Christmas is OVER!

Thank God! The house is still destroyed, but it's ok. Worth every messy second of it.

Anyway, have a lot going on...but please check out my new, updated website. It was so outdated and since now biz is booming, I needed to be more PRO.

Vov's Photo

I think it looks good. I just need to add some portraits to it so people can view samples of my work. I'll get it done after New Years.

Hope you all had a nice holiday!

Happy New Year!

Kids are off today!

UGH! The schools are all closed! Supposed to get real nasty today. Ice and snow...yuck! Anyway...I'll update more later when the baby isn't screaming in my ear! Grrrrrrr

Winter Storm Brewing

Well, possibly 6 inches tonight...I'm thinking no school tomorrow!! :)

The Absent Jersey Girl

OK...Julie left a message that I am real behind on this thing.

UPDATE:

Thanksgiving...everyone got the stomach bug! It was a horrible thing, but we all survived. Since then things have been sooooooooooooo busy! My photography stuff is booming! I have been working non-stop for 3 weeks.

The kids are great! My oldest son, Alex, has moved in with us as of last Wednesday. He started school today at South Hunterdon (our HS) where he will finish up his senior year! I never thought in a million years I'd be with him for his prom, graduation, etc. But, he's HERE!!! :)

...THAT was the BEST birthday present EVER! OK...so my birthday was Sunday...39. So, it's official...the last year I can say "I'm in my 30's" Grrrrrrrrrrrrr...I'm NOT liking that!But, time marches on so guess this is it. I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

We are finally starting to get ready for Christmas. It's been hard this year financially, emotionally, physically...aaaaaaaak...but we'll manage. I got a few things for Elliott last night while out buying Emma shoes. Today is the Holiday concert at school and Emma needed black shoes and stockings. So, it was off to Marshall's. We started at Famous Footwear...but they were famously EMPTY! There were NO shoes for her there. But Marshall's had a TON. She found a pair of black boots with a 1 inch heel she LOVES. Then Bo, who went with us, suckered me into buying him a new pair of shoes. (he did desperately need them) The shoes were on clearance for $12.00. He's so funny...he's so thrifty. Most boys his age would be in the expensive shoe section begging for the most expensive pair...but not my Bo-Man. He went right to the clearance aisle. He found the coolest sneakers. The kid cracks me up. He is a LEADER! He wears goofy hats to school...the other day he wore Elliott's Pokemon hat to school and the kids LOVE it. He is so independent and most definitely a trend setter! Class clown indeed. Anyway...I say that because the sneakers he got are white, black and PURPLE! Extremely flashy! Sooooooooooo BO!!! I love that kid!

Anyway...got off track there briefly. Emma looked beautiful going to school today. She has on a black, velvet dress, black stockings and black boots! VERY classy! She looked so grown up. I'll take pictures of the kids tonight at the concert to show off.

Well, that's it, for now. I promise NOT to be gone so long. It really has been CRAZY! Oh, and it's been snowing off and on this week. Tonight we get more snow, then again on Sunday AND they are already calling for snow Christmas Eve. :)

One Week to Turkey Day

I'm excited! One more week!!! We are decorating this weekend...tree is going up and the decorations. Yay! Well, let's see. Ryan is away at Camp Fairview this week. His class went...they are hiking, boating, learning science stuff...in the mountains and cold. Brrrr. They are even expected to get snow today! Funny enough, the night before, Ryan was a little worried about going. He tried to be tough, but he was a bit worried about being away from home for so long. I wanted to wrap him in a mommy cocoon, but instead, I shoved him out the door!! He needed this trip...but boy do I miss him. I went to pick up the bathroom and his jeans were on the floor and I felt myself tearing up! DUH! Eric keeps telling me I will have the worst case of empty nest when they are all gone...and I KNOW that's true! Anyhoo...I'm sure he's having a blast! They come home tomorrow! What else? Eric went back to work today after being out a week! He has been sooooooooooo sick. I don't think I've ever seen him this bad.

The transmission went on our van Saturday. We have a rental car (Impala...it's nice) until next Tuesday. The van is getting fixed and MIGHT be done as early as tomorrow. (fingers crossed)We decided to just fix the van. It's paid for and it's been a GREAT van...with a new tranny...it should be good to go for a few more years! We think after the Holidays, we'll get a second car. But for now, we'll just continue using the van.

