Snow Day 2018

Why Would Anyone Hate a Snow Day?

I wonder and wonder, why would anyone not love a "snow day"?
I mean, I don't LOVE that our winter won't die, that we get these bought's of amazing 50 degree weather and then the next day we are gearing up for a white out....AND I do mean white out!! AND as I mentioned in a previous post, winter is killing me this year,

I am diligently trying to figure out how to winter somewhere else next year...I am over it!

But let me get back on track....

First off, I want to thank the school district for taking the upper hand and cancelling on Sunday evening. I feel that this is the best way for parents to plan accordingly. Our district tends to be incredibly conservative with "calling it" and so when they did I was happy that I wouldn't have to worry about my kids safety, along with all the teachers and bus drivers that would be forced to drive in that nasty weather. Also, it was fun to tell Alexa and Echo to cancel all alarms so the boys would be able to sleep until they woke up naturally. What a novel idea?!

Little did I know...people FREAK OUT about the district cancelling school...so much so, that they had a news story on it!?!? Apparently parents take to, emailing their opinions to the superintendents of the districts, social media rants and various other outlets to air their grievances about there not being enough snow for it to be a snow day.....I am astounded.... I hate to throw other parents under the bus, but parenting isn't convenient, if you didn't know that before you did it, well then better pull up the snow boots and figure it out. Our kids need to have these snow days, it's a right of passage, it's something EVERY kid prays about and wishes for from December to March in Minnesota. Let them LOVE hearing that call come in!! Lighten up peeps....#dreamkillers

How naïve are we D'Arpinos....we did a happy dance when the call came....we opened the blinds and watched for the snow to come....we hit the RedBox for a movie...we played some games on the XBOX....we read books....we celebrated the day with family time that, I personally, won't forget. Yesterday's snow day was a beautiful, forced break, that we all needed. Sure the snow came later in the day, but when it came, it was a white sheet of dumping snow. All said and done we ended up with 7-9 inches at our house, with more snow this morning. I look out on at my lawn (which I could see a little of last week) and I am thankful for all that was achieved yesterday....ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.... productive (except memories beautiful memories)....

So, I say thank you! Thank you for the beauty that is snow, thank you for the beauty that is my family relaxing, thank you to the district for "making the call" and most importantly....thank you for it all melting away soon! 👩😘 

How Have People Survived This Long?

BRRR....It's COLD Here!!

I like to think I am a pretty resilient person, but this winter, here in MN, is trying to debunk that belief. We started out very cold, very fast with these cruel and very believable warm ups that got me thinking, once again, this isn't so bad....only to wake up the next morning...BAM!...knocked square in the kisser with negative flipping cold weather.

It is a fickle thing my adoration of winter. I wasn't raised in it, shouldn't really "get" it,  I love the thought of clean, white snow, watching my kids play in it and come in with pink cheeks and sweaty heads while I am ready with hot cocoa and marshmallows. Well, that is a pretty picture for sure. That was then....

And this is now.....

 

Do you see the difference? It's pretty subtle (*laughing*) Well, I do! Every morning when I wake up and see those little men I have created, I realize the difference 10 winters can make. That is right, we are celebrating our 10th winter as 'Sotan's. The time has flown, as you all know it does, and as much as I HATE to blame my change of wintery-heart on age, the truth is I am starting to have mad respect for those "Snow Birds" we previous Arizonans struggled with every November through April. Sure you get beautiful pictures like this

But I will be totally honest, this picture was taken behind a glass window! I was cozy inside beside a fire at a friend's gorgeous cabin outside of Remer, MN on New Years weekend because the outside temp was -25F....F is right, as in FORGET that!! Oh yeah and for my AZ family, yes, that would be a negative before that number. There is this fun thing that usually goes along with that number too, it's called "Wind Chill", let me explain....the wind only helps compliment that number by blowing it around really fast, so that it actually feels like -40F....Again, let me help my AZ folks; imagine a 115F day when the wind is blowing at a good clip and it feels like you just magically stepped into the tube of a hairdryer, blowing on high and oh yeah, you have a heat index warning....well this, in my opinion, is WORSE...only because it is the exact opposite, it is your nose hairs freezing inside your nose, so your nose sticks together and you can't breathe, you can actually die in 10 minutes if you didn't have the sense to wear the right clothes (why you stepped outside in the first place is beyond me), there is this disturbing squeak when you step on the ground (like rubbing Styrofoam together) and your muscles, beyond your control, seize up with chills that convulse your whole body....but I digress....

I now understand the deranged, twitchy look of January/February cabin fever eyes in those around me. The demand of the hottest beach you can find in March. Possibly even the obnoxious amount of alcohol consumption I see around me in these long days of winter; because how else can you cope when you are locked inside to protect your life? (sigh...that is a bit dramatic...but...).

