Florida - Day Four

Today was experience the beach day. We headed down to Lido Beach and once we finally found a parking spot ventured out to the sand. Angel was a bit intimidated right away by the massive sand and all the people and crashing waves. So we found a spot and sat down. I knew Angel would not go near the water and she didn't. She was quite content sitting on the beach towel watching and playing in the sand. I thought Emma might have liked to get her feet wet, but when we got close to the water she got scared by a wave and lost her balance and fell on her bum in the water......then that was the end of that!! She was quite fussy the rest of the time and I don't think knew what to make of this whole water/sand thing. So Aunt Caitlin helped Angel walk along and find sea shells which she really enjoyed. Baby Bertie enjoyed it however and Megs has some cute videos over at her site, www.thesturhahns.com and one of the girls too. So once the kids had enough (and the hot sun was making me feel very yucky!) we decided to leave Caitlin and Alli to enjoy the sun and beach and Megs and I took the kiddies home. Alli and Caitlin got some red sun (Alli said she didn't realize that legs would burn!) and in the short time we were out there, we got some sun too....especially Angel's cheeks!! So maybe when they girls get older they will like the water more. Too bad we don't get here that often for them to get used to it. We had a relaxing night and made some yummy tacos for dinner. Last night sleeping was so much better....all the kids slept great and didn't wake each other up so hopefully that will happen again tonight. Trying to enjoy the moments of all the sisters and kids being together with Meme and Pepe......who knows if this will ever happen again.

Feeding Fish

Angel really enjoyed feeding the fish at Jungle Gardens and Emma even threw them a goldfish or two!

Blowing Bubbles

Angel had so much fun learning to blow bubbles with Meme and Emma tried to follow them to pop them.

Swing Time

Meme and Pepe have a fun tree swing in their front yard and Angel loves going on the "big girl swing". Emma tries but not quite able to hold her own yet! Fun times.

Stroller Rides

One of the first nights we were here, we went for a walk with Pepe. The girls were having a blast, especially when Aunt Caitlin decided to start running and spinning them around in circles....wish my camera video had a zoom, because their faces were priceless!!! Fun times. It was fun to see the house where my dad grew up and the house that my mom and dad shingled and the house that I remember visiting when I was little...so many good memories, all in the same neighborhood!!!

Florida - Day Three

Whew - it is a very different feeling to wake up to humid hot weather. I have been having lots of hot flashes with this pregnancy and unfortunately when I feel really hot I start to feel very nauseous. So I am trying to sit out on the porch and feel the breezes off the water and take deep breaths, so far so good! The water is so pretty to sit and watch....we could spend all day just relaxing on the porch and watching the kids play. We decided to go to Jungle Gardens today....another special memory I have from growing up!! It is right down the road from my grandparents house. It is a beautiful little zoo/park with nature trails you walk along and see reptiles, birds, flamingos, turtles etc. We watched a fun bird show and I think Angel was a little confused how these birds were riding bicycles and roller skates. Alli held a parrot and fed flamingos....Angel just wanted to watch from a distance!! She and Emma did enjoy feeding the fish and walking along the trails. I got them each a cute bird that makes bird calls when you push their bellies. A fun outing and not too hot in the shade!! Then later that afternoon we went and picked up Meghan and little Albert at the airport. Bertie boy has gotten so big!!! Almost looks as big as Emma.....he is so happy and will easily smile at you! The girls love the baby and Emma just wants to give him lots of hugs and kisses. My cousins Emily and Michael and Aunt Ann came over for a visit so that was fun. We made spaghetti and salad for dinner, yummers!! We had a little eventful night as Megs and Albert are sleeping up with me and the girls and when one of them would wake up and fuss....it would trigger another one to chime in and then the next. So hoping that gets better!! So nice to have all my sisters together and making lots of special memories!!

Florida - Day Two

Day Two - we had a very leisurely day today. Meme had gotten me my FAVORITE (big memory growing up) French chocolate buns that I used to get spoiled with for breakfast. The girls just started PLAYING all day long....from the pool room to the porch to the swing...so much to do! Emma loves roaming around and watching the birdies. We went to a few stores to get some supplies and then spent time blowing bubbles...Angel is very excited that she can now blow them all by herself! They really enjoy these legos meme has and the tree swing outside. We got to see my Aunt Ann and cousin Emily today too so that was fun. The girls have been so busy that I think they will sleep really well tonight! Meme and Pepe have a great upstairs apartment (I will try and video their house) and that is where I am with the girls. I was a little worried about the sleeping arrangements but so far so good. Angel is sleeping in the play pen which allows me to leave her up there at night and come downstairs. She goes in there for some quiet time during the day but hasn't really been napping, just not her normal surroundings I think. Emma will crash on the couch for naps and sleeps with me in the king size bed at night (I love MORE AND MORE those big beds every time I sleep in one!). Caitlin, Pepe and I played a couple games of pool....which I hadn't played in years but it is a lot of fun!! We had some yummy chicken salad sandwiches for lunch....Meme had a rotisserie chicken that I just cut up and used. Another fun day and the girls just love being at their Meme and Pepe's...and so do I.

