Thursday, June 28, 2007

Happy Birthday Treavor!

Wow! I can't believe my "Little Man" turns ONE today! Just where did the time go? Here are some pictures of Treavor during the last year. It's amazing how much they change! Happy Birthday Treavor Treav!!!!

*Don't forget to click on the little speaker below to start the sound!*


Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum...Chewy Chewy Chewy Bubble Gum

Jecilyn has discovered gum. I didn't give it to her. She got this habit from her God Sisters Dani and Melissa. They are 13 and 12...and, it seems that gum is an obligatory component in the life of a tween. I remember those years well...and I was just like them. Snapping, popping and chomping on gum all of the time. And, Jecilyn is just like them. She wants gum all of the time. She throws major tantrums over being told that there is no gum or that she cannot have it. Overall, I guess there are worse things that she could want. However, gum just scares me. She fell asleep in the car with a huge wad in her mouth. The other day, she threw her gum at me narrowly missing my hair. And on a recent trip to the Philly Pretzel Factory, she threw her piece into the parking lot...And then I stepped in it. So, I've been telling her "No Gum!"

The other day she asked for what was probably the 10th time in five minutes, "Mommy, can I have some gum?" To which I replied, "How many times do I have to tell you, 'no gum!'" Without missing a beat, she looked at me and said, "How many times do I have to tell you....Don't yell at me!?" ...I guess I get what I get for challenging a three-year-old! She didn't get the gum...but we both got a good laugh.

I think the kid needs a 28 Day Program. Yesterday she was found hiding under a table under a beach towel with a big ol' piece of Chocolate Bubble Gum in her mouth. What can I do!?!?!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Be cool go to Rita's


On Sunday, I took Savannah and Dawn to Rita's. They were Rita's Virgins. All three of us had Gelatis. We had Coconut Cream Ice with Chocolate Custard. It was SOOOO YUMMY! Jecilyn and Treavor shared a Vanilla Custard.

We went to the Rita's in Dover. Every time I've ever been there (and, I go frequently!) the service has been outstanding. It's refreshing to receive service with a smile...especially from people who are so young. The young ladies there look to be in their teens or early twenties. They seem genuinely happy to be working. Of course, I think if I worked there, I'd be happy too!

Just down the street is the Philly Pretzel Factory. Also a great place! There will be more on that soon!

Monday, June 25, 2007

Beach Babies!

Here are the photos from our trip to Rehoboth on Friday. We had a blast! We can't wait to go back again! Enjoy!

Friday, June 22, 2007

Fun Food Friday


Wow! Where did the week go? I can't believe it's Friday already! I've had a very busy week! My friend Dawn--we've been friends since we were about nine--and her daughter (my God Daughter) are here visiting from Alaska. Duane, her husband, is in the Air Force and is deployed AGAIN. So, they decided to come visit for a month! We've been keeping quite busy! Today we went to the beach. Pictures will follow soon! And...they are great!!!

This is a picture of what I made Jecilyn for breakfast yesterday. It's a flower. The center is a slice of banana topped with a cherry. The petals are slices of cantaloupe. The stem is graham crackers (Earth's Best Organic Apple Cinnamon Graham Crackers). The leaves are bananas and the grass is cheese.

Jecilyn wasn't too sure about this creation at first...but she warmed up to it quickly. And then she ate it. She even asked for another one! Yea for me!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Happy Birthday Adrianna!

On Saturday we went to Philadelphia for my cousin's daughter's birthday party. Adrianna turned four on Sunday. Her youngest, Jasmine, was born January 2005. Our girls are all about nine months apart (in fact, I think I got pregnant with Jecilyn while Josie was in labor!). Treavor and Jasmine are 18 months apart. I always joke with Josie when we are together that they could ALL be hers. Yikes!

Here are some pictures from the party. As you'll see getting three kids under four to smile and look at the camera at the same time is quite a challenge. Getting four under four is impossible!

The Dreaded Dentist

I hate to go to the dentist. I would rather give birth than go to the dentist. A few months back, I had some problems with my teeth. I cracked two of them...and I thought I was going to have to get a root canal. I was VERY AFRAID. I even tried to get them to knock me out. I was informed by the endodontist that they could "knock me out" but that the dental insurance wouldn't cover that. I rationalized that my medical insurance (Tricare) should pay for the anestethsia since I had TWO children without any, I felt they owed me....Fortunately, I didnt need the root canal.

