We Now Have a Dog

Brennan decided he's a dog. He requests to be called "doggy", and he can do tricks for imaginary treats.
He rolls over like a pro.
I much prefer this dog to a real one. (we're not a pet family)
Every once in a while the costume comes off, and he becomes Brennan again. But the past few days, he's "Doggy".
Like his tail?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over the next few days we might get pounded with a winter storm. As in ice and up to 14 inches of snow. Woot. The grocery store last night was busy like Thanksgiving.  Even after going last night, I realized there are a few things I should pick up if we get the weather they're forecasting.
As for storms hitting during February, I say better now than closer to my due date!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aidan had a great kid-weekend. Both boys did, actually. Friday night we played at an indoor play area. Super cool for them, especially because it included chocolate milk.
Saturday day-Aidan had his date with his grandparents, going out to lunch and using his Christmas giftcard. He got a pair of Sketchers (he insists that they make him run faster & jump higher). He also got a Mario Bros shirt that came with a toy, which he loves. Jeans that aren't floods he got, as well as a Toy Story shirt. Not bad for the kid!

While Aidan had that date, Brennan & Pat had a date to the store & library. Brennan was thrilled to have time with just Pat.

Saturday night, Brennan & I were home, and Pat & Aidan had a Scouts event.
They went to our local minor-league's hockey game. It was a special night for the Scouts.
They got to meet some of the players, get some autographs, a t-shirt, AND...after the game, they went on the ice and tried to make some goals.

Pretty darn cool for a 6yo, don't ya think?

Aidan had that time with Pat & his friends in Scouts. They didn't get home until almost midnight! Fun times. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~
No Menu Plan Monday for me this week. Oh we'll be eating...it's just not all planned out. Tonight it will probably be the Peanut Noodles we didn't get to last week. Another night will be sandwiches (we have turkey lunch meat). Another night spaghetti night. Another night...chicken something? See, I have a mental plan. ;)

I hope you're staying warm & have a good week!

New Wheels

Yesterday we became a 2-car family again.

For the 1st time in 5 years.....5 years, people.

Going down to 1 car back in 2006 (almsot 5 years ago, exactly), was the best thing for us, and we both know it was the right thing to do. And I admit: it wasn't as bad as I expected. We made it last longer than I thought it would, and for that, I am proud of us.

Does that sound cocky, saying I'm proud of us?
Let me explain.
A few people have commented that it was "easy" for us to only have one car, because Pat's work is only 2 miles away.

When we went down to one car, Pat had a 30 minute commute.  That was from January 2006 until September 2006, when we moved to Ohio.
From September 2006 until just before Brennan was born (April 2007), Pat's commute was almost an HOUR. So "easy", right? Not to mention once we moved to Ohio, we had no family minutes away to help if need be.
Pat's office finally relocated (much behind schedule) right around the time Brennan was born.

We've made it work, and we're fortunate to live close to his work and our parish/school.
That didn't all happen by chance, though. We planned for buying a house that would enable us to stay to one car. It wasn't luck.

I have to say, it doesn't necessarily matter how far away you have to drive your spouse to work.
When you have kids, especially school-aged kids with more time commitments & obligations, it's a pain to have to pack them up & head out every day at 5:00. It's when homework is being done. It's when dinner should be prepped. It's when kids, even just two of them, have reached their witching hour and offer less-than-pleasant attitudes.
And in wintery weather...doesn't matter how far you have to drive.
You still have to warm up the car.
You still have to shovel to get out of your driveway.
You still have to scrape the car.

I suppose it's obvious people's comments about it being "easy" for us with one car annoyed me, because 1-people commenting that have never been in my shoes, 2-it's NOT easy just because it doesn't require a ton of time in the car.

Pat & I know what it took having one car for so long. We're the ones who fully understand the challenges & benefits, and that's all that I should care about, I know.

Thankfully now we have 2 cars again.
Our Odyssey, which we bought when Aidan was 1.
And now Pat has a blue Honda Accord. :)

Proud Momma

Every once in a while I can't resist sharing something good about my kid. It may sound like a "brag", but hey, later on down on the road, I want Aidan to be able to come here & read about this. To know how proud I am of him, and what an amazing boy he can be.

