high point

i just got home from high point and we started learning a new dance to "Breath of Heavan" so we now have 3 dances for our show on december 21 and we also have harmony shows too so if you want to come out and see it go ahead. I will let you know what time and how much it is. well see you.

Just so that you know i really don't care that my sentences are run ons or they aren't even sentences

i hate school

i am in school and i hate it so much because all we do is work and the librarian never stops yelling at people
i am so bored
how is everyone

Catching up

Wow, its been a while since I've posted anything!

Not too, too much happened in October. One thing was Jason and Kevin performed a 'dinner theatre' performance with the drama club at their high school. (CCTS)

They both had major parts, and had one week to memorize their lines. Not only did they get all their lines right (as far as I could tell), but they truly had the characterization down for whom they portrayed. Kevin played a politician, and Jason an ex-jock. The play was a spooky, tongue-in-cheek performance about a high school renunion murder mystery. Characters were witches, werewolves, etc. I probably could have done without the Karaoke between acts, but the play was well done, and the dinner was fair, too. (prepared by the culinary students)

I arrived and realized that I had not thought to bring my camera. Then I realized that it was probably still in the car from the week before. It was! It also had a dead battery, so, sorry... no pictures! And it's a shame, too... Kevin looked awesome in a suit!

I also tried re-charging it and thought for the past week that there was something more seriously wrong with the camera, since it didn't seem to recharge. I didn't realize that the kids had unplugged my charger at the wall until Saturday, so I didn't get pictures of Halloween, either.

In other news, I've been told that I'm losing my 40-hours-per-week position, where I work. It's been given to a permanent employee. (I'm just a sub-contractor) I'll be "on-call" for any testing or other jobs that might be needed, but it would be part-time and intermittant. I'll probably be looking for other opportunities at this point. Hopefully I can find something a little closer to home. Any leads would be gladly accepted. I'm also asking for any prayers that you can offer up. -Thanks!

Hopefully I'll have more posts this month. Holidays are here, so I'm hoping to get more family photos, too.

Exercise

I think i've finally habitualized my exercise routine. I've tried to get into the habit of execising over the years, and it has always defeated me. I've even started walking in the evening several times since I started Weight Watchers, but haven't kept it up. But for the past several weeks I've been getting up at 5am and exercising! It means I need to wake right up in the morning, but it starts my day off right.

I pump iron.... as in ironic... I use two jars of spaghetti sauce as my weights. I use them for bicep curls, and 2 other exercises. Then I work out my back and waist with a type of windmill and crunches (25 reps each). It's not a whole lot, but I feel it when I'm doing it, and I feel much better through the day.

When I'm done these exercises (about 10-15 minutes), I take a 1-1/2 mile brisk walk. Then I go home, shower, dress, and go catch my 6:50am train. After about 4 weeks doing this, I think I can say it's become a habit... which is what I needed to happen in order for me to keep it up. I'm still watching my intake, and I've been going up and down all summer, but I've dropped 50 lbs since January and kept it off. (only about 80 more to go!)

Oh well, maybe next summer I'll be 'buff'. Ha! I'll settle for healthy.

PA Renaissance Faire

So yesterday, they had buy-one-get-one-free tickets for the PA Ren Faire. Tim, Jason, Kevin and I all went... along with Brenda Hager, her sons Chris and Jacob, and sister Kathy Hager, and Maureen Johnston and her daughter Mary.

We had a blast! Jason and Kevin especially had been asking if we could go, since last summer. Tim and I met a 'pirate' at the entrance, who informed us that only those 18 and over could handle the weapons at the store. Tim, of course, lorded it over his brothers that HE could touch the swords, and they couldn't.

We all went our seperate ways, enjoying areas that we'd like individually, but came together for certain performances and happenings. The kids met a freind from their "Journey" Group, Anna, who happened to be going the same day. Surprise!

