Ten Things God won't ask

I just read this on someones blog and thought it was a great thing to share

TEN THINGS GOD WON'T ASK ON THAT DAY..

1.... God won't ask what kind of car you drove. He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportat ion.

2... God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3.... God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4... God won't ask what your highest salary was. He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5... God won't ask what your job title was. He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6.... God won't ask how many friends you had. He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7... God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

8... God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character..

9... God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation. He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

10... God won't have to ask how many people you forwarded this to, He already knows your decision.

My baby is turning 31 how old does that make me?

I can't believe it tomorrow at 7:10 am my baby boy will turn 31. It really is making me feel old. I remember my 31st birthday actually, it wasn't one of my favorite ages, I remember crying that day because no one made a fuss over my birthday and it was just like any other day.
Since then I make sure that I have a cake, balloons, and that there are candles on my cake and that I make sure my hubs and kids get the same on their birthdays.
It is a special day and we should celebrate it!!
I remember at one of my jobs I had to work on my birthday and I told my boss (luckily he liked me) that I would work, but, I was still going to celebrate my birthday. He said sure!!
He wasn't really prepared for what that really meant.
First thing in the am I got a huge bouquet of flowers delivered (from my hubs) followed by another delivery that was my cake, from my favorite bakery.
Most of my family stopped by that day (luckily I worked in a jewelry store and not an office) to wish me Happy Birthday.
But, the best was when my sister came with my lunch she made stuffed shells ( my fav meal) a giant salad and punch served in Waterford crystal bowl off the shelf in the back of the store. The singing candle on the cake was a big hit too.
Oh, and when the balloons came he really laughed, he said "OK, maybe next year you can have the day off"
OK, back to my son.

Chad has been through a lot of pretty bad stuff the last few years (that's another story that could fill a book)
including a life changing injury. But, through it all he has had an amazing outlook and keeps up a brave front for his mama. He will always be the baby no matter how old he gets and I hope that his birthday will be the start of a great year for him.
He is working tomorrow so I will bring him dinner and balloons and his favorite birthday cake.

Happy Birthday Chad!! Hope you have a great year!

Love ya,

Mama

Getting motivated to exercise

. I was never an exercise fan and with my aching body it's not an easy thing for me to do.

I alway feel like the day after you work out, that's kinda like what Fibromyalgia feels like.

Along with days that your just exhausted for no reason add that to problems sleeping and, and aching from head down to the toes welcome to my life.

But, I know the only way I will make it to my goal weight is to start to exercise.

I started with some easy walking 2 weeks ago> It's only 15 minutes each time so far but, I will get to 30 minutes by next week.

I'm finding its really hard to get my self to go for my daily walks.

I decided that I will try for at least 3 days a week instead of every day.

I want to increase to 20 minutes this week. I went out sneaker shopping again today and still no luck finding the right pair. Who would have thought that it would be such a big deal finding a pair of sneakers that are comfortable.

I have never been a big fan of sneakers but, I am determined to find the perfect (or at least the most comfortable pair)

I need to get out and walk again tomorrow because its been 3 days since I went for a walk.

I have been busy taking care of the boys and helping Ree get things ready for the baby.

NO EXCUSES TOMORROW!!

Just some thoughts to share

It seems like we wait and wait all winter for the warm weather to get here. Winter always seems so long to me, I hate the snow and the cold. But, I especially hate the naked trees and the dirty snow.

I love spring and summer, but, this year it has been so rainy that it seems like we didn't have spring.

Our gardens were planted so late and are just starting to bloom now.

Today i realized that July is coming to a quick end and I haven't even been to the beach once.

I better get going and make some plans for some summer fun because by August I start panicking that winter will be here soon.

This year I just want to enjoy each day of the summer and not worry ahead about winter.

I have been busy doing a lot of nothing.

I did start my new healthy lifestyle plan and have lost almost 15 pounds since hubs big health scare

We have been eating really healthy and found a great site online to chart everything we eat.

It is amazing when you see your meals broken down to calories, fats, protein, carbs.

I finally realized why I'm so fat. It's also amazing how little food we really NEED!

I even started a walking routine last week. It has been a really long time since I did any exercise so I'm just starting off slow. A 15 min walk a few times last week. This week I will be doing 20 minutes and next week 30.

I will stay on the 30 minutes for a few weeks and see how it goes.

I go to the cemetery where my dad is to walk. It's a beautiful place and I put in a little flower garden for him, so now I go and water it before my walks.

I find it very peaceful and enjoy the quite time.

No vacation plans this year. It's jsut great having the time to enjoy each day.

Most days I don't have a plan and just wait to see where the day will take me, and I haven't had a boring day yet.

I'm getting to spend lots of time with my grandsons and that is something that I really find joy in.

It's great to see life through their eyes.

It's great having grandsons of different ages the twins are almost 3 now and nikko is 12.

So, I get to do a lot of different things.

Just days at home watching the little guys play in the yard is so much fun.

I went to the car races with Nikko and that was a great day too.

I took him to a movie with his fav cousin and was so shocked that I enjoyed seeing Transformers. It was a little nervous that I wouldn't like it and it was almost 3 hrs long, but it was a great movie. It brought back memories of when my son was that age and he had the some of the transformers that were in the movie.

I feel so lucky to have such a great husband who works so hard and lets me stay home.

I was a stay at home mom most of the time and now I'm a stay at home grandmother.

