Happy Hour Ladies

Suzanne, Heather, and I would faithfully have happy hour on Fridays at 4 ish. We would rotate who was hosting and we would have some beverages (of the alcoholic kind) and appetizers.

All the kids would get together too and play all different sorts of games. We put out some appetizers for them as well. There were 8 kids.

Truly happy times. I will have such wonderful memories.

Heather, Suzanne, and me

So today we went out to lunch at the Northstar Cafe. Love love love this place. I know I have blogged before about their veggie burger. But it is sooooooo very delicious. I actually crave this burger. And if you remember about me - I love meat. I really do! Anyway, we had a great time.

Then it was off to my house to clean it out and prepare it for the walk-through. I had stuff still in bedrooms, closets, and cabinets. Now it was not as bad as it sounds. The bedrooms were sleeping bags. The closets had clothing. And the cabinets were already to go with boxes inside them.

We cleaned and stuffed everything into the laundry room so the rest of the place looked amazing. Let me just say I would not have gotten it all done. Boy was I way off on estimating time and stuff. We had all of Suzanne's family, me and my kids, and Heather and her girls. We were all moving and cleaning.

We also had to take a king bed and a sofa over to Suzanne's as she is now the happy owner of those two items. I think that is what made the time so crazy. It was like moving day all over. I shiver just rethinking it.

All was clear. I head over to Carla's for one last bit of time together. This is when they were suppose to walk through but they changed it to 6:30 PM and did not show up until 8:00 PM. I was not happy as we were going to load the van so Friday morning would not be sooo crazy. Suzanne was and is amazing she kept calming me down and assuring me that all would be fine. You know what? She was right.

Suzanne and I packed up the van. Then laughed at all that was left behind. Oh well! Looks like we need to go back for another load.

We actually slept at Suzanne's as we no longer had our sleeping stuff. It all went very well.

They are Here! (finally)

The entire time we have been here in Ohio our really close friends and neighbors have been out of town. Yes, they had the wonderful opportunity to travel together for a month. You read that correctly. ONE MONTH! They arrived at 7:30 pm. Meghan came over as fast as she could get out of the van. She was already to see her friends. But to her surprise I was the only one home. She was sooooo excited she was shaking. Just beside herself all day with anticipation of seeing Abby and Joshie!!

Together we walked down to the NBC talking about their vacation. She had a great time and really did not feel like they were gone that long as they were in so many different places.

The kids came running over to her as she arrived at the house. Abby made the decision to leave the club early to have some alone time with Meghan. They were too cute and sweet together.

I waited about an hour and felt it was time for me to go and hug my friend. I didn't want to just run right over as I know how crazy life is upon arriving home from a vacation. But just as I was about to leave she walked in through the door!!! YAY!! I got to see, hug, and drink with my good buddy Suzanne. She is a great wonderful person that I will miss dearly.

We sat around for several hours just catching up and laughing. Our usual MO. And Heather was even able to stop by for some bonding time as well. It really felt like old times. Of which I do not want them to stop. There is all kinds of sleeping over going on in this neighborhood tonight. Suffice it to say I am the lucky one. I have zero children in my home. I was half waiting for a call from Suzanne telling me Josh needed to come back home. But nothing as of this writing. I do hope by now they are in slumberland! The most exciting part is that it is Joshua's 1st sleepover that is not at a relatives house. Go Josh!!

House Hunters!

Yup! We are currently in the house hunting category of our lives. Let me just say that this side of it is far better than the selling side. Now don't get me wrong I do believe I was able to detach myself from the house and realize that not everyone would like it or want it but 13 months and nothing gets a little old. But the selling aspect really can and does take a toll on a person and I am super duper happy to be out of it. (Well almost.)

I have often been heard saying that my life has been in limbo this past year and that I am learning to love limbo. But this chickie is soooooo looking forward to climbing out of limbo and heading into the next phase of our lives.

Bill and I have been emailing different homes to one another that we find on the internet. I showed some to Stephen and he put in his opinions. (He loves looking at houses. He really enjoyed it when we were moving here 6 years ago.) I am counting down the days until I return to NJ and we can begin our quest for a realtor and then finally a home!!!!!!!!

