The Hunt Family

Holiday Season

2009-12-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is another year - this year has gone by so quickly. I think back on my Mom's last Christmas (well at least my last Christmas with her). I walked in the door at my parent's house last year and my Mom was all dressed in a beautiful red shirt. She looked so pretty. We brought her to Church on that Christmas Eve. She loved Christmas Eve mass! In a wheelchair most people didn't know she was sick. So many people stopped to talk to her and those that didn't, waited until after mass was over. She was so happy that she made it through mass. I recall looking over at her from time-to-time and I knew what she was thinking. Thinking that she was so happy to be there but sad to think she wasn't sure how many more Christmas Eve masses she would have with us.

Lord, I can't believe I am writing this - I never thought last year that my mom would die - I thought she would get her lung and remain healthy, but God had other ideas. I miss my Mom terribly...

A Mom I looked up to, adored, and loved so much. A Mom who is no longer here to share my life with - a constant reminder of -- what would Mom do... A Mom that I spent a year trying to understand why... A Mom that has kept me from sleeping at night and a Mom who I love to listen and feel for....Don't ever leave me Mom - I miss you too much to lose you twice!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T18:26:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all...

Matthew found out this afternoon that he didn't make the basketball team this year. He was a little upset but there is always next year.

Wow - time to Post

2009-11-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long. I haven't posted in a while. So many things happened these past six months. The construction is some what complete (well for now). We replaced the roof, installed siding, tore down the pool, tiled the kitchen and bath, replaced some doors and molding, purchase new front loaders, constructed a new family room, constructed a new office, and purchased new living room and family room furniture. Well no vacation was had this past summer. However, we are planning on having a fun vacation this year. We need to replace the pool this spring -- so most likely Florida will be next year - this summer will be Virginia.

Thanksgiving is slowly coming together. Dad & Chris will be coming this year and hopefully the rest of the Weidner's will come later for pie. Uncle David is out exploring and will be back to visit in a few weeks. Can't wait to see him.

Matthew finished football season and now is trying out for baketball. Zachary is doing really well with High School. Starting to look into colleges. Meaghan Rose is so tall - now in a size 7 at the age of 4. She loves Pre-K and can't wait for Christmas.

Just purchased a new camera, so no more excuses for not posting. Pictures coming....

Hail Mary Gentle Woman

2009-05-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

I love you Mom - I spent a lot of time listening to these two songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85tfBBmbuMc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rRea9qnjK4&NR=1

Article for the Courier Newspaper

2009-05-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

This article was in our local paper - my brothers actually thought I wrote it until the 8 brother and sister came into play:

SPEAKING OF VALUES By Joseph Walker
Memories of Mom

“She’s gone.”

It was my brother Bud on the phone. He had called earlier to advise me that Mom’s long and difficult battle with a killer called pulmonary fibrosis would soon be over. For months doctors had warned us that this was coming, and I thought I was pretty much prepared for the inevitable. But when Bud spoke those two simple, all-too-final words, it inflicted a wound deep into my soul.The blessed numbness that often accompanies the death of a loved one saw me through a week of funeral preparations and services. I found comfort in the laughter and tears I shared with my brothers and sisters, and solace in a quote my Dad referenced several times during the week:

I’m wounded, Sir Launfall said,Wounded — but not slain.So I’ll just lie and bleed a while

Then rise and fight again!After the rites were over, however, the numbness wore away, leaving a gaping hole in my heart. I was the youngest of Mom’s eight children, and we shared a special relationship as a result of having her to myself during my teenage years. Even after Anita and I married, we lived close enough that we could drop in frequently for card games and Sunday dinners.Mom was a huge part of my life, and it was hard to let her go — even after she was gone. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t fill the hole her passing left in my life. I found myself stopping by the cemetery often and mourning at her grave, oblivious to the passage of time. These long absences were difficult to explain to Anita, who thought that instead of living in the past with my memories of Mom, perhaps I should spend more time making memories with my own children.Anita was right, of course — I understood that even then. But no matter how hard I tried to focus my time and attention upon the living, there was nothing I could do to fill the empty place in my heart. When my father remarried, I rejoiced in his happiness — especially since Jean, the woman he married, is such a terrific lady. But I still missed Mom, and I looked for every opportunity to go to the cemetery, where I felt closer to her somehow.A few years after Dad remarried, he and Jean decided to take a few months to do some volunteer work for our church — something he and Mom had talked about but had been unable to do because of Mom’s health. To tell you the truth, I sort of resented that Dad was going to fulfill this dream without her. And I think Dad picked up on that. A couple of days before they left, he invited me to go to lunch with him. We talked about this exciting adventure, and how he was looking forward to it. Then he said, “You know, there’s only one thing I regret about this.”

