Christmas Number 2- You would think Santa Came!

Really, you think I am kidding with the title............NO! My parents came for our Christmas celebration and to see the girls before they head South.
Honestly, once you see the pictures you will understand why I say " you would think Santa arrived early". It is ridiculous!!!! The girls made out like bandits and had a good time baking with Nana.

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I Think My Santa Days Are Numbered!

Most of you are probably thinking Allysa- WRONG! It may be Ash who finally figures it out. Do get me wrong Allysa asked once in 2nd grade and I asked if she thought it was worth taking the chance not to believe and she has NEVER mentioned it since.
Here are just some events that have happened.

Last week as you know the Macy's Santa came to their school and they all determined that he was the REAL Santa , however Ashlee proceeded to tell me a few days later that the elves that came were not.
Here is her reason " The elves had long hats to hide their human ears".

Next up- we had our annual Santa gathering with the Juengers, James, Wendels, Brooks and Hiles. Santa gave Ashlee her gift all is well but then she got upset because she told me she saw the bath and body works items at home so there is no way Santa brought. With some fancy foot work- asked if she saw the DVD and she said no and I told yes I bought alot of similar stuff for other friends and family and that if it was hers would I have not hidden it. Got by with that!!!

Today, Jonathon the elf was hanging out the stocking and Ashlee read his tag and it said "Made in China". Well she does not get how that can be since he is real and then rationalized maybe it is just his clothes.

Basically, once she puts all this together it will be OVER!

Catching Up.....

Obviously, I am behind yet AGAIN!!!! Time is just going faster than I can keep so let me see if I can get you all caught up!!!
We went to WV for Thanksgiving spent time with both sets of grandparents, went to movies and made sure we hit Drovers and DJ's. I was bummed we could not squeeze in DiCarlos :(
Next up, getting the house ready for Christmas! Both trees up and Ginger the kitty has done fairly well with not getting into them. It did help she was declawed and spayed so she has been on the calmer side.
Ashlee's b-day- she had a nice day but because it snuck up on me her kid birthday is not until Jan. Actually she is Ok with her. Part of the problem is her basketball schedule so I waited for that schedule then before I knew it was less than 10 days before her b-day. She is doing ok in b-ball. She is good passer but needs to work on defending and shooting. She is just not sure and is playing with mostly boys.
Allysa has been busy with school, she had her 5th grade play and they went across the US. They sang all the Big 10 songs but when they go to Michigan, well instead of singing there was alot of BOOING!!!! Guess, that is when you know you live in Buckeye country!
As far as football- the Bucks are on the way to the Rose Bowl to play the Ducks! Well, the Steelers have imploded!
Last weekend we had special visit from a highschool friend- Angie McBee. She was in town for her sons hockey game. They had some time to kill in between the games and before OSU/Mich hockey games. The boys had on their Michigan jerseys and the girls did not take that well and changed quickly into their Buckeye gear!
This week is JUST NUTS!!! The Lang girls spent the night so Jay and Brenda could go away for a night and next up the Hile girls!!!! Never a dull moment here!
The most entertaining thing was coming home to the 5 girls and asking why the photos of the girls with Santa were on the kitchen table. Let me give you some backstory- the Macy Day Santa came to their school for a special visit due all their fundraising. So, I ask why and had 5 girls tell me that there is NO WAY those are the real Santa because the real Santa was at the school. To add to it, today Ashlee told me it was the real Santa but the elves were fake. She said they were long hats to hide their human ears :)
For those wondering, YES Jonathan the elf finally arrived.

Need More Time in the Day!!!!

Obviously, I have not been doing a good job keeping up on blogging!!! This time of year is always CRAZY for me with the girls birthdays, football and everything else!!!
Let's get caught up on the madness....
Last weekend, it was just the girls and I since Kevin headed to the the Steeler game on Sat. We had a nice weekend! The girls had their end of season cheer/football party. Their coaches are wonderful and did an awesome job, I think they both really enjoyed this season! Thanks Coach Brenda and Jill, you are not only GREAT coaches but GREAT friends.
I was bummed that I could not have gone to the Steeler game with my good friend Rhonda but it all worked out as it should.Sunday the girls and I chilled and watched the Steelers or at least those who we thought were the Steelers lose to the Bengals!!!
The pace just continued with every night something going on, I was leaving for work at 6 am and not returning to the house until 7 or 8. However, Tues night was worth it. I was sooooo PROUD of Ashlee. She has decided to try basketball and we opted for the Y this year to see if she likes it. I had been preparing her that the coaches would most likely be men and there might not be alot of girls.... That is exactly what happened!!! She was so amazing, she got out there and tried everything , listened to the coaches and let them show how to do things better without getting upset. As many of you know this is HUGE for Ashlee!!!!
Up next the weekend and it was biggie. It was the OSU vs Michigan game so we had 2 parties to get to. As always, it was blast and the Bucks won!!! Next up- The Rose Bowl!!!
Our last football game of the weekend, the Steelers and right now I am hoping the impostors will be replaced with the real thing!!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, we will be heading to WV for a few days!!!

