Tag: my wife

Mother’s Day Recap

This was the first Mother’s Day since becoming a mom that Sam had the day off. I was so glad that she was able to take the day and spend it with us. She worked the night before and on the way home, she called and told me to make sure the kids were dressed. We were heading out somewhere when she got home.

I hurried and got the kids dressed, got myself dressed and was ready when she got home. She came in and changed clothes before we left, so I just assumed we were all going to go out to breakfast. Instead, she drove to the cemetery where my mom is buried. She told me she wasn’t going to let Mother’s Day go by without taking me there.

The innocence of my kids always chokes me up. As we walked up, Sam said, “We have to see grandma on Mother’s Day. She was daddy’s mommy.” When we got to her headstone, Andrew said, “I can’t see grandma.” That was the first choke up. Then Ella had found what she called a “heart shaped rock” and wanted to put it on her headstone. “I want grandma to have it.” Choke up number two. In the car, on the way out, Andrew starts to get upset. Sam asked why and he said, “Grandma can’t hold me.” Choke up number three.

When we got home, Sam got to see the gifts that the kids got for her.

They each drew her a picture/card and we placed a paint handprint inside. We bought her some hair stuff (hair ties, clips, a mirror, and stuff she uses to get ready). The kids also picked out a beautiful dozen roses for her. Finally, we made sure she got a delicious cake!

When our Head Start friend came over, we made feet flowers for her with her favorite colors.

After we opened her presents, she got to laid down and nap since she worked the night before. Then the kids and I went outside and we detailed her car.

We debated doing a BBQ for dinner, but she said she was really craving some Chinese food, so that’s what we got! By 7pm, the entire family was just exhausted and we were all in bed and asleep by 8! LOL

I am so happy that we got to celebrate her for mother’s day!! She is so special to all of us!

We’re Walking For Miracles

My wife and I have formed a team and are walking for miracles next month. We’ve put a team together and will be walking the zoo to help out our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

With all the recent medical stuff that has been happening with our son, this is a perfect opportunity for my family and I to say thank you to the doctors who have helped (and continue to help) him. It is also a great way to raise money to help other families and children.

From our work website:

Superheroes of all ages are invited to Corewell Health Children’s Walk for Miracles at the Detroit Zoo, Saturday, June 8, at 7:30 a.m. Enjoy the zoo for the entire day by walking the two-mile loop and exploring the zoo exhibits. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary refreshments and meet popular comic book and fairytale heroes.

Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero and will receive a superhero cape and finishing medallion. Walkers must register in advance and make a minimum donation of $12 for ages 13 and over and $8 for ages 2-12. Children under the age of 2 are free.

Each of us is hoping to raise $100 ($1000 for the team). If you are in the Detroit area, I encourage you to join us. For more information you can click the link here:

https://www.helpmakemiracles.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.event&eventID=4838

If you are inclined to donate to our team, drop me an email: nostalgicitalian@yahoo.com and I will send you a link where you can do so. If you want to create your own team of walkers, you can do so at the link above.

Thanks in advance! Hope to see you there!

Resurrection Weekend Recap

My wife was on the schedule to work on Easter Sunday. The family made sure that she would be included in the weekend happenings. My sister-in-law hosted a brunch on Saturday, which was just awesome. She had eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit pizza, and biscuits and gravy.

In past years, we’ve filled eggs with candy and coins and just left them around the yard for the kids to get. This year, each kid had their own color basket, which matched their egg color. Everyone got the same number of eggs. It made things so easy for them.

After brunch, we headed back home so that my wife could get ready for work that night. We also had the kid’s baskets out for them so that she could see them get their loot.!

Each of them got a new Tonie for the Tonie Box, a chocolate bunny, a toy, some play dough eggs, and new outfit. I think they both ate their bunny for breakfast!

On Easter Sunday, we were invited over to my in-laws, but my brothers-in-law were sick. With Andrew’s surgery coming up this week, we didn’t want to risk him getting sick (more on that in a sec).

Sam brought home donuts on Easter morning and we all enjoyed them. After breakfast, the kids were off playing with their toys. I grabbed a cup of coffee and tuned in to one of my pastor friend’s church service. It was a tremendous message and I am glad that I had the chance to sit and watch it. The message was on the resurrection of Christ and how it benefits Christian believers. It was a wonderful message that I really needed to hear with all that is coming up.

As I mentioned, Andrew is having surgery to repair the cleft that is between his vocal chords this week. I have taken a couple days off, so I may or may not post on here. I have a few things I might schedule ahead of time, but I will be back as soon as I am able with an update. He will see one of the docs a day before surgery to discuss some other possible diagnoses. We are also waiting to see a neuromuscular doctor. Not sure what we are looking at, but if you wouldn’t mind sending along positive thoughts and prayers, I would appreciate it.

My father-in-law could also use some good vibes and prayers, too. He is post op and needs to have another procedure done this week. Thanks in advance.

I had to do some quick testing a few weeks ago to see how the ADHD medicine is working. I will follow up with that doctor tomorrow. I’m not sure what to expect. You know how it is, in some ways I think it is helping, in other ways, I’m unsure. Hoping for some good news there.

