TGIF!!

I love Fridays. Not the restaurant, the day of the week. Actually, come to think of it, I like the restaurant also.

-Not much really to report on... Fof3 worked late last night so I missed the kids' recital. Mof3 said it was really sweet. Her name, by the way is Yolanda... and I call her Yo... or YoYo... the kids call her YoYo Ma. <---Get it!?!

-No sports for us this weekend. Communions. Gonna be fun.

-Got some great answers to Todd's question yesterday. Btw, Todd id a co-worker and good friend to Fof3 and the family. He's a sweet guy... really. <----Caitlin thinks so, anyway.

-The coffee machine at Fof3's workplace is broken...Grrrr! <----Blogging is harder without the coffee.

-Noelle: You looked adorable this morning, the way you had your hair all done and stuff... really cute.

-Apparently, Caitlin got a case of the giggles while on stage last night... laughter is contagious and according to Mof3, she had the audience laughing along with her. <---She won't tell Fof3 what was sooo funny. <--Methinks it was probably some sort of gross bodily function.

-So really that's about it... Mother of 2, fill us in here... what's been going on? ???, you too. Ken? Peggy? Erwin? Jeff? Susan?

-Todd's grat question yesterday gets him another one today: What's the important, profound book you've ever read? Todd says "A Prayer for Owen Meany", by John Irving.

Constantine!!

Wow... I was pretty surprised last night. For those friends who don't watch A.I., Constantine was one of two rockers on the show. He has been featured right from the beginning and seemed to be very popular. (Not with Fof3 or Caitlin, but Mof3 kinda dug him). Anyhoooo, he was booted off last night. Paula Abdul cried...like, really cried. Whatever.

-Scott... you are one slippery dude.

-You too, Anthony.

ok, enough with A.I. ... you're welcome, ???.

-Caitlin's softball team won a really exciting game last night 4-3. They played so well... we are all really proud of the girls. We were about to start the bottom of the 4th when a bolt of lightning lit up the whole field for like 3 seconds... "That's it!!!" Game over. (It was official.)

-We got some very interesting responses yesterday's question... your fantasy fast-food meal. What a bunch of big eaters we are. (I mean, what a bunch of big appetites we seem to have... me included.)

-Todd thought it was a silly question and told Fof3 that there would be NO responses. <---Todd is responsible for today's discussion question at the bottom of this page.

-We got a new visitor in Fof3's buddy, Chris McD. <---You might remember his daughter, Caitlin got the game ball last week for herstrong play. (and the fact that the next day was her bday!) Welcome, Chris McD...and thanks for trying so hard to locate us after I typo'ed the web address. <--Good detective work.

-Back to TV sor a moment..The Apprentice is on tonight.. I like that show too.

-Gonna miss the Spring Show tonight... Liam and Caitlin are performing. <---Working late. Videotape it well, Mof3.

-Mets lost, Yankees lost... long season.

-Todd's question: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? (Todd wanted to be the Karate Kid!!)
your turn, go... Fof3...OUT!!!

American Idol... The Morning After

So...I missed A.I. Caitlin and Mof3 say they were all kinda bad..except Anthony was really good. They were not crazy about Bo's performance, or the blonde haired young lady from the farm, and they said Scott was terrible. So bad, in fact that they feel bad for him. <---Please fill in the blanks for me...Constantine, VonZell... and the other person I missed.

-Mets lost, Yanks won. A-Rod 3 homers.

-Todd suggests Back To The Future. <---Good one, Todd A-O.

-Another rainy weekend forecast. Grrrr! <---Communions these next two weeks. Fof3 hopes the weather is sunny for this very important event in a young person's life.

-Caitlin's game gonna be washed out today. <---Hey, maybe you can so some homework .. remeber what that is?!?

-Fof3 suggested to the kids this morning that maybe it's time to change the posters in their rooms. Liam, down with the YuGiOh poster and let's get a Mets poster. Down with Barbie Princesses and how about a Napoleon Dynamite for Noelle? Caitlin, keep your frogs, your dogs and butterflies poster but let's squeeze in something new. <--Think about it.

-Tulips are in full bloom. Time for tree roses to be set up around the yard. They give beautiful long stemmed roses... and don't require Fof3 to bend down to care for them. <---That's what turning 40 will do to ya.

-???, still gotta check out Revelations. How's your daughter's dancing going? <---Fill us in.

-Who's ready for the Ugliest Animal Game, Part 2?

-Sorry that there's not much more going on today.

-Question for the group: Combine your favorite parts of your fantaasy fast food meal. Fof3 says a Whopper, heavy mayo and pickles, McD's fries, a Wendy's Shake and two soft tacos from T-Bell. Go.... Fof3...OUT!!!

It's Tuesday

It's another Tuesday.

-That means that Caitlin needs to lug her trumpet into school

-it means that tonight is a Little League meeting

-It means American Idol is on tonight

-Tuesday... The Shield for us grown ups.

-Tuesday...the night Caitlin tries to see Paris and Nicole in Simple Life. (or is that Wednesday??) <---Caitlin, straighten me out here.

Liam had a game yesterday and the team did a great job in pretty cold, blustery weather. Liam hit the ball great, fielded better, threw the ball brilliantly. But.... Buddy Boy.. behavior is the MOST important thing. <---You know exactly what I'm talking about.

Caitlin has a practice today and a game tomorrow.

Noelle... Saturday...big game.

-Speaking of Noelle, she climbed next to Fof3 during the night and hogged the pillow!! <---Fof3's neck is killing me. Grrrr!

-Liam... good luck on the spelling exam. <---Liam's best sujbect. <--Haha.

-Caitlin...good luck on the religion test. <---Thank you for studying so hard last night.