We watched the Jousting, and the live chess game. We saw several performance shows (ie plays and acrobats), and browsed the shops. Kevin was looking at a satin cloak that had caught his eye, and wanted to show it to me. He didn't know the price, so I asked the proprieter. It was only $350.00. As the salesman said, he only has to save $1 a day for the next year, and he can come back next year and buy it..

Vacation

Well, the boys and I took a summer vacation this year. I don't know if we'll be able to get together like this in the future, so it was doubly nice. We were thinking of heading down to Virginia, and maybe camping in Aunt Ruth's backyard, but I was worried about finances and the condition of my van. Instead, we spent a relaxing week together, hanging out, reaquainting ourselves with ourselves.

We watched videos together, worked on my yard (little portions at a time), played some games, took some walks. Sunday, we attended (Mark's and Summer's new baby) Briele's baptism, but got lost and didn't make it up to the party afterward. That was ok since we had a busy night planned at the college for the "Bon Voyage" performance of the Harmony Show Choir (which Jason and Kevin will be joining this coming September). (http://mainstage.org/)

Tuesday we went to Grandmom's and Grandpop's house to paint their front steps. Wednesday we did meet Aunt Rita and Rebecca at Atsion Lake, for an afternoon of fun and swimming. I brought Jacob, a freind's son, with us. I think all the kids were growing fins by the time we told them it was time to leave.



After being invited by Rebecca Perry to go bowling on Saturday, we went up to visit Linda and the new baby, Alana Fay. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera. Jason took a picture with his phone, but Mom hasn't given the kids the option of sending any media from their phones, so he could only show it to people in the same room.

All in all, it was a nice week. I am rested. I can go on, now!

Cyndi and Suzy

OK, as usual, I'm late in posting this stuff. But, here are the pictures from Cyndi's and Suzy's Wedding. I've included a slide show for all of them. You can always go to my Picasaweb site to see the full folders of pictures.

Graduation Party

Hey all, I left my camera at Rita's and Kathy's house, after the party, and I didn't get it back until Saturday. Here is a slideshow of the pictures from then. As the camera was a christmas present for me and the boys, I didn't take all the pictures.



We also figured out how to take video to the memory chip, so I have some videos to show, too. The living room was rather loud, so the inside shots have a noisy background. Here is a "wonderful" video of Nicole telling a couple jokes.

Tim's Graduation

OK, busy again. I really had to get these on the blog, though. Lorena didn't have a camera, so these are the only pictures of Tim's Graduation. We were across a field from the students, and most of these shots are at maximum telephoto. We also had the sun coming down directly in front of us! We couldn't even see Tim until he was called up to receive his diploma.

I also have some shots of us all at the restaurant, afterward.




(Note added 7/3) BTW: Tim's Graduation was on Thursday evening, 6/19

Jason's & Kevin's Graduation

Wow, I haven't posted for awhile. (it's been busy!)

Jason's and Kevin's Graduation was on Friday, June 13 (no, that is not a sign).

I don't have time to write a whole lot, but here is a slideshow of the pictures I took. They were both sitting in the back row (some of the tallest in the class), about 3 seats from each other.

Enjoy.

I miss

I miss you all so much. I can't beleive that we have moved after a year. I miss the old house because I spent more that half of my life in it so it is kinda sad. I love you all and wish that I could see you all again.

Mother's Day & Tim's B-day

Well, yesterday was Mother's Day. I hope that all mothers had a wonderful day.

I cheated!

They were running a project at work, where they needed to test different types of packed cargo... and if that cargo is perishable, it would only be thrown out afterwards, so it is offered to the employees. (for the past couple weeks they had been testing fruit, which meant I didn't have to buy fruit for lunch)
Well, Thursday and Friday they were testing organic items, and they used flowers! When they were done, all the flowers were up-for-grabs! I was limited by what I could bring home on the train, but I got an african violet for Mom, and then I grabbed 3 other potted plants for my sisters in the area who are mothers (Pat, Sue, and Rita). I spent Sunday, first at Mom's (where I also saw Rita), then at Pat's and finally at Sue's. They were very happy to receive the flowers (even knowing that I got them for free), and I got to spend some times with each of them, visiting.

