Video Fun Starring Corey.....

Corey's broadcast....Take 1

Corey...Take 2 (not much different from the first, but he insisted he do it again! lol)

Video Fun starring Collin.....

Collin, inside a box. The box is supposed to be a television.

Collin.....Take 2......

Interview with Collin.....

Collin, Age 7 (Asked these questions on February 27, 2009)

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Do your homework!
2. What makes mom happy?
when I do my homework or when I smile
3. What makes mom sad?
when I play video games and don't do my homework
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
when she makes diarhea jokes
5. What was your mom like as a child?
you had brown eyes and you liked to play games a lot
6. How old is your mom?
38
7. How tall is your mom?
don't know
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
clean, play games
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
go on the computer or do chores
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
when I say that someone's drowing in the middle of the lake you go to the middle and get them out
11. What is your mom really good at?
making colored cookies or cupcakes
12. What is your mom not very good at?
catching birds because you never do
13. What does your mom do for her job?
clean
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
pizza with chicken that has hot sauce
15. What makes Mommy proud of you?
when I get my homework done on time
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Bakugan
17. What do you and your mom do together?
playing bingo and scratching off a ticket on the computer
18. How are you and your mom the same?
both have brown eyes
19. How are you and your mom different?
one is bigger one is small or you could put the girl is big and the boy is small
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
because she lets me tickle her

Interview with Corey.......

Corey, age 7 (Asked him these questions on February 27, 2009)

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Do you want to eat supper?
2. What makes mom happy?
when I help you do the dishes
3. What makes mom sad?
when we don't do our homework
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
say funny jokes
5. What was your mom like as a child?
what were you like?
6. How old is your mom?
38 (typed in by Corey)
7. How tall is your mom?
I don't know, how tall are you?
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
go on the computer
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
do chores
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
being funny
11. What is your mom really good at?
typing
12. What is your mom not very good at?
doing notes that are separated on guitar hero
13. What does your mom do for her job?
wash the dishes and clean
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
pork chops
15. What makes Mommy proud of you?
doing my homework
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Mary from Mary had a Little Lamb
17. What do you and your mom do together?
play Monopoly Jr.
18. How are you and your mom the same?
we both like to play games
19. How are you and your mom different?
one is a girl, one is a boy
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
cause you always smile at me

Interview with Bradley.......

Bradley, age 13 (Asked him these questions on March 1, 2009)
1. What is something mom always says to you?
go to bed
2. What makes mom happy?
taking pictures
3. What makes mom sad?
everything
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
tell jokes
5. What was your mom like as a child?
I have no clue
6. How old is your mom?
39 (close, my birthday is on Wed.)
7. How tall is your mom?
a little taller than me
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
take pictures
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
how am I supposed to know if I'm not around?
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
photography
11. What is your mom really good at?
photography
12. What is your mom not very good at?
keeping songs out of her head
13. What does your mom do for her job?
housemother
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
shrimp
15. What makes Mommy proud of you?
my intelligence
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
no clue
17. What do you and your mom do together?
answer questions like these
18. How are you and your mom the same?
both have mustache and chin hair (thanks a million, Brad!)
19. How are you and your mom different?
my mom has more facial hair (I think a grounding is due! lol)
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
you do crap for me (nice, real nice Brad)

Interview with Trevor......

Trevor, age 19 (I asked him these questions on March 7, 2009 as part of a note on Facebook.)

1. What is something mom always says to you?
be careful
2. What makes mom happy?
being careful
3. What makes mom sad?
not being careful (I see a pattern her, smart allec!)
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
telling me something stupid
5. What was your mom like as a child?
I don't know I wasn't there
6. How old is your mom?
39
7. How tall is your mom?
5' 9" (close, 5' 7")
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
facebook
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
I don't want to know
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
photography
11. What is your mom really good at?
photoshop
12. What is your mom not very good at?
fixing cars
13. What does your mom do for her job?
sits on her butt all day (Thank you, Trevor. Lovely, just lovely.)
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
haddock
15. What makes Mommy proud of you?
that I finally got my license
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Stimpy (??? oh geez, Trevor!)
17. What do you and your mom do together?
nothing
18. How are you and your mom the same?
we both like to listen to music and funny stuff
19. How are you and your mom different?
the kind of music we listen to
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
because she tells me she does

Happy Birthday to me.....

Yes, today is my birthday. Do I have to tell you how young I am? Ok, I'm 39, but I don't feel 39. I'm not really sure how old I feel, I just know it's not 39. Confused? Age does funny things to you. *wink*

It's been quite the day, to say the least, but no real celebration. I'm ok with that. :) I'm hoping to talk Dennis into going out to eat this weekend. (I'm pretty good at getting what I want. lol) Tonight was just too busy.

