The teen years.....

Today at 5:20 pm Ryan will be the BIG 1-3! A great big teenage birthday to him. We love you so much our funny kid. He used to be so shy and has come out of his shell with some resevation but always says and does funny things. He got my humor with a lil kick to go with it...lol My little Ry guy.....Love you forevah and evah and so much and so much.....That is our good night saying..Still no matter what age..
HAPPY 13th Birthday.....stop growing I don't need two sons taller than me...lol

Had a thousands laughs and a few limes too...O'LAY Happy Birthday Jenny!

Had a thousands laughs and a few limes too...O'LAY Happy Birthday Jenny!



Just got in from a night of fun and laughter....So, so many laughs and such an awesome time. I can't say enough about the fun we had at Jennys b-day get-to-gether at a dive Mexican place in Chelsea...I swear it is the dive places that have the best food and the most fun. She is so funny I burst my bladder many times. All the gals, Kristen, Carney, Shannon, Nicole, Nikki, Stacy and the guest of honor Jenny all had so many laughs, awesome food (yummy veggie fajitas) and the music was too much....Funny as all hell...AND we lived to tell about it.....Thanks gals....I am honored to have shared in the event. We so have to have a blast here soon too,,,,,,,,

Why I "blog" survey

Why I Blog Questionnaire ( Kristen made me "IT" lol feels like in 5th grade..."you're it".....so here goes...


1. Why did you start a blog?

I kept reading Normies and needed to post too. I think it has been almost 2 years....


2. What did/do you hope to accomplish with your blogging?

To look back at it and say I remember that. To also get my personality of hope, happiness and love out there.Light hearthed and happy. Some sharing and caring.

3. Have you found that you don't post as much as you did when you started?

I think about the same...I come a long way baby...I post pics and have a pretty backround..lol

4. If yes, why not?

N/A

5. How important are comments to you?

I love comments. Keep 'em coming....

6. Do you ever find yourself wishing people would not always leave comments that agree with you?

Everyone has their right to freedom of speech/write so hey it is what it is. I am so not a fighter but I do stand up for what I believe in....

7. Do you comment on other people's blogs a lot, sometimes, or very little?

Regular....I like to let them know I have an interest

8. What determines why you don't post a comment on someone else's blog?

Time and I guess as Nana T always said "if you don't have something nice to say don't say it at all"

9. Do you have more than one blog? Where?

No one is plenty

10. Do you read random blogs either off of random blogger or friend's lists?

Sure....It is nice to take a peek into others "heads"....lol It is public so why not...make some new friends....

I now tag the following bloggers.....Drew, and my Pammie!

This is so worth the viewing.....

http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/

I was sent this this morning from my old friend/co-worker from my days at the school who is recovering from uterus cancer. She has kept her illness under wraps for reasons of her own. I was told about it and did not let on to her that I knew she was diagnosed b/c in due time or at the time when she wanted to have me know she would. I got some info from another old co-worker who also got her info second hand. I am sure she has her reasons for not wanting to reach out.I am so happy she is close to being done with all that comes with recovery and she let me know what she has. I gave her my friendship and love not my sympathy b/c I am sure that could be one of the many reasons she kept it to herself for all who know would give that look of oh no and she so did not wnat people to look at her with the feeling of u poor thing. I do remember when she told me last summer she was going for a hystarectamy at the point of a week before the op she had not told her 4 sons to not worry them and let her husband in on it only b/c she needed a ride. She kept the op to herself she told me and I said what did he say and she was like I did not tell him.The boys range from 14-23 so it is not like they could not handle it. I guess once again she had her reasons. So back to the link.....She sent this and wrote that until she got the news of her cancer she would of deleted or passed over "garbage" like that. She knows I am not one to pass over that stuff. She said she was glad that I have a better attitude than she ever had towards life and could reflect that through my friendship to others. That was a nice thing to say. I was like why wouldn't I. She responded that she never did that till she came close to knowing she may not have much longer to be here. She is not one of deep faith said she never felt that a link like that would even make a differnce if she looked at it or not but now has done a 180 and sees just how important things are. Her out look has changed. One of her reasons not to let others know about her cancer was b/c she debated that she may not even get treatment and just let things happen if they were to happen. She woke up one day and was enlightened to fight and this e-mail gave her the desire to make her "dash" count and did not want the nuber at the end of her "dash" be within the year. So I write this to tribute a women who had no desire to fight, lack of faith in any being, I comend her that she was enlightened and am proud that she can say I was apart of her desire to go on and have a more positive attitude. She may have to wear a baseball cap she says but atleast she is alive to wear it hair or no hair. Love you Lyd.........

That ER nurse loves me....

