The Clan McCandless

Welcome Nicholas James Mancuso-Warren

2010-01-28T14:47:00.003-05:00

Nicholas James...

Stacy and Jason thank you for sharing your precious little angel. He was the perfect gentleman for his photo shoot the other day. I had a ton of fun taking his pictures the other day. He is going to be fun to watch grow and learn, and torture the girls with his charm. What an adorable little man.

What Fun!!!!

2009-11-25T08:13:00.004-05:00

Thank you to the first families, the Tomlinsons, Clelands and Reillys, that trusted me enough to let me take your families' portraits and help get this new chapter in my life started.

I had so much fun and realize this is truly what I want to be doing...

Brendan is a Senior...pictures are worth 1000 words...

2009-10-12T15:48:00.002-04:00

Our recent journey up Mt. Minsey in Water Gap, PA

2009-10-06T17:36:00.008-04:00

It was definitely a lovely fall afternoon when Sarah, Mike and I took a three and a half hour hike on Mt. Minsey in Water Gap, PA. What a gorgeous view. If you are ever in the mood for a great hike for an afternoon, I suggest this one.

Sarah Begins Her High School Journey

2009-09-02T12:16:00.003-04:00

Sarah: at 15 years, 6mos. and a Sophmore in High School

Yesterday, September 1st, 2009...it happened. Sarah began her career at Central Bucks South High School. She skipped off happy as can be to begin her new adventure. This new found enthusiasum can only be short lived but for now we will all enjoy it. Today was her first day the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology where she is enrolled in the Health Sciences Nursing Program. Her excitement caused her to wake early and hustle around the house this morning getting ready for her second day...this caused Brendan great pain. He explained to her that he was driving her to school as he promised (Brendan is now a Senior, has a car and thinks he is so cool to be able to drive to school and park in the front of the building) and that she didn't need to get up so early, then sit across from the table ready, staring at him. She bounds off up the stairs to get something she has just remember and Brendan turns to me and says, "she is like a cat, playing with a ball", it is very annoying. He finally finishes his cereal and yells let's go...like that they are gone. I wish they all had her energy and I wish she would keep it for the remainder of the year...but we all know that won't happen.

Matthew will be graduating #1 in his "A" School Class!!!

2009-05-05T11:57:00.002-04:00

Mike got a call from Matthew last night informing him that he will be graduating number one in his class. He has been working hard to maintain first in the class and managed to pull it off by one point. Way to Go Matt!!!!

We are here!!!! McCandless Tour 2009

2009-02-28T08:20:00.011-05:00

We arrived here in Ft. Lauderdale at 10:30am Wednesday morning and after a long time at the Budget rental car place we zipped up to Mike's Uncle's in our "tourist machine". Yes, we got another convertible...it was on special and we were only keeping it for a day. We had a wonderful lunch with Uncle Richard and Thomas...great conversations and stories and of course the crab cake sandwich.

Flip night at the OV...

We then cruised down the Tavernier and arrived at 4:30pm. We were greeted with a beer and our vacation was off to a quick start...

After dinner out on the deck we headed off to the OV (Ocean View) for flip night. If the coin is flipped and you are lucky enough to get the side painted red your drink is free...we of course only one three times but three times is better than zero times.

On Thursday Jane and I headed out on bikes to the bird sanctuary to photograph, of course birds. And the boys returned the rental car. We all met up and went to lunch at Whales Tales at Wahoo's on the water. We then walked along the paths at Anne's Point and looked out over the ocean, stopped at Lenny's to harass him about giving up drinking for lent and then came home to have dinner and prepare for a night of bowling at the "Fish Bowl" with Eric and Jayne. After following the two beer rule for bowling I bowl a good game for me...164. I think Eric wants to have a grudge match next year. It was a whole lot of fun and everyone enjoyed themselves...even John...who now wants his own bowling ball.

