Man COVID has been nuts, right? Well, Christmas has been a new low of crazy. I think this family easily misses all those Christmas plays and musicals the girls do. Thankfully Ella's choir teacher still tried to spread some cheer for all to hear. So enjoy the High School Virtual Choir Concert and a special message from Ella in her somewhat messy room.
Showing posts with label Ella. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ella. Show all posts
Just a wee bit more Halloween for everyone.
So far I have two of the three Halloween Videos done for your enjoyment. The first one was Trunk or Treat COVID Style. Our local radio station hosted this event. It was fun and we are glad to have gotten into the long line early.
Our second video is a small mix of things we did throughout the month of October. The good news Trick or Treat will be done soon so one more video of Halloween goodness coming your way soon.
Derecho
Wow-what a month August has turned into! The past few weeks have been a whirlwind literally. We survived Derecho and two milestone birthdays and the dreaded first days of school. So what is a Derecho you might ask well it is a line of intense, widespread, and fast-moving windstorms and sometimes thunderstorms that moves across a great distance and is characterized by damaging winds.
August 10,2020 will be a day not soon forgotten around here it all started early in the early afternoon when the alerts started hitting our phones. Soon after I received a text from Lainey who was home alone asking when I would be leaving work. I promised her soon and would be home before the storm. Well man that storm moved in fast! I was in the parking lot looking at the sky letting her know I was on my way and the storm still looked far away. I was within a mile from home when the wind started to swirl around me. Mind you I live five minutes from work once that wind started the sirens started to whale and my foot hit the gas. I never drove that fast in my life but it was all about getting home to protect my family. I called around to family members telling them to seek shelter only to find out my oldest was stuck at Hobby Lobby. Fear started to set in as I pulled up to the house and the light poles around me started to shot out sparks! I ran into the house flew to the basement to check on Lainey and all we could hear from that point was snap, crackle, and thud everywhere.
We had tree limbs everywhere once the storm ended. You could not drive down our street and our neighborhood was pretty much shut down. We had over 100 power poles ripped from the ground, it was a war zone. After checking on the family making sure they where all ok I ran across the street to check on the neighbors. We are truly blown away by the damage but are grateful that everyone is ok.
Sadly I lost my car in the storm it was old but still running like a beast! Ella was really sad as it was going to be her car once her license was in. It was good to us she will be sadly missed.
Tuesday August 11th, kicked off with clean up and man there was a ton of it. It also started to set in that the power was not coming on still and this started to bother the girls. In fact, the start of the school year was looming on Lainey's shoulders that she was not going to get a good night's sleep. As the day crept on we decided to reach out to friends that did have power and try to get as much food out of the fridge to be saved as we could.
Wednesday, August 12th the city has set up a dumpster for those of us still without power and it was time to clean out the fridge and the deep freezer. So sad we had just gone shopping on Sunday and with all the stocking up during the COVID (we used the extra money for from Erinn's unemployment for food) we ended up tossing well over $1,000 worth in the dumpster. It was sad really and it took us 3 trips. Also, today is my 50th Birthday and the kids are really bummed we can not do anything that was planned. We did make the best of it tho and that's all this guy needs. The weather was no longer cooperating with us as well sure 85 degrees does not sound hot but when you have no air movement it makes for a hard night of sleep. Ok, so we are starting to get a tad upset with the power, not at the company we get that they are working their butts offs. 8:00PM what is this? Is this the power company here to save the day?? Well... they came by looking at the damage came over to us and said "I'm so sorry folks there is nothing we can do tonight" we had so much damage around us that all they could do was clean up the wires and prepare for the next day. *sigh*
Thursday, August 13th and it was a rough night the house never really cooled off staying in the upper 70s all night long. It was also the first day of school with no power and no food in the house it made for an interesting send-off. But hey nothing a doughnut and milk from the gas station to start your day cant fix. I think this picture sums up August 2020, in a nutshell, wearing a mask to school tree damage in the background, yeah this one is for the books! They will be telling this story to their grandkids someday.
