The East Coast Machans

FOOTBALL has taken over!

2009-08-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

Matthew is trying really hard! Here as you can see he is having lots of fun! We are so proud of how hard he is working! It has been very hard work for the boys. Both of them are new to football and are the younger ones on their teams.

A little bit of conditioning...goes a long way!

Mathew got his practice uniform! Oh wholly cow!

That is Joshua....yes he is letting his hair grow! And right next to him is Drake. I have been going for a walk during practice with Drake's mom...it has helped break up the long night!

Go Joshua...go!

He turned to look at me just for the picture....he is such a great kid!

Joshua is having a great time! We are so proud of you!

THE KITCHEN IS DONE!

2009-07-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

You probably didn't know we were going to remodel the kitchen....we really needed to! When I find a before picture I will post it too! I forgot to take one....we have many from when we bought the house...I just have to find them!

Here it goes! Enjoy the tour and come visit!

Pretty much the appliances stayed in the same places, with the exception of the fridge....it moved over a few feet. When you first walk in from the entry way you see the dishwasher and the sink.

Then you turn to the right and you see....

The stove and the microwave with this beautiful....

....metal tile. The main tiles are tumbled stone. The three accent tiles are metal! This one has a grape leaf design. The backspalsh is fun, we love all the colors! Here is another view!

The colors change with the sunlight! There are even lights under the cabinets...so helpful when cooking! (I have done a bit of cooking!)

Turn to the right again....

This is the breakfast prep area~ Rob has the coffee pot, coffee grinder, and toaster all set up. The cabinet above has the coffee mugs, cereal bowls, oatmeal, bread, coffee....etc...everything for preparing breakfast. He is so happy with his area!

Turn right again....

There is the island....It has 7 counter height stools around it. It is so amazing. It ended up bigger than I had imagined...yes we did change a few things to make it bigger and bigger is better! We ended up moving the pantry over to the wall it is now on and we took out the rest of the entry way wall to the living room. Making that entry way larger made both rooms seam bigger and the island ended up being 9 inches wider so we could have an overhang all the way around the outside edge! So exciting!

Another view....

The far left is the living room..the pantry...right behind it is the washer and dryer behind the white double doors. The door behind that is the door to the garage. To the right is the new buffet...I put it together! It is going to match the 36" round table that will be here ...2-3 weeks....that was 2 weeks ago! I don't know when it will get here but it will be great when it does! Yes, there is a TV in the kitchen....and next to that is the new windows we had put in...That space was the mud room! There used to be the door to the deck where the windows are now! Now we have a bigger kitchen! (the white things is a portable AC...it works great!)

THIS IS IT! We love our new kitchen!

Grandpa Brad Comes to Visit

2009-07-27T12:31:00.001-07:00

Grandpa likes the Fireman's Carnival. It is just down the street from us and it benefits the Monroe Volunteer Firefighters. Grandpa Brad gets right in there and does most all of the rides the boys do! I stand by and say "No thank you!".

The Dragon roller coaster....Just enough!

All on the bumper cars....I think that is Joshua way in the back. We got there right when it opened so they got an EXTRA LONG turn!

Ali Baba! This is the worst one...Joshua looked like he wasn't going to make it at one point...but he did. Since Disney...Matthew is all about the rides....! I still say "No thank you!"

This is the best ride....not scary....just FUN! Looks like Joshua won!

We had a really fun visit. Grandpa and the boys went back again the next night too. It rained quite a bit and the rides closed. They were able to eat all of the yummy Carnival snacks before it rained!

Grandma Judy and Grandapa Dave Visit

2009-07-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

Grandma Judy and Grandpa Dave came to visit us! We went strawberry picking over at Jones Family Farms! We ha a lot of fun. We ate a lot while we were picking them. We picked way too many to eat so we made Strawberry Margarita's...yummy!

Getting ready to pick some berries!

You could walk to the picking fields....but why do that when you can take the

BERRY FERRY!

Waiting for the Ferry!

Here we go!

Yes, we had to pay for the berries. The picking part was free, however we did pay for it with our hard work and back breaking bending!

We are having FUN!

They didn't eat enough in the fields...a few more for the road!

