Fed-ex fail

Question: Fed-ex comes to your door to deliver a package, you had no idea was coming. Do you look at who the package is addressed to, or just sign for it and take it?

For me, I would at least make sure it's delivered to the correct address, just to be sure I don't have a hassle on my hands later, if nothing else.

Why do I ask? Well, J., was expecting his replacement cellphone yesterday and it was to be delivered through Fed-ex. J, being excited about his new phone, had called me 3 times already asking if his package had arrived yet...NOPE. The next call was around 3.30pm. When I told him it hadn't come, he asked me why I was messing with him. Through the company's tracking, his package had been delivered and was signed for by my initials. Nope, Fed-ex was never here, no package was delivered and I did not sign for anything.
The hunt began...calls to Fed-ex, calls to the cellphone company and even 2 calls to the police station were made. The driver who delivered the package finally was ordered to go back to the house where he delivered the package. Turns out he got the street right...but not the house number, not by 3 blocks. The next step, I would think, would be for the driver to get the package back and take it to the right place...NOPE! I was told I had to go get it.
And here is the kicker...The girl who signed for the package has the same first name initial...the driver just assumed (without looking) that the last name was the same. No verification was made, even though, when the order was placed, we opted to have MY signature required. Way to go Fed-ex driver...way to go!
Luckily, everything worked out in the end...we got our package, unopened and unharmed...But of course, not what I had planned for my afternoon!


And just because, after that long story, we need a smile...

This was taken last weekend when we went for a walk along the bay at Liberty park.


This is from our latest trip to the zoo(when daddy could go to). My favorite park of the whole trip!

Picture Fun

What have I been up to? Taking on a new hobby of course! I've been doing some editing of my pictures. Some have turned out great, while others still need some work. I've giving me some relaxation at the end of some very very hectic days. ENJOY!

10 years ago...I said good bye to some great friends, promised I'd keep in touch with others and was happy to never have to see some people ever again.

9 years ago...I had my first full time job, attended college, met the man I would call my husband, and said goodbye to some more friends as we all moved away and on with life.

8 years ago...Wore a white dress, a beautiful bouquet of flowers and walked down the isle as I said goodbye to single life and married my best friend.

7 years ago...I gained 30+ lbs., developed cankles, and found a new purpose in life as I had my blue eyed baby girl.

6 years ago...I received my first promotion at work and chased around a blond haired princess as she became steady on her feet.

5 year ago...Said goodbye to more friends as my life was about ABC's and theirs was about bars, fashion and guys.

4 year ago...I had a major job and life change. All teaching me life lessons that I try to remember daily.

3 year ago...I once again said goodbye to some friends, as I learned that I love life just the way it is. I also enjoyed learning things from my daughter as I was teaching her at the same time.

2 year ago...I learned that I could that I could love 2 children equally, and that the love a family has for each other is a powerful thing.

1 year ago...I became a stay at home mommy, as I had my new baby boy. Life changed again, as I went from a mom of two to a mom of three is just a year.

Yesterday...was my 10 year high school reunion. Some people changed, some people didn't. And everyone went down different paths.


This was my path. And, although, this may not have been where I pictured it, I truly do love my life. I enjoy the kids songs, movies and stories. Getting the sloppy wet kisses and bear hugs, the crooked candy dish made in school, even the 2.30am knee in the back as a child crawls into bed with me. Do I regret the choices I've made...no. I try my best to learn from the mistakes I've made and move forward. Here 's to the next 10 years...and to what may happen!

"Your on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where you go!"
~ Dr. Seuss

Heat Wave

In about 6 months you will here my woe is me's of the winter months. The never ending fall of that white stuff from the sky, so high it comes past my knees. The hour gear up it takes to get the kids ready to walk outside, the horrid road travel. In Northwestern PA, we get it hard. And it's not something I care for...
But for now, we are basking in the sun...the hot sun. The last week, we have been dealing with a heat wave accompanied by extreme humidity. Inside is hot...outside is out! But we have been surviving with some water fun...

