Listen...

Do you hear it?? What is that sound?? I don't think I have ever heard that sound before. Oh wait, yes I did, it was about 9 1/2 years ago, before the boys were born. It is the sound of a quiet house. I almost didn't recognize it. The boys are at their first sleep over at their friend Cristian's house. They have never slept away from home before. I always think, gosh I wish they would be quiet. Now its quiet, too quiet.

They will be back tomorrow and our loud world will go back to normal.

I'm Back!!

My friend Robin asked me the other day why I haven't blogged anything lately, that she enjoyed reading my blog. (Thanks Robin) So, I am back.

What's been going on?? Well, lets see, the boys are doing amazingly well in school, A's and B's!! Here are a couple of pictures from Easter. I was also informed on Easter when we were all playing Wii that Justin would try to find a game for my level of suckiness on the Wii. What a thoughtful little boy!!!! He's right though, I do stink at video games. I can type about 95 words a minute, but I can't make Mario jump and hit the little mushroom to save my life.

We are on spring break, so the boys have been off for almost 10 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They know better than to tell me that they are bored, because I am my mother, and I would make it my mission to find them something to occupy their time, like cleaning the bathroom with a toothbrush or clean out their closet. My mom always told us when we told her that we were bored (which wasn't often, because we caught on quickly) that she was our mother and it was her duty to make sure that her babies were not bored. So, the boys don't sing the "I'm Bored" song very often. Three more days until they go back to school!!!!

I will post some random pictures from the last few months and I promise to post regularly. Seems like facebook came along and I forgot all about my blog.

I will do better!!

We have an addition to our family!!!

Not another child. Good lord, the twins are enough!! We adopted a soldier. His name is Anthony Russell and he is currently serving in Iraq. We got him through a program called Adopt a US Soldier (http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/). This is a great program. He is serving in Iraq and we get to send him cards, and letters, e-mail and packages. We think that this is a privilege, especially for the boys. We want them to understand that there are real, true heroes in the world, not the pop stars, sports stars and stuff that they see on TV. We want them to understand that freedom is not free and that there are real people fighting for the freedoms that we take for granted. My niece was in Baghdad a few years ago and she was giving me tips and advice about being a soldier. She said that it was so important to know that there were people at home who were thinking of and praying for them. They feel so disconnected over there. If anyone else can get involved in this project, it would be great. It doesn't take anything more than sending a card or an e-mail to make their day, while they are away from their homes and families while they are protecting ours. (I lifted this picture from a blog I love to read daily - www.abbykey.blogspot.com. This picture was taken from a little restaurant across from Ground Zero in New York. Cool, huh?)

The Weekend

Did you like the view from our deck?? So did we this weekend, because that is as close as we got to the pool. You have to have pool tags to get in, even though I live across the street and you can see my house from the pool, the landlord didn't get us our tags, so there we were, the boys noses pressed against the sliding glass door, wanting to go in the pool. I had to explain to them a few times (read millions) that we did not have tags. They had a good weekend any way, they had a "camp out" in the living room with Daddy, watching movies and playing video games. I am bummed because Pittsburgh is down two games in the Stanley Cup. No one else cares, because it is not the Flyers, but Pittsburgh is my team. Other than that, nothing exciting. The boys have 12 days of school left. Yay??? They are so excited, me, not so much.

Well, off to make beds.

My life is so glamorous!!!

Hello Blogworld

Things are officially one million times better. We are in our own home again. It is a beautiful condo in Egg Harbor Township. It is wonderful. We are steps, yes steps from the pool. This is the view out my front deck. I swear it is like waking up at a hotel every morning. The pool was open three days last weekend and the boys and I were at the pool three days. It was awesome. It it so great to be back in our own home again. You don't realize what you have until you don't have it any more.

The boys only have 15 days of school left. They are counting the days. They did so well through our whole past ugly seven months. Straight A's. I have such good boys. Justin brought home something from school that said he likes to brag about his mom because she is the best cook ever! He loves my chocolate chip cookies and my homemade chocolate sauce. He is my little chocolate buddy.

I will try to be a more faithful blogger in the future.

My Little Fish Boys

They love to swim!! They pool at their school is open every Tuesday and Thursday night so we have been going on those night. They are like fish in water. They swim for the entire 2 hours we are there. I was amaze last night when Robbie jumped in the deep end. "what mom, we learned that in school". Apparently it was not as amazing to him as it was to me. They are growing up so fast. I also love the pool because it puts their little fishy butts right to sleep on the way home. Yes boys, we can go swimming every time the pool is open.

It is Official, I am My Mother!!!