Disney World

2009-07-26T17:38:00.001-07:00

We spent 8 days and 7 nights at Disney World. We stayed at Saratoga Springs. The boys had a great time! Rob and I were so tired! We were ready to go home!

Matthew got to spent 8 days celebrating his 7th birthday! Every dinner we had they staff sang 'Happy Birthday" to Matthew! What a great way to spend a birthday!

Another candle to blow and and oh darn....another amazing dessert to eat. He even shared them with his brother...who had his own dessert to eat...we all did!

Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom!

Matthew was pretty amazed at the beautiful show!

Silly boys!

Dinner at the Flying Fish!

This is how the boys spent their time waiting for the buses! We did a lot of WAITING for buses!

This was probably our best and most wonderful meal. We ate at the Brown Derby so we could get preferential seating for Fantasmic! It rained so hard the show was canceled after we sat there for 30 minutes...soaked and sad we did not get to see the show!

Fabulous boys. They had a great time! So did we!

One Year Ago!

2009-06-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

Robert J. Machan and His boys

One year ago today we lost Robert J. Machan to a very long battle with cancer! Robert fought the fight for over 20 years. He was very well taken care of by his amazing and patient wife MaryAnn! When MaryAnn suddenly passed away from cancer herself on February 7, 2007, we all knew Robert would not be with us much longer. He lost his true love, his life partner. He went to go be with her on June 12, 2008.

Today we remember the funny and entertaining man that

brought smiles to our faces!

NorCal Family Comes Visit CT

2009-04-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

Debby, John, KaiLeigh and MacKennzie arrive at JFK.

KaiLeigh was very excited to see her cousins!

Matthew decided to sit in the car with me for 2 hours and pick up his cousins. He couldn't wait to see them.

KaiLeigh is not too sure yet!

Hanging with the cus!

Joshua, KaiLeigh, and Matthew! HAving FUN!

MacKenzie....and Auntie Christy! She is tooo cute!

Joshua did it

2009-03-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

It has been a while!

2009-03-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

We have been busy in the past few months managing life and all the events that life can bring! As you know Last November, Rob was diagnosed with cancer on the cornea of his left eye. He had surgery and most of it was removed. February 13th, Rob underwent surgery again due to a regrowth of the tumor. This past Wednesday we had Rob's first follow-up appointment since the surgery! It was his first positive...all is good appointment! The pathology came back with a small tumor re-growth like the doctors suspected, however the margin of the portion that was removed came back with only normal cells! Such an amazing blessing and a relief. Rob has a return appointment in 3 months! We couldn't be happier! Thank you everyone for all of your prayers and thoughts during this whole ordeal. We appreciate you all.

So now just a few fun things Rob has been up to in the past few months. I always talk about what the boys and I are up to but not to often do I get to talk about how amazing my husband is...So here it goes!

Follow this link to the October 28, 2008 Media Announcement of Rob taking the Men's Volleyball Head Coaching Position! The men are having a great season! Way to go!

http://sacredheartpioneers.cstv.com/sports/m-volley/spec-rel/102808aaa.html

The Men's team has made fantastic strides in becoming a truley good Division II Men's Volleyball Program. Several of the players have been chosen for the Playr of the Week by the League. As always I am so proud of Rob, his dedication, and talent for motivating people to dotheir very best!

On December 27, 2008 Rob performed the Wedding Ceremony of a long time friend...Tracy Lindquist who She married Hayden whom she met while playing volleyball in New Zealand.
Tracy played volleyball for many years with Rob as her coach. I have been told that the ceremony was beautiful..just like the bride..and the reception was tons of fun. Tracy could not have shown a more true demonstration of appreciation and respect for Rob than to ask him to perform her wedding. With all the years that Rob had the pleasure on honor of being known as Tracy's Coach how could he not take this wonderful opportunity to be once again a strategic part of her life.

Thank you and Congratulations Tracy and Hayden!

OK there is more!!! But I will put it in another post!

How DID that happen?

2009-01-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

Joshua Turns 9!

We had a great time at the indoor mega bounce house party place, Bounce U. From the pictures we think Joshua had fun.

Happy 9th Birthday Joshua!

Joshua and I have fun on the boxing ring! I am down but still fighting. I think Joshua got disqualified since he lost his gloves!

There is Matthew! We decided to keep him locked up for the day! Just kidding, it was a hugh bungee climbing cage!

