Col's Crazy World

Happy Birthday Sister!!

2010-12-16T20:22:00.004-06:00

Today is my sister Kath's birthday. She shares a birthday with Beethovan, which is amazing since they are both classic!! Happy birthday Kath. I love you and I hope your birthday is wonderful.

Three Perfect Days

2010-10-03T09:51:00.013-05:00

Tri- meaning three

The first three days in October are like a trifecta in horse racing.

The ultimate win.

On October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd- our family was blessed with the ultimate win.

On October 1st, my sister Karen was born,

who was gone from our lives way too soon.

Karen is the one in the red dress.

Mom is holding on to Karen.

October 2nd, welcomed my nieces Amy and Genine.

Beautiful ladies who are raising beautiful children.

Genine is wearing a visor and is by her dad, Terry.

Genine and her family.

Her husband Jamie, Harrison and Colin.

Happy Birthday Aimers!!

Amy and her family

Her husband Kenny, Grace, Jessica and Jack.

Then on October 3rd, our family was blessed with my niece Karen.

Happy birthday Nana.

Karen is the one wearing the apple dress at my sister Kath's wedding.

Sorry Nana couldn't resist.

Karen and her husband Chucks.

Karen with her boys Eric and Danny.

Thank you ladies for enriching my life.

Your examples of thoughtfulness,

kindness and gentle ways

have taught me what is important in life.

I hope your special day is/was wonderful!!

Happy 11th Birthday

2010-09-09T20:41:00.005-05:00

I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I am so proud of my son!!

Happy Birthday Alyssa

2010-07-26T23:13:00.006-05:00

I can't believe that Alyssa is 15!! Happy Birthday Baby!! You are an amazing young lady!!

The Biggest Loser

2010-03-27T22:00:00.001-05:00

It's official I am part of the Biggest Loser team. Each member of the team received a $50 gift certificate to Target. I was hoping for Dairy Queen!! I personally lost 12.5 pounds and still plan on losing more. Looking forward to losing the back fat! I learned a lot these past two months. I found out that no exercise and cookies = weight gain.

This fish weighed 12 pounds- just what I lost!!

Craftapalooza II

2010-03-13T21:21:00.004-06:00

Beautiful, Adorable, Happy Dexter!

I only took pictures of Dexter. My sister, who thinks she is so funny,

took pictures of me every time I picked up a crafting object.

My sister hosted the second Craftapalooza at her house told and I was invited. Just to set the record straight. I have a sister who quilts among other projects. Her daughter who does all kinds of crafty things from sewing to painting to everything in between. A niece who quilts, sews, stamps, and scrapbooks. Did I mention she has a book published for her scrapbooking? My sister-in-law makes beautiful jewelry. Then there is me, know as the square peg in the round hole from here on in. Yes I can come up with creative ideas, but I don't have time in my life right now for a craft. Let's just say I am Crafty Challenged. So I told my sister Kath, I will be there. I spent hours wandering craft stores looking for a project, and the only thing I got was a headache. So my list for crafts were quickly dwindling. The list included playing with my niece Sarah's kids, and taking them to the park. Think of all the glory I would get by playing with the kids and I would get out of crafting?

You can imagine my panic as it rained all the way to Cissna Park. The situation appeared hopeless when we pulled into the driveway and out came John, Sarah's husband, and announced he was taking the kids to the park now. Wait this can't be happening - that is my craft going to the park! It was way too soon for the park. I just spent 90 minutes in the car and I can't go to the park now! RATS!!

OK plan B. While taking deep breaths I ventured into the craft room. I wondered how long I could get away with admiring everyone else's projects. For the record about 3 minutes. Aha project ahead. Karen needed help going through a scrap box. I can do that. All I need to do is look for the right color turquoise scraps of fabric. After spending about 15 minutes going through part of the box without much luck, Karen told me, "No luck yet, keep going." How could I resist such encouragement. Three scraps later, the project was over and kids were back from the park. Thank God for rain.

The next enjoyable hour was spent playing with Dexter and Karen's dog, Sophie. Dexter is the happiest sweetest baby. My niece and her husband make amazing kids. Sophie is an adorable dog who has lots of energy and friendly to everyone. Once again, panic struck again when Dexter feel asleep. Do I dare drink the water Karen gave everyone.? The labeled cautioned the consumer would become creative when consumed and that it worked on Square Pegs.