-Mof3... you should know by now that bad news from the doctor usually brings on stuff like flowers, gifts, maybe even another date with Fof3... hope that you get a little consolation from that. <--We just need to pray harder, that's all.

-Ralph... (our cat who can't read) (but I'm leaving him a message anyway) <---Did you have to puke on the carpet?!??! <----Grrrrr. Not prrrrrr.... Grrrrrr!

-Tulips... Beautiful. Really. <--Good job, Big Guy in the Sky on the Tulips Thing.

-Hi to Peggy, Lizlee, Todd, Janna, Jeff, Susan, Caitlin, Mother of 2, ???, Conundrum, Mr and Mrs. H..., Hey Ken, Chris McD., Cuz Chris and Cuz Trish... Shout outs to Caitlin's friends, Trinity, Janna, Faith, Loelsh... Aunt Roseanna, Lindy, Jamie and, welcome back, Jay.

Enjoy your Tuesday....Thanks for reading... Fof3 OUT!!!

Just Enough Rain...

Hi again, friends. Wondering how your weekend was. It rained cats and dogs Saturday. <---Fof3 stepped in a poodle! Get it!?! ok, well. anyhooo, Liam's game was rained out Saturday...just as well considering how much partying went on Friday night. It was quite a luau. Fof3 and Mof3 didn't win anything. Fof3's friend, Phil, asked Fof3 if he was going home with a prize. I said, "No, but my wife is!" <--This would have gotten big time laughs if more people had heard it. Oh well, sometimes funny moments come at inopportune times and places.

-Liam did have a game yesterday however and it was really fun. Liam was class clown... scooping up a grounder with his cap. What a joker! Katy Koolness got a little bit hurt. Her fot got stepped on and she cried but came back out on the field... she got the game ball for that move.

-Mof3 and Caitlin went into Macy's to get C. an outfit or two for some upcoming communions and such... Fof3 and Liam and Noelle waited in the car watching Bill and Ted's.... then we couldn't wait any more. Check this out: We went in, found the kids' section, got Liam two pairs of fancy pants (now he really is Mr. Fancy Pants.... and we got Noelle two beautiful pink dresses!!! We tried everything on, paid for all of it and got back in the car before Mof3 and C. got back to the car....empty-handed!!! Mof3 was most excellently impressed.

-We went to the Ground Round for dinner...Liam loves this place (gag, gag) because, "They have chicken and fries AND tv's showing games all around!! We ate while watching the Mavericks lose to the Rockets. <---So many high-fives that Fof3 could hardly eat... with utensils anyway. (That could be the new diet sensation...eat at a sports restaurant sitting next to Liam. <--Enough with the high-fives already!!

-Caitlin DID get two gorgeous outfits yesterday with Mof3 and Nonna. <---You look stunning, sweetheart!

-Mof3 had a Hawaiian fun night Friday. <---No dancing though... first time ever. You alright, Mof3?!?

-Noelle is just as cute as ever. Really, you are... don't deny it.

-Hi again, Janna.

-Fof3 wants to expose the kids to more of his movies.. so far...Ferris Bueller and Bill and Ted... any suggestions? Thanks. ok, here it comes.... Fof3...OUT!!!

Rainy Weekend?!?

The forecast says rain. I hope not. I mean, we really ca't complain about the weather after the last two beautiful weejkens we've had...but Fof3 does not want rain. If it DOES rain, however... here is what I'd like to happen.

-We slow down a bit and catch our collective breath.

-We sleep a little bit later in the morning.

-We see Grandma (or substitue close relative-whom-you-don't-see-enough)

-We watch a movie.

-Homework...schoolwork.

-Fix whatever is broken around the house. (or just change those dead lightbulbs.)

-If it rains, good for the tulips.


Caitlin and Liam and Noelle finally saw Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure...and yes, they loved it. They are walking around the house saying, "Party on, Dudes", and "Most Triumphant."

Caitlin did not respond when I asked her if it was better than Napoleon Dynamite.

Cute moment was when there were subtitles in the movie and Noelle asked Liam what they said...and he told her 100% correctly! And she thanked him. <---Only parents would see the profound signifigance in a moment like this.

Mets... 10, Marlins 1. <---If they keep winning, Liam will soon forget all about the Knicks.

News Flash: Our new friend, Mrs. H. announced she's having baby #2. <---Way to go, Mr and Mrs H.

Jamie brought her daughter to work today. Fof3 is going to make time to visit with her and do something silly to make her laugh. (I hope)

Hawaiian Party tonight. <---I'll let you know.

Revelations... gotta check that one out, ??? Thanks.

Question for the group: Who was/is John Stevens? Go. HANW (Have A Nice Weekend)...ok, here it comes... Fof3..OUT!

Bye, Anwar!

Hi everybody.

-Anwar... see ya.

-Scott... you are like the housefly that showed up Monday and we can't get rid of it. One more week, Scott...or Loelsch is going to scream!

-Last night was the final Knick game of the season. Liam saw every game..some twice! The kid knows every player's number, statistics, and personality. He took it pretty well. They won their last game... it might actually make Liam miss them more. <---Don't worry, Buddy Boy..you have baseball, arena football, soccer, the NBA playoffs and more. Oh yeah, and schoolwork.

-Caitlin's game was last night was not a disaster.. but it came pretty close. After trailing 10-0, they made it respectable by scoring 3 runs and making some great plays in the field in the last inning.

-Noelle played with 5 other little girls at the game and it was adorable. The sat around a picnic blanket and "chatted".

-Liam and Fof3 had a catch while Mof3 talked with an old classmate who was at the game.

