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Friday, February 6, 2009

Special Times

Halloween 2008,
They still love getting dressed up!



I had the most wonderful dinner with my family recently, my eldest nephew turned 29, so we all went out and celebrated.

What is it about going out to dinner with the family, that just makes it so special, the conversation, the food, the wine, it just all flows, nothing is strained, (well except for my Dad which is a whole other blog).

It is so wonderful to see my nephews together and so happy, it amazes me how well they all get along and make each other laugh. It could be the silliest of things, and yet the laughter will erupt. They hang out together all the time, each of their friends, are friends with all three of them.

The brother connect is something so special to witness. And in times of need they are there for each other. The goofiness is the best part of all three of them, there is never a lack of silliness. I smile the most when I am with them. And when I look at a picture as the one above, I appreciate them and life so much more.

Mary/Mi, posted a comment, that I thought was so special, she loved the way I "connected" with my nephews, and the memories that we make together. She mentioned she does the same with her nieces for they are just as special to her as my nephews are to me. Whabby considered it a "circle of life" issue, and stated how my life has been enriched by having my nephews around me, and I so agree.

It is such a privilege to enjoy your family, to watch them grow, to see what they become. I always say, without my family to complete me, I would not be who I am, and it really is so true. I do not have children of my own, and have always wished it to be, however, instead I was given three wonderful blessings, as this is the way it was suppose to be, and I could not be happier.

Fun times, Fun memories!

:O)

106 comments:

Tina~in_ut said...

69~

Tina~in_ut said...

yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh~

Tina~in_ut said...

i've gotta sign in....bbl to read~

Birdee said...

Damn Tina!!!!!

Freakin Frackin computor froze up!

MEK in AZ said...

FIVE

Birdee said...

Carol, I love reading about you and your nephew's. I think the fact that they love hanging with you say's alot about how much fun you are...they obviously adore you!
Which make's them very special men!

Of course, I knew you were special along time ago♥

Birdee said...

Hey MEK!! Hope you got some sleep last night.
Give Tug a big belly rub from me!

Birdee said...

It's 'pose to get to the mid 40's here this weekend!!

Gonna feel like SUMMER!!!!

Birdee said...

Carol, do you have a tank top for me? I think I need a tan!

MEK in AZ said...

Happy Friday!!!

Good Morning...

Tina - congrats on 69 first this am.

Birdee - YOur computer froze - i was waiting for mine to actually turn on!!!
:-)

oh - and I'll give her a rubby dub for you!!! She is actually being very calm this a.m - (I know - the calm before the storm!!)..

Bug guy is coming today - and i decided that i don't care WHAT the house looks like.......
:-) (no sleeping company this time!!!)...

I hope everyone has an excellent day!!
:-)

MEK in AZ said...

cpgem - Great blog - I, also, LOVE your relationship with your nephews and family...

I am very thankful that my little brother's wife WANTS us to be apart of the growing up of my nephews - and I look forward to tons of special times also!!!

Anyway - family is VERY important!!

Enjoy the special times!!!

MEK in AZ said...

IBB - sounds like your high this weekend will be higher than ours!!!
:-)

Jodi said...

CAROL - Luv that you have that "connection" with your nephews!! They are very lucky to have you for an Aunt!! Thanks again for sharing your family with us, and more importantly, the "Italian Stallions"!!!

ITEACH - So sorry for the loss of MR. ITEACH'S grandpa. I was hoping that February was going to be better for your family.

MEK - Sorry I missed your blog the other day. It's been quite a week here. But to comment on your blog, I finally made a decision to help my oldest son. He has been struggling in school for the last couple of years. Last year we did an evaluation for the possibility of ADD. At that time, they thought he was borderline. Last week, after having a conversation with his teacher, I finally realized that I needed to have him evaluated by his dr. It just breaks my heart to watch my child struggle. He is a very smart boy, and it is beyond a "boy thing" or and "at this age" thing. Long story short, based on the evaluation from last year, he is starting medication today. I pray this is will help him to focus and really do the work he needs to do. I am PROUD that I am doing something proactive for my son.

