Fun at Grandma and Grandpa's house

When we went to Michigan we stayed at my Mom and Dad's house. They have such a beautiful home and setting. As you can see they have a large yard that goes to a lake. The kids had soo much fun. They fished, canoed, swam, hunted for frogs - and even caught a few big bull frogs - played baseball, and more. It is such a great place to run free and play. We are so grateful that they put up with us for two weeks of a fun filled vacation. I have more pictures of the fun they had but I could only put this many on the post. I will have to add more to a second post. Stay tuned

Pic 1 - Christian and Nate hunting for frogs ; pic 2 - the yard from the deck; Pic 3 - maggie enjoying a Fudgecicle on the deck steps; pic 4 - Maggie and Christian swimming ; Pic 5 - Nate going down the slide into the lake.

Having A blast!!

Hi everyone - I thought I would update you all on what we have been up to.

Wednesday we went to noon Mass at our former parish Christ The King. It was so wonderful. Fr. Ed did a wonderful job as usual - I sure miss his homilies. After Mass we spent about an hour just saying Hello to many any friends. It was great but he boys were getting hungry and so we had to scoot.

Later that day my brother came over to my parents and we all had dinner together. Nothing like pizza and family!!! It was so good to just hang out togther. We used to do that all often when we all lived in Michigan.

Yesterday we hung out with our dear friends the Faraj's. It was soo good to see them. It was like we never left. They have 6 girls so Maggie ahd her share of Girl time!!! We went to another friend's house to swim. Their pool is amazing. It has a slide and a diving board. Needless to say my kids were in heaven. I even went down the slide!!

After our fun day we had dinner at my parents with my sister and then I went to Women's Group. What can I say about that ? It is such a wonderful group of dear women who love and serve Jesus, who love each other, and strive to improve in everything they do for love of God, their family and each other. I missed them so much.We shared, laughed, ate etc . What a hard thing to leave behind. I am so glad I was able to be here for it though. They are amazing !

I will have to add pictures later - my Dad's computer does not take my digital card so I will have to wait. I will be updating again soon. Today we are visitng more friends and Austin and my parents get back from hockey camp in Traverse City.

We are Here!

Sorry - I haven't figured out my Dad's computer yet so there are no pictures. I will post some as soon as I figure out how to get mine on his computer.

We arrived safe and sound late last night. Thanks for all your prayers - everything went very smoothly. The boys fished and played baseball this moning and then we went to Mass at Christ The King. It was amazing! I missed it so much and it was so good to see so many people. This is going to be a wonderful vacation.

I will have more later but for now - Happy Feast of the Assumption and thanks for all those prayers!!!

Getting Ready to Go!

Well - we leave in about 45 minutes for the airport for our trip to Michigan. Our flight leaves at 6:30 tonight and we get back the 28th. Please keep us in your prayers as it is me and the kids without mike. We are very excited and looking forward to seeing family and friends. talk to you from Michigan!!!

Happy Anniversary Mike!!!

Happy 13th Annivesray to my husband Mike. It is so hard to believe it has been 13 years! The time has gone by so fast. God has blessed us so abundantly in these 13 years together. We have our faith, each other, and our 8 wonderful children.

Mike - all those years ago when we were 12 you said you were going to marry me! Well - you did! Thanks for waiting for me to come to my senses. I am so glad I did! I love you!!!!!! You are an amazing husband and father. I hope we are able to spend many many more years together!!!

Maggie Swimming!!!

Today Maggie was in the pol with Mike and the boys. Mike gave her the noodle and she started to kick her feet and she was off! When he told me I could hardly belive it. As you can see for yourself Ms. Independent has started to teach herself swimming basics. I am sure it will be a while before she is swimming completely on her own but this sure is a great first step.

Everything is breaking!!!

Why does it seem that everything falls apart all at once?

Mike just got his car fixed - again!. the joys of an old car. My dishwasher has been on the fritz for a while. It does not get the dishes all the way clean and so I do most of them by hand - Oh yea! Our van has been without air conditioning for 6 months now and it is getting to the point where I cannot go anywhere because my car is over 100 degrees with only a little breeze coming in. Now it is my washing machine. It has been a week now and am I ever behind on laundry. The repair guy came today and tells me he will let me know in a couple of days what they are going to do. Apparently the barrell, shocks, etc are all worn and not in working order- I have a front loader - and that is why the drum is hanging down. He says it is a three hour job to do the repairs so he is going to try and get them just to replace the machine. I must say I would rather have them replace the machine but I hope they hurry up. We leave for Michigan in 6 days and I NEED to do my laundry!!! Pray for my sanity and that nothing else breaks down.

The Count Down Begins....

Today begins the one week count down to our trip to Michigan! We cannot wait! It has been over tow years since we have all been able to go visit. The kids are so excited and so am I. There are lots of friends and family members we have not seen in a very long time. Many have never seen our little Maggie in person - boy will that be a treat:) I can't wait to post lots of pictures of all of our adventures in Michigan.

He's home!!!

