Wednesday Hodgepodge

Thank you JOYCE for being a gracious host!

1. What do the words 'freedom' and 'liberty' mean to you? Does your mind go more in the direction of not being persecuted or discriminated against or does it head in the direction of doing what you please?
When I hear the words 'freedom' and 'liberty' I think of the Revolutionary War and what those people had to go thru to gain up a free country from tyranny.  The colonists struggled and battled against the odds and won the independence we enjoy today.  They didn't go thru the hardships so we can "do what we please" but to escape the persecution of a government that wanted to stifle the people.  When we celebrate the 4th of July, remember it's not all about picnics and fireworks.  Remember the founding fathers too.

2. Nathan's sponsors a hot dog eating contest every 4th of July. Last year over 40,000 people attended the event and almost 2 million watched it on TV. The winner ate over 60 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. How do you like your hot dogs?

Bluck! I don't eat hot dogs.

3. If you were going to enter an eating contest what would be on the menu?

Fruit or Lasagna.

4. Do you run your house more as a dictatorship or a democracy?

Oh crap! You got me there.  I tend to be more dominant to make up for my husband being laid back approach.  It works well because we balance out each other, talk before a decision is made and come up with a plan to keep those rowdy boys in check!

5. Where was your favorite summer place when you were a kid?

This is sad, but our family didn't go on vacations.  Before my parents divorced we went to the beach, but I don't remember it.  I only know because we have pictures.

6. Do you have a guest room? Would you want to stay there?

Once one more boy moves out, we would have one.  I have so many ideas how to make it a cozy, relaxing place to be.

7. Next Wednesday America celebrates her independence. Do you have any special plans for the 4th of July? If you live outside the USA when and how does your country celebrate its own patriotic holiday?

My oldest son was born on the 4th of July.  There is always a family picnic and a birthday cake!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I got to ride on an elephant!!    Click HERE to check it out!

Best Friends

Best Friends

understand

the deepest thoughts and feelings,

and can talk to each other

about anything, everything

or nothing at all.

Best Friends

are there for each other

morning, noon and night.

Best Friends

believe

 in each other,

support one another,

and are stronger and wiser

and more sure of themselves

because of the friendship

they share.

Heather, I am so blessed to have you!

The circus is coming to town

Once a year a small circus stops in our little town.  I love the noises, the bright colors, the smell of popcorn and peanuts and the amazing slapstick comedy.

How can you not get excited about a circus?

 

There are clowns…

 trained animals…

Yes, that's me on the back of an elephant with Ashtyn and her Mommy.

 acrobats…

trapeze acts…

the Ringmaster…

and (did I mention??) the CLOWNS!

This post is dedicated to my blog friend, Lisleman @ A Few Clowns Short

Longwood Gardens

Sunday was a relaxing day. Todd and I went to Longwood Gardens  with our dear friends, Chad and Heather.

Longwood Gardens was originally land that William Penn (Mr. Penn is considered the founder of Pennsylvania) sold to the Pierce Family in 1700, and was operated as a working farm.  The Pierce family planted an arboretum and used the area as a public park.

Eventually Pierre DuPont bought the land from the Pierce family.

Mr. DuPont was a savvy businessman and formed one of the richest dynasties in America. 

Longwood Gardens is a legacy that Pierre DuPont left for generations to enjoy. 

Thanks to Mr. DuPont, we certainly did enjoy the gardens.

You can see more beautiful photos with the slideshow below.

That was a view from my window.  Let's see more!

Head on over to Unknown Mami for more views.

Easy Green is Sleazy Green!

Last September I signed up with an Easy Green program through our electric company, Met Ed.  The benefits of the program is supposed to help the environment by reducing use of energy during peak demand hours.  Curtailing the use of energy will help reduce the need to build new costly power plants.

To compensate you for joining this program they give you a $10 per summer month credit on your electric bill AFTER your first full year.

Well that's all well in good. Right?

Let me tell you about the real Easy Green!  It's 105 outside, it's 85 in my house.  Not by my choice!  NOOOO!  Frickin' Med Ed has taken over my air-conditioner and won't let me change the thermostat to the comfort I desire!  So while I have sweat pouring down my body, my neighbors are enjoying their pools, which by the way I don't have, and a cool house!

