Missing you on your birthday!!

Live action with all the sweetness and none of the mess! Your other gift will, of course, be late!!

So you wanna see Christmas decorations?

Tyler has started b-ball. Their fist game will be Saturday. In an effort to prepare for the upcoming game, they had an additional practice this past Saturday. Saturday was also the day for the HSC children's Christmas party. My kids wanted to go to the party to see Santa and Tyler had no problem skipping practice. Unknown to me was the fact that Tyler had some idea in his head that Santa might be bringing Daddy home on the helicopter. Apparently Tara convinced him, I am hoping very gently and in the nicest way possible, that Daddy would not be arriving with Santa.

The morning of the Christmas party Tyler looked at me as if I had lost my mind and said he was going to practice. I honestly believe that faced with a similar dilemma, Kevin would have also chosen sports over a Christmas party. Tyler did make me promise that he would see Santa some other time.

So Tara, Trey and I did the party without him. They had the usual stuff- crafts, face painting, bouncy house, food and Santa arriving on a helicopter. Trey watched everything very carefully but he would not get near the man in the red coat. Nuh huh- no way. Hopefully by the end of the season, and with his dear brother's influence, we'll make it happen.

Tara had songfest last night at school. We all gathered in the cafeteria to listen to the 5th graders play their string instruments and then we stood outside while the 3rd graders sang Christmas carols and we nibbled on cookies and drank hot apple cider. It was very cute but very cold.

I got an email from Kev and he asked to see pics of the Christmas tree. If Kev had been here we may have rearranged everything to put the big tree in the family room. Instead we moved out the chaise and put the big tree in the living room/office and the lil itty bitty Hawaii tree is in the family room. It works and the Martha, buried deep inside me, likes it because it is very visible from the front and side of the house because it is surrounded by windows. The giant snow globe is in the yard and we have a new wreath and garland around the door along with a small lighted tree on the porch. The bushes and trees are lit with white lights. It's actually very sweet and very traditional. It keeps the kids happy and the neighbors are thrilled someone here now decorates.

I was given Christmas dishes one year as a present. Each year Kev humps the heavy box in and out of storage. For the past few years we haven't even unwrapped, much less used them, for lack of space. This year I am proud to say they have all been washed, are in my cabinet and we use them daily!!

So, you got the scoop on the decorations and there are a bunch of pics too. There are parties and functions coming so I'll keep you updated!!

Justice, the Y and Verizon (oh my!)

I got a phone call yesterday from the local PD and the neighborhood hoodlum responsible for looting so many vehicles has been caught. I don't know the particulars but apparently he was brought down by Mom. Mom was in his room and wondered about the lovely Vera Bradley bag (mine!) he had stashed wherever a boy stashes an obviously female bag. When she opened it she discovered lots of GPSs and a Kodak camera (mine!) with the SD card intact. Mom turned him in. Muhuhuhuh! Although I applaud her for doing the right thing, I am sure it was a struggle and has ripped her heart out.
On the other hand, I am oh-so-very excited to get my work bag back and the SD card. When I was describing my camera to the detective in the property office they had originally thought it belonged to someone else. I described how the lens was loose and he professed it was a nice tight fit. As he turned the camera facing down so he could look at the pictures I was describing, I heard the lens fall out and hit the desk.
"So was that the lens?"
"Uhh, yes ma'am. Maybe this camera is yours." Ya think??
Now if I can convince him that one of the GPSs is mine I'll be back in business. My advice: WRITE DOWN THE SERIAL NUMBER!
The GPS is a very corrupting little device. My entire life I have been excellent at directions and finding my way around. If I have been there once, I can get there again. No problem. After owning a GPS I now feel as if I will be horribly lost forever if I can't see the streets displayed as I approach them. My son learned left and right from the not-so soothing voice that dictates direction. I feel cheated that I never got to actually try and drive while just looking at the 4 inch screen. (I swear it can be done!) I WANT my GPS people!!!
***breathe in, breath out***
We belong to the YMCA (can you read that with out singing the song?) and I workout there while the kids play in their respective "zones". Once in a while, when they are swinging from the dining room light or climbing the curtains, we'll go up there to swim/wear them out. Trey will now happily go straight into the toddler area without a whimper. Tyler loves to color and play in the tubes and in the I zone they have a WII and a rock climbing wall. He has made it about half way up the wall. I love to watch the determination that overcomes his little features each time he climbs into the harness.
Tara learned from Grandma Linda that she was old enough to go into the fit room. She discovered this and has approached it with the same passion she does most things- balls to the wall!! (Pardon my slang!) She made an appointment with the fitness instructor and was oriented to the machines. Now she sits and adjusts the seat and the weights like a little pro. They have Disney on above the treadmills and she walks/runs happily watching Waverly Place. She has recently discovered the rowing machines and says she likes to row "like we did in the water at Kaneohe." I love it because she now hounds me about going which keeps me on more of a schedule. Tyler starts b-ball practice there tonight so opportunities will be endless.
Verizon has laid cable on our street. I can't wait to call Cox and cancel my cable subscription. They have had a monopoly in this area for too long. Maybe as with most businesses, a little competition will force them to make needed changes. I could have hidden lots of bodies in the holes that were dug in my yard but they did a fine job of covering them up.
Okay, this is where the rambling ends.
Wait! Kev if you are reading this, I found the lil green book in the playroom. Who would have thunk it??

