Here goes Kristen,,,,,,

Before I answer these that K sent me....There is this awesome place in Woburn that my BIL, healthy Doc John took me too atleast 3 years ago called Know Fat/Low Fat
It is awesome....you order then they call ur number and everything is nofat or low fat...all healthy things...I got the best egg white and brockl. soy wrap there once and got the turkey burger and air cooked sweet potat. fries once. Salads are the best.....WELL.......took Ry there today to get something and IT IS GONE! WHAT THE HECK! .....good thing across the street in Cumming Center Woburn is a Fresh City...also a favorite of mine. I love the acai smoothie with protien. I got that and Ry got romaine with beans and wild rice salad....oh that looked so good. You can have it tossed or dressing on the side and Ry said tossed and I think it would be better on the side b/c it was too wet. SO we atleast got some tasty healthy treats. We were surpose to have dinner with friends after Mass but they had to cancel, sick and did not want to cantiminate us...lol So while M and S are on the guys golf weekend, Ry and I are buds......dinner tonight Amys Organic Low Sod. veggie lentl soup....I am NOT going crazy tonight....lol

Here goes.....


1. My Uncle: I have one and he is such a doll. He is so loved by all. Handsome and funny as all hell. Like a daddy to me. Walked me down the aisle when I got married. He and Know Fear get along so well. Love you Uncle Stevie

2. There’s this person I know who:is so smart and can make mega cash as a doctor but put that on hold to raise her kids and sacrafised for them and gave her mother the one thing tha tshe needed most. Luv u Jane....

3.Once, at a bar: maybe the ONLY time Know Fear and I were at one we got in an exclusive place in Harvard Sq b/c of his scientist friend. I was not yet 21 but got in..yeah ...lol

4.By noon, I’m usually: Have already been up for 7 hours maybe 7.5....lol

5.Last night:Ry and I played some skip-bo I luv that card game.

6.What I like best about the eighties is: that ESPRIT bags were awesome, jelly shoes rocked, PJH was the place to be GO TIGERS!

7. If I were a character in Shakespeare, I’d be: a maid who is in the backround cookin...lol ???? IDK

8.By this time next year:365 will have passed and the lbs will be down? sound good?

9.I have a hard time understanding: why people do the things they do and make choices that they make.

10.One thing I'm thankful for is: freewill........the freenation that we live in and the ablity to pray and love God without being put to death or jailed.

11.If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be: my family and friends. Know Fear...lol S and Ry

12.Take my advice. Never: tell me I cna't do something b/c I will try my darndest to prove you wrong....

13.My ideal breakfast is: organice vanla. soy milk ,cup of berries and protein powder with lots of ice blended with ground flax...maybe peach or banana

14.A song I love is: The Prayer .....Celine Dion, Celtic Women

15.If you visit my hometown, I suggest: you eat the famous 100 plus year old Richardsons Icecream/it is made fresh it is not 100 years old...lol. They are awesome...then you can see Uncle Paul...I call him that...he is not my uncle ...I wish..lol at our church ......

16.Why won’t people: stop being crapheads and be nice.

17.The world could do without: Killings and War

18.I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than:I D K....ick either way

19.My favorite blonde is:I really don't know many blonds.

20.I can't count the number of times:I make sure things are just so and in thier place....lol OCD but not ovah the top....lol

Fall is on the way.....

I know I know.....slow it way down....lol
Hey have you noticed at night it gets darker so much more early now? Also the mornings are way to crisp to be summer morns and the nights are getting fall like too. Yesterday in Boston some temps read 83* but the wind was really blowin. By last night at the driving rang it was a lil chilly. I think also with dropin some lbs I get a lil just a lil colder faster than before. I was always so very hot even when others were cold. I am told at the program that is the # 1 complaint that patients say is that they are so cold. I ma sure it will get worse come the burr of the winter. I know so many who LOVE the fall and the changes that take place. I do agree that it is pretty at some points but then it gets blah lookin. The kids still love our apple picking fun and cleaning up the leaves. I love when the yard is clean after the leaves are picked up but then you wake up and it is like AGAIN....lol I secretly like the crisp smell and the feeling that you get when you go to the Topsfield Fair on a cool fall day. It makes me think of Michael and I's first time there together on a date our first few months when we met. I love the colors and pumpkins are my absolute favorite, I remember the lil one he picked out at the fair to get me when we were there. We still get one really lil one for the windowsill every year.
Just by all our time together Pammie has made me appreciate the fall and the changes more. I am lookin forward to them more so than dreading them like in years past. The program has helped immensely also when it comes to things that used to urk me. The de-stress Cd's along with all the awesome sessions we have at the end of our class make it all worth it along with the rethinking of food helps a great deal too. So this year I go into the changes of the seasons with a new fondness of whats to come. I welcome the change and embrace just how beautiful this place we call Earth is. Gods creation for us to love.