I could no longer avoid the unavoidable. It was time to craft. The remainder of the crafting was spent making 3 super easy holiday plates, cutting out and mounting pictures of my students. Did I enjoy crafting? YYYY...YYY...ES! That was hard to say. More importantly, I enjoyed the company with some of the most amazing women I know. Maybe I'll do it again.

Oh I guess I am crafty- I was the first one to post about this event!!

Happy Birthday Nadia

2010-03-01T22:12:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday Nadia. I hope your day was terrific.

It is hard to believe you are SIX YEARS OLD!!

Yahoo

2010-02-25T20:13:00.001-06:00

-10.5 What more can I say!!

Waist Management

2010-02-13T19:33:00.002-06:00

-9 lbs

A little disappointed because I only lost .5 lbs this week. As my girlfriend said it is half a pound of butter and I didn't gain. So I'm thinking I need to shake things up a bit different foods, exercise, and praying for weight loss. I am grateful for my teammates who I call when I am craving chocolate. We still are in first place with a commanding lead, but we didn't win week 4. Here's to -10 lbs.

Maintaining First place

2010-02-04T20:56:00.002-06:00

-8.5 My teammates and I have a commanding lead with a total of 7.8% loss in the first three weeks of the competition. In desperate need of lightweight clothes for future weigh-ins.

Weight management

2010-02-03T21:03:00.003-06:00

-7.5 Weigh-in tomorrow. Will my team maintain the first place position?

The Power of Words: 50 words that lift, motivate, and inspire from a LDS Mormon view

2009-12-27T23:32:00.001-06:00

Something to think about.

Fourth Grade

2009-12-20T20:46:00.003-06:00

I absolutely love teaching fourth grade! As the kiddos were leaving on Friday, I had a tear in my eye since I wouldn't see them for two weeks. They, on the other hand, couldn't get out the door fast enough. I just finished writing my thank you notes for the many generous gifts I received. My tug on the heartstrings gift came from a little girl who doesn't have much, but is one of the most compassionate young ladies I have ever had the pleasure to know. You just know she picked it out and wrapped it herself. Another favorite gift is one session for a facial hair removal. Why? I guess I'm just a hairy guy I mean gal. Hee hee hee hee!! I guess teaching puts hair on your chest and face!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTA

2009-12-16T06:55:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Kath!! I hope your birthday is as wonderful as you are!!

Gianna

2009-10-28T20:28:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since Gianna passed away so suddenly. She will always be remembered for her warm smile, her gentle nature, her kindness, and her unique outlook on life. May her family continue to find the strength to take it one day at a time.

We miss you G!

Happy Birthday Karen

2009-10-02T23:15:00.002-05:00

The beautiful bride on one of the happiest days of her life. Chuck is so lucky!!

I hope your day is wonderful.

Happy Birthday Amy

2009-10-02T23:06:00.000-05:00

The Big 4-0 and looking marvelous!!

Heroes

2009-09-17T23:01:00.005-05:00

Alyssa is in a play at school called Heroes. It is written, directed, and produced by the students at the school. The cast is only freshmen. The show was amazing- funny, sad, thought provoking and entertaining.

I used to be Alyssa's hero, but know I think it is the cute boy she sits behind in biology. While watching the play I realized how fast these kids are growing. Please can I stop time!!!

In one of Alyssa's monologue, she talks about her lip gloss. Thus the floral arrangement. Oh I crack myself up. hee hee

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-09-13T23:14:00.009-05:00

Happy Birthday MOM

We celebrated Mom's birthday with an intimate gathering of 18. Mom looked radiant in her royal blue dress. She was excited to celebrate her birthday at Egg Harbor on her actual birthday. She is looking forward to her 100th!! You go mom!

The youngest was Cooper with his great t-shirt. It Read "Boy n. noise with dirt on it."

Sorry bad photographer- cute kiddo!!

Drove the farthest- Peggy, Chris and Payton.

Best Looking Couple

Matching shirts!!