Yea!!! Mike came home from St. Cloud today. We missed him very much. It was the hardest for me at nigth when I was trying to go to bed. I would stay awake until my eyes were burning and then I would sleep with a light on.

Mike has a great time and was able to learn a lot and watch Austin play some really good hockey. He was also able to relax some and just catch a break. He did not have that much time to spend one on one with Austin as the boys stayed in dorms and the parents stayed at nearby hotels. He was able to talk to him in between games and practices and spent the most time with Austin the last day when they were finished with their games.

Mike also had time to speak to scouts for the OhL, colleges and to some different agents. They had presentations on Wednesday where the kids and parents learned different aspects of the hockey world. It was a very god time, but we are all glad that he is home with us:)

Way to go Boys!!!

Well - I got the call.....Both of the boys made their AAU teams. It is such a great privilege for them both. They are going to get great coaching and be able to excel at a sport they love. I am sure you will be hearing from us a lot during our adventures in AAU. Go Bombers!!!!!

My Hubbyless Week

Today begins 6 days with out my hubby. He has left for St. Cloud, Minnesota to watch our son Austin at the USA Hockey Festival for 15 year olds. It should be a good time. He is staying with my dad in the hotel while Austin stays in a dorm with his fellow players. Mike will miss Austin's first two games, but will ge to see pratices and the next 2 games he plays. Tonight he is excited to be going to a barbeque with all the Michigan families that are there. He wil get to see many people he has not seen in a while.

I must say I am torn. I am looking forward to having time to myself when the kids go to bed and cathcing up on some reading, scrapbooking, and the like yet I am going to miss him and wish we could all be there together. Such is life!! He will be in touch regularly and is going to have a great time.

AAU tryouts

Tonight was the second round of tryouts for the boys for an AAU Travel baseball team called the Bombers. R.J. tried out for the U12 team and Mikey tried out for the U13 Team. We are really hoping they both make their teams. R.J. has a better shot as there are more open spots on his team. tTey both did great and we are very proud of them for doing their best. We will find out by tomorrow if they made it!!!! Keep your fingers crossed:)

My Hubby's new blog

Just wanted to tell you all that my hubby Mike has started his own blog!!! He is very excited about it. Go and check it out and send your hubby's and significant others there too.

http://dynastydad.blogspot.com

Here's some Total Momsense

A friend shared this with me and I thought it was just too cute and too funny. Hope all you Mom's enjoy it as much as I did. Happy Sunday!!!

Fun at the Beach

Today was so much fun. it was Mike's day off and so we went to Cape Coral Yacht Club beach for some sun, fun, and a change of scenery.

The kids had fun playing in the water, in the sand, and looking for hermit crabs and conch. They even found a handful of them.

We only stayed for two hours but the time flew by. We are now relaxing at home while Austin and Mike golf. This is our last day all together before Austin goes back to Michigan on Tuesday.

The first pic is Austin with maggie. Second is Maggie. third is all the kids playing in the sand and water. Fourth is a hermit crab - a little blurry but you can sort of see it.

Rockin Girl Blogger

My Dear friend Ruth at http://thetuckerbunch.typepad.com/ has named me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger. Ruth I thank you for your friendship. I just love your blog. You show us all your beautiful faith, your sense of loyalty, and your spirit of love for God's gifts and your family. I have been blessed to get a chance to know you and have you as a part of my life.

For my choices as Rockin Girl Blogger's I have chosen:

Lynne at http://lynne-aviewfromtheinside.blogspot.com/. Lynne your blog shows your wonderful sense of creativity, your sense of humor, and your love of your family. You are such a wonderful woman and peolpe can get a real glimpse of you from your blog. Of course it cannot compare to the wonderful and resourceful woman that you are. I am so glad we met at baseball two years ago and that our kids and we are friends.

Bridget at http://www.ourmagnumopus.com/ I have always looked up to you. You have always had such a humble and quiet spirit. It has always inpsired me to be a better person. You exhibit all the best of a woman of God and a wife, mother, friend, adn mentor. I hope to see you again in person someday - maybe in August when the kids and I go to Michigan.

Kate at http://redheadmama.blogspot.com/. Kate you are an amazing, fun, and spirited woman. I feel like we are sisters in so many ways. I bet you will even have a girl at number 8:) I love your deep faith, your spirit, your generosity, and that smile that makes everyone feel like a million bucks. You too are such a great mother and woman of God. I miss you . See you in August.

Sharon at http://www.nesthome.blogspot.com/. I only know you from our online contact but I am impressed by you. You have a deep faith, an amazing love for your boys, and you are driven to succeed in what ever God throws your way. I am glad to have met you at Catholic Mom Community and love sharing your adventures at your blog.

To all you Rockin Girls - I am truly blessed for having you each a part of my life:)

My Meez

I just learned about what a meez was tonight. I thought it was so cute and looked like fun so I went ahead and made one of me.

If you know me well you know this is sooo me. I love to talk on the phone and this was their version of a backyard pool. Ours is not nearly as luxourious but we are there all the time. I was hoping you could do more than one action at a time like talk on the phone, fold laundry, and care for the baby all at once - lol - but no such luck.