J. J. is in love with the hose...little stinker will not leave it alone. D., well, he just wants to dump water on EVERYONE!

Quench your thirst!

I've been experimenting with different beverages for the house. J. is a Pepsi lover...and if you ask me a 2 litter a day is to much. I try not to give the kids pop, or soda for some. R. is allowed one small glass a day if she asks. I always so no to D., although, J. usually give in.
When I do grocery shopping, I grab a big jug of juice, usually apple and which ever is on sale. But it usually does not last the 2 weeks it needs to. I don't like juice boxes. They are a waste and make a mess. Koo laid mixes have to much sugar, although I have found that Wal-mart mix to have the lowest. So that's what we do for the kids.
But, I'm not a juice/koolaid drinker. I prefer teas and coffee...and I think I found the PERFECT homemade ice tea recipe. Check out this link below and experiment with the how many tea bags and how much sugar. I do 8 tea bags and 1.5 cup of sugar. I like it sweet! I have not tried using honey as a replacement of sugar yet, but plan on doing so soon.
I buy the store brand, like the original article states, usually Wal-mart. The best part...it's super easy to make and cheap cheap cheap! I hope you enjoy!

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/perfecticedtea.htm

America's birthday; Part I

July 3rd has always held significant meaning at our house...It's Daddy's birthday! And that's a holiday in itself around here.
This year was a little different. First, J had to work a short shift...and then of course get his mountain bike fill for the week. And since America's birthday falls on a Sunday this year the city's usual festivities took place today.
My parent's live right on the parade route, so traditionally we go watch, right out front amid the candy throwing, motorcycling and siren blowing. We woke up early this morning and headed out. I was pleasantly surprised that rain was not in the forecast, as it seems to go with the holiday around here. So we loaded up on the sun block, put our sunglasses and firework shirts and found our seats in Pamama's front yard.
It always starts with a cannon bang, which J. J. absolutely did not care for...wonderful start, eh?! He did, however, love dancing to the beat of the marching bands and other floats accompanied by music. Next up was a gigantic monster truck...guess who was a fan? This, along with the firetrucks, big-wheeled jeeps and motorcycles, dogs and skaters where a hit with D. R., she just loved the candy and seeing some of her friends, not only sitting with us, but in the parade.

Here are some pictures that got the biggest "ohhh" out of D...which of course, willl make J. very very proud.








D., and his Mada.


And, of course my favorite float of the parade.



"Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue"

A Hike in the Woods

At least once a week, J goes off into the woods and does his mountain biking thing. The kids are always wanting to tag along, but it's a dangerous adult hobby, and they just can't go. Plus, I highly doubt they would last the 2+ hour bike ride down some crazy hills, wicked jumps and mega climbs(all J's wording of course)!
We did however, decide to take in some of the other recreational activities that Asbury Woods has to offer and took a nice hike in the woods. We stayed on the main trail and got to see nature at it's best, including the big maple tree, Buttermilk Falls, and some pretty cool critters.

We, of course forgot the camera, so we pulled out the old Droid. Some of the lighting is a little off..



What's a hike without a walking stick? R. started this, but D., of course, quickly followed suit. Honestly, it made the hike a little harder as he had to pick up every stick he saw.


R. and her big cheese grin as she takes a rest under the big maple.


Once of the activities the adjoining nature center has is the Maple Fest in the fall. They teach the kids how to identify maple trees, the history of syrup production and of course offer samples. Here is a picture of the "Big Maple".


J. and J.J. checking out Walnut Creek. FYI- J.J., did not enjoy the how cold the water was!


D. has a small obsession right now with flowers. He LOVES them. Whether they are dandelions, roses from my bushes in the front yard, or wild...he sees them, they are in his hands.




"In the woods we return to reason and faith."
Ralph Waldo Emerson