My baby is three years old today! Happy Birthday Christopher!

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Going To "Hampshire" To See Da "Goyals" !

The first thing Christopher said when he woke up this morning was "NOW, can we go to Hampshire and see Da Goyals??" He started packing his bag. He is so funny. He isn't the only one who is excited! I am a little anxious about going to Toronto for New Year's though. He and I will be flying to Toronto from Manchester on the 29th. What makes me anxious is the fact that he decided to hold on to all of his "terrible two behavior" and pulled it out of his hat three weeks before turning three! Yikes. He has just been a handful these last few weeks. Last night, he was having such a tempter tantrum that I just packed him up in the van and drove to daddy's office. We walked in the door and I said "I need help!" Poor Colin looked scared! lol I don't care one bit if he acts up in front of my family. We have tons of kids in my family and everyone had been there, done that and has the T-Shirt. But, when I go to Toronto, not so much. When Christopher starts acting up in front of Colin's family, I literally break out into a sweat. And I know that most of his behavior is OUR fault for pushing him beyond his limits; late dinners in noisy, crowded restaurants and strangers coming up to him expecting to be greeted with open arms. It is very stressful. SO, I am praying for a very low key visit there. Obviously, I won't be posting until I return, which will be January 3rd! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR! GOD BLESS XOXO

Family Time

(click image to enlarge)
We had a wonderful weekend in Orlando! It was nice to spend time together and enjoy Christopher! I'm sure I will be posting more pictures and talking about it more later! No time today!!

Happy Birthday Britany!

How did that happen??? I blinked my eyes and my little baby doll turned 18 !!!!

Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Okay, so maybe I am a little PMS, but is that any reason to choke back tears in the middle of the grocery store just because Bob Seger's "Little Drummer Boy" was playing over the store's PA system?

It is a good reason if you have been reading my blog and Ann-Marie's blog these days. The situation with Ann-Marie's friend, Hope, has made me stop and smell the roses for sure. I look differently at almost everything I do these days. Maybe through her suffering, others, such as myself, may begin to better appreciate the gifts that we have been given; family, friends, home and most especially...life itself.



As I listened to the words of "Little Drummer Boy" in the produce section of Publix, my mind and my spirit were in a small cave in Jerusalem looking in awe at this baby and at the people who had come to honor him and bring gifts. I thought about the Roman centurion who begged Jesus to save the life of his servant and remembering his words to Jesus, I said to myself "If you say it shall be done, I know it will be done" and asked him to please heal Hope.




Christopher has been going through a tough time ever since we returned home from Thanksgiving in Orlando. Poor baby can't understand why his sisters can't come over or we can't just hop in the car and go to "Hampshire". It didn't help that Daddy was away for a couple of extra days after we arrived home.

One night, he made me SO sad. He wanted his sister, Hope. He kept saying "Wait for Hopey" when I tried to explain that Hopey wasn't coming home that night, he said "Don't be worried Mommy, maybe let's just see" and he went to the front window in the kitchen pulled up the blind and a chair for me and said "Come Mama. Let's wait for her" and he sat in the window looking down at the street below. I just cried. He did the same thing for Daddy every night that he was gone. He has been so fussy ever since.

Last night, I drove him to Colin's office and as soon as he finished giving some instructions to his nurse, we walked out the door! He has been working such long hours, I think it has finally taken a toll on Christopher. Since getting back from Orlando, he doesn't want to get dressed or go outside. He wants to just stay in his PJ's and watch TV. When I try to insist we go to the park or Busch Gardens, he has a melt down. Soooooo, Daddy said we are going to Disney this weekend! Yippie! You know you don't mess with Doctor's orders! =)

Why?

As I read Ann-Marie's blog for updates about her friend Hope, I am just left asking "Why?" I just don't get it. I really need someone to explain to me how there can be murderer's and rapists and child molesters breathing air and planning visits with family for the holidays when there is a beautiful, young woman with two small boys asking Ann-Marie help her wash and dry her hair because she has family and friends flying in to say good-bye to her.

Ann-Marie helped decorate her hospice room with a small tree and lights. Hope's two boys came to the hospital with Christmas gifts for mommy telling her to get better soon. They have no idea that this will be their last Christmas with her and how their lives are about to change forever. I think about all of the amazing miracle healing told in the bible and wonder again...."Why?"

Although I only met Hope on a few occasions, she is on my mind these days constantly; as I am doing laundry, making a meal, playing with Christopher or talking with loved ones on the phone. I think about how we all take these daily activities for granted and how each day that we have is a precious gift and sometimes feel guilty that I am able to go about my daily life while another woman's is slipping away.

I still pray for a Christmas miracle and hope that you all will too.