Well, I guess that's about it. Tomorrow night is our soccer team's pizza party, losing ceremonies and I give out the trophies! Then soccer is DONE! Well, until March! :) Then Spring soccer kicks in. (no pun intended) Hahahaha.

OK...off to change a stinky butt! Oh...Gideon is going to be ONE YEAR OLD on Monday!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!

Family Portrait Fundraiser

Hey...if you're in the area and want a Holiday Portrait taken...check this out! (click on the picture to see it LARGE)

So it Begins

http://special.cjonline.com/stories/110908/loc_353922770.shtml

Can this man get any more, ummmmm, unbelievable?

Planning under way for Obama holiday
The Capital-Journal
Published Sunday, November 09, 2008

Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.

"Yes We Can" planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald's restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama's honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809.

At 7:30 a.m. on Inauguration Day, Obama Cake will be served at the downtown McDonald's, and a celebration is scheduled for 8 p.m. to midnight Jan. 20 at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 S.E. 6th.

For more information, contact Sonny Scroggins, (785) 232-3761, 845-6148 or at biasbustersofkansas@yahoo.com; Lamont Lassiter, McDonald's general manager, 608-2739; Ava Chander-Beard, (785) 234-9138, ava.beard@sbcglobal.net

I have Pneumonia :(

Yup. Had to go back to the doctor last night because I was really having trouble breathing and just soooo weak again. Turns out my right lung is not doing too well. So, I'm starting ANOTHER series of antibiotics today and going for a chest x-ray. They want to see how bad it really is. I am SOOOOOO sick of being sick!!! They gave me an inhaler, as well. Unbelievable! When it rains, it pours!

On a positive note...my kitchen and living room are spotless! :) Art least I feel like I accomplished something today.

The 4 Day Weekend Countdown begins

*sigh*...the hoodlums are off for 4 days. God help me! And to top it off, it's a rainy mess. So, they are inside and bored. Big Alex has been here all week, so that's good...but without him, it would be super boring. Right now Big Alex, Lil' Alex and Ryan are on the xbox. Kevin just got up and is attacking candy corn for breakfast. (nutrition at its' finest) Emma and Bo are playing Monopoly (but I think they've made their own rules...lol) And Elliott and Gideon are playing with toys and being rotten to each other.

The kids are driving me nuts. No one wants to do their chores, the house is a mess...aaaaaaaaaaaak. Oh well...I promised myself a no stress day. And Kevin is already sitting here arguing with me about taking his meds AFTER his shower and I said before!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

OK...off to feed some hungry kids and get some work done.

Before I go...I found one more great use for duct tape...

I feel a lot of sadness today, because I think last night's election is a sign of the times.

The fact that America just elected a man who refuses to respect the flag and sing the anthem, a man who never served our country (sorry- "community service" in the name of advancing the damaging liberal agenda doesn't count in my book), a man who has the most liberal record (as weak as his record is), a man who does not value innocent life, a man who has chosen to surround himself with people such as Wright, Ayers, Fleger... (Need I go on?) All of these things and countless more worry me immensely that America's decline is gaining momentum.

It frightens me to think that the traditions, morals, values, and promise that used to define America and made it the greatest country on Earth are in jeopardy.

Americans are quickly taking God out of everything and before long, He'll be gone. BUT, I think this is all part of God's plan. Christians need to stay strong, pray and stay faithful to Him. This is God's test...he has given American's what they have wanted for quite some time. Freedom...liberalism, lack of morals so people are free to do what they want without any fear from God...forget about God and maybe he's really not there!

Our country may be punished as a whole for its disobedience to him......but his true children will not be forsaken.

VOTE DAMNIT!

24 More Hours

Can you believe tomorrow is Election Day already? It feels like I just started busting on Obama yesterday! Wow!

Anyway...regardless of which candidate you are supporting (vote McCain) just VOTE!!! (McCain)It's a true blessing that American's have a say on who is the next President. (President McCain) So, not to vote is anti-American (like Obama) So, get out and make a difference and vote. (for the old, wrinkly, white haired dude) *I think I am going to have terrible election withdrawal when this is over*...Who will I have to poke fun of? Oh well...I'm sure I'll find something.

Well, we lost our soccer game yesterday, 3-0. One more game left and then the tournament. Works for me!! I feel like the next 2 weeks are just going to be CRAZY!! Between work, kids and soccer...and then Thanksgiving!!! Aaaaaaaaaaaak!

