The Gebhardt Family

No, not Colleen and Robert - I want to talk about Robert and his family.

We first met Robert's parents and sister Laura on Thanksgiving Day. I will admit I was a little nervous to be hosting a holiday for them as we had never met them before and I knew it would be a long day. Within minutes of them arriving I knew it would be a great day, and it was.

We met Chris and her family a while after Thanksgiving but it was the same feeling. Her daughter's are adorable and fell right in with all the other kids.

For those of you that didn't get the opportunity to spend time with them over the weekend at any of the wedding festivites you really missed out. They are the most genuine and easy going people I have ever been around. They don't have a negative bone in their body and they are so social and just a pleasure to be around.

Colleen is a lucky girl to have them for in-laws.

Moving onto Robert. I love him!!! He is the perfect compliment to my sister. So calm and level headed - yet a big kid at heart. He is great with Amber and Alex and the rest of the kids in our family. I have never heard him say anything derogatory about my sister - even in a joking way. He loves her 100% for who she is - how awesome is that???

Robert is a gentleman and sincerely appreciates anything that people do for him or for him & Colleen and the kids. In the middle of all the hecticness of the weekend and AT the wedding reception he pulled me aside to thank me for all I had done for them in regards to the wedding - I am sure Robert had no idea how that would touch my heart. I was telling this story to my friend Tom this morning and he said - "You know what, Robert took me aside at the wedding as well to thank me!!!" Tom had prepared the entire rehearsal dinner meal while we were at rehearsal and did other stuff wedding related. Tom said he could tell Robert was sincere and appreciative and he was shocked that in the middle of the biggest day of his life he took the time to pull him aside and thank him. Robert again could not have known what this would mean to Tom.

So I want to say to the Gebhardt Family - welcome to our nutty family and I look forward to many years of making memories with all of you.

Perfect Weekend!!!

The weekend was perfect for Colleen & Robert's Wedding!!!

We started with mani/pedi's on Friday before the rehearsal - just the girls and lots of laughs. Rehearsal was smooth and thorough thanks to Larry. The dinner at our house afterwards was a great time for fun and fellowship.

Saturday morning Colleen was relaxed and carefree!!! No worries - possibly the calmest bride ever... Hair and make-up appointments and then back to our house to get dressed and head to the Pine Lake Country Club.

The weather was great (a little warm) everyone was so happy on this extremely exciting day and even when minor issues popped up they were handled quickly and with no stress for Colleen and Robert.

I had the best spot to watch the ceremony since I was the Matron of Honor. My sister's face must hurt from smiling so much - even Larry commented on her smile during the ceremony. I was looking right at Robert as he choked up when he was saying his vows. I heard afterwards his pause caused some people concern!!! But when they saw me tear up - they knew he was teared up and relaxed..... :)

The reception was beautiful - all of my sisters hard work in personalizing the reception was shining through. From the cake to the center pieces to the table settings to the music - it was absolutely perfect.

Sean Lyon was AWESOME and captured all of the best for us!!!

Sunday morning I received many, many phone calls all to say how wonderful the wedding was and how happy they were for Colleen and Robert and how cute they are together....

I wrapped up the weekend in the best way - I spent 2 hours with Daryl sitting outside Starbucks (just the 2 of us) sipping a frappacino and talking about the wedding and then the happy couple came by our house and we got to talk all about the days events. They are so in love and so happy.

I loved every minute of this weekend and hope that everone else did.

I gave my camera to a friend of mine and these are a few shots that were taken....


Colleen & Amber

Joe, Colleen & Me

Colleen & Mom

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gebhardt III

Joe & Marie

This cake tasted as good as it looks!!!

Guest Blogger - Melissa Shongood

See Melissa's "bio" on Colleen's Blog.

I have so many wonderful memories of the Corbett’s. These were some of the best days of my life, and even though I was so young I can remember it like it was yesterday. Danny was my father’s best friend. To this day my father cannot speak of him without getting teary eyed. We all miss him tremendously but Danny’s legacy will live on forever.

