The Scrappy Redhead

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,

My girls and I ringing in 2012!

Well, another year has gone by and what a year it was...We saw many things come to pass in 2011..Gas prices have stayed over $3.00, After 10 years of looking, Osama Bin Laden was killed by Navy Seals, we honored and mourned like it was yesterday, the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. Our economic health is still faltering and has caused many to loose everything. Our family struggles day to day providing for our girls..thank God for our landlord who has been so generous when we get behind.

As we pass into 2012 I see a hope and a bright future. I can only pray that it will come to be..I know that God will provide in his time, he already has..I made the decision to end my almost 20 year career in EMS due to my health. He found a new job for me that I love, working in a scrapbooking store and while the pay isn't the greatest and it's almost an hour away, I LOVE helping people preserving their memories..When God closes one door, He always opens a new one. I have found my new path and anxiously await what new surprises He has in store for me!

As I ponder what 40 is going to be for me I have realized a few things..
I need to take better care of me!! I have always provided better for everyone else..I need to get myself healthier, not because I want to look better..but because I want to LIVE longer! I want to be around for my kids, I want to be there for them like my Mom has been there for me! My greatest fear in life is dying before my children are grown and on their own! While I can't predict when God is going to call me home, I can improve my odds of a longer life by taking care of myself!!

I need to get our finances in order..I need to take control once and for all!!

I need a better relationship with my husband. I know he loves me but sometimes I would like to be shown that I am appreciated and loved..it seems to me after 10 years of marriage he has forgotten how. Why is it that way??

I need to learn to be a friend...I have never been really great at it. When I find someone that I can let my guard down with and open up to it always ends with dissappointment and hurt. I know God sends us someone for a reason, to learn from but the hurt has made me go farther into a shell like a hermit..I don't want to be this way but it's comfortable!

I need to continue to nuture my relationship with God!! This above anything else is my top priority this year!! I know God can fix everything else if I just give it to Him and have faith!

So there it is...my list..and if you noticed.. I said Need, not want! I need to do these things for Me and for my happiness, not for anyone else! If someone else is blessed by my needs then that is a double blessing!!

So what are your needs for 2012??

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-28T17:26:00.000-05:00

It's so good to be home for Christmas! We had a long day filled with lots of love, presents, noise, food and a whole lot of food!

My Mom decided to try and stop the girls from seeing if Santa came...Once she got to the table, Faith ran around the other side and out to the living room!

Emilee is patiently waiting for the go ahead to start opening her gifts!

Faith decided she was going to open her biggest gift first!

Emilee reminded me so much of myself at Christmas when I was younger. She relished opening every gift, making sure to look at it and see what it was and even thank me for each one..

Faith on the other hand takes after her Uncle Ed..She tore into the paper, ripped it open, then tossed it aside to open a new one!

My nephews and niece opening their gifts from Mom Mom and Pop Pop.

The kiddos after opening their gifts! They loved all their presents that Santa and Mom Mom and Pop Pop gave them!

the day after Christmas we went to see Disney On Ice in Philadelphia.

Miss Maggie is patiently waiting for the show to begin.

My nephew Eddie..he didnt want me to take his picture..until I put it in his face from behind!

Trevor eating his pretzel..He was trying to smile :)

My girls :)

My brother and Mom..doesn't my brother look so thrilled ?

and so it starts..first Princess is Tiana..

Mickey

Tiana

And this is the last photo I have...My camera died.. literally. The switch and motor died..I am so upset!! My brother's girlfriend took a lot of pictures so I am waiting for copies..

We still had a good time and it was a great show featuring Tiana, Cinderella and Repunzel!

I'm 40!!

2011-11-21T13:21:00.000-05:00

Where has the time gone?? I can't believe I'm 40!! It's funny my Aunt Charlotte who is almost 80 once told me that she has never felt her age..She still feels like she's 20..One of the many secrets to aging well I suppose!
My kids have been hand scribbling Happy Birthday on coloring pages..They are so sweet.

My girls are so sweet :) Love them so!

I feel in my heart that 40 is going to be fabulous! Here are a few things I have figured out :

I am more comfortable in my skin..I don't care what others think! I wish I had learned this earlier! LOL

Family is the MOST IMPORTANT thing in my life!!

I realized how lucky I am to have a family that actually likes each other and spends the holidays together..it's hard to believe that many families don't!

While I am sad that my career in EMS has come to an end, I am excited for the new things I am doing!

I am a Scrapbook Artist!! And LOVE what I do!

I need to get myself healthy! No more excuses! I need to be here for my kids!

I thank God that I am who I am..I'm so thankful that I am a child of God and for the blessings that He has given me..I want a better, richer relationship with Him. I know that the things I have learned about myself and others is because my walk with Him!
I can't wait to see what this new decade brings me!

Happy Birthday Faith!

2011-10-08T22:30:00.000-04:00

9 years ago today God provided my family a miracle...Faith was born at 4:33 pm in the afternoon after a relatively easy labor. I felt over joyed that she was finally here and healthy..All the worries about the pregnancy and the infamous cyst that had taken my joy about being pregnant were gone the second the doctor told me she was out! I didn't get to hold her until an hour later when she got the clean bill of health!

Here is my beautiful girl on her 9th birthday! Time has surely flown by..

This is her latest favorite outfit! She loves that the girl looks like her and it has New York on it..She loves NYC! I'm surprised that she likes it so much since it's not pink!

So Faith decided that she wanted lasagna for her Birthday dinner since in her words, I have not made it in 2 years! LOL I have so made it !!

She also decided she wanted Chocolate cake with chocolate icing with pink icing writing on her cake..I did the best I know how..LOL I am not a baker, but it was good!

Birthday fairy blowing her birthday candle out..

Opening presents..

She was soooo excited to get her Figit!

Figit is a BIG hit!!

At the end of her big day with her 2 new best friends!

Happy Birthday Faith!! I love you so very much!!

9/11/01 ~ 9/11/11 10th Anniversary

2011-09-11T15:23:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since the Terror Attacks on our nation. I remember like it was yesterday where I was and how my day unfolded the moment I learned that our Country had been attacked. I was actually sleeping during those fateful minutes before the towers fell. My soon to be hubby came in from working night shift to wake me up and to turn on the tv. I was transfixed to the tv and relived those horrific moments of the planes crashing into the first tower, then the second and the eventual falling of both towers. Soon after the chaos began my pager for the Rescue Squad went off telling all members to call the station. In that split second without a hesitation, I called. I was advised to gather some necessaties and come to the squad. It was there I remained for several hours waiting to be deployed to NYC to help my fellow brothers and sisters..A call that wouldn't come till a day later. Our Rescue Squad sent 2 trucks as well as fire trucks from our township to Jets Stadium where they would be dispatched to where they were needed. Once they got there they were told to go home. The hope of finding people alive were fading and the operation turned into a recovery effort. Our Squad did eventally send a crew to Ground Zero but not to do what we hoped to do..to save a life..but to be used as support..bandaging cuts and giving the firemen and iron workers relief supplies. I was scheduled to go, to do my part but was never needed.
If my service was needed today I would do my part and do what I was trained to do! Many people asked me how can you risk you life for a job that can sometimes bring you to the worst times in someone's life! I was called to do this..It's a job where you can have the best triumph and welcome a baby ino the world and on the same day watch someone die before your eyes no matter the care you provide! I was blessed to be a part of those moments. Those moments made me more grateful for the special moments I have with my family.
As we remember those lost that fateful day let's also be thankful and grateful for all of the service men and women who serve our country and all the Police, Fire and EMS who risk their lives every day for our safety and well being! I feel honored to have been a part of this community for the past 19 years and though I can no longer serve my community my heart will always be with them!

A Quick Trip to the Beach

2011-09-06T09:55:00.001-04:00

I can't believe that summer is over! It surely does feel like it, it is 59 out and raining with more on the way! This past weekend I took Lindsey back to NJ and stayed for a short weekend. Saturday I took the girls and my Mom to the Strathmere beach. It was beautiful out but a bit windy, especially right along the water. Faith and Emilee LOVED the beach!! Faith loved the water and Emilee loved the beach! The water was warm when you got use to it but the breeze was chilly. Faith did not care! She wanted to spend all her time in the water! LOL Emilee got splashed in the face with a wave and after that she din't want any part of it. She spent the rest of her time on the beach getting sand in every oriface of her body! LOL She had it in her hair, ears..pretty much everywhere!

You can see Ocean City and Atlantic City from where we were.

Emilee is not too sure about the water..

A little more sure of the water..

Playing in the sand..

Loving the sand..

Gathering water..

A head full of sand!!

Emilee, showing off all her sand!

Faith showing off her sandy legs!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2011-08-14T20:15:00.000-04:00

Mom and Dad came to visit us for a few days for my Dad's Birthday. He turned 67 today! After a day of shopping we came home to hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill..The whole time we were eating the skies we black and you could hear rumble of thunder and flash of lightning. When we finished rating we quickly went in cause the wind picked up and then the skies finally opened up!

The girls picked out the cupcakes and the candles at Walmart when we were shopping!

Happy Birthday to you Dad!! Love you!!

Happy 4th Birthday Emilee!

2011-07-18T19:30:00.003-04:00

My baby is 4 today! I can't believe it!! Time has surely flown by..Here are some pictures I took of my sweet chickie!! She decided this morning that she wanted to wear her fancy party dress that I bought her last year for her 3rd birthday..I was pleasantly surprised that it still fit!

Emilee holding her mini cupcake!! She wanted chocolate mini cupcakes instead of me making her vanilla ones!

Birthday dinner consisted of plain raviloi's with cheese!

Dora bag full of presents!!

"This is the best day ever!!" Emilee told me..She also said, "I love my presents!"

Emilee decided that she wanted mini chocolate cupcakes from Walmart instead of plain old vanilla with chocolate icing! Her favorite colors are blue, purple, and pink..coincidence??
We didn't have a candle becasue Mommy can't find it! LOL She will have a big party at my Mom's house this weekend so she will be able to blow her candles out then!!

Happy 4th Birthday my chickie!! I love you very much!!

Summer Vacation 2011

2011-06-24T19:38:00.001-04:00

Well, it came and went! Time flies when you are having fun!

June 20th ~ Mom and Dad arrived with Eddie and Trevor. We went on a massive shopping trip to Walmart for some food and afterwards I made some tacos for dinner. ( Eddie's favorite) After dinner, my MOm took my dad back to the hotel and I cleaned up. Mom came back and we talked about to do with the kids the next day. We decided on a park called Chestnut Ridge park by Cooper's Rock. The boys sacked out on the couch and chair by 10pm

Eddie is somewhere under there!

Trevor..sound asleep

June 21st ~ It was hot and muggy!! The girls and I were up early at 7:30am to take Faith to Summer School. My brother Ed called around 8am telling me he was in DE and that he should be there by 1pm..Well we waited and waited and waited some more and finally at 2:15 he arrived! His front tires were bald from the front end being miss aligned. He ended up at Good Year for new tires and a alignment and to fix the problem that caused it to begin with! The park was scrapped because of time. I made chicken, cheese burgers, corn, potato and macaroni salad for dinner. I took my Dad back to the hotel and Mom and I went to get the tickets needed for Kennywood! When we got back Ed and Terri were out on the porch and the kids were crazy in the house. He left and I was left to get everyone bathed and in bed! I did yell a little bit and went off on my nephews for leaving stuff all over the living room floor. Mom and I finally had peace at 10pm!! I was so tired that I left all the dishes in the sink!

