It's all who you know

I had taken yesterday off when I bought the Foo Fighters tickets because I knew we'd be out late and not feel like going to work in the morning. Steve had been trying to get David's room re-painted, so I figured I'd take the kids out to the Liberty Science Center and he could get some work done. I mentioned this to my co-worker friend who's wife happens to work there and she left me 4 tickets at the Welcome Desk! SCORE! I thought that was so nice of her. I was not expecting anything and that was way cool. I had only met her the night before and she totally hooked us up. We got to the LSC about 10:30 am and started on the 1st floor. Then we made our way to the top (4th fl) and slowly made our way down. There was SO much to see. David and Ava had a really good time. We ate lunch at their cafe and I was impressed with how healthy their food choices were. David ate an entire turkey burger on a whole wheat bun! We did not get to see any of the shows, due to Ava's inability to sit. Maybe next time. Before we left I stopped in to see the lovely lady that gave us tickets, but she was at lunch. I gave her hubs a little something to bring her home today to say Thanks. We had a really great time.

The Best

WOW WOW WOW! I had bought Steve tickets to see the Foo Fighters for our anniversary in March and last night was the show. IT WAS THE BEST! They put on a rockin kick ass show. We saw them at the Izod Center at the Meadowlands and weren't thrilled about another inside show, but we were so not disappointed. A friend of mine from work and his wife also had tickets to the show, so we tailgated with them and their friends before hand. When we went into the show they were already starting to play. We tried to sit with our tailgating buddies, but there were no seats. Our seats were pretty good, so I did not mind having to sit by ourselves. They did a lot of their old songs and some new, but every one sounded unreal. Dave Groehl is so great. Half way through the show, they moved to a stage in the center of the arena and we could see perfectly. Their drummer is so good. Everyone in the band is good, but Taylor can totally play. When they came out for an encore, they played The Best of You as the last song - THE BEST. I told Steve that last nights show is my new favorite concert. Must see them again. Still singing...

Hospital Bed instead of Airplane Seat

While I was grabbing a sandwich yesterday, my Dad called to inform me that he would be watching the kids until I got home because my Mom was at the hospital with my sister. See, my sister and her husband flew up from FL last week to attend my parents 60th birthday party and were due to fly home yesterday afternoon. That all changed when my sister woke up with abdonimal pain. When I first spoke to my Mom, they thought it was her appendix, but she was diagnosed with 3 cysts on her ovaries instead. She will need to have 1 of them removed when she returns to FL. Her husband had to fly home Monday without her to get back to work and their animals. I think she'll be heading back later this week. I was glad to hear she did not have to have her appendix out, but abdominal pain sucks - either way. Isn't being a woman great?

Stormy

Yesterday morning when we woke up the sun was shining at the Jersey Shore. I took the kids outside to enjoy it. Aunt Mary took a bike ride out to the bagel store and bakery for some breakfast - she is sweet like that. We ate breakfast while her and Uncle Bob ran to church. Steve and I decided to take the kids to Seaside when they returned. It was so great of them to let us stay...we hope to do it again soon.

We did hit the boardwalk for about an hour. David loves the arcade, so we spent most of our time in there. We did walk over to the rides, but they were not open yet. The minute we got in the car, it started to rain. Talk about perfect timing. Before heading back North, we drove around the area checking out any houses for sale. When we got home I had a killer migraine.

Steve was kind enough to let me try to nap it off, but when I woke up it was worse. I thought I was hungry, so we took a ride out to Steve's work so he could turn on the AC and then we had dinner. We went to a restaurant that we had gone to for a Xmas party and liked. Our dinner was very good. My headache got a tiny bit better but came back full force on the way home.

The rest of the night I was in PAIN. I really can not take feeling that way. However, it has been a LONG TIME since I've had a headache like that. I think it was from the sun on Saturday.

Back to the work week now.

