Adventures of Some Essex County Kids

I grew up in Essex County, NJ with my Sisters and a whole host of cousins.  Both my parents came from families of 7, my Mom's side, blended, Dad's side, not.  My Mom's immediate family all lived in Ecuador, but she had a first cousin who she lived with when she first came to the US. We spent almost every weekend with her cousin and her family. We all called my Mom's cousin, "Aunt" since we had no other "Aunt" on my Mom's side.  Her daughter was like a Sister to me and my Sisters.  My cousin and I spent every other weekend being "best cousins"  since my cousin was very diplomatic and split herself between my younger Sister and me.  (she never missed a week!) We would all play together, but she would just favor me one week and my Sister the next.  It was an understood thing and we just went with it. :)
One of the things we used to do as kids was trample around in the woods behind my Cousin's house, (it was more like a mansion)  It was the house my "Uncle" grew up in, complete with secret back stairs for the days of servants and a servant's quarters near the kitchen.  It had 2 fireplaces, a library, baby grand piano, a beautiful staircase, gorgeous velvet chairs, a sun room, basement, attic, complete with amazing train sets, 6 bedrooms, claw bathtubs, 5 bathrooms, a porch, 2 car garage, large driveway around the whole house, dog pen, swimming pool, a perfect sledding hill and those woods.  My cousin called it the "Glen" or the "Brook"  When the weather was nice and the water was not up too high, we would venture out for hours.  Sometimes just the cousins, sometimes the neighborhood kids would tag along.  My cousin's house had back stairs by the old pool that would lead into the "Glen" and that was our entry point.  It was so beautiful and so peaceful. Of course we would be screaming and carrying on, hiking, turning over rocks, daring each other to climb trees that fell across the water, digging for salamanders, hunting for animals, and just having a great adventure.
How I miss those days of reckless abandon.  It was so much fun.  That is probably why, still to this day,  I truly love taking long walks in the woods.  It brings me back to the days I knew well and loved.
Loudly yours.
Alicia

My only photo of the glen. This was taken with a 110 camera in its original state.

Five Question Friday 4/27/12

1. Do you make your kids finish all the food on their plates?

Sometimes yes, and sometimes not. It all depends on what it is.  I personally am hesitant to make them finish,
since I believe that it fostered a need for me to finish everything on my plate when I don't need to if I am full.

2. Do you give an allowance?

No.  I want to.  It's just not something I do just yet. I think I am going to start in the Summer.  I know they should have
some money, but I am lost with how much each of them should get, and whether or not it should be work based or not
and it hurts my head thinking about it, so I just don't.


3. Do you actually park your car in the garage?

No, since I do not have one, but I wish I did.


4. What is one food you will NEVER cook?

Liver


5. Do you have anything exciting planned for the summer?

Our annual trip to Ortley Beach, some day trips, nothing truly exciting....don't remind me. I wish I could tell you that my husband will wisk me away to the Carribean or take me on a Medditeranian Cruise...but alas....it is not so.  Just the Jersey Shore.....blah.
I know there are some people that cannot even afford a vacation and I should be appreciative, but going on vacation with 7 kids....is 
NOT. A. VACATION. Let's just get that clear.  Even when last year, I had hired help to watch the kids, it was still work.  Whatever.  It is not going to last forever, it is giving my kids great memories with
their cousins, it makes for some great stories and great pictures, so it is what it is. BUT...would I love to get away?  Oh yes......far, far away.  Even for a little while....or maybe a couple of weeks even.  A girl can dream, you know...

Thank you for the questions @fivecrookedhalos!
Loudly yours,

Confirmation Day

This past Friday was the Confirmation of my 3rd Son, Nathan.  There were almost 100 young teens confirmed at our Church that evening. 

It was a beautiful Mass and a joy to see all the Sponsors and their Candidates come to receive the Holy Spirit in their lives.

UNCLE DAVE, NATHAN AND AUNT CHRISTINA

 We even had a special visitor come and join us all the way from Alabama!  Uncle David O'Brien, Nathan's God Father was there on his Special day.  We were overjoyed to see him. 

Nathan, Bishop Seratelli, Me and Dan

PROUD GRANDPARENTS

  Towards the end of the Mass, during the meditation, the Adult Choir and I got to sing Leonard Cohen's adaptation by Kelly Mooney.  It was beautiful.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw_VeBXv1H4&feature=share


Loudly yours,


Alicia

Wordless Wednesday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw_VeBXv1H4&feature=youtu.be

Opening Day!