Three stories:

Most recently, the 2nd quarter ended and Friday Aidan came home with his report card.
I am so very proud of our boy. His teacher is tough and expects a lot from them.  For the majority of this year they've done work that is beyond 1st grade. We love knowing Aidan is in a good school that challenges him.
He made the honor roll again. And he had almost all A's...all A's and one B. (darn B...it was 2 points away from an A!). He brought up several grades (in fact, improved in conduct as well as earned an A+ in Social Studies!) Some schools don't give homework in 1st grade, but Aidan has homework Monday-Thursday, and it's not unfinished school work. It's separate homework. He usually has a Religion test and sight word test each Friday on top of it. When there is a Science, Social Studies, or Math test, that is also on a Thursday or Friday. He works hard and takes his studying very seriously. We are very proud of him. He's starting his schooling career off so well!

Story two...
The week they went back to school after Christmas break, I received this e-mail from a school staff member:

Just had to share this moment with you :

 This morning I was walking back into the school building and ran into Aidan.  I asked him how his Xmas break was and he said  “good”.  Then I asked “Well, what was the best thing about Christmas for you?”  Without hesitation he said “Well, it was Jesus’ birthday”.  I was kind of taken back because I have asked this question before to kids--- I usually get a list of toys or their favorite gift.  I said “Yes it was!”  Aidan said “ That was the BEST—I was so excited that it was Jesus’ Birthday!”  The TRUE meaning of Christmas remains on his mind and in his heart!

 Just had to share this wonderful moment!!

Reading that e-mail made my day. It may not seem like much to some, but as a parent, I feel like it's easy to not see the good as much as the annoying or negative things. "My kid wakes up almost every day before 6!", "He bickers with his brother over the silliest things!", "the after-school whining drives me CRAZY!". Yes, those things are so easy to think of and recall. So it's good to have this, to know others see the good in Aidan, and more importantly, to know he is developing a spiritual relationship. (and I admit, it also gives me hope that as his parents, we may be doing something right).

Like a cherry on top, it got better. Last weekend we got a call from one of our priests, and he asked for permission to use Aidan and this story as a kick-off to his homily for Mass last weekend. We were so touched and honored. 

Aidan is as humble as Pat, not thrilled over the attention and nearly embarrassed. Meanwhile I'm trying not to cry from feeling happy and proud of this good kid God has given me.

Story three...

The same day I got that e-mail from the staff member, I received another, separate e-mail regarding Aidan.  

One of his good friends got hurt at recess. Apparently Aidan went right to help her and help her to the school nurse. The girl's mom commented that Aidan is so sweet, and considered one of this girl's best friends. 

Same day....2 random people sharing with me that Aidan is a good boy. 

Really, it warmed my heart. He is a good, compassionate boy. 

Sometimes the hugs he wants to give can feel excessive, or the help he offers Brennan can feel too strong. 

But his heart? He has a heart of gold. And sometimes even one's own mother needs those reminders. 

I'm grateful for the other mom, the school staff member, the parish priest. 

I'm grateful for his teachers and classmates. 

I am proud of Aidan. 

I am certainly grateful for him, too.

Things I Take Advantage Of

• bending over when not pregnant
• sweeping the floor (again, when not pregnant)
• shaving
• walking fast
• going long stretches between bathroom breaks (when not pregnant)
• Sleep. Glorious sleep. Seriously, 8 a.m. now is really sleeping in. I remember in college, 8 a.m. felt like the crack of dawn!
• I take advantage of my kids' always offering hugs. That may change one day as they get older, and I need to take more advantage of that now. Too often I act like it slows me down too much.
• My husband's willingness to do so much right now. I sit back while he bathes the boys & puts them to bed. He does that, and I hit the couch w/ the heating pad on my back.
• I take advantage of prayer, knowing God is always there to listen. Do I or don't I? I suppose if I truly took advantage, I'd offer up more words to Him. Huh.

That's my thought for today. 

Anything you realize you take advantage of or for granted in easier situations?

I'm a Sucker for a Man in Uniform

Especially when it's my 6 year old. :)

Aidan participated in his 1st Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby Race today.
He was just awesome.

He took pride in doing his own car, only accepting help where needed. Many of the cars we saw were obviously done mostly by a grown-up. While that was fine for them, we were so proud of Aidan for actually doing the job intended for the Scout. He painted his own car, using every color available to him.

He had a blast. He cheered for his friends, didn't care if he didn't come in first, rejoiced when he succeeded,  and just remained a great sport. We are so incredibly proud of him.
My heart when out to the kids I saw crying (not many but a few, bless their hearts).

 placing his car on the track

"Mom! I came in 2nd!"

