Annual Susalla Summer Spectacular

Every year my mom's side of the family tries to get together for a summer outing. Since my uncle and cousin both work security at Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh, we have been going there in the recent years. We had a really great time as always! It was Morgan's first trip to Kennywood, and she really enjoyed it! I was afraid that she would not ride any of the rides but after the first one, she was a riding fool! It is always great to get to spend time with the family. We missed my one uncle, aunt, and cousin (they were at my cousin's all-star baseball tournament) but made the best of a rainy day and had lots of fun. Below are some pictures from the day.

Birthday Party Fun

Today we celebrated Morgan's second birthday. She doesn't actually turn two until Monday June 30th. I think the kids (and the adults) had a good time!

A six foot tall birthday cake?!?!

Making Princess/King crowns

The Princesses Cake

The Birthday Girl

The sand and water table was a hit!

Lydia and Mama help Morgan open presents

Four Generations

Jennifer, Morgan, and Patrick

Toddler Trance

What, might you ask, would cause a crazy, always on the go, never still toddler to do this???

The answer is simple....Fraggle Rock.

That's right, the same puppet show you watched and sang along with as a child has totally mesmerized my toddler! Never in her life has she sat still through a 30 minute TV show (which is not a bad thing, I might add).

Lately she's been really into the Playhouse Disney show Johnny and the Sprites. She is always asking for Johnny! The show is cute, with lots of singing and bright colors, but as I am sure all the mothers with younger children are nodding, watching the SAME DVD over and over can be a little...well grating on the nerves.

Thankfully my very wise mother suggested if she liked Johnny so much that she might like Fraggle Rock. I happen to have the first season of the Fraggles (Gobo, Mookie, Wembly, Boober, and Red) on DVD, so I tried it out. The result was astounding. Morgan sat, totally transfixed, and watched over 30 minutes of the show without moving! Amazing.

**Let me add the disclaimer here that I am certainly NOT a proponent of excessive TV watching or TV day care, but once in a while I feel it's OK**

Why sick people should just stay in bed

Last week I started coughing a little, nothing major. Morgan had a runny nose and I chalked it up to a cold caught from her. Who gets a cold in the summer you ask? Well, me aparently. That little cough turned into what I liken to a smoker's cough. You know the coughing and wheezing that older smokers do? That is what I sounded like. Three days ago I started to lose my voice due to the cough and accompanying mucus that had taken up root in my chest (ever seen the commercials for Mucinex??) with no thought of leaving any time soon. The cough progressively got worse until last night my left ear starting hurting so bad I wanted to stick an ice pick in it! Why is it that most medical "emergencies" come after hours??

In any event, a trip to urgent care found that once again I had let things go too far before consulting a doctor. I now have bronchitis and a left ear infection so bad that the pressure is threatening to burst my ear drum!!!! No wonder my ear hurt. I left with three new prescriptions and after a very nauseating car ride home took the pills and went to bed.

All of that is background for why sick people should just stay in bed. This morning I got up and have almost no voice at all. I was cleaning up the kitchen from last night's dinner, loaded the dishwasher and started it, wiped down everything, and proceeded to pour a small glass of milk to take my morning pills.

One pack of pills had completely disappeared. I knew (well thought) that I had taken them to the kitchen with the intent of taking them with some milk since the instructions clearly said take one before breakfast with food or milk. But they were GONE. Patrick, my in-laws, and I scoured the house looking for them. There weren't many places they could be. I even dug through the trash can because in the course of cleaning up I had been throwing out wrappers, etc. No luck.

I decided to just forget about the pills for a while and move on to another thing. An hour and a half later I found the pills. Can you guess where they were?

That's right folks....IN THE DISHWASHER....that had completed it's wash and dry cycle! I opened the dishwasher to let it vent a little before emptying them and there they were, right on top of the glasses. And were these pills in a bottle? No of course not! They are in a blister pack. I know for certain that one has dissolved completely. I am not sure of the state of the rest of them. I was so mad at myself when I found them that I just left them on the counter and went to another room.

