Greatest Daddy!!

I thought this would be a cute way to show what a Great Daddy Nico has since I really don't post much about him, I thought it was time to show everyone what a Great Daddy he has!!! Nico and him are best buds, and go everywhere together....and since the are like twins there is no mistake when they are out who is Nico's Daddy. So without any further adu....Daddy this is for you, and we both love you very much!!!

May 29th, 2009: Attitude of Gratitude

Since I haven't done this in a few weeks, since I have been so busy I thought it was time for another edition!!

So many things to be grateful for, so little time.....

1. Nico, and even though he keeps scrapping open his little knees he is such a sport and just gets back up and keeps on playing.

2. Dirt and shovels, how much Nico loves them and how it breaks our hearts to hear him scream when he has to come in after hours and hours.....

3. Umbrellas, kept me dry when I was grilling in the rain last night....why does it rain only when I try to do something outside??

4. Coke Zero and now they have Cherry Coke Zero...YUMMO!!!

5. Thursday night with friends, how much is hanging out at the lizard with good friends and good food.

6. Olivia, Rocco and Nico.....how good they are and played so well together, and didn't give me any trouble going to bed.

7. Warm weather, finally I think Spring is here and we can finally get out the flip flops!!!

8. Smoothie King, how much I love my smoothies!!

9. DVR, I can't tell you how many shows I have to watch to catch up.......3 weeks behind on almost everything.....saving them for rainy days when there is nothing else on!

10. Kudos to Jennifer who not only started this list, but who takes awesome pictures of Nico and to all of you who will be bombarded with them before you know it!!

Until our next adventure.....

Going Back in time......

So this post was suppose to be posted before today about how much fun Nico had with his friends Olivia and Rocco on Friday night, but of course I forgot my camera so I took pictures on my cell and forwarded them to my email after figuring that out...hence the reason we are now going back in time!!!

Rocco

Olivia & Nico

What a fun time though, watching the 3 kids under 3 play was priceless and Nico was in heaven with all the new toys they had to offer as well as a cool digger in their sandbox!! I thought for sure that no way, now how was I going to get him out of that sandbox but then he saw the Living Room that had all the toys..you could just see his face light up and he didn't know where to begin! There is nothing like new toys to peak a 2.5 year old attention!!! The kids played wonderful and we exposed a new DVD for Olivia, Thomas the Train who she seemed to really like. As well as sugaring her up properly before bed.....first it was Rocco to bed and then Olivia who were both angels. Finally after another round of Thomas, Nico and Ginger curled up on the couch and fell asleep and finally I got to see that "famous" Lebron shot!!!

What a night to remember between the winning basket, as well as the great night with the kids!!! Who could of asked for anything better?!?!?

Until our next adventure......

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

Nico driving the Fire Truck!!

Climbing the Ladder

Julie, Mac & Joe

Joey, Josh & Reese

Joey, Aunt Paula, Uncle Mike, Uncle Joe & Josh

We had such a fun day with picnics, parades and even sitting in a Firetruck at Cousin Josh's Fire Station!!!

Until Next time......

Memorial Day

We all take this day as a day for picnics, having a day off work paid, sleeping late, spending time with our families but then I thought what is the real meaning of Memorial Day and what does it stand for because I guess I knew, but after researching on the Internet this is what I found:

Go to this link and it will tell you almost anything you can imagine about what the true meaning of this holiday is.

It's not about getting a day off or spending time with our families for a picnic, and although those things are great. What we need to really remember is it's a day to remember those who have fallen fighting for what most of us take for granted everyday...OUR FREEDOM...... I am not here to preach, but those who have died deserve a few minutes of my time to remind you who read my blog what the true meaning is and to make sure you say "Thank You" to those service men and women who have fought for our freedoms and especially think of those who have lost their lives for selflessly doing that for themselves, their families and for all of us.

I like to think I understand it a little more than most, and I do use the word little, as Nico's Daddy was in the Marine Corps for 4 years and even though he never fought in a war or even came close to losing his life. I also know that in a second if he was asked too, he would put that uniform back on and pick up a rifle and fight without even blinking because I know he believes in defending his country and defending your freedoms and mine.

