Wordless Wednesday: Splish Splash

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Rub-a-dub-dub. An adorable little girl in a tub...


Other Wordless Wednesdays
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A favorite summer pastime

Monday, July 27, 2009
Swimming. Who doesn't love a good dip in the pool on a hot summer's day?

4

Visiting Mom and Dad

Sunday, July 26, 2009
Last week while visiting my hometown in Pennsylvania, my sisters and I visited my parents' grave sites. They are buried together at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery as my father was a veteran of the Korean War. The cemetery is jaw dropping in it's uniformity and preciseness. It never ceases to amaze me.

The grand entrance and a breathtaking sight...American flags for as far as the eye can see.


Absolutely awe-inspiring...


Words cannot do justice to the beauty that abounds.
2

My Drama Queen

Wednesday, July 22, 2009
On July 6th Emma started her summer drama camp. I was excited about her eagerness to enroll as she's never expressed ANY interest in organized activities such as this. I am happy to report that she is thoroughly enjoying the camp. Firstly, it is held at the local high school, which apparently, according to 7 year olds, is a very big deal. Secondly, the instructors are high school drama students which is an even bigger deal. Lastly, there is a command performance complete with costumes on August 13th. Big stuff!!

What amuses me most about this class is the way the kids come strutting out of the building when it's closing time. Seriously, are they walking the red carpet or what? All they're missing are the Armani Couture gowns, Manolo Blahnik heels and Harry Winston jewels.

I can't wait for the big performance...a must-see for sure!
1

High Anxiety

Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My anxiety level has been off the charts since the burglary. It really is one of those things that is difficult to get off my mind. I awake thinking about it and I go to sleep thinking about it. Last night I tried to read but found it incredibly difficult to focus. Each day, the anxiety subsides just a bit, and knowing that the police are actively and aggressively investigating has helped to ease my mind.

I'm still focusing on exercising and eating healthy. For more details on my progress, read here. I'm no longer paranoid about leaving the house, so I've been getting the kids out and about to their activities and the playground and beach.

I can't stop zeroing in on what a huge invasion of our privacy the burglary was. What kind of person breaks into some one's home in broad daylight? Who is so desperate to do something like that? I just don't understand it. Worse yet, the police suspect that it was one of our neighbors...someone who was aware of my comings and goings and knew that my schedule is regular on Wednesdays. How sad is that...a neighbor? So very pathetic.
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Skipping July

Friday, July 17, 2009
Next year, I'm going straight from June 30 to August 1. No July for me. Why? Because basically Julys suck, and I've had it with them. Let me paint the picture...

July 2007 - My mother passes away after a 3 month long illness
July 2008 - My father passes away unexpectedly
July 2009 - My house is burglarized. Two laptops, a camcorder, and all the jewelry that belonged to me and my husband was stolen. Luckily, we were both wearing our wedding rings, and I had my engagement diamond on as well. But still...

I am so pissed right now. I need to channel all of this anger into exercise. Seriously. I'd be one fit momma in about 2 weeks. I don't want to dwell on it here, but who breaks into some one's house and rummages through their dresser drawers and steals things? Who does that? Uggghhhh!

This too shall pass, and things can only get better, right? Right?
1

The hunter and the hunted

Monday, July 13, 2009
Our cat, Peppy, has the life of Riley. Seriously. He's so spoiled. We love him to pieces. He's primarily an indoor cat although occasionally, we allow him to wander around the backyard, supervised. Recently, we've had a visitor...a squirrel who frequents our deck looking for a hand-out. Sometimes I throw some corn chips out to him. Peppy loves when our visitor comes calling...

3

Thursdays in Manasquan

Friday, July 10, 2009
Last night we headed over to Manasquan for the famous Thursday night summer beach concert and fireworks. We started out at Squan Tavern for dinner and made our way to the beach afterwards. It was unseasonably chilly, and due to the wind, the fireworks were cancelled. Nevertheless, plenty of fun ensued.

The band...
A beautiful sunset...
My aspiring model...
Henry, Me, our nephew Geoff and his wife Patti...
1

New wheels

Harper LOVES her new bike! And as promised, here are some pictures of her riding it.

She is just the cutest little thing in her helmet. I could just eat her up!!

2

Flip Flops

Wednesday, July 8, 2009
You know it's summer when...there are flip flops all over my house. Literally, they are strewn everywhere by everyone. I'd love to pin this one on the little ones, but I am just as guilty as they are. We never have to look far to find a pair. It's the absolute one item of clutter that I can actually tolerate.