A visit to Nana Theresa and Boston Commons

We saw Nana T this morning before our trip to Boston and after Mass. Her room was moved to a section that is more intense and closer to the nurse station. He view is very impaired, she is in a room that has a small window blocked by the other building. Her other room had a hugh 12 foot long window. She said she likes the small window b/c the light hurts her eyes. I would of taught that the large window would make you feel less confined. Oh well. Her love and gratefulness when she sees us makes it all worth it. She is in a single and has her own full bath. We had to wake her up b/c the nurse said these days she sleeps most of her day and night. Not a good sign I would think. After we woke her she knew RIGHT AWAY ...Stephie....It makes me feel so good when she does "get it" ....It lasted for only a lil bit then she was off in a world of weird comments and questions. She asked how Paula was and I said fine. I can;t get into it that her daughter is gone even tough sometimes she talks about her death and what a shame it is she is gone before her. She knew it was Sunday but not tha the summer was almost over b/c she said something about how can we be wearing shorts in the winter. We told her it was Labor Day tom. and she said yes yes it is. Oh well. We fed her cookies b/c she really is the cookie monster...lol
Off to Boston with goodbyes to Nana T. I thanked the nurse b/c this new area seems to have some really caring gals. Her other section they were good and all but did not give the attention she now needs like in the place she is at now. It is way more hospital like now unlike the "home" feel of her other location. We told her we were going to Boston and that Stephen was at his friends at a lake in NH and she said you have to drive far. I said no Boston right through the tunnel.She said oh Quincy Market and the wonderful North End. You know Stephie Papa loved to take you to show you off to all his friends at the club in the North End. So funny how stuff pops in and then is gone in a flash. I was teary when she first woke up b/c of how happy she looks when she sees us. Then I compose facing away from her. Then she says something like that and water works again so I have to turn and pretend to do something. I am really sad b/c nobody knows where her 85th b-day bear is. On her 85th b-day (last time she was at our house) we got her a souped up b-day bear from BABW....She loves that thing. When we come she asks us to get it out...she remembers that we gave it to her. Then she bounces it and calls it gwunda bella.....how beautiful and pecha sotha......yeah I won't say what that is....lol I want her to have that bear. The new nurses have no idea but her pictures did make the move. So our loves and please come back and thanks from her as we leave. Breaks my heart to leave. Off to Boston we went with a tunnel fee of $3.50.....WHAT! when did that go up so high.....oh my...
We had fun in Boston. I was ok with the crowds. Suffolk U had students unloading across from the Commons and the street was a mess. Tons of people in Boston. We drove all over the place and made our way far to the Northeastern U area before heading home for Ry to see where Dad went to school. I must say driving in Boston is a chore in itself. It was a great day, lots of walking to burn the fat...lol and a really yummy grilled chicken salad from Quincy Market despite all the mega high calorie options. Ry loves Bearded Papas the custom cream puff place and got one. I must say I am not even temped b/c I know just how well I have been doing and don't want to mess it up. I knew that tonight before Big Brother I will have my Soy ice bar from TJS. We went there on the way home and got some really cool things. I love shoppin there. I make atleast one trip a week to get the awesome TJS stuff. M got a really good lookin burger that really looked awesome. I must say I am glad he got mushrooms on it b/c I would of asked for a nibble but yuck mushrooms. I am waitin for BB to start and brownies for toms BBQ are in the oven. BB shouls be a good one tonight, as it always is. Have a good night. Sorry so long winded/typed.....

Listening to hums

I am looking at e-mails and Ryan is eating his breakfast behind me and I am hearing hum hum hum .......He hums while he eats. Like in his own little world...lol He has always done this since he was lil and started eating the baby food. He does not hum if he is chatting with someone while eatin (well yeah can't hum and talk at the same time) but even at dinner if he is not talking we hear his hums. He is funny. He has a calm disposition like his non stressed dad. Michael is so mellow I so respect him for that but in one way think how can you be so laid back. Ryan has that but on some things obsesses, maybe got that from me.....
As the keyboard clicks the hum of my baby boy continues until his Cheerios are all gobbled up.

It's not THAT easy!

