October and November 2010

Since Rick has updated his blog, I figured it is time to update mine. Sorry, I don't have any cute pictures to include, except the one of me with Senator Lugar.

October -

The beginning of October started out with Dominic's 12th birthday. I can't believe how old my kids are getting. He also made a profession of faith in Christ this month and would like to be baptized. He said he had been struggling for a long time with a concrete assurance in his salvation, so he decided to get it settled. We are very happy!!! So he will be getting baptized in the next couple of months.

On October 20th, Senator Lugar presented our school township with the Lugar Education Patriot Award for all the hard work our teachers and staff have done for the last 2 years with our ISTEP+ scores, etc... The Superintendent of our township picked Arlington Elementary as the site for the big event. It was a very exciting day. The office staff was able to get a picture taken with him.

Then Dominic and Luciano wanted to go trick or treating this year, so we told them we were not going to buy any costumes that they would have to make them this year. Luciano went as a football player and Dominic went as a soccer player (how original). We decided to try a different subdivision to do the trick or treating this year... Let me say - WOW!!! They boys ended up with 5 king size snicker bars, and all kinds of good candy. In fact, after we were walking back from one house where Dominic recieved a king size candy bar he asked me, "Mom, why can't we be rich". It's not like he has never had a candy bar before, but i guess that is his definition of being rich is giving out king size snicker bars for Halloween.

November -

Gabriel turned 16 years old on the 1st - He is getting ready to take the next step for his permit. He also wants to get a part-time job, so we are hunting for one, which shouldn't be hard with the holidays coming.

Madison turned 13 years old on the 6th - I can't believe we have 2 teenagers. Even though she is only 13 years old; people keep telling me she looks like a 15 year old.

I also put up my Christmas tree this weekend - I figured if Walmart can do it; so can I... So, it is beginning to look alot like Christmas at our house.

Well, I believe I have caught everyone up on the RAFFA news, I guess it is time for the CT Gangwer's to get a move on it.

Summer Night on the Canal

Tonight we took the family and Gabriel's girlfriend for a walk on the canal. It was beautiful. Below are a couple of pictures. People probably thought we were tourist, but we do not go downtown very often. So enjoy:

Password / User Name Issues

Okay, I want to apologize for not keeping up with my blog. I forgot the username and password and finally took the time to figure out how to update a new one. So much has happened since Oct. 2009. Gabe has been installed as the new Senior Pastor at First Baptist Beech Grove. Things are going well. We just finished a week of VBS and had a great turnout. Our highest night was 85 children - Madison and I worked with the 3rd grade students. I ended up with a group of girls from the school that I work out. We had a great time. I believe that seeds have been planted into the lives of these children and we will see a few coming to Clubhouse!

Luciano stared playing Franklin Township Youth football this week. Gabe bought his helmet and practice wear today. I can't wait to see him in it. I wanted him to model it for me so I could put it on my facebook / blog, but he said he was too tired from shopping all morning. Go figure - typical man. I will put pictures on soon!

Madison is spending the weekend with a friend at their family lakehouse. She has been very busy babysitting over the summer for people at the church. The boys are busy playing XBOX and computer games!!! They have such a tough life.

Well, I wanted to catch everyone up and let them know that I would have blogged more if I had known my account information. Again, I am not as witty as Ron or Rick, but wanted to catch everyone up to speed on the Raffas!

It's A Miracle

Okay, I do not want anyone to have a heart attack! I am on a computer and imparting my wisdom once again. I am so excited that Thanksgiving is on its way! The fall colors and weather are so refreshing from the heat of summer.

We have finally decided where we will be spending our Christmas holiday! We are heading to Vermont for Christmas! I can't wait. I will be able to meet my newest neice, Ashlynn Mitchell and see how big my little nephews - Chad and Chase and neice Lauren have become. They won't even know their Aunt Randi or Uncle Gabe..... I know my kids are even more excited to see all of their little and big cousins - the "Beauchemin Boys" and "Gangwer girls".

