my first blog as a 34 year old! LOL!!

i completely know it's been ages...i've left you all hanging (not that i think you wait patiently for me to write...but i just haven't) & i have no excuse other than to say...life has been so much fun i haven't found the time to put it out here.

let me start with..the boobies are good...thank you all for thinking about me & my boobs (lol) & for praying. i could honestly & sincerely feel the love! i took a half day the day i got the great news...picked up the biggest bottle of champagne i could find & went to dawn's to celebrate & swim with our champagne flutes...it was an amazing day. i called B crying hysterically & he truly thought something terrible had happened...i was just so insanely relieved i could barely breathe!

heatho had her ultrasound...i'm getting a nephew! i can hardly wait, i LOVE a new baby so very much! and i can't wait to meet the new debunk!

b's grandmother passed away on 7/13...& it made me realize what beautiful friends & family i have. the love & support we got was incredible. i am so grateful...she was the grandmom i never had. i know she is at peace & whole again. for that, i am also thankful.

i had my 34th birthday...lol...it was perfect! although i just realized i'm always going to be exactly 30 years older than tia's little guy, drew. we share a birthday!! his party was a heck of a lot more fun for the kids than mine was! but, i had chocolate cake & the peeps i love with me...it doesn't get any better than that!

we had kev & dawn's bbq blowout already...UNREAL! what a super fun day that was!! i think i might still be stuffed from all the great food...that girl can throw a damn party! i think she should be a party planner!

it's been a summer of fun...i've laughed so hard i've cried more times than i can even remember & nothing makes me happier!

brandon is getting one of his front teeth in...FINALLY...watching that kid try to gnaw the corn off a cob might be one of the greatest things i've witnessed in a while! it's like watching an 80 year old man! he gets it done though...& don't insult him by asking him if he'd like you to cut the corn off the cob...i guess it ruins the fun for him!

kate has taken to "snacking" in the middle of the nite...she was distraught over the fact that she couldn't open an ENORMOUS bag of bbq chips last nite around 10 p.m.- yes, she still goes to bed at 8...she just wanted a snack so she climbed into the pantry on a rocking chair...she's quite the daredevil! today, b moved all of the snacks to an unreachable shelf when he got home...i don't care if she eats at any hour...i'm a psycho over her choking to death on snacks in bed...i know...i'm paranoid! so we had the "if you're hungry, come wake mommy or daddy up" talk tonite...midnite should be fun soon i'm guessing...LOL!!!

it's been business as usual over here at the club...warm weather, bbq marathons, zach coming over with beer to chill, entire saturdays spent with aunt moosh, fridays with the crowdings, bran & pop pop fishing all day, swim days at daycare for kate, b working his ass off all day & coming home to work some more!

we're all really great...really busy...but great! i love you...thanks for stopping by...i'll be a more faithful blogger...i've missed it!

Samantha Moyer...

graduates from West Deptford High School tonight...I remember those days...playing with Margie's sweet nice...who called her M at the time. This little sweet faced baby...who would chase Fudge around the yard & parade around the house in her Disney princess dresses. I remember her love of Walker Texas Ranger. I remember the smell of her sweet baby hair & the love that her Mommy had in her eyes when watching this little angel play. I remember with great vividness...the way Margie would argue with this little girl...who owned the hearts of every Moyer in that house on Griscom Drive.

Back then, you just knew that this little smart girl would become a beautiful & brilliant woman...& she has. Samantha, you are a source of enormous pride to your entire family & all of their friends... it's plain to see why. I am so proud of you & your many accomplishments...I can't believe how quickly you changed from this tiny little girl into this incredible woman. You epitomize all of the greatness I associate with the Moyer Family...hold your head high as you move forward into a future I can't wait to watch! I love you!!!

xoxoxo

so...

today was the first official day of summer vacation for Brandon...& it couldn't have been sweeter! He had breakfast in bed...ok, it consisted of Pop Tarts and Gatorade...but it was his ideal breakfast!!! He was so happy!

It reminded me of those days...which got me thinking about the past 15 years...I found myself compelled to go to the cemetery on Saturday...when we got there...it had been exactly 14 years to the day that Aurelia Kates had passed away. When I tell you from the time I awoke that I HAD to go there...I mean it...Margie...being a sweetie...wanted to go visit Bruce Connell for Father's Day while we were there- so we did...& we found Gregg while we were there too...it was unreal.

I can't believe in a few short days it will really be 15 years since we said goodbye to those lazy summer days, those care-free nights, the comfortable smells & sounds of Woodbury Jr. Sr. High School, and times when the pressures of life were so minimal. What to wear was a big decision back then...now, I'm stressing over knowing that a boy I've known since I was 9 years old & have loved just as long; as one of my family members...is a world away from me...& will be facing danger every day for a year. This is so heavy on my heart...I'm praying for him & ask you all to do the same. Keep him safe & let him feel the love that is in our hearts...let him know he is in our thoughts and that his safety is more important than anything. I told him as I hugged him that last time (JUST UNTIL HE COMES HOME AGAIN IN A YEAR!!!) to remember Jenny's words & don't be afraid to Run, Forrest, Run!

He truly is a gentle soul...he has this tough guy exterior...but he's this very sweet, lovey boy. He has been an incredible friend to me & my family, forever. He is all fighter, SINCERELY. He was the "little boy" when we were kids...the other boys were always bigger...but there were NONE tougher; this, I find great comfort in. I know if there's a man out there that can fight this war (that I can't even believe is still going on) it can be Jimmy & he will do it with all of his heart & soul & a strength that will amaze you. I am so proud of him, I have been so outspoken against this war...now that there is a dear friend of mine going there...I can't do that; because he is a man I believe in & support completely...I can only hope that it ends quickly & peacefully for those we love and their brothers in combat. I support Jimmy in everything he will ever do. I am blessed to know & love you, James Robert Monaghan...come home safely & quickly...with lots of great heroic tales to tell.

