Sullivan Sound Off

Surprise!!!

2012-01-09T17:44:00.006-05:00

When I was discussing the things I was looking forward to in 2012 in my last post, I left out one thing. Just in case my friend, Stacy decided to get a wild hair up her butt and look at my blog! So, about a month ago, my dear friend Stacy's husband contacted me on Facebook to see if I would like to fly to Georgia and surprise Stacy. Who, by the way, I had not seen in 12 years! That's right, 12 years! I was, of course, all about it! Stacy was my very best friend in South Carolina. She came around at a time in my life when I just really needed a good friend. Steve and I had been broken up for several months (we had a tough road in our younger years, before we got it all figured out). My step-sister Heather Marie had left Beaufort a few months before and she was the one that got me through the break up and I gotta tell ya, we had one hell of a summer! We were 21 and I will leave it at that! The one person I thought was a friend, had started dating Steve. Yep, you heard that right! My friend, started dated my ex-boyfriend that I had been with for 5 years and had a baby with! Total violation of friend code! I tried to still be friends with her, but I was just really crushed. Even after her and Steve broke up, I just couldn't get over that betrayal. I guess I just wasn't over him like I thought I was! And I guess that is why we found our way back to each other. Anyway, enough of that yucky stuff.... I actually met Stacy through my bad friend. I had babysat Stacy's son a few times and she called one night to see if I wanted to go out for a little while. So, I did. We went downtown to a bar called Ping's and danced the night away. After that, we became instant friends! She became an instant part of the family. She was Aunt Stacy to Bryson and another daughter to my parents. We went out almost every Saturday night. We just had so much fun! She was there when Steve and I got back together and was the first person to know when I got pregnant with Jordan. She was there when my grandpa died and was there for me when my little brother was killed. It was hard to leave her when we moved in 1998. The last time I actually saw her, I was pregnant with Dusty in 1999. She still only had 1 boy at that time. It wasn't long after that when she met her husband. I knew when she told me about him, this guy was the one. Any other guy that even looked at her with love in her eyes and she was gone! She was young and just wasn't ready for that yet. But, this one was different. They got married and went on to have 4 more boys! That's right, 5 boys all together! We have always kept in touch and modern technology has only made that easier. Facebook rocks!

This is us on New Year's Eve 1997

Anyway, this is how it all went down. I flew down on Friday and her husband picked me up from the airport. And I am glad it happened when it did, because Thursday night, her facebook status was about something suspicious was going on and she was going to find out what it was. Too many mysterious phone calls between her husband and oldest son! I don't think they could have fooled her much longer! I was sitting in her dining room when she walked in. There was a lot of hugging and screaming and a few tears. I just wish I would have given my phone to one of her boys so we could have gotten it on video. So fun! We went straight to dinner after that. And ended up eating out all weekend! Her husband was wonderful and stayed home with the little ones all weekend so we could catch up. It was great reminiscing and catching up! I don' think we shut up the entire time! Stacy is one of those friends that no matter how much time has passed, you jump right in and it's like no time ever passed. Our lives have both changed so much. Let's face it, last time I saw her, she only had 1 boy! Her boys are adorable and they are very good and respectful boys. She runs a tight ship. Her home is beautiful. She has a great guy. But, with all of the change, SHE hasn't changed. She is still the same fun-loving, heart of gold friend friend that I left in 1998. And I still know that no matter what she will be there for me. I love ya, Stacy! I just know that another 12 years can't pass without seeing each other again!

Us now! 2012

Hello 2012!!!

2012-01-01T19:56:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe it's already 2012! It seems like we just rang in 2011! 2011 was a pretty decent year for me. Well, on a personal level. On a work level, not so much. We found out in February that we were going to have to move due to the conditions of our building. We ended up moving in March. Very hard for me to leave the other 2 agencies in the building! I miss them like crazy! Not to mention the extra 20 minutes of driving time each way everyday that came along with the move. We have settled in pretty well and I carpool with a co-worker most days, so that helps with the driving. But... then in November, we found out that our supervisor was going to retire. BOO!!! We understand why she was retiring, but that doesn't change the fact that we were going to miss her. She's been very good to us and a very good person to work for. So, another big change at work. We are adjusting. I just hope 2012 will not have so many changes at the workplace. I am very thankful for my job, just not a fan of change!

Now, as I said on a personal level, 2011 was pretty good to me. I started the year off on January 2nd going to a Colts game with my mom. That was when the Colts were winning, so that was a pretty good way to start the year! In February, my dad won the citizen of year award in our town. So, all of my brothers were home for that. Since there aren't many opportunities to all of us kids together, I sure enjoyed that and was super proud of my pops! In May, my youngest brother Allen got married, so that in itself was wonderful. But it once again gave us a chance to all to be together again. Twice in one year! The first weekend in June, my mom and I went to the Wine Festival in Indianapolis. Another fun time! We took our South Carolina vacation in July. I will just say it was wonderful, because I could go on and on about that! In August, I attended the Jimmy Buffett concert with my peeps from my old office. We had a blast! These chics are crazy and so much fun to be with! Not to mention, that was the first concert I had been to since I went to a Richard Marx concert in 1989. Is Richard Marx even still around??? In November, my brothers, Travis and Allen were able to come home for my birthday weekend. And Mom, Travis and I went to Indianapolis to a Colts game on my birthday and stayed in Indy for the night. Another wonderful time! Although, the outcome of the game wasn't quite what I would have liked, but we had so much fun! Oh and the hubs even got me a new Dallas Clark jersey to wear to the game. Thanks hunny! We had a great Christmas this year. Actually got to get together with some of my mom's side of the family the week before Christmas. Which hasn't happened in years! Plus, I got to see my cousin Fantacy and her daughter, Chloe, who I hadn't seen in almost 3 years. We always have such a good time together! I love this time of year and the time I get to spend with my family. Life just gets so busy, but during the holidays, we all get to spend time together and I love it! And I just think that was a great way to end the year! I sure hope 2012 is just as good to me as 2011! I know I already have 2 vacations planned. 1 in March during Spring Break we are going to my brother's in Maryland. And in July, we are headed back to South Carolina. It's hard to believe that my kids will also be turning 12, 15 and 18 this year! Wow! And 2012 also marks 20 years since I graduated high school! oh my!!! I also hope 2012 will be a little nicer to a few of my friends. 2011 was pretty rough on them and it's never fun seeing someone you care about going through bad things. So 2012 be nice! Hope everyone has a blessed year! Oh and one more thing??? The Colts!!! PLEASE let the 2012 season be better for them too!!!

My 3 New Loves!

2011-12-04T11:49:00.003-05:00

I have a few new loves or shall I say obsessions!

1. My smart phone. Until now, I only had a basic phone where I could call and text. I never wanted to pay the extra expense of a monthly data plan. I finally said "screw it"! I work hard and I want an Iphone! The Iphone was my original plan. I ordered it online, only to get a message from At&t saying we had exceeded amount of phones that you could order online. Huh? Never knew we had a maximum amount we could order. Anyway, that night Steve went down and got himself an android. My plan was to go to the At&t store and get my Iphone the next day. That was until Steve started messing with his phone and couldn't figure it out. He hated it! So, I started playing with it. I loved it! So, in the end, I ended up keeping his android and I went down the next day and got him a different phone that was a little more friendly to the technologically incompetent. I love, love, love this phone!

2. Pandora Radio. My kids have had this on their laptops for awhile. I downloaded it to my phone and I can listen to any kid of music I want while I am at work. Sometimes I am in the mood for country. Other times hip hop. Other times pop or rock. I have never found a radio station that can satisfy my diverse music tastes and I usually grow tired of listening to one certain genre of music all day. This is perfect! Most times, I just hit the "quick mix" on Pandora and it mixes all my stations together. So one minute I can be listening to a Jason Aldean song, then the next song is an 80's hair band song, then a 90's Cypress Hill song! It is freaking awesome! http://www.pandora.com/

3. Pinterest. A co-worker was asking about this about a month ago. She wasn't sure what it was, so we all started checking it out. This site has everything! And I mean everything! Recipes, crafts, fashion, home decorating, photography.... And you create your own pin boards to display the things you like or in my case, save the things I like. If you see something you like, click on the picture and it will give you the recipe or directions on how to make whatever it is. It took me awhile to get it figured out. But, I am hooked! And I must warn you, it is addictive! So, I have started setting time limits on myself, because it can waste hours of your life away! http://pinterest.com/

Now I just have to take time away from new obsessions to do yucky things, like clean house and cook dinner. Yes, I like recipes from Pinterest, but I would like them better if someone else was cooking them for me! This chic hates to cook!

Getting Old Isn't so Bad As Long As You're Having Fun!

2011-11-14T18:11:00.029-05:00

Yesterday was my 38th birthday. 38th??? I feel 23! I had a wonderful day! Way back in August before we knew that Peyton Manning wasn't going to be playing this year and before we knew the Colts were going to suck, Mom bought tickets for her, my brother Travis and I for the game on my birthday. Not that we didn't have fun, but had she known, she could have gotten the tickets MUCH cheaper now! Anyway, it was perfect because for years we thought it would be great to get Travis home for the Veteran's Day program that our school puts on every year. So, this way he could come home for the the program and my birthday. Seeing him walk down with the rest of the Veteran's in his uniform brought tears to my eyes. I get emotional at the program every year, but this one was extra emotional! I am so very proud of my little brother and all that he's accomplished in his military career. My other brother Allen and his wife Abby also came in for the weekend. Needless to say, it was a wonderful family filled weekend. I didn't get much rest. We did a lot of hanging out at my Dad and Sharon's house. My stomach hurt for the better part of the weekend, because when we all get together we laugh-a lot! Yesterday, we got up and headed to Indy for the game. We decided to stay down there because we thought we might like to partake in a few adult beverages. We had a blast! We hit the bar next to our hotel before the game. The weather was windy, but nice so our walk to the stadium wasn't too bad. Usually we go when it's freezing, so the warm weather was nice for once! There was a surprise soldier homecoming at the game. The guy's wife thought she was just watching a video of him since it was Veteran's Day weekend, but he was actually there! That stuff chokes me up everytime I see it on TV. I've never witnessed something like that in person, so boy was it emotional! The Colts lost, but it was fine, because when you are with Travis everything is better! He is one funny dude! I always say there is nothing more contagious than a Travis laugh. Even if something isn't funny, he laughs and you are in stitches! Afterwards, we hit up Weber Grill for dinner. Ate way too much, so we were all hurting when we got back to the hotel. Between the food, the drinks and all of the yelling from the game, we were beat! So, we sat in the room like a bunch of stuffed toads and ending up calling it a night around 9:30. Travis headed back to Maryland this morning and Mom and I headed back home. This birthday will be one I will always remember. I am so thankful for the family that I have. Times like these are a great reminder of how truly blessed I am!

Dad and Travis at the AHS Veteran's Day program

Since she is part of the student council, Bry got to serve her uncle and grandpa breakfast!

Mom and Travis

Hanging out at Dad's by the fire.

Allen, Sharon and Travis watching Turtle Man on Allen's phone

Hanging out at Kilroy's before the game

The three of us waiting on the game to start

Here come our Colts!

Military Tribute

National Anthem

Me and my little brother. Who knew I would ever grow up to like this guy!

We know our team sucks, but we still love them!

This may sound mean, but I wish the Colts would recycle Curtis Painter!!!

Too much food and drinks will do this to a guy! No, really he was just goofing off in the elevator, but that's about how we all felt!

He's my brother and I love him!

Veteran's Day

2011-11-09T20:15:00.002-05:00

Friday is Veteran's Day.Please take a moment to thank our brave men and women who have fought and are still fighting for our freedom.

These 3 guys are just a few of the many reasons why Veteran's Day means so much to me

Another Halloween Has Come And Gone :(

2011-11-01T18:10:00.015-04:00

It was a gorgeous night for trick or treat this year! Our town decided to have a Halloween parade and costume contest this year too. I was so excited about this! My dad and Aunt Tedi have always talked about the town doing this when they were kids. So, it looks like they are trying to start that tradition up again.We started out downtown. Dusty was in the contest and Bry went with the school band to twirl her flag. Jordan, being the brooding teenager he is, decided to stay home until trick or treat time. Dusty won first place in his age group. And went on to win the grand prize overall! Yippee!!! Not bad since my mom and I were literally putting this costume together on Sunday afternoon. We finished downtown and headed to my dad's. The family always gathers there every year. They always have dinner and snacks. The kids trick or treat on their street. It was so nice that we hung out on the porch and handed out candy there. Steve hung out at our house and handed out candy to the kids in our neighborhood. He enjoys seeing the little kids come around in their costumes. Jordan headed out with a friend. Bryson went trick or treating with the student council collecting food for the food pantry. It was a fun night! And as always, I am sorry that it is over!