I've tried calling the customer service #, which has been busy for the last hour.  I tried going to the website they provide.  Apparently they shut that down along with my air-conditioner, because an error blinks in big, bold letters that the system is down for maintenance. How convenient!!

They can keep their $10 a month credit and go to hell! Or better yet, they can come to my house.  I am sure it is hotter than hell!!!

Good Morning Monday! :-)

Summer vacation has officially began in our household. The boys were done school since last week. Hubby's last day teaching at his high school was Friday.

I'm the only one who works.  Doesn't seem fair - Right?

All the guys get to sleep in this Monday… but me? …. I get up bright and early at 6:30AM

I shower, do my hair, brush my teeth, clean the cat litter, (wash hands) eat toast for breakfast, wipe down all the kitchen counters and load the dishwasher (boys tend to dirty the kitchen overnight like little demons), and do a quick vacuum.  Sometimes I get to enjoy a cup of hot tea. 

All before the first child arrives at 7:30am.

Monday is my busy day-care day.  I have six little ones all under the age of three.

Most are potty trained (thank GOD!)

I'm not going to go into the details of how busy my day is with them.  Let's just say by the time the last one leaves at 5:30… I AM EXHAUSTED!

But WAIT! 

I still have to make dinner!

Mama asks: "Do you boys want pizza?"

HAPPY MONDAY FRIENDS!

Daddy take my hand…

Take a look out of someones window and go visit Unknown Mami

To see more pictures of my day-care kids making Father's Day Gifts go visit

Aunt Tami's House.

I wish all the Dad's out there a HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

Life is All About @$$...

Have A Wonderful Weekend!

Chalk Portrait

There was a time when I couldn't imagine leaving the house without makeup.  I felt naked without it.  My daily routine began with:

• Eyeliner, thick as permanent marker.
• Eye shadow - no less than 3 shades.
• Blackest Black Mascara to finish off the eyes.
• Foundation to polish the skin tones.
• Blush to highlight cheekbones.
• Lip liner, lip gloss.

This is how I knew my face.  The prospect of running into someone without a perfect face was horrifying to me.  And the hair, that's another issue!

After having children, make-up turned into a "special occasion" type of thing.  To my amazement, I began liking my new face.

It was interesting to see how my day-care children see my face. They were so sweet to want to draw a picture of their Aunt Tami.

A gorgeous drawing of Aunt Tami

by a 6 year old.

A flattering picture of Aunt Tami

by a 2 year old.

No eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, foundation, blush, lip-liner or lip-gloss in these drawings.  Just me!

Wednesday Hodgepodge, Vol 81

Many thanks to Joyce from THIS SIDE OF THE POND 
for hosting Wendesday Hodgepode.

1. In what way are you your own worst enemy?

I criticize myself harshly.  

I also tend to think I am not deserving of the things I have.

 Sadly, even the love of my husband.

2. Jacques Cousteau's birthday was Monday, June 11th...ever been scuba diving? Is that something you'd like to try? What's your favorite 'under the sea' creature?

Never have been scuba diving.  When I was about 12 years old, my sister and I were playing in the ocean. A huge wave came crashing over us.  We tossed and turned, my sister landed on top of me. I was scared, stuck under the water until my Aunt picked me up.  Needless to say I have a fear of being under the water.

Photo Credit

My favorite creature would be a whale.  They are so huge and yet so majestic.  My favorite is a Beluga Whale.   They remind me of an over grown Flipper.

The Southern Right Whale are the most endangered.  A tidbit of info in case you are ever on Jeopardy - the testicle of a Southern Right Whale is the largest of any known animal.

You can Adopt A Whale or donate to the cause. 

3. On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable are you in and around the water? (1=not at all, 10=very) Do you know how to swim and if so how and when did you learn?

