bye bye Melody

It was a tough morning as we packed up everything kitty and took her to her new home. Thankfully she is with a co-worker of mine. I will be able to keep tabs on her and we all just need to pray that this situation works out. The big girls and I did the drop, talk about a quiet car ride and somber little girls!
We then drove to grandmas for a bridal shower and that seemed to distract them for the rest of the day. As I put them to bed tonight the last comment made was, " I hope Melody is able to sleep well in her new home". It about broke my heart, they know it has to be and they are being so big about it all but holy smokes their little hearts hurt.  Melody will certainly be missed by all at this house. P.S. the cat was one this past Wednesday, what a year it has been.

Breaking out

While Brie remains confined by the fence PJ has broken free! He is loving the fact that he can join his sisters in the "meadow" collecting flowers! He LOVES being outside the fence, though he is still trying to figure out why picking a bunch of flowers is such a good time!  You will have to click on the photo, that will make it larger and you can see the pure happiness in each of their faces.

Guitar Recital

Makayla has been taking guitar lessons this past semester. She has done very well and Tuesday night she had her first recital. She played Sparkling Stella and did a great job. She surprised herself and stated she did not realize how nervous a bunch of people watching her would make her. She handled the pressure well and made us proud. Way to go Makayla!

First Communion

Some major prep for Makayla's First Communion. Jill was in charge of hair and veil.    Granny was in charge of making the bow just right.  Pop was there with a hug of Congratulations Makayla!

Some special little girl communion jewelry from mom and dad. Then we were off to the church!

So beautiful in her white dress she picked out. It is hard for me to believe that she is really at this point in life already!

 Some fast pictures before church started.  Granny, Pop and Grandma were all able to be there for the big day.

The group picture of the kiddos at this mass. I was amazed at the number of kids we had making their First Communion. I pray that each of them will continue the work of Jesus and make each of us proud.

 A quick group shot!

Makayla's cousin Matt is the same age and he making his First Communion in a couple of weeks. I hope they will be lifelong buds!

 A try at a group shot of the kids before the pretty clothes came off. Look at that Brie, she is soo naughty! She is not only pushing PJ's head forward she is also kicking him in the back! Do you see those eyes looking right into the camera, poor PJ! This Brie person is Trouble with a capital T!
Makayla's godmother is my sister Coke. What a pretty picture!

THE PARTY!! comfy clothes, brats and presents! Makayla had a fantastic day and was truly blessed to have everyone be a part of her special day!

 
 She really enjoyed each of her gifts. Each present she opened became her new favorite I think!

Makayla's great aunt Rosalie came over and she is always such a hoot! We LOVE her and are very fortunate to have her nearby! 

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO JILL!!! She is my niece but more like a big sister to my kids, especially my big girls! She does such an awesome job of making them feel so special. She does an awesome job with their hair, dolling up style and making them feel like princesses! As she was doing Kayla's hair I informed her I would need her to return at prom time! We smiled and laughed and then realized how close that really is. Time is just moving right along! At any rate I just wanted to say a special THANK YOU to the best niece EVER and I really appreciate all you did to make Sunday a success! You are so neat and awesome! LOVE YA!!!

before and after

Brie is all ready for Kayla's big day and looking so beautiful. Hair is in the right spots and no stains, etc.. you get the idea!

Then here is the post First communion festivities! ONE HOT MESS! that is all I can say! she is just hillarious!

bonding with Granny and "Poppy"

 

So Brie has taken a strong liking to her "Poppy" this past weekend. My father-in-laws own father was referred to as poppy by his children. My kids have always called him Pop, but Brie called him Poppy all weekend. I think it touched his heart a bit. 

Granny introduced Brie to jewelry! She was in heaven and Granny was so proud.

Brie continued to shower them both with lots of hugs and cuddles all weekend.

This next series of three photos is too funny to not share all of them! First she is just a limp noodle in his arms.

I think they are both yelling something silly.

