It's been busy

Friday - Bought a new suit, Texas Hold'em Game at friends
Saturday - Abby went to her best friends birthday party, Went swimming
Sunday - Relax
Monday - New Haircut, Job Interview
Tuesday - (TODAY) Library Event; Received Job Offer/Accepted
Wednesday - School Library Event, Prepare for PTO Planning/Budget Meeting, Watch Batman movie at the IMAX theater
Thursday - PTO Planning/Budget Meeting
Friday - Prepare for Abby's birthday
Saturday - Abby's birthday party, Cousins house to watch boxing
Sunday - Relax hopefully - clothes shopping
Monday - First day at my new job!

Yes, a new job! I had an interview yesterday, and today I got the call that they would like to hire me. I'm an office professional again! Yeah! :) So now I need to go buy some new clothes.
Of course with me being the PTO President I'll be busy trying to juggle everything. The great thing about this job is that it's part-time, so I'll be able to put the girls on and get them off the bus everyday. Having to work only 5 hours each day will free me up so hopefully the house won't get burried in laundry! :) I'm really excited about this, I'm so happy it came together so well. This was our plan, once both girls were in school I'd go back to work. The job can turn into full time whenever I'd like for it to go that way too. So that's really a bonus! It's a small office, almost everyone has young kids so they understand snow delays, sick kids etc...

Abby's birthday is Angelinia Ballerina. I wanted to do a party somewhere else and just pay for it, but she wanted a home party....so that just means more planning/work for me. Which normally I go all out planning elaborate games and such, but I just haven't done it this time. I wanted to hire someone to teach the kids a small ballet performance but that never came together. I'll figure something out before Saturday!

PTO meeting - I could cop out and just purchase refreshments but I feel like baking something....so I'll go and pick stuff up. It's been awhile since I've made appetizers and desserts.




I ordered these prints from shutterfly (14 page mini album of 5x7 prints using a premade kit by dani http://www.designbydani.com/ which I altered a little), which would entitle me to get a free 8x8 bound book that I have to redem by Aug 1st...so I've got to make some good pictures and get some scrapbook pages created. I was impressed with their prints, so looks like that's what I'll do from now on. I just never make it into stores to print off pictures, and goodness knows I'd kill my printer! Anyways...I don't see a code for the 8x8 so I'm hoping they have it in their system or something.

I'm happy! :)

July...

Well, we took the girls roller skating one afternoon. Catherine tried the roller blades but couldn't handle them, so we had them changed to the quads. Abby is our rough and tumble girl that jumps in her skates (princess over the shoe skates) at home and skates around. So with the "fast" skates and the slippery floor the skating was more challenging. I was really proud of the girls though, they skated for a long time. Abby would skate awhile then go "rest" on the bench. Catherine, bless her heart, never gave up...she skated, she fell, she got back up and skated some more. Bobby skated till his feet hurt. I had a blast. I used to love going to the roller skating rink when I was younger and I had my very own pair of skates...white with hot pink wheels! Our parents would let us skate in the house, we had wood floors, and it we skated around the stairs and fireplace, around the island in the kitchen and in the basement...it was great! Once the crowd thinned out (once 2 large groups left) I was in my prime. I skated my heart out. I skated that oval rink like it was only yesterday that I skated. I had forgotten that you could turn the 'corner' several different ways. It was great! The best part was that I didn't fall down and my muscles didn't hurt afterwards. :)

We went to Hershey Park. It was fun. We hit every roller coaster (oops, no we didn't, we missed the comet) including the new Fahrenheit. Catherine was brave and rode 3 roller coasters...the SOOPERDOOPERLOOPER, Trailblazer and the LIGHTNING RACER . She attempted to ride the Wildcat but had to have them unlatch her seat and let her off (Bobby was sitting by her and got off with her...he doesn't like that one much anyways because it jerks you around a lot). It was a lot of fun, we were there from 11am to 10:30 pm we saw fireworks too, because it was July 5th. I tried to scan in the photos we purchased...but I can't get it to work right, I'll have Mr. Computer Wiz look into it for me. :)

Now I'm just working on house stuff and PTO stuff...getting ready for the upcoming school year. I've picked up stuff for Abby's 6th Birthday party. It's an Angelina Ballerina theme, I'm looking into getting someone to teach the girls a few ballerina moves at the party. It should be fun.

I haven't been sleeping good. I'm not sure what's going on, but I seem to dream all night long. I toss and turn and I haven't gotten a good nights sleep in over 2 weeks. I'm exhausted. What's kinda weird is that I dream about my Dad almost every night. I miss knowing that he's not at home holding the table down (he always sat at the head of the dining room table, with his arms propped up). He was never big on talking on the phone a lot. We'd do the same little chit chat, "how are you? what's the weather like? what's going on that's new?" etc... speaking of which I need to give my Mom a call and see how she is doing.

The world goes on...

I've been really strong....but sometimes I catch my breath and I'm shocked that the world is just going on as normal. Nobody really knows what you're going through, do they? Like when you're out and about doing the every day tasks that you have to do because you have a family that depends on you. The people that you run into...correction, the strangers that you meet every day, never know what you are going through.

