Christmas Eve

All pretty and ready for church! 

And after church...

Time for our yummy seafood supper created by Dad

Bedtime... silly photos and humoring Momma to read a picture book!

And of course "The Night Before Christmas" too... always and forever

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night...

Claire's Baptism!

The day has finally come!!  Claire becomes a little saint today!  We got down to Maryland mid-morning and got to spend some time with Megan, Andy, Claire, MeMom, and Pop Pop before everyone else started showing up.  I love that little munchkin so much.  I wish we were closer!!!!  She is getting so, so big!

The Baptism was held during mass.  It was the first time I saw a Baptism during mass, but it went smoothly.  Claire was AMAZING during the entire mass and baptism, even when water was poured over her head!  What a trooper!!  I got to hold her for a chunk of the mass and she was even well behaved for me!  Way to go beautiful, sweet girl!

 And of course... the awesome cake done by MeMom!!!

Saying goodbye

To two very loved companions!

Diaper Bag.  You have done so well through two babies (and then) toddlers!  You have been packed not only with bottles, diapers, wipes galore, changes of clothes, burb cloths, and bibs but with snacks and crayons, and toys, and books, and shoes, and pjs, and the list is never ending! You even still smell like a baby/toddler...

Diaper Bag, you have now been sitting in our laundry room closet for (at least) a year and have not been used.  You have collected a tad bit of dust and so, so sadly I need to realize you are no longer a part of our everyday life anymore!  You did us so well never once failing us, but it is now time to nestle you snuggly in a contained box for someone else who may really need you to make new memories.  You will be missed.  A chapter has now officially closed. 

Church bag, let me say that I am SO sorry!  You have been through a lot!!  You have been stuffed full with bottles, snacks, and books.  You have also gotten sticky, dirty, and smelly.  You have taken the abuse in such stride and have not ripped or broken a strap no matter how much was shoved into you!  You were a good home for our books about God and Jesus.  You also kept ALL of our church snacks from air puffs to crackers to fruit snacks safe and secure.  Although I would love to store you, I need to bid you farewell and send you away.  Thank you for all your hard work for the last 6+ years!!

Is it ok to actually (seriously) shed a tear as I write about losing my close confidants... forever?  It is just amazing to think... I thought I would never stop lugging those bags around, and now... sad to actually see them go!  A chapter has really closed.  I will not have another baby/toddler again...  ok, getting too emotion. Done. 

Great Easter Morning!

Not only is this day joyous due to our Lord... but I also have personal joy in the fact that Bob was able to be home to celebrate Jesus' rising from the dead and the delight in Morgan and RJ's faces as they found all the hidden eggs and treasures in baskets that the Easter Bunny hid for them!

Finding eggs!

...and baskets

I had to add this shot b/c I think I actually look good here! :)

Overall, Easter Morning was a success! Kids got up earlier than I had planned... but it gave us time to do our egg hunt, Easter basket hunt, and ACTUALLY enjoy it! Then off to church for a mass that was decorated throughout with beautiful flowers.

This was a cross made of flowers standing on the alter.

We were also lucky that getting there 10 minutes early was enough to land us in Morgan's favorite spot... the front row. Although Mass was decorated beautifully, unfortunately the homily was a bit far fetched and didn't even really talk about Easter... and mass was a bit longer due to the twice-a-year-goers... BUT, the kiddos did well, did I mention we brought some Easter candy with us? Hey- whatever you've got to do!