It Is What It Is

Labor Day means WORK and Happy Birthday Middle One

Alright friends, I've been a laboring this Labor Day Weekend.  I hope you've been enjoying the last bit of the official summer. 

 Remember when I mentioned that when you remove every roof ever put on your 82 year old house it spells- MESS any way you slice it?  Well, this mess has started an avalanche of other messes- it's like attack of the messes.  I've been digging out of messes all freaking weekend. 

Shall I recap? 

1.  ROOF-

 

Don't let the blue sky fool you- this was after all three previous roofs were removed and we're moving toward the installation of new roof.

 

See the dumpster that has been blocking my driveway and back entrance for the last seven days?  See blackness on the driveway- that is the remnants of old shingles and is taking over  everything?

 

Ah, ha- this is a better illustration of the mess that is now completely covering my attic- chunks and dust and junk covering everything!  Did I mention that the attic is my primary area of storage for all things in my household?  Dear Beloved made it up the stairs and cleaned that portion- it's just so completely overwhelming.  Trying to clean it all right now is just impossible.  Plus it's been about 500 degrees up there making the job even harder.

2.  Refer to first photo for a look at chimney that is now crumbling and needs to be repaired.  We know we needed to have the plaster on the chimney and front facade of the house taken care of- just not right after replacing the entire roof.  We optimistically thought we could make do with a fix on the chimney until the spring- but alas, the chimney is in even worse disrepair than originally thought.  We could actually have large chunks of plaster falling off the chimney and hurting people or worse damaging my new roof (I kid..) But I'm not kidding when I say- goodbye $2,000 more dollars. 

I might also add here, that I"m not opposed to fixing my house or spending the money to do so, it's just that the timing so sucks. Not that house repairs ever have good timing, but I would love to spend money on fun things- like a new kitchen or bath.   I could have had my new kitchen about five times over by now.  Oh well, time to get over it....

3.  Eldest moved into the basement into her new super cool faux dorm room.  This left her old room open and available.  We have moved Youngest into that room thus leaving her old room which is attached to our bedroom open and available to become a master bedroom sitting room.  We're  moving Beloved's Mancave out of the basement and allowing this to become more of the Lounge area of Eldest's Dorm and the hang out area for the other kids.  Leaving the family room the gated off shrine of family rooms.  (Remember the new carpet.)  Even the dogs are banned from this room.  So all of these changes have involved lots of moving, organizing and cleaning and ya da, ya da, ya da....

It really felt like we would never get any one thing finished completely.  I am happy to report- that both girl's rooms are pretty darn near close to being completed.  Odds and ends, mostly.  We are actually able to walk in the rooms and the upstairs hallway without climbing over things, finally.  

4.  Middle One turned 15 years old today!

 

In the midst of all this laboring, I actually made him his favorite Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting- all homemade I might add!

 

It's hard to believe that in six months he'll be eligible to take his driver's test.  Oh, my...

5.  Football has started- actually, it started in June and has been going full steam since then.  We've had a couple of scrimmages and two games.  You know I love all things football- so let me share a couple of shots, of my Middle Boy in his high school uniform!

 

He's #78! 

 

 

Last one, in formation, ready to snap the ball. 

Alright- that's all for now- gotta go do some work for the start of a new work and school week.  Enjoy the start of all things Fall!

What's Been Happening?

Sorry for the delay and lack of fresh posts.  It's been a hectic week or so of back to school activities coupled with end of summer vacation activities. 

A week or so ago, my good buddy B and family hauled it in from the great state of Massachusetts for a family wedding.  We were lucky enough to spend a few hours together. 

 

I know I kid,but really, can you possibly pick a better spokes couple for Crest Whitening Strips or for orthodontia?  I mean these people have freakishly straight and white teeth.  It's all apart of their appeal.  They joined us with their darling daughter, K at Youngest's "Back to School Splash" pool party.

 

We gathered up a large group of soon to be (but are currently now) 5th Grade girls to have one last bash before the school bell rang.  It was a glorious summer day.  Plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. 

  

And true to the party's theme- SPLASH- they DID!

 

This week has been getting used to getting up early again, packing lunches, getting uniforms together and trying to work out new sports schedules.  My annual back to school photo with all three kids was a total bust.  

My camera was broken (or so I thought) and I had to use my phone and then the emailing of the photo turned out to be the size of a postage stamp and Middle One would not, could not be bothered to stand still and pose and Eldest drove off to college.  I got a pic of her backing out of the driveway.  At some point- I'll work it out but until then, I got nothing to share.

