November went by way too fast...

It is just unbelievable to me that it is December 5, already. Where did November go? Looking back at last month, we were always on the go. On November 5, we participated in the American Heart Walk, and walked in memory of Roger's Grandfather, who we lost to a stroke last year. We raised a large amount of money for this cause, and truly thank everyone who particiapted.

My wonderful friend/coworker, Carmen Doherty, outdid herself again with amazing family photos. What would we do without her? She has captured such beautiful moments of my family...I am eternally grateful!

We also found ourselves visiting Disney World this month. It is becoming our home away from home, I believe. The kids love it so much, and with it only an hour away, how can we resist?

My godfather and his wife, Kim came to visit. They were vacationing in Florida, and were able to stay with us a few nights. They are such wonderful people, and I am so blessed that my mom chose Mike as my godfather...he is amazing, and his wife is just as amazing as he is. I love them both, dearly.

Thanksgiving was a wonderful weekend as well. We had a beautiful dinner with my parents and Roger and I and the kids. We spent the weekend running errands and decorating for Christmas...and just being thankful for our wonderful family and friends.

On the last day of November, we received tickets from a friend to go to Sesame Street Live! The kids LOVED IT! They were dancing in their seats, and screaming for Big Bird and Elmo! Grandma & Grandpa Sivula joined us for this super fun night!

I have uploaded some photos from our November. Hope all is well with everyone and their November's were just as lovely.

Remembering Grandma Doran - On what would be her 81st Birthday!

"If there is ever a tomorrow when we are not together, there is something you must remember: You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I will always be with you." - Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh.

Happy 81st Birthday, Grandma! Remembering you as my life-long cheerleader! I love you and miss you always. ♥

Below, I am pasting in my eulogy to you, that I wrote over 6 years ago, and read at your funeral. Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the time we shared, and the influence both you and Grandpa had on my life.

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A former priest of ours once told me, the way to make God laugh is to tell him your plan. In these past 8 months of my grandmother's life, God sure was getting quite a chuckle.

Gram was definitely a planner, and if it wasn't in the plan, she wanted nothing to do with it. Yet, even though planning is how she lived her life, there were plenty of plans in her life she had no control of.

She didn't plan on being born into such an amazing family, or marrying such an amazing and gentle man. She didn't plan on having the two incredibly strong children that she and Grandpa raised. In her wildest dreams, I don't think she ever thought she'd live to see her grandchildren grow into very capable adults and even find more room in her heart to love a great granddaughter as well.

It wasn't in the plan to move to Florida and I know she didn't plan to outlive Grandpa.

But one thing I have grown to learn and accept in these past few years, is that only God knows the plan for each and every one of us.

Plans change, and the only thing we can do is embrace it and trust. I trust God knows what he is doing. His plan was for each and every one of us was to get to know and love this incredible woman whom we celebrate today.

Gram holds a very special place in my heart. She was my cheerleader and I was her Er-bear.

The only plan that I am sure of, is that I plan to remember her love and kindness everyday for the rest of my life. She will always be with me.

She and Grandpa are together again, and we have to trust that this was all in God's plan.

In closing, I choose to quote my favorite poet, Robert Frost. A poet whose vacation home I got to see on a family trip with my parents and grandparents to Key West. "In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On."

EPCOT Visit with Roger's Aunt & Uncle

On Sunday, we went over to Disney's EPCOT Center and visited with Roger's Aunt, Uncle and Cousin, who were in from Pennsylvania on vacation. Roger's Uncle Joe is his mom's brother. We had a lovely time, and went on some rides, walked around the park and enjoyed the Food and Wine festival that was going on at the same time.

Caitlin would not turn around for the picture...she was too busy looking at Daisy and Donald



Caitlin meets Mulan



Tired at the end of day

Would not stop looking at Mickey Mouse

Uncle Joe and Jake...Aunt Kathi is feeding Jake Thai Noodles

Gabrielle, Jeff and Caitlin

 

USF Homecoming Parade 2011

It will be 10 years this May that I graduated from the University of South Florida. I am so proud to be an Alumni of this great University, and am so very proud of my little cousin, Meagan, for going to this school and emersing herself in all the culture, events, and amazing education. She invited Roger and I and the kids to join her for this year's homecoming parade. We were so happy to attend and the kids had a wonderful time. The parade was great, however, the Bulls lost their football game on Saturday...but I am STILL proud to be a BULL! GO BULLS!

GO BULLS

Meagan (USF '12), Erin (USF '02), Paul (USF '11)

Caitlin and Aunt Meg

Jake and Daddy being silly

My precious boy

Grandma Sivula and Her Little Man

So, when I got pregnant, my mom was sure I was having another girl. She loved having my sister and me, and was enjoying her time with Caitlin, and was just hoping she would have another little girl to spoil. Well, she didn't get her wish. Instead, Jake arrived, and my Mom found herself falling in love with another man. This one was less than 8 lbs at birth, and instantly took a liking to his Grandma Sivula. As the months have gone on, Jake and Grandma have developed this bond. To this day, she is the only one he will give kisses to (except my friend Colleen, who I think he has the hots for), and loves to snuggle and let Grandma read books to him. It's funny how your idea of one thing changes, and blessings come in all sizes, packages and genders! Here are some precious photos of their time together.

Sweetfields Farm

For the second year in a row, we have made our way about 30 minutes north of here, to a place called Sweetfields Farm. This farm is great for kids. You show up and pay a small admission fee for adults, kids under 3 are free. We run around the farm, let the kids climb on hay stacks, tractors, play on swings tied to trees, run through hay mazes, HUGE Sunflower Maze, feed goats, milk a fake cow, look at the pigs, slide down a slide attached to a tree house, and smell fresh kettle corn being made. So much fun to see this taste of fall in Florida. Granted, it was 80 degrees, but that's okay! :) It was a blast. Near the end of the 2 hours, the kids were melting down, as you can see from the group pictures. Next time...group pictures FIRST...note to self. :)

Told you they were cranky!

...SO CRANKY...

Riding the barrell

Caitlin trying to buck Daddy off the barrell with Jake

Feeding Goats

Trying to get in to see the goats

Weeeeee!

Running through the maze!

LOVE big Tree Swings!

Kids and Daddy

Riding the Pumpkin

I want YOU, Momma!

Daddy/Daughter Date Night...Sponsored by Chick Fil A

My friend sent me this newsletter of fun events throughout October, and in it, was this event sponsored by Chick Fil A, called, Daddy/Daughter Date night. I KNEW that Roger would jump on this opportunity. So, we reserved him and Caitlin a spot for this special night. We went to our closest Chick Fil A, about 7 miles down the road. Caitlin wore a pretty dress and bows in her hair, ready for the special night. They got there and were seated at a table with a flower in the center and Red and White table cloths. They ordered from a customized menu, and the servers brought food to their table. There were balloons, treat bags, dessert bar, the works! It was such a special time for them, and I am glad they will have that memory.

Jake and I decided to take this time for a special date as well. We went to Mommy's favorite, Tijuana Flats. :) We talked, and played and colored...some great One On One time with just the two of us. Then after dinner, we met Caitlin and Daddy at the park and played on the swings. The PERFECT night!