The Crazy World of the Condon Family as we try to raise our kids to be the best they can be

Where has 3 months gone already????

2011-03-23T14:06:00.002-04:00

Almost 3 months into 2011 are GONE - WOW!

We are all going stir crazy with this LONG winter we have had! But the countdown to camp opening has begun! 23 days from today we can go up for 3 days & open our camp, clean up, etc. I cannot wait! But the luck we have been having with the snow & cold, we will be camping with snow around us, STILL.

Nick turned 10 back in January - 10, really? I cannot believe I have been a mom for 10 years already!

Eric & Abby are getting big and enjoying life.

Chris has been working crazy late hours at UPS (are we still in the holiday season?) - I guess I can't complain because of the OT pay but really, we would like to see him during the week too!

Me, I'm so busy with my business, Evolution Fitness, training clients individually, fitness boot camp classes & more. I'm so blessed to have a job that I truly LOVE! My clients are wonderful & are what keep my fire burning! I know 2011 will be a very positive year for my business!

We have had the house on the market since November 27th - c'mon man, let the real estate market start to pick up!

On that note, off to go plan my workout for tonight, get the fire going in the house (since we are getting 2-5 more inches of snow tonight) and get the kids off the bus.

Carpe Diem

CoverGirl is celebrating

2011-03-23T14:01:00.000-04:00

They are celebrating their 50th anniversary! They have a variety of specials going on, be sure to check out their facebook page & make sure you "like" them!

http://www.facebook.com/covergirl?v=app_160134610689223

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-03T07:38:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year & welcome 2011! 2010 was a great year for us but boy did it go by fast!!! We rang in the new year with friends & the kids - it's an easy way to stay close to home & yet have the kids celebrate with us. We had a wonderful Christmas season ~ the kids truly enjoyed every bit of it!

Part of me though is very glad that the holidays are over - the hustle & bustle, the disorganized house, the school vacation, the anticipation. While I love the holidays & my inner kid come out, I needed my routine, my normalcy, back!!! And happy to say it is here!

I received this "Handbook" via email and I thought it was so fitting! Enjoy ~ Carpe Diem

HANDBOOK 2011

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2010 .
8.. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control.. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits..
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.

Busyness

2010-10-19T11:31:00.003-04:00

The past few weeks have been super busy around our house. One weekend we had Eric's 8th birthday, my mom's 'x' birthday (don't want to spill the age) surprise dinner, my brother & his girlfriend's housewarming party, our annual apple picking trip & closing our camp. Whew! What a crazy weekend that was!

I cannot believe Eric is 8 - wow!

The kids are all doing great in school ~ Abby's days have consisted of learning the whole school routine thing. She is adjusting quite well!

Last week they did an entire week of bullying prevention - each day was something different. I think that is a great idea, but sad that we have to face this issue daily now!

We have started with the typical colds that I cannot get them to shake, but I will be persistent!

The craziness of Halloween is starting to set it - boy oh boy, can I ask for less candy & more useful things? What fun am I huh?

As we get ready to enter the busy time of the year ~ holidays, more days off from school due to the weather & vacations, etc ~ let's remember to stop & appreciate all we have and have been given. Life is too short to be mad or angry! Cherish each moment!

Carpe Diem

Wow there are so many....

2010-09-30T15:38:00.005-04:00

There are so many extracurricular activities for kids these days, how are they expected to get any school work completed? I understand, as parents, you have to pick & choose but boy oh boy it seems like every day I'm getting hit with something ~ chorus, orchestra, ski club, snowboarding club, student council, basketball, soccer, football, Scouts, etc. My head is spinning from it all!

We are starting to prepare for the very busy season ~ basketball, which consumes every Saturday; orchestra, which includes daily practice for Nick and then upcoming concerts; Cub Scouts, which is weekly meetings, monthly activities and other special events. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about all the things but if my head is spinning I can only imagine how the kids heads must be feeling!

Guess these are the days to look forward too - the constant running here & there! But at least I'm with my kids doing it!

Carpe Diem

The routine is working.....

2010-09-20T14:37:00.002-04:00

The back to school routine is in full swing here; we are on week 2 and things are going well. The kids are definitely tired by the end of the day and ready for their early to bed calling! Abby definitely took longer to adjust to the schedule but is doing good so far! BUT instead of the kids getting sick as soon after school started, it's Mom! I have this nasty head cold that I cannot shake. So I'm doing everything in my power to stay away from the kids as I don't want them to get sick & start that vicious cycle!

All 3 of them enjoy their class, teacher & classmates this year. Nick has been asking to get involved in so many school activities that I needed to make sure I pulled the reigns back so he does not get overwhelmed and have his school work suffer!

Me, well I'm enjoying my time of PURE SILENCE! Honestly it allows me to work on my business, get household chores done, get errands done & more~

I am enjoying the cool nights & warm, sunny days but on the other hand sad to see summer go. With summer leaving, that means we are approaching the closing date of our camp (aka my happy place). The first weekend is our last weekend of camp until mid-May again. I can understand why we need to close (who wants to be camping when there is snow on the ground) - but maybe a few more weeks???????

Look at that, it's homework time ALREADY!

Carpe Diem

Rambles

2010-09-14T09:38:00.003-04:00

This blog is a bunch of rambling today!

Abby's first day of Kindergarten went great! She came home all excited about her first day and that she learned all about RULES! This morning she even jumped up when her alarm went off excited to get dressed & ready to go!

On another note...... Do you think we set too high expectations on ourselves? As a person? As a parent? Do you think that sometimes what you do is a bad thing? The way you parent is a bad thing? Do you let other parents control your feelings or the way you parent? Do you end up feeling guilty if you do not allow your kids to follow in the same footsteps as others?
My parenting style is a protective style, wanting my kids to behave, be respectful of other people & their property, not be rude & most importantly to have FUN!
Unfortunately others do not practice the same habits & I end up looking like the "mean old Mom", a strict Mom and feeling like I am limiting my kids & what they can do.
So how do I not feeling guilty & help my children understand that I'm only doing what's in their best interest? How do I feel like I'm not doing everything wrong with my parenting style? How can I let me kids be kids & play when certain barriers are constantly present?

And she's off

2010-09-13T07:39:00.005-04:00

This was shared with me and found it to be very fitting for today

Dear World:

I bequeath to you today one little girl... in a crispy dress... with two hazel eyes... and a happy laugh that ripples all day long... with a flash of blonde hair that bounces in the sun when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well. She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning... and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. And never again will she be completely mine.

Prim and proud she'll wave her young and independent hand this morning and say "Goodbye" and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse.

Now she'll learn to stand in lines and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. She'll learn to tune her ears for the sounds of school-bells and deadlines. She'll learn to giggle and gossip and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy 'cross the aisle sticks out his tongue at her. And now she'll learn to be jealous. And now she'll learn how it is to feel hurt inside. And now she'll learn how not to cry.

No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in the sidewalk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn and kiss lilac blooms in the morning dew. No, now she'll worry about those important things like grades and which dress to wear and whose best friends is whose. And the magic of books and learning will replace the magic of her blocks and dolls. And now she'll find new heroes.

For five full years now I've been her sage and Santa Claus and pal and playmate and mother and friend. Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers... which is only right. But no longer will I be the smartest woman in the whole world. Today when that school bell rings for the first time, she'll learn what it means to be a member of the group, with all its privileges and its disadvantages too.

She'll learn in time that proper young ladies do not laugh out loud or kiss dogs or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms or even watch ants scurry across cracks in sidewalks in the summer.

Today she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. And I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long, lonely journey to becoming a woman.

So, world, I bequeath to you today one little girl... in a crispy dress... with two hazel eyes... and a flash of blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs.

I trust you'll treat her well.

11 years ago.....tomorroww

2010-09-10T08:33:00.004-04:00

11 years ago tomorrow, Sept 11, 1999, I married my best friend. Cannot believe it has been 11 years! In the scheme of things it just doesn't seem like 11 years, but when I look at it from a day to day perspective it seems like it has been a whole lot longer! Guess time flies when you are having fun.

We have managed 3 beautiful children, who are very good and loving kids. I love watching them each day & see a trait from either him or I in them. We have managed our finances to allow me to be a stay at home mom and still have "things". We have had our disagreements but love always prevails. And we certainly do not fight or argue in front of the kids. We have enjoyed life's roller coaster ride TOGETHER!