June 22nd ~ Kennywood day! I was awakened by the alarm at 7am and swiftly got a shower to try and wake up! Coffee was brewing and while I waited I did the dishes. My Mom and Dad walked in around 7:30 and shortly after I got the kids up and dressed. My brother was on time and was there by 8am. At the last minute we made sandwiches and then we were off to Kennywood at 9:07am.. I pulled out of the driveway to find no one there! Ed's GPS sent him a different way and Mom and Dad were lost! I did manage to meet up with Mom and Dad after they called me and I gave them directions to 79..Thank God for cell phones!
We finally arrived at Kennywood and made the LONG trek to the entrance. The park changed little since I had been there in Aug. 09. The antique cars taht were once at the front of the park were replaced by a new roller coaster called the Sky Rocket. The weather was great though a little on the humid side but bearable..not like Williamsburg last year! The kids had a blast!! My dad and Eddie and Trevor rode the sling shot! $50 for the 3 of them..my dad has always had an adventureous side to him! I was surprised he still had it! Before ..

After!

We took Emilee, Faith and Kaden to Kiddieland

Emilee riding Dunbo by herself!!

Faith and Kayden

faith and Kayden..who knew that one of the original rides of the park would be the whip it..One of the Emilee's favorite rides!!

Emilee also loved the Merry go round..She went on with Mom Mom 3 times and it was the last ride before we left! Everytime she got off she would pet her horse and say good bye!

Around dinner time I walked out to the car with my parents to give them the directions to the hotel. After coming back into the park the kids rode more rides!! Raging Rapids 4 times in a row!!
I was a hot commodity between Maggie and Trevor! They both wanted me to ride the roller coasters with them! I rode 2 each..The last one was called the Exterminator..It was an Inside roller coaster and the most fun I had all day! The car was shped like a rat's head with 2 seats on a side. Ed rode with Maggie and Eddie and I rode with Trevor..Seat belts were optional for people above 46 inches! Well, it started calm enough then it got faster and darker and I was sliding all over the seat! I finally put my feet up on the ledge to brace myself!! I laughed so hard!! Trevor kept saying I didn't expect that everytime we went obver a bump or spun! It seems that Ed and the other kids had the same bit of trouble!! Eddie and Maggie kept bumping into each other and Ed had the same problem with being all over the seat!! He tried to get Maggie's seatbelt on but couldn't and the ride attendant said she didn't need it..so he never bothered to put his on and Eddie took his off!! WRONG move!! LOL

My Chickies..

All of the kids..

June 23rd ~ The weatehr started out not so good..It was black when we arrived at the zoo and soon after we entered and got to the first exhibit it poured!! Luckily there was an over hang there and we hung out there until it stopped! We even saw blue skies!! The Pittsburgh Zoo has a wide array of animals and is spread out much more then Phila Zoo. It also has an aquairium that the kids really liked..especially the penguins!

Emilee posing !!

Some BIG Fish!!

More Big Fish!!

The Polar Bear that Emilee and I saw..Everyone else was in the gift shop and by the time they came out he went inside.

Trapped!! In a bear traveling container! Kayden wanted no part of it!

baby Sea Lion

Sliding..There was a play area for the kids..they didn't play long because there was a fast approaching storm coming! We did manage to make our way to shelter and see all the animals before it started. It was a great day and the kids definitely want to go back!!

Summer is Here and so is more pain!

2011-06-15T15:23:00.000-04:00

We are enjoying a cool front right now..last week it was in the upper 90's all week. My hubby had long pants and a sweatshirt on yesterday! It was cloudy and very breezy, but today it's warm and sunny!

I am very sesitive to the baraometer so when it's hot and humid my body feels like it was hit by a ton of bricks! My joints feel like they are swollen but they aren't, I have no energy to speak of, I could sleep for 10 hrs and still feel tired! The pain I can live with..I have for almost 25 years now..the exhaustion wears me out! I hate that no matter how long I sleep I still feel like I could sleep longer! I hate telling my kids no when they want to do something and I have no energy to do it with them.. I hate that I have to "manage" my energy because once it's gone..it's gone and it takes me days to recover when I do too much. I hate the mental fog that is prevalent most days..It takes me a while to find the words I want to say, especially when I am trying to explain something! It's very frustrating!!
The hardest thing about having Fibromyalgia is that you look "normal" on the outside, but on the inside you are not! I hate that people don't understand that jsut because you look fine doesn't mean you are having a good day!
My daughter told me that someone who will remain nameless called me lazy! Lazy I am not! There are days that I can't do anything but there are also days that I do more then my fair share!
I am grateful for my husband who understands to a point. I don't think he knows truly what my day is like because I push myself to do the things I need to do. I try not to complain, I put a smile on my face and I go on. What else am I suppose to do?? I am the back bone to my family! I do everything!! I don't know any other way. I have lived with Lyme Disease and Fibromyalgia for 25 years now. I don't know what it's like to not to hurt, to have energy to spare, to be able to sleep restfully, to be able to think clearly. This is the way it is..regardless of how I think about it!
I've had to give up an 18 year career in EMS because of the pain and the weakness I have all the time now. I can no longer carry a stretcher or a stair chair..I feel that it was in the best interest of my health and safety that I give it up..I hate that I have!! I loved the Rescue Squad so much but I knew in my heart that I needed to stop! Since we have moved to WV I can't work anyway with my NJ cert. I have found a new career which I have had a passion about for 10 years now! I am a scrapbook instructor for Michaels and for a private store. I LOVE it!!

When God closes a door He always opens another..I know for a fact that he does!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T12:57:00.000-04:00

This is a letter that Faith wrote me for Mother's Day!
She told me that she loves me because I am creative and makes things for her!

How cool is my kid?? LOL

Rest easy..

2011-05-01T23:25:00.001-04:00

Tonight at 11:00pm I turned on the news to learn that Osama Bin laden was killed by US troops. To all the men and women who perished on September 11, 20011 by his hand may all of you rest in peace!

More to follow..
UPDATE 5/8/2011
It's been a week since we learned the news of Bin Laden's death. Every day the news has something on about it. I feel relief that he was finally caught and though I don't believe that we should take a life unneccessarily, I believe that the right thing was carried out! There are news reports that he used one of his wives as a human shield! How pitiful is that!!
The Taliban are now saying they are going to revolt against Obama and the US..Should this deter us in our war against evil on our own country? No, but I think as a country we must stand tall and not back down! We are trying to better the World against terriorism and give our children a better place to live!

Happy Birthday my Love!!

2011-04-12T22:05:00.000-04:00

Today is my husband's birthday!! He is 42 today and does not like me to fuss about his birthday. I made a cake for him today so that the girls could sing him happy birthday. So while he was washing dishes cause (he didn't want to stop) we sang happy Birthday!
We will be married 10 years in November and i can hardly believe that it's been that long!! We have changed and grown alot in those 10 years and I pray that our life together is a long and happy one.

Happy Birthday My Love!! I love you with every beat of my heart. I know that our road has been rough but it has made our love all the stronger!

Where has the time gone??

2011-04-06T09:34:00.000-04:00

Hello All,

I cna't believe it's April and I hate to admit that I still have some of my christmas decorations up! LOL It's been a rough couple of months. I have been sick and the kids have been sick and it seems that not a week has gone by that someone has not been feeling well. Emilee was recently hospitalized for 4 days for severe dehydration from vomiting and strep. The vomiting started the week before and was once daily. Then it progressed. It also turns out that part of the problem was gastric reflux which she had a problem with when she was a baby. The Docs in the ER and hospital thought it was just from the strep but after treatment for the strep the vomiting continued. After 3 days at home we went back to the Dr. and she thought it was either post nasal drip form allergies or the gastric reflux. She's doing better now, she stopped vomiting a few days ago after giving her some kids pepto. I am going to give her the Prilosec until it's gone just to be sure.
It's been a very scary few weeks not knowing why she was so sick. Mother's intuition told me it was reflux and as usual I was right!

Hospitals and sickness..YUCK!!

2011-03-31T14:32:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday to ya!!

It's good to be home! My little Emilee was hospilized from Sunday until yesterday morning for vomiting and severe dehydration and Strep! it took more then 2 bags of fluids to finally get her to pee. She is still having trouble keeping food down. This has been going on for 2 weeks now. The Drs say it's from the strep, but I think the strep was secondary. She was given the penicillin on Monday morning..4 days later she still having trouble??
While I was there walking the halls with Emilee I noticed some of the children there that were far worse off then she is! I am thankful and grateful to God that I have relatively healthy kids! It could always be worse!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2011-03-17T14:46:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends,

Just checking in!! I wish you the luck of the Irish today!! I will be wearing my lucky Irish Flyers shirt tonight as they play Atlanta..Hope they win!!
Tomorrow the girls and I will be off to visit my Mom and Dad for the week..It seems like it was last weekend when we were there but it was 3 weeks ago!
I'll be sure to post some pictures!!

Almost March

2011-02-27T11:57:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's almost March already! Last Weekend the girls and I went home to NJ for a visit. We shopped till we dropped on Saturday. We started out in Phila at Ikea. Mom wanted to look at storage options for her craft room and I needed a new dining room chair. We then went to the Deptford Mall where we got some Flyers gear, 2 dogs from Build a Bear, clothes from Justice for Faith, clothes for Emilee at Children's Place, and bras for me from Lane Bryant!We didn't get home till almost 9:30pm!

Sunday we hung out at home and my brother came over with the kids. Sunday was my oldest nephew's 13th birthday! I can't believe he's a teenager!! They years have flown by! I remember taking him to the Deptford mall when he waas a baby..maybe 6 mths old.. and everyone commented on how cute my baby was!! When I told them he was my nephew, not my son they couldn't believe it!!

This Friday, we went to Charleston, WV to see Disney on Ice Princess Wishes with the girls. The show was Thursday night and since the weather was bad I got a room so I wouldn't have to drive home in the pouring rain.

The girls before the show

Tinkerbell

Look at Emilee's face when the show started..She was so memorized by it..

Minnie

Mickey

Alladin

Alladin and Jasmin

Snow White

The 7 Dwarfs

The Prince and Snow White

Belle and Lumiaire

Sabastian

Ariel's Sisters

Ariel

Ariel and Flounder

Me and Emilee..Faith took this photo

Faith..Emilee took this one

Ariel and Prince Eric

Mulan

Sleeping Beauty

Prince Philip fighting the thorns

Fighting the Dragon

Kissing Aurora

Prince Phillip and Aurora

Tinkerbell and Goofy

Cinderella's Castle

The ball

Prince Charming and Cinderella

Cinderella gets her man!

All the Princesses and their Men!

Tinkerbell

The Finale

Our room..Time for sleep!

Still Got Snow!!

2011-01-28T15:21:00.001-05:00

Well winter is half over and we have had a steady amount of snow on the ground. The last round came a few days and it was a wet snow so it looks like we have so much more out there.

This picture was taken on Jan. 26th after a world wind day of snow. It came down pretty heavy and fast. This was what we had after only 6 hours of snowing!

I love how with wet snow it sticks to the trees.

This is a picture of a big pine tree across the street of our house. Love how the snow blankets every limb.