It's so great to be part of the wonderful memories my daughter is making for her family, and also making some great memories with my sons son..

Nikko is at a strange stage right now and I don't want us to drift too far apart. I will have to think of some things to do that he will enjoy.

I know that as he enters the teen years he won't want to spend as much time with his ole' Nana.

I'm also looking forward to the arrival of our first granddaughter.

she will be arriving at the end of October and we are very excited to finally meet her.

I got to see her on ultrasound a few times now and she is looking great.

I have a close bond with both my kids and feel so lucky to be part of the memory making with their kids.

Fathers Day

Here's a picture of my father with some of his siblings. 

My father is the one on the left in the back row.

He was 89 years old when he passed on from this life.

He was an amazing man, always with a smile and never complaining.  No matter what life dealt him, he would always just accept it.  He was a very hard working man, usually working 2 jobs to support his family.  He even found time to volunteer his time.

He was an auxiliary state trooper, and was very proud to wear the uniform.

  He was a veteran of World War II  and was very proud of his service time and had very fond memories of his travels overseas.

He was  a devoted husband and father, working hard and long hours to support his wife and 4 children.

He was a factory worker and never complained about his work.  He also had a part job for many years at a local liquor store. 

I can remember walking alone  to go and visit him at work at the store.  

He found time to spend with his children on Sundays, I have fond memories of days at the beach and the drive in movies,  and  he never missed a parade.

He loved our country and love the flag.

One of the things we do now at his cemetery site is to always make sure he has a new flag flying.

He loved the holidays and loved being in pictures.   

One thing  I will never forget about him is his beautiful smile.  

He was a happy man and lived a simple life never needed the biggest or the best of anything.

He never passed  a church without tipping his hat and making the sign of the cross.

He would never pass a penny on the street without picking it up, and my son, his first born grandson still talks about their penny walks.

He would take him by the hand since he was able to walk and they would go looking for pennies.  They never came home without any. 

Every year on his birthday we have a  picnic at his cemetery site. 

One of my sisters started this tradition. We have lunch and cupcakes and sing "Happy Birthday" and  the kids let balloons go up to heaven for him.  We even bring lottery tickets the scratch off kind to open there.   He was a Bingo, casino, card playing lover.  He was always waiting for a big win.   He did have some nice small wins but, never the big one that he wanted.

We even put some tickets in his pocket before they closed the casket.

Another thing that I do is get lunch at his favorite outdoor hot dog stand and a few scratch off tickets and visit the cemetery over the summer a few times.

 He wanted a nice stone in the cemetery so we can always find him.

So we go quite often to visit all the kids really enjoy our trips to see grandpa and now the great grand kids are enjoying the visits.

I hope this tradition keeps up I know he would love it.

The cemetery where he is doesn't allow you to put things at the grave site, they like it nice and clean, but, we always manage to leave some change and a flag or another treasure that the kids made for him.

Fathers day is this Sunday and it's a sad day for me, I really miss my dad and wish I could just see him again.  I would tell him I love him,  I feel like I didn't get to tell him that enough while he was here. 

All I have now of him is memories and pictures and his favorite hat and flannel jacket and his blanket with a million dollar bill on it.

I keep his hat on a chair in my bedroom so I can see it daily and I put it out in the dining room on the holidays.

My dad came from a large family and in the picture above there are some of his siblings notice the big smiles they all loved the camera (not something I inherited).

The only 2 living now are the 2 to his right one sister Angeline (Julie) and one brother Victor (Vic) they are the 2 babies of the family.

We recently lost Margaret at the age of 96, she is sitting on the bottom row left and the sister in the middle Caroline lived till her 102ND birthday and Concelia was 97 when she passed.

There quite a few more that died a little younger.

They were a great family and stayed close their whole lives.

It was wonderful having a large family and getting to spend holidays and summers together.

I'm still close to lots of my cousins and all of their families.  It's a great comfort to me to have cousins that I'm close to.   I hope our children will continue to keep some of the family traditions going.

I get to see my dad's smile in the faces of my grandsons.

Happy Father's Day Dad  I miss you and love you.   See you Sunday.

Health update

Thought I should post an update on hubs health.

he is doing great.  still trying to figure out this whole insulin and blood levels. It does get a little frustrating for him not knowing yet when he will have high and low readings and which foods are causing it.  But, he has been very serious about monitoring and following his diet.

It's so hard to believe that it's been almost a month now and we are both following a very strict diet.

I figured it will easier if we both do this new life style.  I really need to lose some serious weight so this has been great.

Not sure how much we have lost I have some wacky thing with the scale. When i weigh myself on a diet if I get on the scale it makes me cheat with my eating. Its so weird, so now I just don't get on it every day.  I actually don't have one at my house because a few years ago when I was on weight watchers i used to weigh myself every time I passed by it.

So, I will wait until my clothes get baggier till I get on one again.

My doctor will be so happy when I go see him next month, he has been bugging me for years to lose some weight. (he's so skinny and thinks everyone should be)

This time it has been really easy to stay on a plan, I found some great websites to help.

One being livestrong.com and the other is sparkpeople.com

they both have calorie calculators on them that break everything down like calories, fat, protein and more.   they also have lots of other tools and groups for support.

Its great seeing the breakdown and it really helped us see why we are overweight.

For some reason its easy to gain only eating small amounts of bad food, but, when your losing its weird that we are stuffed and can't make it to our calorie goals most days. 