I'm her. I have now officially moved into Joan Rocap mode. You know how you always think you will be so much cooler than you mom. It is true, I don't wear polyester pants with the seams sewn down the front, or those hideous house dresses that to this day still embarrass me that my mom wore, but the evidence is in the picture. I HAD TO BUY READING GLASSES!!!! You know the little glasses that your mom wore or wears, on the little chain (I don't have a little chain, please, I still do have some coolness in me). Well I now have a pair. Although they are cool, colorful stripes, they are still, well, old lady glasses. I was at my sister's house the other day and my cell phone rang and I was trying to see who it was and I was moving it around to try to focus on the number and Alice looked at me and said "What the heck are you doing, you look like Mommy."

At that point, I had to admit the obvious. I am my mother!!!

Don't laugh, you too will become your mother one day, trust me.

I Cried All Day Yesterday

Yesterday and today is the annual Cat Country Cares for St. Jude Radiothon. Every year I cry for two days listening to the stories about kids with cancer and all the good things that St. Jude does. Every year we become Partners in Hope, which means we contribute $25 per month to St. Judes. I took the boys to the Hamilton Mall last night to donate their little $2. I wanted them to understand that these kids are kids just like them and for them to realize that we may not have a lot of money and we may have had a really suckey few months, but they are healthy and they can go out and learn how to ride a bike or play with Tech Decks or whatever. They were so proud to put that $2 that they had saved from their allowence in that little box. In First grade, Justin's teacher asked the kids to write down what they would do if they had $100. Justin wrote that he would give his $100 to people with cancer. He knows that my mom died of cancer and he thought that $100 could help some other mommy not be sick.

Money, big houses, big cars, they are just things. I am so proud that my sons know that helping people is more important.

Don't my Piggies look Pretty

Aren't they beautiful!! My sister surprised me today and took me to have a pedicure. Which was so nice of her, because I got the good feet in the family, but in all fairness, she got the good hair. Her feet look like Fred Flintstone (no offense Alice). Even Mae, the pedicure lady (we've known her for years) said "You have such nice feet, your sister, not so much." But we had a nice afternoon getting pedicures, shopping at Kohl's and hanging out. I really needed a fun day with my sister and today was the day.

Thanks Al, next week Goodwill!!!

Presidents Day

This is how Robbie spent President's Day, learning how to ride his bike. Justin has ridden a bike for a while now, but Robbie just couldn't get the hang of it. That is, until his cousin Skye showed him how, then he just took off and rode. Apparently, Skye has the magic bike riding teaching touch. Here are some pictures of them.

Justin spent the day hanging with the big boys. My nephew BJ is 13 and Justin hung out with BJ, Matt and Rob yesterday. He thought he was so cool. The boys have always hung out with their older cousins. They are not like little annoying 8 year olds, they really can hang with the big boys. So here are a couple of pictures of BJ and Justin. Justin on the scooter, (which I let him ride around the block by himself with just Robbie and Matt, for the first time) and BJ and Skye.

All in all, it was a great day off!!

8 Years Old

My babies are 8 years old today. For a long time, I didn't think I would ever have them and now they are eight years old. They are typical eight year olds, loud, messy, fighting, smart mouthed. They are also sweet, thoughtful, kind little boys. Their Dad is in the hospital on their birthday, which makes them sad, but we will get a cake and go to the hospital, like we do every day after school so that we can have dinner as a family.

Happy Birthday my Babies!!!

Mommy Hearts You!!!!!

I'm Baaaaackk

I have been away for awhile, unfortunately not really away, but I haven't had access to a computer to post any of the extremely exciting things happening in our life. Oh wait, there is nothing exciting happening in our life. We are still staying with my sister in law (thank you Social Security) and we are still waiting for Bob's big retro check to come from Social Security so that we can finally have a home of our own again (again, THANKS Social Security). Just some general information for you, apparently Social Security works in dog years because I had a woman tell me the other day that waiting almost three months for his retro check to come "really isn't all that long". No maybe not for you, but for us it seems like forever.

We won't be going to Disney for our birthdays (once again, THANKS Social Security) We were going to take the boys for their birthdays and our birthdays, because in 2009 Disney is giving you a FREE ticket for your birthdany and since our birthdays are all within 3 days, it would have been perfect for us.

Anyway, enough whining. What is going on here?? Robbie has a girlfriend, Jackie. Apparently, you CAN get engaged in the second grade, who knew??? She is a little cutie and we hear about her every day. Justin is just hanging out, no girlfriend. They are doing extremely well in school. All A's, the little smarty pants!!! Sometimes though they are too smart for their own good.

I am so bored after being laid off, but I spoke to my boss and should be going back soon. Bob still has all his medical issues and even some new ones

I am so looking forward to the SuperBowl as this year it is on my birthday and my team is playing. I think all the Steeler players should consider that an appropriate birthday gift to me and play accordingly!!

