Great Grades ... Let's Celebrate

Every semester once the report cards come out, we celebrate the kids good grades (so far, so good that no one has had to stay home because of a bad report card!). Sean and I decided this year that we would let the kids independently make the decision on where they wanted to go (usually I heavily suggest a place!). It was a bit painful watching them negotiate ... does it surprise anyone that children of Sean and me would have strong opinions!! Eventually they decided on Smokey Bones and Kilwins afterwards for ice cream!! So glad they chose Smokey Bones ... there was a very cool balloon artist there that entertained William almost the whole time. Way to go Andrew, Katie, Matthew and Julia .... Mommy and Dad are very proud of your accomplishments!!

Corpus Christi Dedication

Two weeks ago our beautiful new church was dedicated by our bishop, Thomas Wenski. It was a very formal and complex Mass and Father Gregory asked NINE servers to be at this Mass. Typically there are three servers at a regular Mass. Andrew was asked to participate and it was a huge honor. Sean, Katie and myself attended (it was over two hours) and it was lovely to watch Andrew serve with the Bishop. A very proud moment!!

Just Will and Me

Such a fun morning with my baby!! Yes, I will still call him a baby even though he looks like such a big boy in these pictures. I have decided that for the next 6 weeks, Friday mornings are Mommy / William day. Today we went to Hollywood Studios (MGM). The park was very dead and we were able to walk onto all the rides. He is so chatty now and noticing every detail. We stayed for about 3 hours and he fell right asleep on the walk to the car. Precious time with my sweetie!!

Wonderful Moment

Tonight, Matthew received his First Reconciliation at our beautiful new church. He was so happy and felt the love of Our Lord through this amazing sacrament. The love and joy you feel when you go to confession is almost indescribable. It is so important for kids to learn at a young age how much God loves them unconditionally and how all they have to do is repent their sins, and his forgiveness is abundant. I loves the moment when he came back from his confession and he had a spring in his step and a huge smile on his face. He put his hand on his heart and said he felt so happy and loved. Wonderful ......

My social life stinks ... but my kids are having fun!!!

So .. my social life consists of waving to my friends as I pass their cars, talking on the cell phone during one of my many trips taking kids places, or a brief conversation at a game!! No complaints ... love my life, but realized last night my kids have a much better social life than I. Katie spent last night with her BFF at a Japanese steakhouse and then at Phantom of the Opera downtown Orlando. Andrew hung out with tons of his classmates at a birthday party for a friend. Tonight, Andrew is at another birthday party with a bunch of friends. My big social engagement this weekend will be catching a run in the wee morning hours (at least I will be jamming to some kicking music) or enjoying Mass tomorrow evening at 5:30. I guess this is the stage of my life I am in .... wouldn't change it for the world!!

Great Saturday of Volleyball

Katie had a AWESOME day of VOLLEYBALL today. Their team was 3 - 0 and seeded first tomorrow. She had 6 aces to start the first game of match#1. She was very focused and got alot of court time. It is fun to watch her play ... but a little hairy trying to keep William and Jules entertained and off the court.

Lovin' Basketball

Matthew had a great day at Upward basketball today ... 20 points!! I think that basketball might be his favorite sport (shhh ... don't tell Sean it is not baseball!). I was able to catch the second half after Katie's first volleyball match. Way to go Moo!!

Amazing

This picture from our new church speaks for itself ... absolutely breathtaking!

Chillax

CHILLAX .... my kids say this. I guess it is a combination of the words CHILL and RELAX. I am making an effort in 2010 to I guess CHILLAX. If you know me well .. you know this is not an easy resolution. Not in my nature ... usually I am "stressed" about some not so important thing ... which in turns stresses out my family about some not so important thing. Don't get me wrong, I will still Sweat the Big Stuff ... health, grades, manners, and the laundry (yes the laundry is on the big stuff list!). But the rest I have to CHILLAX. Does it really matter if someone's bed is not made? Will the world end if we are 5 minutes late to an event? Does anyone care if someone's hair is not combed or shirt does not match their shorts besides me? Most likely not ....

So if you see or hear or get wind of me stressing or worrying about a not so big thing ... please tell me CHILLAX. I promise I won't be offended!!

Way to go Poppie!!!

Poppie ran the Naples Daily News 1/2 marathon today in a time of 2:10!! Wow ... he is one step closer qualifying for the Boston Marathon. He is going to use his half marathon time for the Disney Marathon in 2011 and hopefully get the time he needs to qualify for Boston. Amazing how committed he is to his running (and he can kick my butt!) ... an excellent example to the kids of fitness and health. We are proud of you Poppie!!!

More Half Marathon Pictures

Hooray, WE DID IT!!

Must be around 12 since my hat is down and my headphones are not in!!

Happy to be done!

Magic Kingdom

Thursday before our race we spent the day at Magic Kingdom. Weather was better and Jeff drove in from Atlanta the night before so more hands and eyes to watch kids. We had an amazing day ... lines were short, the kids were great, and all the adults loved Magic Kingdom. It was Meredith's first visit, and Jeff hadn't been there in 20 years and Charlie in 15 years. I had to leave early to get the kids and get to games ... but Jules got to stay with everyone and enjoy not one, but TWO parades. Looking forward to many more Disney trips with all the cousins.

Animal Kingdom

What a wonderful day we had at Animal Kingdom with 4 adults and SEVEN KIDS 4 and under. My friend, Tonia, from church, set us up with a VIP performance of the Lion King show. We got to sit in the front, Charlie, Julia, William and Charlotte got to perform in the show, and we got to meet the cast afterwards. The day was really cold and all were in winter coats. It was so much fun, though

Winter Sports Going Strong

Katie and Andrew are both doing winter sports ... Katie travel volleyball and Andrew basketball at WPS. Travel volleyball is great ... her club has over 600 players and she really likes her team. You can see the improvement in her game already and they have only played one tournament!!

Andrew is enjoying school basketball. They are 7 - 2 and have won some really big games. He is playing great defense and getting bunches of rebounds!!

They both have tryouts this week and next for softball/baseball. It will be a busy couple of months ... but we love it!!

Laker Legend

Congratulations to Andrew ... today he was named one of the Laker Legends at his school. This is a huge honor and recognizes the top middle school students for their academic achievements!! The teachers choose 12 students (last year he was one of the 12, but a runner up ... this year he is a finalist). There is a competition in 2 weeks to name the Laker Legend Champion and then the final 6 compete in April against all the other Meritas schools. We are very proud of Andrew ... for maintaining high academic achievement while balancing his athletics and church!!

I love being Aunt Caroline

Meredith's Son - Pete (almost 1)

Meredith's Son John - 2

Melinda's Son Cooper - just turned 1

Melinda's daughter Emma Kate - 2 1/2

Melinda's daughter Charlotte - 4

Waffle Wednesday ..

I was the mystery chef this past week ... W Week. We chose to make Waffles on Wednesday. Julia was so surprised when I showed up and we had fun making the waffles for her classmates. I love being in the classroom with the kids ....

So Sweet ...

Snapped this quick picture of Julia and her cousin Charlotte yesterday before my sister and her family made the trek back up to Indiana. Love this picture ... they are getting so grown up!! So wish we lived closer ... they would be the best of friends!! Just like their mommies!!

Matthew Basketball 2010

Matthew started his Upward basketball season yesterday morning ... he was very excited to have his first game. He has an AWESOME game and scored 14 points. He is really working on his ball handling skills and driving to the basket. His hard work paid off .... so fun to watch Matthew play sports!! He is such a focused athlete!!!