So this Memorial Day, take a moment to thank a Serviceman or woman you may know or come into contact with because without them, we would not be where we are today. And know all those who died fighting for our country, they did so with the utmost Honor and Bravery, not even I could truly understand but know that here I am saying to my husband, our friends who served with him, family members and all of you who may be reading:

Thank You from the bottom of my families heart, we appreciate what you do everyday without asking for anything in return.

And most of all.......

Thank You Uncle Kenny for continuing your Service, we appreciate what you are doing more than words can say. And to Aunt Adriane and the girls, thank you for supporting and going through the hardships of being an Army family. We love you guys!!!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!!!

Until next time.........

Kel

Grove City, PA

Pictures

Aaron, Tiffani & Max

Nico's Newest Friend, Max

Daddy & Nico

Two Geniuses

Aaron, Max & Nico 4-wheeling!

Fun Day!!

We sure have had a lot of fun these last couple of weeks, but my body is sure telling me I am old from running around...sad but true!!! On Monday, after we picked up Nico from pre-school we drove to Grove City, PA where we met Tiffani, Aaron & Max and had lunch and a little bit of shopping! I forgot how large that place was and with it only being in the 60's with the wind, it became very chilly. Nico and Max were sports though, being 17 days apart they were perfect little gentlemen patiently waiting for us old geezers to finish shopping!! I got the cutest pair of sandals and 4th of July shirt for Nico, and Daddy got 2 shirts. Poor Tiffani and Aaron who didn't bring a coat, were freezing and Tiffani even had to buy a cute sweater coat. But we bared it out and the kids got to play in the playland, and for the first time I couldn't believe Nico wasn't that interested in the slide but boy did both Max and Nico love the sand!!!!

Then it was off to Aaron's Mom and Step-Dad's house where they have a lot of land, and a 4-wheeler that both boys got to ride with Aaron. I was starting to wonder if they were ever gonna get either boy off the bike!!! But they did, and the boys played, chased each other, read books together...OK looked at the pictures and moved rocks from the driveway. It was so cute to watch them play and see how different two boys can be, but yet the same in many ways as 2 1/2 year olds are! It was great just to visit them who we hadn't seen since Jan. 2005 and just have a relaxing day watching the kids play!! Around six it was time to start heading back to Ohio, and although it was bittersweet to say Goodbye, I know this time it won't be as long until we see them again. The boys were to cute they hugged and said goodbye, and I am sure they'll be friends for a long time. Kind of like Aaron and Bryan who have known each other since 1998 or so, and throughout time and life happenings, when they saw each other it was like they had never been apart....and I hope one day Nico will have friends like that, and he'll see how important friends are. I am sure as they get older I can only imagine the things Max and Nico will get themselves into, just like Bryan and Aaron did back before we got OLD!!!!

Until our next adventure........

P.S. I'll post some pictures when I get home tonight.

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY, HALEY!!!

Dear Haley,

Who can believe you are 10 today??? Seems like just yesterday you were toddling around like Nico and learning to walk and talk, but today you are 10....a whole decade old!!! You surprise me everytime we see you, how smart, loving and patient you are. You take after Aunt Kelli and Mommy with the love of reading, which makes me so happy and excited!!! Watching you grow up and turn into a beautiful, smart young lady has been the highlight of our lives. Even though you will be moving far from us, like your sister, you'll always have a piece of our hearts with you. So today, we celebrate you and the milestone of turning 10!!!!

Hope you have a great day!!!!!
Love you,
Uncle Bryan, Aunt Kelli & Nico

Fun Week and it keeps going....

What a busy week we have had this past week, with Adriane and the girls staying the week with us and then Thomas the Train Saturday, pictures and tree planting on Sunday and today after Pre-school we are off to Pennsylvania to visit friends we haven't seen in almost 4 years! One thing is for sure, Nico sure is having a great time and it's not even Summer yet!!!

