My Baby Is 4!

On Saturday my baby girl turned 4 and we had a 'beach' party to celebrate. The weather was great, the guest list superb and a great time was had by all!

Just in case you were wondering...yes the kids and I made the sand castle cake. As you can see, Hannah was SUPER PROUD of it.

Wheeler Reunion 2008

Every one agreed, this was the best reunion yet. The sun was shining, a breeze was blowing and a great time was had by all!

4th of July Fun

Ahh! Cool breezes and warm lazy days at the beach. What more can a person ask for?

Summer Camp

Yesterday was the 1st day of Summer Camp for Jacob & Hannah. I was so worried that Jacob would find the transition hard since it was a new place for him. Luckily my boy is a whole lot less shy than his mom'cause he walked right in and made a friend...another Jacob. Both he and Hannah had a great time so I think I made a good decision. What a load off.

Now I just have to worry about being a chaperone next week on a trip to the zoo. ;)

Storm Damage

On 6/10/2008 a storm went through Sandy Creek, NY and winds at Greene Point were clocked at 109 MPH. We got off very lucky with a broken window, a small area on the right side where the siding peeled back and the antenna has been flattened. Our neighbors did not fair as well. There was a lot of damage at the point with a number of trailers tipped over, rooves peeled off and many trees down. The power was out for about 2 days but the water system is the real problem. The trees that were ripped from the ground also ripped the water pipes out. The ELMS lost 75% or more of their trees and they aren't sure when they will reopen for business. The trees at Greene Point look like they were twisted off.

Can I just say 'DUH'

I just have to comment on today's 'news' that American families are feeling the economic crunch and how it is effecting women versus men.

Excerpted from a piece on Yahoo news -

Another reason politicians aren't making hay of the plight of males is that they are well aware that women are in no mood for it. Working-class and lower-middle-class women in particular, whether or not their men have jobs, are feeling economically stressed, says Bill McInturff, a pollster for Senator John McCain. He adds, "In focus groups they talk about how 'I'm taking care of my parents, his parents, buying groceries, taking kids to the doctor.' These women are tired."

Once again I get the feeling that the politicians all have their heads up their butts. This is nothing new so I'm left saying 'DUH' to this quote and wondering why they needed focus groups to figure it out.

Goodbye to a friend

Goodbye Dear Martyn. Enjoy your jamm sessions with 'the greats'. You will be missed here but I imagine there will be a party tonight to welcome you Home.

LeAnn can sing it so much better than I could say it!

Can I pull off Katie Holmes Hair?

What do you think? I'm tired of the same old same old and thought Katie's new do was cute.

Easter Pictures

Aren't we a good looking bunch?
There was a mad dash for Easter Eggs...
And Jacob grabbed the most.
But Hannah wasn't complaining.

All in all it was a terrific Easter!

Exciting News

I'm finally going to be an Aunt! Mandy and Flo have just spilled the beans that they are expecting a bouncing bundle of joy in September! Check out the peanut's first pic.

What do you think? Does he/she look like Mandy or Flo? LOL!

Kisses to the expectant Mom and Dad. I'm so very happy for you!

Spring will be Sprung

Spring is almost sprung and I am contemplating planting a garden. I love the idea of being self sufficient. Before I go further let me say that I have no talent for gardening. Growing up I was dragged kicking and screaming into the fields to help my mother plant our vegetable garden but I've never been good at growing things (with the exception of peas which seem to grow themselves which is why they were my responsibility). I've been known to kill mint and if you've ever grown mint you know this is not any easy thing to do.

So, I thought I'd start small. Problem is that it is hard for me to do things in a small way. For me its usually go all out or don't even start. So now I'm trying to decide what vegetables I could grow that we would actually eat and that I could defend from dehydration and deer attack without driving myself insane. So far I'm thinking peas (gotta have em since they may be the only things to survive), lettuce, tomatoes and maybe some herbs. It seems reasonable to me. I was kicking around cucumbers but unless you are prepared to do some pickling, how often do you really eat cucumbers? Anybody have any suggestions for easy to grow yummy stuff?

Simple Pleasures

Since today is hump day and I'm happy to be on the down side of the work week, I'm going to institute a new habit for myself. Every Wednesday I'm going to attempt to post a Simple Pleasure.

Today's Simple Pleasure is Mom's Sour Beef & Dumplings. When I dropped off Hannah this morning at my Mom & Dad's, my Dad told me that my Mom had packed me a surprise lunch of Sour Beef & Dumplings. This is my favorite and I'm sad to say (well not really sad but chagrined) that I ate the entire thing and I now feel as if I will pop any second.

