Monday: Leftovers and/or Sandwiches (finish turkey lunchmeat)
Tuesday: Pasta Night
Wednesday: Yummy Pork Chops, Potatoes, veggies
Thursday: On the road to Milwaukee!
Friday: Hubby's B-day, and we're visiting friends in Milwaukee :)
Busy week! We had a delicious weekend, having my in-laws over for a cookout, with filets, baked potatoes, fruit salad, apple pie...it was so good. Oh, and excellent pepper & onion skewers. Grilled peppers are the best.
This week we're finishing off our fridge, then Thursday afternoon heading to Wisconsin to visit a great friend of mine! I'm really looking forward to it. :) And, of course, my husband's birthday is on Friday, and the 4th on Saturday. Busy busy!
I hope you all have a great week. :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Happy Birthday, Blogging Friend!
I've become friends with Andrea solely from blogging.
She was on another friend's blog roll, and I gradually got to know Andrea. I am so glad I clicked on over!
Andrea feels like a friend I've known forever. And yet, we've never been face to face.
We've exchanged mail, personal e-mails...many personal e-mails. ;)
Our lives are similar, and it's not a friendship that feels like work to maintain.
I look forward to meeting you one day in person, Andrea! Until then, let's keep those e-mails coming. I've sure enjoyed getting to know you! You are a great person.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!
She was on another friend's blog roll, and I gradually got to know Andrea. I am so glad I clicked on over!
Andrea feels like a friend I've known forever. And yet, we've never been face to face.
We've exchanged mail, personal e-mails...many personal e-mails. ;)
Our lives are similar, and it's not a friendship that feels like work to maintain.
I look forward to meeting you one day in person, Andrea! Until then, let's keep those e-mails coming. I've sure enjoyed getting to know you! You are a great person.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!
Friday, June 26, 2009
In Honor Of
Michael Jackson passing away.
BUT...don't roll your eyes just yet. It's not just the fact that Michael Jackson died.
You see, I can't think of Michael Jackson without thinking of my sister.
She absolutely loved him growing up (still does). So many did.
I think he was amazingly talented. While the news may be going overboard (your own interpretation), for some people there is just no denying certain people who bring your childhood to mind. And if those memories are good memories, it's that much harder to think the end has come.
For many of us, those were good memories.
I first think of driving with my parents, brother, sister & her friend from Detroit to Akron so my sister could see MJ in concert. She was so thrilled. I recall his Off the Wall album playing nonstop. (is that right, Sue?)
He inspired my sister to dance, and she inspired me to dance. Dancing = my absolute favorite childhood memories.
That includes Anita's (dance school) performing Thriller, and I also remember Smooth Criminal somewhere. Hands down, Smooth Criminal was such amazing dancing.
Of course I think of Sue & Jeff's wedding reception. Has any other reception played as much Michael Jackson?!
Sue, I wish I was there with you to watch it all. I'd buy some good wine & give you hugs, followed by a dance party to all MJ songs! Tell Haleigh to do all that for me ( minus the alcohol, of course;).
Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson.
BUT...don't roll your eyes just yet. It's not just the fact that Michael Jackson died.
You see, I can't think of Michael Jackson without thinking of my sister.
She absolutely loved him growing up (still does). So many did.
I think he was amazingly talented. While the news may be going overboard (your own interpretation), for some people there is just no denying certain people who bring your childhood to mind. And if those memories are good memories, it's that much harder to think the end has come.
For many of us, those were good memories.
I first think of driving with my parents, brother, sister & her friend from Detroit to Akron so my sister could see MJ in concert. She was so thrilled. I recall his Off the Wall album playing nonstop. (is that right, Sue?)
He inspired my sister to dance, and she inspired me to dance. Dancing = my absolute favorite childhood memories.
That includes Anita's (dance school) performing Thriller, and I also remember Smooth Criminal somewhere. Hands down, Smooth Criminal was such amazing dancing.
Of course I think of Sue & Jeff's wedding reception. Has any other reception played as much Michael Jackson?!
Sue, I wish I was there with you to watch it all. I'd buy some good wine & give you hugs, followed by a dance party to all MJ songs! Tell Haleigh to do all that for me ( minus the alcohol, of course;).
Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Can You Beat the Heat?
Usually the heat beats me, and I can't stand it. Ever since I was little, I have been sensitive to the heat.
I am not a summer-lover. Fall is more my season.
Heat & humidity make me irritable.
Lately we've been in the low 90's with high humidity. Oh so fun! (sarcasm, people)
I even stated yesterday that I hate summer.
I do.
I enjoy the time with my kids, I love having daylight longer, love the farmers markets...but not the weather.
Yesterday we tried to beat the heat, though, and if I do say so myself, we were successful!
All it took was a $5 sprinkler, play balls, and a blanket.
Oh, and 2 of the cutest boys who adore each other...that, too. ;)
Summer: 2
Us: 1
Summer is beating us so far, but we're fighting back!
Another thing to look forward to: Aidan's "girlfriend" invited us to join them at the pool for tot time (which is for parents & kids 5 & under...10-12. Sweet)
Our local pool is actually pretty nice, so we may join them sometime soon.
Watch out summer! We're going to have fun, despite your nasty weather!
I am not a summer-lover. Fall is more my season.
Heat & humidity make me irritable.
Lately we've been in the low 90's with high humidity. Oh so fun! (sarcasm, people)
I even stated yesterday that I hate summer.
I do.
I enjoy the time with my kids, I love having daylight longer, love the farmers markets...but not the weather.
Yesterday we tried to beat the heat, though, and if I do say so myself, we were successful!
All it took was a $5 sprinkler, play balls, and a blanket.
Oh, and 2 of the cutest boys who adore each other...that, too. ;)
Summer: 2
Us: 1
Summer is beating us so far, but we're fighting back!
Another thing to look forward to: Aidan's "girlfriend" invited us to join them at the pool for tot time (which is for parents & kids 5 & under...10-12. Sweet)
Our local pool is actually pretty nice, so we may join them sometime soon.
Watch out summer! We're going to have fun, despite your nasty weather!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: Where were you six years ago?
I know it's been six years & bla bla bla...
I love reminiscing, and I absolutely loved our honeymoon. Not just because it was our honeymoon, but we both really enjoyed Hawaii. It was such an awesome place to visit.
I miss it every year at this time.
Hopefully we will go back one day.
Until then, I'm savoring my pictures.
I love reminiscing, and I absolutely loved our honeymoon. Not just because it was our honeymoon, but we both really enjoyed Hawaii. It was such an awesome place to visit.
I miss it every year at this time.
Hopefully we will go back one day.
Until then, I'm savoring my pictures.
3 Things
3 Movies I Want to See:
3 Places I'd Rather Be
3 Things I'm Looking Forward To
I was up until almost midnight, waiting for Pat to come home. He was out working on his take-home final, and I just wanted a few minutes to actually see him and talk to him.
I am so stinking tired. This is about the best post I can come up with right now.
Now to go inhale some coffee...
- 17 Again
- Up
- Imagine That
3 Places I'd Rather Be
- Hawaii
- South Carolina
- Seattle
3 Things I'm Looking Forward To
- My husband being done with his final
- My husband smiling again
- Going to our farmers market on Thursday
I was up until almost midnight, waiting for Pat to come home. He was out working on his take-home final, and I just wanted a few minutes to actually see him and talk to him.
I am so stinking tired. This is about the best post I can come up with right now.
Now to go inhale some coffee...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Menu Plan Monday--June 22, 2009
I'm late getting my menu up. Aidan just lost his 2nd tooth! He sure is growing up fast. :)
Monday: Slow Baked Breaded Pork, mashed potatoes, green beans
Tuesday: Pasta night!
Wednesday: Ranch Primavera Light
Thursday: Honey Mustard Pork
Friday: Vegetable Stir-fry Over Rice
Monday: Slow Baked Breaded Pork, mashed potatoes, green beans
Tuesday: Pasta night!
Wednesday: Ranch Primavera Light
Thursday: Honey Mustard Pork
Friday: Vegetable Stir-fry Over Rice
Saturday, June 20, 2009
What Does a Good Father Look Like?
This:
It brings a lump to my throat & tears to my eyes when I think about the father my dad is.
