My Wonderful Neverland

I love the fall...

2010-10-25T14:35:00.003-04:00

We had a fantastic weekend... We went to the Kersey Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin patch on Saturday... That evening Doug and I enjoyed a date night out to Flemings Steakhouse for dinner followed by a Halloween dance... I dressed up in my ladybug costume. Aidan's last baseball game was on Sunday and they won. Fantastic!

Wizard of Oz Trail

2009-10-31T15:52:00.001-04:00

Fall Fun!

2009-10-26T11:58:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures of the activities in October...

Aidan's 9th birthday at MagiQuest...

Soccer & Baseball...

Goulash... (still to come)

Pumpkin Patch...

Place holder...

2009-10-26T11:57:00.002-04:00

Wow... I haven't updated this in a LONG time. This is about to change!!

Aidan's First Communion

2009-05-17T22:10:00.000-04:00

As promised, here are the pictures from Aidan's special day...

Oh... It's Magic!

2009-05-16T22:17:00.002-04:00

We had a fantastic day... Both sets of grandparents arrived last night to Aidan and Regan's excited delight. They came for two very important events:

Regan's dance recital and Aidan's First Communion!

This morning, we enjoyed watching Regan perform her tap and ballet routines at her recital in the Carolina Theatre downtown.

Here are pics:

The pics are great but our day was much busier than these pictures can show... We also 1) went to Aidan's baseball game, 2) ate lunch at Poblano's 3) cut down a 50 foot tree in our back yard (yes... I'm serious! and, no, it didn't fall on the house! After watching an on-line video, Doug and his dad are now "certified" lumberjacks!), 4) went swimming and 5) had a fabulous filet mignon dinner.

I'm looking forward to Aidan's special day tomorrow. So, stay tuned for more pics soon to come! =)

My cousin's wedding in Philly...

2009-05-05T20:10:00.001-04:00

We had a great time in Philadelphia for Steve & Khanh's wedding... On Saturday, we toured Philadelphia. On Sunday, we got to witness two ceremonies... Very cool. See the pics below:

Easter in Pittsburgh...

2009-04-13T19:39:00.002-04:00

Spring 2009

2009-04-13T19:38:00.001-04:00

Coming soon....

I took 3rd Place in the limerick contest and won two barstools...

2009-03-18T08:34:00.001-04:00

Of course, here is the revised version that I recited last night... Happy St. Patrick's Day!

M'Coul's Irish Kiss
- Written by Lara Heberle

St. Patty's day, my friends, you shan't miss,
There’s no better time to drink than this
Raise a pint of green beer
And sing songs of good cheer
Every pub should be full of drunk bliss!

If “Luck of the Irish” you have, though
There's only one place to be, you know
In the best pub around
Irish flirting abound
Is M'Coul's, below the Green Burro!

Before I finish, I'd be remiss
If I didn't remind you guys of this
Each girl will surely say
"Kiss me I'm IRISH" today
But, we Irish girls want a FRENCH kiss!

Limerick Contest

2009-03-14T21:23:00.008-04:00

Last year, I won the limerick contest at M'Coul's Pub... (You can find the limerick posted on this blog... go back to last March.) This year, time was passing and I thought I didn't have time to write and submit another one. BUT, last night, Doug found out we could still submit a limerick today. Doug also found out that one of the prizes is a Guinness keg-o-rator. (I really don't know how to spell or write that!)

Last year, I really wanted Doug to enter the contest. He's really creative. So, when he decided not to, I decided I would do it. The grand prize was a two nights stay at the beach... How could I pass up that opportunity? Apparently, the prize this year is good enough to get Doug to write. So, in response, I wrote THIS limerick... I just couldn't help myself! Wish me luck!

Ode to my Irish, Guinness Drinking Husband!

My husband, his name is Douglas
Last year he didn't enter this contest
He quivered in fear
And ordered a beer
So, I left him alone with his Guinness.

A prize I wanted for our family
I wondered how hard this all could be
So, a limerick I wrote
Turned it in for a vote
And, first place was the judges decree.

Alas, this year my husband caved in
When he found out the prize he could win
A limerick he made
Pandering he played
Then, I turned in a limerick again!

(M'Coul's, let me have the last grin!)

This morning, I wrote this one... Both have been submitted, so hopefully, I can at least be a finalist again with one of these...

M'Coul's Irish Kiss

St. Patty's day, my friends, you shan't miss,
There’s no better time to drink than this
Raise a pint of green beer
And sing songs of good cheer
Every pub should be full of drunk bliss!

If "Luck of the Irish" you have, oh...
There's only one place you'd be, you know
For the best pub around
For Irish drinking abound
Is M'Coul's in the town Greensboro

Before I finish I'd be remiss
If I didn't remind you all of this
Each girl will surely claim
Irish Isle, she whence came
So, grant every girl here a sweet kiss!

The Super Bowl, My trip to NYC & Regan Lost her First Tooth

2009-02-12T11:45:00.002-05:00

So far, February has been very exciting... Doug went to the Super Bowl to watch the Steelers win in Tampa, Florida. The Super Bowl was on February 1st, my birthday. However, I decided not to go to the game. Instead, the following weekend, I went to NYC to meet my sister, Greta, and Laurent. We enjoyed walking around Central Park, going to the top of the Empire State building and going to see "In the Heights" on the night they won a Grammy for Best Musical.