Ryan and Emma are home sick today...and Elliott and Gideon aren't much better. Poor guys!

OK...off to shoprite.com to food shop! (love food shopping on-line...they'll deliver it here later today!) How easy is that? Can you say Carmen is SPOILED??? :)

Halloween Update

Sorry...things have been so crazy, I haven't had time to post anything!

The pictures are Ryan and his friend, Chad dressed up like 50's sisters! They were too funny! Emma was a Medieval Princess Bride. Bo was a "pie slayer"...he killed pies...very strange child. LOL. And for the short time Elliott wore his costume, he was a cute wizard! :)

Halloween was fun! Ryan went to a party with his friends and ended up not trick or treating. (guess he's too cool already?) Bo went with a bunch of his friends. Alex was at football. Elliott would NOT go...we only got him to try on his costume briefly before he took it off. He was still croupy, so I think that was part of it. He just isn't feeling well. So, Eric said he'd stay home with the babies...Emma, Kevin and I went out. Town was NUTS once again, but I love it. Every year they have new stuff! The haunted house was better than ever...and they even had one of the streets closed off with a live band playing. I swear...if anyone ever gets to come here for Halloween...it is most definitely New Jersey's Mardi Gras! The money spent in this town for decorations could feed a 3rd world country! For real!

OK...and I must remind everyone to VOTE!!! I'm excited...even though I'm a bit worried that Obama is going to be our next pres. For the first time ever, I may NOT be able to call him Pres Obama...it sits about as well as having my stomach filled with bad cheese! Yuck!

OK...off to coach...it's Sunday!

IT'S SNOWING!!!

NOT fair. Phillies game was postponed due to the rain. I have NO idea when they are going to finish playing since it is SNOWING and is supposed to rain through tomorrow. I thought it was fun watching them play in the rain...but I'm guessing, not so much fun for them, especially since it was a very COLD rain. LOL. Oh well...one positive thing about the rain...we probably won't be able to have soccer practice tonight! I need a night off, so that's a good thing!

I can't believe I am looking outside at snow! BIG FAT snow flakes in October! NOT trick or treating weather, that's for sure! :) But pretty, none the less.

OK...off to deal with a tired and grumpy 3 yr old. He woke up too early today and now he is doing nothing but complain!

Go Phillies!!!

Getting Ready for Halloween

Emma's Medieval Princess Bride Dress

My Boo-ssein Halloween Photo...I LOVE it!

Elliott's Wizard Costume

Well, it's almost that time again! :) Our favorite time of year!! Halloween!! I have been so sick (why I have been MIA for so long) I have bronchitis and am finally up and around. poor Eric finally went back to work yesterday. He's been home taking care of me and the kids! Ryan was funny...he came in my room on Monday morning and told me I was NEVER allowed to be sick again. Hahaha...they've had enough. Let's see...soccer is going well. We won our first game on Sunday!! 5-2...woo hooooooo! I am coaching the Division 4 Tournament Team...so our team is going to the Tourney (on Ryan's birthday weekend) That'll be a blast! I'm going to have a tailgating party for the kids and cake for Ryan. I just HOPE it's nice weather. (last year was cold, windy and wet) Anyway, between now and Nov 15th we are swamped with practices. I love soccer season, but I can't deny that I will be somewhat happy when it's over. Well, it's official. Ryan has his first girlfriend. It is just the sweetest thing ever! But there are a LOT of jealous girls! Poor Ryan is really going to have a rough time. Hahahaha. He has been quite the social guy..it used to be Bo. Ryan goes to the High School football games on Friday nights now with his group of friends...he has numerous parties coming up. One on Halloween and another Nov 1st...Me and another 6th grade Mom are putting together the 6th grade dance...there is just so much happening. Ryan is also getting ALL A's so far this year! I'm not sure what's gotten into him, but he's doing great! Everyone else is good too. Kevin is much better. He's started on a higher dosage of his meds and he seems to be feeling better. Alex is doing great...football and school. Emma is doing great! Bo is great! They're all great! :) OK...so Halloween...Ryan is being a girl with his friend Chad (they are dressing up as sisters). Bo wants to be a sock...I have to somehow make this for him. Emma is being a medieval princess bride (photo above) and Elliott is being a wizard (photo above). Gideon will be attached to me, so he will be dressed as himself. LOL. Alex will be at the football game, so no costume for him. I can't wait!! Let's see...OH...I am finally going through my adult education at St George's. Eric and I were worried that we wouldn't be able to join the church because we are both divorced. Normally, the church will make you have your marriage "annuled" which means the other ex-spouse has to agree and it's a process. Yuck. BUT, we found out...Eric was married by a judge, so the Catholic church doesn't recognize it as a marriage anyway. For me...because I was baptized Catholic as a baby, as a Catholic I was supposed to be married Catholic. I neither of my marriages are considered valid in the church's eyes. So, I don't need an annulment either!! So, now, I just have to go through the process (basically go through the sacriments) to join the church. Then, Eric and I can be married in the church and it will be blessed! (and it will truly be a "first" marriage for BOTH of us). I want that soooooooooooo much!! :) Ryan has been asking us if he can start going to CCD (which is basically classes that he attends and then gets confirmed, first communion, etc) I was so thrilled to hear him ASK. So, all the kids will start going. (with all their friends, of course) They usually go right from school to CCD class. Well, guess that's it!!! I'm going to go rest now. I'm soooooooooo sleepy!!

