TGIF

It's finally Friday! I'm so glad this week is over. What a week it's been. There's just been too much going on, here, in the Moyer house. Yikes!

A re-cap of the past week:

****MONDAY: Dennis stayed home from work. He's been so sick lately and one part or another of his face has been swelling. It's hard to keep a good man down, and even harder to witness it when it does happen. This was the day that Dennis was to give his notice at work that he was moving on to another employer.

The boys and I waited for a phone call at 9am from the Guidance Counselor, but never received it. I called the school and the woman I spoke to offered to give us a tour of the building my boys were to attend. I wasn't all that excited, but I wanted to get it over with. Still gritting my teeth at the idea of them going to Shull David and in a 2-year kindergarten. We went, we saw, we played on the playground. That is, until Collin decided he had to go to the bathroom! Since the hospital is in plain view of this playground, we decided to run over there real quick and we hoped to sneak a peek of Trevor or Aunt Chrissy working. Lucky us, we saw both of them and the boys each got a little snack pack of Oreos, too! After our little visit, it was back to the playground for a quick slide and then to the car and to head home.

I had an appointment at the dr, but ended up not being able to see him. The insurance that we have wasn't one that he accepts. UGH! I'll have to call when Dennis gets insurance again, and just pray that it's something the dr accepts.

After supper, I took my bike out for a ride. (When I say bike, I don't mean motorcycle. There's a lot of pedalling to do!) It was nice to get away just for a few minutes. It's been sooooo long since I rode my bike. I was very close to getting off and pushing on the first hill (ok, tiny incline) but I saw some people out and was too embarassed. I swear, if it would've been dark outside, you could've seen the flames shooting from my knees. OUCH!

****TUESDAY: Nothing too exciting, other than Dennis made it to work and gave his notice. It went well and there were no hard feelings on either side. It's just something Dennis had to do. It was getting too costly to work there.

****WEDNESDAY: Scouts night. Took Brad to scouts and then went over to Weissport. Aunt Linda wasn't home and I didn't want to pest Chrissy again. I pested her last week. I stopped in at Dad's. I haven't been there in a while. When I got there, Dad just came home from work, had a bath and was ready to eat supper. He'd be going to bed after eating because he was going back out at 11pm. I didn't want to stay long and keep him from his supper and slumber, but we did get to talk for just a bit. He gave me shirts for the boy that he and Marilyn picked up when they went to Washington, D.C. recently. I thought Corey and Collin's were cute, "Born to be wild". LOL

I had more time to kill before picking Brad up from scouts. It would've been foolish to drive all the way home and have to turn around and leave, so I just decided to wait in the parking lot. I went through a few things in my purse and read the book to my camera to kill the time. As I waited, some other parents came for their boys. I'm not one for starting conversations, so I sat there trying to coax myself to get out of the van and at least go and say hello. Finally, I got up the nerve and went over to say hello to *Sally* (not her actual name). We got to talking and I told her about my boys and the whole Prep-K thing. She then filled my ears with some very important information. It seems as though *Sally* had been through the same thing! She gave me some very useful information and told me to put up a fight and not to give up! She knew, too, that my boys didn't need the 2 year program. She pointed me in the right direction for my "ammo" and told me to call the principal in the morning. Another mom that was standing there told me not to even bother with the Guidance Counselor. If only I had known this sooner!

When I got home that night, I did some research and prepared myself for the next day. I had plenty of notes and gave a lot of thought to what I'd say. I had to make the call the next day because time was running out! Orientation was coming up at the beginning of next week!

****THURSDAY: I made my call, only to find out that the principal wouldn't be available until TUESDAY! Tuesday would be too late! So, I called *Sally* and she recommended the Superintendent. I called the Superintendent at 9:30am and spoke to his secretary. She told me he was in a meeting and would call me back. So I waited. And waited. At 1:10pm, I called again. I left another message. I called again at 1:50pm because I thought they were only in until 2pm. I wanted to know what was going on, since I was running out of time, I needed this taken care of ASAP (today!). The secretary told me he was looking over my boys' scores, etc. and she couldn't guarantee that he'd be calling me back today! GRRRR!! I was not at all happy. I did find out that they'd be in until 2:30pm. I asked her to please call me back and at least let me know that he needed more time and to give me a rough idea as to what time he'd be calling me on Friday. She said she'd do that. At 2:25pm, I called back, and this time I wasn't so nice. I didn't even get to speak to the Super or his secretary. The woman I spoke to didn't know what to tell me. I was furious!! 2:30pm came and went and I heard nothing.

Finally, around 4:45pm, I got a call from the Superintendent. He did apologize for taking so long to get back to me. He didn't really have anything more for me. He told me that he was having an Asst. Principal and the Guidance Counselor (grrr!) go over my boys' scores and they'd call me in the morning to discuss this with me.

At 8pm, I had to take Brad to the park in town for the "Concert under the stars". As part of a merit badge requirement, he was to attend a concert. He had to leave there knowing what the encore performance was, to prove that he had been there. When we got there, I thought the rest of the scouts weren't coming. Then, *Sally* and her scout came. They sat with us and we all were enjoying the concert. In between pieces, *Sally* and I got to do some talking. It was the second to last piece when something "clicked" to *Sally*. She had more "ammo" for me, and it was going to be easy to attain. It was published in the newspaper and I could get it online!

We got home and I hopped onto the computer. (Well, you know what I mean). Found the info and printed it out. I was sooooo ready for the call in the morning!!

****FRIDAY: (Today! :) ) I got the call! It was the Asst. Principal. She was all nice at first, and as the conversation went on, I could sense that she was going to try to talk me into keeping the boys in Prep-K. I shot down just about everything she said. Then, I pulled out my "ammo". She was a bit surprised, and even told me that! She told me my boys' actual scores from the Kindergarten screening. They needed 85 points (out of 118) to "pass" and be enrolled in K. Corey got an 85 and Collin a 78. Not too far away! The boys scored very high, academically, but they felt they needed the Prep program for their fine motor skills. They didn't cut along a dotted line. The Asst. P's story was just a tad different than the conversation I had with the GC.

Towards the end of our conversation, she told me that the GC just walked in and he felt comfortable with putting them in Kindergarten. We are to go to the orientation at Mahoning, and we should get there a little early to fill out some paperwork. We'd have to do this so we couldn't hold them responsible down the road. I was also asked to not spread the word about this because they didn't want a bunch of parents calling them to do this for their children. HUH??? Unreal, and kind of sad. I wonder how many more are being held back so they can keep the Prep-K program going? Ugh.

Anyway, we are all happy as clams. Normally quite and weak, I stood up to them and didn't take no for an answer. I won this one for my boys, and I'm sure they will do great in Kindergarten, where they belong! WOOHOO!

*******

Yikes! I had to scroll back to make sure that I didn't say that I'd make this brief. I have to learn to log in earlier at night so I have time to post each day in it's own post! LOL There's even a lot that I didn't mention. (imagine that!)

I'm trying

I'm trying so hard to snap out of this "funk" I've been in. It's not easy, especially when things go the way they did today. Ugh!

Dennis stayed home from work again. He was sick to his stomach and is swelling up again. Not as bad as it was before, but it's obvious that the meds he's been taking for a little over a week aren't working.

I had an appointment today with Dr. Miller. I've been having some problems and it was time for my "annual" anyway. I didn't have the money to go today, so I called ahead and asked if it would be alright for them to bill me for my co-pay. It would be fine.

I got to my appt. a few minutes early. There was no one in the waiting room. That's not something you see often, but I went to the window anyway to let them know I was there. I was asked to fill out two papers and make any corrections to my insurance information. As it turned out, I wasn't there in about 16 months, so my info did change. I filled out the out the new info and handed her the ins. card. She made an unusual face and then told me that the dr doesn't accept that insurance!! I wanted to cry. It takes a lot to get me to the dr to begin with and now that I finally made the appointment, I was turned away. I asked how much it would cost me out-of-pocket. The visit alone would be a little over $100!!! I had to cancel.

So, now, here I am. I don't know what to do? I don't want to go to any other dr. I've been going to Dr. Miller since I started "womanhood". He delivered ALL of my boys. I wouldn't be comfortable going to someone else. UGH!!!!

It's now another game of "wait and see". I will have to wait until Dennis gets his insurance at his new job (that could be 3 months!) and hopefully Dr. Miller will accept it. I will call the office as soon as I know and hopefully get an appointment then.

I didn't even make it all the way out of the building and I could feel the tears coming. I'm trying so hard to stay positive and to be happy, but it's getting more and more difficult. All I can think about now, is, what's next?

No pain, no gain?

I took the boys to the playground today. They wanted to play on the playground at Shull David, but it was too hot. No shade. So, we went to the Grove instead. How could I say no? They had just been to the Dr. and got their shots they needed to start school. The playground helped because they quickly forgot the pain. I'm sure it will come back to Collin, though, because he seemed to mean it when he told me that he'd never go back to the dr's again. lol

Rewind, back to the Dr. visit.... The boys are growing like weeds and in great health! :) Here are their stats at 5 1/2 years old:

Corey: 48lbs, 46 3/4" tall
Collin: 45lbs, 46" tall

They are quite tall for their age and weight, and that's fine. Much better than being overweight.

The receptionist got a good laugh at my little "cheaters". Collin was first to do the eye exam. He was to tell the dr which way (up or down) the "legs" were going on the letter "E" on the chart. As the dr got lower, it was getting harder for him to see. At first, he tried sneaking a little closer to the chart, but the dr caught on. He tried again, but this time, the receptionist caught on....as it got tougher, Corey whispered the answers to his brother! The dr did the exam again, this time with his brother in another room. He did fine, and so did his brother.

