Your Opinion Please.....

As I've stated in previous posts I'm trying to decide which pic to use as a Thank You pic for the gifts they got. But I'm having trouble picking between the two pics. What's your opinion??



1st pic or 2nd pic?

More Birthday Pics

Here are some pics of Gianna on her birthday yesterday. She wanted to wear a dress--of course so I picked out this snazzy number. Figured since we were actually going out she had to look pretty on her birthday. I took her to visit her pre-school to have a little cupcake party with the kids & she had fun....of course! This is her "Popeye" Face where she gets all cheeky instead of smiling pretty. She's still cute so I'll forgive her--how could I not??
Marissa just had to get into the pic. I think she was a bit jealous but that's normal & I'm lovin this shot. It might even be the "thank you" pic that I'll be sending out to people instead.
Another cute shot of them, notice Gianna's big honkin piece of gum?? Yep I wasn't thinking of pics when I told her she could have a piece & she sure wasn't parting with it either.
I just LOVE my girls! Especially when they get along like this! They're being pretty good so far this week.

Yeah I know it's only Tues. so I reserve the right to change my opinion!

My Baby's 4 Today!

I can not get over it! Gianna turns 4 today!! It seems like only yesterday I was holding this tiny little baby in my arms..... Then all of a sudden she turned 1 & started walking....

Before I knew it the "Terrible 2's" were here. I firmly believe the "Terrible 2's" start when they start walking so this wasn't so "terrible"....

Then all of a sudden she was 3 & we're almost done potty training which was a turning point. She also was set to start pre-school in the fall.....

Now it's another year later & my little tiny baby is 4!! When did she get so BIG?!?!?!?!

She knows what she wants to wear. Dresses--all the time!! She has a favorite princess--Ariel. She has a favorite color--pink! She has a favorite song--"Start All Over" by Miley Cyrus. She's my energizer bunny always full of energy! She can always charm her way out of trouble with that "I'm CUTE!" look. She even acts like a boy at times terrorizing her big sister.

But she'll always be my baby. And I will forever LOVE HER!!

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY GIANNA!!!

Party Update

So yesterday was the girls' birthday party. The day itself was perfect! Sunny all day & not too hot, just perfect. We didn't have a lot of people over, a small group of family & friends so it wasn't really crazy either.

The kids got to smack the Pinata & got loads of candy. Here's Gianna with her loot.....

Marissa's all smiles with her bag of sweets.
After the kids had their fill of candy we brought out the cakes. Gianna picked Ariel with yellow cake & Marissa had Barbie with chocolate cake. Each cake took about 2 hours technically but in reality it took me from 4:30 to 10:30 due to all the interruptions from the girls, dinner & other stuff.
Besides the cake I made a bucket load of these treats--love them! So quick & easy to make & they have a big "WOW" factor.
My friend Connie took this shot of us. Gianna didn't want her pic taken all day & kept making faces. This was the best of the bunch.
I'm thinking of using this pic as their "Thank You" pic that I include with the cards I send out.
Didn't get any "WOW" pics but I'm ok with it, only cause I don't have any choice in the matter since it's all over. **SIGH**

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Today was a nice relaxing Sunday. Joe let me sleep in late & we didn't do much of anything the whole day. Early in the day it stormed hard & we lost power for a short while. It was a perfect inside day. Just hung out & played the games that Joe brought home for the party.

I tried scrapping but couldn't get into it. I started printing out some pics so maybe I'll get some creative juices flowing & get scrapping in the next day or so. It would help if my computer wouldn't lock up when I sort through the pics so that I wouldn't have to start over each time!!!!

Tomorrow is Gianna's actual birthday. My baby will be 4!! Where did the time go?? I can't get over how big she's getting!!

It's FINALLY Done!!!!

Here it is, as promised!! The LO that's been tormenting me for weeks! I don't know why but it did. These are from last June's Disney trip when Gianna had her Make-Over for her 3rd birthday. Made it similar to Marissa's LO about the same make-over she did for her 5th birthday on our May 2006 trip. Shhhh...don't tell Marissa but i think I like this one better!!