Luckily, I got back before Regan's first tooth fell out. On Feb 10th, her bottom middle left tooth fell out at school and I was able to help her find the perfect tooth fairy bag to put her tooth in! The tooth right next to it is also extremely loose. So, I wouldn't be surprised if she lost her second one today!

I'll post pics of the Super Bowl, NYC and Regan's lost tooth soon!

Next up is going to the the Valentine's Dance with the kids this Friday...

25 Random Things about Me

2009-01-27T20:31:00.004-05:00

I wrote these "25 Things" yesterday (for posting in Facebook) and thought I would post them here as well.

RULES: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I finally figured out how to write a note in FB!!
2. I grew up in Dayton, Ohio with my parents, two younger sisters, and Polish grandmother.
3. My grandmother, Babcia, spoke little English and couldn't walk. My sisters and I learned to be care-takers at a young age. Loving and taking care of Babcia taught us a lot... and, made us appreciate what a special gift she was to us.
4. I watched my Babcia take her last breathes... I still cry when I think of that moment.
5. After I graduated from High School, I went to Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.
6. A year later, I went through freshman orientation at Ohio University and thought that the orientation was very babyish. I didn't have anything like that when I lived in Krakow... It seemed like a step backwards...
7. My 8-year old son reads faster than I do... He's read all the Harry Potter books... Several times.
8. I love photography. My Dad does, too. So, he gave me everything I needed to have an amazing dark room in my house... I spent many hours taking pictures, developing and printing film.
9. I convinced my high school (with the help of my mom) to start a school newspaper. They wouldn't let me start a paper on my own. Instead, they made the project into a class... I believe the school newspaper is still going today.
10. At one time, I wanted to be a photo journalist... taking pictures, writing stories and travelling around the world.
11. I was also pretty serious about becoming a chiropractor. I took organic chemistry for nothing!
12. I am on the board of the Greensboro Chapter of the American Red Cross. On the Greensboro Historical Museum's Board of Trustees. And, am the president of the Piedmont Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club.
13. I wish my family wasn't so far away... My parents live outside of Chicago (can't drive that!) and BOTH my sisters and their families live across the ocean... in Paris, France. I think that is too far and miss them often. Thank God for phones, computers and airplanes! If it weren't for the 6 hour time difference, it wouldn't be so bad.
14. I loved visiting Istanbul, Turkey. It is an amazing city with amazing people and history.
15. I grew up going to the opera... And, I loved going. (My husband doesn't like operas so much.)
16. My favorite after school snack was a big bowl of chocolate ice cream with peanut butter mixed in... Of course, I ate it while watching Oprah...
17. I didn't know anything about football when I married Doug. I had to pass his "basic football knowledge" test before we got married. I don't know how I passed! lol. =)
18. I took piano lessons at 6 years old. But, can barely play anymore... I want to buy a piano. I also played the flute... (and tried the clarinet, french horn, violin... anything else? hmmm..)
19. My daughter has just ONE dimple when she smiles... Just like I do... On the same side as mine!
20. I have fond memories of dancing around the house with my sisters as a little girl... while my Dad played the piano...
21. The story of The Little Match Girl makes me cry.
22. My mom was the coolest mom ever... She threw the best birthday parties... And, let my sister and me invite an amazing amount of kids... She could whip up a party in a heart beat. I wouldn't know what I would do without my well thought out and organized plan of activities!
23. I met my husband in Warsaw, Poland. (Although, he isn't Polish at all.) We were married exactly 1 year and 1 day from our first date!
24. I love to dance. I love dancing to ABBA!
25. I can't cook. Doug is stuck cooking most dinners we eat together. (Although, I'm pretty good at making side dishes!)
26. I love to read my sister Liza's stories. I wish she would write more.
27. My sister Greta and I have the same birthday. We still call each other on our birthday, Feb 1st, and sing, "Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah... You say it's your birthday... It's my birthday, too. Yah!"
28. The Super Bowl is on my birthday AGAIN this year. Doug was BORN on Super Bowl Sunday. I think the football game should always be played on his birthday... not mine.
29. Despite this, I'm glad he is going to go to the "Steelers Bowl". He is super excited.
30. Oops... I wrote more than 25 but I'm not going to take any out!

A Snow Day... and A New President... President Barack Obama!

2009-01-20T12:37:00.003-05:00

We had a light dusting of snow that cancelled school for the entire day... The kids had fun trying to gather enough snow for a snow ball fight, drinking hot cocoa, and painting. But, the best part was watching history in the making... the inauguration of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the US.

I must say that the opportunity to stay at home to watch the inauguration with the kids was wonderful.

Here is the "snow ball" fight from this morning... =)

Hollywood Birthday Party...

2009-01-12T22:33:00.002-05:00

Regan and Doug's birthdays were yesterday... Regan is now 6 and Doug is 39! Wow... Here are the pics from the glamorous Hollywood birthday party...

