Rest In Peace Millie

Our beloved Millie has gone to the ultimate doggie playground. I can just picture her running around with her pals Ollie, Clyde, Dino, and Daisy. Millie, you will never be forgotten. You were an amazing dog, friend and member of this family. I can still remember driving from Ohio to Tennessee and then back again in one day to pick you up. You had the sweetest disposition and tolerated your 6 human siblings very well. I wish you would not have lost your eye sight, and I wish you were still here. I will miss your snoring and our snuggles in bed. You are in a better place now. I love you with all my heart Millie Mills. Thanks for 10 wonderful years.

Yeah!!!

My boys are so thrilled. I must admit, I love teaching them, but this teacher is excited for the time off, too.

Full House

That's what my house will be in 6 short days. Not only are Angela, HeeSuk and Nehemiah spending the holidays with us, but my mom totally shocked me yesterday and announced she will be arriving on New Year's Eve!!! Yeah, I am so excited. I was fortunate to score Jan 1-6 off from work, so I am just on cloud 9. Now if I can only get motivated to clean my house for all this royalty..........

Finally......

Jen gave me this awesome magnet last night. I LOVE IT!!! Thanks Aunt Jen!!

Freezing!

So, you probably heard we were getting "the storm of the century". There is still a blizzard warning until midnight tonight. The snow has stopped now, however, the winds are terrible and snow is blowing all over the place. These two pictures were taken from the comfort of inside my house.

The view off the deck:


The view from the sidelight out front:

Basically it is cold, VERY windy and a great day to stay inside. That's exactly what I plan to do.

My Christmas Wish........

Has been granted! My whole family will be together under one roof for the holidays!! I can't wait to see the uncles and aunt with their new nephew. I can't wait to tell my grandson how much I love him in person. You better believe I will be posting pictures. You better believe I am thanking God.

Terrific Treats!

Want an easy, festive treat? Here is your answer:



1. Heat oven to 170 degrees.
2. Spray a cookie sheet with Pam.
3. Place pretzel rings on cookie sheet.
4. Place an unwrapped Hershey kiss in the middle of the ring.
5. Put in oven for 3-4 minutes.
6. Immediately upon removal from oven, push one M&M into the chocolate.
7. Cool in fridge for 5-10 minutes. ENJOY!

Saying goodbye

Goodbye, sweet car. You served me well. You were the first car I bought and paid for all by myself. I will miss you.

Welcome to the world

A few pics of Nehemiah, AKA Neko.



"Yes, sumo wrestling is in my future!"


Does it get any better then this?


"To infinity and beyond...."


"Hey, where did my hand go?"

What are the chances

Today I got the call that every mother dreads: "Um Hello, Mom, I've been in an accident." I received the phone call at work while on the salesfloor. I am so thankful Jeff was working as well, as I currently have no recollection of getting to the accident scene. When I spoke to the cop on the phone she said, "Well, your daughter is very shaken up, I have her sitting down waiting for EMS, it's a fender bender." We arrived at the scene of the accident and I don't know what crack the first officer was smoking or what she defines as a fender bender. I took one look at the car and thought to myself, "Oh my God, my daughter is so lucky." The car was not driveable. The entire front was smashed. There was some type of fluid leaking all over the ground. My daughter was an emotional mess and in pain. My mama bear instincts kicked in and it was all I could do not to beat the sh*t out of the other driver that ran the red light. Off to the hospital we went. My son Jeff was AMAZING! He took me to the hospital. He told me it would be alright. He went home after dropping me off at the hospital and took his brothers out to Burger King and Toys-R-Us to divert their anxieties. Seeing your daughter in a C-collar in the ER with a huge bruise getting brighter and brighter in the ER wincing in pain as the doc is touching her neck is gut wrenching. Seeing your daughter in that same bed flipping you off as you take her picture is priceless. Jen was not the only daughter that called. While waiting to talk to the doctor in the ER, I picked up my phone to call David to see when he would be arriving and I saw I had a new voicemail. Thinking it was a message from David I called my voicemail to hear, "Um hello, Mom, just wanted to let you know your grandson has arrived". In total disbelief I handed my phone to Jen so she could listen to the message, too. It hit Jen and I as we were leaving the hospital. At the exact time Angela was pushing out her son, an unattentive driver was pushing Jen's car across the intersection. I wonder what the odds makers in Vegas would say about this one?

