Traditions, celebrations and other fun stuff!

What do you see?
Can you see the red dot? Was that the first thing that you noticed?
Can you see the olive green border? Was that the second thing that you noticed?
Did you think of the white background at all?

Don’t people do the same thing in looking at their lives?
Sometimes people focus on that one spot – that one flaw in their lives that they forget to see the whole picture.
As I’m currently going through some tough times, I have to remind myself that my life is one big white canvas. Sometimes there is that one thing that might get me out of focused or out of “zen”. I just have to remember that as a whole, I am still blessed and fortunate.
The olive border represents my faith and the love of families and friends that keep me together intact and help contain that one red spot!

This week is a reminder that we have to be thankful for the love of our families and friends!

“All major traditions carry basically the same message that is love, compassion and forgiveness. The important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.” - Dalai Lama

Traditions are part of who we are as a person, family, community and nation. They provide structure, security and consistency. Tradition brings families and friends together.

Any day with the family is a special day. But add some “hallmark” moments to that day and it just adds a new level of joy, excitement and platefuls of desserts.

This week is a week of milestone. It's just going to be a very hectic week on top of the other things that's already on my plate. BUT I love all these celebrations and get-togethers!

We started the week with Father’s Day.

"Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a Dad!"

I’m lucky to have the best dad, father-in-law, father of my children and five brothers who are amazing fathers and uncles.

I miss my Mom, my Dad, and my brothers. Family get-togethers are just not the same without them. I have such loving extended family that this day still is a fun and extraordinary day. But boy, I can't wait for the day when we're all together again!






I love Father’s Day because it’s the day the kids get to create their own Hallmark cards. As they get older, you’ll be surprised on how they put their affection into words. Of course, my 8yo, Josh, gave us so much laughter with his adorable insights about his Dad and grandpa.

“A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.” - Paul Sweeney

Tuesday is (hubby’s parents) Mom and Dad’s 46th wedding anniversary. They’re a riot! I wish I can tape their conversations or discussions – it’s like one of those Seinfeld episodes. I love them and they always make me laugh! They're great parents and grandparents. They're always there (and here) for me and the family.

Monday is my 3rd child’s graduation from middle school. He’s graduating with distinction for earning straight A’s in all four marking periods. He also received the Presidential Achievement Award and Outstanding Awards in other extra curricular activities. I’ve seen all his schoolmates since they were in Kindergarten and I can’t believe how much they’ve grown and achieved. So much talent and good character are in this group of children. We're all so proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations to all the kids and their families!

Here are some snippets from my son's graduation speech:

Nine years ago I walked into my first day of Kindergarten at Hillside Avenue School. I was a short, uncomfortable, and a socially awkward boy. Today I am hours away from leaving the school as an 8th grader as someone who is still a short, uncomfortable and awkward boy. My time at this school has been really amazing. To look back at how much has happened here, how much I’ve learned, and how much I’ve taken with me is unbelievable. I have many friends, I fit in socially, I know the importance of academic success, and I have learned to persevere through even the roughest times. I guess that’s what makes this school such a great school; it truly teaches you what you need to know to make it in the real world. In my time here, I have learned how to fit in with everyone and how to use my talents such as music, humor, intelligence, and kindness.

Some of the most valuable lessons I learned during my years here were the importance of developing strong friendships and getting involved in the community. I gained many friends, so I want to take this moment to express my deep and humble appreciation for having the good fortune to have been a part of this sort of “ Hillside family.” It is through these relationships and endeavors that I have built the most lasting memories and developed social skills that will support me in the years ahead.

“A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that 'individuality' is the key to success.” – Robert Purvis


Tuesday night is my 2nd child’s graduation from High School. I can’t believe he’s finally going to college next fall. Timing for some reasons has not been good to this kid. All the bad tragedies and changes in our lives seem to happen and affect the important changes and stages in his life. But I’m proud that he’s still a good-hearted, loving, understanding and thoughtful child! I wish him all the luck and hopefully good vibes will be on our side from now on. He has accomplished so much and still there are still plenty of stars in his horizon! We're so proud of him!

The next day, Wednesday, is his 18th birthday! Happy Birthday, Mr. Magoo!

Do you remember graduating from High School and turning 18 the next day?

As Abraham Lincoln once said,
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that counts, it’s the life in your years. “

The next few months are superbly hectic, I guess it's good because it's the life in our years that counts!

********************************************************

I'm blessed to have friends who recognize hardwork and give me a pat in the back!

Thank you so much to Lori of When We Listen for this beautiful award. A truly charming and thoughtful award.

Please take time to visit Lori and show her some love and appreciation for all that she shares and does.

I pass this award to all of my friends here who have continued to give me support and motivation through the good times and the tough times .
(I'll be posting more on this as my schedule gets better)

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Hugs and Kisses...