Rockin Good Time

WOW! Yesterday was a blast. We were able to spend some time with my Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob before the party at the beach and at their house. They have a really great place. Very roomy and very homey. The kids had a lot of fun at the beach. Aunt Mary took David to ride the waves and Ava played in the sand. Before the party, we all took showers in the outside shower (separately of course). David and Ava LOVED the outside shower. I got them dressed and then took care of myself. My sister had come by and took Ava over to the party while I was still getting ready. I wore a cute outfit I picked up at Target. A pair of leggings and a tank dress. Steve made fun of me for wearing pants, but I told him - they are not pants, they are leggings. Then it was off to the party. When we arrived, we said our hello's and then we ate. The food was delicious. It was BBQ, and I tried one of everything. Then we mingled and had a grand 'ol time. I chatted with my family and extended family. My sister got Ava to nap in the stroller before the band started. David found himself a girlfriend to play with. They had a whole lot of fun playing under the house. The house was really neat. There were all kinds of levels and hidden spaces. David thought he was on a pirate ship! We danced and laughed and really enjoyed ourselves. When it was finally time to go, I was super glad that I only had to walk 1 block. David fell asleep right when we got home. Ava put on a little show for my Aunt and Uncle but once we went to bed - she was out. What a GREAT time.

A group of old people

This afternoon we'll be attending a party to celebrate my parents and some of their life long friends 60th birthdays. The party is at one of the friends ocean front homes at the Jersey Shore. Each couple invited 20 people, so this will be quite a large party. They are having it catered and hired a local band. Most of my aunts and uncles will be there and some of my cousins. My Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob live in the same town and are only 1 block away and were nice enough to invite to stay with them. That will be a life saver when it comes to the kids. We are planning on going early so we can hit the beach. I'll let you know how it goes!

When did THAT happen?

I can still remember David napping in his boppy pillow and watching him sleep. Snuggling him up while he was off in la la land. It feels like it was yesterday. Now, out of no where, I am filling out kindergarten papers and getting him ready for his 1st day of school. It really did go by so very fast. Scary fast. I am just glad that he still wants me to snuggle him while he is off in la la land. My baby boy.

Power of positive thinking

There are a few people in my life that could use a little prayer or positive thinking. Some are related to me and others are friends. There are even a few people that I don't know directly, but have heard their story and think of them often wishing them the best in their situation. If you have a moment, send some prayer or positive thoughts their way. I do not want to blurt out their names or situations to the entire world, but would like some extra prayers and good thoughts sent their way.

Thank you!

In pain and home early

Steve had his final of 3 dentist appts this morning. The first 2 were just for cleaning since he had not been there in 5 years! Today's visit was to fix some cavities that were discovered. Well, he went in for 3 and came out with 6 cavities worked on. YUCK! So, when I was on my way home, I got a call letting me know that he too was on his way home. His mouth was killing him. I feel bad that his mouth hurts, but I do enjoy having him home with us! Hehe!

Do I stay or Do I go...

Still contemplating moving. I really love my house, but I do not like my neighbors or even the neighborhood. Mainly because there really isn't one. There is no place to go for a walk and we have no friends around. We would also love a garage and I am dying for a mud room. The shore is where I would LOVE to go, but it is really pricey. I think I'd rather go where I can get more for my money. The other draw back is selling. I've never had to do it, but it seems like a real pain in the ass. I also think we should get a certain amount for our house, but the market is for buyers, not sellers. I am torn!

Holy Terror

Ava was up at 5 am today. SCREAMING. I could not get her to stop. I tried everything. I changed her diaper, put cream on her eczema, gave her benedryl for the itch, rocked her and gave her a bottle. She finally stopped. Then she puked. This was all before 6 am. UGH!!! Back to SCREAMING. I really need to get my butt in the shower for work and I can not out her down. I email my boss that I will be late and leave Steve with her SCREAMING. Even in the shower I can hear her. After I got dressed, I had her come upstairs and was able to entertain her with the piggy bank so I could finish getting ready. When I left, she was quietly eating a donut. Steve called as I was getting into the parking lot asking me what kind of pills I keep in my make up table. I was like "WHAT!" - yes, she was popping pills. I told him that there weren't any that I know of. So, I called the pediatrician and Steve brought her in. About an hour later he called to report that she is healthy as an Ox. No reason for this behavior! I was hoping that she had something that could be fixed and she would go back to being a normal baby. I was wrong. UGH! My Mom got there early to help out. I did not want to Steve to run away and never come home ;) As cute and loving as Ava can be - she sure was the utter opposite this morning.

