ArnestaAnne

well...

2011-01-15T11:05:00.002-05:00

i haven't done this in years & i'm fairly certain this will go unnoticed...so i love it!!

i am a train wreck, i admit it freely! it's been 94 days since you left & it hurts more every single day. i want you to know i loved you more than i ever said. i respected you more than i ever showed you. i am so proud to be your daughter...you have no idea. & that's what hurts the most...the things i never said. you were fine...you were 56 & taking care of yourself...people don't die at 56, my dad doesn't die at 56. i want you here, i want to hug you, i want to see the blue of your eyes, i want to laugh at you, i want to yell at you...how did you leave? how do i change it? how do i be me again without you??? i love you, daddy...i love you with all that i am...i want a hug!

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

2008-07-30T19:40:00.005-05:00

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...

2008-06-17T14:29:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-06-16T19:52:00.009-05:00

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...

2008-05-28T15:24:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-05-28T12:33:00.000-05:00

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...

2008-05-27T18:02:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-05-23T19:54:00.003-05:00

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

2008-05-22T21:06:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-05-21T15:53:00.004-05:00

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...

2008-05-19T12:07:00.006-05:00

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

Happy Mother's Day...

2008-05-12T12:57:00.002-05:00

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

2008-04-29T12:55:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-04-03T09:50:00.004-05:00

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...

2008-03-31T12:25:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-03-17T08:24:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-03-10T09:06:00.000-05:00

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

2008-03-07T10:24:00.006-05:00

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...

2008-02-28T13:31:00.005-05:00

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...

2008-02-22T15:12:00.008-05:00

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...

2008-02-19T16:58:00.001-05:00

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...

2008-02-14T09:44:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-02-06T11:10:00.000-05:00

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...

2008-02-05T16:27:00.001-05:00

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

REPORT CARD DAY

2008-02-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

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!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-04T10:26:00.001-05:00

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!!!

2008-02-01T11:29:00.001-05:00

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

2008-01-30T08:59:00.000-05:00

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!!!!!

2008-01-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

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...

2008-01-24T08:26:00.000-05:00

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...

2008-01-23T14:34:00.000-05:00

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...

2008-01-23T14:29:00.001-05:00

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!!!

2008-01-21T09:43:00.000-05:00

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...

2008-01-16T14:30:00.000-05:00

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! :)

Blog # 100...

2008-01-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

LET ME START WITH...HOW ABOUT MY GIANTS!!! I was as surprised as anyone...it was a beautiful football weekend for me!

Friday I took a mental health day & enjoyed myself completely. I was feeling so much better...that lead to Saturday...LADIES NITE!!! It started as this sweet little gathering at the Swedes; Vicki, T, Margie & I thought it wise to leave my car at home & venture over to The Hollywood to meet up with Kristen, Algina, Red & Meghan & when they decided to leave...

Margie, Tia & I ended up at Nippers until the lights came up & we were told the bar was closing...for you other old folks like us...that doesn't happen until 3 a.m. I don't remember the last time I saw 3 a.m. but I'm pretty certain it involved a sick child!!

So, there we were...with David Boyd, Kyle Miller, Justin Elmore, lovely little Esther & the rest of the 21-25 year old crowd...really appreciating the fact that Woodbury was so small. Because even though there were MANY years between us...we all knew each other & it was like a little reunion...in which we were the adults who knew our limits & were thankful for that knowledge...I'm guessing there was a little puking going on in Woodbury on Saturday night...but there wasn't any in the Mickleton/Swedesboro/Davis Street area!

Tomorrow we'll be saying goodbye to Mr. Choyce & hoping they can all find some peace as they lay their father/ father-in-law to rest.

I discovered a new reader this morning which made my day...Deneen, welcome to my insanity! :)

Kel...thanks for the compliments, I hope you're as proud of my children as I am of my sisters!

Lots of love to you all...Happy Monday!

when it rains...it pours...

2008-01-10T11:55:00.000-05:00

Well...came in to work this morning to discover that a sweet girl I knew from high school & chatted with regularly on Myspace & Facebook had passed away.

Mia was lovely & smart & a genuinely nice girl. Still fighting her cancer as it ravaged her tiny body & still continuing with her education & deep devotion to God until she took her last breath. This was not a fight she was willing to quit. Hearing the news of her passing at just 29 took my breath away. Mia was a fighter & an inspiration...she believed in herself & making herself a better woman. I am blessed to have known her.

At 10 a.m. my sweet Red called me to tell me that Steve's father had also lost his fight with cancer. Butch always greeted me with a warm smile & with genuine concern, he would ask how Barry, the kids & myself had been since our last meeting. It was at Tyler's birthday party in June that I saw him last, he looked tired & worn...but was there & greeted me with his usual smile.

He was a funny man, he tried awfully hard whenever I saw him to tell me how he'd been, he loved his grandsons...you could see that when he watched them play. And...I saw the admiration he had for Steve & the man he had become when he looked at him. He was so proud of his children...congratulating Jill on her beauty school test...sharing a cigarette on the deck with Twig & laughing with him...Butch was a proud man but a man who loved his children, it was evident. I could feel it when he spoke of them all.

Red was an incredible daughter-in-law to him...taking care of him with her husband...as they promised they would...in sickness & in health sometimes means your parents... I learned this by watching her. She was a champion in supporting Steve & she will be rewarded for her love & support! She never paused when something was needed- she just did it.

For all of the mistakes we make as humans...the loss is still so palpable once we leave. I am so relieved that they are at peace & are no longer suffering...I genuinely am...but it is with a heavy heart that I bid them a speedy journey into an eternal life of pure pleasure at the right hand of Our Father. I wish you both nothing but beautiful days ahead in your new Heavenly home. Rest at peace & know that no matter what...you did make a difference.

Peace & love be with you all...enjoy your today...wishing you all MILLIONS of tomorrows!!!

...full of pics from my great weekend!!

2008-01-09T08:09:00.000-05:00

as you can see...it was an incredible weekend...thank you ladies...for loving me!

3 years ago today...I got the worst news I've ever gotten...I'm thinking of you, my sweet boy & missing you still daily! SJM, I will always love you!! Happy Elvis's birthday yesterday...I hope you partied with him for me! :)

Happy 57th birthday, Mommy!

2008-01-07T15:40:00.000-05:00

Mommy turns 57 today, yesterday we had a lovely dinner at Heatho & Kurt's house & Kelly & AJ brought the Wii...we rocked it like it was our job. A magnificent time was had by all & Mommy got her birthday wish...all her girls & their boys together for a perfect night!

My weekend was surreal...it began with Brandon being chosen as Student of the Week for this week...pics of him & Memily (the stuffed giraffe) will follow...Moosh & I cleaned Friday nite like mad women in anticipation of the INCREDIBLE Saturday we had playing hostess to a few of our favorite girls from WHS...& Deptford.

Amy, Kelsie & Charlotte were in from Florida- which was a great excuse for us to have a small gathering at Club Thompson.

At the Club to welcome them & catch up on all of the gossip were Vicki (Moore), Tia (Harrell) & her son Drew...the little sweetie pie!!! Kara (Klinger) and her little lady Cameron who didn't let Katie be the boss of her...which I adored!!! Margie of course & me & my babies!

Vicki took the kids outside to play like any rocking adult would have...& unlike me...I look for any excuse to avoid the elements! We got to watch Drew practice his passes...I can't wait until they're in high school & Katie is cheering for him on the sidelines...he's gonna be an excellent football player.

Amy's girls got to test their Guitar Hero skills & I think next time they're up, they might just kick Margie's ass!!! Kara & I realized that we're practically neighbors...just a few minutes away from each other so I hope the girls get together again really soon for some girl time.

I'm looking forward to Ladies Night at the Swedes on Saturday because I just adore my time with Tia...who came bearing Christmas gift for me & the kids...that girl is just too together! I don't know how she finds the time...but I'm looking forward to lessons! Also joining us on Saturday will be Red, hopefully DAWN...hopefully Vicki, definitely Algina & Kristen...so another group of my lovely girls...I can hardly wait!!!!!

It was great to see all of these girls who I've known since I was just a girl & Brandon is just continually amazed that the friends you make as a child...can still be great friends as an adult. It's a beautiful lesson he's learning from these women that brighten my day by just telling stories of our lives!

Tonight, when I'm done work, I'm picking up Dawnie & taking her home to my house...she saw Barry & Brandon last (aside from pics) on our wedding day & hasn't had the pleasure yet of meeting my Katelyn...the thought of sharing them with yet another woman who has blessed my life by her mere existence makes me cry...I can't wait...& of course...Moosh will be there too!!

Here is to a perfect night tonite...to memories of a perfect Saturday (I hope Amy can forward me some pics...I was a loser & didn't take ANY???) To another perfect 57 years for my Mommy, to a beautiful week & a great Ladies Night...thanks for being my girls!!!!!!

Hoping the lovely & talented Dawn Crowding will squeeze in a tiny bit of time on Saturday...Tia & Margie miss you ALMOST as much as I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the outfit...

2008-01-04T11:03:00.001-05:00

i have told my beloved husband TWICE that this outfit doesn't match...AT ALL!!!

I got her a beautiful fleece shirt in hot pink to go with the pants...& a beautiful pair of light pink fleece pants to go with this top...as you can tell by her sweet face at 5:30 p.m. when I get to see her for the first time every day...she still thinks she's gorgeous!

& while I couldn't agree with her MORE...if I come home to this little sweetie in this outfit one more time...I'm taking her father to the hospital to have him tested for mental illness...only a LUNATIC would do this to a child! :)

LOL...just thought I'd share...Barry thought I was nuts for freaking about the outfit then taking her photo in it...I just had to share with all of you! :) She's going to have a serious talk with the man one day about this outfit!!!

a few new pics...

2008-01-04T10:45:00.000-05:00

Happy 2008!!!

2008-01-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

Lots to write about...Christmas was incredible & magical & perfect! I hope you all got everything you told Santa you wanted...I did- & I got so much more than that too!

Barry left no stone unturned when searching for the little things that make me happy! It's taken this long...but I think he's been paying attention! & I even managed to get him some surprise gifts- always difficult with him, but so worth it to see his reaction!

Brandon & Katelyn must have been very good this year- they too seemed to get every last thing their little hearts desired! Down to the stuffed cat & Tootsie rolls! They were both so incredible to watch...from Kate yelling, "Ta-DA" as she opened every gift to Brandon crying when he opened his James Bundy autograph! It was the best ever!

New Year's Eve was also incredible... champagne & snacks with a few of our very favorites is always sweet. Enjoying a nice warm fire, the laughter & the memories with people we truly love makes welcoming in a beautiful new year so perfect! I can't wait to do it again in 2009! Nothing sweeter than laughing all nite & kissing your loveys at the start of another fun filled year! Brandon & Katie LOVED banging their pots & pans & being able to say they watched the ball rise in the morning & drop at midnite...it was a great party...I just love a new tradition!

I hope you all made some cool resolutions & that you can stick to them...I made a few & look forward to seeing them through! Happy 2008...wishing you all the very best this year has to offer!

CHEERS!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-21T16:28:00.000-05:00

Barry's last gift came, all my wrapping is done...now we're just in celebration mode...WISHING YOU ALL & YOUR FAMILIES THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS & A BLESSED 2008!!!

we love you all!!!

hectic...

2007-12-19T09:18:00.001-05:00

We're all ready for Santa...I'm trying to fight off a cold & avoid the kids so I don't give it to them...hoping this Christmas no one in our house is sick! Barry & I got all our wrapping done this past weekend- I just have to wrap a few more things for him & I can sit back AND RELAX!!! Just waiting for his last gift to be delivered...I did print out a color photo of it from the internet in case it doesn't arrive in time...& I'm really not stressing at all about it coming or not- it'll get here sooner or later. This is the first Christmas in YEARS...that I'm actually welcoming with no stress at all.

Are there things I could be stressing over...sure...I haven't baked a single cookie (which is my own holiday tradition), there never seems like there are enough gifts...or enough money spent...but REALLY...I think something in me told me to chill out.

I guess maybe it had to do with Gregg's funeral...I realized there are just much bigger things in the world then trying to buy the perfect gift...So, I'm comfortable & relaxed and HAPPY...I'm going to enjoy this holiday with all of my very favorite people & I'm going to love them & laugh with them & let them know I think THEY are my perfect gift...although I'll always accept something wrapped beautifully!! LOL!!!

& sometimes...the perfect gift is just a smile, a hug & a home cooked meal...& it takes the PERFECT PERSON to think that...I love you all...Merry Christmas!!!

Enjoy my MOST PERFECT GIFTS EVER...how cute are these kids????? :)

Happy Birthday, beautiful girl!!!