Last week, I went to the dentist. I had to be REALLY BRAVE because I took Jecilyn along with me for her first dental appointment. My hygentist, Dee, was great. But, she didn't clean Jecilyn's teeth. She didn't feel she was "ready." Hell....I'm never ready...but that never stops her! Ha ha! Anyway...here are some photos of Jecilyn's trip to the dentist!

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Happy Father's Day!



This is not wanted to do for a Father's Day Post. But, I've been so busy this week, I haven't had time to dig out old photos and scan them and make a tribute to my dad. Sorry, Pop!

The photo above is one of my favorites. It's of me, my dad and Jecilyn.

Here's a poem I found for you, dad! Happy Father's Day! Now, go catch some fish! Love, CAB (that's what my daddy calls me!)

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...


~By Susan Ceylise.~

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Happy Birthday!

This is a busy weekend for birthdays! Today is my Aunt Henny's Birthday. Henny was my mom's sister. I think she would have been 72. She passed away in 2004. Aunt Henny was the Original Drama Queen! She could turn the most mundane event into a 20 minute story that had you laughing and guessing. And, boy could she kick some ass in scrabble! I'm sure mom, Henny, and their sister Dolly have daily games "up there." Happy Birtdhday Aunt Hen!

Today is also Jecilyn friend Ben's birthday. He is 3. Jecilyn asks to play with him a lot. She wants to go to his house all of the time. Ben, lives in Paris (Lucky Ben!). His family moved just about a year ago. They've been back to visit quite often, and Jecilyn and Ben always have a great time playing together. Happy Birthday Ben! Come visit soon!

Tomorrow is my cousin Adrianna's 4th Birthday. Adrianna is Henny's granddaughter. Her mother, Josie, was due on June 15th. But, apparently she wanted HER OWN day....and waited until the 17th to arrive. We're headed up to Philadelphia for "Banna's" party today. Here's a picture of her on her birthday last year.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Fun Food Friday




Aren't they cute? These creations are simple--and Jecilyn loves them. She calls it "Face Toast." It starts with whole wheat toast spread with peanut butter. Then, just get creative! No two are ever the same. I just use whatever I have on hand. Raisins, Cheerios, Cheese, Bananas, Strawberries, Pretzels, M&M's...whatever!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Happy Flag Day





Today is Flag Day. It is so named because on June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation." You can learn more about the history of the American Flag by visiting the USA Flag Website.

If you fly the flag today--or any day--be sure to follow proper American Flag Etiquette.

On another note, the other day I was with someone as they were watching my slideshows about Race Weekend and Making Cookies. At the end of both shows, I put a slide that says, "Please Support Our Troops." He asked me, "Can you support the troops without supporting the war?" My answer is an emphatic "YES!" Regardless of your views on the war, the men and women of our Armed Forces deserve respect and support. Many of them may not support the war or the President's views, but they still go out and do their jobs every day. They do not get to call in sick, or simply decide to find a new job because they don't like the boss. They are ripped away from their families and the comforts of home. They do their jobs. Period.

You are entitled to disagree with war and the President. You are free to express your opinion. Remember that you are entitled to do that because a soldier fought to give you that right. As I rant, I am reminded of the movie, A Few Good Men. Col. Jessep, played by Jack Nicholson, says the following while being questioned on the stand by Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise's character).

Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Whose gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinburg? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.


Although Nicholson's character is the antagonist with questionable morals in the movie, his words ring true. Thank a soldier. Regardless of your political views.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Beautiful Ballerina

Saturday was Jecilyn's first ballet recital. She's been a student at The Dance Conservatory in Dover, DE since February. Her teacher is Ms. Andrea. Ms. Andrea's parents own the studio. Her mother, Teresa was my dance teacher when I was younger. I hope that Jecilyn is a better student than I was!!!!

There will be more to come on the recital soon. For now, here are some pictures that I took. Enjoy!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Out of the Mouths of Babes...