I guess I had better wander back in there and see if any of the other pills are salvageable. If not I guess I'll be going back to urgent care and watch the nurse hold back her giggles as I explain that I put them in the dishwasher!

Sigh....I think I had better just get back in bed for today.

Mama's Llama

Morgan got a new book the other day, courtesy of the Children's Book of the Month Club. This has become the most requested book in the house! She loves listening about Llama Llama and Mama Llama. As the story goes, Mama Llama has to do her weekly shopping and takes little Llama Llama out with her. Little Llama gets increasingly upset and finally throws a fit. Mama Llama handles it well and in the end Llama Llama proclaims his love for Mama Llama.

Mama's Llama

I have started calling Morgan Llama Llama because it seems that she is always Mad at Mama! I am sure it's the stage of life that she is in, and my mother tells me it's a preview of life with a teenager (OH NO!). In any event, if you have kids, I highly recommend Anna Dewdney's cute books about Llama Llama.

A good Father's Day

Patrick had a very good Father's Day today. Morgan and Mama let him sleep until 10:00 this morning, then we just goofed off at home until lunch. We took Patrick to Wong's Wok in the mall (his FAVORITE place to eat) for his Father's Day lunch. Afterwards we went to visit Uncle Rodney, Aunt Becky, Anna and Shannon for a few hours. Morgan had a great time playing with the girls and wrestling with Uncle Rodney! We stopped at TCBY for ice cream and headed home so Patrick could watch the final round of the US Open.

Morgan gave her Daddy a Super Mario Bros. T-shirt, a new hat, and a signed draft card for Owen Schmidt (ex-WVU Fullback). I gave him the Wii, which he has had for a couple months already.

Morgan also presented her Daddy with a special gift, Mama's new shoes!!! I think overall he had a good day and enjoyed his gifts.

Lovebirds

It's rare that Patrick and I get to go anywhere without Morgan. Even more rare are pictures of the two of us, since I am the unofficial family photographer. A good friend of ours snapped this picture at another good friend's wedding on May 24th. I thought I didn't look too hideous in this photo and it was worth sharing. It's hard to believe Patrick and I have been together over 10 years, and our 5th wedding anniversary is fast approaching!

Memorial Day 2008

Summer has finally arrived in West Virginia, just in time for Memorial Day!

To kick off the unofficial start of summer, we took a picnic lunch to Coopers Rock State Forest with my brother Jeff and sister-in-law Cecelia. It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect for hiking....low 70s, slight breeze, sunny. Morgan got to experience her first real picnic and got to see some of the most beautiful sights in Appalachia.

We were sad to miss the annual Woodchoppers Festival in Webster Springs, but we may have started a new family tradition. We will certainly be going back to Coopers Rock again this summer for another picnic and more fun.

We are so thankful to all the servicemen and women who have served (especially Great-Grandpa Ralph, Great-Grandpa Don, and Grandpa "Lips") and those who continue to serve (especially Uncle Chris) in order for us to be free. We live in the land of the free, ONLY because of the brave. God bless our military.

Visitors from Afar

Today my dear friend Catherine and her family stopped by our house on their way back home from a visit to our nation's capital. Catherine and I have been friends for 15 years (gasp! Half of our lifetime!!). Patrick and I had a really great time with Josh, Catherine, and their adorable kids. Hannah is 7 months older than Morgan, and Jack is 11 months younger. The kids had a great time playing together, and surprisingly Morgan was a pretty good host!


The girls played with the baby dolls, kitchen, and necklaces, while Jack enjoyed exploring the living room and having some toys all to himself! We had a wonderful visit, although it was WAY too short! We hope to see more of our friends as the summer months roll on. Perhaps we'll even make it to their house one day!

Here's Hannah, posing just like Winston the Wood Otter in the background.

Amen!

Thoughts for Today

I Believe... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe... That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe... That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe... That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe... The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, young and old, whose babies are with them or far away.

Tagged

I was tagged by a friend over e-mail, but thought it'd be more fun to do it here. So here goes!

