Rosa Family News

Winter Cleaning!!!

2012-01-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight when Mom went to the store, I asked my Dad if we could clean for Mom. My little brother and big brother wanted to help, so they helped while my Dad supervised. (Ha ha ha)

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! This year, we were treated by our town to a Horse & Buggy ride! Our boys took part in our Church Christmas Program. Everyone did very well...and it was well run!

The Rosa's had our annual Christmas Eve Dinner at Uncle Nick and Aunt Dorothy's house. Andrew & Joshie jumped in to lend a hand cleaning the shrimp. While the guys cooked, Great Grandma supervised! It was a great time with family...and lots of yummy food!

Christmas Day was spent at John & Karyn's new home! We enjoyed a great meal and a great time with family.

Good RIDDANCE, Irene!

2011-08-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

As we all endured Hurricane Irene in the Northeast, we were very thankful that the LORD kept Rosa-land in one piece. Our roof looks to be free of any leaking and no major basement flooding! As the storm was raging and things looked grim, we focused on the portion of Mark 4:41 that says; "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

We are SO thankful that the LORD gave us wisdom in dealing with the challenges that came along and that He worked out all of the details.

(Our make-shift pump that usually pumps basement water through the sewer pipe needed to be re-routed out the side window.)

Our poor neighbors at the end of our block were truly under water. The amount of water in the immediate area was amazing. Thankfully, it all receded fairly quickly...

Trip to Bermuda - 2011

2011-08-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to be able to take a trip to Bermuda this year through Brian's job. The island had some really nice scenery and the water was so clear! Thankfully it was a mostly paid for trip because everything was SO expensive. (A basic lunch for 2 was about 75 bucks!!!) The most interesting thing we did was something called a "Helmet Dive". The pictures speak for themselves, but this fellow who runs it actually has these fish trained where they swim up to you and stay still while posing for pictures. The fish actually let you hold them like a household pet! Just amazing. Here is a really neat video of what it's all looks like and a little history about the Bermuda Helmet Dive.

The fish above is named "Leroy the Grey Snapper". He's a regular visitor and very friendly. The fish below is a hogfish named "Charles IV". Apparently Charles IV doesn't always come around, so when he showed up it was a pretty big deal to Greg (who runs the dive) as he was all wide-eyed and visibly excited when this fish appeared.

Union Night Out 2011

2011-08-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Each year our town runs a night out against crime. They had lots of cool things for kids (and parents) to do and see. There was the tour inside Union Headquarters where we were even able to see the holding cells...the empty jail cells anyway. They provided food, games...and one treat for the kids was a picture in a police uniform inside the Union Police Car! The boys loved it and we all had lots of fun.

A Very Special Day

2011-08-04T04:29:00.000-07:00

John and Karyn were just recently married! The Lord gave them beautiful weather and worked out all of the details. It was a wonderful ceremony and they both were so happy. May the Lord bless their marriage!

WE FIXED THOSE THIEVING SQUIRRELS!!

2011-08-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

For the last several years, the squirrels have been having fun STEALING our tomatoes right as they turn red and are ready to be picked! The first couple of times it was funny-but when we were basically robbed of all of the ripe tomatoes it wasn't so funny anymore. We've built all sorts of nets, but they always seem to figure out a way to get in the garden and ruin the tomatoes. It wouldn't be so bad if they took a few here and there...but they take a few bites and leave them half eaten. It's as if they leave them for us to see just to mock us! Wicked little things. We thought of dealing with them by way of traps, different sprays...and oh yes...pellet guns. (PS- we can't take credit for the picture of the squirrel...but that's exactly what we see them doing just to give you an idea!)

Instead, Brian and the boys built a really cool cage out of PVC pipe and chicken wire. It has a nice door hatch to make it easy for picking tomatoes and closing it all back up. So far, NOT ONE tomato has been taken by those little thieves since the new contraption was built. After years of taunting us, we aim to get back at them after growing season by putting a nice big pile of acorns and birdseed INSIDE the cage so they can't get at them! HA HA HA!! (Is that wrong?)

Fun in Rhode Island

2011-07-16T03:45:00.000-07:00

We always have a wonderful time when we go to visit the Jones Family. They live in such a nice quiet area and and always make us feel at home. The kids were great and as always found ways to have fun. I think the grown-ups were wanting to ride the swing in the sprinkler also. Well...I did, anyway.