I would also like to thank ITEACH, VIG, and ZONA for holding my hand thru this process. Your support and friendship means more than you know. LUV U GUYS!!!

Jodi said...

I just watched last night's episode of ER online. WOW!!! What an amazing episode.....and a reminder why I love this show.

Jodi said...

Waving a wing @ TINA (congrats on 69 ya ho!!), BIRDEE (we're going to have the same heatwave you are this weekend!!), and MEK!!

Jodi said...

MARY/MI - I just read about your niece. I know with the support of her super cool Aunt, she will get thru this. :O)

whabbear said...

Morning, Tina, Tina, Tina, Birdee, MEK, Birdie, Birdie, Birdie, Birdie, MEK, MEK, MEK, Jodi, Jodi, Jodi, and Jodi!

whabbear said...

LOL!

goldie said...

Good Morning Hooters!

Congrats on 69 tina!!

Jodi- I would hold your hand too if you needed me. I am so glad you are a proactive parent- but I already knew that. Too many parents want to deny that their child could have a problem. Good for you for getting him help!!

Great blog. Great, great, great. I am very close to my Brothers boys and I love all my nephews and my niece to pieces. At Christmas we had the 4 oldest together (ages 24, 25, 29 and 35) for the first time in years. We took pictures of them with their kids (everyone but my 24yr old has them). Don't know when they will be together again- it will years since they live scattered about.
My brothers kids are 18-14 and great kids. Love being around them and they don't shy away from family stuff and WANT to hang with us. There is a connection there that enriches our live.

Hope everyone has a good day.

whabbear said...

Carol: I always enjoy reading about your relationship with your family! Today it reminded me of the discussion we had several months ago about how different our lives are because I moved far away from home, and you (and your family) stayed close together.

I think I'll send an e-mail to my niece today!

Tinkatia said...

It's invigorating starting with a march to 25.

Good Morning Tina - Congrats on another 69.

Good Morning Birdee - If Tina claimed 69 then you can claim #1. Congrats. You both posted at exactly the same time.

Good Morning Mek, Jodi, Whabbear and Goldie.

Carol - Loved your blog and stories about your family. I love every single one of my family and it's a large one. They are my life. We celebrate all birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmas etc. together. Tomorrow night I am taking the entire family to dinner to a nice restaurant that overlooks the waterfront. We are celebrating my mom as the sale of our family home to one of my grand nieces is complete. I know my mom and dad will be looking down from heaven, happy that their great granddaughter now owns their home. I am taking a picture of them and a votive candle to sit in the middle of the table. I think it will be a night to remember.

Tinkatia said...

I must have breakfast. I will be back later to read comments.

ibebold said...

Good Morning OWLETTES!!!!!!!!!

Tina... Congrats on your "69" to start your day...

Birdee..I agree with Tinka... you can claim #1 ... Congrats...

MEK...just missed FORE!!!
morning... it is about time my temps are higher than yours... supposed to be 40 couple here today ...oh my ...HEAT WAVE...

Jodi...Morning...{{{{HUGS}}}}}
We will all be there for you...

Whabbear...Morning... you bein' silly this morning.. I love the playful side to you!!!

Goldie... You're cool... and the kids know it ... and want to hang with you...

Tinka... Have a wonderful evening.. and what a great tribute to know that the house is still in the FAMILY!!!!

Carol.... whta a wonderful BLOG... I love hearing about your nephews... I hope to have that with my nephews... but when live the other side of the country and are poor... just aint gonna happen.... but... I do have a pretty good bond with Mr. IBB's sisters kids... don't get to spend as much time with as i would like... they are only an hour away... but she is a bitch... so we don't see them as much.. but they put on their christmas lists ... time gifts... and it means they want to spend time with us... so we have them come down for a weekend and stay with us ..one at a time .. and we do something special... they are getting older it doesn't happen as much...

NOVEL... sorry...
Hope everyone has a great day...

goldie said...

Mary- I just read about your niece. Sending my very best wishes to her. Makes me so mad to read stuff like that. Your niece was very lucky that her friend was there to help. She did the right thing too in giving up her tote, and not walking alone at night. Why the guy would come back at her is crazy.

