Phoebe's 3rd Birthday Party - SpongeBob

We had Phoebe's 3rd birthday party at our house in Texas. Everyone was there, it turned out great!! We had Phoebe's bounce house out. Hardly any kids messed with the swing / playhouse, they all wanted to jump! The party was Spongebob themed and we had the cutest cake!





We had the Mudpie Company make a birthday cake for Phoebe and everyone signed the back of it. The plate turned out great! But they neglected to tell me that there's a certain pen that you need to write on it (they told me a regular marker would work and it didn't!) So Ms. Jude was very sweet to go run to Mudpie and buy the pen for me. After everyone signs the plate with the "special" pen, you let it dry for 24 hours and then bake it in the oven for 30 minutes. I was really impressed with the job they did on this plate!

Phoebe's Christmas Program 12.8.08

This was Phoebe's first time on stage and she did fantastic! If you can't tell, she's the one all the way on the right, in a red dress.

Visit to the ER

Around 9:30 on Sunday night Phoebe was climbing down from our bed to go potty. Her foot got caught in the sheet and she fell off the bed backwards. She hit the corner of my nightstand and screamed and cried so loud. My heart was broken! She had a huge lump come out and I was a little concerned because it was so big. We kept her up for almost an hour. On the way to drop her off to the sitter in the morning, she was nodding out. I began freaking out but convinced myself that I was worrying too much and scaring myself. So I told Ms. Jude (the sitter) what happened and to call me if anything doesn't seem right with her. Well she ended up calling me saying she felt warm and didn't look well in her eyes. I freaked! I left work and went to pick her up from Mother's Day Out, Michael left work as well. When I got there she was so energetic and talkative, you'd swear nothing was wrong... so I calmed down. We went and had lunch then went to Urgent Care. Well they cannot check and/or treat any head injuries... so off to the ER we went. When they finally called us back, they said only ONE parent could go back with her! Are you kidding me? I cannot be with my child, who has a head injury????!!! I was furious! But thankfully all turned out fine. They said since she wasn't showing any symptoms (vomiting, extreme tiredness, etc) that they weren't even going to do an MRI. So that was my birthday, but the best gift of all was to hear that she was okay! Michael stopped and bought me flowers and a cake... so sweet! Him and Phoe sang happy birthday to me that evening and we had cake and ice cream. The cake was super yummmmmy! :) As you can see from Phoebe's face (click on pic to view it larger)...

Thanksgiving Trip to LA & MS 2008

We drove in to spend Thanksgiving with our families. We spent Thanksgiving Day with my family and then Friday with Michael's family. Everyone got to spend a good bit of time with Phoebe. There were many kids that were around for Thanksgiving by Angel's.. so Phoebe had lots of kids to play with, there were 2 huge spacewalks outside that they spent most of the day and night jumping around in. And then she had a blast riding the 4 wheeler (aka motorbike) with PawPaw, chasing MawMaw around the house, making glitter ornaments with Mommy and MawMaw, petting the deer (Christmas decorations) on the lawn all day and then getting scared when they lit up at night! MawMaw Tess and PawPaw Mike had a cake and gifts ready Friday to celebrate my birthday, Phoebe's, Mikey's and CP's!

She loved their yard, riding in the wagon with the pig, riding the 4 wheeler with PawPaw, picking up leaves to make a stew with MawMaw... she had a good time.

Here she is putting PawPaw to work:






And PawPaw put her to work (picking up leaves)!


It was a full and fun couple of days. We headed back early Saturday and made it home Saturday night (tonight). Once we got home Michael took down the Christmas decorations from the attic and I attempted to get started. But I think the drive had worn me out because for the first time ever, I wasn't in a festive mood. I know that will change as soon as I get up tomorrow though, I think I'm just worn out! That being said, I think I'm going to bed! Good nite :)

Missing my China Girl

Missing my China Girl
Current mood:sad

Well it's been a little over 4 months since we said goodbye to China. And I must say, it hasn't begun to get easier. Whenever I think or write about her, I get upset. That being said, I push the thoughts from my mind pretty often. Then I feel guilty for not thinking of her. What am I supposed to do? I know that I should let it out and allow myself to heal but it hurts. She was my baby, so sweet, loyal, loving. We had a picture of her blown up to a 30x40 and placed her right next to our family picture which is the same size. It turned out beautiful but I can't look at it very often.

I just needed to let that out, I really haven't talked about it since she passed.