Exhausted!!!!!!

It has been a LONG time since I was this exhausted, maybe when the girls were babies but I have since been reminded.
It has been one heck of a weekend!!!
The kickoff- Allysa's 11 th birthday!!!! I decided after stealing the idea from a friend( thanks Heather W) to only have the really big parties for big birthdays( 5, 10, 13 etc..) For Allysa, this had begun(Ashlee gets one more then it starts for her too)! So, she decided to have a small sleepover. She was limited to 5 friends but you would have thought she chose 25!!!! They had pizza, cake, did nails and made jewelry!!! After that, they went downstairs and watched Hannah Montana... After that I went to bed and have no clue when they went to bed!!!!
Saturday am and early pm I had errands to run and had to get everything ready to present our cheer coaches with their appreciation gifts! We have been spoiled with our coaches and how it all works out with practices etc... It helps we all have similar schedules and can help each other out when needed!!! The girls napped but I did not.
Then we watched Abbi and Alli and went to Roosters for dinner then in was time to get ready for their last game of year!!! The Raiders were in the championship against the Jags!!!
The girls did a wonderful job but the outcome was not what the Raider boys were used to- they were 8-1 going into this game!!! Although they lost, the Raiders had a wonderful 8-2 season!!!!!!
Our last feat for the night, Scott had to go to work so he dropped McKenna off for the night when we got home. The good news there, they both went straight to bed!!!
Today, I have been running errands to get ready for their family party next Saturday! I have started my Christmas shopping too.... Wow time is flying by!!!!
Next week is looking just as crazy since both girls have their family/close friends b-day! I am not sure I will make it to Thanksgiving:)

11 Years Ago Today.....

11 years ago today, Our first bundle of joy, Allysa Rose Mascolino entered the world weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces!!!! It was trick or treat night and my first night off bedrest that she decided it was time. We tease her, if she was a TRICK or a TREAT!!! Most of the time a treat but she can be a trick! Enjoy the pics through time..

Happy Birthday Allysa!!!!

3 for 3 and a special visit.....

Wow, what a weekend!!!!!
Yes, more football but this weekend we are 3 for 3!!!!
The Bucks started to look like a team again the 2nd half, we will see if they can be consistent. A tough road lies ahead!!!
The NWFL Raiders were challenged but pulled out a Win!!!! I think we are heading to the championship game this weekend!!!!
Last but not least, the Steelers!!! Wow, did I think they were going to choke in the end!!! Can anyone say D- for the awesome defense. They are starting to look like themselves again!!!!
During the Steeler game my friend Nicole brought her beautiful 7 week Sydni for a visit!!!! The girls loved it and Ashlee has yet to quit talking about her and Nicole since yesterday- everything from Nicole's hair is curly now to how dark Syndi's hair is!!! One thing I can say about Ashlee, the kid is observant!!!!!
Not to forget the visit from Jen and Sam too which is always fun :)
It will be a CRAZY week with trick or treat and Allysa's big 11th birthday!!!! Friday night 6 pre teen girls, I think I am nuts :)

Whirlwind Weekend!!!!!

Our annual trek to the Burgh for the Steeler game was this past weekend!!! Getting all ready to go, is a task.
I had to get everything ready for the girls who were staying at the Wendels (thanks guys) since the girls had to cheer on Sunday! I have no doubt they were spoiled by Jen who tries to make sure they having they like from food to crafts!!! The packing got done- clothes for weekend, meds, cheering gear, activities etc..... All done and then Kevin and I left for the Burgh.
After a stop at the distributor for the Yuengling supply, we finally made it to the hotel. We went to the Casino and dinner and the Sunday was game time. What a game- Palamolu was back, 4 fumbles in a minute and a half and last we WON!!!!!
However, although my Steelers won the rest of the football weekend was a wash. The Buckeyes just plan and simple- sucked! Our Raider boys lost their first game of the season 38-32 :( they have been amazing all year long!!!! The girls have decided it was the fact that the Kevin and I missed the game, WOW what I could do with that much power!
This week is flying, I feel like nothing is getting done at work or at home although I have not stopped at either( except to update the blog)!!! Of course, I keep hoping the nasty flu stays away! I really worry what will happen if Ashlee gets it!!! Oh well, time we tell!
Enjoy the pics from the game!

Same Old Story.....

It has been pretty much the same old thing- work, school and on the weekends football, football and more football!!!!
The girls are busy with school, tumbling, cheering and piano. Allysa has taken it another step and is playing clarinet in the 5th grade band. So, there is always something going on here.H
HERE IS THE FOOTBALL UPDATE
Well the NWFL Raiders remain UNDEFEATED !!! We only have a few games before championship weekend!
The Buckeyes- are winning although not always pretty or convincing! The end of season will be what decides how good they really are- Iowa, Penn State and Michigan. It should be interesting
Well then there is the Steelers......I am still not sure what to think of them. Although they are winning we have ALOT of room for improvement. I will be VERY happy when #43 is back( aka Polamolu)!!!!!! Next weekend, Kevin and I head to the Burgh for the Browns/Steeler match up.
As always, I must end that I have some of greatest friends in the world!!!! I am truely blessed! Until next time!!!!!!!!!!!

