It's almost Christmastime!

I can tell because the house smells sooo good right now. Depending on where you walk, you can smell the fresh-cut Christmas pine tree, or the pot of homemade pasta sauce on the stove, filled with venison meatballs, or the freshly baked cookies ready to be wrapped up as gifts for the people I'll see over the next few days of Christmas, or the cinnamon or baked apple or cookie-scented candles burning in every room of the house. I love this time of year! The snowfall yesterday was a huge bonus, hope it lasts long enough to have a white Christmas.

Talked to my dad the other day, he sounds good, sent me a great picture of him and my stepmother taken at a Christmas party they went to with friends. Makes me so happy to see him smiling. His knee surgeries are on their way to healing and he'll be golfing before ya know it. Talked to my mom and sis, aunts, uncles and cousins from Naples recently too. Everyone is in good spirits, preparing for Christmas and sending much love and hugs to my kids ~ passing it along ~ muahs ~ everybody loves and misses you both, can't wait to see you again.

Did something a little different for my kids Christmas presents this year, hope they like them. Instead of a bunch of small things, they each got one thing bigger and more exciting. It was really hard to wrap them and even harder to try to disguise them so they can't guess (and even harder to package them to mail them). So I wrote on the outside of the shipping box to open on it on Christmas, because once they see the inside of the box they're going to guess pretty quick. Wish I could see their smiling happy faces :) They won't be able to help but smile. I'll post a pic of the presents here after Christmas to see if any of you can guess what they are.

In the mean time, keep dreaming those happy dreams and keep love in your heart, it's the only way. Know that as much as you love and miss me, I love and miss you that much more. We'll be together again when the time is right, hang in there ~ love always wins!

Happy Turkey Day!!

Wishing my kids a very happy Thanksgiving! Preparations are already underway here, as I'm sure they are at their home with their mom too. Made the homemade corn bread and wheat bread for the apple raisin stuffing last night, it's laying all over the house drying and making crumbs, lol. Got the pumpkin all cooked and pureed and ready to make a pie, although I did skip the homemade crust, I'm not nearly as good at that as my dad is, he can whip up a crust like it's nothing...I apparently didn't get that gene.

This year, I decided to smoke the turkey, with a molasses glaze that my Uncle mentioned to me the other day while I was in Naples hunting with all the cousins, so it's in a bag full of molasses & thyme and being massaged every few hours, lucky turkey, ha ha. I also got a beautiful 8-point buck on that hunting trip, so I'll be grilling up a few venison tenderloins as well. On opening day of gun season, I made the traditional trek to Naples to hunt for the weekend with all my uncles and cousins, we had a great time. My favorite Aunt made us her famously huge lunch and most of us took home a deer and tons of prizes from the raffle in town on Friday night. It was a spectacular weekend weather-wise too...there have been times when it was snowing or raining or just plain miserable, but this year was picture perfect....crisp, frosty, sunny mornings and mildly cool afternoons. I talked to my dad on the phone a few times while we were all down there. I could tell he was missing being there now that they sold the cabin and moved to Florida full time.

As much fun as I had, Naples just isn't the same any more now that my dad has moved. I remember how much my kids loved his cabin. We would take them there all the time. We would pull up and the kids would be out of the car before we could park...off running into the woods and down to the creek to find whatever creatures they could capture and bring to us, usually a frog. They loved exploring the woods, riding four-wheelers, and having campfires. It's just not like that anymore without the cabin. I walked up there a few times to check it out and walk the property. Sadly it sits empty, the family that bought it got transferred and hasn't sold it yet, so it sits unused. It's so sad, it's such a wonderful place that really needs a bunch of kids to enjoy it. Lots of great memories there though. Actually, I got my deer right there on dad's old property, in a spot I've always sat on opening day for close to 30 years now. The deer still live there, lol. Maybe someday I'll be able to bring my son up there again and he can enjoy hunting with all of us on opening day. He would love it, so awesome to be surrounded by family and enjoy the outdoors.

