ANOTHER FIRE??

Ryan, Far left

On the way home from the beach, we got a scary phone call from Anthony's friend Ryan's neighbor. There were fire trucks at his house. At first we joked about all the pretty lights his mom had put up to decorate their beautiful house that sits on a corner lot. But, it quickly turned to a panic situation because Ryan was unable to get a hold of either if his parents. I drove 80MPH from Clearwater beach to Tampa. My mind was racing twice the speed of my car thinking about his Mom, Dad, visiting grandmother and pets. These people are like family to my son as well as fellow parishoners. I suggested to the kids to say a quick prayer. They are all very aware of what sort of devastation a fire can cause since their friend Tommy lost everythng to a house fire this summer, after an airplane crashed through their roof. When I turned the corner of Ryan's street (On 2 wheels of my SUV!) We saw that his dogs were ok, then his Mom and Dad. It had turned out to be an electrical fire in the attic! Just what everyone needs during the busy holiday season! Luckily Maria, Ryan's Mom was home.

I was so proud of the boys...I always deep down question how much damage we might be doing by granting our kids with so many material things. I sometimes worry that they will not comprehend what is really important. But on this day, my worries were resolved. Every one of the boys questions of concern, were about the safety of Ryans family and animals. Not once was a material item, or a Christmas present mentioned. We as parents, had done our job. All of them have a heart filled with a respect for life. It's important to believe in the deep down good of our children...wholeheartedly.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Life with a teenager is full of surprises, and full of the ridiculous! If you are serious during this time, you will miss it all. Teens need assurance through words and actions off your everlasting love, and although they might behave with indifference, it is still important to express affection.

When Anthony was small, I remember hearing 2 things about the upcoming teen years. A.) That if you thought childbirth was painful...It's a piece of cake compared to living with a teen. Which reminds me that even now I have to use my childbirth skills of deep breathing in order to relax and get my bearings. The breathing helps me to avoid that frenzied feeling; and when I am relaxed, I am better able to focus on the joys of Anthony growing up. When you are at ease, you are able to see how well you have done, and the fine person that you are raising. Sometimes I am so rushed, that I forget to take the time to unwind and enjoy him. The second thing I learned is this B.) The "terrible-two's" is training for the teen years. Sometimes you have this perfectly rational, clear thinking child, then sometimes you have a 2 year old throwing a tantrum. Unfortunately, you never know which one you are going to get at an given situation!

I took Anthony and his friends to the beach yesterday, the weather and water were both cooler than we all had hoped, but everyone had fun anyway. Anthony's friend Sam brought a blow up raft that they all took turns floating away down the beach on. It's funny how boys make friends by doing something together, which is why team sports and group activities always attract their interests. I sat in my chair watching all of them and thinking about how blessed I am with the choices of friends Anthony has made. Here were 3 of his closest friends one Jewish, one sharing stories of his own families journey from Cuba (And no they didn't come on a raft...But the strong current sparked the conversation of how the people there are daily under scrutiny by the government and desperate to get out.) And the other child who just spent a year in Italy coming back to the US with completely different views of the world around us. They all appreciate eachother. I enjoy these children, and I love all of them like they are my own. They are all very witty and have parents who share like values and morals of our own house. I have learned recently that this is a time for me to just listen. I am no longer a parent, but a manager overseeing what decisions Anthony makes. It's important fo me to hear what he is saying and to guide him quietly.

Here is Ryan, Anthony, Sam and Jason

And what would a day be without skateboarding?

HOCKEY

Anthony just finished his first season at a new rink, TBSA. He lead his team in scoring this season despite playing with completely different teammates! Here is his (unprofessional) team photo.

GO BUCS!

Hahaha I almost forgot, I went to the Bucs game Sunday... This is the view from Kellie and Alans suite.

CHRISTMAS DINNER

What are friends, but well chosen family?

There are times in life, when we most need friends. On stand-by. Ready to do anything or go anywhere. I am so thankful to all of you for doing, and being, just that!

Once a month a big group of us gets together for our "family" dinner. Our friend Dino is an unbelievable cook!! You can taste the love in everything he makes! We have all known each other OVER 10 years (which is rare in Florida since people are generally transient here) so the night always ends with hysterical laughter from all of us reminiscing about the past! These dinners mean so much to me because sometimes friendships can get "bogged down" when you only discuss your struggles. It's just as important to talk about the good times.

As I write this, I think of that James Taylor song "Just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I'll come running to see you again. Winter, Spring, Summer, or fall, all you have to do is call, and I'll be there, yes I will. Cause you've got a friend."

OH CHRISTMAS TREE OH CHRISTMAS TREE!

More Kipp

I know what your wondering... he is 7ft !

I also know I said I wouldnt bore all ya'all... but heres some more photos!

KIPP!!!

Everything truly is in God's timing.

