Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.  ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Recently Kyle has been getting bloody noses.  Please note, I’ve never had a bloody nose, nor have I had a broken nose.  In fact, my nose is my favorite feature.  Kyle and I have the same perfect noses. I like to take this opportunity to say that everyone can say millions of  things they’d like to change about themselves, but I think it’s important to recognize and name your good features too.

Me & Kyle Christmas 2003

Anyway, back to the dreaded bloody nose.  This was the first bloody nose Kyle’s ever gotten.  At first I thought maybe he scratched the inside of his nose and there was a little bit of blood on the tissue (he does have a history of exaggerating and making a mountain out of a mole hill) until he told me they couldn’t get the bleeding to stop and he had to go to the nurse’s office.  I must say, I was alarmed when Kyle told me about his bloody nose situation in school.  I even twittered it and a few friends responded out saying to not worry, the air is dry and it happens.  My sister called me mentioning she had a bloody nose recently too and it’s nothing to get all excited over.  Actually, before we spoke on the phone we were bantering back and forth via twitter.  I guess that’s a new one for us.  I can only imagine those following us and what they thought of our comments back and forth through the twitter feeds.  Of course, no one dared to join in on the conversation, not that I blame them.  But to reinforce my point, I’ve never had a bloody nose, on the contrary to what my sister thinks.

Surprise! Me at work 2011

Kyle seemed really upset.  I told him not to worry, it was the dry air and that we would get him a humidifier, if needed, to get the moisture back in the air.  Then I was struck with awe because he was really upset over missing story time!  Can you believe that?  He was upset over missing his teacher read to the class.  He said, “Ya, I missed the entire story.  They made me go to the nurses office and sit there until the bleeding stopped.  I missed the entire story!  And I wanted to hear it.”  My has he come a long way, being upset over a book.  I was not happy he missed his story time and I certainly wasn’t happy he got a bloody nose, but I was very happy to hear he enjoys story hour.  I told him to get the name of the story and I will read it to him.  He responded by saying, “Ya, but it’s not like hearing it in school.”  I said, “No buddy I guess not, but at least you get to hear the story too.”  He shrugged his shoulders in a dismissive ‘man I missed the entire story’ gesture.

Since then Kyle has gotten several bloody noses, mostly at school.  Then I realized he could get one while he was with me!  I don’t think I could handle seeing blood pour from my Kyle’s nose!   But I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.  Maybe Kyle’s bloody nose will create a story for me too.

To really understand why I am so happy Kyle loves story time, please see I HATE READING & Harry Potter Made Me Do It!

He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; and the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters has subsided from the earth. Genesis 8:10-12

Kyle’s schoolwork load has become more substantial this year, compared to previous years.  I guess, after all, he is in the fifth grade. One more year of elementary school, then off to junior high.

A few weeks ago, after completing his writing assignment and a few math problems, we headed straight into his social studies homework.  He was having a test on the Declaration of Independence.  I love history and, I must say, I was really excited to help Kyle out with his test. That is until I realized he didn’t know the material.  There was four chapters of questions we needed to review.   The questions included topics on Bunker Hill, Liberty Bell, The Olive Branch Petition, and of course the Declaration of Independence, etc.  He needed to know important dates and names, such as the year July 1775 and Thomas Paine and he had to compare and contrast between the British army and the colonial army.

I like to have Kyle review the material briefly before we study together.  I think this helps to refresh his memory, which helps to keep me patient.  Not this time.  It seemed as though Kyle’s never even heard of some of the questions.  Then I realized he wasn’t seeing the bigger picture or was not paying attention.  I mean, he didn’t even know that the 4th of July was our Independence Day, at least that’s what he claimed.  I do believe in teaching through repetition, which I continued to do, but I also believe in overall understanding.  I even started to make reference to specific movies I know he’s seen such as Independence Day and National Treasure.  I was citing specific scenes in the movies to get him to associate the material.  But nothing.

Kyle & I went on the paddle boats while visiting his Aunt Nikki in Washington DC- During the Cherry Blossom Festival 2009

That is until I started to lose my patience.  Something I noted at this time was Kyle standing up after he kept missing the answers.  You see, I make Kyle stand to get the blood moving north and to capture his attention.  I do the same just because I think better when I’m up moving around, getting the energy up in the room.  Kyle automatically stood up and started fidgeting.  When he does that, I know from experience that he is not focused and is going to be difficult.  I was even prepping him for the next question by the way I was asking the current question.  Nothing!  I knew he was tired, but I explained this was important.  I said, “At this point, Kyle, you’re lucky to get a quarter of the answers correct, which will fail you.”  I could tell he started to realize the severity of the situation, at least in my mind.

After a while, the material started to stick.  And I mean stick.  I don’t just give him the questions in the same order as supplied, I completely ask the questions at random.  I also don’t ask the exact same questions as they are written, I change them up slightly to get him thinking and to really own the information.  Now I don’t do this until I feel comfortable with his knowledge of the material as to not discourage or confuse him.

Kyle was figuring out how the trailer for the quad worked, teetering back & forth

As we went back and forth, there was something I realized he wasn’t getting.  Every time we talked about the Olive Branch Petition he didn’t get it.  He knew it was sent to King George III. Great! But he really didn’t know why.  I explained it was to avoid additional fighting and to start making peace.  I said, “That’s why they called it the Olive Branch Petition.  You get it?  The olive branch is a symbol of peace, along with the dove.”  As his face contoured into an inquisitive look, he said, “It is? I thought the olive branch was a part of government?”  I said, “No!  Don’t you remember in the bible when Noah set the dove out to find land and it came back with an olive branch?”  Yep, at that moment he had no idea what I was talking about.  Then I took the opportunity to briefly explain the Noah’s ark story and the promise God made, eventually working my way back to the the American Revolution and how, even though they were fighting, they truly wanted peace and sometimes fighting is needed to keep the peace.

Well, I got through to him for his social studies test, but I have a long way to go.  I guess that’s why we have a lifetime of learning, ’cause it takes that long to get it, if we ever do.  I am proud to announce that Kyle received a ‘B’ on his test.  He made sure, the next time he saw me, to let me know.  Not exactly with excitement, but with content.  I gave him a big hug and congratulated him, even though I wanted him to get an ‘A’. At least we had the opportunity to discuss history.  I also told him we would go out to Philadelphia and visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, among other landmarks.  He said, “Ummm maybe, we’ll see.”  O my Kyle!