We are enjoying creating memories for our kids that who will, someday, pass onto their kids and maybe recreate!

Here's to another 11 years & more with the man that I call my husband.

And they are off...

2010-09-07T12:14:00.002-04:00

The school year has started!!! The boys started back to school this morning! 4th & 3rd graders - WOW! I was pleasantly surprised that they were both awake before the alarm clock went off & eager to get ready to go! Give it a few years and they may be dragging feet heading back to school!

Abby had her Kindergarten class tour this morning ~ got to meet her teacher, meet a few classmates, drop off supplies & take a short bus ride. She was so excited & a little upset that she could not ride on the school bus! Monday cannot come fast enough for her!

The noise level is the house is awful quiet today -- ahhhhhh!!!!!

My favorite time of the year

2010-09-02T08:45:00.002-04:00

September starts my favorite time of the year ~ back to school, end of the super hot & humid days, my wedding anniversary, oversized sweatshirts & sweatpants, pumpkin spice coffee, heck anything pumpkin, and cool nights & beautiful days! Camping in this weather is WONDERFUL!

The kids are so excited that schools starts in 5 days - give that a few years & they will not be saying that! We are all looking for a routine, structure & new adventures!

I'm starting off September with a bang! I have so many new opportunities that were presented to me for my business, Evolution Fitness, and I cannot be any happier! I truly love showing others that they can get in shape, be fit, healthy & content with their mind, body & soul!

I have given myself a deadline goal of 42 days to see what I can do with my body - I'm really going to challenge it and see where it takes me! I have a life altering day (a positive day that is for sure) coming up that I need to prepare for ~ mentally, physically & spiritually!

I look forward to the challenges & opportunities for Fall 2010!

Now to enjoy the long holiday weekend via my happy place! Carpe Diem

1 week left, wedding & workouts

2010-08-30T11:52:00.006-04:00

There is 1 week left till our school routine is back! And I have to say boy am I glad! The kids received their teacher notifications on Friday & are very happy with the selections! Which is a good thing, would have made for a long year huh?

We had my cousin Luke's wedding this past weekend - this is my mom's side of the family! What fun we had!

It was great to see family that live out of state & be able to hang out without having kids in tow!

And if you are looking for a great workout or have thought about doing P90X, check out my website - http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/evolutionfitny. I can help you with workouts, supplements & more! Check it out!

Here's to the last 7 days of summer vacation!

And the countdown is here......

2010-08-25T16:06:00.002-04:00

to the start of school that is. My kids know that this week & next week will be 2 steps closer to the start of school and it is almost like waiting for Christmas morning! This week they will receive notification as to who their teachers are ~ the guesses have been made & they have their fingers crossed. Next week, on Thursday, we get to go to school for the walk-through. It is more for Abby, who is starting Kindergarten ~ where she will get to see her class, meet her teacher, other classmates & get to ride the bus! The boys get to tag along with us but also get to see their classroom, meet their teacher (if they don't already know them) and drop off supplies.
Every day is a countdown and while it may get a little boring it is so cute to see their excitement.
What will Mom do with herself with 3 kids in school ..... ahhhhh one can dream right?

Reflecting back

2010-08-16T17:29:00.003-04:00

My oldest asked me if he could watch some of our old video tapes of him when he was little, I was quick to say sure, assuming I would go about my list of To-Do's. Once I saw him as a newborn in the hospital, I dropped to the couch to reflect back. Watching a hour of this video I told myself my To-Do list could wait, I needed to be there enjoying these moments with my kids (who by now I had all 3 of them on the couch). I looked at how different life was with just 1 kid, then with 2 kids, then with 3 small and now with 3 kids, who are all heading to school in just 22 days.
In my day to day trials & tribulations and "wishing" for them to grow out of a specific stage they are in, I look back at these videos and wish for those times back. I wish for them to be those ages I saw in these videos and for us to enjoy them all over again. I also found myself questioning if we gave them enough memories in these short years, to reflect back when they too are parents.
Today was truly an eye opener to sit back and enjoy these days because they will go way too fast - even if they are driving me nuts a particular day! To provide them with memories that they will truly remember & reflect back to.

I received this poem a short time after I had my first kid and it is so touching to read over & over again - enjoy

To those of you with children....

The government recently calculate the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock. That doesn't even touch college tuition. For those with kids, that figure leads to wild fantasies about all the things we could have bought, all the places we could have traveled, all the money we could have banked if not for our child. For others, that number might confirm the decision to remain childless.

But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into $8,896.00 a year, $741.38 a month or $171.08 a week. That's a mere $24.44 a day. Just over a dollar an hour. Still, you might think the best financial advice says don't have children if you want to be rich. It's just the opposite.

There's no way to put a price tag on:

Feeling new life move for the first time & seeing the bump of a knee rippling across your skin
Having someone cry, "It's a boy!" or shout, "It's a girl" then hearing the baby wail & knowing all that matters is it's healthy
Counting all 10 fingers & toes for the first time.
Feeling the warmth of fat cheeks against your breast.
Cupping an entire head in the palm of your hand.
Making out "da da" or "ma ma" from all the cooing & gurgling.

What do you get for your $160,140?

Naming rights. First, middle & last.
Glimpses of God every day.
Giggles under the covers every night.
More love than your heart can hold.
Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
Endless wonders over rocks, ants, clouds & warm cookies.
A hand to hold usually covered with jam.
A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites, building sandcastles and skipping down the sidewalk in the pouring rain.
Someone to laugh yourself silly with no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140:

You never have to grow up.
You get to finger-paint, carve pumpkins, play hide-and-seek, catch lightening bugs and never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to keep reading the adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching Saturday morning cartoons, going to Disney movies & wishing on stars.
You get to frame rainbows, hearts and flowers under refrigerator magnets and college spray-painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, handprints set in clay for Mother's Day and cards with backwards letters for Father's Day.

For $160,140, there's no greater bang for your buck:

You get to be a hero just for retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, taking the training wheels off the bike, removing a sliver, filling the wading pool, coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat to history to witness the first step, first word, first bra, first date, first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren.
You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications and human sexuality no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there with God. You have the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost.

Purging & degreasing

2010-08-15T19:59:00.004-04:00

This week is all about purging out grown items of my kids, my hubby & myself. I am feeling a need to downsize our "stuff" a bit to simply life. See I have always been good at decluttering rooms but I would put all that *stuff* from each room to our laundry room (which is also a storage area) so my laundry room is one big disaster right now! So each day (Monday - Thursday) I have a certain room & closet area designed to go through and throw away any junk, create piles for donating & create piles for selling. When I have my piles for selling, I will take pictures & write up the listing immediately. My piles for donating will be tallied & bagged and put immediately in my garage. I'm hoping to feel a HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders by Thursday!

And another project to work on this week is degreasing (or de-slimeing) my bathtub. It needs some serious, heavy duty cleaner but I do not want to breathe the harsh chemicals, so I'm on a mission to find an all natural heavy duty cleaner where I can really clean the tub! Any suggestions?????

Let's get my week started!!!

Enjoying the ADK's

2010-08-13T11:44:00.003-04:00

Last July, we made a big purchase that took us 14 years to make! We bought a Jayco 32ft travel trailer & made it seasonal at a campground on Schroon River, just north of Lake George. Last year we spent the end of camping setting up our campsite, getting use to the whole weekend of camping, every weekend. Camping came to an end the first weekend of October.

Mid-May this year was opening weekend! I was so excited to get back to our weekend's of camping! Life is so different up in the pine trees! You are not forced to watch the time, you don't have the demands of your daily household to worry about & you get to enjoy the outdoors with the kids! You get to try different activities & meet some new friends!

I love waking up to pure silence, the smell of pine trees & the fresh air! I love waking up to no demands being but on me. And I love that we sleep till at least 9am!

I love that my kids enjoy camping & the weekend rituals here. They have enjoyed tubing, fishing, meeting new friends & the perils of being outside non-stop each day!

The best investment ever!

What a long day.....