I can remember vividly going to work with my father at Seven Eleven and Danny giving me anything I wanted. I was his little helper and I loved every minute of it. I have yet to see anyone throw a party like the Corbett’s did. Every party was catered beyond anything you could ever imagine. There was always a party going on over there. The best part was he would always call us for the leftovers. YUMMY! Not only were they the best parties, but when the ice cream man came he would tell every kid to get whatever they wanted. That is every kid’s dream. He didn’t care how much it cost; I truly believe that it warmed his heart to make people happy.

He was one of the most generous people you could ever meet in your life. When we got hit with Hurricane Gloria, he put all six of us up in a hotel so we could take showers and be safe. He really was my father’s closest and best friend. He would always lend a hand or help us out in any way he could. My parents wanted to take us upstate to visit some family members and we couldn’t all fit in my dad’s little Hyundai, so he let us borrow his Cadillac. Just another selfless thing he did for us. He never expected anything in return.

Danny had a way of making you laugh until your stomach hurt. I can still hear his voice in my head telling me to “Go sweep the sun off the sidewalk”. I can remember asking my mom how was I supposed to sweep the sun off the sidewalk….was there a special broom I needed? I now know that you can’t sweep the sun off the sidewalk, but I can’t wait to tease my kids with that.

The list can go on and on of all the wonderful things the Corbett’s have done for my family. I feel so blessed to have been able to have them in my life. I will cherish every memory I have had with you guys and I will always hold a special place in my heart for your dad. I really love you guys! Thanks for the memories.

This is Marie jumping in now - this is our dad and Melissa in our pool. Melissa keeps this picture on her refridgerator still to this day!!! We can't even tell you how touched we were when we found this out. Melissa was the kid who fell in the pool without a life jacket all of the adults were on the deck so it was a quick and easy rescue - BUT - the next morning our mom got up and looked out the window and dad was out there hanging up life jackets in any size you could need. From that point on even if you weren't allowed on the deck without a life jacket on - unless you could pass his swim test!!!

Guest Blogger - Joann Scicutella

Joann became a part of our family when our parents became owners of a 7-11. Her dad, “Big Mike”, was a regular customer who immediately hit it off with our dad. They became great friends and our families spent lots of time together. Joann even worked for our parents in the 7-11. The Scicutella’s were very family oriented people just like we were so it was a natural fit. BBQ’s, Weddings, Birthday’s, Holidays etc…. were celebrated together.



See Joann's story on Colleen's Blog.

Guest Blogger - Suzanne Caltabiano

See Suzanne's "bio" on Colleen's Blog


I want to take you back to the days of working at Mom and Dad’s 7-11.

At the time I was living on my own away from both of my own parents. I started working at their store. I needed health insurance coverage and Dad told me I had to work a minimum of 30 hours a week to get coverage. So this is what I did while attending college full-time. After a couple of months it was starting to be too much for me to keep up with my school work and the hours at the store. Dad told me he was going to lower my hours and keep me on the insurance. For a 20 year old girl living on her own THIS was a BIG DEAL. He did not have to do that for me. To this day I don’t even know how he did that knowing he (and mom) had to most likely submit payroll to the Southland Corporation and answer to them. Some things you just don’t forget!

I lived at the Corbett residence for a year. I remember it was during the holiday season and there was a stocking hung in their home for their 4 children, anyone they may have been dating and me! I did not expect a stocking with my name on it but it did make me feel special. It’s possible they even had a stocking for Herbie and Cassie, (the dogs) I can’t remember! They always made everyone feel included.

Your mom and dad are the true meaning of parents. They have a special way of touching everyone’s heart.


To this day I think back to the way they handled anything from financial matters to loving their friends and family. They were role models for me for years. When Dad or Mom would talk to any of their children’s friends, they would talk to you like you were their own. They would look in your eyes and give you advice as if they were your own parent. Mom would rip money right out of your hand on payday to put in your xmas club savings she opened at the bank. She would wipe makeup off your face if she thought you had too much on. AND yes Dad would send you upstairs to change if he did not like what you had on.

I hope I was able to create a picture in your mind.

