This picture brought TEARS to my eyes . . .

If you've been in touch lately, then you know that R.J. happens to be one of the "hand-fuls" in his Pre-K 3 classroom. This is no surprise here. He is a boy and he is a three-year-old. He is also used to getting things when he wants them. Thankfully he has great teachers in the room that see the goodness in him.

I must say, the photographers managed to capture it here. Oh my goodness . . . what an absolutely PERFECT little student R.J. appears to be here!! I love it!! I couldn't help but share.

If you have a chance, pan down the screen to September 10th (his first day of school). He looks like such a big boy now!!

High Yellow Belt for Colleen -- Hip hip hurrahh!!

Colleen really has been getting to karate classes consistently. It really does show. She makes sure that she attends one Core Clase, one Submission Grappling Class and now she's been taking Kickboxing classes too. She has now been promoted to HIGH YELLOW BELT!! We are all very proud of Colleen. If you see her, be sure to tell her what a great job she's doing!! She'd LOVE the positive feedback.

Thankfully, they give us a heads-up when there is a promotion. Which basically means that I need to show up with camera in hand to capture the event. Here are a couple of pictures I was able to take.

For my Little Ferry Friends checking this out . . . look at the SECOND picture here. Find the guy pointing to the other guy in the doorway . . . care to take a guess? . . . . . George Peakler!!! An incredibly pleasant surprise!! Loved it!! A truly small world that we live in here!!!

Colleen's First Day of School . . . . EXCITEMENT EXCITEMENT!!

Colleen woke up to the alarm (thanks Mr. Gray -- LOVE this alarm clock) with NO prompting from me at all!! She got up, brushed her teeth, fed herself breakfast and got dressed in record time!! She truly was one eager beaver.

One of the exciting things about going to this new school (Bergen Arts and Science Charter School) is the fact that she'd be taking the bus to school in the morning. So, with bus-pass in hand, she was off on her route to school.

The bus was a little late getting her to school, but all was well. I got to the school to make sure that she made it to her classroom.

Well, then we were off to get R.J. to his FIRST DAY OF PRE-SCHOOL!!

R.J.'s First Day of School -- FUN FUN FUN!!

"Come on, follow me, let's go to school!!"

R.J. woke up (in our bed -- but that's another story) with a smile on his face. He'd been asking to go to school since we attended the orientation session last Thursday. I told him that today was the day. He let me know that he had to get dressed, brush his teeth AND put on socks and shoes. All things necessary for school. After all, we were going to "R.J.'s School". He was quite thrilled that he'd have his own backpack too.



Well, Bob couldn't understand WHY we had R.J.'s backpack in the van . . . I was pretty certain that things would be a little slow going on day one and, well, better safe than sorry.

There truly was a lot of fun and excitement waiting for the door to open. R.J. was as patient as any three-year-old could possibly be. When the door opened, we hopped on line and waited our turn. As far as his hesitant nature . . . uh . . . yeah . . . there was none! Not even so much as a "Bye Mommy". All we got to see was the back of his head!!

Let the COUNT-DOWN begin!!

Holy cow!! How in the world did it get to be the last week in August? We must have had one fun-filled summer because time has done nothing but fly by around here.

Well, Colleen is going to be attending a different school this year. While things at Washington School have been just fine, we decided to take a chance and see what the Bergen Arts and Sciences Charter School has to offer. It is located in Garfield and the town will be providing transportation. Colleen is looking forward to bus rides, new teachers and new friends. Check out where she'll be headed: www.bergencharter.org.

Even R.J. will be heading out four days a week. The Saddle Brook Public Schools offer a pre-school program for his age and we are in the process of getting the paper-work in so he can attend in September.

Again, I state, "let the count-down begin"!!

Let the deCLUTTERING BEGIN!!

Well, I'm thrilled to say that Mom is all moved in and comfy-cozy in her room (just down the hall from Colleen). I'm so glad that she's here. When she's not around, R.J. is constantly asking, "Where's Greemah?!?" I love the say he says "Grandma".

Anyhow, things have been moved, relocated, reorganized and transplanted. This is all actually working out for the best . . . my basement now has my office furniture in it, complete with computer, books, file cabinet. We've rearranged things and still have room down here for a "living room" complete with new entertainment center and 32" tv (Grandma's contribution), as well as the big table set up so I can scrapbook (when time lends itself) and Colleen can do her homework there when school starts. Upstairs, my bedroom is in a bit of a shambles, however, it's just a matter of getting in the "wanna-be bathroom" and storing stuff up there.

