Oh what joy...

Brian and Tiffany are having a boy! They stopped over about an hour ago and could not be more thrilled. I think they like the name Cole. I forgot to ask! Happy New Year everyone. Please be safe tonight.

Updated post with pics of my new little nephew. The name Cole is (in fact) the front runner. Enjoy.

Christmas

Wow! What a week. A whirlwind, really.. but overall a really good time full of family and memories and magic and love. Forgive me, but I'm feeling a bit mushy right now. Dropping Joshua off at the airport has made me a touch emotional. I miss him already. :o(

Let's see, where to begin. Lots of post and pictures below.

I came home last Friday and SURPRISE. A dog. Again. Of course it was not really a surprise, I knew it was bound to happen. My husband has brought home strays since childhood and I don't think that behavior will ever be outgrown. Of course, I fall in love (not instantly) with this gorgeous puppy, who reminds me of a childhood dog of my own. She is a German Shepherd, 3 months old, pretty darn obedient (except when the cat's around), and pretty much potty trained. A coworker of Matt's found her fighting with another dog and so she has a small wound in her foot. The coworker kept the dog for three days and had her checked for a chip but did not want to turn her over to animal services. When nobody claimed her, he sent an email and that is how we come to have a puppy. Matt asked me immediately after getting this email and I told him I was not in favor of a puppy, now. Additionally, I found a friend who was interested. What can I say. Here we go again. She really is very good. When we're home and she's not trying to play with the cat. Libby doesn't much like getting licked either...she thinks it's "nasty".

We picked Joshua up last Sunday and he was gorgeous as ever. I was so exited to see him, but when we woke up we found a little flooding in the laundry room and computer room. We found a foot and a half of water in the crawlspace. Not one, but two of our sump pumps went. I found Josh a little sad because he felt guilty that he was here and Dani was alone. I hope I can get them both here, maybe next year>>>??? I think Josh had a good time anyways... he saw his family and his friends and went to a few movies, out to play pool, and video games with his brothers galore. It was just like old times with all the wires exploding from multiple televisions in the basement. Brothers yelling at eachother and urging them on within the same five minutes. The nights were later than we would have allowed (one night until 3am) but heck, it's vacation right?

On Christmas Eve, we went to Sears for a family picture with all of my children. The boys were less than thrilled, but it was "all I wanted for Christmas" and so they complied. I was not really happy with Libby's Christmas pictures from there last year, but a friend at work recently had a family portrait done that was adorable- plus their local- so I thought I'd give it a shot. I wish I could say they came out fabulous, but alas...they did not. Either someone's hair was in their eyes, or they weren't smiling or looking. I liked their individual shots, and I liked the boys in one pose, but Libby is not looking at the camera. One is hilarious...Jacob literally has "crazy eyes" and looks like Charlie Manson. I had to buy a page of those just to show people! I'll scan and post when I get them. I'm not sure how many I'm going to get. I was pretty frustrated when ordering so it was very minimal.

After pictures, we went to Gina's and everything started out really well. The kids were thrilled about being able to finally open presents, the adults were laughing and having such fun. Dinner was phenomenal... the prime rib was mooing, and Gina made these stuffed chicked breasts that were delicious! Libby was not hungry, she said her "tummy hurt" which usually means I don't want dinner but I'll have some of those cookies over there. Not so here. She ended up throwing up as everyone was finishing dinner. Mostly on Matt. Matt thought it best to take her home then and there, but me (and all my wisdom) - I chalked it up to her eating too much junk and thought since she looked better, she'd be okay. No more junkfood. Matt went home to shower and change and I bathed Libby at my sisters and put her pjs on. So in the middle of opening Uncle Rod's horsey (which washed beautifully) she threw up again. Mostly on Matt...again. a little on the carpet. Gina recommends Oreck pet stain remover, it really did lift the spot on the carpet. Needless to say, Matt was right. We left and did not even see Mom and Larry opening their gifts (parents presents are usually collective from the kids on my side). Libby was asleep in the car I think before she was completely buckled in. She did get to sing "Happy Birthday to Jesus" and I think that is the only Christian message she got that night. We'll have to change that next year.