I go into peoples home and I look over all that I like and don't like so that when I am out looking for ours I will be very efficient in the process. I don't want to be too rushed but I also don't want to take too long to find our home. I have started praying for guidance and clarity so that it does come easier.

Sisters!.. in Christ!

The morning was me on the phone canceling and disconnecting all the accounts and services that apply here in Ohio. Went pretty easy considering some things are in Bill's name. Just have 3 more to handle but I forgot account numbers and such! Oh well!

The afternoon on the other hand was spent with my wonderful ladies!!! Jaye and Carla met last week for the first time and wanted to have a little gathering of some of my women folk to say goodbye! Jaye was the wonderful hostess. Boy can she entertain!!! I was able to see Jaye, Carla, Natalie, Mindi, Leslie, Shafi, and Kristi. And a bonus was that I met two new sisters Michele and Tina! They latter two started attending the bible study this year so I did not get to meet them before today. Oh wait, All but Carla attend the Wednesday bible study that I used to belong to! But it was truly a fabulous time. Sitting around Jaye's table just gabbing about a whole lot of nothin. There were lots of words spoken as we ladies need to get sooooooo many words out in our day. I bet the hubbies are very happy today as their woman should be mostly used up!! I love each of these women for who they are in the Lord and where they are desiring to be.

My life has been touched immensely by them and they will be forever in my heart. I told Jaye that distance will not separate us as I expect her to be in my circle of peeps in heaven!! And since she did invite me and mine to come and stay with her whenever...

They were lots of kids present about 22, I think, and surprisingly no catastrophes occurred and there were only some minor disagreements which were handled quickly.

Abs loving all things nature. She had these things

stuck to her and loved it. I think she walked through the

bush on purpose.

The group of kids.

Buddies!

The line of people waiting for the yummy delicious

food. Jaye is amazing!

The ladies!

I really cannot say enough how these women have impacted my life and I know that there will still be influences as well, thanks to the technology age that we live in. It is so easy and wonderful to be able to keep in contact with each other via email, blogging, and texting. (Just to name a few)! I am still on email lists so I can know what is going on. I like to be able to stay in touch!

Paths do cross and some intertwine but both take effort and I know that lives are busy and crazy but the beauty is that we are all sisters in Christ and I know that I will see them again! Praise the Lord! for blessing me abundantly. I never imagined this life in Ohio and it is (was) a good one. I now need to look to life in NJ as I know full well it too will be filled with many a blessing!!

Time with my Eldest

Monday was very quiet and somewhat boring around here for the kids. At least during the day. They spent a lot of it at our neighbors home. I was waiting on the Rainbow Play systems people to come and place our set into our last POD. Plus waiting on Erin (Dee Dee's sister) to come by and pick up some of the items we were getting rid of.

She and I were very funny loading up her car. Good thing one of us knew what we were doing (not Me) or I think we would still be standing there. There is but one piece left and we will make arrangements later in the week about that.

Then off to the Stampers for more time together. Trying to get in all the time possible as we know it will be a while before we are able to come back for a visit. Boo Hoo!!!

Just after dinner Abs and Josh attended the NBC (neighborhood bible club) at Heather's house. ((For those of you not familiar with an NBC - basically they take the place of a VBS (vacation bible school) the church likes to have different neighborhoods from the congregants be reached through the kids. It allows for more people to be invited and hopefully accept Jesus. Our kids have participated in the past but really prefer a VBS. Last year we were able to do either do to our timing between NJ and OH. So imagine their surprise and joy when they could attend something this year.)) Since they were to be gone for about 2 hours I thought I would use the time to "hang" with Stephen. It is a rare moment lately that he and I are alone. So off to Chipotle for dinner (We love love love that place and there is NOT one near us in NJ - about an hour away) as the young ones do not like to eat their food.

He even came into the Kroger with me and helped me pick up some odds and ends. The NBC is also taking donations for a local food pantry. He called me scatterbrain as I was forgetting the few items we needed to buy. He kept me in check. We walked the entire store several times as I am not familiar with the new layout.