Autograph Session, Red Carpet Interviews, Making Glamour Necklaces, Awards Ceremony, Dance Party, Champagne (sprite) toast, Red Carpet Movie Premier on the big screen, Cake & Tea Party, Gifts for the stars... We had it all!

Christmas & NYE

2009-01-04T20:30:00.004-05:00

Regan's 6th Birthday Party Invitation

2009-01-04T20:30:00.003-05:00

Holiday Letter 2008

2008-12-16T14:40:00.007-05:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

This year has been a very busy and fun year for our family…

In January, Regan turned 5 and had a fantastic tea party to celebrate. Our basement in our new house was perfect for the occasion. The girls wore beautiful dresses and Regan enjoyed serving tea to all of her guests!

In January, Doug finished his “Man Room” (which I call the theater room) with official Steelers paint and an amazing ceiling projector just in time to host the super bowl party. That room has already seen many parties, poker games and movie nights this year. And, of course, playing the wii is a lot of fun with such a huge screen!

In March, we celebrated St. Patrick’s day at M’Coul’s Pub as I was a finalist for their limerick contest. After reciting the limerick to the crowd, the judges declared me the winner… Aidan wanted me to win first place so we could get the two night’s stay at Atlantic Beach. And, I did not disappoint him!

A couple weeks later, we drove up to Pittsburgh to celebrate Easter with Doug’s family. It was great seeing the cousins having so much fun. Coloring Easter eggs, the Easter egg hunt and eating Aunt Tracy’s cute bunny cookies were the best!

In April, my sister Liza traveled to the states to visit. We had a great time shopping, going to the Heritage Festival and even organizing my bathroom and garage. What a sister!

In May, Regan and I flew to NY City to meet my sister Greta, her daughter Kadia and my mom. Greta, as well as many other vacationers from France, was excited to shop in the states since it was such a “bargain” with the USD/Euro exchange rate! We had a great time visiting them, seeing the sites and shopping…. (And, shopping, and shopping!)

Later in the month, Doug went to California for a friend’s wedding which, of course, included some fun times in Vegas with his Notre Dame friends. While Doug was away, his parents came to visit NC for Regan’s dance recital. Regan danced beautifully and enjoyed the spotlight!

Before month’s end, we took advantage of the hotel stay I won for the limerick contest and went to Atlantic Beach for Memorial Day weekend. The kids had a blast visiting the aquarium, jumping waves and digging deep holes in the sand. Aidan even took a surfing lesson from Surfer Joe!

We spent the 4th of July weekend in Pittsburgh. We had a great time going to Kennywood amusement park with Doug’s parents. It was also good to visit with Doug’s grandma. The kids sweetly held her hands. Regan, especially, loved to sit and visit with “Great, Great Regan Grandma”.

In August, the kids started school. Aidan is in the 2nd grade and Regan started kindergarten. They are growing up so fast! Soccer, baseball, basketball, dance, church school and school activities keep us quite busy!

Doug and I also went to our 20 year high school reunions this year. In August, we traveled to Dayton, Ohio for mine and in September, we traveled back up to Pittsburgh for Doug’s. Both parties were a lot of fun. We even stayed in Pittsburgh an extra day to go to a Monday night Steelers game!

In October, Aidan turned 8. We celebrated with a Star Wars Jedi Training party. Star ship flight practice and light saber training were a few of the many, fun activities at the party…

For Thanksgiving we went to Florida. As luck would have it, my parents were there over much of the same time and went to Disney with us. We also traveled down to Ft. Lauderdale to visit my Uncle Gerard on his birthday… He took us out sailing on his boat… We didn’t have much wind for sailing but the kids enjoyed driving the boat under Captain Gerard’s direction. On Thanksgiving Day, we met up with Doug’s brother Don and family at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. What fun!

For Christmas and New Years, we are excited to have my family (parents, sisters, niece, brother-in-law and boyfriend) visit us! I’m not sure how we got five people to fly from Paris, France to Greensboro, NC, but we did… And, I couldn’t be happier!

May your holidays be wonderful and bright!!

Love,
Doug, Lara, Aidan & Regan

A Disney Thanksgiving...

2008-11-30T13:20:00.008-05:00

Here are the pics and a couple of videos from Orlando... We arrived Saturday evening and met up with my parents for dinner. The first two days of Disney, we went to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Then on Tuesday, we took a break and drove down to a much warmer part of Florida, Ft Lauderdale. There we went sailing with my Uncle Gerard. The next morning, Doug and Aidan returned to Orlando early and went to DisneyQuest.

On Thanksgiving, my parents flew back home but we met up with Doug's brother, Don, and his family in Magic Kingdom. Regan also got a princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the castle and we ended the day with a Thanksgiving dinner in the Akershus Palace in Epcot. Friday was our last day in the parks and the kids were both lucky to be picked for Jedi Training in Hollywood Studios! Here are the pics and videos!

Aidan wouldn't go to the Dark Side... Here's his battle to prove it!

Here is Princess Regan taking on Darth Vadar...

A Sailing Adventure...

2008-11-26T12:53:00.003-05:00

Here are the pics from our sailing trip with Uncle Gerard... We got to sail, fish and celebrate Gerard's birthday!!

