A Day at the Lake

Taylor relaxing on the lake.
Jimmy helping Grandma Paula Drive the boat.
Jimmy mimicking Grandpa Ky-Ky.
Jimmy really driving the boat all by himself.
Taylor striking her pose.

Grandpa Ky-Ky and Nani have been taking the kids to the lake with Grandma Paula and her boat. The kids love it and have had a blast. Thank you Mom and Kyle for watching the kids for me, I truly appreciate it!

I Made It!

I made to Florida Thursday and I have had so much fun spending time with my wonderful husband. He took me to Red Lobster the night I got in, Friday we spent at the races (Earnhardt won!!!!), yesterday we went to a movie and then Outback for dinner and today we relaxed at home except to pick up some lunch and go out for ice cream. We have spent so much time together and I can't wait to see what the rest of my trip will hold. Gabby has been following me or else right under my feet since I've gotten here, I started calling her "Shadow".

I miss you Tay and Jimmy and enjoyed talking to you this afternoon. I love you both very much and can't wait to get back home to you!

In five days I will be seeing Eric and I am so excited. We have so much planned for the five days I will be there and Eric has all the days off so we will have a lot of time together, which we are not used too. We are planning on spending the weekend in Daytona. Eric actually called and made an appointment for me to have my nails done the day I get in. Jen, the lady that does my nails argued with him about the time he set up because she knows I get them later so he had to explain that the kids would still be in Missouri.

Taylor and Jimmy will be staying with my mom for the 4th of July and they are excited. They havee been with her this weekend as well but I am "babysitting" them for her right now because she went to Nick's show. Stephi took Taylor last night and got her a second ear piercing. Taylor has decided she also wants piercing all over her face (YUK!) hope she grows out of that one.

JIMMY UPDATE: After all the blood tests came back negative, I was told to keep my eye on him to see if the lumps go down. So far they are still there and I am just glad that we are here where Dr. Wilson can canre for him and plus he is just right down the road if we need him. I am still a little concerned since they are still there and on his head but we will keep an eye on them and I will keep eveyone updated with any info I find out. He is still just a happy go lucky kid, doesn't show any signs of anything being wrong so hopefully everything will be fine.

I have decided to stay in Kansas City for the time being. Nani has decided to partner with me where we can make a lot more money and I can be with the family and eventually move Eric back here as well. I will be heading back to Florida June 29th to see Eric and be able to spend some time with him. He called me the other night and let me know he got Daytona tickets and we will be going to the qualifying race Friday and the actual Daytona race Sunday of that week and as a bonus we have pit passes. It will give him and I some time together and I plan to fly the kids and I back to Florida so he can see them as well within a couple weeks. I never would have thought I could make this much money, I told him he might have to quit his job and take care of the kids...LOL. Nani is also very excited and ready to start the journey into our own business and I am just happy I get to stay here, but I can't wait for Eric to get back here as well, I really start missing him a lot. Just thought I would let everyone know the new update. Hopefully I can get back into writing more but it has been very hectic the last couple weeks.

A Day with My Kids

I spent the whole day with my children and we had so much fun. I made them pancakes for breakfast and then we all got dressed and walked up to the park where they played. Taylor spent most of the time messing with her cell phone (Aunt Ste got her a Tinker Bell and Eeyore face plate for it). We decided to walk along the trail and I enjoyed watching the kids get excited over the things that they found. Once we got home it was lunch time and I promised my little vegetarian I would make her some asparagus for lunch and I kept my promise...fresh from Nani and Poppa's garden. Jimmy had to take a nap but Tay and I cuddled on the couch and watched TV. This is the best benefit of being a stay-at-home mom, the quailty time you get to spend with your kids and I enjoy every minute of it.

I think so many people have children before they should, they put their careers and other things ahead of their children which is so sad and the reason children are like they are today. I understand that single parents don't have the choice but to work, but there are so many moms and dads out there that could make it on one income (even if you have to give up the little luxuries) but choose to put their 6 week old babies in a daycare and they will soon go to school and only have a few hours a week with their actual parents, to me that is not fair. Children need our love and devotion whether it's mom or dads, but we should do everything in our power to give our children our family's morals and beliefs and not someone elses. To all the stay-at-home parents (not demestic goddess' or housewives) but moms and dads who choose to have a career based on their children, I think you're doing a great job and just know that you are raising the children of our world and they will pass that on to their children.

