More of Simon's Cat

Remember Simon's cat? There are a few more videos out there featuring this fantastic feline and I just had to share this one. My son Jesse and I laugh hysterically everytime we watch it. Enjoy!

I Am Still Laughing...

I couldn't help but post a link at Kari's post from yesterday. It was the funniest thing I have read or seen in a while. And to think...I could have ordered a new one a long time ago. Thanks for the laugh, Kari!

How Much Can I Get Done??

So I was up at 7 this morning, sorting laundry, reading email, planning dinner and trying to remember when I have to go to work. My house seems to be in a permanent state of disarray these past few weeks and I can't stand it. The time has come to get organized, get efficient and get busy. So I thought to myself this morning: Daphne, (that's what I call myself) this would make a good entry for your blog! I was away for so long and I want to get back in touch with my friends. So I put off cleaning and cooking this morning to blog. WTH?

I've reviewed my check list. Laundry, started. Dishwasher, running. Dinner, planned (German-style sweet and sour ribs for my hubby.) Carpets, dirty. Floors, sticky. Furniture, dusty. Clutter, laying around. AAAGGH! When I wasn't working outside of the home I was definitely working INSIDE of the home. Now I don't seem to be. I can't find that happy medium where I manage to balance all of my priorities. By the time I get home from work (normally around 6) I managed to cook dinner and then I crash. Those babies wear me out!

Anyone have a suggestion??????? Help a poor girl out, please!

Realizations on a Rainy Sunday

There are a few things I have come to realize over the past few days, years, hours. And in no particular order he we go:

* I love listening to thunderstorms but I hate the rain.
* Kenny holds my hand so often that when he's not around to do so, I don't know what to do with them.
* I miss my Nunnie more than words can express.
* I have lazy cats.
* My father is the cutest guy I know (no offense, Kenny.)
* I spend way too much time 'googling' things.
* The world was not made for short people.
* Ice cream should have it's own food group.
* I don't know everything.
* My mom is usually right.
* I could never have a modern-styled home.
* I love nuts and raisins but not in anything.
* I have useless information stuck in my head.
* There is nothing greater than the love of family.
* I should have lived in the 50s.
* Laughing is good for the soul.
* I need to read more.
* I definitely need more patience.
* When people tell me I'm nuts, they're probably right.
* My God is an awesome God.

Come to any realizations lately??

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth!

They say the pathway to hell is paved with good intentions. I had every intention to start blogging again. Then 'this' happened one morning. And then 'that' happened one evening.

But anyway...I'm slowly getting accustomed to our new arrangements around here. Kenny started a new position at work which should ease our financial burdens. But it's a steady night turn position. I HATE night turn. It wouldn't be that bad if he worked the "4, 10's" (like the job is scheduled) but he works 11 hours every day and it's never just four days. Last week he work 6 days straight. And this week he went out on Sunday night and will work through next Thursday morning. Yep! That's 12 days straight. I could deal with it if he had the weekends off. But that rarely happens.

I seriously went through the five stages of grief. I told him that money doesn't mean that much to me. We're doing ok. He felt otherwise. I said I didn't get married to sleep alone, damn it - he said it won't always be like this. I said I would try to get more hours at work. He said he doesn't want me to have to work at all. I cried for days (and in front of him.) He would hug me and tell things are going to be better. Finally, when none of that worked - I just accepted it. In order for him to "make a name for himself" out there, he had to take this job. And as much as I hate to admit it, everyone on the maintenance crew (the highest paying job in the yard) was on night turn at one time or another. So, I have to do what my mother says: Suck it up, be a supportive wife and stop making him feel guilty for trying to better our situation. But there is a bright side to all of this. When he still worked at Veka he would be on daylight for two weeks and night turn for two weeks. And I hated it! I never saw him. By the time he got home in the morning I had already left for work. He would get up just in time to eat dinner and then leave again. But now, I can see him in the morning for a few hours. And he gets up about 2 hours before leaving at night. So I can see him then too. It still sucks. But at least it's better than before. And the extra money means we can go to my sister's in August!!!!!

