Somebody had a birthday

and it wasn't me (thank goodness)! We spent the evening of Mick's birthday quietly at home as the evening before we had the next door neighbor's over for homemade lasagna dinner complete with made from scratch Candy Apple Pie & French vanilla ice cream. It was a quiet evening b/c the next morning was the beginning of a weekend of this: More pictures of that event to follow.

Everyone should have one of these...

a choreboard that is. Ian & I decided it was time to make chores more interesting. We decided why not make a game of it? Why not make it an art project for homeschooling too? And better, yet, why not incorporate the great hobby of scrapbooking into it? Why not I ask you?

So after much contemplating and planning of what supplies to use, how to coordinate the supplies and how to make a fully functioning "Wheel of Unfortunate Chores Events," we came up with this little number. And, I have to say, this "Choreboard" works and helps to maintain the peace. At least, in this household!

Much logic went in the planning of this wheel. Where to positioning the various chores so that if one brother got a less popular chore, the other brother got one too. Therefore, I guess I could count it as a math and logic project too (probability and whatnot-ya think?)-LOL!

Whew!

I am sooo ready for my busy season to be over with. How do I know this? Because my body tells me so. Ha.

Last night I crashed on the couch at 6:30pm amidst trying to watch Phantom of the Opera on DVD with Ian. I really enjoy this movie, but my eyelids just and consciousness were fighting it all the way. I lost the battle and I awoke at 8pm to the sound of drums...and trumpets...and big boys; both big and little, taking turns at making melodies...and having a blast while doing so...completely oblivious to the fact that I was sleeping and in dire need of rejuvenation and rest. I forgave them though-'cause they were having so much fun together-and I can't not love a daddy bonding with his boys! I only wish I grabbed my camera to catch it all.

So today has been lots of errand running and checking things of the to do list; like:

• paying bills
• writing checks
• chaffeuring to tennis lessons + tae kwon do lessons + band
• home schooling: Middle East countries, polypeptides, amino acids and more baby!
• cleaning: kitchen, floors, bathrooms and more bathrooms...sigh.
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• wrapping up the book fair financials and getting check ready to send to Scholastic
• helping Boo with his homework (the quarter ends tomorrow and I found out from his teacher this afternoon that he had a week's worth of homework he hadn't brought home!-So guess who didn't get to play tennis with his momma today? Hopefully tomorrow he'll get a chance to play.)
• returning phone calls and rescheduling appointments that conflict with one another-like dental appointments and parent-teacher conferences
• running to the store for a few items on a new recipe I've been wanting to try that I found here.
• Note: Dinner is now complete and I have to say we (meaning Mick and myself) enjoyed the new recipe. I added a bit extra of chile oil and opted to throw cashews into the mix. Yumola! Our taste buds were so excited to try something new. (Chili, tacos, spaghetti and chicken nuggets were getting a bit stale).
• More cleaning to go as I want to get the house in order before tomorrow. Boo gets out early from school and I finally have scheduled a much needed spa day (well, ok, actually it's just an hour)with Jules. I can't wait to be pampered. Yay me! :) (FINALLY using a gift certificate from my 40th bd-almost a year ago now).

So excited to begin...

...this journey! I've already listened to the 1st video and am stoked to get started! Ali E is a favorite SD of mine, and even though I don't agree with her politics, I do respect her Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking and her documention of life with words + photos. Thanks for the inspiration Ali!

I so know how she feels, don't you?

I check this lady's blog on (nearly) a daily basis; for many reasons: she takes breathtaking photos, she posts wickedly delicious recipes, she homeschools her kiddos and she writes as if you're at her side, experiencing her life up close and personal. Tonight as I was reading her post, I came across this excerpt from her blog. I SO get HER. She so captures the thoughts of every mother. Thank you Ree for giving my pulled heartstrings a voice...and validity.

Tennis, Book Fair, Tennis

Swamped with all of the above this week, with two tournaments-one I'm coaching for and one I'm playing in as well as chairing the book fair in am. Running on fumes at this point. I love this time of year...and I hate it. It's crazy busy-but sometimes I think it's how I roll best. I will, however be ready for some much needed and welcome R&R once the season is over. Looking forward to using a gift cert for a massage and spa treatment I received from our lovely and generous next door neighbors (I got the gift cert from them last year for my birthday). Yes, I know...it's taken me nearly a year to get around to finding the time to use it. I mean, it's not exactly something you want to drag your kiddos along to. KWIM?