Our neighbor, Sarah and her daughter Gracie!

Danielle and Taylor had fun too!

Joshua and Daniel

Another Neighbor...Tea' and a friend from Joshua's class! WHEEEEE!

One more time for Justin!

Nicky, Matthew and Joshua

Thanks to all those who could come to the party...we had a lot of fun!

Thank Uncle Jim, Grandpa Brad, Grandma Judy and Grandpa Dave, and Aunt Debby, Uncle John, And Cousins KaiLeigh and Mackenzie, Uncle Spike and Aunt Bunny, and Uncle Jeff, Aunt Jen and cousins Phoebe and Romi for the cards and gifts!

HGTV Dream Home

2009-01-01T09:08:00.001-08:00

Enter Once A Day!...Good Luck ..But I am going to win!

My New Camera!

2008-12-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

A few pictures taken with my new camera!

NEW BIKES!!!!

Yes, those are DRUMS!
And an electric keyboard...Look out Naked Brothers Band and the Jonas Brothers...here come the Machan Boys!!!

Yes, I am posting to my blog on my NEW Laptop!

Sunset from the deck! Just having some fun with my camera!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

Just a few Presents under the tree!

New Bikes for Dad and the boys!

Rob got kleenex and the boys got a few toys as well as cereal!

We love our new Nalgene bottles and Carabiners from Aunt Debby, Uncle John, KaiLeigh and MacKenzie!

Thank you Grandpa Brad..we love money!

Awesome sweaters and a cool toy from Aunt Bunny and Uncle Spike!

Thank you Grandma Judy and Grandpa Dave for our PJ's, slippers, and cool cash!

Thank you Uncle Jim for our "pay checks"! Thank you Aunt Marcie for our cool silver dollars!

Merry Christmas from the East Coast Machans!

SNOW...SNOW...SNOW

2008-12-24T06:39:00.001-08:00

Standing on the top of this beautiful hill overlooking the golf course covered in snow...I felt like I was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post...A Norman Rockwell moment!
The only two kids on the hill with helmets on! I am a good Mom!!!!

This time last year, Matthew was crying and begging to go back home. This year he was the first to see the ramp and take off toward it. He did ask me if he could....my first response was NO! I thought about it for a second, thought "why not?". So I said YES!...be careful...like that means anything! They had a blast!

Joshua's turn to launch off the ramp. He really caught air...I just couldn't time the shot! We were there for over two hours...I was so done after my three trips down the hill. Once time with both of them and once by myself. After the third trip my face was covered in snow, it was cold, and I had water and ice dripping into my jacket...I was done. Everyday I am amazed that I live in Connecticut and it is the most spectacular and breathtaking place. Again, I am blessed that I have been given the opportunity to be with my amazing family in such an amazing place. God has truly given me the ultimate gift...Life!

Let it snow...let it snow...LET IT SNOW!!!

2008-12-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

We had the most snow ever in the past two days! It snowed almost all afternoon on Friday. We ended up with about a foot of it! We had a great time playing in it and watching it come down. Today, Rob decided to hop in the Jacuzzi for a while. As you can see we are covered and the heater is on! It was great inside but crazy getting in and OUT!

Last night we went to one of the few Christmas Parties that did not get canceled, since most of those invited were all within walking distance. Those that did need to drive opted not to go out in the snow. We had a wonderful time drinking yummy wine and tasty cosmos and eating spectacular foods provided by the fabulous hosts, Jim and Karen! No pictures of the evening but a lot of fun memories. We live in such a wonderful place. We are so blessed to have such wonderful neighbors and friends!

This was our first Snowman ever!!! We built this last week when a snowed too! IT lasted about a day or two! We look forward to building another one tomorrow. The snow was just not sticky enough today to build our next one! We are excited to be having a White Christmas. There is rumor that it might snow again tomorrow and maybe even on Christmas Eve! We'll keep you posted.

Christmas Time in New York City

2008-12-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

The family headed to New York City today! We took Danielle to JFK so she could head back to Cali for her month long winter break. Rob, the boys and I, headed to Rockefeller Center to see

"The Tree".

We were prepared for the cold this time with our North Face gloves and jacket. However nothing can truly keep as warm as a roaring fire! We faced the crowds, stood in lines, and went into a few stores. There is nothing like shopping in NYC on the holidays!

