Time Flutters By

Ian and Me

2009-10-04T19:58:00.001-04:00

Ian and Me
Originally uploaded by fltrbysvn

Today was Ian's tenth birthday party. His birthday is Wednesday, I can't believe he'll be ten. It's gone by so quickly.

Blog Challenge - Love #4

2009-02-12T19:47:00.005-05:00

Love you Pamela
Originally uploaded by fltrbysvn

Love you my honey!

Love you Keith
Originally uploaded by fltrbysvn

Blog Challenge - Love #3

2009-02-09T22:10:00.004-05:00

I suppose a blog challenge about love would not be complete without posting about my son.

Ian and Pamela, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

I love him so much. We have a game we play to say who loves each other most. Sometimes it gets rather silly... "I love you mostest!"... "I love you mostester!" Ian has figured he can start adding things to it like, "I love you more than the whole world, all the stars and the planets!"
I think the game actually started a few months ago, when I asked his father if I could please have one of the books that I'd read to Ian when he was little. It was and is my favorite book. He still loves that book. It may be a little too easy for him to read now but he still likes for me to read it. It's called I Love You As Much. It goes through rhyming how much each mother bear, duck, mouse loves her child and ends with "I love you as much as a mother can love!"
Ian I love you!

Blog Challenge - Love #2

2009-02-08T17:48:00.006-05:00

Lighthouse, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Keith is in Hawaii right now. Yesterday he decided to take a drive to do some sight seeing. While he was driving around, he saw this lighthouse from the highway and decided to go get a picture for me because he knows that I love them.
In order to get the picture he had to take a two mile hike. But he did it for me, cause he loves me and knows that I would love to see this.

Blog Challenge - Love #1

2009-02-04T19:23:00.004-05:00

Love, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

I know this may seem quite silly but one of the things keeping me somewhat sane right now is the fact that Keith and I can chat on-line at least for a little while before I go to bed.
Last night I found the Blog Challenge on Scrapshare for February is to post about Love. Well, here is a screen shot of us just being a little silly and writing our message. The funny thing is we had chosen to right it at the same time he was just done a little sooner so I had to add "too".
That is one of the things I love the most about our relationship. A lot of the times we will be thinking or doing the same things... even from 5,562 miles apart.
I love you honey, so much!

Out of My Element

2009-02-03T23:29:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure where to begin...

Work is insanely busy right now. My husband is on travel to Hawaii for two weeks. One might think lucky him, but with 12 - 14 hour days it's not like he'll get to see any of the beautiful state. While he's there I'm also on travel for work to northern VA.

My husband and I work in the same office, although lately he's been on a lot of travel. The last month thankfully was local, so he was home but just not at the office.

I don't like being alone. I don't like being away from home. I don't like being away from my routine.

It has me just a bit off. I'm not sleeping right. I can't eat. I'm weepy all the time, just the drop of a hat and the tears well up in my eyes.

I wish i knew how to do better at all of these things... I wish I knew how to be a stronger person.

Still Sick

2008-12-05T16:32:00.002-05:00

Here I am the better part of three weeks later and I'm still sick. I've been back to the doctor twice now. Once because whatever is wrong with my stomach is not going away, still hasn't. I can sort of hold down food, well some foods... but it's still not right. My blood tests didn't show anything. They sent me for an ultrasound last this week and the results from that aren't back yet.
Then I also had to go to the doctor because I've got a sinus infection. It hurts so bad my face feels like it's exploding and if I could pull three or four of my upper teeth out it might feel better. :-( So I'm on an antibiotic, which doesn't help the stomach thing because I don't tolerate them well.
Hoping and praying will be feeling better soon. But that's why haven't been around much.

Month of Gratitude #13

2008-11-13T20:30:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for... feeling a little bit better and remembering the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast). I woke up this morning very light headed, probably because I haven't been able to eat in a few days, but also because my blood sugar was down to 52. But I was able to eat today so that helped quite a bit.

Month of Gratitude #12

2008-11-12T12:27:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for... phenergan, pedialyte (yes even though it's for kids I need it for the hydration) and sleep. I have a stomach bug and it's really not so much fun. So for now I'm going to take some more medicine and go back to sleep.

Month of Gratitude #11

2008-11-11T17:42:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for... work. At work, I can excel at most of the things I do. There are some things I have to admit I don't know. But when I don't know, I can admit it, and I do not feel bad and I'm not critized for it. But a lot of people come to me to ask questions. Also, a lot of people count on me to get things done and to know the answers. I have not realized that until recently. I also think there are a few people who have realized that my self-esteem needs work and they have put me in a position to be counted on so that my self-esteem could be built up. For this I am thankful.

Month of Gratitude #10

2008-11-10T20:31:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for... my new laptop and the webcam. My husband has been gone for two and a half weeks. I know this may not seem like a long time but right now it seems like forever. So today I'm thankful that we at least have our laptops and our webcam's so that we can see each other and talk.

Month of Gratitude #9

2008-11-09T18:41:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for... being home. Although a weekend away with our boys was fun, it's just nice to be home.

Month of Gratitude #8

2008-11-08T20:27:00.003-05:00

boys2, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Today I am thankful for... being able to have a fun weekend away with my son and step-son. Today we drove to Fredricksburg, VA. After checking into the hotel we went to see Madagascar 2. Tomorrow after breakfast we will be going to Fun Land (an arcarde, with mini golf and go-carts too).

Month of Gratitude #7

2008-11-07T21:39:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for... having both boys here with me. They enjoy each other's company and play well together. Truth be told I think they miss each other as much as we miss them when they are with their other parents. Logan and Ian act as if they've known each other all their lives, could not be happier or more thankful that they get along together so well.

As a side note, maybe having Logan as my step-son was an answer to my prayers that I haven't realized before now.

Month of Gratitude #6

2008-11-06T17:53:00.004-05:00

Today I am thankful for... friends who understand why you are sad, have been there too, and are there to comfort you and listen.

Month of Gratitude #5

2008-11-05T19:35:00.005-05:00

Today I just found a challenge to post something each day that we are thankful for in the month of November.

I know I'm starting a little late as it's already the 5th but there are lots of little things daily to be thankful for.

Today I am thankful for.... the "make it all better song". Almost 15 years ago, I lived in the dorms on base. My suite mate and I had a song that we both loved. For whatever the reason it just made things OK. It's Far Behind by Candlebox. Today I heard it on the radio while coming home from work. Now it makes me think of her (she's since moved home to PA) and I smiled. I even sent her a text message to let her know.

Month of Gratitude #4

2008-11-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

Today I was thankful for... more "extra" time with my son. Trust me, I wish that my son were here all the time, but his father dictates the schedule, long story. At any rate, Jeffrey had a meeting for work and needed me to keep Ian this night so I got to pick him up from school. We got home work done, had his favorite for dinner (meatloaf) and played a few games on the Wii. Then the best part was that Ian asked if he could stay a while the next day so we could play some games. It was an absolutely wonderful evening.

Note: I'm actually backtracking to publish this post for the Month of Gratitude Challenge but I know what I was thankful for on this day.

Month of Gratitude #3

2008-11-03T20:49:00.000-05:00

Today I was thankful for... the fact that my son is doing well in third grade. His first parent teacher conference was that morning. He is currently getting what the teacher referred to as "high B's". She called them that because one day they are a B and the next they are an A because he'll get a better grade on a test or homework.

Note: I'm actually backtracking to publish this post for the Month of Gratitude Challenge but I know what I was thankful for on this day.

Month of Gratitude #2

2008-11-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

Today I was thankful for... the fact that I was able to get the entire town house clean from top to bottom. The house was neat but had not been thoroughly cleaned (dusted, bleached, etc.) in a while and it needed it. So I started that morning and by the end of the day it was all done, even all the laundry.

Note: I'm actually backtracking to publish this post for the Month of Gratitude Challenge but I know what I was thankful for on this day.

Month of Gratitude #1

2008-11-01T20:41:00.000-04:00

Today I was thankful for... some time with just me and my son. Today was actually a day that would have normally been Jeffrey's weekend to have Ian but he had a class that he had to attend so I got a bit of extra time with my son. Ian and I enjoyed every minute. We even went to lunch at Ian's favorite, Lone Star. The waitress liked Ian so much that when he asked for a box for the left over rolls she brought him a box with 5 fresh rolls and butter.

Note: I'm actually backtracking to publish this post for the Month of Gratitude Challenge but I know what I was thankful for on this day.

Ian Playing Goalie

2008-09-08T22:28:00.004-04:00

Ian's first soccer game of the season was tonight. He's on a new team this season becasue the old team was broken up, the coaches had moved away and there weren't enough players.
Last night we'd had a talk because during practices or just practicing with us, he will do great. But during games, he will hang back or if he gets nervous he will just fall. So we told him we know he can do it and just get in there.
So, he did and here are the photos to prove it!

Ian Playing Goalie, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Ian's Goal, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Ian actually game back from mid field with the ball, no one had been available to pass to until all he could do was shoot or pass backwards. He made the shot and it went past the defense and the goalie. It was awesome! He was so excited!

Road Trip

2008-09-02T03:49:00.002-04:00

For the holiday weekend we took a much needed break away. We (all four of us) went to my parents house in NJ.

It was a great weekend. On Saturday night we went to a local basball game (Somerset Patriots) I wish my camera battery had not died. I will have to get pictures from mom because Ian got to participate in one of the between inning games (a sack race) and my mom got to do the shell game.

Sunday we had kind of a lazy day, the boys and I taught Oma how to play Carcassonne. We had a wonderful Sunday dinner and then went to the Italian Festival in Scotch Plains. Of course we went back to the house from there with plenty of desert treats.

Spouse

2008-08-24T15:25:00.005-04:00

I got this from empress who had gotten it from Cowtown Stacy. I had to copy for our two month anniversary... even if she didn't tag me!!!

