Wow - it has been a while.

Hi Guys! 

I am such a bad blogger!  I was asked if I stopped blogging...and apparently I had.  My life has been so full and busy that I never got around to writing much down.  Even FB has taken a hit for me...I post, but certainly not as often.  But rest assured, I still lurk, so I know what you guys are up to.  I guess it is only fair that I share!

We are all doing well.  The family keeps on truckin' no matter what.  And that is a good thing!  I am so proud of our family and am happy we are so busy.  Too bad that it creates a lot of stress in the process.  Alas, that is a mother's lot in life.   ;)

Tom is doing well!  Working, playing, enjoying life!  He is now a scoutmaster, and is always getting himself involved in so much as far as scouts go.  That is a big part of our lives...and it is wonderful, even though sometimes I wonder if I will ever see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I have come to know that we just dont want to...that's why we keep adding on and adding on.  Tom is great with kiddos, so I know he enjoys what he does, and at the end of the day, that is all that matters. 

Elizabeth is amazing!  She is a happy young lady and enjoying life in the Navy.  She has achieved another promotion and will be Petty Officer any day now.  She will be coming home for the Holidays, which makes me one happy mommy!  :)  I cannot wait to give my beautiful sailor the biggest hug!!! 

Melissa is working her life away.  She has secured a job at On the Border, so drop by and see her if you are local.  As usual, she does well at anything she puts her mind to and this is no exception.  While she knows this is just temporary, she does her best and seems to enjoy it mostly.  She loves people! 

Patrick...well, he is the busiest young man ever!  Into Scouts and Karate...and now Band.  He has decided to play the Bassoon, which will end up making us all go broke!   However, he is enjoying it...I cannot wait to see where this leads him.  And Scouts has become his heartbeat.  We are always doing something scouting related...and he LOVES it!  Such a great way for him to learn life lessons and teach him to be the type of man that is so desperately needed in society.  He has also started participating in a Youth Group with Catholic instruction and coping strategies for Middle School!  LOVE THIS!

Mom is good!  She continues to enjoy mostly good health and we are very blessed.  I enjoy my morning coffee with her every day and feel very blessed to have this privilege.  My best friend! 

As for me...well, it is my job to keep up with all this.  :)  And of course add more chaos to the bunch.  I am doing well.  I am getting more involved in scouting, crafting (again), and trying to find new ways to drive myself crazy.  I guess I better stick with what I am good at.  Busy is a good look for me.  :)

Hope all is well with all of you! 

Sending hugs from our house to yours!
Mary

Week of 1/24-28

Hello there!

Well this week has been a fun one...always busy, but good.  Well, aside from my work...which you know is always stressful.  Other than that, life is great!!

Patrick enjoyed cub scouts this week...we had a Pack Night and he received recognition for all the hard work that he put in over the last couple months.  He had a great time.  I am so proud of him.  As well as all the other boys that were involved.  We have three boys from our Pack that are earning their Arrow of Light!  Amazing!  I am proud of our youth.  They may be a pain in the you-know-where most nights, but it is truly amazing what they can accomplish when they set their mind to it.

Melissa has learned some important life lessons this week.  She went on a job interview.  We will see the results soon, but I think the process is as important as the end result.  I am so proud of her....going in there, being confident, and I am sure she was quite charming!  :)  Say some prayers!  She may be working with kids soon...which I know isn't her favorite thing to do, but she is good at it.  Kids always love her.  (When I told Eli this, she laughed so hard...and for quite a long time...too funny)

Elizabeth is settling down at her new duty station.  So exciting!  She is glad to be out of Great Lakes.  She is as happy as can be.  She is settled in her new Barracks, and even has a job...working in the galley washing and scrubbing (which is what she gets for laughing at her sister!  haha).  This job is only temporary. She is on hold waiting for her schooling to start, which should be in about 2 months.  Once that starts back up again, she will be a busy bee. 

Tom and I are both doing fine...working and embracing what we are passionate about. For Tom, he really enjoys working with the scouts!  He is a den leader, and is getting involved with more and more stuff.  And there is always something to keep him busy!  For me, I have been working a lot on Adopt-A-Sailor.  I love trying to put together stuff for our men and women who serve their country.

Speaking of Adopt a sailor...I am sewing pillowcases for our sailors.  The moms across the country are trying to make 1000 pillowcases...that's quite a few!!  In addition we are stocking a coffee bar on ship.  It really is an awesome experience.  And I love working on things for this group of people. 

Well, dinner is ready...time to eat!  Woo Hoo! 

Sending hugs and smiles...across the miles!
Mary

Lincoln Marti Camporee

Hello! :)

We just got back from this camporee and, I must say, it was a very successful campout.  I really enjoy this particular time in scouting, even though it is exhausting.  We spend a lot of time running from one activity to another (gateway, pioneering project, parade, skit, flag, and the scheduled fun activities to partake in).  When it is all over, we are always worn out, but such wonderful memories are made.