Ah, but we're on to new memories and I'm sure my kids are too...enjoying their holiday with their mother's half of their family, which was always fun, lots of new cousins on that side too, so I'm sure there will be lots of new great memories to be had. Sure wish my kids could enjoy the wholeness of spending time with all their family at the holidays, but perhaps someday. I'll be thinking of them and their quirky turkey habits, I'm sure those haven't changed much. I'll say a prayer for them and wait for them to come around, with love in my heart and my arms wide open for a great big turkey hug. Have a blessed holiday everyone and thanks for all the notes, outreach and good wishes...keep 'em coming!

Happy birthday to me

Had a wonderful birthday today, filled with lots of wishes from friends and family, people calling, texting, facebooking and stopping by my office to say hello. But there are two very special wishes that I really wish I had, and those are birthday wishes from my kids. Miss their great birthday hugs and smiling faces. Hope they thought of me today. Love and miss them very much.

October 2012 - Fall Catch-up

It's been a while since I've posted, and while I'm just relaxing (rare) on a Sunday afternoon, watching the Giants stomp all over the 49ers and the Bills pull off a miracle....thought I'd catch the blog up to date.

So proud of my son and his first year on the high school football team. Sure he's having the time of his life and becoming a better player every game. He's very smart with the game, and quick too. He's probably too busy with football (his practice schedule is just nuts) to notice that hunting season has started. Been out a few times in the tree stand behind my house with the bow but haven't had a shot yet. My son would love being out there, it's so peaceful to see the sun rise on a crisp fall morning. The teenage boy next door (same age as my son) has been out too and seen a few deer but not had a shot yet either. Hopefully between us we'll get a couple deer this year. We have a neighbors "game dinner" each winter with a little bit of everyone's catch for the season - fish, venison, turkey. My garden was super productive this year too, so I've got lots of vegetables in the freezer we can cook up, would make a fine hunter's stew.

Nice to see both my kids enjoying high school together - football games, pep rallys, and homecoming fun. My daughter is once again in the school play and singing and dancing her little heart out. Love to see her having so much fun and using her talents. Very proud of both my kids. And nice to see them both doing well in school so far this year. Hope they are taking advantage of all the opportunities to meet and talk to colleges that come to the school. They both have such bright futures ahead of them.

Things have settled down since all the family activities this summer. Nonnie is getting ready to head back to Florida, had lunch with her and Aunt Grace the other day. Little balls of energy those two. They send their love, hugs and many many kisses...I'm sure you can imagine. Grampa just had his knee replaced and is doing just fine. He's going to be a bionic man soon - two hips, a knee...what's next? He can still out-golf me. Uncle Gene is feeling pretty good too after his pace maker was put in. I'll see him this week for some planning and maybe a little golf. So long as the visit includes some of my Aunt Candy's cooking...hint hint. The Nova Scotia cousins are busy with soccer, volleyball, part time jobs and looking at colleges. Grampa visited them again late this summer and had a great time spoiling his granddaughters. Sure he made them all kinds of yummy goodies just like he did when he visited me earlier this summer. My dad is a really good cook, definitely where I got it from.

Guess that's all that's been going on, just felt like I hadn't written in a while. Been making shorter comments and stuff on the Facebook and Twitter pages, so be sure to check there too. Sometimes those are easier that sitting down to write. As it is, this took all afternoon between games, movies and stuff around the house. In fact, the first sentence here is now history in the books, but I think I'll just leave it. Have a great night, finish your homework, love and miss you both very much!

Happy 15th Birthday Son!

Wishing my son a very happy 15th birthday, hope he enjoyed his day despite having to get up bright and early for freshman orientation. It seems there is something with the school going on almost every year on his birthday. At least this way he got to see all his friends, which always makes a birthday that much more fun.

I can't believe he's a freshman in high school already, he's growing up so fast! I remember holding him as a baby, and when he first started walking and talking, and his first day of school, like it was just yesterday. His school photos came the other day and he is looking so mature and handsome....and more and more like me at his age. It's so cool how both my kids look just like me - my son looks like me at his age and my daughter looks like me now. Guess that's genetics for ya :)

I'm so proud of what a bright and talented young man he is becoming. He gets great grades, always on the honor or high honor roll, just like me. That will be a big help in getting college scholarships in a few years. I wonder what he's interested in studying, or if he's even given it any thought. At his age I don't think I had any idea. It took a few more years. But the grades are very important if you want to have choices, not only in school, but in life too....so keep it up son, you're doing great! He looks strong, like he works out. I'm sure football keeps him in shape and hopefully he is doing some other physical activity in the off season, maybe wrestling or something. I'm sure he's well into football practice for the upcoming season and playing freshman ball at the school. Would love to catch a game, all I need is an invitation...hint hint.