The welcome home party will be something that you've never imagined...I can guarantee you all that! I will be counting down the days until you are back in good old Woodbury- you are my hero, you are my children's hero! I know we can sleep safely with you protecting us...I pray that you have that same sense of protection, my dear sweet friend. Sleep well...knowing you are being prayed for completely & daily. You inspire me. I am proud of you & the incredible man my very first friend from Woodbury has become.

The little boy in the underoos, with the million G. I. Joe men, who seemed to be a ninja for Halloween for our entire youth, who was there when my baby sister came home from the hospital...who would spend summer nights with me, my big sister, your little brother & a flashlight- hollering across the alley until all hours of the night...he's a boy I remember quite fondly...but the man he has become...he's better than Superfly Snooka any day! :) I love you, baby!!! See you real soon!!!!

tests...

I'll be blogging before then...but June 4th at 10:00 a.m I'm having my mammogram & ultrasound...I thought I had a few more years before this torture...I'll be sure to share all the gruesome details!

Then it's off to Dr. Pilla...my boob guy!

apparently i've been remiss with where i'm from...

I am from magical cd mixes, reading liner notes & noticing faces on cd's, appreciating musicianship.
I am from being called names and finding a person who knows me.
I am from picking on you & laughing at you because you know I don't mean it.
I am from Spiegelworld, apricot ale, baseball games.
I am from cheesesteak face, Elvis towels, and stealing sheets.
I am from TRAC tickets, Chic-fil-a, and sharing my entire life story.
I am from days at the park with our kids, the pretzel people, and honest laughter.
I am from Cabo.
I am from the place you can go when you need a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on.
I am a friend for the rest of your life...I am the girl you can count on always, I am blessed to have you.

silence isn't always golden...

so I preface this with an apology to those it makes uncomfortable...I'm trying not to be an alarmist...I've tried to follow my own advice & remain calm until you have a reason to actually freak the hell out...but this is MY blog...so here goes...

Last night I found a lump in my breast. I am sorry it's so blunt but I've been saying it for hours...almost 24 of them to be exact. I had a pain...the kids & I were playing & I think I had a flip flop thrown at me...it hurt. I got in bed later & said out loud..."My boob hurts!" (all class here folks, I know!!) So I went to see if it was bruised...I pulled down my tank top & THERE IT WAS, I felt it with the side of my finger, a lump...A LUMP...I grabbed Barry's hand & said," Feel this...WHAT IS THIS???" & he giggled like the little boy he is...lol...then I watched him get uncomfortable right in front of me...& he just said, "Call a doctor, I'm not a doctor." I kept asking him if it was a lump & he just held me & told me to relax.

When I mentioned it to Heath, she gave me statistics...thanks for always geeking me into laughter! But, I know what can happen...I buried Aurelia Kates 14 years ago...I don't care about the math...I want to see my children get married...!!! Am I a lunatic for freaking out before I know anything?? YES & I'm rational enough to know that...but, I'm still freaking out.


So, I called the idiot doctor & will see them tomorrow...the boys at work can't get over the fact that a man gets paid to grab boobies all day...I tried explaining that it's really not that glamorous of a job...that they're immune at this point...but, they don't buy it!!!!!!!!!

So...I'm not trying to scare you...but please...say a prayer if you read this before then...I could use a little strength & some peace & maybe some sleep...I'm just a chicken right now...& I need a little love...so I'm asking quite nicely...please let me be ok!!!! I can't not be ok...I've got really great boobs...I'd hate to think they're turning on me.

Where I'm from...

I AM FROM

I am from B-10 Hillside Manor Apartments, "Arnie, get me a beer.", a mole, the smell of Old Spice & fuzzy sweaters, green wooden letters on a wall.

I am from a big sister with Sarah Beth, monkey bars, the zipper, worrying about her while she watches E.T. first.

I am from a million addresses, a real Dad, a mom who finally followed years of - "My children come before any man!"

I am from the Little Girls, the attic, whispering on the phone in the closet.

I am from Woodbury & I'm so proud to say so!

I am from the Steeler's field, the back of the bus, winning championships & pizza parties courtesy of Bruce Connell!

I am from pom poms, perfectly polished saddle shoes, half time dances, tryouts, & walking to practices in the summer.

I am from decorating houses, football fields & Delaware Street, drinking wine coolers & creme de minthe in Kristen's bedroom closet.

I am from Fall Parades, yellow skirts & cartwheels in them, megaphones, Homecoming Dances, Proms, & feeling like I ruled the world.

I am from art class with Marge Sebest & Lance Butler, being inspired by lust to read any book assigned senior year because a brilliant man suggested it.

I am from the burning bed, Pepsi & Doritoes, stogin' around the pot, Avalon nights & hitchiking.

I am from Stone Harbor, skyline golf, Brian's breakfasts & suntan oil.

I am from girls who turn pink in the heat of the sun yet remain the Goddess of Summer!

I am from falling in love with my eternity in March of 1993.

I am from a beautiful Italian grandfather who loved me completely, but was faulty in that love to his own daughter.

I am from a family of strong women who have been taught by the matriarch to be the boss of their own lives.

I am from the Colonial Diner, Nippers...Thursday nights & Frank Annunziato, Neena's, underage drinking, the grocery getter, Sam's Club with Kath & Margie.

I am from a bad road trip & being ignored by Mr. Moyer all the way home.

