my new *BFF*

sorry miss swapp, but i have a new BFF and her name is donna downey.  a few weekends ago, jr designs, a local scrapbook studio hosted  3 classes taught by *the* donna downey.  (those of you who are not into scrapbooking, will not get the whole donna downey thing, but she is an amazing artist) i loved all the projects we did with her, but my favorite was the paint, watercolor and doodle class.  it really opened me up to all kinds of new techniques that i can't wait to try.  donna if you ever read this, thanks for giving me a hard time, it really made me relax and enjoy the process.  you ROCK girlfriend!

so proud...

photo taken by christopher o'callaghan  july 2008

I am so proud of my cousin toph and the career he is making for himself. please check out his new website... here

WAY TO GO!!! 

a new day...

what an amazing day!  what an amazing man! 

time to play catch up....

so much to talk about.  we have been really busy and my computer is giving me a hard time, so i know i haven't been very good about the blog... sorry.  i am going to try to give you the highlight of the trip so far...  david left today, me and the kids still have a week here.  here are the highlights of our time here so far...

1.  arrived in cambridge, 12.23.08

2. had picture taken with santa

3. miles finished his letter to santa

4. made x-mas cookies for santa 

5. christmas eve dinner at auntie frans

6.  kids got there x-mas jammies

7. took trip to scicuate 

8. played in the snow

9. went ice skating in boston

10. went to aquarium with cousin aidan 

11. attended cousin aidan's christening

wow, those are just some of the highlights, and we still have a week to hang out. christmas was so much fun miles loved all of his toys and maisy was starting to get the hang of ripping gifts open. i have to say the snow is pretty, but i don't miss it at all, and the cold... YUCK!  getting the kids dressed to go outside takes waaay tooo long, and they have so many layers on they don't even fit in the car seat. all in all though, having a really good time. i'll update again soon and add more photos. belated HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!!  xoxoxoxo

christmas pageant 2008

last wednesday was miles' preschool's christmas show. last year he wasn't that into it, this year, he was totally into it and remembered most of the words to all of

the songs.  what 

made this year even more special was that miles' 

nana, played the piano for the show.  it was super cool.  also miles got to play one of the three kings.  his line was "great gifts we bring"... too cute.  i got a little teary eyed, this was miles' last christmas show in pre-school.  we will be signing him up for kindergarten in february, can you believe it?  i am going to try to post from boston, as well as try to post some pics from my december daily book.  merry christmas to you all... xoxox 

family get together

grandma benetia passed away about two weeks ago. we had her services this passed weekend. they were very,very nice. on friday night we had a rosary done in her honor. i had never been to a rosary before, so i wasn't sure what to expect. it was very nice. i really enjoyed it. then on saturday we had her services. it was another very nice service. david did a slide show presentation... very touching.  we had a little reception after the services at papa jerry's house. all of her children were there and many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

the twilight before christmas

for all you twilight fans... this is hilarious...