There is a reason why flowers were made into a shape of King of Hearts and Dad’s funeral.

Love to both of them.
XXX OOO XXX

Suzanne

Guest Blogger - Johanette DoCabo

Johanette came into our family when she and I worked together at Rockbottom in BayShore, NY. Starting at the age of 16 she experienced dad in the way we both did. She would get sent upstairs to change what she was wearing in a heartbeat just like we did. She knew the look that he would give if he didn’t like your ensemble – he didn’t even have to say it – she would just turn around and go back upstairs!!! She spent lots of time at our house for parties and just everyday life. She also went on many one day trips with us.

See her story on Colleen's Blog.

Guest Blogger - Regina Marsicano

See Regina's "bio" on Colleen's Blog.


I am sure you have all heard the saying to know him is to Love him. It may seem corny to some but this was my first thought when Marie and Colleen asked us to share stories of their Dad. Sadly, I only had the pleasure of knowing Daniel Corbett for about 5 years before he was taken away so early……… to this day I wish I was there to witness some of the beautiful memories that are shared with all of us.

I look around these days and I see people going through the motions of the day and existing through life. Danny was not like that. I remember thinking that this is a man who is truly enjoying his life. The love that he had for his wife Rose and his children was very evident. He was very caring, loving and generous and boy could he throw a party. I mean have you ever been to a party with a hot dog wagon and then hear the chimes of the ice cream man out front at which point everyone was told to go and get what they wanted!!!! There would be people everywhere but no chaos just a calm sense of love and caring and the ability to be yourself and have a great time!!!

I do have a picture that I wanted to share and the funny memory that goes along with it:

Marie caught the bouquet at my wedding. Joe & Steve’s cousin Louis caught the garter. So the scene is set where Marie is sitting in the chair waiting for Louis to put the garter on her leg. Out of nowhere comes this very intimidating man who proceeds to stand right next to Marie with this look. You know the one that could burn through steel. Well we were all hysterical - - except Louis who had to have been intimidated. But - - in true form Rosie walks in and grabs him by the ear and drags him off. I have to say that is one of my favorite memories of my wedding day.

Seeing Rose and Dan together was witnessing true love. How can it be anything else when you have two incredible people married to each other!!!!!

I am glad that I had the pleasure of knowing Danny even if for only a short time but his memory and the beautiful stories that the Corbett’s continue to share will keep his love alive in all of us forever.

So to all of my surrogate siblings thank you for sharing your incredible parents with me.

Love you all!
Regina

Guest Blogger Week

This week both Colleen and I are turing our blogs over to "guest bloggers." Each of the blogs will have the same theme - our father - Dan Corbett.

We have chosen this week because naturally we are thinking a lot about him with the wedding coming up on Saturday.

Unfortunately none of us had him at our weddings in body - but he was certainly there in spirit.

Most of our friends here in North Carolina have never had the pleasure of meeting this awesome man - but surely you have heard many, many stories about him. We decided to ask some very special people in our lives to write about dad so you would all see how many peoples lives he touched.

Here is what we are going to do. Each day you will have to look at both of our blogs - one of us will have a "bio" of sorts on the persons writing that we are publishing that day - and the other one of us will have the story they wrote.

We hope you enjoy this as much as we have enjoyed receiving the letters.

Forever Friends

In May of 1981 when I was 12 years old and in 7th grade my parents made the decision that we would move closer to their business. That meant moving about 20 miles from where we were living. When you are 12 that seems like the other side of the planet. I was nervous about leaving the only house I had ever known, the friends I had for years and being "the new kid." My mom thought moving with about 6 weeks of school left would help us adjust and have friends for the summer so she decided to not drive us back and forth to our old school but to have us transfer as soon as we moved. Again at that time that did not seem right too me.

If I had only known what the move, or should I say, who the move would bring me I would not have been so nervous. Within just days of moving to 115 Smith Avenue I met the two most amazing friends a girl could ask for. Suzanne and Tom (he was Tommy back then).

