Popcorn

Today I volunteered at our Elementary School for Popcorn. This is a project I am proud of because I started it 4 years ago. Each grade has a special day like China Day, Kinder. Graduation, Dr. Suess, Fiesta Etc. Anyway each year these events get bigger and bigger and our Parent teacher Org. make a budget for it. We ran in to problems where each grade was not pulling their weight in fundraising. So I talked the PTO into buying a popcorn machine and some supplies. To start it was less then $500.00. I told them we could use it for Fun Day, Talent Show, Plays and much more. So it started.. Each grade was responsible for 4 weeks. Each Thursday that grade has to find parent volunteers to come in around 8am and take money for popcorn and mark the kids hand with the number of bags purchased. When that was done we popped and popped and I mean pop. (Now remember our school only has 250 students) 300 bags later we realized this is great. At .50 cents a bag (it has 2 scoops of popcorn) we average about $100-150 a week. The money goes directly into a fund for that grade. If you do not sell it, you do not get the funds. This really got more parents into the school. I guess telling them straight up your kids grade will not get if you do not help gives them drive.??#?! This gives the teachers extra money for additional supplies and activities. We did start a raffle so each bag you purchased you got a chance to win s donated item. Some kids take home 5-8 bags. I wonder if they really eat it? We hand it out at lunch. The bus drivers at first were not very happy but we have not heard them complain lately. So that is what I had planned on doing today. But I got called into work so Angie & Lacie were left to pop,pop,pop...bag,bag,bag,fold,fold,fold.....excitment I tell you.
We are having our Annual Calendar Party (Auction). If anyone really reads this blog and would like some information on this type of fundraiser I would be glad to share an easy way to make anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.

Motorcross

It is Motorcross season yet again. We did at one time plant corn and pumpkins in this field. But hey who needs corn when you can have a mudhole. I'm sure the people who live around us are so excited. The noise, noise, noise and you can not forget the dust. I can't complain. It keeps everyone close all summer. Every weekend when we are not racing we hand out and watch everyone ride. Then in the evening we build a fire and roast marshmallows. YUMMMY :> This year I am not so excited for the racing season. Braxton's doctor said he should not race because of his Perthes and he is going to cry everytime we are watching Brandin race. Also PJ now has a bike that is up to race standards. He is so excited to be able to race in the old people division. That is not really what it is called but it is for old people who really are just out for fun. I have a fear that he is going to hurt himself. I can not get him to understand that he is not Moto Racer material. In his little bitty world he thinks he cool. So PJ tells me all the time now. "honey they called, I am performing at the Pittburgh Arena". he thinks that is so funny. I think they called him alright, called him and said they want a Arena Clown. The first race is in 2 weeks we will see.....

2nd trip tp the mall.

So I loved the American Eagle pants. When we were there the ladies had Brandin try on some shirts. He loves them. You know if I had picked these out and asked him to wear them he would think I was nuts. But because 2 beautiful ladies from the store asked him to try them on and said how good he looked he thinks they are great.

Easter

Easter! My kids had a great day. This year we spent most of the day with just our family. This was so different. We have never spent any holiday with just us. We did have PJ's mom and Dad and PJ's sister and family over for dessert but that was it. Can you believe the Easter Bunny hid my kids baskets. They had so much fun trying to find them. Brandin got up first and found them all. Just so he knew where everyone elses were before them. We are very blessed.

Life

I have posted this for my sister. She called me late last night and it was almost chillfully dejavu. She was calling to let me know her sister in law died in a car accident. This was so tragic. She was a beautiful young woman. It will be long hard and painful road for the Kirkland family. But I can say she came from a family that is one with God. With that my heart is at ease knowing that she is heading to a wonderful place.


The Dash!
The pastor spoke at my grandfathers funeral and she spoke of him and she referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning - to the end. She noted that first came his date of birth and then spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represented all the time that he spent alive on earth...And now only those who loved him know what that little line is worth.For it matters not, how much we own,The cars...the house...the cash,What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard...Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel. and be less quick to anger, show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile..Remembering that this special dash might last but a little while. So, when your eulogy's being read life's actions to rehash...Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

These are two poems I have come to love. The pain you feel of with the loss of a loved one is one can't not explain. I can say May heart goes out to those who have lost a brother or sister the pain never really goes away. Try not to think of what they will miss. Your children laughing & growing up. Try to remember all the things you already have shared and know that they are still around. But only in your heart.


