Thanksgiving break was wonderful and now the count down begins for Christmas. We had a wonderful time with family and got to see little Gabriel too! One cool thing we found, Cracker Barrel restaurants have audio books that you can rent and return to any Crackerbarrel. We were already listening to Percy Jackson: Lightening Thief so we didn't get one but it's good to know and then you have a reason to go back to a nearby Cracker Barrel.
Jack got Kate the coolest gift today. I can't tell what it is in case she reads this blog. she is contemplating gifts for her friends and as we talked in the soon to be closing B. Dalton she talked about her homeroom. She wanted to get a gift for her friends but she didn't want to leave any one out.
This is how her circle of friends goes: Best friends forever (Autumn and Maddie) Best friends, friends, then people she is friendly with. She is a riot and I love how she is careful who she lets in, but is sensitive enough to not want to leave anyone out. Jack is kind of the same way but no BFF. He would kill me if I ever asked if he had one.
I have not written about this group of children who have touched my life: My CCD class, Sunday School. I have had them since Kindergarten and they are in grade 2 now. I feel a lot of pressure this year, because it is a 2 sacrament year, First Reconciliation and First Communion. There are 4 little girls and they are smart, kind, articulate, sweet, simply amazing, & such good little souls. They so want to be good and I felt bad the other day went I was going over the 10 commandments with them, especially, #3 (I think), keep holy the Sabbath. Two of them don't always come to church and you can see in their little eyes how sad they are. They want to come and their parents don't bring them. I explain that if they don't go due to someone else, it is not their fault but they want so much to be good and love Jesus. It is really sweet. They are so far ahead in the book, I took a few weeks to teach them to pray the rosary. They were so excited, even after they realized how long it is to say a whole rosary.
Say a prayer for my little class and also for Gabriel. There may be some changes coming his way and I ask God to protect him.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
10 Days until Thanksgiving
I hate to wish away days, however I am looking forward to seeing my family. August was many blogs and facebook updates ago! The 1st quarter of school is over and Jack survived football and Kate found a new sport to love...velleyball. Jack discovered Claymation and Kate discovered Twilight (and is a normal fan, not ridiculous...I love that about her!) They both made high honors and I have to say, they worked hard for it.
I didn't blog last week. I was too tired from cleaning, yes the ONE thing I hate most (well not THE one, but it's up there on the list) We cleaned 3 rooms and a hallway for 5 hours straight. Jack and I got light headed from not eating, but his room was presentable as was the kitchen, living room and hallways...oh and the bathrooms too. yeah, 2 of them! If you have ever been to my house you know the accomplishment this is. If you have not been to my house, it's not because I don't love you, I am just embarassed about how I live and there is no end to the clutter. If you have seen my office, YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT! Jack had friends over for Pizza, video games and a viewing of the 1978 movie Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. (kinda like Airplane!)
Kate had two friends come over after school this past Friday and they hung out until the school's fun night. I ran the lame game room, my own son called it that. WELL, it was very crowded and a big hit, Jack! Kids came in complaining that there wasn't much to do and they were bored. "Nice, I spend my Friday night with you and you tell me to my face I am boring." was my reply. "Oh no, I didn't mean that Mrs. Murphy!" 6th graders have no couth (is that the right word?) All they want to do is play video games, Guitar Hero, Madden Football, etc. and they didn't have any TV's set up in the hallway but one. While 9pm is my bedtime, particularly on Fridays when I quite literally collapse on the couch, I was glad I went. Stationed in the library, Jack brought the Wii and gaurded it with his very life and I had Simpsons Uno, Othello, Apples to Apples, Scrabble, the Ungame, Connect 4, Scattergories and Sorry. Every game was played and there was never a time that the place was empty. One little 5th grader had never played Uno, so sad. Another didn't even know what scrabble was. Parents dropped some kids off at 5pm. I got there at 6 (it started at 6:30) and there were over 30 kids waiting to get into the school. What is with parents. Play with your kids!!! spend time with them!!!
Eric was the biggest draw when he came into the library to play Uno, he had about 6 or 7 crazied middle schoolers screaming for his attention during the game. What a great guy. Bob nailed a few in dodge ball and then played College Game day on his PS2 with the kids, even Jack left his precious Wii to join that fan club. Besides not having enough video games, the kids complained they had nothing to drink. Use the Fountain!
No really it was a good night. I played the Ungame with Susan and Vanessa. You just turn over cards and respond to the statement or question. "What year of your life would you live over." What is your greatest fear now? as a child? things like that. It was fun. (I actually have used it with my emotional support students who never talk or can't focus in a converstation.) Kate played with her friends too.
I didn't feel too good today but I made a soup anyway, a Clam Chowder remake. I got the recipe from Foodnetwork website but I changed a few things to make it my own. "Mrs. Countryman, ha, this is so much better!" smirked my 14 year old.
They are baby sitting tomorrow. I am so proud of them. They have made such good choices in their friendships. I really enjoyed having their friends over. The kids are so polite, kind, appreciative and real. No phoniness about them. It was refreshing and not like hall duty at all.
Enjoy your week.
I didn't blog last week. I was too tired from cleaning, yes the ONE thing I hate most (well not THE one, but it's up there on the list) We cleaned 3 rooms and a hallway for 5 hours straight. Jack and I got light headed from not eating, but his room was presentable as was the kitchen, living room and hallways...oh and the bathrooms too. yeah, 2 of them! If you have ever been to my house you know the accomplishment this is. If you have not been to my house, it's not because I don't love you, I am just embarassed about how I live and there is no end to the clutter. If you have seen my office, YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT! Jack had friends over for Pizza, video games and a viewing of the 1978 movie Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. (kinda like Airplane!)
