Sunday, April 15, 2012

Up


Easter had a different feel this year.  I can't really explain it but for many different reasons it was a little somber.  Diego opted to play with friends instead of dyeing eggs with the kids.  Mark worked on Easter Day and I was the only one of my siblings to be at the extended family party.  There is a lot going on in the family right now and it is a little tough.  That is why I am soooo thankful for my husband.  I think by nature I am somewhat of a pessimist.  I am not resigning myself to this, just acknowledging it so I can fight it.  Mark, however, always sees the bright side.  He can take any situation and find the positive.  So I am rethinking Easter 2012 and here is the up-side:


I had three smiling children coloring eggs and being very creative - they used crayons, rubber bands, toothbrushes and tape to make some pretty amazing creations.  Shortly after they finished I got to visit with my childhood friend, Caroline, who lives in D.C.  It is always nice to see her and catch up.


Easter morning I woke up to five healthy, happy children who had all the joy of Easter in their eyes.  It was especially fun watching Ava rifle through her basket of candy and hunt for eggs.





Although our extended family gathering was small it was nice because I got to have some real conversations just because there were fewer people.  Paula brought the red eggs to do the Greek tradition of "Christos Anesti".  I actually won which means I am supposed to have a year of good luck!




The kids enjoyed time with their east side cousins.


So I think I will remember this Easter for the way it made me look up.  I truly believe that at the end of the day, happiness is a choice.  Sometimes it is a hard choice and we have to go against the way we are feeling.  But I think it is an important choice.  We are called to be Easter people, always looking UP.


Friday, April 13, 2012

Happy Birthday Paolo Joe!


What a goofball!  We had another "Golden Birthday" around our house last week.  Paolo turned 6 on April 6th and with the help of friends and family I think it will be a birthday he will always remember.  It started out with churros for his kindergarten class.  Ava came along.



For his birthday dinner, which was on Good Friday this year, we had tostadas, enchiladas, shrimp patties and nopales.  I loved seeing how excited he was about his birthday.  I hope he felt so special because he really is one of a kind.  Dirt cake, of course :)



We spent weeks talking about a birthday party with friends - what to do, how to decorate.  He settled on Star Wars and Nina Linda really came through with the decorations.  She really could be a professional party planner.



3-D decorations no less.



The kids went in the pool for a bit and then we played a few games - Jedi training.





Mark's Mom had saved an R2-D2 cake pan from when Mark was little and we used it to make Paolo's cake.  Pretty cool - that thing is probably 30 years old.  Star Wars is so timeless.





I hope all his wishes come true.  Paolo you are a happy, sweet, fun-loving boy and we are so blessed to have you in our family!!!