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capturing mother's day ...

Nanny and Poppy were still here in NJ with us on Sunday, so we got to enjoy Mother's Day together.  I had the camera out for most of the day to have it on hand to take picures, and that is exactly what we did.

And with Nanny.

The kids are so sad that Nanny and Poppy are back in Ohio.

And, here is my layout from day 16 of LOAD. 

I had the picture above that Nicholas created since 2010.  I have been meaning to scrapbook it for quite some time now, but didn't.  When I got yesterday's LOAD prompt, I thought it was the perfect thing to finally get documented.  It will be fun to look back on in years to come.

a few busy days ...

It started off on Thursday ... Nicholas' school puts on a muffins with mom event at the local firehouse every year.  We went to the firehouse that morning before school and enjoyed some light breakfast and enjoyed time together before I had to bring him to school.

Later that morning, I went out with mom and Rebecca to pick up some last minute things for the weekend.

That night, Nanny and Poppy arrived and the kids could not have been more excited to see them.  Rebecca was over the moon.

On Friday, Nicholas and his second-grade class put on a Mother's Day Tea for all the mom's.  They made us beautiful projects and sang us songs.  It was not only special to spend the hour with him, but it was nice to catch up with the other moms too.

Saturday was Nicholas' Communion, and the weather could not have been any nicer.  We all got ready in time and headed out around 11am to the church.  All of the kids looked so grown up, and they didn't look nervous at all.

The kids did beautiful with the readings and carrying up the gifts.  It was a small class, so things weren't rushed.  It was nice to be able to get the pictures I wanted without having to wait for people to move out of the way to get good pictures.

After the ceremony, our family went out for a late lunch.  It was a special day for Nicholas and we are so very proud of him.

So, since my weekend was full of "events," I didn't get a chance to create layouts on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for the LOAD challenge.  But, don't you worry, I will be getting those done.  I never participate in LOAD for the grand prize, I participate in LOAD to get scrapbooking done.

These two layouts below are from last Wednesday and Thursday. 

Thanks for stopping by!

a birthday celebration ...

Last night we celebrated Rob's birthday.  This week in May is always busy for us ... the things we celebrate this week in May every year ...

• My in-law's anniversary
• Rob's birthday
• My nephew Ryan's birthday
• Rob and my anniversary
• Mother's Day

And this year, we are also celebrating Nicholas' Communion this weekend.

I wasn't home yesterday, so I wasn't able to make a cake for Rob, but I stopped and picked one up on my way home. 

 And after we had cake, I made a layout for day 8 of LOAD.

 As always, thanks for stopping by.

easter weekend ...

We had a wonderful Easter weekend.  On Saturday night, we colored eggs.  The kids had fun picking out what colors their eggs were going to be.  Nicholas drew on a few of his eggs first, but the design didn't show up very well after it was dipped in the dye.

The evening started off when Rebecca put a "coin" of dye on her tongue. 

Here are the kids coloring the eggs and the finished products. 

 

 

And on Sunday morning, friends of ours (Rebecca's godfather and his wife) came over early to hide almost 50 filled eggs for the kids.  We have lots of great spots to hide (and place) eggs.

 

 

After the "hunt" the kids got dressed and we hung out until we had to go to my parents for Easter dinner.  I tried my hardest to get a good picture of the kids together.  They just wanted to sit there and make faces.

 

 

We all had a great weekend!

heaven has another angel ...

My sweet, loving, grandmother passed away yesterday morning.  She was a true fighter to the end.  I am grateful for all the years that I had with her, and was so happy to be able to share her with my husband and children.  We loved her so much.

This weekend will be very rough, but I just have to remember that she is in a happier place and is now with her daughter, her brothers, her parents, other family members, and friends.  I look forward to the day we meet again.

When Nicholas was born, I interviewed all of the family members to make a keepsake album for Nicholas.  Well, unfortunately, that album was never put together, but I still have all the answers to the questions I asked everyone ... one person, being my grandmother.

For those of you out there who never thought to do this ... take some time to interview those you love.  You will forever treasure what their past was like, what their present is, and what they want their future to be like.

Some of the questions that I asked my grandmother ...