Made the once a year trip to Staples for back to school stuff. Yeah they make it look so great on the TV. The most wonderful time of the year my foot. Mobs of parents all doing the same thing, trying to get in and out asap. All in the same sections needing almost the same items. It is similar to Christmas shopping at the mall. Stephen needed many binders for his work and they are expensive but the cheaper ones are not in front you have to navigate to really find some that are not tons of cash. Got a deal, if you buy eight 1 inch binders they are $.25 each but if you buy one to seven of them they are $.99 each. Ah I think we will take eight. We needed 3 but hey for that price it was cheaper to take all eight in the long run and Ry could always use them at some point. We got our stuff and scrammed. I got really lucky that the Cust. Serv. desk boy said I'll take you here and I did not have to wait in the 8 people deep line with 2 registers open. I thanked the eager boy and just HAD to press the button on the counter. I am sure he gets that all day. I know I shouldn't of but I could not hold back.

Our neice and nephew

How cute is this picture of Selena and Justin. They are too cute.

New Song

This song caught my ear the other day in the car. Listening to the words I taught of the call I am waiting for and think that it applies. Like I said in the post about waiting, things happen in due time. Playing the waiting game is sometimes not that fun of a game. STILL WAITING....one step at a time.........

Nothing gives me greater hope than the beautiful journey within myself

I got a tag .....only a few I am no good at this...

Where would you like to go on your next vacation
On the Disney Cruise at Castaway Cay


Whats your favorite beverage?
Water with lots o lime....yum or lemon



Whats your favorite color?
I do not have any on my walls but would lve to someday have a bathroom with lilacish puple walls with white beadboard.




What is your relationship status?
He is my love and soul mate, love that man.

What is you name?
STEPHANIE AKA STEPHIE
Papa Steve is the one who started Stephie Baby....It took a long time to let others say that. Normie, her mother BN and Nana T were the only ones to say it...Then Michael would say My Jelly Bean Stephie....So now others can call me Stephie. I do love the originals who did it. I can sometimes hear my Papas voice in my dreams saying Stephie Baby. Once in my dream it was so real and vivid I woke up and tought was that real? Oh how I luv that Papa...Miss u more than you know.....

Big Borther 10...swing vote Dan

As of last night (Tues) This kid is just stirin up the entire house. He stayed so under the radar for so long and now is out in full force. He is a HS teacher and has a lot of really good statagies to play these people against eachother. I could see how he uses his head to think of smart ways to make things look like they really are not what they seem. I must say he is now a risk taker and I give him kudos. He is really steppin up his game. GO DAN!



He threw all the compititions in the past to look "weak" but is not, far from it. Being a teacher he really knows how to make things look differntly than what they are. Money CAN NOT buy everything in life and tonights show proved that....C YA APRIL......so glad that Dan does the things he does and won POV when it was most needed. LOVE THIS GAME........

the phone of my childhood

This is the exact phone.....(well maybe ours was a rotary one.....you know the ones that u have to wait for the round thingy to come back for every number, no lookin at it again I do thing it had push #'s)from my childhood. I LOVED this phone when I was younger. I loved Mickey and still do. I never got to go to Disney as a child. I went on spring break my senior year in HS with 3 friends on a dime. I BROUGHT myself there I was not taken there. Since I felt it to be a depravation to childhood I vowed to Michael that our children HAVE to go there. THEY got there alright....lol many many times.....I still would go back in a heartbeat, today in fact if the price were a cheep one...lol OR drive like some trips...lol M is DONE with that...lol
So this post was not at all about Disney or my fetish I just really liked the phone when I went looking for one to post for my RANT> here goes.....

U ever just NEED/WAIT for a phone call and it does not come? I am sure all of you reading at one time or another have been there. WAITIN AND WAITIN AND HOPEIN AND WAITING SOME MORE>.......yeah I am learning the virtue of patience right even though I am a really patient person on the whole, and am doing well with that, I hope. I won't get into the call it self but to rant on the issue of waiting for a call and just not getting it. I know I have deep faith and the belief in God that things happen for a reason and in His time. I so get that and am TRYING REAL HARD to live by those words....when the phone rings and I look at the caller id ( LOVE CALLER ID) lol what did we do without it all those years ago, I just HOPE that it is the call I am waiting so patiently in antisipation for. I know it will come in due time but the waiting is the hard part. Please send positive vibes and prayers my way that the "CALL" comes SOON!

Who would of thunk it....lol JK

I so knew this but had to make sure the quiz would coin me in the right light....I guess these quizzes are correct! ya think!

You Are Not Messy

You're so clean, people have accused you of being a clean freak! You like things tidy, organized, and smelling fresh. Messes drive you crazy, especially when you didn't make them. It's hard for you to live with a slob - or someone who leaves their dishes in the sink.

