Snip, Snip, Snip. . . before and after

First of all, please excuse the date on all the pictures. We actually went this past Saturday (7/28/07) for Johnathan's first haircut. Surprisingly enough he did great. Not one tear. He got a little clingy, but thanks to daddy's quick thinking (and a few Smarties) everything turned out just fine.

Jacob, unfortunately was really upset about his haircut, although I think it was more about being sleepy, than the actual haircut. Normally he does great when he goes with Papa to get his hair cut, so I have to guess this is just a fluke.

Look at how handsome everyone is. What a bunch of good looking dudes.

The 4th, the 3rd and everything in between

O.K. so I have been extraordinarily lazy about updating the blog (HULLO?! Is anyone still out there, or have you given up on us???) Anywho……….. lots of things have been going on, so it is not a lack of material rather a lack of time. Where to begin? Let’s do the good and then go to the bad.

First, was the trip to my parent’s house over the 4th of July, which was a much needed break for me and the kids. No work, no daycare, just us and quality family time. It was wonderful. Jacob and Johnathan both got their first real experience in my parent’s pool which was great. Johnathan was a bit skittish at first, but warmed right up to it after the proper floatation device was acquired (i.e. inflatable animal thingy). Jacob. . . now he is my water baby. He could NOT get enough of the pool and pitched a royal fit when we finally did make him get out. Actually it wasn’t the getting out part that was the problem. It was the leaving of the pool that was a problem. And for me it was the getting in, getting out, getting back in, that was tiring. This kid has no fear. He ran and jumped into my arms/pool about a hundred thousand times (o.k., I’m only guesstimating here. . . it may have been a ga-zillion times).

And of course, we celebrated Jacob’s 3rd Birthday (hooray!). How is it possible that three years have passed??? I can’t get over how big he is getting and how fast the time slips away, but I digress. We had all the usual suspects present, i.e. Buzz Lightyear, Cars, Spongebob, Bob the Builder, etc. etc. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we had lots of family and lots of good food (courtesy of my mom), and Jacob had a blast. Just a quick thanks to all of you who remembered him on his special day, and thanks for all the cards and gifts. We appreciated everything from everyone.

O.K., this entry is getting lengthy, so I’ll wrap this up for now. I’ll have more good news and then one post of bad news, which isn’t so much bad, but disheartening. I’ll share. For now, enjoy this post and all the pictures and know that I will try to be more attentive to “the blog”. Sit blog, Stay blog. Good blog!

The Porch

(that's my dad aka "papa" on the porch)


My mom and dad have started yet another construction project. I swear they are always doing something. The latest, which has been a long time coming, is a new front porch. I remember when we all moved into that house, about 19 years ago, and one of the things my mom wanted most was a front porch she could sit on and maybe even have a swing. Well, dad built the porch, so Tracy and I got the swing. To help mom and dad celebrate their anniversary we all went together and got mom and dad a gift card for Lowe's to get that swing they have wanted, which I hope will nearly complete the porch. Can't wait to go back up in October and see the finished product, just in time for Applefest (which is the most wonderful time of year in PA).

40 Years

(From left to right: My mom, My Dad, Maid of Honor - My Aunt Barb and the Best Man - My Uncle Eddie)



I can hardly believe (and I'm sure my parent's feel the same way) that it has been 40 years since they said "I do". How is that possible?!?! Where does the time go?


My parent's celebrated 40 years of marriage on Sunday, July 15, 2007. I look at this picture and think how young they were, and how hopeful everyone looks. And things really did turn out well for them. Sure, our family has had its share of good times and bad, but all in all, my mom and dad have been constant and secure for all of us. So I look at them today and think how amazing it is that something as wonderful as their marriage has lasted so long and only hope that I can have half of the happiness I believe they have had over the years.