Work has been a bit stressful, I need to remind myself it is just work and not get sooo bent out of shape about things. I am hoping this week starts off better! I have also been busy planning the family birthday and Allysa's 11th. She is not getting a big party but is going to have a small sleep over! I am hoping on the health side, I am on the mend! Until next time.................

What A Week.......

What a week it has been!!!! I ended up with over a week off - not a fun week off. Since the biopsy I have been battling a few complications and it was decided on that on Wed. the surgeon would take care of. it Now, I have been in recovery and hoping this will be the end of it until my next mammogram and I can start feeling like myself - not soooo freakin tired all the time!!! Thanks to all my friends who helped or offered to help during the week, YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!!!
With that said, it was the usual weekend of football, football and more football!!!! The Buckeyes finally look like they are starting to jell and have had 2 nice wins since the horrible loss to USC. Our NWFL Raiders are awesome and are now 5-0.....
Then there is the Stinky Steelers!!!! They have a knack for looking good for 3 quarters and then deciding they do not want to play anymore especially on defense!!!!! I think the defense lost their identity- Troy!!!! It is not helping the Jeff Reed has forgotten how to kick field goals and our wider receivers ( Santonio, Limas and Hines) seem to have an issue with dropping passes!!!! It is starting to look like it will be looooong NFL season if this keeps up!
Last, the girls are enjoying their new kitty and overall Ginger has adapted well. She has been really good especially since Ash is obsessed with her and has not figured to just let her down and that cats do not like to be handled 24/7!!!
Until next time, hope everyone is has a good week or weeks!!

Fall and Football

Friday started out CRAZY, I had stayed home since I am still not feeling well which ended up being a good thing. Ashlee was going home with a friend after school so she could attend her birthday party. I remembered putting the permission slip in her book bag but forgot to give her the present. If you know Ashlee she would be devastated when she found out that she did not have one with her. So, I ran to school and dropped it off to prevent any drama. Allysa and went to dinner at the Winking Lizard after my doctors appointment to get a physical.
Saturday- the girls and I with some friends watched the Buckeyes and were very happy with this win but it would have been sweeter had we beat USC the week before!!! Since the boys were at a bar watching football. So, the big girls decided to rent a movie and let the kids play. The boys then went to Jame's to watch more- Thanks Beth for getting Kevin and Keith home safely!
Sunday- was a lazy day. I was not having one of my better days! We went to the girls game and the Raiders are now 4-0!!! Way to Go Raiders!!!!! However, the Steelers decided not to show up , we really need Troy back for the defense and I am not sure what was up with Jeff Reed. The evening ended on a downer!!
Now for the kitty, Ginger is doing wonderfully but at times overwhelmed with attention. Ashlee being the worst, she is obsessed!!! I am trying to teach her that the kitty sometimes just wants left alone. This has been our ongoing battle!!! However, we did go into PANIC mode when we could not find her after the Steeler game. Ginger, had been tortured by the girls so I made them come up here for awhile and Sam joined us for a while to. After the game, we could not find her... We LOOKED, LOOKED and LOOKED and NO Ginger. So I thought maybe she slipped out the door when Keith and Sam left and that is when PANIC really set in!!!! After what seemed like FOREVER, Ashlee decided she knew where she was and she was right!!! Ginger, found herself a safe out of the way (no kids) place, behind the steps in the storage room. She slipped in through a small space between some storage box, found her way to the back and curled up and went to sleep!!
This week will be unusual too, since my biopsy site has not really healed as far as the blood clot on Wed. I am going to have surgery to have it drained, she will look for any active infection and make sure the area in question is removed! I am not looking forward to it but tired I feeling sooo crappy most of the time. Hopefully, this will end the madness!!!

Another Football Weekend!

You know it is fall because most posts will be football, football, football!!!! The week started out with the STEELERS pulling it out!!! I am hoping it is not the sign of the season. However, on Sat. the girls had a game at 9pm,not good for us Buckeye fans but a nice night for a night game! So, I compromised and the girls cheered until halftime. All was looking well for the Raiders and the Bucks were not lookin bad!!!! As many know the Bucks lost it the end, another heartbreaker which is getting old!!!!! Of course, the girls were not heart broken Nana and Pap were here and they got their first pet- Meet Ginger!

The Official End of Sumer and Football, Football and more Football!

