Here are the pics...FIIINNNNAAALLLYY!

It's ping pong not ballet........lol Notice the fancy gray wrist bands ward off seasickness at your presure points they seemed to work well.......

Ping pong anyone?

In the terminal before you board the ship.....Disney Wonder........

Will his sk8 helmet float that is the question???????He is gonna kill me if he knows I posted this one lol lol lol

Being silly gettin ready to go to Musta Station J

Blury pic taken by mom of course......Thinking he is king of relaxing....lol

Enjoying the balcony In the entrance to the resturant in Atlantis.......all glass.....

Artist that did this one for Atlantis did the one for Disney Cruise....All crystal glass hand blown worth over 3 mil

Mil $ sculpture when you enter the ship.......

Sunset from our balcony.......so romantic!

That is some bright sunshine........trin to bottel it and bring it back home......

Taking crocked pictures again and again.....

Mom and the boys at Atlanitis Resort our 1st port of call.....sun was in our eyes as you can see us all swintin

The boys and dad getting ready for the sting ray adventure that mom did not want them to go on ...The barbs were trimmed and not able to sting.....so they say/////

This boat is in the waters at the Castaway Cay....pronounced KEY. Disneys private Island tha tI want to live on ....This was in the filming of the P of C movies.....

Jean our swash buckeling pirate server.........On the P of the C Party night.....Ryan wearing his pirate bandana!

We picked up Stephens friend on Thursday morn after we got off the ship to go to the Vans Sk8 Park in Orlando. They had a blast. They were the only ones there......Stephen in the beige shirt his friend in the blur.....

Garden at Epcot

The Living Seas Exibit

The famous EPCOT!

View from China.......Yes we also went to "China"

Mom and Dad kissing in Italy...Yup Normie we went to "Italy" my type of Italy....Epcot Italy...lol

I could't keep a straight face taking the pic.....

The boys were mortified to take it ......We made them lol lol

In the tele in the United Kingdom........

The Epcot flower show...........
I have more to show but BLOG keeps making the pics not come up...so here is what I have so far........I don't know what the problem is....????

WOW I LOVE THIS WEATHER!

Lets all say HORRAAAAYYYY! Haorrraaayy for the SUN! LOVE THIS! I can only wish it stay this way. Oh my! I am tellin u after dinner there will be a walk and time outside b/c this is beautiful. Enjoy your day, hope it is this warm where you are.... 80* here

I LOVE THAT MAN.............

I love my husband Michael for the best surprise Aniversary gift ever... AND I love Walt Disney.......If it wern't for him then No Mickey and NO DIsney World or Disney Cruise line to be tought of by his Imaginears...........We just got in at 6:30pm tonight. Just got home at 10opm /went to MIL and Fil's and talked and ate....We were surpose to get in at 2:00 pm but as always Michael goes to the counter and gives up our seats to get free trips...He is a saver that he is. This trip we only had to pay for two plane tics b/c last year he made it so Ry and he got bumpped and got the vouchers. This year we waited 4 extra hours got luch paid for and $400.00 per person. That is two more trips to Disney for US!....He thinks we will use it for CA Lego Land but NO WAY I am not going on a cross country flight. NO WAY .......3 hours is plenty for me. Direct is the only way I GO! I went to my happy place, I closed my eyes and tried to do some Yoga tecniques. Smells that I like, sounds and places and visuals of purple tulips. GO TO YOUR HAPPY PLACE> Coming home the flight was way smoother that going down. Enough of that... The cruise was AWESOME> I can not say enough about it.......We also went to EPCOT one of the days...So see I did go to Europe, and China and Canada and Japan...Italy was awesome...Due Canollies ...........chow balla.....lol lol ......I love to see all the countries. Just like being there.......10 countries in 6 hours how can you go wrong. When Michael down loads the pic from the camara. I will post some with little remarks. I must say it was great that on the boat the boys could have fun and not worry about them and where are they. The places they went to and the activities were great. It gave Michael and I some alone time and we had lots of fun on the times we were with them. Mostly with them but had an Aniversary dinner to die for. Paolos was the best. It was like were were in our own little world and only he and I exsisted. That was a happy place to go to on the plane. SO funny we were walking to Animators Palate for dinner and out of the corner of my eye...MICKEY was right near me. It was like I saw a famous star. I was star struck. He hugged ME~! I was like oh my it is you MICKEY! He looked so nice in his captains uniform...ehehhehehehe In all the 12 times at Disney World never did we see the characters as close nad as much as we did on the ship. You think I am a Disney freak...This couple (who played the wedding game, I wanted t obe on the stage) they have been on the Disney Cruise 24 times since it set sail in 1998.....24 times..They are married 54 years and her name happens to be WONDER just like the ship...lol I spoke with her in the hall and was amazed they go like 2 or 3 times a year ...HELLO! holy lots of moolah......lol I ma not that bad but maybe would be if I had a cash stash...lol lol lol So much to tell and I am bearly keeping up with the keyboard.....I missed you all and missed the land....every so often I rock or sway from the sea legs...........The Disney Island Castaway Cay is beautiful, I do not like the beach but could live at this place. The sand was like silk and the ocean (cleaned with a purifying system, osmosis thingy) was so nice. Yes ME not wantin go tleave the beach...Spent 7 hours there...Normie knows I would not spend 7 mins at a beach lol lol ....I LOVED IT>>>THe kids LOved it so much...We went to the family beach for the dya ..There is a teen one and adult one too.....I spoke with a nice guy who lives on the island 65 people live there to take care of it....Funny I daid like the show LOST he was like we don't have TV...I was like YIKES......lol lol he does however have internet acess////PHEW! so when he gets up in the morn and gets set with the pics I will post asap..........I took a look at all the posts from you guys that I missed while I was away...I will look closer tom after a good nights sleep. * Glad to be back....but I sure do miss my pal M-I-C-K-E-Y!

Bon Voiage........

Farwell for now my friends. We will be back soon. I will give your love to the Mouses. Have a great week. I will ck back in as soon as we get back. Toodles..........Kisses and Huggs.......

Here we go again.....

In all the 10+ years my sons have been in school I have only had one just one semi problem with a teacher. When Stephen was in fifth grade I got a call from his Lang Arts teacher saying he did not like the book that was being read in class and he made others not like the book too b/c he told them not to like it. HUH? I was like ok .....wait backup. The assignment was to state 4 facts about the book and give your view on the book based on the facts. So he DID! I think we live in America where freedom of speech is our way of living. SO she was mad and said so many of the other kids look to him ect and value what he says. HUH? Like these kids did not already dislike the book? They decided b/c Stephen Raf said so. That is about what she said Yes that was why. So she wanted him to re-do the paper. I in a nice way disagreed about the re-do but told her we would talk about the book at home being I previewed it and I also can agree that it was just so so .....So here we are 3 years later...Guess who Ryan has? Guess! And guess what book he is on? ! ! ! Did you guess? SO Stephen tells Ryan the story, Ry comes to me and says "oh that is why Mrs. Wills said do not listen to what you brother has to say about the book" ....Ryan just looked at her and did not question what she ment. As you can see she remembers the time oh so well. We will see if Ryan can "do the paper to her liking".......Bring it on Mrs. Wills...........
In the end she and I spoke 2 times while I was at the other school working as an aide. It seemed once she heard that for some reason she backed off. Funny thing....when I told the K teacher who was my lead teacher she said knowing from past experience with her she gave crap to the smarter kids. She liked to make waves.......Well wave away lady b/c Mrs. Raf has been there and done that....LOL LOL

Route One ICON! DOWN!

THIS JUST IN >>>>>>>DINO IS DOWN I REPETE>>>>>>DINO IS DOWN.............