I also hear congratulations are in order for Rick and Rennee - TWINS. Who would have thought. I can't wait to hear all the stories.

Everything is going well at the Raffa household - About a week ago, Gabriel was diagnosed with H1N1 which has actually become very common in the Franklin Township school district. It took him about 7 days to recuperate. So far the only ones who have not had a type of flu is myself, Gabe and Madison. When Gabriel was diagnosed with the H1N1 flu, we bought him a mask and gloves to keep it from spreading!!! I felt like we were living in China.

There is new news about our church, the church will be voting in the middle of November on whether to bring Gabe on to serve as the interim Pastor for the next couple months or year. We are not sure of the specifics, but we covet your prayers as the church and our family transitions into a new phase. We love our church family at FBC and pray for God's Will. They have been so wonderful to us over the last 4 1/2 years and we are praying that we will have many more to share and grow with them.

We are heading out for visition tonight. I hope to write some more later. Sorry, I don't have fun things like Rick or Ron - I am just not as witty as them.

RANDOM PICTURES FROM THE RAFFA HOUSEHOLD

Because I have not been consisten with my blog entries, I decided to upload some pictures while I was at Gabe's office today - enjoy. Dominic and Luciano have learned how to do videos, so I will try to upload one next time.

The boys making sugar candy houses with Grammy Gangwer when she came to visit us in May.

Dominic fishing at his 4th Grade school Campout - He caught one fish!! I think his was the biggest..

In late March, Luciano fell on the back deck and cut his leg. He received 20 stitches - here is the scar left behind by his little mishap. It was pretty traumatic for Gabe and I, as well as Luc. I still can't believe how bad it looked before we took him to the emergency room!!!

Our 2009 Easter picture - I love this one because Gabriel doesn't smile in alot of the pictures we take, but here he looks like he is really happy to be in the picture.

Gabe's Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GABE!!!

Gabe celebrated his 37th birthday yesterday. Isn't it funny that when you are a child you spend the whole day celebrating your birthday - He spent the day doing demolition on a church project, and then grilling at our Church ladies barbecue! What a great day! We celebrated with yellow cake and vanilla ice cream last night at 10pm.

I remember my mom would always make us whatever dinner and cake we wanted on our birthday --my choice was always chicken Estrada and chocolate cake and chocolate icing. Well, I have tried to pass on that tradition to my family, but I am not as good a cook as my mom is, so nobody has a favorite meal that I cook!!! They usually ask for Gabe to cook.

RAFFA SUMMER UPDATE

The Raffa household is still alive.... I realize I am not as up to date as the Conn. Gangwer's are on their blog. Here is the latest news on the RAFFA CLAN:

Dominic and Luciano just returned from spending the week with Gabe's parents in Columbus, Ohio. They were spoiled the entire week with trips to the pool, Sam's Club, and BB shooting. Luciano enjoyed it at their house so much he didn't want to return home. He knew once he returned home, he would be doing chores again!!

Madison just left on Sunday (6/21) to spend 2 weeks with Gabe's brother and sister in law in Chattanooga, TN. She is also enjoying shopping and swimming!!! Her and Alyssa get along great!!! They love to sing, dance, and play store together. We will be leaving the first week of July to pick her up... I am sure she will not want to return home either.

Gabriel is finishing up his summer highschool courses at the Freshmen academy. He is taking PE and Health class in order to get a jump on some of the high school course requirements. His next big summer adventure is to take a road trip with the Raffa Men. Gabe, Gabriel, Pops, Tony, and Phillip will be touring the Philadelphia area - visiting the Eagles and Phillies sports complex and meeting some Raffa relatives for the first time. They are going to have a great time.

You may wonder what Gabe and I are doing with our summer? Gabe is working on some church projects and I am working on some home projects. I am just enjoying the first summer I have had off in 5 years. Working in education has its perks!!! I don't return to work again until late July.

Now, that I have some free time - I may be able to learn how to download pictures to my blog.... I like when people put pictures on their blogs, so I will try to do that next time.