The Family Crom

Forgive your enemies and love your friends ...

2011-02-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from Turn Loose the Horses by Garrrett Hedlund

Turn loose all the horses and watch them run
Take time to take in the setting sun
Throw back a keeper just to watch them swim
Forgive your enemies and love your friends
SL

I love stuff like this. I think it important to remember to seize the day and make yourself happy ... don't sweat the small stuff! This has been a good week with homework and a field trip. T turned 11, which seems very surreal. He had his final Blue & Gold dinner and got his Arrow of Light...the first Boy Scout meeting. It's been a little busy but we have treasured the moments and ready to take on the next week.

On tap for the next week ... a weekend get-away, Romanian food, SLEEP!!!

We are back ... after more than a year!

2011-02-08T11:58:00.001-05:00

It is hard to believe that it has been so long since I have written anything on here, but there is no time like the present to get back on the bandwagon! :)
So what has happened in the last year?

Not much of significance. We were able to take some great trips to see family, friends and beautiful places. Talmage is now in 5th Grade and really looking forward to going to middle school next year. He has decided that he wants to take some lessons to get better at the sports he enjoys so he can see how good he can get. In case you are wondering, those sports are soccer and basketball. I told him I would look for some clinics in the area that he can go to. He is currently playing basketball in the township rec league but would like to try out for the travel team next year if he thinks he is good enough. He is also considering travel soccer...

I will try to keep you all posted how those go.

My plan for 2011 ... Fix those things I don't like (that are under my control) and complete projects around the house. The first item on the list: Find an architect/interior designer to renovate the house. I am SOOOOO tired of it.

Hopefully, by my next post, I will have movement in one of these areas. :)

Pardon the Interruption...

2010-01-16T11:23:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have not posted anything for a week. Talmage got really sick this week. It was our first adventure into the dreaded flu. He slept a lot this week and went through all the phases but I think he finally is feeling better! This morning he actually asked if he could go to basketball today but I said no. I don't think going into a gym and sweating for an hour then coming out into the cold weather is a great idea.

So today... here is what we will do:

~ Take it easy
~ Go for a drive
~ Maybe see a movie.

I happy it is Saturday and we don't have anything planned this weekend so we will have time to keep getting better.

Happy Saturday!

Rockin the Legos!

2010-01-07T20:01:00.002-05:00

Tonight, Talmage had very little homework so he had the following after school activities:

~ Came home
~ Did his 1 page of homework
~ Went to a friend's house
~ Came home
~ Worked on his pinewood derby car
~ Ate dinner
~ Cleared the table
~ Worked on his pinewood derby car
~ Played Lego Rockband for XBox 360
~ Watched a little TV
~ Read his book
~ Went to sleep...

That is a lot of activity packed into just a few hours.

Rockin Out!

2010-01-06T20:24:00.003-05:00

Tonight was fun!

We came home from school...ate a quick dinner (left overs) and ran through the homework. I did some exercising. Then we broke out the Christmas present...

ROCK BAND 2!!!

We had fun rockin out to a couple of different songs.

It is fun hanging!

Our 2010 Plan

2010-01-05T20:28:00.003-05:00

To write this post, I have decided to copy a friend of mine and ask my son some questions. The answers should be interesting:

Q: What are you most looking forward to doing this year?
A: Going on vacation!

Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: Tom & Jerry.

Q: What is your favorite month?
A: February

Q: Why February?
A: Because its my birthday!

Q: What do you want for your birthday?
A: I want umm Zelda Spirit Tracks, a cell phone, World of Warcraft, and Scribblenots

Q: What is your favorite color?
A: Blue

Q: What was favorite part of the holidays?
A: Getting presents and giving them.

Q: Do you have a New Years Resolution?
A: Yes. Make the biggest volvano out of vinegar and baking soda to make the blast 3 feet tall.

There is a little insight into Tally-man!

Don't Faint! 2 Days in Row!