Dusty-It's what's for dinner!

I've been told that I have a sick mind when people see our costumes. We've done the cutesy costumes when they were little. They are older and now they want blood and gore. I fought it for years, but I lost the battle. Now they are creepy, disgusting and scary. And more often than not-over the top!

Jordan went as a plague doctor. He made the mask himself. I couldn't figure out what he was trying to do when he asked me to pick up a hockey mask, a long styrofoam cone, plaster, sandpaper.... How in the world could those items turn into this.....

I must say, I was impressed with his work!

Bry decided to take it back to the 80's! I was trying to help her get her big hair and she asked "Mom, did you guys really use this much hairspray back then?". Ha! If she only knew how much money Aquanet was making back in those days!

I had to laugh with a friend last night. My teenage daughter was out on Halloween night trick or treating for food for the food pantry. Not exactly what we were doing on Halloween night as teenagers! Not that we were doing mean things like stealing candy and smashing pumpkins. I hate pumpkin smashers and even did back then! Ever since Dad painted Bert and Ernie pumpkins for Ryan and Allen when they were little and some punk smashed them! The boys were so sad! No, we weren't doing mean things, but I will just say, we were a little mischievous and leave it at that! :)

Bry twirling her flag

Dad's dog, Piccadilly watching for trick or treaters. She kept shoving her head through the rails on the porch! Crazy dog!

Jordan's pumpkin.

All lit up

Dusty's pumpkin

Footloose!

2011-10-15T19:28:00.004-04:00

Normally, I HATE remakes! Normally, they just don't get them right. I believe my hatred for remakes started after I saw The Parent Trap with Lindsey Lohan. The original was and still is my very favorite movie of all time. The remake just didn't do it justice! So, when I saw they were remaking Footloose, I was worried that they wouldn't get it right. I remember when the original came out. I was 11 years old and in the 5th grade. I remember seeing it at the theater and thinking it was probably the coolest movie ever! I remember when it came out on video. My mom rented the movie, plus actually had to rent a VCR so I could watch it again. I had the soundtrack on tape. I wore that tape out! Dancing and singing! Let's Hear For The Boy, Footloose, Almost Paradise, Dancing in the Sheets, Holding Out For a Hero-It was awesome! So, while I was reluctant to see the remake, I had to see it. Plus, the previews made it look pretty good. I loved it! It was very true to the original, down to the storyline, the characters and the music. It was all very nostalgic for me. And it was so very hard to keep myself in my seat and refrain from breaking into a total white girl dance and singing at the top of my lungs! There were a few changes. A lot of the music was remade. But, I think it did the original Footloose justice. It brought me right back to the 5th grade! And I have been singing Let's Hear It For The Boy all day!

The Trailer:

Blake Shelton's remake of Footloose:

Let's Hear It For The Boy-Original movie scene

Kenny Loggins Footloose

Pumpkin Picking

2011-10-12T18:09:00.018-04:00

Monday was Columbus Day, so it was a federal holiday for me. And it meant that I got one whole glorious day home alone while Steve was at work and the kids were at school. I slept until 9. Cleaned a little. Just enough to make my house somewhat presentable if someone were to drop by unannounced. Which no one did, thank goodness! And for the rest of the day until the kids came home, I vegged out in Steve's recliner with a stack of People magazines and a ton a neglected DVR'd shows to watch! Bliss! Pure Bliss!!! And then... the kids came home. But the weather was beautiful, so I took them to the pumpkin patch to pick out some pumpkins. They are already getting their carving ideas in their heads. One of their favorite parts of fall is carving their pumpkins. So, the pumpkins have been purchased, so when the kids are ready, the pumpkin carving can begin! Happy Fall Everyone!

Dusty with some of the pumpkins that they each carefully chose

In a rare happy sibling moment!

Typical Jordan running from the camera. Seriously, I don't like the other two more than him. This is why I have so few pics of him!

Sometimes a little bribing works!

And this one here, is always ready to pose for the camera

Dear Ricky, next time Mom sends you to the car to get her wallet, you may just want to grab the wallet and not the whole purse. Especially when we have our cameras in hand and your shirt matches her purse! :)

Halloween Is Almost Here!

2011-10-07T21:25:00.009-04:00

I LOVE Halloween! I mean, I really LOVE it! It's during my favorite season-Fall. I love making the kids costumes and coming up with different ideas every year. Although, this year I've kind of drawn a blank. Usually by this time, I have the costume done and this year, I don't even know what we are doing! Bryson has to trick or treat for can goods for student council. She said she will take care of her own. I think she said something about doing something 80's. Jordan will probably hand out candy. So, that just leaves Dusty and he wants to do something to top the past few years. I'm at a loss! And I know this may be his last year, so I have to come up with something really good! Talk about pressure! Anyway, here are a few pics from a our last few years......

Dusty was the head waiter at the Walking Dead Cafe. Bry had to trick or treat with student council for canned goods. She wanted to go as a 1920's flapper girl. Jordan decided to dress up at the last minute to hand out candy.

Menu for the Walking Dead Cafe

Dinner is served!

Dusty the headless guy!

Our cheapest costume ever!

Jordan as the head on platter.

Dusty as a corpse escaping his grave

2011-09-11T19:12:00.002-04:00

Shock, disbelief, ANGER, scared...So many emotions running through me as I sat on my couch talking to my Aunt Tedi as we both watched it unfold on TV. We were just trying to wrap our heads around what was happening. It was a vulnerability that I had never felt before. And for the first time as a mom, I was truly afraid for the future of my children, then 7,4 and 1. I knew at that moment that our nation would never be the same. I worried for my brother who was in the military at the time. Would he have to go to war? I had already lost one brother, I couldn't lose another. Very scary times indeed!

For days we watched the footage on TV. I tried to explain to Bryson, the boys were too young. But how do you explain such evil to a 7 year old? How do you explain that there were men that hated the United States so much that they were willing to give their lives to attack us? I couldn't even wrap my own head around it! I couldn't imagine being a loved one and wondering if your loved one would be found alive. Or even found at all. I couldn't imagine the fear of the people on the planes. Some as they made desperate phone calls home so they could talk to loved ones one last time. Or the heroes that tried to fight back against the hijackers. I couldn't imagine the people running through the buildings trying to make it out alive. Or others that put their own safety aside to helps others get out. No, I just couldn't imagine....

But even through all of the tragedy, my heart swelled as our nation pulled together. In the days that followed, I remember our town was literally painted red, white and blue. It was a patriotic pride that I had never witnessed before! It was a beautiful thing to me. It made me so proud to be an American!

There are moments in life that you will never forget where you were when an event happened. This is that moment for me. I will never forget as long as I live. I will never forget the lives lost. I will never forget the heroes of 9-11. People who put another person's life above their own. I am thankful everyday for our firefighters, first responders, police officers and our military service men and women! God Bless America!!!

September 9, 1997

2011-09-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

I missed the first call from my dad. I was in the shower trying to get ready for work. The second time the phone rang, I picked up. This time it was my step-dad. He was calling to tell me that Trevor had been in an accident in Tennessee on his way to Indiana. He was in a coma. I started to gather things together to make the trip to Tennessee. It never once crossed my mind that the trip we would be taking would be to Indiana, not Tennessee. It never once crossed my mind that Trevor would never wake up. Things like this just didn't happen to my family. Besides, My mom had just buried her dad 3 months before. She couldn't lose a child too. And not to mention the reason Trevor was on his way to Indiana was because he was being rewarded with a month's worth of recruiting duty at home because he had saved a 2 year old's life just a little over a month before. He was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal and received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, which is the highest non-combat medal you can receive. He was at the highest point of his life. He was so full of confidence and so proud of himself. And for those of you who knew him, that wasn't always the case. A little boy was still here because of him and another Marine! No, it just never crossed my mind that he wouldn't make it...

The next call came from my step-mom. She got the call because my dad was on the way to airport to go to Tennessee. All she said was "Heather, I just got a phone call". I could hear it in her voice. She didn't need to say anymore. I knew.14 years later, I can still hear her voice and those words as if it were yesterday. My little brother didn't make it. It just couldn't be possible! He died alone with no family, no friends. We didn't get to tell him goodbye. That we loved him, nothing. The Marine Corps sent an escort to pick him up and bring him home. Bring him home, not the way he was supposed to come home. Sometimes, I wonder if way back in his subconscious mind if he knew something was going to happen. As he was leaving, he told his friends that he was going to put his medal under his seat until he could get home and show it to my dad. There had to be a reason that he told them where he was putting it. After the friends got the news, they called my dad and told him where the medal was. The place where they towed the car searched for 2 hours and finally found it. The box was cracked and banged up, but that medal was fine. The Marine Corps issued new medals to my parents, but my dad wanted Trevor's medal. The one that Trevor was bringing home to show him. That medal is now proudly displayed with the rest of the family's military awards and photos. My Mom realized that Trevor told her he loved her the night before he left. He wasn't the mushy type whatsoever. Normally, if Mom told him she loved him, his response was "Okay, bye Mom"! But this time, he not only said it, he said it first. I am glad that my mom has that memory of the last time she talked to him...

The next week was such a blur. Once we got to Indiana, there were so many people in and out. Sometimes, it was hard to remember why we were there. We were visiting with friends and family. Sharing memories and laughs. We had to wait until the Red Cross could locate Travis and get him home before we could have the funeral. He was out to sea and in a hot spot. They had to send a helicopter to get him off of the ship. I have always felt so much guilt knowing I was with family and friends and he was all alone when he got the news. Sure he had friends on the ship, but it wasn't the same as being with the people who knew Trevor. I had remained pretty much composed this whole time. It just seemed so surreal. Like we were just there for a visit. That composure was gone the minute Travis stepped out of the car at my dad's house. It was at that moment that I looked around and realized that my whole family would never be the same. Whenever anybody ever asked me about my family, my response was always "I am the only girl of 5 kids." I only had 3 brothers there. And that was how our family would be from then on. I lost it. For the first time I broke down. Really broke down. I was sad, mad, confused... My kids were going to grow up and not know their uncle. Ryan and Allen were so young. They didn't get to have as many memories that Travis and I got to have with our brother. My parents had to bury their child. He was only 19! Just starting his life!It just wasn't fair!

The funeral was held at the gym in the high school. The place was packed. It's crazy that the absolute worse time of my life, was also one of my proudest. My brother was being honored. He was a hero. People were there to honor a hero! I will never forget sitting there at the funeral. "Go Rest High On That Mountain" was playing. Travis stood up and walked up to the casket and stood at attention. Little Allen, who was 9 at the time, walked up and stood at attention next to him. After the song was over, Travis saluted, then Allen saluted. That image will be burned into my mind forever. And I will never be able to listen to that song without crying again. Same goes for Taps and the 21 Gun Salute.

As I said before, Trevor was so proud of himself. The Marine Corps did wonders for his confidence. He truly loved what he did. When he first got out of boot camp, he gave me $10 so I could buy something for Bryson. He said there would be more where that came from because he had a job and he could spoil her now. He bought her a stuffed dalmation puppy that barked. She is 17 and she still sleeps with that puppy. It goes to camp with her, vacation, anywhere she goes. It doesn't bark anymore, it had to be washed one too many times. It's had to be stitched up on several occasions and it has lost an eye. But, it is so special to her. Her Uncle Trevor bought it for her. I remember my birthday that year. We were in the grocery store and he handed me $40. I tried to give it back to him. I told him it was too much. He said "Sis, you have given me birthday presents and Christmas presents for years. I never had any money to get you anything. Take it". That moment meant so much to me. It means even more now.... Trevor was stationed at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina, so he was only a few hours away from Beaufort. So, he came down there almost every weekend. I am so thankful that for almost a year, we got to spend weekends with him. As I had mentioned, my grandfather had passed away 3 months before Trevor. Trevor and I traveled to Indiana for the funeral. The circumstances for why we were going were bad, but the roadtrip we took together going up there is something I will always treasure. We shared a lot of laughs on that trip. Growing up, we live in the country. We had no cable or satellite, so we only got 3 channels. So there was no vegging out in front of the tv! Travis, Trevor and I spent most of our time together and outside. They played barbies with me and I played GI Joe and cars with them. Yes, the Marine and the Navy Officer played barbies with their sister! We played at the creek, climbed trees, played in the mud and we fought-a lot! Travis and I were actually pretty mean sometimes. Okay, we were mean a lot of the time. But while we may have been mean, Trevor got revenge! LOL! I felt kind of guilty for how awful we were for awhile, but you know what, those are some of the memories that have gotten us through. I wouldn't trade those memories of my childhood for anything!

