Girl Scout caroling put me in the Christmas spirit!

Rosie's Girl Scout troop went caroling on Friday night, and they sounded wonderful. It was a joy to listen & participate even if it was pretty chilly. I dragged my little Jo with me & Anna too. We made it for 1 whole hour and then had to leave because I was getting nervous about Jo being too cold plus it was her bedtime. We sang at a tree lot for 30 minutes & then went to a few houses. All in all, a nice time with my daughters plus it put me in the Christmas mood. Too much running around & you can easily forget what it is all about. Luckily, my kids remind me! It is Jesus' birthday, and it is a time to remember others. I am proud that they know this, but of course, they don't mind presents from Santa either!!!

Anna found her pals, Bridget & Caroline - their older sisters are Girl Scouts as well.

All bundled up & can't move! She loves her taggies, can you tell? What a trooper, my little Jo!

Rosie's 9th Birthday Party

Skating at Steinberg Ice Rink on Sunday with Rosie & her 5 good friends! Anna came along as well but Jo stayed back home with a sitter. It was FREEZING, but we had fun at the outdoor rink. The girls had a tough time getting the hang of skating but after a break of hot chocolate & popcorn, it was like old hat to them. Rosie & Anna did really well, but we skate a few times every winter which really helps. Here are some cute pics from her party!

Before we went out on the ice - all bundled up in 2 layers with hats & gloves - yes it was cold!

After about 5 times around - yes, it is slow going with these girls but they loved it! Notice those red cheeks.

By the fire waiting for the Zamboni to finish. Steinberg is so fun & family friendly - it is the ice rink at our awesome Forest Park.

A silly picture, of course.

Grandma & Josephine

I'm terrible that I don't have more pics with my mom & my children!!! That will be remedied this year for sure. I was able to snap one the other day, thank goodness. She loves Josephine & says she is the cutest baby ever. I agree, of course. It has been a few years since we've had a baby in the family, so Jo tends to get a lot of attention!! I don't mind & neither does she.

Rosie's 9th Birthday

My oldest is 9 years old today. As usual, I get a flashback to the day she was born. She was the only one born during the day, and my sisters were with me & Pete all day waiting for her arrival. We did not know if she was going to be a boy or a girl. I can so vividly remember seeing her the minute the doctor held her up and saying "she is so beautiful" & just tearing up. She was the most beautiful baby, and I was so happy. Pete and I have come a long way since December 5th, 1999! It has been some great years!

My dearest Rose Caroline! You were named after your grandmother on my father's side. We weren't sure of your middle name, but when I saw you, I wanted to give you part of my name. You have grown up to be a beautiful young lady with wavy hair (the only one of your sisters!) You are very sensitive, yet confident and so beautiful. You are a gifted artist, patient & as able as your father to fix anything. You are thoughtful and caring as witnessed by your many friendships. You love your sisters so much, and you are a great role model. I enjoy watching you grow up! I love you so much Rosie.

Rosie with her favorite cake: angel food! After attending my cousin's wake, we came back to our house to eat some cake & celebrate a birthday with my mom & dad!

Sad news in our family

My cousin, Ann, passed away on Wednesday from cancer. I pray for her son, mother, sisters & brothers who will miss her so much. Her mother, my Aunt Julie, is my favorite aunt. She took care of Ann before she went to hospice care. I know she is in a better place and with her dad in heaven. May God bless this family as they try to work through this loss in their lives. We will miss you Ann.

The Day after Thanksgiving - Picture Day!

I had to get out of the house after two days of cleaning & cooking. We took the kids to Forest Park and took pictures - hopefully a few will do for the ole Christmas card. We then went up to my sister's house & hung with them. We had a great time & even managed to shop for a bit. We went out to dinner (the four of us with Jo) while the "older" kids stayed back at the house.

These pictures just make me laugh - typical but show what they are really like vs. the staged pose (like that exists with little kids)! These are from my camera, so we will probably use the ones from Pete as he is a much better photographer than me. He captures the moment really well.

Thanksgiving Blessings

Pete & I were so happy to host Thanksgiving for my family this year. It was great!!! 22 people eating & thanking God for our many many many blessings. My dad said it best, "These are the times to remember." Everyone brought a dish (or two), and we feasted & had a good time. We are so lucky to have such great families. I know I take my loving husband, daughters, parents, parents-in-law, supportive sisters & brothers, sister-in-laws & brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews for granted, and I want them to know how much I love them & appreciate their support & help.

What I am thankful for (funny yet true):

• My husband for his snoring - it reminds me that I am lucky to have him right next to me every night!
• My daughter Rosie for her wanting to have straight hair even though she was "blessed" with my wavy curls!
• My daughter Anna for her wanting to be just like Rosie! I also am so happy for her big beautiful smile she can turn off & on in a second!
• My daughter Josephine for being the cutest, most adorable baby ever!
• My parents for being the best models to me in their love for each other & their family.
• My mom for making the turkey this year which was so delicious - she knows I am not the best cook in town - thank you for never making me feel inadequate as a cook!
• My sisters, Mary & Joanie, for putting up with me & my temperment. Thank you for always caring & helping me no matter what.

I hope all my friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving & may God continue to bless us all!

Jo chowing down on her turkey, peas & corn! She is such a good eater!

One of 4 tables full of people & food - Rosie was really getting into her food! I had nice cups for everyone but they ended up using their plastic ones - all my planning....

Another view of my living & dining room packed with tables!