Happy Birthday Dear Thomas

You are 4! What a great age you are. Everything is new. Everything is something you want to know more about. You are such a fun little boy; however, in this picture you look twice your age! Mommy and Daddy are so proud that you are our son. We Love You.

Happy Birthday Dear Samantha,

Happy Birthday to You! Our little baby is 2. Samantha is growing up so quickly. She is singing songs, "ABC's," "The Wheels on the Bus," and "Old McDonald" are her favorites. She is learning her colors and letters (well, when she sees a letter she says they are her ABCs), she is almost potty trained, and is carrying on conversations with just about anyone who will listen. She loves her big bother, Thomas, so very much. And he loves her.

It's Fall

Sunday

We did it -- attempted Mass with both Thomas and Samantha. It started out well. Thomas said that Jesus was up on the cross, we were going to say our prayers and he would be good. Sam still had her shoes on. As we walked in I noticed several beautiful babies – all in white. Thomas and Samantha noticed the large baptismal font. Oh oh……baptisms. While usually a wonderful ceremony, not so good with two little ones an hour away from lunch time. Poor planning on my part. Well, Mass started late and ran even later. We left the big church to sit out front with the other little ones, but couldn’t stay. While I was so disappointed that we didn’t even get to the Profession of Faith, never mind Communion, I did get to sign Alleluia! with Samantha in my arms, and we were there for about an hour. Next time, we will be able to make the entire service; I am sure.

Welcome to the World Little Addison

Born yesterday, August 5, 2008 at 6:10 p.m., and weighing 7 lbs, 3 oz., this sweet little girl entered our life (she has been in our hearts for the past 9 months!) Kenny and Brittany have been blessed with a beautiful little life to love, care for, and raise. They both will be wonderful parents. Addison is a lucky little girl!

Sunday Lunch

After eating, running around like Indians, and getting kisses from Nanny and Papa, Thomas and Samantha settled down to get this picture taken.

Having Fun at the Museum!

It's been a long time...

I haven't posted for so long, I think I have forgotten how....we have been dealing with what seems like non-stop ear infections in both Thomas and Samantha. This has been my life -- runny noses, fevers, antibiotics (and I was just bragging -- yes, probably so -- that Samantha never had antibiotics until March of this year. Ain't bragging now!), doctor's office visits, co-pays (thank God for insurance), taking off from work. It's been hard. Am I complaining? Sort of. Am I grateful this is all we have to deal with? Absolutely. Our life is one of joy. We are blessed to be where we want to be and with those we want to be with. Who could ask for more?
Here are some random pictures -- some of a belated Easter and our visit with Thomas the Tank Engine. Later on I'll post some pictures of me and my cousins when we were all at my Aunt Dot's memorial service. Until then, have a wonderful Spring.

God is Good and Yes, I'm hiding.

Sunday was a special night. Thomas said the blessing, all by himself. "God is good. God is great. Thank you for our family. Thank you for our food. AMEN." Not only did he say the blessing, but he reminded us that it needed to be said. How great is that?

Sam has a new trick. She will close her eyes, say "Mommy?" and wait for me to say "Where's Sam?" She'll then open her eyes and start laughing! I'll ask her if she's hiding and she says "Ah huh!"

Our First Day at School

A Milestone Month!

For the shortest month of the year, February, 2008 has proven to be a very busy and very significant month for us. Many very happy things and one very sad thing have happened.

The month started with Thomas going to school! He began attending a Mother’s Day Out program two days a week. What a wonderful experience for him. Other than painting, coloring, doing various craft projects and learning about letters, he learned how to be without Mommy, Daddy or Aunt Goo! He learned about teachers and friends and that we don’t drink babas at school! He really enjoyed his time at St. Catherine’s. We called it his “Little School.”

Next, Thomas got a Big-Boy Bed! So far, so good. We have had a few ups and downs (no pun intended, as he has a loft-style bed!), but all in all he has really taken to his bed.

Today, after three wonderful years at Aunt Goo’s, Thomas and Sam started attending day care, or as we call it “Big School.” They both seem to be doing well and seem to be having a good time. The real test will be Monday.

Yesterday, we were saddened by the news that my Aunt Dottie passed away. Aunt Dottie had a soft heart and was a strong woman. She raised two very wonderful, successful and kind-hearted sons, and left us with a life-time of wonderful memories. She loved candy. She LOVED chocolate cake. I learned some very valuable lessons from Aunt Dot. You always knew where Aunt Dot stood. She was not a wishy-washy woman. I admired her for that. I think she was viewed as “grouchy” because she was sensitive. In order to not get her feelings hurt, she would put on her armor, which happened to be her grouchy mood. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Thomas' Big-Boy Bed!!

We finally did it. Thomas has his big-boy bed!

Thomas' First Day of School!

Hooray! Thomas' First Day of School was great! He talked to Daddy on the way to school, he stood outside the school so Mommy could take a picture, he hung up his backpack like a good boy and he made a great picture of the groundhog.

Sam in Red!

Here is Sam in her pretty red bathrobe from Aunt Michele!