Since I am Up......

It's been quite a while since I blogged anything and this might end up being a boring one, but what the hell. It's 6:00 in the a.m. and I cannot sleep.

The month of June is coming to a close. Elizabeth ended school on another high note, being on the honor roll, etc. I know its the lower grades, but if we can keep this up, she might be able to get the scholarship Florida offers for student remaining on the honor roll their entire school life. Our neighbor across the street will be going to USF just for doing that...Who knows......what is important right now is that E loves school and is fully invested in school.

She started summer camp through the Park Recreation program. She goes to Sadie Park. The first day taking her was like Kindergarten all over again. She was so shy, wouldn't let go of George and brought me to tears when I went back to the car. But later that day, she LOVED it. She goes everyday, M - F somewhere around 7:30 and pick up varies to what is going on. She has stayed to 6 one or two days, but somewhere between 4 & 5 seems to be the norm. But I will be pulling her for playdate days, like this coming Monday.....when we have a pool party of E's preschool friends that she still sees.

Jillian is doing the Kids Construction Zone at LVC. This is her 3rd year and basically the same every year. But it is great for her because her teacher for the summer is her teacher next year and was her afterschool teacher (at times) last year. So its nice that they are forming their bond now so the start of school will be a smooth transition. I've said this before but even being home now, her speech is improving so much. Yes, she will still need to see her speech therapist, but she is speaking more clearly. She's been wonderful, with the exception of the last few days, this summer. The past few days have been extremely challenging for George and I and we need to remember to just help her and not let it get the best of us...

We planned on going to NY this summer but canceled that due to Elizabeth being in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat through the Village Players. We are considering Thanksgiving time, but with gas prices, the considering becomes less and less. (Probably should of never made plans with family for November only to disappoint them).

Work is work. I have a very good friend, who is also my manager, who is suffering from migraines, worse than anyone else I know. She has been out of work most of this week and last week, was put on 14 (I think) different prescriptions including an injectable. I know migraines are difficult (although I never had one) but this is the worse case I have ever seen. Feel better, sweetie~!!

I guess that's it...Whoever reads this, either down here or up North is on Facebook so I will not bore you with repeat pictures. God knows I post a lot of them on Facebook.

So until I am sitting here thinking what to do again.......I'll be back soon!

Birthday Weekend

Just wrapping up the weekend with Elizabeth "Bowling" Birthday Party....Sometimes I wonder, why bother with a blog with all my facebooking going on, but there are those friends that read this and do not go on FB too often....

Saturday, we had Elizabeth's party at the Brandon Crossroads Bowling. We did the Cosmic Bowling, of course, lights down, music blaring....Now she had chose this rather than a pool party. Amazing that at her ripe old age of 7, she had two amazing choices and did not want the pool party 3 years in a row...Man, at that age, I would of loved to have had a pool!

We had about 11 friends come. Fortunately, Elizabeth does have a lot of friends that gravitate towards her...unfortunate on my pocket at times. But bowling was perfect...I did not have to worry about cleaning the house, the food or the mess afterwards....I allowed Elizabeth to have 2 friends stay over, which were two girls from her class. They ended up staying up until around 10:00, which is 2 hours pass what Elizabeth is used to. But the annoying, amazing, stunning things was around 3:00, they woke me up wanting breakfast...WHAT???? I sent them back to bed...NO WAY!!! They ended up staying up AT THAT TIME for the rest of the day...How and why? I think they were all tired, nobody took the initative to say, lets go back to sleep, etc. I did all I could do, but I needed my sleep. It was all innocent and they played Barbie's....AND MADE A BIG MESS!

I was too beat to go to Church, so George took Elizabeth and the girls...while Jilly and I went in the pool. Elizabeth was sleeping by 4:30 for the night until 6:00 this a.m. when I woke her to take a shower before camp....

Good news, I think she will not be doing that again!!!