After Thurs. I really did not think it was going to be a great week! I saw the new surgeon and even with the biopsy she still is not 100% convinced so now more testing, however those cannot be done until my infection and large blood clot are gone!!!!!!!!!!! This experience has been very trying! That same day we got a large bill for one of Ashlee's infusions and I came home to fight it out with the insurance company- the idiots are denying a March bill because they want medical records but they paid for Feb and are paying for her home treatment. The kicker is the have the medical records because we had to submit for her home treatment but they will not pull those since it is attached to another providers claim- UGH!!! The last thing, my phone began cracking and is not covered by warranty!!!
Needless to say I was not optimistic about going into the Friday and the weekend! However, my 7 am meeting Friday went well. My bosses boss was very pleased which means my boss will be happy too so then my life will be much easier (at least for awhile).
The weekend has been AMAZING, Sat. the girls had a game at 9 am which was rough but next week is worse since it is interfering with the Bucks. Then we headed to the James for the Buckeye game and just plain fun! Yesterday, the gang was all here and I think everyone had fun. We hit a little bump with Sam or jumped of the slide and hurt his leg, it seemed to get better over time so hopefully this am he will be back to normal. When we are altogether, I am reminded how blessed I am to have such a strong group of friends especially since we have no immediate family here!
I had a very busy Saturday, I got a new phone. The lady at Sam's Club was very honest and sold me a new one much cheaper than she had tooo.. We added another line ( which we would be doing in the next 9 mo to a year) and I got the new phone, even with the extra fees monthly it was still cheaper. Of course Allysa thinks she is getting a phone but that is big NOT YET, however there times when she has been somewhere we wanted her to have one! Now, in those rare cases, we can put the sim card for the 3rd line in one our older phones and give her that instead of ours. Then went off to HH Greg for one thing and left with a new camera. I have been pricing two for months and after seeing this one decided to go for it plus I got a really GREAT deal! It was a big decision because I am choose a brand I do not know well so there is learning curve but so far I LOVE the pictures it has taken!!!
Next, on our list we are considering a cat! The girls have been driving me crazy wanting a pet and a dog just would not go with our chaotic life style but maybe a cat!!!! Who knows may be we will have an addition to our home!
Enjoy below!!!

The last hoorah and First Day of School......

Last weekend was the last hoorah of summer!!! The girls had to cheer at scrimmage on Sat. and it felt like mid Oct. instead of late Aug. This year they are the Raiders so getting them to stop saying Dolphins or Phins has been fun! Then we went to the Langs for a movie and to hang out for awhile. After the movie, we let them have a sleep over. The big girls were here and the little ones stayed at the Langs. I think they had a good time. Sunday, we went to the James' for the LAST HOORAH and as you can see the cooler weather did not stop the kids from getting in the pool- at least they had fun.
Today was the first day school! Allysa is going into 5th grade and she has the same teacher so not much a transition for her. This will be her last at DCE, then she goes to the BIG 6th grade building. Ashlee had a bigger transition, she has a new teacher however she came home today and said she was AWESOME!!! I hope that is sign that this is going to be a GREAT school year!
The only bummer of the week is the girls football/cheer schedule got changed and we now have 9pm game the same night as the 8pm OSU/USC game :(

Sam's Wild Birthday Weekend!!!

WOW!!! We managed to squeeze ALOT into this weekend. Allysa kicked it off with a sleep over birthday party at a friends on Friday!!
Saturday- picked up Allysa at her sleepover, squeezed in lunch with Walkers because McKenna had a special gift for Ashlee that she just could not wait to give her( half of BFF necklace), went to Beth's to swim, Ashlee went to her friends birthday party and then finally Sam's Big Day!! As always Jen out does her self with all the food etc....Sam made out and he will be well entertained , well at least until Xmas :). Ashlee however did have rough night Sat, her asthma kicked in and it took me almost 24 hours gain some control but we are getting there.
Sunday- we went to the Clippers game!!! It was on HOT evening for the game. We worked hard to make sure Ashlee stayed hydrated so we did lose control of her Asthma again! The new stadium is really nice!!!
I need a day off just to recover from the weekend!
See you all soon! Enjoy the update!!

A little behind......

As you can tell I am a LITTLE behind in blogging. It has been a little CRAZY around here lately. It is hard to believe school is right around the corner. We have been doing some school shopping, cheering practice has started so you know Fall is coming. I LOVE fall but I am not ready for summer to end. The girls have enjoyed their summer with Heather, Ang and Grandmas. I am hoping we can do the same next summer!
Last weekend was quite busy!
Saturday we went to St. Brendens Festival! This is my answer to avoiding the Ohio State Fair!!!! We took Sam this time so Jen and Keith could have some alone time! It was fun but you forget how much work a toddler can be. Sam went on his first rides and was not happy when he had to get off. The girls loved having him and we did tooo! I won another addition to the sports wall at he silent auction so I cannot complain much.
Sunday I went to the Rascal Flatts concert with Jill, Becky and Heather D. It was a great concert, I just love the Darius Rucker(Hootie Rocks)!!! It was a great GNO, dinner and a concert. Jill give Doug a high five for the Bravo suggestion and Thanks for sharing the gift cards!!!I loved telling Allysa all about it while she sat in the dentist chair on Monday, I loved that she could not talk BACK!!!! When she finally could talk she said " Mom that was just mean"!
Work was crazy and there are times I get sooo sick of the drama and the fact that certain people( mainly MD's) can get away with such bad behavior in the work place.
Well, another weekend is upon us and it is just as busy but I hope I can post quicker. This is weekend is Sam's 2nd Birthday!!!
Below are the results of the pics Melissa( our favorite local photographer) took of the girls and the a slide show of the weekend.