A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2008-11-13T18:56:00.008-05:00

Aidan's assignment in computer lab today was to write his version of a story called "A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day". I hope he doesn't have many bad days like this one. This is what he wrote:

A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
By Aidan Heberle, Age 8

This morning when I
went to eat my cereal,
I spilled my milk on my cat
and my mom said I had to clean it up.
It was a terrible, horrible,
no good, very bad day.

When I went to school,
I started to talk
and the teacher caught me.
It was a terrible, horrible,
no good, very bad day.

I fell down on the playground
and no one helped me.
It was a terrible, horrible,
no good, very bad day.

And, then my sister
got to be in the newspaper!
It was a terrible, horrible,
no good, very bad day.

Finally, I tripped over all my toys.
It was a terrible, horrible,
no good, very bad day.

(Note, no animals were harmed in the writing of this story. We don't have a cat! But, Aidan's sister has had her picture in the newspaper several times...)

I love it when Regan draws...

2008-11-09T13:48:00.008-05:00

Regan gets so involved in her artwork. She just created this masterpiece just for me!

When I told her I was going to scan her picture, she followed me to the computer to see what I meant. After the scanner finished making the noises that scanners make, she saw her picture on the computer. It was then that I realized that she was a little concerned... Regan thought that her original would be gone from the paper. The computer took it, right? She wouldn't believe that her paper wasn't blank until I took it out of the scanner to show her...

Too funny!

How do you pack "more fun" into one weekend?

2008-11-03T09:18:00.003-05:00

Well, I'll tell you...

First, you go trick-or-treating with the kids. Then, you get dressed up in crazy costumes and go out with your friends. The next day, you take the kids to a fall festival with cotton candy, face painting and games. And, finally, on Sunday, you go to a soccer party and follow it up with a.....

Cheetah Girls Concert!

Both Aidan & Regan enjoyed the concert. It was a little loud and the opening acts were a little screechy. But, each child (Regan, Aidan, Brooke, Alyssa and Erin) "partied like a rock star".

Wow... It's good that the weekend is over. I can get some rest now! =)

Trick-Or-Treat... (and Captain Underpants takes on the night!)

2008-11-01T11:09:00.008-04:00

Regan started out as a kitty... but at the last moment switched out to a Cinderella costume... Aidan was super cool as Jango Fett from Star Wars...

Our new subdivision, Highstream, is the perfect place to go trick-or-treating. So, many houses were decked out! Next year, I'll have to have more halloween decorations out to add to the festivities...

Later, we joined our friends in their subdivision, Old Fox Trail. That place was a MAD HOUSE!! Traffic in and out was at a dead stop and required our traffic guiding skills to get people moving... (Seriously, no one was moving. So, Doug and I had to direct traffic in order to get OUT of that subdivision. Crazy!)

Even later, Doug and I went downtown to M'Coul's and the Green Burro for some halloween fun of our own... We met up with Jenny and Ben Bradford and Jason Pierce and his friend Jennifer. Doug went as CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS! and I went as Lara Croft...

Doug's costume solicited MANY laughs and a lot of attention. Even if people didn't know of Captain Underpants, they really enjoyed his costume.

Here are the pics!

The Wizard of Oz Halloween Trail

2008-10-26T22:58:00.005-04:00

This was such a fun outing... We went to Castle McCulloch where we got to walk with Dorothy through the Wizard of Oz trail. Of course, we met up with or Glenda the Good Witch, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion along the way. But, we also met up with the Wicked Witch before we got to meet the Wizard of Oz!!

Aidan loved watching the witch melt in the fog! Regan loved the singing... But, probably liked holding Dorothy's hand the most! (The Community Theatre of Greensboro did a great job with this production!)

My girlfriend Jenny and I had a blast taking the kids... We even coordinated the girls' clothes and hair!

See the pics below!

Fall Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-19T16:05:00.003-04:00

We had fun choosing the two best pumpkins at the pumpkin patch today... The kids even got to sit on a horse! See the pics below! =)

I'm A Good Artist

2008-10-16T18:30:00.004-04:00

-- Written by Regan & Aidan's Mom

I'm a good artist. But, my older brother doesn't think so. When I ask him which picture he likes the best, he doesn't answer. Why doesn't he just answer me?

When Aidan doesn't answer me I have to get really loud and ask again and again. And, when that doesn't work, I have to get out of my chair and put the paper in front of his eyes for him to see.

He doesn't like that so much because he can't see the game he is playing. Then, he gets mad. And, yells "REGAN…. Don't DOOO that!"

When Aidan yells, Mommy comes into the kitchen and asks why we are fighting. And, then, I try to explain. But, Aidan gets even madder.

Mommy doesn't like that so much because she doesn't want us to fight. Mommy then yells "REGAN… AIDAN… Be nice to each other!"

But, I tell Mom that Aidan isn't being nice to me. And, I show Mom my drawings.

Mom says she likes them both but I ask her which one is her favorite. She picks the picture with a princess in a pink dress and a purple crown and pretty flowers.

I tell her that is my favorite picture, too.

