90 years of coming together...

...to celebrate family. This past weekend we made the trip to my parents' hometown for our 90th family reunion. It was a gorgeous day and a very memorable weekend. SO good to see the cousins, the generations, the history, the ancestry. There was even a half page write-up in the local paper. Pretty cool. Over 200 family members were in attendance. Gma K would have been so happy and proud of it all. She especially would've loved the skit complete with our ancestors trek across the pond to their newfound homeland and FREEDOM. I wonder how happy or how sad they would be at all of the progress and all of the steps backwards that have occurred since they first set foot on American soil?

Makes me very reflective. Makes me want to know more about my ancestors. Their struggles and their successes. One thing is for sure...they were successful in leaving a legacy of people who care about their, country, their families, their community, their history.

A Great Giveaway...

is going on today at a friend's blog. you can click here to check it out. Good luck!

Happy 100th Birthday Angel Gpa C

I can't believe you've been gone 7 years now. Even though you lived a long and full life of 92.5 years, I still miss:

• your smile
• your laughter
• your humor
• your voice
• your snore
• watching you come back from a walk downtown after having coffee with your classic "Gramps" hat and newspaper
• the smell of your Old Spice after shave
• golfing with you and looking alongside the fairway for lost (&found!) balls
• walking to the library and checking out books with you
• going to the farm and picking strawberries, rhubarb and asparagus
• being treated to dinner out at the Chanticleer with their awesome string onions and Shirley Temples
• watching golf and boxing (while you shuffle your feet along with the boxers trying to avoid the next punch) together while snacking on one of our favorites: Nestle Crunch ice cream bars
• your ability to energize a room with your charisma
• your abilityto make sure everyone was having a good time
• your larger than life presence in a room filled with people
• your life-long interest in learning something new all the time ( I still remember the first time you sent me an email in your late eighties) including skateboarding
• the time you took me to Bambi at the movie theater in Washington
• the time you took me bowling
• all of the times you treated me to Sunday Brunch at Sun-N-Fun
• I miss hearing all of the stories of your life as a child and a young adult and how things have progressed and changed (Some for the better and some for the worst) since then
• sharing happy hour snack time with you--complete with Grandma's "Etta Dip" and Pringles, Fritos and braunschweiger
• listening to you talk of your younger days of "fast driving" in your fast cars!
• tinkering in your garage
• hearing about all of your ole' fishin' stories

I just simply...

miss you...

but...

I am ever so grateful that I had you in my life for so,

so many years.

Happy Birthday Gramps! Hope you're rockin' it in heaven. Tell Grams and all the others hello!

Hugs,

Your Southpaw Suz

Just Playin'

A nightmare...Warning-don't read if you might be offended!

This is a diagram of the proposed US Health Care that democratic House members aren't allowing Republican members to send to their constituents. A complete nightmare!!! I don't care how anyone in the US voted-nationalized health care is a nightmare and wayyyyyy worse than our current system despite it's shortcomings. Just ask any Canadian or European how they like their health care. Every friend that I know from Canada (I have several from optometry school) and elsewhere hate it. And talk about waiting in lines...I've seen first hand (working as an optometric student)at the VA and Air Force base just how awful a system it is. Everyone should be concerned. And for my family and friends that may not have voted as I did, I am writing this out of concern for all of us. ALL OF US. The current administration is trying to rush this health care plan through. Health care; a portion of our government that is a substantial percentage of America's overall operating expenses. I was always raised that big expenditures and big decisions surrounding them should be c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y thought through and not rushed. Big decisions (monumental ones) should not be made rashly. I personally believe the current administration goal is to do just that-rush it through and under the radar so that "He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named" can continue pushing his ideologies on all of us. Just my opinion.

I can say I knew her when...

This is my dear friend Lexi. She recently found out she made the design team for Freehand Scraps! She also has projects that will be showcased next week at the Craft and Hobby Association convention in Orlando, FL. The projects are featuring items from a line from Nikki Sivils. I am so proud of her and was happy to come over to her house the other day to take some fun pics and a headshot for a profile pic on her blog. (Note: This pic is SOOC). Our boys had some fun slippin' + slidin' nearby while we had a little photo shoot. Our hubbies were both away on business, so we decided to make the most of "single parenting it" and have some fun.

Congrats Lexi! All the best with your craftiness!

The engine of poverty

A good link to check out:http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2009/07/22/the-engine-of-poverty/.

Poladroid fun

Playing with textures (photography post)

I'm taking an online course while on Va-K and this is one of the homework assignments.

This one's for Meems

The Blues Brothers and Elvis...uh..thank ya...UH thank ya verrrry much! The boys loved the glasses, Meems, and were only too happy to strike a pose for the camera.

Surf's UP

some of these pics I took and some are from my SIL's camera. Will try and post more later.

