Friday Fill In's

1. I'd really like to have some peace and quiet right now.
2. Sh*t is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe. (sorry if I offend, but I have to be honest)
3. Possession is 9/10ths of the law.
4. Mhm Captain Jack Sparrow.
5. Marshmallows and fire go together like ice cream and milkshakes.
6. She talks on and on.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to visiting my grandmom, tomorrow my plans include being stuck home without a car,ugg and Sunday, I want to get out of this prison, but I'll be stuck home without a car yet again!

Are we having fun yet??? It has been a llllooonnngg weeeekkkkk!

Tough Times )-:

It seems like in the past couple days we have been inundated with bad news so I am asking that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers because I think things are going to get worse before they get better.

Yesterday we found out that my beloved grandmom has breast cancer for the 2nd time. It is a small lump and they will perform surgery to remove it. Then she will be on radiation for approximately 5-6 weeks.

My grandmom is my life..she is like a second mother to me, we are extremely close, so this is hard for me to handle. I named my daughter after her, and it is too soon for her to leave me and my daughter behind so we will be fighting this prognosis, but she has other health ailments that I fear might be of greater difficulty.

On top of this prognosis, we just found out that her brother passed away last night. This will surely rock my grandmom's spirits and darken her thoughts. And yet another brother just started a battle of his own with cancer not probably six to eight months ago so this weighs heavily on her mind.

So please keep her in your thoughts and prayers...
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Also we have also received even more tragic news this week. A friend of ours is in the fight of his life. Fred and I are both deeply disturbed and concerned for him at this point. He has had some really tough times lately and we are hoping for a miracle and a change in his condition.

I ask that you not only keep him in your thoughts and prayers, but also keep his two sons in your thoughts. His youngest is the same age as Collin (17). It's heartbreaking for us to hear this sad news, and we are truly hoping that things turn around.

____________________________________

Thank you my blogger friends for your support and for sticking with me through my dark days. Your blogs are like a light and they keep my mind off of more troubling thoughts. THANK YOU!

It TRIPLE POINTED (snowed) in our part of the world...

It finally snowed here, and we were all super excited! This is the first storm that actually left a little coating on the ground. It was actually quite pathethic, but beggars can't be choosers and we will surely take what we can get.

The kids got the day off from school so first thing in the morning, out the door they went to play in the snow before the rain washed it all away.

Michael took Ally sledding around the yard. I wished I had a big brother when I was little, he is so good to her and she was so excited!

That's our beloved dog, Kira, prancing around in the snow behind the sled. She gets very hyper when it snows so chasing the sled gave her an outlet for her energy.

After lunch, the kids made "snow" ice cream. It isn't exactly ice cream...trust me! It is more like a snow cone...but the kids thought it was awesome. They had such a fun time making it, and it kept them all occupied for a very long time so it is a mommy approved project. (-:

So here is hoping we can have at least a little more snow before winter is over. If we have to endure this cold weather, it would be nice to have something to do with the kids outside.

But having a snow day was a nice surprise for the kids, and everybody was pretty content to have a day of play!

Sending out a MAYDAY....GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!!

You know how life can get overwhelming? The mundane can be impossible?

And you just need a night to get out with your friends and let your worries slip away....I was soooo in need of a night out, just a night to "be" with the girls. So I sent out the SOS, and guess what?

I wasn't alone...my "girls" were feeling it.

One of my best friends, JoAnn and my cousin Shannon sharing the first of many laughs!

We, as in the fabulous five - JoAnn, Shannon, me and two others that shall remain nameless, decided to try the new fancy smancy restaurant in town....you know the one we could never afford to take the whole family to...It just opened this month so we needed to check it out ASAP!

Turns out they don't have frozen drinks!
Including the coveted Strawberry dacquiri...which is my drink of choice on a girls night out...so after an appetizer dinner (cause we weren't paying those entree prices...geesh), we headed to the next juncture of our journey.

Applebees...

where the food is more affordable and Strawberry dacquiri's are plentiful! Even if they are in a margarita glass...I don't care...serve em' up.

And their greasy potato skins are to die for...

literally...

cause I ate all

but one of them!

