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.
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.
As night started to fall it was quickly becoming clear we would not have power for a bit, and for the first night, it was kind of exciting. Thankfully it was a cool evening and rather fun to sit outside with neighbors talking and getting to know one another.
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.
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!!
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 😁!
I love how the COVID has my youngest thinking outside the box. She has spent time face-timing her friends playing games online and cooking! She has been making cooking videos for a bit now and did this one on her own (OK Dad helped with Editing and plans on showing her the ropes) so sit back relax and enjoy Disneys Grey stuff.
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.
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!
Ok, yesterday was all about Ella today lets celebrate Lainey's volleyball season. I made this video for her birthday earlier this month. I told you the girls are keeping me busy!
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.
Wow oh wow (Takes a deep breath) its been a hot minute. To say life has been busy is an understatement and then life came grinding to a halt! I was invited today to join a blog hop for Disaster Movies thanks to Dubsism and Mid-Night Drive-in and it got me thinking. When I started blogging it was to escape the life I was going through at the time. We all know that we are going through a crazy time together and life is changing quickly thanks to the Coronavirus. But before I get back into Music Mondays and Svengoolie's what have I been up to?
Volleyball Season
The man did #13 keep me busy this year the running from game to game and then to rehearsal was a very consistent part of my February. It was a long and stressful season only winning a few games and losing a few really close games. Never the less a ton of fun. The greatest achievement came in the fine tournament when the girls made it to the final game. And what a game it was, I don't think any parent did not breath a deep breath the whole time as the girls went back and forth with one point separating the score most of the match. We may have finished with a second-place trophy but walked away with a mental win.
Nunsense the Musical!
Of course, my oldest has kept me busy as well between practice for Wizard of OZ and Nunsense (Yeah this kid is doing back to back plays and she is crazy) but this kid let anything slow her down. Not to mention all the choir practice and competitions for the past few months. It's safe to say we have been busy and that's ok.
Amelia and Ella
Yep, my kid is a Nun in Doc Martins!
Such a fun show and on the last day she really shined. When one of the cast members got sick and the director was in a panic Ella stepped up and said: "I got this I know her part and dance". And well she did, and of course, it was the one show I did not get to see.
And we were set to open Oz with both my kids getting roles the Coronavirus reared its ugly head and here we sit (Literally).
Who needs toilet paper not this guy living with three women, Ugh!
E-Learning from bed
Work has been a mega stress ball of emotions! When you live with a child that should not get sick and you work retail and are facing hundreds of panicking customers all your mind can think is I'm going to bring this shit home on my clothes! I literary take my clothes off on the back porch and run to the shower as my wife Lysols behind me, lol yeah I'm sure I'm a fun sight to see but that is how my mind has worked. I would say I'm a strong individual but this has me overwhelmed and overthinking. So glad I'm home today to unwind with my family. Due to a crazy workday on St. Patricks Day, I have my corn beef in the crockpot today we have already watched Karate Kid followed by the oddly entertaining NASCAR Race that was all done on the computer and now Caddyshack. It's been a nice day so far even kind of pretty as the snow falls as no traffic goes whizzing by.
So how is everybody doing? I sure hope you guys are safe I missed you! And one last piece of advice...
Well, here we go again back to the grind. TCA actually opened their season last week against a bigger school and lost in 2 matches. But this week the Saint's went to battle with Holly Cross of Mendota breezing through an easy victory in the first match they found themselves back on their heels during the second match.
I'm not so sure what got into Lainey as she went off for 7 points in the first game and four in the second. That second match found the home team struggling a bit but never losing out on the teamwork aspect. Sometimes the ball just does not bounce your way as Mendota found the sweet spot on the line as they fought back to win the second game.
The third match had both teams fighting hard for the win. At one point Lainey was on a six-point run at the line when Holy Cross called time out. It's funny because at home I always use sports terms that drive my kids nuts. When Lainey missed her next serve she knew it and on the drive home she was complaining that they called a time out on her and it goofed her up I turned to her and said "Yeah they Iced you" to her groans I got back "Oh Dad!".
Unfortunately, that was enough for Holy Cross to mount their comeback getting within one late in the game. Up buy one the fight continued back and forth with Holy Cross prevailed in a 16-14 victory. The girls played hard and had fun this time around once these girls shake off the cobwebs they will be a force to be reckoned with!
Son of a nutcracker I missed Creepmas! And sad to say I'm ok with it as we just finished up a musical called Elf! and it was a huge success. Here are a few photos I can share with you.
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!
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.
