Happy 4th of JULY

One of my favorite pictures from the night. 

I hope you had fun!

Happy to be an American! Over 400 people became citizens in central Florida on July 4th, 2013

Our family spent a day at the beach with a sunburn to prove it. We had fun our son wants to move to a beach house he seen for sale. I think he went insane. I love the beach and all but all the sand gets on my nervous it gets in every crack you have. Seriously rethinking a beach wedding last time we were there we seen a wedding set up. The bride looked beautiful. She was complaining about the sand. My hubby and I just looked at each other like yup I know what you are thinking. I love the beach don't get me wrong I just can't do the sand thing everyday. I might change my mind my hubby did set us up to look at some. We will see how it goes wish us luck. 

This day means so much more !

It's anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. I seen a number of houses displaying our American flag that made me proud to be an American. I couldn't help to think of loved ones still overseas frighting for freedom. They are fighting to come home in one peace. When they do come home nothing will be the same. Many will have to fight for benefits fight for a job and fight the battle they left behind. Friends they lost friends they used to have fight the battle inside themselves. It's called PTSD soldiers will come home and not know what to do. No one understands what they seen or had to do no one will understand. They expect a solider to come home jump right into the life they once had. This has bothered me since my step-father went to fight in Desert Storm. I try and help anyway I can from buying coffee from a Cup of Joe. 

http://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/coj/

My son writes a letter every week to Thank a solider.

http://www.thankasoldier.net/

The Soldier: - By Charles M. Province

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
If you can read this message thank a teacher,
If you are reading it in English of your own free will THANK A SOLDIER!
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
To all the brave men and women who have dedicated or given their lives
to protecting this country and it's freedoms:
Thank you.

https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryMindsYT?fref=ts

Take a peek and see if you can help. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Military-Minds-Spouses/441543835866153?fref=ts

Father's Day

With our conflicting work schedules I wasn't sure if we would see the love of my life on Father's Day. I was already sad missing my dad back in Michigan. I talked to him all morning which made me feel better.  This is one of my favorite pictures with my Daddy. He is the one in the black coat. He is awesome! He welcome my hubby with open arms and talks to him more then I do. Steve adores him I think it hurt him more then me on Father's day not being able to drive to see my dad. If we move back to Michigan it would be for my dad. My hubby is still trying to talk him in to moving to Florida or maybe Arizona so we can all be together.
     

                               We took our boys to the Cocoa Zoo. Here are some pictures from our trip. We walked into the bird exhibit with a cup of food and six birds landed on my hubby. It was too funny while Christopher tried to grab or to him pet the birds. He got upset when they wouldn't come back to him. He did after all try to strangle the birds.  Justin had a blast as you can tell in the picture now he wants one for his birthday next month along with a small creature of some sort. His words not mind. Thinking maybe a lizard or some fish to go with our Michigan turtles we still have.  I think this was the best part of the zoo with the monkey at the bottom who is sleeping like a human. It was too hot to see the other animals. The boys however did get to pet a white tail deer. Seeing the boys pet the deer made us think about the deer back home who kept stealing our food from our garden. We could go out and water it while they stood a arm length away.



It was about 95 degrees outside when we left to the beach. Justin is getting better at surfing we have taken him out every weekend since his daddy bought it for him. Christopher likes to try and copy his brother. It's too cute!

I love going to the beach hearing the waves. I love watching my hubby teach his son how to surf. He gets slammed by waves trying to help Jay get up on the surfboard. He really is a great father! He hates the feel of sand but goes to the beach for his family. I have never been happier then I am now our life is perfect for us. He makes me laugh all the time. He is a riot sometimes. By the end of the day my cheeks hurt from laughing all day. Christopher wore himself out by running around. I think by the time we left the beach it was almost 8'o clock at night. We were their all day.

This is the second time they have dug a hole to China in theory. They dig and Christopher fills it back up. This is the time I get my tan on. It's peaceful to lay on the beach. I like the feel of sand between my toes I just wish it would fall off before we get in the car. I tried to surf myself which was a bad ideal. Talk about one thing I can't do right now but maybe in the future I can take a wave. It was amazing day I hope your Father's day was as good as mine.

