Crazy September

School Starts...

Adrienne's Girl Party...

Adrienne & Matthew Family Party...

Gifts...

And more gifts...

Papa's Party...

Matthew's boy party...

and then soccer...

and more soccer...

So long September...I'm going to rest now...October, come quickly...thank you.

Madison's 10th Birthday Slideshow

Yes I know...it was in back in June...but better late than never! Enjoy the slideshow & thanks to Papa for the pics & to the whole family for the wonderful gifts. I'll echo Madison when she said..."This was the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!!!

Double Digits!!

She is 10! My first baby! This spunky, fun, energetic, beautiful, smart girl turned 10 yesterday!

The day began with her opening her little gift...a heart locket with pictures of her family inside.
Something she has been asking for for a while now...(she also got a bike since she outgrew her old one).
We then had a 'big breakfast'...eggs bacon, chocolate chip pancakes and bagels.
Then the fun began...Hip-Hop & Mini Hip-Hop made an appearance at the premiere of Mr. Popper's Penguins...and we got to go also! It was a blast! We read the book when Madison was in K or 1st grade...I cant remember. The movie was funny & the kids loved it!!! (I actually think the book was better).
Then it was off to the gym where Madison shared brownies with all her team friends.
10 years has flown by...and I am amazed to see Madison grow into a young lady...full of life! She adds so much laughter & fun to our family & I thank God for blessing us...with Madison Elizabeth!!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

The kids & I returned from visiting my parents yesterday. It was nice to lay around, chat, see Gnomeo & Juliet and watch Jenna compete in the Niagara Cup. She did great & got 2nd on vault, 4th on bars and 6th all around! I was so proud of her!

It was also nice to see my gymnastics coaches and catch up with them. The kids were a bit tired & difficult for me at times, but honestly it was all worth it to see the kids enjoy being with Gege & Papa.

Thanks mom & dad for going out of your way to make our stay special. From reading to Madison about World War 1, taking the kids to Niagara Falls and to a movie, playing checkers with Matthew, and getting them their favorite cereal.You created memories for them that they & I will always cherish.

And Happy Birthday Mom! Enjoy your day! I love you!

Happy 40th Bill!

Here's a little slide show of Bill's surprise Party...thanks for the picture CD dad & for taking all those great pictures!
Happy 40th to my honey. I know it isn't official till the 21st but since we'll be soaking in the South Carolina sun and far away from this computer...I thought I would tell you now.
I love you babe! And though 40 may bring a few more greys...you are more handsome now than you were at 20!
Thanks for being an amazing husband and father...and the best best friend any girl could have.
I love you...SHMILY!

No More Surprises!!!

Well...Bill's 40th surprise was a huge success. 80 people (40 kids), lots of silly string, 8 boxes of pizza, a ton of fruit, and 2 cakes!!! Yes 2 cakes. The first one toppled due to the shear weight of Hip-Hop sitting on top (fondant Hip-Hop that is). I felt like I was in an episode of Cake Boss! All the planning went pretty smooth but the whole thing was stressful! I actually lost 4 pounds in the process...woohooo! (but probably gained it all back eating cake :) Could not have done it without the help of my parents who brought food and worked like crazy helping me set it all up...I was grateful they came!!! Bill was so blessed by all his friends, the cards & gifts...and just being with all the people he loves so much. That was my goal...so it was a success. I don't think I will put myself through it again...but who knows...when Bill turns 50, I may have forgotten about the 40th by then :)

Birthday Pics

Madison had her first sleepover party last Friday and it was a blast! The girls all got along really well. This was a perfect age for a sleepover...they were old enough to be independant and well behaved but young enough that there was no drama. We had pizza and cupcakes and then headed over to the theater to see Toy Story 3. We all loved it. I especially loved Ken & Barbie. We came home and the kids caught fireflies, had a pillow fight and told stories. By 10 I was pooped (and so were the girls) so it was time for bed. They got up early and we set up the waterslide and enjoyed donuts & smoothies in coconut cups. Madison really enjoyed her party and her friends Emma, Bella, Hannah, and Kiera. Here are the pics...enjoy!

Turning 9 and Riding Ducks

On Saturday Gege & Papa came to visit for Madison's 9th birthday. We all enjoyed our visit. Madison's family party was Sunday and the kids enjoyed the waterslide in the backyard. On Monday, Madison's birthday, we went to see Shrek 4 (thanks to Gege & Papa) and all enjoyed it. I was crackin up at the fat Puss n Boots...he was the best. It was better than Shrek 3 for sure. Yesterday we traveled into the city and rode the duck tour all through Philly. It was fun for all & very informative. We all got duck quackers & the kids of course quacked their little hearts out...to all the adults dismay. (The quackers are currently in a very safe place...where no child can find them :) After the tour we traveled to south Philly for a real Philly Cheesteak (I promised my dad) at Geno's. We all ate them on the car ride home...delicious...especially since we were all starving (and very tired). Madison received some wonderful gifts for her birthday. We got her a new camera. I also taught her how to download the photos and put them up on her new blog, Madison's Memories. So go visit her there & make a comment...she would love to read it! Here are some photos. Madison took alot more from Philly and she will post them soon.