Last week, my youngest two children and I, attended opening day for the Town Little League.  According to our local online newspaper, Patch, there were over 1,000 kids there!  There was food being sold by a local restaurant, snacks at the snack bar, Sparky, the Little League Mascot and people, everywhere.  I am lucky to live in the same town as my Parents and my Sister, so I had family there, too.




It started with the line up of the players, the presentation of the teams, some formalities, the Star Spangled Banner and the like.  It was a fun time for all!
Loudly yours,
Alicia

Five Question Friday 4/20/12

1. Groceries are high right now what is easiest way you have found to cut back?

That is a tough question…we usually only spend $300 on a family of 8. It is tough to cut back much more than that.

2. What are the top 3 things on your “bucket list”?

Visit Galapagos, Sing on Broadway, visit Italy and Europe

3. Would you rather give up AC or heat?
 
A/C. I hate being cold.

4. What’s your favorite cocktail??

Sangria, hands down. Fruity, juicy, yummy! Making some for our party tomorrow to celebrate my 3rd Son’s Confirmation!

5. What was your first job & how old were you?

My first volunteer job was a Candy Striper and I was 15. My first real job was behind the counter at
Meyers Bakery (where I feel in love with the owner’s Son and got fired) He was so cute!!


Questions for Friday, April 13th: (Special thanks to Tyler (@TylerH2102) from Just Another Day in OUR Paradise, Amy (@amy_mcmommy) from Mac or Cheesy, Pam (@trooppetrie) from Troop Petrie, Anna (@annacdaisy) from Single Mommy Chronicles, and Erin (@emenchho1) from The Life and Times of E1 for their question suggestions! I would love to link you in a future 5QF, so come on over to mycommunity or watch for my Thursday afternoon shout out for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos me and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

Spring Break to Great Wolf Lodge

This is our 3rd year at the Great Wolf Lodge.  We love it there for many reasons.  One is that we feel safe, we mostly all have fun, and it is sand, bug and sunblock free.

My kids LOVE the beach.  Not just a little, but a whole bunch.  They love it so much that they talk about it all year long.  When they are not at the beach, they are usually talking about it. One of my pet peeves of going to the beach is sand sticking to me, the time it takes to put AND keep the sunblock on and all the planning it takes to get to the beach with the kids.  GWL allows me to have the fun without all the fuss.

This past year, they added a mini bowling alley.  It was a lot of fun.  It did carry a $5 fee per bowler, but it was worth the price.  I wish I had taken pictures there, but my phone died.  That will have to wait for next year.  (I also realized that I missed taking pictures of my 5th child, so I will include one from our other Spring Break location, Jockey Hollow....just to be fair.)

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday, First Born Son!

Primero is the Spanish word for "First".  Today is the birthday of my Fist-Born Son, Gavin Michael Bozza.  Born in the evening at Morristown Memorial Hospital at 10:52 by my favorite OBGYN, ever. Dr. Judy Banks.

I was so tired of being pregnant, but scared to death of what childbirth was going to be.  I had been in labor for most of the morning after I saw Dr. Banks and she told me to head to the hospital as today was going to be the big day.

So, what did I do? Went home, shaved my legs as best as I could, had my Mom french braid my hair, so it wouldn't be in the way, and rocked in the rocking chair until Daniel got home.
By the time we got to the hospital, Dr. Judy was perplexed when it took so long for me to show up!  She thought I was going to go straight to the hospital!  I had no intention of going without the Father of the baby!!  

Well, after all was resolved, we got ready to have the baby.

About 4 hours, and an hour of pushing, out popped Gavin.  Looked just like his Daddy!  We were so happy he arrived.  We did not know what we were having, but my Mom (who could not wait) found out what he was before he was born...of course my family had a blast teasing me before he came!!

We had a lot of visitors, first of which was my Sister Joanne, who I tried to kick out of the room since I did not know if she was allowed...poor thing.

My parents came and my other Sister, Sallie, whose Birthday it was, too!  For her birthday, I made her the God Mother and gave her her first nephew, ever.  She was in the middle of her 17th birthday party and had to leave it early to come to the hospital.  We were all so excited!