We laughed, and laughed, and we bonded like only mothers can...

and it was an awesome night...

can't wait to do it again...

SOON!

And then the night came to its end,

and we had to leave our haven and go back to real life...

except Shannon and I ran into old friends as we were walking out...

(your laughing now Shannon?)...

so we turned right around...

and had free water with them...

(inside joke, I know you are laughing NOW Shannon)

Because my friends...

water is still free at Applebees

even during the recession

although it is still chlorinated at ours

Yuck!

So eventually our night did conclude

and we all went home

to our hubbies, babies and children

refreshed and renewed

ready to give out doting kisses

cause we missed them

ALOT

but we all need a break sometimes!

This Girls Night Out was sponsored

by Collin and Michael - my stepson and son.

Collin volunteered to stay home and watch the kids for me on his accord because he said he owed it to me since he has been using one of our vechicles since he got his license, and I have been stuck home almost everyday. He saved the day, and I didn't have to cancel...YAY!

Also Michael is awesome keeping Ally content and occupied..

she was SUPER EXCITED to spend the evening with them.

And that made for a guilt free evening for mamma...

cause one thing is true...

If mamma ain't happy...

ain't nobody happy!

And they know it is the truth!

Sometimes you have to think outside the box....Sledding (without snow)

Sometimes, winter weather is just not what you want it to be....

My brother and I have been patiently waiting and waiting to be able to take the kids sledding. And waiting and waiting....nothing....every now and again some flurries, but no accumulations whatsoever...so we took it upon ourselves to create a different kind of sledding with no snow.

And guess what?! The kids loved it and they didn't get soaked like they usually do with "regular" sledding - an added bonus!

Fortunately we have my grandparents farm in all its splendor for these types of activities. So my brother hooked up the sled to the truck and off we rode (at a crawl) around the fields on the soft grass with sled in tow. The kids had a blast!

Sometimes you just have to think outside the box for family activities to get the kids out of the house, and my brothers idea to do this was ingenious! The kids had a blast, and got some fresh air!

Another added bonus....

finding my little one peacefully sleeping in the chair

after another exhausting day of fun!

Old fashioned Fun - Ice Skating

After a week of 20 degree temperatures, my grandparent's pond was finally frozen solid enough for an afternoon of ice skating. So we gathered our families - my mom and dad, my brother Randy with his son Colt, Fred and I, with Collin, Michael and Ally. It was a well spent afternoon playing on the ice.
Ally and Colt had a great time being pulled around on the sleds. My brother, Randy, ice skated with the rope for the sled attached to his waist and Colt in the sled. Collin pulled Ally around on the other sled. They would go real fast and make quick 180 degree turns. The kids loved it!



Michael ice skated with my dad....he was a little nervous of falling, but he was getting the hang of it. Since we only go about once a year, he doesn't enough practice, but he did well considering. We are all eagerly anticipating the next time we will have a chance to go again. Last year, we went on a beautiful moonlit night, and had a bonfire. It is a great memory, and I am hoping we will get the opportunity to do it again this year!

Celebrating...

A couple of weeks ago, Michael, Ally and I treked up north and celebrated my Uncle Tom's 50th Birthday with a big birthday bash at his house.

My grandparents were thrilled to get out of the house, even though they don't look like it in this picture!

My Uncle Tom looks all innocent, but he is my "fun" uncle...you know the one that tried to shove our heads in the toilet when we annoyed him.

Doesn't every family have an uncle like that???

Even so, I love him dearly!

Allyson was all giggles when we went to leave cause there was a dusting of snow. It made her day! I let her play in it a few minutes before we left for the long ride home.

We had a great time celebrating my Uncle's birthday and seeing family...

it makes life so sweet!

Friday Fill In's

1. Oh, I am so ready for a girls night out!
2. Exciting changes, big and little.
3. During the day, I have been lazy this week.
4. Fred; are you kidding me???
5. Right now I'd like to be at the spa.
6. My cell phone is my favorite gadget. (when I can find it..LOL)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to GIRLS NIGHT OUT FINALLY, tomorrow my plans include working on some Valentines projects and Sunday, I want to hang with my hubby, but he'll probably be working! )-:

Wordless Wednesday....

