This is my World

Halloween Party 2011

2011-10-18T14:55:00.003-04:00

The weather gods blessed us with an amazing evening for our second annual Halloween Party at the Krafts. I am still in awe of how amazing my future in-laws are. Big Chuck prepared a huge bonfire and a hayride. He also grew tons of pumpkins specifically for carving at the party. Lori made tons of amazing food and we put up lots of fun decorations. I am so appreciative that Chuck and Lori took the time and evergy to make the night so special for Georgia, Hughie and all of our friends. The party was an absolute blast, even if I didn't get a chance to judge the carved and decorated pumpkins like I had planned.

Ms. Captain America

2011-10-11T13:55:00.002-04:00

While we were putting up the Halloweed decor, Georgia decided to get creative with her scooter riding outfit. It made Chuck and I laugh out loud!

Raab's Fruit Farm Filed Trip

2011-10-11T12:11:00.003-04:00

I had the opportunity to go with Hughie's pre-school class on their Raab's Fruit Farm field trip. We had fun picking apples and pumpkins. Note to self, do not wear a white fleece on a muddy day.

Hugh's First Soccer Team

2011-10-11T11:45:00.003-04:00

A few video clips of the action:

Scarecrow Making

2011-10-11T10:58:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we went to Philly to visit our friends Kara, Jack and Patrick. We went to a fall festival where we constructed a scarecrow! Unfortunately we didn't have a lot of time because a storm was rolling in, but we had fun while it lasted.

We did decide that in order to make a proper redneck scarecrow that it needed a mullet. We also added a white trucker hat, but I didn't get a photo of that.

Fire Truck Ride

2011-10-11T10:51:00.004-04:00

Georgia won her school's Fire Prevention poster contest this past week and she got to ride to school this morning on a fire truck!! And she got to include her brother and 3 of her friends. She picked Katie, Sarah and Devine to join her. What a treat on this beautiful October morning!!

First Day of Second Grade!

2011-09-15T13:44:00.001-04:00

Disney Cruise

2011-09-15T13:38:00.002-04:00

Still playing catch up! We went on a Disney Cruise in April. It was amazing, I highly recommend it to anyone with kids.

Hugh's 4th Birthday

2011-09-15T13:23:00.007-04:00

SO I need to backtrack and post some pics of the kids' birthdays. My babies are 4 and 7!!! When did that happen? I couldn't find the pics fdrom Georgia's party. :( I didn't take many, but I know there are some out there. I will find them!

Facebook has ruined my blog

2011-09-15T12:13:00.009-04:00

So instead of updating my blog, I put everything on Facebook. This does not bode well for my journaling here, so I'm going to try to be better about my blog!! Now i have my laptop and wifi at work, so that should help. This summer was a crazy one, lots of interesting things happening. It was my first summer sharing custody of the kids. This was very difficult for me because we have never been apart for more than a few days. As a result, I was definitely in a major funk when the kids were gone. It felt like half of my heart was missing. But, I did manage to get back in better shape. I still have a good way to go, but now I have some serious incentive. a WEDDING! On August 3, 2011, while we were spending our first full day at the beach with the kids, Chuck taps me on the shoulder and points up at the sky. I look up to see an airplane pulling a banner that says, "Amber - will you marry me? I love you! Chuck" I was very much caught off guard and by the time I registered what was going on, Chuck was on one knee with a beautiful diamond ring. It was so sweet, heartfelt and unexpected. Georgia came running over to us to ask if the sign was for me! Lots of people were watching and cheering, wishing us well. It was perfect. And later that day Chuck looked at me and said, "whatever crazy plans you have for the rest of your life, I'm all in." I am a very lucky girl!!!

Other than our beach vacation, which included parasailing and a dolphin cruise, we spent a long weekend Canada visiting Aunt Betsy for her baby shower, a long weekend in Raystown with Jason, Andrea, Maya and Ava and a long weekend crabbing in Delaware with Grammy and Pappy. The kids LOVE being on the water and especially love rock jumping and crabbing. Georgia is a strong swimmer not and Hughie is swimming without a vest. It's strange to both kids swimming on their own at the pool! They both also learned to ride bikes without training wheels this summer.

CANADA

RAYSTOWN

WILDWOOD

CRABBING

As much fun as we had this summer, I was so relieved for the school year to start and for me to have the kids back with me most of the time. Hugh is playing soccer, but the crazy rains have really put a damper on that. Both kids are also doing gymnastics. Georgia wants to be a gymnast when she grows up. I wonder how many 6 ft professional gymnasts there are out there?? Georgia started second grade at Trimmer with Mrs. Wolf, who is amazing. We got really lucky on that one! And Hugh stated pre-school at Shiloh UCC. He loves going to school with a backpack.

Ean, Georgia, Hughie and Stella

2011-03-13T12:34:00.000-04:00

We were robbed

2011-03-11T14:50:00.002-05:00

Chuck is now pretty much moved in with us. He has a HUGE jar of change (probably 40 lbs) that he brought over and put under his night stand in our bedroom. Generally at the end of the day, Chuck puts his change on the night stand and then into the jar. That is unless Hughie gets to it first. He is determined that Chuck must "share" his money with Hughie so that Hughie can fill his piggy bank. Hughie can be quite convincing.

So last night Chuck calls in a panic. Did you move the money jar? Nope. It's too heavy for the kids to move, it must have been stolen.

So now I'm going through the possibilities. Our honest as Abe Lincoln contractor working on the basement? Our sweetest woman on earth cleaning lady? Some crazy drug addict off the street? Just about the time I have myself convinced that it must have been a shady subcontractor in the basement, I decide to ask Georgia if she moved it. She gets a devilish grin on her face. It's in my playhouse, she says!! And I ask her, how on earth did you move it???? She and Hughie have this bear "thing" that's kind of like a lay down rocking pillow that is hard and curved with a stuffed head and arms attached. They often move large objects around the house in this by placing the object on the bear and then slowly sliding it. Same with the jar of coins. Sure enough, they had it stashed in the playhouse. Hughie's defense? Chuckie doesn't need any money. We were so relieved but more amazed at their ingenuity!!!!! My kids are brilliant. Of course.

Access

2011-02-15T10:14:00.002-05:00

So I just figured out that they changed our user parameters at work and I can access my blog at work! This means that I will be much better about updating! Thank you York County techies!!!

Florida 2010

2011-01-17T18:55:00.006-05:00

Right after Christmas we left for Florida. I wish i could tell you that the weather was AWESOME and that both kids didn't get double ear infections, but then I'd be lying. I think that I am cursed. This is three trips in a row with record low temperatures! But we got to hang with Mimi, Papa, Aunt Patricia and Uncle Josh and we had a great New Year's Eve, complete with a sparkling grape juice, Dick Clarke and fireworks on the beach. And we got to go to Lion Country Safari too. the kids loved that! We're headed back down in March for our first Dinsey Cruise, so keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

One funny story to share about Hughie. We were at the Ramp eating shrimp when a large breasted, tight clothed, heavily made-up, but very pretty girl walked in. As I watched all the men rubberneck as sha walked by, I noticed Hughie did the same! It really made me laugh. I had no idea it started so young. ;)

The Holidays

2011-01-16T09:53:00.005-05:00

The kids were so excited for and enchanted by Christmas this year. We spent a lot of time decorating the house, making paper snowflakes and reading Christmas books. Chuck insisted that we get a "real" tree this year. We wanted to start a new tradition with the kids where we would take them out to a farm, pick our own tree and chop it down. I was really excited about that, but for some reason every occasion we had a chunk of time to do it it was windy and bitter cold. Eventually we gave up, but next year for sure! We did get a chance to go to see the lights at Rocky Ridge with Grammy Lori and Pappy Chuck. Georgia really loved the lights and Hughie would have spent hours in the train house watching the toys trains go around the track.

This was my first Christmas with the kids waking up in their own home on Christmas morning. I felt a lot more pressure this year to make it really special! Gifts were wrapped and stored at Mimi's house and covertly transported to my house on Christmas Eve. After the festivities at Mimi's house, we went home and put the kids right into bed. Lately they've been sleeping together in Hughie's bed, so that's where they went. There was no protest, in fact, they may have hurried me along in getting them into bed. And I didn't hear a peep from them until about 7!I knew that the kids wouldn't dare get out of bed and risk Santa not showing, so we put the gifts out right away and went to bed ourselves.

