Congratulations Nick !!!

Congratulations Nick !!!

Class Of 2012

Norwich Free Academy

Graduating with Highest Honors 

and

Summa Cum Laude

A letter to my son Nicholas;

Today as you graduate from high school, I wipe away secret tears. A mix of emotions, happiness and joy for all you`ve accomplished, sadness for how fast the years have passed, knowing that you will be leaving  our home to go away to college in the Fall.

How empty the house will be without you, but I know you will always be a phone call away and hopefully home many weekends. (with plenty of dirty laundry too)

It truly seemed like yesterday that I got the news of your impending arrival into my world almost 18 years ago. When I found out I was having you, your sister Julie was 16 years old, getting a job and her license. Talk about an interesting time in our lives. A bit stressful, but I wouldn`t change a thing. Any one who`s been pregnant with a child with a teenage daughter in the house, I`m sure can relate to what I`m saying.

I am so very, very proud of you ! You are a truly outstanding person. You have worked so hard to accomplish everything you set out to do so far in your life. Always striving for excellence and excelling in everything you have set out to do. 

There were so many times that no one would of known you were even in the house. Always studying, studying and studying some more.

You have always amazed me with your science, physics and mathematics knowledge. I would listen to you tell me things intently and not even have the foggiest idea what you were telling me about. All along awe struck by your massive intelligence and knowledge of things so vast.

I celebrate your intelligence and know that you are a very important part of the future of our world. I know that you will go on to do great and wonderful things in your future. The world could use more people like you in it. 

The things I will miss when you go away to college in the Fall;

I will miss that bright smile, that special hug and I will miss the kiss you would blow me when you left for school in the morning.

The things I will always miss;

How short childhood was

How little time you were my baby

and

How quickly you grew up

into the special young man you have become.

So today as you put high school behind you and look forward to college in the Fall,

I ask that you always remember,

Mom is your biggest fan !

Mom is always here

and never forget to come home!

Love, Mom

Nick receiving his diploma

(Closeup)

                                             

Nick with his grandmother

 Nick with Dad And Me

 All the Voluntown NFA Graduates

                                                        

Fun Trivial Quote - Quick And Easy Recipe

Love this quote!

Now heres a fun and easy recipe for a quick summer meal!

The secret to this light and tangy dish is a marinade that's made with Italian vinaigrette. It comes together quickly, and the chicken strips are so flavorful you may find you don't even need dressing for the salad.

Ingredients

• MARINADE
• 1 (8-ounce) bottle Italian dressing
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (optional)

• CHICKEN SALAD
• 8 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Mixed salad greens
• Cherry tomatoes

Instructions

1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a medium-size bowl and whisk them to blend. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture for basting the chicken on the grill.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-size zip-lock bag and pour in the remaining marinade. Press the air out of the bag and seal it. Turn the bag to thoroughly coat the chicken, then place it in a bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, turning it occasionally. Remove the meat from the refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling.
3. Prepare a charcoal fire or set a gas grill to medium-high, close the lid, and heat until hot -- about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill it uncovered, basting with the reserved marinade. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink inside, about 2 minutes per side on a gas grill. Transfer the breasts to a cutting board and let them rest about 5 minutes before thinly slicing them crosswise. Serve the chicken over salad greens and cherry tomatoes. Serves 6 to 8.
   
   
   
   
   Its been a very busy time here at my house so far this late Spring. I have my son graduating this week from high school this coming Friday. He`s also receiving some awards this week at a couple of award ceremonies. His graduation rehearsal is Tuesday afternoon. So this week is pretty busy! I am so extremely proud of my son. He has accomplished amazing things in less then eighteen years, and I know he plans to go on to accomplish bigger and better things in the coming years. And throughout it all he has managed to keep his head and his feet planted firmly on the ground. He is a great kid, with a great mind and a BIG heart. I love him dearly, and words can not possibly express how truly proud I am of him. But if I had to pick one I would pick AMAZING.
   Love,
   Mom
   
   
   As for the rest of you have a great week! I will post on Saturday, June 16th with updates on the week. And some more recipes and fun trivia.