Another Hump Day

So, turns out my photo made the CBS morning news yesterday! I MISSED it!!! Bo's teacher told him yesterday that they showed a photo I had submitted and mentioned "Carmen from Lambertville"...I thought it was pretty cool that they picked MY photo (there are 42 submitted, so far) Here is a link to the slide show that they have now on their website...not sure if it takes you directly to my photo or not. Might have to go through them to find it. But, it's worth it. They are all good!! (if you like fall pictures) http://cbs3.com/slideshows/Fall.Foliage.Photos.20.834715.html?rid=21 Well, not sure what was up with Gi last night. He woke up screaming at 2 am and didn't go back to bed until 4:45. On top of that, I coughed ALL NIGHT LONG! The cough medicine isn't working. I'm going to need something stronger or I'm afraid I'll never sleep again. I do NOT function well on little sleep so I KNOW I am getting on everyone's last nerve. I just wish this stupid chest cold would go away, already. Eric was, once again, a fabulous husband this morning. He knew I didn't sleep so he never woke me up this morning. I woke up at 8:30 and jumped out of bed. I thought we had BOTH overslept and everyone was late! NOPE...Eric got EVERYONE out the door for school and himself off to work! I heard NOTHING! Not sure what I did to deserve such an amazing guy, but I'm blessed, that's for sure! Well, having some Kevin issues. Got a call from the principal yesterday that he's been hearing voices (and was over the weekend) and having a tough time emotionally. He's been quite depressed at home, too. Saturday night he was biting himself to draw blood, then when Eric tried to stop him, he started to beat the crud out of him (kicking him over and over)...I KNOW Eric has some bruises on his legs from him...they were HARD kicks. Then he curled up in a fetal position and sobbed for at least an hour. He sleeps during the day, stays up all night. He's having a real rough time!! So, a call went in to the doc yesterday and she upped his seroquel at night to 1) help him sleep and 2) help with the depression and rage. The poor kid. I was half expecting he was going to need another hospitalization...quite frankly, I do see it coming. I hope we can avoid it...but with his chemistry changing so much, he just might need some inpatient care. We'll see. The doc seemed hopeful about the increase in the seroquel and his school is being amazing in taking care of Kev. I KNOW he's in good hands during the day. So, pray for him! Bipolar Sucks! Guess that's about it. Last Presidential debate tonight...if I can manage to stay awake, I might watch it. The last one was a real dozer! Zzzzzzzzzzzz. Go McCain!