When we all got up in the morning i told the kids that they couldn't open presents until Grammy Lori and Pappy Chuck showed up. Hughie struggled with this idea, and the second Grammy and Pappy walked through the door Hughie literally TORE into his pile of gifts. After that it's all a blur. Georgia was somewhat disheartened that she didn't get the motorized scooter that she asked for until I checked her stocking and realized that Santa left her a note. He told her that he left her something on the porch. We went out front and THERE WAS A SCOOTER! The scooter was a lot faster than Santa realized, so we're taking it as slow as possible. She also got a Nintento DSi from Mimi. She's growing up way too fast!! Hughie's big gifts this year were a train table from Mimi and a Leapster Explorer from Santa. Overall is was a wonderful Christmas and I can't wait for next year. ;)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-07T11:36:00.003-05:00

Halloween is undoubtedly my favorite holiday of the year. I love the craziness of it, the costumes, the candy, the small of the fall leaves, all of it. And I disovered this year that my neighborhood is even more awesome than I had suspected. On Halloween, two adjacent neighbors had actual smoke machines. One neighbor even had a dancing and singing skeleton. There I was with my blinking putpose bats and jack-o-lanterns thinking I had it pretty well covered. Nope. I've really got to step it up next year! And this ups the anty for Christmas. I want to go Griswold, so we'll see.

The weekend before Halloween we went to costume party at Jay's. Josh was a wet t-short costume winner. The costume is even more entertaining considering that the party was essentially a children's party. Forgot to mention that detail to Jay. Our Leprechaun/Rainbow costume theme was a hit, but I definitely need to add a pot of gold next year.

On Friday we went to a Halloween party at yet another cool neighbor's house. Their daughter is in Georgia's first grade class and they are becoming fast friends. The kids dressed as Supergirl and Spiderman and had a great time. On Saturday we went tric-or-treating in Mount Wolf. The kids went as Queen and Mr. Skeleton. As much as they liked getting candy, they discovered that they much preferred GIVING it away. Yes, you heard me correctly. At Gigi's house (Chuck's grandma) they helped her give away the treats and decided then and there that on Halloween that's what they wanted to do. So, after the Halloween parade with the drunken crazy woman who got the kids lots of candy and balloons by terrorizing parade participants, we got the candy ready and sat on the porch. The kids spent trick-or-treat night giving away candy and they loved it. They fought a little over whose turn it was to give it away, but they came up with a system. Aunt Mandi came over too, to help. Hughie was particularly proud of our "puking pumkin" and made sure to tell everyone about it. I did take Hughie around a little at the end so we could go around the corner and see the house that everyone was talking about. It was INSANE. I'm talking MONTHS of prep work and thousands of dollars of decor. Loved it and want to marry the man who did it. Apparently he's already married. Hughie did hit a few houses for some candy on the way home. There weren't many kids left, so he made out like a bandit because everyone was throwing in the rest of their bowls. And Hughie didn't quite understand that when people answered their doors and opened them, that it didn't mean he was supposed to go in and make himself at home. He went into three houses like that and it was pretty funny. Who's going to say no to that precious face??

I'm starting to see that Hughie's personality is much like my own. Not shy in the least and a bit crazy. He's such a performer and loves making people laugh. Georgia went to a Princess Party this past weekend and when i dropped her off Hughie begged to come back in his Spiderman costume. He went home, donned the costume and then went back to put on a show for the girls. I wish I would have taped it! Spiderman dancing with the princesses!!

Hayride and Bonfire 2010

2010-10-19T22:24:00.003-04:00

So Chuck's parents are awesome. They let me have a Fall Hayride and Bonfire party at their house and went ALL OUT helping me make it special. Big Chuck dug a huge fire pit, prepared the tractor and wagon for the hayride and entertained everyone on the hayrides. Lori was the food master, making all kids of fun Halloween themed yummies and helping me decorate. The weather could not have been better for a fire, s'mores and hot chocolate.

This Year's Halloween Costume Theme

2010-10-15T07:31:00.004-04:00

The kids are going as supergirl and spiderman. Originally I wanted to go with a whole family superhero theme, but then decided I wasn't feeling it. But I am feeling this:

Chuck:

Me:

My purse:

Get it? Is it not brilliant?? I cannot wait to see Chuck and his ginger beard in that costume. Pictures coming soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer Fun Photos

2010-08-29T10:20:00.003-04:00

Here are some pics from the past few weeks: Hughie eating one of his favorites, canteloupe, drive in movie at Haar's, fun with friends Stella and Ean at a Revs game and bowling with Jayda on a rainy Friday. Georgia starts FIRST GRADE tomorrow! We met her teacher on Friday and have high hopes for a great year.

Are you happy at me?

2010-08-07T13:49:00.003-04:00

That's Hughie's favorite inquiry when he does something naughty. "Mommy, are you happy at me or mad at me?" Here's a pic of Hughie at one of his recent swim lessons. And since last week, Hughie has started jumping into the water and swimming about 20 feet with no vest or floaties. Amazing! He loves swimming without his vest because he likes holding his breath, going under water, and scaring the crap out of his mom!

All i want for Christmas is my two front teeth!

2010-08-07T13:45:00.003-04:00

Georgia lost both front teeth a few weeks ago and I've been meaning to document it!!

Wow, I am a posting slacker!

2010-08-04T22:41:00.006-04:00

Summer seems to be flying by, I can't believe it's August. We've been having a great summer, by most accounts, with lots of time at the pool. We joined Green Valley Pool this summer and have been enjoying a lot of time there! The kids are also taking private swim classes at the YWCA and are making tons of progress. Georgia is doing a pretty solid front crawl and Hughie can jump into the pool and swim about 10 feet without any sort of flotation device. It's amazing to me! We've also gone to Raystown and although it was a really HOT night to go tent camping with two small children and we pretty much didn't get any sleep, we had fun on the lake in the boats, fishing and jet skiing!

And I guess it's time that I officially introduce my boyfriend to the internet. He's that guy that's been lurking in the background of the pics I post here and is actually in my profile pic on my facebook page, which is a big deal! Chuck is a sweet and honest guy who has restored my (horribly damaged) faith in men and has been very patient with me during what has been and CONTINUES to be a very difficult time in my life. He makes me laugh like crazy and in the words of Taylor Swift has a "smile that could light up this whole town." It's certainly been lighting up the West End these past 6 months. ;) And he adores the children, something that comes so easily to him, is so important to me, and I am shocked to have found so soon. I wasn't looking for him, but I am so grateful that found him!

Georgia's First Slumber Party

2010-06-16T20:36:00.002-04:00

Georgia really wanted to have a slumber party, so I invited her best friends from school on Friday night. We ate pizza, went to Mimi's to swim, came back and watched Princess and the Frog, went to sleep, got up and ate belgian waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, went swimming at Mimi's again and then came back to our house and crashed hard at nap time!! It was a lot of fun, but Mommy was exhausted. But I can't wait to do it again. :)

Georgia's New Bed

2010-06-16T20:15:00.003-04:00

The kids' bedrooms are on the smaller side, but thye have vaulted ceilings. I thought that a loft bed would be a good space maker for Georgia's bedroom. So now she still has a full sized bed, but also a playhouse underneath! So cool.

Georgia's Last Day of Kindergarten

2010-06-16T20:11:00.001-04:00

I can't believe that my baby is going into first grade!!

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-16T20:06:00.001-04:00

The big 35

2010-06-16T19:49:00.004-04:00

My 35th birthday was a really, really good one! My week started with an amazing birthday dinner made by Chuck, followed by chocolate covered strawberries (hand dipped by Chuck and Hughie), my favorite dessert, and a bouquet of lillies, my favorite flowers. So thoughtful and sweet.

And then there was Alan Jackson. Mark thoughtfully coordinated a "girls night out" for me and Jen in State College, complete with an Alan Jackson concert. We watched the first two acts and then were approached by a man with two front row tickets. Yes, we got the hot chick upgrade. And then I say upgrade, I mean that we had the two seats directly in front of Alan's microphone. It was absolutely insane. There was a whole of row of young girls in hot pants, but we were the ONLY ones who knew all the words to all of the songs. Not sure why that guy picked us, but I'm glad he did. It was definitely the best birthday present EVER. So thanks to Mark and his incentive to get us out of the house!!!

Some pics of our new house

2010-06-16T19:37:00.002-04:00

So yes,I had to leave my dream house in Lancaster, but I truly love this house. I love it's curb appeal, the mature landscaping, the great neighborhood, the nearby park and the layout of the house. I'm definitely a fan of the rancher! And this house has a HUGE unfinished walk-out basement, so there's plenty of room to expand. I'd love to put another bedroom, full bath and playroom down there. But, one thing at a time! My neighbors are having a block party in a few weeks and I would LOVE to have been able to get to know everyone better, but I am going to a wedding. I'm sure there will be more opportunities.