The Latest Eye Report!

2008-12-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

I keep wanting to take a picture of the eye and put on the blog but that would be weird! All is going well. Rob had his follow-up appointment last week. We would have liked a clean bill of health and hand shake saying see you some other time...but that didn't quite happen. There were some 'atypical' cells around the edge of the biopsy. This means that Rob has another appointment in a month and then another one in February. The Doctor's are looking at the way the eye is healing and will determine the next step...if any at that time. He will have to come back every year for the rest of his life even if there in no additional follow-up!

Thank you for all the support and prayers.

THE EYE!!!

2008-11-29T17:23:00.001-08:00

Rob is doing well...Surgery went spectacular. even though it only lasted about an hour the doctors had to remind Rob that is WAS MAJOR SURGERY. Rob is trying very hard to relax and take it easy. Next week he has a follow-up appointment where we will find out the pathology and the next step. the worst it can be is CHEMO EYE DROPS...who knew there were chemo eye drops!!! The eye drops would catch any runaway cells.

Thank you all for you thoughts, phone calls, and prayers.

We are Blessed to have you in our lives.

God Bless you all,

Christy and Rob

Rob has been named SHU Men's Volleyball Coach

2008-11-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

ROB MACHAN

SHU Director of Volleyball Operations

Check out the link to one of Rob's many roles in life. Rob is working very hard this time of year. He has assumed the men's coaching role this year. He gets up at 6:00 AM for Men's practice 7:00-9:00 AM. The Women practice at 3:00-5:00 PM everyday as well. He is working very hard to make SHU's Volleyball Program as successful as it can be! Check him out at http://sacredheartpioneers.cstv.com/sports/m-volley/saht-m-volley-body.html.

An important update about Rob!

Rob is going to have surgery next week, November 13th, to remove an eye tumor. Rob has had this bump/redness/growth on his eye for a while . He recently went to an ophthalmologist who sent his to an ocular oncologist in Philadelphia PA!. We have a diagnosis of Squamous Corneal Conjunctiva. I will keep everyone posted. The outcome should be all OK. PLEASE KEEP HIM and the family in your prayers.

SHU Family Weekend

2008-10-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

SHU FOOTBALL game!

That's the Fam...Taylor too! She is kinds part of the Fam now...She is from Chino, CA. So we will let her join the journey!

Doesn't that look good!!!

We had a great time!

Apple Picking - Beardsley Orchard, Shelton, CT

2008-10-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Matthew, Joshua, and our neighbor, Nick!

Matthew decided about 3:30PM today that he wanted apples! So we went apple picking at Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchards just down the 110 in Shelton, CT. We found too many apples to pick and I can't remember which is which.

I think these are Jonagolds!

Happy times! I think we had fun!

I trained them so well...posing for the camera (MOM)!

One more pose the camera. Snacking on Apple Cider Donuts!

SHU Volleyball Update

2008-09-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Sacred Heart Women's Volleyball team is having a great start this season.

Rob and the team have worked very hard to have the best record SHU has ever had 11-4 and the NEC matches haven't even started yet! Keep up with all the action. Home games are on internet at www.SacredHeart.edu Go to the Athletics websit...or Click the link in "My Favorite Websites".

Way to go Rob and the Lady Pioneers!

Where Do I Start?

2008-09-14T17:52:00.001-07:00

This is not in any order...

Just a few pictures of some of our end of summer fun!
We took the Sacred Heart Women's Volleyball team to New York City. While the team saw a Broadway Show, Rob, the boys and I went shopping and played in Central Park!

Rob and Joshua

Matthew...NYC Central Park

After the park, the boys took their new found talents to the streets! Playing in front of the Apple Store.

Mystic Seaport
We took a little trip to Mystic Seaport. We had our hardwood floors refinished and new windows put in while we were gone. The boys had more fun playing in the hotel pool!

Look OUT!!!!

The Ships were amazing.

Well, Rob and I thought they were amazing! All Joshua and Matthew could think about was the POOL!

The Draw Bridge was pretty cool. We had lunch at Mystic Pizza. The movie was playing the whole time and the pizza was pretty good!

Not too soon after we got home....THIS happened!