Framing business

Yesterday my Uncle dropped off a picture that my Dad's boss would like an estimate on for framing. I put a lot of nice frames and mats together and took photos of them for my Dad to show him. I thoroughly enjoy the framing part of my business. It is amazing how different something can look just by the frame it is in or the mat colors surrounding it. I find it a lot of fun to mix and match to find that perfect look. I also am very impressed with the quality of the pieces. The pieces that people have ordered from me and even the ones I ordered for me, are fantastic. I am really going to work hard at making this work. I really enjoy it and want it to grow. Wish me luck and if you would like something framed, let me know!

Pool Time

A few years back, I bought a pool on a whim! One of those big ones that you can get at Toys R Us. We did not put it up last year, but David really wanted it up this year, so Steve did it today. Both the kids 'helped' fill it and when it was ready, they could not wait to get in. David is tall enough where his head is above water and believe it or not, Ava could reach on her tippy toes. They had a blast in there. Ava seriously has no fear. She even went under a few times, which scared the crap out of me - but not her. Steve was in there with them at one point with both kids hanging on him. I know where they will be the rest of the summer!

The truth

The kids and I met my friends for dinner tonight. We met at the Grove. They are expecting their first baby and this was the 1st time I was seeing them since I heard the wonderful news. Well, Ava sure put on a show. She was pretty bad. Throwing her food, screaming, kicking, feet on the table, running around...they sure got to see what the terrible (almost) 2's are going to be like! I felt so bad. I hope they enjoyed their dinner even with all the craziness!

Indy

David thinks he's Indiana Jones. It is the cutest thing. When he gets dressed each day, he wants to wear all brown to look like Indy. He has the hat, the whip and the gun. He even uses my Mom's exercise ball as the big boulder from one of the movies. He is hilarious. I had the pleasure of taking him to the movies to see the latest Indiana Jones movie. It was so cute to watch him watch the movie. He was really into it. We got popcorn and fruit punch to share which he thought was great. At one point, he asked to sit on my lap due to some frightening scenes. We had a really good time. I decided to make a date out of it and we stopped for dinner at Bonefish. He has been dying to go there since it opened, but it is not a place I want to take Ava. This was the perfect opportunity to take him. After we gave our name, we went to the bar and had a drink. He decided he'd rather wait outside on the couches, so we ventured out there until our pager went off. They sat us in a nice booth at the back of the restaurant. He ordered grilled chicken and veggies and ate his entire peice of chicken and all his green beans. We had a fabulous dinner and a great date. I can't wait to do it again!

Sick Sick Sick

I am home sick today. YUCK! I got a sore throat at work yesterday, but attributed it to all the singing I did at the concert. Well, I went to the Dr. and I have a virus. No strep. Red bumps on my throat. GROSS! I need rest.

Living on a Prayer

Last night Steve and I took the train into NYC to see Bon Jovi at MSG. We got in early so we could grab some dinner. One of our favorite restaurants is Carmine's and there was no wait so we ate there. We had the calamari for appetizer and shrimp parm for dinner. The food was to die for. Excellent. After, we took a walk around Times Square to waste some time. The Home Run Derby was at Yankee Stadium so they had something set up in Times Square in conjuction with that. We made our way back to MSG with some time to kill - so we people watched. Well, Steve pointed out a woman to me that was wearing a scarf. He thought it odd as he was sweating in shorts. So I turn to look and see something totally different. The man she was with. It was William Petersen, from CSI! My favorite show and character. So I run to get ahead of him so I can snap a picture. I was so nervous and the picture came out crappy, but he looked great. It was so cool! Right after that, there was some yelling going on between a homeless man and two girls handing out Vegas promos. When he got next to us, he threw a pocket knife at them! The next thing we know, a cop and his horse are going after him! Then an MSG security guard takes him down. It all happened so fast! I love NYC! Now, we were ready to go inside.

