J & C Eyler

Final Summer Fun of 2009

2010-07-15T19:56:00.007-05:00

The Girls missing WAFFLE Boy!!!!

A few last poses....

And I cant believe I got them to do this for me!!! LOVE THEM!

1st Day of School 2009!

2010-07-15T19:33:00.004-05:00

Adam 10th grade,

He looks so thrilled!!!

Amber's first day of High Schoo

Austin's first day of Middle School

and Anna is going to 2nd grade....

And at least this year she knew she doesn't leave the house for school. That was very funny last year when she cried when she realized that her class room was our living room!

Also we had to get Garrett our new border off to his first day of college...he needed to borrow a backpack and a towel since he forgot to pack them when he moved in... LOL he was a nice kid!

OvO had enough excitement for one day! I wanted to join him but.....

Good times with Aunt Lydia

2010-07-14T23:03:00.002-05:00

This is the week we spent with Lydia going back and forth to MAB in Mass. It was fun!!!

is was the week we spent with Lydia

how we spent last summer.....

2010-07-04T00:32:00.004-05:00

Well we started off the a summer full of ballet and kids from the DR. It was busy and a ton of fun! Here are a few pics of the things we did.

Mr White teasing Amber...
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Ballerina's at the park

Our Day in Philly...

Just a few odds and end from this year I didn't have time to blog...

2010-07-04T00:03:00.005-05:00

Lets start with the last minute science project that Adam needed to finish I learned how to minimize stuff and was very proud of myself....

My favorite pic from Christmas...

BALLET BUDDIES

This Child has no spine....

Our newest addition to the ballet world....
Anna Josephine

Amber's starts to dress up and party....

So now that I have a few moments for free time... I am going to go back through the year and get you all caught up.... Stay tuned.. I think I will start with how we ended last summer.....

Adam's First Prom

2010-05-21T19:11:00.004-05:00

My new friends from the Dominican Republic

2009-06-24T00:02:00.002-05:00

My TOP MODEL

2009-02-11T13:48:00.007-05:00

Amber did a photo shoot for a ballet calendar. Here are some of the shots

Christmas preview..

2008-12-15T10:53:00.002-05:00

And the stockings were hung by the railing with care......
in hopes that St. Nick would soon be there....

Adam is now 15!!!

2008-12-15T10:39:00.003-05:00

OUR LITLLE BOY IS DEFINITELY NOT a little boy anymore. At 5"11 and still growing he is taller than both of his parents. His feet have stayed the same since birth.....BIG! The NICU at Chester County Hospital used to call me "Bigfoot" because he was the largest baby in the unit and his feet were as big as one preemie's head!!! Adam is maturing too. He is funny and loves sports. He play football this year and looked great in his gold "tights" He is now playing basketball. He continues to do well is school despite never doing homework!I cannot believe that he is a freshman!!! Keep up the good work Adam... I love you.

Ok I am bragging here.....

2008-11-19T00:12:00.006-05:00

Austin's First tour
Amber is in the black tutu

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY AMBER

2008-11-09T23:17:00.020-05:00

We have another one!/Users/cynthiaeyler/Desktop/Sally Dupinsmurf.mov
We now have two teenagers in the house!!!

Amber is becoming sure a beautiful lady, both inside and out. We are so proud of her. She is working so hard at home, ballet & school. She now take 13 classes a week and is in the middle of Nutcracker! So she is dancing all the time. She still manages to get school work done and her chores. I am amazed at how she never tires of all the work. She does ballet while making lunch, getting ready to take a shower, cleaning her room, doing school work ect... She even plays ballet with Anna and Austin. They have made up their own Nutcracker. Watching Austin and her do snow pas is a trip.
We also spend a huge amount of time in the car. But even then I have such a good time with her. We talk about everything and laugh a lot. She is so funny. If you haven't has the pleasure of meeting "Sally Dupinsurf" I will attach her videos to this post.

I cannot say what a blessing it has been to be her mother for 13 years. I am so honored and blessed to be able to homeschool her and have her around all the time. She is a wonderful daughter and I look forward to her continued growth and laughter for many years to come. Thank you Amber for being you. I love you more than you will ever know. You are so special and God has blessed you with many gifts and talents. I pray for you every day and love being your mom!

/Users/cynthiaeyler/Pictures/iPhoto Library_1/Originals/2008/Oct 30, 2008/Movie 13.mov

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL......MAYBE....

/Users/cynthiaeyler/Desktop/Movie 9.mov/

HAPPY HALLOWEEN YUCK!!!!

2008-11-09T23:12:00.003-05:00

This is how much candy the kids collected!!
It is so gross!!
We are giving it away.... after a few pieces of course...

The election is over.....and......

2008-11-05T01:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Anna Josephine!

2008-10-29T12:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to you....

Seven years old! WOW, I cannot believe how fast time as passed. You can read now and love it. You have started to love ballet and cannot wait until next year to start. You are smart and beautiful. I love to watch you play, you are so creative. You are becoming a wonderful young lady. I am so proud of you and love you more than ever. Maybe next year you will have teeth!

Happy Birthday

Love Mommy

This year we celebrated with a breakfast birthday party! Nothing like cupcakes for breakfast!!!!!

HAPPY 18TH ANNIVERSARY

2008-10-06T22:42:00.008-05:00

I not only have been blessed with 18 years of marriage but I have been blessed with my children too. Now first my husband...
I love that man. He is SOOOO perfect and he is mine and I love him for being just that! He loves me and that is all I will ever need!
Now for the kiddo's...

This was what the two little ones wrote to us for our anniversary. I cannot stop laughing....

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Sweet as sugar

2008-09-28T22:06:00.002-05:00

Look at that smile
I love my kids!

Thurman's newest.....

2008-08-18T01:07:00.003-05:00

Amber let the dogs out a few hours ago. It was very late and she was calling Thurman to come in. There was a lot of noise so I got up to see what was going on. Thurman is running around the house and finally comes in but has something in his mouth.
I bopped him on the head and out popped this........

So now Amber and I have to go out and find the nest to put him back......
1 1/2 hours later.....
no nest, SRD won't find the nest again, I am stuck with a bunny!
The only place that will take it is some place in philly.....
What to do...
with little bunny foo foo?
Who got plopped on my carpet and I am
scooping up bunnies and bopping SRD on the head?

Sorry couldn't resist....

SRD
I

Happy Birthday Aus"TEN"

2008-08-07T23:00:00.000-05:00

Where has the decade gone!?!!!
The day you were born was much like today. A beautiful sunny day and your birth was perfect. You were so cute! The only thing was that you cried for about an hour after your were born. No matter what we did you screamed! And since then we are still trying to get you be be quiet! Boy do you love to talk! You are such a great kid and you care so much about everyone. I am so proud to be your mom and really enjoy everything about you! I LOVE YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!! Keep smiling and making me smile!

YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS.....
YOUR 2 MONTH OLD THIGHS

YOU AT 11 MONTHS....

YOUR 1ST BIRTHDAY

YOUR NEXT YEARS....

THIS SUMMER....

TIME TO CELEBRATE

Batman - The Dark Knight

2008-07-14T00:09:00.001-05:00

john is now totally convinced that HE is BATMAN due to the release of this movie. It comes out on his birthday.

Please feel free to call him on Friday to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

the latest Slowskys Commercial :D

2008-07-01T12:16:00.001-05:00

Here is another good one

LATIN DANCER..... PERHAPS...his new career..

2008-06-13T12:49:00.004-05:00

Amber and I were watching "So you think you can dance", Along came a latin dancer. I said, "I don't get this anybody can do what he is doing even Adam...."

Adam being the goofball does it and he looked just like him!

The power of THUNDER

2008-06-12T22:20:00.003-05:00

This is what happened after the thunder storms on Tuesday...............

THUNDER CAUSES A LOT OF DAMAGE!
WHO KNEW??

THURMAN

He is afraid of THUNDER, this what he does....
SRD! (stupid retarded dog!)

Can you guess what he is doing?

2008-06-10T21:38:00.004-05:00

WHAT IS HE DOING?????

Dead Dog Walkin'....