2010-01-04T20:49:00.002-05:00

I know...it is shocking! 2 days in a row that I remember to come on here and update how the world of the Crom's is going. It has been a busy day but we made it through...

Conference Call
Bus/School Stop
Conference Call
Meeting
Updates
Lunch
Conference Call
Meeting
Updates
Updates
More Updates
Pick up kid
Home to change
Drop ice cream at friend's house
Pick-up forgotten book at another friend's house
Dinner
Homework
Study
Family talk

Now I am heading to bed and watching TV. Trying to convince myself not to watch ANOTHER season of The Bachelor but I keep turning it on.

I know none of this sounds exciting but the normal routine of life was great! I also feel great about most of the decisions I made today.

2010 Is Here!!!

2010-01-03T20:50:00.002-05:00

Well, it is 2010! This means that the 4th Grade Plan needs to kick into gear...seriously!

Though I have enjoyed not going into the office for the last week and spending more time with my son and friends, it will be nice to get back to the normal routine of life. He is heading back to school in the morning and I am heading to the office.

To get ready for this, we made a menu, a grocery trip, a healthy dinner, his lunch for tomorrow, and took the garbage out to the curb. We are ready to go. Now we need to keep the good and planning going!

Happy 2010 everyone!

1 month down...72 days to go

2009-09-30T15:56:00.003-04:00

So, I did a great job on the training for about a week and a half...then I stopped! This is me starting it back up again. September seems to be a crazy stressful month and this one was no exception. With going back to school & homework, starting the soccer season, starting the cub scout season and the busy month at work, there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day.

October will be busy as well but I will be prepared! Here are a few things that we have on tap for October:
~ a quick trip to Arizona to christen my god-daughter.
~ a quick trip to D.C. to cheer for a friend completing a goal
~ the big event of the fall for Cub Scouts (Spooky Trail -- and this year we get to do the scaring)
~ Halloween (stay tuned for costume)
~ Cub Scout popcorn sales -- be ready to get hit up for purchases if you live in the area

I will hopefully check in before the end of the month but I can NEVER guarantee that!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Kate

1 week down .... 90 days to go

2009-09-12T22:06:00.003-04:00

So the first week of school is done and we seem to have survived. After the first day of school I asked Talmage what he thought and this is what I was told.

"My teacher is REALLY nice. We don't have homework on the weekends!" I guess that's where the priorities are in the 4th grade. :)

Talmage -- the 2nd day of 4th grade.

As far as getting the rest of my life in order...I made progress there. Today I took advantage of cancelled sports due to weather to organize some of the house. I cleaned out my craft closet and my bedroom closet. I also organized the laundry room. For the last 7 days, I have worked out 5 days...that helps too.

Now I just have figure out what day's we are going to have activities so we can figure out the rest of the time!

Take care everyone!

The 4th Grade Plan

2009-09-08T14:33:00.005-04:00

Today is the first day of school for my little bundle of joy. Believe it or not, he is starting the 4th Grade!! I have decided to also start some school today. My school will be getting myself in order. This morning I received the following from a friend of mine:

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone for everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life.. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.....
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

This is my new outlook on life. My first mid-goal is to do a combination jog/walk of a 5k in December. Yesterday I proved to myself I could walk one and survive... now for the next step. Here we go!!!

Mission Accomplished!

2009-09-07T19:38:00.003-04:00

I did it. It wasn't fast and it wasn't easy but today I accomplished a goal that I set about a year ago. Today I completed a 5k! We walked it (with my friend Suzy) and finished in just under 50 minutes!

Now I am tired and sore and thinking about working towards running at least 1/2 of one in December!

Home Alone

2009-08-27T16:29:00.003-04:00

Talmage is on Nantucket with his Uncle Will and Aunt Melissa this week so I am taking this time to catch up on stuff that has been falling to the side. My work-work is actually at a manageable level this week (lots of people must be on vacation) which is nice & I am not watching a clock to make sure I pick up the kids on time.

