I'm Proud to be an American

Do not be alarmed..some of these pictures don't really tie into this post. I'm taking this blog into a more avante garde, 'pictures dont match the post' type direction:)

 

Elly and Danielle (doesn't Danielle look reflectively maternal? a la "CJane? We always wonder how long it takes CJane to set up her "looking thoughtful and motherly" pictures! This is our version of one!)
 

Crazy, crazy boys! I love the look on Jack-Jack's face (the one in green)
 

Memorial day grub
 

Jack-Jack and his flag:)

Memorial Day is one of my favorite holidays.

Both of my grandfathers served in the Air Force. Grandpa Hinsdale in World War II and Grandpa Wilson in the Korean War.

Both of them made it home, thank God.

Countless men and women do not ever get to come home to America, home to their families.

This memorial day was special for me because Jack and James are getting old enough to understand the idea of what a country is and what it means to be American.

We took them to the cemetery to leave flowers on the graves of veterans. We want them to know that the privilege of having freedom, the honor of being an American, does not come for free.

To all of our servicemen (and women) past and present, and their families..
 

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Lori Ann

p.s.- Try not to let the excitement overwhelm you, but it looks like I've won a blogging award! Thanks, Associate Mindy!! Prepare yourself for my exciting post all about it tomorrow!

I won't hesitate no more, no more...to clean, that is

My favorite part of my living room

 

I finally got around to spring cleaning today.

Sweet sassy molassey. It has been horrific!

I moved the microwave to clean under it and found some sort of tar like substance..it took me an hour to clean it off the counter. No idea what it once was.

I found my juicemaker. It's been missing for 18 months.

I listened to my entire itunes library twice. I now despise all of my music. Yes, especially you, James Blunt.

If I sound a little strange, its probably because I have been inhaling cleaning chemicals all day.

I decided to clean the burner pans on my stove and found some HAIR CLIPS under them.

Seriously, hair clips?? How did they get under there? Do I really want to know?

I am headed for the bathroom next.

Pray for me.

Lori Ann

But though you're still with me

Have you ever read one of those books where; when you look up from reading, you are disoriented to find yourself in your own house?

I just read a book like that. It's called "The Memory Keepers Daughter".

It wasn't a book I will read again. It's strange, gave me kind of a bleary feeling, but I won't ever forget it.

Is that what a good book is supposed to do?

Lori Ann

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain

Right now, I have no access to my office at work, so I am camped out in my friends office, with nothing more than my laptop and some chocolate covered pretzels.

Yeah, I'm living the life.

Anyway, I have to say that I have been reading 'those blogs' again.

You know, those blogs?

The ones that make you feel like a total slug because you are not out photographing the endless beauty of your life, while simultaneously hiking a nature trail and baking your "cute hubby" a three layer cake for his birthday?

Who are these women?

And where are they getting their drugs?

Because I want some.

Lori Ann

Cause part of you pours out of me In these lines from time to time

I know my blog has become a little depressing . Which is ironic because my life is actually going great! I am doing well at my job and I feel lighter and happier than I have in a while.

I guess its because, in the back of my mind, I keep thinking about how I am about to lose my four favorite friends. (my nephews and nieces) Well, not lose exactly. They are moving.

It won't be the same though, and we will never get these days back. It's the end of a chapter.

One of the best chapters of my life.

When one chapter ends, another always begins ..I'm excited to see where life takes me next.

 

Just don't forget me, ok?
 

Aunt Lori

Nothing Could change what you mean to me

I hope my blog has; over the course of the last week, reminded you all of how unglamorous your own lives are. That's what a really great blog does...makes you reexamine your own life and come up painfully short!

ANYWAY, following our exciting night as high rollers, Eri and I went home to see my parents in Pennsylvania for the rest of the weekend.

I've lived in 8 different states. I've been to 14 different countries.

Nothing compares to Pennsylvania.

I'm always surprised at how beautiful it is. I love the way it smells. I love the fall colors. I love even the not as attractive stuff- the one lane bridges, the humidity, the strange farmers markets, and the run down little towns.

I can't wait to move back there. To find some little community agency to work for and a cute townhouse to buy.

It might sound mundane or boring to someone else, but; to me, it sounds like heaven.

Lori Ann

Live Your Dreams

So...sorry for the wait. I really wanted the anticipation to build:)

Anyway, after our crazy drive, we arrived in Atlantic City. Erin used her hotel skills to get us a free upgrade, we checked into our mini suite (which was sweet!) and then off to the second most important part of our trip..

THE BUFFET.

I have to use all caps because this buffet was AMAZING. I tried 3 foods I had never tried before: crab legs, lobster tail, and beef wellington.

They were all good, but I really just do not have a refined palate. I will always be a mac and cheese and coke kind of girl. (Stop crying, Dad. It's not your fault)

So, after the buffet, we played the penny slots. Erin won 60 dollars and I lost 20. Sigh. We walked away before the gambling fever took hold of us. :)

Anyway, the next morning, I woke up and crossed another item off of my Life To Do List:

See a Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean

Lori Ann