Mr. Goldie is a level 4 instructor of Urban Krav Maga. It is a form of Israeli martial arts that teaches hand to hand combat for self defense. (very loose translation). He is constantly beating (well not literally)how to defend myself and be aware at all times. It is so sad that we have to live on the defense.

goldie said...

Thank you IBB!!

Mary/MI said...

Thank-you to everyone who sent prayers and good wishes for my Niece. I just talked her on the phone. She is a very strong young lady. I told her to thank the young man who came to her rescue and her girlfriend who ran for help. I understand the young man was on the small side, but had worked for a personal protection agency.
She thanks everyone for your kind thoughts.

Carol, you couldn't have picked a better topic today! I got a lot of comfort out of reading it.
All of us who stay connected through the thread of love,family,friendships, & of course this amazing thing called the internet, can only be enriched by it as the years go on.

I am heading out. My BFF just finished a quilt she made for me.
I can't wait to see it! I will take a picture of it and post it later.

Jodi said...

WHABBY - Luv'd your congrats....it made me smile!!! :O)

GOLDIE - THANK YOU!! I had the pleasure of meeting your family. I think a good time was had by all!!

TINKA - Your dinner this weekend sounds like fun!! What a great idea with the pic and the candle. I'm sure they're very pleased that their great-granddaughter own their home now!!

IBB - Thanks. It is one of the reasons that I love the nest!!

MARY/MI - You're welcome!! Can't wait to see pics of the quilt. :O)

Lani said...

Good morning TINA, BIRDEE, MEK, JODI, BEAR, GOLDIE, TINK, & IBB

TINA, I guess getting up so early has its rewards, doesn't it ;)

No wonder your computer froze BIRRRRDEE, it is from all of the snow falling off of your head.

MEK, You are not only a great pet mom, but also a wonderful Aunt. What a compliment that your sil wants you to be a part of their lives.

What a wise, loving mother you are JODI. You are giving your son the gift of a lifetime....your love and attention.

And a compliment payed to fun & loving GOLDIE from your nephews, niece & son.

BEAR, how lucky your niece is to have a wise & fun loving uncle.

TINK, I think about all of the wonderful memories you have given your family. You are such a loving & lively mom & grandmother.

IBB, You will be needing summer wear for that 40 degree weather.

Thank you CAROL for your heartwarming blog today. How lucky that your nephews have you in their lives. I haven't known you for as long as the others, but I have the feeling that they see you as a 2nd mom and a wonderfully fun Aunt.

Lani said...

Hi MARY, I am happy that your niece is on the mend. You do have a wonderful family support system.

I am looking forward to the picture of the quilt your friend made for you. A lot of time & love put into making a quilt.

JoeyfromSC said...

A very sweet blog Carol!! LOVED the pic!! Your family sounds like the best!

I'm very close to my Aunt, so I totally relate to the nephew/aunt bond!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

LMAO@Tina's "Valentine Eunice" haha

JoeyfromSC said...

39!

JoeyfromSC said...

40!!

LOL@Tina being first and putting 69;)

JoeyfromSC said...

Lani, thanks for the response to my bulletin!:)

JoeyfromSC said...

Thank you too VIG!:)

iteach said...

Carol, thank you for the blog today, I enjoyed it.

My neices and nephews are all under 12. :)

None of them live in my town, but I see them twice monthly.

I either go to their house or they come up here.

iteach said...

My newly turned six year old told me this morning that when he becomes president he is going to make it a law that people don't die.

Tina~in_ut said...

Carol~ I loved your blog today~ I love to hear about your family. Your nephews just sound so sweet and fun~ I had dinner a couple of months ago with my parents, brothers, sister, and daughter. It was just like when we were growing up...the teasing, laughter, good times. My daughter thought it was hilarious and saw a side of all of us that she had never seen~

Tina~in_ut said...

iteach~ you have the cutest kids~

Bebbilane said...

Congrats on 69 Tina!!

Carol, great blog. I wrote a big long thing and then it got misplaced, so I am going to say great blog. It is fun to here about your close relationships. You are quite lucky!

Going to read more comments.

Bebbilane said...