A fine fall day

It was a beautiful day in the frozen tundra today. Temps were in the low sixties and Martha was able to be outside for a change.

Oh lookie, lookie, the watering can.


Here mom, let me help you water some flowers.


What's that, summer is over? Okay, now I have something to buy you for Christmas. (Click on the picture to see the damage)

Happy Halloween

It was a cold day in the frozen tundra, but the cold weather did not stop my little ghostbuster from taking to the streets to bust some ghosts!

While Tony was out busting some ghosts and collecting some candy with Jeff, this guy was at home handing out the candy. (I think it went something like one for you two for me......)

And this year, we GREW our own pumpkins!!! Here they are in their carved glory!! (Not too shabby for our first attempt at pumpkin growing!)

You may be wondering where was mama Hunt while it was trick or treat time?? Well mama Hunt and big brother Jeff Hunt both work for Target. Today Mama Hunt opened and Jeff closed. Tony was heartbroken with the thought that his idol AKA big brother Jeff Hunt would not be able to take him out this year. Have no fear!! Mama Hunt just went into work for 2 hours tonight to cover part of big brother Jeff Hunt's shift so Tony would not be disappointed. Tony had an awesome time and rumor has it that Jeff got some treats along the way!!

I DID IT!!!!

Thank you Jesus!!! I passed!! I did it!!! I am now certified!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!! Click on the picture to see it enlarged.

Field Trip!!!

Despite the snowy weather, we headed off to the zoo today with about 20 other people from our online school. We had a blast!!! Here is a sampling of what we saw.

A bald eagle


A wolf


Sea otters

Lots of sea creatures

Snow Monkeys...yes that is a baby on mama's back!!

And the BEST monkeys of all!!!

THE Box..................

It is finally on its way!!! This is not the actual box. I am TERRIBLE at taking pictures. I always think of them AFTER the fact. What box you ask? THE Box for said first grandson in S. Korea. What is in the box? Again, no picture, but hopefully Angela will be able to blog about it and show pictures once she receives it. So for now, you will just have to picture the cuteness in your mind. It contains: One set of the softest bumper pads I have ever felt, 1 waterproof mattress pad, 3 crib sheets, 3 hooded towels, 1 adorable security blanket, 4 sleeping gowns, 4 receiving blankets, 8 outfits, 9 onesies, 2 pairs of pants, 13 pairs of assorted booties/shoes, 1 pair mittens, 1 hat set, 3 washcloths and 1 stuffed animal. And this my friends, is just the newborn stuff. I already have quite the collection of 3 month stuff. I will leave you with a preview of my favorite 3 month onesies:

HO!HO!HO!

I was dooped!

I have been told by many that I have a heart of gold. I put others needs well ahead of my own. It's just me. I have been told I am too nice, too trusting, too caring, etc. My husband always says to me, "You are way nicer then me or way nicer then I would have been." Now believe me, I am by no means a push over, but I do have a very special place in my heart for people in need. So, on Friday, a team member who I hired and have known for awhile, tells me how she had an unexpected car expense and has no money to get groceries. This is a 44 year old woman with a 21 year old daughter that she is supporting on $8.42 an hour. The issue of her daughter is a whole different post. Anyhow, I ask if she can go to the foodshelf to get some groceries and she replies, "not till Monday." Oh, I almost forgot to mention that several months ago I bought said team member a pair of New Balance shoes which cost $75.00 to help her out. I proceed to talk to a few other managers. One tells me she is concerned that she is starting to take for granted the help from others. So, I decide to talk to David to see what he thinks I should do. After talking for awhile, I decide to go ahead and call said team member to tell her that I will help her out with groceries for the weekend. I spent $25.00 on basic necessities for her and her daughter. Said team member thanks me. I remind her that she has to go to the foodshelf on Monday, and she agrees. Yesterday, I see said team member at work and she asks if I can buy her one more thing. I pull out $10.00 from my pocket, give it to her and tell her to put the change in my desk. About 15 minutes later, I saw another manager and we started talking about said team member. I tell her what I did for said team member and she says, "Girlfriend, something is not right. I witnessed said team member paying cash for her lunch today that cost $7.74"! I will help anybody in need, but when I am lied to or deceived, my heart of gold turns to a heart of stone. Said team member has lots of 'splainin to do!!