Are You Messy?

Feelin' Patriotic

I got to see my cousin today. Have not seen him for atlest a year. He is my first and only boy cousin. His father who walked me down the isles is the brother of my mother. Nana Theresas son. He pitches. He was on an AA team for some team then got called to the AAA teams for the Giants. He did pitch in one major league game this season but plays all the farm team games. He was on a week off break and I was so glad to see the straping 6 foot 10 inch tall man he has become. Folks that is not a typo. My son Stephen looks short next to him and he is over 6'2" tall. I stand next to him and am in awe that the kids whos diaper I changed is now 26 years old. I leartn to change diapers on him....lol Once he woke up from a nap while I was at my aunts house for my weekend get away to the "country" ( they live 7 houses down from us lol but are in N Reading). When growing up in the "city" Eastie the country was anything past the orange dino on Rt 1 Malden......lol he had no diaper and was wacking his lil thingy and I screamed....lol
So he showed me some wedding pics of his friend Adam that he has had forever that I also saw grow up...Well he got older but never grew past 5'2". It is hysterical to see them in a pic together. They have a pic from HS and are back to bcak and I recall Adams head was bearly over Stephens rear area...lol thats how much of a difference there is. Since Stephen was home from Cali we got to hang out at his parents pool and laugh and reminice. He was amazed that I treaded water while we chated for 2.5 hours straight non stop. So we caught up on his friends and what they are doing now. Well this one boy I thought was the most reseptable kid ever is now none other than a Soldier for the USMC. I was so proud to hear of his service and on the other hand so scared and concerned for his family to have to have that worry for his safety. Please keep him and all the service people in your toughts and prayers for without their commitment we would not be free or able to do what we do without tought. All the HS friends got to see eachother this weekend at Adams wedding and he said it was bitter sweet since RJ was in the middleast serving. They got to pod cast to him from a laptop and said he was so excited to see everone. I luv that things like that can happen with the age of comps. He also got to see his 8 mnth old daughter that he has yet to meet in person. The scence of not being able to hold your infant must be so challanging. He also got to see her birth with help from the vid cam on the comp. How special was that. Never forget that we are able to do what we do b/c of the service of the troops here on US ground and in other countries.. GOD BLESS THE USA!

sun is shinin

Heading out to swim today....that is all I will say.

CLOSED

What closed? Michael and I went to PF after dinner and after picking up a shirt at JC Penny for our nephews Baptism tomorrow. As we approach the lot I get all happy to only see like maybe 3 cars in the lot. I am thinking GREAT all by ourselves. Lights all on and looking open but get to the door and locked. I had the notion it was open 24 hours and closed at 9 pm on Sunday and reopen at like 6am on Monday....But I guess when I looked on the website they are only open Sat and Sun 7a-7p. I guess I was misinformed.....lol
We decided to walk some neighborhoods near our house. It felt and smelt like when you are in Northern NH on a summer night. You know what I mean the crisp air smell like the seasons may be changing. What the heck, we barley had hot/summer weather this entire summer. It gets darker earlier and so cool at night now....OH SO SAD. One of the streets has this extremely steep hill and it was a killah. Down was great. lol I am glad we got ot do some moving after dinner, I may even turn on ON DEMAND the exercise options are fun. I did salsa one time and dance jam the other. It felt like back in the dayz at dance school. lol Funny story my old dance teacher from about 1980-86 lives across the street from us. I knew years back she "moved north" but too much to see her when we moved in 8 years ago and she remembered me. I could have her come by and do some moves in the family room with me...lol SO no gym tonight but we got our blood pumpin' on our walk.......

Using muscles that haven't been used in a while...or ever?

At our Tuesday night PF session I used some machines that I never tried before. OH MY
What a deal....The adductor and abductor ones are a trip.....It gives the effect of an exam at the gyn's/////not a nice feeling or position. lol BUT I must say it works those muscles to the core. I LOVE the oblique machine...oh love that one....When we go that late I feel so comfortable b/c the machines are all open and so few people I don't feel intimadated. There was a group of Italians one man and the rest boys, they kept staring at my Pammie.....then as we walk by and say we are tired the old creepy man says something and I try to ignore it b/c at first I really did not think he was talkin to us but then Pam as nice as pie smiles and says huh? He repeats it but we are still not sure but to me it sounded like Gumo Stei......(spelt all wrong) Italian for how are you. So we are still not sure she thinks he said so u are tired. Oh well. Pam has been kickin cardio butt. In two weeks she has uped her game 110%. u go girl. Heading there Friday night after she gets out of work at 10:30. It is just weird to drive home at midnight b/c I am so not a late night gal. My body feels awesome today and I get to do cardio tonight at the program. I was told by the programs trainer everyother day for weight train and everyday for cardio so no weight stuff tonight. It is not good for muscle recovery. I can't belv. the ab machine I so feel it in my core today. It is not a weigh week but since my clothes are fitting so loose I am sure I am loosing something. I love that I caught the exercise fever.......

