Best Friends

Best Friends

understand

the deepest thoughts and feelings,

and can talk to each other

about anything, everything

or nothing at all.

Best Friends

are there for each other

morning, noon and night.

Best Friends

believe

 in each other,

support one another,

and are stronger and wiser

and more sure of themselves

because of the friendship

they share.

Heather, I am so blessed to have you!

The circus is coming to town

Once a year a small circus stops in our little town.  I love the noises, the bright colors, the smell of popcorn and peanuts and the amazing slapstick comedy.

How can you not get excited about a circus?

 

There are clowns…

 trained animals…

Yes, that's me on the back of an elephant with Ashtyn and her Mommy.

 acrobats…

trapeze acts…

the Ringmaster…

and (did I mention??) the CLOWNS!

Longwood Gardens

Sunday was a relaxing day. Todd and I went to Longwood Gardens  with our dear friends, Chad and Heather.

Longwood Gardens was originally land that William Penn (Mr. Penn is considered the founder of Pennsylvania) sold to the Pierce Family in 1700, and was operated as a working farm.  The Pierce family planted an arboretum and used the area as a public park.

Eventually Pierre DuPont bought the land from the Pierce family.

Mr. DuPont was a savvy businessman and formed one of the richest dynasties in America. 

Longwood Gardens is a legacy that Pierre DuPont left for generations to enjoy. 

Thanks to Mr. DuPont, we certainly did enjoy the gardens.

You can see more beautiful photos with the slideshow below.

That was a view from my window.  Let's see more!

Head on over to Unknown Mami for more views.

Decyphering Teens

My teenage boys were talking to their grandmother on the phone today.  They were using words my Mom just did not get.  Sometimes I can't even understand what my boys are saying.  This isn't the text lingo teens use; such as, LOL - TTYL - ROTFL - LMAO - CU L8R - etc.  I figures most of those out.

This is a 'speaking' lingo that teens are talking to one another.

Zachary is the most difficult to understand.  He listens to rap music and I believe that influences they way he speaks.  I am constantly saying "Speak ENGLISH!".

When I was a teen we used silly phrases like "Big Time" or "Gag me with a spoon".  Those types of saying are nothing compared to the way today's teen are speaking.

You need to watch this video and you will be dumbfounded about the words (well, sort of words) that the kids use.

Some words, however, have not changed.  My Mom did understand a word that Brandon said in reference to a question about his his ex-girlfriend.  "Yeah, Mommom, she's a slut."  

***I literally spit out my drink****

Did my 14 year old son really just say slut to his grandmother!! I was flabbergasted!

My mother, however was laughing hysterically on the other end of the phone!

TGIF

~I have poison all over my face and hands.  I'm itchy, cranky and itchy!  This weekend is supposed to be sunny and close to 90.  I won't be able to enjoy it because my poison will feel much worse in the heat!

First thing I sold on Ebay.

~I sold a few things on Ebay for the first time.  Ebay has estimates of what items may cost to ship.  So far I've been taking their advise but ended up undercharging for shipping, therefore not making much of a profit.  I learned a valuable lesson.

~Yesterday was the boys last day of school.  The summer begins with hormonal, know-it-all teenage boys! Yeah for me! ;-)

~Ahren (my eldest, who recently moved out) has stopped by a few times on his lunch hour and once to harass his baby (14 year old) brother, Brandon. Some things never change.

TGIF!  Happy Weekend!

Hubby's Birthday

For Todd's birthday we went out to dinner at Bertucci's.  This is Todd's favorite restaurant.  We went with our good friends, the Feltenbergers.

Todd birthday is near Memorial Day.  We always have a picnic / birthday party at his brother's house.

My nieces, Max & Morgan, and nephew, Tyce helped Uncle Todd blow out the candles.

Happy Birthday to my husband!  I love you!

WWII Weekend

A World War II Weekend Event was held in my city. A reenactment of a battle was realistic and amazing to watch.  There were bullets flying (blanks of course), soldiers dying (well, just laying there) and the Germans were defeated.

An air show of the planes from that era flew up into the sky with all the oohs and aahs of the crowd watching on.

My friend, Heather asked me to translate the meaning on the plane thinking that it was a german word.
It isn't german.  Can you make out the name?

Re-enactors portrayed the soldiers and women who served our country.  Men who served in WWII were also there, humble and yet proud.  It was an honor to meet them.  You could ask them any question you wanted and were not disappointed with the information you received.

I loved to learn about American History.  This event was right up my alley.  Take a look at the slide show for more pictures.  Thank you for taking a view of my city! Enjoy!

 

Fairy Tales do come true!

Growing up I would watch 'romance' movies and hope that one day someone would love me like that. With the house I lived in and what money I 'didn't' have, guys didn't go for girls like me. And if a guy liked me it was usually to get some. I honestly didn't think that what I have now was ever in my future. 

The relationship between my husband and I has been tested, over and over again.  He can tell when my mood changes, when I'm having a low day...no matter how hard I try to conceal it.  I guess that's what happens when you're with someone for almost 18 years.  

I wonder sometimes what I would be like, who I would be, if it wasn't for Todd in my life.  On the other hand, I don't even want to think about it.  He is my saving grace everyday.  To have someone in my life who loves me so much makes me want to be a better person.  We bring out the best, and sometimes worst in each other...but it makes life interesting!  There were so many moments when I wanted to give up, throw in the towel...I'm done.  But then I think of Todd and the boys, the future we will be blessed with and I start to breathe again.  He's the breath of air I need to take when I'm drowning.  

When we met I instantly saw something true, kind and loving.  He wasn't like the rest of the guys.  He was the first to treat me with respect.  Every other guy I met did not hold me in high esteem. My high school days were one of the worst times in my life.  Miserable.  I felt worthless.  I remember the day we started dating and finally he asked me to be his wife.  My fairytale actually came true.  

I don't think he knew what was in the future for us.  If he did would he still have fell in love with me and married me?  That's what love is, well what I believe a part of it to be.  Loving someone unconditionally, despite their flaws.  We do that for one another.  He has his moments and I certainly have mine.  I find myself asking more often than not "Why is he with me?", "He could do so much better."  But then I think about all we've been through and my questions are answered.

Bipolar and depression are just pure darkness that can rip apart any relationship, no matter how strong.  We've survived and fought to keep our love strong.  I literally wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for him.  This mental illness has taught us many lessons and has strengthened our relationship.  Living with Bipolar isn't easy for the individual who has it.  It gets even harder when family is involved.  For loved ones who are trying to understand, it's difficult.  And it's different from person to person.  There's no magic book that will tell you the answers or a pill that will make it all go away.  You have to accept it...and so does everyone in your life.  Just keep hope and faith strong...fairytales can come true.