Thanks for reading come back again.

Memorial Day

http://video-embed.pennlive.com/services/player/bcpid1950981438001?bctid=2404501718001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAQBxUw0E~,DELAM66vw4z-hl01IhycwsWq-6Y4XfEN

We can never thank these fallen soldiers, and their families, enough. Let us all keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Be humbled. Be gracious! Be grateful Be Kind listen if someone wants to talk it's hard for soldiers to talk about the past.

Here are a few links to take a look at that supports our Military.


https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryMindsYT?fref=ts




https://www.facebook.com/pages/Military-Minds-Spouses/441543835866153?fref=ts



https://www.facebook.com/MyMilitaryWifeLife?fref=ts

Happy Mother's Day to all

The celebration of  Mother's Day began in the United States in the early 20th century; it is not related to the many celebrations of mothers and motherhood that have occurred throughout the world over thousands of years, such as the Greek cult to Cybele, the Roman festival of Hilaria, or the Christian Mothering Sunday celebration. Despite this, in some countries Mother's Day has become synonymous with these older traditions.

Take a second and pick up the phone to call your mother. Today is the day to celebrate yourself go eat that piece of cake or in my case my chocolaty protein bar. Yummy! Have a wonderful  Day our family is heading out to do some yard work for my garden today. We will go to the park maybe even go see Iron Man 3. I'm a comic book lover beside that is the only thing Christopher will watch right now. I need a change I can recite

 Iron Man 1 &2 by heart now. 

Thanks for reading.

Cinco de Mayo

                       

What is Cinco de Mayo?On Cinco de Mayo, Mexicans remember the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862. On that day, Mexicans won an important battle against the French army, which was invading Mexico. September 16, Mexico's Independence Day, is a bigger holiday in most of Mexico than Cinco de Mayo.Cinco de Mayo is surprisingly NOT a national holiday in Mexico, although it's a local holiday in Puebla. Here in the states let face it's just another day for Mexicans to drink!!!! (laughing)

            

 I keep this holiday very much alive more since I have had kids. After all I am a Sexy Mexican! I may have to pull my dress out when we dress up.  I wore the dress in the picture for my Popsicle first birthday. He had a Halloween party I was a Senorita.My boys and I will make some homemade salsa, tacos and guacamole.Thinking about going to the beach if it doesn't rain.  We will then decorate the house make some crafts like maraca's. We can't forget the dancing  the salsa or the Mexican hat dance to a mariachi band. To bad we won't be able to see my famous cousin's sing. They are in a Mariachi band. The kids love this last part hitting a pinata but I don't fill it all with candy. I fill it with money and toys since my boys don't really care too much for candy. To end our fabulous day the hubby and I will drink a Margarita. He likes to sing when he has a little to much. I might just YouTube it this time. Shush don't say anything. If I get it I will post it! (Laughing)

How do you celebrate Cinco De Mayo? 

First Night 2013

Across the bay, St. Petersburg is hosting its big, annual alcohol-free First Night event starting around 5 p.m., with kids' activities at the Pier and events all over downtown St. Petersburg. There will be two sets of fireworks at both 9 p.m. and midnight. Musical acts include Suite Caroline and the Vodkanauts on the main stage. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children.

We took the boys for the fireworks but there was so much more to do. It's a carnival/ art fair all in one. We ran across a man who played the drums on five gallon buckets. His name was Chris Harris. He was awesome! I never seen anything like that before especially when he drum one handed. Tons of arts and crafts for children to do like making hats and what not. We stop by to watch the ballet dancers then I sweet talked my way into the Imax Theater to go pee. I had a $20.00 Cappuccino that was awful . I had to settled for that instead of a hot coco. Our waiter looked at me like I was crazy I guess he would after I looked at the  menu $70.00 for a plate I would look at someone the sameway. It's  funny to see how people react in different states. We made a new tradition this year instead of eating 12 grapes and walking around in a circle with our luggage. My favorite of course  wearing white to bring in the New Year clean we wrote down a New Years resolution and a bad memory then burned it. We came across the parents of the lady who put the night event together. I guess this is the third year running. We all liked it very much. 2013 will be the best one yet. I would have never thought our family would be where we are today this time last year. My hubby and I were in downtown in Detroit,MI last New Years Eve. We will continue to live our life to the fullest. It's a no holds bar this year. Happy New Year everyone.