Baseball 2011

2011-07-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

It was another fun season of baseball for the Rosa boys. This year, ALL of them played...which made Saturdays very crazy (but fun). The LORD truly blessed us with the ability to watch our boys have fun and learn about winning, losing, being a good teammate and above all a good testimony.

Go TIGERS!!! It was Caleb's first season of baseball (T-Ball) and he did great. He has fun playing and has become quite a good hitter. Future MVP? Time will tell.

The Stars had a very good team and very good coaches. Joshua had a fun season and often found himself in the middle of the action...both behind the plate, and on the mound! His coach couldn't say enough about how good of a pitcher he is.

The Durham Bulls had a very good team that finished in 1st Place in the Union Little League American Division. They played for the ULL Minor League Championship. They had a rough 1st inning and later staged a comeback, but fell a little short 6-4. In the top of the 6th inning, Andrew made a really nice catch to preserve the Bulls' chances for a comeback!

"The CATCH"

Field Trip!!

2011-06-07T03:58:00.000-07:00

Each year, we try and do a field trip near the end of the school year. This year, we decided to take the NY Waterway Ferry to lower Manhattan and walk to the construction site of the Freedom Tower. They're more than halfway done building the new tower. They've added 64 of the 104 floors. Lots of walking, but everyone had a great time on a very nice day!

Baptism at Grace Bible Fellowship

2011-03-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Joshua recently made their desire to be baptized known to our Pastor. The Baptism Service was held recently at our church and it was a blessing to see our 2 oldest boys taking part and giving their own testimonies in public. It was a wonderful evening and always a blessing to hear all of the testimonies of how people were led to make professions of faith to the Lord Jesus.

Caleb really does get fired up for school, and the house is warmer than 50 degrees. No...really!

Drawing Birds

2011-02-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

While at Grandma's house, the boys grabbed a pencil and paper and decided to draw some birds they saw in one of her bird books. The Lord has given them all a wonderful talent. We were especially impressed that they didn't trace the images. (OK-so we would have been impressed anyway!) Try to guess who drew which picture...

He's NINE!!!!

2011-02-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

Andrew celebrated his birthday on Superbowl Sunday. Nana even played Happy Birthday on the Violin!
He received a really cool present and is waiting for warmer weather (warmer as in at least 32 degrees) to go speeding around town!

Closing out 2010

2011-01-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

We haven't had a chance to post new pics lately...but lots has happened as the year of 2010 closed. First, we were blessed to be invited to share in the celebration of Jackie and Jessica's wedding. We must say, they chose a most SPECTACULAR venue to celebrate a most significant event. (Did we mention that their wedding took place at the same location where we had our wedding reception almost 10 years ago?!)

2001 2010

The Rosa boys took part in the annual "Evening of Edification" at our Church. The trio sang "There is a Fountain". Joshua and Caleb made sea displays out of shoe boxes while Andrew wrote a book about his friends...who happened to stop by for a photo op!

We enjoyed Christmas Eve in Long Island. Brian and Uncle Nick were caught in the same "resting" pose after preparing all the fish for dinner...(sorry, no pictures of the most tasty dinner. Maybe next time...)

...and a couple of photos from the 2010 GBF Watchnight Service; a wonderful evening of food and fellowship as we close out this year and bring in the new year while in prayer.

Finally...a few pix from the "Blizzard of 2010". We were socked with about TWO FEET of snow! Good times!!!

Happy Birthday Joshua!

2010-12-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that he's SEVEN already! We had a really cool ice cream cake made with Joshua's picture pretending to be Peyton Manning.

We had an opportunity to go to Grandma Rosa's church for a really nice Christmas dinner. The food was great and there were activities such as music, games and short plays that all pointed to focusing on our Savior and the true meaning of Christmas. The whole event was very well organized and we had a wonderful time!

After creating piles of leaves, Daddy thought it would be a good idea to have a leaf bagging contest! The one with the heaviest leaf bag would be declared the winner. It made picking up the leaves a lot easier (for Brian...ha ha ha) and the boys had fun a the same time. The winner at the "Leaf Bag Weigh-in" was: Andrew at 15 pounds. Joshie came in second at about 14 and a half pounds. Caleb came in at 11 pounds. It was a close one! Can't wait for the snow shoveling contest...

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth...

2010-11-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

While we aren't fans of the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team AT ALL, we do see a strong resemblance between Joshie and Bobby Clarke...