Suzanne lived on "our corner" and when I say our corner - I mean OUR corner. You see when we were growing up there weren't cell phones, e-mail or any of the other technologies we have today. When you were on the phone you were standing in the kitchen, talking on a phone that was on the wall and dare I say it - not cordless!!! So you really didn't have much privacy. The corner was where Suzanne and I would meet to discuss all of our "crucial" life issues that we didn't want anyone else to hear about. We still talk about all of our crucial life issues - but now we can do that without meeting on the corner.

Tom's parents owned the Horse Barn next to my parents 7-11. Our parents became the best of friends and so did we. He was always fun to be around. We worked together in his parents concession stand and in my parents 7-11. We did that so we would be done quicker and could go do fun things. When some kids enter their teen years they want to be as far from their parents as they could get, we didn't. My parents were so, so strict so I wasn't really going anywhere. But having a friend like Tom when my parents had company or when we went to their house was just like me picking who I wanted to hang out with.

Together the 3 of us had amazingly good/fun times!!! We bowled, went rollerskating, listened to music, attended family functions, and basically were always there for each other. Even when our lives took us in different directions we could always count on each other.

Here is another great thing - all of our spouses get along well too. Talk about a blessing.

Currently I live in Charlotte, NC - Tom lives in Havelock, NC - and Suzanne lives in Port St. Lucie, FL - but we all know in our hearts we are just a phone call away.

When our kids were on Spring Break my family and Tom's family took a road trip to visit Suzanne and her family. We had a GREAT time. When the three of us were back together it was like miles and years were never between us. Such a feeling of comfort. Tears were certainly shed when we had to leave. Here is the best part - all of our kids love each other and get along as well as we did!!! It brought me great joy to see them all playing together.

We weren't gone for an hour and Tom was already trying to figure out how we could all meet in Myrtle Beach or somewhere else convenient to all of us. Who knows we may just invite ourselves back to Suzanne & Bob's house - can't beat that weather!!!

I am so, so thankful that God has kept the three of us together. I am not sure I would have made it through some of the things life has thrown at me without these two.





Me and Suzanne - the beautiful background is in front of her house.

Here we are - the three amigos. Suzanne, Tom & Me

Our Children - Alexa (Tom) Danielle (me) Maria (Sue) Christina (Sue) and Joseph (me)

Here they are again without the sun in their face!!! Are you thinking what I am thinking? Boy that Joseph is a lucky kid....

The new set of amigos??? Christina, Danielle and Alexa

I am not going to make it

Most of you know my sister Colleen is getting married in 8 days!!!

Those of you that know my sister's story are as joyful as the rest of us - and those that don't can just see the pure excitement in her.

Everyday I work on my speech in my head - it sounds really good I just need to write it down. That is where my problems start - I have not had a day go by in the past 2 weeks where I have not cried (tears of joy) when thinking about my sister getting married.

When I am preparing my speech - I cry

When I think about my sister walking down the aisle in her dress - I cry

When I hear my sister saying we, my family, us instead of I - I cry

When I think of all the awesome people that have stood by us and are just as happy as we are that Colleen has found her prince - I cry

When I listen to Mack Brock sing at Elevation on a "regular" Sunday - I cry
How will I make it through my favorite worship song while walking down the aisle?

Here is what I hope - I hope that I have not one tear left on the big day - but if I do - I hope that Sean Lyon gets some great shots of me and Collen before I start crying..... :)

Some of the best advice I have ever received

Years ago when I first gave birth to Danielle, Joe's Uncle Matt was talking with me and he said "Always remember, the best thing you can give your child is your time." They don't need all the things you think they need, frankly they don't want them. Get a book and sit with your child on the couch and give her your undivided attention. THAT is what kids want.

During these tough economic times I am often reminded of his words. As parents we are always thinking about what can we do with the kids now... Where can we go...

Some of the things that Joe and I have always done with Danielle and Joseph are board game night and movie night where we have popcorn and candy just like in the theater - but in the comfort of our family room. The kids love it - and so do we. We started this with our nieces and Steve & Regina before we were even married - and we still like to do it with all of our nieces and nephews - and they love it too - no matter their age. They like it because we are all sitting together and talking and having fun - and they get all of our attention. Best of all it is really expense free.