MY DH was off in the Gulf today catching trigger fish and grouper and some 5ft long shark (not a nurse shark but can't remember what he recited off to me via cell phone). Happy he's getting some much needed and hard earned R&R AND I am oh so happy for Big Gma's taxi driving expertise this week as she's been awesome in chaffeuring the boys to and from their activities while I work. Thank you BIG GMA!!! You DA BEST!!!!

The Lil' ghosts of Christmases Past

Oh..my...stars! I opened up iPhoto this evening and came across these videos. (Insert BIG SIGH here). WOW. Time has time flown. No more little thermal underwear tops and snowy white hair. We've moved on to big guy pj pants now-in the realm of "Tony Hawk" and "Wii" pants. No room for Underoos in this household. No siree. Nothing but the latest and greatest in undergarment attire. Comfy. Trendy. Totally SCHnuggly. A momma can never outgrow a "snugfest" with her boys now, can she?

The Gideons...

...were passing out pocket-sized versions of the New Testament after the match on Tues. The BEBZ were excited to have one of their own to peruse. On the ride home, they spontaneously decided to quiz one another on bible verses and the process of looking up a verse within a chapter (I was pretty stoked about this). They were conversing amongst themselves when I hear Ethan say,

"Hey, is there a Table of CONTINENTS in this?"

(Such the goober. Love that dude)!

FRESH...

I went to a viewing of this last evening and found it quite interesting. I intend to spend more of our disposable income on local growers and local businesses; they are what is great about America after all.

Sustainable gardening has been on my mind. This movie has motivated me to consider planting a small garden for the boys and I to tend to. It's always fun to see the fruits of one's labor.

Recycling, reusing + repurposing has also been on my mind a lot more frequently in the past few years and even more so in the past few months.

Cleaning house this am and then off to tennis. Excited to have some family time with no major commitments to anything (except fun). A nice reprieve from the hectic, frustrating week I've had filled with teenage angst and drama. Ah coaching...the good, the bad, and the ugly! LOL

Facing the Giants

Well, apparently this movie was out in stores in 2007 but I recently saw a YouTube clip of it and thought it was great. So Mick brought it home last night and all of us sat down as a family + watched and discussed it together. I only wish there were more inspiring, clean movies out there for the boys to watch...and me too.

The Elusive Rainbow Polaroid...

..has finally found a home upon my shelf!!!

An Idea for our next Small Group Study

Mick and I watched the movie Fireproof awhile back and thought it was pretty good. The Love Dare was utilized throughout. NTS: Bring it up as topic for discussion at next meeting.

A little Happy Mail...

...arrived today! I won some digital templates off of Donna Downey's blog from Patty at the Digital Scrapbook Teacher. Thanks to both of them for the opportunity to win and the great digi stuff! I can't wait to play with the templates. (But, I guess, sadly, I'll have to wait a little bit as we're out of milk and I need to run to Wally-World for some groceries!)

Also, picked up some fun at Lexi's today. Some new papers and goodies from

Cosmo Cricket. Getting geared up for an upcoming Ya-Ya Weekend soon. Woohoo!!

When helping a neighbor goes awry...

...this is what can happen. And yes, that is the prop and lower portion of our less than 3-month old Sea Ray boat.

Let's just say that windy days + rocks +new boats don't = happy, memorable moments on the lake...

And let's just say my DH is one merciful hubby.

I tried to tell my hubby I am not:

"Grace Under Pressure."

...Nor am I "Cool, Calm and Collected Cathy."

...I'm more like "Spastic Suz."

You'd think after 14 years of marriage he'd know that by now, but apparently he's really good at blocking out all of my previous spastic episodes. (Or maybe...just better than me at forgiving and forgetting).

Yesterday was definitely a day where I knew my DH was fulfilling his marital vows in "for better or for worse."

Ahem.

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.