Once we got to our seats, the opening act (All American Rejects) did there thing. They were actually pretty good and I had heard or 4 of their songs before. It took about 45 minutes for Bon Jovi to come out. But when they did....they ROCKED! It was awsome. We had a great time. I am so glad we went. After all these years and tours, he's still got it. I am never disappointed when I leave his show. And it was funny - about half way through the show - it hit me. Jon was singing Blaze of Glory and I realized that William Petersen was in Young Guns II - Jon did the soundtrack and was in the movie! I told Steve and he was laughing at me. I always have to find a reason for things ;)

Calling the babysitter

Saturday night, Steve and I went out for dinner with my cousin John and his girlfriend Holly. I had called the babysitter earlier in the week to line her up. When I first asked John and Holly to go with us, they had declined due to Holly having plans. Then John came over Saturday afternoon to hang out, so I asked him to come with Steve and I anyway. When we were ready to leave our house, Holly called and she was able to meet us. We went to a local bring your own Italian restaurant. We all enjoyed our dinner and each others company.

I brought the babysitter home while Steve got the kids ready for bed. When I got home, David said "Mom, next time you go out to dinner, just have Aunt Tracey watch us". Well David, I think it's a but much to ask Aunt Tracey to drive 3 hrs to babysit for 2 hrs! He is too cute. His mind is ALWAYS going.

The big 21!

The baby of the Kenny side of my family will be 21 tomorrow. I can not believe it! We are going up to my aunt and uncle's to celebrate with her. I know she has some big plans for next weekend and I hope she has a wonderful time. She is a great girl, I am so proud of her.

I remember my 21st birthday like it was yesterday. Steve and I were living in FL at the time, so he took me to Orlando to celebrate. We stayed in Celebration with my parents friend Rolly. Steve did not feel well but knew I wanted to go real bad, so he sucked it up and we went. We spent my actual birthday in Sea World. It was so much fun. Because it is an Anheiser Busch theme park, they serve beer so I was able to drink my first legal beer!

Ah, to be young again...

So official

We had a wonderful time at my Uncle's ceremony. He looked so handsome in his uniform. I usually do not get to see him in it. The ceremony itself was about an hour. So official! My Aunt and the girls were a part of it - very nice touch. After, there was a reception with dinner and drinks. Those AirForce bartenders can make 1 heck of a margarita! I must have had 5 - that is a lot for me. The food was very good as well. Most of all, my Uncle was in his glory that not only did he become General, but that his family, friends and co-workers were there to celebrate with him. It was a very special day. One that he totally deserved.

Day off? Says who?

Steve and I have the day off to attend my Uncle Bob's pinning ceremony. He was given the title of General in the Air Force. They are giving him a ceremony and reception at McGuire AFB this afternoon and we are so excited to attend. However, I have done nothing but work my butt off since I woke up. I really needed to give my house a good cleaning and that is what I did. I wanted it to be done prior to my sister in law and the kids arrival and I did it. Tracey is watching David and Ava so we can attend the ceremony. They were so happy to have them coming over. Ava was saying Ty Ty and Ally ALL MORNING. She really is in love with Ty Ty. David was thrilled as well. They'll have a grand 'ol time. Ok, time to hit the shower!

So late

David's birthday was a month ago and I have yet to get his Thank You cards out. Part of it is my fault and part of it is because the ones I ordered have not arrived yet. Either way, I hope people do not think we are rude and forgot to send them out! Lately, I just can not get it together. UGH!

Lesson Learned

I had to run over to the mall to pick up something I ordered from this crafty lady and the kids were with me. As we were walking in, the police were walking out with a lady in handcuffs. David was very interested in what was going on. I told him I assumed she was stealing by the HUGE white purse she was carrying (it was bigger than her). Then I rambled on about how you should never steal. Then David asked me 2 questions:
1. Why do people steal?

