I love to read! 

From Santa 

Gifts for David 

John's new girlfriend 

Tickets to Disney on Ice 

Masked 

The kids 

How the Boettger's Spent Christmas

Our Christmas celebrations start on Christmas Eve at Aunt Mary & Uncle Bob's house with my Dad's family. Everyone was there, with the exception of my sister Amy and her husband (they live in FL) and my cousin Dan (he is in CA in the Navy). We began with delicious appetizers and then moved on to dinner. Aunt Mary always has a lot to choose from, there was fish, ham, salad, potato salad, lasanga, meatballs and sausage and I am sure I am forgetting something. We ate like D'Alonzo's. After dinner, we exchange gifts. Now that most of us kids are older, we all get gifts from Grandma and Grandpa, and Allison and Tommy get gifts from the Aunts and Uncles. I buy for Grandma & Grandpa and Aunt Mary for being a gracious hostess. David got gifts from everyone. He loved his Power Rangers clothes from Aunt Debbie and his book and Gap clothes from Aunt Mary. Grandmom and Grandpop gave him a remote control truck and money. He played all night with the truck. After some tasty dessert, we left & headed to my cousin Barbara's. David could not wait to get there and play with the kids. As soon as we walked in PJ & David gave David his Little People gift. He loved it. I then gave the boys their stuff, Maggie was sleeping (what a good girl). Aunt Marylynn gave David 2 beautiful outfits and then he was off to play. I got to spend some nice time with Meghan and Barb while sipping some wine and watching the kids play so nice together. We left there about 11 pm. David fell asleep on the way home which was perfect. Steve put him in his bed when we got home and then Santa did his thing. The next morning David was SO excited to see that Santa left him LOTS of presents. He got air hockey (tabletop), trains, power rangers, DVDs, clothes and lots lots more. Santa left me Sirius satelite radio, bras, expensive jeans, lots of CDs, CSI DVDs, and a beautiful necklace. Steve got shirts, thermals and a Flat Panel HD TV. MomMom & Gramps stayed over and they got stuff too. MomMom got a wine bottle opener, Anita Baker Xmas CD and Oprah DVDs. Gramps got Donald Duck Pj's, Jamie Foxx CD and Train DVD. Amy, Andrew, Steve and I also got them tickets to Jersey Boys on Broadway. We all had a great Christmas morning. David played with his toys while Steve and I got ready to head out to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob's to celebrate with my Mom's side. It was real nice for all us to be together especially with Nana passing away the day before. Aunt Kathy's is always lots of fun. We do a grab bag with the whole family. We choose names on Thanksgiving and there is a $50 limit. Before we exchanged gifts, we eat a yummy dinner. Aunt Kathy also makes way to much food and we chow down. Her sweet potatoes are to die for so I had seconds. After dinner we start the grab bag exchange. I host the event and this year we went from oldest to youngest. Before you can get your gift, you have to try and guess who had you. I allowed the guesser to ask me 3 yes or no questions this year to make it easier. My Mom went first and my cousin Jackie was last. We all got loads of great stuff and had a blast. I will not mention everything that went on, but I must tell you about my cousin John's gift. My cousin Mike had John and on John's wish list was Seinfeld DVD, something else and a new girlfriend. Yes, you guessed it, Mike bought John a new girlfriend - a Fat Ass Party Doll that blows up. It was the most hilarious thing I ever saw. We all hung out having a great time drinking, eating and reminiscing. We needed that time together. We left there real late and drove home in major fog, but made it home safely. The next day we drove to Tracey and Rich's in PA for a Boettger celebration. We opened gifts as soon as we arrived, because we had a surprise planned for later that night. Tracey and Rich got Steve, David and I plane tickets to FL in July to celebrate Mom Boettger's 60th B'day along with Atari Flashback for Steve, a candle and Disney Xmas book for me and clothes and toys for David. We got Tracey Tinkerbell PJ's, slippers and shirt and a Mickey Initial bracelet, Rich Karaoke for PS2 with 2 mics and tennis stuff. The surprise was tickets for the kids to Disney On Ice in Phillie. Ally also got Disney Scene It and a Baby Doll and Ty got Charlie and the Chocolate Factory game for PS2 and a Power Rangers Boppin Bag. Rich drove us all in to Phillie for the show. The kids, Tracey and I loved it. It was really good and lots of fun. I bought all the kids programs that came with Incredibles masks so they can remember our trip. When we got home, we ate take out and just relaxed. I spent the next day with Tracey and the guys and kids hung out at the house. Before we left we went for lunch at a great restaurant near their house - David slept through the whole thing. It was a good thing we ate a lot, cause it took us 2 1/2 hours to get home! Overall we had a nice Christmas. We spent time with our family and received some great gifts. Nana was missed, but not forgotten.

