2017 In A Nutshell

January:

The new year started with my daughter getting pneumonia, and then my son.  That was a rough month for sure.  I'm glad I wasn't working then and was able to stay with them.

Donald Trump became our 45th president and that was something that caused a lot of controversy as well as crying and wining for a lot of people.  I'm sure you can tell how our family felt.  

February:

February was another rough month.  We had to lay my 35 year old niece to rest after battling with a lung disease that took her life, as well as years with multiple sclerosis.  It's still hard for me to understand.  We were close as kids.  That was a trip to NY that wasn't so enjoyable.

We celebrated Valentines Day, a holiday I enjoy sharing with the kids as well as the hubby.

It was Pinewood Derby time with the boy scouts.  

March:

We had a few feet of nasty snow.

A monster truck show in Harrisburg.

St. Patrick's Day

And welcomed spring with a free Italian ice and Rita's.  Our tradition.

April:

My boy earned another rank in cub scouts.  2 more years to go!

Celebrated Easter

Spring ball started

May:

Celebrated my mom's 73rd birthday

Celebrated my hubby's 38th birthday

Celebrated our 15th anniversary

Started my garden

End of kindergarten and 3rd grade

June:

My son's spring season of baseball ended

My daughter danced her second dance recital

We took our first trip to Delaware and enjoyed both Dewey and Rehobeth beaches

July:

Went camping in a tent.  Let's just say I'm not a camping person.  I was glad when we got home.

Celebrated the 4th of July with family and a barbecue ... and some fireworks

August:

Celebrated our little princess's 6th birthday

Celebrated my dad's 70th birthday

The kids started back to school.  Here's my 1st and 4th graders

I also went back to work as a lunch lady.  I started at the high school for a few weeks but then transferred to my kids' elementary school.  I can't say it pays much but I really do enjoy the job and getting to hang out with all the kids.  It also gets me out of the house for 3 hours and I am home when the kids are home which is the bonus.  I still want to be home with them. 

September:

We found out my mother has alzeimer's and that's been the toughest thing to deal with.  I haven't told the kids because that would be much to hard for them.  In time I will but for now they don't need to know. 

We took a trip to The Arlington National Cemetery where the son and scouts laid a wreath at The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier, which was my son's third experience.  We also walked around part of Washington, D.C.  

Fall ball started back up

 The York Fair and a monster truck show

My boy started playing trumpet

My girl began her third year in dance, ballet and tap

 My son started another year in the cub scouts, his first year as a Webelo

October:

Celebrated my 39th birthday.  For some reason my husband put the 25 candles on.  I guess so I continue to feel young.  

Halloween with my witch and Iron Man

November:

Thanksgiving at a beautiful restaurant with my parents.  I decided to skip cooking this year.  

My son turned 10.  Oh my, I still can't believe my boy is a decade old.  We spent the day at a place called Go'N Bananas and then had cake with my parents.  

December:

A month of Christmas celebrations.  My son set up a warming tree at the library for a scouts service project, they saw Santa twice, my husband surprised me with tickets to see Michael W Smith and Amy Grant, my son had his band concert at school and of course ... Christmas!  

We experienced a lot more but that's just some of the things in our year.

This year saw some very hard times like losing my niece and finding out my mother has Alzeimer's.  My husband and I also saw a very dark point in our marriage but it seems we have worked it out and are happier than ever.  I've also learned my own personal life lessons.  My kids are doing well in school and are very involved in after school activities.  I love watching as they grow and thrive.  After 10 years of not working I now have a part-time job in the elementary school cafeteria and it's nice to be able to financially help out, even if it's just a little bit.  I also found myself falling into a deep depression while my kids were in school so it's nice to have something to keep me out of the house and occupied.  My dad turned 70.  My son turned 10.  My daughter turned 6.  I am in my last year of my thirties.  

2017 had it's ups and downs, that's for sure.  I wish I could say I look forward to 2018 but I'm not sure. 