This here T-REX is the mascott of Route one in Saugus Massachusetts. At the mini-golf and batting cages place famous to the almost northshore people. I say almost because growing up I recall when in the car coming from EB Rt 1A once you see the dino you are in the "burbs". Really it is not but to an Eastie gal and other EBers Saugus was a long way from the tarred backyards and the triple deckers of the city. On Fox news at 10 it was reported that vandels knocked him over. He is not small and I also remeber being a kid thinking that is so hugh........A local tow company, the mans last name was Bear...lol is going to raise the T-rex at no cost. He plans on doing this before the mini golf weather sets in. He hass plenty of time...lol I am sure in 40* wind chill of 27* not too many mini golfers are making their way to noisy Rt 1..........Reporting live from my kitchen PC this is your reporter Stephie...Back to you at the studio.......LOL LOL

Shop, Iron. Pack..pack pack......

It is almost cruise time and I am as excited as a kid on Christmas morn. I am also as unhappy as a kid on the first day of school.(UGH) I am not the type to choose to fly so this plane thing has been eating away in my head. I am not scared of it, I am just wigged out with not being in control and the small confining space of it. The head thing does not help also. To my knowledge this trip was sprung on me as a surprise from Michael and the kids. On April 26th we will be married 15 wonderful years, so this is our Aniversary trip. As many of you may know the Disney freak in me only allows me to go to Disney.......I say no to Island trips or anything other than Orlando parks. I just love it and the kids have always too. Ryan stated that they are "all Disneyed out". Since they are older they do still enjoy Universal/Islands of Adventure. So Michael knowing this wanted to have the type of trip that would allow us to be with the kids, he knows I do not travel without them and still be able to have them at the Teen/Clubhouse place while we have a date night and I day to be with eachother. I has been getting things in order and have the need to iron everything and then reiron when we get there. Yeah thats me. I feel lik ethis is a never ending task to pack. The worst thing is the Hb&a's that can not go in the carry on. They have to be in the suitcase and packed away. I guess once we get there and get the plane ride over with I will be less worried. He made sure and I mean MADE SURE it was a direct flight b/c I HATE up/down/up/down. Not my kind of travel. I am heading off to know try on last years capris and shirts. Lets just hope for my sake that there will be no more shopping...lol Michael will have a bird.....lol lol Have a great night....Stay warm b/c it is freeezzzing here........

Have a Happy Easter

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter. No man could keep Jesus in the tomb. Through the power of His Father he rose on the third day as it was written. Have a wonderful day and Rejoice in His rising.

I love Dimples Teddy!

You are DIMPLES TEDDY! Dimples is a very cute teddy that can never stop smiling! You and Dimples are similar because you both have the biggest smile on your face whenever you go to BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOP!

I took the "What Build A Bear Whorkshop Bear are you?" test....I can see why I got Dimples. I love his smile and I too LOVE to have a smile on my face 99.9% of the time. : )

Also Dimples is such a solid knows what it wants type of bear. I suggest him to be dressed as a sport bear, Bruins looks great on him b/c of the colors. I love to match,,,,lol....I also like him w/out clothes. He is just solid and a true teddy type...Just like I try to be....A Friend for life......

A visit with Nana T

On Sunday we went to visit Nana T at the home. It was much more busy than the other times we go I am sure b/c of it being Palm Sunday. Since she can not come out for the holiday like she used to we plan on going again on Saturday and bringing a few Easter cookies and pizzagaina. We last saw her 2 weeks ago and like I stated before 2 weeks makes a hugh difference in her decline. I try to rationalize that if I stay away it lets her hang on longer to wait to see us again. I guess that is wishful thinking. She was pretty with it after she woke up and cleared the fog away. She said my name in an Italian accsent the way her mother used to say it "ASTAYFANY" and said Great Nonna used to call me that. Things like that make a tear come to my eye. It is weird when she brings up things from the past then forgets 2 mins ago. I guess those are the traits of the disease. The last 3 times we brought cookies she had no desire for them and even said they were not good so the one time I don;t bring them she asks for them. Now I feel bad and reassure her I will bring pizzales next week. She aslo asked for the anis cookies. She used to make them awesome. I mean AWESOME! She asked if it were snowing and we told her about it being April. She remembered her sisters birthday was in April and that Michael and I got married in April. I told her it would be 15 years in a few weeks and she said it can't be that long we are still babies......lol She did point out that Micahels hair got "very salt and peper" lol lol lol ////And why is my hair so short? I turned around to show her that it was rather long I justed pulled it back. She let us know that her eyes are getting worse and that she may have to stay in the home for the rest of her life and we have to realize that. I think by her saying that she wants to make herself realize it. I do want to have a talk soon about how it is ok to let go and do what she needs to I guess more on. I can so tell she hangs on to life despite her body and mental decline. I really thinks she knows the end is near and wants to let me be able to come to realize it. She asked how "the nanas are" to Michael meaning his gradmothers, they as differnt as they were liked to be at events together at our place. They both passed on quite some time ago and I know she was told. So Michael said they were not here and I interupted with a change of subject b/c I know how she reacts to hearing of ones passing I did not want her to relive the news. Of course I taped his foot like ....ugh........The second we got on the next subject the train of tought was gone. She still makes her funnies and we do have some good laughs when we see her but just as many laughs we have sadness with what she tells us or what she babbels and makes no scence. On Saturday I told her I have a purple hat for her for the wall and she was like I am not dressing up in an Easter bonnet...lol I said no for the wall............She let me knwo I shouldn't spend Michaels hard earned money on things for her. Is she a trip. Not MY hard earned money, Michaels. She asked if the bank was still there and said it was around for a long time, the one M has worked at for 20 or so years. She said that Joe was so nice. We racked our brains and could not place a "Joe"...It could be anyone but she may just said Joe. It is a tricky thing when we go to see her we never know what to expect.

Words to live by......

WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS GOING THROUGH A TEMPORARY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE.WE ARE SPIRITUAL BEINGS GOING THROUGH A TEMPORARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE.

I got an e-mail today and these words were apart of it.......With this being Holy Week and leading up to Easter Sunday I wanted to share. By His dying we have forgiveness, by His rising we have everlasting life. May you all feel the true and unconditional love that God gives to us through His Son, Jesus.......Blessings........

Just watched a movie.....

I have never ever ever liked Bond movies...NEVER! Michael knows this but we watched Casino Royal together. By the name I really did not get that it was BOND....So then it starts and I was like NOOOOOOOO! "I am going to bed to read." BUT he pursuaded me to stay and said Sunday or Monday night he will watch The Holiday with me. I am gonna hold him to it.........I am sure he will "doze" off. He did not at all "doze" off with this one. No he rewound 2x's to rehear and rethink hat the outcome may be...I think it is a guy thing! It is 11:20pm and now he is putting together a media stand for the new family room that is so close to being done, the family room that is. When I came home w/ the movie he stopped. We did watch a little of the Kids Choice Awards with the boys but they went to my room while we watched BOND! I must say he was a good Bond despite he looked nothing like Bonds of the past. Oh my with his buff body. I did not think his face was all that but my was he fit and buff. If you are a Bond fan I would highly recomend it. It had a good story line and one that had a purpose, unlike some of them that I could never take a liking to. Now off to sleppy land I go, I may take a look at how he is making out with the project. Have a wonderful night....and don't forget tommorow is Palm Sunday!

I Love Flowers........

I wish I could have a green thumb. I found this picture and wish I could do this to our oh so very wet backyard. My favorite flower is the Tulip (just in case you have the urge to send me flowers) lol ........I love any color tulip but liliac or purple are my choice ones. For 5 years now I have had a vase on the breakfast bar with silk ones and every time people come over they say how real they look. I dust them often to make them "last" lol ..........I think it would be a treat to have real tulips on the counter every week. Just about 2 dozen is all I ask. There may come a day when money is not an object and that indulgence may come to pass. Until then I have the pretty silk ones that can pass for real for a while.............

What is a BLOG?

I had a friend ask me that when I was talking about Blogging. I hope she takes a look at ALL the blogs out there. I told her it is like theropy without the theropist bill....LOL LOL Why we all come here at some point to vent about things...talk about things, and even share our inner most toughts. I really think it is a little bit of theropy with a smidge of laughter and friendship all balled into one........So keep on Bloggin' and vent all you want........