2008-05-31T23:25:00.007-05:00

6:45 a.m. - Adam comes into my room to take Cappucino. (a normal every day event)
6:46 a.m. - John tells Adam to take Thurman out. (the dog we are dog sitting)
7:00 a.m. - John goes down stairs and sees Adam on sofa with Cappucino
7:01 a.m. - Jonh asks Adam if he took Thurman out
7:01 a.m. - Adam replies "Oh I thought you said Thurston"
7:02 a.m. - John asks " Well did you let Thurston out?"
7:02 a.m. - Adam "yeah"
7:03 a.m. - John "really?"

8:00 a.m. - I call and chat with John about morning ect. I get "filled in " on the mornings happenings.
8:05 a.m. - Plan hatched in my mind... can't wait until 3:00 p.m.

3:00p.m. - Pick Adam up from school
3:01 p.m. - I ask Adam " how was school?"
3:01 p.m. - Adam, "Fine"
3:02 p.m. - I ask Adam "So did you let Thurston out this morning?"
3:02 p.m. - Adam "Yeah"
3:03 p.m. - Me, "Really,...Did he poop?"
3:03 p.m. - Adam; "yeah"
3:03 p.m. - Me; "really? How long was he out there?
3:04 p.m. - Adam; "I don't know, a few minutes, I left him out there until he startred barking."
3:04 P.M. - ME; "He was barking? How long was he barking?
3:04 p.m. - Adam; " Uh 2 or 3 minutes. I couldn't take his barking anymore so I let him in.
3:05 p.m. - Me; Really, He was barking for 2 or 3 minutes? That is AMAZING!"
3:05 p.m. - Adam; "WHY"
3:06 p.m. - ME; "BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN DEAD FOR 4 DAYS!!!!!!!!"

We decided not to tell the kids about Thurston's passing and wanted to see how long it would take them to notice. Well as you may have already guessed from Adam's behavior that it took him 4 days and a really big LIE for him to notice.

His punishment????

10 Sunday of having to clean up dog poop in the yard!
Why that punishment?

Well he lied about the dog and he was full of crap so I thought the punishment fit the crime!
Parenting can be fun!

He disagrees!

Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead (Hillary)

2008-05-17T02:15:00.003-05:00

Ok he wasn't a witch but he was evil and ugly!

Thurston left our home on Saturday. He was removed by my husband to an undisclosed location. He told me not to ask questions and that I was to call him "Dexter" I am honestly too tired and busy to to even think about it. It took the children 4 days to notice that he was gone! So any of you who had bets that he would out live us all you have lost....
and no I did not cry. But I will show you his last impression of a camel....

Result of late late night web surfing.

2008-04-18T19:48:00.004-05:00

and I still think it is funny

Painter's humor.....

2008-03-25T08:44:00.003-05:00

Spring?!?

2008-03-20T20:41:00.002-05:00

I stole this idea from Carla and decided to bring spring at least to my blog.
Enjoy the colors.
New post with photos to follow soon!

Survivor Eyler

2008-03-08T17:53:00.003-05:00

Will he make it to 15?

YES OR NO

Should he be voted off the EYLAND?????

DADDY"S BOY....

2008-03-03T22:53:00.002-05:00

Our guard dog....

Family sleepy day...

Latest, latest addition....

2008-03-01T23:27:00.003-05:00

Allow me to introduce THURMAN. He was a weekend guest who turned into a long term resident. He is a nice dog. We do have issues with his name since I can never remember it. He has been called, Bently, Horton, Lumbar, and Hoover. Don't ask!

There was also the night we discovered that he does not like wind. That was funny and John named him SRD (Stupid Retarded Dog) when he climbed onto his nightstand at 3 in the morning. I just lost it and cracked up!

Anyway we now have 4 dogs and 4 kids.......
I always said I liked even numbers.

our latest addition....

2008-02-03T00:46:00.000-05:00

I have be given a cool opportunity to have a baby without all the work.

I would like you all to meet Bennett Enns...

He is visiting us 3 days a week while his parents work toward their goal of becoming full time missionaries.
Bennett is the first child of Katie and Ryan. Katie (a.k.a kateski) was our first babysitter for our kids. (I feel old typing that)
I am getting my first taste of being a grandparent. This is so great. I get to play with him and have fun with him and just when I get tired he goes home! He is such a good baby and not just because he leaves.(hehe) The kids are loving it too. They all like helping out with him too. It is a great learning opportunity for them too. Amber as already learned that she does not like baby food squash.

It also brings more laughter into our home. One day I told Amber to go ahead and give him his bottle and Anna come running over saying "No, No, I want to milk him!

Thanks Katie and Ryan for sharing your joy with us.

Just Cute...

2008-01-28T23:47:00.001-05:00

While I was looking for some pictures I came across these.

This is Adam...........

And this is Amber....

They do say history repeats itself.
Boy were they cute...

Out of the mouths of babes...

2008-01-28T16:33:00.000-05:00

Today we headed out to New Castle PA for Great Mom-Mom's funeral. It is about a six hour ride but we packed snacks and movies. The ride was a bit rough with misbehaving children. John and I both worried about how they would behave at the service after being cooped up in the car all day and then having to sit in church. We prayed and hoped for the best.....

The evening started out a bit rough, our youngest not handling the whole funeral situation well. I had to talk with her for a while to calm her and after she settled down she came over to me and handed me a note. She asked me if I could go out and put it in Great Mom-Mom's "basket" (that what she thought it was called.) I told her I would. As I was going to the casket I opened it to read it. It brought tears to my eyes. She wrote

Dear Mom-Mom

I hope you have a good time up there with God.

I love you
Anna

We left it open in her casket for all to see. She really loved her Great Mom-Mom.

During the funeral many people spoke about Mom-Mom. Uncle Dave pointed out that without Mom-Mom there would have be no Reverend Nicholson(Pop-Pop) When Pop-Pop asked Mom-Mom if she would go out with him Mom-Mom told him that she would go out with him if he would go to church. He did just that and went on to become a pastor and serve over 60 years in the ministry! One cannot not imagine how many lives Mom-Mom has touched. Then the Pastor asked if anyone would like to share or say something about Mom-Mom. We heard other wonderful stories about Mom-Mom but our biggest shock came when our son Adam stood up to speak. He told everyone that he was her grandson and the we should not be sad because the casket just was holding and empty shell and the real Mom- Mom was in heaven. He also said the we would miss her and how he would always remember how every year she would give all the grandkids McDonalds gift certificates for christmas. He really can be such a sweet boy! I was touched by his strength and courage to get up and speak.
As the time of sharing was coming to an end little Austin stood up. He started telling everyone that He too was one of her grandsons and that was as far as he could go. The poor boy broke down and wept. What Austin was able to say with those tears spoke volumes. He is such a dear child.

I love my kids and how God uniquely designed each one. I love them more than they will even know. I am also so thankful for them and proud to be their Mom.

All is all it was a good trip and was nice to spend time with family.

Tribute to Great Mom-Mom

2008-01-20T23:17:00.000-05:00

PLEASE PRESS PLAY BEFORE READING ON......

On Sunday January 20, 2008, Great Mom-Mom Ruth Nicholson went home to see her Lord Jesus. To say that she will be missed is just not adequate. Lets just say Heaven improved around 7 p.m. this evening. Great Mom-Mom sometimes called "old Mom-Mom" was such a wonderful lady. She was beyond sweet. She was kind to all and loved us and our kids so much. We were so thankful we were able to have her so close in the past few weeks. Our kids were able to go and visit with her. One night John took Austin and Anna with him and Austin brought his bible and read to her and Anna whispered John 3:16 in her ear. What treasured moments we will have of her forever. We were so lucky to have her in our lives and we will all miss her greatly but we also rejoice in the knowledge that she is in heaven with Jesus whom she served and loved her whole life. I wont say good bye to her I can only say, "See you soon Mom-Mom, and be good, We love you!.......

John requested this be added to the blog....

2008-01-05T21:14:00.000-05:00

Please click on the blue box. Remember this is John's post not mine.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2007-12-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

Please check this out.... http://www.elfyouself.com/?id=9577037261

Teenagers!

2007-12-02T01:45:00.000-05:00

Just because my life is so dull and uneventful my wonderful son Adam decided to add some excitement for us. He is just so sweet!

What did he do you ask? Well, he didn't think and ran out into the street and was hit by a red Camry, in Narberth! By the AMAZING GRACE of God, he was not seriously hurt. After a trip to the ER later we found out he has a broken butt! He fractured his tailbone. But all else is good. The nurses gave him a sticker that said "Look both ways before crossing the street". I think we taught him that! But I guess thinking and growing is too much for him right now!

