Tuesday, June 27, 2006

For all you football fans

PJ's cousin (I guess that makes him my cousin-in-law) has an article about football teams. I have no idea any details (how often updated, etc.), but if you like football, you should bookmark his site. :)

Here's the site: http://www.football.com/cgi-bin/posters/printPost.cgi?category=inthetrenches&at=musings1.shtml

I left the whole URL in there because I'm lazy right now (give me a break, this is the second entry of the evening, you know).

All caught up???

Okay, so, I’m catching up…here are some updates.

Ethan made the all-star team for his division in baseball. That’s cool and he’s happy. We found out on Friday, I think. The game is at 10am on July 4. Ten am??? Whose idea was that? Well, I hope it’s nice weather, given that it’s been raining for like 5 days straight and I feel like maybe we should have invested in an ark instead of just a new roof. LOL

Friday night, I picked up the kids and we went to the pool. We had pizza for dinner and then did our chores. Saturday morning, we had a Yard Sale. I had been hoping it wouldn’t rain…and it didn’t, but I think it must have been 90 degrees with 90 percent humidity! OHMIGOSH it was hot and sticky! Tina, Aaron and Elana came to sell with us too. It was nice to hang out and catch up, though a breeze would have made it even nicer. Sam had also decided on a lemonade stand and Megan eventually went off with a friend. Ultimately, Ethan did very well, making about $18. I have to say it wasn’t exactly profitable for me, but everything is gone! That was the most important part!

PJ worked on his truck for a little bit on Saturday (something for the stereo). In the process, he damaged the battery a little. It appeared to be fine, however, and we went about our business of making fondue for dinner. The kids helped and had a lot of fun and now we will seriously consider getting our own fondue pot. It was a lot of work though. We’ll have to think of ways to streamline the process. For instance, melting the chocolate with the marshmallows (for dessert, of course) took FOREVER on the makeshift double-boiler. Hmmm…there must be an easier way.

Sunday morning, PJ took Sam to breakfast. They were at Bob Evans and I got a call around 9:45. PJ’s battery was dead. Yeah, that little damage he had done on Saturday was a much bigger deal than we realized. Well, I hopped in my car and headed over to BE to get him. And on the way I told him to call Geico to find out about towing (which I know is included in our policy). And he did and they came to jump him and he made it home. But this significantly changed our plans for Sunday. LOL.

Ultimately, we hit up Merchant’s Tire who was able to switch out the battery for $100 and fifteen minutes of PJ’s time. We also got all our chores done, except for Joe who worked. PJ and Joe discussed college stuff for a bit and it rained ALL day Sunday. Here are some pictures of PJ and the kids playing in the rain!

Finally, here are the pictures for our bathrooms. I tried for before, during and after, but I’m sure they are lacking to an extent. Master, Downstairs Hall, Upstairs Hall

Discovery Park meeting last night...we’ll be at Safeway in Sterling Park Shopping Plaza on Saturday, July 1, if you want to come by and sign up!

Today, we had our vents cleaned by Virginia’s E-Z Finest. Or something. Name was a bit sketchy, but it appears they did a good job. The dryer vent apparently had a blockage and they solved that problem too.

Oh yeah, I nearly forgot. Report cards came out! Ethan, as you all know already, was on Honor Roll (that means only A’s & B’s in Loudoun County). Megan had only one C, but we are pretty sure she can do better if she focuses a little more. The rest were A’s and B’s. Joe had A’s, B’s, and C’s - a marked improvement over all his report cards since I think 5th grade. Samantha (notice full name), on the other hand, was definitely slacking. I believe she had 19 missed days. NINETEEN MISSED DAYS?!! I don’t think I’ve missed that much school and work COMBINED (chicken pox doesn’t count though). She didn’t make up work, she didn’t turn in work, she must not have studied too because a few test grades weren’t as good as she can do. And she thinks she deserves a hamster?? I don’t think so! All in all, Sam’s grades weren’t terrible; though it appears she had a very low C in at least one class. A’s and B’s in the others, the problem has more to do with effort here. Hmm….we’ll be thinking more about this in the coming months. Her birthday is July 3 too…never a good thing to get a bad report card right before your birthday…

Is it Friday yet? I’ve got another busy weekend, but Friday means we’re only a few days away from vacation!! Woohoo!