For the record

We woke up to our grass covered in snow today. Yes, I said SNOW. The S word, the little pieces of white specs that fall from the sky, the one "wonder of nature" that causes my husband to buy ear plugs as I go into a tyrade of how the worst decision we ever made in our lives was to move to this God forsaken frozen tundra. Oh, the joys of winter.

Holy Crap, it's October!!

I can't believe how fast the days are flying by. It is a sad state of affairs when you work for a company that has Halloween down one aisle and Christmas down the next. Seriously people, do you really need to buy Christmas decorations in October?? I can MAYBE make a case for cards, especially if you have a lot to send out, but come on, really?? We have been super busy at work and my new position keeps me very busy. In two weeks I will be taking my grocery manager's licensure test. I will be glad when it is over. I have to be sure to bring a government issued ID. Apparently people in the past have tried to take the test for other people. I am absolutely loving teaching the boys at home. I can't believe we are nearing the six week mark for school. It is so neat to see the smiles on their faces. Our weather has turned cold here, so the last couple of days we have gone to school in our nice warm jammies and read/completed our lessons wrapped up in blankets. Jennifer is very busy with school and work. She is working on quite a big endeavor which will hopefully pan out for her. We won't know for a few more months if she's in or out, but as soon as we know, we will annouce it on here. (Sorry for keeping you in suspense, but I have been sworn to secrecy!) She and I will be attending a bridal fair on October25, so that will be fun. Jeffrey is busy with school, work and girlfriend. He bought her a beautiful diamond necklace for their two year anniversary. Yep, I raised my boys to treat their women right and not be afraid to go into a jewelry store. LOL!!! Stephen is busy with work and gaming. David is busy with life. As for me, I am thankful for the good days and am a trooper on the bad days. Getting out of the warehouse has definitely helped with the muscle fatigue, but I still have days when the pain is unbearable. On those days, ibuprofen is my best friend and unfortunately vicodin is my friend on others. Very soon I will be posting pictures of our "one room school house" as well as our homegrown pumpkins:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER LYNN HUNT

That's right, my baby girl turns 22 today!!! I can't believe how fast the years have flown by. It seems like only yesterday she was my bald headed, always smiley, binky loving little girl. She was born with a love for all things living and to this day, just like her mother, feels the need to protect all animals both wild and tame. She has accomplished a lot in her short 22 years, but I think the greatest moment we've witnessed so far is watching her graduate from college with her bachelors degree just 3 short months after turning the ripe old age of 20!! We used to joke that we hoped by the time she graduated college she would have hair and be binky free; she accomplished that goal too!!! Jen, you are an amazing sister, daughter, and my best friend. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank my lucky stars to have you in my life (yes, even on the days you drive me absolutely crazy!!). Watching you interact with your brothers warms my heart. I love the way you have trained your brothers to realize you are the princess: you go girl!! I love your kind heart and giving nature. Thank you for always being there for me through the tears and laughs. Thank you for sharing my love of all things Polish and the New York Giants. Thank you for being you. I love you with all my heart and soul. Here's to a fabulous year!!!! Love, Mom

