April 30, 2005 10:00 AM

Happy Birthday Melinda!!!!

I remember the first time I saw Melinda, they had just moved to Utah from overseas and she was riding her tricycle in Buck Circle. Melinda is a "doer", anything you need done she is the woman. I can't fathom how many times I've called her in my life to help me do something or solve something and she has always been there. Remember my graduation gown??? I love you Melinda and hope your day is extra special. From one "wild and crazy girl' to another.

Picture of the day

Birthday Girl, Far Left!

April 28, 2005 5:40PM

Official day of mourning for Constantine. Will post again tomorrow.

Picture of the day

Tommy and Simon  Seal Beach, CA.

April 27, 2005 8:48 AM

Don't you agree that if you advertise passport photo's that you should actually cut them to the correct size and not smaller??? Hello!?!?!

What is the one rule that all chubby girls must follow when getting their picture taken? (Remember this picture is going to haunt you for the next 10 years, every time you want to feel glamorous and escape your life by taking a foreign trip.) KEEP YOUR CHIN UP WHILE THEY TAKE YOUR PICTURE! My picture turned out great and my second chin looks, well....fat.

Tom told me last night that instead of me trying to find people to help out with the kids while I'm gone he is going to work from home.  He is in for a treat, I don't think he knows how much goes on here daily. I'm glad he's willing to step up to the plate, here's hoping he hits a home run!!

Picture of the day

Tom and the kids visit Silver Springs

4/25/02

April 25, 2005 8:45 PM

I booked my first international plane ticket today and did it all for only $100.91! Of course this doesn't take into consideration the 1 1/2 hours of my life that I will never get back. I am flying to Holland using frequent flier miles, enough said. In the end I upgraded from coach to business class using 40,000 more miles, and ended up impressing Joey (Mr. professional flier) with my nice booking. Joey says that flying business class from Atlanta to Paris on Air France will be totally awesome!! On the way home I'll touch ground in Manchester for a bit, so that's an additional country in my mind. Tomorrow the passport ordeal begins. I will be gone  Aug. 12-22 and will be able to celebrate my mom's birthday near her birthplace, neato.

Tommy received his learners permit today and is pleased as punch. After I drove home we let Liv out of the car and I let Tommy take the van around our subdivision. We started with driving out of the driveway, and made our way up the cul de sac and then around the large circle that makes up our neighborhood. He did pretty good for his first time, and is going to need to learn to break softer and stay on his side of the road, but other than that good job. I can't imagine letting him actually leave the subdivision, that will be left up to his dad, my nerves can't take it.

This brought back memories of the day I got my drivers license. My mom kept putting off taking me to the DMV and so my 16th birthday came and went. I ended up skipping school (kids I don't recommend doing this) with some friends ( Rob Christensen, John Steele and a freshman girl named ?) and used my friends mom's woody station wagon to take my driving test. I knew that with that big car they would expect me to parallel park, they did, and I nailed it! I got my license and we went to Fashion Place mall to celebrate, where of course we bumped into my mom..............oops.

Picture of the day

Reagan Family

7/29/01

April 23, 2005 11:10 PM

 Pink is the "hot new color" for men this Spring ( striped tie)

 Simon still wears  a child's medium in t-shirt's, but has moved up to a size 12 in pants

Simon looks totally gorgeous in his new navy blazer, tan pants, dark blue dress shirt and yellow tie

 Tommy's feet are now significantly larger than his fathers (11 1/2, to his 10 1/2)

 Buying tennis shoes for Tommy takes over an hour

Bermuda shorts are back in style, especially plaid ones (should have saved mine from 20 years ago)

Signs in Yankee Candle that say "Don't pick up candle by lid" are there for a reason ( I already knew this, but apparently one of my shopping companions didn't)

I am truly NOT A MALL PERSON

 I loved spending the day with my two boys, even it if was at the mall

Picture of the day

Tommy and Simon in San Diego

199?