2007-12-10T13:36:00.000-05:00

Happy 33rd birthday, Mooshie!!! We love you to pieces & hope the next 33 are just as beautiful! We are so lucky & thankful to have you in our lives! It was an incredible weekend...thank you for going to the Giants game with Barry, Zach & me...it totally ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you more than you could possibly imagine!!! You are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for letting us share one of the greatest days in HISTORY with you...33 years ago on 12/8...I was given an incredible gift that I wouldn't find until junior high...I'm so glad I had to go to speech class for you...MAWGIE MOYAH! Sending you millions of hugs & kisses on your perfect day!!!

Just take the damn test already!

2007-12-07T08:25:00.000-05:00

I wanted to fill you all in on Brandon's first sleepover, the birthday party we went to with Josh & Dawn for Brandon's little friend Danielle, my Christmas shopping adventures, how I made an ass out of myself by screaming with excitement to Katie over the phone while at work because she went poopie on the potty, how excited the kids are to be seeing Santa tonight, how excited I am to see their little faces on Christmas because I got Guitar Hero, James Bundy's autograph & Ponyville...but I can't! There's something that's been eating at me...

It started Sunday night when Red called me to tell me that Gregg had passed away & what she'd been told of the tragic circumstances of his untimely passing...my heart sank & that feeling was back, one I thought I'd gotten over (mostly). One I thought I'd placed in a dark corner of my heart only to re-visit when thinking of how Sammy had gone...& wondering if there were something I could have done to reach out better, or to try to wrap my mind around it all. I just can't...still.

But, I was there again...wondering all of those very same things, still feeling inadequate when it came to explaining to myself...wondering how a person just feels so much pain or worry or sorrow...wondering what they were feeling at all...something I'll never know.

I put it out of my head as best I could...but then last night as I stood there with a best girl on either side of me, my Red & Mooshie right there by my side as always, holding my hands...looking at this boy I once knew, who I shared so many laughs with, who got me into trouble & I didn't mind; because we were having fun & we were in a class we both loved...the moment took my breath away. I knew I couldn't have done it without those two girls...but I still couldn't walk away; I didn't want to leave him there like that, I didn't want to say goodbye.

I wanted to get another Merry Christmas email filled with the details of his children's faces when they opened gifts. I wanted to hear him complain that he's gaining weight, or he's too tired from working so much. I wanted to read the words he closed every single email with...Great to hear from you keep in touch! I wanted to keep in touch.

So, we sat...& I saw a tall man enter the room & it suddenly clicked...LIFE IS A TEST. I'm not a religious kind of girl...but it really did come to me from someone!! John Gamble walked in, this strong educator whom I admire greatly. He was moved by this event & he was gracious...when I graduated almost 15 years ago, I admired him. Knowing that he remembered us 15 years later & was happy to see we were well but wished we'd bumped into him under different circumstances- it touched me. He didn't need to be there, he didn't need to love his students, but he just did...that was Mr. Gamble always & he moved me to tears. But I really did hear it...LIFE IS A TEST. To stop myself from crying at my desk...I just thought...maybe Mr. Gamble is the second coming of Christ & he actually spoke those words to me...I know I have a sick sense of humor....but it is funny & that would be kinda cool! :)

So, I've been thinking...it's not a pass or fail kind of test, but I know there are definitely wrong answers. I'm not sure how I'm doing on my test...I know there are moments when I'm getting every answer right! I see that in my children. I looked at Gregg's children 2 of them upset & 2 untouched by the gravity of what was happening around them...based purely upon the fact that the # of years they've been taking their tests is just a small one...they'll never know their Daddy...that hurts my heart...he was a fun guy & a proud Daddy...I hope someone tells them that!

I know there have been moments in my test when I needed Cliff's Notes...there have been moments that required 2 friends & a phone book, moments that I needed Jody Carr to hold my hand in her daughter's room & tell me I answered that part of my test correctly, moments that required me taking a long drive across our country only to be rescued by Melissa Hall, moments that required my sister beating down doors to get to me, moments that required me taking my baby sisters to the police station...I'm not sure how I did on those parts, I guess we'll see.

But there are my moments...when I've reached out to a long lost friend to be given a best friend back for the rest of my life, moments when my best friend was there to hold my newborn & to rescue his Daddy at Burger King, moments when we as sisters in our hearts have loved each other through a loss of a loved one...seeing those 2 faces when all hope is gone...those are moments I know I'm rocking the HELL out of this test.

I was never very studious, good grades just came naturally to me so test taking isn't really an issue. I love tests & I love a challenge even more...& yes, life is a test. There are hard parts & easy parts. Parts where I don't know the answer but I can certainly phone a friend. I'm not against "cheating" at this test...sometimes more people need to help me with my test. And sometimes I just want to look away from my answer sheet & play with Play Doh & my babies all day! However, my one option I KNOW is NOT to stop taking this test, it is a test I am thankful for, even when I can't read the questions. It is a test that has blessed me with so much.

I do want all of you- wherever you are, to know that my solemn promise to you is...if at any time, day or night...you think you just can't take your test anymore...CALL ME...I will come running...I will bring my cheat sheet, or a bottle of wine, or 2 arms to hug you tighter than you could possibly imagine...I WILL TAKE YOUR TEST WITH YOU!!! I mean that more than you can ever know! The questions I have in my heart are too many to bear another unknown loss. I will be there, I swear...don't stop believing in US, we can get through anything together.

I love you all completely...with all that I am...LOVE YOURSELVES!!

AND TAKE THE DAMN TEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so busy...

2007-11-30T08:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I can't honestly say nothing new since I last wrote...we've just been so busy!!! Brandon was sick over Thanksgiving, WHS lost to Paulsboro, I'm now sick...Grandmom & Pop Pop are in Florida on a beautiful & well deserved vacation (which leaves Barry & I with having to REALLY be Mommy & Daddy...something we're not used to at all!!!) Meggie got her VERY FIRST CAR!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so proud of her...it's adorable & it's I'm Not Really A Waitress red...so cute!

All I can say is THANK GOD for my in-laws...they spoil us rotten...we've been driving ourselves insane with picking Brandon up from the bus & getting Katie from school...things they do which we honestly fail to realize is SUCH AN ENORMOUS HELP!!! Red has been taking care of Brandon after school...another ENORMOUS HELP!!! I just feel completely lost...it's a little scary!

We do, however, have our Christmas tree up & it's completely beautiful...if I do say so myself! It's a stinky picture from my stinky phone...but you get the point...I'll be taking more with my camera this weekend! & I have adjusted the positioning of the tree so you don't see that cord of lights leading to the wall...that pic is when I was still playing with the tree...LOL! I can hardly wait for Christmas this year...Brandon & Katie are so excited...it's all they talk about & I'm threatening them constantly..."Don't make me call Santa!" The fear that strikes into a child is a glorious thing...although...Kate keeps saying..."Do it, do it!" I don't think she has the same fear that my beautiful Brandon does...LOL! That's the beauty of my ladybug though!!! :) NO FEAR! :)

I fell asleep in the recliner again last nite...Barry tries to no avail to wake me & then I end up sleeping in jeans...& then bitching at him for letting me sleep in jeans...I think it's like the 4th time that's happened since he started making nightly fires in the fireplace...I can't resist the snuggly feeling of that chair & my blanket...the heat of that fire & the smell of burning wood...a fireplace was always something I adored as a child & so I'm addicted now! So...I keep sleeping in the basement...LOL!

November is OVER today...good LORD! This year has been incredible...& it's almost gone! I wonder what 2008 will bring...hopefully only more beautiful things!!! Happy Friday, my loves!!! I've got TONS of Christmas shopping to do this weekend...wish me luck!!!

& Red...THANK YOU for dinner last nite & for helping me this week...you really are the very BEST!!! I'd be lost without you!!!!!!!!

6 words...

2007-11-14T13:25:00.001-05:00

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??

Hoping the Herd does as well this Saturday as they did last Saturday! FYI...that's Jimmer & James Bundy (James is the kids FAVORITE player & Jimmer was mine!!!) #5 in the middle is James doing his THING!!! & the last pic is of me, Kate, Bran (he is the brown hat & orange coat) & Kelly at the game this past Saturday...we were on the front page of the Courier Post!! GO HERD!!!!!!!

been meaning to blog...

2007-11-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

just haven't found the time; but I'm taking the time now...Margie is in Florida & leaves for the Bahamas tomorrow- she's having a total blast. Tomorrow starts my Cole duty...Bran & Kate can't wait!

This past weekend...one of the coolest I've had in a while. Tia & I took the kids to a WHS football game- the HERD crushed Audubon & the kids had a great time. I really love high school football- there's just something amazing about kids just playing because it's something they love. I got goosebumps hearing Mr. Dickson's voice say, "James Bundy on the carry!" & "Touchdown, James Bundy!" it took me back to those days when I was in junior high & he was talking about James' dad, Jimmer.

I guess you had to be there..or you have to love WHS football as much as I do...but I know I was witnessing something great...I was watching this game through Jimmer's eyes...seeing him stand there on the sideline beaming with pride as his son had the same incredible accomplishments on that very same field that he had so many years before with the same man calling the action...IT ROCKED. It was one of those moments that sucks the air out of you as a parent...when you realize the magic that another parent is living. It also made me think about WHS's biggest fan, Bill Moyer...& how excited I know he was to be seeing it too...he was appreciating it as much as I was...I'M CERTAIN!

So...great afternoon...followed by a REALLY great nite! Dawn picked me up for a nite out with my girls...& it was different girls...I was a little nervous I admit...I just wanted no drama & to see these girls that I knew years ago & I wanted to have fun with them, to love them...like I did over 15 years ago...& you know what???? I DID! We laughed & caught up & talked about our babies & our girlfriends & what makes us the women we've become. And I loved it!!! Dawn was completely charming & relaxed...& we laughed...and had a 2 a.m. Wawa run...followed by a little road trip!! ;) I haven't done that in years!!!

Margie texted pics from Florida that morning so we all got to look at her adventures & hope that she brings us home some WARM WEATHER! Red had a headache & didn't make it. They were both missed & I filled everyone in on them. I hope we all get to do it again real soon...& that Moosh & Red will be there...they missed an incredible evening!

Dawn, Kristen, Tia, Algina, & Mrs. Twig...thanks for a super fun nite! Looking forward to doing it again real soon!!!

Sunday, Barry & I took the kids to Toys 'R Us to spend their gift cards they got for their birthdays...we were there for almost 3 hours...Bran walked in & knew what he wanted...Mommy's princess...she had to look at EVERy toy on EVERY aisle...there might be something better around the corner...THAT'S MY GIRL!!!!!!! I can't wait to start really shopping with her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last nite I talked to Moosh again...she's loving life...I'll talk to her again tonite & then not again until SUNDAY...no chatting at sea! Bon Voyage sweet girl!! OH...& tonite...Dawn is going to learn her way to WHS so she can meet us on Saturday to get her football game on (Josh has soccer until 12:30 & I can't be late for kickoff...I have issues, I'm aware!) ...& I'll show her the Woodbury spots...no kids...just smoking & touring Woodbury...just like the good old days...that was before kids though...& I didn't have a license...LOL! A little stalking route anyone...LOL!!!!!!??????????

CONGRATULATIONS, MEGGIE!!!

2007-11-02T15:26:00.002-05:00

THIS IS THE FACE OF SOUTH JERSEY'S NEWEST DRIVER!!!!!!!!!! WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU MEGGIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAY TO GO...WE KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween...

2007-11-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

The perfect night, perfect weather & the PERFECT costumes! They both were gorgeous & did a GREAT job saying Trick-or-Treat! They thanked everyone & told them Happy Halloween...Barry, Margie & I loved taking them out, just like last year! Being back in the old neighborhood was perfect, ran into the old neighbors & had many, many laughs.

Halloween is always a fun night, they get so excited! They got way too much candy from Donna when we stopped up at Daddy's shop to say hello - she absolutely adores kids. It's really nice to work for someone who has as much enthusiasm for her workers families as she does for the employees themselves. Barry got lucky in going there. They're all genuinely sweet people. It's always a pleasure to spend time with them.

Then we went to Aunt Red's & Uncle Steve's to see Trevy as a puppy & Tyler as Shrek- they were beautiful! We got the added bonus of seeing Aunt Jody & Uncle Al...always a treat!!!

They ended their evening over at Club Gill...where Bran got to play with his good buddy Ethan & Mommy & Daddy got to have a few beers wit h Zach & Dezi & Mr. & Mrs. Gill...the perfect way to end out Halloween!

Mischief Nite...

2007-10-30T13:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm an old lady, we've established this fact...how is 2007 almost over though?? Tonight is mischief night...it used to be so much fun as a child...what did I do for mischief night 2007??

