Hi, it's me!!

It's getting good now!

2012-02-04T09:16:00.002-05:00

The classes are moving along, I'm finally in the actual education classes and I've never been more excited! I learned more in the first week of my Exceptionalities class than many semesters put together!

The reality of me becoming a teacher is setting in and I have a inner excitement that I hope you all experience at some point in your life, it's a wonderful feeling!

A Year in Sports, holidays, birthdays, oh heck just another year

2011-05-11T09:38:00.002-05:00

It is definitely not my intention to blog just once a year, in fact, I have established severe penalties and punishments that I will have to endure if I do NOT post more often.

I have a HORRIBLE memory and one of the reasons I began blogging was so I'd have a reference of when I met people, when we "did this" or "did that" or what year we took that trip.

Some highlights from this last year, 2010/2011 are:

Getting married
Going to Vegas
Tony graduating
Tony and Dillon entering college
Katie moving to Arizona
Katie moving to Oregon
Katie moving back to Arizona
Katie attending ASU
Christmas at Andrea's
Tori visiting (icing face!)
Me becoming a senior
Terry becoming a freshman
Brendan playing football, basketball and baseball
Eric playing football, basketball, baseball and then basketball again
Eric playing the guitar
Brendan playing the drums
Camping with Amy and the girls
Rock on the Range with M & M
Missed trip to St. Louis
OAA tests
Trista's wedding
Holiday Dinner with Rexroth Ladies
Shakespeare Festival
Singing at the holiday social event
Gladiator football
Monster's hockey
Aeros Baseball
Pancake breakfasts
School carnivals
Becoming a United Way volunteer
2 Funerals
Eric working at the Ethnic fair
Terry's non surgery
Mom moving here
Tornado

Well, now I see why I don't get to post more often!

I love my life the way it is, crazy and busy!

A year??!!??? I am ashamed

2010-05-07T21:56:00.003-05:00

It has been well over a year since I've posted something, ANYTHING on here? If something magically appeared when I THOUGHT about writing, this blog would have closed down the internet servers all over the world! But, obviously, that doesn't happen, so I'll have to make a much better effort at writing more often.

I mean REALLY! It's not like I work full time, go to school, received certification as an office software specialist, keep up with two little boys and a college aged daughter, was recently married, took a honeymoon, moved a man from one city to another, dealt with two deaths and every day life or anything like that!! (giggle)

It all comes down to the music

2009-03-23T20:21:00.002-05:00

I feel like I'm visiting an old friend I haven't seen for years. I'm excited but hopeful that the years haven't changed anything between us. Blogging, I want to be close again.

On my way home from Cleveland last night, I turned the Shinedown CD off for a little while to let the radio stations scan a bit. I heard the familiar voice of Casey Kasem announcing the countdown would continue in just a moment. I remember driving to Wooster years ago and was lucky enough to find a countdown to listen to even in all these corn fields. Must have been a clear night, we only get 3 stations "out here" and none of them are top 40! I don't know many of the top 40 songs anymore, the music I listen to is not "top 40" material...well, not most of it.... But wait?? Does Casey even still do countdowns?? Well I guess so since he's on huh?? The music started again and Mr. Kasem started to describe the new song from Boz Scaggs....HUH??? Boz Scaggs is top 40 now??? What is going on with this world??? Will NO ONE say no to a comeback?? Ok, wait, this song is familiar...yes, I know this song!! Theresa, you nut, this is an old song from an old group on a show that you KNOW Ryan Seacrest took over....

Well, it DID take a few minutes to sink in...hey! It was late! It turned out to be a re-cast of the March 19, 1977 show and I listened until the static drowned out the songs. I heard Leo Sayer, and Denice Williams and Olivia Newton John and even Barry Manilow! The Eagles had TWO hits and, well, I can't even remember them all. I had a VERY hard time believing some of these songs were really that old! But I don't think Casey would lie to me.

I enjoyed it and will even admit to singing along.

FUN FALL FOOTBALL FACTS

2008-10-02T17:16:00.005-05:00

Here they are...see if you can sense the pride coming from every letter of every word in every......

Tony is the starting center for the Wooster Generals. He's a junior. Football runs through his veins. I hugged him last Friday.

Brendan has coach Wade again and is thrilled! They have the ability to go undefeated again. But we don't keep score...laugh.

Eric is making his gridiron debut. The yellow team looks GREAT! He's the smallest on the team and doesn't even know it!

A carnie made me happy

2008-09-08T20:23:00.002-05:00

We went to the county fair this weekend and a man with a large scale and loud microphone caught my attention. I told him to guess my age and he said 34. I picked a soft, orange dog. He told me to keep doing what i was doing when I told him I just turned 40. :-D

SOMEBODY STOP THE CORN!

2008-07-14T17:08:00.002-05:00

I know I am not alone when I say summer goes too fast. There are millions of school aged kids that would raise a milk carton to that! But I watch the corn grow here and wonder what I'm doing with my summer.

I have the usual parties and weddings and of course swimming and concerts, but I had a vacation planned and concerts and science centers and zoos! I haven't done ANY of that yet!

When the farmers are spraying and I'm cursing the smell of my town I KNOW I have plenty of time! Now I can't see past the fields at the stop signs and I just want to say ALRIGHT! Before I know it, the cobs will be visible and the bulky coats will be taken out! I get the hint and I'll get busy!!

I don't even have classes to blame this on this year. I know what it is! Its not been summer weather for a good stretch of time! That's it! We had so much rain that it seems like spring and I'm WAY ahead of schedule! Well that's where the corn comes in. They are like a smack of reality right in the middle of my still ghostly white forhead!

This weekend I get camping/partying/boating/family gathering all in one, that should make me feel like I'm closer to being caught up! Yeah, see me after this weekend!

GREAT WEEKEND!!

2008-04-21T14:50:00.005-05:00

Temperature and plan wise, the weekend ended up great!! Eric had a friend come over to play for the first time in his little life and everyone was ok! Then he went to that same friend's birthday party and asked me not to stay! HMPF! Oh, really that was ok since that gave me and Brendan the chance to find Chewy a brother at the park. Here's some pics.

We went to ride bikes Saturday and had tons of fun together:

We've gone green

2008-04-12T09:14:00.002-05:00

Behavior is a major thing with me and my kids. I expect good behavior 100% of the time and they give me 75%. Ok, I can live with that. Behavior in school is a little different. There's no bargaining there. I want to hear that they were "on green" every day!

The schools have a system now that rates the children's behavior. They are on green for good behavior, yellow if there's just a small instance, blue will cancel recess and red is a ticket straight to the principal's office. If a student stays on green all month, they are invited to be announced at the Green Assembly. I love to hear the stories about one cheering for the other when their name is called.

Brendan does really well. He has mostly green and is proud to tell me that first thing when I aske how his day was. There was a time, though, that keeping it green was not so easy. I think that once you get branded a "shouter outer" it's hard to shake that label. He did though, and the days of yellow (it never got any worse than that) are long gone! :-)

Eric, in his half-day kindergarten world, has never had anything but green. His teacher thinks he's the cat's meow. Talks sometimes, and has to be told to stop hugging the other kids, but for the most part, his behavior is most desirable! In fact, that's what lead to this:

WOOOHOOOO!!!!

The "BIG SNOW" of 2008

2008-03-08T10:44:00.002-05:00

Well, here is the sights of today. This has literally closed our city. Lots of cities actually! It has cancelled our plans and predicted our day.

I love summer

2008-03-08T10:37:00.001-05:00

As I slowly awake
The sunshine, through my eyelids, it starts to seep
Oh wait, that's NOT a mower
It's a damned SNOW BLOWER!
I'm going back to sleep

TATS

2008-03-04T22:35:00.003-05:00

They never flinched. Not even when I had to scrub with the wash cloth to get them off!! ha ha

Oh...and just so you know...Eric's arm band goes all the way around!! YEAH!! WOOOOO!!! He's the man!!! YEAH!

Don't tell them you saw it here!!

2008-03-04T22:29:00.003-05:00

They are so loving, and cuddly and sweet sometimes! And rugged and strong and manly ALL the other times!!!!

_______

Are you ready for some football??????

2008-03-04T22:22:00.002-05:00

Entrance fee...$30
Coaches gift...$20
Bragging about the defensive MVP...priceless

Before and after styles

2008-03-04T22:12:00.005-05:00

__________

Christmas all wrapped up in one neat little blog

2008-03-04T21:54:00.002-05:00

I love this picture, it looks like an old one. Almost Christmas Story-ish huh? It was this year, downtown. Santa flies into Wooster and lands on the roof of the fancy shmancy art store and the firemen put the ladder truck up to get him down. What? That's not the usual arrival?? You're kidding me!!

Anyhow, the people dressed as pineapple roaming the streets giving out balloons keeps the "good old fashioned Christmas traditions" alive...wait...huh?

This one was taken this week actually!! They had a snow day, then a 60 degree day and today...ICE STORM! Woot, Ohio
Awww, I love this picture. We did a darn good job on that gingerbread house. Such a good job that no one was allowed to eat it, so it got hard, and after Christmas was over..was thrown away. Yeah, I'm proud. (The icing wasn't very tasty anyhow)

Brendan's head can be seen JUST above the row of snowmen...yeah, he blends in..lol
His class made about a hundred and a half sock snowmen and took them to the Akron Children's hospital to pass out. He was so hyped. They were so cute....and so were the snowmen *wink*

For some reason, this is one of the only pictures I got of them opening presents this year. Eric was ESTATIC to see he was given a Star Wars ship. Aww, there's Aunt Ruth in the front of the picture. I wish I got to see her and Kitty more often. (Hi Kitty!!)