“What’s that?” I asked.“That your mother and I weren’t able to do this.” He paused a moment, and for the first time I noticed that his eyes were moist and red. “There are many things that I wish we could have done before.. well, before she moved on. But there’s nothing I can do about that now. I’ve just got to move on.” He looked at me seriously, then added: “And so do you.”Somehow in that moment I began to understand. Mom had moved on. Dad was moving on. And now, it finally occurred to me, so must I.I began spending less time at the cemetery after that. These days, I mostly go on Memorial Day. I spend part of that special day there, lingering with my memories of Mom.

And then I spend the rest of the year moving on.

To my Grandma

2009-05-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

I love Grandma so much! I miss Grandma. Her is at God's house. I would tell her that I want a hug. I want a kiss for Grandma. I want her to come back to Grandpa's house.

Hugs & Kisses,

Meaghan Rose

Little Miss. Pike County

2009-05-14T19:04:00.001-07:00

Spring 2009

2009-05-14T19:03:00.001-07:00

Mom Came for a Visit

2009-04-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Well today was the day my life changed forever. Before you call Middletown Mental Hospital, hear me out first.

The guys came up today to finish up the work inside and I went with Dad & Chris to the lawyer's office to work up some issues with Mom's disability. Well before I left Dad's, Chris received a call from our Nephew and he told him that our contractor walked around one corner in the living room and saw Mom. He said she was wearing a black dress, her hair was shorter than he remembered, and she was just looking to see what he was doing. At first I thought WHAT? And, then I was upset that I didn't experience it.

Well later that morning I came back home and the boys were off to lunch. I was by myself and outloud said, "Mom I wish I could have seen you today." A few minutes later, it happened. I felt as though someone was watching me - it was so strong that I looked around thinking someone was in the house. I was actually getting scared because it happened several times within a short period of time. Then I said outloud again "Mom is that you - you are scaring me." Then the most strangest thing happened, I felt as though something was pushing on my back. I started to cry and wished that the boys would come back. And, as quickly as it was evident that Mom was with me and watching over us like she said she would, she was gone once again.

Before the boys came back, I said outloud once more "I'm sorry Mom, I'm sorry you died so soon and so young, I miss you and if you want to come back and visit again; I will always be here - but please don't care me again."

I miss you Mom!

Can we say DIET? More importantly can we say EXERCISE?

2009-04-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, I need to finally get back on my diet. Not the yo-yo of losing 5 pounds and then gaining it back. I had lost about 9 pounds before Mom died; but easily was able to gain those 9 pounds back. So I need to restart the diet and add the mix of exercise.

I plan on posting weight lost each week and my exercise hours as well. Maybe this will keep me going.

So here it is April 20th and I will commit to:

Diet - Lose 9 pounds by April 3oth
Exercise - 3 times per week at the gym and walk the dog daily for 30 minutes

This weekend went by so fast. Saturday was Meaghan's dance class, food shopping, and picking up some new shoes for Meaghan. The boys spent Saturday fishing. They came back with ticks and sun burn. And, a fish! Sunday, Jim, Meaghan and I attended Amelia Rose's baptism. She is so cute. The boys spent the day with my Dad and brother.

Tomorrow the construction returns. We have some molding going up and some sanding of some walls. Jim will finish Zachary's closet on Thursday, but we need to then paint most of the rooms in the house. I am hoping that I will get off easy in Meg's room and maybe touch ups in the boys. The bath room, living room, kitchen, and dining room all need to be repainted. I think I will tackle one room per week.

Well better get back to working on my last paper for the week

Happy Easter to Mom in Heaven

2009-04-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

We miss you Mom
With our first holiday tomorrow without you, I wonder if I can do just as much as you did
I made Lemon Meringue Pie - just the way you always did for Easter
However, the crust didn't stay on the pan
The lemon looked the same
But, the meringue wasn't as pretty as you did it.

Mom you would have been so proud of Zachary
He played Jesus on Good Friday
He did an awesome job!

We took the kids to get their pictures taken today.
Meaghan's picture came out beautiful!

Tomorrow is going to be so hard without you.
Happy Easter Mom!

I love you....

Week 4

2009-04-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been three weeks since we started the work on our house. The roof is done and beautiful. The chimney is down and removed with a new wall. The siding is about 80% complete. We had a small snap on the work because we wanted to mirror the windows on the opposite side of the front door; however, when we went to order those windows, we were shocked by the price. Fortunately, today we were able to find a second alternative that saved us about $600.

Well we went roller skating today - it was a ton of fun. My feet are a little sore; but it was nice to have a great day out with the family. Saturday, I spent most of the day with my Aunt. I had so much fun. She bought the kids some beautiful clothing for Easter.

Onto Easter week!