Summer 2009- Flying By!!!

I want it to Stop!!!!
Summer is just flying on by, I think it is worse this year because we really have not had a "normal" summer!!! The girls are not ready to go back to school in just few weeks and it is sad to say we have been doing some school shopping and looking at book bags. With all that said, we managed to enjoy another great summer weekend.
Friday- we were at the Hodel's celebrating Gregg's early graduation from high school and 18th birthday. The reason it was all the more special- Gregg is off to the Canadian Jr. Hockey League. He has been working hard for many years so it is VERY nice to see his hard work and dreams coming true. Hopefully, we will see him in the NHL someday!
Sat.- We had a great day with my mom who brought the girls back Friday. They of course had a wonderful time with both their grandparents last week. We went to the "beer Olympics" next door. It looked like the clan from Pinefield was going to beat some of our guys but they pulled it out and Kevin won- not sure we should be proud of this :).
Sun- the girls had their pictures taken professionally at Hayden Falls!!! I am sooooo anxious to see them, the ones I took after were just a taste of what I am going to see. Nana left so I am sure they are sad but they have a great week at Angies to look forward toooo.

Hocking Hills- Year 2

This weekend we repeated our trip to Hocking Hills with our very wonderful friends. As always it was full of surprises and fun! Again I am reminded that I am absolutely BLESSED to have friends that are more like family, they really are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Friday we mixed way too many types of alcohol thanks to Jen the "bartender"! I now have a new drink to love- Captain Morgan spicy rum and coke. The laugh we all got from our own version of "chippendales" and then trying to determine who had the hairiest back, Kevin came in 2nd!
- Saturday- did not go quite as planned due to rain but we still managed to have a good time. The girls relaxed and read for awhile and the boys managed to squeeze in some fishing. We rented two movies and they were soooo different. One was on more "faith" based note about marriage with Kirk Cameron and the other was the 40 year old virgin. Ironically, they ended the same with a wedding although they took 2 very different paths to get there!!! Hopefully next year we will be able to actually go on the lake on the boat! The evening ended with Kevin entertaining everyone! I missed some of the funniest parts which are probably R rated and cannot be shared. However, I was there when he decided to dance to the Black Eyed Peas- some of you will know this would be quite a site! I think Beth, Jen and Christa were going to cry because they were laughing sooooo hard!
- Sunday- it ended way too soon. The weather was great and we got some awesome pictures of the group.
The best thing- all the laughing!!!! It feels so nice just to relax and laugh!!
The girls and Sam were watched by my mother in law and sister in law. The girls got to spend some quality time with their cousins and I am sure Sam was well entertained. It is sad to see the weekend come to an end and reality right around the corner!!! I have to get the girls packed they are heading to WV for another week with both grandparents.
I am posting a G-rated slide show of all the fun!! There is no doubt that I am forgetting something to blog about from the weekend, if I remember I can blog it later!!!

Just Another Weekend!

It was a weekend on the quieter side. The "boys" ( Greg, Kevin, Keith and Justin) went to Cinci for a Reds game. Since it was a 7pm game and Jen had a free night at a hotel about a mile away, they stayed the night. So, last weekend I asked Christa what were we going to do while the "boys" were off playing, she said have a party. We decided we would all meet here, grill out for dinner and those who could stay would watch 27 dresses that I have had here for weeks. The "boys" left around 1pm. Christa and I went for a pedi in am, then I did some shopping with Allysa and Ashlee to get a head start on school clothes since both of them will need stuff this year. We went to Justice (damage done there), Kohls, Bed Bath and Beyond and then came home to get ready for dinner. The "girls" and all the kids had a nice dinner- the food was great! We all chatted for awhile and by time we got around to the movie it was just Christa and I and we could not get the movie to show on the plasma and then the upstairs TV we being fickle. We finally got it started, the movie was quite entertaining but would have been better on the plasma.
This am Allysa, Ashlee and I went to breakfast and did alittle more shopping and now life has returned back to normal( Kevin is back)!!!! Enjoy the stories behind some the pictures below.

Allysa and Ashlee decided to do place settings- this was the final product. A sticky with the persons name, flower and their drink.

The beginning of the place settings
The first veggies from our garden

Our little garden

The boys(minus JP) who was probably the photographer

Perfection.....