Friday rolled around and Jayne, Jane and I headed for our scheduled Garden Tour. It was great to stroll through other people's gardens and look at all the beautiful flowers and plants. We lunched at Snappers on the water. The boys headed out to Eric's boat to do a little fishing. They caught a couple of fish and had a good time, who could not have a good time...a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work. Snook's was the choice of the evening for happy hour and a gorgeous sunset.

We will probably be heading on the boat today...

Snook's and the Sunset...

Finally his physical address

2009-01-29T16:47:00.002-05:00

Matthew's address in Pensecola is...

NATTC
AR Matthew C. Carlucci-McCandless
USS Carl Vinson
Room 203
230 Chevalier Field Ave
Pensecola, FL 32508

Matt just texted me and said that it is "Vinson" not Binson...he needs to speak a little more clearly...I changed it in the address above.

A Post At Last!!!!

2009-01-29T15:25:00.003-05:00

I was reminded today that I have not posted on here for a very long time...

Well, I decided to get this on here real quick, sitting at my desk at work. All has been going great on the ranch, we are busy, busy, busy...Rugby is starting its preseason and after Christmas was over we were thrust back into the fast paced life...Thank goodness Mike and my Keys vaction is in less than a month...one more breather before full blown rugby season. Don't get me wrong I love rugby season, I also enjoy the occasional day to do what I want.

I figure I would post some of the photos taken at Christmas for my parents to look at...so here you go...

Matthew is now enjoying the pleasures of Pensecola, Florida, while we endure the duldrums of winter...we are still waiting for his address...so hurry up Matt and get me that information.

I will try to be more proactive with this blog...even if it is only small snips at a time.

Well "He" arrived home a day early...the family is all together again...

2008-12-19T08:08:00.002-05:00

Matthew arrived last night, in Philadelphia, at 9:30pm. On Wednesday, he had learned of a pending winter storm coming to Chicago overnight Thursday into Friday. I received the call that they had permission to leave base Thursday afternoon and to re-book his flight onto a 6 something flight for Thursday. So, I did...what a fiasco that was with US Airways...I really hate that airline. But in the end he ended up on one of the last seats in the aircraft.

He hadn't eaten since the morning so, the first stop before home was to Wawa...how he missed Wawa.

And "Mr. I will be up at 5 a.m." is still sleeping by the way...it is now 8 a.m. I wonder what his commanders would say...lazy bum.

Matt will be home in 2 days...not that he is counting or anything...

2008-12-16T21:50:00.004-05:00

Matt is coming home for Christmas...I am a bit surprised that I didn't get a call today to remind me that there are only two days left...It should be a great but interesting time to have him integrate back into the family life, here in Chalfont...

Merry Christmas!!!!! We look forward to seeing our family and our friends over this Christmas Season...

We are all decorated and awaiting the Big Man in the Red Suit...I really like my gift this year, even if I have to wait until February to use it...Tavernier here I come.

Rugby Christmas Party...what a blast...

2008-12-16T21:34:00.003-05:00

Brendan and Sean were our DJs for the evening...they did a spectacular job...there were a few highlights, one of which was when Gary led all the "Old Boys" in a traditional rugby tune...one that cannot be published but it was hysterical none the less.

The DJs entertaining the ladies...

Brendan won the Men's "B" side player of the year...he is the youngest to ever win this award in the 35 years of Doylestown history...

And it was "ugly sweater" theme this year...although I think Beau wears this at other times of the year...he looks too comfortable in it.

Wrestling...what an interesting sport

2008-12-16T21:27:00.003-05:00

Gavin decided to try wrestling this year as his winter sport...I was just surprised there are other boys out there his size...He won this match. Way to Go, Gavin!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Stacy and Jason!!!!!!

2008-11-25T20:21:00.003-05:00

It was a great weekend in the Poconos. Stacy, Jason and their families put on a most wonderful time. The wedding was beautiful with hints of humor, which is to be expected. The reception was an incredible time, along with the after party and a much needed Sunday brunch. Stacy and Jason thank you so much for inviting us and letting us share your memorable weekend with you!