Grammalu and Alyssa

We had mints!! No I didn't steal them. They were given to me!

And country tomatoes. Thank goodness they didn't have that country smell!!

Happy Birthday Jared

2009-09-09T00:17:00.004-05:00

Today is Jared's tenth birthday. He is growing up so fast, and is such a compassionate thoughtful preteen. Yikes- I now have two children in the double digits!! Most kids want to bring cookies or cupcakes to school. Jared wanted fruit kabobs. So at 9:30 at night I started making 25 fruit kabobs.

We were downtown taking a tour of Chinatown for a school project. I started taking a bunch of pictures of Jared and this was the last one. I think his expression is saying Mom what are you doing enough already! I love that his personality shines through.

Happy Birthday Jim

2009-08-23T21:31:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday dear brother. You are an amazing guy who happens to be an outstanding dad.

Hot Looking Biker

2009-08-21T22:57:00.002-05:00

Michael bought this motorcycle about 16 years ago. We had a blast on it for about two years. Do the math and you'll figure out why we stopped riding it. It pretty much sat in the garage for the longest time until it was fixed this week. Michael took it out the afternoon he got it back. I think he looks amazing on it!! Anyway, he is selling it to a friend of his at work. I told him to keep it, but he wants to sell it to buy me a camera. A modern day Gift of Magi.

What a difference a day makes

2009-08-21T22:50:00.004-05:00

After dropping Alyssa off at high school on Monday, I headed into school to get some work done in my classroom. I was moved this year, so I had a lot of unpacking to do. While I was there I was summoned to the office by the principal and the director of special education. I knew it was too early in the year for me to be in trouble, so I assumed it was something to make more work. Much to my delight I was offered a fourth grade classroom position. I was so excited. After talking with Michael, a friend of mine and Jared, I accepted the position. Jared wanted to know if it was more money. Sorry no additional money. So I am giving up special education for a general education class. It may only last a year, but I welcome the change. I still can't believe it. I like to walk into my principal's office and say, "Colleen Tarantino- Fourth Grade Teacher." She said, "Don't make me regret this decision." Hee hee

Alyssa Starts High School

2009-08-21T22:39:00.003-05:00

Alyssa started high school on Monday. She was nervous but excited. I think the nerves, learning the ropes, and the long days have gotten to her as she comes home exhausted. Of course, I made her take a first day of school picture.

Sara, Alyssa and Rachel- friends since kindergarten. I drove the girls to school on the first day. Alyssa kissed me good bye, told me she loved me and never looked back. What happened to my velcro baby?

Oops! Missed the meeting. Alyssa and I were downtown at the Jason Mraz concert. What an amazing performer that guy is. We went to a piano bar at the Drake after the concert, where Alyssa and her friends sang a couple of songs. The girls got quite the education on the way out of the concert when they saw a lady of the evening. I guess that is what you see at 2:00 in the morning in the city. We had a blast while creating a wonderful memory of summer.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

2009-08-21T22:25:00.004-05:00

My kids love these pancakes!! In the summer when we have more time, we make them at least once a week. In the past we called them Uncle Mike's pancakes because he makes them when he comes to our house for a family breakfast. Then we found out the recipe started with Kath. The kids were quite upset that Mike was getting the credit for Kath's recipe. The quandray was what to call the pancakes. Should they continue to be Uncle Mike pancakes as he turned us on to them? Or should they be Aunt Kath's pancakes? Know they are known as cottage cheese pancakes so no one is hurt.

For Amy and Pat
When we made these pancakes in Michigan, Pat and Amy wanted to know the nutrition facts. Basically, they are 18.6 calories each with .46 grams of fat. The entire recipe was 670 calories and 16.7 grams of fat.

Happy Birthday Alyssa

2009-07-26T19:26:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Alyssa!!

The years have flown since I held a little sweet pea in my hands for the first time. It's hard to believe Alyssa is heading off to high school, and we are heading into the turmoil teen years!!

Happy Birthday Tina

2009-07-26T19:23:00.002-05:00

I hope your birthday is wonderful!

Happy Birthday Norah

2009-07-25T23:50:00.001-05:00

Today is sweet Norah's birthday. I wish I could be there to celebrate. Why does California need to be so far away?

