Eugene, Oregon

Myself and five other educators went on a journey to Eugene, Oregon. We were attending a conference on a program that we use called Direct Instruction. Let me just say that it was an adventure from start to finish. It started off on Saturday July 19th. We were suppose to leave Philly at 12:55, but when I got there the flight was cancelled due to the fact that there wasn't enough pilots. Luckily Kevin and Michael had just left, so they turned around and came back to get me. The good thing was that I was able to hang out with my family a little longer. We finally left around 5:00. We arrived in Denver, Colorado and had a two hour wait, so we decided to get some dinner. I also took a picture of the girls in front of a sign for tornado shelter, they never saw anything like it.

When we got to our gate it said that the plane was delayed due to the beautiful lighten storm that was happening outside. We finally left Denver and landed in Eugene around 12:30am, which is three hours behind in time, so it was really 3:30am our time, what fun. By that time I was tired and annoyed. We finally got to our hotel and was able to go to sleep, but wasn't able to get much sleep because our training started at 8:30 the next day. We spent the week going to workshops and learning a lot of helpful ideas for the up coming school year. Eugene is a very interesting place, everyone seems so happy and layed back. There are a lot of restaurants that serve organic food and drinks. I have never seem so many hippies and VW bugs in my life (I lost count on all the punch buggies). On Wednesday all six of us jumped into a mini van, which I drove and took went to the coast. We all wanted to see the sea lions and the Pacific ocean. It took us about an hour and half to get there, but it was a beautiful drive through the mountains. We saw the sea lions and then decided to eat at a restaurant called Mo's in Florence, Eugene. They had the BEST clam chowder that I have ever tasted and I think that everyone who ate it would agree. We ended our trip to the coast by running up a VERY LARGE sand dune and seeing the sun set. We wanted to stick our feet in the water, but it was to steep of a trip down to the bottom and I don't think that we could make it back up. The sunset was absolutly beautiful.

The next day it was time to travel again, what fun. We went from Eugene to Portland to Denver to PhillyOf course the flight from Denver to Philly was a red eye. I stayed up for a total of 28 hours straight, I can't sleep on airplanes. Needless to say that I was extremely tired by the time I arrived home. When I got home I was greeted by Roxy and my son. There was also a sign that said welcome home, roses, a card and brand new camera. I was so excited, but I couldn't show it because I was sooooooo tired. All in all it was a good trip but I am not to sure about the flying again. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Already a Year

I can't believe that it was a year ago that Kevin and I said "I do". It does not feel like a year has gone by and let me tell you it was a very busy year for the three of us. Here is just a recap of the past year and a half. In November of 06 Kevin asked the big question in front of all of our friends at a restaurant called

Victor's Cafe

Will you marry me?

YES

After that he sold his house and Michael and him moved in with Roxy, Callie and myself. We spent the next seven months planning a wedding and upgrading my house. Of course planning for a wedding is a lot better then scraping, and painting the hallway, family room, dining room and kitchen, but it needed to be done. I do admit that the house looked great after it was all finished and we were ready to sell.

The Big Day July 21, 2007

It was the best day of my life, OK the second, the first was meeting Kevin in our backyards. We can't forget the squirrel that gave his life for us to meet. Without the squirrel I don't know if we would have ever met. So thank you squirrel.

Our wedding turned out to be a perfect day. I can't imagine ever being so happy as I did that day. Not only did I find the love of my life, but I gained a son also.

Tell me who wouldn't love this.

Here are some pictures of that wonderful day.

After the party was over, Kevin and I went on our honeymoon to St. Lucia. We stayed at a Sandals resort and enjoyed ever minute. We went on a land and sea cruise, Jeep Safari ride (which Kevin got sick), sat on the beach, hung out by the wet bar, ate, and slept. Basically we did nothing for a week, and it was the best. We can't wait to go back and visit again. I highly recommend going if you get a chance. Here are some pictures from the honeymoon.

Finally, I would like to say even though it was a very crazy year, I wouldn't trade any of it at all. I have finally found my best friend and soul mate. I didn't think that I would ever find anyone like Kevin and also have a son that is so loving and caring towards me. Thank you Kevin for sharing your love and your life with me. I thank God every day that I am blessed with you and Michael.

Home Sweet Home

As many of you already know Kevin, Michael and I moved into a new house in April. It was a long and stressful process buying this house, but we are finally settling down as a family. When we were house hunting we found this house by accident and we gave the nickname of "CLOWN HOUSE" The previous owners had way too much fun with colors throughout the house. As you can see some of the rooms were very interesting.

Of course when we moved in we had to paint Michael's room right away because his room was bright pink. I also painted the guest room because it had clouds and airplanes on the walls and ceilings. After that I waited till summer brake to tackle the rest of the house. I painted the clown room (yes no more yellow and orange stripes) a brown with white curtains. We are still looking for the right furiture.

Then I painted the upstairs hallway, which was a faux finish, I just painted it a cream color. Next I painted our master bedroom a shade of blue with brown curtains. I really like blue and brown together.
Finally, I moved on to the hardest room of all, the family room.

This was the before picture looking over the railing from the second floor hallway. You can imagine how high the walls are. I think that they are about 15 feet high!!!!. I had to climb up and down a very high ladder to get to the top.

Let me tell you how much fun that was.

By the time this room was done, I needed a brake from painting for a little.


I still have the entry way, kitchen, and the dining room left. I am hoping to get them down before the end of the summer, but we will see. I do admit that it is fun picking out different colors and changing rooms around.

Justin's Married!!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Kolander July 5, 2008

Kevin and I had the privilege of being a part of Justin and Marie's wedding day. They got married at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey, Pa on July 5, 2008 at 2:00PM. I was a little nervous because I thought that it was going to rain the whole day, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. It was a very nice ceremony and everything went off without any problems. Just looked at how happy he is, you can see it on his face.

Lots of Love here and of course the BUBBLES. I love BUBBLES!!!!

The Reception was the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in of course Hershey,Pa. They had a big Hershey kiss for all the cards, which was a really cute idea. The cocktail hour had my favorite wine and all the yummy foods that you wanted. We met Marie's Grandmother Jean who has 9 children and she was so interesting to talk to. I met most of her children, but I don't think that I can remember all of their names.

It is really hard to see, but they are swinging a rally towel. They were our favors. The towels were of course the color of the Steelers (BIG SHOCK) and they had their names and the date of their wedding. We were all suppose to swinging them, but Kevin and I decided not to, come on the Steelers-GO EAGLES.

I didn't know that Justin could dance, just kidding he did a great job at it. His mom looked soooo happy to see her son get married.

After all the proper dances came the party and of course more drinking for me. Everyone looked like that that had a great time. I am still upset (not really)with the fact that I had to pay a dollar to dance with Justin (traditional dollar dance) and he didn't take off any of his clothes-ha ha.

Kevin and I had a really great time at the wedding. It was so nice to be able to spend sometime together. We are happy for Justin and Marie. May you be blessed with may years of happiness. I know that I am blessed with having Kevin in my life.

Day at the Park

Michael and I decided that we needed to get out of the house last Wednesday. We both knew that we were going to be homebound for the next two days, and have no forms of transportation (HELP). Both cars need to be inspected and of course Kevin needs one to get to work. Whatever!!! I called Christina up and asked if she wanted to save us and do something. We decided that we were going to the park with Michael, Abbey and Luke. Here are some really cute pictures of our adventure, and let me say that Michael of course had a GREAT time with all the younger kids.