THE PAST 24 HOURS

Whew, we celebrated the 100th day of school. Got home, discovered a BIG package on our front porch and this is what we got. One Lego Mindstorms!!! We didn't have enough time to put it together because we had other things on the agenda, like getting homework done. That was the only stipulation, homework first, then play.

Levi has been saving his money all year and we finally were able to get what he REALLY wanted. The boy loves Lego's and he loves robots so this would be the natural answer. He couldn't wait to get it opened.
This is as far as he got. I let him read the manual for his bed time reading.
In the meantime, Naomi and I are working on her loose tooth. She was so brave and determined. She ask me if she pulled her tooth could she get on my new workout machine (which she knows is off limits). Of course I said yes to one time not thinking she would go through with it. Now I know, when she puts her mind to it she will get what she wants.
What do you think she's thinking???
The new workout machine, the gazelle. Demonstrated backwards by Elijah trying to show off his abs.

THE CABIN

Life at The Cabin. There once was a time when my parents went there every chance they could get. Mostly to work on it, but it always involved a lot of play time too. Back in '97 Elijah and I were invited to spend some time. My family is always willing to invite an extra or two when fun is involved! So off we went for a week with the family. When we got there we were surprised to see that Uncle Jim and Cindy had stopped and got some steamed crabs to bring with them. It was so unexpected, and oh, so good. They are my favorite, complete with ole bay!!! We had a wonderful time. Elijah got to write his name in concrete, ride on a tractor, move some mulch and ride his bike. I'm sure there was so much more, but being 10 years ago, that's what the pictures tell me.

So, keeping with the thought that we are going for feeling and memories, enjoy the pics made not so long ago. If you read this Uncle Jim and Aunt Cindy, thank you for sharing your cabin and taking care of Elijah and me in our time of need. We love you. Thanks also Meme and Pop for all that you do for us each and every day. We love you too! Upon arrival, met with the BIG box of crabs and of course had to dig in immediately! Mmmm finger licking good!
Elijah and Peanut hamming it up. Well, it looks like at least one of them was having fun.
Elijah and Pop having the time of his life.
Boys just can't get enough, he was in heaven!

Relaxing after a hard days work.
PLAY TIME
The cabin from the front.
Side view.
Look at those crabs! Pretty.

MY FAMILY...a look back

These stuck out when I was going through the pictures. Everything that I have picked to post is random, and in no order. Not nececerrily great of everyone, but for the joy of entertainment I have decided to share. I'm amazed at how fast time has flown by, and am very thankful to have pictures to help me remember yesterday. This is bad, and the whole reason I started to organize my picks. I can't remember what year it is. I think it is 1996 from the looks of Hannah. It was her first haircut, that is what Molly and I are doing, saving her hair. What really took me was the look on her and Pop's face. What was being said??? McKenzie has a look on her face too, how funny! Any ideas for a name for this photo?
I remember taking this pic even though it is 12 years old! I couldn't believe how cute they looked sitting together almost identical. I always thought Elijah reminded me of Pop, but this was the proof! Pop is holding Elijah's favorite blanket that was never too far from him. Thoughts on a name for this one?
I think this is a great picture of my Mom and Dad. It was taken at the Opery Land Hotel in 1996. They are standing in front of a HUGE tree made of poinsettias.

LIIVING IN THE PAST

I told you I have been going through old photos, now please bear with me while I share them with you! I have had lots of good laughs, lots of I can't believe it moments, and spend lots of time in my office. You wouldn't be able to tell by looking now but it's getting there. It takes time to go through every picture! So, I'll start with the house you have seen so many pictures of. This was taken in 1997 after it was first purchased. Front.
Out back. We have since added a drive in the back right corner and lots of other stuff too.
Elijah with his friend Tyler.
This was made in 2005, big difference.

I have more landscape pictures but this was it at the time!

MY DREAMS

As I have mentioned before, I have been on a quest to learn more about myself through my dreams. I feel very good and positive about what I have been dreaming even if I don't know what it all means. I just wanted to share a little bit of what I have dreamed in the past week. You are always welcome to add your comments and thoughts! This is the shortened abbreviated version but hits the highlights.