Aidan made for quite a Scout today. 

He made us proud.

Way to go, kid!

 

Menu Plan Monday--January 24, 2010

Saturday: Make-your-own Pita Pizzas
Sunday: Fettuccine Alfredo w/ grilled chicken, fresh salad, fresh bread

Monday: Mexican Beef & Bean Casserole
Tuesday: Crock pot cheesy ham & potatoes
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Thursday: Boys' Night-they decide. :)
Friday: Rice Noodles with Peanut Sauce, pea pods & carrots

Sledding in 2011

I never shared the sledding pics from last weekend.
We're certainly not sledding this weekend...with the wind-chill, we're hovering right around 0 (during the day). It is fri-gid!

Last weekend we got the boys out for their 1st sledding trip this season. We think it was Brennan's 1st sledding trip, period.

A new sledding hill was built at a Metro Park near us, and it was impressive. A better hill than it looks, with one side having the extra "bump" some sledders enjoy flying off of.
Best part?
When they built this sledding hill, they built a firepit for those who want to stay warm. Complete w/ wood provided...it was nice. I stood by the fire & watched Pat & the boys do some sledding.
Next winter I plan to join them!

the hill

 Pat & Brennan coming down the hill

 all 3 of my boys!

 fun times

the firepit...wonderful, wonderful heat!

Once we hit the 20's again, provided the snow remains on the ground, I'm sure there will be at least one more sledding adventure.

Come, Baby Come

Remember that song? Old-school!


I had my 34 week check-up today. (I'm actually 34 weeks, 5 days, but who's counting?!)
Appointment went fine. I'm measuring the same for my expected due-date. Avoided looking at the scale.
Swelling is normal. The baby's movements hurting me, normal.
Hip, back pain...normal.
Normal is just SO MUCH FUN. not...


I feel I've reached that point now.
That point where I'm done being pregnant and ready for this human to grow outside of my body.
I love the little bugger, but for heaven's sake, I'd like to no longer walk like a penguin. Ya know, without a baby's head in my pelvic region.

Am I complaining? Sure.
If you want to remind me that I got myself into this, then I demand you come on over & massage my lower back, between my tailbone & hip, to be exact. And use hot pressure, like lava rocks.
Not willing to do that? Then no rolling your eyes at my complaining.

On a happier note, we did some baby purchasing that I'm pleased with. I need to buy diapers. Aside from that, we're pretty close to being FULLY ready.

Yesterday the baby's swing arrived:

Thank you, Amazon, for your 2-day shipping for FREE, great price, and to Swagbucks for making it so easy to earn amazon credits. Heck yes. 

Today I just ordered this sound machine: 

I'm a huge fan of white noise. I have trouble sleeping without it. We use white noise for Aidan & Brennan. For them we've always used a box fan. But dang, our house is old, insulation needs to be improved, and a fan would just be too cold for a newborn. So I read positive reviews for this, plus one better: my great friend Alison uses a Conair machine like this for her girls. I was pleasantly surprised by how loud it was. So voila! It's on its way for this baby boy still in my belly.

I washed the newborn-sized "little brother" shirt the other day. We bought his baby blanket. 

I have baby wash/shampoo now in the house again.

It's almost time...

Thursday: Must See TV!

Why are Thursdays always the best tv night?
Back in the day ER was on Thursdays, as was Friends. Even growing up I'm pretty sure Knots Landing was on Thursdays. Same with tonight's shows.

This is good, except that some of my shows have been canceled (so upset about Medium and The Closer!), and now nearly EVERYTHING I watch is coming on Thursdays. Over-time for my dvr!

I'm not a huge couch potato, but I love my tv shows. I can live without them, yes, but back when Pat started working a 2nd job, then grad school, it's WHAT I had in the evenings.
He'd be gone, kids were in bed, I'd fold laundry, and with no other person around, I got tuned into the tv.

So tonight I'm really looking forward to our shows coming on:
-The Office (losing interest here, though)
-Parks & Rec
-30 Rock
-Outsourced
-Grey's Anatomy
-Private Practice (losing interest in this one, too. Addison really annoys me)
-BONES! I am so happy Bones returns tonight
-Royal Pains (loved this during the summer)

All those shows, ONE night.
When I don't have a show to watch each day, it bums me out. It's not like I need an intervention here, but when I sit down for my lunch and Brennan is in quiet time, I like a good show to watch. It's a good thing shows are resuming!