My home-work is a little less up-to-speed. Though the laundry is done, the rest of the house needs picking up and possibly cleaning. I think my puppy would also appreciate a LONG walk and I should do something on the treadmill that I have been avoiding... :)

I can't believe there are only 2 more weeks (not even) until school starts again! But more importantly....Talmage is going to be a 4th Grader!!! That is ... where did the time go?

To celebrate my being home alone, tonight I am going for birthday drinks with some friends and then tomorrow I am having dinner with another friend. Ahh...the life of a single girl!

Wow...It's Been 3 Months...

2009-08-26T18:19:00.003-04:00

Ok...now for the update since the last post...

Got the car back

School got out

Talmage went to many camps

Talmage went to Grammie & Poppa's house for a week

We both went to California for a week

Talmage is at Uncle Will and Aunt Melissa's house right now...

Not as many little details as the last time so here a picture from California trip!

The Update...

2009-05-23T21:43:00.002-04:00

Ok...it's been a few weeks. This is what I have been up to:

- Bought a new 2009 Volvo XC90
- 5 days later ... crashed new 2009 Volvo XC90 (actually rear-ended another car and the damage is repairable and everyone is OK)
- Dealt with insurance on fixing the car and renting a car for the time.
- Meet with teacher on current status of son on different items.
- Lots of trips into NYC for work
- Lots of late nights of work at home
- Lots of baseball games and practices
- Lots of soccer games and practices

That's where I have been, in case you are wondering!

Now, in case I miss some more weeks after this, following is what I am going to be up to:
- I think I will get my fixed car back on Tuesday or Wednesday
- I have lots of work to get done.
- We are having some friends over on Memorial Day
- Oh, and I am going to get serious to run a 5K on Labor Day! I can do this over the summer.

I hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend!

Car Shopping...

2009-04-18T21:44:00.004-04:00

So, I have decided to get rid of the 2 cars that I have and get 1 new one. This is one I currently have my eye on:

Volvo XC 90

Everything I have read has been good. Does anyone have personal experience with it? I test drove the car today and liked the way it handled. It had all the options I was looking for and it is within budget.

Any thoughts?

1st Baseball Game of the Season!

2009-04-17T09:50:00.002-04:00

Well, it is definitely spring time. Tonight is Talmage's 1st baseball game of the season. In what is sure to be the most inspiring opening night game ever... the Blue Jays (Talmage's team) will face off against the Angels. He is excited for the game and hoping to play well.

In recognition of this event, I thought I would post an older picture of Talmage in his baseball glory... Kindergarten.

Being Kate

2009-04-16T22:05:00.002-04:00

Have you seen the new show on SoapNet (no laughing) (perhaps it started in Canada on CBC) called Being Erica. She makes a list of all the things in her past she would change if she could go back in time. Each episode is 1 of the travels back in time and how the change effects how her life is today...

That got me thinking about what I would change. I got really philosophical about it and decided that I would not change a single thing. Sure, there are probably times that I made a fool out of myself and I wish that I had not, but they were all lessons that made me who I am today and gave me the life I live today. My life, though not perfect, is great and I can't imagine it being different.

The lesson: Be happy in your life and don't wish for better, or more, or happier. If it's not what you want, change the future, don't blame the past.

Memories

2009-04-14T10:07:00.005-04:00

So...as part of my picture-organizing activity, I have found so many pictures that I haven't looked at in a LONG time. I thought that I would share some of them with everyone (anyone that wants to look anyway):

His 1st Halloween...

my 1st homemade costume

(they didn't really sell them in Romania)

Hanging in NYC with Daddy

OK, the rest I am going to hold for a later date! I am also thinking about scanning all the pictures that I have in boxes in my house for organization on an external hard drive. Anyone have an opinion on that?

Too Much Of A Good Thing...

2009-04-13T21:43:00.003-04:00

OK... so I realize this is a quick second post after my post earlier but I was organizing pictures and thought that I would post a picture of Talmage on our annual Easter Sunday Trek To The Shore...

