The Big Party

For months whenever Kennedy wants to measure her relationship with someone she always uses the same line, "You're invited to my birthday party" (when times are good) and "You're not invited to my birthday party" (when you're on the outs). Yesterday was the true measuring stick as the party finally arrived.

We had a few friends and and cousins come over to the house as we started celebrating Dede's big birthday. The party started with cupcakes and ice cream (surprisingly vanilla ice cream isn't a big hit - who knew?!). Presents came next and there were a bunch. I know everyone who comes to a party feels obligated to bring a present, but I wish we could just have the kids come over for the party. Our kids don't need any more stuff and I don't want the parents to spend money for presents. I don't think I can change this, but I wish the presents thing wouldn't happen.

The biggest part of the day was our swimming outing over at a rec center. Kennedy was dying to go swimming and all the kids loved the idea. So, we packed up the vans and off we went. It was a total blast. The kids couldn't get enough of all the fun water toys, the lazy river, and especially the big slide. I didn't think the kids would be brave enough to go down the slide, but peer pressure won out. Once one little girl went down, they all did. It was great to see their faces as they splashed into the water at the end of the slide. First it was fear, but once they knew they were safe it was total exhilaration! Each one loudly screamed, "Let's do that again!" as soon as they got out of the water. It was great.


What a fun day. It's awesome to watch our kids grow up and to see them interact with friends. I know it's part of them gaining their independence from us, but it's still neat to watch Kennedy take center stage. Happy Birthday Dede!

Sushi for Santa

Last year Tara and I were invited to an event called Sushi for Santa through Facebook. The name was so weird that we decided it was just another one of those goofy Facebook things, so we brushed it off. Little did we know the scope of the event and the great causes that were helped through this benefit. When we were invited again this year, it was on the calendar.

In case you haven't hear of it Sushi for Santa is just that - an open sushi bar benefit. Last night the Energy Solutions Arena was filled with sushi lovers and people like me, just wanting to be part of a good cause. For $50 you could get all the sushi you could eat, from the best sushi chefs in town. Rather than hob knob with the local socialites, Tara and I decided to volunteer so we spent the night working. I was a runner to and from the tempura station and Tara was in the kitchen, frying up the good stuff.


It was a great event with all the proceeds going to benefit Angel Hands - a group that provides for kids suffering from rare diseases. There were all kinds of items in the silent auction, most of the items were really cool. Actually, Jess' boyfriend MIke was the big winner of the night. A trip for 2 to NY, complete with airfare, hotel, and tickets to the Giants/Panthers game. Wow, not bad for $20 worth of raffle tickets.

The props for Sushi for Santa have to go to our nephew Wille. He, and a few friends from college, decided three years ago they wanted to help others and provide a benefit. All these guys were still in their 20's, but they made it happen. Cold calling for donations, organizing the chefs, finding a venue - these guys did it all. That is pretty impressive and it definitely inspired me to get more involved and look for ways we can help. I'm glad we went last night, and the sushi was pretty good too!

Elf Yourself Returns

Elf Yourself is back this year and it's bigger than ever. You can actually choose five faces and five different dances. Check out the family in action. What a fun holiday tradition.

Christmas Carolers

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Little Bit of Disco

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Country Christmas

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Hip Hop Holiday

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Making a List

Kennedy and Alex are very excited for Christmas this year. It's fun to see them "get it" and even better to hear what they want for the holiday. Kennedy is all over the board, but Alex is a laser - he wants tools. Real ones. Let's take a look at their Christmas lists:


Kennedy's Christmas List


Alex's Christmas List

Before and After

Ok, so I've been on a diet lately. I've really only done one other serious diet in my life and that was 7 years ago. That diet worked, I lost 75 lbs. over 6 months, only to slowly put the weight back on over the past 5 years. I've been really down about my weight, to the point that I needed to do something drastic. I did.

Tara and I decided we were going to do the HCG diet. You've probably heard about it. It's the one with injections daily and a 500 calorie limit per day. It sounds crazy. It is crazy. I know. But it works.

We started in the middle of October and I weighed in at 282 lbs. You don't even know how hard it is for me to write that number down. We followed the program, ate the right food (what food you could eat with 500 calories), exercised daily on the Wii Fit, and did the injections.

Seven weeks later, I weigh 236 lbs. Still too much, but it feels great to get rid of that extra weight. The diet had me dropping about 1 lb. per day, while maintaining pretty good energy. The trick is to see if I can keep it off. There are no guarantees, but I have to say I feel incredible and I have a better mind set when it comes to eating. I'm no Biggest Loser, but I am happy with my results. Here comes the really hard part - here's my before and after pictures (sorry, but diets can't make me better looking).