Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a wonderful 2009! Blessings, Love and Friendship....

I love the snow people...

You may be saying "what?, she likes snowmen but HATES the snow?" Yes that is 100% correct. I think snowmen are the cutest. Anyone who knows me I keep the snowmen out way past the tree. I like to keep the Nativity up also. If it were up to me I would take the tree down Sunday but I will leave it up till after New Year for the sake of the kids. They love that it stays up. One year the day after Christmas it came down and they were sad so I will not do that to them for the sake of me organizing..lol
I just think snowmen, women and kids are just the cutest lil things.
and the song I put on makes me think of floating in the air with a snowman....yup sounds weird but true...lol

Merry Christmas

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas......We were blessed to have had this year as well as many others years. Have a great Christmas Night...

O Holy Night.....

The blessings of His birth be upon the world...

A matchy matchy Thanksgiving....lol

To match or not to matc that is the question....On Thanksgiving Day we so did match. Was it planned...who knows...lol but I love his shirt and I by chance got a new sweater that fits that happen to be the color of his. A month later the sweater is too big already. Down 11 lbs from then. Well it could be more, I will go totday and know. I stated I wanted to be down 100lbs by Christmas Day and was not going to frete or obbsess and I have been trying not too. As of Sunday I was 4 lbs away from making that goal. who knows. I am just proud and grateful to be healthy. I have been beating my mile time on the treadmill. I went from walkin a 20 min mile to under 14:20.Every time I do it I try to shave off more and more time. I plan on doint the Susan G Koman 3 day in 2009. I was told by Tom he would do it with me. 20 miles a day for 3 days in May. So I may be lookin for support come April to donate to a really good cause. It is pretty early in the am...have too many lists to make and could not sleep. I do need to go back to bed and clear my head....

OH CHRISTMAS TREE

You never stop learning...a good lesson!

I was taught in the program (H&W) mind, body , spirit that if a situation is out of your hands and you have zero control over it...IE the snow....the one thing you can control is your reaction to the situation. It can make it 100% better if you have a positive reaction to it. I know all your life you never stop learning and I am so grateful to learn some coping strategies for the snow. It looks beautiful from the sliders, kind of like a winter forest. I will not make it a habit to keep lookin at the street or the hill b/c it is a mess. I have no control over it. It is what it is, an enlighten quote of my boss with many situations. I did listen to the CD the program gives us. It is an awesome meditation CD. One of the tracks takes you to the "beach" in your mind. My body really feels that awesome sensation of lying on the beach with the warm sun rays on you. You are thinking BEACH I taught Stephie was not a fan. Well think again, I have some a long way baby! I truly see the blessing of the beach. I tell you this program has really helped in my well being, not just in the weight loss but in all over well being.This fall when M and I went to Cuddles and Bubbles in Hyannis we had a wonderful time as well as a beautiful fall walk on the beach. I did not want to leave b/c I have a new found appreciation for the beach. He was so happy that I loved the moment of it and was not asking ot leave. I also loved the beach the few times I went this summer too. It was not about the icky sand and how dirty our feet would get it was about our surroundings and love of that moment. I use these techniques in life situations also. I have learnt to step back from things that people say or do. It may not always be the best thing for me to stay apart of neg situations so I was taught to STEP BACK give it time and space. I also see some situations as you need me more than I need you things. I know I am being vague but it also helps to express my mind even if you don't fully get what I am saying. Some of my friends/readers will know exactly what I am saying b/c it pertains to them. The purpose of the post is to show how you truly never stop learing. You can always better yourself, there is always someone out there better than you are and less fortunate than you are too. It is your reaction to the situation that makes it or breaks it. Stay WARM AND COZY.....

In Feb I will be a graduate of the H & W program. I am sad but at the same time excited that I came so far with them. Since April 29, 08 my eyes have been opened as well as my spirit. I already started planning my graduation speech. I have heard others that graduated and felt they did not have as much of an impact as I tought they did and others a deep impact. I want to show the staff just how greatful I am to them for all they have done. I think a batch of fudge would send the wrong message...LOL LOL now that was classic Stephie humor. lol lol

got this in an e-mail....

This song was made b/c years ago they could not openly practice Christian Believes.
I can not confirm it is correct but it sounds good..Feed back if you know it is true? Or Snoops.....
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the
Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy
Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and
Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace,
Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,
Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the
Apostles' Creed.

Lunch with my gals...minus Katie ; (

We so missed you Katie. We WILL be doing this again soon. Had lots of laughs and good times as always with my Jenny and Kristen. I swear you could be in a dark room with no seats empty and still have a blast with those two...Really!
Had a beauts time at an amazing store....lol and the lunch at Teresas Italian Resturante was top rate...Gotta love the family owned places huh...Hey where is the pic at the tall tree there? That was good one.....I took these from Kristen not my pics I am a pic stealer...lol Gals we will be going back there and to the STORE too...lol With Katie of course.....Hey the gift swap was not hte same without her but still a laugh and a half...xoxoxoxoxo

Dear letters.....

I got this idea from Pam http://www.pamela-anne.blogspot.com/ to do the Dear letters... here goes......

