SPRING FLING!

It's hard to believe that on Sunday it was in the 70's, and today the high was only 49!! I decided that Sunday was a good day to wash my car. Owen helped me with my car and Kayla couldn't wait to "lay out" and get some sun! Before long, it turned into a giant water balloon fight! Lyla even joined in, dodging the stray balloons (but then trying to chew up the popped ones)! We all enjoyed being outside in the warm weather, but it was just a tease!

Now it's back to winter coats and boots!

HONOR ROLL!

Yesterday was the end of the 3rd 9 weeks in school for the kids.

This means report card time! Generally, they both do o.k in school, but yesterday we couldn't have been more proud!

Kayla got STRAIGHT A's and Owen got Honor roll and perfect attendance:)

They were both very proud of themselves and so are we!

Way to go guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUSY BEES!!

Ok......better late than never! Here are the pictures from our very busy, but fun, weekend! Owen had his birthday party on Saturday. It was a Pokem*n party. He had a blast! He also had a sleepover that night with some of the kids! Most of them stayed up until 3am!! I went into the room the next morning and was greeted with bloodshot eyes and very tired little boys!! Gee.....I wonder if it had anything to do with the ENORMOUS amounts of candy they consumed all night!!! The next morning the room looked like a candy wrapper depository! I made them all a pokem*n pancake breakfast and sent them off with their parents....I'm assuming they all ended up taking naps at some point that day:) Thanks to everyone for coming and making his 9th birthday a memorable one! The next morning......Can you tell which room they stayed in???
Then it was off to the Miss Louisa Pageant! This was the first year that Kayla was eligible to participate. She looked beautiful and had an awesome time! Although she didn't place, she's already looking forward to the next pageant.........I believe I have a pageant addict on my hands!! At least it's something positive for the girls to participate in, and also gets them ready for future interviews for college, jobs, etc... Dad got allot of it on tape and I can't wait to watch it!! We then went out to diner and enjoyed spending time with family! Thanks for all the support! I know Kayla was happy you were there! Congratulations Kayla, We're all proud of you!!

BIRTHDAY BLURRR!

Owen's birthday was last Friday...........his party isn't until Saturday, but you can't have a birthday pass without a CAKE!! I ate lunch with him at school that day and made cupcakes for his class (although I forgot the "no home baked food" rule)---so I get there and can't give any to the kids.........that sucked:( So I gave them to the staff.......gee....I hope none of THEM got food poisoning.........stupid rule:) Anyways......he can't wait for his party and I can't believe he's 9 already!! I still remember the day he came home. It was a beautiful day, just like it was last Monday:) And then I remember it getting really cold again.........just like today! He's growing up so fast, next thing you know he'll be talking about driving, girls, and college!! For now I'll take the talks about army men, pokem*n cards and farting!! Yes, he's definitely all boy.......definitely different from cheerleading, hormones and PMS!! (yes Kayla, I'm talking about you!!) But both are awesome in their own ways, and I'm blessed to experience it all!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

The photo is blurry because I grabbed our "old" digital camera.......

good thing I don't use that one anymore!!

END OF THE SEASON

Today was Owen's end of the season banquet for wrestling. The kids all had a great time, playing outside most of the time and climbing the trees like monkeys:) We're hoping he wants to continue wrestling next year, he seemed to enjoy himself (except he said, "when they tried to kill us by making us run 15 laps around the gym"). So I guess now it's off to the next sport season.

I think he may do the new swim team this summer.....but I'm not sure. It's a huge time commitment and allot of traveling, so I'll have to see the schedule first:) Kayla spent most of the weekend getting ready for the Miss Louisa Pageant next Sunday. She's borrowed a beautiful dress and Ashley is letting her wear one of her suits for her interview. She's so excited, and I know she's doing it for the right reason........................FUN!! I really try and stress with the kids that if something isn't fun (unless it's something you HAVE to do).....do something else. I think so many people take things WAY to seriously in life.......we all only do this once:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWEN!!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY OWEN!!!!!

WINTER WONDERLAND!

Monday and Tuesday turned out to be snow days for the kids! We hadn't had this much snow in a long time!! Owen and Lyla had a blast together, and Owen ended up looking like a giant snowball. He lasted for about 2 hours! When he came inside he said he was going to take the "hottest shower ever"! Scott spent most of Monday morning cleaning off my car for me (thanks Scott:) I had to head out that day to get a contract signed............I guess in the world of real estate there are no "snow days":) I am definitely looking forward to spring! The warm weather seems to bring out the best in everyone and it's also my favorite time of year:)

WRESTLING RIBBON!