Whipworm

2009-03-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

What a title; however, our Jack Russell Terrier has whipworm. She never really could just be a dog and walk around the house, becase she would always have accidents. Today, after three of her pills, I am happy to say that she has not had one accident in the house. Yeah.

Two Months

2009-03-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

TWO MONTHS HAVE COME AND GONE

MISSING YOU HAS BECOME A DAILY AFFAIR

WE TALK OF YOU IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WAYS

THINKING BACK OF THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS YOU TAUGHT

THE LOVE YOU GAVE AND EXPECTED NOTHING IN RETURN

I THOUGHT OF YOU TODAY

REMEMBERING WHEN I DANCED TO A SONG THAT MEAGHAN WILL DANCE TO

TODAY WE TALKED ABOUT THE DAY YOU DIED

ABOUT HOW YOU BREATHED

ABOUT HOW YOUR BREATHING CHANGED

AND HOW YOU WAITED UNTIL I GOT DAD & CHRIS DOWN STAIRS TO SAY GOOD BYE BEFORE YOU DIED

I MISS YOU - I HOPE YOU CAN HEAR ME. I LOVE YOU MOM!

White Siding

2009-03-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

The white siding is up in the back of the house and it looks great. I am getting really excited about the rest getting done.

Chim Chim Down and Out

2009-03-23T17:17:00.001-07:00

Well, the chimney is parially down. Unfortunately, because the chimney was attached to the instead of the fireplace - it came down too. So, we had a lot of fresh air today. We ended up with a huge whole inside our living room and now have a new wall and no fireplace.

Tomorrow the remaining pieces to the fireplace will come down, the boards around the T-111, and the rest of the deck. Once that is all completed, the siding will start going up.

It will be exciting!

Chimney Coming Down!!!

2009-03-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day - the chimney is coming down - yeah. After 13 years of looking at the chimney it is coming down. It really needs to because there is so much damage to it from years of neglect. And, we have made a decision on the siding - WHITE with burgundy shutters.

Miss you MOM!!!!

TGIF!!!

2009-03-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Rest in Peace Mom! I miss you terribly

Roof Done -- Siding Next

2009-03-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well, the roof is done and now we are onto the siding. We have decided on cream siding, white trim, and burgundy shutters.

We went to visit my Mother-in-Law this evening. She is in a nursing home. It was really hard, especially because the entire time I was thinking of my Mom.

So glad the weekend is almost here. Well tomorrow I have a physical - yuck!

3 Papers & Final Exam

2009-03-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Well, one more paper to write and another to proof and I'm done with the first of six classes for my Project Management certification.

Aunt Darlene and I got through about 50 thank you cards, after going through about ninety envelopes. It was a lot! I am so thankful that she helped me write them.

Everyone is getting hair cuts tomorrow - thank goodness - the boys are starting look like girls and the girls are starting to look bad too.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that it won't rain for the next few days so that we can get the roof finished. We have decided to spend our extra money this year on the siding. So now you get to help us pick a color - we are thinking either tan or white. If we go with tan, the trim will be white and the shutters will be burgundy; but if we go with white, the trim will also be white and the shutters would either be black or burgundy. I'm torn - I like the brown, but want to be different and then they say white makes the appearance of something looking larger. Reply to the comments section. I'll let you know what we pick.

REST IN PEACE MOM - WE LOVE YOU - YOU ARE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS!

New Roof

2009-03-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Well we are in the process of replacing our roof. Today, I decided to go out and help pick up some of the broken singles; but I stepped onto a nail. It went through my foot. Yes, I had to pull it out. Well, a few hours later I had to go to the hospital for a shot and some medicine. My foot is so sore right now.

I Miss You.....

2009-03-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Day by Day I think of you. I wonder what happened and why God

thought it was so important to take you away from us. Thinking back

of all the times and thinking how fast time really went by us.

Wondering what we could have done to save you and save us. I sat

next to you the day you died and talked and talked to you. Telling you

that I would take care of everyone; especially Dad and Chris. Telling

you that I would make sure everything was okay. Telling you that it

was okay for you to go.

Well I lied - I am not okay with you leaving and I want you BACK!

Behind on Posts

2009-03-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I am really behind on posts; therefore, I will include pictures here that I did not add from my Niece's wedding.

What a Beautiful Day!

2009-03-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Today was so beautiful out I couldn't stand being inside even though Meaghan is still a little sick. We took her Dora bike out for a spin. She had a blast! We drow over to the lake. Well below is a picture of Autumn Lake, which is only two doors down from my house; but we went to the main lake today. The picture below is a summer picture; however, as you can tell, it is beautiful to enjoy the weather outside.

Meaghan Sick

2009-03-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

Well, Meaghan Rose is sick. Actually very sick. On tons of medicine and hopefully this bad cold of hers will go away soon.

