Just Like Grandpa

Drew not only does he resemble his Grandpa Charlie, but he likes to represent his favorite football team, Washington Redskins and look at Firetrucks, just like him! Wow, this is scary (not monster scary, just unbelievable scary how family resemblances come out through generations)!

Apple Picking With Family

Sunday was a beutiful day out. I'm so glad we chose it to go apple picking with the family. Its our annual trip to the Dickenson Farm with my in-laws, my neice, FIL, Jeff and for his first time on this trip, Drew. It was the usual routine, hop on the tracter, go to the orchard, pick apples and wait for the tractor to return, but it was still fun. I don't think I could ever get tired watching everyone have a good time.



Drew loved running free, helping daddy and Ally pick apples. Everyone likes to sample the product before placing them in the bag, but Drew, not so much. I'm sure it'll grow on him! I know he just enjoyed being with everyone. At the end of the adventure, he got to sit on the tractor that pulled us to and from the orchard, he loved that!



I can't wait until we do our annual Vermont day trip and what adventures we come across then.

Beach Bums

I love the beach! I love the sound of the ocean wave’s crash on the sand. I love the warm sand on the bottom of my feet. I love the warmth of the water (that all depends on where you go too).

I hope to pass those feeling onto my little boy and hope he creates his own joys being near the seaside. It’s already too late for Jeff and Zack, they aren't big enthusiasts about the ocean, but at least for a few hours they were good sports about the situation with watching Drew discover the new surroundings. My FIL enjoys time in the sun, no matter where we are, so he was easy to convince to tag along.

38 Years

I don't know if they'd say the 38 years have been long or short, but regardless.....Happy 38th Anniversary Mom & Dad!!

Road Trip

The family hoped in the car on Saturday and headed north for a family gathering for a graduation party. We packed the car, met up with the in-laws and my niece, went to breakfast and then hit the road.

It was a beautiful day for a trip. There was lots of sun, very few clouds and once we got to Vermont, a nice summer breeze graced us while visiting outside.

It was so much fun watching Drew explore the yard, visit with the neighbors horse, play with the toys from his older cousins and run around like he was a big kid. I loved watching him and Ally play together (that was until Sienna arrived and Ally had a blast running around with her, her younger cousin by one year). Ally is so protective of Drew, she won't let him do too much, but that's ok! That's what big cousins are for!!

Traveling was great, Drew napped on the way up and on the way back, he was wide awake playing with his toys until the last 5 minutes of the trip. It was an hour past his bed time and we were within minutes of getting home and Drew's eyes instantly got heavy and tried to close. All three of us, Jeff, my FIL and myself were doing all kinds of stuff to keep him awake. We didn't want him to get a 5 minute cat-nap in and be wide awake for hours after we got home. He was a good sport, flashed us a sleepy smile with eyes dropping until we got home.

It was so wonderful to see the family in Vermont. We haven't seen them since last summer and with the winters, its so hard to travel North. But, I hope to get to see them again this summer or at least in the fall.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!

Today is my Grandpa's 84th Birthday! This is the first year in 14 years I can't be with him on or around his birthday because of our financial issues. I know he knows we want to be there, but I still want to be there in every way! I know we will see him at Thanksgiving, but his birthday is special. My Aunt gave him a little party, with homemade chicken soup and a raspberry cake (not sugar free, he splurged) so I was happy to hear that he was celebrated even though we weren't around!

Happy Birthday Grandpa, and here's to many more!!

We Are Family

While Zack was here right before Christmas, my FIL requested that all of his grand kids have a photo session together. I thought it was a great idea!!

So, a date and time was suggested by my FIL to all and it all worked out great!

All the kids during the photo shoot were wonderful which made things run so smoothly. The kids from left to right, Drew, Zack, Ally and Jayden.

Maybe next time, we will get the entire family in for a photo shoot. We were thinking about doing it this time, but not all the parents were available. So, maybe in the summer we will have a group photo session. Yeah!

Christmas Visit

Zack arrived on Friday early afternoon and just as quick as he arrived, he left yesterday afternoon. We had a jammed pack visit filled with fun, cake, presents and did I say fun?

We had two birthday party's this weekend. The first was for my SIL on Friday night. Yummy cake, fun and excitement for all took place that night.

