Roos artwork

Here is Roos latest artwork from school. Think she knows that Simon is sick??? Can't get anything past this one...

My Sled

Enjoying my sled from Aunt Joanie and Uncle Neal!

Snow Day!

Look how sort my pants are... I look like farm PopPop!

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek at our family photos -- Our favorite photographer, Janet, did a great job of capturing our "real life!"

Janet arrived for our shoot about three minutes after Rylee picked up Mommy's hot coffee and carried it... well, spilled it, all the way across the living room. She's such a big helper!

After Mommy got done scrubbing coffee stains out of the carpet, Daddy gave Roo some gold fish crackers, and she proceeded to stain her shirt orange. Well, Rylee didn't want to wear the gray cardigan that Mommy thought would cover the stain, and this pic is the result of that "conversation." Nice job, Janet!

Rylee's Christmas List

Here's a fun little video of Rylee picking out Christmas gifts from the Pandora catalog. I don't know where she would have learned to shop like this ;-)

Happy Hubby

It's not often I write about my hubby, Chris. Roo has all but taken over these posts, but I want to take a minute to recognize him as an amazing husband, father, teacher and coach. Tomorrow night, his kids will play in the state semi-finals -- one game from the state championship -- and, win or lose, Rylee and I are very proud of him.

Yes, we've all had to sacrifice. He hasn't been around for a lot of family dinners, bath times, bed times, etc., but he's teaching Roo about dedication, responsibility and pride in one's work, and those are life lessons that are worth their weight in gold. (I learned that from my Dad!)

I know I complain about being a coach's wife, but, honey, we LOVE you.We're VERY proud of you and your team.(And, personally, I can't wait for these kids to WIN the championship, so we can shave that playoff beard!!)

Remember the AckGerb family motto...

 

For Grandma...

The other night, my husband came home from work to find me frantically making travel arrangements for my Mom. I half-heartedly apologized that I hadn’t had time to think about dinner – to which Chris replied, “Do you know how angry your grandmother would be to know that you’re making such a fuss about her when you should have been cooking my dinner?”

He said it to lighten the mood, but he was absolutely right. Grandma always put others before herself. She offered love and support and encouragement and asked nothing in return.

She was gentle, kind, compassionate, giving, often quiet, and self-less. Perhaps my favorite attribute was that Grandma had incredible strength and independence – a true feminist before the word turned ugly. She was well educated – had a career -- and CHOSE to be a housewife – once again because she ALWAYS put Grandpa and her family first. Her love for her family was, in a word, fierce.

She was straight-forward and honest. She was the Queen of the 10 minute conversation. Not because she didn’t want to talk or have anything to say, but because she always thought you should have something better to do than sit and talk on the phone. She’d say, “I know you’re busy, dear.”

The last few times I called her, she’d say, “I can’t talk now, dear.” And, I’d promise to call back. In our last conversation – the last words we would share – I called and again Grandma said that the nurse with was her, and she couldn’t talk. She added, “I’m not well.” I went on to say that I would call back when she was feeling better, but I wanted her to know that I loved her and that I was thinking about her. But it was Grandma who got in the last word. In her ever honest and straightforward manner, she said, “I know. I know. You’re thinking of me. I’m thinking of you. You love me. I love you. You don’t need to call!”

Ok, Gram. I get the message. My thoughts are with you and I will love you always. We don’t need to talk.

Roo @ school.

Lehigh Valley Zoo

Roo and I took a trip to the Lehigh Valley Zoo this morning.  We were trying to get some energy out and stretch our legs before Hurricane Irene was due to arrive.  Unfortunately, what the weather channel has termed "renegade rain" arrived and we ended up soaked to the bone!  It was certainly a morning to remember!

The Morning News

After a not-so-great day yesterday (a day in which the tantrums were too numerous to count and she slapped her teacher), we had a better go-of-it this morning.  Although, I have to admit, yesterday left me so emotionally drained that I was too tired to argue with her bright and early this morning.  As a result, THE FABULOUS MISS ROO went to school wearing a pair of pull-ups with two pair of panties overtop, shorts, t-shirt, two hair bows, a sun hat, her purple backpack, and her bear slippers. That’s right, fuzzy bear slippers in 90 degree heat and humidity!