Remember Aunt Heather, make the tree happy and then it will make you happy~ Kyle Piper 12/2011

Ryan, Nicole and me on Christmas morning

Ever since I bought my house, my dad started the tradition of buying me my own Christmas tree.  You see, my family has never had a fake tree.  My dad has worked in the logging industry as a woodsman most of his life.  I mean he started working when he was nine years old making posts.  When he wasn’t working in the woods, he worked on right-of-ways for utility companies.  His life has consisted of working around and in nature, not to mention his spare time is spent in the woods hunting.  I think it’s safe to say dad would never have an artificial tree, and we never have!

I do enjoy going out and picking our Christmas trees.  Some years we chopped it down ourselves and some years we picked pre-cut trees.  I remember, at least one year, we bought a tree with the roots to be planted at a later date, which never happened.  Either way it’s still a tradition.  Now, instead of purchasing one Christmas tree, we purchase two.  Mom and dad’s tree is always a seven or eight foot tree and mine is much smaller.  I like to have it manageable, usually a five foot pine tree.   We really don’t have much of a preference to the type of pine tree and I’m not exactly the softwood expert, but I do like the long needle pines.

This year was no exception.  We piled in the truck a couple weeks before Christmas and made our purchase.  Kyle helped me get my tree to my house and put it up.  He always helps to decorate my house, especially the tree.  I always have to put the lights on the tree, for mine and my parents alike.  Then the rest of the decorating is up for grabs.  Although, I must say, I do get a bit picky about the appearance of my tree.  My parents don’t really have a preference except that dad likes those pesky icicles that cling to everything.  I have some gold and silver garland among the rest of the tree decor.  I’m not sure where it even came from, either it was given to me over the years or it was on sale and I bought with a specific purpose.  Either way, I’m not a big gold fan so I’ve never used it.  This year, however, Kyle wanted to add it to the tree.  I said, “No buddy I really don’t want the gold on my tree.”  He responded by saying, “Well why do you have it?”  I said, “I’m not sure, it must have been given to me.” Kyle, mortified, said, “Well if it was a gift, you better use it!”  I definitely did a laugh out loud and won that argument.  I was not going to put the gold garland on my tree.

Ryan at home 1984

As we proceeded to the decorate the tree I heard, “Remember, Aunt Heather, make the tree happy and then it will make you happy.”  You know, he was right!  We had so much fun decorating the tree that every time I looked at the holiday symbol, it did make me happy.  Between the smell of the pine, the Christmas lights, and the thought of us assembling the tree really did bring joy to my heart.  Sometimes it’s the small moments that stick with us forever.

See more family traditions.  Family Traditions of Christmas!  Merry Christmas!

A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.  ~Winston Churchill

My and Kyle Christmas 2003

There was no particular reason for this entry just for the sheer fact of dumping my thoughts.  I’m sure I will be referring to this entry later down the road, but for now just take it at face value.

Teaching right and wrong is supposed to be cut and dry.  Black and white.  Is it that easy or do I make it more difficult than it needs to be?  I mean, there are the basic rules that we should always abide by, such as the 10 Commandments and of course the Beatitudes, Biblically speaking.  Then there are the rules established by our government, which should be treated with the same respect, unless interfering with the holy orders established by God.

Now, sitting here telling you that I’ve always been perfect and obeyed all the laws laid out before me would break a law, Thou Shall Not Lie.  Yes, I have broken my share of traffic violations, some intentional and some through sheer ignorance.  Now I don’t believe ignorance is an excuse either. In most cases it’s just an easy way to not question or to not pay attention.  Now, I can’t claim to be a perfect Catholic either, although I do try my best and work at it daily.

I have explained to Kyle that we, as humans, are blessed with free will, which allows us to choose right or wrong.  No one person is perfect.  Everyone makes mistakes.  But those who acknowledge their wrong doing, ask for forgiveness and repent will always be forgiven.  Once we have taken these steps we should not live the guilt but only try again to do better and try to uphold the divine law, learning from our mistakes and doing better.

I’m not sure if I’m right or wrong, but I’ve taught Kyle as I’ve always lived, explaining to Kyle that everyone has choices.  Some choices are better than others.  It’s my job to teach Kyle about doctrine law and state law.  Then, when the time comes for him to make a choice, he knows his options and fully understands his decision.  I’ve always explained that there have been times when I chose to break the law, for one reason or another.  I have always explained that it was my choice.  Once you make that conscience decision, you had better be prepared to pay the consequences.  As I’ve said, “If you choose to break the rules, then you better be prepared to pay the punishment if caught, no matter the reason for your decision.  You better pay the consequences for your actions without complaint.”

One such example was with Kyle’s trampoline.  It clearly states that only one person was permitted to jump on it at a time.  But what fun would that be?  I explained to Kyle that it was a rule I was willing to break.  However, if either one of us got hurt because of jumping together, then that was our fault and not the company or manufacturer of the trampoline. I know this sounds pretty lame, but it’s those harmless situations that I use as an example to Kyle.

Please don’t view this entry as permission to break the rules or the laws, because it’s not.  I always want to show Kyle that everyone has choices and, with our decisions, there are consequences.  There have been times when the rules needed to be bent and I took the liberty of bending them.  But the ultimate goal is to just be the best possible person you can be and don’t be afraid of making a mistake and paying the price for it, good or bad.

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.  ~Confucius

My Shepherd! 12/2009

Sometimes things come up and make me realize that Kyle is getting older.  This time it came in the form of a decision, the decision to not be front stage for our church’s Christmas play.  The teacher asked Kyle if he wanted to be in the play or help out.  Kyle simply said without any hesitation, “I’ll help out.”  Then he had a choice of being one of the narrators, directing the kids on and off the stage, helping with the costumes or helping with the lights.  He answered, “Helping with the lights,” without thinking twice.  If I know Kyle, that probably seemed like the easiest of roles to participate in.

On one hand, I’m glad Kyle opened up a spot for another child, but I do enjoy watching him on stage.  In his first year of being in the play, he was one of the wise men.  I thought: Of course, our little man is a king. Umm…  When I called and told my sister we couldn’t help but laugh.  You see, once they put that crown on his, head he loved his role.  He really hammed it up!  I must say, he was a cute little king.  Then last year he played a dual role, a Shepherd and the first Inn Keeper.  He didn’t actually get to say anything as the Inn Keeper. Just when “Joseph” asked if there was any room, Kyle had to shake his head ‘No’.  Again, I really enjoyed watching him on stage all dressed up, playing the part.

Kyle (2nd one from the left) as one of the wisemen - 12/2009

This year, he was the lighting tech. At least that’s what my sister kept calling it.  When I heard the role he was going to play, I thought, “He doesn’t want to be a part of this.”  Especially since on his first practice he was caught wandering away from the light switches.  I thought, “Here we go. This isn’t going to be good.”  But you know, Kyle surprised me.  When we left practice and started to head home, Kyle was going on and on about his cues on turning on and off the lights.  He told me when they had to be on and when they had to be off.  I mean, he was actually taking his role very seriously.  Of course, I should expect no less from Kyle, if he is going to do a job, he will do it to the best of his ability.  He even participated from the sidelines in the songs sung for the play.

