Monday, November 30, 2009

Sweet Jared


Our friend's son passed away this morning, Jared Vance. He was 7 years old and died of a chordoma tumor. Though I didn't know Jared all that well, I remember him being a cute, sweet, quiet boy.

I've left a link for you to look at Jared's blog. Afterward, could say a prayer for the family and give your children a great big hug?

Jared's journey

Chordoma Foundation

Thursday, November 26, 2009

You've Got Mail

Whenever I read Happy Thanksgiving I think of the scene from You've Got Mail:

Joe Fox: [speaking to the grumpy cashier] Happy Thanksgiving... it's your turn to say Happy Thanksgiving back.
Rose, Zabars Cashier: Happy Thanksgiving back.

I can see her face, I can hear her accent.

Gobble Gobble!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Reality Check

The other day a friend on Facebook wrote this on his status ...

I dropped my kids off at school today for the first time (my first time). I almost lost it when my baby girl gave me a big hug, looked up with a tear in her eye and in her sad voice said "bye, bye Daddy" Good thing I'm a man and I can control my emotions.

"Humm...", I thought, wishing I could drop ALL my kids off at school. My immediate response was, "You need to have more kids, then it won't be so hard."

Throughout the day I read other friends responses such as, "Been there. A precious moment u won't soon forget." or "that's pretty sweet".

As I read these, I contemplated my response and wondered if I was too negative. Should I feel guilty for being a bit heartless? Then I remembered the previous experience I had the day before when I dropped my kids off at school, it went something like this...

I'm driving the kids to school, they are being so nice to each other. No fighting, no snotty attitude, we aren't rushed, everything is going great. I say to my kids, "guys, I just want you to know I think you are awesome kids. I just really love you."

I pull up to the school. The regular drop-off area is totally full of cars so I say, "look, I'm going to drop you off right here instead of where all the cars are." Then the fun begins...

Kids: WHAT? NOO we are going to be late!!! Don't drop us off here!!! Mrs. Bird is gone and no one will walk us to the school! NO MOM!!!!!!!

Michael slams the door saying,"THANKS A LOT MOM, NOW WE ARE GOING TO BE LATE!!!"

Max, who had already left the car, gave me the meanest, crustiest look.

Did I feel guilty for saying that to my friend on Facebook? Not at all.


Did someone say New York? I am still lovin' my trip there...

This is my hero, Kipp. We stayed at his apartment and he helped us get to the bus station (that's how we got to Amy's wedding). We would have never gotten there if it wasn't for his city expertise. He looks like a hero, doesn't he?
This is where the wedding celebration took place. It was in Roscoe, New York.

Here's the beautiful bride, her beautiful mother, and moi.

Becky and I scrambled to get the tables set properly. I guess that's what happens when you work at a fine dining restaurant.
One of my favorite parts of the wedding was when this traditional Italian family sang and danced around the bride and groom to "That's Amore!"
Oh yeah..... I still got it!