Where to begin....Well our week started off with Aunt Adriane, Haley and Lauren coming into to town before their big move to Korea and it was so much fun! Nico is too cute with the girls and I think the girls just love him to pieces...I am still hearing where's Haley, where's Lauren? All in a week, we went to the Park, to the Cleveland Zoo, had a little birthday party for Haley and Lauren, decorated birthday cakes, ate at one of Lauren's favorites...Mexican, went to the bookstore for Haley favorite place, ran the stairs at McKinley Monument and saw the museum, ate Ice Cream at Nico's favorite place, went to Swimming Class, Uncle Bryan's Fumbleball game, had a pizza/movie party! I am sure I am forgetting something but it sure was a packed full FUN week that Nico and us really enjoyed! Although it was sad to see them go, I am sure Uncle Kenny was missing them and it was time to go to their temporary home. And we can't wait until in a couple of weeks we'll see them again to say Goodbye.....we'll not Goodbye, but see you later!

As our weekend continues...we were off to the Seatbelt Challenge where Daddy competed and lost, but it was fun to watch all the teams try! And Nico got to see Chay, and ate Popcorn at 9AM and drink all Daddy's Gatorade....to have such a life! Then it was off to Thomas the Train in Peninsula, where we got to RIDE Thomas!!! Nico was so excited and it was so crowded, but to see his face light up when he saw Thomas was well worth the wait! I was a little disappointed though that when we were on the train, he wasn't as excited as I thought he would be, but I guess he is only 2....maybe next year if trains are still his thing! After the train ride we went across the street where they had everything you could imagine Thomas! Daddy and I thought he would for sure want a Conductor's hat, but actually he was more into a train that whistles when you blew into it....now just to get Nico to do it! Even though it was a long day, it was definitely a fun day and the little guy was so exhausted he fell asleep before we got home and was ready for the long nap he needed!! Mommy and Daddy needed one too......then after nap and dinner we met Chay and her family for Ice Cream for none other than Nico's favorite place! After Ice Cream it was play time and then bedtime and tonight there was no fighting, because he definitely had his share of fun and was off to bed!

Sunday was no different, we got up and got ready for our fun morning of pictures! Jennifer suggested the neatest place, the flower gardens at McKinley Park where I know she got some great shots by waterfalls, flowers, trees and so much more! I know you'll all be waiting patiently by your mailbox for your copy! Jennifer is the best, she is so patient with a little boy that has other ideas then posing pretty...sorry handsome...for his big photo shoot! After the photo session and lunch, it was off to find a tree for our front flower bed to replace the one the Japanese Beetles had eaten. Off to get Grandpa Tim's truck and drive up to see our good friend Jeff, who always finds us the right stuff! Once we got the tree and everything we needed, we were off to come home for Nico's nap...falling asleep in the car again. Do you see a trend?? I guess we make him a bed in his car seat as he seems to be using it a lot! After dinner it was off to watch Thomas...AGAIN...and before we knew it, it was bedtime.

Finally, today we are off to Pennsylvania to see good friends we haven't seen in almost 4 years and for our boys to meet each other....they are 15 days apart! We are so excited and can't wait for another adventure in what is shaping up to be another fun and busy week!!!!

Until our next adventure....

MY 200TH POST!!!!!!

Can you believe I have been blogging since October 2006 and it's only taken less than 3 years to get to my 200th POST!!!!!!!!!! It seems like just yesterday I was blogging about being a new Mommy or all the funny things I had done when Nico was a baby and now we are on the downward spiral of Nico turning 3!! How is that possible???

So I have decided that my 200th post should be to Thank all of you for following me and all my quirky, funny stories and even sometimes my serious stuff that I feel strongly about but hopefully this blog has shown the love, patience and even mess ups I have done while growing up with my little guy, and that you have seen that Nico has been the best thing in our lives. And I am sure if you have met Nico you know what I mean because his blue eyes and dimpled smiles could have you handing him your wallet if he looked at you in that way...So.......

THANK YOU!!!