You know, I was wrong, he did want to participate with the other kids, just in a different way.  He took on a less public role, but just as important.  I couldn’t be happier with his choice and his desire to be the best at it!

Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world.  ~Susan Lieberman

Yes another Christmas!

Kyle all smiles with his Lego Death Star (courtesy of Aunt Nikki) 12/24/11

In the Piper household, Christmas is simply a time to come together, eat and sit on the couch and watch movies, like most families.  We were always, and have always been comfortable just being around one another, no expectations, just being.  And this year was no exception.

Everyone has their own family traditions, or at least I hope so.  I know a friend of mine, MarthaaaFish has a tamale tradition, which really intrigues me and one day I want to partake.  Of course we have food traditions that have remained constant over the years, but I guess as a kid that never really resonated with me as much as… yep you guessed it, gifts.  When I was really little mom always gave us a gift from her and dad on Christmas Eve, which happened to be new pajamas.  Probably so we would look presentable for Christmas morning pictures.  Santa’s gifts came in the morning.  Then after church we would go to my grandparents house.  It was really a great childhood memory that I think of every now and again.  There always seem to be snow on the ground, and by the time we’d make it to my grandparents house on the ridge, there were heaping piles of white fluffy snow all over the place.  It was truly magical!

Since my grandfathers passing things changed.  We started to go to church on Christmas eve and it became the day to celebrate and Christmas day became a relaxing time of people coming and going.  Nothing was etched in stone, ate whenever you felt like it, people came over periodically and we each made our own agenda, that is until Kyle.

Now coming around to the present, we’ve started a new tradition while adapting an old.  Christmas was always great in the Piper household, but having a child to share the Christmas spirit made it more enjoyable and exciting, and still does.  Especially from the time Kyle was old enough to appreciate the old traditions and somehow partake in the new ones forming and crystallizing over the years.  Now-a-days, we start Christmas Eve morning off, usually at 5ish in the morning with opening of a single gift.  Our thinking was to let Kyle enjoy one gift before moving to the next, spending the entire day in a gift opening and playing pattern.  This year maintained the same tradition, but instead of Kyle going home for Christmas, he spent the night with me and my family.  He even crawled in bed with me to retire for the night.  Although I couldn’t get his chatter to go on lunch break, but I didn’t mind.  It was fun waking up to Kyle and wishing him a Merry Christmas at 5:30ish in the morning.  Not to mention him waking up to his new itouch I got him this year.

Kyle helping to decorate Ryan's headstone. 12/23/11

One tradition that came into being started 10 years ago.  We stop by the cemetery and decorate Ryan’s plot with a wreath and visit his burial site, if only for a few minutes.  It sounds sad and depressing, but on the contrary it’s very soothing and helps to make the holidays more complete.  This year, we stopped by on Friday, two days before Christmas.  The action of going to the cemetery has become the tradition but the day various every year.  Some years, the great ones with snow, we can’t get to his headstone and get there well in advance.  This year there was no fear that, since it has been raining all week, very bittersweet.

There is so much more to our Christmas traditions, old and new, but maybe I’ll touch on that later.  Merry Christmas!!

Safety doesn’t happen by accident.  ~Author Unknown

Since it’s the holidays, I thought there were going to be a lot of families cooking together, or at least I hope so.  Kyle and I made this video just to reinforce the importance of being safe in the kitchen.  We review just a few of my safety tips that I have reinforced over the years.  Please enjoy and I hope you can incorporate our safety tips into your kitchens and pass along your own safety tips.

Remember to continue family traditions and start new ones!

The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.  ~Dr. Seuss

Kyle reading Harry Potter. 12/7/11

As I mentioned in a previous blog entry I HATE READING!, it took some creative effort and encouragement to get Kyle to enjoy reading.   I am happy to announce that those days of negativity have passed.  His imagination has really sprouted and opened up in the world he reads.  In fact, while I was reading the Hunger Games trilogy, he asked me what it was about.  He was truly curious and interested.  He was no longer intimidated by the number of books, absence of images, or the volume count.  He said he thought about reading them, but then he said to me, “Well, I was actually thinking about reading the Lord of the Ring books, and then maybe I’ll read those books.”   I told him to say the word and we’ll go to the book store and he can pick whatever book we wanted or if he wanted to borrow any one of my books.  I even have a series of Star Wars books that I read years ago and I decided to give him.

Kyle is still currently on the Harry Potter books, I believe he is almost done with Goblet of Fire.  What is funny is Kyle’s enthusiasm for me to catch up to him in the Harry Potter books.  I showed him my backlog of books and he said, “Wow, Aunt Heather, you have a lot of reading to do before you can get to the Harry Potter books, so you better keep reading!”  He cracks me up!  I said, “Yes sir, I do.”  Periodically, he would ask me how many more books are in front of the Harry Potter books and I have to give him the count.

I don’t think I ever really explained Kyle’s love for the Harry Potter books. You see the deal was, I would read him the books.  And when I mean read, I meant with my best British accent and character impersonation I could muster along with the rhythm of excitement and emphasis at the right moments.  He became so into the first book, The Sorcerer’s Stone,  he would grab the book in the middle of day, omitting to watch TV and ask me to read to him.  To really get into the story, without distractions, we would go back to his room and cuddle on the bed while I read.  After about three or four chapters of reading I would need a drink and a break but Kyle would plead with me to keep reading.  We both got into it!  He would squirm and squeal during scary or exciting parts, which made me more involved in the story and made me laugh.  I tried to make the characters come to life, as per the movies, since he was a big fan.  Once, I forgot to add my version of a British accent and Kyle stopped me immediately and said, “No, Aunt Heather, the real way you read! The other way.”  O my goodness, yes the accent did help make the story more cultural, even though my sister didn’t appreciate it.

A book Kyle was reading last year. Sometimes he is his Aunt Nikki! c. 2010

When my sister was home for a weekend, I told Kyle why doesn’t he invite his Aunt Nikki to join our reading time.  We all piled on the bed, including Pudd’in.  As I proceeded to read, Nicole started to snicker and said, “Yes Aunt Heather, just like when we were in London.”  I told her I was a quarter British and I was doing just fine!  She couldn’t help but laugh over that comment.