Afterwards we decided to go on a walk together. It truly was some great time for just the two of us. Talking and listening to each other was awesome. (No you can't know!)

Abs and Josh had a great time at the bible club and are eager to be going back for the rest of the time we are here. They are crafting, singing, and playing all in the name of our Lord. So very very cool! : )

I ache I ache its off to load I go!

YES!!! My entire body aches. In places I was not even sure could! I know I used the term auto pilot in a previous post and let me just say that has been the definition of my life. I ache when I try to do anything. Just think of something and I am sure I ache!

At this current writing I am without any other assistance. My children and me are all that is left. There is still stuff that needs to get done. And it will get done. I am a mean supervisor. Thankfully most of the hard work is all behind us. No wait, it is ahead of us too! Just a few months in between. Praise the Lord!!

It is a nice thing to be moving forward but I am extremely happy that there is a break! I told Bill we are getting too old for this type of work. Next time, I am paying!!!! That is a must!

Josh "helping"

More helpers!

POD #4 - furniture!

Van that my Dad rented for the things we want at

the apartment mostly because we don't want it in

storage. Even though they say it is temperature

controlled we are skeptical.

POD #3 - misc. Basically the overflow of what

we weren't too sure where to put it.

Much needed respite

Friday was a day filled with different things. We began the day having to go to the title company to sign the documents as we will not be here for closing. Then back home to do some more loading. (yes most of the days have spent doing much the same thing! Can someone say autopilot).

Thankfully DeeDee came and took the kids for the day. They went on a field trip and got to play some disc golf. They enjoyed themselves and arrived back home just before dinner time.

While they were having fun we were moving and shaking. Four adults can do A LOT. We had to run a few trips to Lowe's as we misjudged some items of necessity and ran out of other items. In the last few days we have visited that store about 4 times.

Took a much needed break for some lunch from Culver's. We really needed the energy. The other days we were "picking" for lunch but I was not having that today. I was starving for a burger!! (There are better out there but time was against us. So we had to settle!)

More loading of furniture. We do have some BIG HEAVY pieces. I think our arms will be falling off some time this week. Our backs are strapped up for support and I don't think we want to take off the support as we might just fall over!

The children arrived home just as we were getting ready for our evening dinner plans with our good friends Natalie and John. Bill and John used to work together and Natalie and I have done all sorts of things together. We met up in Easton at Abuelo's! Love Mexican food. As they were late we headed over to the bar for some much needed cocktails. I a sangria, Bill a margarita!! I was very happy with my choice and had a chance to taste Bill's platinum margarita. Let me just say that too was very good! We were concerned that we would need to call my Dad and brother to come drive us home!

John and Nat came separately as John lost track of time at work. We ate a delicious meal and sat around and chatted. Afterwards we went over to the Apple store. We are Apple addicts! But I wanted to be a force for Natalie as we were persuading John to buy her an iPhone. I think he was going to do it without our push but I wanted to be supportive for a friend!

Bill could not leave Easton without some ice cream from Graeter's. We all enjoyed some!! Yummy!!!

We did not get back home until 10:30 pm. Joshua was fast asleep and Abigail was just getting to bed. Stephen stayed awake for about another 45 minutes. (Boy is it a good thing we homeschool as these hours are very typical for us!!)

My bed has never felt soooooo good!

Enjoying ourselves with Natalie and John.

Packing and the PODS!

Tuesday and Wednesday was spent packing up the house and on Wednesday Carla and Jaye came by and helped with more packing and starting to load the PODS!!

Tuesday night was garbage night here and boy did we have GARBAGE. I even had to use my neighbors trash bins so mine would not be too large. It really worked out since Stephen is sitting their animals. So I told him to wheel down their bins and I had Joshua, myself, and Stephen walking garbage down to their bins. Very funny! I told her to expect a neighbor making a comment or two as there is always a nosey-one! I unfortunately did not take a picture but here is the gist of it - three trash bins full and two 55 gallon bags on the ground. The big wheeled recycle bin filled (overflowing) and then extra on the ground. An old filing cabinet and old TV.