http://www.firstnightstpete.com/directions.php

Christmas Lights in St.Pete

On Christmas Eve we took our boys to see some Christmas lights. This house is amazing! It was well worth our time to go. Just thought I would share. He does this each year on his own he does ask for donations. Which we did give a fair share just because we really liked it. I hope it is there next year.

http://www.christmasdisplay.org/

Christmas was fantastic!

Christmas this year has been the best one yet. It was our first Christmas in our PJ's all day without a care in the world. I think my oldest has more then enough to keep him busy after Santa made the bar for gifts a little high with a PS Vita, games for it,legos that glow,bey blades not like the 50 he had was enough and my favorite book with plenty of other things.Hubby and I replaced his playstation that was ruin this summer in Tallahassee along with a tablet. I think Justin will be busy until school starts back up. Christopher loved the train set and had a blast putting Mickey the cat in his play kitchen oven. He thought it was the most hilarious thing ever. Mickey got him back by detailing his train over and over. Although I miss my family back home it was nice for a change for just the four of us.  We ended the night with a movie "Trouble with a curve" by the way is a really good movie. It's a must see if you like baseball. We are thinking about taking a trip back to New York next year to see the ball drop maybe even spend Christmas there to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. That will be a little insane with all the extra people there for the holidays. Just a reminder no stroller this time. The streets of New York are not made stroller friendly we learn that last time. Maybe a baby carrier/backpack of some sort to carry Christopher in will be just fine with me. Overall my boys made out this year with Christmas. I can't even walk in their room. We didn't forget others like a man on Christmas Eve who was out on a street corner with a sign that read "NEED HELP FATHER OF THREE TO PAY RENT TONIGHT." I cried instantly as I pulled out money my hubby was on top of it as well. Justin didn't forget about our troops he sent them coffee with his own money and we matched it to make sure they would have something on Christmas. We will send them some girlscouts cookies too. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas this year may all your hopes and dreams come true.

Christmas Night

The night is quiet expect Mickey the cat who is attacking the gifts as Santa puts them under the tree. This year is coming to an end with gifts and toys. Maybe a new brother or sister in the coming month still to soon to tell. My hubby and I made a new family tradition this year as Santa made a pit stop to our house to drop off a Christmas book to read before he comes back to rest with a glass of milk and a plate of cookies. A green pepper is sliced in eight pieces for the reindeer. Tonight was the only night my son kept telling us he needed to go home from our trip to see Christmas lights in St. Pete. He had a hot date with his bed from what I heard with his pillow. Justin always makes me laugh. His face was shining bright when I put him to bed. He awaits the man who has taken on the role of Santa. The stockings are filled the little tree our boys picked out is packed tight. Now its time to walk to my bed to fall fast asleep as it will not last long. Morning will soon be here. The best part is yet to come! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Sugar

People want their sugar and sweets everyday. It's a game once you have something sweet you want more. Artificial sweeteners are ten times sweeter then plain old sugar. It is also linked to weight gain. If I have to have sugar in my coffee I will use cane sugar unbleach. It won't ruin  your diet to have something sweet this Christmas. My choice is eggnog. I love eggnog.When I buy it guess what? It's all mind no one else seems to like it. Homemade eggnog is the best with a hint of rum. Yummy a family recipe I will post soon. Christmas time slam with the New Year around the corner keeping up on your workout routines I know will be a challenge. Keep in mind don't go overboard take a sip or a cookie but know when to stop. Have fun still Bring It everyday. "Do your best and forget the rest." - Tony Horton
I workout for me and me only.