OMG!! I think I reached maximum blog space!! That's a first!

up next..T ball

2008-03-04T21:50:00.002-05:00

Eric played T ball. Coach Chico is great with the kids. All 500 of them. No, no, there weren't that many, but boy it seemed like it! I think baseball might be Eric's sport. Which is sort of funny since he started off such a clumsy kid!! lol, awww, my baby....

(don't roll your eyes! he really is my baby and vows to stay my baby!!)

bball boys

2008-03-04T21:21:00.002-05:00

Here is big brother giving little bro tips.

Brendan and Eric both loved playing basketball this year. Eric didn't mind that he couldn't throw as high as the (lowered) hoops and that during the last game, which was kids against the parents, I lifted him up to the hoop several times.

I can't wait to take them to a professional game....I'm so glad they are into sports

Bragging rights

2008-02-09T21:30:00.001-05:00

just a note here. I began this blog entry over a year ago and apparently never finished it. That is the ONLY reason I can think of for not publishing...so here you are, a year late....

Ok, I have used the "in labor with you for 19 hours" phrase for only a few things. I know I was responsible for having Katie and if she was asked to be born, her name would be Julian Lennon, or Mrs. George Harrison...but I am going to take some of the credit here and use my "brag free" card.

We have known for some time that Katie is different. She is overly conscious and overly caring and overly worried that if someone doesn't do something, the world is going to self destruct and we are all going to float through space looking at each other with a "what happened" sort of face. While knowing darned well what happened.

So her immediate plans are to start with local residents and gather them in a place that will have information from agencies willing to help them fight the poverty status they've attained. While this will not save the town, I think it's a HUGE step toward showing people that there is help and people who care about them.

We will feed them a "modest" meal and raffle off gift cards and just make them feel like there's hope, and all because Katie had this idea......

letting 2007 go

2008-01-08T17:54:00.001-05:00

I have about 5 minutes and about 15 blogs. We'll see how that goes.

Firstly, I want to describe a conversation between a 6 year old and his 8 year old brother as they sit in front of the television discussing whose smarter.

8 yo: No, I am smarter because I am older
6 yo: No you are not, I am
8 yo: You don't even know division
6 yo: Yes I do!
8 yo: Ok, when would you use division?
6 yo: When you want to see far!

I swear to you, I looked at them, hardly able to stop myself from exploding and he WINKS at me!! He was playing his older sibling and got him!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Christmas, my cousin Kitty (who has always been more like an aunt to us) told me that she checks this blog regularly. I was glad to learn of the connection. We don't live close and it feels good to know she can look into my life and its events now and then. Hi Kitty!!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of Christmas, it was very nice! They usually are (with the exception of one in my life) but this year was calm and it seems like I was way ahead of myself and more prepared. I don't know why all of a sudden I'd be on top of things, but ok!

Here is a picture from christmas morning.
(i will add the pic when blogger decides to let me..lol)

They look...anxious! lol, that's the only word I can come up with!

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time on my side

2007-12-26T20:19:00.000-05:00

Well, here is the Christmas break and just as promised, I'm going to get totally caught up with my blogging!! BAHAHAHA, ok, I almost said that without laughing.

But I do promise to at least keep it MORE up to date. Next semester is looking better already. I have one in-the-classroom class and one online, so I SHOULD have a little more time to jot something down here.

*Insert disclaimer about not being held liable (or unreliable) if this does not happen*

Anyhow, I'm certain I'll never remember everything (looking at last blog to see where I left off....wow....ok....now looking through pictures for a spark to ignite the darkened corner that has become my memory....ok...yeah, oh yeah, I emember that!!)

Ok, I'm going to start WAY back with this spider web. It was there one day when we went to take the trash out and helped the boys appreciate spiders just a little more. Ok, they are just totally freaked out by them now instead of hysterical when they see one or a web. Unless it's actually a web IN the house, then they are still hysterical.
I just thought it was amazing, the work and time it took to build it. It was gone the next day.

catching up!

2007-10-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

I'm not saying that you all (all 2 of you) have been replaced, but I do want to let you know that I've taken on some extra activties at school and work and it's not only taking up what little "free" time I had, but also alot of my creativity and dedication. Let's see if I can muster up a little to entertain and inform you once again. lol.

The school year started like any other...ok that sounds like a horror story! lol, just look at the pics of my incredibly intelligent and good looking kids and know that my baby going to kindergarten and my booshki becoming a senior ALONG with my pumpkin starting second grade took its toll on me. I forced myself out of the fetal position that warm morning to snap these pics, drop them off and cry myself back home.

On this, the day of my anniversary....

2007-07-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

I realized lately that I very seriously miss blogging. I miss the outlet and the joy it gave me to write. I miss the people's comments and I miss the people. I am a little shocked to see that I've been a member of this community for 3 years this month! Alot has happened in those 3 years.

Recently, a friend told me that he went back to read the "earlier" stuff. That would be the posts before he and I met. That urged me to go back and re-read them too. I enjoyed the HECK out of it!

So I decided to let my sons see it. I showed them the posts that they were in and my seven year old doesn't like me anymore. He saw the missing teeth post and moaned and groaned, but it wasn't until we came across last year's crazy hair day post that he smacked his forhead and begged me to "take that off of there!" He pointed out that all of Eric's pictures were "normal." So being the rational, fair mom that I am, I am going to do the right thing.

Yes, I'm going to post a funny picture of Eric. enjoy.

Mum's the word

2007-07-17T12:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I know it's WAYYY past Mother's Day but there are some things about this year I want to share/remember so I'm doing a belated Mother's Day post.

Really, this year, I celebrated a Mother's Weekend! It started with an Akron Aero's game.

We ate meals out and even had time to fit the park in. (Brendan is NOT flipping me off..lol, he was snapping and they were singing.)

I got so many nice presents too.

I don't know how well you can see all the things in here...let me tell you. There is a jar with beautiful wild flowers from Katie, A card, plant and necklace from Eric, and a homemade vase and flower from Brendan.

The next day we went to Tennessee Kiddie Park. Brendan asks that I leave the "kiddie" part out. The boys had such a great time there!

Thanks Katie, Brendan, Eric and Terry for making that weekend so special!

RUNNNN!!!!

2007-06-09T20:37:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am not claiming an order to the next couple of posts.

I figure I better get something on here before the summer session begins and I'm crazy busy AGAIN! (yes, I know I told some of you that I wasn't going to take summer classes, but you know, things change!)

Brendan is in baseball now. (We are still trying to figure out how to get Eric in) and he is awesome!

Well of course i'm biased!! But he really is doing well. I'm very proud of him. They don't keep score during these games because it's very fair and encouraging to ALL players, but IF they were keeping score, I think our team won! lol

front row seats on the 50 front yard line!

2007-05-22T19:15:00.000-05:00

Tammy and Terry FINALLY visited Wooster! It was such a good time! I used to live across the street from them and spent a WHOLE lot of time at their house. Sometimes, if I saw their door open (or closed..lol) I'd go over and just be there. Sometimes for no reason at all except to talk. Ahhh, those were the days. I babysat their kids and dated Tammy's brother..ha ha!!

Boy I miss them. I was thrilled when they walked in the door. Taylor (their grand daughter!!) was so grown up, oh my goodness. I looked at pictures, we cooked out, and even got into a football game in the front yard!

I hope it's not another 8 years before they visit again! :-)

It sprung

2007-03-31T07:36:00.000-05:00

This is what I saw when I looked out my window this morning.

I'M SO HAPPY! There's something about a warm, blue-skied spring morning to put you in a frame of mind that has been missing.

still here

2007-03-27T16:36:00.000-05:00

I wonder if anyone still reads this. No matter. I will again write in here for the reason I started it in the first place. To get feelings out. To makes sense of things. To remember things. To try and forget things.

So many things changed over the last couple of months. It wasn't easy but I made it through. If you know me at all, you SHOULD be proud of me right now. Change is not easy for me. I hit emotional rock bottom and have climbed back up. There are scars and there might be for some time. I learned that people have a very hard time seeing the difference between mad and SAD and then I learned that some people just don't care about either.

On the resolution, it's going well and that helps the other.

Eric tells me all the time that I am his hero and that makes me happier than I could ever explain. His sense of humor is developing almost as fast as his speech is improving and I'm thrilled about both.

Brendan is very emotional. He gets frustrated and cries and I can't help but wonder if it's what's going on, or his age, or what. We will work this out, he responds to calm conversation. I hope that's what I'm supposed to do.

Katie is my savior. I know she gets angry with me and I can take that. She is really going through alot and I try not to add anything to it. She brought up her grades, she helped the varsity cheerleaders of Wooster High win first place at the Waynedale competition. She is going to prom. It's all very impressive. I hope she is as impressed with herself as I am with her. I know she's not...but she SHOULD be.

