15 Years -- can you believe it?!?!?

15 years ago today....

I married the greatest guy around.

15 years ago today....

I started the best phase of my life.

15 years ago today....

I realized how happy life can be.

15 years ago today...

I made the best decision, ever.

Happy Anniversary --- I love you babe!

Here's to an eternity!

More Holiday Concert...

Here are more cute pics from Spencer's Holiday/Christmas Concert...

What a handsome boy... Love you Spencer!

Blog Book...

I found a place that makes blogspot blogs into books! I am so happy! So, I ordered one today --- it will be so fun to get it - can't wait!

So sorry - I posted this without telling you where to go if you want to do it!!
go to www.blog2print.com

Enjoy!

Christmas Holiday Concert

Spencer is in 3rd grade. This is the first year they get to perform in the Holiday Concert at King Street School. They sang a few songs, and were so cute! He is so handsome. He loves hanging out with his friends, and is the social butterfly of his class (says his teacher, Ms. Bernstein)

Here are a few pics of our handsome 3rd grader, Spencer.

Come What May, and Love It!

Elder Joseph B. Worthlin, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, passed away on Monday night. His latest talk given in Octobers Conference, was nothing less that absolutely fabulous, inspired, and, for me. It was titled "Come What May, and Love It."

He started his talk off with a story, and this part stuck with me...

Talking about his mother, he said, "She taught her children to trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes, and give their best effort in everything they attempted. When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again. So the advice my mother gave to me then wasn’t altogether unexpected. It has stayed with me all my life. “Joseph,” she said, “come what may, and love it.” I have often reflected on that counsel."

I love that. I think, am I teaching my children to trust in themselves? To, come what may, and love it?

He also said, "If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."

Here are my favorite "snipets" from his talk:

"Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others. Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others. Remember the sublime words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered with his companions in the smothering darkness of Liberty Jail: “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”

He ended with this paragraph:

“Come what may, and love it. I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it. As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, “Come what may, and love it.”

The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

I hope we can all remember these inspired words. Here is the link so you can read the entire talk, absorb the message, and even get a little teary, as I do each time - because it is that good!

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-9,00.html

I know that he was inspired when giving this talk. What a way to end his life of service as a member of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Worthlin will be missed, but these words will stay with us.

So Proud...again!

I am so proud of Austin and Megan. They are doing so well in school and band. Austin made honor roll and Meg made High Honor Roll. Austin also made Brass Ensamble in band, so now he is in both Select and Ensamble Band - awesome! Megan decided to be brave and try out for Select Band ---- and she made it!!! You guys work so hard in both school and band - and it shows! We are so proud of you!

Pics from MSG...

I know I am a little late on posting pics from Austin's awesome experience at Madison Square Garden doing the flag ceremony with the Scout Troop - but oh well - blame the holiday craziness!

Yes, that is Allen Houston behind them! WOW!

This picture is of them rehearsing before the game.

AUSTIN - SO COOL....

Ok, so Austin has worked really hard to do a good job in Scouts - which today - was his payoff. Why do you ask???

Well, they boys have been given the opportunity to do the flag ceremony at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks game tonight (thanks Mark!!) How cool is that!!?!?!?!

So, the two Scout Masters put together a "score card" and the boys had to try out this morning for the 5 spots allowed. It was really tough - (I told Allen that he could not favor Austin at all - he needed to earn his spot just like the rest of the boys! but he told me there was no way to favor - either they knew the stuff or they didn't!)

ANYWAY...Austin did really well - got enough points to secure his spot - and now he is totally celebrating and trying to contain his excitement!!! Can't wait to see it on TV tonight - on MSG sports channel --- Austin we are so proud of you for always doing your best in everything that you do - see it pays off!!!!!

Will totally post pics tomorrow!!

More Happy October...

How cute is this!! Emily, Nathan, Meg & Hannah. Seriously, so adorable. To me, the funniest thing is Emily, she is so cute - and when you say, smile, she gets her "popeye" look, she ALWAYS closes one eye - so cute....hilarious, actually.

Meg & Sammy - the main reason to go to Utah for the weekend. SO SO SO cute....love that little guy already!! So glad he is finally here!!

Loved our little (fast) trip to Utah!

Happy October!

Meg went to Utah for the weekend with me - super fun! She loved spending time with Brock and Ethan! They are all so cute!