This year, our site was a complete mess!  It was full of MUD!  Ugh!  No matter where you stepped, there was the squish-squish under your feet.  How awful!  We went through clothes and shoes like crazy!!  And I just finished getting everything clean again.  What a time! 

On Friday, while the children were trying to build their gateway, we kept having showers on and off.  Then came down a hard rain and a lot of wind.  These are very difficult conditions to set up camp, but somehow we managed.  It was a late night, but we managed!  Hooray for us!!

On Saturday, the boys finished up the gateway, and then engaged in the day's activities.  My favorite part of the day is around 3pm.  Parents start getting tired and I get to take pictures of all the ones that fall asleep!  This has been a fun role for me for a few years now! :)  I managed to get 3 parents this year!  Woo hoo!!  It is the little things that make me happy!  

On Sunday, we have a very special service called Scouts Own.  I love attending "church" with my scout family and it is a very special time.  Patrick usually volunteers to speak, but he was changing clothes when the coordinator came around and missed out.  However, at the end of the ceremony, the boys and family members got together on the stage to sing "Amazing Grace" (in honor of the fallen police officers this week) and Patrick volunteered to go up and sing with the group.  I am so proud of my boy!  He has such a beautiful spirit!

After this, they had an awards ceremony.  This is the time that we see how our boys did during the competition camp out.  We did pretty well!  We took 1st place in flag and we also received the Jr. Pack Award.  I am not sure how we are still a Jr. Pack, but I do not know how any of that is factored.  I leave that stuff to those in the know!  :)  I am proud of all of our boys...it was a great weekend, with great memories made. 

I hope this note finds you all well!  Sending Love and Smiles to those who are near and across the miles! 

Mary

What a busy time!

Hi Guys,

I don't know about you, but the New Year has been nothing but super busy for us.  Hyperspeed!  Work has been rough...more so than usual..and for those of you who know what line of work I am in, you know this spells out disaster for the children.  we are only two weeks into January, and I feel like I live on fast forward.

Patrick is doing very well.  School is day to day, but he is doing well enough.  He really enjoys his classes, but speed is his issue.  Sometimes, he just does not work fast enough.  He manages well enough, though.  He is working on his karate too.

In addition, we are doing scout stuff.  And we are in the thick of scout season.  We have a competition camp out next weekend (and in February...and in March), so this should keep things interesting for a while.  haha...  Currently, we are working on the Pack Flag.  It is looking pretty good.  Patrick is also going to cross over to boy scouts after this school year.  He is so excited....however, we are still looking for a trooop.  Let's see what our future holds!

Melissa is doing pretty good.  She is working on her second semester in college.  She is looking for a job and remains relatively busy.  We are still talking to the Navy...wonder what will happen? 

Elizabeth is working hard.  Well, she was working hard.  Now she has graduated ATT (advanced technical training) and will now be off to A School on Tuesday.  Right now, she is enjoying some down time and is taking full advantage!  I am so glad she is finally having some rest and some fun! I am one very proud NAVY MOM!!  Go Navy!! Go Eli!!

As for me, I am trying to pay attention to my New Years Resolutions.  Mostly, I am getting back to basics for me.  I am trying to make sure that I take better care of Mary...while I am taking very good care of my family.  Just a few minutes of down time, but I am enjoying my crafts again...and reading more...and being more engrossed in the things that matter.  :)  Feels good too!!  However, I do have to get cracking on my other New Years Resolution...which is to get myself ready for a Master's Program.  I really need to get my butt back in school.

As you can see, life hasnt changed much...always busy.  I do not know how I manage to keep all those plates spinning on those sticks, but I manage.  And I would not have life any other way!!

Love to all of you!!  Sending you hugs...near and across the miles,

Mary

Week of December 26 - January 1

Hi Guys!!  :)

Now that we can breath a little from the Holidays, I thought I would let you all know of some of the fun that is happening in our corner of the world.  Happy Reading!!

• We have been enjoying spending time with our Sailor Girl.  Elizabeth had to go back on Tuesday, but we did have 10 beautiful days with her and I am so happy for that time.  We almost did not get her home for the Holidays, but my own Christmas Miracle happened!  So blessed!  She is doing well....finishing up things with her current level of schooling and will soon make it out to California for A School.  She is keeping busy and seems to love her Navy Life.  And to put this mom's mind at ease, she looks wonderful! 
• We are getting a new computer system at work...which means our computers are not working...so it has been a very long and very dull week for me. I like to keep busy, so the lack of work is not good.  Hopefully things will be up and running soon!!
• It got insanely cold here this week!  I know a lot of you are up north and saw snow storms... my prayers were with you.  I know I could not handle that.  I am a FL girl through and through and my hat is off to you!!  One morning, I let the dogs out and saw frost on the grass!!  And there was ice on my car!  Such an odd sight for South Florida!  And more than enough for me.  Please pray for our farmers...they lost a lot of their crops due to this frigid weather.
• Melissa continues to explore the military....keep her in your prayers.  I will keep you posted as to what she is up to. 
• I have been totally rearranging and reorganizing things....and currently have the house torn up a little.  All in the name of progress!
• Stitch and Bitch is back!  :)  This is a crafting circle where a bunch of fun loving ladies get together, socialize, and craft.  Lots of fun and making progress at the same time!  Please let me know if you would like to be involved....I started a group on here to keep us all close! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Praying that 2011 is a very blessed, very special year for all of you!  Give yourself a hug from us!