Dear McDonald's Fast Food joint or any other fast food joint out there,
I am writing to let you know I was a patron in the past but will not longer be. Come to think of it I have not been to any of your places since April 29, 2008. I no longer have a need for your crap food. I will not even be taking my children to your place. In the past we did get take out about 2-3 times a month in the past due to hectic schedules or convience. What were we thinking? We put that high fat crap in our systems and paid money for the stuff you call food. The food you serve clogs the arteries and puts nothing of nutritional value in our "tanks". Your greasy fries cause the skin to age and your substandard beef should not really be called meat. I wish your company no ill will but want you to be aware you are really doing this world a disservice. I hope you sleep well at night and good luck with all the new and exciting "healthy" items on your menu.
Sincerely, a rehabilitated customer

PS those nuggets can NOT really be all chicken they look like crap...My 100% white meat chicken does not look like that....

Remember when....

Any of you remember the year without snow? OOOOOHHHH I so do. I wanna say '01 maybe '03. I recall my friend Susan from church who loves the winter was so sad about it. We walked twice a week and would go out if it were cold. I told her once it snows no more walking. She was like it is so fun in the snow. OH NOT FOR ME! lol Her husband got snowmobiles for the NH house and they could not use them since it was a winter with like one snowstorm with maybe 2 inches. I liked that year. It is nice that it is Dec. 12 and we have yet to have some. PLEASE stay up in the sky. I can hope can;t I?

Q & A

Questions and Answers

1. Do you put up outdoor Christmas decorations?
Just a wreath and two little lit up trees
2. Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie?
I love the white snowball cookie...or butter horns
3. What is the best gift you ever gave someone?
I think the boys ....When we got them Thomas the Tank board and M and his dad built them a really nice table and the board and all the sets with bridges....they loved it M and I loved it too
4. Do you like fruitcake?
No way
5. What is your least favorite Christmas song?
I have to say Santa Baby.....annnoying or the Chipmuchs singin songs
6. Do you go to church on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day?
Christmas eve at our old church in Revere....so classic Our church does a very modern Mass we like that weekly but for Christmas Eve we love the old traditonal one
7. Do you hang Christmas stockings? Where?
we did but don't now....first house in Middleton had an awesome beautiful floor to celng. fireplace this one does not but one year we hung the stockings on the top window ledge about 12 feet high...we decided it looked to tacky...lol
8. Do you truly believe "it's the most wonderful time of the year"?
It is a very special time of year. I also love Spring and Easter
9. Have you ever worn a Santa hat?
yes
10. Are you more like Scrooge or Father Christmas?
Mother Christmas
11. Do you hang mistletoe?
We used to in the Revere house but not now
12. Does Santa wrap presents or just place them under your tree?
used to place and display but now since they are older they unwrap....it is hard b/c gifts are so differnt now that they are teens
13. Can you ice skate?
I did back in the day at the Orient Heights rink in Easta Bost back in the 80's I so wan tot skate next winter....
14. Do you love snow?
If you know me u will know that answer.....
15. Which do you prefer-- giving or receiving?
giving b/c I like to see smile and make happy happy
16. Candy Canes-- yuck or yum?
Yuck!
17. The 3 best things about Christmas?
there are more than 3 so I will not list bc/ I may be here all night..lol
18. What type of decoration should stop being made?
garland puffy garland....do they still make it...I hope not
19. Do you listen to 24/7 holiday radio?
I love the music on 103.3 and 105.7 so yes and I play Pandoras Radio on the comp when I am home...
20. Rudolph or Frosty?
Rudolph b/c he is NOT made of snow.....SNOW BITES! lol lol

Whats up doc?

Had a visit to my PCP yesterday. She has not seen me for a while and I shocked her that I am 12 lbs away from being down 100lbs.....She was so funny, she pretended to not know me. I got that at the Christmas concert on Sunday from someone I said hello too. She was so proud and glad that I am doing so well. She did however comment about my boobs...yes I said BOOBS....what could she have said...well while doing the breast exam that I so hate but so approve of (early detection is needed if something was wrong) she comments..."OH"....so now my heart sinks I think she found something...NO she was like wow u were really large before and you DID loose a lot of weight in your chest. Maybe when you are at your goal you can think of the operation for skin removal. OH NO I CAN'T! lol I could not even watch Discovery network documentary about it you think I am gonna have IT! NOT! I am NOT vain like that I can live with it. Unless it was medically needed NO WAY NO HOW! I am just glad to be the picture of health and have stamina to exercise and sustain long term movement. I love the 1 mile and two mile tone and walk vids that I picked up at Borders. I do one after the other to do 3 miles with weights...Tone and Burn. I feel great and always want to move not just sit on the sofa at night.Even when watching our shows I am on the floor strechin or doing something. These days I have to b/c I am sooo COLD all the time. I really never was cold. I would sweat even if someone was cold. Now my teeth chatter. lol I just tought I would share. This week I dropped 5.5 lbs I worked hard for that. Last week it was only like 1.2 so at Heart and Wellness they said it all comes off eventully so don't fret it WILL happen when u keep it up. OH and I WILL be keepin it up....I will be so sad to leave H and W when my weeks are up but till then I will work my tail off there and here. Have a great day. Off to have some whey pwder in my yogrt. with fresh blackberries...yum

BTW I have to mention ....Dr. Agnes is and was my biggest modivator in this weight loss journey. It is when I switched to her from a really crapy doctor in my mind and experience (M still goes to him..yuck...Dr A never even called M when he had his Kidney stones to see how he was....Dr Agnes called me to ask how M was. Why b/c I was at her office in the summer when it happen and he was at he hospital and SHE was concerned about US not HIS PCP, how awesome is she) B/c of Dr Agnes I woke up and smelt the tulip.