I guess stuffing yourself with water and fruit and veggies and only small amounts of carbs and proteins its easier to get full.  you only need a few oreos or a whopper to gain weight and be full, but, it takes lots of veggies to get to the same calories count.

I actually feel much better too, so I guess we both have learned a lot from this scare.

I hope we continue on our new healthy life style for a long, long, time.

I'm planning on losing until the end of December. its going to be my Christmas gift to myself. 

I'm so curious to see what i will look like if I can lose at least 40 pounds by then.  

think I'm going to have to start exercising in a few more pounds. Yuck

Health Scare Medical Miracles

On Friday while doing some gardening my hub was complaining that it was really hot out and he was sweating. Of course being the loving wife that I am I told him he was sweating because he had on hot jeans and a long sleeve shirt on.  

When he came in for a second glass of water and was hunched over sweating I thought he just wanted some company outside to watch him weed.

By now he was feeling pretty yucky and was sweating and nauseous.  I started weeding and felt a little hot too. So we took a break and were talking to a neighbor who stopped by to chat.

By now hub was really feeling crummy.  I yelled at him and said it was 2 and he missed lunch and his blood sugar level must be too low. ( he is a diabetic that loves sweets) so insisted that he should check his sugar level.  he sent me in to get him machine because now he felt pretty weak.

He couldn't remember exactly where it was because he hadn't checked his levels in over 2 weeks.

Finally, he found it and showed me the reading. thinking that it was going to be low I wasn't prepared to see  FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY ONE.   

Now my neighbor was going nuts too and told him he should get to the ER.

I knew he wasn't going to agree to do that so tried him to call his doctor.

He wanted to wait an hour after he showered to see if he would feel better.

My neighbor left and called me when she got home and said she called her friend who is an RN and she said that he needed to get to the ER she told me to call an ambulance.

Knowing that the hub would go nuts if I did that I convinced him to go to his doctor and would let him give him the news.

Of course the doc went nuts too and told him he needed to go to the ER asap.

so off we went.

I'm still thinking that it was a diabetic problem, but after we get to the ER he started to spill his guts and told them he had shortness of breath and some chest pain.

when they asked him how long it was going on for. thinking he was going to say an hour or two, he said 2 weeks!!!!!

Now, I was starting to think maybe it was something heart related too.

SO after lots of tests it was determined that he didn't' have a heart attack.

Oh yeah, I thought.

Well, now they are thinking a heart specialist should be called in just to be safe since he was having symptoms and has a really bad family history of heart problems.

Both of his parents died in their 70's from complicated heart problems including both of them having bypass surgery for clogged arteries.

The heart doc said to be safe he should stay for the weekend and and have a stress test.

Not the news hub wanted to hear but, knew it was the best thing to do.

After some more talking the doc decided instead of stress test he should have a cardiac catherization.

Where they go in and look at the arteries and check for blockages.

SO he spent the night in the cardiac unit with a room mate.

Now we are both very compassionate people but, after no sleep all night because his roommate was yelling all night and tried to escape a few times and emptied his urinal all over his bed and then to end the night  he was naked and pooping all over the floor. 

Hubs decided he would be better off coming home to rest and go back on Monday for his test.

Monday the doctor came in to do the catherization, they decided that he was able to go in through his wrist instead of through the groin oh happy day!

By this time I prepared myself to hear the news that there was a blockage and was relieved to hear there was only one.

luckily in our town a new heart center was put in place at our hospital so the doctor was able to continue on and unblock the artery and place a stint in to hold it open.

All this was done in just a little over an hour and required only a one night stay.

Luckily, all was well and he even had a private room.

He was able to come home today and is feeling great.

Of course now a new life style will start and medication and a new way of eating will begin.

I told him today when I picked him up "Welcome to the first day of your new life"

We felt very lucky that the problem was found and fixed before any serious damage happened.

Now that he's home safe and sound I realized how lucky we really are.

Mother's Day

I just want to share my daughter's blog.  She is an amazing daughter and mother.

this is her mothers day blog dedicated to me.

MY2MUSES

DAILY REFLECTIONS FROM A MAMA OF TWINS

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2009

Salute to Stregga

Before she was Streggaor Nana, she was Mama.  My Mom is one of the most amazing women I know.  She is funny, compassionate, generous and brave.  When I think of a mother I picture someone who loves unconditionally, that is my Mom.  She is my confidante, caretaker, role model and best friend.  Throughout my childhood I have memory after memory of places we visited like the beach, museums, parks and time spent together.  My mom stayed at home with us and would load up all of our friends and take us everywhere!! We had a blast and she became "Mommy" to many of our neighborhood friends even to this day.

Stregga always made celebrations of our life amazing!! She went all out with making birthdays special.  I remember turning 13, a major milestone.  And my Mom took me for an appointment at a make-up store.  I had been begging to wear make-up but had to wait until I turned 13.  I was taught by a professional what colors to choose and how to apply it.  It was so much fun!! For my 16th birthday I wanted a pool party, but since my birthday falls in January in New England it seemed unlikely.  But, Mom took my aunts and my friends and I to have  a sleepover party at a local hotel.  We had a great time hanging out at the pool and staying up all night chatting!!!  Each year is celebrated in a special way and we always have fun together.

