It's the 4th of July!!!!

Happy Birthday America.

How are you spending the birth of our country?

If you aren't an American, tell me how you are enjoying this Saturday.

Taking out 2014...

Last day of the year.
Last day for me to use my personal time at work so I was off.
Muhahahaha.

A few months back I was fortunate enough to win a contest from Girl Gone Mom.  She was giving away a family four pack of passes to the Adventure Aquarium here in South Jersey.  

Today we decided to use those passes and headed to Camden NJ where the aquarium is located.  It's on the Delaware River, that separates New Jersey from Pennsylvania.  Camden is right across the river from Philadelphia.  Here is the skyline...plus some two awesomely good looking kids!

Do not let the hoodies fool you.
It was freakin cold out.
If you look closely at the 8yo you can clearly see he is freezing.  Don't listen to your mother when she tells you to put your coat on.  Listen to your 16yo brother who thinks a Nike hoodie will keep him warm.  Sigh.
Being that close to the water dropped the temp by about 15 degrees.  The wind was so bad my eyes were watering.

So like any good parent, I told them I would feed them to the sharks if they didn't listen!
Proof is in the pudding, people!

I mean business.
Look at those faces, scared of me now aren't they.

Yes! I know!

Next up we let the younger one touch some sharks.  Figured if I couldn't feed him to the sharks, I would let him play with them.

We were also lucky to catch the tail end of the aquariums diving show for the holidays.
I do believe that is Santa & an Elf.  Guess this is what he does to relax after Christmas Eve!

We even saw a small aligator try to take out a turtle but he lost sight of him, so he popped up out of the water & gave us the evil eye!

Of course, you can experience being in the sea if you wish.
Our fish decided to give it a go:

All in all it was a great family day & I am glad that is how we took 2014 out...as a family.

How was your NYE?

Christmas Recap 2014

First I would like to start with a small disclosure...or confession, which ever you prefer.
Whatever photos you see here were taken with my somewhat older smartphone.  They are not good quality what so ever.  I have great photos on my digital camera.  Love this camera.  The problem? I have a card reader but lost the cable to it and still have not gotten around to getting another cable.  It is not your typical USB cable either or I'd be set with the gazillion ones we have around Casa de Buchman.

The morning started quiet enough.
All of us asleep except the 16yo, who woke up at 7am, crept into the kitchen & started to open and shut the cabinets.  Open and shut, open and slam, same thing.  Bobster told him, go wake up your brother.

That's when the party got started.
We all came downstairs & started to open the gifts from youngest to oldest.
Cheeks was surprised with his "haul", he said he hadn't been the best behaved so he didn't think he would get anything.  When he saw his stuff he was like "I was wrong!".  He got all the minecraft toys he could handle, legos and of course, snow boots.

  Last year in Jersey it snowed if you looked out the window.  He really needed new boots so I got them.  This year we will have nothing.  Murphy's Law.

Christafus when next.  He got some small things then then big surprise.  Bobster and I got a terrific deal on a PS4 from Target.  Thanks to the cartwheel apps, some earned gift cards, an old credit and my red card we saved more than we ever imagined.  Hence the only reason he got.  He set up the system and was good to go.

He had to go to his mom's for a bit but not before we headed over to my in-laws for breakfast.  My brother in law ended up making breakfast, don't tell him but he can really cook.

We did gift exchanged and watched the youngest nephew ride his first fourwheeler at 17 months old.

Back to our house where my family came over for gifts and dinner.

I managed to get a picture of Cheeks with his cousin, B.  Two cutie patooties if I ever saw a pair.

B turned 9 yesterday.  I can not believe how big they both are.

I made dinner for my family.  It was really good.  The Nana brought the pasta salad.  She said it was for Bobster, her son in law, but I managed to sneak some before he ate it all.  All people.  You should have seen the size bowl it was served in.  Good Lawd!

I had to work the day after so Bobster was home with the boys.
He let Cheeks just play Legos all day.
I saw this when I arrived home.

I'm not going to sugar coat...the table still looks like that.
I seem to like my house best at night.  When it's dark & you can't see the mess.