We are also in the process of replacing our roof. Get to pick out the color - sounds fun? Brown, black, gray - hmmm...

College continues - yup - after an Associates, Bachelors, Masters and now onto Certification in Project Management. In the economy that we all live in, more is better...

Well, it has been a little over a month since my Mom died. I find myself talking to her during the day and thinking of her all the time. (Lord knows how much I miss her.) I think one of the worse things is when something happens in my life and I think oh, I should call Mom -- that is the worse feeling.

LOVE YOU MOM!

It's been a long time

2009-02-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a long time and many things have happened. Some good and some very bad.

On January 25, 2009, my Mom died. For the past three years she was sick, but only for about a year and a half did the disease really take its toll on her. She had pulmunary fibrosis. The disease attacks the lungs and creates scar tissue that cannot be repaired. Most need transplants that have this disease. The disease is unexplainable and there is no understanding why or who people get the disease. Mom just picked the wrong straw.

My life has forever changed and I miss her terribly.

60 Year Old Dress

2007-12-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

Meaghan's Dress this Christmas was made by my Great Grandmother for my Mom to wear. It has been worn by Mom, Aunt Darlene, Me, Jennifer, Alishia and now Meaghan.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile!

2007-09-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting in so long. Okay what has happened since July.

Jim's Birthday
Patti's Birthday
Zachary's Birthday
Matthew's Birthday
Dad's (Weidner) Birthday - 75th - Very special - will post pics later
First Day of School
Jennifer's Wedding
Patti's Promotion

Well, I guess that is a lot. Jennifer wedding is this Sunday. Zachary will be handing out programs and bubbles. Matthew is a Junior Usher walking with his cousin, who is the same age. Meaghan is the flower girl. I am reading and Jim and I are doing the gifts during mass. It has been crazy trying to get everything accomplished. I got promoted a few weeks ago and will start my new job this Monday. Yes, Jennifer's wedding on Sunday and then I travel to Plano, Texas for four days starting on Monday. I am really excited, but worried at the same time.

Well, a thousand things to do before Sunday.

All the best.

Patti

NO MORE DIAPERS!!!!!

2007-07-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

MEAGHAN ROSE CAME HOME FROM SCHOOL TODAY WITH HER DIAPERS THAT SHE DOESN'T NEED ANYMORE!!!

Jennifer's Bridal Shower

2007-07-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

My Niece (Godchild) had her bridal shower over the weekend.

Play-Doh

2007-07-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

Fun pictures with the kids playing with Play-Doh.

In Honor of Hug Week

2007-07-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Meaghan Rose and Jaelyn

Blueberry Picking (Soon)

2007-07-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

So we missed the Strawberry Picking; however, I'm not missing the blueberry picking. I found this really cool website that has picking locations for all kinds of fruits and veggies all across the country

http://www.pickyourown.org/

We are planning on going picking in two weeks at this location

http://www.paupackblueberryfarm.com/

Blueberry Bread Pudding
4 c. bread cubes1/4 c. butter or margarine, cut in pieces2/3 c. sugar1/4 tsp. salt2 c. fresh (or frozen) blueberries, rinsed / drained1/4 c. water2 tbsp. lemon juicecream or whipped cream (optional)Combine bread, butter, sugar, salt, blueberries, water, and lemon juice. Place mixture into a generously buttered 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Bake in a 350° oven 40 minutes until set.Blueberry bread pudding is delicious either hot or cold. Top with cream or whipped cream if desired.

History III

2007-07-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Paul Denman was married to Martha Sutherland. Martha and Grandpa Sutherland would have been the same generation. Martha's grandfather Ferris and my Great grandfather Stephenwere brothers.

Picture Found - Didn't want to lose it.

2007-07-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Cleaning out my email inbox, I found this picture from last December. This picture was taken by the Randall's (Meaghan and Luke) - they were born on the same day

Boys Fishing at Our Lake

2007-07-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

The boys decided to go fishing yesterday - didn't catch anything though.

Lake of Make Believe

2007-07-12T19:41:00.001-07:00

What a fun day. We took the kids to the "Land of Make Believe" in Hope, New Jersey. We had a picnic lunch at the park, went on several rides, and then enjoyed the rest of the day at the water park. Meaghan loved "some" of the rides (as long as Mommy went on them with her). Oh, did I mention that Jim got promoted to Captain, well not in the real world (the pictures will explain).

This is the stage where the Captain came alive.
Captain - love the hat...

We loved this ride - a few times we didn't want to get off. Thank goodness the man that was operating the ride didn't mind...

Let's not forget the train ride. Meaghan kept looking at me before the train started - wondering what was going to happen - but quickly she realized how much fun the train really was...