A Summary of the Life at Templetown

Like most of us, we've hit the busy time of the year. Preparing our kids for summer break....preparing ourselves for the kids summer break and so on.

We've had a remarkable month and a lot of good fortune come our way...No, not extra cash...things worth much more.

I've seen Elizabeth grow with more confidence in her day to day living...Her being able to accept disappointment while being happy for someone else gain. She tried out for Sound of Music, was not casted, but excited her friend was and wants to see her in the play. She worked so hard on studying for her Spelling Bee. She came in a proud 2nd place. Academically, she has exceeded all expectations for her age and grade level once again. She earned a gold medal for Math and has not taken any of this for granted. She has been rewarded with a phone call to audition for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and was casted. What news...the call came at 9:30 on the eve before her Birthday. She received (finally as she would put it) a Nintendo DS with the Littliest Pet Shop game. A well deserved birthday gift for hardworking 7 year old. Elizabeth will be attending a Summer Day Camp @ Sadie Park.

We've made leaps and bounds with Jillian....She graduated for Preschool status to actual PreK. She will be spending her 3rd straight year at LVC's summer camp program. Her speech has improved and her fluency has also received positive recognition. She performed in the Spring Show at Church with the Children's Choir along with her sister. Her group of close friends are kids that she will take with her next year and just possibly for the onset of Elementary years.

Our kitchen is completed once again, with some minor adjustments of mixed match wood grains that need to be replaced. We were even able to get new carpeting for our family room, the contractor convincing the insurance company that even though there was not noticable water damage, the carpet was soaked for too long with little kids.

So Summer 2009, I am truly ready for you....I know it will be a busy one for some activities do not stop and playdates and work just keep on coming......but I am ready to take you on!!!

Happy Mother's Day to me and to all

What would Mother's Day be if I was not woken up at 5:30 this morning by Jillian. Quite honestly, it would not be the same.

Part of being a Mom is to be there for your kids...no matter what time of day or reason, just to be there...No, its not always easy and not easy to do with a smile, but it is necessary.

So as there are mom's that are looking to sleep in today, I will not be doing that...There are mom's that expect pampering, I cannot do that....And then there are mom's that appreciate gifts or cards, I did get that...Two beautiful homemade cards...Cards that could not wait until today...And a Mother's Day breakfast at the preschool tomorrow.....That's all I want or need. I do not want or need gifts, I need the hugs and kisses from my girls...The greatest gift I can receive is comforting my eldest, when she was cryng last night and nervous about her Church play, or the youngest that insisted on more Apple Juice in the wee hours of the a.m.

Happy Mother's Day to ALL!!!

(A Mother's Day Poem I found)


Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day With little time to stop and pray For life's been anything but calm Since You called on me to be a mom Running errands, matching socks Building dreams with building blocks Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes And other stuff that children lose Fitting lids on bottled bugs Wiping tears and giving hugs A stack of last weeks mail to read So where's the quiet time I need? Yet when I steal a minute, Lord Just at the sink or ironing board To ask the blessings of Your grace I see then, in my small one's face That you have blessed me All the while And I stop to kiss That precious smile

Trying to Plan my vacation!!

Just for those curious about what I wrote on Facebook, we are thinking of taking a trip to NY the end of July into August....The girls really want to see their grandmother...and although she's been very healthy, she's about to undergo a serious of tests due to problems that she's been having with her stomach...Just made me think, we need to take a roadtrip!!!!

DAISY DAY

Yesterday, a Junior Girl Scout troop hosted a "Daisy Day" for all the Daisy Troops. What a fun day it was....I had 9 out of 11 girls in my troop go! They had 4 different stations set up., 1.) Bridging to Brownies 2.) Pet Care, 3.) Eco Station and 4.) Food Power

Each station had an explanation of why the particular subject was important to society, people or our environment. There was a craft included which each one.

But exciting stuff for Elizabeth....her and her friend that came with us, were in the Flag Ceremony...We were the first ones there and they asked...How exciting for 6 yr olds!!! (I know bloggers that were ever Scouts would understand all the excitement of that!) LOL!