I planned the rest of my Halloween costume (for work only...I can't be seen in public embarrassing myself...just around these guys...I'm sure I'll post pics of our work party!

I chatted with Tia over our plans for Saturday...we're taking our babies to WHS to see football...Bran has been there but doesn't remember...Kate & Drew are going to their first games! We decided what time we're meeting for drinks later that evening...& chatted about how we can't wait to not be called Mommy for a few hours...& that looking at Brent will be fun as usual!

Chatted with Barry...they got pics taken today for some magazine...he said it felt like school picture day! They're competing for the #1 Honda shop in the NATION...so...he's gonna be famous...LOL! I can't wait to see! I hope they win!

Finished planning our Trick-or-Treat festivities...so many places to go...hoping to have enough time to do it all!

Eventful Mischief Nite...for an old lady! Don't get your trees tee-peed...if you do...& you hear wild laughter & snorting from the person running across your lawn...well, it might just be ME...if I can stay awake until dark!

Happy Birthday...to one of the very best friends a girl could ask for!

2007-10-26T13:27:00.000-05:00

Happy 32nd birthday to my very favorite co-worker!! I wish you millions more birthdays! I hope this year is as perfect for you as the last was!

You rock, Norton! Happy Birthday to YOU! Thanks for making my Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays SUPERB!

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Norton, Happy Birthday to you!!

It's not as good as the other blog...but I tried! :)

the sweetest, most magnificent boy i know...Happy Birthday, Brandon!

2007-10-23T08:05:00.000-05:00

Let me begin by saying...Pop had a beautiful birthday...we surprised him with cake & ice cream! 10/19 was his birthday & he again reminded me that all he wanted for his 60th birthday was my baby to be born & I couldn't deliver...but I gave Kelly a baby on her birthday 4 years later...LOL!

Saturday came & it was perfect...the weather was incredible, warm enough to run & play in the afternoon with just long sleeved shirts & cool enough in the evening for a light jacket. I always get perfect weather for Brandon's birthday...it's like God's birthday present to him!

The usual insanity occurred this weekend...Aunt Mooshie's car oozed steering fluid all over on Saturday morning & she couldn't steer it...by the grace of God, this happened in our driveway & not out on the road...Pop Pop & Barry saved the day as usual...Barry was there to laugh at her & chase her with gunky car parts & Pop ordered what she needed to get driving again! That man is a miracle worker...& the sweetest guy in the world! He always comes running whenever we need him!

We had an incredible time at Creamy Acres with all of our very favorite people. We missed Uncle Brucie & Celie...we hope he feels better soon! Brandon kept saying Saturday night when we came home for dinner with Red & Steve (his Godparents) & their adorable children how great his 7th birthday was...he was so excited talking about the petting zoo, the playground & the hayride...not to mention picking pumpkins!

I remember only 2 birthdays from my childhood...my 5th...I spent it in Underwood & my 16th- a very sweet friend & Heatho threw me a surprise party. Those are it...& I know just by how he spoke of his incredible day...this is going to be one of those birthdays he can remember at 33! It's my goal every year to make them realize that I celebrate them...that the people we love celebrate them too...that I am so thankful for them & those 2 days...they're my own personal holidays! My 2 favorite days of my entire life!

Brandon loved waking up on his birthday (Sunday) to his "Birthday Pancakes" & he got to play DS for as long as he wanted...that's the beauty of having your party NOT on your actual birthday, you then get 2 days to be the ruler of Mommy's universe! It was a perfect day....the perfect way to celebrate one of the true loves of my life!

He's a sweet boy, all I could ever hope for in a child. He loves with all that he is. He is generous and kind he is going to be a remarkable man; this I know! He loves his Mommy & makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have the pleasure of being her!! I honestly can't believe it's been 7 years since I saw that sweet little face & heard Barry say...,"He's got your chin!" The very first words ever used to describe my little man...he's got so much more than my chin...he's got my heart, FOREVER!

no time

2007-10-22T15:53:00.000-05:00

to blog today...but I'll post pics & tell you the tales of Brandon, my beautiful & glorious son's birthday weekend tomorrow!

I LOVE YOU, BRANDON!!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Haller, the vacationers, the DuBrinks & the birthday boy...(when he was just my little sweet baby!!!)!! (pics for the blog below!!)

2007-10-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

busy week...

2007-10-18T08:23:00.000-05:00

Monday was Heather & Kurt's 1st Anniversary!
Monday was also Steve's sweet Grandpop's viewing...we love you Uncle Teve!!
Tuesday was Trish & Mike's 3rd Anniversary!
Mom & Dad are away on vacation all week...we miss them terribly!
Wednesday Uncle Brucie hurt his back at work...they had to take him to the hospital...I got the details from Barry...they're incomplete at best...he couldn't drive himself home it was so bad...I'll be calling him tonite!
It's Thursday already & I have a messy house beyond belief!!
Tomorrow is Dad's 67th birthday!!
Saturday is Brandon's 7th birthday party at Creamy Acres! He can hardly wait!!!
Sunday is Brandon's 7th birthday...so, it's not just the weeks that seem to be flying by these days...my babies are going to be 7 & 3 as of Sunday!!!!!!!!!!

Baby girl...

2007-10-08T14:45:00.001-05:00

It is amazing to me that my angel has in fact turned 3! I remember that Thursday in such vivid detail...I remember just knowing it was here, the day I was going to meet MY daughter. It was more than I could have ever imagined...that moment...when I first saw her. I remember thinking after Brandon was born that I would NEVER love another human being like I loved him.I worried the entire time I was pregnant with Katelyn that I would still feel that way...and I know the peace that washed over me the second I looked into those eyes~ knowing that I had been a lunatic all along. I felt that same feeling & I knew how the Grinch felt...because as sure as I sit here, I felt my heart grow in that instant!

I fell completely & utterly in love with this girl, in a way I could never imagine. I say it frequently about Brandon, that he is my reason for living...I don't say it nearly enough about my Katelyn. She is ME, she is everything I could hope for in a child, magical & adorable & stubborn & hysterical. I am fascinated by this child; I await every second I spend with her, I long for her voice when I am away from her. I have never felt a connection between another person like the ones I share with my children. They are the very best of Barry & I...I was born to be a mother...THEIR mother!

I will never, EVER be able to thank Barry enough for the gift he has given me~ this man created the woman I am, he is responsible for showing me a love I could never imagine...these children complete me. I am eternally grateful & so blessed to be able to be their mother!

October 7th is one of 2 of the greatest days in my entire life and for as long as I live, I will treat it as the fantastic event that it was in my lifetime. Katelyn Elaine Thompson, thank you for being you. Thank you for letting me be your Mommy, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for the adventures we have shared..and the ones I look forward to more than you can ever imagine.

I am truly blessed to have this little girl who loves pink as much as I do, who loves a manicure, who loves a hug & a frilly dress...who adores the women in our lives, Andrea Lynn, Margaret Alice, Kelly, Meghan, Heather, my mom, my mother-in-law, Barb, Trish, Tara, Kayla & McKenzie as much as I do...if not more!!! She is so generous with her heart & that is the greatest gift in the world.

Thank you deeply to all of you who were there to celebrate one of the true loves of my life!!!

& Happy 25th Birthday Kelly...you're so lucky to get to share your birthday with Katie Kate...you both ROCK!

AND, BECAUSE I DIDN'T BLOG ON OCTOBER 1ST...HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG SISTER, HEATHER!!! HOPE IT WAS PERFECT...WE LOVE YOU!!!

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

2007-09-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

yes...it has happened, since 1993 I have waited patiently...& in between football games today...my son, my husband, my favorite neighbor Zach & my Mooshie watched it happen with me...we saw my beloved Phillies win the National League East! They watched me cry & tell Brandon repeatedly to remember this moment...I want him to remember the heart pounding excitement I just felt!

It was electrifying...I haven't been that excited in so long...just knowing how excited the people I love the most are at this very moment moves me beyond tears...we have done it, we've finally arrived!!!!!!!!!

Now...let's just hope those stinking Eagles don't play as well this evening!

beautiful weather...

2007-09-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

this weather is perfect...the crunchy leaves, the crisp air, the cool breeze...doesn't get much better than this! It's FOOTBALL weather...as soon as baseball season is over...& for the Phillies fans I know & love completely...I hope that's not for quite some time yet! That game last nite was freaking incredible!! I was screaming & cheering...& having some drinks...I LOVE BASEBALL...almost as much as FOOTBALL!!!

Good luck to my fabulous boys of summer today...hope they kick ass & take names...GO PHILS!!!!!

Then we're off to Celie's birthday party this evening...so Happy 13th Birthday, Celie!! We love you!!

2 for 1...

2007-09-25T07:35:00.001-05:00

It's been one of those past few days...so I'll share...LOL!

The sleepover party I had with Margie certainly wasn't like the ones we used to have, I put Brandon & Katie to bed around 8:30. Barry was out in the garage working & Margie & I just watched t.v., she was myspacing a bit & I can't for the life of me remember what was on t.v. I just know that at 10 we were both exhausted & hit the sheets. Well, I did...she hit the sofa in the basement.

We were up bright & early (6 a.m.) on Saturday for our road trip to Virginia...cleaned the windows in the car & all, we were so stoked! We ran to Dunkin' Donuts for some coffee & were headed to Mom & Dad T's to get our day started! We start to load ourselves into the cars & Dad says my car is making a funny noise, I shouldn't take it...now you know I have to smoke, we have to have the tunes from the IPOD & we're so excited about a 3 hour drive just to goof around together that we object repeatedly & I INSIST on having my own way...like any responsible 33 year old woman would! LOL!

We get there perfectly...the noise gets louder but I do as Pop always tells me & I just turn the radio up- we load things up for Aunt Flo in just a few hours (the 5 of us together ...me, Moosh, Ant, Mom & Dad T.~ were a well oiled machine!) & I'm rubbing in the fact that we wouldn't have been able to get all of her belongings back to Jersey in just 2 vehicles...guess I showed him who knows what, didn't I?? We get back on the road & we're loving life...got the tunes cranked, we're singing & dancing & laughing...& reminiscing on how much fun a road trip is! Then...this happened...

"Your battery light just came on!?" says Margie.

"My what? Look at the temperature gauge, that's not good," I reply.

"Shut off the air conditioner, turn the radio off," she hollers.

"Oh MY GOD, Marge...there's smoke...pouring out behind us, pull over, there's smoke! Get out of the car...NOT ON THAT SIDE, get out my side!" I'm screaming.

~And that was how we discovered the fact that my beloved father-in-law is always right!~

Once we got to the side of 95 North and stopped the car which at this point was pouring antifreeze all over the ground & smoking like a BBQ pit in Texas, all I could do was laugh...& be grateful that my glorious in-laws have AAA Plus! (that was after I got upset & cried briefly on the phone with Barry!)

We waited on 95 N. for about an hour with Pop & Anthony...who loved every single second of being trapped with his Aunt Anne & I know it...he's gonna be telling his grandchildren how rockin' that day was! The tow truck came (the driver was easy on the eyes...Margie should have gone in the truck) & we were off again...to Jersey...Pop, Margie & Fern in the front seat...& me...on a plastic step stool in the fetal position in what should have been the back seat but that was folded up to make room for a t.v. that would be given to cousin Eric to drive back to Virginia to keep in just a few short hours...GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

We laughed so hard all the way home...it really was a great road trip, even with the smoking car & being trapped on the side of the highway...Sunday, Pop fixed Wilma (my car) & has her running LIKE NEW! My beloved Giants won, Zach, Brent & Moosh came over for football & wings...it was a great end to a great weekend!

Then, yesterday...Moosh, Brandon & I went to see King Tut at the Franklin Institute...Brandon was as amazed as I was by the entire thing...it truly is something everyone should do at some point in their life if they're given the opportunity- the thought of it all just gives me goosebumps, really just an incredible sight! To know how talented these people were & to see the things they made & had...it was UNREAL! Not to mention...there were items that had frogs & cows & horses on them...Bran thought it was "totally cool" that while they wrote differently & their dogs didn't look like ours do (LOL) the cows & horses & frogs looked exactly the same...that's my boy, always SUPER observant! :) Just a few days left before Tut is gone for who knows how long...the last time these items were here in our area was in 1977...you may want to go if you haven't already...INSANELY AMAZING!

It's been a surreal few days...hope you're all well...LOVES YA!!!!

ok, well...

2007-09-21T17:52:00.000-05:00

Bran finally had show & share today...of course, I had to write her a note asking when his day was before she let him do it...but, it's done. He loved it...he's the only shy kid I know who loves showing off toys to his class. He took a spelling test & a reading test today & got 100's on both~ I'm creating a genius! He had school pictures today & I can't wait to see his beautiful little smile!