Happy Birthday Caycee

2009-07-25T23:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Caycee!

Baseball

2009-07-20T22:59:00.003-05:00

The season is over, but Jared and his team had a great season and a lot of fun. He got the game ball twice which is quite an honor. His coaches told him that if everyone played like he did the last game they would have won. They had fun and that's what counts!!

South Haven

2009-07-20T22:53:00.000-05:00

Some family pictures from South Haven, Mi

Gianna

2009-07-19T15:47:00.001-05:00

Happy Golden Birthday GiannaNot a day goes by that I don't think of G. I continue to be amazed by the strength of her family as they continue to heal on a day by day basis. Last night, Alyssa and I had the pleasure of dining with Vicki, Gene, and Valerie after going to the play Joseph and the Amazing Color Dreamcoat. My prayers and thoughts are with the Espositos today and always.

State Meet

2009-05-18T22:25:00.002-05:00

So after perfoming at Soldier Field, we raced to the car, and headed to Alsip for the State meet. Alyssa changed in the car so she would be ready when we arrived. Alyssa did well and so did her team as a whole. Lys placed fourth in All-Around. I think she was a little disappointed in her performance, but I think she did fantastic. Friday night we spend the night downtown at the Esposito's condo, and Lys only got a little more than 5 hours sleep. It's hard to function on such little sleep, when you are not the mom! Alyssa will no longer be competing with the Orland Park Royal Twisters, but she hopes to continue her career in high school.

TAKE A BOW

2009-05-18T21:54:00.003-05:00

Alyssa is in a singing and dancing group which performs for non-profit events. This weekend the girls performed at the Autism Speak Walk at Soldier Field. What a blast it was. We were able to go "behind the scenes" and saw the door to the Bear's Locker Room, and the girls came on the field through "the tunnel." To top that off, the girls were able to perform in front of many and saw themselves on the jumbotrons. The girls did a fantastic job! She truly is fortunate to be part of such a wonderful group. She can't stop talking about the opportunity she has been given. A special thank you to Tricia and Anna for all your hard work directing and rehearsing with the girls.

Pleased to announce a new family member

2009-04-30T20:44:00.008-05:00

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

2009-04-10T16:34:00.006-05:00

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

2009-04-06T22:59:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-06T22:55:00.001-05:00

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

Jared and Friends

2009-04-06T22:51:00.004-05:00

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

2009-04-06T22:46:00.005-05:00

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

2009-04-02T21:21:00.003-05:00

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!!

Be Healed

2009-02-23T22:23:00.004-06:00

We still managed to have cake!!

Yesterday, Alyssa made her Confirmation. She still was not feeling well as of 1:30 and the ceremony was at 2:00, but we decided to try anyway. Amy, her sponsor, walked in the door and announced,"Have no fear your sponsor is here." With that the recovery began. Alyssa was sent home from school Thursday and Friday with dizziness, severe headaches and nausea. She spent last week, going to bed about 8:00- very unusual for my night owl.

Friday, we went to the Palos Immediate Care center for blood work and a chest x-ray. Everything came back just fine except elevated potassium levels. In other words, nothing to worry about, but she still was not herself.

We cancelled her party as she was not up to it, but as previously noted she went to the ceremony. After the ceremony we went to Fuji's Steak house with the four of us, Amy, and our neighbor Julie. We had a blast and lots of laughs. Today, Alyssa is feeling MUCH better. Dare I say back to her old self. She must be as she is starting to drive me nuts again. It may have been when she told me at 10:00 she needs red and black streamers for school, along with a snack for her cheerleading team. Yeah she's back! YIPPEE!!!!!!

The Tin Woman has Rusted

2009-02-13T13:54:00.004-06:00

Monday morning arrives and the TinWoman looks sick and says that she is sick. I wonder, thinks the Mom, who believes in mental health days, is she saying she is sick so she can stay home. Hmmm. Well, I know there is a split decision in this house regarding mental health days and if she is not sick she did work hard and deserves a break. So I call the school and keep her home. Seems better in the afternoon. Good acting? only time will tell.