Now on to more fun updates. The boys are in Ohio this weekend preparing to walk their mom down the aisle! Since my cousin is getting married here in PA on the same day, I can't be there. But it's being videotaped and I can watch that. I'm so proud of them. I'm proud of Kerry. And I couldn't be happier for her and Greg. The boys get along fantastically with Greg and with his kids. Things are looking up everywhere!!

And knowing that all good things come from Above - I praise the Lord and His infinite wisdom in knowing what's best for us and our family. And I marvel at His timing. Clearly, His plan is far better than mine.

My plans for tonight - visiting everyone and staying for a cuppa! Much love to each and everyone of you!

Happy Memorial Day!

Good Morning to all my blogging friends of heart! This Memorial Day reminds me of those I have loved and lost. And even though my loss of blogging friends is my own fault...I do miss you all. I want to pay the highest tribute to those who put their lives on the line to protect our blessed freedom. I think of my father who joined the Army before they drafted him. I think of my uncle who served in Vietnam. And my cousin who fought in the first Gulf War; another cousin who was serving on the USS Nimitz in 1988 when a fire broke out on the ship. We were blessed during their time of service and no one gave his life.

But Memorial Day, to me, is for more than remembering the men and women who served in the Armed Forces.

I remember my Nunnie whom I miss dearly. She was my first best friend. I learned how to cook watching her in her kitchen. I wish my husband and children could have known her. They would have loved her just as I did, just as everyone who ever knew her. She was a saint on earth and my heart aches for the day I can hug her again.

I remember Nancy Jane, my other mother. Nancy was Holly's mom and she kept me in line just as my own mother does. I had more coffee at her table than any other, talked more gossip and laughed big-bellied laughs when she was around. She died on my father's birthday 3 years ago and I still talk to her when I make my first cup of coffee in the morning.

I remember my Grandma. A strong Irish woman whom I see every time I'm around my sister. From her hands to her work ethic her spirit is embodied in Carrie and I thank God for that. When I see my sister furiously cleaning her floors - I see my Grandma.

I remember my Paps. The two were as different any two could be with one exception: their love for their families. One was easy-going and one as tough as nails (not to me, of course.) I think that God knew what he was doing when he gave them their spouses. My grandmothers balanced out their personalities and I kinda like to think that's what He had in mind when he gave me Kenny.

And even though I never met Kenny's dad (he died when Kenny was 7) I remember him today. He served in Vietnam and was pretty easy going. I think Kenny got his temperament from him. And I'm pretty sure he would have liked me. I hope so anyway...

May you all have a memorable Memorial Day keeping your loved ones close to your heart.

Blessing of the day: I blessed because I come from a long line of heroes in my heart!

Special of the Month

Nunnie's Attic Special of the Month

Our special of the month for May is this beautiful Church Wind Chimes which retails for $39.95. It is regularly priced at $31.95 in our attic but for the month of May we are offering it at $28.75

http://www.nunniesattic.com/store-products-34596-Church-Bells-Tuned-Wind-Chimes_40837826.html

My Apologies

Good Morning Everyone!
I must first beg your forgiveness for how long it has taken me to post. I am so sorry. My mom sends me an email anytime someone leaves a comment. When I checked my email this morning I found them, along with over 300 other emails that I hadn't checked in a while. I have no excuse. But allow me to explain what's been going on...

Two weeks ago I started a new job. It's part time, afternoons. I am working in the day care center of the YMCA. I am playing with babies! There are 4 rooms in the day care: infants, young toddlers, older toddlers and pre-school. I work in the infant room where the oldest child can only be 13 months old. I'm having a ball. And of course I have my favorites. But let me tell you, they're kicking my ass. At the end of the day...I'm whooped. On average we have nine babies/day. But there are days where we have eight and there are days when we have eleven. Since my clearances haven't come in yet, I'm not allowed to be left alone with any of the babies. That makes it hard when poor Cathy (my afternoon co-worker) has to use the rest room. We have to find someone to step in the room for her to leave even for just a few minutes. But, rules are rules. There's a baby named Ryan whom I just adore. He's eight months old. Unfortunately for me, his mom will soon be working part-time herself and will no longer need our services. Bully for her...but I'm devastated. He looks like the pictures I have of my Austin as a baby. So I hold him...a lot!! It's my way of playing with Austin as a baby. And he loves me. I know I will cry on his last day.

