A Family Affair!

Our beautiful daughter Kathy, husband Brian, grandson Mike, grand-daughters Hannah and Sophia.

Baby gator about 2 years old...

Airboats, Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours.

Busy otter eating some type of fish!

Grand-daughter Hannah and I shared my camera for a while. We were both fascinated by these giant grasshoppers. 
They put on quite a show and seemed to love the camera. I do believe they are called lubber grasshoppers and are about three inches long.

I only have eyes for you!!!

Ugh!

Follow me!

Hold on!

Room with a view...

Amazing creatures!

Hannah took this shot! Great photo Hannah!!! 

This sweet little deer followed us on the swamp buggy part of the tour! A great deal of history in this area.

Florida, Everglades...Mother Nature at her finest...

Smallest post office in the United States, Ochopee, Florida!

Grandson Michael holding his catch, a Speckled Trout. We enjoyed a fishing charter earlier in the week, in Matlacha, Florida. The entire family went and everyone caught a fish except Grandma. She was too busy capturing photos!

Captain Rick giving fish cleaning instructions! PaPa cooked Mike's catch on the grill for dinner! Yum!

An old boat resting peacefully on shore. Mangrove accessorized the shoreline for miles, creating a great place for several species to migrate. Snook and redfish were spotted but not interested in our bait. 

School vacation, always a great time for everyone! We enjoyed a fishing charter earlier in the week. The day started off very cool for southern Florida. Sweatshirts and towels to keep us warm. Down to bathing suits by 2PM, however. No one wanted the day to end so we stayed an additional two hours. Bladders extended we returned to dock about 4PM. What a relief!!! Lots of laughs and a great family event. We later enjoyed our catch on the grill. 
Wooten's, located in the Everglades, was a new experience for all of us. Alligators and North American Crocodile, reign supreme throughout the area. The family really enjoyed the airboat ride. The swamp buggy ride was narrated by Shelley Wooten, grand-daughter of the original founder. She was very informative and captured everyone's attention. 
We later dined in Everglade City. 
What a week! So blessed to have our beautiful family with us. They return to Massachusetts on Tuesday. 
Hopefully, with fond and lasting memories! 

Gingerbread Tradition!!!

The Crew!!! From left to right, Sophie, Mike, Mike's girlfriend Brooke, my daughter Kathy, Hannah Rose

The Village...Sooooo Sweet.........

Hannah Rose made this one...

Gingerbread Row

About ten years ago now, my retired teacher friend Mary, asked me to help her with a gingerbread house project. She would be hosting the event at the Boys Club in Fall River, MA. About ninety children showed up that day and a great and busy time was had by all. Several more volunteers helped as well. Mary had been saving and rinsing empty milk cartons from the school lunch program for several weeks.
Lots of sticky fingers with many a lick to clean them off afterwards. 
Mary suggested that this would be a great project to do with my own grandchildren.
She graciously gave me the leftover candy, crackers and candy. I would just need to buy more frosting. Try the dollar store, she suggested. They are much cheaper there. Later I learned that this gracious lady had paid for the entire project herself. Teachers! Our Unsung Heroes!!!
 Little did I know then that this would become part of our Family Christmas  Tradition.
To my surprise the kids asked if we could make them again this year!
I really thought I would get that eye roller glare from the little darlings, if I had suggested the project once again.
Maybe they are just getting to old, I pondered.
Mike's girlfriend Brooke joined in this year.
This event is usually a Grandma exclusive. No friends allowed, at the children's request!
Daughter Kathy joined us as well. Yeah!!! 
A Sweet Christmas Blessing!!! 
Start your own tradition with your little or big ones.
Very easy and loads of fun!

You will need:
 paper plates
 small milk or juice cartons (square works best) save or drink contents
 canned white frosting (try the dollar store)
  box of graham crackers
  Christmas candy any variety
 candy sprinkles
 Christmas Peeps, etc. etc. etc.
 plastic butter knives work best,
 keep an eye on the little ones, little fingers work too

Spread a dollop of frosting on the bottom of a carton, press firmly to a paper plate. 
Carefully break graham crackers into squares for the main body of the house.
Spread with frosting and press firmly on all 4 carton sides. 
Press two more squares at the peak of the carton forming a roof. 
You may want to staple the opening of the roof closed first.
Let the edges of the roof hang over the main body. 
Fill in the peaks of the roof with pieces of graham cracker or a large dollop of frosting.
Let the fun begin!
Spread extra frosting around the house and let your imagination run amuck. 
There is no right or wrong way!
Each is unique, take lots of photos. 
They are fun to see year after year.
Feeling the joy!!!

