Love and Marriage.. .

Many years ago, the song was sung by the great Frank Sinatra "Love and Marriage... Love and Marriage.. go together like a horse and carriage... this I tell you brother.. you can't have one without the other" This song was sung when Marriage was forever. When vows meant something and when you said I do, you meant until death do you part.

Nowadays, marriage is something that is taken entirely too lightly... Bride and Groom, Mr and Mrs, Man and wife, husband and wife, ball and chain, old man and old woman, and many other titles... Any way you look at it, it all means the same thing... you are supposed to be in this for the long haul. For life. If this was true, why is the divorce rate so high? Why do couples feel the need to search outside of their marriage vows for someone else? Why after being together for 20 or 30 years, is divorce even possible? Because while we get married and we love each other, forever is almost impossible to achieve. My parents were married for 38 years. My dad died in 1999, if he was still alive they would be celebrating 48 this year. It breaks my heart. My mom is my ideal example of what a marriage is. A partnership. Today on AOL, I saw this couple

81st Wedding Anniversary 81 years. WOW. If I make it to 10 I will be impressed. And this is my second marriage.

I want to believe that marriage is forever, I want to believe in the fairy tale, but its hard. When you combine a family, it is a challenge to treat everyone the same. To leave the only steps in the house the ones that go up to bedrooms. Don't get me wrong, its not always horrible, most of the time can be wonderful. But also very hard. Marriage is work. Life is work. The couple married say they don't argue. I would love that. My parents first fight was in 1978 over a Christmas tree my mom wanted taken down. I never saw a fight or heard a cross word. I never heard bad words said. I never heard yelling.

Is it too much to ask for forever? Is it unrealistic to think that maybe just maybe that couple isn't just the exception to the rule?

First Friday of Summer time

This week flew by, one day it was Monday and the next it is Friday. I love weeks like this, here one second and gone the next. Which means tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday, and our alarm clocks happily go to the off position.. Yippee!! So now the question asks what are the weekend plans... hmmmm..

Tomorrow we have baseball. Yep.. that time of year. .we live at the baseball field on Saturdays, last year I got my first sunburn at a baseball stadium.. I can see this year being the same :o)~ lol I am excited to see AJ play they had someone work with him on hitting last night. He is a great player but he has a problem with his stance, I am hopeful this meeting will fix that!! When he gets ahold of the ball the ball FLIES. hopefully that will be tomorrow!! GO AJ!

Sunday Chuck is off.. which is wonderful. We have Mass in the morning, and then we will probably head to the beach. It is almost a ritualistic event when it is lovely out. Why stay home when we we can go sit on sand, play in the water and soak up the sun? Then I think we may BBQ burgers. :o)~ As long as the weather holds. AJ also has his final try out.. .a bit nervous but excited too.

Summer time and the sun is possibly my favorite time of year until we get to August and it s so hot that I feel like I am gonna melt into a puddle. Summertime is baseball... and BBQ's... and lemonaide... and sweet tea... and swimming.. and sleeping in during the morning... and taking time to just do fun stuff... I <3>

This and That.

As always when a Thursday post is impossible to come up with I go to my old "Stand by" Is that considered cheating? I hope not because well.... I am a mother of six.. sometimes I am forced to borrow old ideas. (See not stealing.. not cheating. .borrowing.. I am good huh?)

This-We are mere days away from me being the mother of a high school senior, a high school sophmore and a high school freshman. *Sighs* whoever granted these children permission to grow up, please be aware you can have the older ones.. but I am keeping Emily small. TYVM!

That-Exactly how many times a day can one child watch Wall E? This question I am pondering as we are on our 3rd viewing today. David is in love with this movie. You know the same kid who wanted NOTHING to do with it this summer..

This-I am questioning the sense of men. No, its not Chuck he didn't do it. We have a friend who's husband told her he wants a divorce (they have two kids) and then proceeded to tell her "I never loved you.. I just felt sorry for you.. is that bad?" I told her I personally would have mule kicked him and asked I don't know.. does that hurt?