What is his name? Keith
How long have you been married? Today is two months.
How long did you date? It was 41 weeks before we got engaged and we were engaged for 43 weeks before we got married.
How old is he? 39 (I'm exactly five years younger, to the day!)
Who eats more? Probably me.
Who said I love you first? I did, and he wouldn't tell me back cause we were on the phone.
Who is taller? He is.
Who sings better? ME! I even sang at our wedding because he wanted - even just once - to hear me sing my heart out, so I did.
Who's temper is worse? Probably him.
Who does the laundry? Both of us although he does most of the carting to and from upstairs to the laundry room and back.
Who pays the bills? We both do.
Who cooks dinner? When we cook at home, it's both of us.
Who mows the lawn? Neither, we don't own a house yet. But when we do, I'm fairly certain it will be him, unless he needs some help once in a while.
Who wears the pants in the family? If I had to pick one, I'd say him but we make most our decisions together.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Wrinkled

2008-08-24T15:10:00.004-04:00

I know my post for this is a little late. But here it is... wrinkled.

Unfortunately the cat decided she wanted to play with my roses that were in the vase on the table. This one was quite wrinkled and wilted from being out of the water for so long.

Find the photo hunt here!

Better Morning Than Yesterday - Please

2008-08-21T08:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning, it was like I'd woken up but forgotten my brain.

I left for work and forgot my badges to get into the office. So two exits from work, I had to turn around and go back.

This was a good thing because after I'd turned around I also realized I'd forgotten my laptop.

So I got home, grabbed the laptop from the house and my badges from Keith's car and set out for work again.

When I got upstairs, I realized I'd left my laptop down in the truck. So I started a few things that would take a while and set out to get it.

When I got back upstairs, one of my co-workers noted that my shirt was on inside out. No one else had noticed. The worst part is that I had thought about the fact that it was inside out when I took it off the hanger, cause most of my shirts I hang dry inside-out. But then my brain, didn't remember that while I was getting dressed.

Ugh.

Here's hoping for a better morning today. At least I've got my shirt on right-side out.

Husband's Car

2008-08-19T21:39:00.006-04:00

The last couple days while Keith is out of town, I've been driving his car. It's an all black S2000. The excuse has been that they have been painting the lines in the parking lot at the apartment complex. There are two rows and I didn't want to park his car over where all the turkey butts would be parking, plus that and if they got ahead of schedule, the white spray would be harder to get off an all black car where wouldn't be as noticable on my metalic stell blue truck. But honestly it's more because it's just fun to drive and the weather has been gorgeous convertible top-down weather. ;-)

Tuesday nights we go to Thai a couple friends from work. Keith normally parks down the end of the lot because the spot is a bit larger so people are less likely to hit it. When walking out of the restaurant there were two other S2000s parked next to "twoie"! I had to take a picture with my cell phone because that was all I had with me and send it to Keith. Here it is, I know it's not the best shot but all the same.

Ian's Baseball Season

2008-08-19T20:56:00.009-04:00

This summer Ian decided to try baseball. The athletic association has a great learning league, the players play each of the positions all season long so they can learn all the various things to do. Ian had a lot of fun.

I took this picture one evening when he came over to get a drink. Loving my new camera, I think it focused perfectly on him.

Ian in his baseball uniform, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Ian hit this double and it was perfect. He was actually using a teammates bat, which was an ounce heavier. Ever since he's been trying to convince me of getting a new bat.

Ian's first double, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

You could see his excitement when he made it to second. Yeah, I did that!

Ian's Double Excitement, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Wedding Photos

2008-08-18T21:18:00.003-04:00

I have to thank my sister for taking all the pictures at the wedding and my mom for letting her borrow the Nikon. My sister took very beautiful pictures of every moment.

Here are a few of my favorites. My most favorite is now in the title.

A Fantastic Wedding Gift

2008-08-17T16:03:00.006-04:00

When I was little my mother taught me how to wind the mantle clock that had been her parents. She told me one day, when I got married, the clock would be mine. Well, I got married, 13 years ago, and when I asked about the clock I was told no, you can't have it. Talk about disappointed. Things at that point in my life between my parents and myself weren't good. They weren't ahppy with my choices and weren't happy with hoom I'd gotten married to.

Fast forward to last year. I got divorced. I found a man that I love deeply and he's helped me to fix things with my family, although I probably have to say the divorce had a lot to do with that.

Fast forward to our wedding day. I mentioned in my wedding post that my mom rushed off while we were running errands to talk privately with daddy on the phone. I learned why at the reception. Over by their seats was a huge bag. Mom said I have a special present for you and there are cards in the bottom too. I asked her if I should open it now and she said it was up to me. I peeked (I don't like waiting). Inside was this clock.

I broke down in tears. Mind you they were happy tears. It was my family clock and it was now mine. Things had been fixed. The relationship with my parents was back where it needed to be. My mom thanked Keith for bringing me back and supporting me and in the middle of the reception I was having to explain all the water works, even though the were really happy tears.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Colorful

2008-08-16T23:39:00.005-04:00

Just got home from a boy scout pool party. While there the boys all competed in the rain gutter regatta.

Ian's and Logan's Regatta Boats

The Wedding

2008-08-15T23:57:00.005-04:00

Our wedding day has come and gone. Almost two months ago. But life has been so busy that I haven't even been able to upload favorite photos or post anything about the day here.

June 24th 2008

The day was perfect. Actually the entire time was wonderful. But I'll start with that day.

The boys (Ian and Logan) were on their best behavior. My favorite part of the morning was Ian half teasing Logan because he had not wished Keith or me a happy birthday. It was more of a you should do it, in a "whisper" that could be heard while I was walking to the breakfast table at the hotel.

After breakfast the errands began. My mom, Mary Beth (Keith's step-mom) and I left the guys to fend for themselves for several hours, leaving around 9AM and hoping to be back by noon.

Off to the bakery. Simple enough, 36 vanilla cupcake with plain white icing... wonder if they knew it would be for a tier stand that would be our wedding cake.

Off to the restaurant. They took the cupcakes and let us put aside the favors, wine glasses and the presents for the boys in a side closet. But due to a last minute luncheon prior to us using the room, we would have to come back after three that afternoon to set anything up. "It's OK; it can be done" mom said, we'll leave the hotel at 3, come here (five minutes away) and still make it to the park (another ten minutes away) by 4.

Off to the manicurist. The night before, Mary Beth, realized she hadn't done her nails or gotten a pedicure. Mom took care of it, called her manicurist and made her an appointment. A quick stop at the deli next door to order a few sandwiches for lunch that we could pick up when we came back. And then my mom realized there were two bills she needed to drop off, so we ran around to do that.

Off to my parents. Just to pick up a few things. Note: the hotel, just for fun to be with all the family was only 15 minutes from my parents house.

Off to get the flowers. A call from daddy as we're on the way out the door... is it raining there yet? No. He was leaving work and it was coming down in sheets. He works 15 minutes opposite the hotel from my parents house. We get to the florist and the sky is dark. But we must stop at the hardware shop to see an old friend first, just a quick hi, we have 5 minutes to get flowers and get back to pick Mary Beth up. The flowers are gorgeous! My mom and I had review images on line from four states away on the phone. She said she'd order them since I couldn't make it back up and I knew this florist does lovely work but still was awestruck that they were so perfect. The flowers were in the truck and then the sky opened up.

Off to pick up Mary Beth. The girls were all concerned.... oh your wedding day. They ran next door to the deli to check the weather channel and came back exclaiming that it will be OK, just a quick storm it will pass and the skies will clear. Mary Beth's nails aren't dry. We wait a few minutes but it's already noon. I need to get back, eat lunch, get myself showered, get the boys bathed, let Keith get in the shower and leave by 3! Mom leaves because daddy called. A story I'll have to tell another day. ;-) She walks out saying she'll get the sandwiches. I get Mary Beth into the truck and buckled so she won't ruin a nail.

Back at the hotel. We attempt to politely kick everyone out of the hotel room, so we can get ready but Keith's brother has just arrived. So we quickly eat sitting on the beds. By 1:30 everyone is out of the room. Thankfully while I was gone, Keith has ironed everything that needed ironed and gotten things laid out. I hop in the shower then throw on a robe while I get the boys a bath and Keith shaves. Then the boys, trying to help got themselves dressed at least in socks, pants and t-shirts. Keith's in the shower and I'm drying my hair and putting on makeup. Somehow all of this is done in an hour and a half.

Off to the restaurant. My mom, Nana, Ian and I get in the truck. The rest pile into various cars to go to the park. Mom and I make quick work of getting all the favors/name cards out and the cupcake tier put together and the boys gifts hidden but reachable.

Off to the park. The weather has cleared. It's absolutely beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and perfectly blue. We arrive and mom gets Nana down to the gazebo. She comes back to say I have to wait a few minutes because the laptop (which is needed for me to sing) is still in daddy's car. That's OK, for the first time that day I can breathe. It's here!

Walking up the park path, my son by my side, my family smiling, and my husband to be was just wonderful to see. No tears this time. All smiles!

Back to the restaurant. The reception was lovely and the food was fantastic. One small scary moment which probably embarrassed my sister more than anything she had her heart rate accelerate and paramedics were called but was feeling OK after about 15 minutes.

Finally back at the hotel at 930. Exhausted but needing to get a few things taken care of. Keith's nephews say they will play with the boys for a few minutes while we get their things moved to the other room and get changed. Finally got to very wound up boys off to bed in mom and daddy's room around 1030 and then said our good nights to everyone else.

As rushed as it was, or maybe seemed, I wouldn't change a thing! It was perfect and I'm happy!

Ian's So Smart

2007-09-04T23:06:00.000-04:00

OK, I know he's my son... so I really always think he's smart but really this was pretty good.

Sunday afternoon, Keith left to bring his son home which is about a three hour ride round trip. So that gave Ian and I time to spend that was just the two of us. We went outside and played football for a bit. Then we came inside to play cards for a while before his father came to pick him up.

While we were playing Uno, Ian paused for a minute and said Mommy I have to tell you something. I said sure buddy what is it. He said I know what that ring is for, pointing to my engagement ring. I asked him what he thought it meant. He told me it meant that I was going to marry Mr Keith. I asked him what he thought about that and he said it's very cool, he makes you happy and it means I get to be a big brother.

