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....

I get panic attacks when they are near....

Ever since I was little I have had a bee/hornet/wasp fear. Maybe anything flying for that matter. Even when we took the kids to the indoor butterfly santuary I was on the verg of panic attack when they came close to me. Just this morning at the park with my walk with Jane I was going bonkers when they came near us. At one point walking by the play structure Jane was like "you are scaring the lil boy" ...lol He was a small 3 year old boy and he was running around then stopped dead in his tracks to stare at the lady who is flaging her arms and screaming ah ah ah....lol yes that is what I do and can not control that reaction. I can feel the chest getting tight and a panic type feeling. I have a HUGH FEAR when they are near. I can't even sit out on the deck without being on edge that they are lurging. THEY ARE OUT OT GET ME! ........JK about that but I really have alway has this problem from atlest 6 years old that I can remember. Every year we get the "BEE GUY" to come and spray them away. The woods that are all around out house have many nests/hives. Michael and his dad even discovered one under the deck eve. Well that is why when the slider is closed I hear little tink sounds....It is then flying into the glass. Sunday I went out the slider and one got in the house. I had a pan and was slaming it on the screen. Yeah that sucker would not die. I was being yelled at by FIL that I am gonna break the door. Well too bad I don't want them in my house. I hate them so much ....They really need to leave me alone.....

Never Forget

On this weekend lets stop to remember and think about the fallen heros as well as the men and women who keep out nation free. Much thanks to them. Without our freedom then we could not do the everyday things we take for granted. Don't take it for granted be greatful and thankful.

A late night last night

Yesterday at 1pm I got a call in work from Michael and was asked if we had plans for the night. A spark went of in my heart...oh he wants to go out with me on a date...NO that was not it...lol He got 4 very close tickets from an acutioner he deals with at work. CLOSE was an understatement. Three rows from the dugout. I saw my brother-in-laws head at one point on the TV. No I did not go. I was asked with a giggle knowing my answer. I do not like the confinment of a crowd like that and the feeling that there is no quick way out and sitting there watching a game for @ 5 hours...not my cup of tea. Four tickets 3 people....who shall he ask. His dad had plans and could not pick what brother to ask, wanted to be fair. Well fair came in to play when he could not get in touch with one of the brothers since he was on the golf course for the afternoon so the younger one got to go. Picking up Stephen from school I gave some hints as to where dad was taking him tonight. He guessed. With much excitement he got his HW done fast to be ready for his pick up. Ryan gets in at 3:30 and we are excited to give him the news. He at first thinks we are joshing him and then we "swear" we are not kidding, "call dad"...He knows dad does not just "joke" about things to play him. OK he is on board with believing us. Next Ry says "do I have to go?" HUH! MCAS testing is tommorow and I want a good night sleep and I really don't like baseball, I like the SOXs but I don't care to go. His brother is looking at him with his head shaking back and forth with a tisk tisk kind of face. I am like Ry they are really good seats. No I don;t want to go. OK WON'T force the boy. Call up dad and tell him. NOOOOOOO u tell him. Like dad have ever been above a 3 on the loud scale.....lol I tell Michael and he is like well I'll call my brother again. Called and called....nothing.So Micahel tought of my uncle..nope had to work late. About a half hour before they had to leave I told Stephen to call his best friend Christian. Stephen was like "short notice" /////I know just try. He got out of his own baseball game and came over as fast as can be. But Murphys Law has is that the other brother is gonna call just when we get someone to fill the ticket..lol It did'nt happen. fhew! I jumped back and forth to see how the game progressed. IT WAS A LONG ONE! They won and the boys left at the bottom of the 8th to be able to avoid the traffic and the crowds. At one point I heard noise and got flusted and called M and his phine did not pick up. Well after I find out he left his brother off here to get his car and then take Stephens friend home. SO the statling noise was BIL getting in his car. But I did not want to raise the blind and look...lol I am a woose.....lol and was to scared to look....Then at around 11:40 when S and Michael came in I got the story of what the noise was. They had a blast. Stephen was raving about the seats and LOVES Fenway Franks....I have got them before but of course he said there is something about eating them there or how they are cooked that they are not the same as here. I am glad they got to sit in such great seats. I am sure Stpehen after school is gonna be zonked. He has golf club and is an early to bed type of kid. I bet he'll have to play "catch up" this weekend.....I am zonked waiting up for them. Yeah it is just how it is...could not sleep knowing they were in the big bad BOSTON! ......lol

Goin for a walk

Gotta work tonight so today Jane and I are going for out Tuesday morning walk at the park. It is a lil chilly this morn 42* but I refuse to wear a jacket. Short sleve t it is. If the date reads May 20.....Then it it t weater despite the outside temps. It is good b/c when we walk on Tues. morns we rush so I can get back to get ready to be in work on time. Not today......taking our time and walking longer. That is the plan. The bus just came, wanted to look at e-mails then head out....Have a great day...the sun is out here now...lets hope it stays.