That- AJ is trying out for a team that is going to Cincinnati for baseball as the team that presents Norfolk, VA. He is excited.. mom is nauseous.. he has made it through the first two.... and now the biggee is Sunday.. pray for him.. he really wants this.. pray for me that I survive.

This- Ok who kept Desperate Housewives from me for so long? I found it on Lifetime and I am hooked. .. its so evil but so good.

That- I refuse to post about a certain family of 10 other then to say, I think both parents suck. I agree with after hearing the Aunt and Uncle that sadly they are exploiting those kids :o(

This- There is a new summer show on A&E called Tattoo highway.. if you EVER watched Inked. watch this show.. it is Thomas and his wife Monica on a traveling tattoo "bus" It is AWESOME.

That- Farkle. It is a game on Facebook. It is evil. .avoid it.. that is all.

This-My tooth hurts and my head hurts.. ahh yes it is spring.. fun fun

That-Would someone please send the maid and the laundry fairy back to my house please? I would be grateful. Thank you in advance. :o)~

Ok. Time for me to go eat dinner (yes its 9:21.. I know) I will write more soon. I won't promise tomorrow but soon is within 3 days so that works right? Oh a very dear friend of mine Lisa. who is the mother of the ever adorable Bryan, has requested people vote for him as the most huggable. .when you see this little boy you will see why he is.. oh he is SOO is.. he is on this page she would love for you to vote for him so please do :o)~ 93.9 WLIT-FM - The Lite (And no I did not receive any payment for this ad (kidding) I just want to help out a good friend with the most huggable little boy and the one who doesn't know it yet but he is auditioning to be Emily's future husband by being so cute :o)~

Temptation Tuesday....

Since we didn't do Not Me Monday, I figured this was a fine week to make the return of ::::fanfare and drumrolls please:::::::::TEMPTATION TUESDAY!! ::::bum bum bum baaaaa::::: here we go:

1) Fresh Strawberries- Seriously.. I love them... I love that I can eat them and pretend to feel guilty but then realize HA! I am not being so bad.. ROCK on!!

2) Sweet tea-Sweet tea is lovely.. And Chucky made me some lovely Sweet tea and I <3>

3) The beach. I love spring/summer.. I love the beach.. sitting on the sand and enjoying some sun.. watching the kids smile.. and Who can't enjoy seeing this face as she explores her area around her.. so amazing.

4) Baseball.. ok.. so this season hasn't been all wins.. what season ever is? baseball is a temptation. I LOVE baseball!!! Whether its the Mets playing, AJ playing, or well ok anyone playing .. baseball rocks.

5) Facebook- I can't tell you how much of a temptation this is for me, I have found old friends and made new friends. I love facebook!!

6) No alarm clocks going off.. oh how I love getting up at 9 AM. and how I long for the summer .. seriously seriously LONG for it.. 15 more days of school.. we can make it.. right?!?!

7) Dandelions, buttercups, and other flowers that get eaten by the lawn mower- Am I crazy? I love those? Ok .. no I don't really love them.. I love that DAVID brings me bouquets of them..

:::Sniff sniff::: so sweet!!

and finally..

8) Finding families on TV more dysfunctional then mine- ok that one is bad. .I am sorry I said it. .there.. I watch Wife Swap. I laugh.. WOW some of these families. WOW!! but its a temptation I.. can't.. shut.. it ... off..

So what is your temptation?? What do you want to take a bite out of (figuratively) :o)~ Go ahead share its ok. I don't bite... much lol

Some gave all.