Getting better.....

Today was so much better than yesterday. Really, could it have gotten any worse? lol

I took Trevor to work in the morning and called the dentist at 8am. The soonest they could get us in was 4:30pm, but they'd call if there were any cancellations. So, I stayed offline and waited most of the day for a call that never came. We went at 4:30. Corey did really well with the x-rays. I told him they'd take pictures but he didn't have to smile, he'd just have to sit very still, and he did! The dentist was so impressed and told Corey that since he was so good, he could go and get a prize from the prize box while we waited for the x-rays to be developed. Dr. Sherry made sure to tell Corey that he's never allowed anyone to get a prize until the very end of the visit. Corey walked proudly to the box. He picked a bubble necklace shaped like a star. He played with the train table while I talked to the dentist. We'll go back in 2 weeks to see how it looks. If it gives him pain, we are to call, but otherwise, the tooth will stay there until it pushes out on it's own. Dr. Sherry told me that he must have hit "just right" for it to jam up there the way it did, and for it to happen to just one tooth was amazing. (I'm more amazed that I am still somewhat keeping my sanity! ;) )

Dennis is looking a bit better today, but his lips are still a bit swollen. The meds are making him sleepy and more irritable than normal.

We went to K-Mart tonight and put some things on layaway. It's a start and I'll be happy once the stuff is picked up and my kids won't be going to school naked. lol

Now that today is almost over, I feel a little better and I am looking forward to tomorrow being even better! :)

Never a dull moment..

The day started off with me thinking I woke up very early. Dennis was still in the bed. I got up and looked at the clock....it was 8:30am. I let him sleep and started my day.



As it turns out, Dennis woke up this morning and his face was VERY swollen. He didn't want to wake me, but was a bit worried (and freaked out!) so he went to the ER. When I saw him, his lips were still pretty big and I could see that his nose and cheeks looked a little "odd". So, anyway, the ER told him it was probably some type of allergic reaction. To what, we don't know? He was at the hospital for a little while, they gave him something in an IV. He was given 2 prescriptions and told to take Benedryl. He was NOT to drive to or go to work today.

I called the school to find out why Corey and Collin would need Prep-K. It pretty much boils down to maturity, or their lack of it. Corey did a little better than Collin and was borderline for regular Kindergarten. They'll have to go to Shull David. :( So, now, it all depends on what happens in the first five weeks of school. They will be re-evaluated and if they do good, they will go to Mahoning for "regular" Kindergarten.

Mr. Blakeslee brought something else to my attention that I hadn't even thought of. If Corey continues to do well, and Collin doesn't, they will advance Corey to Kindergarten, but Collin will stay in Prep. They will stay at Shull David to keep them together. Then, next year, Corey will move on to 1st grade, Collin would go to Kindergarten at Mahoning. Yes, they'd still be twins, but they'd be a year apart in school. I'm not sure what that would do to Collin's self-esteem? All I can do is hope that it doesn't happen that way!

The rest of the night was going alright. Same old, same old. That is..... until......Corey tripped over a boot in the dining room. He fell and went face-first into a container (holds the play-doh stuff). When he came over to me, I thought he knocked his tooth out. It wasn't there, as far as I could tell. I'm not good at blood or gore, so I ran into the bedroom and woke poor Dennis up. (He handles gore, and I handle pukes and poops! ;) ).

Upon closer inspection, Dennis discovered that the tooth was still in there, but it was shoved up his gums!!! YIKES!!!! He told me to call the ER and see what I should do. So, I made the call. They told me there was really nothing they could do since there is no dentist there. They couldn't give me any advice without seeing him, so they let it up to me to decide if I wanted to take him in. I decided we'll just call the dentist in the morning. Dennis gave him tylenol for the pain, and he took it like a real trooper! He went back to playing on the computer and then went to bed without any complaints. Poor kid. :(

I've been in such a "funk" lately, and really didn't need so much trauma in one day. I'm tired and just want to have a good cry and go to bed.

Little surprised and a little disappointed....

The letters that we've been waiting for finally came in the mail today. Letters from the school, stating where and when Corey and Collin will be going to school. I wasn't expecting what I read. The boys will be going to Prep-Kindergarten, and not "regular" Kindergarten.

When they were tested back in May, the teachers doing the testing told me that the boys did really well. They didn't pull me aside and tell me what to work on until August like they did some of the others. That's why I was surprised.

I was disappointed when I found out that they will have to go to Shull David, and not Mahoning Elementary. :( I was hoping they'd go to Mahoning, close to home. No, Shull David isn't all that far away, but they are unfamiliar with SD like they are with Mahoning. They've been to Mahoning many times when Bradley went there. They are even known by the teachers and some of the staff there. I feel sad, in a way, too, since every time we drive past the school, we'd tell them that it's the school they'll be going to. :(

I plan on making a phone call on Monday. I'd like to know why they decided my boys need the 2 year Kindergarten? When Brad started school, he didn't know his alphabet, couldn't write his name, and he didn't even know how to hold a pencil. He was in the "regular" Kindergarten, and did VERY well. (By 3rd grade he was being tested to be put in the "advanced" classes!)

According to the letter, Prep-K doesn't necessisarily mean they will do 2 years of K. They will test after 5 weeks (sometime in Oct) and then do a re-evaluation to see if they could go to K. I want to know if they'd stay at SD or if they'd be transferred to Mahoning? I was thinking, too, that maybe we could try it the opposite way. If they don't do well enough in K, then put them in Prep?

Maybe my emotional ties to Mahoning is what's getting in my way? I went there, and so did Trevor and Brad. It kind of saddens me that C&C won't be. I'm sure they'd go to Mahoning next year, but I'd kind of like them to stay with the same group they started with, if that makes any sense?

I had my heart set on being more involved this year. Since I make the yearbook for Mahoning, I was hoping to be there and to be able to take pics for the yearbook. Not only that, I found it very difficult to put together a yearbook for a school that none of my boys attended. Don't get me wrong, no matter what school they attend, I DO plan on being involved. It's just now I will have to make myself familiar with a different school. I'm not good at that sort of thing. Ugh.

I guess, all I can do is wait and see what they tell me when I call on Monday. And to think, my biggest worry until this was if I should separate them or keep them together.

Two sides to every story?

They say there are two sides to every story. I think there are actually more.

There is HIS side, and HER side. The RIGHT side and the WRONG side. It all depends on who's side you are on when you look a little closer. Tonight, I guess I actually learned something. There are many sides to the story, and it all depends on how you look at it.

Eight years ago, today, Dennis and I were married. We'd been together for 8 years before we finally said, "I do". So, technically, we are together for 16 years.

All day long, I imagined how the night would play out once he got home from work. He'd come home and get a shower. We'd eat supper and then go out in the back yard to the spot we were married and we'd have our picture taken. Then, Trevor would keep an eye on his brothers and Dennis and I would take a little ride in the country before stopping at the Boulevard for an ice cream. (I'd have a vanilla in a cone, and I just know he'd pick chocolate!) We'd talk about everything and anything, uninterrupted! We'd come home to our lego-scattered living room and watch some tv before he'd have to go to bed. (He has to get up very early in the morning.)

I was not at all prepared for how the night really went..........

Dennis came home from work. I was on the phone with a friend. This was at least the 4th or 5th phone call I got today. I talked to EVERYONE!! When the call ended, he looked upset and asked what he should get from the store for supper. We decided on bbq'd chicken. I asked him to get drumsticks and thighs, since they are on sale at Giant this week.

He came back with leg quarters. Don't ask me the difference between a leg quarter and a whole leg. They kind of look the same, only a little smaller? Of course, I made a face, since I requested drumsticks and thighs. He told me to just cut them in half. So, I did. If there's one thing that really ruins my appetite, it's Giant's chicken legs. EEEWWW!!! They should just label them "Portly Poultry". The thigh part is more FAT than meat! YUCK!!

I cut them all and had them ready for the grill as he talked on the phone. He was all smiles, even after he hung up. I put the chicken on the grill and came back into the house to get the potatoes going. I don't even think a whole minute passed when Collin came running in to tell me the grill was smoking real bad. A second after that, Dennis came in and told me the chicken might be ruined. I went out to have a look.

Well, the drumsticks looked fine. A little charred from the raging fire beside them, but still edible. The thighs, on the other hand,......YIKES!! They were black and burnt beyond recognition. I told him this happened because they were so fatty. He didn't think so. I'm sure, if I would've brought the fatty chicken home, it would've been the chicken, but because he bought it, the fire was from the burgers he made on the grill nights before. UGH!!

He got mad, I got mad. He said he'd eat the chicken, he didn't care. I ended up finishing the drumsticks in the oven to make him happy, even though they weren't making the grill flame up. The whole point in making bbq chicken on the grill was so I didn't have to turn the oven on and make it hot in the house. But, what do I know?

By this time, my appetite was completely gone. He said some things, I said some things. It got pretty ugly. I fed the kids, he ate his burnt chicken. After supper, and a few apologies, armed with my camera and tri-pod, I headed outside for the "anniversary photo shoot". Dennis was filling the kids' pool, and was more worried about how much money was on the debit card so he could go and put gas in his car. I went back in, got the phone and handed it to him. I then went to the back yard and did my solo photo shoot. He saw me down there, knew what I was up to, yet said nothing. I took photos of myself. Yipee. They were a flop, and I really didn't care. The camera wasn't focused right, but so what. A miserable picture for my miserable night. UGH!