The pictures are of the large park in N> Reading Ma about 4 miles from here. We live on the NR/Middleton boarder. The one with the water was last Mothers Day storm that flodded EVERY where in the North Shore. The sk8 park that Stephen loves was made by my uncle Steve, he poured the concrete and lives in that town. We love the gazebo that is underwater int he pic. They have since redone the park. We love to have summer night picnics there. I really wish our town had a facilty such as that.

~it's back~

Can we ever have a spring without poison ivy? EVER! Once again Stephen has it all over his legs. I am so glad it is not on his face like other springs and ozzing his handsome cheeks everywhere. I hope it is only on the legs this time. He still has scared from last year there. His face looks great and the maderma did a great job on his neck last year. After it clears it leaves the skin discolored since his skin so so dark. On Mothers Day all the cousins were playing uncles yard where he caught it last time too. None of the others got it but we know in springs past S is so allergic to it the wind blows and he gets it. Funny since the dog may also have it on the fur and rub against his legs. We got our true blue friend the oat bath and some clear not pink calamine. I hope the oils are not on the clothes b/c even after a washing they still are present so I hear.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Wishing you all a Happy Mothers Day...xoxoxoxoxoxo

SHUT the windows....

How in less than 12 hours can the weather turn on a dime? OHHHH yeah we live in NEW ENGLAND people. So we wake up to semi dreary weather that just got worse and worde as the day went on. S got out of school at 11 today b/c it was prom for the 11th and 12th graders. At the point went Lax practice came around I was sure there would be none. I surly was WRONG.....In the down pouring rain I kid u not....530-700....no letting up. Of course the boys LOVED it. Ry seemed to be so happy and content to come in the car able to ring himself out. mud/grass/wet kid smell came with it. As for yeaterday on the sunny warm deck and in the warm house with open windows today was not that nice feeling. I should know by now NEW ENGLAND.......bleeps....

Open the windows.....

I just had to open the windows ALL OF THEM.....and the slider....Love it like this. Waiting to pick Stephen up from golf team, I am watching Ry play out back with his Lax stick after helping me on the net. Dinner cooking on the counter! The counter u say....lol the counter deep cooker. Too nice to put on the oven. I may even go on the deck or get S early to sit outside and get some Vit. D. lol I have a 30 point deficency. I am taking suplmnts. for it. The Doc said stop using sunscreen...What doctor says that? I laughed at her and said that sounds wrong. She grabbed my arm and said look at the color of your skin. You are dark and do not really need SPF 50. Oh ok.....I told her for my face yes b/c I do not want sun damage. She said leave some skin exposed to absord to natural Vit D. So off to get a dose of it....Have a good night and get ur dose of D.......

5 boys 1 girl......

There is a new lil one in the family. A baby was born May 6 around 11:45 pm ......Justin is here. That makes 6 grandchildren in the Raf family. I got the call around 12:15am last night. Was groggy so I think I got the jist of it. Justine is 6 lbs 10oz and was born I think 11"50 or right before the clock struck the next day. Fifteen and a half years between grandbaby # 1 and six. So excited to have another lil one.......God Bless my new nephew.......

~Walking in sunshine~

Went for a nice long walk with my good friend/neighbor Jane today. It was a beutiful sunny morning at the Ipswich River Park in the next town over. Last fall was when we were there last. The foliage was so nice. Jane commented about how the pond did not look as nice since the trees are still bare. I must say though they do a great job on the perenials. The Bradford Pear trees were all in bloom also. I would not have known what those were unless she said it..lol She loves to garden has so many wonderful things in her yeard front and back. I think I have posted before about the fresh basil she gives me as well as some other herbs. We are trying to make it a Tuesday morning thing after the kids get on the bus for school. Not much school left. Stephen is out on the 16th of June and Ry the 23rd. S goes back a week early and gets out a week early. I think that is better. Hey I don't make the rules...So if you can get out for just a lil bit today....GO the Vit. D will do you good.........Yeah Sunshine!