Hope your back to school happenings are going well.  As I like to say- "It is What it Is, my friends."

 

Conversations of the Camp Kind

Youngest returned home safe and sound after a truly fantastic week at camp.  Each time camp is over she states "this was the absolute best camp ever!"  Mind you, when we left her a week ago, I had a few mommy moment reservations.  Usually, when we drop her off at camp, she's kicking us out the door before I've had a chance to finish putting on the fitted sheet on her bunk.  She always has a cabin mate that she knows from home. 

This year, she moved up a level in her group.  Her cabin facilities and location changed as well.  It was a much different story this year.  She had been placed in one of the more "rustic" A-Frame cabins.  This cabin was located in the woods.  There were no bathroom facilities in her cabin.  They had a "hike" to the toilet and showers.  This was our first surprise.  Her cabin in previous years have always rivaled prime state park resorts. 

Next, she was the last to arrive to her cabin.  This meant, no choice in bunks.  (This is a very big deal...)  She was relegated to the last bottom bunk located near the door.  This was surprise number two.  Well, at least she'd be in this adventure with her buddy from home.  Surprise number three- no cabin buddy.  Well, that did her in, her eyes got extremely wide and tear filled.  I asked her if she wanted to step outside for a minute.  "Yeesss."

The minute we were out the door, she threw herself in my arms and started crying.  I immediately try talking her down and bringing up all the positive things she had to look forward to that week.  That seemed to help.  She pulled herself together, wiped her eyes and asked if she'd look like she had been crying?  "No, you look fine," I said.  "Okay, I'm going to go back in now.  I'll say goodbye to you and dad out here.  You don't need to come back in."  Alrighty then, she was being a trooper.

Fast forward to end of the week.  Pick up day, she was crying because she was  leaving all of her friends and  had such a wonderful, fun time.  The entire way home was nonstop chatter about everything they  did that week.  Who said what, every funny joke, every meal, every everything...This is actually a good thing about Youngest.  She tells me everything without being prompted.  My other two, tell me nothing.  Especially if I question them.  They will shut down.  I have to sit back and wait for them to impart information regarding  particular event.

Well, because Youngest is such a chatterbox, she wants to make sure you are listening to each and everything she is saying.  She will stop and ask questions of you, or will come right out and say- "Are you still listening to me?"  I have learned to add to the conversation to avoid the dreaded condescending "Are you listening?" 

You never know where these conversations may take you or the things you will learn.  She started discussing a game they had played in their cabin, where the counselor would ask a question and then each girl would get to answer it.  Sounds like a fun exercise.  The counselor asked  each girl to describe their bedroom  She went on to ask which direction their feet faced in their bed. 

"She said, Mom, that if your feet faced the door then that was bad luck.  She said you should hang a crystal from you door to counterbalance the bad luck."  (Yes- my 10 year old said counterbalance.)

I said, "Oh, like Feng Shui?"

She said, "Duh, she's Australian." 

Well, I guess she told me.  See the things you learn at camp? 

My Husband Makes Me Laugh- Take 2

First let me say, I had just had the perfect day.  I took the day off from work since it was the first nice day in several.  I needed a mental health day.  Youngest has been away at camp all week.  Eldest had spent the night with friends from work and Middle One was chillin' out until he had to mow the lawn and go work out for football.

Beloved had gotten caught up on a lot of his work and we decided to have a couple day at the pool.  It was delightful.  We relaxed all day, reading at our leisure, not having to watch for children swimming.  After the pool, we went to our local vegetable/fruit market and then to the liquor store.  (More on that later.)  He then was kind enough to escort me to my work storage unit so I could take a sample inventory.  We were having a perfectly lovely time.  Getting along swimmingly.   (No pun intended.)

When we came home, we were welcomed to a kitchen that look like it had exploded.  Why is it that mychildren, who know that it is their responsibility to clean up after themselves, never do?  Their answer was- I thought the dishwasher was full.  OK?  Why not empty it then.  It's not my turn.  Oh, well that explains it.  Thank you.

  Instead of fighting with them some more, Beloved starts to empty the dishwasher while I start to put away the items we just purchased.  He asks me what I'd like to do tonight.  It's our last night before everyone is home again.  The other kids don't have any plans that we need to be worried about coordinating around.  We are discussing our options.  Finally, he says, "Let's just continue our nice day.  We'll spend time together, maybe sit out on the patio, sip a cocktail, whatever.  Keep it simple."  I agree, that sounds like a plan.