Kate had two friends come over after school this past Friday and they hung out until the school's fun night. I ran the lame game room, my own son called it that. WELL, it was very crowded and a big hit, Jack! Kids came in complaining that there wasn't much to do and they were bored. "Nice, I spend my Friday night with you and you tell me to my face I am boring." was my reply. "Oh no, I didn't mean that Mrs. Murphy!" 6th graders have no couth (is that the right word?) All they want to do is play video games, Guitar Hero, Madden Football, etc. and they didn't have any TV's set up in the hallway but one. While 9pm is my bedtime, particularly on Fridays when I quite literally collapse on the couch, I was glad I went. Stationed in the library, Jack brought the Wii and gaurded it with his very life and I had Simpsons Uno, Othello, Apples to Apples, Scrabble, the Ungame, Connect 4, Scattergories and Sorry. Every game was played and there was never a time that the place was empty. One little 5th grader had never played Uno, so sad. Another didn't even know what scrabble was. Parents dropped some kids off at 5pm. I got there at 6 (it started at 6:30) and there were over 30 kids waiting to get into the school. What is with parents. Play with your kids!!! spend time with them!!!
Eric was the biggest draw when he came into the library to play Uno, he had about 6 or 7 crazied middle schoolers screaming for his attention during the game. What a great guy. Bob nailed a few in dodge ball and then played College Game day on his PS2 with the kids, even Jack left his precious Wii to join that fan club. Besides not having enough video games, the kids complained they had nothing to drink. Use the Fountain!
No really it was a good night. I played the Ungame with Susan and Vanessa. You just turn over cards and respond to the statement or question. "What year of your life would you live over." What is your greatest fear now? as a child? things like that. It was fun. (I actually have used it with my emotional support students who never talk or can't focus in a converstation.) Kate played with her friends too.
I didn't feel too good today but I made a soup anyway, a Clam Chowder remake. I got the recipe from Foodnetwork website but I changed a few things to make it my own. "Mrs. Countryman, ha, this is so much better!" smirked my 14 year old.
They are baby sitting tomorrow. I am so proud of them. They have made such good choices in their friendships. I really enjoyed having their friends over. The kids are so polite, kind, appreciative and real. No phoniness about them. It was refreshing and not like hall duty at all.
Enjoy your week.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Pasta e fagiole + Extra Hour sleep + Court of Honor = Good weekend
I love this weekend of the year, except for the fact it gets dark so early. I LOVE the extra hour of sleep.
Today was a Court of Honor for a Scout in Jack's troop. It was a nice ceremony and it does motivate Jack to work on his merit badges. He is floating ideas around for his Eagle Project. He has 4 years to do it and only 5 badges to get there. I am really proud of him! Thanks Chris and Matt for always being there for him, keeping him interested in it.
It was a fix it weekend...everything seems to break at once. I needed a new screw driver to get my new vacuum cleaner together, and never did get to the vacuuming part. I also have to replace the screen door latch, it practically disintegrated the other day.
We watched the Godfather last night, some inappropriate moments but I had never watched the whole thing before. Jack had watched "Godthumb" on youtube, its pretty funny and he has wanted to watch the real thing for a while. You have to go to youtube and search for godthumb, its pretty funny. The same guy also did "Thumb Wars" and "Frankenthumb" and "Thumbtanic".
Going to have some Pasta e Fagiole in a bit with good ole Pillsbury biscuits. Hey, I can't do everything homemade.
Have a good week. :)
Today was a Court of Honor for a Scout in Jack's troop. It was a nice ceremony and it does motivate Jack to work on his merit badges. He is floating ideas around for his Eagle Project. He has 4 years to do it and only 5 badges to get there. I am really proud of him! Thanks Chris and Matt for always being there for him, keeping him interested in it.
It was a fix it weekend...everything seems to break at once. I needed a new screw driver to get my new vacuum cleaner together, and never did get to the vacuuming part. I also have to replace the screen door latch, it practically disintegrated the other day.
We watched the Godfather last night, some inappropriate moments but I had never watched the whole thing before. Jack had watched "Godthumb" on youtube, its pretty funny and he has wanted to watch the real thing for a while. You have to go to youtube and search for godthumb, its pretty funny. The same guy also did "Thumb Wars" and "Frankenthumb" and "Thumbtanic".
Going to have some Pasta e Fagiole in a bit with good ole Pillsbury biscuits. Hey, I can't do everything homemade.
Have a good week. :)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Don't Try This At Home!!!
UGH!! Last week I thought I was so clever, changing the handle on the toilet...Well the seat is much more difficult, especially in a bathroom made for midgits!
The stupid screw and bolt kept twisting around together and would not loosen. I pulled an old butter knife out of the drawer and was able to finally loosened them (with my face practically in the toilet!!) and yanked that old seat off.
Now for the new seat...the nut and bolt still turn as one and the toilet is so close to the tub, it was hard to hold the bolt in place and turn the screw and/or hold the screw and turn the bolt. I finally got the new seat on after much obscenities. (My children stayed away....far away)
I'd take a picture, but I doubt you want to see my sad little bathroom, with the white toilet and blue cushioned seat. My other "fix-it" attempt was to reattach molding on the floor to the tub with...get this...Mighty Putty" PLEASE if you use this have a well ventilated area! It smells terrible and didn't work so well. Of course, I tried to do that BEFORE I got the toilet seat off, so it added to my frustration, smelling those fumes while using a butter knife to loosen those big plastic screws. I still have a head ache.
Take care.
Have a good week! :)
The stupid screw and bolt kept twisting around together and would not loosen. I pulled an old butter knife out of the drawer and was able to finally loosened them (with my face practically in the toilet!!) and yanked that old seat off.