The other thing was on Wednesday we had Kidney Services Foundation stopping by to pick up any donations we may have. That consisted of 5 40 gallon bags of clothing, three boxes of toys, small appliances, and decorative house items. And a small hamper and a lamp. There was no where for you to get to my door it was in the walking path. (Again totally blanked on the picture idea)!!!

Wednesday with Jaye and Carla over we were able to secure some pictures and tape up boxes and toy bins. Then we decided it would be a great idea to start bringing stuff up from the basement and place it in the living room to make loading the PODS easier. Carla in her wisdom got all the kids to help - there were 10 kids carrying things up the stairs. I was sooooo elated to have all that help and all that accomplished. We also started loading one of the PODS with the stuff from the garage. They were here for a few hours and we were able to bang out lots. And I am ever so grateful for all the help and hard work.

Around dinner - which was supplied by Dee Dee and crew - my Dad and brother Jason arrived to help load. They came in a commercial van so we can transport stuff back to the apartment until we find a house. Really trying to make myself more comfortable in the apartment but not too much. As we all know how much I want to be out of there! Soon! The wheels are in motion!! YAY!!!

Thursday - has brought loading loading and more loading of the PODS. Jason is master at breaking down the items to go inside the containers. He is also very good at where to place items. My Dad has been on the inside organizing the containers. He goes back and forth between the two. They were doing the outside POD and I said I would start on the "second" one so we could use the time wisely.

The young ones watched me taking some boxes and immediately began helping. I was touched. They were limited as to how much they could help as most things were far too heavy for them to move let alone carry. I appreciated all the efforts.

There was a short 2 hour break for me as I went out to pick up some boxes from Jaye. She got this awesome boxes from the hospital. Fabulous!! And then it was off to the airport to pick up my hubby! His flight was delayed that is what took me so long. But it was kinda nice to not have to be doing!

We worked until about 11:30 pm loading up the containers as the first two were leaving early Friday morning.

Stephen packing up the movies and cds.

Here is what Jaye, Carla, and kids helped accomplish.

We placed the stuff in the living room for ease of transfer.

Abigail found her beloved horses and would play

with them during a break time. Yes we did pack them

to go back to the apartment.

This 1st POD contains garage and outdoor items.

By the time it was locked up it was full!!

My Dad in POD #2. The basement and some upstairs

furniture. It also had all those boxes and tubs from

the previous picture. And then more boxes from

around the house!

Down by the Bay

Zoombezi Bay that is!! Yes, we headed over to the waterpark as our good friends the Loeffler's could meet us and we have such fun together. I knew with the PODS coming later in the week today was the day for the relaxing and socializing.

We had a great day. It did start slow for us but we got there only an hour after it opened and stayed until 4:00 pm. At first we were concerned that Stephen would not be able to join us as I totally spaced on his dog sitting responsibilities but another neighbor girl was available to help out at the noon hour and all was good.

It was how I remembered our days at the waterpark. No where near as crowded as last week. All lines were very manageable and the lazy river was enjoyable. Not too many bumps from the people on the tubes.

Since they hand out a coupon book when you leave we decided to go out to dinner at City BBQ. This place is or was one of the places we loved to go to. Not so much tonight. I left there having an allergic reaction. Lots of stomach issues. Stephen had some stomach issues too and Abigail did not really care for her food. So not worth the money even after the coupon!

The doggie sitting is getting to be a bit much for Stephen. I should really say the whole of the job is a bit much. He has phoned me at least once every day about one thing or another. (And he just started on Friday evening.) Today's dilemma - 2 things actually: 1. Misty got into the cat food bag. Ripped it to shreds (we have no idea how much she ate). 2. She pooped in the basement. (no doubt from aforementioned food eating.) I mentioned to Stephen that I expect some type of payment for all the help I have been giving him! :) He did not take that too well! I felt bad because he did seem a little upset about the whole situation. He blames himself for Misty's actions.

I bet packing and loading boxes doesn't look so bad to him about now. Oh wait, he gets to do just that over the next few days!!