And I hope you continue to follow us with our adventures and quirky jokes that Daddy says I only find funny, but if you can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at!?!?!?! And that one day Nico will come back and read these stories only to think who are these crazy people writing about me....."Oh, they are my crazy parents!!"

Until our next adventure.........

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY, LAUREN!!!

Dear Lauren,

I can't believe another year has past already, it seems like the time is flying by and now you are 8!!!! We are so glad this past year we have gotten to spend so much time with you and got to know you even more! You have a smile and laugh that makes everyone else smile no matter what is going on, and Nico adores you and calls out your name if someone says your name. It's funny to look back on pictures of when you were young to see that you resemble Nico, and with those big blue eyes, blonde hair and being left handed you guys are so much alike. Thank you for being so patient with your cousin who probably gets into your stuff to much, makes you do "baby stuff" that you would rather not, but you always have the patience like a little Mother. And he looks up to you, which is a wonderful thing since you are a great role model!

So today, we celebrate you Lauren and hope you have a wonderful day and can't wait to see you and celebrate your birthday next week!

We love you,

Aunt Kelli, Uncle Bryan & Nico

P.S. Uncle Bryan can't wait to take you to dinner like you requested, start thinking of where you want to go!

Attitude of Gratitude: May 8th, 2009

I am grateful as always for:

1. Nico who has been a real sport even though he has been sick...he is the best kid ever!

2. For Mother's Day not only for me, but to be able to thank all the Mother's in my life and tell them how much they mean to me.

3. Texting it's unreal how much fun it is and how addicted I have become, I NEVER would of thought I would be saying.......LOL!!

4. Lauren who's 8th birthday is today...Happy Birthday Lauren!

5. I can't forget all my other nieces and nephews you are special too and have a special place in my heart always....Kait and Kourt too!

6. For nice nurses who even when I call because my child has a 102 fever and ask stupid questions, she was very patient and helpful.

7. Thomas the Train who Nico can't wait to see next weekend when we go to Spend a Day with Thomas near Cleveland.

8. For blogs to talk to even if no one wants to hear my frustrations and then letting it go.

9. Good friends, who are always there when I need them!!!

10. Train books that Nico has me read every single night, but totally worth it to see his face!!!

So there it is, my tiny list of things that I am grateful for because I definitely could go on.....

On a side note, please add my friends Pete and Michele to your prayer list. Pete's Mom is at her last stages of Cancer and is not doing well. With Mother's Day approaching it's going to be even harder for them, so please ask God to give them strength to get through this hard times. Thank you.

Until our next adventure........

Soap Box.....

Usually my stories are of the funny nature, we'll I think they are funny at least and you keep coming back to read what I write so you must think I am somewhat funny, right?? That's what I keep telling myself anyway..... :)

So, since I fully disclosed myself if you are here looking for another adorable picture of Nico or a funny story this post isn't about that at all....we'll it's about Nico but in a different kind of way. Anyways..........

I am really disgusted, is definitely the word I want to use that my school levy passed, and even as I type that I know how horrible that sounds but that is the truth. This is a school that my son will NEVER attend, and a school that they had to build the Tamaja Hall and didn't have the money to support the school after it was built, which in my little pea brain says that we should of never built this building whether or not it was from a grant because what is it doing to help us if we can't run it??? I mean maybe I don't have the education that the higher ups do on the Board but isn't that common sense, Brand New Bigger Building that is wired for high tech everything is going to cost us more money and since we can't pass levies maybe we should scale back a bit?? I don't get it and it's not just my school district it's all the schools around. It's like it's a competition to see who can have the best High School around, but if my school had the best test scores maybe then I would be more willing to pay but instead they re-districted and put more kids in our school thinking it would allow more tax money, but instead here we are trying to get more money for a building we can't afford. And throughout the six years I have lived in this district there have been more fighting, knifing in the elementary schools and other things that it seems to me that re-districting wasn't such a good idea. But again, this is just my opinion and the ironic thing is that when this knifing occurred I read it in the paper telling my friend who has a child who goes to this school, and the parents were never informed except reading it in the paper. Personally, I have a real problem with that if my child could of been in harms way, I definitely would want to know how they are going to solve that problem and how they are going to prevent it.