Well, off to another boring day of doing nothing.

Watch this!!! Sooooo True

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KMhuAtyFCrw

I got this link from Abby at abbykey.blogspot.com . I love reading her blog, she has the best pictures. Go look!! She is an awesome thrift store shopper too. Anyway, this is so funny and so true, I swear this woman listened to me every day.

Sorry for the short post, recovering from the nastiest stomach bug I have ever had in my life. If you are suffering from it, I feel for you. If you haven't gotten it yet, run, now to the store and buy all the lysol you can find and bathe in it. It has run through everyone in the house.

Two seven year olds with a stomach virus. You get the picture!!!

Thing that embarras the 7 year olds

Apparently we have moved into the "Mom, you're embarrassing me" stage. I am not allowed to kiss Justin in public anymore. Good Lord, you would think I laid a big smacky smooch on him right in the middle of his class. (Which, I would just like to veryify, I did not) I did however kiss him on the cheek in church one day and for that loving mommie gesture I was rewarded with the rolling of the eyes and the huffing and puffing of the cheeks. We now have a secret 007 move so that I can give him a kiss and no one will know.

We are not allowed to speak of Robby's (yes, we are back to spelling it with a y) girlfriend Jacqueline. He told me that she said I love you Robby the other day. I mentioned it to my friend Dawn (who knew the boy with the bat hearing was in range) "MMMMMOOOOOOMMMM, that was so humiliating!!!!! Humiliating??? Where in your 7 year old world do you use the word humiliating. Again, the rolling of the eyes and the huffing and puffing of the cheeks.

Also, just as a side note, do not take your kids to school in yellow jammie pants, a hideously ugly sweat shirt AND an orange Miami Dolphins Santa hat. If you do wear that fine ensamble, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT get out of the car and walk your kid up to the school. Just so we're clear, that was NOT me. I go to work after I drop the kids at school, so I never look like that, but I did see a mom in the car pool lane today with just that outfit on and a poor little kid who looked like his eyes were about to bug out of his head.

Childhood is hard enough, lets not freak the kids out before they're 8.

My kids do not want ME to embarras THEM, but they have no problem parading around the Philadelphia Spectrum looking like they both ate Smurfs.

Mommiehood is a tough job (that is why daddies don't do it :*)

How Cool is This!!

This was sooooooo cool. Last night Jake's hockey team, Mainland Ice Hockey Club, got to play a game at the Spectrum after a Philadelphia Phantoms Game. That is Jake right there, #38. Thank God he can't hear the way I scream when he is on the ice, he would think I was nuts. It was so cool, especially since they will be knocking down the Spectrum soon. Back in the old days (BK - before kids) Bob and I went to a few Flyers Games there. How many people can say that their nephew played on the same ice that the Philadelphia Flyers and Phantoms played on. Jake was chomping at the bit waiting to jump out on that ice. No penalties for #38, thank goodness. He is not afraid to hit or take a hit. A little scary for his mom and his Punkin, but we manage. He does not back down either. Which can be a good or bad thing, since in this league a fight would mean a 6 game suspension.


This one they were getting ready for a face off (don't I sound so hockey knowledgeable - actually I love hockey) They look so NHLish!!

This was the final score - not to brag or anything. I actually did feel sorry for the other team after a while (except not for #29, he kept going after Jake. We were about to let the twins loose on him. Jake has twin sisters as well as the boys, so that #29 wouldn't have had a chance).

This is one tired hockey kid. He texted me on my way home "Thanks for coming." Honey, I wouldn't have missed this!!!

It Has Been A Long Two Months

It has been a long two months at the Nelson house. We have had some really hard times. Bob finally got approved for Social Security. Yay, you would think right?? Well here we are almost two months later with still no benefits and no checks. We ended up having to move out of the house we were renting and we are now staying with Bob's sister. It has been an awful two months, but hopefully, after a painful, 6 hour stay at the Social Security office on Friday, the Social Security should kick in mid January.

As for Christmas, the word is COZY. Not small, not sparse, cozy. My sons have never had overly extravagent and expensive christmases, so we will make this one, cozy and fun. Justin told me "I only want two things anyway Mom". They have been amazing through this whole ordeal. I have been blessed with extraordinary kids.

So, since Disney is giving a free ticked on your birthday in 2009, we are finally taking the boys to Disney World in February. Helps that our birthdays are all within three days, we will have a nice vacation, partially thanks to Disney World.

I promise to post more, like I said, ugly two months - I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.

5 Things I am grateful for:

1. My husband and my sons.
2. Family taking care of us when we desparately needed it.
3. The whole reason for this season.
4. Christmas Music.
5. Knowing that God will always take care of us.