Then we talked about the wedding and I asked him if he would walk me down the aisle. He said but that's Opa's job... so I told him that Opa was doing the ceremony so he would need to be up front already and I'd really like it if he would walk with me... Ian said yes, that would be awesome! Then he started doing his little happy dance and gave me a huge hug.

It was the best conversation I think I've ever had with Ian.

Big News

2007-09-01T08:02:00.000-04:00

I'm engaged!!! Keith proposed on Tuesday by a lake near our work! I knew this was coming because we'd discussed it and he even let me help pick the ring since my heart was set on something a little different. Our birthday is the same day and it is also the day we will be married next year, so I wanted a three stone ring with a diamond and our birthstone (alexandrite) - him and me and us forever. We had to have the ring made and I absolutely love it. The alexandrite changes color from bright teal in the sunlight to the gorgeous red-purple in candlelight (as seen in the picture below).I'm so excited because my dad will be performing the ceremony back home in NJ. He was so happy for me, he called back 20 minutes after we called so Keith could ask his permission and I could tell him what I wanted for the ceremony, to tell me he'd thought of the perfect lake. My dad rarely picks up the phone so that was a huge deal.It's unbelievable how happy I am - I'm loving life!

Senior Moments

2007-08-31T23:22:00.000-04:00

This is from the Blog Challenge at ScrapShare...

1. Who was your best friend? Probably my sister and brother. The three of us hung out together a lot my senior year.
2. Did you play any sports? Not at the school, but for the city I played soccer.
3. What kind of car did you drive? 1985 and a half Ford Escort Wagon
4. It’s Friday night. Where were you? Probably volleyball night at church or the bowling alley with brother and sister...
5. Were you a party animal? Nope not that year...
6. Were you considered a flirt? Not at all.
7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir? Choir.
8. Were you a nerd? Yes and because it was a small school my advance classes were college level that had been recorded and I had to watch.
9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? Again... Nope not that year.
10. Can you sing the fight song? Small school... no theme song.
11. Who was your favorite teacher? The teacher from the AP Physics videos.
12. What was your school mascot? Small school... no school mascot.
13. Did you go to the Prom? Small school... class of 4... no prom.
14. If you could go back, would you? Not even if it would save my life.
15. What do you remember most about graduation? I had to give the speech... it was really more of a thank you/good-bye to the school staff... they'd been great for my only year there.
16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? Small school... no senior skip day.
17. Did you have a job your senior year? Yes, life guard and water safety instructor and I worked at a local video store.
18. Where did you go most often for lunch? The church kitchen, we weren't allowed off the church property during the school day.
19. Have you gained weight since then? Um yes.... I'm about twice the weight I was then, but I was way under weight then... so that's not really a bad thing.
20. What did you do after high school? Went to college for two years and then joined the Air Force.

44 Things... A Shortened List

2007-05-03T19:57:00.000-04:00

Today one of my best friends sent my boyfriend and I a list of 44 things in life that make you happy. He replied the following to both of us...

1. Falling in love.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail or e-mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
14. A good conversation.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
26. Your first kiss.
29. Having someone play with your hair.
32. Road trips with friends.
33. Swinging on swings.
37. Holding hands with someone you care about.
42. Knowing that somebody misses you.
43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Three guesses on who I'm thinking of...

I didn't need the three guesses ;-)

Life

2007-05-03T19:54:00.000-04:00

Hey All,
Life has been extremely busy of late.
But I have some important news to share... I have a boyfriend! He treats me so well and love me just as I am. We'd been friends for a while and secretly liked each other not that there was anything that could be done while we were married.
I can't tell you much about him now except that he's a really good guy, extremely nice an very handsome. There will be more soon, I promise.
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

The House is Sold

2007-02-27T18:17:00.000-05:00

YAY!!!

The house is sold... we will have our money through the lawyers office tomorrow. I won't go into all the gory details of the day... let's just say there were a few kinks in getting everything taken care of.

The next big step will be getting the separation agreement finally signed, which should be tomorrow.

Then I get to splurge on myself. I'm buying myself a new truck. I'm getting a Honda Ridgeline... I can't wait to go get it... and by the way, that will probably be tomorrow as well.

I'm off to celebrate with a few friends, after today, I need Happy Hour.
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Ups and Downs

2007-02-16T18:24:00.000-05:00

The last couple weeks has been a lot of ups and downs...
Most of the ups were stuff I can't really talk about just yet... so more to come on that in the future.
The downs...

The house had something that needed to be fixed prior to the up coming closing, fortunately it only cost about a hundred dollars. I suppose it could have been worse.
I had to do the final tax filing with Jeffrey... the couple of hours spent with him to get that done was not fun. Fortunately, we got money back from both federal and state... Unfortunately he doesn't trust me enough to not come at him for money so... he wrote me a check for the amount and then I wrote him a check for the same amount to cover my half of the joint bills.
Work has been crazy busy, so I've been burning the candle at both ends. Some days the distraction of actually having to be at work has been welcome because it keeps me busy... other days it's really tough to concentrate.
Ian has not been wanting to spend time with me... complains that he will miss the house, which I can understand... complains that he misses his father, which just kind of irritates me because it seems that he wants his father more than me and that hurts... complains that he doesn't like sleeping at my new house, which I try asking what is wrong I will try to fix it and he just doesn't know. He's seven and I can understand this is tough, really I do but I just wish he would want to see me too.

Guess that's about all for now... 11 days and counting until the house closes and we can finally sign the separation agreement.

TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Lazy Weekend

2007-01-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I didn't do much of anything... maybe two loads of laundry (which really is all there was) and paid the bills.
I had Ian Friday night, he had a sleepover with one of my friend's sons from my work. They had a blast and played nicely. They even slept in a bit (9am) on Saturday morning.
There is stuff I need to do at the house, I just didn't feel like it... I kind of needed the break, it's been a whirlwind of a couple months and I think last week it was all catching up to me.
So I'll get to the stuff I need to do (like hanging curtains and pictures or working on my scrapbooking which I haven't touched in 7 months). But for now, I was kind of just happy for the break.
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

A Signed Contract

2007-01-18T21:23:00.000-05:00

Today at lunchtime we went to the realtor's and signed off on a counter offer to the bid on the house.

Then at 5 I got the call that they had accepted what we modified and signed off on it. Yay!!! I'm so happy, I can't even begin to describe it.

They want to move in on the 28th of February. Between now and then it will be busy... the house has to be inspected and appraised... then the sellers have to get all the title work in order and we have to hire a lawyer to review the closing paperwork. It's going to be a fun month... note that "fun" is sarcastic.

TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Yay - An Offer On the House

2007-01-17T22:46:00.000-05:00

Finally an offer on the house... thank goodness.

Jeffrey was actually not too happy, I think he would rather stay in the house... but I'm not going to help him pay the mortgage forever and he can't afford it on his own.

We have to meet with our realtor tomorrow morning to sign paperwork to accept the offer. It is pending the sale of the buyers current home and they are looking to move in at the end of February.

Keeping my fingers crossed that all will work out.
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

A Long 7 Months Away

2007-01-16T19:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I know it's been a long time since I've posted and lots has happened... more so in the last couple months but a lot along the way.

The biggest thing that has happened is that I've left my husband Jeffrey. For a very long time now I've been unhappy and not many people knew it because I tried as best I could to hide it. He was very controlling whether he knew it or not. He also made fun of my weight, even though he just said it was because he loved me. I never thought I could leave... I thought I had to stay, I felt stuck.

Then I switched jobs last June and the people there made me realize how strong a person I was. Then I started paying attention to how much I did at the house. Then I thought for a little while that I needed to stay for Ian's sake. But I realized I could be a much better mother if I was happy. So I made the decision that there was no turning back and I was leaving.

I moved out on the 15th of December. I've found myself a nice two bedroom townhouse. We share custody of Ian. The only thing holding the separation back is the sale of the house, which I pray will be soon.

I'll write more about everything as time goes by but for now I just needed to jot down some thoughts... figured it had been long enough that I'd been away.
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

God's Message

2006-06-08T14:15:00.000-04:00

A friend sent this to me and I just wanted to share it.

7 Things

2006-06-01T14:56:00.000-04:00

Found this on Michelles's blog Fluttering Butterflies.

7 things I want to do before I die:

* Move home to PA
* Travel to all of the states in the US.
* Figure out what I want to be when I grow up...
* Go to school for whatever it is I want to be when I grow up so I can do it when I move home to PA
* Watch my blessing Ian grow up and graduate high school/college
* Learn to get along with my mother
* Get completely caught up on my scrapbooking and stay there

7 Things I can't do:

* Eat properly (every time I try there's just something else tempting me)
* Exercise regulary (every time I start there's another excuse)
* Get regular sleep
* Get along with my mother (may seem mean but she's a very controlling person and several other things which would be a long blog post)
* Walk with my head up
* Have a clear mind (I'm normally scatterbrained)
* Stop apologizing for anything and everything, it's ingrained in my brain to do it...

7 things that attracted me to my spouse:

* The fact that he laughed with me as soon as we met
* His family and how important they are to him
* His sense of humour (although this can also be a downfall)
* His clear blue eyes
* He's an awesome dad!
* His outlook on life
* His ability to know when to let me alone

7 Things I say often:

* Anyhow...
* Awesome!
* I'm sorry.
* I don't feel good.
* Baby (to Ian who is now 6 this is awful)
* Um...
* Alrighty then...

7 Books I love:

* Left Behind series By Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins
* Left Behind: Prequel series By Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins
* Flutterby by Stephen Cosgrove (Actually any of the Serendipity books)
* Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery
* Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews (any of the series really)
* The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares (the series is awesome)
* In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

7 Movies I could watch over and over again:

* Pretty Woman
* The Princess Bride
* Beaches
* Sixteen Candles
* Breakfast Club
* Pretty in Pink
* Any of the Star Wars movies (but this is mostly because Ian is in love with them)

7 People who I'm going to tag!
Anyone who would like to play along...

Had to edit to fix the books... sorry...