Now all I have to do is clean the frosting off of my camera!!! YIKES!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Mama Turns 90!!!

My mom turned 90 years old on Sunday, December 1, 2013. She was born on that date in 1923. She owes her longevity to her daily glass of wine!!!

Just a bit surprised when she discovers who traveled a long way to attend her party!!! My husband and I flew up from Florida to Massachusetts to enjoy this great event! She did not know we would be there!

Ninety is looking pretty darn good! She is still so beautiful inside and out!!! She still cooks up a storm!!!

Mom arrived in this beautiful car along with her sisters!

Cell phone anyone!!! Queen for a Day, was photographed many times over during the evening!!!
I just love this photo!

Mom clowning around with her three younger sisters. She has been telling me for several months now that she was turning 90. She has lived the longest out of all of her family! She is sibling  number 11, coming from of a family of 14. You go Mama!

Mom pictured with all of her grand-daughters and great-grand-daughters!
Do you think she likes being the center of attention???

Testing the cake with great-grand-daughter Charlotte. Charlotte's mom Kristen made the beautiful cake!

She danced the night away!

Grand-daughter Kristen and her daughter Charlotte. Kristen planned the event with her mom Terry. Together they created an incredible event! The decorations were outstanding! Fond memories for many years to come!

Three of mom's best friends, Sophie, Helen (my mother-in-law) and Dottie. Dottie lower right is 94! WOW!!! 
Also pictured is Aunty Edna in the far background, also 94.

My two beautiful grand-daughters, Sophia and Hannah, dressed for the occasion!
The theme for the party, "The Roaring Twenties".

Cousin Ricky dressed for the event. Looks like he could be the mayor of New Bedford!!!

Cousin Patty also dressed for the event! So beautiful!!!

Our beautiful Mom turned 90 last Sunday! It was a surprise event and over the top beautiful. Mom arrived in style, chauffeur and all. She was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw how many guests had attended in her honor.
After the meal guests were asked to tell a funny story about mom! There were many! She is a character and says whatever is on her mind! For the most part she gets away with it! She was also presented with the book that I wrote, The Promise of a Better Life. The story of her family and the legacy that they have left behind. 
She danced the night away! 
Crying, laughing and screaming that she was, Queen for a Day! 
My beautiful mom! We are so blessed to have her! 
She has taught us the true meaning of love and family. 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!!!!!!!

My New Book "The Promise Of A Better Life"

The Promise Of A Better Life by Rosemary Aubut | Make Your Own Book

After two years of research, interviews, visiting Ellis Island and along with the help and cooperation of family members, "The Promise Of A better Life" has come to fruition. As many of my blogging friends know I haven't been posting too often lately. It seems as though I get focused on a project and everything else goes by the wayside! This includes housework, etc., etc. Pretty sure I got my priorities straight, though. 

My mom turns 90 in a few short weeks and I will gift her a book consisting of our family's history, folklore and memoirs. Stories I have heard since my early childhood put into writing! 

We have solved some mysteries, discovered new details and most importantly this journey has  brought us closer together as a family. Many blessings have been acknowledged along the way. 

You can preview the first 15 out of the 108 pages in the book. Don't forget to view it full screen by clicking on the square icon located on the bottom right. 

This has been a labor of love, and I must say that it makes me very proud to honor and recognize those who have gone before us!

Enjoy!

Me & My Cousins! Happy Easter!!!