Another one of my favorites is a little girl named Alaya. She's 10 months old today, as a matter of fact. So in 3 months and a week she'll be moving to the young toddler group. But at least I'll still be able to see her everyday. She's absolutely adorable and I spoil her. The moment I walk in she lights up. She drops whatever she's doing and waddles over to hug my legs, look up at me and smile. She knows I will pick her up. She's my princess and I call her that. She doesn't get much love at home. I have never met her mother. I've met her father who picked her up once, her aunt who has picked her up a few times and her mother's boyfriend, the drug addict, who picks her up a lot. From what they have told me, her mother (just 19 herself, with another daughter in the older toddler group) doesn't pay too much attention to the girls. Isn't that the saddest thing you've ever heard?? So I try to make up for it. And if that means spoiling her, oh well. I could snatch her up and make her my own daughter in an instant!

Jesse went to Washington, D.C. with the school at the end of March. He had a great time. We bought a throw-away camera for him to take. I was going to give him my digital camera but I was afraid that he might lose it (he's famous for things like that.) And he wasn't too confident in that area anyway. I think he was relieved to take the throw-away. That way if he did lose it, no harm done. Well, in the first hour and a half he took 27 pictures and ran out. He had to buy another one down there. He was NONE too happy about that. The cost up here? $6.99. The cost in DC? $14.95. But now he has over 50 pictures of his trip. Priceless!!

One of the perks of working at the YMCA is that they give their employees a membership for free. I chose to upgrade and include my family on the membership for just $18/month. The boys are having a blast! They're playing things they couldn't possibly play outside: basketball, racket ball, volley ball. I tease them all of the time. But they're having fun and that's all that matters. They'll really enjoy the Y this summer when it's hot and they want to go swimming.

So that's what's been going on around here. I have no excuse for not posting or visiting other than now that my "blogger block" has passed due to my new job...I'm tired. And I know that's no excuse. I hope that everyone is doing well. I have never forgotten anyone . And I still pray for all of you. Please keep my family in your prayers and I love you all!

Spring Sale

Spring, a time for redecorating. Nunnie’s Attic is
offering you 20% off everything for your home, yard
and patio.

Take time to look over all the beautiful products we
have to offer. www.nunniesattic.com and use coupon
code “20%” to receive 20% off your entire order.

Hi,

I would like to take this time to wish ALL of you a very Happy Easter.

Julie right now is having Blog Block. Just be patient I am sure she will be back soon.

Today is the day our Lord died for us and I wanted to leave you with this prayer.

My good and dear Jesus, I kneel before you, asking you most earnestly to

engrave upon my heart a deep and lively faith, hope, and charity.

With true repentance for my sins, and a firm resolve to make amends.

As I reflect upon your five wounds, and dwell upon them with deep

compassion and grief, I recall, good Jesus, the words the prophet David spoke long ago concerning yourself:

“They have pierced my hand and my feet, they have counted all my bones.”

From all of us, to all of you, have a Blessed Easter.

Love, Margie (Mom)

I've Been Tagged!

Willzmom tagged me to write a 6 word Memoir. Enjoy!!

Nowhere to turn? Kneel Down. Pray!!




Here are the rules:
Write your own six word memoir. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere. Tag five more blogs with links. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!"

I tag: Anyone and everyone. It's a fun one to play!!

Hello Everyone!

Good Afternoon Everyone!
Well, things haven't been working out all that well for me these past few weeks. This past Friday, things got even worse. As many of you know, our finances have been in a rough patch lately. And I could deal with that. I am dealing. Praying very hard, but dealing. But that's nothing compared to what happened this past Friday.