Graeter's

We have been in town one week and have had Graeter's three times now!! We love love love ice cream and I especially love this place. (My waistline is proof positive.) Our friends the Ball family called and said let's go! It was kinda scheduled last week when we met them there. But Dee Dee was gone for a week and I wasn't too sure it would work out. I mean she did just get back today. But she called and asked if we were still on!

Abigail was invited for a sleepover. I hope she does as we have a busy day really a busy week ahead of us!

It's FREE!!

Sitting outside this evening watching the young ones swing on the swings and play their tossing their crocs through the air game. They are giggling and having a fabulous time. Abigail then says, "It's the pizza guy!" I reply, "He's not coming here, I didn't order any." She says, "He's in our driveway." Me, "He's just turning around." Her, "He's getting out of the car and walking to the door! It's the pizza guy and his mascot!" I get up and sure enough in our driveway is a pizza delivery car. As I walk around the corner I see two guys. One with the pizza another dressed up in a mascot outfit! They are new in town and delivered two small free pepperoni pizzas and an empty box to stop back in and get another free pizza!!!! The downside - we already ate dinner but we still stuffed our faces with a free piece!!

A Sea of Boxes

Everywhere I walk in the house there are stacks of boxes all packed and waiting the arrival of the PODS to begin to loading. They begin arriving on Tuesday. I am thinking (and hoping) all the boxes will be packed and ready to go.

Spent some hours in the basement weeding away all the junk that gets piled up. I am sooooo proud of myself and the things I departed with. I must have cleared out 4 boxes worth of papers and such. It is a liberating feeling but an overwhelming feeling when you only have a few days left. AHHHH!

Still lots more to go! Let's hope Sunday will be just as productive a day!! Monday I hope to play at the Bay with the kids and friends!! :)

Lunch and Packing

Woke up at 6 to start taking apart some items my friend Leslie was picking up. Had the kids help me move them to the garage. Leslie arrived by 9:30 am to take her things thanks to a friend of hers with a truck. Walked with Heather for 40 minutes today. Ate lunch with Natalie, Jaye, and a mixture of young ones! Then packed with Leslie for 2 hours! Got the kitchen accomplished. Good things!

Farewell to my Sandals

I have been packing a little each day since we arrived back here. Doing any where from 3-8 boxes as well as weeding out unwanted items. Let me just say how tired I am at the end of the day. This body cannot handle all that physical labor.

Here in Ohio we live less than 2 miles from the Columbus Zoo and Waterpark. Yes you read that correctly. A few years ago they bought the lease back from Six Flags because the city needed to change the roads. The new road chopped off some of the park. So the city decided to buy back the lease and shuffle the zoo and waterpark area. We have been season passers for 4 years. (minus the year they were renovating). I figured that we too would join as we will be here until the end of the month and it would be great incentive to get the children motivated to work.

On Tuesday we met some friends there to hang out all day. And hang out all day we did. (Except for Stephen and his friend whose Mom came and picked them up at 2 pm.) It was very very crowded as it was Kroger appreciation day!! Joshua got hurt twice, Julia got run over in the lazy river, we couldn't find Abigail and Julia for 30 minutes, the lines were very long for the rides, and the grand finale... my sandals were TAKEN!!!!! These sandals have been with me for 5 years and they are extremely comfortable. I use them a lot! And Land's End no longer makes them!! WWWWAAAAAAHHHHHH!! I walked the entire park looking for those babies. Even stopped by lost and found, twice! I plan on stopping again on our next visit, as they keep items for a week. I had to walk to the yucky parking lot barefoot. I was none too happy. The very puzzling side is why my sandals?! Why not the others?! Why not a beach bag that has money and such?! Crazy!!!! In my hopes and dreams I find them. That somehow they got kicked or someone was playing a prank and a staffer found them and they are waiting for me. Hey, don't judge me. Let's see your reaction when something you love, and can no longer find, gets taken!

As of late I have been rethinking some of my decisions.

The packing has begun.

Sunday was meant to be my day of rest and preparing for the packing up but I actually felt good and thought that I should start.  So began the boxes of books from the office.  7 boxes for the office stuff.  

