Feels like summer!!!

We went yesterday and got the kids tested for swimming lessons. Meghan didn't have to test since she's never done lessons--she starts in level 1--makes sense huh? Kathryn tested to level 2--I think she might have been able to do level 3, but it would have been a bit tough and Brendan tested to level 3--I think he should have been level 4, but the lifeguards doing the testing see what they see at that moment--so he had a bit of trouble and level 3 it is. Lessons start 18 June once the kids are out of school and stuff. At least we are all set now.

We made our trial run to the pool today--just for 1 1/2 hours to see how the little ones would do and what kind of ridiculous rules they have this year. (Last year they wouldn't let Meghan wear floaties or a stroller on the deck and I had a 6ish month old and Her!!!--made swimming a bit tough) Oh and by the way the shallowest water they have is 3 feet! Dumb huh? This year though everything went, well...swimmingly! Brendan and Katie are obviously off all over the place doing their own thing. Meghan freaked out at first--screaming and wanting a life jacket and hanging on to me for dear life (yes I was holding Dillan too). Finally, I gave in and let her have a life jacket (they allow those) and then she was fine after 20 minutes and floaties and off on her own she was. Yes!! Well as on your own as you are hanging onto the wall:) This year they allow floaties and for her to be in the water without me!!! Dillan LOVED the water and when he was out he was playing with little pool toys and looking at the "da-tor" (tractor) in the parking lot. Anyway, long story short, everything went great, the kids had a blast, I got some sun, and now we plan on swimming about every day this summer!!!

Now we are home having some lunch, have a nap (well Dillan) and a rest, and then we are off to see Shrek the Third! All in all a pretty fun way to spend a Saturday.

Operation Walk 4 Freedom

I signed up on post yesterday for the Walk 4 Freedom. It gives us left behind a goal, a chance to exercise, a way to connect with others, and a way to support our troops. Basically, I will be "walking to Afghanistan" within the next year. I figured it up and it amounts to 10 miles a day(7 days a week until 15 June 2008). It doesn't have to be walking--can be any exercise then "converted" to miles. It also doesn't only have to be exercise--they want us to focus on our total well being so things such as participating in the community, spiritual activities, classes, etc. also count as miles. I have my log book ready to track and turn in monthly and we were given a fitness assessment at the beginning and will have one in the middle and the end to see how we progress. It is going to be a challenge, but I'm excited about it!! Wish me luck!

13 Amazing Years!!

I cannot believe it has really been that long! Yes, Shane and I are celebrating our anniversary today--even though we are on 2 different continents:( I am so proud to be his wife though. I couldn't be prouder of what he does on a daily basis for our country. It really makes me swell up with pride. I think sometimes--like today when we are apart and for so long--that I wish he wasn't in the Army and that he would just get a "normal" job where he could be home with us, but then I remember the wonderful man I married and know that if he did that it wouldn't be right. Being a soldier is who Shane is--he is the man I chose to share my life with and I certainly don't want to change that. So Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!! I love you and am so happy to be your wife!!!

WE SURVIVED!!!!

Well, it's Sunday and we are all still alive and kicking! We made it through our whirlwind weekend and are all tired, but still smiling for the most part.

The birthday parties were fun and Brendan did well at his baseball game, but the main event of the weekend was the Cub Scout Camp Out. We made it there and got the tent set up, (Dillan does not like sleeping in a tent and I spent this morning apologizing to everyone he kept awake all night) the kids played in the creek a bunch, went on a hike, had hotdogs, foil packet vegetables, way too much junk food, and of course S'mores.

The scouts did some silly skits and songs, received all their awards that they hadn't previously received--Brendan got 4 silver arrows points, a pocketknife patch, and his campout patch--then we had the main event of the crossover. Brendan is now officially a Webelos Scout.

For those of you that don't know, that is the highest level of Cub Scouting. He will remain at this level for approximately 18 mos and then he will cross to Boy Scouts. He is terribly excited and already wanting to work on his activity badges.

All in all it was really busy, but a fun weekend.

Gearing up for weekend

We have such a busy busy weekend. It started today with Brendan having a Birthday Party to go to after school. Tomorrow Brendan has a baseball game in the morning and begins his Cub Scout/Family Overnight Camp Out! In the middle of that sometime I have to take Katie to a birthday party and go back and pick her up. Then the camp-out--did I mention this was a family camp out--with ALL the kids--ends around 10:30. We will head home to unpack, shower, etc. and then head to a birthday party for one of Meghan's friends. Oh, if you are keeping score at home, yes that's 3 birthday parties, 1 baseball game, and 1 family camp-out all in one weekend!!! It should be fun!!

