Life with Jacob & Bella

PICTURES

2012-01-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

PICTURES

2012-01-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

PICTURES

2012-01-13T15:38:00.001-05:00

Pictures

2012-01-10T17:10:00.002-05:00

Meet Isabella Marie

2012-01-10T16:38:00.004-05:00

Little Miss Bella came screaming into our lives....on Sept 14, 2011. Making us the happiest parents on this earth. She is absolutely Beautiful~ We were lucky enough for a birth mom to seek us out & we excepted. We can not thank the birth mom enough for completing our family. Isabella is an awesome baby. She will 4 months this coming saturday. She is such a happy cuddly baby. She is eating well & sleeping through the night . She loves to smile & laugh. again She is such a great baby. Bella has a head full of hair that she finally allowed me to place a bow in. And is so chubby... I just cant get enough of her cute little face... Such a sweetie.

On another note...

Update on Jacob. He is now 5 yrs old. He is soooo smart, Handsome & such a loving little boy. He has the greatest sense of humor. He tells jokes, makes up jokes & loves BUGS. He is interested in reading, spelling & why why why... is all I here. He has so many questions & loves life. He has the LARGEST obsession with Transformers... Its insane how many he has. yes I am to blame for some of them. He is in preschool & can not wait to go to elementry school. He Loves his sister & kisses her a million times a day... We actually have rules ... No kissing her when she is getting bathed, changed, or clothed...lol. He was doing gymnastics but we did not resign up for fall in fear of a bad winter. I will post some pictures of our little guy.

Jacob is so in love with Bella & wants another sibling in his words " I want a brother the same size as her"..... lol. He is such a lover.

Anyway must run... will add more later

Old Pictures

2011-01-11T18:12:00.002-05:00

For years I have taken, edited, & did all kinds of creative this with pictures. But i always wanted to have picture of my parents when they were little. And have them on a sd card since they do start to lose their color. Here is some of my mom and dad that I scanned through my awesome new pandigital. I tried to clean them up a little. So I cropped & fixed the black n white.

( my mom on the horse & the rest my dad)

Tomorrow pictures of me...

New Hair Cut

2011-01-11T17:58:00.002-05:00

I play many roles in this family but I have taken on a new one with my boys. I am now a Barber as Jacob called me. I cut both Jacob & Michael's hair. We have been trying to let Jacob's hair grow to give him a different style but I had to do something to it.... It was looking horrible!

So here is pictures of his new Cut...... Before & after...bottom picture is the before... Not how I loaded them but the system did it. SO I will go with it.

The other picture is of him & his favorite toy Devastator. Transformers....

Snow & Crazy Talk

2011-01-08T12:10:00.002-05:00

Its snowing again. Its been a rough start to winter. We had snow early this year & just a lot of blah weather. The temps were extremely cold very fast. All my friends, Family & I all have the winter blues going. If you have no idea what I am talking about it .... your just so tired & bummed out a by just looking out your window at the snow, cold & gloomy gray sky's.
I am definitely a spring & summer girl. Jacob woke up this morning & could not wait to look out to see if we got more snow. That's crazy talk as Jacob would call it. As a child I did not care much for the cold & snow. I was always getting pneumonia so I really did not go outside in winter alot to play other than walking back & fourth to car. Yes I did go sled riding but only once in a while. Believe me that was enough. I so need to move FAR south.

So this morning its freezing & our streets covered in snow & I am sick again! (the street is private & is owned by the company down the street ... And barely lifts a finger to do anything to it) We are staying home. Except Michael who had to go to work. I bet your thinking why do we not do it.. We do ..... we do in front of our house or we would never make it into our driveway. But there's 2 other home's back here. And I know the neighbor's husband got hurt last year & the ambulance could not make it up the street so they had to walk up with a stretcher to get him. I have a feeling it could get ugly about the non snow removal. I like all our neighbors here & even the couple who own the business. So I hope it all gets worked out.

I just keep telling my self that spring is around the corner. Thank god~

Well I better get to work. I got to get our Christmas tree down. I kept it up since the little man really loved it. But 3 days ago we had this conversation

Jacob says " Mom, You do know Christmas is over."
Me " Yes"
Jacob " Then take the tree down."
Me " I thought you really liked it & was trying to be nice & let you enjoy it a little longer"
Jacob " Now that's just crazy talk Mom"

Its rough being a mom sometimes!

Merry Christmas Late & Happy New Year

2010-12-31T15:05:00.002-05:00

We got a new photographer in the family. We got Jacob a Crayola camera. Now I know why kids hate getting their pictures taken... Say Cheese!

Here are my nieces & nephew. Ashley, Samantha, Emily ( baby) & joey. And of course my little man

Happy New Year!

Christmas Pictures 2010

2010-12-28T15:29:00.000-05:00

My Little man is growing to fast

2010-12-23T11:24:00.010-05:00

Here we are.... Jacob is 4 years old. Such a little man.
My son is the most handsome, funny, intelligent, wild, fun & loving boy I know. He tell me all the day ( almost daily) Mommy I love you. Your so beautiful, your so pretty, Your the best mom.

Keeps that up my head is going to get big. And when he gets older we will definitely have to worry about girls..... We know how us girls suck up the complements.

He loves everything. Playing, cooking, games, decorating Christmas trees ( he has rearranged our maybe 30 times in the last 4 weeks) , school, other kids, & he just loves life. I suppose I was like this when I was little except I was horribly shy. ( I use to try to crawl up my mom & dad to get away from anyone) I hope that he never changes. Such a great little boy & the best son EVER.

My sister in law had a baby & sparked the I want a baby brother in our little man. So we have been looking at his baby book at least 3 times a week, he wants to know everything about babies ( where do they come from?) , what do they eat?, how do you hold them?, etc. Then he ask if I did all that with him & where did he come from. So we have had the adoption talk I do not know how much he understands. But my favorite is so I did not come from your belly then where did I come from .... I told him from our hearts. Yes we have explained the real story but he's just to little to understand. Its funny.. he tells everyone " I came from my mommy's heart"

He still is in preschool & bored as he says~ But I think its because he is still in the 3 yr old class. He has learned all they are going over now last year. They have changed all the activities but I guess if you the know the ABC's & number's it could be a little dull. He catches on very fast. He knows how to count in 10's & 20's ( he mess up occasionally) He can spell his name, the number ONE, & Two. We are working on activity books in the evening. When he wants to. I am not pressuring him. But try to do a little learning here & there.

He is growing tall not gaining much weight ( even if he eats constantly). Hair still grows slow. I need to let his hair go for a while. It will look like He**. But I would love to see him in a new hair cut. He is having a horrible time with his teeth. He has had a total of 4 pulled. We brush morning & night & now do fluoride mouth wash. I am at the end of my rope. I have no idea what else to do to help. I hear from my dentist that adopted children have this issue. We try to take it like this. One its just his baby teeth & teeth can be fixed. His teeth do not effect his cuteness one bit. He is absolutely adorable.

All in all he is doing great! He's a happy, healthy, smart, growing little man.

and that's all that matters

We're Still Here

2010-09-15T23:09:00.002-04:00

Its been one of those Summers... We have no time... We played hard & did alot of stuff. It was wonderful~

But now its coming to an end. We went from summe to fall fast the temps here in PA Dropped fast.... not to bad but went from 90's to 70's. Its a drop.

Here are some pic's of my little man... First day preschool, His new hair do he request every once in a while, and our almost daily play dough time.

Anyway I promise to do any update.... But for Now good night!

My little mans questions

2010-06-06T22:21:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from Earth day & from haning out at home. My little man is getting so big. And reminds me that any chance he gets~
Preschool is over for the year so we just signed him up for Gymnastics to help with all his energy " hope it works". Either way its something he wanted to do & I really did not think he was ready for Sports since I can not get him to sit still he would have been all over the field out of control.
But next year look out... He wants to play sports sooooo bad. We will see what he decides

He has been doing so well with everything.... Learning ABc's, Numbers, can do some easy math, & wants to know everything~ And I do mean everything!
Like "where do babies come from?"
It was a good talk & I did sort of tell him the truth. From MOmmies bellies. He said did I come from yours.... I said No but you came from My heart & he loved that... He thought that made him special (it does)

then "how does the baby get there?"
Daddies plant a seed..... He like that answer ... " like a tree?" Sure like a tree

"Can you & dad Plant a seed?" If it were only that simple.....
I said we will work on it...

Thank goodness thats where he lost interest.

My little man ... How I love him & his quirky little questions........

New Blog & Sad News

2010-05-11T23:10:00.002-04:00

www.400caloriemealideas.blogspot.com

My new blog.... I will still continue to do this one
but I start a diet & get a lot of questions on what & how I am doing it. What do I eat... etc
I have lost 42.2 lbs & hope to lose more

I will try to update as much as possible. I have been very busy with OT for work & sadly my sister in law passed.

My husband has lost 3 siblings in the last 2.5 years. It has been a very sad & difficult week. I have spent time with his mom, 2 sisters & him at the hospital & as much as we hoped she would get better we knew the odds were against her. My heart really goes out to her wonderful husband & children & I hope that Holly has found peace.
( She has been ill for 22 years) She is beyond loved~
I only wished that in our busy day to day life that we as people could find more time to spend with the ones we love before it is to late.

Trees for Climbing & pictures

2010-04-23T22:40:00.003-04:00

I wrote this big long blog on how to become a greener gamily but it will not let me copy & paste from my email. So I will have to try to do that tomorrow. But her are somer pictures from the other night when we decide to plant & try to grow herbs... Basil & Lemon Basil to be exact.

Then we went for a walk in Pap's yard & talk about the flowers, trees & nature. Then they decided those trees looked like they needed climbed. No complaints here. They made for some great Pictures.

Even with them being dirty & messy they turned out great....

Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Easter

2010-04-06T21:11:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone~

Well Easter was very low key we actually just hung out at home & ate normal food. We Cleaned the garage & played in the yard. We dyed Eggs. Like I said very Low key.

But the weekend before we went to a church egg hunt & activity day. Jacob got to be with his cousins, make activities, and some of them got their face painted (Jacob was having nothing to do w/ that) But Sam got a butterfly face & Joey (which I loved) was a bunny. The easter egg hunt consisted of MORE candy. At 3yrs old how much candy can you eat ...... so the question is what do you do with all this candy.

To candy jar it went.....

We finally sold my first car.... a cavilier to my sister & soon to be husband. And got a new Mazda 3 hatchback. ( my husband sales them) I love it~ Its speedy, sleek & definately more roomy than the Cav. I had a hard time giving up my old car.... She's been good to Us. But at least it will help out my sister. I will miss you Girl~

Well Here are some pictures~

A hint of Spring

2010-03-20T20:56:00.004-04:00

We have had such a wonderful week of weather compared to the month of Febuary. Today it got to 67 degrees. Jacob was laying in the grass looking at clouds. Playing in the sand. Running, skipping, singing.....He was so happy!

This past week we happen to be out & about with my sis ( who is getting Married may 22)

Anyway we found this little store called Ruffles & Truffles. So instead of paying 60-75.00 for a toddler Tux for Jacob & Joey. We found them for 40.00 there. Which means I can always try to resell it. He look so handsome... Sorry no Pic this was an unplanned stop.

Things are great here. We have been walking, playing & just having fun in the few days of sun. Been watching my calorie intake and have dropped 30 lbs... feels great & sounds great just to say it.

anyway here are some new pictures....

His new tranformer shirt from Pap & Me ma... for valentines day

A Day with my Favorite Boy

2010-02-27T15:39:00.003-05:00

Another day of snow....

But that's fine. I have a cold & do not feel like going much of anywhere. So Jacob & I spent all day Playing. We painted, play doughed, cleaned ( yes he wanted to clean) so I had him help changed the sheets on the beds & dust & sort laundry, played ball, & of course trains vrs transformers. But I loved every moment of it. We had so many funny moments filled with laughter. He especially liked when I made him Hot Cocoa placing it in a sippy cup where it proceeded to squirt all over my hand & arm. I laughed too!