Even after 14 years, his death is still hard to talk about. I enjoy talking about our childhood memories. I don't like to cry in front of people, so I normally don't really discuss my feelings about his death. In fact this is the first time I've ever really put it all out there. Besides that, I like to remember happy times. His death wasn't a happy time, so why relive that day over and over again? I mean, we have 19 years worth of good memories to talk about! Time heals, but there are days that are just plain hard! Like September 9th and his birthday July 16th. And there will always be a void at the holidays, special moments like weddings or graduation. Our family will never feel completely full. But we all work hard to keep his memory alive. There have been babies named after him. We have 2 in our family alone. I have Dustin Trevor and Travis has Shaun Travis. Shaun was actually Trevor's first name. There are several people that have gotten tattoos honoring Trevor. The important thing is that he is remembered. My heart is heavy today. This was the day that my life changed forever. But you know, it does feel nice to think that I have Marine angel in heaven watching over me and my family. And if you ask me today about my family I will tell you " I am the only girl of 5 kids. I have 4 brothers".

Lance Corporal Shaun "Trevor" Dill
July 16, 1978-September 9, 1997

Girl's Night Out At The Buffett Concert!!!

2011-08-27T19:15:00.015-04:00

I got a call last Monday night from my friend Debbie. She had extra tickets to the Jimmy Buffett concert for Thursday night and wanted to know if I wanted to go. Uuummm, heck yeah I wanted to go! I had never been to a Buffett concert but everyone that I know that has been to one, always says he puts on an awesome show and it's super fun! And I have to say they were right! My friends, Mary, Susan and Jeni also went. These 4 ladies were some of the people I was soooo sad to leave when our building split up and went different directions. I knew it would be a fun night, because these girls made work fun! It was such a blast! Weather was perfect! Show was fantastic! And the company was fabulous!!! Thanks Debbie!!!

Couldn't help it, we had to stop on the way there! I was so relieved to have that key in my hand!

Jeni, Me and Mary

The whole gang getting ready to head in.

Waiting on the show to start

We were laughing at a picture of me. Which was promptly deleted, but we laughed until our bellies ached!

Oh Jeni! She's a funny girl!

The show has started!

Seriously, an awesome night!!!

School Has Begun!

2011-08-16T21:00:00.006-04:00

The first day of school was today. Steve woke the kids up with his special wake up song. I tortured them by taking pictures far too early in the morning. Bryson was a super unhappy girl because the hair dryer broke and she couldn't get her hair dry. The boys were mad because they were ready to leave and she was still trying to get ready. But for once, all of their stuff was in the backpacks ready to go. That is probably the last time that will happen all year! And I am happy because most days I am out of the house before they wake up and I don't usually have to deal with the morning chaos!From here on out, that will be Steve's problem! I just went in late today so I could get my first day of school pictures. I have always taken them. I used to follow them into the school to their classrooms to take pics. But about 4th grade or so, Bryson informed me there would be no more of that! So, I have to settle to taking them at home. In some ways, summer is so much easier. There is no dealing with homework and all of the chaotic school stuff. But, when I think of how much money I will save in groceries and my electric bill, I am glad school has started. My cabinets haven't been full all summer. Everyday, I think I have everything we need and get home to find they have eaten it all! I come home everyday to find 5 TV's on and not one of them being watched. And Dusty will be in front of the computer where he has been since he woke up, give or take a lunch break or bathroom break. That kid has vegged out in front of this computer all summer! Yep, It is time to go back to school!

Dusty is in the 6th grade! This will be his last year at the elementary school!

Jordan is a high school freshman! What????

Bryson is a junior this year! I better stock up on kleenex for next year! She better prepare for a serious mama meltdown as I am taking her first day of school pic her senior year!

My 3. Hard to believe in just 2 years, I will only have two kids posing for the first day of school pictures! It's seriously too much for me think about! :(

Vacation 2011-Odds and Ends

2011-08-10T19:56:00.014-04:00

Okay, so I am adding the final pictures from our vacation and then I will shut up about it! This is it until next year. And I hope next year gets here very quickly!

I entertained myself in the car by taking pics of Bry while she was eating. She loves me!

This is a much more flattering pic of Bry!

Jordan actually let me take a few pics! This is very rare moment folks!

Dusty

Johnny

We stopped at the original KFC in Corbin, Kentucky on our way home. Everyone had to have their pics taken with the Colonel!

Vacation 2011-Beach Bums!!!

2011-08-03T19:58:00.031-04:00

Sadly, we only got one beach day this year. As I said in a previous post, we spent a little too much time on the dock and the days just got away from us. We planned to go on our last day there. It was raining when we woke up. Pouring rain! We had breakfast and got ready. It was still raining. But we didn't come all the way to South Carolina to not go to the beach! Come hell or high water, we were going to the beach! It rained the whole way there. We decided to stop at Barefoot Bubbas on the way to let the kids pick out some souvenirs and crossed our fingers that the rain would let up. Plus, Barefoot Bubbas gives out free ice cream! It was still sprinkling when we left, but when we got to the beach the rain had stopped. It was cloudy. But guess what? That meant the sun wasn't making the sand too hot walk on! It wasn't crowded! It had a wonderful breeze! For me, it really turned out to be the PERFECT beach day! I wish every beach day was like this! But, please remember that even though it's cloudy, you can still get burnt! I found that out the hard way! We stopped at the Shrimp Shack on our way home. If you've never been there, you need to try it! It is literally a little shack on the side of the road. But across the road, you see the shrimp boats that actually catch the shrimp on a daily basis. Their shrimp burgers are to die for! My dad was so jealous when he found out we were going there. When we lived here, he had to go to the Shrimp Shack every time he came to Beaufort to visit. I got the fried shrimp platter and Jordan got the shrimp burger. The fried shrimp was good, but after I tasted his shrimp burger, I was wishing I had gotten that instead. Jordan must of thought the same thing because after tried my shrimp, he wanted to trade my fried shrimp for his shrimp burger. Worked out well! Who says lunch trading is only for the elementary school cafeteria? Next year, we are going to spread our days out better so we aren't cramming everything into the last few days!

Bry writing her name in the sand

Dusty leaving his mark!

Beach Beauty!

Hunting Island has had a lot of erosion, but I love it's natural beauty.

Johnny, Jordan, Bryson and Dusty

My 3 on the beach

Jordan isn't quite the ham his brother and sister are. We have to sneak Pics of him!

Wish Jordan would have been here for this one...

Hunting Island Lighthouse

Sweet Baby Dusty

Ricky found a lizard!

Jordan

I love these faces!

Dad, this one's for you!

Jordan may be camera shy, Johnny sure isn't! They are both hams!

Mom and Ricky

The shrimp Shack makes happy people!

Celebrity Crushes

2011-07-30T11:29:00.014-04:00

A conversation was started at work yesterday about teenage celebrity crushes. My co-worker's aunt is a HUGE Donnie Osmond fan. Last year she went to a dinner with him. Now she is going on a Donnie Osmond cruise. She has a program to get herself ready for these moments. Losing weight, getting her teeth whitened, hair and nails done and of course picking out just the right dress. We were all laughing at this. And then started talking about our own teenage crushes. We have a few different generations of teenage years in our office. Of the 4 of us discussing this, we have a girl that grew up in the 70's. I am an 80's girl. And our 2 babies of the office are 90's girls. Now in the 70's and 80's, we used Tiger Beat and Teen Bop as a source to see our teenage dream men. The 90's girls didn't even know what Tiger Beat was! The girl from the 70's dreamed about Leif Garrett, Donnie Osmond (btw, she is NOT the one going on the cruise!), David Cassidy... The 90's girls mentioned N'Sync and The Backstreet Boys. Now for myself, I bought the magazines and carefully arranged my bedroom walls with the likes of these guys:

Ralph Macchio-Oh, the Karate Kid! He was so dreamy!

Kirk Cameron-He made me swoon every week when I watched Growing Pains!

And these guys! Corey Haim had the best smile EVER!

Oh Jon Bon Jovi! He still makes my heart race!

Poison! I loved me some big hair and tight pants!

Now if I was a teenage girl growing up today, you would definitely find these 2 guys hanging on my wall!

First of all let me say, I am Team Edward! But I am certainly not opposed to Jacob taking his shirt off!

Zack Efron- He has those eyes! And I love eyes!

Now that I am grown up, if my husband would allow posters of hot men to adorn our bedroom wall, you might find these guys hanging on them:

The Rock-Such a beautiful, beautiful man!

Chris Daughtry-Fell in the love with this guy the first time I heard him sing on Idol!

Bob Sanders- First of all, I watch football for football! BUT, I caught sight of this guy's butt one day! Seriously, Bob Sanders has the best butt in the NFL! And look at those arms! Sad that he won't be playing for the Colts. Loved watching him play when he was healthy enough to play!

Aaww, Paul Walker-This picture really needs no explanation!

Reggie Bush-Even though I am still bitter that the Colts lost to Saints in the Superbowl, this guy is hotter than hot! Although, if this photo were hanging my room, I would replace Kim's face with mine!

Vacation 2011- Trip To Savannah

2011-07-27T18:09:00.040-04:00

This year we decided to make the trip to Savannah so we could go on a ghost tour. We went late afternoon so we could figure out where we were meeting up for the tour and so we could go to River Street. It helps if you write down the address of where you are supposed to go. We didn't. We walked all over trying to figure out where our tour was. And we had plenty of well meaning people trying to point us in the right direction. But each time it was for a different tour!It was hot! And I mean sweat your ass off hot! My face was freakishly red, partly was from the heat, partly from aggravation! And the kids kept saying "What are we doing? Where are we going?". Jordan, poor kid, got the brunt of it all when I finally snapped. Sorry Jordan! Momma was a little stressed! Since we all have normal cell phones. We can text, but no internet, I finally got smart and called my dear friend Lori and had her look up the site for the tour. She was a lifesaver! Once we knew where we had to go, we decided to grab dinner at Five Guys. Bryson got a veggie sandwich. Dude! Who gets a veggie sandwich at Five Guys Burgers and Fries! After we had cooled off and filled our bellies we headed down to River Street to check out all of the shops. After the initial stress of not knowing where we were going, we had a great time in Savannah! The kids have already said we have to go again next year!

The Lady and Sons restaurant. Wish we could have eaten there, but the wait was just too long! Bry and I love Paula!

Bry fixing her hair in Johnny's sunglasses.

Mom and Ricky

The guys

My 3

Wet Willie's! Spent some time here back in the day. My friend Stacy and I spent every Saturday night in Savannah. Our favorite places Hip Huggers, The Zoo and Malone's are no longer there. The parking garage where we used to park is now a park! Some of my favorite memories are of being down here with my girl Stacy!

Ricky and Johnny

Aawww Johnny found a friend!

Bry hanging out by the river

My 3 cheesin it for the camera.

All of us with the Talmadge Bridge in the background.

I tried to run away, but they found me!

I have to make time next year to come down when I have more daylight to see some more of the beautiful homes!

Jordan was excited when he saw the Vespa Car.
So was Bry..
Mr. Cool

Our ghost tour was with Blue Orb Ghost Tours. We went on the City of the Dead Tour. Jenny was our tour guide and she was wonderful! And I might add, my boys nabbed her when we were walking from place to place. She was very patient with them and answered any questions they had. And she listened to their stories too. I would love to do another tour next year! So interesting! We started out at Colonial Park Cemetary. We also visited slave burial grounds. Apparently, there are so many people buried there that if you dig there, you WILL find bones. In fact, a utility worker found a skull there a few years back when he was digging a gas line. Bone collectors started coming here at night to dig up bones, so the city had to install lights to keep them away. After the skull was found, the bone collectors would knock the lights out so they couldn't be seen digging there. Needless to say, the people that live around this area didn't like the idea of bones being dug up right outside of their houses.

Colonial Park Cemetary. It now closes at 8pm because there were animal sacrifices going on after dark. The spanish moss just adds to the spooky effect!
Picture of the tombstones inside of the cemetary that I took through the fence. The kids say we have to go during the day next year, so they can go into the cemetary. Many of the people who died from the Yellow Fever Epidemic were buried here. In 1820, nearly 700 people died from Yellow Fever in Savannah. Our tour guide also told us that one very cold winter during the Civil War, Union soldiers removed the remains from the family vaults and actually slept in them! They also thought it would be funny to change the dates on the tombstones.
I think Jenny told us 2 people died in this house. One person fell down an elevator shaft. The house is now empty.

The Mercer House-This is the house from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

THIS house totally creeped me out! This is 432 Abercorn Street. General Benjamin Williams built the house back in the 1800's. His wife died while giving birth to their daughter, Emma in the upstairs bedroom above the porch. He resented Emma and was very abusive towards her.

If you click on this picture and make it bigger, you will see a shadow in the bottom right corner of the window. There is also an orb on the shadow. CREEPY!

Bry got on the steps for a picture, but she was totally nervous!