Autumn Rain
Do not stand by my grave and weep.I am not there, I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow,I am the diamond glints upon the snow.I am the sunlight on ripened grain andI am the gentle autumn rain.When you awaken in the morning’s hush,I am that swift uplifting rush,Of quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft star that shines at night.Do not stand by my grave and cry,I am not there, I did not die.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m freeI’m following the path God has laid you see.I took His hand when I heard him callI turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another dayTo laugh, to love, to work, to play.Tasks left undone must stay that wayI found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a voidThen fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kissOh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrowI wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.My life’s been full, I savored muchGood friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too briefDon’t lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your hearts and peace to theeGod wanted me now; He set me free.
After Glow
I’d like the memory of meto be a happy one.I’d like to leave an after glowof smiles when life is done.I’d like to leave an echowhispering softly down the ways,Of happy times and laughing timesand bright and sunny days.I’d like the tears of those who grieve,to dry before the sunof happy memoriesthat I leave when life is done.

I am still here
When tomorrow starts without me,And I am not there to see,If the sun should rise and find your eyesAll filled with tears for me;I wish so much you wouldn’t cryThe way you did today,While thinking of the many things,We didn’t get to say.I know how much you love me,As much as I love youAnd each time you think of me,I know you’ll miss me too;But when tomorrow starts without me,Please try to understand,That an angel came and called my name,And took me by the hand,And said my place was ready,In heaven far above,And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love.But as I turn to walk away,A tear fell from my eye,For all my life I’d always thought,I didn't want to die.I had so much to live for,So much yet left to do,It seemed almost impossibleThat I was leaving you.I thought of all those yesterdaysThe good ones and the bad,I thought of all the love we shared,All the fun we had.If I could relive yesterday,Just even for a while,I’d say goodbye and kiss youAnd maybe see you smile.But then I’d fully realizeThat this could never be,For emptiness and memories,Would take the place of me.And when I thought of worldly thingsI might miss come tomorrow,I thought of you, and when I didMy heart was filled with sorrow.But when I walked through those gates,I felt so much at home.When God looked down and smiled at me,From His great golden throne.He said, "This is eternity, And all I've promised you."Today your life on earth has pastBut here like starts anew.I promise no tomorrow,But today will always last,And since each day’s the same wayThere’s no longing for the past. You have been so faithful,So trusting and so true.Though there were timesYou did some things you know you shouldn’t doBut you have been forgiven,And at last you are freeSo won’t you come and take my handAnd share my life with me?SO when tomorrow starts without me,Don’t think we are far apart,For every time you think of meI’m right here in your heart.

So this may not seem like such a big deal to you but for me it seems to be a big situation....Who stole my sons butt???? My son is 12 and I am having a horriable time finding pants that really fit. For those who watched the Wonder Years ..Brandin hates going pant shopping and I hate taking him. We try on so many and somedtimes never come home with any. To big To loose To Long To worn. Holes, ....... What is a mom to do? His oldest pants were size 14. These were so long they drug on the ground. So we tried Levi Student Pants. You can pick waist and lenght. But they do not carry the lenght I need. My son has about a 26 waist and a 24 lenght. He has not had a growth spert yet and his father is not really that tall. So this may by an on going problem. So I found that Levi carried husky. Brandin is no husky but a friend told me to try it. So we did they were a little better. So now we are in a 12 husky. they are pictured above. What was I thinking is my son in there somewhere? The lenght is OK but everything else is just hanging there. Soooo.I went to American Eagle and the ladies tried to help. They make a 26-28. we are working in the right direction. That photo is posted above to. I think I might call somewhere and have the lenght fixed. But you know as soon as I do he will look like Steve Erk...