The First Day of School. Joshua is now in third grade and Matthew is a Big 1st grader!

More too come...

Danielle arrives in CT...A Freshman at SHU...having a great time.
Rob's team is doing awesome 11-4.
Christy works in Monroe 3 days a week....

Joshua is preparing for his Jr. Black Belt

Matthew is having fun playing soccer (he has a Blue Belt now!)

Here's another good one! How did that happen?

2008-03-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought things were going great...I got this really crazy e-mail from Jen. (Jen is my sister in-law, who was first my friend, my friend from HIGH SCHOOL, that place we graduated from). Jen, (my friend?) sent me this e-mail inviting us to our @) year high school reunion. Opps did I accidentally hold down the shift key? I bet you can figure it out. @) that is yes...TWENTY!

Holly cow, check this out...

Jen, Colleen, Christy, Leanna, Naomi, Rachael, and DeAnn

And you thought that was funny...Check us out!

Kelly, DeAnn, Leanna, Anita, Naomi, Erin, Christy, Rachael, and JEN!

This one is even better, cause Erin (Colleen's little sister) came to our Senior/Frosh picnic. Yeah, Erin just wanted to be like us! Still Does!

Anita, ERIN, Someone's little sis, Rachael, Jen, Christy and someone's little sis (mine I think)!

OK!

One More....

Are you ready?

Here it is!

Peace out!

Nothing more to say!

Joshua is 8?

2008-01-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

OK how did that happen?

We had a great time at Devon Duck Pin Bowling...What is Duck Pin Bowling? Well it is great for kids. A small wooden ball that a kid can hold in their hands and roll down a lane to knock over these really cute little pins. The kids had a great time. Seriously Mom..That's a lot of shoes!

Happy Birthday Joshua.

Thank You Grandpa Brad

2007-12-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Thank You Grandpa Brad.

Merry Christmas! I was able to get the whole thing! This is the original.

We Love YOU Grandpa! Matthew and Joshua

Merry CT Christmas

2007-12-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Here are a few Thank yous from 3000 miles away!

Thank you Aunt Debby, Uncle John, KaiLeigh and MacKenzie

We love OUR Globe.

Thank you WC Machans!

Thank you Grandma Judy and Grandpa Dave!

We love our Webkins and money always wins!

Thank You Grandpa Brad. Your Cards were awesome and the boys can't wait to spend their money. Your video was too long. We will make another and post it tonight.

Thank you Uncle Jim. WE LOVE MONEY. We have not gone shopping yet.

Thank you Grandpa Cheese!

Thank You Aunt Bunny and Uncle Spike! We love our gifts.

Thank you everyone for our Christmas Cards and wonderful thoughts from so far away. We are having fun playing with all of our new toys.

Merry Christmas

Love The EC Machans

Let it snow...let it snow...let it snow!

2007-12-16T17:34:00.000-08:00

Well it has been snowing. We have been having so much fun that we haven't noticed that shoveling snow is not much fun. It has been our workout for the past few days. Rob has been diligently shoveling the driveway.

We have had a bit of help from the neighbors and their snow blowers. We then help them with their driveway. Thank goodness we our driveway is not that steep.

But out back yard is....

Yes that is me! Going down the hill on the side of our house. And yes! that is Joshua!We had to go check out the REAL HILL...this is at the Golf course down the street. There goes Joshua again! YES, there are helmets on my children! Gotta do what you gotta do! Matthew is not into the snow as much as Joshua is but he is working on it! It is just really cold! And really wet! Who new?

More posts to come a few of our snow day and Grandpa Brad's visit.

Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

2007-10-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

Ooooo SCARY!!!!

Hope you have a great one!

Pumpkinseed Hill

2007-10-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

Can you find the best pumpkins? Joshua, Matthew, and I went to Pumkinseed Hill at Jones Family Farm and Winery in Shelton. We went with our neighbor, Grace, and her mom and dad.

This is Gracie...she did not really want to sit on the pumpkin....her dad got a great picture of the three of them. I need to download it.

Yes, the sun was in OUR FACE! Not too happy here are they?

Off to find the perfect pumpkin....

HERE IT IS!

No HERE IT IS!!!!

Getting lost in the CORN Maze....It was really cool. This one was not scary, just fun.

