Grateful for My Blessings

Wow! Seems like it has been too long since I last posted. I have gotten a bit sidetracked with Face Book as it kinda came on the scene simultaneously with my blog...well in my world it did at least! I apologize for neglecting you, dear blog.

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I find the need to stop and reflect on the good things in my life. Sure, I could throw one heck of a pity party if I really, really wanted to- but the point is, I don't. Instead, I choose to focus on all of the riches I DO have. When I take the time to actually stop and reflect...I realize I am rich. Rich in all the ways that really matter.

First, waking up this morning. God willing, I'll wake up again tomorrow...and the next day... and - heck - I'm just thankful that I'm alive and in good health.
Then I'd have to say my faith. That keeps me centered and positive. I think of it as my "long term" retirement program!
I am blessed to have Stan as my husband. He may challenge my patience and annoy me from time to time...but I couldn't imagine doing life without him beside me. In 11 years we have seen some pretty amazing things together and weathered a few storms...but the key is that we have done it together. He still makes my heart skip beats...particularly when he is smiling at me.
My boys. My sweet Anthony, Cameron and Dominic. They have deepened the meaning of my life and given it a purpose that no other persons could. We are forever linked to one another. I watch them when they are playing, sleeping, sitting quietly and even arguing...and I am amazed at the notion of their existence. They are a part of me...one of the better parts. I couldn't even begin to imagine a life without them, let alone a life never having known and loved them. I want to be a better person each day...and that is because of them. I ponder where our lives will take us, what they will ultimately think of the job I did as their mother and often about the lives they will create and choose for themselves. I always want to be close to my boys- in location and thought. It is the most important and toughest job that I will ever love.
My family. My Mom, Dad, Monica and Matthew and the people that come with them! Vivian, Dan and soon-to-be-sister-in-law, Julie. These are the people that helped shape the person that is at my core. I have a greater sense of what my mother did for me now that I am a mother...and for that I owe her a tremendous debt. My Nana, Grandma and Grandpa Darin...I am blessed that they are still a living part of my life and my children's lives. My Nana is one of my best friends.
My extended family. My aunts, uncles, and cousins...an active part of us...every day. They do things for us that go above and beyond our wildest dreams. Special thanks to Jan, Paul, Deb, David, Maryann, John, Cindy and Ellen.
My friends. Blessed to have all of you. The ones that I have had the longest and new ones...you've left footprints in my life, so thanks!
My coworkers / friends. I love my job. I really do...no lie! What is better than loving your job? Loving the people you work with!
These are the things that will matter when the sun sets on my final day...not what was or wasn't in my bank account, 401-k, parked on the driveway, adorning my ears, fingers, neck, or wrists. You get the idea... But rather that I made a mark, a difference, a ripple...
Happy Thanksgiving.

School Pictures

Here are Anthony and Cameron's pictures for the 5th and 1st Grade!

We can't believe how fast the time goes...

We're proud to be their parents. :0)

Halloween 2008

What a great night for and of Trick-or-Treating!! No coats and great costumes!!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone that made a point to come over and hang at the Open House...we have come to enjoy our annual event.

Thanks to: Monica & Dan, Mom, Nana, Dad & Viv, Grandma/Great Grandma Darin, Uncle John and Aunt Mar, Chris & Beth, Aunt Jackie, Aunt Jan and Uncle Paul, Darrin & Carson, Matt & Julie. It just wouldn't have been the same without you.

On my menu: Split Pea Storm Soup, Harvest Stew, Caramel Apple Trifle, Chocolate Cupcakes, and Spider Dogs... It was all a hit.

Once it was time to get costumes on and makeup done, Cam went first. Awesome zombie. He enjoyed the transformation to pale skin and sunken eyes. Anthony was next. He carefully got the pants to his costume on and then I wrapped his torso, arms and head. Makeup complete the face wrap. He requested "blood" around his mouth. He was tickled with the final product once he put his glasses on (poor kid - can't see, just like his mother!)

Monica got the chicken (aka: Dominic) suited up and he went right into character! Jumping up and down, he would yell, "Buck, buck!!" You couldn't help but giggle at him. He was so excited.

I threw on my witch hat and green face paint and Stan got his egg shirt on and we took lots of pictures. We had a great time...the boys looked very cool!

We went next door to Katie's first. Dominic wasn't very sure about all this and when Katie opened her door he snuck right past her and went inside! Once she showed him the special pumpkin basket that she made up for him (and his brothers) and he saw the candy inside...he was rarin' to go get more. He especially loved the glo stick necklace and we did too...nicer to have them all lit up! We headed down to Don and Diane's and took our annual picture with them. The Chicken made everyone laugh and our close neighbors noticed how the big guys matured with their spooky choices for this year.

We were set now to go around the block with Dominic. He did great! Kept right up with the big guys and yelled Trick or Treat louder than they did. For whatever reason, Cam seemed more shy this year... he wasn't going to be the first one on any porch this year! :) We have 2 spookily decorated houses on the block behind us and I must say, Dominic was all about the "spooooooky" houses and the stuff that for most adults was a bit intimidating. He had fun making the motion censored lawn decorations go off and liked studying the manikins... We were proud of all of them, they never missed a "thank you" before stepping off a porch.

After that first block, Dominic and I headed home and Stan took Anthony and Cameron the rest of the way. Cameron lost steam early and came back to the house- Dad and Anthony went to hit all the scary houses, just the 2 of them.

We had a marvelous time all the way around. Great company, great food, great neighbors- great treats! No wonder it is one of our favorite Holidays.