I'm not sure what's going on, but I've been having many thoughts about many things lately. Today, "Big Rich" Ahner was on my mind. I'm not sure how many years it's been since his passing, but I know that he is missed. I think of him today, on my birthday, because of what he told me on the way to my sister and (now ex, and since passed away) brother-in-law's wedding reception. We got on the subject of birthdays and he asked me when mine was. I said, "March 4th", and he replied with, "that's a command". Huh? I didn't get it at first, until he spelled it out... March Forth. Of course, I thought that was neat, and have remembered that ever since (1991). Rest in peace, Rich.

My dad and brother were here for a little bit this afternoon. I was talking to my dad, not too long ago about pictures. I was telling Dennis about the awesome camaro dad had and how I remember when he brought it home. He made an amazing transformation! (Yes, my dad is THAT good with cars!) So, today he brought out a photo album and told me I could scan the pictures for myself.

The pictures aren't just of his camaro. There are other pics in there that really had the memories flooding back. Good memories. My dog and her puppies, the skinny and scrawny me (oh that was sooooo long ago! LOL), dad's gas station, and of course, his cars. I remember the '56 Chevy and when it got hit. Oh, dad was upset, to say the least. I'm hoping to get the pics scanned sometime tomorrow and I'll post some.

I just have to laugh at today. It was so funny that dad was here and wished my brother a belated birthday. Ted's birthday was Feb. 7th. I didn't have the heart to tell dad that today was my birthday. The poor guy has always had a hard time remembering birthdays. I'm not sure where I got it from, but birthdays seem to be one of the only things I can remember. LOL (I'm different, that's for sure.)

I texted my sister, Chrissy, today and found out that Glenn is recovering. The poor man is in pain, but he's alive. Thank you, God. ** I don't think I got to post that Glenn had open heart surgery yesterday. Had he not gone to the hospital when he did, he would not be with us today. He had 3 blockages, 80, 90, and 100% blockages. The boys and I have cards with well wishes to be mailed to him, but of course, Dennis misplaced the stamps he just bought last week. I'll be going to the post office tomorrow. (That way, after I buy more, we'll find the lost ones. lol) Glenn could be home as soon as Friday or Saturday. I am just amazed by all of it. That was a major surgery!

I'm just getting ready to head off to bed now. And, I have to laugh some more. The cats were so quiet up until just minutes ago. Now, they are batting noisy things around on the linoleum. Ha ha!! (I love them dearly, so they get away with just as much as the kids!)

Just in case you are not aware, tomorrow would be Andy Gibb's birthday. (More memories flashing back.) When I was young, he was my idol. One year, I even sent him a birthday card with a note saying that mine was so close to his. ROFLOL

And, keep in mind, and mark your calendar. The 26th of this month is Kenny Chesney's birthday! (I'm like a kid again!) (And, Lisa M., I remember that it is also your birthday that day! )

Well, I am calling it a day. I am very tired.

March certainly is coming in like a lion.....

It's just been a weird sort of day for me today. Last night, we watched the school closings and delays scrolling across the bottom of the tv screen, hoping for at least a delay. NOTHING.

This morning, when we woke up, it was snowing and windy. The weatherman said the storm missed us. The snow got heavier and heavier. If you don't have snow where you live, I guess it would be hard for you to imagine. When I'd look out of my window, I just felt as if I were in a snowglobe. The snow didn't come straight down, due to the wind, I guess. It just kind of floated around and there was so much of it.

Bradley didn't want to go to school. Nothing unusual. He'd feel the same way if the sun was shining too bright. *wink* We were glued to the tv screen this morning, fingers crossed, but as the time got closer to leave, we knew there would be no delay or cancellation. Brad boarded the bus, and off he went.

About an hour later, Corey and Collin were to head off. Dennis stayed home today in anticipation of this "big storm", so I had him drive the boys to the end of the driveway. By this time, the snow was REALLY coming down! He took them down and told me that he was going to take a little ride to see how the roads were and he'd possibly go in to work anyway.

As the bus pulled up and my boys hopped out of Dennis' car, the bus driver opened his window. He told Dennis that the schools would be letting out early. HUH? Then WHY did they send them in the first place???? I should've just kept the boys home, but they really wanted to go. Today is Dr. Seuss's birthday and they have a celebration planned at school.

Dennis took a little ride and found that the highway was better than our road, but since the snow didn't seem to be letting up, he wasn't going to chance going to work. There are too many big hills on his way.