I know this blog was a bit up and down emotionally, so I apologize. Know that I am ok, just thinking a lot.

Thanks for reading and your comments and support.

6 Down – Forever to Go…

Yesterday was our 6th wedding anniversary. Sadly, we didn’t get to spend much time together. My wife worked the night before and came home and grabbed a nap while picked the kids up from their sleep over at Nana’s house.

I came home and got the kids their lunch, showered and shaved, and got ready for work. I waited until the last minute to wake her up so that I could head into work. I quickly gave everyone a kiss and left. What my wife didn’t know was that I had ordered flowers right down the road and I had to go pick them up and bring them back home so I wouldn’t be too late for work.

The florist did such a wonderful job! I think in this day and age, we tend to go t he “easy route” too often and grab a simple bunch from the grocery store, but those flowers really lack the touch of a florist! These were simply beautiful!

According to the “anniversary gift list,” the gift for anniversary number six is iron. It is supposed to represent the fact that you have made it through the first five years and the iron represents the strength of your marriage. So I wanted to get her something along those lines.

Years ago, I bought her a small wind chime that a nice windy day destroyed. I found a simple metal wind chime that sounds so pretty. She loved it.

The inscription reads, “A house is made of walls and beams. A home is made of love and dreams.”

The original plan had been to go into work early and leave early so we could have some time together. However, a week or so ago, they scheduled the farewell party for our director at work on that same night. My wife insisted that I be at the work party because our director has always been a big supporter of me. My wife has never been the “take me out to an expensive dinner and buy me expensive gifts” kind of person. She is happy just getting time together. So we will find a day to spend together in the coming week.

I am so thankful to have been married to my soulmate for the past 6 years. I cannot wait for the years ahead! I love her now and forever!

… and counting!

As Lady Gaga Says

A daily writing prompt that I often see says, “What was the most memorable part of your day?” or “What made you smile today?” The answer to both of those questions is what follows.

It was just me and the kids today, as Sam had a doctor appointment. We had breakfast together and the TV was on. At one point, the kids turned off the TV and asked to play a Tonie. (If you are not familiar with a Tonie, you can read about it here:

https://nostalgicitalian.com/2023/02/25/morning-miscellaneous/

We placed the Elsa Tonie on the machine and it began to play the music from Frozen. Ella and Andrew were dancing around and asked me to dance, too. So there we were twirling around the living room to the music.

Our dog, Daisy, had no idea what we were doing and assumed it was play time. So she kept barking at us and jumping up on us while we were dancing. Ella grabbed a blanket and put it over her head like a hood and said she was Elsa. Andrew grabbed a blanket and I tied it on him like a cape. I did the same thing. We were dancing around like fools to the music.

We all grabbed hands and danced in a circle. I was lifting them up and spinning them around. We were flying in our capes. It was full blown craziness and laughter! We were so into it, we had no idea that Sam had walked through the door. I can only imagine what she thought watching us prance around the room!

I would say the entire dance party lasted about 10-15 minutes, but it was so much fun to watch them dancing and laughing. I was doing the same! What a joy to have such a special time with both of them!

See You Later, Gigi

We woke up this morning to the news that Sam’s grandma had passed away. It was not a surprise, as she’d been in hospice for a short time. She was 94 years old.

After Sam and I were married, I got to meet Gigi for the first time. She welcomed me into the family with open arms, literally. She told me, “In this family, we hug!” Sam and I visited her often and she always had stories to share with us. I loved listening to her. She was like my bonus grandma.

When the kids came along, she loved on them a lot! My kids loved seeing their Gigi. It is not often that a child gets to meet and interact with the great grandparents. Both of our kids were lucky enough to do that!

Gigi was all smiles holding Ella when she was only 6 days old.

She was just as happy to hold 13 day old Andrew.

Despite the noise they made when we went over to visit, she loved watching and listening to them. Every once in a while, Sam would visit and I wouldn’t be there because of work or something. She’d tell Sam to make sure I stop by with her the next time she went.

One of my favorite pictures of Gigi is with Sam at her baby shower.

When visits were over, I always made sure to give Gigi a hug and tell her that I loved her. She always told me she loved me too. Sam and I both had the chance to stop and see her before she passed. We went separately so one of us could keep the kids.

When I went to see her, it was difficult. It took me back to those final hours before my mother passed away. Gigi was more alert, though. She was talking, but much of it I couldn’t make out. I told her that the kids sent their love and wanted her to know how much they were going to miss her. I talked about Ella and she said clear as a bell, “She’s smart!” I agreed with her.

I thanked her for all she has done for us. She then said that Sam and I were “lucky to have each other.” I told her that I was the lucky one and how I couldn’t live with out Sam. She smiled. I asked her if I could pray with her. She took my hand without me asking and I prayed.