The Ten Commandments of Christmas

At Mass this week we were given this...I had to share. Also yesterday I went to the most touching Christmas Concert ever. St Agnes Adult and Children's choir sang a medley of songs for Advent and Christmas. I got chills during some of them, the power and Majesty of music as prayer brings out the true Holy Spirit within your heart. Kayley, the girl I watched for many summers had a solo and she really has improved in her singing. I was honored to be asked to be her Confirmation sponsor when she is confirmed in October with Stephen. She said it so cute and was like "You took care of me when I was younger and you known me for a long time AND you really love God so I think you would be the person who would want to be my sponsor" She is a very simple 15.5 year old girl and I am touched that she thinks of me in that regard. Never loose site of the true meaning of Christmas...It is so not about the hype of gifts it is about you and yours sharing in Gods love that He sent His only Son down to save us and have eternal life. Blessings and Love...Stephie

1. Thou shalt prepare early. Don't wait until the last minute to get into the Christmas spirit.

2. Thou shalt keep Christ at the center of Christmas. Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the commercialism of the season. Resolve to read one of the Gospels during December. Mediate upon what it means that Christ came into the world.

3. Thou shalt make Christmas a family time. Do things together: Decorate the tree, play games, bake cookies, shop, write cards, have devotionals, go caroling, attend church together.

4. Thou shalt remember those who are less fortunate. Contribute significantly to an organization serving the needs of others throughout the year. Give a Christmas gift to your church.

5. Thou shalt give thyself with every gift. Put some thought into the gifts you purchase. Give a gift that represents you. If possible, make something instead of buying something.

6. Thou shalt learn to be a good receiver. Many of us have trouble receiving graciously and gracefully.

7. Thou shalt put music into Christmas. Buy several Christmas CD's and play them again and again. Attend church choir cantatas and special Christmas programs. Sing carols with loved ones.

8. Thou shalt slow down. Remember: Christmas is supposed to be a season of peace, not hypertension.

9. Thou shalt remember to worship. The church is the place you are most likely to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

10. Thou shalt receive Christ into thy life. Don't just talk about the Christ of Christmas, receive him into your life as Lord and Savior.

Therory of life...Hot Chocolate!

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at
a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now
retired.

During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress
in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the
professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot
chocolate and an assortment of cups—porcelain, glass, crystal, some
plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help
themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said:

Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving
behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only
the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
The cup that you’re drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot
chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases
even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot
chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups…
And then you began eyeing each others cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and
position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and
contain life.

The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you
have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the
hot chocolate provided us.

The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make
the best of everything that they have. Live simply. Love generously.
Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate!!!
=====================================================================================
I love this part...so true "The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make
the best of everything that they have"

Am I too early or right on time?

Hello all...I hope I am not too early to make this page festive. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday was an early day at BAB. Five am and the doors opened, Jenni and I had fun with our go green backpacks on and our Hal and Holly in them. I would not have been there otherwise. I was there to work and have BAB fun no black Friday shopping for me. Michael did p/u 2 things yesterday before he went to the office for Stephen. A drill that was like 65% off and something at Sears for the soon to be electrician. The running joke is the kid gets to use power tools...but I still have that microwave fear when I am not home. lol He said to me he could take it out rewire it intall it and still not cause a fire...that kid is so funny. I called yesterday to ck on Ryan and he was like I am fine and playing on line so I have to go or my guy will die...oh ok...whatever. I asked if he ate breakfast and he did not eat the evil dreaded cheese its.....phew....lol JK....Nanna Julie and Lucy make one pie just for Stephen every year and he ate half yesterday and the other on Thanksgiving. UGH.....I guess at 6'2" and slim he can handle it with out an ounce going to his hips like us gals...lol It is the famous ricotta pie. He li so much. He loves them. It is once or twice a year so it is not like he is doing it everyday. The store ones do not compare. Mom and Lucy will sell them if they get the order in fast enough.P/u is the resonsiblity of the person who orders. I think this year they made like 25 of them on a Sunday morning. Ry does not like so much but he looks forward to the jam filled cookies...ick...I no li..
SO I think today may be tree decorating day since S has no work due to the Thanksgiving weekend. 26 days till Christmas....don't loose site of the true meaning of that day...Jesus is the reason for the season...xoxooxoxo

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hope you are all fortunate to be spending Thanksgiving with family and friends that you hold close to your hearts. Have a wonderful day. Blessings and love....

Happy Birthday Michael

How cool would this cake be for the golfer in my life? lol Not that he woul deat a piece. He like myself has been on the health bandwagon. It is so nice to have a partner doing it with. He has gotton so "buff" from the gym and never wants to eat anything but healthy stuff. His co-workers made him a cake and knew he is not eating cake, well he never really did eat cake otherwise. So they made an Angel Food with berries cake to be a lil bit more safe. He did have a slice. U GO Michael. Our son Stephen wants to take him out to eat tonight and offered to pay. He is too cute. I am off to drive him to the electricians for work, then to the gym without Know Fear..lol He is getting to sleep late b/c it is his b-day. I hope he sleeps late...who knows. I will see when I get back. Did a ton of baking Thurs and yesterday for the Church bakesale today. Have to drop that off after the gym. Ry and I went for a very cold walk last night after dinner. Boy did we have to walk fast b/c it was soooo cold. We chatted but mostly walked fast. lol....Gotta wrap his new clothes for work gift. He always gets new clothes for work and some really warm bed pants the flece kind that are so cozy. So I won't be attempting to make the awesome cake in the pic nor a cake atall b/c he won't eat it. Maybe I can make berries look like the shape of a cake...lol I could make him whipped cream to go with the berries...wink wink.....gasp did she just! lol lol hey he may be 41 but he has got it goin on.....Love you handsome buff man...xoxooxoxox U R my bestfriend and forever true soulmate love..xoxoxoxooxo u rock our world....thanks for all the many things you do and for who u are....xoxoxoxoxo

