The DiSanto's

Monday, December 31st

Felice anno nuovo...

klds on 12.31.07 @ 12:37 AM CST [link]

Beautiful smiles...

"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses."

klds on 12.31.07 @ 12:31 AM CST [link]

Sunday, December 30th

You are welcome...

"Gratitude is the memory of the heart."

Kameron opened some of his presents on his birthday- he sent me this and I wanted to share. He will open the rest when all 3 little people (they are all little people to me- even when they are 12) share in a birthday celebration New Years Eve. Thanks Kameron.
klds on 12.30.07 @ 11:48 AM CST [link]

Culvers new fireplace...

"Firelight will not let you read fine stories
but it's warm and you won't see the dust on the floor."

What a nice addition to the home...looks great!
klds on 12.30.07 @ 11:43 AM CST [link]

Friday, December 28th

Happy Birthday Kameron!

"Another year has come and gone; the sands of time keep trickling away.
Your birthday reminds me to let you know, I'm thankful for you each and every day."

WOW I can't believe you are this old already! Stop, you are making me feel really, really OLD! I hope your day is a great one. Nana has a present for you from us. Hope you enjoy and we love you!

The Bailey's

Edited: Sorry for the late entry- cable troubles AGAIN! so let's all wish Kameron a very Happy Birthday.
bailey on 12.28.07 @ 01:12 PM CST [link]

Thursday, December 27th

Idea...Photowalking

"The best photographs in the world have yet to be taken."

* Photowalking is the act of walking with a camera for the main purpose of taking pictures of things you may find interesting.
* Photowalking is also a form of exercise as it can take the photographer over the course of several miles as they wander a particular site or neighborhood.
* Photowalking is also often associated with on-line photo sharing.

To Learn more - check out:
Photowalking
10 Tips for a Great Photowalk
Robert Scoble
Thomas Hawk
Have fun and exercise at the same time-I like it!
klds on 12.27.07 @ 02:54 PM CST [link]

Please notice the changes...

I have begun to replace the photos in the sidebar- trying to update to newer photos- if there is a photo you like better- send it to me and I will try to use it. I will also begin to work on the birthday photos as well. Enjoy!
klds on 12.27.07 @ 01:26 AM CST [link]

Wednesday, December 26th

A thought...

"In the middle of the road of my life
I awoke in the dark woods
where the straight road was lost."

klds on 12.26.07 @ 09:10 PM CST [link]

Time to Transform...

So you've decided that you're going to do it.
You're sick and tired of being sick and tired and are once and for all hell bent on losing weight.
We can make that transition from chrysalis to butterfly.
After all we just have to "eat less and move more".
I hear the laughter now- been there, done that but I know it can be done, I have pictures to prove it, see...(2002-2006)

We can do this, we can support each other, we can make it fun, we can use this site to do it.
Look forward to a new weekly post from our health guru...Kristen Mary!
We can do this...we are DiSanto's.
klds on 12.26.07 @ 07:49 PM CST [link]

Tuesday, December 25th

Buon Natale ...

klds on 12.25.07 @ 12:47 AM CST [link]

Monday, December 24th

Christmas Eve...

The night isn't dark, it's glowing with a silvery-white light. Up above, the 98% full moon looks huge and clear in the azure sky. It just might be the brightest moon you've ever seen. That's because it's the highest-riding full moon until the year 2023. Maybe you could lasso them, as George says in the movie It's a Wonderful Life. "Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey! That's a pretty good idea! I'll give you the moon, Mary...."

Linda will get off early tonight so I plan to make appetizers (shrimp cocktail, little wieners, roll-ups, sausage bread and mimosa's) and then we are going to watch "It's a Wonderful Life". It just doesn't get much better than that!
klds on 12.24.07 @ 12:00 AM CST [link]

Sunday, December 23rd

Needed...

* Picture of the Culver's new fireplace
* Scanned picture of Boo and Cole (mom got card in the mail)
* Any pictures of what's happening in New York with Kevin, Erin and Beth being home
* Pictures of anybody from the family enjoying this Holiday Season!
klds on 12.23.07 @ 12:52 AM CST [link]

Saturday, December 22nd

Today in Kansas City...