I found out a friend that lives very far away may be coming to visit in August. I almost cry every time I think about it. She is one of those friends that help you no matter what you've gotten yourself into. She is so smart and knows what to say every time. She picks you up, she makes you feel better, she inspires..yes inspires. She makes ya laugh, she makes you think and I've never EVER met her. I can't wait to hug her and thank her in person, for all she has done for me.

I reconnected with a friend that I feared I lost forever. I met her over 24 years ago and I hope that she knows that I'll always be here for her.

School is....school. The semester will end soon and I'm taking the summer off. I want to be done NOW. I want to move on and do new and YES, make changes. wow.

75 degrees here today. It's about freakin time. It helps.

I guess when the subject turns to the weather, you know it's time to end the conversation.

Bye for now.

know this?

2007-02-17T10:18:00.000-05:00

"Save Me" by Damage Plan

Save me from myself
I call out But no one hears my plea
Burn my candle fast from both ends Nightmares grow from dreams
You don't know, you can't see through my eyes
So you don't know me
You don't know whats going through my mind
But can you help me
Save me from myself if you ever really cared
Save me from myself, tell me you're not scared
Intensity that grows within me
Reflections of my pain
I'll create or I'll destroy
But either way it's always in my veins
You don't know, you can't see through my eyes
So you don't know me
You don't know whats going through my mind
But can you help me
Save me from myself if you ever really cared
Save me from myself, tell me you're not scared
Save me... from me...

jumping on the Phil bandwagon

2007-02-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

That Phil, some love him, some hate him. I just decided to take him for his expertise and I hope I don't regret it. For years he's been trying to help people and aspects in their life. For the most part (from what I can remember anyhow) I wasn't particularly impressed with his knowledge. Today he changed my way of thinking.

He saw his shadow and that means spring is near.

Thank you Phil.

Is the Pittsburgh Steeler's coaching outlook Grimm?....I HOPE SO!

2007-01-05T16:20:00.000-05:00

When I got the text last night from my friend/fellow sports fanatic/co-commissioner of the "Some Football" fantasy league, that Bill Cowher was leaving I was sad, proud, reflective and that was about it since I was on my way into work. BUT only because I don't like change. I know he did great things with the Steelers, he had MAJOR accomplishments! Unmatched accomplishments! Those alone are reason enough to not want to see him leave, but personally I am struggling with change. I ALWAYS struggle with change though. But ok, let Bill spend time with his family he deserves that, THEY deserve that. His intention as the second coach the Steelers have had in MY lifetime was to "put another superbowl trophy in the case" and he did that.

I just want to put into writing right now, that of the so far mentioned, I would like to see Grimm take a shot at head coach of the best football team in the country.

Ok, let me have it.

oh alright!!!! sheesh!!!!

2007-01-02T18:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, so that week went REALLY fast!! No, I didn't get to blog bunches like I promised, but I have someone to blame some of it on.

Anyhow. The Christmas thing is over. End of thought.

The New Year looks promising and clean, and new. (shuddap) But don't they always? Everyone full of shi...umm..hope. Everyone vowing (resolving) to do things better, and different and to their fullest potential and make this the best darn year EVER!! It's a very inspiring time. Lost my train of thought.

What I overheard during Christmas. "WOW A NEW BIKE! Mom, we need to take the training wheels off!" "Ok Brendan, as soon as you learn how to ride a two wheeler, they'll come off." "But Mom, how will I learn to ride a two wheeler with the training wheels on?" Ok, we live on a hill. You know what I'm doing the first nice day of this spring? Yes, that's right, that whippersnapper is gonna learn how to ride a two wheeler!!

He lost his second top front tooth right before the Christmas break. Behold that which did NOT complain about singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth."

Eric, my darling little boy who tells me things like "I will always be your baby Momma" and "Mom, you are my angel."

The child who loves babies, baby dolls and small animals so much he cries sometimes when he doesn't have one near him, was overheard telling his brother, who was following him up the stairs, "smell my butt." and he didn't even end it with "and I'll pray for you."

2006-12-16T13:57:00.000-05:00

Well, I think I'm ready to admit that I AM a seasonal blogger. It's not my fault though, its out of my control most times. I have had plenty to blog about too. Lost teeth, Christmas programs, jokes, you name it and I probably have thought about blogging it lately!!

Ok, I know you can see right through me. This really IS a generic post just so the emails can stop. "Hey, you gonna blog or what?" "Why do I keep coming here knowing there isn't going to be anything new" ok ok...here is the blanket blog to end the complaints.

Within a few weeks you'll be begging me to stop blogging!! I GARE OWN TEE IT!

Priority change

2006-12-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

My post for today was supposed to be a video code for Christmas Waltz. Particularly, Harry Connick Jr's version. Yeah, I know, it's a stretch for me. But after hearing it several times, I'm really into it!!

I tried several video code sites which I've never had much luck with. I thought I'd give YOU TUBE a try because I have found such great things on there (who hasn't?) but I was not expecting to find what I did there.

JACEY is a 10 year old girl fighting Lukemia with all the humor and strength inside of her. This video is a campaign to collect hugs for her.

This post is my hug to her. I don't know where she lives, I doubt she'll ever see this, but if she could feel my admiration, concern and support for her, I'm sure it would be in the form of a great big smashy sort of hug.

I hope she continues to get better.

OHIO CARDINAL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS!!

2006-11-20T14:16:00.000-05:00

I haven't seen the local paper and I didn't see it in the High school's morning announcements for today, so let me be the one to tell you that...

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL'S VARSITY CHEERLEADERS TOOK FIRST PLACE AT THE OCC COMPETITIONS YESTERDAY!!!

They did so great, they deserved above 1st!

There was alot of drama, and nonsense this year and it's so nice to see that the ladies, and their coach, Duper, was able to stay focused on what was important, and that was doing what it took to show how hard work, dedication and spirit can get you to FIRST PLACE!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS WHS VARSITY SQUAD!!!

GREAT JOB KATIE!! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! YAY GENERALS!!!!

MY HEROES!!

2006-11-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

Yeah, so these are the pictures from Halloween that never made it to the blog before it's almost Thanksgiving. I can one up that....I still have to get the rest of the decorations out of my front yard!!! (no, it's not just pumpkins either!! sigh) But here are my heroes, SuperBrendanman and CommandoEric.

If you want something done, give it to a busy person...

2006-10-30T18:13:00.000-05:00

I've heard my mom say that many times, now I'm using it on myself! As if a new position at work, school, kids, their activities, my friends, the guitar and looking for a second job isn't enough, I'm adding my THIS to my list of "things to do" list.

Nope, I'm not going to do it, I'm not going to save you the trouble of clicking on that word and looking it up yourself. I'M NOT I TELL YA! But I will offer this. If you don't hear from me for a little while, or see me in 4 weeks, or wonder why i'm not reading blogs, commenting, answering my phone or looking rested, THEN you'll come back and read it! I gare ron tee it

I could be Rachel Ray or Dr. Phil

2006-10-19T14:03:00.000-05:00

Well, ok, maybe not in cooking or human behavior, but in the "I'm a smarty pants, know-it-all in this subject" sort of way.

My subject, sadly enough is crappyness. You see, here is the advice of all advice. The $40 a day, "how's that working for you" advice....Do NOT under any circumstances say the phrase "I don't think I can take anymore." Because it is CERTAIN that you will be handed MORE just to show you that you can indeed "take it" and you will.

With having said that, my little guy was sent home from school today with chicken pox. You are thinking..so what? Kids get chicken pox all the time. Right? Well, here's what, he's already had them....AND the vaccine!

Halloween

2006-10-09T09:42:00.000-05:00

It's an ongoing creation, but I thought I'd share pictures of the best decorated house on Pine street right now.

Sorry they are small, when I'm done maybe I'll take a picture with a REAL camera! ha ha!!

doing my part to share the funnies!!!!

2006-09-27T15:55:00.000-05:00

This is just one of several videos. His Napoleon impressions almost made me pee my pants. His Ed Grimley is amazingly close!! But the Jack Black on another one is my favorite!! (you have to go see them!)

WHO IS THIS GUY?? Why haven't we seen him on "The 9????"

something's fishy!!

2006-09-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

We went fishing today. A friend of mine is astounded that I actually fish. Well, I do..did...did today. haha!

The boys had an awesome time, and Amy's dad (and Amy and Kylie and Marley) made it so much fun for them! Thanks so much!! They've talked about it all evening.

Not only did they fish, they fed ducks, swans and seagulls too. They were all around the boat, it was really something.

Eric caught the first fish

Brendan caught about a hundred fish!!!

FOOTBALL...i know, i'm excited too!!!

2006-09-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

Ok, there is no way that the date on the last post is right, it's been over a month??? Alright, Alright, I hear you yelling Jared "YES ITS RIGHT!! Write something!" So I am.

It is no secret to anyone who has read this blog over the last couple years that I am a football fan. A Steeler fan through and through, but overall a true football fan. I've decided to dedicate this blog entry to the players, to the fans, to the supporters, to the pigskins, to the gridiron, to the sport that excites me more than any other. Enjoy.....

Standing with my family in the snow at The Point. There is a stage and the men with their black and gold are up there. I can't hear what they are saying because the crowd is just insane. The jets fly overhead.

Nineteen seventy something: Party at my house. My mom is jumping up and down and we won the superbowl...AGAIN...we grab our signs and head to the corner and wait for the triffic jam of fans leaving Three Rivers. They'll all beep, they'll all yell, and we are part of it.