April 22, 2005 12:45 PM

Buy Tommy a white dress shirt and tie for his Confirmation next Friday

Buy Simon a Bar Mitzvah outfit for Eric's big day

Get both boys haircuts, they book look like they are auditioning for "The Monkey's 2005" ( one of my friends hadn't seen Tommy since before Christmas and saw him last week and couldn't believe how tall he was and how his hair resembled the Brady Bunch boys the season they all came back with "curly" hair.)

Get my nails done, just broke one while making the bed

Clean out mine and Olivia's closets, she is getting too big for some of her clothes and I'm getting too small :)

Use our Cold Stone gift cards that Aunt Eileen sent for Easter

Picture of the day

Tommy getting ready for his 6th grade dance, remember to look at this picture next week once his Confirmation pictures are posted.

2/14/02

April 21, 2005 12:10 PM

How can you tell if someone is really your friend? You'd post a horrible picture of yourself on the internet for all to see, just because it's her birthday and SHE looks fantastic. Michelle and I have been friends our whole lives, I have pictures from my third birthday party and she is standing right next to me. We both have Dutch mothers, she also has a Dutch father, we both had Oma's and Opa's,, when everyone else had "grandparents". We both grew up and survived Apple Valley and Russell George! She didn't kill me when I threw up on her while riding the school bus. I would try to patiently wait for her to finish her lunch so that our table could be excused for recess. ( she is the slowest eater I've ever met!!!!!!!!!) She always had such pretty blonde wavy hair, and I was so jealous. She is one of the purest people that I've ever met.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!

I hope that one day we'll be in the same place at the same time, a lifetime is too long not to see you again! I miss you!!!! xoxoxox

Picture of the day

Michelle and I in front of the Seattle skyline

5/12/02

April 19, 2005 8:12 PM

Simon is a really special kid and I don't mean that in the same way as "he has such a special personality and a great testimony", I mean it in the way that he is wise beyond his years. Sometimes he says and does things that are so amazing and other times it's like "out of the mouths of babes". A few examples:

Sunday Uncle Joey and I pick up Simon from scout camp and Uncle Joey tries to get Simon to guess what he and I have been doing that day( Joey worked the iron while I pieced a quilt). He gives Simon some hints, "It's something your mom likes to do", Simon's first guess was "sleep", his second guess was "watch TV" and his third guess was "drink". I am in no way a lush and I haven't taken a nap since my near death experience a few weeks ago...thank you very much.

My second story occurred today, Simon called me when he got home from school and told me his bad news. He had given up his spot in the 800 meter race tomorrow. The team could only choose two 7th graders to run and since they weren't running the mile (Diego usually runs this) Simon gave his spot to his friend Diego. Now Diego gets to race tomorrow and Simon sits out, and to top it all off the school only ordered one bus to take the team to the race, so now he can't even go cheer his team on. I can drive him to the meet, but Simon would rather not go if he can't ride with the team. When he sacrificed his spot, one of the coaches went over to him and told him  " Good job Carbone, you are a great kid". Simon gave up his spot because he knew Diego would place higher in the race than him, and in doing so earned his teacher/coach's respect.

After I dropped Simon off at scouts tonight he yelled "Love you mom", and he said it loud enough to let me know he didn't care who heard.

Picture of the day

Miss Carmen and her new trick!

4/18/05

April 18, 2005 6:55 PM

Talked to my niece Isis today on the phone, me; " Hi Isis, how are you?" Isis: "Hi Aunt Tina, I love you." Melt my heart!!!!

This weekend has been one spent quilting, and I had to remind myself where to find my so called sewing room. I go through sewing mood swings, where for weeks I'm glued to the machine and they I go for months without touching it. I need to find a good middle ground. I made a minor mistake today while having a brain fart and luckily for me the only thing really wrong is that the quilt will be much smaller than originally planned. Oops.

I've had a lot of fun with Joey the past few days and will be taking him home tonight after Liv heads to bed. Right now he is at the tennis courts with Tommy and Olivia, Simon has disappeared into my room trying to regroup after a weekend of no Tivo.

