VACATION 2007
I was so looking forward to vacation this year. All the planning for the shower, work, trying to freshen up things for the wedding and for 5 days before we left on Vacation I watched 5 of "my gang". Paula & Colm were taking a trip to Bermuda and I took their kids ages 15 to 5. The kids were great going with the flow of the weekend as I tried to get ready for the shower and packing for our trip. On Monday night after the kids parents got home, We packed the truck, picked up McKay, Rach & Goobs and headed for Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland. Now before we go any further I do need to say that hubby got himself a new toy for the trip. I had read on this blog about the evils of said toy laughed at the post, made a comment to her and forgot about it till our trip. We get on the road, driving west and all of the sudden we are going over the Manhattan Bridge, to Canal Street, thru Chinatown, to get to the Holland Tunnel. I have lived in New York my whole life,forty something years and have never gone over the Manhattan Bridge or gone thru the Holland tunnel. As we were driving it was like Stew-Be was in a trance, anything that Wanda (that's what the kids named her) said he did. I told him since he was listening to Her rather then Me, "I hope she keeps you warm at night" ( Hey it had been a ruff weekend and I was cranky) Anyway we drove thru the night in the pouring rain and arrived at DCL around 7am. Andrew's parents and his sister and Brother in law were up, waiting on us & the kids were still sleeping. After we unpacked the food and stuff we laid down for a few hours. The next few days were filled with fun. On Tuesday night we too the kids to the Arcade for a few rounds on the go-carts and to play some of the games. On Wednesday, even thou it was overcast, we went out on the boat & jet ski. It was a relaxing day on the lake with the kids being pulled on the Banana boat and taking turns on the jet ski. the only problem was Stew-Be got a ticket ($85.00) on the water while towing the kids on a raft from the Jet Ski. Towing is legal but pulling into a dock with said kids on back on raft isn't. This could only happen to my husband, I asked him did he know this (you need to watch video and take a test before they let you rent or drive these things) and his reply was No Not at all. Owell what are you going to do? On Thursday we all went back out on the boat for another fun filled day. Only downer for this day was I wasn't smart enough to practice what I preach. I always put on the kids a 30+ SPF or sometimes I put a 50 on them and this day was no different. On me I put suntan lotion with a SPF of 4 ( with my fair Irish skin, that doesn't normally see the light of the sun) to say I got burned to a crisp is a understatement.My back, shoulders and chest were hurting (this past Monday night was the first time I have slept without waking up a dozen times in pain. When we got into the car on Saturday morning to drive the 8 hrs home and I put on my seat belt, I had tears coming down my face, It hurt that bad) Other then those 2 bad things it was a great Vacation, the kids (there was 8 of them ranging in age from 16 to 11) had a great time swimming in the lake, playing pool, hanging out and having drinking contest ( drinking water and flipping a cup).
Big holiday weekend coming up and I am expecting the in laws. We are having our annual block party. It will be nice to kick back and enjoy all our friends and family. Have a good weekend.
As Always Be Good & Be Safe
Labels: Vacation
| posted by Unknown at 9:06 PM
On the 19th of August I threw a Surprise Bridal Shower for my youngest sister Kerri who is getting married on September 21 and yours truly is the maid of honour.
Or maybe not. I am at a cross road and not sure what to do. I got into a major disagreement with my future BIL. His one job was to get my sister to the shower between 1:15 & 1:20pm. We had the hall from 1-5pm. On the invitation I put 12:45, good thing cause he brought her to the shower a few minutes before 1. We weren't ready for her,and my knee jerk reaction was to walk up to him and get into his face and ask how he could mess this up. Words flew including his calling me a four letter word beginning with a C and no it wasn't the word CUTE.Matter of fact it was a F'king C........... for which I slapped him (and I never raise my hand to anyone).After I calmed down the shower went off without any problems.As far as Pete,
hubby threw him out of the house (he has been living here with my sister). So while we were away on vacation, they came and moved most of their stuff from our house. The family is torn, my other sister thinks we shouldn't go to the wedding. I don't think not going is the answer. So now I have to decide if I am going to stand up in front a church full people while she marries someone who doesn't have any respect for her or her family.