Florida Fun - Day One

Well, we made it and have been so busy I am just now getting around to try and catch everyone up. The girls and I and my sister Alli left Seattle on a 6 am flight Monday morning. Getting the girlies up at 230am in the morning was not fun. I also do not enjoy getting through security with a double stroller and two little ones. The man didn't believe me when I said the stroller would not fit on the conveyor belt to get screened, so after two attempts he finally agreed and screened it manually. The girls are never sure why they have to take off their shoes and coats and take everything apart....but we made it through and finally got settled on the plane. I am so thankful I am still nursing Emma because it is a great tool to get her to quiet down on the plane and go to sleep!! So she took a great nap and then was waving to everyone on the flight when she woke up. Angel lived up to her name and was so good!!! We had a layover in Atlanta and I officially hate that airport. We had to take a series of elevators because of the stroller and then a tram to even get to our new gate and then waited (which in an airport is no fun for the little ones)....and then boarded a very small plane (no room with an infant in lap)....and made our last leg before we arrived in Sarasota!! Angel loved looking at the clouds and says they look like white pillows! She also enjoyed getting snacks and coloring on the tray like a big girl. So finally we arrived about 5pm Sarasota time to hot weather and sunshine! It is so good to see Meme and Pepe again and their house which I had not been back to in almost 7 years or so. So many memories....and very weird to be back here with my two girls and very excited that they get to experience some of the same things I did when I was little...how blessed are we!!! Caitlin had already arrived the day before and the girls were excited to see her. Meme and Pepe have a great outdoor covered patio and then huge screen porch. Emma loves to lay on the rocks and watch the birds (big pelicans) splash into the water. Angel likes exploring although she does not like going out on the dock over the water. So....we had some yummy lasagna, visited, got unpacked and called it a night!!!

Musical Collage

I hope most of you were able to go see Musical Collage at CSTOCK. It was a fun and beautiful production all done by the kids!!! Alli's song BLEW ME AWAY (I know I am biased)...but she truly made people cry and sounded beautiful!! Here is a video my mom took at the last rehearsal...the show nights were even better...check it out and enjoy!! Her song is "I'm Not Afraid" from Songs from a New World.

Here is another short video of a friend of Alli's performing "My New Philosophy" from You're a Good Man Charlie Brown......very FUNNY, and again from the dress rehearsal but at least you get a taste of it!!

ABC - Gospel Style

The other night, Angel was supposed to be sleeping....instead she decided to sing her ABCs over and over again....the gospel style way that she heard on Choo Choo Soul. She went on and on......

and to see the real thing:

Most of it gets in the mouth

Emma really LOVES using her spoons and forks....and she is doing pretty well!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day (a little late)

We have always loved this day in our family....not just because St. Patrick is an amazing Saint to read and learn about and celebrate....but also because we have a wonderful Irish heritage to celebrate. My Mamasan (whose maiden name was Collier and where the Irish heritage comes from) gave all of my sisters and I an Irish name. I was the Irish Shamrock and with a name like Erin...she always would send a special present to Her Irish Shamrock on St. Patty's Day....I miss her and those memories on this special day. I will forever be grateful to her for finding our Irish relatives and making that connection for us. One of our cousins, Father Val, married my parents and he and his brother Christor have made several trips to visit us here in the states. When I graduated from college, my Meme and Pepe took me on a trip to Ireland and Scotland and at the end of it we met up with my family and stayed on the original family farm for several days. I treasure those relationships I made and memories forever. It was so neat to go stand in the exact spot at the old train station where my (great +) grandfather left Ireland for America...the only family member that left.
One day I hope to go back and visit again. So on this day I also enjoy looking at the pictures from that fabulous trip (slide below) and reading my journal of our adventures....I laugh when I read about the foods I ate, the sayings I heard, the things I saw...so fun being part of a different culture! Enjoy.

We did at least manage to wear green, enjoy some time outside (Emma LOVES looking and finding birds) and did have a traditional corn beef and potato Irish dinner!! Can't wait until next year to hopefully include more of the Irish ideas I was planning. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!!!