Pictures have been posted!

Can you believe??

This is Barnie and Rose. Kevin's grandparents. These two kids just celebrated 75 years of wedded bliss. Can you believe that?? I am speechless and in awe of their dedication, accomplishments and commitment to family. Congratulations to you and we will see you soon!

Thank You!

Just when I began to realize why some animals eat their young- I found these at my door. Thank you and it was just what I needed.
I LOVE YOU!

Not Alone

I love Christmas. I love the spirit of the season, I love the lights, I love the decorations and I love the look of wonder and joy in my children's eyes.
Kevin has never been away for Christmas. Now there has been many a year when he has been gone up until a few days before and he has come home just in time to enjoy the benefits of my labor. Uuuggghhh. My labor consists of a slight remodel to make Christmas come alive at home. We haul out 3-4 Christmas trees, string lights in the front and in the windows, hang stockings on the mantle, place poinsettias on the steps and each room gets pictures, trinkets, music boxes, snow globes or some other Christmas goody. Needless to say it's a process. It's a process I would rather not do alone. Even if he arrives just in time to say "Merry Christmas!" he's always taken the time to be there for at least part of the process. This year it's just me.
My father came to the house to help get the 20 or so boxes out of the attic. They lined the halls upstairs for days until my children could take it no longer. I was trying to unpack a box when they realized it was time to do the decorating.
My precious, precious boy began trying to bring boxes down by himself. Tara joined in the effort. Together they worked as a team and began to do what I had avoided for days. I had no desire to begin the labor of Christmas alone. I should have realized I was not by myself. Even when the boxes were too heavy for their combined efforts, they didn't let that stop them. They opened the boxes and began carrying stuff down one thing at a time till every box was empty. Each item they carried was like a treasure and they ooohhhed and aaaahhhed over every little thing and they took the time to show Trey all the little magical things they cherished. Watching them brought back some of that magic I feared might not be there this year.
Tyler turns the key on the back of the music boxes and just listens to the songs. He said to me, with his little chin quivering and tears in his eyes "Mom, Christmas songs make me happy. Will Daddy have Christmas songs over there?" Tara was debating which tree she liked the most when she stopped to ask if Daddy had a tree in Iraq. My answer to both "I hope so."
So the house is mostly decorated and we have begun to enjoy the season. I am not alone and neither is Kevin. He is with us in everything we do. My hope is that he and the guys will find a little magic in the season too. Even if it's just a Christmas song or a few lights in a palm tree. We miss you!!