Monday Update

What a gorgeous day, AGAIN! This must be the most beautiful October we've had in a LONG time. I love it! Anyway, I feel so much better today! I actually feel like I MIGHT be better...shhhhhhh. Don't wanna jinx it. ;) Soccer was great yesterday. We only lost by 1 to a team that is undefeated and TOUGH! The kids played their hearts out. Ryan made our one and only goal...but not without injury. I WISH I could have videotaped it...he came up on the left side of the goal, threw himself into the ball, kicked it while in the air and went right into the goal post with his chest before landing on the ground. He lost consciousness briefly before coming to (he says he doesn't remember anything after kicking the ball and doesn't remember standing up) He couldn't breathe for a while and we had to help him off the field. He had the wind completely knocked out of him. This happened in the 3rd quarter, but guess who was back in in the 4th quarter? Yup...no keeping him down. He was determined to tie up the game, but just couldn't get it done. Now before you jump on me for letting him play after that, he didn't TELL me until AFTER the game that he passed out. I could have strangled him for not telling me that! *^&&$%@$#@$##$^ But, he's ok! Thank God! (that boy is going to send me to an early grave) Alex just surprised me by coming home from school early! They had a bomb scare and sent everyone home! Apparently someone did some graffiti on the boys' bathroom wall that says "BOOM at 1:45" The school's on lock down...no football, nothing. Some kid is going to be in HUGE amounts of trouble when they find out who wrote it! That's a federal offense with or without a real bomb! (wouldn't playing hookie be easier than going to juvie?) Eric, of course, just called CBS 3 News to let them know all about it. He's too funny! If they actually do a story on it, I'll post it here so you can see it! Ryan is taking snowboarding lessons starting in January at Shawnee Mountain in the Poconos. They offer it at school so every Thursdays starting Jan 8th they leave school at 2:30 on a chartered bus, head to the Poconos, and then they snowboard (or ski, but he wants snowboarding) until 10:00 @ night then they come home. Bo could do it too, but because it's so expensive, we have made it a rule that they can go in 6th grade. So, Bo can go next year. And Emma can do it her 6th grade year. We think that's fair! OK...guess that's about it for an update. Everyone is well. The baby is real close to walking...Elliott is being a typical cute 3 year old...and life is good.

Sunday ~

Well, I am up and around today with ZERO voice, but I feel much better! I was praying I wouldn't have to miss today's soccer game, and I don't. I just can't yell... *pout*

It's a gorgeous day...perfect for being on the field. The Belardo's are here today for Alex's birthday...and they have just dragged my family out to the Eagle Diner. (they LOVE that) Grandpa also made a point to take down my McCain sign and hide it from me...LOL. We found it and now have it hanging even HIGHER on the window! Too funny!

Eric made a very traditional Puerto Rican rice and chicken dish for dinner last night. It was amazing!! It was so nice not to have to cook.

OK...well, off to get ready for soccer. I'll update after we lose, I mean, play our game! ;)

Sick Saturday

Well, I guess it was bound to happen. I JUST got up at 3 pm because I am SICK again. I can't talk at all...my kids have to keep answering the phone for me. :) I have NO idea but it started Thursday and hit me hard last night. I just hope I can talk by the time we have soccer tomorrow. It's no fun if I can't yell at the kids! ;)

One nice thing about today...I woke up to a nice clean house. Hubby and the kids are the best! So, now Alex is at a sleepover...which why they call it a "sleepover" is beyond me because they will NOT sleep...then they'll all be a bunch of grumpy teenagers tomorrow.

Emma is off later on to her friend, Ben's football game, Bo just came home from Jacob's and now has a project to do. And, of course, Ryan is playing Halo 3. LOL

I wish I had something exciting to report, but I don't...just trying to feel better and keep the babies from getting sick.

I did get the kids school pictures back yesterday. They turned out so nice. So, those of you waiting patiently for pictures, I will get them mailed out next week! PROMISE!

OK...off to take some medicine and go back to bed.

Gorgeous Saturday

This was a great day! Emma and I were up at 5 am to head to the flea market to sell, sell, sell. Overall, we did pretty well. Unfortunately, I am sooooooooo sick so it was real tough getting through such a cold day with a fever, but we did it. We came home by 2:30, and I went right to bed. I finally woke up at 7 to Rock Band and a houseful of kids! Alex has his electric guitar down and Emma was playing it. Alex's mom got him an acoustic guitar, so Jeffrey (Alex's friend) was playing that one...Alexandra was playing her flute, Bo was playing his clarinet...Ryan on drums. It was quite funny the band we had happening. These kids and their music. Gee...wonder where they get it from?? ;)

Anyway...here are some pictures from today...

Emma's Heart Update

Phew...ok...Emma had her EKG and echo cardiogram this morning. SHE IS A-OK! The Pediatric Cardiologist found nothing but a tiny heart murmur that she said was nothing to worry about. Yay Emma!!! So, we have a clean bill of health. The chest pains she gets they believe are growing pains! (muscle spasms) She is getting so tall, so fast! That could be causing her pain. We'll take that over heart troubles!