orange let down

I have not had an orange for a while and had the urge too have one. Got 4 of them from Pace Grocoria in Saugus that always has the best food. They were so beautiful looking but then I pealed it and took the first bite it was such a let down. : (
Not sweet at all really tart. I will send the others to work with Michael for his luch b/c he likes tart apples, oranges and grapefruits while I like then really sweet. I can not eat a green apple...yuck too bitter for my liking. The ones MIL and FIL take home from the sunshine state are the best ever. I am gonna have to wait and look forward to the return trip in April with the bags of oranges. Then MIL will be off to Greece with her friends for the trip around that country. Nice huh! I just want some delish sweet oranges thats all....lol

Am I blue?

Or should I say will I turn blue? lol I eat lots of berries but mostly blueberries. I had a dream last night that like in the original Wonka movie I was blue. I did not blow up like she did but I was the color blue. In the dream the backround was also blue but people were not just me. I was scared to go to work but continued to eat the blueberries. lol .....They are great for the skin and the body. With tons of antioxidents and they help free radicals they are a SUPERFOOD. They taste great fresh or forzen and are so low in cals. I must say they are not cheep but the better the food is for you the more it will cost. Junk is cheep b/c it does nothing but bad so pop some blueberries for a delish treat./////And I hope I stay this color and not turn blue....lol lol

To be thankful.....

I do not want to loose site of Thanksgiving so I will put the Christmas backround back later.

Jesus is the reason for the season....Don;t loose site of that...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Both.

2. Real tree or Artificial?
An Artificial that can pass for real....the mess of the real lingers for months later.....u know us...lol

3. When do you put up the tree?
either the weekend after Thanksgiving or the next.

4. When do you take the tree down?
Ilike to take it down early but M keeps it up till New Years Day or a few after that. At that point I am like.....clean it up...back to reg.

5. Do you like eggnog?
eh....I could take it or leave it and this year it will be left...

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
A bike

7. Hardest person to buy for?
now the kids since it is no longer a Toy thing...I guess

8. Easiest person to buy for?
M b/c he is so easy and appreciates anything

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
3 of them. One really awesome one I got as a gift from M 5 years ago and I love it, one white lil porclin, one that we got together our first year as husband and wife, and a lil set that I had when the kids were small to play with.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. Love giving and receiving them. Though I like to send a Happy New Year one to surprise people after all the others were sent...; )

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
This ugly coat from my aunt when I was 10...hated the coat. lol

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
The Santa Clause

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
October, our Christmas Club accnt matures and then we get the cash that M saves all year. He has been since 1990. He is such a savy smart money man...he should teach classes....lol

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
ha ha Yes! it was from a student when I worked at the school. Did not match my kitchen but it did my mothers...so I put a Stop & Shop gc with it..lol and I never turned it over...OPPSSSSSIIIEEE It was writen with Sharpie marker...to the best teachers helper ever, I love you Mrs. R lol lol lol Well to my surprise ....Hey she got a gift now didn't she...lol

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
MILs pumpkin roll up.....oh so delish.

16. Lights on the tree?
Yes, white ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
SO MANY

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
MIL AND FIL EVE and Mass at the awesome Immaculet in Revere...such a classic Mass and Our house Christmas Day. I love doing Christmas Day.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
Sure can.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Angel

21. Presents on Christmas Eve or morning?
The 4 of us on morn and the rest of the fam Eve

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
That people loose site of the TRUE GIFT of Christmas. Jesus is the Reason for the Season.....

23. Favorite Ornament theme or color?
I love the ones we have collected since our first Christmas 17 years ago and my new Willow Tree Angels he gets me and others too.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Mils homemade Ravioli that I will not be eating this year. But my meatballs are A+ so I will be having one and yum yum that will be.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
To be 100 lbs down.....IT COULD HAPPEN ....I AM 81 lbs down as of now from 4/29/08 SO FOLKS>>>>WE WILL SEE....BUT it is only a number.....I am not stressin on the number but the health of my being...That is the important part....right!

Merry Christmas friends! Hope your Christmas is one with blessings and love.

I love Katies blog stuff.....here goes

1998


10 Years ago.....

1.) We moved to Middleton Aug 1998 or was it 97
2.) bought a second car b/c we moved to the burbs
3.) was married for 6 years at that point
4.) had a child in K and one not in school
5.) took care of many kids and loved it

5 THINGS ON TODAY'S TO-DO LIST

1.) Grocery shopping/Laundry
2.) cook/bake for tom.
3.) take Ry and his friend to rel ed class today
4.) take my many vitamins
5.) cuddle with my luv bug

5 THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE

1.) start a college fund in Steven Diors memory
2.) donate/help family and friends and others
3.) put $ aside for the boys future buisness
4.) cook and bak for people all day
5.) shop for things for us and others. I am not one to like to shop but I would learn to like it....lol
6.)live on the island of Maui

5 PLACES I HAVE LIVED

1.) EastaBostah, MA
2.) South Yarmouth, MA
3.) Revere, MA
4.) Middleton, MA
5.) Maui, HI.....yeah ok.....lol as if....someday if not in my dreams...