I told the kids that Monday was definitely time when we would start.  I was able to get 2-3 boxes each from them.  I was very pleased and impressed with their willingness.  I did have to do some management so I was unable to be as effective as I would have liked but Carla stopped by today and we were able to bang out 6 boxes!!!  Did some basement and kitchen!!   Again very happy with the progress.

About 4:30 we headed over to the water park for some fun and processing of the passes as Tuesday is our big day there!!  Meeting some friends for some relaxation.   

Home home!

Yes, we have arrived in Ohio.  We are eagerly looking forward to our time here.  The ride was very very good and easy.  Just a few spots of hard rain but we still were able to keep moving.   

Now the fun begins!   

Home at Last

Abigail made it home just before dinner tonight. I am ever so happy to have her here. She talked for about an hour filling me in on all the things she remembered. I am sure as the time goes on she will remember more and then I will get another earful. I am sooooo glad that she had a fantastic time. She even wants to go back a week in August. I don't see that happening.

We celebrated her birthday a little early as she will not see her Daddy on her day!! She is really growing up my little, oops I mean big girl!!!

She got some DS games, 2 horse statutes, bug safari, clothes, pjs, jewelry, and money!! Not too shabby!

We enjoyed some pizza and ice cream.

Nothing new

I know it has been a few days since my last blog and in all honesty it is because there is nothing new.   I have been organizing like crazy around here.   Been missing Abigail, even hung out in her room yesterday morning just thinking about her.  I know she is having a great time and for her I am elated.  She really needed this to occur.   The boys have been bonding and that has been good too!!

I am not looking forward to the next few weeks.  Probably won't be blogging much as the packing won't do it itself.  Unfortunately!   I dread doing this so I need serious prayer and uplifting.  So in your quiet time I would be ever so grateful if you would think of me and the process and say a few words to the Lord.  My thanks!!

Happy Anniversary to US!

Yes, today is the day the Bill and I got married 14 years ago!!!!   I am shocked that is has been that long but also feel like it has been longer!  (Especially this last year).  We have grown together in every way.  Emotionally, spiritually, and physically.   

I look forward to the next 14 years and see where we are then!   The kiddos should be all gone by then.  What a different time of life that will bring.  If I had my way my passport would be dusted off and we'd be jetting off!!!!!

The day that drifted away....

I woke up at a nice time 7:30 am.  Then next thing I knew it was 12:00 PM and time to feed Joshua.    

We arrived at my Mom's to stay for about an hour and bring Stephen back home, that was at 1:11 PM.  Before I knew it it was 3:30 PM.  I jumped back into the car to leave - minus the boys.  (My Dad was bringing them home later.)

On the way home I stopped at Target for some items that my family was is desperate need of.  Boy does an hour go quick.   Finally arrived home here at 5:20 PM.   

Bill got home a little later and out the door we went for some Mexican food, as we were without any kiddos!!!  

9:00 PM my boys arrived back home!   Wait, what, the day is over!!   

Now to fill you in on why the day went away:

I was on the phone in regards to the house.

I was on the phone in regards to the Israel trip.

I was washing the clothes.

I was cleaning out closets.  (I know more stuff is coming here soon.)

I was opening boxes from k12.  (Yup, the books for next school year arrived already).

I was paying bills.

I was organizing the mail.

I was vacuuming.

I was cleaning sinks.

I am tired! 

Camp and a sleepover?!

Miss Abigail headed off to camp this morning.  A camp right up her alley.  All about organic farming.  Yes, she will be there the entire week from 8:30-4:00.   Then she will be sleeping over at her Grandparents house (Bill's parents)!!!  They live only 6 miles from the farm she will be at so my Mom-in-law said she would take her for some of the days.  Well today she said she could stay all week.  I will be shocked and surprised if that occurs.  Why? Because my daughter can be a handful and Bill's parents have not had a young one around in a loooooong time.  I mean Mike is 28 years old!!!   They do watch my niece Julia but she is only 20 months old, very different from my Abs!!!   

I am a little sad as I will not be able to see the excitement on her face upon pickup!!!  But, she really wanted to sleep over and I didn't have the heart to say no!!!!  My babies are growing up and I am not ready for this!