Thank you mom for making me who I am today, the mother of two happy, healthy children. You made us your life until we were old enough to get our own (hehehe)...I love you very much!

Still Here

Well the trip has been great so far. I spent the day with Nani yesterday, we went to the casino yet again and had a blast, though it took our money. I have been spending the evenings with Mom and Kyle and finally got my children back last night. They have spent the last couple days camping and swimming with Auntie Ste and Uncle Brett.

Eric has already called Donnie (district manager for the midwest) to let him know he wants the next opening. I am happy that he is doing that for me. I cannot stay in Florida that much longer and have really been happy being home, just wish I actually lived here. I miss you Eric and will let you know when I you can expect me home, I just have to figure the date out myself.

To those of you who have talked to mom, the rumors are true and I am not ashamed, I did sleep with her and Kyle Tuesday night because I was scared. See Mom, I told you I wasn't embarrassed about that LOL.

Natale Maucelli's Family

Back row: Frannie, Nikki, Mary Therese and Dennis
Front Row: Helen, Natale (little guy), Natale and Frances
Salvator Maucelli's children: Uncle Tony, Auntie Ginia, Poppa and Uncle Sam.

I also got some home movies that I need to transfer to a dvd from the reunion, let me know if you would like one.

Tony Maucelli Clan

Back Row: Jessie, Tony Paul, Trey
Middle Row: Tina, Wendy, Aunt Carol, Audrey and Uncle Tony
Front Row: Jake, Grama Leta Thomas and Ryan

Not present: Sam, Sandy, Madison and Kyle

Virginia (Maucelli) LanFranca Family

This is Poppa's sister's family, my Auntie Ginia
Back Row: Ralph (cousin), Aaron (cousin), Uncle Ralph, Gina (cousin), Vince (cousin), and Nick
Front Row: Ryan (cousin), Julie (cousin), Brittany (cousin), Auntie Ginia, Edi (cousin), and Jennifer (cousin)

Missing from photo are my others cousins: Frances, Brandon, Pam, John, Audrey, Brian, Katie and Marion.

Here is their second picture which my son Jimmy decided to join in.

Sam Corca Clan

This my Poppa's brother's family, my Uncle Sam.
Back Row: Uncle Sam, Aunt Mary, Kay (cousin), Kathy (cousin)
Front Row: Johnny (cousin), Andrew (cousin), Ashley (cousin) Savannah (cousin)

Marion Maucelli Clan

Very Back Row: Marion (Poppa), Nick, Linda (Nani), Donna (Mom), Kyle, Mindy
Second Row: Joey (ME!), Jimmy, Rachel, Ann, Angie, Maw Maw, Sydney, Dustin
First Row: Taylor, Sean and Amanda

This picture is of my grandparents, aunts and my mom: Mindy, Angie, Nani, Poppa, Ann and my Mommy. Nani and Poppa, you guys did a great job setting this get together up in two weeks and it was a blast, I loved making our favorite Italian cookies.

The Ghost in the Basement

Before I flew into town my sister let me know that the basement that Eric and I were suppose to sleep in had a ghost. I have seen Jimmy flip out down there before but we all dismissed it and then Steph tells me Nick refuses to sleep down there because he saw a black figure above the bed across from him. That was enough for me, the first night I was here I slept in the upstairs bedroom with Nick and the next two nights in Stephi's room, I didn't want to chance it. Nick told mom and me that the black smokey figure choked him and I just couldn't see how it could choke him from the other side of the room.

When Eric got into town I decided it was fine to sleep down there since he would be with me. Eric had the same experence that night but did not see the black smoke but you could definately smell it. He couldn't breath and woke me up to tell me about it. He said his throat closed up but tried to tell himself it was heartburn. After waking up the next morning he finally told us that it was not heartburn and he felt the same way, there was something doing that to him. Eric has never believed in the supernatural but he'll tell you something different now. After that we stayed at Nani and Poppa's until he flew out today, no one will sleep down there.

Everyone man /boy who has stayed down there has had some kind of experience with the smoke or being choked. I have to have someone go with me down there now and I am not ashamed to admit that it scares the crap out of me.