We had a nice chat while sitting in the ER and I figured that some kids need a kick in the pants to get their attention and I figured MY KID NEEDED TO BE HIT BY A CAR IN THE PANTS!

That's ADAM!!! I Love him and hope he it makes it to 14!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T09:22:00.000-05:00

We decided that we would drive to Georgia and make a surprise visit to my aunt. Her son helped plan the event. He told her that he was bringing 3 fat friends to dinner to get her to buy a bigger turkey and for her to cook more food. We left at midnight to drive down. Now RTJ (john self appointed name for when he is driving places) ( RTJ stands for Road Trip Johnny, and yes he makes us call him that!) was in charge of the driving since my back was in spasm and I had to lay down in the back of the van. We rented so movies and packed up the van with blankets pillows and even a few mattresses for comfort. So off we were and we made great time and arrived at a waffle house at about 11 a.m. just outside of Atlanta. This was my fist time at a Waffle House. I have to say is was quite yummy! We rearranged the car and got ready to see my Aunt. She lives about 30 min outside of Atlanta.

We got to her house and knocked on the door and she was very surprised to see us. It was a great meal and a nice visit. We then went to the Hyatt in Atlanta since I had free night certificate that could use so we stayed there and had free breakfast.

After breakfast we took the kids with my aunt to the Coca-Cola factory. It was fun after they forced us to sit through a MEGA FREAKY movie. I as still trying to figure that one out! I can't even explain it. The funniest part was when we went to the tasting room. It is where you can try all 72 Coke products! You should have seen Anna & Austin's faces when we told them that they can have as much soda as they want! We were really fun parents that day. After leaving Coke we got trapped in Atlanta trying to get onto 75S but we could only find 75N but that is par for any trip with Marianne. I love her but I have way too many road trip memories with her in them! Pensacola Beach FL still eludes us.....Flipper, garnish, banana juice, and cooler water.... what a trip!

We finally made it out and had a nice dinner together after having to buy 2 tires for our van! But we had a great time. It was great hanging out with my Aunt. I love her a lot and have many things to thank her for. She taught me how to cook and gave me the confidence to know a woman can do anything! (except go into the military). She has been great to me and she loves my kids and I had such great times visiting her and the boys all over the country!

We stayed at her house until about 4 a.m. and then we left for VA to see my other aunt and cousin. RTJ was in charge of driving again. He is such a great man! We arrived at my cousins house about 11 a.m. and got to see Aunt Dorie and Uncle Bob . I wanted my kids to see my oldest Aunt. Aunt Dorie is now 72 and she is my oldest living relative. We don't have great genes on my side. They have not changed a bit they looked wonderful! We had lunch with them and they we off back home to GA. We stayed with Sue for dinner and laughed about our childhood the kids had fun with her kids and we left for home about 9 p.m.

With RTJ back at the wheel the kids and I hopped into the back for another movie called Chestnut. It was really funny. The kids fell asleep and we got home about 4 a.m.

Our dogs were very happy to see as and I was glad to be back in my bed. I know John was too. He was awesome. I cannot believe how he can drive like that and not go nuts! He is so good at doing boring stuff. Thank RTJ for taking me and the kids to see my family!

Another Nutcracker over...

2007-11-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

And there are no deaths to report. This year was much better for me since I was not in the dressing room. I wish I could say it was drama free but that was not the case. It still was better than last year! I just wish parents would think! We are the adults here!!! Anyway here are a few clips from youtube.... Amber is usually in the bottom right corner

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER NICOLE (JULIETTE)

2007-11-12T01:29:00.000-05:00

This is her last year before she becomes a TEENAGER! Wow how time flies. I still remember the day you were born. How beautiful you were and HOW BEAUTIFUL you are now! How you grew so fast I will never know. You are such a hard worker and a great kid. I love you so much and pray for you everyday. Stay good and remember everything you have learned so far!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA JOSEPHINE

2007-10-29T07:49:00.000-05:00

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Another year has passed and Anna is now 6. In that time she has gotten taller and she lost that baby face. She can ride a bike, tie her shoes and she has begun to read. She has made us very happy and proud to have her as a child. She is so sweet and loving and smart. I am so blessed to have her. I love you Baby Gal!

Welcome Home

2007-10-25T22:53:00.000-05:00

Praise and Thanks to God for letting us bring home OvO. A big thanks to all our friends and family for your thoughts and prayers. Also thanks to the great staff at the Vet hospital at Penn. Thanks Dr. Steinberg!

OvO is at home and resting quietly. He is very happy to be home and is sitting with me now with his head in my lap! He is on very restricted exercise so he spends most of his day in his crate. Thank goodness for the pain meds he is on since they knock him out cold! It is such a nice sight to see him sleeping!

I think I will color his skin where the hair was shaved bright colors and take him out for Halloween as a quilt!

I will keep you posted on his progress...

Name change may be needed...

2007-10-23T18:49:00.000-05:00

The kids and I went downtown to visit OvO today. We were very prepared to see him hooked up to tubes and to be laying down pretty drugged up. Well to our surprise the doctor walked into the room with OvO on a leash! He is already up and walking! I could not believe it. The kids were so happy to see him. He looked really good considering everything her has been through. I brought him some ham for a treat and he ate it up! That made the Dr. happy. He came up to me for an ear rub and I happily rubbed away. They think he might be able to come home tomorrow and OvO is already prepping himself for the trip.. He ripped out his chest tube this afternoon! If he does come home he will have to be on very strict crate rest. No ball fetching for him!

I guess the worst part of it all is the damage to his fur! I think we may have to call him Patches for awhile.

I called my mom to let her know that she and OvO now have something in common....
They both belong to the zipper club! Maybe I'll get them matching tee shirts for Christmas
(and no she didn't think I was very funny) (I did)(hehehehehe)

I do need to print a retraction to my earlier blog. Dogs actually have 6 lungs not 4. There are 2 on the left and 4 on the right. Which is rather amazing that his problems were on the left because the right side is better a adapting and compensating. The Doctor said at the end of the surgery they could see the right lungs expand and move over to the left to start taking over. How cool is that! God is amazing and I thank you all for your prayers.

OvO update...

2007-10-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

We got info about OvO. He had surgery and he did well through it. The problem is that they had to remove both sections of his left lung. (dogs have 4 lungs) (you learn something new everyday.) They only planned on removing the lower left lobe but due to a congenital defect in his lung both left lobes had to be removed. They were not happy with having to do that. Also the section they had to remove did not appear to be a bulla (a cyst like lesion). They are unsure to as what it was. They say it is not cancer which is good. They are testing it to try and figure it out. So I guess it is okay news that he survived and they say he can recover and live a normal life with one lung. I just hope and pray that he is okay. I get to go and see him tomorrow. Please keep praying for him and us. He is so missed at home! My live in babysitter is gone. I now have to worry about the kids in the yard and when I take Adam to school. I even get a little nervous at night without him her to protect and guard us.

Just as a side note since this is the second most asked question as of late.......

YES HE IS STILL ALIVE!!!!! (& down to 1 tooth)

Puppy Prayer

2007-10-21T21:29:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I am asking everyone to pray for OvO. He is very sick. He is in the hospital with a Spontaneous Pneumothorax. He has air in his lungs caused by a thing called a bulla which is a cyst like thing on his lung that burst and put a hole in his lung. He will die without surgery. All you who know us and have met OvO know that he is such a great dog. Please pray for him and our family. We love him a lot and do not want to lose him!

House Rules..

2007-10-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

Our house has many rules. Although not all are always enforced as much as we should except 1:

"One of the 4 children has to make me laugh at least once a day or they have to go."

Austin was so funny as a toddler that we went and had Anna! Now it is Anna's turn.

Here is her latest and I still crack up just thinking about it.

After church on Sundays we usually go out to eat. If we don't go out we will go home and eat. We have never failed to feed the children. They seem to not remember that little fact. So as we were leaving chuch on Sunday they all started asking if we were eating where we were going to go ect. Now being sick of hearing them all whine and complain about where we were going to go John told them that we were not eating today that we would be fasting. They of course asked what that was so John said it is when you don't eat and pray everytime you get hungry.

Without even missing a second we hear Anna....

"Dear Jesus, Please bring us some food. and please don't forget the drinks"

We laughed for miles!
Kids are truly and gift from the Lord and I am so thankful for mine!