Now for the new seat...the nut and bolt still turn as one and the toilet is so close to the tub, it was hard to hold the bolt in place and turn the screw and/or hold the screw and turn the bolt. I finally got the new seat on after much obscenities. (My children stayed away....far away)
I'd take a picture, but I doubt you want to see my sad little bathroom, with the white toilet and blue cushioned seat. My other "fix-it" attempt was to reattach molding on the floor to the tub with...get this...Mighty Putty" PLEASE if you use this have a well ventilated area! It smells terrible and didn't work so well. Of course, I tried to do that BEFORE I got the toilet seat off, so it added to my frustration, smelling those fumes while using a butter knife to loosen those big plastic screws. I still have a head ache.
Take care.
Have a good week! :)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sick Days
Kate and I have been sick most of this week and now Jack has it too. So much for lysol on every door handle and washing all the bedding and drinking out of papercups.
Being off these few days with Kate...has actually been nice. Am I allowed to say that about being sick and coughing, sneezing, hacking, wheezing and missing work?? (Hell, I've been working from home. Writing IEP's and calling parents for meetings.) I haven't felt like cooking but we drink peppermint tea with honey, and eat toast and sip chicken broth with little Pastina in it.
Being off these few days with Kate...has actually been nice. Am I allowed to say that about being sick and coughing, sneezing, hacking, wheezing and missing work?? (Hell, I've been working from home. Writing IEP's and calling parents for meetings.) I haven't felt like cooking but we drink peppermint tea with honey, and eat toast and sip chicken broth with little Pastina in it.
Cool Things About Kate
1)She likes to watch the Today Show :)
2) She hates The View
3)She takes her school work, VERY seriously
(I think I know EVERY county in PA now)
4)She is reading New Moon and she doesn't like Bella either
5)She begged to get Facebook
6)She has been on FB about a total of 1/2 hr in the 4 days she has been off sick
7) She still looks 12 in her fleece pajamas
8) She loves Jerry Stiller on King of Queens
9) She can now swallow antibiotics!
10) She watched Melissa Gilbert as Anne Frank on the Family channel
I couldn't watch Anne Frank...but tried..I know how it ends :(
I read the book at her age....I might get her to read it after she is done w/ New Moon!
Stay Healthy
Use your Lysol
2) She hates The View
3)She takes her school work, VERY seriously
(I think I know EVERY county in PA now)
4)She is reading New Moon and she doesn't like Bella either
5)She begged to get Facebook
6)She has been on FB about a total of 1/2 hr in the 4 days she has been off sick
7) She still looks 12 in her fleece pajamas
8) She loves Jerry Stiller on King of Queens
9) She can now swallow antibiotics!
10) She watched Melissa Gilbert as Anne Frank on the Family channel
I couldn't watch Anne Frank...but tried..I know how it ends :(
I read the book at her age....I might get her to read it after she is done w/ New Moon!
Stay Healthy
Use your Lysol
One More: She thinks it is a Pepper rally not Pep rally, too cute
Monday, October 19, 2009
OCTOBER 2009: WEEK 3
I made soup #4 this week. Chicken stew with dumplings. Really, it's just chicken noodle soup without the noodles and dumplings instead. I also made Italian Wedding Soup. The kids used to really like this when they were younger, now, not so much. They loved the little meatballs in it and so did I.
The broth I made came out well, if I do say so. I roasted a chicken breast with the veggies and some water. I poured off that broth it made and then added a quart of Swanson's chicken stock. I had never made dumplings before and the kids liked that. Just followed the directions on the bisquick box. It was fun to watch them sink into the soup and rise back up. (See how interesting my life is....this is fun for me :P) Trying to think of a new soup for this weekend. Maybe chicken with wild rice, since my broth has been coming out pretty good.
I fixed the handle on the toilet by myself today. Major accomplishment for me, doing these type of plumbing things. I am trying to loosen the bolts on the seat to replace that.
Time for a cup of peppermint tea. I was out sick today and will go in tomorrow. I think my office mates will freak because I am coughing so much. I'll just walk around with purex wipes and "clean up" after myself.
The broth I made came out well, if I do say so. I roasted a chicken breast with the veggies and some water. I poured off that broth it made and then added a quart of Swanson's chicken stock. I had never made dumplings before and the kids liked that. Just followed the directions on the bisquick box. It was fun to watch them sink into the soup and rise back up. (See how interesting my life is....this is fun for me :P) Trying to think of a new soup for this weekend. Maybe chicken with wild rice, since my broth has been coming out pretty good.
I fixed the handle on the toilet by myself today. Major accomplishment for me, doing these type of plumbing things. I am trying to loosen the bolts on the seat to replace that.
Time for a cup of peppermint tea. I was out sick today and will go in tomorrow. I think my office mates will freak because I am coughing so much. I'll just walk around with purex wipes and "clean up" after myself.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
October 11, nineteen sixty......wait 2009
Today is my birthday and I wasn't going to blog about it, as I was trying to forget how old I am getting. Jack is "making me a comic" and I am sure it will be funny. His cards always are.
Kate is the more serious gift giver. Sweet poems that will make you cry. After church, we ate breakfast together and talked about what they learned that day in CCD. Kate's class discussed Jesus being a Shepherd and we are the sheep. Kate's other analogy was this thought, "Jesus is like our compass, leading us in the right direction." Yeah, she's 12 and she is mine.
I got 4 coupons - 1 freebie, 1 good for 20 hugs, 1 for 5 loads of laundry and 1 for a helper to clean any room of my choice....no expiration date on any of them. The card says: "Don't forget to reach for the stars when you are having a Happy Birthday." The inside says: " May all your birthday wishes come true - Let the compass show you the way."