Fudge Frenzie Update.........

Back from the fair......with 3 packs left. well maybe 7, I gave 4 away to my neighbor who ran the fair. She did not charge me for half of her table so that was the least I could do, barter....lol The foot traffic was scarce but of course the other crafters bought their share as well as some kids with their parents. A women came back because her mother who was in the car wanted fudge and she got a good amount. I put my e-mail on cards if they had orders for a pound or more. Lets see how that goes. Then this nice crafter says "put out some samples and you may get more takers"...Now why did't I think of that ...DUR! Really I am so good with those kinds of things and it totally slipped my head. Wouldn't you know after a try people did not pass it up. Good Thinkin lady, thanks...........I may a pact that I was not going to spend money and I did a good job not. I spent $3.00 on soup to take home and $3.00 on soup for me to eat for lunch, it was good and I know I can make it just as good maybe better,,,,lol.........But hey the work was done for me, I liked that.............I got some cute packing ideas from a lady who sold covered strawberries. I need to go to Michaels Crafts and get these boxes to make it look that much more appealing. It was nice to get ideas from others and I hope to do this in the future. Even the President of PTO was like that would be a wonderful fundraiser. Once again the cards are out there lets keep our fingers crossed and see if the orders stream in. My right arm needs a rest for a while but I ma making a batch tonight for a party tom. so here we go again.....Off to the Fudge Factory.....................I can smell it now........

Fudge Frenzie......

My frige is now a fudge frenzie. I am selling fudge at the craft fair that my neighbor who makes the oils/soaps is running. I am told that I make really yummy fudge and hope that it takes off that I can take orders from e-mail to locals that they can come and get it or I can bring it to them. I think to fill an order I will have to require they buy at least a full batch. It is easier to price that way. When we came in from hockey this afternoon it still smells like a fudge factory from last nights fudge making. I still have lots to do from now until Saturday. I will give you the update on how it goes. Yum Yum ............

BEAR HUGGIN' & LOVIN'

As you can see I love Bear Huggin' and Lovin'............Here is a mini bear that is only found at the Fanuel Hall Boston Location......I designed this shrit for the saying I am known for....Is she the cutest or what...Her name is Lilac Lily!

Thanks for the prayers

I just got word from Diana that her sister passed last night in her sleep. I told her of the prayer plea and she was very greatful. Thanks so much for the prayers. I tried to comfort her with the fact of after 7 years of immobility she can now soar like an angel and move like she did back beofre the cancer hit her spine. That was a bit comforting to her. She is creamateing her and then will not bury her until she passes. She said "we made a packt, come in the world together and leave together, or be together always". See that twin bond especially identical is so tight. D stated she does not know what she will do with all her time when only taking care of her mother is her only task now. I told her I will teach her how to make the fudge she loves to eat when I make it. You give a piece of fudge you eat for a day you teach to make a dish of fudge you eat for a lifetime. I got her to smile and laugh a little. She said I was always one to do that. Once again thanks for the prayers, Linda is now at peace.......

A friend with a load on her back....

It has been two years since I worked at the school as a SPED Dept Aide as well as drive the big yellow school bus. Today was a day I thanked the Heavens that I was no longer a bus driver or an Aide. The snow was bad at pick up and I knew it would not be fun. I went to the gym to p/u Ryan and two friends that live near by. The crowd was a mass mayem of middle school kids that never saw snow in their lives,you would of thought. I look at the Aide who is holding the sign out clip board whom I worked with back then and she said "it must be nice waltching me knowing this could be you". I gave her a big smile and tought I LOVE THOSE BEARS>>>LOL .......We made it home slowly but surely and safely might I add. I dropped an e-mail to an old friend of mine from the bus company that I left 2 years ago. We keep intoch through e-mail at least 2x;s a week if not more. Funny thing she lives like 3 miles from me at the other side of town and we have such differnt lives we just can't get together. Since I have known her she has taken care of her twin sister and mother. She is a tropper. Her sister had a rear form of spinal cancer that caused her paralasis and Diana has been her caregiver for 7 years now. She lifts her and bathes her and does all the argous tasks that a nurse would do if she were in a nursing center. D can not be away from her home for more than two hours at a time. She always had the 1 trip route to get home fast. I would start her bus and make sure she could come as late as possible hop in and go. We spent many hours waiting and chatin at the schools if we did local field trips. She and I would get the really close ones, her b/c of needing to be home fast and me b/c I would have the boys with me and did not want them to be bus rats. I sent her a note telling her I hope her ride was fine in the snow and that she was safe. She knew I would loathe days like today when we drove together. I got an e-mail that she has not driven for 2 weeks b/c her sister took a turn for the worst. I know that she by no means feels that she is a hero to take care if Linda though she should. She is so sad that she can't be at the hospital b/c of the snow and the fact that her mother needs her too. It is so sad that she does EVERYTHING for her sister and still feels that she doesn;t do enough. She has needed back adjustments weekly b/c of the weight on her back from all the lifting ect. ...She refuses to have Linda in a home and feels it is her duty as her other half to do this for her twin. I think it is so awesome that she is such a good person to take that on. Her life came to a halt seven years ago to do this, that is why she took a bus driver job. I have to give her credit, that is a big deal. Her sister has not been out of the house in all those years except to drive to the hospital this past week. She uses a voice activated thing that types for her when she is on line and doing her work. She still works as an invester of some sort. It saddens me b/c I was trying to send a happy e-mail and you could just tell D was so down in the dumps. She feels that she did something wrong to make her have to go to the hospital. I tried to tell her that she is not a nursing home and she gives wonderful care despite the fact that she isn;t even a nurse. I wanted to put this out there to say an extra prayer for these two sisters and the mom. There should be an award for this women for giving of herself and putting her life on hold to take care day and night of her twin. I guess unless you are a twin you don;t know how strong that bond from womb to earth is. I think it more than your average sibling bond. You are basicly the same egg divinded in two and most likly so in tune with your "other half" it is like you just someone else. I know you get what I mean. So D my prayers, our prayers to all of you.........She got me through many a snowy/rainy days with "just use good judgement and keep it slow" /////Thanks Diana! God Bless!

I tought SPRING was coming.....

As you may have heard "the biggest storm of the year".....Ok Pete Buchard easy now......lol
I am glad it has been warm that maybe the snow will melt fast and GO AWAY! I dread the afternoon p/u at school. So glad there is nothing planned for the boys today. My plan after work and p/u is to hibearnate just like a bear in the winter. Big plans for Saturday....SLEEP IN! I hope & pray all are safe on the road and that the snow does not cause any needless problems. To those of you who like to see the white stuff...Yippie to you but for me it is bah bah yuck go away...Try to have a good day...Stay safe and warm......

Not worth my time....

As you know today is the day I work really early at BABW...The stuff comes in on TRUCK and we unload before the sun comes up. I am up at 520 everyday but Thursdays I am out at 520 so I try to hit the hay around 930 on Wed. Well I did not even bother staying up past 900. I swear AI is not worth watching, to me at least any more. I saw the show the night before....What a let down. The queen Diana Ross a wonderful singer that had her songs raked through the mud...YUCK.....Love Child one of my favs sounded so bad. Ain't no mnt. come on........AWEFUL....
I don't even know who got the boot! ANY OF U? I have not talked to Michael yet about more than a sleepy kiss goodbye and a quick call to set up whos going where with the pratices/games of the boys. I swear I am so dissapointed ...When is Big Brother comin on again...I want something good to watch....UGH>>>>>AI is not what it used to be.......

Stephens Team

Stephen is the tall kid on the left end near the coach with a black/red jacket....This was taken when they won the 1st place throphies...........Sunday.......GO MASCO!

Stephens other poem

For some reason this one did not take here it is from the post.....