Mary: I didn't see that about your Niece until right now. I am so sorry that happened. I hope she is better and way to go to her friend for helping and stopping it!! That is scary!!!!

We had an email at work today, a lady in the business complex across the street from where I work was coming out to her car. She got held by gunpoint and was told to drive somewhere where she was physically assaulted. That is all the details we have so far, but it happened on Tuesday at lunch. So scary, I am afraid there will be more and more incidences like this with people being desperate.

Bebbilane said...

I had my purse snatched before, it is horrible.

Lois Lane said...

What a sweet post, Carol! :)

night.owls.sb said...

Tina,
HA! 69 so very early, Now I would say you started your day off on the right number.. :O)

Birdee,
All my tanks tops are stored away for the winter, however I do have a bib that I just happen to have handy, so you can use that.. I think it will look kinda sexy.. :O)..

Jodi,
I am glad you are feeling better, and so very happy that your son will be getting some help, sometimes it just takes a while to realize something is amiss.. You and Mr. Jodi are great parents. I am sending good thoughts your way..

Whabby,
I remember that correspondence well. Glad you thought of sending your niece the e-mail, its the little things, that can be so special..

Goldie,
So glad you took pictures, they are so important, as when we look back at them the memories flood thru.. My nephews don't shy away from family stuff either, I think its so neat, that family is so important to them..

Tinka,
Your dinner sounds wonderful, it really is a celebration of life, your mom enriched that house with her presence, and now a family member will do the same. Enjoy!

Ibb,
I know if you were closer to your nephews/nieces things would be different. Sometimes life just takes us in different directions, just think when they get older you can myspace them.. :O)

Mary/Mi,
I had wrote this blog last week, I got so many blogs from owls, that I kept mine as a filler. Last nite when I realized it was going to be posted, and reread it, I could not believe how apropos it was, being what just happened with your niece. It def was meant to be posted today. I remembered your comment so well to me, it certainly struck a cord, so Thank You, and glad your niece is doing ok..

night.owls.sb said...

iteach,
Your kids are just so special, I love when you share the things they say.. ♥♥♥

Mek,
I know how important you nephews are to you, and you are so right its all about family..

Tina,
That is what I love the most, when the young ones watch us interact and tell stories from yrs ago, they just kinda stare, and wish they were someplace else. :O)

night.owls.sb said...

Joey,
I kinda think you have a great family as well, and its all because they had a great "dad" :O)

night.owls.sb said...

Lani,
Thanks, I think they do..

Tina,
I forgot to say... I think its great your daughter saw the interaction..

Bebbi,
I agree, times are so very scary..I sure hope we see some light soon.

night.owls.sb said...

LL,
Just had to tell ya, love that pic of you.. and so funny, your daughter did not want you to wear a coat cause it clashed with your outfit.. I think we all would be willing to freeze for our kids.. Just glad Mr Lane was not out there in the leopard thong, that would have been really going the extra mile.. I would have liked to see him in the white socks tho.. :O)

JoeyfromSC said...

awww, thank you Carol! You're sweet!

JoeyfromSC said...

roflmao@leopard thong!

JoeyfromSC said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JoeyfromSC said...

Look at this adorable laughing owl y'all!

LAUGHING OWL

JoeyfromSC said...

Sorry, the delete was me..I screwed up the code the 1st time lol

JoeyfromSC said...

61

JoeyfromSC said...

62

JoeyfromSC said...

63

JoeyfromSC said...

64..anyone hiding? lol

JoeyfromSC said...

65

JoeyfromSC said...

66

JoeyfromSC said...

67

JoeyfromSC said...

68 someone's gonna slide in here lol

JoeyfromSC said...

69!!!!!!!!!!WOOHOO! lol

night.owls.sb said...

Joey,
You def need a cig and a nap after that "arousing" march..

Loved the laughing owl..

Lani said...

JOEY, That OWL is too cute for words. Thank you for showing us.

ITEACH, you are still in my thoughts. xo

Maureen said...

MARY...I just read about your niece. I am glad she is ok. I hope they throw the book at the bastards.

ITEACH...If I am still around when your son is running for prez, he has my vote!

