Marietta

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The Acanto Family

When I booked Cyndi’s #frontstepsproject session, I knew I recognized her name from somewhere. For those who know me, I love books! I love stores and put it together, I love bookstores. Especially the independently owned ones. Cyndi had a physical book store in town called the Bookclub Bookstore & More which she turned into “Book Club on the Go” an online store. I love to read but sometimes find it hard to get into business books. I now buy all my business books as audio books from LibroFM which also supports Book Club on the Go. Please check out her website and support small business http://www.bookclubct.com.

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

We are worried each day that my husband goes to work, as he’s an essential worker.

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

We love having more family time. Instead of dining out we had a delightful Easter dinner in our backyard. We enjoy Zoom meet ups with friends. Being a part of the Front Porch Project has definitely been a highlight.

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc.

Our son has adapted to distance learning. He also helps his mom with her business (she works from home). We’re planting a garden and are raising laying hens. Our dogs Daisy and Gatsby love having us home more! Our family enjoys movie night each Saturday.

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The Piscetello/Waniewski Family

Can you say absolutely adorable and amazing! These kids were full of personality, fun and love! When I first pulled up and got out of the car, Lorelei came running out and said “My sister’s just finishing up a Tik Tok” and I said, “OMG I love Tik Tok” and in true fashion of the youth of today Lorelei exclaimed “You know what Tik Tok is??!!!” This project has brought me so much joy in that I’m able to meet so many more families in our beautiful town. Thanks so much to Jolene for being a part of this project.

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

Being home all the time and unable to go to school and work has been hard. We have missed seeing our friends and family. While it’s been difficult we found ways to enjoy our time together and discuss all that we are grateful for in our lives.

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

At the start of the stay at home order I was quick to order a trampoline. It has brought many hours of entertainment for us. The girls and I made up games to play and they even taught me how to do a flip! When the weather was poor we watched all of the Harry Potter movies and many, many Disney movies!

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc.

We tried to have fun and appreciate the time together. While working from home with three school aged children was difficult at times, the girls were incredible. Finding joy during tough times is an important life lesson.

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

Comarotti/Parrott Family

It’s amazing the power that social media has! I joined a group called the Buy Nothing Group on Facebook which is an amazing group that has brought so many people together and has formed so many new friendships. I met Kendra through that group. When she called to schedule her #frontstepsproject session, I was thrilled to finally meet her and her wonderful family in person. Here’s a peek at their #frontstepsproject!

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

It has effected us in both a positive and negative way, chris had to take a leave of absence from work and we have gone 5 weeks now with no income and its scary but we take it day by day, on the positive note is has brought our family closer together spending so much time together, we go for family walks, play games, watch movies and just hang out and be silly!

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

Our baby girl Anastasia turned one! May 13th!

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc.

We have gone on family drives and walks, we all help make dinner sometimes, be silly and goofy together and just have fun!

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The Cayward Family

One of my favorite parts of the #Frontstepsproject is the birthday parades. When Kerry called me she said that this year had to be the best birthday ever for Liam! And it was! The line of police cars, firetrucks and cars was so long and they looped around twice. The Joy on the whole family’s face was so wonderful, especially during the early times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you to the Cayward Family for being a part of this project!

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

Spending more time with family at a slower pace has been such a positive. Worrying day to day has been a negative but doing our best.

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

The birthday parade for my son, as he said this was one of his favorite birthdays ever!

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc.

Distance learning has been very difficult for us as parents and the children. We always make a point to make the little things, big things. Had to miss the Taylor Swift concert so we had one at home, had to miss a birthday party so we had a parade, etc. We also took many family walks and bike rides together…will alway cherish those times!

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The DeAngelis-Heafey Family

I have known this family for a pretty long time and was thrilled when Grace said that she wanted to be a part of this project. We’ve run into each other during cheerleading and theater as our kids were interested in some of the same activities. The #Frontstepsproject is about family and togetherness, and Grace, Riley and Regan epitomize this. They were all so excited to be photographed together and to show the world how much they love each other.

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

We have been able to have more time together as a family and more time to rest. We are so used to running between practices /activities, and this has forced some much needed down time. The girls are enjoying each other’s company, taking walks and bike rides, and just relaxing more.

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

We were on our first family trip to Disney when the schools shut down. Since we were there for one of Rileys cheer competitions, all of the cheerleaders and their families were able to stay in Magic Kingdom for extra hours on the last night the lark was open. We will never forget that! We enjoyed a day in Rhode Island for a nice change of scenery so we could look at the water and see the sunset.

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc.