Thanks Mom for today's Simple Pleasure!

I'm Obsessed...

With Jericho. If you haven't tuned in to CBS on tuesday nights you really should. Last night's episode was so good I was about to fly to Kansas with my shotgun and join the revolution myself.

Now I have to wait a whole week to see what happens and Ithink it just might kill me.

Really! Its THAT GOOD!

www.cbs.com/jericho

Campaign 2008

I don't usually do this... that is, I don't usually discuss my views on who I think should be running our country. As far as I'm concerned, who I want is my business and who you want is yours. But frankly, I'm thoroughly disgusted! This election, more than any prior, seems like same old same old politics. Here I am worrying about how I'm going to afford a $500 oil bill to heat my house while watching the equity on my house deflate due to a recession that everyone swears is not occurring and the politicians are saying they can fix what it is that THEY broke.

Lets do the roll call. We have two socialist Democratic contenders that want to tell me how to live my life. They tell me that they can take care of my problems with more laws and more government policy. Oh please! It's obvious to me that they are going to take more of my money and put it into programs that don't do a darn thing to help anyone. On the other side of the isle we have two conservative but I'm really liberal Republicans who want to tell me how to live my life except they will take more of my money and spend it on different programs. Last but certainly not least we have one Republican Constitutionalist who thinks I can figure out how to live my life on my own. He actually believes that I can make my own decisions. It's just unheard of! Unfortunately that one guy who has faith in We The People has been called crazy by the media and then completely ignored. You may not even know who it is that I'm referring to. That guy is Ron Paul.

So there it is. I'm throwing my hat in the ring with all those crazy 'Paulites' and hoping like crazy that somehow it'll make a difference.

Private Parts

Yesterday we got a note from the teacher because "Jacob was engaging in inappropriate bathroom behavior". Yes folks, my boy was comparing notes. Do boys just come out of the womb like that or what? I don't think there is a girl alive that has wanted to do this. Maybe it's just the way our parts are situated but I really don't think so.

So anyway, Phil and Jacob had to have the "private parts are called private for a reason" talk. I guess if it wasn't my kid I would find this whole thing highly amusing and I guess I do find it a little bit amusing but still...

Birthday Bliss

Jacob's birthday party was a total success! All the kids had a great time! We had some pro-bowlers in this group let me tell you. Some of these kids can wing an 8 lb ball like nobodies business! The boys had fun driving the video games while waiting for their next turn.


After bowling we had pizza, soda, cake and icecream and just when everyone was good and sugared up...we brought out the gifts. It was total mayhem and so very much fun! As you can see from the pictures, Jacob made out like a bandit.

10 Years of Wedded Bliss

On February 7th it will be 10 years that my hubby has had to put up with my ISSUES (and I his but we won't go into that).

Long ago I said I wanted to get re-married in Vegas by Elvis for our 10th but time and money have nixed that plan.

So I Googled 10th Anniversary to find some ideas. Did you know that the Traditional 10th wedding anniversary gift is Aluminium and Tin. So my mind immediately went to the gutter. I'm certain that I could spring for a roll of Aluminium foil but do you know that there are actually laws against wearing Aluminium underwear? I did find an alternative in these Calvin Klein Steel underwear but I guess thats more of a gift for myself .

A contemporary or modern Tenth anniversary gift has a theme of Diamond Jewelery but alas we come up against the lack of money situation again. No diamond anniversary band for me and no diamond studded lingerie for hubby. LOL!

The flowers associated with the Tenth anniversary are Daffodils and while I do like Daffodils I don't love them so I think not.

So if anyone has an idea that costs...well basically nothing...drop me a line. I could use the help.

The Latest Obsession...

Jacob has been polling his friends since September to see who would be attending. Every day a new list of friends who say 'yes' the will come. Is he my kid or what?

So we've decided on a bowling party. the invitations are being hand-delivered today. I can only hope that I don't end up with 21 Kindergartners. It just didn't seem right to exclude anyone...

Oh The weather outside is frightful...

Our rude awakening this morning...

Happy Birthday to Me

Well, 38 came and went with only a little pain and suffering. It actually passed in a whirl of disinfectant and lots of laundry since Hannah came down with a stomach virus. We postponed any and all celebrating until the next weekend and held our collective breaths in the hopes that nothing else would go wrong.

And we made it! Mom made Sour Beef and Dumplings (my annual birthday dinner menu wish) and we devoured it amidst great company and a couple of good bottles of wine.