It was nice to see him have a day of NO TV~

I hate him watching TV so much but when my parents watch him while I work. I can not fuss when the let him watch it so much because they watch him for free. ( free... but I do buy them things & pay for them to go on vacation with us & try to help out in the summer with the yard work & stuff. ) Anyway some times when I bring him home he will beg for TV during dinner or at bed time. Today he said I do not want to watch TV. And neither did I.

What an awesome little boy I was blessed with. Proud to say he is MY SON.... ( ok he's Michael's too)

Pictures ...

My boy likes to have his own bowl of popcorn & yes he ate the whole bowl.

Ran up stairs for new set of clothes since he had an accident & came back to find him asleep

His Preschool Halloween spider hat he made.

On another note

Pray for all the people right now who have been affected & could be affect by the Earth quake/ Tsunami . I turned on the news to see this & it really was a frightening sight in Chile. And the thoughts of what's heading toward Hawaii is terrifying.

In case you want to see any updates. Go to Yahoo.com

Back Tracking

2010-02-16T22:08:00.002-05:00

Ok alot to cover here. First the pictures on top are my 2 boys helping make chocolate Christmas goodies for company & holiday parties. I had to keep my eye on them. They kept eating the kisses. But we had a blast making them!

My little man in his white onsie is called .... . He finally pooped in the potty Day.

Jan. 23, 2010. Now if we can get him to do it all the time.. Hey its a work in progress. He has his eye on the prize now. Devastator from transformers...

Last is his preschool Cowboy Day... he had jeans on but immediately took them off and wanted his soft (fleece) pants. But he makes one handsome Cowboy~

Update on snow.... We are buried per news station

38.5 inches of snow this month normally in Feb we get 8.5inches

for the year we are at 66.7inches normal is 40.6

Crazy~ Tired of being locked in the house. Not in fear of driving but the other people driving. You know the ones w/ 4 wheel drive ( or reg drive) who think they can still drive at 65 miles per hour..... with all the snow on the road...

Love those people~

More Snow For PA

2010-02-10T22:14:00.003-05:00

Where to put the snow! Thats what I think is on everyones mind. Pa is getting hammered with snow... I do count my blessings we did not get hit as bad as D.C.

We ended up getting another 6-7 inches. Which does not sound like much but when the roads are bad to begin with...its bad!! I helped dig out the steps, a spot foor the dog & some of the drive way. On a diet & that equals great exercise. My husband begged me not to. But like I ever listen. So far in 29 days I have lost 22.7lbs so I am really trying to work out & do normal activities that burn calories. And I eat 4 400 calories meals I usually only eat 1400 cal. out of the 1600. But it seems to be working I am not starving but to full.
if you have any great meal ideas under 400 calories let me know....

So anywayI dug out a round spot in the yard for the dog... we laugh we said he had his own personal Private bathroom. He was Suround by at least 2.5 feet of snow.

anyway I tried to post pictures but of course the internet is being a bit touchy. Must be upset about the snow to.

Good night~

PA under State of emergency

2010-02-06T19:59:00.002-05:00

So here is the grand total of snow 23 inches................ Insane!

the weather channel, news channels, etc were all wrong for our area. One said 4-8 inches~ the other 6-12.

We woke up & my husband said I do not know how to dig the drive out. Where do I stand where do I put it. Luckily the very nice owner of the green house below us bull dozed us out, the neighbors & the street. What a GREAT NEIGHBOR! I thanked him... He was so concerned cause he started sliding & tore up some of our yard ( he almost went over the hill). I told him I was just happy he was safe. He said come spring come down to the green house & I will give you some free grass seed. I told him not to worry. Very nice guy. We have bought all our plants there even when we live 40 mins away.

But bad news ... our cars are still stuck in the lot below we dug out around them but not the street. PA has a state of emergency declared .. so we will not be going anywhere any way. which is fine we were never planning to leave.

Well stay safe everyone & warm~

Snow Snow Snow

2010-02-05T22:42:00.002-05:00

Last night all the TV stations were a buzz with the news of the winter Storm moving our way. One station said 6-12, another 4-8, & then 7-14 inches. Crazy how all of them are different. I am in the wrong line of work. I should do meteorology... get pd alot of money for winging it the whole time. (just joking)

Anyway in office this week which was hard enough... because
long story short... got specially selected to assist with transitioning a company we bought out. And had to learn their system & plan info. Which is insanely different than what I know. Monday I will be on my own at home again so wish me luck. Then in a few months transitioning them to our system & process. CRAZY~~~ I know! But I keep telling myself with growth brings new opportunities.. and $$$ ( knock on wood)

as I was saying hard enough the snow started about 3:00 and when I left at 4:30 it was a mess. About 2''. I could not get the car up far enough on our private street that I had to park it in our neighbors business lot. Also on the way home some guy was driving his truck down the middle of the back road & when he tried to get over for me.. he started sliding right for me.
The main highway people were flying by me I was going 20-25mph & they were going like 50.... insane! I want to live long enough to see my son grow, have grand kids & see a woman president. Not Palin. Sorry. If you like her that's cool... I do not judge.. She is just not my cup of tea. Seems nice... but nice does not give you the big seat.
I am nice & no one is handing me the keys to the world~

Anyway so far we have 8inches.............. this is to go on till 6pm tomorrow

thank good I am working from home Monday~

Good night all... stay safe & WARM!

Happy 6 & 7 Birthday

2010-01-24T20:20:00.002-05:00

Guess who is 6 & 7. My neices are getting soooo Big~

We celebrated a few weekends back at our house so they can have 5 friends each. My brother house did not have enough room. We had pizza, cakes & did activities ( making necklaces & sun catchers) They had a blast & so did I. The boys ( Jacob & their brother) played together. But then Jacob was interested in the activities. Also He liked the one little girl & proved it by planting a kiss on her. Also he invited one of the other girls up to his room. Thank god just to play but us adults got a kick out of it. The little girl he kissed was adorable~ but a little to young to being kissing any girls.

anyway HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my 2 favorite Princess

Lets go for a sled Ride

2010-01-09T17:27:00.003-05:00

Today we decided to take our little guy to the park & go sled riding... Well He was not to thrilled with the idea... not cause of the sled riding but the cold. He lasted 20 mins than begged to go home. So we left. All that time dressing, preparing, etc. I thought he would love going. We will have to pick a warmer day. But tonight he said he does not like sled riding but to see him you would have thought he loved it he was smiling from ear to ear. Oh well, we will have to try again.

Good Bye to 2009... Welcome 2010

2010-01-07T21:53:00.005-05:00

2009... what a year! There was several great things that happened. Such as our new house (where we want to be), Jacob understanding Christmas, Getting to know my sister in law& become good friends, Spending more time with family & my 2 men always make a great year. (Jacob & Michael & pup Simon). We took part in more activities...halloween parade. My sister is getting engaged. My friend Kim found out she is pregnant with 2 babies. Infertility treatments worked and one baby is a week ahead of the other. Medicine is an awesome thing!

But 2009 was really a rough year... or the roughest we have had. The move was rough, getting settled in the house since we were sick one after one another. Bronchitis, Flu, bronchitis again & again. Jacob getting stitches 2 times ( halloween he pulled car door open & got his finger caught between our car & other parked beside us).Not enough time in the day for everything. I was taken care of my sister in law every other day ( no complaints. I wanted to do it...) Just like I said before not enough time.... wish I had more time to spend w/ her. My sister in law passed. (miss you Donna)

My brother has had alot of health issues. Our uncle ( Michaels side) had 3 heart attacks but was lucky & is doing well. Lots of snow~ & cold. Hit a deer ( 1st & hopefully last) A SUV hit it sending it into my car & left with out checking on me or giving insurance. We only had liability since well its was 11 years old ( low mileage 23,000) & purschase it for $4000.00. It was is PERFECT shape ..old couple had it as a sunday car.... So now we are paying to fix..... BUT Jacob & I are fine & thats what matters. But I will forever remember the look on that poor deers face.. He truly was as scared as I was. Sorry poor Buck ( it was a buck not doe) And did you know 20 mins after hitting it someone had already stopped & cut its rack as hunters call it off. How sick is that.. Twisted~

Anyway I am sure there is more but I can not think of everything... Just a tough year. Mainly all the illness.

But we look forward to 2010. Its going to be a good one. I can feel it~

So here is to 2010........ Happy New Year

Some great pic from 2009

Merry Christmas & In Memory of Donna

2009-12-25T23:10:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to say Merry Christmas. I am sorry I have not wrote much lately. I have not had much free time between work, Jacob, my parents, helping take care of my sister in law, and keeping everything else a float. Just been so busy~

This past week has been a hard one with the holiday, double b-day party at my house for my neices & their friends..... And I am very sad to say my sister law (mentioned above) has passed. It was so unexpected. I know if she were reading this she would be sad that I am sad. She always sad not to be sad she was going though so much~ But I really got close to her the last yr or so & I hate not having her here. I miss talking to her & hearing her advice & words of wisdom.
Some times when I was having a bad day for what ever reason...work, life, etc....
She was the one to talk to ....... She is something special~ And now she watches over us keeping us safe. We could not ask for a better gaurdian angel. We all Love you & miss you Donna~

Jacob was some what asleep & awake the other night & was screaming her name. I grabbed him and got him up & he asked me where Donna was. I said in heaven with the angels... And that she was fine... He really got close to her too~ Loss is so hard to explain to someone who has no idea what it is. But in a way I think he does (in his own little way.)
I asked him if he was dreaming the next day in the tub..... He said she said I can play with her race cars ... And she loves me~ I could have cried~
She collected a few nascar model cars. Expensive ones!

Well I got to get to bed everything has drained me this week.... Especially the loss of a Sister

First Day Preschool 9/11/2009

2009-10-22T22:40:00.003-04:00

Our little man talked us into ( or demanded) sending him to preschool. All his cousins went to school & he felt he needed to go. So The day we left for vacation was his first day. I dropped him off he went right in and began to play. So I watched for a few then left. When I came back he was the last to come out since he was to busy playing. On the way home he said " Mom you left me... I cried"

So when we came back from vacation I asked his teacher. She said he cried for like 1 hr but the secretary from upstairs came down to see all the new kids & he really liked her... So the crying stopped and she had to stay. Since then he has been fine. But he tells anyone who will listen that I left him & he cried. Its tough being a mom~

Here is some pictures of his first day. And our last day at the pool. The pretty girl is his girlfriend or as he calls her HIS WOMAN. He gives here kisses & all. Also as you can see he is a jumper... He loved to jump into the pool. Splash~

Lawton Stables Hilton Head

2009-10-22T22:35:00.000-04:00

Lawton Stables Hilton Head

2009-10-22T22:28:00.000-04:00

Hiton Head, South Carolina 9/11 - 9/19/2009

2009-10-22T21:11:00.003-04:00

Hilton Head..... Man do I love that place~

Why do vacations go so fast? I feel like the only time I ever completely relax is on vacation.

So basically 1 week out of 52 I am relaxed... Sad isn't it~

This year I actully got to relax 2 weeks out of the year... cause I went to Hilton Head 2 times.

I enjoyed every moment. The weather was beautiful. And we had alot of fun~

Jacob was really active which made everything exciting for all of us.

Michael & I took my dad again this time since he babysits for free for us. And paid for everything.... Believe me he deserves more. I was so blessed to have a great father. And mother.

We had a blast swimming, shopping, I played cards with my dad, and we saw the biggest Gator we ever have seen in the lagoon behind our Beach House.

Jacob is funny he keeps asking when we are going back to OUR Beach house. I wish it was mine.... He loves the beach & thats alright with me~

Well our trip end on a sick note... we all cmae home with colds... Jacob had the sniffles 2 days before we left for home and decided to share with all of us but Pap. Little stinker! But I still love him more than anything... Germs & ALL

Rock Star

2009-08-20T23:05:00.002-04:00

So the other day I took Jacob to a picnic with my parents at a sportsman club my dad has belong to forever. Its where I learned to swim, shot my first gun ( and got preached to about gun safety... which is a great things to teach children), and many picnic's there.