Eventhough I haven't talked to my son in over 4 years now, I of course still love him so very much (and always will), think about him each and every day (can't help it, his pictures are all over my office and house) and remember what it was like to be his age without a relationship with my dad. I understand what he is going through, although I'm sure he doesn't think I do. No kid thinks their parents understand or know anything :) I wish he wanted me around and in his life. Maybe he does but he just can't say it or show it. All he has to do is speak up, tell a trusted adult, call me and talk, invite me to a game, take me up on my offer to take him to lunch or golfing, or hunting....no pressure, no questions if he doesn't want to go there, he can even bring a friend if he wants. It's up to him, I hope he knows that. There is nothing preventing him from making the next move, except the fog of course.

On a lighter note, I saw my aunts, uncles and cousins in Naples yesterday. We all got together and had a boys day of golf at the course down there where my uncle and cousin work. It was so much fun and I remember being there with my son many years ago. In fact, my aunt dug up a note my son sent her after spending the night at her house back in 2005 and brought it to the party. It made me laugh, his little boy handwriting. He and my daughter always had such a good time there with all the cousins, playing in the creek and riding four wheelers, and being doted on by my aunt & uncle. I thought I'd share the note here so you all can enjoy it too. The Naples crew sends their love and birthday wishes.

I would also like to thank all my family and friends who helped make my son's birthday special for me too today. So many wonderful people called with their love, support and encouragement. It's a reminder of just how fortunate I really am to be surrounded by such loving, special people who truly care about me and my kids. It's too bad my kids are missing out on these kinds of positive, affirming relationships in their life. I know from experience that their world is not like that. My neighbors also stopped over with their sons, both my son's age and we did a little shooting in the backyard this afternoon. Hunting season is coming up and we're all gearing up and helping the boys practice with their bows. I can't wait to get out and spend some time in the woods near my house. Maybe someday my son will want to come along. I know they would all get along great. The older one is a lot like my son, very into his sports (lacrosse) and a good student.

Hope he received and enjoyed his gifts this year. It gets harder and harder not knowing what he's into and what specifically he likes. There are a couple good movies out, the Dark Knight movie and the Bourne Legacy look good, so I thought he'd enjoy passes to go with a friend (since he won't let me take him...ha ha). I also got him team necklaces for the Mets and the Giants. Have you seen those colored rope necklaces all the baseball players are wearing this year? Those. They look pretty cool. I hope he'll wear them. Sent him a couple nice shirts for school and a football movie that we watched together years ago. If you've never seen Facing the Giants you have to see it, it's a great movie. We both love football movies and that's one you can watch with your kids and feel good about it.

Enjoy the rest of your birthday son ~ I love and miss you very much and will always always be here for you. I will never, ever, give up on us. My door will always be open, stop by or call any time. Love you Bucko...and no, you're not too old for that! :)

Where did July go?

Wow, summer is flying by. July was a whirlwind of visits and family time. My dad and step mom started the month with an 8-day visit from Florida in early July. They stayed with me at my house, in the extra bedrooms I have saved for my kids someday. We stayed up late over chatty dinners, had good times over lazy morning breakfasts, and had a big family BBQ on the weekend. My dad even made me some very yummy zucchini muffins. He's a really good cook, must be where I get it from. My niece from Nova Scotia came in a few weeks before the rest of my sister's family so she got to come to the BBQ and visit with her grandparents. Afterwards we all played cards and my niece and step mom kicked my butt.

My niece has grown so much over the last year. She's become more outspoken and outgoing and a little less shy and reserved. She has a few little jobs to help save up money for college, plays soccer and still loves her horses. She's also become quite the photographer, capturing some really great people and scenery shots from her family travels over the last year. And she now has her driver's license and my dad even let her drive up the street to the store. He says she's a good driver. On top of all that, she's super smart, loves science class, and is looking more and more like my pretty sister every day. I'm so proud of her and glad we got to spend some extra time with her.

