Concert

Yesterday, I took the opportunity to go to a local concert performed by the Wayne Oratorio Society. It was truly delightful. At first I thought about it, and thought that it might be weird to go by myself, but then I really wanted to just see what they were about. It was a choir of about 200 people and they were accompanied by a full orchestra. I got there in just the nick of time, and I was amazed at the turnout. There were hardly any parking spots, and when I walked in the room was full. But these sweet little ladies, scooched over to make room for me. They were so kind. I had a perfect seat right up in front. I must admit that the first piece, Lord Nelson Mass, written by Haydn, was a little long. I had just finished eating a delicious Pre- Thanksgiving Dinner, and I was pleasantly full, relaxed and listening to beautiful music. So I did allow it to lull me to sleep for a few seconds. I even debated on leaving after the intermission because I was so tired. But I am so glad that I didn't. I loved the second half, Hymn of Praise. It was written by Mendelssohn. It was also sung in English. So that helped. The soloists sang with such dignity, and heart and soul, and the power behind the message was inspiring. It was one of those concerts where I just walked away, and realized how grateful I am to be blessed with such a powerful love for music. It truly touches my heart, and soul in a way that nothing else can. This concert reminded me of the choir that I was in when I lived in Pocatello. I loved it too! It was a lot of fun! But when it came down to performances, it was all about heart and soul. We conveyed the message of the composers through sounds, harmonies, and praise. I loved it! I wish that I could join this choir here. I sure miss music. But because of the times that they practice, I really don't forsee myself being able to participate with them. So for now, I will just enjoy what they do, and who they are.

"Praise thou the Lord, O my spirit, and my inmost soul praise His great loving kindness. "

Thanks for the weekend

And the weekend has come and gone...  I have had a great and busy weekend.  It's been fun! We were able to pull off two great Pool Parties in the new pool.  It was a blast! Yesterday, the weather was so much better.  A super hot day, perfect for dipping in the pool.  Today... You really didn't have to get in the pool to get drenched.  But all in all it ended up great! Chris's family came today, and the neighbors yesterday! It was so wonderful spending time with Chris's family.  They truly are my family away from home! I loved seeing grandma and grandpa.  They came with such bright smiling faces.  I met Marie and her husband Dan for the first time.  It was so good to be with such loving and kind people.  I was so excited for Phylicia to meet them.  I have talked a lot about them, but to have them meet her, and for her to feel of their sweet spirits was priceless for me.  It was so nice to visit with Vicki as it always is.  She is so much my "PA" mom.  We always have a good time chatting, and planning, it's just so much fun! Phylicia and I ended our day by spending it with a dear friend.  Elizabeth made us homade bread which we had yummy grilled cheese sandwiches, and hot tomato soup.  Yummy!!!! It was so sweet of her.  I hadn't caught up with her in such a very long time, so it was nice to visit.  She is only 20 days away from her big day.  So exciting for her.  She is going to be the cutest little wife.  She is just such a sweet heart.  Back to Saturday... Rachelle and I enjoyed our "free" massage at our favorite store in the mall... Brookstone... Gotta love the massaging chairs... So nice...  and then we just shopped, and enjoyed being with each other. We talked about life, jobs, moving, and all the decisions that are just around the corner for her.  It was just a good day to spend together. She doesn't have very long till she moves on from here... And that is just something I don't like to think about...  Anyways...   I just love days that are filled with such good people.  Family and friends who have truly enriched my life... Thanks for the weekend

Summer is HERE!