I Hate This

So today I gathered up all the items we have purchased for Ash and went to the post office to send them. As you can imagine there are quite a few items. I could ship up to 20 lbs for the "nominal fee" of just under $60.00. The catch is all 20lbs need to fit in a certain size box. To be able to fit everything I bought one of those space bags, sucked the air out of the bag and amazingly it all fit in the box and it was just under 20lbs. Yeah for me!! I get up to the window and am politely told that I can't send the items in the space bag. Apparently it does not fit the bill if the box has to be inspected by customs. The guy at the post office was really nice and even gave me a tissue to wipe my tears. I don't know what I am going to do now. To send everything it will cost about $120.00. That could be $120.00 towards more items for Ash. I thought about just returning a lot of the stuff, but I have been accumulating it over time and much of it can not be returned so I will be out that money, but more importantly all of the items we have hand selected for him, our first grandson/nephew. It shouldn't be this way. I hate this.

School Q and A

I have had lots of questions regarding Brian and Tony's schooling this year, so rather then answer each person individually, I will attempt to answer all the questions here.
Are you homeschooling? No, we are not homeschooling. The boys are enrolled in a charter school which happens to be online.
Do you plan the lessons? No, I do not plan the lessons. Each day they log into their homepage and it tells them what they need to complete for the day.
Are you their teacher? No, I am called a learning coach. They have teachers who are available by either phone, email or webcam to help them if they do not understand something. They still have a special education case manager, too. They still have IEP's. The difference is that instead of going to a brick and mortar school each day, they do school from the comfort of their own home with lots less anxiety and contact the teacher on an as needed basis.
Did you have to buy their books? No, the books are sent from the school. They are everyday textbooks like any child in school would have. Many of Brian's lessons are online, so he does not have the same amount of books as Tony.
Did you have to buy a new computer? No, the school supplies a desktop computer, too.
How many hours a day are they on the computer? It varies from day to day. For Tony, I go online and write down his daily lessons. He only goes on the computer for school for tutorials and watching the movies that go along with the lesson. Brian spends about 2 hours a day on the computer and the rest of his time he is doing his lessons offline.
Are you worried about the social piece? No, we are not. There are tons of field trips that they can go on with their classmates as well as our own field trips. Neither boys are ever going to be social butterflies and we have accepted that.
Who does most of the schooling piece? When we originally decided to remove them from public school, David and I were going to share the schooling piece. It was very obvious from the beginning that the boys preferred mom as the main learning coach. David helps out when he can and is more then happy to do so.
How do you balance work, school, family time, etc? I think when the good Lord created me, he gave me some wonderful super powers. I am exhausted by the end of the day, but seeing the boys so much happier and less anxious drives me to keep going. The beauty of this school is that we can tailor it to fit our schedule. Many days we don't start school until 4:00 in the afternoon, while other days we start at 10:00 in the morning.
Would you recommend this program for others? Yes, if you truly are willing to put your children's needs before your own.
I think I covered everything. In my next post, I will post pictures of our "classroom". Thank you IKEA for having reasonably priced furniture for our classsroom.

What do you see?

When you look at the above picture what colors do you see? Do you know what a child with autism sees? He/She sees black and white. Not only in the above picture, but a child with autism lives in a black and white world. Children with autism are very literal thinkers. If you tell a child with autism, "It's raining cats and dogs outside, they will look outside to see the cats and dogs." Children with autism also live in a world of perception is reality. When you say to Tony, "I will be back in a little while", you better define "a little while". Being the mom of children with autism has taught me so much in life. I have learned to become much more precise in my speech. I talk more literally. I also understand when I tell my sons something, they see it as a promise. I am now working hard on the world to learn this, too.

