Snow Day

So, our snow dance worked!  We woke up this wee morning with snow on the ground.  Wow, can you believe that this much snow was enough to cancel school?  Even for teachers!  Yippee!  I do have to admit, however, I did skate across the icy street to take this shot. I'm just happy that I get to relax at home with my two lovely children. Even if Samuel won't leave my side! We only wish that Johnny was home, too.  

Happy Birthday!

Saturday night was our family birthday party for John Paul!  We ate his annual request, spaghetti with meatballs.  Every year I spend the day rolling the meatballs and this year I had a cute little 10 year old helper: Samuel!  We love cooking together.  The kitchen is our gathering place and I wouldn't have it any other way.  

For Johnny's dessert I tried a new carrot/pineapple cake with cream cheese icing recipe.  It was mighty tasty.  Samuel did the honors of presenting the flaming candles and serenading JP with the old faithful birthday tune.  Happy Birthday, Johnny!  We all love you!

Italian Night

John Paul and Samuel are now pasta makers!  They broke in our new pasta machine tonight and oh, was it delicious!  I think I had the best job of all; I was the taste tester!  John Paul boiled some Angel Hair and we made a delicious spinach lasagna with the rest.  Mmmmm!   

Strummin' the six strings

Samuel has decided that he wants to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. So, morning time is the best time to give Mommy a headache. No, really it's not that bad considering the only chord he knows is "G." Actually, I love to see my two "boys" playing together and the sound is wonderful. Who knows, maybe we'll keep Fender in company since they are talking about moving into the electric realm. oh, no!

Field Dancing

Samuel and I decided to head out about 6:30 in the morning to see what we could see.  We grabbed the camera and danced in the 32 degree misty morning.  We liked this shot.  Afterwards,  we climbed back into the car with numb fingers and drove to Starbucks for hot cocoa, coffee, and doughnuts.  Happy Saturday!

Meg

For those of you that don't already know, I contacted my biological mother in January.  Her name is Meg and she lives in Wisconsin.  I can't really explain how marvelous the past month has been!  Meg and I have been emailing one another and we try to talk on the phone once a week.  I finally know half of the family history that has been a huge question mark all of my life, and to be honest, I didn't realize how much I would cherish my genealogy.  As it is, though, I am obsessed with knowing more.  Thankfully, Meg is incredibly honest and 100% supportive.  I couldn't have dreamed her to be any more right for me. She has filled a void that wasn't even conscious to me and I can only look forward to the day that I get to wrap my arms around her.  I also, can hardly wait to meet my siblings! I was raised an only child and always dreamed of having brothers and sisters.  I now have 2 half-sisters, one half-brother and one adopted brother who is actually my first cousin!  Life can be so interesting and I think it is so wonderful that humans have such a capacity to love.  

This year I got my first birthday card from my mom!  How many adults can say that?  Also, Meg surprised me on Valentine's Day; she sent beautiful flowers to my work.  This photo shows one of the yellow lilies from those flowers.  Thank you, Meg.  I love you!

Celia's Baptism

On February 3, 2008 Celia was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Her gown was so lovely; it was made from the lace from John Paul's mother's wedding dress.  She also wore a matching bonnet that had "diamond/pearl" buttons from the wedding dress sash.  The slip was embroidered (in pink), showing her name and baptism date.  We chose February 3rd because it was as close to the same weekend that Samuel was baptized (Jan. 29) and because it was the weekend of John Paul's sister's (Martina) death anniversary.  It was a really special weekend.  Celia's sponsor (God Father) was John Paul's best friend (since 7th grade), Dr. Kevin Franks.  Samuel was also there, but hit the door as soon as the service was over.  He just HAD to get outside to play.  Boys will be boys!  

Sam tells Knock Knock jokes

Last night Samuel's 4th grade class had a "Lighten Up!" performance that was hilarious! The students sang comedies and told jokes. This photo was part of their "Knock, Knock" song. We were surprised that Sam overcame his public speaking fear and truly entertained the audience! His artistic talents might cross over into acting, which thrills us to no end! We definitely need to find some acting courses so he can explore that option!

Bright eyes

This is an early morning photo of Celia. Thankfully, she is so used to the camera, which made Becky's job a whole lot easier.  Thanks to Becky for this lovely shot; we just love it.

My first blog

Welcome to our blog! This is a recent image of Samuel and Celia. This photo was taken by my friend, Becky, in Roanoke, VA. It was our first visit to her house and we had a blast. Samuel enjoyed the skate park while I enjoyed Becky's homemade granola and loads of red wine. John Paul and Celia were real troopers during the weekend long photo shoot! We love you, Tom and Becky!