On His Way To Stardom

Nicholas James Maucelli Marshall (my baby brother) is now a graduate of Oak Park High School. I was very proud to watch him walk across the stage to receive his diploma. Way to go Nick and the whole OPHS class of 2006.

I am also happy to announce that his musical career is also taking off. He has be working with a the guy that made Puddle of Mud what they are today. He is taking Underground into a real studio and working on an album and wants the band touring around the States. This guy will promote the group and get them heard and seen. I am proud of all of you and can't wait to see a show.

We Made It

I have been so busy the past week but we are in KC and the trip has been great so far. I had to take Eric to the airport this morning which was hard, I really wanted him to be here for the family reunion.

Eric and I spent a lot of time together this week...we went to the casino, he took me out to eat a lot and we enjoyed a movie yesterday afternoon which was great (The Breakup and it was a great movie). I've had so much fun and wish he could have stayed, I actually tried to get him to not get on his flight but it didn't work. I hate going back to Florida and I let him know when our lease is up we are out of there.

The kids have been busy as well and very spoiled. Aunt Ste took them to Omaha for two days and one night, they loved the zoo and swimming at the hotel. Nani and Grandpa Ky Ky have not left them out either, they have taken them to ride go-karts and Toys R Us 2 days in a row. Grandpa Ky Ky took Jimmy golfing and bought him his very own golf clubs.

Getting Ready for Flight

I leave tomorrow morning and I have so much to get done before I leave. I thought I had all laundry done, when I walked into Tay's room I couldn't open her door...you got it, all piled ehind her door giveing more to do. I was wondering why her closet had hardly anything in it when she has tons of clothes. I thought Eric would pack for them, wrong again, he asked me to do it the other day. I am ready to leave Florida I just wish I didn't have to come back, that's what would make me really happy. I can't wait to see everyone and I am excited to be apart of our family reunion, it's been so long since I've seen most of my family. I wish Eric could come along but he flies back home the day of the reunion.

Mom, I packed the camcorder and my digital camera for Nick's graduation and all attachments.

Off I go to finish packing and I will see you all soon.

Cheers to You

The kids love those IBC Root Beers because they feel like they're drink beers.

Mom, the couch is not exactly like yours I have noticed but pretty darn close.

Well, my plane takes off Thursday and I can't wait. This week I will be working on packing and getting everything in order. Eric and Tonya told me they would help me with my business so I can continue to bring the money in. I am spending the day with Mom on Thursday and we are meeting Nani and Angie for lunch at Pizza Shoppe (the best salad anywhere). I figured I will also get my hair done Friday for Nick's gala. The kids are also excited to get to KC but have a few days of fun in store for them while I am gone. Susan is taking them to the park on Thursday (which will give Eric a couple hours to lay around in quiet), Tonya is watching them for Eric on Friday because he has to work since Dave will be in Boston and Saturday they will be helping Daddy get everything together for the trip. I am having a hard time leaving my kids behind but I know Eric will do great with them, this is just the first time he has been left alone with them overnight so of course I worry.

Eric talked to John (old manager) from United and it turns out his wife turned down the opportunity to move to Florida. It sucks! I was really hoping this would go through but told Eric he needs to get in gear and find a job in KC because I refuse to stay here after our lease is up. I know that probably sounds bad on my part but I can't do this any longer, I should have never moved in the first place but I have now learned my lesson.

One more week and I am going to be back and I cannot wait. I have decided to keep a rental car the whole time I am there...still don't know how long that will be. The more I talk to everyone the more I wish I was there. I spent some time tonight talking to Renee and I can't wait to see her and the girls. Stephanie Jo, I did try to call you tonight but you were on the computer, just to let you know.

Taylor is having a sleep over tomorrow night and is throwing a party for all the neighborhood kids, I will make sure to get pictures. She has planned this whole thing herself and is very excited. She has a notebook with her agenda and we are spending the day baking goodies for all the kids, even Jimmy is joining in on the fun with his friends so it will be a busy night.

Feeling Much Better

I think I am finally better, I was able to do all my running around without feeling fatigued at all. I was so busy the last couple of weeks that I think I just ran myself down. I decided to take some time off and will start back up when I am done with my trip. I actually thought about taking my work with me but that is not a vacation, I have made enough in the last few months to last awhile so we should be just fine with me taking a break. Taylor was getting pretty upset anyway that she doesn't see me at night so she has enjoyed her mommy back and Jimmy as well.