I must say I LOVED our time together reading.  Then came the dreaded day when he wanted to start taking the books to school to read.  Now I was in shock!  I asked him, “I thought you wanted me to read to you?”  He said, “I do, but I also want to read them on my own in school.”  What could I say, I was between shock and pride thinking about those years of pushing and bribing and arguing.  After all, that’s the moment I’ve been waiting for.  And I must admit I was sad, only because I so enjoyed reading with Kyle and watching the expressions on his face and the tension in his body from being completely consumed by the story.

Now, getting to the original point of the story.  A little while back, Kyle had his school musical.  That’s when I found out that Kyle got in trouble for reading in class.  Now that didn’t seem like Kyle.  He is very adamant about obeying the rules.  The story seemed a bit exaggerated.  Later that day, I picked Kyle up from the bus to go to Light Up Night.  I wasn’t mad but more curious over the situation. I said, “Kyle I’m not mad but I do want to know why the teacher took your book from you.”  He put his head down with the slight smile. “I was reading my Harry Potter book in class.”  I said, “That doesn’t sound like you.  What did the teacher say?  Did you get your book back? Did she really throw it out in the hall?”

“No, Aunt Heather, she just said to pay attention to the kids at the chalkboard.  Then, after I she caught me reading again, she took my book from me.  She didn’t throw it, well maybe on the desk, but I got it back at the end of class.”

“Why would you not listen to your teacher?” Still in disbelief.

“I was waiting for them [the students] to finish their problems and then I would pay attention.”

Kyle was utilizing his time management skills!  While all the other students were staring out into space, Kyle wanted to read in his book!  I busted out loud laughing!  I immediately said, “Well, I’ll give you credit for making the most of your time and I’m happy you’re enjoying the book.”  He was happy to hear that and I think was relieved he wasn’t in trouble with me.  After all, how could I get mad over a desire to read!  I did tell him to respect authority and left it at that.  I smiled with excitement the entire way to Pittsburgh for Kyle’s love of reading.

Read the prequel I HATE READING!

Friendship isn’t a big thing – it’s a million little things.  ~Author Unknown

Kyle found a friend at Idlewild Park. 2004

As I walked into Santa’s Workshop at Kyle’s school, I recognized some familiar faces.  Even though I forget names, not my strongest attribute, I remember the faces from over the years at the occasional school activity, play, Halloween parade, etc.  These very active group of parents are too sweet, all calling me Aunt Heather.  LOVE that!  The school and those children are really lucky to have them!  They are a real asset.  As I was getting situated and ready for the first group of kids to shop, a mother approached me confirming who I was.  She said, “You’re Kyle’s Aunt, right?”  I said, “Yes,” and she proceeded to tell me her son’s name and what grade her son was in.

Then she got really serious and I could tell she had something important to say.  She proceeded to tell me that Kyle and her son are friends and they play at recess.  I didn’t think anything of it until she further explained what this meant to her and her son.  She told me that she is having a difficult time with her son and the other kids. She said, “I won’t trouble you with the details but I don’t know what to do.  I’ve tried everything, looked into different schools, but I don’t know.”  My heart was breaking for this obviously upset mother and her son. She had tears in her eyes and I really just wanted to give this woman a big hug.

She never did tell me the details of her son’s problems with the other students but she did go into detail about Kyle’s actions.  She told me that her son’s teacher introduced him to Kyle one day, and Kyle befriended this little boy.  You see, they both love playing Lego’s and so Kyle would bring his stockpile of Lego’s for the boys to share and play with during recess.  They seemed to bond instantly.  As I mentioned, the boys are in different grades, but that doesn’t mean anything to Kyle.  He doesn’t care if a kid is younger or older than him, Kyle just sees a kid and likes being a kid.  As far as I can tell, he’s not a ‘clicky’ kid or judgmental.  He’s just Kyle and I love him for that!

Ryan with his class at Sacred Heart - field-trip

The mom elaborated on how much Kyle befriending her son meant to them both.  This small action helped her son cope with his school situation.  This mother was so sincere and endearing.  The praise she was giving Kyle made my eyes a little moist and gave me the need to give Kyle a big hug.  I just wanted to tell him how proud I was of him.

When Kyle finally got to the classroom, I pulled him aside and asked him about his friend.  He said, “Ya, I play with him sometimes at recess.  We play Legos.”  I tried to quickly explain how much this meant to the boy and his mom, but I could see Kyle didn’t really get it.  He wasn’t being a friend to get his brownie points, he was doing it to be friendly.  I did tell him how proud I was of him.  Then, to make my heart completely melt, he asked if he could buy his new friend something and give it to him for Christmas.  Wow!!  I said, “Yes, I think that would be a nice gesture.”  Of course Kyle picked the green slime as a gift.  So maybe that put me on the naughty list with the mother, but I couldn’t deny Kyle his gift choice.  It took him a while to pick it out and he was really excited about the gift.  He said, “I know he would really like this.”

Me and Markelle share a smile.

Well needless to say, before I left, we exchanged numbers so I could call and get the boys together on the weekends.  I even mentioned about going snowboarding.  The mom seemed so happy and almost slightly relieved like this was the break she’d been waiting for.  This was the holiday spirit!  Showing kindness to strangers and reaching out to help.  At that moment I realized that I was part of a Christmas blessing, all because of one little boy, my Kyle.  I have said it and I’ll say it again, Kyle continues to teach me about life.

During Santa’s Workshop, I was talking to the parents and my birthday came up, that it was around the corner.  You know what?  I received a text message from the mom wishing me a Happy Birthday!  She said she couldn’t remember when it was but how totally sweet!!  Yep, there IS more good in the world than bad.

All the time a person is a child he is both a child and learning to be a parent. After he becomes a parent he becomes predominantly a parent reliving childhood.  ~Benjamin Spock

I put bows on Kyle's head... notice my sister didn't interject.

About five years ago Kyle wanted me to “Be a parent that goes on field trips with his class”.  So I looked into it and found out that I had to be a PTA member.  I also had to fill out specific forms and send them in to the state, allowing me to work with children.  Before I moved forward, I asked Kyle if he really wanted me involved in his school activities.  His response, “Ya, Aunt Heather, then you could go with me on trips.”  I said ‘ok’ and so I proceeded to fill out the paperwork to join the PTA.  At that time, I received a checklist of activities planned out for the year.  Unfortunately, because I work full-time during the week, I was not able to help out at the day activities such as homeroom mom or the parties.  But I was able to help judge creative work submitted for the Reflections entries and my favorite, Santa’s Workshop.