All in all I think this year Christmas was the best.
I got to have dinner with my family, breakfast with the in-laws, all my kids in the morning & at night (minus a certain oldest child who lives in Fl...bummer).  It was a great day spent with both sides of our family and together.
That's what counts.

How was your holiday?

Happy Easter

Happy Easter.

Merry Christmas 2013 from Us to You

Merry Christmas!!!

Our morning started off with the biggest kid of them all waking us all up at 6:45am.
That's right they big ole 42 yo couldn't take it and started telling us "Santa was here!"

The 7yo bounded down the steps so quickly I don't think he actually touched any of the steps.

Pretty typical morning.

Kids opened their gifts.

 

They loved everything.
Cheeks even exclaimed "That's a lot of stuff"

My mom, her husband, PopPop, & my dad came over to do gift exchange & hang out.
Christmas exploded again.

My sister came as well & bought Cheeks a "fart gun".  Funny at first, now I am plotting my revenge.

Look what she bought the Bobster:

Not the best pic but hey, I was going for the shirt.

Now we are either blogging, taking a long winters nap (ahem, Bobster), or playing with our toys.

Still need to celebrate with Bob's side of the family.  Prime rib dinner in just a few hours.

How was your Christmas?
Was it wonderful? Magical?
Just right?

Ours was.

Merry Christmas and to all a goodnight.

Happy Easter

My Little LDS Jewish Boy

Cheeks has been learning all about Hannukah in school.
I think it's great.

He can even pronounce the names on the Dreidel and knows how to play it.

He's a little sketchy on why Hannukah is celebrated.
He knows it's for 8 days and that a gift or gifts are given.

So as we were driving in the car we were discussing different things relating to Christmas and Hannukah.

He proceeded to tell me that he was Jewish.
I explained to him that no, he isn't.  He is Christian and we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The discussion got a little heated on Cheeks side when all of a sudden he screams:

"I'm Jewish!"

I couldn't argue.  I was spent.

I thought he would figure it out when he didn't get anything for Hannukah or that we do not attend services at a Temple or Synagog but nope, he's steadfast on his Jewish faith.

So I guess I'll be planning a Bar Mitzvah!

Mazel Tov!

Everybody loves a parade...

Now that the holiday season is officially upon us, the festivities have kicked off.

The next town over from us had their official Christmas Parade today.
So we got on our winter coats, stopped at Mickey D's for some breakfast & off we went.

We parked in the speedline's parking lot (Speedline = elevated train that runs from NJ into Philly for commuters & shoppers) & walked about two blocks up.  We then hit the avenue & walked about three blocks down.

We had about 5 mins to spare.
Which was great because it was COLD!
Like 27 degrees with 90 mph winds...ok, fine, maybe not 90 mph but it felt like it.

Cheeks was ready for the parade but not the cold.

As every parade starts, here is the obligatory Veterans opening the parade.

Of course, there was many a marching band from all over the South Jersey area.

The motorcycle patrol always shows up & does a little routine.

No parade is complete with a few Mummers in the parade (if you do not know what a Mummer is, please leave me a comment & I shall explain)

I had more photos but sadly I am not too bright when it comes to my new smartphone & I deleted them before the email to my account went through so they never transferred.

Believe you me, there were floats & holiday characters.

Unfortunately, Cheeks hands were frozen & the wind was whipping so hard he asked to leave.

We did not get to see the finale, the big bang, the man in the red suit, Santa.

That's ok because he got to come home & play Wii.  Mom of the year, I am.

Tell me what kicks off the festivities in your neck of the woods?

Sigh, It's That Time of Year Again

The time of year when the outside holiday decor begins.
Yep.
Halloween.

What brings me to this blog post is an October Public Service Announcement really.

I just have to say....PICK A THEME PEOPLE! Pick a theme.

A blow up Freddy Krueger would not appreciate some frolicking ghosts dancing around a mum plant.

Nor would the Grim Reaper like to see a blowup of 3 smiling pumpkins or some wooden candy corn lining the driveway or walk way.

Really, you either go cute or scarey.
Not both.
They don't go together.
Honestly.

That concludes your PSA for October 2012.

He's the reason

I get to celebrate being a mommy!