Move over Websters

2007-09-24T23:17:00.000-05:00

I have decided to add some definitions to the dictionary or at least some further explanation of words.

My first word or words has to do with the first week of school or a glimpse of how hell's entrance test might be.
SCHOOL SPORTS: (noun, verb) A way to make a happy excited child depressed and angry.
run kids like crazy for days force parents to pay extra for physicals and force DR's to see kids then tell them that they
don't make the team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! then giving a reason for cuts....missing first day of tryouts due to ones
physical not being up to date even though the form says that the physical is good for 12 MONTHS. Which leads to my
next word.

12 MONTHS (frame of time): Any period of time not necessarily 12 actual months it could be 2 if the "Administration" feels
like it and we don’t really have to tell you it is not actually 12 months. Just assume it is not and get a physical every
month just to be sure.....

TEENAGER: (noun,verb,adjective,explictive) Have you ever just looked at the word? I see other words ANGER is one! I also
can see EAT,NAG, & ENRAGE? Please comment on this blog if you have a TEEN and you have felt any of these. Also
respond if you have heard these questions from this so called person....Where is my backpack? What?
OKAAAAAYYYYYY....???? I dunno! HUH? I forgot. Also respond if you wanted to kill said teen if only you could find a
place for the body! .

.
SCHOOL: A place a children goes and feel it qualifies as a full days work and he/she should not have to do a thing at home,
including homework.
HOMESCHOOL: A guarentee of insanity at some point. But also makes children feel as they have a done their "work" and do
not have to help out at home either

Wheeeww I almost feel better.

Back to school!

2007-09-17T07:40:00.000-05:00

WOW summer is over! Where did it go? I know some call them the lazy days of summer but I can't seem to agree. I also don't agree with the kids going back to school being a fun and great relief as some parents feel. I really hate it. As you all know I hate getting up in the morning! Why do they have to start so early anyway! 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. is a great day. On top if the whole morning thing I still have 3 kiddos at home with me so I don't really get a break. I am not complaining about that part since I choose to keep them instead of shipping them off to the school from the movie Matilda! but I thought you would all like to hear how my first week went!

On Monday night I get Adam ready to go. He has enough supplies to start school but not what the "LIST" from the school has requested he have to start school. I REFUSE to buy anything on that list until I receive written conformation from the teachers that he WILL use ALL the materials that they have requested. I am so sick of buying everything that they ask for and at the end of the year they have only used 12 pages in the notebook! And what is up with having to buy PAPER for ART!!! SO SILLY! So Adam went to school the first day with last years binder and some pencils and lunch! I dropped him off and that actually went very smoothly (there happened to be 0 clueless people doing drop off this morning) After returning home I woke up the rest of the clan and got them moving (they were NOT HAPPY.)

We set ourselves up in the dining room and Austin went to the Kitchen. I was teaching Anna and Austin kept interrupting and bugging us. BOY this is going to be a long week! We did manage to finish and chill for a bit before I went to pick up Adam.

I pick him up and he informs me that he is NOT going to try out for football! After I finally agree to let him play ! Of course ask him why and he tells me because tryouts start today! Can someone with higher intelligence please explain to me HOW IS A PARENT SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT TRYOUTS START THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL?! IT is not posted online nor was a note sent home in the back to school packet that was full of scrap paper. (here is a money saving tip for the PTO....SAVE A TREE!) How am I to know that my kid needs cleats, and work out clothes ect for the first day school!!!!!!!!!!! HOW RETARTED!
So with that little tirade... He says that he will try out for soccer! That starts tomorrow. Another question for those of higher intelligence.....WHY would anyone start sports the first week of school? Isn't it enough that these kids are now getting up early and trying to get things organized that they don't need to run around for 2 more hours a day and worry about making the team! WHATEVER!

So we run home and get ready for the whole day to start all over again! I will post more about day 2 later since I need to go teach some kiddies

Reflections....

2007-08-31T00:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday dear Me
Happy Birthday to me.

I just thought I would go back and think about what I did this year....

My baby turned 5!
I became a mother of a teenager!
Came very close to killing people at Nutcracker!
I stayed out in the freezing cold for Christmas presents!
Got a new Baby Cappuccino!
Had the most relaxing vacation of my life in Turks & Caicos!
Kicked butt in Egg Schiessing!
Played sports Mom and watched Adam's track meets. In the coldest spring ever! I also watch him run cross country ! Yes I would see him for about a minute then he would disappear off into the woods!
Finished another year of Home schooling! (Praise the Lord). Was not sure that they were going to make it but not only did they finish they lived and I think they are a bit smarter.
Remodeled a Kitchen (I know you all want to see and hear how it turned out) (I'll get to it someday)
Hosted 13 girls from TCI and 2 from Maryland. I housed 10 + 1 Chaperone and 2 babies.
Took them all to NYC with Barbara
Made MoHEATtoes.
Had way too much fun with Widget
Randomly jumped into pools
Did not kill Frick and Frack!
Had a major meltdown at the Mann!
Saw my favorite ballet SWAN LAKE
Survived the 3 weeks with all the kiddos
Drove to Massachusetts 4 times!
Went to Six Flags
GOT EZ- PASS!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Relaxed for a bit
Had a great pre b-day dinner with Barbara, Mark, Snusan, and family at Sang-kee! YUMMY! Thanks Barbara & Mark!
Came home to watch TV and got lucky that they were showing PETER GABRIEL IN CONCERT on TV! How cool is that!
But most importantly this year I laughed! and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed!

Thanks to all my Family and Friends who have been there with me and for me! You made it a great year to remember!

Austin got shoes!

2007-08-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Austin!

We had a small family party and went to see a the movie "Underdog" . It was fun.

As for presents...He got "white bread" (ask Adam) & SHOES!

MEET SHOES THE FISH

Is this God's way of try to get me to understand my Mother?

2007-08-07T23:28:00.000-05:00

As a child/teen my Mother would complain about my hair. I have a lot of it and I would shed! My hair was everywhere. Once I even found it in the freezer!
Don't ask!?

But God having a sense of humor.......

What did my boys do??

2007-08-07T23:11:00.000-05:00

The boys got to go on a great all MALE fishing trip! They went to a lake in Kentucky! The rented houseboats and fished with their cousins and uncles and Dad and Pop-Pop! They had fun and here are some pics. You will not see any photos of fish though because no fish were harmed duing the making of the male bonding time. (no one caught a thing!)

Am I the sole survivor?

2007-07-27T13:15:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I did outwit most of them, I even managed to outplay them(since I managed not to get sick!) And since I am here and they are not I outlasted them too.(this is also my blog so I win no matter what)

I have to say that there were many moments that my winning was in doubt. We had lots of fun. I was even managing to get some sleep.
Here are some of the things we did after our trip to NYC.

the zoo,
2 pool parties (Many thanks to the hosts! Jennifer and Antonella!
Romeo & Juliet by the Royal Ballet
Took a class by the Royal Ballet (My favorite activity) Just Brilliant!
watched rehearsals at the Mann for the ballets! (NOT MY FAVORITE DAY!) Sorry again Barbara
Fourth of July picnic at Barker park and made crafts
A Movie,
Swan Lake by the Royal! (My other Favorite!!!)
Dinner at Vinny T's
John 54th (45th) Birthday!
Hibachi
Ocean City
Boardwalk
Rides
Mack & Manko!
Many Many Many hours in the Van SINGING!
Stayed up late making t shirts
and of course taking ballet
character and hip hop!

Many people ask me why I do it. I always answer the same way! It is fun! I love making other people happy and helping people. It is not even that hard of a job. The first few days are while the kids are learning to adjust and adapt to the schedule. This year the adjustment took a bit longer due to the lack of understanding of the word CHAPERONE.
After 2 of the older children age 40+ and 30 left things went a lot smoother. Fiona the person who came along to film the trip was a great help and I enjoyed having her around. We laughed a lot! She left the 2nd week and went to Barbara's and I was flying solo. I have to say that is best for me. Fiona was a great help but we would stay up late talking and being silly so I was not getting much rest. The kids were very good and following the routine. We would get up in the morning and get ready and then everyone would eat breakfast then pack their lunches and then clean up and we would leave. This only took us about an hour and 15 minutes! We then would get in the van and drive to class. We would sing and get very goofy in the van.