It's really hard to send your kids off to school during these trying times but this one is always full of joy and could not wait to get back. She has been away from school and friends for six months and she was ready to go.
Man Thursday was getting really bad the temps crept up to 90 degrees around 4o'clock we seemed to still be without hope. Finally, around 5 PM, the calvary showed up. It took them a while but shortly after 7, we had power! We cheered the linesmen and gave them huge Thank You and ran to close windows and turn on the A/C trying to cool off the house for the night. What a crazy week it has been.
Friday, August 14th the came to take my baby away. We bought this car when Ella was born because the car seat would not fit in our other car. So after sixteen years, this baby has seen a lot. It was really hard to say goodbye the car has been a beast. We felt safe handing it down to Ella when she could start driving.
Did the Derecho effect you? Let me know in the comments below. It was a crazy ride that we will talk about for years to come.
Of course I made a video of the experience for my kids to have down the road. It's a bit boring but your welcome to check it out.
Sunflower Field (Cuteness Alert)
My youngest was about to get braces when she started seeing the post's on social media that the sunflower field was open and ready for those Instagram picture opportunities. So she quickly planned out our trip so she could get her photo's done before the big day. On our way out the rain started to roll in and tears started to form. I kept letting her know it will be fine and she would be so much happier with her pictures in the end. Well, I think they turned out pretty good with just the iPhone. So here are a few of those pictures to brighten your day.
My whole world right here in one cute little photo. Not going to lie and not trying to brag but I'm truly blessed. These girls can bring light to a cloudy day.
You have to love that sky with all that yellow. You also have to look close because Ella is hidden rather well.
Saved the best for last. Look at these two!! They might give me a headache from time to time, keep me busy running from rehearsals to basketball games but man it's worth it.
Oh, and my wife spotted this creepy faced Sunflower. Kind of looks like a charter from a comic book.
Also, this week was to be Camp week, so we had a little surprise visit with Steve!! So much fun that day sharing old camp stories learning that Alexa can fart... no really go ahead and ask her right now and defiantly ask her for the juicy fart. I also kind of feel bad for Steve as a few "Adult" items may have made it to the Amazon shopping list as well.
Ok, I hope this helped put a little smile on your face, I did watch a movie this week that I just have to talk about so watch for that review next week!
Until then stay safe, wear your mask, and smile we will get back to normal soon!!
WOW it's been awhile!
Ok, gang here is a small update from the past month. It's been kind of hard to get online these past days. The negative world we live in is just too much. And sadly it's not going to get any better leading up to November. First up the BLM movement.
Even our small town was affected by the ugly turn of events. We had threats directed at us and with a store full of windows we had to take action. The whole town closed early boarded up windows and went home for the day. Thankfully nothing came of this and we went back to work the next day. Today we have a protest that has the town a little uneasy as Blue Lives Matter and Black Lives Matter plan on getting together on opposites sides of the street. We sure hope it stays peaceful.
Now a little bit of good news we became God Parents once again! Though we had to stay home for the actual blessing we did get to finally meet baby Elli.
Ok Ok stand back for this big update well two of them to be exact!! My oldest has begun her driving journey. She worked hard to ace the class during these remote learning days of summer! And believe it or not her first road time went pretty smoothly. We went out to the college parking lot for a few hours driving in circles. She starts instructor lead driving classes on the road this week and she will do just fine. And with that, this girl went out and got herself...
... a job! Look out world there is no stopping her! Both girls were chosen to be young ambassadors for Stage 212's virtual summer camp. Sadly 212 canceled all of there shows for the season and we patiently wait to see if Elf will happen this fall.
And of course, the biggest thing to happen this summer, Hamilton! We made it a party that night and the girls have watched it numerous times this week. I love it such a great show kind of bummed I did not see it on stage, and to say we did not have the surround sound jamming we ended up blowing out a speaker.