This cold is insain..........

Is todays date May 3? It is? Are u sure........IT FEELS LIKE LATE DECEMBER......
What is going on here. The Chn. 7 news time and weather said 40*. Is tha tjust wrong. It is 40* after it snows late December and I am so getting sick of the cold. I am sure you can all agree with that. Stay warm.

June 11, 2008

I am counting the days. That day I will be enrolled in the NS Hospitals Heart and Wellness 12 week program.You go once a week and have nutrtion counseling, exercise program with health monitoring and group classes. It will be every Wednesday night from 4:30-7. I am a little put off by the time with Lax practice and golf team for the kids but I am making the commitment and will do something for me. Michael can do pick-ups maybe leave early from work, or get a ride for Ryan. I wanted the May class but it was booked so I will sit tight and wait. From now until then I am gonna make a concious effort to be better. I met with the nurse yesterday and she was a doll. I also met the Italian nutrionist, yeah she so got me.....I was so happy that she grew up with the Italian influece b/c she can get the "food" thing. I am sharing b/c I want to be held acountable to this. If it were something that I don't profess I can fall. Not a soul would know. I hate to fail so this may give me the ump I need to keep posting about and not slack off. So if you need me from 4-8 on Wednesday nights you'll know where I'll be. If you know me enough I get places 1/2 hour early b/c I am anal like that......Yesterday the secratary said your really early. I said with a laugh better than being late. lol She smiled. I met this 45 year old man Rick who was waiting that completed the program and is on maintenace and lost 39 lbs during his 12 weeks. Men always loose faster than women but he was a great help. He said when he went for his 1st visit a gal gave him some kind words and he was doing the same. He was so funny about how he had his "Last Supper". He said he had a free for all at the Continental Resturant and pigged out knowing that he was going to do this. He know looks back and says he has no need or desire to binge like that. Something clicked and got him on track. I have lost 80lbs once before back in 2002 but it slowly came back. Another attempt here we go.....liek the story of the tortous and the hare...slow and steady wins the race.........

JUST SAY NO!

Food can really have a hold on a person, well I mean me. I am sure others will atest to this. I was not forturnate enough to get "skinny" genes. Not ever knowing my father I do know that he was an average to slender man. I did get to see him once when I was 19 when I was at an all time low for my weight. I still seemed heavier than he was. UGH! He did like women with some meat on their bones..lol My mother was far from slender even when she was younger and I know his wife was a rather larger lady. Back to the point. I have my mothers genes in the psycial...nothing else (I pay my bills and don't steal and am not a basket case)another post all together.
I am trying sooo hard to make a pact with myself ONCE AGAIN to not let the food cravings control me. JUST SAY NO! I don;t want to be her (the mother) who had every possible problem under the sun. I want to live past 60 and not have 4 strokes, sleep apneia, diabetes, High BP, lungs like a smoke stack ( never did I ever try a cig in my life ewww, a wine problem...ect....I WILL NOT BE THAT....I am going to JUST SAY NO and make a change. It is not about a number to me it is about the health of it. At 37 I am healthy and don't have medical issues and DON'T WANT them to creep up on me. JUST SAY NO! I have to keep saying that..........I will not be in a funk and I will not look to food for comfort I will and am learing to find WHY my feeling are and not to mask them with FOOD> It will not be my drug.......JUST SAY NO!

April 26, 1992

A wonderful day for a wedding.....I am so happy to celebrate after all these years the love Michael and I have. I feel we are blessed to be eachothers soulmates, best friends, and lovers. I though I loved him so much on that day but as the years pass I fall more in love with him. XOXOXOXOXOXO love and kisses to a man I cherish...

SUNSHINE

The title says it all......SUNSHINE

natural vitamin D rules....

First game of the season....

