A Long Month

Wow the last two weeks feel like 2 months. School starting has been on the tough side. Some of the 6 MD students are a bit to handle. I can only pray for things to get better. Timmy and His girl broke up. Diane's "new" used car has broken down yet again. Steve and I felt so happy that she was going to be in a nice car. Without going into an unbelieveable number of events the engine is apart again for the second time. The amount of money is in the thousands. The high school football season is under way and our Lions have lost in the last seconds of each game. Hopefully next week will see smiles for our Lions and not tears. Next week is Lindenwold Day and that is always a good time. The children have rides, the parade, Little Mr. & Miss. Lindenwold, Food, Music, and Fireworks. I will end the month with a wedding of one of Timmy's friends, "Frank" and an old babysitting kid, "Casey". It has been a long month already and I am only halfway thru it. I didn't even talk about the meetings! Keep smiling. :)

Good Times with Good Friends

A surprise party for my best friend and her husbands 25th anniversary, that is what the card said. One of the surprises was the long wait for them to get there. (I get such a nervous stomach waiting.) Once they were there the nerves were done. What a nice afternoon and night it was. So many that I haven't seen in so long. Each time we get together I am amazed how large her family is becoming. The terrific thing is that they are all there. It shows how much she and her husband are loved.

Happy Birthday to Me

I wanted to have a dinner with my family to celebrate my birthday. So I asked all of the kids about their schedules. That is a feet! We managed to get a date that all could agree on. Now the place had to be decided upon. I did not think that this would be as hard as it was. Not at this restaurant as it is for "old" people, not there as they cook with wine, not there as we don't like it, don't like that place either. Finally we settled. Now everyone was to meet at 6pm. I said I am leaving at 5:20pm. At 5:05pm my other half decides he does not want to go. "Well thank you very much!" Am I angry, you bet I am. I set out on my own, not telling anyone I am alone. They all found out as I got lost. "ME" lost! Not just lost, but super lost! MILES AND MILES away! Try as they might the kids did the best they could on cell phones to get me where I was suppose to be. One hour and 40 minutes later I saw my "young men" waving me down on Route 73. Hmm, no wonder I couldn't find it, the trees all grew, that is why I didn't see it. We ended up having a nice dinner, me feeling like the complete fool I am. Then off to bowling after dinner. All in all it was nice. Especially listening and watching my children and their loves laugh. Isn't that what it is all about. I gave myself a nice gift. On the restaurant, Cracker Barrel, and guess what they serve real potatoes, not box. :)

Sister's-Diamond and Dreamer

It has been strange and quiet around here.

Poor Diamond (blk) has been looking everywhere for Dreamer (br). When I say sisters they are, and from the same litter. Their dad was Rottweiler & Doberman , their mom was Shepherd & Labrador. Diamond a small 37 pounds, dropped to 27 this week. Dreamer a whopping 70 pounds. We got them when they were 5 weeks old. A family my oldest daughter knew of had a dog that gave birth to 10 puppies. The girls mom was very ill with kidney problems and the puppies had to leave asap. So we went looking. Our old dog, Tugger, had been put down 5 months previous just shy of 16 yrs. old. The house was lonely. My husbands birthday was coming so we figured we could get away with a puppy. Then we had to explain two. We had him close his eyes and put one puppy to his cheek, she licked him, he said while opening his eyes, "A puppy"! Then he got licked on the other cheek, he said excitedly, "Two puppies"!!! The two filled our lives and yes we spoiled the daylights out of them. "Lapdogs", my husband would say. (when no one was looking, talk about a spoiler) There is just nothing like a dog, and there will never be another Dreamer.

Dreamer - A Best Friend

Look at her the lazy mushroom butt. Here she is at 11 1/2 years old. It was just taken a couple of months ago. Now she's gone. I tried to think of exactly what I was going to put here. I loved her dearly. I will miss her so much. Her poor sister, Diamond is besides herself. It will be lonely without her, quiet too. She barked at everyone. God Bless my Dreamer. She gave us many memories and lots of love.

Timothy Carl Dreher

July 10, 1984 was a scarey day. The pains wouldn't stop. My baby came, a month early. For several minutes I didn't even know what I had. Then when I did he was taken so fast I had no idea what was going on. When they wheeled me in to see him there were machines beeping, tubes everywhere, IV bags hanging, and looks on faces that told me to pray. 7 1/2 hours after birth he was on his first ambulance ride. Mind you, I said first. Many came after, be it by an actual ambulance, or mommy pretending to be one. They told me "If he makes it to one year then he should live". My son never sat until he was 1 year and 1 week old. Prayer does huge things. Faith may wander, but don't ever let it leave. Above here he is. Far from the sickly 5 pound 6 ounce boy he was. Now 5 foot 11, 170 pounds and a size 14 shoe! My young man, I am so proud of you my son.