Every year since I became the only non-parent PTA member I have worked the Santa’s Workshop, taking a half-day off of work.  I must say, I actually look forward to it every year.  At first, I never told Kyle that I would be at his school, it was a surprise.  The first year I participated, Kyle was lined up in the hallway with the other kids when he spotted me.  I was more excited over his reaction.  In fact, I still remember it as plain as day.  He jumped out of line, started waving his hands and yelling “Hey, Aunt Heather, Aunt Heather!” with a low yell as to not get in trouble, wearing the biggest smile imaginable.  I LOVED it!  And you know what, over the years I’ve always gotten the same reaction.  Although I think, this year, his excitement was more about the extra moola to spend, knowing I would give him additional money, than actually shopping with me.  But it still doesn’t change the fact that I like to be a part of Kyle’s life and I like helping out when I can, even though I think this year was the first time he remembered that I work the Santa’s Workshop.

Kyle is still rattling off his Christmas list. 2004

A couple of years ago, Kyle was surprised to see me at the workshop and he asked me, “Aunt Heather, what are you doing here?”  I said, “I always come and help out, I like shopping with you.”  That was followed by, “I don’t remember that.”  Meanwhile, I believed I had already worked about three years in a row.  This year my mom asked Kyle, “Where you surprised to see your Aunt Heather?”  He responded with confidence, “No, Aunt Heather works the Secret Santa every year.”  What a stinker!!  And yes that’s what Kyle always calls it, the Secret Santa.  I believe he remembered I was going to work it.  The weekend before, Kyle reminded me several times that the ‘Secret Santa’ was on Wednesday, but he couldn’t remember the time.  He even had an email sent to me two days before confirming the day and time.  He had all his bases covered.

As I stood there this year and talked to the other parents (which, incidentally, they call me Aunt Heather – LOVE that!) I noted that I only have one more year of Santa’s Workshop.  I must say I was kind of bummed.  But Kyle is growing up and I have no choice but go with the flow.

I always did believe that it’s the little things that make the difference even though, for the longest time, I didn’t think Kyle even realized that I was a PTA member and I worked the Santa’s Workshop.  But then again, it’s not about racking up the points or keeping score.  It’s about doing what’s right for the child.  And what was right was showing him how important he is to me to take time off of work, support him at his school, and spend time with him. Although, I will admit, I am being a bit selfish, it really makes me happy to help out too.  I also like getting to know the other parents and most of all spending time with Kyle and watching his excitement over buying gifts for the family.  Definitely a day well spent!!

The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.  ~Abraham Lincoln

Me & Kyle reading the dinosaur book. He was mimicking me with my own sunglasses. 11/18/03

There was a time when getting Kyle to realize the true adventure and the worlds of fun contained in books was like climbing Mount Fuji, it was a struggle.  Not to mention getting him to understand the importance of reading and the education that comes through books was an even bigger challenge.  I will admit I tried and I tried and I tried.

From the time Kyle was a tiny infant till about the age of five or six, he loved having someone read him stories.  My mom and I would read him poems, books, magazine articles, you name it.  We would sit on the rocking chair, cuddle and read.  He loved it!  He would get a book and bring it to one of us to read to him.  In fact, that’s how I found out that I can no longer read while riding in a car. I once tried to read Kyle his dinosaur book in the backseat and almost lost my weeks lunches, dinners, breakfasts and snacks.  I think you get my drift.  I remember when I was putting myself through college and I worked two jobs, one was the midnight shift at UPS.  By the time I would get to my parents house, it was around five in the morning and I was dead to the world.  The minute Kyle would wake up, he made a bee line to my bed.  Sometimes he would crawl in bed with me (with a little sleepy nudge from my hand to get him in bed).  He was usually dragging one of his music books with him.  He would flip through the book and pretend to read to me.  I wish I was more awake, but getting three hours of sleep a night sometimes would catch up with me.  Yep, the love for books and reading was instilled in him at a young age.

That is, until he was old enough to read.  Then Kyle decided he HATED reading.  Yep, he would say it day in and day out.  I must say those words really upset me.  Well, me being me, I decided to get creative to help develop a love for reading and the ability of getting lost in books.  When he had a book he had to bring home from the school library, I would pull it out and get really excited about his book selection, even when it was about bats, spiders, or the time he brought home a book on the most poisonous snakes.  Gross!  But regardless, I would try.  Sometimes I would just sit there reading a few pages until he asked me what I was doing.  Then I would just blurt out saying, “Wow, that’s incredible!” or “Holy smokes, I didn’t know it could do that!”  Yep, anything to get his attention.  Sometimes that would spark his interest enough to sit with me and at least entertain me.

Kyle with his Lego book I got him. I tried to get him interested in any type of literature.

I even went as far as to make a deal with Kyle, when he was reading the Goosebumps stories, which did not contain pictures and were his first chapter books.  To Kyle those books were his Mount Fuji.  I told him I would take turns with him reading.  He would read a page and then I would read a page.  At the end of two pages I would act out the scene.  I noticed at this time Kyle was not really comprehending what he was reading.  He was just saying the words out loud, not really computing what was going on.  I thought me acting would help to bring the book to life.  We had a blast!  Once he was done with a page, he would stop, even in mid sentence and say, “Ok Aunt Heather now it’s your turn to read.”  Then I would read my page and sometimes I would forget and turn the page.  Kyle would stop me saying, “No Aunt Heather, go ahead and act it out.”  As he sat there in anticipation, I jumped around the living room and creeped up from behind the couch.  Kyle would really get into the book.  He would sit and squeal with every motion as if he was in the story.  Sometimes I couldn’t help but laugh at his reactions.  That method worked for a while.  But Kyle would not sit and read a book by himself.

Every Easter has always been a tradition for my mom to get us books, hence became my tradition with Kyle.  I tried the Warrior books and other books.  Nothing.  Finally I got him the Wimpy Kid books.  He begrudgingly would read them to me, and examine the illustrations.  He didn’t really get into those books until his daycare made a mandatory reading time for the kids.  They had to bring in a book of their choice and read for a half an hour every day.  Once they completed a book, they received a coupon for something free at McDonald’s.  I’m not a fast food fan, but if this was getting Kyle to read, I was all for it.  Not to mention it helped that other kids in his class had already read the books, and I found out, in their own way, were encouraging Kyle by getting him excited for the adventures.

Me & Kyle playing with one of his puzzles. Christmas 2003

Kyle has never had the most perfect grades when it came to reading and language.  Now if we were talking about math, science and even music that was a different ball of wax.  I really wanted to help him out.  Now I’ve used other ploys such as bribing him, threatening him, and even ignoring him.  I even developed SpyRing (www.SpyRing.com) to assist in reading and reading comprehension as well as all school subjects.  This helped Kyle in terms of practice for reading and getting into the spy theme.  He loved the challenge of the questions and the interaction with another person.  Great!  But since SpyRing was not a book, YET, I needed to try another method that was successful at least in terms of getting him excited about reading books.