Why we are Here:Meaning of Life

He raises my spirit up
Everything feels better
I am stronger, wiser and all around better in His world
My faith grows stronger
I will sit beside Him in a wonderful place
Heaven
Meaning of Life

Sample of a 14 year olds poem.....

I was just going through the documents on the computer to make room and try to free up some MB's or what ever they are. I came upon two of Stephens poems that seem to be really deep. He gets that from me, not to pat myself on the back. I wanted to share. I did not get his approval, is that bad? Hey he has a poem publised in a book from grade 5....It is not like he doesn't let people see his work. So here they are .......

Navy Seals

Grab my chute get ready for the jump
Listen to the briefing my heart a pump
Depressurize the fuselage the door agape
Look down into the darkness try and hold down what I last ate
Green means go I jump out the door
Whoosh the wind takes me I can’t see the plane anymore
I’m like a rain drop falling from the sky
I pull my chute like a bird swiftly I fly
I sail down and down reaching the ground
But my mission is not over I can not be found
Locked and loaded I creep through the woods
I go to the enemy bomb site and get all the goods
I radio in; Echo seven to base the goose has been extracted
I quickly leave the site without any distraction
They send me a boat to pick me up.........I raise through the ranks up, up, up!
===================================================================

Why We are Here:Meaning of Life

He raises my spirit up
Everything feels better
I am stronger, wiser and all around better in His world
My faith grows stronger
I wil someday sit beside Him in a wonderful place
Heaven

A rough start!

As you can see from the post below the weekend was GO GO GO ! Today is a rough one.....I am not one for late nights......I need catch up........Tonight, NOTHING just homework and dinner...YIPPPIE! ANd we are all off to bed at 8'o'clock....That is the plan....We NEED SLEEP.......

Off to the tourny.....

We are heading south in the afternoon tommorow.Kids will be leaving school at 12:45 despite my plea with Michael for them to miss school. It is a Raf thing. So far this year they have not missed school and got dismissed once for teeth. Down to the Cape...we go........if you call Falmouth the Cape.....I think the cape starts at the bridges Sagamore and Bourne.......Stephens hockey team is in a four team tourny vs. Marthas Vinyard players. I am ironing, packing and getting stuff done. I think it takes so much effort to get yourself and the family out for a weekend. The boys wear dress shirts, pants and a tie to every game so that is the worst part of this packing. What can ya do! I will be away from the comp for the weekend. I guess M can take his laptop from work but Nah......We can live without it and I am not really surpose to be "playing" on it, so he says.........I am hosting the team dinner on Saturday afternoon at the function room of the hotel. I guess the Team Manager has to take charge lol......I wanted to cook a great meal here for 13 familes but Michael tought the take out option was a better idea. I see his point. I hear it is going to be in the 50's Saturday and Sunday. Looking forward to the time change also. I will check back in after the weekend. Have a good one all and happy nice weather to all of you...........


We will We are back from Falmouth........Awesome weather!
REALLY AWESOME TOUNRY! We won all 5 games .....Our goalie had 4 shutout games! WOW! We came in 1st place and WON ALL THE GAMES! ALL! They played so weel and so strong. We had one player get thrown out b/c his emotions got the best of him. It is only a game we tell them. He headed home early with his dad even though he was welcome to stay on the bench during the games. The team lunch was awesome, as always being an Italian I over bought but I would rather have leftovers than short food. The first night we did not follow the crowd. We went to eat at a takeout place, thank heavens. The bill was outragous. One mom and her son had to contribute $60.00 for the two of them. This place for pasta was outragous. They wanted $13.00 for ziti and meatballs...I could of fed the team for that lol lol lol ..........SO glad we did not go. Another family also did not go and we were the envy of the wallets after...lol ..........One guy had to borrow $100. for his family of four b/c all he on him was $50.00.....Yes he paid @ $150. for a family of 4 to eat that night...Yeah my veggie and egg pocket, yummy I might add was a mear $5.50. At 8:30 pm who wants to eat a hugh meal? not us.......So Stephen is on cloud 9 and very tired from all his skating and swimming. We have a late regular game tonight and I am trying to get coach to resschd. it for another time. They are all hockeyed out...........

"Whats depression?"

WOW that was the question Ryan asked me this morning. I was like where did this come from. He saw a commercial on ABC Family while watching Family Matters before school. I did the explaining of hormone inbalence and sad feelings ect. He said "oh ok" and went back to watching. As I am making the bed he comes in and says "I don't get it". I am not sure what he doesn't get. The medical part that could be confusing or why would someone be sad all the time. I am not sure if I look into things to deeply or if I drop the ball it will go away. I am going to talk with Michael about it and see what he thinks. Layed back Michael will say drop it intill he comes to me again. I am not the type to brush off. I was brushed off on subjects as a child somewhat and vowed to not give the brush off to my children. Any thoughts out there? Any sence of dealing with this situation before with your own children? Let me know if you may have any insites. I may just be making this larger that it is. See funny how TV puts things out there when you least expect it. You would think that certain programs would chose commercials that target that audience at the time. Like if I were watching home improvemnts shows they have Home Depot/Lowes...>Why when family shows are on they don't put family type commercials? Hey TV exects what is up with that?

Off To Lacrosse

Today is Ryans first lacrosse practice. He has been talking about it for a month now. HE has never been into team sports all that much so we are happy he has an interest. He always loved his Lego Robotics classes as well as golf and art. He is pretty much an in his head type. He told us when we was younger he played T-Ball b/c dad wanted to coach. Well dad coached b/c we tought Ry wanted to play lol.........He is all geared up and ready to play. His inhailer in hand just in case of an attack, he really gets them except in really cold weather and today would be a wind chill of 18 below 0......He keeps counting down our departure time. We are car poolin with Anasteiogist Janes sons from down the street. She unlike Stephens friends parents knows the meaning of "carpoolong"......As you may recal from past posts Stephen has two friends moms that are very one sided and I do all the pooling, if you want to call it that. It is very one sided and Michael and I do all the driving and feeding of these two boys. I love helping people out, I would give the shirt off my back (as long as I have a nice bra on lol lol) but when you are being taken advantage of that can make you feel a little angry. I do not want to by no means take it out on the boys b/c it is not them it is their self centered moms. I would cancel my things over my sond any time and love to be involved as you all might know, it gives me great greef to know they do not attend things for the kids and arn't doing anything to important. Sorry to vent, I should get back on track about the lacrosse. Off we go to do what ever you do in lacrosse. I love the game of hockey and am bias of how great that game is so we will see if I get that concept and understand what it is all about...........Go Tribal!

Karen is in for a treat!

Norma is bringing Karen the homemade stuff from my neighbor on Wednesday. She is in for a treat with the goat milk bar and EVOO skin spray. They both work great. The bar however is smelly. Norma described it as "cat urine". I know it smellsfunny and my nose is super sensitive but I did not smell urine. I mostly smelt a sour smell. It does wonders to the face so I hope you like it K...Let us know...good or bad reviews I can take it...lol....The spray on elbows and hands is so awesome. Have a great afternoon get 2 gether......Wish I were there........

He went to the doc....

After two days of hearing it from everyone, he got an apmt w/his PCP and he sent him for X-Rays.......My call to MIL in Florida was the kicker. I got to hear ont he other line her yelling then pleading with him to take care of himself. Also his older brother who is a doctor said it would be very wise to be looked at. Of course he makes it look like there is no pain but you could see it in the way he moves and turnes his neck. I am just glad he listened. Even Ryan said "dad you would make us go" See even an 11 yr old knows......lol ........Yeah, you tell him Ry!

Just when you tought you had your Saturday planned.......THEN!....

