MY ANGELS AND I

The photo above was from our latest Summer adventure. We did the beach and we the adults didn't really have our hearts into it. Sand got into everything and the kids could not swim and be left alone due to the strong current and huge waves. As we were getting our stuff ready I told Ralph that water park is for us. On our way home we spied a Water park, I took note of the place and looked it up on my iPhone. Itwas times like those that I am so thankful for my iPhone.

Exactly a week from our beach adventure we head out to Jungle Jim's Water Park. We got there at around 10:30 in the morning.. It wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be and the park itself wasn't as big. Before we went in we just had to pose for a picture perfect shot with my angels. As for our experience in the water park that will be on my next post. It will be my review on Jungle Jim's Water Park...

BIRTH MONTH

July is not only my birth month, I share it with my sister as well. We get to have the same age for 10 days,lol. Does that mean we will be equal until she hits her birthday and is officially older than me again? We always use to joke with each other that there is no big and lil sister after my birthday. My sister's birthday is on July 24. My sister and I could have had the same birthday had my mother not elected induction. But since she wanted to be present for my sister's 1st birthday she had an induction and picked July 14. Why July 14? It's my fathers brothers birthday. As It turned out I had other ideas and refuse to share the same birthday with any of our relative, I was born on July 15,lol. I don't want to drag this on so here it goes :




To my one and only sister Mitzi, A Happy Happy Birthday to you. I may not say I love you enough but you are a big part of my heart and my life. You are an amazing sister, daughter and I know that you will be a wonderful mom to Alyssa. I am so proud of your achievement and I love you.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANANG (BIG SISTER)

MY SYSTER, THE CHEF

This post is dedicated to my one and only sister Mitzi.

Last June 22, 2011 in Cebu my sister received her certificate in Advance Culinary Arts. Ever since my sister has had a love affair with food. Aside from my grandma, she is the second best cook in our family. I know how to cook mind you but my cooking is mediocre compared to my sister. She is one hell of a cook! Last year she started going to school to learn more about cooking. I knew she was going to make it and excel for this was something she really love and enjoy doing. Aside from receiving her certificate she also got two awards. The Service Recognition Award and The Student Leadership Award.

I am so proud of my sister for her great achievement. Pay attention culinary world for my sister is about to rock your world, lol. I really didn't get a chance to really express my happiness on her graduation so here goes.

Chay,

Manang, I am so proud of you. The past months have not been really great but you did not let that stop you from smiling and persevering and holding on. How I wish I was there to bear witness as you received your certificate. I am so proud of you manang! I am so sorry if it seems that I am not there for you. I love you with all my heart. I know you will make it big and you will succeed. You are not only a great daughter, sister, friend but you are also a wonderful mom to Alyssa. I love you so much manang!I will make it up to you one of this days..

A GRADUATION

Last June 21, 2011 at Keansburg High School my family and I were witness to the end of Kristen's high school education and the beginning of a new higher learning. Kristen is the oldest child of Ralph's older brother Larry. See the guy with the graduate? That's my BIL Larry, he can be a pain in the butt but he is really a nice guy and a good dad. We made it a point to go to New Jersey so we could celebrate with her and show her how proud we are of her achievement. Watching her graduate brought back memories of my high school graduation. I just want to say that Ralph and I are so proud of you Kristen! Keep reaching for the stars and don't ever give up because nothing is impossible if you try. We love you!

TOP DOWN

One of the few very warm days that we had. Ralph had gotten an all clear to drive from his surgery. I forgot what day this was taken but it was just a warm sunny day. The kids were out almost all day playing either in the front of back yard. My kids had so much fun running around and burning off the excess energy of being a kid. I had promise them that I would treat them to Rita's Water Ice if they behaved and they did. Ralph hasn't driven his Mustang in a few weeks. He has been waiting for just the right weather drive his Mustang convertible with the top down. The day was just perfect so we took the girls for a short ride in the convertible to see how they liked it. You can tell that they had so much fun, the were just giggling and laughing away. It was a perfect day for a ride and a taste of water ice.

COUSINS IN WATER

That is just one of the few underwater pictures we had of our vacation last July in the Philippines. I just got it developed today. With my short term memory I had forgotten that I had it and keep forgetting to have it develop. Finally today I remembered to take it with us to Happy Harry's. I miss my cousins and my sister back home.

