Our Beloved Athena
January 27, 2000-July 16, 2013

 

 

Athena came into our family April of 2000, she was my 22nd birthday present when we were living in NC.  She was just 4 months old when she picked us to be her parents.....she was so tiny and lovable how could we not take her home that very day.  I never thought I could love a pet as much as I loved our Athena, and she was our first "baby" one that was spoiled rotten from the start.  She was almost 7 years old when we brought Nico home and from the start she showed nothing but unconditional love and protection for her new little playmate. 

 

Athena was the best puppy a family could ask for, she truly was a kind soul who we miss every single day.  There isn't a day that we don't think or speak her name.....she is truly missed.  But as much as it hurts, we all know she is waiting for us in Heaven and no longer in pain. 

 

 

 

Until we meet again in Heaven Sweet Athena.  Rest in Peace.

 

 

As Nico always says, we love you to Heaven and Back Athena,

Happy Birthday Baby Boy,

Another year has passed and as I always do I reflect on our year together and how much we love you so very much.  I can’t believe you are 7!!!  Where did time go….weren’t you just 3 yesterday???  Now you are a 1^st grader and we made it through Kindergarten.  Your first year of school watching you grow and learn was amazing, and how much you taught both of us! 

We are so proud of your accomplishments this year of learning to read, write, and getting your Math Fact Attack shirt that you worked so hard for, working harder than you have on anything to get your school work right.  You have such a love for learning and people, and we can’t tell you how proud we are of you!!!  Watching you grow this year has been amazing and knowing you are a true friend to everyone you meet.  That is something that will follow you for the rest of your life, your kind heart and loving smile.  It melts our hearts every time.

Your personality has really come out; you are quite the jokester like your Daddy always trying to get a laugh.  It’s these moments that I cherish and hold onto every moment because you can always make me smile.  It’s that face that every time you do; it melts my heart and brings the biggest smile to my face.

I can’t wait to see what the next year brings and all the fun things we have planned.  It’s amazing to look through your eyes and see knew things every day.  We cherish the small things like watching  the sun come up and how truly amazing it is especially seeing your eyes light up each time.

Happy 7^th Birthday Baby Boy!!

We love you to the moon and back,

Never Forget

 

I am torn today as today marks the 12th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York where 2,977 people lost their lives, but also marks the 13 month Anniversary of one important person who left our lives way to soon.  In remembering how our lives changed on this date these many days ago still brings tears to my eyes....I have never forgotten all those lives that were lost that day or how my life changed forever nor will I ever forget the one we loved and went to heaven 13 months ago.

 

Reflecting back I was just a kid 12 years ago a whopping 23 year old who truly had no idea what the "Freedom" truly meant.  I think we all took it for granted and the picture we have of our 2 year old son standing in Washington, DC stating "Freedom is not Free" sums it all up for me.  Not only did 2,977 innocent people lose their lives this day 12 years ago, but the thousands of soldiers who continually defend our freedoms each and every day.  No matter our political background we all stand together on one thing grateful we have these freedoms and need to be grateful to all of those soldiers past and present who fought and those who gave their lives.  We also need to remember the families of these soldiers and what they go through every single day to continue our "Freedom" we sometimes take for granted. 

Nico's Dad was a Marine and his favorite saying is "once a Marine always a Marine" and I believe that is the truth, after that day I have no doubt if they recalled him he would of shipped out as soon as possible to defend our freedoms, and even today given the opportunity would not even blink or think twice about it.  I remember that day I was scared that he was going to be recalled with a little over a year of being inactive and prayed for our friends who still were active to keep them safe.

Let's not forgot those First Responders who without question went into a burning building not knowing what to expect and never had the thought that those two towers would crumble.  I have had the best and worst of both worlds, being a Military Wife for a short time and now being a Law Enforcement Wife.  Both a big job for Nico's Dad and one I do not take for granted knowing that one day he may be asked to go into a building to save lives, and I know in my heart he wouldn't think twice about saving his own.  I tell him all the time don't be a HERO and come home to your son, but I know in a split second decision he would choose saving another over his own life.  I don't like it and pray it never comes to that, but like all those families who lost their First Responders that day they knew not one of them would hesitate.   Those who enlist in the Military or First Responders don't do it for the paycheck they do it because it's what's in their blood and because they truly want to help.

Although I am not sure we are any safer 12 years later than we were that sunny day in September, but I do know that those lives lost that day and the days after will NEVER be forgotten and my son will grow up knowing how important our Freedom's are and why they are NEVER free.


I pray for our country, our Soldiers and families, and all of those who were lost and not forgotten.

 

 

All I want is my two front teeth!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Until our next "Tooth Fairy" adventure.........

 

"Over You"

Weather man said it’s gonna snow
By now I should be used to the cold
Mid-February shouldn’t be so scary
It was only December
I still remember the presents, the tree, you and me

But you went away
How dare you?
I miss you
They say I’ll be OK
But I’m not going to ever get over you

Living alone here in this place
I think of you, and I’m not afraid
Your favorite records make me feel better
Cause you sing along
With every song
I know you didn’t mean to give them to me

But you went away
How dare you?
I miss you
They say I’ll be OK
But I’m not going to ever get over you

It really sinks in, you know, when I see it in stone

Cause you went away,
How dare you?
I miss you
They say I’ll be OK
But I’m not going to ever get over you

**Found Here **

 

This song has a new special meaning to me because of the tragedy we have gone through this past almost 11 months and I can't believe it's almost been a year since I lost spoke to you.  Something that a year and a half ago I would have taken for granted....I always teased you that you have to tell me where you are so I can keep track of you and you always emailed your travel information to me.  I just never thought I would truly need it......