Getting started

a little caffeine for the long and winding road. We have arrived safely at our final destination after a few stops along the way. Clear roads and good weather made for a pretty smooth trip. We are looking forward to skimboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving and tennis playing to fill up our days...Oh...AND a return visit from the "Cabana Boy" with some iced cold yummy beverages! More pics and posts later!

A little pro...fun with Anna K

So our "Ace" is at it again. Season Two of Ballboying it for the local professional tennis team. And Anna K was in the stadium tonight! Unfortunately, a sprained wrist kept her from playing. We arrived early enough that Ace made the team to help roll and unroll the "green carpet." A much coveted task by the ballkids. He continues to enjoy the roll of ball boy and all of its benefits-getting the players autographs after the match as well as snacks from the concession stand at breaks.

Some sweet boy turned 11 AND....

got himself a new ride! Oh...and so did his Momma and his Daddy! This summer is definitely going to be one to remember. Lots of memory making at the lake.

Mozart vs. Metallica

Yesterday Ian and I were listening to iTunes. American Idol songs, Mozart (from the movie Twilight) and Metallica were played. Ian came to his own conclusion and decided that, indeed, Mozart was far better than Metallica. (Bless you my son!)

Gettin' off my high horse

So, Mick and I had a little "domestic" (thanks for the coined term neighbors Jan and Keith) this morning as I set off the alarm feeding the dogs-who were barking incessantly to be fed-and I, of course, was the only one to hear or, more correctly, to be disturbed by their vociferous barks. Our domestic wasn't about the alarm going off, but the fact that I fed the dogs separately (so they wouldn't fight over the food) and Lily got out of their room and managed to piddle (ok-she's nearly 80 pounds) by the back basement room door (Thank you God for porcelain tile floors and not carpet). I threw one of my hissy fits and went into a tirade about how I'm the only one who has to clean up all the yack, doo-doo and other nasty excrements from these dogs. Everyone benefits from the love-but only me, myself and I get the nastiness. So...Mick, in the process of our heated diatribe decides to tell me to "get off my high horse."  Well...suffice it to say that didn't go over very well with "da Momma." And Da Momma made sure the rest of the morning didn't go over well for anyone from that moment on. 

The funny of all of this is that Ian, the quick-witted soul that he is, took it upon himself to bring the moment back up later in the afternoon. We were HSing a  science lab at a friend's house who had an outdoor horse shaped tire swing. (You probably know where this story is going now). Ian jumps up on it and hollers out," Look, Mom! I'm up on my high horse!"

That son of mine. Always knows how to make me smile!

This says it all!

Makes me sick!

The Newest Flu

http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/planning-guide/planning-guide.pdf

Some good info on preparedness.

I agree with everything in this you tube link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqkMfToY9Pk&feature=player_embedded

New Furniture's Arrival

Finally...SOME  of our new and completely paid for in full furniture arrived today. Can't wait til it all arrives. 

Was hoping to get the window box flowers planted today-guess that will have to wait until tomorrow along with staining the shutters and window boxes. Mick has a big guy's weekend and Ian will be camping with the Boy Scouts at Roaring River State Park. Scary to have him going alone.  (Lots of prayers going on by the momma for safe travels and good health for my BEBZ and for those traveling with them).

So, since the two eldest BEBZ will be away, I am looking forward to some 1-on-1 time with Boo. Plan to take him out for a "Special" as he calls it. I think we may go out for breakfast Sat. am and perhaps go to the Grand Prix or go bowling. Also plan to take him to play tennis (of course). Still have a lot of spring cleaning and sprucing I want to get done though so maybe I'll enlist his help with that as well.

I did manage to get items donated today. Wish I could send all of the clothing and toys to our sponsored boy in Nicaragua. But at least the items will be put to good use and help many kiddos here in the US.  Need to remember there's lots of people we can help here in the states as well. 

Getting excited about summer and all of our plans. Lots of great memories to be made at the lake and on vacation. Can't wait to get some more beach photos now that I have my 24-70mm lens.  The boys can hardly wait to go to Florida with the cousins again. It was so much fun last time! We booked the same condo and room as last time so we know what to expect.

Gotta get ready for tennis and read some Fudge-A-Mania to the boys. They are really into me reading the story out loud to them b/c they say I do a great "Fudgie voice." I was just reading it to Boo but Ian has really taken a liking to listening along also. Gotta love that!

Time for tennis....later.

Sharing the love of reading

Photobooth fun

Since my laptop crashed yesterday I thought I'd post a pic that was on my mac.

• Today Ian and I have been logging the changes of the tadpoles we've been "growing." There's three of them and I've affectionately named them "The Three Stooges."
  
• Also learning about the stock market, mortgages and fiscal responsibility. 
  
