Happy New Year! Buon Anno!
We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential. ~Ellen Goodman
December 31, 2009
December 26, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Birthday Mom
Our family had a wonderful Christmas week. For some strange reason this Christmas seemed so much better than some of the past. Maybe it was because we had previously decided that we were going to focus more on family and time together then presents. It was still a bit stressful going out and getting a few things for the kids and making sure that they were special gifts this year and not just something to put under the tree to satisfy the want for a lot of presents.
We are really big movie buffs and one of the things that we decided was that we each would pick a movie for the family to go and see together. So this week we spent a lot of time in the theatre. We saw What Happened to the Morgans, Avatar, and Sherlock Holmes, and this coming week are going to see the Chipmunks Sqweekquel. We have gone to lunch and shopped together and it has been a fun time for us. We have also been nursing Robert and his hand. He hasn't been able to do to much and so we have all been able to "serve" him. We have laughed a lot and really thought about the true meaning of Christmas.
On Christmas eve we went to our friends' home (where we also spent Thanksgiving) and had a wonderful time with them. They really are like family and we feel so blessed to be friends with them. We have known them for almost 16 years. We had great food, a talent show, a spiritual thought, and opened presents. It was such a special time.
We had fun Christmas morning opening up presents, Tibi's favorite part was playing with the wrapping paper, and I was lucky that I ended up only having to work for one hour that day. Then we made lasagna and went to dad's house to eat with the family. Everyone left pretty quick so I wasn't able to get a family picture, but it was a fun time with everyone and I'm glad we all got together.
Another thing that I did this year was make Greek cookies like my mother use to do! I have never made them before by myself and wasn't really sure how they would turn out, but Robert gave me an overall grade of a "B" and I'll take that just fine! Next year I'll do better because I know what I'm doing now! My mother would be proud!
I must admit that as I made the cookies I was thinking a lot of my mother! I knew that she was right there with me, helping me along. It will be her birthday on the 27th of December, she would be 80 years old. She has been gone for 5 years, and I can still say that not a day goes by that I don't think about her and miss her! I know that she would be so proud of Brian and Robert! She really loved those two boys! And they loved her!!! Happy Birthday Mom!
As this year comes to an end and we have celebrated the Christmas season I am most grateful for a kind, loving, and merciful Father in Heaven, and for our older brother Jesus Christ. The knowledge that I have that families are eternal and that we will all be together again is something very special to me. I am so thankful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How blessed we truly are.
I hope that 2009 has been as wonderful a year for everyon else as it has been for us and our family! 2010 will bring changes and new opportunities for our family! We are looking forward to them!
We are really big movie buffs and one of the things that we decided was that we each would pick a movie for the family to go and see together. So this week we spent a lot of time in the theatre. We saw What Happened to the Morgans, Avatar, and Sherlock Holmes, and this coming week are going to see the Chipmunks Sqweekquel. We have gone to lunch and shopped together and it has been a fun time for us. We have also been nursing Robert and his hand. He hasn't been able to do to much and so we have all been able to "serve" him. We have laughed a lot and really thought about the true meaning of Christmas.
On Christmas eve we went to our friends' home (where we also spent Thanksgiving) and had a wonderful time with them. They really are like family and we feel so blessed to be friends with them. We have known them for almost 16 years. We had great food, a talent show, a spiritual thought, and opened presents. It was such a special time.
We had fun Christmas morning opening up presents, Tibi's favorite part was playing with the wrapping paper, and I was lucky that I ended up only having to work for one hour that day. Then we made lasagna and went to dad's house to eat with the family. Everyone left pretty quick so I wasn't able to get a family picture, but it was a fun time with everyone and I'm glad we all got together.
Another thing that I did this year was make Greek cookies like my mother use to do! I have never made them before by myself and wasn't really sure how they would turn out, but Robert gave me an overall grade of a "B" and I'll take that just fine! Next year I'll do better because I know what I'm doing now! My mother would be proud!
I must admit that as I made the cookies I was thinking a lot of my mother! I knew that she was right there with me, helping me along. It will be her birthday on the 27th of December, she would be 80 years old. She has been gone for 5 years, and I can still say that not a day goes by that I don't think about her and miss her! I know that she would be so proud of Brian and Robert! She really loved those two boys! And they loved her!!! Happy Birthday Mom!
As this year comes to an end and we have celebrated the Christmas season I am most grateful for a kind, loving, and merciful Father in Heaven, and for our older brother Jesus Christ. The knowledge that I have that families are eternal and that we will all be together again is something very special to me. I am so thankful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How blessed we truly are.