Not long after he got back from getting gas, he went to bed. I got online, and went to the message boards where I have friends that always make me feel better. My frown was turned upside down. :) A nice little chat, and I'm feeling much better.

So, then, after all of this, I came to realize that a story does have more than one side, and if you look at both sides, from EVERY angle, there could be something you are overlooking.

I see now that this wasn't the first time, in 8 (16) years , for burnt chicken, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Life is too short to worry about burnt chicken, especially when there's a Burger King just up the street. ;)

I LOVE you, Dennis, and I guess sandwiches and potato chips will be fine tomorrow night. ;)

Tooth Fairy is coming!

The Tooth Fairy is coming tonight, and Corey couldn't be more excited! It's the 2nd tooth he's lost, but this time he didn't lose it literally, like he did the last time. LOL Collin lost his 2nd tooth a week or so ago. We never did find the first one.

**Rewinding just a bit**

When Collin lost his first tooth, he came running out to the living room to tell me that he lost his tooth. I asked to see the tooth, and that's when he told me that he LOST it somewhere under Corey's bed. We had no luck in finding it.

Next, it was Corey's turn. His first loose tooth. We reminded him to be extra careful so it wouldn't get lost like his brother's did. Every day it seemed to get wigglier and wigglier. We went on a trip to Baltimore and it was in the hotel room that he showed us again that it was very wiggly. We went out to eat and then came back to the hotel. It was then that we noticed that Corey's tooth was gone. There was no way we'd find it.

Collin's turn again. His 2nd loose tooth. Again, he comes to me and tells me he lost his tooth and again, I ask to see the tooth. He told me it was on Brad's bedroom floor somewhere. YIKES!! I didn't think the Tooth Fairy would ever get to come here! lol Luckily, it was found and he raked in a whopping 50 cents and he was thrilled.

Well, I did it today. I finally made a call and made an appointment to see Dr. Miller. Just in case there are male family members reading this, I won't go into any details. I've been having some female problems. ;)

Finally, too, I made a call to the cable company. I swore I'd never talk to them people again, but I did it. Did I mention how much I dislike dial-up?? Anyway, I could go back to cable AND have a high speed internet connection for a little less than what we are paying now for the dish! Not only that, I'd get a free modem, too!! Sounds good, until I mention that we have a past due balance to take care of first. Ugh! I am $194.76 away from a high speed connection. It may as well be a million dollars. Waaaaah!!! :(

If only I had enough teeth to pull out for the Tooth Fairy to raise the money. LOL

Christmas in July?

It's certainly not music to my ears, but for the past few weeks, Corey and Collin have been singing "Jingle Bells". Mom and I have always said that we were born with a little too much of the Christmas spirit, and I do enjoy Christmas songs, but I'm not liking what my boys are singing. Their version of "Jingle Bells" involves Batman, Robin, and the Joker. It also involves Cheerios and peeing on walls. UGH!!!

Thanks a lot, older brother Brad!!!

A ride in the country

After supper tonight, we decided to just go for a ride in the van. Dennis and I both agreed that this was something we needed to do more often. It was nice. We were in no hurry to get somewhere, no worries about being late. We didn't go very far, and we didn't have to.

As always, I had my camera with, and I guess it's a lot like fishing. There were two "good ones" that got away. The first one was a doe near a corn field, and the second was a young buck. As soon as he spotted us, he darted into the woods. I didn't expect them to "pose" for me, but it would've been nice! ;)

Before we could come home, we had one stop to make. We went to the "little gas station" (that's what we call it) on Mahoning Street and treated the boys to slushees.

Jumping back in.....again

This is really getting old. I'm not going to make excuses or even talk about how I've neglected this blog. I will shamelessly put the blame on......dial-up!!! I'm so, so tired of this. My online motivations go down the drain because of it!

All has been somewhat well in the Moyer household over the past year. We still have the same daily struggles, and we are still (somehow) managing to get through them. When it's bad, it's bad, but when it's good, it's good.

School will be starting back up in about a month. It will be a first for Corey and Collin, and it will be the last (year) for Trevor. Yes, Trevor is a Senior in High School!! Yikes! Where has the time gone? Brad is in the middle, going to 6th grade. :)

I'm not exactly sure what I'll do? I want the best of both worlds. I want to work and I want to stay at home. So far, my plan is to wait just a bit and see how things go. I will know better what kind of job to look for once I know how much and when I'll be needed by my boys. It's another bridge that we will cross when we come to it.

Oops, I did it again!

I'm not talking about that annoying song. I've neglected my blog again. I'm so bad with this sort of thing. It doesn't help, either, that I am technically challenged. My blog isn't very pleasing to the eye, but I barely have time to post, let alone add pics and such. I will have to work on that!!

Let's see, what's happened in the Moyer household since my last entry??? A LOT!!! It would take me all night to post it all, so I'll just have to pick up where I left off, and when I have nothing else to say, I'll throw in an update.

Tomorrow is day 3 of Trevor's first job! He's working at the hospital in the kitchen and so far, he likes it. He turned 16 on Feb 24th, but he still hasn't gotten his driver's license or permit. We're going to wait on that for a little while. He's got some maturing to do. (He's not happy about that, but I'm the mom!)

For the past four weeks, Bradley has been taking flute lessons. He joined the "summer band" program at the middle school. Friday we'll see just how much he and the other students learned. They'll be performing a concert for their families. I can't wait! He chose to play the flute and if he likes it, he can join the Middle School band. We shall see!!

Corey and Collin are growing up so fast. They are up to their same old tricks and getting smarter and smarter. I am amazed at how much trouble they can get into in so little time. They're excited about next week. We'll (Bradley, Corey, Collin, and I) be going to Cub Scout Day Camp out at the lake for the week. I'm going as an adult volunteer, and Corey and Collin are going as "Pixies". (Pixies are too young for scouting). It should be a great experience for us all. I'm sure we'll all have a great time! I'll be updating!!

Dennis has had his ups and downs, been laid off from his job, and then thankfully, found another job. Unemployment just wasn't cutting it. He went back to Monocacyfabs, and some days is glad to be back, although he works so much harder there than he did at the last place. Three weeks ago, he quit smoking!! YAY!!!

My brother moved in last month and will be staying for this month yet. He worked at the same place as Dennis and was laid off too. Just today, he went for his 2nd interview at Blue Ridge Pressure Castings and he'll be starting in a week or so. Congrats, Ted!!

Well, I think that's enough for now. I've got to get to bed!! Goodnight, I'll be back tomorrow. :)

I'm trying

My head just isn't very clear tonight. I came here in hopes of journaling my weekend, but I've been doing more backspacing than anything. Now that things have settled down some for me (for now?), I'm hoping to get a fresh start tomorrow morning, and I'll make an entry or more tomorrow.

I'm trying to keep this blog current, but unfortuantely, tonight I just can't do it. I figure, something is better than nothing!

See you tomorrow! Good night.

Whew!

Today was one of those days that just flew right by! I can't believe that in a few minutes, it will be "tomorrow"!

I spent most of my morning printing out valentines for Brad. He picked out the pictures he wanted on them last night. I printed them out on postcards, with a picture on one side, and on the other side, we used minature M-Azing candy bars. The candy bar makes the valentine read, "You're an *M-Azing* Friend". His teacher will get one, of course, that says, "You're an *M-Azing* Teacher!"

While I was working on that, Marilyn (step-mom) called. Her sister, Linda, passed away last night. She'd like it if I could put together some photos for her to display at the viewing/funeral. I have until Tuesday afternoon to complete it. I just hope I do as well as they expect me to. I'm hoping to have it done sooner, though. (I can dream! I'm such a procrastinator!)

As if I didn't already have enough going on, Corey, Collin, and I decided to bake some cookies today. They are my helpers, so they got their "bakers" out. "Bakers" is their term for an apron.lol They got out my "hot pots" (oven mitt and pot holder) for me. The cookies were a little "flat", but they must taste pretty good, since they were gobbling them up!

The cookies took a little longer than I expected, and before I knew it, Dennis was home from work. That meant that I had to get my rear in gear if I was going to be showered and ready for cub scouts tonight! I wanted to leave earlier than normal, since I'd have to stop at Wal-Mart for supplies for the picture boards. I made it out of here just in time.

At cub scouts, the boys played board games while the parents set up for tomorrow's big race. It's Pinewood Derby time!! This year, amazingly, Brad's car should be dry when it goes down the track. Every year, we start too late and end up working on it until the very last minute. I sooooo don't like that! I just hope his car does better this year. He's never really made it very far other years. He does have a good time, though, so that's all that matters.

After scouts, we went over to Dad & Marilyn's to pick up the pictures and things that she and her mom had picked up for the picture boards. It didn't seem like we were there very long, but we didn't leave their house until almost 10pm! I thought for sure that Dennis would be mad, but luckily, he wasn't. It's so hard for me to keep track of what's going on lately. We're both so stressed out over the van. Finally, the junk yard tested and found a good transmission. Dennis was hoping to have it put in by now, but it's not even here yet. Ugh! He'll go and pick it up tomorrow when we get back from the derby. I can't wait to have my van back!

I'll post some derby pics tomorrow, and hopefully I'll be able to post a pic of a trophy, too. ;)

Long time, no see

It's been so long, that I had a hard time getting in here. Luckily, I wrote my username and password in a little notebook. Here it is again, a little over a month has passed since my last entry. Now that I'm finally back, I'm not sure how to go about updating on all that's been going on around here. I guess I'll make a list, just to update, and if you think dull thoughts in between, than you'll be up to speed on what's been going on in the Moyer household. LOL

Let's see.......