I have been very lucky. My siblings have been lucky.
Can a father care too much? I don't think so.
And my dad has proved...a father never stops caring, either.
I feel incredibly blessed to have married a man who takes his role as father as seriously as my own dad.
My husband is an incredible, amazing dad. And I'm not just saying it today because it's Father's Day. I say it so often, even when he doesn't know it.
That is what a good father looks like.
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there!
You have such an important role.
Thank you for all you do.
I have been very lucky. My siblings have been lucky.
Can a father care too much? I don't think so.
And my dad has proved...a father never stops caring, either.
I feel incredibly blessed to have married a man who takes his role as father as seriously as my own dad.
My husband is an incredible, amazing dad. And I'm not just saying it today because it's Father's Day. I say it so often, even when he doesn't know it.
That is what a good father looks like.
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there!
You have such an important role.
Thank you for all you do.
What do you wish you could splurge on?
I don't mean that endless supply of chocolate (what? you don't wish for that?)
I know we all have a mental list of that dream house, or that one pair of shoes we keep holding off on.
I mean a big ticket item that you would wish for.
I have many, but today, I especially wish I had my own boat.
And not the type that can fit in my bathtub. ;)
My brother has a boat, and I think it is such a blast to go out on it.
I'm not fond of swimming in lakes, but I love being on the boat. I love going for the boat rides.
So many people near us have a boat. I can quickly start daydreaming each time I see one. Several people on our street have their own boat...heck, our neighbors have one. I see it, and I start dreaming. I'm out there, on the water, nice music playing (Jimmy Buffet, or the Pina Colada Song), I have Pat with me, Aidan, Brennan, some of their friends...we stay out for the day, going home in time to grill out some juicy hamburgers. That's my daydream. Oh, and I'd be stretch-mark & cellulite-free in my swimsuit. :) (it's a dream...I can dream it)
One day we may just buy a boat of our own. Not a huge boat, but one big enough for a couple of people.
I'm wishing to splurge on that right now.
How about you? If you chose one big ticket item to splurge on today, what would it be?
(pictured is the river in our town, just a few blocks from us)
I know we all have a mental list of that dream house, or that one pair of shoes we keep holding off on.
I mean a big ticket item that you would wish for.
I have many, but today, I especially wish I had my own boat.
And not the type that can fit in my bathtub. ;)
I'm not fond of swimming in lakes, but I love being on the boat. I love going for the boat rides.
So many people near us have a boat. I can quickly start daydreaming each time I see one. Several people on our street have their own boat...heck, our neighbors have one. I see it, and I start dreaming. I'm out there, on the water, nice music playing (Jimmy Buffet, or the Pina Colada Song), I have Pat with me, Aidan, Brennan, some of their friends...we stay out for the day, going home in time to grill out some juicy hamburgers. That's my daydream. Oh, and I'd be stretch-mark & cellulite-free in my swimsuit. :) (it's a dream...I can dream it)
One day we may just buy a boat of our own. Not a huge boat, but one big enough for a couple of people.
I'm wishing to splurge on that right now.
How about you? If you chose one big ticket item to splurge on today, what would it be?
(pictured is the river in our town, just a few blocks from us)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Something is Missing
A tooth!!
We didn't even know one was loose!We were enjoying dinner when Aidan kind of pulled something from his mouth. The expression on his face made you think maybe a hair was in his mouth or something.
Sure enough, he lost his first tooth!
There was a little blood, and I quickly made Pat check Aidan's mouth (loose teeth seriously gross me out).
You can already see the 2 adult teeth coming in! The one next to the one that came out is pretty loose, too.
We had no clue! I am so shocked, and as a parent, not prepared at all for this milestone.
I never thought it'd be a "big" one, but holy moly, there is ADULT stuff in my boy's body!
Physical proof he's growing up!
I asked him if he knew one was loose, and he just shrugged & replied "nope!', happy as can be.
I was thinking we'd have at least a few months before this. He hasn't even started kindergarten yet!
I just can't believe it. And yes, you'll be hearing me say that a lot, but I just can't help it.
I'm looking at my Aidan, and all I can think is that he's growing up so fast.
