This past months happenings to share.

This month I started taking a Lampworking class. These are my very 1st beads, quite pathetic but we all have to start somewhere! I love my blowtorch!

Arielle's major accomplishment at home this month was cooking us all a dinner by herself. She made Orange Glazed Chicken, and it was yummy!










Once again Angel started barking and we had a hot air balloon land in our cul-de-sac.












The rest of the balloons are all in one day. I went to visit my friend Marisel, 3 houses down from me, and yes, another balloon in our cul-de-sac.

Arielle called me and asked me to come pick her up. Here I am driving down the road.





And then I stopped at a stop light and snapped this one.

Realized I need gas, so here I am at the gas station.

This is one of the last covered bridges, this is on our way home. Just thought I'd share.

And then, on the other side of the bridge and down the road, yet another balloon. There were a couple of more today, but couldn't get to take a picture. It was an amazing day!











As I was going through my pictures I found this one. Spoke to Ted friday and he is having an amazing time. We miss him. Hugs, gv

2007-10-07 Warming up for the performance at Giants Stadium

Hunterdon Central Marching Red Devils - USSBA Competition at Giants Stadium. The band took 4th overall in their division, but received the 1st place trophy for percussion! Here's a 2 minute peek at the pit's warm up, they put in about 20 hours a week. Guess you can pick out Arielle! For those of you not tech savy, M O M, press the little arrow button to make the video start to play.

I can't get the actual performance to load, it's too big for this blooger. But, enjoy the award ceremony!

The Claremont Experience

Another beautiful day in California. We drove up to Claremont and drove all around the area. Here is the welcome to Pomona College.

There is a little area known as The Village attached to the colleges. Little shops and restaurants, tree lined streets.

It's a great area and Arielle got a little alone time with Ted before flying home to band camp!

The following morning at registration we were greeted by the Pomona Sagehen. Go Sagehens, Chirp Chirp!

The building behind Jonathan is Ted's dorm.

The lovely dorm room and his roomate Marshall.

Saying our good-byes in the courtyard.

This is the view from the main street in the Village as we start our way home. This is what Ted will see everyday. The San Gabriel Mountains.

Someone was happy to see us home!

The Family Time

So the day before we actually left I think it hit Ted he was leaving home, for a while at least. So we packed up Angel for the kennel and then packed up to head for California!






We arrived to a magnificent day and a wonderful view from our hotel overlooking Marina Del Rey. Then it was off to Venice Beach.


In the evening we met my cousin Curt and the kids did some shopping in Santa Monica. We woke the next morning and drove down to La Jolla to visit some more family.










First thing on the agenda, food! So, here we are - Ted, Arielle, my Aunt Phyllis, Billy and Lynn (my cousin) and Jonathan and myself.


My Uncle Eddie got left out of the picture, so here he is. Much happier at his own breakfast table!


Billy gave the kids their first surfboarding lesson!

Ted enjoyed it, but....
Arielle really took to it!

And then it was time to say good bye.

The time went by way too fast!

Camp Doll U!!!!

I spent 4 days in Seattle, WA, with Elinor Peace Bailey; a day trip shopping and 3 days of classes. Words can't describe the weekend, I wish I had more time with her.

Here is my Maggie, almost complete. Stitched with love. She makes me smile. I am so happy with her!!!!

July 2007

With all the graduation festivities behind us, I took Arielle and her friend Amanda to Sesame Place in PA. It was so much fun!









Made 70 of these Faux Bone Folders to give out at Doll U next month. Angel is getting tired of all these parties and commitments and just wants to play!

June 2007

June was a busy month at the Zwang house, for Ted! First we saw him going to prom with Kate. The following week he received the most valuable athlete award for fencing.

This is Ted going off for the graduation ceremony and then walking into the tent. We didn't get too many pictures as a tornado was rolling in!!!!

A few days later we celebrated Ted's graduation.

The sister-in-laws; Me, Chris & Ellen

The brothers; Jonathan, David & Robert

May 2007

May was an extremely busy month! First, we had the Mr. Central "Beauty" Pagent. My son was nominated as Mr. Fencing. It was a very entertaining evening!










A few days later was the end of the year Band Banquet. My daughter was awarded Outstanding Performer/Musician for Freshman. She also was awarded with The Spirit Award. We're so PROUD!!!











While out shopping I was treated to this incredible sight!












Angel had a playdate with Mylee.













Just a picture from the yard. Enjoy! gv

So much for my monthly check-in. I've been cleaning out my craft room, have lots of stuff to get rid of! Check my picturetrail account and let me know if you are interested in anything!

This was the beautiful sunrise that greeted me when I opened my front door. I just needed to capture that moment.

Hubby built me a new computer, I lost a lot of emails and stuff....but, the new computer should run smoothly. I don't have all the software and stuff loaded yet, but it's really cool looking!

So, What have I been up to?

Regional Choir for Arielle is over, Marching Band has started up, Fencing season is over and soon we'll be in the process of visiting colleges where Ted was accepted to help him make his decision. Right now it's spring break and Ted is in Belarus fencing and Arielle is in Italy and Austria performing at festivals with the Marching Band.

So, what have I been up to now that I'm not driving them all over the place? I've been cleaning and hanging out at home. I sent the quilt I've been working on to get hand-quilted, can't believe it will be finished!!!! Getting ready for the June TAC convention and Doll U which is in August.

Kids both return on Saturday and I'll be gone again. But this time I'll be zipping around in my new car! I got a shiny black Infiniti FX 45!!!! I'd take a picture but my daughter took my camera....so next time! Enjoy! gv