In early January, we celebrated some birthdays. Bradley turned 10 on the 4th, and a week later, on the 11th, my "babies", Corey and Collin turned 4. (Don't tell them I called them my babies. They'd get pretty mad!) We had a small party at the house for Corey and Collin. Brad didn't want a party, but instead decided that when it's warm out, he'll have some friends sleep over, possibly outside in the tent.

On Jan 25th, I got a new camera! I've been searching the internet and found one that I totally fell in love with! It's a Canon Powershot S2 IS. We used part of our Income Tax refund to purchase it. I felt a little guilty, spending so much on a camera, but Dennis wanted me to have it. This camera should be all I'll ever need in a camera. I was really excited about the 12X zoom, and all of the other features that this camera has. I'd love to share pics with everyone, but I can't until I get this blog stuff figured out. There's got to be an easier way to post pics in here, but I haven't figured it out yet. I'll work on that.

It was hard to be excited and happy about my new camera. When we got home from buying the camera, there was a message on the answering machine. Steve Pfeiffer, aka "Pappy Pfeiffer" had passed away that morning in his sleep. It was quite a shock, since I had just seen him the day before, and he looked like he did any other day. I'm so glad that I got to talk to him that day, and he will most definately be missed.

Almost a week later, on Jan 31st, Dennis surprised me and brought home a laptop for me.I knew I was getting one, I just wasn't sure when. We weren't sure if I'd get a laptop or if we'd buy another desktop. We decided on the laptop, because it wouldn't take up as much space as a desktop, and the fact that it's "portable". There were a few occassions that I could've used a laptop. Well, now I have one! Again, I feel pretty guilty for spending so much money on myself.

The guilt weighed heavier on me this past weekend (Feb. 4th). Long story short, the transmission in our van is no good. Right now, the van is in the driveway, so I'm thankful that it didn't leave us sit, or have to be towed from far away. The day it conked out, I had all 4 boys with me and it was raining! It's times like these that I am so thankful that Dennis has mechanical abilities! It would cost us a small fortune if we'd have to take it to a garage to be repaired. As it is now, Dennis is hoping to have a new transmission in the van by tomorrow night. I'm not sure how or if he'll be able to do it, though. I'm no mechanic, but I'd imagine that it's not an easy job to do, let alone get it done so quickly! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

The van has to be done by Saturday morning. Brad's cub scout pack is holding it's Pinewood Derby (or, as Corey calls it, "the pine dirty")! I'd really like us to go as a family to watch Brad race his car. We won't all fit in Dennis' car, so hopefully, the van will be done.

I know there is probably a lot that I've forgotten. I'll have to sneak it into another entry. I've got to go now, it's time for lunch, and I've got 2 hungry boys here!

Until next time.....

Really, cats don't like water!

I'm not allowing Corey and Collin to play in their room for a few days.(They destroyed two days in a row with frosting one day, and cupcakes the next!) They are not at all happy about it, but it's not like I'm depriving them of their toys. There are toys scattered all over the house. They certainly are determined little boys, because I caught them using the broom handle to unlock their door (we have a hook & eye lock on the door). They thought they were funny when they got in. I put the broom in their room and locked it again. Minutes later, they took the plunger from the bathroom to unlock it. I put that in their room and locked it again. Their final attempt was with the toilet brush. They got the door open and I did the same thing again. After that, I think they got tired of that game, and they played in the living room.

My biggest mistake was thinking that I would be able to make supper once they were somewhat settled. Little did I know, they decided to play in the bathroom, and they thought it would be fun to put some shampoo on Skittles (one of our kittens)! It wasn't like she was covered in shampoo, but it was enough for me to think that if she was to clean herself, she'd be blowing bubbles for a while. My main concern, though, was her getting sick from the shampoo.

I wasn't sure what to do, but I was pretty sure that what I HAD to do to get the shampoo off of her. I'd have to rinse it from her hair. I don't ever recall giving a cat a bath, but I imagined it wouldn't be easy. As much as I hated to do it, I held her with one hand and used the kitchen sprayer and tried to rinse it out. She most definately wasn't enjoying it, but she never hissed at me like I thought she would. My left arm is full of scratches from her trying to get away, but at the same time, I think she's glad to have it off of her. After I rinsed her, I put her in a towel and dried her off as best I could. The poor little thing clung to me, and looked so pitiful with her hair weighed down from being wet.

I was a little worried about her, at first, because she isn't normally so happy to be held like that, let alone dried off with a towel. After a little while of holding her and trying to get her dried off, she finally wanted to get down. She seems to be doing just fine now, and she actually smells pretty good, too.;)


I can only hope that tomorrow will be better.

Happy Birthday Bradley!

It doesn't feel like 10 years have passed, but today is Bradley's 10th birthday. If you've ever met him, you already know that he is quite unique! He's our "Science Boy" and has a great imagination. He dreams of being an inventor someday, and it wouldn't surprise me if he would do it. His little mind has come up with some amazing things. Things that I never gave any thought to until he mentioned them. He's truly an amazing kid, and I love him dearly!

I figured today I would post his birth story. I hope you all enjoy it. :)

My pregnancy was for the most part, "normal", although most of my OB appointments showed that I was losing weight and not gaining. My dr wasn't too concerned and said the baby was taking from me and was gaining weight, and was measuring right on, so I wasn't to worry. I don't recall having an actual due date (but then again, it's been 10 years!), but I do remember being told that I'd have my baby sometime between Christmas and New Year's. I thought for sure that I was carrying a girl. This pregnancy wasn't the same as my first, with my oldest son (I had him single), Trevor, 6 years earlier.

Christmastime came and went. No baby. New Year's, same thing. At my next OB appointment, the dr scheduled me for an induction at 7am on Wednesday morning, January 4, 1996. January 3rd came, and I was going to take a bath and go to bed. I was so nervous and anxious that I couldn't sleep. Finally, around midnight, I got my bath and went to bed. I was going to wash my hair in the morning before we'd leave for the hospital. (I have a "thing" about having my hair done!) I wasn't feeling so good, and I thought that was because I was just getting over a "bug". The week before, I called Dr. Miller because I thought I was in labor, but it turned out to be stomach cramps. I felt like an idiot, and I think he was a little upset with me because I called him pretty late at night. (oops!)

Around 2am, I woke Dennis up. I couldn't sleep, and by this time, I was quite sure that it was labor. By this time, I was timing contractions, and they were about 5 minutes apart. This being his first child, he pretty much went into a panic. For some reason, all I could think about was that I'd have to get my hair done! LOL So, I washed my hair, and brought my hair dryer and curling iron into my bedroom and I was going to do my hair "quick" before we'd head to the hospital. There was no way that I could stand at the bathroom mirror to do my hair. I think it was 2, maybe 3 times that I had to stop the blow dryer and breath through some rough contractions. While I was doing my hair, Dennis called and woke my mom from bed to tell her we'd be bringing Trevor to her on our way to the hospital. He called the hospital and told them we were on our way.

Of course, the night before all of this, we got a pretty bad snow/ice storm. The roads were pretty rough, and being in labor, I swear, I felt every bump! I remember crying as we dropped Trevor off, even though I knew he'd be just fine with my mom. I'd never really had him with a sitter before this.

We arrived at the hospital sometime after 3am. By this time, the contractions were very strong. At 3:20am, I was examined and I was already dialated to 7-8 cm. My OB wasn't at the hospital yet because he lived about 10 miles away, and the roads were pretty bad. I was scared that he wouldn't be there for the delivery. The nurses put an IV in me, checked my stats, etc. At 4:08am, I was wheeled me across the hall to the delivery room. They could see the baby's head was coming as they transferred me from one bed to the other. I kept telling them that I had a bad urge to push, and they kept telling me that I shouldn't push. I couldn't help it, it was soooo hard to hold back. Just as they were putting my legs in the stirrups,at 4:12am, my OB arrived. He still had his coat on when he went to check me. I thought he was joking with me when he told me that I could have the New Year's baby. He told me too, that I'd get all kinds of gifts, etc. At 4:18, I had my baby. The dr said, "It's a boy!", and then I heard him cry. I was a little surprised, but happy none the less. I thought for sure I was having a girl, but I was just as thrilled to have another son. As the nurses took him to be weighed and measured, the thing that stuck out most was his toes. So tiny, but the big toes seemed really big in comparison. He weighed in at 6lbs 12oz, and was 19.75 inches long.

The nurses asked what we'd be naming him, and we weren't so sure. If he would've been a girl, his name would have been Heather. One of the nurses laughed, because HER name was Heather! We were undecided if we would name him Corey, after Dennis' best friend that died that previous June, or if we would name him Bradley. One of the nurses said he looked more like a Bradley, and we thought that too. So, Bradley Robert it was! I was then taken to a "regular" room.

I don't remember what time it was, but it was later that morning that I found out that I DID have the first baby born in Carbon County for the year. People brought all kinds of stuff in to my room. I received a rocking chair, a case of diapers, flowers, an exersaucer, a gift certificate, and a case of formula, and a few other things. I was also asked if I'd mind being on the local news. I had to sign some things, and before I knew it, there was a cameraman in my room! I felt awful, I mean, I did just deliver a baby! LOL I was so worried about what my hair looked like, and of course, it was pretty bad. I was so nervous (and tired!) that I wasn't even sure what I was saying. It was quite the experience, and one I won't ever forget.