I've Returned

Haven't been here in quite awhile. First I was busy with school ending. Then medical tests came back not looking quite right. After many tests since June 7th with probing, biopsying, sticking and drinking stuff that even a plant shouldn't have I am still waiting for results. Last Thurs., July 5th was the last of the tests that I was told to get, so far.
Then during this time my very close friend the "Computer" got sick. I took her to Dr. Harry and he fixed her. He put things inside of her that I just do not understand. (micro excel office 2007) or something like that. I was really good on the other. Now I am totally lost. Many things have happened during this time. I will catch you up soon.

Memorial Day

I do an analogy for the kids at school. It goes like this.
Do you know how big a football field is? Well if we were to lay people down side to side and head to toe across the entire field that is how many bodies died in World War II. When we were bombed and after the ships were sinking and after and during all of the fires the only thing that did not burn was our AMERICAN FLAG.
What is sad is that every morning I stand and pledge to the flag at my school. I also watch the children, many have no idea why they are doing the pledge. Teachers I know that we have an insane core curriculum that MUST be done for the "TESTS" but take the time to explain why the pledge is done. Who knows this little gesture might help get a little bit of respect back in people. Oh and teachers do the pledge also instead of talking with a parent or someone else. Children also learn by example, be one. For all of the men and women that have served and are serving this beloved USA, THANK YOU! To the families of those lost, God Bless You.
This is also written in memory of two of my children's friends killed in Iraq.
Spc. Adam D. Froehlich, US Army, Pine Hill, NJ, killed March 25, 2004
and
Spc. Anthony "Joe" Dixon, US Army, Lindenwold, NJ, killed August 2, 2004

A Horror in the Garden

In 1984 Steve and I bought our home. Several trees were in the yard and over the years many have come down one way or another. Two of the trees were MULBERRY. Now I don't know if you are familar with this monster. Why do I call it a monster? Because the roots do whatever they want even 23 years after the tree came down. While the birds are fat and happy, I am not. These horrible berries are everywhere! I cannot cut this down as it has grown on my neighbors property, just beyond the fence. Moral of story, never ever plant this tree it takes over everywhere a roots grows.

Deviled Eggs

Why write about this? It has recently caused huge fights in my house! I have been making deviled eggs for at least 30 years. I am known for my rocket launchers, as Steve calls them. (and the smell they omit after eating ...) Well my loving sweetheart is on a diet. He went onto the internet to research of all things, deviled eggs. He then proceeds to inform me that I am cooking them all wrong. WHAT?!?! He tells me all of these crazy things the web sight has told him. I very lovingly explain that he has not had a problem with MY deviled eggs in 29 years so I do not by any means want to hear another word about this. HA, does it stop him? NO! Will I bend? NO! Am I currently sitting here typing while eggs are cooking my way? YES!

18 Days To Go

When someone says 184 days it sounds long, it is long. Many days are longer than others. Anyone that says a full moon does not effect children has never been in a classroom. I think I say it every year, and I mean it every year, "This one has been the longest". Well maybe not the longest, but definately the hardest I've had in 16 years. I can honestly say that I will be very happy at 1:30pm on the 15th. If anyone reading this takes anything from it, teach your child respect. Let them know if it is given it will be gotten back. Somewhere, somehow something must change in this world.

Out of Reverse

Today I went a bit into reverse. I don't like doing that. I am tired, a little scared of what will come of all the tests that must be run, and I am fed up with some specific people. So when I lost my cool, for a good reason, then was called on it, a bit of the "Old Dawn" appeared. Thank goodness it was only a bit. I walked away before the appearance became something I would be ashamed of. It is hard sometimes to keep her in check. I have worked hard to change from who I was years ago. I'm back moving forward again - with HIS help.

Mother's Day

Mother - 24 years and 11 days ago I became one with a beautiful daughter Kimberly that has gone for and gotten what she wants. 14 and a half months later a son Timothy that just wasn't having any of that "wait one more month" stuff. 18 and a half months later Diane, another daughter that has been an amazing wonder. I am very blessed. My three children have grown into wonderful adults. People say to me, "You've done a good job" I say no, "They have" They are all their own persons. I hope that some of the good things I have said or done along the way are in the back of their heads. I hope that some of the wrong things I have said or done are there also. I want them to know I am not, nor would I ever claim to be perfect, far from it. I want them to remember my mistakes and then not do them. When my mother was dieing and she asked to be disconnected, on an August the 24th, I understood why. Doctors said she would most likely pass that weekend. She did not. Instead she shut her eyes and would not open them again for me. The night before she died she opened them for her best friend, they talked. My mom died at 3 am the next morning, the date - September 13th. Mother's aways teach whether the lesson is good or bad, mine taught me all the way until the end.
My lesson - Patience.
Happy Mother's Day Mom.