Santa Claus

How do you tell your kids about Santa? I have always told my oldest that just because you can't see it doesn't meant it's not there! Seeing is not believing, believing is seeing. I hold true to my heart that telling kids the truth in this case even if he Justin is 9 there is no harm in letting him believe in Santa. I told him when he was in kindergarten that the giving tree at school were for the kids who parents did not believe. If you let your children watch TV during the holidays you will get hit with a question or two about Santa. If they are like my son he won't stop at two it's more like a hundred. His favorite movie is The Santa Claus with Time Allen.That is also one of my classic holidays movies that holds a special place in my heart it is a movie my father and I love as well. I want my children to be children for as long as they can be. A little magic in believing the unknown about the North Pole and Santa is more then fine with me. I don't see it as lying to my children its kind of on the list there with God. You either believe or you don't. Just because some do and others debate doesn't meant anyone is wrong.We are all special in different ways. That is what makes everyone unique. If you write a letter to Santa mail it at Macy's they donate money to children. Let your children be children for one more year.

To be Thankful

My Turkey

I have spent most of this year in chaos. Picking up and moving to another state is not only fun but it takes a toll on life. My family has a lot to been thankful for. Being able to breath the fresh air the sun on our face most of all our health. We are alive and healthy. I couldn't ask for more other then being happy. I'm extremely happy with life in general that's something I don't have to ask for It just is. I have to give it to my husband its because of him our family smiles daily. Although he would say its me who holds our family together like glue.Each member our family has a very important part that's special.

Today my hubby and son took Christopher and I ice skating for the first time. It should be illegal to have that much fun. I have never been on skates before but a pro at roller skating. That's all I did in high school. 




It's more then weird to have Thanksgiving with just us in 70 degree weather. I love it but getting ready to set up our tree with no snow outside. We walk into any store to hear Christmas music playing. I know I have said it before but I will say it again Florida is nothing like Michigan. Funny how simple things like snow and grass can makes a person home sick. Deciding on fake or real I took this picture where I have to admit it looks funny. The worker is wearing shorts at the botton picture.
I do have to say Florida is very different for the holidays..

Detroit,Michigan On Thanksgiving

Did you know Detroit made it to the top 5 parades?Detroit, Michigan - America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit began back in 1924 and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators. The parade is famous for its ever expanding collection of giant papier-mâché heads. Known as the Big Heads, they resemble walking bobbleheads in costumes. The parade route begins at Woodward Avenue and Mack and continues through downtown Detroit. America's Thanksgiving Parade kicks off after a pre-parade road race which includes a 1-mile Mashed Potato Mile, 5K Stuffing Strut and 10K Turkey Trot. Open to the public, it's a great way to get in a bit of exercise before sitting down for your Thanksgiving feast.
My hubby and I took our oldest son when he was three years old how times fly right by. It seems like a lifetime ago now looking at him. I think we will miss Michigan well at least this part. Maybe we will take a trip next year to Texas who has a parade similar to Detroit. Have a Happy and very safe Thanksgiving to all my readers.
http://www.travora.com/articles/top-10-thanksgiving-parades
Thanksgiving Parades facts:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has only been around for 80 years. In 1924, Macy's employees decided to treat Manhattan to a downtown parade. Due to the success, the event was established as a yearly tradition. Another famous Thanksgiving Day parade is held in
Detroit, Michigan which was established by Charles F. Wendel in 1924.
Parades are American!!!
No matter what myths surround the holidays, the common denominator is always generosity. This is the virtue we should all posses as we give thanks this holiday season.
Amen to that to whoever you are please be kind it maybe only a smile or a thank you sometimes that's all anyone really needs.