The boys all came home, safe and sound, and it almost instantly stopped snowing. The sun even came out. The wind didn't really die down and the snow on the ground was blowing everywhere. I feel so bad for those kids that had to walk to and from school today. It was bitterly cold out there!

Tomorrow, there is no snow in the forcast (thankfully), but the temps are going to really dip down. With the wind chill, it is supposed to feel like 10 below! Ugh!

I've been watching the tv screen for a while, and still no delay. Many other schools are having a delayed start tomorrow. Of course, by morning, things could change, at least I hope so, for the "walkers'" sakes.

I've had many thoughts cross my mind today. Some good, some bad. I'm experiencing technical difficulties with our new computer. I can't wait for a fresh start tomorrow. I'm hoping for a less stressful day and I'm keeping Glenn in my prayers as he goes in for open heart sugery in the morning. Chrissy is in my prayers too, as she has to try to slow down her workaholic husband. Love you, little sister! :)

A weird sort of day...

I'm not sure how to describe the mood I'm in today. I'm sad, yet I'm happy. I'm hurting for those that are hurting around me, yet I'm glad that I am there to give comfort where it's needed.

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of my Nanny Highland's passing. I know she wouldn't want me to be sad, but I can't help but miss her so much. I am thankful for the memories I have, but sad that she didn't get to meet my twins. I know she would have adored them and they would have adored her. I tell them about her and I have pictures of her on my wall. My boys know that she is, "Nanny Highland" and I've told them so much about her.

I know Nanny wouldn't want me to be sad but I can't help but remember the night she had to go. I got the phone call that Nanny wasn't doing well and I got into my Honda and cried the whole way to the house. I was listening to a Dixie Chicks CD, wondering about what was to come that night, crying, not wanting to lose her but wanting her to be free of her ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). No more suffering. When I got to the house, she was already gone. The family sat there, together, mourning such a great loss. I don't think it really sunk in right away to Pappy or he was trying so hard to hide his sadness. It was an indescribable experience for me, having all of my aunts and uncles, my grandfather, and my dad all together, as a family, supporting each other in our sadness. The closeness, love, and comfort was sureal.

Reflecting on that night and seeing the difference in my family today is just heart wrenching. Seven years later, we had to say goodbye to Pappy Highland. He went to be with Nanny. It brings me to tears, today, that it is almost 3 years since his passing and the family couldn't be more divided. The house, that was once filled with love and the smell of Nanny's Sunday dinner now sits mostly empty. Just a few of Nanny and Pappy's possessions sit in piles on the floor. Waiting. Just thinking of it, is like mourning my losses all over again. You can't put a price on some things, no matter what their worth in money. Memories and things that Nanny and Pappy once had are now just sitting there all because the family is in disagreement. I don't like to choose sides and it's not my battle, but I can't help but be torn up inside just thinking how upsetting this would be to my grandparents.

I know I've been bad with keeping up, and I probably don't have many readers, but if there is anyone out there that's made it this far, please pray for my family. We need resolution. When the house does finally sell, we will be mourning another loss. I wish it wouldn't have to be dragged out like this, prolonging the pain.

Entertainment

I was so entertained by the squirrels in my back yard today. There is an icy coating on top of the snow and the squirrels are not heavy enough to penetrate the ice. I counted about 8 of them out there at one time.

I didn't see the hole at first, but one of them must have dug to get at something underneath. (I throw bread and other goodies out there for them.) It was so cute to see them go into the hole and "disappear". lol

Alright, I agree with what you are thinking.....I really need to get a life! LOL

Here are some pics I took. Some are darker because of the shadow cast by the house. I didn't feel like brightening them up in Photo Shop. (Shame on me!)

Quote of the day.....

Corey: "I love learning about Jesus".

*sigh* I love that he is learning so much at Good News Club and is so anxious to go.

A visit to the dentist

I had an appointment at the dentist today. I drove there, even though it is within walking distance from my house. (Too cold or I would've walked!) I am thankful that my teeth are not nearly as bad as I thought. I do, however, need to go back next week. Not for fillings or drillings. I am getting an impression of my bottom teeth done. I've been wearing a night guard on my teeth to hopefully stop the grinding/clenching. My dentist wants me to wear a "good" one and I should wear it during the day AND at night. Unfortunately, our health insurance doesn't cover this. It will cost me $150. If it works, it will be money well spent. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Lessons.....

This is not the first time that Dennis has fallen asleep sitting up. This is also not the first time that the boys piled things on him as he slept. You'd think by now he'd learn his lesson. I'm sure, once he sees this pic, he'll be more careful next time!

