The jinx!

This is my sweetie...all dressed up.  Of course he looks completely thrilled with me taking his picture at 6:30am!  But I wanted to catch him before he caught his flight.  He's in Texas...you know what that means.

I wound up at the doctors, the puppy has been throwing up all night.  But that's how it goes when he travels...its the jinx!

So in an effort to make me laugh, these are the Snap Chats I got from Will.  And they worked.  I almost spit my water across my desk!

Hope they give you all a laugh too.  I'm off to take care of the puppy.

Success!

For the most part, Jeff and I are always on the same page.  We have the same taste in food, television, politics.  We only seem to have differing opinions when it comes to what to keep and what to throw away.  I would keep every magazine and cardboard box that enters this house.  Jeff would keep every rusty nail and non-working engine.

For the most part, we've each learned to live with it.  That is, until Jeff can't get to the thermostat because it's in the craft room behind a 2 foot stack of magazines.  Or until I can no longer park in the garage because we have too many non-working "projects" taking up my parking spot.  

So today, we compromised.  I recycled a box full of stuff in the craft room and Jeff decided to part with the tractor that died months ago.  It was a win/win for everyone!  Now I can park in the garage and Jeff will be toasty warm since he can now adjust the heat.

Go Panthers!

Oh, it was awesome!  The First Annual Little Miami Band Festival.

As much as I love football, it was wonderful to see an evening of just the bands.  Five bands followed by the amazing Marching Panthers.  Mom, Jeff and I got to enjoy the wonderful weather while listening to some of the best bands in the area.  It's the next best thing to Varsity Show.  We've been home for just a bit and I'm already looking forward to next years!

And thanks for the giggle, Will!  Glad to see you were having fun too!

Courage.

I was so busy today, I didn't get a chance to snap a shot.  Truthfully, I did snap a few shots, but no one wants to see handmade baby clothes.  It wasn't until after nine that Jeff and I finished eating, cleaning, grocery shopping and planning all the weekend errands.  So with our few free hours, I begged to watch new television.  Specifically, The Micheal J. Fox Show.  We've spent several years watching the former Alex P. Keaton (I know, that ages all of us!) on The Good Wife and I couldn't wait to see him as a headliner once again.  Which got us to talking...

It seems there is an equally large portion of the population that just couldn't bring themselves to watch it.  It was the subject of lunch conversation at work today for Jeff.  Watching him with Parkinson's was too much for some to take.  Some preferred to remember him as he was...as though he were deceased.

I know that the boys won't watch it.  They probably don't know who Michael J. Fox is.  They certainly don't know who Alex P. Keaton is.  So I'm here to teach them.  In a day where the stupid outbursts by Kayne West and Miley Cyrus are what makes the news, heroic acts by the likes of Michael J. Fox go unnoticed.  His courage is astounding.  His story is uplifting.  He's a role model...the real kind.  The type of person you hope the kids will grow up to be.

I hope people will be able to look past the "shake" to see the real person underneath.  It's so easy to watch the healthy morons.  Don't we owe the same to those that we aspire to be?

PS.  If you're reading this and you don't know who Alex P. Keaton is....look it up.  Watch the show.  I know a few kids that may see themselves in him :)

Throwback Thursday!

Time flies when you you're having fun!  Although, I'm not sure Jeff will agree with that when he sees my throwback picture...

It was on this day, four years ago that this was the view.  I'd almost forgotten what a mess the basement was and how much work was involved in finishing it.  All in the name of having a "real" studio.

I can't say how much I appreciate all the work.  Well, with the exception of maybe Hunters painting of the bathroom!  But really, if it weren't for all of our hard work, I wouldn't have been able to create this....so thanks!

Yay, it's September!!

It's my favorite week of the year!  While I miss the Ingles, I was so exited to see Bones and Booth.  We've recorded a million shows and only one or two will make the cut and remain on the DVR for the season.  We don't go out, we haven't seen a movie in the theater in over a year.  So this is our entertainment (other than the puppies!).   So good bye Little House, I'll see you again at camp.  And hello Revolution, I've missed you so!

Just a little love.

Someone just needs a little love.  Can you tell that we've been gone a little more than normal?  She must be desperate for attention if she curls up with Jeff.  Just wait until Mom gets here this weekend...she'll have more love than she can handle!

Edited to add...This was just before I let her out, she chased down and tried to kill Clark.  Oh, the life of a zookeeper.

PS.  Clark is fine.  But I don't think he'll go into the fenced area for quite some time.

Something wonderful.