• Just began reading The Number Stars by Lois Lowry and we are revisiting WWII, the holocaust and other topics related to it.
  
• Boys will play tennis this afternoon and then Boo's got scouts and soccer practice
• I am gearing up for awards banquet tonight. Looking forward to seeing the girls again. The speechmaking-not so much.
• NTS: write Science Exam for Ch#8-10 and prepare for Wed's lab
• looking forward to sunny days at the lake with BEBZ at my side

I'm Tea'd Off...

...and seriously disappointed and saddened by those individuals that fell for Obama's charasmatic rhetoric and socialistic ideologies and actually voted for him. Mark my words...voting for Obama was the BIGGEST mistake Americans have ever made.  I am deeply saddened that my boys and my boy's kids AND their kids will be paying the price for Mr. Obama's actions. At least I knowI can go to sleep at night knowing  that I DID NOT vote for a liberal socialist. I voted for freedom. Liberty. Individuality. Prosperity. Hand ups (not hand outs). Little government. Free enterprise. Capitalism. 

I'm glad that people who are tea'd off can utilize his/her freedom of speech (while we still have it!). The liberal media seems to have no problem voicing theirs while trying to stifle those who think sensibly. Patriotically. Democratically. Shame on the CNN reporter who so rudely interrupted the man she was interviewing and interjected her own personal liberal bias into the mix. She should be fired. Completely unprofessional. Period.

Dollar Store Run with Angie Fun

My SIL has started a bit of a tradition when we visit-taking the BEBZ and my nephews for a trip to the local dollar store for a few boyish "finds." It is always so interesting to see what they return with and the creative play that oftentimes results from their choices.

Last night was spent playing games of Zooreka, Spades, making homemade parachutes for their Star Wars action figures (and launching them over the upstairs balcony) as well as dancing up a storm on the oriental rug in the living room. Got a bit of that videotaped for future bribery usage! Ha!

This afternoon we'll head over to Mimi and Papa's for a big family gathering. Looking forward to Easter ham, lemon pound cake, cheesecake and of course, the arrival of the Easter bunny and egg hunt!

Happy Easter!

THappy Good Friday everyone! Love, blessings and prayers to all of you. ~ Suz

(Pic was taken at our local zoo during Spring Break visit).

Side by Side

My Greatest Joy

...well, you AND your dad and brother. Love this pic I captured of you in Feb. You and your brother were antsy to get out and enjoy one of the first days of spring (or so we thought-LOL). You begged your dad and me to go outside and fly kites. You were so persistent! We broke out the kites from their hibernation in the garage. It was all fun + memories from there. So much joy wrapped up into one little 7 year old body. So blessed to have you in our lives-little dude! BRING ON THE JOY!

Celebrating the Life

of a dear, kind, compassionate doctor and friend. Yesterday our whole family attended the celebration of the life of Doctor "Bill" Campbell who recently passed away while vacationing with his family in Mexico. Doc was a true gift from God and his presence will be deeply missed here on earth. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially to his wife Cheryl and his two sons, Marty and Tyler. Till we meet again Doc. We all love you "To infinity and beyond...and Back."

Prayer Requests

...seem to be coming at us from all directions of late. Several hospitalizations (all with good outcomes), some illnesses and questionable test results, and a few more surgeries along the way. It seems life like happens like this-cycles of troubles, losses, and strife... and then some good things come along amidst it all-to give one hope. The promise of a new day.

My heart goes out to my sister and my niece Andrea today. Andrea came home to find her childhood puppy dead. Sir Oscar lived a good, long and well fed life...but he will be missed.

(Love you -you Lil' Slopehead! May you Rest in Peace).

Right Now:

washing machine running

computer humming

child making sound effects to his Star Wars action figure

Guitar Hero Rockin' Roll All Night playing

getting ready for Boy Scouts

preparing to play a board game with Boo while watching The Biggest Loser

happy to have the donations delivered and out of the back of my van

book fair financials nearly wrapped up

homeschooling

tennis

trip to Wal-mart

call to mom

checking emails (68 new ones-WHAA-AT?)Sigh.

checking bank balance

writing get well cards

sending off new home mortgage via UPS overnight

gassing up van

preparing lesson plans for tomorrow

thinking I wish I could squeeze in a little time to scrapbook and read 

Facebook check

NTS: learn how to Skype with Mom (have the BEBZ teach me)

Busy busy

Time has been a flyin...last week it was the book fair and Crossing Over ceremony for Ian from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. REALLY. BIG. DEAL. He earned his Arrow of Light. We were so proud of him. Ethan got a great progress report from school and we were proud of him as well. This week it's more Cub/Boy Scouts, tennis tourney and birthday parties to attend. Life is busy but good! I'll try (key word being -TRY) to post some pics soon.