I hope your day was as good as mine.
Kate is the more serious gift giver. Sweet poems that will make you cry. After church, we ate breakfast together and talked about what they learned that day in CCD. Kate's class discussed Jesus being a Shepherd and we are the sheep. Kate's other analogy was this thought, "Jesus is like our compass, leading us in the right direction." Yeah, she's 12 and she is mine.
I got 4 coupons - 1 freebie, 1 good for 20 hugs, 1 for 5 loads of laundry and 1 for a helper to clean any room of my choice....no expiration date on any of them. The card says: "Don't forget to reach for the stars when you are having a Happy Birthday." The inside says: " May all your birthday wishes come true - Let the compass show you the way."
I hope your day was as good as mine.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
October: Week 2
Still rainy and cold. No "Indian Summer" yet. It that a politically correct term? We made a Jack-o-lantern tonight and toasted the pumpkin seeds. Last weekend we made homemade Chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles. Tomorrow I want to make an Autumn soup recipe I found at www.tasteofhome.com Linda C told me about it. I'll post pics and let you know how it turns out. I have some homemade frozen sauce, so we can always have spaghetti as a backup, plus I bought 2 pizzas from the cheerleaders. Enjoy your Saturday nite. We have some Netflix to watch. :)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
OCTOBER
The leaves are just beginning to turn in PA. We drove down to Rockwood Mill Shops and Opera House and met an old and dear friend. Janet Johns was the librarian in the High School when I joined BBSD 19 years ago....
She was so fun to talk to, knew so much about books and research. The age of the internet entered and it was even more fun. She loved it! and when I found a website she never heard of....I was so proud of myself.
Unfortunately, the strike ended her tenure there. New administration drove many people away. She is trying to talk me into joining her district :)
It must have been a weekend for catching up with people from the past. I saw a former student at the Dairy Bar and he thanked me for all I did for him...giving him a hard time until he performed to the level he was capable of! What a great young man. He earned top Co-op student his senior year.
When I got home from visiting Janet and her husband, there was a message on my machine from another former student. He was in town and wanted to say hi!
I am a lucky girl.
She was so fun to talk to, knew so much about books and research. The age of the internet entered and it was even more fun. She loved it! and when I found a website she never heard of....I was so proud of myself.
Unfortunately, the strike ended her tenure there. New administration drove many people away. She is trying to talk me into joining her district :)
It must have been a weekend for catching up with people from the past. I saw a former student at the Dairy Bar and he thanked me for all I did for him...giving him a hard time until he performed to the level he was capable of! What a great young man. He earned top Co-op student his senior year.
When I got home from visiting Janet and her husband, there was a message on my machine from another former student. He was in town and wanted to say hi!
I am a lucky girl.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Fun Sunday
Gibbs, Jack Bauer and Cherry Blossom
Please note the beautiful rock, shells and beach glass that the fish use for their home!
And Jack Murphy's other addition....the Little Buddha!
My blue beach glass!!!!!!!
Kate's Sunday Night Dinner: Brushetta and Homemade Clam Chowder.
I am reminded it is not quite as good as Mrs. Countryman's potato soup but edible.
"Nothing is more important than spending quality time with your children." who said it? ME!
Didn't do much Friday or Saturday as Jack and I weren't feeling well. When I finally came around it was evening and we played Harry Potter Clue. Very fun, though they both tried to cheat. I have the winner but wanted to play longer so I help out 3-4 more rounds!
After church and CCD today, they quickly got their Homework done as I promised a trip to Johnstown. Had to get out of the house!! Jack has to do three writing entries a week. Most are very funny, today he made a Jack's lib (like Mad libs) lots of fun. Kate had History and tried to pretend she can't read or look up words in the dictionary...I ignore her.
So we hit Michaels for a green poster board...he needs a green screen for this program his art teacher gave him. He made two clamation movies so far and they are quite silly. Then to Petco for some fish. My sister (thanks Annie!) gave him a small aquarium this summer that he cleaned up and it is loaded with all the pretty shells I collected for myself this summer....well my motto...it's all for them...so I let it go. Then I made a wrong turn but passed Starbucks...so we got drinks and visited Game Stop to early Christmas shop....I actually like the Beatles Band for Wii but the bundle is 250.00!!! NO WALMART this trip!!
I got a pat on the head from Jack and thanks all around and then we hit Johnstown's Giant Eagle. Kate wanted to make Brushetta and Jack loves NE clam chowder so we picked up those supplies and food for the week. If you are ever at Johnstown's Giant Eagle, you need to pick up their lemon almond chicken salad. It is the best thing I have ever eaten. Jack loves it!!! Whenever I try to recreate it, I am reminded it doesn't take as good as GE's.
Kate helped me made the chowder, chopping away. It came out pretty good, except not as good as Eat and Park's my son tells me or Mrs. Countryman's potato soup. Kate yells, "you don't tell someone their food is not as good as someone else's while they are eating it."
Jack, "Oh, like you don't tell one girlfriend she isn't as pretty as your previous girlfriend?" Like he has had so many!!! Smart A#@^%$#. But I love him.
Laundry is done, there is a sink load of dishes and I am trying to type this and watch the Colts....love those Manning brothers!!!
We named the fish, Gibbs, Jack Bauer and Sokira (Japenese for cherry blossoms...so Kate says)
Have a great week!
Didn't do much Friday or Saturday as Jack and I weren't feeling well. When I finally came around it was evening and we played Harry Potter Clue. Very fun, though they both tried to cheat. I have the winner but wanted to play longer so I help out 3-4 more rounds!