Still, there are things we simply CAN live without . . . check out the link:

www.bargainseeker.blogspot.com

If you know of anyone in need of such items . . . please . . . forward the link to them!!

Thanks!!

Last Week . . . Avon by the Sea . . . This Week . . . Van Saun Park

Well, this month is half over . . . how can that be? It's been my goal to get one outing per week for the month of August. So far, so good. We did the Statue of Liberty two weeks ago.

Last week we travelled south to hang out with Sharon Rose. It was a perfect beach day. The pictures tell the true tale.

Yesterday was a picture perfect day for an outing too . . . we headed to Van Saun Park, walked the zoo, rode the train and played at the playgroud. Even Grandma enjoyed the trip!

Ferry Rides -- Lady Liberty -- Ellis Island

Well, R.J. and I had an indepth conversation about the Wonder Pets. One of the topics was the Pigeon that had to be saved because he was stuck on the nose of the Statue of Liberty. I asked R.J. if he'd like to go see the Statue of Liberty. He enthusiastically responded with, "Yes!"

When I bounced the idea of Colleen, her initial reaction was to grab one of the many Discovery Kids Magazines she has on file (thanks Sharon Rose) and do a little research. After packing up some carrot sticks and a few bucks, we were off to Jersey City to catch the ferry. Here are a couple of pics we took on our outing.

On our way to Ellis Island first.

Lady Liberty is in the distance.

Statue of Liberty Crowns were a must-have for the day.

My favorite photo of the day.

The only thing that would have made this a better day was if Daddy could have joined us. Don't worry, I'm sure he'll get to tag along next time.

I doubt you had a night like mine!!

I'm not sure how you all managed through the storm last night. To say the least, things were a little sticky around here. A band of storms moved through here that packed quite a punch. The light-show was quite amazing to watch and the booming thunder added amazing audio to "the show". Before all was said and done, power was lost, R.J. was terrified and candles were lit. Once the house settled down, Mom hit the road . . . a minute too long without television and she experiences withdrawal. Rox hung around until I managed to fall asleep on the couch. Things were so peaceful and quiet by this time.

Bob woke me up, sent me to bed and Roxanne on her way. The humidity was unbearable. I have no idea what time it was (since all clocks were without power and I was still technically asleep) when I wandered outside and fell asleep on my front porch. The climate there was much better. A gentle breeze was all I needed. There's no telling how long I was out there. I managed to get back to bed and was joined by the three year old. Three in a bed is ALWAYS great fun!!! I'm sure you sense the sarcasm here. Power was restored around 6 a.m. Bob shut the windows, put the air on and got a couple of hours of comfortable rest before having to go to work (Administrator on Duty today).

With the whole experience . . . I truly am thankful for electricity. We really are spoiled around here! I'm off to turn off unneccessary lights now . . . conservation is key!!

Sweet Victory . . . . FINALLY

Well, I'd like to take some credit, however, this was truly Colleen's victory. After about two months of trying and falling and scraping and tears, Colleen can ride a two-wheeler. Hip hip hurrah!!!! I'm really proud of her. She kept to her stick-to-itiveness and didn't give up. And, rightfully so . . . she is incredibly proud of herself!! Great job babe!!

Well Worn Shoes

You know, since I've been staying home, I spend my time and energy on making things run smoothly around here. One of the things I take seriously is stretching every dime my husband brings home. Recently (about 6 weeks ago) I bought R.J. a new pair of sneakers. It's money that has to be spent and frankly, I'm thankful for the Wal-marts and Payless Shoesources of the world. There is nothing I hate more than to spend money on shoes that R.J. will manage to grow out of in no-time flat. He is rather weed-like in that respect. Well, let it be said that, while these shoes have seen better days, that these will not be worth passing on. What we have here are a pair of well-worn shoes . . . . .

If you have the opportunity to see him on his scooter . . . well . . . check out his "brakes"!!

R.J. . . . . . . . ALL BOY

A Sense of Accomplishment

Well, as many of you know, it seems that projects get started around here and take FOREVER to finish . . . . true, sad but true. Well, yesterday I put my mind to it and decided to work on a project that COULD be finished in short manner of time. After two trips to TWO different Home Depot Stores, I finally finished "the wall".