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Buzz Words

I know I have some recap to do and I'll get to it, but I just had to share this.

It's Sunday afternoon. I'm playing with the dogs in the living room while PJ drops Joe off at work. I'm waiting for him to return so we can finish putting the bathroom fixtures back up, etc. and the laundry is running so there's nothing to fold. Ethan, Sam and Megan are in Ethan's room working on the Highlights Hidden Pictures.

There was a brief lull in the dog play and it was quiet and I heard Ethan say, "you've got to think outside the box," as he was explaining how to find some of the more difficult items in the Hidden Pictures. Okay, he's not even 11 years old and doesn't work. What is this world coming to??!!

Now, I'm just waiting for them to grasp the concept of proactive!

Monday, June 19, 2006

Crazy Weekend #653

It was another busy weekend, but what else is new? Here’s the rundown.

Friday night…just prepping the bathrooms for the painter, sorted laundry (put last week’s away. Yes, I’m slow), and then just piddled around the house, doing little things here and there.

Saturday morning, I got up and drove with a DP committee members to Harrisburg, PA to help Possibility Place. We left at about 8am and arrived about 1030am. We left around 230pm (well, some in the group stayed longer, but my car had to leave). It was very educational to see all they had done and to learn from their experiences. They had a lot to share. I think one of their Team Captains may even come and work at our build in October! Here are some pictures, courtesy of our in-house photographer (and volunteer), Peter Klosky.

Saturday, while I was gone, PJ did a few things around the house and the painter came. PJ then went to help a buddy of his with some electrical work and the painter was able to get most of the work done. He’s coming back next Saturday to finish. I’ll post pictures when it’s done.

Sunday, we had PJ’s kids for Father’s Day and we had a nice breakfast at Chez Missy’s and then we did a few things around the house. Then we ran Joe up to work, picked up a bit more paint, picked up some feeder mice and then grabbed lunch from Five Guys. Yeah, I’m not sure what all the hype is around them. They were just so-so in my opinion. Anyway, we ran home to feed the snake and switch cars. Brent wanted to borrow the truck. We had our hamburgers at home and then ran to Kohl’s. The girls went home at 6pm.

PJ and I then attended a graduation party for Nazli, Mo’s daughter. It was lots of fun and as they are Indian, we were treated to some traditional Indian music with some Western music thrown in. I was bummed to leave because we didn’t get to see Mo’s son act as DJ, but it was already 11pm and we both knew that 530am was going to come awfully early. Congrats Nazli!! And enjoy JMU!

Samantha’s birthday is coming up and for some reason has the notion that she needs a hamster. And then Megan thought she needed one too. I’m not sure what put that thought into their minds, but I had to put my foot down. No more animals at this time.

Only about two weeks until we go on vacation! Woohoo!

Yard Sale this coming Saturday, June 24.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Discovery Park Updates (and then some)!

First and foremost, the build dates have been extended. We need help from Oct 16-22. If you can help in any way (food, child care, skilled labor, non-skilled labor), please let me know!

Upcoming events:

  • Loudoun County Sheriffs Dept vs. the Loudoun County Fire & Rescue Football Game, July 16 at Park View High School. Gates open at noon, kick-off at 2pm. There will be various events before the game starts. Food, entertainment, fun! Family friendly; bring the kids!
  • Latina Festival, July 29 at the Sterling Community Center, 12-4. Again, food, entertainment and fun for the whole family!
  • Movie Night (movies TBD, but family friendly). Two dates: August 12 & 26, starting at 7pm. Enjoy some food and entertainment and then plan to watch the movie. Movie will be free, nominal cost for food.

Please consider attending any or all of these events as we try to raise awareness for Discovery Park and to sign up volunteers! We’d love to have your support!