This weekend and the past few days have been no where close to perfection!
- It started when it rained all day Sat. and all my "fun" plans for my girls and nieces went up in smoke. I could not find one thing that made them all happy!
- On the same day the grill decides it is going to not work and it is only a few years old. So, my lovely dinner had to be made in the oven
- One of my children deciding to behave in manner they usually do not
- Of course all of this on my birthday weekend
-Actually being able to get things done at work and not feel like I am always behind the eight ball
Of course as I eventually realized, if it all went perfectly all time what would we have to look forward too!!! I am still in "funk" but I do keep trying to remind myself of the above and things will eventually all work out!
All in all, the girls love being with their cousins. Enjoy the slide show, included is their annual trip to the zoo with Jen and Sam. Of course, I am not sure if Jen recovers from this adventure.

Bonus!

In the car, playing on the radio is Keith Urban "I want to kiss a girl" It is a catchy tune and the girls know it by heart but always giggle and manage not to say "I want to kiss a girl" when it comes up in the song" I say to Allysa do you have a boyfriend( believe it or not some of her friends do) then I say something about kissing a boy and they can not do it until they are 80.

- Both say- your not 80 and you kissed dad. I reply- I can change the rules. Ashlee was smart enough to say I was no where near 80- SMART GIRL!!

- Allysa responded to kissing boys " I am only in elementary school"- SMART GIRL

Holidays, Friends and Fun!!!

As always I am behind. It was another wonderful holiday except it means summer is going wayyyyyy to fast!!!! Friday night we chilled with the Wendels which was a very nice night!!! On Sat. we headed to the James's for our traditional 4th of July!!! Of course, as Beth predicted the weather was rainy. However, the kids managed to get some swim time in and all still had fun. The food and just being with wonderful friends is what life is all about!!!
This week at work has been overwhelming, I feel like I never quit being detective and I am still surprised about some things! It has just been crazzzzy!
Tomorrow will be Friday- YEAH!!!!!! The girls are very excited my brother is coming with his family and they are looking forward to spending some time with their cousins Alayna and Alison- yes we have an issue with names starting with A.
Everyone have a wonderful weekend!!!!!

The Quiet is Gone and She is at it AGAIN!!

The girls were gone this past week being spoiled by their grandparents in WV! I made good use of that time- enjoying the quiet by reading (alot), no making dinner, going out with friends, Kevin and I went out twice and just got a few things done that I do not have time to do when they are here. They are back now- life is slowly returning to normal!
Grandma and Grandpa stayed another day! We celebrated Grandma Linda's birthday with a steak dinner and cake and ice cream. We also attended Ashlee's BFF McKenna's little performance after going to drama camp all week. I think McKenna found her calling but her mom is in sooooooo much TROUBLE!!!
Again, I discovered my junior photograph was taking a million pictures. Over 100 pictures since memorial day. I have to admit she has an eye for things so I am thinking I am in trouble!! Enjoy some the pics from the weekend and the junior photographer!
On a sad note, I was reminded how fragile life can be. My cousin's dad passed away- rest in peace Donnie and give a big kiss to my Grandmother and Grandpa for me. Now my Grandfather has more assistance to help keep my Grandmother in line! Those of you who knew my Grandmother know, he needs all the help he can get!!!

The girls trying to get Sam to chill and watch Pooh!

McKenna singing " A hard knock life"

The Junior Photographer's Collection :). You can see her very favorite subject is Sam!

Time Flies!

Again, not as fast at posting to the blog as in the past. It has been very busy and crazy since the last entry. Work, eat, kid activities, sleep and then it starts all over.

Last weekend , we got our first plunge into Beth/Greg's pool- this is when we know it is officially summer. The girls had their piano recitals and then we left Sat to take them to WV where they will stay the week with their grandparents.

Lately, there has been alot of drama at home and at work and those who know me well know that I do not do well with soooo much drama. At work, people just can not look beyond themselves and at home it is has been one thing after another. Poor Ashlee was told at Y camp by some kids that she was fat which lead to a nice long conversation!!! The good news, she gets it more than I know and said " mommy being too skinny is not good either". I just hope such an attitude persists through out the next few critical years!!!

Kevin and I started our week with NO kids by going to Easton for dinner and then of course shopping. He is still getting over my spree at the Buckeye store :). Enjoy the video and pics and have a great week!

I am a little behind....

Sorry for not blogging for a few weeks. It has been crazzzzy!!!

My parents came for a visit and The weekend before last, Ashlee had a gymnastics show. At first, Ashlee was hesitant but then she got the hang of it. If she would only smile, she concentrates so hard she looks like she may kill someone. Of course, the girls had a great visit with the grandparents and then on Sunday we celebrated Kevin's 39th birthday with friends!

This weekend we went to Chicago, so much to do but not enough time! We went to the Sears Tower, Navy Pier and of course American Girl!!! The girls had alot of 1st- 1st cab ride, 1st time they came back to a hotel and their bed was turned down with cookies and milk waiting for them and their first taste of the a "real" city. They also got to meet the couple we met on our honeymoon who came in with their kids to have dinner with us. It was a wonderful visit.
At American Girl Doll they had this box of questions to start up conversation and one was " what do you like most about your state?" Ashlee answered, it is sunny. I told that was not the same state mommy lived in, not sure where she is living.
Ashlee had alittle trouble adapting to the to all the noises of the city especially the sirens!

