Pleased to announce a new family member

We have discussed adding a new member to out the family for awhile. We talked, waited, did some research. Talked to others in our same situation. We thought about being responsible. Is it fair to the existing members of our family? Will anyone feel left out? Will Mike be neglected as I will not be available as much? Will our marriage suffer? Is it fair with the economy and the world like it is these days? What about vacations? We wondered if we were biting off more than we could chew. Should we take the plunge this year, or wait? Why wait we wondered, we are not getting any younger. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Sometimes, I just wish someone would make the decision for us. I apologize for not sharing any of this with any family members. We just didn't know what we would do, and we didn't want to answer questions as we made our final decision.

Fate sometimes plays in role in your life and takes the decision out of your hands. The decision was made for us, and it is truly a blessing. The Tarantino family is pleased to annouce out 8 lb 22 inch new computer. I will post pictures soon!!

Our baby girl was born on April 27th, and has fit right into the family. She has to be a girl because of the plug-ins.

G and G

It has been about 6 months since my girlfriend's daughter Gianna died suddenly of an unknown kidney virus. I think of G and her family every day. Lately, it seems like I'm having a harder time with her lose. Some days it just takes my breath away, so I can't even begin to imagine how her family is feeling. Her family is amazing with their strength and courage under such rotten circumstances. They continue to take it day by day while trying to maintain a positive attitude. During this Easter season, I find myself thinking that maybe this was how God felt when he gave us his son for a time. It must have been the pits to watch your son be abused by those who didn't understand him. At least God got his son back. I wonder if that will be the same for all of us who have lost loved ones.

Beutiful Gianna
Gianna and a friend

My friend Vicki with her brother-in-law

Vicki's three kids: Gianna, Vinnie, and Val

Rest in Peace Gianna

May your family continue to find the strength

they need to get through the griefing process.

Gymnastics

Sunday was spent at a meet in Carol Stream. I can't believe that the season is almost over and Alyssa will be ending her gymnastics "career" with the Royal Twisters. I have had so much fun watching the girls work as a team, and succeed at their passion. I have enjoyed spending time with the parents. I don't know what I would do without my partner in crime, Vicki.

Sunday Breakfast

We went to breakfast a couple weeks ago and I snapped these pictures.

Jared and Friends

This is why I like to go on field trips with the kids. I get to know their friends in a whole new way. Me thinks these guys have a sense of humor.

Mother Nature

So I come home from work, feeling frustrated and angry at the world. I can't believe we have snow and cold so late in April. Wondering why my Spring Break went so fast. Wondering why I can't have all the money I need to do all the things I want to do. You know nothing really to be frustrated about. As I pull into my drive way I see this. Is it me or is it obnoxious gesture? I wonder does Mother Nature have a sense of humor?

Spring Break

What a fun, productive and relaxing spring break. Mike and kids are in school this week so I am home by myself. I know poor Col. I've had the pleasure of going to the orthodontists, running errands, and going into work for some of my outside independent highlights. At home, I've cooked, cleaned, did laundry, etc. I think the kids have enjoyed having me home as we have been eating some good dinners.

I also went on a field trip with Jared to the Widow Clarke house in Chicago. I was so impressed that the Clarkes moved from New York and bought 20 acres of land for $2000 on the shores of Lake Michigan. At one point I leaned over to Jared and said, "You know what I wish?" To which he responded "You wish you were a Clarke." Smart kid. It was fun to see Jared with his classmates.

The highlight of the week so far would have to be Wednesday. On Wednesday, I went to see niece Mary at work. She treated me to a Microdermabrasion. WHAT A TREAT!! Thanks Mary. I was also a guinea pig for a new RN so she can learn how to give Botox injections. Afterwards, I met my college friend, Sue. We spent a fun-filled day at Water Tower Place, Navy Pier, and dining at Italian Village. At Navy Pier, we saw the 3-D movie Under the Sea. It is amazing how many creatures lurk under the sea. I don't think I will be going into the water in the near future. Not that it was an option anyway. I always enjoy spending time with Sue as she is such a positive, thoughtful person who is always so quick to laugh. These are traits you need when you have four-year-old twins. I thought I was so clever to bring my camera with me to take some shots. Too bad I forgot about it in my purse. Now I have to do the trip again!!