Close Call For Mindy

My daughter's poor dog, Mindy, was hit by a car last night! She is lucky to be alive. She had emergency surgery and is resting at home. She has a fractured skull, but the vet said because a dog's brain is placed to the back of the skull, she did not suffer any brain damage. He said that if they are gentle with her and she gets plenty of rest, the fracture will heal fine. Phew. Lesson learned. We all prayed to St. Francis and are grateful that she is recovering.

Prayers Needed...

I have a request to everyone who reads my blog. Please go to my sister-in-law's blog (Cooper's Corner) listed to the right here under "Blogs I read". Her dear friend, Hope is dying of cancer. She is gravely ill right now. She has two small boys, ages seven and four. I would like everyone to please pray for her and her family during this most difficult time. Hope's blog is listed on Cooper's Corner if you would like to take a peek into the life of this very brave young lady. (Hope for the TA TA's) Thank you.

Prayer for the Sick
Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the sick, we turn to you in this time of illness. O dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sick under your care and humbly ask that you restore your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge your will and know that whatever you do, you do for the love of us. Amen.

Magical Thanksgiving 2008

It truly was a "magical" day and a "magical" Thanksgiving! There was zero stress as we all enjoyed the Magic Kingdom at Disney World..even my girls got along! The weather was gorgeous...except at night...a little chilly for this Florida girl. So, maybe we should make this a new family Thanksgiving tradition ! ;)

Another Happy Reunion!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I am leaving this afternoon for Orlando to meet my "goyals" (as Christopher calls them) !! They are driving down with my sister Charmaine and nephew Tyler. Actually, Britany and Taylor are following her in Britany's car because Taylor simply could not LIVE without her boyfriend Jamie for the week! Ahh, young love.... That whole story was a lot of drama....trying to figure out how we were going to get everyone down here. Whew. I'm just glad they are coming! We are going to Disney on Wednesday. Rob, Ann-Marie and Cooper are coming...YEAH!!! We are planning on going over to the church were Nana and Papa were married more than 40 years ago to have a little reunion of sorts. I'm looking forward to getting some group shots of all of us together. (Hmmm.Christmas card idea!) Christopher packed his little suitcase last night and dragged it downstairs to the front door. He then ran in circles around the couch with his Mickey Mouse ears on! He doesn't know that Daddy won't be joining us yet.. =( Daddy is going to Toronto. If Colin could come, that would be the icing on the cake... I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. I miss the big family get-togethers....all of the birthday parties, Holidays, cook-outs, etc. This will be so great! I won't be blogging again until I get back either Friday or Saturday. So, HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

We had a wonderful day today! I am never going to complain about my hum drum routine again! It felt sooooo good to just be able to get up and outside today! I think that I needed to get sick to appreciate the little things in life ... like the ability to breathe maybe?? Ahhh. It was a gorgeous day. Just crisp enough for a sweater. We went to music class and then to the mall to see Santa, have lunch and window shop! I was so happy and grateful to get dressed and spend a beautiful day with my beautiful boy!! =) He has been so patient the last two weeks, playing alone while mommy was a zombie on the couch!

Finally..

I think I'm finally rounding the corner! I'm feeling much improved this morning. I've been feeling pretty good in the mornings the last couple of days, but usually go down hill in the afternoon and evening, but this morning feels more improved...Thanks to everyone for their concern and wishes!

Sick As A Dog...

So, I thought I was feeling better...then I took a two hour nap yesterday and woke up worse than ever. Long story short, I have been diagnosed with "Atypical Pneumonia" mycoplasma pneumonia suspected. I'll tell you the whole story later; for now, I'm going back to bed!

FHS Cheering ~ STATE CHAMPS!!!!

(Taylor is a "flyer" In the opening shot, she is in the back, not easy to see. Then she can be seen to the far left of the screen. Just try and follow her! During the tumbling sequence she is the last girl to tumble diagonally; doing a full twist at the end to arousing cheers!)

Inspiration For Difficult Times...(2Videos)

Insert Snazzy Title Here...

I have officially "caught" the virus that little man Chan started last week. Ugh. I hate being cooped up in the house. I may drag Christopher and myself to the mall today in order to buy him a new movie so that he will let me rest. We'll see.

Taylor got her license yesterday! Crazy. I CANNOT believe that I now have TWO children driving. She is out car shopping with her dad today ~ that lucky duck.

She gave me a little scare last night. Britany called me very concerned as the coach was driving Taylor to the emergency room.. (way too many flashbacks from gymnastics) fortunately, it was just a sprained wrist.

I am so looking forward to their visit for Thanksgiving and our family trip to Disney with Rob, Ann-Marie, Cooper, Charmaine, Tyler and Nana & Papa! It should be a great time and I'm sure to get a billion pictures!! The only thing that could make it better would be if April and her family could come down too...

At Long Last! My Knight In Shining Armour Has Arrived!