We then had Zack's 12th birthday party on Saturday. He received lots of good stuff, including Nerf guns. Of course the "kids" had to try the guns out, so the "adults" who where visiting with each other had to dodge bullets flying through the air while all the kids played. Jeff at one point had to try out the aiming ability of one gun and told his dad to hold still. Yup, Jeff then shot his dad from across the room to try out the gun. Bullets were flying off the wall and his dads chest. I just sat in the corner, watched Drew play on the lap of my dad and shook my head at my 30-year old kid (yeah, my husband).

Sunday, we did something special for Grandpy John. He mentioned last week that he wanted to have a portrait done of all the grand kids since Zack was around. So, I helped him plan the event and all the kids were together on Sunday morning at Target for a photo session. We didn't get as much snow as predicted along the East Coast, so it was no problem heading to the mall for the kids to smile big and have their pictures taken. It was so nice to see them all together in one place.

Zack is now gone until the next time. We see him again in February in Maryland.

Christmas Miracle

Mom & Dad

My family had a true Christmas miracle happen this week. My mother gave us all a scare, but is doing fantastic. Could it have been the fight inside her, the way she pushes her self to exercise or truly a Christmas miracle? No matter what it is, I'm glad what ever it was worked.

Yesterday morning, my mom complained of tightening in her chest area on our way with me to drop Drew off at day care. It relieved itself quickly, but shortly after it returned after I dropped her off at my dad's office. When I returned to the building (my dad's and my office are in the same building) my mom complained the same feeling returned. My mom decided to go to the emergency room.

My parents went to the ER while I stayed behind in the event I had to pull Drew out of day care quickly since he is right around the corner from my work. After a long few hours, tests were done on my mom, an EKG and blood work. It turns out, my mom had a "minor heart attack". I don't want to call it minor since all heart attacks are serious, but this was how the doctor described it when he was explaining the results. The attack was only picked up by something in her blood work, not the EKG. She was then admitted into the hospital for more tests overnight.

Today she had an angioplasty (where a tube is inserted into a major artery to go to the heart to see if there is any blockages). It was found that she had a 90% blockage. The doctors were able to clear out the area that caused the heart attack, but left some behind in other areas that were not too serious. They will give her medication to help with those areas.

I visited with her this evening and let me tell you, she looks awesome! It was truly a blessing! I am grateful she listened to the signs of her body to get her into the ER and help the doctors find the blockage to avoid anything even more serious from happening. Tonight, she was so alert, looked so well rested and it just seemed like she was ready to take on the world again.

Day After Thanksgiving

Who out there will brave the crowds to get a deep discounted item next Friday? Anyone? Anyone?

Well, I won't be out there at 3am or 4am or 5am, but I'll be out and about next Friday with other folks getting into the holiday spirit.

Only, I'll be out there looking for the annual Christmas Bear my Grandfather collects since my Grandmother started collecting them years before she passed away. We still go out looking for the dressed up bear with the current year on his/her foot. My Grandpa has them piled on a spare bed in his office in memory of my Grandma. So, of course I have to help him search for this years bear!

Last year we had to go to several Wal-Marts to look for the specific bear. I hope this year, we just have to go to one store and she (this year it'll be the girl bear out of the pair) will be sitting there waiting for us to pick her up!!

After we find the bear, we'll walk around one of the many malls in the area and my Grandpa will people watch. He doesn't like going in the stores so he sits on a bench in the mall's hallway and observes all the individuals that walk past him. When I return to him after I've looked in a store, he has a full report of who walked by him and how strange it is that everyone has a cell phone.

But, its our day after Thanksgiving tradition and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Its a fun time with Grandpa and I'm always interested in hearing his interpretation of the world passing him by while we are at the mall.

Just Breath

Yesterday, was the farthest I've been away from Drew. I was an hour and half away from him at one point. If anything happened to the little guy, I would have to drive back a long distance before I could be by his side. Its not like our usual day distance, when he's in day care he is 6 minutes away from me. When he's at my house with Grammie, he is 14 minutes away from me.

I had accompanied my FIL for a follow-up appointment in the Boston area yesterday. We make this trek often ever since his liver transplant almost 4 years ago.

So, Drew was left with Grammie at my house, no problem with that. It was just the thought of how much distance was between the little guy and me. I think I handled it well being my first time. When we arrived at the clinic and I did call to check on him, but I only did that once. I think it was because I was so focused on my FIL's appointment and I knew Drew was in good hands so I'm sure it helped ease the anxiety.