Before the wall could have even been started, trees needed to be removed, irises needed to be transplanted and the dirt bed needed to be levelled. Here's the "BEFORE" shot.

Now things look much different underneath the kitchen window. After levelling the bed, putting a layer of rock and a layer of sand, the wall is now complete . . . . TADA!!!

We played around with the top level of bricks and decided we liked the little open slots. Now we plan on putting in some plants and vines that will poke through the slots to green things up again.

A big check-mark can be put next to this item on the never-ending list of projects going on around here!!

Close to a week since my last post

Well, I guess I've been pretty busy. The daily routine has been keeping me hopping. Although it is summer, I feel like I do MORE running around than during the actual school year.

Colleen is enrolled in TWO camps . . . Saxophone camp where she meets at the middle school for an ensemble lesson and a one-on-one lesson. These are back-to-back. Truly the best $30 (FOR THE 5 WEEKS) I've ever spent. At 11:00 these lessons are over and I then pick her up there and run her to summer camp. She is there until 2:00 p.m. where another pick-up is involved. Then there is karate where classes are offered 6 days a week. She makes it to three of these classes. Needless to say, R.J. and I spend a lot of time hopping into and out of the van.

Tonight is Colleen's Concert. We will get to see a performance by those who have signed up for band camp. I'm looking forward to it.

In the meantime, I'll be thinking of my future post: One bathroom for a family of four: NOT ENOUGH :) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to follow soon.

A Word About My Friends

I manage to spend tons of time blogging about BOB. Love him dearly . . . but a thought entered my mind the other day about my friends.

It occurred to me during a conversation with Chrissy where she was talking and I was interrupted by, "Pee pee now, Mommy." This is a situation that absolutely cannot wait. I left the room, did what I had to do and, without skipping a beat, Chrissy picked right up where she left off. I am sure that atleast two more interruptions occurred . . . same thing happened. WOW! The same can be said (pretty much) for all of my friends. Having a spirited 10 year old and spunky 3 year old, simply put, is demanding. I'm not complaining. I just want to say how cool it is to have friends who get it!! They keep coming back! My kids love them. I love them.

Let it be said: I have the greatest friends in the world!

Celebrating the Big 1 - 2

Well, Bob and I have been married for 12 years! Wow, time flies. We must be having fun. Our lives together truly have gone full circle (a time or two) and thankfully we manage to get the important stuff done together as a team. We have a lot to show too. Two OUTSTANDING kids, a roof over our head and the greatest friends and neighbors anyone could possibly ask for! Life here truly is great.

To celebrate this momentous occasion we didn't do anything too spectacular. The thought of spending time together without having to cut R.J.'s chicken or wipe up a glass of soda Colleen has managed to spill during dinner (a common occurrence) was pleasantly welcomed. Our neighbor's daughter, Diana, came over and hung out with the kids while we took a ride to the Clifton Commons. Our final destination was the Shannon Rose. There was a live band (Kindred Spirits) who managed to know all of the same Irish drinking songs I know!! From drinks to appetizers to entrees to coffee to dessert . . . . everything was perfect. If you are looking for a night out, we highly recommend it.

When we got home, the kids were hanging out in the living room playing Scene It, Jr. and I'm happy to say that I think we have found a regular babysitter. In the words of my daughter, "Diana should babysit us EVERY time!"

Patiently waiting . . .

. . . . for my hard-working man. Bob's job is clearly in full-swing. He's managed to take on more and more responsibility which is resulting in him working later than planned. Of course, right now, the greatest "crisis" at hand is when to pick up the phone and order pizza . . . Friday night pizza night. This is currently Colleen's greatest concern. R.J. is getting hungry too, so we may have to just place the call without Bob being home.

I do think that Bob is enjoying his work though. I really want him to be happy with this new job. As time goes on, it seems to be working out so far. We'll see.

Well, Scardino's will be getting my business tonight . . . Bob LOVES the Soprano sandwich. I agree . . . it is quite good.

Signing off for now!!! Enjoy your weekend.

I say it EVERY SINGLE TIME . . .

I will never have another garage/yard sale for as long as I live. I honestly say this every single time. I take the time to hang up posters, sort through STUFF, let friends and neighbors know (who gladly donate more STUFF to the cause), and drag everything to the lawn. For WHAT?!?!? This is what I continually ask myself . . . for WHAT?!?!? To present passers-by with "please-take-this-off-my-hands prices" to just be nickle and dimed to death. At times, I love the game . . . love the negotiating. This is true when it truly is a WIN-WIN. When my wares are on my lawn, the only people winning are THEM. I truly don't understand the people who want something for nothing. I don't.

