Thursday, May 1, 2008

METEOROLOGY 101

"I'm ready Mamo"
"I hope it stay's up"
"Wow, it's flying high"
.....for a while :(
Today Victor and I "attempted" to fly a kite! How much fun for me just trying again...it's been several years since I've tried to fly a kite. However the weather was just not cooporating. As you can see our kite was up....and then down. The problem I had was trying to explain to Victor about the wind. He just kept asking, "why"...so my Mamo teaching skills were very limited. I needed my next door neighbor Rick who is a meteorologist for the National Weather B. here in Louisville. We had a great time and our kite did stay up a while and I convienced Victor that flying the kite on the beach in New Smyrna Beach will be much easier and lots of fun.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Ladies Cursillo

Tonight Victor and I went up to Mount St. Francis for the Women's Cursillo closing.
It was very moving to say the least. I was very busy and involved somewhat by serving breakfast and dinner with my friend Alice to the ladies.
At the closing tonight one of the candidate's made a comment that really stuck with me. She was sharing what it means to be a witness for Christ. She said that she came to realize this weekend by listening to all of the talks and the sharing that we "can only be convincing when we are truly convinced about our faith and our belief in God." Amen!
The closing witness talk was given by my fellow "groupie," Debbie Fackler. She did a fantastic job! I told her that it was truly without a doubt, one of the best closing talks that I've ever heard. (And I've heard a lot of them) She stressed, in a very humourous way to, "Let your light shine"
They had a lady that didn't get to finish the retreat because of health issues. I don't remember her name, but offer a prayer for her. She is a very sick lady.
All in all, the retreat of course went very well. How could it not, the Holy Spirit was in charge.
I pray for a candidate to sponsor next year...hummmmm, wonder who she will be:)

Friday, April 25, 2008

Equal time

In Mamo's arms. Sweet, sweet Abigail. 5 months old
I love to rock
Check out the diet coke next to Sam...Life is good
Just taking it easy!
"More pix, Mamo?" Sam, 14 months...
It's tough trying to make sure that I spent "equal time" with all of the little ones.
The hard part is, I know that the youngest don't really realize it yet....but I do.
Tonight Meredith and Sam stopped in to visit and see Papa and Mamo since our return home. Were we thrilled to see him! Probably as much as he was to see us. I love the squeals! It's almost worth the time away just to return to the love and excitement and the yelling of "Mamo!!"
Victor and Marla decided to take advantage of an evening out with dinner and shopping. The older two were having a sleepover with Kelly and David's kiddo's, Savannah and Claire. Abigail came to visit Mamo and Papa and some much needed alone time. She was soooo good. Took a drive with Aunt Missy and Sam and then came home, played a bit with Mamo and Papa, took her bottle and then, "Ahhhh," fell asleep in my arms. Nothing is any better than this.
They are all growing so fast. Check out Sam, he loves the bouncy seat and he's too big! Oh well, it's Mamo's house.

Maggie is a SENIOR!!!!!!

Nana presenting Maggie her ring! It is beautiful.
"Thanks Nana"
Sonie and her beautiful girls.
The class singing their school song.
This morning mom, Anne and me went over to Sacred Heart Academy to see Maggie get her class ring. The students were to ask someone (female), who was very important and an inspiration in their lives to present them with their ring. Maggie asked Mom (Nana). She was thrilled!

It was such a good time. I remember a lot of these young ladies when they were very, very young. On several occasions I babysat for the kids and got to know a few of these girls and their families.Both Maggie and Rebecca are blessed to have such good friends. Ben too. Go Trinity!

The ceremony was very touching to say the least. Where does the time go? It seems like yesterday that I was "trying" to comb Maggie's hair or coax her into bed for the night. Those were very good days. Great memories of Ben and Rebecca too.

Well kids, not too far off in the future we will be celebrating many other milestones....thanks for always including us. We love you all.

Enjoy some of the pix. Maggie you looked BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

A Day at the Zoo with my Babies!

Sam, all tired out!
Uncle Joe with the kids...he's great
"Hey, it's something to drive."
"It's me, Miss Lally. Don't forget me."
Sam getting soooo big. They like to get out and move
Okay, let's get going.
It's time for a cold drink
Checking out the mice! Yuck!
"Stick with me guys, I'll get us around." (He did)
"Okay Maddie, what's our first stop?"
Sam and Aunt Marla peeking in the bus window
Beautiful Abigail...so good

Marla called this morning, a beautiful morning, and asked if I would like to go to the Zoo today. I had Victor all night and of course he was thrilled to hear the news.
We called Meredith and Joe and Meredith had a school meeting that kept her from going but Joe and Sam went with us. It was a blast!!!!
The pix below will show you some of the highlights of the day. Check out Victor with the map, he was truly plotting our way....the little man is too smart.
I love the pix of Abigail and Sam all tuckered out. They were all so good and Marla, Joe and I agreed that the walk, sunshine and company was great.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Fun with Mamo!







With all of my time away, I miss the kids so much. I've been trying to get some special time with all of the kids. They have spent the night, gone to Nana's with me and of course some shopping for "prizes"
Don't worry lil Miss Lally, your time will come. I look forward to spending some good quality time with you too.
It's great to be loved! I think that is how God intended it to be. As I've said before, in my next life I'll skip parenting and go right into grandparenting! It's awesome!

Happy Birthday Victor!





It's hard to believe that our "baby" is celebrating his 32 birthday.
Hey kids, just enjoy each and everyday, soon God willing, this will be you.
Happy Birthday Victor, it was a great evening with your favorite dinner and all present. Sure wish Dad could have been here but duty (Fla.) calls.
We love you so much.
Enjoy the pix everyone. Victor's birthday was April 9th. I'm a little late getting this on.

Sam Is One

Sam Is One

Abigail

Abigail
Here is Healthy Abigail, thank you Lord, soaking up some sun!

the Powers family...

the Powers family...
Looks like heaven to me!

the beeler's

the beeler's
just beautiful!

Nana in Fla.

Nana in Fla.
The kids enjoyed Nana so much!

PAPA!

PAPA!
Thanks sweetie for giving of yourself to all of us. I love you, Mamo

Just practice...

Just practice...
Meredith says, "just keep at it Mom and you'll remember"

More pix and practice for Mamo!

More pix and practice for Mamo!
Look at these Eyes!!!!!!

Grandparenting!

Grandparenting!
Our friends Jeff and Gwen with their first grandchild, George W. Bennett. This photo was taken at our home. We hosted a baptism party for Sam. God is good.

my birthday

my birthday
how could anyone spend a birthday any better than this.... my newest gift, Sam, Victor and Papa at the Olive Garden.. We had fun!

Marla, Maddie and Baby Sam

Marla, Maddie and Baby Sam
Baby Sam is how the kids fondly refer to their new cousin..they are getting lots of practice for their newest addition

The Loss of a dear friend.

On July 3 a dear, dear friend of ours, Chips Cronen returned to Heaven. He will be missed. We pray and ask for prayers for his wife Barbra and sons.
I came across this scripture that seems to be appropriate for Chips, it reads from Ephesians 6: 16-18
"At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the evil one. And accepting salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occassion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for God's people."

This is just one thought that gives "light" to the life of Chips Cronen. He was truly a prayer warrior. I've counted on his prayers many times and will continue to do so..