Driving in front of a grocery store in a convertible. There is a break in the road but a large metal bridge is there so that cars can pass. I see a car drive onto the bridge, it fails and the car tips. No problem people are there to straighten it out and it passes. So I do the same, with the same results.

The next two nights I dream the same dream. I am with my family and we are crossing a bridge with water on one side. One night I am on a bike the next I am on roller blades (go figure, Dina). We meet up in the cafeteria for lunch, waiting in line for the buffet.

This night I am in the kitchen of my old salon. I see several of my old co-workers. I am getting in the refrigerator and getting out raw steaks.

The past two nights I have dreamt non stop. I can't remember all of them but this is was stuck with me when I woke up. Night before last I am looking out in a field at a house, Levi is with me. In the foreground is a place where there were three trees (big pines) that had been taken down. It left three circles on the ground.

Last, is last night. I must start with, I hardly (never) dream about my mom. In this dream she is with me walking around an outdoor market/craft show with cool exhibits. The first one we stop at has a table with beautiful crystals. Thinking they were free, since no one was around, I pick up the emerald. Just then someone comes out and says they're for display only. Next we go to a curtain and behind it is a petrified (as in fossil) eagle. It has vibrant colors and is very cool! Went on and looked at several other things such as hats and bags. A costume that was supposed to be Winnie the Poo but looked a lot like Tigger. I do remember that Mom had picked me up in part of the dream and that when she set me down, I offered to carry her???!!!!(what does that mean). Last, we are back at the house and I throw up. (Levi threw up earlier in the day with the stomache bug in real life).

I know I sound crazy, but I have woke up every morning feeling great. I have looked up most of the meanings in my dream book and they say I am on my way to connecting with my spiritual self, a complete package, getting to the meat of the matter. I think it is cool and wish I could remember more upon awakening. To lazy to write in the middle of the night, but that may be what I do if I want to dig deeper. Of course, I can't image getting any deeper that this!

THE LINE UP

We had a great weekend with the family! We (the adults) relaxed and let them play. And boy did they! Between the Wii, and the PlayStation and the many other kid toys we have around here, we barely saw them. Except for various times of feeding. Now that they are getting older, they are very independent and have always played together well.

These are the only pictures I managed to get. I didn't want to disturb a good thing. Katherine and I went out shopping Sunday afternoon to pick up her an apron. I had got Naomi's at Tuesday Morning for a really good price and when she said she would like to have one I couldn't resist. But you know I can not do for one and not the others so Emily and Chris ended up with theirs too. With a little help from the fabric paint, we know who's is who's. Our little posers!
Not quite sure about this one. My boys look like they're up to something!!!

SNOW DAY

Unexpected day off! We woke up to this beautiful sight. The temperature has risen from the bitter cold we have had the last couple of days. It brought the snow and rain with it. No matter, it was my day off anyway, so the kids got a play day out of it. Levi is spending the day with a friend, Elijah and Naomi are movie bound and I'm still working in my office.

I had to get out for a early morning mammogram so I was concerned about the roads. Ours was mostly clear but some of the others were not. I didn' t have any trouble, but I could see why school was called off! Looking out back.
Not much snow, but a pretty sight.
Another pretty sight! Joe after scrapping his truck, ready to go to work.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Dinners over, I tried a new recipe that didn't go over so well. I thought it tasted OK, worth a try, but no rave reviews. It's cold out side, the kid are playing the Wii, loving it! Elijah's got male chorus day at the university tomorrow and we'll just be hanging out waiting for the cousins!!! It's going to be another wild weekend, and I can't wait.

THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

There were a few questions that I thought about putting in my original post about the owl puke, but didn't. So, for anyone interested, here is the rest of the story.

A few years ago Elijah was given this as a gift. He thought it was cool, but never took the time to do it. He read the book that went with it, but never felt the need to see was it was all about. Thinking it was so cool, I ask him about it a few times but that was that. A few months ago Levi did one in school and that renewed my interest. While doing a thorough clean and purge of Elijah's room, I came across it again. Ask him if he wanted to work on it and he didn't seem interested so I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to see for myself what was in there! That's WHY I did it. I just couldn't throw it away!!!!

No, I thought about the gloves too, and really wanted to wear them but didn't feel like I could do as good of a job with the delicate parts. Since Levi had done his I ask them what they used. He didn't find half the bones I did because he used a big stick and the toothpick.