Christmas Vacation

It seems I've been slacking from the blogging world lately, but it's not like I have any followers.  I enjoy writing and so I will continue to do so, followers or not.  ;-)

We are reaching the end of our Christmas vacation and it's been very relaxing.  Like all the Christmas vacations before, some of us end up sick.  My daughter and I are getting over a cold and my son is starting to cough.  Ugh.  Every year ... without fail!  Our vacation has been relaxing for the most part.  We did spend one day in Harrisburg and in Hershey.  We had to take my husband to a doctor appointment in Hershey and while there we visited Hershey's Chocolate World.  Before all of that we ventured to Harrisburg to an indoor trampoline park.  Even though I was congested and not interested in being out in the bitter cold I knew my kids deserved some play time.  This has been an extremely freezing week here in Pennsylvania and today we woke up to the snow falling. 

I am not a person who enjoys the cold weather or the snow but since I have nowhere to go ... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. 

Christmas was good.  We didn't make it to my sister's Christmas Eve party in New York this year and that may have disappointed my parents but we will do our best to make it next year.  My parents live here in PA but every year make the trip to NY to spent the holiday with the family.  Because of my mother's Alzheimer's we don't know how many more Christmases she has, or that she won't be in a nursing home and not able to travel.  So next year I would love to grant my father's wish in having all of us make it to Long Island.  It's very difficult because I love being with my New York family on Christmas Eve but I also love waking up in my own home on Christmas morning.  The move to PA sure screwed me up ... but enough of that.  It's been 25 years and I made a life for myself here in farm country.  All is well.

So, anyway, onto Christmas.  Christmas Eve my mother-in-law came over to have dinner with us and exchange gifts.  Then we dressed in our Sunday best and headed to church for the 7pm Christmas Eve candelight service.  My kids were excited about receiving gifts but I needed to remind them the true meaning of Christmas. 

On Christmas morning we woke up early and opened gifts.  Since my son is 10 I'm not sure how many more Christmases there will be that he still believes in Santa.  This may be the last one so I wanted to make it as special as possible.  He asked for a Nintendo 2DS so that's what he got among other things.  My daughter asked for a tablet and she also received that as well as other things.  What can I say, I spoil my kids on Christmas. 

We stayed in our jammies until later in the day when it was time to get ready to go to Grandpa Bob and Grandma Pam's house.  We had a delicious dinner there, exchanged more gifts and enjoyed great conversation.  Then we headed home. 

For most of the week was spent at home relaxing and playing with our new toys. 

I should also back track and talk about the awesome Christmas concert we attended a few weeks ago.  It was Michael W Smith and Amy Grant featuring Jordan Smith.  My husband bought me the tickets as a Christmas gift.  Michael W Smith and Amy Grant are two of my favorite singers and they put on an amazing show. 

A few days after that my son put on a concert of his own at school.  This is his first year playing trumpet and he's doing great. 

So, that's about it.  Stay tuned for my 2017 recap and wishes for the New Year.  

Letter For My Son

My sweetest boy,

I wish I could have started writing letters to you when you were born.  There are so many things I wish I could have done or done better.  I definitely haven't been a perfect mom and I mess up a lot but no matter what I have always loved you and always will.  You are the one who made me a mother and that is a blessing I will not take for granted.

Now that you are 10 I wanted to write you a letter.  I want you to know just how much I love you and how proud I am of the young man that you are.  Nothing in this world has ever brought me more joy.

I admire your sensitivity and how hard you try at everything you do.  I don't ever expect you to be perfect but I always want you to try the best that you can.  I enjoy watching you play baseball and I love getting to see all the awards you collect at scouts.  Now I get to hear you play trumpet and am amazed at how quickly you've been able to pick that up.  As you get older you may not stick with those things and you may try new things and that's okay.  I want to make sure I do all I can to help make your dreams come true and find your purpose in life.  I took a job in the cafeteria so I can help afford to do these things for you and I am happy to do that.

You are so smart, especially with math.  It blows me away to hear how quickly you can solve a math problem.  You do better than me.  I'm so glad when it comes to math you have your dad's brains.  Your teachers always brag about how smart you are and how well behaved you are in school.

I know there are times when I yell and lose my temper but I'm trying the best I can.  My job as your parent is to make sure you learn right from wrong.  But no matter what you do, I will never stop loving you and I will never stop being proud of you.  I will always, always, always, be here for you.

Before you were born I prayed so much that God could bless me with a child.  You were wanted.  Don't ever feel that you weren't.  The day I found out I was having you was the greatest.  I thank God every day for you.  I can't believe how fast these 10 years have flown by.  I wish I could go back to the beginning when I held you in my arms but at the same time I enjoy watching as you grow and can't wait to see the man you will become.