Daycares

I HATE THEM! (and I don't use the word hate very often) This is Phoebe's 3rd daycare and nothing is different. The first one - I picked her up one day and she had brush burns on her face and a black eye ... they said that she fell off of a toy. The 2nd one, here in Texas... she was bit 4 or 5 times since moving to this one class a couple months ago. So we moved her to a new daycare, she's been there maybe 2 weeks. Today is Thursday and it was her first day there this week, Michael picked her up and she was bit today. She was bit twice last week in the same day. I know that Phoebe doesn't start fights or instigate things, I've asked the centers. It's just the teachers not watching the kids. But this doesn't surprise me because her teacher at this center is the same one from the last daycare. She's not going back, we're done. It breaks my heart because ever since she got bit the last time at the other center, she has cried every morning that I've dropped her off at daycare. I feel so guilty because it's like she was trying to tell us something, like she was scared.




We're in the process of interviewing a sitter and I met her at Starbucks today and we talked about an hour. I really liked her and think that I could trust her. She's going to come by Saturday to meet Phoebe. She wants to meet her where Phoe would feel most comfortable. I truly hope that we can get this process going and that Phoebe really likes and trusts her rather quickly...so we can get her started soon. Phoebe's not going back to daycare, Tammy will watch her next week until we get started with the sitter. If it's possible, avoid putting your child in daycare.

General Blogging

General Blogging
Current mood:drained

7/25/08 - I feel so overwhelmed. I have no time to clean my house, spend with my daughter or hubby, organize things, cook, it feels like all I do is work work work. I'm always making up time. Well hopefully that will all come to an end soon because I am expecting this coming weekend to be my last trip to Nola for a while. Let's hope hope hope! After that, I am going back to my old schedule, this 9/80 schedule is not suitable for someone with a kid / family. If you're single, it'll probably work out great for you! I live with guilt, which makes you eat eat eat... so I'm also unhappy because of my weight. I went on a diet and exercised 4 times a week for 3 months and couldn't lose the weight. Then I began the 9/80 schedule so I had no time to spend with the family or work out. Then my house needs cleaning, but if I try to clean, I feel guilty because that time should be spent with my family. If I'm spending time with my family, I feel guilty for letting the house go. So we're trying to work out a solution. I'm stopping the 9/80 schedule and we're going to have someone come in to clean for me. I think this will be extremely helpful for all of us. This way I'll be able to focus on my family without any guilt for a dirty house, which in turn should reduce the guilt and stress, which should help me with my weight. And above all, I am hoping not to be so edgy anymore. My moods affect more than I see. So here's to hoping things will begin to look up soon!

7/29/08 - So things may begin to look up. We hired someone today that will come in every other week to clean the house. And we are going to the gym tomorrow for a tour and get info and schedules of the classes offered. And I went back to my old schedule today, 8 hrs a day, 5 days a week.

7/30/08 - Yep, things are looking up, we signed a 2 year contract with the gym today. Net is determined to get in shape! My breaking point... the first thing someone said to me when they saw me after about 18 years --- "man you've put on some weight!!!" Not to mention the 7 people that have asked me if I was expecting! (yes, I'm counting!)

8/1/08 - A lady came in (brought a helper) to clean the house. They were here 2.5 hours and said that I was going to love it. I came home at lunch and it was HORRIBLE. I obviously had to fire them, too bad I had already paid them. GGRRRR!

8/11/08 - I found someone else on Kingwood Jobs, she came by today and gave us a quote, she'll be coming in Wednesday to do a deep clean so we'll see how it goes!

8/13/08 - Rachel, the new lady, did an EXCELLENT job! Everything was shining, she moved everything to dust / clean, I had not one complaint! Not to mention she was done, with the deep clean, in 4 hours!

8/16/08 - Had a dinner party in honor of Faud's bday but Faud & Shan didn't make it because Faud wasn't feeling good. But the Philiberts, Bartholomews, Mom and Aggie came, and it turned out well.

8/17/08 - Relaxing day at home. Mikey cut the grass and I took Phoebe for a bike ride and to the park to play.

8/18/08 - 8/22/08 - Worked all week, Mikey worked late twice so I went to pick Phoe up from daycare. Phoebe started a new daycare, LaPetite Academy on Monday, 8/18... turns out Kayla from Country Schoolhouse will be teaching Phoebe's class. Phoe cried when I dropped her off, I called a few mins later when I got to work and they said she was singing and dancing, it was music time... by the end of the week she seemed happy. Friday - Tam had a jewelery show for her friend Amy, started at 7 and ended a little after 9. I ordered Phoe some silver earrings :) Saturday - another relaxing day at home, Mikey cut grass and I took Phoe to the park again but we got to stay a bit longer since we sprayed on OFF before going! Phoe didn't have a nap today so she fell asleep around 7, me and Mikey rearranged the desk / office area. When we were done with that, I began scanning documents (trying to go paperless since I'm such a pack rat!) and he played his game. I'll probably try and catch up on organizing the house some more tomorrow.