As for the children, Elijah was at his dads. Levi and Naomi were just hanging out playing. They would come by occasionally and watch me. I ask them if they wanted to help and Naomi said, "NO WAY!" Levi was deep into his Lego's so I knew there was no way he was going to stop.

Lastly, when an owl eats their prey, they swallow it whole. Unable to digest the bones and fur, they stay in the gizzard until the owl is done digesting its meal. After several hours the gizzard shaped pellet is formed. It can sit in the ptoventriculus for up to ten hours! Owls puke on a regular cycle, usually leaving pellets in the same place each time. So, when the owl is ready to get rid of the pellet, it closes its eyes. Then the bird stretches its neck and out drops the pellet! Is that cool or what! Interesting post and a nature lesson too. Any more questions, I'll do my best to answer.

Oh, and you just gotta click on the pictures to get the FULL effect!

OWL PUKE

If you ever wanted to see owl puke, here it is! Rumor is, not everyone likes to view pics through flickr, and with something this cool I had to post a few more than usual. ENJOY. I am such a procrastinator, and with so much to do around here, I thought I would spend a few hours totally engrossed in this. Just couldn't think of anything better to do, not organize pictures, clean a few rooms (I did do a little laundry) nope, nothing. Fresh out of the package. Wrapped in aluminum foil and sealed in a baggie. Very firm, the book said to soak it first to make it easier.
Always one to follow instructions, since I am older, at least. I put it in water not knowing what to expect.
Should have known, something that looks like poo when dry would look like this when wet! I am starting to regret my choice in projects about this time. That, and the thought that I will have to get it out of the water was not appealing to me.
Bravely, I fish it out. It feels soft and a little slimy and quickly falls apart. Then the smell hits me. What was I thinking!!!
This is the tray to help sort all the parts. Trying to take my mind of the smell and task at hand. I think it is really cool. I felt like a scientist, or thinking of my cousin in the lab working with different specimen.

One of the first things I see. I'm getting excited now!
I can't believe it! My owl was hungry! Not one, but two rats (mice?) Now I have been sitting here smelling that funky smell and am ready to finish this. Not one to give up so easy, I think it can't take much longer. And I really want to see what's in the other one!
Here it is, the other half! It seemed to go quicker but I realize I am in the right profession. I could NEVER sit still that long! Even if it was doing something really cool, I just don't have it in me.
Wow! I must be a little off but I have always been fascinated with bones. Must have been all those episodes of Quincy when I was growing up.
The finished product. All that is left to do is glue them on a paper, minus the hair. I will be ditching it first thing!

I hope I didn't gross anyone out with my post today. I have always said I am a little different (maybe not) and you never know what you will experience hanging out with me!

Dinner, anyone?

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Kids say the darnedest things. Which reminds me of a funny story. We were riding home from the store the other night when much discussion ensued. I can't remember what the discussion was about, just the fact that everyone was talking. Then it happened, someone got upset that someone else had a comment. So of course I jump in with, "you don't always have to comment on someone else's discussion." The discussion goes on and Levi says to Naomi, "There's no need for your opinion." Naomi, clearly upset says, "Don't call me a pin yon." Pause, "Mommy, what's a pin yon?" That stopped the conversation as we were pulling in the driveway laughing. I say "Sometimes you just have to enjoy the moment."

Last night

I know I had a couple of dreams last night. The only one I can remember is my first one because I woke up and repeated to myself several times to try and remember. Of course I can't recall all of it, but what I remember is...

I was at my old grade school. Someone needed to let the horses out. It seemed that I was on my way to do this. When I went outside there was a line of kids to get into church. I look down and I have a big tote bag full of huge candy canes. I see Joe in the front of the line and I know I am supposed to meet him. I am trying to decide what would be the best route. Straight or make my way around. Just then the line moves and I am able to go straight. It starts to drizzle and my candy canes turn into and umbrella. The dream was calm and good feeling.

Umbrella-protective accessories, suggest along with the rain I am being battered with my emotions.
Husband-it could mean anything from my relationship with Joe to the male side of me.
Lines-is a symbol of movement but also a boundary, a straight line is wanting an efficient way to reach my goals.
Horse-it has several meanings starting with male sexuality. The represent urges that we have learned to harness, in general the represent positive things that are happening.