So Christmas morning was a little better. Libby slept until 8am and so it was wierd to have her sleep later than her brothers. She needed it though, you could tell she was not yet 100%. It took about two hours to get through all of the presents in my living room. Gina made mention the other night and it's worth repeating. It looked like my Christmas tree puked presents. They were not all from me. Tiffany's family from Washington and Idaho also sent two large boxes each full of presents for Tiffany, Jacob, and Sebashton. It was unreal. Then there were packages from Grandma in Pittsburgh and of course everything from Santa. The kids were laughing and it was funny when Josh was envious that Jake got a box of socks. When he opened his he just laughed. We all did. It was as I said earlier, chaos. Magic Pilk chaos that happens on Chrismas morning when it looks like a tornado went through the living room with sleepy looking boys and this beautiful little girl that does not yet quite get the concept. We'll have to work on that. I forgot to take my camera to Laura's on Christmas day. She put out the feast too boy... we were so well fed! I ended up taking a whole turkey breast home for sandwiches throughout the week.. which comes in handy feeding four men. We got to see Megan on the webcam and that was very cool. Libby had her Grandma take her to the bathroom a million times, but no more throwing up, thank goodness!

The day after Christmas we hosted Christmas with Dick and Kay. Libby got this adorable table and chairs set with a princess and frog theme. I broke a chair trying to assemble it and Matt promises to fix it. Libby ended up trying to take the other chair downstairs (by herself) and dropped it so now they are both flawed! Brand new! Matt promises that they can be fixed and if not, I'm replacing them. I have to admit... I was not feeling so hot and I felt the party was a bit disasterous. I made Italian Beef too spicy... I knew as soon as I sampled some while shredding it. Thankfully, I had some stuffed cabbage from Christmas eve that I could offer Kay, but I'll tell you I was just mortified...and under the weather. The following day was my flu day - Thursday I guess. It was HORRIBLE. Friday was better, but I was still pretty weak and a little feverish. Now I have a cold. I said to Renae..."I should have gotten the flu shot" but she did and got the flu anyway. I'm told the flu shot is for the respiratory flu..not the stomache one.

It is so wierd that my Grandma in Pa, sister in NC, brother, daughter, and I from IL all got the same flu, within days of eachother. My sister wound up on IV treatment at the hospital being that her kidney keytone levels were off - dehydration. To have that flu and be pregnant... Oh my goodness. I can tell you that a sip of water would send you straight to the bathroom and it weren't pretty.. not from any end.

Josh spent the night at Jake's apt on Saturday and today we went to Dad's for Christmas and it was fun, except I knew Josh was leaving and was a little sad. Even Sebashton knew because he was so fussy and he normally is a very happy baby. Funny, Renee's son Ryan came in tonight from the military base and my son is returning to his. I just felt like...easy come, easy go. Only it is not easy, it is very hard. I just miss him so much already it is making me cry. I'm proud he's such a nice, self-sufficient, independent, handsome young man. He is really looking forward to seeing his wife. He chose to take her presents home with him in lieu of taking his really nice blowup bed. I could mail either- they weigh about the same. I just think they remind him of her and he didn't want to leave them behind and that makes me proud too. He should be landing in about an hour and so I am waiting for that call. When he's safe, I'll go to bed.

I can't wait to find out what flavor my baby brother's and wife's little one is tomorrow!

So everyone who I had the pleasure of spending all these Christmas celebrations with, thank you for a lovely time, and good food, and hospitality, and all of your love. To everyone I did not spend time with last week, I hope your Christmas was magical too. To everyone interested, have a happy and safe new year. Can't wait to meet my new nephew Gavin and my ? nephew or niece ? Two babies are two blessings to count already and the new year's not begun.

Love and God's peace to all.

Libby and Sebashton at Dad's Christmas celebration today. What a cute little pair!

Santa came...

Christmas morning was a little chaotic.

Thanks Auntie Renae for the cash register, "monies", and "dollars".

Moneys = dollars and coins.

Dollars = charge card.

