New Year's Resolutions?

1) Party less.
2) Become rich and famous, minus the famous part.
3) Learn how to dunk.
4) Start playing the piano again.
5) Continue being totally awesome.

Exposed!

I kind of always hoped I was adopted, just to keep things interesting. Also, I thought it would really help me make sense of a few details of my life. It looks like I was always a pretty fashionable little dude. My real brothers on the other hand look pretty lame. My real father has some sort of helmet thing attached to his head that he's trying to pass off as a hairdo. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of that. After finding a picture of my real parents and siblings I've come to decide it's better to pretend that I am indeed a child of Al and Barb. I'll take Al over this creepy looking dude any day of the week.

Marty

What we'll miss most about Brab's house this Holiday Season ...

1. Barb's cute XMAS shoes.
2. The Santa tree.
3. The raffle.
4. "31."
5. Shrimp platter/turkey wraps/figgy pudding.
6. Not being able to ask, "Do you have any Chow Chow?"
7. Al C. being persuaded/coerced into taking multiple Tequila shots by you-know-who.
8. Itsy bitsy/teensy weensy slices of cheesecake or one of the other million desserts.
9. Triple-crusted Jell-O (Yeah that's what I was going to bring).
10. Making wooden Christmas ornaments.
11. Cute decorations/wrapping paper/ornaments.
12. The possibility of yet another after party list for the Blog.

Marathon Shopping

Never again, I've been shunned.
I did finish Christmas shopping in one day though.
11 hours to be exact. HA!
Love you Jan, Barb & Mama.
:)

Cookie = Smile

Hola familia,

On December 22nd the Willow Chicago choir is going to Cook County Prison to serve/minister Christ's love to the incarcerated. The contact at Cook County has asked us to send out a smoke signal for cookie making/candy help. They are in need! At the event their desire is to bless each and every inmate with a gift of cookies and candy to warm their hearts and let them know they are loved. Hopefuly all 550 of the incarcerated plus officers will participate in this Christmas event. Here's where we come in! We're planning to make bags one night at Laura's this coming week (details to follow) and we'll bring the completed bags to church with us on December 21, 2008.

Here's what we'll do: 1. Place 4 large cookies (approximately the size of a standard chocolate chip cookie) in a zippered sandwich bag plus 5 hard candies. 2. We can include any kind of cookie we wish. 3. On a note card or sticky note we'll write a personal message of hope with our favorite scripture verse and put it in the bag (here's where I'd like to get the kids involved too!)

To those of us who call Willow Chicago our home or for those of us who would just like to help serve others for Christmas, this is an excellent opportunity to extend the love of God. I'd really like the kids to help, I think they would enjoy it and this would be a great example we'd be setting for them.

Thanks in advance. I'll post what night we'll be at Laura's!

Love,

Alexis

Buy your gift cards from St. Pascal- we get reimbursement for tuition

If you can't see these well enough, i can email you a file. If you fill out these order forms by monday, along with a check, we will get the gift cards, by Thursday. Great way to take care of some of your Christmas shopping.

Loose Leaf Tea Loft

Hey family. I just thought I'd tell you about a nice new place in Chicago.

Although many of my friends are lazy, somewhat ugly, and losers (better luck next time Lex) some of them are actually motivated enough to go out and do cool things. My buddy Conor opened a very nice tea shop that all of you should check out when you get a chance. They have a really awesome selection of tea and a very nice setup. It's on a corner just north of Irving Park on Lincoln (4229 N Lincoln). All of you old ladies (Alexis you're included) can meet up and do what do you best. Gossip.

If this isn't your cup of...tea...I would appreciate it if you would tell any of your friends that might be interested. Thanks a lot.

Marty

For more info: http://www.looseleaftealoft.com/home

CHRISTMAS CONCERT at St Pascal's

The St. Pascal annual Christmas Concert will be held on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00PM in the Church. Sophia & possibly Andrew (he's not sure) will be singing. It will last till 9PM, hope to see you all there... come early for good seats.

Thanks from Andrew!

Thank you for joining us for Andrew's Birthday party, he loved your company and all the gifts. Hope you all had fun!