It seems like this past week was about lessons or learning new things.

I've learned that if you stay up late, you won't feel like waking early in the morning. (duh, you'd think I'd figured that one out by now.)

I've also learned that FaceBook is addicting and can make one stay up much later at night than they'd like to.

I'm hoping that Trevor has learned that when something just doesn't seem right about your car, you get it looked at. Dad is a "free" mechanic. Trevor neglected to say anything about his back tire not going forward. He drove the car, dragging that tire until it blew. He was without a car for 2 days until we could get it towed home and fixed. (It was the emergency brake that caused the problem).

Corey and Collin (and the rest of the tiger scouts!) have learned that scrapbooking is fun! We had a den meeting this past Wed. night and they really had fun! (So did I!)

Brad has learned patience. He had Dennis order him some things online and when we check the order status, it's on backorder. His things should be shipped by next Tues.

There are plenty more lessons to be learned, no matter what our age. I've had a few "duh" moments this past week and it makes me wonder why it has taken me so long to figure some things out that I should've already known. I think it is hereditary, since Brad usually seems to be in a world of his own as well. (poor kid doesn't know what he's in for if he turns out just like me. lol)

So, in this book of Moyer history, we have a few chapters. Who cares if they're not in order? We all know how to "dog ear" the pages! :)

WARNING: Disturbing photos in this post!

I really think Bradley needs some help in the "orgnization" department! Holy Cow! He needed me to sign some papers for school, so he pulled his binder out of his backpack to retrieve the papers. My jaw still hurts from when it hit the table. I could not believe what I saw!

Maybe because I am female, or maybe it was the Trapper Keeper I had "back in the day", but I NEVER had a binder/notebook (whatever you'd like to call it) look like his. I can remember having a folder for each subject. Every paper in chronological order, and if I didn't like my handwriting on a paper, I'd re-write until it met my standards. (I always received compliments on my handwriting, although with the invention of the computer it's hard for me to prove it now. lol)

The kids are home from school until Tuesday, so this gives us (hopefully) enough time to sort through that beast. If I do not return, please come look for me in Brad's binder. (It just might swallow me up!) YIKES!!

I can honestly say that I've never seen anything like this before in my entire life. When I asked Brad about it, he told me that one of his teacher's took it to another teacher to show them as well. Oh my!

June 27th......

I just heard it on the radio this morning!!! Kenny Chesney will be in Philadelphia on June 27, 2009. Do I have to tell you how badly I want to go? LOL I couldn't wait for Dennis to call me at lunchtime today (he calls me every day!). He's actually thinking about it!! I'm not too crazy about Miranda Lambert or Lady Antebellum but I have time to learn to deal with them until June. *wink* I requested that this time, if we do go, I want to be right up front! (I can dream, right?) Sigh.

Bruxism....

I am a grinder/clencher. I never knew there was a term for that. I did a little research tonight because it's becoming a really bad problem for me. I grind/clench almost constantly. :(

I can't give the exact date that it started, or even know how long it's been since I started, but I do remember what caused me to start. All I remember is that I was very upset and didn't want to talk to anyone. I sat quietly and it just came naturally and I've been doing it ever since. (I do know that it is well over a year now.)

When I "catch" myself doing it, I try to stop myself, only to find that seconds later, I am doing it again. It's become a real problem and I will be making myself an appt. with the dentist when I take the boys there next Monday.

I sometimes wake in the morning with my jaw "locked". I get pains in my ears and head. It's not enjoyable in the least. At night, I lie in bed and try to relax my mouth. It's almost as though my tongue is too big for my mouth (funny, it never was before). I shove my tongue against the backs of my bottom teeth and it causes suction and then I grind, and grind, and grind some more. I want to stop, I've tried to stop, but nothing seems to be working.

If anyone has any suggestions at all, I'd really love to hear them. I did a little "research" tonight, and this is what I found:

"Everybody handles excess stress differently. Some people develop an ulcer, some people develop high blood pressure, and some people grind or clench their teeth.
Stress, it's now believed, is the major cause of grinding and clenching your teeth, say dental researchers. In the past, a malocclusion (the way your teeth fit together) got the blame, and dentists would grind the teeth down, trying to readjust the bite."

"The problem with bruxism, as the habit of grinding and clenching is called, is the wear and tear on your teeth. When you grind your teeth, you can wear away tooth enamel. This can lead to sensitive teeth and tooth decay, and it can also cause damage to expensive dental work. Finally, grinding taxes the muscles and joints of the temporomandibular (jaw). Prolonged grinding may damage the jaw joint enough to cause osteoarthritis as well as bone loss in periodontal (gum) disease, although it does not actually cause gum disease."