Another tough question! I was about 8 when my dad decided I needed to learn how to swim underwater.  I didn't like to go under.  He grabbed me, dunked me and held my head under the water.  Jeez, no wonder I have a fear of going under water.  I really do like to swim, I love the ocean… you just won't catch me going under. I will rate it a 5 because 1/2 of me likes the water and 1/2 of me doesn't.  Sound fair?

 

4. What's something you do to motivate yourself to tick an item off your to-do list?

Just by having a to-do list helps me tick things off.  If I don't have a list I feel lost and unorganized.  I forget to do things without a list and then wonder what in the heck did I do all day??

5. What makes a good neighbor? Are you a good neighbor?

A good neighbor is friendly, keeps their yard nice, bakes brownies for the new folks who just moved in, invites you to BBQ, drinks a bottle of wine with you around the fire pit, shares a bit of milk when you run out, maybe even takes walks around the block with you or brings you soup when you aren't feeling well.  Yep! I do all those, so I am a good neighbor!  :-)

6. Who loads the dishwasher at your house? Is there a right way and a wrong way?

Well duh!  Of course there is a RIGHT WAY!  It's called MY WAY!  LOL!  I load the dishwasher because I like to get the maximum bang for my buck.  My boys take turns unloading it. 

7. You know it's summer when you hear all the air conditioners in the neighborhood running loudly.

8. Insert your own random thought here

THE LA KINGS WON THE STANLEY CUP! WAHOOOOO!

AND BEAT THE NJ DEVILS TO BOOT!!!!!

I need to explain that statement.  

• I am a Philadelphia Flyers fan, first and foremost.  The NJ Devils are one of the rivals that the Flyers have.  My son must have bumped his head when he was younger because for some reason only known to God, he covets the NJ Devils.  
• The administration of the Flyers decided to trade three of my favorite players: Gagne, Richards and Carter.  Bad move Flyers! Those three players ended up on the Kings team.  The Stanley Cup Team!  

To summarize, I'm glad the Kings won because they had former Flyers on their team AND they the NJ Devils L.O.S.T!

Decyphering Teens

My teenage boys were talking to their grandmother on the phone today.  They were using words my Mom just did not get.  Sometimes I can't even understand what my boys are saying.  This isn't the text lingo teens use; such as, LOL - TTYL - ROTFL - LMAO - CU L8R - etc.  I figures most of those out.

This is a 'speaking' lingo that teens are talking to one another.

Zachary is the most difficult to understand.  He listens to rap music and I believe that influences they way he speaks.  I am constantly saying "Speak ENGLISH!".

When I was a teen we used silly phrases like "Big Time" or "Gag me with a spoon".  Those types of saying are nothing compared to the way today's teen are speaking.

You need to watch this video and you will be dumbfounded about the words (well, sort of words) that the kids use.

Some words, however, have not changed.  My Mom did understand a word that Brandon said in reference to a question about his his ex-girlfriend.  "Yeah, Mommom, she's a slut."  

***I literally spit out my drink****

Did my 14 year old son really just say slut to his grandmother!! I was flabbergasted!

My mother, however was laughing hysterically on the other end of the phone!

Hollywood Squares vs Hip Hop Squares

Hollywood Squares in the 1970s.  

Do you remember Paul Lynde? I do.

  I also remember him playing Uncle Arthur on Bewitched.

 Paul made a lot of hysterical comments on the Hollywood Squares that as a young girl I didn't understand.  Now I realize he was homosexual and the comments were about homosexuality.  It amazes me because that was over 30 years ago and the topic of homosexuality WAS NOT discussed.

Hip-Hop Square 2012
It's a modern version of Hollywood Squares that premiered recently.
  It is viewed on MTV for todays teenagers.  

Hip Hop Squares - Photo Credit

Zachary says it's Tic-Tac-Toe with a lot of cool rappers.  

When I told him about Hollywood Squares he looked at me like I had a square head on my shoulders.

Talk about a huge generation gap!

Wonder what he would think if I told him about $10,000 Pyramid??

Siri - New iPhone 4S

I'm sure you have seen the commercials about the new iPhone with voice commands.

Siri on iPhone 4S lets you use your voice to send messages, schedule meetings, place phone calls, and more. Ask Siri to do things just by talking the way you talk. Siri understands what you say, knows what you mean, and even talks back. Siri is so easy to use and does so much, you’ll keep finding more and more ways to use it.