The time at the studio was spent sending them into class napping while they were in class and then feeding them lunch then shipping them back into class and I try to power nap or chill. Then we have to get dinner ready. We fed them at the studio every night. It went really really well. Annick (Barbara's chef) made the dinners and Mark (Barb's Hubby) would deliver them to us at the studio.
I really was amazing how we did it. They are all home safe and sound. I hope they are not telling too many stories of my silly acts!

Thank you all for a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time!
What a great group of Cebu's Sweet, So cute, Singing, Senorita Snuggly, Spunky, Sassy, Silent, Silly, Small, Smiling, Story, Sensational, Sunshine, Stick, Spontaneous, Senior, and ?Cebu?.
You will have to ask if you want to know what that is all about!
and remember to DANCE DANCE YEA!!! USTA!

What we have been up to....

2007-07-09T00:13:00.000-05:00

Well last friday 12 girls arrived from the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI). The arrived in a whirlwind! There are 8 girls staying her plus 2 girls from Maryland and 2 teachers and the lade who is filming all this for us. So the total of people in this house wiith my family is.... 19!!!!! Their first night I hosted a dinner for 36 people. The chef took care of most of the food except for the lasagne and meatballs. We all ate and then settled in for a short sleep before we got up to take 26 people to New York City. Now stop thinking that I an a looney toon. We had 18 kids and 8 chaperones. Everything went well despite being late for every activity except the last one. We took a ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty, then off to the Museum of Natural History for movies (naps for the chaperones) then to a fabulous dinner at Sambucca's We then traveled via subway to the theater to see Mary Poppins. I have to say was one of the best that I have seen. I hate musicals and usually after and hour I am begging for them to stop singing. But not with Mary Poppins. It was so well done. It was Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. And yes all the kids can now spell it! Then we headed home and fanally arrived at 3 a.m. We slept in and then got ready for their first day of classes.

It has been a whole week already and I have to admit that I am way too tired and they are not! We did so much already and have a lot more to do....

Here are the pics of the kids They are all so cute and fun! Hopefully we will have some video to share soon.
ALEXIS 12

PHEOBE 9

SYDNEY 11

GEORGIA 9

CHRISTIN 10

RYESHA 10

STEPHANIE

MELISSA 12

KATRINA 16

THALIA 14

MARLYN 9

ALEXANDRA 9

A 5 year old and a newly found camera (mine)

2007-06-26T01:47:00.000-05:00

I love this kid...She is too funny...

2007-06-26T01:35:00.000-05:00

Anna is getting ready to leave the house. She has all her bags (what is in them only she knows and we will find out later when we realize that the toaster is missing or the little knobs to turn lamps on!) Anyway she asked me if I could help her carry some stuff. I look down at her and she has bags, a pillow, a lunchbox, and a box of tissues. I asked her why does she need a box of tissues. She relplies..

My nose is cloggeded and I may need to sneeze it and I will need a tissue for that.

I carried the pillow to the car for her while chuckling!

MY BABIES

2007-06-12T00:24:00.000-05:00

ADAM

AMBER

AUSTIN

ANNA

CAPPUCINO

Makeover cont......

2007-06-11T23:15:00.000-05:00

Ok where are we now? you may be asking.

The kitchen is now back to being able to be used. I have counter tops or at least 10 feet of it. I have new lower cabinets. new floor walls without a condiment pass through, sink, stove/oven fridge. I also have my microwave in the house(it was in the garage)

The walls have been painted and the trim is done. What else is left you may be wondering.... but before I tell you that I thought I should tell you about how we almost became toast.

The week before we the oven came we called our propane company to come out and disconnect our gas lines to the old wall oven and cook top. The man came our and said he disconnected the wall oven line (since we no longer needed it) and he capped off the line to the cook top so we could safely work without fear of blowing up.

So the following week another company came out to install the range. After working for a while it was time to hook up the gas and test the oven.

"Mrs. Eyler," the installer calls,
"yes" I reply
"we need to disconnect the oven", he said.
"why", I said.
'Let me show you.."

He takes me to the basement and shows me that when the propane company came out to do their job they did disconnect the wall oven and instead of eliminating it at the source he just cut the pipe from the oven and pinched it closed with pliers and left it connected to the main gas line so when they reconnected the gas to the new oven it went through the pipe to the old oven and was just leaking into my basement.

It was a good thing that the installer was not in a rush to get out of here that he was able to hear the slight whistle that the leaking gas was making in the basement or how do I say it.....BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No more Eyler home. Thank you County Propane.

I of course called them immediately and they came out and fixed the MAJOR ERROR on their part!

So now that we are safe we now still have work to do.

We have to finish staining the new cabinets, painting old hardware on old upper cabinets, building a breakfast bar, adding the extra 3 feet of countertop, build shelves where old wall oven was for a coffee bar and microwave. After all that then I have to clean and put everything back into the kitchen.

So what is the total cost of our makeover???

THIS IS MY OLD KITCH FLOOR

PRICELESS! I LOVE IT
and I love the worker who did most of the work!

Design on a dime + quarter + a few dollars....

2007-05-29T00:11:00.000-05:00

Ok I am sorry that this post will not include photos. I will be a descriptive a possible.

It started like this...

Back in February 07... Wall oven breaks while I am in Turks and Caicos.... I return call repairman and while he is there he looks and cook top and determined that it was broken too. Home warranty said that they would replace them. I get a great idea that instead of replacing them separately I will just order a freestanding range. (I always hated the 2 separated appliances.) So I ask John if we could do that which would cause us to have to replace the countertop and remove the cabinet under the cook top to make room for the new range. He said ok...

March 07...Had not picked out new range
April 07... Tried to order new range and was told I have to wait until May because the company is changing all their parts numbers and they cannot find anything????? WHATEVER
May 3. 2007... Order range and it is scheduled for delivery on the next Friday.

We now have to get rid of the old oven and cook top so I call the propane company and ask them to come out and disconnect them so we don't blow up! They come that Friday. Everything is progressing nicely.
Saturday we remove old ovens and we go to Home Depot for supplies. While there we see a stainless steel fridge on clearance. We needed a new fridge for quite some time so we decide to get it. John will pick it up Saturday morning.

Saturday.... John picks up fridge. Fridge will not fit through door so he spends the morning taking off the doors and putting them back on. Later that day..

John starts to remove the cabinet. First thing to do was cut the countertop and remove a section to get access to the cabinet. While doing so John cracks a wall tile and we realize that the new countertop won't fin into the area cut out from the tile so......

We make the decision to rip out the tile back splash...(and the ride begins...)
We rip out the base cabinet under the cook top and notice that there is no floor under the cabinet just the wood planks that are the basement ceiling! (All the sawdust and tile dust fell through the cracks in the floor to the basement) (Now I need to clean the basement.).

Well without any floor under the cabinet we now have to replace the whole kitchen floor... We cannot just leave it soooo...

The exhaust fan that is built into the wall never worked anyway we decide to remove which leaves a hole in the wall. No big deal right? We this hole went right through to the outside! I told John we should leave it and use it as a condiment pass through for barbeques! He didn't agree so he duck taped it for now and back into the kitchen he came.

Ok now back to removing the tile and the wall it is glued to (NOT REALLY supposed to do that) Huge chunks of plaster are coming off with the tile! and....

Guess what that leads to.... Having to drywall the walls.....
(Husband at this point may be slightly annoyed with wife)

Now while John runs to home depot to get dry wall I clean out old fridge and decide to be kind to the environment and put what I can into the garbage disposal. The disposal did not like that idea and decided to clog itself in protest....
No problem I will just take off the elbow pipe and unclog in right?? NO of course not...
While removing the pipe I notice a huge crack in the drainpipe and it has to be replaced....and while under there I notice that the cabinet is warped from water damage and the gives me an idea!?!?!?
I call John on his cell and present the idea to him...let just replace the base cabinets. We should since while the counter is off and most of the drawers were broke anyway. John agrees based on me saying it will be easy we just take the old ones out and pop the new ones in...No problem....

Stay tuned for the next update....

Now I know you will all be cracking up at this....

2007-05-12T17:45:00.000-05:00

Next time you think you are having a bad day....

2007-05-12T17:37:00.001-05:00

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This is so amazing...please watch the whole thing!

2007-05-12T16:40:00.000-05:00

I love these guys

2007-05-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

YOU PUSH IT!

