**************************************

And I can see November from my house :)

2010-09-25T15:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Fourth of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-02T20:16:00.001-04:00

READ, READ, READ......

2010-06-22T14:53:00.004-04:00

Is U.S. Now On Slipopery Slope To Tyranny? By Thomas Sowell

Happy Father's Day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-20T08:16:00.001-04:00

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; (NIV)
Psalm 103:13

An article by Lloyd Marcus from The American Thinker

2010-05-18T11:08:00.004-04:00

What Mr. Marcus address' in his article The Black Church's Commitment to Obama is something that has also puzzled, baffled and mystified me to no end. How anyone who claims to be a Christian, in good conscience, whether your skin color is black, white, green, purple, yellow or other, was able to pull the lever on election day, 2008 for the most radically left candidate that this country has ever seen went far beyond my comprehension. President Obama is everything that Christianity is not. But now we reap those actions.

Prayer for such a time like this

2010-05-03T15:03:00.012-04:00

We are living in precarious times that need our FULL attention and our EARNEST PRAYERS. So let's join others on Thursday May 6, 2010, the National Day of Prayer and pray for our great country and for our elected officials to turn their hearts towards God. Let's pray that God would raise up righteous men and women to serve in our government. And that everyday people like you and me would continue to stand up and make our voices heard when godly principles and American values are under attack.

It's not impossible. King Nebuchadnezzar was a proud king whose heart was changed and acknowledged that God is supreme over all:
"Now I, Nebuchadnezzr, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride He (God) is able to humble". Daniel 4:37

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God".
Philippians 4:6

Shocking Audio: Rep. Dingell Says ObamaCare Will Eventually ‘Control the People’

2010-03-24T10:37:00.002-04:00

America, will you start waking-up??

2010-03-22T12:53:00.015-04:00

This day is the beginning of the end of America as we have known it.

By last nights vote the government will be able to extend their tentacles into our everyday lives and in turn will infringe upon our liberties. The overhaul of our health care system will not happen all at once but will pass in increments. Unfortunately, since many Americans have fallen into such complacency it won't be realized until it's too late.

As much as I can't wait for the opportunity to cast a vote in the 2010 elections I'm afraid the damage is done and it will be a steep uphill battle to repeal it. This past week I had been calling my congressman, John Hall, to vote NO against this government take over of our health care system. His office kept saying "Congressman Hall is undecided on how he is going to vote". That was a load of you know what and so this morning I emailed him to let my feelings be known:

"You, John Hall are a fake and a follower. You prove time and again with each vote you cast that you are incapable of an independent thought.

Last night you did NOT vote with the American people but you voted with Nancy Pelosi.

The most important vote I will cast since being eligible to vote will be when I get the opportunity to cast a vote against YOU."

It is completely frustrating to have someone who is supposed to be representing you not listen and has no intention of listening.

Regardless of what the Democrats and the mainstream media are spinning to keep many sleeping Americans in the dark, the majority of Americans are opposed to Obamacare and the vote last night was a slap in the face to the majority of Americans.

"This is not the end of the fight it is only the beginning of the fight."

I want to add a post script to this post:

WHEN YOU VOTED FOR BARACK OBAMA DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WERE VOTING FOR SOCIALISM????????????!!????? AL SHARPTON SAYS YOU DID:

2010-02-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T08:47:00.003-05:00

this guy is very funny.....

2010-02-01T21:54:00.001-05:00

2010-01-20T00:15:00.001-05:00

LOL.....

2010-01-07T13:27:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-30T16:10:00.001-05:00

Reflect upon your blessings, of which every man has plenty, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

Charles Dickens

Wise Men (and Women) Still Seek Him

2009-12-24T13:01:00.007-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To all our family and friends near and far. Praying you accept in your heart this CHRISTmas season the greatest gift of all--Jesus Christ--The Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One, Emmanuel-(which translated means: God with Us).

Halfway done pictures (with new carpeting)

2009-12-08T21:26:00.001-05:00

Things are still scattered around but so far we are so pleased with how everything is coming together. We still need to tile the "game room", paint, add crown moulding, mount our flat screen and add some decorative touches. Its a much cozier space to hang-out in now.

This is looking out from the "new game-room" into the familyroom:

Standing in fm/rm looking towards "game-room", pocket doors are opened halfway:

Looking from the garage door into fam/rm:

Random picture of our living room:

Looking down at entryway:

Looking up from fam/rm to entryway:

(2)Familyroom pics:

I've been sooooo bad on updating our blog with the ongoings of our lives but anyone who has had construction going on in their home will understand.

2009-12-08T14:28:00.002-05:00

Here is the before of our downstairs family room/entryway. Kenny replaced tiles in the entryway, in front of the fireplace and the hallway from the garage. There was alot of dead space in this awkwardly laid out fam/rm--so we decided to split the room with a wall with double-sliding pocket doors. One side is the more cozier famroom and the other side will be the "game room". This was Kenny's first time attempting the tiles on his own and he did an amazing job. Our friend, Mike stepped in to help with the wall and it came out better than I had expected.

I couldn't be happier with the way everythings turned out so far. I'll be sure to post some after pix.

P.S.

Happy Birthday Aunt Dot!!!!!!!!!

The Government Can

2009-12-05T18:42:00.000-05:00

2009-11-25T23:11:00.000-05:00

2009-11-22T22:27:00.003-05:00

I have my busy week behind me and can now look forward to this more peaceful Thanksgiving week.

I haven't had much time too post...

2009-11-17T15:09:00.004-05:00

but I hope you've enjoyed the videos.....this one had me rotfl....don't miss the news scroll stories.....

Obama's Home Teleprompter Malfunctions During Family Dinner

Video: Who’s the vice president of the United States?

2009-11-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

LOL......Happy Halloween!

2009-10-29T08:56:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday......

2009-10-26T11:02:00.001-04:00

to my brother, (Uncle) Kenny. Wishing you all things wonderful on your special day :)

Video from D.C. and Pix below.....

2009-09-17T12:02:00.003-04:00

We The People......

2009-09-16T21:16:00.004-04:00

Bare with me, I'll add text tonight.

2009-09-15T20:11:00.004-04:00

D.C. was GREAT!!!!! And I can't wait to share our experience there, but unfortunately we've been having much trouble with our computer i.e., downloading and just navigating in general--VERY slow, so VERY, VERY frustrating to post. So, after much consideration we have decided to break down and buy a new computer--tomorrow!! Our last computer purchase was over nine years ago and then my parents were kind enough to give us their old computer (the one I'm on now) after they left us in the dust and entered the 21st century and purchased a laptop. I believe this one is close to eight years old, if not older. I hope tomorrow with a new computer I'll be able to catch-up on some posting & pix.

we're a modern stone-age family.......