It's what I try to remind myself each day and I thought it was worth sharing.  We all have moments that we feel alone or afraid; that's what makes us human.  It is how we handle ourselves in those moments that define us.  So if you're 10, 19, 40 or even a little older, find something wonderful to say to yourself.  It'll change your whole day....and that can change your whole life.

So Lucky!

What a busy weekend!  An overnight at Lost Hollow, sessions, editing and work.  All followed by a trip to Columbus, a visit with Hunter and Grandma Trees' 90th birthday party.  Whew, I'm one tired girl.

But sitting here tonight, I got to thinking.  How lucky is someone to make it to the age of 90?  Ok, so luck may not have a lot to do with it, but you get my point.  I can only hope that I'm that blessed.

I want to watch every single second of them growing up.  I want to see my boys become graduates, husbands, parents and grandparents.  I want to be surrounded by the love of my great grandchildren.  How awesome would that be?

Are you tired?

Down side of no internet service?  No blog last night.  Sorry all!

But we're back and when Jeff walked in with the mail today, he was like a kid in a candy store.  So excited!  I just couldn't figure out what shipped from Walmart that could be all that exciting.  I was wrong!

Jeff is the master of the obscure.  Finding just the right solution for any problem.  Unfortunately, bug bites are a problem (those little buggers just love me this season!).  Fortunately, Jeff has some mad "Google" skills so he ran across a recommendation from The Doctors and this is it....

Its a Thermapik.  It's doctor recommended and it zaps your bites away with a high voltage jolt of heat.  At this point, I'll try anything.  Although I made it through the weekend without a bite.  Maybe my attitude is scaring them off!  Either way, I'm going to stick it in my purse.  For me, for the boys, for Jeff...for anyone that is tired of scratching!

Throwback Thursday!

It's football season! 

Poor Will has had to miss every Eagles game.  If it's not band, it's McDonalds.  So he was pretty stoked tonight to have the night off and the Eagles game on TV.  Of course, five minutes into the game, I could hear him yelling!   But win or lose (and lets home they win!), he's a die hard fan.  

Which brings me to my throwback picture...

I don't know what's more impressive.  The hand drawn cake or Dr. Morris' magic on Will's teeth.  Did I mention we're hoping he gets those braces off soon?

She's finally back!

I love my hubby.  I love the boys.  I almost always love the puppies and kittens.  I really, really, really like ice cream.

But I am head over heals in love with Neato.  And she's been under the weather for a few months.  A little work and she's back to her normal, awesome self!  Which brings me back to the first point, I love my hubby.  Thank you for fixing her!

It's finally here.

Ahhhh, Fall has arrived. These are my favorite days...cool mornings and warm days.  I'm thankful for each and every one of them.  Especially since this will seem balmy in a few more months.  But I have to admit, it was a little chilly in here this morning!

Ah, they're home.

The funeral is over and the boys are home.  Will's a little discouraged that he has school tomorrow and Hunter was welcomed home in true Ohio State style...balloons, streamers and all.  But they're home safe and sound, the hardest part is behind them.  So this is my cyber hug to Hunter and my "can't wait to see you tomorrow!" post to Will.  I love you both.  And please know, there is an extra angel watching over you now.  

Disclaimer:  He's only upset about having to get up in the morning.  He doesn't not own a firearm, just his fingers.  And he's not really going to shoot himself....worst case, he'll forget to set his alarm :)

Feed Me!

A picture is worth a zillion words.  This is Clark, waiting for his morning meal.  Ollie apparently wasn't as hungry since he brought me his first mouse today.  I couldn't bring myself to take that picture!

Love you guys!

First, let me apologize for last night.  I had a plan, I had a picture.  I just forgot.  And I mean completely forgot.  I didn't even realize it until half way through the day today.  So I apologize, even I forget every once in a while!

Now, on with today!

To them, it's just a quick snapchat to say hi.  To me, it's the first time I've seen the boys together in quite some time.  I'm so sorry for the circumstances, as they've lost someone very dear to them.  But it does this Moms heart good to see them get through the tough times together.  I sleep a little easier each night knowing they have one another.

And it makes me smile to see their silly faces too!  At least they still both have a smile.

I love you guys!  Wish I could be there with you.

Throwback Thursday!

Oh my, Ben is 10!  

That can't be...I remember Hunter turning 10.  So for this weeks throw back, I thought I'd show you just how much can change in 10 years (or in this case, a few less).  Notice the Michigan fan who is no longer, the screamer music fan that used to have short hair and think Reebok was cooler than Vans and the littlest one who is now 10!  

Happy Birthday, Ben! 

Never Forget.

It's September 11.