I am from a phone book on the floor, my best girls & a long wait together.

I am from waking up to a woman who understood me & loved me & made me coffee as she told me she loved me no matter what.

I am from Solid Gold, Red Down Below & hearing nothing but bass, parties with his FIANCEE?, feeling ok, because she was by my side.

I am from road trips to follow bands, having a permanent alibi, being the permanent alibi for all cigarette smells.

I am from the Saturn, The Garden House, Tower Tavern, White Trash Wednesday, The Pennant, being too snobby to go to the barn, the best nights of my life.

I am from true friends, sad St. Patty's days, being left with just one of my soul mates.

I am from missing half of me but never stopping life with my other half.

I am from concerts, contests, stalking, the route, and the mind blowing VCI.

I am from "Steve, can I have his number?", I'll never be able to thank you both enough, the best gift I've ever been given.

I am from a surprise that changed my universe, can we name it Elvis, or Presley?, the smell of Burger King as I was starving, PUSH, the first sound from the man who would bless my world in a way I've never known, BATMAN.

I am from champagne & tears over a teddy bear & diamonds.

I am from sleepovers the night before the "I DO's" are said.

I am from becoming friends with the girls that shared my insane parents with me, loving them more completely than I ever thought possible.

I am from the house in the woods, Saturday night dates, hoagies from Remster's.

From the Halloween Parade, warm October birthdays, waiting for the one to ask the question.

I am from a Ford Taurus, a perfectly imperfect proposal, the day I dreamt of as a little girl...only better.

I am from sending an email & holding my breath.

I am from getting my other half back & still loving the half that stayed the course.

I am from a pregnancy test then a car accident in 24 hours, the perfect pink palace, the girl I was meant to love.

I am from hearing the worst news in my life from a man I swore would never hurt me, & knowing he couldn't help it this one time, feeling my heart fall out of my chest, wanting to help a woman I couldn't reach, knowing life would never be the same.

From trusting my heart to heal the wounds that it held, to letting my girls love me through long, hard times.

I am from taking the first step, making people love me, working my magic, getting what I want.

I am from being there to let you know I loved your father too.

I am from the new house, Mickleton again, Club Thompson, being minutes from those I love.

I am from flirting mercilessly; still coming home to the one perfect man, and being loved just the same.

From Tyler & Trevor in their very first hours, Junie May the Third becoming a beautiful, brilliant woman, feeding cats & having cooking lessons while some are in class.

I am from painting a house, birthdays on the living room floor, making a house a home.

I am from knowing children are my meaning of life & loving the knowledge that I picked my perfect mate in creating them.

I am from SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!, finding the meaning of life on my way to a Phillies game, knowing that the things I take for granted are some girls hopes & dreams.

I am from wanting to grow older with the girls I cherish, fearing the loss of our parents, hoping for a few more weddings.

From anticipating my sister's reaction to the greatest gift in the world, from the joy I feel in all birthdays, from looking forward to more reasons to celebrate just being.

I am from LOVE.

the cable guy

was here...smelled yummy....hooked my laptop up & dropped the digits while he was here...lol! back to nightly blogs & myspacing at all hours!!!!! did ya miss me???????

M is home from vacation, we had a perfect Thursday nite dinner & I think B & I are going to Bottos tomorrow nite! Looks like it's gonna be a great weekend my loves!!!!!!

my sister Heather...she wrote hers...I'll be doing mine later!

I absolutely loved this...it's so her life...in a NUT shell...LOL!!!!!!! 9/10ths of this is me too...so she sent it to me & I cried...this was our youth!!!

I Am From

(An exercise in identity crisis)

I am From

I am from the gas stove, from reading with a flashlight under the covers and early mornings.

I am from the Big Girls and the Little Girls, big old cars, and a cat named for Elvis.

From the old blue house, the smell of cookies baking, and the sound of pages turning.

I am from long summer days, the fireworks, nights on a blanket in the side yard under the stars.

I am from the roller skates with metal wheels, the summer breeze and swatting green head flies.

I am from soda bread and chubby cheeks, from long fingers, big feet, and Irish ancestry.

I am from the passionately liberal and the tender-hearted,

From the because I am your mother, that’s why

I am from the big round table, the Mummers Parade, and Christmas with family.

I am from small neighborhoods, field hockey practice, and friends who are sisters.

I am from the West End, games of car tag, and sneaking a beer on the tracks or in the middle of the field.

From love picnics, and pie crust that Deb made, from long conversations and the statute of limitations.

I am from the crunching leaves, the fall parade, and long nights decorating Delaware Street before a playoff game.

I am from the BOE room and pasting the White and Gold together using a ruler and a glue stick.

From band competitions and funny faces made from the across the choir room.

I am from lazy Sunday mornings, the Villanova Flu, and the all women's school.

I'm from JFK in the elevator and the girls who can buy their own drink.

From the East Coast, Boat House Row, and frat party loafers.

I am from Sr. Catherine Cunningham, cheater church, campus tours, and frozen drinks blended in the bathroom.

I am from Bell Lake, a hazy cloud, and orange vests.

I am from The Firm, and panzarotti while the acrobat on the motorcycle flies over head.

I am from Neena's the night before Thanksgiving, drinks at Nipper's and from breakfast at the Colonial.

Post Script: More recently…

I am from showering friends with gifts as they grow in new directions.

I am from new spouses that become Old Friends

From birthday parties with babies, then toddlers, and now kids that can read!!!

I am from the cat lady, then wedding plans and spread sheets, and finally carving pumpkins and freaking out about clear shoes.

I am from the NEW Old House, the porch swing, and the back 40.

From the doctor's office, cycle monitoring, injections and visits galore!