We had the entire day planned for Saturday. Ryan needs Lacrosse gear for his first practice on Tuesday, a small list for the grocery store,the transfer station AKA DUMP, outdoor skate park,(hear it is gonna be warm), Church, pot luck after Mass, then hockey practice. Well now we have to throw a bunch more places into the mix. Police Station, Claims Adjustor and maybe rental car place, and last the body shop. When I was making dinner the phone rang and I answered knowing it was Michael with a helllllooooo (Mrs. Doubtfire):sometimes he gives a small chuckle. Not this time, he sounded really shocken up and very serious. I could tell someting was wrong. He started with "I am going to be late"......Ok you let your staff out a half hour early and now it is a half hour after you would normally get out(I would expect that from him) so now how much more late b/c ????? He said I am fine don't worry. Yeah I did not like the way he said that. WHY! What is the matter. "I got hit on the side of the truck and spun around in a circle and I am facing the wrong way on the street and waiting for the police to come. Now I am in panic mode...Is anyone hurt ect......It was not icy just rainy. So why did he spin? Well the 17 year old kid driving his dads pick up totaly tought it was fine to blow the STOP sign and drive onto the main road. I was glad he and Michael were not hurt. The dads truck needed a tow and Michael was able to drive away the back of his truck is in need of repair. Michael said the other truck is a total mess. The boy could not find the registration and the parents came to get him. Michael said the mom was nice and asked him if he was ok and the dad was really angry at his son. Michael is his 22 years of driving has only been in one fendah bendah with an really old man who hit him from behind and was not surpose to be driving. Never in an uncontrolable spin ect. I could tell he was shooken up a little and he won't go for X ryas despite the last fendah bendah thing about 13 years ago had him at a chiropractor for months. He stopped running at that point and has not been able to jog since. He waold go in the mornings and love it after dinner on a Sunday afternoon but his HS days of Track are long gone as he tells the boys.......I am so glad he nor the boy are hurt but come on ........IT SAID STOP! That means STOP look THEN pull out. I think some new drivers don't consider why signs are put on the road. I hope this boy learns that he really has to pay attention from now on. Vehicles can be fixed but some injuries can not so I am thankful that there were none. The boy told the police he was in a daze and just forgot to STOP! He admitted he was in the wrong which he was and will learn from now on we hope to STOP at ALL STOP signs. I pray my sons will use good judgement when they get behind the wheel. I don't look forward to that day b/c of the nervous ninny thing I have going on. Saturday brings a long to-do list of unexpected little tasks......

Thank goodness it is almost over.....February that is!

I may be born this month but I really don't like how it lingers and lingers. January is also a month that takes forever to go by. Once we get to March it also seems to stager. My most favorite of them all is April. The month of spring, tulips;also my favorite, and the month of our wedding. Fifteen years ago I could not wait for April to come and still today I look forward to that wonderful month. I think of light purple flowers and pretty white babysbreaths. I can smell the dewy grass and fresh tulips starting to bloom. The sites and sounds make my heart dance. Spring time and fresh warm brezzes of how I long for April........

How Much Have You Changed in 10 Years?

"You've Changed 28% in 10 Years"

"Ah, the past! You may not remember it well - because you're still living in it.
While you've changed some, you may want to update your wardrobe, music collection and circle of friends."

I agree with this but do not agree that I need to chage my circle of friends. I have wonderful friends. I am so fine with the friends I have so this is only 1% true. I am glad I have not changed much in ten years. At 26 I was who I am now in a mom/wife situation but just have gotton older with the kids. lol Maybe in 10 more years I will have a higher % b/c I can be a mom-in-law or grandmother at the young age of 46-50. Stephen and I will celebrate our milestone b-days in 4 years: 18 for him 40 for me.........Change is good? Nah I'll keep it just the same from here till 2030! The year before I turn 6-0 oh! My that seems like a long time from now!

Your own comfort zone....

Drew posted about his own comforts and the regular happenings that keep him stable. I think we all have some thing or another that we need to be "the same". I know someone who flies by the seat of her pants can go and not make a preplan or let loose without any notice. I however have to have all the planning ect done. I think besides the clean thing I have this need to be early for everything. I find comfort in not having to rush and get worked up b/c of running late. My on time is 15 mins early. On time to me is late. I do this every Saturday eve also. I insist we leave for church at 4:15 even though it starts at 5 and it is 4 mins away. First, I need to get the same seat every time. Second I like to park close to the front to get out fast: though the boys and M are always waiting for me b/c I chat with everyone after so that defetes the purpose. Lastly I would NEVER be the one who walks in as it is taking place. I would just turn red and melt if I did. A fellow parishnah always laughs when we talk about this b/c if her husband were not in the choir then she would be that person running in late. I have to be prepared and have the songs and readings ready, also it is a time to connect with my surroundings and get in a peacful mind frame. I am not the only one who takes the same place every week, it seems like most people do so if they are not late and put somewhere they can fit. We have a wonderful couple that sits behind us and we learnt that they live 3 houses down from us. It took 3 years to figure that out b/c we live far from them even though it is 3 doors down we are spaced out enough that you just don't see people often. I think she noticed us getting the mail and made the conncetion. I gotta run to "get our seats" and be on time. Have a great night, I hope you all do your regular Saturday night rutien......

Get me a tissue ...PLEASE!

Well not to be gross but the nose is a drippin and the eyes are a water'in. I feel fine but the nose won't stop runnin'. I have been ODin on zink, V-c and ecinasha,,,,you know what I mean....I guess that everyone out there has something and now I have it too. I really am not feeling it other than the annoying need to wipe the nose. I have the need to then wash the hands, dry, then rub some Purell. After that I spray the Lysol. Yup can you say jerm-a-phobe....Try not to catch anything...stay healthy!

40 days and 40 nights.....Jesus fasted in the desert..

Today being Ash Wednesday it is the start of Lent as you may already know. The preperation of the death of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. More important not just the death but the rising of Him on Easter Sunday. I love Christmas but have always felt so much love and greatfullness for the sacrafice God made to send His son to die, rise and save us from our sins. I feel Easter is a very important time in the Christian faith if not the most important time that explains why we live to someday see the salvation and grace that awaits us in the end. I hope the blessings of God and the Lenten season to sacrafice are with you to truly feel the love that we have from our Father.

Not only to "give up" something for Lent but to GIVE more of ourselves during this time......

Feb. Vacation

I always tought it best to have a March break. Get rid of Feb and April and do a March and get out of school one week early in June. I must say in the cold I am glad to not have to get out early and drive to school or work so I maybe worng in the last sentence. I know Florida does this but also they get out in May and go back in August. So what do you all think. Can the winter/spring breaks and put one in the middle of the two? Enjoy you break if you have one...they fly by so enjoy what you can of it........

They ate the Cheese Nips.....

Am I over the top with being a nervous ninny? I made sure that when I went to the market I got lots of yogurt, pudding and applesauce. I knew if the boys had no school I still would have work. Stephen is a very mature 14 year old and so very resposible, the issue is not that I don't trust him:the issue is I don't want them to chock. We have just recently been letting them stay alone for an hour or so, a trip to the market or some erronds to run in town here. I told them the foods tha tthey can have while I was gone and cheese Nips was not one what I wanted them to have b/c they could chock on the sharp corners. Am I alone on this one? I know they have been eating for many years but you never know, I am a nervous ninny. I gave them the royal breakfast b/c they were home this morn figuring they would be tide over with the 3 snaks of yogurt, applesauce and pudding all very soft slide down without chewing items. The gals at work did think that was extream. One is a mom of a 3 year old and she can understand but also thinks they are older so it would not be a major issue. The coaches wife of Stephens hockey team has 3 boys and does the same thing. I was like wow me too I am so glad I am not alone on this. She is a very nervous ninny. Sometimes she gets so flustered when the boys take a hard check during the game. I flinch but she stands up and mumbles call 911 .......until they get up from the hit...
I was just a little put off that they did not head my cheese nip/cracker warning. They said they were fine so whats the big deal. UGH.........I would be worrying knowing they were eating something with hard edges. I will end this woth I know they have to grow up sometime, but not now later. Also might add I want them to be independent selfsufient boys so I will not do the drastic things some moms are know to do then have their boys turn into needy men....No there will be none of that.........Please don't eat anything except smooth, slide down your mouth stuff.......AGREE???!!!!!