The weather was so gorgeous today and it is almost like paradise. Next month when the humidity is here, I'll need to remember days like this. I went to the dentist today and got a clean bill of health, yessssssssss. Tommy is once again having mouth/tooth issues and will be visiting the specialist next week for his second "freak" root canal. I may super glue a toothbrush to the inside of his mouth.

Picture of the day

Olivia and my niece Brooke (Joseph's daughter) Brooke is almost two years younger than Olivia, she is huge!!! I made Olivia's outfit, take that Miss-stupid-summer-home-ec-teacher!

6/11/00

April 16, 2005 11:47 PM

Olivia and I and her friend Miranda drove over to Cocoa to hook up with Uncle Mark and Uncle Joey. We went to lunch and then off to the quilt shop, where Uncle Joey and I had some fun. I brought Joey back with us and he will hang out tomorrow. After getting back in town tonight we hit Aunt Joanne's house and ate some chicken and played with Alyssa and I gave Kamryn a bath. Babies are great and even more so when they belong to someone else!

So tired, gotta go to bed!!!

Picture of the day

Olivia and my niece Brooke (Joseph's daughter) Brooke is almost two years younger than Olivia, she is huge!!! I made Olivia's outfit, take that Miss-stupid-summer-home-ec-teacher!

6/11/00

April 14, 2005 10:10 PM

Tom did an awesome job at career night last night, even though he had to deal with a few bad apples.  Last night was Tom's first time interacting with Florida high school students and he was shocked and amazed by their horrible behavior. He held it together and only because I know him so well was I able to detect how truly upset he was. The majority of the kids were so excited to hear about his career and he even had a few repeat customers during the third session. He wasn't too put off and has vowed to return next year. I've already received two phone calls from higher ups at the school to apologize for the children's behavior.

I Drove the Audi TT and was blown away by what a cool car it is.  The one I drove was red with black leather, and I felt like a rock star cruising around town.

Simon's team won tonight and in doing so broke a 4 season loosing streak to the A's. Simon had a nice hit and grounded out to first. He is off to Epcot tomorrow for a field trip and then on a scout campout for the weekend. Tommy has a religious retreat on Saturday and Tom and I have Olivia all to ourselves.

Picture of the day

Tom, Olivia and I getting ready for an airboat ride.

4/27/02

April 13, 2005 8:45 AM

"Man arrested in shower"

"Mom traded daughter for car, prostituted another"

"Bed bugs attack couple while on cruise"

These are just a few of the news headlines here in the fine state of Florida. When we first moved here I couldn't watch the news, it felt too much like Inside Edition or some other type of tabloid show. Now I'm used to the crazy headlines and the stupid stories, people here in Florida constantly surprise me.

Constantine rocked American Idol last night, he turned me into a Paula Abdul-crazy-arm-waving-got-something-beside-coke-in-my-cup-girl!!! What is up with her this season, does anybody else notice the slurred voice or her stumble last night as she tried to sit down????? Pull it together. Nadia needs to leave, now.

Won $40 bucks at Bunko last night, sweet. Simon has his second track meet today. Tonight Tom is a guest speaker at Career Night, and I will be sworn in as 2nd VP for PTSA.  Tommy is going with me to career night, maybe he will find his calling. Olivia has her second tennis lesson today. Going to test drive the Audi TT , really sweet.

Picture of the day

I look at this picture and see Michelle looking back at me through Sam's face and Melinda peeking at me through David's. Paige's three kids are all an equal mix of her and Ryan, Olivia is all her father. Aren't genetics amazing?

2000

April 12, 2005 10:05 AM

Last night I took Tiki to her first doggy obedience training class and we both learned a lot, I learned that she is a big chicken and she learned that I now keep treats hidden on my body. We have homework this week and the kids are looking forward to trying to teach her to sit.