Give your time to kids - it will have a major impact on their lives.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday to the World's Greatest Mom & Nana!!!

There is nothing that I can type here that would begin to describe to you my amazing mother. She has done so much for everyone of her children and grandchildren - and her "adopted" kids and grandkids.

I couldn't fit each kid that calls her "Nana" in a picture with her. In this picture are her 9 grandchildren who love and adore her. Like I said there are lots and lots more kids who love and adore her - they want to come to "Camp Nana" and then their parents need to "de-program" them when they get them back!!!

My mom has always taken care of her family before doing anything for herself and even though we are all grown and have families of our own she still does for us or our children before she does for herself. She is an amazing woman with unbelievable energy - I hope I have about 1/2 her stamina when I am 66.

I love you mom!!!

My baby is SEVEN!!!

Happy Birthday Joseph Ryan!!!

Mommy & Daddy can not believe that 7 years have past since you were born. Seems like time is flying by.

You are all we could have asked for in a son - kind, considerate, respectful, a good student, faithful and so loving!!! So what if you talk CONSTANTLY!!!! :)

We are making so many great memories with you and Danielle - life is awesome with you in it!!!



6 Months - mommy's favorite....

6 months

One year

One year - looking just like Popa!!!

Two years old with sis (4 1/2 years old)




You and Daddy - Almost 7 and 40 years old!!!

We hope you continue to be so happy, healthy and enjoy life the way your are now.

Life is short - don't let it pass you by

Sadly this week a very good friend of Joe's passed away. He was young - only 46. He leaves behind a wife and 3 kids.



Things like this always seem to snap us into perspective when they happen. I encourage you to not only realize this when you are in the moment but to keep that in mind and live each day with it in mind.



Don't hold grudges - you are only hurting yourself. One of the most difficult things to do is to forgive someone when they have hurt you - but one of the most rewarding things is forgiving, it is what God would want you to do. He gave amazing forgiveness, and was better for it, surely nothing you are mad about can compare to what He went through.



Don't get bogged down in the daily grind. Make time to just sit with your significant other, kids, family and friends. Realistically speaking they would rather make memories with you with a little dust around than not make memories at all. It took me a long time to get to this place - and I could probably do better still. I have been reminded many times lately how important it is to focus on people and not things - and some of the best times I have had have been sitting on the floor at our firends house eating Jersey Mike's Sandwiches or just popping over Regina's and ending up doing take out, all while just laughing!!!



I think I am good about letting people know how much I love and appreciate them - I will continue to focus on this, will you???

Happy Birthday Isaiah Daniel

My nephew Isaiah is turning 13 today!!! Officially a teenager - yet always a sweet, sweet boy to me. He is extremely patient with younger kids and Little Joe loves to have him come for a sleepover. He was also always very good with my grandmother, his great-grandmother. She actually used to love to keep him when he was younger and they would walk to the stores together. I have worked on school projects with him, learned all there is that a 40 year old mom should know about skateboarding, and I am watching him grow into his own person - a good one so far!!!



Here is a recent picture of him - look at the facial hair under the nose..... :)

And these are 2 of my favorite shots of me and him. The top one is from when my mom and Colleen drove down to Charlotte for Thanksgiving (before they all lived here) and they brought Isaiah with them. I loved having him - however the ride home for Colleen was not so easy - as he wanted to "get out" for the entire 13 hour ride home.

The bottom shot if from when they lived in Florida and me, Joe, my mom and grandmother came down to Orlando. We took him and Devin to Disney with us - he is 6 months old here.

Technology

Technology is amazing to me. I am not THAT old but the fact that I am sitting in the car on the way to Florida and surfing the net is sooooooo cool to me!!! And the speed and connection with Joe's Verizon Aircard is unbelievable - faster than my home computer for sure.

Something else that still amazes me - the fax machine - I mean think about it - how does the receiving fax print out exactly what you are putting in the sending fax???

Just something to think about.