Updates...

Today is Nani and Poppa's 46th wedding anniversary, so first I will give my congrats to them. They are spending their day and evening at Harrah's Casino in Topeka and I wish them all lot of fun and big winnings.

I spent last evening with them at Isle of Capri Casino and that was a lot of fun, we played for hours, had dinner and played more. Nani and I did not arrive home until 1 am.

Tonight is a night for the kids and me and we will have a lot of fun. We will have a movie night, a board game and snacks. They seem to never be here so I decided to have a night with them. Last night they were with my sister and swam all night. They haven't even touched their pool this week, with the weather so hot the pool has turned into a hot tub.

Eric will be in KC around the 15th of August to visit for a week or so which will be great. I have been missing him pretty bad for the past week and cannot wait to see him. We decided that date because Nani and Poppa will be out of town for 3 weeks and I would rather not be alone here for that long. Chip will be starting school around that time and it will give Eric a chance to see what she will be learning during the year.

I just wish everything would have turned out the way we planned when we first moved and then we wouldn't be living like this. The kids and I should be with Eric and not have to feel like something bad will happen if we stay. I just want to be able to live with my husband and be happy where we are and now that cannot happen in Florida. I refuse to stay there, my kids are so happy being around the family that loves them unconditionally and I am not going to make them unhappy anymore. I want them to have what I had growing up, the strong family bond that has made each and everyone of us who we are today. I don't care what anyone says or thinks, Sand tore our family apart and I guess in a way she won, this is what she wanted for Eric and me, the only difference is she does not have my kids and she never will. She can keep calling Eric and wanting him to do this and that and demanding info from him but I will never let him go either, we may not live together right now, but we are still very much in love and that is the way it will stay. Our marriage is strong and so are we!

Good News

Eric gave me the okay last night to find us a home, yes, I said it, us! We will stay in Kansas City until he can get here, of course, he is planning a visit at the beginning of August but I may fly down there so we can drive some stuff back here and he can fly home. I am on the search for a house and a car. I will spend some time next week looking for a new car but I plan on having Poppa helping me with that. I can't believe he decided to come so soon, I am very happy. I guess his mom called him and he has decided to leave her behind, so she can't find him...a new start without the witch knowing how to find him. He has told her not to contact him but she does anyway and he said he's ready to just leave and forget about her...THANK GOD!

So now our perment home is bad in KC where we all belong. I told him yesterday I can see how happy it makes the kids being here with their family and I can't take them away again and he agreed. After our long discussion we both felt much better. Love ya Eric and can't wait to see you.

Homeschooling News

After a pretty big discussion on whether to keep homeschooling or enroll Taylor in the Smithville School District, Eric helped me make my decision, he told me to keep homeschooling. This will be a more trying year with several new subjects and will cost us more than last year but it will be worth it. I have a hard time sending her to a public school for that fact that I don't agree with what they teach them. These days they don't teach American history (Columbus, Paul Revere) all the things that are an impotant part of our history. They teach our children to be Liberals and only have a one track mind whereas when I teach her she learns about our country, God and the values I would like her to have. I even thought about a private school, out here in Missouri there is an Italian Catholic school where she would learn the language as well and that may be a possiblity later on in her life, but as of now I think it would be better to homeschool. With Eric living in Florida and us in KC it will be easier for us to hop on a plane to visit where we cannot do that if she is in school. I only hope Eric won't take long to get back home with us because we all miss him. He is planning to fly out in a couple weeks so he can see the kids and Taylor is really missing her daddy.

I have decided to enroll the kids in Sunday school up here in Smithville as well. I told Taylor this morning she needs to find some sort of sport to join in on, I don't care what it is as long is it's something she would enjoy doing. I have also offered music lessons to her, she can play whatever instrument she would like, I just want her envolved in other actitivies than just staying at home. Jimmy will start up on preschool again and be ready for kindergarten the following year. I have my work ahead of me but I am excited to go on this journey with the two most important people in my life...my children!

Nextel 250 Pictures

Eric and I had so much fun at the races and I would love to go all the time. I was so happy that my favorite driver (Earnhardt) was able to win the night I went. I am actually suprised I have a voice after all the yelling that happened that night. Thank you Eric for such a wonderful night and the best date I have ever had.

Day at the Lake (Part 3)

Grandpa Ky-Ky and Jimmy looking at fish.
A beautiful sunset to end the day.

Day at the Lake (Part 2)

Taylor & Jimmy swimming in the lake.
Taylor grabbing the broom handle while pulling
Jimmy to the boat.
My beautiful little girl.
Taylor helping Grandpa Ky-Ky drive the boat.
When nature calls...get the coffee can!

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.