We miss you every single day and our heart is broken a little more each day knowing you are gone.  I keep thinking that 16 years was not enough time on this earth knowing you and wish I wouldn't have taken our times together for granted.....and thinking no one should have to bury their parent at 34......

My only shadow of hope is that one day, many, many years from now we'll be together again laughing, talking and doing all the the things we once did and I know you'll have open arms for us.

Always know you are forever in our hearts.....Gone but never forgotten!

Crazy Hair Day!!!!

Until our next "crazy" adventure..........

The Tooth Fairy is Coming!!!

Tooth #5

Until our next "tooth fairy" adventure.....

Basketball 2013

Nico played his first year of Basketball!!!  It was a great experience and he really improved through the weeks and seemed to really enjoy it!  It was so exciting to watch him learn new skills and continue to try his best!  We are so proud of him!!!

Dribbling

Connor & Nico practicing before the Game!

Defense!!!

Our little Slugs!! 
What a great season!

So proud of our team, even though they don't keep score and are just learning they did AWESOME!!! 

 GO SLUGS!!!

Until our next "basketball" adventure......



Nico's Valentine's Day Party!!!

Yummy Cupcake!!

Playing Bingo with Aunt Adriane

Hmmm, do I have that one??

Stacking Candy Hearts

What a fun day we had at Nico's Valentine's Day Party!!!  We ate cupcakes, played games and made a fun craft.  It was extra special because Aunt Adriane was there to help out.  Overall the party was a success and not only did Nico get tons of Valentine Cards, he also got two treat bags!! 

It was his last classroom party of his Kindergarten year, it's hard to believe in a few short months his first year of school will be over.......time is already flying by way too fast and it's just Kindergarten.......

Until our next "party" adventure..........

 Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day with those they love!!!  I know I sure will!

Until our next "Valentine's" adventure.........

Valentine's Day Box

Many thanks to Aunt Adriane and girls for all her help on Nico's V-Day Box for school!!!  I think it turned out great and Nico was so excited to take it to school!!!

Until our next "Valentine's Day" adventure......

Fun Family Time!

We are having so much fun with Daddy's Sister and family!!  Last Sunday we decided to go Roller Skating which none of us have done in years!!  It was a great time and we only had a few spills, but it was definitely worth it.  Nico even got special skates and was rolling around like a crazy kid!!!

Love these guys!!

Cousins!!!

Although Mommy is a bit sore and out of shape, the Memories will last a lifetime!!! 

Until our next "roller skating" adventure.....

Melt Bar & Grill

Yummy!!!!

Nothing says I ate way to much like this Big Popper Sandwich!!!!  I decided against adding bacon....why I am not sure now after eating a deep fried sandwich :)



Until our next "Melt" adventure......

My Little Fish

Nico has been swimming since he was 6 months old, and he has turned into quite the Fish.  For Christmas Santa brought him his first pair of goggles, which of course had to be his favorite color Green!!!  We are so proud of all that he has accomplished over the years....it's funny when we are at a pool people come up to me and say "How old is he?  He is such a good swimmer."  

You never know he might be the next.......watch out world here comes Nico!!!

Until our next "goggle" adventures........

Time Flies!

It's hard to believe that 14 years has flown by and how lucky we are to have the great life we have created together.  Seems like just yesterday, I was 20 years old getting ready after an ice storm the night before to walk down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams.  I look at this picture and can't believe how much has changed but all of these people are still in our lives riding the roller coaster of life! 

Happy Anniversary to the Man of my Dreams and to the best Father Nico could ask for!!!

Here's to another 50 years and can't wait to continue our adventures of life!!!!

Christmas Traditions

Every year we decorate our Gingerbread House before Christmas.  It's always a fun time to put our artistic abilities to work!!!!

Getting the stuff ready to put on the house!



Daddy Decorating the roof!!



How cute?!?!



Our perfect little house!

Until our next "Gingerbread" adventure.......

Sled Riding Fun!!!

Nico & Daddy went sled riding, and Nico didn't stop for almost 4 hours!!!  It was quite the adventure as Nico loved EVERY minute of sledding down the hill until Daddy as finally pooped out!!!

Wheeeee!!!!

How much fun is this Daddy!!  Let's go again!!!

Until our next "sledding" adventure....

Family Cookie Day 2012

It's a tradition in our family for everyone to get together to make Cookies!  Aunt Pam always generously hosts a great day filled with cookies, candies and so much more.  As our family continues to grow the traditions continue on and are passed on now to the 3rd generation and will continue beyond!  Nico is definitely blessed to have such a big loving family!

"The Cookie Gang"

Mommy &| her favorite little baker!

Until our next "cookie" adventure.......

Finding Nemo 3D

Over Nico's Christmas Break we decided to see our first 3D movie, Finding Nemo!!!  I have to admit it was pretty cool to see the fish in 3D, but definitely not something I'd do on a regular basis.  Nico was a trooper he got about three-fourth the way through the movie with the glasses on.....which for him is pretty good.  

My Cool Boys

Maybe I should of gotten the kid glasses too!

Another fun filled family day for the record books....reminds me how lucky I really am to have these two boys in my life!!!

Until our next "3D" adventure..........