As Always Be Good & Be Safe
| posted by Unknown at 11:48 AM
Just got home from vacation and I realized what day it was. I can't believe that another month has flew by and that summer is almost over.When I get all the bags unpacked, laundry done and clean the house I will post about our fun fill week in Deep Creek Lake.
As Always Be Good & Be
Safe
| posted by Unknown at 3:27 AM
Happy Birthday Pops!
Today is Andrew's fathers birthday.Of course over the weekend I was teasing him about another year older, asking what B-day this was 75 or 76? He said it was his 92nd(its really his 68th.)We will have cake for him when we are on vacation next week. Although we might not always see eye to eye on things, his love for his family
is evident in everything he does. I want to take this moment to thank you Pops, for all you do and being the father you are.
As Always Be Good & Be Safe
| posted by Unknown at 11:08 AM
I am Sponge Bob Square Pants
I recieved the following as a email and thought I would past it on to my blog. When You get a Second take the following quiz and let me know who you are!
A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best; add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.Do not cheat by looking at the end before you are done.
1. Which one of the following descries theperfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts
d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3pts.)
2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts.)
e) Pop (3 pts.)
3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)
4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) C ashier (1 pt)
5. What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Wa tch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
e) Sleep (3 pts.)
6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts.)
C) Sky Blue (3 pts.)
d) Dark Blue (2 pts.)
e) Red (4 pts.)
7. What do you prefer to eat?
a) Snow (3 pts.)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 pts.)
e) Salad (5 pts.)
8. What is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween (1 pt.)
b) Christmas (3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day (4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)
9) If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
d) Hawaii (4 pts)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)
10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
C) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
D) Someone who always has fun (3 pts)
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)
Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for!
(10-16 points) You are Garfield :You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt you or others.
(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:You are fun; you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you are never are out of style you are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun t imes
(24-28 points) You are Elmo:You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.
(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants:You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from tra itors and jealous people, and you will be stress free.
(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown:You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person you call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.
(44-50 points) You are Dexter:You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!
As Always Be Good & Be Safe
| posted by Unknown at 10:20 PM
It seems like every week the local newspapers is running a story about a child's death.Whether it is from a parent who has shaken a baby, a toddler, who fell into a pool and drowned or a child who has been accidentally run over by car, these deaths when I read about them make me ache, deep down. I accept death when it happens to a love one, a family member or a friend. I don't question, WHY, I know that death is a part of life, that you need to cherish the time you had together, celebrate the life and the memory of the person who you have lost. But when a innocent child loses their life to an accident, illness or stupidity I find it hard not to question God. On Tuesday afternoon I received a phone call from a friend asking if I had been watching the news or had read the paper.I said no and she started to tell me about a mutual friend Chrissy and the death of her 5yr old son.. Truth be told I heard on the radio about the accident, didn't hear a name, just the basic detail, 5yr old run over in his driveway Sunday evening by the family mini van driven by his mother.Wednesday evening I went to the wake and as I stood in front of the tiny coffin, looking down on this sweet little angel, surrounded by his stuff animals and baby pictures, I found myself asking Why. Rest in Peace Jacob.
As Always Be Good & Be Safe
Labels: Life
| posted by Unknown at 11:16 PM
SUMMER FUN @ AUNT DONNA'S
A few weeks back Andrew's nephew Michael call me asking if he could come to the Island for a visit.By the time all the details were worked out it wasn't just Michael coming for a visit but his brother, Matthew ,sister Andrea & his best friend Jeff. So last Wednesday I was at the airport at 8am to pick these 4 up. They were suppose to be here for a week but had to go home on Sunday, but in the few days that they were on the Island they (no I didn't go) went to the beach on Wednesday, A local water park on Thursday with Uncle Andrew, Rachael and Connor and had a sleep over with Rach, McKay & Connor at their house and went to the pool plus had a birthday cake for Maddie's first birthday.(yes we had cake for the kids dog)
Then on Friday we took the kids to Grandma & grandpa's for the family reunion on Saturday. It was really great to see all the family. Andrew's side of the family does this every August when my FIL's sister (the nun) gets her vacation. To see the family grow year by year, adding the newest additions thru birth and marriage and missing the one who have passed is a memory I can't wait to share with our daughter.