Finally somebody laughs at Michael's jokes....

Just kidding.

This is a wild pony in Assateague, Virginia trying to steal Michael's capri sun while we were on vacation last summer.

Tuesday's Tribute...it's so not about me!!

Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.

Today's tribute is not in honor of a person...

but rather the object of my desire.

The Banana Split

I know, I can hear you now....

this is all about her....

And I banish you naysayers from my blog!

This is so not about me and my headache...

and how the only "cure" that works is ice cream....

nope not about me in the least bit...

this is so TOTALLY about the Banana Split.

You take a nice firm banana, slice it down the middle, put three large scoops of your favorite ice cream in top of it....smother it in chocolate syrup, and if you think you have enough, add more....then three huge mounds of whip cream...topped with three cherries. SCRUMPTOUSLY DIVINE!

OH BANANA SPLIT...HOW I LOVE THEE!!!

THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER AS DELICIOUS AS YOU...

BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I WILL ABANDON THE SEARCH FOR OTHER AWESOME CREATIONS...BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE!

(or a close contender.)

Of course if I am having a banana split, I have to teach my daughter the ways of the ice cream world so here is her mini split.

So thank you Banana Split for all your contributions to the world.

I am sorry you had to leave us so soon!

But maybe you'll return after my dinner....

we might just have a secret renedovous later tonight.

I'll bring the whip cream! (-;

Time for some Honest Lemonade! Thanks to Lana!

Lana from one of the funniest blogs around, The Kids Did What?, tagged me (little old me!) with a meme and awards. Love you Lana, you have a great sense of humor and your blog makes my darkest days bright!

Rules:a) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
b) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

Okay so 10 honest things about yourself....

1. I love to learn new things! I have a short attention span, but I love to constantly challenge myself with endless projects and ideas. I cannot sit still and relax...it annoys me, I need to be going all the time.

2. I am very independent...to a fault. It takes all that I have to ask for help. I have had to do it a lot lately, but I loathe asking for help....absolutely HATE it.

3. I change my own oil in my vehicle, and I can change brake pads, although I probably need a refresher course in that. My dad wanted me to be independent so I would never have to rely on anybody...and guess what? It worked, it is my greatest asset and my worse liability. Ask my husband!

4. I can drive a stick shift, and I prefer it. Another one of my dad's requirements, but it has definately been an asset.

5. I grew up on a island....called Eagle Island. It actually had a lane attaching it to the mainland. It was an old huge Hunting Club...lots of bedrooms and plenty of places to romp around. My brother and I spent many years tromping through the muddy water and Fox Tale...hence the name of my blog~I am sure somebody was wondering where the name came from.
I plan on doing a post about it soon, I just have to gather some pics.

6. I think I have OCD...I can't have the newspaper on the top of the stack (it might be missing something), I hate when my cabinet doors aren't shut (my husband teases me by leaving them open slightly), I don't care for the last little ounce in the Pepsi bottle, I don't like "old" ice cream...and I am sure I am leaving something out that one of my lovely relatives will remind me...but it tends to run in my family.

7. I had a poem published when I was in high school. You'll never find it, it is in an obscure book. I also won a statewide poster contest when I was in 8th grade.

8. I went to modeling school when I was in high school. My dad thought it would make me happy cause I was going through some rough times. I actually did enjoy it. Of course, when it was done, they wanted me to go to Philly for more pictures, and it was too costly so nothing ever came out of it...although I do have some pictures that maybe I should post on here for a good laugh.

9. I have a passion for photography...and I have always enjoyed writing. I keep wondering if photo journalism might be for me after my kids are grown so maybe I can travel. I have tried wedding photography...it isn't for me. I did fine, but too many variables. I think I need some confidence. I did win "Best of show" and "first" place at our county fair for photography. I have been thinking of starting a blog with a photograph a day..maybe soon.

10. I love kids, and I would definately had more of them. I love big families! My husband wanted to stop when we had our son as with his son it made two, but I talked him into another...hey, he shouldn't have started without me! (Just kidding, I love my stepson like he is my own.) We had A LOT, I mean A LOT of heartache until we had my daughter. But I know people have it worse than we did, and my heart breaks for them!