Today was a LONG, but good day for everyone:) Owen had an open tournament at the High School today. He did well his fist match, pinning his opponent in just a few seconds. He lost the second and third, but was excited to get his bronze medal. He had a fun day with all the kids....we are exhausted:) We just got home a little while ago. I decided I had better post now before I completely fall out on the couch!! We get home and SEE THE SECOND PICTURE BELOW for what we came home to.................................. So much for the sweet, innocent puppy!! We left her in the garage today (with full access to the outside through a doggy door I might add). When I opened the garage door......this is what I found.........................................................I promise......she did ALL of this by herself, the garage was

clean when we left!

I guess a bag of trash and 8 hours alone was just too much for her:)

She even took trash and put it in her bowl????

After a serious scolding, I had to laugh!

How could one puppy possibly make such a MESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope everyone has a relaxing rest of the weekend!

I'm going to sit in the jacuzzi tub for a couple of hours!!!!

THE AGONY OF DEFEAT!

Owen had his last wrestling tournament today before regionals. Needless to say, it didn't go so well:( He lost all three of his matches. It bothered him for a little while, but then the thought of going to the "giant playplace" at the Centreville Burger King took over and he was fine! Oh well, maybe he'll have better luck at regionals:) Overall it's been a great season for him. He's learned allot and had a really positive experience. I've decided that it's not in my best interest to get up close and watch him wrestle. I get way too nervous for him and freak out inside if I think he's hurt. It's funny though...........I can watch everyone else, including all the crying and screaming that regularly goes on, but when it's yours............it's just different. I had a terrible head cold today and decided to stay all the way at the top of the bleachers to watch. I could barely see him, but didn't have to listen to the agony..........I think that works out better for me:) Kayla went out job hunting today, she thought she had a job with I-HOP a couple weeks ago, but the guy said they just don't have the hours right now. She filled out an application with Domino's, she said if she got the job there she could, "eat pizza everyday for free".............mmm....to be a bottomless calorie teenage eater again! That will definitely get old fast!! She had her "court date" on Friday to "officially" receive her drivers license from the courts. Everything has gone fine so far with her driving, she pretty much just drives to and from school everyday. She had a "date" on Saturday night, they went to the movies and ended up seeing Madea Goes to Jail because they wouldn't let them into Friday the 13th!

Next year Kayla..........stop trying to grow up so fast!! She's still thinking about colleges to visit this summer, let's hope her grades stay as awesome as they were on her last interim.

I hope everyone has a great week. Owen hasn't been given his blue ribbon from last week yet, but when he does, I'll post it:)

Thanks dad for the talk and visit last night........sorry I wasn't feeling better and stayed on the couch the whole time! I'm feeling better today:)

Tell mom that Owen wants to know when "Nana" can take him to see "Mall Cop". He said his schedule is pretty packed, but when he has an opening, he'll call her so she can take him!!! I swear, that's exactly how he said it.................Scott and I cracked up!!! I guess he hears us talking about our schedules and appointments, and thought he had better make some of his own!!!

BLUE!!

Well Owen finally did it today........he earned his blue ribbon in wrestling! He had two matches and was able to get pins for both! Yah Owen!! He was so proud of himself and we are proud of him!! All season he's been watching some of the other kids get their blue ribbons and told me this week that he wanted his!

Well, he certainly got it! He has two more tournaments, one next week and then Regional's the first Saturday in March. I can't believe the season is almost over! I will try and post a picture of him when he gets his ribbon this week:)

SUPER SUNDAY!

Besides being Super Bowl Sunday......it is a beautiful day outside! It's been a while since it's been this nice, so I sent Owen and the dog outside for some fresh air! They had a blast together, and Lyla stayed with him the entire time! Owen dressed up in his full army gear, and introduced Lyla to his forts. She was more interested in chasing everything that moved with the wind, and then came inside and is still sleeping! I think he wore her out! Scott and Owen have gone down to the pond to see if the fish are biting. I still haven't even gotten out of my nightgown, I think I'll just hang around in it all day! I hope everyone has a great and relaxing Super Bowl Sunday!!

GO STEELERS!!!!

SURPRISE!!!!

The big 40 surprise party was definitely a surprise, and turned out perfect! Thanks to everyone for helping, and especially to Saun and Yvette for hosting!! The entire night was entertaining, and we all had a great time! Scott never had a clue until we pulled up in the driveway and he saw all the cars! He hates surprises, but quickly forgave me:) It was great having everyone together, and I'm sure there will be many stories from last night for years to come:)

See you all at the next 40..............Saun......your next!!