This past garage sale resulted in me losing faith in the human race. A beautiful winter coat . . . with hood (which belonged to my friend Theresa) probably retailed for over $100. The asking price . . . $15.00 the counter offer . . . $10.00. The actual amount of money in my pocket $0.00. They took the coat (while I was wheeling and dealing with others) and didn't pay a dime. DISGUST . . . .

The next time I say that I'm going to have a garage/yard sale . . . please, I beg of you . . . talk me out of it!!!

Coffee for one :(

I guess it was a little hard to realize how different my days are going to be after yesterday's whirlwind of a day. I truly did not stop.

Today is much different. The only thing I'd really like to get accomplished today is to get my car inspected and to get a decent meal on the table. With only these two tasks at hand, it dawned on me that I don't have my hubby to share our morning cup of coffee with . . . . . . This is going to be the norm for a little while. He starts his day at 8 a.m. now . . . . soon it will be 10:00. By then, we'll be able to sneak a cup in before he's off on his way . . . but for now, it will have to be coffee for one.

Oh happy day!!

After close to two years, Bob started a job in nursing working during daylight hours and with weekends off. How can this be? He is the Assistant Director of Nursing at Prospect Heights Healthcare Center.

Lots of changes start today. Bob wore a shirt, tie and real shoes to work and we will actually get to eat dinner as a family. I truly hope this job is a good "fit" for him. He is very good at what he does when it comes to nursing. This is more of a management position with a ton more responsibility. I know he can handle it. He plans on taking one day at a time which I think is a perfect strategy.

Well, I'm off to get Colleen ready for Saxophone Camp and Summer Camp. R.J. and I are going to hang out with William and Ryan too. It's a busy day . . . . gotta run. I'll blog later.

Well . . . All I hoped for and more!

Well, loading up the van was well worth it. We took a ride north to Bear Mountain. The 45 minute ride was pleasant, Colleen read her Harry Potter book the entire ride and R.J. just watched the world pass by.

This was unchartered territory and we didn't really know what to expect. We packed bathing suits and snacks, got to the parking lot and headed out to see what the park had to offer. The first thing we did was ride the carousel. What an incredible work of art. All of the animals and murals on the carousel are animals that are native to the Hudson Valley. I'm not sure who had more fun, the little kids or the "big" kids.

After the ride on the carousel, the Bear Mountain facilities offer a zoo. It was quite a walk . . . the paths are paved and the place is clean. In my opinion, the most beautiful animal we saw was the Bald Eagle . . . 24 years old. She was beautiful. Colleen fell in love with the two coyotes and R.J. was taken with the bears who managed to put on a show for the on-lookers via a wrestling match.

Next time we plan to actually put our bathing suits on and take a dip in the extremely LARGE pool. If we plan the day we can rent paddle boats or row-boats and get on the lake.

Here are a few more pictures from the day . . . it truly was everything I hoped for and more.

Hoping for a GREAT day

Well, I'll make this quick. We are packing up the van and heading to Bear Mountain. It should be a picture-perfect day weather-wise. I've done a little research and it looks like Bear Mountain has tons of fun things to do . . . a HUGE swimming pool, a carousel featuring animals of the Hudson Valley, paddle boats, row boats, a museum and a zoo. The ride should take us about 45-50 minutes. I hope it's worth the trek. I'll keep you posted and throw up a picture or two when I get a chance.

I miss my hubby

Well, I've been playing around with my profile and what-not. I really should be in bed sleeping. Then I realized that Bob is at work putting in his FINAL shift as the night-time supervisor . . . . yeah . . . I do kind of wish he were home. Thankfully this will be the last night I have to sleep alone in this house. From now on, Bob will be working days and sleeping nights with ME.

I hope to have a little celebration tomorrow to mark the end of the night-shift and the beginning of a new job. If all goes as planned, there will be chicken and shrimp on the grill . . . a few bottles of wine . . . . and great friends to share a good time.

With this being said, I'm going to hit the hay. Hopefully, more comments eventually to follow.

If only I knew what I was doing . . .

Well, I thought I'd give this BLOGGER-thing a try.
I'm sure I'll be able to figure things out. Wish me luck.