I have to say that I am truly amazed at my daughter Abby. She was so thoughtful and kind (beyond what I ever thought she could have been) while we were in Kentucky. It was as if she sensed that my Mom, her Nana needed some extra love. Abby continually told her that she loved her, thought that she was so kind/nice/pretty/sweet. It was so endearing to witness that. As it turns out, Abby was the only one that told the gentleman that spoke at my dad's funeral that she appreciated what he said she saw him at the Wake (for lake of the southern term...I'm not sure what we call it....where you go to the church that the person attended and had a wonderful meal and had time to socialize with the people that knew/loved/missed your loved one) Abby in her sweet little 5 year old way said "Thank you for the nice things you said about my Papa". It touched me, and it touched him as well (he was my Dad's best friend growing up as a boy).

(Here are our little nieces and nephews from us 4 younger girls)

It was nice seeing so many people when I went back to Kentucky. Besides seeing my sisters and Mom, I had the chance to catch up with several cousins and different people that I respect from "the meeting" (church) that I went to when I was younger. We spent the last day at the park where we spent so much time when I was younger, Columbus Belmont State Park. It's a Civil War battlefield, filled with many self guided trails, over looking the Mississippi River.


So, this week, I've just emmearsed myself into working on our family tree. When I went home a few months ago I asked my Dad to list the names of all his family that he could remember. From that, I have entered this information into the family tree program with http://www.myfamily.com/ where we have a family site. As I entered information, I found links to where others have already done some research. One family strand goes as far back as 1530! It's amazing! On the otherhand, there are several strands where I've reached brick walls. I need to really learn how to research things..using all the free information available first. I found some information on my own and that was so thrilling!!! I just hope that I find the work that some family members have already created because that would save me so much time and effort.

My Dad passed away today.

My Dad slipped into a comma Monday morning and finally stopped breathing Monday night. I'm a numb, I'm in shock even though I knew this was coming, I didn't know how I would react. I've been very strong, but I know I'll break down.

Sunday night we packed our bags getting ready for this, I did this while in the emotional state of knowing that he didn't have much longer.

Tuesday morning we will be driving down towards Mayfield Kentucky for the funeral and family support.

Love to all,
Heather



Beloved Husband and Father
Charles Barry Robert
11/25/1928 - 6/16/2008

Am I ready?

Am I ready for my Dad to die? No
Am I ready for the 830 mile drive? No
Am I ready for Bobby to come back home? Yes
Am I ready for our cool air to be repaired? Yes
Am I ready for the payment? No

This is where I am tonight. Visiting Sadtown with a pit stop at SmartEllickville.


So today, I bought the girls a slip and slide which they'll play with tomorrow when it's nice and hot outside. I'm sure it will destroy our yard, hopefully we won't have any injuries though! Catherine went swimming at a friends house, and is spending the night at another friends house. Abby kept me company tonight (she got an ice-cream cone). ;)

Sweltering

Who said spring should be over 100 degrees?

Why am I complaining? Oh, that's right, our cool air unit isn't working, and 5 service repair companies can't come out until next Thursday/Friday!!!!!!!!!

It's been so hot!!!!

I've got a short reprieve though, as thunderstorms were supposed to come rolling in tonight (they didn't appear, but high winds and showers came...just perfect enough to cool things down). The temperature dropped over 20 degrees! (-: I opened every window and cooled the house out. Tonight I actually ran the dishwasher and now I'm quickly doing some laundry.

Bobby's in Florida for the Tech Expo, he said it's cooler there than it is here. He's having a great time. I've been keeping the girls busy with going places with air conditioning :) They played in the Kid Zone while I worked out at the gym, Abby played in the Tree House while Catherine and I did the grocery shopping (they only had room for one child when we got there, at first C was upset that she couldn't play, but I let her do all the scanning and pressing the buttons on the produce scales so she had a great time). Catherine helped select meals and snacks, she said it was fun.

Today we went to the mall where the girls got a new webkinz. I made dinner while the kids played outside (this was when it finally started to cool off....the kids played kickball with other friends). Later we set up their webkinz rooms. Another good day for the girls....to top it off, Abby called Daddy so both girls talked to Bobby before they went to bed tonight.

It's 3 AM, time to put the wash into the dryer...okay as soon as this Will & Grace episode ends. I enjoy watching reruns while Bobby's away....Friends, Will & Grace, Sex & the City, Seinfeld etc...

Long Update

Abby woke up Friday morning and announced that by the end of the day she would be a first grader (heart pains for realizing that my baby is growing up).

I went to the local bakery to pick up some cupcakes to give the girls when they got off the bus on the last day of school. I also picked up a couple extra for their teachers, principal and secretary. When I was carrying the pink box (gotta love that) down the hallway to hand one to Catherine's teacher it felt so empty. All the kids artwork and projects were down from the hallways so that they could take them home. It just looked so empty and sad. Both teachers appreciated the cupcake...I told them that they were sweet teachers and deserved a sweet treat and that I hoped they had a great summer. Shh....don't tell the girls, the teachers picked the pink ones!