At this point, I decided to go back to the basics.  I always wanted to read the Harry Potter books, but I never got around to them.  So I purchased the entire seven book set for Kyle’s tenth birthday.  When he opened up the gift I was shot a look of, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me’.  I told him the deal was that I would read them to him.  That was it.  Kyle loved the movies so I thought, what the heck, at least I’ll be able to hang with Kyle and finally read the books.  Kyle also knew that when I said I would read to him, he knew I would do it with total enthusiasm,  expression, complete emotion, excitement and all the pizazz I could muster.  Now that appealed to him and so the stories started to unfold and I loved every minute of it.

Never give up! Just as books expand and occupy the mind, explore your mind to gain access to the books.  When you’re doing what’s right, you are never wrong.  Happy Reading!

Growing up, I’ve enjoyed hunting with my father.  ~Dale Earnhardt

Kyle with Pap Pap's deer 2010- Yes Kyle's wearing my boots!

Two weekends ago Kyle went hunting with my dad.  Now, to be honest, I think Kyle enjoys getting out and hanging with my dad more than hunting, not that there’s anything wrong with that.  He doesn’t seem to have the passion or the desire to hunt like my dad and brother, but he does like the idea of hunting.

On my way to the house on Saturday morning, I stopped at Sheetz.  Lo and behold a sea of camouflage covered men and women flooded the sight before me.  I heard something the other day about Western Pennsylvania being known for hunting.  I really never knew that, probably because it’s such a standard way of life for everyone’s seasonal activity around here.  I remember always getting the “First Day of Buck” off of school, it was standard protocol since there were so many students who had to be excused that day anyway.

As I watched everyone congregate and grab their provisions needed, I couldn’t help but wonder: When did hunting stop being a means of survival and start being a pastime activity?  I mean, for my dad, hunting and fishing still helps to provide food for the household all year long.  Not to mention it’s a lot healthier, no hormones, no antibiotics, no cages, etc.  Plus deer meat is leaner than beef.  Personally I like deer meat, of course I’ve never known a life without it.

Dad and Ryan hunting small game

I also couldn’t help wonder, are we, as a society, ready for something out of the norm?  Have we, as a society, become so far removed from the basics, that we might not know how to survive, if needed?  You know, it’s interesting that we had this same conversation at work not long ago.  I could sit there with complete and absolute confidence that my family and I would be able to survive in a time of crisis.  I have no doubt that we would be able to survive.  However, at work, I was the only one that could make that claim with certainty.

I’m really glad dad is passing along the torch of basic survival to Kyle.  The knowledge he is giving Kyle is invaluable, not to mention the quality of time spent together is certainly precious.  Maybe next year I’ll get back into hunting, then I can hang with dad and Kyle in the woods and help with carrying on dad’s legacy.

Christmas lights make the whole world beautiful.  ~Kyle Piper  c. 2004

Kyle hanging with Santa Clause c.2003 Those are Bob the Builder boots... his favorite at the time.

Christmas is very much a part of my family, as so many others.  Going to Sacred Heart Elementary School, Christmas meant rehearsing for the manger play, not just making snowflakes and Santa Clauses.  Advent meant preparing for our Savior, not the number of days left for shopping.  Christmas has changed a lot, or least from my sheltered perspective.  Not that there is anything wrong with the latter, but it’s nice to get wrapped up in the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy the time of season.

I am certainly no Scrooge, but again I am no Clark Griswold either.  I put up Christmas decorations inside my house and I always decorate a live Christmas tree my dad buys me.  That has turned into our tradition over the years.  But I have always neglected the outside of the house, in terms of Christmas cheer.  Well, this did not sit well with Kyle.  For the last couple of years he has commented on how I am the only house on the street without Christmas lights.  Yes, when you look down the street, my house appears as a big black hole.  Did it bother me?  Nope.  And this year was no exception. That is until Kyle put his foot down.  While Kyle was helping me decorate, he made a comment again about the lights and then said, “Aunt Heather, you need to have lights on your house so you are not the only one without lights.”  My response was, “That’s ok honey, I don’t care.”  Kyle countered, “But your house would look so nice with lights, and the street would be all lit up.”  Obviously he was seeing the bigger picture that I never noticed before.  I buckled and said, “Kyle, will you be happy if I put up Christmas lights this year?”  His response, almost as fast as I could get the words out, was, “YES!”  Then I told him I was not getting up on the roof.  Boy, at this point I do sound like a Scrooge.  He instructed me where the lights would look good and how I should put them up.  After all he knows so much about putting up Christmas lights (sarcasm).

Kyle running down his list of requests. My guess, Legos and Thomas the Train made the list.

As we dickered about the layout of the lights, I was flooded with such a sweet memory.  When Kyle was about three years old or so, he was out shopping with his Aunt Nikki.  As soon as Nicole got home, she couldn’t wait to tell me what Kyle said.  Eventually, as they were driving, Kyle belted out from the backseat of the car that “Christmas lights make the whole world beautiful”.  It was such an innocent way of looking at Christmas lights.  I should have known then how much he loved the lights and how much they meant to him.

Well,  needless to say, I kept my promise and went to the store to buy outside Christmas lights.  I stood in the dark, in the rain and strung them through my Rhododendrons and shrubbery.  I will admit, they did look nice!  And it did light up the house and showed off the window decorations.  In fact, I was over pleased with the lights and the sense of the season they brought me, I left them on all night and the entire next day, since it was dark, rainy and gloomy.  Not to mention I wanted them lit up so when Kyle and I pulled up to the house, he would see them right away.

Kyle giving Santa a big old hug! There was a day when he was afraid of the jolly man.

When I picked Kyle up for swimming, I told him I had a surprise at the house for him.  He said, “Did you get Christmas lights?”  What a stinker!  That just proves it, he owns us!  When he saw the lights, he said, “See how nice and bright the lights are?  Now your house won’t be the only one without Christmas lights.”  You know what, he was right!  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

All you need is love.  ~John Lennon & Paul McCartney

Mom & Dad's Wedding 12/12/69

Congratulations to mom and dad on their 42nd Wedding Anniversary!  They were married at Sacred Heart Church on a Friday night while a blizzard was tearing through Latrobe, PA.  Mom was 20 years old and dad 19 years old.

Mom and dad by a countryside in Europe

Shortly after getting married, they both moved to Aschaffenburg, Germany where dad was stationed in the army during the Vietnam war.  He drove Armed Personal Carrier (APC called Lady Willpower), tanks and jeeps.  Besides the occasional exploration with the Sargent’s wife in her Chevy Impala, mom drove a Volkswagen bug.  Keep in mind it didn’t have breaks so they would use the emergency brake.