Random pictures of florida (and a little commentary)

Ok, we'll do the ugly first. Do you see those two people walking on the beach. So sweet, strolling hand in hand??? NOOOOOOO. About 85 years old in a bikini and a SPEEDO. Can you say EEEEEWWWWW. I have nothing against older people, or weight challenged people (as I am one), but come on people, there should be age and weight restrictions on these garments. I don't care how good of shape my grandmom is, I don't want to see her in a bikini AND, just a little tip for the men (okay, the one guy, probably Jake) who read my blog. IF YOU CAN'T SEE YOUR BATHING SUIT BECAUSE YOUR BIG BELLY IS COVERING IT, PICK A NEW BATHING SUIT. Just a little fashion tip. I like to be helpful where I can. Now, on to the pretty pictures.


Arent these pretty. They were just growing wild along the little boardwalk that led to the beach at the resort. Just wild, in the sand. I can't even grow things in pre-mixed soil.

This was the tub in my room at the resort. Let me tell you, if there was a fridge, I could have lived in there for quite some time. It was so big if I put my feet together and let my knees fall apart, they would not touch the side of the tub. I miss that tub!!!

This is the view of the pool off the deck in my room. Cool, huh? I didn't actually go in the pool, I sat next to it with a yummy pina colada in my hand and quite enjoyed it.

This is the resort. HUMONGOUS!! This is only one building, there is another building to the left. Let me tell you, they know how to treat a tired mommy. Frozen towels by the pool, little cups of frozen grapes, how can I help you m'am, do you need any thing m'am. It was a mommies dream.

No need for words.

Can you guess where my fee are???

If you said the Gulf of Mexico, you would be correctamundo!!! I got the mommies chance of a lifetime to go for a week to Florida by myself!!!! Bob's aunt has a house in Fort Myers and she needed someone to come down and help her, drive, help with her scooter, etc. so she asked me if I wanted to go.

It took me about 2 seconds to say yes.

It was absolutely beautiful. We left on Sunday, October 12 and when we got to Fort Myers, it was 90 degrees. It was like that all week.

We went to a resort called the Pink Shell. Oh My Gosh!!!!!!!!!!! I could have lived there the rest of my life. I swear the bathtub was bigger than my kitchen. The food was delish and everyone was so friendly and helpful. The Pina Coladas were yummy too.

We had a great time, but I was glad to come home to Bob and the boys. Every mommy should have a little getaway sometimes. I highly recommend it.

I'll post more pictures later.

Today is Pet Peeve Wednesday

Why, because today is Wednesday and I have a peeve. LADIES ROOMS. I hate public restrooms. They are gross and I have many different issues with them.

1. How in the heck to women pee on seat. Even if you squat so as to not touch the seat, it is not like a man where you need to aim and shoot. EWWWWW.

2. If you do happen to pee all over the seat, wipe it off. Three seconds of courtesy would be much appreciated.

3. FLUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you can flush at home, it is really not that different in a public restroom.

As I said before public restrooms are disgusting. Those are my ladies room house keeping peeves. Here are my general ladies room peeves.

1. When the toilet paper won't come out. You know, when you pull the toilet paper and it gives you like one square at a time. You're always hopeful that this time you'll get more than one square, but no, it always tears at the last second.

2. No toilet paper in your stall or it is in the dispenser but you can't figure out how to get it down to use it.

3. When you go to dry your hands and you just want one of those prefolded papertowels but the thing is stuffed so full that you get about ten. WASTEFUL!!!

4. Those automatic paper towel machines that you have to wave your hand in front of to get the towel and you have to pull off the first one before it will give you a second one. If you spill something, you'll be standing there for 10 minutes waving at the stupid machine while the water is pouring all over the counter.

Anyway, these are just my opinions of public restrooms. Know where I was right before I wrote this????

The Day Every Mother Dreams Of

BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!! Today was the day. The boys started second grade today. Justin was so excited last night, he kept running to check the clock to see if it was time for him to go to bed so that he could go to school today. Robbie tried on his whole outfit, his sneakers, backpack and lunch box before he went to bed. The were so excited this morning, they jumped up when I called them and were ready to go half an hour early.

When we got to school, there were so many kids. Hess School has grades 2-5 so there where a lot more kids than they were used to at Shaner. Justin has three boys in his class that he knows from Shaner, he got a little teary (so did daddy that his little buddies were going back to school) but when he saw David, Conner and Carlos, he was fine. Not so much for Daddy. One of Robbie's teachers I have known since I was in kindergarten so I know he will have a great year.

As for Mommy, I'm just enjoying the quiet!!! 180 days until summer vacation - I'm doing my own quiet time countdown. I guess the first day of school means different things depending on your age.