New Beginnings

After lots of research, sleepless nights, conferences, visits to neuropsychologists, and talks with Brian and Tony, we feel we have found the perfect option for schooling for them. I know a lot of people will question our decision, but we know our boys best and are just plain worn out from fighting with the Lakeville schools. I wish the schools would have been honest with us years ago and told us they really did not have an appropriate program for either Brian or Tony, but to do that would have meant losing tax dollars. We have given the schools ample time to respond, but with budget cutbacks we just can't afford to sit back and wait to see what happens. We were honestly blown away by our meeting with the new school today and the understanding/caring attitude we received. We ended the school year feeling very beaten, down and angry. While the anger is still very much there, we are moving on. We are feeling upbeat, positive, and breathing quite a bit easier now that the decision has been made. Brian and Tony, Mom and Dad love you and continue to fight for you on a daily basis. We will NEVER stop fighting for what you need and deserve. Please be patient with mom as she has to learn yet more computer skills and new programs (hey quit laughing so hard, remember I am technologically challenged!!):) Bridee Boy and Tony Boy you are THE BEST!!! Here's to a GREAT NEW BEGINNING!!!!!

Starting early.........

Ash isn't even born yet, but Uncle Tony is going to make sure his nephew knows all about Marvel characters. I just couldn't pass up this adorable set I found today. Uncle Tony approved of my purchase.

I know, I know, I said I was not going to be buying him more clothes, but he "neeeeeeds" this. Does it count if I was crossing my fingers when I said I was cutting down on my baby clothes obsession???? Oh that's right, I'm the grandma that's why!!!!

Out of control

So this morning I decided to lay out all the purchases I have made for the grandbaby thus far, and oh boy!! I seriously need to quit taking advantage of all the great deals at Target. He isn't even born yet and the boy has a better wardrobe then his grandmother. I am not a believer in buying clothes that a child can grow into. Actually, I hate when people do that. My grandkids will always have appropriate sized clothes as long as I am alive. So before you start telling me how I am wasting money, I will give you my response, "I'm the grandma, that's why!"

Is it true?

Is it really the last week of July??

Arriving in November

Glitter Graphics, Grandson Glitter Graphics

Jeff got a gig!!!

That's right folks, you read correctly, Jeff just booked a show!!! We are so very proud of him!! I believe the date is Sept 19 @ the Garage in Burnsville. Jeff, I hope this is just the beginning of many more to come. You have put so much time and effort into your music that I am glad one of your dreams is becoming a reality. Can I have your autograph????

Goodbye Grandma

Tomorrow my mom/grandma heads back to Florida. We will miss her dearly. Mom, Thank you so very much for all your love, kindness and stuffed cabbage. Any day you would like to come back we will welcome you with open arms. Don't forget the fulltime housekeeper/cook job is still available, so anytime you get tired of retired life, you have a guaranteed job at our house. Thank you for everything. Millie and Martha are heartbroken that the "treat master" is gone!! Grandma, come back soon!!!!!!!!!

Happy Fourth of July!!

Surprise!!

That's what I heard last night when Jen came into the family room and told David and I we will be going here on Wednesday night:

Thank you so much Jen for this amazing gift. My two favorite bands in the whole wide world. XXOOXXOOXXOO

Two hours later

Something happened to my finger. By the end of my shift, my right middle finger was extremely swollen and very blue. Jeffrey took me to urgent care to see what was going on. The doctor asked me what I did to which I replied I had no clue. I told him the only reason I was there to see him was because it came on so suddenly and I have no idea how it happened. Two hours later my diagnosis was a bruised finger with no known cause. 8 years studying medicine and that's the best he could come up with. Thank you Jeff for staying by my side the entire visit. Thanks for the dinner, too.

Happy Father's Day

Two very special men in our lives:



To my dad: I hope you have a wonderful day. You have and continue to be an inspiration in my life. You give your love unconditionally and you ask for nothing in return. Thank you for always being there when we've needed you. I love you.

To my husband: I know it is a bittersweet day for you. Today is your "silver" celebration of fatherhood: your 25th Father's Day. (Now if that doesn't make you feel old, nothing will!!) You come home to the Crazy House of Hunt each day ready to help wherever you are needed. Thank you for that. You alone have cleaned up more explosions (I'm talking the projectiles that came out of many small childrens butts and mouths) during the night then any other man alive. Thank you for that. You are the story telling king (just ask Antonio). You are Brian's personal butler (aka Jeeves). You are Stephen's chauffeur. You are Jeffrey's alarm clock. You are Jen's sounding board. You are a wonderful father. I thank you for your continued support. I love you and hope you have a most excellent day.