One of the things I missed most was chocolate and I was so glad to have some, since I got nauseous when I ate it. My good friend, Danielle, made me a whole plate full of brownies, which I devoured (not all of them, of course) and had to pay for it later when poor little Gavin got it all in his breast milk.. Did not sleep a wink that night.  I felt so bad for my roommate, that I dragged the bassinet into the bathroom to try to cover up the noise! Ugh! I was so young back then!  I should have sent him back to the nursery, but I wanted my baby with me so badly, I would not even consider it.  In hindsight, some sleep would have been beneficial.  Ah...20/20 hindsight.

As he grew up, he proved to be quite the intelligent little chap.  He spoke at 10 months old, read at 3, memorized EVERYTHING...especially Disney movies.  We knew he had a special talent and we were right.  My favorite story was the time when he was 3, just a little thing, and we approached the Children's Librarian and I told her that Gavin could read.  She looked at me with disdain and I said, "Go ahead, pick any book!"  She promptly marched over to the book shelf, picked a book up and handed it to Gavin.  Well, he picked up the book and without hesitation, read the whole thing out loud!  She was so astonished, she took Gavin by the hand and marched him around, showing any co-workers she could find.  That was a proud moment for me as a Mom.  

Today, I am a proud Mom of a Missionary, whose Son, uses his talent for the Glory of God, spreading the love of Jesus anywhere they let him.

I can't believe 21 years has passed so quickly!  Happy Birthday, to my First Born, Gavin Michael Bozza! Love, Mom.

 
Loudly yours,
Alicia

A free pass

Today is the Feast of the Divine Mercy.  

It is the day that a certain group of Catholics (like me) believe that today is the Day that a complete mercy can be granted forgiving all of our sins without repercussion. 

I know that might sound funny to some, but as a Catholic, you are taught that our sins can be forgiven, but must be paid for in some kind of Purgatory until we have made up for our sins.  

Jesus grants us our way into Heaven, but there must be a consequence for the times we have sinned.  

On Divine Mercy Sunday, we are promised if we are to follow the guidelines that were given to St. Faustina through Jesus, we will be granted total forgiveness for any sins we have committed through the Mercy of Jesus.  

As a Catholic, I am given great comfort by this gift of Mercy bestowed on us for a few small inconveniences.  You can see the guidelines here if you are interested in knowing more, but as for me, I will never say no to a free pass into Heaven.  

"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, Have Mercy on Us and on the Whole World"....

 

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Spring Break Day Trip to Jockey Hollow

This Spring Break, I was fortunate enough to have my Hubby home from work for the whole week.  Having this luxury gave our family the chance to spend more time together and take several trips in the local area.   One of the places we chose was Jockey Hollow in Morristown, NJ. A historical place that housed the troops of George Washington from 1779 to 1780.  It is a vast area, full of trails, soldier hut replicas, knotty trees, brush and many other interesting things.  There is something so very peaceful about the woods...even with a bunch of kids running around.  I just love to get re-energized walking through it. There is something so special to me, being in the woods. (Just don't ask me to sleep there overnight.)
We met with my Sister and her 3 boys, headed over to the Hollow.
First, we drove through the woods, for what seemed like forever and decided to park near the soldier huts.  We checked it out;

then we decided to hike one of the trails.  We really made our own trail starting at the yellow trail by the soldier's huts and cutting into the blue trail to keep it just long enough with the kids.

They had a tendency to run ahead of us parents.

Sometimes we would catch up with them, but they were always in our sight.
It was fun looking at the crooked trees and the budding trees at the beginning of Spring.
We had a lot of fun hiking through the woods and finding the intricacy of the paths as we walked along.
On our chosen path, there was even a brook, babbling alongside us as we walked.
My favorite.
There was even a bridge for the perfect photo op...
It was fun to watch the kids interact with each other and enjoy the fresh air of the woods.
At the end of our trail, everyone was ready for a snack and to head back home. The perfect day trip on our Spring Break!
Loudly yours,

Five Question Friday 4/13/12

1. Who mows your grass?

My Son, Nathan or my Husband, Dan.  I take care of the gardening, which can be a pill, but 15 minutes a day usually does the trick!

2. Do you have a picture wall or picture gallery in your house (show us! <— my addition to the question)?

I do have a gallery but not all hanging on the wall, some are in bookcases, some on shelves, some on the wall.

3. What book has influenced your thinking the most? Or, what blog? (I want to read what gets people thinking!)

The Bible, mostly as well as Think and Grow Rich and Ask and it is given by Esther Hicks

4. Do you have allergies? If so, how do you handle it this time of year?

I have gluten allergies and I have been doing really well with it.  I just have to find the hidden gluten and I am on that!