2007-05-06T22:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter & Egg Schiessing

2007-04-09T23:23:00.000-05:00

This has been our first Easter home in 2 years. We certainly picked a cold one! The week prior has been great. I spent my "free" (not driving to Narberth) time working on projects around the house. Wow I am amazed at what one can accomplish in a day when you do not have to take the kids places.

We were also selected to host Easter dinner for the Boccelli side. The funniest part of that is that I do not have an oven! So I got off easy with the cooking part. I was in charge of veggies, appetizers, dessert, and beverages. Lets not forget being a charming hostess and the cleaning up.

Dinner was great. The ham (courtesy of Donna-Bird) was yummy! I still think she should have gotten a bigger one (hehe) I only have enough for 1 or 2 more meals. We had a total of 17 people. 10 of them were kids! It was a little loud at times but what a blessing! It is so amazing that 10 kids can all get along and have fun! My friends Beth, rich and their daughter were also part of the group. I was a pleasure to have them. Thank you Beth for ALL you did. Bif provided potatoes and pineapple stuffing (both very tasty) Thanks to all for all your contributions to make dinner a huge success. Also thanks D-Bird for the fruit flowers!
Of course I have to thank the big J for all his help too. My kids were great too helping out with the cleaning.

After dinner we had a long over due rematch of egg schiessing. The Eyler's won last time so the Lobb's had to try to save the family. Now I am sure you are all ask what the heck is egg schiessing?!??? It is a game that my grandmother (Mom-Mom)(greatest Mom-Mom ever!) taught us when we were little. It is where you take a leaf from the table and lean it on a chair to form a ramp. You place an Easter egg at the bottom and the player gets behind the ramp at the top. The player then takes a wedding band (or my PG ring) and rolls it down the ramp trying to hit the eggs and crack it. It is way more fun than it sounds!

After many rounds (2 1/2 dozen eggs to be exact) the Lobb had the lead but due to a technicality (they had too many players) the received a 2-egg penalty the game ended up in a tie! Bif (my sister) will disagree with this version of the story but this is m blog not hers!(HEHEHEHEH) They should also be penalized for playing with inedible eggs! (the ones with the black dots!!!) Especially since the whole object of the game is to win the eggs to EAT!

I think all in all every they went eggceptionally well!!! (HEHE)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

2007-03-31T10:22:00.000-05:00

This post is a little late.... I forgot to post it in a timely fashion...
But better late than never (and he doesn't know how to use the computer anyway...)

Look how nice he is to share with his little brother....

OvO is now 3 years old and about 110 lbs. Someone forgot to tell him that he is not a lap dog! He still sleeps with me and has his own spot on the couch with us! He is a great dog!!!!

Lights, Camera, Austin....

2007-03-22T18:32:00.000-05:00

Austin had his television debut this morning!

We had a rather unexpected surprise this morning. We took Amber to ballet and I had offered to drive Mrs. White (Director of Pennsylvania of Ballet) to Philadelphia for an interview. She was going to talk to the Philadelphia School District Spanish classes via a television program. She brought 2 dancers wither her to show some ballet ect. When we got there she asked Austin if he would be on the show too. At first he said, "No, I am too young." But after a little coaxing he agreed. He answered some questions and demonstrated first position and some jumps! He made us proud when he answered the question Do you like ballet? correctly. His usual answer is "sometimes” but he answered on T.V. "I love it!" I was able to watch the show from the booth and it was so fun! He was so funny at the end of the show when they asked the "dancers" to just do some stuff until they faded out and Austin was dancing behind the 2 girls. It was a sight! I am trying to get a copy of it and when I do I will post it for all to see.

Also this Sunday on PBS they are showing MIRROR DANCE at 7 p.m. This is the movie about Mrs. White and her life. You should all try to watch it. It is a fabulous story. We are so lucky to have the privilege to study with them. If you would like more information on the film you can to http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/mirrordance/ for more info.

Home again, home again.....

2007-02-21T15:09:00.000-05:00

I am back to reality (boo hoo). I returned home on Sunday night and I have one thing to say about that BRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

I know that many of you were looking forward to seeing me upday my blog while I was away but I just didn't get to it and honestly did any of you look at the pictures of where I was staying????? Did you really expect me to come inside and work on the computer????

I will update you all on the what happens when you go to heaven.

My first morning was rather interesting. I woke up early (don't tell my husband) and went to the main house for breakfast. I had met the chef they day before and knew right away that I would like her. She is so sweet. She made me some coffee and fruit and a croissant for breakfast. I know I could have asked for anything but it was kinda of strange ordering food in somebody's kitchen. I took my breakfast outside to eat it on the deck. I have to say that I will NEVER get tired of looking at the view here. I am ready to pack up and move here for that beautiful view!

I can just feel the stress and tension floating right out to that sea!
Of course I had company for breakfast....
Squeeky, Chelsey, and Annabell were all in attendance. All waiting for a taste of what I had. (of course I shared.)

After breakfast you all must already know what I did. I sat by the pool in the sun of course. Barb was working on getting ready for an open house and later that afternoon we had to get ready to meet the parents of all the students that came last year. Then Barbara and I loaded all the pups we could into the car and took them to a beach and fed them fried chicken and roasted pork and watched them swim in the ocean! We had to get them away from the house while they were showing it.
After we returned home we all went for a swim in the pool

The families and students came around 3 and it was great to meet all of them. The kids looked great and I was happy to see them again. Some have gotten taller and of course none of them forgot the mustard!!!!

Barbara made bellinis for the adults that were YUMMO!
After everyone left I learned some island customs from Karina....
and called home.
I told John that all was great but I had a hard time getting used to having someone prepare all my meals. He replied "I am sure you will adjust" I said "I am sure I will but it was much harder getting used to the national beverage." He asked, "What is that?" I replied, "Champagne." He didn't think I was funny. He ended our call with "oh goodbye".
We all went to bed to be ready for another day....

paradise soon to be over....

2007-02-16T16:27:00.000-05:00

Well it is our last full day in heaven. It started a bit rough. We had to get up early since our first ballet class was at 8:00 a.m.
But after a quick cup of magic coffee and breakfast; up we went.

Starting early worked out great because that gave us the rest of the day to relax and talk. Barbara had to finish packing up the house for the renters coming in on Sunday so she needed all the extra time too. I was able to cat nap by the pool for a bit and then we got ready to go out for dinner.

It was getting late and Melinda and I realized that we were not going to have a chance to go get little gifts for the kids since all the shops were closed and will be closed on Sunday too. So after trying to help Barbara finish up and getting a little loopy from hunger. I told Barbara that I was just going to grap a few things from the house for the kids. And if you know Barbara you can guess what her reply was... Sure, better your kids have them then the renters! She is too funny! Thank you so much Barbara for you hospitality and caring nature! You are the best!

We did finally get to dinner We went to Mark and Barbara's resturant call Iguana. We had a great meal and it was so nice to spend the last quiet night with our hosts. Mark, It was great to get to know you and thank you too for everything! Especially the astonomy lessons and the great jokes. I am very fortunate to have met both of you!

We went back to the house for packing and bed...

Magic island...

2007-02-15T23:54:00.000-05:00

I need to make sure that you are all sitting down for this next post.....
Are you sitting?

Good, What I have to tell you next may shock you. I woke up this morning and I had breakfast with Barbara and Melinda and then I.....went to sit out in the sun by the pool!

Duh what do you all think I would be doing???????
It was really hot today! I had to get up often to get in the pool to cool off.

I could not spend a lot if time in the sun today since we had a parents meeting at 12 p.m.

The meeting went well. We got to meet some of the parents and tell them about ourselves ect....

Then we had lunch and the kids started to arrive for day 2 of the audition.

Before I tell you about that I thought I would tell you about the magic...
The Chef is great. Her name is Annek. The food just magically appears on the counter or in the fridge covered in plastic wrap. I have yet to see her actually cook anything?? I smell it, but there is NEVER a mess or prep going on. I don't get it. Even when she makes an omlette I saw her break the egg in a bowl and then bam it is on a plate in front of me??
I am not sure if I told you about one of the coolest features of Barbara's house. I know what else could there possibly be there. She has a built in coffee maker! It is like having a mini starbucks in the wall. You put your cup under it a press what size you want and out comes a cup of hot cofffee. COOLNESS!!