Bo has been sick since Friday with a horrible chest cold so he is home today. He had to miss soccer yesterday, so he was NOT a happy camper! Kevin also came home from school early today because of a bad earache. Not even October yet and the kids are falling apart! It's gonna be a LONG winter!

Well, soccer coaching is going relatively well. I've had a ton of help from parents so it's been a lot of fun! We lost our first game last week, 2-1 (Ryan scored our one and only goal) BUT we tied yesterday 3-3. (of course, my Ryan scored 2 of those goals) LOL. He makes me so proud!! Emma's team won yesterday 2-1...so it's been a good season so far.

Alex is knee deep in football. I probably shouldn't discuss their scores...let's just say...I'm thinking the high school maybe shouldn't have a football team. *snicker*...the kids are not very happy with how the season is going so far. But, hey...it's for fun, right??? YEAH RIGHT!! The boys really don't think so. I think Alex is enjoying it though.

Kevin is doing great! He was asked to play on his school's soccer team! HE IS DOING IT!! I am just amazed that he even wants to TRY! He is also on the Debate Team...he has to be involved in a court process. It's super intense...but he is going forward with it. I have told everyone...watch Kevin be the one who ends up being a successful lawyer!! He LOVES this stuff! (who knew?) The older he gets, the more potential I see in this young man! It just goers to show, despite disabilities, you CAN do what you set your mind too. I think Kevin may just be a testimony to just that! (it sure would be nice to know that all his hard work all these years paid off nicely for him...hey...and for HIS PARENTS!!) ;)

Guess that's about it. Ryan has a very busy year...he leaves for Camp Fairview the week before Thanksgiving with the 6th grade...he's involved in community service...goes to DC this year (which I can't wait for...LOVE that trip) and graduates. Aaaaaaak! Then we get to do it all over again next year with Bo!

OK...off to play Nurse Mom

Been A While

I am so sorry. Things have been insanely busy! Soccer, school, football, work...crazy!!! *insert pulling hair out smiley here*

Anyway, wanted to post this here...as the elections get closer, the more I hope and pray John McCain is our next President.

Here are a few things to consider...

Proud to be an American

Letting Babies Die

Have tissues handy for both of these...

Gotta' Love Rush...

Read this on my Conservative Forum...I LOVE it!!!!

RUSH: I'm thinking of endorsing Obama. Well, everybody's asking me about my endorsement. I want to give you a reason why I'm thinking of endorsing Obama. Listen to this. (playing of Barack Obama spoof)

Barack Obama, ladies and gentlemen, is a blank canvas upon which anybody can project their fantasies, or their desires. You look at Democrats in the audience, and they're swooning. He's saying nothing. He's saying nothing better than anybody in my lifetime ever has. The reason he says nothing so well is because everybody thinks that he's saying what they want. So they're able to project onto Obama their fantasies. If they believe in allowing somebody to marry a dog, they think Obama will support it. Therefore, I would like today to announce a tentative decision, I'm stilling thinking about it, to endorse Barack Obama, since everybody is asking who am I going to endorse, and here's why. Barack Obama is pro-life. Barack Obama is a Constitutionalist. Barack Obama believes in limited government. Barack Obama is in favor of health care savings plans. Barack Obama loves free markets and wants to protect them. Barack Obama is strong on national defense. Barack Obama is a tax cutter extraordinaire. Barack Obama makes my leg tingle when I hear him speak. Barack Obama will end the designated hitter rule. Barack Obama will establish a college football playoff once and for all so we will genuinely have a champion. Barack Obama will get to the bottom of Spygate. Barack Obama will offer free beer Fridays. Whatever you want Obama to be, folks, he's a blank slate, he's an empty canvas, and this is the nature of his appeal. Whatever people fantasize about, whatever they want, they are confident Obama supports it, too.

Another September

Well, here we go again! Kevin went back to school yesterday and had a terrific day! Alex went back today...haven't heard from him yet, but I'm anxious to hear all about his first day! Ryan and Bo are at the Safety Patrol meeting right now, and Emma and they start school tomorrow! I was so proud of my guys today. I had to take Gideon, Emma and Elliott for well checks at the doc today. While we were gone, Ryan and Bo both got showers and walked themselves to school ON TIME! They are just growing and growing! Ryan just called and asked if he can stay with his friends longer so I said sure. Bo's on his way home.