The view from down the street.. Our Winter Wonderland!

SNOW!!

2011-01-13T15:28:00.000-05:00

It's winter, why would I not expect snow?? LOL It has been snowing on and off for the last 3 days. Most of our snow came Tuesday into Wednesday. Faith had another snow day yesterday. Most of the counties in WV had one today, but we got little accumilation last night so we only had a 2 hr. delay. Here is a picture of the snow at 5pm on 1/11/11

And this is how it looked yesterday morning around 11am!!

It's more then what they predicted for Morgantown but a lot less then some of the mountain counties got!!
I don't mind it though...I love snow, always have. I hope to get some pictures of the girls out in it! Not sure how it will go since neither of them have snow pants! Note to self: Next winter buy snow pants!!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T17:53:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's 2011 already!! It seems that the older I get the faster the year goes by! LOL We had an uneventful evening last night. I had plans of having a family game night and bought snacks to munch on..Lindsey ended up coming home from a friend's only to get a shower and then go back to the same house for a party/sleepover. Faith decided she wanted to go to grandma's..so Emilee and Bryan and I were the only ones here. Emilee fell asleep on the couch at 11pm and at 11:45pm when I went to sit on the bed, the bed caved in! So at the stroke of midnight Bryan was on the floor screwing support bars back in and I was holding the box spring up!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
It's a new year and a time to renew and commit to those things I want to change. 2011 is a big year for me. I turn 40 this year and with that, I hope change and continuing the process of becoming the women that God wants me to be! I am praying for guidance and wisdom as I make the changes I need to be a better wife, mother, daughter, friend and most important a child of God's.
Here's to a New Year, new opportunities and the belief that God always has what is best for us!! We just need to listen more and let him lead!!

I hope you all have a blessed new Year!!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T12:33:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Friends!!

We are in NJ and had a wonderful Christmas! The kids were wound up like usual but surprisingly went to bed without a fight! Santa should come more often! LOL

Lindsey helping Emilee put her stocking up

My niece, Maggie

Faith is actually smiling :)

My nephew, Trevor

My nephew, Eddie

Lindsey

My Mom

My Dad

The annual tradition of reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to the kids..

The Christmas tree before Santa

Our 3 angels fast asleep waiting for Santa to come..

Christmas morning..The opening started before I got out to the living room..Mom Mom and Pop Pop were excited to see the kids open their gifts!

Lindsey

Emilee opened Dora jammies and didn't want to open anything else!!

Faith and the 30th Anniversary Hello Kitties

Emilee

Emilee opened her baby that talked all the way down the attic and into the pile !!

Terri and Kayden

Maggie, Eddie, and Trevor opening their gifts!

Eddie and his stuffed Pug!

Trevor busy unwrapping!

Kayden with his singamajig..

Maggie and Emilee posing..

Eddie and his roll and rolls of quarters

Maggie and her purple bean bag chair

Trevor and his new train set

My girls!!

Merry Christmas!

December 1st!

2010-12-01T21:39:00.001-05:00

Hello there,

I can't believe it's almost the end of the year already!! Time has certainly been flying by! Today was the start of the family tradition of the advent calender. The girls love it!! I found this book last year when I worked at Tropicana in AC. Inside the book it has mini books, 1 for each day. The books describe the story of Jesus' birth. Tonight we opened book 1 and in it it told the story of the Holy land and the Sabbath.

Today it also snowed!!

Here is a picture I just took..

It looks like Winter is here!!

39!!!

2010-11-24T20:35:00.000-05:00

Sunday was my 39th birthday!! We went shopping a bit, had lunch at Cheddar's and then went to MIL's for dinner where they surprised me with a cake! The kids wanted to put 39 candles on the cake but they decided instead to put groups of 3 and 9 candles. After I blew them out Emilee told me " You did good job Mom!!" Kids are so funny!!

So I have one more year before I hit the big 40!! This year is going to be my stepping stone for the rest of my life!!

Our First Snow in WV

2010-11-08T12:40:00.000-05:00

So most of you know that I'm a Jersey girl. I grew up less then 10 miles from the ocean. I went to high school across the street from the ocean!!
So this cold, mountain thing is very new to me! We woke up saturday to find it snowing!! It's november!! Back home, we dont see snow usually until the end of Dec or Jan. When I was a child we had more snow but now a days your lucky if we see a few inches a year.
I love snow, so the sight of seing it made me happy! I'm jsut surprised to see it so soon! LOL Morgantown sees on average about 40 inches a year! So I guess I will be seeing lots of the white stuff this winter ! Santa better bring me a pair of snow boots!!

Lucky for us it didn't stick, the ground is just too warm.. But next time I'm sure it will.

Happy Anniversary..NOT

2010-11-04T21:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was our 9th wedding anniversary. Hubby decided since we had no money to go out and celebrate he would go play softball with his friend..I protested in the beginning but then told him to go. Not because I wanted him to go but becasue he would pout and ask why not and keep bugging me until I changed my mind. He is worse then a 3 y/o !! So off he went to play softball. He came home a few hours later and wanted to know what was wrong and why I was upset. At first I said nothing, but then I get a text to come upstairs. When I text him back saying that I was in the middele of watching something and I'd be up in a few minutes, he texted me back telling me that I didn't think it was important and why do I always make him wait!! First off I was in a bad mood to begin with ( gotta love hormonal flucuations). Second off, I told you that I didn't want you to go and you went ahead and went anyway. Thirdly, you didn't say in your text that you wanted to talk!
So after my video was over I went upstairs. He asked my why I didn't tell him I was upset and what was wrong!! I told him that the same thing I explained earlier and that I never go anywhere..partly becasue I don't have any friends here but still..If he had asked to go out tonight I would have said yes..go!! But on our anniversary?? I was not mad, I was hurt. I'm still hurt. I have given up a lot of things to be here with him and he says he appreciates everything I do but his actions don't speak the same language. His only words were well I wont ask to go out anymore!! That's not the problem!! I don't think he will ever get it!!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T00:22:00.000-04:00

Hello!!
I thought I'd post some pictures of our first Halloween in Morgantown!Here are the girls out on our front porch..

Here is Faith

And Emilee

We first went to Bryan's Uncle Sammy's house.. Here the girls are with their new found cousins

And here they go trick or treating!!

We walked Bryan's old neighborhood ( the roads are flat there). Emilee decided she wanted to ride her coach the whole way..

Her cinderella shoes kept coming off so she didn't ant to get out! Faith went to every house with 2 bags and explained to everyone that her sister was too lazy to get up out of her stroller! LOL

This yard was full of these inflatables!

who's looking at us??

Back at Grandma's with my girls!!

Daddy helped both girls take pictures of me with each of them!
We had a great time. The weather was great, not too cold and no rain or snow! The girls got a lot of candy for us I mean for them to eat!
I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween as much as we did!

Almost Halloween!

2010-10-28T21:17:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's almost the end of October. Last weekend we helped the kids paint pumpkins that my Mom bought them when she was here in the beginning of the month..

Emilee wanted to paint a witch.. She drew the nose and mouth by herself!!

Faith wants EVERYTHING pink so she painted the pumpkin pink, then I created cutouts of a skeleton and a ghost and modge podged them on with the pink paint and some glow in the dark paint.

Daddy being goofy as usual..Emilee got quite a kick out of it!!

Here they are, hard at work!!

Here is our resident bear dressed for Halloween with his witchy friend..

This is a picture of a ceramic pumpkin that grandma gave the girls. It sits on the buffet and looks out the dining room bay windows..Love the effect the curtain makes..

These are my luminaries I made using simple lunch bags and diecuts from my Happy Hauntings Cricut Cartridge cut out of Bazzill Cardstock..

Here they are without the flash. I purchased a 6 pk of LED tea lights at Kroger. Thanks Tim Holtz for the idea!!

Happy Halloween!!

A Sad Day

2010-10-14T12:27:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post something yesterday but I wanted to gather my thoughts and words so I waited until today..
Yesterday a friend of mine from Upper Rescue Squad lost his battle with Lymphoma and passed away. Doug was only 25 years old and had struggled for years to survive. He got very sick when he was younger and needed a liver transplant. He got his liver and for a few years after that he was doing well. About a year ago his liver started to give him trouble. They thought he was rejecting it. This past January he got the news that it was Lymphoma. One of the drugs that he had taken to stay alive gave him the cancer.
Through all of his trials he always had a smile on his face, always concerned more about others then of himself. Doug was witty, kind hearted and a gentlemen.
Doug developed a massive infection in his colon and slowly started the decent into organ failure. As hard as he tried he fought but this time the odds and the Lord had other plans. Doug slipped into a coma on Tuesday and passed away with his parents and best friend at his side.
I heard the news yesterday morning and was of course shocked and saddened..I took to my Bible and found a scripture that fit so perfectly what I was feeling..
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. ~ Psalm 73:26

We will miss you, though our hearts mourn your passing, they also rejoice that you are with God and without pain and suffering.. Your earthly journey has ended but your heavenly one has just begun! Until we meet again. Rest in Peace my friend. Doug Knobb ~ May 13, 1985 ~ October 13, 2010

Things can change in an instant..

2010-10-10T20:56:00.000-04:00

Hello friends,

Iam a bit sad today because I got some devastating news tonight. A friend from the Rescue Squad where I was a member for 17 years is very ill in the hospital tonight in Philadelphia. His name is Doug and he has lymphoma and had a liver transplant some years ago.
He was doing fairly well with a new more aggresive chemo. He was even taking calls here and there at the squad. He recently had a PET scan that even showed he was improving. All of this changed in a blink of an eye. Yesterday he felt short of breath and went to the hospital. After some blood work they found 1300 blood sugar, potassium was through the roof and he was severely dehydrated..He walked into the ER and a few hours later he was being taken by ambulance to Hospital of the University of Pennsyvania where he was placed on a vent and found to be in liver and kidney failure. The doctors believe he has a virus so he's on broad spectrum antibiotics and on round the clock diaylisis.. His chances at this point only God knows. We are praying and that is all we can do. So you see in an instant your world can change. I ask you to please take time for your loved ones. Make amends with those that you are in conflict with, take the time to be with your family. Life is so unpredictable, in a moment it can be gone!

Happy 8th Birthday Faith!!

2010-10-08T13:32:00.000-04:00

Today is Faith's birthday!! I can't believe that she's 8 already. Soon she will be a tween and wearing bras and talking about boys!!

Faith,
I have been truly blessed these past 8 years to be your Mom. I still vividly remember your birth and the first few days at home..You were a precious little gift from God. I always want you to remember that. You are special no matter who tells you different. I know that things are harder for you but don't let that define you. You must work harder to get what you want out of life! I want you to know that you can always come to me for advice or jsut to talk. I won't steer you wrong, but lead you down the path where you will get the most benefit from. Just remember one thing..MOM DOES KNOW WHAT SHE'S TALKING ABOUT!!
I never thought that of you MomMom until now!! Mom does know best!
faith, I have so many hopes for you and I pray that you accomplish all that you set your sights on!! I will always love you. You are my world. The best job that I have ever had is being your Mom..
I love you!!