In other news, PJ was still sick yesterday. He planned to take a nap after work, but had to delay it a little bit as the roofing guys were out to finish the soffit. He fell asleep at about 530 and I woke him at 830. He had to take a final exam, you know. So, the soffit is done and PJ is feeling better today. Yay! Gutters should be done today and hopefully the painter will be able to get by soon (though I don’t know when now).

Last day of school today! Ethan will be a middle-schooler in the fall. Whoa! Sam will be entering 9th grade, Joe will be a senior and Meg will be in 5th grade. Holy smokes they’re growing up so fast!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Two Years

Yesterday was our two year wedding anniversary. Yipee! PJ took a half day at work and met me for lunch. We ate at a rice and kabob place. Then we hit Amphora’s Bakery for a couple of cookies. YUMMY!

PJ took my car to the shop for the body work. It should be done on Friday. I hope it is because I am not trying to keep my rental car for more than this week. I have a Chevy Malibu. B-O-R-I-N-G! It is nicely appointed though. And Enterprise has great prices.

For dinner, PJ, Ethan and I went to Carrabba’s. It was also quite yummy. PJ wasn’t feeling so hot though. I’m not sure if it’s allergies, a cold or a combination, but the poor guy was fast asleep by 8:30! I folded some laundry and watched Animal Precinct for a little bit and that about sums up my evening.

Sam kindly drew and colored a picture for us for our anniversary. Thanks Sam!

Tonight is a DP meeting and then Wednesday night I need to take the kids Father’s Day shopping. I know they want to go to the pool, but I’m thinking we won’t have time.

We survived our extremely busy weekend. I picked and purchased our paint colors from Duron. If you want to see the colors, please visit their site and enter the paint numbers.

Upstairs Hall Bath – Walls, Goldfinch, 6905; Trim/Ceiling, Daffodil, 6901
Downstairs Hall Bath – Walls, Gleeful, 6709; Trim/Ceiling, Narcissus, 6707
Master Bath – Walls, Sassy Green, 6416; Trim, Restoration Ivory, 6413

I was recently made aware of a possible snag in the timing of our painting work now. I hope it's not delayed too much, but our painter is out of town and I can't confirm yet.

Tomorrow is also the last day of school. EVERYONE is excited! Yeah for summer vacation!!

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Is this day over yet?!

Well, it’s been a busy week or so…where do I begin?? Maybe I should figure out where I left off!!

When I last left you, we had discussed Ethan’s most recent game. That was on May 31. We’ve had two more games since then…June 3 and June 5. June 3 was the last regular season game. It was against the Orioles and we lost. June 5 was the first play-off game. The boys made a valiant effort, but a few too many mistakes. They lost by one or two points. The bonus…the season is over so we could go to the pool on Wednesday!

On Tuesday, June 6, I helped at a Talent Show at Ethan’s school for a while. Then on June 7, I took Ethan, Sam and Megan to the pool. It was a tad bit chilly, but the kids had fun.

Today, I attended Ethan’s DARE graduation. He won the poster contest for his class! More pics: D.A.R.E Grad Pics







Then tonight, his dad and I attended his graduation from 5th grade! Holy smokes! I can’t believe he’s going to be in 6th grade next year. For all the pics: Fifth Grade Graduation


In the upcoming days, we have a lot going on: wedding on Saturday, birthday stuff for Tammy and Chris on Sunday (and early Father’s Day for Pat). Shopping, picking paint colors, cleaning, chores and getting to the pool (I hope!).

Monday, June 12, PJ and I will celebrate our 2 year anniversary. We’re going out for lunch and dinner (I’m so lucky!). I’m also dropping my car off at Craftsman Auto Body for some work. Tuesday, I have a DP meeting. I think our painter friend, Chris, is coming by to start painting the bathrooms also. At some point, the roofer is coming by to do the soffet and then the gutter guy will be out. OHMIGOSH!! So much at once! Oh…the last day of school is the 14th too (which is also Tammy’s 30th birthday!).

WHEW!