Monthly Archives: December 2021

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Neighbors who are family

Traditions bring calm, joy and feel like a big hug of love surrounding you. We were lucky to begin a new tradition once Giovanni and Isannah were well enough and at home to be a part of it. Every Christmas Eve, thanks to our beautiful friends/neighbors/family really, they began coming over to our house with their youngest son to exchange presents for the little ones. We got to share hugs and conversation. It was the best having them in our home which allowed me to begin another tradition of taking pictures with the kids together and with the Falcone’s together. That made me so happy to be able to capture those moments. Each year this happened even when they welcomed their daughter who joined the tradition with us. The tradition continued for all the kids up until their son who started it all with us got older. He was 10 years or so and stopped coming but the tradition continued even through COVID. Although not inside our home or by our Christmas tree we still meet outside. The feeling is still the same because we get to share the joy of giving and the love of friends. 

Now my kids are turning 11 years old, about the age that their son was when he stopped joining. I’m hoping that no matter the age or the years that pass this tradition carries on. Maybe not with exchanging gifts but with the love of friendship that has grown stronger as each year passes. The fondness of friends that are now our family. 

Right now they play outside when it’s warm and even when it’s cold. They laugh, they scream, they get out of control but they still play together and I love hearing and knowing they are there. 

Giovanni and Isannah will start middle school next year but I hope the friendship they each developed through the years will be remembered always no matter the years that pass by. Maybe they won’t be playing on the streets all together like they do now but the respect and love will always be there. 

Until the ages start to show, I will enjoy every moment that we have now.  

My heart is so happy that the friend I met in elementary school is still a constant in my life. She gifted all of this to me and my family and I am forever grateful.

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Christmas is here

The anticipation and excitement leading up to Christmas was all worth it to see their faces come Christmas morning.

It all started when the Elves Clementine and Michael returned for their daily surprises and mischiefs. From hanging on the chandelier to hiding in the rolls of wrapping paper. Then hanging on Santa’s chair in the window display and so much more. They brought some ugly sweater cookies to design on Ugly Sweater Day at school and chocolate lollipops to enjoy. It was all fun and games until the night Giovanni and Isannah had to say their good-byes to Clementine and Michael until the next year.

Then all of the sudden this happened: When the kids woke up on Christmas Day the elves were still here. Hiding in our Christmas tree with a note they wrote. The kids were older now and could take care of their elves so instead of flying back to the North Pole they let their magic go with Santa and stayed behind to enjoy with Giovanni and Isannah. It was time to share their magic with younger kids starting the excitement of the Elf on the Shelf. Although the kids were sad that the elves lost their magic they already created beds and rooms for Clementine and Michael in our home.

It was a magical Christmas but what made it more special is that we got to share it with family. We hope that the magic of Christmas lives on in your home and that the love of this holiday season is able to carry you along into the new year.

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Christmas time in the city

This weekend was filled with excitement, laughter, lots of firsts, and the happiness I felt watching my mom and my kids enjoy this time together. Then we made our way to Radio City Music Hall to see the Christmas Spectacular. This was my third time, my mom’s second time, and the kids first time but this time meant so much more to me because I got to see the kids and my mom’s reaction as they watched the show. I saw how they each rushed to whisper things in her ear or hug her arm so tightly as they pulled her near. Giovanni even lost a tooth while eating popcorn. Thinking it was a kernel he dropped it, then realized in sheer panic that it was his tooth. A cell phone flashlight was all Giovanni needed to locate his tooth. 

We got to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree and see the people ice skating below us. We threw coins in the foundation as we made a wish. Before heading back home we went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral just like mom and I always did. Now we are sharing our tradition with Giovanni and Isannah. They each lit their first candle in front of the nativity and said prayers. It was a beautiful ending to our time in the city. 

Back home we finished decorating the Christmas tree and Asher placed the angel on top, as he does each year. 

These memories will live on in our hearts always and carry us through in times when we will need them the most. It was a beautiful weekend with beautiful blessings surrounding us.

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Nutcracker Weekend Ends

This weekend is coming to an end and now I can sit back, take it all in and exhale. It was a beautiful weekend that began with Isannah’s rehearsal. Then family and friends came together to watch Isannah light up the stage with all the amazing talent at the Ballet. My husband and I were able to enjoy time in the city in between shows. It was as though we were years back during our dating phase when we were able to just be. Enjoy the city, lunch and each other’s company. It was a little “us” time. 

Then time was passing and another show was getting ready to start. The excitement was real and my eyes began to water once again. I could stare at her all night long. Performing, smiling behind the mask and showing so much emotion and excitement through her eyes. She was in her element and I was the beaming proud mama in the audience. 

When the show was over we saw some more family and a special friend that came out to support her. It was beautiful coming together. Isannah came out all smiles and met with all that were present. Asher, Isannah and I drove back and talked all about the shows. She was tired but excited. Still flying on that performance high but she was slowly coming down. 

We arrived home to find a little Christmas mishap with the dog and our window decorations or lack of them. 

Isannah rested a little before she and I headed out to pick up Giovanni who was with my parents visiting Santa and enjoying some popcorn at my father’s club. Isannah and I pulled up and saw the snow filling the sky from a snow machine for the special event. We could hear the happy live Christmas music from the car and once we opened the door and got out we were surrounded by smiling faces, laughs that you could hear from a mile away, the smells of hot chocolate, buttered popcorn and cotton candy led the way. The sounds and smells of Christmas were hugging us as we walked.

The closer we got the more we could see him. The loud sounds of Santa with the biggest belly laugh and horses moving around towards him. I guess reindeer and a sleigh couldn’t walk the streets of downtown BK. 

I looked past the big red and white suit and saw that sweet boy face in the middle of it all. Giovanni was smiling and skipping around with snowflakes in his hair. He ran over to us with excitement on his face and hands filled with treats to give to his sister. He showed her around while Nonno and Nonna were making their way towards me. It was a beautiful scene like in an old Christmas movie but while looking up it seemed as though someone shook the snowglobe and we were all in it. 

The snow is still filling the air around us. The kids danced with Nonna and Nonno and we all hugged before walking away with jingling Santa scarfs, treat bags and yummy popcorn. 

It was a beautiful weekend which ended as it began with smiles and family.

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Nutcracker Ready

Today and leading up today has been a wind whirl of emotions but one emotion that is consistent is joy. Overwhelming joy and awe. I am in awe of Isannah and her dedication. Tonight is the big full cast dress rehearsal of the Nutcracker in the city. She has been dedicated since day one, never missing a rehearsal even when there was a huge and very important family event, she knew she needed to be at rehearsal. She didn’t want to let the cast and teachers down.

She loves ballet but gets truly excited beyond words to be able to dance in the Nutcracker. She practices at home often and she even remembers other dancers’ moves, especially Clara. One of her dreams is to play Clara in the Nutcracker. I’m sure with her hard work and continued love for ballet she will get there.


Tomorrow is the big day and she is in both performances. It’s always emotional when I see her on stage but when I know she is doing what she loves most, my heart beams with joy. There is no holding back the tears. As much as I try not to cry, tears sneak out and it’s a moment like no other.
Isannah will be performing in the city! What a big girl. What an amazing ballerina. What a beautiful heart.

Making dreams come true.