I am taking the day off from Not Me Monday, to remember those who gave their life for this country. I am the grand-daughter of a US Navy Salior, the daughter of a US Army Solider, the wife of a US Navy Sailor, the daughter-in-law of a US Air Force Soldier, the Aunt of a US Army Soldier, and I am sure I can trace this lineage even further. I also know that I will likely will the mother of a US Navy Salior in the next year and possibly the mother of a US Army Soldier in the next few years. While I can state with absolute pride that my family has gave some, I am thankful that to my knowledge none of my family gave all. The ultimate sacrifice... their life. Today we honor the fallen heroes, the men and women who have fought to keep our great nation safe and made it so we can wake in the morning free. All gave some.. Some gave all. When you see a member of the United States Military, whether you are for or against the war. Thank them for their service. And if you can't do that, then please turn your tail from my blog and never come back. I support the US miitary here, and I am proud of each service member who has the guts to put that uniform on every single day! God BLESS America! And Happy Memorial Day!

Some Gave all

By Billy Ray Cyrus

I knew a man called him Sandy Kane

Few folks even knew his name

But a hero was he

Left a boy, came back a man

Still many just don't understand

About the reasons we are free

I can't forget the look in his eyes

Or the tears he cries

As he said these words to me

All gave some and some gave all

And some stood through for the red, white and blue

And some had to fall

And if you ever think of me

Think of all your liberties and recall

Some gave all

Now Sandy Kane is no longer here

But his words are oh so clear

As they echo through out our land

For all his friends who gave us all

Who stood the ground and took the fall

To help their fellow man

Love your country and live with pride

And don't forget those who died

America can't you see

All gave some and some gave all

And some stood through for the red, white and blue

And some had to fall

And if you ever think of me

Think of all your liberties and recall

Some gave all

And if you ever think of me

Think of all your liberties and recall,

yes recall

Some gave all

Some gave all

Sometimes you don't know whether to laugh or cry

So the past week, I have been monitoring my stalkers. You know keeping an eye out for them, because I knew they were up to something. They are ALWAYS up to something. And that is when I observed this:
Sighs. Before I had children, sticking my hand in the toilet was worse then throwing up. I could not fathom any reason I could possibly have to put my hands down the pee & poop throne. Then I had children. Since that time I have chased down the following (but not limited to) items: A cell phone (twice), a bart simpson character, a dry erase board eraser, markers, batteries, a jingle bell 50 times the size of a regular one, a baseball, my necklace (barely got that one back), and my personal favorite..a squirt gun that was apparently trying to be filled per my then 4 year old son. Yep, when it comes to saving big plumbing bills or an item that we can not live for another second without (ok we could) sticking your hand in the toilet isn't as bad as it seems.

Do you know when I go places and I am sitting all alone in that private bathroom stall, I get almost giddy. The door is shut and locked and I am alone. See, I have not had privacy in a potty in so many years I am not sure we actually own a door on our bathroom. There is nothing more eye opening then hearing your four year old announce as you are dropping your pants "WOW MOM!! YOU HAVE A BIG BUTT!" Why thank you son, I just ordered my wide load bumper sticker, it should be here next week. Or how many times have you been in the shower and had the curtain ripped open? " HEY MOM! Can I have a snack" Good lord eat the entire kitchen for all I care, just get the @#*@ out of the BATHROOM!!" Yep, who needs privacy when you have kids?.

Yep, thats right. you want to go out? alone? Please make check payable to (enter name here). Or in the case of a teenager who is a sibling, it is more like an auction. The bidding war begins for the things they want in return for their babysitting the "Spawn siblings" (aren't you wondering if I have ever heard that before? no of course not. haha) In our house, I can usually guilt trip the kids into a date night about once a month. . I walk around the house and sigh.. eventually the oldest gives in. If that doesn't work I announce that if I don't get grown up time soon I am going to have a melt down. Yep, thats right. I threaten meltdowns to get out.. its wrong its evil.. but hey.. it works :o)~

When we have babies, we wait for the first roll, the first crawl, and then for them to walk. Then we wish we had a rewind button. Once a baby begins to walk we have to clear the tables of all belongings we ever cherished. We have to put away anything of value, move all items from the bottom two entertainment center shelves up, and realize that our houses will now resemble Toys R Us or even Romper Room for the next few years. All that money that was spent on collectibles, and the collectibles are up so high nobody can seee them. Sighs.