Happy Birthday Madison!

9 years ago, June 14th 2001. The Sixers were playing the Lakers in the NBA Finals.
10 days late and feeling crummy.  Labor was not fun at all thanks to pitocin...but thankful for epidurals. Fever, chills, throwing up strawberry freezie pops. Not-so-smart resident says "you probably won't have the baby till tomorrow..." He was never to be seen in my room again. Dr. Meltz..."it's time to push...wake up Bill!" Pushed & pushed & pushed some more. And at 4:48 pm a little head with brown hair emerged. "It's our Madison!" Bill said...but how did he know? She wasn't out yet. One more push & there she was...our Madison Elizabeth. Blue and not breathing. New daddy says "breathe for daddy honey, breathe for daddy"...and she did. And from that first breathe until now, we stand amazed at the the gift you are. Happy Birthday to my first born Madison! My spunky girl, we love you!!

Happy Birthday GeGe!

Have a great birthday mom!
Wish I was there to take you out to lunch.
I asked the kids this morning why they love you & here is what they said.

Madison: "I love Gege because she is caring and a great cook. I love Gege's Famous Soup. She always gives me great hugs and kisses. She always greets us with a big happy smile, it is so nice and warms my heart, especially after a long ride in the car."

Adrienne: "I love her because she's kind and generous. She sets up our beds so nice when we come over...and I love her so much."

Matthew: "I love Gege because she puts bags in da mail for us...and...because...she makes me red jello wid nuffing inside of it."

We love you. Happy Birthday!

Birthday Busy

The month of September was a wirlwind of birthday parties. Here are some birthday shots...Adrienne's girl party at Oasis and Matthew's fun time at Oasis with Joshy & Nate.

And Adrienne & Matthew's family party...whooh! I am all partied out! Thanks to our friends and families for sharing these special times with us!

My Baby is Turning 4

Ok this is not good. Matthew's turning 4, and posting these cute baby pictures of him makes me want another one!! Somebody remind me of late night feedings & potty training woes...QUICK!!! Happy birthday to my son. What joy and laughter you bring to our happy family! You are observant, smart and a big talker once you get going. You love all insects, bugs and slimy things and give the best big boy hugs & kisses. You always tell me I'm beautiful on Sunday mornings and that simply melts my heart. We love you so much buddy. Have a great birthday at Oasis with your best bud Joshy.

Happy Birthday Little Brother

...or should I say, Major Monti. Have a happy birthday...even though you are far from home, you are not far from our daily thoughts and prayers. Work hard, stay safe, and come home soon. Your whole family cannot be prouder of you and your service to our country. We love you Jonathan!

Adrienne Elise Is Six!

Today we celebrated A. It began with opening a gift of 3 outfits & new pink shoes, eating minnie mouse chocolate chip pancakes with friends Isabella & Sofia, serving with mommy at church, and eating awesome chicken at the church BBQ. After a long nap, we ate dinner at Adrienne's favorite place, Peace-A-Pizza, followed by chocolate oreo ice cream at Carvel, and finished the day with an amazing time playing at a new park in Springfield. What a great day to celebrate our little girl. You fill our lives with so much joy Adrienne. We hope you had a very happy birthday...(we are pretty sure you did.)

She's 8!

I cannot believe it! Time is flying! Every day Madison does or says something that makes Bill & I say..."She's really growing up!" It's sad to say goodbye to that little girl but we are also full of joy watching her become a young lady. My parents, my sister & Jordyn & Jenna spent the weekend with us and Bill's parents & John & Amy & kids came to party on Sunday. The kids enjoyed the giant waterslide & climbing trees. Here are some shots of the weekend.

Happy Birthday Mom!

My mom's birthday is Sunday so I wanted to wish her a very happy birthday. I really wish I could be there in person mom...to give you a hug & kiss...and tell you in person how much I love you! Even though we live in different states I feel closer to you in many ways. In the midst of raising my own family I can now understand and appreciate the sacrafice you made for me, Dee and Jon...and continue to make. Thanks for all you do.

So from Bill & me, Madison, Adrienne & Matthew...

Happy Birthday GeGe! We love and miss you!!!

Happy Birthday Blog!

It's been a year since I began this blog so I wanted to thank everyone (all 5 of you...hehe) for visiting and making comments, and for your encouragement. I have been so blessed just writing my thoughts out & posting pictures of Bill & the kids. It's like my little journal & it has been a blessing to me...so thanks...and keep checking in!! For those of you who come & don't make comments because your not sure how...just go to the bottom of the blog entry and click on comments & follow the instructions to leave a comment. If you don't have a google account just comment as anonymous but put your name in the comment.

I also wanted to ask for prayer for my Papa. He turned 90 yesterday & his health is failing rapidly. Please pray for God's mercy to be upon him...thanks.

Happy Birthday to My Favorite Father-in-Law

65! WOW! Have a great day today Poppy! We love you!