I got an interesting phone call yesterday from my mom, seems like a large group of her family, siblings and nieces and nephews are planning a two week trip (end of August) to the mother land, Holland , and I've been invited to tag along! I'm really excited about the trip and am already looking forward to getting more details. My Aunt Frances is in charge and she is an awesome take-charge-kinda-lady so I know the trip will be well planned and fun. I am also looking forward to getting to know some of my cousins better, I got married so young and moved away that I don't really know some of them as well as I should. I also have second cousins and great aunts and uncles over in Holland that I haven't seen in twenty years and can't wait to get reacquainted with them. We are going to travel to the places where my Oma and Opa were from and I'm sure that I will eat my fill of Dutch cheese and chocolate!!

Went to Curves yesterday for the first time in forever, and  was due for a weigh in and measurement, down 9 pounds and 9 1/4 inches. BOOOYAAAAA!

Today is my sister-in-law Katie's birthday and she is one of the coolest chicks I know!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE!!!!

Picture of the day

Me and Katie

7/12/03

April 10, 2005 7:59 PM

Olivia and I spent the day in Daytona at her final cheer competition of the season and they smoked it. They scored a 7.25 and the second place team scored 7.04, what a way to dominate. At most competitions they only hand out a team trophy but today each girl who was on a first place team received a gold medal to wear around their necks, and Olivia has been wearing hers with pride. Nana and Pop came over for the competition, and Nana came into the arena and Pop walked over to the beach and "conveniently" caught the older girl competition, I'm wondering how he planned that one.

Tommy took his first step towards his learners permit today, and in order to receive his learners he must complete a 4 hour internet drug and alcohol awareness test and Tommy passed with flying colors. He will now start studying for his written test and will take that within the next 2 weeks. He  will have his learners permit for 12 months and will need to complete a "butt load" of driving with parents and then next April he will finally get his drivers license!!!!! YEA.

Simon and Tom worked on his fantasy baseball draft all day and then Uncle Greg to Simon to baseball practice. The kids are currently trying to drown each other in the pool, and all I can hope for is that the neighbors don't call 911.

What an awesome Sunday!!

Picture of the day

Olivia with Casey and Kristen, they are on her cheer team as well as the dance team.

12/11/04

April 9, 2005 10:45 PM

Sorry about the posting delays, I decided to archive my site and it caused a minor problem. Please scroll down for the two previous unpublished days.

God has decided to spare me and I am now cured! I spent the day today working in the yard, planting sod plugs, weeding and bleaching my pool deck! What a way to spend a gorgeous sunny Saturday, I loved it. Tonight we went out to eat and Tom Angus is came with us,  we went to Bill's Elbow, yum. Now that I can eat, food has become a new fascination for me and I'm being very careful not to over indulge and re-gain my hard earned weight loss.

Today is my sister Nicole's birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE!

Since being sick I've gone through a music transformation and for some reason can only listen to country music, some of my new favorites are Kenny Chesney, Sugarland and Blaine Larsen. This drastic music change has been hard on my family and the kids aren't quite used to listening to country music stations in the car. Tom has become accustomed to watching CMT at night instead of MTV. One night while I was sick there was the most awesome show on CMT, it was called Crossroads and it featured Kenny Chesney and John Mellencamp singing each others songs, FANTASTIC!!!

Olivia and I are headed to Dayton Beach tomorrow for her last cheer competition of the season and I can't wait to watch her rock the house!

One of my dearest friends (Melinda) has started a Blog and it's awesome, check it out!

Picture of the day

My sister Nicole is an awesome mom to Isis.

11/04

April 8, 2005 10:18 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATHIE!

I LOVE YOU

Picture of the day

Cathie and I on Mother's Day 2004

What's wrong with my hair??

April 7, 2005 9:15 AM

I went on two mini outings this week and even wore lipstick! On Tuesday I took Olivia to cheer and was able to witness North Carolina State's co-ed cheer team and believe me when I say they were amazing. They were throwing those girls so far up in the air that I thought they were never going to come down. Now Olivia really wants to cheer in college, better keep up the hard work chick.