Feng Shui

Your Feng Shui is Amazing



Your home is the perfect place to work, play, and unwind.
Beautiful and streamlined - you understand the importance of design and flow.
Your home is not weighted down by clutter, but it's not austere or sterile.
You treat your home as well, and as a result, it treats you well!


http://www.blogthings.com/howsyourfengshuiquiz/

Nothing......but confusion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDl29Zj79AI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igthwxGrfl4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS_XQiHeH7M&feature=related

Take a look at the you tube videos....It seems weird as it should since it is about a disease that Nana Theresa battles everyday.There are no answers to this sickness it just takes the ones you love and spits them back to you dark and empty, full of viod and confusion. I swear it would be easier to loose your psychical being over your mental. She has gone down hill and when we go to see her she struggles and states that she just can't .....then nothing...we listen with such intentness to see what she has to say and then she is lost in a seconds time. She is so frail but still so sweet when she looks at you. Before we left her she said she is really looking forward to getting out of here.....As we were walking I stopped and looked at Michael and said do you think she means HERE or HERE.....like on earth? He said he does not know. I really think she can feel herself that she is not going to be around that much longer. We have lost so much of her. For a while I could leave there without puddles of tears but these days they are back because you just don't know if that is the last time you may see her. She says with so much emotion I love you so much you are all so beautiful when we leave and I loose a piece of me every time I hear that. It should be the opposite that I value those words but it stings like a knife to know her mind is empty for so many hours of the day. I hold her so dear to my heart........I may not always be by her beside but I have her close to me all hours of the day. I just wish this did not have to be this way.

What better place to be at 10:30 pm ........

Besides the bed....the gym is not a bad place to be that late. hehehehe Since PF is open 24 hours it is a great option after work since I am wound up anyway. I can not hit the pillow right away I would take a look at e-mails, maybe watch tv then try to sleep. Since Pam and I can go after work on Tuesdays this makes a great option to not veg out after work but infact burn some fuel. We were surprised that there were as many people as there were. Nothing like after dinner time when you have to scope out what machine to use ahead of time. We sailed through the machines with ease and could get what wver we wanted when we wanted it. I loved that. So if your lookin for me on a Tuesday night come see me at the Bear Barn or just stop by the gym lol....It was a good workout last night and after talking with M before I feel asleep I had a really good nights rest. Yeah Pam as you can see I slept till 9 like I said...NOT it was 530 as always that I just had to get up. AND I was really surprised to see M up since we did get in at almost midnight or a lil after. He was so sweet, he wanted to see me and talk. too cute he is.....so Pam how's the calves...lol See u there next week......

Nothing gives me greater hope than the beautiful journey within myself

Soothing Waters

Just looking at a body of water can calm you down. The peaceful feeling takes away stress. I am looking into buying a "water element", a small table size battery operated type one. I saw one in the Christmas Tree Shop but did not really feel it. I think Bed Bath and Beyond in the "beyond" section..lol will have a nice one. Michael says it may make you want to go to the bathroom often since you can hear the water or think that the faucet is running. Not the effect I was going for. I love to keep in the backround on the computer the waves or windchimes to create a peaceful setting. That feeling of being calm and focused is an awesome one.

Reiki......deep meditaion and breathing has been wonderful

Tonight I am going to an info meeting about Reiki. I looked into it about 3 months ago and really liked the concept. At my program we do a wonderful deep breathing/mediation program. I find it to be so fulfilling and stress relieving. It takes your heart rate to a nice slow pace and gets you to a different place. The Reiki program at the hospital can be a free one if you get picked by the lottery. I am gonna enter and see how that goes. It is very costly if otherwise. I do know it is a treatment during chemo also that has positive effects on the patients. I have 2 cds from the program and do them atleast 4 times a week and have got Ry on board too. M listened once and feel asleep. The key is to get into a relaxed state but not SLEEP......I hope I can be picked for the lottery. My energy is through the roof with the peace it has given me. Deep breathing also helps the lung build capasity and the more H2o you take in the better u are at burning the calories also. So all together now.....deep breath in through the nose, see your chest rise and out through the mouth......deep and release all the air that your tummy is at your back and hold that tummy....in...in.....hold and breath......I hope the soothing Kenny G can take you to the clam and peacful places I have been......