Dawnie...

has a new blog...check it out!!! Aunt Kelly has a new dog...meet Daphne...the kids ADORED her!!!

Happy Mother's Day...

to all of my favorite Mommies...& a very special Happy Mother's Day to my big sister...in 6 beautiful months I'll have either a niece or a nephew who is lucky enough to have her & Kurt as parents! I am so very excited for you both...it's the most incredible thing you'll ever do!!!

CONGRATULATIONS...we love you so much & can't wait to meet Debunk!!!

i keep

meaning to blog...but then I get caught up in life!!!

So much has been going on...Moosh & I attended our first Phillies game together...(with Brent & Kristen), I FOUND OUT AN INCREDIBLE SECRET THAT I CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL!!!! (just a little while longer & i can share) ,we had a great party nite at Crowding's house for Josh's birthday! The following nite at the Swedes for Zach's 25th birthday celebration, Dezi asked me if I'd be a bridesmaid in her wedding...what an honor...even though I swore she was just asking me because she was feeling VERY GOOD! She wasn't & in fact, I'm feeling quite lucky to stand up for 2 people we love so much!

Brandon is just getting over PNEUMONIA...don't get me started on those doctors...we took him in 3 times before they finally figured out what was wrong with my poor sweet baby!!!

This past week- I had a stress reducing Friday nite over at Tia & Kevin's house...what a way to end a completely treacherous week!!! Sunday we went to a baby shower for Stevie & JoAnn Rodgers...what a great time & I can't wait to meet little Ava!

Miss Kate is getting so big & she's really turning into quite the social butterfly...she amazes me to no end. She's such a little ham!! She wants another girls day- I took her for her first manicure...she LOVED IT!!!

Brandon is looking forward to June...LOL...7 & already anticipating the beauty of SUMMER VACATION! I can't believe he's going into 2nd grade!!

Speaking of vacation...Barry leaves for Vegas on Thursday...FOR WORK...I'm hoping he hits it big while he's there...I'm going to miss him so much! Let's see how well I do on my own...Brandon is looking forward to pancakes for dinner! He knows me so well! :)

It's been a long & bumpy kinda month...one I'm actually glad to see end- I never really got a moment to myself it feels like...warm weather will bring lots of time for me, M & the kids to spend our Saturday afternoons in the park...we did manage to do that once this month...& we went to the Funplex on a rainy Saturday (of course now they're hoping for rain every Saturday...LOL!)

I'm so looking forward to summer...& to fun stories I can share with you all!!! Hope you're doing well...we love you all!!

Oh...how about I've got a hot date on Sunday...meeting Deneen for brunch...I'm VERY, VERY excited! I'll tell you all about it...I'm really looking forward to it...it's been almost 15 years- I LOVE CATCHING UP!

xoxoxo- nesta

toothless...

that last one KILLS me...it's so stinking funny...that was taken on Sunday...the 2 before it are from Monday, when his other front tooth fell out! Now he's got no front teeth!

He couldn't eat a Cadbury egg last nite which had him all bummed...he just couldn't bite into it...has no front teeth & couldn't jam it far enough into the side of his mouth to get a good bite out of it...it was one of the funniest things I've seen in ages. This little man trying to jam a big old Cadbury egg into his mouth to get some!

Now we've got Katie running around trying to convince us her teeth are loose too so the tooth fairy can come visit her! Kids sure are something!

Grandmom & Grandpop Thompson are BOTH HOME from the hospital!! It's been a pretty great week for the Thompson family! Tonight is our weekly dinner date w/ Aunt Mooshie & tomorrow is Crowding nite...Saturday, breakfast w/ Aunt Mooshie, nails for the 2 of us & then breakfast for me & Red on Sunday...I'm stuffed at the thought of all this yummy food already!

I hope you're all having a great week!

Kel, we love you! You'll see...the single life at your age isn't really a bad thing! You deserve only the very best, ALWAYS! Be strong & believe in yourself as much as we always have!! & remember...Coco Chanel said it best..."A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous!"

my baby...

looks like a jack o'lantern! He lost his top tooth & looks completely gorgeous! It was a busy weekend...Aunt Mooshie was away, I worked on Saturday, we visited Barry's grandparents at the hospital & it looks like Grandpop might just be coming home today...keep your fingers crossed.

My lovely in-laws had Brandon sleep over on Friday nite & then watched both kids on Saturday while Barry & I worked. Then, they had Bran Saturday nite until 10ish (while Barry & I took Kate to the Colonial Diner for pancakes, yes, we were the parents with our 3 year old in the diner at 9, the kid wanted pancakes & I wasn't in the mood to cook them!)...then they spent their nite at Underwood.

It was a long, hectic weekend...but, Stacey Maugeri had a birthday on Sunday & Brandon walked around singing to her all day...it's so nice to have them back in our lives!!!

and tomorrow...TIA LORRAINE YARBOROUGH turns 33 years old!! Happy Birthday, T!! We love you & hope your birthday is just as beautiful & sweet as you are!!!!!!!!

if you're lucky enough to be Irish...

then you're lucky enough! My Pop Dugan always said that & I'm almost certain I told you all that last St. Patty's Day...I hope the luck of the Irish is with you all today! I've had some Irish potatoes...I'm wearing my green & so are the kids...I love today!

and...today just so happens to be Dawn Crowding's 33rd birthday...so, to you my love...thank you for our perfect Friday night dates, you know how much I love a standing date. And thank you for getting to know me, for taking the time & for really listening to your heart. You honestly & sincerely are a friend I am grateful to have. You make me a better person. I love to talk with you & laugh with you & just get to know all of the things we don't know about each other. I enjoy the perspective you can give me as a person who is relatively new to my heart. You can look at things & give me your honest opinion & because you care so much, it's always exactly how you feel. I love the way you love my hubby & kids and I love that you have given me the opportunity to prove to you that first instincts can be wrong. I love that we're "NORMAL" moms...& that we, my sweet Dawn, are friends in the truest sense of the word.