2009-09-09T11:12:00.003-04:00

Heading to Washington D.C. with Lauren and I can not wait! I love D.C. Any message you want me to pass along??

2009-09-07T19:47:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful, fun filled Labor Day weekend. I was working Thurs., Fri., and Sun., but was able to go a BBQ at Kevin's house on Sat.--sorry, no pix. Lauren started school last week and everyone else started today. I don't know about anyone else in the house but I'm very excited about this school year and the study of history--1850-modern times :)

2009-09-01T14:54:00.003-04:00

I'm finding it hard to find the time to sit and post aaanything....but I'm working on it ;) Its been busy these last few weeks with family camp, work, soccer practice (Catherine, I know you can relate), school and not feeling well (this week)--but soon life should begin to fall into a manageable system..if you know what I mean.

OK...Here we go...

2009-08-03T15:20:00.011-04:00

I wanted to update THISfunctional Family with all the latest happenings from the past 2 months but each time I tried to sit down to blog there were just 10 other things I had to do....So, I'll take one event-at-a-time and start with the 5K Run for Life (since that seems to be what people are most curious about).

If you read back on this blog you'll see how I attempted to train for this 5k last year and what a disaster it was. This year I worked the Couch to 5K (9 week) training program and followed it as written. On the second half of the program I would go out with either Lauren or Alison and they always left me in the dust. On week 8 Kenny came with me for a dry run of the course. He was a jogger but hadn't been out in a couple of years due to his bad knees. Even so he was able to jog the course with seemingly no problem. If you can imagine in your minds eye Kenny, jogging alongside me (looking at me sideways with a smile), then jogging backwards alongside me, then behind me on my tail, and then cutting behind buildings to come out in front of me, you would understand that I was a little more than annoyed ;). The night before the race I kept having dreams that I was late for the race and my stomach was in knots.

Here's Alison, me, and Lauren before heading over to the starting line.

Here I am probably praying that we're (I'll ) be able to complete the race without passing-out. Oh, and the gentlemen behind me, Art rhymes with smart, was the pulling-up-the-rear-guy--and was not someone I wanted to see behind me in the race--then I'd know I was dead last--not that it would've bothered me being dead last--I just didn't want to know about it until the end-- I actually think there were about 12 people that finished after me.

When I turned the corner for the final stretch I could see a crowd cheering (I had my ipod blasting so I couldn't hear anything) but I was focused on Kenny and Kelly. Kenny has always been my greatest encourager and Kelly with a big smile was holding up a sign that read "GO MOM!!!!!!" Could it get any better than that??

After much training we were all able to breathe a sigh of relief (well I was anyway) that we reached our planned goal for a great cause--and to add to an already great day we all placed.

(Everyone ran together--kids as young as 12 to men & women 60 years of age and older ran--so everyone was broken down into groups by their age/gender and when you crossed the finish line they were able to tally your time with the others in your age/gender category and that's how we placed.)

In the girls 12-15 age group Alison placed 1st with a time of 32 mins. and Lauren placed 2nd with a time of 34mins. and in the women blah-blah-blah age group (I hate numbers) I placed 2nd with a time of 37mins. Tommy and Kelly participated in the Kids 1/2 mile Fun Run, Tommy finishing 3rd and Kelly finishing a strong 11th out 17.

Afterwards we treated ourselves to a big breakfast and talked about the race, then went home and I took two Motrin, laid down on the couch, (glad that it was over) and took a nap. It took my legs until Tuesday to stop hurting.

This was a great family experience.

2009-07-20T22:38:00.001-04:00

I know, I know I will post updates soon : )

Happy Independence Day!!!!!!!!

2009-07-03T23:25:00.004-04:00

John Adams
2nd U.S. President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever."
--Adams wrote this in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776.

James Monroe
5th U.S. President

"When we view the blessings with which our country has been favored, those which we now enjoy, and the means which we possess of handing them down unimpaired to our latest posterity, our attention is irresistibly drawn to the source from whence they flow. Let us then, unite in offering our most grateful acknowledgements for these blessings to the Divine Author of All Good."
--Monroe made this statement in his 2nd Annual Message to Congress, November 16, 1818.

**I pray this Fourth of July everyone will be celebrating the birth of this great country with plenty of BBQs, fireworks, parades, as well as remembering always to give thanks to God from where all blessings flow. ***

America's Got Talent.....

2009-07-02T10:33:00.002-04:00

I've only caught bits and pieces of this show last year but I was blown away by this video of a hometown guy from Kentucky who is part of this season's show.

Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!

2009-06-21T13:42:00.002-04:00

I remember when I first saw this video many years ago how touched I was and thought what better day to share it with you then on Father's Day. The entire narration is from scripture.

A Love Letter from the Father....

Here's Gabrielle on her prom night----she looked absolutely stunning.

2009-06-13T17:57:00.005-04:00

5K Run for Life......

2009-06-02T17:39:00.010-04:00

Today my legs are killing me; but for good reason. I am making an attempt to train for a 5K run that is taking place in August benefiting CareNet, a crisis pregnancy center in our area. I need all the accountability I can get--so here I post.

Last year I attempted this same run and failed miserably. I consider myself somewhat of an athletic person and often take mile long walks and am constantly on my feet at work. I thought a 5k run would be a piece of cake--walking, running, jogging it's all the same-right?? So I started my 5K "training" at my driveway and began what I thought was going to be my one mile leisurely jog. WELLLL, by the time I reached my next door neighbors driveway that is approx. 20 yards away I thought I was going to keel over!!!!! I AM NOT KIDDING-it felt as if I had just smoked ten packs of cigarettes at the same time and then attempted to run a marathon all in the matter of five minutes--I honestly thought I was never going to catch my breath--needless to say I had a new found appreciation for anyone who participated in any run.

So this year I thought I'd approach things a little different and decided to follow a 9-week running plan called The Couch to 5K. The first workout was on Monday and it'll continue right-up to the 5K run. This program helps give me a focus with instructions and a checklist which really helps me to see an end.

Another problem I have when running or walking is boredom--I feel like a gerbil in a habitrail just going around and around in circles. I do have an ipod and that helps but looking at the same thing all the time is quite boring--but anyway it'll be fine, its all for a good cause. Lauren and Alison are also training but they're already at 1 1/2-2 miles of jogging with no problem--I know they'll do really well.

I'm very excited and hope to do well, but if I don't pass-out, for me, that'll be an accomplishment.