I wanted to share these pic's cause he looks so grown up & Like a bad boy. We all joked he looked like he was in a band.. rock band that is.

Anyway here's my future ROCK STAR.....

Is nickelback looking for another member?

Momma's New Car

2009-08-13T21:25:00.003-04:00

Thank god my husband is a car salesman...

we got this car ....it was LUCK

23,000 miles, 1999 sebring chrysler convertible, old couple owned as a fun car, back seat never sat in & trunk never used. and the price was sooooo right~

Momma is loving it this summer & so is her best man... Jacob

CHurch Festivities

2009-08-13T21:20:00.002-04:00

Michael, Jacob, My mom, Dad, My brother & his family & I all met up at the church as we do every year and the kids had a blast... Cheap~ Moon walk for a 1.00, train ride .50, duck pond .25, and bubble cups & tattoos .25. They had a blast and we did to watching them.

A Trip to the Zoo

2009-08-13T21:12:00.003-04:00

I am thankful to get a beautiful day to visit the Zoo. We got to see the new baby elephant & her momma. We saw every animal we possibly could see in one day. And this year Jacob loved it.

We went with his cousins and aunt and some of her side of the family. After we all enjoyed dinner then came home & passed out.

The next day Jacob went to a picnic at the sportsman club my dad belongs to while we went the the Nickleback concert. We had a blast but per his picture above he looked like he was ready to rock n roll to~He is so cute...tough guy

Quit Clowning Around~

2009-07-27T22:59:00.004-04:00

Well Jacob's cousin's stayed the other weekend. They were a hoot~

I went to a yard sale and got a bag of old costumes for $0.50... Clown, Twinkies, mustard bottle, ninja, & Jacob's Fav a M & M. But they all love the clown. They took turns Clowning around. They were so much fun and our house was full of laughter all evening.

It's amazing what 50 cents can bring...

He slept like a baby that night

A trip to the Dairy

2009-07-27T22:50:00.003-04:00

I am thankful that my son get to experience alot of different and fun opportunities. My Brother Steve works at a local dairy. So on Joey's birthday before he had his party. My brother took Jacob, all 3 of his little ones, and I to the farm. It was neat to see all the cows, the new babies, and the big tractors & trucks. The cows were beautiful ... stinky but that's not their fault. I must say compare to most barns/ farms I been to it was not that stinky....

Anyway the kids loved it especially Jacob.

Thanks Uncle Steve~

Thomas Live came To Town

2009-07-25T11:13:00.003-04:00

Its been a while and I got a bunch to catch up on. In May we went to see Thomas Live. It was a blast. I have never seen him so excited. When we first got there we thought maybe we made the wrong decision to bring him cause he lost it. Crying, stomping his feet, all that good stuff. Which I am not saying hes never had bad moment but not like this. Finally they came on stage and he was so quite...watching everything & taking it all in. Then intermission. He was fine. They came back on and he lit up. He was then singing, dancing, pretend to chug & blow a whistle with his arms. And he has not stopped doing that.....

I give this show 10 stars our of 10.

Pictures below are from before and after the show. Enjoy~

Belated Pictures...

2009-06-15T23:08:00.001-04:00

Easter, vacation...etc

Hilton Head 2009

2009-06-14T23:18:00.003-04:00

I know its taken me a while to upload and to get these on here. I am CRAZY busy... I am working, working, & more working. I pulled my back last week after cleaning the house and mulching my huge flower bed. I had such a crappy week. Try telling a 2 year old you can not pick them up cause you hurt your back.

Anyway..... We had a great time on vacation. I needed it so bad. Michael did not get to go. Long story... short ... his boss got fired took everything with him including time off calendar. New boss refused to give him off in which he found out 2 days before we left. Who ended up driving all night 13hrs.... ME~ Never thought I could do it... But I did~

Anyway I was really ticked when I found out he could not go and nervous about the drive... I had no issues with getting lost or anything. No wrong turns... See guys woman can drive!!

Anyway i happy now cause we get to go on vacation again with Michael. Well got to go Jacobs crying~

Hilton head SC may 2-9 2009

2009-06-14T23:12:00.001-04:00

Hilton Head Island May 2- 9 2009 Vacation

2009-06-14T23:08:00.002-04:00

More pictures... I love the one of my Mom & Dad~

jacob looks so big in the one picture with the lolli pop.. he looks like he is 5yrs old or so.....

LA LA

2009-05-28T23:08:00.002-04:00

Everyone meet LA LA

Yes La La.... Jacob named His boy bear LA LA... and I love it!

Its so cute. He talks about him & tells me how much he misses him if he is away from him.

He hides always in the same place(under the office chair) and yells LA LA where are you?

and goes running all over looking & gets pappy involved in search and rescue.

what a great kid~

And he's all mine! Oh ok ... he is Michaels to......

Juicy Juice Party

2009-05-24T12:30:00.002-04:00

Its been a long time... not that I have not wanted to add pictures & let you all know how things are. But I have been busy.... the sun has been out and Jacob has had cabin fever due to winter so we have been out side. Also we went on vacation.

Anyway the pictures above are from Jacobs juicy Juice party we got selected to do by Juicy Juice. See I get a lot of coupons online and well I signed up to get Juicy juice coupons and filled out a survey which 100's of others filled out from this blog I read.... and none of them got picked. So I got picked!

Not complaining... it was a lot of fun~ Except now Jacob thinks every tuesday hes having a Juicy juice party. HE WAS SOOOOO EXCITED about the whole thing.

Well Juicy Juice sent me a bunch of stuff. Juice, reusable grocery bags, coloring books, water bootle container, growth charts.... and of course I added. I bought some candy, and cookies & the BIG punchy balloons. If you every throw a party kids LOVE a goody bag especially with those in it. I got to the $ for alot of it.

we made red velets cookies, I let them paint, plant seeds, the ran all over the house... and I do mean all over the house. It was great~

Coupons & Parties

2009-04-11T22:07:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for ... coupons~ Ha that sounds so funny!
If you knew me you would know I am BIG into coupons & can get alot of stuff for a little $$ or almost free. For instance I got 12 packs of Huggies wipes 218 ct refill & 4 Jumbo packs of Huggie diapers for a total of 5.00. Yes.... $5.00
and NO I am not pulling your leg.
I also just got 12/ 12 packs of Pepsi for 10.00.
4 things of All almighty lndry soap for 4.96
6 things of campbells tom/ chicken noodle soup for Free
2 12' Frozen red baron pizzas for Free
3 jars of pickles FREE
12 bars of Johnson & Johnson buddy sudsy soap bars FREE

Ok I think you get the idea. Its not that I am looking for something free. I just am trying to save money, cut corners and save. I would love to adopt again and with an economy that has been shaking I worry that we may never feel safe or comfortable adopting. So that is why coupons are important... to help us be able to have a better chance of that. My husband is a cars saleman & truly I can not complain to much he was doing pretty well up till the last 2 months ... they have been slow. Not his fault..... Just signs of the times. As my dad would say

So anyway I read a blog about a lady who trys to save and see even post coupons & stuff. Well I signed up for this thing she had to get coupons for Juicy juice & a chance to have a Juicy Juice Shining Moments House Party. Several ( hundreds of people did this) and never got picked from her blog. I got picked and here is what they are sending for our little party for Jacob & his friends.

Your FREE Juicy Juice party pack includes:
Juicy Juice Immunity – two 33.8 oz containers* of Apple flavor, 2 containers of Berry flavor
Juicy Juice Brain Development – two 33.8 oz containers of Apple flavor, 2 containers of Grape flavor
15 Juicy Juice coupons
1 sleeve of Juicy Juice sample cups (50 count)
2 pack of Juicy Juice napkins (25 count each)
1 Juicy Juice table cloth
2 Juicy Juice informational display stands
15 decks of Juicy Juice mini playing cards
15 Juicy Juice eco-friendly grocery tote bags
15 Juicy Juice re-usable bottles (BPA free)
15 Juicy Juice growth charts
15 Juicy Juice activity booklets

PRETTY AWESOME~
I am so excited for my little guy .

Well duty calls. My little guy needs me... Probly gonna ask wheres the easter bunny for the 20th time... Oh well..... I love to hear him say it~

Good night

I'm Still Here.....

2009-04-10T23:10:00.004-04:00

today I am thankful for a moment of sanity. My mom & dad took Jacob to their house. Which gave me a chace to get my work done and clean the house and tag some stuff for the multiple of mothers sale that is coming up. Lately I feel like I have no time. I have to admit we have been spending as much time out side weather permitting. Also I have been reading a book in my spare time. New Moon the second book from movie Twilight. Then I will move on to the next one. Its the first time in a LONG time I have read a book. to bad these were not out when we traveled to Vietnam to adopt. I mainly read childrens books ... to my son... not to myself...silly~

Also Jacob has been crazy. Into everything! running, jumping, and just being a boy. A few saturdays back he hit his eye on the open car door when I got him out of his car seat he threw his head back cause he was mad I would not let him run all over the garage bare foot... ( yea my son takes his shoes off any chance he gets) I did not think he needed stitched but figured since it was his eye better to be safe than sorry so I took him the urgent care... 4 stitches.... and then a black eye... Lovely~ it was horrible. I felt so bad I had to hold him down while they did it. And I could have sobbed but I knew if I did he would be worse. So I held it together. Barely!

Well stitches are out. 3 days later rolling on the floor the corner reopened. they rechecked & said he would be fine. I hope it does not scar. Any thoughts on how to keep it from scarring please comment.... thanks~

I always worry but I think I even worry more now if that is possible. I might put him in a bubble. I kep t calling him my little bruiser... my football player... he would just growl...

My poor little guy... I love him so much

Anyway so really Jacob & I have just been busy...going to the park, walking and now movie night with my friend and her children which are his friends. One of gets the movie and brings dinner & the other brings drinks & desserts. and then we switch next time. Its nice

Well I better go... here are some pic's

his eye

view from our window

and more

Twilight.....

2009-03-27T22:54:00.002-04:00

Ok so we rented this movie... I loved it~

Robert Pattison plays the lead Vampire..... and his has this thing about him... Very attractive guy! He's the bad boy in high school you admired from afar but when you got to know him he was the sweetest guy.

Anyway rent it... better yet buy it~ I am

Dear Jacob

2009-03-19T22:17:00.002-04:00

Jacob,
Today I am thankful for you... My Son Jacob. Today is the most important day in our lives. It was day of our giving receiving ceremony in Vietnam. Legally giving us full custody. So on this day we became a FAMILY. A son... ours to love.

You are so beautiful. I find myself staring at you thinking ... Is it possible to love some one so much... Cause I do. I love you more than any words can explain or express. You are my everything. You make me laugh, cry, you make want to be the best I can be. I love your beautiful eyelashes, your giggle, your silly ways, the way you talk ( today you said look mommy beep beep and I said yeah can you say CAR... you say tar... I said you know what bud I love when you call it beep beep... lets stick with it~ why would I want to change something SOOOO cute), I love when you say thank you or excuse me ( you are so well mannered), I love when you hug me and give me a kiss & say Love you mommy.

So today I thank you Jacob for all that you are and all that you will become. You have truly been a blessing and always will be. In my eyes you are all that is good. And you have completely captured my heart.

I love you....

Love Mommy

My boys... Best Buds or Are they?

2009-03-15T00:30:00.003-04:00

These pictures are of Jacob & simon....

Its start out their buddies... then Simon becomes depressed since Pappy yelled at him for taken Jacobs cheese. Then it the Mommy I swear I did not take jakes cheese look

answer to title... Best BUDs!!