IT'S TWINS!!

Jeff's Tiki Bar has been home to some regulars this year. We started getting suspicious when we saw this:

HMMMM! Looks like we may have a nest in the making.

Mama is very used to me now and trusts me. I promised her I would not sell her photos without her permission.

IT'S TWINS!!!! Grow babies grow. I promise to keep you safe.

Losing weight

Today's the day!!! The Crazy House of Hunt is going to be hundreds of pounds lighter, thanks to this beauty.



The kids have been warned to go through their "stuff". I am off for four days to work on this project. Let the weight loss begin!

Happy Birthday Brian Daniel Hunt

16 years ago today an amazing baby boy entered the world. He was 8lbs 13oz at birth and 15lbs at 2 months!!! Brian is an amazing writer and has the kindest heart. He has persevered through some difficult times and is a true champion. Brian, I can not imagine my life without you in it. Even though you drive me crazy with constantly asking, "Mom, can you pick up more ink for the printer?", I wouldn't have it any other way, LOL!! I can't believe you are 16 already. You have and continue to bring me such joy. I love you more then I could ever say. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. You are a joy to be around and I hope you have a most excellent day. Happy, happy birthday Bridie Boy!! Sweet 16 definitely was named for you!!

For all my Jersey readers

ENOUGH SAID!!

The real grandbaby

Here is a picture of the "real grandbaby", not the ones swimming in the fish tank. He/she is now 16 weeks along and from the limited reports I get, all is going well.

My Babies

Aren't they cute???? I had to clean out the fry tank, so I poured all 32 of my babies into a bowl while I cleaned out their tank. I know, I know, I said I wouldn't save anymore, but female #2 popped out a batch and I just couldn't let them all get eaten. The babies are 1 week apart. Click on the picture to see my fry. I am amazed at how fast they are growing. Two more weeks and I should be able to release the first set into the big tank. Now we will have two tanks. One for boys and one for girls.

Memorial Day

Today David and I made our yearly trek to Fort Snelling to visit his father's grave after I got off work. It has become a tradition since we moved to MN. There is a place right across the street from Ft. Snelling that sells flowers. You can not plant anything in the ground so we always buy something each year. If you have never been to a national cemetary, it is amazing and very emotional. The thought that all those selfless people fought for our freedom is just overwhelming. David's dad retired as a Lt. Col. in the airforce and fought in the Korean War. David's dad died when David was only 21. He never had the privilege to know his grandchildren and vice versa. His name is Charles Leighton Hunt, and I am proud to call him my father-in-law.

Two More

Apparently while I was at work yesterday, Mama Fish continued to pop out the babies. Jen was able to capture 2 more so that brings our total in the grow tank to 12. I have decided my heart can not take much more of trying to save the guppies, so we are going to get a second tank--one for girls, one for boys. I was like a crazed mad woman trying to save the babies. All 12 little ones are eating well and I swear already look bigger. I will try and get a picture of them. And just for the record, we also have 5 robin nests under our deck with 2-3 VERY HUNGRY babies peeping for food. We also had our first nest of rabbits this year. They made their nest in the ground under a bush on the side of our house. We are apparently known to the animal world as a safe house for birthing. Could have something to do with the million pounds of food I feed them each year!!!!

They're here!!!!!!!!

That's right, you read correctly. I have captured 10 grandfish babies!!!! Momma fish was quite the over achiever!! I am off to work. Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!