Plans and Preparations

Hard to believe that this was what we woke up to on Sunday...snow falling - thick and fast!! We were not sure if we were going to make it home from Church. I am so glad a friend (which I met and got to know over the blog world and then she did my sister's wedding pictures last year) Ellie and her husband Steve who were in town from Whidbey Island joined us at 815 mass and coffee and donuts. It was nice to briefly catch up with you both and hope we can get together again soon!! We did make it home to almost 5 inches of snow!! Luckily it melted mostly by the end of the day. But it is crazy to think I was freezing in 5 inches of snow on Sunday and Monday I leave for 81 degree weather in sunny Florida.
Yes, me and the girls are going with all my sisters to visit my grandparents (Meme and Pepe) in Florida. I have not been back to their place since I was in college!!! It will be so nice to visit with no big event happening and just enjoy the warm weather and each other. Who knows when all my sisters and I will have another trip like this...my youngest sister Alli is traveling with me so wish us luck! Angelica will be fine but Emma.....well her temper and strong will are difficult to keep QUIET sometimes....so hoping that the fact that are flight leaves at 6 AM, I am hoping they are exhausted and sleep on the plane!! Please keep in your prayers that I continue to feel ok as well, don't really want to get sick on the flight with Emma on my lap!!
So I am trying to desperately make my to-do lists for packing....which is always fun with two toddlers. It is hard when they are out of their normal environment and routine so hoping they adjust well and have lots of fun. It has been a challenge to pack for summer weather when we are still in winter....might just have to buy some clothes and summer shoes when we get there. Questions running around in my head like: "Do I bring the potty seat?...How many of Angel's sleeping stuffed animals do I bring?" The only thing that is always hard when we are not home is the sleeping routine....so keep your fingers crossed that they get naps and good sleep at nights!! I know the girls are going to love being right on the water, seeing lizards, going to Jungle Gardens and lots of fun with Meme and Pepe and all their aunts and Baby Albert. We don't return until April 3rd, so it will be a nice trip, although they will miss their Papa very much!!!! Longest time we have been away from him!
So with the news of our new baby on the way and planning for our trip, a lot of my fun ideas for this special week of St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Feast Day today....well just did not happen....will have to save them for next year! Hope everyone celebrated!! Have to go get started on my growing to-do list including:
-making some meals for hubby when we are gone
-laundry and packing
-lots of small errands of things to get
-getting to the post office
-getting a new computer battery
-hoping to get a hair cut
and hoping to open and learn to use my new camera so we can enjoy it in Florida!!!!
Now I am exhausted just thinking about everything, so I think I will go lay down!!!

Angel's Announcement

Waiting for Papa

This past week we had several sunny (although cold) days and me and the girls enjoyed waiting outside for Papa to come home from work. He rides his bike to the ferry and then to work in Seattle and then back home. Last summer we made up a "Papa coming home" song to the tune of "She'll be coming 'round the mountain"....so we enjoyed singing and waiting to hear his bike bell ringing...and Angelica enjoyed picking up leaves and sticks in her one year Halloween costume she found...however, she was only able to get the top part of the Elephant costume to fit....from behind she looked like a little mouse!!! Looking forward to spring and lots of fresh air!!

One of Angel's Goodnight Prayers

A busy week

This past week was very busy....we didn't really do anything exciting but the girls are definitely at an age where the hours in the day seem to fly by and I wonder what I got "accomplished"!! They are also at the age where I think I will be experiencing more boo-boos and accidents...especially with my little Monkey girl Emma who likes to climb EVERYTHING!! We started the week with Angel falling during our "dance session" and getting a nice bruise mark on her forehead. Then Emma fell down half the stairs (she has never done this before and is very good about going down on her belly or bum...but this time she was trying to carry several items with her)...this fall scared us but she was fine in a matter of minutes and had a nice big bump on her head to show for it. Then Angel took a big tumble running down the hill when we mailed our red envelope and got a nice scrape on her knee. She does not like anything that sticks to her skin so trying to get the band aid on her was an ordeal...but nothing that a Capri-Sun and watching Holy Baby couldn't fix!! Then Wednesday as I was frantically trying to get the girls loaded in the car for mass and Soup Supper at church...Angel took a tumble of her slide toy and bit a nice whole in the side of her cheek. The blood made it look scarier than it was. So ice chips in hand we were able to get to church in time to meet Papa who met us there on his bike. I had to try and keep telling Angelica not to play with her boo-boo with her tongue....easier said than done!! WHEW.......so far I am counting my blessings and my nerves are rejoicing that we have not had any need to rush to Urgent Care and so far no broken bones!! Not sure if I will ever be "ready" for this stage of motherhood.