Easter Sunday, circa 1953, say Cheese...
An innocent time when our only thoughts were that of the Easter Bunny and what gifts he would bestow upon us. Scrubbed clean, new socks, patent leather shoes, underwear and always a new dress, it was Easter Sunday, after all.  Yes, I got the new coat being the oldest and my sister Barbara (front center, screaming) would get my hand-me-downs, a year later. Straw hats and bags would surely accessorize the outfit.
After church, a visit to grandma's where cousins met and played for hours. Consuming, comparing and exchanging candy of all shapes and sizes! 
Excitement and the sweet smell of chocolate filled the air. Headless and sometimes earless bunnies stood stoic, waiting their turn for further attention and or consumption. Pink, green, lilac and yellow foil wrappers strewn about, grass filler everywhere. 
Eventually an adult would surface to control the chaos. Giggles, hushed for a few brief moments. Cleanup imminent! 
Some sixty years later we are all still alive and doing well! We remain friends and have the comfort of knowing that we are there for each other, although separated by hundreds of miles! 
My sister Barbara, front center, myself in the middle with the big head, cousin Carol, pictured left, cousin Jimmy, back left, cousin Ricky, back right, cousin Nancy Paula, outer right and cousin Susie, middle right! 
Happy Easter Guys! Love you all!
Happy Easter to each and everyone of you, as well! 
Have a wonderful day!

Family!

Family

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."~Jane Howard~ 

Just a sweet little photo today to remind us of how really important family is! 

Have a wonderful and happy day!

Goodbye Christmas...Hello New Year!

As I say goodbye to yet another Christmas, I look forward to the new year with great anticipation!
I think of all the people and comforts of life that I am grateful for. When I think of Christmas past and all the things I thought I wanted or needed, I quickly realize the True Spirit of Christmas. Yes we have all heard this before but if you are still on the edge, know that it is the family and friends that surround you that make it all worth while. Trinkets and toys come and go but the people who love you are the gifts you want to cherish, the gifts you never want to return. 
Our family has lost a hero this year, my father in law passed in February! Somehow Christmas will never be the same, yet his message of love and kindness lives on in each and everyone of us that knew him. 
For sure I know, that for me, my hubby, children, grand-babies, family and friends are my treasured and most precious gifts! They are gifts that keep on giving. New beginnings are in the air, I embrace each blessing and challenge that comes my way! In the New Year, grant me the gratitude to realize, the tolerance to endure, the patience to wait, the acceptance to understand, please sprinkle them all with a dose of love and peace, may the world become a kinder place!

Below are a few quotes that I have recently found, I hope you enjoy them as well: 

"Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing." 
~Denis Waitley~ 

"Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved." 
~William Jennings Bryan~ 

"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction."
~George Lorimer~ 


"Press on. Obstacles are seldom the same size tomorrow as they are today."
~Robert H. Schuller~ 

"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery~ 

"There is nothing in your destiny, nothing in your future that you cannot accomplish." 
~Larry King~


"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything."
~Mark Twain

My Four Day Whirlwind!

Why a whirlwind you ask? For those of you who follow my antics I will try to explain my absence and lack of commenting to my fellow bloggers! I flew up to Massachusetts for another event and a bonus birthday for my Mom ensued!

Surprise!!!
 My sister Terry called earlier in the week announcing she would have a surprise birthday party for mom who would be turning 89 on Saturday the first of December! Although in good health why wait until mom turns 90! We will just have to do it again next year she explained! Perfect, I would be there and help in any way that I could. Needless to say, in family tradition, there was enough food to feed an army! Sister Barbara would bring the cake and candles! About 50 people attended, including mom's six children, 10 of her 13 grand-children and four great grand-children. Friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and 2 of her 3 sisters also attended.

Mom was so happy and commented several times that her whole family was there. Not quite 89 candles but a beautiful display for a beautiful lady!

Mom with her friend Dotty who recently turned 94. 

Can you believe it???

 

Anniversary Flowers and Bridal Guest Registry above...

My daughter Kathy and her husband Brian celebrated their 20th anniversary earlier that week! An added bonus, magnifying all the festivities! 

Later that evening I helped my grandson Mike with an art project, which I will post about later this week. 

Monday was a bit more quiet, however, I had to start my day with a court date, disputing a ticket that I had acquired earlier in August while driving in Massachusetts. With sweaty palms and a bruised ego I was vindicated because of my good driving record! Not without a difficult time from the magistrate who decided to grill me for 20 minutes! Wow keeping my mouth shut, only answering his questions without a lot of explanation wasn't easy for me. My daughter was present and could not say a word, equally difficult for her! Enough about that though! 