Journaling reads:
Gianna has wanted a Princess Make-over ever since our last visit when Marissa got one for her 5th birthday. She couldn't wait to be old enough for her own special day!

We planned the trip specifically so Gianna could celebrate her 3rd birthday at Disney World. Since Grandpa & Marlene were with us for the first half of our trip we booked the make-over while they were there so they could enjoy it as well. Grandpa even treated her to the make-over as his gift to her.

Her costume of choice was, of course, Cinderella. She was excited to get the crown, wand & of course the "glass slippers". She got the works, her hair, make-up & nails all done by her "Fairy God-Mother-in training".

When she was done, Joe got teary-eyed at how grown up & glamouros she looked! She did look like a different little girl, but as always she was Simply Beautiful! Forever our Little Princess!!
6-19-07

We're getting there

So today I got much more accomplished. I got the downstairs all cleaned plus another room upstairs. All I have left to clean are the girls' bedrooms & their bathroom. I have to straighten up the kitchen but since I have baking yet to be done that'll be last.

Tonight after the girls went to bed I put together the goodie bags for the party. I know I'm gonna hear crap about doing it when they weren't here to help. This I'm sure will be mostly Marissa complaining, Gianna of course will just echo her. SEND SOME ADVIL PLEASE!

They had me flipping out a lot again today. Maybe I just feel pressure to get things ready for the party & that's why they're getting under my skin more. I'm just gonna say right now that I'm already looking forward to Monday night!

So that's all for tonight. I know it's a lame post but......I did manage to finish the LO that's been sitting on my desk for weeks! I would put in 5 mins here or there when I could. Now I just need to snap a few pics of it & hopefully share that tomorrow to make up for this boring post. LOL!

Time Flies!!

Today felt like Monday thanks to my mom being here yesterday. So I feel like I have an extra day to get ready for the party on Saturday but I don't. **SIGH**

The girls are still getting up early, not super early--thank goodness but 8am--not bad. The day started out with them behaving wonderfully! Marissa helped Gianna get dressed & they were ready by the time I got out of the shower. How great! They behaved & listened when I said we'd be hanging out upstairs cleaning today. Before I knew it, it was 4pm & I only had 1 room cleaned! What the hell happened?? I know I put some laundry away too but that didn't take all that time. Not only that but the girls started fighting & made me flip out on them sending them to their rooms.

After dinner (& more flipping out on the girls) I cleaned the entire master bath (jacuzzi included) & I'm beat! All that scrubbing has me drained! I want nothing more than to relax the rest of night. Ha--the "rest of the night"--it's already 10pm!! I've now got tomorrow to finish cleaning the house. I think I'm going to focus on the downstairs tomorrow & do what I can upstairs afterwards. Where did the day go??

I'm already looking forward to next week & hope to get some quality scrapping time in.

Would it be really selfish if I pray for rain all next week???

Summer Vacation-1st Official Day

Long story short--my Mom came over last night & slept over so she could spend some time with the girls.

We got up & I made pancakes for breakfast. Then the girls talked my mom into making pizza with them. It really doesn't take much to talk my mom into making pizza, but the girls have so much fun with her kneading the dough & of course she has a blast playing with them.

Afterwards we spotted a rabbit in our backyard & my mom ever so Sicilian, wanted to try to catch it, joking that she'd cook it for dinner. I warned her not to say that in English so the girls would understand her because she wasn't entirely joking. Not to gross anyone out but it's a common Italian thing to eat. Disclaimer: I want to state here & now that I absolutely refuse to eat it & don't think I've ever knowingly ate it. Luckily she didn't catch it but she did put in quite a show for the girls & they were laughing at "The Great Rabbit Catcher".

Later the girls wanted to show Nona how well they rode their bikes but somehow that turned into playing ball. They ended up playing basketball in the garage because it was too hot (not really) to shoot hoops in the driveway where the net is--go figure. My mom impressed Marissa with her dribbling skills--which I never knew she had. Don't remember her doing that with us growing up! LOL!

I ended up driving her home earlier than we anticipated because we were due to get a severe thunderstorm & I didn't want to get stuck in traffic in a storm with the girls. Call me chicken.