The Howard Street Hawks vs. the Rostock Raiders. We didn't know much about the rules of football yet, but we cheered in that little field underneath the billboard next to the city steps anyhow at each game.

Argo Street, the girls didn't get to play much, but I remember the smug look on Mark's face when he put his hands out to "easily" tag me and stop the play. I got past him, and ran like mad.

Juniors agaisnt the Seniors. My government teacher knew I was nicknamed "The Secret Weapon" before I did. I didn't know the plays, but I was a nose guard and knew what that meant, that's all I needed. The game ended in a tie, we were muddy and wet and thrilled.

Being Steeler fans outside of Pittsburgh is sometimes tricky. Explaining that you'll back them no matter how they are doing, isn't sensible to some people. "You are in Ohio, you should cheer for an Ohio team." Hmmm....ok. "GO BUCKEYES!!"

GO PENGUINS!!!!! (I've known Geneen since birth!!!)

Mid 1990's, Dillon and Tony begin playing for the Westside Patriots. I wanted to be at every game, at every practice, cheering them on, and encouraging them. I have pictures of trophies, but they'd KILL ME!!! lol

My first Pro game. Steelers - Browns, in Cleveland. Steelers won. (For the love of my Brown's fan friends, I'll stop here.)Except, don't let your car overheat in Cleveland when you are dressed in full Steeler garb, you'll get funny looks.

Heartbreak. 1996-ish? We were on our way, San Diego wasn't even a threat. We knew when we entered Three Rivers that day that we were in the play-offs. We were wrong. Several things happened and we blew it. I saw tens of thousands of people leave one place in total silence and it added to the shock of the day. Next year.

Heartbreak. "So you mean I can't just go to the Steelers when I'm ready to play and apply to be on the team?" Tony will be always be into football, he will work within the NFL in some way, I'm certain of it. He'll always be #55 to me no matter what.

Not quite the group as before, but kids in the front yard throwing the football..."fall is not my favorite season, but it does have football, and that's the only thing I'll let summer go for."

"I want to play football Mom." Katie is serious. She trades football cards with her cousins. She throws the football around. But years of gymnastics sent her in another direction and in the 4th grade, she started cheering. WYIF and Maurer field is our new "home field." She will make the 7th grade squad no problem...this year she will letter as a junior on the Varsity Squad.

Our first visit to the Football Hall of Fame. I cried during the movie. We've been back again, and I can't wait for the next visit.

2004. We give the wiggly fingers and chanted and caused the opponents to miss field goals. We are in the playoffs.

2005. Parties at Mom's the family is together again cheering the Steelers on. I'm teary-eyed and slightly out of breath remembering the excitment. Sitting at Andrea's house, everyone expecting a victory, and getting one!

"I am going to play football Aunt Theresa." Jared joins the ranks of the excited, hardworking sportsmen. Aunt Theresa is thrilled.

I have the Monday Night Football theme as a ringtone.

I am commissioner of Some Football. The funnest fantasy football league out there!

"William has football practice." "WILLIAM IS PLAYING FOOTBALL??? I'M SO EXCITED!!"

High school football is really big. These little towns especially. They are behind their boys (sometimes obsessively) when I pull into the parking lot and see the tall field lights on. My heart is in my throat.

"I want to play football Mom." Brendan is 7, his first week of practice was last week. I don't know which of us was more excited. He shows me the "big boy" drills and exercises. "I'm going to ask my dad to buy me tires so I can run through them." He explains. I wonder if he'll be a nose guard.

He's not. He's a wide receiver with "great hands" and an awesome line backer that stopped TWO RUNNERS ON SATURDAY!!!

Sunday-Saturday: Football. Junior high, Freshman, Junior Varsity, Varsity, college, NFL, Monday night and now, flag football at The Dean.

"Mom, I want to play baseball." Eric is 4, there's time, and hope, for him yet. I'M JUST KIDDING!!! IF HE WANTS TO PLAY BASEBALL THAT'S FINE! I just hope he mows over the first baseman now and then...hee hee...WHAT??? They wear helmets!!!

The entire family has only one thing in common. Only one thing that we all know a great deal about. Only one thing that even if we have a Titan's fan rebel amongst us, and rival team fans as friends, we get excited to share with each other.

Football.

HOLY HE...umm...heck!

2006-08-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

It has been a long time again! I can't complain about not having time to blog because I'm glad I've got things going on!! But wow time flies!

This weekend, I was in PITTSBURGH!!! WOO HOO...to add to this, Amy and I saw DASHBOARD!!! Oh, they sounded awesome and we had a great time!

This isn't the best picture, but oh man does he get into it!!

The one band that opened for them was interesting...lol.

Ok, so I only have ONE more concert scheduled.(But a few hopefuls! Cross your fingers.)

Enjoy the sunshine people!!!

Letting you in on a whole mess of me lately!!

2006-07-20T08:32:00.000-05:00

I've been gone for so long, I think I've made my disconnect from LEESA!! The last two quizzes I've taken thanks to her suggestions have given me different results than her...times, they are a changin....

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver

You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.
Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.
Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.
You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.

You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.

What's Your Personality Type?

Please don't yell

2006-07-19T13:23:00.000-05:00

I know it's been awhile since I've been here, I miss you too!! I had so much happening in the past month or so that I feel overwhelmed at where to begin!!!

I know, here is what I found out today:

And the verdict is...

"You are more interesting than your weblog!"

It doesn't necessarily mean that your weblog is boring. You just enjoy talking a lot more than writing. You have a busy social love because your friends love having you around. They just can't get enough of you. You might be wishing that you could spend more time online, but you really shouldn't. You're already right where you belong.

I know, I know, you are going to tell me that's impossible right? But the quizzes don't lie!!!

Here are some highlights of other events:

A tree fell on my beloved Saturn and I've been begging borrowing and stealing rides from everyone!! Thank goodness my brother and sister-in-law offered the use of their vehicle!!

I saw several concerts. I was very sad to hear that Amy was sick and couldn't go to Nine Inch Nails, but of anyone, I'm glad Amanda was able to sit in. We had sooooo much fun!! OH, yeah, and the music was great!!

I saw Shinedown and Trapt. Shinedown was AWESOME and I think I fell in love with the singer of EVANS BLUE they were good enough to help me forget the disappointment of Trapt. Sigh. We were close enough to push during the moshing, but far enough away that we didn't get kicked by anyone crowd surfing..LOL The tall blond that insisted on interrupting our conversations finally made progress with one of the security guys, I wonder if she got backstage after all? lol

I attended my first Ozric Tentacles concert too. It was a constant outpouring of musical energy!! Well, ok, let me see if I can do better than that. You know when you are at a concert and in between songs the band plays this music, with sounds and feeling and the crowd just cheers and it ends when the next song starts? That was this entire concert! Just feeling and echos and no vocals...wow...

Tori stayed at my house...YAY!! Jared stayed at my house...YAY!! Chelsea is there now...YAY!! Tony is there all the time...YAY YAY!! I love summer.

The Fantasy Football League is almost totally drafted. THAT WENT FAST!! I'd like to say I can't wait for football, but NOTHING is making me want summer to end just yet!

I went to Indiana for a wedding with a friend of mine. It was an awesome time! I met new people, saw nice places and ended up at the raceway that evening laughing and having a ball!! (Later that night I sang country karoke..yes i did....YES I DID!!)OK don't believe me...

Katie went to cheer camp, her first job is going great, she had a date last night SHHH!!!! Don't tell her I told!!! Brendan is reading, he is strong as a horse and he's such a funny guy!!!! Eric is so lovey dovey and he thinks Amy is "da bomb." I know this cause he told me!!

Ok, ok, I'm stopping there!!! I didn't even come CLOSE to getting everything in there! But at least I feel better that I got semi caught up..now let me go see what blogger friends I've lost now...sigh...

Huge party at Ryan and Sarah's for the 4th of July was tons of fun. The food and fireworks were outdone only by the company! :-)

Another party, this one at Amy's for her birthday was a great time as well! Corn Holes, guitar playing, you name it, we enjoyed it!!

back by popular demand!!! pppftttt!!!!

2006-06-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

At Walmart today, I noticed they have accordians. Toy accordians. I picked that thing up and even though I've never even held one before, belted out an unexpectedly loud version of Happy Birthday that rocked my Wally World. My two nephews, 12 and 14 years old, bolted for the nearest turn. Faces red, and heads lowered.

Funny, since just moments before, while I was squatting to look at the price label of a trash can, the whoppee cushion was THE item of interest and amusement!

After a couple walked by and told me I should open the coffee can I had on top of that trash can I was pushing around and collect money for my performance, my nephew Jared picked up the instrument and I caught the moment forever.

GOOOO GREER!!!

2006-06-05T21:45:00.000-05:00

I guess I have lots to blog about, lets see what all I can get out here...

This past weekend was the annual (wish it was more often) camping extravaganza!! The camp coordinaters did an amazing job once again planning and assigning. (applause)

We go to a strip of land along side the Mohican river in Greer, Ohio. Let me share some of the sights...

Here are the girls soaking up the sun. I soaked up a little too much..lol yes, the empty chair is mine.

Here are the guys around the fire, just beyond them is the river. It was high from the rain and we couldn't canoe, but it sounded perty when we were sleeping!!

This is the mess hall. The food, as always was awesome AND plentiful!

