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.