MOM

Cherished Moments

2010-10-06T13:06:00.000-04:00

I was laying in bed last night watching TV waiting for the drugs to kick in to clear my sinuses. I had every inttention to go back downstairs to my scrapbook room and finish a Layout I started. That was the plan but it didn't work out that way. In comes Miss Emilee.."I lay with you", she said. So she climed into bed with me to watch TV with me. Faith was already asleep in her bed but Emilee is turning into something of a night owl. I was watching Glee and she was automatically enthrawled with it. It has music and singing and she gravatates to music. Each time the characters would start to sing I could hear her little voice trying to do the same. She layed with me the whole hour watching and quietly singing words here and there, like you do when you first hear a new song on the radio you like..In that moment I didn't want to get up, I wanted to continue to cuddle with her and watch TV with my little starlette..We are always so busy with things we need to do, that we tend to forget to spend a few moments in the Moment connecting with our children or our spouse. So I encourage you to take a few moments with your kids today so that you may cherish them always..

It's Certainly Fall!

2010-10-04T12:50:00.000-04:00

I had to turn the heat on to take the chill out of the house! Fall is here! Soccer season is upon us too and Faith is doing better. She's still intimidated by the ball and has a hard time concentrating on the game but she is doing better then last year and that's all that matters!

Yesterday the girls played in the rain. Of course the day started off just cloudy but as we made our way to the car to leave, it started to drizzle. Once at the field it was coming sown a little heavier, but not too bad. When they finished it was pouring! I;m praying that none of us get sick!

Remembering 9/11

2010-09-11T11:40:00.000-04:00

Today is the anniversary of 9/11 and so I talked a little to Faith about it. I remember all to well being called to our station and just waiting to be deployed, wanting to go to NY to help..We did eventually a few days later but it was only to bandage steel workers cutting through the rubble and to hand out supplies..Faith and I were lucky to be in NY on the 5th anniversary. I can't describe the feeling of the city that weekend..American flags were hung everywhere, Saks 5th Avenue drapped their famous window displays in black in memory of all who perished that day. The hair on the back of my neck stood up all weekend!

So today I remember all of my fellow EMS, Fire and Police who died protecting and serving their beloved city and all who died that fateful day.. I pray that God comforts all who mourn the loss of their loved ones..

"Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it!" ~ unknown

This is one of my favorite quotes..My American History teacher, Mrs. Bell had this hanging on the wall..

Week 3 of School for Faith

2010-09-08T19:34:00.000-04:00

I am a slacker!! she started school AUGUST 23, 2010 and I'm jsut getting around to this post!! LOL
She is doing well, her IEP is slowly getting into place. They will be extending her OT for her handwriting skills which I am glad, she needs practice and some helpful hints to get her to do it right..
Here is the picture at breakfast time..I got up at 7am to cook her bacon and pancakes!

She was ever so excited to have me be taking pictures before she ate! LOL Lindsey even got up after being out all night with her Dad and walked down to the bus stop to wait for the bus..
Here she is right before the bus pulled up..

I could see she was excited, cause I actually got a smile :)
Mrs. Wilson her teacher is a sweetheart and a few of the neighborhood kids are in her class as well. She also is going to her daddy's old school which is cool for her as well!

Beautiful Labor Day Weekend!!

2010-09-05T22:46:00.000-04:00

The weekend started dreary, hot, humid and rainy from hurricane Earl but by yesterday it was beautiful! The girls were dissappointed that it was not pool weather but we had fun just the same hanging out with my Mom and Dad. Since I moved away I can truly say that I value them so much more. We see them as much as we can and really just live the moments. I feel that we live those moments a lot more now then when I lived in NJ..
It was a short visit but a great one just the same. We hung out at the mall on friday and Mom Mom once again spoiled them and bought Emilee a Cinderella rag doll and a Buzz lightyear doll and Faith got a Melody Hello Kitty Bunny from the Build a Bear store..Last night we took a trip to the Ocean City Boardwalk and the kids enjoyed the rides with their cousins Eddie, Maggie and Trevor. Traffic on the way home was not bad..I expected at least some traveler's from the weekend but they must have stayed to take advantage of the beautiful weather! I would have done the same but I did not want to get stuck in all the traffic tomorrow! So we are taking it easy tomorrow, unpacking and enjoying being together as a family..

A New Journey

2010-08-18T14:47:00.003-04:00

In these last few months I have definitely stepped out of my comfort zone!
I left a job I had for 17 years!!
I moved from New Jersey to West Virginia to pursue a better life for our family!!
So what do I do now??
I have always been the closed, shy, I'd rather be home then socialize type of girl..My hubby is just the opposite! Well, I am about to change all that!!

I have had this dream for a few years now to get a job in the scrapbooking World!!
No don't get me wrong, I have loved every minute of my career as an EMT. I have met some awesome people along the way, I have even saved my fair share of lives along the way but I can't keep ignoring this "thing" inside my heart and head any longer! This "thing" is telling me that there is something more out there, this "thing" is telling me to create and to share my passion..So here is where the journey begins!!

I am now a Independent Consultant for Heritage Makers!! Why, you ask would a traditional, paper scrapbook artist go the way of the digital world??
My answer is very simple...I believe in preserving your Memories and History for future generations to share..It does not matter HOW it get's done, just that it is DONE!
There are alot of people out there that like the idea of scrapbooking but don't have the time or they think they aren't the CREATIVE type to be a scrapbooker! Heritage Makers takes all the guess work out of it!! The Premier Studio takes all the guess work out of what matches with what, and what embellishment goes with what! All the artwork is put into collections, all you need to do is pick one and open and create!
If your thinking to yourself, I'm not that creative..I can't make my own page or you don't have the time there are predesigned templetes that you can easily customize and make your own!
It is soo simple!! ANYONE can do it!! And here is the best part...At the end, you will have a book or project that will last many lifetimes!
And with Premier, you have UNLIMITED photo storage!! Once you upload your photos, they will be safe and sound. No more worries about your hard drive crashing and loosing all your precious memories!
Here is another great thing about Heritage Makers.. Once you create a project and publish it, it's saved in the archives..If for any reason your book or project gets damaged or lost you can order another one for half of the original price!!
So as you can see I am VERY excited about my new venture!!! Please check out my website and find out for yourself what Heritage Makers is all about! http://heritagemakers.com/462296
I know you will fall in love just like I have!! And when you do, call me and we can discuss starting your own project, Hosting a party or even your own business!! The sky is the limit!!

Strange Dreams

2010-08-10T14:42:00.003-04:00

I have been having the strangest dreams off and on..Not sure what it means, if anything.
They all have the same theme..I'm with a man that's not Bryan (my hubby) Last night's dream I got caught with they guy walking on the street..It's just plain weird..
The old me from years ago would have done that sort of thing..The Me of today... No way!
Why you ask?
1. I am married to my Soul Mate and Forever Love ...this makes my heart sing everytime I think about it!
2. I've grown up!! I'm wiser now and realized those patterns I fell into were because I was craving love..Not a good way to get it btw..It NEVER worked out!
3. This should be the #1 reason.. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and was washed of all my sins :) I am a new person and with the help of the Holy Spirit make Godly choices..

I still beat myself up over some of the stupid things I did..I know God has forgiven me but it's hard to forgive yourself. Why is that??
I don't think about it all the time, and would never act on it..So why dream about it all??

I busted the car!!

2010-08-07T23:26:00.004-04:00

I took the kids to Pittsburg to Ikea almost 2 weeks ago..What a pricey trip it turned out to be..I spent only $134 in Ikea, I got the bookshelf I wanted for Faith's Collectibles..I got to the car and instead of sliding Faith over and putting her seat down, I didn't.. I put it over the top of the seat instead. Well that was a BIG mistake!! I got into Morgantown and we were just passing target and Sheetz when this college kid veered out over 3 lanes of traffic right into my lane..I slammed on my brakes and the bookcase slammed into the windshield!! 1 week without a car and $350 later= valuable lesson learned!!

Beautiful Sights

2010-08-04T20:52:00.004-04:00

This was the sight outside my upstairs deck tonight.. It's going to be a beautiful day tomorrow.

After nearly 2 months of caring for my tomato plant I finally have a ripe tomato with 2 more not far behind!!

We had a few thunderstorms roll in tonight. After they passed I went out to put the trash out and found that my tomato had finally become ripe!! Can't wait to eat it!!

August 1st!!

2010-08-01T12:58:00.003-04:00

Wow!! Where did the summer go??? Before you know it, it will be cold outside and snowing! LOL
I am slowly getting the house in order. I finished the girls room yesterday for the most part. I have 1 more tote full of animals to figure out what to do with and a few shelves to put up but that is it!!
My room is a disaster area!! Our bedroom furniture is in boxes waiting to be built..all of Bryan's hanging clothes are on the floor since the shelf fell..Waiting for the closet to be put up too.. Waiting and waiting..
I'm waiting to get my car fixed..I went to Ikea with the girls to get a bookshelf..Instead of putting the seat down and scooting Faith over I didn't.. On my way home I had a college kid veer out in 3 lanes of traffic and right in front of me..I slammed on my brakes and the bookcase came forward and slammed into the windshield! Very expensive lesson learned!!

Bad Blogger..

2010-07-29T12:52:00.002-04:00

I am such a bad blogger..I totally forgot to blog about Emilee's Birthday weekend. I have an excuse though..I was in NJ then my parents came out to visit us here in WV! Does that count??
Like I said we went to NJ jsut the girls and I . Bryan had to work. Friday we went to see Toy Story 3 finally..The girls were excited to go se it with MomMom. Emilee fell asleep on her lap half way through and woke up just before it ended. Saturday I went to Sam's and got stuff for party. When I got back Emilee and Faith were in the pool with my Mom. My Dad even got in with them which was a big surprise because he NEVER gets into the pool!! Sunday was the party Lindsey surprised me by coming over and hanging out with us the whole day. She was a great help with Emilee by Taking her into the pool so I didn't have to! It was great to see my family, wspecially my Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Howard. Every event I have invited them to they have always come and I know they love seeing the kids. I use to pop by their house when I worked the Rescue Squad to say Hi! That is one of the things I will miss about living close by..
We then went to the Boardwalk in Ocean City so the kids could ride the rides..Nicole went with us so Faith had Fenix to ride rides with her. Emilee LOVED the race Cars!! She rode them 3 times!! She giggled all the way! Lindsey got on with her for the last ride..It was cute..
Monday we packed up and headed home..My parents came out on Tuesday and were busy altering curtains, hanging shelves and entertaining the kids.. It was a short visit but I loved having them here and I think my Mom is more at ease with the move now that she got to see where we live and how nice the house is coming.. We did get to take Dad's truck to Ikea so that we could get our furniture..They are still all in boxes but at least it's here and we can work on it when we can.

Tim McGraw!!!

2010-07-10T21:12:00.003-04:00

July 8th we went to see Tim McGraw at the First Niagara Pavillion in Pittsburg, Pa. It was an amazing Show!!
Unlike the Tweeter Center in Camden, NJ the reserved seats are NOT air conditioned!! It was 95 degrees in the shade!!
The first opening act, Love and Theft we did not see. We were tied up parking but did manage to get to our seats just before Lady Antebellum came on. They were HOT! Love their new album so I really enjoyed their performance. I love harmony and their voices just meld together!

Tim must love Phil Collins..Right before his part started In the Air Tonight started to play and the lights that lit up the audience would blink to the music. Tim opened with Real Good Man ( one of my favorites).