Waiting to hear from Margie...we're having a sleepover tonight...I know you're all thinking we're going to be having some wild, crazy girl time...which I'm sure I will...but, she's sleeping over so she can be the sweetest girl tomorrow with me...we're taking a road trip to go help Barry's Aunt Florence move from Virginia to Jersey! It's going to be fun...well, the road trip part will be! LOL!

Happy Friday, my loves!!!

obituary...

2007-09-19T19:31:00.000-05:00

ok, i know this is supposed to be the day i write my obituary & put it on here so you can tell Barry where it is when the time comes...(some of you are freaking out at that...i have an obsession with obituaries & i want mine to be REALLY about me...that explanation & the writing of the obit is for another day! i really will explain my NEED to read them daily...it's really a thing & i feel a sense of confusion when i don't do it...I NEVER SAID I WAS FREAKING SANE!

Today...I'm having an issue...I'm feeling a little Mrs. Nicely loss...every nite since school started I get the massive pile of papers from school & I try to sort through them. I just feel LOST! Which scares me...does Bran also feel lost? I find myself saying (when there are 3 sets of instructions for homework & none of them are the same...) , Mrs. Nicely never did it like this. I know it's wrong of me & I know this poor sweet girl is just starting out...but, I'll be damned if her school website didn't have mis-spelled words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know how I am about that...& you're teaching MY SON!?

I really know it's just starting out & I should relax...but I feel the tension when I need to go over these things. Barry is equally confused. Tonite she sends home a paper saying tomorrow is picture day...the school calendar says it's Friday, the paperwork from the photographer says it's Friday...everything we got prior to this said it's Friday...& she now says it's tomorrow...do I send him in what I want his pic in & hope she's right or do I use my better judgement & save it for Friday? & why is everything so confusing this year?

i'm holding out hope that she WOW's me on back-to-school nite...i REALLY am...I'll reserve judgement until then!!!

hoping i'm just being over-protective ME!

This day in history...

2007-09-13T07:31:00.000-05:00

5 years ago today...this man asked me to marry him & I said yes!

4 years ago today, we got MARRIED!!!

Happy 4th Anniversary, Barry...I love you entirely for the rest of my life!

9/11/2007

2007-09-11T17:37:00.000-05:00

Painfully, it's been 6 years since the Towers fell & thousands died. It's clearly one of those things that people are going to be able to say for the rest of their lives they know where they were at that very moment. It's the Kennedy assasination, MLK assasination, John Lennon assasination of our times! And I woke up this morning with a heavy heart, I listened to the live feed of the day's events & found myself feeling that pain & fear all over again.

The sense of loss is immeasurable. And I come home, hug my children & pray that this isn't the world I'm giving them. Then, I see a commercial...it's a wounded veteran of this "WAR" in Iraq...telling me that he supports this war even though it cost him his legs & that pulling out is quitting...that this is not a time for politics...ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME???

Seriously...on this of all days...is that propaganda the kind of thing our fearless President really wants to cram down our stupid throats...TODAY??? & it's not a time for politics...it's a politically motivated commercial on a day when THOUSANDS of families are merely trying to survive one more anniversary of their immense loss...and this is how our government respects those people who were VICTIMS of just being! They are not the reason for this war...that attack is not the reason for this war...if it were...we would be in AFGHANISTAN where Bin Laden is...not in IRAQ!!!!

Do not blame this war on those poor innocent people who just got up to have a regular day at work & were stolen from their families in a moments notice!! This is GOERGE BUSH'S war...not the War To Defend The Thousands That Were Stolen From Those That Love Them!

I'm getting off my soap box & I'm not going to let those FUCKERS ruin a day that I think should be spent THANKING God for the people we love...& letting them know it...so YOU...all of you who read this...I LOVE YOU!!! I do, from the very core of my being! I am eternally grateful to know and love you...SINCERELY!

I will pray tonight for peace in the hearts & minds of those who lost loved ones six years ago...& for those of us who just feel the heart break of that day when we think of it. It truly is a national tragedy, one we should take more time to reflect on...it changed my life, that day...I appreciate the little things so much more...the beauty in JUST waking up, or getting a kiss...or the opportunity to yell at Brandon & Katelyn for bickering...they're all treasures!! And I'll pray for all of you that I love...for God to keep you safe, and warm & here with me for many more years...no matter how far away from me you are...Amy! :)...or how close! Peace & love be with you all!

I also have a request...a friend of a friend (her name is Lisa P.) is having surgery tomorrow...surgery that will require great strength & love...if you could all send her a little bit of yours, it would mean the world to my girlfriend Dawn & to me! Say a little prayer that all goes well, that she is fearless & fights this battle knowing that there are people she doesn't even know who are wishing her the best in the trying times ahead & knowing that she is going to be PERFECTLY fine! Keep the FAITH, Lisa...you are beautiful & strong and our hearts are with you through all of this!!!

I love you all so immensely...know that...you are all so special to me & I wouldn't be who I am without each of you!!!

SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT...

2007-09-08T10:06:00.000-05:00

I get into bed Thursday nite & Barry snuggles me...it's been an emotional week for me...so I breathe in deep & sigh...with that I say, "You smell beautiful, you smell like... forever." & he looked at me like I had just told him the most incredible secret in the world...he hugged me tight & kissed my forehead & his response was..."I love you!" I don't know what it was about my statement...I was just thinking out loud, but I knew letting him know that something about that smell I smelled at that moment made him feel loved.

This got me thinking (& staying up for hours) about smells...the ones that mean the most to me...& here some of them are...& who they relate to.

The earliest smell I can remember is that of Old Spice & Heineken...mixed in the most incredibly scrumptious way~ that is my Pop Dugan.

Then, there's sea salt, the smell of the bay & a slight hint of a great bottle of Italian wine~ that's my Granddad Smith.

My mom's smell is Fall, pumpkin spice, The Cookies That Got Bob Fired, & a menthol cigarette (it's not a bad thing).

Funnel Cake, posterboard paint, the smell of crepe paper streamers fresh out of their package, street vendor popcorn & crisp fall air accented with the sound ofcrunching leaves will always be my sister Heather to me. She is Sun Ripened Raspberry & the smell of burnt toast. :)

Kelly is the smell of glittery hairspray, wine coolers, the stink that comes off of pom poms that are flat & need to be scrunched...it's a really good plastic smell that a very few of us love. The smell of a midget football field stand (they all smell the same) it's completely Kelly to me.

My Meggie comes to mind whenever I smell a bakery, Bath & Body products, and really yummy hair products. Meg is the smell of a sweet cocktail, Ralph perfume, the smell of lip gloss, Dunkin' Donuts coffee, & Arbor Mist.

Always the newest, expensive, and most beautiful perfumes I smell when walking thru Macy's perfume section take me to my Red instantly...that along with the smell of a great pair of new shoes, the smell of a new car, the smell of clean baby, the smell of champagne (which she never liked but I always get to celebrate a milestone between us...engagements, babies, whatever) they are all her...the things we've experienced together & love equally. Lasagna, birthday cake, Miller Light, cigarettes, Colonial Diner coffee & because of her intense dislike...french toast. A dirty bar, broccoli, rain on a summer nite, sunscreen, they're all smells that make me think of her!

Margaret Alice...she's the winner for the weirdest ones...I can't smell a Dorito & not think of her...she's my Boone's Farm babe, the smell that happens when you light your hair on fire...or your acrylic nail, she is Colonial Pizza Fries...she always has the same smell about her...I can't for the life of me name the perfume & no one smells like her when they're wearing it...but, I love it on her. Pizza Hut, Mad Dog, bug spray, baby oil, burning bed...it's got the most insane smell...LOL!

The smell of kerosene in the parts washer, gasoline on the floor & kitty litter being used to soak it up...things you're probably wrinkling your noses at the thought of...they give me butterflies...they are my early smells from Barry (late nights spent watching him work his magic in his parent's garage) & they're the same smells I equate with his Dad...my Daddy-in-law...the best father-in-law in the world.

The smell of AC Performance...dust & motorcycle exhaust, gasoline, grease & the smell that comes off the pavement in 90 degree heat...it's Barry too...it's also Tom!

Barry is in a world of his own when it comes to smells...he is the smell of a mechanic...the smell of Ivory soap, clean laundry, my babies, grilled cheese, microwave popcorn, car cleaning products, freshly cut grass, the smell of the dirt after working in the yard, the smell of paint, polyurethane, propane, Aqua Net, MGD, food on the grill, they all remind me of him.

Brandon is Baby Magic (forever, it will remind me of his first bath), Crayola crayons, the smell of that awful blanket which I could sleep with nightly just to be close to him, baby breath, the smell of the soil being turned over by an enormous tractor...an amazing smell! The smell of chocolate makes me think of him, the smell of vanilla ice cream, and hot dogs, cotton candy, mud...they're all pure BRANDON to me!

Katie is Chanel No. 5...she LOVES it, nail polish, nail polish remover, fruit snacks, pretzels, cheese, & Lavender baby shampoo, baby lotion, ketchup, baby powder, strawberry, green beans, Kraft macaroni & cheese, fruit snacks, bananas & MILK.

My mommy-in-law is the smell of a great big juicy turkey, a nice bottle of wine, Windex, the smell of blush...it does have a smell, Suave hairspray, the smell of a BURNT hot dog, sweet things make me think of her...not only because she's sweet...but because she & Brandon share a sweet tooth...& are equally skinny so they can indulge.

The smell of Citizens Bank Park, Apricot Ale, the subway, Acqua, 2 eggs over medium with a side of bacon & potatoes, a Colonial burger, a new beer, a slice from Sal's, Dove pit stick, hair gel, minty chewing gum, the smell of a just opened cd, of a really great hoagie, or a soft pretzel...they're all smells that bring me back to superb moments in time with my very best friends!

I can still smell Sammy, Joanne will forever be Beautiful by Estee, the smell of mums is Trish, Barb is Red Door without a second thought...it astounds me how something in your nose can affect your heart so deeply...but it does.

My heart pounds when I smell these things...they make me think of all of you...they make me laugh & smile...& sometimes look back with a heavy heart, wanting to be the little girl who can snuggle the scratchy wool sweater of the man that smells like beer & Old Spice. I want to have one more walk on the beach with my Granddad, I want him to see Brandon & Kate again. I want the people to know their smells...to know that for as long as I live, these silly things will be them to me & it means the world to walk by some stranger & be back in that moment because of a smell. You're all there...living in my heart...thru my weirdly shaped nose & I wouldn't have it any other way.

SMELL YOU LATER!!

so it's been a while...

2007-09-05T17:47:00.000-05:00

i keep meaning to write...to tell you all about how perfect & beautiful the last days of summer truly were...but then something else comes along that requires Mommy's immediate attention. Today...this was it all day...my MAN...my sweet boy! He's officially a first grader & a beautiful, sweet, sensitive one at that! Today...I had multiple epiphany's...this boy...makes me a better human being, this I know!
This was Bran & Kate on one of the last days of summer 2007...just these happy, giggly little creatures that see the amazement in laying in soft grass that tickles your toes through your flip flops...I swear to you all...we just laid there on that blanket (thanks ABC) for hours that day...laughing & coloring & being the 3 of us!! One of my favorite things about a Saturday...is I get ME time with the 2 of them...just the 3 of us! Then I get rescued just in time...LOL! Seriously though...this was one of those perfect days...one I know for the rest of my life I'll be able to hear in the back of my mind...the sounds of the 2 of them...& the smells of them...the love they give me when it's just us...those are the things I LIVE for!!!
Then, somehow, I blinked & today was here...& he kept repeating over his Pop Tart this morning...through the tears he was trying to choke back...I'M NERVOUS...that was all he said...repeatedly...I wanted to scoop him up & run away with him...to tell him Mommy would never make him do anything that scares him...but I can't...this is one of those things...these are those life lessons...sometimes you're scared & nervous about things & you STILL have to do them...they're things you'll love with all of you! I wanted to tell him...those butterflies...they're the things that let you know you're alive...they're not scary...love them...they're the things that let you know good things are ahead...that I hope one day...he'll be saying...I'M NERVOUS to me over a Pop Tart & there will be a beautiful girl getting into a white dress talking to her Mommy...who has those same butterflies! These are all the insane things I think in those moments! I know how much he loves school...how much I loved it...it's just the not knowing what you're about to face that makes him nervous...but that is the good stuff!
So...yeah, I'm sitting here crying now...thinking about how much has changed since this time last year...since just last week...it's an incredible gift Barry has given me...these 2 tiny little people...these 2 little souls that carry my heart in their hands...I can see it beat faster with every new day...with every single step that takes them closer to their beautiful & inevitably brilliant futures (c'mon...it's still me...these kids are gonna be god damn rock stars or something!!!...if i'm too serious for too long i become hysterical...gimme a damn break!!!) But, I do...I feel my heart race...it's a good race, a long hard race...it's the same race Brandon's butterflies are doing...& I can't wait to see what's waiting at the finish line...
run fast little one...just don't squeeze your hand shut too hard...my heart is a very, very sensitive thing...& take your time every so often to stop...& just enjoy the grass tickling your toes through your flip flops...no matter how old you are!

