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.  

Jason Mraz Concert- Fond of Hats -October 16th

Wow!  What a day.  I am pretty sure that it started from the beginning.  I got an email notifying me of the concert for that night.  There were no two seats next to eachother, but the tickets were an amazing price.  I thought about it all day long.  In fact I invited Chris and Bailey to go, but Chris was broke, and Bailey just couldn't do something so spontaneous.  I debated on it pretty much because Chris my boss, had gone out of town, and he had told me to do something fun, while Gma, and Gpa were there with the kids.  This was the first time that I considered going to a concert by myself.  Crazy I know!!! In fact I asked several of my friends if they would ever do that, and everyone said no way!!!  Although their answers were NO, I couldn't help but think of how much fun it would be just to see him in concert.  I got really close to just booking the ticket.  But after thinking about it long and hard, I decided not to do it!!!  I texted Bailey to let her know that I was just going to bag the concert idea, and just do something with everyone that night instead.  Well as soon as I sent her the text, she called me to say that her and Vickie had found two seats together and that she would like to take me their for my birthday.  So within a matter of minutes it was official, we were really going to a Jason Mraz concert.  I picked her up after dinner with the family, and all my good byes, and I found her at her house Still cleaning up from dinner.  She was soooo not ready to go.  I knew the concert wasn't very far from my house, but I didn't know the way for sure.  So I did my best to be patient, and help her pick out an outfit.  Well luckily we got there just around the time that Lisa started singing.  It was so exciting to be there.  The theater was really cool.  It was the Tower Theater in Upper Darby.  The concert was amazing!!!!  We had so much fun!  He is an incredible performer.  He was a lot of fun to watch.  And he involved the audience too... It was so sweet!!!!  He said something between songs that I will never forget.  It was, "Don't let your mind stop you from having fun."  It totally went with our entire day of should I stay or should I go.  I am just so glad that we went. I loved when he and Lisa sang Lucky together.  It was so great!!!  I love when I know the words to the songs. Bailey was so happy.  She was so thankful that I talked her into being spontaneous.  It's important to live a little.  It's fun to do something not all the way planned!!! :)  I took like 100 pictures.  It was great!! We both bought new cd's of his, and she bought a shirt, and I got  a cute bag to add to my collection...  It was a night we will NEVER forget!!!!  

A Monster Weekend :)