L-R my cousin Margaret, my sister Mitzi, my cousin Brigitte, Regi and nephew Carl. This was taken at the 3 start resort in Ormoc City my mom's hometown. It is a rare occasion of us cousins to be together since most of us live in different country. We happen to coordinate our vacation so we could see each other. I miss them so much, looking at the fun pictures reminded me of the good times we shared even in a short time. They have not seen the photo as of yet as I haven't had time to post it online. I'm pretty sure they will laugh when they see all of the photos, lol.. I miss you guys

OF COSTUMES AND CANDY

Trick or Treat!!! Did you guys made your rounds at your favorite neighborhood with your kids on Halloween? We did, we also had a small pizza gathering for the kids before we head on out the door.

The photo are of the kids in their costumes. From (L-R) Kelly the glow in the dark witch, Kaitlyn as Jessie the cowgirl, Kayla as the scary vampire princess and Joey as Lightning McQueen of Cars.

They were all so excited to get dressed in the costumes that they picked and get some candy. I just feel bad though that the turn out for houses that participated in the Halloween candy giving were not so good. It was actually pathetic and just sad. I know people are not oblige to give candy but Its just once in a year and kids really put a lot of effort in picking the costumes and dressing up. Younger trick or treater practice saying " Trick or Treat". This year it was just us and the Tobler kids since our neighbors went to another development to be with their family. It's such a joy to our hearts to see our kids enjoy running down the street and going from house to house. To see the delight on the faces of each child as they hold out the candy holder for some candy. Even with the cold air it did not stop them from having fun. All in all this year was fun and we are thinking of going to another development next year. I hope you guys had fun trick or treating this year,coz we sure did and got lots and lots of candy..

SAY UNCLE

Kaitlyn doesn't get to see her Uncle that much speciallly the one on the left Larry. She gets so scared at first but eventually warmed up to her uncles. This little girl can twirl both her uncles on her little finger with ease. I just had to take a quick shot of Kaitlyn with her two uncle's before the wedding went underway. I put Kaitlyn on her Uncle Larry's lap and just had to hold her Uncle Angelo's hand since she didn't really warm up yet to her other Uncle. She looks so sweet and adorable here. Kayla on the other hand was way to busy playing with her daddy's phone that she didn't want to be bothered with pictures. Both her Uncle's adore Kaitlyn. Even though Kaitlyn doesn't get to see Larry as much as Angelo she still talk about him. So when she finally warmed up to him, I told her to tell her Uncle Larry what she wanted for her Birthday. She started talking a mile a dozen, babbling away about the dancing Dora doll she saw at the store. She is growing up so fast and acts way to mature for her age. I love you bunches langga!

GOOFY SMILES

Hanging out with my kids outside while waiting for Andrew Juniors 1st birthday party. This was taken last Aug 14, somewhere in New Jersey. It was the second weekend of the month so we got Kayla, to bad Ralph had to go to work. We took one car going there with my BIL Angelo driving. We arrived there about 12 noon and boy were we starving. Party wasn't going to start anytime soon and my kids had to eat. I couldn't just give them potato chips for lunch, so even though the party didn't start I went and got potato salad for the kids to munch on. While waiting for the other guest to arrive we sat down on the swing and had fun taking pictures with my new phone. The kids were goofing around so much that the pictures really came out good. It was a nice day to have a party but most of all I had a great time hanging out with my two beautiful princesses. They looked so beautiful in their respective dresses.

MAMA 2

At long last my one and only sister Mitzi "chay" finally got to hold her first niece in her arms. She was so surprised to finally see Kaitlyn in person, can't believe she has such a small face. I could tell that the bond was automatic and she just loves her little niece. Mama 2 is what Kaitlyn calls my sister and was just talking away when we got in the car. It was like she knew my sister all along and no hesitation on her part. On the other hand my sister could not get over how small Kaitlyn's face was in person. It was so surreal watching the two of them together, my oldest sister and my daughter. My sister is good with people but she is specially great with kids. When my sister leaves at night to go home to her boarding house coz she has school the next day, Kaitlyn gives her a big hug and kiss. She looks for her Mama 2 as soon as she wakes up and constantly asks for her. As soon as my sister walks through the door she greets her with a big smile and a hug saying" you're home, I missed you". It makes my sister's day.