HANCOCK

As in John.....yup John Hancock....I got it during the movie why that was his name. Ryan and I went this morning to see it with our free movie passes from Christmas. It was good. I did not think I would of liked it but it was FREE and ok to watch. There were some corny parts but for the most part not bad. We do not waste out money on movies, we rearly go unless we have passes so I am glad I did not pay for it. I think you can save the cash and see it on tv at home. I have always liked Will Smith and still do. Ryan loved it. We wnt to the Burlington Mall FC after to get some lunch. Then to babw while Ry stood outside to say hello to Jenni a mgr that I used to have at Northshore. Got some groceries and now time to make some dinner. When we got home Ry being the sweet kid he is said thanks for a great day...he is too much love that boy.... not much else to say...lol S is earning lots o cash at his summer painting job. Not much more for now...clouds are out and it seems gloomy.

soggy and wet ICK!

So Pammie forgot to take our picture this morn. Good thing b/c we looked like soaked in a pool dead rats. Lovley truck delivery morning started out good but did not stay that good. After the first trip of laughs and smiles, some jokes we make our way for the 2nd and 3rd trip and it is MASSIVE DOWNPOURin',,,,,oh my the skies opened up and bam,,,,water everywhere. We take the stuff in as fast as we can...eyes buring from the water, shrits, undies shorts and bras soaked to the bone...Our shirts were so heavy it was nuts. Litterly we rung out the shirts and hair. Called to get the delvy to an INDOOR door but NOOOOOOOO that door breaks to often...O OK....so a metal cart and lightining a great combo hey.....We got through it using rolls of paper towels to dry the floor boxes and ourselves. Good thing we both had other t's just by chance. Pam even had to buy some new pants b/c she was so soaked and could not possibly go on the floor looking like a drenched rodant....lol I really wish we got a pic. lol I think it was just to hectic to really think about it at that moment...but hey got some exercise and my perdonited had almost 10,000 steps on it and the day is not over. That is a really good thing. The sun is now shining and the clouds are away, if only it could of been like that at 6am this morn......Have fun w/ya Pam ; )

I really think I have to ask for these movies for Christmas this year.

I LOVE THE 80's Brat Pack movies. I used to be able to quote many of them. I HAVE to have the set. I think this will be my request for our sibling grab gift. Just me and a hot herb teas curled up on the sectional downstairs with a comfey comfortor, no bra..lol tmi and some warm fuzzy clothes. A day of watching the best movies from childhood......it can happen some day in Feb.....

Walks to the park

This came back to me b/c I was reading fellow bloggers post (Kristen) about her day with the kids at Sonny Myers Park. That was a park that was build brand new when Stephen was about 18 mnths. old. I remember Michaels Nana Martha saying I know the Myers brothers good boys they all are. I had no clue who she meant. So this one day I look at the sign like 3 days after it opened and it said Sonny Myers Park. Ok now I know why she said that when I stopped by her house before walking to the park. I remember the times like yesterday. I would leave my house on Cummings Ave and walk to the crosswalk on B'Way...Never J walk, always use the crosswalk no matter how far you have to go to get it...lol then make my way to East Mnt Ave and Payson St. I could go an easier way but it was just a nice thing to ring her bell and have her come down to see the "lil rascal" as she called him. She would take down a glass of luck warm water for me. She always said water that was too cold would give you the arthritis....We would talk for a while and she would say before the sun is high in the sky you should get to the park and back b/c mid day sun is no good for even the darkest of skin. She was a doll that Nana Martha. On some days I had more than just my own I would have my daycare kids too. We would pack a lunch to eat there and make our way to the childrens room in the libray on the way back. The fun and joy they had there. Once of the things was a chain type balance beam and Stephen was so strong even when he was small and would not want any help. The swirl slide was a scary one...lol I long for those days again to see the newness of things in their eyes. I love the "men" or should I say almost men that they have become but something about way back then that I can just bawl my eyes out knowing that they are no longer lil ones. When M and I took my neice and nephew there in the fall I had to go behind a tree to conpose myself b/c I was in a full fledge cry fest. I know M knew why I was bawling but also said we still get to do these things with the lil ones in the family. I think it is not exactly the same b/c of the past memories I got to make with my own. Oh I love more than anything in this world being a mother. I loved the days when they were lil and would stop time or turn it back if I could.

