rest of us stayed at the water park. The boys played in the wave pool and rode a water slide with Tish and Lorenzo. It was Lorenzo's first water slide ever! We were so proud of him, lol! We ended up having to leave around 4 because Zoe had to get home and eat dinner before her soccer practice. All in all it was a fun day and I hope that we can get together again soon.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

New York, New York!

Well, yesterday was our big trip to New York City. What a day! We had to get up pretty early in order to catch our 7:58am train. The train was PACKED, so we all had to sit separately, not even in the same car! Once we finally got to NY, the first thing Zoe said was "Mom, look at all those cabs!". We were shocked by the sheer volume of people and vehicles that were everywhere! The sidewalks were so congested it was hard to move at times. All you could hear was people talking and traffic horns!

We were all hungry once we got off the train so we wanted to grab a quick bite at Pizza Hut (the first place we saw). Ew. The food was good, but the place itself was disgusting! There was water all over the bathroom floor, pee all over the floor and toilet seat, the tables were filthy and the place itself was just gross. If I knew the address I would post so no one would make the same mistake!

As we were walking block after block the girls started to get a little ahead of us, which we figured was ok since we could still see them and we were all just walking along. But, what we didn't realize was that neither of them were paying any attention when they were walking (or where) and as they were going along, they failed to notice that the "walk" sign had changed to "don't walk" and they were standing in the middle of the road when we noticed a car speeding down the center lane, straight at them. I think the three of us (Tony, Dottie and I) noticed at the same time, and Dottie screamed "Girls! Get out of the road!". Kiersten turned around and ran back, but Zoe hesitated and was nearly hit by a car. It is hard to express in writing how close she was to being hit by that car, but, not one of us was able to speak for awhile after that happened. I was caught between wanting to kill her and kiss her. I was leaning towards killing her though. She just scared the hell out of us all.

When we first got off the train the weather was overcast and cool, and not long after it started to pour. Not rain, but full out pour, thunder/lighting, the works. (BTW, thunder sounds totally different in the middle of a city! Kind of muted and echoey! It was pretty cool!) We had wanted to pack very lightly, so we stuck two (really) small umbrella's in our bag before we left home. There were 6 of us, why only 2 umbrella's? I don't know. Any ways, we ran for cover under a newspaper stand, but it was really raining and we were all getting pretty soaked so we decided to run back the way we had come to the shelter of a Starbucks. Well, as we were crossing the street, Zoe lost her flip flop in a puddle. Instead of turning around to pick it  up she just yells, "I lost my shoe!" and keeps running across the street! Boy was I mad! I mean, what the heck was she going to do? Walk around the rest of the day with only one shoe? So, I run back across the street, grab her shoe before it goes down a drain, and wait in the rain (again) for the light to change. Once I got to where they all were I was pretty mad. Zoe was really having a rough day...and at this point I was too. Any how, the rain finally let up and we headed back out.

We headed out to Rockefeller Center because Tony was dying to go to Nintendo World. I didn't really know what to expect of the store, but it wasn't all that exciting. They had tons of DS lite's and Wii's set up where you could try out the games, but other than that it was all stuff you could find anywhere else. All except the T-shirts, maybe.  One cool thing they did have though was an interactive screen with Mario on it. You could walk up and ask him questions and he would answer you. He started up a conversation with Landon and he was just amazed. (There had to be someone sitting somewhere, talking back to us, but we sure couldn't figure out where!) I wish I had brought the video camera for that part, we all thought it was so cool! Maybe next time...

The Lion King started at 2pm, so we got there a little early and were glad to have somewhere dry to sit. The show was really awesome and I was really impressed with how good all the characters were. The costumes and backdrops and stage props were all really amazing, as well as the singing. The character whose singing I thought was just beautiful was the woman who played the part of the grown-up Nala. She sang a solo that was just beautiful. Landon was a little bored with it, but everyone else seemed to really enjoy the show.

The weather was beautiful when we got out of the theatre, so we walked back towards Rockefeller Center where there was a street bazaar going on. There was a stand selling gyro's, so Tony and I just had to get one. They were great, a lot messy, but so worth it! Kiersten and Landon ended up eating at a Mexican stand and Zoe found one of her favorites, a corn dog. As we ate we looked at the various stands which included jewelry, t-shirts, novelty NY stuff, reggae music etc... We ended up buying some t-shirts and getting outta there. We have never seen so many people in our lives, it was just shoulder to shoulder, jam packed.

Since our train didn't leave till 8pm, we walked over to the Empire State building to see how much it would be to go to the top to look out...at $19.00 a person it was a waste of our walk! So, we walked out to 12th avenue to see if we could see the Statue of Liberty, but we were too far away to see it, so we headed back to Penn Station. We were all so tired and ready to get home! It's about a 2 1/2 hour train ride, but it is nice to be able to get up and walk around instead of having to sit the whole time like we would have had to if we had driven. And, I really can't imagine ever driving in New York City!

I made a slide show for the photo's, there were just too many to put in this blog since it's already this long! Thanks for reading!

Oh yeah, since I love Project Runway, I wanted to make sure to get a picture of Parson's: The New School for Design where it is filmed. The Hershey store was in one of their episode's (they had to make clothing out of the stuff they found in the store) so I got a picture of that too! I looked all over for Mood Fabrics, but I couldn't find it! Next time...

April Fools Pranks

The two little kids made me laugh yesterday morning.  I was upstairs getting things ready for school when I heard them talking about how ...