I hope that 2009 has been as wonderful a year for everyon else as it has been for us and our family! 2010 will bring changes and new opportunities for our family! We are looking forward to them!
December 24, 2009
CHRISTMAS WISHES
The "day" has finally arrived...Christmas Eve! Poor Brian hasn't been able to sleep for days..waking up early and doing the count down until Christmas! Finally it has arrived.
It has been a wonderful year! There have been ups and downs, good and not so good, trials and blessings. But I can say that I'm glad and thankful for 2009. As a family we have grown and I can honestly say that I feel like our love for one another has grown and been strengthened.
We have been through loosing jobs, finding jobs, sports, car and scooter accidents, graduation, vacations, mission calls, more sports, first year of college, 5th grade, surgery, and now mission preparations. As I look back I see a year of blessings!
Every day as I look at my husband and children I am ever so thankful that they are in my life! I can't imagine not having one of them!
What a wonderful time of year to remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I can not imagine my life without Him. I am so thankful to know that He is always there for me, and each one of us!
My wish this Christmas is that the Lord will continue to watch over and bless my family with health, happiness, and love. I pray that He will watch over Robert while he will be apart from us...that Robert will feel His love and ours!
My wish also is that family and friends will continue to be blessed by His love and spirit.
Merry Christmas to each one of you and thank you for your love and friendship.
It has been a wonderful year! There have been ups and downs, good and not so good, trials and blessings. But I can say that I'm glad and thankful for 2009. As a family we have grown and I can honestly say that I feel like our love for one another has grown and been strengthened.
We have been through loosing jobs, finding jobs, sports, car and scooter accidents, graduation, vacations, mission calls, more sports, first year of college, 5th grade, surgery, and now mission preparations. As I look back I see a year of blessings!
Every day as I look at my husband and children I am ever so thankful that they are in my life! I can't imagine not having one of them!
What a wonderful time of year to remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I can not imagine my life without Him. I am so thankful to know that He is always there for me, and each one of us!
My wish this Christmas is that the Lord will continue to watch over and bless my family with health, happiness, and love. I pray that He will watch over Robert while he will be apart from us...that Robert will feel His love and ours!
My wish also is that family and friends will continue to be blessed by His love and spirit.
Merry Christmas to each one of you and thank you for your love and friendship.
December 18, 2009
ROBERTS' SURGERY
Robert had his hand operated on yesterday. We had to be at the hospital at 6 AM even though he was scheduled for 7:30 AM. They have to go through all their paper work, prep, etc. The doctors came back and spoke with us about what they were going to do and what they wanted the outcome to be. Seemed like a fairly routine surgery, but as a parent you always worry.
Robert looked so cute in his hopsital pj's waiting for them to come and wheel him away.
He especially loved it when they had him put his little hat on.
We then went and waited until around 11 AM or so for him to get out and wake up. I told the nurses that it would be best to shoot some Mountain Dew in his IV...it would make him wake up sooner! We were expecting a small wrap that went up to his wrist and around his hand, little did we know that he would have a hand that had the shape of a ducks head...we now call him "the claw"!
Finally after waking up and drinking and eating something it was time to get up and see if he could walk. He was on some heavy pain meds by this time, so I think it was a trial for him when he first got up, but by the time he came back down the hall he was doing okay.
The nurse who helped him out and gave all the release information was a very nice lady and was truely concerned for his well being. Even though she talked a lot (I think even more than me!) she really wanted to make sure that Robert was taken care of and the he would be healed and ready to enter the MTC on time! She was a kind lady!
Time to go home. Robert had a sweet ride to take him out to our car! He saw the wheelchair and said,"heck no!", but he did! And loved it. I am sure!
We went and got his medicine...ate some lunch at home and then he slept on and off most of the afternoon. And what a sport, he watched Julie and Julia with me last night. He was really a good sport because he let me take pictures to document the event.
What I learned from yesterday is that I love my kids more than anything in the world and I would do anything for either on of them.
My house may not always be as clean as I would like. I might not be able to get them all the presents they want, or go and see and do what they would like. But we are happy. We laugh together, we care about each other and we love each other.
Robert looked so cute in his hopsital pj's waiting for them to come and wheel him away.
He especially loved it when they had him put his little hat on.
We then went and waited until around 11 AM or so for him to get out and wake up. I told the nurses that it would be best to shoot some Mountain Dew in his IV...it would make him wake up sooner! We were expecting a small wrap that went up to his wrist and around his hand, little did we know that he would have a hand that had the shape of a ducks head...we now call him "the claw"!