-We have a new friend here..Mrs. H. Mrs. H and Fof3 walked over the 59th Bridge during the big blackout almost two years ago. We walked for about two hours before Mr. H picked us up. <---I call him "My Hero" now. He actually thought ahead and filled a cooler with ice and bottled water. (What I needed was a large empty bottle and a little privacy, if you know what I mean.)

-Hi Peggy...thanks for sticking around here, even though you've moved on with your life to new career. Let us know how that's going.

-Hawaiian party tomorrow. <---If anyone knows how to say "Father of Three" in Hawaiian please let know. <---With pronunciation too)

-Still time for vote for the UGLY BUG.

-Mets got creamed last night. Oh, well.

-Well, that's about it today... in case I think of anything else, I'll just say.... Fof3...OUT!!!!

7 Home Runs in One Game...

that's right...my New York Mets set a team record last night with 7 homers...7 dingers, 7 round-trippers, 7 four-baggers, 7 Getty-goners, ok, you get the idea. Wow. & 7 high fives for Liam, Caitlin and Noelle. Mof3, too. 16-4 against the Phillies. Fof3 slept well last night.

-Some pretty heinous animals on this blog huh? (I'm talking about the pictures below, not the anonymous commenters!) On Sunday, I'll post the winner of round 1. and start round 2. Yes, there are more.

-Fof3 helped out coaching Noelle's tee-ball game last evening. It felt really good... nice kids, nice weather.. I got to give the game ball to Caitlin Mc.D as today is her birthday. <---Happy BDay, Caitlin McD!!

-Liam halped me yesterday at Noelle's and BDay Caitlin McD.'s game...he put the ball on the tee for each hitter. <---Getting to be a big boy, and I'm very proud of you.

-Fof3 missed American Idol but Mof3 and Caitlin (DofFof3) filled me in. They say Anwar was kinda bad, Constantine wore eye makeup (?) and Anthony and VonZell were really good. Please add to this. (They've been wrong before, you know)

-Soccer sign up today. Fof3 coaches Noelle's team and last year she got to pick the team uniform color. And last year, they started giving the coach a matching shirt to wear during games. You guessed it, PINK! <---That's ok, honey, and yes, you can choose pink again.

-Fof3 is still humming Elvis tunes. All Shook Up was really good. Mof3 has started calling me "HoundDog". Rrrufff!

-The Pope election/selection was very interesting, wasn't it? I told Caitlin that I hope she never forgets the previous Pope, but honestly, she's 11 and I can't remember much about Popes and Presidents and stuff from when I was 11. <---Mets, Yankees, Rangers, etc...yes, but not Popes.

-Little League Party is Friday night. <---Gonna be fun. It's a Hawaiian Party. (Fof3 has tons of H-Shirts.. Mof3, none. So, you got it, more $hopping for Mof3. (Note to my boss: Keep the overtime coming.)

-I rented Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure for Caitlin on Saturday and she is reluctant to watch it. <---Doesn't think it's gonna be that good. Please straighten her out.

-Granted, Caitlin is a busy kid these days. She has a game this evening. She is doing two plays. She sings in the church choir. And plays trumpet. And bowls. (I'm tired just typing this stuff!!)

Hello and welcome to some new ffriends here. Lizlee, Cuz Christine, and several new anonymouses. <---Is that a word!?!?

-Note to Loelsh... Scott is a goner tonight. Dontcha think so, Trinity? Faith? Janna? Trish? Susan? Ken? How about it, ??? Jeff? Todd? Motherof2?

-Well, that's about it... so here it comes... Fof3...OUT!!!!

It's Time To Play "The Ugliest Animal Game"!!

The Wheataphid 

The Opossum 

The Pelican 

The Sheephead 

The Sturgeon 

The Warthog 

The Hoary Bat 

The Matamata Turtle Let Fof3 know which is the ugliest. 

Another Great Weekend!

Wow. Nice weather, huh? I mean it was perfect.

-Noelle's first tee-ball game ever was a treendous success. She was a little nervous... not that she was going to get hurt, not that she was going to make a fool out of herself, not that her uniform doesn't fit perfectly...no, she was nervous that Daddy was going to kiss her in front of the "audience". <---I tried my best not to kiss you, but when you yelled "Hey, This is fun!!", I just had to grab you and kiss you. Sorry.

-Liam's game was a success, too. The Green Machine came to play Saturday night. Katie Koolness was her usual awesome self, her twin bro Thomas made the play of the game and Liam was great in the field...throwing out two runners at the plate.

-Caitlin actually did have a game Saturday...same time as Liam's. Mof3 took her and said Caitlin was the offensive star of the game. The other team was really superior, according to Mof3... they are older and were better prepared. But our gals did a great job and should be very proud.

-ok ok ok ... Fof3 took his gal, Mof3, out on a date Sunday in NYC. We both recommend "All Shook Up". It is, you got it, a musical about life in the 50's using Elvis' music. It was delightful. Really. And, actually, prefect for families, too.

-We had dinner in NYC, walked around Rockefeller Center and Fof3 bought Mof3 a silk scarf that she loves.

-Then, it was back on the good ole LIRR... (where Fof3 spends 10 hours a week) to come home. (Mof3 is a nervous passenger and prefers to use public transportation over Fof3's driving.) (Whatever!)

-Hi Christine Cousin. <--Thanks for the nice comment. Speak up more often. <--Trish's sister.

-Mother of 2...how was weekend?

-???, glad to hear your daughter is enjoying dancing so much.

-Sister in law... SILofFof3... Thanks for babysitting yesterday...you're a peach. (Scratch that, last week I worote that I hate peaches... you're a doll, yeah, that's better.)

-Fof3 is thinking of changing the look of this blog again... check in for a surprise here soon.