But don't you just love the freedom of flip flops? I love the ease of use, variety of styles and colors, and what they embody: SUMMER! And everyone always has a favorite pair!
1

An absolutely perfect holiday weekend

Monday, July 6, 2009
It started with gorgeous weather. I mean better than perfect. Low 80's, no humidity and all day sunshine. The one problem I had all weekend was that my camera was at the bottom of my beach bag...uncharged. So much for capturing memories.

On Friday Henry and Emma had planned to practice riding her two-wheeler, but she didn't want to go. She always makes these grandiose plans and lacks follow through. Wait, that sounds vaguely familiar. We ditched the bike riding and headed to The Circus Drive-In for lunch instead. If you're from or familiar with the Jersey shore, you know that The Circus Drive-In is a true shore landmark. Anybody who's anybody goes at least once a summer. Everything on the menu is good. Unfortunately, because of my dietary restrictions, I was very limited. I decided on the Greek salad, and I didn't regret my decision.

After lunch, we bought Harper a two-wheeler. It's a 12" bike with training wheels...perfect for her. Now, the race is on to see who can master riding without training wheels first. I'll upload pics of Harper and her new bike as soon as I take some pictures of Harper and her new bike!!

On Saturday, we celebrated my niece, Hayley's 18th birthday. Lots of fun, lots of food and lots of wine! I was able to get a few pics from Hayley since my camera was nowhere in sight.
Here are Emma and Harper with their cousins, Hayley, the birthday princess, and Ashley.
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Here are Emma and Hayley with their Nana, my mother-in-law. So cute!!

On Sunday, we wrapped up the weekend with a day of relaxation and one final bar-b-que. It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.

3

The Tooth Fairy's pockets are empty

Sunday, July 5, 2009
Today Emma lost her 8th tooth. Surely, the Tooth Fairy will need to take out a loan after this loss. She has lost 4 teeth in the last 3 months. My bank account can't take it any longer!!

Thankfully, she lost it on her own. Last Monday, Emma went to the dentist for her 6 month visit. After cleaning her teeth, the dentist told us that Emma can have her sealants put on now. She told us that if one of her teeth didn't fall out by the time she has her sealants on, it would need to be removed by the dentist since her adult tooth was growing in behind it.

In typical Sheila fashion, I started to panic. There is no way this child will allow ANYONE, and I mean anyone, to remove a tooth. But the dentist did assure us that there was plenty of time since it's difficult to book appointments. I could rest easy...that was until we scheduled the appointment for the sealants for JULY 8TH. We were given 9 days to get the tooth out which, at the time, seemed like an ample amount of time. But as the days ticked by, I started to worry. Yes, you can imagine my sheer delight when today, Emma cheerfully yelled, "My tooth fell out! Yay! The dentist won't have to tie a string to it and yank the door closed."

I wish my husband wouldn't tell her such things.
1

Heaven Scent

Friday, July 3, 2009
I LOVE beauty, bath and body products. I have an unhealthy obsession with them. Anything for my hair, face, body works for me. Just recently I read about the Pacifica line of products, beach inspired body products. Yesterday, while browsing some local boutiques, I came across some Pacifica perfumes. My absolute favorite is the Malibu Lemon BlossomTM Solid Perfume. It looks like and has the same consistency as a lip balm, but it's a perfume. It's fantastic! You can continue to smell it throughout the day which I can't say about many other perfumes. And it's a steal for only $10.

To buy or find a store near you, visit www.pacificaperfumes.com.

Note: This is my personal opinion. I have in no way been paid by Pacifica to endorse their products. However, if they chose to send some freebies my way, who am I to say no??!!
1

The boardwalk

On Sunday, we had some friends come to visit. A former colleague of Henry's, his wife and their two sons, aged 6 and 3, came to see us for the day. While the guys played golf, we took the kids to the beach. There was a lot of digging holes. I guess that's what boys do!

After the beach, we had a bar-b-que and afterwards, we unexpectedly headed to the boardwalk. Since it was completely unplanned, the kids were overly excited.

First ride of the night...Alien roller coaster.
The girls enjoy the swings while the boys ride the choppers!
This little guy who is the youngest son of our friends refused to pull the handle back in order for the plane to go up. Initially, the girls were upset, but after a while, Emma thought it was funny!

Heading home after a night of fun...but not before we devoured a shore staple, funnel cake!!!
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