At last!

Sometimes you want to go where things are comfortable. Where there’s a calm and peacefulness and this is it for me! There’s nothing better than this view

Or this one

Or watching this

Jim

And this

Jonathan

And this

Jacob

And then there’s the excitement of new things happening on the river. The towpath has been washed out because of flooding. For as long as I can remember, there's been detour signs taking bikers and hikers around where the path used to be. There's new signs, big ones too! Signs that construction is underway.

Should be interesting to watch the progress.

Can't wait to get back....til next time

A little of this and that...

Quality time with Jon....

Since Tuesday he's been here most of the time...a week off from his summer class was perfectly timed with the US Open and with with no other things he had to do in Pennsylvania, he stayed through the weekend. And even though the sky threatened to let loose with rain at any moment which kept us off the water, we still had time with Jon...and that is just the best!

Do it himselfer....

This is our 7th summer in this house and each one of those Jim has worked on the grass like his life depends on it. Summer number one - we had nothing...small patches of weedy grass but mostly dry dusty dirt. We moved in December so the seed that came with the house didn't excatly grow, so we tried again in early spring. But come warm weather he was out there mowing what was there...picture Pigpen from The Peanuts skits...yep, that's what he looked like! But each year that followed he got more grass to grow until we had a real lawn. This year he decided that it was just taking too long for the lawn treatment people to show up for his early spring work so he did it himself. Turned out ok so it's his mission now. Big bag of fertilizer - check, spreader - check and he's off. Looks like a lot of work to me from my seat on the patio. Don't get me wrong we don't have a lot of ground to cover but still...anyway - it's looking green around here and I think I detect a sense of accomplishment.

Here's a little then and now for comparison:

April 2005

Now

Extreme!

So, there's a coupon craze going on. Who knew? Julie mentioned it to me a week or so ago and I half listened...but the other day when Jim and Jon went to play 9 holes (The Open has 'em a lil excited for golf) I was flipping through channels and found a show about it! OMG...seriously, $600 worth of groceries for less than $100. Now don't get me wrong, that means A LOT of cooking and let's just say that's not me. But, we have been eating at home lately and Luanne and I are always talking about ways to save money. This could be it...so today, I got a Sunday paper and scoured for things we use. Jon said (and I quote)...'this'll last one week'. He could soooo be right but this could be really cool. Time will tell ;)

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I'm looking so forward to a new washer and dryer arriving this week...pathetic? Ha...you have no idea! I'll tell ya more about that later.

The Open

I swear Jim is like a kid - if he knows he has plans or something to do he's anxious about, he is up before the sun...like it's Christmas morning! Today was no different - no alarm needed...before 5 he's stirring. Yep, US Open day. He and Jon were on the road by 6 headed for Congressional. They had perfect weather and spent the day walking the course, scouting out the players and enjoying the scenery. By the time they got home, red cheeks and noses, they were full of stories.

I can be a nerd about things like this but this is the 111th US Open and Jon was born on 1/11...how cool that he got to go? Coincidence I know but still.....

They tell me this is the actual trophy that will be awarded to the winner on Sunday.....cool. Now hands off boys! ;)

It's 1 11 11....

and that means one thing to me! It's Jonathan's birthday....all day long! We're hoping for the best birthday ever for you, Jon...may all your wishes come true! I can't wait to see you this weekend! ;)

A different view

Jon was home for the weekend. Sad part about that is that an injured collar bone is going to keep him off the ice for a little while. (yes, again!) But since Jake's team was playing in a tournament this weekend, Jon got to see lots of games. At the last game, Jake's coach got ejected....so Jon got to spend a little time on the bench - just in a different role. He was offering a little coaching advice from his experience....and I think this picture is priceless!

Brandywine in chocolate town!

So excited to see Jon play this weekend! It's been a while since I've seen him on the ice. Remember, earlier in the summer Jim went to New Jersey to watch him play in summer league, but I didn't go. So, when we were sure he'd be playing in Hershey, I knew I had to be there!