The rest of the story behind this house is that General Wilson didn't want his daughter playing with the children from a nearby school. He felt they were lower class. As punishment, he would tie her to a chair in front of the top right window and make her watch the other children play. One day he beat her really bad and then stuck her in the chair. There was no air conditioner in the 1800's. Nor were there any trees at that time to shade the window. One of the slave ladies found her in the chair. It was so hot that the sun had melted the skin right off of her face and she died tied to that chair. This house has been empty for years. Nobody has lived here since the 1920's. I believe the tour guide said it was purchased in the early 70's, but everytime restorations begin, the workers end up quitting because the house is so evil. I don't know if these stories are true, but I will tell you, this house made me uneasy! Super creepy!

Vacation 2011-Catching Dinner! Well Sorta....

2011-07-25T19:30:00.019-04:00

The guys had such a great time fishing and crabbing off of the dock. Dusty caught like 23 sharks in one evening! Steve's dad and nephew Damonte came up and fished with them all day one day. Literally-ALL DAY and into the night. He also brought his steamer up, so they steamed the crabs they caught and ate them on the dock. That was about the only they caught that they ate, but they had a blast trying to catch other things. And us girls sat back gossiping and relaxing. That and trying to jump up and take pictures of the dolphins every time they came by! Wonderful times!

It's amazing how much fun can be had with a cheap fishing pole from Walmart!

Dusty and Johnny trying to remove one of Dusty's many catches.

Carrie's husband Scott helping Dusty bait his hook. Scott finally got tired of baiting his hook and taking sharks off the hook, so he showed Dusty how to do it himself. Good thing since Dusty caught 23 that night!

Waiting patiently... And fishing is the ONLY thing Dusty is ever patient with!

Our future marine biologist checking out Johnny's shark.

They caught a whole lot of these...

And one of these...

They were super excited when they got this guy! Took 3 of them to get him in. Especially after he got the line caught up in the crab basket!

Johnny showing off his "Big" catch...

Dusty and Jordan checking the crab basket.

This little dude thought he got away!

Instead he ended up here....

And here....

I missed the crab meal because I met up with some friends from high school at a Japanese place called Mizu. I had never been to a Japanese restaurant. It was delicious! And we had a great time catching up and of course bragging about our children! I hadn't seen a few of the these girls since graduation, which was like 19 years ago. Did I really just say 19 years ago??? Geesh!

Vacation 2011-Hanging Out On The Dock!

2011-07-24T13:11:00.028-04:00

I have to say, my favorite part of vacation was just hanging out on the dock. In fact, from Sunday night to Wednesday afternoon, that was about all we did! I did leave for a few hours Tuesday night to meet up with some friends from high school for dinner. The only downside to spending our first few days on the dock was the fact that we had to cram everything else we wanted to do into our last 3 days. It rained on Thursday, so we didn't get to go to the Sands, the Waterfront Park or the old Fort Fremont. We have been to all of these places before, so it really wasn't a big deal. There's always next year for that! Those 3 days, we had friends and family in and out. So, we hungout on the dock, visited and watched the guys and the kids fish. It soooo nice and relaxing! Steve's dad brought his crab basket and shrimp net up, so they could catch dinner for Tuesday night. More photos to come of the fishing and crabbing!

One of my favorite places in the world!

Dusty's first walk down to the dock

My 3 hanging out with their feet in the water. That was until Bry got stung by a jellyfish!

There were plenty of seagulls hanging around!

And lizards...

Steve's sister Carrie and niece, Destinae

Bry was in heaven. Hanging on the dock, listening to her ipod and texting! Who could ask for more?

Crane in the marsh

Beautiful sunrise over the marsh!

The dolphins were really my favorite part. We had a bout 6 of them that came and went throughout the trip. I was like a kid everytime I saw them. I tried to get pics, but this was the best I could do! Love them!

Devin, Bry and Jordan in their stylish hats! Goofy kids!

Dusty and Devin

Bry and Devin. There's only 6 months between these two.

Steve's sister Kim and Bry

Steve's sister Tina and her son Ashton.

Ashton watching for dolphins.

Ashton may be small, but this kid is a firecracker!

Ashton hanging out with Damonte and Dusty

Steve's Mom with Ashton, Tina and Jordan. I love this picture!

You will notice I don't have very many pictures of Jordan. This would be why.....

Bryson

Dusty

Steve's nephew Damonte

Me with the 3 kids before we left to go home. :(

Lizard watching

Mom having one last cup of coffee on the dock before we headed home....

Vacation 2011-On the Way There

2011-07-23T21:17:00.021-04:00

We had another wonderful vacation to Beaufort this year! The one sad part was the fact that Steve couldn't get off of work, so he wasn't able to go. We missed him! One of the best parts? We took 2 cars and were separated into boys and girls cars. Which meant Mom and I got Bry. Ricky got Johnny, Jordan and Dusty. Guess who's car was more quiet! :) We stopped in Tennessee for the night. When we left the next morning, we decided to take a detour off of the highway and drive through the Smoky Mountains. It was a beautiful ride! I would totally recommend if you have the time, get off of the highway and take the scenic route. My little brother recently moved to Tennessee and I have to admit, I am totally jealous that he gets to enjoy that view everyday! We got to South Carolina Saturday night. Since we couldn't get into our cottage until Sunday, Mom, Ricky and Johnny stayed at a friend's house. The kids and I stayed at Steve's parent's house. His Mom and Dad were actually on their way home from Tennessee, so they weren't home until the next day. We ended up having a big old Sullivan slumber party! We ended up with 9 kids, plus myself, his sisters Brandy and Carrie and Carrie's husband Scott. And when you get a whole group of Sullivan's together it gets loud-Really loud! We had a really fun night. The kids got some cousin time together, while the adults enjoyed a few bottles of wine and some gossip!

Jordan and Bry
Bry, Jordan, Johnny and Dusty

The beautiful Smoky Mountains

Trying to catch a lizard

The four kids and Ricky

We made it to South Carolina! And you can see how excited my boys are! Welcome to my everyday life!
Much better....
Mom, the kids and I
A few bottles of cheap wine + good company = a fun Saturday night! :)
The kids enjoyed ice cream sundaes
Scott, Carrie, Devin and Destanie
Kids play card games these days???
The older kids-Bry, Devin, Tamara, Destanie and Jordan

The whole gang! I wish they could be together more often. They sure have a good time together. Bryson and Tamara are so much alike it's not funny!

Happy Birthday America and Bryson Renee!!!

2011-07-04T10:24:00.001-04:00

I have always loved the 4th of July. I love the fireworks, family time and celebrating the birthday of this great nation! And to quote one of my favorite bands The Zac Brown Band-"I thank God for my life. And for the Stars and Stripes. May freedom forever fly. Let it ring. Salute the ones who died. The ones that give their lives, so we don't have to sacrifice, all the things we love". Happy Birthday America! I am so thankful to be able to live in the good 'ol USA!

On the 4th of July, 17 years ago, we were given another reason to celebrate this wonderful day. Our little firecracker baby, Bryson Renee was born. This beautiful baby girl has been our pride and joy from day one. Even through all of the sleepless nights when we were up with this colicky baby, we knew we were blessed. And from the moment the colic finally stopped, Bryson has truly been the happiest girl I know. Seriously, you just can't be sad around this girl! She always has a smile on her face. And she's usually singing a song and dancing around. I will miss her today. She is celebrating her birthday at church camp this year. It's going to be hard for her dad and I to be away from her on her birthday. But we know she is at one of her favorite places in the world. And she also has Jordan and her boyfriend, Luke with her. And countless other church camp friends that she has met over the years. We may be missing her, but she will be too busy to even think of us! It's only for a few days. I pick them up Wednesday night. She will go to the Vans Warped Tour concert on Thursday and we are leaving for vacation on Friday. She will be one tired girl and will probably sleep the whole way to South Carolina! Happy Birthday my beautiful girl!!!!

I Am Counting Down The Days!!!

2011-07-03T20:23:00.000-04:00

This time next week, I will be sitting on the end of this dock...

Looking at beautiful views like this...

And this...

And watching my kids hang with their cousins

And do a little fishin'
And hopefully eating fresh shrimp caught from one of these boats...
And relaxing with my toes in the sand....

Beautiful Beaufort, we are headed your way!!!

Happy Birthday to my Memaw!

2011-07-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

My Memaw was one of a kind! She wasn't the pie and cookie baking kind of grandma. Instead, you would probably find her at the Thanksgiving table telling a dirty joke! Her loud cackle could be heard across the whole house!She wasn't the huggy, lovey kind of grandma. So, how did I know she loved me? Maybe it was the way she spanked my butt all the way from the road to the house when I was about 4 and decided that playing in the road would be fun. At the time, I thought she was being mean, but now that I'm a mom I realize that I scared her half to death! Or maybe it because she knew how much I loved her beef and noodles and baked beans, so she made that meal everytime I came to visit. I don't know what she did to those baked beans, but they were awesome! Poor Mom tries to get hers like Memaw's, but they are never the same. Very good, but just not like Memaw's! Or maybe it was because no matter how much she despised the Superbowl Shuffle, she let Travis, Trevor and I listen to it the every time it came on the radio when we were going to Michigan. And at that time, that song was played constantly! Or maybe it was the fact that she never had much money, but each and every one of her kids and grandkids had a gift under the Christmas tree. She would start shopping the day after Christmas for the next year. Some of my very favorite gifts came from her. She got me the western Barbie and Ken that had a little stamper that made lip prints. And as awful as they were,she bought me the super cool parachute pants that I longed for.I just wish someone would have told me how stupid they looked! When I got to be a teenager, I collected Christmas bears every year. I always knew she would get me my bear. My very favorite gift though, was the afghan she made for me. I think she made us all afghans that year. I pull that afghan out on cold winter nights and snuggle up in it. I always think of her when I get it out. It's a way of always keeping her with me. I always loved her Christmas tree. She always had those silver icicle things on her tree. And all her gifts had the ribbons that you curl with scissors. I remember going Christmas shopping in Lafayette with her. We sang Christmas carols all the way up there. Winter Wonderland was our favorite. We both sang at the top of our lungs. I'm sure we sounded like 2 howling dogs, but we had fun. When my birthday came around, I always knew there would be a card in the mail from her. It always had $5 and a long newsy letter about what she had been up to, what the weather was like. I think that's when it actually sunk in that she was gone. In 1998 when my birthday came around and there was no card. That nearly broke my heart. I loved Memaw with all my heart. I wish she were here today so my kids could know her. I know she would be proud of them. She would have been 82 years old today. And she would probably still be beating Grandpa Tom at Scrabble! He didn't have a chance against her! LOL! I could go on and on, but I have way too many memories and there just really aren't enough words to tell you how much I miss her. Happy Birthday Memaw! I love and miss you!

Meet My Pops

2011-06-18T21:04:00.015-04:00

If I had to name a TV dad that is most like my dad, I'd probably have to say he's most like Red Foreman from That 70's Show. He's not a really mushy, gushy kind of dad. And I'm sure he has wanted to put a foot in each one of his 5 children's asses at some point or another. And I would say we probably would have deserved it! We sure put him through a lot over the years.But even though we have driven him crazy, I know that I can count on my dad for anything. In fact, I think my dad can do anything! I've made frantic phone calls to him about broken down vehicles, overflowing toilets, computer problems, electrical problems, leaky pipes and he's fixed them all! I am still very sorry that he got shocked fixing my electrical issues.My dad is the best! Happy Father's Day Dad! Love you!

My Dad was a Vietnam Veteran.
Hanging out with my Dad.
All of us at Ryan's high school graduation.
Dad coached my softball team. It was one of our town's first softball teams. We were called the Smurfett's. Does that tell you what decade this was?
My dad was in a band. Some of my favorite memories as a child was getting to stay up and watch the band practice!
He still likes to play the guitar. My middle son thinks he has the coolest grandpa ever! He is learning to play the bass, so he loves to listen to dad play. Dad is also very opinionated about music. Especially modern music. You can pretty much say he hates it all. And you can count on him to give his opinion through out any music performance!
Dad is a river rat. He loves being out on the boat. My nephew Shaun loves it every bit as much as Dad does!
His love for being on the river started at a young age. His family used to camp and boat on the river almost every weekend.
Dad and Aunt Tedi playing board games while camping as kids.

Dad runs a small non-profit radio station from his garage. He and Larry, the guy on the left were named Citizen's of the Year this past year for everything the radio station does for our community. They broadcast most sporting events which is great for people that can't get out to go to the games. And it is streaming online, so anyone can listen. My brother was actually able to catch the games when he was on deployment. The father of the girl in the middle was deployed and unable to be there for Senior Night. He sent a letter for Dad or Larry to read to her. He was able to listen as they read the letter to his daughter. Even though he couldn't be there in person, he could listen and be a part of it. I am just really proud to have a dad that not only does so much for his family, but does so much for this community.