I am so excited 1 week, 1 day and I am on the plane! Eric thought it would be a good time to drop the kids off and go to Vegas he told me last night...YEAH RIGHT!! I need to be with family and will be happy to skip Vegas (never thought I would say that), so mom if he calls and asks you say you can't or won't watch the kids. I will be happy just having that hotel a couple nights, it's almost like being away. Can't wait to see you all.

I know it's been awhile yet again but I have been so busy between taking care of the kids during the day and working at night. It seems I have been up until 2 a.m. almost every night just trying to get all the paperwork done just so I can go to bed. I decided last night I am not going to do anything on the weekends and just Monday through Friday, weekends are for my family. This is great though, I have good money coming in and I get to stay home.

I got great news last night, my mom has taken the day off on the 25th (the day I get into town) to spend the day with me. I have not had a day with just my mom for a long time so that will be great. I have decided to rent a car for the 3-4 weeks while I'm there so we have something to drive and don't have to take mom's car all the time. Eric is ready to get to KC as well but is giving me a lot of crap about leaving 3 days before him. He is taking the 25th off to spend with the kids but he has to work on Friday and had to find a sitter (Tonya, our neighbor). They will arrive in KC at 9:05 a.m. Sunday morning.

The kids are doing great and Jimmy continues to play "Old Lady" all the time and has just added a new game "Big Momma". We just watched Big Momma's House 2 on Wednesday and he loved it so now he wants to act like Big Momma. Taylor wakes up every morning and disappears in the bathroom and when she reappears her hair is fix after her shower, she's got glossy lips and she is dressed to the shoes (so stylish). That girl is constantly taking my shoes, I cannot believe she is almost my size (I am a size 7 and she is a 6). She will probably be taller than me within a year, she is growing up. Sometimes I forget she is only 8 because when I look at her she's tall and looks so grown up and of course talks like she is getting ready to go to collage. Speaking of talking...Jimmy is now talking awesome, complete sentences all the time and the kid talks constantly about anything and everything.

Izabel Sleeping

I thought this picture was adorable (along with all the millions of other pictures on her site...I'm not kidding, there has to be more pictures of Izabel Grace than people populating our world) so I am posting it. Hopefully we can find time to get together when we arrive in town, I enjoyed it last time we were there.

Alligator Sign

Here is the famous alliagtor warning sign at one of the many lakes of Lakeland. You may need to click on the picture to get the full size but it had Eric and I cracking up. Hope you enjoy!

Our Day at Disney

We had a blast today at Downtown Disney and were able to get all the pictures we needed for Jordan's school project. We enjoyed having her come along with us. We ate lunch at Planet Hollywood, which was great, and Jimmy was an angel in there with all the things to look at while we ate, he never got bored. The kids enjoyed LegoLand and we did a lot of shopping, the kids went crazy in The World of Disney store we let them pick out their own toys (thank goodness none of them wanted the most expensive thing) but they walked out of that store with more toys to bring home and Tay got more jewelry. We never realized how fun Downtown Disney was, but we will definately go back more often! Hope everyone enjoys the pictures of the kids.

What A Big Boy!

Jimmy decided this morning he no longer wanted training wheels so Eric brought out the toolbox and removed them. I grabbed the camcorder and Eric grabbed the back of the bike and when he let go Jimmy took off without falling. That kid caught on faster than I have ever seen anyone riding a bike, he was able to balance right away and I have it all on tape! We were actually watching movies of the kids this morning, Taylor had just turned 6 and Jimmy was 1 1/2. It made me a little sad to see how quick they grow, it didn't seem like I took those movies very long ago and now my daughter has crushes on boys and Jimmy is riding a two-wheeler.

Mom, I told Jimmy you were going to get him a bike for your house and he got so excited, can't wait to show you and Grandpa Ky-Ky how he can ride.

Taylor and Jimmy

Just a few pictures of Jimmy and Taylor. If you are wondering what Taylor is holding, it is Jordan's flat person. Today we are taking the flat person to Disney so we can get some pictures with it for her school project, we're just getting a late start. She needs tourist pictures so we felt going to Disney would be perfect!

