4th of July on Grand Island

Having a blast! Water fights, swimming pool, old family videos, boat ride, good food, and Fantasy Island!

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Boys Campout

Life can be hard for a little boy with 2 older sisters. Just ask my brother about being dressed up in a pink tutu, being coaxed out of his crib at night just so that he would get into trouble when he didn't know how to climb back in, and everything else that goes along with it...I know...mean wasn't it. I remember my sister and I yelling to my parents..."Jonathan's out of his Cri-iiib!!" and hearing his little footstep racing back to his room.
Matthew can relate. For the most part, the girls include him & they play really well together. But there are times when he sees the girls play together & sleep in the same room, that makes him a little sad & maybe wish for a buddy all his own. Don't think I havent tried coaxing Bill to try for another baby...I have, but he's not giving in...and honestly I think my body has given up in that department anyway. So I talked with Bill about how important it is that Matthew has a strong relationship with his daddy. I want my son to follow after his daddy's example...to some day be a godly man who protects & guards his family, loves & cherishes his wife & willing to sacrafice for the sake of his kids.
So Bill came up with this camping idea...and boy was Matthew excited! They had treats, read books and played in the tent...and in the morning, even had a little chance to snuggle. So while I do not think Matthew will have a brother...his daddy will always be his best buddy!

Apple Pie

 While Bill was away for a week in Virginia, Gege came to stay with us. She was a blessing. She made soup, did laundry, did dishes, read & entertained the kids and was a very good teacher's aide. It was really nice having the time to chat and watch her enjoy the kids. It's hard not living closer, so we really cherish these special times. Here's some pictures of the apple pie we made from the apples we picked at Linvilla. Gege did most of it, while I watched so I could do it next time. I was surprised how easy it was. It tasted just as good as it looks with vanilla/caramel ice cream on the side...mmmm.
**Had to do the before & after shots**

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.

Strawberry Pickin'

We never did this one before. Yesterday we went to Linvilla and picked strawberries. I must say it was more fun than picking apples. We all found our own path and picked like crazy! (and ate some too...mmm) Bill and I just loved listening to the kids..."Holy Cow! I found the mother lode!" or "Look at the size of this one!" or Matthew, "oh I guess I can eat this one too...just to try it". By the time the hay ride returned Matthew had collected a total of ZERO in his basket. He said he had about "a hundwed" in his belly. Last night I dipped the strawberries in melted white and milk chocolate...yum. We are all looking forward to  strawberry pancakes, strawberry shortcake, strawberry smoothies and anything else I can think of...

Ruhee and Her Family

We had an amazing weekend. You all know about Madison's pen pal from India, Ruhee. The girls have been writing each other & sending gifts to each other for over a year now. A few months ago, Ruhee's dad informed me that they will be coming to the United States and taking a tour all over the country. We thought there may be a possibility that we could meet them in NY so the girls could meet one another. Well it worked out that since they have family in the US, their nephew was able to drive them right to our house on Friday night! They could only stay a short while but it was so nice to meet Mangesh, his wife Aparna, Ruhee and their nephew who actually lives 20 minutes from us. They came with beautiful gifts & books for our whole family! We had dessert & coffee, looked at some beautiful pictures of Ruhee, and even saw her perform a beautiful dance. What a wonderful blessing! Madison was so excited at this amazing opportunity & is now asking us when we will be traveling to India. Here are some photos. Some did not turn out as I had hoped...it may be time for a new camera.

Here's a shot of Madison trying a pose Ruhee was showing her from the dance she learned. I believe  the dance was called Bharata Natyam. (Madison's face had me cracking up)

Here are some beautiful pictures of Ruhee performing her dance...doesn't she look beautiful!

And here's a picture of A losing her first front tooth! She was so excited and still can't stop smiling!

Little A's Growing Up

So I am upstairs in the girls room doing an overhaul...ie. throwing out anything that contributes to clutter. While tossing useless items into a giant bag, Adrienne enters the room & says, "I want to throw Squiggs out".  I could not believe my ears! The haggled little yellow cat with the ragged & frayed tail that Adrienne LOVED since she was 3!?