A week later my sister arrived from Nova Scotia with my other niece who had a soccer tournament that kept her busy sooner. Check her out, that's her flying through the air, the girl belongs in the Olympics. She's all of 5 foot something, not an ounce of fat on her, she packs a mean punch (believe me I know) and can kick a soccer ball or jump for a volley ball like it's nobody's business. My other niece took this photograph and you should see some of her other shots. Some serious talent between those two.

We took our annual trip to see Gramma in Ohio. Gramma is 92 and thinks she's 72. Still getting around just fine despite a nasty fall this spring where she broke her leg. She's got pins and rods and is practically bionic now, or at least she thinks she is. Still sharp as a tack, remembers the last thing we talked about a year ago and asked after my kids like she saw them just yesterday. I filled her in on their grades and activities, she sends her love. We hung out there for two days, watched a lot of Olympics, including the very bizarre opening ceremony, cycling, volleyball, track and swimming. Gotta admire the level of training and hard work those athletes put in.

Didn't get to see the cousins from Kentucky this time, but did see the cousins from nearby in Ohio and spend some time catching up with everyone. The kids are all getting taller and smarter and send hugs to my kids. Gramma still has her doggie friends, one of them, the bigger one, helped save her life when she fell this spring. The other is another stray that keeps hanging around and Gramma keeps feeding. Here's another great shot my niece took of the pups. Sure wish I could take them home with me, but I think Gramma needs them more than I do. There are a few more funny pictures from the Ohio trip posted on my facebook page.

After we got back to Rochester, my sister, brother-in-law and nieces came over for a BBQ. We picked all the veggies for dinner out of my garden, including sweet corn which was ready already, super early considering I planted in early May this year because of the mild winter. We had organic steak from the 1/4 cow I bought from a farmer in Naples. It was delightful. Afterwards we sat around the bon fire pit in my yard and told stories. Like the times at the cabin when we used to sit around the fire and throw stones in the woods so the kids would get scared and think there were things in the woods. Those stories evolved into tales of Peter Pan and bed pillow notes, it was a lot of fun!

Next thing I know, it's August and I'm a canning, freezing, garden preserving fool. The garden is in full bloom and I'm bringing veggie creations and gifts with me everywhere I go, including cottage parties on Conesus Lake with friends of mine including my god-daughter who just turned 17 yesterday. Holy cow, these kids are getting old, ha ha. I call her, and her sister, my nieces because our families are very close. My god-daughter is in the National Junior Honor Society and just came back from a week at a private and exclusive med-school camp in Boston and has returned a very different girl. Quite a bit more mature and looking forward to the next phases of her life in college and beyond. She has such a bright future ahead of her and I'm really excited for her. Her sister is no slouch either, a talented clarinet player who has been playing at Hochstein. Hard to fathom that I'm surrounded by such talented and gifted nieces with a world of possibilities ahead of them.

And now it's mid August, football season is approaching and I'm thinking about my son who will turn 15 later this month. He's such a smart boy, on the high honor roll and taking good care of himself, mind and body. You should see him, looks like he works out, he's got strong broad shoulders and biceps and calves that I envy. Ah, such is youth. I have to work so hard for mine, he probably does it effortlessly.

Here's a photo of the last birthday party that he and I shared together. It was a really special day that I will always remember. I hope he has a great birthday this year with his mom and her family and probably a few friends as well. I would love to take him out for lunch or a movie or golfing or anything really, for his birthday. We could have a nice little BBQ and bon fire and invite his family and friends he hasn't seen in almost 5 years now. It would be a lot of fun. All you have to do is call son, and I'll be there to make it happen. In the mean time, enjoy the rest of your summer and get yourself ready for the best football season ever. Would love to see him play, he's really good....fast, knows the game in his sleep, and most importantly he's a Giants fan just like me! Season opener coming up...Giants and Cowboys, let's watch it together son!

Father's Day 2012

I hear my childrens’ silent prayers. I feel their love, their tears, and their fears, and know they miss me and wish we could see each other and spend time together again. I wish there was more I could do to help them…to help them be true to themselves, to show them how to have the love and joy of spending time with ALL of their family, both halves, not just one half versus the other. It is easily possible, if they want it to be, but I’m sure they are not getting that encouragement or guidance from anyone allowed in their lives. It’s so sad how carefully crafted and controlled their lives are.