Bobby Clarke Joshie

Visiting the Jones Family

2010-11-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

It was a blessing to be invited to visit the Jones Family Ranch once again! We always have such a wonderful time of fellowship and the Lord enabled us to have BEAUTIFUL weather. We went to a really nice park in Westerly. Next, we were treated to a wonderful dinner at the Neal home where we had a great hymn sing. Finally, after Sunday Worship we were treated yet again to a wonderful time of food and fellowship at Jake's parents home. We always enjoy our visit to Rhode Island and are so blessed to have such wonderful friends! Thanks so much to the Jones Family, the other Jones Family and the Neal family for making us feel so welcome and at home.

Here's what happens when 3 boys get a hold of a little girl's wagon! The kids were all outside while the adults were inside relaxing. We peeked outside the window to find them taking turns doing THIS...

Lost Item!!!

2010-10-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

After weeks of wiggling it around, Joshua lost his front tooth!! Now he's all set to play hockey...

It's FINISHED!!

2010-10-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

The kitchen is DONE!!! WOO HOOO!!! Enjoy the before & after (we had lots of fun w/ the pictures.)

***Remember how worried Brian looked before the project??? What's with that face now? How about a little humility, ROSA!!!
On a serious note; the Lord worked out every single detail for which we are ever so thankful!

Camping with the Parmelee Boys

2010-10-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

All "the boys" set out on a camping trip and roughed it for 2 days. The first day was tough as the fire wood was a little wet, but the next night we had a nice raging fire going to keep warm. Special thanks to the Lord for holding back the rain and giving us great weather. Also, thanks to the Parmelee guys for the pictures and for finding a great camping site. Even though it was cold at night, everyone had good sleeping bags!

August-September 2010

2010-10-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

...We've been super busy and haven't had much time to post new pix! We did lots of things...went to Massachusetts, celebrated Caleb's 5th Birthday, visited Sandy Hook NJ (Twin Lights & Fort Hancock), Liberty Science Center & the beach near Grandma's house. Lots of fun!

Steelers - Giants Game

2010-08-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Brian's co-worker is a NY Giants season ticket holder and was nice enough to give us tickets when the Pittsburgh Steelers were in town knowing that most of us like the Steelers. We didn't tell the boys we were going. We packed their jerseys in a bag and heard the back of the car erupt in cheers as we pulled into the stadium lot. (Our little Colts fan stood his ground when people yelled "Wrong Manning jersey, kid!!!") It was also just the 2nd game in the new stadium, so it was great to see all the fans excited over the new facility. Before the game, we were able to see the teams practice up close...and then later in the game the security guard let us sit in the 2nd row...right behind the Steelers bench!!! The kids were SO excited! (OK- so Daddy was a little excited too...)

Baltic Cruise!

2010-08-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

How about a little break from kitchen pictures!!! We were so very blessed to be able to go on a WONDERFUL trip through Brian's job. This year for those who qualified, it was a Baltic Cruise. We were so excited to be able to go. We had an opportunity to travel to 5 different cites in the Baltic.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

We arrived at Copenhagen at 7am on Sunday which allowed us to take a tour of the city before the cruise ship left port at 5:30 PM. Besides it being pretty and clean, we noticed that most people got around by way of bicycle! (Probably because gas is around 8 bucks a gallon!). We saw the changing of the guard at town square (at noon sharp) and also strolled down "Stroget" which is impossible to pronounce. Some people sounded like they were saying "Strockel" and others "Straw-zuh". Whatever! It was a really cute and clean city. We were so tired, we went to the Kings Garden and Jennifer was able to take a nice snooze!

TALLINN, ESTONIA

This was a GREAT city. We loved it! It was like we were in a Medieval time warp. "Old Town" was not just a place tourists go, but it was still a functioning city with shops, living quarters and hostels. One of the areas that peaked our interest was the city wall and how there were living quarters within them. It reminded us both of what Rahabs home might have looked like within the Walls of Jericho...

Not only are the people of Tallinn very nice, but they were found to be very knowledgeable. For instance, we asked "Mihkel and "Roman" what sports team they liked best...and they proceeded to whip out the yellow "Terrible Towel" and proclaimed; "ZA STEELERS...OF COURSE!!" What great people!!!

