ENJOY THIS MOMENT, FOR THIS MOMENT IS YOUR LIFE!

DREAM BATTLES

2009-01-15T05:54:00.000-08:00

I've always believed that every dream is connected with your own "reality". And that by interpreting these dreams, it provides us with insight into ourselves. These dreams could help us understand our true personality by what goes on in our everyday lives and experiences. I'm one who has a lot of vivid, bazaar dreams. Some dreams leave me obsessing over them for days. I was considering starting a dream journal and keeping notes on what I dream about regularly. I just never find time, or I'll forget my dream.

My most recent dream was about a baby. I was sitting up in my bed, everything was white. The baby was naked wrapped up in a thin white blanket. He was soo tiny. I remember feeling so comforted holding him. I was trying to nurse him, but he was having trouble latching on. I remember he finally started eating and I dozed off for what felt like only seconds. I woke up and he wasn't moving. I pulled him away and he wasn't breathing. His little arms were crossed in front of his body and was swaddled in that white blanket. I panicked! I screamed to Bruce over and over to dial 911 and I started CPR. I prayed and prayed, exhausted from crying and trying to refill this little baby's lungs with air, he finally regained a pulse. And then I woke up sweating and crying.

So what does this dream mean? I've looked it up and there's nothing over death of a baby while nursing, so there's bits and pieces that I have to kinda put together.

So the first thing in my dream is holding a newborn and feeling comforted and warm.

1.To see a baby in your dream, signifies innocence, warmth and new beginnings. Babies symbolize something in your own inner nature that is pure, vulnerable, helpless and/or uncorrupted.

The second thing in my dream was having difficulty nursing the baby.

2.To dream that you are breast feeding, symbolizes tenderness, love, nurture, and motherly love. Good things will be at your grasp.

Thirdly, I fell asleep in my dream holding the baby. (That's one of my worst fears in reality)

3. To dream that you are sleeping, denotes peace of mind. Alternatively, it may also mean that you are ignorant and not fully aware of the conditions and circumstances around you. Sleeping may also be synonymous with death in that it beckons renewal and new beginnings.

Fourth thing was that the baby stops breathing. (does this mean he died?)

4. To dream about the death of a loved one, suggests that you are lacking a certain aspect or quality that the loved one embodies. Ask yourself what makes this person special or what do you like about him. It is that very quality that you are lacking in your own relationship or circumstances. Alternatively, it indicates that whatever that person represents has no part in your own life.

And last but not least, I dreamed of saving a life by resuscitation.

5. To dream that you resuscitate another, denotes that new friendships will be formed giving you much pleasure.

COME ON! SERIOUSLY... I'M MESSED UP IN THE NOGG'N MOST DEFINITELY!

First Trip to Disney!

2008-11-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

On Oct. 18th for the first time Bruce and I took Kyle and Conor to Disney World in Orlando Fl. This was the first time for all of us. We stayed for 7 days, 6 nights in the All Star Music Resort and it wasn't nearly enough time to see and do everything we wanted to. If it weren't for the fact that I missed Caleb terribly, I wouldn't have come home so soon. But he had fun with his Nini and got spoiled terribley. I can't wait to take him down. I will say the drive wasn't all that glamorous and we will be flying down next time. It took about 16+ hours to drive down and 16 hours back. We stayed over in Savannah GA on the way down there. But drove straight through on the way home. Or I should say Bruce drove straight through. I only drove through NC. I did offer to drive more, but I suppose Bruce felt like it was his job. Go figure! That male ego thing, I'll never understand it. It was a pretty peaceful ride though, the boys had their PSP'S, DS'S, IPOD'S, I took my laptop for them to watch movies on and of course I have my phone with a ton of fun apps to play with. Oh, did I mention that this was a complete surprise for the kids? They didn't have a clue about any of it. They didn't know they would be out of school or going on vacation at all. We planned this trip in August and "I" had to keep it a secret for 2 months. For all of you who know me, knows how hard that was. But I'm so glad I did. I packed all day on Friday while the boys were in school and got the car loaded up before they got home. Saturday morning when we woke up, we took our time, drank our coffee and told the boys to get their shoes on we were going for a ride. Now they didn't think anything of it, as we go for weekend drives all the time. It wasn't until we got into Delaware that they started asking questions. So at that time, I took out my video camera and gave them the goodie bags I made up for them full of clues to let them know where we were taking them. The video is included in this blog. See below. So The reaction went alot differently in my head, but it was still amazing. Who knew there was such a thing as a magic bay!?!?!?!?!