5 JOBS I'VE HAD

1.) mom...the best job out there....
2.) too many others to list at this point lol

You know the drill...get crack-a-lackin'!

Not just turkey but deer too....

On the way to our "date" aka our gym time together, we almost hit a deer running so fast across the road it was a flash. I think my heart rate was in arobic mode after that without doing the treadmill. I was so glad we did not harm Bambies cousin nor the truck and most of all ourselves. I guess living in the burbs with turkey, cows, baby fox, Chestnut the horse,lil bunny fu fu, alvin the chipmonk, and now deer must happen out here in forest land. Our "date" was a good one as always and now we are going to enjoy something to drink Tazo Tea for me and a big glass of Crangrape for him.

The Sack Lunches

Today a very young man/kid came in and he looked younger than Stephen but he was fresh out of HS as of May. He was a sweethearted kid.He was funny when we did the heart cerimony and really respectful. I asked who the bear was for and he said a present for his mom. I said that was sweet and was like awh...He then told me he was leaving tom. to serve in the Army and then my eyes weld up with tears. So young. I thanked him for his service and said I would keep him in my toughts. He said thank you for such a fun way to make his mother a present that she could have while he is away. I told him to hold her tight and give her a hug that she'll never forget. He said that he has been all weekend long. And there flowed more tears. I tought of my own boys and could not even imagine what that mom is going through right now with her "baby" off to fight for ALL OF US. You just got to love the commitment and dedication these men and women give to serve our Country. When he was making his BC he asked me to put HIS b-day on the BC so it could represent him. To think this boy was born in 1989 the year I was graduatin Pope John HS. To think from then till now the changes are so .....I am at a loss for words. God Bless that boy and all the others out there.

====================================================================================
This may not even be a true story...Let us hope it is. My heart was touched by it and I had to share. As we honor our Vets and the people who have much courage to serve our United States of America we go into the future with hope that they will ALL return safe and sound. God Bless you all and your families.




I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my
assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book
to read.
Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and
filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a
conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated
nearest to me.
“ Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for
special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq “

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack
lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we
reached Chicago , and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he
planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for
just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we
get to Chicago '
His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I
walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar
bill.
'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed
tightly.
Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ;
it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the
soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked,
'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and
went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner
plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane,
heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did.
I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming
down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked,
I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers
only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held
out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's
hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military
pilot.
Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.'
I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my
legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached
out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my
palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to
deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put
something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without
saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the
base.
I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars.
'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about
time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their
fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a
prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our
country. I could only give them a couple of meals.
It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check
Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of
'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many
people in This country who no longer understand it.'

This Monday and next

They are gettin married....AGAIN! How cute....they are restating their vows to eachother on the beautiful island of Maui....ahhh so lovely. They stole our idea..LOL JK...Michael and I have had this planned since 1998 with the idea that in 2012 ...not too long on our 20th we will restate our vows with our sons in Hawaii...I did say the Disney Cruise but they so don't agree with that one. They said we have been on there enough and look forward to a non disney vacation...as if@ lol
They are the cutest family as I said in post past. It is so funny how Hannah I think says your "gonna get married AGAIN"? They showed how much fun they had in Calil on the 5 day layover to Hawaii last week. It should be a good one...I know I am lookin forward to it after M and I workout tom eve, thats our idea of datin' lol we are together right!...

On the band wagon....

Since we are going to do some Christmas shoppin today I am getting on the bandwagon....lol Yes my last post stated "too early" but hey go with the flow....

Ck this out....

http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/

I think I got this last year in e-mail too. It is really cute. I love the easy treats that can be made. The entire web site is cool too. So weird that already on 103.3 fm and 105.7 fm the Christmas songs have begun. At the workshop they have been playing since the day after Halloween. They don't play all the time at BAB but the radio has 24/7 of the stuff. I LOVE Christmas music but too soon. Though I found myself yesterday switchin back and forth from the 2 stations while drivin to and from my neice and nephews house. Had a blast watching the kids. They are two sweetie pies. Selena is so smart and helpful and Justin only cries when he is hungry. He eats a ton. He is 6 mnths old and as big as his sister was at a year...lol She is a lil bit of a thing still. She said I broke the tv b/c it would not turn on but I was not clicka savy to thier tv..lol they have an entire set up of "toys" when it comes to the tv. Hey u don't need tv all the time so we spent our time on eye spys and Auntie Stephie says games. Instead of Simon says it was Auntie says....And who can resist legos. Build walls and houses. Had a blast...I wish they could stay forever young. Back to the point of the post.....yes I know Christmas is coming and I think Kristen from Blog has a countdown clock going on hers, but oh my it comes so fast. Enjoy the season, don't over stress, make it fun and be thankful for it. Live in the moment and cherish the PEOPLE it is so not about the STUFF.....Not just this time of year but all the year ....people mean more than anything. Love costs nothing and matters most....XOXOXO Love, friendship and blessings.....Stephie

Some words to live by.....

"As long as we have memories, yesterday remains. As long as we have hope, tomorrow awaits. As long as we have friendship, today is beautiful."