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

St. Petersburg was very interesting. One of the things Brian noticed as we pulled into port were the numerous nuclear power plants on Russia's coast. We were not allowed to be without a tour guide and go explore on our own, so you knew you were not in a free country. We visited the Peterhof Palace, which was nice...however when we traveled from the palace, you were able to see how obscene it was that the people lived in such poverty while the upper class lived in luxury. Our tour stopped for lunch to a place our tour guides thought was "an excellent restaurant." It was a Sheraton!! The lunch was pretty good...and Jennifer loved the Chicken Stoganoff...even after she found out she ate a whole bunch of MUSHROOMS (which she normally hates!) It was a great experience, but visiting Russia made us appreciate America all the more. (The weird red sign is actually "McDonalds" in Russian!)

Brian saw a thunderstorm forming in the distance from the cruise ship and got a really cool picture of it...enjoy.

Our tour guides (Anton and Polina) were very nice and were a lot of fun! They were pretty laid back and enjoyed some of the new freedoms they had in Russia as they were old enough to know what it was like before the fall of the Soviet Union. (Polina was a little "careful" in her answer when Brian asked what the general feeling was toward Vladimir Putin...but you could tell she was hungry for more freedom from her answer.)

HELSINKI, FINLAND

Helsinki was a very cute city. It was unique in some areas however, some spots reminded us of areas in San Diego (with all of the rocky hills) while other parts of the city reminded us of places near home. We visited the Rock Church...which has NOTHING to do with music (ha ha) but is a Church that was literally built in the rocks on the side of a hill. And...what do you know...another McDonalds! We didn't eat at any of them, but it really is interesting how a burger joint in the USA has turned into an international symbol...

While our trip took us from a beginning point of Copenhagen and wound up in Stockholm, Sweden, we really didn't have any time to see Stockholm (bummer). We did, however, catch a nice picture of someone's sailboat off the coast of Sweden! What a great reminder...

We had a WONDERFUL trip...and since we didn't get to SEE Sweden, Brian and the boys made Swedish Meatballs when we all got home! Delicious!!

Almost Done!

2010-08-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

By far, the best part of this day was going upstairs to see what the boys were up to. (They were quiet...TOO quiet.) They were found reading and studying the book of John. What a reward for us as parents!

My little helper looks great in his safety glasses!! Looks like he needs a beaker and some chemicals to go with those specs.

Below are a few photos of the demolition and installation of the base cabinets. (My plumbing picture is worthy not for it's beauty...but for the effort that went into fixing a rusted out pipe that broke during the removal of the old sink cabinet. What a mess it was...but it looks much better now.) The counter top and back splash tile are just about all that's left. We're very thankful to the LORD for all of the help he's provided to get us to this point.

"Retro Floor"

2010-07-22T04:36:00.000-07:00

We ripped up the old floor (it was really THREE old floor layers!) and this really cool looking original floor from the 1940's was underneath. The new floor went right over the original. This was easily the toughest part of the job so far...

(Somehow, Caleb's puppy made it onto the camera. Thanks Caleb!!!)

Progress...

2010-07-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

Just a few updates on the kitchen project. Brian does a little here and there as he has time...it's coming along!

Fathers Day

2010-06-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

We took Daddy out to eat on Fathers Day to one of his favorite places for baby-back ribs. We all had a great time. (Even though it was FATHERS day, Mommy received some TLC...)

We started working on the floor and finished the doorway leading up to our kitchen. Part of the old ugly floor is GONE! YEAH! **UPDATE**- Our cabinets came in and we installed one to see what it would look like. (One of them came with a little monkey in it!!!)

"Dr. K"

2010-06-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

In the last game of the season, Andrew was given an opportunity to pitch! He did a great job and struck out his 1st batter and then another one later. Great way to close out the season!

Joshua also did well and received a really cool trophy.

The Kitchen Project

2010-06-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

This summer we will be doing some improvements to our kitchen! We found a GREAT deal on cabinets and look forward to ripping the old ones out. We also can't wait to rip up the ugly floor.

As you can see on Brian's face, he's REALLY excited about the work that lies ahead! "Do not fear. Be strong and courageous!"

Some Miscellaneous pictures of late May and early June 2010...

9 Years!!!

2010-04-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary by taking a trip to a nice B&B along the Delaware River. While there, we took a trip to the "Lost River Caverns" as well as Ringing Rocks Park. It was a WONDERFUL and relaxing time and the LORD blessed us with perfect weather. We are thankful for our marriage and that as time goes on it gets sweeter and sweeter!

Brotherly Love!!

Easter Sunday 2010

2010-04-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a wonderful Resurrection Sunday. It was busy...we enjoyed Sunrise Service and Breakfast at our Church, then traveled up to Massachusetts. The food was great...Uncle Jim was at work on the BBQ. Also, we were sent a few pictures of little (not so little now) Teddy. He's doing SO well, praise the Lord!

