Easter Sunday

This year I was able to go to the entire Triduum at my church. It was beautiful! Holy Thursday Mass was so moving and memorable. On Saturday, my parents and youngest brother, Petey, were able to join me for the Easter Vigil Mass.

On Sunday, Cecilia woke us up bright and early. I think she knew that the Easter Bunny had come. We all enjoyed a delicious breakfast, and Nick and Megan even joined us. Then, it was time for "the hunt" Cecilia did so good! She knew exactly what to do as soon as we handed her a basket she started bee-lining it for the eggs that the bunnies had "hid" for her. She did so good, until she figured out that there was candy inside. Then it became a much more leisurely "hunt".
Fortunately, she was exhausted from getting up so early and from all of the hunting, she took an earlier than normal nap. This was great, because she was rested and ready to go for round 2 at Ma & Pa's house. As soon as we arrived she was greeted by her fan club. Her Great Uncle John presented her with the cutest, annoying bunny ever. It sings "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands". Over, and over, and over, and over again. Thank goodness it has an OFF switch! Cecilia loves it, and continues to play it over and over and over and over again.


After a delicious meal, the eggs were hidden by the big cousins, and the kids had at it! Her Uncle Petey got a little creative with his hiding skills. Since Cecilia had warmed up earlier in the day, she was ready to go- kind of. She had already figured out that the good stuff was inside the eggs, so her hunting was a little delayed. Her strategy was to find an egg, open the egg, eat the goodies, then put the egg in her basket. Repeat. I think this will change in the coming years when she has some more competition. Her favorite "egg" find of the day was the weathered basket ball. Too funny! She spotted it across the yard, and did not give up until she got it.

We had such a nice time visiting with family. Cecilia was so cute in her Easter dress. Even with chocolate all over her kisser.

Here are all of the kids lined up on the wall for the annual Easter photo. Next year, there will be 2 new ones :)


This is my Mom, Aunt Jenny, and 3 of my Uncles. No explanation is needed here, other than I love them all!

Cecilia and Grandma, just before we headed home.

We were exhausted when we got home. Cecilia snuggled with me on the couch for a long time. It was the perfect end to a wonderful weekend.

Kite Day

Two weekends ago (I think) it was super windy here. We decided to take some time as a family and get outside. We headed down to the park at the end of our street and brought the wagon and the kite. It was SO windy though! We were able to get the kite going for a little bit, but it was a lot of work, and Cecilia was only amused for a short period of time before she discovered that playing in the dirt is way more fun. It was so cute to watch her try to catch the kite, and run after it while it danced in the air.

To Grandma and Pop's House She Went

(I'm slightly behind, and desperately trying to catch up before Sweet Potato gets here...)

Earlier this month, when I was busy busy with the Benefit Dinner, my Mom happened to be on Spring Break that same week. So she graciously, and excitedly offered to take Cecilia to her house for a few nights, so that I could focus on the task at hand. It was C's first time away from home with out Mom or Dad. I was anxious about the whole thing. I knew she would be in great hands, and that she would have a great time, but I have to admit, it was so strange not having her in the house for those two nights. Grandma took lots of pictures to prove that Cecilia had a wonderful time. It was good practice for this summer when she can go and visit more often.

Update on Nicole

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers for my friend Nicole. I opened up my FaceBook to this post from her this morning:

"Ok...so not only are my tumors shrinking...THEY ARE GONE!!! Ya thats right. And so you may be asking what that means...well it means I AM OFFICIALLY IN REMISSION again!!! It may just be for now but I will take it! It is the best possible news we could have gotten at my appointment today. Ya baby bring it on. You aint got nothing on me stupid ass cancer! AND WHAT"

All I can say is the power of positive thought and prayer is amazing! What a blessing!!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Baby Bets

I've already admitted to having a spreadsheet addiction, so this should come as no surprise to you. We've started a Baby Bet for Sweet Potato. If you'd like to play along, just leave a comment, email, FB, etc. to let me know your votes and I'll add them to the list. Here's what I need: gender, birth date, time, and weight. The winner gets SUPER bragging rights, and will be one of the first people to know when Sweet Potato has arrived.
Here were some facts to common questions asked yesterday when people were making bets:

Due Date: May 9
Cecilia weighed 6lbs, 13 oz.
Cecilia was born 2 days early at 11:09 PM

Looking forward to seeing your guesses! More importantly, I'm looking forward to meeting this baby, and seeing who wins :)

Kickin' it with Dad

Last weekend I was downstairs working. When I emerged, I found my husband and daughter chillin' on the back porch, sippin' on milk. It was a precious moment.