My husband woke up at 4 in the morning with an irritation of sorts in his eye. He went downstairs to put eye drops in but couldn't do it himself. Not wanting to wake me up he just came back upstairs and tried to go back to sleep. Well of course I was awake and I asked if he had brought the drops upstairs. He hadn't so I went down and got it. I came back up and put a big drop in his eye. Unfortunately, it turned out to be SUPER GLUE!! I super glued his eye shut.

Now let me explain how that happened. It was 4 am. Jesse had left the super glue out on the coffee table. The bottle is cone-shaped. It also had ZERO writing on it. I was confused and it happened. I took him to the ER and they did NOTHING for him. Actually said there was nothing to do. Well I had called Poison Control and they said that they most certainly should have done something. They could have applied Lubricon which is an oil-based ointment to get the eye open. Or Vaseline or mineral oil. They also should have contacted the opthamologist on call. Well I called him myself and made an appointment for Kenny on Saturday. Dr Zambelli himself called me back and talked with Kenny. Explained again to us what we should be doing and then called back later that evening. He wanted to see Kenny first thing in the morning. At 6:40 am Kenny was in the doctor's office and he got his eye open. Gave him 2 different antibiotics and he goes back again today. But PRAISE THE LORD, there was no damage to his eye. I was hysterical. I thought for sure I had blinded my own husband.

So that's what's been going on here. Please say a prayer for him (for us) and I'll check in again soon. Thanks to everyone for your prayers already. We need them!

Problems Again

Hi, once again this is Julie's mom here to tell you Julie once again has that problem cloud over her head. I will let her tell you about. I will say things are better today then yesterday. Keep her in your prayers.

Love, Margie

P.S. Someday this one might be funny, as our family says a lot "Only Julie"

Dork Fish

This is for my mother...



Lenten Scriptures: Mat 20: 17-28 "Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Thought for the Day: Pray a Rosary for vocations today, and consider how God is calling you to serve.

So I've had better days...

Let me first start out by saying thank-you to everyone who dropped by while I was out. It touches my heart. Remember the styes that I kept getting? Well, it got a lot worse before it got better. I had one on my upper right eyelid. It went away and then I had one on my upper left eyelid. It went away. But then...I got yet another on my lower right eyelid and this one got badly infected. I called the doctor on Monday after my mother practically threatened me, haha, and he called me in a prescription for an antibiotic drop. By Monday night I couldn't see out of my right eye anymore, it had swollen so bad. Tuesday was just as bad. Wednesday was a little better. And then suddenly it got a lot better. I could finally see without any problems yesterday. You can still see it. But it's just a little bump now. Instead of it covering my entire bottom lid, it's just this little thing now. Moral of the story...don't let them get out of control.

School was canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the snow and ice. The boys were thrilled! But we could have been in big trouble. Let me explain. Remember a few months ago when the sensor went on our furnace? Kenny replaced it and we've been fine. But then Monday night when we were getting all of that snow, the furnace cut out again. We woke up to a 58 degree house. Kenny said that he would bypass the sensor for the day and fix whatever the problem was when he got home that night. The furnace would just have to run all day. He showed me the pin (bypassing the sensor) and said that if it got too hot in here to pull it. That was about 5:30 in the morning. Well, unbeknown to my sweet husband, when he bypassed the sensor...the flue didn't open. Carbon monoxide was pouring into the house. About 10:00 the boys and I were deathly ill. Our heads were heavy and pounding. We were dizzy and sick to our stomachs. Hearts pounding out of our chests. We could hardly stand. As a matter of fact, Austin laid down in the hallway upstairs. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out how we could all get so sick. Same symptoms and everything. Then it dawned on me. Could this be carbon monoxide? I sent the boys outside and pulled the pin. I opened a window. And waited. Unfortunately, the house was freezing again. But we were alive! When Kenny came home I explained what I did. He went down to check and came running back up. He said the flue didn't open and I was right. Austin said good thing Mom was here. Or you would have had a hard time waking us up, huh Dad? Kenny said no...you would have fallen asleep forever. Austin's head spun around and said...Good thing Mom doesn't go to work anymore! Kenny winked at me and said yep.