I know my children are hurting -- growing teens without the guidance, love and support of their father. I am and will always be here for you -- always. Loving parents never give up, walk away, push away, guilt or refuse their children. I will always be your dad, and always be here, waiting, with open arms and an open heart. All you have to do is call or stop by. In the mean time, have a wonderful Father’s Day, I’ll be thinking about you and sending love and hugs!

Be sure to check out the nice photo collage on my Facebook Page

June Weddings

Went to a friend's wedding last night. Both the bride and the groom's parents were both divorced and remarried, making four parent-couples to include in the ceremony. They handled it spectacularly, everyone was smiling, laughing and having a great time enjoying their children's wedding day. The Bride even had her Dad on one arm and her Step-Dad on the other arm walking her down the aisle. And the two men embraced each other and their daughter at the altar. What a lucky girl to have such a loving supportive family! I'm very happy to be surrounded by friends who are such wonderful people.

Mets Make History ~ First No Hitter

So excited to see the Mets first no hitter! Hope my son got to watch it too. So excited I thought it warranted a post, ha ha. Johan Santana ~ you're awesome, especially after shoulder surgery, which I'm familiar with. What a feat, so exciting, I'm bouncing off the walls. Sure my son is too!

Memorial Day 2012

Hope my kids had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend filled with fun with their friends and family.

It was the perfect weekend for hitting the beach or a classmate's pool, or a family BBQ. I haven't seen a Memorial Day weekend so perfect in a long time, sure hope they enjoyed it outdoors. Last week I got to see their cousin from Canada play in a huge volleyball tournament nearby. Thought my kids might like to see pictures of their family they are missing. Everyone is growing up so fast. I remember when they were all small and playing in the creek at Grandma's house in Ohio or Grandpa's pool or Grandpa's cabin in Naples.

And now it's back to the regular school schedule, at least for a few weeks. Exams start this week for my daughter, and in a few weeks for my son. Wishing them both the best of luck with their tests. Get lots of rest, study hard and eat a good breakfast. These exams are so important for my daughter. She's going to be a junior in high school next year. These grades will determine what college choices she will have ahead of her. She's such a smart girl, I know she'll do her very best, score well and set herself up for a bright future. Good luck, I'm looking forward to your report cards!

May flowers ~ 2012

Flowers in front of my office, remind me of my sweet children. I miss them so much.

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing all the Moms out there a very special Mother's Day. I'm so grateful for all the Moms in my life ~ my Mom, my Step-Mom, my Sister who is a fantastic Mom to my nieces, my Grandma (who is still with us), my Grandmothers who can no longer share the day with us, all my fantastic Aunts, my wonderful friends who are Moms, and especially the Mother of my children ~ without her I wouldn't be a Dad to two beautiful children ~ thank you. Enjoy your day ladies!

For my kids ~ all the Moms on this side of your family send their love and good wishes, and can't wait to see you again soon!

Bubbles of Love Day ~ April 25th

Come join us in blowing bubbles of love to show that children should be able to show love and be loved by all their family members without feeling like traitors. Visit bubblesofloveday.com for more information.

Twenty Texas mayors have proclaimed April 25, 2012 "Parental Alienation Awareness Day" in their cities. These mayors recognize that the children in their communities need and deserve parents to encourage positive and loving relationships with the other parent and that it harmful to children when their parents do not do so. Thank you, Texas mayors, for being community leaders that care! This is happening all across the U.S. and the world, although not too much support here in New York...imagine that.

Hope my children get to blow some bubbles on Wednesday. I will certainly be on my porch blowing mine ~ won't you join me?

Sweet 16

Wow, what a beautiful sunny day for my daughter to turn 16. Sent her a bouquet of flowers almost as beautiful as she is and a box full of gifts. Sure hope I was the first man to send her flowers...ha ha. I'm sure she would have rather they come from JB or "Peeta" but perhaps her daddy is an okay second choice.

Wishing her a fantastic day and hope she has a lot of fun tonite and over her "birthday weekend" ~ maybe she'll have a slumber party at her house with her girlfriends. Would love to be there to celebrate with her, but I guess I'll just have to wait for her to see thru the fog surrounding her and want me around. I will always be here waiting with open arms and lots of love. The whole family sends their love and birthday wishes! Happy Sweet 16 Sweetheart!

