Traveling Tubiolo Tales

Our road adventure started Tuesday morning when we hit the open road traveling to Florida, to meet up with some Texas friends at Disney World and to visit our families for Thanksgiving. We had a really good time and our days were busy but relaxing. We were so happy to be there, I really miss living close to our parents, our extended families, and our old friends.
We are on the road currently and I can only blog so much, so this blog will extend over the next few days. I will be home tomorrow and I will post pictures and update you on our road trip adventure. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!

So Thankful

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought I would blog a little about what I am thankful for this year.
My family: My kids make my world go round. I am my happiest when we are all in our pj's watching a movie, playing a board game, or just hanging out. As long as we are all together, I am happy. I couldn't ask for a better marriage. Mike is not only my husband but he is my best friend, he knows me better than I know myslef sometimes. He knows what makes me mad and he knows how to make me laugh, he is great. My parents: Being married for over thirty years, they have taught me the value of marriage, family, and friendships. My parents are the kind of people that you can turn to for anything and I just love them for all their support and love. My brother, sisters, nieces and nephew are very important in my life. Yes we have our battles but we can't be torn apart, our family ties are strong.
My friends: I have made some real good friends over the years. Living so far from my family in Florida, my local friends have become like my family. My friends around me have made Texas feel like home: thanks for spending weekends and holidays with us and our good old times hanging out on the street. My distant friends are special in their own way, I'm thankful to have friends that care enough to keep in touch from afar: thanks for our long phone conversations, emails, and letters. I miss you all. My L&D crew past and present: thanks for our middle of the night laughters when the silliest thing makes you laugh so hard,you cry.ahhh,thanks for our long conversations, and working together as a team. L&D is quite an experience on its own, but those girls make it fun. To wrap it all up....I am thankful for everything I have been given and everyone that I have met, I know how to appreciate what I have. I love my life, my family, and my friends. There is nothing more I could ask for.

My Little Pilgrims

Naty and Ethan were in school programs today.
They were both so cute. It all started at Ethans school at noon. I walked into the gym to see a large stage with my little boy almost center stage surrounded by other four-year olds. He was dressed in khaki pants, a button down shirt, and a wool vest. He looked so grown up. He made a Pilgrim hat and collar in class that he had on as well. When he saw me, his eyes lit up and he just smiled. During his performance, he kept eye contact with me and it made me want to cry. There he was, my shy little boy singing in a room filled with parents and teachers. He was so adorable.
After his performance we had lunch together, joined by Sandra, Jojo, and Mima. It was a nice time with good friends.
Afterwards Ethan and I headed to Naty's school for her performance. Her teacher converted the classroom into a mini theatre and the kids all did a great job. The kids told a Thanksgiving story and Thanksgiving jokes. It was really cute. I had a busy busy day.

No Motivation Today

Anyway along with many other things that need to get done, my couponing has been long forgotten. I bought a huge binder with baseball card holders, cut every coupon and organized them by item type: cereal, frozen, household cleaners, etc….. I see the weekly ads come in the mail and I know all the great deals thanks to the grocery game and still nothing. I can’t seem to get back into it. I was a little motivated when I went to Kroger with Silvia last night and spent $16 on $60 worth of groceries!!!! but will itbe enough to get me back on track?
Today I relax in my pajamas; sitting at home staring at the unclipped coupons and laundry that desperately needs to get done. It’s the last thing to complete my spotless house and yet I am not motivated in any way. Aghhh!
Rachel where are you, I need a Starbucks run!!!

I need MOM

I have been stuck in a fog lately and don't know how I got there. As the days go by I keep myself busy trying to keep my mind from wandering over it.
Momma raised me right, from her I learned to have an open heart, not be afraid to meet new people, and to do for others while expecting nothing in return. I have definately incorporated that in myself but, my heart gets broken, I meet the wrong people and get taken advantage of. I am not sure why people do the things they do, it's crazy the situations that make you realize who your real friends are. I know I am not perfect, I take things too seriously, and I hold grudges but I am a good person. When someone wrongs me, I have a hard time dealing with it.
When my life gets hectic, mom is awlays there for me, usually with a fresh pot of coffee, home cooking, and her arms to hug me and tell me she loves me. So with that in mind, I count down the days until my Florida Thanksgivng trip, when I am home, surrounded by people that I love and love me, and always laughing because we are so happy together. I can't wait be home again and catch up with my large family and good old friends.
I know when I get back, the fog will be gone, things will be clear and I will move on.