Snow Day

A snow day blast from the past and other misc.pics:



Got another snow day today and the BEBZ are taking full advantage of it-me? I'm taking advantage of it too-backing up photos, cleaning up my scrapbook space, doing laundry and more...I do love snow days where the sun actually shines and it's not that dull, dreary overcast type day. So grateful for that.

Takin' on Mary Jane

ok...ok...don't get your undies in a bundle...I'm talking about skiing! Guess what lil (now Big) dude took her on today and conquered her steep slopes and moguls? Yep...the Boo Bear! We were so proud of him (and sooooo happy we no longer have to take the long trek, dragging, skis, poles, snowboards and weary kids behind us to the bus depot at the end of a long, physical day on the slopes!). Way to go Boo!! You rock dude!

BTW, I was going to stop and take a picture of the big event but he was cruisin' along too fast! Definitely a big milestone reached today for our family. Just the beginning of a lot more fun on the mountain together! Woohoo!

L/S/S and Big Gma are on their way. Gratefully, they were able to catch their connecting flight out of Mpls and didn't get stuck in the excessive snow falling in the Midwest. We should be seeing their smiling faces in only an hour or so. Can't wait.

Personalized gifts

...from Mimi! These arrived in the mail today for the 4 of us along with Boo's bday gift of Lego Batman for the Wii. Much excitement abounded. I had to rein in the enthusiasm as the boys wanted to race up the stairs and yell out to Mick about the arrival of the prized game! I mutedly shouted out to them, "Conference Call! CONFERENCE CALL!" The boys knew that this meant they hadto be very quiet. Like your twacking a wascally wabbit. It worked. They stopped dead in their wascally steps.

Back Atchya Big Bro...

So we're eating breakfast yesterday and the boys got to talking about school and Ian brought up Boo's Ethanism from his study of physics recently. NOTE: I posted about this topic about a month ago when Ethan coined the term "internetica" in referring to his lesson on "inertia." Ian preceded to playfully taunt his little brother about it. Less than five minutes later Ian was reading something with ingredients listed on it and he asked what "toma-toes" were. Not seeing the label I thought he was trying to say tomatilloes but to be sure I asked him to spell it out. So he did. I said, "that's not toma-toes! That Tomatoes!  (Evidently the boy has a hard time reading hyphenated text easily-LOL).

Needless to say, lil bro got his paybacks in laughter and playful teasing. A humbling moment indeed.

It's Gettin...I'ts Gettin...

(...come on... sing it wid me now) :

"It's gettin' kinda hectic." 

Ok, ok, going back to old school early 1990's rap now. Just a little blast from my musical past. Anyhoo, things are getting hectic around the house. Still need to get family Christmas card pic done-now thinking I may just wait to take a pic while on our vay-K and mail them out from there-LOL.

Have friends coming into town for the weekend tomorrow. They have four kids and three dogs-so we will definitely have a house full. Big Gma is to arrive Mon and our friends we leave for Philly Mon. (moving there-excited for them but will miss them). That leaves Tues. to wrap things up b4 we head for the slopes. Excited but so much to do before then-so, all for now!

homemade potato soup

it does a body good. We seem to eat a lot of homemade soups this time of year. And for lunch today we had turkey, mashed potatoes and apple pumpkin cake left over from our "Thankful Thursday" we celebrated yesterday.

• Ian took math club test this morning and we studied Greece and it isles as well as the ages up to the Minoans. It's so fun for me to learn along with him (or relearn things as is sometimes the case)




• finished reading The Secret Life of Bees and promptly downloaded Scarpetta




• Ian finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Wednesday (one week and one day from starting it. Seriously voraciuos reader he is. Crazy voracious. I absolutely love it though. He wants me to get back to reading the HP series so that we can continue discussing God in Harry Potter that we downloaded to my kindle recently.




• Speaking of my kindle. I love it. One of the bests gifts I have gotten in a long time. (A really great gift idea for the avid reader in your family).




• Worked with Ian on our December Daily albums and then with Ethan on his paper Christmas trees for his teacher. He added a little bling to each of them with a hot glue gun and I must say, they definitely added a little "BAM" to them!LOL




• Tomorrow I hope to get family Cmas pic done and printed for cards + I plan to watch the Gators take on Alabama for the SEC Conference Championship. I hope they play well. Go Gators! I think we




• I think we'll do chili tomorrow complete with some football appetizers. Maybe we'll even make some cupcakes.

My baby turned 7

he started his birthday with breakfast in bed (mommy and daddy's as daddy was out of town with work). A few phone calls from the grandmas and then off to school. After school, he celebrated with his "girl" friend Tessa and her mom and brother by making a gingerbread house and gingerbread people. Then later, (wayyyy later) we ate dinner out at locale favorite Asian restaurant and Andy's for dessert.