Twilight Breaking Dawn Trailer

2011-06-07T19:40:00.002-04:00

The countdown begins!!! It comes out November 18th. Bryson and I have already made a date to go watch it. I think I may be more excited than she is!!!

Little Allen Is All Grown Up And Married!!!

2011-06-01T19:41:00.039-04:00

My youngest brother, Allen, the youngest Dillbilly got married on Saturday. Which makes me feel really old since I am 14 years older than he is. As I watched him get all choked up as he watched his beautiful bride come down the aisle, I couldn't help but remember the cute little curly haired boy he used to be. The ornery little boy that once dug up the dead cat that dad had buried because he wanted to see what it looked like. Or the little boy that though it was a good idea to ride down the stairs in a box. At least he thought it was a good idea until he crashed at the bottom. It's just hard to believe he is all grown up! It was a beautiful ceremony and super fun reception. And overall just a great family weekend. As we have all gotten older and gone in different directions, it is not very often that we can all be together.It is always nice when I get the chance to see all 3 of my brothers in the same room. And the cousins LOVE being together! I am very excited to have a new sister-in-law! Congrats to Allen and Abby!

The cousins at the rehearsal dinner

Bryson and Jordan before the rehearsal dinner

Peyton watching Dusty play Angry Birds at the rehearsal dinner

Bryson with her Aunt Dawne

Jordan made Peyton a blanket fort at the hotel

We weren't stressed. While everyone else was getting ready for the wedding, Dawne and I watched the kids play in the pool and took them to Steak 'n Shake for lunch!
My boys weren't exactly thrilled with being dressed up and dressed up in matching clothes! But they all looked so nice!

Peyton nearly stole the show in his little suit

Bryson and Peyton

Travis and Peyton

Me and my 3

They think they're cool...

Me with Travis and Ryan

Dad and Sharon

Introducing Allen and Abigail Dill!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Dill

Me and my little brothers.

I really kinda like these 3 guys. They're pretty cool...

Dad a.k.a. Popeye and Peyton.

Dad making us all cry when he welcomed Abby to the Dillbilly family and remembered Trevor
Mother/Son dance

Sweet little Peyton asking his Aunt Abby for a dance.

Bryson dancing with Allen during the dollar dance. Lucky for her it turned out to be a salsa dance!

Dad dancing with Abby

Bry dancing with her Uncle Travis

Allen bustin some moves

Mother-in-law saying goodbye to her new daughter-in-law

We started Monday morning off with breakfast at Dad's. He made his famous biscuits and gravy. And we ended the day at Mom's for a Memorial Day cookout. Perfect ending to a fantastic weekend!

The Maryland Dillbillies

Dusty and Peyton saying goodbye

The kids at Mom's house on Memorial Day

Memorial Day

2011-05-29T23:46:00.006-04:00

I originally made this video for Veteran's Day. But, I decided it was also appropriate for Memorial Day. Please remember what this day is about. Please take a moment to remember the men and women who have given their lives fighting for our freedom. And give thanks to the brave men and women who are still fighting for our freedom.

Here is just one reason why Memorial Day means so much to the Dill/Leal/Sullivan families...

No, I would not like extra meat on my sandwich! Heck, I don't even want Subway!

2011-05-25T18:23:00.006-04:00

This is what I am dreaming about:

I would LOVE a mushroom and swiss angus burger from McDonald's. I love how the mayo oozes out and I dip my fries in it. AND...I wonder why I'm fat??? But, I haven't had one of these for about a month. I've done really well at staying away from the fast food. No angus burgers and fries for me!

Soooo, I settle for this:

Don't get me wrong, I really do like the sweet onion chicken teriyaki sandwich from Subway. It's pretty tasty and low fat. But frankly I'm getting sick of it! I was getting a little testy today. I mean to get here, I had to pass Taco Bell, KFC, Steak 'n Shake, McDonalds. You know all of the places I would really like to go! So, when we get to Subway (Again!), the girl behind the counter is like "You want extra meat"? No thank you... "What kind of cheese would you like"? None, thank you. "Would you like bacon"? NOOOO, thank you! My breaking point was when I was getting ready to pay and she says "Would you like 3 cookies for $1.30"? And I peer into the case and see my favorite, white chocolate, macadamia nut! No, I don't want just 3 damn cookies, I want 3 dozen cookies! And of course, I want extra meat, cheese and bacon! My ass didn't get this fat by eating healthy! Once again, I was strong and said no thank you to the cookies. I can do this I know I can, but I just about fell off the wagon today. I really wanted that burger and those cookies! This diet crap is for the birds!!!!

My Mom is FINALLY done with Jericho Cay!!!

2011-05-24T19:37:00.003-04:00

Every April one of my favorite author's, Kathryn Wall comes out with a new Bay Tanner mystery. My Mom buys it then passes it on to me. I pass it on to my aunt. And she passes it on to my cousin. You get the picture. Mom usually has it read in a day or two. But this year Mom has been pulling overtime and just hasn't had much time to read. So, instead of days, it took weeks! I have been patiently waiting. I can't complain. She bought the book after all! But, I was really getting anxious. Like a kid at Christmas! Anyway, she finally finished it and I now have my hands on it. The most cool thing about this series is that series is based on the Hilton Head, Beaufort and St. Helena, SC areas. When I read them, I know where she is talking about. I can literally put myself in those areas because that's where I used to live. She is very detailed in her description of the area. And it's a mystery! You can't go wrong with a good mystery series! If you haven't read any of her books, you have to start with the first one and read them in order. Start with In For A Penny. I promise you won't be disappointed!!!

Fat Girls Need Clothes Too!!!

2011-05-22T17:39:00.002-04:00

My brother is getting married next weekend, so I have been trying to find something to wear. Problem??? Why do all of the plus sized clothes have to be loud and covered with huge flowers and big ass patterns??? Why can't they have the same version of the cute blue sweater I saw over in the misses section over in the plus sized section? All it would need is a little more fabric! And why do all of the tops have to be super low cut or have ruffles on them? I already have huge boobs, I don't need anything else to draw attention to them! Seriously! It gets aggravating. All I am asking for is a plain blouse with no patterns, not low cut and no ruffles. I don't think that is really too much to ask for! Anyway, enough of my rant. I did find an outfit. Nothing fancy. My normal black pants and a top that is a little out of my comfort zone. It does have a pattern and some little sparkly things on it, but I liked the fit and I was getting desperate. I've done pretty well on my diet the past few weeks, so maybe, just maybe if I can keep it up,by this time next year, I won't even need to shop in the damn plus size section! Hey, a girl can dream, right???

Thursday's Throwbacks-Small Town Video

2011-05-19T18:00:00.001-04:00

Another re-post from 2009. My Aunt Tedi wanted a video that had pics of the Dill kids as we were growing up. Forgot about this one. It has us kids and Aunt Tedi is in it too. And several other members of my family and friends.It has scenes from our little town. May not be much to some, but to us it's everything! I realize the big city folks probably think we're a bunch of rednecks around here, but I truly love where I'm from. I love that my kids are being taught at the same school I went to. And often times being taught by the same teachers that I had. I love that everyone pretty much knows everyone. And I guess the downside to everyone knowing everyone is that they also know a little too much about everyone's business. But in a time of need, our community pulls together. I never realized how important that was until Trevor died. Seeing the way the people of this town were there for our family, I knew this was where I needed to be. This was where I needed to raise my kids. I have been back home for almost 13 years and this is where I belong!

Days Go By

2011-05-17T20:50:00.002-04:00

Re-posting this video so my sis-in-law can see it. First attempt at video making in 2009. I have since learned to crop the pictures before I put them in the videos!

Prom Pics!

2011-05-15T19:52:00.017-04:00

We realized after we took this picture, she had her hair ties still on her wrists! She did take them off before she left! And you'll notice the tan lines. Tennis uniform!!!

Aunt Elana did a great job hemming, altering and fixing her dress. We owe her big time!

We took her over to her date's house to meet up with the rest of the gang and take pictures.
He looks a little concerned!

This is just pretend. His mom had to pin the flower on his jacket.

Most of the gang is here. Due to a hair problem, we are still missing a couple!

Getting ready to head out. Next stop is at the Attica Hotel for dinner!

We LOVED her boots! A true country girl!

And they're off!
The whole gang! They stopped at Ashley's house so her mom could get pics!

It Won't Be Like This For Long

2011-05-15T17:58:00.004-04:00

I made this video in 2009. I had just gotten a new computer with windows movie maker on it. I was just learning how to use it. My video making skills have gotten a little better since this! My mom wanted me to re-post this so she could post it on Facebook.It's all about Bryson and Bryson growing up. Seeing Steve's reaction to his baby girl going to prom last night reminded Mom of this song and this video. I watched it again and it made me cry! Here you go Mom!!!

It's Prom Day!!!

2011-05-14T11:11:00.002-04:00

Today is Attica's Jr-Sr. prom. It's being held at the Purdue Ballroom at Purdue University. Bryson is only a sophomore. but she is going with her friend, Josh. Since Bry's boyfriend Lucas is also only a sophomore and goes to another school, she was more than happy to accept when Josh asked her to go with him. She wanted to go to this prom really bad! She's going to have a long busy day. As usual on prom day, Attica also had several athletic events scheduled-baseball/softball double headers, a golf tournament, a tennis tournament. Why do they do that? Can't there be one weekend without a sporting event? These kids are going to have a super long day.Bry plays tennis so she had to be at the school at 7:30am. They have to rush home to get ready. Kinda makes it hard to plan hair appointments when you have no idea what time they will be done with their events. I had to cancel Bry's hair appointment because the only one we could get was just too late in the day. So, she will doing her own hair. Pain in the butt I tell ya! I am picking Bry up as soon as her match is over. Regardless of the long day, prom is a day for memories. A day they will always remember. And I will leave you with a blast from the past....

This is Steve and I at my senior prom in 1992. Of course I will be posting a ton more pics of Bryson all dolled up! :)

Thursday's Throwbacks

2011-05-11T21:38:00.000-04:00

My Dad's band "The Remnants". Dad is the guy in the middle with the hat and the cigarette hanging out of his mouth. That cigarette is just for looks. My dad hates cigarettes!
Travis, Trevor and I. I would say it was probably 1980-81 or so.

This is my Aunt Tedi. Aunt Tedi turned 60 yesterday. This was her senior picture. So pretty!!!

Trevor's boot camp graduation, 10-18-1996. It was one of my proudest moments ever! And as you can see it was very emotional too! That's my step-mom Sharon wiping tears away in the background. And Bryson was super excited to see her Uncle Trevor!

My youngest brother, Allen. It's hard to believe that Allen is getting married in just a few weeks!He wanted to hold this snake. Just a few moments after this picture was taken, that snake peed all over him. He was freaking out! And needless to say, he wanted nothing more to do with the snake! And that outfit??? I don't even know what to say!

Hooray for Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T20:56:00.005-04:00

Aaww Mother's Day!The day where I get to guilt my children into doing whatever I want them to do just because it's Mother's Day! Boy's no fighting! Remember it's Mother's Day! Jordan, please give the dog a bath. Remember it's Mother's Day! Boys, please clean up the dog poop in the back yard. Remember it's Mother's Day! Dusty, please clean off the table. Remember it's Mother's Day! Steve mowed the yard and cleaned out the gutters. Steve and Bryson cooked dinner. It's the first time we've had the grill out this Spring. Yummy! Now, Bryson is doing the dishes. And me??? Remember it's Mother's Day! I planted the few flowers that I bought when Mom and I went flower shopping yesterday. And then I spent the rest of the day lazing around watching shows that I have recorded on my DVR and reading magazines. I wish everyday was Mother's Day! Dinner always tastes better prepared by someone else. And what mom doesn't like it when the kids do what we ask the FIRST time instead of repeating ourselves over and over??? Oh well, tomorrow it is back to reality, so I'd better enjoy my last few hours of Mother's Day! I hope all you other momma's had a good day too!

It's amazing how a day like Mother's Day can turn these 3 kids into the perfect children!

All jokes aside, I am incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to be the mom of Bryson, Jordan and Dustin! They are my whole life! A sometimes chaotic life, but with them around it's a wonderful life!