In Memory of Yoshi

Friday started out as any normal day and ended with a horrible tragedy.
It was 5:24 pm when my phone rang, it was my little brother. He sounded so frantic and upset. He informed me that my little sis, Stacy, and her boyfriend, Yoshi, were in a bad car accident. My mom and brother were in route to the hospital where Stacy & Yoshi were air lifted. All he knew was that Yoshi was killed and no news on Stacy. Rumors were flying all over as to what her status was. As the tears fell, my heart just broke. It is so hard to be hundreds of miles away from where my family is, waiting on answers and praying that everything was okay. Silvia and I waited as patiently as we could trying to comfort each other and hoping for the best. Finally around 7pm I heard Stacy's voice for the first time.....and the tears just poured.

Stacy spent Friday at the Lake with Yoshi, there she said they were both so happy. He was rolling down hills and laughing, so happy just being with her. On their way home, he lost control of the car and crashed. Stacy is fine, but Yoshi passed away. Family and friends surrounded Stacy's hospital bed comforting her as best they could. I know this will be a long hard struggle for her but with the love that surrounds her, we will help her get through this. Yoshi was a wonderful boy, someone you could only wish for your own daughter. He will always be considered a part of the family. My heart goes out to Stacy. I wish I was near her to help her through this.

Yoshi, your memory will live on and you will always be in our thoughts and prayers, you will be truly missed.

Stacy....stay strong and keep your head up, I love you and I will always be here for you.

Fall is Here

A picture is worth...well you know.

just take a look, here are just a few that I took today. What a nice day in the park. The golden leaves on the trees rained down and rustled across the ground.

Ahh.......me and my Starbucks, I could have stayed here all day.

Way to go Ethan

This was Ethan’s first time ever playing soccer. He had his end of season soccer party tonight. We had such a great team, all the parents work well together and the boys get a long wonderfully. The coach made a special announcement about Ethan, she said she was so proud of his great sportsmanship and focus of attention. He always listens so well and is a quick learner. I’m so glad to see Ethan do well in sports, with two big sisters that are not so sports savvy, I didn't know what to expect but, Ethan loves the competition and scored over thirty goals this season!!!

Go Ethan! You make us so proud!

Election Day

I am wearing my red, white and blue proudly today.
As I stood outside the poll room, people were talking, everyone seemed so confident in their decision. With knots in my stomach and my mind buzzing, I wondered if people vote for the right reasons and do they realize what they just did?? I know who's side I'm on but can't help but think of what this country will be like tomorrow. Will the U.S. see it's first African American President or will it see our first woman Vice President??? I'm a bit nervous.
On the upside lots of free goodies today if you carry an "I voted" sticker. My fave was the free Starbucks, and I got mine!!!! But the downside of wearing the sticker s that everyone wants to know who you voted for. Quit asking already. Really.

Happy Halloween

10/31/2008

7:15 am

Today was Friday, crazy hair day at school, and Halloween so you know the kids were excited. I worked on the girls hair making it look crazy, I think I succeeded:

5:00 pm

Halloween Carnival at Ethan's school. The kids dressed in their costumes and had a blast sliding down the great big slide.


7:00pm

All dressed up and ready to go, the kids had a blast trick or treating. We walked for about two hours, and had to empty thier candy baskets twice!!

We have way too much candy!

Ahh, Halloween, how it brings back so many memories. There's nothing like a night of trick or treating and costumes to make you feel young again. I like to see all the Halloween decorations.

When I was shopping for costumes, was amazed at how each year the costumes not only get more expensive, but what better quality they are. I remember those plastic costumes and plastic masks from way back when, you know the ones that ripped way befor the night was over, I just loved them. My favorite costume growing up was strawbery shortcake, I googled it until I found it. Here was the costume I had when I was little and one from now:

Costumes have really come a long way!