Merry Xmas Everyone!

It is the morning of the 24th and it looks like no snow for this Xmas.  If I had my wish it would snow only on Xmas Day.  Oh well, we are still as excited as ever and looking forward to the next 3 days.

Why 3 days?  It begins for us today with a 4:30 children’s Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Ohio City.  This historic and beautiful chuch is where Ashley and Damon were married and thier 3 kids were baptized.  After Mass, we are heading over to their home on Fulton for a Xmas Eve Dinner.  Joining us will be Mitch, Doreen Maya along with Damon’s Mom.  Looks like Damon is planning a great dinner and will be fun seeing the kid’s excitement!

Tomorrow morning early we are heading back to Fulton to watch Alta, Mather and Case (his first Xmas)  open presents.  We did this last year and the eyes were so huge!  Then we head to Avon for Maya’s second Xmas along with breakfast.  The afternoon will be quiet and think we are going to clean the house and watch a movie!

Monday we prepare our Xmas dinner and the arrival of Matt, Nicole, Maddy and Cayden.  Everyone (Mann’s and Taseff’s) should be here in the 2 pm range for appetizers, opening of the gifts, and then dinner!  Should be a wonderful and thankful time!

As you think about this Xmas season please keep in mind again our troops and all armed forces.  Also our deceased parents and relatives along with Uncle Bill.   Merry and safe Xmas to John and his family, to Jim and his family and to Beth and her family along with Grandma Rita!  Wish we were ALL together and we are planning on that to take place in 2012!  Love you all … keep smiling, being positive and forward looking!

Happy Birthday Alta!!!

Happy 4th Birthday to our beautiful Alta!   She is so cute and fun loving and she enjoys every day to it’s fullest.  We love you and can’t wait to see you later today on this your very special day!

This week we wrapped up our Xmas shopping.  I would say it, overall, was very easy and delightful.  We have some real surprises this year and look forward to next Monday (the 26st) to share them.  Mo even has them all wrapped and did it without boxes this year which, I think, turned out very well!

We received our first snowfall of the season yesterday (the 17th).  The forecast was for a trace of snow and we received approximately six inches.  It does make it seem more like Xmas but one inch would have been enough.  Luckily I had the snow blower ready and it came in handy as the snow was of the wet and heavy variety!  I think the only one (other than kids and ski areas) is Maggie who loves to get her nose down in and then shake it.  I think most dogs love the cold better than the hot, muggy weather.

This past week I bought a new HD TV (42″ LG) and our first blue-ray disc player (also a LG).  Mitch came over yesterday and we got it installed and running.  It is a pretty easy process today vs years ago … one new HD cable and basically a plug and play!  Thanks for your help Mitch and only cost me a couple of bud lights!

I also got a new 4G phone this past week or so … a Samsung Stratosphere!  I really like it and have been enjoying all the apps, particularly at work.  There are times in the evening when Mom is on her IPad and I am on my phone … not sure this is a good thing or not!  I wanted a phone that was touch but also had the slide out key board for texting, etc.  This phone is so easy that I have yet to use the much desired key board.  Have I finally come into the 2000+ era???  Think so!

I hope everyone has a safe, joyous and fun-filled Holiday Season.  I am so happy that the troops are all home from Iraq and can enjoy, for many, their first Xmas at home in years.  But we must also remember there are many more troops still away in places like Afganistan, Germany and so on.  Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  Also I would ask that everyone remember their respective relatives that are no longer on this earth … for me, especially my mom and dad, Maureen’s mom and day, and Maureen’s brother Uncle Bill.  We love you all and think of you often!   Merry Xmas everyone!

Chicago Fun!

It is a Thursday evening and pulling in the driveway tonite after work I was surprised to see that our Xmas tree was up and the lights on (bulbs, etc to come).  Bought a couple of very little trees, with lights, for the front outside area by the front door and those coupled with the tree looks so awesome.  It is hard to believe that in 24 days it will be Xmas!!!!

This past weekend we were in Chicago visiting Matt, Nicole, Cayden and Maddy.  We had a real blast and kept busy as always when we are there.  After watching most of the OSU / Michigan game Cayden and I headed over, in the rain, to watch his dad (Matt) play in their annual turkey bowl.  They had eneough guys for 4 teams and it was a great setup.  Matt’s team ended up 8-1 which qualified them for the finals which, unfortunately, they were upset.  Cayden was a real trooper in the rain and was so proud of his daddy catching the ball and scoring touchdowns! 

That evening we headed out to Dirty Nellie’s for dinner and to watch even more football.  It is a great pub and is home to many well known area bands.  Cayden and Maddy were both able to spend a couple of minutes on the stage while stage hands were setting up for the night’s band later that evening.

Sunday we headed, as usual. to Dunkin Donuts to buy donuts with Maddy picking out two pink donuts with sprinkles. Then, after donuts and coffee, we headed downtown to a beautiful outdoor rink at Millenium Park.  The twins did a great job for their very first time skating and Matt, Nicole, and Maureen also showed great skills even though I never saw a jump or spin of any kind.  Great job everyone!  After skating we met up at a local pub to have breakfast with Grandma Pat and Grandp G.  Great to see them and a wonderful breakfast (and bloody mary’s).    Then we headed to yet another pub to see the latter half of the Browns / Bengals game and another heart breaking loss.  Sunday evening was one of games, IPad, reading books and heading on to bed. 

Thanks to Matt, Nicole, Cayden and Maddy for a very nice couple of days and we will see  you all on the 26st!

Ashley, Mom and myself have all been fighting colds so hopefully that will soon be over for the year.  Ashley, and kids, have been busy putting tree up (check her blog) and looks like they have been having a wonderful time doing that! 

Have a safe time over the holiday period and have fun shopping … it is great seeing all the lights and how everyone, for the most part, is smiling and just being more positive.  Love you all!