RIP Grandpa Gioia

Joseph C. Gioia Sr. of Slidell entered eternal rest on Aug. 2, 2008, at the age of 78. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Eleanor Barrios Gioia. He was the father of Adeline Walsh, Linda Hughes, Joseph Gioia Jr., Michael Gioia Sr., Dominick Gioia Sr. and Penny Erato; brother of Mary Galland, Phillip Gioia and Catherine Russo; and son of the late Carlo J. Gioia and Lena Maltese Gioia. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Gioia was a resident of St. Bernard Parish until August 2005. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice Care of Slidell. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral mass at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd. W., Slidell,, at 1 p.m. today. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell.

Phoebe's 2nd Birthday Party - Elmo

We had it on December 30th by Aggie & Brian's house. We were living in Texas at the time but wanted to have it where the family could attend. And Phoebe racked up!!! She got so much stuff we had to clean out her game room upstairs to store it all! Out with the old and in with the new! Anyway, the party was a success! They have a trampoline in the back yard so Phoebe had a blast playing on that. The theme was Elmo, she had an Elmo cake, Elmo bday balloons and lots of fun stuff in the favor bags!

Thanks Agg & Bri for letting us use your house!

Tubes in Ears =(

Phoebe had to get tubes put in her ears since she was getting so many ear infections. The procedure went well but when she woke up, she freaked out, not knowing where she was and crying for mommy and daddy. They had to come and get us to go in the back by her. Poor baby! They said the tubes should fall out on their own after about a year. She can't go underwater or get water in her ears and she needs to wear ear plugs in the tub or pool.

RIP Baby Hayden

Hayden Christopher Calamari

CALAMARI Baby Hayden Christopher Calamari passed away on Monday, October 15, 2007 at the age of 18 months. He was the beloved son of Stacey Teal Calamari and Alan A. Calamari Jr. Loving brother of Allie Elizabeth Calamari. Cherished grandson of Alan & Rosemary Calamari, Theodore Teal and the late Cynthia Teal. Treasured great-grandson of Rose Gasper and the late Lorraine & Norman Cantrell. Hayden is also survived and fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins. So small, so sweet, so soon. Private services were held on Monday, October 22nd at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home. Burial took place in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.

Published in The Times-Picayune on 10/23/2007.




Some friends of mine from an online community created the following image for Hayden's parents.

Thanks Snuggler friends!

No Smoking!

No Smoking
Current mood:okay

MY MISSION TO QUIT SMOKING
(after 18 years of living with the habit)

DAY 1 - Saturday, August 4, 2007

I have not smoked today and it was kind of rough. I went to my sister's house for dinner and of course after eating, I usually need a cigarette. But I told myself it wasn't worth it. My sister and her hubby were very considerate and walked away from me (where I couldn't see them) to smoke, therefore, I couldn't smell it and didn't crave it as much, but it was still a little rough. But I did it. No smoking on day 1.

DAY 2 - Sunday, August 5, 2007

I didn't smoke today. I stayed home all day so today was even harder than yesterday. I'm so used to smoking in between doing things. So everytime that I got bored, finished doing something or when Mikey took Phoebe upstairs to the play room, I found myself wanting, craving those damn cigarettes... but I continued to tell myself that I've been trying to quit for 16 years and if I go back now, it'll never happen. I HAVE to do this, for me... for Phoebe and Mikey... and also to set an example for my sisters Tammy and Aggie because I want them to quit so badly. So I made it through, No smoking on day 2.

DAY 3 - Monday, August 6, 2007
Well no smoking today either. Today wasn't nearly as hard as yesterday! I stayed busy all day and after I picked Phoebe up, we took a ride to the grocery, then met Tammy and the boys at McDonald's to eat and let them play. So I think today may have been the easiest day yet. I am hoping the whole week will be this way! No smoking on day 3.

DAY 4 - Tuesday, August 7, 2007
It looks like I'm making it. No serious urges or anything. I'm sticking with the plan of keeping myself busy when I think of having one... and the urge / thought goes away pretty quickly. Today wasn't bad at all. And I've been looking up images and information online, not to mention what people have been sending me... and it just makes me say "what was I thinking all these years"? The thing is that smokers know that smoking is bad, but we always refuse to look deep into why it's bad. We don't want to know since we enjoy smoking. That's how I was anyway. So yeah, I'm glad that I finally decided to take this serious.