Well, Gideon is 18 pounds now and 27 inches long! Elliott is over 2 years older and only 29 pounds and 37 inches. LOL. (I'm thinking Gideon will bypass Elliott quite quickly!) Emma is being sent to St Peters Hospital in New Brunswick to see the pediatric cardiologist. UGH...I thought we were done with all that years ago. But, they want her seen. So, I have to call today to make that appointment.

Guess that's it, for now. Gideon is an unhappy camper after 4 shots and a lead test. OUCH!!

Oh, I almost forgot...I am coaching soccer for the 10/11 yr olds. I said I wasn't going to do it, but after much begging by the Pres, I agreed to do it. It's nice though because I have Bo AND Ryan on my team. We start practices next week and our first game is next weekend! I must be crazy!

Prayers for The Gulf Coast

Just wanted to extend prayers to everyone affected by Hurricane Gustav. And also sending HUGE kudos to the Republicans who are putting the victims first and not themselves!

Oh Boy...Almost Time

Woo hooooooooooo...the magical first day of school is approaching quickly!! I couldn't be happier! (I'm throwing myself a HUGE party on September 4th!! I think I'll bake myself a yummy cake) Well, let's see...not a whole lot to report. It's been a chilly end to August! Farmer's Almanac is predicting a VERY bitter winter! Brrrrrrrr...if August is any indication of that...I believe it. Gideon is standing up now. He pulls himself up to stand, but still needs to hang on. He does let go with one hand now though...so it's only a matter of time before he's off and running!! He's such a sweetie. I don't think Elliott is too thrilled with Gi's accomplishments. (all of a sudden he can get to HIS things...that is NOT cool) The kids are good. I think they are ready for school to begin. Emma, Elliott & Gi all have doc appts on Tuesday. For the past 6 months, or so, Emma has had periodic stabbing pains in her chest. So, I am getting that looked at. I am hoping they will schedule an echocardiogram to check and see if the hole in Em's heart completely closed. We'll see. It's a bit worrisome though because she can be sitting watching TV and get the pains in her chest. (out of the blue) So, best to have it checked out! Elliott and Gi just have their usual well-checks. I'm anxious to see how much both of them have grown. I am having my first Photo Show at an Arts & Crafts Fair here in Lambertville on October 11th. I am soooooooooooooo excited!!! I'll have a booth set up with my matted prints to sell. I can't wait!! This is a true test as to whether I can make money with this!! Wish me luck! OK...off to putter!

Very Early Sunday Morning

Well, Gideon thought it would be fun to wake up at 5 am...so here I am, trying to stay awake while he acts cute. He went to bed at 9 last night...so, we decided to have a family movie night. Ryan, Alex, Eric and I watched "One Missed Call"...it was a terrific movie. (gotta love Japanese horror...they really know how to tell a story) Emma stayed upstairs watching the Cheetah Girls movie...again! LOL. And Bo had a sleepover at Kayla's for her birthday. (Happy 10th Birthday Kayla!!) :) Anyhoo...I went to bed last night around 11 (with Emma...without Bo here she won't sleep alone, so she crawled into Elliott's toddler bed and slept in our room) Well, Eric brought Elliott in at 12:30 and as soon as he laid Elliott down, he started screaming. (he had lost his pacifier on the way up the stairs) Well, by the tie we found it, Gideon was wide awake, crying in the crib. I couldn't settle him down, so brought him downstairs in hopes I could get him back to sleep. Well, he screamed his head off for almost half an hour before he FINALLY settled down long enough to take some of his bottle and crash. So, needless to say...I haven't had a whole lot of sleep. Grrrrrrr. Today we plan on working in the basement. I hate to do it, but it desperately needs doing. The mold down there will have us all sick. But, oh well. It must get done. The guy comes to service the heater next week and I'm not sure he can get to it. LOL October 11 looks to be my very first Arts & Crafts show for my photography. I have a LOT of work to do between now and then, but I am hoping to do a whole bunch of these shows before Christmas. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. It's exciting to be selling something I made!! But, it's also scary because, what if nothing sells?? Kids are all signed up for soccer! 'Tis the season once again...so from now until November our weekends are once again shot! Oh well...it's fun though. Oh, I am NOT coaching. I'll probably just do pictures and lay low. LOL. *hides from the other coaches* :) Guess that's it. School starts in 9 days for Kevin, 10 days for Alex and 11 days for the rest of the crew!! Woo hoooooooooo!!! Mama can't wait!!!