Then, I take the papers and draw a beautiful butterfly on the picture that isn't the best to make it prettier. I ask Mom which picture is her favorite now. Mom says she loves the butterfly.

Daddy comes home and he gives me a big hug and a kiss. He says he likes both pictures. But, he likes the princess in the pink dress and purple crown the most because it looks just like me!

I smile.

I'm a good artist.

Aidan's 8th Birthday, Neighborhood "Booing", & Jedi Training Party!

2008-10-16T18:16:00.011-04:00

On Aidan's birthday (Oct 9th), Doug and I went to Aidan's school and surprised the birthday boy for lunch. We also treated his class mates to ice cream to celebrate. For dinner, Aidan's restaurant of choice was Moe's for Pilot Elementary's family night... It was a dining experience complete with the craziness of school friends, magic tricks and balloon animals. But, I think the most fun for Aidan (after getting his birthday presents) was going "booing" in our neighborhood when we got home.

Let me explain as you may not be aware of what "booing" means. (We are new to this as well.) A couple nights before, there was a loud knock on our front door. When Doug answered, no one was in sight. But, a white ghost bag with candy was left on our porch. Inside the bag were instructions explaining that we had been "booed" and that we now had to keep the Highstream neighborhood tradition of booing alive by making two more bags and delivering them to two other homes within two days. We were also instructed to put the ghost sign that says "We've been booed" in our front window.

As luck would have it, the night of Aidan's birthday, we set out with two orange pumpkin bags filled with candy and instructions. Regan was VERY concerned about giving away our candy. But, Aidan was super excited to be the one to knock loudly and race to join Regan and I in our hiding place. We really got a kick out of watching our neighbors open the door to find that they had been "booed"!

We had Aidan's birthday party the following Sunday. The theme was Star Wars' Clone Wars. It was fun putting together a Jedi training birthday party. I made everyone a Jedi ID and light saber... The Jedis made their own star ships (paper airplanes)!

The kids were some of the best Jedis I have ever seen. They could do it all. In between star ship flight practice, light saber training, and using the force in disc target shots, they played air hockey, foosball, and Aidan's new Wii game, Boom Blox, which he got for his birthday from Aunt Greta, Kadia, Aunt Liza and Uncle Franck!

It was pretty cool that before the traditional "Happy Birthday" song was sung, the boys immediately started to hum the star wars' "Imperial March" song during the lighting of the birthday candles. Too funny!

Here are the pics!

Save this space...

2008-10-16T18:14:00.004-04:00

It's been a long time since I have updated my blog. So this is a space saver for all the things we've done since August.... My 20 year reunion in Dayton, OH. The first day of school for Aidan (2nd grade) and Regan (kindergarten). Doug's 20 year reunion and Monday Night Steeler's game in Pittsburgh were the highlights...

Doug is in a commercial... with my girlfriend Jenny!

2008-07-31T10:53:00.004-04:00

This commercial makes me want to dive right in..... =)

4th of July Weekend in Pittsburgh

2008-07-08T21:55:00.000-04:00

Our holiday weekend was one big party after another....

On Friday, the 4th, we got to visit with Don, Audrey, Connor, Dylan & Corinne before heading out with Grandma and Papa to Kennywood Amusement Park. I have never been to Kennywood and can't believe that this was my first time at the park. It was a lot of fun! Luckily, the weather was cooler than NC and we only had light rain during the day. Rides, food and fun ended with fireworks and one terrific holiday...

On Saturday, we visited "Great Regan Grandma"... (that's what Regan calls Doug's Grandma... Too cute.) Regan was very excited to visit her. The kids showered her with gentle hugs and love...

Later, we went to the Aviary where the kids chased and fed birds. Our visit ended with a bird show but our fun-filled day didn't end there... Oh no... We went home and got ready for a cookout with Aunt Joan and Aunt Mary.

When they arrived, Aidan showed Joan and Mary how to play the Wii. After Aunt Joan figured out where the 'A' and 'B' buttons were, she did quite well for her first time! She's quite the bowler! =)

After dinner, Doug and I left everyone to celebrate our 14 year anniversary... (Yes... 14 years! It's hard to believe!) We went down to Station Square and had a great time dancing the night away at the Matrix...

The next day, we heard that the kids also stayed up late catching lightening bugs and playing with sparklers...

Here are some pics from our trip...

Memorial Day Weekend at Atlantic Beach!

2008-05-26T22:02:00.000-04:00

We had a blast going to the beach. I loved... Waking up early with Aidan to be the first people on the beach... Regan catching creatures and watching them swim and dig in the sand in her bucket. Aidan's first surfing lesson with Surfer Joe... (Aidan wants his own surfboard now!) Eating yummy ice cream after going to see Narnia 2... Jumping waves with the kids... Regan and I, the "Hula Sisters", beat J-Lo the mean wave! Watching the kids dig DEEP holes in the sand... (They were so busy!) Going to the Aquarium twice... before we checked in and after we checked out. Snake volunteers: Aidan "Venemous Snake" Heberle and Regan "Longest Snake" Heberle. Pushing Aidan off the float in the pool... Regan showing off her coloring book masterpieces before bed... "Appare" to be amazed! What I didn't love was getting a "Butterfly Back Sunburn" and not applying lotion on the kids well enough... Ouch! Despite the sunburns, Aidan still wants to live at the beach. He said he is willing to give up our big house in order to move! See "Surfer Aidan" and "Hula Girl Regan" in the short videos below. =)

Go Yellow Jackets!