Cor Unum=One Heart

http://www.corunummealcenter.org/home.html

"Cor Unum is committed to the truth that no man, woman, or child should ever be hungry"

Perspective! that is what I can say about life after serving food at the hot meal center in Lawrence this afternoon. We live in a rich country America but there are still homeless and hungry all over. Though the government can send money to all the other countries like Middle East ect. With a happy heart I was glad to help. Lots of work but well worth it. So sad to see young kids make their way there for a hot meal ALONE! Yes I mean young kids. So very sad. Makes you see just how fortunate we are. This place is near the other soup kitchen that I shop and cook for the first week of the month. I must say the operation this place has going is superior to Bread and Roses. I am sure B and R feeds less people. Both places are run solely by private donations and volunteers. I am looking forward to going back next month. It was hard work well worth it. The smiles on the faces made it worth while. The simple things like a hot meal made them grateful. I tried my best to treat them all like they were at a restaurant and be an A+ waitress. I thanked them for coming and slipped all my guests with extra dessert...lol They could get seconds on the appetizer and main course but not dessert but I hooked them up.....SWEET! lol Hey they can't fire me I am a volunteer....LOL
I am blessed with many talents and thank God by putting those talents to work. The more you give the better you make yourself feel. A smile goes a long way....Blessings!

New songs

On the bottom of the playlist...tab to a bottom song and hear more that were added..

My Playlist.....represents ME!

As you can "hear" when you open my page I have some songs playing for your listening pleasure. Everyone has different likes when it comes to music. I love the songs I put on and each song represents a piece of me. My husband was listening the other day and could not figure out why one of the songs were there.I was like think! With a great big hug he said I am so sorry I can't pin point why you have it,or how it relates. OK my love, 18 years together and you don't get that song or what it might remotely mean? Now, I know inquiring minds want to know what song....I will keep that between us. lol
Not all the words apply but for the most part I would think he would "get it". I have him pondering and will not give him the answer to see if he could guess eventually.He listened 3 times and still feels it is off, in his mind, I guess gals are different from guys.lol I will let you know if he does get it with no help from me. He is close. Two of the songs also relate to my quest of a healthier life. I am down 25 as of last night at the program and continue to not want junk or food that I craved before this. It is not only a body/food thing it is a mind thing and this wellness program touches all aspects. I love the deep meditations and yogaesk aspects b/c I feel that makes all the difference to me. Enjoy the tunes...

BB 10 .....Yes it is back!

Yes! It is back.......love this show as you know....DVRer the entir season just in case I miss one.....Jane and I are so excited we were on the phone Sunday night goin on and on after the 1st episode aired....lookin like some interesting HG's tis season...Wow #10... and not one of them know eachother this time....alast, strangers....we can hope.....XOXOXOX Big Brother Fan!

YES! He's back!

Yahoo.......Ryan and I picked Stephen up from CHCI today at 400pm. It was so awesome to see him. We took one of his friends home and the hockey bag of another who went home sick on Tuesday, poor kid has had the flu since then. I swear Stephen and Christian grew the week they were away. Really! They had a blast and the dirty cloths are almost all cleaned and laundered b/c they smelt so bad I just HAD to do the wash the second we got in. Like in past years he enjoyed the food but was extremely famished and needed food. Michael wanted us to get something out but he was to exhausted. His six pack abs are like rock and he is so buff after the intensiveness of this week. He is always fit but he leaves there so on top. It is so nice to have him home our family dynamics are back to regular. He went to bed really early and I have a feeling he will be sleeping in tom. morn. Breakfast was at 630am every day this week and THEY HAVE TO EAT to sustain themselves through the day. I saw dinner when I went to pick him up and it looked really good. The campers from out of the country and other states stay, get a coach ride tonight and do a second week in Canada. Next year he may opt for that b/c he will be a counselor, we would have to drive him there. My husband is already looking into a road trip to The Falls......Canadian side he loves plannign things ahead of time...lol He had some really fun stories and one not so good one, an on ice coach and a player who was not paying attention collided and the coach was sent to the hospital with a broken nose, skull fracture and blood everywhere. Needless to say he was done for the week after that. The poor guy. They all volunteer there and the dude had to get hurt in the process. Stephen said it was an accident of course but if he had a cage on it could of been avoided. Only USA hockey leagues have mandatory rule of even coaches wearing cage masks...but not other countries. Since this was considered an International program they do not HAVE to apply that rule. S and his friend both said he should be on the ice with a helmet atleast. He also got 60 stitches on his face b/c the other players cage cut his face up. If it were cage to cage the out come could of been so much better. So sad that it happen. All in all he will be talking about this past week for a while. He so enjoys it. I could tell he is glad to be home and is such a good kid. I missed him like crazy, we all did. Ry has his buddy back. yeah Stephens home......