Angelica has also definitely entered the 200 question a minute stage. Instead of asking "why", her favorite question is "what kind?" So for example:
Angelica: "What are you eating mama?"
Me: "Carrots."
Angel: "What kind of carrots?"
Me: "Baby carrots"
Angel: "What kind of baby carrots?"
Me: "Orange Baby carrots"
Angel: "Orange baby carrots?"
Me: "Yes" (thinking it was over)
Angelica: "What kind of orange baby carrots?"
.....this continued and usually does until I have run out of adjectives to further describe something or until she decides she is satisfied and usually responds with "Oh, cool."

So between boo-boos and 200 questions, I am exhausted!!!

Great Advice

We have been VERY fortunate and not been really sick at all since we have had kids, but I know one day it will happen. An amazing friend of ours from our VA Beach days, and mother of 10, posted some GREAT advice and tips for handling the flu and sickness at home....I am definitely going to get some extra plastic shower liners and I loved the idea of the buckets with trash bag liners!!!

Worries of a Two Year old

Last night around midnight, Angelica woke up screaming. I went into her room and she still had her eyes closed but was very upset and fussing. I asked her what the matter was to which she replied: "I want to put the flag up on the mailbox!" I tried really hard NOT to laugh, told her she could tomorrow and turned on her music and she went right back to sleep. We have been mailing our red envelopes every day, so the only thing I can think of is she was dreaming about that....ah...the worries and nightmares of being two!!!

Musical Collage

Ok all you locals....here is another fabulous opportunity to see a great show and support the local theater talent. My sister Allison will be performing as well!!! This is a very unique CSTOCK Production called Musical Collage, which is directed, choreographed and performed all by the young and talented kids ages 13-21!!! There will be songs from all types of Broadway hits and I hear will be a lot of fun. Kim Gray, a good friend of ours (only 17), is one of the directors of the whole production! Here is a good PREVIEW article of the production and when and where to see and get tickets. Go check it out, I sure hope to!!

Where: Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way NW
When: March 20 to 22; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $10 to $7
Information: (360) 692-9940, cstock.org

Prayers Please

If you have a moment, please pray for a friend whose father had a heart attack and will be having open heart surgery on Thursday...and his wife and family. Thank you.

Holy Baby

We got this video as one of the girl's Epiphany presents this year, and Angel really enjoys it. I have to keep the language on English only as she doesn't really enjoy the other 6 so far....so she hears the same prayers seven times in a row!! She is learning them (although the Creed still loses her a bit) and loves the pictures that show during the prayers. On the other hand....Emma is a bit terrified when the "Holy Baby" the one dressed like a nun appears and sings...she tends to back away...have to admit the baby does look a little scary....but when we are in need of a video, this is sometimes a much more soothing experience than Barney or Einsteins!!

Happy Birthday Connor!!!

Our nephew, Connor, turned the big FIVE yesterday....Congrats, me miss and love you!!! (and I need an updated recent pic of you...I think this is a little old)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: (didn't do last week) Cream of Cauliflower Soup & Bread (I had never made this but it was so easy and SO GOOD!)
Tuesday: (didn't do last week either....to many leftovers), Marinated & Grilled Pork Chops (in a little honey barbecue sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, bavarian seasoning & Montreal steak seasoning), Orzo & Sauteed Asparagus
Wednesday: Soup Supper at church
Thursday: Soy Sauce Chicken over Rice, Broccoli & Applesauce
Friday: Cheesy Bean Enchiladas & Saffron Rice
Saturday: Mediterranean Pot Roast, Roasted Red Potatoes & Peas
Sunday: Dinner with Family, TBD

80 Years YOUNG!

Thanks Pepe for sending some pictures of your special day...wish I was there to have a piece of the yummy cake!! See you soon!

Excited

With some birthday money, I ordered this amazing (Thanks for the recommendation Ellen!) book. It is by Maria von Trapp (yes Sound of Music Maria) and an incredible book about celebrating the liturgical year in your family. It is not in print anymore but I landed a good deal on Amazon....it is well worn around the edges but the pages are perfectly in tact. There are all kinds of reflections, activities, songs, recipes and prayers to help the family celebrate the liturgical year!! Can't wait to read and implement in our family!!!

Dancing Dangers

The girls and I usually have one (sometimes more) dance sessions a day...and today Angel got a little too involved and bumped her head on the table....which resulted in a nice goose egg on her forehead!! Maybe we should switch to ballet moves?

Interesting Political Tidbits

Newt Gingrich to convert to Catholicism and a funny story HERE as well.

And I agree with Maria and Rush....you probably have heard and seen a lot of this already, but it is definitely worth a watch and a reflection....why would we want someone who stands for everything morally against what we believe to succeed?? Pray for a conversion and change of heart, but not success on the President's current platform!!