I bet you can't guess what she is reading?!?! Twilight of course - she wants to get done before the movie comes out! You know the rule at our house - no movie until you read the book!!! So, practically the whole plane ride home, this was her. It also helped that we all had our own row - made it quite comfy! Lots of fun at the Bronx Zoo - one of our favorite places!

Carving pumpkins with the missionaries - our family tradition!

Meg's first school dance (halloween) - have fun, remember who you are and CTR - and mostly remember, boys are gross until you are 25! I really told her that --- with a tear or two also....so lame, I know. I can't help it - they are all getting older - so fast!

Happy Halloween!

We had such a fun time with our Halloween Treat. We used a melon baller to make "mini apples", poked each mini-ball with a toothpick, dipped them in caramel, rolled in crushed oreos or sprinkles (or in Spencer and Cameron's case - both), let them set - and enjoy!! It was an easier and much more fun approach to caramel apples!

Ok, honey - is it Halloween or Easter??? When I said, go grab the baskets from the attic, I meant the Halloween baskets, babe! :) You are so funny!

The fam - we were so happy that Camille & Jared came to visit - so much fun!!! The funniest one is Austin - his idea - Boy Scout gone "postal" - funny guy.

Raegan, Megan, Austin, Kade, Cameron & Spencer

Cute girls have to stick together!

Raegan loved sitting next to the pumpkin that her dad carved for her - super girl - Jar, you have talent! You girls are so super cute!

The Boys after their school parade - spiderman and Obi Wan. They are so handsome (they have told me I can't say cute anymore!)

Congrats Austin!

Austin had his tryouts for Select Band yesterday...

AND HE MADE IT!!!!!

Good job, Austin! So proud of you! He has had to work extra hard to catch up to the level he needed to be at - when we lived in Mamaroneck, he played the cello, and when we bought our house up here, he switched to trumpet, so he was more than a year behind. It took him a little over a year to get up to level, and now, he is AWESOME - sitting 4th chair (there are like 15 trumpets)!!! Austin, we are SO proud of you!!! Keep up the good work!!!

Getting his "outstanding talent and dedication" certificate last year from the band director.

Playing at Band Night last June

So cute - I mean handsome!

You know it is a bad day when....

you totally bypass the cup...

practically an IV....

and yes, that is a 2 liter....not a whimpy small size...like I said, it was a bad day...

My thoughts on this election...

This election, to me, is like...

Having to choose chicken or beef - and you are vegetarian.

OR

Having to celebrate Christmas - and you are Jewish.

Wish me luck everyone - I am heading out to vote!

Vegetarian or Jewish???

Fishing...

So, thanks to Marianne for these great pics from the ward campout! I totally forgot the camera this year - bummer! So, Marianne had taken a few shots of all the kids fishing, and sent these over the other day...thanks!!

This was Meg's first time fishing - and caught one on her first cast out - she was so excited!! She was even happier when she let the poor thing swim back to it's family. Allen on the other hand, had other ideas for the fate of that fish...hahaha - ya right - Allen eating fish....that's like Bush getting re-elected if he ran again.

Do I dare admit???

I don't know if I will post this - save it as a draft - or just delete it - we'll see how it goes... the "red in the cheeks" may be a little much for me.

Ok, I admit... I was a total boy band lover... New Kids, Backstreet, Nsync, Menudo, BoysIIMen, Beatles, some of the songs from these boys are even still found on my ipod. Along with all the 80's and 90's rock bands adding to that list.... Bon Jovi, Bruce, Def Leppard, Boston, Journey, you get the idea, right?!?! Well, why did I have that obsession... I don't know.

But, I have been introduced to a new band - and a boy band at that. YIKES! I will not let my teen obsession get the best of me 20+ years later. Right?!?!?! Wrong...dang it. I couldn't help it. First of all - they are all super cute - pinch their cheeks - introduce them to your daughter cute. (of course not my daughter - boys are gross to her until she is at least 25) And - they are awesome! They really are quite good. And, they have those beautiful Irish accents! So, do I ask for a serious intervention, or just enjoy it?!?! I choose to enjoy it!! This brings back those teenage memories when I would pick one boy out of the group that I swore I was going to marry... :)

Westlife -- you are now on my ipod and my blog.

We're leaving....