Happy Birthday, Gavin!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-25T20:03:00.004-05:00

Yes, I know that I am a couple of days late posting, Happy Birthday to Gavin but there just wasn't time on Sunday. Between getting home at 12:30pm from Stacy and Jason's wedding weekend and then heading out food shopping (those kids have a nasty habit of eating) then preparing Gavin's Birthday dinner of homemade mac and cheese, cupcakes and to top it off with ice cream. He had a great birthday and got all the gifts a 13 year old could want, 2 movies, 3 video games, pair of jeans, sneakers and a sweater. Plus a great weekend in the Poconos dancing with his favorite girls...there were more but I just didn't have the energy to keep up with him and photograph every single girl...I think his new theme song should be by Van Halen...

We are off to the Wedding of the Year tomorrow...

2008-11-21T23:02:00.001-05:00

Hopefully I will get some great photos of the wedding and reception tomorrow...I will post them next week...

Enough excitement for the rest of the year...

2008-11-21T22:45:00.003-05:00

Well if things remain quiet for the remainder of the year we will be happy here...

Tuesday night we entertained the Chalfont Fire Department Engine 34 for two hours. They were kind enough to stop by and extinquish our chimney fire. Everything turned out just fine, our chimney was tight and the fire remained in the chimney the entire time. Acutally once the oxygen had been cut off by making sure the woodburning stove was completely shut down it extinquished itself. The fire company made sure that the embers in the chimney were completely out before they left.

We of course abandoned ship once we called 911...as the kids say we emptied the zoo into the truck. While there was no real danger of the fire spreading, the zoo remained in the truck until the firemen had gone. It was just easier for them to do the job.

So, for two hours, three kids, a dog, two birds and a snake shared close quarters...and the kids managed to find a friend that also joined them for a while.

Now all that is left to do is have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional this year and from now on...Mike promise not to put off cleaning the chimney ever again.

And no Dad it wasn't started by Christmas wrapping paper...

Matthew is doing well...

2008-11-07T10:42:00.000-05:00

and seems to be really working hard at his schooling. He recently received a 96% and 100% on his tests in some of his classes.

It still looks like he will be home for Christmas this year...as he told me last night six weeks and two days.

He has decided against getting a laptop so email won't be an option for communication. If you want to write to him his address is:

AR Carlucci-McCandless, Matthew C.
STUD Training Support Center
BLG 633 E, Room 117, Bunk A
Great Lakes, IL 60088

He also has his cell phone so texting and phone calls work. 215-350-0882

On to other news.

Gavin has decided to try wrestling at Unami. We will see how that goes, it certainly should be interesting. As Matt said the other night, well he ought to be good at it because of all the time He and Brendan wrestled and beat on Gavin.

Sarah recently tried out for the Unami musical...she didn't get a part...but kudos to her for trying.

Brendan is back to writing songs and playing his guitar. He took a small hyatis, I think because he was doing it everyday for hours at a time, it just got to be too much.

He also recently played in his first men's A side match with his father. The team won and it was Brendan who lead them at the scrum-half position. He did extremely well and had a blast doing it. There are very few teens that have played on the men's A side in the club's history. And to have him out there with his Dad was a proud moment for both of them. They even hugged after the game. The McCandless' had the youngest and the oldest team members on the pitch at the same time, that day.

Once I get the photos off my camera I will post them.

Well, got to get back to work...

Matt on Sunday, October 26, 2008

2008-10-30T19:34:00.001-04:00

The sun came out on Sunday just in time for us to leave Chicago. There was a artic blast coming in behind this sunny day and we were glad to get out just in time.

Matt looked real good in his dress uniform. He is quite excited to continue onto the next phase of his training and is going to strive to get into the top 10% of his class. He will get a big jump in rank if he accomplishes this goal.