I also got to see my brother Rick at Mom's house (2nd time in two weeks - I'm gonna overdose!). I had a nice visit with Mom before Rick and Rita got there, then had a nice conversation with all. Pat was happy to see me, and Dave had just gotten back from an Alabama trip (literally...had just gotten back an hour before I got there). I didn't want to interupt the homecoming, but they both wanted me to stay and talk...so, another good conversation, there. They were planning to go to young David's for a barbecue, so I didn't stay longer then about 1/2 hour.

I stopped at Sue's last, and had another nice visit. We reminisced over several memories, and caught up on news. She shared the fun she has babysitting her grandchildren, and I was giving the latest news on the boys. She had gotten a couple of phone calls from her children while I was there, and promised to call them back after I had left, so I ended our visit after about an hour.

In other news, Yesterday was also Tim's birthday! He turned 18!

I called him about 10:30 in the morning, hoping he was awake. He was (but still in his room), and was walking upstairs to his mom's room to turn off her alarm, since it had been ringing (on and off) for awhile. They were planning on going out to breakfast for moms day/birthday, and then going to visit her family (seveal birthdays and several moms).

I didn't stay on with him, but gave my birthday wishes and let hime get on with his day. Once again.... Happy Birthday, Tim!

Congratulations Tim!

I forgot to mention earlier. Tim called me on Saturday from his yearly school trip to the Skills USA contest, to let me know that he came in 3rd place in the contest! He has been going every year to this contest as a member of the Skills USA team for his school.

He says that he can hardly believe he won, since he had stayed up till 4:30 am talking to his friends the night before. He also didn't know the programming of the robot arm (what he did to win) very well, and had to review it before the contest.

He says that he won't be going on to the National competition with just a 3rd place, but it is still a remarkable achievement, I think.Check it out here

Cameron's Baptism

Chris and Michele's daughter Cameron was baptized on Sunday. Unfortunately, I arrived late. I was told it was at 2pm, but it really started at 1pm. (Party was set for 2pm) So, I arrived at the tail end of the ceremony. I did get a couple of shots, though.


Cameron being held by Godmother Jessica.


And going head-to-head with Grandmom Rita.


And sister Alex being held by her Uncle Mark.

I prefer these "candid" shots when they don't know I'm there, even though they can be harder to get. When they see me taking their picture, they tend to "pose". It's a bit harder to hide myself, though, because my camera is a multipurpose video/still camera. People see me coming, think they are being video'd and stop what they are doing to pose .

I did get a few more candid shots at the church before I was asked to help Dad out to the car.



Grandpop and Mike with his son Ryan


....and big sister Dannie

We all went to the party afterward. Unfortunately, the lighting was not so good there, but I did get a few shots.


Person of honor, Cameron, at the head of the head table. Mommy and Daddy to either side.









The catering was very good. Thank You, Chris and Michele, for a nice party. Food was delicious. Service was great. Even the kids loved the settings (see below). Alex was trying very hard to open her little bag of eggs (mints, i think).


I didn't stay for cake, but that looked good too.


(Adding this on 5/6 to see if it works... supposed to be slideshow of rest of photos from that day!)

Lorena sold the house!

Yes, after almost a year, Lorena has finally sold the house in Somerdale. Thanks for all the prayers!

She and the boys are moving into a 3-bedroom apartment on 5/19, and settlement is on 5/23. I was with them when they looked at the apartment a few weeks ago. It seems pretty nice. They have a community pool, and a health/exercise room (18 or older, only...sorry Jason and Kevin). The only downside is that it's a 3rd floor apartment (no elevator). She has movers bringing in the furniture, but has asked for help with some of the boxes. They are probably moving most of boxes on the 17th and 18th.