It is like a storm is coming.....

LOL LOL LOL IT IS!.......
Today I think most people were out taking care of buisness. The bear shop was a hoppin'. Many non-regulars in need of lots of help, that's why we are there. So many clueless men getting valentines for their sweethearts. Hey one guy got a bear for his new wife, her last name was Sweet and his is Heart...so she is going by Katie Sweet-Heart....LOL LOL We all had a good laugh on that one. This one guy who knew he was all that and a bag of chips had the notition that he was the only person on the planet that needed help. I was as patient as can be and at one point I so wanted to scream at him and I kept my cool. Even Jenni the Ast. Mgr. said "I don't know how you stayed nice to him" ....She would of exploded at that point. I was thinking of the show on MTV Boiling Point., you win $100.00 of you don't loose it. A hidden camara is there and they do something to you to make you mad and you have no clue you are being taped and they give a time limit, if you don;t swear walk away of blow up then you get the hundred dollars. I was like is there a cmara b/c this is so sureal. There was another bizzare, differnt case today: Are you ready for this....3 bears going into a coffin of an Asian man all three bears had 2 sounds each and represented his children. Yup the oldest daughter came in to make them, she had an I LOVE YOU in one hand of the furry friend and a record a voice in the other. The voice was what ever animal that the child was when they were born...IE the year of the pig/rooster ect......It is a Chinnese Tradition to be buried with things ,,,,she told me the whole story and paid over $300.00 on the things and they are being buried....Who is pressing the sounds in the cofin? I havn't a clue but hey the sound sales/% went way up.........Kudos to her need to put them in the cofin......I did give my condolences but she said they are not allowed to say sorry for a death in their culture, she understood and said I did not know better.........I guess that is the most over the top story so far from the workshop I can say to this date.....I stocked up on some estentials and may have to brave the storm tom. for work, we will see just how bad it is. The car and soon to be Michaels truck will be at the bottom of the hill to avoid any problems getting out. I just hate not having them in the garage. He agrees it is good to keep them at the bottom but feels the garage would keep them nice and clear of snow...Well when you live on a hill you can't have your cake and eat it too.....We will see just how accurate Pete B is on Chnl 7 News and hope it is all a played up thing and it blows out to sea.......We will just wait and see.........

It did not go out to sea....It hit here about 2:30pm in full force, the sleet was as hard as golf balls. That is why there was no school I am thinking. The morning was fine but they must of made a good decision b/c the ride home would of been a slow one. Two times trying to keep up with the drivway being clear and $13.00 worth of icemelt........AHHHH WINTER BE GONE!

A snowy Valentines Day....

I mean a snowy Valentines date.....lol
I think some resturants will suffer b/c of the snow that is coming. I bet we at the bear shop will too. If the crowds come out today in panic to get their gifts then maybe people won't scramble on the snowiest day so far to get that furry stuffed friend. I sure hope the crowds get to celebrate. We were never ones to hype it up. We feel everyday is Sweethearts Day in our house! I heard the supermarkets were like the day before Christmas with the crowds yesterday. I plan on getting a few things before we head home today just to stay stocked. I have to spend $ on icemelt and loath that very much. The kids are all takling how great this is going to be. I am sure there are alot of unused new sleds from Christmas that have been waiting to hit the hills. I will be back when it is all said and done to give my opinion on it. I am sure you all know what that will before hand so keep an eye out.......Have a great before the snow day and keep that white stuff from piling up..........

Mall Walkers ...A breed in of itself.....

I am sure you have all heard of "mall walkers". they wake up bright and early to walk the mall when it closed to not have to brave the elements. On a Thursday morn @ 5:30am is when I get to the mall parking lot. Not a soul in site and spaces upspaces to choose from, I love it! Once the sixthrity o r seven o'clock hour hits them BAM spaces are gone. All the ones up front because of the mall walkers. It is a site to watch. I have always loves to be a people watcher and I try to catch a glims every so often. You seem to see the same faces day after day. The funniest is this 40ish women who wears a tank and shorts no matter how cold it is and FLIES by about 5 times more than the ones who keep an even steady pace. She is about 6 feet tall and weighs maybe 80 lbs......maybe wet! Her limbs are so skinny that I think my thumb and pointer can fit around the tops of her arms. She once came in around Christmas time walking in cicles around the store over and over again. I asked if she needed help and she continues to walk fast and say she was getting ideas. I let her be b/c I was getting dizzy trying to keep up with her. Well then she did the same thing Friday but wanted me to explain the party policy to her, while racing around without slowing down/.......How not fun is that........I wanted to grab her and say STOP and listen for one minute. So she went on her way. This nice older man who takes care of his grandaughter also has his shorts on no matter what the weather and he brings a trike w/ a pole and takes her around many times. I see him there as early as 700am and still see him in the mall at noon. He shoul djust take residents in there and call it home. Funny how I never go to the mall except to work. I dislike mall shopping, always have. I like shopping centers and outdoor lots that take you to stores outside. I know sometimes malls seem conviennt but I don;t like 'em. Thank goodnes some people do like itb/c that gives me someting to d oat work all week,,,,,,lol.....
SO if your ever in the mood to Mall walk COME ON BY AND SAY HELLO I'm the one at the bear store.............They all know me...the one who smiles big and says goodmoring b/c I too am a morning person but I a, not at the mall to walk I am there to work.......LOL LOL LOL

The weirdest dreams.....

How many of you seem to have really weird and bizzare dreams? I know I do and it seems like more often than not. You know the dreams you wake and it is fuzzy. Or the ones that are so vivid you are like did that really happen? Last night I had a fuzzy one but all day little by little the dream has been coming back to me. I can not go into the long bizzare dream but as it replays it come out and I am like...WEIRDO! lol I love to have the type of dream that a loved one comes to you who has not been around for a while and their voice and face are so vivid. I have those dreams not as often but when I do of my Papa Steve I wake up and wish the dream would never end. He is Nana T's husband that passed away in 1981 from a long arguous battle with lung/brain cancer. I was 10 at the time and in 3rd grade. I recently saw at BABW and old friend of the family and she brough back so many emotions and good times from my childhood. She is and always has been the type that is very in tune with the spirit world. Some of you know my view on the subject and I am not all "into" that so much as to spirits per say amoung us. I have a belief that they are watching down on us and hopefuly give a helping hand when needed. She feels and always felt for many years that my Papa Steven, being so young at his passing and not ready to leave is around me more that I think. SO as that conversation took place the hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention. Weird feeling. SO I leave you with this.....I am on the fence but more over to the Christain side of it not so the spirit lingering side...what is your opinion on the subject in general not so as to Papa Steve but in general???Just another one to get feed back...I loved all the stories from the last post Blizzard of '78..Keep em' coming.....

Bitter Cold.....

So the cold saga continues.......Yesterday the boy I take to school comes out of his house with just a sweatshirt on......Hello Jordan ya think that is a little to light for this weather. I told him a coat would be a better choice and he said he really hates coats. OK I really hate them to but when it is -4 windchill I think a coat is NEEDED. His mother is not there to see him off, hence why I take him to school. I am sure she must lay one out before he goes to school but wearing it is another story. I hope to see a jacket today,,,,,,I hpe to see some relief from this bitter cold too...Stay Warm and keep thinking 3 mnths till April........3 long months.........

1978......29 years ago....

It was all those years ago I am almost sure on a Friday afternoon when the blizzard of '78 hit! It hit big.......I recall most how high the snow was to a just turned 7 year old. My party for that Sunday was called off due to 3 FEET of snow with 5 - 7 foot snow drifts.......do you recall the billzard of '78? Any good stories.....Was New England the only ones hit that bad or was it up and down this coast? Let me know in the comments any good stories or facts........Looking forward to reading......

Bitter Cold.......