Over the years my Mom has tried to instill in me a sense of independence and courage.  She always encouraged me to explore and have new adventures.  Once we drove to Florida ourselves around my 18th birthday.  We sang and chatted and made stops along the way.  We enjoyed the Disney parks and met new people.  It was a trip I will always remember.  She even let me drive on RT 95 -woohoo!!!  My childhood was filled with fun trips toWildwood, Cape Cod, Clinton.  Always road trips and beaches and fun!!  My dad worked a lot and couldn't always get time off, but that didn't stop Mom or summer fun.  She would load up the car and off we would go! And since we had a pool at our house beinghome in the summer was fun too because all of ourfriends would hang out at the pool.  Summers were the best!!

As I got older I went to my mom for advice that went beyond make-up and boys.  I knew when I was making life decisions I could always count on her for an honest and realistic opinion and unwavering support.  I always felt like it was ok to take chances and make mistakes because I would be loved no matter what.  I am grateful for that because I think it helped shape me into the person I am today.  I wasn't afraid to make new friends and travel to new places.  Along the way those people and places became part of the woman I am now.

Since becoming a mother myself, I have a newappreciation for my own Mom.  During my first pregnancy she stayed with me in the hospital for weeks.  Sleeping over, visiting every day for over 2 months waiting for the boys to be born.  She nevercomplained that the cot was uncomfortable or the drive was too long or that she was tired.  I never feltlike a burden to her. When my own baby was sick and needed to be hospitalized I tried to call on that example of strength.  And I have to admit I fell short.  I was exhausted and grumpy and that was after only 5 days of staying in the hospital with him.  I wondered, how did my mother do this for all those weeks?? And when the boys are up all night sick I have a hard time finding the energy to care for them with so little sleep.  But, my Mom always manages to come over and help me wipe their snotty noses and hold andcomfort them.  Once day last winter Luccio was so sick.  Stregga came over and sat on the couch withhim for 8 hours!! She fed, changed, bathed and snuggled him.  I sat by in a heap of exhaustion wondering where she gets her energy!! I was thankful and impressed to say the least.

The other day Vincenzo was worried because he thought there was a critter in his outdoor play house and he wanted me to check it out.  I of course don't like critters so Stregga went over and discovered it was only a rock.  I said, "Wow, Mama you are brave!" And she said I better start getting braver myself because mothers need to be brave! And she is right.  I do hide from critters and bugs and bloody boo-boos and Stregga is luckily around to pick up my slack.  But, I do need to be braver and I know I have an excellent role model who is teaching me how to be a wonderful mother!!!!

For all that she does and all that she is I am grateful that God has blessed me with the mother I have.  I cannot imagine my life without her.  I wish my mom and all mothers a very Happy Mothers Day!!! 

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ABOUT ME

CENZLUCCSMOM

I am a Stay-At-Home Mama (SAHM) to twin two year boys. I spend my days playing, teaching, laughing and learning with my beautiful little guys! And some days I nearly lose my mind keeping up with them! I often count down the hours and sigh with relief when my Sweetest Husband walks through the door from work! LOL!!

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• • • 
      

 

• ger (feat. Jamie Foxx) by Kanye West (on tour)

 

ZING ZANG ZOOM

ZING ZANG ZOOM!    The magic words of the day!   

 Today I was treated to the circus for my mothers day present.

I don't know who had more fun my grand boys or myself. 

I think it might have been me!!   Just the feeling of joy I got from seeing the excited looks on their faces was worth all the money we spent on souvenirs LOL.

we actually didn't need to go into the circus...they thought the lobby filled with vendors was the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!!

I think no matter how old you are your never too old or young  to enjoy the circus.  

When the lights went out and the show started the looks are their faces  was priceless!!

I know they won't remember their first trip to the circus , but it's a great memory for me.

There are definite advantages to being a stay at home Stregga.

Thank you Ree and Hubby and Vincenzo and Luccio it was a great Mothers Day Gift!!!!!!

Spring A Magical Time

It still amazes me to see the beauty of spring.   It seems like the winters are getting longer and longer and spring would never be here.

 But, today I was looking at some new buds on a totally dead looking branch on one of my hydrangea's.

  I thought they had to be cut back to be able to bud again so I was so surprised this morning when I noticed all the new buds forming.

I'm still waiting for my daffodils to open up I have tons of them in the yard and only one opened up in the back yard.  maybe tomorrow I will have a surprise when I go out and they will be open.

Every morning this week a new surprise awaited yesterday there was some crocus open and the tulips are getting ready to open soon.

The lawn turned green like magic it was just a dead dried out looking mess just a week ago.

I think I will never get over the feeling that spring is just a magical time of year.

I'm so glad it's finally here!    

Happy Easter New tradtions

I hope everyone had a great Easter!

  I know we did.  Instead of a big Italian dinner this year I decided to try a brunch.  It was great we started at 10:30.

Most of the menu was able to be made last night so it was an easy meal to prepare.  Of course I thought it was really easy because I didn't have to do anything.  My wonderful saint of a hubby shopped and prepared the whole meal.  He even thought it would be a a good idea to let me sleep in this morning.  Imagine waking up at 9:30 and have company coming at 10:30!!  I was a little upset (well, more like a LOT upset when I saw the time, but, it all worked out great so I guess it was OK.

Everyone really enjoyed the meal and the Easter egg hunt that followed so we decided that it will become our new tradition.

It left the rest of the day for everyone to be able to go and see the other half of their families.