You can probably tell by the look on his face that it was 37 degrees and we spent about 5 minutes there...but we did it!

I hope everyone had a happy Easter!

Spring Awakening....

2009-04-13T19:34:00.002-04:00

Happy Spring!

I am not sure if anyone is going to see this since it has been sooo long since I posted anything everyone has probably given up on me. I realized that it was 3 months ago today that I last posted. Apparently I am not doing well on those 2009 personal objectives. With that said, everything that is old is new again.... Spring is a time of renewal ....

We are getting ready for soccer, baseball and all the rest that Spring and Summer have to hold for us!

Ready... Set .... Go!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-13T10:48:00.002-05:00

I know that I am a couple of weeks late in doing that ... never even got a Merry Christmas in... or an on-time Happy Thanksgiving. However, this is the year of starting fresh. I am thankful to all our friends and family that carried us through the end of 2008. It was a rough year and not one I want to repeat any time soon... if ever.

Here is what I am going to accomplish this year:

1. Get Healthier (food and fitness)
2. Organize my house better (closets and everything else)
3. Organize my life better -- not procrastinate soooo much

So, we recently had a training class about how to accomplish goals and that you can't just wish them done, you have to plan them done! I know, it's a really novel idea and someone is seriously making money off that! Why didn't I think of it. In order for me to achieve my goals, I figure the first step is to put them up here and make me somewhat accountable for them. If others know that I am working towards them, maybe I will make better decisions for me.

Because of my innate ability to procrastinate, I have decided that the best thing to do, is make monthly goals (short term means less time to procrastinate....right?)

January goals:
1. Start working with my trainer again!
2. Clean out the closets in my room and Talmage's room
3. Make a list of events coming up this quarter and what I need to do to prepare for them.

There we have it! That's the plan! Ready? I am!

Have a great 2009!

Things to be thankful for...

2008-11-21T09:36:00.004-05:00

Ok, this subject may be a week early, but being thankful is something we should do all the time.

Number 1 on my thankful list is my son! He is a great kid!

signing a poster to send to the troops with his Scout Pack

Number 2 ... My friends and family. I feel like this year I have taken more support than I have given. Know that I appreciate it more than I can say.

Number 3 ... My job...which is helping pay the bills and full of friends too.

Number 4 ... Living in New Jersey... the proximity to everywhere!

Number 5 ... My life ... for all the things that didn't go as planned this year... I am really lucky for the life I have.

Remember to be thankful for the small, or not so small, things in your life too!

Living in 2008

2008-11-05T00:12:00.001-05:00

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2008 WHEN...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have ! a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don'thave e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone ishome to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turnaround to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :)

12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list

AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.

Things That Rock...

2008-11-05T00:01:00.004-05:00

(Frankie, Joe & Talmage -- October 2005)

There are many things in this world that rock (are very cool) so I thought that I would list some of the things that are on my mind today:

1. The right to vote! We are so lucky as Americans to have the right to vote...and today on Election Day, it is even more cool. It looks like we are making history!

2. Hawai'i! Our vacation was amazing...the people were so nice, the hotel was beautiful, the island was amazing and all the travel and time on planes was SOOOOOO worth it!

3. Friends! It is times like this year that prove the importance of friends. They are wonderful to have in good time and bad. Nobody can do this alone!

4. Holidays! They are coming soon and give a whole season to think about the good things and hope that, at the end of the day, they outweigh the bad.

5. Dolphins! It is kind of part of Hawai'i because we spent time with Dolphins while we were there. But it is also Dolphins in general. They are huge animals that are gentle and therapeutic!

6. Teachers that care! It is so nice when you have a teacher in your life that truly cares about your child and their development.

7. Vacations! We all need to time to chill and read a book or sleep late!

8. Family! Nobody keeps you grounded or as honest as your family. There are friends that are as close as family and do the same thing!

Look at that ... 8 things that make each day just a little better just by the fact that they exist. Next time you are having a bad, or just not great, day, remember these and at least one of them will bring a smile to your face!