Thank you for a new friendship & Happy 33rd Birthday...here's to us celebrating this first birthday of yours together...& to at LEAST 66 more for us to love! I love you, sweets!!!

what a weekend...

Went with Margie on Saturday to get our hair done...we're gorgeous! We were looking forward to a great Saturday nite...then came the howling winds...& Barry running in from the garage to tell us all to get in the basement...then the neighbor's tree fell down across the electrical wires & we were in the dark!!! The winds continued to whip & howl...until we decided to make a break for it...M went home & we ran to Mom & Dad T's house...we were safe & enjoying TV & lights...until their power went out!!!

We dejectedly went back home & had a slumber party in the basement in front of the fire place...got up on Sunday (it was a tad chilly at Club Thompson & we couldn't cook without electricity...)so we went to the diner for breakfast. Mom & Dad called to tell us their power was back...so we were excited! Went home & ours was still off...so we went to their house again...ended up sleeping there...as our power isn't on YET! & THAT has been our weekend! We're all tired & grumpy...but I'm at work!

My fridge is now completely BARE & so is the freezer...hopefully, they'll have the tree cleaned up at some point today!?! How can it possibly take 2 days to restore power??? Wish us luck! & some electricity!!!

3/7/08

Happy Birthday Andrea Lynn!!!

I've been so super busy...we had the most amazing time at the beef & beer...I have to tell you all about it! Brandon had his News Show yesterday, I have to tell you about that too!!

But...today is Red's birthday!!! Hoping today is the most perfect day ever & that you have zillions of beautiful birthdays ahead! You absolutely mean the world to me, Barry, Brandon & Katie & I can't thank you enough for 20+ years of friendship, love, laughter & memories. You are my family & I can't put in to words how much you mean to me; I honestly can't & I'm rarely at a loss for words! I have been so blessed by amazing women in my life & you're at the top of that list, my sweet girl. You have always been right by my side & I know you will be for the rest of my life.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

If you threw a party & invited everyone you knew...you would see the biggest gift would be from me & the card attached would say...THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND!!!

(you wouldn't be able to invite your Dad, he'd show me up...LOL!)

HAVE A GORGEOUS DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kiss your babies...

tell them you love them more than all of the M&M's in the world!!!

I hope to see you all at the beef & beer this Saturday...think I'm taking off tomorrow, not feeling very well. Hoping Pop has some antibiotics at their house...otherwise, I'm gonna have to go to the doctor tomorrow! M & I have hair appointments Saturday, nails Friday, T is getting hers done tonite...we're gonna be gorge!!! I just hope I feel better...I'm going no matter what...I'd just like to feel great & have a perfect time! I have this sinusy thing...I'm thinking it's an infection...ear ache, headache...a few antibiotics & I'll be all set!

Please say a prayer for the Tennesson family...hoping you feel the love & best wishes we're sending...Braeden will be just fine!

Happy Thursday!

(let me just say...THANK YOU Moosh...for the perfect pic of me & Brandon...i love seeing those moments you think are just between the 2 of you & being able to share them...it's so sweet when it's caught on film...i love that neither of us knew this was being taken...just us loving each other!)

eclipse, snow, snow day...

This is what we've been up to...looking forward to the weekend!!! #9's for Mommy & some fun with our faves!!!

Come to the Beef & Beer on 3/1...it's so important!!!

SAMMI MOYER...

GOT INTO PENN STATE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAY TO GO, SWEET GIRL...WE'RE ALL SO VERY, VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!

I might just become a Nittany Lions fan for a while!!! At least 4 years...!!!

VD...

In the words of Al Leytham…Happy VD!

I’m looking forward to my dinner date tonite with Mooshie, Mommy, Meggie & my babies! It’s Barry’s late nite so he wanted us to do something fun…& we can’t wait!

The kids loved their Valentine’s Day gifts & were all chatty this morning about how many valentines (or balentimes) they were going to get, what fun treats Mom Mom was going to have for them & how much fun their parties at school were going to be…I remember the anticipation of a great party at school in the afternoon…remembering my youth never gets old!!!

Miss Kate has been such a big girl on the potty, we’re just so proud of her! So, the Disney World vacation planning has begun! Brandon might just burst out of his skin in anticipation of this trip! All Kate wants to talk about are the Princesses she’s going to see…& how tall she thinks Mickey Mouse is going to be…I am too excited for words at the thought of their reactions to WDW! I was 18 the first time I went & it was still this incredible, magical place to me…I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like to see it all with my children…& my adorable hubby!

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all…I love you!!!!!!!!!!

& MOST IMPORTANTLY...Happy Birthday to my beautiful mother-in-law, Carol Thompson! You are incredible & we love you so much more than you can imagine...thank you for being a phenomenal mom & grandmom! You raised a remarkable man, that I am blessed daily to love & he is; in return...the world's greatest Daddy!!! Thank you for making my life perfect, I'd be lost without you & all you've done!

i may have lost the battle...

BUT, I'M WINNING THE WAR!!!!!!

Ok, so Barry didn't vote yesterday...which breaks my heart! I did beg & lecture & I forced him to sit with me to watch the election coverage all night (after we watched American Idol like any other red blooded American family...LOL!) But he didn't vote...why you're wondering...wouldn't it be easier to SHUT me the hell up & just go pick someone???