(I'm also looking things up online that will help me get through this, like the images below for example... so for you smoke haters out there, feel free to post / send things, no worries on hurting my feelings and so forth)

Body Heals As Soon As You Kick Butts
A friend of mine sent this to me today and it was an eye opener! (Thanks Shelley!) I just bought cigarettes and smoked them, I never knew what was in them. This is just part of the article, to view the whole article, go here: http://www.wdsu.com/mylife/10786234/detail.html

What Causes The Damage?
U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona is trying to drive home the message that kicking the habit can mean significant positive changes.

"We've known for decades that smoking is bad for your health, but this report shows that it's even worse than we knew," Carmona said in a 2004 report. "The toxins from cigarette smoke go everywhere the blood flows. I'm hoping this new information will help motivate people to quit smoking and convince young people not to start in the first place."


Of the 4,700 chemical compounds in cigarette smoke, 60 are considered carcinogenic. Eleven of these are seriously toxic. One is acetone, a flammable, colorless liquid used as a solvent in products such as nail polish remover.

Other elements include ammonia -- which is said to add flavor but also helps the body absorb nicotine -- arsenic, benzene, benzoapryrene, butane, cadmium, formaldehyde, lead, propylene glycol and turpentine.

The surgeon general's report estimated that 440,000 American die from smoking-related illnesses each year. Men, on average, shorten their lifespan by 13.2 years and females by 14.5 years. But, again, some of the damage can be reversed.

Read more: http://www.lifewhile.com/health/10786234/detail.html#ixzz1NqgmC9T7

RIP Uncle Claude

RIP Uncle Claude, You Will Be Missed By Many.


Claude Bernard Riche RICHE Claude Bernard Riche, longtime proprietor and owner of Bradley's Pharmacy in St. Bernard, LA, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2007 at the age of 73. He was the beloved husband of the late Kay Lynn Connor Riche. Loving father of Stephen G. Riche, Thomas P. Riche and Christopher C. Riche. Son of the late Olivia Roques Riche and Desire Julian ""Bernard'' Riche. Brother of Elwood R. Riche, Calvin P. Riche, Eloise R. Vidal and the late Cedric F. Riche, Roy E. Riche and Lloyd A. Riche. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Mr. Riche completed St. Cecilia Grammar School, was a graduate of Jesuit High School and Loyola School of Pharmacy. He also proudly served his country in Korea as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, M.S.C. He was an accomplished musician, a self-taught pianist and composer, and member of ASCAP. Though there were many obstacles, Mr. Riche reopened the pharmacy following Hurricane Katrina. His love for his family and his community was deeper and far greater than the number of years he was with us. His courage, perseverance and his ability to overcome incredible odds was an inspiration and has led us to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Thursday, April 12th from 10:00 AM 1:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will begin at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery.

Published in The Times-Picayune on 4/11/2007.

Phoebe's 1st Birthday Party - Nemo

We had it by Angel's house on December 16, 2006. It turned out great! We got her cake from Flour Power and paid a pretty penny for it, which was fine but the one part of the cake that matched the party theme, Nemo, was broken (his face broke off, lol)! Needless to say, I wasn't too happy! But I didn't let it spoil the day! Angel, Joe & Aggie stayed up really late helping me decorate and get everything together. I think Aggie finally left around 11pm to go home and the rest of us were up until about 2am! But it was soooo worth it! Check out the pics!

We had a great time. There was a spacewalk in the backyard for the kiddos, we had a Nemo pinata and favor bags. And Phoebe was not shy about digging into the cake, she loved it and loved when everyone sang Happy Birthday! (I thought she'd freak out from all the people, it was loud!) Guess she showed us! :) We love that kid!

Thanks Angel & Joe for letting us use your house!

RIP Ms. Cynthia

Teal, Cynthia Lee Cantrell


TEAL Cynthia Lee Cantrell Teal, on Thursday, October 5, 2006. Beloved wife of Theodore Teal, Jr. Loving mother of Theodore Teal III, Stacey Calamari, Christopher Teal and Melissa Teal. Grandmother of 9. Sister of Laurie Miller. Daughter of the late Lorraine Munster Cantrell and Norman Cantrell. Age 54. A native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Chalmette, LA for the past 40 years. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral. A Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel of Lamana-Panno-Fallo, 1717 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 9, 2006. Interment in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery No. 1. Friends may visit on Sunday, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm and on Monday after 10:00 am. Arrangements by JACOB SCHOEN AND SON FUNERAL DIRECTORS. Guestbook may be signed online at www.legacy.com.