What I was doing 10 yrs ago: I was getting ready to end my first year of college, taking finals and packing stuff to move out of the dorm. I was helping my roommate prepare to fly with me to Europe to visit my parents. I was spending a lot of time with my new boyfriend (now husband) before I left for the summer.

Five things on my to do list for today:

1. Return phone calls at work
2. Balance my checkbook
3. Return items to WalMart
4. Pick up car from Ford garage
5. Pack for weekend trip to Buckhannon (done!)

Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Buy a big house in Cheat Lake (and hire a housekeeper and cook since I hate doing both), pay off our debts, put money away for Morgan's college and wedding, pay off the home mortgages that my family members are currently paying on, open my own business, take an Antartic cruise, spend a month in Australia, buy a vacation villa in Italy or Spain, start a couple scholarship funds for youth with disabilities, donate to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep foundation and March of Dimes, donate money to my elementary school (St. Mary's in Goldsboro, NC), buy a luxury box at the WVU football stadium, and of course increase my monthly donations to church. I am sure there are many other things I would do, but that's what I can come up with in 2 minutes.

Three of my bad habits:

1. Popping gum
2. Eating while driving
3. Not throwing away anything (I am such a packrat)

Five places I have lived:

1. Philippines
2. Apple Valley, CA
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. Germany
5. Belgium

Five jobs I have had:

1. T-shirt design applicator
2. Grocery bagger and runner
3. Resident assistant in the dorms
4. Graduate teaching assistant
5. Program manager for 2 statewide and 1 national program


OK, I am tagging Catherine, Alaina, and anyone else who wants to participate! Make sure you leave me a message and a link to your answers once you have finished.

Sigh....

More Prayers for Julie G.

You may recall back in February I asked for your prayers for my babysitter Ellen's daughter-in-law Julie. Julie had just found out she was expecting her second child and was having some complications. I learned today that Julie lost the baby on Tuesday, May 6th, at 17 weeks gestation. I ask that you please keep keep Ellen's entire family in your prayers, and especially Julie as she mourns the loss. Ellen said that Julie is very down, especially with Mother's Day approaching. I can't imagine how she feels, and I know our prayers will help. Thanks for keeping them in your prayers today!

It finally bloomed!

This dogwood was planted a few years ago for my grandmother. After she passed away in 2005 we thought my father killed it with his heavy saturation of weed killer on our lawn. It has not bloomed since 2004. This year, as you can see, it is in full bloom, and is lovely. Dad is off the hook for being a tree killer (although he still has the title of the "Mad Pruner") and we are really enjoying this tree. Even through the snow (!!!) this week it has been beautiful.

Oh yes it is....

a PINK Cadilliac!!! I am in Huntington, WV tonight on business. The hotel where I am staying is hosting a statewide Mary Kay conference. The pictures above are of the newest pink Caddy that the national Mary Kay representative has "earned" through what she has sold and how high she has risen in the ranks of the make-up queens. I have to say, if I were able to earn this car at work, I'd sure work a lot harder!

Morgan Meets Governor Manchin

Morgan and attended our first political rally today. Neither Patrick nor I are very political. In fact, we generally don’t get involved at all other than to vote. This year one of Patrick’s very good friends is running for county assessor. We attended a rally for Mark Musick today and were delighted when the GOVERNOR of West Virginia showed up to endorse Mark! Gov. Manchin’s family is very good friends with the Musick family and since the Governor was driving through Morgantown on his way back to Charleston, he took some time out to stop by the rally. Morgan and Patrick had their picture taken with Gov. Manchin. The only thing that stinks is, because Patrick and I live in Pennsylvania, we can't even give our votes for Mark and the other candidates that Patrick has gotten to know through Mark. So if you live in Monongalia County, WV and are reading this, vote Mark Musick for County Assessor....he's your Choice for a Change in Mon. County!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!?!