Afterward, she started to doze off. Sam’s Aunt Tana came in and sat next to me. We talked a bit and Gigi would occasionally start to say something to us. As I got ready to leave, I again told her that I loved her and told her to say hello to my mom and the rest of the family when she arrived in heaven. She clearly said, “Bye bye” and I kissed her on the forehead. I hugged Tana and chatted a bit with Sam’s Uncle before I left to go to work.

If you would be so kind as to keep my father-in-law, my wife, and her family in your prayers in the days and weeks ahead, I’d appreciate it.

Obviously, this is a pre-hug photo with Aunt Tana and me,

Gigi had a very strong faith and I know that we will be reunited in the future.

See you later, Gigi.

Too Much Information! (Sorry)

It is purely coincidence that the last blog I wrote was entitled “Always the Butt of Jokes.” Today’s blog could have also had “Butt” in the title, however, I decided against it.

I will never have to doubt that my wife loves me. She has always proven that on a daily basis. This week, she proved it once again, speaking all of the infamous 5 Love Languages! Let me explain.

It has been 5 years and it is once again time for that dreaded colonoscopy. If you have never had one, rejoice! Yes, it is completely necessary, but the prep and all that leads up to it is a special kind of torture/hell.

Since we live over an hour away from where the procedure is happening, I certainly did not want to be stuck in a car in traffic with the possibility of having to go and having nowhere to go! We decided to stay somewhere close to where we needed to be.

By doing so, my wife took care of those five Love Languages:

  • First, “Words of Affirmation,” by saying that she would gladly stay with me during the prep and calling me “baby.” Ok, maybe she called me “a big baby,” but I can’t remember.
  • She took care of Love Language “Physical Touch,” by holding my hand as she did the above.
  • “Acts of Service,” was taken care of by getting us a hotel room to stay in the night before the procedure.
  • “Quality Time,” will happen on the drive down to the hotel and while we stay at the hotel, although there may be frequent bathroom breaks.
  • Finally, “Gifts,” will be that we are taking extra soft toilet paper with us to the hotel.

I love my wife, dearly. I know she loves me because she told me that she would only “get a hotel room for a night for someone to poop in” because she loved them (i.e. ME!)

A Royally Good Time

The kids got to go to a neat outing today. The county hosted a “Royal Ball.” They had a DJ, many games and activities, and many of the staff dressed as the various princesses. I had to work, but Sam and her mom took the kids and they had a blast!

There were plenty of photo opportunities.

Ella as Belle. I love that her face fits that perfectly. All too often those “head holes” are so big that your head looks weird in it.

Sam sent this one to me and it is perfect! I love that he wore his sister’s Elsa shirt!

For Ella, she was ALL about the princesses! When she called me to tell me about the ball, she said, “every one of my favorite princesses was there, Daddy!”

Tiana, Elsa and Sleeping Beauty were happy to see her, too!

I love that our community does things like this for our kids. I hope they will always remember these magical moments.

Another magical moment that Sam observed happened last night. Earlier in the day, the kids got one of those Kiwi Crates. Aunt Margaret got them one every month and it has something to read and projects to make. This month the theme was camping.

They got all the materials to make a Bear backpack and a campfire.

They had worked on the projects during the afternoon. They had turned out the lights when it got dark and were “toasting marshmallows” over the campfire. Sam had taken the dog out to go to the bathroom. As she looked through the big window, she could see them “by the fire.” It was really heartwarming to see them together.

I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with them.

Finally! The Weekend.

It is Groundhog Day. The above critter is not a groundhog, I realize. Perhaps, I should have posted an appropriate groundhog picture? Hold on a sec ….

…. Ok, I’m back. I have one.

You’re welcome.

The kids each got to enjoy a special day today. Andrew got to spend the day at Nana’s house and Ella got to go shopping with mommy. They both had lots to tell me about their day when they called me tonight. Both Sam and her mom said that each kid is very different when they are alone. They obviously missed each other. Tonight at bedtime, Sam sent me this:

I don’t know what is funnier – the sunglasses, the fact that Ella is reading my Columbo book, or that Andrew is staring at a blank page! LOL

Our pup is growing so much. She is like a Moose! I turned on the TV the other day and was laying on the couch. She was laying on the floor next to me. I was scrolling my phone when all of a sudden she jumped up on the couch and on me. She obviously needed attention.

I am not a tattoo guy. I’ve never really felt the need to get one. I have heard that once you get one, you tend to get more. There are plenty of tattoo horror stories. People get one with a name of a lover and then they break up and stuff like that. I saw something online the other day that just made me shake my head.

I have posted about the excitement I had over the Detroit Lions season this year. I had hoped that they would win the Championship game and go on to the Super Bowl. Some people chose them to win it all. I really can’t imagine being so confident that I would go and get the following tattoo:

One can only hope that they can change that year to 2025! 

Coming Soon:

I’m excited for the next round of Turntable Talk, which is going to be about great movie soundtracks. Which movie soundtrack would you pick as your favorite?

I’m also taking part in the 10th Annual Favorite TV Show Episode in March. It is hosted again by Terry of A Shroud of Thoughts. I’m going with one from a show I have written about before, but worth being featured again.