It is fun having an almost teenager who thought originally that he was too big to ride the train. I don't think we ever out grow being a kid.
And, here is our most crazy kid - he will ride any ride that is fast (takes after someone I know - and it sure isn't me).

Yeah right - like you would see Mommy in one of those...

And, that was the end of a very fun day. Meaghan will vouch for it.

History II

2007-07-12T06:31:00.001-07:00

This picture is where Grandpa Sutherland took us to buy milk and white powdered donuts:

Some History

2007-07-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

This first picture is a gift shop right next to Grandma Sutherland's house - we used to go there as kids and buy colorforms:

Pie Anyone

2007-07-11T19:55:00.001-07:00

Meaghan being the Green Hulk

2007-07-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Bad Hair Day

2007-07-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

More Virginia Pictures

2007-07-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

This picture above is pretty cool - the camera messed up and it is actually two pictures in one. It looks like Jim is flying in the sky to take the picture.

Virginia Pictures from April (OOPS)

2007-07-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Mommy look what Zachary did to me...

We loved feeding the sheep.

Hi - Mom - take my picture (here is Matthew at our first hotel in Harrisonburg, VA in the pool)

Zachary and Matthew are both our water rats...

Frog Falls - Water Park

2007-07-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

July 7, 2007 - We had fun at Frog Falls (a military base - water park).

Meaghan enjoying ice cream.
If you look really hard - fresh Meaghan Rose is sticking out her tongue.

Fun with Daddy

2007-07-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2007 - It has been a long time since I posted to this website. Zachary and Matthew both have finished another year of school. Zachary has been promoted to 7th grade and Matthew has been promoted to 5th grade. Meaghan Rose attends school at Milford Hill Learning Center. Currently, she is enrolled in their summer camp program. She has learned so much this year. She can count to 10, recite her ABC's, and sings many nursery school songs. Below is a picture I took this afternoon of Meaghan Rose in her house:

Here is another cute picture of Meaghan playing with Daddy (yes, she missed and it hit her head):

Vacation - Virginia

2007-04-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Finally back from vacation. We went out to see Chris (my stepson) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Chris is attending college out there. Jim and Chris played golf at the country club that he works at and then we went out for dinner. We had a great time visiting with him and the boys/Meaghan missed him terribly. We bought Chris's early birthday gift, while we were there, a putter.

We then drove to Williamsburg, Virginia, where we stayed about a few feet away from Colonial Williamsburg. The weather was beautiful, we enjoyed swimming in the pool and just sitting in the sun. We ate lunch in Colonial Williamsburg and the kids had a fun time eating colonial foods. We also went to Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown. The Settlement was really cool and was able to board the Elizabeth ship. The Yorktown area was really nice - it reminded me of the area where we had lunch with Amy and Tim in Massachusetts.

Our final destination was Washington DC. We spent two days there, but it was very confusing. I think everytime we got on a major highway, we got lost. We stayed at the Naval base, which was very nice but kind of away from all the "stuff." The boys really enjoyed all the sights - Meaghan loved to walk the Mall and run after the birds.

We arrived home last night and was a shock with the weather. It was cold and had to turn on the heat (again). We probably are going to go back in July (to Virginia), when Chris moves out of his apartment.

Me...

Flower Girl

2007-04-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Meaghan Rose is going to be in flower girl in my Niece's wedding in September. Here are two dresses that Meaghan tried on.

Georgia Peach

2007-03-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well, off last week at a business meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. The temperature were wonderful. I wanted to get back home but really didn't want to leave the warm weather. Nothing else really going on. Finishing my last week in my MBA course - has to do with Shareholders' Wealth. Meaghan was very sick this past weekend. I think she threw up on every piece of clothing she owns. Went to the store and bought one of those industrial size bottle of laundry soap. Just picked up Meaghan's St. Patrick's dress. A woman who lives near by makes girl dresses and dolly clothing to match. So of course we got a dress to match baby. I don't remember the website address completely, but if interested the company is call Babies and Bowes.

Take care - Me.

Mini-Vacation

2007-03-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

Well, Jim won (again) a radio contest. This time we went and saw a comedian perform - I won't say his name - but Jim and I didn't really care for his performance (too many foul words). Anyway, the prize also include a night stay at Cove Haven. That was great. We had a very romantic room that was on two levels. The room included a round bed and a heart-shaped tub. Of course we bought bubbles to put in the tub - but someone put a little too much in and the bubbles were everywhere. It was pretty funny though. We had great food and drinks and bought some gifts for the kids. We did get one picture taken at dinner, but it wasn't on my camera. I will try to scan it next week.

Have a great weekend!

Me

Presents

2007-02-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

Cake!