Finally after waking up and drinking and eating something it was time to get up and see if he could walk. He was on some heavy pain meds by this time, so I think it was a trial for him when he first got up, but by the time he came back down the hall he was doing okay.
The nurse who helped him out and gave all the release information was a very nice lady and was truely concerned for his well being. Even though she talked a lot (I think even more than me!) she really wanted to make sure that Robert was taken care of and the he would be healed and ready to enter the MTC on time! She was a kind lady!
Time to go home. Robert had a sweet ride to take him out to our car! He saw the wheelchair and said,"heck no!", but he did! And loved it. I am sure!
We went and got his medicine...ate some lunch at home and then he slept on and off most of the afternoon. And what a sport, he watched Julie and Julia with me last night. He was really a good sport because he let me take pictures to document the event.
What I learned from yesterday is that I love my kids more than anything in the world and I would do anything for either on of them.
My house may not always be as clean as I would like. I might not be able to get them all the presents they want, or go and see and do what they would like. But we are happy. We laugh together, we care about each other and we love each other.
December 16, 2009
IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS
We have been rather busy this week but not doing the usual Christmas shopping, baking, wrapping presents, etc that you would expect. In fact, very little of that has gone on at our home. I need to get started and quick. I have bought a few small things, but nothing like in years past. And I really would like to bake some of the Greek cookies that my mother use to make.
I told Brian that Santa was laid off this year because of the bad economy and that he didn't have enough money to buy food for the reindeer, so there is a good chance that when he comes to our home, if he comes that he won't be bringing to much. We laugh about it, however, in reality it is somewhat true. This year I didn't work for several months and bills still do come and things have to be bought and paid for.
We took a few trips this summer while Giovanni's brother was here, and the boys went to San Diego to check out the beach. And....there have been a few vehicle accidents and a lot of doctor bills to pay (I will go more in depth in a moment with all that!) Then there is the other large factor that comes into play....we have a missionary who will be leaving in about 10 weeks and a lot of things to buy for him.
We have talked at length with the boys about Christmas and what it is really all about, which is serving others (which we have tried to do) and family (we will only be together for a few short weeks before Robert is gone). We have decided this year that there will be a few presents under the tree for Brian, but nothing to big or special...just a few small items that he would like to have, then as a family we are going to do some fun things together over the holidays...Things that will make memories...not just stuff. I am especially thankful this year to Brian for being so understanding and selfless. It could be hard for an 11 yr old, but his attitude is amazing. He is one of the main reasons that Christmas will be great this year!
We had our ward Christmas party last weekend and it was so much fun to be with other ward members enjoying a nice meal and program. We really are blessed to live where we do and have such an amazing ward family.
Sunday one of Robert's friend had his mission farewell...it was such a nice sacrament meeting. I cried (what's new?) and I realized that would be Robert soon. How great that he has friends that are such good examples. Within the next few months there are about 4-5 of them leaving...They have a great traditionof taking the departing missionary and going out on Monday evening and playing arcade games, etc...They all came home with a stuffed toy this time...oh my...Robert says his is going with him to Italy and will have his picture taken in all the important spots in the Milan area...wow...that will be interesting to see!
I wrote a few posts back how Gio and I went to SLC to do some genealogy work...and finally after being married for almost 20 yrs and talking about it since day one, or close to day one...we went to the Timponogos Temple yesterday and did the baptisms for Gio's dad, grandfather, great grandfather and some other family members. What a special experience. Gio did the baptizing and Robert and I stood in for the deceased family members. There was such an incredible spirit there as Giovanni performed the baptism for his father. Nonno Onofrio was singing with the choirs of angels yesterday!
I think that it was a wonderful experience for Robert too. My dad and Lorraine are temple workers and they were there too. It was a special day. We are hoping that Robert will be able to go to the temple soon so that we can go back with him to finish the work for these family members...then on to find more!
Today Brian's ballroom class did a small showcase for the parents. It was so fun to go and see what he has learned. He has really liked ballroom and I think it has been good for him. He and his friend Talon have the class together and so they really have a good time in there.
He starts his Jr Jazz basketball season this week with practice. He loves it and has so much fum with the boys on the team. Pictures will come during the season!!!
I mentioned earlier about doctor bills...well I guess I should go more into detail about doctors...