Hopefully everyone will share their pictures and you'll get to see more.

We had so much fun. I can't wait for Greer 2007!!!

Easy as 1-2-3

2006-05-23T14:29:00.000-05:00

Ok, just cause you have nothing better to do...go RIGHT HERE!!!! and bring back some wholesome, well, goodness anyway...

salute

2006-05-15T11:55:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a good one. A nice mother's day, not so severe weather and good times. I visited a friend in Cleveland and was treated to The Boulevard of 500 flags. It was amazing, and I was so in awe of everything it had to offer, I actually choked back tears walking through it. When we first pulled in, just the thought of there being 500 flags flying above was amazing enough..this is just what you see driving into the parking lot.

When we got out of the car, I could see the plaques that were attached to the poles with the names and branches of service of veterans. Very nice, we walk to the gazebo and I notice the row of flags one from every branch of the military. When we walk to the left, I see a fire in a "dish" atop a tall metal pole. It was lit when the olympic torch went through cleveland. It burns constantly as a reminder of those soldiers we've lost.

Further to the left was a circle which enclosed a lamp post light some marble from the lobby and a beam from the World Trade Center, granite from the pentagon, and turf from the field in PA. I was very emotional, looking at what had been collected representing not only the areas, but the victims and the survivors and the families and the friends and the emotions. Whew.

I finally hung a flag on my house this weekend. It was a good weekend.

Homemade Love

2006-05-04T12:35:00.000-05:00

I love my house and how I feel in it. I have said that ever since I moved into it in November, and now that it's spring, I feel no differently. It looks little from the outside, but it's actually three full floors and a basement.

NOT GEARED TOWARDS ANYONE..JUST MY THOUGHTS!!! REALLY!!!!

2006-05-02T17:11:00.000-05:00

I was going to post yesterday, but I was boycotting.

I know, I know...I come to blogger willingly knowing what they are offering and what I'm entitled to. But I still feel it necessary to let them know that without me (the legal blogger) they would not exist, or at least their financial situation would be different right? Now if all the other visiting bloggers and the illegal bloggers (those that don't pay for the cable hook up that lets them get online or those using public computers) would just join me, we'd really make a difference.

I demand that blogger change the wording and look of their website. I'm ready to march to show that it's my right to make such demands.

Is anyone with me? Doesn't matter...I'm but one

Life

2006-04-25T12:43:00.000-05:00

Conner
Born Tuesday, April 18
Perfect

Death

2006-04-25T11:32:00.000-05:00

Words like "Son" and "Brother" followed by phrases such as "Died for his country" and "Taken too soon" echoed through the church and heads nodded in agreement. Covered with a flag before leaving the church and carried by loved ones, the coffin was taken to the vehicle outside. Outside, where there were caring people with their kindness and their symbols of America lining the street to shield this soldier and his friends and family from the ignorance of protest.

At the cemetery, black nylon flowers bloom in succession to shield the mourners from the water droplets falling from the grey sky. The rain began just as Taps began. It was as if a director from behind the scenes motioned to the special effects person at precisely that moment.

Patches of green uniforms spread over the field, all motionless, all attentive. The rifles, which were just moments before lifted, loud and smoking, grew silent and the ceremony continued. Awards were awarded, medals were presented and the flag was folded and handed to the grieving mother. Only then could the sadness begin to budge to make way for pride and admiration.

Spec Mark W Melcher, American, Hero.

straight from the iPod

2006-04-19T17:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, you don't even have to ask where I got this!!

Freaky Tag
Put your music player on shuffle. Press forward for each question. Use the song title as the answer to the question. Post on your blog. Comment back if you post it on your site. No comment regarding whatever songs that might come up. (**these results are just scary**)

~Will I get far in life?
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town ~ Pearl Jam

~How do my friends see me?
Hands Down~Dashboard Confessionals

~Where will I get married?
Perfect~Smashing Pumpkins

~What is my best friend’s theme song?
My Hero~Foo Fighters

~What is the story of my life?
Boulevard of Broken Dreams~Green Day

~What was high school like?
Hash Pipe~Weezer

~How can I get ahead in life?
I Dare You~Shinedown

~What is the best thing about me?
Got the Life~Korn

~How is today going to be?
Something I can Never Have~Nine Inch Nails

~What is in store for this weekend?
Unwritten~Natasha Bedingfield

~What song describes my parents?
DOA~Foo Fighters

~My grandparents?
Say it Ain't So ~ Weezer

~How is my life going?
Far Behind~Candlebox

~What song will they play at my funeral?
Carry this Picture~Dashboard Confessional

~How does the world see me?
It's Been Awhile~Staind

~Will I have a happy life?
Carve your Heart~Dashboard Confessional

~What do my friends really think of me?
Vindicated~Dashboard Confessional

~Do people secretly lust after me?
Buddy Holly~Weezer

~How can I make myself happy?
Tonight~Smashing Pumpkins

~What should I do with my life?
The Last Song~Foo Fighters

~Will I ever have children?
Beautiful~Smashing Pumpkins

~What is some good advice?
Come Back~Foo Fighters

~What is my signature dancing song?
Bring me To Life~Evanesence

~What do I think my current theme song is?
You~Candlebox

~What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Cold Day in the Sun~Foo Fighters

~What type of men/women do you like?
BYOB~System of a Down

I did NOT get the same result as LEESA!!!!!

2006-04-13T08:21:00.000-05:00

You Are a Fierce Femme

You have a wild side, and you aren't afraid to bring it out when the time is right.
But you also know when to hang back and keep your "crazy chick" persona in check.
In fact, some of your friends may be surprised to find out how far you can take it...
You may look mild mannered, but it's all an act!

How Daring Are You?

hee, hee...i've got secrets...hmm....

I KNOW IT'S BEEN AWHILE..STOP YELLING AT ME...oh, that's me huh?

2006-04-11T15:43:00.000-05:00

So having alot to do really is a good thing. Except for the fact that at any time the police could storm this place and arrest me for blog neglect. Even my nephew is yelling at me. sheesh. Ok, here is an idea I came up with. There are alot of "google" this word, and "google" that word games to play. I'm changing what LEESA did just a little and satisfying my family as well!! Here we go.

I thought of a word that describes different members of my family, googled that word and posted the picture here. In another post, I'll give the answers, but for now, I thought my bored and pestering family..lol..can try to match up the picture and the person. Have fun!

OK, yeah, those are pretty easy huh? Well at least we interacted, that's all that counts..lol!! love you!

Weekends ROCK!!

2006-04-03T09:50:00.000-05:00

Thursday was the first bonfire at the house of Amy! The kids had a blast and the food was good! YAY spring! I did take a picture to put here, but my phone and the radiowaves it takes to send pictures are hating each other this morning.

Saturday I got the wire needed so I can play my iPod on the stereo in my car. I almost cried.

Saturday night I got hypnotized! I didn't think it could happen, but there I was forgetting my name, feeling the vibrating massage from my otherwise non-vibrating chair, telling jokes and acting like a disney character. It was a wonderful experience and I recommend it to everyone! (and next time, there will be a Terry on the stage, but not this one!!!!)

I met new (and tall) people and talked to some old friends.

The entire weekend was just great! I haven't said that (I don't think) since football season ended. haha!

Absorbent and yellow and porous is he...

2006-03-29T14:34:00.000-05:00

One of my many talents. What you can do with an extra piece of sponge.....

Feel like making...music!!

2006-03-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

I know you all have been waiting for this moment, I know I was! Ok, here we go. I PLAYED MY FIRST SONG ON MY GUITAR ALL THE WAY THROUGH BY MYSELF LAST NIGHT!!

Ok, so it was Tom Dooley, but it was a song!! I'm so excited. My fingertips are sore and I hope to make them sorer (is that a word) with the next coming weeks. I have ALOT of practice ahead of me. I actually feel like I'm getting somewhere! Today two-chorded oldies, tomorrow STARDOM!!

Thanks for your support!! lol

2006-03-23T11:39:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Concerts I've been to

1…. Seether/Shindedown
2 . Foo Fighters/Weezer
3 . Ozzy/Korn
4 . Dave Matthews
5 . Rob Thomas x2
6 . Alanis Morrisette
7 . Live
8 . Lollapalooza
9 . Page and Plant
10. Chili Peppers
11. AC/DC
12. Maroon 5
13. Eddie Money/Donnie Iris/Stevie Nicks/Hootie/Queensryche.....

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Not lack of want

2006-03-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted huh? OK OK, I'm sorry!! sheesh! Hopefully those of you that check in now and then to see if I've updated are still stopping by. I have lots of stuff to report on, all selfish things. What I've done, how I feel, what I've bought, were I've been. None of it seems significant enough at all to write about now.

I have a whole new set of priorities now.

Last week my brother was in an accident at work. I don't know the specifics of how and why. I just know that he messed up his hand, lost part of a finger and may lose more. People are right when they say "he's lucky it could have been worse" yeah, true, but it is pretty bad! What makes it bad for me is several reasons. Firsty,we do not live in the same town. I want to be able to tell him I'm here to help if he needs it, but the truth is, I'm not "there" I'm "here." Also, I know he is a strong person, I could start another blog on what makes me proud to be his sister and how I admire him for what he has accomplished and overcome. He will suffer in silence instead of yelling out, which is what he needs to do some times.

