so busy...

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...

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...

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!!!

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...

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...

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!

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!

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

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!!)

busy week...

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...

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!!!!!!

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...

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...

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!!!!