At the end of the day, my FIL had a great appointment, Drew survived being so far away from mommy (like he even knew) and I didn't speed (too much) to get home.

In Search for the Great Pumpkin

This weekend, it was all about pumpkins.

Friday night we tried on Drew's Halloween costume (he's going to be a skeleton for day care though) and he was so cute. So, cute I was laughing so hard I cried. I couldn't take a steady photo either, so Jeff had to help out in the photo department. We didn't try on the pants, but the we tried the top two pieces. His pumpkin hat didn't phase him one bit and its a good thing since there is no strap to keep it on.

On Saturday, our family and Jeff's brothers family, sisters family and father all went for a day trip through Vermont. We drove North on the highway until our first denotation, breakfast. After we ate, we took the back roads South.

We try and do this trip yearly and hit the same spots while we drove South on the back roads. So, this past Saturday was nothing out of the ordinary for us. We had hot apple cider with cider donuts, went to Basketville, outlets, a yummy little chocolate shop , lunch, a side stand pumpkin patch and then Yankee Candle.

Drew checking out the area

During the entire trip, the main focus was pumpkins. I couldn't wait to get a pumpkin for my little pumpkin. I was so excited we stopped at our usual spot and the pumpkins were all spread out so we can capture some cute photo's.

Ally relaxing in the pumpkin patch

Jayden hiding out in the wagon filled with pumpkins

Drew's pumpkin

Jeff chose the perfect pumpkin for Drew's first Halloween.

I'd Like You To Meet Someone

Jayden Joseph

arrived 8/12/2009 at 1:19am

he weights 6lbs 8 ozs

he is 19 inches long

My SIL had a long and rough delivery since Monday evening. She hadn't progressed far enough since the start of her induction and Jayden's heart rate dropped a couple of times since Monday, so they decided early this morning that she would have a c section. Both baby and mommy (and daddy too) are doing great!


All of us went to see little Jayden (after very little rest for myself and FIL) for a visit. Mr. Jayden is so light compared to Mr. Drew, its too funny! When you hold Jayden, he feels like a feather weight rather then a bruiser. Tonight we go back while my niece is there so we get to see the whole clan together while Zack is visiting!

We told Zack there is a weird pattern developing that every time he visits to MA, a baby is born! Who will be next?

Its Wait Time!

The time has arrived for my SIL Jenn to welcome her little boy into this crazy world. She went to the hospital last night to start her induction process and this morning around 7:30am they were scheduled to start her on the magic drip to help her with the contraction process.

I hope to share some wonderful news tomorrow about my nephew gracing us with his presence!!

Its a wonderful thing too, since being an only child I never knew if I would have nieces or nephews, and look at that! I have a beautiful niece Ally and soon to have a itty bitty nephew! Life is great! Not to mention I have a wonderful little boy myself and a great step-son!

We Came Back

We had a busy, active, relaxing and hectic type of vacation in Virginia. Drew traveled wonderfully on our way south. We stopped overnight a little more then half way and then continued to our destination the following day. Zack arrived at our hotel that afternoon and it was non-stop ever since.

We all loved the indoor pool we had at the hotel. Everyday we visited that thing. Drew loved it much more then his first pool experience back in June since the water was so much warmer. Zack would swim around between all of us underwater and Drew would just look around while being hel in the pool. Later on in the week we bought a floaty where he could sit in and was dragged around the pool. It was too cute.

Oh, and Drew has started to roll over while we were away. He rolled over about 5 times during the week, so watch out now!!

The boys (Jeff and Zack) went to play golf at a local par 3. Yeah, Zack beat Jeff by 4 shots but in defense for Jeff, it was his first time out this season. Later on in the week they also went mini-golfing. While the boys played golf, Drew and I went shopping. It was a great compromise.

The kids in the pool

We explored a local zoo called the Mill Mountain Zoo. Its a smaller zoo, but its set up on a mountain in Roanoke and its so beautiful and serene. The views off the mountain are breathtaking and the variety of animals was great.

A bird at the zoo

We visited a local kids museum too. In an advertisement it stated its the oldest museum in the country (I'd agree with that since the displays were a little outdated) but it was a great, fun educational place. Zack had a great time playing with all the scientific displays, including the one that sounded like a fart (oh, to be 11 years old again).