Beloved then leaves to go down to his office to go through the mail, etc.  I stay up in the kitchen and continue cleaning up.  I might mention at this time, that I'm feeling a little bloated, perhaps it could even be said, a little gassy. I had been all day.  So, I'm standing at the window, daydreaming a little, thinking I'm alone in the kitchen washing up pots and pans.  I'm not embarrassed to say, a few snuck out...if you know what I mean.  Ordinarily, I would never "toot" in front of people.  I will go in another room, like the bathroom to do my business or continue to hold it in, as I had been doing all day.  However, I was alone, no harm, no foul..( again, no pun intended....)  what I didn't know was that Beloved was walking through the kitchen behind me as that little one escaped.  He stops and asks me "Is that your mating call for later?" 

How does the man think of these things?  I turned three shades of red.  I actually couldn't think of a single thing to say back to him.  So- I laughed.  He did, too. 

Roll Out the Barrel....

 

This past weekend we attended our local area Polish Festival.  Our area is host to many festivals in the summer.  Church festivals galore polished with their parishes personal touch.  Ethnic festivals of all types showcasing the food and culture of a particular ethnicity.  We try to sample what we can and we are particularly fond of the Polish Festival.  The number one reason?  The music! 

 

POLKA MUSIC!  You can't help but smile and move your feet when you hear that polka beat!  It instantly puts me in a good mood.

 

This sassy gal brought her dancing shoes!  You gotta love that dedication to the dance form. 

 

Young and old dancing together.  Mom's with their kids.  Woman dancing with woman- just because it's so much fun. 

 

Here's Beloved giving Youngest her first lesson in Polka Dancing.  Back in the day, Beloved was quite the Polka King.  When he was a youngster, his family, (of German heritage- another Polka loving group of ethnic folks) would travel the area hitting all of the Polka Festivals.  His grandmother and mom taught him to dance and he would be their dance partners.  He's a good teacher- but be warned he only knows one speed- FAST!  So grab on and get ready to spin around the floor if you're his dance partner.  Youngest was having a blast!

 

Initially, Youngest and her friend, K weren't so sure what do.  We told them watch everyone else and just make sure you move so you won't get mowed over...

 

They quickly got into the spirit of things...

 

And soon were looking like true Polka Princesses!  They had to be dragged off the dance floor...

Here's the other thing about festivals that I adore-

 

The people!  It's a plethora of people watching nirvana! 

 

 

This little sweety asked me to take her picture and was tickled when I showed it to her.

 

This fine gentleman called me a "sweetheart" for taking his photo.  Which leads me to the 3rd thing that is so great about festivals....

 

The FOOD!  Did you see those onion rings on his plate?  They were indeed "colossal."  This festival had the usual fair food-

 

Yummy onion rings, unbelievable fresh cut fries, pizza, funnel cakes-(a personal favorite)

 

But what I really want when I'm at a Polish Festival is Polish Food!   There were several choices when it came to picking the food stand for our kielbasa, sweet and sour cabbage and pierogi's.  We opted for the local church's food pavilion.   I liked knowing that the food was made by the sweet souls of St. Hedwig's Parish. 

 

In a word, DELISH!!  We even sat ourselves down on the front steps of this beautiful old church. 

 

 

If I were an architectural guru I would tell you the type of stained glass window that was- but I'm not, so I won't but I will say I thought it was beautiful.  I especially like the fact that the paint is peeling.  It gives an extra special something...

 

Did I mention that Middle One complained - pretty much the whole time we were there?  Yep- he didn't really care for the Polish food.  He chose a steakburger and fries.  He didn't care for the music - the most.  He said listening to the Polka music should be a form of torture for prisoners.  Which actually gives me an idea- I think I'll have it piped in his room on the mornings he doesn't want to get out of bed...yeah- now that's an idea I can get behind.

The rest of us- though- we had a barrel of fun...! 

$3,000 Dilemma

 

You know the old wive's tale that things happen in "3's?"  Well it's happening at our house and the magic number that ties them all together is $3,000.  (give or take a few numbers, but after rounding...the number remains-$3,000.)

