Good-Bye to April

To say 'I'm glad this week is over!' would be putting it mildly. The more I think about it, I must say that I am glad April is over. It definitely has been a whirlwind month in every aspect. That being said, I have not had one moment to be 'still' with my thoughts before right now.

This last week (of the month) began with a rainy day trip to the Bronx Zoo. The rain definitely did not deter my kids, our chaperons and I from having a ball! From the Reptile House to the Bug Carousel, we laughed, splashed in puddles (against my will! ha!) and ate until we were ready for more. Of course, the trip left me exhausted, and I have not yet fully recovered, but they truly did enjoy themselves. At the end of the day, that's what matters most to me.

Add regular work deadlines, projects that need to be tended to or finished, grad school papers that come with MORE deadlines, my own personal things that are going on (or not), and you have one drained person. Of course I am thrilled that #1, it is FINALLY the weekend, and #2, the weather will be perfect. We certainly deserve this beautiful weather since the tri-state area dealt with dreary days for the past two weekends. From what I've heard, my friends & family have many 'outdoorsy' events planned. I look forward to wherever I end up! : )

In the end, this is life. The ups and downs, light loads and heavy ones, exhaustion and energy, laughs and tears... When it's all said and done, we are who we are because of all that we go through...and personally, I don't know that I would change any of it. I look forward to what May will bring...

Happy Belated Birthday to Justyn!

Although it's almost a month since Justyn turned 10 years old, I haven't forgotten to write him a birthday blog.

Justyn is Marisel's pride, joy and life! He is bright, hilarious, and both sports and musically inclined. He never seems to have a care in the world and truly loves his mother and family. Justyn is a lot of fun to be around to be around. Don't get me wrong...he definitely gets cranky at the mention of having to go shopping, or leaving a place where he's been having the 'time of his life'. I suppose many 10 year old boys do, right?

Watching my nephew grow into this amazing young person has been a pleasure all my own. I don't spend enough time with him, but when we are together, I laugh very much and I love it. I especially enjoy his interactions with Natalie. They truly love each other. They are more like siblings than aunt and nephew. They melt my heart. As I watch and listen to him, I am always pleased with the way he uses his words and manners. He is a very lucky and loved child. I hope and pray he continues to grow into an educated, polite and fun to be around (among many other wonderful character traits) individual.

We all love you, Justyn! Have a blessed and happy year!
Love, Titi Jessie

Florida Memories

And so, it's back to reality after nearly a week and a half off. I have to say I feel quite relaxed and ready to go back to whatever is awaiting at work. Hopefully the next 57 days won't drag, but then again, I have 6 weeks of camp to look forward to after that, so I won't start counting days until the first week of August.

Florida was wonderful! Getting up for a run first thing each morning was mind clearing, as well as a good way to ease my body into waking up. As I sit here I remember all the laughs, the cooking, shopping, some yelling, lol, but that's expected, and it's what being with loved ones is all about. It's about the time together and the memories made, both good and bad. Glad to say, we made not one bad memory. Sure, there were cranky times for us all here or there, but nothing that we didn't laugh at in the end. My week together with the Celentano family was yet another wonderful bonding experience.

All in all, Florida was wonderful! The family time, friend time, Yankee game time, shopping, EVERYTHING. I loved it. I returned home ready to be back in my favorite state and in my own surroundings, but with so much to be thankful for.