My Family

After a roller coaster year of family ups and downs, Christmas ended on a positive note. Our families (Petriello/Ancewicz/Morgans) have created a new family tradition! We will celebrate Christmas Eve together just our three families. (Which makes eleven people and eight pets!) We are so glad of the events leading up to Christmas Eve because this was by far the best holiday we have ever had. The 'old man' even played board games..... (wow that was a first.) We have divided up all the other holidays since Nicole and I have 'big girl houses' now! LOL Our parents seemed at peace with our new holiday plans, which makes our families so much happier.
We started the evening with great food, tons of laughs and some cute presents for the Nicole's kids. After the little ones were all nestled on their air mattresses, the grown ups cracked open the wine and board games. We have never laughed that hard! The guys beat us at Buzz Word, but the ladies knew paybacks will come on Christmas Day! My family honored my tradition of not eating meat on Wednesdays by waiting until midnight to eat dinner. We feasted on riceballs, veal saltimbocca, sausage-peppers-onions and antipasto then cheesecakes and Italian pastries. Finally at 2am we fell asleep with dreams of new foods and gifts for the morning.
Christmas morning was like no other, since Nicole's family stayed at mom and dad's we got to see first hand a Christmas Day with the kids. Wow I now Know why Jay and I have just Baxter! The screaming and yelling over their great gifts were deafening. But it was great! As promised we beat the guys during game time and even Baxter had some cool gifts to open.

Holiday Party

Thank you everyone for coming to the Morgans' First Holiday Party. See you next year.

Kelli

Our niece Kelli had her first baton parade last night. We were so excited to be apart of her special night, I even walked in the parade!

Sisters

My sister's blog has a special day once a week to post pictures or events about her favorite things. Today it was about me! Here is Nicole's Tuesday Treasure:

Hey girl it's me I just called to tell you hi

Call me when you get this

Haven't talked lately so hard to find the time

Give the boys a big kiss

Tell them that I miss them

By the way I miss you too
I was thinking just today
About how we used to play
Barbie dolls and make-up
Tea parties dress up
I remember how we'd fight
Then make up and laugh all night
Wish we were kids again
My sister my friend

Oh yeah before I forget I met someone

I think I really like him

I was just wondering if I'm jumping the gun

Like going out on a limb

And invite him home for Christmas

To meet the family

Oh yeah before I forget I met someone
I think I really like him
I was just wondering if I'm jumping the gun
Like going out on a limb
And invite him home for Christmas
To meet the family

Seems like just yesterday
You brought home old what's his name
He had been drinking
What were you thinking
After dinner he passed out
We can laugh about it now
We've learned a lot since then
My sister my friend
Do you think you could come and see me sometime soon
We could just hang out like we used to
It's late and I should go
But I can't hang up the phone
Until I tell you
What I don't tell you enough
Even though at times it seemed
We were more like enemies
I'd do it all again
My sister my friend
My sister my friend

(This was "our song" while she lived in Alabama)

12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree!

What will your True Love give to you this year?

The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven

The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven

by: Jack Prelutsky

The turkey shot out of the oven

and rocketed into the air,

it knocked every plate off the table

and partly demolished a chair.

It ricocheted into a corner

and burst with deafening boom,

then splattered all over the kitchen,

completely obscuring the room.

It stuck to the walls and the windows,

it totally coated the floor,

there was turkey attached to the ceiling,

where there'd never been turkey before.

It blanketed every appliance,

it smeared every saucer and bowl,

there wasn't a way I could stop it,

that turkey was out of control.

I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure,

and thought with chagrin as I mopped,

that I'd never again stuff a turkey

with popcorn that hadn't been popped!

Dear Kim

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, And then I started to become a woman. And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends. One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be. One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' Another, 'Let's fight together, 'Another, 'Let's walk away together.' One friend will meet your spiritual need, Another your shoe fetish, Another your love for movies, Another will be with you in your season of confusion, Another will be your clarifier, Another the wind beneath your wings. But whatever their assignment in your life, On whatever the occasion, On whatever the day, Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself......Those are your best friends. It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several. One from 7th grade, One from high school, Several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, On some days your mother, On some days your neighbor, On others, your sisters, And on some days, your daughters. So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes or 20 years, share this with the women that God has placed in your life to make a difference.