He's making this momma step back and desperately want to slow it all down, or maybe just hit the PAUSE button for a bit.
Right away he went to put the tooth under his pillow.
What do you suppose the tooth fairy leaves for the first lost tooth these days, anyway?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
We Have A Winner!
Thank you to everyone who entered the JumpStart giveaway! It was a nice turnout for my first one. :)
Now for the best part:
the winner is..................................Gym Mama!!!
Woo-hoo!!!
Congrats! I'll be e-mailing you. I hope you enjoy this prize!
(P.S. It totally pays to go for the extra entries & Tweet about contests! It worked for this winner!)
Now for the best part:
the winner is..................................Gym Mama!!!
Woo-hoo!!!
Congrats! I'll be e-mailing you. I hope you enjoy this prize!
(P.S. It totally pays to go for the extra entries & Tweet about contests! It worked for this winner!)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Menu Plan Monday--June 15, 2009
Hi & welcome to my blog!
Please be sure to stop by and enter my JumpStart giveaway! Contest ends tomorrow; click the link to enter for your chance at 3 months of free JumpStart online games for your little ones!
It's Monday again! Did you have a nice weekend? We did. :) I actually got to see my husband, and we had some nice family time together on Saturday. We found some great deals at JCPenney, buying a decent pair of shoes for our 5yo. The good shoes are taken care of, now let's take care of the good food!
Monday: Tex-Mex Rice & Bean Casserole
Tuesday: Pasta night! (meatless)
Wednesday: Crockpot Ranch Potatoes & Chicken
Thursday: Pork Dijon, potatoes, broccoli
Friday: Impossibly Easy Southwestern Pie
Some good, easy recipes this week. I love that.
What will you be eating this week? Check out Laura's site for MPM headquarters.
Please be sure to stop by and enter my JumpStart giveaway! Contest ends tomorrow; click the link to enter for your chance at 3 months of free JumpStart online games for your little ones!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's Monday again! Did you have a nice weekend? We did. :) I actually got to see my husband, and we had some nice family time together on Saturday. We found some great deals at JCPenney, buying a decent pair of shoes for our 5yo. The good shoes are taken care of, now let's take care of the good food!
Monday: Tex-Mex Rice & Bean Casserole
Tuesday: Pasta night! (meatless)
Wednesday: Crockpot Ranch Potatoes & Chicken
Thursday: Pork Dijon, potatoes, broccoli
Friday: Impossibly Easy Southwestern Pie
Some good, easy recipes this week. I love that.
What will you be eating this week? Check out Laura's site for MPM headquarters.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
You're Gonna Miss This...Moment
I sure am!
I saw this on Amy's blog & thought "how sweet! Surely I have many moments like this".
And I do.
I followed Amy's link to Pam's blog, the home of this meme. I like the positive thinking it involves. :)
I saw this on Amy's blog & thought "how sweet! Surely I have many moments like this".
And I do.
I followed Amy's link to Pam's blog, the home of this meme. I like the positive thinking it involves. :)
My 2 boys riding around like wild cowboys on their "Beep-Beeps". This is a regular occurrence, but as you can see, Aidan is really too big for his. Heck, he got it for his FIRST birthday!
They have so much fun on these, though. Taking the turns of the house, testing new moves, crashing into each other...
The noise involved when they are on these drives me nuts, but I will miss the laughter I get to hear, too, and the smiles I get to see.
They have so much fun on these, though. Taking the turns of the house, testing new moves, crashing into each other...
The noise involved when they are on these drives me nuts, but I will miss the laughter I get to hear, too, and the smiles I get to see.
Friday, June 12, 2009
JumpStart - Review & Giveaway (Let the Adventure Begin!)
*This is a sticky post until June 16th. Please scroll down to find the most recent.
This is my first official blog review & giveaway, and let me say: I lucked out! What a GREAT product to review!
A little background on the company: "For more than 15 years, Knowledge Adventure has set the standard in kid’s software by creating the finest educational products for use in the home and the classroom. In addition to our CD games, we’ve launched a beta version of our first browser-based virtual world at www.JumpStart.com, for kids 3-10 years old. Kids can create avatars called Jumpeez for themselves and explore magical worlds, discovering and unlocking games, videos, and storybooks that teach everything from math to reading. Over the next year, we will continue to add more features, portals and learning games to this site. I encourage you to check it out at www.JumpStart.com."