Oh to be three...My daughter comes up with some of the cutest sweetest funniest things I have ever heard. I always say that I need to write them down so that I don't forget...I've even started keeping a little list in the computer. But I've decided to share some of her best here on this blog. I call them Jecilynisms.

Yesterday, we were on our way home. We were heading north. It was 8:10 p.m. We had a big discussion about the sun. A few weeks ago, she was very concerned about the giant orange ball that she saw in the sky. It took me a while to get her to understand that it was the sun. She gets it now. Yesterday's conversation went something like this....

Mommy, is it gonna be night time?

Yes, honey, the sun is going down. See, there it is. It's a big orange ball.

It's not going down yet. It's still there. Not behind the trees.

...Why is the sun on Treavor's side?

Um...because the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. It gets up on your side and goes down on Treavor's side. See, over there is East. Over there is West.

Oh. Hey! Look the sun is following the cars!

(laughing!) Yes, honey it is!

...Hey Mommy?....Where does the sun go when it goes night night?

...Uh...Um...I...It...Well...Hmmm...Where do you think it goes?


It's sad when you resort to answering your three-year-old's question with a question. But, I just didn't have an answer. Although, now that I've had nearly 10 hours to contemplate the question, I think that a good answer would have been, "Well, honey, when the sun goes night night here, it wakes up where daddy is. It's going to be daytime there in a little while." Of course, that would have probably opened the floor to another discussion for which I was not prepared....Children do not come with instructions!

The photo above is one taken by Jeff at my brother's wedding. The sun is going night night. And here's a little song by Bob Marley. He is a favorite of both Chris and Jecilyn.

Friday, June 8, 2007

So Jeffrey at jeffreywashere tagged me. He sucks. I'll play along though...Except, since I don't have 8 bloggers to tag...I'll just be tagging him back! Here are the rules he sent.

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.


Ok...Let's see...Eight Facts about me. Where do I start?...
1.) I have arachnophobia. I know it's ridiculous, but I am petrified of spiders. I cannot even stand to look at pictures of them. Spiderman and Charlotte's Web scared me. I watched most of Charlotte's Web with a pillow over my face...just peeking out occasionally.

2.) I sometimes lie about bowel movements. It's true. Sometimes I say I have to go to the bathroom when I don't. I just want some time alone. I take a book, a magazine or a newspaper into the bathroom, shut the door and read. Sometimes it's the only peace and quiet I get.

3.)I have very small feet. I wear about a two in kids. Most seven year olds have bigger feet than me.

4.)I have issues with white foods. I don't eat them. Mayo--Yuck! Cream Cheese-Yuck! Sour Cream--Yuck! Cottage Cheese--Yuck! Milk--Yuck! I don't know why...I think I got it from my mom. She never ate any of the above either. And I think it's gross when someone takes a big old bite of a Big Mac and then has mayo stuck on the side of their mouth!!! Nasty!

5.) This one is for Jeffrey G....I've been known to flash my hoo-has. This is something that started in college I guess. I went to Washington College. You don't go there for four years without showin a hoo-ha or two...or more on May Day. Of course, pretty much for the last 3 years, my hoo-has have been constantly exposed. Though, I guess it's not the same when there's a kid hanging off of them....

6.) I am a champion velcro wall jumper. Ok, so it was a cheeseball trophy I won in college. It counts, right?

7.) I've been skydiving. Jeff took me for my birthday one year. I was scared as hell--but I did it! And, I LOVED IT!

8.) I once spent 36 hours in the JFK Airport waiting out a blizzard on the way to Puerto Rico. It was my senior year in college...Spring Break. There were six of us. And they closed the airport AFTER we were on the plane. It sucked. We thought we were going to miss our entire break! But, we flirted with the ticket agents and got ourselves upgraded to Business Class on the next flight out. Although, we probably would have been better off staying home! What a crazy trip!

So, there you have it...Eight random facts about me. I suppose I could "tag" some friends via email as Natalie did. Maybe I'll get some interesting responses and post them here as well!