Don't worry for us, or me, because my hot blooded, Italian men seem to love this stuff. I will attempt to once again make the most of it, look at it with optimistic eyes, celebrate the fun things we do to muddle through this season that brings everyone to a desire for renewal, come Spring. I will snowmobile for a friends birthday, I will kick those beautiful boys of mine out to enjoy the 8 inches of the fluffy white stuff we got yesterday and I will be ready with that hot cocoa and marshmallows....mine just might have some amaretto in it!

Happy 2018 and AZ fam enjoy this time of year because your heat index days are coming!

XOXO

2018 Here We Come!

Back in Action 2018

I truly believe that there are times in your life, where you look back and say "Why didn't I do that more?"  Well, because of that, I have decided to begin again, to bring back our little family's goofball quotes and adventures. So, please join me as I jump back into this writing "thing" and share a little luv with all of you!

Happy New Year 2018...see you soon!

Choo-Choo Boogie

Spring Break 2011This Spring Break we headed South for the winter via the "rails"!

We decided to make it an adventure this year and we jumped on an Amtrak train and made our way to Chicago.

What an experience! On our way down we sprung for the sleeper car and travelled in complete comfort. It also helped contain the crazy boys who were over the moon about taking a train to Chicago, and of course for the pool that awaited them at our hotel!

As a Mom, I have to admit that having our own bathroom was also a big plus...because they can never time the bathroom breaks together!

We arrived the Sunday after the HUGE St. Patrick's Day Celebration Parade, so we were able to catch the beautifully dyed river. Here is Dominic in front of it...unfortunately this picture doesn't quite capture the vivid green it was. I have to admit, that after seeing it I came home and researched how they actually dye the river....it's an amazing story...click on the link below to read about it!

http://www.greenchicagoriver.com/

Once we were there we decided the see the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science & Industry...although there were many more recommendations, we figured that these two came the most highly recommended.

The Shedd Aquarium was a beautiful experience. I can never get enough of the majesty of aquatic creatures. We watched a dolphin show, experienced a 4D movie and wandered through the Amazon. But, I especially liked the Beluga Whales and the boys LOVED the penguins.

Here is a picture of the boys being cheesy in front of one of the many aquariums!

On Tuesday we rode the bus down to the Museum of Science & Industry.

One word...AMAZING!

I could have easily spent days there, all the boys agree.

Upon arrival we were thrown into the circus and we had a blast with the magic mirrors...this one made me giggle...a lot..."Come one, Come all to witness...Little G Big Head Boy!"

Then we moved on to the U-505 exhibit. What a moving exhibit, pure heroics and planning; our naval men were able to capture this German U-boat and get it to America fully intact. Here are the boys manning their own U-boat mission...they succeeded!

On our final day before we caught the train home. We made our way down Michigan Ave. to the Hershey's shop. Where the boys were factory workers and then treated themselves to this yummy cupcake.

After we left the Hershey's store we caught a ride with Rave & her driver along the lake front of Lake Michigan. After we were done the boys thanked Rave with some carrots and she was much obliged to take them out of their hands!

What a wonderful way to end a fun adventure.

Thank you for having us, Chicago!

A Three Year Old and A Camera

Often, I find myself sitting on the sidelines waiting for the next great Gianni move. I am a patient observer...but VERY fearful...

Then there comes the time, when there is such a hilarity to these "moves" that they MUST be shared, quickly, so as to entertain those in most need of a good laugh or smile in their day...

So, here is a most current delight.

Gianni and I spend Monday, Wednesday and Friday together, just us two. Some of these days we spend the mornings in our jammies after we have seen brother off on the bus and other days, Mommy actually has to "get stuff done".

So, not long ago, I was sitting at the computer, sifting through the emails in my Inbox and Gianni came over to check out what I was doing and looked over on my desk and noticed our camera sitting there. Well, that can't be...we must take pictures...of the dogs (mostly their butts because they are running in fear), the fireplace (see below), the coffee tables, the plants....you get the picture (haha). THEN, something amazing calls! A brilliant idea (as I can only imagine) of a three year old, but quick it has got to happen NOW!

So, I sit, at my computer and after what I realize seems like an eternity of blessed quiet...I notice that he isn't in my line of sight anymore and he has my GOOD camera.

"Gianni...Gianni...where are you?" Followed by more quiet....I must admit, that is when the fear kicks in...I walk down the hall...the bathroom door is shut...I try the knob...it's locked (a BIG No, No in our house). "Gianni...Gianni...open this door RIGHT NOW!"

"Hold on Mom.."

It is at this moment that I imagine my camera going for a swim in the toilet...in my mind it looked something like the camera going up, down, up, down, into the toilet held by the neck lanyard.

CLICK, the door is unlocked....I slowly open the door..Hmm... the camera is sitting on the counter, facing my little guy who is sitting on the toilet with a big smile.

"Momma, I was taking a picture of me peeing and pooping!"

"Oh!...Well..." I say as I lift the camera from it's place and prepare myself for what the camera has captured.

See below....

(looks good, camera all lined up...)

(we call this a Thelma & Louise...holding the camera out and pushing the button to capture the moment...)

