3 months

3 months ago yesterday Baca became extremely sick. Christmas day 2011 will never be forgotten. Rushed to Mercy then to University of Cincinnati hospital to find out Baca had a serious infection that went into his brain. (Streptococcus pneumoniae). Surgery  to remove part of his mastoid bone (behind his right ear), 5 days in a coma, 3 weeks at Drake a rehab facility and he is FINE!!!!! This is a miracle-truly. The power of prayer is what has gotten us all through this amazing journey.We have more time with Baca, we have learned how important family really is and God is good.

Going to try it....

My original goal way back when was to begin  blog in order to document this crazy fun life for my girls. Here we are in 2012 and I am just beginning!

I hope this will be a more regular event.

FIRST COMMUNION

The day was incredible! Cool and gloomy but it just didn't matter. I enjoyed Emma's First Communion too and this didn't disappoint either! Emma was a server along with Kylie, Emma Mock, & Rachel Horst. The Chapel at SUA is such a special place...I didn't want the mass to end. Lu did the first reading and did an excellent job! Grammy, Baca, Monica, Grandma, & Grandpa all sat up in the choir loft. It was perfect. They claimed to have the best seats in the house but I really think Daddy & I did. First family, first row. 
We all came back to our house where Drew, Kendra, Dylan & Reagan and David & Sara came over. Lu chose the entire menu-cocktail wieners, fruit kabobs with dip, spinach & artichoke dip, bean dip, Jersey Mike's sandwiches, and an awesome cross cake from Servatiis. It was an emotional day. Margaret & Mark were here too and as soon as you read her card, the tears were flowing. It was tears of happiness which I totally understand. Its such a happy day because you became closer to God, you are with your entire family and life is so good!!! 

Eve of First Communion

Cannot believe its already April 20, 2012. Seems like a minute ago that I read on the school calendar what day First Communion would be on. Its tomorrow at 11am in the St. Ursula Chapel. Lu, you have been so fun though this whole process. I wanted to take you to Fella Bella in Lebanon for a special shopping day to find your dress. When I took Emma there, it was so neat. It was a little boutique type shop for kids clothing. They made the experience super fun for the kids with goody bags, etc. We tried on dresses, found the perfect one, then went to this cute ice cream shop for lunch. Turns out, now the shop is closed. So, you & I went to Nordstrom-dresses were too flashy-'like Toddlers & Tiaras' you said! So true. Dillards was our next stop. You found one right away, tried it on, ok lets get it. But you were itching as we stood in the dressing room. We bought it anyway with the intent that you would try on Emma's dress when we got home. You tried it on-that was the one. You were comfortable, it fit like a glove and you loved it! The Dillards dress will go back. 
Yesterday, we went to Valenti so Kayla could paint your nails-bubble bath-my favorite color. It looks perfect on you-slight pink but very natural looking too. Today after school we will go to Michelle's for hair instruction.
There are so many cool things about your First Communion. YOU will be the first person in your class to receive First Communion tomorrow! How cool is that! You are doing a reading which you have been practicing-you won't read it in front of us because you want it to be a surprise. Also, Emma is one of the main servers. 
Yesterday, you were practicing at the chapel and Grammy went in to watch for a minute. She was overwhelmed with emotion to be standing there, watching you and Emma, and all your classmates singing and doing hand motions. Another neat thing about all of this is that Grandma McEviley assisted the Sisters at St. Ursula to get established, Margaret McEviley ( my Grammy) made her first communion in the very same chapel, your Grammy, Kit Rettig made her First Communion there and your Dad & I got married there. 
WOWOWOW!!! No one else I know has such strong connections there. 
Tomorrow will be so special. You have planned the menu for our lunch afterwards and we will have an amazing time! It warms my heart for our family to be so involved with the Ursuline community! It means a lot to me!! 

you made your banner square

We are at Dillard's here. This is the dress we bought before you decided on wearing Emma's dress. This one is scratchy on the shoulders. 

Grandma's Retirement

Unique arrangement from Tim & Marilee-love it! 

easter 2012 

We had a grand celebration yesterday-Easter dinner and Daddy's bday-43. What fun! Smoked pork butt, smoked ribs, roasted asparagus, rolls to die for, slaw, salad and brownies with peeps and chocolate covered cherries! All were here-Murphy's and Overbecks. The weather has been outstanding--sunny, but cool. The grass is so green it looks like velvet. The girls are on spring break this week-we are getting all of the dr's apts out of the way at the beginning of the week. No routine makes for happy kids and happy Mommy. 

Almost Easter 2012! Which means spring break, no getting up early and doing what we want. Except this year, a few Dr's apts are sprinkled in. At the end of the week, we will celebrate Grandma's retirement from Gorman Heritage Farm.I am still unsure about what I want this blog to be-more innermost thoughts? Letters to you my girls? Day in the life of us? Time will tell. 

A wonderful book came out Tuesday-I want you both to read it as adults-sometime-its called "Bloom" by Kelle Hamptton. She is incredible-photoographer, mother, blogger. So inspirational.

my mission statement-love this.