Ok, so Meg & I am going to Utah for the day on Saturday because of this...

Isn't he so super cute!! My bro Mike and his cute wife Cara had their first baby yesterday and Meg & I can't stand to stay away any longer. So, we are off to see the cute little guy. Can you blame us?!?! Thank heavens for great JetBlue benefits - right?!?! :)

Welcome to the world cute little Sammy!

Oh Janet how we love thee...

Or loved thee....

I love Janet Jackson - always have. But now, she has been demoted from love to like. I can only say that I like her, not love her, because, frankly, I'm disappointed in her. Don't get me wrong, I am totally keeping her songs on my ipod, and I LOVED her concert (Rachel and I went last Friday) super fun... she puts on an awesome show, except for those 5 straight minutes when you have to close and cover your eyes, feel sorry for the fella on stage, and be totally embarrassed that you were there!!! ACK!! Won't go into anymore detail than that... sorry! But, that is why I am disappointed in her for adding that completely unneccesary part of the show -- but other than that, it was awesome and so much fun!!! (Thanks Rachel!!)

I also realized that I love the 80's and 90's Janet...the new one is a little too skanky I must say...ewwww

It was crazy, I think we counted 8 costume changes!! Her dancers were ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and it was just overall awesome!! (except for those 5 minutes of course!)

I am so proud....

Ok, so I am so proud of Megan and Austin. Their first report card (every 6 weeks they get one) came in the mail - they have both been waiting! Aus got a couple A's, a couple B+, and a couple B's. He has to work extra hard because school doesn't come easy to him - at least the academic part. The social part he has down, but the work part is just that - work! Meg got all A's and one B+! She is really good at school and that is one thing that comes easier for her. It is funny, because Aus is exactly like I was in school - and Meg is more like Allen was in school.

It is amazing to me - always - how different our kids are. They have such different personalities, and strengths. For Meg, school comes a little easier - she doesn't have to work as hard as Austin does - which has actually been a source of contention - but I have to remind them that they are both naturally good at different things, that's what makes life interesting!

I am so proud of them.

They both have worked SO hard this year and it paid off!!

Good Job Aus & Meg!!

Deep Sea Fishing...

This was the first time Austin had been deep sea fishing. They were out on the water ALL day and had such a great time! As they were going up the coast line, some of the boys were getting worried that they were going further and further out in to open water - but it was all good. They caught about 50 fish - and Austin caught 5. When Allen and Austin came home, they SMELLED SO BAD!!! I was up in the kitchen when they opened the garage door to the house, and I could smell them from there! I made them leave their shoes and socks in the garage, and head straight for the basement to put their clothes in the washing machine (I let them choose either the garbage or the washer because, yes, it was that bad!) Their clothes went through the wash 3 times before I could open the lid of the washer and not pass out! They put the fish in the freezer and I put a veto on that idea immediately because I'm sure the missionaries would love to have it! (And I didn't want it in my freezer) With all that said and done, their clothes are clean, the fish are gone, and now they have the memories. And, I am ok with that!

They had a great time - thanks Mark & Allen - you guys are awesome ScoutMasters!!

Are you thinking what I am thinking??

Ok, so I have been really stressed/obsessed about the economy and all that stuff until I read this...read it. It will lighten the load...hilarious! Enjoy!

I guess I am not thankful for...

....old appliances.

Among all the crazy little things that make me nuts about our house, I do love it, and I really am grateful for it. But, sometimes it is hard to love things that make you crazy. Like this morning, for instance. This morning I tried to make my most favorite breakfast these days. Instant oatmeal and a piece of whole wheat toast (that is all I have time for, pastey oats and extra fiber, nice). Anyway...my microwave didn't microwave and my toaster overtoasted. So, I guess I am not thankful for powerless microwaves and over-achieving toasters. But I am thankful that we have food to eat, pastey or not - look on the bright side of things, right? (And, I am super jealous that Amanda is getting a new kitchen....lucky.)

Thank you President Eyring...

You know your kids have listened to conference when this is what you hear....

Spencer in his "tattle tale" yelling voice from the other room:

"Mom, Austin didn't listen to the Prophet today!! The prophet said that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all - just like you say all the time - but Austin just called me a dumb nerd!! So, can he be double grounded or double timed out for not listening to you OR the prophet!!"