Congratulations Kim on your upcoming marriage, I am so excited to be part of it.

Happy Halloween

This is our first year having trick or treaters!

Our niece and nephews for their Star Wars Halloween!

Life of an Italian Child

If you're not of Italian heritage some of these things may seem a little strange. BUT if you are this is a nice reflection back to the way things used to be... Per tutta la Mia famiglia e gli amici it amo oggi, domani e sempre (To all my family and friends I love you today, tomorrow and always)
40 Things In The Life Of An Italian Child
01. You have at least one relative who wore a black dress every day for an entire year after a funeral.
02. You spent your entire childhood thinking what you ate for lunch was pronounced 'sangwich.'
03. Your family dog understood Italian.
04. Every Sunday afternoon of your childhood was spent visiting your grandparents and extended family.
05. You've experienced the phenomena of 150 people fitting into 50 square feet of yard during a family cookout.
06. You were surprised to discover the FDA recommends you eat three meals a day, not seven. 07. You thought killing the pig each year and having salami, capacollo, pancetta and prosciutto hanging out to dry from your shed ceiling was absolutely normal. (Wow, that's really Italian!)
08. You ate pasta for dinner at least three times a week, and every Sunday, and laughed at the commercial for Wednesday is Prince Spaghetti day.
09. You grew up thinking no fruit or vegetable had a fixed price and that the price of everything was negotiable through haggling.
10. You were as tall as your grandmother by the age of seven.
11. You thought everyone's last name ended in a vowel.
12. You thought nylons were supposed to be worn rolled to the ankles.
13. Your mom's main hobby is cleaning.
14. You were surprised to find out that wine was actually sold in stores.
15. You thought that everyone made their own tomato sauce.
16. You never ate meat on Christmas Eve or any Friday for that matter.
17. You ate your salad after the main course.
18. You thought Catholic was the only religion in the world.
19. You were beaten at least once with a wooden spoon or broom.
20. You thought every meal had to be eaten with a hunk of bread in your hand
21. You can understand Italian but you can't speak it.
22. You have at least one relative who came over on the boat.
23. All of your uncles or great uncles fought in a World War.
24. You have at least six male relatives named; Tony, Frank, Joey, Johnny, or Michael.
25. You have relatives who aren't really your relatives.
26. You have relatives you don't speak to. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!
27. You drank wine before you were a teenager.
28. You relate on some level, (admit it,) to the Godfather and the Sopranos. Forrgetttabbboutit!
29. You grew up in a house with a yard that didn't have one patch of dirt that didn't have a flower or a vegetable growing out of it.
30. Your grandparent's furniture was as comfortable as sitting on plastic. Wait!!!! You were sitting on plastic.
31 You thought that talking loud was normal.
32. You thought sugared almonds and the Tarantella were common at all weddings .
33. You thought everyone got pinched on the cheeks and money stuffed in their pockets by their relatives.
34. Your mother is overly protective of the males in the family no matter what their age.
35. There was a crucifix in every room of the house.
36. Wakes would be held in someone's living room.
37. You couldn't date a boy without getting approval from your father. (Oh, and he had to be Italian)
38. You called all pasta 'macaroni'.
39. You dreaded taking out your lunch at school.
40. Every condition, ailment, misfortune, memory loss and accident was attributed to the fact that you didn't eat something.
CIAO!

Get to Know Me!

20 things you do not know about me Tyrene!