Nurse Janet from the Beverly ER loves me...lol She has seen me 3 times since April till today. Always the best bedside manner. Why would she see me today you are thinking>>>>Well at the early hour of 330am I was nudged awake by Michael who never complanes of pain almost on the floor doubled over in sivere pain. I kept my cool despite wanting to panic. I tought it could be his apendics so I did not chance it. Boy are the roads clear at 400am a bit dark too. The awesome Beverly Hospital ER staff could not do enough for him. I swear it was like a feeling of someone being in labor and you can't get there fast enough. You can just tell that the pain is brutal. I am nurse made right now, even though I have to cook for 85 kids at the VBS program tonight. I made differnt plans and will be getting Pizzas and salad I got yesterday. I was also surpose to be at the program all day but this changed plans. I am sure there are other happy helpers. Stress level is on high and I am trying to stay focued and calm. So much goin on....ugh ah.....just breath through it. I feel so bad to see him in that kind of pain. I will update at some point.....

One Happy Face.....

I know it is blurry but I am not the best picture taker. Today Ryan is off to CLP in Salem, NH. It is a 6th grade traditon to go there the last day of school. I will no longer have a child in the Middleton School system. Now off to Masconomet Regional. Sounds so definate and done. I swear what I would give to have a Fuller Meadow School student again. LOL Really. That is the other school that my boys went to from pre-3rd. Then it is off to the scary Howe Manning...scary meaning the "older" school, 4-6th. I now have a highschooler and a jr. highschooler. Where has the time gone? Why does it fly by so fast? It is a good thing they are growing up to be really good teens but on the other hand a stopwatch that can hold time would be nice. I am so glad I work at BABW to be with kids of all ages. I get that nostalgic feeling when I see a young boy come in. It makes me remember the magic of the boys when they were that small. I love the friendship they have being a perfect 2.5 years to the day apart. I look at old photos and laugh to see a 4 and 6.5 year old standing on Main St. USA in Disney. Then look at all the other photos of the trips we have been fortunate to take there (thanks Michael for feeding into my Disney obsession, luv ya babe'and continuing to do so...lol) and see how every year they grow just a bit more. When you take the one of when S was 3 and Ry was 6 mnts and look at the latest one it just seems like the time was done in a flash. Like I said before "don't blink". Cherish ALL the stages and ages b/c it is really a blessing to be able to have them.Being a parent is one of the best gifts we can ever have.

I always loved these words.......

About 17 years ago for my engagement a friend of the family signed her card, "Live, Laugh, Love, Lucy!" I since then have really enjoyed and smiled when I see those words. We see Lucy every so often from time to time...she is the mother of one of my sisters-in-law. I recall getting a card for one of my sons a few years later from her for I think his Baptizm and she signed it that again. I don't want to copy her but I like to write more than just Love, blah blah....I am one to write a "book" when I give a card. lol ......I am goin forth with this as my new mantra! LIVE< LAUGH< LOVE! Have a happy day and hug your loved ones......xoxoxoox

The beauty of a tulip.....

Flower Power

The sun may not be out but wishful thinking and positive pictures can make my day....

40 TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE..I got this in an e-mail...I liked it had to share...

40 TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE

40 Tips for a Better Life in 2008

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.Breath deep!

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. REMEMBER GOD heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31.. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about. I just did.

May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door!

Happy Dads Day to all the dads out there...

A great big HAPPY FATHERS DAY! Have a wonderful day filled with family fun and kids loving on you and looking up to you for all the daddy things you do. Anyone can be a father but it takes a really special man to be a daddy.

Always the younest one or really don't know music...you decide....lol

At the hockey tourny yesterday and talking with a group of moms and dads. Two of the dads are going to a concert tonight to see "RUSH". OK .....Stephie says..."who's Rush?".........laughs and faces look at me think I am just pulling legs. NO REALLY WHO'S Rush? SO one of the moms who always replyies with "you're just a youngin" ;p said I think you may be much younger than we are so maybe that is why you don't know them. I am not THAT much younger than the mid 40's hitting fifties croud...Well ok I am ....lol I admit it. SO one of the dads I always joke with who also is not that much older than I am says did you have your 30th yet..LOL AHHHHA HAAAAA
I said I did 7 years ago. Then one dad who is goin to the concert says..."Oh the first RUSH concert I went to was when you were 3!" Now see what 3 year old knows bands? RIGHT? We are in the car and I say to Stephen, "do u know Rush?" THE BAND....Yeah mah....they are playing tom night my MCAS Math teacher talks abou thtem all the time...Tom Sawyer, yyx or z or something.....he lists some other songs I have no clue. He says tonight I will u tube them for u I bet u will then say oh yeah them. NO it did not go that way...I still said AHHHH NO CLUE> I did however say when we were in the croud of parents I loved New Edition and all their songs from way back when .....The oldest dad looked at me like I just got off a spaceship from Pluto.....LOL I guess I am the YOUNGEST in the crownd and I really don't know music...LOL LOL Well I never said music was my claim to fame....or spelling for that matter...LOL LOL LOL It was a STEPHIE moment...lol