April 2012

Go Mets!

How about them Mets! 4-0! Hope my son is catching the games and enjoying spring break. Call me if you'd like to grab some lunch, or golf, or a movie, or just chat. Love you both very much ♥

Happy Easter

Beautiful sunny Easter Sunday ~ hope my kids had a nice day, maybe they had their first Easter in their new house? I had a wonderful day filled with family, friends and lots of great food. Made this new chocolate dessert that everyone loved. I'm sure my kids would have loved it too if they had dinner with me, especially my son, it had all his favorite things in it.

Watched a lot of the Masters too ~ getting excited for golf season coming up. I remember when my son used to golf, I wonder if he still does. He had his own set of clubs and was on a league with two of his friends from his baseball team. The same baseball team that his friend's dad and I used to coach. We even golfed on the same nights. I would drop him and his friends off at their league on my way to mine. My son and I also used to drive down in Naples to golf with his uncles, cousins and grandfather. He loved driving the golf cart around Reservoir Creek. I still go there, my Uncle Gene works there. I wonder if my son still plays, maybe with his Grandfather or Uncle. He was pretty good back then, sure he's even better now. I would love to take him golfing. Son, if you want to go golfing over spring break, or any time, just call. You know how to reach me, the number is and always will be the same, although it appears your phone has that number blocked, so you may need to use a different phone to make the call. Love and miss you very much ~ hope you had a nice Easter!

Heritage Music Festival

Look out Atlanta, here comes my daughter and the fabulously talented singers in the Spencerport High School Women's Choir to perform at the Heritage Music Festival this weekend. Hope she and her friends have a great time ~ I know she loves to travel and see new places, almost as much as she loves to sing. I'm sure she'll be singing her heart out and bringing home the gold! Have fun my almost-16 baby girl ~ I'll be thinking about you, that beautiful sparkle in your eyes, and sending love!

Some bright beautiful flowers for my bright beautiful girl for her performances this weekend with her school friends. Enjoy ~ we all love you!

UPDATE: They got 2nd place and a gold medal ~ way to go girls, I'm so proud of my incredibly talented and beautiful daughter for living her dream! Daddy loves and misses you honey, will always be here for you and your brother ~ xox

Happy St. Patty's Day

Hope my part-Irish kids had a fun St. Patty's Day! It's such a rare opportunity to enjoy the city parade in 70 degree weather, hope they had a chance to see it and have a great afternoon with their cousins or friends. I look forward to the parade every year and had a ball with a group of my golfing friends and their wives, husbands, kids and grandkids.

I took a whole ton of pictures, this one reminded me of when my children's mother and I used to take the kids to the parade. Wasn't so many years ago when this was my son, on my shoulders ~ what a cutie!

And as the great weather continues, I hope my kids are getting out there and especially enjoying their new home and yard. Maybe they have a deck to sit on and a BBQ to fire up and grill dinners with their mom and grandparents. My kids loved to eat out on the back deck at our house in the summer. Get out there and enjoy life kids!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sending love, hugs, and a great big smooch to my kids this Valentine's Day. It is the 5th year that my kids have suffered with only half of the love they deserve on this special day. So sad for them and the heavy heart they must feel being so isolated and confused. Tried to text them again, but my phone is still blocked ~ blocked from sending loving thoughts and wishes to my own babies.

I would like them to know, and the reason for this blog is so they know, that their family and friends will wait for them, and always be there for them ~ no matter what, no matter how long, no matter how painful, no matter the tall tales that are told, no questions asked ~ when they are ready to be whole again. We all love you Bucko and CeeCee. Hope you got my cards and had a wonderful day! xox love, Dad

Super Bowl Time!

Can you believe it? The Giants are in it again, AND playing the Patriots again too, just like last time they were in. Looking forward to the same result :) and another great game. I’m sure my kids will be watching our team too, wearing their Giants jerseys. I always loved Super Bowl Sunday with my kids, they were all into the game. Every year we had a big party over their Uncle’s house, with the whole family, all the kids, and a few family friends too. It was quite the event with tons of great food – prime rib, lobster tails, and sometimes even catered Dinosaur BBQ. We would have the game board for the quarter and final scores and everyone would play, even the kids. They got a kick out of putting in their dollar for a square. I’m sure they still carry on that game day tradition and have a fun family evening. I do too, but I miss spending time with my kids and seeing them enjoy themselves and the game.