Kipp is my amazing boyfriend. He is extremely smart, hilarious and very very kind. I am able to put my trust in him. He is from Wisconsin, Minnesota (thats a joke...)All of you know how long I have been single and the mistakes I have made in the past with relationships, so I am VERY skeptical to even jinx myself by mentioning that I do have someone in my life, with that being said... I have known him over 2 years. During this time we both had different personal struggles and areas where we needed to grow before we could get to the point of actually having a "relationship." I have to say looking back that the friendship that we had during this time helped me to see the faults I have, and to correct them. I also know now that sometimes you have to BE the change you want to SEE. If you want someone more caring, you have to be more caring, someone more trustworthy? Be more honest...etc.

I learned through him that there are 2 ways to meet life; you may refuse to care until indifference becomes a habit, a defensive armor, and you are safe-but bored! Or, you can care greatly, and live greatly-till life takes you in it's arms.

I'm not going to bore you with the details! haha but these pictures are from our recent trip to Ponte Vedra...in northern Florida.

SATURDAY NIGHT!!

My boyfriend (Yes, I know shocking to hear me say those words!) was in town and my fabulous friend Lara came to meet us out with her beautiful and hilarious friend Marla! We went to dinner at Ciccio and Tonys, then out for drinks.

JOEL OSTEEN- ST PETE TIMES FORUM

Thank you to all the people in the world who are always 10% kinder than they need to be. That's what really makes the world go round!


What a fun night!!! I went to see Joel Osteen and his family speak with my oldest and dearest friend Lara. (See pictures!)The group that I went with was made up of Lara's friends
and family. This was a very unique and blessed night for me, since Lara was actually the person that brought me to God many-many years ago, and... I had one of those experiences that so rarely happen these days, when you meet someone and connect with them instantly. Lara's good friend Marla, from New York came to town to visit and was with us at the event. I had only heard about her but, I never had the chance to meet her! She was everything Lara said she would be and more! From the second met her I could feel her warmth and loyalty as a person and a friend. The 3 of us laughed the whole night like we had known eachother forever! I was so thankful that Lara shared her with me! What a gift Marla gave me, she didnt even know me but made me feel so loved! Lara...My friendship with you is the great blessing of my life. Your every word is precious to me!

PRAYER REQUEST!

Please, if you would take 5 seconds to say a quick prayer for my friend Dina (In the middle) she has Epstein Barr AND Lyme disease! Though neither, thanks to modern day medicine are life threatening, they both are debilitating. She is currently required to get a daily IV of antibiotics to help battle the Lyme disease. Dina is an amazing women from south Africa who is not only interesting and bright, but she is a great friend! Thank you!!

TAB,MARY & JESSICA

In fairness to Mary, and all of you who wonder what my infamous best friend looks like, this is us on Thanksgiving...She is in the middle.

DO BAD THINGS REALLY HAPPEN IN THREE'S?

"For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

For some reason the above verse came into my mind today about 15 times!


Today was one of those crazy days...My friend Mary and I were on our way to Orlando for a meeting at our corporate office (which to date we have never been on time!) Anyway Mary had a loaner car and was unfamiliar with it...and we ran out of gas when we were almost there!! It wouldn't of been so bad, but we were on I-4 the route that travels across the state...8 lanes wide. The funny part was that from 7th floor of our corporate office, the owners, 3 attorneys, watched us truck down I-4, in the rain with cars whizzing by beeping! With our work attire, high heels and smiles, we managed to rally a gas can and be on our way in under 1o minutes. This is Mary in action!





TRAFFIC!

After living in LA, I thought I was an expert on traffic, however I truly believe Florida's own I-4 has the 405 Freeway beat! The ride home took us forever! On the way, bumper to bumper, I got an exciting picture message anthony's phone (see image!) The oven at home was on fire!! Could it be a bad coil? Or, Maybe just some leftfover pie filling from Thanksgiving? Either way, we thankfully live next door to a fire fighter who save the day! (Thank you Mark!)

OUR HOUSE

We are finally ALL moved into our new house...and have recently met one of our new neighbors! Mr. Alligator! Oh the joys of Florida living! He is about 5 ft long. I have been really nervous about our sweet little dog, but the animal control has assured me that he will not come out of the water or to the shore. (these pics were taken about 25 ft from our front door.)

BREAKFAST

Breakfast for us is like any other families dinner time. We are rested, we eat together and talk. We typically go to the same restaurant once a week. I really cherish this time because there is nothing like a new sunrise and a fresh start. Anthony has to get the school bus at 5:45 am everyday, so he welcomes the days that I drive him and let him sleep in an extra hour. Like breakfast, another "habit" that we do each day together, is to read the daily devotional that we get via email from Joel Osteen ministries. The way this messenger from God relays the word is very understandable and realistic. It helps to send you off in the "right" frame of mind and it doesnt take but maybe a few minutes to read each morning. I cannot begin to say how many times that I have opened the email only to find it an accurate parrallel to exactly what was going on in our lives. One of the things that Joel preaches is to focus each day on living a positive Christian life! What better time of the day to read something inspirational than each morning before we head out into this crazy world! (Sign up at joelosteen.com) It is for EVERY age.

This is me and Anth... just a test with uploading the photos! I will work on more this afternoon!