HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY

NEW YEAR

may the

new year

bring you

happiness

good health

wealth

(at least a little!)

and many

special moments

with those that you love

Love you all~



The Man You've Become...

'The Man You've Become'
by Molly Pasutti



I picked this song because the words described

my son so perfectly

and the

love for our new daughter.

I will always cherish

 every word that was spoken during the dance

we shared as mother and son...

for every other time I listen to this song

I cry...

The Man You've Become...

Big wheels, hot wheels
Little trucks and cars
Skinned knees, climbing trees
Wishing on the stars
Moments may be lost somewhere in time
But the sweetest memories are never left behind
Now you've grown so fine
And come so far...

CHORUS:
I'm so proud of who you are
The man you've become
Thrilled to share your deepest joy
To know you've found the one
For the great things you will do
I'll be blessed ?cause you're my son
But I'll always see the boy
In the man you've become

School days, sleep-aways
Driving all alone
Phone calls, shopping malls
Late coming home
It was hard to know when to let you spread your wings
When to let you got to face the challenges life brings
But you've grown so fine
And come so far...

I'm so very proud of you Dan and the man you've become...

Love you~

Mom

Wedding bells...

October 7, 2011

a very special day

Amanda Lynn Lessner

and

Daniel Joseph Tufano

while surround by

family and friends

will say

'I do'!

Wishing you many, many

years of happiness,
an abundance of love
and

good health

Love you both~

Mamma T.

Never Forget...

The initial numbers are indelible: 8:46 a.m. and 9:02 a.m. Time the burning towers stood: 56 minutes and 102 minutes. Time they took to fall: 12 seconds. From there, they ripple out. Total number killed in attacks (official figure as of 9/5/02): 2,819 Number of firefighters and paramedics killed: 343 Number of NYPD officers: 23 Number of Port Authority police officers: 37 Number of WTC companies that lost people: 60 Number of employees who died in Tower One: 1,402 Number of employees who died in Tower Two: 614 Number of employees lost at Cantor Fitzgerald: 658 Number of U.S. troops killed in Operation Enduring Freedom:22 Number of nations whose citizens were killed in attacks: 115 Ratio of men to women who died: 3:1 Age of the greatest number who died: between 35 and 39 Bodies found "intact": 289 Body parts found: 19,858 Number of families who got no remains: 1,717 Estimated units of blood donated to the New York Blood Center:36,000 Total units of donated blood actually used: 258 Number of people who lost a spouse or partner in the attacks:1,609 Estimated number of children who lost a parent: 3,051 Percentage of Americans who knew someone hurt or killed in the attacks:20 FDNY retirements, January–July 2001: 274 FDNY retirements, January–July 2002: 661 Number of firefighters on leave for respiratory problems by January 2002: 300 Number of funerals attended by Rudy Giuliani in 2001: 200 Number of FDNY vehicles destroyed: 98 Tons of debris removed from site: 1,506,124 Days fires continued to burn after the attack: 99 Jobs lost in New York owing to the attacks: 146,100 Days the New York Stock Exchange was closed: 6 Point drop in the Dow Jones industrial average when the NYSE reopened:684.81 Days after 9/11 that the U.S. began bombing Afghanistan: 26 Total number of hate crimes reported to the Council on American-Islamic Relations nationwide since 9/11: 1,714 Economic loss to New York in month following the attacks: $105 billion Estimated cost of cleanup: $600 million Total FEMA money spent on the emergency: $970 million Estimated amount donated to 9/11 charities: $1.4 billion Estimated amount of insurance paid worldwide related to 9/11: $40.2 billion Estimated amount of money needed to overhaul lower-Manhattan subways:$7.5 billion Amount of money recently granted by U.S. government to overhaul lower-Manhattan subways: $4.55 billion Estimated amount of money raised for funds dedicated to NYPD and FDNY families: $500 million Percentage of total charity money raised going to FDNY and NYPD families: 25 Average benefit already received by each FDNY and NYPD widow: $1 million Percentage increase in law-school applications from 2001 to 2002:17.9 Percentage increase in Peace Corps applications from 2001 to 2002:40 Percentage increase in CIA applications from 2001 to 2002: 50 Number of songs Clear Channel Radio considered "inappropriate" to play after 9/11: 150 Number of mentions of 9/11 at the Oscars: 26 Apartments in lower Manhattan eligible for asbestos cleanup: 30,000 Number of apartments whose residents have requested cleanup and testing: 4,110 Number of Americans who changed their 2001 holiday-travel plans from plane to train or car: 1.4 million Estimated number of New Yorkers suffering from post-traumatic-stress disorder as a result of 9/11: 422,000 NEVER FORGET...