Anyway I logged in to say I won't be around much and also for this funny. This might not seem funny to you, but it was to me. Tonight in Dillan's bath he was "discovering" that things float. He kept taking a rubber duckie and pushing it down to the bottom of the tub-of course when he let go it popped back up! He had the most surprised, confused, delighted all at same time expression on his face and he just kept doing it over and over again.--Wish I would have had the video camera out--of course I didn't for a bath and couldn't go get it, but it sure was cute.

Well, I'm off to pack for our camping trip. Have a great weekend!!!

FUNNY FUNNY GIRL!

Meghan just got done watching the Wizard of Oz for the millionth time--anyway she was singing

" We represent the Lollipop Can, the lollipop can, the lollipop can"

She cracks me up!!

Ok this should be my last post for today

I am way overdue for posting the pictures I have promised. So that is what this post will be.

Kathryn's Fancy Tea Party for Daisies.

Kathryn's Bridging from Daisies to Brownies.

Brendan's Baseball Team--The Monster Fish

Venice-(Venezia)

Amalfi Coast

Pompei
Rome (Roma)


I hope you enjoy all the pictures. I will try to do better about getting things on in a timely matter now that I am caught up:)

Ponder this

FAMILY LIFE IN TWO SENTENCES OR LESS -- Shouting to make your children obey is like using the horn to steer your car and you get about the same results.

I just read this is our parish bulletin. Makes you think doesn't it???

I HAVE THE BEST KIDS!!!!

This morning at about 6:30 Meghan came in my room and this is what followed:

Meghan: Mom, Brendan is sleeping in your bed.

Me: I know

Meghan: Well, It's Mother's Day and he's supposed to help with your food. (So much for secrets huh?)

Me: Then wake him up and tell him.

So she did and as I pretended I didn't notice he got up and ran out with her.

(Alot of banging around downstairs in the kitchen) Meghan comes back

Meghan: what do you want to eat?

Me:what ever you make.

(more banging and loudness) Meghan's back again--she just doesn't get this surprise thing

Meghan: Ok you can come down!

Brendan: No NO NO!!!

Then they all came in the bedroom. They had each made a card and this is what I got...


Aren't they sweet--yes the toast and eggs were burnt on the bottom and uncooked in the middle. The other piece of toast had pineapple ice cream topping instead of jelly-mmmm And the kitchen was a bit on the smokey side, but boy did I feel loved!!!

Decided to change blog hosts

I did this because I like the layout of this one better. It's a bit more user friendly. Hopefully I will blog a bit more regularly if it is easier to do. Well I am off to try to copy all my previous posts to this blog. Wish me luck!!


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Just a quick minute...

I'm gettting ready to call the kids in to do some chores before dinner, but I thought I would take a minute to update just a little.
The most important thing is that Shane left yesterday for Afghanistan The kids are already showing signs of missing him, but we will adjust. As I told Shane we just need a couple of weeks to find our "new normal". 15 months is a really long time though.--My mission while he is gone (in addition to some other things) is to write my congressman everyday! I sent off my first letter earlier. I am so pround of Shane and all he does and I'm proud of all of our military. I don't even mind him being deployed (well in theory), but 15 months is just WRONG!!! The war in Afghanistan is a just war and is very much needed, but the way the troops are being rotated is insane! One more statement and then I'm off my soapbox--did you know the Air Force only deploys for 4-6 months!!! Ok I'm done-for now--the rest will come out daily to my congressman.
Brendan had his Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts yesterday--yes he raced 1 hour after Daddy left (Shane helped him build the car and they took it in and weighed it and registered it and stuff--just missed the actual race Brendan did really well though--he took 3rd place in his Den (8 kids) He raced 3 heats and took 2nd in each one--he was really pleased. And of course his Mama was very proud.
I have a bunch more to catch everyone up on, but we need to get on with some stuff right now--maybe when the kids head to bed I can write more--need to post a few pictures of our trip--we did Rome, Pompei, and Assisi--oh and we stayed one night on the Amalfi Coast--beautiful! More later--I promise!