Barack's Banner

Thanksgiving Day Treasures

Hi, Everyone - Here are just a few highlights from the best Thanksgiving ever!!  All I can say  is our familia is awesome!!

1. Jan getting the credit for the "awesome" crab dip.
2. Adam, Josh and Daniel thinking the crab dip was a new item to the menu.  (It's been around for at least 10 years.) 
3. Irma & Tony's tardiness due to "making the cake".
4. Football game with the new stars of the family, Jake & Andrew.
5. For some reason the traditional dishes brought by everyone tasted really, really good this year.  (Extra dashes of love added.)
6. "Thankful For" sharing time.
7. Lexi's tears.
8. Sandra and her video camera.
9. Lexi's recipe for the delicious, moist turkey.
10. Teeny's bangs.
11. Maya feasting in the garbage bag.
12. The "Mafia" newbies (Barb, Jan and Sharla).  (Shar - are you sure you never played before?)
13. Antoinette's "boob" obsession...still.
14. Indiana Mike's "45".
15. "31"
16. Mo-nee-kah.
17. Lil Tony spraining the same ankle twice during the football game.
18. JoJo's senior stories. ;)
19. Jake, Andrew & Company (Sophia, Ariel, Bowen, Paulie) playing "football-dodge ball" in the basement.
20. The women finally winning a game against the men.
21. Grandpa being proud, happy and nostalgic about the family get-together -- in his own special way.)
22. The last guest(s) leaving at 1200 midnight -- and Al didn't even flicker the lights!!
23. 30 adults, 8 kids and 2 dogs -- need I say more. 

I can't wait until next year!! Love you all!!!!!

Andrew's Bday List

1. Legend of Spiro/Dawn of the Dragons- PS2
2. Star Wars the Clone Wars- Animated
3. Star Wars the Clone Wars- Game for Wii
4. Stylus pen for DS
5. Iron Man DVD
6. Kung Fu Panda DVD
7. Controller for Wii (2 if reasonably priced)
8. Pokeman Cards
9. T-shirts (with cool/funny sayings on them)
10. $$$$$ (He didn't tell us this but we're assuming... plus we needed a #10)

p.s. #1, #3, and #4 have already been purchased.... muuaahh..haha..ha

Verizon phones.

Does anyone in this family have an old Verizon phone they don't use anymore? The guy at the Verizon store said my phone was ruined due to water damage. Perhaps it was from all of my tears. But seriously, if anyone has an old Verizon phone that I can have please let me know.

Marty

Highlights from the party @ 3535 by Sharla Marla & Jane

1. "Push n Slide"
2. Shar making Jaime unnecessarily cut limes
3. Alexis & the star
4. Shar heating Ariel's pizza @ 3:29
5. The hostess' "football gear"
6. Just enough booze?
7. Sam claiming shots were too easy and encouraging follow-up shots
8. Barb not taking Advil because it would interfere with her taking Tequila shots
9. Al A. flickering the lamp when he was ready to leave
10. Barb ordering cigars from the PTA fundraiser
11. Ariel saying she really wasn't having fun but then she ate a pickle
12. Ariel's dress
13. Marty only "stopping by" the party
14. Eepa holding Jake's gift $ in his pocket until Jan said he couldn't be trusted
15. Mateo's too-tight neck tattoo
16. Adam stalking the cookie
17. Alexis threatening to paint Grandpa's you-know-whats on Shar's face
18. Jaime's facial hair interfering with face paint
19. The basement survived the kids - only 1 light fixture was busted
20. Harley didn't bite anyone

Tour of Chicago...anyone interested?

This Saturday Sam, the kids, Jaime, my cousin Monica (visiting from Miami), and I will be going to take a tour of downtown Chicago (Ed Perez/daughter also expressed interest in going). We are planning on spending all day down town, we want to get there at about 11-11:30 am. We are planning to take public transportation there. Below is a link to info on the tour buses we are taking and the stops you can take. I am going to buy tickets ahead of time/but it is not absolutely necessary.

https://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley/booking.asp?action=ProductDetail&SEE=1&productId=1063

We will be boarding the buses by Water tower Place. If it is a clear day, we want to go to sears tower, so my cousin can see it. We would like to stop at Millennium, Navy Pier, etc. So it will be a packed day. The Lights Parade starts at 6 so we want to be back by water tower at about 5. After we can go out to dinner somewhere.