A beautiful day in Connecticut Corn Fields.

We had a great time finding that perfect pumpkin, getting lost in the corn maze, looking at beautiful Mums, playing on the dance stage, and slamming into the stage wall. We we were done, Gracie's mom and I went wine tasting at Jones Winery while Kris, Gracie's dad sat in the car and watched 'Cars' with the kids. We had a good time. I put a link to Jones Winery in my favorites....go check out the CT wine!

Apples Apples Apples...Let's have some apples!

2007-10-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

Silverman's Farm in Easton about 15 minutes away from Monroe. That bag cost $26.00!

The last ride to the Orchard for the day!
Posing for mom....look we are picking apples!
This is where you got to take an apple you picked that was yukie and roll it down the hill...look behind the boys. Those are all gross apples!

Okay we finally made it apple picking. The boys and I made it on the last tractor out to the apple orchard. We spent just enough time picking apples and posing for pictures before they closed the orchard. Joshua and Matthew enjoyed rolling the yucky ones down the hill almost as much as picking them.

First Day of School

2007-09-15T14:10:00.001-07:00

Joshua is starting 2ND grade and Matthew is headed off to Kindergarten ON THE BUS!

The first day of school. A beautiful day to get going.

Nick Joshua, Matthew

Johnny, Alexa, and Hunter!

Here is comes! Oh no!

My baby is going to kindergarten!

There they go!

Yes, he did cry...and so did I!

We thought Matthew and Joshua could sit together...we did not know that the Kindergartners had to sit right behind the bus driver and Joshua, being in 2ND grade had to sit near the middle. So yes we cried. But it was a great First Day at Fawn Hallow Elementary School.

It keeps getting better.

Having a BLAST!

2007-08-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin? We have been having fun going to New York City, playing with friends, painting, having visitors, gardening, fixing the Jacuzzi and fixing it again, going to Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Karate, the Lake, the pool, the library, Sacred Heart University, and going to New York City again and again. We have been there three times.

Great Hallow Lake at Wolfe Park

Having fun at the lake!

Grand Central Station!

The Empire State Building!

Is this the Statue of Liberty?

Having Lunch in Central Park!

Taking a trip around Central Park

This is the REAL Statue of Liberty!

The basement....Before painting the BIG BLUE dinosaur!

After, three coats of primer and a very happy YELLOW! The window will be done soon!

More fun pictures to come.

Take Care, Christy

We have been busy!

2007-07-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for all of your support and best wishes for our spectacular adventure! We have been having FUN! A little bit of work too! The boys and I arrived happily on Tuesday July 10th. Fly also arrived on the 10th and per Rob she was pretty happy too, and still is. (she has been enjoying all the freedom the huge yard has to offer)

Where to begin.... After getting to know our awesome neighbors the family went to the the carnival down the road to support the local volunteer fire fighters.

We had a good time. The boys did all the rides while Rob and I ate Carmel apples (yum yum!).

I decided that our curb appeal was not too appealing. So first, I tackled the mailbox post space. It did not take too long. Just about one day. (I forgot to take a before picture.) It was pretty bad. After that, I decided the front walk was atrocious. And it was! As I began to remove the shrubs, I discovered I did not have all the gardening tools I needed. Just about the same time one of our neighbors came over to see what I had gotten myself into and offered me help as well as some trimmers.

Once the shrubs were out I discovered that under all the shrubs and mulch were white landscaping rocks. Not easy to plant in a 4 inch thick pile of rocks....I decided to remove them. 4 days later all the shrubs and MOST of the rocks were gone. I was able to start planting. Then as I decided to trim the remaining shrubs directly in front of the house...I found a wasps nest in the ground. Exterminator Christy went to work. Early in the evening when they were sleeping......I got out my stick and my can of wasp/hornet spray foam and WENT TO TOWN. No biggie. The next day they were STILL there but not were I sprayed...I saw them and heard them in a different spot about 12 inches away. I only found the winter home!!!! And everyone was near the beach in the SUMMER Home!!! I thought "I can do this again. It wasn't too bad before!"