Blessings, Friendsip and Love.....Live everyday with greatfulness and thankfulness...
{{{{HUGS}}}}

November is Diabtetes Awareness Month

Just keep in mind how awful of a disease this is. When I was little and hear Nana T say diabetic or he has the "diabetes" never taught it was a "bad" thing. Just taught Papa Steve had to "watch" how many deserts he ate. Lets make him the sugar free pudding she would say, or get the sweet and low for Papa. Yeah we know know that pink pack can do more harm than good. ick sweet and low....nasty. As I got older and saw my mother get the disease (who mind you took it way to lightly and brushed it off as nothing) I could see just how severe it could get and the other health effects that came with it if not properly treated. I learnt my lesson the hard and sad way and refuse to get this b/c of genetics or lifestyle. I am proactive in the fight against it and vowed back in April to take good care of my health. The road is still long and I accept that, the measure I took to make my chances drop were hard but really good that there is something out there to drop the % of getting this disease. I have the need to put this out there that Nov. is diabetes awareness month and to "fight" for all those who struggle everyday to keep the levels even and LIVE with the disease. They don't have it easy by any means. Keep them in your hearts and prayers.

6th file 6th photo tag from Katie

http://www.blogger.com/profile/12275245115764381971
Katie had got a tag and now I am gonna be tagged. This is the 6th file and the 6th photo in our pic files. This was taken 2 summers ago at the awesome Marblehead Walking Path on the south side of the beach. The far north side has a beautiful lighthouse. We had a picnic there with Stephens friend Matt W. They have not spent much time together in the past few months b/c they have differnt schools and differnt interests now but still call eachother once in a while and will always be friends. That boy always has something funny to say and is so hyper it blows my mind having Raf boys. You know what I mean by that if you know us...LOL So tag do u want to be it?

FALL COOKING

I love ALL cooking not just fall cooking. Baking treats in the fall also is so good. The spicy smells and the fall produce is so awesome. I am getting more and more to like all the seasons. If we live here why not. We are blessed to be able to wake up every morning and be alive so being greatful, thankful and blessed is to honor Our Father daily. It may be getting colder and darker but we still have so much to be thankful for. There is beauty in the colors of the changing leaves and the mums are pretty flowers too. Still LOVE my tulips but mums are good ones too. I love to look out our large bedroom windows at the trees. Every season is a beautiful view. Even in the winter. Enjoy! Happy Fall ya all.........

Jon and Kate plus 8

Once again another great episode of the Gosselin family. I love that show. Last night they got to see a Phillys game in the lux box with the owners wife who also loves the show. The funny thing is that people are like in awe that they are celebs but John, Kate and the kids are so not like that. They are like we are people end of story. I love how John and Kate are on the "interview" chair. They crack us up. We can tell what they might say next b/c they are so in sink. Gotta watch those cute kids and funny parents raise them as a team. They really are awesome with those kids. Kudos to the Gosselins!

awe Sox lost. Well what can ya do/

I guess the saying goes u win some u loose some....

An ER kind of morn

At the Beverly ER bright and early this morn. I think we might be on a first name basis there..lol First Stephen back in the spring, Michael in the summer and now Ryan in the fall. Please don't say me in the winter..PLEASE! I have had enough hospital for a long time to come. Ryan woke us up to tell us his chest hurt. I got up and took him to the kitchen to see if he needed a whif of his preventol. It is not a steriod it is to prevent inflamation when he plays Lax or a running sport.Dr. Papacostas gave it to him 2 years ago when he started Lax to help with his breathing and said he does not have astma but exercise can induce inflamation. I figued it would help with his labored breathing. It so did not. We got so frightened b/c he started to tear up and say the pain is so bad in his chest. We were like firefighters in action. Clothes on as fast as could be. We woke Stephen to tell him. De ja vue from his fathers rush to the ER and off we flew back to Beverly ER. I guess once a season is not too bad. No just kidding. We never took them for anything. These kids never got sick their early childhood. Dr. P a;ways says that they never see him except for well visits. He was dizzy too so that worried us. I sat in the back of the truck to be with him. They took him so fast, they always take you right when u get there, the best ER around. We got the same room Stephen got and saw many of the same nurses too. He got a chest Xray b/c they said his lower right lobe of the lung sounded off. They called it something and said he has a virus that inflamed his lungs so he is on antinflamatory advil and LOTS of liquids. He is doing so much better since we left ER. No longer dizzy and still managed to do his homework. My poor lil Ry RY as we call him when we get all sweet with him. While Michael and I sat in the ER room with him we saw an EMT walk by that we thought was his cousin who we always see at the ER but when we looked closer it was not him. Mark the cousin in med school works as am EMT and funny he saw our nephew just this week at a differnt ER b/c Evan smashed his chin on the monkey bars and needed 3 stiches. I swear Mark must think the Rafts keep ERs going. lol There was no Grey nor a Dr. McDreamy but they are all so awesome there.

Had a SOX PARTY!