It's the little things that impress me too. Like when they played youth hockey, there weren't actual breaks between periods. They'd skate to the bench, talk to the coach for a little bit and then back at 'em. Not now! Now, they go to the locker room, zam the ice and have actual 20 minute breaks. Guess he's all grown up now (kinda, ha!).

The team's off to a great start. They won 7 - 2 and Jon had a great game! It was sooooo good to see him.

Letting go isn't easy!

If you're not into sappy sentimental stuff you probably shouldn't read this because I can promise, that's where it's headed!

You know that we have 3 Godchildren. Siblings and each amazing in their own ways. But today....well today, Jon is heading off to college. Packing his things into the car and driving off. Now I know he's a 'big boy' but I wouldn't be me if it didn't absolutely pull at my heart! So, what do I do? I think...

Eighteen years ago he arrived. A little man born on a Saturday morning and I couldn't wait to get my hands on him! I still remember sitting in the rocking chair and holding him. I remember what I was wearing and I remember exactly the way his little face looked!

One of the sweetest little boys I've ever known. Chubby cheeks and dimples that make you want to grab 'em and pinch! He grew into an amazing kid!

He's so much more than just a Godson to me. We don't have the typical Godparent/child relationship. We don't see him every now and again. He's part of our lives...our normal everyday life. We've spent more time with him (all of them) then I could ever begin to account for. We've been blessed and I can't imagine loving kids more than I love them. And I know he won't be that far away and I know about texting and phone calls and Skype but still! And I know the reality is that he's bigger and stronger and smarter than me but through my eyes he's a messy haired mischievous little boy who needs me!

I've prayed for him for eighteen years! For his health, his happiness, for his success. I'll never stop! But it feels more important than ever right now. He's on the brink of a brand new chapter of his life! Really making choices on his own...no one to tell him that it's late and he should be sleeping, no one to tell him that the cups growing things in his room really need to find their way to the kitchen, no one to make sure what really matters...that he's ok. So, I'll keep praying.

Jon - we love you, are proud of you and want nothing but the best for you! And remember - no matter the day or time...you call and I'll be there! Without question or hesitation....I'll be right there! When you were little and with us and I'd tell you goodnight, I'd always say 'you know where I am if you need me'.....well Jon - you know where I am if you need me!

Nope, letting go isn't easy...

Are you ready for some....ice hockey?

It's so hard to believe that it's the end of July already! We've been having a lot of fun spending time on the river...I'm going to miss it when fall comes! But what I haven't shared is that each Wednesday for the past 7 weeks, Jon has traveled to New Jersey to play summer college hockey. Tonight was his last game. And for the record, Julieanne gets the prize...for what you wonder? For making the most trips with Jonathan! What a dedicated sister!

Even harder to believe is that Jon will be heading off to college in just a few short weeks! (sniff, sniff) I know he won't be that far away but it seems like a few days ago we were at his high school graduation! Oh well...pressing on....I'm excited for some....

Another chapter ends....

Today Jonathan marched in the arena, walked across the stage and accepted his high school diploma. I swear I was looking at the ceiling trying to keep the tears from making their way down my cheeks when he walked in! I say it all the time and I'm sure those who hear me say it are tired of hearing it, but I swear he was just little yesterday! I know, not really, but time really has flown by! I could say all the typical stuff like how proud I am of him or how I wish him nothing but the best for the future - but all of that goes without saying! Today I watched a young man with so much potential start a new chapter of his life. We've all been there, I just wish I could find all the right words so that he would completely understand all of the opportunities that are ahead of him! One thing's for sure, I'll be his biggest fan each step of the way! Congratulations Jon!

High school comes to a close....

On Friday, Jonathan finished his last day as a high school student! So hard to believe. Next week is practice for graduation and then the ceremony on Friday. Can't wait! =) But before all of that, PROM! Although he didn't attend his own, he went with a friend to her prom in Smithsburg. I know I'm a little partial but I think he's a handsome kid! ;)

One step closer!