All in All, I think fun was had by all.

Memorial Day Weekend- Friends and Fun

It is hard to believe the official start of summer has come and gone! I hope the summer does not go this fast. It kicked off Sat. with Allysa's last soccer game and then fun with friends. Of course the fun with friends rolled into Sat. and into early Sunday morning. I ended up with 4 kids, Si and Ella fell asleep downstairs with the girls. They were all very good!
Also, I did some yard work but did not get everything done I had planned. I did not get garden started as I wanted, however JP came over and "tilled" and it is ready for me to start planting(Thanks JP).
Of course, none of this would be possible without thanking those who have served or are serving in our military!
Enjoy the slide show of the jammed packed weekend!

Mother's Day Weekend

First, Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's who read this especially my mom and mother in law! As always, the weekend was hectic. My main goal was to get my upstairs back to normal and tackle Allysa's room(aka the black hole). We started it on Sat. but time ran out because Allysa had soccer. So, I tackled it again this am and FINALLY we have it all back together. You can walk in hall, get in the guest room and not get lost in the black hole! I am not sure I would ever survive a big renovation, I was going crazy with everything out of place for soooo long. It was OK at first but as time went on, I could not stand it!
Of course, I received my sweet mother's day gifts. The girls made all kinds of things at school and latch key(their after school program). I received the card, letters and my newest jewelery- 2 new bracelets made by each of the girls.I wore both to my wonderful mother's day dinner at Cap City! I appreciate my kids ALOT more after watching parts of Nanny 911-wow do some people have it bad!!! Hope all had a GREAT DAY!

The "Black Hole"

Phase 1- painting done and moving the furniture moved in!
The finished product!

Part 2 the finished product!

Hopefully this is it for a very long time!

One Down and One to Go....

Another VERY BUSY weekend almost in the books. Friday kicked off with Ashlee's 1st grade play " A Day at the Beach" and of course it was cute and I was very happy that I got to attend!!! Then later that evening, the CF wine opener which is always a fun and great event for a VERY important cause!


Next up, Allysa's soccer game, I missed her 1st game because I was enjoying a wonderful weekend with the girls. It was a bit trying, we watched almost the entire game and she was not getting put in. It is recreational soccer so everyone gets to play a certain amount of time. So, as I am sitting there getting upset a part of me is really hoping there is a good explanation. She goes in the last quarter and after the game I asked her why she did not play and that is when she and her coach tell me she was complaining about her ankle. Boy, did I feel like crap because I was getting really ANGRY( and some of you know that is not good)! I am still not sure what is up with the ankle, she has complained on and off for a month or so. I sent her to the our resident orthopedic surgeon next door since she never believes me that it is ok. For now , we will just watch it and hope it is just growing pains.

Last, our big project was getting one the girl's rooms done. Ashlee was up first and you can see the before and after below. Tonight should be interesting since it is her 1st night ever in her own room!!! On deck- Allysa and that room will be ALOT more work since the 2 of them have been living in it for 5 years!!!!
A slide show is attached of the rest of the weekend too- Enjoy

Easter 2009

It is so hard to believe it is Easter, I feel like I am still recovering from Christmas!! Of course, Ashlee was up at the crack of dawn ready to go looking for her basket. I was able to get her to watch some TV which bought the rest of us time -especially Allysa who is a super crab if she does not get her sleep. The baskets were found and in a matter of minutes t was over!!! They did a mini fashion show and then we waited for breakfast to be done. While we waited, I took the opportunity to reinforce what Easter was all about!!! Have a Blessed Easter everyone and enjoy the show below!

In their Easter Best

Ripping into their baskets

Girls Weekend- Indian Lake

After lots of talking and narrowing down a date, it finally happened- Girls Weekend. Jill's family has a house on Indian Lake and they graciously let us use it for a weekend get away. We planned all the meals out and brought our favorite beverages. It was perfect- sunny, great food, lots of beverages and most of all great friends.
We got to chat, watch movies, hang out at the fire pit and most of all just enjoy NO KIDS or HUSBANDS!!!!
Jill- Thanks for hosting and please thank the family for allowing us to use the house.

Last Day :(

It is hard to believe our week is up and although I miss my friends it is sad to leave here! Although, everyday was not perfect there is something to be said for just being at the beach. I am not sure if it is the sounds, smells or views but there is nothing like it. I think in this life or another I need to live near or at the beach.
I did manage to read 6 books thus far and the girls got alot of swimming in( Beth- we will never get Ashlee back). A good time was had by all! Enjoy the slide slow.

Another Day...

Today would have been a really nice day except for the wind- I thought I was in central Ohio it was sooo windy. Of course, that made it really cool so we spent our day at Broadway and the Beach and the indoor pool. We also went to the Nascar Speedway yesterday so daddy could have some fun.