Plane tickets have been bought but I am coming out a few days earlier than Eric and the kids. We will be staying at mom's. Eric is staying until the first part of June and the kids and I will stay until the middle of June, and we can't wait! Love ya all and we'll see you soon.

The Countdown Begins...

Eighteen days until we depart for Kansas City. Yes, we are all flying out May 19th and Eric will stay until Memorial Day and the kids and I will stay even longer. I found out today that we are going to have a Maucelli family reunion and I can't miss that. The kids and I never can stay for just a week, but I love spending the time with everyone. Steph and Brett have a lot planned for the kids, hotel stay, Omaha Zoo and camping(they will have a blast!) I can't wait to see everyone and we should have a fun 3-4 weeks in KC, at least it won't be cold this time. Love ya all!

It's Been A Few Days

I am sorry that I haven't had a post for a few days, it has been crazy around here. I spend a majority of the time outside with the kids and of course Tuesdays and Thursdays Tonya doesn't have school so we are always finding things to do.

Everything has been going great, Taylor is finally done with school, but will continue math throughout the summer. Why? When I moved her to 3rd grade math she still has about 80 pages left so I want her to finish so she can start fresh on 4th grade. That girl is a whiz when it comes to arithmetic, I am very proud of her. Jimmy will continue to do his projects and such throughout summer as well, not because I think he should but because he loves doing it. I will not have him working everyday, but maybe 1 or 2 days a week if he chooses.

I am so ready to be home, I miss everyone so much and can't wait to get back. Everytime Jimmy sees an airplane he has to stop and then will reply, "Going to see Nani?" Just the other day while driving he saw a big red Ford truck and he was sure that Poppa and Nani Celli came to see him. I am so sorry for ever taking my kids from Kansas City, that is the biggest mistake in my life. I took them from a family that truely loves them and place them in a new place that has been pure hell for the whole family. I just wish I would have seen her true colors years ago and then I could have kept my babies away from her before anything like this happened.

On a brighter note, I will be home in less than a month and cannot wait. We have so much planned and we all are very excited. While the kids are in Omaha, Eric and I are going to spend some time alone at the new hotel Chateau Avalon. I am going to see my talented baby brother walk across that stage and get his diploma (I am so proud of you Nick!) All we need now is who are we staying with? The bidding starts now....going once....going twice....sold? Love you all and it will be less than a month that I will see you!

5 Years of Marriage

April 21, 2001 Matthew Dow Chandler and Angela Marie Maucelli started their lives together. Now, 5 years later, The Chandlers are going on strong with a loving and happy marriage and bringing up their 4 children: Blue, Fat Black (Fatters), Little Black (Littles) and Gray Boy (GB). I don't know two people more meant for one another than these two, when they look at each other it's like they just fell in love.

Happy Anniversary Matt and Angie, love you both a lot and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Saying Goodbye

I found out today that a good thing doesn't last forever as I watch that new car getting towed back to the dealership. Yes, I already had to have it towed. I walked outside to have a cigarette and I noticed the lights were flashing on and off (kind of flickering) so I figured maybe Taylor was playing with the keyless entry, nope. I grabbed the keys and unlocked the car (which I think was already unlocked) and heard a clicking noise and noticed my trunk was open and I haven't even used the trunk. I shut the truck to watch it come unlatched once more. I saw Hanna outside playing so I told her to have her mom come over and look at it and the first thing Tonya said before I even told her what was going on was, "Your car is possessed!" Nothing we could do to get it to stop so I called the dealership and talked to the lady that sold us the car and of course she said "I'm sure it's nothing major." RIGHT! So, after watching this go on for a couple hours I finally called back and said I am not buying this vehicle and I'm having it towed back to you. She wants us to come back and get another car off the lot...no way, I will not buy another vehicle from this place. Eric is taking me over to another dealership tonight to find a different car, so hopefully I can do that. We are having problems getting cars in Florida, it seems everytime we buy one we have to take it back for being a lemon. Hopefully we can get this taken care of or else I am waiting until we get to KC and we can buy a car there and maybe leave one so when we fly in we will always have a car to drive.

Oh yeah, we are leaving May 19th to start our journey to Kansas City for Nick's graduation and will leave June 2. Eric gets to stay for two weeks. It actually feels like I spend more time in KC than I do here, we might as well have a home there to stay in LOL.

