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.

One More Week & the Olympics!

As of today the girls only have 1 more week until SUMMER VACATION!!!! I for one can't wait! For awhile now it's been harder & harder for me to get up in the morning. I need a break! I could have sworn last night was Friday, but it wasn't. I actually went to bed early last night (11pm) but I had a bad night's sleep & woke up with some major back pain. **SIGH**

Marissa had her "Mini-Olympics" today at gymnastics. It was cute they came out in 3 groups each group represented a country (USA, Canada, & France). My pics came out crappy, please don't critizize!

At the end, they each got a gold medal. She was so excited about it! I was so proud of her too.

At home when I ask her what they do she tells me but I don't get a full story. So I was really impressed when I saw her on the un-even bars (they only did the bottom bar--but still) She did flips that I've never seen her do at home but I guess it's easier when you have the soft mats to land on.

I can't seem to finish this one Disney LO that's been sitting on my desk for awhile now. I don't know why. Sometimes I'll sit & move things around on it or I'll add something to it but I'm not feeling it. Go figure.

Last night for our Anniversary, we went out to eat with the girls. We went to the Cheesecake Factory, YUMMMMM. I had the Luau Salad & it was gooooooood! I need to take a pic of it the next time just to show how pretty & appetizing it looks! I wasn't going to have dessert but I figured it was something I could share with the girls & ordered the Strawberry Shortcake. They ate more than I did & they totally swiped all the whipped cream for themselves!! They're just lucky they're CUTE!

Tomorrow night my sister Chet is coming to babysit the girls so Joe & I can celebrate by ourselves & catch a movie. It's also our "1st Date" Anniversary (I know, I know, we're corny), we'll be celebrating our being together for 13 years. Can you believe it? THIRTEEN YEARS!! He was my age when we started dating! Oh wait did I never mention that he's 13 years older than me? Yep he is. When I realized that this will be our 13th year it dawned on me that he was 34 when he first started dating me! Yeah he was totally robbing the cradle!

9 Wonderful Years

Where did the time go? Can it possibly be 9 years that Joe & I have been married? Time flew by when I wasn't looking!! It seems like we've been together forever, yet not exactly, but in a good way!!

This was one of the happiest days of my life!! I married the most wonderful man--I just LOVE him so much!! I remember that at the end of the night my face hurt from smiling so much -- a great feeling!

To 9 WONDERFUL Years!!

A Layout & A Card

I got these done a couple of days ago but finally took pics of them tonight. This is the pic from the farewell dinner at my Uncle's house. It's for the 6x6 album of just the 2 of us. I can proudly say that I am all caught up! Until our Anniversary tomorrow...hopefully Marissa can take a good pic of us to add here.

I used some OLD Paper Pizazz paper that I'm embarrassed to say I have, but hey it works! Totally used Laura's button string & metal tag technique on here.


Yesterday I was playing with the Cuttlebug with the embossing folders & this die & I realized that I had the makings of Wendy Sue Anderson's card, only hers is better (sorry it won't let me link directly to the post May 30th I think).





I intend on sending this to an old friend that I haven't talked to in awhile. I usually don't make cards but like Laura says it's a great way to use up scraps, and I even used stamps that normally just sit in my drawer!

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Today was a good day. I woke up feeling very tired & blah. I had tentative plans with my friend Patrizia & her baby Sabrina but wasn't sure what we'd be doing. After dropping off the girls at school, I started straightening up the house just in case she came over. Meanwhile she calls & we make plans to have lunch at a diner which sounded good even though I had a lot to do today.

I'm glad I got out of the house because I feel like I got more done before she called than I would have if we hadn't had plans. Just to clear my conscience I even put away 4 big baskets of clothes that I've been neglecting before I left the house. I'm telling ya, if I had no plans I wouldn't have gotten anything done except a nap! Instead I had a nice lunch talking to my friend & holding an adorable little baby! She was a trip cooing & flirting trying to grab everything & put them in her mouth. Miss that, but not enough to have another. Yeah no baby urges today. I had fun playing with her & giving her back!!

Countdown to Summer

So the girls have less than 2 weeks left of school. I'm having mixed emotions. Yesterday Marissa came out of school saying how they have no more spelling tests & no more homework. On one hand I'm freakin' estatic that I don't have to fight with her to get her homework done. Yet on the other hand I'm thinking--they stopped giving out homework this early?? Is it me or do I just not remember how it was when I was in elementary school? I think the whole "not having to fight over homework" beats it all. Can I just say.....WOO-HOO!!!

I'm looking forward to the days of staying up late & not having to be "on-time" in the mornings...sorta like when I was in school myself!! It'll be nice to have the girls home...or will it? LOL!! Yesterday was a treat without that homework looming over our heads. The girls were behaved & dare I say?---quiet! Today was sort of the same & it was NICE!

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On another note.....Tonight Joe took us out to eat at Fuddrucker's. The girls have been dying to go & Joe, of course, caved. I was driving & we were talking about the day when all of a sudden I see something in the road & he tells me to watch out. It was a bunny. And I was too late. I ran the poor thing over. I seriously think this is the first time that I've ever done that & I was sickened. He, of course, critizes me, and mocks me & terrorizes me the whole ride there. On the way home he starts up again. Just like a little 5 year old boy would.

I had basically forgotton about it for the time being when he sees me blogging. This is our conversation.....

Joe -What are you doing?

Me - Blogging.

J- About what?

Me - Marissa & school...not having homework....

J - Do you blog about when you get mad?

M- Yep I have it labeled under "venting".

J - So you blog about everything on there?

M- Yeah, why not? It's like a journal.

J - Everything???? (said with a devilish smile on his face)

the lightbulb goes on & I realize what he means

M - You're horrible!! Thanks for reminding me...I'll add that in too...you know to confess my sins.

And to think at this time 9 years ago I was getting ready to marry the man......

June = Happiness!!

Wanna know why June is such a wonderful month?

• June 1, it's my 200th post on this blog! Guess I babble a lot, huh?!
• June 5, is our wedding anniversary. We'll be married 9 wonderful years!
• June 7, is the anniversary of our 1st date. We celebrate it cause we're corny like that! And because without that 1st date we wouldn't be here today.
• June 12, is Gianna's last day of school!
• June 13, is Marissa's last day of school!
• June 15, is Father's Day.
• June 23, is Gianna's 4th birthday! When did my baby get so big??

I got these pretties Sat. from Joe for "no reason". I say this is a dead giveaway that he was at the florist ordering roses for our Anniversary!!