I did get some good movie viewing in last month and plan on posting those this week. I sure hope everyone is staying safe! And let us not make the wearing mask's political and more polite! Please wear a mask for the sake of the clerk behind the counter trying to help you while your breathing on them 😁!
Still Here In Quarantine Mode
So how is everybody holding up? Going into my second week away from work and doing ok, I miss working but enjoying the time with family. I managed to put together a few more videos this week. Remember you can always follow my YouTube channel.
First up with this wonderful lock down our town thrown together a drive through Easter Bunny and Friends event. I have to say it was pretty cool and even tho my kids might be a tad old but we needed to get out of the house, you know? So sit back relax and join us, shall you? And keep your windows rolled up for the safety of yourself and others.
First up with this wonderful lock down our town thrown together a drive through Easter Bunny and Friends event. I have to say it was pretty cool and even tho my kids might be a tad old but we needed to get out of the house, you know? So sit back relax and join us, shall you? And keep your windows rolled up for the safety of yourself and others.
Of course, Easter had a different look this year, and while we stay in we still find ways to get out safely. For example on Saturday we where egged. Yep, some of our friends came by snuck around the house and hide eggs. So we paid it forward hitting a few of our friends. You'll find that as part of this week's Coronavirus video. Enjoy...
Ok, and as a bonus, I found some old video of the girls doing a fashion show in 2010! So for fun, I tossed it together and you know if you would like the video is here for you.
Hang in there everybody! The light seems to be at the end of the tunnel and fingers crossed it's almost in view!
Ella's Choir Competition
For those that read my last few posts, they have been a little on the sad side so let's lighten the mood a today! Ella had her first Choir Competition from last month. They missed an excellent my a fraction of a point put this show should have you tapping your toes by the end.
COVID-19 A look back upon the week.
I have a few videos to share with you in the next few days. Sadly going to start with a sad one but a very important one. For those that have come around know my oldest suffers from PTSD, anxity, and depression. When this first hit the states she started having trouble going to school the one thing that kept her going was The Wizard of OZ. But when everything came crashing down I told her document everything as a way to fight the thoughts in her head. She has not made a video yet but I decided to as well. This is a look back on the first week of crazy.
It's the Story of Buddy The Elf!
| My jolly little elf. |
| My wife and I did tech so the view from backstage can get a little creepy. |
| Getting ready for the big scene change we literally had 17 seconds to tear down Macy's and put out the apartment. So many close calls so so many! |
| Everybody is on stage in front of the curtain signing so I stopped my child for a selfie. |
| Getting Santa's sleigh ready for take-off. |
| Over on my tube page, you will find Buddy reading to the kids. Leave it to mine who are big fans of the library and Buddy to get in line for a photo. |
Here is a small look from Backstage you can really see Ella but sadly when Lainey was on the stage I was moving something in the back.
Santa was a hit as well. Elf will go on to be the second highest-grossing musical at the collage topping well over the 30,000 maks. The closing day brought in 422 people! it was a blast running around backstage but I also stinks not seeing your kids on stage together. Thankfully a video as surfaced so we at least get to see that much.
Now on to Nunsense and Wizzard of Oz Ella sure knows how to keep busy!
Ok I have more to post soon I hope including the backstage footage!
Halloween 2019!
Oh man, how are you witches and ghouls today? How was your Halloween? As always lately my girls kept me busy with Basketball games Broadway Backward and ugh Elf The Musical Practice. And that snow on Halloween wow just wow! In fact, our Trick or treat was moved to November 1st this year. So I sure with you today a few photos and of course this year's snowing Halloween video.
| Lainey this year went as the Pizza Plant delivery driver delivery her best friend the slice of pizza. |
She also took home first place in the costume contest!
Little miss Freshman did not want to go house to house to collect her loot but wanted to enjoy the day still walking around in her It's Raining Men outfit.