The highlights were:
Bryan got to go down to the front to take a couple pictures..He got a butt shot for me :)

A women left Tim speechless as she threw he bra on stage! He stopped singing, not sure what to say and then continued with the show. He drapped the bra over one of his band member's guitars.
The Warren Brothers came out and sang harmony on Blank Sheet of Paper and If your Reading This, both of which they wrote. If your Reading This was cowritten by Tim ;)
When they first sat down together they started to sing Tim McGraw (the song) It was too funny!!

So glad hubby and I got a night out by ourselves!!

Family vacation 2010, by Kim Boken

2010-07-06T12:43:00.001-04:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Vacation and July 4th!!

2010-07-05T14:20:00.003-04:00

Hello my friends!!
I survived the heat, the rides and all the walking I did in Williamsburg and had a blast doing it!! It was so good to be back in a place that I loved so much as a child! A lot of happy memories to share..The best part was sharing them with my kiddos and having my parents and brother there with his kids! 3 generations having fun and spending quality time together! We are all ready talking about what we will be doing next year for our vacation!! I can't wait!!
I still have not uploaded my pics of our vacation.. I've been slow going this week..partly becasue I am sick! Actually 9 out of 11 got this nasty sinus thing while on vacation..My dad spent the last 2 days in the room and missed out on Busch Gardens :( I missed part of that day too cause of my sinuses. Luckily our room was about 10 minutes down the road so Bryan took me back so I could rest! I felt better the next day so Mom, Eddie and I toured a plantation.
I will fill you in with all the details of our trip later :)
July 4th was laid back..We went to Walmart and got an outdoor dining set !/2 off..Gotta LOVE that!! I made some pasta salad and Bryan grilled some burgers up! We went to see the fireworks downtown..I have to say, they were one of the better displays I've seen a town do in quite a while! I guess I'm use to living in a state that downsizes everything becasue they have NO money! LOL
Tonight we will do the sparklers with the kiddos and I promised Faith I would get her glow bracelets!

Vacation Bound!!

2010-06-26T00:47:00.002-04:00

Leaving for Williamsburg, VA in the AM.. Can't wait to have a family vacation with my parents and my brother! It's going to be great to go to one my favorite childhood places..It's gonna be a great week!!
See you when I get back!!

We are here!!

2010-06-16T11:39:00.002-04:00

In West Virginia..Been in our new home now for about a week..Lovin all the new space we have!!
Getting around town is better then I thought it was going to be..Gotta love GPS! I would literally be lost without it!!
I wish the weather was better! It's been cloudy and humid all week. We have no air conditioning so it's been slow unpacking. Our landlord, Frank is going to put central air in!! He is such a great guy!!
The people here are really friendly..A neighbor, Laura came over with homemade chocolate chip cookies! The guy at Kroger bagged my groceries and put them in the cart for me!! Now that's service!!

Packing is slow going..

2010-06-04T21:51:00.002-04:00

But we are getting there! I am in the process of packing scrapbook stuff..Bears are all packed, I have a morethings to pack in the hutch..But not tonight! I'm whooped!!
Watching the Flyer's game!! My boys are doing very well for themseves! 3 to 1 with 3:13 in the 2nd period!! So exciting!!
This will be my last blog entry till I unpack the computer!! LOL See you all next week!

Happy Memorial Day!!

2010-05-31T00:49:00.004-04:00

It's 12:49am here so I want to thank all who have served and are serving now for our Country.. I truly respect and admire all who have made that sacrifice to be away from your family and friends so that we can continue to be a free nation!
..My hat is off to you!!
For all those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrafice, I pray that you are at Peace with God and that your families are comforted in knowing that they will see you once again.
To all our Military...Thank You!!

Here is a picture of my brother Ed, Me, our Mom and Dad today at my brother's house..

Moving Day is getting closer!!

2010-05-27T22:40:00.003-04:00

June 7th is the official move day and I can't wait!! I am so looking forward to being an in a house!! I got the pictures from the realtor finally..I'm amazed we are gonna have so much room!!
Can't wait!!!

Just Because..

2010-05-19T20:54:00.003-04:00

Look what my hubby brought home for me..Just Because.. I LOVE pink roses..

Thank you My Forever Love!!

Boxes, Boxes Everywhere!!

2010-05-19T11:46:00.004-04:00

It's looking more and more like we are moving! LOL

There are boxes pretty much everywhere and the piles are growing!! Hopefully we will be moved by the end of the month!! I have so much more to do...Gotta get going!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-09T21:57:00.005-04:00

Hello,
What a fabulous day..One of my best mother's days yet! LOL

We went to Olive Garden and had dinner with my Mom and brother, his girlfriend Terry, and our clan..

My Mother gave me this..

Inside the pouch is a cameo bracelet and necklace that belonged to my grandmother who passed away when my Mom was just 13.. The note my Mom gave me :

Dear Kim,

I wanted to give you these before you leave. They were your Grandmother's. I wish you could of met her. She was a very kind and beautiful mother. She would of love you so very much. I wish you would let your daughters wear them on their wedding day. It would be a great gift to me. Please keep them safe. You and your girls mean the world to me. I wish you happiness and love.

Love you always,

Mom

Philadelphia Zoo May 2, 2010

2010-05-03T12:00:00.019-04:00

America's First Zoo..I love that they have preserved many of the original buildings..

Here is Faith with the Philadelphia Phillies Phanatic.. Em was scared of it..

Here is the girls with my Mom standing in front of the Elephant statues..we miss the elephants at the zoo :(

I am not quite certain what he was doing..Deep in thought, I guess. He reminded me of Emilee and how she sleeps sometimes. LOL

Lazy Lions..

One smart Tiger! He didn't move from this spot the whole time!

Faith looking at her map, waiting for Lunch!!

Emilee posing...

Emilee took this one..Pretty good considering she's 2!

My budding Photographer..Faith took this photo of me and Emilee..

Say Cheese!!

Faith feeding the very hungry Goat!

looking at the Penguins. Emilee walked with that map fully open like she was reading it..

My favorite statue in the Zoo..The girls with the bears!!

It was a great day though it was hot and humid and 90 degrees but there was a cool breeze and not bad when you were in the shade.. I'm so happy that my Mom decided to come with us!!

Prayers Answered

2010-04-27T01:09:00.003-04:00

A quick update:

Today we found out the house on Virginia Avenue is most likely ours!! Oh happy Day!!!

Thank You God for answering another prayer!!

Bryan went to an IEP meeting for Faith. She is doing very well and has made great progress this school year!! I am so proud of her!!

Bryan will be leaving tomorrow for his interview on Wednesday. hopefully he will find out when he's going to start..

Back from West Virginia

2010-04-25T23:02:00.002-04:00

Howdy!!
Back from WV, no luck on the home front for now..Most of the rentals dont open up until May 15 since that's when the college kids leave for break. We did find a charming house in a quite neighborhood but we couldn't see it now we have to go back down May 15 to view it and pray that we get it. We wont be able to move in until June 1. I'm sure it will work out..

West Virginia Bound

2010-04-20T04:44:00.003-04:00

Well, I made it through my last days of work and am truly excited for our new journey to begin. Shirley and Carol at Tropicana gave me a very sweet card and cake on my last day there..It was a strawberry shortcake and it was yummy!!

I have no second thoughts, I know that this is what we are suppose to be doing.. Iam so grateful to God for providing this opportunity to us.
Today we leave for West Virginia to find a place to call home..Praying that we are successful and we find a place that is roomy and bigger then what we have now!

Bitter Sweet

2010-04-14T04:33:00.002-04:00

This week is my last week working and it's been bitter sweet. Today as I type this note I am working at Upper Rescue for the last time. This is a place that has taught me so very much about life, friends, and EMS. I will cherish my time here always. I look forward to the new journey ahead and pray that my experiences here will help me along this new path my family takes.
Monday was my last shift at Tropicana and I felt really good about it..Shirley and Carol were very sweet and bought me a cake..We ate it today, it was yummy!! Strawberry Shortcake!!
Thursday will be my last shift at Caesar's and then the Weekend I'm at Bally's..Can't wait for Monday morning at 4am! I will officially be finished. Not a moment too soon either. The end of the month brings new changes to the Med units of Bally's and Caesar's. Dr. Bisk will no longer be there and with that brings a new doctor and new staff. I would most likely be out of a job either way.
A lot of things are changing. If you like change then it's good, if you don't then it's a harder road for you but know this...God is always there to light your way!!

Many Blessings..

2010-04-07T00:38:00.003-04:00

So many things to tell you...
We fianlly got our money!!! We are now able to breath easier and pay off all our debt!

We are moving sometime next month to West Virginia.. I am excited about this new adventure in our lives, I am also apprehensive leaving my family behind. I know that this is the best thing for us to do. Last week the word came down that the Dr I work for lost the contracts for Caesar's and Bally's so he will be downsizing.. A true sign that this move is meant to be..
We bought a new car last week!! It's more then what I wanted to spend but we also had to take into account of the big sticker price we still had to pay off..The van is gone and I am driving a 2011 Spicy Red Kia Sorento!! It's beautiful!! Panaromic sunroofs, leather interior, Navigation system, back up camera..The only thing that we need to get installed is the DVD player for the kids. Since I will be making the trek back and forth from WV to NJ We need one!!!
I have exactly 7 shifts left at work. 8 if you count the 1 at the Rescue Squad. I can't wait for it to be over and I can get back to a normal routine and spend more time with my girls.. Faith has been having some difficulty with her Dad. I know Bryan tries his best but I think it's time he get's back to work..His patience has been wearing thin and Faith is sensitive to it..
We had a very nice Easter. I cooked a turkey and it actually came out beautiful!! It was GOLDEN brown when it came out of the oven!! WooHoo Me!! I made a turkey one of the first years we were married and it came out raw..Took an extra 2 hours to cook!! (I told them it was that oven!!)

Happy St. Patty's Day

2010-03-17T14:56:00.003-04:00

Hello dear friends,

Happy St. Patty's Day!!
I'm not wearing green today but I am in the spirit!! I was just remembering when I was a child my grandmother gave me one of her skirts she got from Ireland..I wore it very proudly every St. Patrick's day!
Sweet memories!

West Virginia Bound!!

2010-03-13T15:51:00.002-05:00

It's official, we are moving!!
Hubby got a job with WVU as a charter driver. The benefit package is awesome and he would be crazy if he didn't take it!!
I will have more info to come!!

My new Furniture!!

2010-03-11T08:19:00.004-05:00

Tax time came and look what we bought with our return??

I LOVE it!! I can honestly say I have never had a new couch or chair. The couch has so many comfy pillows and Bryan and I can comfortably lay together!! Of course most of the time I lay with Emilee and watch TV..LOL

It's nearly Spring!!

2010-03-11T08:11:00.003-05:00

The snow has finally melted and I can tell by my allergies taht spring is around the corner!! LOL

I can honestly say that I am glad it's almost here..

Bryan has a job interview up in NYC on saturday. It's for a bus company in WV. The owner is going to up in NYC for a charter so he asked Bryan to meet him up there. I'm praying he gets it..

Emilee loves dresses!! Here is a picture of her showing off a new dress I found in a tub of clothes my friend Nicole gave me..

Isn't my chickie so cute??

Snow, Snow and more Snow!!

2010-02-26T13:46:00.002-05:00

Once again we are getting pummled by a snow storm. The fourth storm this season, thankfully it only inches and not feet!! We just got rid of the all the snow that has been here for the last month!!
I cant wait for Spring!!!!!