Bye bye Howe Manning School.....Ryan moving on to Masco Jr. High

Tonight we had the 6th grade banquet for the students. It was at the Danversport Yacht Club. There was a survey to have just desert at Masco and the cerimony or this and the expensive $99. event happen. We voted for the dessert at Masco....the bring your ouwn potluck dessert option. We heard most parents did but this still won...who knows. It was a nice time. Good company though the food was not at all good. Really sixth grade students don't wna tto dress up in a tie or dress stuff and eat a formal dinner in a function hall. Ryan loved the salad and wished there were more. LOL So did I. They got a well put together yearbook, 2 shirts and a class glass. This dad we sat with when it was Stephens event had us in stiches when he came to out table to say hello. Mr. Farraro the funniest Itailan man we know remarked about many things of the evening and made a cute crack about why such a big deal is made for 6th grade. He stated that America wants to make sure unlike some countries and ours years back we go furthur than grade 6 so if you get a fancy meal at this level just think of what you can strive for if you go to school 6 more years...Just the way he delivers his lines he crackes u to pieces....LOL and he said why did they give then large class glasses a shot glass would of been better since the reason for college IS to learn to play quarters or is the large glass a way to work up to mastering that game. It may not sound so funny when I type it but like I said his delivery is just the best. Very proud that Ry got the title of MOST POSITIVE I hope he learnt that from his mom......and he got an honary mention for most improved grades. He would of got the high honors award but missed it by a - if it were a B he would have but that - in science hurt him. He was like ahhhhhh why ....We told him it is not the award that counts it is the effort you put forth b/c science was so hard for him last term that we were glad to see the B- since it was a hugh effort to get that high. To Ryan our Jr. High student....thats weird one in highschool and one in Jr. High....I told you don't blink. It flies by. I remember the first day of preschool. Thats sad and happy at the same time.

A big 7 year old Happy Birthday to my Goddaughter.

I love that I have a Goddaughter, as you know he rname is Veronica. I remember the very hot day 7 years ago driving down to the south shore to see her the day after she was born. What a chubba she was with tons of deep dark black hair. She is a hoot and loves that "Auntie Stephie" works at BUILD-A-BEAR! lol lol she rasies her voice when she says build-a-bear and makes it sound so cute. Have a great party day.TO MY BIG GIRL MISS V!

Have you heard of the "star" fruit?

Just got one yesterday. Intersesting.....the price was high....$1.69 for one piece of fruit but I read up on the benefits and they seem great. Wanted to try it because some people said it tasted like lemons, yum I love those some said plums...not to found of those. So I decided that it tasted like maybe a sour green apple or a light brown pear. At one point when I pealed the piece of it it tasted like a green grape. While I peeled it gingerly since it is a really odd shape I had M google if you can infact eat the skin. The answer is yes. With pairing knife in hand I sliced the pretty stars called to Ry to see and we dug in. It does not serve a lot of people. Good thing Stephen was at his friends pool because it would not have done much for him having "a slice" lol.....BIG BOY appitite...lol We liked the "pretty" star. The benefits were great with tons of antioxidence.....I think with the price of them I will stick to a bag of red/green grapes when on sale. I just can't see paying $1.69 for once piece of fruit. I know I spend the cash on articokes but it takes a while to eat that after it has been steamed. As well as the really pricey asparagus we had that in a fratata without cheese. It was a very yummy dinner for a warm "summer" night. It was 62 last night and it is close to 90 right now. Go figure how NE weather can turn on a dime........Happy, Healthy Eats......

Don't Blink

I know I have older kids but so remember these days of play. Love the stages they are at when they are at them but still long for this time back. The expression "don't blink" really holds true. The years just fly by.....I got this in my e-mail from Drew and had to post it b/c sometimes getting caught up in the everyday things makes u loose sight of the REALLY IMPORTANT ones........don't loose sight and don't blink either.....Love Stephie

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the
backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a
tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck
and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about
what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision
I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies,
and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy
us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my
arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit
on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger
through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God
has given me the greatest gift ever given.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank
God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.............

These things to always be on target....Who loves TULIPS? I DO!

What These Tulips Say About You

You are very popular and universally admired.
You are often hopelessly in love, and you connect to other people easily.
You are a naturally cheerful and upbeat person. You have an amazing smile.

This is an outrage.....NOT CALLED FOR!

http://www.comcast.net/data/fan/html/popup.html?v=756643965

I hope this link works. I swear it is really disapointing ot me that this could happen in school. Positive reinforcemnet is so nessesary for any kid, special needs or not. How dare a teacher subject a kid to this. Also having the other kids take part in it. I worked with 2 spicific autistic boys when I was at the school as an Aide. No matter how frustrated (being kicked/hit/yelled at) I would never have oustersized (sp?) a child like that. It makes me sick! I am sure that a teacher of many years like this women was should know how to help a childs ego not stomp on it infront of the other classmates. I am surprised that she does not know the difference between autistic behavior and a "behavior" problem. You can only hope that the class will be told that what was done was not correct, I see that they are 5 years olds but come on something has to be said to them to let them know you don't "vote" out students and it is not acceptable. This poor kid and all the kids in the class. Be greatful for the "great" teachers out there, the one who care and love what they do. It is not easy doing that job and kudos to the ones who love to do it........

Springtime and Flowers

I wanted to give a new fresh, pretty, happy look to the page. Hope you like. I do. Flowers make me smile. : )

Pretty one....look and see what bird it looks like....it is a Parrot Flower....