-ok, here it comes.... Fof3, OUT!!!

TGIF!!

Another Friday. Thank God. This week has seemed very long for Fof3. Another Friday. You know what that means...baseball.

-First, hockey. Liam's hockey tonight. (Fof3 gets the feeling Liam is not too thrilled by hockey, now that baseball is here.) (This could be the negative result of the NHL strike.)

-Tomorrow morning, Noelle's first ever tee ball game. She can't wait. <---Daddy will be right there to help you...nothing to be nervous about)

-Liam's game is at 6pm...this excites him. Lights, scoreboard, announcer...the works for night games.

-Caitlin has no game this weekend. She got braces on Wednesday and still a bit uncomfy. <---A Caitlin/Daddy trip to Blockbuster ot Gamestop will make you feel better.

-Fof3 is sad about Nadia leaving A.I. She seems like a really sweet kid. Fof3 felt awful for Chris on the Apprentice last night. He was fired by the Donald and started crying a bit. Still a young man.

-I think The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy comes out soon. I read that book series like, 25 years ago. I loved it then. I'll let you know how it is if I get to see it.

-Mets. Winners of 4 in a row. Oh man, that makes Fof3 happy. The whole family is just loving the Mets this year.

-Fof3 and Mof3 are seeing a Broadway show on Sunday... All Shook Up. <--We love Elvis. I'll let you know how it was.

-I miss Audrey. Maybe tomorrow, we'll find another one. One for keeps.

-Faith...planting flowers?

-Mother of 2... how are you and the boys?

-Todd... 'sup?

-Erwin...see above.

-Lindy, Ken, Susan... have yourselves a great weekend.

-??? from Brooklyn... how are you, Kiddo?

ok...ok... ok... here it comes til Monday..... Fof3...OUT!!

16 Years and Counting...

April 14. Mof3 and Fof3's Anniversary. 16 years. Wow. High school sweethearts. Liam asked me this morning what it was like not knowing him yet. <--Pretty deep thinker, lately. It made me pause and reflect on life back then. Actually, we were happy people, living freely the way most young newlyweds live...late nights out on the town, long weekends somewhere whenever we wanted, NO nickelodeon!! It was pretty easy living. We thought life was going to be like that forever...and we probably made some foolish comments along the way regarding what was all the fuss?

Then came Caitlin. That's when we learned TRUE happiness. Mof3 will agree to every word of this. It still didn't slow us down very much. We just had a happy, healthy baby with us wherever we went. Then, as she got older and started school, we started to realize how we were becoming slaves to her school schedule...although not really. We were spending less (none) times in the bars and more time in places like the Discovery Zone, Disney and Rated G movies.

Then Liam came. Life was changing for us. Still happy. Happier than ever, actually. Liam was an unhealthy baby. He pretty much cried for 2 years. Life had changed. Then, as Fof3 was engrossed in a New York Ranger-Philadelphia Flyers game, (Liam was 5 months old), Mof3 interrupted to tell me she was having another. Noelle was here 8 months later.

The high school sweethearts without really a care in the world were now parents of 3... Pof3. Life was vastly different. All through this, Mof3 and Fof3 kept keeping on... and life is better than ever. Truly.

I answered Liam's question by telling him that in some wierd, cosmic way, I missed him..and his sisters ... I just didn't know I was missing them.

Mof3 is a great mom. And a wonderful wife. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And thank God for giving me the guts to ask a girl out for the first time... it was her. And it worked. Happy Anniversary, Mof3.

Some of Fof3's Favorite Things

Not much going on today... and Fof3 is busy so check this out and let me know if I'm crazy.

Some of Fof3's Favorite Things

Diet Coke…with lots of ice
Sports… all sports…playing them, watching them, following them
People… most of them, anyway
Spring and summer... (although I also love fall and the Christmas-y part of winter.)
Wind chimes
Mini wheats cereal
Audrey, our temporary rubber tree
Apple pie
70’s rock music
70’s pop music
rollercoasters
coffee… I grew up on tea, but now I’m all about the coffee
Fantasy by Earth, Wind and Fire
Cool cars
Being a lefty
The Honeymooners
Santa Claus
My kids (this list is in random order, please don’t think Fof3 puts Diet Coke and wind chimes and rollercoasters before his children!)
The mural on my mother’s living room wall
My wife’s dancing… she can boogie
Sitting around with the guys, acting like guys
Tofu
Coffee… I know I already wrote that, but I really like coffee.
Ralph, our cat. <--He’s awesome.
Chocolate egg creams
Pop tarts (all flavors)
Days that do not include dentist visits
Lake George, NY
Women who like bald men
The 4th of July (pinkish-purple fireworks)
Wiffle Ball
Michael Jackson’s music
Being Irish
Being Catholic
Being an Irish Catholic
The Shield
Thomas Kinkade paintings
The Little Drummer Boy
America
Being American
Blogging about my kids
Convertibles
Nice clothes
Captain’s Courageous… my favorite movie. Spencer Tracy plays a Portuguese fisherman who is the only person on his ship who can stand the little punk they save from the ocean. It’s a beautiful film.
Nice pens
Puerto Rico
A day at the races
Telling stories about my late father … What a guy he was.
Mof3’s chicken/cranberry stuffing dinner
Barbequing (the more people, the merrier)

It's Tuesday...

...and the Mets won again!

Not too much to report on, today. Oh, American Idol is on tonight. Make it a good one, Scott..or you're gone. (I'll tape it tonight.)

Loelsh... Hawaii is worth the wait. It's spectacular. And Trinity... I like your answer...feel the same way a lot of times.

???, how was your daughter's dance competition? Please let us know.