This cold, damp, rainy, cloudy day was nasty. What made it even more nasty was being outside at a mucky field at the Topsfield Fair Grounds FREEEZZZING while Ryans Lax team played their first game of the season against Cape Ann (Gloucester). They had a great start with 5 goals in the first and second quarters. After that it was all down hill. The very large rain drops fell like ice cubes. I made my way to the truck. We parked in a great spot to have a good view of the game. At that point I was wishing we were inside a hockey rink...lol Yeah it is warmer and the wind does not hit you like a knife. Cape Ann dominated the rest of the game scoring 9 goals. I could tell Ry has really improved since last year and his breathing (seasonal astma) has not come into play so far. Thank God. Hope that stays at bay. This years team has a really great coach that is nothing like last years coach. Ry is very happy and pleased this time around. I had made veggie/long grain rice soup this morn for the crockpot and could not wait to have a bowl of the warmth. We are still cold to the bone. The Lax season is only 2mnths long compared to our 8.5 mnth hockey season so it is a piece of cake when you look at it. Last Wed was the hockey game that would decide if we were in the finals. We made it to the last round before the final game and lost by 1 goal. Funny how even the Peabdy parents (other team) were mad at the ref for calling a no goal on one of the goals we SCORED. They were like are you kidding me. We were up in arms. If it were a tie we would go into overtime with a shootout if no goal was made. That is an exciting way to decide who goes to the finals. Oh well it did not happen. Well you win some u loose some. This team took home the Gold in Lake Placid and we will always have those memories. We came in 3rd for the year in our division since loosing that last game. Saturday we had to miss the parent/players skate end of the year party. Stephen has been extreamly sick and was at the ER for 5 hours at the end of last week. He is doing better but still will not be in school tom. We want him to build up his resistence and stamina to feel well. He has slept 20 out of 24 hours for 3 days now. We had a scare that they tought it could be menigitus but once again Thank God it was not. He has an acute sinusitus infection thingy with the side effect of vertigo causing vomiting. He does look better and has no temp. My BIL the MD has been in contact with us everyday, twice a day and still wants us to go to the PCP tom. just to reck. and make sure the meds are working ect. It is better to be safe than sorry. No matter what age you still worry and they will always be your babies. So that is the update from The Casa de Raf.... can't say it's been stress free....gettin through it.....
============================================================
and now at 630pm the sun is shining bright...go figure....

I really tought the number would be higher...REALLY!

You Are 68% Phobic

You definitely have almost all the common phobias... and some not so common ones. Relax and live a little. Nothing is out to get you. At least, probably not!

How Phobic Are You?

So nice to see you old friend......

I may use SPF 55 to not get sun damage but I still love you. I love to see you and love that your warmth is shinin through my windows today. You may cause fine lines if not protected but I will always crave you. I wear my eye protection and sunscreen so BRING IT ON! Keep shining my old friend.

It feels like we live in London.....

The dull sky is really getting lame. It makes for a blah day. I am so looking forward to the house glowing with beautiful sunshine. The living room has a wonderful feel when the top of the tall windows get sun. I never have to put the lights on in the day here only when it is a really dark sky. S said that it is expected b/c of something he learnt this year in science, with the Global Warming crap that is going on. The seasons are shifting and are really not true to what they used to be. I can only say we so deserve a great summer weather wise and maybe get an Indian one too come the fall. Happy weekend and stay dry......

A holla to my Boy Boy......

This here is a pic of my boy boy JF.(one of the original water)....What a handsome guy he is. He and Michael just celebrated their 40th in '07. Last Thursday we got together and had dinner at the CCF....U all know that place...My favorite! Cheeesecake Factory. The "water" was together while the "dads" and the "kids" ate at the food court. LOL Very funny that they were there longer than we were at the CCF and had dessert. We had lots of laughs and our server was a blast. My two SILs were there also. We recalled past events and spoke of old times, always fun and smiles when we r w/ JF. He is one to remember dates like I remember people. I could not be that good with #'s. Boy Boy stops by BAB to say hello on his way to the FC when he is on the day shift. He puts a smile on my face b/c he is such a cutie. I can't say enough about this kind hearted person. He gets an A+ in my book......Luv ya Boy Boy...xoxooxxo UR Girl GIRL....lol lol HEHHEHEH

SLOW DOWN!

OH MY GOODNESS! Just witnessed outside our window a car flying on our street, mind you limit is 25mph...Like people drive that...NOT! So the car must of been looking down or something but the Fed Ex truck that was double parked in front of the house across the street was hit. We hear screatching and a bang...Thank goodness no injuries. The airbag deployed and we called 911 the police were near by and came pretty fast. Oh my heart. SLOW DOWN PEOPLE!

Heaving ALL NIGHT LONGGGGG!