Happy Birthday to My Best Friend

Dearest Heidi - this is my Happy Birthday tribute to you.

You are such a wonderful, inspiring, and awesome person. You are loved and give love freely. Most important you are such a strong woman of God and such a good mother, wife, friend, and more. I am so grateful that you are my best friend. You are always there for me and mean more to me than I can say.

We sure have been through a lot together. Through it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly - our friendship has flourished. I love our phone conversations - every day if we can manage them. I love that we pray for each other and support each other. I love that I will be seeing you again in person soon. I love you!!!

May God Bless you this next year and continue to give you the desires of your heart. I love

you!!!!

The Next Joan of Arc?

Maggie continues to entertain us with the thing she does. Yesterday she put on Kolbe's armour he bougth with his birthday money. She was just too funny. I think she is training to be the next Joan of Arc. Lord knows I could use a saint in the family to pray me straight to heaven - lol!!

Happy Birthday to My June Babies

Happy Birthday to R.J. and Kolbe!

R.J. turned 10 on the 19th! He was such a sweet and easy going baby! We were always kissing him. He has grown up to be such a good add happy kid. He is playing 9/10 All Stars in baseball right now and doing well. I look forward to watching him continue to grow up.

Kolbe was born today - June 23rd. He was so darn cute!! everyone said right from the start that he looked just like his brother Mikey. We call him Mikey's mini-me. Kolbe is still adorable! He has the biggest smile. He is an energetic kid who loves to play play play!!!

This year the boys had a joint birthday party. I is the first time in over 3 years they have been able to have a party. Each one invited three friends to come and swim, fish, have pizza and cupcakes. It was a great time.

The first picture is R.J. at his 9 year old All Star game.

The second is Kolbe and his friend Cody showing off their matching toothless smiles.

Third is The boys with their friends playing video games at their party .

Fourth is the kids at the party swimming in our pool and 5th is some of the kids fishing off our dock.

Happy Father's Day to the Men in My Life

Happy Father's Day to My Dad, My Husband, and My Father-in-law.

First to my Dad. I love you and am thankful for the life you gave me. You have always been a loving, wise, and kind father. You worked hard to provide things for us and always gave us love. You made sure we knew the value of hard work and also when to have fun and play. You showed us responsibility, love, forgiveness, and gratitude. Most importantly you showed us faith. Your example of praying and trusting in God, going to Mass every Sunday, and steeping us in our faith has made me the woman I am today. I love you Dad!!

To my husband. I have known you a very long time - since we were 12. There has always been "something" betweewn us. I love you very much. I am so grateul for the wonderful Father you are to my children. You love them unconditionally, you rear them to be men, and you work so very hard to provide for them. Thank you for being the dad you are and for giving me such beautiful children who love you and admire you.

To my father-in-law I thank you for being there to support us. You are a very kind, faith filled, and loving man. You also have much wisdom and share generously with us. I thank you for all you have done for us and for the example you have been to Mike. Thank you also for always lending an ear and for praying for us unfailingly.

Again - to the men in my life - Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!

The Visit

The second weekend in May - From the 11th to the 14th - My Mom and Oldest sister came down to Florida for a visit. We had such a great time. The 11th was Jake's First Communion and Confirmation, the 12th was my sister Chris's birthday, the 13th was Mother's Day, and May 15th and 30th were mine and Jenny's birthdays.

We were able celebrate together and it was soo awesome. Friday night we attended Jake's sacraments after a day of playing at my house. Saturday we all watched R.J. and Mikey play baseball, we swam in our pool, and then we went out to dinner to celebrate Chris' birthday. Sunday we went on a girls day out. We went shopping all after noon and then had a very relaxing and wonderful dinner at a restaurant called The Melting Pot. It is a delicious fondue restuarant. Monday we hung out together and then they left for Michigan. We had such a great time together. What a special weekend.

the pics are 1) Me, Mom, Jenny, and Chris. 2) Mom, Jenny, and Chris in the pool. 3) Kolbe and Grandma.

Nate's Birthday Round Two

Here are a few more pictures from Nate's birthday celebration. We celebrated a week after his actual birthday since my Mom and Sister were here for a visit. The first picture is Nate showing his fishing gear from Mom and Dad. The next is his cake. Last is Nate with his cousin Jake and his brother Ben.

Happy 5th Birthday Nate!!!

Happy Birthday Ignatius. It is soo hard to believe that Nate is five already!! He was born on a Sunday and has always been such a sweet boy.


He is always cuddling with us and tries so hard to be good. This year was his first year playing t-ball. He is anxious to start kindergarten with me in the Fall.

Hope you have a great birthday Nate! We love you:)

Maggie is going "Bye Bye"

The other day Maggie decided she was ready to go! She brought her bathing suit and diapers out of her room, hung them on her arms, and got ready to leave. What more could a girl need?

She was so darn cute walking through the house saying "Bye" "Bye". she even tried to go out the front door which she can now open!! Good thing I locked it:)