But I saved the best magic for last...
For Valentine's day, Karina gave me a mini bottle of champagne. I placed it in the fridge in the cottage to chill...
Last night Melinda opened the fridge for some water and she asked me "What is this a mini six pack of champagne?" I told her that Karina gave me a bottle for Valintine's Day. She told me that there was six of them in there. I said "what?" I went over to look and yep....there was six of them! How cool is that? The national beverage clones itself when chilled!

The second audition went great too. We have a lovely dinner and then poor Barb fell asleep on the couch and so Melinda and I slipped out to the cottage to chat about the kids and of course have some of the national drink!!

All in all it was a lovely day in heaven.

Audition time..

2007-02-15T22:55:00.000-05:00

Thursday I woke up and waited for some sleepy heads to wake up and join me in heaven. If my husband only knew how easy it was to wake me up. The formula is simple pure beauty! I just cannot get enough of the view. Everyone who knows me knows that my favorite color is blue. My house blue, my car is blue... I even made sure that one of my kids had blue eyes. (Alright I had not control over that one). but I do like the color blue. So I just cannot sleep thinking that I could be looking at a preview of heaven. I look out at the ocean as much as I can.

I had the pleasure of sharing the view today with Melinda. She got a tour of the house/compound last night and I told her that there was one thing that Mark and Barbara forgot to add to the house. They haven't managed to light up the ocean at night so we can see at night too.!
We had breakfast and then headed poolside. We talked about the upcoming audition and about her lovely trip here! We went for a walk on the beach then headed in to get ready for the children to arrive.

Our first group of children came and they were registered and given a number. We had 17 children ages 9-11. They were too cute. They worked hard and did great! Our second class was for ages 12 and up. We had 10 in that group plus a few guest that just wanted to take class. They all did great too!

Dinner and bed followed....

Wednesday, or so I think it is....

2007-02-14T22:13:00.000-05:00

I really never imagined that doing nothing could get so exausting! I woke up early today and did the usual and then I took a walk through the gardens (with company of course).

Then for some crazy reason I got so sleepy then I had to go in and take a nap?!? I woke up in time to go upstairs to teach another ballet class.

I just can't say enough about how much I enjoyed teaching these kids! They work so hard and are so eager to please. Again thanks to Karina and all the parents of these kids for the honor of working with your children!

After teaching Karina and I chilled the TCI way and then Barbara and I chilled up in her room waiting for Melinda's plane. Around eight we went to pick her up at the airport. She was glad to finally have her long travel day over. We went back to Barbara's for dinner and chatting. I even had the honor of being able to cook part of the dinner that chef prepared. I was told not to screw it up! We had a great meal and then all headed for bed.

Another day in paradise....

2007-02-13T23:05:00.000-05:00

Tuesday we did something a little different. Karina wanted me to see the "nice beach" I was a bit skeptical since I wasn't sure how anyone could say that there was a better beach. I was already in heaven how can you perfect that? I was told the water was even prettier and the sand was softer! Kind of hard to imagine that since I live near Ocean City New Jersey????!!!!
We invited Fiona to come along ( another Stargazer house guest). We went to Ocean Club Resorts at Grace Bay Beach. We had breakfast outside on the beach. Okay I have to say that the water was actually more beautiful. How can ocean water be that clear and so colorful?

Well we had a great breakfast and of course we had mimosas... We then went for a swim and then sat on the beach chatting and of course catching some rays...

I have to admit that I was eavesdropping on the family that was sitting next to us on the beach. They were Italian and I was trying to understand what the were talking about. That was fun (hehe).

We then had to head back to the house so Barb could get to a meeting for TCFAF and I of course went to the pool!

Later that evening I have the awsome honor of teaching the teachers on the island! I have to admit that I was nervous at first. But after getting started I remember what I love to do and let it just happen naturally. We had a great time. After the class we all went to Barbs kitchen for what else....champagne! Thank you all for taking my class and for the great privilege of teaching all of you. I had a blast.

It was a great day in heaven!

What else did we do....

2007-02-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

Monday started out the same way. Chillin by the pool
I took another walk to the beach with my new friends

I can't get over how the dogs just get in the ocean and swim. They actually swim not walk around. It was so funny to watch. Chelsey likes to dig and get sand all over her nose. Oscar(my favorite) acts like the perfect gentelman. He just stays nearby not getting a messy and always looking out for me.

After a little more time in the sun it was time to go and teach. My first class was for 6 & 7 year olds. They were really cute! I love how hard they worked for me. At the end of class when they are supposed to shake my hand some of them hugged and kissed me! Too cute!!! The second class of girls was a little older and they worked just a hard. I was so honored to have been asked to teach them. Thank you Karina School of Dance & Performing Arts!

I have arrived!

2007-02-10T18:16:00.000-05:00

I am in heaven right now. I spent the afternoon by the pool. Took a short walk to the beach with 6 dogs following me. I saw geckos. I put my feet in the ocean!
Chatted with my friends. I had a lovely salad made by the chef and she also made us snacks by the pool! I could really get used to this.
I don't have any pics yet and now I have to go and get ready for a swing jitterbug party????
Check back soon...

1 day to go.....

2007-02-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

I thought since I am out of here in less then 24 hours that I would finally show you all where I am staying...
Please don't be too jealous....

2 days to go....

2007-02-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

I have now moved into the pack phase.
I am trying not to over pack but you all know I will.
And since pictures of me packing and of suitcases would be really boring I will leave you with
these....

In case the weather is bad we can watch a movie or ....

play pool

Or just sit and relax

3 days to go

2007-02-07T13:25:00.000-05:00

Snow, wind, and cold will soon be in my past
Sand, sun, and heat I will have a blast!!!

Here are a few more pics to show of things I might be doing in T & C

I will try to squeeze in some pilates.....

Maybe try scuba diving....

Of course dining.....

And perhaps a trip to the Conch Farm!

4 days to go...

2007-02-06T11:47:00.000-05:00

I am getting more and more excited to go especially since it is 9 degrees here right now! I am sooooooo cold.
For today's update I am going to attach the weather reprort in Turks & Caicos...

And just for fun I will show you a pic or two of where I am staying/working

5 days to go....

2007-02-05T13:44:00.000-05:00

I am going to Providenciales Turks & Caicos.
Now I know most of you will now say... Where is that???
So here is a map. (thanks to Lydia for the interest in maps!)

It is in the the British Virgin Islands.

Stay tuned for more updates and photos as we get even closer!

Confessions

2007-01-27T14:29:00.000-05:00

I have to say I really want to be like my brother....

I know sometimes we fight but I just want to be like him. I don't like being called TINY!!!!

But when they day is done I know I can count on him to always lend me a paw....

Let sleeping dogs lie....

2007-01-27T14:27:00.000-05:00

They are just too cute for words!

Brotherly LOVE

2007-01-27T14:19:00.000-05:00

Proud Papa

2007-01-27T13:42:00.000-05:00

Here is dad playing with his son! I think they have the same eyes....

Coffee, Tea, or perhaps a cappucino???

2007-01-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

We would like to annouce the newest addition to our Family

He weighs a whopping 1 lb 9 oz.!!!

This is CAPPUCINO our new puppy!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2007-01-01T02:23:00.000-05:00

At Midnight it is a family tradition to go outside and bang pots and pans to welcome in the new year. I don't know how this started but I have been doing since I was a little girl. So that is how it must be!!!!

Happy New Year to all!!

New Year's Eve (married w/kids style)

2006-12-31T23:37:00.000-05:00

How do we spend the night????

We play games. We snack. The kids get crazy with dancing and being silly.... and then....

Who are all these kids????

2006-12-30T23:47:00.000-05:00

Well they are my sisters and mine!!!!

In order left to right starting in the back....
Holly Ann, (11), Allison Taylor, (13), Georgia Brianne, (7), Adam James, (13), Austin John, (8), Jocob Jeffery, (2), Anna Josephine, (5), Foster McCay (5), and Amber Nicole (11).

Yes if you look and their ages you will see that Deb and I seem to like to have kids at the same time.
What is even more amazing is that Amber and Holly are 17 1/2 hours apart. That was the weekend that almost killed my poor Mother. Their birthdays are the 8th and 9th, of the month. Austin and Georgia's birthdays are the 7th and 8th of another month.

The kids all get along and have a great time when they are together.
It is loud but fun!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

2006-12-26T01:40:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a great Christmas. We did. The kids are all off playing with their new toys. I got to take a nap!!!