So, please disreguard the new car blog, I no longer have this vehicle and will let everyone know if we buy another one.

I've Got It Made!

As everyone probably knows Thursday is my main cleaning and laundry day, well laundry has been going since I woke up and I have picked up all the rooms, but decided to head to United to spend some time with my wonderful husband. He pulled out the grill when we arrived and threw on hamburgers and hotdogs for everyone...yummy! The kids and I enjoy spending time with him and after spending a couple hours there I am so happy he is my husband, I could be stuck with someone like Dave. All that guy does is put down women and his wife, how women are to serve the men and he won't let his wife touch the checkbook and won't even let her have the name on the account, what woman would stay with someone like that. NOT ME! Eric has always done whatever he could to make me happy and I try to do the same, isn't that what marriage is, a little give and take? Anyway, I don't know how Eric works with that guy, I would go insane listening to him talk like that all day long. Eric says he just tries to ignore him but that doesn't even make it stop.

New Car Update

Well, today we finally bought a new car...ugg! I love the car (Chevy Impala), it has a great ride, all power, leather seats, CD player, top of the line of the Impala, but I still don't have that excited feeling I usually have with a new vehicle. As we were sitting in the finance office I told Eric to take a time out and go outside with me while I had a cigarette and actually tried to give him a way out--why did I do that? I have no idea, I really do like the car and so does Eric. He has been talking me into a new car for over a month and like I said before usually I would be all over it, but it just feels different this time. I am sure the car will grow on me before long and like Mom said, it's going to get me home, but now we have 3 vehicles and I never thought that would happen. I will post pictures of the new car soon.

Nick Made The School Paper

He made the Oak Park school paper. I think he carries that guitar around wherever he goes, never know when there might be a chance to play it!

Happy Anniversary

We have come along way since the day we began our marriage and it has been the greatest years of my life. I can't believe that I found someone who has made me so happy but you have managed to do that and so much more. There are so many people who lost at love and we seem to get stronger each and every year, I am glad you chose me as your wife.

I love you and here's to many more wonderful years together!

Neighbor Hood Friends

Pictures in order: Joshua, Clayton, Tyler and Hanna. These are the four kids that Taylor and Jimmy play with everyday.

Taylor and Jimmy Slippin' 'n Slidin'

Jimmy and Joshua

Here is Jimmy and Josh (our next door neighbor) blowing bubbles. Jimmy, Josh and Clayton are together everyday, the three amigos, as we call them.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all! I woke up to the high pitched screams of Jimmy finding his basket, "I got Skip, I got Skip!" Skip is the garbage truck from Bob the Builder and he had let me know yesterday that he needed one. Taylor got two teen magazines that she has been begging for the last week and was very happy with that. Got candy? We do and lots of it. This morning was great, after I got dressed I started lunch, two different sugu's, one with meat, one without. I made cannolini and lasgna and it was wonderful.

I headed over to Tonya's while the sugu was cooking and helped her prepare cupcakes for the party we were having for the kids. Once all snacks were done I headed back home to finish the things I needed to do: stuff Easter eggs with candy and money, set the goodies on the outside table and fill the cooler with ice and drinks. Gannon headed over around one and brought all the treats he and Pam prepared, the kids are getting so excited at this time. Of course Tyler showed up around ten this morning and we invited him to join us...it ended on a sad noted with Tyler this evening and I hope he will be okay. I care about him very much and have even suggested to Eric that we take him in, he needs a loving home with parents that will take care of him, but we gave him a great day today and hope he remembers it forever. So, we added one more to our table and he enjoyed the food very much.

Once everyone arrived we pulled out all the activities: slip 'n slide, water balloons, horse shoe toss, balls of all shapes and sizes. Thank goodness our yard is big enough to hold all the kids, they had so much fun. Eric, Gannon and Tim took the kids to the front yard for snacks and drinks while Tonya, Pam and I hid Easter eggs, 350 of them. We had so many we were running out of places to hide them, but once the kids back around we were busy helping the younger ones find them.

Jimmy was stung by another wasp on his stomach while looking for eggs and Tonya was stung on her knee. Jimmy found an egg in the bush and when he went to grab it a ton of wasps started flying out, I tried to grab him but as I ran with him one landed on his stomach, I saw it happen but it was so quick, nothing I could do. Gannon broke his cigarette in half and pulled the tobacco out of it before I could even look at Jimmy's sting and applied it to the wound, he said it pulls the sting out, and looked as if it worked. Eric and Gannon took care of the bush once we got everyone away, the wasps are so bad right now.