It's hard to believe a week has passed since Delaney was here- I miss her so much. One thing that has not changed is the weather- today it snowed, alot. It closed I-29 to St. Joe because of a 20-40 car pile up. So after a trip to the grocery store- we stayed in and we watched Elf to get into the Christmas spirit. We made Eggnog- I use the recipe in the family cookbook-YUM!
I made pumpkin bars (recipe from Ann Lund's black cookbook)- I think they need a little more spice so I found this one from Paula Dean. We relaxed in the house without a care (who cares that it was snowing like crazy) and enjoyed our decorated house, good holiday food, and a quiet day.
klds on 12.22.07 @ 11:39 PM CST [link]

Friday, December 21st

Letter from my principal to all staff...

This year, Ms. DiSanto proposed “doing Christmas” differently than in the past. We collected gift cards to distribute to our families in need. After taking care of those families who requested support, we identified a handful of families who we knew were struggling, yet did not ask for assistance. They were making their lives work through a variety of personal and financial challenges.

Today, my office has been overwhelmed by these families sharing the most sincere touching gratitude imaginable. A grandparent of one of the families reached out to say thank you because “her daughter never would have asked for the help, but is in such need.” When called about picking up their surprise gift, every family gushed with surprise and thanks. Finally, one family wrote a special letter of thanks and gratitude. I have posted this letter by the mailboxes for all to read. WARNING: Read with a tissue in hand.

Ms. DiSanto’s new way of “doing Christmas” has been a success. Not because it was easier, but because it allowed us to recognize and support families who don’t ask for help, and feel truly blessed by this small Christmas present. For these families, and many others, Hawthorn Elementary makes a difference.

Thanks, Ms. DiSanto, for helping us bring back the real meaning of Christmas and giving with this new Holiday Support Plan.

Teresa M. Tulipana | Principal
klds on 12.21.07 @ 08:31 PM CST [link]

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days...

In 1998, the founding members of Straight No Chaser performed to a sold-out crowd at Indiana University's Musical Arts Center- they mix songs together and it is truly amazing. Enjoy!
klds on 12.21.07 @ 12:07 AM CST [link]

Thursday, December 20th

Merry Christmas from the Taets...

klds on 12.20.07 @ 12:19 AM CST [link]

Wednesday, December 19th

Blessing...

When you go to bed tonight- say a little thank you to God for keeping our families safe. Kelly was in a car accident yesterday. A car backed out of a driveway right into her path. She is ok (a little stiff and sore) but her car is a little messed up... so prayers and well wishes are welcome.
klds on 12.19.07 @ 07:39 PM CST [link]

Tuesday, December 18th

Head Cold...

Can't breathe...
Nose red...
Sniffles...
Feel like crap...
Later...

klds on 12.18.07 @ 10:15 PM CST [link]

Monday, December 17th

Sad news...

Dan Fogelberg, the singer and songwriter whose hits "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne" helped define the soft-rock era, died Sunday at his home in Maine after battling prostate cancer. He was 56.

Dan Fogelberg is one of my favorite artists- sad there will be no more music- cancer silences so many voices- we need a cure NOW!
klds on 12.17.07 @ 12:36 AM CST [link]

Sunday, December 16th

Owner’s manual...

When you were born, you didn’t come with an owner’s manual. These guidelines help make life work better!

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but make the best of it because it’s going to be with you for the rest of your life.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full time informal school called life on planet Earth. Every person or incident is the Universal Teacher.

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of experimentation. ‘Failures’ are as much a part of the process as ‘Successes’.

4. A lesson is repeated until it is learned. It is presented to you in various forms until you learn it, then you go to the next lesson.

5. If you don’t learn easy lessons they get harder. External problems are a precise reflection of your internal state; pain is how your subconscious gets your attention. First it whispers, then it Yells. When you clear inner obstructions, your outside world changes.
6. You will know you have learned a lesson when …

your actions change. Wisdom is practice, practice, practice, practice. Remember a little of Something is better than a lot of Nothing.

7. ‘THERE’ is no better than ‘HERE’. When your ‘THERE’ becomes ‘HERE’, you simply obtain another ‘THERE’ that looks better than ‘HERE’

8. Others are only mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another unless it reflects something you love or hate in yourself.

9. Your life is up to you. Spirit provides the canvas you do the painting. There are three kinds of people; those who make things happen, those who watch what happens, and those who wonder what happened. Take charge of your life - or someone else will.