I'm taking that as a sign from God. Times are rough right now. But yet every time I question our decision for me to stay home, God sends me a sign that lets me know I am supposed to be here. The last sign was when an old outlet caught fire and I was here to put it out. So while we may be struggling financially right now...I still know we made the right decision. I have turned this problem over to God and He will get us through this. Oh and I don't really know what the problem was, but Kenny fixed it. He knew immediately what to do but just didn't have the time in the morning. And the moral of this story...Trust in God!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Lenten Scriptures: Mat 5:20-26 "...go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Thought for the day: Meditate today on Jesus' call to forgive others just as God forgives us.

May You Be Blessed

Please take a minute and watch this beautiful movie - receive the message - and share it with others. Have a blessed Sunday!

Lenten Scriptures: Mt 4: 1-11 - "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, buty by every word that comes corth from the mouth of God.'"

Thought for the Day: Take time to meditate on the many ways God speaks to you daily.

Just Can't Get it Together

I must apologize to all of my blogging friends for my inability to get it together long enough to visit everyone. I don't remember how I did it before. Yesterday, I lectored for Ash Wednesday services. Then when I got home I tidied up before having to make dinner. After dinner I left for ...Bingo. Now I am not a bingo kind of gal. My mom is. She and her best friend go every Wednesday down to our church hall for "award winning bingo." But I am not a good Christian in that setting. I know this. I accept this and since I never seem to win, only donate - I stay away. But last night I was on a mission. I needed signatures.

I wrote a letter to our bishop regarding our parish's need for a permanent pastor. If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you'll know that Father Jim was assigned to another parish. We do not have a permanent pastor at this time. Father Steve is the pastor at St. Philomena's in the neighboring town and he has been assigned as our "Pastoral Administrator" until a replacement (if any) can be found. As for "Replacement Ministry" (meaning when Father Steve has responsibilities at his own church) Father Mark comes from yet another parish to fill in. Our church is entirely too large to not have a permanent pastor. Due to the pastoral shortage the days of each parish having her own pastor is becoming a thing of the past. However in our area, there are 3 parishes in Beaver Falls (the next town over) with 3 permanent pastors. And I want one of them! So I went looking for signatures and I found quite a few.

The plan was to leave once I got the signatures. But since "Aunt Patty" was sick last night, my mom would be playing by herself. So I stayed to play. She paid for it, ha ha. So technically I didn't lose anything. When I called home to tell Kenny that I would be late, he reminded me to swear quietly - HA HA! I didn't win anything. But I didn't completely lose my senses. I behaved appropriately! I left for bingo at 5:30 so that I wouldn't bother anyone while they were playing. If you've ever gone to bingo, you know that they'll scratch your eyes out if you're bugging them while they're playing. I didn't get home until after 10. And the whole point in mentioning all of this is that my visits to everyone have suffered. I'm not visiting like I used to. For that I apologize! I'll get it together. I just need to work the kinks out. Please be patient with me.

Lenten Scriptures ~ Luke 9:22-25
Thought for the Day: ~ Pray that you will always be attentive and responsive to God's will.

Season of Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday. It begins the 40 day liturgical season of prayer and fasting before Easter. As Catholics, we're called to sacrifice. My kids and I struggle every year with what we're "going to give up." Last year Austin said that he was giving up ice cream. Sounds good. But then I thought about it. "Austin, how often do we eat ice cream? That's not really a sacrifice, is it?" I am very good at pointing out the hang-ups in my children's Lenten sacrifices. But what did I give up last year? Uhmmm, nothing. Yep friends, I'm a hypocrite.

I gave up chocolate one year and I was a complete and nasty witch. I tried to give up pop one year. But the headaches were awful. I could try to give up smoking. But I don't even want to think how miserable everyone would be around here. So everyone can forget that. Decisions, decisions.

As I typed this post I began to think about some changes that I could make. Make the necessary changes to be a better person. I opened my bible today. It fell open to Psalm 50: The Acceptable Sacrifice. I kid you not! Verse 14-15 says: "Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High. Then call on me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall honor me."