Eight years without a grill.........

Now we have one....yippie....
This looks just like the one we ordered from Sears. It was on back order b/c it was on sale for $100. less than it sells for. We had to wait and wait...BUT NOW WE HAVE IT! Last night was the first meal on the grill. Yum yum.....I put balsamic vinigar on asparagus with some Mrs. Dash seasons and we had grilled chicken with it. I watched Michael so I would know how to use it when he is not around or working late. I CAN GRILL! lol I made soy burgers tonight and they came out awesome. Yes we ate already...lol M is working late and S is at camp and Ry and I are heading out to swim at a friends house. They eat really early b/c the dad works the night shift and I did not have lunch. I also make roasted red/green pepers...They were so good. Nothing like a grilled pepper to put on the soy burger. Ry did not even know it was a soy one b/c the grill marks make it look authentic...lol His had cheese to also through him off...lol After he ate it I told him and he did not mind and also said it does not taste like his soy milk....Well no it won't ...lol differnt items. I am so full and content with having that and can't wait to get more veggies for grillin and some turkey cutletts ect.......When you don't have something for a long time and then get it it is such a novelty. I am so happy to have the grill b/c turnin on the oven stinks when it is summer. It even has the side things to boil corn on the cob and keep all the cookin on the deck...I LOVE GRILLIN~ Happy Grillin to you too....

Lax pics and some b-day pics

Birthday Pictures......

Another year ......

It is that day again in July when the "big one" Stephen goes to his week of Christian Hockey Camp International in Wenham MA.Close to home but so far from us..... He has been going since 4th grade. It does not get any easier for me as the years go by. I KNOW I KNOW.....get over it he is growing ect ect....but NO! Does not get any easier. I must say the first year I was on the 800 phone line everyday to get the recorded updates. Since then I do not do that more than 2x's for the week. He loves going there and gets so much out of it psychically and spiritually. We usually all drop him off but today Ryan is having a few friends over for his birthday and we are taking them to Monster Mini Golf and pizza. I so could tell how much Ry will miss his brother/friend. They really are good friends and that makes me happy.
At certain emotional times I can resort to "fixing" my emotion at that moment with food for comfort, I'm sure we have all been there from time to time. This afternoon I am making a conscious effort not to run to food. I took a healthy approach and took a long bath instead and choose to eat a few grapes and almonds in place of the yummy fattening 3 layer chocolate homemade butter cream cake I made for the boys. I will surly be sending pieces home to the dads of the boys. It is an on going battle. Unlike an alcoholic who does not need a drink to function a food addict, lets put it: needs food to sustain life, so it is hard that food needs to go into our bodies considering we can go astray and make the wrong choices. Do you follow? I know I write in circles sometimes. A person addicted to alcohol does not HAVE to be around it but food it is always there it is needed to live. I will stay on track despite the fact that I could so "fall off the wagon" right now with my emotions. Michael and I will be getting salad at the pizza place b/c I really do not want to eat something that I know could make me go over the edge. The big squeeze and hugs from Stephen helped too. He knows his mama loves and misses him so much. I know he misses us too. We look forward to Friday when we get to go to the closing ceremonies and see the scrimmage game. Miss you my baby......xoxoxoxo Mama loves you so much....

The first 20!

Down 20 lbs since my post April 28th....Been trying since that point and started the program I spoke about June 18th. It was surpose to be the 11th but they were on summer vacation. The program is most helpful and I am so glad to be apart of it. I am also glad that I started there with a loss. They take your weight at sign-up, that was back @ April 27 or so.....and to get weighed in and have lost since my counsiltation was a happy thing for me. They also gave positive feedback that I lost even before starting them. I am working hard and they only let you weigh in every 3 weeks b/c thye don't want to discourage you if you stay the same some weeks. They also do not focus on the number on the scale. They so want you to look at the big picture and the stamina you gain. Wednesedays class I did th eaweful butt blaster as I call it aka stair climber for 35 mins and climbed 28 flights without stopping. Now I could of never done that without gasping 20 lbs ago. Making great choices and sticking to seeing the big picture not just of loss but of new found energy! ; )

~Happy Birthday America....Happy 4th of July~

Proud to say I am an American......The best country! The word free may be in Freedom but it is not truly "free"/////We owe our freedom to the brave men and women past and presant to our nations freedom. The ones who defend our copuntry for feedom of speech and choice to live in this country,live as Americans are my heros. God Bless all of them and America......

cupcakes

Next week gonna try to recreate something like this....not exactly the same but close.....wish me luck....at least we know they will taste yummy...lets hope they look elegant too.....but with a fun twist...