SUMMERTIME SUMMERTIME!

We had visitors come from Baltimore this past weekend. Mikelle, Trent, Pierce, Brock, Jaida and Gracie all came to visit us for the weekend. It was a really nice visit. Gracie jumped off the dock over and over fetching a stick while Brock and Pierce were trying to catch fish. It was hilarious to see Gracie run down the dock and fly through the air, plunging into the Hudson River. Feliz would chase her down the dock and come to a screeching hault wondering what Gracie was doing flying off the end. It was a really nice "pal time" for Feliz and Gracie.

Courtney came to visit in the morning and then we went to her apartment. Afterwards, we all went to Forsythe Park Zoo to visit Tulip and Issac. The boys had a really good time meeting the animals and then running around the playground. Friday Night Amelia joined us for dinner and after our Shrimp Pasta dinner the boys got into the "Bronco" and took a ride with cousin Ross, zooming down River Road like a bullet! Then we went to the car show at the Frozen Rainbow to see all the old cars. We tried our favorite favored ice creams and then hung out at "The Roost."

Saturday Morning we all went to the Swim Meet to watch Ashby come in 6th place in the 100 FREE. Ashby rocked the pool in his racing suit that Coach Corey lent him to wear. Ashby took 7th in the backstroke and 11th in the IM taking off a lot of time on all three events! His relay team took off many seconds and did very well! He looked strong even after taking the summer off from swimming to do Scouting. He had not been in the pool for 4 weeks. He rippled through the rapids of the Rhinebeck waters. Mikelle and Trent took the boys to cool off, they went to the Trolley Ride and then to NY style pizza and then back here to the roost for some sprinkler fun! We sat up late catching up with all of our lives and it was good to reunite. We all look forward to the Howard Reunion in 2011.

Sunday Morning Courtney, Collin, and Amelia joined us for a delicious brunch! "Aunt Jelly" (as Brock calls me) put together a picnic lunch for the Belliston's to take to NYC for the day at Central Park, FAO Toy store, Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty! Thanks for great memories with your beautiful family.

If ANY ONE wants to come for a visit, you better come soon! The weather was perfect and the Hudson is inviting! PARADISE!

Summer Vacation

Ashby and I spent 13 days in UTAH! We flew out to SLC on June 24th and spent the mid-night hours with Aunt Peggy! We ended up going to the Reunion on Friday Night and had a blast with all Peggy's girls and their families! It was so much fun. Ashby loved playing all the crazzzy games such as Werewolf and Settlers. We played until 2am. On Saturday the rest of the families came for the morning activities and board meeting. Russ and I made Rootbeer (grampa's favorite). We had over 100 family members there. Kelly had everyone active in playing minute games which really got everyone involved. It was good to see so many Barkers that I haven't seen in years.

Ashby and I went back to SLC to rent a car and then drive 4 1/2 hours to St. George. Here we were greeted with the "BLACK CAT" of Austin and Miles. We spent 3 days with these cousins. We went to the musical Tarzan and Ashby tried out the ATV and Skin Boarding. IT was really hard to pull him away from it.

We drove back to the Saga Girls Night at the movies! It was so much fun going to the Eclipse Theatre with the crazy cousins theme party! We all dress up and got wild over Jacob and Edward. It was really hard to choose for some, but I'll take Jacob over Edward any day.

We spent the next few days with Peggy and Paul and their AWESOME FAMILIES! On Saturday we went to Thayne Wyoming to the ROGERS' REUNION. HERE WE HAD A BLAST!!!!! It was freezing going from 115* to 80* to 55* in Thayne. Ashby meet more exciting people and made friends with all. He had fun buying fireworks and setting them off in the parking lot at the park. He rode a horse and ATV and had just good ole fun. It was really hard to leave to come back to NY.

Ashby spent the next week sleeping in and staying up late. He has been swimming in his competitions and doing well. He chose not to go to practice, but that didn't stop the 1,2,3 placings! In Fact on Saturday they won their first dual meet of the season to Rhinebeck. It was fantastic!!!!

Today he went to Camp Trimount for a week of SCOUT CAMP. Then on Sunday the 25th of JULY he will be going to the NATIONAL JAMBOREE at FORT AP Hill Virginia! WHAT AN EXPERIENCE.