"What! Why?" I said.

"Because I don't want to suck my thumb anymore...I am a big girl and I don't want to do it."

Wow! This is the same girl that would have nursed until 2 if I let her (she had a good year of nursing but I had to stop otherwise she would have killed me :) and she absolutely LOVES her thumb. Squiggs and the thumb went hand-in-hand. I had to bribe Squiggs out of her hands just so I could wash the thing.

So this was a big step...a decision made all on her own. We are proud of you little A, my big girl!!!

Welcome Home!

Just wanted to share my gladness & relief and let you know that after spending 6 months working in an Iraqi prison, my brother Jonathan is safe at home in the good ol' USA. We are so glad you are back Jon & we are so thankful you are safe! So eat lots of good food, take lots of nice naps, and long hot showers!
We love you!

Fun Sledding

Christmas week we took a little trip to a local sledding hill.
It was a blast! My favorite quotes from the day come from Madison:
"OWW, my poor little butt" and "oh, that's gotta hurt".
If I sound a bit strange in the video it's because my mouth was frozen into a smile.
That's what happens when you sled in sub-zero wind chill.
It was FRRREEEEEZIN!
Enjoy the video of our crazy family!

Congrats to My Dad!

Happy Retirement Dad!!!!
My dad recently retired from working at HUD for all these years.
We are all proud of your hard work so that you could provide for your family so well.
We lacked for nothing!
Nice clothes, gymnastics lessons, college educations and all of it!
You are a great example for us all.
Thanks Dad.
Now go get your knee done, grab your camera, hop on your bike and enjoy this new season in your life!!
Love you...

Go Fly a Kite

I love spur of the moment fun times. Sunday after soccer practice Bill and the kids flew a kite. I love this picture Bill took with his phone.

Apple Pickin'

Yesterday was beautiful and a little cool...perfect for apple picking at Linvilla Orchards. We met Bill there, grabbed a wagon and 2 crates and had a blast. We found some nice Macintosh (our favs), Reds, and Goldens and last night we enjoyed Apple Crisp with melted caramel and whipped cream...yum! I treasure these times with Bill and the kids. They fill my heart with joy. I am a blessed blessed woman. Thank you God for my husband and my children. I do not deserve the lavish blessings you pour out on me!!

Adrienne's Big News

What a big girl my little "A" is! She let her daddy "gently" pull out her troublesome tooth last night as she cried and laughed simultaneously. The tooth fairy visited and brought with her a special fairy diary and peanut butter M&M's! I hope she doesn't fly too far away from our home because I assisted Madison pull a tooth as well this morning. I also hope she doesn't go broke with all the teeth being lost in our home lately. I'm thinking she must have a pretty good 401K.

**Do you like my Hydrangeas? They looked so beautiful that I had to make them a permanent photo on the blog.

Congratulations Little Brother!

My brother Jonathan & Kati are getting married!!!

My mom & dad emailed to let us know that he surprised her at her front door on bended knee...yipee!

I'm waiting to hear all the juicy details...so to "the prince": if you are reading this, you'd better CALL ME!!

Major Monti

Congrats to my brother Jonathan for his promotion to Major in the US Army. Does this mean even we have to salute you little brother? We are very proud of him for how he serves our country. He also authored his first case study in the JAAPA (Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants). Here is a picture of the article. If you want to read more click Here. Way to go Major! Can't wait to see you this Christmas!

Fun With Daddy

I love this shot of Bill & my son. Matthew LOVES riding on the mower with his daddy. Bill enjoys it too...it reminds him of the many tractor rides he enjoyed with his dad. Please pray for Matthew as he will have his hernia repair tomorrow at DuPont hospital in Delaware. We will keep you posted on his recovery. Have a good week!

Update

Happy Monday everyone!

