You Take the Good, You Take the Bad

You take them both and there you have...

Good News
-Adi's antibiotics must be working as she can sleep again
-Adi has an appointment with the ENT to get her tubes put in
-Ellie does not have school tomorrow
-My Dad flies in tomorrow
-I don't have to work tomorrow
-Krystal is going to join me in Philly
-My Mom's foot doesn't require surgery
-I'm going to spend time with my Amy & her fam while in PA
-Rebecca is happier than I have ever seen her...AKA glowing
Bad News
-Dayton is sick with the stomach flu and puking like a mo fo'
-We missed his parent/teacher conference because of said flu
-We missed Ellie's dance because of said flu
-Dayton puked at the Book fair when I was picking him up
-Dayton continues to puke, poor kid...so sad
-There is way too much to do to prepare for my Popsicle's arrival
-Shell is grumpy
-The Grateful Ed is almost homeless AGAIN
-I looked like a moron at work & yes, I opened my mouth to prove it
On the B Side: Remember that week when it felt like all hell broke loose? I won't share the grimy details but Monday came in with a ROAR and the best part about it is that it is almost over! The good news is that Saturday will be my day to catchup big time on the blogs I love most! xxox

Manic Monday: Cloud

Please click here to see what all of the hub bub is about and join Mo's fun!

Many times growing up in the summer we could play in the front yard of my Grandparents home. Given that our home was next to theirs, this was something that Jazz and I (along with cousins and neighbors) did often. Oh how I miss that time and place. I look back fondly and with a heart full of love. It literally brings tears to my eyes as I do so miss PA and it will always be 'home'

I can still see it all so clearly in my mind. The grass was always lush and green. The mountains were always full of greenery and softly rolled across the horizon. We would lay down and roll down the slight decline of a hill laughing all the way. The hill seemed fairly big back then and almost even steep. Having seen it many years later I perceived it so much differently. Growing up tends to do that...some times, it's a good thing. Some times it is a bad thing.

When you got to the bottom of this hilly yard, it was normal to stop and lie on your back waiting for the dizziness to pass as you gained your barrings. Those quiet moments afforded time to study the sky and literally watch the clouds roll by. I loved to indulge cloud gazing and you really could see them moving. I loved to determine what type of clouds were in the sky (and based my analysis Mr. Costello's 4th grade science class!) and find images and shapes in them.

The world really was a simpler place back then. As I think back to this time in my life it almost just feels like a really good dream that leaves you feeling warm and peaceful when you wake. So much has happened since those care free days full of giggles. The word cloud quickly brought me back and if it is one thing that I love, it's a good memory.

On the B Side: I will be traveling to PA in March for work. The only piece of 'home' that really remains constant for me is my Father and he will likely be out west helping to tend the children in my absence. This is a great thing simply because he will get to meet our little Adalie, spend some time with Dayton, Ellie and McKayla and see Jazz and Micci (oh and this time he won't have be ill). I'm happy that things are working out this way (even if I don't get to see him) but that doesn't keep me from missing home and reflecting fondly back upon what made it all so great. Yes, I am wiping away the tears now but these are the good kind of tears. xoxo

On the Road Again?

36 hours + 8 states + 3 days + 3 adults + 3 kids + 2 dogs + 1 truck = a rootin' tootin' good time (please let me be cheesy in my hour of excitement!) It's a straight shot across route 80!

Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and onto home. Home sweet home. Say it with me. Just say it with me. You know you want to and I know that you wish it were your home, too.

P-E-N-N-S-Y-L-V-A-N-I-A.

Yes, it is within the realm of possibility. I have made this road trip many times; however, I have not made it since I was 21. That's a lot of years ago (gulp) and if I'm ever to pull this off I will be taking three of the kids and I'M SO EXCITED! I seriously could pee my pants and not even care right now.

I haven't been home in almost 4 years and that was beyond a disastrous trip right out of the gate that time around. The kids were ages 1 and 2 and I had surgery on my foot the week before we flew (broke a bone in my foot, had to have it extracted and a tendon reattached, ugh). Not sure how the three of us made it across the country and I'm pretty sure I have blurred the whole trip out in my mind but I do so love home.

My dad has flown out here each year and while I'm always glad to have him with us, it isn't the same as being home with him. Dayton has been talking about him a ton lately and it's hard to explain the time and distance away. We're already planning a trip to Hershey, NYC, Little League Museum, family reunions, Lewisburg, the Amish Markets, Knoebels, Penn State, grave side visits, the Twin Kiss, and lots of time at the house (in the pool and with the cats!) but I don't dare set my heart on the trip too much as the thought of it not working out just sucks!

My step Dad Mikey is quite the character and I do so love him. Today we (me, Dayton, Ellie and Adi) drove to his home and he cleaned all off the dog poop off of Dayton's boots (sick, nasty and wrong task). He also cleaned it all out of the inside of my car and thoroughly cleaned the car mat (seriously, it was everywhere). He does a great job of helping me in many instances and has experienced a real softening over time that is such a blessing to myself and the children.

It was during the poop cleaning extravaganza that he mentioned his road trip to PA (in which I do so hope to hitch a ride!!). He was excited at the prospect of having company in the truck (yes truck...a brand new one that is fully loaded!) So keep your fingers crossed that it all works out, that I get the sign off from the ex and that my new job is permitting

My Mom got home while we were there and Ellie proceeded to tell her that she was going to PA with Grandpa Mikey to see Grandpa John and it looks like my Mom may be joining us. Yes, we will all fit comfortably and Harley and Lilly (huge-o labs) will be accompanying us should we be lucky enough to pull it all together!

On the B Side: I have renewed hope and excitement! I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve and I love the feeling of pure giddiness! xoxo

Manic Monday: Juice

Mo's Manic Monday: Juice

Today I am kicking it old school with this commercial from 1981. 27 years later I can still sing this jingle verbatim which is interesting given that I couldn't possibly tell you what I was doing 5 minutes ago! I can remember when this gum use to cost $0.25. I have no idea what it costs now and the more I type the older I feel! The mere fact that I can remember anything from 20+ years makes me older than dirt!

On the B Side: This is the kind of thing that really makes me miss home. Life was simple back in the day. I so loved my childhood in the middle of nowhere central PA! Time stops for no one and the more time that passes the more I realize just how incredibly blessed I really am!