JODI...You're a good mom.

Where has BONO been? I hope she isn't ill.

CAROL...I love your blog today. You have such a special family bond. I don't have any nieces or nephews, but I have LOTS of cousins and we share a bond like that. When some of the younger cousins were kids, I spent a lot of time with them and a few of their aunts and they thought I was an aunt, too. So I kinda have quasi nieces and nephews. As you all know by now, I spend A LOT of time with my extended family. We not only love each other, we even like each other (well, most of them!!)

Lani said...

BON & LYNN are missing? Does anyone know if they are okay?

Maureen said...

LANI...Lynn is ok, just taking an internet break.

SHIRLEY...when are you coming back to us?

SANDIE...haven't seen you either

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

I'm here Maureen, observing, but not very talkative. Sorry.

I'm sorry so many of you are going through tough times. ((HUGS)) to everyone.

night.owls.sb said...

Shirley,
I was just thinking about you, and wondering how the tax job was going, good to see ya, and glad you stopped my.. Miss ya...

Also miss
Lynnd
Bon
Sandie
Outtaune
Ronnie
Jax..

Hope you are all ok, HA, maybe there are all down the basement of owl manor, with Shirley being their leader and they are planning to sabatoge us, with big, whopping water guns..

night.owls.sb said...

Hi Mo,
So good to have the cousin thing, it is so very special.. I do like my cousins, well most of them ;O)

Maureen said...

SHIRLEY...Glad you checked in. How was the first week?

CAROL...hello! I fogot to mention the special relationship you had with Corney and Mickey ;)~

Maureen said...

Most of my cousins are very special, but Elaine is da bomb! When I lived in CA, she was ALWAYS there for my mom. And she is ALWAYS there for everyone. In Nov, I had mentioned that at work we were collecting scarves for the poor children and a couple of days later she called me and told me she crocheted 13 scarves for the kids. As I have mentioned, my mom wasn't a good cook, but she made these incredible blonde brownies and awesome apple cake. For my last b-day, Elaine made me those brownies and an apple cake. She is very special.

night.owls.sb said...

Mo,
The only relationship I have with my friends Mickey and Corny is wanting to kill them both so they never return...Well maybe not Mickey as that would be cruel, so I will let Birdee eat Mickey.. then I can't be blamed...

Lani said...

I did communicate with SANDIE a while back & she said she was taking a little break.

SHIRELY, I hope everything is okay at work. I want to know how you are, but I don't want to pry. Sometimes I worry too much & then end up being a pest.

CARYN, I live close by if there is anything I can do to help with your move.

night.owls.sb said...

Mo,
That was sweet of Elane to do, there is always one that always stands out, I would say for me its Ar (aunt jo's) daughter..

Lani said...

MO, ELAINE is special & I'll bet she thinks you are pretty special also. We think so.

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

First week was tough. Lots of nerves, but only two breakdowns.

Maureen said...

LANI...thanks...and back attcha

SHIRLEY...and next week will be better

Lani said...

Shirley, I know you are good at what you do. Hang in, 1st week jitters. Everyone loves you. xo

night.owls.sb said...

Shirley,
One day at a time, and I am with Mo, next week will be better...

night.owls.sb said...

Lani,
Perfectly said!

night.owls.sb said...

Shirley,
Did you see my Italian Stallions all dressed up and ready to ParTay!

:O)

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

I wish I could see next week through all of your eyes instead of mine. Time for bed, so I'll say good night. Thanks for the support.

Lani you can ask me anything anytime, you wouldn't be prying.

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

Yes I did Carol. Great picture.

night.owls.sb said...

My cousin is turning 50 next week, her husband (the rich one) is taking her to NY with the kids tomorrow, they are staying overnight in a grand suite ($1500.00 a nite) @ the NY Palace Hotel, then to dinner at Maloney Porcelli's Steakhouse, and then off to see Guys and Dolls.. My cousin does not know this, he is surprising her, he just told her to dress for NY and pack a bag..