Emilee is talking up a storm now.. It's nice to hear her little voice! Everything is blue and all questions are answered no!
She now says her favorite TV Show Backyardigans names:
Tasha ~ ash
Uniqua ~ qua

New Beginnings

2010-01-23T23:49:00.002-05:00

Sitting here at work, listening to my play list a random thought came to mind..
Everyone deserves a new beginning. Whether you are someone who has fallen from grace or a person who is lead by grace, we all deserve a new beginning..
All the time I hear people have so much to say about what others have done, who they dissappointed, who they have cheated..all the while never really looking at their past mistakes, their own failures.. It is a steep mountain you are clinging on. Sooner or later your gonna fall off and at the end of that day who will be there to hold onto you?? Not too many people I know would want to stand by a person who judges and belittles others all the time. Do you think anyone is gonna catch you now??
We need to stop judging people and by the way that's not our job..God is the one who at the end of our lives Judges us before we enter into heaven. That big black book has all the good we have done but also all the lies, all the betrayals, all the bad stuff you have done too.. So how are you going to measure up??
I know when the good Lord takes me home I hope to have been the best person that I could be. I know that I try every day to respect everyone I come in contact with.. I may not necessarily get along with them but I respect them none the less.
I cherish my family and have loved them unconditionally.
I have compassion for all people..I have worked in a field where I have seen many people take their last breath, suffer great pain and cry for help.
I myself have endured trials and pain of my own but believe that my trials make me a better provider.
I understand at the deepest level where people could take their own lives. I understand the pain and utter despair they feel truly believing that death is better then life. I know the belief of the comfort of that thought brings because the emotional pain you have in your heart wont end. I had those same thoughts and beliefs at one time. I have over come those thoughts of dispair but they are here as a reminder of how I should treat others in that same frame of mind. My ordeal showed me that not all people in health care understand or show compassion to those with mental disease. I endured judgement, disrespect, and utter rudeness when all that I needed was one person to say it would be ok.. It's been 15 years since I overdosed and I can still hear the comments that were said to me that night I cried out for help.. That is why I pass no judgements on anyone..Unless you can walk a mile in their shoes, you need not pass judgement.
I try to fill my life with as much love and happiness as I can. If you do not fill either of those requirements, you exit rather quickly.
I try to be a good friend. At this moment my friends are very few. I have always had issues with maintaining relationships. Some have been my fault but others have betrayed me. I know God sends you people in your life that are only suppose to be around momentarily..usually until you learn the lesson God had intended you to learn.. I guess I had many lessons to learn! LOL
I try to be a fathfull daughter to our Lord. I pray, sometimes not to the degree in which God would want me too but I pray at least every day, sometimes only to say, "Hi and thanks". Other times when I am need guidance I pray longer. It's funny though, the moments I hear God's voice telling me what I need to hear is not at the moment when I pray but rather when I'm quiet, sitting at the computer usually writing something or when I'm in the car..I have come to realize that He talks to you when you least expect it, and most times that is when I really hear what he's saying..
Think about it...Dont pass judgement, listen, be compassionate, and you may just learn something special about that person..

My Family Legacy

2010-01-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

I have been researching my family tree for the Faithsisters challenge My Lifetime Story. It has been interesting to see where I really come from and sort through all the old cencus sheets thanks to Ancestory.com( which has been an invaluable tool, I am trying to learn as much as I can in the free two week trial).
I can't tell you how important it is to me to do this. Not only for me but for my Mom. She is the youngest of 12 and her parents were each married once before. My grandparents died when my Mom was a teenager so those family facts were lost. Until only recently she had a brother she had no contact with for over 40 years. My Aunt found him and they went to visit him a few times. He passed away this past Sept. and my Mom didn't even find out until 2 months later! Not a tight family you can say, the family sort of fell apart when my grandmother died.
Cherish your family, cherish your Legacy, and most importantly..Pass it on..

The Popper

2010-01-07T20:39:00.002-05:00

How many of you remember the Popper as a kid???
This one that Em is playing with is one of the old fashion kind with the wood handle..It was my grandmother's, she kept it for all the kids to play with. When she died my Aunt Annmarie took it...Now all of my grandmother's Great- grandkids can have as much fun with it as we did!!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T09:45:00.002-05:00

Well it's 2010!! And I slept through all of the excitement!! I was beat last night so I went to sleep at 9:30pm only to wake up at 1:00am and couldn't get back to sleep :( I did finally managed to sleep for a little bit only to awaken to the alarm.. Somebody had to work today, guess it should be me!
Praying that God blesses you abundantly this New Year!!!

Happy New Year's Eve 2009

2009-12-31T11:20:00.002-05:00

One more year is drawing to a close..I can't believe it!! It feels like 2009 has flown by. I am looking forward to 2010!! A new year with lots of changes in store, praying we are making the right decision to move to West Virgina!! In my head it makes sense, it's cheaper to live there then NJ, taxes are lower, car insurance is lower but will Bryan be able to find work, Do I want to continue my career as an EMT?? Lots of questions still unanswered. All I can do for now is pray for more guidance.. God has always set me straight!
Well today we are going to the movies with my Mom. This will be Em's first movie theatre experience, hoping she likes it! LOL We are going to see the Princess and the Frog. I think they will enjoy it. Faith asked a few weeks ago when she saw a bill board for it in NYC of all places if we could go with Mommom..of course Mommom said yes!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-25T10:32:00.003-05:00

Hello,
Wishing You all a Merry Christmas!!
The girls woke us up about 9am..Shocking I know..Emilee was so funny, she come running around my side of the bed and tapped me on the shoulder..when I turned around she had such a expressive face, pointing out to the living room.."Did Santa come?", I asked.. Em shook her head yes.."Do you want to open gifts?" She shook her head yes..."SO let's go!" She hurried out of the bedroom. She had one gift in her hand and met me half way down the hall.. I asked them to wait for a minute but that didn't last! She had the box opened and on to Faith's gift by the time I sat down. LOL..
Em was so excited about her Kalain doll and doodle pro! She especially liked her bitty baby..
Faith loved all the HEllo Kitties Santa brought her..especially the one in the red kimono that she saw in the Hello kitty store in New York City!
It's been a wonderful Christmas so far!! We have round 2 later today at my Mom's.. Will report later!

I am a very happy Girl!! Mom bought me some new clothes and the Racheal Ray deep lasagna dish!! I also got a cute Anna Lee panda.
The kids enjoyed all there presents that Mom Mom bought them. I think Faith has had the most fun with her Easy Bake oven. Em loves her wagon with blocks!!
I enjoyed watching the excitement the girls had when they saw all the gifts waiting for them! I made them sit on the couch so that us adults could prepare and get our cameras!! LOL Em was not happy!!

I enjoy gift giving but its important to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas.. Our Savior was Born..

NYC 12/16/2009

2009-12-22T21:46:00.007-05:00

Faith, Mom and I had a fabulous time in NY..When we were traveling to get Mom she asked me when the sun was coming up..It was the first time that she got up early enough to see the sun rise..

It was cold outside but that didn't stop us. Faith and I actually have been up there on colder days. We first went to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular!!

Here are some pictures...

Happy Holidays!!!

2009-12-13T11:44:00.010-05:00

We had a wonderful time in West Virgina visiting hubby's family. It was nice just to chill out and not have to do anything and enjoy each other's company.

Hubby and I went to the movies for the first time in about 4 years by ourselves!! We went and saw the Blindside with Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw...LOVED it!! Here's a link to the trailer http://www.movie-list.com/trailers.php?id=blindside

Here are some random pictures of our Thanksgiving dinner

The guys...Mike, John, Anthony, and Bryan ( my hubby)

The Guys with their Mom ( Juiliann)

Grandma and her Grandkids..

One of the Desserts!! It's a pumpkin, gingerbread Trifle!!!! It was soooo Good!! Thanks Katie for making it!!

Basketball Stadium for the WVU Mountaineers

Mountain side on the way home....

Almost Christmas...

2009-12-13T11:22:00.007-05:00

So much to do and so little time!!

We had pictures with Santa yesterday at the Rescue Squad. The girls were dressed in their Christmas dresses and looked adorable!! We had a party for the kids too..They got a special sitting with Santa where he gave them a present!!

Faith and Santa...cheese!!!

Emilee did not like Santa too well..She cried as soon as she saw him. She also didn't like the blow ups they had flanking the tree.

Here is Emilee and Faith by the tree, as you can see she was not happy about it!!

I pray that you and your Family have a Merry Christmas!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-11-21T00:16:00.004-05:00

Today is my 38th birthday!! I Don't feel 38, but do you ever feel your age?? I hope not!! LOL
I have made it a custom to NOT work on my Birthday! Well, I kinda messed up my schedule and I am working at least part of my birthday today..Oh, well. I don't mind because of having Thanksgiving off next week. I am really looking forward to getting away and having more then one or two days off in a row :)
So here is my Birthday wish for the coming year. As I am nudging closer to 40 I realize there are a lot of things in my life I want to accomplish.. So here it is..........
I would like to be able to take my family to Disney World for the first time...BEFORE I'm 40!

I would like to finally get my health in order and get in control of the extra poundage I have gained since having kiddos..

I would like to get published in a scrapbook magaizine:)

I would like to be on another scrapbook design team..One for a big Co. would be nice:)

On a more personal level....

I would like a happier marriage...I want to know my hubby again..

I want a HOUSE!!!

I want to learn how to financial security for my family..

I want a full time job!!

I need to get busy!! LOL

Oh yeah..happy Birthday to my Brother Ed, and my cousin Nicole!! It's never just wishing ME ahappy birthday, it has always come as a package;)

Light bulb Moments

2009-11-11T04:30:00.002-05:00

You know them...the moments from out of no where you finally get "it". "It" could be many things. Most of my light bulb moments have been when I have experienced a loss of some kind. A loss of a loved one, a friend moving away, breaking up with a boyfriend..you get the picture..But I have to say these prolific moments have defined me as person..I learned not only what it is to love and to have lost but I also learned the VALUE of love and friendship.
One of those defining moments in my life happened almost 16 years ago..I had tried to kill myself with pills and was unsuccessful at it. I had been through a lot with the reprocussions of my actions and dealing with it all. I was confused and in a mental hell and was not sure of how to dig myself out of it. A member of the Rescue Squad that I belong to died of Malignant Melinoma shortly after my ordeal and as I was standing in the funeral home listening to his sister sing Amazing Grace it hit me like a ton of bricks...I ran out of the service, I couldn't breath, my friends Regan and Sam ran after me..There I sit on the ground sobbing realizing for the first time I was thankful to be alive..I was selfish for wanting to take the easy way out rather then work through my depression. Here I was ready to throw it all away when Scott tried so desperately to hold on to life and couldn't..
My most recent light bulb moment came about 6 months ago as I was typing an email to a friend asking for prayers, sobbing while trying to type..The very thing I was typing about..my relationship with my husband and the toll of his not working has put on our marriage "it" happened.. I heard a voice in my head say.."you are the one that needs to work right now, You are the one who needs to take charge of this family." A peace came over me and I knew my light bulb moments were actually God talking to me, giving me the insight that I needed at that moment..
Listen closely, listen with all your heart and He will speak to you.