Thank you President Eyring...Spencer listened - we just need to refine the approach and follow up. But, I guess it is all a work in progress, right?!

I am grateful for....

I am thankful for so many things. But this post is about one thing - good friends. I am SO grateful for good friends. Good friends make your day brighter. Good friends are the icing on the cake of life. Good friends are like breakfast - your day is much better when you have it.

Thank you to my good friends.

I really am very lucky to have you!

YEAH!!

Cameron passed a most important hearing test today!!

We are now waiting for the tubes to just fall out - oh happy day!!

No more worries - unless something new comes up - his hearing test today showed improvement that the doc is not worried - whew!

Thanks...

Seriously, where is the time going??

I am starting to get a little edgy with the shere speed of these birthdays - they come faster and faster....but I guess it doesn't matter when you are forever 29, right???

Just wanted to give a thanks to friends to took me to lunch on my birthday, and friends who went to the movies with me (and got me out of the yawner part of back to school night) - and the emails - I heart you, really - thanks for making my day awesome!

Spencer & Pepe

Newest news:

Spencer & Pepe's cute story is on the front page! Check it out! http://www.bestfriends.org/

Of course I have to share - I'm a proud Mama - it really is quite tender...

Read Pepe & Spencer's Story!!

We visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary last June - and they wanted to feature him because of their story... it is so cute.... click on the link!

http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&mode=entry&entry=59325BC9-19B9-B9D5-9D952507B6C0FA75

How sweet, right?!?!?

Bad Mom or Horrible Addiction - or both...

I was totally freaking out last night....

So, while I was sick, I decided to re-read my most favorite book series --- yes you guessed correctly, Twilight - I am getting butterflies just thinking about it - just kidding... Whooo.... :)

ANYWAY ---

So, in bed for a couple days - and I got through 1, 2 and half of 3 -- I (of course) couldn't stop there, and had to finish 3, right?!?!? When I finished, I went down to put 3 back and grab 4, of course I had to finish the whole series! That would be like getting to the SuperBowl and bow out at half time!! Well, I went down to my bookcase where I proudly display all 4 books, and Breaking Dawn was missing....WHAT?!?!??!?!!??!?! So, I started to panic...thinking, have I lent it out? have I put it somewhere? what, what, what??? I asked the kids - nope. Asked the hubby - nope. And nobody would help me look!!!

Bribery. I'm terrible.

So, I said, "I would hate to not find it tonight and have to buy a new one tomorrow" - well, my plan worked, that got my hubby looking. I'm terrible.

I told the kids that a huge reward would be in full force for anyone who found it. Then I heard it. Spenc said "not interested" WHAT - bribery always works with him. Then I realized it. I am a bad mom. addicted. at least with dr pepper I can walk around, do my things, talk. But, Twilight - on the couch, nose in book. All 1500 pages or so. I'm terrible. So, I promised that they wouldn't even know I was reading this time - they obviously remember the last time I read those addicting pages. 800 or so pages - less than 48 hours. Whoa.

About 30 minutes of frantic looking (and a little guilt) --- Allen found it!! Then I heard it - another pang of guilt. Cam & Spenc - almost in unison - "how did you find it??" What??? They had HID it from me?!?!?! Can you say bad mom - So, needless to say that was a HUGE wake up call for me. No more reading when they are home. That is ok - as of right now - I am home during the day with no kids!! (That is why I am half way done) So, if you don't see or hear from me after tomorrow for a while, it is because I am spending all those hours with no kids, catching up on the things that didn't get done during those 5 days of reading....the sacrifices. I'm terrible.

Happy reading....

Yum....

Fun Summer Pics...

Here are some pictures from our summer...

Band Night - June.
Megan did her drill team routine to "Footloose"



She also played her clarinet with the 5th Grade Band



And, Austin played his trumpet with the 7th Grade Band.



Bryce Canyon...breathtaking. I wish our pictures did it justice!



Moqui Cave - in Kanab. Super cool.



Zions National Park - awesome - again, I wish our pictures did it justice!

We did a lot this summer - it was great! We all had such a good time!! I just wish gas wasn't so much - so did my wallet. We practically had to take a 2nd on our house just to pay for the gas!! sheesh!! But, with all the craziness - the memories are priceless!!! We miss it for sure!! Can't wait for next summer!!