Her first words this AM were “I want to go to DeeDee’s house.” And Dad must be on the brain too, because EVERYTHING we encountered in our travels this AM belonged to Dada.

“Dada’s chair”
“Dada’s broom”
“Dada’s shoes"
“Dada’s motorcycle”

She called “Marley” in from outside and asked me if “Marley” was wet. I didn’t answer her fast enough, so she corrected herself… “MoeMoe is wet? MumMum, MoeMoe is wet?”

On the way to school, she provided the daily weather report – “It’s sunny!”  Fingers crossed for continued sunshine throughout the day!

Random Pics

I've attached a couple recent pics of Roo below.  She's soooo much fun to be around; she's got such a little personality. 



Remember when it was ok to still lick the spoon after making a big batch of birthday brownies for your Dada?  Roo does!



Who doesn't need a big ol' glass a milk about licking brownie batter?



At a recent legislative visit at Roo's school, she was more interested in sticking her
tongue out at Mommy than listening to the State Rep read a book.





Play Time with Moe-Moe

Daddy's Home!

Easter 2011

Mini-me

Aside from her obvious attitude problem ;-), Roo is turning into such a Mama's girl!  She loves to shoe shop, and even practices "shoe shopping" by trying on her old shoes at home, feeling for her toes and then taking a couple of spins around the room.  Her Aunt Susan and Aunt Carol would be soooo proud of her!!

In the picture below, the little diva is rocking her faux (sorry, AS!) fur coat and oversized sunnies to lunch at Pop Pop and DeeDee's Clubhouse.  She wore three studded bracelets and her dress (not seen here) was adorned with pearls!  Mommy couldn't be more proud!!!!!

(NOTE:  Later the same day, Rylee tried to rock the fur over her pajamas and was out in the rain chasing bubbles.  Her Daddy thought she looked a little like a crack addict looking for a fix on Sunday morning... Mommy will work on teaching Roo the appropriate time and place to wear fur!)

Driving

Dear DeeDee and PopPop,

Thanks for the cool wheels.  I love that Daddy has to chase me around the yard.  I haven't learned to steer yet, so I just go in a straight line, and when I hit the fence, Daddy helps me change direction.  I get to run over a lot of what Daddy calls "land mines," but I think it's just Moe-Moe's poop.

I'll give you a ride next time you come to visit.  BYOH -- bring your own helmet!

And, Pa, I hope you've gotten over the whole "no 4-wheelers on the farm thing" 'cause I'm packin' my ride!

Happy Friday?

You know that your Friday is off to bad a start when your little toddler rocket throws a 30 minute tantrum -- screaming at the top of her lungs -- in the middle of the driveway while the entire neighborhood watches from the bus stop!  Stare all you want people!  You kid was two once, and I doubt you made it through the two-dums without a little screaming, hitting, biting, spitting or hair pulling!

I came into work -- after an hour of listening to poor, pathetic Roo scream "I wannnnnna' plaaaaaaayyyy!" while throwing her shoes at me.  I'm exhausted already, but at least this pic (obviously from St. Patty's Day) makes me feel a little better.  HA!  Her shirt says it all... she is most definitely a clone of her father.

Everyone has good days and not-so-good days, right?

Reading in Bed...

After spending some time reading in bed with Roo, I now understand why she sleeps sooooo much -- her mattress is soooooo comfy!!!

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Luckily, a business trip landed me in State College last week -- less than an hour from my brother's house.  Roo went along for the drive and spent some quality time with two of her favorite people in the world -- Bracken and Brantly!  Aunt Carly took the opportunity to give Roo her first pig tails.  It was a great trip -- albeit exhausting in the middle of an already chaotic and germ-ridden week.

I know it takes a village to raise a child.  I just wish my village were a little closer...

Roo's Barnyard Birthday Bash

Thanks for building Tabo, Pa!  This mighty rocking horse has brought plenty of joy to two generations of "Ackincloses" and their friends!  And... it looks like you're still having fun too!!!  xoxox