2009-05-26T23:31:00.008-04:00

This is the time of year where school and extra-curricular activities are coming to an end or winding down for the summer--things like our HSKids group, Irish dance, art, and AWANA, oh, and did I say school (yeah :::)))--So I've been spending time sorting, reorganizing, labeling, and storing away school books and winter clothes and today I finished!!! What a great feeling of completion--Like when the laundry is all clean and put away. Since being organized doesn't come naturally I have to work really hard at it and it consumes a lot of my time-but its all worth it. A huge load is lifted from my mind and I'm able to fully enjoy the summer. And I've found that there are so many benefits to having things in order. For one, it's amazing, when I'm looking for something I can actually find it. Two, at Christmas time when we bring down the decorations they aren't broken because the year before I actually took the time to carefully store them away. Three, when switching seasonal clothes over I only have to grab the labeled bag from the attic and not rummage through every bag of clothes we own till I find the one I'm looking for. If only I could carry these organizational "skills" over to other areas of our home--baby steps ;)

Tonight the kids had a baseball game and their cousin Joseph was able to come. We were so excited to have him there and even though they lost; it was a fun game to watch. Gena & Philip stayed with us for a few days last week and they were able to watch the kids play too--but that will get its own post.

I'm hoping to post some pix from the girls Feis (Irish dance competitions) but I need Lauren's help.

*Edit*

I added pix of Lauren and Alison (with braces) and my square-foot garden.

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

2009-05-22T17:28:00.009-04:00

Remembering our fallen heroes and all who have served and are serving this Great Country--Thank you.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.~ Psalm 127:3

2009-05-10T09:31:00.006-04:00

Happy Mothers Day to all moms today!!!!!!!!!!!!

I woke to a pancake breakfast (made by Tommy) then I read the cards the kids made, opened my presents and to my surprise I got an ipod and itunes card all courtesy of my children (they pooled their money together and got a pink one for me :) also perfume, and a mother's day plaque from Kenny. Happy mothers day mom I know I was tough to deal with.

And a special Mother's Day shout-out to my mom and mother-in-law!!!!!!!

Pictures from ur trip to historical Boston, Fenway Park, and egg coloring.....

2009-04-16T10:33:00.021-04:00

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!!!!!!!

2009-04-11T21:11:00.005-04:00

"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,"that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:

9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 10: 8-13

This is one of my favorite songs; it tells of the Resurrection:

A Third Day Concert at West Point For Me......

2009-04-05T13:52:00.013-04:00

Lauren and Alison, we also enjoyed dinner at Eisenhower Hall before heading in. For those of you who've never heard of Third Day, they are a contemporary Christian Rock group who have been around for about 17 years. The lead singer has a voice similar to the singer from Hootie & The Blow Fish, a real strong, soulful voice. An Australian band, Revive, opened up for them as well as Brandon Heath, another contemporary Christian singer. This was Lauren and Alison's first "real" concert and they had a blast. We were up singing, clapping and dancing nearly the whole time. The concert was Christ centered with the leader singer, Mac Powell, giving a clear Gospel message. It was also moving to hear each group pay respect to this country and to those serving in the Armed Forces. With all the garbage out there I can't tell you how refreshing it was to be able to go to a concert with no worries about lyrics, wardrobe or even the concert goers, it was truly a family concert with all ages represented, as a matter of fact the two couples sitting behind us were somewhere in their sixties up clapping and singing the whole time too.

I found this clip of Third Day on the Craig Ferguson Show singing their cover song, Revelation:

Time spent with anyone of the kids is a great-time and this time was no different--Thanks girls :)

P.S. Pictures coming soon.

2009-03-31T11:04:00.006-04:00

I started another blog at We the People.... at the behest of my children. They were growing weary of reading anything political on THISfunctional Family's blog and wanted me to start a separate blog for this reason, so I finally complied :)

THISfunctional family will stick to family updates and We the People.... will be more about current events.

A quote by Pastor Martin Niemoller

2009-03-30T12:57:00.013-04:00

In Germany they first came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me — and by that time no one was left to speak up.

2009-03-27T09:00:00.004-04:00

Here is Daniel Hannan, a Conservative for the South East of England addressing the European Parliament on 3/24/09. Does any of this ring true with you as it did with me???

Happy Birthday Tommy Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-26T10:03:00.005-04:00

Dad and I remember your arrival like it was yesterday--We were sitting in Central Park trying to decide on a name for you before heading into the hospital. I was in labor but not too bad, we were at a park bench enjoying the quietness of a beautiful day and going back and forth with different names. I wanted Kenneth-but for some reason Dad didn't (a decision I think he later regretted), He said how 'bout Michael?? No. I said how 'bout Kenneth Michael?? No. There were other names but it came down to Timothy or Thomas. I'm happy we agreed on Thomas. We later found out that there were many great Thomas' in each of our families: My great-grandfather, Dad's great-grandfather, my great-uncle and my uncle and when you were little you would tell us that you were also named after Thomas Jefferson :)

Anyway, hope your day is as special as you are to us!!!!!!!!!!

We love you,
Mom, Dad, Lauren, Alison and Kelly
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxox

Mark Levin's "Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto"

2009-03-23T17:54:00.010-04:00

Last week Mark Levin had a book signing out in Long Island and drew over 6,000 people. It was the bookstore's largest crowd EVER--even larger than any past president--WOW!!!!

Yesterday I went to Barnes & Noble to purchase "Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto" When I entered, the "New Arrival" table was right inside the door. It crossed my mind that Mark's book may not be on display and would have to order it. In the past I've had a problem finding popular books written by either Christian or Conservative writers--never seems to be a problem with Liberal writers though--makes you wonder. But on the table there were about four copies. I grabbed one and walked around the table before heading over to the register. When I came around the table an older woman was standing there and said "I heard about that book on the news last night" I said this guy is really good; you should read his book--she said she would. Then a B&N employee came over and told me that Liberty and Tyranny was moving like crazy. Great! When I got to the register the woman behind the counter said to me in a whispered voice "I saw him (Mark Levin) on Fox & Friends this morning--she continued "This book sounds VERY interesting--I'm going to read it" I explained that this is a guy who knows The Constitution..........Anyway, I walked out very encouraged.

Here's Mark on Neil Cavuto's show discussing his book and Conservatism:

A quote on the back of Mark's book:

"We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word, we do not mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; with others the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men’s labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same names--liberty and tyranny".

Abraham Lincoln, 1864

End of basketball season, Ceili Rain Concert and Lauren winning the church logo contest..................

2009-03-17T18:00:00.001-04:00

On Saturday night, Kenny, myself and the kids along with good friends and their kids went to a Ceili Rain Irish concert (pronounced Kay-lee). We had great seats, the music was fun, and the company was exceptional. Oh, and Sound of Life Radio was at the concert too. I met and talked with Joe Hunter, the DJ I listen to every morning--I told him he looks nothing like his voice-he said he gets that a lot :)

The church we've been attending was in need of a logo and asked the congregation to come up with a logo that would best represent the Hyde Park Baptist Church and its Biblical focus, the church would then vote on the top 5 and the winner would receive a gift certificate to the local pizzeria. Lauren, Alison, and Tommy entered about ten logos and were able to come up with some really creative ones. This past Sunday was the day to see the top logos and vote on one. Out of the top five, one was Lauren's--A cross on a hill with the church's name in block type letters. One was Alison's - A steeple with the church name next to it and one was a combination of Lauren's logo with three other entries mixed together - that was the one that won. Anyway, the kids thought it was cool to see their drawing's put into computer graphics and displayed on a screen in front of the church.

