The last warm month
I'll miss the beach. My only regret is that Fred and I never made it down to the shore on our own. We had planned to do it but, what will be childhood memories for our kids, got in the way. That's okay. There's always next year, right?
But we did start out September down there. I mean, I think. Since it's past mid October, my memory of last month is a little hazy. So bear with me as I try to muddle through this.
At last
John and Claire getting along. I've been waiting for this for, well, how old is Claire now? It wasn't Claire, it was John. I've told you, this is the year of John being happy and acting like I always wanted him to. He and Claire are three years apart. When he was 8, I told him that 5 year old girls are as smart as 8 year old boys so watch out. It all equals out in the end and it looks like this is the beginning.
Mike and Mary
I met these two at the beach. We hit it off straight from the start. She had a good camera (Canon) and so we started to talk shop. I gave her my web address so hopefully she's reading. I hope to meet up with them every Summer from now on. She was so nice. She offered to take our picture.
Not kidding, five seconds after this shot was taken, high tide rolled in and took out Mary's Canon. We met with them the next day and she said that her camera went to live with Jesus. Sorry Mary!
My Parent's Campground.
As you may know by know, we spend a lot of time at the beach. And that's only because my parents have a large camper down there. It's free for us and still I bitch that it's not large enough. I like 'em big, what can I say! Anyway, if they are not with us, the kids are with my parents down there. It really is their second home and everyone knows them by name. Just like a small town. And my kids are welcomed in with open arms. The last time we were there, there were activities for them. Jacob and Joshua in the middle?
Watermelon eating contest. Jacob and Joshua in the center and John up on top.
Like a pro!
Balloon toss
He's all boy!
Can you see that pink balloon flying in the middle? Joshua means business. For his second throw, I shot from another angle. Do you see where the balloon burst?
That's what this dude gets for teasing.
Back at the camper
I finally got a smart phone. Well, at least it's smarter than I am which isn't saying much for it. I was very happy but I had no clue how to use it. Johnny took it and programmed all of my settings, my wallpaper, and taught me how to text. I'm So 2006 now!
Pat, Denise
And Hope
For two years before the twins came to us, they stayed with Pat and Denise in Foster Care. The boys had a rough two year start when and after they were born. But Pat and Denise brought them a long way in the next two years and we owe them everything for that. Right before the boys transitioned into our home, Denise gave birth to this little cutie.
Shane. Isn't he a doll!
So not only do we keep in touch with Pat and Denise, but we keep in touch with their entire Family. They have a place at the beach too and we met up with them in September. It's like going to a buffet, the food never ends. They treat us like Family.
Although he doesn't look like it, Joshua was very happy. And there is my Claire in pink right beside Auntie Mel.
Then we came home.
For one last time to play along the river bank.
Cousins
Cousin Aden slept over at our house. It should be obvious that they all had a great time.
Practice safe mailing
This was a photo that I saved from my flood photo shoot. I just thought that it was funny to see a mailbox all wrapped up like this.
Maybe a little rough but still...
C'mon! Don't be such a prude!
9/11
While I was driving through the city, I noticed this huge flag above the Fire House Museum. So ofcourse, I stopped to get a shot. Unbeknownst to me, they were holding a prayer session for victims of 9/11.
I stayed back so as not to disturb anyone.
It was a very nice service.
Boys In the Hood
Upon leaving the Service, I saw these boys playing in the street. No story behind this photo except that I like it.
Return of Mr. Lonely
Last month, I made a little slideshow of me being lonely in the house without my children. I decided not to use this photo of me looking at Johnny's mouse. A few days later, it bit the dust. And although I couldn't stand the thing, it was sad to see it die. But I was so happy that I could get rid of the cage. Until Fred decided that he wanted to hang on to it just in case we need it. That's his excuse to keep everything.
Fred had two wisdom teeth removed. I really had to take this photo of him in the recovery room. You know, for my journal's sake. Upon leaving the doctor's office, we pulled up to a redlight, looked over and saw Fern.
He's such a Poser
My little Scouts
The boys are in cub scouts. I'm not sure how long it will last since the first couple of meetings were all about fund raising. Ugh! But that's Fred's call. And yes, despite the reputation that the Boys Scouts have on Gays, if my kids want to be in it, I'm all for it. So keep your opinions to yourself.
Johnny Dread
I'm not sure how it happened, but I am in charge of all things hair related in this house. I shave mine which is easy peasy, the twins hair takes no skill at all, I'm an expert at doing Claire's hair and now Fred trusts me to do his. But I just may send him back to the barber since he gives me such a fuss. Forever, I've been shaving John's hair as well. But at the beginning of this past Summer, he indicated that he wanted dreadlocks.
Um, okay. It was freaking me out all Summer long watching his hair growing longer and him not wanting to take care of it(11 year old boy, remember). But still, I tried my best to keep cool and not freak out over his hair. Then finally, it got to a length where I could do something with it. So after a few Youtube vids, I proclaimed myself a professional and we sat down and did it right before his first school dance.
When I was done, he ran to Fred and said, "Papa, look at me, I'm cool!" I'm no fan of calling oneself "cool", but when it comes to my son who has no self esteem at all, I'm all for it!
Johnny and his two neighborhood friends who went to the dance with him. I'm guessing but I think they are the height of what normal 11 and 12 year old boys should be. John just keeps on growing. Soon I'll be wearing his clothes. Well, if I could squeeze into size 28 waist pants again.
J. and J.'s friend, Luke, from the house behind us.
His Family moved in over the Summer and ever since the first day of school, these three have been inseparable. It's so cute to see the kids squeeze between the fence to run and play with each other.
Claire's Girl Scout baked goods sale.
That she didn't attend. After I promised that we would bring muffins, I remembered that my Mom was taking all four kids to the beach for one last time. The campground was holding it's Halloween night before they closed the campground for the Summer. So although Claire wasn't there, a promise was a promise and I brought what I said I would.
It was no big deal and plus, it gives me so much pleasure to share my goodies with those looking for something sweet and filling.
Health-Care Shout Out!
These are the fine nurses who take wonderful care of my baby sister. They now have access to this blog. "Thanks guys. My Family is very grateful to all of you".
Coming back from Temple
Happy New Year! Yep, as far as I can tell, it's 5772 on the Jewish Calendar. I commented on my blogger Friend's
Deb of FourAngelsMama blog and told her to look out this month because I have a little gift for her.
I've written before that our area has a large Jewish population. So much so that the schools close to celebrate the Jewish holidays. But my office is still open so if need be, I schedule the day off too. I don't know this Father and Son above but I just love the tenderness of it all.
That's it!
I have spoken!
Sure, this photo dump was a long time coming but I do hope that you enjoyed it.
I plan to do a decluttering post on Thursday.
See you then!
Your Friend, m.
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