Courtney moved out to her new apartment and she is really looking forward to being on her own. I will miss her greatly! She has so many things that I don't think she knew she could fill the apartment up so quickly. I think her apartment in Greenville, NC was larger (?) oh well, it is a really sweet, clean apartment in a decent area of Kingston! She has access to walking to shops and eateries. Deitz Stadium isn't too far of a walk either! I am so happy for her. It is an accomplishment when your children move on with their lives. I worry about her working so many hours though.

Ross got new glasses and contacts. He is doing well with the contact thing! He has helped me around the house so much. He finally helped me close up the birds nest in the roof. A bird built a nest in the sofette above the hot tub. I haven't seen any birds going in or out of it for days so I think it was safe to close it up. He is a wonderful help keeping the yard looking nice! Thanks so much!

well....I must end with the fact that I have the best sisters! I am sure that Kelly,Cobi,Natti and Sadie all think they do, BUT....I beat them all....Peggy and Susan are the most kind, loving, supportive, and beautiful women in this world! I can see why Peggy's girls think they have it good, but they must because they are the off springs of the best and most loving sister. Kuddos to the Women Power!

I send all my love out to you sisters. Remember God is all around us, handing us the strength and courage and granting us the privileges of sisterhood. USE IT TO PROMOTE GREATNESS IN ALL WOMEN!

Wow! What a Spring!

Learning to Dance in the Rain... It is the theme, focus, and inspiration.

Ross graduated with BA in Criminal Justice and minor in Spanish. He ended with a bang and flying high. He took off and went to Las Vegas for a week before going into the world of working full time. He is working at Van Kleeck Tires at the moment and working towards getting in with the police force somewhere.

Courtney is working many many hours at two full time jobs. She has no full day off, only two nights, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Ashby received his Religious Award last Sunday along with having his final Spring Concert with the Hudson Valley Youth Chorale and also his final Bow with them as well. He had his service project washing cars with the church youth group as well. It was a busy weekend with concerts, Mimi's house birthday party, and award ceremonies. He is coming to the end of the school year with many many exams.

Feliz received her summer hair cut which inspired Ashby to cut his hair too. The two redheads look marvelous!

Baby's Birthday

Wow! Just 14 years ago I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. He became my pride and joy. These years have flown by so quickly. I don't remember them flying as much with Courtney and Ross. Perhaps because I looked forward to seeing them grow up, but with Ashby, I know that once he grows up, it is over. He won't need me in the way that I know now. I miss the days that Courtney, Ross and Ashby were young and full of surprises. They made me laugh and I hope that this laughter will carry me through to the end. I thank God every day that I have with my children.

My friend sent me a saying last month..."Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in rain." I am learning to dance. It isn't easy, but I keep hearing the echos of ...things worth having aren't easy.

Today was a beautiful sunshine filled day just like 14 years ago today. Courtney and Ross didn't want to go back to school, but rather they wanted to hang out with their new baby brother. I was being selfish and wanted Ashby and Wayne to myself. The three of us basking in the miracle of life. Now that everyone has gone home from the parties, I have him to myself. However, he is pooped! He and his friends stayed up all night. I heard them up til 4am, but they claim that it was all night. Then I heard them running around at 8am. The traditional "Apple Pancakes" were the request today. I made a special strawberry-banana smoothie for them all. Then at noon Mimi, Courtney, Collin, Christian and his grandparents, Nicky Guilitti and his dad, Mike all joined us for Lamb Lollipops, smoked salmon mousse, chips, mozzarella sticks, and Ice Cream Cake!

Friends

Friends, Awesome!