I will love you for my lifetime & far, far beyond, Brandon Alexander Thompson...you, my love...are my reason for being alive!!!

some of Barry's 32nd birthday pics...

2007-08-21T09:58:00.001-05:00

Monday, August 20

2007-08-21T07:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Trish!!! We hope it was perfect! love you to pieces!!!

goodness...

2007-08-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

well...my honey is now 32! thank you all for your birthday wishes!! he had a sweet & quiet birthday...i made the perfect chocolate cake & we had his mom & dad over for cake!

today mooshie & i got up early, took the babies to the diner for breakfast & then we worked Cowtown like it was our DAMN JOB! it was Kate's first trip there to shop...it's clearly a genetic gift i've given my sweet princess...she LOVES to shop...almost as much as mommy...or Aunt Red...ok, maybe not that much! LOL!

tomorrow i'm getting new tires & my car aligned...who knew i was driving a DAMN DEATH TRAP!? ok, barry says he knew i needed new tires...but didn't think they were that bad...i think he knows how much life insurance he's gonna get when i drive off the road in a damn fire ball...that's just my opinion though! not to mention that my steering is so off...that if i take my hand off for a split second, the car makes a HARD right turn...it doesn't "slightly veer" as is usually the case when the alignment needs an adjustment...the car would do DONUTS if i took my hand off the wheel...so...it's being fixed! LOL!!

katie kate got a new giants cheerleading uniform today...she wore it all afternoon...she's so stinking excited...I ADORE THIS LITTLE LADY!!! :) my mini-me!!

brandon lost his second tooth today...i had to yank it out...it was just hanging there by a tiny thread & his permanent tooth has been bursting through behind it for a few weeks now...so i just ripped it out...he's in there now...trying to wait up for the Tooth Fairy...he doesn't know that chick can stay up all nite if she has to...she's done it a million times! ;)

Monday is Trish's 42nd birthday...make sure you all send happy wishes to the birthday fairy for her...i know it's going to be a great birthday...she made barry's day when she called him with deanna singing happy birthday to him...he giggled about it all nite...about how "gay" they were...that's when i know he absolutely LOVES things!!!

catching up...

2007-08-07T17:42:00.000-05:00

so...my date with my hubby...perfect as always! We ended up at the Swedes, had a great dinner, lots of great drinks & even got to listen to a cover band that wasn't half bad...it wasn't entirely good either! The lead singer was this guy in his early-mid 40's who did the white man dance as he screamed the lyrics to some EXCELLENT songs! The song choices were incredible & his band really kicked some ass...but you can't really rock in your "band polo shirt"...right!!??

Sunday, I took my mommy to run some errands & relaxed for the rest of the day...& the rest of the week has been a week...2 more days until Red & I take the kids to the beach...I can NOT WAIT!!! I need a day to unwind in the worst way! It's just been a really weird week!

On a more pleasant note...got a text message from Brent tonite...him & Zach are in Memphis...texted me from GRACELAND!!!! I get goosebumps thinking about it...I want to go back soon...I love it there!!!

And...today is Barb's birthday...she's 33 today! Happy Birthday Barb!! xoxoxoxo

So...aside from the overall creepiness of the week...I'm hanging in there...i love you...i miss you...i'm thinking about you!!!

YOU know who you are! :) ;)

Happy Tuesday my lovelies!!!

how about me...

2007-08-01T07:18:00.001-05:00

my hubby asked me out on a date for Saturday...I'm all excited! I love a nice date!! :)

it's over...

2007-07-31T17:01:00.000-05:00

my birthday is technically over today...where on EARTH did July go?? Coming up next is Barry's (Kurt's is first but he doesn't live in my house...so it's a minor technicality!) His birthday is this Friday...how old will the mighty Captain be?

Heatho is hosting a lovely family BBQ at Casa de DuBrink on the 12th for the boys...my little honey is going to be 32...can you even believe it? I can't...but before ALL of that...I'm having beach time with my girl Red & the kids on 8/10 I'm looking forward to that like a fat kid loves cake! I can't even wait...I'm at my very best with sand between my toes...well...if margaritas were involved & I wasn't called Mommy all day, I'd truly be at my best...but a day at the beach with my girl & our babies...that's good stuff right there!

Tuesday was great, got my Dragon Nest on for lunch (I wish Chinese people would put an "S" in their business names...I always call it the Dragon's Nest...it works better for me!)...that means I'm one day closer to the weekend...one in which I can just relax & just take it easy...at least for now I can...I know of nothing on the schedule & I'm LOVING that fact! This is going to be the first weekend in ages I've got nothing to do...except play on my laptop & make some changes to my FaFa rosters! Loving that business too...you should check it out...I wanna start playing for money...LOL, LOL!

Hoping you're all having a beautiful week...the kids are giggling in Katie's room...they're either starting trouble or having a blast...either way, I better go check it out! Love you all to pieces...thanks again for stopping by...leave some comments...I love knowing you're all still out there!

8/31...date nite at the Swedes...don't forget!

The Best Couple...

2007-07-30T17:59:00.000-05:00

that's the award we won at the DHY Canoe Trip! :) Yep, that's us...the best couple...& 70 other people agree with me! :)

I admit it...I was wrong...yeah, we were soked to the bone & I was terrified that we were in an aluminum boat in a thunder & lightning storm...but I took a second to see the Barry they all see...& I know why I am completely in love with this man! I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard...my face hurt at the end of the day! There really isn't one thing he can't do...his first time canoeing & he rowed that boat like he canoes for a damn living! He was in & out...weaving us among the people who couldn't figure which end of the paddle to use...& laughing hysterically at them the entire time! He was steering & rowing & never once got mad that I was pretty much just there to laugh my ass off!

Of course, today is another story completely...my entire body hurts today...LOL! We never tipped over once, our food stayed dry..which was a miracle...nothing else in a million feet of us was dry at the end of the day! Which made the day even funnier...we looked like a bus full of drowned rats! His co-workers...just phenomenal people...they're so funny & relaxing & just really want it to be one BIG happy family & that's just what it feels like to be with them! I completely adore them all...& can't wait for our next excuse to get together and hang out!

I'm also definitely looking forward to next year's Canoe Trip...& I've got my Paddle Pirates DHY 2007 Canoe Trip t-shirt to wear next year! Just the cutest shirt ever...I can't wait to wear it to work on Friday!

I'm going to bed early again tonite...while I was in bed by 8 last nite...I had the glorious pleasure of listening to my beloved PUKE all nite...he just can't handle the vodka...he wasn't drunk at all...but the jello shots definitely got the best of him...they just waited about 10 hours before they did! My poor baby...he's feeling much better today...just his back is sore- not a bad gig for a man who rowed a boat for about 4 hours!

another one down...

2007-07-24T16:32:00.000-05:00

one day closer to the Canoe Trip...not sure yet if that's a good thing or a bad one! While I'm very excited about spending an entire day with Barry just the 2 of us...no Mommy & Daddy...just us! I'm superbly nervous about being the girliest girl anyone has ever met & trying to remain calm...I don't do canoes, I don't do sports, I don't DO HELMETS, I certainly don't do pissing in the woods...or worse yet...Port 'o Potties!

I'm already contemplating how I'll react to a broken nail...or TAN LINES! I'm sure some sort of life jacket comes along with this territory...in case I become knocked unconscious before I hit the rapids...let me just say...if that happens & I kick the bucket (we already signed the waivers saying we wouldn't sue if loss of life happens...sounds like a good time to me)...don't let them recover my body! Who the hell wants to be laid out with tan lines, a broken nail & what's left of the helmet hair I'm sure to incur! Seriously...how much fun is a day with your love when waivers releasing the company you're "relaxing" with have to be signed in case you croak or...become a capper!

Do wheelchairs come in pink??? What will become of the other half of the Solid Gold Dancers if one of us gets wheels due to an unfortunate Canoe accident...how do you say...don't mind my chair...I was living on the edge...in a damn canoe?? I'm clearly not canoe material!!

What happened to him romancing me with a fun trip to New Orleans...now that's a good time! How about Vegas...CANOEING!?! I'm not going to be the bitchy whiny me you all know & mostly hate...I've been very brave to him...sure, honey...sounds like fun in my best "work phone" voice...the one people always say is just too sweet...at one point, Winters asked me if honey were dripping from my throat I was so sickening...but I've been sweet!

Encouraging him to embrace his new work friends...this is a new side of Barry...wanting to be out in public...with virtual strangers...wanting to make new friends...enjoying it even...so...I'll trudge on...I guess strappy heels...or flip flops are out of the question...what does one wear to die in a canoe? I want to look good for the rescue team! :)

It will be fun...once I get done busting balls...the last time I met them all...Barry's boss SWORE the following Tuesday that he introduced me to someone at the party as his girlfriend...& she grilled him, FIERCELY...& said she had every intention of telling his wife if she'd found out he was cheating...I love her for that! & Red says I should take it as a compliment...that I'm hot enough to be the other woman...so I'm going...& I plan on telling them all how much I hate his wife...& I really am his girlfriend...the wife is home with his kids...LOL! I gotta say...they were awfully sweet for a bunch of people who thought I was the dirty whore he drags around behind his old lady's back...LOL!

So...they're sweet people even if they think you're a skank who's the side piece...I love them for that...I hope I'm just being a big chicken...& I get to tell you all on Monday that you should polish up your canoe helmets & get ready to dig a hole in the ground to piss in because I'm booking us a canoe trip!

Hope you've got fun plans this weekend...Dawn is having Girl's Weekend...some much needed time with her peeps from PA...they invited me like the lovey girls they are...I probably wouldn't need a helmet for anything other than the initiation...but I could have handled that! ha ha ha...

Red & I are gonna plan our day at the beach with the babies for one day within the next 2 weeks...I hear the sea calling my name as I write...I love the ocean so much...& it's a great excuse to eat funnel cake...so is the rodeo...LOL!

Happy Tuesday, lovers...hope you are thinking of all the nice things you want to say at my funeral...don't forget to throw in some rock n roll...& some profanity...I'll love you immensely for it!!!

THANK GOD FOR LINDSAY LOHAN GETTING BUSTED TODAY...i'm now in second place in my celebrity gossip pool!!! ATTA GIRL LiLo!!!!

Happy Saturday...

2007-07-21T10:37:00.000-05:00

well, aside from my massive cramps (I'm waiting until after NOON to have a glass of wine with my Motrin) it's a perfect weekend day...the weather is absolutley perfect!!

The kids are playing together & being nice about it...for now! Aunt Heatho is here...to drop off reinforcements & get her chairs for the DuBrink party today...& to peruse my newest People magazine!

Today...I want to be a boy...the fabulous manicure might make people look at me twice...but I hate this time of the month!!! Boys should have this pleasure...we have to give birth! Damn men!

Hoping Dawn has luck car shopping today...& anxiously awaiting our visit either today or tomorrow with Aunt Red!!

Happy Saturday...hope you have a cramp free weekend!

33

2007-07-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

What a perfect few days we had at Club Thompson this past weekend! I have the most amazing & generous friends and family a girl could ask for! I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for an incredible birthday!

Saturday, Barry, Margie, Brandon & myself had a killer time at our very first Crab Out...I'm already looking forward to next year! The food was superb...so were the people. Zach, Dezi & Brent have the funniest friends...the stories I could tell about when Barry & I went back at 11 would have you in hysterics! Brandon, Ethan & I swam in the pool until I couldn't feel my toes anymore...it was just a little bit chilly out!!! It was so cold that when Barry & I went back, I was wearing jeans & a sweatshirt!!!

Then came Sunday...my 33rd birthday! It was a day I will never forget. I felt so special, loved & appreciated all day! I haven't had a birthday party since J.W. threw me my Sweet 16...yeah, it's been a while! To me...birthdays are this magical thing...it's the day you came & blessed me with your presence...so I always go way overboard...& Margie did that for me this year! I can't thank her enough for the perfect pink day...I also can't thank Red enough(not only for the bangin' pasta salad & her gracious gift...loves you...) but for just being you! You're both more important to me than you'll ever realize, I'm certain. I love you both for the rest of my life!