2007-02-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Meaghan's 2nd birthday

2007-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas...

2007-01-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas...

2007-01-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas!!!

2007-01-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a huge amount of fun this year. Meaghan loved opening every present. Her favorites were her kitchen center and Baby Alive. The boys got iPods, Heeley's, and cell phones. Now, it is time to take the tree down. The house always looks bare after taking everything down...

Christmas Eve

2007-01-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was a lot of fun. We went to the Children's Mass, which Zachary sang in. Afterwards, we had 26 people for dinner at our house. Boy, was my house small...Jim and I opened our presents from each other, after the kids went to bed and Santa got his cookies and ho-ho milk.

One tree up - two more to go!

2006-12-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Well, the living room tree is up - looks very nice and we have two more still to put up - one in our bedroom and one in the foyer. The foyer tree is real and usually buy it the week before Christmas. The kids get to pick the ugly Charlie Brown tree and then they pick the lights and the ornaments (normally, they are their own handmade ornaments). I have finished shopping; however, we are almost done. The outside decorations are up and just bought a new nativity for outside really nice!

On Sunday, we went caroling with the church - that was fun and the boys had tons of fun. This week I'm taking Friday off to finish my homework that I am behind on (thank goodness my professor is so nice). We are going to visit a farm that has live reindeer over the weekend and my hair appointment too - can't wait need a change.

Have fun everyone - remember the spirit of Christmas!

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

2006-12-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

It has been a crazy week. Mostly from stressing out about all the things I haven't done including homework, getting the house ready for Christmas, Christmas shopping, and finding time to actually enjoy this holiday. I wish the holiday was more about what it represents then what we have turned it into. For me right now it means my hair is getting more gray, my stress level is going up, hanging outside lights until midnight, shopping until I drop, and endless cookies and cards to send. I love Christmas, but hate all this work in such a short period of time. Tonight, I am stopping off at AC Moore to pick up some more lights for the trees and stuff for Jim to make the wreaths. Then off to the chinese restaurant for take out, finish all the decorating in the house and then doing homework before my professor fails me. Oh, boy, I just remembered MOVIE NIGHT at Matthew's school - hmmm... I'll send Jim with all three kids :-) Tomorrow we have our sitter's son birthday party at 4PM, I have a nail appointment at 1PM (yes, I was not born with my Mom's nails), and then I made reservations for 7PM at a really nice restaurant (Thanks Aunt Darlene for the suggestive restaurant - maybe we will see you there). The cool thing is that they are having a DJ - so dinner and dancing (cool!) - oh, did I mention we are celebrating 11 years! Sunday is Church, Church School for the boys, and then the boys are going caroling with the youth group in our church.

Can't wait to do this all over again next week!!!!

(PS - the picture above is a pic of Meaghan's Christmas Dress.)

Getting Grey Hair!

2006-12-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

What a weekend! Running around like a crazy person trying to get everything done including decorating for Christmas, household stuff and a statistics class that I hate. I have two assignments due tonight and I haven't even started them. I have no idea how to do them. Need to write a note to the professor for more time. There goes my GPA of 3.8. I should have never started a before Thanksgiving and in the middle of all these holidays. I plainly do not have the time and never mind the patience.

Meaghan Rose is so excited about our tree. While it is not even half way finished, she just loves it. We still have three more trees to put up and the outside lights to finish. Jim was outside Saturday night, in the dark, putting up lights on a ladder! I was told that I'm not allowed to buy anymore scenes for the front yard. But I think one more reindeer would look nice, a tree, and I would love to find a white nativity for the yard too. The only one I can find is the ones with colors on it. I want all white.

Thanks to Dad and Chris, our new bathroom window was installed last week. It looks really nice - now we just have to put up the molding (hint - hint). Of course there are a thousand other projects to do - like the bathroom tile. Would love to get the chimney replaced this years as well. But the big project is to get the siding and back deck completed in the Spring.

All the best

Me

New CAR!!!

2006-11-25T11:42:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally did it - we bought a new car, replacing Jim's Jeep. We purchased a 2006 Dodge Durango. Yes, it will eat a lot of gas - but no problems (hopefully) in the snow. Here is a picture of it.

Getting Ready For Thanksgiving & Christmas

2006-11-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and thanks to Jim, he has shopped today for most of those turkey items at the PX. Meaghan Rose was with him and decided that it was necessary to have doodles. She told everyone in the store that she loved doodles. I think Jim had fun showing her off though!

I have next week off and have plans of painting the foyer (with the boys going in and out, the light paint is looking pretty bad, so I think I might change the color to black -- only kidding!). If I have time, I want to repaint the living room ceiling, but I hate doing ceilings - so might leave that one up to Jim.

