Imagination

We have always tried to encourage Ben's imagination so tonight was just so much fun. As many of you know, he is currently obsessed with Star Wars, the Clone Wars. Tonight he spent the night teaching me what it takes to be a Jedi Knight. So handstands, somersaults and fancy karate moves were the exercise of the evening. In order to switch characters of the training, Ben would spin around and say the name of the new character. So far tonight he has been Anakin, Obi Wan, R2D2, battle droid, Ahsoka (because he wanted to carry the Rocca, the baby hutt, in his backpack) and spider droid.

It is so hard not to laugh because it brings so much joy to see how he plays and uses his imagination. At the end of all of this fun will be bed times stories of Star Wars.

What fun!

Peace to all who read this blog today and everyday.

Joan

My wonderful husband!

Okay, those of you who know me really well know that I tend to be, shall I say, annoyed with the fact the Phil is always doing some project or another. Well, today I am not annoyed, I am thankful. Why you may be asking yourself? Well, mainly because he is almost finished with the new kitchen/hallway floor. This is a HUGE step. The linoleum that we had was old, worn out from years of Murphy love! Now, my floating floor is almost done. He did the hard part...the hallway. Now on to the rest.

Also, I am trying to appreciate all of this since so many of my friends' husbands are not handy. I have also been checking out my sister Mary's blog Mum2Best7.blogspot.com almost every day. During the month of October she is doing a retreat for our husbands. It keeps life in perspective for me.

So, Phil, I love you and thank you for all you do!

Peace to all who read this blog today and everyday.
Joan

Family connections...

I'm sitting here at my computer checking my Yahoo account for updates on my Family Group page and then checking my Facebook account to find out more about my family. It is so interesting to see what people write in both locations. Facebook is definitely more relaxed but only quick updates. My family group page goes in spurts, but I love that we can do mass email posts to each other. This comes in very handy with a family as large as mine. Also, I can't really picture my Mom on Facebook, although two of my aunts are. Go figure!

I've been able to connect with my old roommate in college, Schmitzee (love ya!) and I know one of my oldest friends from Irish Step Dancing checks out my blog on occassion. I've also been able to use the internet, via this blog, to keep in touch with the gang from RBA/Brooks Brothers. Miss you guys! And I can't forget my BFF who I'm sure wishes I'd call more, but our schedules are crazy so the blog helps her know that I am still alive and ticking. Just so you know BFF I think about you every day and can't wait until life settles down a little bit.

I also use the web to connect to an old coworker who now lives in Texas.

So, while I miss writing letters, I am much better at a five minute sign on and doing a blog update.

Well, Happy Fall. It is the best time to be in New England. The colors are beautiful this year and the weather has been perfect. So go and take a walk with your family and enjoy the weather and thier company.

Peace to all who read this blog today and everyday.
Joan

Please pray...

Cancer...it is an awful disease. In the last few days I've been informed of two young women diagnosed with cancer...one underwent a double mastectomy and the other with an aggressive form of Leukemia.

I ask all of you who read my blog to say a prayer for these two women and their families. While we are at it...say a prayer for anyone affected by cancer.

Imagine if we didn't have to bail out wall street and were able to use that money for cancer research. Can you imagine how quickly we could have found a cure with that kind of money!

Luckily the power of prayer can work miracles. So everyone...take a moment and pray!

So, Peace to all who read this blog today and everyday!

Joan

Fall

This is my favorite time of year. Things that I love about it
1. The cool, crisp feel to the air
2. The taste of apples
3. Snuggling up in a blanket with tea
4. The sound of walking through the leaves (yes some of ours have begun to fall)
5. Football season, means lots of family time

Today as a family we took a short nap. We really needed it. We had quite the exciting morning. My in-laws renewed their wedding vows at the 9:00 am mass. I was up by 5:30 cooking for a brunch that we hosted for a small group of their friends. Great new recipe that I'm going to use for the holidays. Hash Brown Casserole. It has like 600 calories per serving, but delicious! It was truly a hit. The last group left around 1:30ish. Once up from our naps we took a walk. It was short, but really nice. The sun is out and we saw neighbors out in their yards or walking. I love fall.

We used our new room today...It is really coming along. It fit three eight foot tables with room to spare. I'm looking forward to hosting Christmas. There will be plenty of room for everyone! It is hard for me to believe that Ben is going to be five years old in just a few months. Time goes by so quickly.

Well, off to do some more cleanup here.

Peace to all who read this blog today and everday!
Joan