My Father

2009-03-10T22:26:00.004-04:00

Today I am thankful for my father. My father watches my son while I work & is a great father & pappy. My dad paints, plays trains, plays with play doh... all that stuff. He has always been there for me. I could not image my life with out him. When I hear some one tell a story of how horrible their father is. I feel bad for them cause my father is my everything & means so much to me. Tonight he stayed late & ate left overs with Jacob & I. Then allowed me to go down and clean out the garage. I am on a mission to find the keys to something... I thought maybe it was stuck in a box from our moved that I have not got to. Also I needed to move stuff around so I can get all of Jacobs out door toys from Pappy's shed. After Jacob wanted to play Yahtzee so Pappy stayed and played that too. At 9:30 he headed home tired but he seemed happy to spend his evening with us in stead of home with my sister & mom who were sick.

My father does so much more... he fixes stuff in our house when needed ( if he can), takes Jacob to the doctor if I am working, sometimes if he is shopping he picks me up stuff & delivers. I am so thankful god blessed me with such a great father & Jacob a great grand father & god father.

Dad I love you~

Our family weekend

2009-03-09T14:22:00.003-04:00

I have been reading this one blog and I really like how she has chose to start out here blog. So I am going to steal her idea. Because I want to start my blog post out in a postive way. So Here it goes....

Today I am thankful for Children. I believe that children really do make the world a better place. To see their smiling faces, they way the express themselves through play, and just watching them grow. This weekend my neices, nephew, sister in law, and sister came over and stay saturday night. I made the kids favorite ... spegetti & meatballs. It turned out great. But I made way to much...Got a little carried away I guess~ Left overs....

I had some activities planned and games. We had a blast. We made bunny baskets out of empty milk jugs. We made pop corn and watched cars & Elmo potty time ( not sure why they picked that), all 4 of them got a bubble bath in my huge master tub and used the bath crayons and toys to play. We painted for hours... and hours... then colored.... I made pancakes & sausage for breakfast. And sandwiches for lunch. Then a chicken Terriyaki stir fry ( not a kit... I made it) for dinner & even sent my brother dinner home since he works till middle of the night.

After all was said and done they were on their way home... and I cleaned the whole first floor and the upstairs bathrooms.... Lots of germy germs and stick finger prints every where...and I mean every where the light switches, door knobs, and the kitchen cabinets.

But I truly enjoyed it...

and so did they.. . they begged to stay....

Pictures from weekend

2009-03-09T14:08:00.002-04:00

Pictures.... the top picture is the paper from the Thomas the Train. I purposely bought him a new wooden train to get this paper than paid 2.11 to get it laminated at staples ... to keep my sanity~ He was lost with out it for days!

my little man sleeping & his LONG BEAUTIFUL eye lashes

and the bunnies we made this weekend as an activity with his cousins....I thought up the whole thing and winged it.... We ran into a fe bumps but we did it.... ( a little super glue here & there ... hee hee)

Reconnecting

2009-03-04T22:59:00.003-05:00

Well I joined face book per suggestion of long distance friend so we could talk back n fourth. And now I have actually reconnected with several friends and acquaintances from school. Its weird because these are people you assumed you would never see or hear from again. And now to know where their at, what their doing, and how their doing is great. Some have kids, some married, some are still the same and some have changed 100%. I know I have changed alot since school. I was very lost when I was young. Always trying to find my way, where I belonged and just testing everything. I do not regret who I was. Cause everything I was made me who I am today.
I love my life I have a great husband who is also my best friend. A beautiful son who opened my eyes to so much. Especially the world and knowledge of adoption. I was so scared to travel to Vietnam and now if you asked me to go any where... Id say when do we leave. Adoption has also effected me in the way where I could really get in trouble because If I could afford I would adopt alot of children. The thought of a child not ever knowing the love of a parent or a family haunts me. Some times I think about it and it makes me cry.

Its funny because I am so not the type of person to sign up for something like face book. I also connected with some of our family mbrs we do not see often cause of distance and just we all have our own lives... So itsa good thing...
well good night all

Cloud B Twilight SEA TURTLE & Twilight LADYBUG

2009-03-02T22:35:00.002-05:00

Jacobs new favorite toy & sleep buddy. I bought this for him for Easter but I was so excited to see how he would react. I am worse than a little kid when it comes to new toys. I swear~
Anyway I read about this in a magazine.... and thought it may help ease him at night in the dark. Especially since he really loves stars and the moon. I will suggest one thing.... if you are interested look into amazon.com or ebay. I got both the turtle and the lady bug for less than the price of just the turtle. Hopefully a little girl will come soon. Because that's who the lady bug was purchased for.
The other thing I really like is that it came with an adoption certificate. I thought when Jacob gets a little older we can discuss his adoption and kind bring this into play. Or not we will see. I like to do things as it goes.

Well to a star filled bedroom I go...

No More Cabin Fever

2009-02-28T22:47:00.003-05:00

Today we broke free from the house for the 1st time in three weeks. Of course it was to go grocery shopping since we had nothing left in the house. But Jacob really did not seem to care what it was for. We enjoyed the day with a stop at Costco, walmart, and Giant eagle. Lets just say every one else had the same idea. It was packed everywhere. You could hardly get down any isles in the stores. But we made it and got what we needed.

Tomorrow I plan to sleep in. My house work is pretty much done. Except I really need to sweep the 2nd floor. I'll get it tomorrow after I clean my sister in laws house. I think I will be making spaghetti tomorrow we have not had that for like a month which is unusual since its our favorite. Could be we were sick and had no taste buds~

So today when we were driving through our neighborhood we past this house and it was obvious someone was working on a van in their driveway. Jacob & I noticed there was small fire starting under the van. We backed up beeped and yelled at the guy who was just coming out of his house. he said he had no water in the garden hose... it was frozen. Well with in moments it was a blazing.... the cops got there. We were well away from the house .... Anyway we got out of there. But Jacob was yelling Woooooooooow ooooooooooo woooooooo ding ding ding.... Police~

Woooooooooo wooooooo wooo ding ding ding Police!

He has never said police or anything like that.... It was very cute... sad for those people but cute to hear he knew it. Tonight we drove by and there was the van completely burned and half their car in front of it. I really felt bad for them. But I am sure they have insurance...right! And as my father taught us as long as no one is hurt ...... your fine~ cars are replaceable.

any way I got to GO..... Oh Jacob said Thomas for the 1st time today and Salty the train....

And also handed me a spider today... which I Hate spiders... Little stinker!

If anyone is reading ... have you ever heard of the Preschool prep DVD, Books, etc

and whats your thoughts.... good , bad, waste of money?

Pictures ....

2009-02-27T17:19:00.002-05:00

Jacobs Birthday pictures from Oct 12, 2008. Since we had no computer up & running then I wanted to still post them... His Theme Thomas Train

Jacobs Updating

2009-02-25T22:28:00.012-05:00

Well back to the doctor we went.... Jacobs cough is still hanging on.. We are told this is normal. But the did give him predisone just to assist in his recovery from bronchitis.

I feel like I have not done a updated on Jacob for ever so Here I go.....

Jacob is now 28 months old.... now weighing in at 24lbs.

He is very smart picking up new habits, words and things every day.

He loves playing , singing, dancing and just being silly.

He loves arts & activities. He enjoys painting, coloring ( with color pencils, washable markers, or crayons). He loves coloring books but never in the lines yet...still young for that. He likes painting & enjoys trying to add to mine. (he must not care for Barney much .... I painted my so called Barney and gave him a bloody nose with a big glob of red paint)

Trains... what can I say~ my life, my house and every where else is filled with trains... Jacob Loves trains. He even enjoys watching EXTREME TRAINS on the history channel. He has train table, alot of trains, toddler bed with Thomas train and I made him a fleece Thomas blanket for Christmas. Pj's, shirts, etc...you name it he probably has it. Thomas is our LIFE~ We live, eat and breathe it~ We are actually taken him to see Thomas Live with circus & to ride Thomas at the real railroad. Can not wait to see how he reacts to it all.

Jacobs says his ABC's from A- I with a little assistance. Because instead of F he says S. We're working on it. Can point out the # 1, 2, 6 & 9 . And will only count 1-2 but when by himself or when he thinks no one is paying attention I hear him say more that just those 2.

Colors.... favorites blue, white, yellow, pink & He can say them. But he can point out black, red , green, purple & orange but just does not say them yet.

He is talking some much and comes up with new words every day......moo moo cow, fish, speed ( which is what he calls lighting Mc queen from the movie cars), mee ma ( gram ma), Mee mee is ( aunt mary), apple jacks, cookie, Shadow, sun out, moon, ashley, sam, Joe joe, Yes, happy, and my favorite love you, Tubby ( he calls Simon this & came up with it own his own), Bubble bath, night night, pizza hut ( which I guess he got from TV cause we never go to pizza hut), you alright, or I alright Momma. No matter what he says I love it~

He is very good with his manners & we have gotten several comment on how good he is with them. Thank you, please and excuse me..... He even says excuse me for other people.

He also says sorry... some times for no reason....

He loves to Jump / climb and scare the crap out of me. He does somersaults off the couch.

Is it weird to take him to a gymnastic class.... This is a real question? whats your thoughts... he just loves to play, tumble, roll, hang like a monkey on things....do head stands....

When it comes down to it... Hes the best and I could not be any happier... He is truly the best little guy in the whole wide world...

And mommy loves him more than anything

A Little Bit of Fun

2009-02-22T11:18:00.003-05:00

Jump Smart Toddler Trampoline- BY Kid active

My friends son got one of these for christmas from a grandparent & loved it. We happen to be at their house one day and Jacob love it. Well it just so happened at our local goodwill store they had one for sale brand new in the box never opened. Some one had UPS it for christmas to some one and maybe the parents disagreed with it, or did not have enough room, or just hate putting things together. Anyway their loss was our gain... usually 49.99 we got it for 19.99.

Now we did have some concerns about safety. But it only is about a foot and a half of the ground. And we placed it in a well carpeted area. Also you could place pillows or a gym mat or something down to. Place it in center of a room away from everything. The hardest part was putting it together. You have to lace the netting to the frame. Took 2- 3 of us to do it. one to hold, one to pull & the other to lace.

Anyway Jacob loves it.... and so does his cousins and his little buddies. We actually have to say ok Jacob its Ashleys turn, then ok Ashley its Sams turn. This has helpedus with the winter blues are little guy is experiencing since we have been hammered with snow. He loves to Jump and learn from it. Above is a picture of him taking a break from jumping. He also loves to lay on it with his blanket & watch Diego & Dora.

This is sold on line at Target.com

also if you type the name of it in the yahoo search area it pulls other places who sell it

Heres a little info:

Bilingual TrampolineLimited Supply! This brightly colored fun kids trampoline is not just a bouncy good time. It's a learning tool also. This JumpSmart toddler trampoline features a five in one multi game sound system that makes learning fun...counting...music...rhythm, special effect sounds, recognition and memoryThe JumpSmart trampoline by Spin Master, Kid-Riffic and Kid Active requires 3 "AA" batteries (not included).

Jumping Mat Measures 27" x 29"
Measures 42"x36" and holds up to 80 pounds.