Jon got his license today! One step closer to freedom! =) And...it was in the runner..that makes two. Jules and now him. Does this mean that I have to keep it to keep the streak alive for Jake? Sounds like a plan for now but ask me in 2 years...we'll see! ;)

Congratulations Jon!

Spring break?

Well not really - Jon spent his spring break here!

For a marathon life guard training! He passed! Looks like he has his summer all planned out! ;)

There's a parker!

We took advantage of this spring like day for Jon to practice a little parallel parking.

It took a lot of concentration to get it right

But after a few close calls and a couple of tries

I think he's got it!

When he was little and we'd be looking for a place to park, he'd yell out 'there's a parker!' when he'd spot one. Well I still use that cute little phrase. Before long, he'll be looking for a parker on his own.

I think we all have spring fever now. It was a pretty weekend with lots of sunshine and mild temperatures. A little taste of what's to come...we can't wait!

% Our All Star! %

Just when I had come to terms with the boy's hockey season coming to a close, Jon received news that he'd been selected for the high school all star team! What an honor! Last night, the team played and won! It was a a fast paced game and was great to see all of that skill work together. Some of the kids on the team played together when they were young. So cool for them to be a team again...even if for one game.

The team was introduced one player at a time and needless to say, Jon had his own personal cheering section! (In case you're wondering, we're not quiet! ha!)

I think his face says it all! It's a combination of liking the attention but also saying, please make them be quiet! =)

So, for the last time, Jon left the rink as an official high school player! It was a great night!

One chapter ends and another begins...

Last night, the boys wrapped up their Sunday night hockey league with an impressive win! (We didn't see many of those this season so I was excited! ;)) Both Jon and Jake played well..Jon was on fire as a key defenseman and Jake had an assist. Lots of reasons to cheer. But more importantly, it starts a new chapter for Jon. You see, being a senior this year means that he'll no longer participate in the high school leagues. And while that doesn't mean that he won't play hockey in the future, it does mean that this chapter comes to a close. I know so much more awaits him...not just with hockey but in life. But I'd be remiss if I didn't take a moment to say that watching him grow from a little boy who could barely stand on skates to a young man who happens to be pretty good at this sport has been a blessing! We're proud of you Jon and hope you know you're my most favorite 18 year old Godson EVER! ;)

He's 18 today!

I know time goes fast but to think that Jonathan is really 18 today is almost unbelievable! I remember so well the Saturday morning he was born. It was a cold crisp day and I hurried to the hospital to meet him. I sat holding him and staring at him. He was so little! Well not anymore! He's gown into a kid that loves to play ice hockey, loves his Cowboys (that makes me sad ha!), doesn't shy away from a conversation and has dreams to last a lifetime.

Jon, we're hoping you have the happiest day. We love you and want the best for you!

He shoots, he scores!

Jonathan's hockey team is participating in a high school tournament this weekend. Their first game was tonight and since the rink is literally a stones throw from my office, I was able to go right after work. Even though the score didn't end up in our favor, Jon scored his first goal of the season, from the blue line (ok, if you're not a hockey guru, that's good stuff). Here a picture I took right after he took the shot.

His team has at least 2 more games this weekend. Good luck Bears!

fall festival at the ski slopes

This morning Duffy, Jon, Jake and I headed to Whitetail for their outdoor festival. When we got there it was pouring rain and windy! Thankfully after a little bit, it cleared and we had some fun outside.

We rode the lift to the top of the mountain and then back down. The views were amazing!

Oh yeah, I love this shot...

If you remember, last weekend we dug out Jacob's snowboard and found that he um...out grew it over the summer! So, he found a new board today.

He got to do a little rock climbing and paint balling too...

Between rain drops we looked around inside at the craft show and exhibits...

By the time we left, we could actually WALK to the car without umbrellas and running for shelter!