Last night we had friends over for the SOX game. We had a blast. I just kept asking what the score was. lol that is all I cared about. Cassie and I were in the kitchen "making" a creation. We made peanut butter out of the left over peanuts from the snacks. We had so many laughs we were busting our guts. We had the boys do a blindfold taste test of the creation on crackers. We got reg Jif and wanted to see what they liked better. The Jif won.... ; ( Ours was too chunky. We should of used the food processor but we so wanted to do it the old fashion way....We had more laughs. It was a fun time. I was jokin with her that someday she will be my daughter in law and she just blushes. If I say it to Ry he is like no no u don't make that call I do. I just look and say u nevah know...lol They have been so close since they were lil ones and it is so cute how much they did together all those years. They still talk when the families are with eachother but like at the Maso football game...too much Cassie tells her dad I saw Ryan at the game. Oh yeah did u talk to him...NO. Ry tells us Cassie was there. Oh did u say hi. NO....oh ok. It is like that. In school they give the lil chin lift of a hello. She comes over 4 times a month for help with math from Ry and Michael. We still have a great relationship with them and they just don't have what they did when in grammer school. They get older and things like that change. One of Rys friends said to him oh u r so lucky Cassie comes over ur house and Ry said why? So the kid says shes hot. Ry said he was like yeah what ever...lol She is a beautiful girl, popular and on the cheer team for the jr high. Ry and his friends are so not the "jocks" group. They are in differnt social status grops and know it and are so fine with it. But it cracks me up how they are when together here. Just like the old days. I love when she is here my lil Sasafras. She wanted to make more creations but Stephie Bum was tired. lol We did not stay up for the entire game but woke up bright and early to see that they won....
YAHOO to the next game......Come on boys u can do it!

TONIGHT!

GO SOX! Lets see if they can once again GO ALL THE WAY! We will see.
At H & W these 3 songs are some of the ones that are played while we get our hearts pumpin'. I love them all and when we get to boys are back in town I start to really give it ump!

They came back!

Wow.....what a come back. Still a small ray of hope. You never know....we will see.

The Lil Mermaid

My adorable niece Selena came to see her auntie yesterday and she gets me in the Disney Princess mood all the time. She knows I love Cinderellas light blue dress but she will also tell you auntie loves Ariel b/c of the water and the songs. She was singing the songs and it got me in the mood to find them on the playlist thing. Had fun with curlers in her hair them got to take them out and see the banana curls. She is a lil doll. Luv u aunties girl.

Our son # 1 AGAIN!

O... I have to brag....

For the second time, last year and this term this year Stephen scored/placed #1 in his electrical class.(mind you I had to hear this from his teacher and another parent who he is friends with)(he is a modest kid) Yahoo! smart kid of ours. What does this mean> well only the top 3 out of 15 can work in the electrical field outside of class. He gets to work with an electrician from near by Saugus.We were up at the crack of dawn to get him there by 6am, we here at the Rafs are early birds so that is not a problem. lol He makes really good money but the hours of apprenticeship he gets are far more valuable to obtain his licence as a Master Electrician. We are so proud of the love and devotion he has for the path he has chosen. He worked for 8 hours today. His timekeeper job never goes over 5 (child labor laws) and he sits for that so I am sure he is a bit worn. The stuff he did in a remodel today blew our minds. We are like WOW kido u r good. Kudos to our first born. Who would of ever thunk...lol back in the day our son was going to rewire remodel homes. Hey buddy our bathroom fan needs replacing too. LOL LOL family discount...lolGO Stephen....
btw.....his boss at the rink is so understanding that he will not be working too many hours now that he has an apprentice job and I am so greatful for that. He still gets his Friday hours.

Summer memories

Every other year we go to Tucks Point in Manchester by the Sea to Michael's dads side family reunion. Nana Marthas mothers family. The Crivello family reunion is put on by Nana Marthas only living brothers daughters. Uncle Vinny is a sweet sweet man. He and Aunt Teresa have been together over 50 years. We went to the 50Th Anniversary party about 3 years ago. He lost his sight a week before the party but there told us that he would never loose sight oh how beautiful his Teresa is. How sweet is that. Michael and I were honored to be at the party and can't wait until we celebrate our 50 years of love, dedication, fidelity, friendship and devotion with eachother.
While at Tucks Point we had a golf cake for Ryans 13th b-day. The reunion consisted of 40% Rafts..lol The other big family is the Bruno Family and they were on our tail for numbers. The two sisters Martha and Marie had children and that is what makes up those two families. Some members came from Alaska, Wisconsin,Vegas and NY. Next year we hope to see the Georgia cousin. I should say in two years. We had so much fun there was talk to make it a yearly thing b/c it is so nice to see these people. Of course my fudge was a big thing. lol I did not post this back in June b/c I was just sent the pics from his 3rd cousin. Now to plan a Christmas get-to-gether. That would be a treat.

Wise Quote ....

A very nice gal from our church sent me an e-mail and at the end was this quote. I had to share b/c it is so very true. Have a great day and always make the ones who are special to you feel special.....xoxoxoxo


'People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did.
But people will never forget how you made them feel'.

3.3 Mil......

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1123696&srvc=home&position=rated
Take a look at this link to see the money rasied yesterday...Yahoo! great amount since we are in an economic slump....

This month.....all about PINK!

October is more than just fall festivals, fairs, harvest and Halloween it is a very important month dedicated to breast cancer. Awareness, detection and remembrance is on top of the October list. Today is the Boston walk. I remember in years past the awesome group of women I was privileged to walk with on the walk. It was an awesome event. I am thinking of all the gals out there today walking, I could not be there due to circumstances beyond my control. I wish I were with all of you. My friend Jane always put so much effort into our team and makes all the walks memorable. One year I drove the bus to Boston and was so stressed being in all the traffic in a big bus but got through it. Jane and Sue were in the seat behind me. Funny b/c Sue does not get past Peabody much so that was the funny thing that she was "helping" (lol)navigate. I am sporting my pink today in remembrance and got a beautiful bouquet of pink balloons from LC w/ a swish mylar one and a sunshine face. Made my day. Just what I needed. Try to make any kind of donation be it cash, time or talent to this cause I hold dear to my heart. You never know who or how this will affect you or your life. Blessings and prayers to those going through it and making strides in recovery and cure of it. THINK PINK!