Bronchitis again

2009-02-21T23:41:00.002-05:00

So today I wake up clean the house completely with bleach..... I did not want to cause I felt like Crap~ But the last 3 months we all have had colds. Not that I never clean... I do. I am a neat freak. But I think it needed DEGERMED.... With Germ killing powers. Tonight after dinner I just could not take any more. I was really having issues breathing if I did I was coughing. Wheezing.... it was horrible. So my father took me to the urgent care and Michael stayed home with Jacob cause he to has bronchitis...... Well that is what they dx me with to. I am to use Jacob Nebulizer with adult abutorol. Well of course all the pharmacy's are closed around here at 9:30. So I came home and did Jacobs treatment with 1 of his albuts. I felt horrible using one of his but I needed it... and he seems to be doing much better. And I do not think he will end up using all of his. Can you tell I feel guilty. Anyway.... I just wanted to let you all know... and I will blog later tomorrow. I have a great toy that I got Jacob you may all like.

till then good night

Done with Winter.....I Wish

2009-02-19T09:59:00.003-05:00

Again we wake up to see unwanted snow on the grounds, covering the drive way, the deck and everything else in its path. Don't get me wrong snow is beautiful but we have had enough. My little man is so bored with being in the house and with the cold temp's you really can not have him out side. I have never really been a winter out doors girl myself. I was always the little girl watching the other kids from our huge living room window growing up cause I was sick with a cold. And every time I had a cold it moved to my chest when I was little. So I do not blame my mom for letting me go out.
Well here they said it would be flurries and its looks like we have accumilated 2inches. Plus the wind... Last night I ran to the store for basic necessities....milk, eggs, bread...etc and it was lighting. And now snow... Just odd~

Spring is around the corner... I know it. But try telling your 2 year old that. I plan on spending every minute that I am not working out side with my boy. At the park, fishing, Swimming and walking ( I need to lose some weight & get healthy again)

This winter has been the worst for us... Today Jacob is going to the doctor he has our cold and is running a temp. He had the chills last night the high fever, then coughing and yellow goo pouring from the nose... Lovely image ..... sorry.
I guess all we can ask for is for god & mother nature to move winter along QUICK....
Well break time is over back to work

At the End of My Rope

2009-02-17T17:14:00.003-05:00

I am sure you already know what this post is about.

I am going crazy!!! Call it terrible 2's or what ever you want....my little man is testing me to the end of my rope the last 4 weeks. Climbing on things, jumping off things, somersaults of the couch, not listening at all, I can say his name a million times and he ignores me. WHY..... WHY I ask....is he being this way? I talk to my friends and they all say... that normal~ I ask how do you get him to stop?

You can't they say. When I was little all my dad had to do is raise his voice and we listened.

I do and Jacob laughs at me. And I have to admit cause I want to laugh to.....

All I want him to do is listen to me..... instead of saying please pick up the blocks.... 20 times. Then picking them up myself. Sitting him in the corner or time out does not work he does not stay. Taking toys or taking away TV time nothing works ...I tell you~

Give me your tricks or tips... or are my friends right.... just deal with it.

I want him to grow up with respect & to be a good boy.

PIctures

2009-02-12T18:57:00.002-05:00

Ok some more pictures since we have missed so many months...

Birthday party.... thomas theme... we live, eat & breathe Thomas

We are going to see Thomas Live & to ride Thomas in Stratsburg PA

Halloween.... Move over Bob the Builder theres a New BOB in town

Merry Christmas and a visit with HO HO as Jacobs calls him

Jacob with His uncle Steve ( my brother) He loves Uncle Steve

Sick Again!!!

2009-02-12T18:47:00.002-05:00

I'm telling you this is the worst winter ever for the Glass family. So now I got Michael's cold. I am so stuffed up I can not breathe... I mean it! Not one nostril has air flow. So last night I slept with my mouth open and woke a million times with a sore throat. If that was not enough we had very high winds last night. It sounded like my house was going to be blown away. So I was up and down with that. Our electric went out at some point in the night cause the night light was out and the alarm clock. Loads of fun last night~

So this morning I got up starting working. I had Michael drop Jacobs at Mom's house so that he is not in our sickly house. I ended up working till 12:30 and had got a clm for like 260,000.00 dollars and that is something you do not want to mess up..... So I sat back with my stuffiness and my throbbing head ache and said I can not do this... I can not look at the screen anymore its killing my eyes. And I was starting to feel worse... so I called it a day. I called my boss left voice mail & emailed her. Of course I will be charged 1/2 occurrence but I just could not do it. Which upsets me.... I work from home ...so I always stick to the policy unless I am deathly ill..throwing up, on the run if you know what I mean, or can not pry my self out of bed I need to work.

Well Jacob is staying at Me ma's & Pappys..... as he calls them.

Well I am going back to bed

Pictures

2009-02-09T22:56:00.002-05:00

Heres some updated pic's.

Pappy & Jacob painting

Ash & Sam gingerbread house

Jacob & Simon

Chief Jacob

what Thomas Train do I buy next?

2009-02-09T22:01:00.008-05:00

Its been a long time. I have not wrote in my blog or read my favorite blogs. And I have missed it very much. We have had some very crazy months. I am sure you are all aware we have moved into our new home. And we love it! The house really feels like home not that our old house did not. Just its where we have wanted to live for long time.

Since we have moved we all have been having a heck of a time with colds or other ailments. I had bronchitis, then the flu, then a severe sinus infection ( in which now I need to get surgery since they did a cat scan and said I have poor drainage) and the MOST SEVERE tooth ache I have ever had in my 28 years of life. The roof of my mouth swelled ... I had to got an oral surgeon. Then finally after the infection went away a root canal.....I was never so happy to see my dentist. I wanted it to go away...now!
Our little guy had to get his 2 front teeth pulled & the one beside those 2 capped. The doctor believes its from his mom having been taking a antibiotic or maybe see did not get the vitamins and appropriate nutrition. Also I am sure the bottle addiction did not help... the baby bottle that is. But truthfully I do not care why it had to be done.... it was the worst~ to see them give him a shot & him stare up at me with his eyes rolling back saying MOMMY...MOMMY~ it broke my heart I would have dealt with my tooth ache and all for a month for him not to be put through that. They took him back and I just made it to the hall and busted into tears. About 1 hour later they brought him out... by the time we got home he was already saying I want some... that means FEED ME..... try telling a 2 year old NO... you can not have food for and hour...
Michael to has had his fair share of colds. And really his battle has been the snow & driving 45mins to work & back. But hes a trooper.

SNOW... what can I say we have had a crap load of snow.... enough to last me a life time. Beautiful but the temp's have been very low. Making it impossible to do or go anywhere. Finally the other day we got a semi nice day in the lows 50's which was nice but it also melted the snow that hid all the doggy Poo.... I picked up a half of a white kitchen bag full of it.... I love my dog but seeing that makes me think.... WHY did I want a dog. Yuck! But I LOVE my pooch.
He was my first baby you know.

Work has been insane...Little ups lots of downs. New boss for our office changed our production requirements which made it impossible to hit our numbers. I do alot of High dollar claims & have been at my job going on 9 years next Nov. 6th so I get a lot of questions and do reporting & stuff like that. I like my job since I am home. But some times the stress is not to be desired. I love the people I work with. And I get along really well with my supervisor. But the work load can be intense. But as I do say to anyone that is employed ..... isn't the work load always intense. Any way that enough about that~

I have been also working on putting together Jacobs BIG BOY room. Sports theme..... I hung a few things he received from his god mother Gemma. God we miss her so much. I feel sometimes that she is still here watching over Jacob. A guardian angel. Its finally really coming together... I will have to post some pictures.

Also we filled out all the foster to adopt papers & are awaiting clearances. We met on a Wednesday and the following Wednesday got a call about a little boy who was going to be 3 in Feb. Then the pulled the rug out from under us without even telling us. The foster mom decided to stay with the agency. And even with him being up soon for adoption they left him with her. But she is not wanting to adopt. Strange! Anyway we are on the path to hopefully be a mom & dad to another little girl or guy. Keep your fingers crossed...

Time to go..... tired & well I got to save some stuff for another day.

Missed all you guys....

Our New Home....

2008-11-27T17:35:00.002-05:00

After living 3 weeks seperate with our families. We are finally in our

house. I am so happy to finally be back to being my Husband. And Jacob to be with his daddy. It was a very hard 4 weeks. Friday I went to the doctor to find out I have bronchitis, then we moved saturday & our moving truck we packed and strapped all our stuff in broke down, Sunday I had the flu.... Projectile vomiting and all that stuff. Horrible!!! I am still fighting the bronchitis bug. So unpacking is slow.

Well I wanted to update with some pic's... they are from when the previous owners owned it...thats not our furniture. We have a lot more crap!

well I got to go my little guy is ready for turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving!

5 DAYS... And counting

2008-11-16T19:06:00.002-05:00

Only 5 days till we move into our new house. We are SO ready to start our life in our new home. Our closing is on Thursday. And Friday morning the previous owners moving trucks pull out & I pull in to meet with the cable Internet company for my work computer. ( I work from home...only go to office 2 days out of the month) Not bragging. That's just how important it is for me to be set up come the following Monday.
So since I have been at my moms I have been working like a wild woman 40hrs reg. & OT. I need the money plus a few odd jobs on the side. Cleaning my sister in laws house.... etc.
Today we got our first snow.. everything is covered in snow. Beautiful but COLD. I do not care for cold weather. Jacob & I are getting some major colds. And Michael is in the middle of having his. Things are not to bad a my parents house. Getting use to their heating is hard. They have a oil/ wood burning furnace. And with cost of oil & all my dad has really been sticking to wood. Last night I slept with no blankets... I was roasting! It was like the middle of the hottest summer day. All I needed was a pool & a drink with an umbrella. ( just joking... not much of a drinker)
Well I better go... we still have not got our computer back. So far they have found over 150 virus on it.... crazy I tell you

Sick & Tired

2008-11-09T17:39:00.003-05:00

Still living at our parents house.... Its been rough! I greatly appreciate them taking us in but its hard because Jacob is so off schedule. And has no structure to his days.
I thought a perk to living with my family maybe I could sleep in on Saturdays. Yeah right! Either for some odd reason my body tells me its time to get up & I look at the clock its 7:30 or 8am or some little man comes & jumps on me and says MOMMY.... Mommy!! I am up...

So Thursday I developed a cold. So not only am I tire... I am sick! Blowing my poor red nose, watery eyes, and clogged nose. I am going insane. I hate being sick. Wake up 3 times a night can't breath. Sore throat from catching flies since I can't breathe through my nose. Then my little man wants to give me a kiss & he can not. Germs!

Anyway I better go.... Suppose to be visiting my husband. Hes watching the game... Me to but took a break.

Quick Update & HOPE for a Change

2008-11-05T20:21:00.004-05:00

Well things are insane right now. Michael & I are living at our parents house. He is at his moms & me at mine. Long story short.... we can not move in for 3 weeks to the new house. He is allergic to cats and his uncle is not fond of the idea of children or animals.... So Jacob, Simon ( the dog) & I are at my moms. Its whats best for Jacob.

But its hard. Going through the emotions of the loss of our niece & being separated. And Michael is going insane with out Jacob and Me. And I to am lost with out him. But we are lucky to being moving into such a beautiful ( our old house was beautiful to) & are thankful.

Leaving our old house was hard .... it was the last place we saw Gemma & my brother in law Gary. And all the adoption memories.... filing papers, bring him home, and watching him grow there.

So how about that ....... We won!! Voting was insane here in PA......
Obama won.
Both candidates were very good men...but in the end Obama just was the better man.
I truthfully do not talk to anyone about politics.... but am very happy that we finally have a chance for a change. I hope we get it!

I think for most Americans he is a symbol of HOPE.

In Memory of ..... Gemma Glass 10/25/2008

2008-10-27T20:25:00.003-04:00

This is a blog no family should have to write.
Our 20 year old niece Gemma passed this weekend. I believe I have mentioned somewhat about her health in some of my post. I tried to keep private since she is a private person. Since age 18 she has been fighting ovarian cancer. She had went through chemo & surgery to remove here ovary and was doing very well. But unfortunately this April at one of her check ups she was re diagnosed. She was treated with extreme amounts of chemo but the cancer continued to grow.
After looking for all attempts to find treatment or a cure her body gave out. It was sudden & unexpected. She had just join us in celebrating Jacobs birthday. And she looked beautiful..... She had so much color to her face and was smiling ear to ear. It may have something to do with going to see her boyfriend in Alabamba for the week. Love... what a splendid thing. She returned home and quickly went down hill. And this weekend peacefully went in her sleep.
We are heartbroken that god had chose this as her time. But are comforted to know she is no longer in pain & know her father was there to guide her.