Meggie...the cake was gorgeous...& I love that you let Brandon & Katie help! Heatho...as always... making your list & checking it twice...u rock! Kelly & AJ...we miss you both so much...it was great having you there to laugh & play with! My incredible in-laws...where to start...Pop mowed the lawn, delivered chairs & tables...Mom made my absolute favorite potato salad ever & baked beans for Barry...no easy task...& was there being her beautiful loving self all day! Mom came to preach to us all about whatever she could...& we loved her being there...being Mom again!

Dawn & Kevin made it out to the first of many shindigs at Club Thompson & brought Savanna & Josh (Slip N Slide King of the Universe!)...which made Brandon, Katie & Tyler so happy!! I love hearing them play & laugh so much...it's one of my very favorite sounds! I love that Dawn is comfortable with my girls...that she's just one of us!

The usual suspects were there...Captain Kurt- Heathos' better half, Stevie, JoAnn & Myles...Gary & Tara with Jake & McKenzie (she's just so tiny), Uncle Teeve of course, Brucie, Celie, Zach & Dezi, Brent & Noel...I was just surrounded by love all day...I laughed so hard...had a quiet moment with my girls...talking about beautiful memories from our long past...of course I ended up crying!!!

I just think about that day & I'm so grateful...to all of you, for everything...I'm looking forward to at least 33 more great years of parties!!

Let me not forget to mention...Evel Kenievel Thompson & his crazy bike tricks...he's got some great scabs & the 4 of us laid in my bed last night having "story time" where the kids like to make up stories...they always start with "Once Upon A Time" or as Kate says..."Once upon A Story" & are usually something that happened with the details completely wrong...Kate nailed every moment of Bran's stunt about 5 times...that kept being her story...I think it's one of those things that's going to mentally scar her...LOL!

Thank YOU all...for a perfect way to welcome my 33rd year! I love you more than words will ever express!!

Happy Wednesday...sweets!!!

pics from Sunday...

2007-07-18T10:13:00.001-05:00

so pretty...

2007-07-13T07:57:00.000-05:00

Do you see the shock that I'm actually documenting this event??

I couldn't yell at her...I was the idiot that left the nail polish on the coffee table...& once I got it up off of the hardwood floors (& stopped crying out of fear that it wouldn't come up & I was actually going to be the one in trouble with Daddy instead of Katie) I found the humor & beauty in the situation!

I did learn that red nail polish doesn't come off of skin very well...which I assume is why my manicurist always takes it off immediately...she's still got a couple of pink spots this morning...her right foot looks like she's got some type of skin affliction!

She was so afraid by the mess she'd made that I was going to yell at her...OR EXPLODE right before her eyes...that she just kept apologizing. Once I hugged her & told her it was all Mommy's fault (but that she should NEVER touch nail polish again) her response was..."Isn't it so pretty, Mommy?!" ...& you know what...it totally was...she was gorgeous & perfect & 2!

I learned that Katie loves I'm Not Really A Waitress as much as I do...I just have to get a new bottle now...LOL!

Happy Friday the 13th my sweeties!!!!

oops...

2007-07-11T07:56:00.000-05:00

so Kate didn't want the side bars on her big girl bed...at 4:40 a.m. I realized that was a mistake...the poor little sweetie was rudely awakened by what I'm sure was the shock of her little life (not that you'd know it by how her brother reacts in the same situation...) she fell out of bed! Now...her floor is the only one upstairs that is carpeted & Barry did fold up our old comforter & lay it on the floor next to her bed..."just in case"...but you knew how soundly she was sleeping by the great wails that were coming down the hall. I swear to God, I thought someone was in the house trying to take her...or something equally terrifying!

I don't know what came over me...Barry said the first entire cry didn't even make it out of her before I was up, running down the hall in the pitch black of nite & hollering, yet whispering at the same time..."Mommy's coming, baby!" She was just so shocked by the entire thing...she just looked at me like...who the HELL is screwing with me & how did they make me fall!

I scooped her up, snuggled her, got her some water & she was asleep in my arms in seconds. I swear to you...that cry...I can still hear it...I couldn't even imagine what was happening to my little angel...& where was the man I love you're all quietly wondering...her favorite man, Daddy of the UNIVERSE in this little girl's eyes??? In bed...just rolled over & went back to sleep...I couldn't sleep for about half an hour...just laying there...like the over-protective Mommy I am...thinking about my Kate & how I was certain some sort of tragedy had been averted by my running like a total idiot in the darkness! (well...that & the fact that i was so damn out of breath from panicking...& the smoking i'm sure...LOL...that it probably took that long for my heart to stop throbbing in my chest like a 13 year old in 1988 who had just gotten her New Kids On The Block "Hangin' Tough" album autographed by the entire band! & yes, I googled that to make sure my dates were accurate...1988...WTF...wasn't that YESTERDAY???)

On the other hand...my big man, Brandon- he falls out of bed at least once a week...on to the hardwood floor & doesn't even flinch...we hear the thud of what I'm sure is either a boney knee, elbow...or his noggin hitting the floor & just know it's someone's turn to go put the man back in bed. The child doesn't even wake up...or remember it in the morning...some woman is going to have the shit scared out of her weekly...the lucky thing! :)

That's it...the latest adventure at Club Thompson...Happy Wednesday!

my little sweet lady...

2007-07-10T10:23:00.000-05:00

well...it's official...my baby is a big girl now! Here's the sweetest little girl I know...all tucked in...snug as a bug in a rug in her big girl bed!

where does the time go???

stay cool...Happy Tuesday!

Club Gill

2007-07-09T07:25:00.000-05:00

last nite...around 7ish...we went to Club Gill...& what an amazing time we had!!! Brandon & Ethan were like 2 little fishies...I bet Brandon will be swimming all on his own by the end of summer! Katie rocked her new Cowgirl hat & her Dora Cowboy boots...it was the funniest little outfit ever!

I didn't get out of that pool until after 10...I could just swim for days! Kate loved the hottub...she's all girl that one! Barry didn't get to come in...Kate was only in the actual pool for about 10 minutes...she said the water was too cold...it wasn't!

But, we had a great time hanging with the newly engaged Zach & Dezi, Mr. & Mrs. Gill, Ethan & his other Grandmom...they're some incredible people...we've got great neighbors!!! We were laughing & splashing for hours...I told Barry I want a pool...his response was...you have one...it's at The Gill's house!! :)

Still have water in my ears...it'll be there for days...you would think that after almost 33 years with these ears I'd remember to get some earplugs...the water just never drains out of them right...but, it doesn't really matter...I LOVE to swim & hadn't done it since October...I felt like I was 6 again...playing with the boys & impressing Brandon with my ability to "go in the deep end!" Good times...good times! So looking forward to doing it again on Saturday!

Happy Monday my sweets...

i want to be a Cowboy...

2007-07-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

Cowtown Rodeo is THE COOLEST thing do around here!! The kids had so much fun that when we got home around 10:30 they were still awake...they didn't fall asleep in the truck on the way home...they didn't even stop talking about what they liked best.

Katie liked her new pink hat best (thanks to our buddy, Dawn!) & the bucking broncos...when the men fell in the dirt! Brandon's favorite part was when they were doing steer wrestling...even though he though you might have to be stupid to do such a thing! :)

The kids loved seeing Savanna & Josh...& I was happy to have a little time with my girl Dawn. Both of our men were working but it turned out great...I had Pop Pop there & her Mom & Dad were there...someone to watch the kids when we wanted to take a walk, grab a puh & pick up a little funnel cake! LOL!

We decided next time we do it...no kids & I think we need to tailgate like those other people... & we need to start our day at the Cowtown market...I just love to do that!

It's a great time, folks...the people are so sweet & get really excited..you just can't help but get caught up in the excitement! We didn't know what we were cheering for...but loved it anyway! Check it out...you'll thank me for it...it's just too much stinking fun...& you can't get a Saturday night out for that cheap ANYWHERE else!

I think our next adventure is going to be the Delsea Drive-In...I've never been there...but Char says it totally ROCKS...we'll have to see, I havent been to the Drive-In since I was a little girl! Yes, I'm quite aware...it's been a very long time since then...LOL!

Happy Sunday, my loves...hope you have a fun day...it's going to be a HOT one!

Zach & Dezi...

2007-07-06T08:13:00.000-05:00

got engaged last nite!! It's just been a beautiful July so far!! Trish, Mike & kids are on their way to their cruise...the pool table ROCKS...we're going to the RODEO with the Crowdings & the in-laws on Saturday...it's just the most perfect month EVER!!!!

LOVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy July...

2007-07-03T10:14:00.001-05:00

yep...you know how I feel about July...it's all MINE! It's my birthday all month!!! It started with a bang!!!

I had an incredible nite out with my girls on Saturday...Dawn felt right at home which is all I ever expect from my ladies! She fits right in...not that I ever had a doubt, she & I were like peanut butter & jelly the first night we hung out! Meggie loved her...so much that she let her witness her puking...LOL! Mooshie is TAN AS HELL...& we got to see Tia which was such an amazing treat! Red & Meghan even made it out after a long nite the nite before...they've still got crazy skills!
Brent was his usual charming & beautiful self, treating my ladies just as well as he treats me...always the sweetie pie! And of course, Zach was there to round out my group of favorites from the Swedes! (also to invite Dawn & I back to Club Gill...only to stand us up & then harrass me when we didn't stick around!)

Our evening of laughing, drinking, eating & enjoying pretty boys was ended the ONLY way a perfect nite can end...AT THE COLONIAL DINER! I swear I felt 21 again...until I ran into 2 of my kids from Walnut...who are now 21!!! But, Justin did make a point to tell me I'm even more beautiful now then I was when he was a student!! THAT ROCKED!!!! So...my birthday is coming along beautifully...I feel great...hoping the next 33 years are this great!

Yesterday the guys came to put the pool table together...it's gorgeous! So, we had a super fun nite...I had serious flashbacks to the old days at the VCI watching Barry play pool...of course, then it wasn't with our son...but it was still very nostalgic for me...& he still gets that sparkle in his eye when he sees me watching him play pool...just like he did way back when! It was adorable...& he's still got it! I'm not half bad myself...having the 1st annual July 3rd pool tournament tonite (really, Barry was talking shit to Zach last nite so we're gonna play in the bar & relax!)

Looks like the Thompson BBQ for tomorrow is cancelled...can't BBQ with no grill...now I'm gonna be starving...GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! I was so looking forward to Thompson burgers & strawberry salad! Not enough time in the day to get everything done lately...what can you do!?

Hoping you all have a very Happy 4th of July...remember as you're enjoying your fireworks wherever they are...THEY'RE MINE!!! My Pop used to tell me when I was little & the summer days ran together...they were an early birthday present to me from everyone there watching...it always made me feel like a princess...get in touch with your inner princess this 4th...& enjoy...those fireworks are my gift to you FOR MY BIRTHDAY!

I love you all...say a little prayer as you celebrate our freedoms with those you love most...that God watches over our soldiers & ends this war quickly! & that someone has the common sense to impeach this PIECE OF SHIT turning our country into a communist nation! WTF...how did he commute Scooter Libby & Paris Hilton had to go to jail?????

*getting down off my soapbox now* GO HILLARY!!!!

thursday...thank goodness!!!

2007-06-28T07:09:00.001-05:00

it's been a long week...had an incredible time at the game on Tuesday night & my boys pulled off another great game! I don't remember the last time I laughed that hard, I still giggle thinking about it!

Margie's been able to make some time for myspace while she's been on vacation...it's about damn time!!

Katie has swim day today at daycare...she was all excited to be taking her kini to school this morning. She & I watched 2 bunnies in the yard for about half an hour this morning...she's so sweet. & I just learned last nite that she's not a wild sleeper like Brandon is...she slept in our bed for the very first time...she was "scared of that blunder!" That was one wicked thunder storm that blew in last nite...she was sleeping before it came & it woke her!! It takes a small army to wake Kate so I knew there was going to be no getting her back to sleep!

She just laid there in my arms & let me snuggle her all nite... I've gotta say...I slept great too! Something to be said for being able to hold one of the most precious things in your life for a full 7 hours! I know it's something I'm going to think back on years from now...& just cry over! She let me love her when she was afraid...she didn't want Daddy, she was calling me!!! Where does the time go...

Hug your babies today...no matter how old they are...they're the very best of you!

*only 3 more days!!!!

damn kids...

2007-06-26T07:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, so my little sweet princess cracked her brother in the head with a snowglobe yesterday afternoon...I don't know what on Earth I'm going to do with these 2! Either one of them (ok, Bran) is torturing the other or one of them (ok, Kate) is beating the other! The girl certainly takes no nonsense...but she can't be doing things like that just because he's picking on her! It's going to be a long summer...LOL!

So, tonight I'm getting a small break & going to the Phillies game w/ Norton, Rob & Pat...I can hardly wait!! I can't believe I'm married to a man who thinks baseball is boring...what can you do?? So...GO PHILS!!!!

friday...