Also, Susan has played along.

Bad Blogger

2006-06-01T09:48:00.000-04:00

OK, so I know I've been a bad blogger... and I'm sorry, my life has just been so crazy this last weekend and several days... I'll try to get better at at least checking in...

Wanted to share the news of my going away luncheon... my coworker and friend made this sign up for it... life this morning and yesterday since the news has gone out has been really spinning... a never ending reply to emails about why/where/when and people stopping by to see if all was OK... It's nice to know I'm loved...

TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Thirteen Weird Blogging Habits

2006-05-26T09:14:00.000-04:00

I got this from Susan who got it from Jeana who had made up her very own meme to list 13 weird blogging things I do. Like Susan, I'm not sure I can list 13 things but I will sure try.

1. I like to try to be the first to welcome new Blogging Chicks.
2. To make sure I Welcome all the new chicks, I copy the list and paste it into MS Word.
3. I love comments, so I like to leave them for others in hopes of getting some of my own.
4. I love to play along in meme/games.
5. I have all the blogthings I've put in my random section of the side bar commented out, just in case... (I'm not sure of what the just in case is).
6. I've been working little bits at a time to get my own design done for the blog and I'm not even half done cause I can't dedicate enough time to it.
7. I read the blogs of people who have commented first.
8. After comments I read in random order of friends.
9. I consider those that write blogs I go to often to be friends.
10. I get worried if someone who posts regularly hasn't posted.
11. I will put things off to work on a post, especially if it's a meme/game.
12. I like to link-back to posts whenever I can and it doesn't worry me if that person doesn't do the same.
13. I talk about my *friends* in real life as if I've met them.

Play along if you can!

It's Official

2006-05-25T19:34:00.000-04:00

I have a new job! Yahoo! This new job is actually my old job prior to become a USAF civilian employee, so I know the environment, the people and the job. And from my interview I apparently had done the job well, very well. The interviewer couldn't quite put a face with my name, so he asked around to try to jog his memory... and everyone he asked told him that if he had the chance to hire me back because I was very good at being detail oriented and a hard worker. Besides taking my breath away and then saying thank you, I didn't know what else to say. The interview today, really wasn't your typical interview, it was more of this is what you will be doing and do you feel comfortable because I really want to get you on this team. Also, it was a little strange because I will be working as a subcontractor to the person I interviewed with so it was a little bit about how he expected business regarding time cards/leave etc to work. Then I got to say hello to all the people who I'd worked with before and they were extremely glad to see me. :-)
As luck would have it, the program manager who would actually be hiring me for the subcontract was down today from Northern VA for a visit, so I got to meet him and the HR rep that I'd been working with. That was a nice chat, during our talks he needed to know where I was born for my clearance paperwork so of course I told him and he says I didn't grow up far from there and named the town... small world because the town he was born and raised in is where my parent also lived, I just happened to be born in a hospital a few towns away. Then the HR rep mentioned that she was born and raised in the town my husband was in when he and I met... Who knew three NJ people would meet in VA like this, years after we'd left the state?
For those that may have read about Jeffrey and my Five Year Plan, this is one of the first steps. If you are wondering why, it's because I'm going to be getting a very decent pay raise. This will allow us to pay off some debt from when I was furloughed a couple years back because a contract I was working on ended and also to save a good bit of money. Yahoo, the plan is already starting to move... I can't wait!
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Which Pirates of the Caribbean character are you?

2006-05-25T07:50:00.000-04:00

Which Pirates of the Caribbean character are you?

Busy Week

2006-05-24T08:49:00.000-04:00

Why is it that anytime I volunteer for something, that week tends to get
busy with other things as well, even if my calendar was clear for that
week?

A month ago, I volunteered to coordinate the luncheon and going away
gifts for a co-worker. I did it for many reasons but mostly because of
the people that work with or near her I've known her the longest, she
was even my supervisor for four of my years in this building.
A week and a half ago, we ordered new furniture for the bedroom (pics
another time, because I haven't uploaded them yet) and it was to be
delivered yesterday.
A week ago, I arranged to have a job phone interview on Monday.
Then Sunday I got the start of an awful head cold.

The interview got timing got confused - the interviewer thought I still
worked for the main contractor so I couldn't apply legally without
permission to a sub-contractor and the HR person didn't get a hold of
him in time to clarify the situation.
The furniture was delivered fine yesterday with one exception, the knobs
are missing from the night table but this will be remedied (actually
they are ordering a complete new set to ensure the night table matches
both dressers). But the rest of the day was busy playing catch up.
Mostly it was for the luncheon, which right now I'm praying goes well,
because I had to run around yesterday and get menu selections from those
that had RSVP'd and hadn't sent menu selections. Which was awful 'cause
they treated me like their waitress.
At some point after 2 in the afternoon, the interview was rescheduled
for 4:30 that afternoon, more on this another time, like maybe after my
in person interview tomorrow.

So here I am at Wednesday already, the frame for one of the gifts did
not come with hardware, so I'm going to have to run it back up to the
hobby shop to get it fixed, the luncheon is at 11:30 and I'll be glad
when this day is done.

Almost Glad It's Monday

2006-05-22T10:01:00.000-04:00

Well after this weekend I'm almost glad it's Monday and that I'm back to work.

Friday night after getting out of work, we went to dinner and then went to Sam's club to get our shopping done from there. Fortunately that only took a little while. Once we got home, I we had to unload the car and separate all the meats. Then I made cupcakes for Ian's soccer party the next day. Since I knew Saturday would be busy, I went to bed early.

Saturday was extremely busy. We got up early to go to Ian's soccer game at 9:30. Before we could leave, I had to run to Walgreens because I had forgotten to get the coach a card for the kids to sign. While there I picked up some blue hairspray (the Cougar's team color) because I thought the kids would love it. While the kids were warming up, I had them ask their parents if it was OK to use it and all but one little boy got their hair sprayed, I felt bad cause his dad wasn't there to ask but I didn't want him to get in trouble for having it. Finally that dad showed up at half time and said it was fine. That extra little morale booster did an awesome job for the cougar's confidence during the game and man did they need it. The other team was rough, their coach was even rougher, and o-man I wouldn't want to meet her in a dark alley... The first quarter was good, no one scored on either team, it was like a tennis match - our defense would kick it out and their defense would kick it back. The second quarter was rough... the kid who played goalie for us really prefers to play forward so two times when he was out of the goal the other team scored. Jeffrey had to leave to pick up pizzas before the third quarter and missed Ian in goal. He did an awesome job! The one mom knew I was nervous because Ian will sometimes freeze when he's nervous, and it was just that type of game. So she went out and encouraged Ian and told him he could do it (even bribed him with some lollipops). Well that must have worked because Ian did the best job at goalie that he's ever done before - he didn't care who was after the ball, he would just dive in and grab it! He stopped 3 goal attempts! I was so excited I didn't even take pictures 'cause I forgot the camera was in my hand. He even did an awesome job throwing the ball out to our forwards down the sideline. We scored three times in that quarter, so it was 3-2. The final quarter was kind of scary and got ugly, thankfully Ian was out. The other team had been pushing/pulling/tripping/elbowing the whole game, the ref won't call it unless it is blatant and the kid is hurt. Well the fourth quarter, one of our kids got hurt and ran off the field, so another guy went in. He'd been in all of two minutes and got elbowed really hard, so they let him come off to get a drink quick and his mom told him (loudly enough for the other coach to hear) if they're going to play ugly and push, just push them back. So the game resumed and that's exactly what happened. Then the scary other coach said to us, you best tell your kids (meaning the whole team) to stop pulling on shirts. And that mom said to her, just as soon as you tell your team to stop pushing/pulling/tripping/elbowing. Man it was scary and these are the 6-8 year olds... At any rate, it was like the ref's watch knew it was getting ugly because the quarter seemed to be over in no time after that (I really wonder if he forgot to pause it for the two time outs). So all the Cougar parents yelled way to go Cougars! Then the scary coach turned around and was like it's not like you won. Almost unanimously we reminded her that indeed we had 3-2. The look on her face was horrific when she realized they'd lost. I think she and the other team deserved to loose, like they'd needed that lesson. After the game was said and done we went to one of the picnic shelters for the party, coach couldn't even talk he was so proud of them.
Once we got home, I started cleaning the guest room and our bedroom because we are getting new furniture tomorrow and our old bed stuff was going to a family in need (the dressers are going to my nieces). So I needed to make room in the guest room for two extra dressers (until my sister can get here to pick them up) and I needed to get the bed taken apart. While I did that, Jeffrey mowed and took care of the gardens. Once my friend from work picked up the stuff that was going with him to the family in need, we went to do the Target and Farm Fresh shopping. After we were home for the night some friends came over to play board games (Elfenland and Settlers of Catan).

On Sunday, I woke up so congested I couldn't breathe (silly allergies). Then after I took a shower, the toilet overflowed and made a general mess. I was supposed to go to a birthday party and a candle home party but I had to cancel on both. So I could clean. Well using the bleach did nothing to help my sinuses. Also not helping the sinuses was the fact that Jeffrey decided to do a coat of paint in the bedroom since all the furniture was out and all the pictures were off the wall. Amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for a room. I ended up trying several different medicines to try and help the sinus pressure (throughout the day not all at once ;-) but they really weren't helping and as the day went on I lost my voice. I went to bed early because I had medicine head in the worst way. Jeffrey let me sleep in the bed with Ian (since we don't have any furniture in our room) and he took the couch.

This morning I got up and the shower helped a bit but I don't really have a voice. This will be interesting this afternoon because I have a phone interview at 4. Yikes. Any how, I'm glad the busy weekend is over, and so in that respect I'm glad it's Monday.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Flowers

2006-05-20T12:34:00.000-04:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

This photo was taken about a month ago when I went on a scrap booking beach retreat. It's the welcome sign to Sandbridge in Virginia Beach.