No words can express what a great girl she was. She was shy, funny, intelligent, unique, Beautiful (even with no hair) and meant a lot to everyone around her. Jacob may not get to know her personally but he will be told stories of her & her kindness. She has become a guardian angel to watch over Jacob.

Gemma we will always love you & miss you...... And will keep in our thoughts & our hearts.

Her mother & sister have been through some much with the loss of their husband/ father & now her daughter/ sister. I hope They know we are all here for Them...

Busy!

2008-10-07T12:42:00.000-04:00

Time...
Right now I have none!
I am either working, packing, playing, cleaning, launry, More packing, going back n fourth with realtor & seller,our buyer or mortgage company with paper work. Its insane!!!

So some our family membrs have done what I like to call the drive by... to see our new house and really like it. I also have heard that a few frinds/ family do not understand why we eed such a BIG house. Its really no that big... 2200 sq feet. I hate tripping over one another and I like having space..... My house now is 1600 sq feet. So really it not much larger just the rooms are bigger. And our house now is 48 years old and this or new home is 5 years old. Also I have a husband who can not fix anything!!! Nor build the simplest thing from a box...Like my desk... I did it! He held the parts. But his family always called people to fix things. My family never had the money to so we did it or paid a family friend. So its understandable why he does not know anything about the tools. Love you honey!

anyway really I do not care what people think. I love the house and we want to expand our famiy some how and its where we wanted to be.

Can you believe Jacob will be 2 this sunday. Time is flying by...
His birthday theme is Thomas the Train / Bob the Builder
Its exciti ... he will be able to open presents himself this year.

Better go breaks over

I hve to tell you this its funny...
last night mom calledanted to talk to Jacob. He was waching thomas. I handed him the phone and he says I'm busy and handed it back.... I was so funny we had a good laugh

I'm Still Here

2008-09-30T20:53:00.005-04:00

Hello! I hope everyone is doing well. I have missed you guys ..... I still having computer issues. But should be fixed come Thursday.
BIG NEWS......
DRUM ROLL PLEASE....................

We got a house..... No longer homeless!

Well OK for 3 weeks we will be.
We need to be out of our house the October 31 and we get into our new house Nov 21. So I am going to live with my parents & Michael with his mom on the couch... I know your thinking HUH?
Well his uncle.... His
moms brother lives with her and well is Little bit of a stick in the mud... He does not like dogs or kids. And I well that's not a healthy environment for Jacob to be in. And my parents have a cat & Michael is SEVERELY allergic.....So He is going to work his norm 9-9:00. Come to the house tuck Jacob in. See me... the go home to bed.And weekends we will spend together. Its 3weeks...... We have to deal. there are no monthly rentals in our area. Especially w/ winter coming. It will be hard but in the end its worth it!

So other than that work & looking at house has been my life. Now its packing and playing with Jacob.

But I better go! I will post later.

+-

System Problems & internet/ TV Outage

2008-09-15T18:59:00.002-04:00

Well...... my computer is experiencing some technical difficulties... I have no idea what possible virus or something. So blogging will be limited till fixed. Then on top of that PA got hit by the remnants or Hurricane Ike. Last night we got slammed with 79mph winds. Thank god we have electric. But cable TV Internet is not working.
I may be going to the office tomorrow. It literately looked like a tornado went through. I have pictures BUT can not down load them her... at my sister in laws unloading my parent frozen goods since they may be out of electric for a few days... Yes a FEW DAYS!!!

Anyway I got to go....
Oh Jacob got allergy testing he is not allergic to anything. They said he has a idiopathic allergy large term for unknown allergy....
OK enough must go... my nieces & nephew all 3 of them are terrorizing me.... so if anything is spelled wrong they are covering the screen , pulling the keyboard.
2 seconds form Aunt Ann finding a corner & sitting them all in it...Yeah good luck ones hard enough to get there....Ha ha ha

Prayer Greedy.....

2008-09-08T22:42:00.002-04:00

Did you ever have a moment in life where all you feel like you do at night is pray to god for something. Well that's me! I lay at night thinking & praying that god will help our niece to fight her cancer. Then I pray for our family (Michael, Jacob, Simon, & I) to find a new house. Then it was the fundraiser .... Please let us make some money for my niece & her family. I feel like all I do is constantly pray or ask god for something. I feel Prayer greedy. Does anyone else ever feel this way? Or am I just insane!

My Emotional Rollercoaster

2008-09-02T23:02:00.002-04:00

Searching for our next place to call home has been a up & DOWN roller coaster. We found this house pretty quickly after a long search for sale by owner..... We placed a bid they agreed. We were waiting forms but then another person bid. We counter offered again they said on that Wednesday to give them till Monday ( we were on vacation & could not sign papers). Anyway Monday comes and a voice mail they decided not to sell at all. So I went through the tears & all that on vacation. Well today after our buyers 5 hours inspection of our house and the emotions of waiting to hear what they had to say... we get a call they are selling it and are willing to take our bid still. I was so excited.... More than I can express.... they said papers would be here tonight. I waited & waited nothing. Then to get an email someone who heard from the grape vine they were selling it again ( no sign up. or in paper nothing) ...happened to call & will pay cash... what a load of bullS***. I really hate people like this I know we must all look out for our families. But there is a thing called respect...next time call everyone let them know & do not except offer till final person called.. So here i sit in tears... Yes I know its just a house but.... its where I imagined raising my son for the last 5 hours... and last week for DAYS!!!
Michael called them which he never does stuff like that & thank him for turning our life upside down the past 2 weeks. And hope that he got what he wanted & that it does not fall part.. cause we will not be here waiting.

I guess I was raised better... Why is it that nice people get crapped on all the time?
should I be a mean, rude, disrespectful person? Is that what it takes to get some where in this world? Cause I seem to get taken advantage of a lot... for being nice.

Well to bed I go...
I have had enough for today!

thanks for listening to me vent...... and being my shoulder to cry on. My poor husband has to truly deal with me now.

More Pic from Vacation... Nags Head NC

2008-09-01T22:38:00.002-04:00

Here are some more pics.
While over there we took a drive & took are car over on a ferry to Ocracoke Island. It was really neat never been on a ferry before. We wanted to take my car 4 wheeling on the beach but my mother in law & sister law were a little moody with one another & ended that whole plan. And our long drive & ferry ride was a loss.
Next pic... Jacob Loves Lemons & I happen to capture his first nibble... sour face!! then him just hanging out drinking( yes a bottle... get off my back I hear it enough from others... he is just not ready. I have TRIED & TRIED!!!)
Then the group of us went go kart riding...even Jacob(double car with this dad) and this is our pic after... ( I am taking the pic) So I was driving slow so I could be with my men and they come up wave & floor it.. Rudeness!
Then our beautiful niece Gemma!! Smiling which was nice to see.

Vietnam Adoption

2008-09-01T22:26:00.003-04:00

I am sad to hear, say, think...etc that today Vietnam will no longer give referrals to families who are waiting. My heart really goes out to them. Our son has been my everything. And with out Vietnam as one our options we may not have been able to adopt. We to have thought of extending our family again through adoption and Vietnam but when the whispers started being passed around we were worried. So again to those families..you are in our prayers.
Everyone always told me god has a plan & there is a reason ... and I never really understood why until I saw Jacobs face.
Now I can not say I 100% fully agree... I still struggle...
Why would God give an 18yr old young woman ovarian cancer, then take her father(he passed), then have her cancer come back.
So should I really give that advice... I am not sure. There is no real words or advice that can comfort in any feeling of loss... and losing an opportunity to adopt from Vietnam is a loss. The country, people, culture and the beautiful children who await families is a loss. But I believe the program will be back & hopefully soon.

Good night all!!

We're Back!!

2008-08-31T23:34:00.005-04:00

So Saturday @ 5:30am we pulled in our driveway... after a 9 hr drive. It was nice to be home!
We shared a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with my in laws. ( My mother in law/ 2 sister in laws/ Nephew Billy ( who is 3 months younger than me) & niece Gemma)
Now the vacation started out a little rough with a few issues with the house..... door knob fell off bathroom door/ none of the out side lights worked and one tub took for ever to drain and the other would not hold the water( we tried everything) it took 3 1/2 days for some one to come fix this all. Then I get home to a message that said we left a stain on the rug.... Bull Pucky! that spot was there when we got there. and the would be talking to us about payment. Needless to say I can be a B***h... when needed. I called & of course got through to no one ..... So I left a message telling them about the issues we had that they were aware of during our stay & also about how the stain was there. And that if anyone deserved money it was us. We had to leave my mother in law behind the 1st day we were there for no one to show up..... But no call back so ... to be continued.

Other than that the house was great. In laws were not to bad. We had fun playing scattagories, cards or serades every night. I have some stories about the serades but its a little late and I am a little tired but tomorrow I will write about it... FUN TIMES!

Jacob was all about his dad on the trip. I felt like the in laws thought I beat Jacob ( never would)or something since all he wanted was his dad. But Michael works long hours so I think really he just wanted his daddy. I was a little broken hearted but at the same time happy cause now Michael got to see why sometimes its hard for me after 40 hours of work and all to get every little thing done or why I am frazzled when he gets home...... Men! If they only knew how hard it can be......

Our niece Gemma came with us. I was SO happy she decided to come. She is fighting her 2nd battle with ovarian cancer and unfortunately treatment is not working as well as they hoped. We are looking into other care and she should be starting a new experimental treatment soon. So please keep her in your prayers. Our fundraiser that I have been working on is Sunday & i hope we raise alot of money for her. She has been through alot. And being & seeing her on vacation really opened my eyes. She is having a rough time getting around and eating and sleeps alot.
It was nice on vacation to just talk to her... learn about her boyfriend, her doggy, & just her likes & dislikes. She is a very sweet girl.

I also got to know my nephew on Michael's side Billie.....
I love him... what a hoot & a half... Funny!
I am not a big drinker but we made some mixers.... Pina colodas, Mud slides, and others.
We were liquoring up the old ladies!! They were funny to.
I had a few drinks. My yearly max is normally 1 drink per year .. I have exceeded that for this year... but nothing to out there.... 2 mudslides & a pina colada & another mudslide.... ( not all on the same night)
Him & I went to the beach & pool a few times our selves. We had a blast!

But anyway I better go...
here's some pic's

Josh Gillham--caring bridge site

2008-08-22T20:01:00.002-04:00

This site is dedicated to Josh Gillham. I grew up with his wife Cathy Morgan- Gillham through grade school & some of junior high until they moved to Illinois. He sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns over approximately one third of his body, following an explosion at his employer in Smithton, IL. Josh is 27 years old and lives in Belleville, IL, he has a 2 1/2 year old daughter, Morgan, many friends and family who are praying for his recovery.

Please go on ...read, watch, & donate to help families in need. Thanks

Article:
http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/438905.html

Site:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshgillham

New channel Report:
http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=7239656

Please pray for him & his family......

Vacation Here We Come.......

2008-08-21T23:23:00.003-04:00

Finally our vacation is here . I really need one. If I do not get away soon I may loose it!
Selling house, trying to bid on house, work, keeping home clean for sale of house ( they looked at it 3 times), waiting for hopeful good out come of home inspection (knock on wood), our Mid size SUV need 4 new tires 500.00 ( its CRAZY!!!)Anyway so we will be leaving here in a few days & I will not have much time to write.
Our niece who is seriously ill. ( we are doing fundraiser for her) is coming with us. I am very excited she is coming. She is Jacob's god mother & I really want him to get to know her better. Yes I know he is 2. I will take lots of pic's. Anyway I want her to have the best time ever. Also Michael mom, 2 sisters, and nephew... Well I got a lot to pack plus some laundry to fold ... better go.