Christmas in Heaven

My Nana passed away on Christmas Eve after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. I am sad that she is gone, but glad that she is not suffering anymore. Her passing was quick and she was with my Mom and Aunt Carol, so she was not alone. I will miss her and think of her often remembering the times we spent together. She had a good life, great kids and grandkids (even great-grandkids). My grandfather passed on before her, so we think they were in Heaven having Christmas dinner together. All the meat and potatoes two irish people can eat! I love you Nana, God Bless You.

Beautiful Tree 

NYC

Every year for the past few years, my family makes a trip into NYC to eat, drink and see the tree. This year it was a little different. First thing that changed was Steve's presence. Usually he ends up having to work, but not this year. To most, that would be a nice thing to have your husband be able to join you on a trip to NYC, but not for me. Aside from the fact that he is not a NYC fan, the Giants were playing at 5 pm. We had discussed this during the week and I had told him to PLEASE stay home, but he insisted on coming. Of course, he was NOT a happy camper which in turn made my trip unpleasant. Another change was that Aunt Mary, Uncle Bob and Christopher joined us. This was a GOOD thing, actually a great thing. It was really nice to see Chris, he lives in NYC and I do not see him as much as I'd like to. It was more like old times when all our family used to hang out - like at Brookside. The final change was the independence. Normally, we meet and hit all the sites as a group. This year, everyone did their own thing and we only met up for lunch. Because Steve had ants in his pants, I did not get to do much. We went to Toys R Us, ESPN Zone and the tree. I wanted to go to the Disney Store, FAO Schwartz and just see the sites. I guess I'll just have to hit them up next year, when I fly SOLO.

Time Flies!

I love this time of year for many reasons, but one of my favorite things is opening Christmas cards. It is great to hear from family and friends but most of all I love the picture cards. You get to see how the kids have grown - it makes me so happy. Our friends Cathy & Niko have 2 boys and we have not seen them in at least 1 year - we got their card the other day and they are the 2 of the most handsome boys I've ever seen. My cousin Christa sent a card with her 2 girls gracing the front and even though we just saw them in November, they look even more gorgeous and grown up then I remember. My friend Michele from work sent one of her pretty little girls that I have never met in person, but adore all the same. My cousin Barbara sent a picture card that Disney could use in promos. It has all 5 of them with Mickey on Main Street USA. Talk about a great looking family! My sister-in-law sent one of my beautiful niece and strapping nephew hugging, they have matured so much. Our cousins Laurie & Walter mailed one out with Thomas (the cutie) all bundled up sitting in the snow. I could kiss his little face all up! My friend Sandy sent us a photo card of her 2 munchkins in front of their fireplace. How adorable! A long time friend of mine, Melissa, sent one with her handsome sons and a surfing Santa - very original. I just sent our cards out on Tuesday. I hope others enjoy it as much as I enjoy theirs.