"Teeth-grinding is thought to be hereditary. It's also related to gender: Three times as many women as men grind their teeth. Bruxism is most common in those between 20 and 40 years of age."

Yes, that's me.....to a "T".

Seven.....

Today, Corey and Collin turned seven. My "babies" are not "babies" anymore. It saddens me some but I can also remember a time when I was looking forward to them getting older. It was quite difficult when they were infants. It was tough, at times, when they were toddlers. Now, for me to say that they are seven just doesn't seem real. I won't lie, I miss my babies.

Here are 7 little facts about my boys:

Corey is:

1. compassionate
2. funny
3. always hungry
4. doing very well in school
5. a Cub Scout
6. creative
7. left-handed

Collin is:

1. daring
2. active
3. a Cub Scout
4. a little shy at times
5. doing well in school
6. funny
7. right-handed

For their birthday, they got to pick what they wanted for supper. It's funny just how alike, yet so different they can be. Corey chose Chicken Nuggets with cheese and Shells and Cheese. Collin chose Chicken Nuggets (plain), mashed potatoes, and corn. I also asked them what kind of cake they wanted. Corey chose Chocolate with peanutbutter icing, Collin chose Vanilla with peanutbutter icing.

Since their birthday fell on a Sunday this year, they will be taking cupcakes to school tomorrow. I needed 19 for Collin's class (that includes the teacher). Corey needed 20 but requested more. He wants to give cupcakes to the kids in the Life Skills class that come into his class from time to time. I love the fact that he thought of these children and how he sees them as equals. He doesn't treat them any differently, despite their disabilites. Some kids can be cruel, but not Corey. He's such a sweetheart!

Happy Birthday Corey and Collin! Remember, you will always be my babies! (Like it or not! *wink*)

Nicky's Out!!

I'm not sure exactly what time the snow started, but it was snowing when I woke up and it continued throughout the day. Snow is so pretty to look at but since I've gotten older I really don't like to be out in it for long if I can help it. I just don't like the cold! Eeek!

One thing that hasn't changed is that I love to watch the snow and I get excited to see the snow. I tell the kids to look out the window like it's their first time seeing it. I've learned that this may just be hereditary. lol My grandparents (Mom's parents) used to get their kids to look out of the window to see the snow. For many years, I can remember that everytime it snowed, Pappy Frohnheiser or Aunt Linda, and then eventually my mom once I was out on my own, would call and say, "Nicky's out". It wasn't until about 2 months ago that I found out what they were actually saying.

When my mom and her siblings grew up, they had a dog, named, "Nicky". He went on to doggy heaven. When it would snow, my grandparents would tell their kids that "Nicky's out" to get their attention and to get them to look outside to be surprised by the snow.

To this day, I still receive phone calls and I've even made some calls to family to say that, "Nicky's out". I guess it's tradition or maybe just weird, I don't know. What I do know is that I love the opportunity it gives for me to call family members. It is also a reminder to me of my grandparents. It puts a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart.

I can't wait (ok, maybe I can) for my boys to go out on their own so I can call them and tell them that Nicky's out.

Better late than never.....Christmas Day 2008

I won't make excuses, I wanted to post this sooner. It just didn't happen. Christmas 2008 will go down in Moyer history as one of the best Christmases ever! The boys were excited about all of the gifts they received and I was excited to see them that way. Christmas came so fast and I wish it could've lasted longer.

Santa was here!

Bradley trying to open his gift from Trevor.

(Trevor used lots of tape!)

Collin went for the big one first....

One to share!

Corey got a big truck too!

Another one to share....

Collin & his popcorn....

A gift for the whole family.

Trevor chose not to be in this pic.

I did get him playing with the family gift!

(Guitar Hero World Tour)

Every gift unwrapped....

Including Trevor's tires.

(Yes, we did get him tires. He needed them more than money in a card.)

Corey & Collin playing with the gift they got from Trevor.

Some assembly required!

A new recipe in order?

I made several kinds of cookies for Christmas. I used a different recipe for the peanutbutter cookies and they weren't quite the same as others I've baked. It was obvious that the family thought the same, since they really haven't been eating them. I don't know the expiration date on Christmas cookies, so I figured rather than have them totally wasted I'd just toss them into the yard for the animals.

Well, let me tell you, they LOVE them! I've got so many birds and squirrels dining out there right now. LOL

I'm thinking next year, if I use that same recipe, I'll put some bird seed in them!