Caleb's first trip in a boat

2008-08-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

To the left you'll see Caleb driving the boat! I was so nervous the whole time. I really expected to be out in the middle of the lake and him throw a fit of fear and us be stuck out there. Worse yet, him throw a fit and tip the boat or fall in. But no, he was stink'n comfortable. He was standing up, feeding the fish cheerios and walking fearlessly between his father and I. I'd have to say that I felt so calm so relaxed after the hour on the lake, I can understand why my husband wants to go fishing all them time. After our fun outing at Marsh Creek, we ran up to Gilbersville to Zerns Farmers Market where believe it or not had THE BEST tuna sandwich on a keiser roll with lettuce, tomato and onion that I think I've ever had. I bought a clear glass charger plate for $2 and Caleb bought more cars. Like we need more cars...!!! So after our venture to the dirt bucket of a "dirt mall" as my friend Sarah calls it, we went boat shopping. Yes, boat shopping, my husband has hit his head hard this time. Every year it's something new. This year it's boating. But it has to be big enough to fit all 5 of us on it. Well, we didn't buy anything yet, we're still looking around. This has been a great weekend! It's sad to see it end. Now to wake up first thing in the morning to head to the bay to visit with some friends with my 3 boys for a few days. I'm sad to leave my Bruce as he's not able to get away from work at the moment. :( But I'm sure he'll enjoy the quiet house while we're away.

DIG IT

2008-07-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Come on out and see the show that Conor, Michel and Nicole have been working so hard all summer for. Order your tickets now, there's still space available Saturday night at 7:30. Just call 610-363-7075 to order. $7-Adults and $5-child. See ya at the show!!!

Digital Scrapbooking

2008-07-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

I have 3 albums I'm so behind on. I'm about 11 years behind with Kyle, 9 years behind with Conor and 2.5 years behind with Caleb. I figure I'll finish their baby books and then transition to all digital scrapbooking. I've created a hard cover wedding coffee table book through Blurb and I absolutely love it. The way I see it, the cost for buying my books, supplies and tools I could pay for the binding and printing of a custom printed coffee table book. I did some digging and I figure I could download free scrapbooking templates for now and create my own later on. So now the question is, do I sell all of my scrapbook supplies after I complete my kids first year books or do I hold on to them in the off chance I start other projects? Maybe I'll keep them and start making greeting cards and catalogue them for holidays and such.

Crazy Summer

2008-07-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well, we're coming to the end of July and I feel like I'm still waiting for my summer vacation to start! My Friday happy hours, spending all day at the pool, weekend cookouts, daily trips down to the beach, tanning, heck.. although I hate the idea of putting a bathing suit on this year. But instead I'm a taxi driver for my kids this summer. August 3rd can't come soon enough! At that time we'll be a little more free to roam, so to speak! Hope all of you are enjoying your Corona's with lime and margaritas, I'll join ya's soon!

My Day

2008-07-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

I woke up, Made Coffee, Scared my Birthday boy as he was coming down the stairs (I was hiding next to the steps and as he came down I jumped out behind him and grabbed him) He screamed like a girl!

As I was hugging him to comfort him from the big scare I notice things swaying back and forth out side. so we go over to check it out. It appeared as though the "Birthday Fairy" had visited the night before to leave Kyle some birthday surprises. Blue streamers hung from the door and stair rails. Balloons filled with helium, a present wrapped up in streamers, and 2 signs taped to the door that read, "happy 13th Birthday Kyle" and "Have a Happy Birthday, Love the Birthday Fairy". Now Kyle surely is not 13 years old yet. Let's not rush it. But it's creeping soon. 1 more year! Then I'll have a teenager on my hands. So it looks as though the Birthday fairy was wrong, OH WELL... she'll just have to "one up it" next year.

But all in all I think he's had a great day. His soo cool awesome mom let him stay home from summer school so that he could go fishing with my darling husband, who might I add took the day off from work just to go fishing with him this morning.

While they were away I struggled to get out the door to go to playgroup this morning with Conor and Caleb. (JUST WAIT FOR THE NEXT POST)

Meanwhile, we come home, I'm exhausted from the day so I decided to lay down for only a few minutes before I had to rush out the door again to take Kyle and his friend to the Mall to do their thing! We get to the mall and needless to say, I'm bored stiff. Keep in mind, if you know me at all, you'd know that I HATE the mall with a violent passion. But again, that's another post. So Kyle, his friend and I all met up at Houlians for dinner. Damn that milkshake I grabbed during my boredom trails through the child congested halls of the Exton Square Mall. I couldn't eat a bite. I ended up ordering Bruchetta. I would have to say, I've never had bruchetta made like that before, but it was surprisingly very yummy. I will definitely have to order that again.