Layout: My Pumpkin

2006-05-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

It's hard to say whether this title is because Ian is My Pumpkin or because Ian found his pumpkin and that's all he would say. Maybe the title should be My Pumpkin's Pumpkin???
Needed something to do to un-wind yesterday and I was able to finish this layout in 20 minutes to relax.

Layout: Rainy Day Play

2006-05-19T16:12:00.000-04:00

Our house has a water run off ditch between it and the next house, also the slants in our driveway creat quite a nice lake whenever it rains. Ian was soaked head to toe but he was having fun so it didn't matter.

Layout: Spiky Hair Dude

2006-05-19T16:11:00.000-04:00

For this hair cut, Ian told and showed the stylist exactly what he wanted done to his hair. He knew what he wanted and found it in the book all by himself.

Layout: Celebrate Birthdays

2006-05-19T16:08:00.000-04:00

October is a busy month for birthdays in our family especially with all the cousins. This layout is actually for a couple of the parties we went to.
Left Hand Side:

Right Hand Side:

Layout: Soccer

2006-05-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

This layout uses one of the Mystery Page ideas from ScrapShare to make the Pinwheel shape.
Left Hand Side:

Right Hand Side:

Blogging Chicks

2006-05-19T13:11:00.000-04:00

The Blogging Chicks blogroll is getting very close to it's 100th blog.
The 100th blog will get a place of honor at the Blogging Chicks!
Go here to see how to join.

BloggerChicks

2006-05-18T19:56:00.000-04:00

I've added a new blogroll to my sidebar.
Click here to join BloggerChicks!
TTFN~Pamela Lynn

Steal This Post Thursday Meme

2006-05-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

Got this from Michele, who got it from Ethel who got it from someone else...

Go to Wikipedia and do a search for your birthday (day and month only, exclude the year).
Post three facts, two births and one death on your blog including the years.

So here are my results...

June 24

Events (decided to pick years that were important to me)
1974 - The UPC label is used for the first time to ring up purchases at a supermarket.
1995- The New Jersey Devils sweep the Detroit Red Wings in four games in the 1995 NHL Stanley Cup finals.
1999 - The guitar with which Eric Clapton recorded Layla is sold at auction for $497,500.

Births (kind of hard because I don't recognize any of the names)
1907 - Arseny Tarkovsky, Russian poet (d. 1989)
1927 - Martin Lewis Perl, American physicist, Nobel Prize laureate

Death (used the most recent)
2005 - Paul Winchell, American voice actor and ventriloquist (b. 1922)

ETA:
Melissa has now played along

Playing Along

2006-05-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

Tag! I'm it! Susan tagged me for this so I'm playing along. ;)

What is your favorite word? Awesome. My 6yo has even picked up on it...

What is your least favorite word? Poop (had to leave this one Susan as Ian is at the stage where he things it's hilarious to make up songs only using that word or portions of it... Po-Poo-Poop... Plo-Plo... I guess it's cause he's a boy, who knows?

What turns you on spiritually, creatively, emotionally? Sprirtually - attending church on a regular basis (which we aren't good at doing because we haven't found a church where Jeffrey is happpy - funny since he's a pastor's son - which by the way also has a lot to do with wanting to move home). Creatively - Working on my scrapbooks especially when I get behind, it's odd but it's like that motivates me to get more done. Emotionally - I'd have to agree with Susan... especially lately I've been on a roller coaster ride lots of ups and downs... though most recently the whole five year plan thing has me feeling a little bit better.

What turns you off? Back stabbers

What's your favorite curse word? Um, extremely rarely curse if at all... my worst word is turkey butt and it's a term reserved for bad drivers.

What sound or noise do you love to hear? I love to here Ian's laughter or even his talking (as long as it isn't whining).

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? A masseuse.

What profession would you NOT like to do? Clean up poop (seeing a trend here - not at all... another one I had to leave from Susan's)

If Heaven exists (HELLO! What do you mean "IF"?), what would you like to hear God say at the pearly gates? Well done and Welcome. Then telling me where to find my Grandma. (I know that probably seems silly but I miss her.)

I tag - anyone who who would like to join in!

Useless Knowledge

2006-05-17T10:46:00.000-04:00

Last night, after adding a shout out to welcome new chicks to the Blogging Chicks blogroll, I went downstairs to check on Jeffrey. He'd been downstairs in the den working on his discussion post for the week.
This weeks topic for the discussion question was to explain stocks and beta (didn't know what this was so Jeffrey had to explain it) to a Martian. So Jeffrey was trying to figure out how to add a picture of Marvin the Martian to his post. He understood that he couldn't just paste it in but wasn't sure how to link to one. He was also having problems finding one so I introduced him to Google's image search, where he actually found this image of Marvin from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and liked it better. So I told him to save it to the computer, upload it to my image event site so that he could put the image in his post... Now to do this I had him open three windows, to make it easier on myself in the explanation of what he had to do, one for Google, one for image event and one for the school post. Jeffrey couldn't believe I would go through that much trouble or had enough useless knowledge to do it... I don't think it's useless though or even troublesome, I mean it takes all of two minutes and only had three windows. So a little disappointed that he wasn't happy I could help, I went up to bed, I mean I've been wanting to help in any way I could this entire year that he's been working on his master's degree on-line. Oh well...
About half an hour later though when he was finished posting his discussion question answer he came up to say thanks, it worked and so-and-so thought it was funny. Maybe the knowledge wasn't so useless after all. ;-)

Five Year Plan

2006-05-16T09:36:00.000-04:00

I didn't really blog about my mother's day but it was awesome! I woke up
late (9:30) and had breakfast with Ian while Jeffrey napped because he
had a sinus headache. Ian gave me my gift, two beautiful Precious
Moments figures (I love you this much and I picked you to love). Then
after we were ready we ran a couple errands, no rush no where to be.
Around 2 we came home and Jeffrey asked if I would call our neighbor to
watch Ian while we went mattress shopping. You see, we've had ours for
11 years and it wasn't all that great to begin with, so we need
something new. After checking a "discount" place and getting a quote of
1450, we decided to drive out to check Value City Furniture... We ended
up spending 750 on the mattress but we also bought a whole bedroom suite
for 700... So it was a good deal.
On our way to the various stores, Jeffrey and I had a wonderful talk. We
both knew the other wanted to move home to PA but never really discussed
when or how or specifically where. Well he started out by asking me when
do I think it could happen. And I told him when Ian is done at Gloria
Dei, which ends at fifth grade. And he said "Perfect, it fits into my
five year plan!" At first I was a little taken aback that he had a five
year plan and I knew nothing about it. But then I though awesome we have
a goal that we can work on together. Then we discussed little bits about
what I would do when we move home and other little details about how to
get there from here. We were really communicating, which is a really big
step for us. Yes we've been married for almost 11 years and we do talk
but this was different and definitely better.
We have a plan, things are looking awesome!
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Mother's Day

2006-05-14T10:24:00.000-04:00

This was passed on to me by a friend and I thought I would share for mother's day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a truly BEAUTIFUL piece please read this at a slow pace, digesting every word and in leisure...do not hurry...this is a treasure...

For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom, this is beautiful.

For those of us who aren't, this is even more beautiful.

For those who are moms, you'll love this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said: "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle,
and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children,"A little patience and we are there."

So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you." And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said,"This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I 've given them strength."

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: "Look up. Lift your eyes to the light." And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness. And that night the Mother said, "This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God."

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them."

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence......."

Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter.
And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you both apart. Not time, not space... not even death!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE MOTHERS & CHILDREN YOU KNOW.

MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED...

Pass it on to the men too because they have mothers too....

Saturday Photo Hunt - Celebrate

2006-05-12T15:18:00.000-04:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

After each soccer game the parents from both teams form a tunnel in the middle of the field to celebrate the kids good job during the game. Ian was pretty happy today because his team won 5 to nothing and he had blocked 3 goal attempts while he was goalie.

A, B, Cs Meme

2006-05-12T12:07:00.000-04:00

Susan tagged anyone who had not done this yet and I thought it was cute so I'm playing along.

Accent: I'm originally from northern NJ and sound like I've lived there all my life when I'm visiting but I've now lived in VA for 12 years so I definetly have a bit of a southern twang.

Bible Book that I like: Don't really have a favorite yet, still learning.

Chore I don't care for: Cleaning the bathrooms... and it's the only thing my dh won't help with...

Dog or Cat: Cats

Essential Electronics: Cell phone, Laptop, Camera, Battery Charger...

Favorite Cologne: JLo Live

Gold or Silver: Silver, except that my dh didn't take that into consideration when he bought the engagement ring and wedding rings 12 years ago...

Handbag I Carry Most Often: Target handbag that is square and mainly beige with Olive, Burnt Orange and Eggplant colored fleur-di-lis...

Insomnia: Starting to wonder if it needs to fall under my next visit to discuss how to control my pain from the endometriosis...

Job Title: IT Specialist (APPSW) (that stands for applications software)...

Kids: Just my blessing Ian! :)

Living Arrangements: With husband, son and two cats.

Most Admirable Trait: I've been told I'm a good listener/sounding board.

Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: Smoking at the age of 13... so glad I quit now.

Overnight Hospital Stays: When I had Ian 6 and a half years ago. Others have just been day surgeries.

Phobias: "S"s... s.n.a.k.e.s and s.p.i.d.e.r.s I spell them that way because I don't say them IRL either... usually I just say aaaaahhhh there's an S!

Quote: "But you know happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light."Albus Dumbledore - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Religion: I'm a Christian; have found over the years that I don't like denominations per se because so many I've seen become judging of those that aren't that particular one...

Siblings: 1 brother and 1 sister; both younger

Time I Wake Up: 5:15 I dislike being in others way of getting into the bathroom for showers etc so I make sure I'm up first.

Unusual Talent or Skill: None that I can think of.

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Mushrooms (allergic), squash, eggplant, zuccini... um this could get long...

Worst Habit: Apologizing when it isn't even remotely my fault.