Mahalo!

Future Soccer Star

2008-10-05T19:37:00.002-04:00

After looking and trying many different sports, Talmage thinks that he has found a sport he likes and is pretty good at.... SOCCER!

Here is a picture of the future star in action thanks to Lisa!

Aloha!

2008-09-17T21:54:00.003-04:00

So...many people have commented about the fact that there used to be a count down on the page for a trip to Hawaii at the end of October. We took it down because we were not sure if we were still going to go. The whole trip was funded by points...Marriott points for the hotel ... Continental and AmEx points for the plane... Well, we found out tonight that the hotel and flight reservations will be honored by all.

So we have decided to go! That means we have just over a month to get ready to go! It may seem like a lot of time but I am no where near ready to hang out on a beach. Tomorrow I have an appointment with my personal trainer! We will get the party started! If the prospect of hanging out on a Hawaiian beach for a week isn't motivation to eat properly...I don't know what is!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Back to School...

2008-09-05T20:56:00.002-04:00

This was a big week for us...

1. Talmage started school on Thursday. He is in 3rd Grade and so far...so good. Here is his "1st day of school" picture.

2. Talmage got a new computer thank to Grandma and Grandpa Crom so he could do his homework.

3. We completed some serious items on our to-do list

How was your week?

Why my dog needs therapy...

2008-08-27T21:23:00.003-04:00

Up until recently...I had a wonderfully behaved dog. Abby the Wonderdog did mostly what she was told, when she was told and didn't get into things she wasn't supposed to... In the last week she has eaten:

1. MiracleGro (she got to have her stomach pumped after that)
2. Mini M&Ms, Lollipops, Gum
3. Lots of gum
4. Potato chips

I thought this was just her being a crazy dog but some of my friends have other ideas...she was really close with Larry.

Any ideas on her issues?

The Value of Friends...

2008-08-25T21:21:00.003-04:00

Making it through difficult times is SOOO much easier when you have friends around you that love and support you! I know that I tend to be very independent, sometimes to a fault, but I learned this weekend that I need to work on that. It is funny that the big things that I should ask for help on (moving furniture between rooms in the house) I do it myself...things that I should just handle, I call friends for input. I think that is because having friends who care makes the rough patch that much easier to put behind you.

What helps you through the rough spots?

Thanks to all my friends!!!

2008-08-22T23:08:00.003-04:00

So, I have mentioned that we have a fresh start...and what makes us happy...now we need figure out how to grow from here. I have to say that maintaining this blog and seeing what happened in my day to write about, is therapeutic for me. I think it is making me grow, kind of like the tree above, because it is making me more aware. I have my hard times during the day but for the most part, I am thankful and blessed. We are truly lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who have rallied around us and make those random calls just to make sure we are doing OK. It is impossible to explain how much that means.

As I move into this new start, I think about what I will do to grow in myself. Here are my ideas, so far... Suzy and I are going to run a 5k in December (before you run for the phone to tell me to be careful, I am going to be using a trainer to get in shape first). That is going to be my first goal. This is something I have always liked the idea of doing...we'll see if I actually like doing it. :) Trying something new, though, is definitely an effort to grow...

How are you going to grow this fall?

What makes us happy today...

2008-08-21T18:56:00.005-04:00

So, there is a lot of focus on the things that are wrong lately...today we need to focus on what makes us happy.

Kate:

1. Abby is healthy (she thought MiracleGro might help her get bigger this morning) :)

2. Watching the Olympics

3. Spending time with Talmage

4. Getting the Back-to-School Staples run completed.

5. HeluvaGood! French Onion dip and chips

Talmage:

1. Abby

2. Mom

3. Friends

4. Playing video games

5. Shopping for computers

What makes you happy today?

Abby the Wonder Dog

2008-08-20T23:31:00.005-04:00

Today was a good day! We both spent the day at home...me working...Tal watching TV and playing with Abby. Abby is not sure to do with us being home all day. She is really tired and ready for bed by night time. She is a really great dog who keeps us laughing. Today she ran around the yard being chased by Talmage and a friend so much that I am not sure who was more tired.