Not quite what you were expecting?? ME EITHER!

I was more then happy to find that he was more of an artist and used the counter for a tri-pod rather then the straight down view I had anticipated!

Hope this made you smile, but I am hoping for more of a giggle!!

XOXO

Happy New Year January!

Boy...

January came and went...

It always amazes me how quickly the days fly when you are having fun!

The boys welcomed the new year with great excitement for 2011!

This January our little fireball started a short round of Basketball.

BTW...I am still trying to come up with or find a sport that requires running from one end to a building to the other until they are so exhausted, they can't possibly cause any more trouble...when someone finds that sport please let me know where we can sign Gianni up!

The third weekend in January brought me a MUCH needed reprieve from MN and gave Dad some time to bond with the boys. I got to take a trip this time!

I flew off to CA to meet my new "nephew" Liam and catch-up with his brother, Landon...oh yeah it was nice to see Shawna and Dave too!

It's so amazing to revel in the fact that Shawna and I will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary of friendship this Fall...gosh...who would have thought, I would be holding these precious boys, when we were 15-year-old girls!

To wrap up our January and embrace our MN home...we joined a Polar Bear Picnic!

We made our way to the Lowry Nature Center and celebrated winter and all it's beauty.

We went on a medallion hunt, visited an ice house, enjoyed Kick Sledding (Go Dom & Jr!), snow golfed and Snow Shoe'd our way across a frozen lake (G got a kick out of that!).

The January freeze came and hopefully the February thaw is on it's way ;) We can always dream...

Top 10 of 2010

As we enter the final days of 2010...I realized that this has been a year full of joys and deep sorrow for we D'Arpinos.

I am also making a new commitment to this blog in 2011, so I sit here today with the need to count down the 10 Best Things that happened this year in order to move into 2011 with a fresh look into our wonderful future!

Number 10

We returned to MN in January to 5 feet of piled snow, so what did we do? We made our first official snowman! With rocks for eyes, and an icicle nose...or at least that's how our song goes.

Number 9

New Orleans Love Affair

March brought a dream vacation to New Orleans. Unfortunately Dom had to work most of the time, but I took the opportunity to explore everything that I could possibly fit into the week. My Mom flew into MN and watched our boys, while we headed down to the Bayou.

It's official, I am smitten!

I have never been to a place where I felt like I actually stepped through time...that was what New Orleans was for me. The history was captivating, the architecture was breath taking and the food was AMAZING.

Viva Binets!

Number 8

Celebrating a BEAUTIFUL Life

Undoubtedly the worst occurrence of the year was the loss of my amazing Father-in-Law. But, what helped us make it a little less painful, was celebrating his life. We all joined together at the Oracle Inn and shared stories, pictures, Taps and prayers to send him over to his beautiful Kathy. We love you Ambrose and miss you more then words can express.

Number 7

Finally the WHOLE house is potty trained! In July Gianni got a visit from the Potty Fairy because he officially became the chony wearing boy that he was meant to become!

Number 6

Family Church Camp

In August we joined many of our other Church families in Wyoming, MN to rough it and spend quality time with each other. Although I grew up camping, this was the first official D'Arpino family "roughing" it experience and the little boys LOVED it and look forward to doing again next year! (I might have to drag Dom Sr back kicking and screaming!)

Number 5

Minoqua, WI

It's hard to believe that this August we celebrated our 2nd year in MN and hadn't been to WI to spend time with our cousins. So, when we heard that GG would be here with Aunt Sharon & Uncle Mike, we made it a point to make the trip out and see her while she was in our neck of the woods. It was a great time for all!

Number 4

Second Place at the MN State Fair

September brought us a wonderful experience of celebrating Dominic Jr's beautiful artwork. We were happy to find out that Dominic won a second place ribbon(over his left shoulder) for his artwork entry at the State Fair, so we all loaded up and headed to St. Paul to see and eat our way through the fair. Food on a stick and lots of rides were taken in and we were all so proud of our winner!

Number 3

D'Arpino Theme Party Makes an Arrival in MN

This year Dom and I moved the D'Arpino Theme Party to it's new place, our new home, MN. The 10th Annual Party was Kentucky Derby bound! We had horse racing and prizes, of course, and our MN friends came dressed to impress!

Number 2

Jamaica Mon

For our 10 year Anniversary Dom whisked us away to Jamaica in November. Luckily we left the morning after our first snowfall, so it made it feel especially decadent! We flew into Montego Bay and spent 6 days and 5 nights at a beautiful all inclusive resort. Here we are at the Managers dinner. It was gorgeous and we can't wait to go back!

Number 1

Surprise Vow Renewal

Unbeknown to Dominic Sr. I had been planning a surprise vow renewal on the evening of our 10th Wedding Anniversary, December 2nd 2010. Even though the stomach flu threatened the ruin the beautiful evening, we were able to pull it off and capture our beautiful family wedding.

Here is to many more beautiful years together!

We Welcome 2011--Happy New Year!