So I really didn't know where to pick up from... It's been a LONG time since I have written... but because writing is one of my very favorite things to do... I am continuing along in my life story... Summer is here! Crazy or what! So much is going on, the kids are super busy with camps.  I find myself busy feeling a little bit like a "taxi " service... Picking up and dropping off.  But it's all good.  The camps are coming to an end quickly.  It's been a great summer! We are all enjoying the time in the NEW pool.  It isn't heated, so honestly I am not in it as much as I thought I would be.  But we have all taken turns with Swimmers ear, and ear infections, and sadly... my turn is this week.  Not fun at all.  I am getting ready to head home for Serene's ceremony, which is just around the corner.  It will be another quick trip.  I definitely feel as I have gotten older, my love for flying is decreasing! But that is because I feel like I do it alot lately.  But in the end it is all worth it. Next time I will not live so far away from home though...  Just a little update... I spent the day with Phylicia and our girls.  We just hung out, cleaned the basement, and just played.  Then I came home and put together a yummy dinner.  Mmmmm my new favorite vegetable is asparagus... Yummy! I love it!  Well I am off to bed, the pillow is calling. Tomorrow is FRIDAY! Yay! I always look forward to the weekend! 

So much to say...

So... wow!!!! Time really does fly... Here it is November 15, 2008... One week away from flying to Arizona for Thanksgiving...  Well I have lots to catch up on, so this is kind of going to be another summarizing the last little while...  but I will start with some of the best events...  Halloween!!!  It was truly an event.  All the kids had their school parades, and they were absolutely adorable.  Avery dressed up as a race car driver, Tommy dressed up as a skeleton, and Andrew dressed up as a Scary clown.  I went with Chris to their parades, and it was beautiful outside.  The sun was brightly shining as the kids walked around the bus loop in costumes.  The music played all sorts of songs from ghost busters to wizard of oz.  It was great!!!  I joined Tommy in his classroom for a little party, and he was so excited to have me there.  He was so cute...  That night we all went over to a neighborhood party for a lil dinner and socializing...  totally not my scene.  I don't know what it is, but I just feel a little bit out of place.  Not sure if I fit in better with the kids, or the adults... Sometimes it's just frustrating, so I ended up being the photographer.  Not a bad job, actually.  The kids were so cute, all of them dressed up and ready for the eventful night.  We all walked around the neighborhood in costumes, and I honestly felt a little bit like I was directing traffic.  The kids were so excited as they ran from one house to the next.  It was interesting though, because it was mostly dads, and the kids who stayed out, the moms all went home to give out candy.  I later figured out why.  One of the dads pulled a wagon full of beer to share.  Too funny....  It was honestly the first Halloween that I have ever been offered an adult beverage at someones door, while the kids were trick or treating...  Too funny!  It was a good night.  I ended it by coming home with Tommy and helping to give out candy at the house, and then off to Chili's I went with my friends for a belated birthday dinner.  It was nice.  We went to a bonfire at another friends house and then ended up at Bailey's house to watch a scary movie in their theater.  We had a good time!!!

That following Saturday, and Sunday were big days... We had lots to do to get ready for Chris's 40th birthday.  The kids helped pick out a cake, and we bought balloons and decorated the house while he was out to dinner.  We went to Chuck E Cheese with the Karlsons, and they loved it...  After coming home, the kids all wrote on the balloons, way to hilarious.  There were sponge bob balloons, golfing balloons, and just simple I love you balloons.  They were excited for Sunday to come!  As soon as Chris woke up, they came into my room to get the presents.  We had worked so hard at putting a coupon book together for him.  They made up and drew all the coupons, and I laminated, and putted the book together.  It was filled with coupons for back scratches, hugs and kisses, snuggles, no complaining when asked to go to church... all sorts... and he loved it!!!  It was definitely the perfect gift.  He looks at it everyday!!!  The kids also wanted to buy him a digital frame.  So that was his big gift.  Something that he could take to NY with him, and always have the pictures I was taking of them.  He loved it too!!!  We all went out for breakfast with Papa and Miss Ann.  We went to Minella's, and it was alot of fun...  They were just so happy it was his birthday, and I knew that no matter what it was going to be a great day!!!