Opening Day 2010

2010-04-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Joshua had their Spring Little League Baseball opening ceremony.

Visit with the Jones Family

2010-03-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

Whenever we get together with the Jones' we have a great time. This visit, we really did a lot together but sadly the battery in my camera died so all we have pictures of was our time at the beach.

The whole weekend was so much fun and we look forward to their next visit with us!

Fun in the Snow

2010-02-11T16:12:00.001-08:00

We had some fun in the "Blizzard of 2010". Thankfully, we have a snow blower this year which made clean up for Daddy nice & easy. After the walk way was cleared, the boys went outside to help put some artwork on the front lawn...

The next day, we found a great place to use our new toboggan. LOTS of fun!!! That thing just FLEW down the hill.

Our Trip to Colonial Williamsburg

2009-12-19T16:46:00.000-08:00

We went to on a trip to Virginia a couple of weeks ago and had a chance to go to the Jamestown Settlement as well as visit Colonial Williamsburg. We had a great time and will absolutely go again!

The boys got into a little trouble while in Williamsburg, and as you can see had to be dealt with in a a very "colonial" way. (Andrew got a couple of cheap shots on his little bro at "the whipping post"- a punishment of 39 whippings (40 viewed as excessive) designed for GOSSIPING LADIES!!!) After the torture, we had our try at writing with the quill pen.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-27T04:39:00.000-08:00

This year we had celebrated Thanksgiving at our home. It was a wonderful time and the food came out great too (thankfully). Nana made a really nice turkey cake. It came out so good and we all enjoyed it for dessert (so I guess you could say we had Turkey TWICE!).

Our Visit to the Jones' Ranch

2009-10-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to spend time in Rhode Island with the Jones Family. We were treated to a fun time around the Jones Campfire, a trip to the USS Nautilus and to a farm where we saw how apple cider is made. We ended our trip with a wonderful time of fellowship at the Jones' church. Once again, we left Rhode Island feeling more blessed than when we arrived. The fall foliage we saw on the drive home was absolutely perfect!!

Fall Baseball 2009

2009-09-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Joshua started their first season of baseball. Andrew plays for the Rockies and had fun in his first game ever. He reached first base and made a nice play in the outfield. Great job #15!!! Joshie's team finally played after a couple of rain-outs. #3 got a base hit in his first game.

FOUR ALREADY!!

2009-09-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Caleb celebrated his birthday with his friends at "Imagine That". He had lots of fun and was so tired, he fell asleep with the zucchini he picked from his plant in the garden!

After Caleb's party, the 2 "big boys" went with Daddy to the Jets Game.

BLUE DUCKY FOUND!!!

2009-08-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

Over a year ago, Caleb lost his "Blue Ducky". We searched ALL OVER our house. When our friends heard about the missing Blue Ducky, they checked their home and yard. We thought he was a gonner...but Caleb prayed just about every single day; "Jesus, please help me find my Blue Ducky." Just the other day while visiting Grandma Rosa's house, Blue Ducky was found with some other beach toys. When it was found, we told Caleb to go outside and look in the mailbox. The rest is history...

MOST importantly; if the Lord cares enough to answer requests to little ones about seemingly little things like "Blue Ducky", how much more does he want us to bring those great and mighty things before Him? (Jeremiah 33:3)

A Fun Day with Friends

2009-08-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Jones family came to NJ to visit from Rhode Island, so the opportunity presented itself for an outing at our house. The Jones', Wrights and Timoldis all stopped by for a fun day. It was great to see everyone and great to see little Abigail for the first time!

Long Beach Island

2009-07-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to be able to spend a long weekend at Brian's co-workers beach house in LBI. One of the things we were asked to do while at the house was to admire the new paint (which the boys are doing below). The water was a little rough, but the "three amigos" were determined to divide and conquer those waves! The weather was excellent and we had a great time.

RIDING BIKES!!!

2009-06-20T06:51:00.001-07:00

Andrew and Joshua learned to ride their bike without training wheels!

Trip to the Midwest

2009-06-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

We took a trip out to Nebraska to visit family and did lots of things along the way. It was a nice drive (especially with the nice new van we rented). We visited the Lewis & Clark exhibit in Sioux City and stayed 2 days in Chicago on the way back to NJ.