After church and CCD today, they quickly got their Homework done as I promised a trip to Johnstown. Had to get out of the house!! Jack has to do three writing entries a week. Most are very funny, today he made a Jack's lib (like Mad libs) lots of fun. Kate had History and tried to pretend she can't read or look up words in the dictionary...I ignore her.
So we hit Michaels for a green poster board...he needs a green screen for this program his art teacher gave him. He made two clamation movies so far and they are quite silly. Then to Petco for some fish. My sister (thanks Annie!) gave him a small aquarium this summer that he cleaned up and it is loaded with all the pretty shells I collected for myself this summer....well my motto...it's all for them...so I let it go. Then I made a wrong turn but passed Starbucks...so we got drinks and visited Game Stop to early Christmas shop....I actually like the Beatles Band for Wii but the bundle is 250.00!!! NO WALMART this trip!!
I got a pat on the head from Jack and thanks all around and then we hit Johnstown's Giant Eagle. Kate wanted to make Brushetta and Jack loves NE clam chowder so we picked up those supplies and food for the week. If you are ever at Johnstown's Giant Eagle, you need to pick up their lemon almond chicken salad. It is the best thing I have ever eaten. Jack loves it!!! Whenever I try to recreate it, I am reminded it doesn't take as good as GE's.
Kate helped me made the chowder, chopping away. It came out pretty good, except not as good as Eat and Park's my son tells me or Mrs. Countryman's potato soup. Kate yells, "you don't tell someone their food is not as good as someone else's while they are eating it."
Jack, "Oh, like you don't tell one girlfriend she isn't as pretty as your previous girlfriend?" Like he has had so many!!! Smart A#@^%$#. But I love him.
Laundry is done, there is a sink load of dishes and I am trying to type this and watch the Colts....love those Manning brothers!!!
We named the fish, Gibbs, Jack Bauer and Sokira (Japenese for cherry blossoms...so Kate says)
Have a great week!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
SPORTSMANSHIP
"Sports creates a bond between contemporaries that lasts a lifetime. It also gives your life structure, discipline and a genuine, sincere, pure fulfillment that few other areas of endeavor provide."
-Bob Cousy
It's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game? who said that?
Today, Kate's volleyball team was in a tournament in a nearby county. Seven schools participated. The girls came in 3rd place overall, which is an accomplishment as they played an obnoxious team and a team of 9th graders (Junior High is 7-9 but our girls were 7th and the other team was definitely 9th!)
The coolest thing about the day was not just the general comraderie of the girls. They never were mean to each other if they missed a shot or lost a serve. They just encouraged each other. This didn't surprise me because I had already witnessed this at several games.
No, the coolest thing I saw was our girls cheering for girls for Meyersdale, a neighboring school district. They sat behind their bench and cheered them on. Then the Meyersdale girls reciprocated. Both teams did this throughout the tournament. It was so genuine and so wonderful to see. Typically, its a rivalry nearing Mets v Yankees, but today friendship and supporting your neighbor came first. I didn't see any other schools do this for a neighboring school.
A beautiful sunny fall day, accented with true sportsmanship, friendship and genuine fondness....and by pre-teen girls.
It was a lovely day, indeed.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Making Candy by Kate
This is the chocolate melting on the stove. We didn't have a double boiler so it was in a pie pan on top of a pot of water.
It was a little tricky pouring the chocolate into the molds but we managed.
After 30 minutes in the fridge I popped them out of the mold.
This is me brushing the shells with luster dust to make them shiny.
Finally the finished product!!!Thursday, September 3, 2009
PRAYING WORKS
Ahh, the weekend.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Jack had a horrible practice on Wed and came home crying. Coaches yelled, kids picked on him, glared at him and they had to run because he couldn't remember the plays.....
First reaction: call all those people and yell at them ...stupid gut reaction
Second thought: let him quit..won't fix it it will just make it worse
Third: your son admits he can't quit it will be worse
think, pray, search your brain for some idea of how to get out of this dilemma.
Finally, it came to me, call one of his friends and have him show Jack the plays and how to run them.
It saved the day, until morning came.... Jack was miserable all day and I was useless to fix it...
I CAN'T FIX IT!!
He came home tonight with a smile on his face...he remembered the plays, a kid ran away from him when he blocked and three kids told him "good job"
Sigh...relief...peace
long weekend...homemade noodles at the church picnic Sunday..Kate has some recipes she wants to make
SO what is I get dirty looks as I visit stores in town, because I got a spine this school year...Jack is happy and Kate is happy....that's all that matters.
I can take anything as long as they are happy.
Sorry to worry anyone...
Thanks for all your prayers.
Praying works.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Jack had a horrible practice on Wed and came home crying. Coaches yelled, kids picked on him, glared at him and they had to run because he couldn't remember the plays.....
First reaction: call all those people and yell at them ...stupid gut reaction
Second thought: let him quit..won't fix it it will just make it worse
Third: your son admits he can't quit it will be worse
think, pray, search your brain for some idea of how to get out of this dilemma.
Finally, it came to me, call one of his friends and have him show Jack the plays and how to run them.
It saved the day, until morning came.... Jack was miserable all day and I was useless to fix it...
I CAN'T FIX IT!!
He came home tonight with a smile on his face...he remembered the plays, a kid ran away from him when he blocked and three kids told him "good job"
Sigh...relief...peace
long weekend...homemade noodles at the church picnic Sunday..Kate has some recipes she wants to make
SO what is I get dirty looks as I visit stores in town, because I got a spine this school year...Jack is happy and Kate is happy....that's all that matters.
I can take anything as long as they are happy.
Sorry to worry anyone...
Thanks for all your prayers.
Praying works.
Monday, August 31, 2009
New School Year
Well, here we go...the beginning of Jack's 9th and Kate's 8th year at Berlin.