So all in all, we had a good day. The girls were pretty well behaved for the most part & it was nice having my mom here. I didn't get much done today in preparation for Sat.'s party but it was a good kickoff to summer.

This Guy Rocks!!

Because this guy will always twirl his little girl till she's giggling non stop.Because this guy knows how to make both his girls happy at the same time.
Because he makes his girls always feel special on their birthdays.
Because Prince Charming may make you feel like a princess, but a girl's first love is her daddy.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY JOE!!!

I LOVE YOU!!

She's Married!!

My younger sister Rita got married today. I'm not sure I ever expected her to get married but she is now. She had it at this campsite about 2 hours away from where we live--not a fun drive at all (but I have to say the girls behaved really well)! We got there & it was very different than your normal wedding but what do you want at a campsite?

Here she is walking down the aisle with her kids Michael & Destiny (whose on her other side)

She looked beautiful & was so happy.

Nikki & Marissa
The newlyweds, Rita & Johnny, with the rest of my family.

Chet, Johnny, Rita, Marie, my Mom, & me.

Rita & Chet -- they're twins
My mom with all her girls.

Unfortunately, soon after the ceremony it started raining, just drizzling at first but then it started pouring! Joe & my B-I-L Danny were leary of the tent, being that it was thundering & the tent was being held up by aluminum poles & oh yeah we were standing in water. It just wasn't a good day to be electrocuted.

Well needless to say we left as soon as the rain let off a little & the guys were able to run to get the cars. I felt bad leaving that soon, despite our shaky relationship. She should have her family there. At least my sister Chet was still there & they all had a good time I'm sure.

Congratulations Rita & Johnny!

School's OUT!!

You know how it goes.....

No more pencils

no more books

no more teachers dirty looks!

Although I can't say that about my girls' teachers....I just like to say it.

Today was Marissa's LAST day of SCHOOL! WOO-HOO!!! No more getting up at the crack of dawn to get ready only to have to do battle with 2 little kids. No more struggling to get homework done before dinner while battling with 2 little kids. No more rushing around from this activity to that activity while doing battle with 2 little kids. Wish I could switch it & just leave out the battling with 2 little kids part!!

I had no idea what to get Marissa's teacher (besides our class gift) so I made this door hanger for her classroom. I made it to match the pencil cup & the baby wipes case. I hope she likes it. I really wanted to repeat this gift for every teacher but since Marissa's Kindergarten teacher moved up to 1st grade I obviously couldn't do it again.

After Marissa got out of school today me & 2 other moms took the kids to Fuddrucker's for lunch as a treat. They had fun & the moms had grown-up time. It was nice, but I don't feel like it'll be relaxing until July.

Tomorrow my sister Rita is getting married. We're not close but I'm going to her wedding as a gesture you could call it. She's getting married at a campsite that's 2 hours away. Let me fill you in on my problems with this.

#1. I don't camp. Ever. I am not a "happy camper". I've never been & I never will. Period. End of discussion.

#2. It's 2 hours away! Oh & did I mention that we'll be driving there with 2 little kids in the car??

#3. I was hoping to leave right after the ceremony BUT it's a 5 minute ceremony!! So we'll have to spend a little time there, to stretch our legs & stuff.

#4. It's 2 hours away!!

Now I've never been to a "campsite wedding" but my sister is wearing a white gown...with flip flops. I saw a pic of her in the dress on my sister Chet's cell phone & it looks pretty but I didn't expect a gown at a campsite wedding. I pictured a sundress of sorts. Go figure. At least I'll be able to dress casual myself so I can be comfy in the car...for the 2 hour drive!!

Next Saturday, we're having family & friends over at the house for a joint birthday party for the girls. My next week is gonna be crazy busy & go so fast! Then the following Saturday is Gianna's school party held at the same candy place Marissa had her party.

This is the last time we do 3 parties like this. Since Gianna's older & understands it all she wants a party like her sister. Too bad we had already told people about the house party. Next year we'll let the girls have their school parties & only have family over for cake & coffee. This is out of control!! So in a way I'm already looking forward to July---but I don't want to rush the summer either!