So you know yes its great that he has questions but ....they read the paper at school. My son looks at the sports page for hunting news and that's great. But he came home with this. I think he enjoys seeing me squirm...I really need to update my self with the world today but I have been told by my sister , stop watching the news ...Because I freak out. I worry my kids car seats have been recalled and I missed the news. The Lady fell out of the roller coaster ride and died, razor found in candy, lead found in toys, kids kidnapped, cancer from diet pop. I can be a worry wart. Anyway I can sure get off track. Brandin wants to know what this is and I do know but Brandin can not believe we have been over there 5 years. He is wondering why no one told him. Yes chuckle. I want to know who is responsible for not telling my son we were at war the same war for 5 years. He is very serious so I can't laugh and he can never know I share this info with you. He would be so upset. Because it would not be cool if his friends knew he was questioning anything important. The whole war thing has really got him thinking our family has had several members in different wars. Including my grandfather Lu who was a very colored veteran. He had to do a report on 2 topics. (They got a list). He picked His Grandma & Grandpa's life during WWII. & The Holocaust. I wrote a note to the teacher making him pick a different subject not the holocaust. I was afraid of the things he would see in the Internet while searching the subject. He has a very gentle heart & I think it would bother him to see the horror. So we questioned my gram and Echo & I already questioned pap before he died. I also asked some older men at the VFW in Canonsburg and you would not believe the info I got. We are almost done with the projects I will post them when we are done. Oh yeah your probably wondering what topic he ended up with for the 2nd report Pearl Harbor. We decided this was a good one for our family. Pearl Harbor was the reason my grandfather Louis T Leon Joined the Army. 6 months after pearl harbor was hit my grandfather joined. He was not drafted he joined. I will not bore you with all that mubo-jumbo. I will later when I post the report. I am going to go enjoy my pop. Yes I mean soda.

Pickled Eggs

Pickled eggs. My sister just can not seem to remember how to make these. When you see how you will laugh. We make these a good bit our family loves them . The kids call them pink eggs. Easter is the best time because what else are you going to do with all of those colored eggs.

you need 1doz. eggs, Vinegar, Sugar, (2)Canned beets.

Get a large container. I like to use an old coffee can or something old with a lid that will seal. (If it spills beet juice stains everything). Also the beet juice will stain the container. Peel the eggs and put in the container poor canned beets on top.

On the stove put 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup sugar in a pot and bring to a boil. Pour hot mixture of the beets and eggs. No need to stir. Place in fridge. They will stay good in the fridge 2 weeks.

Other things we love to make with our colored eggs. Eggs salad & Deviled Eggs.
My kids each year color eggs and we take them to the older people on our circle. I wonder if the eat them or toss them. Either way I know my kids think they are giving.

My son Brandin gets up everyday at 6am for school. He showers then wakes me up. We watch the news. He starting doing this, this school year. It makes him feel older I guess. I have come t depend on him waking me up. I no longer set my alarm why bother (until he forgets and we all wake up really late) This morning on the Today show they were talking about Osama Bin....and about the threat he sent to Europe. From what I got while coming in and out getting coffee. A big European newspaper printed comics in 2005 and got some heat over them from the Iraq people. The reprinted them in 2008 and apparently pissed Mr. Osama off. He sent the European gov't a message saying that If they are open to their freedom of speech. Then the Europeans should open their hearts to our actions. My son had a question..Why reprint why maybe stir up the wrath of this horrible man. They know what he is capable of. I am proud of my son for thinking this way. But also he thinks we should nuke them all. I have talked to him about this and about nuclear war. I am glad he watches the news but when is the right age for the news really. And my dearest sisters' sister in law. I know you read my blog as I do yours. And I must say I enjoy it. Can you get your overseas contacts to give me a better meaning of all of this. Maybe I did not catch it all or misunderstood.

So I have posted tons of pictures. I love when Echo's kids come to visit me. We have a blast. In 2007 we went to Idlewild, Ohiophyle, Shopping, Rode 4 wheelers, swimming, the Fayette County Fair, Monster Truck Races, Grandma Leons, Rode the ponies on the farm and much more.

Braxton was told not to eat the gummy worms. We had already brushed our teeth for bed. He went to his room. Came out and looked like this. He said he did not eat them but the blue tounge told on him. He is to funny.

So I picked my mom up today to come and stay the weekend. I'm so glad she came. We watched a movie called The Evening. Do not watch it there is no ending. I hate that. They just leave you hanging. Tomorrow Mom will be viewing our blogs for the first time. She will be getting the internet on Sunday at Gram's and they will love to to check our blogs everyday to keep up. I hope they can figure it out. Because mom said that Gram has been doing a few strange things like saying Lu ...Lu .... the TV remote will not work. LUann the remote. So wouldn't you know it she had it backward. Maybe she was trying to turn her own volume up?

Do you know who this is?