Other nights I also like to record Law & Order: SVU and Criminal Minds. CSI:NY, too. If I'm REALLY desperate I'll watch CSI: Miami, but usually can't do CSI: Vegas. Too much bad acting.
I'll check out American Idol, too.

I'm looking forward to tonight. :)
Have any of your shows been canceled? What are you watching this season?

A Feat!

I shaved my legs, folks. Yes indeed.

Was it long over-due? Heck yes.

But I think any woman will tell ya, in the winter time, it's easy to let the legs go unshaved much longer than usual. Shaving in the winter time to begin with always makes me feel productive.

Shaving in the winter time, requiring lots of bending, at 34.5 weeks pregnant?!
I feel VICTORIOUS. :)

I also attempted to cut my toe-nails (aren't you glad you stopped by to read?).
AND...Aidan & I did the 2-mile kid fitness walk from On Demand. That should be my real feat since exercising has become a thing of my past, but I am counting shaving my legs as my feat.

Boo-ya.

Call for Prayers

Lots of needs for prayer over the past week. Your prayers are appreciated, and if you have any intentions you'd like US to pray for, let me know in the comments.

• my brother got hurt last Friday. He's visiting my parents in SC, went out to break up ice in their driveway, had a seizure, fell, hit his head BADLY and fractured a vertebrae. This is my 2nd oldest brother who also suffers from schizophrenia. He was released from the hospital yesterday (amazingly), wearing a brace for several weeks & appointments to follow. 
• Please pray for my parents, especially my mom. Seeing as my brother is with them, the task of caring for him is in their hands. It's a big responsibility, and my parents are in their 70's. That's a lot on them.
• Pray for my sister-in-law's sister-in-law. (brother-in-law's sister, in other words). They got word she has cancer & it's spreading. She's not even 40 & has 6 kids. :( St. Peregrine, intercede!
• Prayers for my brother, sister-in-law & their 4 kids as they travel to DISNEY!
• Selfish-sounding, maybe...please pray my parents are still able to make it up here for when this baby comes. The plan is for them to come up in one month, being here early enough to watch the kids when I go into labor. We've never had someone THAT close before & it's a mental relief. So I pray with all that's happened, they're still able to make it. And get here safely, of course.
• Pray for it to work out financially for all we need to get before this baby comes. 
• Lastly, prayers for our search on a 2nd car. We really need one and my husband has been looking.

Wow, after all that, I feel like a prayer-request hog. But hey, that's what it is. I'm trying to get back in the habit of praying the rosary daily, so I will definitely include your intentions, too. 

Thanks. :)

JP II: We Love You!

May 1: the beginning of a beautiful month because it's the month of Mary. Also it finally starts to feel like SPRING (a big deal in the Midwest after many months of snow).

There is another reason why I'm looking forward to May1: Pope John Paul II will be beatified on May 1. 

 

(isn't he cute? Come on...you know he is!)

Ah! That gives me goosebumps. Seriously.

He was Pope for as long as I can remember. He's the Pope whose home country I visited, the only Pope I've seen as part of a Papal Audience. (Italy, November 1999).
My brother is named after him.  My alma mater's library is, too.

He was also Pope when Aidan was born.

His life is more than a good example.

What a blessing to have grown up with this Pope as head of our Church on earth, see his beatification process expedited, and to learn today that we will witness him becoming "Saint" in our lifetime, too. Truly a unique situation.
And as far as I'm concerned, what a gain for us!

May 1: beatification. Woo-hoo!!!!

Baby Update: Baby Gear & My Big Stomach

Let me start with the "my big stomach" part.

(This weekend I'll be 34 weeks) It's big and the extra weight is not only making me off-balance, but it's killing my back. Shock, right? A pregnant woman whose back hurts? I know, I know, but it's my blog, and well, I'll cry if I want to.
So far I haven't had to deal with swelling too much, but a few days ago I really struggled to get my wedding rings on & off. And my socks felt tight around my ankles. JOY.
Yes, I did this to myself, bla bla bla. But let me give major credit to women who have many babies. I know pregnancy is much easier for some, but goodness, it's such a strain & sacrifice.
(having a UTI for nearly a month now hasn't helped, either).

So, credit due...you moms rock. What's your secret? I'd love a UTI-free pregnancy, one where I gain minimal weight, etc.