Look how cute Collin decorated my box before Renae wrapped it. Pictured here is a pirate ship and a chicken. I can't remember what else.

Adorable Sebashton. He had such a good time and was smiley and giggly all morning!

SANTA CAME!!!!

Joshua looking less than thrilled on Christmas morning. He came around though...must have been that nice cup of coffee his mommy made him.

My living room, the obstacle course.

Had to get one in with the tree.

Libby's baby in the Christening gown my grandma sewed for her. So many cute little baby clothes knitted and sewn... keepsakes for sure.

Not feeling so well...

Libby gets a smile on in her princess pj's (very fancy) from Auntie Gina with her new princess Barbie that's just a tad taller than she is.

It did not last long. She just did not feel well. Poor baby. Poor Matt.

Christmas Eve

Preparations... Libby's second curler experience. This was to get ready for pictures at Sears with ALL of her brothers on December 24.

In Joshy's room, Libby took one look at herself and decided she did not like the curls. I thought they were adorable, don't you?

Avery, Ethan, and Libby all spiffed up at our annual Christmas Eve celebration.

New Puppy

Original name Tinkerbell.

We also liked Natasha and Fiona.

Libby drew Fiona out of the "hat" and so I guess Fiona it is... :o)

October Update

So now October is over and today all day on the radio station I usually listen to is playing Christmas music!!! What is up with that?? It’s okay by me, I love Christmas carols but does anyone else think that it’s weird?

Halloween was a big hit, especially when Libby realized that CANDY goes with it. She wore the clown costume that Grandma made her and really was adorable. I posted pictures of Halloween fun below.

Joseph liked playing dress-up with Libby too. He had a Jason costume and one day when Libby was dressed up as a princess, Joseph figured he’d improve on it by adding the mask and a machete. Additionally, he had her running around in the mask saying, “I kill Daddy”. Cute, huh? I don’t have any pictures but I have a few seconds of that very sweet memory on video though. (I’m being sarcastic of course; this is the price I pay for such a great age difference between my children)

We’re done with art class. Libby enjoyed it, as did I. I bit the bullet and bought some paints for at home since she loves it so much, I just hate the mess though. I signed Libby up for “Pitter Patter Feet” at the park district and we went to the first class on Saturday morning. I’ll update you on progress. She loves to dance, she loves dressing in leotards, but she is so darn shy. Grace came with us to class and Libby did okay as long as one of us were right there. I tried to leave her and sit at the wall with the other mothers and grandmothers but she just cried. It’s only a 30-minute session so I did not want the whole group to have to stop and wait for Libby to get done with her pity party. Grace ended up staying with her mostly and then Libby would take instruction and try to follow the teacher’s lead.

I need to get a hold of Joshua to see what is going on for Christmas. I’d love to fly him home.

Jacob, Tiffany, and Sebashton are doing well. Baby is growing good, super smiley, talkative – he’s just a very happy sweet baby! They bought a car last week, a Yaris. Kind of red, kind of burgundy metallic. Gray inside. 35mpg is very good for Jake, since his commute to work each way is about 1 hour. I wish I could have photographed the look on his face when he bought that car…. Grinning ear to ear. It reminded me of when he was little!!

Joey is doing well in school, still underachieving in certain subjects but no bad grades. I linked some of his articles on the right in the link section. He is now in journalism and joined thespian society so pretty busy between these two after school. His play went very well. Mom came to the play in her sunglasses, said she was practicing for the academy awards-lol. Joseph is quite jealous that Patrick is driving and he is not. I suspect we’ll need to let him get a license soon. Don’t even ask me how we’re going to get him a car though.

I’ll close now. I know my posts are usually so long, but honestly… I have a lot of people to write about! Love to all....

Clowning Around

"You can do my makeup as long as I can do yours"...Libby

Daddy is not getting out of it either

We chose not to make-up her face on Halloween.

Halloween 2007 at Work

Sowmya, Christina, Laura, Will, Lana, Lisa, Linda

No contest, really. Just a bunch of witches.