It is so cold. The wind chill is over the top. I am freeeezzzzing......I want the summer to come...........or even late spring/////As long as the snow stays away. Lets do the sun dance.....

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY!

Yes ...they keep coming and coming...the first and second month AND the third month in our familes have so many birthdays......Sunday we will behaving family over here for Stephens, my father -in laws, and ME! Yes today I turn the big 3-6! Thats right folks 36 years ago Stephie made her big debute.........I a mnot much for being the center of attention so it is just another day. This morning the boys saw me cleaning the bathrooms and said why are you doing that? Well it has to be done. So they said not on your b-day, no cleaning. OK >>>>>so do I veg out and be the biggest couch potato ever for today? I do know I am not cooking b/c we are going to Not Your Average Joes for my free b-day meal. The one gift I got this morn that I did not ask for or need at all is white stuff. The kind that glistens and makes mucky slushy mess when shovled or plowed. Yeah Happy Birthday Stephie who is not too fond of the snow. Born in a snow storm that must be where my disliking comes from ....lol

Feed those in need.....

Ryans school had a great service project for an under privledged community, they were to bake loaves of bread to donate to the soup kitchen. It was a fun time in the kitchen with your child and a great thing to donate the item. Not only was it nice to do but King Arthur Flour Company donated all of the ingredients. How nice was that. Every child came home with 4 lbs of flour; wheat and white, a pack of yeast, directions, handy keep fresh bags to put the bread in, and a scraper. The boy I drive to school was not "doing" it so I took his stuff and made doubles. It came out so good. It had a semi-sweet taste and was great with warm honey. I am sure all the familes that got the loaves were pleased. We were allowed to make a half size for our own famlies to sample. I think it was a great idea to do..........

Another Birthday....

Today is Nana Theresas 86th Birthday.......Last year we had a party here for her 85th. Wow what a differnce a year makes or even two weeks for that matter. Last sundays visit to see her brought on lots of emotion. She goes down hill every time we go back. She did know that her b-day was coming up, even knew the date. She did however think it was her 93rd. Now nana don't rush it.......She could tell we were not all there on Sunday. She sees us a a group of four and knew someone was missing b/c there were only three. We told her Michael was painting the family room. She asked about the deck. Funny she remembers we still have no deck just a set of stairs. She offered five years ago to buy it for us....she is so sweet. She said "use my buryial money" ok nana I 'll be right on that. AHHH NOOO!!! She said that "Stephies sister has a birthday coming up too"....my half sister Alycia who she does not remember her name is on the 17th of Feb. she bypassed mine on the 3rd. I asked her whos was the day before hers and she said like a politicial running for public office "many peoples" lol .....Good save nana....I said the hockey boys. She refers to Stephen as the hockey boy and Ryan as the little one. She forgets the names sometimes and with her son, granson and great grandson all with the name Stephen we have labels so she knows who we mean when we say that name...lol ...She asked how Mothers Day was a few weeks back, meaning Christmas. She refers and thinks all the holidays are Mothers Day. Her Paula passed away on that day (her daughter, my mother, Paula was making a statement that day, no I am not being mean just honest)....I guess she is fixated with all holidays being that one b/c of her loss. In the past we would bring her Jelly Belly Beans only kind she would eat, cookies, canolies and chocolates. She looked forward to the treats and loved when my bag of goodies crincked with sound. These days she refuses to eat anything and has no apitite at all. Seven years ago when entering the home she was about a size 8 or 10.....In one year she went to a heafty plus size of 22/24. Yes Nana T the slim never bigger than a 6 or 8 on a bad year ate and ate all that she could find. She is now looking very weak and frail and lost a ton of lbs from not eating. She still insists that she has "thunder thighs" lol She says "Stephie I always had beautiful legs and look at these tree trunks now" ////Up until last year she was the Belle of the Home......She was known for her perfect put together hair and nails as well as her pearls and mathching nice clothes. Now she is what we Itailians call "SCHADTHA"////Messsy and dishevled....She just gave up and does'nt care anymore. It is sad. Before Thanksgiving her great nephew visited and gave her a twenty for a haircut. She claims that $18.00 is far to expensive to pay for a haircut...Yeah in 1940 it was but thses days that is a really good deal. So she took his twenty , not that I could not give her one myself, no she can not bring herself to pay. She got a nice style and was lookin good for a bit.......She cracks us up sometimes when she says who do I have to impress...like the men here can see...lol ......Michael has to do an errond after work towards the city and will stop by to say hello. She always knows his name and says I am Michaels wife...Not Stephie Michaels wife....Thanks Nana.....lol She may not even recall that we saw her recently. She will tell him noone comes to see her these days. I know he will make it a point to tell her we were just there but is it any use to waste words. I guess you just have to deal with this decline as it comes. She still has some good days and is funny as all heck. I like those days and hope to have many more. So to Nana T....the lady who gave me my CATHOLIC EMERGENCY CARD at ten, whoyelledin the store "Stephie what size training bra do you want at 11, with Normie by my side snickering with laughter, and the women whos advice was always BE A GOOD GIRL......Happy Birthday Nana Theresa...YOU raise a good girl........

Happy Birthday to our first born......

On January 30th 14 years ago Michael and I were blessed with our first son Stephen. He has brought us many years of love and happiness. He has since grown to be a very tall and handson young man. I have been told by others that he is respectful, considerate, intelligent, and an honest boy. It gives me great pleasure to hear these things. I am filled with pride to be his mother. I want to wish him an awesome birthday! Happy 14th Birthday Stephen! We love you very much...xoxoxo

Tag .....I'm IT!

Ok now like Normie I could go on and on and ON with quircky things about me......Here goes...
The #1.........I am obsessed with my TEETH! I pre-rinse, brush, floss 3 x's post rinse...re-brush then floride rinse one last time. That is twice a day. As for the other 2x's I brush: I just brush, floss and rinse. It drives Michael and the kids insain......Then I will randomly floss during the day and I carry around the finger brushers and mouth spray as well as a travel toothbrush and small paste. Also in the car and my bag are flosses.

#2....I have to fix things that are not centered or streight. Everything has its place and a place for everything. I am anal and I admit it.....I have to keep things new and clean all the time. Once last week we had workers here and I cleaned the bathroom at least 4 times that day then again when they left AGAIN......Even in work I am a cleanaholic ...they all know this.....

#3....I spell something aweful (as you have seen) It does not bother me ...you would think it would but it does not. I think it bothers others more b/c they know I have some inteligence and do not make the extra effort to look twice and double ck. Half the time if I do take a look I may still spell the word incorrectly.

#4....I AM A GERMAPOBE! I have to use antibacterical soap/spray/cleaner/hand lotion ect...I love to kill germs......

#5....I have to readjust myself like 4 - 6 times before I get comfortable in bed. I am so sure it drives Michael CRAZY> Not so much these days b/c of the wonderful recomendation from Jim and Norma to get the memory foam mattress. We are on our 5 th night with it and it is so wonderful. I still have to toss and turn to get comfortable but the motionless efeect helps not bounce M........

#6....I can not have not a bit of light at night. I have to pull out all the sensor night lights or close the hall bathroom door. I have to cover the little light on the phone and the clock radio has to have something covering it. I also have to ck like 4 times that the time is set for wake up. I set it in the morning but ck before I brush teeth, then again. I will get comfortable then ck again. Just to be safe...Yup OCD! I do not find this needs medical attention it does not bother me in any way it is just a quircky thing I have. Same things with the doors and locks and alarm.......I gues that makes 6 I could go on but I do not want you to see my in a crazier light than you already do....LOL LOL LOL ..............

The party went well....

