Springtime Fun

Madeline was VERY excited yesterday that she had an opportunity to attend a Webkinz Extravaganza party. She got to play games and won two more Webkinz. The first pic is her with all of her pals. Today we had fun playing outside with our buddies. I also got a bunch of work done around the outside of the house, which was much needed.

We loved the day - it really felt like it was almost summer! We even broke out the Popsicles and the girls had fun on the swings. Life is good when you can play outside!

This summer we are going to the beach! Madeline has never been so she is on cloud nine over that one :-)

I am spoiled!

My Sweetie sent me these beautiful flowers to work today! They were on my desk when I got back from Court, and cheered me up after a little fender bender that I had today (don't worry, nothing was hurt but the rear bumper of a Neon and my pride).



Then I got home and we had pizza and ice cream cake (a flavor that he didn't even like), and had Mom and Johnny plus our neighbor friends over.



My little girlie gave me a card that says "I love you and I would never not like you" - let's hope that stays true forever!



The front of her card had a great picture of our happy family on it. I am so blessed with a happy healthy family and good friends. As I said, I am spoiled!

Pope Benedict XVI

Having not grown up a Catholic, I have had at times in my life mixed feelings about the idea of a Pope. However, I came to love and respect John Paul, who's teachings led me to join the church. And now, after watching the Pope in his visit to America this past week-end, I have come to have strong feelings him as well. What a strong and loving message he sent! I am now a big fan. In particular, I thought that his statements at the World Trade Center site were astute and moving. His joy in his love for God and the Church were obvious; and, he is clearly a wise and intelligent man, worthy to lead one of the biggest churches in the world.

A Decade Strong

Today is our ten year wedding anniversary! When I look at our wedding photo I remember how many hopes and dreams we had that day, and how happy I was to be getting married. At that time we'd already been together for five years, so I thought that I knew everything there was to know about my new husband. Now, looking back over ten years together as husband and wife, I see how little I knew that day. I have learned about life, love, family and my husband since then. I thought I had experienced love at it's fullest the day of our wedding, but now I see that our love continues to grow and mature over time. I have no doubt that love Steven more now than I did then. This love comes from experiencing life together. Nothing is better than seeing my husband love our daughter, his love is so strong and pure. Nothing was worse than seeing him lose his Mother, and the immense pain and heart ache that followed. I have seen him at his happiest - like when he is driving his red shark, or playing with his multiple toys. I have also seen him struggle with worry over how to best handle planning for our future. We have had many, many laughs together - and many, many tough times together. The best thing of all is knowing that no matter what, he will always, always be there fore me, and I will be there for him. We've truly grown into partners in this life, and I am sure in the next ten years we'll grow even more.

Go Ladybugs!

We were very proud of Madeline today because she scored her first soccer goal! The opposing team was really good, so it was great for her to score. It was great to see the big smile on her face - it made standing out in the cold damp wind worth it!

Sunday Afternoon Kites

We decided that rather than mourn the end of our holiday, we'd make today extra special and fun. So, we loaded up our car with kites, a Frisbee and lunch and went out to Johnny and Jeanine's front field for the afternoon. We had a lot of fun having a picnic with Johnny and Jeanine and flying kites out there. I'm always amazed at how big the field in front of Johnny's house is. Once you start walking out there it seems to go on for a long time!

Today I feel so grateful to have spent a wonderful week with Madeline, and with the rest of the family. Madeline got to spend great time with her Mom & Dad, with all of her Grandparents, and with the Radicchi's. Thank God for all of the happy memories!
One to remember - the afternoon when Madeline and I decided to sign everything we said until Daddy came home :-)

First Soccer Game

Madeline had her first soccer game today - all of the girls did well after a bit of a nervous start. There was no scoring today, but there are 7 more games to do that in! They got over their first game jitters and eventually seemed to be having fun. Madeline was pretty excited, and definitely wants to play again :-) She wants to wear her soccer outfit all day, so she at least has the fashion end of it down pat...

More Spring Break Fun

Madeline earned her own money over the last couple of months, so today she had an opportunity to go out and spend it. Guess what she bought, a Webkinz! Big shock, right?



We spent quite some time the last couple of days making craft projects - this is a photo of the products of our work:

Spring Break #3

Steven was thinking of his girls while we were away, and he spent a good amount of time setting up a Motor Speedway in our basement. He and Madeline are down there right now, having race after race after race.... smiling the whole time!

Spring Break #2

After our trip to Rebecca's, we took a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium and had another fun day - it was much more fun with a 6 year old than it was with a 2 year old!



Can you see Nemo and Dory in this picture?



Madeline's picture of me :-)



Dad & Mom (aka Grandpa and Grandma and aka Papaw and Grandmommy) won Grandparents of the year awards this week-end!



Madeline admiring a baby alligator.

Spring Break Fun #1

We spent the week-end at Rebecca's house, and we certainly had a wonderful time... it is great to be together with family (although my Hubby was missed)and have all of the love and support in the world. My parents are such wonderful Grandparents, honestly I had a great time just watching them with our girls. They lavished love on sweet Sophia, and delighted in her every move, all the while making sure that Madeline knew that she is still great in their eyes.

Madeline became an expert at making her little cousin laugh, and was quite proud of herself for it too! She said that the best thing about the trip was making Sophia laugh. We did take her to a kids play zone, and had fun acting like kids ourselves climbing on things and sliding down the slides. Sophia's eyes were so big, I would love to know what was going through her little mind while she watched all of those big kids pray.

For reasons I won't go into here, I have to say that while my Brother in Law and I tease each other to no end, I respect him immensely, and it was wonderful seeing how he loves his little girlie watching him laugh at Sophia Patty Cake was one of the best moments of the week-end. I guess we are all finally grown ups now!