Anyway, when we were done dinner, we came home and chilled for a little bit.. thank god, I was 'bout ready to fall over by this point. About 9:15pm we go outside and set off some the fireworks I've been promising them for about a week now. My poor neighbors! We'll have to finish them on Sunday night at an early hour in hopes we don't wake anyone up!

Ok, well I've written enough..it's time to sign off and hit the sack! Until Tomorrow....

Beat Boxing Back In Style, Who Knew

2008-07-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Bedtime Blues

2008-07-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Bedtime seems to be such an up and down, loopty-loop rollercoaster ride with my 3 year old lately. 3 days in a row now it's been a struggle trying to get him to go to bed. He's always, since infancy, been so good at going to bed. It's been the last 5-6 months or so now he's not only getting up in the middle of the night to come into bed with daddy and I, but now he's not going to bed easily any more either. I suppose this is what I had coming to me after having it so easy for the first 2 years. I walked up and down the stairs 8 times last night putting him back in his bed. After finally my husband went up and stayed with him until he fell asleep. I'm not usually a big fan of the whole, laying down, rocking , holding until one falls asleep bit, but I was so desperate last night, I would've done anything. My 3rd child is so stink'n stubborn, so set in his ways. As many times as I put him in his bed 2 nights ago, he still got out, telling me no, until finally he fell asleep at the very top of my stairs on my floor. IF THIS IS A PHASE, WHEN WILL IT END??? But the night before that he wouldn't accept sleeping in his bed AT ALL! He wanted to be in Mommy's bed from the giddy-up! We've created a monster. I'm just so tired in the middle of the night when he comes in begging to fight with him. With my husband having to get up early and drive an hour to and from work, I can't expect him to get up and fight with him either. So with that said, it's just easier to pick him up and squeeze him in between us. Now tonight... I could some what make out the words as he was crying "it's dark", so I turned on his light. Keep in mind he's always prefered to sleep in complete dark, with the door shut. So it was a shocker that he past out right as soon as that light switch flipped up. We've had a fish tank night light in his room that he refuses to let us turn on. For some reason it scares the smack out of him. I can't go on every night just leaving his bedroom light on all night, can I? I guess I'll be on the hunt for a bright night light that I could turn on at night that won't scare him to death.

Spiritual Inspiration - Good Sunday Read!

2008-07-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

As I was taking my Photography class this past Thursday, a woman from my class went on to telling me the reason why she's learning how to shoot better pictures. As it turns out this was her 18 year old sons dying wish. He had such a love for photography, worked in a photo processing lab and saved every penny to buy the exact camera he wanted. And since he knew he would never be able to use it after the dr.s diagnosing he was terminal, he asked his mom to take classes and learn how to use it in rememberence of him. Since the age of "12", same age as my son Kyle, He had been fighting bone cancer. It started in his knee, and eventually spread through out his entire body ending in his lungs. This woman is now one of the strongest women I think I've ever met. She watched her son die since he was just a child, yet watched him grow into a man before he died of this aweful disease. I keep this family forever in my prayers, and hope she finds the strength to survive this horrifying tragity.

With that said, I then this morning get this email from a family member:

This is a true story! ***********

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'.

They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through
the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too.

For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever.

The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Father and son went on to complete the race together.

NOW WATCH THIS VIDEO:
Click below

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

It's amazing to see a fathers stregth and devotion to his child. It gives me hope. It makes me realize that through all that I've gone through recently with my son, I know that I have to still be thankful for his health, and squeeze him everyday and let him know how much I love him. Let him know that through any/all hard times that I am here to help carry him through it.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

2008-07-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

I hope yo'all enjoy the pic's! This is the first time shooting fireworks, and it certainly won't be my last! I learned a lot and had so much fun! Happy 4th of July!