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."-Agatha Christie"

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2011-05-07T21:47:00.021-04:00

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I'm a momma's girl. And a spoiled momma's girl at that! Yeah that's right, I'm a spoiled 37 year old momma's girl! When I was little, I cried everytime my mom left the room. One day, my grandpa decided enough was enough, so he took me to his aunt's house. He said when I stopped crying, he would take me back. I cried for 3 hours straight before I finally gave up. This did actually cure me from melting down everytime my mom left my sight, but even now I still don't like to go too long without seeing my mom! We talk on the phone nearly everyday. We shop together. We go on trips together. She helps out with my kids school projects. We love working on the kids Halloween costumes together.And now that my office re-located I am closer to her so I can meet her after work for dinner some nights. My mom has always been there for me no matter what. Whether it was to celebrate with me during happy times or wipe my tears during sad times, I can always count on my mom. I am thankful that when I was growing up she didn't take any crap from us.I am sure there were times when we thought she was the meanest mom in the whole wide world! But I think this helped all 3 of us grew up to be respecful adults. I saw my mom do without so we could have what we needed. And most of the time she did without so we could have what we wanted as well. This too taught me to put my own children first. A lot of my parenting is the mirror image of how I was raised. And I know for a fact that I have now taken on the title as "the meanest mom in the whole wide world"! Mom was a softball coach, a girls scout leader and for a few brave summers, she was even a baseball coach for my brothers team. She had so much patience! I think you would have to in order to be a coach to bratty pre-teen girls and obnoxious pre-teen boys! Patience or not, she didn't take any crap! She threw the neighbor off the baseball team when he decided to yell the "F" word at the umpire. And I learned that just because I was the coaches daughter, I wasn't exempt from being benched. I found that out the day I said "You can't bench me. I'm your daughter"! Yeah, big mistake!!!! I sat out for the next 3 innings. I knew better than to say anything else if I wanted to play!!! That is my mom! She is loving and nurturing, but she doesn't take any crap! I wouldn't have her any other way!

My mom truly is the best momma ever! I know that a lot of other's think the same thing, but my mom holds the title! I love you Mom!!!!

Mom, Travis, Bryson, Jordan and I at Travis and Dawne's wedding in 2000

Mom and I at a Colts game

This was the Dill's Devils team picture. My Mom's name is Angel, so we wanted to be called Angel's Angels. She vetoed that and we became the Dill's Devils! What's up with that???

We were the Rowdy Reds this year. I guess we grew from Devil Girls to Rowdy Girls!

This was our last Christmas with Trevor in 1996. He passed away in September of 1997. Mom got to be with all 3 of us that year. Travis and Trevor both got to come home on leave. I will always cherish that Christmas!

Mom holding Trevor, me, our cousin Michael and Travis

Rocking with my momma!

Mom, Travis and I in 1976

Me, Trevor and Mom in the early 90's

My mom, my cousin Corinna and I at our Indy trip last summer. We have another one planned for this summer! Can't wait!

Summer fun with my mom!

Angel quotes:

"Do as I say. Not as I do".

"I ask you once. I tell you once and if I get to 3? Strike 3 you're out!"

And my all time personal favorite:

"Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya!" This one was used when we were mad and stomping out the door!

Thursday's Throwbacks

2011-05-05T06:30:00.004-04:00

This was probably in 1985 or 1986. We had just played a mud volley game. Once again I am rocking the afro. Just too bad I can't rock those shorts anymore! That would NOT be a pretty sight! Anyway from left to right: Me, Happy Foster, Niki Halsema, Amber Kerst, Michelle Mickle and Tracy Kelp.

Me in 1974 with my Memaw's dog Pooh. Gotta love the wallpaper! And the Keep on Truckin poster! Oh the 70's!

My great-grandma Gen and my Grandma Vi. They are my dad's mom and grandmother.

My family has always loved Halloween. Travis and I went as indians. Travis was a cute little blond, curly headed indian. I had Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls that had clothes big enough to fit my brother Trevor and cousin Amber. Amber didn't want to keep her wig on!

My dad's parents Vi and Max

Here I am snoozing with my Grandpa Max

I'm Feeling Lazy Today!!!

2011-04-30T12:02:00.003-04:00

This is how I feel today...

But sadly, I can't stay in bed all day and watch all of my neglected DVR'd shows or read a good book like I'd like to. My house is a wreck and needs cleaned. Bryson's prom dress came and needs altered. So, we are off to my wonderful Aunt Elana's house to have her work her magic on this bright yellow dress. And then I guess we need to go shopping for some shoes and jewelry to go with it. And since I decided to go to Margarita night with my mom, cousin and mom's co-workers after work last night, I didn't make it to the grocery store. The dogs, cats and fish all have food. But people food is very scarce in my house at this moment. And kids without food get scary, so I guess I need to hit the grocery store too.So... I guess I will try for the lazy day on Wednesday when I am off!!!

Thursday's Throwbacks

2011-04-28T06:30:00.002-04:00

This is me in 1975. I REALLY loved this kitty!

Travis and Trevor. That is Trevor in the dress. He made a really cute little girl! He had to give up the dresses when he became a Marine! Actually, I think this picture may have gone missing for awhile. Trevor was a little embarassed once he got older...

This is me swimming in 1975. If you look closely, you will see that there is a raccoon swimming with me! My Memaw had an odd collection of pets over the years...

1992, All 5 of us-Ryan, Trevor, Me, Travis and Allen

At the park with my cousins and brother-Corinna, Me, Fantacy, Trevor, Amber and Crystal

Grandma Vi and Grandpa Grumpy. Don't they look snazzy! They were the most in love couple I have ever seen! And by the way, he wasn't really grumpy! He was one of the sweetest men EVER! He got his nickname from me. I was traveling to Florida with them when I was little and we ended up having a layover in Atlanta. Grandpa's nerves were about shot and I guess he was a little grumpy that day. So, I called him Grandpa Grumpy and it stuck. Through all 5 of us kids!

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

2011-04-27T18:59:00.004-04:00

{one} have you ever been stuck in an elevator?
No, but that is one of my biggest fears!!!

{two} have you ever ridden on an elephant?
No, but that would be fun!

{three} have you ever met a well known celebrity?
No, my brother Travis is the lucky guy that gets to meet celebrities!

{four} do you have any food allergies?
No but it probably wouldn't hurt my butt if I were allergic to chocolate.

{five} do you know how to sew?
I wish!!! Thank goodness for my mama! She can sew anything! And my daughter has gotten pretty good at sewing too.

{six} did you get an allowance when you were young?
No, they just gave us money when we needed it.

{seven} how often do you fill up your gas tank?
About every 4 days now that my office has relocated.

{eight} have you ever been stung by a jelly fish?
Yes and it hurt like hell!

{nine} have you ever been robbed?
Thank goodness the answer is no!

{ten} what is the worst haircut you’ve ever had?

I'll just let this picture speak for itself...

Yep! I think I Jinxed Myself!

2011-04-25T14:00:00.002-04:00

I was just talking to my brother on Friday and I told him that we had been very fortunate this flu season and that my kids seemed to have been spared this year. I think Dusty may have missed one day due to an upset stomach, but nothing like we normally have. This got us talking about Wednesday night's episode of "The Middle". If you haven't watched it, you really should check it out. It is hilarious! It is set in Indiana and the family, the Hecks, are major Colts fans. Hmmm...maybe that's why I like it so much! Anyway, this episode started out with everyone sick, except for Frankie, she's the mom played by Patricia Heaton. Sue, the daughter was laying on the couch and announced to her mother that she was going to throw up. In true mom fashion, Frankie cups her hands together and places them in front of Sue, who then threw up into her mother's hands. I was laughing because I have witnessed my sis-in-law, Dawne do this with my nephews. My brother on the other can't handle vomit at all! Give him poop any day and he's fine, but vomit will have him knocking the kid out of the way, jumping over furniture just to get away. This starts him telling the story of the time my nephew Shaun threw up all over Travis's feet. His BARE feet! This of course sends me into a fit of laughter because I know how well Travis handles puke! We came to the discovery a long time ago, that kids in our family just don't know how to make it to the toilet to get sick. We have the kids that instead of walking right across the hall to the bathroom, they come down the hall to our bedroom to TELL us they are going to throw up. Sending us up out of bed to herd them like cattle to the bathroom, only to have them throw up right NEXT to the toilet, while just bending over a little. You know what happens when vomit hits the tile floor and the kid is standing up? It splatters! Everywhere! This is Jordan's thing. He does make it to the bathroom but very rarely makes it all the way to the toilet. So, I end up cleaning puke off the floor, the walls, the side of the tub...Dusty tends to just lean over his bed and throw up on the carpet. It's a really good thing I handle it better than my brother! And luckily Steve can handle it too. He doesn't love it, but he can help clean it up without getting sick himself.

Bryson wins the prize for my worst vomit stories. Of course she was my first child. So with her my stomach was just getting used to dealing with it. In fact she was a little over a year the first time she got sick. As she was throwing up, she was reaching for me to pick her up. Without hesitation, I reached down and picked her up. I decided that was the final test of motherhood. If I could pick up a puking baby, I could do anything! Good thing too because for the longest time, this kid never go sick at home! It was always in public and it was always on ME! One time we were at a festival. Steve left Bryson and I to run back into town to get the camera. After he left, she threw up all down the front of me! And of course the diaper bag was in the car with Steve. And this was before cell phones, so I had to sit there vomit covered until he got back! And by the time he got back, I didn't need the darned camera anymore!
Another time, we were going into the Golden Corral for dinner. Just as we were getting ready to pay, Bryson said she didn't feel good, so I picked her up to take her to the bathroom. At that time she threw up down my back. Well, not exactly down my back. I had a hooded sweatshirt on, and the hood caught it all! All but one tiny drop that fell on the floor! Needless to say, we didn't have dinner there that night. Do you know how hard it was to get that sweatshirt over my head without dumping puke all over myself? And I am not ashamed to say I took it of in the parking lot. I was behind the car door, so I doubt anyone saw anything, but at that time I really didn't care!
And now for the worst one of all! Bryson was almost 13, yes I said 13! She had just gotten out of the shower. She came in and told me she had gotten sick. I did all of the mom stuff, checked her forehead, asked her what hurt, then told her to go lay down. She said "Mom, you don't understand. I threw up IN the shower". So, I thought it couldn't be too bad. We could wash it all down the drain, then clean the tub, right? WRONG! Do you know what happens when you eat a full dinner then throw up in the bathtub? It clogs the drain! And do you know what is worse than normal vomit? Hot, steamy vomit! I had to plunge the tub. It was the most disgusting thing I have ever to clean up! I am starting to gag just thinking about it! And the toilet sits right next to the tub! Couldn't she have just leaned out to the toilet?? Gross, just plain gross!!!

So this leads me to today. Remember when I said we were fortunate this flu season? Guess who is home with a puking child today? That would be me! But thankfully he has made it to the toilet!

Sweet and Salty Bars

2011-04-24T12:28:00.003-04:00

I LOVE sweet and salty treats. I eat chocolate with pretzels. I can't eat popcorn without M&M's. When I found this recipe, I knew it was just what I needed to satisfy my sweet and salty cravings. And apparently everyone else's too! I take these to almost any gathering I go to. Actually, these bars are now requested. If I want any for myself, I better keep a few out, because there won't be any left when I come home!

Here's what you need:

1 stick of butter

10.5 oz. bag of mini marshmallows

1/3 cup of peanut butter

2 cups of chex cereal (I use corn chex)

2 1/2 cups of halved pretzel sticks

1 1/2 cup of M&M's

Melt butter, marshmallows and peanut butter over low heat. Once that is melted, add chex, pretzels and M&M's. Mix well then press into a lightly greased 9X13 pan.

And that's it! Super Easy! And super delicious!!!!

Easter Memories

2011-04-23T21:39:00.015-04:00

At the Dill house we got bunnies for Easter!

Another year we got guinnea pigs. Rabbits in the barn. Dogs and cats in and out. My mother was a patient woman!

Easter 1987 was also Ryan's first birthday!

Bryson at Bunnyville. Every year they have this at school. The kids get to play games, decorate hats, eggs, and cookies. And of course visit the Easter Bunny for a treat bag! I have to say Mrs. B looks like a creepy Easter Buuny!

Apparently Dusty thought the bunny at the mall was creepy too! He looks like he can't wait to get away!

Jordan looks a little more comfortable!

My 3 bunnies, Easter 2002

My 3 coloring eggs at Mom's. Easter 2002

Thursday's Throwbacks

2011-04-20T19:40:00.008-04:00

This was taken on my great-grandparents, Robert and Viola Campbell's 25th wedding anniversary. They are my great-grandparents on my mom's side. They are with their children, Jerry (my grandfather), Lois, Dale, Floyd and Beau.

My mom's senior picture, 1973

My grandfather Jerry (aka Pappy) feeding me when I was just a 'lil baby

My grandmother Carla (aka Memaw) feeding me when I was a 'lil baby.

Mom, Dad, Travis and I in 1976

Me, sporting the afro, meeting my little brother Ryan on April 19, 1986. It's his birthday week and he's 25!

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

2011-04-20T18:27:00.007-04:00

{one} how often do you do laundry?
Lucky for me, the hubby does the laundry in our house! He's kind of picky, so he just took over that duty. And I graciously handed it over!