I can't help but feel a little teary-eyed now, and I wish I could say that my memory was so good to remember the exact times like I posted, but I didn't. I cheated and looked at my hospital records. I wouldn't be able to remember exact times like that, but I can remember the events like it was yesterday. I can't wait to one day tell my grandchildren, or anyone else that will listen, for that matter!;)

When Brad was a baby, I would try to imagine what he would be like as he got older. I imagined he would be a great kid, and he turned out even better. We've been so blessed!

Happy 10th Birthday, Brad! I love you!!

happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy..........

I've been wanting to just post about good things, and not negative ones, so tonight, I'll have to work extra hard in order to accomplish that. LOL Luckily, I have a great sense of humor, because today, I really needed it!

I slept much later than I would've liked to, but it did feel good to finally do some catching up. On a normal night, Corey or Collin will have me up at least once during the night for a drink of water or to be covered up. Last night, was a "straight through" sleep, and it felt pretty good. When I opened my eyes this morning and saw that it was close to 9:45am, I was shocked, and I got right out of bed. It's been soooo long since I'd slept so late!

The day was a typical day in the Moyer household. Dennis made sure that the couch didn't get up and run away, Trevor and Brad made sure their tv's and video games got some wear and tear, and Corey and Collin did everything in their power to make sure that there was plenty for this mom to do.

I started the day with my usual morning routine, but I started it a little later than normal. I did the dishes and straightened up the house. (I've really got to get in the habit of doing the dishes right after supper!) As soon as the last dish was washed, Dennis decided that he would make breakfast, and start a new pile of dirty dishes for me. So thoughtful!

I was on and off of the computer, worked on my jigsaw puzzle,did a few loads of laundry, cleaned the litter box, and ate some candy (so far,eating candy was the best part!lol). Before I knew it, it was time to start supper. I was to be at a meeting (parent's meeting for cub scouts) at 6:30pm. I wasn't sure there would be a meeting, since the weather is supposed to get bad. Some say we could see 3-5 inches of snow, some freezing rain, etc before this storm moves out. The meeting was not postponed, since it was just raining outside. The "bad" stuff would be coming much later at night and in the morning.

So, I made a list of things for Dennis to get from the store. I had myself so hungry for spaghetti with sharp cheddar and bacon sauce! Dennis ran to the store and got me everything I needed. I fried my bacon, dumped it in the pot. Melted the cheese, dumped it in the pot. Then, I dumped the tomato sauce in with the bacon and cheese. I thought something smelled a little "off", but then thought maybe it was the cheese? It's been soooo long since I last made it, that I wasn't sure what it should smell like. I dipped my finger in and gave it a taste. YUCK!!! I then sniffed the can with the remaining sauce in it. YUCK!!! It was obviously spoiled! I was sooo mad! I just wasted the bacon and the cheese!!

So, I got the receipt from Dennis and called the store that he bought it from. I explained to them that the sauce was nasty, and I felt a little foolish, but I also asked them if they would replace the bacon and cheese that this sauce had ruined. I was told that I'd have to speak to the manager. They transferred me to the manager, and I explained what happened to her. Her first question to me was, "What are you making?" LOL I told her, and after a few minutes of talking, she told me they would make good for the sauce AND for the bacon and cheese that was ruined because of it. I was happy about her response, but I wasn't exactly happy about having to make the sauce a second time.

While I was on the phone, Dennis went into Corey and Collin's room to "check in" on them. They were giggling, and that usually means they are up to no good. Yup, you guessed it! They WERE up to no good. I'm not sure when, but it was sometime between me making the bad batch of sauce and my phone call, that Corey and Collin got ahold of the box of spaghetti. They had it all broken up and thrown all over their room! Dennis was sooooo mad. So much gets wasted around here, and it's usually Corey and Collin doing the wasting. He added spaghetti to his new list and headed back up to the store.

I made my second batch of sauce, and it was delicious! I hurried and ate and then I had to get ready for the meeting. I didn't have a whole lot of time! Long story short, I was late for the meeting! UGH!

The meeting didn't last long at all. Maybe because I missed some of it? I don't know, but when I got home, I went straight to Corey and Collin's room and started to pick up the spaghetti. I imagined how nice it would've been if someone else would've had it all cleaned up, but that would be a real big stretch of my imagination. I have such a supportive and helpful family. grrrr...

Cleaning up the spaghetti probably would've been a lot easier if my lovely boys wouldn't have pulled every article of clothing from their dresser drawers and had it scattered all over their room. I also discovered that they had some fun with the treats for our kittens. Two little canisters of cat treats were the meatballs for their spaghetti. Luckily, the cats don't like the treats, or they'd be walking around with very full bellies right now.

I wasn't exactly sure how to clean up the mess. Some of the noodles were very long, while others were very small. It wouldn't be easy to vacuum, but it was a real pain to be on my hands and knees trying to pick it all up. I gave up and got the vacuum out. YEAH RIGHT! I think it took me longer that way than if I would've just stayed on my hands and knees! My poor vacuum cleaner, the one that's been on it's last leg for close to a year now, was just picking it up and putting it down somewhere else. The hose blocked up several times and I had to try and unblock it. I really should take a pic of my vacuum and share it with the world. It's a real sight to see, and works about as good as it looks! Hopefully, if things go right, I will be able to get a new one in the very near future. My next one won't be a "ride on" and I'll probably have to keep it under lock and key if I want it to last!

I eventually gave up, and decided to call it a night around 10:30pm. The kids had to go to bed, and I was missing "chat night". I went on the computer, and that's where I've been since. Now, here it is, sooooooo past my bedtime, and I'm rambling away here. I hope I'm not keeping you up too? LOL

So, I will finally go to bed now. I'm hoping to have a real pleasant dream. In my dream, we will be having "take out" and my maids will be keeping my house real clean!!

Night! :)

Out with the old, In with the new

I guess things would be pretty boring if they were always the same? This New Year, I hope that things will improve and be even better than the last. It's amazing how much faster the years seem to be going. Each year goes by faster than the last.

We've been going to Aunt Linda & Uncle Rusty's house for a New Year's celebration for many years now. They've had New Year's parties for as long as I can remember. For years, you'd see the same faces, and many of them seem to be unchanged, but the youngest ones seem to change so much from year to year. (I still can't get over how much Kyle has grown!) This year, there were a few faces that we missed, but that's not to say that we weren't thinking of them.

A few minutes before midnight, we all headed up to the park to "ring" in the New Year. Dennis and I got the kids' coats on and we headed up to the park. We sat in the parking spot waiting for the others as we watched Uncle Rusty put the rope on to the bell. We remembered how, for many years, my brother (Ted) would put the rope on. Ted hasn't been there for 2 or 3 years, since he's moved out of Weissport. His life has changed quite a bit, but I'm sure we'll be seeing him putting the rope on in years to come.

As we waited for everyone else, Corey was still strapped in his car seat, telling us that he wanted to lay in his bed and cover up. He was tired. Collin, on the other hand, couldn't wait to ring the bell.

It wasn't long before everyone was there. Uncle Leon was watching the time, and when the clock struck 12, Uncle Rusty rang the bell. Collin was first in line, so he rang it too. (He needed help, because if he would've had the rope by himself, it would've pulled him up!) Once Corey heard how loud the bell was, he backed away. The rest of the kids were running around and throwing snowballs, while some of the younger ones stood in line for their turn to ring the bell.

After everyone had their turn, we all got back into our cars and some of us headed home, while others headed back to Aunt Linda and Uncle Rusty's house. Dennis (and Corey) wanted to go home, so that's what we did.

Another year gone, but not to be forgotten, and we'll wonder what this new year has in store for us, and what a blessing it will be to see everyone again the next time we ring the bell.

Night Owl

Here it is, two minutes past 1 AM. I just left "the party". It was an online party at a site that I visit daily. I really do enjoy the ladies there. They are so much fun and just all around wonderful people!

I know it's late, and I should be in bed, but I don't feel tired. I asked Dennis to buy me a bottle of Coca~Cola, so that is why I'm still up. Funny what a little caffeine can do to a person. LOL

Today, Corey and Collin were up to no good for most of the day. They got into Trevor's room and squirt his shower gel all over the place! Trevor was really mad, since he just bought it the night before with his Christmas money. I felt bad for him, but at the same time, he should've locked his door to keep them out.

Corey and Collin did some decorating today, too. They used up a whole roll of toilet paper! 1000 sheets doesn't look like much when it's on the roll, but off the roll, it can cover an entire floor!

Tomorrow I will be going to Mom's house with my two favorite Aunts, Betty and Linda (mom's sisters). I'm looking forward to going, since this time I'll leave the kids at home. As much as I love them, it's nice to sometimes get away from them for a few hours. I'm hoping, and this is a big stretch, that while I'm gone, Dennis will conquer a few loads of laundry. I'm not holding my breath, but I can dream a little! LOL I've gotten soooooo far behind on the laundry, and I just don't have the motivation to get it done.

I better go now. I have to at least try to get some sleep. (I'm so bad!)

Can you say, "NEGLECT"? (An update)

Wow, I didn't realize it's been so long since my last entry here. I'm so bad! I hope to get back on track and stay there now! My life isn't all that exciting, so really, you didn't miss much. LOL

I can't really make up for lost time because my memory is pretty bad. I have a hard enough time remembering yesterday, let alone 2 months ago! So, I guess I'll just stick with our Christmas and go from there.