2008-05-19T09:39:00.001-04:00

Aidan's first baseball game of the season was on Thursday... It was rainy and just down right awful. After the dance recital was Aidan's 2nd game. And, the coach, team and weather were great... Luckily, this is the game that Doug's parents got to see. Pics are below! =)

Regan's Dance Recital

2008-05-18T18:44:00.001-04:00

It was a lot of fun... Regan danced her heart out and was very cute in her costumes... Check out the pics below. (Yeah... I know. There are way too many pictures. There are pics from their picture day and dress rehearsal as well on that album. And, in the world of "digital freedom", I don't know when to stop!)

Here's the tap routine!

And, here's her ballet routine...

NYC!

2008-05-18T18:41:00.000-04:00

We had a blast meeting my sister, Greta, and her daughter, Kadia, in NYC. My mom even came...

We had front row, center seats to Mary Poppins. We also saw The Little Mermaid. Fun broadway shows for the girls... and, fun even for me! =)

Here are some pics...

Regan's Dance Recital Invitation...

2008-04-19T22:27:00.000-04:00

It's almost here... All are welcome to come cheer Regan on... Let me know if you can make it. The recital is on May 17th at 10am at the Carolina Theater. =)

My sister Liza visited us!!!

2008-04-16T23:14:00.000-04:00

My sister Liza flew to the states to visit and I got her from Friday night until Tuesday (yesterday) afternoon. I was so excited to show her our new house... We also had fun at the Heritage Festival downtown, going out Saturday night, getting our nails done, shopping, etc. She even helped me organize my bathroom and garage. (What a sister!)

At the Heritage Festival to celebrate Greensboro's Bicentennial, we got to pose with two of the four A&T students who made history on February 1st, 1960 with a sit in at the Woolworth's store in downtown Greensboro. That was pretty cool. See the pictures below.

Easter in Pittsburgh

2008-03-25T09:42:00.000-04:00

I'm still uploading pictures... However, you can click on the picture below to see what is uploaded so far.

Easter in Pittsburgh

The results...

2008-03-18T10:23:00.000-04:00

There were over 600 on-line entries and 10 finalists.... After reading our limericks to the crowd, the judges voted and...

I won FIRST place!!!

I won two nights at Atlantic Beach and two tickets to the NC Aquarium... It definitely was a fun St. Patrick's day!

St. Patrick's Day

This morning, I got the following email from last year's winner, Mike Davis. He's so funny, I had to share this with everyone. =)

Lara,

Congrats on winning the Limerick Contest. As a previous runner-up and winner of the contest I can tell you that this will be one of the most rewarding years of your life. Just remember to conduct yourself with grace and dignity at all your public appearances. Remember you're a role model now. Kids who lay there at night and dream of being a limerick contest winner are now dreaming of being you. Also, you'll be asked to come up with spontaneous limericks. Don't get sucked into this, stick with the tried and true limerick that got you there.

Pace yourself, and don't succumb to the pressure like I did. I got so wrapped up in being the "Limerick Champion" I forgot who Mike Davis is. It's just a title. At the end of the day, put the crown back in the closet. My problem is that the crown REALLY looked good on me. I wanted to wear it all the time.....and the sash.

Anyway, the pressure got so great that I couldn't even submit an entry this year. Every attempt I made to write a limerick turned out to be a Hiaku. (M'Coul's rhyme contest. Nothing funny comes to mind. Guinness pints for all). It was really weird. Please don't let this happen to you.

Again, congrats.....keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.

Mike Davis

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T15:59:00.000-04:00

If you don't have plans for tonight and want them, come out to M'Coul's. I entered the limerick contest and am a finalist... I'll be reading my limerick to the crowd sometime between 7:45 and 8:30 tonight.

http://www.mcoulspub.com/

Cheers!!
Lara

Ode to the Green…

There once was a pub called M'Coul's
That hadn't enough bar stools
At the Patty's Day party
We drank wheat and barley
And now we are all drunken fools.

One of the things I hold most dear
Is wearing my green brassiere
For Irish I am
'Tis whiskey I slam
Oh, to celebrate but once a year.

I'm writing you all this Irish toast
To remind you, not least but foremost
To drink a good beer
And, to be real sincere
When "Kiss me I'm Irish", you boast!

I also wrote this one since Doug didn't write one...

My husband, his name is Douglas
I begged him to enter this contest
He quivered in fear
And ordered a beer
So, I left him alone with his Guinness.

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-15T17:22:00.000-04:00

The kids enjoyed the neighborhood Easter Egg hunt today...

Here's the Easter Hunt album...
(Click on the picture below to open...)

Easter Egg Hunt

February... My Birthday, Valentines Day Dance & Basket Ball Champions!

2008-03-15T16:34:00.000-04:00

February was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures...

Birthday Parties, Tea Parties and Snow...