In an earlier post I mentioned that Robert and his buddies played in a flag football tournament around Thanksgiving time. I might have failed to mention though that Robert hurt his left ring finger. It got wrapped around a flag and pulled. At first we thought it was just a small sprain..but now 3 weeks later he still can't bend it from the second knuckle (one closest to nail) down. With everything that has gone on this year with him..accidents in cars and scooters and doctors and having to pay for his MRI, doctor visits, specialist visits, physical therapy visits, etc..we were putting it off, hoping it would get better. Well...it didn't. So on Tuesday Gio and Robert went to the hand specialist (the same one we saw last time). They took an x-ray, and guess what?
Robert has a ruptured/torn tendon/ligament in his finger and will be having surgery on Thursday (tomorrow)!. We still don't know what time, they will call this afternoon and let us know. His finger will be in a splint for 6 weeks, then he should have PT for 6 weeks, but it will only be 4 because he has to be in the MTC on March 3rd! The doctor seems to think that after 4 weeks of PT he will be okay to continue the rest in the MTC on his own...The only good thing about this situation are 2-3 things....1-Robert has met his deductible for the year so we will only have to pay 20% and they want there several hundred when we go tomorrow. 2-Him having a splint on his finger for 6 weeks will stop him from doing any more contact sports where he could get hurt, and 3- maybe we will get some fun pictures of him after surgery! I love the health care system here in the US....don't get me started on that one...It will be saved for another blog post, someday. Maybe. Doubt it.
Well...time to close this journal entry..that is what I have decided this blog is. More a journal for me then anything else..but it is fun and I love doing it. I guess it is good therapy for me!
Merry Week before Christmas! Enjoy the season!!!
I told Brian that Santa was laid off this year because of the bad economy and that he didn't have enough money to buy food for the reindeer, so there is a good chance that when he comes to our home, if he comes that he won't be bringing to much. We laugh about it, however, in reality it is somewhat true. This year I didn't work for several months and bills still do come and things have to be bought and paid for.
We took a few trips this summer while Giovanni's brother was here, and the boys went to San Diego to check out the beach. And....there have been a few vehicle accidents and a lot of doctor bills to pay (I will go more in depth in a moment with all that!) Then there is the other large factor that comes into play....we have a missionary who will be leaving in about 10 weeks and a lot of things to buy for him.
We have talked at length with the boys about Christmas and what it is really all about, which is serving others (which we have tried to do) and family (we will only be together for a few short weeks before Robert is gone). We have decided this year that there will be a few presents under the tree for Brian, but nothing to big or special...just a few small items that he would like to have, then as a family we are going to do some fun things together over the holidays...Things that will make memories...not just stuff. I am especially thankful this year to Brian for being so understanding and selfless. It could be hard for an 11 yr old, but his attitude is amazing. He is one of the main reasons that Christmas will be great this year!
We had our ward Christmas party last weekend and it was so much fun to be with other ward members enjoying a nice meal and program. We really are blessed to live where we do and have such an amazing ward family.
Sunday one of Robert's friend had his mission farewell...it was such a nice sacrament meeting. I cried (what's new?) and I realized that would be Robert soon. How great that he has friends that are such good examples. Within the next few months there are about 4-5 of them leaving...They have a great traditionof taking the departing missionary and going out on Monday evening and playing arcade games, etc...They all came home with a stuffed toy this time...oh my...Robert says his is going with him to Italy and will have his picture taken in all the important spots in the Milan area...wow...that will be interesting to see!
I wrote a few posts back how Gio and I went to SLC to do some genealogy work...and finally after being married for almost 20 yrs and talking about it since day one, or close to day one...we went to the Timponogos Temple yesterday and did the baptisms for Gio's dad, grandfather, great grandfather and some other family members. What a special experience. Gio did the baptizing and Robert and I stood in for the deceased family members. There was such an incredible spirit there as Giovanni performed the baptism for his father. Nonno Onofrio was singing with the choirs of angels yesterday!
I think that it was a wonderful experience for Robert too. My dad and Lorraine are temple workers and they were there too. It was a special day. We are hoping that Robert will be able to go to the temple soon so that we can go back with him to finish the work for these family members...then on to find more!
Today Brian's ballroom class did a small showcase for the parents. It was so fun to go and see what he has learned. He has really liked ballroom and I think it has been good for him. He and his friend Talon have the class together and so they really have a good time in there.
He starts his Jr Jazz basketball season this week with practice. He loves it and has so much fum with the boys on the team. Pictures will come during the season!!!
I mentioned earlier about doctor bills...well I guess I should go more into detail about doctors...
