Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Happy 25th Birthday Daniel!

Wow, I can hardly believe that 25 years have passed since this absolutely incredible human being was born. He's done nothing but bless our family. My heart leaps with excitement when I think of his life to come and the many, many more things he will accomplish, the experiences he will have, and the lives he will touch. May God bless you, my son, today and everyday for the rest of your life! Love ya bunches.............










Tuesday, January 20, 2009

We had a fabulous weekend....

Saturday I had the opportunity to spend some time scrapbooking with a few friends, one of which was visiting from Canada. Boy, was she ever enjoying out beautiful 78 degree weather. She let us know that at that moment it was -52 degrees at home. Once again, I appreciated our winters and reminded myselft NOT to take it for granted.

Saturday night was our highlight. Gabrielle got to spend a few hours with us while Thomas and Lindsay went to a family birthday. As you can see by the videos, she's not only growing like a weed, but is most entertaining. We thoroughly enjoyed her performance on the "drum". She's such a joy to have around.

Sunday, of course, was another BIG day for all of us in Arizona (and even more so for those of us who grew up in St. Louis - we got double enjoyment)! Thomas had the opportunity to work on the camera crew for all of the Cardinals' home games this year. And, Sunday was no exception. He was right there in the endzone by the tunnel where the players come out. He had an awesome time and said the energy just about raised the roof. Will post a picture as soon as I get my hands on one. GO CARDINALS!!! After 21 years here in Arizona, they are GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!! No matter whether the Cardinals win OR the Steelers......this town is relishing the joy of getting there!!!

Saturday and Monday Ric worked very hard (and his body is now committing mutiny) on the beginning stages of our kitchen remodel. He's doing an incredibly job and it is going to look gorgeous. We should be completed by the middle of March and will post pictures a little later down the road. So far, our marriage is fully intact and should survive the process (tehehe)!!!

Until next time.........................peace!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Go, Fight, Win............GO CARDS!!!







Even my grand nephew Jordan and granddaughter Gabrielle are getting into the spirit of the playoffs.................
(Thanks Matthew B. for sharing these pics!)







Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Our Budding Pianist

I was "reviewing" all my Christmas pictures (getting them ready to send to Winkflash for printing) and saw this quick video. Thanks Daniel for taking it and sharing it. Uncle Daniel gave Gabrielle this piano for Christmas and really took to it. Not bad for 8 months old!!! At least in Nani Jane's and Uncle Daniel's mind she's a natural!!!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

New Year's Eve 2008-09

Last night Ric and I, once again, had a blessed opportunity to spend the evening ringing in the New Year with our most treasured friends. We started our night out by gathering/praying at Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Always, a grace! After Mass we traveled to the home of Mark and Lila Wiemann to eat, laugh, and, yes, play Guitar Hero and have our own battle of the bands. Actually, if anyone had been a fly on the wall (or one of our children) they would probably describe it as "Parents Gone Wild" or maybe sign us up as a sideshow for a traveling circus. Either way, we had a blast and kicked some ****!!! Thank you so much Mark & Lila Wiemann (for hosting and continuing our tradition), Dave Hubalik, Jim Roe, Wade & Cathy Woodall, and Matt & Cindy Vandiver. We missed you Mark & Teresa Pond, John & Jennifer H., Hal & Claudia Mayer, and Rae Lynne! All of you are such a blessing and gift to us!