2008-01-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

January has been quite fun... Doug officially turned 38. Regan turned 5. We celebrated by playing Wii with the Idiotboxers on our HUGE projection tv wall and by hosting an elaborate tea party for 10 little ladies... All was very fun.

January also brought snow... and, snow balls... and, a day off of school. The kids were VERY excited that they got to see snow this year. Although, in most people's opinion school didn't have to be called off. It was a very light snow. But, it did give the kids a chance to play...

Last Saturday also brought a super fun surprise 40th birthday party for our dear friend, Mike Davis. Claudia's party planning skills were amazing (and expensive)! But, I think the heated white tent with two chandeliers, couches, chocolate fondue, shrimp, etc. was worth it. It was a great reunion for many of us.

This weekend marks my "21st" birthday (plus 17... ugh!) and the Superbowl... So, the fun shall continue... What a way to begin 2008! Cheers!

Regan's Birthday Invitation

2008-01-01T23:53:00.000-05:00

Here is a copy of Regan's 5th birthday invitation. (I just finished making it.) I'm looking forward to a tea birthday party. It should be so fun and cute!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T23:38:00.000-05:00

I hope your holidays were wonderful... Now, we are on to the next event... Doug & Regan's birthdays are on January 11th.

We moved...

2007-12-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

We moved this weekend. (We are still in Greensboro... Heck, we are still in Adams Farm!)

Our new address is:
5315 Coveview Ct
Greensboro, NC 27407

I'll post some pictures once we are settled a bit. We have so much stuff to unpack...

Thanksgiving...

2007-11-23T17:50:00.001-05:00

In July, we actually planned our Thanksgiving vacation in advance. We wanted to be sure to have good Thanksgiving dinner reservations and an appointment for Regan at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique at Disney World. Unfortunately, at the last minute, we had to cancel our plans.

We closed on our new house on Monday. And, the painting and laying of hard wood floors began on Monday as well. We are used to juggling a flurry of events but that night our TV died and then, shortly thereafter, we found that the water heater in our "old" house also died. The following day, after coordinating the replacement of our water heater, we got a call about our new house. The big window had a leak and they couldn't continue to lay the hard wood floors until the leak was fixed and the sub flooring was dry. So, despite all of our efforts, we didn't leave Tuesday night as planned.

Instead, we went to work the following day and I headed for the grocery store at lunch. Yes, I actually cooked a Thanksgiving dinner on my own. After a couple hours of cooking, I now understand why we cook a Thanksgiving meal just once a year. It's a lot of work. But, I'm proud to say, I did it.

It's nice not rushing around. We are still having fun. So far, we have played football in the park and have also gone bowling. We may go roller skating tomorrow...

Have I ever told you... Written by by sister Liza Szmaj in May 2000

2007-11-19T15:26:00.000-05:00

Have I ever told you about my Grandmother...my Babcia?

A most inspirational woman...

She raised four children during the war (a fifth one, a daughter, lost to typhus because scarce medication was available to male children only).

My Babcia was a fighter, confronting even the Gestapo to try and change the unlivable conditions her "community" was in... After the war, the family was relocated to a Displaced Persons camp. She continued to make waves by teaching and becoming involved in local politics until a 30 foot fall broke her back and left her a paraplegic.

The person in charge of relocating families after the war had the Szmaj family slated for relocation to Australia - because America only wanted able bodied immigrants. Babcia felt that America was the land of opportunity and was willing to separate from her family (despite her condition) so that they could go on to the U.S.

Touched by the love of this woman - by her willingness to let go of her family so that they could benefit without a thought as to whom would take care of her or what she would do - the man approved the family's documents to go to the U.S. (for which I will be forever grateful, as probably are my uncles and aunts and my mother).

Years of praying and hoping for a miracle didn't improve her condition. Yet, growing up, I never heard her complain. She liked to "rule the roost" while living in our house. I remember playing in "our room", watching after-school specials with her(even though she was convinced that the people on the TV screen could actually see and hear us!). I remember her helping do "chores" by folding clothes and directing us children to do things; the way she used to peel an apple with a knife and leaving one long, unbroken, paper thin peel for me to put out the window so that birds and squirrels would come and visit. (I haven't mastered that peeling thing yet).

I also remember the morning I was the last one at home before school, waking her up for breakfast and witnessing that she just had a stroke and lost most of her eyesight. Even this did not stop her positive attitude.

She sang so many songs to me, told me joke after joke (she enjoyed a good laugh) and told me glorious old stories. Oh, she was such a great story teller...stories boundless...her eyes open wide and her face full of expression. Her smiles were endless (and toothless!).

Watching her, hearing her laugh a strong joyous laugh, enjoying the good things in life - "Give me Chocolate or give me death"; thanking God nightly for the " sunshine and the beautiful day and for family"; the roses in her room; the tickling a man's beard - which she enjoyed so much she would giggle with delight and blush, her bright blue eyes twinkling....

Even after she lost most of her eyesight, Babcia would use a magnifying glass to "read" her bible with pages worn from the many times she turned the them. Babcia used to tell me that growing up in Czestochowa she would pray the Stations of the Cross every day. Nothing stopped her from finding strength in God's word.