Tea Party

Today I was invited to attend a very special tea party. My niece Miss J is in a great Pre K program and today was Grandparent/special person tea.

I felt very special to be invited.   The students put on a special show to show what they learned this year.  It was amazing to see  little 4 year olds singing their special songs and preforming a story in sign language.  Their teacher thought it would be fun to teach them sign language.  The stories included all the colors and lots of animal sing.  It was precious to see them preforming the full house. 

Their were very proud parents and grandparents and special guests.

The tables were decorated with china tea cups filled with Easter grass and jelly beans.  After the songs and very loud applause  lots of snacks and tea were served. 

It is great to be able to see joy on all their faces.

Saying Good bye to A favorite show

I'm just watching the 2ND to last episode of ER. It's so sad when a great show ends. I have enjoyed watching ER  since the beginning of the series and will miss it.

Sometimes it was a little stressful to watch it, but now that it's going off  I know I will miss watching it.

The cast of characters has changed many times over the years but, they were all great.

Tonight's episode was one of the best!  

Looking forward to next week the finale!

I'm thankful for my dogs

I have 2 small dogs StellaMary a 4 year old Pekingese and Charlie a 2yr old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  

It's hard to explain how I turned into such a dog person.

 Growing up we always had a family dog.

Some I remember better than others. Tom was my favorite, he was a real dog the neighborhood mutt.  Never went to the vet, ate canned dog food or leftovers or what ever he could find in the neighbors garbage.

When my own kids were growing we had dogs. It seems like they were just there to annoy me and make more work for me. Extra cleaning, chasing them down the neighborhood when they escaped from the yard, and cleaning poo from the yard.

They were pets and I didn't really have lots of patience for them.

But, when I got StellaMary my whole world changed, she came at a time in my life that I was abel to devote lots of time to her.  She was so tiny weighing less that a pound when she came into my life as a surprise.

My kids were grown so I could actually enjoy her.  She was a little sick when we first got her so had to spend a night at the animal hospital on Iv's. But having just lost a puppy a few months before her  Tia Mary Francis Apricot Muffin a tea cup poodle who died at the same animal hospital we decide to take her home and take our chances on saving her on our own. My husband and I both do Reiki so we just gave her reiki treatments every day and had to feed her eye droppers of water, and special food that came in a tube every hour.  I took her to work with me in a dog carrier and everyone held her to keep her warm. we also had a heating pad to help her stay warm.

She did great and recovered within a week or two.

Thats when it happened I turned into a crazy dog lady. Like the kind of people we always made fun of.

I started dressing her in cute little outfits complete with a pearl necklace with crystal heart hanging from it.   I had to take her bag that had her bowls and food and bottled water and her blankie.  She wore hats and entertained everyone with her cuteness.

Luckily, I worked on a college campus in the campus ministry house and had a great boss. (my daughter) that allowed her to come to work with me.  The kids on campus all loved her and took her for walks and played with her everyday.   

She even came to Rosary and mass with us.

I took her everywhere with me.  Her wardrobe grew quite large and everyone looked forward to seeing what she was wearing.

She grew into a great dog and brought much joy into my life. 

Well, I guess my hub thought that life was too good for us so why not shake it up so when Stella was 2 he decide to bring home Charlie.

Charlie was 7 months old when he came to us from hubs friend who bought him as a companion for her dog. Well, her doggie was having none of that and decided to terrorize Charlie on a daily basis.  Charlie is a sweet innocent needy little guy.

but, Stella and I were not ready for an addition to our family esp. since we now have twin grandsons added to our family to keep us really busy.

But, it was hard not to fall in love with this adorable little guy.

Charlie was not potty trained when we got him and was kept in a cage for most of his 7 months. So he required lots of attention.

He also had Giardia which was a parasite that had to be treated and our whole house had to be scrubbed and disinfected and we had to replace all our bedding.  Not to mention the vet bill and medication.  Luckily, none of us caught it.  

Oh, and the little dry patch on his ear turned out to be ring worm which one of the twins caught.

So its a good thing he's so cute, Oh yeah, he can't ever be alone and needs constant attention and wants to be on a lap all day.

 I almost forgot he pukes every day.  So now I have to make homemade dog food.  They actually eat better than we do.

Organic veggies and ground chicken and pasta. Once a week they get scrambled eggs and cheese.   

I just learned how to make dehydrated chicken for their snacks.

I never thought that it would happen to me turning into one those dog people.

Going to see The Martha Stewart Show

Tomorrow, I'm off to see The Martha Stewart Show.  I got tickets online to be in the audience.

I always call my sister Martha she started reading about Martha when no one even heard of her(well, I never knew who she was).   Her meals look like something out of Martha's magazine.

Not just holiday dinners this is the every night dinner and it started before Martha was a household name.

Every meal is complete with linen tablecloth and napkins and long stem glasses.  Fresh flowers and all.

I won't even tell you about the food or desserts.

 So how can I not try and get tickets the her show for her as a surprise.

When I first recd the response I was so excited.

It was fun reading the email......directions to get there, where to park.  What time to be there. Not later than 12:30 (if after 12:45 no entry) don't forget a picture ID.   

Then the DRESS CODE leave it to Martha to have a dress code to get into her audience.

Of course mini Martha has a great wardrobe that would meet Martha's standards. (she is a manager at a country club) and all the shoes and accessories to match.  

But, my clothes are the stay at home grandma style.  Yes , flat shoes and all.