He has this theory that he doesn't know enough about politics to choose someone...even though I'm a huge fan of a debate & he's seen them with me. He thinks, "One vote doesn't count!" He tried..."I'm tired after work"...I think it's all BULLSHIT!!! It's your job as a tax payer, as a person who enjoys these freedoms thousands are dying for & as a PARENT; if nothing else...to vote. To choose who will be in charge of the country we're blessed to live in. To decide who will be forming the world we're giving our children!!!!

So...I let him off this hook for the primary...I did however tell him he WILL vote for our next President!!! Or he will be very sorry!

I have to say...this was the first election in a long time...probably since the very first time I voted at 18...that I SERIOUSLY felt excitement! I was excited to watch the #'s coming in last nite...I know it's just the primary...but knowing that something ENORMOUS is happening & I'm part of it is electrifying! I challenge you all to find your candidate & support them, RESEARCH them...do your part to be an educated voter! You don't have to support Hillary Clinton just because I do...I enjoy discussing politics (not like my mother does) with people who take it as seriously as I do. This is a BIG DEAL...this decision is life changing- you should feel blessed to be able to make it FREELY!!!

So...I lost Barry for the primary...I voted with butterflies in my tummy & practically skipped out of my new polling place!!! But, I got home, told Brandon I had just voted & he gave me SERIOUS STINK FACE...I asked him why, told him how important it is to me that I vote...& he replied...


MOM, I WANTED TO GO VOTE WITH YOU, WE ALWAYS GO TOGETHER...I LIKE TO VOTE TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My work here...with these children...shows itself to me daily...I'm doing a pretty damn good job if I do say so myself...I have a 7 year old who was COMPLETELY bummed that he didn't get to vote!!!!!!!!!! BRANDON ROCKS...& I think his mom might just be pretty stinking cool too...he was later telling Kate how "we're the luckiest country in the world because it's our freedom that lets us pick whatever we want to eat for dinner or to have for President!" He's funny...but he's been paying attention!!!

by the way...

GO VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REPORT CARD DAY

was yesterday...a PERFECT report card from my sweet boy!!!! I'll be scanning it in to show all of you...all VG's & G's again...this kid is THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NEW YORK GIANTS!!!!!!!!!

I can't even believe it...I'm still pinching myself! It was a moment I'll never forget...I know some of you are thinking it's just a game...& I know it is...but, football is one of my greatest passions & last nite, I totally won! I will admit...there have been games in the past that I've shouted at the tv & bitched in my blog that we had the wrong Manning...I can't apologize enough for thinking that...Eli has been playing incredibly well. He believes in himself...you could see it. Eli wanted this way more than Tom Brady...who came in there just knowing they had no competition from my New York Giants. We showed them...I am so happy...you have NO IDEA!

I am so proud of how well my Giants played...they were beautiful! I loved the dancing lizards commercial...you know I'd have to...it had Thriller in it! It was an incredible weekend...

Saw my girl Laura Cheadle on Friday nite with Moosh, Dawn, Kev, Katie, Zach & Dezi...Saturday morning breakfast was perfect, the Thompson fam took a great nap on Saturday afternoon, I cooked my tail off for our Super Bowl party the rest of the day & on Sunday, my favorite team in the world became the World Champions & ruined Tom Brady's perfect season...what's better than that??????????????

Oh...I've got about 50 home made meatballs leftover...if you're hungry...STOP BY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry that yesterday was the last party of the Football Season at Club Thompson...we missed Zach, Dezi & Brent...but I'm glad Stevie stopped by...Moosh had to be there, it wouldn't be football without her...Mommy, Meg & Shel...loved you girls being there & of course...the Choyce family...how sweet it is to be loved by you...all of you...THANK YOU FOR A PERFECT ENDING TO THE PERFECT FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!

& a special THANK YOU to all of you who texted me all nite...THANKS for cheering on my boys & supporting them with me...& for letting me know how happy you were for me...it means the world to know that while we're not physically together...we were watching that moment of greatness together...& that you LOVED IT just as much as I did! & I hope the Magic had you remembering...perfection!!!!


WAY TO GO GIANTS...I'm lucky to love you boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


as a brilliant & beautiful boy once told me...there's only 1 game needed in football to determine the winner, because it's a real man's sport...& anyone can win that one game...ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY! ~sjm

Thursday nite & my MAN!!!

Our new Thursday nite date is with the Crowding family...the kids get to play & the Mommies get to relax & catch up on our week! Last nite Katie & Savanna played dress up & were "sister princesses" according to Katie! It was so cute...then the girls put on a show for me & Dawn...it was so funny! Savanna is a dancing machine, just like her mommy!

Brandon & Josh had the ultimate Wii competition...they're so funny! The kids get along so well...it makes my heart happy to see that they have these 2 little sweet friends that they just love as much as I love them!

So...thanks to my sweet boy...we all get new friends! What's better than that??

Also yesterday, I got a note home that my MAN is Student of the Month!! FOR MATH!!!!!! Go figure...I'm the proudest Mommy in the Universe of this little guy! I tell him all the time that I am so blessed to be his Mommy...it's completely the truth!! Thank you, Brandon...for being an incredible human being...I must be doing something right!

Looking forward to date nite tonight...can't wait to see you all!!! Hope you feel better real soon, Tia...we'll miss you!!!

Lots of love...ALWAYS!!!

GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thin mints & a manicure

thank goodness it's Wednesday!! This week is going by fairly quickly...of course now that I've said that it's going to poke along...LOL!

Last nite me & M went for our manis...she got a pedi & waxed too...we're gonna be lovely for date nite! I can hardly wait!!