Mother of 2... what's going on with you and your two boys? Still behaving themselves?

Todd... I'll see you in a few, I guess.

Jeff... hello?

Caitlin finds out today or tomorrow if she got the part of Alice. She is very excited about it. And speaking of Caitlin. she gets braces tomorrow. <---I wish I could be there for you, Sweetie... but Mof3 will be there to comfort you.

Liam... he's just sports crazy...watched the Mets, Nets and Yankees at the same time last night. (On replay, btw!)

Noelle... What a cutie you are. <--You are too cute!!!

Mof3 ... dinner last night... was, er, uh, er, nice try, anyway. (Nothing is better than that dinner....next time give me nothing!)
(Fof3 loves that one.)

Well, until tomorrow when there is hopefully something exciting to report on... this is Fof3...OUT!!!!

Happy Monday 4/11/05

Hi again, everyone. What a great weekend, huh? I mean, at least in the Northeast. The weather was just perfect for...

...the Mets to get their first win! (Pedro and Carlos, our off season acquisitions pay off!)

...Liam's first baseball game of the year. (Coach pitching) The Green Machine made Fof3 so proud. They were looking all spiffy in their green uniforms, listened to Coach John and behaved wonderfully. Their sportsmanship made me prouder than heck. Not only did they cheer their teammates on, but they cheered a boy from the other team who needed a lift. Little Lucas, whom I'd never met, clearly was at a disadvantage but tried so hard that he inspired all of us.

The weather was just perfect for Liam to get 3 hits out of 4, get plunked on the head by a wild Dad pitch... Thank God for helmets. Fof3 knew Liam was ok, then scoured the stands to see Mof3's reaction. She was ok... I even saw a smile come across her pretty face. (The ball is very rubbery!) (Phew!)

The weather was just perfect for yesterday to be picture day and for all three to have their photos taken.

The weather was just perfect for 5 of Caitlin's friends to come over and make a music video for their science class. They are using an Usher tune to explain the difference between solid, liquid and gas. They giggled all the way through it!

The weather was just perfect for Mof3, Caitlin, Noelle, Grandma, Nonna and Aunt Roseanna to go to a Mother/Daughter Tea Party at school. This was the long awaited fund raiser that the girls say was wonderful.. Mof3 and Roseanna put together a basket of Coach items as a prize and a very nice lady from school won it. <<---Good for you, Liz. (and thanks again Roseanna.)

The weather was just perfect for Fof3 to see an old friend again, Nina. Nina is 16, adorable, sweet and doesn't let Down's Syndrome stop her at all. She was at picture Day with her sister, Sophie and we had some laughs as Fof3 kept losing to Nina at some game on her gameboy. <---Cool Gameboy, Nina..I like the color.

The weather was just perfect for Laim and Fof3 to go out and play some hockey Saturday. We had fun. Then as we were leaving, we were challenged to a little 2 on 2 basketball by two teenagers. We took them on, spotted them a 3-0 lead before winning, 7-5. It was fun and the boys were really nice to Liam, as they knew it was his first game. Liam held his own though... really cool.

The weather was just perfect for Noelle to go to a birthday party at the local bowling alley. She had a great time. Noelle has a great time everytime, everywhere she goes. <--- That's awesome, honey.

The weather was just perfect for my tulips to grow hearty and strong. Pics soon, I promise.

The weather was just perfect for me to think up a new question: What is your ideal vacation spot? Go.

Thanks for reading.

It's Another Friday...

..Thank God It's Friday.

Well, hello again from Long Island, NY. Kinda rainy this morning here. April showers and all... you know the drill.

-Caitlin says the kids in her school had a party for Audrey's return. That made me fun good. They put bows and ribbons on her. <---The living room looks bare..like when you take the Christmas tree down.

-Caitlin's drama class (differnet than her school play) is doing a pirate play. She is very dissapointed. I told her that she'll end up loving it and having fun. She was up at 7 am rehearsing. (The kids are off from school today as all CAtholics schools are closed for Pope John Paul's funeral.)

-Liam... hardly saw him last night. He watched the Knicks lose to the Nets, while mourning the loss of the Mets 6-1. Man.

-Noelle... what an angel. She's a bit nervous about Little League starting...her first year. I remember those butterflies.

-Opening day for Little League tomorrow. Sen. Schumer is expected to be there. Sen. Clinton was invited but couldn't make it. The kids are asked to stand in a designated spot on the field...nice and quiet for about 45 minutes while politicians and officials make speeches that can't be heard on our PA system. <---Gonna be rough.

-Fof3 and Mof3 decided we'd try Papa John's pizza foir the first time last night. (Coupon showed up in the mailslot just as we were discussing what to have for dinner.) Pretty good pizza. NOT!!! (I still ate, like 5 slices... they're small.)

-Fof3 is listening to Michael McDonald's motown cd right now. <--- really good.

-Janna... where are you, kid? Lindy? Susan? Todd?

-Speaking of Todd... he brought Fof3 a refrigerator magnet from his trip to South Carolina. (I hope you didn't have to open any of your money market funds or other savings for that magent...you really shouldn't have done all that. A simple giant pencil with CHARLESTON would have been ok.) Just kidding, Todd. Anyhooooo...as anyone with kids will tell you.. a strong refrigerator magnet is huge... it's a very valuable organizational tool.

-Where is SILofFof3, Roseanna (one of my favorite people in this entire world)? I know you read us here, Rose... and I know you know how to type...can we get a little bloggitation from you?

-Mof2...where are you? How are your adorable boys?

-I promised you all a few weeks ago that I'd get an audio file of FILofFof3 "singing" That's Amore... it's coming ..soon. < -- You won't believe your ears.