On to the more "fun" stuff: the shopping for baby gear.

We finally bought the infant car seat on New Year's Eve.

I've decided I'm going to buy a Belly Bandit for my post-partum period.  It may or may not work, but if nothing else, I'll have good back support (but I really hope it works!). I hope to be shredding again by 5 weeks post-partum. I need to feel "me" again. 

We need to buy a regular-sized diaper bag (still have a good small one from Aidan's baby days). 

The search for the one we want most has driven me crazy. 

Why? I'll tell you why.

REVIEWS. Reading peoples' reviews is both a blessing & a curse. Dang it. 

I'm pretty sure we're going to buy a Skip Hop bag. We liked the one we saw at BRU, and we have a giftcard to Amazon to cover it. But ya know, reading reviews makes it complicated! At least for me, indecisive me. I know I want a bag that can be worn messenger-style, as well as one that is neutral so Pat is comfortable using it, too. 

What else...

I'm determined to try pacifiers w/ this kid. I was against them before having Aidan, but after a few weeks of colic tried them. He gagged on them and there was never 1 he'd take. Brennan gagged on them, too, and we tried several brands w/ him. This time around I'm willing to start with the pacifier at the hospital. Things change by the 3rd kid, right?

I don't know what else in terms of baby gear. 

I'm tired. Really really tired today. My back hurts & my heating pad broke. 

Aren't I lovely? 

But hey, that's what's on my mind. So voila...the end of this post!

The 1st Class=Success

Brennan's 1st class was a success! Especially at only $5/class.  (mentioned earlier here)

I have to be honest & admit that I do prefer the Story Time sessions at the library (& not just because those are free). Story Time incorporates more, with the stories, movement, song, as well as a craft. But hey, I missed the sign up, so this is a nice fill-in! (any locals interested, the classes are at the 577 Foundation).

Brennan was very well-behaved. He excitedly painted his shoebox blue, then glued sand & rocks on, cut out fish we drew, etc. You could see his creative wheels turning! It made me wish we had done this with Aidan when he was this age (didn't even know about it).

 Class 1: Made an Aquarium. Success! He came & left smiling, proudly showed Pat & Aidan his project, and told me he does want to go back next week. (good thing since I already paid;).

 

Next week's theme is dinosaurs! I hope to be able to share an equally fun craft. :)

Brennan & School (lots of links)

Brennan doesn't go to preschool yet. He'll be 4 in April, and in the fall he will be going to our parish preschool. 

I realized I wasn't doing nearly as much with him as I did with Aidan at this stage, and of course the MOMMY GUILT set in. Not that he's seemingly behind or anything, but the kid deserves the same learning experiences, does he not? 

So I buckled down and planned a month's lesson plan for Brennan. We're going on our 2nd week w/ it, and he LOVES it. Once we've done our "school time" each day, he is much more mellowed out and willing to entertain himself. Plus, he truly enjoys the work we do. 

I have him signed up for story time at our library, as well as a few classes at a local place. Today is our 1st class, it's an hour long, and there is book reading, singing, dancing, and we make an aquarium out of a shoebox. All for $5. It's strictly for preschoolers, too. I'm hopeful it goes well, especially because I signed us up for 2 more classes already! 

In fact, I used the class-projects as the themes for our work at home. (if you're interested, it's all in a Google Doc & I'd be happy to share w/ you)

This week is FISH, so yesterday we made the shape fish craft:

Brennan had a blast cutting the shapes (I helped some), and he proudly showed his fish to Patrick & Aidan. 

We also did the daily ABC and Number charts, followed by his favorite, Days of the Week Song.

Oh, and the ABC song that cracks him up: (thank God for youtube, huh?)

For some Math, yesterday we did a new "game" that also incorporated fine motor skills. It was a hit...thank goodness for unplanned fun sometimes! 

I would put down a # flashcard, then he would have to string that many large lacing beads. If he had the correct # of beads, I knew he understood which # was shown.

 He just loved it. And it put a smile on my face. (but also made me realize how big he's gotten)

I can't go so far as to say I'm "homeschooling" for 3yo preschool, because really, I believe this is what all parents/caregivers should do w/ their kids. Not this stuff, exactly, but learning at home. 

I just got my act together & compiled it in lesson plan format, w/ links, printables, etc, so others can take over with him if need be when the baby arrives.