I Hope You Dance

2010-05-13T19:37:00.004-04:00

I know I haven't been updating much lately, but we are so busy! The kids have been doing and saying so many funny things, I wanted to take a moment to get a few in the blog. Hughie recently asked me, "Mommy, are you mad at me or happy at me?" And I think he tells me that he loves me at leat three times a day. Every morning (these days it's been about 5:30), Hugh crawls into bed with me, wraps his arms around my neck and whispers, "Mommy, I love you. It's morning time, wake up." He's so sweet I ALMOST don't mind that he's waking me at 5:30. This morning I had Hughie snuggled up on one side and Georgia on the other. I thought to myself, this is one of the best moments of my life and I wish I could stay in it forever! i don't want my babies to grow up. :(

Georgia has been such a gem lately. She is so loving and sweet. She's gone to the office with me several afternoons now and she colors quietly or naps while I work! You wouldn't even know she is there, unless she's getting something for me from the printer or taking a file to the judge. This week she drew me the sweetest picture of the earth, with a heart in the middle and me, Hughie and Georgia holding hands on top. Then she wrote, "YOU ARE THE BEST MOMMY IN THE WHOLE WORLD." I just can't express how full my heart is these days. We celebrated her 6th Birthday in full pool party luau style and she had a blast. I really can't believe that my baby is 6! And so tall and lanky. She needs a size 7/8 for length, but then the waist doesn't fit. So, I'm grateful it's summer and she can wear her size 4/5 skirts and shorts. :)

And Mimi and Papa have finally returned from Florida! It's such a relief to know that they are near by once again. Josh and Patricia are returning in a few weeks so that Josh can study for the PA bar. Patricia will be living with me and the kids during the week to nanny for us. She's hoping that the kids will help to teach her English! And I hope she teaches them some Portugese. I think she will help take some of the pressure off my schedule for a few months.

Fishing and Bowling

2010-04-25T23:31:00.004-04:00

We've been experimenting with some new adventures lately, resulting in a lot of fun. We recently participated in a fishing derby and the kids got to fish in an overstocked pond and catch trout. Hughie caught one and Georgia caught four!! They got to hang out with their cousin Liberty, and had a blast.

Tonight we went bowling for the first time and Hughie broke a hundred! Granted we had bumpers, but it's still impressive. Hughie was particularly taken with the flourescent bowling shoes. Can't say I blame him.

We are anxiously awaiting the return of Mimi and Papa this weekend. It's been a long, dark 4 months without them. And the Revolution are back in season! Looking forward to going to lots of games this year, even if Keoni isn't playing. :(

Painting Easter Eggs

2010-04-03T09:20:00.001-04:00

My baby is three!

2010-04-03T09:02:00.003-04:00

Hughie is three!! Where does the time go? Yes, we celebrated at Chuck E. Cheese, as per Hughie's request and he loved it.

To My Girls

2010-04-03T08:51:00.002-04:00

You know who you are. Those amazing women in my life who support me and help keep my head above water. I feel like I have been such a slacker friend these past few months!! Yes I've barely had time to put pants on in the morning, but I want you all to know that I miss you and I do think about you. Betsy and Suz, congrats on your nuptials, you are both gorgeous and deserve to be deliriously happy. Lauren, what the hell? Where are you and why have we not gotten together to drink margaritas? Steffy, I can't believe how fast your babies are growing and how handsome they are. Beth, you look way to good to be pregnant with your third child and that is why I haven't called you. Jealousy. Emily, when's this year's trip to PA? Jodi, we'll catch up on Wednesday, we're going completely trash blonde for the srping and summer. Ashley, I still haven't met the puppies?!?!?! Let's work on that. Paige, you are awesome. That is all I have to say about you. Angie, I want to see the new place when you have a minute to spare between three kids and two jobs. Bree, COME VISIT ME. Kara, I hope you are still alive and your boys haven't buried you in a pile of chicken nuggets and sand toys. Bil, I'm here for you always. Kerry and Elene, Lancaster isn't THAT far away. Ok?? I need decorating help. Call me people. And I will try to call you back. Love you all.

Our American Girl Doll Store Adventure

2010-03-14T10:56:00.003-04:00

We weathered torrential downpours, high winds and several instances of inside-out umbrellas, but we made it to the American Girl Doll store and had a BLAST. Uncle Bil arranged a whole day for Georgia where we got manis and pedis and then headed to the store. Georgia got her doll's (Charlotte's) hair styled, a portrait with her doll and dinner in the American Girl Cafe. That place is SO insane. It's the best 6-10 year old girl marketing EVER. Pink, bows, clothes for THREE STORIES. It was like Georgia had died and gone to "almost" 6 year old girl heaven. She was such a good girl, so patient and sweet. I'm very proud of what an amazing kid she's been lately.

My girly girl.

2010-03-06T09:57:00.003-05:00

We all knew that Georgia was a girly girl, but this morning as I look at my gorgeous baby with hot rollers in her hair (she wanted to look good for Daddy today) and my pearls around her neck, I realized that I am going to be in a lot of trouble with this one. She's already gone from little girl to KID. And she's not even 6. Did I mention that her favorite show is American's Next Top Model? She loves to say, "You wanna be on top?" while giving me her best runway strut. She loves her some Miss Jay.

Chipmunk Cheeks

2010-03-02T20:29:00.002-05:00

The New Kitchen

2010-03-02T20:24:00.003-05:00

We've been living in a non-functional kitchen for two months, depending on a toaster oven, microwave and take-out. But tomorrow when the plumber comes, it will be finished and fully functional!! I have some pies to make as thank yous for the neighbors and their snow-blowing of my driveway.

The Great Snow of 2010

2010-03-02T20:18:00.002-05:00

I'm back

2010-02-25T21:41:00.002-05:00

So last night I finally got internet set up at my house. Unfortunately I can't blog at work, so now I will try to catch up with my blog at home. The last few months have been the most insane of my life! It's all a blur but I did manage to get moved into and set up in the new house. I LOVE it and can't wait for the spring so we can get out, play in the park and meet the neighborhood kids. I also started a new job clerking for Harry Ness and I love that too. It's really busy and all new stuff (family law), but we're having a lot of fun and I'm learning a lot.

In a nutshell, I'm a much happier person than I have been in a long, long time.

Right now we're knee deep in girl scout cookies and big boy underwear. Hughie is really doing great with the potty training and demands his "prisasee" (privacy) in the toilet. There has never been a tinier or cuter butt adorned with the spiderman cartoon. However, the terrible twos have arrived for Hughie. Heaven forbid I get a gogurt out of the fridge that he planned to get or take his jacket out of locker at school. "I DO IT!!!" And lots of temper tantrums and tears. Fun, fun!

Georgia has been great. She's so sweet and caring. She and Hughie bicker a lot, but she also spends a lot of time caring for Hughie and making sure he's ok. She's doing wonderfully with numbers and counting, and her reading improves every day.

My only complaint right now is this freaking snow. I have some crazy cabin fever and can't wait for spring!! Bring on the warm and the flowers.

Twi-hard

2009-12-03T09:30:00.002-05:00

Ok, so last night I'm talking with my long lost college roomie Steffy (Happy Birthday!) and she tells me that she checks my blog every morning to see if I've updated. So now the pressure is on! Just kidding, but I need to get better about updating. Life has been crazy, as most of you know. I bought a new house a few weeks ago and I have been busy lining up a painter, picking out flooring and carpet and new kitchen cabinets. Because this is the THIRD time I'm doing this, I'm pretty decisive about my choices. It's been much easier this time around!

So the painting starts next week and then I'll get the flooring installed. I'm hoping to use the last two weeks in December to get most everything moved from the Lancaster house to the new house. And, no, the Lancaster house hasn't sold yet. So everyone say a little prayer for me on that one!

And because I didn't think my life was crazy enough, I got a new job. I will be clerking for Judge Elect Ness, starting January 4. I love clerking and need to go back to work full time, so this is a good fit for me right now. I'm actually really excited about it!!

So, about that Twi-hard reference. I was sitting in Georgia's bed earler this week reading her a book and she points to her wall and says, "look!" And I see that she has a picture of Edward and Jacob TAPED TO THE WALL. She says, "they are SOOOOOO cute Mommy!" I ask, "which one do you like better?" "Both!" she replies. Oh Georgia/Bella, it's a tough decision, but I'm on team Jacob. THIS CHILD IS FIVE YEARS OLD AND ALREADY BOY CRAZY. I am so in for it.