2007-06-25T10:11:00.000-05:00

I went to the doctor, they checked me out...said things appear normal...but did a biopsy anyway...just to be sure! Not exactly the most fun I've had in a while...I wish Barry had been there, it was a little scary...I wasn't expecting that though. So... I went home instead of to work; like I had planned.

I went directly to bed where I spent most of my weekend. My mom was a huge help & came to take care of the kids for me on Saturday...that was so great of her. She & Bran were having a discussion about grandparents...she said something about being his Grandmom & he said...No, my Grandmom is in Washington, DC with Aunt Flo. Out of the mouths of babes...

The kids are great, Barry is incredible...the bar is looking fantastic...the VELVET ELVIS is on the wall!! :)

my goodness...

2007-06-20T07:21:00.000-05:00

it's been one of those weeks!!! We had a beautiful weekend...3 amazing parties & we got to hang out over at Club Gill for a bit on Friday nite!!

One of my boys at work, Chris...gets married this Friday...so I've been hustling around trying to get things ready for his lunch at Toscana today & his wedding shower this afternoon...I'm exhausted! I do love getting to shop while I'm at work though!! Wishing Chris & Rachel the BEST always!!!

Got to meet McKenzie Sandy last nite...what a little sweetie pie! We also met their puppy Holly...Katie's not a fan AT ALL! I've never in my life seen her react like that...she was so afraid & screaming that it made poor Holly pee all over the house...then when I went out to tell the poor puppy she wasn't bad & to reassure Katie that Mommy could go play with the puppy & she would be nice...the poor little thing started peeing all over the deck...I guess she thought I was the one shreiking or something...I felt awful...but it's a sweet little puppy!!!

So looking forward to 6/30...& my girls!!! I LOVE LADIES NITE!!! Then on 7/7 we'll be getting our Cowtown Rodeo on...LOVE IT!!! I think Gary & Tara & kids may be down with that too...let me know if anyone else is interested!!! Our summer calendar is just filling right up...it's going to be so much fun!!

Hope you're all having a great week...sorry it's been so long since I've written...it's been insane!!!

school days...

2007-06-13T12:59:00.000-05:00

it's Anthony's GRADUATION DAY!!!! I am so proud of my nephew!! I'm not really sure how we ended up here...with ANOTHER nephew old enough to be graduating from High School...but Deptford High should be proud...they've managed to get rid of 2 of Trish's boys with much less trouble than any of their uncles caused at Kingsway! LOL!! Not only is he SUPER handsome & intelligent...but now he's old enough for NO MORE SCHOOL!!! :) Deanna must be so jealous...I am...but for the oposite reason...I loved high school & there were no bills to pay back then in the early 90's!

then...there's Brandon & his last day of Kindergarten tomorrow...UGH! Yesterday, I had a half day & got to go spend my afternoon with him & his friends (& mine) at school for Mrs. Nicely's retirement party from her kids! I love seeing him play with all of his friends when he thinks I'm not watching! Then, we picked up Kate & went to play at the Crowdings house until 7:30 ish...I think Dawn & I had as much fun as the kids...Kate went straight to bed when we got home...I knew she was more feisty than usual...she just loves Savanna (you couldn't tell yesterday, she was torturing the poor sweet thing...at one point she wouldn't even let her in her own house!) But her favorite thing was CAESAR...they have a dog...& Katie was amazed!

Then we got a call from Gary letting us know all about Tara & their new princess...Mackenzie came into the world on June 12th at 2:30 p.m. & is a perfect little lady...I can't wait to get my hands on her! He says everything was great & both of his girls are doing very well! Kayla & Jake have a new baby sister...it's just amazing, isn't it!!??

so...I'm sitting here reflecting on how quickly the time flies...& how I've managed to watch it happen and not age a single day...ha ha ha ha ha! I kill me sometimes!!! I think kids are the fountain of youth...I can't get enough of them!

So, tomorrow at 1:20 p.m.~ Summer is Officially here...God...feeling that freedom & remembering the goosebumps you got when that last bell rang for the entire year...knowing you could sleep as late as you wanted to that next day...my Bran will know the beauty of summer vacation in just a few hours!

I hope he learns to appreciate not only those lazy summer days...but the fireflies...and the mosquito bites...and the great burgers...and the fireworks that will be here shortly...most importantly the endless hours he gets to be by his best friend's side for the next few months! I hope he puts these days in his mental safe...they are the days he will cherish when he's my age...the days he spent walking hand in hand with his Pop Pop!

...he's been looking forward to that since Christmas vacation...I envy them both for the incredible summer vacation they're about to have TOGETHER!!!

ANTHONY FAVACCHIA...I AM SO PROUD OF YOU & SO LUCKY THAT I GET TO BE YOUR AUNT!! You have made us all so happy...you're a beautiful young man & you're hot as hell...just like your Uncle Barry! LOL! (i couldn't end mushy...it's so not me!!!) Tell Mikey...that new quad...it would make a SWEET graduation present to his little brother!!! :)

Katie Kate...

2007-06-11T08:46:00.001-05:00

may just be a stunt woman when she grows up...she was the first person to fall down the stairs to the basement...& she did it with such skill & grace! I can joke about it now...since she's not hurt & the palpitations in my heart have stopped!!!

I was sitting downstairs on the computer last night & she was outside with Daddy, Brandon & My...next thing I knew I heard this noise...& I knew it was a child...coming down the steps...& NOT IN THE PROPER POSITION! All I thought was whoever it is is going to either split their skull on the bottom of the fire place or bash their brains against the pole at the bottom of the stairs!

Something came over me...as Bran says...my spidey senses were tingling...& my cat-like reflexes (ok...hippo-like reflexes) kicked in & I caught her as she bounced off the 3rd step from the bottom...she nailed every other step... all the way down...before Mommy rescued her! She was twisting & turning sideways...never in my life have I seen someone fall like that...I tell you...the kid is no joke!

She was so stunned when I finally had her that she couldn't even cry...she was shocked...her tiny little heart pounded for a good 15 minutes as she clung to me...she did finally cry when she tasted the blood on her tongue (she bit it)...but other than that...she wanted to calm ME down...I was hysterical!

That little lady is one tough cookie!!! Thank GOD she's ok! I'm thinking the Ladybug will be avoiding the basement steps for a while...I hope so anyway!

Happy Monday!!!

Tom Hanks

2007-06-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

he isn't...but, my little man got up his nerve & partially sang for the last act in his theatrical debut!!! I giggled to myself when Mrs. Nicely said," I saw three calicos!" Mostly because I could have said it...or Katelyn could have said it...or Aunt Kelly could have said it...or Pop Pop could have said it...we've all heard it so much!! But, my little Thompson man..is all Barry!!! He walked into that room & started singing "It's Snowing Cats & Dogs"...& I watched it happen in slow motion from behind my video camera!!!

First was the instant blushing...that happens in little patches, first the cheeks...then the ears...then the beads of sweat form on his sweet little upper lip & I instantly want to run to him...I can be heard saying "UH OH!" from behind the camera! Then those big brown Hershey's kisses he has for eyes get even bigger...if you can imagine that!!! & they begin to dart around the room of about 50 parents & grandparents...he's looking frantically...from my view (zoomed in so his little heart can almost be seen beating out of his chest like Uncle Brian used to beat a drum...) I see him begin to evaporate into panic!!!

He sees Grandmom & Pop Pop...he's panicking...he makes eye contact with Dawn & Kevin...he's panicking...he finds Zach (who happens to be sitting right in front of me..but HE NEVER SAW ME UNTIL ALMOST THE END!)...he's panicking...I see him fixate on Aunt Red & Aunt Kelly...who are immediately to my right & it happens...the chest is heaving, the tears are flowing & he is sweating like Tony Soprano on a treadmill!

Mrs. Nicely motions to him that he can come sit with her & he runs to her...I kind of expected it...but he was just so excited & wanted me to be proud of him...of course, I AM...I know how he is (I was even shocked that he could walk into that room knowing how he feels about crowds)...he's not me & while I don't always understand it...I can feel his pain as if it were my own...in those moments I can almost read his mind!

So, I watched this play..so proud of them all...Ethan was amazing...Josh spoke so loudly & clear...Danielle was adorable & her Mommy felt so bad for Bran you could see it in her smile at him when she congratulated him on a job well done...(for those of you who don't know...Barry was in Beginners with Tracy...Danielle's Mommy..so I'm sure she's used to the shy Thompson routine...LOL! They grew up together!) AJ did well...Johnny (who held Brandon's hand so tightly when he finally did get back up there was remarkable!) They all ROCKED!!!

I sat there...recording them all...my heart breaking for his fear...watching Mrs. Nicely on occasion bend over & ask him if he'd like to go back up & join his friends...& then...the tears started all over again in the middle of the show...& this time his entire little body is shaking (when I asked him about it while we watched the video from the safety of our living room...he told me he wanted to go back up THEN, because it was his favorite song...but he didn't want to interrupt! Which he wouldn't have...Mrs. Nicely just wants these kids to be happy...& doesn't care what it takes!)

& then...right before it's over...on the very last song...I'm zoomed in on Ethan & these little white paper cat ears pop onto my screen...& there HE is...singing & scanning the crowd all over again...then...he sees someone he thinks he recognizes (maybe if my video camera wasn't from 1999, it would be smaller & I wouldn't be completely unrecognizable behind it!) I lower the camera just a tiny bit...& THERE IT IS...THE MONEY SHOT...he actually smiles at me...it's on camera & it is SO worth it...for a few seconds we hold a silent stare & we're sharing this moment of what I know is a GREAT accomplishment for my man just among ourselves...the room might as well have been empty!

I know the fear he's breathing in...his anxiety is the same adrenaline rush I get from being in the spotlight...for every ounce of fright...I have the opposite feeling...his pain is my absolute glory! But...he's doing it...he's taking one more step...one moment closer to being Brandon Alexander Thompson...& not my baby anymore!

I swear to you all....as I'm sitting here telling you this..(& yes, I'm crying...) I can't possibly say it one more time this year...but I'm positive I will...I was so proud of him...so blessed to have been there to see him take one baby step out of that shell of fear he's got around him...this little man was put on this Earth for so many amazing things, things I'm sure I can't imagine just yet...but most importantly; (right now anyway) to let me see that while I'm a girl who can thrive in any situation...it's those sweet souls who need a more gentle hand to hold...or a soft smile to welcome them... into what I know is a wonderful world of adventure!

I am so looking forward to showing this amazing man I've raised (20 years from now)...that moment...that adorable little play...& those 8 seconds of video when the world was only about me & Brandon again...(I used to tell Barry when I was pregnant that no matter what happened in the future...I was always going to know Brandon longer...that he was JUST MINE for 9 months...& for those 8 seconds that he looked at me & smiled...he was just mine again!!)

Friday night, Dawn invited us to watch Josh play in his all-star baseball game...to our great surprise & pleasure...Ethan was also playing...so, me, Brandon & Katie got to hang with the Gills & Crowdings again...twice in 1 day...we are so lucky! I absolutely love the Gills...(although Zach didn't invite me to Club Rathof until after midnight lastnight...old folks my age are already in bed by then!) And, I was right about the Crowdings...we're becoming friends fast...we just fit together! Josh, Ethan & Johnny are some serious baseball players...they need to start practicing with Brandon now...we'll all have a great time watching them play high school baseball together! The night ended pretty quickly after the baseball game...it was 8:40 ish & Kate decided she wanted Dippy's...as you know...her bedtime is between 7:30 & 8...so she had a complete meltdown...we did get to rush her to the car before anyone but Zach saw her lose her cool...but he's a regular over here at Club Thompson...he's seen that happen quite a few times...LOL! Brandon was bummed at her & said we should have left her home alone...he wanted to play baseball on the field with his buddies...I think we might be able to get him to play next year! :)

I'll write more about our weekend tomorrow...but, Friday was close to perfection...I am so deeply touched by this little man..he's just phenomenal!!!

much love...a

Soupy Island...& the GYNO (should be a band LOL)

2007-06-06T09:16:00.000-05:00

well, he had an amazing time...the weather stayed beautiful & today is going to be even better! Bran & Josh loved Soupy Island!! :) You should all go at least once...I love it there!

Barry's waiting to find out when the pool table will get put together...I'll keep you posted!

Kate's been her precocious self...I just love that little lady to pieces!

For those of you I've been complaining to about my unbearable girl issues...I just got off of the phone w/ the gyno...6/22 at 9:15 a.m. I'm going!!