We are almost done Christmas shopping thank goodness! Every year the boys presents keep getting more expensive and smaller. It should be interesting to see the presents from an iPod to a kitchen center. Speaking of Meaghan, I found some really nice shirts and sweaters by Polo for the boys to wear on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The shirts are red Christmas plaid and the sweaters are red. So of course, I had to buy a matching dress for Meaghan (even though I have two Christmas dresses for her already - but they didn't match). I found it - the perfect dress to match. It was on sale and the only size they had was a 3T (guess it was made for her).

The rest of the week, I plan to clean and cook. And, who can't forget about Black Friday! Can't wait - I'm hoping that the iPods go on sale - but my luck probably at 3AM or something stupid like that.

Well, all the best!

Me

NYC

2006-11-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been very exciting to be in the city. I have learned that all taxi drivers in the city take you to different roads even when you are going to the same address every day. The price from my hotel to the training facility has ranged from $3.40 to $8.00.

I have been able to see the New York Stock Exchange and I saw the area where I could walk down to the WTC; however, some guy who was handing out flyers creeped me out, so I found a taxi and went back to the hotel.

Tomorrow is my last day in the city. I am really looking forward to seeing the kids; however, I wish they were here to experience all the sites and things to do here. I am hoping we can come back in December to see the Christmas Spectular at Radio City.

New York City Bound

2006-11-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I am getting ready this evening for a week away in the City. I am excited; however, will miss the kids terribly (especially Meaghan Rose). I am going for work. Jim will be home most of the week; however, one of the nights, Mom is going to take all three kids. The following day she will take them to school and pick them back up.

Had my flu shot Friday, I don't think I ever had one before. I decided to sign the kids up. I guess the shot doesn't prevent; however, it helps from getting a really bad cold.

On a good note, I started Christmas shopping last week. Meaghan is complete, the boys are almost, and I picked up a few presents for the teachers and godparents. My goal is to get the shopping almost or completely done before Thanksgiving. Speaking of Thanksgiving, I am cooking this year, I need to call the rest of the family this week to invite them. Not sure yet about Christmas, Jim hasn't received his vacation picks yet, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he got Christmas off.

Dropped my recent MBA course and will pick it back up in two weeks. Hopefully, I will be done before the holidays start. Speaking of the holiday, does anyone out there know anything about IPods? Zachary wants one and I have no idea what brand is good or anything like that - not to mention how they even work.

Have a great week and talk to you all soon!

Halloween Party

2006-10-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

What a fun Saturday! The kids and I dressed up for a Halloween party at the Lake. We had a great time. Zachary dressed as this evil person and so did Matthew and Meaghan and I dressed up as Raggedy Ann. Our pictures were taken and I believe they might be placed in the community newsletter. The kids had fun making crafts, counting countless candy corn, decorating cupcakes, Halloween parade, and a hayride.

Afterwards we met up with Jim and ate out for dinner. Just finishing up my latest MBA course (includes statistics - Yuck!) and thought I would post a picture or two. I didn't have any good ones of the boys - I'll post those from Halloween night.

Back from Massachusetts

2006-10-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

We had a great time. Arriving on Friday around 2:00 PM, we were able to check into the hotel and then take the "T" into Boston. We had lots of fun and ate dinner at a very expensive restaurant. We ordered the cheapest item on the menu which was lobster. Zachary, of course, loved it. The next day we met up with Amy and her family. We went to a local fire house and the kids loved it. The next stop was a hay ride and then we went to the beach. It was very beautiful but very cold. After getting back to Amy's house we met up with her Mom and had pizza and Amy made apples pies, which were wonderful. We left on Sunday; however, we first stopped back in Boston and walk to Katherine Gibbs School and Downtown Crossing.

WE CANNOT WAIT TO GO BACK!

Boston Bound

2006-10-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well, we are very excited - at the end of this week we are going to Boston to meet up with our best friends The Fultons. We are planning on taking the kids apples/pumpkin picking. On a sad and worry note, Jim mother is in the hospital. We took the kids to see her yesterday, which I think helped her spirits. Hopefully, she will come home soon.

Meaghan's Halloween costume arrived a few days ago. She is going to be Raggedy Ann (so is Mommy). The boys purchased their costumes yesterday - Zachary is going to be some sort of an evil motorcycle guy and Matthew and Jim are dressing the same - some sort of evil looking clown. Yeah, these costumes scared Meaghan - but I think she is getting used to it.

Today is Columbus Day and the kids are with Grandma and Grandpa. The boys slept over last night but Meaghan didn't get to Granma's until this morning. They are probably going to get apples from the local orchard.

Take care - have a great week!

Me.

New Computer and Car Accident

2006-09-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally purchased that new computer. It took a little while to log in and hook up all the email accounts. Now, if only I could get the product key to work on the software, I would be happy.