Hughie is the same sweet, goofy clown he's always been. He asked me if he could drive his race car bed to the new house! I think if I loved my kids any more my heart would burst.

And note to my dear friend Paige. When you invite me over to your house, make me a fabulous gourmet meal, share your wine and sweet loving self, you do NOT write ME a thank you note. I know I'm fabulous and all, but seriously? You are just the sweetest person alive and I love you. I love all you girls out there, you know who you are (and Bil)!!!!!

U.S. Navy Seal Museum

2009-11-07T14:23:00.003-05:00

We just got back from the U.S. Navy Seal Museum which is about 1/2 a mile from our place in Florida. They had a special Navy Seal demonstration today, complete with Blackhawks and firearms. We got to meet Admiral Olson, Commander of ALL U.S. Special Forces and we got to hear a great speech by Captain Phillips, the Captain whose ship was boarded by Somalian pirates and was ultimately rescued by Navy Seals. He was an absolute riot, with a wicked Boston accent and a great sense of humor; a hero in the truest sense of the word. Hughie loved the action and Mommy loved the Navy Seals. ;)

Halloween

2009-11-02T10:42:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe it's November. October seems to have passed in the blink of an eye!!! And I'm so sad because it's my favorite month of the year. Screw you Mother Nature and all of your RAIN!!

We had lots of fun attending different Halloween events. The kids were with Daddy for trick-or-treating, so I didn't get to do that this year, but I did buy a new house!! I'd been looking casually for a few months just to get a feel for some different neighborhoods, etc. And then a few weeks ago the perfect house went up for sale. It's a rancher that's about 2 minutes from my parents, in a great neighborhood and right around the corner from a really nice park. We're closing in a few weeks and then I'm going to spruce up the kitchen, paint and put in some new carpet. I'm hoping we're moved in by the new year. Now if I could just sell my house in Lancaster . . .

We've had a bit of a rough weekend. Mimi fell while taking Hughie down some steps. She sacrificed herself for Hughie and went down hard on her face. She smashed up her glasses and cracked her head. She's fine now, just sore and looks a lot like Rocky at the end of Rocky IV. Just in time for our trip to Florida!! And Dale is in surgery as I write. He's getting a new knee, so a prayer for him will be appreciated as well.

And just so everyone can be REALLY jealous, I'm heading to Maui when we get back from Florida. I've never been there, but I've heard it is GORGEOUS and I'm excited to have some down time and to see Keoni. And this will be the first time I get to show off the new girls in a bathing suit! ;)

An Ugly Fall Weekend

2009-10-20T09:43:00.004-04:00

It's always a bummer this time of year when it rains all weekend. There are so many fun things to do outside! Georgia had a really cool Girl Scout field trip planned, complete with hayride and spple cider, but it was cancelled. However, we managed to have a really nice, relaxing weekend despite the yucky weather. We carved pumkins to make jack-o-lanterns(I will post photos eventually), roasted the seeds, made Halloween cupcakes, made chicken veggie soup and we roasted marshmallows. And living in a house with an indoor pool makes life much easier, as well! We've gone swimming at least every other day the past couple of weeks. And when I say "swimming," I mean that then kids are in the pool burning theior manic enegery and Mommy is relaxing in the hot tub. I'm finally at a place after 5 years where both of my kids can swim without me holding on to them. Hughie's in a swim vest, but he gets around really well. He's a strong little swimmer!

We're heading down to Florida in a few weeks to greet Josh's beautiful new Brazilian bride as she enters the States. The kids are very excited to see Uncle Josh. They ask about him constantly! And I have a feeling they will love Patricia too, as long as they're not too jealous. ;)

And I'm finally going to post some pics that Emily took when she was here visiting me a few weeks ago. We had such an amazing time and she is such an amazing talent behind a camera. Enjoy!

Friends and Laughter

2009-10-05T11:19:00.002-04:00

I spent a lot of time over the past two weeks connecting with close girlfriends. My best friend from high school, Emily, came in with her daughter, Kennady, for a 10 day trip. We had a blast just hanging out, swimming in the pool, eating Maple Donuts and taking lots of pictures. Emily has recently become a professional photographer (self taught) and has an amazing ability to take beautiful photographs. Georgia was a particularly willing model and did quite well with her photoshoots. She's a total ham, not sure where that comes from!!

While Em was here we spent time with our friends Lauren, Angie, Jodi, Paige and Ashley. We had some amazing lasagna at Lauren's house thanks to her fabulous husband Larry (for whom Hughie developed a particular affinity). We had some tasty Mexican food with Angie and Jodi, sans children, while my beloved Keoni graciously babysat Hughie, Georgia and Kennady. And, of course, Paige did not disappoint with her scrumptious gourmet brunch on Sunday. Throughout the week I was constantly reminded why Emily is so special to me and will always be able to make me laugh.

After Emily left, I immediately headed to Philly to meet up wtih Kara. We drove up to Hoboken, NJ to meet Betsy, Bree and Susan for a girls' weekend (aka, Susan's bachelorette party take two). We had so much fun and laughed until we all cried. I think my sides are still sore. Laughter really is the best medicine!!!!

And I pretty much blew off Bogie's birthday. She turned 34 last week and then went off to Ohio to visit Beth without me. I promise to make it up to her with lots of love and tortilla soup!!!!!!!!

Each of the women mentioned in this post have made a considerable effort in supporting me through the past year. They've held me hand, dried my tears, listened and advised without judgment. I am so amazingly blessed to have these people in my life. However, I have to take a lot of credit for surrounding myself with such fabulousness. Love you all more than words.

Daisies

2009-09-29T11:03:00.002-04:00

Last night was Georgia's first Girl Scout meeting. I'd been trying to think of a good activity for Georgia that wasn't ballet (she hated dance lessons) or a sport (she's not very competitive yet) and thought that she would love Girl Scouts. She is now officially a Daisy! I need to go out and get the official vest for her patches and then she'll be ready. Her troop has 10 girls and last night they did an art project and then had brownies and punch. Georgia was in heaven. So when it comes time to buy Girl Scout cookies, you know who to call!!

Don't Harassle Me

2009-09-24T10:09:00.002-04:00

Georgia's invented my new favorite word. Recently I asked her to stop harassing Hughie. Her reponse? "I harassle Hughie because he harassles ME!!"

My fabulous friend Emily is visiting this week from Idaho with her daughter Kennady, who is Georgia's age. We are going to have so much fun. Emily is a wonderful photographer and I hope she can get some great shots of the kids for our Christmas cards this year!

Basketball Belly

2009-09-17T09:33:00.002-04:00

I am so sad that the York Revolution baseball season is over. Baseball has been such a part of our lives this summer! And the end of the season also means that Keoni will be going home and he will be sorely missed. I've been trying to talk him into sticking around York, but I don't think he's biting.

On Tuesday we were at a game and Hughie was sitting on my lap beside Papa. He looked over at Papa, pointed to his belly and said, "basketball under there?" Oh Hughie, you jokester. Go easy on Big Papa!!

Yes, but Jason is cuter!

2009-09-16T09:58:00.002-04:00

So Georgia has a crush on this York Revoultion player named Jason Aspito. She's never met him, so I have no idea why she's singled this guy out for her affection. Last week we were at a Revolution game in which Keoni received the team MVP award. When we got home my Mom said, "I am just so proud of Keoni! Everyone voted him as their favorite player on the team." Georgia's response? "Yeah, I'm proud of Keoni, but Jason's cuter." I'm not even kidding. I almost peed my pants. The girl is FIVE YEARS OLD!! When we told Keoni at breakfast the next morning he thought it was hilarious and Georgia blushed like crazy. I've never seen her blush before! So now we really tease her every time we're at a game and Jason is up to bat.

Hughie's Vocab

2009-09-10T09:50:00.002-04:00

The last few weeks of Hughie's growing vocabulary have been amazing! All of a sudden it seems he's fully verbal. He's been saying things like "imagination" "emergency" and "delicious." He's also got such a sweet temperament. When I picked him up from daycare one day last week he said, "I MISSED you Mommy!!" It made my heart melt. This morning he said, "Papa's tractor is BROKEN. He needs to fix it!"

And Georgia is still adjusting to our new routine. Right now she's super-jealous of Hughie. I make a conscious effort to show affection equally, but Georgia will still say that I love Hughie more. I know she's really insecure right now, so it makes me especially sad. And this morning she was insisting that she didn't want to go to school. She screamed and bawled the whole way to school. Not sure what's going on with that. I asked her is she likes her teacher. Yes. I asked her if the other kids are nice to her. Yes. I ask her if she's afraid to ride the bus? No. So I'm not sure what the issue is other than she doesn't want to be separated from me.

