Priorities....

I have been waiting all week for the weekend for one reason- one BIG reason. Most people think it would be to spend time with family, friends or just relax but that is only part of it. The Superbowl and the Steelers are the BIG reason!!! Yesterday as I was telling my friend Nicole of our little issue with the cable not working on the downstairs TV and everything else going on surrounding the game she told me she was glad I had my priorities!!!! For this weekend, there is ONLY one- to watch the game and cheer the Steelers on to a 6th Superbowl WIN!!!

This Defense will probably be why we WIN!!!

The Weather Outside Is Frightful!!!!!

The weather outside is beyond frightful. I got to work easier than I got home. Enjoy some pictures of all the fun!!!

Allysa helping to shovel the sidewalk

Daddy and Ashlee trying to get things done
About an hour ago

6 am when the freezing rain came..

Weekend Fun and Allysa passed her first "Test"

I really wish I could figure out how to have 3 day weekends all the time.......

The weekend started with Ashlee having 2 birthday parties to go to, one Friday and one Saturday. We were up early Saturday to take the girls to tutoring , ran a few errands, cleaned the house and got Ashlee ready for party number 2. While we were at party 2 Kevin was preparing his chili for the neighborhood chili cook off later that evening.

We had decided not to take the kids but at first I was not sure how we were going to do it because paying for a babysitter when you are right next door is not very economical. So, I had a talk with Allysa about doing staying home alone with her sister, her first "trial" at babysitting. She would stay here and watch her sister for a couple of hours while we were right next door. Christa was doing the same thing with her kids but was not sure how Ella and Mas would do since they fight like cats and dogs sorta like my two. So, we hatched the plan that Ella would come here then she would not worry about coming home a disaster and Ella would allow Allysa to concentrate on something other than bossing her little sister around.

As he time approached- Allysa got the lecture.

- Do not answer the door

- Only answer phone if she knows it is my cell phone

- No microwave

- Limits on snacks

- To treat Ella and Ashlee the way she liked to be treated when she had a babysitter.

So, off I went hoping that I did not return to crying and a disaster or get a phone call. The phone did ring but she was calling for Ashlee. Ashlee and Ella were trying to spin their cause for a sleepover. For those who do not know- Ella is my 3rd daughter although I have figured out how to take her as a tax deduction.

When I came home, I was pleasantly surprised. Allysa on a couch, the 2 little ones on floor watching TV. They all said everything went well, there did not appear to be any signs of crying and the house was in one piece. I think I have a good little babysitter in the making, she should get lots of business once she can take the babysitting class at 11.

Kevin got 2nd place and overall favorite for his Chili and Ella and Ashlee got their sleepover- they both fell asleep on the floor.

Stay tuned the next few weekends are busy especially with the Steelers in the superbowl!!!

The slideshow is mix of some winter fun and the chili cook off . Enjoy!!

Here We Go.....

Well, as many of you know the Steelers are headed back to the superbowl!!! So, you could say the weekend was a success. It was fun watching the game with wonderful friends, round 2 will be Feb. 1st. For all you fan, see the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3uiCRr3dGE


Go Steelers!!!!

Go Steelers!!!

The highlight of this weekend will be the AFC Championship at 6:30! In the meantime, I will need to make sure I get all the chores down so when Sunday comes there is nothing else to do but settle in for game time. GO STEELERS!!!!

SUNRISE IN PITTSBURGH

Wii

I was hoping 2009 would start out on a more positive note. Although home is pretty quiet, work is a bit bumpy. I keep telling myself it will all work out, it is good job, etc and none of that is working. However, leave it to Christa to find a way to make me laugh even when she did not know it was very needed. Christa shared this from the " The B Team" blog and I found it quite amusing. Enjoy!!!

Christmas 2 and 3 and Hello 2009..............

It is hard to believe that this year is over, I wish I could say I was sad but in all honesty I am ready for a fresh start. As with with every year there are some great memories but there were some bumps I would prefer not to repeat. If you missed anything, feel free to visit past blogs. Here are some pictures and of course there were too many that I had to do a slide slow.

The only resolution I will make is try to appreciate my family and friends more...

I wish everyone a Happy New Year especially my family and wonderful friends.

It is 2 am and I cannot watch mom, dad , Doug and Jill play the Wii anymore!!! This is actually where she looks like an angel....

Mason(aka-obnoxious teenager but overall good kid) waging a bet he can beat Jen at wrestling. I wish I could say Jen won but she did not and Mas walked away with some cash(he loves money).....
The girls ringing in the new year....



Allysa and Ashlee wearing their gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Mascolino- Xmas number 3



Christmas # 2 with Sam- love the pure joy

Of course, the slide slow. There are some great pics- Sam ringing in the new year as only Sam can, Jason ( the evil Lang and Patriot fan) breaking my good wine glass :), the kids playing the Wii and the adults just having fun. There are some new faces- Beth was daring enough to bring her brother and fiance and Courtney ad Mark stopped in too...I think a good time was had by all. Here is to a Happy and Healthy 09 everyone!!!