Dad graduated from Army boot camp at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in the fall of 1969.  Then he was off to Fort Knox, Kentucky where mom and dad decided on the phone at Thanksgiving day to get married as soon as he got home in two weeks, before leaving for Germany at the end of December.

Mom & Dad in their apartment 1 Block from base. Someone should have told dad about his color choice...

Mom & Dad - Dad's graduation from Fort Jackson South Carolina Fall '69

During their adventures in Germany, they occasionally would save up money to explore other places of Europe including Paris and Holland.  Eventually making their way back to the United States, they had my sister five years after they were married.

Six years after my parents got married, or 21 months from when my sister was born, to the day, at 6:09 am, they were blessed with their second daughter, me.  Yes I was their best anniversary gift ever!  My brother then came along 21 months after I was born.  Who would have thought these actions would result in the recorded history of my parents in my blog.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

My birthday party. My Aunt Irene (godmother) made the cakes.

Be careful what you wear to bed at night, you never know who you’ll meet in your dreams.  ~Unknown

Me napping on Aunt Nikki, while Kyle munches on his Cheerios

Dreams can really bring a smile to your face, bring fear to your heart, or stop you in your shoes and get you thinking, that is if you remember them.  The mind is an organ that alters reality, brings inspiration and causes sleep deprivation.  Sometimes all in one night or within a good Sunday afternoon nap.  Recently I’ve had some very funny dreams.  They were actually brought on by reality.  Please indulge me with a few fun dream memories.

When I stay at my parents house, I usually sleep in Kyle’s bed.  It’s a queen size bed and, for the longest time, Kyle slept with my parents.  Not to mention I hate sleeping on the futon.  The last few weekends, I found myself waking up to Kyle in my bed.  He cracks me up, he wedges himself up against me and pushes me to the side to take over the entire bed.  His presence in bed with me while I slept caused these funny dreams.

Three weeks ago I was half asleep and half awake.  I thought I kept hearing Kyle say, “Aunt Heather your arm, where’s your arm?”  In my dream, I couldn’t feel my arm and I was looking for it.  I kept saying, “I don’t know where it is buddy,” and I kept trying to grab my missing arm with the other.  As I was doing that, I laid my hand on Kyle’s head, literally.  I instantly woke up and realized Kyle was laying on my one arm and it was so asleep it was numb.  I couldn’t feel it.  I had to slide his head off of my arm like sliding cookies off of a cookie sheet.

Two weeks ago, I was back in my blissful sleep.  As I dreamt, I felt like I was in a wind tunnel.  I mean, in my mind the wind was blowing so hard I couldn’t breathe.  What made it even worse, there was a foul smell that came with the wind.  I was walking through this tunnel, it was actually a sewer.  It was dark and I wasn’t sure why I was there or how I got there.  In fact, I think I was somewhere else and then I was abruptly pushed into this scene.  I kept walking but was choked by the smell and the wind.  I knew I had to get out of there.  I was feeling claustrophobic and I couldn’t breath with the wind in my face.  I walked until I ran into something with my head.  At that moment I woke up to find myself facing Kyle on my pillow.  He was breathing hard in my face with his morning breath.  I actually started to laugh, instantly having the dream on the forefront of my mind.  At that moment, Kyle woke up and I couldn’t help but share the story with him.  We both lay there half awake and half asleep laughing over the story.  Kyle still sometimes walks up to me and quickly blows a few puffs of wind in my face and he says, “Remember Aunt Heather?”  What a card!

Me and Kyle kicking back. He even would sit on me when he was younger.

There were other dreams that took me off guard, still clearly remembering them to this day. One night I was sleeping in my room.  This is when I was still living at my parents house, so I’m going back some time.  I was dreaming that I was standing in pins and they were pricking all around my foot.  I woke up thinking my foot had fallen sleep.  As I brushed one foot over the other that appeared to be sleeping, a soft texture caught me off guard.  I sat upright and turned on my night light to find Pudd’in wrapped all around my foot, clawing it and biting it.  She was playing with my foot that slipped out from under the covers.  Apparently she thought my foot was fair game and me sleeping was an invitation to play.  Once I loosened her kung fu grip from around my foot, I realized my foot really wasn’t asleep after all!  That was crazy.

Ok, one more story since I just thought of it.  Anyone who knows me, knows I love my afternoon naps.  Not that I get to take them often, but Sunday afternoon naps are the best!  One afternoon, I really couldn’t tell you what day it was, I fell asleep on the couch.  As I dreamt, I thought I was having a heart attack.  I had a heaviness in my chest and my chest felt like it was being stabbed by a bunch of needles.  I remember I had a shortness of breath and I thought this was it, I was going to see a white light.  Just then I opened my eyes to see my reflection in Pudd’in’s big green eyes.  I actually gasped and started to evaluate the situation.  My first thought was Pudd’in was there to lead me into heaven.  I’m not sure where that thought came from, but I can’t deny I thought it.  After I really woke up and came to my senses, I realized Pudd’in was standing on my chest kneading the dough, or at least that’s what I call it when a cat is purring and using their claws to fluff an area.  It just so happens that this area was my chest.  She gave me the feeling of having a heart attack, or a least I’m guessing that’s what that feels like.

Dreams can be life altering.  Not usually mine, or at least the ones I remember, but at least they make for good stories.

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. ~John F. Kennedy

Lisa with her dad, Dr. Robert Arbuckle

Unfortunately the world is not perfect, but I believe there is more good than the opposite. Good deeds and hard work are done by many without the desire for recognition and public attention.

To those of you who have made a positive impact on those around you, it’s the small deeds that sometimes mean the most and have the greatest impact.  Those of you who stood a few extra minutes to hold the door open, those of you who gave change to the person who was short at the checkout line, and those of you who simply walked past and gave a heart warming smile. It’s those actions that mean the world to the recipient.  To me, those people are the real leaders, they make the changes in the world, however slight, are for the betterment of mankind.

My sister is a Penn State Alumni, as well as many of my family members and friends.  I am not trying to under play the severity of the recent acts of some Penn State authority figures, not in the slightest. But I do want to recognize greatness that have come from Penn State.

I have been blessed throughout my life to meet many great people, including a true role model, Dr. Arbuckle.  I’ve know Dr. Arbuckle and his family for years now.  From the time I met the family, they have always welcomed me as a part of their own.

Every year the Arbuckle family gets together to rent a house in the Appalachian Mountains.  It’s a fun time of snowmobile riding, skiing, snowboarding, and snow shoeing.  A few years ago, I was invited to spend the weekend with my adopted family.  During an uneventful afternoon, I had the privilege of sitting with Dr. Arbuckle to shoot the breeze.  At the time, I was reading Winston Churchhill’s History of the English Speaking People.  Starting out his career as a history professor, Dr. Arbuckle was probably the only person who didn’t roll his eyes or look at me with the look of ‘Why’ when he saw my reading selection.  You see, I too have always loved history, particularly art history.