I haven't been to see them since my checkup after having Kate...so we'll see what they say! Me getting my yucky visitor again last nite was the final straw...I thought Barry was going to beat me! :) He came to bed to find me snuggling my heating pad (which I brought to work today...LOL) & asked me what I was doing...when I told him it was back...after just visiting 11 days ago (I guess he's keeping track for me too now...can you even imagine!!!)...he INSISTED I call the doctor today! I think it's hysterical to see a man who can't even stand the sight of a box of tampons say...CALL THE DOCTOR TOMORROW OR YOU'RE IN BIG TROUBLE, MISSY!

I know...you're all thinking I'm a lunatic...I should have done this months ago...or at least taken up stock in Playtex since I've been getting it about every 2 weeks & it's always miserable & painful...but I'm a girl who hates a doctor! Hence the miserable pics of me at Kate's first birthday party...where I had a 104 degree fever & ended up in the hospital for 9 days after...LOL!

Life's just too busy to take time for me...my babies are what really matters...to that Barry replied...if you drop dead, they won't know they matter...WAY TO LOW BALL A GIRL INTO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT! :) But, I'm going...let's just hope they're going to say I'm beat & this is my new cycle! HA HA HA...one can hope...nothing's wrong, I'm sure...that's what I'm going to be telling myself anyway!

On a more pleasant note...the countdown is on for Brandon's theatrical debut...hoping he remains calm...he's amazed me so far this year...looking forward to adding one more item to the list of incredible things he's accomplished with the help of Mrs. Nicely!! I'm sad Kate won't have the opportunity to learn from her...but since she taught Uncle Brucie...who I'm pretty sure will be turning 36 (?) this year...she deserves a break! :)

Happy Wednesday, loves...if you need to call a doctor because something has been going on & you're avoiding...like I always do...do me a favor & call for an appointment...BECAUSE I LOVE YOU ALL DEARLY & want to grow old with you!!!

sending kisses... a

hope you're getting thirsty...

2007-06-05T07:12:00.000-05:00

Barry finished the floor in the bar last nite...calling the guys to get the pool table put together today!! Things are looking good in the BAR!!! :)

Brandon is on his way to Soupy Island in a little bit...I'll write more tonite...after I find out what an incredible time they had!

Happy Tuesday my loves!! xoxo

our weekend...

2007-06-04T08:54:00.001-05:00

Well, our introductory BBQ at Brandon's little buddy Josh's house was a total blast!!! The kids had so much fun!! Brandon actually went swimming in the "big kid" pool & is looking forward to doing it again really soon!! Barry & I had a great time too...it was nice meeting Dawn & Kevin (Josh's Mommy & Daddy) and some of their friends...and making new friends! Katie loved Savanna...Josh's little sister...so it looks like we've got even more amazing neighbors over at Club Thompson!! We're just so lucky!! They're so much like all of our friends we've known forever that it was great!

You know how shy Barry usually is...how he can sit there & just be quiet & take in his surroundings...& I can always sense how it makes him uncomfortable (it must be from raising Brandon who is just like his Daddy...) there really wasn't one instant of that on Saturday! I knew that he would be comfortable with the Crowdings...I could just tell by how warm & real Dawn was with me...& how cute she is when she talks about Brandon...it reminds me of listening to Red talk about him! She just talks about him like he's the sweetest little man...& like he's already part of their family...the way you always want people to feel about your children...like they're as precious as their own!

So, my new friend is going to be a fast friend...who knew that at almost 33 you could make a new friend & know that they're going to fit in with the rest of your life-long friends perfectly! My girls are just going to love Dawn...& the rest of the Crowdings...& let me say...her girls...just as sweet as my own...it's like they're the "Others" version of us...so welcoming & made me feel like I'd been around forever as well...it kicked ass!!

Then...Sunday was here..the kids slept in...until after 9!!! You're reading that correctly...the partying over at Chez Crowding had them all worn out!! We painted some more of the bar & Barry & Brian got the basement bathroom almost entirely put back together! It was a great Sunday morning treat to have Uncle Brian stop by...we're hoping next time he comes over he brings Aunt Barbie & Darius with him...we just love them to pieces!!! Brandon just thinks Darius is the coolest kid around...& I happen to agree with him! So sweet & handsome...his parents have everything in the universe to be proud of...he's just an outstanding example of a gentleman...the kind of kid I'm hoping Brandon turns out to be!

Trevor's first birthday party was a hit! I'm stunned by the fact that the baby in my group of friends in 1 already! Where did that year go?? & how on Earth am I so lucky to have these people in my life??

Andrea's mother...in the few hours that she was with my son yesterday moved me to tears...he didn't stop talking about Aunt Jody & how "smart" she made him feel. His exact quote was...,"She never told me HA HA when I couldn't make it go like Mom Mom does!" That made me very sad for him...that he feels teased by my mom & her reverse psychology...something my sisters & I have grown to realize is just her way! He wants to go play with Aunt Jody again SOON...& I'm remembering (in his amazement with her) why I have always loved her as deeply as I do! She was ALWAYS the mother I turned to with any problem...with any bit of good news...with any ANYTHING that I knew as a mother; SHE would have the perfect reaction to! She has NEVER let me down...even in moments when I was afraid of the reaction I'd get...I could always trust that it would be an honest & supportive reaction no matter what. She has always believed in me...even when I didn't! She has always trusted that I would make the right decision & has held my hand & hugged me in the moments I needed it most! The pictures I have of her holding my son on the day he was born, of me getting ready at her house on my wedding day...of her making the perfect birthday dinner...they are priceless...they are Jody Carr and they are OUTSTANDING!!! She raised the most phenomenal woman...who in return is kind and loving & supportive of everything I have ever done...Jody...I thank you for my sweet Red...& for making her the perfect miniature version of you...SUPER MOM!!! I am blessed by you both more than either of you will ever know...& I am more grateful for you than words will EVER be able to express!!

Bran is home sick today with Daddy & Kate...hoping he feels better for Soupy Island tomorrow & that the rain stops...so they can actually go!!

Thank you my friends...New & Old (not old...as in age...as in...I've loved you forever) for a perfect weekend...looking forward to MILLIONS more with all of you! Hugs & Kisses...happy first full week of JUNE!!!!!

xoxoxo

Happy Birthday...

2007-05-30T07:44:00.000-05:00

to our sweet little buddy Trevor!!! Hoping it's a perfect day for the Choyce family...can't wait to see pics of his first big boy haircut!!!

The week is flying by & we're looking forward to his BIG PARTY on Sunday!!! We love you all so much!

Hugs & kisses from the Thompsons!!! xoxoxoxo

just got up from my nap...

2007-05-28T14:13:00.000-05:00

yes, it's been one of those weekends...I'M OFFICIALLY NOT AS YOUNG AS I ONCE WAS!!! I tried my absolute hardest not to believe it...but it's the truth! LOL!! Saturday started out like any ordinary day...not like the day I thought it would be once I realized I'm really not 21 anymore!

Got my nails done with Margie, went to Benny's for lunch (made me feel like I was 21 again...that must've started my slippery slope into reality!), came home, got a text from Zach which started my plans! I ended up getting a phone call from my favorite 21 year old...Laura Cheadle...who also happened to be in the mood for some drinks & fun! So...I got dressed...& WAITED!

Barry was over Gary's helping him put up the drop ceiling in the basement (I assumed it wouldn't take as long as it did...so, impatient me...I pestered him until he came home...at 10)& we were off!

Now, Meggie...the old stand by when we want to do anything fun with our lives..commented on the fact that on any "normal" weekend nite when she babysits...we'd be getting ready to come home...LOL! Not go out...only I act like a child when I go out by myself (ok, with my girls but it's NEVER both of us at the same time trying to act like we can hang still!) & we were off!

We get to the Swedes & my sweet little Laura is already 3 sheets to the wind (thinking I was going to be there around 9 like I did too!) She wanted to go dancing...I wasn't insane enough to try that, I know SOME of my boundaries...so we chatted for a brief minute & the little sweetie pie went out to a fun bar where she could dance (certainly wasn't the Swedes that nite...it was almost completely dead!) No Zach...he was home sleeping...so I harrassed him until he joined us...& we were off on our way!

The beautiful Brent took great care of us...for about 3 hours I watched Barry & Zach have a yawn off...I drank beer, ate great food...then the shots came out! The next thing I knew...the place was closing & we were watching Brent clean around us...I hadn't done that in ages...I actually closed down a bar!! Zach & Brent tried convincing us to come back to Club Gill to party in the garage...but I think we both knew on the inside...WE WERE GONNA BE HURTING IN THE MORNING...LOL!

We strolled in the door around 3:15 a.m. (a time neither of us had seen in YEARS!) & crashed immediately! Neither of us was drunk...just exhausted...& then at 6:32 there she was...the Ladybug requesting to be saved...the call was, "Daddy, I waked up! Daddy, I wanna git out, I taked a map & waked up!" We looked at each other, laughed & I let him know he was the favorite, she wanted him! LOL I got about 15 more minutes of sleep before I felt guilty & got up!

But, that was it...that was all it took...that little girl..to let us know we're too damn old to be carrying on like kids...that no matter what time we get home in the morning because we're under the impression we've still got it as far as cool people go...we still need to be Mommy & Daddy in the morning...it's much better to do that with a little sleep! But, we played with the new water guns, had each other soaked & enjoyed every second of it!

We're about to head out now to take the kids to see Shrek! Katie can hardly wait! Happy Memorial Day! Don't let me forget to tell you all about the Katie & fee-fops (what she calls sandals) fiasco! LOL LOL LOL LOL!!!

Happy...

2007-05-25T09:32:00.001-05:00

Happy 5th Anniversary to Red & Steve! I can't believe it's been 5 incredible years since this beautiful day!

We've all had so many amazing blessings in our lives since then...we couldn't be happier or more thankful to have The Choyce Family in our lives!! Thanks for the beautiful memories...& the knowledge that there will be millions more in our future together! :)

we love you to pieces!

Happy Memorial Day to all of my very favorites!
lots of love now & always!!!

hump day...

2007-05-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

Trevor did very well yesterday...waiting to hear how he's doing today from Red! ..so I'm calling her now! They're all exhausted but doing very well! So glad our little sweet pea is good!!!

Saw Mom's beautiful hair last nite...she looks completely gorgeous! I've got one hot mother-in-law!

Grandpop Thompson fell of his lawn tractor yesterday & was dragged by it...always something exciting going on with us. Last I heard, he was doing well...still fighting with Dad not to go to the hospital to be checked out...I'm hoping they convinced him to get checked out.

The Thompson kids are great...enjoying the warm weather & looking forward to the weekend...they know Mommy's off on Monday too & can't wait for a long weekend! 2 days until Red & Steve's anniversary...make sure you email my lovely girl & tell her you love her & nice job for hanging in there this long...ha ha ha! We love Aunt Red & Uncle Steve...so glad we're lucky enough to have them in our lives!!!

Happy Wednesday my lovelies!!

beautiful day...

2007-05-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

where has May gone? It's almost June already & I couldn't be more excited! We're making plans to do dinner at Josh's house in June...just have to work it in between the Choyce boys birthday celebrations!

Little Trevor is going to be 1 soon...I have no idea how that happened! Today he's having surgery...I'll let you all know how he makes out...say a little prayer to keep our honey feeling well! & to help his Mommy stay calm...he's going to be just fine & feel all better in just a few days! We love you all so much!!!

Here's the Ladybug being a ham...nothing new there! :)

much love to all!!

wonderful weekend...

2007-05-21T09:17:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Brandon & his best buddy Josh at their Field Day on Friday, May 17th...Josh's mom Dawn took it & sent it to me...they look so cute!!! They have the best time together!!!

the weather was perfect all weekend...the family & I enjoyed every second of it! Brandon is now tying his own shoes!! Katelyn's room has been shoveled out & she's got room to play house all day! The kitchen set is in the family room & her babies & their accessories are all set up in her bedroom- so she's got something to do no matter what floor of the house she's in...she doesn't know what she wants to do, she's up & down the stairs all day- it's so funny to watch her play "Mommy!"

We cooked out yesterday, Stevie, Joanne, Myles & Aunt Margie had dinner with us. The kids got to play & ride bikes. The grown ups got to enjoy great food & drinks! :) Aunt Trish, Uncle Mike & Deanna stopped by to get some beautiful flowers for their house & to visit. They checked out the basement & the future site of the BAR! Barry's been so busy!

Barry & Dad got the french drain in the basement bathroom almost done yesterday...the lawn was mowed, Barry, Dad & Brandon snuck off to Rita's while me, Margie & Kate went "to the girl store" (the grocery store) she loves having girl time! :) She's such a little sweetie pie!

I'm actually on the phone with her now...she's feeding her baby Cheeze-Its! :) She's such a funny little thing! I adore her to pieces...she's looking for the baby's cup- she's thirsty!

Well, gotta get back to work...hope you all had a great weekend & that your week is full of beautiful things!

love you lots... me!