NEW BEGININGS

Well, I never would have guessed that we would have another puppy this soon, but you never know what life will bring you:) Our neighbors dog had puppies back in December and they were 6 weeks old this week. Kayla brought one home last night, and I guess we're keeping her:) She is a heeler/beagle mix (I had never heard of a heeler before), but apparently they're some type of herding breed. She seems very sweet, playful, and hasn't even had an accident in the house yet.......yet:) She's really good about going potty outside (I think partly because we take her every 30 minutes or so). She cried most of the night in her box in the garage....it was the first night she had been separated from her 10........yes 10.....brothers and sisters! When she is bigger, she will be an outside dog, just like Shelby was. I'm having to be puppy referee between Owen and Kayla.......they are both being puppy hogs! I have designated Owen as her play-time friend, and Kayla as her nap-time friend. I'm sure the newness will wear off soon (as soon as the first poop needs to be cleaned up). I hope Shelby is looking down on us, and will watch out for her:) Oh.................Owen has named her Lyla:)

FAMILY HISTORY

My dad sent me these photos today, so I thought they were cool to share:) The one on the top left is my mom, taken sometime in the 60's. The top right is my dad. The bottom right is my grandmother on my father's side (the Italian side) and the one on the bottom left is my father, aunt and grandfather, taken on vacation in Florida in 1969. Great pictures dad...thanks for sharing:)

FAMILY TIME

We have certainly had an emotional up and down weekend. The loss of Shelby on Friday was hard, but the gathering of family on Saturday night for Scott's birthday was perfect:) Thanks everyone for coming....we even got to have Lori "join in" on speaker phone...that was hilarious! I think we should do that for all family gatherings.....then you can always say you were "there":) The flowers Jenny brought were so thoughtful.....thank you:)

Here are a few photos from the evening. The scope will forever be an "inside" family joke....leave it to mom! And I'm thankful that Scott was able to blow out ALL those candles in one breath.....yes.....40 would have probably had the fire department out here!!

Owen got the stomach flu on Friday night and spent that entire night and all day Saturday throwing up:( He stayed in his pj's all day, and only ate a small handful of grapes and drank orange soda. Here is the orange soda theory........

I couldn't get him to eat or drink anything, and when I finally did, he agreed to orange soda....which he said after throwing it up, "hey, that didn't taste so bad coming through my nose".......eeewwww.....but at least he was drinking SOMETHING!!

We weren't sure if he would feel well enough for his wrestling tournament today, but he surprised us all by waking up feeling fine! So we headed up to Chantilly, and he ended up having a pretty awesome day. He was able to get 2 pins, and lost one match by points. YEA OWEN!!! It makes me so happy to see him proud of himself after a good match. On the flip side, it breaks my heart to see his disappointment when he losses:( At least he hasn't cried yet, that seems to be pretty common in his age group....so sad to see:( He doesn't have another tournament for 3 weeks. They're having one next Saturday, but that's the day after Scott's big surprise party, and I KNOW we aren't going to make that one

(it starts at 8:00 in the morning)!!

This was the best picture I got of his win.........yes....that's really him behind the arms!!


HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!!!!

IN MEMORY OF SHELBY

SHELBY- 11/05-1/09

Our family is in mourning tonight for our sweet dog Shelby. It's even hard for me not to break down while writing this, but I wanted everyone to know what happened before they get here tomorrow. Today was such a beautiful day. I was on my way home from getting Owen off the bus. Kayla and Scott were outside enjoying the beautiful weather and saw it all happen. As I pulled around the driveway, Shelby got underneath my car, and I ran her over. As soon as it happened, we all knew she was gone. I laid on the gravel next to her as she took her final breaths, and tried to say, "I'm sorry" as many times as I could. Scott, Kayla and Owen were all hysterical while I just sat there crying, making sure she knew she wasn't alone in her final moments. She passed quickly, and Scott buried her on the property. She was the perfect dog for us, and she will forever be a part of our family. Owen has barely stopped crying all night. It was extremely traumatic for him to watch her die, there was allot of blood, but everything happened so quickly, I couldn't shield him from seeing it. I had a long talk with him about death, and explained that she's in heaven now with Jasper, our 16 year old cat that died last year. I feel such guilt, and I've gone over every "what if" scenario in my head. Owen put it this way....he said "loosing something so young is really so terrible". That completely broke my heart. I always pictured the two of them growing up together, and maybe someday, when he was in college, having to tell him she died of old age. We all realized tonight that this weekend was the 3 year anniversary of bringing her home. She was a whole 1.5 pounds. We will remember her as a loyal part of our family,

and will miss her terribly.

BIRTHDAY COBBLER!

Here are a few photos from last night. Notice Scott getting "caught" trying to get into his cobbler early! He ended up eating half the pan last night! That was after his pork roast, mashed potatoes, corn on the cobb and broccoli! If I ate like him, I would surely be 300lbs in no time:) The kids got him a "best dad" coupon book, which was really funny. I asked if there was a "promise to clean my room" coupon.....no such luck. I can't wait to hire a housekeeper, I know why mom starts with "M"........MAID:) Have a great week everyone!!!

