Cruising...again!

Yesterday, I finalized the air transportation for our cruise. It's hard to believe that we will be setting sail on another Disney cruise in the fall of 2008! There will be 16 people traveling with us to enjoy magic, fun, rest and relaxation. I can hardly wait!

Now all we have to do is wait...until then smooth sailing!

Celebrating Family

This weekend we celebrated my mother-in-laws birthday by going to lunch and letting the kids play while the adults caught up on each other's lives. Even though we only live an hour and a half from my two brother-in-laws and their families, we have not had the opportunity since last March to be together (because of kids being sick or having other commitments).

It's wonderful to have such a close family that enjoy being together even if it is only a couple of times a year. Life is about being with family!

Happy Birthday Mi Mi!

Where oh where have you been?

Boy, time has flown and I have not had to time blog!

Last Wednesday, I surprised a dear friend of mine with a birthday celebration. She was turning 4o...oops according to her 39 and holding. I told her my car would not start and asked her if she could pick up my kids from school (just a little white lie to get her here). Boy was she surprised! I made her a flip album of pictures from the last 2 years of "play dates" we had with the kids. She loved it and I loved doing it as it brought back wonderful memories of our families together.

Friday brought the opportunity of a life time. I was able to help scrapbook pages for a Marine and his family that received an Extreme Makeover. If you know me well, life stops at my house to watch the Extreme Makeover show (it is the only show on tv that I watch religiously). This was such a rewarding experience to help out someone in need. Thank you to my sister, Sheila, for including me in this wonderful experience!

Friday night I went with my sister, Sheila, to the holiday open house at 2SS. I had so much fun spending time with my sister and making "make and takes". After she got off work, we went to view the Extreme Makeover house (that we helped in making an album). Boy was it EXTREME! I was warmed by all the volunteers that help change this man and his families life and I was so blessed to be a small part of this experience. Thanks sis for an unforgetable evening.

The next morning, we went to Lowe's for our bi-weekly wood working project. The kids love the experience and I enjoy the one-on-one time with them. After returning, the kids and I started our holiday decorating. Yes you read it right, I have set up two of my three trees. At our house putting up Christmas takes a good two days (none of which I have right in a row). So, I plan to finish this coming weekend.

Sunday is family day! We started with a homemade breakfast of sausage and waffles, then headed to church. After church we headed home to bar-b-que brats with my side of the family. While the guys and Mom watched the Chiefs, Sheila and I worked on our stocking swap. This is my first attempt at swaping, so I hope my swap partner enjoys it.

All three kids went to school on Tuesday and I had an opportunity to do a little of Christmas shopping and volunteering in the lunch room. After school, our youngest daughter had an interview with Father for her prepareness on receiving the sacrament of First Reconciliation. I think I might have been more nervous than she was, but I won't tell. Great job sweetheart! Afterwards we went to McTeacher night...no cooking at my house!

Today, I am hosting our prayer group at my house. I can't wait!

So as you can see a stay-at-home mom, doesn't stay at home much!

On Friday night, our oldest daughter's friend Cindy (a foreign exchange student from Korea) came over to spend the night. We had a great time eating pizza, watching movies and learning about her family and her home.

This weekend brought warm weather so we could get the last of our outside fall cleaning done. We trimmed trees, pulled weeds, mowed and blew leaves.


Sunday was spent with Mi Mi. We went to Zona Rosa to go shopping. We always have so much fun! I am so blessed to have her as my mother-in-law.

This weekend, our youngest daughter learned how to ride her bike without training wheels. She amazes me with her ability and determination. It only took her a couple of tries to "get her done". Congratulations my princess!

Today, I will be meeting friends to scrapbook. I look forward to this adventure and am sure not to plan anything else so I can rekindle my love for scrapbooking with my dear friends. As always I will take many projects to complete and hope to get one of them done. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Halloween brought out our fireman, witch and diva cowgirl. This year was special as well had our dear friends (Molly, Cindy, and the Rameriz Family) over for trick-or-treating at our house. The kids had a great time trick-or-treating; however I believe the younger kids had more fun handing out candy. Our trick-or-treaters did not have the opportunity to ring our door bell as our candy distributors, were out the door before they reached our sidewalk yelling "more customers coming". The joy in their eyes were priceless!

Yesterday, I substituted at school. I am truly enjoying this role! I only wished that I had majored in education. I believe I missed my true calling, helping children learn. It is very rewarding teaching children. Maybe one day I will take the "plung" and go back to college to get my masters in education. Until then though, I have found my calling as a guest teacher.

Today, we went to the Peace Pavillion, in Independence. This place is a wonderful experience for kids and adults. They get to play, create and learn how to work out conflict peacefully. It teaches that no matter our color or race, we are all one. If you ever have the opportunity to go, don't miss this experience!

This afternoon, our oldest daughter and I went to set up for our school auction. Yes, this year I didn't have to set up since I didn't have a section. However, somehow my spirits are lifted when I can help our school out, so there I was! Tomorrow is the big event, I can't wait!