Out with the old and in with the new!!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS.
2009.... Bring it on.
Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful ringing in of the new year.
I wish you all the best of health and happiness.

Ciao
S

On the 3rd day of Christmas...

Christmas was wonderful all the way around. Santa was so good to me! He got EVERYTHING on my list.... Spending time with family and friends was GREAT. I'm looking forward to the New Years festivities...

The craziness begins

Making sure those ornaments were perfectly placed.


Happy Children...

Merry Christmas to all...

and to all a Good Night.
I am reminded today that even in this super trying time of being laid off and the economy being in the toilet; I am surrounded by amazing family and friends that love and support me. My sister called me a few hours ago just to tell me that she thinks I am brave. I don't think I am brave, but I am so honored that she (who is in my eyes the most talented and amazing mother) took the time (which we all know she has none of) to call me and tell me that. I was super touched. Yesterday my friend Ali called me to say Hi and see how I was. My friend Hana wrote me a note that reminded me that I am gonna get through this. Everywhere I turn are pillars of support and love to help me through every day. The calls and treats from Heather, Bridget, Jenn, Leah... you all mean the world to me. (Forgive me if I missed someone... there have been so many)
So Christmas or not .... Thank you. To everyone that calls, thinks of me, writes me notes, takes me out for coffee... Thank you.
To my Mom that never stops believing that I will make it.... to my husband (the sweetest of all) that will NOT let me be a grump for Christmas, or any day for that matter. Thank you. I really could not and would not be who I am without you.
So Merry Christmas/ Buon Natale, take the time to thank those that help make you who you are...
Love and peace,
Ciao
Stefania

Spirit? What spirit!

I'm all set with snow. It was magical for about 2 minutes and then was fun to look at (from inside) for about 15 minutes and now... I'm all set, thanks.
Hubby and I have been battling the snow for days now. Friday was the 1st snow day and we had a grand old time. Even though the weather dashed our plans of having the friends over for a delish dinner we still enjoyed the day. I made chocolate cake and that seemed to make it all better. We went out twice to clear the snow and still continued as we woke up on Saturday. I went to watch the kids in the afternoon and at my sister's house it didn't stop snowing at all. The kids kept begging me to go play in the snow and it was so cold I thought not... after about 20 minutes of all of them on their knees begging I finally gave in. Let's just say that they spent more time begging than playing. It was so cold (19 degrees).
Today... guess what?! More snow. We've already been out once to clear the walks and driveway and I sense that we will have to go out again soon. ugh. I love our house, I hate cleaning up after it.
On the Christmas news front; I'm still not done shopping. I am usually done by this time. Ugh. It really stinks. And I was going to go out today but I'm not in the mood to venture out in this weather. I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to driving in the snow. Plus on the news last night they talked about the malls being jammed up because of the snowy weekend and people coming out in record numbers. Ugh. I'm going to try to get there 1st thing tomorrow.
So .... Merry Christmas peeps. We are just a few days away from the merriment and awe of the holiday. Enjoy your peeps! Spread the joy. Love, peace and alcohol! :)
Ciao, Buon Natale!
S

SNOW DAY

It's coming. It will be the first snow day in a LONG time that I am home with my hubby. So looking forward to it... and the 12 days that he will be home for Christmas break.
Seriously... I can't remember the last time that we were home together for more than 3 days in a row. Don't get me wrong it will be really nice to hang out... but we def have different views on "hanging out". I will post the stories that are sure to come out of the time.
Today I hung out with Heather... She is the wife of a friend from high school. She is super smart and sweet and great to hang out with. She has a cute daughter that was mesmerized by my voice. She couldn't stop staring at me. So sweet!
It was kinda nasty out today but I braved the weather and had a great day.
Yesterday... not so much. I spent most of the day home alone, cleaning. I finally went out late the day to try to get more X-mas shopping done and was not successful. I just couldn't get in the mood and spent most of the time fretting over prices and money.
Oh well there are good days and then not so good days.
You take the good, you take the bad, you take them all and then you have the facts of life.... hee hee.
Ciao
S

Transcending

One of my best ladies sent this to me today.
I want to share it with all the rest of the ladies in my life.
Mom, sisters, cousins, friends.... you all mean so much to me.



Ciao
S

Christmas Edition

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.
Here are my answers....

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper unless it comes in a festive bag.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real

3. When do you put up the tree? Within 10 days of Christmas. (Yesterday)

4. When do you take the tree down? We keep ours up until 3 Kings Day for the Befana (1/6)

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes (spiked with amaretto!)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Boom Box

7. Hardest person to buy for? Mom

9. Do you have a nativity scene? The tiniest one you ever saw.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Gosh... definitely the stuff that doesn't fit.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When December begins (except this year)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes... the stuff that doesn't fit!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Zuppa di pesce (Fish stew)

16. Lights on the tree? Red

17. Favorite Christmas song? All of them, I love to sing X-mas tunes.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? A lot of both!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Maybe...

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open presents on Christmas eve or morning? Morning (hubby always wants em on X-mas eve)

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Commercialism and money.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Hubby and I buy one every year that has some significance. Every year when we trim we remember the stories.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Fish

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Already have it.....my hubby, good friends and family! A job would be nice too!


Merry Christmas!
Ciao
S