Here are some pictures.....

Here Comes Summer....

Now that Easter has come and gone, Spring Break has come and gone...there's one more thing to look out for....SUMMER VACATION!!! So I needed to change my blog background to get me in the mood for the pool, beach and sun!!! Can't forget all the sand too!!!

Happy Easter!

Well today was the big day...Both girls woke me up by 6:30, wondering if the Easter Bunny showed up. Well (he or she) did! The Easter Bunny ate the carrots and jelly beans we left out and hid their baskets and a big jug of bubbles and bubble making things around the house. The Easter Bunny was low key....besides the little things of candy and small items, Elizabeth did get HSM 3 and Jillian did get a new bike helmet...How did that furry Bunny know!

We went to the traditional 10:45 service, came home, had an Easter egg hunt, and had munchies and swam and ate. It was a fun day for all...Here are a few pictures.

Last night, George and I did go to the "Walk with the Cross" or something like that ate Horizon something or another, church. It was very similiar to the Walk through Bethlehem, but instead, told the story of the last days of Jesus...It was touching....Here are some pictures of both last night and today!!!

The End of Spring Break

So...its early Saturday a.m., Spring Break is officially over and we have Easter to look forward to tomorrow.

The rest of the week (Wed. & Thursday) consisted of various playdates with preschool and school friends. It was packed with loads of fun. As previous posted on Facebook, Elizabeth has completely mastered riding a two-wheeler....We've gone to a friend's house and the following day to All Person's Park, plus time at home playing in dirt (Jillian) and riding scooters and bikes.

Friday was suppose to be our Disney trip and we were actually going to go next Friday also, but those blackout dates are upon us...Never bothered looking them up and saw on our pass envelope that we are in the middle of them. So we will wait until the 18th and all will be good in our little world.

George was off on Friday and Elizabeth really did not want to go to the beach...Something about wedgies with her bathing suit, so we were not forcing the issues. Instead she has been asking to go to Dinosaur World...Yes, Dinosaur World instead of the beach..Hmmm! Oh well, it's there Spring Break. There were not a lot of people there, but just enough...But for a cheaper day, closer to home, it was fine...Then the kids took their first venture this season in the pool. I went in because it was their first time and it was freezing....But what we do for our kiddies...!!!

We had a nice family day ending with some current family video's and looking at old ones, back when Elizabeth just graduated from preschool....It does not get any better than that!

So today is Saturday, back to the usual feeling that its the weekend and tomorrow we will have Jeremiah, George's son and some of our friends over for a relaxing and enjoyable Easter dinner....

Hope all is well and everyone enjoyed their week and for those who still have their's to come, enjoy their own vacation!!! Happy Easter to all!

Spring Break (So Far!)

Well, it is Wednesday of Spring Break and we are having lots of fun!! Sunday, after our huge luncheon and Easter Egg Hunt at Church, we just relaxed the best we could to gear up for a busy week.

Monday, my friend's son was with us all day. We went to Pump It Up, where I ran into a mom I knew, and now wish I knew better, from a Mom's group I was part of. Her son and Jillian played and really enjoyed each other..(Its Wed. and she still is asking for him)....After playing for 1-1/2 hours, we went to lunch with friends to McDonalds and then back to my house. Elizabeth and Jillian played with Critter all afternoon and Elizabeth Mastered riding her 2-wheeler. She had done it before, kind of...She was scared of falling, but after a few attempts, she just took off...Very Proud Mommy Moment!!! That evening, a friend came over to color and cut my hair and her daughter played with the girls some more...Yes, my girls were entertained, truly, ALL DAY!