Playing In The Yard

It was a nice day today. Windy but not to chilly. A good day to finish the hedges. I am now covered in scratches after working for 8 hours in the yard. I am so sore. I was bound and determined to get this vine ripped out. I don't know what it is, or where it came from and after all that time working I am still not done! I was crazy realizing that the Mulberry tree we cut down in 1984 was still having trees come from the roots a good 20 feet away! So I sawed and sawed. At one point I was sitting on the ground and couldn't get back up. So I crawled until I could grab something that would assist me. (I am old and was barely moving by this point) So in the end, 2 trash cans filled, 7 trees sawed down with "Dawn" muscle, and more to put in trash cans when I have empty ones. (We are not permitted to put out piles of branches) All in all a good day and I felt wonderful looking at my accomplishments.

A Good Laugh

Ok warning do not drink anything while reading this post.
Picture this, a lunch room full of 110 first graders, 9 of which are mine. Me grabbing and opening juices, opening milks, telling children to sit down, taking cheese off of pizza, cutting pizza, reminding this one and that one to eat, listening to screaming, picking up trash, RIP!!!!
My children that have realized what happened "Oh no, Mrs. Dreher!!!" My darling "Al" our custodian that is behind me has now broken into laughter and collapsed on the bench seat. Me, I have stood pulled my shirt as far down as I could and ever so cleverly slid over to the end of the table.
Mind you my students are SPECIAL. Some have dumped their tray and gone to where they are to sit. Some are with me. My darling "DB" is my protector. The head teacher has now come out of the faculty lounge, looks at me, realizes something is obviously wrong. "DB" whispers into Mrs. K's ear. OH!! Okay now the music teacher that has outside duty, she takes 6, the teacher takes 3. Me I take to carefully walking to the office praying for a needle and thread. My wonderful secretary friends break down in laughter but are angels with the needle and thread. Now where to hide and sew my pants. Ah, preschool is on a walk. I go there. I hide in the bathroom. I am on a little chair 6 inches from the floor sewing the 9 inch tear. The door opens, "SCREAMS"!!
Poor Bev she is definitely more scared than me. She is shaking and me I start laughing and crying. Then she is like Wooo Wooo! I hope you can picture all of this as it was one of the funniest days I have ever had.

My Beautiful Kimberly Marie, Happy Birthday

24 years ago a beautiful little 7 pound 9 ounce baby girl came into my life. Her hair brown, her eyes blue. Her name Kimberly Marie. The amazement was just numbing. My life with her has been something I would never ever give away. Every moment whether good or bad is a memory burned into my soul. My oldest, my pride and joy has turned into the woman she always wanted to be. The wisdom she has is way beyond her years. I know where she was, where she is, and will be awestruck with where she goes. Happy Birthday Munch, I love you.

An Emotional Week

I am having a hard time writing this post. I know why. Several people worked very very hard to get our school budget passed. However, it seems several worked very hard for it not to pass. I have said everyone has the right to his or her opinion, but find out the facts. How can people make phone calls telling whomever is on the other line not to vote for a budget? How can they do this without knowing the facts? Where were these people when several meetings were had regarding the budget? How can someone drive his truck into a person! In 28 years of living here names I have never heard of are coming up. I pride myself in getting involved. I pride myself saying "I was put on this Earth to do Jesus' work and I try to do a little each and every day." I pride myself in giving as much of myself as I can and I work hard doing so. But not for me! I do it for the children! I care about the children! I do not care how old they are, or what they look like. I was a child that was neglected and abused. I know what that feels like. I always swore I would give back and believe me I do. I am not trying to ring my own bell, I am just trying to understand why on Earth others don't at least try to do something. A horrible tragedy happened this week. I have thought and prayed for all of the people involved. I pray for the soldiers and their families. I will keep on praying. I will not give up for someday I am sure that there will be a change. The wait makes us stronger. I am angry now. I have to deal with that as I know babies will not stop being born, therefore schools will always have children in them, and I will always be a backer of all children.
God Bless the Children for They Are Our Future.