What a hoot......the 7 gals doubled ...yes 14 was the final count.....By the way it was her 75th b-day. They had so much positive energy! I loved them........The party girls daughter had the party for her and said her limit was 10 friends well she brought more than that. Kind of like the tables were turned and the daughter was like MOM I said ten is your limit...lol lol lol There were so many personalities to deal with and they were so funny when I did my "stuff"//// I was so happy to be their party leaded. They even asked if I could go to lunch with them...lol I had to stay and build more bears. It was so nice to be asked. I was told they were asked not to come back to a resturant b/c they were so loud once. Wow! These girls really know how to party.....As I was getting to know them I had the notion of who they would be when "we" grow older. I could relate to who was who in the croud of gals I know. At one point I asked if they go on any day trips...LOL LOL Well they have been on more than just day trips....China, Japan, Iceland and Indonisia to name a few....HELLO! I mean maybe a play or movie....HELLO! Three out of the 14 had their spouses still. Funny those were the 3 that were not over the top and very refined,,,lol See what age and no husband will do to ya they said lol Ruth said "you get to let it all hang out and she mean Hang b/c that is what happens at that age it all HANGS" lol lol I was so happy to hear that they had a ton of fun and barrels of fluff LOL ..........Just wanted to fill you all in on the BABW party ....See you don't have to be a kid to have FUN!.........Bear Huggin' and Lovin'

I just had to share this one.....

Bumper sticker of the year: "If you can read this, thank a teacher and since it's in English, thank a soldier"

I think this would make a great one........Agree? I am sure you will. I am not one for bumper stickers but it is clever.

The year I was born......

All the info in reg print does not matter, just the BOLD faced words.... I have just realized why I am such a Disney fanatic.......WDW and I were born the same year........I have visited WDW 13 times in 35 years. The first visit I made was in 1989 the year I was a senior at PJH! Yes folks I was NEVER taken there as a child and have the need to make up for this tragic loss. I voed with my husband who has many childhood memories of the family vacations in Disney to have our children get the DISNEY vacation fun! So out of the 13 times at Disney 12 of them were with Michael and the boys. Our first time there was when Stephen was 3 and Ryan was 6 mnths. Some may say that is a waste for them but the fun and memories for Michael and I are still as fresh as the day we flet the Florida sun. We are not at all ones to spoil our kids and we always go on a budget. We only stayed in the park once b/c of his cousins wedding. The other times we get grreat deals with hotels or houses off property that make the trip a money friendly time. Last year on our trip a cast member (employee of Disney as they call them) asked us if this was our first trip to the park....I WAS SO PROUD to say NO our 13th........He said oh you are a Floridian ...oh no a Bostonian.........yes a Bostonian that would leave Boston in the blink of an eye and MOVE to Celebration, Harmony, or Reunion Florida in a heartbeat....So the wonderful year of 1971 the happiest place on EARTH was open and Stephie came into the world.......



In 1971 (the year you were born)
Richard Nixon is president of the USCharles Manson and 3 of his followers are convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murderAn earthquake in California's San Fernando Valley kills 64 peopleNew York Times begins publication of classified Pentagon papers on US involvement in VietnamThe $70 million Kennedy Center opens in Washington, DCA four day revolt at New York's Attica state prison ends after being stormed by 1000 state troopersA new stock-market index called the Nasdaq debuts DISNEY WORLD OPENS
Intel releases world's first microprocessor, the 4004Ray Tomlinson sends the first e-mailLibertarian party established in USAKid Rock, Denise Richards, Sean Astin, Winona Ryder, and Ricky Martin are bornPittsburgh Pirates win the World SeriesBaltimore Colts win Superbowl VMontreal Canadiens win the Stanley CupThe Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is publishedThe Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour premeires on television"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel wins Grammy for song of the yearAll in the Family premieres

It really didn't amount to anything..YIPPIE

I spent most of the night tossing and turning AND praying that the white stuff stay up in the sky. I looked out Ryans window at least four times during the night. It maybe had a small coat of white but that was it. At the 5:05 am up for the day viewing I saw black pavement and danced a jig of yet another bullet dodged. As I woke Stephen up at 5:20 he said "is there school?" OH YEAH there sure is, no 1 hour delay nothing. As I sitt here and type I can hear cars going by at a regular speed so I am sure that icy roads are not a factor. I have a 10:30am party to do at work today for a 5 year old boy and his friends. I recall last year that when there was an early moring party and a flake was on the ground it would get reschd., I really don't think this will be todays case (I hope) ...........Next week I have a party for seven 70 year olds...Yes folks you heard me....7 0! I was asked by the 51 year old daugher not to have them sit on floor in a circle. LOL Now that would just be mean. I have a problem at BABW not having enough seating for these gals when they are making their bears. I was even thinking of taking in some of our folding chairs from home....I think we have 3 that can go, the other 1 has a pretty chair cover and serves as the computer chair here at the kitchen dest I type at daily. Can you just picture me walking in the mall with 3 folding chairs but worse trying at 2:30 when the mall is bustling taking them back out......What is she doing with folding chairs....lol .......Off I am to get ready for the day. Hope your day is a great one. Try not to feel too bad about no white stuff. I am ! LOL LOL See ya and God Bless!

Hello out there.....

Hello to all .....not much to report or post about just a friendly Thursday morning hello. Keeping it light and sweet. Stay warm and bundel up the cold is nasty out there. Make a cup of hot cocoa, tea or mud brew and warm your bones up. Enjoy you day!!!!! STAY WARM!

The LOOOONG Weekend!

I love 3 day weekends. Something about not having to get things in order on Sunday night for the week that makes it so nice. We had the chance to go for really inexpensive $ to a weekend at the timeshare MIL & FIL got for the kids as this years Christmas gift. (every other year is a family vacation or a gift year, this year was a gift year, how nice are they?) We have lots to do this weekend and just could not blow off to N Conway. Ugh ! Well a little ugh and a little sigh of relief. I am sure there is some white stuff up there and the less white stuff I see the better. My mental health has been wonderful due to the great winter we have been having. LOL ! Then there is the packing and shopping for food. Sometimes I think (like Normie) it is a bit of a hassel to go away. If it were a quick drive to Florida then I would have no quames about it but not to snow country lol......I know Karen and her family as well as Drew and all you other freaky winter lovers beg to differ. Since they bought the time share (a week in Oct. that can be transfered to other times and locations w/ a 4 year rotation b/c there are 4 familes involved) we get calls to go for the $89. weekend special. Not per night, per weekend. Where can you go for that price? This weekend we will be home here in the @ 50* weather loving the fact that it feels more like the end of March than the beg. og Jan. ...AND NO SUNDAY WE ARE NOT GETTING A LOT OF SNOW>>>>>>>TOO WARM TO STICK and make a difference...Sorry to burst all the winter lovers bubbles.......; P .............Remember the winter @ 5 or so years ago that we only got 1/2 " of snow the entire season? LOVED IT!

The feeling of smooth......

I have been using this homemade goats milk soap for about a month now and my face is so soft and supple. A neighbor near us whom I just reacently befriended even though our boys have had a friendship in school for many years. She is an "off the boat" Greek women and loves the Italian that I have to offer to our conversations because there seem to be a few simalarities between the two cultures. In her basment she makes beauty products from natural oils and milks and sell them at craft fairs. She sells them so cheep too. I have been having Stephen (14 as of Jan 30th) use the soap to help with the teen oils that he has on his face in the shower and it has made a great differnce on him too. Ann at one time was a nurse in a dermatologists office and has stopped working for the past 5 years to raise 4 boys all of which have the best skin for teens and pre-teens. I am sure her basement brews and olive oil diet contribute to that. She also made a small bottel of a spary oil (smells nasty) to put on your hands at night and then keep on a pair of silk gloves(5.00 at Bed Bat & Beyond). I can not sleep with anything on my hands or feet so I do it about an hour or two before bed while watching TV or reading. I was told by 4 people that my hands were so so soft. So to you Miss Greek ANN goddess of oil...thanks for the basement brews.........here is her web site..... www.annssoaps.net PH# 978-777-0324 The Goats milk soap 4oz and O OIl and Lavender spray the two best products...Tell her Stephie sent you ....lol