Another friend from preschool/church had invited Elizabeth to spend the day at Busch Gardens on Tuesday. Again, the daughter is Elizabeth's age and they get along so well. I took Jillian to play her first game of Miniature golf...After about the 8th with lots of chilly wind, she just about as through...We goofed off and finished, skipping maybe 2 holes, but it was a lot of fun. I needed some Jillian time. We went shopping, etc. and ended the day at the gym. When Elizabeth came home, she was so tired, so happy and teary eyed because her day ended. We went through the same thing after our first vacation to Disney. She had slowly realized that we would go back and the same with Busch Gardens...So all is well in her world...

The rest of the week is full of playdates and ending on Friday with a trip to Epcot and Magic Kingdom. I want to see the Flower and Garden Show, especially after seeing another blogger's post (yes, I mean you Jen) and Jillian will want to stop at Mickey's House!!!

How cool and grateful I am....to be a stay-at-home mom, be able to work and bring home a full-time salary, and still take these types of vacations for my kids...Yes, I am saying this because this week (so far) is like a dream, but not every day off with the girls are this pleasant...So I am grateful for a well-planned, well-behaved week...so far........

Spring Break is Here!!!

It's been a while since I posted a blog...Life has been busy...But isn't it for most..

The girls are doing well...Jillian has really shown growth in school and at home...She is excelling in Karate and just enjoying herself. She even has a line in our Church Easter show through choir.

Elizabeth, honor roll again. She has met and exceeded all expectations for her grade and age. Her reading is unbelievable and she has nice handle on multiplication, self-taught. She'll be ahead of the game when she is actually learning it in school. She's my eager beaver with academics. She still does dance, choir and Karate...Loves it all. In a few weeks, she is audition for Sound of Music through StageDoor, the same production company that did Oklahoma.

Jillian will attend Summer Camp through LVC preschool, like she has over the last couple of years. Elizabeth will be attending a Summer Camp program over here at Sadie Park, through the Hillsborough County Park Commission. Price was awesome and it will keep her busy rather than looking for those ridiculously high price weekly camps.

George is doing well and is now a Webelos Den Leader in the Cub Scout. No, we have no young boys, but he was involved in Scouts when his boys were that age and he loved doing it so much that he now wants to continue. He was actually a Scoutmaster, one of those big shots, so good for him. He still is cooking, but just for us...LOL! Lucky me!!!

Me, well not much new...

As I posted on Facebook, we had to deal with a pipe leak that caused minor damage to one kitchen cabinet, resulting in a complete set of new cabinets we just ordered yesterday. The final result is new cabinets, drywall in kitchen area and family room area, two rooms completely painted and a concrete patch for our lanai with our lanai being painted. Unfortunately the only thing we really wanted replaced was the one cabinet and the carpet, but the carpet was denied due to the laminant on the backing being in tack. The cabinet's, even 5 yrs old, start to change color and for oak, become slightly darker. Matching cabinet's is not a simple task and State Farm has agreed to replace them all. We hired a contractor through State Farm instead of receiving a check and us hiring someone. So its nice to know that the insurane company is handling everything.

I am truly looking forward to Spring Break and the week's vacation I took. We have plans including several playdates and Disney! Who can pass on Disney!!!

Hope all that reads my blog is happy and healthy and to all that are having Spring Break, have a happy one! For my northern buddies, your's is still to come....

Ana Marie Island

A FUN DAY!!! That's about all I need to say about my Sunday :)

Strawberry Picking and Park

Yahoo! My Daisy Troop sold out (2nd week in a row) of ALL our GS cookies at our Cookie Booth...no more booths...

But this afternoon while Daddy was cleaning the pool and doing some outside work, I took the girls to Hydro Harvest Farms for some strawberry picking and then to All Person's Park...Just a fun girlie afternoon...Here are some photos:

A New Week Upon Us

Although this weekend was someone uneventful, it was still packed. Saturday, my Daisy Troop had their first Cookie Booth at Publix on 60. We did amazing. It is truly wonderful to see 5 and 6 year olds be so excited to "serve" the community and sell cookies. I've always know that GS cookies were very popular, but again, the crowds and amount of boxes that are bought are truly amazing. We have one more booth next week which I know will still be as exciting as yesterday.