Since this was a Italian gathering, you can imagine the food that was there, all day long, from hamburger & hotdogs to salads and chip, clams on the half shell to Crabs. Then came the deserts, the cookies,cakes, pies and coffee. All thru the day, kids ran thru the sprinkler, jumped on the trampoline, rode the quad ( I hate those things), adults caught up on gossip, and what was going on in every ones lives. A touch football game was held between the cousins,which was quite funny to see Andrew and his cousins (mid forty's to early thirty's) compete against the younger guys (oldest was just 21)Of course, Horseshoes were played for a prize fund (Happy to say that Andrew and his cousin John were partnered by the luck of the draw and won! 2nd time in 3yrs. All this was followed by pasta with hot sauce.
On Sunday we had cake for my in laws anniversary (Happy 47th Anniversary Pete & Maria).The picture are: Peter Diana Andrew with his mom & dad, The five grandchildren, Steve 20, Michael 16, Matthew 13, Lauren 12, & Andrea 11. Pete and Maria with the grand kids plus Jeff.
AS Always Be Good & Be Safe
Labels: Summer
| posted by Unknown at 1:42 PM
I been trying to work on this post since Andrew and I came back from our weekend with the in laws late Sunday evening. Normally stupid comments about the adoption don't effect me but this one did. Our weekend with the family was a really good one (I'll post all about it in another post).
Now, we have all heard the comments that people feel they have the right to say once they hear that you are adopting.
Now you will get pregnant...............
Will she speak English.........
How much are you paying for her.............
Why go there when there are so many children here...
Are you going to tell her she is adopted..........
And the list goes on but on Sunday I was floored by what was said to me. We were sitting in my MIL's kitchen when my FIL's cousin and his wife stopped over to day goodbye before they headed back to the island with their grandchildren. The adoption was brought up and she asked well when are you getting her. My response was "not for quite awhile, at least 2 years before we travel" She asked WHY? I tried to explain to her the best I about the China program, to which she said to me ( hold on to your hats for this one) "Well you should cancel the adoption because by the time you get your daughter you will be too old to enjoy her and raise her, you will not have any patience for a toddler at that age". Andrew is 45 & I'm 44. We have a godchild who's parents were 50 when they gave birth to her and her twin. Even if we don't get Aislinn till we both hit 50 I don't think its the age that matters but the person.
No, I didn't say anything to her, I was to stunned plus I never talk back to my elders. I was tempted but at a lost for words.
As Always Be Good & Be Safe
Labels: stupid comments
| posted by Unknown at 10:08 AM
With the recent tragedy that happened in Minneapolis,Minnesota with the bridge collapsing, it brings a childhood fear back to the surface. I hate crossing bridges and driving thru tunnels but living on Long Island if you want to go anywhere you have to cross a bridge.
I think part of this fear came from when we were children, my family was in Florida for a visit(dad was down there because of work for 7 months) and had to cross the Skyway Bridge to get to St Petersburg. This bridge to a child is a monster its over 29,000 feet long and doesn't look like it end. We were staying in Bradenton, FL where my dad was working and my dad's brother was in St Pete. So this was a daily crossing. I'd close my eyes and hum till my mom said we were over it.
Now, Andrew and I travel allot between visiting his parents in Upstate New York and his Sister in Maryland. So crossing bridges is a monthly thing for me but every time we cross a bridge (and sometimes I am driving) I bless myself, say a little prayer and close my eyes( not while I am driving). This evening we are heading Upstate for a family reunion. My head already hurts and my stomach is in knots. At least the bridges we will be crossing this weekend (the Throgs Neck Bridge & Newburgh-Beacon Bridge) is nowhere as big or long as the bridge of my childhood.
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Minnesota who were affected by these events.
As Always Be Good & Be Safe
Labels: Fears
| posted by Unknown at 10:17 AM