Child Safety

2008-07-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

So, just as I thought it really couldn't get any worse, I get a knock on my door a couple days ago. Who was it you ask? 2 West Whiteland detectives. Why you ask? To question my son, yes Kyle, again. He's not in any real trouble, with the police that is, but he's in deep s_ _ t with me. Basically my son has been hanging out with an 18 year old boy who likes to set fires for fun. This kid has been buying lighters for these kids in the area, teaching them how to set fires. Telling them what burns well and what doesn't. My stomach was sickened as these detectives were asking all these questions. Has John (the 18 year old kid) ever touched you? Has John ever offered you cigarettes? Keep in mind Kyle was just punished only 1 day before due to me finding out that he smoked with this older crazy kid. YES, KYLE SMOKED... he claims he's only tried it that one time. And he did it cause he felt pressured into it. GOD, My heart was broke. My baby, smoking..My chest hurt for days after finding out. I've talked to my kids, I always talk to my kids about right and wrong, and good and bad. What they should and should not do, and why. You listen to the news, you read articles, you hear other parents talking about their kids getting into trouble, and experimenting with things. But when its your own, you definitely see things in a different perspective. You can then relate to those horror stories. And as this particular scenario may not be too dramatic, I'm afraid the next one will be. I pray that Kyle learns from this, and doesn't make the same mistakes. You may or may not recall hearing about a fire in an old abandoned house in Exton Station recently. NO, Kyle had nothing to do with that, we don't know who did it, but I did find out that Kyle has been playing in this vacant house with his friends. Could one of his friends be the guilty party in this huge fire that broke out? All I know is that he's not playing or associating with anyone until someone gets to the bottom of all this. How do I trust my children? How do I feel like my kids are safe out there with all this crap going on the world. How do I give Kyle his independence and let him venture out there without constantly worrying who he's with and what he's doing? How did I not know that my son was hanging out with an 18 year old adult who was offering to buy these kids lighters, offer them animated porn, teach them all these bad things. So as the Officers were leaving kyle offered to show them where this kid took other kids to light these fires. As the got down there, they saw police cars, firetrucks and this kid John running out of the woods. Meanwhile Kyle's getting out of the police car and this kid sees him. My hope is that he doesn't know where we live thinking that Kyle dimed him out, decided to get pissed off and try to hurt Kyle in any way. I pray to god that this kid ends up in jail for a long long time.

Thursday Thirteen

2008-06-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Shannon

My 13 Favorite Things About Summer Are:

1. LONGER DAYS, SHORTER NIGHTS
2. WEARING LESS CLOTHES
3. SPENDING MORE TIME WITH MY KIDS
4. GOING TO THE BEACH
5. GRILLING
6. DRINKING FROZEN BEVERAGES
7. WAKING UP TO THE BIRDS CHIRPING
8. WATCHING MY KIDS CATCH FIREFLYS
9. 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
10. FAIRS AND CARNIVALS
11. NOT WORKING
12. DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN
13. HAVING MORE COLOR IN MY SKIN!

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Jr. High School

2008-06-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

This post is way past due, but here it goes. My first baby, yes, Kyle is going into 6th grade. The realization hit me last Thursday during his 5th grade award ceremony on the last day of school. Here's my little baby, who's not so little anymore going into a new milestone of his life and I'm SOO not ready to accept that he's growing up. I look back on my JR. High school years and they were some of the best times of my life. All of those new experiences... First Real Crush, First Kiss, "First Base", OMG.. SECOND BASE! Don't get me wrong, I want all those things for Kyle and much much more. I wish all 3 of my boys all the happiness in the world, but the very thought of "my baby boy" experimenting... well I get nasty knots in my belly. I just know that after 6th grade everything went so fast. I pray that I get to hold on to his youth for as long as I can, cause I know now it's almost up for me with him. :( So I know he's learned the basics in school on Sex Ed., but when do I sit and have "the talk" to him? And what do I say? I don't want to make him uncomfortable, god knows I don't want to be uncomfortable. I know I can't avoid it though. Either way it's going to be an awkward situation. Wish me luck!

Potty Training

2008-06-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

Caleb is on day 3 with no diapers. I can't say that he hasn't had any accidents, but he's doing very well. He's now to where he doesn't even tell me has to peepee, he just goes on his own. OH, I'm so proud. Hershey Kisses are wonderful bribe treats! There are those occasional BM accidents, only because he's so affraid to drop his friends off at the pool. He's still just too comfortable having it fall in his pants. EWE. Needless to say, he could care less if he sat in a dirty pair of pants all day.

Blog Skins

2008-06-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm finding myself spending the majority of my time customizing my blog by changing colors, fonts and pictures and less time actually blogging. What good is having a blog if I can't get past changing the way it looks?

Sprinkler Play

2008-06-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Here you'll find a picture of Kyle and Conor running while holding hands through the sprinkler outside. I've always been a proud mother, but when I find my boys hand in hand, laughing together and genuinely enjoying each other well a tear helplessly falls down my cheek. They aren't always the best of friends, and they tend to constantly fight like crazy. But it's moments like today that brings the biggest smiles to my face and just warms my heart. This picture will be a constant reminder that they do know how to love one another. Each one individually is kind and gentle especially to their younger baby brother, Caleb. But normally when it comes to each other they some how find it more difficult to be those sweet boys I adore so much.