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.

April 5th, Easter prep

We usually dye eggs at my folks but this year we changed it up a bit. Everyone had a great time.

Brie of course liked to throw her eggs into the cups but she still managed to make some pretty eggs. PJ was a little more gentle but patience was not his friend, he wanted instantly dyed eggs. Everyone was proud of their creations and a short 24 hours later they were turned into deviled eggs.

April Fools

The warm temps have prompted a backyard remodel. Everyone was involved in the project of sprucing up the back fence line. I am amazed it has been 3 years already that we have been in the house. We planted our lilac hedge and they promised blooms in three years! I am impressed they did have flowers this year, yea!!

So funny little story about Makayla and PJ. PJ was I repeat was pushing the sled with mulch, fell, got the unstoppable giggles and Kayla just continued pulling the sled. We were all laughing at the sight of PJ being pulled behind the sled! PJ then figured out how he could pull the sled with mulch. He was full of antics this day!

I spent the day rearranging closets! I really dislike this project that has to happen two times a year. I am happy to report that I completed this task in record time this year. Two weeks is all from first tote out of storage to the last tote being returned to storage. Not bad for me.

All in all it was a productive day and we all slept very well!

March 23rd, unseasonably warm

We are having record breaking heat lately so that means sandbox time and the first mow!

Obviously the cat is jealous and would like just a few minutes of outside time. No such luck Melody!