On Wednesday I ventured from the house and went to Simon's track meet and had an enjoyable time sitting in the bleachers at Lake Mary High catching some sun. Simon did great and if he can keep his times consistent he will rock next season in cross country.

I've still been suffering horrible headaches and had another Dr's appointment this morning. He said that the symptoms are similar to those found in Shingles but that I don't have any sores on my head near the pain. He put me on an antibiotic to try to make the symptoms go away, and if Shingles do break out they will be less severe. He said within a week I should be back to normal. He also gave me some medicine to help the headaches, so I should be in tip top shape soon.

Tom has been so awesome and supportive while I've been sick, he has really stepped it up and I love him for it.

Picture of the day

Tommy took this picture and submitted it to his Journalism teacher, trying to get in to the class for next year. Nice job Tommy.

April 5, 2005 8:54 AM

I made it through another day and night, this is cause for celebration. Yesterday morning I decided I was going to do something productive so I washed my sheets and vacuumed and mopped the floors. I was feeling beat when I was done and promptly fell asleep for a 2 1/2 hour nap, guess I pushed it a bit hard. Today I'm going to fold laundry and not push my limits.

My girlfriend Michele brought over a darling flower arrangement (that I will eventually post it's picture), and it made me feel good and put a smile on my face.

Tom went to Tampa yesterday to give three separate talks about UCF and felt the day was productive.

My mouth is getting better but now I'm having sever pains above my right ear and every once in a while it feels like someone has zapped me with a taser gun, not quite sure what to think of the latest medical problem. This has gone on since early yesterday afternoon and if it continues I'll head back to the doctor's office.

Picture of the day

Simon and Brian Naylor playing in the pool

7/20/04

We have officially opened the pool for the 2005 season

April 4, 2005 8:15 PM

After having one of the worst weekends of my life I think I may be on the road to recovery. My tongue hasn't started the intense fire burning yet so maybe this is a good sign. I  seem to have acquired a certain "sick" smell and the kids and Tom are getting really tired of it, I'm sure that it's nauseating so I'm trying to keep my mouth shut when I'm near them.

On to brighter news, this has been the best diet ever, I'm down ten pounds in a week! Those of you who really know me know how much I love food, and this has been the hardest part of this sickness, the inability to eat. I'm able to put down a little tapioca pudding and I did have a little piece of angel food cake yesterday, but my system rebelled to the food and let's just say it wasn't pretty.

Tom took Olivia to a cheer competition ( my first miss ever, of anything of real importance to a child) and she stuck her Elite stunts! She hit everything and was spot on, her team made a few technical mistakes and paid for it during the award ceremony. I'm looking forward to her competition this Sunday in Daytona and Simon's first track meet on Wednesday, let's all pray that I make it to both of them.

Tommy has asked his good friend Joe Pond from Utah to be his sponsor for his upcoming Confirmation. Tommy is thrilled at Joe's acceptance and is really proud that he has a good friend that he could ask.

Picture of the day

Simon and Olivia checking out Hilton Head, South Carolina

12/30/04

April 1, 2005 5:35 PM

After waking with more blisters and cankers in my mouth and having it spread to my eye and lips I decided to go for a second opinion. Once again I was told it's a viral infection and there isn't anything they can give me to make it go away. They did prescribe Lidocane and I'm supposed to gargle with it to lessen the pain. I've also taken to self medicating myself and am usually found in a state of bliss. While at the Dr's  I had a temperature so at least they know I wasn't faking. I still stand my my earlier prediction that I'm dying and want all of you to know that I love you.

It's my friend Michele's birthday today and I'm missing all the festivities and I think this has made me even more depressed about my sickness. Luckily I won't subject her to my puss filled blistered  lips or my drippy eye, seriously it is this bad!!!!!!

My brother and sister-in-law sent me this cute picture of Carmen today, isn't she a doll. This picture really helped pull me out of the dumps!!!

I  had Tommy take pictures of my grotesque tongue and am seriously thinking of posting the picture, but only if you beg.

Picture of the day

Sweet baby sleeping

Carmen Miller

3/28/05