I may have got about 4 hours sleep last night due to my poor older son having a heave fest all night. I know sounds gross but how else to put it? LOL I felt just aweful for the kid. He may be all big and stuff but no matter what age you are when you are sick you are like a little kid again. Thank God my kids have never been really sick. I can say growing up they never got sick over and over like some kids. I can say both have had maybe 2 bouts of something and the average cold. They are both the type to suck it up. Stephen more so. I really can’t say they go on and on like some grown ups when sick. They SUCK IT UP! Last night I dont know how he did not want to just break down and cry. I was on the verge for him. I worried was it food poison? It couldn’t be b/c we all ate the same thing. The entire time I used Purell for the hands, Lysol for the jerms, Soft Scrub with anit bact AND Mr. Clean. That bathroom is cleaner than when we used it the first time after it was done...lol HE is drained. I am drained but I think as always when drained I go more. Every window is open right now I am airing out the house. The laundry has been going non-stop for about two hours now. Funny at 1:30 am I sent Michael to Stephens bed so S can be near our bathroom (can’t mess up the hall one lol ) and it was easier for me to ck in and hold his head at that point.Our family NEVER played musical beds. I was lucky to always have kids that stayed in their beds no up and down switching beds ect. I WOULD NOT have been able to deal with that. So I think last night for the first time in 15 years maybe the second we played the musical bed game. At the point when M was going to S’s bed he decided to go to Rys b/c he did not want to catch any germs that may be on the sheets. GOOD THINKING! Good thing we all have beds that can sleep more than one......So off to re-disinfect the bathroom AND sheets and conforter in the washer! I have been dousing myself to not catch anything...Better NOT!

How high will it go?

I can recall about 11 years ago when making the drive to our new house in Middleton, (the first one) turing the corner to go to the new street, a landmark gasstaion had 97 cents a gallon for gas. It was a good price b/c some stations were nearing the dollar mark and we were like oh look under a dollar. WELL ......We all know ten years or so have passed AND!@@@@@ not that anymore. How high will the dam gas go?
I have this thing that the tank CAN NOT go under a half. Yeah OCD about it. I hate when I get in M's truck and he has like 22 miles left. His tells you how many miles you have with the gas you have left. I freak. He says we can go all these places and back with that amount...NOOOOOOO! I NEED the feeling of gas is in there. Well these days it makes zero scence to let the tank go down b/c HOW FREAKING much would it cost to fill it...LIKE $50.......some more depends on the tank. I am sooooo glad we got the sedan when we traded the minivan in back in '02. My Sonata gets awesome milage, but it is still a lot to pay b/c the dam gas is @$3.19 + in some places. This is nuts. In 1987 when I got my LI....yeah THAT LONG AGO. I remember the day....ahhh a fresh 16 yr old ready to drive 2 years before that...lol I had this driving instructor that had reconstructive face surgery and it was sooo hard to look ahead and not at the left part of his face. I know weird. It was like look , no don't eww is that a chunck of skin falling off? Really it was that bad. When he spoke the extra stuff giggied and stuff...Eww. SO I got the Malibu the next afternoon after goin to the insurance place to have me be put on. I remeber I had to fill it up b/c it was like at half and I COULD NOT even then drive with it that low...lol I think $3.00 FILLED it from half. Yeah you can not EVEN GET ONE GALLON for that these days....How the heck. SO this brings my rant to ........I WANT and have wanted for 3 years now a HYBRID.....BIL just got a Honda Civic 4 dr one it is awesome. Well with Stephen nearing 6'3" as it is he can kiss his knees when in a car...lol The civic would be sooo small and the prius even smaller. The mid size that I drive now int he hybrid choices are so expensive that it is just too much. When you own a car outrite for a while now...and so close to having the '06 truck paid off in a matter of mnths. how can you take a car pymnt, again . I can see M's thinking but as for WANTING to save gas and BE GREEN! I think my being green even out weighs the save cash on gas thing. I have even gone to using envormtly. safe cleaning products and we have been recylng. for atleast 15 years now. So I am somewhat helping but I WANT TO BE GREEN WITH MY HYBRID! I guess for now it is do what we do and suck it up and pay the dam gas prices. Yes I did type dam a number of times and am not one to be a potty mouth but it makes my GAS rise....lol Happy driving...and Stay put for a bit when u can...help conserve.....

Hello...who's this?