This was the last week of basketball for Lauren, Alison and Tommy. It was the first year for Hyde Park Baptist Church to have a basketball program and it worked out really well--the coaches were great and the kids game has really improved--they're like animals on the court now--I posted some video so you can see for yourself ;)

**The first three videos are Tommy's group 8-11yr olds--he's the one taking the foul shot. The last two are from Lauren and Alison's age group. You can see its a co-ed league and the age range in their group is from 12-15/16 year olds. We're proud that our girls were able to hold their own with the guys. Our good friend Paul organized the league with the pastor's and members of HPBC. They really did such a great job not only teaching the kids the fundamentals of the game but also about God. Before each game the kids prayed together and at the end of each game there was a Bible challenge. Kenny was asked to step in a couple of times when a coach was out and he loved it.
(Alison is in the neon pinny and Lauren in the orange one.)

A Great Big Birthday Shout-out to you Mom/Grandma!!!

2009-03-17T01:05:00.017-04:00

Happy, happy birthday and may your day be as special as you are to our family.

Love,
Trish, Kenny, Lauren, Alison, Tommy and Kelly.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

A GREAT BIG BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT TO......

2009-03-07T11:57:00.017-05:00

My niece Emily on Sunday the 8th--Celebrating the big 13 and her entry into teen hood!!!!!

My Mom (Grandma) on Wednesday the 17th--Celebrating the.....I won't go there ;)

My nephew Joseph on Saturday the 21st--Celebrating the big 21--I don't care what the law says ;)

Uncle Boo on Sunday the 22nd--Only one year younger than my husband.

Aunt Michelle on (I think) Tuesday the 24th--It's just a number; that's what my kids keep telling me.

My nephew Christopher on Monday the 23rd--Celebrating his 22nd b-day--It feels like yesterday that I was in the waiting room anticipating the arrival of the first grandchild.

And my son Tommy on Thursday the 26th--Planning to celebrate his 11th b-day with friends and of course baseball.

And to the many friends who have already celebrated and will be celebrating their birthday this month.

Happy, Happy birthday to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May your day be filled with all things wonderful :)

2009-03-02T15:24:00.011-05:00

I haven't been able to update my blog or even surf the web since our computer was being attacked by some forty virus' but thanks to my Uncle Richie I'm back and protected (thanks again). So here are some updates:

At the end of January the girls started piano lessons. Except for Kelly they have taken lessons on and off for the last five or six years. We found a great teacher and she comes to our home which has been a huge help--I can actually get housework done while she's giving the lessons as opposed to sitting in a car for an hour thinking of all the things I could be getting accomplished.

Lauren, Alison and Tommy are in a co-ed basketball program that is new to our church this year. It has worked out well. Alison has scored several baskets, a number of steals and has no problem keeping up with the boys in the 12-14 age group. Lauren fights hard for the rebound even if it means falling on the floor in a struggle for the ball. Tommy does well and proves to be one of the better players of his age group.

Lauren celebrated her 14th birthday on the 21st with lots of friends, pizza, soda, cheeseballs and cake. The fun continued on Sunday with a trip to Roller Magic Skating Rink along with church family and friends. The extravaganza finally came to an end with a trip to Chili's Restaurant. Our big birthday present to Lauren was contact lenses. She was so excited to get them but it has added years to her appearance :)

Kelly got half as many baby teeth pulled as her cousin Kelsie and we could hear her screaming from the waiting room while her father was holding her down in the chair and telling the dentist to "Hurry up and PUULLLL!!!!!!!!!!"

Tommy is back attending AWANA on Wednesday night's after a long hiatus. He works very hard at memorizing scripture to move on in his work-book. It also gives Kenny or myself an opportunity to go to an adult Bible study while he's at AWANA.

We (I'm) are having a GREAT time in My Father's World studying early American history--more on this later.

So there's a quick update of what's been going on with our THISfunctional family the last couple of weeks. I will continue to share with you my political opinions and frustrations while my daughter Alison tries to force me to change the name of this blog to something more politically appropriate--but I refuse :)

"SO GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!" *pounds fist on table*

Happy Birthday to my sister Chris who shares her day with our 16th president.........

2009-02-12T09:30:00.003-05:00

Abraham Lincoln. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and may your day be a special one.

Love,
Tricia, Kenny, Lauren, Alison, Tommy & Kelly
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

AMERICANS DON"T CARE????!!???...............

2009-02-11T08:39:00.007-05:00

After seeing this clip my blood was boiling -- I got on the phone to call Schumer's office to voice my outrage (of course in a calm manner:) and after two hours was able to leave him with this message: "I want Senator Schumer to know that I'm an American and a New Yorker and that I DO CARE about the pork that is in this bill and to hear MY senator making this outrageous statement that 'Americans don't care' was VERY upsetting."

I understand that Capitol Hill is being bombarded with calls like these voicing real concerns about the dangerous path that this administration is taking our country. KEEP CALLING!!!

REMEMBER: ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES....................

2009-02-05T08:54:00.015-05:00

This article outraged me this morning and I had to share it: United Nations' threat: No more parental rights Expert: Pact would ban spankings, homeschooling if children object

~God tells parents in Proverbs 22:6 to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." It is not for the government to decide what is best for our children it is for us the parent to decide!!!!!!!

*Now more than ever we need to be on the watch because again ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES and, to use the Heritage.org slogan, the left is on the march. Liberals, especially our president Barack Obama and speaker of the house, Nancy Pelosi and others are trying to put the fear of God into Americans to pass this pay back/social agenda bill under the guise of a "stimulus package." BO's Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel did say and I'm paraphrasing or maybe not that "A crisis is a terrible thing to waste." This stimulus package is nothing but a Democrats wish list of the social agendas that they have wanted for so long and also payback to all those org that helped get Barak Obama elected--Remember ACORN?? So why not use the recession?? BO and Pelosi are the two most depressing people on television--there is never hope in what they say just doom and gloom. Know that they want to scare the life out of us because if they can scare us enough they just might get this LIE of a Stimulus past you--Well I'm not falling for it. Common sense tells me to simply put more money in the pockets of Americans by cutting taxes and don't allow the Bush tax cuts to expire and watch what happens. HELLO?! You don't take out a loan to get out of debt.