Random Thoughts

2009-11-08T12:15:00.003-05:00

Sitting here in the quiet of my apartment, listening to my playlist on the computer I have come to realize a few things..

Work would be so much better if I was truly happy going there.. I know exactly when I started to become this way..When I realized that I am under appreciated, under valued and under utilized!!

My children are the BEST thing that God has blessed me with.. I can never say enough thank you's for them:) You know they are from GOd when the Dr. says to you I can't believe you got pregnant!!

I love my husband very much...lately I feel unappreciated. I have been working my tail off the last few months to provide for our family...:you can get off the couch any minute now and do something:

My 38th birthday is rapidly drawing near...not sure how I feel about it. I would love this year to be the year that my dreams come true..

Emilee's First hair Cut

2009-11-06T20:06:00.008-05:00

Emilee got her first hair cut yesterday and boy did she need it!! She was such a trooper and seemed to really enjoy the experience..

This is the before picture where she was getting her hair combed and wet..

And here is the starting of the hair cut:

And these are the final photos..and her hair is straight!! It looked great but really wierd at the same time since I have never seen her hair straight before. LOL

Such a Big Girl..

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-31T16:52:00.003-04:00

It's a warm Halloween and cloudy..hopefully we wont get wet! LOL

Off to get ready, Faith is going as Aurora and Em is Uniqua from Backyardigans..

More to follow..

We are back from Trick or treating and got a little wet. It stayed warm too..the only time I had my jacket on was when it was sprinkling out.

Thankfully the weather held off until after we got home. Right now it pouring!!

This picture is of Emilee before we left. She did not want to put her costume on!! I had to take the hat off as soon as the picture was taken! LOL

This is outside our apartment..

In the car..ready to get candy!!!!!

Miss Faith with a big smile...she's got candy!!!

Miss Em just chillin' with her bag of candy and her cup. I asked her if she was comfy and I got a head shake yes..

And this...was a yard that both girls liked...something that is hard to find since both are scared to death of most Halloween stuff..

Happy halloween!!

Precious Words

2009-10-10T13:40:00.003-04:00

Today when I got up Emilee come bounding through the bathroom door to give me the "your up kiss and hug"..when these precious words were said.." Hello Mom" I had tears in my eyes.. I have been waiting for those words to be said.. She's doing well with speech therapy and every day she says more words here and there..
I am so grateful that she's talking..

Faith Turns 7!!

2009-10-10T05:41:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it myself but my little girl is 7! Her birthday was this past thursday and she was soooo excited! Daddy decided to take her to Applebee's and she had ice cream and everyone sang Happy Birthday!!
No pictures of this event however because Dad also forgot the camera but I did manage to take a shot or two of her opening her present..She got Birthday Pet Shops ...later in the week we went to the mall where she got the hanna Montana Build a Bear! And to top it off grandma bought her a giftcard for American Girl store so our next rip to New York she will be bringing home her doll!
Come to think of it she had more like a birthday week..MomMom took her out last Saturday and she went to a movie..Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs, dinner at Applebee's and shopping at Target where she got all the Hello kitty clothes they could find!!

Summer is over

2009-09-14T06:04:00.003-04:00

and it feels like it never really began. I have been working so much this summer that I have missed ball games, a trip to WV, and swimming in the pool with the kids..and so much more.
To recap the summer highlights:
Faith was diagnosed with Dyspraxia..it's a processing disorder of the brain. The neurologist is hopeful that with therapy and extra help in math and reading she will be able to learn more easily.
Emilee started speech therapy and is saying more words here and there...she will be able to start all day preschool when she turns 3.
Bryan took the kids down to WV to see his Mom. The visit went very well and they had a nice time. I stayed home because of work..
We managed to getaway for two days to North Jersey to see Lucas play ball with the Tornadoes..we also went into my favorite city, New York and got to eat our favorite pizza and see Faith's favorite places..It was great to see Emilee's reaction to the city. It was like looking at with new eyes.
Faith started school before Labor day this year so baseball got cut short. The Tornadoes made it to the playoffs so Bryan took the girls and his Mom ( she came up for a visit for her Bday) to a game this past weekend and they swept the Jackals!! I am very happy for all the guys and am hopeful that they will win the title this year! Lucas is talking about retiring at the end of this year so this would be an awesome end to his baseball career.

Here is a picture of the Girls and our dear friend Lucas..Emilee LOVES him..He is one of the few men she will go to..

So Tired

2009-07-08T18:34:00.002-04:00

I think I spend way too much time at work..the last few months I have been working on average 5 to 6 days a week. This month every Saturday I'm working 18 hours because of a schedule conflict.
Bryan is finished with the orthopedic but has to see a specialist. His arm is still not right and we are praying that this new doctor knows what is going on..
I worked yesterday and all that was on TV was Michael Jackson's memorial service. It is a shame that such a talented person could be struck down so young..He was only 50 years old but due to his own insecurities and vices his body gave out.. I feel for his young children, I cant imagine how they feel to be 12, 11 and 8 years old without their father..The only comfort is that they have a whole array of people to share their memories of their father, the King of Pop..I pray that Michael is finally at peace..

OC Boardwalk

2009-06-25T00:08:00.003-04:00

We took the kiddos to the Ocean City boardwalk last night for pizza and rides. Emilee had her first taste of M&M pizza and well, loved it! Every time she took a bite she would say with her lips smacked together (mmmm = yum)..

She also Loved the fire engines!! She was not sure of the whole thing when it started but soon was giggling and grinning from ear to ear! She rode on them SEVERAL times..

Faith loved the ballons and the roller coaster. You could hear her giggling all the way around! It brought joy to my heart that such a small thing could bring such joy to my little ones..the evening was priceless..

No More School!!

2009-06-18T14:05:00.005-04:00

And other stuff...

Faith finished Kindergarten on 6/16/09 !! She is officailly now a first grader! We took her up to Montclair University were the Jackals play to see Lucas who plays for Worcester..Well when we got there Bryan snuck back to the clubhouse to give Lucas the jersey we had of his from the Surf so he couldsign it and give it to her..Well out he came..and surprise he was also playing( he had been on the DL for two weeks) HE came over and couldn't believe how big the two got and complemented Faith on her glasses and I told him that she finished kindergarten..He said," Since you did such a good job at school, here is a present for you.
Well you should have seen the expression on her face!! It was priceless and I didnt get a picture of it :( I did give him his gift which He LOVED!!
After the game we got to talk some more and take some pictures.. I htink Faith has competition, I think Em adores him as well.. SHe kept pointing to him when he was out in CF..I'd say his name and she would shake her head yes.. So cute!!

Just like old times!! Still not use to seeing him in that uniform though!

This is a picture of the Girls with Lucas and Heath Keel. Emilee went right to Luke when he picked her up!!

The Saga continues..

2009-06-01T12:27:00.015-04:00

Bryan is STILL out of work, not sure when he will be able to go. His shoulder is actually worse the nbefore the surgery..He now has Thoracic Outlet syndrome..Basically his brachial plexus is pinched somewhere..causing pain, weakness and numbness..oh, joy!!

We are waiting still on when we will be settling the lawsuit! The lawyers are now saying June 17th is the deadline..We shall see..

On other fronts..

Emilee is coming into her own and wearing me out..She loves for me to play blocks and ball with her and will lovingly take me by the hand show me what she wants and points to the floor to sit..She has not really progressed in the language department but her nonverbal communication is off the charts! She really does know what she wants and how to get it!

We took Em and Faith the the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus on May 14..We really had a lot of fun! Here is a picture of me and Em watching the circus..

Here are the Elephants!!

Em loved the Horses..

Faith loved this part..

I liked the Tigers..

Bryan liked the Cycle!! It was made by the Orange County Choppers on one of their TV episodes..

Faith finished her second season of Soccer..She really enjoys the game and is finally getting in there and at least running after the ball!! LOL

Here is her Daddy giving her some pointers!!

Faith as the Goalie!!

Here is the Team with their Trophies!!

Wow !!

2009-05-26T13:28:00.002-04:00

It's been since April since I have blogged..Well this is what's going on in my little world..

Emilee was in the ER twice..She had a bladder infection that the ER did not catch the first time since they did not bother to do any tests. Thank God she is feeling much better!!
We are starting the deposition hearings for Bryan's lawsuit. We ar scheduled to go thursday. I hope everything goes well. Bryan's shoulder is not doing so well because he has some nerve problems . I am praying that it gets better o that he can go back to work and do something besides sit on the couch!

I've been tagged

2009-04-15T19:06:00.003-04:00

By my friend Cheryl at Faithsisters.com..let's see if I can find the picture..

This picture is from April 2008. It was the last bottle of Champagne we had from our Wedding and we decided to drink it to celebrate finally moving into our own place!

I have to tag 7 people...Hmmm

Sunny
Michelle
Kristi
Shereen
Kay
Rhonda
Theresa
Here's what to do: Go to the photos folder on your computer.Go to the seventh folder of photos.Go to the seventh photo.Put the seventh photo on your blog along with a description.Invite seven friends to join.Optional:(leave me links to see your pictures!!!)

Family ~ 52 Blessings

2009-03-29T18:14:00.004-04:00

Here is my crazy family..my cousin Heather and her husband and her father(my uncle) are moving to Washington state later this month so we had a get together today to eat, relax and have fun..
I am blessed to have such a great family. We may not see each other as often as we should but we always stand by each other when times are tough..

52 Blessings

2009-03-07T21:39:00.002-05:00

Hey I know I'm early but I am thankful for days off..as of late I din't get many of them..I am hoping for a great day off!! Scrapping is in my future!!

52 Blessings ~ Week 7

2009-02-22T15:05:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for great friends who give a helpful hand when we need it.
A friend of my husband's gave us this huge 42" tv and the home theater that came with it for FREE!! In exchange, hubby had to take his cats to the shelter. His fiancee is allergic and they couldn't keep them.
CJ helped hubby lug everything up the steps and put it together!

My sweet Emilee..

2009-02-15T07:23:00.002-05:00

Hey,

Have not posted about my sweetie latley so thought I'd update on the munchkin..
She's almost 19 months now and finally walking like a mad women!! I had her out of the stroller the other day at target and boy did she take off..Next hing i know her little feet were not as fast as the rest of her body and BOOM! she fell. She gets up and starts all over hardly complaining..
She will also answer yes or no questions with the shake of the head... no words yet. Once in a while I hear Hi but she's taking her time with talking, I guess just like everything else!
She loves music..when a song comes on the radio she will shake her little butt to the music. When she's in the car she will shake her head and her upper body..We certainly laugh at her quite a lot.
Lately when mommy gets home from work and she's still up we crawl into bed together and watch TV. She has to have the covers all the way up to her chin and will protest if it's not..
She loves to watch Mickey clubhouse and little Einsteins..thank God for On Demand..I can turn it on whenever she wants to watch it, not like when Faith was smaller and she would ask to watch something and I would explain that it was not on and she could never understand casue she watches movies over and over..
She loves to color and picks up a crayon and holds it with her little fingers pinching the tip and if it's upside down she will turn it so it's right! Such a smart girl I have!!