On Christmas day, I woke up around 7:30am to find Trevor and Brad in the living room. I'm not sure what time they got up, but they were checking out all of the gifts that Santa brought. It wasn't the "best" Christmas they've ever had, but at least there was something under the tree.

Not long after I was up, Corey came out to the living room. He was soooo excited to see the presents. Collin woke up about 15 minutes later and was also surprised. I was a little surprised to see him, because he's our sleeper. The last one to get up, like any other year, was Dennis. Surprisingly, we only had to go in and give him one wake up call this year!

While waiting for Dennis to come out, I got the camcorder out of the closet. I don't get it out as often as I should, and I'm going to try a little harder this year to get it out more.(2006 is going to be better in so many ways, taking more video is just one of the things I will change!)

Anyway, I was checking to see what was on the tape that was already in it, in hopes of just adding to it. I had to plug it into the wall outlet because I didn't charge the battery the night before like I should have. The camcorder wasn't working and it even ate a little of the tape. I was so disappointed. I couldn't remember if I used it since it was returned from my brother borrowing it. If he broke it, Dennis would have a fit and would be mad at me for even loaning it out.

Dennis came out into the living room, and I told him the camcorder wasn't working, so I'd have to use the still camera (digital) instead. At least we'd have that. He wasn't as upset as I thought he'd be and said he'd look at it later.

By this time, the kids were about to explode. They didn't want to wait any longer to open their presents. Corey and Collin knew exactly which one they wanted to open first. There was a real big one with both of their names on it! Trevor moved it away from the tree where they'd have more room, and Brad decided he'd go through the rest of the presents and sort them onto piles for each of them.

Corey and Collin opened the "big" one. It was an easel. That's not what they called it, but they seemed to know what it was for and they loved it. They wanted it out of the box right then and there to play with it. We told them that there were more presents to open and they could play after the rest of them were unwrapped. I really like that they are like that. They aren't the "rip and tear, toss it behind, and look for the next one" kind of kids.

I can't list all that they got, but I can say that Trevor's favorite gift was his steering wheel for his PS2, Brad's favorite was his boom box and cd's, and Corey and Collin are STILL playing with their easel. Santa didn't forget our kittens, either! They got a scratching post, and they seem to be enjoying it.

After all of the presents were opened, Dennis decided to look at the camcorder. He really didn't do anything but rewind the tape, and then it was "fixed"! UGH! I teased with the kids and told them that we'd have to wrap all of their gifts again and that we'd have to re-inact the whole thing! LOL Oh well, at least I took some pics. It wasn't a total loss. I did get some video of them playing with their new toys.

Dennis and I haven't exchanged gifts for the last few years, but we did get gifts from other family members. I'm not sure what he'd say was his favorite, probably the cash? I have more than one favorite. Mom and Jerry are too good too me! They got me a new deep fryer, and 2 t-shirts. I love Jerry's "I fought the lawn and the lawn won" shirt, so they made one for me! LOL Funnier still, they made a second one with MY picture on it! LOL LOL I've never laughed so hard! It is the most awful picture of me, too (not that there are any "good" ones!)! I will wear the one with my pic on it when I cut grass, and I'll laugh every time I put it on! I almost can't wait! LOL



Well, there you have it. I've decided to make my next entry about the changes we plan on making for the new year. It will be great to look back on to see what progress we've made.


**I just spent the last 45 minutes trying to add pics. It's not working like I'd like it to, so I'll have to keep trying.

Tune in tomorrow.....

Well, at least the phone is working again...

Did you ever have one of "those" days? Did it ever turn into one of "those" weeks? I'm beginning to wonder, myself. I'm just hoping that it doesn't turn into one of "those" months!

It all started this morning. I was dreaming that I was pregnant with a little girl, and the dream was so real. I kind of remember the alarm clock going off, but then I felt that Dennis was still in the bed, so I just assumed that it wasn't as late as it actually was. As it turns out, I DID oversleep, and it wasn't Dennis in my bed! It was Collin! I woke up, rushed out of the bed, ran out to the kitchen to find out the actual time, and I heard the bus pull up for Brad. UGH! Luckily, the bus goes around in a circle, and I could take Brad to the intersection to be picked up. I called the bus company, and they said it would be no problem for him to get on there. It actually worked out kind of good this way because Brad is normally the first one on the bus, but since he missed it, it would give us even more time to get him ready.

I think because I woke up in a panic, I freaked Brad out a bit, and he got ready faster today than he ever has. After getting Corey and Collin out of bed and dressed, we still had some time before we'd have to be at the intersection. It was then that Brad asked me to cut a penny in half. He was telling his friends that we have a scissors (cutco) that will cut a penny in half, and he wanted two halves for his friends. I don't like to cut pennies, but what the heck, if it would make him happy. I was having a little bit of a hard time with it, but I did get it cut, and he was thrilled. I'm not sure how, because I didn't pinch myself with the scissors or anything like that, but I ended up busting a blood vessel in my finger! It turned all blue and just felt really weird. My second "ugh" of the day!

The bus came, and the driver thanked us for calling ahead, and Brad was off to school. Corey, Collin, and I got home and I fed them their breakfast. I started cleaning up, and it really didn't take me all that long. I then decided to get the Halloween decorations out. I really don't have much, some orange lights, window clings, and pumkin garland (kind of like paper dolls). Because everything gets moldy in the basement, and we have no attic, the decorations are stored in Brad's bedroom closet. Of course, the tote was at the bottom of the pile, so I had to dig it out from under the Easter decorations. It wasn't fun, but I got them out.

I put the tote on the kitchen table. I opened the lid. AHHHHHHH!!!!! A whole bunch of moths flew out!! I put the lid back on, and told the boys that we'd have to open it up outside and get rid of the moths. I now know that if I'm going to keep indian corn from year to year, I will keep it in a ziploc bag! That's what the moths were after, and there were these little black bugs burrowing through the corn. I never had that happen before. Ick!

The boys were excited as I hung lights around the house (inside). I had a very long strand of orange lights that I hung in the hallway. They were so excited! Even though it turned out to be a lot more work, I'm glad that I got them out. I almost wasn't going to decorate. I'm just not as "in to it" this year.

Yesterday, I finally got my phone back, so I guess I should be happy about that. I hope tomorrow goes better than today did. I'm sooooo tired, and I'm hoping that Corey and Collin will decide to sleep in tomorrow, although I just know that they won't. Double Ugh!! Off to bed I go!!

Maybe I should've stayed in bed today?

It's raining and just miserable outside. It's been like this for a few days now. Poor Brad is going to the Environmental Center at Mauch Chunk lake today on a field trip. Looks like it's going to be a soggy one! I dressed him in layers, so hopefully he'll be warm enough!

Corey and Collin started the morning off just right, too. They were up to watch Brad get onto the bus, so hopefully, this means an earlier bed time tonight. Last night they went into their room and it got very quiet. I thought for sure I'd find them up to something, but to my surprise, they were asleep! I guess, that was the calm before the storm! lol

This morning, Corey announced that he had to pee. I was busy and told him to just go himself, or take Collin with him and I'd be there in a minute. Collin went with him, and I thought all was well. Corey came back out to the kitchen naked. Nothing unusual, he's ALWAYS naked! I went into the bathroom to get his underwear, and it was then that I discovered that he didn't make it to the potty. GRRRRR!!! Armed with a bucket of scrub water, I scrubbed the entire floor, saving the worst part for last.

After the scrubbing, they told me they were thirsty. No problem, I get them their drinks and they were sitting so nicely at the table with them. That is, until Collin decided to reach across the table for something, spilling his drink all over the place!!! AAAHHH!! My scrub bucket is getting a work-out today!

As I type, I've got two naked boys, wearing the dress shoes that are supposed to be in my closet, and endless giggles. This is funny to them. Just minutes ago, it was funny to them to get into the bathroom closet and grab every sheet and pillow case and drag them to the living room. They threw them around for maybe 3 minutes, and surprise surprise, they are now bored with that, and the sheets and pillow cases are still on the floor!

Oh, and I almost forgot! Yesterday, Dennis came home from work and told me that the phone isn't working. He tried calling me from work, but he got a message saying that the phone was disconnected! He called Verizon from work, and found out that it is an error on their part, and the phone should be back sometime today.

The boys are quiet and probably in my room. I'd better go!! (Hopefully, I won't be needing the scrub bucket anymore today!)

Fun weekend!

SURPRISE!!Last night's party was a success!! LOL We had so much fun, and Aunt Linda really enjoyed it. It was perfect, she was so surprised. It was a small party, but a fun one to say the least. A while back, I bought a kit to make gift bags on the computer. I made a gift bag for Aunt Linda. I scanned in pics of Aunt Linda, and I cut and pasted her head on other people. She just about peed her pants from laughing so hard. My cheeks hurt from laughing so hard at her laughing! LOL I am far from being an expert at Photoshop, so some of the images were pretty bad, and I left them that way. I worked on it most of day and the end result was funny. I put her head on Ronald McDonald, President Bush, Pam Anderson, a baby, Santa Claus, etc. It was so funny!

It wasn't raining today, so my mom, Chrissy, my boys and I went to the pumpkin patch. I tried getting some nice fall pics of the boys, but that didn't happen. It's so hard to get them to look at the camera, and I seemed to click the pic at just the right time....when they were blinking! We wanted to do the "farmer for a day", but since it had rained so much the day before, everything was too wet. We're going to try it again next weekend if it's nice. I bought each of the boys a small pumpkin to decorate, so they were happy.