Any thoughts?

MOMMA'S HELPERS

You know my thoughts and actions are random. Not quite sure why I do the things I do, just seem like a good idea at the time.

This happens to be one of those ideas. Now I'm tired. I stayed up too late trying to get a grip on this. All I wanted to do was get a little order, but I think it back fired, no order here! I did get a good start though, I am organized up to the 90's. Only 17 more years to go!!! You can see with all the help I have, I should have it done in no time.

Seriously, I really enjoy doing this stuff. I get lost in the moment and then move on to the next one. At least in this room I can shut the door until I get it cleaned up and no one will know, except you.

I MUST BE DREAMING

Does anyone out there remember their dreams?

I have always loved to dream. Over the years I have given much thought to my dreams. I don't always remember them, and quite often I have to put forth a lot of effort to recall them. I have been doing some research, trying to dig deeper into the meanings. It seems that most recently as in the past few months I have been dreaming of houses, rooms, dressers. What does it all mean?!

I think our bodies are powerful beings. So complex and yet so simple. It's one thing to contemplate the meaning of life, it's another to contemplate how to make the most of it. I think the only way to do that is with solitude and time. Our lives are so full of the busy day to day that one must make time to stop and listen to our bodies. What are they telling us? Feed me, exercise me, rest me, love me...

That is my goal for the new year, really listen to my body and find out what I need. I know you are thinking I should already be doing that, and I am. I just want to dig deeper. I feel good, really good and I guess that is what has got me thinking. I want to stay like this forever, only better. If I have the tools that will only help. Of course, I know nothing is set in stone and this is only the beginning. If I can't improve myself, how can I be an example for others?

Give me your thoughts, I will come back to this topic later.

What I did over the Christmas break

I've been thinking...How am I ever going to explain the fun we had over the Christmas break? Then it hit me, go on and make that flickr account. So, I did it! Some of the photos aren't great, but they show what a good time we had. You can click on any of them to see them larger.

They are very random as you may notice, but they range from the day we arrive at Meme and Pop's to celebrating New Years Eve at home.

I couldn't have ask for a longer more relaxing time than I have had over the past two weeks. We got the family a Wii for good times together. It was a lot of fun and everyone got involved. Before the weekend was even over, some of the family had to get rub downs to continue playing. That was funny. So was the fact that I scored 73 on my fitness test! It's a good thing I'm not discouraged easily. Sam was the funniest, saying how good he was. He was good, just not modest about his accomplishments.

The one's made at our home are of my dearest friend in the world, Kim and her sweetheart Steven. They got into the Wii action also at the urging of my boys. Guitar Hero was also a big hit! I was terrible at it but have since gotten a little better. Naomi got a doctors kit from Santa so everyone including the dog had to get and exam, and a SHOT.

Enjoy the pics and let me know what you think. I've been looking at all those old photo's so be prepared to relive the past, just a little bit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!

Happy Birthday, Molly! Since she never checks my blog, I don't have to fear any complaints from posting this picture.

It was made on my wedding day, she and Larry came to stand up for us.

While I was talking to her on the phone tonight, I said I couldn't believe we were both in our 40's. She agreed, saying that she didn't feel like she was 40. I know it is only a number, I am happy to see another year. We talked about our kids and our future. Even though we don't get to talk very much, I know that she is only a phone call away. We get to share a few laughs and a few stories and then back into our own busy lives.

10 YEARS AGO TODAY

I can hardly believe that 10 years have gone by! Looking back at these pictures I had to laugh, it's amazing how much we all have changed. It only seems like yesterday, but the pictures don't lie. 10 years ago today Joe and I made the decision to blend our families. I knew my family could handle "one more" but Joe's family was a different story. They had not been around little kids too much, and our family had LOTS of little kids moving fast! I guess you could say, we changed our, and our families lives forever. 10 years later and it only seems like the beginning. Paul, Lee, Joe, Elijah, Kathy, Dianne and Estil= One big happy family.
Just the beginning....
Wedding photo, trying to create professional photos.
Unity.
Look at us 10 years later. We haven't changed a bit :)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY, I love you!