Happy Anniversary to US! (LATE)

2008-08-17T22:56:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from through out the years... our wedding day...couple Christmas, family vacation, And our engagement picture... (My hair was platinum blond & I was to SKINNY)

On Aug 3 Michael & I have been married 6 years...Wow & to top it on august 8 we have been together as a couple 10 years...WOW~

I was very young when I got married at age 22. And to an older man (17yrs older) I know what your all are thinking WOW… I thought so to at first. How did we meet? We met at a wedding reception I was 18. He ask me to dance I said NO.. Then I turned around and on the last dance I asked him. He offer his ph# if I was ever interested in buying a phone. And I said or I can call you to go to the movies… God I was brave! ( he was never married, once engaged but was mutually ended, no kids)But we talk for hours on the phone for months(4months) before we actually met & went out. When we did meet after all our talks I knew he was the one despite the age. We just clicked…

He is TRULY the LOVE of my LIFE... My SOUL MATE!

I'm Still Here.....

2008-08-17T22:45:00.003-04:00

Well we have been insanely busy. We received a bid on our house & they had some to see it 3 times in the last 4 days. Lets just say it was crazy keeping everything IMMACULATE with a 22 month old who is obviously starting to a touch of the Terrible 2 syndrome I hear so much about.
Anyway we excepted & now we wait for inspection..... Keep you fingers crossed all moves well. Than to find us a house. We are nervous. We have no house in mind they all sold while we waited to sell ours. We did look at one the other day but it had a Sub pump ( not sure if that's what its called) anyway.... alot of the house we looked at either have that or a minor moisture issue or the ceiling is low in the basement or a dirt floor. Some of the homes are over 100 years old. So do we over look that..... I do not know! Any advice would be appreciated!

On top of that Jacobs cold, I am coordinating the donation part of my nieces fundraiser with the help of a wonderful lady Tanya. Between calls, letters, stopping at stores, walking all through the mall shops... I am beat!

Anyway much to do...bye

Nikon D40 addiction

2008-08-07T23:11:00.004-04:00

Loving my camera..... I have a tendency to take it every where. I have been trying new things. Trying to do more pictures like a real photographer would do.

Far from being a photographer but would love to take some classes... hard between work & all. I refuse to be away from Jacob more than my job already makes me.

Anyway enjoy the pic's let me know what you all think.....

Out on the Town

2008-08-07T23:00:00.003-04:00

The other weekend we went to a local church festival. We had alot of fun and really spent hardly any money. A whole whopping $3.50. Now we are broke... Just joking!

Anyway Jacob rode the train we daddy then mommy. Got a free balloon hat. And then we splurged on a teddy bear tattoo. We wanted to get the flaming dice.... but the little guys arms & legs were to small to fit it. And if we are paying for it... I want it visible! But the teddy bear showed his softer side. And the girls loved it!

Off to the ducky pond we went. He won a whistle and sea horse squirter. Which I ended up playing with both. Yes I know.... Grow up!

Anyway we all had a ball... Next year he will be able to do the moon walk.... ( a big enclosed jumpy blown up thing) Can't wait!

To Go or Not to Go... That is the Question?

2008-08-06T21:03:00.004-04:00

Our doctor always tells us to give a cold 3-4days to run its course. And usually he is right. But this time we did what the doctor ALWAYS tell us to do... we waited 3 days for Jacobs little morning & evening cough/ runny nose to work itself through his system instead of taking him to the doctor immediately and then a horrible rash appeared.... Yes another rash. I have had it up to here (you know) with rashes. He has only had 2 and that is enough. Ok so back to the story...called the doctor they could not see him till 5 which meant 6pm since you must wait & with school coming back in I completely understand.... doctors office tend to be very busy then.

The normal questions

Fever? No

eating? Nit picking

drinking? yes...

Cough? morning & night

runny nose? yes

sleeping good? yes

nothing really different...just cough/ runny nose and the rash that appeared the night before.

Here we come to find out he has STREP Throat....
Can you believe it.... I felt like the most horrible mom...
But he is taking his medicine & mommy is giving him some more TLC..if that is possible

Keep him away from children for 24 - 48 hours ... So he does not share it they say....mean while in the waiting room he played with 7 different kids.... So I wait at the desk to pay & I am thinking hope no one heard the doctor say he has strep cause I might get the evil eye from some other mom's.

How was I to know! He was playing & running around like normal..... nothing different. I have to say I did feel bad & hope he did not share with any of them!

But I got to go ... I am beat and I need a bath.... I was cleaning the house like a mad woman & it was suppose to be cooler today but was still hot....

Catch up!!

2008-08-01T21:38:00.003-04:00

Well it's been a while since I have done an update...actually to long.

Jacob is now just 11 days shy of 22months... He has really started to grow into his own little person. I love it & also think where did my baby go?

You can slowly see the baby face leaving and I guess you would call it the toddler look.But he is still the most cutest handsome little guy I know. (yeah I know ...I am his mom) Anyway he is starting to like new things and seems to be picking more & more words.

Vocab: Moon, window, baseball, Bob, Mommy, daddy, Shadow ( my moms doggy), pappy, gram ma, ba ba (bottle.... yes still not willing to give up completely..but we are getting there), bus (everything bigger than a car is a bus), whats that?, please, cheese, teeth, meatball, Ashley, Steve, Mary Kay, no, yes, sit, tree, see, Me know, Ann

Ok I am drawing a blank there are several more but its 10 pm...give me a break

Likes: coloring, outside, his wagon--pulling it, His dads golf clubs, pretend driving his dads car, walks, playing with other children of any age, and the life guard girls at the pool, builder bob, dancing to any music that comes on,

Dislikes: being told NO... that all I can think of

Food: loves everything pretty much and willing to try anything...fav's cheese, soft pretzel w/ cheese, hot dogs, strawberries, bananas, steam peas & corn, corn on cob, pickles, potatoes

Popsicle's ( which is getting out of hand... he had 4 all natural pops but that's all he will want)

apples, yogurt, rice pudding, turkey burger

Tid bits: dances to any song... no matter where we are at

took him riding on a pony at a festival & every pony he rode he would first pet its neck & say is the smallest cutest voice HI!

Love his pappy first thing in the morning he yells Pappy..cause my dad babysits while I work. And he comes to my house ( I know I am very lucky- I thank god every day for a dad like him)

He will pull your hand if your sitting on couch ... & when you walk with him he takes you either to the fridge for a Popsicle or side door to go out side.

He still has a thing about having to hold your sleeve when he falls a sleep for a nap.

Loves the ladies.... at the pool he works the life guards... they bring him extra cheese for his pretzel, gets him napkins, and has a Popsicle ready when he gets there...... what a stinker!

Loves Bob the Builder..... for now. He goes through phases. 1st was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, then Little Einstein on Disney channel and now Bob builder

Loves to sleep.... Sleeps from 9:30 - 8am on week days and weekend 9:30- 9am...LOVE IT!

loves to go outside at night to find the moon... its so cute he points and yells...MOOOOOOON!

Well I could go on forever how great his is but I got to get laundry out and I am tired!!

Going to a picnic tomorrow & then Sunday is our anniversary.....6years!!! So we are to go out to see the new batman movie & dinner.

August 8th we will have been together 10 years. (when we started dating)

Check out the pic's the 1st one if you click and enlarge its the 1st picture I got where his beautiful eye lashes really show ( love my Nikon d40)

the others are us in the yard ... getting artsy... I love photography

The letter I hope helps!

2008-07-27T22:00:00.002-04:00

ok so here is the letter I wrtoe hoping to help for the picnic fundraiser we are having for our neice. I have been insanely busy contacting bussiness in our area. Unfortunately not any monetary donations but stuff ( gift cards, items) for our raffle baskets. So Hopefully we can raise some money. its 10.00 to get in beer, pig roast, hot dogs, burgs, pasta salads, swimming (lake) & fishing..... MUSic
anyway I edit it a little I am still weird about anyone knowing where I live..... except PA......
Maybe some large corperate place will see and donate... email me!! or leave comments

To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing to you with the deepest sadness. Our family has been faced with something no one could predict. Gemma ...Our daughter, granddaughter, aunt, sister, niece, cousin, godmother, and friend has recently fought and beat the battle against ovarian cancer. During this time sadly her father passed away suddenly in November 2007 leaving the family to pull together the pieces.
In May 2008 at 20 years old she was re-diagnosed with cancer and again faced treatment. After several months of treatment our family was informed that her cancer was not treatable and we would need to begin to look into hospice care & pain management. As a family we refused to take this as the final word and have looked into alternative care through other doctors, hospitals and even holistic care providers. Unfortunately the cost of some of this is more than our family can bare.
On Sept 6, 2008 we are having a picnic in honor of her to help raise money for her & her family. This money will go towards the cost of treatment, travel, and other bills collected due to her cancer treatments. The picnic will be held at the ******************************************************. We are still working on the final decisions and arrangements. But we are hoping that our community & local business will pitch together and help us out in our time of need. Any & all donations will go towards her care. If any items are donated we will use them in the raffle, picnic or to help pay for her care. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts!
Sincerely
Our Family

Thanks!

God Hear my prayer

2008-07-20T22:59:00.004-04:00

Well its been a while since I have posted. I have been VERY busy! swimming, working, playing, fire works, picnics, dinners with our families...... lots of stuff going on. And I wanted to post this weekend...but we had received news that our 20 yr old neice..Jacob's god mother... was not given a very good outcome concerning her 2nd round of cancer treatments. I do not like to get into details. But it ripped my heart out. So I have had NO WORDS... Blogging seem not so important.I spent hours looking up hospitals...st judes, md anderson, cancer centers on america.... I lay at night thinking of what can I do...

I will admit I do not know her as much as I would like. But for all the times I have shared with her... she is a Great Girl. Very sweet, shy, beautiful & LOVES Jacob and he Loves her. I beg all of you to take a moment & pray for her. We have been seeking diffrent information on treatments and other alternative care... if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Thanks!!

We Love you Gemma!

Not much to say..

2008-07-13T23:00:00.003-04:00

The theory is that you will learn a lot of little
things about your friends that you might not have known!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:50
2. Diamonds or pearls? diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Juno
4. What is your favourite TV show? Brothers & Sisters
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Life Cereal
6. What is your middle name? Marie
7. What food do you dislike? Red meat
8. What is your favorite CD at moment? I love music so this is tough but favorite group I listen to most is Nickleback
9. What kind of car do you drive? 2006 Grand Vitara Suzuki
10. Favorite sandwich? Turkey w/ cheese heavy pickle, lettuce & italian dressing from subway :)
11. What characteristic do you despise? LIARS & those who think their poo don't stink
12. Favorite item of clothing? Any PJ's... Hey I work from home what do you expect!
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you
go? I always though it would be Hawaii...but no0w I am thinking some where like Bora Bora or Paris... After going to Vietnam it mase me relax more about international traveling
14. Favorite Color? Yellow
15. Where would you retire to? Hilton Head , SC
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? Last year... cause I finally got what I wished for every other b-day when i blew out the candles... Jacob My hero my son
17. Favorite sport to watch? I am not a watcher... I like to PLAY... but I guess Baseball
18. Furthest place you have been from home? Vietnam
19. When is your birthday? August
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? NiGHT..... always have been
21. What is your shoe size ? 8 1/2 - 9 depends on shoe
22. Pets? dog
23. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? Not really
26. What did you want to be when you were little? astronaunt... I had BIG Dreams!
27. How are you today? Well rested
28. What is your favorite flower? Gazanias
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Augst vacation
30. What are you listening to right now? Nothing...
31 What was the last thing you ate? Nutty buddy
32. Do you wish on stars? Yes, how do you think I got Jacob.... Hee hee
33 Last person you spoke to on the phone? mom
34 Favourite soft drink? Diet coke
35. Favourite Restaurant? Smokey Bones or Olive Garden
36. Hair Colour? blondish brown
37 What was your favourite toy as a child? Barbies & my little ponies
38. Summer or winter? Summer..... I hate cold
39.Hugs or kisses? Both!!!
40. Chocolate or vanilla? both
41What is under your bed? NOTHING!!! And I mean it... I am a neat freak
42. What did you do last night? went swimming then saw fire works at community days
43. What are you afraid of? Spiders
44. Salty or sweet? both, again!!!
45. How many keys on your key ring? 2
46 How many years at your current job? 8yrs (this november)
47 what are you thinking right now? I should go peak on my little guy ... cause I bet he looks cute sound a sleep

Ok so i had not much to write and someone sent me this....So I figured you could get to know me a little.
Good night.. Hope you are all well...