I've been busy making calls to senators and congressmen to voice my opinion on many of these issues. The United Nations threat is only one; there are others. FOCA is another (thanks Barbra), BO's appointees is another--can't he find anyone who pays their taxes???? It still baffaling me that we have a person in charge of the IRS who hadn't paid his taxes in over four years and only paid two of those years AFTER he was being vetted for Secretary of the Treasury--IN-CREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course Democrats don't care about taxes because we're finding out that many of them DON'T PAY THEM--must not be patriotic, huh Joe?

Call your senator
Call your congressmen

Don't count on the lamestream media to inform you; it's OUR job to be FULLY informed.

But above all let us lift up this great country before God and its leaders in PRAYER.

Thank you for letting me rant >:(

I think this is worth taking the time to read (with my emphasis' added):

2009-01-29T12:50:00.013-05:00

**Democracy: government in which the supreme power is held by the PEOPLE (not government).........

About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:

"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government."

"A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury."

"From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."

"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years"

"During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:

1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage"

Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul , Minnesota , points out some interesting facts concerning the 2008 Presidential election:

Number of States won by: Democrats: 19, Republicans: 29

Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000, Republicans: 2,427,000

Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million, Republicans: 143 million

Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Democrats: 13.2, Republicans: 2.1

Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country. Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..."

Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.

If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million illegals and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.

***WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE***

Homeschooling on the Rise

2009-01-28T19:12:00.002-05:00

"Homeschooling may be the fastest growing form of education in the U.S."

Read more about it here:
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Education/wm2254.cfm

In Honor of Sanctity of Life Week.......

2009-01-24T11:44:00.004-05:00

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

Another birthday shout-out to my nephew Taylor......

2009-01-18T14:05:00.002-05:00

**ahem**Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Taylor, happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Aunt Tricia, Uncle Kenny, Lauren, Alison, Tommy and Kelly
xo

2009-01-17T20:16:00.003-05:00

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Kenny, happy birthday to yooooouuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With all our love,
Trish, Lauren, Alison, Tommy and Kelly :)

NBC poll

2009-01-06T12:08:00.001-05:00

Please participate in this NBC poll:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T11:17:00.004-05:00

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-24T14:34:00.003-05:00

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7

~To all my family and friends: MERRY CHRISTMAS AS YOU AND YOURS CELEBRATE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~

2008-12-17T16:17:00.004-05:00

"Merry Christmas"

Thanks to Alison I have a new Christmas playlist and Christmas template--thanks Al :)

Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas..............

2008-12-17T09:19:00.003-05:00

The true meaning of Christmas for so many of us has been lost or forgotten buried deep beneath decorations, parties, wrapping paper, toys, santa and stress. To find the true meaning of WHY we celebrate CHRISTmas we need only to look to the manger. Too often we hear people talk either about "not being in the Christmas spirit" or "not having the Christmas spirit." But Christmas is not a feeling--and our feelings can't be trusted--but rather it is a day put aside that we remember and celebrate the birth of God's greatest gift to the world--Jesus Christ--born over 2,000 years ago to be the Savior of the world. And that the story of Jesus didn't end in the manger but continued until His death on the cross and His resurrection three days later.

When we decorate we remember the reason for the season--we talk about the symbols of Christmas and how they are a reminder to us of Christ' birth. While stringing lights we're reminded that Jesus is the Light of the world. That the angel on top of our tree reminds us that angels appeared to shepherds in a field proclaiming 'The Good News.' If we had a star on top it would remind us of the star the wise men followed. The wreath on our door reminds us of God's never ending love for us. And gift giving reminds us of God's free gift of salvation to all who will receive it.

We take one night each year to watch "It's A Wonderful Life." One year when Chris and I were young (Chris was still older;)) we strung popcorn and I remember how much I enjoyed it so I thought I'd add stringing popcorn before the movie.

Here's Kenny's big head--it has to get into everything ;)

P.S.

Here we caught our cat Hutch (yes, there is a Starsky) just before he knocked over the bags of the popped corn.

This date in history...............

2008-12-07T09:18:00.002-05:00

In 1941 Japanese warplanes attacked American and British territories and possessions in the Pacific, including the home base of the U.S. Pacific fleet located at Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!

2008-11-30T17:01:00.002-05:00

It is Sunday night and Tricia is at work. So we took the time to hack into her blog so we could send out a birthday tribute to her.

From Your Loving Husband.....
Tomorrow we celebrate Tricia's birthday. We all know how much she hates to acknowledge this day, so we will acknowledge it for her. Honey, I love you so much and I celebrate the day you fell from heaven. I don't think of you as growing another year older, just another year hotter!
From the kids....
We love you so much and hope you have a wonderful birthday. And don't worry, we won't publicize your age. We know how many people read your blog. ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-26T23:05:00.006-05:00

The First Thanksgiving in Plymouth

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1Thessalonians 5:16-18

Never underestimate your prayers for others.....

2008-11-25T08:23:00.009-05:00

While at work this past Sunday night a regular customer was in to have dinner. To give a little background: this customer is a very soft spoken and kind older woman, who is also an opera singer. She and her equally soft spoken and kind husband would come in to the restaurant on a regular basis. About a month ago she came in without her husband and my coworker asked how he was and she explained that he had passed away back in May. This took me by surprise--it felt like I had just waited on them recently. As she sat down in my station I expressed my sadness and condolences as we spoke about her husband and how she was coping since his death. So when she came in this past Sunday to eat, she flashed her usual friendly smile as I came over to say hello. We spoke about Thanksgiving and where she would be spending it--'with friends' she said--I said stupidly "I'm sure it's going to be hard this year without your husband" she confidently said with tear filled eyes "no it won't, it's just another 24 hour day just like every other day" although I knew this was her way of dealing with the grief of her husband's absence, I apologized and said you're right Thanksgiving should be everyday--all 365 of them. She went on to explain she loved her life with her husband and was thankful for the time she had had with him but that she had to move on and continue living--she seems to be quite a bit younger than her husband was--so I responded and said you still have a lot of living to do. She was telling me there are places she absolutely cannot go to because it is still too painful for her but she is able to come to this restaurant, she said, because of me. This was very humbling and she explained that I made it easier for her to come in--I told her I was glad because I loved having her. I'm not exactly sure what it is that makes her feel this way, but I do know that during this season of my life that I am working, my prayer has been specifically for the relationships I have with my co-workers and customers.

I pray I would not only give thanks to God this coming Thanksgiving day but everyday and also cherish the time spent with loved ones.

LOL---Me wrestling a turkey???.......sorry honey ;)

2008-11-24T13:09:00.008-05:00

And does anyone have a better idea for thawing a turkey?????

I couldn't resist--these commercials had me DYING LAUGHING!!!!!!!