X-rays: Oh at least a couple dozen... let's just say I'm accident prone.

Yummy Stuff I Cook: I make good spaghetti sauce and real mac-n-cheese. Although my dh would say I'm good at the fake stuff too, he says it tastes better when I make the stuff in the box. Other than those few things, I'm not good at other things in the kitchen, I tend to burn things..

Zoo Animal I Like Most: The big cats.

I tag anyone who who would like to join in!

Random Things

2006-05-12T08:16:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad it's Friday! It's been a long week here.

I'm also thankful because this is one of my three day weekends. (On the schedule I work I get every other Monday off, which is quite often a very good thing.)

Today is busy, several phone calls to make and a couple meetings. Then this evening, Ian has a soccer game, we are eating dinner with our neighbors and then I'm going scrapbooking for the rest of the evening.

I don't know how much I'll get done scrapping tonight as I won't get there until at least 7:30 and it ends at 11. Thankfully it is only at my neighbors house across the street. I may only bring pictures and pages and just use her tools for tonight, we'll see, it'll be easier that way though. I usually like to have my own things with me.

Not much news on my Mother in law, she's still in the hospital, they still aren't sure what caused it, she was able to eat some clear broth yesterday, they might start jello tomorrow, which means at the earliest she might come home on Monday.

Last night's Survivor episode was awesome, can't wait for the finale on Sunday. But also I'm going to have to figure out what to do because West Wings final episode is on at the same time. Why oh why?

Spoke Too Soon

2006-05-11T10:22:00.000-04:00

Well yesterday's praise was a bit soon. Although another way to look at it is yes the surgery went but now my Mother in law is not doing well.

They, the surgeon and her gastroenterologist, aren't sure what is causing the problems this time. She's sick, can't hold anything down and has a fever. They aren't sure when she will be going home either. They have her on IV nutrition and pain medicine.

An odd thing also occured yesterday with Ian. While his Grandma was getting sick and not doing well at the hospital, he was acting out by talking and not paying attention at school. I feel bad for the teacher but I'm sure these two things are connected. Those two are like two peas in a pod. It's like his love for her told him she was not doing well. It's happened before. The last time she was in the hospital a few months ago, I had to take him to visit because he was so out of sorts about how she was doing. I don't know how else to explain it... she's sick/he acts out without even having been told that she wasn't doing well.

All I can do is pray that she gets better.

Praise

2006-05-10T08:27:00.000-04:00

Thankfully my Mother-in-laws surgery went well. The damage was actually worse than they expected but they were able to remove a lot of scar tissue build up and put in a new shunt. She's recovering and hoping that she will be able to go home today.

Busy Weekend Away

2006-05-09T12:41:00.000-04:00

Spent most of yesterday getting caught up from being away. It was a busy weekend but a lot of fun. We got to my in-laws house around 9:30 PM on Friday night, we made good time despite the fact that it was pouring rain for most of the drive up.
On Saturday morning, Jeffrey let me sleep in a bit while he went to breakfast with his dad and Ian was playing with Grandma. After I got up we went over to the church yard sale. Found some great things: a CM accessory bag ($2), several Serendipity books (Flutterby was unfortunately not one of them but I picked up 4 others for $1), a scooter ($5), a baseball and bat ($2), strike zone net(don't know the right term... you throw the ball at it and it bounces back, it has a strike zone laid out on it too for $10 it was a steal cause they are normally about $50) and several baby girl outfits for my neighbors granddaughter.
While Ian took a rest, mom and I went to Gettysburg Village Factory Stores, so I could find some shorts or Capri's for this summer. We had a good trip, some laughs while trying to find my size though because most of the stores with my size are for old ladies... the one even smelled like my nana does, it was hilarious because we both just turned around to walk out. I love that I get along with my mother-in-law so well. Saturday afternoon Ian, Grandma and I went to the community park in Thurmont, MD. They just replaced most of the equipment there. Ian had a lot of fun on the rock climb (pretending he was King of the world) and the merry-go-round. After dinner we went back to the outlets because Dad and Ian needed shoes and Jeffrey decided he needed some shorts too. Dad drove this time so I was able to get a picture that I've been wanting of the sign for the stores, it's very pretty and sits right on the highway, I was impressed that I caught this picture pretty well through the back window while we were going 70 miles an hour.
Sunday morning we went to church. During the children's sermon Ian would not get a cross painted on his face until after Dad did, it was sweet. Then we went to Mountain Gate (a favorite family style buffet restaurant) for lunch. After lunch Dad went to a bowling fund raiser for the Boys and Girls club. So while we waited for him to get back, Jeffrey rested for the drive home and Mom, Ian and I went to two other parks. The first park is at a new Welcome to MD rest area that just opened up about 10 minutes north of my in-laws on route 15. Ian had fun on this ladder and the view of the mountains was great. After about an hour there, we went over the covered bridge to Loys Station Park. The bridge was restored in 1994 and it's a one lane bridge over the creek. Ian likes to go down under the bridge to watch the cars cross, Mom took this picture of us from the other side of the creek.
Ian likes the monkey bars at Loys Station better than the other parks because if he falls he isn't too high off the ground. So he does a lot better on them because he isn't worried about that.
When we went to leave Ian left one of his favorite "geeks" (blankets) for Grandma to bring to the hospital with her. It brought tears to her eyes and was very sweet. That was about the only mention the entire weekend of Mom's upcoming trip to the hospital, thankfully the weekend was stress free and relaxing.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Open

2006-05-05T11:19:00.000-04:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

This week I signed up to be part of a new (new to me) blogroll for this photo hunt. I thought it was a cool idea and it would help me to remember to post on Saturdays. Well unfortunately, the same week I sign up, I have to go out of town for the weekend and won't have web access, so I'm posting this as late as I can on Friday evening before we leave.
Here is my photo... the same day I signed up to be a part of this the Iris on the shady side, of the flower bed around the oak tree in my front yard, finally opened up. How perfect for the "Open" theme.

Prayer Request for My Mother In Law

2006-05-05T10:19:00.000-04:00

My MIL has pancreatitus from a birth defect. They can do surgery to help but have to repeat it every few years because scar tissue grows back over what they've done to correct the problem. Well recently her numbers have gotten extremely worse than they've been before and they are going to modify the surgery a bit to see if they can make a drastic difference. One of the things requires that she be completely under with the anesthesia, previously she's only had a local anesthetic.
She was supposed to come this weekend to watch Ian for us before her surgery on Tuesday but is not feeling up to it. Also, she's a bit nervous and would like to see her only grandchild before she goes into the hospital. I think part of it has to do with the fact that the last time she went in, Ian got upset and had to see that Grandma was OK and some is fear of being completely under and some is fear of this unknown part of the surgery.
So we canceled our plans that we could go be with her instead. Hopefully it will be a fun weekend not too heavy/sad. I'm afraid it will be stressful, like you can feel the tention around you.
If you are so inclined, could you pray that she has peace of mind for this situation and that the surgery would go well? Thank you so much in advance.

Layout: Birthday Party

2006-05-05T10:12:00.000-04:00

This layout was hard for me. I wasn't thrilled with it at first but now it's growing on me. The problem was I had way to many pictures at first... 16 of them... wasn't quite enough for a 4 page spread but way too many for a two page spread. I weeded out a couple pictures and narrowed it down to 14 pictures and was amazingly able to fit them all on these two pages.

Layout: Good-bye Fudge

2006-05-05T10:09:00.000-04:00

Ian has always been afraid of dogs. But he started saying he wanted to get one last summer. We weren't sure though how it would go. So when one of Jeffrey's friends needed to place a Chocolate Lab, we thought we'd give it a go. Unfortunately Fudge was just a bit too hyper for us. The friend understood and thankfully was able to find another family for Fudge.

Layout: Birthday Blessing

2006-05-05T10:07:00.000-04:00

Ian goes to a Lutheran private school. Each week they have chapel and in each childs birthday week they get a birthday blessing fromm the pastor.

Ian's birthday blessing week, he also got to be chapel helper and carried in the flag.

Layout: Happy 6th Birthday

2006-05-05T10:02:00.000-04:00

I've always wanted to do paper tearing layouts but I was no good at it because I was too concerned with how straight or even looking the tear would be.... yes I know it's supposed to be random, I just don't do random well.
One of the ladies on SS recommended that I get a paper tearing ruler. This thing is awesome. I just lay it on the desk and tear the paper and it keeps it even and makes it easier. Love it!

Here is a double page spread I did with the paper tearing for Ian's 6th birthday, his Grandma made him the cake, I'm not that talented...

Layout: October

2006-05-05T09:58:00.000-04:00

Well, I learned this technique at the retreat I went to last month. I thought it would make a great year's worth of borders. I made the twelve sets already, super easy only took me about an hour, they are all the same color this year for a change.

Test

2006-05-04T19:06:00.000-04:00

Test

Ian and My Car

2006-05-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what started this but Ian likes to climb or sit on my car. Maybe it is that I let him do it at soccer practice while waiting for the coach or maybe it is that he can't believe I let him do it, since I'm always so afraid he will get hurt. Once when Jeffrey saw it he couldn't believe I was letting him... thinking I'd be afraid he might fall off... Well quite honestly, I am afraid of that but I'm usually within a few feet and watching that Ian doesn't get too near the edge... so I kind of let it go. Plus I'm starting to realize more and more that he's going to get hurt, not to say I'd let him run down the middle of the street or anything close but I do realize I need to give him a little freedom to be a boy...
At any rate, any time we are outside just relaxing, he's on my car... Well the other night, he climbed up there and I *happened* to have my camera outside, actually not a rare occasion, lol... and he was being a ham.

Gardens

2006-05-03T09:08:00.000-04:00

Finally got around to uploading the pictures of our gardens around the house, so that I could share... been meaning to do it for a week at least, just kept forgetting.