With my kids watching from inside the house...I went for it and about 2 seconds later OUCH! One got me. Good example I was...see don't play with wasps nests! While in quite a bit of pain the boys and I waited to see if any reaction occurred, since I had never been stung before that I could remember. With all that pain you would think I would remember. SO as I gave Joshua instructions on what to do if something happened we sat and waited. Nothing happened except for the fact Joshua was sad for me and told me to leave them alone and wait until winter because then they would just die anyway because it will be too cold for them to live in our front bush anymore! Well I couldn't wait...so I called a real exterminator to get them out for me! They are gone and now my front planters are as done as they are going to get until I pay someone to redo the entire front walk (in my 5 year plan that will happen)!

While all this is going on Rob had been in CA working. He is now DRIVING my car here. Tonight he is in Ohio? Hopefully in CT by late Monday night! The company that was going to ship my car was not all they cracked up to be and sort of backed out after three weeks of telling us someone would be picking the car any day now. Well nobody came to get it and no one was going to come get it...so Rob drove it. I will have the exact mileage soon!

Joshua, Matthew and I have been enjoying the neighbors, the local library, the local pool and park as well as our SPA. (the spa was another project I took on! I have never had to BALANCE water before....that was job! but worth it.)

Danielle will be here on Tuesday for two weeks. My Dad comes to visit for 9 days and then my Mom will come by for a quick visit in the middle of August! We will keep the BLOG updated as much as possible. Keep in touch. God Bless you and keep you safe!

We made it!

2007-07-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

We have been here for a whole week. What an awesome week it has been! All of our furniture made it safely. Rob had to be one of the movers when everything arrived or it would never have gotten done. It still isn't really done, but it is functional and somewhat in the right places.

I can't tell how beautiful Monroe is. Our house is spectacular, our neighborhood is beyond imagination and our neighbors are what neighbors should be like! We are going to love it here. I am unable to locate the cord for my camera so I can't download any pictures yet. Very soon. When I find it and the time. We have been so busy keeping Home Depot and Ace Hardware in business that I'm not sure when I will have the time. I decided to make our Mailbox planter presentable and then I decided to pull out the shrubs along the walkway and then I found out there were ROCKS underneath the weeds and the shrubs. So I have been been digging out smelly shrubs and Rob has been hauling little white rocks to the side of the house. A much bigger project than expected...but oh well I think we are having FUN!

Too many kids for the boys to play with. Such awesome neighbors and beautiful weather. We are loving it. I will update soon. Thank you everyone for being so supportive.

OOPS!!!!! our area code is 203 not 230 like I put on some of the cards. The number is correct but the area code is 203. Look forward to hearing from you. Our cell numbers are the same for now.

GOD BLESS YOU and keep you safe.

Christy, Rob, Joshua, Matthew, and Fly

The Truck is here...now it's gone!

2007-07-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

The moving 'semi' truck arrived at 10:10am on Thursday, June 28th, just like we scheduled. We felt prepared for this event. We were wrong!

12 hours later...the truck left will my all of our belongings AND we gave the $6,000. The truck is on its way to Connecticut...we hope!

We had an awesome party with family and friends on Saturday night. We were able to spend time with many people we will miss very much and hope to see again when we come to visit.

We are staying with my dad. I'm back in my old room.... how silly. Rob is off to Minnesota Sunday morning. The boys and I are going about our business. I work until Thursday and the kids are going to summer camps. The dog gets to fly on the 9th and we will leave on the 10th. Rob will already be in CT after he is done with the year end club volleyball tournament.

Check back for more pictures and updates as our departure grows closer.

The Truck is coming...The truck is coming....

2007-06-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Oh my...the truck is coming! We are not quite ready for the moving truck, but it IS coming on Thursday. Three more real packing days left. Oh my! I think we will still be putting things in boxes while the movers are here. Isn't that what everyone does?

You should see the garage! (There it is) It is full of boxes and we are still not done yet. It is crazy when EVERYTHING has to be in a box. We are moving almost 3000 miles! Not just across town. It is also hard to pack when the kids just want to play with the thing I just packed. Or I need something, but I just packed it, and I don't remember which box it is in!

I will let you know how the moving day goes too. Check back for more pictures and details of the SPECIAL Day.

Friends...

2007-06-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Friend: One who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect, and affection that she seeks her society and welfare; a well wisher; an intimate associate.

Friend: One not inimical or hostile; one not a foe or enemy.