I also appreciate how you are as a big brother.  I'm sure it's not always easy having a little sister following you around but I love how close the two of you are.  I hope that you both always remain close and realize that no matter what happens in life you both have each other. I love the bond you both share.

You are truly an amazing kid and I love you so much.  You were the one who taught me that love at first sight does exist.

                                                                           Love always and forever,

                                                                              Mommy (I love that you still call me that)

10

I wanted to do a special post for my boy who recently turned 10.  Yes, we have now entered the double digits.  Just the thought of him being 10 has had me very emotional.  He will no longer be a single digit number.  He will be a teenager in just 3 years and able to drive in 6.  It's hard to imagine.  I keep thinking of that sweet little baby and want that back but at the same time I enjoy watching as he grows up.  He is quite the young man already. 

This handsome boy is very outgoing at home but shy at school.  I wish he was more outgoing in school but I understand the shyness and don't want to push him to be anything outside his comfort zone.  He does well in school, in fact, he's smarter than I am, especially with math.  Oh, I hate math.  He can solve math problems in his head so quickly.  I'm jealous.  His teachers always have so many wonderful things to say about him.  He is shorter than the average 10 year old but that was expected when having a mother who is 5'3" and a dad who is 5'6".  I tell my kids that their height doesn't matter and they should find the positives in being short.  It doesn't help when others make comments about it.  Seriously, it's rude to call someone fat so it should also be rude to call someone short.  Just don't do it.  He recently told me the kids at school ask him why he's so short and he started crying as he was telling me.  I have no problem with being my height.  He shouldn't either. 

He is so sensitive and caring.  He always tries his best and when he can't get something done correctly he gets upset with himself.  He also has great manners and I never have to remind him to say please and thank you.  He cares for others.  He's been a great son and big brother.  I am so incredibly proud of him. 

He's also very active.  Even on cold days he wants to be outside playing.  He loves football and baseball.  He plays baseball in the fall and spring and gets better and better each season. 

He's also in his fourth year of cub scouts.  Because of the scouts he has been able to do lots of activities such as the wreath laying at The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. 

He also took on something new this year: the trumpet.  He wanted to try out for the trumpet this year in music class and made it.  He does well.  Last year he played the recorder and is able to take what he's learned on the recorder and play on the piano.  It's amazing.  He does need to practice more with the trumpet and I'm not sure if this is something he will stick out in the future but I'm proud of him for giving it a try. 

It's been so easy raising this boy.  I'm so blessed that God gave him to me.  When it comes to cleaning or doing what's told he doesn't argue or make an issue of it.  He's a great kid and I know he will someday be an amazing man.  I can't wait to see what he will do with his adult life but I also wish I could hang onto these years a little longer. 

I love you, kiddo!  Happy 10th!!!!! 

Thanksgiving And A 10th Birthday

This is my last day of my 6 day vacation.  It's been wonderful.  Some moments have been relaxing while other moments have been busy.  This time off has been needed.  I'm lucky to have a job that's only 3 hours a day but it's nice to have time off.  The vacation started last Wednesday.  The kids were invited to play with their friends Elee and Max, which allowed me to get some things done around the house and relax.  I told Elee and Max they could come over today so they will be over at 2:00. 

Thursday was Thanksgiving.  I usually do the cooking and have my parents and my husband's family over.  I don't mind cooking but this year I decided to take a break and we had dinner with my parents at a place called The Eden Resort.  This is where my husband and I had our wedding reception.  It's such a beautiful place and they had a huge buffet set up with lots of food and live piano music.  It was nice.  I wish I would have taken more pictures. 

The bad part of not cooking Thanksgiving at home is not having any leftovers.  We usually have enough to live on for days.  The good thing is not having all the mess to clean up.  It was nice to have a day out to enjoy and not have to stress over the cooking. 

Friday was my son's 10th birthday.  Oh my goodness.  These 10 years went by so fast.  If I can give advice to new moms it's that "time flies" isn't just a cliche it's the truth.  The waking up throughout the night for feedings, the constant changing of diapers, the feeling of being stuck at home and lacking adult interaction, the crying, etc., it all does end and you will miss it.  So embrace every moment. 