If you guys are in for all that, let me know. If you have further questions, call me at 813-416-3242.

Family Vacation

Hi all...
Jake and Mateo are on Spring Break April 6th -10th. Is this a possible week for our "Family and Close Friends" vacation?? Are we going someplace in Mexico (I hope)?? My next step is to see if I can get that week off from UPS. Otherwise, the kids may have a "family emergency" and go back to school super tanned...

Social Calendar

I've been looking for ways to put up a calendar but haven't found one that would work yet. I'm sure it can be done but it will take a few days/weeks/months/years/lifetimes, maybe. Enjoy your week.

Marty

More craft shows

Hola,
I have some more craft show dates:

Guerin High School -- Nov. 29 -- 10:00 - 3:00

Lambs Farm -- Dec. 4 - Dec. 7 Thurs. 11-7, Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4

Jake's Birthday List!!! :)

This is the official wish list for Jake's 11th birthday which we will all be celebrating on Saturday November 15th! See you all there... :)

1. Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 (PS2)

2. Iron Man (DVD)

3. Hulk (DVD)

4. Alvin & the Chipmunks (DVD)

5. Mario Super Slugger (Wii)

6. Backyard Football 2009 (PS2)

7. Clothes- Shirts & Jogging Pants (sizes- shirts Medium 10-12, pants same)

8. New Bears Poster

9. PS2 Controller

10. Cash Money ($$$)

Family Vacation Anyone????

Hi Familia,

It's been a while since I last posted anything.  Hope everyone is doing good.  Anywhooo, is anyone interested in a family/good friends vacation this year sometime in March (spring break)?  We had a blast last year in Cancun, and I thought another trip would be fun.  Any ideas on where and when are welcome.  Let's Do It!!!!

More Halloween Pics...

Happy Halloween!

Election 2008

This is what Barb's old students have been up to since she's retired.

Poopie it is.

The results have been in for a few weeks. "Poopie" won by a landslide victory of 3 to 1. She also celebrated her birthday more than two months after the actual date in which she was born 54 years ago. With that being said, I am still taking 2008 birthday presents and graduation gifts. Whatever you can spare will do. Change can be made if necessary.

For all the craft show devotees in the family

Resurrection High School Arts and Crafts Fair - November 8

For everyone who loves this movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7T4TyOWR8U

I'm baaaaaaack

I've missed you all soooooo much. I think I finally figured out a way to out smart my computer. I was having some technical difficulties but it's all good now. So, how has everyone been? Things are quite heptic (lol) for me right now. Between work, church and a category I'd like to call other, I barely have time to sleep! I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving but not to the cold/snow that comes with the season. I've finally gotten over the Cubs/Sox fiasco and has focused all of my attention to the Bears. Maya is doing well, she's all fuzzy again and she loves people food. That's all for now. Love you all mucho mucho.

For Marty

So you can keep up with Grandpa.

For Jan

Gift ideas for Mikey. It's almost Christmas!

So he can sport that Kool-Aid mustache in style!

Night time reading.

For when Alexis talks back.

For obvious reasons. Or maybe each one of us needs this book.

For when Mateo visits.

For grandpa:

Those are definitely onions.

Sam Cutting Up the Rug!

This is a clip of the show "House Countdown", at the Riviera (1990... maybe?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJxuAZo0A3o

Fashion inspiration.

When thinking of the ideal me. I can't help but thinking of these two men. They continually change my life. Fashionspiration!

The college you-know-whats

wtf

You see?? I get emotionally involved and this is what happens. I'm never watching baseball again.