So its been a little while since I blogged....

Hello guys! :)

I hope this message finds you all well!  Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!!  Many blessings to come to you and yours during this Beautiful Holiday Season!

I am sorry I have not been able to keep this going like I should.  The Holidays have been keeping me busy (just like you all, I am sure).  Plus, I had the most amazing gift this year...my daughter was able to join us.  I am so relieved that she was able to get leave and come home for the Holiday.  Unfortunately, we put her on a plane today to head back to her base, but we were able to spend 10 beautiful days with her!  I feel so blessed.

As for our "life and times," we are all doing very well! 

• Elizabeth looks wonderful and it was awesome to be able to catch up on those hugs I feel like I miss out on.  She seems very happy.  I know she is looking forward to getting out of the frigid North and into something a bit more tropical.  :) 
• Melissa is about to start up college classes again.  She should be almost done with her AA.  She is also still working on getting into the Navy...will keep you informed of her efforts.
• Patrick just earned his yellow belt in Karate, so he is very excited.  He is also doing well in school and still working very hard on advancements in Cub Scouts.  He should have his Arrow of Light very soon!!

My kids are all doing so well...and I could not be prouder!  They really are amazing kids!  It is so awesome to me.  I am truly blessed! 

Again, I hope you all are enjoying a truly Joyous Holiday Season!  Sending love from our home to yours!

11/14-20

What a week this has been!  Normally, I can say this every week, but this week was exceptional.  I should have known by how this week started.  On Sunday, we discovered that our 6 month old pup was in distress.  Apparently, she attacked a toad, which was poisonous and we came very close to losing her.  It was a very difficult day, but thank God she is doing better.  She spent the night at the hospital and really has come back strong.  I am so very thankful. 

Other than this trauma, the theme of the week has been "science project."  Of course, we always have stuff going on, but no matter what we were into this week, you bet that at some point in the day, we were working on the science project.  Monday...finishing up the ramp.  Tues...running experiments and taking pictures.   Wednesday...finishing up conclusions, creating nifty charts, picking up pictures and starting to work on the board.  Thursday...finishing touches on the board.   Friday...the darn thing is finally turned in!  I am glad that this is over with!  Enter "sigh of relief" here!

The other fun that I managed to get into this week:

• Work - always an interesting experience...and it keeps me very busy.  Something very exciting happened this week though - National Adoption Day was Friday and five of my families are now forever families. Such a joyous day!  And one that I am so happy that I was apart of.  It makes my life's work so worthwhile!  My judge said it best, "Of all the children of all the world, this mom chose you!"
• I FINALLY was able to get my daughter's care package out to her!  I tried to include comforts from home as well as things that I thought she could use.  She has a habit of missing meals, so I made sure to give her stuff that she can eat when the galley is closed.  I also sent her stuff to keep her warm.  In addition, I sent her laptop so now we can skype!!
• Scouts - Patrick began working on his Readyman badge!  This will be his last badge that he needs to complete the Arrow of Light and he is so excited.  Of course, he will need to be a Webelo for 6 months before that honor is bestowed upon him, but at least all the hard work is done for it.  Also, Saturday, he was working on his Naturalist and participated in a clean up of invasive plants in the area.  As always, we are busy scoutwise. 
• Harry Potter - Earlier in the week, we watched the last Harry Potter movie to gear up for the weekend.  On Friday, we went saw the new movie.  Bittersweet!  It is the beginning of the end of the journey that I have been so blessed to have taken with my children.  Before the girls were old enough to read big chapter books, we started the fanciful journey into the World of Harry Potter by reading them as a family.  I honestly believe this is one of the reasons why I have such avid readers!  Now we are close to seeing the end of the movies on the silver screen. 
• The Wonder Year - I have embarked on a new journey.  As many of you know, I love to play around with my camera.  By no means am I any good, but I am learning.  A friend of mine has challenged me to take a picture every day for a year.  So, that is my new project!  :)  I am so excited...it is a lot of fun and I hope to grow as a photographer.
• Eli's Birthday party - no not my Eli (pronounced Ellie) but Eli (like the beautiful baby boy).  He was born very premature (I think he was born at 29 weeks) and has really grown into a handsome young man of One Year Old!  What a blessing!  God is good!!
• New Palm trees - thanks to a good friend, I now have two new palm trees to put in my front yard. :)  I will be heading out there in a few minutes to put them in.

Well, that is all I can think of now.  I think that is enough, dont you?  haha :) 

Sending you all hugs and smiles across the miles,
Mary