Speling may not be A+ but I always did well in grammah....lol

You Scored an A

You got 10/10 questions correct. It's pretty obvious that you don't make basic grammatical errors. If anything, you're annoyed when people make simple mistakes on their blogs. As far as people with bad grammar go, you know they're only human. And it's humanity and its current condition that truly disturb you sometimes.

The It's Its There Their They're Quiz

And I must state it is so weird to hear a person say ...."This is her" NO NO NO....If answering a phone and they say Hello is --------- there? You answer with This is she. That is the correct way. Also you are well or you did very well, good is not so "good" lol to use.

My Favorite rainy day things to do in the fall..

I say I don't "love" the fall but there is a lil part of me that does for this reason.......I spent the day in the kitchen, after seein Nana T with Ryan and MIL & FIL and an errond. I love to make several meals so that I can pull them out after a long busy day during the week. Two Sundays ago I did 14 meals and that made the last two weeks so easy. Pull out and heat after I did all the work on a Sunday. Two moms from Washington State stared a buisness out of this concept. I like to do it for my family and don't think I would like to HAVE to have 200 clients a week like they do. I was asked by two of the hockey moms to "help" them too. They would buy the food and I prepare it and then they pay me for my time. I tought of the old saying teach a man to fish he'll fish for a lifetime...lol instead of fishing for him...hehehe
I made about 5 meals this time and extra so that there are 2 sittings from each. I won't bore you nor temp you with the tastly temptations..lol Lets just say the boys want to eat them all at once when they see masterpiece after masterpiece being made and put away. They all get a taste to make sure it is up to Stephie par..lol
I made fudge yesterday to take to BABW's inventory fest. A batch of toll house choc chip cookies also for there and M's friends he will see tonight with the boys while I am at inventory. So this takes me to why I like the fall......I can have one of my cook fests. The rain made it wonderful that I could stay in and just do one of the things I love to do. My boss asked how can I cook and not want to gobble it all up. (being on the plan and all) ...I just am fine with it. It could be foods that I am not able to eat or choose not to and can still make them and be fime with it. Ryan was funny yesterday morn. While we were getting ready to go out early he saw that I had the Food Network on...(my fav) and said since u r doing so good (down 53 lbs yahoo) why do u torture urself watching that. LOL LOL I said it really doesn't bother me. I tought that was cute. It was the show all about chocolate. MY love for chocolate is great but these days not an issue. It does not over power me to the point that I am like gotta have it. Hey it is there and I can tak eit or leave it. Yes I did just say that...lol Heart and Wellness progm...I LOVE U! lol

The rain won't keep us away.....

Since I did not have to work today Jane and I were off for our walk. When the clouds were out and the streets wet we were not going. We did however get to PF. Did the treadmill and went the distance. I don't have a black membership so she would have to pay to be a guest but we caught this guy walking in and asked if she could go as his guest and he was more than happy to do it. It saved her $20 bucks. Got some Passion Tea at Starbucks, sat on the sofa there and now here I am drinking my Isopure. Gotta shower and do some errands in the wet rain. The time goes by so fast when you walk and talk, Pam can agree too...lol Have a wonderful day despite the raw, wet day it is. Always makes something positive out of the least bit negative.Enjoy everyday for it is truly a gift from God.

AND THE WINNER IS..............................

DAN yahoo.....I am so happy to see MY DAN win......Yeah Dan...
I loved seeing all the past HG's in the live audience. The other Dan from Charlestown, the roffah was there......Yeah Dan from BB 10......
Now I am sad b/c BB is over till next summer. Last winter we had the first BB of winter but that was b/c of the writers strik I am sure we have to wait till June....UGH////// Someday maybe BB 15 I will be a HG...LOL LOL LOL

$50,000 OR $500,000

We will see tonight who wins the half mil.....Dan or Memphis. Well lets see....just like Dan would start a tought. ...........lol Memphis won a very expensive vitage auto, Dan won $20,000 but no HG knows...just America for being AMERICAS PLAYER for one week not an entire season. He was suspected. Dan laid low and stayed under the radar BUT then stepped it up and won lots of comps.....He was a great player. Being the Catholic School teacher that wore his school shirt almost every episode he had a hugh following from his home town. He even said that kind of cash in his poor lil town would be HUGH....he is very much into helping out his football team and the school. This MAY lead the jury to vote for him. I put MAY in caps b/c that is how Dan would state things....lol Memphis really ticked off people but Dan did once or twice too. The 75 year old Jerry lastin gas long as he did called Dan, "Judus"....mouths dropped when he stated Dan you will always be Judus in my house and said you hide behind that cross of yours....Well that night Dan made sure he did not wear that cross b/c he knew he would be going back on his word....OK I am one for my word...and I can so see honor in that but some of these HG's/players have to realize IT IS A GAME! GAME! it is life in a house without ANY contact except Julie....Mrs. Chen as Dan would say even though she is not MRS. Chen ....lol He was so respectful to her. I do hope that the jury gives the cash to the player WHO PLAYED the game....Did I say GAME>......I will post who won.....Happy Big Brother watching. I WILL be so sad that it is over but hey what can you do......Maybe someday I can be a HG on BB......I would be the one who cooks up a storm for the others. Hey June won BB 4 I think b/c she cooked and cleaned for them and stayed out of the house drama....Hey if my place is in the kitchen then so be it...For $500,000 I will cook and clean.....lol Hey I already do it around here for the payment of LOVE!