Zack hula-hooping at the museum

The hectic part of the whole week was poor little Drew was not feeling well. We took care of him of course, but it was nerve racking being so far away from his regular doctors office for a consult. I did call the nurse to chat and we were doing everything correct. We told Drew that he's on vacation, he's not suppost to be sick. But, the little guy is doing much better.

Drew and Great-Grandpa Guy

As we headed North, we stopped by Grandpa's house for a weekend visit. It was so fun to see Drew with Grandpa. We had a great time visiting with all the family in that area too. Drew is such a big ham when it comes to people coming up to him to say hi.

Last night after we got in, unpacked the car, got Drew situated (Zack was with his mother since she brings him to MA for the second half of our vacation, he'll come later today) we noticed something my FIL did for use while we were away. He painted our new room! The paint and supplies were there when we left, waiting for us to return to paint and he did it for us while we were gone. We were so surprised! He also washed and waxed the floor. What a guy! Now we can start to move upstairs sooner....yeah!

37 years ago today......

my parents were joined in marriage to create a wonderful life together.

Happy Anniversary!!

Whirlwind Weekend

Was there a weekend? Did I miss Saturday & Sunday for some reason? Did I blink and Friday went straight to Monday?

Well, that's how I feel. Our weekend went by in a flash. I don't like it when they do that, especially going back to work full time today.

Our weekend was packed with an Uncle's 75th Birthday party, exchanging diapers, bringing items to a friends house for a big tag sale, helping move my SIL, work (I like to take small shifts at a museum at the college I work for), grocery shopping at two stores and playing with Drew.

Also, in the middle of the weekend, our washer died. So, the moment it dies, we realize we are short on burp clothes for Drew. We had to improvise and use his little flannel blankets over night. Then my FIL and Jeff have to run out and buy a new washer before they move my SIL Sunday morning.

My SIL wasn't suppost to move until next weekend, but I think her nesting phase has kicked in and she wanted to get the bulk of her items to the apartment as soon as it was clean enough to move in. She is still moving things during the week, but her big furniture has vacated our house.

I hope we get a nice, laid back weekend coming up!

All partied out!

Drew attended his first party. Yeah, he was surrounded by ladies, but he didn't mind at all.....he's just like his daddy.

He went with mommy to his Auntie Jenn's baby shower. Drew looked so handsome. He had a cute button down shirt, blue shorts with blue sandals. He was so adorable, you could just eat him up.

This was the first time alot of the mutual family friends were able to see him since he was born, so he was being passed around, admired and complimented on how good he was during the party.

It helped having his big cousin, Ally around to entertain him. Oh, they were having a great time playing with each other. Ally is defiantly going to be the big sister type when he gets older. Ally would play with Drew, then run off to play with a cousin from Vermont and then come back to check on Drew. One time Drew was off with a friend and Ally kept saying, I want him back here with a pouty look on her face. It was too cute. I had to explain that he'll be back, no worries. Then she'd go off to play with Sianna.

Jenn(in purple) with Nate and his family

Jenn, my SIL, made out wonderfully for her little boy (they are thinking of Jayden Joseph for his name, but its not 100% yet). She had the diaper raffle like we did, so they are going to be set on those suckers for a good part of his first year. Jenn and Nate (her boyfriend) were very pleased with everything they received.

I enjoyed after the shower, once everything was home, helping them go through it all. Jeff and I volunteered to help them sort through things so they can make a list of things they will need to get after their move to an apartment next month.

After the shower, our family from Vermont came over to our house for a quick bite before they headed back north. It was wonderful to visit with everyone after the party. Drew had such a busy day, he was pooped by the time everyone left.

It's the weekend!

Its Friday, yeah! I know my weekend will be busy, but its so nice to hear its Friday.

On the agenda for the weekend is a baby shower for my SIL. Then its off to a baby consignment store to see what we can find for Drew.

On Sunday its time to celebrate Jeff's and my birthday with the family. I can't wait to see my niece Ally!

I hope you also have a fun filled weekend too! Also, if its going to be hot in your area too, stay cool!

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day to all the daddy's, grandpa's and fathers-to-be ! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with love, relaxation and pampering.

Jeff & Drew

Grandpa (my dad) & Drew

Grandpy (Jeff's Dad) & Drew