How it Went Down

Holidays 2011 are a mere memory.

Here's how it went down in our casa.

First up, the debut of Cheeks in concert for his school.

We didn't realize it was a rap concert. Ha!

Christmas Eve arrived & apparently Santa exploded at our house.

The the morning arrived where the 13yo had to wake the 5yo.  I think our 13yo was more excited than anyone this year.

Of course we got the obligatory shot of all 3:

We ended the day with a free for all at my sister in laws house.

And for the Grandpop, there is a pic of you & Cheeks that I will post later.

How were you holidays?

#1 for 2011

The #1 post on my blog for 2011 was this one:

Leaving It In the Hands of My Readers

You know, where I asked for your opinions on whether I should go with a nose ring or not.

Overwhelmingly, the vote was for "go for it".

As you can plainly see from this photo:

I so didn't get one.

Not that I don't want one, I do.

I just got a ton of flack from my family about it.

Although I think the Aunt Erin was pro nose ring but then again, she has one.

At my age, 25, 30, 38, ok fine at my age of, ahem, 41, I feel I might be a bit over the age of appropriate nose ring peeps.

I could always get it & take it out, the hole closes, right?

Then again, at 41 & overweight, will people just think "Look there goes another fat, middle aged woman trying to recapture her young adulthood?"

Well perhaps 2012 will bring that nose ring.

It's his mission

Cheeks is on a mission.

His mission, which he obviously chose to except is to embarrass me at every turn.

This mission includes his father but not as often as me.

Most recent embarrassment happened Christmas Eve.

Yes folks, he doesn't even take the holidays off.

We were at Bobster's Aunt's house for a little soiree.

Bob's grandfather is still living.

Mine, unfortunately, is not.

Cheeks has meet Bob's grandfather but it's been about 2 years since he last saw him.

So in his 5 yo mind, "Pop" doesn't exist.

Well Bobster & I were making nice with "Pop" when our angelic boy walked up.

Bobster says "Cheeks this is your great grandpop"

Our sweet, innocent child takes a step back, looks up, cocks his head to one said & proclaims

"I thought you were dead~!"

Well after we picked ourselves up off the floor, both of us diffused the situation with Bobster's Pop.  Thankfully he is deaf as a doornail so he had no idea what Cheeks had said.

We explained to Cheeks that was not a really nice thing to say & that it was my grandfather who was in Heaven.

My grandfather would have gotten a kick out that had Cheeks said it to him:

(that's my Aunt Darlene & my Grandpop)

Anyway that is the story of our holiday embarrassment.

How did you holidays ring in?

And it's over...

Christmas 2011 has come & gone.
Sigh.
I love to see it come...the anticipation, the preparation, the wrapping, card writing & sending.
All fun.
Then Christmas morning comes.

In over an hour the gifts are unwrapped & the house looks like war torn Beirut.
It's fun tho.

Cheeks couldn't contain himself.
He was so excited that he was getting up extra early in the days leading up to, asking me "Is it Christmas?' at like 5am.
Good times.

Christmas morning, he would open a gift, go "Awesome!" & run to me or Bobster to open it.
We would tell him in a bit, keep opening.

Finally his turn was over & he had to hand the gifts to his brothers.
He wasn't thrilled with that because that took away from playing.

He didn't eat all day except for 2 crackers & a cupcake.
Mother of the Year I am, no?
He's fine.
Trust me!

All in all it was a great Christmas.
I am blessed to have a close knit family and blessed that we are all healthy (for the most part) & all have jobs.

How was your Christmas?

Picking off Pixars!

Poor Cheeks.
The kid doesn’t know what to do.

Every year, we get the kids their own ornaments.
Cheeks picked out a Lighting McQueen ornie from Target.
Before it even got on the tree, the spoiler on the back was mysteriously broken.
We charged on & decided to hang it on the tree.
Within minutes, Lightening hit the floor & shattered.

Sigh.

Problem solved we will go get another ornie.
Saturday stopped at Target, Cheeks decides to get Buzz Lightyear.
This morning I asked him if he wanted to hang it on the tree before we left.
He hesitated & said he was afraid it would break.
Being the encouraging mom that I am I said “It won’t break, come on, put it on the tree! Anywhere you want.” So he did.
Very close to the end of the branch.
I encouraged him to move it higher up the branch.
As he went to move it
...
BAM!