Matt will be home on or about December 19 and will hopefully be here through the New Year. He believes that he will be leaving on his birthday.

The rest of the Clan is doing well and they all had a lot of fun at the perspective homes where they stayed while we were out of town. Thanks to everyone that helped out.

Soccer and rugby season are winding down and this weekend we will be out cutting wood for the woodburning stove. It should be a beautiful day for it. Of course there is one last rugby game on Saturday to enjoy.

Well everyone enjoy Halloween tomorrow. Oh and the photos from Chicago are up on the Web Albums. These were a whole lot of fun because Matt and I took them together, looking at the city with a different sort of eye. We both enjoyed snapping away at the buildings as the reflections of the sky and other buildings were giving such a good show. Other "blandscape" items are there. Many may not understand the love for "blandscape" but it is something Matt and I share and it was a whole lot of fun. There are some of Matt in there too, documenting his day in Chicago.

2008-10-25T08:21:00.003-04:00

Well, yesterday was quite wonderful. The ceremony was really neat and it is amazing that in eight weeks someone could transform these young self-absorbed kids into upstanding young adults.

Matthew was granted liberty yesterday and it turns out the new base gave him a certain type of liberty that allows him to remain off base the entire weekend. So, when Mike and I found this out we needed to make a mad dash back from Walmart and request a bigger room with two beds in it. That must have looked comical to the on-looker. We were running from room to room just scooping things out of the drawers and bathroom and running them down the hall to the new room, because we knew Matt would be waiting for us at the gate...because the "new" Matt is punctual...LOL...who would have thought. Sure enough before we got there he had already called us back and asked where we were because he was waiting.

We picked him up, had to swing back by the room to get his cell phone (he is now allowed to have it) and we were off to dinner. He wanted Italian so we found an Olive Garden and had some pasta.

We didn't do anything too exciting last night. But it was something for Mike and I to watch Matthew, he has become quite a young man...from holding doors for not only strangers but his parents too...walking in the cross walks, even at the mall because it is the rules...measuring his "cover"(hat) to the right place on his head by placing two fingers above his eyebrows. He must stop walking in order to speak on the cell phone. He has a precision turn when changing direction...it is all very amusing...we are really proud of the way he has taken this and run with it whole hearted.

We then got back to the room after our Walmart trip (we didn't actually get in the first time because Matt had called as we were parking), Matt took off his uniform and proceeded to fold the pants into an exact perfect bundle, unpacked his bag and placed all the items in a drawer with a purpose. He then ironed his uniform top...with military creases. Oh and spent an hour shining his shoes.

We watched some TV and Matt finally got his grove back TEXTing all his friends...

We haven't made plans for today yet, we are waiting to see what the weather will be like. I'm pretty sure we will end up down in Chicago...it is supposed to be a great city to see. And maybe if these guys get up soon we can head north to Stoughton, WI.

Well I am off to make Matt some "real" eggs and bacon. Our room has a small kitchen so we figured cooking breakfast here would be nice.

I'll post pictures later today.

2008-10-24T16:33:00.000-04:00

A few photos from this mornings graduation. We are waiting to hear from Matt, right now. He currently processing into the base across the street, where he will go through A School. He should receive liberty and we will be able to take him out to dinner tonight and they may also give liberty again for tomorrow...we will have to choose something fun to do...Chicago is close and we have heard it is really nice...so we may go there.

Basic Training Graduation Coming up on October 24, 2008

2008-10-21T22:48:00.003-04:00

It is hard to believe that it has already been eight weeks...well at least for us. I am sure for Matt is has been a loooong time coming. Mike and I are flying out to Chicago on Thursday to attend Matt's graduation on Friday. We are hoping to spend some time with him over the weekend. For now he is scheduled to stay on the base in Great Lakes, Illinois. We aren't sure what they have planned for him after that. He did say recently that he will be home for Christmas...