1.  Carpet for the basement that has to be replaced from the work we had done to correct our water problems.  The room that took the brunt of the tear up- has been fixed thanks to my FIL.  We have decided to turn it into a bedroom for Eldest.  Her new little home away from home, since she won't be living on campus when she goes to college this fall, she'll be commuting and living at home.  We thought it would be nice to give her new digs and give her a bit more privacy. 

2.  Braces for Middle One.  This one we have been putting off.  We had a consultation about a year ago and never moved forward.  He's about to enter high school so it just needs to be done.  He's got a very mild case of crooked teeth...but nonetheless, it's  going to cost $3000 (give or take a few hundred dollars.)

3.  New Car/Old Car Wrecked.  Yes, that's right, you heard me.  Eldest, (the same one who just got a speeding ticket a few weeks ago wrecked her car that was completely paid for.)  She's fine and everyone with her is fine.  What's not fine is the fact that it's going to cost $3,000 to fix it.  The insurance company will probably total the car and then it will be another mark against Eldest on her insurance and 3 strikes your out...Can't take the chance, just going to have to suck this up and find a solution. 

So- there you have it- our $3,000 dilemma.  Now, we just have to prioritize and hope our money tree  blooms on demand.

R-uh-R-oh....

 

This photo (badly represents) the speeding ticket Eldest received today.  Her first.  She was going 73 mph in a 55 mph zone.  Yikes!  According to her- (which I actually tend to believe...) she was passing 2 semi trucks and sped up to get around them.  "Mom, you know how freaked I get about being near big trucks..." 

True- but still, you need to be careful.  The police officer was not so nice, understandably so, but she didn't cry.  She also didn't tell her Dad or I right away.  Who was her first phone call?  Her boyfriend.  He was the one who actually told us, because Eldest was too scared.  (I know I can be really scary....)

Well, it will be fun watching her pain as she pays her $105 fine.  I don't even want to think about the change in her insurance rate.  Yikes, again!

Just Because

Summer is officially here and I'm still coming off my May hangover of all things Graduation.  I haven't had a chance to give these events their due, but I did want to share a photo of me and Middle One- my only son.  We don't often get photographed together and I especially like this one.  I really like the fact that this photo highlights that Middle One- is growing- finally!  We are almost the same height.  (Mind you in this photo I'm wearing 3 inch heels that have previously been shown right here on this site.) 

 

This was us during the Mother/Son or Father/Daughter dance portion of the After Graduation festivities.  There was something about seeing my son in a suit jacket and tie that did my heart in this past May.  He doesn't ordinarily wear a tie for anything. (Last time was First Communion....)   When he put these items of clothing on-  I thought- so this is how it feels...my son is really growing up.  He's becoming a man.  I know that may sound a little silly to some of you, but being from a family of girls and only having one other child (female) officially hit the "adult" stage- I was a little taken back.  For me personally, watching my son hit these milestones has been especially sentimental. I guess in a way when Eldest hit these marks- I could identify it through my own eyes, but with my son this has been a completely different experience. 

So to recap- this photo says look how far we've come and still there's room for growth and many  good things down the road... but from my son's expression it looks more like- "How soon until this over?"  Doesn't matter- I know what it means...

Little Miss Dance Recital

Last week we celebrated another year of dance lessons completed.  38 weeks worth of lessons in Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Lyrical- 120 hours spent practicing.  The recital was over in 3 hours.  3 hours of running back and forth changing costumes, fixing hair and makeup and rushing out to watch the performance.  Their moment in the sun to capture the best they can do for that routine.  It was a good night.  Not any real mishaps- just lots of fun, laughing, excitement, lipstick, hairspray and glitter!

 

Youngest in her Tap number with friends K and F.  They tapped their hearts out....to a classic Abba number- "Mama Mia."  I'm still hearing that song in my head. 

 

Yo, Yo Dog- to the Hip to the Hop....

 

Aren't they pretty in purple and "all that Jazz"..?

 

Girls just wanna have fun....and fun they had!

1 Down....

Tonight was the Baccalaureate service for Eldest and her senior class.  It was a beautiful Mass with lots of pomp and circumstance...It was so emotional watching these young men and women process in arm in arm.  All of the parish priests of graduating seniors assisted with Mass.  It was so nice to see our previous Pastor, Fr. Mike and our current Associate Pastor, Fr. Dominic participating.  Especially moving for me was seeing  the kids that Eldest attended  grade school  with as well.  It's unimaginable how these kids have changed- but yet you can still see the youngsters they used to be.  Tomorrow is the official Graduation...keep the tissues handy.