I don't know if yelling out is the same as this, but his son told me last night that he started a blog. I was thrilled. He is an awesomly smart man with a great personality that attracts many people. He has many interests and has an eclectic taste in music. He is a former Marine and father of one son. He went back to school to become an electrician while working more than full time sometimes and a family to take care of. I figured all his knowledge and experiences would make for a very interesting and entertaining blog. However, when I clicked on the link in the IM, the first thing that hit me was the name of his blog, and I knew there would not be much entertainment in this one. I was sad immediately, but quickly felt relieved that he began it to use it as a place to put all the complaints, and feelings and other comments he would not "burden" his family and friends with.

Everyone would tell me, including him, that he's doing great with it, he's laughing and joking, he says he's fine. But I wondered about the pain, I wondered about that anger, I wondered about the feelings that he wouldn't..maybe couldn't...explain to a sympathetic face in front of him.

His blog is first on my list. I will read it daily, maybe even more often than that. I may never speak of it to him, I may never bring it up to others, but I'll read it intently and attentatively and hopefully he'll know it's my way of supporting him without nagging him to let me help and smothering him with more advice and sympathy. But I hope that he knows I have both for him when he needs it.

My work here is done

2006-03-11T11:45:00.000-05:00

My daughter at 5, 11 years ago...sings to me while driving in the car "Momma, Momma I'm coming home!"

My son, at 6, about a month ago...sings to me while driving in the car "I'm just sitting in my car and waiting for my girl."

My son at 4, yesterday in the car, asks me to skip through the channels for a "good song" and stops me and tells me "this is the one." "Scuse me, while I kiss the sky."

They are musical geniuses I tell ya. I'm very proud.

i love spirit week

2006-03-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

crazy hair day...need i say anymore?

Fashion, friends, food and a good cause

2006-03-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Garden of Wishes fashion show at Independence Middle School presented by the Bethel Park Cheerleaders and Athletes benefitting Make a Wish.

My niece, Tori, is the Make A Wish child and has enjoyed many activities with the cheerleaders of Bethel Park, and everyone involved.

You've seen pictures of my niece, she's on my blog and reads it regularly. She was born with Tricuspid Atresia, a gongenital birth defect of the heart. Tori had her first operation when she was 8 months old. I arrived the day after, and exiting the elevator, was met by Tori in a stroller being pushed around the hallway. I was amazed, and have been ever since with her strength. She was lucky enough to make it almost 8 years before needing another. She seems like just your average 10 year old, but she does require frequent trips to the doctor's office and restraint from some activities she would love to do-like gymnastics.

The show was beautiful. The gowns from Babbetts were amazing, the set was incredible and everyone had a wonderful time.

Tori had two really good friend's of her's there. Jasmine and Courtney. They were alot of fun and seemed very proud of Tori.

It's a shame these pics are so small and the others won't even upload!!! She looked beautiful and did a wonderful job.

I am currently looking into finding the nearest chapter (or even starting one) around here.

Make A Wish Foundation

Overheard in the mailroom....

2006-03-02T13:12:00.000-05:00

"It's so easy now, I can do it blindfolded and with my eyes closed."

so long friend

2006-03-02T13:11:00.000-05:00

i just wanted to take a moment to say goodbye to a fellow blogger. Amy hung in there as long as she could. In the end, she just let go. It was time.

my evening

2006-03-01T18:19:00.000-05:00

what i have to look forward tonight.

*gorilla bread

*homework

*guitar practice

*explaining to my 5 year old why it's not acceptable to depants your classmates.

stop laughing, it's not funny

Mel Mel, no loser!

2006-02-23T16:59:00.000-05:00

YAY!! Melanie was here!! I'm glad she's feeling better, but not glad she's back to work :-(

Hi MEL!!

Cleveland House of Blues

2006-02-22T12:13:00.000-05:00

Small venues are great right? NO..they are awesome! Last night we went to the Cleveland House of blues...

and I don't think we could have gotten a "bad" seat.

While Seether was right on it with sound, show and lights, (plus, they did sing Simple Man, like I'd hoped)

Shinedown impressed me to heck! I like them alright anyway, but seeing them live and giving us all they got made me love em even more. I took crappy camera phone pictures to share with you, but they of course won't upload so I googled these.

There were two other bands there that I was pleasantly surprised to find had female lead singers. I rocked with Halestorm.

She had a great sound and the band played hard! My favorite part was the whole band in the 3 1/2 foot area in the front of the stage banging on the drums. NICE.

The other was Flyleaf. And while I had no problems finding their
WEBSITE HERE I could not pull any pictures from it, or find any in google.

Did I mention that we started the evening off with dinner from the Hard Rock Cafe? I didn't? oops, we did!

ANYHOW!! I'm just pumped still from a good time, great music, fun friend and excitement. Thanks for listening...

cute cute cute

2006-02-14T21:56:00.000-05:00

My neice, Tori, and her friend Courtney wrote this song:

CUTE

I'm just a cute girl living in A CUTE world! cute, cute, cute, cute, Cute, cute, cute! It's hard being me. just try and you'll see. Look at my cute hair. look at my cute hair. cute, cute, cute, cute, cute, cute, cute! you will never be half as cute as me! i'll be cute till the end of time. my look don't cost no dime!

Tori is not only cute, she is uber-smart, funny as heck, and the bravest, strongest, most amazing little girl I know. I love her so much for all these reasons!!

sorry blog readers

2006-02-11T11:33:00.000-05:00

I know its been a while, and I really don't have any excuses! Negligent. That's what I am!!! Oh, and apparently I'm also The High Priestess. I stole this from, yeah, you know it was from Leesa, BUT SHE FINDS ALL THE COOL STUFF!!!

You Are The High Priestess

You represent mystery - secrets that are yet to be revealed.
You find yourself sitting between two worlds: one dark, one light.
You tend to hold these two worlds in balance, reconciling the two.
Open and welcoming, you invite others to learn your secrets.

Your fortune:

Something hidden, or latent, in your life is about to come forward.
You need to pay more attention to your dreams, thoughts, intuition, and imagination.
And if that involves tapping into your dark side, it will all balance out in the end.
You have a lot of potential dying to be unleashed, so let those gates open!

What Tarot Card Are You?

Anyone want to join me on the dark side??? It holds dreams, thoughts, intuition, and imagination!!! Come on, you know you wanna!!!!

Welcome Home

2006-01-30T16:04:00.000-05:00

THANKS LEESA for helping me have a little fun this afternoon, pass some time and also learn about myself!

Based on your drawing and the 10 answers you gave this is a summary of your personality:

Your house tells the world that you ought to be a leader. You are good at making friends and when the joyful moment arrives, you make the most out of it. You will avoid being alone and seek the company of others whenever possible. You love excitement and create it wherever you go. You are very tidy person. There's nothing wrong with that because you're pretty popular among friends. Your life is always full of changes.

When it comes to love, you shut yourself off. It's difficult to win your heart because you have decided to keep your feelings deep inside. You have a strong personality and you like to command, influence and control people.

You added a flower into your drawing. The flower signifies that you long for love. It also safe to say that others don't see you as a flirt. You don't think much about yourself.

DON'T LET KATIE SEE THIS!

2006-01-30T15:19:00.000-05:00

Katie will read this and say "I TOLD YOU SO!"

I am 59% Internet Addict.

I am pretty addicted, but there is hope. I think I'm just well connected to the internet and technology, but it's really a start of a drug-like addiction. I must act now! Unplug this computer!

Take the
Internet Addict Test
@ FualiDotCom

OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH

2006-01-29T22:29:00.000-05:00

That's what I said when an IM window appeared and the familiar screen name was there with the line Hey Tree, it's me!!

I finally found my old friend Valerie! (old referring to how long we've been friends and not us in any way whatsoever!!!)

Our lives have been soooo crazily familiar ever since we were younger!! I almost always know what's going on with Val just from what is going on in my own life.

Anyhow, welcome back Bellberdie!!! Can't wait to see you in March!!!

Star Fighters

2006-01-28T12:35:00.000-05:00

NO ERIC!! If you get to use the good life saver, then you have to be Dark Mold and I get to be Dark Fader!

(there is a really nice picture of them in their Star Wars pillowcase/hooded robes, but it won't upload, so insert imagination here)

Coversation with Brendan

2006-01-24T18:38:00.000-05:00

"Hey Mom, I have this really funny friend at school.

He said to me, 'push my shoulder and I'll melt.' So I did.

And he said (in a high voice) I'm melting, melting.

He really is funny Mom, true story."

See warning below

2006-01-23T01:12:00.000-05:00

Amy? Terry? Anybody else who refers to THE football team based in a major city in Pennsylvania that is NOT named after a bird, as Pittspuke, Pissburgh or Them Damned Steelers, go on and skip today's entry. It will be annoying to you, and not very interesting or entertaining. I like ya, so I'm warning ya! :-)

OK...if you are still here....

YAH!!!!! STEELERS ARE AWESOME AND AMAZING AND DESERVE...YES DESERVE...TO BE IN THE SUPERBOWL!

It just feels so great to know that the waiting is over and we are back where we should be! The family, of course, was NUTS!! There was no doubt we'd make it after an early lead, and the crazyness just continued!!

Whew!! What a day. I can't wait till FEBRUARY!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!