This is probably the nicest pic that I got:


I'm still not sure what I'm doing when it comes to posting pics here, so I'll have to play around with it some when I have more time. I want to post pics of all 4 boys from last year and this year to see how they've grown. I'll have to save that for tomorrow. I just don't have the brain power tonight.

"Make me mad, Mom" & party plans

Brad's been saving the change from his lunch money, and he wanted me to take him to the dollar store. He knew exactly what he wanted from there. A "mood" ring! I took him there Wednesday night, and I'm not sure what "mood" each color represents, but it was obvious looking at him, he was happy. Since then, he's worn his ring every day, and he's asking me to make him mad to see if the ring changes color. LOL Ya gotta love him! He's so funny.

Today is a gloomy day. It's raining and has been since yesterday. Mom, Chrissy (my sister), and I had planned on going to get pumpkins and fall decorations. Needless to say, we won't be going today! We really need the rain, but it would've been so much more fun to go to the pumpkin patch. I wanted to take some pics of my boys and even go on a horse-drawn hayride. They would've loved that! Hopefully the weather will cooperate next weekend.

I really shouldn't be here, I've got so much to do. Mom, Chrissy, and I are up to no good again. LOL We've planned a little birthday party for my Aunt Linda. Two weekends ago, we had a garage sale at Chrissy's. Aunt Linda had some pretty weird stuff to sell and even made the comment that she didn't think anyone would really want her stuff. That's all we needed to hear! LOL The crazy family that we are, we've decided that since Aunt Linda's birthday was coming up, we'd take the strangest items she had for sale, wrap them up, and give them to her! LOL Aunt Linda had to leave for a bit, so that was perfect! I can't wait to see her face tonight!! LOL I can let the cat out of the bag about it now, because I haven't given Aunt Linda the link to this blog yet. I'll give it to her tonight, if I remember. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aunt Linda!!

I hope to update later tonight with some pics! You all know that I'll have my camera along! LOL

Better go!!:)

A picture or two is worth a thousand words....

Do I even need to tell you what kind of day I had today? As usual, Corey was naked for most of the day, well, except for his boots! All of the cleaning up that I did in the morning was, again, as usual, a complete waste of time. I had a wagon full of Hot Wheels cars hidden in my room, but of course, they found it and had to bring it out to the living room. It wouldn't be bad if they would play with the cars, but instead, the fun part is dumping them all onto the floor and then going to find something else to get into!

My bathroom wasn't forgotten today, either. I'm thinking of just making that the playroom since that's what they do in there most times. Brad was a little disappointed that he didn't think of it first, to get wads of toilet paper wet, and then throw them around the bathroom. He was amazed how they stuck to the walls, shower, mirror, sink, etc!! Corey and Collin are constant reminders that "two heads are better than one".

I did it again. I'm up later than I'd like to be. I can't help it. It's so peaceful in here when everyone else is in bed! Tomorrow, I'm hoping to get the fish tank cleaned and moved. It didn't get done on Sunday like I had hoped it would have. I'm not sure if I can do the job myself, but I certainly will try! I'm slowly trying to get my house back in order (imagine that!). If I want to try to get this place organized, I've got to get the big obstacles out of the way first. The fish tank is an eyesore in my kitchen! We shall see!!

It's hard for me to believe, but it's time to order Trevor's class ring! He keeps telling me about it, but has yet to hand me the papers about it. Man, when I think about it (I really try not to), he's almost done with High School! He's a sophmore this year, and it just doesn't seem real. Where does the time go???

Brad brought home an order form for school pictures. He'll be smiling for the camera on the 13th. I glanced at the order form, but as usual, I have no idea what I'll be ordering. I can't remember which grandparents would like the 8X10's and which ones wanted the 5X7's. Both Dennis and my parents are divorced, so that's 4 pics I have to keep track of.

It's getting closer to midnight. Time sure does fly! Tune in tomorrow......

Off to a late start...

This morning, I over-slept a bit. Brad didn't miss the bus, but he had to rush to get dressed and ready for school. No time for breakfast, either. Luckily, this year, the school offers breakfast. I think Brad likes to eat breakfast at school. He never really was one for getting up and eating first thing. I'm hoping to get to bed a bit earlier tonight. I am tired right now, actually.

Sleeping late kind of messed me up for the whole day. I did get something accomplished, though. My laundry pile did get smaller!! WooHoo! I have a laundry room again! I actually started on it last night. I drug the ironing board out. I had to. Corey and Collin had a blast yesterday afternoon with my folded laundry. They dumped the baskets out and then threw the clothing all over. It was all wrinkled (I hate wrinkles!), and I didn't think "fluffing" it in the dryer would help, so I ironed the wrinkles out. I learned from this mistake, and today as it was folded, it got put away, right away!

Earlier tonight, I had a PTO meeting. As usual, nothing exciting. My excitement was just a few minutes before I had to leave. I was standing in the kitchen, looking out the window. I thought I saw something dark in the woods. Maybe a bear? No bear, but as I stood there, out of the woods came a deer. Then, a minute or so later, her babies came out too. They really aren't that small anymore, and if they are the same ones I've seen before, they really have grown! I love watching them, they are so beautiful!

Not long after they went back into the woods, it was time for me to leave for the meeting. I drove slowly down the road, because I knew they could still be close by. As I was going over the little bridge, I glanced out my window, and I could see the momma deer in the creek. I wish I would've had my camera ready. It would've been a beautiful shot! (Of course, I did have my camera with, it's with me ALL the time! It was buried in my purse, though.)

Corey and Collin were their usual selves today. ROWDY!! I don't know where they get their energy!! WOW!!! If I had even half of their energy, an no interruptions, my house would be spotless! Actually, it's because of their energy that my house looks like it does some days. Today, they decided that they are big enough to get their own drinks! My kitchen floor and table are so sticky! I know what I'll be doing tomorrow. :(

It's almost 11pm now, and I'm up much later than I would've liked. I can't oversleep tomorrow, so I'm going to bed now.

Goodnight! :)

A trip to "Mem-Mem's"

Yesterday, the boys and I went to my mom's. The boys love going there. They not only love my mom and Jerry, they love the kittens too! They were so good with them! It's so tempting to say that I'll take one, (or two!), but we really can't afford a vet bill right now, and I couldn't take one without being able to give it the proper care. Seeing how good they were with the kittens, there's no doubt in my mind that one day we will get one!

We didn't just go to play with kittens, we also did some shopping. Brad needed pants for school. On our way to the store, my mom took us to a little airport to watch some sky divers. It was really neat to watch, but there's no way I'd ever do it! lol It was hard for the boys to really see them because the sun was shining in their eyes. Next time, we'll go on a day when there are a few clouds in the sky to block the sun!

Good morning......

Dennis went to work, Trevor and Brad went to school. I'm waiting now, for Corey and Collin to get up. It's kind of nice to have a little peace and quiet in the morning. It's a little strange, the sounds that are muffled by their activity when they are awake. I can hear that the fish tank is in need of some water. I've been neglecting it so bad. It was supposed to be put back into the dining room the weekend after the new floor was put in, but it's still in it's "temporary" home, the kitchen. The floor has been done for a few weeks now. It's a 55 gallon tank and we want to give it a good cleaning before it gets put back, a weekend job, but we've been busy every weekend since, so it hasn't been done yet. This weekend looks good, so far, but I can't have Dennis carry the tank outside to the hose. I'll have to recruit Trevor to help me so it gets done.

I'll be more anxious today, for Dennis to get home. I can't wait to hear how his day went. I'm hoping that he doesn't come home early, either with pain, or that he's been fired. I really don't like the place that he works. I know that if he is given a hard time about being off, he'll tell them exactly what's on his mind, and he may get nasty enough to make them mad.

I'm hoping that today I will hear something from Domestic Relations. It's been 3 weeks (almost 4!) since I last got a child support payment from Trevor's father. We were supposed to have a hearing, but I decided to give the jerk the benefit of the doubt, and I "continued" the hearing. I'm too nice of a person, I guess, because since I did that, I've received nothing in support. Our hearing will now be on Oct. 21st, and I won't be as nice then.

Corey just came out, and wants Cheerios. It won't be too much longer, and Collin will be up too, and my noisy, crazy day will begin! Good Morning!

WAAAAHHHHH!

Today, Dennis stayed home from work again. He did say that the meds are helping with his back, but he's still going to take it easy, as ordered by the dr. He's going to go to work tomorrow morning, and he hopes to make it through the day with minimal pain. He's taking his meds tonight before bed, and wants to try to space them that he doesn't have to take them at work. He feels "funny" from them, and doesn't want to work or drive home like that. (I don't blame him, but at the same time, he's got to take them if he wants to get better!)

So, Dennis is feeling better, and here I am, feeling HORRIBLE!! I had a rough one today! I woke up feeling alright, got Brad off to school, and even chatted on the phone for 75 minutes with Angie. (That's a short call for us! lol) Not long after I hung up the phone, I went on the computer to check out a few things, and then it hit! I RAN to the bathroom.

I don't want to go into too much detail. (I'm sure you don't mind!) I've been having these HORRIBLE cramps in my stomach for most of the day. Around 7pm, I was very thirsty, since I didn't eat or drink anything all day. I got a glass of water, and had maybe 2 sips of it. The cramps came back! I wanted to cry! Normally, I can tolerate pain, but when I get a stomach bug, I'm a big baby! Earlier in the afternoon, I talked to Terry on the phone, and she said that her dad had the same thing this past weekend. It only lasted 24 hours for him. I'm soooo hoping that is the case for me too. I don't think I can take much more of this!