One nice part about the apartment is that it is (slightly) closer to me, so getting the boys will be easier sometimes. They will be within walking distance of the Echelon Mall, which also puts them within a few blocks of Aunt Kathy's work (for about a month before her business moves - no fair). Also, it will be easier to find and "get to" part time jobs for the boys when they are looking for income.

Anyway... Good luck and God's blessings on the move and the sale.

Grandpop's birthday

Hello all,

Well, grandpop's (my dad) birthday was on Friday. He has reached 87 years, and I'm sure he's feeling every one of them.

It was a busy weekend for me and mine. My brother Mike came up from Virginia to celebrate Dad's B-day, and, last weekend, he had asked if he could stay with me this weekend. That was great, but it meant that I had to get off my duff and actually get some things done around my house. I was able to get some cleaning done during the week, but the majority of my weekdays are spent either working or getting to and from work. (I leave the house at 6:30 am and arrive back around 6 pm, every day) My house really needed some work, as to which anyone who has been there can attest. It was a real "train wreck".

I did some cleaning last weekend, interupted by the arrival of my nephews delivering a refrigerator. Mike Ragan had had an extra 'fridge at his house that was offered to me. I have been working with a fridge of the 1950's vintage, that Jessie and Nate had arranged to get for me 5 years ago from Nate's aunt. It has worked great, but had a very small freezer section (the old fridges had a small, aluminum box in the top of the fridge for frozen foods - about 8" high, and about 2 feet wide). The fridge that Mike Ragan talked about was a side by side - freezer and fridge.

Anyway, Mike brought that over last Saturday, in David McClain's truck, helped by John Ragan. I was a bit surprised (though Mike did warn me) at the huge size of the 'fridge. We did get it in the house though, and it is running nicely.

Anyway, Timmy had the weekend off from work (first time in about 2 months), so he drove his brothers up to my house on Friday night. They were a little late, since they were helping Lorena open up the pool before they left, so we didn't get to call in a birthday greeting to Dad on his birthday. Saturday, I woke up early (as usual), and did a little cleaning before going to my Weight Watchers meeting at 8am. Kathy and I had breakfast out (the boys were still asleep), and then she came back to my house to help me get it in order. I woke up the boys and we cleaned most of the day. It was amazing! My house went from looking like the town dump to only looking like a cyclone had hit it! At least you could walk through without stepping over things. Kathy, with my thanks, took off about 4pm.

Mike Melcher arrived about 5pm. He had bought and brought a hoagie for himself for dinner, so he ate that, then we all went over to PopPop's for a visit. The boys and I didn't stay long, since PopPop and MomMom get tired easily. We spent about 1/2 hour - 45 minutes, then went out and got some food at the pizza place around the corner from me. Mike spent most of the evening with our parents, getting back to my place around 11pm.

Sunday we went to 9 am Mass with Mike and Mom and Dad and Kathy at Sacred Heart. The boys wanted to go to thier friends' house to play a LARP (Live Action Role Play) game, to which I was invited, also. We spent most of the day (10am to 3:30pm) out in the sun, pretending to be vampires or midieval warriors, then I dropped Jason and Kevin off at dance practice and came back up to Mom and Dad's for dinner. Mike asked if I wanted to join him at Kathy and Rita's after dinner, but I was exhausted and went home to sleep.

I was able to spend a couple (very few) minutes with Mike before I left for work this morning. He will be driving back to Virginia, today, after possibly making a couple quick visits to Sue or Pat, and Mom and Dad again (they like him to stop back to say 'bon voyage').

Phew! Weekend over, now I can be at work and get some rest!

Later!

-Thom

this is awesome and I love doing my first blog

Brand New

This is a brand new blog. I'm hoping to be able to post family happenings here.

These pictures show me and my boys from around this last christmastime (2007).