-Faith...you are inspiring. You know what I mean.

-Think it's time for yet another new layout on this blog? I think it'll happen sometime next week.

-Today's question...and this is a good one. What is your favorite cereal? Go. Fof3...OUT!!!

Not Nikko!!!

Hi. Nikko Smith, huh? <---Caitlin's fave. (Sorry, honey.) I didn't see that coming. Ozzie Smith's son is now a 2 time loser. ouch. Scott, count your lucky stars.

-Returned Audrey. (Insert a sad face EMOTICON here, please.) Mof3 helped Fof3 put her in the back of the minivan... on top of skates, sleds, and lots of other junk... and we dropped her off at the teachers' entrance of the school. I think I heard her saying, "Bye guys, thanks for taking care of me these past 9 months." <---Not in that Audrey "Feeeeed Meeeee!" voice but in a soft voice. (Noelle believed me when I told her this a little while ago.)

-Speaking of Noelle... I am on to you now, honey. Fof3 witnessed his 5 year old sweetie actually squeeze a large chunk of toothpaste directly into the bathroom sink, then act as if it was evidence of her having brushed her teeth. Mof3 put 2 and 2 together (it was just a little TOO perfect) and asked her directky if she had already brushed her teeth. BUSTED!!! (Noelle is devious, but a bad liar.) (The little smirk gives her away every time.) <--Can't fool your parents, Noelle.. at least not yet.

-One more thing re: American Idol. Our friend, who goes by ??? has started watching A.I. because of this blog. After watching Fantasia last night, Fof3 would like to issue a sincere apology to ??? for ever getting you into this show in the first place. My only hope is that you missed last night's, er, uh, performance. (Mof3, Fof3 and Caitlin ALL agreed on something for the first time in a long time..Fantasia was not Fantastic!)

-Lindy...say hi to the group. Click comments, then anonymous, then type away. I know you read us here, so chime in.

-Ken, how is little Alice?

-Still waiting to hear from Tom W. (See directions for Lindy a few lines up.)

-Faith in Florida ...welcome!

WARNING: The following paragraph contains tulip-related info.

-Tulips... not much different than yesterday. Fof3 realizes that daily updates on his tulips are akin to committing Blog-Suicide. Todd... Whatever. Faith asked about roses in Florida. Fof3 used to know a Rose in Florida... but I'll save that story for another blog. The Florida sun is fine for roses. Heres what you need to do, Faith.
1. Find dirt. (preferrably outdoors.)
2. Plant roses... the crown above the dirt line.
3. Ask the children to sit quietly and behave, or watch tv or read books from approximately 11am to 3pm, (as this is the sunniest part of the Florida day) while you shade the roses with a parasol. (Actually, any umbrella will do.)
4. Ask the children to remain calm for about 45 minutes more as you now will need to water the roses...very slowly. (Talking to them at this point is very healthy for them as well.)
5. Ask the children to NOT stomp on these flowers... that is NOT healthy for them.
6. Viola!! Beautiful roses..(at least one or two per bush) in just a few weeks.
EASY!

<<<<--SAFE AGAIN-->>>>>

-Mets lost, Yankeees lost. Indians lost, Loelsh. Marlins lost, Faith. Devil Rays won.

-All three kids had baseball practice yesterday. Sick Liam made his practice. (Yes, he missed school but made baseball practice. <<<---Parents of the Year or what?!?
Noelle loved practice. <--- Mof3 said you great.
Liam was told by his manager (ahem, his dad) to have a seat for a few minutes. <--- sort of making up his own rules during practice. He wasn't the only one acting up... the kids on my team were all a bit off their game yesterday. Fof3 saw a big difference between having after-school practice and a Saturday practice.
Caitlin is a star.

-Noelle's uniform..Navy blue.
-Caitlin's uniform.. Red.
-Liam's uniform..Green.

The Results of the Name -The-Team-Contest:

Green Machine
Green Lanterns
The Greenies
Green Hornets
The Shamrocks
The Jets
The Frogs

Katie, the team's only girl wants more time to pick the winner. <---Take your time, Katie Koolness.

Only one response the favorite movie question. <--Jeff said Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Good choice, Jeff.

-Caitlin is auditioning for her school play... Alice In Wonderland. We rehearsed lines last night. She wants the part of Caterpillar or Alice. <---Good luck, Greatlin.

-Mof3's hair is now "light brown with blonde highlights". <<<---Works for me.

Anyhooooo.... gotta run... leave word... Fof3...OUT!!!

A.I., Yankees, and a new question

Hi all. Well, as many of you know, I was unable to see any part of American Idol last night, so I need help. How did they do? Mof3 says Constantine (ughhh) was great. She said they were pretty much all very good. Is that right? Even Anwar? Let me know.

-Congrats Yankee fans. As I write this, your team (2-0) couldn't be any more ahead of my team (0-1). Long season though.

-We have a new friend here from Ohio. Reds or Indians, Loelsh? Please say Indians. (Actually, please say Mets!...we need all the help we can get here.)

-Janna, you're in Michigan. Tigers? <---That's cool if your answer is yes. If it's no, please say Mets.

-Knicks lost. Whatever.

-Mof3 is getting her hair dyed today. (She'll probably kill me if telling you all that!) <--She asked me what color she should get and then said no to my response. Hrrrmppphhh. (It was blonde, btw.)

-The tulips. Strong. They are really thriving now and I think we'll have tulip-y flowers in a week or ten days. Pics coming of my tulips. Think that's boring?...wait til summer and I tell you all about my roses. Forgive me. You can skip the tulip section from now on if you want.

-The birds. Fof3 thinks they've moved to the other side of the yard. (Closer to my bedroom window!)