I did manage to get the dishes done today, but the rest of the house is another story. I didn't have the energy to stop the boys as they tore out most of their toys and scattered them around the house. Collin did help some and put some of them away, but he got too bored with that too quick, so hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to get it looking better in here!

I'm heading to bed now, in hopes that I will wake up tomorrow morning feeling "brand new"! I just hope that no one else in the house gets this!

Could use some prayers

Dennis just got back from the ER a few minutes ago. He's been suffering from terrible back pain for at least 3 weeks or more now. He says it's only been about 2 weeks, but I can remember hearing the moans and groans for much longer. The other night in bed, I heard a loud "crack" as he moved, followed by a moan. This wasn't the first time I've heard it, either.

They did an x-ray at the hospital, and found that the spaces between his vertabrae are worn. His 5th lumbar is twisted. He was given a few prescriptions and told NO WORK for 3 days, and he's to see a chiropractor. He is to stay active, but absolutely no lifting! We're not sure how, but he will get the prescriptions, he HAS to, and he's already informed me that he won't be staying home from work. He has no more vacation days left (today he is using the last one), and there's no way we'd be able to survive a week with only a two day pay. We'll be lucky if we can get through this week as it is.

I wish there were more that I could do for him. I've been praying for him, often. He can be so stubborn, and I will continue to pray and pray that he follows the dr's orders and we are able to afford the prescriptions.

Please, keep him and our family in your prayers. Thank you!

It's been almost a week!!!

I told myself that I wouldn't do this! I wanted to keep up with this, but I've been so busy and so tired lately. I'm tired right now. I'm so tired of being tired!

Yesterday was a long day. I took some things to Chrissy's for her garage sale. I didn't do too bad, I really didn't have that much stuff, and I made $50. I got up earlier yesterday morning than I normally get up during the week. By the end of the day, I was exhausted!

This morning, I was up early again. I talked to Chrissy about going to church with her, and she said she'd call me back later that night to let me know what time she'd be leaving and if we'd drive together, etc. I never got the call. Little did I know, Trevor had the phone in his room and was using it most of the night. She tried calling, but didn't get through. Ugh!

I got up this morning, long before my alarm was set to go off. I couldn't sleep. I thought for sure that Chrissy would call me in the morning. I wasn't afraid that I wouldn't get up in time, I've been having a lot of trouble with sleep lately. Mostly because Dennis wakes me often. He doesn't mean to do it, but he moans and groans in his sleep. He's been having terrible back pain for weeks now, and he doesn't do anything about it. I don't want to think about it, but my mind always thinks the worst. What if it is something more than just back pain? He has one vacation day left, and he's talking about taking it tomorrow, and going to the dr. or ER. (He doesn't have the money to go to the dr. so he'll go to the ER and be billed). I have been, and continue to pray that it is something that can be treated with meds and/or therapy, or something. I hate to see him in so much pain.

Anyway, I got a little side-tracked there!

I was up and ready to go this morning. I called Chrissy around 8 am, but got her machine! I figured she was either in the shower, or changed her mind about going. I knew that she'd be helping my Aunt Linda the night before, and I thought maybe it took longer than she would've liked, and she was up too late and decided not to go. I left a message and told her to call me before 8:30 am if she was going. Any later than that, and I didn't think I'd be able to make it.

Finally, at 8:50 am, she called, and by then, it was too late. I would've never made it on time, so I didn't go. Not only that, I was cleaning up and had gotten pretty dizzy. There's no way I could drive like that, so I decided not to go. I thought of just going to where I went last week, but I wasn't sure if Aunt Betty would be there or not. Brandon is sick again, and if she couldn't get a sitter, she'd have to stay home with him. I don't have long-distance on my phone, so I couldn't even call her. I will have to wait until next week to go.

Time flew right by, and before I knew it, it was time to get ready to go to the "Beagle picnic". For the past few years, we've bought a ticket to go. Uncle Rusty belongs to the Eldred Beagle Club, and for the past few years, they've had a picnic to raise money for the club. It cost us $20 for our family to go. They have a Chinese Auction, kiddie cake walk, meat raffles, 50/50 money raffles, basket raffles, food, drinks, ice cream, and by purchasing a ticket, you have a chance to win money and door prizes.

This year, we did better than we'd ever done there! We won a ham, two cakes in the cake raffle, the younger 3 won stuff in the kiddie cake walk, 3 Chinese auction prizes, and a huge basket filled with Christmas decorations, candy, cd's, towels, etc.!! It was nice to finally go there and leave there with something! Corey and Collin cried that they didn't want to leave. They had a good time too, and I really can't complain about how they were. They were pretty good! There was a little play area for the kids, and a magician came and did some tricks and then made balloon animals, etc. for the kids. They had a blast!

It's just past 10:30 pm now, and they are still awake. I'm so tired, and I'm going to have to take them into bed now and hope they fall asleep before I do! I'm fighting to keep my eyes open, but they seem wide awake. Dennis just took them in now, and I'm heading in too.

Will he give me grandchildren?

Earlier tonight, Brad and I went to the Conference Center for Cub Scout registration night. I love going to scouts with him, and I really enjoy the ride to and from there. Bradley comes up with some real good ones! LOL

He has now decided that he will get married when he's older. For a little while, he wasn't going to get married because it costs too much. He used to say that if he got married, he'd have to spend more money on a bed, since he'd need a double, he'd have to buy more food, have kids (which are expensive), and his bills would be higher.

Tonight, he said he's going to get married, but he's making his wife get a job too. He won't have children so that his wife can work. I'm sure that he'll change his mind, eventually, well, I hope he does!

Busy day!

I shouldn't have waited so long to come here. I'm tired now and have a headache. I think the headache is from lack of sleep. I was up early today, and up way too late the night before.

Brief description of my day: (Imagine that, me keeping it brief! LOL)

Church (1st time in a very long time! I loved it!!)
Picked up toys in living room
Worked on Cub Scout pages
Took Brad to Tanner's party
Worked on Cub Scout pages
Picked Brad up from Tanner's party
Made supper
Went to Aunt Linda's
Checked e-mail
Came here!

I really enjoyed the visit at Aunt Linda's. Uncle Scott & Aunt Debbie come to visit every now and then from Indiana. I'd love to someday be able to visit them, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

I love when all of my aunts and uncles get together. I love hearing the stories! I took Brad and Trevor with, but left Corey and Collin at home with Dennis. Next time they come, I'll take the little ones along. I'm not sure I could've handled them tonight. I'm exhausted!

I'm yawning as I type, and my eyes are burning. I'd better call it a night!

Need more hours in a day!

Today we went to Aunt Betty's house for Savannah's 5th birthday party. I'm amazed that there's still dirt in her back yard. My boys brought so much of it home with them! I gave them a bath before we went to the party. What a waste! They did have a great time, though! They always have a good time at Aunt Betty's house!

Tomorrow will be another busy day. I'm planning on going to church with Aunt Betty. It's something I've been wanting to do for so long. I've decided that I will go to church with her this Sunday, and next Sunday I hope to go with my sister, Chrissy, to the church that she goes to. I'd more or less like to "check them out", and see which one I feel most comfortable at, and then I'm hoping to get the boys into Sunday School.

After church, I'd like to get some pages done on the computer. Cub Scouts is having it's registration night on Monday night, and I was asked to make some more pages. I take so many pictures of the boys, and then I make "scrapbook" pages with them. I haven't put them in an actual book yet, but it's something I'm going to try and do. Everyone loved the pages I did last year, so that is why they ask me to do them.

Bradley will be going to his friend Tanner's house at 2pm for a birthday party. Tanner is one of his best friends. He and Tanner made a skateboarding video last year for a project that they were assigned to do. I never did get to see the video. It doesn't open on my computer, but I do have the disk. I'm hoping to one day get to see it!

Sunday night, at 6-6:30pm, I'll be going to Aunt Linda's house. Uncle Scott is in from Indiana for a visit. Uncle Scott is the youngest in my mom's family. I really love getting together with everyone. I love my family! Dennis will more than likely stay home, and I'm thinking of leaving at least my two youngest home with him. I need a little time to myself, and it's hard to enjoy a visit while chasing the boys around.

I wish, in a way, that there were 2 of me. At 6pm tomorrow night, the church "next door" is doing something that I know my boys would love. One of the pastor's boys brought a little paper to us about the night's activities. They're calling it "Fascar Racing". Each child is to bring a Hot Wheels or Matchbox car to race down a track. They'll award prizes and do other things too. I'd like to see them go, but I'm not sure what will happen yet. I can't be in two places at the same time.

I really should be in bed now, but I wouldn't have been able to sleep knowing that I didn't post. I'm determined to keep up with this! LOL

Tune in tomorrow.......

One I will keep up with

I'm hoping to keep up with this blog. I started one previously and wasn't keeping up with it. I didn't really like where the other one was going. I would "run" to that one mainly when I was feeling down. I'm still keeping the "old" one, and I'm keeping it private. That will be the one that I go to when I need to "vent". I'm going to try really hard with this one to keep it up to date, and I've decided to share this one with friends and family. I'm sure you already have an idea of what life is like in the Moyer household, and if you don't, this is a good place to start!

So, if you give me a minute, I'll quickly tidy up a bit and I'll get the toys off of the couch so you can sit down. As always, I apologize for the mess, but I'm going for the "lived in" look in my house. LOL

Enjoy!