I can't list all the great gifts I received so my 3 fave gifts are: Mom's Dinner, The card from my MIL (the gifts were great too but the card was the best) and radiant floor heating in the Bathroom from my Hubby ( took 2 days to install but I now have warm tootsies in the morning).

So, 38 got off to a rocky start but its getting better already and it's only just begun.

My Obsession

Hubby and I were given the first season of Jericho on DVD for Christmas. We watched almost non-stop once we started and now I'm totally obsessed.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/jericho/

All I can say is thank God it is coming back because I might have a breakdown if I couldn't find out what happened to the people of Jericho.

If you haven't seen it I strongly urge you to go watch the 1st season. It's totally engrossing. I actually find myself wondering how I would cook if I had no power. Maybe I should go solar so I can survive? LOL. See I told you I was obsessed.

Happy New Year!

Hope You're on the Nice List

Merry Christmas to All!

I'm going to be realistic here and say that I will not be posting till after the New Year. So...

Best wishes to all for the coming year! Can you believe it'll be 2008! I'm still not used to it being a new millenium and here we are 8 years into it!

Let's pray for an end to the war, a better ecconomy, the discovery of a new fuel source (or a better way to use the ones we have) and health and happiness for the ones we love.

Hugs & Kisses to You All

Whew! What A Month!

Is it Christmas Yet? I've been running around like a crazy person for months now and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight! So I'm going to list what I've finished just to ease my mind and toot my holiday horn.

I've purchased all but a few gifts
I've gotten the tree
I've wrapped 80% of the gifts
I've purchased Christmas brunch & dinner makings
I've baked cookies (9 dozen if you can believe that!)
My house is almost and company ready

No, it didn't help since I can only focus on what is still to come:

Christmas Cards (I know I've almost missed the window and I'm dreading it hence the procrastination)
Decorate the tree
Finish wrapping
Make brunch and dinner

Oh, now that I've listed them...it doesn't seem that bad. I can do this.

I can do this!

Be of Good Cheer

... And I am, of good cheer that is. My wonderful brother, his beautiful wife and her two amazing parents tracked down the illusive iCoaster in a Toys R Us store in South Carolina. Santa has 4 helpers to whom I owe a big kiss.

No disappointment under my tree this year. Santa will once again 'come through'.

May I also add that we had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend. We pigged out on T-day, rested on Friday, and then worked off all the goodies on Saturday scrubbing rugs. Sunday we pigged out again on cookies. In our defense, We baked about 14 dozen cookies - 9 of which are for a cookie swap and only consumed maybe a dozen. Not too bad.

Now if I could only finish off the Christmas list....

What I'm Thankful For...

With Thanksgiving only 2 days away (and knowing I won't post again till next week) I thought I'd list the things I'm thankful for.

I have a hardworking, loving husband who helps me to remember that it's good for me to 'play' sometimes.
I have 2 of the smartest most talented kids in the world (and I'm only bragging a little bit) who daily make me laugh till my belly hurts and tear up from pride.
I have parents (both mine and my hubby's) who help in so many ways I cannot begin to count them all. Suffice it to say that I would be lost without their love and support.
I have siblings (by birth, by marriage, and by wishful thinking) that are fun to hang out with and are there with a shoulder when needed.
I have friends who drag my butt out of the house every so often so I don't become a complete social inept and who keep my deepest darkest secrets.
I have an interesting, if stressful, job that keeps my brain occupied and co-workers that I genuinely enjoy.

All that and not one thing was purchased...guess I actually do have my priorities in the right place.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

The Goose is Getting Fat

Christmas is Coming the Goose is Getting Fat,
Please put a penny in the old man's hat...

Love that song but I always find myself thinking that I could use a few pennies in my hat too.

My yearly Christmas angst is starting. I'm always too short on money, time and sadly patience.
I have these grandiose ideas of how this Christmas I'll do something extra special (cover the roof in lights, or get every person on my list the absolute perfect gift, or make the perfect Christmas dinner). You get the idea. I set myself up for a very big fall.

Well, I started off this year with a fairly realistic plan. I kept the lists for Santa down to 5 choices figuring that would be doable and promised myself that I wouldn't go crazy on the decorating (which I have yet to attempt but I don't plan any roof scaling). The Christmas spread is Phil's domain this year so that leaves the gift buying.