Halloween at the Needham's

Friday October 26,2012

 Happy Halloween to all my fabulous reader's. Without you my blog would not be a hit. I'm always early in decorating the house. This was done back in September. I love the holiday it's one of my favorites. I spend way too much money on Halloween stuff. Last year I cleared out the Halloween store when I took my grandma shopping. I was a little disappointed that we didn't have a Halloween Birthday party for Christopher like last year. That's the only down fall living in a different state then your family. On another note we have spent a lot of time with my hubby's family which is nice for a change. It brings new lines of the Needham's closer together. We are thinking about Thanksgiving in Alabama this year. It could be  a mini vacation t for us to. Steve and I will have two weeks off of work. Of course Justin is undecided on a costume this year like every year. He has a hand full to pick from but I think we will end up buying him a new one anyways. The costume's in the house never really get put up. The boys are dressing up just because they want to play with lego's or go to the store. I love my children's creativity. It makes me smile. I hope Christopher keeps his M&M costume on this weekend. He didn't seem to thrilled about dressing up when I wanted him to. Boys I swear they are worst then girls sometimes.

Saturday October 27,2012
It's a little stranger going trick and treating with my boys wearing a short sleeve shirt. It was hot until the sun went down. I kind of felt a little out of place without it raining wearing a winter coat and freezing my butt off.

The boys had a blast. They played games at the museum where the treat and treating took place. Listen to music and had some cider which they didn't care for.  Christopher is still not sure what to make of Halloween yet. He was shy I know Christopher shy. I can't believe it either! Justin got a lot of compliments for his get up.

One lady asked "If he went to boot camp to be an army man?"

Justin "Yes, I did but I'm a Marine!"

I guess you can say like father like son.

 

 

Sunday October 28,2012

I guess the cold weather made up for me missing Michigan. The boys had to wear long sleeve shirts it was 64 degrees. I was freezing while the boys and I hit up a trunk and treating.

 

Monday October 29,2012

I'm going to say it I know I want it to be 100 and sunny. It is 48 degrees right now at 10 am. Oh, no I moved away from the cold I don't want it here. The boys and I will hit up another trunk and treating tonight at 5pm. I hope it gets a little warmer then what it is now. I hate this weather

 

Halloween night thanks for dressing me up stud muffin. My hubby is too funny! Still he says I'm hot even dressed up in war paint.

 

Have fun most of all be safe. Keep your kids near by check all the candy. Look before you cross the street and never walk into someones house.

Happy Halloween!

For more picture's visit

www.facebook.com/placesintime

 

Happy 4th From The Needham's

Going to watch the fireworks tonight with the family. It's weird last year we were in New York this year we are in Florida. Life isn't going the way I planned it out to be its better then my plan. Please have a very safe holiday today. Celebrate your freedom by being safe. Watch your kids,animals and love ones.

Re-Blog Fat Tuesday.

Fat Tuesday is paczki day. I’m going to send my loving husband to Hamtramck tomorrow to get a dozen of that 260- 300 calorie baked fat donuts. I can remember ever since I was little eating a paczki with my grandpa talking about the news that day. I will miss this Tuesday talking to him he passed away last Christmas. We love the custard ones and blueberries. Its okay I may not be able to eat a full one but I will surely have to pull double time at the gym. Get ready Amanda to bust out some sweat this week. The paczki are traditional Polish deep fried pastries, usually filled with some sort of jelly filling. While Paczki Day is observed the day before Ash Wednesday .The making of paczki started hundreds of years ago and came from the need to get rid of all forbidden food items in the home before Lent began, which included sugar and eggs. The paczki is similar to a Bismarck or jelly doughnut and is usually filled with rich fruit or crème fillings. So with that Steve is going to give up red meat as Justin and I will give up sweets for lent. I think it should be the other way around considering Steve has a sweet tooth mainly me. Lol No really I guess it’s not that bad until Easter comes. I have been sharing this day with my son upholding on to my polish heritage now I can share it with Christopher. He may be too young to eat one but he will hear us talk about the past history. Did you know that Polish immigrants provided labor for Detroit's early auto manufacturers, beginning in 1914, when Dodge opened its first plant in Hamtramck? The American Polish Century Club holds its festival every July in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The 2011 celebration marks the Festival's 30th anniversary. The 2010 festival featured children's events and activities, carnival rides and music by Polka bands such as The Kielbasa Kings and Duane Malinowski & the Polka Jamboree. There were also traditional Polish dance performances by the Zajaczek Dance Ensemble and a craft exhibition featuring more than 50 local artisans. Vendors served pierogies, kielbasa and paczki. My family will be there in July. Yes I’m polish and I will eat a Paczki on Tuesday!


