The Easter Egg Hunt

Today, both girls got to see the Easter bunny and participate in an Easter egg hunt. Giselle cryed her head off. I would too.... It was at a senior citizen's home and they all got to watch the little ones hustle to get the eggs. Enjoy the pictures from today's events. Giselle scored 10 eggs and Isabella got 17! Meanwhile, Mr. Baxter doesn't look well. He has not been eating, looks very sad and has been limping around. We are keeping an eye on him, but perhaps soon, he will have to go to the vet. We are worried about him.

Spring Break

I can remember when spring break used to be filled with sunshine, bikini's, a few cocktails and good times with good friends.
Now, I spend spring break loving up on my two girls creating memories with them. This week marks spring break for all the kiddos and today we ventured off to the Shedd Aquarium. We ventured off to the big city with the neighbors in their mini van and when we got there, it was an hour and a half long line to get into the entrance. Good thing I packed a bag FULL of snacks because I needed them! Once we got in, it was a madhouse. My neighbor joked that I should get a job there because everyone kept coming up to me asking questions about the Shedd. Then, as my dad would say...the "ROSES" effect happened. After all that waiting and trying to keep two kiddos under my belt, a lady walked up to me and handed me a ticket for all of the attractions - which cost $37.50! She said, here honey, I am not going to use this ticket, and I would really like for you to have it. What an angel she was to walk up to me out of a line full of people. I felt so lucky! So we got into the Shedd for free, or at least I did, because the kids were already free.
We saw turtles, lobster, fish, jellyfish, penguins, you name it, we saw it. Isabella even got her face painted with a mermaid. Both girls rocked out the entire day without a nap. Their gonna sleep like babies tonight.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May you be poor in misfortunes,
and rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness,
from this day forward,
May good luck be your friend,
In whatever you do,
And may trouble be always,
A stranger to you.

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade your every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that’s always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.

May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and nothing wrong. May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true.

May the friendships you make be those which endure and all of your Grey clouds be small ones for sure.

A video from San Diego with Syd and Iz

What a GREAT 30th Birthday Party!

Started off with Isabella Marie coming down the stairs singing me HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Today I am 3 she tells me. Well, I certainly don't want to be 3 again, but I loved 23! That was my favorite age. Giselle just smiled at me all day. Baxie looked at me funny.
Then Soupy came over with breakfast, her SMILE and a beautiful card, a memory and a special gift. Followed by my father paying a visit with a very special, super yummy ice-cream cake! What a surprise! And such a TREAT. A beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and LOTS of sunshine. While the girls were playing, I got to rip out 4 thorn bushes and burn lots of leaves. No more skinning up my legs in the summer as I water my plants.
Their nap time brought a chance for me to read a magazine in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine. The birds singing. The flowers budding. Betty Jean was smiling down at me from up above. And I embraced every single minute of it.

To my surprise, Bob popped home in between meetings and brought sushi, a cake from the bakery, flowers, balloons and gifts! YUM! Homemade gifts from my super sweet sister, niece and brother in law and a card to melt my heart. A funny card from my mother & father and law and meg followed by a great gift.
Bob leaves for work again and the doorbell rings. An edible arrangement delivered from my friend Monica with balloons. I put the kids to bed and think AH, what a PERFECT day to turn 30. Perhaps I will take a jacuzzi and relax with a few bubbles and turn in for the night. Neighbor calls and comes over with a few other neighbors with sangria, cards and gifts. Whew! On Sunday, my brother and law and sister surprised me with a cake and presents. What a day I say! And I can't wait to see what 31 brings.
Today I went to work and was treated to lunch by my boss and co-workers, ice cream, cards and more gifts. How special I feel! Thank YOU ALL for making me feel like a million bucks. I certainly enjoy bringing a SMILE to all of your faces each and every moment I get - BUT YOU ALL HAVE ME GLOWING. And I couldn't be more THANKFUL. LOVE YOU. XOXOXOOX

Isabella goes to San Diego to see her cousin Sydney

A couple of weeks ago, Isabella and I jetted off to see her cousin Sydney and Aunt Dawn in San Diego. We all had so much fun together and decided we should get together more often. The girls got to go on a carriage ride with an Irishman, visit Lego land, eat chocolate cake at the top of the tower overlooking the city, visit USS Midway Aircraft carrier, have a jacuzzi party, take the ferry over to Hotel del Coronado, have a silly hat party, a bath party and SO much more!
Sydney and Isabella were SO CUTE together and Sydney treated Isabella as if she were her younger sister. Check out some of the photos.