Happy Turkey Day!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Each year my kids are quizzed about what they are thankful for and this year I will answer that question too.
I am thankful for my family. My husband and children for the love they generously give and being who they are, my family for the support, love and encouragement they have always shown and my husbands family for the welcome I have always received and the fine example of family they have always portrayed. I am thankful for my friends for being there to listen, cry or laugh. I am thankful I have a part-time job that allows my to put my family first. I am thankful I have a wonderful house with kind and caring neighbors in an outstanding school district. I am thankful my van keeps going and going and I am thankful Samantha and Gizmo are still here to greet us and love us and keep us warm at night.
I am thankful for all these things and many more!
Hope you have many things you are thankful for too and have a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

She has my soul

This year Tara's teacher has assigned a writing journal. She is given a monthly calendar with a topic for each evening. One of the topics was to write to your Mom and Dad. This is what I found in her journal:

Dear Mom and Dad,
Mom your blue-green eyes look like the blue-green ocean in Hawaii. Dad your brown eyes look as gentle as swaying palms. Mom your brown hair looks like the pretty brown shell on the green sea turtle. Dad your black hair looks like the black of the night with the bright moon.
Love,
Tara

I love her too!

Chaos, grades and keeping busy!

My Atomic clock (thanks Judy!) says it is 34 degrees outside. The weather guessers had mentioned the possibility of flurries this morning. Well the sun is bright and shining and since that completely voids out the probability of flurries, I have no use for the near freezing temperature that is painfully obvious when I step outside to get Tara off and speak to the neighbors. Can't we just see a few flakes? Please??
I have been keeping the thermostat on 68 and I have discovered that if I turn on the fireplace it completely heats up the family room and kitchen in about 15 min. That is very nice. On the downside, I can't turn the fireplace on just to look at the pretty fire. It gets very warm very quickly. It is also non-vented. The not having a chimney flew to open makes me a little nervous so I have various CO2 detectors around the house. I have been told that it's very energy efficient because no heat is lost. Regardless, if you don't hear from us in a while have someone check the house, k?
Kev has been calling or e-mailing very often and he is doing well. They are staying busy and he mentioned eating cheesecake in bed so my sympathy is fading. He has flown over 40 hours this month so if Joe feeding him cheesecake in bed makes him happy so be it!! Hehehe!
Report cards came home last week. Tara gets real grades this year and has all A's. I'm going to brag for a moment because her A's are a 103 in Social Studies, a 99 in Science, a 99 in Math and a 98 in Reading/Spelling. Wow!! That is just awesome!! Her teacher gushed about what a joy she is in class. Awwww!
My dear lil Tyler did very well also. His teacher had wonderful things to say about him, his report was great and my little Student of the Month is doing very well.
Kelly came for a visit on Saturday. She always laughs about the noise level in my house. She has one 14 yo daughter and when she calls she says she hears the noise before I say hello. 3 kids screaming, dog barking, TV on. Woohooo! Welcome to the chaos! We spent the day exploring the aquarium, doing a little shopping and had dinner out. It was fun but over way to soon. I think she only stays for the day cause her senses are all over stimulated!!
We hit the Zoo on Sunday. Don't laugh but it was an awesome day at the zoo. The animals were all on the move and very visible. The male lion was even roaring and we've never heard that!! I hear the Richmond Zoo has a petting area for the giraffes so we need to do that very soon.
Dad is the one who takes the boys outside to play baseball, soccer, basketball or challenges them on the Wii. With Daddy gone the boys energy level is often through the roof. It's getting a little cold for the long walks or bike rides that Mom likes so I am looking at other options. I am thinking of putting both Tara and Tyler in martial arts. I had considered just Tyler but I have this fear of Tyler practicing daily on his sister so I think I need to even the playing field. Besides she needs the exercise.
Yes it is a quite boring update but Kevin has been reading daily and he likes to hear about the little things! More later!