It was wonderful, because as I grew up she was my best friend. I would sit behind her on the bed and brush her long blonde hair, with its white highlights - instead of the other way around. I learned to braid on her soft, fine hair.

She was magical to cuddle with - round and delightful. She would cover me up with blankets until I could no longer breathe and I attempted to sneak the tip of my foot out from underneath the covers just to get some cool air. Somehow she always knew when I did that!

It became more difficult as I grew older. Instead of playing numerous games with her, I wanted to go out into the world, become the social person that my grandmother had been (some of the stories she would tell would include dancing until dawn....)

I left her room and got a room of my own.

When young, one may not realize the short time we have left with someone. We have videotapes of her singing and telling stories but the desire to hug her once more or feel her soft hands holding mine never goes away.

And then, remarkable as it was that she had lived as an invalid so long, she began to get sick, and began to break down.

It was then I realized that such a "burden" as an invalid grandmother living with you is not a burden at all - but a gift.

She shared so much with me...such an important part of my childhood as my baby-sitter and best friend - I learned a lot from her. And although, had she not broken her back, she may have been able to do so much in the world with her drive and determination - she was my personal special gift.

My family and friends also had the opportunity to share this "jewel" of a grandmother who would have given anything to help any one of us.

But I...I had her so much. I shared a room with her and she sang me lullabies until I was 13 years old. I spent endless hours with her. Sometimes, I'd awake in the middle of the night with her and after I got her some warm milk, she would tell me a story or sing me songs(melodious Polish songs that even my cousins living in Poland no longer hear!).

What opportunities are lost today when grandparents no longer live with the family!

I thank God constantly that she was so instrumental in my upbringing. Helping my parents raise me and then, in turn, affording me the opportunity to help her as she grew old.

This week marks the 10 year anniversary of her passing. Though I can't express everything she meant to me, and everything she did for my family and our friends, I want to share a bit of her joy on to you.

Life is short...listen to the stories your parents and grandparents have to tell. You are the keeper of their memories and that keeps them alive.

Trick-or-Treat!

2007-11-05T23:54:00.000-05:00

We went trick-or-treating with the Bradfords. Brooke & Alyssa were cute in their matching cheerleader costumes. Aidan "Harry Potter" often led the pack from house to house. While, Butterfly Regan flew as quickly as she could to keep up. Despite the furious flittering, the butterfly did take her time once there to carefully "select" the candy she was given and often asked for gum...

Yup... We carved pumpkins....

2007-10-29T22:56:00.001-04:00

Aidan wanted to tell ghost stories so off went the lights and Aidan put the flashlight under his chin for effect. Doug told one of the spookiest ghost stories I have ever heard. It was about a four-year old little girl who didn't eat dinner for a whole week...and disapeared. She turned into a ghost!!! Woo ooo oooo! (Regan finally ate her dinner.) =)

Princesses, Picnics & Pumpkins...Oh my!

2007-10-28T21:23:00.000-04:00

Despite the fact that Doug & I are trying to get our house ready to sell, we can't stop our busy lives from coming at us at full speed. We even find ourselves adding things to our list of activities but... we can't help ourselves. Luckily, the constant rain that lasted for three days helped to cancel a soccer and baseball game on Saturday. So, our run from one activity to another went down to a mere jog.

On Saturday, Regan was loving life as she got to be a princess for the day at Libby Lu. This new retail establishment in Four Seasons mall caters to a little girl's every whim. Regan got to join five other girls for a birthday party that included dressing up like fairies, having their hair, makeup and nails done, some dancing and "shopping".... The party concluded with lunch and birthday cake. She and the other 4 & 5 year old girls were in heaven. Later, Princess Regan (still in her party dress and tiara) joined Aidan's baseball picnic party.

This picnic was great for the boys... They got to cream their parents in a game of baseball. Yes, yours truly even played. Unfortunately, I struck out at bat. But, what can I say? I tried. I know the boys were on cloud 9... On Friday, Aidan's friend at school stopped him to chat about the upcoming game and they both agreed that the Bulldogs (kids) didn't have a chance. (Doug helped them win by throwing balls to the wrong base WAY out and by not catching the ball at all... Other parents joined in by missing or dropping the ball as well. I helped out just by playing... I didn't have to fake at all!)

In between these two three-hour events, Doug & I tore our house apart. We are trying to de-clutter ten years of junk. It's a tough job and our garage is packed.

Today (Sunday), Aidan had his last baseball game. And, I couldn't miss our last chance to go to the pumpkin patch. Regan wore (well, I should say "held") her witches hat. And, we looked at some mushy pumpkins. (The rain had done some damage!) In the end, we walked away with two tiny pumpkins. So, Doug ran to the store for big pumpkins to carve. I guess that will be on the schedule for tomorrow night. I can't believe Halloween is on Wednesday. Where did this month go?

And... we begin...

2007-10-26T15:03:00.000-04:00

I think that it is about time that I take up blogging. I document our life through pictures but I haven't taken the time to document the stories behind those pictures... I think I will begin doing that here. Here... in my wonderful neverland! =)