2010-08-11T18:33:00.002-04:00

Not sure why I put myself through things that I know will cause my body to respond in a negative way.
I woke up this morning ready to go & enjoy a great day! I had decided today was going to be the start of this 3 day nutritional plan ~ so was excited to make it count! I knew I wanted to mow my lawn (which takes on average 90+ minutes) & workout. I decided to mow my lawn first before it got too hot. Well obviously it was already too hot for my body! Within about 30 minutes I was sweating & could feel a headache coming on (my body does not handle extreme exertion in any type of heat). BUT did I stop mowing, NOPE - kept pushing through! But I did stop for water drinks & to throw water from my pool on my head, face & neck! Finished the lawn in 98 minutes & burned 812 calories but certainly walked away overheated & pounding headache!
Took the next couple of hours to take it easy & try to work the headache away -- didn't help! Here I sit finishing my dinner & still aching!
Why oh why do I do this????
Happy to report that day 1 of my nutritional plan is going great - have it all planned out for tomorrow & Friday! Change is always hard especially when temptation is right in your face!

My kids were definitely bouncing off the wall today (we did have friends come over for the afternoon) -- they are needing their routine of school, the structure, the daily interaction of their friends & to be away from mom!

Decided I need to start purging each of my rooms in my house! I have this tendancy to clean out a room & then put it in my laundry for figuring out *later* to sell, donate, etc. Well starting Monday I'm going to purge 2 areas each day and get it immediately ready for selling, donating, etc rather than let it all collect in my laundry room.

How do we collect so much STUFF????

I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend at camp - nice upper 70's/low 80's temps -- that is heaven!!!!

Remember to seize each day - you don't know when it could be your last! Prayers being sent to a very dear family friend tonight who is at the end of his battle with cancer!

Carpe Diem

Blogging over......

2010-08-10T10:34:00.003-04:00

After reading some friends blogs & admiring how much time & effort they put into them, I started thinking that maybe daily blogging would help get through some of my daily interactions (or lack of), stressors & challenges! My posts may or may not have a specific meaning that particular day but maybe in the end it will help me & someone out there reading my blog!

On to today's musings:

* Yesterday I had 2 eye openers with my kids

my 9 year old told me he was"changing" and going to be in the double digits soon so he needed to clean out his "baby" toys & stuff (although he does not have baby toys - he was talking about just clutter), shortly after this changing experience, he finished his dinner & asked for more chocolate milk. As he was making it he said "I may be growing up but I will never out grow chocolate milk". All I could do was chuckle! And my 7 year old kept asking why his brother was "changing".
I sat watching my 5 year old sit in her bed and so intently draw flowers - I cannot explain what was going through my mind as I was watching her, was it pride, joy, sadness, not sure.

Both of these happenings made me step back & realize how quickly they are growing up & developing into their own being & how they may challenge me each & every day, all 3 of them are true treasures and I'm so grateful to have been blessed with each of them!!!!

* I have been burning the candle at both ends lately. Things that are ongoing for me? My business (Evolution Fitness) and marketing; my direct sales business (Madison Handbags) and getting more parties booked to show off all the wonderful fabrics & the new bag; teaching Boot Camp; school PTA records; a Board of Directors' I sit on; my household duties (lawn, gardening, pool maintenance, laundry, cleaning, dishes, cooking, etc.); completing my P90X workouts each day (which are like WOW); and trying to be the best mom & wife I can! So I really need to get myself organized & get my routine going. Just like the kids need structure & a routine, I do too. So my priority list is going to be drafted today with time frames established. I am determined to not let life dictate me rather me dictate how I am going to live it & enjoy it!

* Oh one more thing - I have a big pet peeve! I hate soft toilet paper - I think the roll goes too fast!

Carpe Diem

9 years ago today.....

2010-01-28T18:22:00.002-05:00

9 years ago today this is what I looked like -- ready to become a mom for the first time! Wasn't my stomach just so "unnatural" looking? Those of you that had the opportunity to see "it" & me in person, never knew I was pregnant from the back, I 110% carried in my stomach & all the way out!

This was 4 days before Nicholas joined us - I had just returned from my OB check up and found out he was going to be delivered via c-section due to his size. Looks like 2 different bodies huh?

And here is my precious Nicholas Patrick, born at 10lbs 4oz 22" long!

And hear I am today - getting ready to celebrate his 9th birthday tomorrow! I am in awe that I have been a mom for 9 years. What the past 9 years have taught me! But am I certainly glad my stomach doesn't look like that anymore!!!!

Happy Birthday my sweet Nickel Pickel!! Mom loves you!!!

Reflecting....

2009-11-25T06:04:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving has come & gone and now we are embarking on the blessed season of Christmas -- what a great time to reflect back since my last post. A time to give thanks to all that has happened & all that will happen.

* Matt has been gone for 121 days so far. I have chatted with him at least once a week, every week -- gotta love technology this time around!!! He is doing good; says accommodations are much better. I think he is more comfortable knowing he can chat with us much more frequently too! We are hoping for his 2 week leave in February (he'll be able to take advantage of some Upstate NY winter time and use his snowmobiles - he hopes). After his leave he will be home in the States sometime around the end of July beginning of August! What a relief that will be!

* Chris has been busy with the lovely holiday season at UPS and working very LOOOONNNNGGGG days!

* The kids are good. They truly test their boundaries daily with me! Abby is a "mini-me" but with her brothers' personalities mixed in (serious trouble for me). They are getting super excited about Christmas and of course want everything!

* I'm doing good. Had another suspicious looking spot removed from my body last week but found out two days ago that it was a benign nevus (a funky looking mole that resembles melanoma. Woo Hoo missed that one! Thank god; but what a stressful & emotional week last week!

I've been busy looking around at what we have this year and we are truly blessed. We are so thankful to have the opportunity of me being home with the kids and running the house. We are thankful for all the blessings that He has given us. We always wait till something bad happens before we realize all those blessings but I'm not -- I'm relishing in the blessings every day! It helps me to get through a stressful day with the kids too!

Wishing you a Happy Holiday season -- remember to teach your kids the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy all the "little" things you do to prepare for Christmas!

Much love!

T - 395 days

2009-06-26T15:13:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow morning at 7am my lil' bro will report to his base for the first part of his re-deployment! They are heading to NJ for about 30-35 days for training, packing, preparation ~ they will be allowed to come home in mid-July for a 4 day leave though! After his 4 day leave, he will return to NJ and then fly to Iraq in mid-August. His official orders started on the 22nd and were for 400 days -- so we are at about 395 days until this is over now!

This is how the month of June has played out leading up to tomorrow.

* We had his going away party for family & friends on June 13th -- it was a huge hit, despite the rain that came through. Everyone was so generous in the care package donations they brought!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

* There was a big Send-Off gathering at the Empire State Plaza this past Wednesday - it was nice to see the entire troop in formation & ready to go! There were some politicians there offering their support & words; as well as the commanding officers.

* And tonight, we will all gather at my house for some pizza & wings and a big goodbye!

Matt is definitely in "military mode" -- he is ready to get going & get this moving! Once we have his address, we will provide it to those who request it. Any letters, pictures, cards, goodie packages, whatever, will be greatly appreciated and a "touch of home"!!!!

God, hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the selfless acts
they perform for us in our time of need.
Amen

A bunch of rambling

2009-06-13T06:34:00.003-04:00

Boy has this past month been a whirlwind -- non-stop parties, non-stop busyness! Nick's 1st communion, then Abby's 4th birthday and, today, is my brother Matt's going away party. Matt is being re-deployed to Iraq the end of this month for 400 days! This is Matt's 2nd tour of duty to Iraq. He went over February 2003 and returned home April 2004 and what a relief to have him home, we truly did not think we would go through this again. But we are. I will put up pictures after the party today! SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

We also adopted 2 new kittens - they are 5 months old and getting adjusted to our house, Abby (oh boy the wrath of Abby) and Shelby. In this picture Pepper is on the left & Skittles is on the right! They are sisters, from the same litter.

Now we are approaching the end of the school year ~ Abby just finished her first year of pre-school and love every minute of it. In September she will go to pre-school 3 full days and is excited that she will have lunch at school! Nicholas is finishing up with 2nd grade -- cannot believe he'll be in 3rd grade next year! And Eric is finishing up 1st grade! They are all ready for summer vacation & living in our pool! All 3 are going to play soccer too, starting in August -- that should be a lot of fun!

Off to get ready for the party!!!

All clear

2009-05-29T11:48:00.002-04:00

Had my 6 month check up with the dermotologist -- all clear for another 6 months! I find myself getting nervous every time what I think is a *new* spot. Obviously all looks good and nothing concerning the MD!