Stephen really wanted to attend a missions trip that our church goes on every year to a town called Coatsville.  It is in PA only about 1 1/2 hours from here but I was not ready for that.  I said NO and made up all kinds of excuses.  Well yesterday they departed and he was a little bummed as two of his closer friends were going.  :(  As bad as I felt, I also know I would have not made it the week without him.   He is currently spending some time with my parents.  So yup, you guessed it, we only have Joshua!   

You can judge me later, but just wait until they want to venture away from you and you're not ready for it!!!    I am preparing myself for next summer when the youth group goes to Belize.  Another whole country!!  AHHHH!  I think I may have to chaperone that one!  LOL!  Believe me it has nothing to do with the people who go!  I trust them explicitly.   It is my crazy thoughts that I must know ALL things in my child's life.  (Oh boy am I a head case!)  I like to experience things with them and see their reactions, thoughts, and concerns.   It is a good thing I only had 3!  I couldn't imagine trying to keep more with me for as long as possible.   

There's gonna be fireworks!

Early to rise for it is a Sunday and church was the order of the day!!  Afterwards off to my parents' house for some more celebrating of the 4th of July.  We had lots of fun, food, and fireworkds.  Yup my Mom found out they lifted the ban on fireworks in the state of PA so off to the store she was to purchase some for her grandkids.   My family loooooves pyrotechnics.  And when given the opportunity to get some they will.  You see years ago we would obtain them out of state and set them off illegally!  But now.... we can enjoy without the chance of a fine.  My family was so on board that idea.   

It was a nice small number  - of people - my parents, Aunt Dee, Jason, Jaide, Tiffany, and us!   The kids really enjoy the family time and it was especially sweet seeing Joshua so very excited to see Aunt Dee, he went running over to her giving her a great big hug!!!   She is the kind of Aunt that really listens to the kids!  So they love to talk to her and when she reminisces they stare at her in awe and amazement.   (I had a feeling of complete bliss when we arrived!)

So here on some fun photos:

cousins in pool

Yes, Bill does go into the water, occasionally.

Here he is enjoying splashing his daughter a lot!

Getting ready to eat dessert!

Josh really wanted to do the fireworks.  However,

he was a bit nervous.   He ended up running around

but fell down.   The funny thing is that he had his

sparkler in hand and never once dropped it,

he held so tight that Jason and I had to pry it 

out of his hand.  He did get banged up on the

knees and hands.  He fell on some slate! :(

But he still wanted to partake of more!

The girls!!!

Grammie must get involved in the fun!!

Church Picnic

Earlier in the summer our church tried to have a summer bbq.  Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate, so it had to be moved.   They had the idea of having it on July 4th.   One kind wonderful family from church opened their backyard for this event to occur.  Thanks to Linda and Geoff for all their hard work and wonderful hospitality.   

Everyone had fun especially the kids.  They have a great swimming pool in their yard and it makes for a great time for the kids.  The other huge plus is that right across the street from their house is public space that is a wide open field.  They use this field for the volleyball and for wiffle ball.  It was a great time had by those who participated.m   Even fun for those who watched.   They really get competitive with the volleyball!   

I had to pull my kids out of pool and away from playing in order for them to eat and rest a bit.  I was worried that we would go to leave and they would be starving and cranky.   As it was Abi did not get any dessert and she was very upset.   You see today was her first day that she was allowed to partake of dessert as she lost it all week long!   She was in tears.  I promised her some icecream at home.  Bill heard we did not have enough for everyone so we stopped at Baskin Robbins.  We will not be doing that again as I did not come close to enjoying mine.   I would have been better coming home and having m&m's.    Abigail was very happy and excited.  (I really think this punishment worked!)

Well that is our day in a nutshell.  This old lady is very tired and needs to enjoy a cup of tea and head off to bed.

Happy 4th all!!!

Bill talking and relaxing

Yes, they even have a tree house!

Stephen enjoying the water.  (along with a bunch of other kids)

Volleyball

Wiffle ball

Jay (Barb's hubby) checking out the sports.

Josh in pool.

Happy Independence Day!!