My wife and I got a little excited when Halloween was postponed thinking maybe we could finally go out on our Anniversary for the first time in 14 years. Welp, nope they called Elf practice instead oh well. Happy 21st Anniversary anyway my love.
Trick or Treat
I know this if our Halloween video from three years ago but sady I just got around to editing it this summer. Enjoy a small look at Halloween in our small sleepy town.
#snowpocalypse2019
Holy Molly what a crazy week it has been, this week at school we had an 8th-grade night as our kids said thank you for all that we have done for the past 8 years. And it was a nice way for the kids to get recognized for everything they have done.
Then on Friday, the school hosted a movie night and it was crazy! All those screaming children ugh not sure many watched "Small Foot" I think that's the name of it.
I could not tell you anything about the movie I was making popcorn all night but when it was over seemed like the kids had fun. And then came #Snowpocalpese 2019, I get it we knew it was coming but it is still fun to talk about anyway right? Sadly tho I rather have been home with my feet up watching out the window instead I was at work.
Sadly the excitement came when a driver lost control on route 80 slid off the road and crashed into a power pole. That said pole then dropped down enough for an oncoming Semi to get tangled in the wires pulling them down. The good new everybody was fine Rt 80 was closed for a few hours and the best part...
We worked in the dark and crazy enough we where busy. Of course, some of the customers were those that had to get off 80 so they came and hung out with us. The power was out from 10am until 4pm and even though the building got cold and we ran on backup power we made the best of it.
So that was my week in a nutshell next week is to be pretty crazy Ella starts Mamma Mia and Lainey starts Volleyball games. So how was your crazy week?
Oh and my kid is way more popular on Twitter than me
This album is still one of my favorite #BabyOneMoreTime20 pic.twitter.com/Gl5l5x3ofQ— @duckyramos (@duckyramos) January 13, 2019
Pop-Tart Cereal Yay or Nay?
I really don't remember the early concoction of this pop culture phenomena but the bright blue box jumped out at my kid so it ended up in our cart. And now, well it sits on the shelf with other boxes of cereal that nobody wants to eat.
I guess we really should have looked at the small lettering that reads "Delicious Filling In Every Bite!". I mean Pop Tarts are gross anyway but to put that filling in your milk is really bad in my book.
The center jam as we call it is so hard and sticky and just not good. The outside texture is fine it's your average cereal fair. We just can not get past that gross center.
As for my Fourteen-Year-Old, she thinks its ok looks like she eats it dry when she gets bored but you can tell after a few bites she is done with it. So if anybody would like to come over for a bowl of Pop-Tarts Cereal feel free it's going to go stale in this house.
10 Years
10 Years of Finger Sticks
10 Years of Needles
10 Years of Insulin
10 Years of Doctor Visits
10 Years of Struggle
10 Years of Tears
10 Years of Sleepless Nights
10 Years of Bravery
10 Years of Asking God why?
10 Years of wondering what I did wrong to hurt my baby
10 Years of Low Blood Sugars
10 Years of "HI"
10 Years of Mood Swings
10 Years of Parents saying to us "Should she really eat that piece of Birthday cake"
10 Years of fighting with the Insurence Companies
10 Years of Over Protecting my Baby
10 Years of watching Ella get stronger every day!
10 Years of PTSD
10 Years of Anxiety in all of us
10 Years and you have grown from my baby to my little girl and now a teen!
Here is to...
A Lifetime of Smiles
A Lifetime of Laughter
A Lifetime of Sleepless nights
A Lifetime of Musicals
A Lifetime of up's and down's
A Lifetime that you have taken control of
A Lifetime of me not wanting to let you grow up
Ten years ago our lives change forever, I still cry, I still get mad at God, I still pray for a cure. But I have watched you always strong always brave always kicking this disease out of the way not once letting it slow you down!
You will always be my baby no matter how much you grow up!
Love You, Ella,
Dad
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