And now the big announcement...who should I chose??

1. Annette at 4 Girls and a Burley Man She knows I adore her.
2. Jillene at Jillene's Journal. She is amazing!
3. Nikki at Blah, Blah, Blog. She knows how fun it is to dress up a dog and she has an awesome pool and the landscaping is supberb!
4. FlipFlop Mom rocks...literally, she has found the joys of Rock Band, and I am right there with her!
5. Sarah at Cloverlane because she made snow ice cream with her adorable kids...something I love to do! And her blog is charming!
6. Lana at The Lettered Cottage because she had a rock song written about her, how awesome is that!? And the song rocks!
7. Carrie at The Buzzings of a Queen Bee because she is learning to sew, and her website is awesome!

So thank you Lana for my award and the meme! Its been fun! And check out these blogs as they rock!

I need to THANK someone today....

I want to thank my gracious sister in law, Jen and her husband Harry. They let Collin use their car for practice driving the last couple weeks, and also for his driving test as it met the testing requirements. Some people would be leary to let him practice driving in their car, but Jen and Harry never had a problem with it, and we so appreciate it!



Jen is well aware of how I feel about her and all the support she has given me, she always goes above and beyond when it comes to the kids, and I am so grateful.

Jen and Harry have always helped us out when we are in a bind, many more times than I like to count. It is nice to know that you can count on someone and we know we can definately count on them and they should know that they can count on us!

Harry actually saved the day last week and picked Collin up from school when he was sick so I didn't have to take Ally out with her high temp.

It is great to be able to count on family when you need them...it is definately life's treasure! So many thanks, and if Cory(my niece) needs a ride home from anywhere anytime, let us know and we'll get Collin right on that. (-;



And Jen, you should be getting your phone call from both of the boys today afterschool thanking you for your latest gift, I am all over it!

Friday Fill In's

1. Enough with the excuses.
2. Guilt causes me to be conflicted.
3. I've been craving a GIRLS NIGHT OUT. (CAN'T WAIT!!!)
4. Ally makes me laugh.
5. I wish I could go to the spa next week.
6. My grandfather and my childhood have been on my mind lately.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing up my curtains and getting this house clean, tomorrow my plans include my uncle's 50th birthday bash and Sunday, I want to spend the day ice skating with my hubby and the kids!

TGIF

I stole this from one of my favorite blogs, Stretch Marks. She is wildly funny, and definately amusing so check her out if you aren't already a fan!


To find your ROCK STAR NAME take your first pet & current car:

Bow Windstar


To find your GANGSTA NAME take your favorite ice cream flavor and your favorite cookie:

Strawberry Peanut Butter Blossom


YOUR DETECTIVE NAME? Your favorite color and favorite animal:

Blue horse


Everybody wants a SOAP OPERA NAME, so take your middle name and the city where you were born:

Lynn Salem


Want to know your SUPERHERO NAME? Just add the word "The" plus your 2nd favorite color, and your favorite drink:

The Blue Pepsi


Your NASCAR NAME. Take the first names of your grandfathers:

Carlton Earl


If I ever go into WITNESS PROTECTION you can find me with this name. Your mother’s & father’s middle names:

Bowers Carl


TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME? Just take your 5th grade teacher’s last name and add a major city that starts with the same letter:

Ozark Oakland


Of course, if you find me in witness protection I will assume it was because you were using your SPY NAME. Add your favorite season/holiday to your flower:

Fall Moonflower


Tell your kids their CARTOON NAME by taking your favorite fruit, an article of clothing you’re wearing right now, now add "ie" or "y":

Peach Shirty


And lastly, your ROCKSTAR TOUR is heading across the northeast...it's called
("The” + Your fave hobby/craft, your fave weather element + the word “Tour”):

The Woodworking Snow Tour

Have a Happy Friday!!!

Happy Birthday Seth!

Today is my next door neighbor's 17th birthday, and I wanted to give him a shout out! It has been my pleasure watching him grow up into the fine young man that he is....And Collin wasn't the only one who took his driving test today, Seth was there this morning and he passed as well!