1. I am very cheap - I hate spending money

2. I have a deep belief in my faith

3. I want another tattoo

4. I have very high ethical standards

5. I am very sensitive

6. I am still suffering separation anxiety from moving

7. I wish I could live at home forever

8. I survived cancer

9. House is my new favorite TV show

10. I knew I would marry Jason early on in our relationship

11. I can't have biological children

12. I am grossly underpaid

13. I would love to go back and run the YMCA

14. I secretly wish I could be a body builder

15. I would love to swim on an adult swim team

16. I could be a morning person, if I could work out with Kim before work

17. I love going to school, but I hate deadlines for papers

18. I loved watching Rock of Love on TV

19. I am really excited about decorating for the holidays

20. I could eat dry pasta for every meal - okay most people know that about me

She's Got the Look

1-2-3-4
Walking like a man, hitting like a hammer
She's a juvenile scam, never was a quitter
Tasty like a raindrop, she's got the look
Heavenly bound cos heaven's got a number
When she's spinning me around, kissing is a colour
Her loving is a wild dog, she's got the look

She's got the look (she's got the look)
She's got the look (she's got the look)
What in the world can make a brown-eyed girl turn blue
When everything I'll ever do I'll do for you
And I go la la la la la
She's got the look

Fire in the ice, naked to the T-bone
Is a lover's disguise, banging on the head drum
Shaking like a mad bull, she's got the look
Swaying to the band, moving like a hammer
She's a miracle man, loving is the ocean
Kissing is the wet sand, she's got the look

She's got the look (she's got the look)
She's got the look (she's got the look)
What in the world can make a brown-eyed girl turn blue
When everything I'll ever do I'll do for you
And I go la la la la la
She's got the look

Walking like a man, hitting like a hammer
She's a juvenile scam, never was a quitter
Tasty like a raindrop, she's got the look
And she goes....

Na na na na na......
She's got the look

The song was before my time, but I had the "look" 50 different times! I tried on many dresses before picking out my wedding gown. Here is a very funny look back at some of my favorite dresses. Please laugh with me at "Curtain Call"...

Curtain Call

Wedding Day

Our wedding was held June 7, 2008 at St Patricks Church in PBG with the reception at PGA National afterwards. What a beautiful day, filled with family and friends.

Wedding 6/7/08

Rehearsal Dinner

We had our rehearsal dinner at Raindancer. With the choices of steak or fish, we dinned all night. It was wonderful to have my family and friends celebrating with us.

The Night Before

Bachlorette Party

Nicole and Ashley threw Tyrene a special "Girls Night Out Bachlorette Party" aboard the Palm Beach Princess. We had some funny laughs with Maya's bachlorette babe vail and Nicole and Ashley's naughty straws! We had dinner and hit the slots but our favorite time was on deck with Bar and Band. Our night took us downtown after the boat docked and an old fashioned sleepover ended the night, or the should I say the start of the next day.

Bachlorette Party Photos

How We Got Engaged...

Jason made the perfect proposal on June 22, 2007 while starring at the stars in a Palm Beach Courtyard on Worth Avenue. Jason had been planning the proposal for quite some time and managed to keep his intentions a secret.
Our parents celebrated a special dinner with us the following night at Raindancer in West Palm Beach. After dinner, Tyrene was surprised again to see our family and friends at Gatsby's ready to celebrate our engagement.

Engagement Party Photos

Bridal Shower

Mom and Nicole threw Tyrene the best Bridal Shower! We celebrated Tyrene's upcoming day as a bride at the National Croquet Center. Family and friends were there to celebrate and we even had a croquet shaped cake. (woo hoo....)

Mardi Gras New Year's 2008

Jason and Tyrene celebrated the night away at our friends house. We are looking at many happy new year's together!

How We Met.....

Jason and Tyrene met almost six years ago when Tyrene applied for a hostess position at Gatsby's. After working together for close to two years, Tyrene received a position elsewhere. Jason and Tyrene maintained a friendship for a short while after, but then lost touch. Faith brought us together again in September 2005. We have been together ever since our first date.
Our first date was dinner at Tsunami's restaurant and then over to Palm Beach where we reminisced about the past and decided to start a future dating each other.

New Year's 2007

Jason and Tyrene brought in 2007 with our friends.


The girls having a quite dinner before the New Year's festivities began.