In anticipation of a great WVU Football season, the Tenneys attended the first tailgate of the season and watched the annual Gold-Blue spring game. The offense (Gold) played the defense (Blue) for about 2 hours in a full force battle. It was a lot of fun, and all the proceeds from the game (ticket sales, programs, and profits from the consessions) went to WVU Children's Hospital. With over 18,000 fans in attendance at $5 a piece, a good deal of money was raised for the kids. Since Morgan was in Children's hospital when she was born, we like to support it when we can. The weather was gorgeous and we all had a great time. So bring on the season, and LET'S GOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!

Six Word Memoirs

My friend Catherine wrote an inspiring post today about her six word memoirs. The idea is to put your entire life into ONE six word line. I thought I might be able to come up with a few, so here they are!

Time moves quickly, pictures last forever.

Mother's kisses heal wounds and hearts.

Books create tranquility unknown in life.

One hot bath cures all ails.

Happiness is defined by cozy pajamas.


How do you define YOUR life in 6 words?

When did my mailbox become your trashcan?

Over the past few months we have been silently battling the neighborhood high school boys over trash in our yard. It seems that when the boys wait for the bus in the morning and especially when they get off the bus after school they use our yard as their trash can. A couple of times a month (and recently more frequently) Patrick and I come home to find a soda bottle or two thrown in our upper yard. We have not officially confronted the teens about it yet because we aren't normally home when it happens. The only reason we know it's the teens is Patrick happened to see the boys once as he was turning onto our street. I have suggested more than once that we set up our video camera to record the boys "in the act". Our other alternative to actually catching the boys is for one of us to take time off of work to be home when the bus gets here. That seems awfully silly.

We've been patiently steaming and picking up the bottles for a while now. My fuse finally reached the end when I arrived home today to find 2 soda bottles in my yard. And as I opened my mailbox I found a bag full of trash stuffed inside WITH my mail! What's a girl to do? I am really at a loss. Do I call the school and complain with no "solid" proof? Do I actually stay home from work to catch the boys, only to have them retaliate with something more serious than trash (like vandalism, loss of our mailbox, or other even worse possibilities)? Do I put up and shut up?

I am really trying to stay off my soapbox of parents and the lack of discipline and respect for other people and other people's things that is plaguing America. I just hope, as a parent, that I teach my child(ren) how to respect other people, other people's property, and ultimately to respect herself by acting like a good citizen. So to avoid taking that final step to the soapbox, I'll go get the mail...

Just for Today

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you and what you mean to me.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little onger. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day............

~Author Unknown~

It Does a Mother's Heart Good...

Spring is HERE!

It seems that Mother Nature has finally bestowed Spring upon North Central West Virginia. The weather has been beautiful, low 70s, slight breeze, crystal blue sky, fluffly clouds. We have been taking advantage of the mild evenings to spend some time outside as a family.

I guess since the weather is nicer it's time to get into the swing of spring cleaning. It's time for the first lawn mowing, and finding flowers to plant! I always used to think that summer was my favorite season, but over the past few years I have come to favor spring over the others. It's nice to say goodbye to winter for the next 6 months or so and enjoy the beautiful scenery God gives to us. We are going to be looking for a toddler-friendly park soon and will be enjoying the Rail Trail in Morgantown a lot for evening walks. Welcome Spring, we've missed you!

Getting in a few pitches of Bocce

Does ANYONE think this is a good idea?

Apparently 80's pop sensation New Kids On The Block are getting back together! At first glance, I thought to myself, that is the silliest idea I have ever heard! Now I have to admit that I was a big NKOTB fan, and was totally in L-O-V-E with Donnie Wahlberg. But I was NINE then. They were young and good looking. But something about 40ish not so buff men having a mid-life crisis going back on tour has ZERO appeal for me. Do they think they can compete with the teen pop sensations of the new century? Will thousands of "adoring fans" come out of the closets and flock to arenas around the country to hear "The Right Stuff"? Somehow, I just don't think so. My real question is....what music manager decided to pick these guys up to go back on tour? If I were in the record business, I wouldn't think this is a smart money-maker. But then again, the station of Sirius Radio that I listen to features NKOTB occasionally, so maybe I am the one out of the musical loop!