Remember your sunscreen!!!!!

Where did 4 years go?

2009-05-26T17:28:00.002-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET ABBY!

Today is Abby's 4th birthday -- 4 years old! I cannot believe it has been 4 years already! Every day she is getting more & more mature & like a "kid" and not a toddler! She is such a spit-fire, free spirited girl & although it drives me & Chris nuts right now, I hope it sticks with her so she holds her own throughout life.

Here is such a touching song for my little girl!
Happy Birthday my sweet Abigail

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give fate the fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith the fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

Add daily cleaning to my routine now & an important reminder

2009-04-17T07:58:00.003-04:00

And the kitchen is DONE!!!! 3 weeks was definitely worth it! I LOVE MY NEW KITCHEN!!! It opened up & brightened the kitchen so much! I'm still trying to get use to where things are now but that's ok!!!

So now that this project is done & my carpeting is all gone I have added daily cleaning to my list of things to do each day. That is better than hiding it in the carpet & not knowing what was in there! Hope by not having the carpeting it helps all of us with our indoor allergies!

I have already started plotting out next projects but think I will "let" Chris have the summer off from projects and we will start them next year! :-)

I had kind of a slap in the face yesterday. The kids are on spring break this week and luckily the weather has been beautiful! We spent a few hours at the park yesterday. Before I let them play I put some sunscreen on them and sent them off. By the time dinner time rolled around I noticed my neck was itching -- sure enough Debi has a sunburn! Didn't cancer scare me enough last year? Obviously not since I failed to put sunscreen on me! That WILL NOT be happening again!

SO IF YOU ARE HEADING IN THE SUN - EVEN JUST SITTING AT THE PARK - PUT THE SUNSCREEN ON YOUR FACE, NECK, ARMS, LEGS, EVERY PART THAT IS VISIBLE!!!

Catch up

2009-03-18T16:09:00.003-04:00

It has been a couple of months since I blogged; seems life has just been flying by lately! Here are some updates:

* I'm still plugging along at my weight loss journey & consistent exercising. I have the exercising down, but it is my diet I'm still working on! I like too many treats! It is truly amazing to see how you can transform your body when you have the determination & willpower!

* Nick -- doing good in 2nd grade; cannot believe he is 8! He is growing up so fast (and growing tall). He enjoys being a Wolf Scout -- learning a lot of neat things this year. He just finished his season of basketball and really enjoyed playing. Nick will be making his 1st Communion in May this year. He is so excited to receive "the bread".

* Eric -- doing great in 1st grade; he is so quiet but so smart. He is a Tiger Scout & also having fun. He too just finished basketball and I think he liked it more than Nick! Eric is definitely my "jock".

* Abby -- oh boy what can I say about her? She is my payback! My mother truly thinks it is funny! She looks like me and is Little Miss Independent! The things she comes out with amazes us every day! She is going to be 4 the end of May -- where did 4 years go????? She is in pre-school 2 mornings a week and loves it! Next year she will go 3 mornings a week.

* Chris is good; busy with UPS still (which is a good thing in today's economy) as well as keeping busy here at the house. We had planned on taking up the carpeting in the upstairs of our house & putting hardwood down; well that also turned into a big remodeling project! We decided to knock a wall down that separates our kitchen & dining room, to make it larger.

We have new cabinets coming on the 27th, which will blend the 2 rooms nicely. I cannot wait until it is all done!

I am happy that spring is right around the corner -- it has been beautiful out the past couple of days and we have all enjoyed our time outside. I was able to show the kids the new buds coming on the trees, the flowers starting to pop through the ground -- oh boy I'm getting excited to get playing in my gardens!!!

Proud Mama

2009-01-15T17:23:00.002-05:00

Boy am I a proud mama today! We are in the midst of planning Nicholas' 8th birthday party and we were going through the list of kids in his class. And I'm really trying to find out why he is not really playing with a few of the boys in his class. He tells me how one of them is "really hyper and acts crazy all the time" and another one is always getting in trouble and is always in the thinking chair in class. Wow - my boy knows how to make good decisions!!!! I'm glad that he knows the difference and knows that maybe he should not hang around the ones who get in trouble all the time!

Lots of praise on that one!!!

New some ideas

2009-01-07T13:22:00.003-05:00

So I'm hoping within the next 6 months to start my own Personal Training business. I need some help with some catchy & creative business names. I have a few stirring around in my head, but if you have something that you think might be catchy, send it to me! I might just throw you a free session with me -- if I use it!!!!

Thanks for your help & support!

What a year 2009 is turning out to be so far

2009-01-06T17:12:00.003-05:00

We are only 6 days into the year 2009 but it is already turning out to be a great one!

* I have been studying the material to become a certified personal fitness trainer; looks like I am going to be registering for my 3 day workshop & exam the weekend of March 6, 7, & 8th. Yes I will be spending my 35th birthday in this workshop BUT what a great birthday gift!

* And I just registered today to take the Group Exercise Instructor course at a local YMCA. What a great way to open the door for me!!!

I'm so excited & cannot wait to share the journey with you!!!!

End of 2008 & beginning of 2009

2008-12-31T14:33:00.004-05:00

Here it is, the last day of 2008. Boy what a year this was ~ so many ups & downs! And part of me is glad it is over.

Christmas was so much fun here -- the kids enjoyed every moment of it. But it was not all about receiving, we taught them the true meaning of Christmas.

Two days after Christmas we took a family trip to NYC ~ all aboard Amtrak! It was Chris' birthday so I decided to surprise him & the kids! We did a lot of sight seeing ~ Toys R Us (oh my), M&M store (enough M&M's for a lifetime), Time Square, Rockefeller Center and then headed up to the Museum of National Art & History! The kids were so excited as their favorite movie ~ Night at the Museum ~ was filmed there. So they knew every place to see & go! It was an amazing opportunity!

As we close on 2008, I'm very excited for 2009. 2009 marks mine & Chris' 10th wedding anniversary and have decided to renew our vows. He even surprised me with a matching wedding band on Christmas!

I'm excited for the avenues I will be exploring in 2009 ~ the number one is to become a certified personal fitness trainer!

The kids are anxiously counting down to summer time when they can use the pool again!

We want to wish each and every one of you a Happy & Healthy 2009. May you be blessed each & every day!

Holiday Season

2008-12-23T21:31:00.004-05:00

Here it is 2 days before Christmas and I find myself getting all giddy inside, just like a kid ~ anticipating what is coming!!!! I love this time of year ~ it is so magical. I love watching my kids and all aspects they encounter as Christmas comes. Writing letters, helping to make Christmas cards, decorating the house, getting up each morning to look for Freddie our Elf (I'll get into that in a minute), the counting down of days, making cookies, holiday parties at school, and seeing family & friends that we do not get to see often.

This year we have really instilling with the kids the true meaning behind Christmas and the importance of giving! They are truly becoming generous!

A new tradition was started this year in our house. We received a book called the Elf on the Shelf, with an Elf. The kids named the Elf - Freddie. Freddie watches over the kids each day & night and every morning Freddie is in a new spot. The kids enjoy getting up every morning and "looking" for him!

I have taken a step back to really enjoy each moment of this holiday season with the kids; to enjoy everything they are going through! No stresses!!! I have counted my lucky stars for all I am blessed with ~ a wonderful husband, 3 healthy (and crazy) kids, extended family & friends, to name a few!

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New year!!! Here is to a great 2009!

And I'm famous

2008-12-02T07:08:00.003-05:00

Here is my article & video clip for my premiere in the newspaper. I did not think I would be dead center as the headline of the living section!!!

Last week I was contacted by my local paper who wanted to do an interview on me as a Fitness Success Story. So I did a phone interview & then they met me at the gym for some pictures. Today was the airing date. The first link is my article, the second link is my video clip for their website.

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=745646&TextPage=1

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1321372297/bclid1415621401/bctid2995108001

Now signing autographs :Ha Ha:

Turkey Trot

2008-11-28T08:34:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was 1 year ago I started my racing debut! Last year I ventured into the world of 5K races with the Turkey Trot. So it just felt like "the thing to do" - race this year. So hubby, my youngest brother & I got to the starting line, ready to go and ready to beat our times from last year. There was 4,500 racers - the largest group ever. And off goes the air horn!
While I really wanted to beat my time from last year, I was more interested in having this tradition with my hubby and brother.
Here are my stats for the race:

* I came in # 1806 out of 4500 racers - top 40%
* In my age group I came in 69/196 - top 35%
* Race time was 29mins 13sec -- not what I wanted but that's ok -- look how I placed instead!!!!