I'm totally about comfort!

Sleepover with the Sisterhood

I just returned from a sleepover with my Sisterhood.  

The Sisterhood of Shopping was started about 15 years ago by my sisters friends aunt.

Aunt Barb as she is know to all of us started going to Vermont about 15 years ago with a few of her family pals.  They rented a condo at a ski resort in October and stayed for the weekend. It was a great time of bonding and eating and SHOPPING. 

The condo hasn't changed in all these years same deer head same 70's decor. But, the group has changed what started out as 2 or 3 pals has now turned in to a wonderful group of 12

The Sisterhood usually gets together every October and goes to Vermont.

They stay at the same condo its great there are 3 bedrooms a big loft and living room with fireplace dining area and kitchen. Luckily, there are 2 bathrooms.

Its right in a big ski area.  

So from Friday to Sunday its all about eating, and bonding and of course major SHOPPING!!

the weekend has really evolved over the years and now there is a theme for the weekend.

I have only been going for 3 years. I was asked to go for years but, always resisted Vermont was always a special place for my hubby and me.  We went there on our honeymoon many, many years ago and visited often over the years since then. I finally realized the reason I always declined was I didn't want to go there with anyone but him.   We did break down a few times and took our best friends once and our kids once, but for the rest of our visits it was just the two of us.

We stopped going about 5 years ago so I thought it might be OK to go with the Sisters.

What a great decision that turned out to be.

Every female should belong to some kind of sisterhood.  The special bond women share can not be explained.

I was quickly taken in by this great group of women.  From the fun of shopping, to sharing meals, to the late night chats.  It was great having other women to share it with.

I have been going with the sisterhood of shopping for 3 years now. 

On our last trip 2 of the sisters daughters were inducted into into the elite group.  They are both college students and have been hearing about the fun for most of their lives.

We had so much  fun planning a special induction ceremony. 

As soon as we all had our Jammie's on the girls came down dressed as old lady's in vintage flannel gowns with fake rotten teeth.  A good laugh was had by all.

After the induction ceremony the girls were presented with their SISTERHOOD OF SHOPPING shirts (oh yes we all have matching shirts brown with white letters on the back)

the letters SOS are on the front and The Sisterhood of Shopping on the back.

When we are all out shopping on Saturday we wear our shirts they get lots of attention and many shoppers ask how to get one. Of course they are not for sale and are only for our elite members.   We are now pictured on the wall of the Vermont Country Store.  They look forward to our yearly visit and we are greeted by the manager and staff with announcements over their PA system to announce our arrival.

 We also have silver antique pins with tiny SOS letters hanging on it, and this year we got mugs with our logo on them.

The girls were given a baby diaper pin with the same letters.

They were good spots and went along with all the craziness.  I think they actually enjoyed it.

Saturday is a marathon shopping day at the outlets.

The girls took a break from shopping and talked some of the older sisters into going to the alpine slides.   

Saturday is usually movie night you would think at least one of us could have gotten the VCR to work but, not.  Well, the popcorn was great and lots of sharing was had.

It was amazing to see the multi generational group all having a great time.

Well, back to our latest sleepover Aunt Bard recently purchased a large home that she only gets to spend the weekends at and invited the Sisterhood to spend the night.

We had a great time of pigging out and bonding.  We were supposed to watch a movie since we missed it in October.   Finally, after have lots of cheese fondue with veggies and chocolate fondue with fruit we started to look for a movie nothing was appealing so we finally settled on a real oldie   Roman Holiday a 50's classic.   It was kinda nice no violence and tragic romance.

Most of the sisters were asleep before the end.

Sunday morning we woke up to a leisurely breakfast of muffins, fruit, eggs, bacon, and bagels etc.

Some of us thought hey this would be great why not just have our annual getaway here.  sounded good to some of us.   Until husbands, boyfriends, and kids started showing up and cell phones kept ringing.

That's when we realized why The Sisterhood was formed you need to be out of state and have bad cell phone service to really get away from IT all.

So goodbye beautiful house and short drive and hello old condo in the mountain and peace and quiet for all.

Update on The Forgotten America

Tonight on 20/20 was an update to the show I was talking about in my post Being Thankful. (The forgotten America.)  I was excited to hear that there was an update on the show from last week.

After the show things are changing for some of the people highlighted on the show.  One young mom age 30 who lost most of her teeth is getting new teeth from a dentist for free.

One young boy who takes care of himself and lives in his car and really wants to change his life.

He dropped out of college after 8 weeks because he couldn't afford to stay even with a scholarship.

A college reached out to him and accepted him in, and will also help him with his school work.

The State is also going to benefit from The stimulus package and it will help out the area.

Pepsi the makers of Mountain Dew that is rotting the teeth  and causing other health problems  has donated dental equipment and is trying to get in more dentists to the area.

It was nice hearing that people are helping out and donating to these families.

Maybe things will start to get better for them.  I hope so. 

Today I am thankful that the media can make a difference to people in need.

Thankful for My Mom

Today, I went to the hospital to visit one of my favorite Aunts.  She is 97 and was admitted to the hospital and wasn't doing so well.  Today while I was there visiting with her, her daughter was with her taking care of her.  Giving her drinks and making her comfortable and just stroking her head.  It made me realize how thankful I am to still have my mom and that she is healthy at 82.