Halloween was fun this year. I took Christopher to the mall for "trick or treat" As you can see, he was my knight in shining armour! You should have seen his face when he saw all of those tons of little kids dressed up in costumes. He was in awe. So cute.

Barack Obama Wants My Vote

Okay, Okay..I know I said that I'm sick of politics, BUT, my conscience can't rest!

I Love You, You Love Me.....

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Well Barney came to the mall Saturday! Christopher was so happy to see him! I was a little worried because the first time Britany saw Barney (around the same age as Christopher is), she was PETRIFIED! But, as you can see, Christopher ran to his friend Barney with open arms! =)

Two Story Outhouse...

Raise your hand if you're SICK of politics????

Sweet 16...

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My sweet Taylor is 16 years old! I'll say it again~where did the time go?? I celebrated her birthday while I was up there a couple of weeks ago. I think the pictures are in the slideshow below. I got her a silver jewelry box which I had engraved along with a beautiful ring. Nana and Papa gave her a pretty bracelet which they had engraved. We had a yellow rose and sweet 16 balloon delivered to the school from The Blossom Shop. She was very happy about that. Jeff had cake last night. He gave her two watches that belonged to his mother along with some Coach perfume. Jamie got her a new digital camera. Sounds like she had a great birthday!

All Hail Queen Britany!!

Congratulations Britany! So weird...24 years ago I was crowned Homecoming Queen at FHS! Her date's name was Abraham "Abe" and our king was Abra Feurestein...

The kids don't dress up anymore for Homecoming, which is really sad...just jeans. Crazy. Anyway, this is a picture of her with her date. Most of you already know the major drama of her difficult break-up with her beau of almost two years; Dustin. This is the only picture that I have and I "stole" it from her photobucket account. *sigh* Apparently, she isn't happy with ANY of the pictures from that night...so, this is it!

=)

Yes, New Hampshire is very pretty this time of year, however; yesterday, I was reminded of why I love Florida so much! I took Christopher to Busch Gardens and it was the most gorgeous day! It was about 86 degrees with this absolutely beautiful breeze. We had a wonderful time at Busch Gardens. I like to go there and listen to all of the different accents of the families as they pass by me, etc. There are ALOT of British people there every day. I've also heard German, Sweedish and French accents to name a few. It is neat to think that I get to visit a place like that so often, when it is such a big trip for many. Interesting!

"Eh-uh, New Hamsha is Wicked Pretty"

New Hampshire Fall 2008

The Accidental Tourist!

I never would have thought I'd see the day where I would become a tourist in New Hampshire! I was officially a "leaf peeper". An "accidental tourist"! Yep, that was me standing in the middle of Main Street in Franklin, snapping pictures!

I had a wonderful visit in New Hampshire this past week. It was so nice to see my "goyals" again. Christopher was in his glory. Bonnie Walshaw and her boyfriend Bert, opened up their home to us and treated us like royalty! Thanks so much you two! You are angels!

Sarah came over to Bonnie's on Wednesday and the three of us had a gab fest! It was nice getting caught up on all the gossip!

Hope is quite a good little field hockey player! She is aggressive and not a bit afraid of getting in there for the ball! Keep up the good work Hopey!

After missing all last season, I finally got to see Taylor cheering! She is so adorable. I was disappointed that I didn't get an opportunity to watch Britany doing her "nastics" (as Christopher says), but she was busy preparing for the SAT's and didn't go to gym. Oh, yeah...did I mention that she is the Senior class Homecoming Queen candidate? =)

Lisa Henry ~ sorry, I didn't get back to you! Every time, I thought of calling you back, I'd look down at my phone and it said "looking for service" ! I hope Nicole had a great birthday and you had fun at the fair. Maybe next time...

Colin really enjoyed his conference in Vermont. It was the perfect time to schedule a conference there. He said the scenery was beautiful. He had a relaxing, scenic drive over to New Hampshire and I took him on a quick tour of Danbury, Hill and Franklin! We had a nice dinner with Charmaine, April,Steve and the kids. (Hopey was the only one missing as she was camping with her horse!)

Christopher is happy to be back home, as evidenced by the mess in his toy room! I think he had to take every single toy out and get reacquainted! We are hoping to get to Busch Gardens today...I NEED the exercise for sure. I ate anything and everything while on my "vacation". Time to pay the piper I guess!

Now, I guess I'll see my "goyals" again for Thanksgiving!

"I Go To Hampshire Mama! See Da Goyals!"