1. Were you named after someone?  No
2. When and where were you born? 1921 in East Newark, NJ
3. Tell me how you are like your mother/father?  No gray hair like her father, and crocheted like her mother.  She had her mother's nose.
4. Was there a chore you really hated as a child?  Washing dishes
5. What were your favorite childhood games? - Double-dutch jumprope
6. What were your favorite/least favorite subjects in school?  Fav - Drawing; Least Fav - History
7. What school activities did you participate in? Dancing and was in a few plays
8. How did you spend your summers during grade school?  Took vacations to the farm
9. What were the fads during your youth that you remember vividly?  Funny hats - one looked like a funnel
10. Name a friend that you have known for the longest period of time - how many years? Louise, 83 years
11. How did you meet the person that you would later marry?  It was a blind date that a girlfriend set up
12. When and where did you get married?  February 1947 in Arlington, NJ
13. Where did you go on your honeymoon?  Niagara Falls
14. What's been your greatest accomplishment so far?  Living for 83 years (that is when the interview happened) ... and still alive and kicking (quoting my grandmother)
15. How did you find out that you were going to be a parent for the first time?  Went to the doctor's because she thought she had the flu ... but was pregnant.
16. What was your first job?  Clarks Thread Mill
17. Who was the person that had the most influence on you?  Uncle Joe (her father's brother)
18. How tall are you?  5 x 7
19. What color are your eyes?  Hazel
20. How would you describe your sense of humor?  Funny
21. If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?  To be thinner
22. What are your hobbies?  Crocheting, gardening
23. What pets have you had?  Two dogs and one cat
24. What is your favorite style of music?  Oldies
25. What is your favorite instrument?  Piano
26. Who is your favorite singer?  Engelbert Humperdinck
27. What is your favorite TV show?  All game shows (especially Wheel of Fortune)
28. What is your favorite season?  Fall
29. What is your favorite flower?  Orchid
30. What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas
31. What is your favorite color?  Aqua
32. What is your favorite sport?  Ice Skating
33. What is your favorite fruit?  Blueberries
34. What is your favorite vegetable?  Corn
35. What is your favorite drink?  Alexandra's
36. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Chocolate
37. What are you frightened of?  Mice, rats
38. Do you like rainstorms? No
39. One word on how to live successfully?  Rich

So, there you have it, a little peak into what my gram was all about.  I sure do miss her so much already.

Rest in peace Grandma.

digging in the dirt ...

Yes, we are still enjoying the great outdoors this month.  The kids love to find sticks and dig in the dirt (I remember doing that as a kid too).  I came home the other day and Rebecca was filthy ... good for her for having a great afternoon playing with her brother.

Here they are from the other day .... maybe they are looking for treasures.

What kind of things do your kids do for fun in the backyard on nice days?

Now onto the Fast Fact Friday questions on the This is Me Challenge Blog.  This week's theme is first jobs.

1. What/where was your first job?
2. How old were you?
3. How did you get there?
4. How long did you work there?
5. What did you like/dislike about it?

And my answers.

1. I babysat at an early age, but when I got a bit older, I was hired to work as a clerk in a video store.
2. I started working at the store when I was 14.
3. Since I couldn't drive at the age of 14, one of my parents would drive/pick me up from work.  Once I got my license, I drove to/from the store.
4. I worked there from the age of 14 until I got a full-time (real) job in corporate America.  I believe I was 19 when I stopped working at the store.
5. I LOVED everything about working at the store.  Of course dealing with the public,there were times when a customer would get upset for having to pay a fee on a late return of a movie, but everything from my bosses, to the people I worked with, to the customers (99% of them), to the ability to rent movies for free, it was definitely by far the best job a high school girl could have.

What was your first job?  Did you like it?

Have a great weekend everyone!

her first egg hunt ...

The working mom's group that I am a part of held the annual Easter Egg Hunt yesterday afternoon.  This was the first egg hunt that Rebecca participated in.  We definitely lucked out with the weather - it was a gorgeous afternoon.

The kids had fun finding the eggs, checking out all the animals (chickens, a pony, dogs, puppies, cats), trying to knock down the candy-filled pinata, going in the bouncy house, and just spending some much needed quality time outside in the beautiful weather.

Nicholas helped his little sister a lot in gathering the eggs.

Nicholas broke the pinata for all the little kids to get their goodies.