{two} what is your favorite type of cookie?
This is a toss up! Either iced sugar cookies or white chocolate macadamia nut... I have no willpower with either one!

{three} what would you do with an extra $2000 per month?
Oh gosh! Pay off some bills and do some work to my house. And most likely spoil my kids a little more.

{four} what was/is your favorite subject in school?
I didn't really love the academic parts of school. I would say choir was my favorite class because I liked to sing. Wasn't very good at it, but I sure enjoyed it!

{five} have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon?
It sounds fun, but I just don't think my nerves could handle it.

{six} what was your high school mascot?
We were the Ramblers. Not really sure what that is, but our mascot was Rambler Dan.

{seven} if you had the chance to go into space, would you?
I really don't think so. Again I don't think my nerves could handle it. Being in a small space and not being able to get it out just isn't for me!

{eight} how often do you go dancing?
Not often enough! I love to go out dancing. Much to my children's dismay, I dance around the house while I am cleaning. As with singing, I'm not very good at it, but I sure do love it!

{nine} would you rather drive or fly?
I like the idea of flying and getting to your destination quicker, but I am so nervous the whole time I am on the plane that I just don't think it's worth it. I do enjoy roadtrips with the kids. It's always an adventure!

{ten} have you ever been caught re-gifting?
I'll admit I am guilty of re-gifting but I've never gotten caught. Thank goodness!

Spring Has Sprung! FINALLY!!!

2011-04-18T21:26:00.012-04:00

It's scenery like this that is going to make me crash my car someday!

2011-04-16T10:27:00.001-04:00

Seriously! I couldn't keep my eyes off of it!

Thursday's Throwbacks

2011-04-13T20:19:00.010-04:00

My Aunt Tedi gave me two big envelopes of old pictures from the Dill side of the family. The great thing about getting pictures from Aunt Tedi is that she writes on all of her pictures, so you are not looking at the picture wondering who in the heck it is! Thanks Aunt Tedi! My goal is to start collecting some cool old picture frames and start displaying some of these! This is my dad's parents, Viola and Max. Aren't they the most stunning couple ever? Seriously, they look like a movie star couple!

Dad and Aunt Tedi, 1953 or 1954

My great-grandparents, Gen and John Hayden. Grandma Vi's mom and step-father

Dad and Aunt Tedi in 1953 with Grandpa Max's parents, Robert and Ida Dill. Oh, and Glamor Boy the dog!

Dad and Aunt Tedi with their cousin Patti and some other kids. Patti is the girl with the dress and sweater. Aunt Tedi is the little girl in the middle. Dad is the tough lookin little dude on the left!

My Sunshine!

2011-03-30T19:50:00.004-04:00

This may be reason #9,271 why I love this girl so much! This was Bryson's Facebook status today:
"People very often ask me how i can always be so happy. I'm almost always seen smiling and laughing; even my walk itself is bouncy and happy. I learned earlier in life that sometimes you just have to grin and bear it. When you have a bad day and nothing seems to be going right, look on the bright side. You just need to remember that things could always be much worse."

That's my girl!

Are We Really Leaving???

2011-03-18T08:48:00.032-04:00

Saying goodbye sucks! Plain and simple! As I mentioned in an earlier post, our office is in the process of moving. What I didn't mention, is that the 3 agencies in our building are going in separate directions. My agency, Rural Development is moving to Crawfordsville. The other 2 are going to Attica. This makes me sad in sooo many ways! These people have become like family to me. It's funny because I was so reluctant to start working down here. My friend Tracy's mom, Sandy offered me a job with FSA as a temporary in the summer of 2001. I almost said no because I had no office experience and knew nothing about computers. She assured me it was a simple program and I would be fine. When I walked into that office in August of 2001, I was so nervous! As I mentioned, I knew nothing about computers. Nada, zilch, NOTHING! I didn't even know how to search the internet. Thankfully Mary told me about Yahoo. I didn't even know what that was! Turns out there was no reason to be nervous. Susan, Mary and Debbie took me under their wings and showed me the ropes. I stayed on as a temporary over there for almost 4 years until there was a full time opening on the Rural Development side. Then I was actually starting a full time job with great co-workers, plus I was still in the same building with the people I had become so close to! It doesn't get much better than that! And not to mention, my friend Lori had started working in the building! Lori and I were Bff's in junior high when I went to Fountain Central. We were inseparable! You could either find us running the streets of Hillsboro or Mellott singing to the likes of Run DMC or the Beastie Boys! And then I moved away and we didn't have the same technology to keep in touch that kids have nowadays, so we kind of lost touch. Our paths crossed from time to time in the grocery store or at a preschool meeting. I was SUPER excited when she started working here! And from the day she started, it was like 20 years had never passed. We just jumped right back into that friendship we had in junior high. We've always said it was a good thing I moved, because the 2 of us probably would have gotten into trouble if we had stayed together! And here we are having to say goodbye again. This time will be easier to keep in touch. We have cell phones and texting and email and instant messaging!

When I think of this building, I think of the song by Miranda Lambert, "The House That Built Me". Not so much the actual building, but the time spent here, the memories and the bonds formed here. Not that the building didn't teach me a few things! This building taught me to be an excellent toilet plunger! It taught me the true meaning of "dressing in layers"! You froze in the morning and smothered in the afternoon! No matter what season it was! I learned that you can catch a snake on a piece of baseboard that is coming off the wall. That little snake was stuck like glue on that baseboard! And in our lunchroom! There were some pretty freaked out people in the building that day. I got to be the lucky person that discovered it! But most of all, this building taught me the true meaning of a "work family". I had never had that before. We've laughed together. We've cried together. We've laughed until we cried together. It has been a super fun ride! And I must admit that while I don't really cry easily and especially in front of people, this whole situation has turned me into a total crybaby! Silly because I am very blessed to have a job. And I will still be with the other 3 people from Rural Development. We all get along great. So it's not like I'm leaving all alone! And people move or transfer all of the time and they don't act like big babies! And with today's technology, It's not like we won't keep in touch. But I can't help it. I will miss our lunches together, dance party Friday's, just seeing their faces everyday! Even though during busy times, we may not see other people from the building, it's just nice knowing that I can walk next door or across the hall and they are there! I guess we are all starting a new adventure. But I will always cherish the memories and the friendships I have made here at the Covington USDA. I love you guys and I will miss you all like crazy!
P.S. No more proper goodbyes! I tried to say goodbye to Susan and it was proven that I couldn't do it without bawling! Snot bubbles aren't very attractive on me!

Mary's 40th birthday party

My 30th birthday party

Me and my Lori!

I wasn't kidding about the snake! Poor Mary sat right next to him for her whole lunch and didn't even know he was there! Of course he wasn't going anywhere. This dude was stuck like glue! And we discovered he was still alive! We were used to seeing the occasional mouse, but never anything like this! And one time Lori let a bird in. Now that freaked me out more than the snake! Debbie could be heard shrieking 2 counties over when she was peaking her head into the door and Lori flapped her hands out of the cracked door. Debbie thought it was the bird! That was one of those laugh until we cried moments!

It wasn't just reptiles running around our building! Lori, the crazy cat lady, found this abandoned little kitten and brought him in one day. We put him down and he crawled up underneath the cabinet where the baseboard was off. For 3 hours, we tried coaxing, scaring, yelling, everything we could think of to get him out. We ended up having to pry the bottom of the cabinet off to get him out. And needless to say, he ended up coming home with me and is now the best kitty ever! Bry named him Mikey!

Dance Party Friday's! Andrew showing us his moves!

Blue Friday's! I am super loved!

Told you we had fun!

We will have to have some family reunions at Robies!

So glad the RD gang will still be together!

Grease Videos!

2011-03-16T20:08:00.003-04:00

I finally got the "Grease" videos posted! I had to save them all to Youtube because for some reason they wouldn't upload to my blog. You will probably have to go down and hit "older posts" so that you can see them all. Plus, after the videos, I have posted the pictures. Also, make sure you go down to the bottom and pause my music player, otherwise Bob Marley will be playing while you are trying to watch the videos! Enjoy!!! Crossing my fingers that this isn't her last play. If the bill passes that will cut our school funding, our fine arts will be the first cuts made. And that breaks my heart! And I don't even want to think about what it will do to my daughter!

Grease-Patty and Sandy's Cheer

2011-03-16T19:57:00.002-04:00

Grease-1st Day of School

2011-03-16T19:57:00.001-04:00

Beauty school dropout.MOV

2011-03-16T19:57:00.000-04:00

Grease- We Go Together

2011-03-16T19:56:00.000-04:00

Grease-The Rest of "We Go Together"

2011-03-16T19:55:00.000-04:00

Grease-The Hand Jive

2011-03-16T19:53:00.000-04:00

Grease-Patty vs. the T-Birds and Sandy

2011-03-16T19:41:00.000-04:00

Grease-You're The One That I Want

2011-03-16T19:37:00.000-04:00

Grease is the Word!!!!

2011-03-14T22:00:00.035-04:00

Bryson was in the musical "Grease" this past weekend. She played the part of Patty Simcox, the annoying, peppy cheerleader. This was NOT the part she wanted. I think it was partly because in the movie, you don't see a lot of Patty. But they were performing the play which is different than the movie. Patty shows up quite a bit more in the play. After watching, I could totally see why they chose Bry to play Patty! She was perfect! It was a wonderful show! I am super thankful to my friend Lori for taking a gazillion pictures for me! My camera doesn't take very good pics from far away, so Lori helped me out! Love ya Girlie! I will try to get some videos uploaded tomorrow!

This is Bry's boyfriend Lucas. He and his family live an hour away and they drove up to watch her both nights. They agree with me that Saturday night was even better than Friday night!

Baby Dusty is 11!!!

2011-03-14T21:45:00.006-04:00

Where oh where has the time gone???? They used to be so proud of their new baby brother!

Dad was making fun of Dusty's fat cheeks. Probably shouldn't have done that while I had a camera in my hand!

Even Jordan used to love his brother!

Now he's big and stinky! And a Steelers fan! Where have we gone wrong?? If he ever decides to become a Patriots fan, he may have to move out! Even though he's big and stinky and a SQUEALERS fan, I love him with all my heart! I am sad that he is growing up so fast! :(

This is What Happens When My Daughter Steals My Phone! Random Photos Show Up!

2011-03-09T20:32:00.001-05:00

What's an 8 Track Tape???

2011-03-08T16:54:00.011-05:00

Work has been super stressful. We are preparing to move, plus trying to keep up with our regular work. Moving means cleaning out supply closets and desk drawers. In the supply closet we found my supervisor's case of 8 track tapes. And lucky for us, she even had her old 8 track tape player! Boy were we in for a treat! That little case held some classics! Ann Murray, Tom Jones, The Oak Ridge Boys, Barry Manilow, Englebert Humperdinck, Bing Crosby, Jim Croce, Freddy Fender, The Charlie Daniels Band (this tape was from before The Devil Went Down to Georgia). Work suddenly turned into a party! Phyllis and Dayleann were singing their hearts out as I sat back and watched/listened in horror! Wild times at the USDA! Who knew that little case of classic treasures would provide us with the much comic relief we so desperately needed!!! And it also made me thankful that Ashlee and I will have our own office and we can listen to our own music when we get to the new building! Or as Phyllis said, we can listen to our "rap crap" and "meat dress wearing Lady Gaga"!

This my friends, is an 8 track tape player! Yes, we had a few younger people in the building who had never seen an 8 track tape or 8 track tape player. They didn't know how it worked. I wasn't one of the young ones. We used to listen to my dad's 8 track player when we were kids. Much to Mom's dismay, we found his Cheech and Chong tape. We pretty much had it memorized before she knew we were listening to it!

The tape player ate Barry Manilow. No Copacabana or Mandy for us today!

Little case of treasures! Well treasures for some, torture for others! ;)

This was Ashlee a few days ago. I told you we were cleaning out desks. My boss found these sunglasses in her desk. She has no idea when she got them. I would say they are more than a few years old! Ashlee decorated them with her little birds she keeps on her desk. Dayleann has about 30 years worth of stuff in her desk. We can't wait to see what other treasures she finds in there!

Attica's Citizen's of the Year!

2011-02-25T08:45:00.001-05:00

Congrats to my dad John Dill and Larry Grant of WFWR 91.5 radio station for being chosen for Attica's Citizen's of the Year and WLFI's Heroes Among Us! Well deserved!!!!

Local men heroes to Attica athletics: wlfi.com

Oh That Dusty!!!

2011-02-22T16:53:00.007-05:00

I was going through my emails and came across this paper Dusty wrote when he was in the second grade. He is now in the 5th grade, so he would probably be embarassed that I posted it! But, he can't be anymore embarassed than his sister was when she found out he handed it in to his teacher! Or poor Steve when he saw it and Dusty made it sound like Steve does nothing around the house, when it really is quite the opposite. Steve helps out quite a bit around the house! We all got a good laugh about it then! And we will be keeping this so we can show it to his children someday! Oh, and I know this may be a little hard to read, but click on the picture. It will bring it up bigger and it's much easier to read!