Bad Roads

So I wonder if Echo misses the crazy weather. At the rate we are going our kids will never get a summer break. When it is freakin' cold out side like below zero they cancel school or at least give a delay. But yesterday I woke up looked outside and it was snowing. The roads were horrible. I watched the TV for school delays but our district had none. But the inner city schools like Cannon Mac had a delay. And the district next to us Preston County WV was canceled. But not us. I drove Braxton to school and this was not until 9. Look how bad the roads were even then. Could you imagine the high school kids who got picked up at 6am? What is going on with the weather. One day it rains one day it snows. Today all day at work downtown (over on the other side of the mountain) it rained buckets. Then at 2:oo Becky called to tell me that I'd better head home cause the roads were getting bad and they might shut the mountain. I just laughed. Well let me tell you when I hit the top of the mountain holy cow. It was a blizzard. Traffic was backed up for a mile and hardly moving. So all I could think is that Braxton is probably hitch hiking his way home from school. (Not really a friend of mine was going to wait for me). When I made it I came to realize that all of the buses were late anyway. As of now at 7:00 we got 5 inches of snow and it is still comming down.

MJ likes the Rings, MJ likes the beam, MJ LOVES the foam pit. We will be celebrating her 6th birthday at the Gymnastic Center. Email me for details.

Go Go Power Rangers

I really like being back to work. I could not ask for a better job. I work atleast 20 hours a week or more. I work on what ever days I can. I try to keep it on Mon. Wed & Fri.. With the flu going around the kids have been sick and with the school being cxl. due to the cold weather the kids have been home. Lucky enough I work in an office by myself all day so I take them with me. There is a big empty room in the back and they set it up like a play room so they watch movies and play. When I took Braxton to school on Monday they told me it was cxl. because his teacher was sick and they could not find a sub. So off to work we went. In this picture Braxton is the BLUE power ranger. Yes it is my chart holder. He squeezed it on his arm and was talking into it. And of all days for the owner to come down from the main office it was this day. I told Braxton if he has good I would get him as many cheeseburgers as he wanted and Ice Cream and Candy .....Anything for him to behave. So he was good for a while then he slipped under my desk and you know the desk has a plastic round thing you can pop out and put your computer cables down so they go under the desk. Braxton poped it out and put his hand in it. It looked like something off of the Adams Family. Aleast my boss laughed about it. There is never a boring day for me.

We love to go camping. Tub Run is a place we visit each year. My Mom & Dad met there and fell in love. My grandparents used to work at the RCA Plant and there the factory shut down two weeks and everyone went on vacation at the same time. Many of them went to Tub Run. We go these blow up spiders and we thought they would be great for the kids. When we blew them up they were HUGE! The adults played on them more. They have sand down my the lake and we took sea shells that we purchased from the craft store and put them all over the place. The kids really do not know any better they had a blast looking for them. Our friends Mike & April lent us their boat for the week and we went out everyday. Eric Bobick is a friend of the family and in no time we convinced him to stay. What single young man would not want to spend the week with a family of five with hundreds of relatives visiting. He was a trooper. We had him manning the fire and cooking in no time flat! My Gram Leon called him her Cabana Boy. This year our first camping trip will be to Lake Erie Presque Island. We will camp on the fake beach at the lake and have a blast. All is welcome! We will be going the last week in June.

Jimmy

Tomorrow February 24th. my brothers birthday. He would have been 29. I often wish I could turn back time to change some of the choices I have made but we all know that is something you just can't do. I wish I would have said so much more to him when he was here. If I had know that his life would have been so short I would of done things differently. So on this day I always reflect on my life and try to make it better. Because I have a life to live. It is a gift and sometimes that is hard to remember. The past is the past and the future is the future. So please today in memory of my brother who was a son, friend, cousin, lover & brother. Forgive, Love, Change, Help... Let the people you love know that you love them. Because you never know when the last time maybe. Live life like there is no tomorrow.

The pastor spoke at my grandfathers funeral and I was touched by her service. She spoke of when you die they mark your tombstone with the years of birth and death. It seems that these dates were your life and they define you. But it is really not the years on the tombstone that mean anything it is the dash.

I am having a problem getting MJ to wear anything other then dresses. She looks like she is going to the prom everyday for school.

When can you tell them they are really to old. The wanted to squeeze into the little ice cream truck but would not fit. The boys were invited to go bowling at Manor Lanes on Friday. When we got the the Lanes we were told only leagues until 10:00. So after a few calls all of the kids decided to go hand out at the local mall. Our mall still allows kids to be there without supervision. A lady I have come to know very well, Lacey drove. And we both agreed we should not leave them alone. We did let them wonder but not far from us. That night I went to Abercrombie and American Eagle for the 1st time. I never really had a reason before. Loved the sales for Brandin.