Here are the front gardens, there are 3 flower beds in the front yard. Last year we added a rock garden and swing to the one side after tearing out a bunch of old holly bushes that were blocking the front window. Also, we found out last year that gerber daisies thrive in the garden to the left of the porch, so we planted them again this year. The iris around the front tree used to be in the middle of the back yard, which didn't make much sense, so we split them up and moved them out front. It's funny because each corner of that bed blooms in turn... the front corner blooms first because it gets the most/earliest sun.

Along the side of the house is a dogwood which I love. Aparently, according to our neighbor, the previous owner had given it to his wife for their 50 wedding anniversary. Beside the shed is a beautiful Japanese red maple tree. Ian made a birdhouse for that tree with his Grandma. It's been hanging there for about 3 years now and each year it's full of birds.

Finally on the other side of the house, is a small bed that runs the length of the house along the side walk. We are never quite sure what will survive there and what won't. The iris didn't make it there, neither did tulips, roses, hostas or lavendar... the problem is that the bricks get very hot in the noon sun and roast anything that is in that garden. It also makes the soil very dry... eventually we'll find something that will work... any ideas???

Layout: Soccer Practice

2006-05-02T13:46:00.000-04:00

Another gift from SS from the RAK section. NowImScrappin cut me two titles, this is one of them, haven't used the other yet but I'm hoping to in the next few days.

Layouts from Swaps

2006-05-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

One fun thing I've recently discovered at Scrapshare has been swaps. I've only participated in a couple, but they've been fun and the borders received back have been great and make it easy to get back into scrapbooking.
Didn't add anything for this one but put pictures on the page with it. Didn't she do a great job?

For this one I very simply added ribbon to a tag. I have to say it's the first ribbon I've ever used in a layout.

I added an extra side border for this one to make the two page spread, but that was easy, I mean the whole layout only took about five minute? Cool, huh?

Layout: Happy Birthday

2006-05-02T13:27:00.000-04:00

This used one of the Mystery Pages ideas from Scrapshare.

Layout: Boys Toys

2006-05-02T13:22:00.000-04:00

This layout has simple corners: a large triangle, a 1x6 inch strip and a small triangle. I love simple pages. I figure it's the only way I'll get caught up.

Ian's grandpa is a minister. The church "rents" (very inexpensively) one of the two houses to one of the church families who is in need. The family last year had many children, several are younger than Ian. So when grandma and grandpa bought him a larger big wheel and a new scooter, they brought the old over to the other family to share. Great way to teach him about giving things.

Layout: Months

2006-05-02T13:15:00.000-04:00

Each month of a year gets it's own layout in Ian's albums. I use them for miscellaneous pictures that don't really fit anywhere else and for memorabelia. Each "year" gets a new layout style and they start in October with Ian's birthday because they are his years.
For his fifth year it was a page topper with a month sticker and squares with sprinkled stickers.

New Rule

2006-05-02T08:12:00.000-04:00

One of Ian's newest homework assignments is to read a starter book each
night. This is a series of 26 books. They are only about 6-8 pages long
and each page only has two or three sentences. Each night after he reads
it I have to initial it off that he has read it, kind of like a
checklist. Then he brings the book back to get a different one.
Well last night he would not sit still and was having troubles with the
words. I know that he can read them, if only he would sit still and be
able to focus on the words on the page.
Also, I know that the boy can sit still, he is capable of doing that he
just doesn't like to. Now I can't get too upset over that because
neither his father or I like to sit still for too long. I gave him a
warning to sit still and made him start the story over.
He kept wiggling. So I told him that when he is reading for each time he
wiggles he will get 1 minute of time out and have to be still. At first
he cried that he didn't want time out. So I just told him then you have
to be still.
There is the new rule. Jeffrey thought I was being a bit mean. But I
felt that it might help to curb his new "problem" thing at school of
being still in his seat (on top of the talkativeness which is getting
better). He's not a bad kid really. He just has a few bad habits, at
least for a school setting.
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Transitions and Glasses

2006-04-28T09:50:00.000-04:00

My friend toemi posted a question about transitions lenses for glasses... My commnet to her was getting to be more like a book so I figured I'd just post about it.

Jeffrey recently got Transitions lenses for his glasses. They are great because I don't have to remind him to switch glasses to sunglasses or vice versa when out and about. He says they change pretty quickly now from light to dark, only about a minute to lighten up some and then only a few more to lighten completly when going inside. They darken just about instantaneously when he walks outside too which is great. He says he never has to squint so that must be good.
He only has one complaint about them. They do not stay dark in the car. The sales lady says the lenses need UV rays to change but the car windows are treated so UV rays won't be problematic.
Also, when Jeffrey got his last pair of glasses he made a frame change. This was a huge deal for him because he's always had oval shaped wire rimmed frames. This time the sales lady and I convinced him to go with a more rectangular fame that is a thin black plastic rim. They look great on him but it did take him a while to get used to the look/feel.

Hope the info helps toemi...

Tough Question

2006-04-28T09:38:00.000-04:00

Last night, Jeffrey had a meeting so Ian and I went to IHOP for dinner.
While at dinner I explained to Ian that I needed to go to Target for
some baby shower presents and game things. He wanted to know who had the
baby. So I explained that this shower was being held before the baby is
here and I explained that it's for our neighbor's son's girlfriend
(nsg).
Well he had a bunch of questions about the baby, at first they were like
when will it be here? In a few more weeks I told him. Will I get to see
it? So I told him I'm sure the proud grandma will bring her over or let
us come over to meet her. Where will the baby live? Well she'll live
with nsg and her parents but will visit ns on the weekends.
Then they got a bit tougher... Well how are they having a baby if ns and
nsg aren't married? Well sometimes people do things they shouldn't
before they are married (just my opinion). Well wasn't the neighbor mad?
At first she was mad with her son but then she realized the baby was
coming all the same and wanted to be able to see the baby and her son.
Well why are we having a party for something they shouldn't have done?
Um, stumped for a minute on this one... Couldn't believe all this was
coming from my 6yo. Well Ian, we want to make sure the baby will have
things she needs, diapers/formula/bottles/wipes because ns/nsg won't
have a lot of money to be getting things for her.
Then he asked if he could pick some things out. Oh my gosh... He would
have gone nuts would I have let him. It was very sweet. He picked her
out a pretty pink soft geek (magic fleece blanket, geek is just an
Ian-ism), then he picked her out a pink little cat, a pack of pink
onesies and finally a bright colored teething ring toy. Along the way
though he wanted to know if she would need shoes, so I told him no she
wouldn't need those for a while. He also picked out some sippy cups but
I told him she wouldn't need those for about a year, how about we pack
up the ones you don't use and just save them for her. He wanted to know
if she would need a bath tub and I told him our neighbor had already
gotten one. The last thing he asked about is if she would need a stool
to climb on to reach stuff. All I could do is smile and say no buddy she
won't need that for at least a couple years so we'll just save yours
since you don't need it anymore.
It was a very sweet trip to Target but also hard with all the questions.
And I don't know what was harder, knowing how good a big brother he'd be
and can't, or answering the questions.

Anyone Want Two Cats?

2006-04-27T08:42:00.000-04:00

No really you wouldn't want these two... they pee on stuff in the house and generally drive my husband crazy.

Don't know what we are going to do. We've already had to throw away a mattress (along with the comfy foam topper and the comforter), a throw rug, and now a futon mattress).

I love the cats but I can't have the house smelling of nasty cat pee. Yuck!!!

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

PS this has not always been a problem... only the last few months... and they still do go to the litter box it's just like they forget to always go there. Frustrating.

Quote

2006-04-26T13:22:00.000-04:00

OK, so after my realization the other day and then my daddy's email... I watched Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban. In it the headmaster Albus Dumbledore has this to say to the entire school "But you know happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light."

Three reminders in one day that I need to look towards the good.

Two Choices

2006-04-24T20:21:00.000-04:00

Today I realized that part of my problems right now may be that my
depression is grabbing hold again. It scares me because I'm not sure why -
other times it has been a specific event... miscarriage, post-partum
depression after my son was born or after my tubal pregnancy.
I mentioned this to a friend today and she said maybe if I tried to focus on
the positive things that are in my life (that they are there and maybe I
just need to focus on them). Then I get home and the following was in my
inbox from my Daddy. Funny how things like this happen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
READ THIS - LET IT REALLY SINK IN - THEN CHOOSE.

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and
always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was
doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how
to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked
him, "I don't get it!

You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices
today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a
bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood."

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can
choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their
complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the
positive side of life.

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the
junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations.
You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your
choice how you live your life."

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to
start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I
made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident,
falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from
the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins
Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his
mind as the accident took place.

"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my
soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I
remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could
choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.

He continued, "..the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into
the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I
got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed
to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John.
"She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and
nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and
yelled, 'Gravity'."

Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as
if I am alive, not dead."

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his
amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to
live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

You have two choices now:

01. Ignore this.

02. Forward it to the people you care about.

You know the choice I made.