We are all excited for the York Fair which starts this weekend. I think Hughie will really like it this year, especially the tractors and animals. Personally, I am looking forward to the food!

Kindergarten Orientation and First Day of School

2009-08-26T21:22:00.004-04:00

This was a big week for Georgia and Hugh. Georgia had her kindergarten orientation on Monday and then her first real day of school on Tuesday. And they both started at a new daycare on Tuesday. Talk about a whirlwind of change for us!!

So kindergarten orientation was easy. Georgia got to ride a bus for the first time (with Mommy) and meet her teacher. She's wearing a flowered dress in the kindergarten orientation pics. But for her first day of school (bright pink outfit)when she realized that I was NOT getting on the bus this time and/or going with her to school, she was terrified. Luckily there were 3 other kids from her daycare who were going to the same class as she was. She sat with a sweet little girl named Jada on the bus. She would not smile for me (she put her head down), but she didn't cry either. Not only did I cry, but I kept crying on and off for most of the day thinking about my little baby off in her new world without me standing guard. It's so scary to let go!! But she loved kindergarten and didn't even hesitate to get on the bus this morning. Hughie wanted to get on the bus too, and threw a royal fit when I wouldn't let him. Georgia's favorite part about her first day was having her own change purse with her own money so that she could pay for her milk!

Hughie's first day of daycare was easy. We went to his room (with his new spiderman backpack on) and he just waltzed right in and said to me, "these are my friends?" Dropped his backpack and sat down at the table for a bowl of fruit loops. I was surprised because he's been having a lot of separation anxiety from me lately, but he did wonderfully! Then the second day when he realized that we weren't just there to play and that I would be leaving him like I had the day before, they had to pry his screaming body out of my arms. Not fun for Mommy.

Hopefully tomorrow will be easier and by Friday this should be a breeze! Tonight we saw a school bus and Hughie said, "There's Georgia's bus! When I big boy I ride bus and go to kindergarn!" His language has exploded.

Photos from Brazil

2009-08-20T09:20:00.002-04:00

So Josh is now "officially" married! His bride's name is Patricia (Pah-TREE-see-ah)and she will hopefully be joining Josh in the states when her marriage visa is approved in October. He traveled to Brazil earlier this month marry Patricia and to spend some time with her family. Welcome to OUR family, Patricia. I can't wait to meet you!!

Então, Josh é agora "oficialmente" casados! Sua noiva se chama Patricia (Pah-TREE-see-ah) e que ela será, espero, juntando Josh nos estados quando seu casamento visto é aprovado em outubro. Ele viajou para o Brasil no início deste mês casar Patricia e para passar algum tempo com a família dela. Bem-vindo à nossa família, Patricia. Eu não posso esperar para conhecê-lo!

Big Boy Bed

2009-08-11T09:59:00.002-04:00

Hughie was ecstatic when he saw his "new" (love Craigslist!!)bed yesterday! He didn't even want to eat dinner, he just wanted to go straight to bed. When it came down to it at bedtime, however, he did ask to sleep in his crib, but then changed his mind. He needed a little coaxing and a lullabye, but then he finally fell asleep in the big boy bed and didn't get out of it until 7! I thought for sure I'd have a few visits during the night, but all went well.

Summer in Pictures

2009-08-10T13:58:00.003-04:00

Well, we've had a crazy summer with lots of major changes and adjustments. However, we've also had lots of fun at the beach, Revolution games and with friends. I've been taking a lot of pictures with my new iphone, so I wanted to post them here. I'm better about getting them on Facebook because I can upload them so easily from the phone.

Also, tonight is Hughie's first night in his big boy bed. I am putting Hugh and Georgia in the same bedroom and I spent the weekend cleaning out Jason's old room (aka the "workout room"). I hauled at least 10 leads of crap up the steps and then Mimi took it the rest of the way to the curb via golf cart.

I got Hughie a race car bed with Lightning McQueen sheets. He spent the weekend with Grandma, so he hasn't seen it yet. I can't wait for him to see it! I know tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. when he comes to wake me for the day I will regret my decision to upgrade to the big boy bed from the crib, but eventually he will adjust. Georgia seems to be really excited about sharing a room with Hughie. She's had a tough time sleeping by herself this summer, so hopefully this will help. We shall see . . .

Smashing Crabs

2009-07-23T10:54:00.002-04:00

Last night we went out for crabs and Hughie discovered a new love - smashing crabs with a large, wooden mallet. As soon as we sat down he said, "SMASH CRABS!" and picked up the cracker. He then waited patiently for me to get the claw ready for smashing and then would smash the crap out of it. And while he was smashing it, he would be looking around the table like, "am I really allowed to do this? FREAKING AWESOME!" I also gave him his frist taste of crab (while watching for signs that his throat was swelling shut, epi pen in hand) and he loved it. Georgia still refuses to even try it.

Georgia's First Tooth and Other Stuff

2009-07-14T22:57:00.003-04:00

I just got back from a mini-vacation to Tampa. It was my first time flying childless in FIVE YEARS. You people with no kids have it so freaking easy!!! It was so easy I found myself seeking out women traveling alone with children to help.

While I was gone, Georgia lost her first tooth. It was really loose before I left, but I was hoping it would hold out until I returned. This was my first "first" of Georgia's that I missed and it was very sad for me. However, I know there will be more teeth. Apparently Georgia was eating celery at Grandma's and then went to show off her VERY loose tooth and it had vanished. She was told that the tooth fairy must have come and gotten it (rather than explaining that it was probably floating in her stomach next to some partially chewed celery). And even though the tooth fairy had already come to get the tooth, Georgia had to wait until she was alseep to get money under her pillow for the tooth.

Here are some more pics from our visit with Aunt Beth and her sweet boys.

Three Musketeers

2009-06-29T22:55:00.002-04:00

Many moons ago when I was in law school I was inseparable from my two best friends. Now we're all married (sort of ;)) with kids and living in different cites/states. We had a chance to get together on Sunday and I don't think there's a place in the world I would have rather been. If only I could transplant Jen and Beth to be my neighbors on both sides so we could bar-b-q every weekend with our kids, some squirt guns, a bouncy house and some glow sticks. It doesn't get any better than that! Love you girls so much.

Raystown Lake

2009-06-29T22:03:00.003-04:00

Last week we were invited to join my brother and his family to camp on Raystown Lake. the kids had an absolute blast. We went boating, jet skiing, hiking, fishing and s'more making. Hughie had a bit of a mishap with a falling fishing rod and a hook that essentially pierced his earlobe, but he bounced right back with a little TLC and neosporin and caught his first fish. I got to spend a lot of time bonding with my nieces Maya and Ava and am so grateful to Jason and Andrea for letting us tag along. The wide open spaces and fresh air did wonders for clearing my mind.

Baseball

2009-06-20T18:08:00.002-04:00

Hughie is obsessed with all sports, but right now he is particularly enamored with baseball. Since we've moved back to York with Mimi we go to watch our local team, the York Revolution, frequently. My parents have housed one of the Revs, Keoni, for 3 years now and Hughie LOVES Keoni. Recently Hughie acquired a Revs jersey and baseball cap. He wore them to a game and kept asking me for a baseball. He knew that if he had the hat and jersey, he should have a ball. I guess Keoni is a mindreader because he summoned us to the dugout to give Hugh his first real game ball, with dirt fresh off the infield. I thought Hughie's head was going to explode with excitement! He actually slept with the ball in the his crib for several nights after that. Last week, Hughie decided that he would pair his jersey and cap with one of my black stilettos and came clomping into the kitchen with it on. It was quite amusing. (Look closely at the picture below with Keoni, Hugh and my shoe.)

Friends

2009-06-15T11:41:00.003-04:00

Ava Louise

2009-06-15T11:24:00.002-04:00

A Dark Time

2009-06-07T14:18:00.002-04:00

The past few months have been some rough ones for me, but I know that in time the sun will shine for me again. My children are still healthy and beautiful and I am still the most blessed person that I know. I'll tell you one thing, these past few months have shown me how amazing and caring my family and friends are. Love and support is raining down in buckets and I cannot express in words how thankful I am to have so many special souls in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I have a ton of pictures to download from the past few months so that I can catch up on my blogging. I don't want to forget to record anything important. I can barely remember my name from day to day, so I need to write things down!!!