So I told him it is because they can not afford something they want because they either do not have a job or they want something that costs more than they make. Then came question #2:
2. Can I get a job?

Kids are SO FUNNY!

Teeth and Rock n Roll

Steve and David had dentist appts this morning. David needed another tooth pulled and Steve hasn't been to the dentist in FOREVER. On Steve's way to work, he dropped David off at my office. He was a very good boy. We walked to the convenience store and picked up soup, twinkies and strawberry milk. He ate pretty well. The rest of the afternoon he played his PSP.

On the way home, we stopped at Toys R Us. I had pre-ordered Guitar Hero Aerosmith for Wii so I picked that up and let David get some Lego's for being a good patient.

Back to normal

I had a follow up at the Neurologist this afternoon and he cleared me! I no longer have to see him unless I start to feel bad again. The vitamin regimen I am on is working well. In case you are a headache sufferer, here is the list:

400 mg Vitamin B-2
500 mg Magnesium
300 mg Co-Q 10

If you try it, give it 2 to 4 weeks to get into your system. It took me about 2 weeks.

Good luck!

A day off

from running around! Had to go food shopping and do laundry but that was it. Steve cooked out on the grill because I was dying for a cheeseburger. Tomorrow it's back to work, but I'll admit, I'm ready.

Party time!

Our family was invited to a fantastic party at the friends of my brother and sister-in-law. They have a beautiful home on lots of land. There was nothing they left out. Great food, plenty of drinks and whole lot of fun. We also got to meet some really nice people. I even took a ride in a tethered hot air balloon with Tracey! It was unreal. The rain put a little damper on things, but once it was over, the party picked right back up. David had a great time. He spent the entire day with Ty. Before leaving, Rich and I karaoked our butts off! I think we did a great job. What a good time.

Hot air balloon

Ty & David

Rich & I singing

Happy 4th!

Or is it? The weather is horrible. No beach today. I walked Ava into town and I shopped. Not exactly what I had in mind. Steve took David golfing in the afternoon. David loved riding in the cart. Steve even let him take a few swings. We grabbed dinner at the Squan Tavern but we should have went home. Both kids were horrible. We decided to call it quits and go back home. I was very disappointed. I wanted to see fireworks, but we missed them. Hopefully tomorrow will be nicer.

Beach Day

We spent the day on the beach! My absolute favorite place to be. It was breezy - even cold - but it still felt great. Tonight we took the kids to the boardwalk. We had dinner up there and then David and I played mini-golf. He had asked me to play last time we were there, but I had to say No, because I had noone to watch Ava. So Steve walked Ava around to see the sites while we played. He did really well and we had a ton of fun. We left before sundown because Ava was cold. I love the Jersey Shore.

Going back home

After spending the day swimming & fishing, we drove to Jacksonville airport to go home. This flight was better, but Ava was not having it. She threw a big fit before and during take off. While we were in the air she was ok. Not great, but ok. We landed early (yahoo). My cousin John picked us up at the airport (Thanks John). It felt GREAT to be home in good 'ol Jersey.



Catfish

Nana, Steve, David and Ava

The kids in the pool

Squeezing it all in

Steve's Dad took us out on the boat this morning. We went to a park and let the kids play for a little while. On the trip back, Ava had a nice meltdown. Once we got home, she refused her nap but went right in the pool. We spent the entire afternoon swimming. David jumped off the big wall and really got brave swimming. For dinner we drove over to St. Augustine. The place was called the Saltwater Cowboy. It was a neat place and the food was great, although I had to eat a cold dinner thanks to Ava. Oh well. After dinner, I wanted to go into town. They have some great shopping, but most of all it's very pretty. I did some shopping and then we grabbed some ice cream. Across the street from the ice cream palor was the Fort. David was very interested in seeing it, so we walked over there. It was awesome. We would have stayed longer but the rain was coming. I would love to stay there on a future trip. Sleeping went better tonight.

Kids on the boat

Playing at the park

In the pool

Dinner at the Saltwater Cowboy

Fort in St. Augustine