This Day in History

2008-11-21T14:05:00.003-05:00

November 21, 1620 Aboard the Mayflower, anchored off the Massachusetts coast, 41 Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact (which is actually dated the 11th of November because Britain was still using the Julian calendar). It said: "For the glorie of God and advancement of ye Christian faith, we do... covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politick...to enact,... and frame... just and equal laws...for the general good of the Colonie, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience."

How Obama Got Elected

2008-11-18T14:59:00.000-05:00

A Salute to Our Veterans: Reflections on Veterans Day

2008-11-11T12:23:00.002-05:00

It's Veterans Day in the USA and we proudly salute the veterans, both men and women, who have served our nation with honor, dignity, pride and sacrifice. We remember--and we thank you. Our flag will forever fly and we are forever free, thanks to you and to the blessings and grace of God on our nation. May God bless each veteran whose life we celebrate today. Stand tall, veterans everywhere - we salute you!

Election Day is finally here...............

2008-11-04T11:01:00.002-05:00

And may common sense prevail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday (Uncle) Richie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-03T08:48:00.007-05:00

A great, big birthday shout-out to my older, much wiser, congress running, clothes ironing, brother Richie. Hope your day is a special one.
Love, Trish, Kenny, Lauren, Alison, Tommy and Kelly

Just Asking..................

2008-10-31T12:03:00.007-04:00

A working-mother is seeking to employee a nanny to care for her children. But after a routine check into the potential nanny's background it is revealed that up to that very day, every one of the potential nanny's closest friends are known drug addicts/dealers --should this mother be at all concerned about hiring this person to care for her children based on who the nanny's closest friends are?????

My answer and I would think every mother I know would be: OF COURSE!!!!!!!! Why, because the nanny's judgement would be questionable.

This same scenario applies to Barack Obama's judgement and should be a HUGE concern to all Americans.

Thanks Chris

Dear Mr. Obama

2008-10-30T10:43:00.002-04:00

This YouTube video has received over 11 million hits and is the most-viewed election-related video on the YouTube website.

If you don't know you need to know...........

2008-10-28T12:55:00.010-04:00

I could hardly believe when I heard that only 15% of Americans are aware of Barack Obama's radical pastor, Jeremiah Wright and only 50% know that the Democrats are in control of Congress--although I wasn't shocked by the latter--just listen to the blame Bush for everything crowd--it makes one wonder if people really understand how our government works???!!?

OK, I am not an alarmist and if Jeremiah Wright was BO's only radical association one could argue that on its own it doesn't raise huge red flags--but when you start putting Wright together with Bill Ayers (the unrepentant terrorist), Tony Resko--check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SrtyFY6qTA , ACORN (the group that BO legally represented, donated $800,00 to and is accused of voter fraud in favor of BO), The Million Man March lead by Louis Farrakhan that BO attended, Father Pfleger (another radical preacher from Chicago), Frank Marshall Davis, a communist and who was very influential in BO's high school years and the latest, Rashid Khalid-you can read about him here: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZDFkMGE2MmM1M2Q5MmY0ZmExMzUxMWRhZGJmMTAyOGY
and a radical picture starts to take shape of BO's view of America and what his political worldview is. These people and organizations on their own might not be alarming but again together they should be very alarming. These are not just associates they are long time friends of, big financial supporters of, long time mentors of and spiritual leaders of, Barack Obama. Again remember, that he's had to 'distance' himself from each one of these people/org. Why should we care?? Again, IMHO, it speaks volumes to what is at the core of BO's radical ideology and the direction he could take this GREAT country in--possibly European Socialism??? Well, I don't care to find out.

And ask yourself why does Obama and Biden want people to "get out early to vote???" Maybe they're afraid you'll start piecing things together and on November 4th make an informed decision and might change your vote because of these disconcerting associations.

When talking to those who are voting for BO--I can't believe the level of ignorance, blindness and lack of understanding of the issues. People ignoring REAL concerns to me, is very, very disturbing.

This is not about being a Democrat, Republican or an Independent this is about common sense and my hope is in the end common sense will prevail. Or else we might get more 'change' than we bargained for.

There is nothing to fear in John McCain--but unfortunately I CANNOT say the same for Barack Obama.

And just a P.S. Why would Joe Biden say that Barack Obama will be tested in the first six months of his presidency??? I thought BO was friends with the world??? So why would they want to test him????????????!!!!!!!!!!! AGAIN, I don't care to find out.

Happy Birthday (Uncle) Kenny!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-26T08:36:00.003-04:00

A shout-out to my brother Kenny who is celebrating his birthday today. Wishing you all the best and lots of cake too :)

Thank you to everyone who made my mother and father's Golden Wedding Anniversary an extra special celebration!!!!!

2008-10-18T14:35:00.019-04:00

Since not many couples reach this great milestone in their marriage there was much cause for celebration. Here are a few pictures from that special day:

Here's Sheri making the finishing touches on the banner.

Mom and her maid of honor, Marge.

Mom and Dad dancing to their anniversary song, Holding Hands by Steve Green.

Kelly, Gabrielle, Kelsie, Alison and Lauren.

Myself with my niece, Kelsie.

Joseph, Chris, Tommy and Cameron.

Tommy and Cameron. They have to be the most handsome boys I know :)

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich. ~Quote by Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford.

The Hand Family--thanks to Sheri we were able to get this shot at the very end of the night.

Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!!!!!!

2008-10-12T09:57:00.007-04:00

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-03T08:43:00.008-04:00

A great big birthday shout-out to my father who reached a great milestone on Sept 28. I didn't forget his day but I've been very neglectful when it has come to posting on my blog. We celebrated a few days before dad's actual b-day by going out to dinner at Mama Mia's Italian Restaurant. Then Chris, Larry and Gabrielle met us back at our house where we continued the celebration with dessert. It's always special when you're spending time with family.

May We Never Forget..........

2008-09-11T08:35:00.002-04:00

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Thanks Ken, I love analogies.

2008-09-05T10:26:00.005-04:00

I know this is long but please read through to the end-- it's a really good analogy of how 'taking from the rich to give to the poor' works

Bar Stool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers, he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from every body's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by a graded procedure, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100%savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. 'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10! 'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I! 'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get$10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the break s! 'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!' The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia

!!!!##???@@$$)(&^%$#@

2008-09-04T13:55:00.005-04:00

This is an interview between Megyn Kelly of Fox News and the editor of Us Weekly--INCREDIBLY SLIMY is all I can say.......

!@#%$!&$%#!!!!!????? No political slant--?!!??!

2008-09-03T11:29:00.005-04:00

I can't take the media anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Will post pictures from our Vacation and the annual Hand Open.......

2008-09-02T16:54:00.004-04:00

We're having trouble downloading pictures from these events but will be sure to post as soon as we have pictures to post too.

Wanted to share these random but special things with you...........

2008-08-19T11:18:00.017-04:00

The pictures below are of pieces of furniture that have been given to me and I wanted to share them with everyone.