And ... Friday's Fast Friday Facts had a cooking theme.

1. Do you like to cook?
2. What is your favorite dish to make?
3. Do you like cooking for others?
4. Are you a baker or mainly just a taster?
5. What food will you NOT cook under any circumstances?

And my answers ...

1. I cook when I have to.  I am definitely not creative when it comes to cooking.
2. I love to make baked ziti.  I also like to make fresh green beans sauteed with onions, bacon, and garlic.
3. I like to cook for my family.  I get nervous if I have to cook for a lot of people, but I do like to host certain holidays at our house (Easter or Christmas).
4. I like to bake, but again, I am not creative ... just the basic cakes, brownies, and cookies.
5. Even though I eat it if my husband cooks, I personally WILL NOT cook venison.

What would your answers be?  Would love to know.

second attempt ...

I had a post all ready to go for Friday's Fast Fact Friday questions on Friday; however, my computer decided to reboot itself before I had the chance to save the post.  Here are the questions and my answers.

1. Do you collect anything?
2. What is your favorite hobby?
3. What is your style of organization?
4. If you didn't have any limitations, what would you be passionate about?
5. What hobby have you thought about trying, but haven't yet?

And my answers:

1. I think the only thing I currently collect is scrapbooking supplies.  I have gotten a LOT better.  I am concentrating on using what I have and am now only purchasing adhesive when needed.  In the past, I did collect shot glasses, Disney plates, dolphins, and baskets.
2. My favorite hobby is definitely scrapbooking followed close behind by photography.
3. If you are talking about my style of organization when it comes to scrapbooking, I like to organize my supplies by color.  It makes things easier for me to find that way.
4. If I didn't have any limitations, I would be passionate about traveling the US.  There are so many beautiful and historical sites to see in our country ... would love to rent a luxury RV and travel the states with my family.
5. I have always wanted to learn how to crochet.  Both of my grandmothers made many beautiful things over the years.  I would love to learn how to make beautiful blankets.

What would some of your answers be?  Would love to hear from you.

And, I thought I'd share a few pictures from our beautiful weekend here in NJ.  I can't believe it has been in the 50's.  So unbelievable for February weather.

We're just waiting for that snow storm to come ... it just has to hit us one of these weeks.

Thanks for stopping by - enjoy the rest of the day!

grandparents ...

The This is Me Challenge prompt for this week was ...

What are some of your favorite memories with your grandparents?

My grandparents were a big part of my life growing up.  I’m fortunate to have one of my grandmothers still alive.  She has gotten to meet and spend time with both of my children, and that is so important to me.

This week I created a layout highlighting some of my favorite memories with my grandparents.  The memories I have with all of them will always stay close to my heart.

And my journaling ... just in case you can't see it on the layout. 

Thanks for stopping by everyone.  If you want to see more responses, please click on the This is Me Challenge button to the right.

we celebrated rebecca ...

Rebecca turned two yesterday.  I think she had a pretty good day despite the little cold that she has.  Nothing stops her for having a good time. 

We hung out together all day, and then mom and dad came over around 4pm.  Mom helped me finish making dinner, while the guys watched football.  Nicholas and Rebecca played before dinner was served.

We had roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh greenbeans (with sauteed onions and bacon).  It was a very yummy dinner if I say so myself.  After a little relaxation from dinner, we had cake.

Here are some pictures from last evening.

 

 

 

 

 

She was one happy little girl.  She loved her two new Zhu Zhu pets (a puppy and a purple hamster) and her other gifts.  She was also thrilled about her rocking doll crib.  Mom and dad found my old (but in excellent condition) baby doll rocking crib, so they brought it over last night.  It didn't take Rebecca long at all to put all of her dolls (and stuffed animals) in it to rock them to sleep.

Happy Birthday sweet baby girl!

And, like I promised, below is my layout from the first month of Ella Publishing's Take Twelve challenge.

And if you are wondering ... yes, Rebecca happened to stay in her jammies all day that day.  Sometimes we all need those kind of days.

Thanks for stopping by!

last post of 2011 ...

I can't believe that another year has gone by.  For the most part, it has been a good year.  I am thankful that we are all healthy ... everything else is second to that (no matter what we go through).