GOT A TAN

Look whose got a tan now! That was actually taken last week when it was scorching hot. It was just a few hours under the sun, when I went in the bathroom I could tell I had a tan. I didn't get burned though, it helped that I put sunblock. My hubby likes it when I get darker , he said it make me look sexier. My grandmother would probably get so upset why I want to get so dark and stay under the sun. To much sun exposure is bad on your skin that can cause skin cancer. I can't help but get dark and stay under the sun because I have kids and we have a swimming pool. Sitting under the umbrella on the pool deck is where I am usually at but it can only do so much. You should see my youngest, she is so tanned now. I lather my kids with sunblock when they are out playing and specially when they are swimming. Husband thinks I still need to toast a little bit more, lol.

RIDE BEHIND THE LEADER

Anyone want to go on a hay ride? It's not really a hay ride but more of a lawn mower ride, lol. That was taken last week when Ralph was getting the yard ready to be cut the next day. He had to pick up the little twigs and branches that fell of the tree. He hooked up the trailer behind the lawnmower so he could put the little twigs and branches in it. The kids looked like they were getting bored so he told the kids to climb aboard for a lawnmower ride. Let me tell you the kids were all excited and just laughed and giggled. From L-R are Joey, Kelly, Kaitlyn and Kayla. Ralph drove around the backyard entertaining the kids. My husband is such a great dad and would go to any lengths to make anything fun for his kids.

2 THUMBS UP

Our 3rd year wedding anniversary was spent with our kids plus two,lol. Our friend was in a bind and needed someone to watch her kids. She knew that Valentines was our anniversary but she has no one else to watch her kids. I told her we would just take them. Besides they would have a blast here at the house. It was a chore though putting 4 kids in the car,hahaha. Kaitlyn cried her head off since she all the three other kids were sitting on the back while she had to sit in her carseat. What a bad start but she eventually settle down and was fine after that. We head off to our favorite Chinese Buffet and the kids were so behaved. It was just a simple celebration to mark our third year.

Picture was taken inside the restaurant in front of the fountain with fish. See the thumbs up? They were so happy and had so much ice cream to eat. I was so stuffed up to my neck with all the yummy food that was on display. How did you guys celebrate the day of hearts?

A SEA OF SNOW

Bbbrrrrggggghhhhhh! As you may well know Washington, Baltimore Maryland, Delaware, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and New York was hit by a big snow storm that started last Friday Feb. 5 and went on until the next day Feb 6,2010. Most schools in the Northern part had early dismissal in case the storm started early. The first snow flakes didn't start falling until around 3:30 in the afternoon and it was so small that you could barely see it. Around 4 was when it stated coming down fast but not as hard. I was so worried with hubby at work with the slippery road there is bound to be a lot of accidents.

The very next day we were all greeted by a sea of snow all around us. Our front porch was covered by about 2-5 inches of snow. Even though the storm hasn't stopped I hurriedly bundled up the kids so they could play outside.

My poor princess bruiser got buried and stuck so many times that she just wanted to be carried. She could not walk in the deep snow for fear of getting her feet stuck.

That is how deep the snow is in front of the house. It's over Kayla's knee but that didn't stop her from walking around and exploring the stark vast area covered with snow.
Amazingly a bald patch of ground was left underneath this tree beside our house. The wind and drift of snow skipped this area and left it with not even half and inch of snow. I tell you this was the only spot outside that didn't get buried with snow.

The whole family minus me of course since I am the photographer. Our dog is even present beside Kaitlyn enjoying the cool snow on his body. Like the good daddy that he is, he woke up to play with his kids even if he had to go to work a few hours after.

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!

Halloween is just among one of themost anticipated event that most children look forward to. Getting to wear costume, trick or treating, decorating the house for halloween and of course the consumption of candies with parents permission,lol. This year it was just the three of us, Ralph, Kaitlyn and ME. It was Kayal's turn to spend her Halloween with her mom this year. We missed her a lot but I know she is still having fun with her mom.

This year Kaitlyn was dressed up as a swash buckling, rebel little pirate. I never planned for her to get dressed up as a pirate. I was just checking out some outfit when I saw the one for her. The pirate costume just screamed Kaitlyn all over it and fit her personality to a T.

Meet Captain Kaitlyn the Pirate, the newest captain of the Black Pearl :

Ahoy there me matey!!!! You be looking for me? Harr, harr , harr!!!

Shiver me timbers, where be my scurvy dog of a crew? I best be headin out to search the sea of houses for me booty of teeth decaying sweets I be calling candies....

Ahoy there you scallawag, I be getting this ship sailin before other scurvy dog of a Pirate get a hold of me treasures.

Aha! Could this be fine fellow be a pirate in disguise? Harr, harr, harr, never ye mind he be part of me slave from now on.