Tuesday- off to school she goes. I get a call at 9:00- she is sick and going home. Seems better in the afternoon.hmmm Nightime- fever 102 chills, sore throat, cough, congested, etc.

Wednesday- home again fever up to 103 it does go down to 100 when on meds.

Thursday- off to doctor fever still over 100 and mom needs her to have cough syrup so mom can sleep.

Friday- Sick again, fever 102, but moments of a sparkle in her eye. Yikes what a week!!

This week she missed religious ed class, gymnastics, cheerleading practice, basketball game, cast party, a week of school, and another party tonight. Jared thinks she is lucky.

The Tin Woman Rocked the House

2009-02-07T11:07:00.005-06:00

Alyssa did a fabulous job last night in her opening debut at the Stagg Theater. She played to a full house only to receive many accolades. At home, we decorated the house to give it that "Wizard" feel. After we celebrated at TGI Fridays with a cute waiter named Bobby. Alyssa and her friends were drooling over him. I am VERY worried!! Why must they grow us so fast? Tonight is the closing night and we all looking forward to seeing the play with the Aunties. Remember

There's no place like home.

A man is not judged by how much he loves, but how much he is loved by others!! The Yellow Brick Road The Ruby Slippers
The Rainbow

Tinwoman, Dorothy, and Glinda

An Adoring Fan

My they grow fast!!

2009-02-05T23:10:00.001-06:00

I went to wake Jared for school this morning and was greeted by his little (or should I say not-so-little) tootsies. A tear came to my eye as I realized how fast he is growing. He was lying in his bed reading his book. Naturally, after I took the picture, the mood was changed but he continued reading. Way to melt the mama's heart.

The Tin Woman

2009-02-05T22:47:00.004-06:00

Alyssa is starring as the Tin Woman in Palos South's production of the Wizard of Oz. The show will be this Friday and Saturday. The costume was created by Kath. It really looks great with the lights shining on it. Thanks Kath you are the best.

Team Tarantino Benched

2009-01-31T20:52:00.002-06:00

Well Jared and I were planning on going to the Mother Son Bash at the school tonight. The theme was Olympics and Jared and I were going to make t-shirts that said Team Tarantino, our names and the Olympic rings. Well Thursday night Jared woke up with a sore throat and a fever of 103.5. So instead of going for the gold, I'll be going for orange juice, Motrin, throat drops, Kleenix, chicken noodle sop, etc. We'll get them next year.

The D word

2009-01-16T18:10:00.003-06:00

After seeing my picture of me doing the impression on the Mitchlin Man, I thought it was time to lose weight. So I cut out or reduced the sugar I consume on a daily basis, increase my fruits and vegetables, while exercising more often; good thing it snowed so much lately! Well, to make a long story short (too late) I lost 2 pounds. Now that may not sound like much, but I think of it as two pounds of butter. If I keep up this pace, I'll be a skinny minny by June. Did you ever notice how loud a chocolate chip can say "EAT ME." as compared to a carrot stick? Did you ever stop and wonder why people are crabby on diets? Or why all the things that taste delicious are bad for you?

Two pounds of Butter!!

Sunday Breakfast at Mom's

2008-12-29T22:02:00.002-06:00

Sunday is know as Breakfast with Mom. Most Sundays the O'Neills can be found at Egg Harbor in Hinsdale, but sometimes we just bring in breakfast to Mom's. We try to solve the world's problems, talk politics, tell jokes and remeber the "good old days." It sure is great to be from a big family. Thanks Mom and Dad. Is is my imaginiation or do I look like the Mitchelin Man? Mom, me, my sister Pat, my sister-in-law Kathy

Terry, the Mitchelin Man, Pat and Jay

Pat telling a good joke!

Sisters!

A Star is Born

2008-12-16T23:28:00.006-06:00

Alyssa is fortunate to be part of a singing group that performs for different charities. It is an amazing group of young ladies with so much talent and compassion. I am truly impressed with each and everyone of these girls. The group performed on channel 5 last Friday morning. We had to be down there at 5:00 in the morning. Next time, I'm calling Karen to bring her down there!

You can also see her performance from a local retirement community on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80ZyH3GAxbY

Happy Birthday Sister!!