She brought me my Girl Scout cookies...GOD BLESS BELLA...I'm having Thin Mints for breakfast as I write!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What's better than that??? Not much is RIGHT!

I know I'm insane...but the thought of a NKOTB reunion tour has me completely fired up!! Heatho thinks it's nuts...but I wanna take Katie Kate...I LOVED those boys BEYOND words!! I figure, it won't be happening for at least a year, she'll be 4 by then...plenty old enough to see a concert! LOL! We'll see what Barry has to say about that!

Check it out...i'm not nuts...it's coming!!! http://www.nkotb.com/

Why can't you eat just one Thin Mint?? I'm almost done an ENTIRE sleeve...& I can't stop...I'm a Thin Mint addict!!!!!!!!!!!! I need a damn meeting!!!

Here's hoping you all have a beautiful Wednesday...CHEERS!

1.24.08...NO THAT ISN'T SAVANNA'S BEER IN THOSE PICTURES!!!!!

it was one of those weeks last week...so on Thursday, we decided we needed some #9's, some pool & some pizza...

Pop knew it was a rough one when he came home to me & Norton in the basement playing pool & enjoying a few #9's. Brandon & Katie loved it...even though Norton thinks it's ok to heckle a 7 year old about his pool playing abilities, they think he's pretty cool!

Dawn, Kevin, Josh, Savanna, Tia, Drew & Margie quickly arrived & joined us for a nice relaxing Thursday, the perfect way to unwind & do our Friday dance a little early...even though Friday was inventory day!!!

The kids had a blast & Kevin...the biggest kid was a great playmate for them all...he had just returned from a convention in VEGAS...tough gig if you can get it! They played pool, a game of catch & he let them tackle him! The boys loved it. Katie & Savanna played girl stuff all nite & it was so sweet to watch. Katie wasn't her usual bossy self...at one point, she was even snuggling Josh on the sofa...UH OH!

I so needed a stress free nite with my girls, no drama, no nonsense...just some laughs, some drinks & some good times...& somehow, the yearbook made it's way out of the closet again!!!!!!!! So scary to see those eyebrows...how am I still friends with you all...I needed some serious waxing back in 1993!!!

We can't wait to do it again real soon...although, Barry would like to feel like he's not the party pooper next time...everyone left like the party was just busted by the cops when he got home Thursday nite...it was pretty funny!

So, it was a great time & I was in bed early enough to be at work by 5:30 on Friday...good times!!!

Thank you Margie, Tia & Dawn...I needed that...I'm glad I've got such great neighbors...a good time is never more than a few minutes away!!!

i was just hit by a car...

yep...that's what I said...I thought Margie was going to have a heart attack!!!

I'll back up for you...Margie calls me every day on her way home from work, somewhere around 5:03...we talk until she gets in the door, we have some weird rituals.

Yesterday we're happily chatting about the hysterical emails we were sending with Tia in the afternoon & all of a sudden...my car jolts forward & there's an enormous noise...Margie says "WHAT WAS THAT" & I say..."I was just hit by a car...I mean, I was rear ended by a Mini Cooper" & I rattle off the license plate # because I clearly can't just pull onto Kings Highway & pull over & I'm not sure this chick is going to stop. I was at a STOP sign, wasn't moving...just sitting there...waiting to go & WHAM...HIT BY A MINI COOPER!!!

So I make my turn & she follows me, I get off the phone & get out of my car & by that point, this sweet little 20 something in an outfit that happens to match her cute little car is running towards me screaming- ARE YOU OK??? I, of course, was & so was she...she hugs me...notices my car seats & says...YOU HAVE CAR SEATS & is almost in tears...I tell her "It's fine, they're clearly empty & I wouldn't be this calm if they weren't."

She goes to the rear of my Mom car to check for damage & there isn't any...Fords don't bend...she's all upset & worried & I tell her, "It's fine, it's a Ford Taurus, not a Mercedes & everything is REALLY OK."

She sees me still smoking my cigarette...& says..."I was lighting my cigarette- that's how I hit you, I was lighting my cigarette...but I threw it out the window because I thought you'd think I was a complete idiot!" I say..."We're both complete idiots for smoking...but, I get distracted in the car too & we're both ok!"...She hugs me again & asks if I want her info. I say "No, seriously, just please be careful!!"

She thanks me for being so sweet & hugs me some more... but I'm really not, it was just an accident...a tiny one...but a big enough one to make me realize that there are close calls in life & that I should do a much better job at living!!

So, I called Margie back told her I'm fine & Wilma (my car) is fine...& she insists on seeing for herself (lucky me)! So we get together a dinner order, she picks it up & we had a perfect dinner. Me, Barry & the kids & Margie...& I was really grateful that I was there, being loved & eating take out...what's better than American Idol, FAMILY & FREE DINNER!!! She's a phenomenal sister...& I'd be lost without her...so would my other sisters!!!

Tonight's meal...& some #9 (for Tia...& me, LOL) is on me...can't wait to see you girls!! I love an early Friday celebration! The kids can't wait to see the Crowdings & Drew...& I can't wait to relax in front of the fire with the girls & a few drinks! It's been a long week!!!!

Happy Thursday!!

INVENTORY tomorrow...I'm NOT excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

with all of the Heath hype...i have a sweet one...

I tried to get a close-up so you could see the beautiful face of our angel...she goes on the top of our Christmas tree every year & I absolutely love her! She is a brunette...something I searched for for about 2 years. Not all angels are blond was my theory...but, that's another story!

Well, as you know I just got Christmas down this weekend & in packing up all of my beautiful & beloved ornaments, my sweet Katie was gorgeous!!!