10. You always get what you want. Your subconscious rightfully determines what energies, experiences and people you attract, therefore only the foolproof way to know what you want is to see what you have.

11. There is no right or wrong, but there are consequences and responsibilities. Corollary Law: no one gets away with anything; everything has a value – and a price; you pay now, or you pay later.

12. Your answers lie inside you. Children need guidance from others; as we mature, we trust our hearts, where the laws of spirit are written. You must know more than you have heard or read or been told. All you need to do this is look, listen and trust.

13. You will forget all this.

14. You can remember any time you want.
klds on 12.16.07 @ 06:09 PM CST [link]

My gift...

I can not think of a more precious gift than this to get for my birthday- thank you so much Carroll family for making this birthday so special. Not only the surprise but the help for Linda, the laughs and the many memories we made. Can't wait to do it again!

klds on 12.16.07 @ 05:51 PM CST [link]

We put you to work...

shovel (156k image)

We'll show you a good time one day and put you to work the next...Bob and Kay helped Linda move the pile of gravel in the middle of a snow storm- what a gift this was.
klds on 12.16.07 @ 12:15 AM CST [link]

I'm a scientist...

My principal, Teresa, gave Delaney these for her birthday...she puts them on and tells me..."I'm a scientist!", then she prentends to lose them and not be able to see like Thelma from Scooby Doo...what a kid!
klds on 12.16.07 @ 12:12 AM CST [link]

Saturday, December 15th

Too Cool...

Linda got me this basket for my birthday- it is a Rwanda Peace basket.

Rwanda, a tiny land-locked country in eastern Africa, tragically is best known for the horrific genocide that occurred in 1994. The Rwandan genocide lasted 100 days and claimed the lives of over 800,000 people.

Rwanda is now a country in which women are rising to the forefront of economic, political and social institutions. In the immediate aftermath of the genocide, females represented 70% of Rwanda's population since so many men had been killed. After some time had passed, the women were faced with a decision of either collapsing of inconsolable pain, or moving on together to rebuild their lives.

Because so many men had perished, it was clear that women must play a significant role in Rwanda's rebuilding and democratic transition. Previously excluded from positions of influence, women now participate as elected officials, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Today widows come together to make exquisite traditional baskets and create economic opportunities for their families. As they sit and weave, they heal in body, mind, and soul, and position themselves and their families for a more stable future.

Buying the baskets help feed the families- so not only is it a really nice decorative basket- it helps support those in need and supports the message of PEACE in the world.

I LOVE IT!
klds on 12.15.07 @ 12:37 PM CST [link]

Happy Birthday Lala...

Well another year... it's starting off really good!
klds on 12.15.07 @ 12:06 AM CST [link]

Merry Christmas from the Mack's...

klds on 12.15.07 @ 12:04 AM CST [link]

Friday, December 14th

How you spend a birthday...

You start the day with a new out fit...looking good!
Then you finish decorating cookies, this is a special one for daddy.
Then we go out to eat breakfast (thank you JoAnn) and go to school number 2 (Hawthorn) to visit Lala's school and have several classes sing Happy Birthday to you.
We then go to Crown Center to see santa and play at the Crayola play house. We did some shopping and then went to Union Station to see a train exhibit and ride on a train ride. We then went to the Plaza and ate dinner at Houstons, then went to look at the Plaza lights and have a carriage ride, we left there and went to see the movie Enchanted, when that was over we came home and had cake. What a day we all had!
klds on 12.14.07 @ 11:58 PM CST [link]

Green for the Holidays...

You can celebrate the season of giving and do your bit to help out Mother Earth at the same time. Here's how. Click link...
klds on 12.14.07 @ 12:38 AM CST [more..]

Happy Birthday Delaney...

"Today is your day to celebrate
your day to be the star
so let the ones you love all cheer
and say how special you are

A year of fun and happiness
is my birthday wish for you
You are someone special
and your birthday should be too!"

Let's all wish Delaney a very Happy Birthday...
She has wanted to go into the hot tub since she got here- she went with her parents last night- she thought it was "hot" but slowly worked her way in- you can't keep her out of the water. She is entertaining everyone with song and dance and stories- later today we will see Santa and sing Happy Birthday!
klds on 12.14.07 @ 12:03 AM CST [link]

Thursday, December 13th

The best present ever...

