Friday, April 24, 2009

Annie is finally feeling better but all of the little ones are still a bit under the weather making our house a less than fun place to hang out! We are just thrilled that the kids are starting to feel like themselves - Annie had us very worried - it was, by far, the sickest we have ever seen our little girl and it broke our hearts!
We celebrated Abby's birthday today - yes, my beautiful, smart, sweet goddaughter is about to be 5 - how did that happen? I am going to forward all of the pictures to Karla and once she has them I will post some to recognize this special day. On all of the kids birthdays I always tell them that I am happy that they were born - and it is the absolute truth - today I was hugging Abby and she said - "Okay, Auntie Kasey, tell me about 5 years ago when I was born and then say "I am so happy that you were born." And she turned her head to the side and squeaked out the words in imitation of me - Am I really that predictable?

I can admit that when the kids are sick I have trouble not being the be all and end all - of course, Bob is always who they want - he is always calm and loving and PATIENT - a trait their mother does not always possess.

A few nights ago Annie had finally fallen asleep and Bob and I were relieved just to not hear her wailing for us to do something about her sore throat!


My Pear Blossom tree is blooming so spring is finally on its way. The kids were waiting for the bus outside and I was just blown away by how old they look. We are almost done with another school year - I don't know if its because we are always having babies or what but they seem to fly by and I am so proud of how well the kids are doing in school. I can only brag so much but they are really bright kids who love to learn! I am enjoying SO much watching the learning process as they go through it!
I am her mother so I, obviously, think she is gorgeous but this was one of those days when there was something about her that made want to keep taking pictures. She still has a tiny bit of baby in her face but the rest of her is growing up really quickly!
And then there is Peter - what a sweet and unassuming look - how often do we see that from him?
Annie was sick enough that she got free reign and ANYTHING that she wanted!
And she was just cracking up over it! We later found Lizzie trying to eat Cheez-Its left in the exersaucer from Annie!
Auntie Meg took this one of her goddaughter trying to escaoe from the bouncy seat!
Annie's needy look!

A photo shoot with Lizzie. She was the only one cooperating!
She takes my breath away - look at those big blue eyes!
Our happy girl!
I love how she crosses her legs!
Look how big she is getting!
Trying to eat the blanket!

"I've fallen and I can't get up!"
I'm in love with those piggy toes!
Tried a few in black and white - what a beauty!
And then we started with peek-a-boo!
Even after the 10th time she was still surprised that I was there every time! How cute is this look?

I'm so embarrassed by the dirty windows in the back but how can I resist taking pictures of Uncle B and his goddaughter.
Lizzie literally lays in uncle B's arms and just stares up at him lovingly!

Lizzie and her godfather!
Many more pictures to come!
GNM - ILY!
































Thursday, April 23, 2009

A mommy moment!

I have lots of pictures of healthier kids, sleeping babies, spring weather and naked Lizzie but I am totally and completely giving into the exhaustion that is forcing me into my bed at 9:01 p.m. Pictures will be uploaded tomorrow as will an update on the sick house! Today it was the napping house with eveyone but Mommy and Daddy getting in on the action -Ann slept off her cold to the tune of 4-5 hours this afternoon!
The real reason for the post today is because it is a special day - well, okay - I'm just a dork and I love anniversaries. On this day 7 years ago we found out that Molly Girl was going to be - indeed - a girl! All girl - no less! And guess what? On this day 2 years ago we found out that Miss Annie Bananie herself was also a girl - you recall the "I wanted a brother - only a brother" Breakdown of 2007 from Peter. His tune has now changed as he proudly announces that he is a brother to not one, not two, not three but four sisters! He gets to do "boy things" with Daddy like eat hot wings and watch Football and he is - the BEST big brother ever! Thank God for our girls - every last one of them is a joy and a blessing and thank God for the brother that came before them - what lucky little ladies they are to have Peter for a brother! One small thing - Pete is now making a well planned out plea for a dog since he is the only boy! Ugggggggggggg!
GNM - ILY

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

I have been terrible about updating the blog. Lots of sick babies and NO sleep at all. Just when Ellie started to recover from her horrible cold and Lizzie starting getting back to normal Annie came down with an even worse form of the cold. Molly and Peter stayed home from school on Monday with fevers and stuffy heads and noses and Bob and I....well, we're just plain exhausted. Someone at work asked me today how we do it all - have 5 kids and both work full time and manage to keep things together - the answer is - WE DON'T! We are just doing the best we can and hoping for a reprieve soon - like 5 hours of straight sleep. Poor Annie was up all night last night crying, wailing and just wanting us to do something - unfortunately there was nothing we could do - the Tylenol didn't work and we simply held her, rocked her and sang to her until the big kids woke up this morning.


3 Beautiful girls
Molly loves being close to the babies - as you can see - being with their sister makes them nothing but happy!

At the end of the day when we need some family time we spread a blanket on the floor and pile on - the babies get lots of attention and we get to talk to the big kids while we all sit around.


Playtime!


Poor Annie was exhausted but the night was going to be very long!
Our beautiful, smiley girl!

Ellie playing peek-a-boo! What a beauty she is!

Pete still wasn't feeling great on tuesday so we kept him home from school again. He and Annie made beds in front of the TV and hung out together. Annie loves when the big kids are home!

Annie was ready to go to the doctor today and Auntie Meg gave her a popsicle to help her throat feel better.
Auntie Meg was trying everything to make Annie feel better - including a jump in the puddles! It worked for a while but by dinner time she was miserable and having trouble finding anything that comforted her. Papa picked her up at 8 tonight and was taking her home for ice cream with Grammy! I'm sure that did the trick! Of course - it is after 10:30 and we still haven't heard from them! Maybe she finally fell asleep!


Pete playing basketball in the rain!
The week has been gloomy and rainy outside and sick and grumpy inside. We're hoping that by the time the warm weekend weather is here everyone is feeling better! We prayed over each child tonight with a healing prayer that a friend sent us! In the scheme of things - as bad as I feel for Annie feeling so awful and as hard as it was to watch the babies feel terrible last week - their general health is great and God has blessed all of us with health and happiness. I wouldn't think of complaining!
GNM - ILY!











Sunday, April 19, 2009

Go, Katie!

Her 1st steps! Pat and Karla had better watch out!

Look at our girl go!

Keep reading for a blog on Sister Ancie's big day today!

Happy 75th Jubilee, Sister Ancie!

My camera wasn't working great but I did get some nice pictures of Sister Ancie at her jubilee celebration today. It was pretty incredible seeing all of those Sisters of Mercy in the chapel to celebrate such a special day!





















Lizzie got very sleepy during mass!


Papa taking a break after mass with the girls!
Katie took her first steps at the reception - GO KATIE!



The guest of honor!

Sister Ancie and Auntie Ann leaving to go home for the next party!





It was such a privledge to be present at Sister Ancie's renewal of her vows as a Sister of Mercy after 75 years. I wish that I could write the entire renewal but needless to say it gave me chills. When the Sisters - some celebrating 50 years as a Sister of Mercy and some 75 years as a Sister of Mercy - sang the Suspice of Catherine McAuley I got tears in my eyes. I tried to get a video but accidentally took a picture in the middle of it. You get the point!


SUSPICE OF CATHERINE MCAULEY

"My God, I am yours for time and eternity

Lord, I am yours forever.

It is you who must teach me to trust

in your providence, loving Lord."

Imagine the faith it takes to make vows like that!

Happy 75th jubilee to Sister Ancie - she is a true inspiration to all of us who know and love her!

GNM - ILY!