The Angel was sitting on my coffee table...over walks this sweet little girl who I've told a million times, "Please just sit down & look at them, you don't need to touch them." She walks up & stares at her for a moment & out goes her little hand...yes, I'm watching out of fear that something will be broken...the idiot that I am. My love strokes her fluffy wings & rests her hand on her perfect dress & says, "Mommy, it's Ganmom...Oh My God, look at her, it's Ganmom!" It was the sweetest thing ever...she asked if she could please hold her & of course, with the tears welling up inside me, I said yes. & you know what, Kate was right...she does resemble Barry's mother...who just so happens to be a real life angel!

I called over there to tell Mom how sweet it was...she was napping but Pop thought it was hysterical...it was a really sweet moment!

Then it came time to put her back in her plastic Macy's bag & put her in the box until next year...Kate was very concerned with how she'd breathe...kept telling me I told her never to put bags over her head because she would "suffercate" & die, why was it ok to do it to "Ganmom the Angel". I love this little sweetie...Brandon kept laughing at her, Barry thought it was one of the cutest things ever...I've been waiting to share it with you...until I could provide the pics. Finally got around to it...babies are simply the best!!!

I'm looking forward to a fun girls nite in tomorrow...Moosh & Dawn are stopping in for some Thursday nite action (maybe Tia & Drew too...) & Bran & Kate can't wait to see Josh & Savanna...me too!!! I'll have to see if I can rustle up some #9... Happy Wednesday my loves!!!

GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!

better late then never...

Finally some pics from our visit from Dawnie...doesn't she look incredible STILL!!!!! She's clearly doing something right, she hasn't aged a DAY since 1993!! I love you, girlie!!!

Super Bowl!!!

Margie has rug burn on both of her knees this morning & I've got 2 bloody & bruised fingers...no, we weren't brawling! She was praying & I was jumping up & down in victory over the Packers loss to my beloved Giants (and blasted my closed fist against the beam in the ceiling...I've got some cheerleader left in me...LOL!)! My entire day yesterday was perfect & I'm still in shock!!! I'm also completely stuffed still...I do love the massive amounts of food Margie & I whip up for a football game...what's better than a buffet of your favorite things??? I'll have her turned into a gourmet goddess before she knows what's hit her!

Yesterday goes right up there with the Florence victory my Junior year of high school! One of those incredible days when I am part of a greater victory...when I can watch someone else's greatness & feel like I'm a small part of it! Chuckie Kirby saved the day on that cold rainy day in South Jersey...he was a hero for a little while because of it...if my Dad sees him, he's still a hero for it! Yesterday, Lawrence Tynes was the hero for the Giants & I still get goosebumps when I think of the excitement that was racing through my entire body in those last moments. Manning was incredible & our boys fought the good fight!

Barry was holding my hand & laughing at me as I freaked out...I was trying not to watch that last field goal attempt...him & Margie insisted I watch because I would have been so sad if I had missed it & they both know me so well- THANK GOD, I can't believe I almost didn't watch...Moosh was crawling around, Meggie was panicking & pacing (the little Packers fan wasn't loving me so much last nite!) & finally, the kick was good. I love a game that goes into OT.

It was a great weekend & a great football day...I think probably the very best this season! I love partying with my faves...& can't wait for Super Bowl Sunday...we're gonna have to put the big table downstairs for all of our food!!!! Wings & meatballs & hoagies...OH MY!!! I have to get more No. 9 before then...one of my new loves! Good call on that one...I should never doubt your knowledge!!! :)

Other than that...our Saturday date with Aunt Margie at the Colonial was the same as always- pannycakes & eggs & a bagel delux...until we did our sprint to the car- it's a race we do, she holds Katie & I hold Brandon's hand & we run. Kate didn't want to be held this Saturday so she held Aunt Margie's hand. I think we'll go back to our normal race next weekend. Kate wiped out & has matching Band Aids on her knees...which she loves!!!

Christmas is finally down at my house...better late than never, LOL! I can't do it before 1/8 it's just a personal law of mine, nothing comes down before Elvis's birthday...& then I ran out of time...but it's finally done & again...it broke my heart! I am so sad when it's all over, it's one of my favorite times of the year. The excitement in the kids is a miracle to watch & I know it! My days are limited in the whole "believing"...so I appreciate it while I have it! Now I just have to get the last 2 Christmas presents to their recipients, wasn't in the cards this weekend, I guess!

That was our weekend, my loves...Happy Monday & GO GIANTS!!!

i promised...

the Student of the Week I'd post his pictures with Memily (his teacher's stuffed giraffe)...he took great care of her! As you can see by the ZILLIONS of stuffed animals in his bed, he takes great care of them all!!! LOL! The picture of him peeking out from the middle of them reminds me of one me, Red & Moosh...(& I think Vicki) took on our Senior Trip with E.T. (almost 15 years ago...THE HORROR that filled me with that thought...LOL!)

& before my mother says anything...I'm aware he needs a haircut, he's trying to grow out the unevenness the last hairdresser managed to give him last time we paid her a visit...he's gorgeous no matter what!! :) If only I felt that way when I left the "hair salon" (for lack of the appropriate term) last ...I would have preferred going to Sweeny Todd!! Purple hair just isn't my thing!!!!!!!!!!! I'm in the market for a REAL hair dresser if anyone knows a good one...that won't charge me a mortgage payment to get my grays covered up!

Oh & I'm supposed to see if anyone notices James Bundy's autograph in his room...LOL!!! The important things to this little man...he inspires me to find the excitement in a piece of newspaper written on in Sharpie...if only this little Bundy knew how deeply Brandon adored him...that's pretty inspiring as well. I know James will go far in life & I know Brandon will be watching! I can't wait to see how proud he makes his parents...& my son! :)