What happens when Jo has my phone... a must see!

Jo never complains as long as she can "play with my phone."  I found this a week later & almost cried!  It is so cute & funny!  Will cherish it forever!

 

Enjoy!

Josephine's Special 5th Birthday Party

This party was Jo's first party since her 1st Birthday Party!  Bad Mom is what I kept telling myself, so I had to do something really really special for the BIG 5!  We did a tea party at our house for seven friends plus Jo. 

Sophia - her BFF at St. MM

Taylor - new friend at St. MM

Lilly - my colleague's friend's daughter - they met at gymnastics

Elizabeth - her cousin BFF

Eleanor - new friend at St. MM

Meggy - new friend at St. MM

We made cake pops from scratch (they were delicious & pretty), special tea (lemonade & apple juice), pretzels with chocolate drops, fruit kabobs, and cheese & crackers.

Rosie & Anna were the servers, and they were outstanding!  Carolyn & Cara Petry did hair & make-up which was a huge hit too.  They girls looked beautiful. 

We played musical chairs & made purses & took lots of pictures.  They ate everything and had a great time.  I'm so glad it was special for Jo - worth all the planning!!

This picture cracks me up!  Taylor & Elizabeth didn't make it in the picture unfortunately!

Not a great shot (we are currently in the process of organizing our pictures better & so this is the one on my computer). I can't wait to find the one of the table decorated perfectly with a cute tea set & balloons & lots of pink & white decorations.  My mom made pink & white aprons for Rosie & Anna!  The girls had white gloves (promptly took them off when they started eating).  Too funny!

Can't forget one fit thrown by the birthday girl....  only my daughter would do that at her own party.  Ugh!  We ignored her but notice the red eyes before we sang happy birthday.  Oh Jo Jo!!

Crazy Shirt Day at SLU Soccer Camp

I am possibly the worst blogger EVER!  I am not sure why I can't fit a quick blog in every other day, but it is just not happening.  I will pursue this task again this summer....

For now, I have a cute picture of a few girls from Anna's SLSG soccer team.  They went to a soccer camp this week at SLU and had a great time.  Beautiful field to play on as well!  Grandpa Wilson (my dad) is going to watch today as they scrimmage & then take them home for me.

From left to right:  Anna, Paige, Ellie, Grace, Maddie & Abbie (ground).

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012!  So much occurred since the last blog, and I will slowly but surely update this blog.  It's a new year with new resolutions!  The Carollo's had a wonderful Christmas, and the girls are all happy & healthy.  Rosie is now 12 years old has her own cell phone.  Can't believe it but I like being able to text her when she's at a friend's house.  Rosie remains my darling, sweet, honest, good, older daughter.  Anna is my uber-competitive girl playing sports non-stop.  She is now a rock star basketball player, but I know soccer is still her favorite.  She will start pitching lessons this January indoors - love the coaches for 3rd grade with me - they initiated the indoor pitching lessons!  Jo is the baby and is probably spoiled but I love her hugs every day.  She's sweet and loving & divides her hugs amongst all of us.  She is going to start gymnastics because we need her to have an extracurricular activity!! Ha Ha!  Pete & I are doing well, and we love their activities even though we are tired of driving everywhere.  I can't sit next to Pete at Anna's soccer games as he expects her to play like Mia Hamm every game, but it makes the other parents laugh.  Is it really ok for Anna to push as much as she does??  I don't think so...  I expect a red card one day.  We have our season tickets for the St. Louis Blues, and the girls actually know when it is their turn to go.  Yes, I was able to make one game so far.  They do watch the games on TV too & know all the players - Pete is so proud.  The mascot, Louis, is Jo's favorite....

Ok, yes, my girls fight with each other A LOT!  They make me nuts, and I lose my temper sometimes, but I think they will be great sisters one day - just like me & Joanie & Mary.  We never fight anymore.... ha ha!

We said good-bye to Stephanie on Tuesday night & she made it to Jacksonville, Florida.  We can't wait to visit, but I am very excited for her & Tim!

The big event, Lauren's wedding, was amazing in November!  Must post pics for my next blog. 

Here's a funny video until I post again.  Have a happy Thursday family & friends!

Santa brought three hula hoops, and she loves all of them! 

Lauren's Wedding Shower

On Saturday, Stephanie, Mary, Joanie & I threw a fabulous wedding shower for Lauren.  It was outside by Mary's awesome pool, and everyone had a great time!  The invitations had a "time" theme with everyone receiving a specific hour & their present matched that time.  I had 7am, so she received a coffee maker + frother + to go coffee cups + coffee!  Our food was in line with the "time" theme.  We had breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Breakfast was small wontons with egg filling & fruit kabob & mimosa's, lunch was two types of salad (quinoi with veggies+ green salad) & long island iced tea, and dinner was pasta & breadstick and sangria.  Our dessert was a total hit too - yummy pastries from Russo's Gourmet Express and mudslides.  As you can see, each meal had a drink attached as well so we had a bit of a buzz by the end of the night.

Lauren got many great gifts, and we all enjoyed ourselves.  We are so excited for November 12th!!