Heheheh!

My daily giggle.... LOVED this!!!!

Order your t-shirt here: http://www.emergencystuff.com/401215000000.html

The missed and the missing

Well Dad has been gone now for almost 2 weeks. Tyler really misses him. I am getting the daily question "How many more months is Dad gonna be gone?" It is so hard for a 5 year old to understand the concept of time and it is heart wrenching to hear the baby announce "Daddy's home!" every time we pull up in the driveway and he sees the Jeep.

**sigh**

In other news- some punk teen with unobservant parents is plaguing our neighborhood. (Sorry to offend but I see no other way to describe the situation when a teenager is out at 2AM during the week and awaking each morning with new bags of stolen goods!!) The offender is hitting our very comfortable in their environment neighbors who feel no need to lock their vehicle in their own driveways. Myself included. I donated my camera, my GPS and the heathen dumped my work bag so that he would have an empty sack to carry his stolen goods. I guess he needed something to conceal the 4 GPS units, the camera and the Blackberry he picked up off our court. Yes, we know it is a teen because we have a video image from a savvy guy with video surveillance but his vehicles were locked and the image was way to quick. The good guys from CSI could stop the footage and give us an accurate still shot but the city's finest couldn't be bothered. The Civic Assc is updating us on his latest acquisitions but so far the little booger hasn't been caught.
For this reason there will be no fall pumpkin patch pics. You will not see Tara dressed as a Fancy Witch, Big Guy as a gallant knight or the baby as a rough and tumble football guru. I hope as you go to take an important picture the lens falls out of the camera ( haha it was broken!) and I hope you feel a twinge of guilt as you see the family pictures you have stolen on my SD card. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your mop of uncut brown hair and I hope the college of your dreams denies you and crushes your spirit. Spineless turd!! I miss my work bag!!

Uugh.... I feel better anyway.

Neptune Festival (Forgot about it!)

While I was uploading pics I forgot to mention we hit the Neptune Festival last weekend.

Long, long ago I found a fake cake adorned with fresh fruit and cool whip that people instantly see and want a slice. So whenever possible I go back hoping to find another fake cake with a fall look. (yes I know-it is absolutely ridiculous of me, sort of Martha-ish if you will!) Well, no luck. Lots and lots of food stands and people hocking their crafts but no cakes. A couple of pies that were candles but not what I wanted.

Any hoo, I got everyone there under the pretense of seeing the amazing sand castles. The professionals had been there, gone and had already been judged. To see what these folks made from sand boggles my pee brain.

There were locals on the scene building the day we were there to be judged as amateurs. I could have stood for hours and watched as these people cut through the sand with every and any tool you could imagine, sprayed with water bottles and then blew with a straw to remove any grains that shouldn't have been there. The kids were fascinated and instantly dropped themselves into the sand and wanted to build the castle of their dreams. Even Kevin did a little ohhhing and awwwing. Check the pics if you want to see some of these amazing creations.

Been Boo'ed?

We've been boo'ed! What a fun tradition!
Don't know what I'm talking about? Check it out here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/400784/boo_your_neighbors_with_a_boo_gram.html

You never know who may be leaving treats at your door!

Wedding Bells!

Congrats to Bryan and Jackie! Saturday they said "I do" with family and friends gathered to share their special day. The wedding was just outside of Pittsburgh in the backyard of Aunt Margie's and it was absolutely beautiful. Lots of friends from the HCS/HSC community gathered from Virginia, California and Louisiana. It was fabulous to have everyone together for a wonderful weekend of celebration. It was just like old times and I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and to meet new ones. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon and hope the wait won't be as long as it has been.

Kevin and I left on Friday and very much enjoyed having a weekend without the kids. It was a little strange but very nice. My dear parents took on the challenge of keeping the knuckleheads and they had lots of fun and kept busy. Thanks to everyone who made the weekend happen and for the hard work that made the wedding the beautiful day that it was. Check the photo page for more!