So, list in hand I begin to venture out into the world of the consumer Christmas. I think I'm good to go, I'm hitting Toys R Us and Target and Amazon and then...I find out that Jacob's 'gotta have', number 1 on the list toy, the iCoaster, is THE toy to have this year. It is nowhere (at least a a reasonable price, not the drastically inflated price) to be found and it is not yet Thanksgiving. I've begun to panic and all I can think about is that Arnold Schwarzenegger film where he goes crazy trying to get his son the action figure he wants. If at some point you find I've been arrested for B&E of a toy store, you'll know I completely snapped.

*Sigh* I really do love Christmas...

My Fair Lady

I went to see My Fair Lady at the Hippodrome on Sunday with 'The Girls'. It was really wonderful. I've seen the musical many times...my best friend was in the chorus in a local production and I think I saw that at least 2 or 3 times. Then there is the Rex Harrison Audrey Hepburn movie, which I totally love. But nothing really compares to sitting in a darkened theatre and listening to these amazing talents sing those beloved songs. Add to that that the cast was all British (real accents and everything) and you have a great production.

The costumes were truly breathtaking! Especially the 'opening day at the Ascot' scenes. Just phenomenal. I sincerely recommend you see it if given the chance. And those of you who love period gowns (you know who you are) the hats alone will make you swoon. You will not be disappointed.

Day Off

I took the day off yesterday. I've been feeling really crummy (ear aches, sinus headaches, etc) and decided I needed a break. I called out of work, put Jake on the bus, dropped Hannah at my Mom's and then curled up on the living room sofa.

Mom had given me an Amanda Quick book to help pass the time so for the 1st time in 5 years, I did nothing but read all day. I had forgotten how great it is to completely immerse yourself in a book. I actually read the entire book in one day.

...do you think it's too soon to call out again?

Trick Or Treat

I'll start by sharing with you alittle ditty that Jacob has been singing around the house:

Trick or treat, Smell My feet

Give me something good to eat.

If you don't,I don't care

I'll stick it in your underwear.

Oh to be 5 again.

Halloween was a blast! The kids ended up with a horde of candy and Jacob pronounced it 'The best Halloween ever!' Jacob was Superman, Hannah was a Care Bear, Phil went as a Psycho Surgeon and I donned a Pirate's do rag and eye patch.

Update on the Jigglers: The first batch sucked. The poor cats and ghosts had missing arms and legs. For the second batch I enlisted Phil who had the super smart idea to dump the whole slab out on Sarran (sorry all you greenies) and then cut out the shapes. Finally success and Halloween was saved. Every kindergartener got a jiggler that was yummy and decipherable as a halloween shape. This time it was Super Dad to the rescue.

Prentending to be SuperMom again

I've just volunteered to bring the Halloween Jello Jigglers for the Halloween Party at Jacob's school and I don't have the slightest clue what I'm doing. I think I should have chosen to just buy the little Halloween party favors instead. I know...your thinking "How hard can it be, it's Jello for goodness sake!". But that's just it...I do not have a good track record with Jello. I usually end up with a strange syrup despite the fact that I've followed the directions to the letter. Worse is the fact that they need to look like the picture. Luckily I have the Halloween cutters since my wonderful MIL brought them over to make cookies with the kids. I've been told that if you coat the pan with PAM before you pour the Jello in, they'll release from the pan better. I think this will be a project for when the kids are in bed. We have enough angst over cookie dough not releasing from the cutters. So much for SuperMom. I guess I'll have to turn in my cape.

Alright! Alright! I'm going to stop whining now and go attempt to pull this off. I'll try and post the results in a few days. Wish me luck!

I LOVE Fall

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away; Lengthen night and shorten day; Every leaf speaks bliss to me Fluttering from the autumn tree.

Emily Bronte

Oh don't you just love Autumn? All those beautiful colors, the warm days with crisp nights, Halloween and Thanksgiving. I think it may be my very favorite time of year.

The kids and I celebrated the wonderful fall day yesterday by jumping in a huge pile of leaves. It really was a lot of fun and the kids giggled the whole time.

Jack Be Nimble

Well our Jack O Lanterns turned out perfectly!

Jacob's is on the left, Hannah's is on the right and the morbid one in the middle is Daddy's.

Here's a close up so you can see it and all it's fascinating gore. We all agree it is COOL!

Pumpkin Pickin

This weekend we had a total blast. We went to a local farm and took a hayride to the pumpkin patch. It's sort of a tradition now. We've done this every year since Jacob was 2.

Once we reach the pumpkin patch we trek across the entire patch in search of just the right pumpkin. Not any easy thing to do. Some were just way to big and invariably a perfect seeming pumpkin from afar has major issues up close.



After our search is successful, we all head to the local diner for some much needed refreshment and then it's home to carve!