2008-12-16T23:12:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Kath- I hope your day was special!!

I'm Thankful for....

2008-11-27T21:52:00.002-06:00

Some people may say that the best part of waking up is Folger's in their cup. But, I am thankful for the view out my back window in the morning. I spent the day with the Tarantinos, my mom and brother Terry. As I looked around the table, I realized how fortunate I am and how many things I have to be thankful for.
I'm thankful for my Alyssa and Jared, who with their unique personalities, bring such joy to my life. I'm thankful for Mike, who supports me with my crazy ideas. I'm thankful to my parents, who taught me so much with their generous, kind, and forgiving style. I'm thankful for my family who is always there for me to laugh, cry, give advice or support me. I'm thankful for Mike's family who welcomed me into their family and always made me feel more than an "in'law." I'm thankful for my friends, who have enriched my life in so many ways, and have helped to make me who I am today.

2008-11-22T19:43:00.005-06:00

Beautiful Summer Flowers

As I look at all the shades of brown out my back window, I can't help but to remember the warm, soothing colors of summer. These beautiful flowers were in a pond outside DeGrandchamps in South Haven. We visit DeGrandchamps every year to pick and eat blueberries. Our trip is not complete until we visit the store, where we sample blueberry mustard, butter and jams. They also have some pretty amazing fudge. Yum!!

Royal Twisters

2008-11-16T21:36:00.004-06:00

The Royal Twisters Got a New Leotard

Alyssa and her gymnastics team will be heading to state on December 7th. It is such a nice group of girls who help and support each other while having fun. Their picture is in the paper and can be found at the following link.

http://www.triblocal.com/Orland_Park/Detail_View/view.html?type=stories&action=detail&sub_id=37039

Such good friends

Wow! What shiny butts they have!!

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T17:25:00.003-06:00

Thank you to my father, brothers, nephews, and cousins who served in the armed forces to give us the freedom we enjoy. I also enjoyed my day off yesterday thanks to these veterans. I felt a little guilty because I did nothing to earn the time off but fortunately it did pass.

Mangia Mangia

2008-11-04T17:03:00.003-06:00

Alyssa, Valerie (Alyssa's bestie) and I enjoyed dinner at Mangia Mangia. The atmosphere and the company were great, but the food wasn't so good. We couldn't finish our meals, so we took the leftovers with us. Val's ended up leaking all over her phone. So now anytime she uses her phone, she smells garlic. Yum!

What are you doing?

2008-11-03T19:32:00.006-06:00

A few weeks ago, my friend Sue called and asked me what I was doing on a certain date. Sue is my friend from college and we just don't see each other as much as I would like as she lives in McHenry. So I'm thinking she going to suggest that we get together for dinner or some other fun activity. Not quite, Sue was checking to see if I was available to babysit her twin three year old boys. Too late, I already responded "I don't have any plans." I'm wondering if I can back out by saying that I need to alphabetize my spice rack or some other worthwhile activity. Instead, I bite the bullet, and head out to McHenry. What an enjoyable day we had. We went apple picking. As soon as we got to the orchard, I did the math. Two of them and one of me. Oh boy. Fortunately, the boys didn't realize that they outnumbered me. The boys were fantastic and stayed together. They sure did enjoy eating the apples.

After apple picking we enjoyed time at the park at the orchard.

We also went on the merry-go-round and the train. The train was the cheapest baby-sitter around. It gave me 2 minutes and 30 seconds to go the restroom.

Finally, it was time to head home for dinner. The boys enjoyed dinner and then played while I cleaned up. I figured I would need to allow at least an hour to get the boys ready for bed. Again, I was wrong. The boys split; one to get washed up and one to get dressed. Then they switched. They got ready so quick we had time to play before bedtime. When it was time to clean up for bed- they did. Bedtime routine included them climbing into bed, raising their sweet faces for kisses, and lights out. That's it I am sending my kids to Camp Stocker for some training! By the way, I haven't answered one of Sue's calls since I babysat! Just kidding.

Fall Traditions

2008-11-02T21:32:00.003-06:00

In addition to our annual apple picking, our family always enjoys a trip to Bengston's pumpkin farm. Again we have been taking Alyssa since she was about two and Jared went as a newborn. I was a little taken back by the price this year (50 for all of us- without the pumpkin, kettle korn, snacks, etc.) and almost suggested that we don't go. In the end, I was glad we made the memories.