52 Blessings ~ Week 6

2009-02-08T21:41:00.002-05:00

I'm such a slacker..hehe.. have not had much time for the computer lately..I started working 33 hours a week at the Casino.
And that is what I am thankful for..A job that has realized my potential and even though I may not be a nurse, I sure can run rings around them when it comes to emergency situations..
I love my new job and my Boss..she is such a doll. She is out on medical so that is why I am working so much. I am also thankful for the opportunity to prove that I am worthy of more hours and I can do the job just as well as the nurses..

25 things or so..

2009-01-23T19:29:00.003-05:00

This is a list I posted on facebook that I thought I would share here..
It's just a little insight into my world..

1. I am an avid scrapbooker who loves to scrap late at night when everyone else is asleep. My craft has aloud me to be creative and to teach others about the importance of preserving their memories for future generations.
2. I am a wife and mother who at times is not the nicest person to her family, but I know they will always love me and their arms will always be open :)
3. I love my job an an EMT..there are times that I dont love what comes with working with people in a very small space for 12 hours at a time, but I wouldn't want to do anything else! Saving Lives and caring for people is what it is all about!!
4.Step DD ~ Lindsey 11, DD's Faith 6, Emilee 18mths ~ I am truly blessed to have my children. I marvel at them every day and thank God for his gift of being their Mother. I also thank him for allowing me to be a part of my stepdaughter's life. I pray that I can be a good influence on her and help her to realize her potential.
5. I love God and welcomed him into my life on 12/27/1997..It has been a rocky road but through my trials I have learned that God will always be with me..
6. Family is the most important thing in my life. I cherish my time I have with them. I have lost a lot of loved ones in the last 10 years and realize the importance of letting family know how you feel about them!
7. In my early 20's I overdosed on pills. I felt very alone and was suffering from depression and lyme disease. I am much more compassionate now to those who suffer with mental illness or who are just troubled. You can't throw judgement on someone unless you have walked a mile in their shoes..I also learned just how precious life is..
8.I know what it is to be loved unconditionally. My first date with my husband was 7/4/00, we were engaged on 6/15/00 and married 11/03/01.. I could not imagine being with anyone else! Even through are rough times we have had since we married he shows me time and time again that with the Love we have and faith in God we can get through anything!!
9.I am afraid that fibromyalgia is slowly crippling me. As the years go on I can feel a difference in my body. As the pain and stiffness increases so does the weight. Exercising is painfull the muscle spasms increase.
10. I have worried since I was a child that my father is going to die. My grandfather died when I was 10 of a heart attack (His Dad) and since then I have seen in my dad the things that caused my grandfather's untimely death at 69. As the years creep by I am more afraid that my Dad wont live past 69..
11. In my 18 years in health care I have been witness to many people's passing. I feel privileged to be there the moment they see God..
12.I love ice hockey..so does my hubby..we have a rivalry going..He likes Pittsburg ( he played for their semi pro team) and I like Phila!
13. My husband got me hooked on Baseball!! Love the AC Surf!!
14. I am a part of a great scrapbooking community. We are christians from all over the world who have come together to share our love for God and faith booking.. Faithsisters.com
15. I love to cook...food network is on right now!! LOL
16. I don't have many female friends..But the ones I have know that I am always there for them!!
17. my pet peeve: People who think they know EVERYTHING!! Get over yourself...YOU don't!!18. my worst traits : Disorganized at times and I procrastinate A LOT..I'm trying to get better!! Worst thing is my husband is exactly the same!! DRIVES ME CRAZY!!
19. I am still friends with my first boyfriend!! We had some rough patches were we did not talk but for 20 years we have been friends!! Actually besides my hubby, Chuck is one of my Best Friends..
20. my favorite color is all shades purple...I like green too..
21. I am a teddy bear collector..not so much anymore but I have quite a few from my 25 years of collecting..
22. I pray everyday throughout the day for Everyone..patients who I know are not going to make it, hearses that drive by, friends who ask for prayers, my children, for hubby..
23. I adore my brother..Most days growing up I hated him but now he is the one I can always go to and has always been there for me..
24. I don't like shell fish...will eat salmon once in a while but nothing else..
25. I would like to have another child but am afraid my time is running out since I only have a portion of 1 ovary left..It's up to God..
one more thing...
26. I love music..especially country..love to harmonize to the radio..hehe..

Snow!!

2009-01-19T15:39:00.005-05:00

Just have to share some photos..The girls had fun playing in the snow earlier today. We dont get much accumilation anymore. Years ago we use to have snow most of the winter, now not so much but they had fun none the less..

52 Blessings ~ Week 3

2009-01-19T15:25:00.002-05:00

Louann is right time is flying by..

I am blessed to have a heavenly Father who loves me and provides for me. God always manages to provide what my family needs and I am truly grateful and blessed for it. A few weeks ago my family got a generous monetary gift from a friend who in his Christmas card said, "God told me to give this to you".
I was in utter shock. God has always answered my prayers but to hear someone say God wanted me to do this for you.. Well you can only imagine the feelings that rush over you..I still get teary eyed thinking about it.. I am amazed how God truly loves us.

52 Blessings ~ Week 2

2009-01-11T06:41:00.002-05:00

I am blessed to have 2 beautiful daughters that God so graciously gave to me. I truly believe that without his grace, my 2 miracles would not have been born. I thank God every day for allowing me that special gift of being a mother.

52 Blessings

2009-01-09T00:16:00.002-05:00

Ok.. over at Faithsisters.com we have a weekly challenge to blog or scrapbook 1 blessing each week.. I have decided to blog and like others will scrap it later when time permits:)

Week 1 Jan. 8, 2009

I am blessed to have a great husband. Over the last few months I have lost sight why I married him and what makes him the love of my life. More now then ever I am so grateful that he has never lost sight of our love and continues to be the Man I fell in love with over 8 years ago. I am grateful that I truly learned the lessons I needed to with God's grace and mercy.

Happy 2009!!

2009-01-08T23:46:00.002-05:00

Wow!! I sure have neglected my poor blog.. Well here goes the mad cap recap of my last few weeks/Holidays..

Christmas Eve ~ Faith went to the mall with PopPop to get gifts for MomMom..PopPop said that she made him take her to the Disney Store and the Build a Bear store ! LOL That's my girl!! Dad had fun on their little excursion (as told by MomMom later on) and I was glad that Faith got to spend some quality time with her PopPop.. I normally go it's been a tradition for as many years as I can remember to go with My Dad on Christmas Eve and get my Mom's gifts from him. I have the list and I usually end up wrapping too!! It was always something I looked forward to as a child and even as an adult I still do..
Went to work at 6p to the Tropicana, had a very uneventful evening considering there were a heck of a lot of people at the Casino!! Came home at 4a to put stuff in stockings... Santa had already put the gifts out..Kids got up at around 8a and WAITED a WHOLE 2 hours until they could unwrap there gifts.. 10a Faith came barreling into the bedroom to wake me up!! SANTA WAS HERE!! and then ran out!!
Kids unwrapped and even though we did not get them much were happy with what they received. (Of course Santa stopped at MomMom and PopPop's house too ) I went back to work and missed all the fun at MomMom and PopPop's. My relief came early :) and so I met my hubby and kids at my parents house..at my cold christmas dinner then opened my gifts from my Mom..:) I got a visa gift card..which I turned into a jukebox and cricut cartridge!!
Day afte Christmas we went to Mike and Cindy's and not much else. Emilee and Faith were a bit under the weather so we stayed close to home..
We stayed home for the most part besides me working for the most part of the week cause of Emilee with good reason.. 2 minutes after the ball dropped on New Year's Eve Bryan took Emilee to SMH to the ER ..Verdict Pneumonia..
She was getting better or so I thought then 2 days prior she started with the fever and then the cough from hell.. So New Year's Eve day she awoke with goop coming out of her eyes..apparently she had so much crud in her head it was leaking out of her eyes..YUCK!!
Thank God for a dear friend who earlier in the week sent us a huge financial gift.. He said God laid it on his heart that he needed to give us the money.. God is so good!! I did not realize until now just how that money was going to come in handy..We have no insurance so all the medicine I have bought this week we could not have been able to afford without that gift..
Oh yeah..Bryan had surgery on his shoulder Jan. 2
He had 2 tears in his labrium and some minor tears to the rotator cuff. He's on the mend but will be out of commission until May!!

I am praying that 2009 gets better and this is the final hump that we need to get over in order to have a successful year!!
Happy 2009!!

It's almost Christmas!!

2008-12-21T09:24:00.003-05:00

4 days to go and I am sooooo behind!! LOL

My shopping is done for the most part. I only bought gifts for our kids this year due to our financial situation. Bryan is working here and there at the rink but nothing at Lion tours.
Jan. 2 he will have his shoulder fixed and hopefully, Lord willing things will look up from there..

I love my new job!! My first day at the Tropicana I had a code. The patient's family called 911 direct instead of calling the medical station. By the time they called me the medics and ambulance were all ready there. I few fimiliar faces are working in security too so it feels like old times at the Claridge.

Emilee is 17 months old this month and is finally taking more steps. She is also shaking her head yes and pointing and showing me waht she wants..just wish I heard some words..I know, I know, when she does I am gonna wish she didn't start! LOL
I think she's gonna be a dancer!! That girl loves to move. Any time music comes on she is moving and grooving! She loves to rock her hips back and forth, especially with Santa Mickey. Mickey is a 2 ft. christmas decoration that when you turn him on he sings Jingle Bell rock and rocks his hips back and forth. It's so cute to see her imatate him!

Happy Thanksgiving !!

2008-11-27T07:39:00.003-05:00

Happy Turkey day! Presently I am at work. I coherced one of the night shift guys to come in early so I can have dinner with the family.. I will be nice to see all the family together. I dont think we have been together since Emilee's Birthday in July!!
I worked my first shift at the Tropicana yesterday. Wow!! it's been a while since I worked a "real" job..hehe..lots to remeber..I hope I can get through my first solo shift without forgetting anything..I had four hours of training and that was it..I know where the cafeteria is and where security is..Hoping that is the farthest I need to go. Knowing my luck, it's not!

Tomorrow is the BIG shopping day!! I can't wait..My plan is to get up around 5 and go to walmart and pick up a Leapster for Faith and a Crayola creativity staion for Emilee..they are both half off!! Can't beat that!! Then I will head over to the casino to work until 6p. Then home I go to crash and burn..

Turning 37

2008-11-23T07:58:00.002-05:00

November 21 was my Birthday and I turned 37. I don't feel 37, and at the same time my body sometimes feels older! LOL
I have realized over the last year that there are things I thought would be by this time in my life.. I thought I would be living in a house that we own, I thought that I would be taken care of by my husband. None of these things are a reality for me. I live in a small 850 sqft apartment which we can barely afford. My husband has been fired from yet another job and can't find steady work and I'm forced to work my butt off to provide for our family.
I am a bit resentful I'm afraid. I know I shouldn't be, I am grateful that at least one of us is working and it wouldn't be so bad if he contributed in some other way. I do admit that he does take great care of our children. He gets up every morning and gets Faith ready for school. He gets up with Emilee and cares for her needs but once I'm awake It all stops.. I cook ( becasue I love too) I clean, I work, and take care of the kids.. I juggle all my responsibilities PLUS be the head of the household which in turn makes me responsible For ALL the decisions in the family.. I feel like I don't have an equal partner and why do I need him here when I do most of it myself anyway??
Don't get me wrong I love my husband and don't want to leave. But I'm having a hard time dealing with everything that has been pushed to my side of plate..I little help would be nice..