George's son came over also. George and his son are planning a camping trip in April. They can have some father and son/bonding time. Elizabeth will be having a campout with her friend in a couple of months...and in our backyard.

Today was Race Day and my fav was doing so well until closer to the end...Then literally near the last lap or two, crashed! Oh well.

I love the weekend because its nice to have family time and in a strange sense, escape the busyness and hastle of weekday events.

Now it is time to set up coffee and get ready to read in bed...Please, I want a nice night of sleep and not one of those quick nights...LOL!

Happenings in the Temple House

It seems like forever since I have been on my blog. I do not feel like I've been any busier than normal, but Facebook has taken over my life (when I am on the computer). Yes, I am addicted...LOL! At least its a positive one!!!

First to start, I've had that nasty chest cold that has been going around and actually lost my voice for almost 3 days. Kids loved it....couldn't really tell them what to do...Elizabeth also developed the same and her voice was going, but easy restored. We both still have the cough. Jillian has been coughing, but nothing really big. George has begun to sniffle, but nothing more.

My mood lately has been gloomy. With the exception of a loving family, I seem to be constantly thinking and worrying. I think its part not feeling good, part PMS, part the world, and a big part that I bring on myself....Thank you Temple Family....for stilling loving me through all this.

Both girls are enjoying Karate. I need to brag, but Elizabeth balanced longer than the boys in her class (and it was a class filled with boys), kicked high and steady and showed more strength. Hard to believe that she has an assertion problem...no problem with being aggressive. Jilly is steady there and her listening years (at Karate) have been turned around. Very proud of her.

I was able to get the required certification needed for Jillian's VPK next year and turned in that with her blue and yellow forms already. We are set! Last year in preschool, but I am not ready to discuss that any further. Just know blog readers, I've volunteered in that school since Elizabeth was there, been secretary of the Parent's Association, know all the teacher's, some even socially, so next year around April/May, I will not only feel sad because of my littliest girl will be moving to Kindergarten, but someplace I really enjoyed being part of, coming to an end...But I've gained so much experience there and instead of being partially involved in the PTA at Elizabeth's school, I can become more vested in Elizabeth and then, Jillian's school. Its a bittersweet move...But heck, I need to stop....I said I wasn't going there.

Tonight was the Dr. Seuss PJ Party at Yates. Elizabeth went last year, had a blast and again this year...This year was even better being that this was her 2nd year going, she was able to see Kindergarten classmates that she does not see as much this year. She heard 5 different stories and the best part was....NO PARENT WORKSHOP this year! LOL!

This weekend is our first Girl Scout Cookie Booth....Publix on 60 and Robertson from 1:00 - 4:00, come out and support our troop. Next Sat., Publix on Kingsway from 10:00 - 1:00..(Troop 556)

For now, I will end it with some Family Fun a couple of weekends ago...Washing my van! Good night all!

Karate Pictures

Just wanted to post some pictures from Karate. From what the instructor says, Elizabeth is the stronger than most of the boys. She is really excelling and between dance and now Karate, you never really realize how much they both tie into each other...

Jillian is still enjoying it and doing very well. In general, Jilly's behavior is so much better! I am a proud mommy!

Gasparilla

I am basically not going to type much, let the pictures just tell the story...Our first year at the children's parade...A BIG thank you to Shannon and her MIL for letting us all park at her house. It was a blast...and how can you not get caught up in catching beads.











































































































The next pictures is not even half of what we ended up with in beads!!!
































So I am home, 6.25 lbs of beads spread throughout my house, on kitchen cabinet knobs, doorknobs, etc. It was great. Fireworks were NOTHING to brag about excite for the finale, but we had a blast and since George and Kevin went at 10:00 in the a.m., we were right up in front...Would I do it again??? As long as we have friends with parking...LOL!