Well here is my birthday gift- a visit and shared birthday with Laney and the Carroll family. The planned it, kept it quiet and showed up here on December 12 (I was off school) so we can have a big party and celebration. We are baking cookies, going to see Santa, going to see the lights and go on a carriage ride, we are going to see some movies, it should snow, Delaney wants to go in the hot tube and is sleeping in room number 2. She enjoyed looking in every classroom at school 1 and we will see school 2 tomorrow (I am taking a personal day). Then we are taking LOTS of pictures- Delaney took this one so I'm sharing it with the family. I am having so much fun and haven't stopped smiling yet (don't think I will all weekend). What a great birthday!
klds on 12.13.07 @ 05:07 PM CST [link]

Tuesday, December 11th

It's getting nearer...

"From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another
The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other."

klds on 12.11.07 @ 01:43 PM CST [link]

Ice Storm...

Well Kansas City has been hit by an ice storm...and as bad as this might look it really isn't. The temperature went up to 32-33 which kept the really thick ice from hitting. There are only small outages in Kansas City. St. Joseph (where JoAnn lives) has 45,000 out of 55,000 without power. They where at 30 degrees and trees are down everywhere. It is still raining and still a fear for this evening for more ice to form- give me snow any day.
We were off school (though I have a dental van on site and 200 children to get gifts to). So this is winter!

klds on 12.11.07 @ 01:03 PM CST [link]

Friday, December 7th

Remember Pearl Harbor ...

"History - in every century,
records an act that lives forevermore.
We'll recall - as in to line we fall,
the thing that happened on Hawaii's shore.

Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR -
As we go to meet the foe -
Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR
As we did the Alamo.

We will always remember -
how they died for liberty,
Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR
and go on to victory.'

klds on 12.07.07 @ 09:19 AM CST [link]

Hard to believe she's only 8...

Beth Ann talked to Nana today and shared a site with pictures of Alexandria doing her gymnastics- she looks good to me! Her grandmother (LuLu) would be so proud.
klds on 12.07.07 @ 12:36 AM CST [link]

Bathroom redo...

We had the tub replaced with a walk in shower- handicap accessible. Lots more room, looks better- one step at a time.
klds on 12.07.07 @ 12:33 AM CST [link]

Thursday, December 6th

A High School Musical party...

Delaney had her 5th year birthday party last weekend with her friends- with the theme of "High School Musical"- here she is with her cake and outfit- BEAUTIFUL!
klds on 12.06.07 @ 12:48 AM CST [link]

We can use this...

"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one."

klds on 12.06.07 @ 12:46 AM CST [link]

Monday, December 3rd

Like the header

noticed 7 stockings for 7 kids and all have strips but one.......oh well sorry must be the third is the blacksheep??? or who knows....... just an observation.
bailey on 12.03.07 @ 05:46 PM CST [link]

Friend on Bedrest... Need ideas

I just found out that my friend Michelle is on bedrest with her pregnancy (baby not due until Feb., but hoping she'll make it to January at least). I really want to send her something to cheer her up and keep her busy and I was looking for some ideas. I went online and many people talked about how bored they were. I don't know if anyone went through this in our family or not, although I do remember Kay being very sick for a while so maybe you have some good suggestions.

So far I am contemplating the following things to include:

A scrapbooking Magazine & maybe some supplies (I think she told me she scrapbooks)
A soduko book or game book
Hot cocoa
Snacks (chocolate of some sort)
Burning some of my movies
Burning some Christmas music to help put her in the spirit
A pair of nice warm socks
A nice warm, soft blanket or a good pillow
Some lotion or bath stuff to relax
An eye pillow
Paper plates/plasticware so she doesn't have to do dishes

What does everyone think? Any other ideas? I'm not sure what of the above I am going to include yet, although I am trying to keep it inexpensive since I just moved and Christmas is coming. I just want her to know she has a friend who cares and I thought this might be a nice surprise for her. Any ideas or suggestions are welcomed.
Erin on 12.03.07 @ 11:53 AM CST [link]

Saturday, December 1st

World AIDS Day...

World AIDS Day is a day when people from around the world come together within a single effort. The global theme for the World AIDS Day 2007 is partnerships - and the slogan is "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.
klds on 12.01.07 @ 12:21 AM CST [link]

December 2007
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