Go Tigers!

Tyler has now had 2 soccer games. We are playing AYSO which is a bit different than the base leagues. We didn't learn how different until the kids were on the field and they were missing one obvious player. The goalie.

In game 1, they were beaten badly. Both of my kids love to play goalie and instantly noticed the unoccupied net.

"Mom! Where is the goalie?" Tara wanted to know.

One of the parents told me politely that they didn't use them in this age group.

"Play goalie! Get in there Big Guy!! Go!" She kept yelling. Big Guy was trying to hang back as his coach tried to get him to move forward.

I tried to tell her that they don't use goalies in this age group. Other parents were giving her the look. She looked at me as if I were completely stupid.

"Why!?" she asked as the other team ran down the field and kicked yet another goal into a completely unprotected net.

She was still looking at me as if I had announced that ice cream would be banned forever. I gave up on the little speech I had formulated just seconds before about learning techniques at appropriate age levels. I threw up my hands and said "I don't know!"

She kept yelling and I didn't stop her.

Tyler was all over the field and in the action whenever possible. He and the rest of his team made a great effort but they had to admit defeat.

But of course, no one keeps score (wink! wink!)!

Game 2 was a win! The DH and I were out of town but the Grans took them. Big Guy once again gave it his all and even scored! I don't know about the yelling to assume the goalie position but I have no doubts that if Big Guy had the chance he danced around the net in an attempt to play that treasured position- even if it was on the sly.

Go Hawks!

Anyone been to a high school football game lately? I took the kids to see the Hawks vs the Wild Cats last night. It was raining when we got there so as we huddled under the umbrella I got a chance to observe.
I was curious. I probably haven't been to a high school game in about 20 years. With all the talk of gangs and the violence in schools, I was a little nervous when we arrived and had to go through a metal detector. Once upon a time when kids walked around the track they would stop and chat and visit with others as they made the loop. Not anymore. Now there are security/sheriffs/cops that remind all to keep moving. Like a momma lion I kept my little cubs close.
The game began with the band playing the Star Spangled Banner and I forgot my fears. The kids here were like any other. They talked and cheered, the team played hard and the bands performed. The air was filled with the smell of hot dogs and popcorn and if I hadn't had my own kids with me, it could have been a scene from 20 years ago.
The kids loved it. The local news had a helicopter that landed behind the field, the dance squad performed, the cheerleaders cheered and the band had a great show. It was a live football game and we all yelled and stomped along with everyone else!
It may have been a little more cautious than what I remember, but I saw nothing to fear. No gang colors, no fights among rival students and I didn't even hear a bad word. I am sure this stuff goes on, but I can happily report I saw none of it here.
My children loved the excitement, I loved that they enjoyed it and we will happily return!!

It's all in the details...

Anyone recognize the picture above? Maybe not "recognize" but I am sure you understand that it is a picture depicting Hawaii. Let me explain it as told to me by Tara. (Picasso she is not so the explanation was needed- and a little surprising!)
The structure is not a basic house- it is an ancient Hawaiian thatched hut. The grey area is Tapa cloth covering the doorway and the square is a woven welcome mat.
The big tree is just as it appears. A large palm that Daddy is climbing to retrieve the coconuts.
The other tree is hanging low with bananas about to be picked.
The person to the far left is a marine biologist collecting samples of marine life to study the stability of the ocean. (I am not making this up people!)
The person under the house has collected fronds and is making Tapa cloth like the ancients.
The people fishing are trying to catch Mahi and Ahi.
The 2 girls are sitting and waiting for the coconuts so they can crack them for milk and fresh coconut meat.

Do you think she misses Hawaii? Just a little bit? Maybe she's feeling a little displaced?
Just when I think were all a little better, I get a very detailed reminder of what we lost.

Jamestown

The second graders here have a field trip each year to Jamestown. Tara missed out on this so we are doing our part to help her catch up. I don't want to admit it, but I don't remember ever going myself.