Wrestling

I finally had a moment to upload the photos from Owens wrestling match on Sunday. He did awesome:) His first 2 matches were tough, and he lost by points. His third match he was able to get a pin!!! GO OWEN!! I'm finding it's much harder to watch when it's your child! I always feel sad for him when he looses.....but always soooo proud no matter what the outcome:) As long as he says he had fun, it's all worth it (although secretly I love for him to win)!! GAME FACE!!! (Notice the lovely scratch on his face, he called it his "war" mark).

OH NO YOU DON'T!

I missed getting the photo of his pin:(

I spent the day shopping for Scott's birthday.....I know, nothing like a little procrastination! I'm making him a pork roast diner while he takes Owen to wrestling practice. I just finished making a peach cobbler for his "cake" tonight and will make a devil's food chocolate cake for his "family" birthday diner on Saturday. He still has no clue about his surprise party next Friday! Anyways, if you've ever tried to find fresh peaches in January.... it's NOT happening:) I went to three different stores in Fredericksburg today, and needless to say, what I did find looked more like hard, fuzzy....ummmm....not peaches! So he got canned peaches, which I'm sure he won't even notice! He's been asking for this peach cobbler since before Christmas. I was taking it out of the oven right when he got home, and I thought I would have to hold him back from eating it right then and there! Hey, I guess when you get to be 40, cobbler becomes pretty exciting:) I hope he had a great day, he says thanks to everyone for the birthday calls and cards! I hope we're all able to keep his big party a surprise for another week and a half, I can't wait to see his face:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY SCOTT!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

-AMY-

GO STEELERS!!

GO STEELERS!!!!

WE ARE WATCHING WITH YOU ANTHONY...FINGERS CROSSED...

GOOD LUCK:)

HANGIN' ON!

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long to post.....super busy at work! My week went from bad to worse yesterday when the deal I've been working on since November fell apart!!! We're trying to salvage it as I write this, I'm in the office all day today.........meetings, negotiations, meetings, negotiations........blah, blah, phone, fax, e-mail! Anyways, I said a huge prayer last night, crossed my fingers, toes, and everything else I could! Now it's just wait and see:) The closing was scheduled for last Thursday, then moved to this Friday....now, well.......?????? I'll let you all know if and when it closes! My other scheduled closing still seems to be on track for a couple of weeks from now.......economy willing:) Let's all hope that banks decide to loan $ after the "big" inauguration Tuesday!
Owen has a wrestling tournament tomorrow, so I'll try and post some photos from that on Monday:)

Kayla's first week of driving has been good so far. She did get in a little "fender bender" on Wednesday in the parking lot at school......but the lot attendant said no damage was done to either vehicle, thank god! Her insurance rates already about gave me a heart attack!

And finally (but never last), Scott's big 40th birthday is coming up on Tuesday....yes, we know.....inauguration day:) We're having a "surprise" party for him on Friday the 30th at Saun and Yvette's house.................."surprise" being the key word, so please don't tell him if your reading this!! He generally doesn't read the blog unless I want to show him something!
So, clear your calendars and plan on embarrassing the hell out of him at the party! You only turn 40 once (thank god!)

Have a great weekend everyone, stay warm!!!!! Last night got to -6....BRRRR!
Hey dad, I bet it's warmer in Colorado right now! Have a safe trip:)

DEADLIEST CATCH!

OK, for all you "Deadliest Catch" fans out there.....us included.....here are a few pictures taken when they were in port last time. My sister Lori, and her husband Josh live in Seattle about 1 min. from the harbor where they come in. The photo on top is of Lori "baiting" a crab trap! The small one on the right is Phil from the Cornelius Marie signing autographs. The last one is Josh with one of the crew members. Lori said they are mobbed like rock stars when they come in........I think it would be cool to meet them too! She said they are coming back in July, and hopefully Scott and I can take a trip out to Seattle! We hope things work out so we can come see you, thanks for the picts!! Love ya!

GOING.....GOING....GONE:(

Well today was the day......the day that every parent dreads, but knows is inevitable.....the day your baby, the one who's diapers you changed, and boo-boos you kissed, is driving! Today was the "official" day that Kayla could drive on her own. She planned out the whole day, even waking up early to get the car inspected (we noticed late last night that the inspection had expired 12/08...oops)! After getting it inspected, she came home so "mommy" could fix her an omelet.....at least she still needs me for something:) She then headed off to the school for a wrestling match and then to a friends house to go shopping in short pump (although I wouldn't let her drive that far yet, so her friend has to take her car)! She's called me about 4 times already.......boy I wish I was a fly in that car....I bet she's grinning from ear-to-ear driving "alone" today!! I guess I'll feel better after she makes it home tonight, but how do you stop worrying EVERY time they go out?? I don't know how my parents did it with 5 of us....sorry mom & dad for all the gray hair!!! Here are a few pictures of her leaving this morning, at least she let me take them.....and didn't even complain!!

CONGRATULATIONS KAYLA!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!