So funny, this morning at the bear barn, my bright and early truck morning the phone rings. Whats so funny? Ok it is REALLY early when I am there unpacking ect and wish to chat with another person, sometimes...lol So the phone rings and b/c it is soooo early it may be M or the kids, chances are no...but Hello blah blah....silence but chatter in the backround; a really cute voice...hi...hi. hi Hello who's this? no answer some lil 2 year old babble. Can you get your mommy. Mommy comes on. Hello! Hi I think ur baby called BABW, oHHHHHHHHH Yeah thats Daves son, hold on ...DAVE!
HUH?
Dave comes to the phone.....(Dave, the big dm of my store) Hello!
Hi, how are you?
fine.....
oh....
is the Dave F?
yeah is this Stephanie.....
Yes .....?????
Oh did you need something?
no........!!!!!!!!!!!
u called here!
OH HHHHHHH NOOOOOO my son is messing around with the phone, my wife must be confused that u called and he picked up...hahahha hehheheheh so funny.
Yeah ...that is funny....???? Have a good day.....
WEIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a few hours later when the real world is awake......
Hello thanks for calling blah blah....Hi Stephanie...yeah real sorry about this morning. ...No not a problem I was up no problem on this end..just funny...Yeah my son got a hold of the phone and by chance got u....lol we were confused and half asleep..lol heheh ahhhaaa.

WEIRD>....lol
It was funny. I did state to DM DAVE that it was nice to talk to anyone at that time of the morn lol lol even if it was a two year old playing with his dads cell ...LOL

Hey if any of u r eva up 530 am on Thurs call me at work...lol I WILL BE AKWAKE AND READY TO CHAT>....lol

~Have a Happy Easter~

Wishing you all a happy day to celebrate the reason why we have eternal life. Enjoy your time together with family and friends.

Cooking Green,.......Well maybe!

Does Basil count...lol I am making Pesto Italian pesto in honor of it being MONDAY! Yes plain ol Monday...lol Just pokin some Italian humor into the day...hehehehehe
Go green and red and white too......hehehehhehehehe

Be a Tigger.....

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

I HAD to post this link....PLEASE do yourself a favor and take a look at this, I may not be a big fan of Oprah these days but this man is a true inspiration. Karen shared this with me...I have to share this with all of you.....

A song link to ck out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u57d4_b_YgI&feature=related


Michael sent this to me from our laptop and loved the words of the song. I just got done listening for the first time and I can say it has the sweetest words. I could tell from the first word that it was Jack Johnson. Ryan was listening to Upsidedown earlier on u-tube and I think Michael looked for more songs from him. I may have to p/u the CD b/c it is so relaxing. Maybe take it on a plane ride and imagine a field of purple tulips swaying in the warm spring breeze. enjoy the song.....It is a true in love kind of song that puts a smile on your face and warmth in your heart....

Hearts and kisses xoxoxoxoxoxo <3 <3 <3 <3
[Verse 1:]
There's no combination of words
I could put on the back of a postcard,
No song that I could sing
But I can try for your heart,
Our dreams, and they are made out of real things,
Like a shoebox of photographs,
With sepiatone loving,
Love is the answer
At least for most of the questions in my heart ,
Like why are we here? And where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy,
And sometimes life can be deceiving,
I'll tell you one thing, its always better when we're together

[Chorus:]
MMM, it's always better when we're together
Yeah, we'll look at the stars when we're together
Well, it's always better when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together

[Verse 2:]
And all of these moments
Just might find their way into my dreams tonight
But I know that they'll be gone,
When the morning light sings
And brings new things,
But tomorrow night you see
That they'll be gone too,
Too many things I have to do,
But if all of these dreams might find their way
Into my day to day scene
I'll be under the impression,
I was somewhere in-between
With only two,
Just me and you
Not so many things we got to do,
Or places we got to be
We'll sit beneath the mango tree now

Yeah, it's always better when we're together
MMM, We're somewhere in-between together
Well, it's always better when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together

Mmmmm Mmmmm Mmmmm
I believe in memories
They look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now, and when, and when I wake up,
You look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time,
And there is no, no song I could sing
And there is no combination of words I could say
But I will still tell you one thing,
We're better together

The clothes are for bears NOT kids....

I came across this when googling build-a-bear images. This family I guess tought it to be funny to put the buzz outfit on their child. Last week we had a dad come in and ask if we had Thomas the tank for his son. We do not and he really meant clothes for his son. I pointed out that the clothes were for bears and the man looked a tad imbarrased. I just wanted to share the sillyness of how small babw clothes look on kids....why b/c they are meant for bears.....