This is so true. I used to think I was smart, not brilliant but I at least had some functioning brain cells. Then my kids entered school. They brought home math problems with more letters then are in the actual alphabet, and my only reply was "Ask your father" who's only reply was "Ask your mother" . So now when they come to me, I just get a glassy look in my eyes and they turn and walk away --quietly and quickly--and allow Mommy to have one of her "moments".

Ah yes.. you have spent good money on something.. doesn't matter what.. its going to be junk in no time. Whether you spent money on sunglasses (who just can't sustain the pressure of having their arms pulled backwards until they touch), a pooh bear figurine that has a bee knocked off his nose (I don't know how it happened Mommy it JUST fell off.. mmhmmm). Pick an item .. any item..If you put an effort into buying it.. its gonna land up broken and there will be tears.. from the kids and you. Sighs.

Ok.. admit it.. you can relate to one of these if you have kids.. if you have elementary kids probably two of them.. if you have middle schoolers easily 3.. If you have teenagers you could have written this. and if you survived and made it to grown up children. I salute you! And please send any tips my way. :o)~

20 years?!?!

West Springfield Spartans class of 1989

There is no cause for alarm that sound you hear of someone screaming hysterically in the background is just me as I realize that I have been out of school (as of June 15th this year) for 20 years. For some reason, when it is in the teens it does not sound as bad... or nearly as long.. gracious me. But then as I fill out the brag sheet (aka the reunion "what have you done since high school"page) I sigh. I can not help it. A brief review of my years since 1989:

1989- Graduate from high school in June, Find out I am pregnant with Matthew (that would be my prom night present and why my daughters will all wear chastity belts to their proms thank you very much). lose my dear Uncle Stanley, both my grandparents have strokes, my now ex husband moves in to the house with my parents.

1990-Lose my sweet son Matthew to CDH, a disease that is no longer fatal like it was 19 years ago. While I am happy for the parents of babies who survive, I can not help but wonder "what if", my grandfather suffers another major stroke leaving him only able to say a few words one sentence being (no I am not kidding) "Get the hell out of here" usually accompanied by kicking his good leg at the dog, my grandparents move in so we can take care of them, GW and I get engaged, and in October we get married.

1991-My grandfather passed away, which was sad. Nana landed up moving in full time (before shew as splitting time between our house and my uncles), and Stephanie Diane Glover made her so grand appearance on August 21, 1991 at 4:11 PM. Screaming and hollering and has barely stopped since. :o)~

1992- Life with a toddler, nothing much to report from 1992, I worked for Xerox and I loved it. It was an awesome place to work until dreaded cutbacks and then sigh job cuts. I got pregnant with Danny.

1993- Work Work Work through my pregnancy with Danny, GW at this point works for Spencer Gifts. On December 15th 1993 Daniel Matthew Glover made his appearance, on GW's birthday.

1994- Surprise Surprise! 11 months after Danny was born along came AJ on November 12, 1994. I was now the proud mother of 3 under 3. Yikes. I quit working at this point and began to care for my Nana fulltime. She needed someone and I was more patient then my ex sister in law was.

1995 taking care of Nana, living with my mom and Dad, nothing much more to report. GW changed jobs a few times, and that made the thought of moving impossible. November 22, 1995

My beloved Nana passes away from her stomach rupturing. :o( Devestating my mother who as we slowly walked out of Fairfax hospital she said "I am an orphan" and it broke my heart.

1996- Moving through the motions of the day, but nothing that eventful.

1997- Moving is now our only option Mom and Dad are buying a house and its time to get out. Great. We move to a not so great house in Alexandria, me, GW, my brother Rip and our three kids. Well lookie here, I am pregnant. David moves home from Florida after an ugly break up with John. David, Ceasar and Sasha move in with Mom and Dad. A month later, Gregg moves in after Dena (his ex wife) and he break up :o(. November 10th 1997.... after an illness that was only 10 days, we lose David to AIDS. He found out October 30, 1997 entered the hospital and was gone by November 10th. No fair. The most wonderful brother in the world, was now gone :o(

1998- Mary Elizabeth was born on January 5, 1998... she came out and took my bladder with me.. I should have known that she was gonna be trouble RIGHT then huh?