So Happy Birthday Seth, and congrats on your drivers license! You know I think the world of you!!! Be safe!

Today is a MONUMENTAL day in our family....

I am happy to report that Collin passed his driving test today!!! All the practicing for the past six months, and the almost daily cram sessions with his dad for the last couple weeks have paid off!!! I am so giddy with excitement!

After some finagling with our lovely (and I say that with much sarcasm) Department of Motor Vehicles, they even gave him a license!

We are so proud of Collin and the great young man that he has become! And this is such a HUGE milestone in his life...the beginning of his independence! A bittersweet day for us!

So after many hugs, much advice, a super amount of excitement, and yes, even pictures....we let him drive my husband's Durango to his Thursday Robotics meeting! Of course, my husband had to give him some more advice and encouragement cause neither of us wanted to let him go....but alas, the time came for him to drive away....and then he was gone... )-:

Be safe Collin!! We love you!!

LOST

I love the tv show "Lost"...it is the one TV show that I try not to miss so I was superexcited to find this video tonight. I also love "The Fray" who sings the song in this video....so if you love Lost like I do, you might want to watch this video! The new season starts January 21st.

Sorry!

I have been a bad blogger, life has really been catching up to us around here lately!

I thought the kids would be back in school last week, and things would start to get back to normal around here, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth.

My daughter came down with a stomach bug the Sunday after New Years, and before we knew it, it was passing through the family. None of us had it as bad as Allyson...it started with vomiting with her, mid week she had a high fever, and now she has a cold. The rest of us had mild stomach issues. I am glad that is all passing and things are starting to get back to semi-normal.

As you can tell, Allyson thought the dog had a stomach bug too so she shared her crackers.

Collin had surgery to remove a non-cancerous tumor from his back last Friday, and it seems all went well. He has stitches as they cut out the larger portions of it and lasered the smaller areas. He might have to have an additional laser surgery in the near future to increase his chances of it not coming back, hopefully we'll find out this Friday more information about that.

This week and last week, we have also been trying to get Collin driving every night in preparation for his driving test tomorrow. Fred taught him to parallel park and it went really well so we are hoping for the best. Our biggest concern is his lack of confidence, which seems to steadily be improving, but we all know how those "big bad driving test people" can be intimidating so we are hoping that Collin tries his best, and whatever happens happens. If he doesn't pass this time, he will soon!

Robotics is in full swing, and it is exciting seeing and hearing plans the kids are coming up with. I think this is the year for the team to shine so we are all eagerly anticipating the competition season.

And I have been working on some projects around the house, but I will get to them in other posts....hope all is well with everybody!

In honor of Sheba and Siam (A Tuesday Tribute written on a Wednesday)

A Jay and Deb Production.Today is Wednesday, but I couldn't let Tuesday Tribute slip through my hands this week. Todays tribute is to Sheba and Siam, two adorable, ultra friendly cats that belong to my sister in law, Jamie and her sister, Kristi. Sheba and Siam's story is a love story of epic porportions.This past weekend, they both passed away. Sheba died on Friday evening. Siam died Sunday. Here is there story in Jamie's words....Sheba died peacefully late Friday night. She was 19 years old. Siam was still curled up to her and he was meowing and looking at me like he knew something was wrong. It was late so i wrapped her in a towel and placed her on one of my dog crates (up high so my dogs wouldn't get to her , in the basement). The next day we tried to decide what we were going to do with her...bury ...cremate. Then I had to wait for Kristy because she was her cat growing up. So we didn't get her buried until Sunday. The whole day Saturday Siam would jump up to where she was and sleep with her even though she was completely covered up and not in a spot he would normally sleep. He would come down to eat and drink, then go right back. He was still there when we took her away.I felt really bad for him so I went to the store do buy some rice to make him a rice bag (you know the kind you put in the microwave to heat up and use like a heating pad) to cuddle with. When I got back he was laid out by his water bowl taking his last breaths. I picked him up and held him and about 10 minutes later he died in my arms. Randy (her husband, my brother) and I took him outside and buried him with Sheba. Do you think he died to be with her? Died of a broken heart? So Sheba and Siam, rest in peace, and we are happy to know that you are now together again!