HOT

Today I felt a COOL breeze.  That is amazing because this pretty much sums up the past three months...

Sundays

At our house, Sundays really are sacred.  Even when the big kids were little, we have always set aside Sundays for Mass, gathering with family, and rest.  I never used to nap until I married Mark but I remember the early days of our marriage when Sunday afternoon naps were a given.  We can usually squeeze them in on occasion but we are really good about taking it easy on Sunday.  This past Sunday was awesome.  After Mass, we gathered at Nana's as usual for brunch.  She started having us all over on Sunday mornings when her house was completed, and it really has become such a wonderful ritual full of blessings.  After that we went to Diamondbacks game with the four oldest kids. Virginia stayed home with Ava which was such a treat. There is nothing like watching a baseball game AT the park.

Mark climbed the stairs at Chase Tower as a tribute to the 9-11 victims and they gave him free tickets.  Watching the terrible events of that day and the sacrifices made by the firefighters and police officers really makes me appreciate my husband and give thanks that he is with me - right here, right now.  The seats were better than I was expecting and the kids had fun.

Paolo even got his hat signed by Baxter.  Elise screamed everytime she saw him!!

To round off our Sunday, Mark's dad called and invited us out for sushi for dinner.  Can it get any better than that?  I love Sundays......



Aaaaah

This child has been sick for almost a week.  It was a rough week.  She was sooo crabby and miserable and wanted to be held constantly and wouldn't sleep and well......it was exhausting.  But today - aaaaah.  She must be feeling better.  She woke up with a smile on her face (unusual even when she is not sick!) and she has been playing and getting into her usual trouble and it feels wonderful.  It is so hard to remain patient and caring when they need you so much.  More mother lessons learned.

Yesterday, Juliana had her first volleyball game.  She was one of 12 girls who made the team out of the 20 or more who tried out.  We are so proud!!!!  She did this all on her own.  I never played volleyball in school and I can't even say we worked with her before tryouts.  That little body is always amazing us!

Here is her team before the game began - and Jules was a STARTER!!!!

Heading onto the court.

Ready for action.

 She had a few fans there!  Little Ava with the big 2nd graders.  They won and of course I got talked into taking them on a celebratory trip to ZOYO.  Pajama night - even better. GO IRISH!!!!!!

 

Happy Birthday Daddy!

In my attempt to catch up on my posts, I must, must, must include Mark's 38th Birthday.  We had a great day starting with mass at SSJ with the kids, Sing High for lunch (of course!) and ending with a delicious taco dinner with family and friends.  I think I figured this is the 20th birthday I have celebrated with him and can I just say - I LOVE THIS MAN!  He can turn boring into fun, worry into calm, and pretentious into REAL, just by walking into a room.  He is a wonderful husband, a totally involved father and an "I will go to the ends of the earth for you" friend.  Happy Birthday honey - you are the love of my life and I thank God for you!

Priceless

So every once in awhile, Mark and I talk finances and try to come up with ways to put ourselves in a better position - re-evaluate you might say. Well one of things that inevitably enters the conversation is the boat. Now it is paid for, but truth be told we do not take it out as much as we would like and very often the summer passes and we are trying to just get it out on the water. Selling it always sounds like a good a idea - until..... One of those rare days comes along and we make it out there. This was a quick trip and we did not even have any "toys" but the kids (Ava included) had a blast. We missed Lisey but she had a party to go to. The great thing about a boat is it is something to do together for ALL ages. I think that is going to become increasingly important as our kids get older. Underused boat - $4000 (just a guess!). Time together, no complaining - priceless.

Back to School

School started three weeks ago and I did capture a few pictures. Paolo started kindergarten, which is crazy, and the other kids seem to be settling in to their new classrooms and routines. I was absolutely amazed at the back to school night. Junior high is definitely a different ball game and walking through Diego's class schedule in the new building, I felt like I was on a high school campus. It is wild the things they have these kids doing. As I was sitting listening to the teachers talk about their classes, I felt excited and almost jealous. I know it sounds dorky, but I would love to be in a classroom again. I think I could be a lifetime student. I wish I had felt that way in college. Maybe someday I will return to academia in some fashion. I do love this school in particular - good thing - it takes all our time and money! Here's to a great school year.

P.S. - yes I know Paolo is sideways. Blogger is killing me! I am still having trouble but I could not bring myself to delete the whole entry because of one picture!

Summer Wrap Up

Here are a few pics from the rest of our summer.......


We were able to spend the last two weeks of July up at the cabin which is so good for the kids. They escape the heat and are able to get outside and just be kids. The Fahrendorfs came up for five days like they have done for the past several years and the kids have such a good time hiking, playing games on the porch, going down to the playground, playing soccer, making up plays, going on the zip-line, and just hanging out upstairs in "the dorm". It is so nice for me to spend time with Alisha and share our joys and pains of raising our families. After they left, the kids and I braved the parish camping trip and with the help of such wonderful friends, we had a really fun day playing in the creek. The next week Colin and Natalie came up and Mark was able to spend a few days up there also. I really do love the quiet, simple times up there. The first week of August saw us shopping for school supplies, having much missed friends over and getting together with the neighborhood clan for and end of summer bash at the Kalkbrenner's. The giant water slide was a hit with the kids and adults alike (although Mark and I had some scrapes and bruises!). I do love summer but there is always a part of me that is ready for the routine and rhythm of the school year. I am so thankful and feel so blessed that our summers are packed with memories the kids will take with them the rest of their lives.