In this day & age of technology and electronics, JumpStart offers a perfectly safe and challenging environment for your children to "explore" and enjoy adventures. As a parent I was very impressed with it, and even more so as an educator.
As a parent, online activity means a safety concern for me. After checking out JumpStart myself, I felt very comfortable (quickly). Once Aidan started playing around with it, I was hooked. He absolutely loves it! He can navigate around just fine on his own, which surprised me since we don't have any gaming systems in our home.
He had fun creating his own Jumpeez, the avatar you design for the game (this done while one of the characters talks aloud, guiding you). He went from game to game, time passing by & fun being had, without needing my assistance. The entire time, I knew there was no concern over what he was seeing, hearing, etc.
Aidan spent most of his time in StoryLand, the area designed with 3-5 year olds in mind.As mentioned, he had many, many choices here, from the Movie House, Learning House, the fun games, designing your own house...plenty to do. The music was quite spirited, too.
AdventureLand is the place to go if you have an older child, or your child wants more of a challenge. AdventureLand is best for ages 4-8, but even at age 29, my husband & I had fun playing around there. :)
Now let me just add in a bit here on my perspective as an educator (having taught, albeit briefly, before having kids).
There are 7 basic learning styles: linguistic, logical, spatial, musical, bodily, interpersonal, intrapersonal.
JumpStart is great because it truly incorporates all of these different learning styles. There is truly something for everyone. You improve your fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, all the while having a good time learning.
Things have come a long way since my first encounter with JumpStart, which was CD-ROM games for my 1st grade classroom.
As a more audio/visual learner, I loved the graphics and sound effects. Together they held your attention and motivated you to keep going. :)
And why not keep going? The further you go, the more points you earn, working your way into the Hall of Fame. Which kid wouldn't love that?
Aidan can't get enough of StoryLand. He loves going down the slides, visiting the mail truck, and of course meeting the Magic Rabbit. You know those games your kids want you to play with them, like Memory? There's a game like that right there in StoryLand!
I think the best thing about this is that it's fun, yet educational. There are math games, reading, phonics...you can even listen to stories being read!
For all ages and levels, there is something appropriate and fun. We need something like this in today's world.
The customer service is also a plus. I had some tech issues with the background at first, and I received a quick reply with suggestions on how to correct the problem. Good customer service is priceless! Not to mention you can learn a lot from their blog and Parent-page.
Why not get it for your own child or children?
JumpStart has graciously offered 3 months of membership free to one lucky person. It could be you! What a great time for this giveaway, too, with summer here, and some kids thinking they have nothing to do outside of school. (Have you heard it yet? "Mom, I'm bored...Mom, I have nothing to do...Mom, there is nothing to play with!")
To enter the contest:
1.) Leave me a comment here telling why you would like to win. (please include e-mail address if it's not in your profile)
2.) Gain an extra entry by posting on Twitter with a link to the contest. (please leave a separate content with your Twitter link) I'm @sharonsnest
3.) Gain even more entries by blogging about the contest, both linking to this post and JumpStart.
Leave me a separate comment for each entry.
You have one week until the end of the contest--contest closes next Tuesday, June 16, at 10p.m. EST.
At that time I will randomly choose one winner. I will send an e-mail to the winner, as well as post on my blog with the announcement.
Thanks to http://www.jumpstart.com/ and the professional team behind it all!
Good Luck!
This is my first official blog review & giveaway, and let me say: I lucked out! What a GREAT product to review!
A little background on the company: "For more than 15 years, Knowledge Adventure has set the standard in kid’s software by creating the finest educational products for use in the home and the classroom. In addition to our CD games, we’ve launched a beta version of our first browser-based virtual world at www.JumpStart.com, for kids 3-10 years old. Kids can create avatars called Jumpeez for themselves and explore magical worlds, discovering and unlocking games, videos, and storybooks that teach everything from math to reading. Over the next year, we will continue to add more features, portals and learning games to this site. I encourage you to check it out at www.JumpStart.com."