* And I beat Chris by 1 minute!!

What an honor & thankful

2008-11-26T19:54:00.004-05:00

This year, as we approach the busy holiday season, it truly is a time to look back and reflect on all we have and all we have to be thankful for. 2008 has been a roller coaster of a year for me & my family as well as the economy. Some of the things I am thankful for this year:

* my family & friends ~ without you all I would not be where I am today
* we are all healthy ~ despite my skin cancer scare in September
* Chris has a job!
* we have a house, food, heat, electricity, gas
* my kids enjoy school, basketball & Cub Scouts!
* we have my brother home for this last holiday season ~ he is being redeployed early 2009 (keep us & him in your prayers)
AND
* I'm in the best shape of my life ~ which leads me to my next big news!

I get an e-mail 2 days ago from an editor at a local newspaper looking to see if he could feature me as a Fitness Success Story! Of course is how I respond. So we arrange to speak on the phone yesterday. He asked me a series of questions to get "his story" -- wanting to know if I was overweight in school, what made me change this time to lose the weight & get in shape, what kind of activities I do, my eating habits now, etc. He had seen my before & after pictures but said he wanted to capture a "motion shot". We made plans for the photographer to meet me at my gym on Friday for some pictures. As soon as I got off the phone, I started panicking. What would I wear ~ I want to make sure I am not showing too much but showing enough so the muscle definition is apparent. And what weight training exercises would I do to show off my "best muscles". I kicked into planning mode (and excited mode).
I have spoken to a good friend who recently just competed in her 3rd figure competition (thanks Kimmie) and she gave me some words of wisdom!
Friday will come and yes I'll be nervous, but heck I know what I am doing and I have the muscles to show it!!!!

2009 will be another year ~ at least to start ~ of ups & downs with the economy, but let's make it the best and enjoy every moment we have with each other!

I will be signing autographs for those interested! :-)

We just saved us from a disaster!

2008-10-22T13:42:00.001-04:00

We have electric baseboards on the top floor of our house (which is our main living area) we rarely use these as we use our woodstove as our primary source of heat. A few months ago I heard this "pop" by our front living room window and saw some smoke by the TV. It was raining out but no rain coming in the window. So we turned the TV off, etc and all was fine. Then a week or so after that my 3 year old dd heard it again (almost like a gun shot) and pointed to the area, this time I am smelling a burning smell. My dh said he would look at it. About 1 month ago he was in the basement and flipping a circuit breaker to do some work elsewhere, he noticed one was tripped so he flipped it back. A short time later he was working in our front stairwell and heard this "pop". I told him that is exactly the sound we heard and I went and sure enough it smelled again. So the breaker was tripped, so we knew it was off. Well dh finally got to looking at it this morning (sometimes he just doesn't think) ~ he pulled the baseboard off the wall and found a major frayed wire that had burned through some of the metal! Needless to say THANK GOD we did not trip the breaker back on and turn the heat on! OH MY GOSH!
Someone was watching out for us there!!!

Off to Home Depot to buy a new electric baseboard!

Going through the motions

2008-10-03T08:02:00.003-04:00

It always amazes me how I let myself *go through the motions*. No rhyme or reason and no venturing to think outside the box. I think since the finding of melanoma, I have just let everything go by the waist side and just get done. No excitement, no real interest or purpose - just going through the motions. My exercising & clean eating have suffered, my motivation gone. That all changed this past weekend.
All 3 of my kids were in my cousin's wedding - can you say Proud Mama? They looked stunning and I was so touched to watch them do their parts!
I was so proud of them and all the hard work they did! That was my turning point. My excitement & motivation was back! I realized that I needed to make the time for myself, my healthy body and enjoy each and every moment of our days! While the kids may try me and my patience, they are in the most important stage of their lives ~ learning! I'm watching my boys learn how to read me books and I'm so proud of them. That has made me step away from the computer more and get back into my love & passion of reading! (I learned how to read at the age of 3 and can literally read a book in a day - if it catches my interest!) I think this is important to show my children how to love reading.
This past week I started counting my points for Weight Watchers - the true & tried way for me to maintain my weight & healthy lifestyle. I had let all my emotions & stresses get in the way of my healthy eating. I had also let the old "what everyone else is doing" get in the way! This is about ME - no one else! I need to do what makes me happy! If I want that candy bar - ok I can have it but I better make up for it that day with extra cardio! But what I need to realize is that I cannot have a candy bar (or other junk) EVERY day! Once a week is my treat!!!!
My exercising again had gone by the waist side. I use to have my body trained to get up by 5:30 and head to the gym - my only time to get it done without the stress of the kids! But then the *control* side of me kicked in after school started and I did not give my husband credit on getting the kids out the door for school, in the fashion I would! I had to take a step back and remember, he is their father, he knows what needs to be done in the morning to get them out the door, so I deserve this time to myself! BUT I started liking the sleeping to 6:15 and just not getting out the door! So I made the excuse to myself that I would exercise here at home! And I would do it! BUT it wasn't the same as the gym. I would never sweat like I do at the gym! I knew I needed to get back there and get back into MY routine! Hubby kicked me out the door this morning and I went. As I was sweating on the arc trainer I realized I LOVE this! I love sweating (only when I'm exercising); I love being at the gym; I love the feeling after I'm done exercising!
So my game is back on (like that Amy??)!
Now to enjoy this favorite time of year - apple picking, pumpkin picking, fall foliage! Boy do I love living in Upstate NY this time of year!

IT'S OVER!!!

2008-09-26T21:27:00.003-04:00

IT'S OVER!!!! Thank goodness! Despite my anxiety & emotions the other day, I woke up this morning and was *fine*. But my mood quickly changed as the day went on. As I was driving in the car with my mom, my stomach was in knots. I had the deep breathing & sighing!
We arrive at the MD office and were called in almost immediately. The Dr. came in and asked how I was ~ I quickly responded, "I'll be better when this is over".
He measures out the area that he needed to remove and proceeds to tell me somewhat of what will happen. He then numbs me -- OH BOY I swear I received a gallon of novacaine in my cheekbone! NOT FUN!!!! My mom sat there and held my hand and I think was a little "shaken" up by watching that (my mom, the one who has been a nurse for 40+ years)!!!! He gives it a few minutes to really numb up good. They grab a chair for my mother and ask her to have a seat -- my mother joked with them knowing that they do not want her to pass out. Now granted my mother has seen it all when it comes to medical things, but it is a whole different ball game when it is your OWN child! So she sat right next to me holding my hand. I just made small talk with my mom and what was nice was the nurse & MD injected in the conversation with us! A good sign!
The procedure was weird - I could tell they were cutting but it did not hurt. Then when he was stitching me, that was WEIRD!!! Now I have had stitches but that was so long ago and back then never paid attention to the feeling. It was all done within 25 minutes! 2pm we walked in the MD door by 3pm we were at Dunkin Donuts getting some coffee!
I'm glad ~ no wait, RELIEVED ~ that it is over! Wednesday I go back for the stitches to come out and to get the pathology results ~ then I can close this chapter of my life!!!!
Here it is almost 7 hours after the procedure and the numbness is just wearing off! It is getting sore, but other than that, you really cannot tell. The steri-strips are now a tan color to match your skin tone. So with my hair down, no one will ever see it!

You have no idea how much I appreciate the love & support I have received over this past month. I am so humble to have you all in my life! Never take one moment for granted; live each day to it's fullest and be grateful for everything in your life -- even if it is a screaming kid because they want to go outside!!!!

Love you all!!