I looked at our flag flying out front, all tattered and sun damaged and it made me smile.  No matter the condition, it's the symbol of our freedom, our triumphs and the light in our darkest hours.

There are so many things that I could blog about today.  Personal ups and downs.  But no matter my day, I am blessed to have my family and my life.  There are thousands of families that can't say the same.

I can tell you today, I will never forget.  No matter the events of my not so ordinary day, I will never forget the events of that tragic day. But like everyone else, we'll move ahead, a little stronger for having experienced it.  Words to live by, I guess.

My heart is heavy today but my faith is unyielding.  Faith in the good people who sacrifice their lives to save others, faith that the best is yet to come and faith that He has a plan to bring everyone back together.

Darn You!

I think she's stalking me.  I mean really, I can't go buy makeup at Walgreens without running into her.  Jeff would prefer I keep my distance, but I'm drawn in, every time.  In fact, I plan to sneak out tomorrow for a quick visit.  Jeff doesn't even need to know.

Darn you, Jo-ann....

A little pick me up....

Admit it, you read the title and thought it was a prescription or a cocktail!  Just in case anyone I know (no one in particular) needed a pick me up today, here was the best I could find :)

Come on, admit it.  Politically incorrect...inapproriate...and funny!! Love you all!

Goodnight Weekend.

I was lucky enough to watch the sun set tonight.  It was from the passengers seat, after an incredibly long day.  But once again, it was a day of fun and family.  It seems like eons since I got to spend a few uninterrupted hours with Will.  Of course, it always feels like that during band season.  So today we got to have fun, make new friends, eat yummy pizza and just hang out together.  It's the little things lately.

So goodnight weekend.  Thanks for all of the fun!

Is it Monday?

I had this great blog planned.  Pictures from Vinokolet Wine Festival, The University of Dayton football game and my awesome evening in front of the television watching Michigan football.  Unfortunately, after all of those exciting events, I'm so tired that I can't even track down the pictures I took!  Will has disappeared to the bonus room (I'm 100% sure he's been asleep for a while) and we've collapsed on the couch.  And work starts tomorrow at 10am.  Is it Monday yet?

He's Home!

Hunters home! 

Ok, so he's not really home, but at least he was in the area.  He got to see the lights of Kings Island, the Reds play at home and the new casino.  Nothing beats a road trip when you're in college...and the university provided this one!  

I didn't get to see him, but I've seen him at baseball games....I know he was all smiles!  

Thanks for all the pictures!  And I promise, I'll see you soon!

Throwback Thursday!

I love this concept!  While I want the blog to be a digital "memory box" for the boys, I got started a little late.  And I know that digital files and hard drives, back ups and DVD's aren't going to last forever so I want to make sure that I give the boys as much history as I can!  So here's the story.....

Will blessed us with a pop in visit tonight.  During that visit, he was laughing with Jeff about the yard work he did yesterday and that folding up the camper tarp was the "worst part"!  Mind you, it was probably the easiest.  Upon further explanation, he didn't like it because he was attacked by frogs.  Apparently, the rain has brought them all out along with the bugs.  He was mortified just talking about them.  The frogs were slimy and yucky...not his thing.    

So I made it a mission to find the perfect kickoff pictures to Throwback Thursday....

Yep, that's my baby.  With at least two of the two million pet frogs he tried to convince me to keep.  It didn't matter where we went, Will would find one and make it his mission to clean a jar, gather food and keep it safe until I could finally find a way to convince him to set them free.  

They weren't attacking him yesterday, they were happy to see him!

The little things....

The little things in life are the ones that mean the most.  I try to remember that every day.  So this is the little moment today that meant the most.  It's definitely worth posting....and sharing with you.  Thank you Hunter for making my day!

You've been asking.....

Sometimes, there really is no need for words.  So here's my picture of the day.  If you have some words for it, I'm sure Will would love to here them.  He's not so sure about it yet.  As for me, I'm just grinning!  I have such a handsome young man!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day to all!  Hope everyone got to enjoy the long weekend - I know we did.  Two days of yard work (in honor of Labor Day, I guess) and one day in the woods.  

Now, we're on to a short week...with twice the amount of work to be done!  

Fun with Friends!

Such a wonderful day!  We spent it in Hocking Hills, visiting with new friends.  We'll fill everyone in on the details soon.  Unfortunately, I didn't think to take the bug spray so as I sit here, itching, we've counted at least 20 new bites.  So as unpopular as this statement is, please let summer end.  No more rain and 90 degree weather.  I'll take a hard winter and a spring/summer of 2014 with a seriously reduced bug population!