Another exciting event in the last few weeks was Andrew's school project.  He came home one day, and said he had to figure out a project for his book he was reading.  Of course one of our family favorites came to mind.  I told him that growing up, we used to do cake projects.  He was so excited!!!  and so was I.   I bought all the new nifty little tools for decorating cakes along with two vanilla cakes.  We were sure to have the right pan, and while he was at school I baked his cake.  I did it just as my mom had taught me.  It turned out to be a beautiful sheet cake.  As soon as he walked in the door he came in and couldn't stop talking about how perfect the cake was.  He started to attempt at putting the frosting on, and asked for my help.  Avery on the other hand enjoyed just decorating all the cup cakes that were left over from the cake.  There were some with no frosting, just a little, and then like two tablespoons of it... So cute.  Andrew took a lot of time to draw his camel with the markers, and then fill it in with the yellow frosting.  So cute!!!  Tommy helped with a couple of the cupcakes too.  It was a great day!!!  They loved it, and Chris was so proud of their creations.  The next day, Avery and I joined Andrew in his class as he held up his cake and talked about the book he had read.  Wow!  What memories that brought back.  I took pictures of him and his teacher...  and he was so excited!  thanks mom... for always being so willing to put up and help us with our projects... I just returned the favor ... and loved doing it!!!

Avery played her make up game on the turf at the highschool.  It was a great experience for her to play at night.  She loved that they got to play under the lights.  I was frozen, but still enjoyed the game.  She is definitely born to play soccer!!!  She loves it! and is so good at what she does.  She is full of determination, and sticks with the ball til it is in the goal.  She is always scoring points for her team.  I am glad that I have been able to see her excell in this sport.  I think if she wants to, she will go far with it.  

It's always fun when Grandma and Grandpa come... Chris was out of town for the beginning of this week, and so G and G came to stay with us.  They are so cute.  They really do help out a lot.  Whether it is helping to fulfill lunch or breakfast orders, or folding clothes, or watering plants, they are truly a blessing.  We always have a great time when they are here.  The kids love it!!!  They love to play games, read with them, and just be with them.  Grandpa is always singing silly songs, and sometimes the kids just don't know what to think.  Grandma is always so willing to help go through drawers and figure out what needs to be given away.  They are always so nice to be here when I have Institute, or FHE.  I am so grateful for the help that the give, it really means a lot.  

So much is always going on... whether it is running to the grocery store, dropping off dry cleaning, or volunteering at the library, I stay busy.  I love it though.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I am so happy doing what I am doing.  I am so grateful to be working where I truly love my job.  The kids are wonderful, and we are learning a lot together.  I am so grateful for Chris too.  We have come a long way, and I am just so thankful for our friendship.  We are always willing to help each other out in any way we can, and that means a lot.... 

just an update from Nanny life... 

One year older...

I have finally reached my favorite number... It's amazing how time flies...  But in the end it's all been fun!!!  I just wanted to take today and say how grateful I am for EVERYTHING in my life.  I am truly blessed, and everyday I realize how much more I am blessed.  I am so grateful for such a loving family who I adore.  I miss them all so much.  Now that we are all so spread out, everyone really has to depend on letters, phone calls, and email to stay in touch.  And I am so grateful for all of those.  I love all of my brothers and their wives.  I learn so much from them each time I talk to them.  They are the moms that I someday want to be, and the dads I hope to find in an Eternal companion.  I love my sweet sister who is now entering such and exciting time of her life.  I just wish I could be there to do it with her...  I am so grateful for such wonderful parents who never cease to teach me all I need to know.  They are the best parents ever.  There isn't a thing that they wouldn't do for me, and being so far away has truly proved that.  I love them with all of my heart. I am so grateful for such loving grandparents who are only a call away.  They are always there to listen, to give me a recipe, or just to sound excited to hear my voice.  Oh my sweet little nieces and nephews.  They are the light of my life.  I look forward to every time I get to talk to them.  To hear their sweet voices on the phone, and to listen to their stories.  I love them all so very much!  I am so thankful for all of my friends.  I have always been blessed with so many friends and I am always amazed at the things that they are willing to do for me.  I know that life is just easier because you have friends and family to share it with.  I love mail!  Especially because I am so far away from everyone that I love.  Mail is the highlight of my day!  Thanks to all who write me through, letters, email, and texts...  It is all mail, it's all a way to brighten my day and I truly appreciate it!!!  I am so happy here!  I love the Ciatto family!  We are having such a great time getting to know each other, and to love one another.  Each of the children have a special place in my heart.  I am so blessed to be a part of their family.  They are truly a beautiful family, and it is truly an honor to be able to be here with them.  I am so thankful for my membership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I love it with all of my heart!  It blesses my life in so many ways.  It makes me who I am today.  I am so very happy with all that I have been blessed with, and I am looking forward to make this the best 29th year of my life!!!! 