My son wanted to go to a place called Go'n Bananas.  We had never been there before but heard it was fun.  There was a lot to do and the kids loved it. 

We stopped at my parents' house because they had bought a cake.  We spent some time there and then went to a hibachi restaurant.  My son went to this restaurant with a friend a few years ago and loved it.  I had never been to a hibachi restaurant before and it was a lot of fun.  The kids loved it.  I think my daughter got a kick out of the chop sticks.  

We sat at a table with a large group who were there together.  They were very nice.  The one man asked who had the birthday.  My son told him it was him and they were talking about the day.  My husband and I looked at each other and whispered "how did he know?"  That was weird.  Then when we went to leave they insisted on paying for our meal.  As we left we saw them all get into a van with a Missouri license plate.  Whoever they were THANK YOU.  We are now fans of people from Missouri.  I'm a believer in pay it forward so I hope to be able to do the same for someone soon.  

On Saturday we took my husband to his physical therapy appointment.  He had shoulder surgery a few weeks ago.  Then we came home to decorate for Christmas.  I haven't finished so when I do I'll be sure to add the pictures here.  I cannot believe it's almost Christmas.  Where did this year go?  I'm trying to get into the spirit of Christmas but it's not quite there yet.  

On Sunday I dropped the kids off at my parents' for a sleepover.  I had a relaxing evening at home with my husband.  This morning I drove him to work and will be picking him up at lunch time.  The kids should be home about that time too and then their friends are coming over.  

And just like that vacation is about over.  The kids go back to school tomorrow and I go back to work in the cafeteria.  I will have plenty of activities and events coming up to write about.  Stay tuned. 

Fall 2017

The fall weather is finally here!  I love the warm weather and I do not like the cold but my only reason for seeing cooler temps is because it will kill the bees.  We've been dealing with a lot of yellow jackets all over the place and I have been stung twice.  They are really bad this year. 

My son finished the fall ball season.  He is getting better and better.  This year he played catcher a lot and was really good at it.  The team made it to the championships but lost the first game.  It's okay, at least they made it as far as they did.  I'm so proud of him.  He loves baseball.  When he's not playing with the team he's in the back yard playing on his own.  He doesn't stop.  I love seeing how much he's putting his heart into something. 

Because fall ball took up our weekends we haven't had much time for anything else.  After he lost the first game on Saturday morning we ventured off to a place called Maze Quest.  The kids had a lot of fun but the big corn maze was something that became tiring after awhile.  We didn't get through it all. 

Looking forward to doing more things each weekend.  Tomorrow is Halloween.  I can't believe how fast this year is going.  It won't be long until it's Christmas. 

Catch Up

I have been so busy and haven't had a chance to sit and write anything for awhile.  To be honest, I feel guilty if I take the time to blog when there is a million things around the house to get done but here I am.  I needed to just stop and take this break.  It's nice sometimes.  I just put the kids on the bus and am sitting in front of the television while sipping on my first cup of coffee.  This is what I usually do in the morning before getting any housework done.  I love the peace and quiet.  Yes, that's Tweety in the background that matches my Tweety cup.  The kids were watching Looney Tunes before the bus came and I left it on.  Tweety is my favorite wittle character.  I have a huge Tweety collection, most of what has been given to me over the years by my husband. 

Fall is a busy time for us including school and a lot of the after school activities.  My son started playing trumpet and he loves it so far.  Every evening, except Thursday, is busy for us.  I don't mind being busy but I do make sure we have as much down time as possible.  With school, baseball, dance, and scouts I feel it's important that my kids get play time too.  Every day after school they come in, grab a snack and then go out the door to play with neighborhood friends until it's time for dinner and some evenings dinner has to be done early.  This is the last month of fall baseball and then he will have a break until spring. 

Working in the cafeteria is going okay.  I like that it gives me something to do during the day and I can make a little extra money to help with whatever is needed.  I have only been there for one month and am still learning but I'm getting the hang of it.  I really enjoy being around the children and the three hours are going fast.  Time is moving fast.  I can't believe it's October already.

Speaking of October, this weekend is my birthday.  I don't get as excited about birthdays as I used to.  I guess it comes with aging.  Maybe I'll write a birthday post next week.  I really do need to figure out more things to write about. 

Now it's time to get a few things done at home before heading to work.  It's Friday and there's a three day weekend!!!!