I know, I know, I've been a blogging slacker!

2009-05-16T20:07:00.004-04:00

Now that the sun is shining a bit more and the days are getting warmer, I find that it's harder to get to the computer! Lame excuse, I know, but it's true. We recently celebrated Georgia's fifth birthday (can you believe that my BABY will be in kindergarten in the fall?). She wanted a princess theme again (shocker), but wanted to include the boys, so we decided on a princess pirate theme. We had a blast between all of the princess costumes (we did have a few pirates in costume as well), face painting, swimming, pinata and treasure hunt. Georgia relished her day as Queen! And Hughie looks pretty cute as a pirate.

Cupcake Picnic

2009-04-20T12:49:00.003-04:00

Georgia is obsessed with picnics these days (basically eating food anywhere OTHER than the table) and is constantly inviting people to her imaginary parties and picnics. To humor her this week I baked cupcakes and we invited the neighbor kids over for a "cupcake picnic," after dinner, complete with picnic basket and blanket. The other picture is of Georgia, Camden and Emily "sleeping" in Hughie's crib. I guess it was a pajama crib party?

Easter in FLorida

2009-04-19T22:34:00.004-04:00

Our flight from Harrisburg to Charlotte was the scariest I've ever been on. While I was gripping Hugh and the armrest and silently praying, Georgia was yelling, "put your arms in the air, Maurice!" (That's a reference to Madagascar 2 when the animal's plane is plummeting to the ground and the King of the Lemurs thinks it's a blast). She also laughed a lot and thought the turbulence was a riot. When we landed and the drinks were all cleaned off the ceiling of the plane, I asked the flight attendant if that flight was par for the course and he said it was definitely one of the worst he's ever been on in 20 years! I came REALLY close to actually using one of the barf bags in the seat back.

Our arrival in Florida brought record lows to the region, of course. Instead of hitting the beach, we decided to go to Disney. Once we got there and settled into our room, Hughie spikes a high fever and starts a nasty chest cough. I was texting with a friend who was inside the park already and she said that it was CRAZY packed, so we just turned it around and went home. I wasn't about to take a sick kid with a fever to wait 90 minutes for the Dumbo ride.

Hughie stayed sick pretty much the whole time, but that didn't stop Georgia from enjoying the beach and pool once the weather warmed up. When Josh showed up, she was in heaven. Hughie, who wouldn't let anyone TOUCH him but me all week, jumped right into Josh's arms. It was a welcome relief!

We also went to a real rodeo, with real cowboys, and watched the bull riders. Georgia and Hughie loved it for about 15 minutes and then got restless. I could look at cowboys in tight jeans for HOURS, but it wasn't meant to be. Hughie got to experience his first ever pony ride, too. He actually got to ride two ponies because the first one, Butterscotch, was getting spooked by a man in a chicken costume. Luckily Pumpkin was unaffected by the chicken man.

We attended the world's most overcrowded easter egg hunt at a local park. They expected 1000 and 3000 showed up. It was insanity and I think my kids got 3 or 4 eggs each, and only because I body checked a few toddlers to clear a path. We had our own private egg hunt later and the kids were able to get a lot more eggs! The Easter bunny also came, leaving clues all throughout the condo -leading to Easter baskets in the hallway.

All in all it was a good, but exhausting, trip.

Grandma's Birthday

2009-04-19T21:51:00.002-04:00

The weekend before we left for Florida we went up to Bellefonte to celebrate Grandma's birthday. There was lots of cousin love, egg dyeing (and hunting) and cupcake eating!

Hello Kitty!

2009-04-07T10:35:00.003-04:00

Sunday we went to Hugh's girlfriend's birthday party. Her nickname is "Kitty," so the appropriate theme for the party was 'Hello Kitty.' And of course, Hughie had to wear a t-shirt declaring his love. Isn't Kitty gorgeous??? Thanks Becky!!

Surrogate Grandmother

2009-03-31T11:57:00.002-04:00

This morning I had an interesting conversation with Georgia. I often tell her that she'll always be my baby, even when she's a mommy herself (in response to her insistence that she is NOT a BABY). This morning she asked, "I'll always be your baby, even when I'm a mommy, right Mommy?" And I said, "yes, even when you're a GRANDMOTHER, you'll still be my baby. When your daughter has a baby, you'll still be my baby." She chewed on that for a moment and replied, "well, I want YOU to have my babies because I think it would hurt to push them out."

Obviously she's been pondering the logistics of childbirth and has figured out that if the removal of a teeny tiny little splinter throws her into full-blown hyperventilating hysterics, childbirth is not going to be fun.

I'm so proud of my son!

2009-03-26T10:40:00.002-04:00

Hughie's teacher took me aside today to tell me that Hughie is her special helper. There is a little boy in his class named Alex who has Downs and apparently Hughie goes out of his way to help Alex get around the class and participate in activities. He recognizes that Alex needs a little help and doesn't hesitate to give it. I can't think of anything else in the world that his teacher could have shared with me this morning that would make me more proud. And yes, I cried. Shocking.

Roadkill

2009-03-24T23:34:00.003-04:00

I'm probably a bad parent for posting this and even worse for thinking it's hilarious. I'm even tempted to see if I couldn't get $25,000 from America's Funniest Home Videos. I was attempting to document Buffy's maniacal and fearless pursuit of Rosie's frisbee. I got that and a whole lot more!

Visit with Grandma

2009-03-24T23:28:00.003-04:00

Hughie and Georgia had a great visit with Grandma this past week while we were in Virginia for the Final Four. They finally got to meet Buffy! We celebrated Hughie's second birthday with some fabulous frog and flower cupcakes created by Aunt Erin. And apparently someone taught Hugh how to use the "loser" sign (fingers in the shape of an "L" on your forehead) and he was not shy about sharing his new skill with Erin. I swear I didn't teach him that.

My Baby is 2!!!

2009-03-24T22:48:00.007-04:00

Final Four

2009-03-18T14:13:00.003-04:00

I know it's been awhile, but I have been very consumed with watching F&M win game after game in the NCAA tourney! It's amazing to watch them do so well and know that all of Chris's INSANE amount hard work is finally paying off. He may not be getting the credit he deserves, but those players who are winning the games know all too well. And to make it to the Final Four with a very young team (they start a freshman, 3 sophomores and a junior) is truly unbelievable. Georgio (the freshman) was just named the Mid-Atlantic Rookie of the Year and James (sophomore) was named to the first team Mid-Atlantic Region. I'm heading down to Salem, VA tomorrow for the D3 Final Four. I keep telling Chris to relax and have fun (as is everyone else) and he's all, "what's the point of going down there if we're not going to win?" Good point. Wouldn't that be amazing? Fingers crossed.

And a special shout out to Glo for graciously agreeing to watch G-Ro and Hugh so that I can go to the games. You are the best!

Mohawk

2009-03-06T13:21:00.003-05:00

This is that brutal time of year when it's cold, gray and nothing much is going on. Why cant Christmas be in March?!? It's actually pretty warm today and it's supposed to be 70 on Sunday, so maybe spring really is coming? I took some pics of the kids in the bathtub last night for kicks - and for somehting to post on here. Hughie rocks a relly cute mohawk.

The Suleman

2009-02-25T12:03:00.000-05:00

In honor of the mother of the octuplets, Denny's is offering a new breakfast meal called the Suleman: You get eight eggs, no sausage, and the guy next to you has to pay the bill.

Come on now, that's funny.

Swim Lessons

2009-02-24T11:43:00.002-05:00

Georgia had her first official swim lesson last night and performed splendidly! She was excited, but nervous, and kept telling me that she would NOT go in the pool without her vest. However, when the time came, she and 5 other vestless kids went into the pool without hesitation. They have a very small, warm pool and the kids all sat along the edge while the instructor did different things with them (slowly getting them comfortable with the water) like floating them on their backs and having them kick with a kickboard. Georgia put her head under the water FOUR times! She struggled with it (we've kept her head out of the water for almost five years now thanks to three sets of ear tubes), but did it anyway. I think in a few more months she'll be swimming vestless without a problem. That will definitely take a load off me this summer!

As an added bonus to last night's success, the mother of one of the other kids in the class is a really cool lady I met through a close friend of mine. Now I have a cool mom to chat with on Monday evenings for the next couple of weeks!

We also recently purchsed Madagascar 2 and have been watching it on our numerous road trips. Georgia's favorite scene is when the big, studly hippo Moto-Moto is singing about his female hippo preferences (in a super deep, Barry White voice). "I like em big, I like em CHUNKY!!" Georgia loves to traipse around the house singing it and Hughie even chimes in on the "chunky" part. It cracks me up every time! Speaking of chunky, can we get Lindsey Lohan to eat a burger, please? Thanks.