Halloween

2008-11-02T21:28:00.003-06:00

What a perfect day for Halloween. It seemed like the warm weather brought out even more trick-or-treaters. My kids went as a zombie and a football player. I remember the days when they were fairy princesses and pumpkins. Boy the time sure does fly.

Angel Gianna

2008-11-02T19:00:00.002-06:00

Gianna and her sister Val

This Saturday, Gianna was laid to rest. We will miss her gentle kind ways. She has touched our lives and enriched it. I am gratefully to have known her and that my children were blessed by knowing her. I am in awe of the strength and love her family has demonstrated in this terrible time. May they continue to have strength, family and friends to get them through their pain.

Beautiful Gianna

2008-10-28T06:15:00.001-05:00

Today, my good friend Vicki's daughter Gianna passed away. I can't even begin to imagine the pain that family is feeling. Gianna is one of the most gentle kind person I have ever meet. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Gianna Update

2008-10-27T21:59:00.002-05:00

Gianna continues to be in critical condition. She was placed on a ventilator earlier today and her brain is swelling. The dialysis machine has arrived from California and they are waiting for the pressure to go down before she is placed on the machine. Please continue to pray for her.

Prayers for Gianna

2008-10-26T22:47:00.008-05:00

Beautiful Gianna

Please pray for Gianna Esposito. Gianna is the eighteen-year-old daughter of my very good friend Vicki, and the sister of Alyssa's best friend, Val. On Thursday, Gianna called her mom from Columbia College, where she is attending, complaining of vomiting and dizziness. Friday night, Vicki took Gianna to Palos emergency room. On Saturday, she was transferred to University of Chicago hospital in critical condition. Initially she was diagnosed with hepatitis as her liver was shutting down. As of the writing of this post, they are not sure what she has. Her liver and know her kidneys have shut down. She is on the list for a liver transplant. In addition, there is a machine that can be used like dialysis. It is not FDA approved so U of C personnel need to contact Washington for approval prior to it being used. If Gianna is able to use the machine, it could help her kidneys and liver start working on their own or it could keep her alive until a donor becomes available. Today her condition has stayed the same as yesterday.

Apple Picking 2001

2008-10-21T21:45:00.004-05:00

Apple Picking Tradition

2008-10-21T21:33:00.003-05:00

Every year, since Alyssa was 2 years old, we have gone apple picking. It began with just my family, then we started going with Cathy Martin and her kids. Then last year, Amy and her kids joined us. This we went to a different orchard. The jury is still out as to which is the better orchard.

Happy Birthday Times Three

2008-10-20T16:21:00.005-05:00

Do you believe it, three special people celebrating their birthdays on the same day. We have my great- nephew Cooper, my niece Samantha, and a great nephew Eric.

May your birthdays be as wonderful as you are!!

Soccer Fun

2008-10-19T23:17:00.001-05:00

The weekend was spent at the soccer field. Jared's team had a soccer tournament with 2 shorten games on Saturday and a shorten game Sunday to advance to the championship game on Sunday afternoon. His team is amazing because of the skill, sense of the game, high level of sportsmanship, and most importantly, they had fun.

Soccer Part 2

2008-10-19T23:06:00.000-05:00

Being a player is tough work- almost as tough as being a spectator. The game to advance to the championship game ended in a tie, which means there needs to be a shootout. Each team is allowed to select 5 players to take a shot at the goal. After 3 kicks from each side, we were still in a tie situation. Finally, we had a goal to advance us to the championship game. Unfortunately, we did not fair as well in the championship game and ended up losing the game. The kids were sad until one of the parents pulled out Silly String. What a great idea as it put smiles back on the kid's faces.

Opening Blog

2008-10-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

Well this is it. I fought the temptation to create a blog for a long time and finally gave in. I am still trying to figure out why I am doing this. It will be interesting to see how long I blog. I mean honestly, do I need to add one more thing to my life? Did you every wonder why they call it blog. I'm thinking it should be called blah, blah, blah.