Liam (6 years old) ... sick. Gonna miss his own baseball practice today. Noelle (5 years old) is looking forward to her practice today. Caitlin (11) has practice today also.

-Opening day is Saturday. For Noelle, it's just a ceremony. The others have games.

-Fof3 will be getting those team name ideas today. I'll share.

-Audrey's owner, Caitlin;'s teacher wants Audrey back tomorrow. Audrey is large. Gotta figure this one out. <---gonna miss her.

-Fof3 is currnetly listening to ..... Meatloaf. (I don't care!!... I like him!!)

-Smallville... great show for young teens. (Fof3 even likes it and I haven't been a teen in like, 21 years!)

-Jones Beach concert schedule... anyone? (For Loelsh, Jones Beach is our Long Island beach and has a wonderful ampitheatre on the water. It's a great place to see a show.)

-Coconut pie, chocolate mousse, milanos, oreos, apple pies, and "I don't really like dessert." ---great responses to yesterday's questions.

Today's question: Captains' Courageous is Fof3's favorite movie. (Spencer Tracy plays a Portuguese fisherman and because of his religious faith, he is able to save the life...literally and figuritively of a rich brat.) (Then he dies in a very dramatic scene. <---have tissue box handy) What's your favorite movie? Share. (Caitlin, do you at least have a favorite movie?)

-Fatherof3...... OUT!!!

It's Another Tuesday...

...and a beautiful one!! What a sunshiney day. The birds... kinda quiet again today. I think I'll go up on the ladder again and check out that nest.
-American Idol tonight. I think I'll tape it. We'll see.

-Mets lost 7-6. What a bummer! They were winning, too. There are 162 more games to go....not including the playoffs.

-Liam woke Fof3 up at 4am...you got it...throwing up. Uh oh. Here we go.

-Noelle woke up at her usual 6:30 ish, but this morning, she earned a new nickname: She is now known as Cranky Crankerson, of Crankyville. <--- Chill out, Noelle.

-Fof3 took the kids to the field last night after dinner to play a little ball... and Noelle got plunked on the head by accident. She cried...loudly. Her head was fine, so soon she was back in the game.

-Caitlin made some beautiful catches and Liam did too. Fof3 hit some long balls... I think they're gone forever.

-For those of you who wish to visit a wonderful blog about the Pope, head on over to http://dutch-ess.blogspot.com. Janna does some great work and I know that a few of us have been there. <--All part of being part of our Fof3 community.

-Mof2... tell us more about your kids.

-Mother x 3... you, too.

-Mof3... Good luck with Liam at home sick today. I know how much throwing up grosses you out.

-North Carolina won last night's NCAA Championship game. Congratulations to the Tar Heels.

-Those plumbing repairs Mof3 had me do.... nu uh. Didn't happen...like I said, what does a video editor know about plumbing?!?

-Caitlin...yoga...what's up with that?

-Todd is back from his long weekend in South Carolina. Tell us about it, Todd.

ok ok ok I think I am going to try something here at Fof3 Blog... a question for the group... please reply and leave your name or a symbol or a code. Today's question:

What is your favorite dessert? (Mine is apple pie, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and rainbow sprinkles. The pie is hot, the ice cream is cold, I eat it so fast, it never gets old.) Your turn....go. Fof3....OUT!!

Happy Monday

Hi everyone out there and welcome to a new week. Right off the bat, let me knock out a few things I need to knock out.
-I can spell, I just can't really type. Misspellings here are typos. Caitlin, on the other hand is using some new phenomenon that comes from her instant messaging and e-mailing with friends. She claims it's totally acceptable to spell "over" as "ovaa" and "Bye-bye" and "bibi". Grammar...forgetaboooooutittt! (My own liberty taken) In her world of leaving comments and e-mails and im's, there is NO SUCH THING as a run-on sentence. Nu uh, Caitlin. Bad habits are hard to break. Don't start them.
-Yes, Yankees won last night. I am sooooo thrilled. (sarcasm on!) Actually, Fof3 and family ALWAYS roots for the New York team... except the Islanders (ironically, the team located closest in proximity to the Fof3-Dome) But, ???, we are Mets fans! Mets fans! But you are more than welcome to post your enthusiasm about NY's other team anytime you want. Fof3 can't allow this blog to become a forum for bashing each other's teams. (Although, Islander fans beware, Fof3 holds the "delete" button. Baseball starts today. 2pm. Mets/Reds.

ok ok ok Now back to our regularly scheduled blog.

Messages to friends below:

-Rose... Chuck E. Cheese is single. Just thought I'd let you know.
-Todd... get home soon... Jeff is driving me nuts.
-Jeff... driving me nuts!
-Jay.... too cool to leave a comment here?!?
-Mof2... how are your kids?
-???... Thanks for all the kind words. Please review Baseball section above.
-Janna.... You do great work. Thanks.
-Arlene... Getting the hang of this Blogger thing yet?
-Caitlin... good pitching practice yesterday. And I loved the hair style yesterday. (All ribbon-y and stuff)
-Liam... good hitting practice yeterday. You look like a Natural up there. Hey, let's check out that movie sometime.
-Noelle... it was nice seeing and hearing the return of the cat noises... you do that really well. Oh yeah, great hairstyle yesterday. (all ribbon-y and stuff, too!)
-Mof3... What can I say... you're awesome. (But please, honey, no more PEACH iced tea... Fof3 does NOT like anything peachy... just so you know.)
-Susan... can we get some comments here?
-Jamie... can we get some comments here?
-Lindy... see above.


Fof3 hit Liam a fly ball yesterday that Liam actually caught in his glove....too bad his glove didn't stay on Liam's hand!! I think that's a double. ???, is that right?