A few pictures from the Chicago Navy Pier. We also walked to the Billy Goat Tavern to get yelled at while ordering our "Cheezborgers".

"The Bee"

2009-06-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

Joshua found a bumble bee (not living) on our driveway and decided to carry it around with him everywhere. It found it's end by way of an accidental "squish", so Joshy wanted to provide it the proper burial. As you can see, he was happy in the end...

NY Auto Show 2009

2009-04-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the boys to the NY Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. We all had a great time, but the boys favorite time "at the wheel" didn't take place at the car show...

We all had a turn to sit in the new Ford Taurus as the body opened and closed.

Below, the boys check out the old VW Beetle. Also, the main event was when each of the boys were able to drive the ferry home from FOR REAL. No fake driving like at the Auto Show...this was the real deal! They did a great job!!!

March Madness

2009-03-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

Daddy played bagpipes in the Union St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Caleb just LOVES the sound of the pipes!!)

"The BROS"

The boys behaved so well during a week of school, they were treated to a "special breakfast" at the new Dunkin' Donuts around the corner from our house.

The town removed a HUGE tree across the street.

Our Visit to The Jones' House

2009-02-24T18:06:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, we were invited to spend time up in Rhode Island with our friends The Jones Family. Jake, Lauren and little Gracie opened up their beautiful home to us and made us feel so welcome. We all had a great time of fun and fellowship and all of the kids had lots of fun. It was tough leaving...especially for Joshie who pleaded his case to stay "just one more day" as he cried all the way from RI to halfway through Connecticut on the way home. We are so thankful to the Jones Family and to the Lord for the time we had.

First we went to feed the ducks. Later the kids (big kids too!) played for a while at the park.

"The dudes" were hanging out in Jake & Lauren's really cool basement just chillin' around the fire. They have a nice wood burning stove and the boys decided to cook hot dogs. MMMMM!

Joshua is "pumped" over his cooked mutt while Gracie cruises around the basement.

Cooking class with Mr. Jake is in session.

Happy 7th Birthday Andrew!!!

2009-02-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

For Andrew's 7th birthday, he invited some friends to go bowling. Everyone had a great time...even the PARENTS!!!

A few random pictures...Josh and Caleb play chef while Caleb pretends to be a soldier.
Joshua and Caleb enjoy their cupcakes from Nana and Pop-Pop.

Watchnight Service 2009

2009-01-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Every year on New Year's Eve, our church has a fun time of fellowship (and LOTS of food). We begin with eating, eating and more eating. Some people chat while others play different games. At a little before midnight, we are in prayer as the last thing we are doing in the previous year and the first thing in the new year. We were all excited Grandma Rosa was able to be with us this New Year's Eve!
Camera Man Andrew took a few pictures of his family and buddies during the watch night service...

Maybe next year, we'll have a goofy-face contest at the Watchnight Service.

Having fun with Mr. Ludlow. Also, Andrew catches Uncle Damon red-handed as he attempts to STEAL top secret football plays for the next football game out of Daddy's coat.

Happy New Year 2009!!!

2009-01-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all Family and Friends!!! Before New Year's eve, Daddy made a special Pancake Breakfast...and per Joshy's request, we made a "Whale Pancake". Looks like Joshua enjoyed it...I must say, it came out pretty good!

Daddy went to play in his annual New Years Flag Football game. Meanwhile, the future prospects played a game of their own! Andrew throws the deep ball from the dining room to the living room! SMASH!! Lamp broken...but TOUCHDOWN!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve 2008 was spent at Uncle Nick and Aunt Dorothy's home in Long Island. We did the traditional fish dinner and everyone lent a helping hand in cooking (under Grandma Rosa's supervision...of course!!!) Aunt Maryann and Uncle Dave gave everyone really cool cooking aprons to help us feel like professional chefs. Everything tasted great and we had a great time!

Brian helped Grandma with the "smelts" while Cara and Aunt Maryann had a "crepe making contest" for the manicotti. (See Aunt Mar's face of determination)

Uncle Dave does the dishes while the "Three Amigos" work on shredding mozzarella.

It was a great time, and we were all wiped out...especially Joshy and Uncle Nick! A special thank you to Uncle Nick and Aunt Dorothy for having us!

Fall 2008

2008-12-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving, we went to visit Cara and Jim in Massachusetts. Everyone had a great time and we cooked different kinds of Turkey as well as Pumpkin Stew! A few days later, we had fun raking leaves and jumping in them...