1999- The hardest to write about.....we lose my daddy. Nothing could prepare me for the broken heart I suffered. The anger I felt with God. How could he take my daddy? No chance to say good bye. Nothing. He was gone. My 10 year reunion, what a fun day!

2000- Began to work for PermitsNow.com, a .com that was going to revolutionize how a permit was run. Great job, Great company.. went bankrupt and did not pay any of their employees GREAT GOD how do we pay our bills?!? in the midst of all this, I find out that GW is having an affair with my best friend. for 3 years. He informed me he would never leave me. @@ isn't that nice? We tried to make things work. Impossible. I could not fight fair, when I fought I used harsh words. we were going through the motions but not really together and headed for divorce. meanwhile Mike and Dana get married. :o)~

2001- Sept 11 2001 reshaped my life, how hard it was to see our country like that? I was running my own permit company and exhausted but happy to be away from home. In November I met Chuck face to face after talking for four years. That day I knew I was gone .. in trouble because my heart was stolen.

2002- We relocate to Hampton Roads, VA and for the first time in a long time I feel like I am home. The kids all thrive at school.. Chuck is in the Navy and going out to sea periodically but its nothing I can't survive.. yet.

2003- Chuck deploys.. My heart breaks. :o( He comes home 3 1/2 months later safe and sound but while he is gone I send him care packages and over 200 letters (1-3 letters and cards a day.. no I am not kidding). In June 2003 he got out of the Navy and in July he started his civilian job. He is still a reservist but home every night. I start working for Planet Video part time. I get a full time managers position and surprise surprise I am pregnant.

2004- July 12, 2004.. arriving from gate 1.. David Erich Mapes (named for my brother and my dads middle name) He is a clone of his daddy. we move to the armpit that is Newport News, VA

2005- Nothing worth reporting lol.. it was just a year like a regular year lol. oooh i started to hang out with Desere more, and started babysitting her two boys.

2006- now here is the tricky one.....We are going through the motions making plans for going to Walt Disney World when a week before.. surprise of our life time. STEPHANIE gives birth... my oldest... she delivers Caleb Micheal on october 28, 2006. WOW talk about your shockers.. we had no idea she was pregnant. yikes. talk about losing your mom of the decade huh? Stephanie made the decision to call my brother Mike and his wife Dana and they adopted Caleb. We still went to Disney World had a blast (thanks to my ex who paid for the entire trip.. yea I know... we put the fun in dysfunctional.. but we really do make terrible spouses and great friends).

2007- Desere and Jim move away :o( that sucks. Life is busy as always and to add to it.. Chuck and I agree he will get a vasectomy.. we have cinco de mayo... margaritas and well hello pregnancy test.!! Followed by a gruesome pregnancy.. that was NO fun I had PIH the whole time.. yuck.

2008- January 5 (yes Mary's birthday). Emily arrives.. .if David was a clone then she was well if Chuck was a girl. we know what he would look like. In July of 2008 my mom retires and we buy a beautiful house in Norfolk, VA :o)~ Ahhh home sweet home. :::the Motley Crue version:::: rest of the year goes by.

2009- Chuck decides to go back to school full time (thanks to the extra money from the VA), as he starts classes I discover I screwed up and should have went to school. Thanks to Facebook, Myspace, and Blogger I reconnect with a lot of old friends. YAY! which brings us to today...

There is my history for the last 20 years.. Its not glamorous, but it is my life. I don't get paid half a million dollars, we do live paycheck to paycheck but ya wanna know something... I am happy with my life. Regrets? who doesn't have them, but in the end I have a legacy. At the end of the day, that is what matters.. life.