Riley and Reagan take almost daily walks and/or bike rides to get fresh air and spend time together. They especially enjoy walking through the trails to Nevers to watch the sunset. We have done some yard projects, participated in many birthday and graduation car drive-by parades, enjoyed some visits from the Kona Ice Truck while being socially distant, and have binge watched many shows. Both of the girls have enjoyed crafting and talking with friends and participating in Zoom practices while keeping up with their schoolwork. We are missing spending time with extended family, so we take trips for the girls to play basketball 🏀 while their grandparents chat with them from their deck or porch. Getting to see them, even from a distance, is very important.

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The Hill Family

When Lisa and I connected to set up her #frontstepsproject session I knew that this wonderful family would be a perfect addition to this project. Not only did they have a son graduating from High School during this pandemic, but also the adoption of three spirited and beautiful little ones. I loved connecting with every member of the family! Thank you Lisa, Bob, Jake, Gabriel, Emma, Michael, Annastasia and Levi for giving me the opportunity to create some amazing memories, but for also creating a new friendship.

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

During this time at home it was actually very nice to spend quality time with all 5 of my children who are growing up so fast.

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

Spending Holidays, Birthdays, Graduations and special events under one roof with our immediate family has blessed us with time to reflect and reconnect and create these beautiful family portraits.

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The Stuck Family

I love meeting new people and Karen has to be one of the sweetest and nicest people around. Within a matter of a few phone calls and chats, I already feel like I’ve know her forever. Her family is amazing. I see such love and friendship in their relationship with each other. During this time that is so important! So thankful to have made such wonderful new friends!

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

This whole pandemic really gave our family sometime to sit back and realize what’s important in life. Between covid 19 and my husbands quintuplet bypass heart surgery in February it forces us to slow down. It’s not the materialist stuff that matters, it’s the memories you make with the ones you love.

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

We have certainly done a lot of hikes,bike rides, and family stuff. Hayley has done a ton of baking (not helping us with the waistline) but it’s definitely delicious!!

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc

We just go with the flow now, it’s nice not to have to race all over the place etc. however we do miss seeing everyone and with Hayley graduating fifth grade this year it’s been hard for her to lose out on so much. However we are making the best of it. It’s nice to sit down as a family and have dinner.

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The Swierbutowicz Family

When Jenie booked her #frontstepsproject session she told me that her family would be temporarily moving up to New York while their house was being repaired. Their house suffered from a crumbling foundation. Jenie told me that the big machinery was already on property so she wasn’t sure if we could get a nice family portrait. I was so excited to incorporate the machinery into their #frontstepsproject. It was so wonderful to meet this family!

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

Well, having to move states away due to a crumbling foundation all during a pandemic and homeschooling, it’s been interesting to say the least! A bit stressful but, we’ve had a lot of family time and a lot fun. We’re making the best of an overall crappy situation 🙂

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

So many. We‘ve been on countless hikes/walks/adventures and both kids have turned into swimming pros. If I have to choose just one though, it would be the day our son turned five! My husband and I finally got to make him the Peppa Pug cake he had been asking for for years. He was SO excited! Grandparents and cousins drove up to spend the night. Both kids were thrilled to have someone other than themselves to play with! We also made signs so that people driving by would honk. This put instant smiles on all of our faces! It was such a good day!

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc.

Staying busy and occupied and just hoping for the best.

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The Guimond Family

When I pulled up to Nicole’s house to photograph her #frontstepsproject session, I had a funny feeling that I knew that house. After the session I immediately called my friend Sue and sure enough she said that was the house she grew up in. It’s amazing how the world is so small! Oh and if you need the most amazing desserts in the state contact Nicole at “A Sweet Affair”!

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

We have an 8 month old daughter and I feel as if my husband has been able to spend lots of time with us!

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

Our littlest joy has been social distance visiting our family so they can see our little girl grow up.

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc.

Lots of little house projects have gotten done 😊

#Frontstepsproject

South Windsor Edition

The Murphy Family

Lennore called me and we spoke for a long time catching up because my daughter had coached her daughter in SW Youth Cheer. I was thrilled that she chose to be a part of this project. Her family was absolutely fun and wonderful to work with. I love when she told me that her mom would be involved too. Generations are something that I love and believe in. This project is able to capture the love and strength that families portray.

Please tell us how this time has affected you and your family either in a positive and/or negative manner?

Positive – we are grateful to both still be working, mornings are more peaceful, kids getting up on own, making breakfast and doing long distance learning, we are not rushing to get out the front door before/after school. Happy to have everyone under one roof, playing board games, family time. Negative – worry about my family getting sick especially my mom 71 who lives with me and has underlying condition.

What is one of your favorite memories or stories that happened during this time which includes your family and/or friends?

My daughter turned 16 and had a birthday parade that her friends organized definitely seeing her happiness and surprise!!

What are some of the things that your family has done to cope with the new way of life? IE: school, work, family time etc.

Family board game night, family walks at Nevers and in our neighborhood, few trips to see water, house projects, movie nights and laughing finding the positive