Gardening and Yard Work

2006-04-24T10:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday both Jeffrey and I worked outside in the yard all day.
Jeffrey mowed the grass twice since it had grown so much and was still a
little wet in spots. The first time he went one direction to cut it and
then the second time he went the other direction and used the bagger so
we didn't have all that cut grass laying on the pretty lawn. All his
hard work on the lawn paid off cause it looks great - very green, very
soft and about 95% weed free. (Unfortunately can't do much about that
other 5% cause our neighbors don't care for their lawn.)
I helped out by doing the weed-whacking and edging. I love his Black &
Decker grass hog... It's cordless so no chasing/un-knotting/pulling on a
long cord and it does both of those jobs (edging and whacking).
Unfortunately once I got all the edging done I had to charge the battery
before I could do around the house/gardens/trees/shed. So while it was
charging I weeded our veggie garden area to get it ready for planting in
a couple weeks. That was not a fun job, it was full of carpet weed that
didn't want to let go. Once I was done, Jeffrey borrowed our neighbors
tiller attachment for the weed whacker to give the soil a good turn -
looks pretty good this year I don't think we'll have to add anything to
it. While he did that I finished up the weed-whacking.
Then it was clean up time. Thankfully.
All that time, Ian was playing in the neighborhood. He and the neighbors
boy played on either Ian's swing set or next door and each time they
switched they were sure to tell us where they were headed. When they
needed drinks or a snack they just went inside to get it. It was great
and I think he's enjoying his independence. This is really the first
year we are giving him that freedom and it's saving us a bit of money
because we used to hire the girl down the street to be a mother's helper
for the afternoon.
(PS... Yes I know I still need to take pictures to share... This is my
reminder again.)
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Cracker Barrel Trip

2006-04-24T08:16:00.000-04:00

On Saturday we drove two hours (on a normal trip) away to Fredericksburg. It is the halfway point between here and my in-laws house. They didn't get to see Ian on Easter and wanted to see him and give him his basket. When we meet like this we stop for lunch a Cracker Barrel. Thankfully it wasn't busy because Ian had been complaining he was hungry since we'd left the house.
It was pouring rain so the trip was not fun, plus all the people who took their Spring Break in the south were heading home on 95. Thankfully Jeffrey was driving because I don't do well in Thunderstorms.
Ian had his normal, pancakes and a scrambled egg and he ate the whole thing. After we ate lunch, we shopped a bit because they were having 50 percent off to clear the store out for summer stuff. Then Ian and his Grandma sat in the back of Grandpa's van to open his basket. After we said our good-byes we headed for home... even though it was pouring so hard you couldn't see the car in front of you we made it home in about 2 3/4 hours... Understandably Jeffrey was exhausted so he took a nap.

TGIF!

2006-04-21T14:48:00.000-04:00

Been a long week. a couple things happened at home this week that I have not posted about, didn't really want to until I knew things would be OK.
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First I finally figured out what my "mother's curse" is... Ian's clutziness. There is no doubt that he got it from me. By the time I was his age I'd broken 5 bones, I was just that clutzy. Anyhow, Ian fell twice last week at school on the playground and got huge goose eggs each time. We thought he was OK at first but after the second one he got a lot quieter/less active than normal and he was really complaining about the resulting headache. So I took him to the doctor yesterday, I probably should have brought him sooner but we thought it would be OK. The doctor sent him for a CT Scan this morning. Yesterday was killing me, no answers, Ian's got a headache, he's afraid of this thing called a CT scan...
Well this morning we went to the hospital to get the CT scan done. The tech that we had was wonderful, already wrote her a thank you note and need to send it out. She was very calming but also upbeat which was very reassuring. She talked with Ian and got him used to the room. When we talked about his hair because it was sticking up I mentioned that it's his new Luke Skywalker hair-do, so she called him that the rest of the time, which he loved. Jeffrey stayed with Ian to hold his hand and I went with her in the little booth room. He thought it was cool, like going through a portal on Hot Wheels World Race/Acceleracers, had a thumbs up the whole time she took the pictures. When it was done Ian asked if he could have some pictures of his brain to show his friends and she gladly let him pick a couple out... he picked one of his scull, thought it was cool that you can see all his grown up teeth... then he picked one of his brain that actually looks like a smiley face. It's cool.
Once that was done she let us go home. For now I'm taking that as good news because the doctor yesterday had said it was a good sign if they let you go without seeing the radiologist.
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Second, is Jeffrey's school for his Master's degree. He's been going on-line and doing this year-long program. He was supposed to be done on Saturday.... unfortunately his school advisor informed him that because he has two C grades, he cannot graduate... doesn't matter that he tried to contest one of them because the professor was not helpful and because he only failed the midterm and got 100%'s on all his other course work... he didn't contest it soon enough, must have been done the semester immediately following that course which was two semesters ago... doesn't matter that he still has a 3.64 even with those two grades and that the rule in the handbook says you will get the degree as long as you have above a 3.0... doesn't matter that the professor doesn't work there anymore because of all the complaints the school received about him...
On Monday when Jeffrey got the news, he was frustrated/disappointed and angry... me, well I was disappointed too (we've looked forward to him being done it's been a long year) but I couldn't show it at home... thankfully I've had some friends that have let me vent about it else I would have gone insane... On Tuesday, he swore he wouldn't retake the course even if it meant he wouldn't get his masters after all the other hard work.
Finally on Wednesday he had calmed enough to realize he needs to take the course so he registered. This will be his final semester, he gets a week off before it begins and he will graduate on my bday (June 24th). I'm that he has to take it over again... but I'm glad he's calmed enough to take the course. Here is a new countdown... just for Jeffrey cause I'm so proud of all the hard work he's done!

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Sorry so long...
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Shout Out ~ Blogging Chicks

2006-04-19T21:39:00.000-04:00

Hey all,
I'm a blogging chick now. it isn't really hard to join in the fun... you just have to be a woman and have a blog that meets the following no porn, no hate sites, no excessive profanity, no spam)... click here to join... My Life Under the Sun.
TTFN
Pamela Lynn

Lost Tooth

2006-04-19T15:25:00.000-04:00

Ian has been hanging onto this loose tooth for weeks now. Finally the other day when Jeffrey was brushing his teeth Ian told him to stop because his tooth hurt. So Jeffrey stopped and told him he must pull it out because that's why it hurt. So Ian got it out in one try but this time it was very bloody, very unlike his first two that he lost.

Ian was not happy with that at all. The taste was making him gag, poor guy. (Here he is in the bathroom showing off his new empty space.)

Finally distracted him from worrying about it by taking him to rent a game at Blockbuster. That made his day.

Egg Hunting

2006-04-19T14:55:00.000-04:00

After we were all awake/showered/had breakfast on Sunday morning, which was amazingly late in the morning because we all slept till about 10:15 or so, I went outside to hide Ian's Easter eggs.
Fortunately, the day before Jeffrey and I had planted so flowers in a couple of the gardens (I should really take some pics of our gardens and post just about them, this is my reminder) so that gave me a few extra places to hide things. I put seven of them in the front yard and the other seven in the back. Once I was done hiding the eggs, I went in to get Ian and my camera.
Ian wasn't doing too well at first with finding the eggs. Walked around the front yard without checking the gardens. Walked by the dogwood and the shed without noticing the eggs. He found the couple that I had put on the swingset and kind of just stood there.
So trying to be nice, I just went near each of the rest of the eggs and held my camera up to take the pictures. He got the hint although a couple of times Jeffrey had to tell him to look harder (as a matter of fact Jeffrey wouldn't have even found a couple of them had I not pointed them out).
Here are some pictures from Ian's egg hunt (click to make them larger if you would like):

Easter Eggs

2006-04-19T12:59:00.000-04:00

Saturday night Ian and I colored the Easter Eggs and Jeffrey ran to get my camera to take some pictures. That makes it a major event. Lol. He dislikes using the camera, especially the one he got me for Christmas because he doesn't know how to use it. I did have to help him a bit by opening the flash (the one thing I don't like about the is that it doesn't happen automatically other than that it's awesome). Anyhow, here are some pics of Ian and me (clicking on them should make them larger if you like.

With my son's gag reflex, I was very glad to find out I had gotten the kind of egg coloring that did not require the use of vinegar. That is something I will admit I hadn't though to check out when I picked up the colors at Walgreens earlier in the day.

Ian did an awesome job helping to color the eggs. He didn't splash when he stirred the color or poured the extra water in after the tab dissolved. He didn't even splash or get it on his fingers when putting the eggs in. His favorites were the green and blue. He was not too thrilled with the pink but I thought those turned out the best.

This last picture reminds me to mention that Ian has a new silly dance. Don't know where he came up with it but he does it when he's happy/just to be silly. Isn't he adorable?

Communications Skills

2006-04-18T13:46:00.000-04:00

Last Friday for work I went to a four hour class on communication skills. We are getting ready to go through some major changes regarding the personnel system (evaluations, pay increases, etc) so they are having us do all these courses on accepting change and how to communicate. The hope is that we will understand better what is going on.
Friday's Communications Skills course was interesting. Definetly brought me out of my shell to say the very least during a couple of the participation parts.
First one was that we had to go around the room and find people for 6 appointment times. Once we had our 6 names the fun began... we had to go find each of those people at the appointed time (which was listed on the board) and discuss the question for on the board for two minuetes. I did OK, it was a little hard since I'm so shy and I only knew one person in the room. She was amazed that I wasn't even asking her to be one of the six people.
Once that exercise was done we did a DISC Personality Profile test. It's a 96 question test where for each box you list whether it is most like you or least like you. Then you graph it out in comparison to the norm or average (not sure which term would be more appropriate). I am a "C" (actually highest on the graph)and my next highest was "S". I'm way below average for "I" and "D". Once everyone had their graphs we went through strengths/weaknesses for each. "C's" are Cautious/Competent/Compliant/Careful. I had to agree with those and also with my weaknesses... need to be more positive and enthusiastic.
Once we'd gone through all that he requested that we talk to someone the oposite of us. So as a "CS" I went in search of a "DI" and I knew exactly who to go to because of her answers/comments during the class. The younger girl accross the room. The teacher was even impressed that I'd gone way out of my comfort zone to do that. (I'd been sitting in the back corner and he'd known exactly where I'd fall on the test.)
All in all it was a good course. I'm having fun now categorizing some of my co-workers. It will help me to communicate better with them. I'd also love for Jeffrey to take the test and would not be surprised to find out I'm married to an "ID" type person. ;)

Mom's Surgery

2006-04-17T19:29:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that my mom was hurt while skiing. She tore her ACL (had to look it up... anterior cruciate ligament).
Well today she had her surgery. Dad said it went well, the doctor was able to repair the tear. The surgeon said this was a common ski injury.
My dad worries that she'll go back and get hurt again. I'm sure she'll go back and I'll just have to pray she doesn't get hurt.

Update iMood...

2006-04-17T15:46:00.000-04:00

I no sooner posted about my bleh mood than Ian came in and gave me a huge hug, along with Eskimo and Butterfly kisses. My son knows me sooo well. He said they were just because... Gotta love him!
TTFN
Pamela Lynn