In an earlier post I mentioned that Robert and his buddies played in a flag football tournament around Thanksgiving time. I might have failed to mention though that Robert hurt his left ring finger. It got wrapped around a flag and pulled. At first we thought it was just a small sprain..but now 3 weeks later he still can't bend it from the second knuckle (one closest to nail) down. With everything that has gone on this year with him..accidents in cars and scooters and doctors and having to pay for his MRI, doctor visits, specialist visits, physical therapy visits, etc..we were putting it off, hoping it would get better. Well...it didn't. So on Tuesday Gio and Robert went to the hand specialist (the same one we saw last time). They took an x-ray, and guess what?
Robert has a ruptured/torn tendon/ligament in his finger and will be having surgery on Thursday (tomorrow)!. We still don't know what time, they will call this afternoon and let us know. His finger will be in a splint for 6 weeks, then he should have PT for 6 weeks, but it will only be 4 because he has to be in the MTC on March 3rd! The doctor seems to think that after 4 weeks of PT he will be okay to continue the rest in the MTC on his own...The only good thing about this situation are 2-3 things....1-Robert has met his deductible for the year so we will only have to pay 20% and they want there several hundred when we go tomorrow. 2-Him having a splint on his finger for 6 weeks will stop him from doing any more contact sports where he could get hurt, and 3- maybe we will get some fun pictures of him after surgery! I love the health care system here in the US....don't get me started on that one...It will be saved for another blog post, someday. Maybe. Doubt it.
Well...time to close this journal entry..that is what I have decided this blog is. More a journal for me then anything else..but it is fun and I love doing it. I guess it is good therapy for me!
Merry Week before Christmas! Enjoy the season!!!
December 8, 2009
WINTER WONDERLAND
It has been a few days since Robert recieved his call and we still get emotional every time we watch the video. We have begun with the mission preparations and it is fun, though at times somewhat stressful. I think once he is done with papers and finals next week that things will get better and we can really get down to business. We would like to be done with everything by the end of January so that in February we can just play and enjoy our time together before he leaves.
Brian is looking forward to taking over Robert's room and bed. We told him for 2 years he can have it, but when Robert comes home it is his again...in the mean time I'm going to move my office into Brian's room. It will make it easier when I have to work late or easier...But first there will be organizing to do..that will take place in February.
We have the tree up and the holiday music has been playing for a month now, but finally in the past 24 hrs the "white stuff" has finally made an appearance and it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It is a winter wonderland outside and I love it. I have to admit that I'm not to fond of driving in the snow and ice, but not having to commute makes that part a bit better, but I love the snow. It just really helps to make it feel like Christmas.
I took a few pictures of outside our house just to show how much snow really has come down!
I guess now the main thing that I need to do is get on the Christmas shopping. I have only bought one present for Brian and nothing else..I guess you all know what I'll be doing for the next week or so!
Happy Holidays and enjoy the winter wonderland in Utah!!!
Brian is looking forward to taking over Robert's room and bed. We told him for 2 years he can have it, but when Robert comes home it is his again...in the mean time I'm going to move my office into Brian's room. It will make it easier when I have to work late or easier...But first there will be organizing to do..that will take place in February.
We have the tree up and the holiday music has been playing for a month now, but finally in the past 24 hrs the "white stuff" has finally made an appearance and it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It is a winter wonderland outside and I love it. I have to admit that I'm not to fond of driving in the snow and ice, but not having to commute makes that part a bit better, but I love the snow. It just really helps to make it feel like Christmas.
I took a few pictures of outside our house just to show how much snow really has come down!
I guess now the main thing that I need to do is get on the Christmas shopping. I have only bought one present for Brian and nothing else..I guess you all know what I'll be doing for the next week or so!
Happy Holidays and enjoy the winter wonderland in Utah!!!
December 3, 2009
MISSION CALL!!!
It finally got here today! We have been talking, writing, and thinking mission for so long that it is hard to believe it. Robert is going to be a great missionary.... Oh, I suppose you all would like to know where he is going???? Is this a good enought hint for you? 
Yes! Robert has been called to serve in the Italy Milan Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will enter the Provo Missionary Training Center on March 3,2010 and will learn Italian. To say that we are all thrilled is an understatement! Robert had a few close friends over when he opened his call...then we went to Terra Mia for some Italian pizza and to celebrate. Here are a few pics.... 
Thank you so much to all of you for your support of Robert and our family!
Yes! Robert has been called to serve in the Italy Milan Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will enter the Provo Missionary Training Center on March 3,2010 and will learn Italian. To say that we are all thrilled is an understatement! Robert had a few close friends over when he opened his call...then we went to Terra Mia for some Italian pizza and to celebrate. Here are a few pics.... 
Thank you so much to all of you for your support of Robert and our family!
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