The tulips... not so great. Can anyone help?
The birds... quiet this morning...hrrrmmmpphhhh birds, on the day I actually need to wake up early, you guys sleep in!
Ralph... He's great.
Audrey..our rubber tree plant... getting ready to return her... gonna miss that giant plant. Really.

American Idol tomorrow... I'll miss it... anyone have any ideas on who's in jeopardy? (I say Anwar and Scott)

Kentucky Derby is just a few weeks away. Fof3 likes a horse named Consolidator. Brother of Fof3, (BofFof3) is the real horse expert. Don't listen to me, listen to him. I'll let you know.

ok, your turn... see the rules up and to the left of this page... and let's converse..or chat... or bloggitate. You know what I mean... ok... here it comes .... Fof3...OUT!!

It's Sunday

I know no one is reading this today..so I could really type anything and it wouldn't much matter. Abducted by aliens... giant mushroom growing out of my forehead... I turned on the shower this morning and Nestle's Quik chocolate milk came out!! (None of these happened, but since I am writing to no one today, I can claim these to make myself smile. I need a smile today... we all know by now how yesterday was the day we all lost a wonderful man... kinda knew it was coming.. but still hard to take. I am looking forward to the process of choosing a new Pope... that is very interesting to me. <--- big shoes to fill.

-We had SofFof3 and her family over last night for pizza and ice cream and cupcakes and cake. (oh, yeah, coffee for the big peop...the Grown-Ups.) We had fun. We played toss across, playstation, game cube, something called Bulls-Eye Basketball.

-MetroStars game ended tied 0-0. Liam said it was a great game. 0-0, a Great Game!?!?! <--- yeah, ok, Liam... I only need only key on this keyboard to describe a 0-0 soccer game. That key is the letter "z"... as in zzzzzzzzzzz.

-Dragons lost by a point. (Arena Football) Nets lost by a point.

-It's getting close to the day when we havee to give our adopted rubber tree plant, Audrey, back to her rightful owner..Caitlin's teacher, Ms. o'Donohue. Fof3 and Mof3 agreed to take her to our home for the summer vacation and haven't been able to part with her...she really is part of the family. She's huge! <--gonna miss her badly.

-We're gonna try to play some hockey and/or basball today..after mass. Hopefully the rain will stay away.

-Some new friends are joining us here... a good buddy Chris S. has been peaking around, Tom W. too. How about my cuz, Tricia? Where are you?

-Anyhooo...it's back to school for the 3 tomorrow after more than a week off... good job, Mof3. You rock.

ok, I better get my self ready for mass... it's gonna be crowded I presume. You know, I kinda wish I did have a chocolate milk shower right about now, Fof3 could go for some Nestle's Quik. That's it for today... Fof3...OUT!

It's A Rainy Saturday

Wow... rain or what? It's good for those tulips... they better be healthy this year!! How are you all doing? (This is an interactive blog so you can actually answer that question.)
-Fof3 worked late again last night, so I missed Liam's hockey practice. Mof3 took him and says he did great. Noelle was there, too, and she liked Liam flop around like a fish. < giggles!
-Caitlin slept at her Nonna's last night. Nonna means grandma in Italian. Nonna is a wonderful woman... I love her dearly. <--Not too bad for a mother-in-law.
-The birds...woke me up at 7am ... I still like having them there. But, tomorrow is another day!
-We're having some friends over tonight for pizza and make-your-own ice cream sundaes... gonna be FUN!
-We'll also be watching the first game of the MetroStars season. That's soccer, btw. Are we sports nuts or what?!?!
-Still praying for the Pope. What a great man.
-Still miss me new friend Brianna...I told you about her a few weeks ago. Rett Syndrome is a serious thing... I pray for her too.
http://rettsyndrome.org
-Got any April Fools' Jokes to tell us about? Leave comments.

Well, Fof3 better get going..Mof3 has a list of errands... starting with some plumbing repairs... (what does a video editor know about plumbing?!?!) <--- I'll let you know.

Clock goes ahead tongiht...don't forget.

ok...ttyl, gang. Fof3-----OUT!

This Blog is Ending Forever.

April Fools!!! (Do you think I'd get rid if this thing?) <---No way! As a lifetime practical joker, Fof3 is expecting to get his share of pranks pulled on him today. Liam got me yesterday by making up a story about my new favorite New York Knick getting traded away. Good one ,Liam...you got dad.
-The birds woke me up today bright and early...(even though it was drizzling.) The birds...still a pleasant way to wake up. Let's see if I still feel that way tomorrow which is Saturday. And Sunday we lose an hour... good luck birdies. (I'm coming up that ladder to remove the Easter decorations this weekend, better play your bird cards right and let me sleep.)
Fof3 worked late last night, so I didn't get much time with the younger kids. We did have a wrestling match and just as I was about to win, Liam used his secret weapon.... my father used to call it a beep, but it's known around the world as a backburp, a raspberry, a fart. He won... Noelle and Fof3 ran out of the room, leaving Liam cheering on the bad that he won. It was fun. Gross fun.
-Mof3...good dinner last night...thanks for keeping it hot for your groom.
-I am praying for the Pope. I love that man.... I want to see him comfortable.
-Liam---hockey tonight if it doesn't rain.
-No weekend baseball or softball I think...rainy forecast. <---That's ok, we'll do something fun. If I'm indoors, who knows?...maybe I'll even blog a little this weekend.
-Ralph is just fine. (remember, boss thinks he's sick!)
-Leave comments kids, I want to hear about the April Fools' jokes you're playing on people.

Ok... no celeb sightings yesterday...just the ones I told you about.

Happy April Everyone---Later!