My two sons 

Hanging ornaments 

Helping Dad with the tree 

David & Vo-Tech Santa 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

This past weekend was one of the best weekends I've had in a while (not that any of them were bad). Friday morning we woke up to snow, so I was fortunate enough to work from home. I really love working from home. I just pop out of bed, make my way downstairs to the computer and start my day. I always seem to get so much more done on WAH days. My Mom made us grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and before I knew it, my work day was over. Steve had gotten home a little early cause he went in VERY early, so I was able to jump right in to cleaning the house. After taking a shower, I ran over to the A&P to pick up food for Saturday. When I got home, we took a ride to the diner for dinner, but it was jam packed so we ate at Gavlan's. This was only our 2nd time there - I was boycotting because they cut down trees and now I can see Rt. 18 too clearly - but we were hungry. Our dinner was delicious and HUGE. We made the mistake of ordering nachos (much better than the 1st time we were there) and ate all of them. David got pasta with butter and a big salad and that was off the kids menu! Steve had a cajun chicken sandwich and I ordered a southwest pizza. I changed the sauce from marinara to BBQ - awesome. Once we got home, I started to put the house together for my Holiday Shopping Open House that I held on Saturday. I did not go to bed until well after 1 AM. I woke up bright and early on Saturday and got to cleaning. Steve and David went to Vo-Tech for the Santa Breakfast. It was perfect, I cleaned, prepped and showered all alone. When they came home, Steve helped me do a few things and then Jean showed up. She set herself up and I got the food ready. Steve, David and Zach headed upstairs. Megan and her friend were our first customers. Then my Aunt Carol came in. Corey dropped by with Jean's Mom, she stayed, he left. Aunt Kathy and Jackie showed up and then Theresa came too. We all hung out, ate, drank, shopped and gossiped. Jean sold some pieces and I sold some product too. It was a really great day. After I cleaned up, Steve, David and I went to get our Christmas tree. There was slim pickings, but we got one. We wanted a skinny one and we got it. I have to tell you, for a good Xmas tree story, visit Mike's blog. Anyway, David helped Steve set the tree up and unwrap it - he was very excited. Steve cooked a london broil on the grill for dinner - it was very tasty. David wanted to play poker - yeah I know - so we played and then it was time for bed. I slept right through my nail appt on Sunday morning - oops! So we had a nice lazy Sunday. I made David pancakes (microwavable) with whipped cream - he loved them. I ran to A&P and Kmart for some little things. When I got home, we decorated the tree and the house. At first David was very into it and helpful, but then he got distracted, so I finished up. During this time, I was watching the Giants beat the Eagles - YAHOO! I made chili for dinner and then we ran back to Kmart for more outdoor lights. Our trip served 2 purposes - the lights and David falling asleep. We succeeded on both fronts - until we walked in the house. David jumped out of arms with more energy then ever. Steve and I just looked at each other in amazement. David played on the computer and we watched the ever so boring Sunday night football game. When it was time for bed - I was elated. I was exhausted. I really had a great weekend.

Modern Technology

We had an addition built onto our humble abode right after David was born in June 2003. We were instructed by our contractor that we had to have fire and carbon monoxide detectors hard wired into our home. They were to be placed in all bedrooms, on the first floor and the basement. Well, for the past 3 nights, our alarms have been going off. The first night it happened we assumed that it had something to do with the battery. The second night, I opened a window to get in fresh air and it worked. Last night, I called the EB Police Department. The operator sent over an officer and the fire department at 1:30 am! The firefighter told us that it was probably the sheet rock dust (from Steve fixing and painting the stairway) blocking the sensor. He told us to vaccum the detectors. So Steve did. He put them back up and they were still going off. The solution - take them out of the ceiling all together. So as of now, we have no detectors - not a great thing. I will be calling Steve's cousin Walter (an electrician) to come by and take a look. I can not live with the high pitch alarm in the middle of the night, but we might not live through a fire or CO2 without a detector!

Shopping Fun

I started my Christmas shopping yesterday - at least the mall part. I had purchased a few items online this week. I needed to be out of the house a while, so Steve could paint some of the walls that never got done, so I headed to the Freehold Mall. I was going to meet my Mom there and she had some things to do first, so I stopped off at Best Buy and Modell's on Rt. 9. I bought gifts for my 2 brothers-in-law, Steve's grab bag person and Steve. By now my Mom was on her way, so off to the mall. It was crowded, but I have seen worse. I had a few coupons, so I wanted to check out, The Children's Place, Disney and American Eagle. I bought stuff for David and myself - I know real good. We had pretzles for lunch and David spotted an arcade - not good. I told him we could go in, but thankfully he never asked for money, so we didn't stay long. All the other stores I needed had long lines and are at my crappy little local mall, so I headed home. I called Steve and he was not done, so I thought I'd hit that crappy mall. But, my bladder took over and I stopped home. David really needed a nap, but wouldn't take one. After a 1/2 hour of trying, we headed to the crappy mall. I got a gift for my babysitter, my grab bag person & my sister and the December cards I'll need. After a smoothie, we went back home. Steve was finishing up, so I made dinner and got David in his PJ's. I feel that I am half done with my shopping. There are a few people I am clueless about, but I'll think of something. Now I am on my way to Kmart to get some money back - wish me luck!