As soon as I have some photos of him in his uniform I will post them. I will certainly try to keep this blog up...especially now...I am hoping Matt has some access to the internet every once in a while so that he can keep up with what is going on around here.

Homecoming 2008

2008-10-21T22:41:00.002-04:00

Brendan and Joanna went to the CB South Homecoming Dance on October 18, 2008. They had a great time.

Well Matt is on his way.

2008-09-05T11:07:00.002-04:00

Matt left last Monday, August 25, 2008 for the U.S. Navy. We haven't heard much from him this past week and a half but that is to be expected. He is only allowed to write letters on Sunday and I am sure he has much to do on Sundays that letter writing would take a back seat.

His address is for those who wish to write to him:

SR Carlucci-McCandless, Matthew C.
Div 401, USS Kearsarge
BLDG. 7114
Recruit Training Command
Great Lakes, IL 60088

Hopefully by next week he will let us, a little bit, into the world he is so deeply imersed in right now, the curiosity is maddening.

Cool I got the photos to work...

2008-08-13T15:05:00.003-04:00

Mike in Saranac, NY

"I see old people everywhere and they don't even know they are old"

Photos

2008-08-13T15:04:00.002-04:00

Let's see if this works...will I get a photo to actually appear on this site?

Door Knob

2008-08-13T14:23:00.003-04:00

Door Knob My Eye
For every excursion there are wonderful memories that get logged deep in the mind that add to your life experience and there are memories and events that plant themselves in the open for all to reflect on for years to come. This is the story of the beginning of the legend of Doorknob.
The Clan, close relatives of the great travelling Max, fears the notions that we would miss out on anything and we certainly don’t want to kill any grass by remaining in one place for any length of time. So here we find ourselves returning from one more excursion.
Destination – Lake Placid, 8/2 – 8/3/2008
Purpose – you guessed it, hang with some friends and play a little rugby (Saranac Lake Tournament)
Lake Placid is one of the finer places on earth. There is a little something for everyone there, that is, everyone that can break away from the cable TV and the game boy. The locals thrive on the tourism, so all are welcomed. Most are there as visitors or transplants for the opportunity to enjoy the experience of the great outdoors or to train for some dream. The fresh air, the mountain scenery and the brilliant star lit sky keeps all of us dreamers on an even keel. I could go on about the quaint village, the Olympic attractions, the pubs, restraints and the variety of self made activities, but you can check that out on your own. And I do recommend a visit if you can swing it. But now for the most interesting part of the journey – the journey it’s self.
Let me set the stage. A week before departure, a young team mate expressed an interest in making the trip in the hopes of soaking in the “Saranac Lake Rugby Tournament” experience and in the hopes of catching a game or two. Another teammate generously offered transportation via the McCandless family truck. How could I refuse? I gently broke the news to the Clan who outwardly expressed reservation. Below you will see a clip from an e-mail from Ms. Queeny, questioning the travel arrangements.
There is a rumor going around that we might be associating ourselves in very tight, possibly even personal, corroders with a complete stranger on our way to Saranac. Because, as said above it is a rumor, I would just like to clarify everything with facts and so I don’t die of a heart attack because some person feels it necessary to intrude on my space.
Thank you for your time
Sarah
PS - We are making said stranger sit bitch....you know as a sort of initiation. Hahahahahahahahah...god I feel evil
As others began to find out that my young friend would be travelling with us, they began to ask him questions that made him a little uneasy. Questions like, “Are you sure you want to travel with the McCandless kids” and “Have you ever traveled with the McCandless’” followed by statements like, “Oh – it will be an experience” and, yes the one we were all waiting for “you know the kids are going to make you sit bitch”.
Well, to top it all off, the first thing my buddy said when he met the kids, five minutes prior to departure is “hey, do you guys wants some candy”. The next thing I know, I thought I was watching a rerun of Lost in Space as Gavin and Sarah start flailing their arms like Will Robinson’s robot and running circles around the car yelling “Stranger Danger – Stanger Danger”. The tone was set. Yes they did try to make my mate ride bitch but I did not let them force the issue.
It turned out that the three back seat travelers got along quite well. I think the bonding began when “Stranger Danger” fed Gavin with a little prank to pull on his sister. Next I heard, “Sarah do you want a Hurt’s Donut”. Response – “What's a Hurt’s Donut?” Followed by G slugging Sarah in the shoulder with a “hurt’s don’t it”. Sarah proceeded to pommel him. Score: Gavin – 1; Sarah – 10; Stranger Danger – the winner.
We all survived the ride up. We had a great weekend with good friends, some new friends, lots of good laughs, a nice hotel (single story with the hallways on the outside – but comfy), good rugby and good food. The wonderful memories are logged deep in my soul. If you care to here the details, just ask. I would be happy to download. But for now, let’s fast forward to the ride home.
We picked up another passenger for the ride home. Another teammate. The sixth passenger for the vehicle and yes “Stranger Danger” sat bitch in the back, sided by myself and the new hitch hiker. Dawn and the kids were sheltered a bit from the shenanigans that were taking place in the back. Dawn was focused on the drive and intent “intense” on getting home in a direct manner. Stops were occasional but as directed by the driver. Sarah and Gavin were simply amused by the silliness of the three adult children packed in the back.
About half way home and an hour out of the last rest stop it happened. Stranger Danger interjected with, “can we make a pee stop”. To no surprise to me, the driver’s response was automatic, “pee in a bottle – we are not stopping now”. Once the two inexperienced passengers in the back realized that the driver was serious, the mad scramble for an adequate bottle began followed by chaos. First, “Bitch” had to find his jacket in order to provide adequate cover. Next he labored himself into a semi-kneeling position, adequate for the endeavor. At that, mate number two began to franticly squirm and protest, “Get that bottle off my leg and point that thing away from me”. Stanger Danger jockeyed for a new position then bodies shifted again as the driver made a lane change. Readjustments were made once again with a request for a warning before abrupt lane changes were to take place. For a second it looked like SD was about to find some relief but Gavin felt the need to make a Name change in the midst of it all. Pulling a classic line from Dodge Ball, Gavin looked back over his shoulder and said “get on with it – you look like a retard trying to fit a doorknob in his mouth” (that is not exactly what he said but if you are a Dodge Ball groupie, you are familiar with the un-abridged quote). So there it was, just like that, Stranger Danger was forgotten and Doorknob was born.
So that is the long winded version of how the McCandless’ participated in the creation of the legend of “Doorknob”.