Tomorrow is the day

2008-09-25T11:04:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the day I have waited for 1 month for! I'm having the rest of the melanoma removed! Boy what a roller coaster this past month has been for me. To learn that I had skin cancer, to wait until I found out what stage it was in, all the what-ifs, unknowns & more, the appointment with an oncologist (at a busy cancer treatment center) and now the day before the surgery. My emotions are raging right now; my nerves are shot; I'm cranky towards my kids & my husband; I just want someone to make this all go away!!!!
So back to the oncologist. My mother (who has been a nurse for 40 years) was just not feeling at ease and thought maybe we should consult an oncologist, just for their opinion & "closure". I too had spoken to a few people who said they also did the same - they wanted the what-if's completely gone! Plus there are also dimensions & the depth of the melanoma that needs to be examined to make sure they do not need/want to do a node biopsy. My mother knows the director of the cancer treatment center at a local hospital -- so she was able to squeeze us an appointment for yesterday. So I meet her at the hospital and I was fine -- no emotions nothing. We get into the exam room, and the nurse is chatting with my mother -- all medical terms. The nurse left the room and I lost it. My mother asked what was wrong and I explained that my nerves were just shot, I was scared and anxious. She told me it was all going to be ok but ya know how hard that is when faced in the moment! So the MD came in looked at the area, asked me a ton of questions and then talked. He said what I have is melanoma in situ -- it is just this area. BUT I caught it early because it would/could have spread. But he wanted to er on the side of caution - he ordered a chest xray & full blood count. He said all will be fine after the surgery! So I should be relieved huh? NOPE -- cried the rest of yesterday. Still anxious, nervous, scared - the whole 9 yards.
I am not going to be 100% better until that report comes back after the surgery tomorrow and says "we captured it all"!!!!
Thank you all for your prayers & support and keep me in your prayers for a few more days!!!! I love you all!!!

It's quiet

2008-09-16T13:20:00.002-04:00

Today was my first day with Abby in pre-school and no one else here (last week was Abby's first week and Chris was on vacation so I did not get to experience this). I drop Abby off to school and knew I had some errands to run but instead I came home and sat in pure peace & quiet. I enjoyed a cup of coffee sitting outside. I would have been a bit more productive but I seem to have injured my lower back on Sunday and am in a lot of pain. There will be other days to get "work" done!!!

So I enjoyed the calmness of it all and enjoyed my time, but I was happy when the time came to go and pick her up! Her face is priceless when I greet her at her classroom door!

Start of school

2008-09-09T11:49:00.003-04:00

The boys started back to school this past Wednesday and boy were they ready!!!! (Oh wait, maybe it was me that was ready)!!! I cannot believe I have a 2nd & 1st graders!!!! They both are very excited every day they come ~ new friends, new things to learn & do, homework & new 'specials'.

Today was Abby's first day of pre-school -- I cannot believe she is old enough to be going to pre-school!! She was so excited to go off with her backpack! She enjoyed checking out all the 'new' toys, finding her seat & cubby, meeting her teacher & checking out her new friends! She will go 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours -- oh boy, what will I do with myself for that time????? I am certainly going to enjoy a little breathing room - that is for sure!!!!

My babies are growing up right before my eyes! Here is the verse to Trace Adkins newest song, You're Gonna Miss This -- so fitting!!!

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Mumble jumble of a bunch of things

2008-09-06T20:04:00.003-04:00

As we close out summer I thought it would be nice to go back and capture those memories.

We celebrated Nick finishing 1st grade and Eric finishing Kindergarten!!
We added a new member to our family -- Shelby a purebred Golden Retriever!
We enjoyed an impromptu campout at our friends house around July 4th. Enjoyed good food, drinks, fireworks, sleeping under the stars, and a great breakfast!!!!
We took a weekend trip and surprised Grandpa & Meme!
The kids enjoyed a few Valley Cats baseball games -- boy did they really enjoy those games & the fireworks afterwards!
The boys had their tonsils & adenoids out -- on the same day!
Each of us enjoyed every minute of our new pool -- that was the best investment we ever made!
And me & Chris enjoyed some home improvement projects ~ new gardens landscaped, knocked half a wall down in our downstairs (to make the room bigger), ripped the carpeting up downstairs and replaced with hardwood , ripped up the carpeting on the stairs up and will be staining those in the next few weeks, and the boys are enjoying a more sports like color room -- navy blue, white trim & candy apple red closet doors!

I'm looking forward to the end of summer and the beautiful fall time here in Upstate NY. I love apple & pumpkin picking, fall foliage, cooler days & nights, & football.

Update & Life Lessons Learned

2008-09-03T10:18:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the day for me to call the dermotolgist to find out the results of the spot removed last week. At 8:13am my phone rang -- it was the Nurse Practitioner.
She said it was indeed Melanoma. She said I have to see a plastic surgeon within the next week or two to have more of the area removed & further tested. I was also told that I will become an every 6 month patient of theirs for life and I will no longer be outside without sunscreen on!!!

Update as of 12:30pm on 9/3/08 - just returned home from the plastic surgeon. This is the earliest stage of melanoma! I caught this just in time!!!! I still have to have more of the area removed (not until Oct 3rd) and they will test the area they remove to make sure it was all captured. I will have a tiny scar, but that will lessen over time and is so close to my ear that you really won't be able to see it. Can I breathe now - -a bit. I don't think I will fully be relaxed until this is off and the pathology report comes back all clear!!!!

Lessons learned:

* I have never been a person to lay out in the sun but I have Norwegian blood ~ blonde hair and super fair skin - I burn immediately!

* Don't push something off - if you see something that is different on your body, have it checked out! Don't wait!

* Don't think you don't need sunscreen -- you do!!!!

* Don't take any moment for granted, you never know when it might be taken away!!

New path

2008-08-27T09:19:00.002-04:00

I have decided to pursue a new path for myself & my family. I am studying to become a certified personal fitness trainer. I'm so excited & nervous all at the same time. I love helping others with exercise, motivation and overall healthy lifestyle and what better example - MYSELF! I am proof that it can be done!

So on this journey we will go.....

I do not like the waiting game

2008-08-25T17:05:00.003-04:00

I have had these few spots on my face for as long as I can remember, about 1 1/2 months ago I noticed one had changed appearance, color, shape, size. My mother has a history of basal cells and my paternal grandmother has a history of melanoma -- oh boy not looking good huh? So I call the dermotoligst that my mother & I see -- they could not see me until the end of August. So the waiting game started then. Well today was my appointment - and the nerves were on full alert. He looked at the spot and then continued to examine my entire torso. He immediately said "let's scrape it off". He was concerned with every aspect of it. So 2 needles in my cheek bone and a nice razor blade to my face he goes. It was marked to test carefully for melanoma -- now I have to wait until Tuesday for the results. OH NO - I dislike the waiting game!!!! Off to say a few prayers!

Oh boy is it time for school yet????

2008-08-25T12:32:00.003-04:00

Oh boy can the first day of school come any quicker? I know we should not wish time away, but boy are the boys going stir crazy ~ making mom go stir crazy! It is that "last 2 weeks before school starts syndrome" -- they are tired of being with each other, tired of being around mom, tired of playing outside -- just need a complete change!!!!
9 days and counting!!!! Then to start the whole other set of "issues" ~ not wanting to go to bed early, not wanting to do their homework! Oh the joys!!!

Vacation ~ Glad to be home

2008-08-20T08:12:00.002-04:00

Vacation was great! The kids loved every minute of the beach & the ocean. They had never experienced the ocean or salt water before! What a first for them!!!
The drive was long going down (about 9 hours but we drove threw the night) and the drive was even longer coming home (about 12 hours and drove during the day).
I was able to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity - I got to meet 2 of the bestest friends I had never met! I met these 2 gals on my weight loss site and we became great friends. One of them was competing in her second figure competition and I got to be there for her! It was such an amazing experience!

But I will say, it is nice to be home! Nice to be in my bed, nice to be in my own routine, nice to have cooler weather. Oh did I mention I just love the fall time and the past 2 days, since we have been home, have been just that - fall like weather! Cool nights, bright sunny days! I just love it!!!!

Now to start the back to school routine!

Getting 3 kids, a dog, a hubby & myself for a mini vacation

2008-08-13T07:05:00.002-04:00

We are taking our first mini vacation ~ to Virginia Beach ~ in almost 5 years and leaving tomorrow! We are staying with Chris' brother ~ whom we haven't seen them all in a while! And while there, I have this wonderful opportunity to meet 2 friends whom I have met online and experience one of them compete in her second figure competition! What an amazing opportunity for me!
But back to life. So I started a list about 1 week ago of everything we need to bring with us. I am packing & organizing for 3 kids, dog, hubby & myself. And my mother in law will be taking the trip with us. Thank goodness I have a mini van!!!
It is amazing all the things you need to remember to bring! And all the things to do with your house to ensure safety while you are gone. I am also planning out our breakfast, lunches & snacks to save $$$ while away. Had this been 5 years ago I certainly would not have planned to bring our own food, but with the cost of everything these days it's better to save wherever we can!
Wish us luck on an 8 hour car ride -- the only thing the goes through my head is "Riding along in my automobile" song!!!!