Being Thankful

I was just watching a show on TV about Diane Sawyer and the Lost America.  The really poor of Kentucky, The Mountain people.  Bobby Kennedy tried to help back in the 60's he tried to draw attention to the area and the people.

Not much has changed in all these years.

The drug addiction in the area is unbelievable, who is given the people who have nothing prescription drugs.  There is no work, so no one can afford cars, safe housing, or food.  The children interviewed want to escape the poverty.  They know the only way our is through education.  But, even education is impossible for many of them. Even with a scholarship one young boy, the first in his family to graduate High School, had to drop out because he couldn't afford to stay at the school or to be able to keep up with his classes.

It was also amazing to see the dental problems that plague the area. One of the main reasons the problem is so bad is everyone even unborn babies are drinking Mountain Dew. Most of the people interviewed had lost most of their teeth and have stomach problems, even children as young as 12 had missing adult teeth.

Coal mining is still a way of life.  One of the only good paying jobs in the area.

But, it's still very dangerous.  Most of the miners have medical problems from the job, but, it's hard to get any statistics on the medical problems.

It was amazing to hear the faith that the people interviewed had, the young children singing beautiful hymns and praising the Lord.

I found it so sad to think that people are living this bad in our country, one of the richest countries in the world.

Who will bail out these people.

It really brought me to reality.  I'm truly thankful for all I have.

I think I will post daily on something I am thankful for.

Today I am thankful for the wonder life I have.

 

 

Special Bonds

I think I will just let this picture speak for itself.   It says so much, if you think about it.

Pictured are my 3 grandsons Nikko in the shopping cart he's 11 1/2 Mikey behind him  11 1/2  is a cousin, and the twins looking on are 2.

It's hard to tell who is having the most fun with all the toddler toys.

  Is it saying your never too old to have fun? Or is it saying there is no difference between 11 and 2.

Is it saying boys will be boys.

Maybe, its saying boys don't mature until they're 35.

What ever it is saying I just loved the pure joy in their faces.

It's great that the older boys will play with their young cousins. Maybe, they are forming a bond that will carry on with them forever.

I hope that they will always stay close and look out for each other.

When I was growing up we always had lots of time with our cousins, now families are so busy that they don't always get to see each other. 

It's important to find time to get together so these bonds can be formed.

Special Day

Having 3 grandsons now I have to be fair and pass the love around.  I found that having one on one time with Nikko was so much fun, so I thought I would try it with Vincenzo  and Luccio.  At first it was great having one baby all to my self so Ree, started taking Luccio to a baby gym so he could get more   exercise for his low muscle tone.  She would drop off Cenzo for a vist at Stregga's.

We had so much fun just playing with toys and backyard fun.  Now I try and do it on a regular basis.

Its such a treat for both of us. We go to Barnes and Noble our favorite book store and play with the trains, or to the library.  We have gone to visit the horse farm down the street and to Toys R Us. Its always an adventure.

His favorite thing to do is take a nap in my king size bed.  He loves to hear me sing NeeNaNoaun.

Its just a little song that I sing to him I think its from my childhood, but I don't know the words so I just make them up and keep repeating it over and over for a few minutes until he falls asleep.

One day Luccio was crying when I took Cenzo and I said "Oh brother is so sad" he said "I happy".

I try and be fair now and take Luccio for special day but, Cenzo says"No I go special day."

It's hard to just take one of the boys knowing the other one is sad, but I think it's important for them to have their special day with Stegga alone.

I started taking Luccio so he can have a chance to talk.  He doesn't get much time to say anything because his brother answers all questions.

 I call him the ventriloquist.

I hope we can contine special day and make some great memories!

The trip is cancelled!

I just found out that our trip is cancelled.  What a bummer, after imagining the sunshine, green trees, and flowers in bloom: I have to just get readjusted to 6 more week of winter with no sneak peak of spring.  

Well, at least it's not snowing today and no reports of snow for the next few days.

I've been thinking of ways to feel better and get over the winter slump and think I will check out the new indoor water park I'm sure I can talk my grandkids into coming with me so I won't look out of place.  It's  84 degrees all the time and it is decorated very tropical. It won't be California but, maybe with my eyes closed I could pretend.

Sure wish the groundhog was wrong, I think every one is ready for Spring.

I Give UP

OK, I give up the pants are going back!  I saw my 4Th professional and they all seem to agree they are just too big and should go back to the store. So tomorrow I guess I will have to go and hunt for another pair of favorite pants.  I guess it could have been worse and they could have been too small! 

Or could be better and I could lose my baby weight, since my baby is now 30, and be able to just buy what I like and actually fit right.   Hmmm....... lose weight that sounds like a plan.

I thought the economy was bad

I found out today that the economy must not be as bad as I thought.  I know in my own family that we really had to skim our budget.  I'm always thinking of new ways to cut back.

But, today when I thought that getting a pair of pants tailored was going to be as easy as walking in to a tailor or dry cleaner, trying them on getting them fitted (yeah, they are too big) and then paying an affordable price  I was thinking maybe $30.00 was a good price.

But, no I walked in pur on my pants and the tailor looked at them and said I don't know what your expecting them to look like,  ( they are baggy and too long)  I said "I expect them to look like they fit me.   Was that asking to much just take them in a little here and there and shorten them.

He acting like I was asking him to do some lipo suction on me instead of just taking in the pants.

He said : "Well it will be very expensive"  I said well how much.   He said at least $65.00. I was a little shocked at the price.  Then he said " I don't want to do them it's too much work." 