(Imagine music fading out here...and tens of thousands of fans chanting)...."Here we go, here we go, here we go, STEELERS, here we go!!! PITTSBURGH'S GONNA WIN THE SUPERBOWL!!!"

What does the music say about you?

2006-01-19T18:08:00.000-05:00

Here, you have to go HERE and see what song was number one on the day you were born! For the love of PETE!!! Let me know what it was ok???? Thanks!

It's no secret (unless you've read NONE of my blog) that I'm a huge fan of music. This was very interesting to me!!

Here's what I came up with.

My song: People gotta be free - Rascals
My daughter's song: How am I supposed to live without you - Michael Bolton
My oldest son's song: I knew I loved you - Savage Garden
My little guy's song: Family Affair - Mary J Blige

Awesome huh? I thought so.

HNT

2006-01-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, so until I'm WAY braver, I have to put things on here instead of HNT..lol. I know, I'm sorry for misleading you with the title.

I was sort of self-tagged by Blackbird does that make sense? Here it is:

Fun with fours!

4 jobs you've had:
*prescreening secretary at state mental hospital (YES I DID WORK THERE!)
*Human Resource Secretary at a retirment home
*The Firm - installing new computer system for the county
*University of Akron

4 Movies you could watch over and over:
*Napoleon Dynomite
*City of Angels
*Superstar
*Pretty in Pink

4 Places you've lived:
*Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
*Youngstown, Ohio
*In apartments in Wooster, Ohio
*In a HOUSE (recently moved) in Wooster, Ohio

4 Shows you love to watch:
24
Football (not a show, I know, but a biggy)
lots of reality shows
music videos

4 favorite books:
The Talisman, Stephen King
Are You my Mother?, P.D. Eastman
Violets are Blue, James Patterson
hmm....

4 Places on Vacation
*Disney World, Orlando, Florida (3 times so far)
*Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
*Hopefully Vegas soon!

4 Websites visited daily
Blogs
Cnn
Yahoo
Steelers.com

4 Places you'd rather be right now
*somewhere fun
*somewhere warm
*somewhere sunny
*somewhere with my kids

4 People to tag
*Amy (to give her something to write about)
*Leesa, if she hasn't done this before, but I have the feeling she has, she's done it all!!
*Jared (so start your own blog and let me know what you're up to!!)
*Anyone else who would like to share

and just because i haven't done it in a while...

2006-01-16T01:41:00.000-05:00

a quiz...

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Black Comedy

In your life, things are so twisted that you just have to laugh.
You may end up insane, but you'll have fun on the way to the asylum.

Your best movie matches: Being John Malkovich, The Royal Tenenbaums, American Psycho

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

OH YAHH!!!!

2006-01-16T00:33:00.000-05:00

I LOVE FOOTBALL!!

More specifically, I love the Steelers!! What an awesome game, huh???? So they stripped Troy of an interception, and messed up on the false start call!!! We beat the Colts and made it further than anyone said we deserved to go!! I love a close game and the heart attacks that come with it, and can't wait to go agaisnt Denver next week!! Win or lose...I LOVE STEELER FOOTBALL!!

(btw..i'm back to work and school Tuesday...finally...and maybe I'll get all blogs caught up!!)

GOOOOOOOO STTTEEEEEELLLLLLEEEERRRSSSS!!!!!

It could have been worse...

2006-01-09T16:59:00.000-05:00

Alright, I am confident enough to discuss this here. It seems like twenty times a day I say "I'm going to blog that for sure. Wow, that's something for my blog" or something like that. Today I actually remembered what I was going to share.

You know how people ask "What is your most embarrassing moment?" I love that question because the things I do are not really embarrassing, just absurd, and since I have a magnificent (yes magnificent) sense of humor, I can laugh at myself about them.

So, today, around noon, I noticed my pants are on inside out. The seams down the side gave it away. They are just loose black spandex/nylon material (I checked when I fixed them.) so there were no pockets sticking out, no other tell tale-signs other than the seams. Go on, shake your head, i'll wait. I've done worse! LOTS worse. This was funny but not rip roaring. Actually, now that I think of it, none of the "embarrassing" things I've done got big laughs, until I talk about them later on. When I left the bathroom that time with my skirt tucked in my pantyhose, I laughed all the way home...later on. When I reached up to fix a poster shortly after I started working here and my pants fell, it was ridiculous, but not hilrious. Sure when I told Amy she snickered, and won't let me forget about it, but no one came close to busting a gut. It's about the same as when I tripped over the bottom file drawer rushing into Melanie cubicle to, I don't know...gossip probably, and pretty much fell onto her desk in front of the general manager, or went to sit down and slipped off the chair and landed on my butt on the floor...no biggie...just Amy looking over the desk serious as heck asking "are you ok?" I know she was most concerened with my safety and not ready to cry from holding in laughter. Just as my initial reaction when something absurd happens is to remain calm and serious.

HAHAHA...ok, I almost made it through that last sentence...hooo hooo...ha...wow, that one kind of hurt. giggle.

who dey? WE DEY!!!

2006-01-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

I gotta tell you, the weekends are getting better and better. MY Steelers (yes they are mine, we've established this already in earlier posts) won yesterday and I couldn't be happier.

By the way, I think this man is AWESOME!!!!

(I do secretly feel bad for Palmer though, but our offense was awesome and that has nothing to do with Palmer)

So now we face the Colts. Umm...OKAY!

What makes me even happier is seeing how much my nephews, Dillon and Anthony (Tony to me) and daughter, Katie, for that matter, share in our enthusiasm. They are right there high fiving and knuckle punching (a standard now during games) at every game we watch. Ok, as you know from earlier posts, Dillon doesn't cheer for the Steelers, but we found a home video the other day that shows him wearing a Steeler T-shirt, so we know secretly, he holds them in his heart. (hee hee)We've had the privledge on a couple occassions now, to visit the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and was lucky enough to catch Charlie Frye's last game at Akron U.

I took both D and T to their first NFL games (I am happy I was the one to provide them with that experience), and look forward to taking my daughter next season.

It's just so great and so much fun knowning that we all have this one thing in common and can joke about it, enjoy it, and appreciate it all together.

HERE WE GO!

I've got class I tell ya!

2006-01-03T14:08:00.000-05:00

I liked this test the best! Thanks (for the millionth time) LEESA! for a great quiz. I learn so much about myself during these...who woulda thunk Isa fruitcake?

But the fact that I scored 85% higher in class has me vaccuuming in my heels and pearls.

Carole Lombard
You scored 16% grit, 14% wit, 47% flair, and 40% class!

You're a little bit of a fruitcake, but you always act out in style. You have a good sense of humor, are game for almost anything, but you like to have nice things about you and are attracted to the high life. You're stylish and modern, but you've got a few rough edges that keep you from attaining true sophistication. Your leading men include William Powell, Fredric March, and Clark Gable. Watch out for small planes.

Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the Classic Leading Man Test.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 14% on grit

You scored higher than 10% on wit

You scored higher than 74% on flair

You scored higher than 85% on class

Link: The Classic Dames Test written by gidgetgoes on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

WOW, I'm so out of schedule!!

2005-12-28T20:46:00.000-05:00

Having this week off is messing with me big time!! I have no schedule, I'm sleeping and eating at will, and sometimes all day long! Feeling lazy and really only doing enough to keep the kids healthy and the house tolerable...

OK, wait, there was a complaint in there somewhere.......

Oh, yeah, the fact that I am MAJORLY behind on blogs. Both reading AND writing...wow! There is alot of information out there to catch up on. I was so glad to hear from some of the "old" bloggers that have been gone for a while, I worry you know!!

I was thrilled to hear how nice Christmas was for most this year.

I am back to work on Tuesday and will become faithful to you all again! Until then, the leftovers, and re-runs own me!

Bye bye!!

Christmas Report

2005-12-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

It is 11:38 (no matter what the time on the blog clock says) and here is the scoop so far.

*I was up until 4 am, and have been up for hours
*I have eaten only cookies and cheese cubes so far today
*My kids ate gumballs for breakfast
*We've already been through the list of things that my kids DID not get from Santa
*We don't have any broken toys yet and that is amazing becau....oh..nevermind, the helicopter bit the dust...
*My youngest is playing in the box my oldest's television came in

There you have it. I may do a mid-afternoon update if I need to "get away."

Either way. Everyone have a great Christmas. I say Christmas, because I celebrate Christmas. If YOU don't, then just have a great 25h day of December, and I hope you are healthy and happy!!!

~~Theresa

Christmas Cheer

2005-12-17T09:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, we're coming down to the wire and I don't know about you, but I haven't seen ANYWHERE NEAR ENOUGH Christmas quizes and tests!! (Although I had TONS of fun letting my co-workers know what their Elf Names were thanks to OSBASSO So in an attempt to do my part, here is one for you to enjoy that Jess-sih-cahhhhh shared with me! Thanks jess-sih-cahhhhh!

Just figure out what Traditional Christmas Carols they are talking about here. Have fun!!