The winds really had the ocean going!

It made the outdoor pool look like a whirlpool instead.
The girls cooperating for a nice photo op

Dad and Ashlee racin

Enjoy the slide show!!

Another Sunrise...

It looks like it is going to be another beautiful day! It is not that hot be we all found out how deceiving it was, Ashlee ended up exhausted from being out all day and my arms and chest remind you of a lobster. I guess I will have to use sunscreen and make sure Ashlee gets enough water and breaks....Below is an awesome sunrise and then a video of Ashlee swimming. It is hard to believe just last summer she was a beginner swimmer, watch the video to see how far she has come and this is the 1st time has been in the pool since the the summer. Now that she has figured out to use her arms and not just those powerful legs of hers, I am thinking she may want to to consider swimming as her sport of choice. Have a Great Monday!

Spring Break- evening one/morning one

It may not be 80 degrees but there is something to be said for the sight, sound and smell of the beach that just makes the 12 hours drive worth it. I am about to finish my 2nd book already and girls have already been swimming and are dying to go for a walk on the beach. I am going to try to get video of Ashlee swimming, some of you will be very impressed. I am thinking she might need to think about swimming as a sport, she has amazing leg power!

Another Bite the Dust- Greg turns the BIG 4-0!

Another dear friend is about to leave his 30's to join the 40's club, we celebrated Greg's BIG 4-0 last night. It was probably the calmest of the parties we have had lately but after his wife Beth's that was probably best! Of course for me, revenge was involved and Greg got some nice gag gifts from- a cane, hat "Old Dude" and a 40 button that lit up. Of course, I made him model them all!!!!
As everyone reaches this milestone, the items will be passed down. By the time the "babies" turn 40, they will be totally decked out which of course will make my vengeful side very happy! They keep hoping I will be too old to remember but if they ask those who have known since childhood they would be told that will NEVER happen, I remember everything and NEVER Forget!!!!!

Allysa's 1st Reconciliation

Today Allysa had her 1st reconciliation and for those not Catholic (like myself)- it is Confession.
I am really not sure how much or what a 4th grader has to confess but I guess some could be interesting. Here are some pics from the day.

A 10 year old in a size 6 womens shoe....

Yesterday, we went to the mall to do some shopping for our beach trip (I hope) and to get the girls new dresses because Allysa makes 1st Reconciliation in a few weeks. We found the dresses and Ashlee's shoes without issue but finding Allysa's was another story! Allysa is 10 and officially wearing a size 6 women's shoe or a 4.5/5 child shoe. I keep telling her she has to grow into those feet or she is going to look like a clown :).
So, have you ever tried to find an appropriate show for a 10 year in the womens isle or one mature enough for in children's aisle. It is a freakin nightmare, the choices are slim!
Of course I could choose something like above from the women's aisle and she would probably break a leg or be mistaken for a child working the streets. Either way my parent skills would be highly questioned and probably children's services would be called!

The Madness of the Tooth Fairy.....

I am not sure who thought of the tooth fairy ( I am sure I could google it and find out), however I have decided they are someone who had too much time on their hands or did not sleep. When Allysa was losing her teeth it never seemed to bother me but she lost teeth so slowly you did not think about it. She did not even lose her 1st tooth until 1st grade unlike Ashlee who started in kindergarten.
The past year the the tooth fairy has made way too many visits- at least 8 for Ashlee and 4 for Allysa, two of those in the past two days. Trying to sneak is getting harder and harder . I am probably a cheap tooth fairy- $ 5 for the first and $1.25 for every tooth thereafter but I never seem to have cash at those moments. Heck I had to have Christa bail me out when Ashlee lost her first because I had no cash at 8 pm and Kevin was out of town so I could not even leave to get some. I find it sad when you have to go the neighbor for 5 dollars for the tooth fairy. Too bad, you cannot use your debit card :)
Also, I know some of you are asking how did you come up with a buck twenty five, I suspect when Allysa lost her 2nd tooth that was all I had so that has been the tradition. I will be glad when this phase is over because I am going to get caught soon or not wake up, either way I am in hot water with someone in my house. Ashlee is working on another tooth so I suspect the tooth fairy will make another visit in the next week. For those of you who have not had this experience, enjoy!

She is at it again- Junior Photographer

Allysa loves to use my smaller camera to take pictures and last night when she had a friend over she was at it again. However, I found she had been taking alot of pics not just last night. She has advanced from posing her dolls and using other stuff for props to trying things with lighting. Below is just a few examples.

Phase 1 of the room re-do. The girls kept knocking the closet doors off track and we were getting sick of it. So, a friend and I came up with using sheers and beads. This way the mess in their closet is hidden but looks good. Right now, they share a room so they could have a play room but that will be ending soon which will lead to alot more work- new paint, carpet scrubs, re-organized etc.... In the end, it will be for the best and look great but not looking forward to a few of the steps like what to do with all their crap :)