Rainy days

2008-08-11T17:25:00.002-04:00

I love rainy days!!! I love thunder & lightening and the sound & smell of rain! This morning was pretty quiet outside but by lunch time, the dark clouds started rolling in and you could smell the rain in the air. A short time later, there was a downpour that seem to last forever! But you know what, it forced me to get those little tedious projects in my house DONE! So while the kids enjoyed a *lazy* day, I was very productive!!!

Now what else can be accomplished tonight??????

An answer came without me making the decision

2008-08-09T12:16:00.003-04:00

I received the "Dr. John" letter telling me that while my qualifications & experiences are impressive, they have found someone better to fill the position. I'm relieved that I did not have to make the decision. I'm relieved that I did not have to go through the "what if's". God definitely had his hand in this one and I see the reasons why he put me on this road.

Now to enjoy the end of summer and getting ready for back to school!!!!

Crazy emotions

2008-08-07T21:00:00.003-04:00

Where to start, what to say, where to go..... Let me try to clarify the emotions I have been feeling for the past week. FRUSTRATED, SCARED, OVERWHELMED, EXCITED, CONFUSED, OPTIMISTIC. A whole lot of emotions to be experiencing at once huh?
I'll back up a bit.
When I became pregnant for Nick, 8 years ago, I knew that I was staying home to take care of him - that was what I had always envisioned me doing when I had children. So for 7 1/2 years now I have been home full time raising our 3 children. Yes I have managed to keep some extra cash flowing in by doing side projects with my old job, babysitting, and a secretarial position I hold (but done from home).
7 1/2 years HOME, raising children -- that is all my life has known. And that is truly what I am suppose to be doing. I want to be here for my kids when they get on the school bus and when they get home from school. I want to be here!
After their surgery last week and literally being Mom/Nurse/On-Call/Wife/etc for 7 days STRAIGHT, I was spent. And was dealing with a rage of emotions. No sleep will do that to anybody!!! 2 crying/whiney boys who can't eat or drink without it hurting will do that to a mom whose heart is breaking for them!!
I started questioning my abilities as a mom and was I really helping them. See what no sleep will do to you!!! My fingers turned to the Internet and the website for the company I use to work at full time. Wouldn't you know it a GREAT job was posted - something I *knew* I could do and would love doing it again. So in the heat of the moment I submitted my resume. The next day -- I get a phone call for an interview. Was I surprised, or should I say shocked. I guess I expected a phone call, but not from the VP/Director himself. So I went to the interview -- was so excited, the job is a great opportunity ~ challenging, great people, some really fancy galas, and what I was told (by another person in the same organization) was a very nice salary! Within 2 hours after the interview, I get a call for a 2nd interview. By this point I'm nervous and going through all the what-if's in my mind. What will I do with Abby full time? And what about her pre-school? And who can I get to watch the boys after school? And am I not giving Abby all I gave the boys? Am I going to be missing out on something with her? And completely did not think about what I will do when the boys have no school one day.
I have been doing a lot of soul searching and trying to find my "reason" behind this all. Did I need someone to tell me I was capable and worthy enough of returning to work? Or was it just my way of *thinking* it would help with the financial tightness we are feeling. With the way the economy is, we are trying to pull the reigns in as tight as we can.
I have not heard anything since the 2nd interview. But I think I have made up my mind, now is just not the time. Part-time, yes but not full-time. I feel that there are many more opportunities here at the homefront that I need to be a part of. But we will see what the path is that God has chosen for me.
With all that said, it has been a long few days and I need a BREAK! I know that might sound selfish but we are all deserving of a much needed break!
I'm glad to know that I am needed around this house!!!!

6 days post op & going crazy

2008-08-05T16:20:00.002-04:00

It has been 6 days since the boys had their surgery and boy are they going stir crazy (and I think I'm going right along with them)!! They are recovering nicely but are super bored, tired of ice cream, pops, mac n cheese, jello and milkshakes and the TV. I never thought I would say my kids are bored of ice cream or the TV!!!! Each day is a little better for them but it is not fast enough for any of us!!!!

Such troopers throughout this all!!!!

My boys surgery today

2008-07-30T20:37:00.004-04:00

Both of my boys had their tonsils & adenoids out today! To start the morning off, they were fine but as the time drew near they were getting nervous!!!
Nick was scheduled first and about 5 minutes before we went into the OR, he was "acting funny". They allowed me to go in with him ~ I knew what to expect, had been down this road with Nick before ~ but this morning I was extremely nervous! He was laying on the table and they were preparing to put the mask on him and the tears started coming and I just could not get myself together! I DID NOT want him to see that!!!

He was in the OR for approximately 50 minutes ~ the MD came out and said all went well. When he woke up from anesthesia, he was ok but just wanted me.

Then there was Eric. About 15 minutes before he was heading in, he started saying I'm getting dressed and going home! He did not want his tonsils out ~ had this strong bond with them!!! It got to the point, we let him put his shorts back on - the nurse told me, we will take care of it in there. They were ready for him and he wanted Daddy to go in with him! Thank god, Mom is off the hook! Chris comes out and says it "was bad"! I guess Eric fought a good fight and really resisted the mask! He was trying to pull off Chris' face mask, not breathing, nothing! Came down to my husband having to lay on top of him to restrain him!

Then he wakes up -- and he is still fighting!!!!! Chris went into recovery with him while I stayed with Nick. Chris said that the first thing Eric said was "I want my tonsils back in and let's go home". :-) They came to join us about 30 minutes later and as soon as Eric saw me he started crying for me. I gave him a hug and told him he was so brave. He proceeded to tell me no he was not! They ended up having to give Eric some morphine for some sickness to his belly and then some benadryl because they thought he was having a minor allergic reaction to some of the meds. Within 2 minutes he was back out and slept for 5 hours!

They are both starting to feel the affects of the anesthesia wearing off! They are cranky, tired, sore and HUNGRY! They both have asked for pizza! Pizza of all things!!!!

Hope they are feeling better tomorrow!!!!

Another great deal

2008-07-29T15:29:00.002-04:00

I'm on a roll this week for great deals!!! Yesterday's deal -- wait until you hear this one!

I was looking for a 5x8 area rug. I decided to stop at JC Penney's (as I have purchased area rugs there before for a relatively decent price). So they had an area rug that I liked. It was regularly $180.00, red tagged to $89.99 and I had a 15% coupon, so I said ok that is a good price. I get to the register and it was even cheaper!!!! This rug that was originally $180.00, well I only paid $20 for it!!!! Can you believe that? I walked out of there extremely proud of the great find I just got!!!

Great find

2008-07-28T06:40:00.002-04:00

I have been wanting 2 adirondack chairs all summer but just could not justify spending $75+ on one chair! I happen to be at a local grocery store on Saturday and saw them on sale for $39.99. I called hubby and asked him to meet me there. We were going to get 2 of them. We then started talking about this loveseat bench that they had to match it (it was marked at $64.99 on Saturday). The general manager came over and told us that on Sunday all of the furniture is going to 75% off! She offered to hold the chairs & the bench for us until the morning - how nice of her!!!
Hubby heads over there on Sunday to pick up the stuff. Both chairs had the tag but they could not find the tag for the bench. So the guy just rang all 3 up at one price!!! I got all 3 for $19.99 EACH. What a steal!!!!!

Enough rain, feeding the ducks & my smart dog!

2008-07-27T07:46:00.003-04:00

So we needed rain but come on! It has rained so much over the past 2 days that my yard is a swampland!!!! You walk in my yard and you just squish! And it is not a steady drizzle of rain!! No, it is a downpour with tornado looking clouds! My pool is filled to the brim and needs to be emptied!
The weather forecast is calling for showers every day this week! C'mon mother nature, give us a little break!!!!

I took the kids to feed the ducks this week -- those little ducks just know when people are there to feed them! They almost attacked us as we got out of the car. My kids had so much fun -- it's those little, simple things!!!

So my smart little dog, Shelby, has taught herself how to climb our pool ladder stairs and get herself on the float!!!