Swimming in Orlando 

Poolside 

Rehearsal dinner 

Amy 

Mommy & Son 

Linda w/the bride & groom 

Boy - it's been a while!

Hello Blog Readers - sorry I have been away so long. I'm going to try and let you know all the exciting things you have been missing. I'll start off with our trip to Disney. We left Sunday Nov. 6th and were in Disney for 5 days/4 nights. We visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM studios and Universal parks. It was a great time. David met a lot of characters and we all ate some delicious food. When we left Orlando on Thursday, we made our way to Jupiter, FL for my sister's wedding. Although the wedding itself took place on Saturday, Thursday the festivities started. Thursday night everyone gathered at the Sugarcane Bistro for dinner and/or drinks. Friday after lounging in the sun, was the Rehearsal dinner at a great sports bar. Saturday was the Big Day. Amy could not have asked for a more beautiful day. The sun was shining, but it was not too hot. She looked stunning and had a great time. My Uncle Jack performed a beautiful ceremony and the Jupiter Beach Resort did a fantastic job. Amy and Andrew had an awesome wedding day. Sunday after breakfast with Steve's parents at the hotel we went back to NJ. I have to say, I was happy to be home and VERY glad I had taken Monday off. Friday Steve and I went into NYC for dinner with my co-workers to Blue Smoke BBQ. It was delicious! The rest of the weekend, I did 2 Creative Memories events. On Saturday I did a vendor fair and Sunday I did a Get Together in Bronxville, NY for a friend of mine. That part of NYC is gorgeous. Her apartment is great and she served magnificent food. The next week was Thanksgiving. We spent the day at Aunt Mary's for turkey and the night at Aunt Carol's for dessert and grab bag. My family is nuts and we have a great time together. Friday, Steve and I worked on the house and cleaned. Saturday Tracey, Rich and kids came for the weekend. We went to Shogun 18 for dinner and after we got the kids to sleep, we played scene it?. We cracked up all night. Sunday Steve worked, but the rest of us went to the diner for breakfast. After breakfast, we popped over to Crate & Barrel outlet so Tracey and I could shop. I love shopping. After, they headed back to PA and I went home. Mike & Laura-Ann were waiting for us when we got there. It was time for football. Jill and Joe showed up and then the girls (and David) hit the mall. Steve came home while we were gone and the boys and girls had a good day. Mike and Laura-Ann stayed for dinner. This week I was back in New Brunswick all week - YEAH! Yesterday, I was offered a new job (at UMDNJ) and I accepted! I am not sure when I will start, but I am VERY excited about it. I guess that wraps up the past month - I promise to post more often this month.

Almost ready!

Only 2 days till we leave for FL! I am VERY excited. I got my hair done last night, tonight I go for my pedicure and tomorrow it's nails and waxing. Then packing. I am always a last minute packer - some people like that and some don't. It works for me. First we're going to Disney World. David is going to have such a great time. He's been there 2 times already, but I think this time will be the most fun. He knows all the characters and loves to go on rides. I have made a lot of reservations so he'll get to meet a lot of 'people'. We are going to stop in Universal Studios also - David has never been and Steve and I have not gone since we lived there. Shrek is there and David LOVES him. After we leave US, we're driving to Jupiter. The hotel we are staying in (Jupiter Beach Resort) is gorgeous and that is where my sister's reception will be. I think we're going out for a mini bachelorette party that night - FUN! Friday I plan on hanging by the pool until the rehearsal dinner. Saturday is the BIG day. I can not wait. I love my dress and my shoes, so I am really looking forward to wearing them. I also am dying to see David all dressed up - my little man. I think the wedding is going to be great. Amy will look beautiful and I know we'll all have a blast. Almost all my relatives will be there and that means a whole lot of fun. I'll post pix when I return.