It's Raining, It's pouring...hmm

It's raining, It's pouring the old man is snoring... Remember the song? We would sing it all the time thinking that by singing the rain would just stop. ha ha How naive we were as children. Is it the same today? Not here. Maybe there? Remember the thoughts if only we could keep them little? They grow. Hopefully remembering what was instilled in them. :)

B I N G O

B I N G O When you hear it, what do you think about? The game or the song? The song is something you most likely learned as a child. It brought a smile to your face as you challenged your mind to sing the song correctly. BINGO the game is also something you probably played while a child. It also challenged you, especially if you were playing more than one card at a time. I was challenged as an adult last night. I never ever knew that there were so many ways to play BINGO!!! My friend invited me to go play BINGO. If you know me, then you know I suffer anxiety on the drop of a hat. First there was a few hundred people, then there was a sheet of paper. The paper told us we were playing eight games, with winnings from $400 to $3000. Next the TYPE of games were listed. Ohhhhh my my. Goal post, Single, Double Bingo, Four Corners, "T", Single again, Six pack w/ a corner ancor, and last but not least for the $3000, Cover All. I was 3 away from winning this. STRESS! STRESS! STRESS! It was so hard! But I LOVED IT! Thank you for the fun my friend. :)

Real Mom's

1. Real moms turn into horrible creatures if anyone hurts their children, no matter the age of
their children.
2. Real moms have arms and shoulders for all their childrens friends.
3. Real moms always make their child’s favorite meal on their birthday.
4. Real moms will always worry.
5. Real moms repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat. Did I say repeat?
6. Real moms will always say “When you are a parent…”
7. Real moms have all the favorite character bandaids.
8. Real moms know how to make a triangle, star, or heart peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
9. Real moms let you have flour fights while baking.
10. Real moms let you cry and talk without putting in their two cents.
11. Real moms are always there.
And on and on and on.

Tests

Tests! Tests! Tests! Can we go thru a year without them? A month? A day? We have patch tests for hair dye! We have blood tests, and urine tests. Now this week at school the third and fourth grade children have the ever dreaded "ASK TEST"! Kids are scared, sick to their stomach, crying, and just plain giving up!
It doesn't matter what type of test it is, the event is a mind warping thing. Waiting for the conclusion can drive a person insane. Waiting also usually has one asking God for help with the results. Can he give you the results you want, the ones you deserve? The answer to any test is in the way you live. Let all your answers be good ones. Live the right way, live with God in your heart.

More Fun At Kmart

Another trip to Kmart today proved to be wonderful. 2 pairs of dress slacks, was $24.99, got them $3.00 a piece. 5 tops was $16.99, got them $2.00 a piece. I love getting bargains like that. I even got to spend a little of the day with Kimberly, my oldest. There was so much ice she couldn't get out of her drive. She walked up the hill, I got her, and off to Kohl's where she purchased her flatware and then to another Kohl's for the dishes. I am not sure about the deal on the flatware, but she saved $28.00 a box on her dishes. Like mother like daughter. (not in all areas she will gladly tell you, as I am the pack rat, she is not. Not yet anyway)

A Long Day

I am so tired tonight. It was a long day, but a nice one. I got to spend time with my youngest daughter Diane. That is a rare thing with both of our schedules. We went to lunch and then shopped. I volunteer for everything and realized this is my 20th year doing so. I have no children in school but I still am there volunteering. Well I came up with an idea 4 years ago to do a Silent (Chinese) Auction to raise money for the athlete jackets and scholarships the Varsity Club provides. (I am the only original member left of this organization that I helped start) Anyway, Diane and I looked for super duper bargains and then make baskets for people to bid on. Thank you Kmart. They were having 50% off of their already 70% off clothes. I did great. I got enough to make a little boy and a little girl basket. I added picture prints in frames and stuffed teddy bears. I got golfing stuff that was $15.00 for $1.49 a piece. Mind you I love to shop but even I am surprised at my buys today. Then after dropping Diane off I went to see Timmy, my son bowling. He was trying to qualify for another tournament, unfortunately he came up 83 pins short. So off to another store. Then wow my hubby asked me to go to dinner. That is something that is really rare so I hurried before he could change his mind. Now after designing my friends campaign flyer's for the NJEA office she is running for and after posting this blog I am off to bed. Here is the odd part, it is only midnight. Toodles, and sweet dreams. zzzzz

Lost but Found

Ok, here I am, again. I somehow could not find my way back here. Then I became so busy I just didn't have the time to look and figure it out. I finally said either I work on it or start a new one. I titled this "Lost but Found". How oftened do you feel that way? Many times in life we all find ourselves lost. Lost with your feelings, lost in a relationship, lost in faith. When lost what do we usually do? Answer = Prayer.