5. What’s your go to meal to cook in an hurry?

Rotisserie Chicken.

 

Questions for Friday, April 13th: (Special thanks to Pam (@trooppetrie) from Troop Petrie, Sandy (@PardonMyDust) from Pardon My Dust, Anna (@annacdaisy) from Single Mommy Chronicles, Erin (@emenchho1) from The Life and Times of E1, and Gas Family (@Gasfamily) from The Gas Familyfor their question suggestions! I would love to link you in a future 5QF, so come on over to my community or watch for my Thursday afternoon shout out for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos me and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

Wordless Wednesday 4/11/12

Truthful Tuesday 4-10-12

"You are my Sport Boy!" I exclaimed to my youngest Son, yesterday on the stairs.  "What's the big deal?" exclaimed my soon to be 16 yr old Son.  "It is a big deal because your Dad and I are not "sports" and most of you kids are what Dad and I are, "music people"! "  

I am not a fan of labeling children, but in a household FULL of music, a sports oriented kid is very different for our brood.  Every single day, there is some kind of music performed in our house.  (We even have lovely neighbors who ask when the next "concert" is going to be, as they enjoy the music flowing freely into the street through the boy's bedroom windows.)

In the past,  we have encouraged the kids to try sports of many different kinds, but for the most part, they played and retreated back to their strong suits; music.  

I must admit, since it is Truthful Tuesday, that I have indulged in excluding the hectic schedules that sports bring by not pushing the kids to pursue sports for many years.....BUT my youngest Son has the energy, the ability and the potential to do well and I am going to encourage him from time to time by calling him my "sport boy". (Not that I am boxing him in that category, have no fear.  He is my best singer in the Cherubs choir, mind you!)

I know labeling is not the typical way to "mother" but it is just my way of encouraging and making him feel special.  Music is foremost in my house, automatically encouraged and something I can be an example for.  Besides running and kettle bells, there is not much I personally do to be a sport example. (I leave that to my Dad and my Sisters) 

Now that most of my 7 kids are grown, I have the ability to get away to his games and focus on the process of learning and nurturing the sport.  I don't have to worry as much about several younger kids running around and what to do with them while the game is going on.  I can take the time to learn how the game is played and spend time with my youngest Son.  I am happy to oblige and encourage him in his love of baseball.  

I must admit, in an attempt to even it out, I also have a "sport girl" in the house.  My baby girl.  I will encourage her, too and learn the sport for her as well.  It will be a fun journey for all of us, musics and sports alike.

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Easter glory....Passover peace...

This morning's beauty is brought to us by God, both in the celebration of Easter and the miracle of Passover.  God's blessings on us all....

Good Friday

How do I express gratefulness to my Savior, who died on the cross to take away my sins? I do not believe there is anything so great that I could do to equate the great love shown by His sacrifice.  In the spirit of the little drummer boy, I offer this movie,  its author unknown. I first heard it sung by Mary Welch Rogers, from the Atlanta, Georgia area through my very good friend, Natalie, who used to attend church with Mary.  Natalie brought it to church about 14 years ago for me to sing it at the Living Stations of the Cross. I have been singing it every year ever since.  It is a truly moving song, that brings most to tears.  I am honored to share it every year and with you, here, today.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFyKvm8ZK8U]

Gluten free update!

I am happy to tell you that my gluten free quest has been great all around! I have lost about 6 pounds quite effortlessly and have had the most clear skin I have seen in ages.  I have been sleeping great and not a second of stomach pain or gas!  I love it!!

 I even found some recipes from a great site called Gluten Free Cooking School that has some great insight and great recipes that are quick.  Here are some of my favorites:

You are here: Home / Recipes for Bread & Baked Goods / Gluten Free Bread – 30 Minute Flatbread