How I am helping the environment

2008-07-16T08:42:00.002-04:00

2008 has been a year of learning to live frugally, green our lifestyle, and how to be eco-friendly. What have I done so far????

I use cloth bags when shopping or bring my own
I changed all my lightbulbs
I turn off all appliances via power strip when not in use and unplug all things that do not need to be plugged in (boy do I miss my coffee being ready for when I get up in the morning)
I line dry my clothes every time
We are eating all leftovers or freezing the extras
We are using up all food as to not waste!
I'm using coupons at every shopping trip
I'm looking at every sales flyer and getting the most for my dollar! Stockpiling has become my friend!
I made a rain barrel and utilize that water for my gardens
I'm not driving as much and when I do, I combine all my trips at one time!
And my most recent project was to create a compost so I can start planning for my veggie garden for next year! And the compost bin was made with wood & netting we already had!!! No money spent!

I'm looking forward to seeing what & where I can save more on the rest of 2008!!!

Simple Pleasures

2008-07-14T13:34:00.006-04:00

This past weekend was full of life's simple pleasures......

* I was the hero, in Eric's eyes! There was a spider crawling on the wall and he was freaked out. I grabbed a tissue, squished him and then flushed him down the toilet! He told me I was the best mom!!!

* Nicholas had a lovely cake sampling with his Aunt Sandy -- he certainly enjoyed that one!

* And then Eric thought his bunny ears was the hit of the day!
* And then we have a budding juggler in our family -- Abby was determined to bring her "goodies" home!!!!

Every day should be so simple & full of these simple pleasures!!!!

Where has the summer gone????

2008-07-10T06:55:00.002-04:00

The school year came and went with a blink of an eye. And we have been busy enjoying the summer ~ hanging in our new pool, going to the sprinkler at a local park, playing Wii on the really hot days and just enjoying not having to get up early! But do you know the kids only have 1 1/2 months until school starts again. Boy -- it is flying by!!!! And my little girl will be starting pre-school in the fall -- oh my!!! What is a mom to do??????

Enjoy these summer days with a splash, a s'more, family time, whatever you chose, but enjoy!

New addition to our family

2008-05-20T20:40:00.005-04:00

We have a new addition to our family -- meet Shelby Rose.

Shelby is a 9 week old, pure-bred Golden Retriever.

Her dad, named Pork Chop, is a brown, auburn color

Her mom, named Summer, is a white color -- so I think Shelby will be a nice color.

So here's to some good ol' puppy potty training!!!!

What are you doing to save $$$$

2008-05-02T09:54:00.004-04:00

What are you doing to save money these days? What do you find you are cutting back on? What are you doing to conserve energy & live green?

Little by little, we have made big steps to the way we live here in our house! Some things we have done:

* we replaced our lightbulbs
* we turn off appliances when not in use (coffee pot is no longer plugged in all the time and the tv's that we do not use regularly are controlled with a power strip)
* I bring my own bags to stores - yes it can be a hassle but it is so worth it!
* we dry our clothes outside (boy do I love the smell!)
* I'm conserving my driving trips - combining all trips at the same time. No more just hopping in the car to go here or there.
* no more wasting food -- leftovers are eaten up, fruit & veggies are eaten up!
* lights are turned off, water is not running when brushing our teeth
* recycling magazines & coupons -- share the wealth right?
* I have really started watching sales and stockpiling on some good deals. You have to know the prices of things in order to really win at this one.

So what are some ways you are saving?????

Where have the days gone????

2008-05-02T09:46:00.002-04:00

As the boys were giving us hugs & kisses goodbye as they were heading out the door to school, hubby looked at me and said "they were once this small" (and held up his arms). It seems like just yesterday that the boys were babies and now here they are in 1st & K, involved in Cub Scouts, t-ball, friends, sleepovers and what's cool and what's not.

Time flies when you are having fun!!!!

HAPPY EASTER

2008-03-23T15:10:00.005-04:00

HAPPY EASTER (this picture they all had a huge piece of candy in their mouth!) Hope you and your family had a great day!

My kids were up at 6:45am. Instantly NPC noticed that the "magic egg" (an egg appeared the other day and kept moving around the house - was some watching over???) was moved and that the Easter baskets were gone. He found a Good Morning note on the eggs we colored yesterday. The note said something like this:
"Good morning NPC, ECC & ACC I stopped by your house and left you a special treat. The fun is trying to find them. " Then it gave a clue on the back. We had clues that went downstairs to our family spending the night with us, to the dryer, to the mailbox, to my car, to a coat pocket, to the computer, to the freezer and then to "Mom & Dad's closet" where their Easter baskets were.

They have not stopped playing with all of their new outdoor toys -- they are going to sleep well tonight!

We had a nice brunch and some really good food!

My weight loss journey

2008-03-11T15:45:00.004-04:00

Most of you have not seen me in a while so I thought I would share a before & after picture. I have lost 31lbs and have completely transformed my body. You should see my muscle definition! I have bigger muscles than Chris now!!!!

I have a bully on my hands

2008-03-11T14:51:00.002-04:00

NPC is a bully! OH MY GOSH! He comes home from school all excited to tell me what he did. So he tells me that him and a friend swapped lunches. NPC had peanut butter & jelly sandwich & his friend had mac - n- cheese. I asked him why he did this and his answer was "because I wanted mac -n- cheese". So my facial expression quickly dropped! I told him he is not to EVER ask a friend for his lunch, even if he was giving his friend his lunch. So he quickly became not excited and realized that this was not a good thing to do!
Now let me go back to a few other instances.

* One day he came home with some loose change, he said he got it from his friend (ironically the same one who he swapped lunch with today). I asked him why his friend gave it to him and NPC said "because I asked him for it".

* Another time he came home with this Spiderman watch. I said where did you get that. He replied, a friend gave it to him. I asked why and he said because I asked him for it. Come to find out NPC gave this kid a key chain hook thing and the friend gave him his watch.

OH MY - what do I have on my hands???? I can hear the phone calls coming now - Mrs. C I have NPC here in my office for bullying!!!

Kids

2008-03-11T12:41:00.003-04:00

I have had many instances over the past few days where I have seen myself in the kids.
The way they answer me or are talking to their brother or sister.

As me & Abby were getting ready to go out yesterday and she sees me putting my cell phone, lipstick & gum in my purse. So off she goes to get her purse. She puts her play cell phone, her "lipstick" and proceeds to ask me for some gum, which she puts in her purse. And off we go.

And Nicholas, he is a creature of habit & routine. With me, everything has its place in our house and if it is not there, I get upset and get it put back to where it belongs. I am constantly changing my kitchen around (the items I have on my counters) and proceeded to do this last night. Nicholas look at the kitchen and said "Mom that does not belong there" and started moving it (whatever it was). I tried explaining that I sometimes like to change things around. He just did not want to hear that!!

Are you a good friend?????

2008-03-11T11:33:00.004-04:00

I received this e-mail the other day and it really got me thinking.

Are you a good friend? Even if you aren't an antique lover, you can probably appreciate old things. The most worthwhile, long-term investment you can make is investing in relationships. A healthy, edifying friendship can have a huge impact on your well-being, character, and even your success. Old friends have seen us through celebrations, grief, births, graduations, marriages, and so much more. They love us for who we are--warts and all! Think about the most formative friendships in your life and consider writing a note of appreciation to each of your friends. Maybe there are some buddies that you need to reach out to because they have a need, or others you just need to reconnect with. Your gratitude shows them that they are cared for, which everyone needs to know.
We often go through our busy days and do not take the time to contact a friend and just say HI. Life goes by too fast and we often neglect those people who have been with us through thick & thin or who have known us all of our lives or who we have recently met but have felt like we have known them forever.
We need our friends -- they are there when we need to vent or just daily chit chat. I know personally I have certain friends I can tell certain things to and others are just daily chit-chat. Do you have these too?
Do you have those friends that you know in an instant they would be there for you? I LOVE those people in my life!
Tell those in your life how much they mean to you!!!! I love you all.

First post

2008-03-11T11:31:00.002-04:00

So this is my first blog here. I've been blogging but primarily on my sparkpeople website (blogging about my weight loss journey & frustrations with that).

Welcome to my crazy, wonderful, hectic, exciting, insane life I live in. Join me along this roller coaster rid!!!