We just had our Women's Weekend and it was really awesome! Amazing that even after 30 years of traveling together we still can't get enough of each other. Unfortunately, Barbara didn't make it out and we really missed her....so Susan and Cindy want to do it again in July of this year. They came in on Friday in the morning to Newark and I picked them up and we had a picnic at the Liberty State Park. I made yummy ciabata bread turkey and ham sandwiches, red lentil vegetable salad, fruit, and cookies. Then I drove them through the Holland Tunnel to see the site of Ground Zero. We spent 2 hours walking around and taking in the city. We then hopped back in the Julie Cab and took a very speedy drive up 6th avenue to the theatre district. We went to the theatre where "Love, Loss and What I Wore" was playing and we bargained tickets for $25 each. A steal! Dustin lead us to a wonderful dinner at "West Bank Cafe" which we devoured delicious tastings! When we arrived at the theatre "Early,On Time," we met and talked with the writer of the book/play Ilene Berkerman? and What's her name that played Sabrina the teenage witch. They were outside smoking before going in to get make-up. We couldn't stop laughing before the play because there were theatre police monitoring the audience about theatre etiquette. The play was a good choice laugh! So true, Susan and Cindy will not live down the phone/bra purse thing. I drove back up to the "SPA AT THE ROOST." We enjoyed the hot tub before calling it a night at 2am. We sprung out of bed around 10:30am and enjoyed Brunch at the Roost. We pampered ourselves with pedicures, hot tub, and massages by Craig. He arrived at noon and didn't leave until 5pm. He was really good and ended up giving each of us a gift box that both he and his wife make. They grow lavender and provided lavender sachets. Cindy made up her mind that she is coming back in July for another massage. We went out to dinner at Le Petite Bistro in Rhinebeck where we indulged in a scrumptious dinner. After dinner we proceeded to the Rhinebeck theatre where we watched "Ghost Writer." A mysterious plot! Once again we treated ourselves to a hot tub therapy before bedtime. I introduced them to a game of Farkle and Susan won even though she was sleeping. We had Brunch on Sunday at "Shadows on the Hudson" and started off with desserts! Courtney took crazy pictures of us before we left. I drove them down to Jersey Gardens Outlet mall at 13A off the Turnpike. We spent and hour shopping! Unfortunately we had to call it an end and went to the airport. Susan made her flight without delay. Cindy had no troubles to worry about. We learned that we need to make more efforts in getting together. We truly miss each other's company and have a great laugh together. Some of us learned more than others (HEHEHEHEHE). Barbara, YOU MUST MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GET TOGETHER WITH US!!!!!

Friends make life bearable. These friends are my sisters for life!

I'm wearing my pink proudly!

Spring

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain.

I have so many wonderful friends that have showered me with gifts of love and support. I'm not sure how I would survive without them. My heart is broken, rather shattered and I am learning to let go of what I have treasured for so long. It isn't easy when you love so deeply.

My children are my most precious gifts. I am so thankful that I have three beautiful children who are good to me. Each of them have their own special gifts. As Asbby put it this morning, "I was special the moment I was born." He says that in a squeaky voice and with a bit of sarcasm and with the "special" theme. On a more serious note, I am so blessed to have them in my life everyday and to experience their lives.

Ross was home from school this past week, "Spring Break" and we had a terrific time with him. We went shopping for Courtney's gift at a Kitchen Supply Company and saw that they were holding cooking classes. On Wednesday evening, Ross and I went to this Cooking Class where we learned to make 8 super appetizers and we learned the wine paring with them. Drinking the wine along with the hors d'oeuvres was a great experience for the both of us. We had fun jumping into making the different recipes. I'm glad we stumbled across this store the other day! They are holding some interesting classes in the future with "Mother's Day Brunch, Kids Eat Too, Ladies Night Out just to mention a few!

Courtney celebrated her birthday early because she will be working on her birthday and she wanted her brother Ross to be here to celebrate it with us. I think she just likes to spread it out over weeks and weeks of celebrating....hahahah! It was a great time! Happy Birthday Darling!

I'm getting ready to cook the Easter Dinner tomorrow! I am serving Ham, Brussel Sprouts, Cajun string beans, potatoes and salad. Leslie, Hank, Mimi, Ross, Courtney and Collin, Ashby and myself will be eating the delicious food! Happy Easter to you all!

My high school friends are coming for a visit at the end of the month. I am really looking forward to their visit!

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. When one door shuts, another opens...but no one tells you about the hell in the hallway! Change can be painful at times and I am in the hallway changing. Prayer is a powerful tool, I'll say a prayer for you, please keep me in your prayers!