I called him last week, and said
"What are you going to do for your wife, she is turning 50" and with that the ball got rolling, I booked everything, bought the play tickets, made the dinner res, and contacted the concierge at the hotel, so she can greet them when they check in.. They are staying on the Concierge level of the hotel, so they have access to the private lounge, which means they get breakfast in the morning, which he was so excited about, (he is portly) and loves food..

He will call me tomorrow on their way into city..

I am excited for her..

What a great way to celebrate 50..

You just gotta shove a shoe up my cousins husbands ass every now and then, and then of course do everything for him.. As I did...

But I did it for her...

I will let you all know tomorrow how they are all doing..

night.owls.sb said...

Good night Shirley, I hope you dream of sugarplums..

♥♥♥

Tina~in_ut said...

Carol~ I'm turning 50 soon....I think.....will your cousin-in-law pay for my b-day? :)~

Goodnight Shirley~ Have a fantastic next week~

night.owls.sb said...

Tina,
I will ask him, however he is not generous, so probably not.. lol...

Tina~in_ut said...

i'll get him some food~ :D

iteach said...

Shirley it was great to "see" you on the blog.

I so cherish all of you in my heart. :)

Tina~in_ut said...

where the heck is scirish?

Tina~in_ut said...

huh?

Tina~in_ut said...

69~

Tina~in_ut said...

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~

iteach said...

Tina you are a goof!

night.owls.sb said...

Back Story on my rich cousin...

Many yrs ago he was dating my cousin on my Fathers side, he lived in our neighborhood, so we were with him all the time.. My cousin breaks up with him and he is devastated, he tries getting back with her, but she wants nothing to do with him, she is done. So, he turns to me, we become great friends, and I give him my shoulder and ear 24/7.

When my brother got married he was in the wedding, as we were all preparing for the wedding he asked me if I could introduce him to some of my cousins on my mothers side, I tell him yes at the wedding..

During the reception, he follows me around like a puppy dog, and I do as I told him I would do, he dances with a couple of them, and the last one he danced with he married..

So you see, he has been in my life since I was 16, he went from one cousin to another. He lived in three small rooms in Newark, as his family had no money..

And now, he lives in a mansion, and he did it all himself, he started from the bottom up, and just kept fighting.. and my cousin (his wife) went along for the ride.. They have a good financial life. But I still think and will always think his heart is with the cousin that broke up him so very long ago...

Life~~~

night.owls.sb said...

Tina,
You are so right, he would do anything for food...

Mary/MI said...

Carol, what a wonderful Birthday surprise! My kinda guy! (except for the portly part lol!)

Tina, thanks for the ms help! MUAH!!

Shirley,hang in there. I always hated the first weeks of a new job. I always felt out of place. I know you will find you comfort zone soon.

Mary/MI said...

Carol. I smell a movie in all that lol!!

whabbear said...

Lani: Thanks!!

Carol, can I ask a favor? Would you invite me to your next family reunion? Do you have them?

We do, but just every 25 years!

Tina~in_ut said...

carol~ that is a sweet sad story~

iteach~ i know~

mary~ you're welcome~ :D

Mary/MI said...

Time for me to "git". I have been multi-tasking all night. I have to finish up a few projects before going to bed. Good night everyone!

Whabby!! nighters!

night.owls.sb said...

Mary,
If it was made into a movie, we would need a wide screen..

Whabby,
We don't have family reunions, we all see each other fairly often, and for me that is plenty.. but if we ever do, you are welcome to come..

Tina,
Yes, sweet and sad...

night.owls.sb said...

Nite Mary, sleep well...

night.owls.sb said...

My bed is calling me, so I am off..

See ya all tomorrow...

:O)

Bebbilane said...

Shirley, Good to see you post. Hope that next week contains one less breakdown (small steps are fine!). My breakdowns are about once a month and I just live with it. Ups and downs..they keep life interesting!

Carol, what a nice thing to do for your cousin. It seems your cousin works well with a shoe up his bum. Good job you for making it right! :) 50 is a big one. I had a big party for Mr. Bebbi for his 50th. All his family and friends came, he really enjoyed it.

Take care all..I may be MIA, somewhat, I have to get ready for my trip and you will know if I am procrastinating because I will be on here or on facebook..LOL.

Goodnight all.

Bebbilane said...

114