A New Start...

2008-08-19T21:16:00.003-04:00

The hardest things to write are the ones that you wish were not true but unfortunately they are…this is one of those.

On June 27th, our family lost our husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Larry died in a tragic scuba diving accident in the St. Lawrence Seaway between Ontario, Canada and upstate New York.

Talmage and I are doing OK. We keep getting up in the morning and putting one foot in front of the other. We are very thankful for all the love and support we have received from everyone.

We hope that you and your families are well!

My Weekend Away

2008-06-26T11:30:00.005-04:00

A couple of months ago, I decided that I needed a break for a couple of days so I booked a trip to see my friend, Toni, and her family in Phoenix. I went last weekend! It was so nice to see her and her husband, Dan, and her little baby, Gunnar. I fell in love with Gunnar that weekend and was very happy to see a picture of me holding him on her blog (the link to Ridley Adventure is on the side of this blog). I thought that I would copy that picture into here...

Aren't we cute?!?!?

Larry left today for a 4-day diving trip to Canada so we won't see him again until Sunday night! For those who don't know, yes, there is diving in Canada and no, it is not ice-diving! :)

I wonder what Talmage and I will do for the next few days without a Daddy around! Keep posted and maybe I'll tell you!

Ok...I am an April Fool!

2008-06-25T14:11:00.005-04:00

I am sorry that, yet again, it has been a long time since I last posted here. Life got away from me this spring. I decided to make some changes to the blog and see if that inspires me to keep coming back... we'll see.

Talmage is now done with 2nd grade and LOVING that it is summer! This week, and next week, he is participating in a soccer camp through one of the local YMCA branches. He is having a great time! I can't believe we are a week into summer and he is VERY tan already.

His baseball team did great! They finished the season 9-2 and Talmage even pitched an inning. He liked it but thought it was a lot of pressure, even though nobody scored a run while he was pitching. He did, however, manage to hit the ball a few times during games this season. He is already looking forward to next season!

Now we are getting ready to sign up for Fall Soccer...

Our summer is busy with lots of fun plans...hopefully I will remember to stop by here and write about it occassionally!

Take Care!

One Week...On Track!

2008-04-08T21:22:00.003-04:00

Well, this was a good week...

I exercised on the treadmill 5 times!
The weather is getting to spring time!

My flowers are planted!

Life is good!

Talmage is playing baseball (his team is the Pirates) and loving it! The first game is this Sunday!

SCUBA season at the quarry opened last weekend and Larry was out there on Sunday!

We are in a VERY good place!

I'm No April Fool!

2008-04-01T21:58:00.002-04:00

Ok...it is April 1st...the first quarter of 2008 is gone and I have made no changes that I promised myself I would make this year. I am happy to say that I have changed that today! Today I got on the treadmill and made it through my program!!! Yey me!!

Talmage has started baseball for the season...is finishing up Scuba Seals...and still swimming. It is great seeing him grow. His team this year is the Pirates!

Here's to the changes that I am going to make starting today...

Talmage Crom Goes Flying!!

2008-02-11T18:33:00.000-05:00

Ok...here is the cake from the party...

No...there is nothing wrong with your computer or your eyes...it is a Rice Crispy Treat Cake (some have Fruit Loops and some have Coco Puffs mixed in too)!

And here is Talmage flying through the air on a zip line at his party!

He had a great time at his party!!!

What A Weekend!

2008-02-11T11:48:00.000-05:00

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly,
Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

Wow, what a weekend we had... Talmage's birthday is coming up this week so on Friday we had his friend-party at a rock-wall place. He had a great time and so did most of his friends I think.

On Saturday...Larry's dream of a built in dive buddy started to come true! Talmage went to the dive shop with Larry and took a Discover Scuba class. Much to my chagrine...he LOVED it! In fact, he loved it so much, Larry signed him up to start taking SEAL classes at the beginning of March. SEAL, in case you don't know, is Scuba diving in a pool only. He will not be able to scuba in a lake or other body of water besides a pool until he is 10.