I wish I could be happy, I just feel so melancholy. It could be many reasons, they are getting older, that's one.
I enjoyed the summer, immensely....almost more than any other to date...that's another.
This football is tough, Jack just hates it....I work my whole life around helping them be happy and to see him hate something so much and be so unhappy, pains me.
Sometimes I look at him and see my brother Steven. I thought of Steven a lot this summer. Partly because I befriended his friends on FB and partly because Jack turned 14 this summer, the same age that Steven was when he died. Also, Jack looks very much like Steven.
Steven's best friend, Mike Meier, named his son, now 14 Stephen...Here is what he said about on FB
: Steven was so outgoing and would go out of his way to help anyone there was no way he could not have a positive impact on the people around him. This is true for your whole family and it all started at home with your Mom and Dad. Everytime I was at your house it I felt like one of the family and thats not only because I too come from a big family. it was because of your Mom and Dad. Them and Beau's parents were my other parents. I could talk with them about anything. You know one of these days I might have to just stop out there at the ole house on shadetree lane and have a cup of coffee with them. :)
I think the last time I saw them both was at Eddie's graduation party and thats too long ago....
and this posting too...
Maria, I have to say this has been nice to talk to you I always knew you guys were going on with life because I always asked Matt how everyone one was doing. It's also nice to talk with others about that night, I never have really spoken to anyone about what happened that night and as Mary has said if you are ever on long island and want to talk just let me know I am sure we could get a bunch of the old group together for a night of drinks and memories.
I visit Steve's grave at least twice a year and have my quiet time with him.
His life and his passing have had a big roll in my life, I do know I changed that night..
and this
It should have NEVER EVER HAPPENED the reason was just so stupid. I still play softball out there at stosky (park) and struggle at times over what happened and being right there I remember how he and I were laughing and having a great time that night, planning what were were going to do that weekend.
He touched my life and I am better for having had him as such a great friend.
I wish I could be happy, I just feel so melancholy. It could be many reasons, they are getting older, that's one.
I enjoyed the summer, immensely....almost more than any other to date...that's another.
This football is tough, Jack just hates it....I work my whole life around helping them be happy and to see him hate something so much and be so unhappy, pains me.
Sometimes I look at him and see my brother Steven. I thought of Steven a lot this summer. Partly because I befriended his friends on FB and partly because Jack turned 14 this summer, the same age that Steven was when he died. Also, Jack looks very much like Steven.
Steven's best friend, Mike Meier, named his son, now 14 Stephen...Here is what he said about on FB
: Steven was so outgoing and would go out of his way to help anyone there was no way he could not have a positive impact on the people around him. This is true for your whole family and it all started at home with your Mom and Dad. Everytime I was at your house it I felt like one of the family and thats not only because I too come from a big family. it was because of your Mom and Dad. Them and Beau's parents were my other parents. I could talk with them about anything. You know one of these days I might have to just stop out there at the ole house on shadetree lane and have a cup of coffee with them. :)
I think the last time I saw them both was at Eddie's graduation party and thats too long ago....
and this posting too...
Maria, I have to say this has been nice to talk to you I always knew you guys were going on with life because I always asked Matt how everyone one was doing. It's also nice to talk with others about that night, I never have really spoken to anyone about what happened that night and as Mary has said if you are ever on long island and want to talk just let me know I am sure we could get a bunch of the old group together for a night of drinks and memories.
I visit Steve's grave at least twice a year and have my quiet time with him.
His life and his passing have had a big roll in my life, I do know I changed that night..
and this
It should have NEVER EVER HAPPENED the reason was just so stupid. I still play softball out there at stosky (park) and struggle at times over what happened and being right there I remember how he and I were laughing and having a great time that night, planning what were were going to do that weekend.
He touched my life and I am better for having had him as such a great friend.
Thanks Mike for remembering my brother.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Gabriel
This summer has been filled with many great adventures for us. We went to some pretty cool places and spent time with my family. One of the best things we did was spend some time with my mother’s friend, Caroline. She has a backyard pool and her granddaughter, Amelia is Kate’s age. The three kids had lots of fun swimming and playing together. Amelia was in for a short visit.
Carolina and her husband are also raising their grandson, who has autism. Gabriel is five years old and a great little guy. His speech has come a long way since last summer and he loves bubbles, swinging, swimming and riding his tricycle (like any 5 year old) around the driveway following the arrows that Jack and Kate make on the driveway (not like a typical 5 year old). I know I brag about my kids a lot but I have to say they are wonderful with this little guy. They get him to eat his dinner, (he currently eats meatloaf and watermelon and pizza) and he hates to eat. (Caroline makes the meatloaf with ground turkey, grated carrots and broccoli and oatmeal-he WON’T eat vegetables) They get him to talk and interact with them and they were so persistent with him.
He would get off the bus from summer school and hide when he saw them. Sometimes it took ½ hour before he would play with them. After a few days they figured out he loved goldfish crackers and by the last week, he came off the bus, hide behind his grandfather and 2 seconds after a goldfish was playing on the swings or getting them to make more arrows on the driveway. He can count to 100 and wanted to swing and have the kids count with them. At one point, Jack said, “We’ve done this 5 times!” He can also read already (he is entering Kindergarten) and they would write different words on the driveway, “Stop, turn around, go back” When swimming in the pool, he would recite the rule, “Don’t go down there.” And point to the deep end and then try to run down to the diving board. It took all three of us to redirect him to stay in the low end of the pool.
Besides getting to know Gabriel, my mom got to see my kids interact with him. They displayed patience, understanding, compassion and problem solving skills beyond their years. They would ask me questions on the way home from a visit, “Why does he eat so fast?” or make a comment, “Those shows on Boom-a-rang are great for kids with Autism, they repeat things for them so they can learn.”