Missing out

I've been working like a dog lately and missing out on a lot. Last week ended our Go Live support so I had a full weekend to myself. Friday I met someone for dinner at a great Italian restaurant. I had a real nice time and hopefully there will be a good outcome. Saturday I held Croptoberfest at my house for my scrappers to have some uninterrupted scrapping time. I started my sister's bridal shower album, Jean started an album for her cousin, Geri worked on her granddaughters album and my Mom sorted her pictures into her Powersort box. We all got a lot done. My Dad went to the Rutgers game with a family friend and we met them at Tumulty's in New Brunswick for dinner. It was homecoming weekend so we waited a while before eating. David enjoyed watching the trains and running up and down the ramp. After dinner, we went home and my Mom decided to spend the night. Steve and I thought we'd take advantage of the built in babysitter and meet our cousins at The Breakfast Club. When we got there, we did not see their cars. I called Mike and sure enough, they decided not to go. So, we went home. No big deal. Sunday, my Mom and I walked the Memory Walk to benefit Alzheimer's. We did REAL well. On our way home, we stopped at IHOP, where Steve and David joined us. I ate a HUGE breakfast, which defeated the point of a very fast, long and up hill walk I had just completed. Oh well. When I got home I passed out on the couch watching the Giants game. When I woke up, David took a nap and I finished my sister's bridal shower album. We all went out to get Halloween candy once David woke up and picked up take out on our way home. After dinner we played and watched more football. I had a real nice weekend and I even felt relaxed. This week I'll be busy, but it will all be ok. I get to go back to my New Brunswick office on Wed and then I am off to FL on Sunday. Watch out Mickey, here we come!

Try this...

I found it on Jersey Girl's site. Bold all those that you ever were guilty of doing. When you are done, add one thing that is true about yourself to the end, then post the list to your blog.

I’ve run away from home.
I listen to political music.
I collect comic books.
I shut others out when I’m sad.
I open up to others easily.
I am keeping a secret from the world.
I watch the news.
I own over 5 rap CDs.
I own an ipod. (MP3 player)
I own something from Hot Topic.
I love Disney movies.
I am a sucker for hair/eyes.
I don’t kill bugs.
I have “x”s in my screen name.
I’ve slipped out a “lol” in a real conversation.
I love Spam.
I bake well.
I would wear pajamas to school/work.
I own something from Abercrombie.
I have a job.
I love Martha Stewart.
I am in love with someone.
I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
I am self conscious.
I like to laugh.
I smoke a pack a day.
I loved Go Ask Alice.
I have cough drops when I’m not sick.
I can’t swallow pills.
I quit smoking.
I have many scars.
I’ve been out of this country.
I believe in ghosts.
I can’t sleep if there is a spider in the room.
I am really ticklish.
I love chocolate.
I bite my nails.
I am comfortable with being me.
I play computer games/video games when I’m bored.
Gotten lost in the city.
Saw a shooting star.
I have had 2 serious surgical procedures.
I have kissed a stranger.
Hugged a stranger.
Been in a fist fight with the same sex.
Been arrested.
Laughed and had milk/soda come out of your nose.
Pushed all the buttons on an elevator.
Made out in an elevator.
Sworn at my parents.
Kicked a guy where it hurts.
Been skydiving.
Been bungee jumping.
Broken a bone.
Played spin the bottle.
Gotten stitches.
Bitten someone.
Been to Niagara Falls.
Gotten the chicken pox.
Crashed into a car.
Been to Asia.
Ridden in a taxi.
Shoplifted.
Been fired.
Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back.
Had a crush on a teacher/coach.
Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Been to Europe.
Slept with a co-worker.
Been married.
Gotten divorced.
Saw someone dying.
Driven over 400 miles in one day.
Been to Canada.
Been on a plane.
Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Thrown up in a bar.
Eaten Sushi.
Been snowboarding.
Been skiing.
Been ice skating.
Met someone in person from the internet.
Been to a car show.
Gone to college.
Done hard drugs.
Taken painkillers.
Met a celebrity.
I like playing practical jokes.
Seen all nine seasons of the X-Files.
Once swore Disco would never die.
Seen a ghost.
Attended a professional sporting event.
Attended a live rock concert.
Stayed up all night.
Lied about my name.
Thrown something at a spouse.
After a night out, have gone straight to work without going home.
I cut all the wires in my husband's car for spite.
Been engaged twice.