On Sunday...the annual Cub Scout Blue & Gold dinner was held. It was really nice and everyone had a great time. When we got home I ran to the grocery store because I had not completed that yet this weekend. It was so nice, though, because the store was EMPTY and I got through pretty fast.

I hope everyone is having a great day! If I can figure out how to do it...I will post a film of Talmage taking a zip line from the rock wall to the party room on Friday night...

Have a great day!

The Plan...Modified

2008-01-15T21:23:00.000-05:00

After all the planning & stating of yesterday, last night I could not sleep thinking of all the things I needed to accomplish. So, I got up at 1 a.m. and started gathering things to work on my list. I had a plan of addressing envelopes at the office and finalizing some other things. That did not happen! I went in to work early this morning for a meeting and the action NEVER ended. I was running all day long!

So... New Plan...

Tomorrow, when I go to New York for a meeting, I will buy more labels so I can print them out tomorrow night. Tomorrow night, I will: finalize the labels, address the envelopes, make the invitations and get them ready to send.

I am soooo ready!!!!

I received the following from my cousin, Alice, the other day and it is really sticking with me this week...

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly,

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably,
And never regret anything that made you smile.

To Do List...

2008-01-14T10:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, with the start of the new year (granted it was a couple of weeks ago) it is time to put together goals for the year. I am not calling them New Years Resolutions but more of a To Do List that should be accomplished by December 31, 2008. I do these for work every year, why not home?

1. Get Healthier!
~ Eat Better
~ Work out with trainer
~ Watch less TV
2. Get more organized
~ Organize every closet in my house
~ Create a better filing system for our bills
~ Organize every drawer in my house
3. Spend more time with time with friends & family
4. Get Talmage's Memory Book up-to-date
5. Update familycrom at least 1 time per week.

I also have a to do list for this week...let's see how I do:
1. Make invitations to Talmage's birthday party
2. Send out invitations to Talmage's birthday party
3. Send out Christmas thank you cards
4. Come up with a plan to reach the goals for the year!

Take Care!

Another Month!!!!!

2008-01-13T19:09:00.000-05:00

How did another month pass!!!?!?!? I know that a couple of weeks is because I forgot the password to my account so I could update the page. But what about the rest of time?

We had a wonderful holiday spent with family and friends.

I was tagged by my friend Suzy on the following though, so I must comply...

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
Working in Seattle
Dating Larry (starting to talk marriage)
Planning a vacation
Nothing else that I can remember...

5 things on my "To Do" list:
Make Invitations for Talmage's friend birthday party
Make an appointment with my trainer
Look for the weather report to see if it is still going to snow tonight
Start eating healthier
Post onto here 1 times per week

snacks I enjoy:
Cape Cod Chips and “Helluva Good” Onion Dip
Cheese Dip and Tortilla Chips
Cheese and Crackers
Cookies
Trail Mix

5 things I would do if I was a Billionaire:
Travel to wherever I want
Shop
Build a new house and decorate it however I want
Take a cruise around the world on the Queen Mary II in the best suite.
Give my current house to someone that needs it.

My bad habits
Eating at night time
Eating too much
Being lazy about exercise

5 places I have lived
Califon, NJ
Pleasanton, CA
Mississauga, Ontario
Bucharest, Romania
Millington, NJ

5 jobs I've had
Subway Sandwich Artist
Admissions Assistant for Whittier College
GTE Wireless
Verizon Wireless
Avaya!

How was everyone else's New Year?

The Christmas Questions...

2007-12-05T10:04:00.000-05:00

I saw this on a friend's blog and thought I would add it to mine with my answers.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
A combination of both...somethings are too hard to wrap.

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Real, Of Course (much to Larry's chagrin)

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually about a week or 2 before Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down?
Right after New Year's.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes with only fresh nutmeg added.