I remembered this morning that God already knows my heart. He already knows my fears and His plan for my life is laid out before me. He already knows what I will ask of Him. But I have to remember that while my God is a merciful God, St James reminds us that faith without works is dead. (James 3:26 - "For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." It is not enough that I have faith in God and in His merciful nature. I must change the way I view the world and others. I am turning my problems, fears and worries over to God this morning. He will deliver me from them. And I will praise God and bring Him glory.

Lenten Thought for the Day: Do something kind for someone anonymously.

Spring Will Come!!

I'm sure everyone is getting tired of me complaining about the cold weather. And it's really my own fault. I'm ready for Autumn by Sept.1. I decorate for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. By February my attention has turned to spring and all the glory it brings of the earth's rebirth.


I'm so excited for spring this year. This will be my first year at home. I will have time to really clean all of the leaves out of my yard. Incidentally, I don't have trees in my yard. But directly behind me are woods. I have more leaves than a forest. This year I want to plant a garden. My kids aren't going to be too happy about that. Takes up their playing area, you know. But for the past 5 years all of the neighborhood kids have played in my yard. Pick a new one. I want to plant my flowers and enjoy my front porch again. Spring is coming!

Nunnie's Attic has a whole category dedicated to your garden needs. We have hand selected our inventory. We stock our webstore with items we want to own. But always remember that if you're looking for something specific and you don't see it, just ask. We will do everything in our power to find what you're looking for to best suit your style.


Can't you just picture yourself lying on this hammock? Basking in the warm sun. Reveling in the beauty that surrounds you while taking a much needed break. Won't you take a peek inside the attic and see what treasures you can find?


**click on the images for a description of the item**

Well I Finally Fell Asleep!

I only slept for a few hours Wednesday night, maybe 3 hours. Thursday night I didn't sleep at all. I heard the freezing rain fall. I watched TV as over 300 schools delayed. I decided at about 5:30 that I wasn't going to send the boys if our school didn't delay. Every other school in the area had delayed already by that time. But about 5:50 the notice came that they had. So the boys enjoyed an extra 2 hours of sleep. I tried all day long yesterday to sleep. I put on soothing music. I tried my bed. I tried my couch. I tried my reclining chair. But I couldn't find a comfortable position. Isn't that just the worst thing? I was completely exhausted and yet unable to sleep. I went up to bed last night at 11:00 and the last time I looked at the clock it was 2:00. I woke up when Kenny's alarm went off at 5:30 and I thought for sure that was going to be it. But he sat on the edge of the bed and played with my hair for a little bit. And lo and behold...I started to relax again. He shut off the light and I fell back to sleep. And I slept until 9:15. I could feel what I call the cats' "Hunger Stare" on me. Sure enough, I woke up to 3 of them just staring at me. But that's ok. 7 hours is better than nothing.

Now on to other matters! My sweet friend, Alexandra from Silver Bell Cottage, tagged me to play 4 Things About Me. I always like these little memes. I enjoyed learning a few more things about Alexandra. I'm supposed to tag 4 other people to play. But, I have done that a few other times already. So, if anyone wants to play along - please do so. It's fun. I'm trying to give completely different answers this time. So if you have read one of mine before and the answers are different, that's why.

4 favorite movies ~
I Remember Mama
Imitation of Life
Pocket Full of Miracles
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

4 places I've lived ~
With my parents
By myself
With Kenny
With my husband and my boys

4 shows I watch ~
Project Runway
Monk
Paula's Home Cooking
Lakewood Church

4 people who email me ~
My mother
My sister
My friend Cindy
Proverbs 31

4 favorite eats ~
Anything made by my father
Bacon-wrapped Saltine crackers
Pulled pork sandwiches
Chocolate Derby Pie

4 places I'd rather be ~
The beach
Spending my millions
Cooking with Paula Deen
Lounging at my villa in Italy

4 things to look forward to ~
Watching my sons graduate
Watching my sons marry the love of their life
Being able to play with my grandchildren
Enjoying retirement with Kenny