Last Saturday we loaded our van and made the drive to Williamsburg. The weather was perfect. We sat through the introductory movie and we all got our history lesson for the day.

We spent a couple of hours roaming the grounds and I kept my fingers crossed that the Furey kids wouldn't destroy any National Landmarks.

They climbed across ruins, stared into old wells, and really wanted to dig in the current archaeological dig site. We wandered through the museums and got a feel for what life was like for the first settlers. The kids sampled Brunswick Stew and declared it "yummy". They watched the fairy go back and forth across the river and spotted (and stalked) lots of deer. Tara was amazed at the pictures of Pocahontas after she married John Rolf and went back to England. Tyler wondered how all those people traveled on the little boats in the display case. Trey was just happy to get out of the stroller and run free.

Kevin and I enjoyed the awesome weather and watching the kids happy and carefree. I took advantage and snapped some pics. Look for those on the Photo page.

Fall

September is almost over and October is approaching. I have succumbed to my urges and have gleefully been cooking pots of pinto beans rich with ham and potatoes, chili with black beans, kidney beans and chunks of beef, and cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet. Yes, I have embraced my southern roots and have been enjoying my journey through the seasons and the approaching crisp and coolness that is fall.
My house has been filled with the wonderful aroma of baking bread. A friend from work gave me a starter for Amish Friendship Bread. I have now been baking bread every 10 days. My freezer will soon be full and my neighbors will reap the rewards during the holidays. I have been experimenting so now the basic recipe has expanded to include cranberry, blueberry and pumpkin. Pumpkin you say? Yes, pumpkin- blame it on fall, y'all!!
I have even been able to dig through my closet and find clothes that aren't specifically designed for island life. I am adjusting well. When it really gets cold- check back. I may recess back into the depths of my brain and remain comatose till spring. Hibernation I think they call it. But for now I am okay.
I am looking forward to driving through the mountains to gather apples in the orchards and play in the fallen leaves. My brain will get a visual boost of adrenaline while I stare mesmerized at the beauty the trees display as the leaves change from green to fall's assorted color palette. Hopefully the kids will stop watching that DVD of Tom & Jerry long enough to notice too and if I am not interrupting an important NFL game schedule it may be a good day for all!!!
Tara and Kevin both share my enthusiasm. Sort of.
Tara wakes each morning and asks "Is it cold?" I think it has more to do with the boots she's not allowed to wear yet, but I can interpret any way I want.
Kevin asks the same as he bundles sweats over shorts. His daily question and answer come from anxiety over the cold ride he knows is coming in his Jeep- with no back window.
Each morning I decide on what the kids are going to wear and leave it on the sofa. Tyler came down one morning and sleepily grabbed his clothes. I was in the kitchen preparing lunches and not really noticing his struggle.
"Ma!" His tone was that of a question so I was still making a PB&J.
"Ma!!!!" This one got my attention. I looked up to see my boy with one hand on the waist band of his pants practically to his armpits. The other hand was yanking on his pant leg trying in vain to make it stay above his knee.
"Ma!!! Why I got to wear these long shorts???!!!"
While I yanked on the adjustable tabs at the waistband I tried to explain the concept of shorts vs pants. He continued to call them "long shorts" for days. He is still asking on a regular basis if we can go to the pool. I should take him and throw him in. Then he might realize it's just a little too cold for the pool but I doubt the good people at the Y would understand the lesson I would be trying to instill in his pee brain. That's my boy!!
The AC is now switched to OFF. The windows are open. There's a scarecrow on the porch and a pumpkin in the flowerbed under the little garden flag that says "Welcome Fall". There is a bird feeder hanging under the eaves of the porch next to a window so the kids can watch. Grass is beginning to grow in the dust bowl of my backyard. The kids are looking forward to a Friday night high school football game. The geese honk as they fly over and we are anticipating a visit to the pumpkin patch.
Shhhhh!!! Don't tell anyone! I love this time of year!!