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.

My Sweet Surprise

Eleven years ago today, I was standing at this same parade on the 4th of July about 36 weeks pregnant. Little did I know that just 2 days later I would go into labor (3 weeks early I might add) and deliver a sweet, delicate little baby girl. You see, I was convinced I was having a boy. Everything felt the same as when I was pregnant with Diego. We did not find out what we were having so on July 6th, 2000, we got our sweet surprise. Juliana, you are a beautiful young lady and I have enjoyed watching you surprise everybody with your abilities. God bless you and may you have a wonderful year!

Making Memories

Our trip to San Diego has come and gone and these are a few of many great pics from the week. This is the second year we have gone with a large group of both our families and it really is the best. I have so many childhood memories from Mission and I feel happy for our kids that we are creating many of the same memories. The best part of the trip is the laid back, no schedule, hang out mentality that we all have. You find yourself falling into conversation with different members of the family, catching up, swapping parenting stories, and laughing a lot. We swim, we fish, we jump waves, catch ghost shrimp, and have the best relay race ever. Yes, relay race. Just picture 30 people of all ages running up and down the beach doing crazy events like dizzy wiffle ball and beach chair hurdles. Silly, crazy fun. Hope we can just keep making memories.

Happy Birthday to Me

I heard a lot of falling dominoes in the making of this creation. As a Mom, it is sights like this that make it all worth it. Nobody told them to do it. Nobody told them to keep at it when setting up dominoes can be sooo frustrating. Here I am, 37 years old, wife for 13+ years, mother of five, surrounded by creative love on my birthday. Happy Birthday to Me.

Season Finale

Whew! We did it. We pulled off another season - the best ever I might add. It has been so fun watching the kids play and seeing the fields come alive with family and friends. And there is the adorable Commish. Mark really puts his heart and soul into this league and I try to be as supportive as I can. He is a people magnet. I truly think his energy, happy spirit and inclusive nature have transformed this league.

Every year I wince a little when I think of how busy we are running this thing. When we are at the field, Mark is going around making sure everyone has what they need and the fields are top shape. I am most often in the snackbar feeling guilty that I never get to just sit and watch my children play. But we make every effort to see them as much as we can and this year was particularly fun to watch. Diego's pitching and level of play this year was exciting. Jules may be smaller than a lot of the girls she plays against, but she holds her own and FLIES around the bases. Elise was often put at pitcher because she could be counted on to make the plays. And Paolo - let me just say the kid gets dressed in full uniform 2 or 3 hours before his game starts and if you ask him, his team has one every game. Good times.

Well, I can't say I am not glad the season is done. Time for a little R and R and summer vacation!