I just wanted to give some updates on our addition & other stuff. We met with the mortgage guy this morning & he is currently working with an appraiser to see what our home is worth now & estimate what it would be worth after the addition is complete. We are patiently waiting confirmation on a construction loan & hoping it will all begin soon. I've been online looking at various bathroom stuff to figure out what I like & what falls in our budget as far as tile & fixtures.

The kids are all enjoying the new swings we got this weekend for the tree & swingset and they are all currently healthy.

Bill & Madison saw "Prince Caspian" on Saturday with the Rodgers' and had a good time. We also had dinner at my latest favorite place. (Don't Laugh) Pizza Hut Bistro. I love that place! The spinach artichoke dip is awesome & the baked pastas are really good! I recomend Chicken Florentine with bowties, chicken & spinach...yum!

We are looking forward to June when Madison begins Swim Team practice and we celebrate her 7th birthday (can you believe she's 7!!). We also will be traveling to Lancaster a couple times to celebrate my neice's Sarah & Amanda's birthdays! Speaking of Sarah...she'll be turning 1 & here's a cute picture of her.

Trip Home

We returned home late Saturday night from our trip home to NY. It was hard to say goodbye to Grandma but also nice to be with the whole family. We had many opportunities to talk with cousins, old friends and neighboors who came to pay their respects to Grandma. The kids did well but started to get sick towards the end of the trip...lack of rest and change in weather didn't help.

Here is a picture of my sister, brother and I with our Papa. I cannot comprehend the grief he must feel. He has been telling my dad & Auntie Jan that he is ready to "go". When I ponder that I remember something I read recently. Because we were created by God, and for God's purpose, our real home is not this Earth...but rather our home is heaven. It is the place we were created for. It is natural for us to long for Heaven...for the place where every tear is wiped away, there is no more pain, no more suffering, no more saddness.

Here is the link to a great book by Randy Alcorn called "In Light of Eternity". http://www.amazon.com/Light-Eternity-Perspectives-Heaven/dp/1578562996

It describes heaven from a biblical account & it talks about heaven in great detail...much more than our own imaginations provide...(heaven is not a place where we float around all day with angels playing harps...it is so much more!) Check it out if you have the time. In the mean time let's continue to pray for my dad, Auntie Jan & my Papa.

It's All Over!

Well it was exciting to see the Sixers make the playoffs when it seemed impossible mid-season. They did well considering they are such a young team...but I'm sorry to all of you who whole-heartedly are sad to see the season end...I cannot share the same feelings cause...I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK! Yay!! No more early morning TV hits or late nights out at the game or practice.

As I type this though I am inclined to mention what a blessing Bill's job is to us. The fact that I can stay home with the kids...the fact that we can support 3 growing kids, have a nice home, 2 cars, and be able to eat out & see a movie every now & then...is a blessing. The fact that Bill loves what he does and is able to do a job which uses his many gifts...is a blessing. Funny how it's always easier to see it that way when It's all over.

POTTY TRAINING UPDATE #2 It is all over as well...Diaper season is over...and can I get a big YES & AMEN!!! Matthew now tells me when he has to go & runs to the potty & does it all by himself! No accidents yesterday & I cannot explain the delight in my heart! Yes, delight. Any mom who struggled through potty training knows what I mean. I am blessed by how easy it was & thankful that the Lord heard my prayers...Yes He even answers potty training prayers!! Here's a shot of my son...the BIG BOY! Have a great weekend!!

The New Van

After much waiting...it finally arrived! YIPPEE!!

We turned our old van in (the lease was up). For the past 3 weeks I have been driving the kids around in Bill's Chevy Blazer. It hasn't been very fun because the kids were right on top of each other. It's kind of hard to break up fights while driving...and screaming at the top of my lungs didn't help much. At one point Madison said, "Pleeeaase don't put me in the middle anymore!"...I felt her pain. So here's a picture of my new "mommy sports car" and the kiddies.

POTTY TRAINING UPDATE #1: Matthew is doing very well...only a few accidents yesterday & he even did poopy on the potty!!!