PS....  oops... I totally forgot to post this... and ... I know I missed a lot of other things I am grateful for... but this is just a beginning.... 

In search of the perfect costume...

Saturday came in a hurry.  I was well aware of the need to find a costume for the ward party that night.  I was pretty much in denial that I would ever dress up.  I really am not a fan of dressing up.  I just don't think I ever have been.  I made several calls to family and friends getting ideas of what in the world to be.  And the day continued to move on.  Pat had told me that I would be there that day, still pondering with no idea as to what I would be.  She told me that I would end up there, still after two months of knowing about the party, I would have no idea what to be.  Well I picked Bailey up, and off we went in search of the perfect costumes.  I went from thinking about being a mummy, a nurse, a hippie, a college student pantry, and honestly ended up being a pink lady from Grease.  Nothing original I know.. and the funny thing is that it was here at my house.  I had made a pink poodle skirt already, the only thing I had to add to it was some nice ked shoes.  Crazy!  And Bailey ended up being the best witch ever.  She wore one of Kristen's old witch costumes.  It was so cool!!!  I loved her hat...  It was perfect.  But wow!!!  What a funny day, just to end up back at home with our own costumes!!! :)  Well we got to the party and it ended up being a lot of fun!!!  I don't know why I go to all the trouble about worrying...  I know I am a worrier... it's not a good thing...  Worry about this, and worry about that... Silly honestly....  There was pumpkin carving, pie eating, and a bake off.  The dance was pretty fun...  The music was a little random... but what can I say... I love to dance....  We all ended up going to Apple Bee's after for a bite to eat... and that was fun.  We played Mow with a huge group of us, and it was quite the night!  The Phillie's were playing in the World Series in the background so it was a happening place...  Bailey slept over that night, and we fell asleep talking about how great the evening was...  zzzzzzzz

Summarizing a week :) October (19th-25th)

Time has just flown by.  I spent a lot of this week perusing the stores to find Chris, my boss a perfect birthday gift from the kids.  I decided on a digital picture frame so he can have all of the pictures I take of the kids with him when he goes to NY.  They are so excited to give it to him.  It's his 40th on Nov. 2.  We are also putting the cutest coupon book together from the kids.  They are adorable and have added coupons such as... "no complaining when we have to go to church, no interrupting while dad watches sports with Uncle Matt, lots of snuggles, breakfast in bed, back scratches..."  just adorable.  The pictures that they have drawn to explain the coupons are priceless...  It will be a great gift.  I did a lot of running around with Bailey during the days.  We got all our grocery shopping done together, and got to the mall to look for Halloween costumes too.  One day, we rushed to and fro to get all of our errands done before we had to pick Avery up from school, and we quickly grabbed snack from her house to go pick up Avery and in the end, we ended back at her house to hang til the other kids got done with school.  So crazy!!!!  It was a good week though.  Institute was great!  I have really loved learning more about the Savior's life.  I love it!  And pretty much every day this past week, Chris, or Chris and Bailey have ended up back at my house to play games and watch movies... usually much to late!!!  But it's always such a good time!!!  One night after school, the boys got done with their homework, so we all went outside to play four square, and then Bunnie, who is our neighbor came over and we played kickball with the kids.  It was me and her against them...  It was so fun!!!  We all just had such a fun time!!!  So cute...  I love her.  She is so much fun!!!  I hope that when I am a mom, I can be fun just like her.