I was busy being a hostess & serving, so I did not take too many pictures.  Sisters & aunts, please send me your pictures for the blog!  Lauren is opening some gifts - I think this was the breakfast time.... 

 Cute girls!

 Grandma & the youngest grandchild, Lizzie.

 More pretty girls!

Fun shower games - Rosie's dress fell down and Caty won the contest!  They were all very cute & fun dresses!

The other fun game was similar to the Newlywed Game - Debbie taped Jesse answering 20 questions & Lauren had to see if she answered them the same way.  Needless to say, she got 6 out of 20 correct.  It was fun, and Jesse had so many sweet things to say about Lauren.

Now, we need to find some wedding shoes for Rosie, Anna & Jo and a dress for me!

Last day of daycare for Josephine

I know there are a million more blogs to post since March, but I have to start somewhere (& this is not in order at all but that's life for the Carollo's!) 

Jo's last day at St. John's Mercy daycare was Friday, and I snapped some pictures to remember this awesome place.  She started in the Apple Room with Margaret & Becky (the BEST baby teachers & I hope to continue exchanging Christmas cards with them for a long time).  They truly loved Jo & took such good care of her.

The next room was the Blueberry Room, and then the Plum Room & then finally the Watermelon Room.  The Plum room had another three awesome teachers - Ms. Vicki & Ms. Kathy & Ms. Ellen.  They taught her so much, and even though they were only 3 & 4 years old, they learned more than I could imagine!  I will talk more about Ms. Ellen below - she is seriously my favorite teacher of all time.  So sweet & & kind!

Her last room was Watermelon room - just a few weeks until she was off to St. MM (preK4).

Bryce & Jo - Bryce asked Jo to marry him every day, and he is so cute (& so much bigger than Jo)!  He cried for a few nights before Jo's last day (per his mom) & said "what am I going to do without Jo?  can we buy another Jo for me?"  Isn't that so cute??

Her favorite pals:  Dillon, Arti, Addison & Bryce

 Ms. Ellen with her girls!  She did their hair on her two days there & they loved it!  She would use beautiful ribbon & bows & called it her boutique.  Ms. Ellen loved Jo, and she always told me that everyone loved Jo in the class. She was friends with everyone and truly cared for her friends.  She was the first to check on kids who were hurt, and she never complained! I remember that we would forget her swimsuit from time to time for waterplay, but Ms. Ellen said she never got upset - she just would run around in her extra clothes.

The boys in her class - notice Jo & Bryce holdings hands!

We will miss this place, but Jo is growing up & ready to move to her next school.  Rosie & Anna have remained friends with their preschool friends, and we plan on doing the same for Josephine.  We were lucky to find this loving environment for Jo to grow up in during our workday. Thank you to these great teachers!

Speedsters!

I have been very remiss in not writing about the best indoor soccer team EVER!  The Speedsters!

Just a few stats: 

• The team record was 8 and 0, including 2 or 3 come from behind victories.
• Speedsters scored 40 goals and allowed only 13.
• Voted most colorful uniforms and best loyal fans (check out our cool socks!)

My dad (yes, Mr. Soccer Hall of Famer) was the head coach, and Joanie & I assisted.  We had two sets of cousins on the team (Anna & Alison plus Courtney & Megan).  I have yet to coach a team that played so hard, never complained, hustled & were so nice & sweet to each other.  It was so fun & exciting!!  Unfortunately, I had a "moment" during one game that Joanie will never let me live down.  I can't help when my competitiveness gets the best of me. 

Dad was so organized, thoughtful, skilled & amazing the whole time. I did hear some major competitiveness in his voice at most games.  He was awesome & we couldn't have done it without him.  I hope the girls keep this memory forever of their Grandpa coaching them.  So cool!

After the last game & an undefeated season!

Cute & competitive cousins!

Amazing End to Basketball Season

Incredible day of basketball!!  The girls made it to the finals of the B/C tournament, and they lost 7-6 (I know, it sounds like a softball score!) It was an intense game with serious defense from both teams.  We had so many shots that went around the rim but would not go in.  Unfortunately our tallest girl, Gabby, broke her arm in the 1st 2 minutes of the game which shook up the team for a bit.  Even though we lost, the girls were very proud of their performance on the court.  Now, on to softball.....

I'm downloading pictures as I write this blog....

Obsessed

I love the show, Parenthood, and I am obsessed with it!  I will not miss it on Tuesday nights at 9pm, and I can't believe I did not watch Season 1.  I actually purchased Season 1, and I am in the process of watching one episode a night.  It is my treat every night!!  If you need a good show to watch, then you need to start tuning in every week.  It is funny & dramatic & so real & just plain awesome.  My sisters told me to watch it last season, and now I may listen to them more often.  They know what they are talking about!  Ha Ha!

If this show gets canceled, I may lose my mind....

5th Grade Basketball begins

Snow & ice, but it doesn't stop us from playing b-ball!  Actually, the kids have been out of school for two days - it's been years since we've had so much snow!!  It is cold too!! Brrrrr

Our first basketball game was a little rough, and we lost to MQP.  Since then (3 more games), we've been on a winning streak.  Can't wait to play MQP & win this time!  Rosie is doing great & making lots of baskets.  We need lucky Grandpa to come to a game now.