This is a regular part of our day now. It's honestly turning into the best part of our day, too. :)

Interested in some other links? 

Last week we made a Penguin that was super fun (using cotton balls), similar to the one seen here. I also printed off this penguin sheet & used it for uppercase letter matching.

Friday we're doing a super fun craft. Aidan will be home from school (teacher work day), so we'll all enjoy it. Another aquarium!  There is also the pearls math worksheet, paper plate fish... so much to choose from! 

Next week's theme is DINOSAURS. ROAR!!

Thanks for letting me share. I'm excited that Brennan & I are enjoying this time together. And the pride he shows in his work...priceless.

Menu Plan Monday--January 10, 2011

Monday: Chicken Fajitas in the Crock Pot    

Tuesday: Appetizer night for the boys; Lean Cuisine Cheesesteak for me

Wednesday: Lazy Man's Cabbage Casserole

Thursday: Wild Rice & White Bean Medley

Friday: Potato & Cheese Pierogies, Baked Beans, Salad

And Today I'm Tired Because...

32 weeks, 5 days pregnant

Left house at 8 a.m.
Drove Pat to work
Went through Tim Horton's to get myself breakfast (bagel)
Went to Bank & then Post Office
Dropped Aidan off at school
Went to my OB check-up, enduring non-stop tantrums from Brennan
Faced the scale...dumdumdum
Went from OB apt to lab for something dr requested, enduring MORE tantrums from Brennan
Did the major grocery shopping since today is pay day & the house is bare

4 hours later, we're pulling into the driveway, w/ snow/rain combo falling making everything wet.
Rush Brennan to the bathroom because he has to go #2, while he goes I haul the groceries in.

After all this, my back is hurting and I am slightly exhausted.
I know women do this all the time, being further along in a pregnancy than myself, with more kids in tow.
But dang, I am tired and would love a back rub right now.

4 hours nonstop is a bit tiring for me at this fun stage of the pregnancy, where ya have to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes, bending over literally hurts, etc.

Thank goodness I bought some ice cream  to enjoy.

Wordless Wednesday: Out of this World

Menu Plan Monday--January 3, 2011

2011...Happy New Year!  

Monday: Crockpot Ranch Potatoes and Chicken, green beans

Tuesday: Easy Fried Rice

Wednesday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, salad, Italian bread (trying Amy's sauce)

Thursday: Make-your-own-Pita Pizzas

Friday: Egg & Cheese sandwiches on English Muffins, fruit on side

Happy 2011!!

Welcome 2011! 

It's an anticipated year. :)

Some things we're looking forward to this year:

~meeting our new baby (sometime in the next 7-8 weeks)

~getting a 2nd car

~this year Aidan will finish 1st grade and start 2nd grade (gulp!)

~Brennan will start 4yo preschool

~Becoming more "gazelle" in our Total Money Makeover

~Losing all this baby weight and getting my body back

~a trip to Myrtle Beach w/ my side of the family in June

2011 has some hopeful things in store for us. Plus, Patrick has no more school! :) 

2010 wasn't so bad for us. We had the typical mixture of good and bad:

-Brennan saw his 1st movie in the theater, The Princess and the Frog

-I got my weight back into the 120's for the first time in years

-We learned we lost our 4th baby the same week my mother had major surgery

-I had a fun girls' night out w/ Bethany

-Aidan turned 6, Brennan turned 3, Patrick & I both turned 30

-We got away, just the 2 of us, for the 1st time since our honeymoon!

-home improvements: new windows in the entire house, new fridge, new toilet, new shower/bath, finally new furniture, and plumbing work. Over $1300 in plumbing alone...(so did not enjoy that one)

-we welcomed THREE new nieces into this world: Seraphina, Mackenzie, & Cordia

-Aidan played 2 seasons of soccer :)

-Brennan finally fully potty trained

-my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary & we partied!

-I became pregnant with our 3rd boy

-I had an awesome Girls' Weekend w/ friends from college

-Aidan started Scouts, selling popcorn & enjoying his 1st campout

-My husband made the boys AWESOME Halloween costumes

-Patrick graduated, completing his MBA

So yes, 2010 had some hardships, as every year does. We started the year off sick (sinus infections, bronchitis), and we ended it with some of us sick (ear infections, sinus). 

Other things came up, but when we look back, we were blessed. 

I am hopeful 2011 will be a blessing, too, for us AND YOU! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!