Published in The Times-Picayune on 10/8/2006.

RIP Uncle Leroy

Rest in Peace Uncle Leroy, you will be missed and loved always... thanks for doing so much for our family throughout the years.


William Leroy Guerra, Sr. on Sunday, October 1, 2006 at Tulane Medical Center. Beloved son of the late H. Ben Guerra and the late Pauline Morales Guerra. Husband of Edna Asher Guerra. Father of William L. Guerra, Jr., Billy Ray Guerra and Paula Guerra Everhardt. Grandfather of Kayla, Brittani, William III, Matthew, Frederick and Gracie. Brother of Robert Guerra, the late Dora Lee Miller, Ben Guerra and Anthony Guerra, Sr. Age 61. He was a self-employed commerical fisherman. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service from the Metairie Home of LAMANA-PANNO-FALLO, 1717 Veterans Memorial Blvd. at Bonnabel Blvd. on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 12:00 noon. Followed by interment in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery. Visitation on Thursday, October 5, 2006 after 9 o'clock a.m. until funeral time. Sign On-Line Guest Book at www.legacy.com. Information call: 831-9901.

Published in The Times-Picayune on 10/3/2006.

Phoebe's 6 Month Shots and more

When Phoebe was 6 months old, I had to take her to the doctor for her immunizations. She also got her ears pierced during the appointment and the doctor opened her "stuff". (She has labial adhesions - I later found out that they shouldn't force it open because it'll just fuse back together... so that pain was for nothing, I was not happy!!) So she had a very bad day, poor baby.

Phoebe's 1 Month Shots

For Phoebe's 1 month immunizations, Michael came with me to the appt. When the doctor gave her the shot, she was screaming so loud. Michael was standing beside me while I was holding her legs. It felt like he rested his head on my shoulder, I started to turn and say what are you doing?! But he collapsed to the floor! He passed out from watching Phoebe get the shot! The dr checked him out but said he's fine and he'd come to in a minute. And he did, he woke up and me and the dr were looking at him, he asked "what's going on"? We told him he passed out and he didn't remember. I was worried but it ended up pretty funny :) Love you babe!

The Birth of Our Angel 12-20-05

Phoebe was born at East Jefferson Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana. She arrived on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 @ 8:51am. I went in the night before and they induced labor. The due date was originally on Christmas Eve but since Hurricane Katrina, the hospital in St. Bernard Parish was gone. So if I were to go into labor, we were 45 mins from the nearest hospital. And I was a little nervous about being surprised because of that and it was my first baby. So what if I missed the signs? Anyway... we decided to induce. I went in for 8pm on Monday, December 19th. My hubby and my sister Aggie spent the night with me. The room was great, it was huge and just me and my guests! I expected a lot less, so it was nice. At the time of delivery, I weighed 176lbs! Yes, I gained 61lbs during pregnancy and I'm still fighting to lose some of it, lol. I want to say I started to dialate somewhere around 3am, then when they came in at 8am to check on me, I was fully dialated and ready to go! My hubby and two of my sisters, Aggie and Angel, were in the delivery room with me. It was the same room we started out in. They set up a mirror so I could watch but I was working too darn hard to pay attention! :o) It was very difficult and painful, my Dr eventually said "would you like some help?" ... uhm... hello?!?! You're JUST NOW asking me this? Of course I want help. So we had some assistance with the forceps, she was out within a minute or two. They held her up and I looked at my sisters grabbing their hands saying "she's here she's here, it feels like a dream!". I don't even know where my hubby was at this point. I know he had to leave the delivery room because he couldn't take it. He said it was because he couldn't handle seeing me in pain and he felt so helpless. Not to mention he can't handle icky stuff, lol. I believe he followed the nurses with Phoebe and watched her get cleaned up and weighed. She was 19" long and weighed 6lbs 11oz. They brought her back and handed her to me. I looked at her and never realized you could love someone that much that you barely know. And just by looking at her for a second, I saw that her name fit her perfectly. No words could ever truly explain the joy I felt when holding this little girl. And I thank God for giving us such a perfect angel. We are truly blessed.


We were obviously anxious to get home with our bundle of joy! My doctor said that I could leave first thing in the morning. However, the hospital lost my shot records so they had to do a test all over again and we had to wait hours for the results before they were able to release us. So, due to their mistake, we didn't leave until 6pm, if not later.

Hummingbird Pictures May 2005