Going to the beach.

We went to the beach here in Manhattan this afternoon. Maddie and JArod had a wonderful time in the beach. It's JArod first time to see the beach and MAddie's second but now she is more aware now than the first time we took her here. She was only a year at that time. Now, she enjoyed it more and is very happy playing with sands. While Jarod on the other hand was busy chasing and calling the birds in this Manhattan pier. It was lovely here in this little breezy afternoon. We didn't stay long because of the weather but we all had a wonderful time out there. Jarod started getting cold and so we decide to go home. It was a fun afternoon to do things with kids. Have a goodnight all.

Gift Giving Made Easy

Thanks for the post from Barney Crosby

Having your family spread out all over the world is tough at Christmas. I live in North Carolina but my parents are in New York. My grandparents are in Florida, my brother and his family are in California and my sister and her kids are in Colorado. Needless to say, we don’t usually get together during the holidays. In the past I have always shopped for everyone’s gifts, brought them home, wrapped them, then made the trip to the post office to ship them. This year I decided to give myself a gift. I got HughesNet Packages so I could not only shop online but ship as well. I purchased everyone’s presents online and had the gifts shipped directly to the recipients. I figured with the money I saved in gas and time, I could afford to spend a little extra for the gift wrap option. It’s amazing how much more enjoyable the holidays have been for me this year without the work of shopping and shipping. I can’t believe I’ve just now discovered this but in the future it will be the only way I give gifts!

Maddie's new bike.

We just got back from the store. We went to get Maddie her princess bike. It is a little big for her right now but maybe this coming summer she can use it. Anyway, Jarod can use Maddie's old bike. Maddie and Jarod helped hubby assembled the bike and they we're al very excited and happy. Even hubby and I was just the bystander watching Jarod before he get in trouble with Maddie. All in all it was a fun night for us.

Eating out.

Hubby got home early and I am not feeling well today. My throat really hurts even in talking. So, as an excuse to say I didn't cook. Really? I mean really I am not feeling well. Ask my kids. Anyway, we ( I mean) Maddie, started the cold and then Jarod got it. Now, it's my turn. I guess all the sleepless nights caring for jarod lowers my immune system. So, here we are eating in the restaurant because we are hungry and mommy is not cooking dinner. It's not good I know but I guess once in awhile is okay too. So, enjoy your food everyone.

Coming Home

Guest post written by Derick Burks

Being back home again in Philly feels great, if not hectic. Living in a big city is tough because of all the people and traffic and things like that but you know, I like feeling the energy of the city under my feet. Since I’m a single woman I decided to get my own condo so I could really live my life like I’m supposed to do. I’ve been getting the place all fixed up the way I like it – painting the walls, getting adt philadelphia and even changing out the tile in the bathroom – all with my brother’s help, thanks Gary! I’m just happy to live on my own and not have to worry about roommates and stuff and you know, at the end of the day, owning my own house is going to be great. I finally feel like a grown woman and being able to say I take care of myself means to me that I’ve really arrived and that I’m a functioning adult. I can only imagine what the next few years will hold!

My disclosure policy.

Going to Aspen for the Snowmass balloon festival.

Maddie and I are getting excited to go to Aspen for the Snowmass balloon festival this coming Saturday. First, we are going to celebrate Jarod's birthday at Cinzitti's restaurant with some friends. Then, head to Aspen after. We are about 11 people including kids. It's really going to be fun. We rented a 3 bedroom and a loft condo and so we might just cook in their. Maddie can't stop talking about her friend coming with us. She is really excited. Have a good afternoon guys.

MidWestern Transplant.

Thanks to Wm Rowe

We recently moved from Chicago to Atlanta. I feel like I am in another country. I don’t know many people here and have been exhausting Angie’s list trying to find the best handymen. In Chicago, we were set. We used home security Chicago for our alarm system and the staff was very helpful. I had gotten a recommendation from a friend who used them before. Unfortunately in Atlanta, I know no one and don’t have anyone to give me recommendations. I also found a great gas company when we were in Chicago. This week, I have already gotten quotes from four different painters. The quotes were so expensive! I don’t know if the prices they gave were the going rate or if they were trying to nickel and dime an unsuspecting Midwestern transplant. Until I get everything settled, I am going to devote all my time and energy to tying up loose ends around the house. Hopefully it won’t take too much longer. It would just be so much easier if we were back in Chicago!

My disclosure policy.