This last one is just hilarious, I am not sure who was more worn out at the end of this charade Poppy or Brie. It is just a blessing to see the interaction between generations! Love it!

dirt? only a matter of time



Gabriella thought while I was busy mowing the back yard she would help daddy's plants! She thought they would like to share each other's pots! She transferred bulbs back and forth and allowed them to share each other's dirt! oh and by the way, she told me the dirt tastes "acky!" think that will deter her from playing in dirt again? I do not think so! gotta love our Brie Brie! Though Pete was not pleased with her ideas when he came home. oops

haircut?

Brie was getting a little shaggy! We needed to at least find her eyes, the poor thing! I gave up on trying to go out her bangs and brought them back. Now she can see again!

heartbreaking

I broke our children's hearts today. Many of you know and some do not so I will explain. PJ, Pete and I are allergic to Melody and as she is becoming older she is causing PJ the most problems. PJ has been wheezing and I have not been able to get it under control. We tested his allergies with a blood draw so we knew what the trigger was. He had a few mild reactions but a large reaction to cat! Unfortunately since he did not have large reactions to other stuff we now have to find a new home for our beloved Melody. The girls kept asking if his tests were back and I put them off until today. After church Pete, I and the big girls were in the kitchen and I told them yes indeed we were allergic to her. They both just started crying and stating their hearts hurt! PJ came into the room and was all silly looking at them wondering what was wrong. I explained that we were allergic to Mels and had to find her a new home, immediate tears flowed from his eyes! He commented something to the line of I just take medicine and we can keep her! I wish little buddy, we have been trying meds and they will not help until we get rid of the trigger.
Melody can have a spicy personality so we have to find the right home because if we take her to the humane society they will put her down. She is not an overly loving cat but likes to be in the same room with you. You do not have to worry as she is not a lap cat. Melody comes with a clean bill of health, all four paw declawed, litter, food, toys, special pillow. We would love to be able to still visit her occasionally and we are willing to do a temporary placement until we know if she will be a good fit for your home. Please if you know anyone who may be interested let me know. She will be one on Wednesday April 25th.

tornado ready

I think we are officially as ready as one can be for the weather that mother nature wants to send our way. We got new water bottles, snacks, lights, etc... So now I suspect nothing will happen which is okay!! Makayla has taken a terrified attitude toward the weather since the first of the year. Our prep today did not calm any of her fears, poor thing. It could prove to be a very long night of many kids in our bedroom! In case a bad something were to hit our home you all know now where you can find us!:~) May God bless each of you and us that we may not have to experience mother nature first hand!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday was spent with my mom. We went to mass, out to brunch and back to her place from some relaxing and down time. It was very nice to have a slow day. The kids woke, found their baskets and then dressed up in fun Easter clothes.

The rabbit hid some eggs around and they each had fun collecting them and emptying them of their jelly beans.

We all changed into comfy clothes and tried again for yet another group photo.

Brie had a great time collecting eggs.

Then everyone at different times during the day posed for a photo, except Mags.?

family Easter 2012

My sister and husband host Easter at a parish hall. She has multiple stations set up around the building and the kids have free run. It is nice because it is open and we can see the kids no matter where they are.

Brie found the eggs and occasional breaks happened in front of Tom and Jerry.

Family photo, unfortunately we were not organized when the bunny arrived so we missed our photo opp with him, oh well next year.

My brother Mark is always a clown! love him!

The egg hunt was fun for all four kids. Pete and my sister helped the little ones while I took pictures. Everyone was thrilled with their haul and prizes they won.

A pinata' is an Easter tradition. Usually everyone gets a chance or two to swing the bat, first swing wins a guaranteed candy prize thrown by the pinata' creator by sister and Brie. In years past this was my dad's job, throwing the candy. It was a tough moment for me but I know he was with us in spirit and he was at peace.

We ended the afternoon with beautiful weather and kite flying. An entire day filled with lots to be thankful for.