6. Favorite gift received as a child ?
Light Bright!

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
No. I always look at them but cannot figure out where I would put it...

8. Hardest person to buy for?
Me

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Talmage -- He loves everything!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Handmade mailed with a letter. I make them with my friend Suzy and we always have fun!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Can't think of one.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
White Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
In the Summer usually...

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present?
No way!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Christmas cookies and peanut brittle

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Alway clear!

17. Favorite Christmas song ?
Have yourself a merry little christmas or the 12 days of Christmas

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Home with family and friends!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Oh course! Can't everyone?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star ?
Star that I got when I had my first tree after leaving Mom & Dad's house.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
MORNING! They are not Christmas Eve presents....

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Crowds of grumpy people

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color?
My favorite color on the tree is red. It is just so festive...

24. What do you want for Christmas this year?
A healthy new year for all my friends and family.

Happy Holidays!!!

Finally...an update!

2007-12-03T20:58:00.000-05:00

Ok...it has been a while since I posted on here ... I know! I am sorry. I really didn't realize how long it had been but I am now back to update you all. November was a good, productive month. We have the kitchen pretty much done with just some finishing work to do...

Since this picture was taken Larry has put up crown molding and we have added some decorations....

Talmage finished his soccer season and got a medal for his efforts...

And...Abby the Wonder Dog got sick at the kennel while she was there over Thanksgiving.

Oh...and over Thanksgiving we went to Rhode Island for dinner with the Glad Family and Sharon....

How was your November?

No School!

2007-11-09T09:33:00.000-05:00

We have a cooktop range! The nice people came and installed it yesterday. They were also supposed to install the wall oven but they brought a white one & we ordered a black one... Hopefully we will have the right one soon! The dishwasher and the garbage disposal were also installed yesterday and I made a late night Home Depot run to pick up paint! I think we may actually finish this project!

Talmage is off school for a couple of days (for those who don't live in New Jersey, it is called Teacher's Convention and all public schools close for 2 days in November) so he is having fun "helping"Larry and playing with friends. Yesterday he got to go to the Children's Museum in Newark for a program that they were putting on for all the kids out of school. His friend, Ashil, was going with his mom and they invited Talmage to go along with them. He had a great time! The last night was Cub Scouts...he is a Wolf Cub now (I think)...and they were reviewing woodworking tools. One of the dads in the Den works with wood a lot and brought his tools to show the boys. I guess they also talked about badges because Talmage came home ready to work on completing ALL the badges last night. We had to talk about how some of them take time and we would work on them. It was pretty funny!

This morning I had to come to work leaving the boys at home...Talmage is headed over to his friend's house to play for a few hours and, maybe, by the time I get home this afternoon my father may be at my house to help with painting and tiling!!!

Happy Friday!

(another picture of the pirate)

The Scary Pirate!

2007-11-07T18:56:00.001-05:00

Talmage was a pirate this year for Halloween! Here he is in his costume~

How I Spent My Fall...

2007-11-07T18:33:00.000-05:00

So ... I know that it has been a REALLY long time since I posted and I am really not living up to the once per week goal but I have a good reason...CHAOS! We are remodeling our kitchen (and when I say we I mean Larry and friends and my dad with me shopping). I even have pictures to prove it....

The kitchen before most work began...

The kitchen after demo....

We have drywall and cabinets....

We have granite!!!

Tomorrow they come to install the range and wall overn...Then, the next to come are tile floors, backsplash and paint! I will update this as we move along!

The Family

2007-09-27T10:10:00.000-04:00

I have been waiting to post another message until I took a current family photo but I don't think that is going to happen. So this is the family....

Welcome to our blog!!

2007-09-25T10:21:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I am trying to start a blog on suggestion of my friend Suzy... we'll see how it goes! I will make an effort to update this a couple of times a week...ok maybe I should start with a goal of once per week. It may be more this week because I will have to do another post with starting pictures. We'll see.

I hope you enjoy!