Boylston Home for Girls

We visited the Boylston Home in Manchester yesterday. We started a family tradition last year. We choose a different shelter/home where we will bring a meal we prepared for the holidays.

This year, we were fortunate enough to visit the Boylston Home. We brought our American Chop Seuy, Salad and Bread. We also got to spend time with the family that runs this home.

The home operated, in the past, like other group homes. Now, the state of NH, is trying to get away from the group home concept and moving towards more foster care situations.

As a result, the Boylston home lost its funding and was forced to close its doors earlier this year.

Some special invidividuals, however, did not let it die on the vine. They came up with the concept of having it be a "faith based home." (no specific religion- nondenominational).

They found the wonderful Coberley family in Kansas and asked them to move out here to run the home. They did just that. They have now re-opened and they are anticipating a full house soon. The home serves girls who may be unwed mothers or those who are living on the streets and have no where else to go.

Various churches across the country can recommend girls for the home and they will fund their associated costs.

The Coberleys explained to us that they welcome volunteers and gifts from all of us. Their piece of advice was "give what you like to give or what you are good at." For example, they could always use diapers. They also could use some help with painting and repairing walls. They are also open to volunteers taking a girl out for an afternoon (they would have to run a background check on anyone who may be interested in spending some time with the girls).

If you have some time to volunteer or you have a gift to give, please visit the Boylston Home. You can call and ask for Cheryl- she is just wonderful! Their website is www.boylstonhome.com or you can call at (603) 622-2313

This experience meant two things for our family: 1. It showed the kids how less fortunate so many people are out there and pointed out even more how lucky they are for who and what and they have. 2. It educated us on this wonderful home where we will be volunteering, now, for years to come!

Family XMAS Card Pictures 2007

So...yes...we took pictures outside today! Crazy? I think you already know the answer! My best friend is just that- NOT crazy- simply the BEST- Cass thank you!!!! Thanks for braving the 18 degree weather today to get some family photos.

Here are some outtakes- enjoy! We had fun before we got frost bitten down at Griffin Park!

Reuniting with Old Friends

Last night I met Donna and Caitlin at Margarita's. We had a great night reconnecting. We worked together for five years back at OPIS and New Boston Select Staffing.

I still remember the day I met Donna for the first time. She had recently had her first daughter Brooke. Brooke is now 8 years old and her second daughter Christina is now 5- oh how time flies!

Donna is my friend who I always look up to- she is the one who did everything the way "you are supposed to." She did things the right way and is always so responsible. I always love her stories too. She never lets us down! She is always good for some belly laughs!

She is also one of my heroes because Donna survived breast cancer without skipping a beat. She looks at life and just takes care of everything like it is no big deal. I wish I got to see her more often. I miss her all the time but the good news is that she is right in Pelham- pretty much five minutes away!!! She now runs her husband's business at home while taking care of their two girls- they are so lucky to have her as a mom.

Caitlin just celebrated her one year anniversary with Peter. Donna and I along with Steve and Rob had a blast at her wedding last year. Caitlin and Peter are such a special couple-truly meant for each other. Caitlin, like Donna, were the best employees I ever had- they had true passion for their recruiting work and were my sanity (if that is possible because you already know how crazy I am!)

Journey to Bethlehem

So....we ventured out last night to the drama "Journey to Bethlehem" presented by the Windham Bible Chapel.

It was an interesting experience. Yes, the kids were dreading it but when all was said it done, we had a blast.

I would highly recommend the event for older kids (like my stepkids) but it was too educational and long and drawn out for Baby Alexis who accompanied us with her parents Cass and Steve. She was actually very good for over an hour but after that, she had enough and actually so did we.

We were disappointed that we didn't get to enjoy the hike portion of it where you go on a trail wtih a guide to find Baby Jesus. We did enjoy, the play and the movie though- boy did we have some laughs! Only us- the Griswolds!! ha ha

We went back to our house after for some cocoa and dessert and the kids were coaxing Alexis to walk...we did get to see three steps- she is so cute!!!!!

Festival of Trees

My mom and I went to the Festival of Trees in Methuen last night. It is an annual event where there are over 200 decorated Christmas trees! Each tree is donated by a different organization and each one has its own theme. You purchase sheets of raffle tickets and put your tickets in the tree of your choice. The raffle drawings will all happen on Saturday night. If you win, you win the entire tree and decorations and then the secret raffle prizes associated with that tree (you don't know what the prizes are ahead of time!) It was really fun and a special time! The festival runs through Saturday- you can check out the info at www.methuenfestivaloftress.com

The Ann Taylor Dress?

Returned it...yep...such a shame..did not like the way it looked on me at all AND at the same time,realized, our party isn't fancy...sooooo I am either going with an Ann Taylor top and jeans or the top with black pants...yes I obsess over fashion...it is a bad habit!!! I get it from my mother ;)

Caiden gets Baptized

Today was the christening of my precious godson Caiden Dane. The service was absolutely beautiful and I think Caiden knew everyone was there to see him- he was great! Even when the priest put water all over his head and wet his hair...he just looked around..and took it all in.

What made today extra special was that Marky Mark was back in town! Julie and Cory asked Mark and I to be Caiden's godparents and we all got to be together today for this blessed event.

Mark and Angela also brought their new baby girl Victoria with them and we just had a ball with her too! She is the spitting image of Angela....just so sweet and adorable!

God Bless Caiden