Muah ha ha ha ha

Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox post season 2008...dun dun dun. :)

Top Twelve Reasons to Party at Club 2718

1. Mike carrying Daphne upstairs like a newborn baby.
2. Jan announcing that Lauro/Eepa was coming to the party just because he was hungry.
3. Sandra jacking up Jaksgrind.
4. Eddie C./Spagone leaving the party 50 times.
5. Sharla asking Poopie what she was planning to wear to the party and Poopie answering, "probably my cubs shirt."
6. Al A. adding an athletic touch to all the parties even when it isn't necessary...or appropriate.
7. Mike's two cop friends blocking the most important elements of the kitchen-- the refrigerator and the garbage can... for hours.
8. Liza announcing her booty call...and Sam calling her out about Angel Sotomeyer.
9. Caesar spilling his whole drink while doing the percolator.
10. The Mexican neighbors hitting a pinata at 1am.
11. Lauro/Eepa leaving the party only to be found doing shots with Zack in the kitchen 15 minutes later.
12. Jan cracking under the interrogation of Inspector Clouseau...you know who you are!!

By Jamice and Sharla Marla

Feel free to add on!!

Mike's House Party...

Good times! Here is the link to the party pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandralopera/sets/72157607589445600/

In Memoriam 1927-2008

Good Thinkin' Al!

Although I'm sure people miss Adam (I'll get back to you on that one) it'd be a great injustice to include Al C. on a list filled with so many hooligans and scoundrels. He deserves to have his own post. It's not that we don't understand what Al C. brings to the table, it's that we cannot even begin to grasp it. His signature smirk at all things absurd and obnoxious is a reminder that this family is indeed "funny." Although we would have loved to see him at Mikey's housewarming party we shouldn't have really expected him to be there. So the fault lies within each of us. Do you really think those signature dance moves aren't the result of hours of practice? Stop kidding yourself.

We Are Family

OK, the Adam we know and love is not missing, just M.I.A. relative to the recent family parties. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we'd like to see him around more often. He doesn't realize that he adds a little something to every party...and he is always missed. :)

Here are some of the roles we as a family play and the elements we bring to each party.

The "We Are Family" List
Al A. - Provides the sports element (even when it's not appropriate but the kids love it.) Also occasionally throws in the unnecessary Laura gropes/winks that no one wants to see.
Laura - Provides the curly pony tail and the killer disco dance moves that begin with her elbows and end with the big hand claps. I also must mention the pasta salad. (It's only Italian dressing people!) lol
Alexis - I like to think I provide some of the humor, pointing out every one's debacles.
Adam - Lee Lee's sports man. He's the football/softball/video game king who requires $250,000 for an appearance.
Jan - Provides the jello (graham crusted or not) and the tortellini pasta salad. Yum. She's also great for a line dance and a funny story about the ChiPubLib.
Sharla - Provides the glamour. Always the bell of the ball in the highest of heels. Also makes great potato salad.
Mikey - The new provider of a killer party house. Although, we couldn't figure out where to put the tv. I've been thinking about it all weekend!
Barb - Is the queen of the Cha Cha Slide, Eli's cheesecakes and funky shoes that Jan secretly wants to steal.
Marty - Is the world traveler and the innovative dresser. His unique tees, colorful kicks and metro glasses always have us wondering what's so awesome about him. It's something, we just can't quite put our finger on it.
Sandra - Diva of crab dip. She's also great on the dance floor, with or without Chico.
Sam - Provides the house/yard/city block with killer beats. Uh oh, work it...and the beat goes on.
Jaime - Makes every woman in the family feel "special."
Zack - Gives everyone hope that the CTA is still alive and well. (He's usually has cool shirts and shoes too).
Ruthy - Makes Alexis feel like she has to go on a diet.
Andrew, Jacob, Sophia, Mateo & Ariel - These 5 are great for a laugh and give great hugs.
Grandpa Paul - The patriarch of the family who adds the "Oooh is this hot/good/sweet." Tells great stories about his clubbing and knows how to shake his groove thang.

Those are my initial thoughts when assessing our roles. Feel free to add any new ones or to comment on mine!

Love you all.

For Poopie

Debates.

My opinion on who won.

My Mother country.

China is home to: the funkiest funky smells you could ever imagine, tons of guys and girls ready to give "sexy" massages, ridiculously disgusting looking/smelling/tasting food, using the car horn in every possible situation, and about a billion Al's. I love it.

Thumbs Down

Is it just me or has this blog been thumbs down this week? Things better pick up after Mikey's party... And the beat goes on. lol

For Marty