I'm just ready for those lazy summer days......oh wait I'm a grown-up & those are strictly reserved for kids---what was I thinking??

Splashin Around

Marissa had a friend over today & they kept cool in our little blow-up pool. I was getting bored just sitting there in the heat so I pulled out my camera. With a little pushing I got these...

Marissa & her massive amount of hair....

Her friend had an easier time since her hair is shorter & easier to flip.....

Here's Marissa again, not as much air time.....

Today was Miss Gianna's last day of school, she's excited to be out. Tomorrow is Marissa's last day of school...it's almost OVER!!

I also wanted to wish my "idol", Laura a very,very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And since she enables & inspires me in so many ways I made her a card with the Cuttlebug that I bought thanks to her!!So go over to her blog & give her some birthday love. You'll get to see her incredibly creative LO's & her amazing scrap studio.

Have a FANTASTIC birthday my friend!!

Edited to add: I should have posted this orginally but I was in a rush & forgot to. Sorry. Both embossing folders are from Cuttlebug. The Cake die & Candles are from QK., but I think both dies are discontinued.

Office Supplies

Am I the only person that LOVES going into Office Supply stores? I had to go to Staples today for some things & found myself looking at desk organizers, file folders, & stuff. The whole time I was thinking "How can I use this for Scrapping??" Is it a sickness? Is it weird?

Am I the ONLY one who does this???

As a kid I LOVED playing school with my big sister, Marie. We would set up our desks as if we were corporate officials working in an office, by all the office-y things we "had" to have. Call us nerds, we were.

To this day I still have my file folders organized in different colors. For some strange reason I have a desk drawer full of sticky notes in an array of colors & shapes. I have a whole drawer in another file cabinet full of office supplies.

Need calculator tape? Check.

Need index cards? Check.

Need paperclips? Got those by the bucket load!

Need notebook folders? Got 'em.

Need a pencil case to fit in your notebook? No problem!

Need tape? Of course I've got that too!


The only problem is I don't have a calculator on my desk....anymore.

I don't write reports that I need to write on index cards....yet.

I can't imagine the amount of papers I would need to use all those paperclips.


But when my girls need them for school (real or otherwise)--I've got 'em!

Totally Me?

Found this on another blog & thought it was sort of fun. I obviously have nothing to blog about...

What Rosaria Means

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Date Night

Yesterday was our "First Date" Anniversary. It was 13 years ago that we had our 1st date. It's mind boggling how fast time flies, because it doesn't feel like Thirteen Years!!

Just for the record, I STILL LOVE HIM!!

We got my sister Chet to come watch the girls & we went to a movie & dinner. It was nice, especially the part about not being interrupted. You know, seeing a movie without taking the kids to the bathroom or eating dinner in peace without taking the kids to the bathroom, or arguing with the kids to eat their dinner, or struggling with the kids to sit in their seats & not bother the people next to us.

Not that that's ever happen to us....I'm just sayin'.

First we went to the movies, after we got our tickets & drinks we walked around looking at the movie posters for the upcoming movies. We rounded a corner & what do I see that totally stopped me in my tracks?

I wanted Joe to take my pic by it but he wouldn't...so mean, but I did make him promise to take me to see it no matter what. Seriously, I can't wait!! Only 186 more days till it's out!!

So we went to see "You Don't Mess with the Zohan". Joe & I are big Adam Sandler fans. We like dopey comedy, what can I say? We've seen the trailers for the movie & it looked like it was going to be another funny one. Well it sorta was. I think they went overkill with the movie & tried too hard. Don't get me wrong some of it was funny but could I have waited to see it on DVD? Definately.

We should have gone to see "Sex & the City".

After the movie, we went to Chili's to eat. It was a toss up between there & Outback but I was in the mood for spicy food. I ended up eating way too much!! I also had 2 Strawberry Daquiri's that didn't help the full feeling I had when we left. So good!

My sister was surprised when we got home by 9-ish, so were we -- just call us lame. On the other hand I got to cuddle with Gianna like she did when she was a baby & she fell asleep on my chest. It felt so good!

I'm seriously thinking of keeping her in a bubble so she can't grow up.