Last night we celebrated Nicholas' 8th birthday.  My little man is growing up too fast and I can't believe in two years he will be "double digits."  We spent the afternoon hanging out with my mom and Rebecca.  We went to McDonald's for lunch (where Rebecca enjoyed her first milkshake).  The milkshake was supposed to be for Mom, but Rebecca wanted to try it and then proceeded to drink the whole thing.

We then hit Kohl's and Toy's R Us to get some "birthday" things and spend some bonus cash I had at both places.

Mom and Dad came over last night to have some cake and coffee.  Here are some pictures from last night.

I want to thank all of you for stopping by to visit throughout the year.  I love to read your comments.  Whether you are a new (or old friend), I always welcome you to stop by whenever you like.  I have been slacking a bit on my posting these past couple of months, but one of my goals for next year is to improve on that.

In my next post, I will list some goals (both creative and personal) that I have for 2012, and will let you know about what my "One Little Word" for 2012 is going to be.  So, stay tuned!

Happy 2012 everyone!  Be safe and enjoy the last night of 2011.

christmas song fun ...

I thought it would be fun to do a post today to see if you can figure out the first lines of these famous Christmas songs.

Each letter shown is the first letter of a word in the first line of a Christmas song.  For example, DTHWBOHFLLLLL would be D (deck) T (the) H (halls) W (with) B (boughs) O (of) H (holly) F (fa) L (la ... la ... la ...la).

See if you can figure out the rest.  Leave me a comment letting me know which ones you got, or which ones stumped you.

1. ICUAMC
2. GRYMGLNYD
3. TFNTADS
4. YBWOYBNC
5. RTRNRHAVSN
6. ISMKSCUTMLN
7. GGROBAR
8. OHNTSABS
9. DTTSIAOHOS
10. OTFDOCMTLGTM

Can't wait to see if you can figure these out!

And I'll leave you today with a photo of the kids getting ready to camp out in the room with Nanny and Poppy during their visit.  Actually, Nicholas was the only one to camp out in the room, but Rebecca wanted to do a little snuggling with Nicholas before it was time for bed.

Enjoy the rest of the day!

christmas visit ...

We didn't think that Nanny and Poppy would be visiting us again until after the holidays, but they decided to come a few days last week and into the weekend.  Both of the kids were delighted.  Even though Nicholas had school on Thursday and Friday, he was able to spend quality time with them during their visit.

On Saturday, the guys went out for lunch and the girls went shopping.  Nanny and I even took Rebecca to McDonald's.  She LOVES their chicken nuggets and french fries.

We opened presents on Saturday.  The kids were so excited because they also received gifts from Aunt TT, Uncle Stephen, Ryan and Paige.  Rebecca loves her new baby doll that giggles and her cute doggy backpack.  And, we have already played the Spongebob hangman game that Nicholas received.

Here are just a few pictures from one of the evenings we spent together as a family.

I hope it is not too long before their next visit.

birthday celebration ...

Rob and Nicholas made me a yummy dark-chocolate cake with vanilla icing for my birthday yesterday.  It was a pretty quiet day ... we all hung out at home as a family and it was really nice.  We got take out for dinner because I wasn't going to cook, and what Rob had taken out to make wasn't thawed.  Any excuse to get take out, right?

Rob tried to get a picture of me and the kids, but the kids didn't want to cooperate and he didn't capture a great picture, but at least Rob was able to get something.

Still can't believe how fast the year went ... getting closer to the BIG 40.

Over at Project 64: Out of the Box, the color a few weeks ago was orange, and last week's color was black (sounds like Halloween).

My picture for orange ...

And my picture for black ...

For more entries, go here.

 
Thanks for stopping by ... enjoy your day!

post thanksgiving pictures ...

I hope that everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday.  I enjoyed an extra few days with my family.  Thanksgiving day was a bit chaotic this year.  We went to mom and dad's, and my brother and his family, along with my grandmother were there.

Other than the fact that Rebecca was a bit intimated by the VERY LOUD dog barks, we had a good time.  My dad prepared the entire meal this year (with the exception of the green-bean casserole and the pies).  Everything turned out really yummy and we were all stuffed by night's end.

Here are a few pictures from the day.

I'll be posting more pictures to FB, so if you are one of my FB friends, you can see more of the day there.

Thanks for stopping by ... enjoy your day!