Gluten Free Bread – 30 Minute Flatbread

January 4, 2010 By Mary Frances

Sometimes life does not leave time to bake a loaf of bread. Even with a bread machine there have been months during that past year in which I could not convince myself to bake a loaf of homemade gluten free bread. That’s pretty bad when you consider that the recipe is fairly simple and quick. I’m forgiving myself though, since I’ve technically had a “bun in the oven” for 14 of the last 17 months.
For more easy gluten free recipes like this one, make sure to check out my ebook, The Gluten Free Survival Guide. I put all of my favorite GF recipes in there, including sandwich bread, pancakes, waffles, tortillas, pizza and more. I know your family will enjoy the recipes as much as mine does!
Since our family cannot live without gluten free bread, we’ve been surviving on my gluten free flatbread recipe. We’ve been making this for years, but I hadn’t posted it before because it was based off of Kate’s gluten free wrap recipe. However, over the years my lack of willingness to buy tapioca flour, read cooking instructions, or buy $6 of yeast every week has made this recipe into something I consider my own. After finally stumbling on the secret to making this gluten free bread without yeast – I literally stumbled and spilled all of the yeast – this recipe is finally ready for public consumption.
When the bread has finished baking, cut each square into 4 pieces. Then use the the pieces to make sandwiches – we’ve had everything from grilled cheese, to vegan BLTs, to Reubens, to PBJ’s. It’s not as fast as grabbing gluten free bread out of the freezer, but it tastes SO MUCH BETTER!

Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe
1 c. brown rice flour
1/2 c. corn starch
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. xanthan gum
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. water
1 tsp cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. canola
2 eggs (or flax eggs)
1. Mix all dry ingredients in medium size bowl.
2. Add wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.
3. Grease two 8 in. square baking pans and dust with brown rice flour.
4. Spread half of batter evenly into each pan. Use the back of a wet spoon if the dough is sticky.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 15 minutes, or until bread pulls away from the sides of the pans.
Substitution Notes: Tapioca starch or potato starch can be substituted for the corn starch. Flax eggs are 1 Tbsp ground flax seed + 3 Tbsp. water. I haven’t tried egg replacer since I generally have flax seed on hand.

Here is another!  Did you know that Rice Crispies are NOT gluten free?  In the beginning of my gluten free quest, I started eating Rice Crispy Treats to help alleviate any cravings I might have and did not initially lose much weight at all. Now I know why. 

For Midnight Snacking: Rice Chex Treats

October 8, 2008 By Mary Frances

What do you get when you cross Rice Krispies Treats with Rice Chex? A gluten free snack that is even better than the original!
I made Rice Chex Treats when we were visiting my parents over Labor Day. My dad wanted to make Rice Krispies Treats for David . . . and then remembered that Rice Krispies are not gluten free. Luckly the small town grocery store stocked the new Gluten Free Rice Chex cereal and we decided to try that as a substitute.
Were we ever surprised!  Not only did the Rice Chex Treats tast just like Rice Krispies Treats, they were easier to eat.  Do you remember how Rice Krispies Treats can get hard after they sit a while? So that you almost break your teach trying to bite throught them? The shape of the Rice Chex cereal makes it impossible to packthem into  a tight layer so the treats never  get as hard as Rice Krispies Treats. Even after they sit on the counter all day, you can cut a square and bite into without any difficulty.
P.S. I made this photo sometime around midnight last night while in the midst of a most trying tax calculation. The photo didn’t turn out well….and John said that I should be embarrassed to post it. So we’ll be making another batch this weekend and try to make these Treats look as yummy as they really are.
Rice Chex Krispies
Ingredients:
1 stick butter
1 package (10 oz.) miniature marshmallows*
6 cups Rice Chex
Directions:
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium low heat.
2. Add the marshmallows and stir frequently until they have melted.
3. Add the Rice Chex and stir until all of the Chex are throughly coated.
4. Spread the Rice Chex mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and set aside to cool.
5. To serve, cut into squares or just let everybody grab a handful.
*make sure the marshmallows are gluten free

THE ONLY THING I ADDED WAS VANILLA AND SALT TO TASTE....MY KIDS WERE ALL OVER THEM!!

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Wordless Wednesday 4/3/12

Just another day in Mt Tabor

As I have stated many times before, I live in a very special town with very talented people.

This past Sunday, we had a blast calling in all the resident zombie wanna bees together for a little film by our neighbor, Tom.

To us, he is just Tom, but to the anime and Pokemon kingdoms, he is something equivalent to a god.

Tom has a convention this weekend and wanted to give his fans a special treat, so a call went out to many of the neighbors for zombie stars.

They came.







They staggered.

They were slaughtered.

Hank; Zombie killer

Thanks to the efforts of the Zombie warrior Wayland family, Mt Tabor is one again safe.

Thanks, guys.

Loudly yours,

Alicia