I Like it Dirty

2009-02-18T10:53:00.003-05:00

Last night I got the kids in bed and nestled down in the couch to watch American Idol. Given the fact that I absolutely hate commercials (and there were SO MANY), I started flipping through the guide and see that 'Dirty Dancing' is on. Dirty Dancing is one of those movies that I HAVE to watch to the end, no matter what, and then dance around the living room(whilst dreaming of taking ballroom dancing classes with my husband - yeah right). It was especially heart warming to watch a young and vibrant Patrick Swayze do his thing. He's very Hugh Jackman-like in that he's HOT, he can dance, he can sing and he's been faithfully married to the same non-Hollywood woman forever. Kudos to you, Patrick, for be an amazing person.

Despite the almost painful amount of cheese involved in the movie, it truly is one of my all time favorites and I'm not afraid to admit it.

Georgia loves her thumb.

2009-02-17T11:08:00.002-05:00

It's not a secret that my kids are orally fixated - Georgia with the thumb and Hughie and his beloved binkie. According to their dentist, it's genetic. If mom or dad was a hard-core sucker, chances are the kids will be too. I believe that I sucked my thumb until I was about 10. Even dipping my thumb in chicken poop did not dissuade my devotion! Georgia found her thumb at 2 months old and has been sucking it faithfully ever since. I have to admit that with her colic, I was grateful for anything that would comfort her. I still think one of the reasons she's been such a good sleeper is that thumb. Still, I know she needs to give it up at some point. Last night as I was scratching Georgia's back before bed, she was complaining that her thumb hurt. It was red and raw from sucking and the cold, dry air. After inspecting her thumb, I looked at her and said, "Maybe it's time to stop sucking your thumb?" Georgia's reply? "I'm sucking it FOREVER."

Sports Nut

2009-02-17T11:01:00.002-05:00

I've never seen anything quite like Hughie's obsession with sports. We don't really encourage it, per se, so it fascinates me. He could be in a room with a 1000 toys and would instantly hone in on the basketball in the corner. We went to the store Five Below this week (everything is $5 or less) and I told both kids they could have whatever they wanted. As we wandered the aisles Hughie made a bee line for a basketball touch light. I tried to explain that it wasn't a toy and took him, kicking and screaming, to the sports section. He started running from bin to bin pulling out baseball bats, basketballs, footballs and finally a lacrosse stick. I got him a basketball, baseball bat (SOFT) and the lacrosse stick, and has not put that stick down in three days. He holds it left-handed (we're working on that), but otherwise he's getting the hang of it. He catches, throws and scoops the ball with the stick. Chris is going to get him in with F&M's lacrosse coach for some pointers. We need Uncle Peter up here, stat.

The newest addition to our (extended) family . . .

2009-02-10T17:08:00.003-05:00

Prepare yourself for the cuteness that is Grandma's new (not yet named) puppy. Georgia suggested "Gizmo" after watching Gremlins this weekend.

New visors and snow fun

2009-02-04T22:46:00.004-05:00

Hughie will NOT take off his visor without a fight. Thanks Aunt Jen!

Here are some snow pics taken today. Apparently last night's storm was an odd one and accumulations ranged from nothing to a foot all around the county. We had about 8 inches! Hughie looked like a butterball in his snowsuit and Cam and Emily made an igloo.

Josh is engaged!

2009-02-02T22:04:00.003-05:00

Josh is madly in love with a lovely girl from Brazil named Patricia (Pah TRI see ah). He recently went on a trip to visit her in Brazil and they got engaged. It's about time we get some Latin blood in this family! Congrats, Josh. Here is a pic from their vacation:

25 Random Things

2009-01-29T13:21:00.002-05:00

I was tagged on Facebook to post 25 random things about myself, so I thought I would share it here so that those dinosaurs out there reading this who are NOT on facebook (Erin, I'm looking at you)can learn more about than they probably wanted to know. ;)

25 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME

1. I would rather forgo food than my twice monthly cleaning lady. She is a very important part of my sanity.
2. My family had five and almost SIX generations alive at one time. My cousin had a baby a mere three years after her great-great grandmother (my great grandmother) died. That would have been a world record for sure. Who has a living great-great-great grandmother?!?
3. I absolutely love to dance, but I have serious insecurity issues after finding out that some really mean girls in college used to make fun of me behind my back.
4. Speaking of dancing, I took ballet for 12 years and was on pointe for 3.
5. One of my biggest regrets in life is giving up on the viola in high school. I really wish I would have stuck with an instrument.
6. I took German in high school rather than Spanish and my dad will NEVER LET ME FORGET it. It was a foolish decision, for sure, (and perhaps my second biggest regret) but every time we're traveling an run into some Germans he forces me to conversate.
7. I met my husband on a blind date. When I saw his Elvis pork-chop sideburns I wasn't so sure, but the rest is history.
8. I used to share an office wall with a lawyer who had CRAZY loud after hours "relations." One time I heard him comment that they were out of wipes (TMI gross, I know), so I anonymously sent a package over to him the next day.
9. My favorite part of the day is when Georgia and Hugh climb into bed with us and watch cartoons in the morning.
10. I have a really, really mean right hook.
11. I am a skin/body product junkie.
12. I have tattooed eyeliner (and actually need it touched up). One of the best purchases I've ever made! Tattoo needle to the eyelid, however, not so fun.
13. I absolutely love Howard Stern.
14. I need about 9 hours of sleep at night. I truly wish I was one of those people (like my husband) who can pop out of bed after 6 hours of sleep and have a productive day!
15. I make a really good chicken tortilla soup and salsa.
16. I have a package of cake mix and tub of frosting in my pantry AT ALL TIMES. You never know when you'll need to whip up a batch of cupcakes. I also have at least 20 different kind of cookies/cupcake sprinkles.
17. If I had to pick a favorite thing in the world to eat it would have to be strawberries with either brown sugar or dipped in any kind of chocolate (black or white, I don't discriminate).
18. I've always wanted to adopt a baby. Way before Brangelina, even.
19. I am one of five very dysfunctional siblings! But we all love each other.
20. I once lost my license for going 104 in a 55 MPH zone.
21. I was the "pledge mama" for my sorority (Chi Omega) in college.
22. Between my two children, we've suffered through 30 double ear infections, 4 sets of ear tubes, over 350 doses of antibiotics and all the other fun stuff involved with chronic ear infections!
23. I thought of myself as an exceptionally patient person before I had children. Now I lose my sh** at least once a day.
24. I won a "tiny hiney" contest during Senior Week at Myrtle Beach in college ($500!). I was the only girl involved in the contest who did NOT show skin. Anyone whose seen me naked recently will truly appreciate the humor in my having won that contest all those years ago.
25. The only time I've ever consistently cooked "real" meals was in law school in our "cooking club." I miss those times so much, not to mention having someone too cook for other than a couple of kids and a husband who's never home for dinner! Beth and Jen are the only people who think I'm a good cook.

4th Folder - 4th Picture

2009-01-26T23:38:00.004-05:00

The 4th Folder - The 4th Picture

I've been tagged by Stacey!!
Here are the rules:
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3) Explain the picture.
4) Tag 4 people to do the same.

I tag Angie, Emily, Lauren and Carrie! I would have tagged YOU, Becky, but you don't have a blog. ;)

The following is a picture of Georgia's BFF Riley and her mom Becky. We were having a Valentine's Day party at the girls' daycare when they were in the Tadpole room (2 year olds). Enjoy!

Basketball anyone?

2009-01-25T12:10:00.003-05:00

Well, the Dips beat McDaniel last night to move back into a three way tie for first in the division. We were at the game with Georgia's boyfriend, Kimon, and they put on quite a half time show! Check out Kimon's defense. Too funny.

Cousins

2009-01-25T11:56:00.002-05:00

Here are some new pics of Georgia, Hughie and their cousin Evie. We had a great visit this weekend!

Why can't it just be warm??

2009-01-16T22:01:00.005-05:00

We had a great couple of days in Disney. First we went to Animal Kingdom, which was fabulous. I loved the Lion King Show and Georgia's favorite was the animal hospital where they had actual veterinary equipment and video clips of animals getting check ups. Unfortunately we couldn't witness anything live, but it was still all Georgia could talk about. It wasn't warm, but at least it was sunny!