I just took my pants and said "OK, I guess I will just have to go somewhere else."

So, off I go to my dry cleaners they advertise alterations. I asked if I could have my pants taken in and shortened.  Two people behind the counter,  one male and one female.   The female told me the male could pin them for me.  he said Oh these will be expensive I said oh how much he said about 30 dollars.  I was very excited to hear a normal price!  But, then he said just bring me a pair of pants the fit you and we will use the measurements.

I said I would like them to be pinned so they fit right , but he didn't want to do it.

OK, now I"m more that a little annoyed.  What the heck does no one want my business. I love these pants the perfect color and style.  Now I was on a mission, so off I go to business number three.

I walk in and asked the same question  this time the person behind the counter didn't even come over to me he was on the other side of the store and just looked at my pants and said it would not be worth doing the work because it would cost at least 100 dollars and they  I should just return them to the store where I bought them. He the said if it was only 10 or 20 dollars then he would do it.

I don't know about you but isn't this strange?  I wasn't asking anyone to rebuild a wedding gown it was just a simple pair of pants.

Well, I have one more person to show my pants to before I totally give up on the idea of having my pants tailored.  A  friend of a friend who does seamstress work out of her house. If she says the same thing, then I will just have to return my pants and have to go and search for another pair of perfect pants, what are the chances of that by the weekend.

If any one tells me that the economy is so bad and that there are so many people out of work, I think I will have to retell this story of taking in a pair of pants is too much work.

 

Not Spring Yet!

In my excitement about seeing green and not wearing winter clothes; I forgot that  its still winter and winter germs are lurking every where.  I really tried to be careful all last week and stay away from any one with a cough or runny nose.  Well, I guess it wasn't enough.  Even though I was drinking my orange juice so I could get my daily dose of vitamin C and trying to keep my hands washed.

But, it caught me anyway.  I now have a full blown head and chest cold. 

 I was looking forward this week to getting ready for my trip and have appointments for my hair, and pedicure and manicure. I have shopping to finish and the house to get ready, not to mention packing.

I can't forget getting the dogs ready for their week at their Uncle's house.

StellaMary is very excited about her vacation she loves going over Uncle Gene and Uncle Michael's house.

She loves getting spoiled (not that she doesn't get enough here but, Charlies is always getting more)

She has been going to her Uncle's since she was a little puppy so she loves spending nights there.

Of course Charlie even though he's 2 has only spent one overnight.

We are so lucky to have such good friends that we could trust with our babies.

They are very set in their routines and get a little upset when we go away. But, I know they will get lots of love and lots of walks.

Hopefully, this horrid cold will do away soon, but I don't know how my poor husband is going to avoid getting it.

   I have been walking around with my Clorox wipes and try to clean everything I touch but, doubt it will be enough.

You don't realize  you just can't avoid the cold germs.  I feel like I'm leaving them everywhere.

Hope they don't catch you.

A Break From Winter

I was just thinking how I can't wait until spring...... After all the snow and ice we have been having in the Northeast no wonder thoughts of spring keep entering my mind.

I feel so lucky that in just one week I will be going to California for a few days.  Today while out shopping for my upcoming mini vacation (actually a business trip -tagging along with my hubby)

I realized that when you feel like and are dressed like winter you actually start looking like winter.

I was dressed in jeans and a double layer frumpy sweater and print socks and my hair was showing lots of gray ( don't want to spring it up too early appt. next week)  so it was difficult looking at bathing suits ( oops better start shaving the legs this week every day). 

The stores were showing all the great spring clothes but, looking outside at all the dirty snow and naked trees it was hard to concentrate on finding  California looking clothes. 

Of course the added holiday and winter weight wasn't helping them fit too well either.

Luckily, I was able to find some colorful new tops and a great pair of light weight pants.

Now all I have to find is some sandals.... I better add a pedicure to my list of things to get ready for the warm weather too.

I'm just imagining what it will be like when we get off the plane in CA> seeing the bright sunshine and the flowers in full bloom and the green trees.

I feel like it will just take this heavy gloom off and make me feel like spring will finally come back to New England.

I do know that after seeing a glimpse of spring it will be hard to land back in reality to the dirty snow and naked trees.  

But, how lucky I feel that I will have a break from it all.

A Reason A Season A Lifetime

I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago that was really upset about losing her mother and losing her mom's caretaker. She became very close to her mom's caretaker and thought of her as family.

she was with them for 5 years.. But right before her mom died the caretaker Irene left and returned to her home in the Philippines.  My friend felt abandoned.

It reminded me of a poem  I once read.  I couldn't remember all the words, but today I googled it and found it.  I thought I would share it.

 PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE FOR A REASON, SEASON OR A LIFETIME 

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you figure out which it is , you will know exactly what to do

When someone comes in your life for a Reason........It is usually to meet a need you have expressed.  They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

They seem like a Godsend and they are!

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at and inconvenient time, this person will do something to to bring the relationship to and end.

Sometimes they act up or force you to take a stand.

Sometimes they die, sometimes they walk away.

What we must realize is that our need or desire is fulfilled, their work is done.

your need has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a Season..... It is because your turn has come to share, grow, learn.

They bring you an experience of Peace or make you laugh.  They may teach you something you have never done.

they usually give you and unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it!  It is real.  But, only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.  

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Author Unknown