So I had planned this weekend for a long time.  I knew Chris would be leaving town to go golfing with his friends in Texas, and I wanted to make the time for the kids and I go by fast!!!  So I found all this way cute stuff that had to do with monsters!!!  Friday he left for Texas.  I decorated the kitchen with all these silly monsters I had made, and put up a whiteboard sign that said "Ciatto's Monster Weekend".  Avery was first to come home, and she was so excited to see all the crazy monsters.  I told her that they were lonely and needed new monster friends so she was to draw some.  She was so excited.  I have totally decided that drawing monsters is my favorite thing to draw because YOU CAN NEVER MESS UP!!!  She thought so too... Who cares if there eyes are the same, or if their feet look the same... It's great!!! We played and played till Tommy came home.  He was just as excited!  He even shouted out... Misty, this is my favorite!!! So cute!  He added some new monsters too...  Andrew came home much later after his book club.  We were all hungry so I had planned a monster dinner on the floor... Yep!  Right in the middle of the kitchen floor on a picnic blanket.  I served macaroni and cheese in cups, and fish sticks in bowls.  I had told them that we were to eat like monsters, throwing manners out the door.  But they are such good kids, they were so nice to say please and thank you to one another.  While I was cleaning up, Andrew started making his monsters and came up with the idea of us all having monster names.  So he chose to be Ox, from the ugly dolls, Avery was Wage, and Tommy was Wedge Head, and they chose the girlie one for me, Moxie!!! So fun... We we had new names...  And we could only answer to those names... Avery and I made peanut butter cookies together.  We were off to Baskin Robins for an ice cream treat! The best part about it was I had given them monster googly eyes, and we wore them to the shop....  So funny...  i really don't think that they thought I would do it!!! Ok... I admit, I am such a kid....  We played the Hamster song loud in the car, and danced all the way home.  Then we switched and ate peanut butter cookies at home while dancing some more!!!! Wow!!!  What an amazing night.  We topped it off with a great monster book I had bought for bedtime, and telling stories of the Monster day to come!!!! So cute!!!!   "MONSTER DAY 2"  Saturday morning came bright and early.  I had wanted to do a Monster Breakfast, but we were really rushed.  I had to get ready, get them ready, breakfast, and Avery out the door to soccer... Which I had no idea where it was.  Every address I put in the computer came up wrong...  So we were off to find the fields.  And of course lil miss Avery was so stubborn about dressing warm, and it was FREEZY...  The game was good, I just felt awful because she wouldn't wear anything warm.  Papa Larossa came, and met us there, and we watched the game together.  It was nice to see him.  He was a proud grandpa.  Avery is such a soccer star.  She made like twelve goals!!! Amazing really.  She was born to play!!!!  After soccer we went home, and I pulled out the Monster making kit I bought.  They loved it!!!  We made our own monsters and watched Monsters Inc. while snuggling on the couch!!! I pulled out my next surprise which I think was their favorite.  I bought us all fuzzy pictures of monsters!!!! Wow!!! Their eyes lit up with such excitement... and happiness...  I got some of the best hugs, and I love you's ever!!! We all colored and just chilled...  I made lunches and snacks for them, and they were off to go to the pumpkin patch with the Rhoades.  They were excited to go, but a little disappointed I wasn't going to go with them.  And I will admit, I felt the same way...  While they were gone, I took a little down time for myself, and then Chris my friend came over and we hung out.  We just played the Wii, and he ate lunch...  It was a nice lil break... but kind of weird to not have them home too...  When they came home, Chris got ready and left for the dinner and dance I really wanted to go to... But pretended like it wasn't happening...  lol...  the kids all had their own directions to go to for the night and so I went and hung out with Bailey after dropping by the grocery store.  It was nice to all get back together that night.  We had a great time talking about the exciting day, and sharing our stories...  It was a lot of fun!!!  We had story time after showers, and I loved doing back scratches, they are so cute, and they were out so fast...  Andrew came up shortly after, and I scratched his back, and we talked a lil bit more about everything.  As I was leaving his room, he said... "Misty, I love you."  It was so amazing how it just touched my heart.  My love for these kids is growing everyday.  Another wonderful day with the lil monsters!!!  MONSTER DAY 3 Sunday sure did not feel like a Sunday to me.  I woke up at 6:00 am, to get ready because I knew we had to be up and ready for breakfast at 8:00am.  Papa Larossa and Miss Anne showed up on time, and I was still in the process of giving Avery her vitamins and pulling her hair in a pony tail up.  We headed out the door to meet them at the famous Minela's Diner.  They were so cute, they all knew exactly what they wanted.  And they were all trying to be so big by helping each other order, and making sure everyone got what they wanted... So cute!!!!  Papa and Miss Ann had just returned from a trip to South Africa, and so we got to hear all their stories about the Safari's they took... It was a lot of fun!!!  We went home and I hid the monster eggs that I had got to finish off the Monster Weekend!!!  They loved the hunt, and it was so fun to watch them intensely search the house.  Andrew was soon off to his baseball game, and Avery was so sweet to help pack up a lil picnic for Tommy, her and I.  We were off to find the game...  Always a quest :) But with papa's help, we made it!!!  It was fun to watch Andrew play, and Avery sat on my lap keeping me warm for most of the game... So nice...  The day ended with a wonderful block party here on our street.  It was so nice.  Everyone came and brought food, and there was music and drinks.  Honestly, it isn't my favorite scene.  It's hard to sometimes just go out of my shell, and talk to complete strangers.  But I did it, and the great thing is that everyone wanted to know me, and who I was, and where I was from.  And I received so many thank you's.  It was a great day... It's always such a treat to see Chris come home and get the biggest hugs and smile from his kids.  They were so excited to have him home!!!!  Later on that night, Tommy and I snuggled and watched a little bit of Over the Hedge.  He is so cute... Lately he just wants to be close to me.  He loves hugs, and he places my hand just where he wants it to make sure I know he needs a back scratch... :)  too funny!!!   I don't think I could have asked for a better Monster Weekend!!!  The kids were so easy to please, and so helpful, and so fun!!! It was the weekend I had wanted!!!!! 

Tuesday... nap day for me :)

I took a nice lil nap today after dropping the kids off at school.  It was much needed...  Bailey came over to chill while I napped, and I slept like a baby.  Before I knew it, it was time to pick up Avery.  I surprised her with taking her bike to school, and we went for a walk/bike ride on my favorite trail, conestoga...  It was a lot of fun... She was so excited!!! Her face lit up, and that might have been the best part.  :)  She was too cute... Riding up ahead, and then waiting for me.  We were both in amazement at how beautiful all the leaves were.  We stopped to look at them, and she picked a few up and game them to me to keep forever...  She is so sweet!!!  After the boys came home, it was a mad rush to get homework done, and dinner ready so that we could venture on to her soccer practice.  That was a lot of fun!!!  She is so cute... She is a great soccer player.  She might whine and complain about having to go, but wow, when she gets there, she is AMAZING!!!!  It is so fun to see her make goals.  She is a star, that's for sure...  The boys went off and played wall ball, and would every once in awhile, come and snuggle up with me for warmth.  As always bed routine was so cute...  I read them stories and Avery chose to sing Heavenly Father's Prayer like five times....  Such a sweetie... she loves that song, and I love to sing it with her!!!!   :)