1. Quadruped with crimson proboscis

2. 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. without noise

3. Miniscule hamlet in the far east

4. Ancient benevolent despot

5. Adorn the vestibule

6. Exuberance directed to the planet

7. Listen, aerial spirits harmonizin

8. Monarchial trio

9. Yonder in the haystack

10. Assemble, everyone who believes

11. Hallowed post meridian

12. Fantasies of a colorless December 25th

13. Tin tintinnabulums

14. A dozen 24-hour yule periods

15. Befell during the transparent bewitching hour

16. Homo sapien of crystallized vapor

17. I merely desire a pair of incisors

18. I spied my maternal parent osculating a fat man in red

19. Perambulating through a December solstice fantasy

20. Aloft on the acme of the abode

.
.
Results:

15 – 20 Correct — You don’t need any Yuletide spirit!
10 – 14 Correct — You could use something in your stocking!
5 – 9 Correct — Are you sure you have the right holiday?
1 – 4 Correct — Surely you jest!?

a lesson to be learned

2005-12-15T14:17:00.000-05:00

Go here and read the Night Before Christmas story OMG!

and I was worried!!!! lol

2005-12-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

what's in a name?

2005-12-15T12:09:00.000-05:00

umm...HAPPILY exchanging none the less.

What the????

2005-12-14T15:12:00.000-05:00

I came across this sign. Do you think it's a church in Euclid?? (just kidding T) sorry Amy..just having fun...

Christmas!!!

2005-12-14T13:23:00.000-05:00

YEAH!! I've been tagged by LEESA

1. Name three things that you would like to get for Christmas.

**Through it sanely
**The piano playing snowman from Hallmark (yeah the annoying one)
**Slippers -funny, fuzzy, crazy slippers

2. Name three things that you are giving as gifts for Christmas.

**A Cleveland Brown's sweatshirt (and I think she already knows)
**A Flat screen tv with DVD player (she definately knows)
**Weird cheese and meats..just kidding...soaps from Bath and Body Works

3. Name three things that you hope no one will get you.
**Underwear (the granny kind, fancy schmancy would be ok)
**Makeup (I have plenty)
**Dishes (I love my house, but I'm too selfish at Christmas!)

(anything I get is appreciated and loved!!)

I know it says something because I felt the need to explain all these!!

firstly and nonsense

2005-12-12T20:25:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since i blogged something substantial.
Certainly it's not because there's nothing to blog about.
All around things are happening--funny, unusual, sad, happy
Now all I have to do is pick something.
There's the speeding ticket from yesterday.
There's the fact that this is finals week.
And there's always the kids.
Katie, Brendan and Eric=lots to write, and worry about.
Even work has it's drama to entertain.
I don't know if you've noticed.
There is a blog in a blog.
And you need to find it.
No, you won't get any hints, I'm not feeling generous today.
You are on your own with this one.
Maybe you shouldn't find it.
Only because I don't want to have to explain if you do.
Reasons are my own-feel better now that I've gotten them out.
Each time I write.

well, when they're right, they're right!!

2005-12-07T18:15:00.000-05:00

Rainbow

?? Which Natural Wonder Or Disaster Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

Stolen....again....

2005-12-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

More me...

10 Things about me you may not know...
I am a Leo
I hate the snow/cold
I own NO pets
I want to be discovered
I have no major abilities
I am teaching myself the guitar
I am a procrastinator
I am addicted to blogging
My first Christmas card came from an online friend
I have MANY online friends

9 Places I've visited...
Pennsylvania
Florida/Disney
Niagra Falls, Canada
North Carolina
South Carolina
New Jersey
Illinois
Virginia
New York

8 Ways to win my heart...
Remember something I've told you that is important to me
Sing to me
Be a 5 year old watching me twirl in the kitchen and tell me I'm "A beautiful Woman"
Think I'm pretty cool even if you don't know me for real
Bring up all your grades
Stick by me
Make me laugh uncontrollably
Surprise me

7 Things I must do before I die...
Know that my children are heading in the right direction
Be known for SOMETHING
Meet people I've only talked to
See Italy, England and Ireland
Finish college
Feel totally healthy about myself
Find the fountain of youth

6 Things I'm afraid of
Death
Failure
Sickness
Old Age
Falling in (and out of) love again
Losing a loved one

5 things I don't....oh crap, don't what??? I didn't finish this sentence when I was writing it down!! HA HA HA!!! If you know what goes here, let me know and I'll finish it...(Leesa, I don't see this on your page anymore...sigh...)

4 things that turn me off
Loud chewing
No eye contact during conversation
Scraggly looking facial hair
bad breath

3 Things I do everyday
Wake up
Eat
Sleep

2 Things that make me happy
My children
Music

1 Thing on my mind right now
Do I get digital cable, or a dish...

how did they know??

2005-12-05T12:47:00.000-05:00

The original title of this blog was going to be "Not another quiz...I SWEAR!" Because it really wasn't a quiz that provided the following conclusion. Then I read the conclusion!

The University of Blogging

Presents to
Theresa

An Honorary
Bachelor of
Cutting

Majoring in
Quiz Addiction

Signed
Dr. GoQuiz.com

Blogging Degree
From Go-Quiz.com

Wizards of Winter

2005-12-01T18:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, this is a few years old, and you might have seen it, but if not...take a look!!!

I want this done to my house!!!

***UPDATE****

As seen here, this display is NOT a couple years old, and now it's not viewable any longer. Seems it's a traffic hazard and the cops shut em down! awww....

here

ALL ABOARD

2005-11-30T21:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday me and my little guys had a wonderful time on the Polar Express! CVSR has a bunch of runs to The North Pole, and we were lucky enough to be chosen to ride along last night. It started with the reading of "The Polar Express." We have loved that story for some time, and it was great to be there with so many other people enjoying it.

We had hot chocolate, just like in the movie, and we told Christmas jokes. When we got to the North Pole, we saw tons of elves, Frosty, Rudolph and even a Christmas Cowboy (???)

Then we saw Santa riding up on his sleigh. He came aboard and sat with each child. My 5 year old told me he was going to tell Santa he wanted one of the bells from his sleigh just like in the book. AND DIDN'T SANTA GIVE THEM ALL A BELL!!!! Brendan was amazed. I cried.

On the way back we sang about 20 Christmas Carols. The boys got train whistles and a little plastic train set.

I'm so glad we were one of the lucky ones chosen to go. It was wonderful! The elves on the train (and even the ladies in the office taking care of a mix up) were so helpful and enthusiastic. That's how it should be!!

thanksgiving days

2005-11-26T22:30:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was great, as always, family and food is always a good combination. Even though we lost power for almost 2 hours, it was great! THANKS AGAIN MOM!!

Last night was eventful. Why, you ask? I was in Cleveland. NO Cleveland has nothing to do with it, but a concert has everything to do with it! Me and Melanie (woohoo) went to see Rob Thomas. But let me start at the beginning...

We almost missed an entrance and Melanie gunned it when the light turned green and peeled out in order to get in front of a snow plow. Yeah, she's crazy like that.

We get to the Wyndham and did not have the room that we reserved..so they had to upgrade us to a king suite. We were like, umm..oh alright, if you have to..sigh..

It was awesome! 2 tv's, fridge, microwave, and king size bed, plus they brought up a roll-away bed. I thought that only happened in the movies...but ok.

So we walk like 3 minutes up the sidewalk to the theater district and go in and find that our seats are right at the end of the stairway all the way in the back. LAST ROW. Now, if you've ever been to the palace theatre, you know that means nothing cause it's small, and the seats had a great view straight back from the middle of the stage. BUT they smoosh the seats so close that you are literally overlapping with the person next to you. Right behind us is the box seats and no one is in the one to our left. We wait until Anna Nalick is done with her set. She is good, sort of silly during the performance, but it helped her ballerina pixie image all the more. She has an incredible voice and an awesome band.

After she finishes, on my way for some drinks, I ask an usher about the empty box seats and he pretty much said to wait and see if anyone sits there, then whatever. So we wait, then right before Rob takes the stage, we go to make our move. However, the woman now at the stairs makes a big deal out of it and says we have to go the head usher, along the way talking to 2 other people about it..sigh...so the head usher says no and the gentleman (of about 70) says, "I'd like to help, but they'd kick my ass." It was funny hearing this from the old dude, and I just said, "Oh, we don't want that to happen! But thanks." So we are walking back to the lobby area and notice the woman isn't standing guard at the bottom of the steps anymore and discuss just going up there. I mention that there is another set of steps on the other side of the theatre, and that's where we go. Up the steps, past old props, into dark hallways, and right behind the box seats. We find an empty one and spend the next couple of hours enjoying great music, dancing, and comfort!! woohoo!!!

Rob Thomas, of course was incredibly, awesomely, sweet! He did his stuff, some Matchbox20 stuff, and then threw in greats like Space Cowboy (and the entire audience said woot-woo after some people call me maurice) it was hilarious. he and Anna sang Tom Petty/Stevie Nicks "Stop dragging my heart around" that was NICE! Rob and his awesome band did "Aint no sunshine" I sang "I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know..." for hours!!

Like always, his set was simple, he was humble and sincere, but his show was magnificent. When he sang "This is how a heart breaks" everyone was up, dancing, screaming, yelling...everything...yep...awesome..

Not so awesome was the desk calling us at 9 in the morning after being at the hotel bar and ordering pizza and not getting to sleep until almost 3, to tell us that there are complaints of us making noise. They did NOT take into consideratin that there were about 6 teenage boys in the room next to us...

Anyhow, to top off a great time, we stopped at Panera's on the way home. MMMM!!!

I hope we continue this birthday tradition for many MANY years!! Thanks MEL!!