Now I am not naive to think that things like this don't happen in all schools, but this just adds the fuel to my fire and the test scores are acceptable but definitely not something to brag about they just made the Excellent mark overall by a few points. It just seems like for someone like me who has made the right choices in life, paying our bills on time, not taking a vacation when we couldn't afford it or had credit card debt through the roof but now I have to re-align my bills to compensate for the school levy that wasn't published because they wanted to make sure most people who didn't have kids in the schools not vote. I of course keep up with and did vote, as you can imagine which way and now I get to pay the price.

What really got me going to was the fact that when the commissioners needed to increase the sales tax .25%, which equals out to .25 per hundred dollars you spend on luxury items and the public went bananas....like how dare they, but now it's like this is the best thing since Apple Pie for the schools...and I am thinking why did they build this building if they couldn't afford it and I had no vote on building it, but yet I get to pay for it. Whereas the sales tax is for the county who hopefully I never need but if I do I want to know they are going to be there for me...such as the police if I am being robbed or assaulted or something happens to my child, God forbid, but the public things just another tax.....Comme people everyone in this county at one time will need something from the social services or police at one point in their life, not everyone will send their kid to this school. And I just don't say that because my husband risks his life everyday for those people who say NO MORE TAXES but go out and buy a 100" TV without thinking twice about how they are going to pay for it. So I say to those people, when my husband gets a call to your house and you didn't want to vote for the sales tax, he'll be there eventually just be patient because you didn't want to pay his minimal salary to protect and serve you, but you have no problem funding a school that should of never been built in the first place.

So, I guess that's about what I have to say and I am sorry if this offends anyone because that was not my intention. I do value education, and making sure that my son gets the best one he can and I have NO problem paying my taxes for a school worth going to but if we still live in this district we will be looking for other options, and I will continue to pay my taxes to this current school as well as paying tuition for him to have the best opportunity he can possibly have not necessarily built in a building fit for a King.

I promise my next post will be cheerful and the funny nature it usually is....

Until next time........

What do you think happened here??

Before you ask, yes I do dress my child in jammies before bed...LOL!!

Until our next "messy" adventure........

It's back.....I know you all missed my funny stories as much as I missed everyone else's but we are back and here we are being brutally honest about the stuff we could have "NEVER" done. If you want to read more "Not me! Monday" posts go to here.

I certainly have not tried to potty train and pretty much given up as Nico just has NO interest in it, no not me I would certainly never give up!

I surely didn't give in to what Nico wanted for dinner of pickles, cottage cheese and cheese...only balanced meals in this house.

And surely as I am typing this I didn't turn on a movie so I could finish this, my child NEVER watches any TV and couldn't tell you who Dora or Diego was!

And finally, I never would have skipped a shower because I was to lazy and into the latest book I was reading, no not me I would NEVER do that!!

Well there it is my Perfect things I could have NEVER done!

Until next time...

Attitude of Gratitude: May 1st, 2009

It's May already, can we believe?? I sure can't time has flown by!!!

I am grateful for:

1. Bryan who is the most patient, the best Daddy and who I love more than anything in the world...we'll except....

2. Nico who is the most wonderful little man in my life who can always make me laugh even on the headache days!

3. WiiFit working out has become a routine and I really enjoy the time.

4. Springlike/Summerlike weather what a beautiful weekend we had last weekend and hopefully we'll have this weekend!

5. My service person at Park Honda who sold me my first Honda and continues to put up with all my little quirks!

6. Photoshows, I hope everyone enjoys them as much as I enjoy sending them too you.

7. Friends and Family Blogs, or websites how much fun it is to keep in touch with you too!

8. Stellan got to go home!!! What a miracle baby he is.

9. DVR, I know I have said it a few times, but it is a wonderful thing!!

10. Spring Flowers, how it makes us feel when we see the tulips and other spring flowers to know WINTER is gone!!!


Until our next adventure.......