As I sat there and talked with Dr. Arbuckle, I realize that he was a real humanitarian and a truly inspirational person.  I always knew he was very intelligent and successful, that goes without saying, but my eyes were really opened to the virtually unknown man sitting before me.  Without an audience, no one taking notes, no one recording the conversation (I wish I did) we talked casually.  First about history, specifically Churchill, until the conversation grew to cover many more topics.

When he told me about his efforts to rid the world of polio through the Rotary Club, I couldn’t help but be drawn into his  passion for the topic.  His passion to help these children, nationally and abroad.  Yep, he told me that there are still outbreaks of polio in the United States.  I had no idea!  Speaking to him on the subject really reinforced my admiration for him on many different levels.  I’ve always had a respect for Dr. Arbuckle for what he’s accomplished in life, but at that point I saw so much more to the quiet gentleman sitting across from me.  There is so much I got out of our conversation.  I could go on and on about what a great father and grandfather he is and a true leader in the community, but my words would never do him justice.

Please take a moment to review this news release on Dr. Arbuckle.  It barely touches on the impact he has made to many, including being an inspiration to his family and his adopted family… me.

Naming of Arbuckle Building honors former New Kensington CEO

Friday, November 11, 2011

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Board of Trustees today (Nov. 11) approved the naming of the Robert D. Arbuckle Technology Building at Penn State New Kensington, in recognition of former campus executive officer.

“Dr. Arbuckle has been a vital part of Penn State New Kensington’s growth for more than 40 years,” said Kevin Snider, campus chancellor. “His unending energy, humor and devotion to his profession, served not only the campus, but the community as well.”

Arbuckle, who holds a master’s and a doctoral degrees from Penn State, began his career in 1968 as a professor of history at the University Park campus. Six years later, he was appointed chief academic officer at the New Kensington campus. In 1977, he was named campus executive officer and remained at Penn State New Kensington for 15 years. Arbuckle assumed the presidency of Lake Superior State University in Michigan in 1992. He retired in 2002.

Under Arbuckle’s leadership, the New Kensington campus expanded both academically and physically. Three degree programs — a bachelor’s degree in electro-mechanical engineering technology, associate degree in radiology sciences and an associate degree in biomedical engineering technology — were added in the 1980s. Arbuckle also envisioned a new building complex that would serve the needs of students and businesses in the region. He wanted the campus to become more interactive with business and industry in the area and he wanted local companies “to use our computers.”

Coalescing community leaders, he spearheaded a capital campaign for the construction of the two-building Science and Technology Center, which opened in 1990. That building, now being named for Arbuckle, is home to many specialized engineering laboratories that enable students to pursue innovative programs in technology.

Although phase two took another 10 years to complete, Arbuckle’s campus/business collaboration became a reality in 2000 with the dedication of the multi-purpose Conference Center and Classroom Building. By partnering with industry in the region, the University increased its presence in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Last year, more than 60 regional organizations used the facilities for meetings, training classes, seminars and workshops.

After moving on to Lake Superior, Arbuckle continued his role as a visionary. He was instrumental in expanding that college’s student center; in renovating several facilities and in breaking ground for a fine arts center. He was awarded the title of president emeritus and the school’s student activities building has been named in his honor.

In retirement, Arbuckle returned to Washington Township in western Pennsylvania and resumed his bond with the New Kensington campus. In 2004, he was named an Alumni Fellow.

Arbuckle has served as president and chair of several local community boards including Rotary, YMCA, United Way, chambers of commerce, and hospitals. He has received numerous awards including the University’s John E. Wilkerson Award for Administrative Excellence and Rotary International’s Legacy to Children award for his work in polio eradication.

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Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.  ~John Lennon

Me, Kyle and Gigi

In my mind, not finding that mouse and knowing it was loose somewhere in my house was as bad as the rat scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  The part where he descends down a tunnel under the museum.  Do you remember the one with all the rats running around?

I know I was going to bring in reinforcements and call the exterminator but, believe it or not, that grossed me out too.  Just thinking of the exterminator poisoning the mouse, or whatever way they deal with these situations, didn’t sit well with me either.  Ideally what I wanted was for the mouse to see the exit sign and proceed through the door.  I’m usually a realist but sometimes I can dream big.

My temporary solution, which I could live with, was to place more traps around the house.  I felt like a prisoner in my own home.  My house had turned into a landmine field of an eclectic assortment of mouse traps.  I wouldn’t curl up on my couch for fear of another attack.  When I sat in my chair, I felt like I was going to turn my head and find a mouse standing on the back of the chair.  I intentionally stomped my feet when I got up and walked around the house in hopes to keep the mouse at bay.

Me and Kyle on his first Halloween. Lion & lion tamer... I should have been a mouse tamer, I needed future practice.

The other day I was talking to my sister as I walked through the front door.  I walked into the kitchen to put away a few groceries and I swear I heard the mouse. I listened intently while Nicole was on the other line.  She said, “What do you hear?”  I said, “I’m not sure, but it sounded like squeaky noises.”  I made Nicole stay on the phone with me while I looked around.  I didn’t see anything, not even a trace of a mouse.  Although I will say I looked, but not REALLY looked.  I wanted to make sure I wasn’t losing my mind but, on the other hand, I didn’t want to actually see the mouse.  I was in a catch 22.  Then my sister informed me that I should be moving the traps around because, “Mice sense danger.”  What?  I said, “So let me get this straight, you want me to play musical chairs with the mouse traps everyday?”  She said, “Yes, then you will be able to catch it.”  Are mice really that smart?  My initial instincts were saying no, but I started to think differently, or should I say desperately.  I will admit I did move a couple of traps around, placing them in different corners.

This whole situation became one of those times when the imagination has overpowered reality.  Then over the next few days, I hadn’t noticed the mouse.  No traces of it at all, and I did look!  I don’t know what was worse, not seeing it or seeing it.  I must admit I had a hard time sleeping for fear it was going to crawl on me while I slept.

Well, when my mom mentioned she was going to be in my neighborhood, I took complete advantage of the situation.  I am ashamed to say, I sent my mom over to my house to check the mouse traps while I was at work.  Again, desperate times call for desperate measures.  Kyle was with my mom when they raided the mouse traps and, lo and behold, I received a call from Kyle informing me they got one.  Then Kyle had to add fuel to my fire by saying, “We caught at least one.” What? Was he implying there were more?  As fast as I was put at ease, I was put right back to my nightmare situation.

Well, I am happy to announce as of now, I am mouse free!  I meant it when I said I was going to bring in the big guns… my mom!