~Michael

Still Learning

2008-08-06T12:01:00.006-04:00

How hard could blogging be? Well it isn't as easy to do as I thought it would be. I am starting to be able to navigate the thing and how to place pictures etc. By example to the left, obviously I haven yet to figured out the photo thing. So, hopefully this will get better as I go along.

I am also going to enlist Michael's help with this thing...

It is only a few short days until Matt's "Going Away Party". I think that it is become real now, his leaving and going out into the world on his own. So many mixed emotions about the deal.

This is what you raise them to do...but what a crazy thing when they really go and do it.

Beginning of the Blog Site

2008-07-25T19:24:00.003-04:00

This site is being created because Matthew is heading off into the world on his own and I thought that this will be a great way for him to see what his family is up to where ever in the world he may be.

It is quite strange to have one of your children actually grow up and plan on moving out of your house. To add even more to that is to have that child decide to go into the armed forces.

I still see him as a kid. And in a month he will be traveling to Fort Dix and then off to Great Lakes, Illinois to begin his life as an adult.

The younger siblings are beginning to struggle with the fact that they will be down to three of them and not have that security of the fourth. They have never been without each other. To them Matt has always been here.

I also thought this would be a great way for family else where in the country and friends around the world to have a little more insite to the goings on of this very dynamic family.

So, for these reasons and some others that I won't bore you with I begin this site.