All the work was worth it to see my kids smiling and so excited. Anna was the most excited taking joy in everything she got. I know that everyone looking at our tree is wondering why there are so many gifts since I said that they only get three gifts each. They still only get three but for the fun of opening things I have been wrapping up snacks and stuff for them I know it is a strange thing to do but they love getting their favorite cereals and drinks and snacks! I know that they like them and I know they wont go to waste.

After they see what Santa brought them in their stockings we sat down and Amber read the family the Christmas story from the bible and the we opened the gifts under the tree. I alway save the best gift for last and I enjoy seeing their faces waiting to see if they are going to get what they wanted. Amber looked so depressed when she thought she didn't get what she wanted. It is funny! Her mood changed very quickly after she opened her favorite gift.(a nintendo DS) They boys did really well not getting what the really hoped for. Not for lack of trying. I was even out Christmas Eve for one last try but no luck. The WII was not for US. We did manage to find the a great replacement gift that made the happy. They each got an electric scooter!

While the kids and I cleaned up paper and put things away Papa makes us breakfast. It is yummy! He even cleans it all up.

You know that you did a great job shopping when Mom can lay down on the couch for a nap and not hear a sound from the kids since they are off playing with their new toys!

After my nap I got ready for dinner. I put out snacks and our friends came over. We had a great meal and we were so stuffed! I think the Eagles even won. We ate at halftime to keep the men happy. Cleanup was a breeze and I really enjoyed the time with everyone.

I am so thankful for my wonderful family and great friends. Thank you all for making this a a very merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas....

2006-12-25T06:29:00.000-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

Now I will tell you how it really happened...

Twas the night before Christmas, when all throught the house
I was up stirring (spaghetti sauce) not my sleepy spouse.
The stockings were stuffed (at 3 a.m.) gifts wrapped with care,
I hopes that I might get to retire to my lair

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While I started to have visions and pains in my head.
I was in my jammies,(my special pink sweat pants) with tape stuck to my lap
I just settled that I was not sleeping tonight, tomorrow I will nap

(YES I STILL HAVE THEM)

Even with the late long night I still have to say that this is my favorite time of the year.
I enjoy being the first one to be up on Christmas morning. It is so quiet. It is the calm before the storm.

I make sure everything is in its place.. Jesus has to arrive in our nativity set and the wise men have to move a bit closer.
I get the cinnimon buns ready to go into the oven and then I sit down to look at everything as the sun comes up.

I know I could try to get more things done before this night but I am not sure if it would feel like Christmas without it.

I am now getting sleepy and will take a cat nap until the kids wake me up waiting for their picture to be taken on the steps!

Talk to you all later today

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a GOOD MORNING!

Tis the season....

2006-12-20T16:49:00.000-05:00

Here are the kids all full of Christmas cheer as we start to decorate the tree....

What we will do for our children....

2006-12-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

Ok I know some of you already think that I am crazy. After reading this everyone will know I am. In my defense I did it for the CHILDREN!

There is one gift that my boys want for Christmas. It is the elusive Nintendo WII. I cannot find it anywhere. The only place that seems to have it is EBay. They want people to pay double for it. (I am not that crazy)... So one day while I was in Target I was speaking with an employee. He said that they already have them in but cannot sell them until the 17th on Dec. He went on to say that if I came at 5 a.m. and waited in line that I would probably get one. So what does one think I would do?

I recruited some other crazy people to go with me and wait in line in the freezing cold! I am still not sure who is crazier?!!!

We decided that to be sure that we would get one that we would get there are 4 a.m. So we packed up quilts, sleeping bags,
a few down comforters and some air mattresses and of course hot cocoa. We drove to the Exton Target. We could not believe our eyes....there were already 20+ people in line!! We took our places and set our stuff up and snuggled in for the long wait until 8 a.m.

After chatting for a bit and finally getting comfy I started to fall asleep around 5:30. Just then we heard an employee (a very grumpy one) snap, "You know we only have 15!" Everyone in line was in shock! The have been collecting this shipments for who knows how long and they only have 15! And why is it that they know that all these people are outside their store waiting for one and they cannot come out and tell us that or post it in the store window! No, what do they do... They just let 75 people just freeze for nothing! I can tell you that was my last trip to TARGET!!!!!!!!

As we sat in shock for a few moments we then heard that Toys R Us has a bigger shipment of 35 at the store with a possibility of 50. So Kathy left with the son of the lady in front of us to go get a space in that line and Gina and I waited for confirmation from Target that they really only had 15. We got a call from Kathy that they were 30 something in line and we should come over. So totally ticked at Target we packed up and left for Toys R Us with the lady in front of us.

We get there about 7 and wait.... and wait.... and wait.... Thanking that at any moment they will come out to tell us how many and hand out the tickets for them. It was not until 7:45 does someone come out and say that they only have 24!!!!!

If I hadn't been frozen my blood would have been boiling! Why do that make you wait all night to tell you anything.
As you probably guessed I am not shopping at TOY R US ever again either!

I just cannot believe that other store told people how many they had by posting it on the door or the night shift workers told them! I also cannot believe the small number of these they are getting. I also want to know where everyone selling them on Ebay is getting them. I feel safe to assume that they are TARGET AND TOYS R US EMPLOYEES!!!!

Well I have to say that I tried to get the boys what the wanted but no luck! Sorry guys. Maybe after Christmas Nintendo will figure out how to manufacture and ship things!

ALL FOR THE LOVE OF A CHILD!!!!

December 7th 1941..A Day that will live in infamy

2006-12-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

DECEMBER 7TH 1993...A DAY HE BEGAN INFANCY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADAM JAMES!!!!!!

I cannot believe that I have a teenager! I still remember every detail of carrying him in my belly and the day you were born. Oh what an exciting time for us. Seeing and holding you for the first time was such a an experience I cannot even express all the feelings I had at that moment.

I can remember how fast you grew and changed soon you were walking and talking. Your first word was night-night! and we had to "rubber back, rubber back " every night to settle you down for sleep (rub your back). You liked to eat mitmeal (oatmeal) and read books. Then you passed into the thomas the tank engine phase. You took those trains everywhere with you. You even slept with them! After that phase was the T-Rex! That one was a little loud! You were so funny walking on your toes and holding your hands like a T-rex!
As time flew by you were growing like a weed! Soon you were a big brother and starting school. I cried when you went to Kindergarten. You were fine! It feels just like yesterday that you were 5 and now is just 5 more years you will be an adult!

WOW what a difference a year makes! You are almost as tall as me now. Your feet are still huge! I am now buying a size 10 mens for you! You now like long hair and wear contacts and no more braces. I have to say that you are becoming quite the stud!!!! Even if you are still a geek!

I am so thankful for the privilege for being your mom!
We Love You so much and we are very proud of the man you are becoming. Keep up the great work!
Hope you have a great day!!!!!!!! I love you! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Still going....

2006-11-30T18:59:00.000-05:00

Well the decades just flew by ....

We have had Count Thurston for 15 years and he was a least 1 or 2 years old when we got him and he is still going strong. He has just 2 teeth left and 0 personality! Shall we see how long he will keep going???????

NICE TEETH!!! He is so old he even wore the black color off the end his nose from licking it too much!!! He is so weird!!!!!!!!

Nutcracker is over!!!

2006-11-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

Well, She did it and she looked awesome! Thanks to everyone that came to see her. She had a lot of fun and she was very tired. We did have the great opportunity to get to know the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Olga from Sarasota Ballet stayed at our house while perfoming with us. She was very nice and kind. Thank you Olga for the great job and the gifts! We are now back to our regular hectic lives. Will post soon.

Thanks again everyone!

Tea Time

2006-11-13T00:25:00.000-05:00

Anna had a great time at her " 5th Birthday Princess Tea Party" We had tea sandwiches and little cookies before we played pin the tea bag on the tea cup and sang " I'm a little tea pot" . All the girls were so cute. I still cannot believe that she is 5!!!

Johnny strikes up the band!

2006-11-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

Well, after many years John has found his trumpet. Here he is practicing his scales. As of this date we have not scheduled a concert tour, but will keep you posted.

Happy Halloween!

2006-11-01T23:01:00.000-05:00

Well this year we had a unicorn (Anna), smarty pants (Austin), an ipod (Amber) and not pictured is a football player (Adam) (he wore a picture of a quarter taped to his back....get it... quarterback?!?!) They had fun and we now have too much candy in the house!