Aye! I be hittin the mother load of all booty, behold my loot! Ye be keepin yer filthy hands of me candies or else I be force to let you walk the plank. Father or not nobody steals from Captain Kaitlyn arr, arr!

AS SHE TURNS 6

For the past few days I have been neglecting my blog and not really keeping up with whats been happening in our lives. I have not even posted pictures of Kayla's 6th birthday. This was last Aug 30, 2009. We had a surprise birthday party for her, she had no idea since she was at her mommy's and she was just picked up by Ralph. Her friends were already at the house by the time they got back and we all stayed in the dinning room to surprise her. She was shocked and so happy to see her friends and that we were celebrating her birthday. It was not a big party whatsoever since it was going to be a school day the next morning but it was enough for the celebrant and her friends to have some fun.


The birthday girl blowing out her candles while her sister tried to blow with her from the other side of the table,lol..
From( L-R ) Kelly, Tracy, Kayla and Tamara.

Even if it was just about 2 hours she still had tons of fun and had a great time with her friends. We love you Manang Kayla (big sister) and hope you stay as beautiful and as good as you are.

TIGER GIRL IN THE MAKING

Among the highlights of our trip to Sesame Place was getting Kayla's face painted. We had to finish off with the water attractions before we get this done for her. There was a lot to choose from but of course being Kayla and her love for animals she chose to be the Tiger Girl. I tried convincing her to get the fairy and flower face painting with little glitters but she refused. I just wanted her to pick something really girlie this time, lol. Once she saw the Tiger design she could not be swayed no matter what we said. She looks pretty cute after after it was done, she even made the a tiger pose but I didn't get a picture of it. If Kaitlyn would have sit still in that chair she would have had the fairy and flower design,lol...

SESAME TRIP

Summer is almost over and I am just know posting the pictures and the adventures we've had. This year, we didn't plan any major vacation for our family. Instead the main highlight of our kids summer adventure was a trip to Sesame Place in Philadelphia. Here are some of the photos we took while we were there :


I was quiet disappointed with Sesame Place. The kids had a good time but they didn't have a blast. It wasn't what Ralph and I thought It was going to be. I guess coz there were a lot of kids there and the rides just took forever and it was disorganized in my opinion. When we got to the big water park I forgot to take a picture the water was surprisingly salty and I just wasn't right for me, you would think you were at the beach with the salt water pouring all over you. It was just plain right disgusting for me. Kayla on the other hand just went to the slides and any other water activities she could see. The only place where they really had a lot of fun was the lazy river. Both girls didn't even bother to get on the tires but just wanted to swim in the freezing water, yes the water was very very cold! We we had known we would have just stayed home and swim in the pool. And the food there was so expensive, my gosh for a bottled water it was $2.47 and a kiddie meal was $8.99. I was so surprised with how expensive it was, we should have brought our own luck and put in a cooler in our van. At least the kids got giddy and so excited when they saw the Sesame characters specially Elmo and Zoey. As far as Ralph and I are concerned we are not going back to Sesame Place any time soon. Next year we would rather go back to Dutch Wonderland where is cheaper and they had more rides and fun water parks for the kids.

MOTHER AND BROTHERS

The matriarch of the Schifano Family, Caroline flanked by her three sons. From (L-R) Ralph my husband who is the youngest among the brother. His brothers fondly teases him about being the runt in the family. He is one of the hardest working man I have ever met. Larry is the second child. He was the brother that got a lot if injuries as a young boy. He may look scary but once you get to know him he actual has a good heart and will help any way he can. The last but not the least is Angelo the oldest of the brothers. He has the biggest heart and would just about do anything for anyone, the officially chef in the family. Lets not forget the matriarch my MIL, she is a great woman with a lot of courage, patience and love to give around. The three brothers are so different but all with good hearts. I caught the best guy and that is my husband, my honey...

THE GRANDKIDS

Picture was taken last July 18, 2009 on my 31st birthday party. From (l-R) Kristen, Andrew, Lauren, AJ, Kayla Nicholas and of course the youngest Kaitlyn on her Mima's lap. This was such an impromptu picture taking for the whole family since we just realized that we were all there. The kids wearing black shirts are Angelo's kids and Kristen and Nicholas are Larry's kids and the two youngest are my kids. Looking at this photo just make me miss my maternal grandparents even more. How I wish a time would come that we would be gather all together for a family picture as well. I still have more pictures and stories to come from my birthday.