The cabinet below is a very special piece of furniture to me and here's why: First, because it belonged to my Grandmother who passed away back in 1984. I remember this cabinet when our family briefly lived with her in the 70's and of course, whenever there was a family gathering at her home on Corlear Ave. I can recall when you walked into the dining room it was straight ahead to the right of the room. Secondly, after my Grandmother passed away my Uncle Billy and my godmother, Aunt Liz inherited it and that's where it stayed until this past January when Uncle Billy asked if I would want it--and I was extremely happy to take it--even though I really didn't have a spot for it. I was trying to figure out how old it was and how long it had been in the Doyle family. Uncle Billy was able to tell me that Grandma had gotten it second-hand from a family that lived in Riverdale. So it's been around at least 50+ years in our family and who knows how long with the previous owners?? You can imagine how happy I was when a few weeks ago in a basket that my mother has of old pictures, I found the picture below from 1965 of my grandmother sitting in front of the cabinet---Richie you're also in the picture behind Grandma to her left with a big smile--sorry I cropped you out (but not out of the original)---Funny, this is EXACTLY how I remember her :)

I also have a wardrobe closet that my mother gave to me that belonged to her grandfather-my grandmother's father. I love this piece too. I spoke to my 96 year old great-aunt Margie about the closet and she was able to describe it perfectly--how the doors opened, the drawers on the left, the place to hang clothes on the right and on she went--also telling me exactly how she remembered her father's white shirts hanging in there--for me you can't put a price on that. My great-grandfather's name was Tom and he had a son Tom (my great uncle) who also used this closet so the only right place to put the piece of furniture was in our son Tommy's room--although now it's in our guest room downstairs.

And from my father's side of the family my mother gave me a rocking chair that was bought for my grandfather, Pa, I don't think he sat in it very much if at all but I think I remember Aunt Dot telling me or someone telling me that maybe Pa rocked my cousin Dean in it once--anyway, it doesn't matter--the thought that it was bought with Pa in mind makes it special to me :)

These pieces don't match what my furniture style is but they have more than that--priceless memories and a feeling of connection to not only my past but to my extended family as well. At times I can stand there and stare at the dining room cabinet and imagine all the different reflections that must have passed by it in years gone past, or the wardrobe closet and think of my great-grandfather and how he once opened and closed these exact closet doors and hung his clothes, very possibly more than 100 years before. One day I'll have some sort of interior designer come to our home, or my cousin Kelly, and help us to place these things in our home to make them work with our decor--but until then I'll continue to enjoy them and the family history that they hold.

Question: Do oil prices scare you as much as they scare us?????

2008-08-16T19:57:00.008-04:00

After last winter's oil bills, Kenny and I have been very concerned that this year's oil prices would go through the roof --so to make better use of our fireplace we debated, talked with friends and with lots of research on the computer--we decided to purchase a wood burning insert and had it installed a couple of weeks ago. As one can see from the picture Kenny is as happy as larry with his stove--he is looking forward to "sitting in the family room sweating with only his thong and wife beater t-shirt on" I'm sure that will be a sight to see ;)

On Wednesday Kenny's friend, Mike, with help from Kenny and Mike's wife, Frances, built this wonderful wood depot. And on Friday we got a delivery of 2 cords of wood--Now the wood guy does not stack the wood for you, what he does is dumps the wood in a great big pile for you to stack yourself. After the first delivery was made Kenny was ready to pay the guy and start stacking until he said OK I'll be back in an hour with the second cord--Kenny was shocked--he thought was two cords--remember we're from the Bronx and the most wood we saw was behind St. Johns Lots (fyi: The Lots was a very small wooded area behing St. Johns Middle School where most of the neighborhood kids "hung out" and played different games and built forts--If you drive by now its been completely chopped down and is about the size of a postage stamp)--

Anyway, now we face this coming winter with hope and promise of a warm & less costly winter--we hope :)

Having a great time with Kenny & Cameron........

2008-07-28T19:03:00.011-04:00

Kenny, Cameron and Kelly singing "Who are the people in your neighborhood??" We'll post the video later.

Cameron trying to pick a winner.

Uncle Kenny with the kids and Hutch.

Cameron showing Tommy a PG-13 picture of Aunt Sheri & Uncle Kenny when they were dating.

A hug from Phil.

I need to vent. This is a huge election year--so when it comes to the news coverage of McCain and Obama--is the media playing fair?????

2008-07-22T18:26:00.021-04:00

I don't think so. In my opinion, the media is unashamedly doing EVERYTHING possible to unfairly persuade you and me to making this very important decision for us. Just read your local newspapers, turn on any one of the "big three" television networks or even cable news (except for maybe one) and you can decide for yourself. Not that I believe anyone reading this blog would fall prey to this media bias, but what about the other average persons who might believe that the previously mentioned news outlets are actually reporting 'fair and balanced' news?! I'll tell ya, I'm thankful for talk radio and the Internet to get "the other side" of these news reports--because believe me there is another side.

I guess today I had had it up to my eyeballs with the media's obsession with Obama and with headlines like these: Just one reporter waiting for McCain as his plane landed in Manchester, NH, last night. IMHO, McCain is NOT getting the fair coverage that each candidate deserves and that should outrage people on both sides of the isle.

When I vote I want to be a well informed voter.

ANYway, thank you for letting me vent ::)))

Happy 7th Birthday Kelly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-20T23:53:00.004-04:00

A great big happy birthday shout out to the baby of our family, Kelly Anne (with an e). We love you and hope your day is as fun as you are!

With all our love,

Mom, Dad, Lauren, Alison and Tommy

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxo

God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-05T21:13:00.002-04:00

What a great weekend we had with barbeque's and fireworks and with some real work thrown in :(

Happy Independence Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-04T10:44:00.006-04:00

Please take the time to read this story about our National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner."

In 1813 the commander of Ft. McHenry asked for a flag so big that "the British have no trouble seeing it from a distance." He asked Mary Young Pickersgill to make the flag for him. Her thirteen year old daughter helped her. She used 400 yards of fine wool. They cut 15 stars that were two feet across. There were 8 red and 7 white stripes. The stripes were each two feet wide. When it was finished it measured 30 by 42 feet and cost $405.90.

During this time Francis Scott Key was a lawyer in Georgetown, just a few miles from Washington D.C. He and his wife Mary had 6 sons and 5 daughters.

In 1814, the British captured Washington and set the Capitol on fire. President James Madison and his wife Dolley had to leave the White House and run to a safer place.

After this attack, the Americans knew that Baltimore would be attacked next. The British had captured Mr. Key's friend. His name was William Beanes and he was a doctor. Key and another man set out to try to save Dr. Beanes' life. They told the British the doctor had helped to save British soldiers who had been wounded. They agreed to free him, but they wouldn't let them leave because the three men had overheard the British making plans to attack. So they were placed under guard on a British ship.It was from this ship Francis Scott Key watched the bombing of Ft. McHenry. There was a lot of smoke and haze, but when daylight came, he could see the flag was still waving.