 No 14 jumping to block a pass.

Rosie is quick which helps - just need some more height!

5th Grade Soccer Champs

The coaches decided to do jackets for the team this year given their incredible turnaround season, and they were a huge hit with the girls.  They wear them proudly, and the 5th grade boys are very jealous!  So funny!  We had a celebration pizza party at Pizza World, and it was a great end to the season.

Pretty Girls

The St. Mary Magdalen Christmas Program was December 16th, and it was really nice this year.  We had it at the Brentwood Auditorium since we don't have a very large stage, and it was such a wonderful change.  Better sound, better seating & more like a real production!  We have a great music teacher, and a parent with theater background directs the musical.  We appreciate all of their hard work!

Josephine wore these antlers since December 1, and she loved them.  She's such a funny girl!  Love that funny look she gave me!

My three little girls!  Mrs. Petry did Rosie's hair (straightened it - her hair has natural curl but we always want the exact opposite of what we have) & Anna's (added curl since her hair is poker straight).  Jo had her hair done by Ms. Ellen (weekly event at school), so she looked like a Christmas ornament!  She loves Ms. Ellen!

Christmas Piano Recital

Mary Katherine Victor is our piano teacher, and we had a very nice "recital" at her house before Christmas! Both Anna & Rose played Christmas songs, and it is nice to hear how much they have progressed through the year.  It definitely put us all in the Christmas mood! 

  All of her students!

Rosie played the 12 Days of Christmas.

Anna played Jingle Bells & Away in a Manger.

Thanksgiving goofiness

Couldn't miss posting this picture!  That's Grandpa for you - putting whip cream straight into Jo's mouth!

Congratulations Lauren & Jesse!!!

We could not be more excited for our newly engaged couple, Lauren & Jesse.  Aren't they so cute???  We celebrated with champagne on Thanksgiving!!!  Perfect way to start their lives together - with family.

We recently went dress shopping (all the ladies & kids) and had a wonderful time.  Lauren is so beautiful!  Caty & Rosie are going to be junior bridesmaids, Anna & Alison will be walking down the gifts, and Jo will be a flower girl!!  So exciting!! Can't wait for November 12th!!

Birthday Girl! Rosie turns 11!

We celebrated Tim & Rosie's December birthdays on Thanksgiving!  We hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving/birthday celebration!  We did miss Mary (flu bug got her) & Joanie (celebrated with her in-laws).  Rosie was so excited to get the Hunger Games Trilogy books to go in her new bookcase.  I was so excited to read them as well (we're both on Book #3 & can't put it down!)

Rosie is a sensitive, hard working, caring, athletic young woman.  She's in 5th grade, loves soccer, clothes, and is usually pretty good to her to sisters!  She now has her own room but still wants them to sleep with her periodically.  She works hard at school and is very organized.  Rosie has Pete's demeanor and ability to calmly work through problems, but she is sensitive like me & has my hair!  Happy Birthday to my oldest daughter, Rose Caroline Carollo!

We gave Tim the new Clive Cussler book, and I think he was very excited with it!  Tim is the best with the little kids, and Jo is no exception!

First Reconciliation

What a wonderful night for Anna.  She was so excited to receive this Sacrament, and we are so proud of her.  She was so funny and kept "rehearsing" the steps and wrote down what she was going to say (of course I could not see it).  This year, we were all able to go to Reconciliation (thanks to a change by Fr. Jack), so it was a great way to start the Advent Season.  God Bless You Anna!

Spa Weekend

We surprised my good friend Tera with an amazing 40th birthday weekend in November!  We drove about 2 hours to Pana, Illinois where there is a hidden resort to get pampered for one whole day!  We completely surprised her & her twin sister (who flew in from Tulsa) to be with her.  She got the full spa treatment & a night with friends to eat & drink & be merry!  It was great, and a weekend we won't forget!

Carrie, Tera, Kathy, Clare & me (Tawana took the picture).  I wish I had quickly snapped one of her & Tera before we left!!

5th Grade Field Trip to Cahokia Mounds

I forgot about this fun field trip!  It was a cool, breezy day to be up on the Mounds, but it was worth it!  Lots of learning today, and the kids were quizzed on the material!!  I was nervous as a guide to make sure they saw everything!! 

The whole class with Mrs. Koberlein!

On top of the Main Mound!

Inside one of the huts (remade hut, of course)

Reconciliation / 1st Communion Mass

 We celebrated Mass for the 2nd graders about to receive two Sacraments this year:  First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion.  We asked Tim & Janet (Anna's Godparents) & my parents to attend the Mass, and we are so happy they came!  Fr. Jack Siefert is an old friend of Tim (& our whole family), and he is now our PASTOR!!!  We are thrilled to have him, and he has done wonders in the 6 months he has been at St. MM!  We are truly blessed to have him at St. Mary Magdalen!

Not a great picture but we tried!

A good one at home!