Buzz hit the floor & was decapitated from the waist down.
The carnage was awful.
Cheeks immediately sprang tears.
I calmed him down by telling him we would get a 3rd one.

I’m not going to lie, I was sort of chuckling to myself as I went to get the broom because I thought: Poor kid, he can’t catch a break.

Of course, this could be my fault for allowing him to hang a delicate ornament that should have been hung much higher on the tree.
Shh! We won’t tell anyone.

So, tell me have you had any casualties this season?

I’m off to Target for another ornie!

Out for a Spin

Whose that?
Isn't that Chippy The Elf & Macho Man?
Looks like that Elf is four wheeling with the Macho Man.

Chippy gets all the fun!

I am hoping the Elf being here worked.
No principal for Cheeks today.
That's actually a plus.
He was so excited when I got home.
He came downstairs & said "I have something to show you" & he pulled out the yellow slip that means he got on the yellow traffic light, not red which means principal office.
I made a fuss.
We are just trying to get him to not go to the Principal.
Once that happens, we will work on not getting the traffic light.

Any ideas on what to have Chippy do while he visits?
Do tell!

The Elf, Chippy The Elf

He's arrived.
Chippy.
He's hear til Christmas Eve.

Made his grand arrival this morning by landing in our Christmas tree.
He even left his "story book" on Cheeks bed.
I was very surprised that he got it.
As was Cheeks because he knows I like this joint up like Fort Knox at night.
Cheeks told me it was magic that he got in the house.

I refreshed my son's memory on how the Elf, excuse me, Chippy works.
You know be good, Chipster reports back to the big man in red, yadda yadda.
You would think that would be motivation enough, no?
Yea, no, he went to the principal again.
Everyday since the start of school except for 5.
That's my boy! 

What's that keyhole cut out in his costume you say?
Chippy had a very unfortunate "burning" incident last year when he decide to try to get tan by clutching one of those light bulbs.
It is what it is.
I say the keyhole makes him unique, no?

Tell me, do you have a Chippy?
Is he mischevious? Or does he just hang out?

It's a Parade!

Warning, heavy photo post.

Warning #2, photos taken with crappy cell phone.

Now on with the show.

Saturday was the next town over Christmas parade. 

Since we live about 2 mins from the town we took in the show.

What a show it was.

Check out the horse drawn carriage.

 For those who have been with my blog for away & have heard me talk about "The Mummers" here they are.

Well one band anyway.

Grown men, dressing up and "strutting" down the street.

It's a big to-do in the Philadelphia area.

Trust me.

 Who is this?

Wait a minute!

This is the adorable, yet overly hyperactive, son of mine.

This is really the only time he stood still.

Well that & when he dumped chocolate milk all over my tushie.

Don't ask!

 OOOH! A float!

 Or two!

 More Mummers!

Just so you know, women were only recently let in the Mummers.

It was exclusively men for years.

It was prob. in the last 20 yrs that women could join.

 Cheeks was confused why the men were wearing skirts.

This is the "Emerald Society."

Irish Bagpippers, not Scottish.

 I have no idea how Frosty didn't melt.

It was about 62 degrees outside.

Completely foreign for this time of year!

 The Collingswood High School Marching Band.

Bringing in you know who!

 There he is!

The big man himself.

So that's what we did this weekend, what did you do?

Summer is here!

As we celebrate the "unofficial start" of summer this weekend, let's not forget the real reason for the long weekend, pool openings & great sales.


Memorial Day.


A day to remember all of those who fought & died for us.
For this country.


Let us say Thank you to our military men & women.
The ones who are current enlisted & those that are no longer listed.

One of those we'd like to thank is the Grandpop.
Tht's him on the left.
Handsome devil, no?
Cheeks looks just like him.

And of course we need to thank my Poppy who served in the Navy & was on the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrender.  Poppy passed away years ago but thanks to him, the Grandpop & all the others we get the blessing of living how we live.

Thank you to all for all that you do!