I have many Friends. Very Special Friends. I cannot remember the beginning and certainly do not see an end to the many friends I have. Thank you to all of the amazing people I work with who took the time to write me a special note. And words can not describe the feeling of appreciation to Jocelyn for making me a beautiful memory album, placing those special notes with pictures of those that wrote the notes. Jocelyn went around all the departments at Miller Children's and took pictures of Staff, Nurse's, Doctor's, and other friends I have made over the past 8 1/2 years I have worked there. I hope you can all have a chance to see this awesome book!

Thank you to Marc and Chuck who opened their home for this special "Going Away" party. Marc you will forever be my mentor, friend, listening ear, and the one who gave a description to those crazy thoughts and pictures that run through our heads. You know the ones that cause you to become insane that we see over and over again. Marc calls them "Head Movies". What an awesome way to describe those crazy things.

Thank you Becky and Jason, Karen, Freda, Tamara and Wayne, Alicia and Keith, Holly, Maria, Jocelyn and John (A special Thank you to John for putting up with Jocelyn while she spent endless hours at home working on the album...drink up) and Marc and Chuck. Rob and I had a great time at the party. thank you for coming. Thank you everyone who wanted to come and could not due to previous engagements, I know how busy we get...You we all missed. I look forward to the fun times we can share when you come to visit CT and when we come back to CA to visit. I still have 4 more weeks. I look forward to many more days working with

MY FRIENDS!

Thank You!

Getting Ready to Move

2007-06-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

We have been working very hard to prepare for our coast to coast move. Rob has diligently worked with our amazing Realtor, Mary MacKenzie, and our loan agent to have the purchase of our new home go as smoothly as possible. We could not have done it without Mary. He has also set-up the movers, our car transport, and the airline arrangements. I have been attempting to figure out how to get "Fly", our dog, to fly safely almost 3000 miles. As well as packing our house full of belongings.

In the meantime, we have been working full time, trying to keep from going crazy, and trying to have some fun! So we went to Disneyland...one last time this past Friday. We had a great time.

That same night Rob and I went to Danielle's Drama Dinner and watched her receive two awards. One for Outstanding Performance for Winnie-the-Pooh and one for Outstanding Service, just because. She also was announced to be one of the 12 directors for the 2007-2008 Drama Season. Congrats Danielle!

Last week, Joshua was a participant in the Annual Math Bowl. His school took 3rd place out of 13 participating elementary schools in Long Beach. He had a blast. He was interviewed by by Channel 4 News, however his interview did not make the few second news clip.

Just because I have felt that we didn't have enough to do. The boys and I went to Stage Coach Music Festival with My Dad in May for three Days. What a huge event. My Aunt Marcie went too....We had some fun. Matthew even made it into the Dessert Sun Newspaper... because he is so cute.

Everyday continues as Rob drives 500+ miles a week, I try to get to work on-time, the boys continue with Karate and Baseball, and Danielle prepares for finals, and my Dad helps out as often as he can. Our stuff leaves June 28. The Yukon starts its long journey. Rob goes to Minnesota for JO's on the 1st of July, then to CT on the 7th. Our Stuff arrives on the 8th. The Yukon gets there on the 9th. "Fly" gets on a plane on the 9th arrives on the 10th. The boys and I catch a plane on the 10th......Breathe....Rob comes back to CA, the other car leaves, Danielle comes to visit...my Dad comes to visit and so on. The adventure has already begun and will continue all with the Lord's Guidance. AMEN!

Where It All Started !

2007-06-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

November 30, 1996...The day Rob and Christy got married, in Palm Springs, CA. Who knew that 10 and half years later we would be moving to Connecticut. As a family we have been preparing for this day since we got married, had kids, Rob started working at USC, Rob got his BA, Christy got over selling the house, and Rob finished his MS which has allowed for the newest adventure....CA to CT.

As we look back at our long journey we see many trials, tribulations, spectacular events, joyous occasions, and supportive family and friends that have help us stay on our path. Without all of you and the Grace of God we could not be preparing for this new adventure.

We are going to be attempting to use this Blog as a way of communicating to our family and friends. We hope you enjoy our Blog and let us know what you guys are up to so we can keep in touch from 2892 miles away.

Yes this is the new house. We can't wait to get started with our new adventure. One of them will be exploring our backyard!