Feel better Jen

Today I got a call at work from Jeff. After he talked to me, a sobbing Jen got on the phone and told me she was not well and had called off from work. (Just for the record, Jen never calls off from work). Jen had a migraine and wasn't getting any relief after her first dose of meds. I went home to check on her and told her to take a second dose of medicine. She was obviously in pain and not feeling well. She stayed in her bed for a long time, and finally got some relief. I am happy to report that after a piece of toast, some ginger ale, and some shrimp fried rice, she perked up a bit. We are hoping she feels well enough today to go to the nursery to get some flowers for our garden (she if off of work today). A trip to the doctor will be in order next week. She had a CAT scan which came back clear, so hopefully they can just give her some stronger medicine to help her out. I will have to post some pictures in my next blog of Jen's new plant. Feel better Jen.

26 Years Ago Today......

.....I became a wife. Today David and I celebrate 26 years together. As I look back on the past 26 years, it has not been easy. We endured a lot of heartache, disappointments, and major meltdowns. We have also celebrated lots of smiles, successes and moments of shear bliss. At work today, a lot of the "younger" generation asked me how we've survived that long together. I replied, "Lots of hard work, and I mean lots of hard work, learning to compromise, learning to be patient (this one I am STILL working on), agreeing to disagree, remembering to say I Love You (even when you don't feel like saying it), not being afraid to keep your individualism, taking time for yourself, and having a good sense of humor." I must admit there are some things my husband has learned very well. He learned to never disagree with me in the last trimester of pregnancy, he learned most things are his fault (even if they're not), he learned to duck when the "Jersey Girl" comes out, he learned that no matter how hard he tries some days there is just no pleasing a woman. What has made it last 26 years?? The refusal to give up or just plain being too stubborn to get a divorce. JKJKJKJK!!!LOL!!!! To David, I know I can be a royal pain in the butt some days. I know I test your patience daily, ok, sometimes hourly. I know there have been times when it would have been easier to go then stay. I know you love me and the kids more than your own life. I thank you for not giving up on us. I thank you for fighting for our family. I thank you for allowing me to vent on a daily basis, okay, again hourly basis. I love how you you still give me compliments even though I shoot them down before they even leave your mouth. I love you and know there isn't another man in this world for me. Thank you for being who you are and for loving me unconditionally. (As long as you remember I am always right, the next 26 years will be amazing!!!) Love you to the moon and back and then around the world a zillion times.

Happy Mother's Day

As I type this and try to think back to 25 years ago and my first Mother's Day, I still get tears in my eyes. I still remember the joy of having my first child, Stephen, placed in my arms. The joy continued with Angela, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Brian and Antonio. I wish I could have experienced that joy with Lilly, but I know she is flying high protecting all of us. To this day I get lots of questions, Are you Catholic, Did you want that many kids, How did you do it, How did you keep your sanity, If you had it to do all over again would you STILL have THAT MANY KIDS??? So now I get to turn the tables a bit on this Mother's Day. I could not be the mother I am if I did not have the greatest kids on the face of this earth. To my children, thank you!!! You were all so very much wanted. I think it is funny how you guys are getting older and asking me how I did it. I never thought twice about doing it. I can remember grocery shopping with a six year old, a four year old, a 2.5 year old and a newborn. People looked at me like I was crazy, some even looked at me in disgust. I looked at you and said, "Thank you, God". Raising a large family is not for everyone. For me, it was what I always dreamed of doing. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have learned so much because of my children. And next May, I get to experience my first Mother's Day as a grandma!!!! I hope all Mom's out there have a terrific day. I am looking forward to spending a relaxing day with the kids. And to all you people wondering how I did it, 5 words of advice--a good sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

One Flaw in Women

This has been an incredibly tough week for many reasons. I came across the following poem and wanted to share.

One Flaw In Women
Author Unknown

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."
But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak,"
the Lord corrected,
"that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, If There Is One Flaw In Women,
It Is That They Forget Their Worth.

My Snake Wrangler

I HATE THESE!!!!




BUT I LOVE HIM!!!!




MY LITTLE SNAKE WRANGLER!!! HIS FIRST CATCH EVER!! HE WAS SO PROUD!!

All snakes are caught and released in the preserve WHERE THEY BELONG!!