All in all, today turned out great and Tyler I know you won't read this but for some reason, someday you do, I care about you so much and you are a terrific little boy who I enjoy seeing everyday you come over. I hope you have a wonderful life and that I see you soon, you are welcome in my home anytime. I am glad I got to give you a good holiday and hope you have many, many more to look forward to. There are people in this world who love and worry about you and I am one of them, though you may not know it now, I wouldn't have done what I did if I didn't care!

Hope you all have a great day as well. XOXO

HAPPY EASTER

Waiting for Easter Bunny

Taylor and Jimmy are getting pretty excited for the special visit from the Easter Bunny this evening. Jell-O jiggler eggs are setting in the fridge, easter cookies have been baked and the kids just finished dying eggs.

Jimmy had a blast with his Scooby-Doo kit and Taylor had a Disney Princess kit. This is the first Easter that Jimmy knows that Mr. Easter Bunny will be entering his home after he goes to sleep and leaving him candy and gifts. Taylor made sure we bought some carrots to leave out for him tonight (she is always thoughtful when it come to Santa and Easter Bunny, wants to keep them feed).

I will post pictures tomorrow of baskets and the kids Easter morning. Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday.

Schedule Change Today

Today was a total schedule change for my family, Taylor ventured to work with Daddy today and Jimmy and I had time together. We were outside by 8:30 this morning and didn't come back inside until lunch. Clayton and Hanna had lunch with us and played until Tonya had to go to school (she had a big biology test for her RN). I was able to lay Jimmy down for his nap and then...what was that that I heard...silence. I have not had one day of quiet since I have come back from KC and it was so nice. I had all the house cleaning done yesterday so there was absolutely nothing for me to do but be lazy.

Eric and Taylor actually ventured to Port St. Lucie today and so I am still awaiting their arrival so I can shop my night away lol. I have so much to get. Tomorrow car shopping and this I keep putting off but now it is actually time to get it done. I have a little over a month to get a car and I just cannot make up my mind. Eric gives me suggestions, mom gives me suggestions and I think I know what I want until I see something else and it makes me re-think my choice. I have never had any problems with this before, but I dread having another car payment. I cannot believe how nice it has been, Eric's truck: no payment, my car: no payment and now we have to do it all over again.

I think my biggest choice is minivan or cadillac? Minivan would be great since we are planning a new arrival before long, but the luxury of a caddy is so nice. Tay, of course, wants the minivan so she can have the dvd. Who knows, all I want is the 2009 Chevy Camaro and would be happy to wait for that. I have been socking the money I have been making into our savings account for that car. No matter what I get now, just know that in 3 years I will be driving the new Camaro around and I am sure all the kids will fit just fine. I just figured out from writing this post why I am dreading buying a car, all that makes me happy is the camaro, I miss my '99 pewter z-28, t-tops, leather, 6-speed, 5.7 L V8! Now that I am depressed, I will let you know what I find tomorrow. Ta-ta

Jimmy's New Milestone

My Jimmy just hit a new milestone today: he made himself a jelly sandwich. He came in and asked for a jelly sandwich for snack and I happily made him one and then proceded to his bedroom to put clean sheets on his bed. He came into the room as I was finishing up and told me "Made it all by myself!" I asked him what he made all by himself and he asked me to follow him, and I did. There sitting on his plate was a piece of bread with jelly on it. I gave him a kiss and told him what a big boy he was. I guess playing outside all day made him hungry.

My Feline Kids

My mom, being a graphic artist, turned the kids into the felines they portrayed when their faces were painted. She is very good at her job and did a great job at this as well. Thank you for sending the kids Easter cards, I am sure they will put the money to good use: anyway Jimmy will, in his money drawer for safe keeping. You are the only real grandma they have and you are wonderful to them, thank you for that. They have many great grandparents but only one Nani and make up for not having anymore. We love you very much and are so excited to see you next month. Hugs and kisses (lots of them).

The Lap Cat

Here picture of Rocky, Poppa and Nani's baby. He has really gotten big from the time I was there. What a beautiful cat!