All Alone and I Kinda Like It!

2011-02-21T10:48:00.003-05:00

Sshhh, you hear that? That's right, you don't hear anything! Because it is silent in my house today! Steve is at work and the kids are at school. And I am enjoying my last federal holiday that will allow me to be home alone until Columbus day! All of the other federal holidays are also days where my family gets to be home too. The kids were supposed to be off today also, but the snowstorm a few weeks ago caused them to have to go to school today to makeup the days they missed. Don't get me wrong, I love being with my family. But sometimes it's just nice to have the house to yourself. I was starting to feel kind of bad for feeling this way. I would get on Facebook and one person is desperately missing her kids while they were at school. Another was pining for her husband while he was at work. And I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me! Why am I not missing my family? Here's the thing, I do miss my kids when they are gone somewhere for a few days. And I miss my husband when I am away from him for a day or two. But, that doesn't happen very often. I understand there are divorced people who have to be away from their kids every other weekend and on holidays. I would HATE that! So, I would probably cherish every minute I had with them. But, Steve and I aren't divorced, so we don't normally get time away from the kids. They do spend a lot of Sunday afternoons with my dad and Sharon. That is nice. I also get every other Wednesday off and they are in school. The problem with those days??? Those are the days a week that Steve is off! So, it is very rare for me to have the house to myself. I can clean without anyone being in my way. And I can have my music on while I am cleaning. As loud as I want! I can take a nap without anyone bothering me. I can watch whatever I want on the TV in the living room. It's just NICE! And I have decided I'm not going to feel bad about it! As the old saying goes "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"! Now if I can just find somewhere for the 2 dogs and 2 cats to go, It would be even better!

He's 14!!!!

2011-02-13T20:48:00.004-05:00

Jordan turned 14 today. 14 years ago, he couldn't wait just one more day so we could have a firecracker baby and a Valentine's Day baby! Oh well, he stole my heart a day early that year! I am not sure where the time has gone. I know I still feel like the 23 girl that had him. I may not look like it, but I feel 23! It's just really hard to believe that the once super chubby baby boy has turned into the tall lanky kid that he is today. He used to say he was going to marry the two twins in his preschool class, McKenzie and McKayla and his Aunt Dawne. I think they may have some competition now as he seems to be talking to a different girl everyday! He's been busy on this birthday weekend. Yesterday, he had an all day choir concert. I picked him and his friend Bryce up from there and we met Mom and Ricky for dinner. Mom always takes the kids out to dinner for their birthdays. He really wanted Texas Roadhouse, but Mom called and said they couldn't even get into the parking lot because they were so busy. People must have all been going out for their Valentines dinners. So, we settled for Grindstone Charlies and were under strict orders not to reveal that it was his birthday. He didn't want anyone singing to him! Including me! I tried to wake him this morning singing happy birthday. He didn't love it so much... Anyway, after dinner we went to the mall so he could spend some of that birthday money that was burning a hole in his pocket. And then this morning, he went to church, then stayed after so he could help out with the Valentine's dinner there. He's been a busy boy! So, I will have to make his cake and dinner tomorrow night. It makes me weepy to think he will be 16 in just 2 years! Happy Birthday Jordan! We love you!

Love or Money? I choose Love!

2011-02-10T16:51:00.008-05:00

I have been watching a show on VH1 called "You're Cut Off". It's about a bunch of spoiled little rich girls who's parents or husbands have grown tired of supporting them, so they cut them off. These girls are just pitiful! They lack the basic skills to take care of themselves because they have always been catered to. And they spend, spend, spend and are the some of the most ungrateful little brats you have ever seen. It's seeing people like this, that actually make me thankful that I can't give my kids everything they want. I used to feel bad that I couldn't give them whatever their little hearts desired, but as I grow older, I see my kids are far from deprived. They go to school in nice clothes. The older kids two have cell phones. They have plenty of electronic devices. They just don't have EVERY electronic device. Their cell phones are the free phones that you get with your plan and they have to do the dishes if they want to keep them. Dad and I pay for the plan, they can help us a little around the house! And my kids aren't too good to shop off of the clearance racks. In fact, they learned you get more by shopping off the clearance racks! I see how other kids act. Some act like they are entitled to anything and everything they want. And the sad thing is, their parents just give in to them! I will tell you, my kids never threw temper tantrums in the store because I wouldn't buy them something. The reason for this is because they knew a temper tantrum sure wasn't going to work with me! In fact, now they rarely ask for anything at the store. They have learned that I will probably say no, so they don't even waste their breath! Now if I offer, that's a different story!

I sometimes wondered if the kids really understood where I was coming from or they thought I was just a mean mom. Or if they thought that we were dirt poor because they didn't have everything their friends had. But Jordan eased my mind not long ago. On Halloween, we were trick or treating and there were kids everywhere. I made the comment that I was glad that we had parked and walked instead of trying to drive around with all of those little kids darting out everywhere. Dusty said "Yeah, if you hit a kid, we can get sued and we are broke". This just really hit a nerve with Jordan. He said"Dustin, we are NOT broke! There are kids in my school that wear the same thing 3 days in a row because they don't have any clothes to wear. We are NOT broke"! That just really touched my heart. It just showed me that he got it. He knows that even though he doesn't have everything he wants, he has enough and is far from deprived. And I'll never forget when Bryson was about 8 or so, that reality show "The Simple Life" with Paris Hilton was on. I asked Bryson "Wouldn't it be great to have all of that money? You could have anything you wanted!" Her response? "Mommy, if you had everything you wanted, what would you wish for?" My heart melted! Maybe my kiddos have helped to teach me a few things! I just wonder if any of the girls from that show will ever understand that life isn't about money, a fancy house or cars. And it's just sad that they have so much, but act so ungrateful and entitled! I am thankful for parents that taught me to be grateful for what I have. We didn't have a lot of money, so when we did get something nice, we appreciated it! And for the times that I didn't appear grateful, I am sorry! I now know how hard you guys worked to give us what we needed and wanted. I think that we have done a pretty good job of teaching our kids to be thankful for what they get. They are pretty darned good kids! And we are so lucky to have them!

I stole this quote from a friend's facebook page...I think it fits this subject and the way I feel about my family and my life.... "It does not matter how much money a family has. If there is enough love in the home, that family is richer than any millionaire ever could be". Yep, that pretty much sums it up!

December 2010

2011-01-17T20:32:00.020-05:00

Jordan at the high school Christmas program. My friend Lori snapped this picture at the right time!

Bry at the Christmas program. We had to look all over for an "ugly" sweater for her to wear!

Jordan HAD to have this hat! So, his Memom got it for him...

Bry and Mikey

All 3 kids at Attica's downtown Christmas celebration

Dusty as one of the 3 wise men at the church Christmas program

Bryson had to try on the hat too! Dusty rockin his new Steelers hat.

Okay, Okay! I had to try in on too!

Me and My 3 at Mom's

D with his new hat

Beautiful covered bridge by Mom's

Bry opening up her new chi hair straightener

Jordy super happy about his new PS3

Bo wearing Bry's hat

First big snow

Trevor's Christmas ornament. We found the charm with his picture in with our decorations one year, so it became one of decorations from then on!

Dusty

Bry

Dusty

Jordan in front of the tree

Best Christmas Present Ever!

2010-12-23T21:47:00.004-05:00

All of this talk about"A Christmas Story" has me remembering about my childhood memories and some of my favorite gifts. My Memaw was always great about getting me something I longed for. She got me the Western Barbie and Ken that kissed. It even had a little red ink pad, so it left kiss marks. She also got me the Twister Hair Barbie that had a tool that twisted Barbie's hair together. And she got the SUPER COOL parachute pants that I just HAD to have! I tell you, I looked freakin' awesome in those pants! LOL! But, I have to say my favorite gift came in 1979. First I opened up 2 awesome posters for my wall. One was of Bo and Luke Duke in front of the General Lee. And the other was of Ponch and John from CHIPS. At the time, these were my favorite shows and I had huge crushes on these guys! Especially Bo Duke! But, my very favorite gift of all was a little record player that folded up like a suitcase, so I could carry it around. I can't even tell you how much I loved that thing! We would listen to records and sing and dance. It wasn't long before records were replaced by cassettes, then cassettes were replaced by CD's and now CD's are slowing getting replaced by Ipods, but my memories of that little record player will last forever!

A Christmas Story

2010-12-16T18:56:00.006-05:00

A Christmas Story is my all time favorite Christmas movie. I remember the first time I ever saw it was in 1986. Memaw and I had gone to Franklin, IN to see Uncle Mark's new baby, Markell. While we were there, he rented this movie. He said we HAD to see it! From that moment on "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" became one of those movie quotes that you just never forget! I was so happy when TBS started showing the movie for 24 hours starting Christmas Eve at 6pm. We always had it on at some point on Christmas Eve at Dad's. And it was always playing while we opened gifts on Christmas morning. But the kids were never paying very close attention to it. Well, 5 years ago, the flu kept us from going to Dad's on Christmas Eve, so we all sat down and watched the movie from beginning to end. The kids LOVED it. For the next 3 days, Jordan did his "Ho,Ho,Ho" impression of the Santa as the elf shoved Ralphie down the slide at the mall. He cracked us up and sounded just like that Santa! From then on, it has become a tradition that we all sit down and watch it together at least once during the Christmas season. Last year, we were having a hard time finding it on TV. Christmas Eve and day is just to busy to watch it all. So, I talked Steve into letting me buy the DVD. He didn't want to buy it because he was afraid that having it to watch whenever we wanted would take away some of it's "specialness". Kind of like when we bought the Wizard of Oz on DVD. Bryson watched it over and over. She would never get to appreciate it like we did as kids when it only came on once a year. That was the one night we all got to stay up late and watch the movie. We just looked forward to it. So, I promised Steve if we got the DVD, we would only watch at Christmas time. It's fun to gather as a family, with popcorn, M&M's and twizzlers and watch this movie together. It fun to hear the kids quote their favorite parts-"Daddy's gonna kill Ralphie", "Only I didn't say "Fudge." I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the "F-dash-dash-dash" word!", "Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian!", "I TRIPLE dog dare ya!", "It's a major award" and of course, the Fa, ra, ra, ra's at the Chinese restaurant on Christmas day. Have I mentioned how much I love this movie???

Veteran's Day

2010-11-09T19:42:00.002-05:00

November 11th is Veteran's Day. Please take a moment to thank our brave men and women who have fought and are still fighting for our freedom. And please enjoy my Veteran's Day video! Thanks Ashlee for telling me about this perfect song!

It's Halloween!!!!

2010-10-31T16:41:00.029-04:00

It's Halloween again!!! The kids have been busy getting their costumes together and carving pumpkins. They all ended up with some pretty cool pumpkins. On the 29th, Attica had trick or treat. Dusty dressed up as a waiter from the "Walking Dead Cafe". Jordan decided to stay home and hand out candy. He dressed up as a zombie gangster. He ended up handing out LOTS of candy. In fact, more than we ever have before. Bryson was trick or treating with the student council. Every year our student council trick or treats for canned goods to go to the local food pantry. Bryson went as a 1920's flapper girl. She had a party to go to on the 30th. The boys and I decided to go to Williamsport for round #2 of trick or treating. It was a beautiful fall night. PERFECT trick or treat weather. They got loads of candy and I am having a hard time staying out of it! Darned butterfingers! Sadly, I put the costumes away in the garage, because our Halloween is over for the year. :(

Dustin Sullivan, the head waiter at the Walking Dead Cafe

Thanks to my dear friend Lori for making our menu and designing our iron-on for Dusty's apron!
Anyone hungry???

The 1920's flapper girl Bryson! The real Bryson would never touch a cigarette!

The zombie gangster

The two dead guys sizing each other up!

Dusty with the Galloway Gang-Addy, Mallory and the scary werewolf, Mitchell!

The cat ate the mouse!

Jordan's alien pumpkin

Jordan's big tooth guy

Jordan's last creation

The boy in the Steeler's jersey carving the Colts pumpkin

Bry working really hard

Dusty's haunted house

Dusty's Zero dog from Nightmare Before Christmas

My tombstone pumpkin. Yes, I had a stencil and traced mine!

Bryson's spooky graveyard pumpkin

GO COLTS!!!

Dusty's Jack Skellington pumpkin

The day Lori's kid's costumes were delivered at work, we couldn't resist having a little fun. That is one scary werewolf! I asked her if she could morph into Jacob Black.... I'm still waiting for that!

Fall Pictures at the Potholes

2010-10-31T16:28:00.013-04:00