Christopher and I are "on the road again" this Friday! We are heading to "Hampshire to see da goyals". Christopher is already packed. He had to pack a couple of days ago. We were on our way home from Wal*Mart when he started having a mini-meltdown. "I go to Hampshire Mama! I see da goyals. I miss dem!" So, of course I told him that we were going to Hampshire in five days, which meant absolutely nothing to him. "NO! Go dat way" and he began to point in the opposite direction that I was driving. Anyone who has attempted logic on a toddler knows exactly what happened next. Anyway, finally, I decided to try another method so that I could hear myself think on the way home. I said "we haven't packed our suitcase yet. We need to pack first". So, obviously, the second we got in the door, he was headed upstairs to pack his suitcase. After attempting to get all of his warmer clothes into his little suitcase, he said "Mama, I need big suitcase!" Needless to say, the packed suitcase has been sitting by the front door ever since!

I will be in NH from September 26th through October 5th. So, there will be no posts during that time!




Here are a couple pictures from our latest trip to Busch Gardens.

My Baby!

Picture Day

Here is one of the pictures Britany got back from the photographers...She is still waiting on the others...

Memories....

 

In Some Ways, It Feels Like 100 Years Ago...In Other Ways, It Feels Like Only Yesterday...Don't Blink, Or Your Babies Will Grow Up!!!!

Home Again, Home Again!

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What a trip. It started off badly; when at Toronto airport, Colin grabbed my luggage without realizing that it was partially unzipped, and one of my hair care products had not been screwed back together properly after inspection and it was spilling all over the place. Things only got worse when we got to our destination and I realized that many items were missing; from my speciality coffee to my cell phone charger and camera battery charger!!! ARRRRRRR. But the weather was just beautiful. It was a little stressful at times...travelling with a toddler...but he handled himself quite well for the most part, throughout the many family dinners at crowded restaurants (even falling asleep in his high chair at one such event!) He has really come out of his shell and was quite entertaining! Home at last. Time to RELAX!! Check out the slideshow above and the video below!!!!

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Greetings From Toronto!

We are having a great time in Toronto. The weather has been great. Unfortunately, I expected it to be a little cooler than it has been and I actually found myself in Walmart yesterday buying shorts and flip-flops...CRAZY huh? When I think about how many I have at home and I didn't bring any! Another lesson learned I guess!

Colin gave me some great news yesterday...he has a conference in Vermont the last week of September so, I am going to visit the girls and HOPEFULLY, drag him over to NH for at least a day!! YAY!

I will write more when I get back and, of course, share some pictures. We took Christopher to the Metro Zoo yesterday and had a great time. We got some really great pictures and we saw the most amazing grizzly bear. Yikes. He was HUGE!!

Stay tuned!

Rubbing Elbows...

The girls had a wonderful time last night...obviously!! What an amazing opportunity! Lucky girls! =)

"I Do Nastics Mama!"

Christopher Airport July 21 2008



HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! Christopher has been doing his own version of "nastics" for quite some time. I have video of him running and then going right into a forward roll. I thought if we just don't encourage it, he'll change the subject. I always thought the girls must have gotten their gymnastics talent somewhere from their father's side, because I have always had two left feet. But, here is my son...the next generation! Yikes. So, we were watching the men's gymnastics last night and he was totally GLUED to the t.v. He would watch the men and then attempt to copy some moves. When one man would finish, he would look at me and say "nother nastics boy mama? do again?" I said "Yes, another boy is going to do more gymnastics" and when the next one would come up, his eyes would fix right on him throughout the entire performance. At one point, he turned to me and said "I wanna do dat. I do nastics mama." I said "Talk to Dadda" =)

Summer Fun!

This little boy sure has been enjoying all of his summer company! Naturally, he had a blast with his sisters, his big brother came down for a couple of days and then he enjoyed playing with "Megwin and Philip" for the last couple of weeks. I think he is going to be bored when it's back to just plain old Mama! =)

August Visit!

Britany and Taylor are coming down August 13th! Hope is getting a new dog, so it's not likely she will want to leave her "baby" and most likely her dad will not want to be left with the new "baby". =( Britany and Taylor's former coach, Laura is best friends with Tiffany Fallon, a former playmate of the year, who is married to a member of the Grammy Award Winning group Rascal Flatts. Anyway, Laura invited the girls to join her at their concert here in Tampa and to go backstage to meet the group and I think to meet their opening act...Taylor Swift...Britany has meet the guys from Rascal Flatts before, but is still obviously very excited. Both girls are very thrilled and grateful for this amazing opportunity.

On another note; Britany had an awesome visit at the Air Force Academy last week. She said she felt very special when the coach took her around campus and introduced her to everyone they met as the Academy's #1 recruit. She even had the opportunity to land the flight simulator. She was extremely upbeat about the whole experience and is looking forward to her "official visit" in November.

Another Chapter..another visit has come and gone..I'm trying to stay positive..I am hopeful for an August reunion! =)

Some More Potential Senior Pictures! Tell Me What You Think!

Class of 2009