Fun Food Friday


This Terrific Turtle is one of my favorites! The picture isn't so great...but it was really cute. Here's what I did. I used an Organic Fugi Apple. I peeled, cored and sliced it using The Pampered Chef Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer. Then, I cut it in half. I spread peanut butter between the slices. And, being the crazy food person that I am...I used all Natural Peanut Butter. Some brands that I like are Crazy Richard's, Smucker's All Natural Chunky Peanut Butter, and Safeway's O Organics Peanut Butter. I stir honey right into the jar. It makes it a little sweeter, and it help to keep it from separating...But I digress...

I used a strawberry for the head. You can't really see it in the picture, but I sliced the strawberry lengthwise so it opened like a mouth. I stuffed some sliced cheese in the open mouth.

The feet are banana slices. For the tail, I used the end of the banana. And, for the...uh...droppings...I used raisins. I think the eyes were chocolate chips stuck on with a dot of "Fluff."...Chocolate and fluff are not things I use often...but I figure a little here and there is OK. If memory serves me correctly, however, I don't think Jecilyn liked the Fluff. Chocolate...that's another story. I think the kid would eat just chocolate and spaghetti if I let her!

I made something similar to this before. I called it a dinosaur. On that version, I made legs out of grapes on toothpicks. And, I think I stood half of a banana up for the tail. Anything will work...Just be creative!!! If you try this...or have any of your own creations, let me know! I'm always looking for more ideas! Have a great day!

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Lots of Lovely Lillies


Some of my lillies have started to bloom! They are gorgeous! I took some pictures of them. I was going to wait to post them until they all bloomed...but, I figured I'll just take more later.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

We are the cookie bakers...

Here's a little something that we put together to send to Daddy today. Hope you enjoy it!

Monday, June 4, 2007

...so they all rolled over and one fell off....

After an extremely busy weekend, I was just finishing up adding sound to my Race Weekend Post when I heard this extremely loud THUMP in my house. I had no idea what it was...but I immediately ran to investigate. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, both of my babies started to cry. I flew up the stairs to find Jecilyn on the floor screaming and bloody. While she was sleeping, she apparently fell out of bed and caught her chin on the step stool. Poor little thing! I knew immediately that it would require stitches. And, so we were off to the hospital. As I struggled to keep it together, I somehow managed to get the kids and their car seats in the car. I had the wherewithall to text my friend Nettie and tell her we were on the way to the hospital. My intent was that she could possibly reach Jeff for me. But, being Nettie, she went above and beyond. She said she'd meet me there. I told her that was not necessary...and I am SOOOO glad she ignored me. There's no way I could've done it with out her!

We went to Kent General Hospital. We saw a P.A. named Aaron and a nurse named Kim. They rocked! Jecilyn was a real trooper. She was scared...and she screamed a lot, but I thought she did amazingly well. She received seven stitches on her chin. I'll post a picture soon...but, for now, she's been waving her hand in front of her face and saying, "No pictures! No pictures..." My little drama queen...

Thank you Nettie, Aaron and Kim!

Redneck Weekend

This my absolute first attempt at a "movie." Albeit, it's not really a movie...it's a slideshow...I'm hoping to get the video camera out this week and learn how to make real movies....Hope you enjoy!

Friday, June 1, 2007

Fun Food Friday


Three Rice Mice! Three Rice Mice! ...Actually, it was more like, "Free Wice Mice..." but it was still lots of fun. We sang that all morning. I wish I could take credit for this one, but it's actually something that I found online. There were a few other fun recipes on the site...but I've not tried those yet. Here is the link: Very Cute Veggies. Check it out.
For my mice, I used long grain brown rice. It's been a while since I made it, but I think that I just used cream cheese--not yogurt. I think I thought that sounded gross. For the eyes and mouths I used peas and carrots. Both were from a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. I just fished them out of the bag and popped them on the mice. The ears were black olives (which Jecilyn LOVES!). I can't remember what I used for tails. It may have been bolongna. Or, perhaps it was carrot strips. Either would work.

I think you could do a lot with this recipe. Instead of mice, you could make cars and use olives for wheels. You could link a few "balls" together and make a caterpillar. Or a spider. Carrot strips would make great legs! And, if you don't want legs...a worm or a snake. The possibilites are endless! If you try something, please let me know! Take a photo to share! Enjoy!