Halloween 2007

When I got home from work, Gracie's gang was waiting so they could trick or treat with Libby around the circle. Libby caught on, thanks mostly to Aunt Beth, after about 3 or 4 houses. She had to be reminded at each door to say "Trick or Treat" and then again to say thank you. She was thrilled to get so much candy. Oh, Grace and her friends graciously removed their masks so that Libby wouldn't be scared, which I thought was very sweet. Grace has always taken such good care of her cousin.

Night vision on my camera. Not so great. Not sure what the sourpus was on Libby's face as she wasn't unahappy at the time.

Joey and Nikki. You cannot see here but Nikki's lashes are a mile long and the ends were purple. It was so pretty.

HALLOWEEN 2007 Library friends

I NEED A NEW CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!! Still posting pics for the log but inside nighttime pictures are just no good anymore on my camera!
Pictured below:

Logan Libby Alex Jaina Gretchen

Poetry

A portrayal of tribulation written by an Italian journalist who moved to America. I thought it would be nice to post both in Italian and English versions. We’ll add a little culture to the Pilkfiles! I also wonder if Megan can relate to any of it being a stranger in a foreign land. Well, it’s a little deep for that and Megan is not in Germany permanently, but (I’m sure) homesick at times.

Allessandro and Bruno, left to right.

Original Version… Hopefully I got most of it right. I am sure I have misspellings so if there are Italian readers out there: MY APOLOGIES!!!!!

Voi poriate negu occhi antichi isegni di strade sofferenti che I padri perconjero
Le vostre radici sono queue venute dau’altra parte de u’acqua
Voi siete le trace di quelli che muti dogenti sparivano inuhrouiti da nuove catacombe sconsacrate
Li il tempo non l’era sospesi e ivisibilli dentro il buio di cgole profonde come perite
Fuori era loro tutto ignaro
Intanoto la lund e len notti si inseguivano coneuse nel fumo sporco che fasuava la citta.
A tratti l’urvo isperato di vecchue sirene lontane irrompeva indifferente aue readue del cuone.
Poi il glorno nuovo vomitava new’arria ombre sianchi de umanita
Solo aurora si scorevano percetibili sorrisi di speranza



Your eyes carry ancient signs of gloomy roads your ancestors traveled on

Your roots are those sprouted on the other side of the waters

You are traces of those who ruefully and silently disappeared, swallowed by new desecrated catacombs

There time is absent, suspended, and invisible in dark crevices deep as wounds

Disconnected from all that was on the outside

Meanwhile the moon and the nights ensued, confused, in the dirty smoke that engulfed the city

At times indifferent to the rules of the heart the desperate sound of faraway old sirens broke through

Then the new day spewed in the air shadows of humanity

Only then smiles of hope were perceptible.

Written by Alessandro Scanavini and translated by Bruno DelSignore

Joe's stories

are published on the web from time to time. There is a link at the school site for the newspaper but it is not updated yet with this year's staff or papers. I'll link it when it does. Joe has written so far on 9/11, Harry Potter, Tiananmen Square, and I forget the other... it will come to me....

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday Dear Joshua
Happy Birthday to you!!!!

I love you and I miss you so much :o)

Hair and Art

Before Haircut, I did not get an after shot since it was dark outside and my camera does not do well inside or in the dark!! She had about two inches chopped off in an effort to make it thicker and even. You can't tell here but the curls would spring up and if pulled out, they were quite long and stringy. She has about an inch to go for one length down at the bottom and then the bangs...........

Libby is hard at work in her art class, assembling and attaching stickers to a photo frame. She did pretty good, but a little later on proceeded to remove all the stickers from the frame. I guess it was so much fun she wanted to do it again!

At the end of each art class, the instructor leads gametime, songtime, and blows these awesome bubbles. They're from gymboree and literally fill the room. Definitely a hit with the kids, but from what I understand they are quite pricey! The little blondie in front here is my boss' daughter Gretchen. Check out her curly q's..... so cute!


Don't forget to visit Megan's blog, she's doing a really good job posting and the pictures are quite interesting. I had her open the blog up so people can make comments. I think she's desperate for English and loves to read emails so your comments would probably be most welcome!