Saturday, on the way to dropping Matthew off at guitar lessons and STOPPED at a stop sign, we were hit. We were hit from behind. I had all three kids in the car. It scared me because I had them with me. The person who hit us was 17 and only driving for about 1 month. I really felt bad for him. Everyone is fine - no one got hurt. My car had minor damage to the bumper and the other car had hood damage.

Well, working with tech support on the product key. Take care!

Sharing Craft Website for Kids

2006-09-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have a really great website to do crafts and all kinds of fun activities with kids. http://familyfun.go.com/

Enjoy!

Baby Sick

2006-09-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I was home today running Meaghan to the doctors. Meaghan's nose has been running like crazy, her eyes are red, and she wouldn't even eat ice cream. The doctor gave her medicine and said it was just a regular cold. (Must have gotten it from either the bus stop or from the kids coming home from school.)

Meaghan also got weighed today - 30 pounds!

New Portraits of Meaghan

2006-09-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

Our little girl.

What a post without the PRINCESS!

2006-09-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, I need to add a new picture of Meaghan Rose. Meaghan is now 19 months. New words are very exciting these days, they include thank youuuuu, please, luv you, and blue. In fact everything is BLUE. Meaghan what color is this BLUE, Meaghan what color is that BLUE. We are trying to learn new colors, but BLUE is it for now. Meaghan is growing very fast - 3T for dresses and 2T for pants and shirts. We are testing out the potty lately and we are now a professional flusher....

First Day of Middle School - Zachary

2006-09-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

Well, the night before we got too excited and almost got sick, but we succesfully made it through a week and a half at the new school. Zachary tells me that the lunchs are much bigger then the elementary school. Zachary is also taking lessons, but plays violin. He has been playing for three years now.

First Day of School - Matthew

2006-09-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

The first day of school in Pennsylvania was August 28th. Matthew is in 4th grade. Since school has started, Matthew is now taking lessons playing his electric guitar. Between school and lessons, Matthew is very busy. Church school starts this weekend, which Matthew enjoys very much.

Calling All Bears

2006-09-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

This friendly bear broke into our neighbors house and made a huge mess.

Happy Birthday

2006-08-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Zachary and Matthew Hunt - August 6th and August 8th.

This weekend was a lot of fun. We celebrated my birthday on Saturday. I had decided to take two extra days off and all of us were off on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, we drove down to Willow Grove Naval Base to get our ID cards. We stayed at the base most of the day, swimming in the pool, having a picnic lunch and visiting the NEX. Yesterday, we stayed home most of the morning and then off to the beach. The lake was beautiful! The boys went out on the boat. Well all fun times must come to an end. But, this coming weekend will be filled with more Fun!

2006-08-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to ME!

Crazy People

2006-07-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting in a few weeks. It has been crazy. My Niece, Jennifer had an engagement shower. She is getting married in 2007 (Meaghan is the Flower Girl). Jim celebrated his birthday on July 15th. The kids bought him a BBQ pit. We have been making smores almost every week. After swimming in the pool at night, the smores are a lot of fun for the kids. Meaghan is now having nightly sand baths - she loves playing in her sandbox. So every night she takes a bath in the tub, which turns into a sand bath. On Saturday night, we had a lot of fun. The development had a DJ on the Deck at the lake. The boys played mostly in the Rec Room and Meaghan danced on the deck.

Unfortunately, most people were a little worried that night. The development has had seven house fires. Someone has been setting these fires. So far, seven homes have been damaged or destroyed. They still cannot find the person who is setting them. Fortunately, all the homes are new construction and no one has moved into any of them yet. The last fire was just around the corner from my house.

Latest News

2006-07-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Joe is coming home tomorrow - he had an anxiety attack!

Thought I would bring all of you up-to-date with the situation with my brother. Joe is currently at Morristown Hospital. The doctor does not believe he had another heart attack but he wants to run more tests. Hopefully, he will come home tomorrow.

Timothy Lake Outdoor World

2006-07-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from a mini-vacation with the kids. Timothy Lake Outdoor World was our destination. We had tons of fun renting a cabin, swimming in the indoor water park, playing miniature golf, toasting marshmallows, and sitting around the campfire.

Meaghan Rose

2006-07-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Our Meaghan Rose, the Princess of the family. Meaghan is now 17 months old. She walks fairly well and communicates with single words. Her favorite word these days is no, no, no. Meaghan loves playing with the boys. But she is the ruler in this house!

Vacation at Lake George

2006-07-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

Zachary and Matthew are currently with their Grandparents (Weidner) at Lake George. Meaghan Rose is home with Mommy and Daddy. The house isn't the same without the boys, but they are having a great time. Tomorrow they are spending the day at a fun park.