This is the funniest video about Siri. You have GOT to watch it!


Warning: contains curse words

Yesterday I bought the Siri iPhone!  Since my hubby's contract isn't up until October, he has to stick with his non-Siri iPhone.  I guess that means we will not be having a Siri Argument!

Friday Fragments

Many thanks to Mrs 4's for hosting Friday Fragments.

~Many thanks to the thought, prayers and kinds words given regarding Zachary's friend committing suicide.  Zachary is going to the viewing today.   Click HERE to read more.

~I have poison all over my face and hands.  I'm itchy, cranky and itchy!  This weekend is supposed to be sunny and close to 90.  I won't be able to enjoy it because my poison will feel much worse in the heat!

First thing I sold on Ebay.

~I sold a few things on Ebay for the first time.  Ebay has estimates of what items may cost to ship.  So far I've been taking their advise but ended up undercharging for shipping, therefore not making much of a profit.  I learned a valuable lesson.

~Yesterday was the boys last day of school.  The summer begins with hormonal, know-it-all teenage boys! Yeah for me! ;-)

~Ahren (my eldest, who recently moved out) has stopped by a few times on his lunch hour and once to harass his baby (14 year old) brother, Brandon. Some things never change.

~I was featured on 'It's the Little Things' by Kerry.  Once a month she shares information about a few of her Blogging Buddies.  Hop over to Kerry's blog to visit her or click HERE to read about my shining moment!

TGIF!  Happy Weekend!

RIP Robert Hallman

Robert Hallman RIP 6/4/2012


What causes suicide?  Why would someone contemplate and actually follow thru with it?  How can one become so desperate and so depressed to end their lives?


Zachary's friend, Bob committed suicide three days ago.   His 8th grade brother found him and called 911. It is so sad to think a boy would feel so alone and that low the commit suicide.  My heart breaks for him and for my son. 


It was touching to see that the school held a candle light vigil.   The following video is a tribute to Bob that a fellow student recorded from that night.  

1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Vol 80

1. How many students were in your high school graduating class? Did you know most, if not all of them?

I haven't the foggiest idea.  I'm guessing about 250.  It was in 1986 - I do remember that! ;-)  I'd say I was friendly with a lot of them.  There were 'clicks' of kids, but I didn't care who was who. I talked to anyone who would listen. 

2. What was the last thing you photographed?

The kids graduating from my preschool/day care.

3. Pickles-love 'em or loathe 'em? If its love what's something you eat that needs a pickle?

I LOVE PICKELS. Especially the sour dill ones that you find in a bucket at the grocery store.  YUM!!!  When my boys get burgers at restaurants, they all pile their pickles on my plate.  

4. What's a stereotype you seem to perpetuate without meaning to?

Hockey Mom's are pitbulls with lipstick.

5. Ever been horse back riding? If so is it something you enjoy? If not, do you have any interest? Did you watch the Kentucky Derby? Will you be watching the last leg of the Triple Crown this weekend?

My husband took me riding for an anniversary present about 10 years ago.  I loved it.  For some reason we never did it again.  I don't watch the Kentucky Derby or the Triple Crown.  

6. What's your favorite 'wedding' movie?

The Wedding Date with Deborah Messing and Dermont Mulroney.

Photo Credit

7. What is one 'tourist attraction' in the USA that you'd like to see in person?

Mount Rushmore.  I've never been to that side of the country.  I live on the east coast and have seen many attractions.  Now that our boys are teenagers, I'd like to travel more to the west.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Zachary's friend committed suicide two days ago.  Last night the school held a candle light vigil.  Zachary told me that his friend seemed happy the day it happened.  However his home life was not a good one.  The mother took off when he was a little boy and the father is an alcoholic.  His 8th grade brother found him and called 911.  It is so sad to think a boy would feel so alone and that low the commit suicide.  My heart breaks for him and for my son.  Zachary isn't handling this well.  Zach was very good friends with the boy and feels bad that he never mentioned how sad he was.