Whistle while you work?

I think not. Whistling would mean that I was enjoying my job - I am not. On Monday, we went live with the a appointment program. In order for there to be coverage and support for the people loading their appointments, my schedule was adjusted. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I worked from 6 am to 3 pm (no breaks) and Thursday from 1 pm to 8:30 pm. Luckily the loading went much faster than anticipated, so by Thursday afternoon, we were told we would go back to our 8 to 4 pm work day for Friday. Thursday I was scheduled till 10 pm, but the loaders left at 5:50 pm. You might wonder why I stayed almost 3 more hours...people like to make huge changes in the 13th hour. Friday was another one of those days, so I left after 5 pm. I was scheduled to work on Sunday (today) but because we were doing so well, we were under the WRONG impression that the weekend hours would not be needed. Needless to say, I am posting from work! Hopefully there will not be any major changes today. I'll let you know.

Dinner at Conch Joe's 

Driving the boat 

Dinner in Ponce Inlet 

Bride to be with gifts 

Quick Update

Sorry it's been so long! Last Wednesday we left for Florida. We went for a quick visit to Steve's parents house in Palm Coast and then off to Port St. Lucie for my sister's bridal shower. We had a great time at Steve's parents. They had a beautiful pool put in since the last time we've been there so we spent a lot of time in there. It is a salt water pool instead of chlorine - what a difference! David loved it too. He loved the jets and the 'rainforest'. We went fishing, out on the boat, out to dinner in Ponce Inlet, had breakfast at Cracker Barrel and shopped the outlets. Steve's Mom took us for a ride through St. Augustine. What a cool city. I can't wait to walk through it next time we're down. Steve's Dad is having knee replacement tomorrow, so he was still not feeling well. It was great to see them and hope to be going back soon. On Friday afternoon we drove down to Port St. Lucie. My cousin Mar and her husband Frank had come in from NJ that afternoon so we met for dinner. After dinner, we went to see my sister's new house. It's gorgeous! Very spacious and nicely decorated. Saturday was her shower at a Key West style restaurant in Jupiter. She had a great time and got some real nice gifts. I had all my family that could not attend the shower, create a scrapbook for her. She was so surprised and loved it. After the shower, we went to the Jupiter Beach Resort where she's getting married. I loved it! It is so classy and breathtaking. The rooms make you feel like you're on a tropical island. We watched the Yanks clinch the AL East at the ocean view bar! That night we went to dinner at a seafood restaurant with everyone - lots of fun. The next morning before we left, we had breakfast and then headed for the airport. Although we really enjoyed ourselves - it was nice to be home.

For Jersey Girl

Hi Mrs. Laffey! This one is for you...

Things I plan (Lord willing) to do before I die:
1. See David grow up healthy and happy
2. Travel with my husband and son
3. Finish scrapbooking
4. Learn to Golf
5. Live at the beach

5 Things I can do:
1. Teach scrapbooking
2. Be a friend
3. Give advice
4. Work hard & long
5. Shop

5 Things I cannot do (yet):
1. Speak another language
2. Work slow
3. Give up
4. Be quiet
5. Be around birds

5 Things that attract me to the opposite sex:
1. Sense of Humor
2. Honesty
3. Sincerity
4. Realness
5. Strong hands

5 Things I say most often:
1. I love you
2. David!
3. Hi Babe
4. I hate this job (when I am at work)
5. Thanks.

5 Celebrity crushes:
1. Jon Bon Jovi
2. Tino Martinez
3. Steve Burton
4. Michael Madsen
5. Tommy Lee (my bad boy)

5 People I want to do this:
1. Tracey
2. Amy
3. Derrick
4. Laurie (ditto on this from Laney & Mom, fix the computer already!!!)
5. Mike