They are learning to look at the person first and the “disability” second. After the last day the kids and I went there, Caroline told me that Gabriel looked out the window at his swings and said, “Jack, Kate, Ring around a Rosy.” (they played that together too) And that night in his evening prayers he added their names to his “God Bless” list. Caroline said she was so grateful for their friendship and patience with Gabriel. Yet I wonder who gets more from the relationship, Gabriel or Jack and Kate? That is a pretty special prayer list to be on.
Jack's Cannonball!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Shea.....I mean Citi Field
But my best memories of the summers growing up were swimming in the Sound and.....following the Mets. We would watch those dumb bas***** lose game after game and sometimes pullout a win. We watched them on the old independent station, channel 9 WOR-TV. When they weren't on TV we listened to them on the radio, sometimes taking my dad's old transistor down to the beach to listen when we dared to leave the house if a game were on.
The summer always culminated with my dad taking his 2 weeks vacation. He joked that they were "honey-dew" vacations, "Honey do this, honey do that." But he always made time to take us to Shea for a game. The first game we went to the Mets played the Reds (the Big Red Machine of the 70's) The best had been on a losing streak of course but they beat the Reds that day 12-2. I still remember it. My brother Steven wanted to collect hats from the different ball teams and my dad had bought him a Reds hat. He got harassed leaving the stadium wearing that hat!
Sometimes we brought a neighbor kid, David, or one of the younger kids brought a friend. My grandfather would go with us and my aunt too. Mr. Shea (yes there is a Mr. Shea) went to Catholic schools in NYC and loved the nuns and would have a nun's day and give them tickets for their families. So we got to go to a few games from my Aunt Margaret. (a sister of St. Joseph in Brooklyn, still teaching 8th grade!)
Every time I have been to Pittsburgh stadium, it was to watch the Mets, win or lose. I'm a fan. Jack spent his first birthday at a Met game at Pirates stadium and got on Diamond vision. My sister and her husband were in for a visit.
The kids first game at Shea, we had seats in section QQ in the upper deck. Andrea swore there were seats past us, but no...Shea Stadium stopped at QQ. We had the last seats in that stadium and the kids were 5 and 3 the summer of 2000! It was crazy. Fireworks nite, sell out game (56,000+) they were playing the braves and we hated the braves that year. What a great game! Mike Piazza got a grandslam homer in the 8th and the Mets came from behind to win 12-8 or something. My brother Matt has it taped from "Mets Classics" (My family is crazy for them!)
We always try to get to a game each summer, sort of a family reunion place."Let's meet at a game!" It is fun and nostalgic and win or lose we always have a good time. Usually I am with a sibling and they can help with the kids, or do the driving or at least be a co-pilot. This was my summer of true Independence because I was meeting Annie and her new beau at the game and I had to drive myself. The train takes too long. The game was at 7 and I left at 2:15! No traffic and we got there by 4:15. The parking lot was sparse and these kids that were parked next to us were grilling Nathan's hot dogs and offered us some. I was not prepared with anything to eat beyond goldfish crackers. That was the best hot dog! The kid had a charcoal grill. They had everything, hot dogs, hamburgers, camp chair and table and don't let people tell you New Yorkers are rude. They were high school kids and they were so nice and friendly and polite. It was refreshing.
I thought we would see a win. It was the top of the 9th and they were winning 7-4. I took kate for nachos...("Now? the game is almost over?!") well I get back to my seat and the game is tied and then extra innings and to make a too long blog short, they lost! 12-7. The Mets suck.
But we had a nice time at Citi Field. Because we got there early we saw some batting practice, looked at the misplaced tribute to Jackie Robinson (we played for the Brooklyn Dodgers NOT the Mets) used the batting cage, threw balls at the dunk tank, bought some T-shirts (Daniel Murphy and David Wright!) This one candy shop had a Mr. Met made out of jelly beans. And we got to spend the nite with Annie and James.
Sorry for blabbing, enjoy the pictures.
Cowbell Man
Jelly Bean Mr. Met
David Wright (sigh)
Friday, August 14, 2009
She is becoming a very good chef
(This blog was written by Kate)
The sun shined most of the summer but there were a lot of rainy days. On the dreary rainy days I took advantage of the time and cooked a variety of dishes. I made apple pie with flower and heart designs on it. I think it definitely added to the appearance of the pie. All it needed was cinnamon and sugar and it was good to go.
I usually went to bed around 1 o’clock this summer so I would wake up at 11:00 sometimes later or earlier. But one day when I woke up at 9:00, I thought that it would be interesting to make veggie sandwiches for lunch. I also helped my mom make a pasta salad. My grandma’s cousin was coming for lunch.
Flavorful grilled zucchini and eggplant, sprinkled with feta cheese on toasted Ciabatta bread.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Back Home and Random Thoughts
I really have not right to be down..but alas...I am. It was so nice spending that time with my family. Though it isn't reality. Staying there like that is fun but not real. I mean, if we lived there we wouldn't even see them that much. Do we appreciate it more because we only see them in chunks like that?
I want to know...why is it easier to do dishes at my mothers house than my own?...it is also easier to clean the bathroom, living room and to cook. It is crazy.
Though I enjoyed the kids when they were so little and helpless, I have to say this Summer goes down as one of the best. The older they get, the more fun we have doing stuff and going places.
Jack is almost as tall as me and Kate will NOT be able to fit into any of her capris or jeans...I fear.
Wow...7th and 8th grade...scares me.
I want to know...why is it easier to do dishes at my mothers house than my own?...it is also easier to clean the bathroom, living room and to cook. It is crazy.