2012 Paczki Day

Today is Fat Tuesday. I had to read what we did on this day last year. It seems so far away. I guess that is why they call it the past. We missed the festival last July we were in New York. Steve didn't make it to Hamtramck he is setting up our new house today. I'm going to make today about our family history. We will sing songs, dance and of course eat a Paczki. Christopher will sink his new teeth in one this year. Today is also a very special day it's my amazing hubby's birthday. We love you more then you know Steve. We are very proud of what you have accomplished in life. I love that you fill up my coffee pot with water. You make sure I have my French vanilla k-cups stock and ready. You always make sure I have gas in my truck. I love it when you brush my hair or run your fingers though it. I love you not because you treat me as the Mexican Queen that I am. You are not just my husband but my friend. You are someone I can count on. I gave you my heart and soul to you on our wedding day. Even standing in that church you still had your way of annoying me. I think about it you were very cute. I can come to you and talk about anything. I love that even when I'm wrong you never really tell me I'm wrong. I can tell by the little smirk you give me that I may consider another path. I fall in love with you more and more each day we have together. I love that you laugh at my jokes.  Who would have thought at 21 and 22 we would still love each other as much as we do?  That we would be able after seven years together we can still talk for hours without stopping everyday I find out something new about you that makes me love you even more.  I catch you off in the distance looking at me with a smile that could light up the world. You love me most of all. You show me daily how much you love me by the little things you do. Taking my hand to dance out of nowhere in the living room just melts my heart. Hearing you last night talk about the ducks and squirrels that we will have in our pond was cute. I love that you work hard at everything you do. That is where our boys get their drive from seeing Daddy do his best. You inspire me daily to be the best I can. I'm a better person, mother and wife because of you. I haven't seen anything you can't do. The word (can't) does not exist in your vocabulary. You are a great outstanding father! I never have to worry about you not spending time with the boys.  If you only have ten minutes you call to check up on them. Every waking minute you have is with our children. Sometimes I have to admit I'm a little jealous when you come home from work and kiss the boys first. I think that is why I love you the most. Your kids mean everything to you. I love watching them run up to you with their little arms wide open for you to catch them. You play, read, and pretend with them as much as you can. Most of all you spend time with our boy's. You let them down. They know you love them no matter what. That is what they will remember the most about you. When you have to be the one who lays down the law they still know they can wrap you around their finger. Happy Birthday! Today is a very special day because you were born.  We love you!

Christmas



My Boy's



We had a very white Christmas. The snow started to fall as we awoke from our beds. Justin rubbing the sleepy out of his eyes as Christopher stumble though the kitchen to the living room. Under the tree was filled with presents for all.



Christmas at Grandpa's

This Christmas has been the best ever. It's so nice to get away from everything and take a trip. We went to see family for Christmas. The boys kind of had three Christmas's. We had our family get together at our house two weeks ago. Then Christmas day with my Dad and Step-Mom and Monday was ours. It was a blast to see the boys open up gifts. Justin is into the Bey Blades toys or tops is a huge hit. I'm not sure why it seems boring to me just watching a top spin and spin and spin around. Jay likes it that's all that counts. Steve and Jay were playing with them. It's cute to see his face light up when his top wins.



Our white Christmas

     Monster Jam tickets were another gift from his awesome parents. He loves these trucks.  Christopher surprise us when he actually was tearing the paper off his gifts. Once he seen what was inside we had to take over. Evey toy Christopher has sings or plays music. I think I know my ABC's by heart now. There are so many toys around the house I have Steve working on a toy box. I'm grateful to the Lord for giving me a great family to celebrate with.  I really didn't take too many pictures this year because my wonderful hubby brought me a new camcorder. I have found many things to film. That is my new hobby.



our tree

You can't see them but back there are a lot more under the tree. Thank you Steve for everything you do.  You are the best thing that has ever happen to me. Thanks to my wonderful boy's who always make me smile. I have to say I will never forget this Christmas.