I am a free woman! My friends will tease me forever! 

A lesson in humility, for sure! 

Some retail therapy and a great lunch with both of my children was later enjoyed! Kathy and I picked Sophie up from school and we headed home! Spent some great time with the kids, Sophie painted my nails blue and added some sparkly beads to one fingernail! Not my choice of color but we both loved the time it took to complete. She is such a hoot!

I was driven to the airport early on Tuesday morning by two of my great friends, Susie and Mary. We laughed all the way and I was so grateful that the normal one hour drive to Boston had turned into two because of traffic. I had so little time to spend with so many people that I care about!

Well folks there you have it and I am still recovering! Hubby picked me up at the airport here in Florida and it was great to see him! I missed him so!!! 

Have a great week everyone!

A Perfect 10!

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Fort Myers Pier
"To have special friends is a blessing but to have family as friends a special blessing!"~Rosemary Aubut~
We spent a glorious day at Fort Myers Beach, Florida yesterday. We arrived at noon and left at 10PM. The weather could not have been more perfect and the Gulf beautiful and serene. We were joined by our daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren. Gloria and Mike, my husband's sister and her husband were an additional and delightful bonus.
Four of our dear friends joined us later for dinner at a beach side restaurant.
Really! How good does it get!!!???
A band was performing in Time Square and people dancing in the streets.
No distinct sunset to photograph, cloudy, warm and humid as the evening matured, a small price to pay for wonderful memories!

Promise of a Better Life!

Gloria & Alice
Who are these two adorable little girls? The one on the left is my mom Gloria and on the right her sister Alice. My guess is that mom is around four and Alice about two years of age. I have always adored this photo and it has really got me to thinking about all the family stories I have heard over the years. Stories that will be certainly lost if someone doesn't write them down! 
Our family can not trace back to the Mayflower as I am only third generation here but their story is my legacy and that of my children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and anyone who knew them. One of courage, love, sadness and triumph. Stories and photographs I wish to tell and share with the help of any relative or family friend who would be willing to record them and get involved. Do you feel another book coming???
Since I cherish these stories and old photos what better place to start than with my mom's side of the family. Why that side first you ask? Well I have the most available information and my mom is still alive at the age of 88 as well as her three sisters to help me along. Women in the family always seem to recall the almost forgotten details far better than their male counterparts. 
I will create another BLOG for the family journey but will share it with all of you from time to time here on this site. A link will be created from this BLOG so that if you wish to click on over to visit the family site you may do so. I will continue to write and share general information, inspiration and photographs on this blog. I am very excited about this journey and hope my family is also and somehow I just know they are!!! Restoring old photos has become a new hobby. Just love it!!!

Things I Will Miss!

Until We Meet Again
Is there anything dearer to a mother's heart than to celebrate round the dinner table with all of her family? Last night along with the newlyweds, we feasted on lobster, clam boil and stuffed quahogs.  
All New England style of course! No bibs in place we all wore a little bit of our dinner. The sounds of lobster being cracked, music to my ears. Simply can't watch them going for a steam bath though, just feel their pain. Seem to get over it when dipping that first chunk in melted butter, however!
Why the celebration? We are heading south tomorrow! Our journey will take about three days with no specific itinerary in place. We stop when Will is tired. My guess would be somewhere in Virginia on the first night. The second night around Savannah, GA. On to Fort Myers, Fl, on the third day. No little side trips planned this year. Think we have had all the excitement we can possibly handle for a while. 
The wedding such a beautiful highlight of our summer!
I will miss my children most, they have such busy lives and we were so glad to care for our grandchildren this summer. They have grown so big and are needing us less and less. 
I guess independence is what we strive for in our children and they are all doing so well.
 So it's time for old Mother Goose and PAPA, job well done, to hit the road once again!!! 
I have spent most of the week saying goodbye to extended family and friends and having coffee with a couple later this morning. 
Goodbye dear family and friends we love you all! 
Until we meet again!