Just Because She's Cute

I know, I'm biased, but my little Cecilia is so cute. I have been savoring my time with her recently because I know it is going to change drastically within the next few weeks. I'm trying to get caught up on the blog before I get too far behind and I found all of these cute pictures that are just plain cute!

Band practice with her friend Sienna.

I spilled flour on the stairs, she thought she should see if it was still edible.

She has a shoe obsession (I wonder where she got it from). She is also has a thing for things being in the rights place. This was too funny!

The scowl. She's getting good at it...

COOKIE DOUGH!!

Never Forget

My Grandma took this photo a few years back.

Its been twelve years today, since the shootings at Columbine.

Its cold, gloomy, and overcast today.

Jon was there.

We didn't know each other yet. But I am so incredibly blessed that his life was protected that day.

I dealt with my own tragedy just 10 days later which led me to CHS the following year.

It was all in His plan. I would have never met Jon, if not for these circumstances.

Today, Jon and I feel so blessed. We have come so far.

That day, that day, will NEVER be forgotten.

We have a beautiful family, growing everyday.

We are surrounded by friends and family that love and care for us.

We are sad today, and mourn the loss of the 15 killed that day. We are sad for their families. They were robbed of the blessings we share today.

Many of our classmates have their own children now, or soon will. As Jon and I chatted briefly about the significance of today before he left for work this morning, I welled up with tears. Cecilia gleefully chased the dog, completely unaware of any difference that today had for her parents. She will only hear stories, and know that it was something that her parents went through. But she will never understand fully.

This year it means more to us. It means more because we are parents. We can't imagine loosing a child, and that makes us so much more sympathetic toward all of the parents that did loose their child that day. We understand more.

Facebook is powerful. I am proud to be part of such a strong, loving, supportive group of classmates. It is such a blessing to have the closeness that our classmates share. To feel so connected to so many of our classmates, no matter where we are on the planet, we are all connected today. The amount of Columbine photos that showed up today as profile pictures was moving.

Its said that what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. 4/20/1999 Never Forget.

Spring Time = Garden Time

The weather has been teasing us with super gorgeous warm days, and then just to remind us that it is spring in CO, cold and windy days spliced in between. Never-the-less, those warm days have us itching to get the garden going. Especially since our own little Sweet Potato will be popping just about the time to get the garden in serious mode.

A few weeks ago we made a trip to the Big Orange Box and Jon bought a starter kit thing to pop seeds in before transplanting them to the garden. We also bought a ton of seeds. I'm a little overwhelmed to think that all of these COULD actually grow and produce produce ;) If that does happen, we will have to open our own farmers market! For now, all of these little seed pots are starting to sprout inside.
Last weekend we headed out to Echter's, one of the many local gardening centers. We brought along the wagon for Cecilia to ride in, and she did great! This wagon goes way back- it was Jon's when he was just a tot. We didn't buy anything, but it was sure nice to get out of the house as a family and see what this summer has to offer as far as flowers and other pretty green things.


Jon also planted spinach in the garden a few weeks ago. Then he realized that he planted it all at the same time. I foresee a LOT of spinach salad and spinach dishes in the future. At least it freezes :)

Seven years ago today...

... Jon and I were just babies.

... my large and extended family gathered at my parents house to celebrate Easter.

... we prayed our traditional "Johnny Appleseed" prayer, and then Jon started talking about how much he loved and felt apart of my family.

... Jon dropped to one knee.

... Jon proposed I marry him.

... I said "YES!" While shaking, of course.




I would say yes all over again today.