What a gloriously wonderful day to celebrate.  The independence of our nation.   I am ever so humbly grateful to all those men and women who gave their lives, time, and sacrifices so that we could be free!!!   I only pray that our freedom continues to grow!   May God truly continue to Bless these Great United States of America!!

"Yes, I am proud to be an American were at least I know I'm free and I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me.  I'll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still this day.  Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land!  God Bless the USA!!!"

May you all have a safe and enjoyable day!

UP and Baseball

Stephen and I planned for the movies this afternoon.  Off to UP!   Let me just say that we were very surprised about the entire movie.   There was some sadness in the movie that was unexpected.   We all did like the movie though!

We came back to rest as we were going to the Phillies vs. Mets game at Citizens Park (where Phillies play).   We tried to leave early to get some pizza before going off to the game.  Well another mishap to Joshua yet again.   I do wish these folks would be more mindful of their surroundings.   As we were getting into the car the hatch door closed on Joshua's head.  OUCH!!   We had to doctor him up as there was blood.   I was concerned that we would need to go to the ER but he persevered.  (He still has nightmares from last year's ER/Overnight stay visit.    He did have a whopper of a headache so we did give the boy some meds!

We ate pizza at a new place called Magma Pizza.  Very delicious!   They cook it in a really super hot oven with thin crust so it cooks up really fast.   The ingredients are fresh and tasty.  I know I will visit there again.   

On the road to the game.   We are a divided family when it comes to sports.  I, yes, am a Mets fan and everyone else is not!!!   Stephen has become a Phillies fan  - all thanks to his Grandma Shea taking him to some games last year.  Abigail and Josh don't really care but felt they should be routing for the Phillies as they are the champions and we were at their park.   I would not cave.    We were meeting a group from church there!  With a mixture of loyalty mostly for Phillies though.  For us Mets fans it was not a pretty sight!   Hard to believe they entered the game only 1 game back.  They played like a losing team.   It was still fun though.  I would like to do it again.   

The ballpark

We were all the up to the top 3rd level!

There were over 45,000 people in attendance!

Some of our group. (The guy with his arms up - NOT in group).

LOL

Yes, my daughter needed a foamy thing.

Gregg and Robin!

The night was terrific as far as the weather went.

Not too hot or cold.

My very exhausted kiddos at 10:30 pm.

Family time is always a good thing.  I also like it combined with good friends.  There were enough distractions for the young ones that they really enjoyed themselves.  This was Abigail's and Joshua's first ball game.   Part of the reason they did last so long is that Robin took some of the younger kids to the playground section.  They were gone for about 2 innings.  It really helped move the game for them.  There was not much excitement as the final score was 7-2.  

Movie Time

We have been wanting to go to the movies as there are a lot of family-friendly movies out there right now.   We decided to go for an 8:00 show to UP.  Unfortunately we did not make it as there was a little mishap and Joshua got hurt.  We opted to stay home instead.  Next plan was to rent or buy a movie from Apple TV.  

We watched High School Musical 3.  Yup!  We finally saw it.  Stephen and I were surprised at how much music and singing there really was in this one.    WAAAAAAY more than I thought was needed.   I also noticed the difference in the innocence of the movie.  I mean it was still good and appropriate but it was there.

We still want to get out to the movies and hopefully will over the weekend but we shall see it is a little busy.  

Organizing and some bonding time

Even though Wednesday was free movie day (30 minutes away), I opted to not go.  It was a movie we had seen already but I know it was FREE.   I had some serious organizing to do here.   There was so much stuff from before vacation and then a whole bunch of stuff from when we got back.  (BTW - there is still the issue of mail - which I haven't received yet!)   It did take me about 4 hours to do what I had on my list.  Oh yes, there is still more.   I know what you're thinking how on earth can there be that much stuff to do for that long in a little apartment.  Well surprise this little lady here knows how to shove and stuff things in places.    

The really cool part of the day was when Barb and kids were able to stop by and hang out for a couple of hours.   The kids were even able to get in to the pool here as the rain did hold off.   They really all have a great time together.  But just like us they felt the time was not long enough.  Oh well that means we need to plan again!  hahahahaha