I also got Abby a basketball (she's been asking for one) and Catherine a new box of Crayola 64 crayons (only the best... I love coloring with fresh new Crayola's). Both girls also got a big sketch pad (so hopefully they'll quit asking to use up all the printer paper!). They had a great year. They both loved their teachers and they had such good teachers too. I just really love their school! They'll miss it, but they're ready for some unstructured days.

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Bobby had his 32nd Birthday - Happy Birthday Hun! He went out with the guys after work, something he rarely does but should do more often. The next morning the girls and I gave him his gifts. Catherine and Abby got him the game "Apples to Apples" a game that we love playing, and he's mentioned more than once that he wanted...so he was pleased. I got him a stainless steel flask. I had it engraved with "Life's journey is long, you better take snacks!" he loved it. Again, something else he wanted for a long time. :) I like it when we do good! :)

(one kid from the team is missing...he missed the last two weeks...Catherine had two of her really good friends Samantha and Shannon on her team, and two other kids from their school which they new and were friends with)

The spring tennis season is over (Rallyball) for Catherine and her team. They placed in the top, and were really excited that they won third place. So now she has a 2nd and a 3rd place ribbon for tennis. Next year since Abby will be a 1st grader she'll get to play. She'll be playing level 1 and Catherine will move up to level 2. Both girls want Bobby and me to coach..so we'll see how that goes when the time comes. :)

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I got a sunburn over three days...Sunday slight burn on my arms and neck during the last tennis game. Monday my nose and forehead got a slight burn while we were outside with our last book distribution. Tuesday is burned my shoulders and back of my neck during field day. The last day was the worst....I ended up blistering...tiney tiny little blisters clustered all over the tops of my shoulders. Ouch! Yes, I had sunblock on....it was only 35 SPF and I forgot to reapply during field day...that was my mistake, I know. :O It still hurts none the less.

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Catherine is off on her Girl Scout Camporee camping trip for the weekend. It feels really odd here without her. I'm sure she's having a great time, I can't wait to hear all about it when she gets back Sunday afternoon.

Abby pulled out all her gear and was roller skating today...this girl has no fear, and is a natural.

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Last week week we took the girls to Build-A-Bear to spend their money. Catherine had a gift certificate from her birthday, and they had extra money from us and their Ky Nana sent them each $10 as a thinking of you gift which was so sweet. This was Catherine's first adoption. She choose a really cute bunny with pink ears, it was a hard choice between "Hunny Bunny" and the elephant (we know how much she loves elephants). She picked out cute jammies, bunny slippers, panties, a cap and a glamorous pink dress with a matching purse. She'll have to save up for the shoes to go with the dress...as it is she borrowed against her allowance (not that she really gets allowance, it's more like when she is really good and goes above and beyond around the house or with Abby she gets a cash reward).

The day after she got her bunny she came down and exclaimed "Mom, I'm actually playing with my toys!". "Really?" I said. Then she proceeded to tell me about the "drama" (her favorite word I do believe) that was going on upstairs. Something about her elephant loves Hunny Bunny, but she doesn't like him, she likes Phunt, but Phunt likes Ellie...I don't know I'm sure I have that love triangle all confused. I promise I don't let that child watch soap operas!

Abby went into Build-A-Bear with the intentions of getting her first build-a-bear (white and pink bear that she got last year with her birthday money) some more clothes but picked up the white and blue bear and shouted "I found Raspberry Creams brother!". So in the end Raspberry Cream didn't get any new clothes but she has her long lost brother Blueberry Cream. What a happy reunion we had at home....since he's "nekkid" he's borrowing a bathrobe from his sister. Needless to say Abby's been playing with them nonstop (along with her webkinz).

...Let's see what else have we been up to.....

Last night, Jen and I went and watched the Sex and the City: The Movie...it was so great! I loved it! I laughed. I cried. It was a good movie. I laughed so hard I couldn't breath at one point! Grab a girlfriend (or several) and go watch it! Jen's preggo right now, so we couldn't get a cosmo before/after the movie..but that would have been fun. Even if you didn't watch the series you can still enjoy the movie. I was so excited to go watch this, I've been watching the reruns for the last month! :)

Oh for sad news....because life isn't always peaches n' cream....prayers are welcome!

:( My Dad is still hanging in there, but he's having a really hard time breathing. He's really struggling and having some really tough days.

:( Teresa is still fighting her battle with cancer. She's on her second round of chemo since it spread to her abdominal wall.

:( Our friends Ben & Jeannie moved to Kansas (Military Family) before he has to go Iraq (please keep them in your prayers). We're going to miss them, they were really great friends. Our girls are missing their kids already, they were best of friends. There was a last minute going away party for them, so we got to say goodbye before they left. During memorial day weekend we all got together, so all the kids could see each other one last time too.

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Okay, how's that for catching you back up? :) LOL It's going to be a busy summer, but I'll keep you updated with pictures as we go along! :) Stay in touch! Facebook anyone?