Football was always a big deal in our family. My son has been playing since he was old enough to run and my daughter was on the cheer squad for years. We spent our Sundays with the kids growing up running from game to game because they would sometimes be playing at different fields. We did our best to see it all. I don’t think my daughter cheers any more, she’s moved on to other interests, but my son is still playing and enjoying football. Hopefully he’ll get to play on the high school team next year.

I’ve got my Giant’s Bear and I’m ready for the game. It was a gift from my kids for my 39th birthday. I keep him in my office, but this weekend he’s home with me for the party. Go Giants!!!! I’m right there cheering with you, kids….love you both very much, enjoy the game!

UPDATE: What...a....game!!! Awesome game, all the way through. G-Men all the way. I'm sure my son is just coming out of his skin. Tried to text him, but it appears my phone is blocked...bummer. My dad called me the second the game was over, was so cool! Giants rock, paint the town bluuuuuuuue!!!

January 2012

No fun being sick
Feel better baby girl, I can see you now all wrapped with your blankets and stuffed cuddlies. Wish you wanted me there to comfort you and help you feel better, sending love and get well wishes. <3 Geeze, it's been a bad winter for this stuff with my kids.

Sundays and Football just go together ~
Even the dog knows....go Giants!! Pre-game preparation under way ~ gonna be yummy!

Update: Awesome game, so worth the good bessie with homemade accoutriments. San Fran is next, look out 49ers, we're hot and hungry for it!


How 'bout them Giants! ~

Watched the game with my kids, well, not actually *with* them of course, but with them in spirit, I'm sure they were watching too. The NY Giants are our team, lovin' them winning! I sent them a "Go Giants" cheer text to their phones. NFC East Champs. Let's keep it going G-Men. We'll all be watching the same game again next week and rootin'!


Happy New Year! ~

Happy New Year to my kids ~ I love them both very much and I always will. Nothing, not even time or passing years will change that. And no matter where they are, they are always in my heart. I’ll just keep sending messages of love and acceptance, knowing that one day they will hear them and understand that a parent’s unconditional love will never just stop or go away. I will always be here for them, even though they act like they have no idea.

I spent my holidays surrounded by my wonderful family and friends. Everyone sends their love and continues to reach out to my kids. With a few days to myself, I managed to find some videos kicking around of my daughter’s school chorus concert and shared them with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They sang a beautiful song about children, based on a poem by Khalil Gibran. I wonder if my daughter took a good look at the words, beyond just singing them? Gibran has written some really wonderful poems, with lots of timeless lines, like – “Rebellion without truth is like a spring in a bleak, arid desert”. I wonder if my kids have read any of his work? It really is good stuff. I wish I could find some videos of my son’s football team this year. There are a bunch from a few years ago, but no recent ones. You’d figure with all those video cameras out there, some footage would end up on the internet.

Every year on New Years, I make a wish for my children. Obviously I wish to see them, speak with them and re-establish our relationship together…but that’s a wish for me, which is different from a wish for them. They’ve had some wonderful experiences this past year, not the least of which was finally getting a new home of their own with their mother, which was my wish for them last year, so that’s good - great in fact. So this year was a challenge to find a wish that is similarly attainable for them and I came up with a few things:

I wish for them an awakening. I think this is a good wish because my daughter will be 16 and my son will start high school, both are milestones that often trigger an awareness in teens that wasn’t there before. I don’t know what that awakening will be, no parent really does ahead of time, we just wish that experience for our kids – that inevitable expansion of their minds into logic and reason and a sense of purpose they create for themselves by becoming more and more independent in thoughts and visions of their future, as well as truer, more experienced recollections of their past. I know this is a lifelong process – heck, my eyes are opened by new things every day – but it often starts here. So for 2012, I wish them a fresh start to their future, an awareness of what they need to do to get there, and a deeper look inside. Maybe they will even share what they learn with me.

And in the mean time …. how about them Giants! That’s our family team, we’ll all be watching and hoping for another SuperBowl win, and I’ll be thinking of my son every minute of every game. I know someday I’ll be watching him play again, maybe in the pros some day!