The 'day before' 10 years ago....

This is the 'day before' 

when

10 years ago

we were all just going about our usual daily activities

living our lives ~

working, playing ~ enjoying life
but I truly can not remember
what I did 10 years ago today

and then...

 the 'next day' came

and

our lives changed forever

As with any historic moment

we tuck deep into our memory

exactly what we were doing

at the precise moment of

change

I remember Michelle and Danny

having a late start for HS ~

Michelle and I were watching the tv

from my bed in total shock

as the unforgetable moment unfolded

so many thoughts

so much disbelief

so many tears...

What are your memories of that

moment in time?

My big, big purchases today...

Today, for the first time today I went into the Goodwill store!  I have been meaning to do this for a long time now and after hearing from the ladies at work about the halloween costumes being out ~ I knew it was time.  It was fun looking at all the 'stuff' there!  I didn't get a costume but I did get these...

This jacket is a bit more dressy than what I need for work
but it is perfect for an occassion where I want a little something
more than a sweater with my dress pants...

I used to have a jacket very similar to this one and I loved it ~ it's lightweight and will go with everything in my closet...



8 of these beautiful 'white' plates
of which
I've been wanting for a long, long time
but of course just couldn't
justify the purchase.
But at 1.89 each ~ after 5% off anything over $20.00
 I just couldn't resist!!!

 I am now hooked!

Goodwill stores

here I come...

Remembering a very special lady...

We went for a visit,

to celebrate the birthday of a very special lady,

there are balloons, flowers and even a little scarecrow

that adorn the spot were our dear Nancy lies. 

we sang Happy Birthday!

we blew out the candles,

we laughed over a few stories and

before we left I shared the following: 

 Special Friend   

Happy birthday, our precious friend,

Our love for you, we wish to extend. 

 Experiences filled, with joy and laughter,

 Special memories, we shall recall after. 

From the beginning, you made us smile,

 Accepted us, without any trial. 

Never judged or jumped to conclusions,

 Exciting friendship; random infusions. 

 We cannot ask, for anything more,

So many things, we simply adore.

 Hope this birthday never ends,

In our hearts, time transcends. 

by Martin Dejnicki

Happy, Happy Birthday Nancy!

Celebrating new beginnings...

      

Today family and friends gathered to

*shower*

our future daughter in-love and son Dan

with well wishes and presents

to start their new beginning

together!

 Amanda and two of her bridesmaids

Deb and Sam
 

There was a ton of food

and

this

beautiful cake!

yummy too!

 

 

 

Mother of the bride, Tami, along with

Dorothy ~ mom of Dan's best man, Rob

aka hetero-life mate



Cameron ~

a flower girl

in awe

an angel



great friends

that have known

Danny forever... 





Cameron

helping

Auntie Amanda

Dan and Amanda

 *two peas in a pod*

I couldn't be happier

for the two of you

may you live...

 

*happily ever after*

oh, AND 

you must give me at least

*two little 'Tufano' peas*

for grandchildren!!!

 I love you!!!

Celebrating....

87 years of a

wonderful life!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

I LOVE YOU

In loving memory....

NANCY K. KOHL

Nancy K. Kohl, nee Kelly, 71. Beloved wife of Richard "Dick;" loving mother of Katie (Bryce) Stirlen, Rich (Michele), Sue and Mike (Alana) Kohl; devoted "Nana" of Sarah, Sean, Tierney, Nolan, Colin, Allegra and Damon; fond sister of Barbara Hagenaw and Carol Shields; aunt of many nieces and nephews. Member of Lombard Junior Women's Club for over 30 years; President and co-founder of TLC Camp for children with cancer. Visitation Friday, 3 to 9 p.m. at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Rd. (3 blks. S. of Roosevelt Rd.), Lombard. Funeral Saturday, 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, Oakbrook Terrace. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to TLC Camp, P.O. Box 512, Lombard, IL 60148 are appreciated. For info (630) 932-1500.

oh happy day....

oh where does the time go...

Today's a special day

for this adorable

little girl!

 

 

Happy Happy
23rd

Birthday

Nikki!

Love you lots and lots

Guess what...

Guess what this is... 

The other day when I left work

I followed the winding road

along the railroad tracks.

All the while catching a glimpse of

a freight train that was heading east.

The entire train carried these

objects ~ each one taking up nearly

 2 entire railroad cars.

Having never seen anything like

this being routed through our area

I was really trying to figure out what they were.

At first, I thought they were

airplane wings

but quickly decided that they

weren't!

While I was stopped at the crossing

waiting for the train

to pass

I decided to take a few pictures

because I think I figured out

what they are!

Here's a clue..

they can mesmerize you while driving through

Iowa

(they are other places but that's the only place I've seen them!)