The next day we decided to try Hollwood Studios, but started the day off with Georgia spilling an entire chocolate milk down her back and INTO her pants (don't ask), ruining her ONLY warm (long pants) outfit. You would think after three Florida visits with record lows in the 40's I would learn to pack a few warm outfits, but I digress. So it was off to the Disney store to buy a $65 sweatsuit. Lovely! And it was cold. We had to buy blankets and head indoors every few minutes to stay warm. Yes, I know the rest of he country is in a deep freeze, but you're not supposed to need scarves and blankets in Florida!! My mom told me that it's only cold when we're down here, so we're not allowed to come down any more. :( Hollywood studios was really crowded and mostly a bust, but we did get a chance to see the Playhouse Disney live show. Hughie absolutely went nuts during the show, screaming, laughing and dancing his head off. It was like watching his dad at a Van Halen concert! It made the Hollywood Studios day totally worth the cold.

And I am sad to report that the Dips had their first loss this week to McDaniel Ithey are now 12-1. However, they were ranked #21 this week in the d3hoops.com top 25 (of the country). Woo-hoo! If they win again tomorrow it's likely they'll keep their ranking.

Papa with the kids on the beach (during one of the 2 out of 10 days it's been warm enough to hit the beach this trip, yes I'm bitter):

Our experiment with Georgia and pin curls. I loved it, but she prefers her hair straight.

Some Disney pics:

Flying Solo to Florida

2009-01-11T22:32:00.005-05:00

I survived! Flying by myself with G-Ro and Hugh wasn't that bad. Hughie got a bit restless on the second leg and then promptly fell asleep during the landing, but we actually got compliments from nearby passsengers! Logistically Hughie falling asleep made it a bit hard to exit the plane. I had Hughie in my arms, a huge diaper bag hiked onto my shoulder, G-Ro in front and then I had to get the stroller open. Luckily a super-nice airport worker got the stroller open, but Hughie promtly awoke and screamed when I tried to put him in. Why can't I have kids that sleep in strollers like everyone else? Regardless, it was a very painless trip, all things considering. Hughie was diagnosed with his 12th ear infection right before we left, but I think we got things cleared up enough for the plane ride. It wouldn't feel right if I were in Florida and NOT administering antibiotics, now would it? I was trying to count how many doses I've administered now and I think I'm somewhere in the three hundreds. It's hard to calculate, exactly, because Omnicef is one time a day and Augmentin is two. Good times.

Note to traveling Moms: ALWAYS HAVE A FEW CANS OF PLAYDOH WITH YOU. One of my biggest regrets as a mother of young children is that I didnn't think to throw playdoh in the diaper bag until this trip.

The weather has been perfect and we've been enjoying the beach and pool quite a bit. We're heading to Disney's Animal Kingdom on Wednesday and I can't wait. I've never been there!

The view at breakfast this morning:

I'M HAVING ANOTHER NIECE!!

2008-12-30T10:32:00.002-05:00

That makes 7 nieces an no nephews. Apparently our siblings are not equipped to make boys. Another princess for me to spoil!!

Myspace Princess Diva Graphics

In case you didn't get your fill of Hughie cutness . . .

2008-12-28T17:23:00.003-05:00

Christmas Memories

2008-12-28T16:38:00.012-05:00

We had a wonderful week full of family, gifts and lots of food. I'm sure my thighs will be paying for it for the months to come! However, it was great to see all of our family and friends. The kids are having a blast with all of their new gifts and I spent the day today doing absolutely NOTHING productive. I'm thoroughly exhausted and looking forward to having nothing to do in the coming months! And for the record I SWEAR that next year my children will wake up at HOME with presents resting under a real, live tree. I"m not sure how long I can pull off that, "Santa dropped off presents early at Mimi's for you."

As great as Christmas was this year, without my Mom-mom for time in 33 years, it wasn't the same. I have a feeling that it will be quite some time before the hole in my heart heals.

Here are some photos from the past week:

Checking out the trains and lights at Dutch Wonderland:

Making cookies with Mimi:

Keeping Pop company:

Santa and toys!

Hughie loves Maya:

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Uncle Bill is 50!

Other stuff:

bakeeball

2008-12-28T16:30:00.003-05:00

Here's a little clip of the first time I got Hughie to say "basketball" on video. He'd said it for the first time just minutes earlier! You have to pause my playlist and listen carefully or you'll miss it.

Memories . . .

2008-12-21T13:05:00.006-05:00

Here is a photo slide show I made for Mom-mom's funeral. The quality seems to really stink on here, but you get the idea! It has music that was funeral appropriate, but I would prefer if you would turn that music off and let Natalie Merchant sing the background music (first song on my playlist).

In Loving Memory

2008-12-13T13:48:00.005-05:00

Ruby Lee Seymour "Mom-mom" - my grandmother.

December 9, 1921 - December 12, 2008

She was, hands down, the best person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Well miss you, Mom-mom, until we meet again . . .

Family Photo

2008-12-10T15:52:00.002-05:00

Here is a family photo that we had taken at my Mom's house. Can you believe I actually got a photo with BOTH of my children smiling at the same time? It's the first time that's happened in the last five professional photo shoots we've done.

Crayons, Cookies, Kisses and Dips

2008-12-03T21:09:00.007-05:00

Tonight Mandi and I went to the kids' Christmas Program. Well, not so much of a program as the barely organized chaos of some 40 odd preschoolers. This year's theme was the "Colors of Christmas." Each kid had a giant crayola crayon and a line corresponding to the color of their crayon. Georgia's line was "Aqua was the blanket that kept him warm." Doesn't Georgia look grown up???? My baby! And Riley (Georgia's bff) was a total ham, as usual.

After the program the kids enjoyed cookies and juice and Hughie attempted to hiss his sweetheart McKenna. She was relatively receptive. Becky got it on video so we can use it as the intro for their wedding video!

Tonight F&M won their fifth game against Johns Hopkins. They are now 5-0, GO DIPS!!! (The F&M mascot is the Diplomat.)

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-01T16:38:00.005-05:00

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday visiting with both families. We hit Bellefonte first and I thought that I would earn some in-law points and take up a dozen Maple Donuts. YUM. So, I take Hughie and we carefully pick out 13 donuts and have them packaged up. I get out to the car, put the donuts on the roof of the car, put my coffee in the cup holder, put Hughie in his seat and settle in for the rest of my road trip. If you're doing the math there, you will realize that I never put the donuts in the car. They are somwhere on route 83 feeding a family of hungry deer. The worst part was that I didn't even realize that I had FORGOTTEN to put the donuts in the car until about an hour later. I'm telling Chris about all my delicious selections and it hits me that the box is not in the car. Sorry, Erin!!!

At Mimi's house we ate Thanksgiving dinner with most of the F&M basketball team. They had to practice on Thanksgiving this year, so some of them missed their family feasts. Not to worry says Roxie, I can cook for 15 hungry college boys (averaging about 6'3"). And she did. We had fun painting Christmas ornaments and decorating gingerbread cookies. I have so much for which to be thankful.

Brownies and Bag Heads

2008-11-23T22:00:00.006-05:00

Here is photographic evidence that I am a bad mother and let my kids lick the brownie batter spoon, raw egg and all. Georgia's an old pro, but this is Hughie's first encounter with salmonella. Also note the pair of scissors in front of Hugh and the fact that he is teetering an inch from the edge of the island.

And here is a video of Hughie just being SO FREAKING CUTE I can barely type this post. And no, I can't for the life of me figure out how to rotate the stinking thing.

Georgia's Art

2008-11-23T21:55:00.003-05:00

Lately I've been loving Georgia's art work. I think I might start framing it and make a huge wall collage. Right now she's particularly obsessed with sparkle puffy paint and who can blame her?

Let's Get Rocked

2008-11-22T14:03:00.005-05:00

So last night we're watching a CMT show called Crossroads where country artists get a chance to collaborate with all kinds of musicians from different genres. Last night's pairing was Taylor Swift and DEF LEPPARD (my favorite rock band of all time). You can laugh, if you want, you can say, "what about Van Halen? Grateful Dead? The Stones??" All I can say to you is that until you've been 4th row at a SOLD OUT York Fair concert (where drunk people with mullets are being booted by security left and right) and actually experienced Def Leppard live, you know nothing. Right, Griney & Bogie?!? Talyor was cute and sweet and all, but she didn't do much for Def Leppard. At least I got my fix.

Finito!

2008-11-21T09:36:00.001-05:00

I still have the little stuff (towel bars, etc.) but the bathroom is finished! Yeah! Now we have to finish the bedroom and we can move out of the guest room. Woo-hoo!