In this day & age of technology and electronics, JumpStart offers a perfectly safe and challenging environment for your children to "explore" and enjoy adventures. As a parent I was very impressed with it, and even more so as an educator.
As a parent, online activity means a safety concern for me. After checking out JumpStart myself, I felt very comfortable (quickly). Once Aidan started playing around with it, I was hooked. He absolutely loves it! He can navigate around just fine on his own, which surprised me since we don't have any gaming systems in our home.
He had fun creating his own Jumpeez, the avatar you design for the game (this done while one of the characters talks aloud, guiding you). He went from game to game, time passing by & fun being had, without needing my assistance. The entire time, I knew there was no concern over what he was seeing, hearing, etc.
Aidan spent most of his time in StoryLand, the area designed with 3-5 year olds in mind.As mentioned, he had many, many choices here, from the Movie House, Learning House, the fun games, designing your own house...plenty to do. The music was quite spirited, too.
AdventureLand is the place to go if you have an older child, or your child wants more of a challenge. AdventureLand is best for ages 4-8, but even at age 29, my husband & I had fun playing around there. :)
Now let me just add in a bit here on my perspective as an educator (having taught, albeit briefly, before having kids).
There are 7 basic learning styles: linguistic, logical, spatial, musical, bodily, interpersonal, intrapersonal.
JumpStart is great because it truly incorporates all of these different learning styles. There is truly something for everyone. You improve your fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, all the while having a good time learning.
Things have come a long way since my first encounter with JumpStart, which was CD-ROM games for my 1st grade classroom.
As a more audio/visual learner, I loved the graphics and sound effects. Together they held your attention and motivated you to keep going. :)
And why not keep going? The further you go, the more points you earn, working your way into the Hall of Fame. Which kid wouldn't love that?
Aidan can't get enough of StoryLand. He loves going down the slides, visiting the mail truck, and of course meeting the Magic Rabbit. You know those games your kids want you to play with them, like Memory? There's a game like that right there in StoryLand!
I think the best thing about this is that it's fun, yet educational. There are math games, reading, phonics...you can even listen to stories being read!
For all ages and levels, there is something appropriate and fun. We need something like this in today's world.
The customer service is also a plus. I had some tech issues with the background at first, and I received a quick reply with suggestions on how to correct the problem. Good customer service is priceless! Not to mention you can learn a lot from their blog and Parent-page.
Why not get it for your own child or children?
JumpStart has graciously offered 3 months of membership free to one lucky person. It could be you! What a great time for this giveaway, too, with summer here, and some kids thinking they have nothing to do outside of school. (Have you heard it yet? "Mom, I'm bored...Mom, I have nothing to do...Mom, there is nothing to play with!")
To enter the contest:
1.) Leave me a comment here telling why you would like to win. (please include e-mail address if it's not in your profile)
2.) Gain an extra entry by posting on Twitter with a link to the contest. (please leave a separate content with your Twitter link) I'm @sharonsnest
3.) Gain even more entries by blogging about the contest, both linking to this post and JumpStart.
Leave me a separate comment for each entry.
You have one week until the end of the contest--contest closes next Tuesday, June 16, at 10p.m. EST.
At that time I will randomly choose one winner. I will send an e-mail to the winner, as well as post on my blog with the announcement.
Thanks to http://www.jumpstart.com/ and the professional team behind it all!
Good Luck!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
49 Years This Day
My parents got married. :)
She was 19; he 22 (I think).
It all took place at a beautiful, old Catholic church in Baltimore.
They had their reception at my mother's parents' house, and shortly after enjoyed a honeymoon in the Poconos.
Over these past 49 years, they have:
Growing up, our friends were always invited to our house, and welcome to stay for dinner.
They have their quirks, too: ;)
They are an example, for sure.
I may not see eye-to-eye on everything with them, but I am certainly grateful for them, and wish them many more happy years.
Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad! Love you!
She was 19; he 22 (I think).
It all took place at a beautiful, old Catholic church in Baltimore.
They had their reception at my mother's parents' house, and shortly after enjoyed a honeymoon in the Poconos.
Over these past 49 years, they have:
- Experienced 13 pregnancies, resulting in 8 living children, 1 stillborn, and 4 miscarriages.