Though I enjoyed the kids when they were so little and helpless, I have to say this Summer goes down as one of the best. The older they get, the more fun we have doing stuff and going places.
Jack is almost as tall as me and Kate will NOT be able to fit into any of her capris or jeans...I fear.
Wow...7th and 8th grade...scares me.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Madame Toussand's
We went to Madame Toussand's when we were in the city a few weeks ago. I forgot the camera so this were taken with a disposable. (they got me for $15.00 for the dam thing!) but I HAD to take pictures. It was a neat experience and because we dressed in yellow, we got a discount.....celebrating Sponge Bob's B-day. They had a wax figure of him too. The kids and I thought they looked more real up close and fake in the photos. Enjoy!
Even though the Mets suck, ya gotta love this guy.
Forget Paula and Randy....what about Jack and Kate!
or add them to your dose of the "Today Show"
Singing with Johnny cash
Dracula's next victim
This was inspiring. these were the firefighters who raised the flag at the end of the day on 9/11
Posing with the presidents
Hanging out with JP2
Kate and Rachel Ray
Harrison Ford
Carrie Underwood
I hate these two but Kate wanted the pic.
"Make it so!" Baba Wawa.Monday, August 3, 2009
Van Gogh the Fifth Ninja Turtle (written by Jack)
This is my pet turtle “Van Gogh the Fifth Ninja Turtle”. Do you get it? Sometimes people don’t. Van Gogh is a red-earred slider turtle. They originated in Texas but after being kept as pets they spread all over America. Van Gogh is just a baby so he is very small. In a few years he will reach full size. The average size turtle can be eight to ten inches. Sometimes they even grow longer than that! My mom was just thrilled when I told her that. Van Gogh loves to eat and by eat I mean anything! And by anything I mean anything except vegetables! I try to feed him vegetables but he doesn’t eat them. What he does eat is shrimp (sun dried shrimp from a can), any type of seafood, chicken, hamburger meat (I cut off a tiny pieces), and one time a piece of steak. Well I don’t want to bore you. Please enjoy your feature presentation.
Van Gogh Bustin' out a Ninja Move!
Van Gogh eating from my hand.
Van Gogh doing something awesome!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Since getting cable we have gotten hooked on Food network, tlc, usa, cartoon network etc.
I always thought it would be cool to visit one of the places Guy Fieri goes to on his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. When Jack saw the steamed clams and clams casino on this episode with the Black Duck, I googled it and saw it was in Westport,CT.
Last Sunday I finally kept my promise to Annie and the kids and I went on one of our adventures. We drove the hour to the ferry and were in the first group on and the first ones off! (when does that ever happen?) We went to the youth mass at her church. We are so very conservative in PA. This mass had people clapping, waving their arms, cheering and applauding for the music when church is over. We are just not used to that. I was so proud of my sister. She was up there on the alter leading the congregation, talking, playing guitar and singing, leading the young people. Talk about multi-tasking. She is incredible and inspiring.
Afterwards we had dinner with her and her boyfriend and really enjoyed ourselves. Later we skyped with Kathy and the kids and enjoyed getting to know James. He lives close to Westport and had been to the Black Duck before. He joined us for lunch the next day and we ate till we almost burst. Jack had not eaten breakfast because he was so excited to fill up on seafood. We had a huge bowl of steamed clams and clams casino as an appetizer. Lots of melted butter and lemon wedges. I was so full I just got soup and salad for lunch. Of course it was new england clam chowder! Jack liked mine so much he got his own, plus crabs cakes and sweet potato fries. Kate had the same. They both have hollow legs!
It really was a dive, the floor was slanted and it had maybe a dozen tables. It is actually a barge that sits on top of a sunken barge. It looked like it was about to collapse into the water. What a cool experience though. After lunch James gave us a tour of Westport. What a beautiful town. It smells like money. The homes were fabulous, lots of old stone, and the view of the Sound, breathtaking! James is an architect and showed us a couple of projects he had worked on. One was and old red barn he helped design into a home. Really neat.
I always thought it would be cool to visit one of the places Guy Fieri goes to on his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. When Jack saw the steamed clams and clams casino on this episode with the Black Duck, I googled it and saw it was in Westport,CT.
Last Sunday I finally kept my promise to Annie and the kids and I went on one of our adventures. We drove the hour to the ferry and were in the first group on and the first ones off! (when does that ever happen?) We went to the youth mass at her church. We are so very conservative in PA. This mass had people clapping, waving their arms, cheering and applauding for the music when church is over. We are just not used to that. I was so proud of my sister. She was up there on the alter leading the congregation, talking, playing guitar and singing, leading the young people. Talk about multi-tasking. She is incredible and inspiring.
Afterwards we had dinner with her and her boyfriend and really enjoyed ourselves. Later we skyped with Kathy and the kids and enjoyed getting to know James. He lives close to Westport and had been to the Black Duck before. He joined us for lunch the next day and we ate till we almost burst. Jack had not eaten breakfast because he was so excited to fill up on seafood. We had a huge bowl of steamed clams and clams casino as an appetizer. Lots of melted butter and lemon wedges. I was so full I just got soup and salad for lunch. Of course it was new england clam chowder! Jack liked mine so much he got his own, plus crabs cakes and sweet potato fries. Kate had the same. They both have hollow legs!
It really was a dive, the floor was slanted and it had maybe a dozen tables. It is actually a barge that sits on top of a sunken barge. It looked like it was about to collapse into the water. What a cool experience though. After lunch James gave us a tour of Westport. What a beautiful town. It smells like money. The homes were fabulous, lots of old stone, and the view of the Sound, breathtaking! James is an architect and showed us a couple of projects he had worked on. One was and old red barn he helped design into a home. Really neat.
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