Happy 4th of JULY

2008-07-08T22:44:00.002-04:00

OK so I am late... Like usual....

Well we had a nice 4th of July I guess..... except for we got stood up on a house viewing on the actual 4th of July. Yeah some one asked to see the house on July 4th. Matter of fact the called the 3rd @ 9:30 pm and requested they were going to be leaving on the 5th. So if you want to sell you do it right! So I stayed up till 12:30 mopping floors, sweeping carpets, touching up windows, and glass. Go to sleep and am awaken by the dog freaking out barking... yelled at him... come to find out he is doing his job. Baby is a wake screaming Michael's holding him. I come to check on the dog here the new neighbor girl who bought a house behind us was fighting with her boyfriend telling him to get the *** out and all that. SO I flicked the flood lights on let the dog out and that solved that. He left!

In the morning we took Jacob to the parade which was to be 3 hrs long we stayed 1 1/2 hours he was loving it.... But we had to pull him away for the showing. I felt horrible doing it. We could have left him with my parents but then its a 35 min drive & gas prices are INSANE.... need I say more. To e stood up I called them after 45 mins thinking they ran late in another house ... here they found the house they liked.... and instead of being respectful and calling they just figured heck I will 1 1/2hrs and then call them. RUDE!

Never again on a holiday! Anyway we had our annual 4th July party which we threw in a surprise B-day cake for our moms since they share the same b-day. It turned out nice... My Aunt & Unc came from Erie... always nice to see them. Our friends and neighbors. But it was cut short by rain...which was not in the forecast. Got to love the over paid weatherman. Well her are some pic's.

Erie Pic's

2008-07-08T22:36:00.002-04:00

More pic's from our trip to Erie... A sad bye to my cousins as they prepare to move to Washington DC. Yes it is not a far car ride but long enough. But we will have to definitely take a trip down there.... Never been there! I am SO not a history lover or into politics but would love to see the white house and everything else.

Rashes, Er visits, and life

2008-07-01T13:19:00.004-04:00

We have been busy!! That's all I can say.. Jacob is allergic to something...breaking out in a rash. At our doctor appt they said it was a reaction to food or something. Not to worry it would clear in few days no need to give med's unless itching. 2 nights later in the ER his rash was RED.. and forehead was swollen. We were terrified. Dose of bendryl, prednisone, and eppi later we were on our way home. They said not nuts, chocolate, strawberries, eggs... etc everything he has already ate and was fine. But we listened. $ days go by on meds. still there make a appt today 6 days... and i9t goes almost all away.. ( knock on wood) See pics of rash above & below.

On top of all this he goes to the dentist cause his 2 front teeth have not looked right since they came in. And our pediatrician said it was nothing but I had to take him. They are saying to pull the m or to do a root canal on both and cap. They believe maybe the mom had scarlet fever, took an antibiotic she should not have, or he had injury to his mouth. All his teeth are beautiful except them. But you can hardly see them since they did not really fully come in. Its hard to know what happen since the first 5 months he was in an orphanage & god only knows who his BIO mom was. But she did the best she could. So no had feelings... we just want to take the best care of him... He is our most valuable everything!
So any thoughts on teeth pull or root canal? Please leave comments so undecided

Anyway I got to go... need to do the check book.... Yeah...I hate money! or the lack of.....

pic's

2008-06-24T22:51:00.000-04:00

Thank God were home....

2008-06-24T22:17:00.004-04:00

Finally on Sunday we got back from Lake Erie. We had alot of fun~

I must admit I was EXHAUSTED when we came home. I got to be the mommy to 3 kids... Jacob, Sam, & Ash ( my 2 nieces). Dressed, did hair, baths, fed, clothed, etc...you get the idea. Also my nieces were VERY good at pitching fits even more than Jacob.... Believe he is not a saint... but I guess I never that amount of time with them in such a small place and saw another side of them. But I guess it comes down to parenting to..... I really do not give Jacob the attention he wants when he pitches a fit & if it gets to be to much there is always a corner to stick him in...for a minute. Not saying she is a bad parent just we are different in parenting. But I did let them know that they were with me and they would listen to me or else.

I drove my parents van... with Jacob, Ash, Sam, mom, & dad ( Michael had to work). Gave my dad a break since my mom refuses to drive anymore. It drove pretty nice... Maybe I could be a mini van mommy at some point... depends on how many kids we end up having!

So we did alot while up there... 1 we saw my Aunt & Uncle had a nice dinner they prepared for us. Went to the beach, the Erie Zoo ( was VERY nice), Waldamer park, went to the lake swimming, and visited my cousins who will soon be moving to Washington Dc area & out to dinner a few times.

Our trip did not start out smoothly we booked a cabin with a small kitchen and bedrooms. No TV or air. Cost 513.00 we get there and it looked NOTHING like in the picture on line.... The siding was falling off the door shook. We are to be getting a refund by mail ( I got that in writing and signed). We hen had went to a place down the road who except my moms little dog... which they were great. They had a cancellation and called and swapped with another guest rooms. So we could have a room with 2 dbl beds & 1 twin,Heated outside pool, fridge and TV for ......348.00.

But other than that it was alot of FUN~ My nieces love their 1st amusement park....

I got to have 2 girls for a short while... loved it! Doing piggy tails and cute out fits.

For all you have 3 or more kids god bless you..its a hard job!

Also it was funny... picture me with 3 kids in a double bed....

Well I got to go ..very tired.....

Time for a Mini Vacation

2008-06-18T22:45:00.003-04:00

Well Jacob & I are off to the lake for a MINI vacation....

Michael has to work and has a golf tournament so we are going with my mother, father, and my 2 nieces Ash & Sam. The weather is not to be the greatest and there is NO TV there. Its a small efficient cabin... so I will be bringing my portable DVD player. Thank god there will be electric.

I am not much of a camp girl.... I like the ocean, sand, sun, pool, and a cozy bed and hot tub if poss.

Anyway you will not hear from me for a few days... but I will have some new pic's when I come back...

Here are some pic's from fathers day. They are of the kids... One is Jacob laughing while he rides daddy the horse. And the pic's with them in Jacobs little pool...if you can see the deck its a mess.. scraping paint in our spare time... pull out and replacing boards... and hopefully painted before our annual 4th of July party.

I will write more about fathers day when I get back..to tired have to get laundry out of dryer....Argh!

Congrats Kim & Carl

2008-06-14T23:44:00.003-04:00

Today my good friend Kim that I met while working ( at age 16) for Kmart got married to Carl. They make such a super cute couple. I am beyond happy for her. She was always searching for that one true love.... and I would always say quit looking & that is when it will happen... And it did! So anyway Michael had to work & could not get out of it since he had taken time for the Tom Petty concert. So my date was Jacob. I have to admit it was hard with out Michael for a few reasons....
1. Michael & I met a a wedding reception... so when we go to weddings it reminds us of that day.
2. You ever go and everyone marked for your table does not show... and you truly know no one else except her family which are busy at the moment.

3. and did you ever try to go through a food buffet line pushing a stroller with a child because the thoughts of carrying him or having walk with you would be even harder....
Plus when I got there it was pouring down rain... the day before we took the umbrella out when cleaning. ( Michael's not with me & can not drop us out front) so instead I un hook him in the car run to back grab stroller place him in it... run like crazy and here the brake is on... get in there need to go right to the restroom to get towels to dry us off.... We could have waited even with us being late alot of people were not there yet... How did I know!

Anyway it started out a little ahhh!! But ended great....Let me explain My little guy was a hit.
Once the music came on for dancing he was all over that floor for about the first 12- 15 songs... He danced his little heart out & people got up and joined. Groups of guys were follow his dance moves...( see pics) What a leader he was jumping, shaking his booty, down to the ground. I was so proud. I was told by several he was the life of the party. By the time we left cause he had finally exhausted himself he feel asleep in the car seat..2 mins down the road.
Some girls offer their babysitting services for free.. cause they just loved him... the grown men thought he was so awesome.... they we egging him on while dancing.. Hooting & hollering.
I attached some video of him dancing himself then with the groom for a moment. ( I know it is sides wise but blogger here will not let me turn it!..sorry)

Anyway it was a beautiful wedding & my girl Kim has finally got her man...

Congrats to Kim & Carl.....

pictures are of his dance moves... (He looks like a little John Travolta) & the group he lead dancing

More dancing

2008-06-14T23:18:00.003-04:00

Dancing, dancing ...dancing MACHINE!!

2008-06-14T22:56:00.001-04:00

Time to ROCK!

2008-06-11T11:03:00.002-04:00

I am exhausted!! Last night we went to see Tom Petty. He was really good! We had so much fun dancing & singing. But as always any down time (between bands) we talked about Jacob. Oh he spent the night at grams & pappies. It was my dad's birthday. So my dad was very happy to share it with hims. From what I hear Jacob decided he should be the 1st to try the cake and stuck his finger in it .... tasted the frosting then laughed. Little stinker!
The concert was sold out. We thought we got there early but ended up parked in the last lot ...LOT O... which stands for Oh my god we are really far away. Anyway we decided that since we were surrounded by thousands of drunk & high people it was best to leave a song or 2 early and just listen from the car to try to beat traffic. When Michael asked me if I was cool with that idea I said ...yes... I worked really hard to get Jacob as my son & would love to wake up tomorrow and see his smiling face.
Like I said everyone was drinking ( not us...we are not a stick in the mud just not big drinkers... especially if beer is 7.00 a glass....plus I like Cosmo's... Beer sucks!) so this Young guy sat in the grass beside us w/ 2 beers drank 1 1/2 then fell asleep ...2 woman beside him in their 40's decided to write w/ eyeliner Tom on one arm & Petty on the other... then take pictures laying beside him.... It was funny! Poor kid had no idea what was going on then when he woke up he spilt the rest of his 7.00 beer.
During the concert we dance & sang until some slow songs came on..then we sat down. This young drunk girl start bumping Michael yelling Get the f*** up, stand up, it Tom F*** Petty...He a f*** legend, Stand up! For like 3 mins... Now do we see why alcohol is not always a good thing.... Are these people really going to remember the concert...probably not! But the head ache in the morning will.

I love music which means I love concerts... I've been to alot of them & remember them all. New kids on the block in 6th grade ( I can't believe I admitted to that), stained, disturbed, Aerosmith (3 times), Dixie Chicks, Stone temple Pilots, My fav...nickleback, Lenny Kravitz ( who grabbed my hand and held it), Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Mark Chesnut, Live, Off Spring, Tencious D, In 9 th grade my fav BUSH, the Clarks, Cheap Trick, Bryan Adams and I could go on and on. Some were music festivals with several bands. Do keep in mind I am only 27 I love all types of music. And hope to see more.

well I better go back to work.. breaks over

More Pics

2008-06-09T18:58:00.001-04:00

My new baby..... Nikon D40

2008-06-09T18:49:00.003-04:00

I LOVE MY NEW CAMERA......WHERE HAS IT BEEN ALL MY LIFE....

OK so I am over exaggerating it a little...but I do love it! It takes the nicest picture and you can edit them on the camera or when you download. So this is what I have been up to....besides swimming, scraping the deck, playing w/Jacob, packing up a few unnecessary decor or uncluttered the house ( I rally have no clutter) to try to prepare for Open house and just life. I started a new diet and I feel so much better than I have been. And being outside and all makes it even better. Its REALLY HOTT here in PA ...abnormally hot. 94 degrees today. We're cooking!

Anyway back to the kiddie on our deck w/ Jacob.....

Bye for now