- They have moved 7 different times, living in Pittsburgh, Akron, New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and now South Carolina.
- Together they have 16 grandchildren & 1 great-grandchild (as of last week!).
- Traveled throughout all 50 states, as well as several countries (including Australia, Brazil, Austria, Italy, Germany, Mexico, and others I'm sure I'm forgetting)
Growing up, our friends were always invited to our house, and welcome to stay for dinner.
They have their quirks, too: ;)
- My father insists on only driving 60. It used to be 55...made for long drives.
- My mother still irons my father's handkerchiefs, even though he is retired now.
- They use couch covers even though they are the only ones to live in their house.
- They also have towels covering their car seats.
They are an example, for sure.
I may not see eye-to-eye on everything with them, but I am certainly grateful for them, and wish them many more happy years.
Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad! Love you!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
Menu Plan Monday--June 8, 2009
Monday: Maple-Glazed Pork, peas, rice or potatoes
Tuesday: Pasta Marinara
Wednesday: Sticky Teriyaki Chicken, rice and veggie
Thursday: Hamburger Cabbage Casserole
Friday: Sandwich Night or Breakfast-for-Dinner (hubby's decision)
Visit I'm an Organizing Junkie, MPM headquarters.
Tuesday: Pasta Marinara
Wednesday: Sticky Teriyaki Chicken, rice and veggie
Thursday: Hamburger Cabbage Casserole
Friday: Sandwich Night or Breakfast-for-Dinner (hubby's decision)
Visit I'm an Organizing Junkie, MPM headquarters.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Flashback Friday: Smash Mouth
I heard this on the radio & was immediately taken back to the Hard Rock Cafe, Rome, November 1999.
Sophomore year of college, 19 years old, nearing the end of my semester abroad.
My absolute favorite semester, containing the events of some of my favorite memories.
We were on the school-sponsored trip to Italy, touring Rome, Venice, and Assisi over 10 days.
Having been in Europe since the end of August, we were missing some American food. So into the Hard Rock Cafe we went.
I don't remember what I ordered, but I do remember having a nice alcoholic beverage, sitting at a long table with maybe a dozen other classmates, and enjoying the "American" music & atmosphere.
Smash Mouth came on, and many of us were instantly singing along, epitomizing the "stupid-American" to a T.
Do you know the part of the song where they sing "get your game on, go play"?
Yeah, well I loudly changed the lyrics to something else, and I remember a certain someone calling me out on that.
Hmph. Good intentions, but at 19, homesick, and literally an ocean away from my parents, I did not care.
Rome was amazing. So was Venice, even though it smelled.
Assisi, by far, had the best food. And white wine. Oh my gosh, if I could be there in Assisi right now...the food, the wine, then the walk through the piazza.
Thank you, Smash Mouth, for taking me back to that time in Rome.
I can see my friends, I can hear the music, and I can visualize the beautiful scenery that Rome offers.
Any Flashbacks for your Friday?
(yeah, yeah, it's not quite Friday yet. Deal)
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Coming Soon
My very first official blog review & giveaway!
I have not set out to start reviewing or hosting giveaways, etc.
BUT...I received an e-mail from an interested party, asking if I was interested in reviewing their product, giving feedback, and possibly including a giveaway.
I agreed! I am excited, too. :)
I've started my "research" for the review, and I'm pretty confident it will be a giveaway worth entering, especially knowing so many of you that visit here have kids.
So keep your eyes open, I hope you support this new adventure for me, and enter to win when the time comes!
I don't know that I'll set up to do reviews, but this will be a fun experience, nonetheless.
Stay tuned!
I have not set out to start reviewing or hosting giveaways, etc.
BUT...I received an e-mail from an interested party, asking if I was interested in reviewing their product, giving feedback, and possibly including a giveaway.
I agreed! I am excited, too. :)
I've started my "research" for the review, and I'm pretty confident it will be a giveaway worth entering, especially knowing so many of you that visit here have kids.
So keep your eyes open, I hope you support this new adventure for me, and enter to win when the time comes!
I don't know that I'll set up to do reviews, but this will be a fun experience, nonetheless.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
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