They provide a power

that we all use daily

Do you know?

a first...

*Our patio garden*

this is the first time that

we have attempted to grow anything

other than flowers

that is...

tomatoes

sweet banana pepper

bell pepper

bull's horn pepper

Now on to the flowers...

my first 'lavender' plant

thank you Amber~

I hope I can keep it thriving!

after about six years this

'clematis' is finally

growing upward!

 this plant ~

an 'autumn clematis'

provides a mass of white flowers

in the fall...

Fall ~

 my favorite time of year!

Memorial Day 2011

Ok, I know it's the day after the holiday but I'm so behind on by blogging I didn't think it would really matter!

Yesterday was very busy ~ hubby and I usually attend Lombard's Memorial Ceremony and bring grandma and grandpa.  This is the 2nd year in a row that we've been unable to do this ~ I know that grandpa really enjoys it  ~ he says 'next year' for sure!!  He's always so positive!  I went to the ceremony by myself to help the other Lombard Jr's in handing out the flags and patriotic pinwheels. I stayed long enought to hear the wonderful speeches given by the two Vets from WWII ~ one being 91 years old who had been a prisioner of war for 1364 days.  He received a standing ovation!  Both men were truly endearing...

After the ceremony a small group of us gathered at our dear friend Nancy's house to plant flowers in her front yard.  Nancy hasn't been well and never wants from anyone.  So with all of us feeling helpless one of the ladies came up with the idea of sprucing up the front yard with flowers!   Well, as we were in the planning stages we found out that her neighbors had the same idea ~ only they were targeting the planters. We took care of the landscape area and by the pictures you'll see that we were busy planting and weeding.  Each of us brough our own flowers to plant or containers already completed so that there was a variety ~ all to reprsent the group of friends that were there!!!  All this was done with great love for a truly special friend.

The day that she can enjoy them will be a glorious day for sure!!!

where has the time gone...

It's been awhile since I've been here...

Time is flying by

busy with family

friends

and all that I love

I've spent the last week

watching the live stream of the

bold eagles and their three eaglets in

Decorah, Iowa

http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/decorah-eagles

amazing what nature can show us...

they just know

 how to

house, feed and protect

 'parenting'

 in every sense of the word!

I've even been amused watching the eaglets

be a bit mischievous and

rough house with each other

It's been an amazing adventure

that continues...

Life is full of wonder

Enjoy every moment

In memory of...

Jacob Thompson

The Broken Chain 

We little knew that morning that

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you,

your always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.

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

love you, miss you, always in my heart

a very special birthday ~

Cara's '30th'! 

Cara Marie Tufano

 our first baby ~ first daughter
  came into our lives on
February 23, 1981 at 1:40pm

   weighing in at 7lbs 6ozs

 joyfully we became a family of three

where, oh where, has all the time gone?

It doesn't seem that long ago that hubby and I
were playing Circus Atari and laughing so hard
that I swear it's what helped to put me into labor!

from a bald chubby baby
to a sweet little girl

with strawberry blond hair,
fair skin

a delight she was!

always trying to please

always helpful!


she loved to
'tap' dance
played the piano
(but truly didn't want to practice!)
she ran track

she loved to read poetry
and
Shel Silverstein was the poet


she had her cartilage pierced
to celebrate being 18
her first tattoo
 upon her graduation
from High School...
with a total of three now~
the latest to celebrate her daughter


a grown woman now
a wife and mommy herself


she loves to 'wine'
with a shot here or there
and
she's known to take in adorable
stray puppies!


 HAPPY
30TH
BIRTHDAY
CARA!!!

LOVE YOU ~
Mom



It's a 'woman' thing....

An observation

silly as it may be

 that I made today at work

is

'women really do start to reflect one another

 when they spend time together

day in and day out'

there were 8 of us

that were wearing grey

sweaters or tops

with

dark pants

this has happened before

but I don't think in such a

large number!

maybe ~ just maybe ~

it's the way we're

feeling in anticipation

of 

'the great snow'

that is suppose to

rule our world

for the next two days...

Da Bears!!!

Bears vs Packers

What a game it's sure to be...

While some are freezing their butts off

tailgating and then the game

We'll be sitting in our

warm, comfy house

eating well!

See ~

son Danny's

soon to-be Grandma

is coming to cook for

all of us!!! 

Not sure I'll be able to 'just' sit

and let her

but ~

We are looking forward to spending

time with daughter in-love's family

and

someone else's cooking

always taste better to me!

GO BEARS!!!

It's a dog's life ~ continued....

                  

              Maddie on December 26, 2010

Maddie today ~ January 18, 2011

 I so want my couch back!