Making It Our Own

June 15, 2009 marked two years since moving to the "new house" as David still calls it. As always, what seems like a small project around here always turns into something bigger. With the kitchen, it started out with replacing our broken microwave. That trickled down into painting the cabinets, tile backsplash, new countertops, etc. Well, same thing occurred this weekend, although, I must say it was much cheaper than the kitchen project...just some paint is all it took. I had Dave hanging a new flag and bunting that we bought in Gettysburg to decorate for 4th of July. That trickled into painting the shutters and then it turned into painting the porch. After three days of non-stop painting, we are finally done, and actually really pleased with our "new house". It's kind of weird when you move into someone else's house. It takes a while to make it your own. We love it, and I have a feeling we'll actually be sitting on the front porch this summer, enjoying life and appreciating the hard work we put into everything. Our inspiration for this project was Cape May and a serene, "homey" southern plantation. Here's the before and after...

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I took a couple more close ups , click pic to view album:

house

85 Years

Tonight we celebrated a birthday for a man who is one of the most loving, caring, giving men I know. That man would be my Grandpop. Ever since I was young, I recognized the kindness and love this man showed me. My first memory I have of my Grandpop is his face when he saw me swinging on the swing he made me in my backyard. He made it for my 3rd birthday, and he didn't just make it for me, he showed me how to use it. He taught me how to swing, and up until a few years ago, I still would swing on that swing. It eventually became too rotted to salvage, and I rememer the day we took it apart to throw it in the trash and how deep my heart sank. My Grandpop has made me so many things since then that I still have, and I can not tell you what these things mean to me. I think my favorite are the birdhouses. Every time we look out and watch the birds, we always think of him. My second favorite is my Wizard of Oz display box in which he painted the yellow brick road and Emerald City. He is such a talented man. My favorite thing to do with my Grandpop growing up was riding bikes. We used to ride bikes all the time. He would take me down to the Ferry and we'd watch it come in and go out, and we'd wave to the people on the boat. He makes the best spaghetti and clam sauce, the best meatballs, the best chicken cutlets, the best sausage, the best banana splits, the best pancakes, the best french toast, the best pasta vazul, and I could go on and on. He's helped build houses, walls, porches, sheds, decks, and I could go on and on. He fought in a war, and often worked three jobs to support his family. He NEVER complains, always sees the good in people, and always has room in his heart for one more. This man is who I look up to in life and I love him so much!! He truly is the best Grandpop ever and I'm so glad he had a happy birthday today!
Click pic to viewe album..

Grandpop's 85th

Pictures of June 13, 2009

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61309

Today was officially David's last game of the season(they actually decided last minute to play one more this Tue night). The game started off very muggy and hot, the boys(and girls) were certainly not enthused to be playing this afternoon. They played for about 20 minutes and then the heavens opened up and it POURED. It was so funny to watch them become completely energized and full of life! They had a blast! I don't remember the last time it rained this hard. And it wasn't a "passing storm". This POURING rain has lasted since 1:30 this afternoon and it is now 4:50. According to the National Weather Service, at 4:00, we measured in at 5.31 inches of rain, so I imagine it's even more than that by now. Dave went out a little bit ago and got some shots of what it looks like out there. David and his team received their trophies after they called the game. Although it rained on their parade, it certainly didn't put a damper on things, it actually made it more fun!

Pocono500

Dad C. enjoyed an early birthday present from Dave and I...a trip to Pocono500, a first for Dad, he had a great time, a little sleepy from drinking early in the morning, but still something we know he'll never forget!!
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Pocono500 2009