He was so inspired he began to write a poem on the back of a letter he had in his pocket. He later finished the poem and showed it to his brother-in-law who took it to a printer and had copies made of it. Two of these copies survive today. Newspapers started printing it and people began singing it to a familiar tune. The Star Spangled Banner was adopted as our national anthem on March 3, 1931.

The flag which flew over Ft. McHenry is now at the Smithsonian in the Museum of American History. The flag is very fragile and they keep a curtain in front of it to protect it from the light and dust. They show the flag for a few moments once every hour when the museum is open to the public.

Happy 12th Birthday Alison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-28T23:34:00.004-04:00

A great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our daughter Alison who turned 12 today. We hope your day is as wonderful and happy as you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With all our love,

Mom, Dad, Lauren, Tommy and Kelly

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxox

Happy Birthday (Uncle) Philip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-27T11:14:00.005-04:00

A great big birthday shout-out to my brother Philip who turned ?? years old today. We love you and hope your day is filled with all things special :))))) Even if you don't acknowledge us when we drive by and your at the window--it's O.K.--we know it's all business ;)))

Love,

Trish, Kenny, Lauren, Alison, Tommy and Kelly
xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-15T13:58:00.017-04:00

"And you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

I'd first like to say Happy Father's Day to the wonderful father of my children, Kenny. God has truly blessed me with not only a great husband but a hard working, fun (funny, funny, funny guy) encouraging, caring, and involved father to our children. He makes us all laugh when maybe we should be a bit more serious, he's got some of the old school ways mixed with some more modern day parenting and he's a great listener too--even if he has one eye on the Met game ;) And when there are those hard to answer questions from the kids-he will always say "go ask your mother." You're the best dad ever and we all love you and want to wish you a very Happy Dad's Day.

To my Dad--Happy Father's Day. I've heard it said that daughters will unknowingly marry someone a lot like their father and although Kenny and my Dad are different in a lot of ways they are very similar in others. One being their great sense of humor and their ability to make others laugh. I think there is nothing like a guy that can make you laugh :)

To my father-in-law who is no longer with us but whose absence is ever present, Mr. Croke-Dad. We all miss you!!!!!!!

To my brothers, Richie and Kenny, brothers-in-law, Larry, Boo, Ray and soon-to-be-father, Brian--Happy Father's Day--you all possess the qualities that make not only great husbands but also great fathers.

And to all family members and friends--Happy Father's Day!!

And just a P.S.
*Don't ever underestimate your influence and role as a father in the lives of your children. I recently read in Focus on the Family Magazine that research shows that children with involved fathers do better in school, have a higher standard of living and have significantly lower chances of risky behaviors.

P.S.S.
http://www.familymanweb.com/ "Reminding dads of whats most important"

The Greatest Play in Baseball History..................

2008-06-06T10:44:00.004-04:00

Thank you Uncle Ray for sharing this.

My first softball game in 14 years......

2008-05-28T08:38:00.012-04:00

I joined our town's women's softball league and our first game was last night--under the lights. We had one bad inning and lost 7-2. The coach put me in left field, right field and second base--it was a lot of fun. Kenny and the kids were there to cheer me on and Kenny was able to get video of one of my at bats:

******Bring it on Kelsie***********

Our last day of school.......

2008-05-23T13:16:00.008-04:00

Today was our last day in My Father's World. The kids still have math, some science and writing assignments but other wise as far as the unit study goes-we're done--yeaaaah. We always try to start in the middle of August so we can end in May. Today we reviewed what they (I) learned this year--starting with the rise of Rome and continuing until the Reformation. I love that the kids (and I) are able to see -clearly- God's hand woven in throughout history because you can't learn HIStory without Him.

Anyway, now I feel like I can get to the "house stuff"' like spring cleaning--I don't know if that gets a yeaah??

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And I can see November from my house :)

Happy Fourth of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

READ, READ, READ......

Happy Father's Day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An article by Lloyd Marcus from The American Thinker

Prayer for such a time like this

Shocking Audio: Rep. Dingell Says ObamaCare Will Eventually ‘Control the People’

Happy Valentine's Day

this guy is very funny.....

LOL.....

Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wise Men (and Women) Still Seek Him

Halfway done pictures (with new carpeting)

I've been sooooo bad on updating our blog with the ongoings of our lives but anyone who has had construction going on in their home will understand.

The Government Can

I haven't had much time too post...

Video: Who’s the vice president of the United States?

LOL......Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday......

Video from D.C. and Pix below.....

We The People......

OK...Here we go...

Happy Independence Day!!!!!!!!

America's Got Talent.....

Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!

Here's Gabrielle on her prom night----she looked absolutely stunning.

5K Run for Life......

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.~ Psalm 127:3

Pictures from ur trip to historical Boston, Fenway Park, and egg coloring.....

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!!!!!!!

A Third Day Concert at West Point For Me......

A quote by Pastor Martin Niemoller

Happy Birthday Tommy Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark Levin's "Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto"

End of basketball season, Ceili Rain Concert and Lauren winning the church logo contest..................

A Great Big Birthday Shout-out to you Mom/Grandma!!!

A GREAT BIG BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT TO......

Happy Birthday to my sister Chris who shares her day with our 16th president.........

AMERICANS DON"T CARE????!!???...............

REMEMBER: ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES....................

I think this is worth taking the time to read (with my emphasis' added):

Homeschooling on the Rise

In Honor of Sanctity of Life Week.......

Another birthday shout-out to my nephew Taylor......

NBC poll

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!!!!!!!!!!!

Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas..............

This date in history...............

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never underestimate your prayers for others.....

LOL---Me wrestling a turkey???.......sorry honey ;)

This Day in History

How Obama Got Elected

A Salute to Our Veterans: Reflections on Veterans Day

Election Day is finally here...............

Happy Birthday (Uncle) Richie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just Asking..................

Dear Mr. Obama

If you don't know you need to know...........

Happy Birthday (Uncle) Kenny!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who made my mother and father's Golden Wedding Anniversary an extra special celebration!!!!!

Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May We Never Forget..........

Thanks Ken, I love analogies.

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!@#%$!&$%#!!!!!????? No political slant--?!!??!

Will post pictures from our Vacation and the annual Hand Open.......

Wanted to share these random but special things with you...........

Question: Do oil prices scare you as much as they scare us?????

Having a great time with Kenny & Cameron........

I need to vent. This is a huge election year--so when it comes to the news coverage of McCain and Obama--is the media playing fair?????

Happy 7th Birthday Kelly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Independence Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 12th Birthday Alison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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