Football, Traffic and Visitors

It's been a while since I've posted - work has been insane. Since I wrote last, we have gone to the Rutgers football game, I've sat in LOTS of aweful traffic and Steve's parents have come to visit. The Rutgers game was on a beautiful Saturday afternoon unlike last year when we were freezing and wet. The NERDS played the pre-game party and were terrific. David had a blast meeting the Scarlet Knight and playing in all the kids games. I did not have so much fun. Steve decided to park himself near the beer truck and left me to run after David. When it came game time, we piled into the stadium to sweat through the game. The game really was great - they won and made lots of nice plays, but it was HOT. I do not usually complain, but I was not expecting it, so I was not appropriately dressed. My parents, David and I watched the game and David was SO into it. He was yelling "tackle him" and "touchdown". Steve was no where to be found - probably not feeling too good. After the game we came back to our house for dinner and to watch more football. Overall the day was good. Ok, now for the traffic report. NJ must have the worst roads because everywhere you, go no matter what time, there is traffic. I spent most of my time last week in traffic on the NJ Turnpike and Rt. 280. Thursday was the topper - Theresa and I left Newark at 4:40 pm. I did not walk in my door until after 7 pm! The worst part was that we were smooth sailing until we hit exit 10. So from exit 10 to exit 9 we sat for 2 hours! It was aweful and poor Theresa was afraid she would run out of gas! We did not run out of gas - thank God - and we had each other to keep us sane, but we were not happy. Friday I worked from home and it was great. I woke up about 20 minutes before I started work and shuffled to the computer. While it was coming up, I made myself tea. My parents showed up to watch David and he woke up a little later. My day was going well but I had a lot of work to do. I took my shower on my lunch break. David went down for a long nap about 2/2:30 pm right before my in-laws came in. My parents chatted with them until I was done with work. After Steve got home, the 5 of us went to one of our favorite restaurants - Covella's in Sayreville. Our dinner was fantastic. On Saturday Steve worked and his parents went to visit friends, so David and I ran some errands. He was such a good boy. After he and I napped, we went to my Aunt Carol's for John's 22nd birthday. We all had a real nice time. Sunday Tracey and the kids came at 10 am and saw my in-laws off around noon. They stayed till 2:30 and headed to Medivel Times for a birthday party. Jill, Joe and Mike were over watching football. After everyone was gone, Steve and I made dinner and the 3 of us ate. I scrapped while watching the Tommy Lee goes to College finale and football. David wrestled with Steve and watched Mickey Mouse movies and then it was time for bed. I love going to bed - especially when I've had a crazy couple of days. I don't even remember falling asleep. This morning I sat in more traffic to come to work - I sure hope my rides home are better than last week!

Are You Ready for Some FOOTBALL?

YES I AM! Tonight kicks off the 2005/2006 NFL season and I could not be more excited. Even though it is a week night, we are having a Kick Off party. I stopped at Sam's to pick up appetizers and Steve is off to get the beer. I will be drinking soda, cause I do not like beer and do not want to wake up with a headache. I figured I would blog before our guests arrive. Not that many people are coming because most of my family are teachers and have started back to work this week. It does not matter, I'll be watching the Pats and the Raiders play the other greatest sport in the world and cheering for my fantasy quaterback, Kerry Collins. I can not wait!

My Little Man 

Back to Work

When I woke up this morning I was hit in the face with reality - vacation is officially over! I was MISERABLE, but I stumbled to the shower to get read for work. After I snuck into David's room to kiss him good-bye, I got in my car for the dreaded ride to Newark. The ride got better after I picked up my partner in hell, Theresa. I had not seen her in a while - she was on vacation and then I went away. We chatted our way up the turnpike. Once we got in the office we were innundated with work, so the day went by quickly. We could not wait to get out of there. We were back in EB before 5 pm. After making a return at the GAP, I was home. It is amazing that as soon as I see David's face - work does not even exist. I love that little guy. When he saw me he asked "Mommy, want to play Elmo Limbo with me?" How can I say no? So we limboed. Steve came home soon after and we all piled in our bed. David loves to jump and tackle us. I have to admit, we love it too. I cooked a great taco dinner and we all ate like kings. As I write this, David and Steve are getting ready for bed. Soon, I'll be reading a bedtime story and kissing David good-night. Did I mention that I love that little guy? Oh, yeah, I did.

Hershey Park