Nostalgia is not LOST and ALWAYS beats TECHNOLOGY

In a world filled with so many distractions like I-phones, X-box, Nintendo Switch, Face time, T.V. and so much more..... I learned from my little girl that nostalgia is not lost.  I was writing in my office one night, as I frequently do, and Isabella wanted to know what I was doing.  "Honey!  I am writing your blog, as I have done since 2008!"

"Well, can I see?"  Sure! She spent 3 hours in the office chair next to my desk while I was writing, looking at pictures and reading all of the books.  In AWE.  In SHOCK.  She had no idea that I had been writing for years about her and Giselle.  She is at that age where she appreciates history and understands, especially her own life story.

Isabella reading a BLOG book

It was this moment, that I sat at my computer and felt grateful and blessed.  She was reading each and every page of a blog book about her, Giselle and Baxter.  I initially started the blog for fun and our family, so they could read about the girls and what was going.  I am not one to be consistent with anything, however this is the one thing I have kept up with and am glad I do.  I enjoy writing.

I enjoyed her company in the office while I was quietly writing, listening to Van Morrison, and watching her cry (with joy) as she read these books.

I just received another book in print in the mail and as of now, each girl has 3 books that cover a span of 12 years and I have printed up to July of 2019.  I am all caught up for now!

The newest book we received

The latest book that is 140 pages

So here's to you BIG GIRL - you named these books......  "Remember. Me. Each. And Every Time. Always."  12 years in the making.  I am excited that you and Giselle will have these memorable books with pictures telling your life story.   XOXOXOXOXOX Love, Mom

Hippity Hoppity Easter

Hope everyone had a nice Easter Sunday! The Easter bunny came to our house and brought Isabella a brand new bicycle (she outgrew her little bike) and Giselle scored a skateboard.  We started the day off with yummy omelettes and afterwards the girls went on a Easter egg hunt in the backyard.

Their homemade PEEP cake

Easter 2020

CANDY!!!

Opening her Easter eggs

Relaxing with Lily 

It was a relaxing day, that's for sure.  Bob worked outside on his garden fence in the morning while I cooked a honey glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, a green bean casserole and homemade butter rolls.  The girls baked their traditional Easter "Peep" cake that was chocolate with vanilla frosting topped with Peeps and jelly beans.  We were so full after our Easter meal that we all took a nap.  It sure felt nice to relax.  We are sending lots of love, kisses and hugs to you all!

Weeks of Togetherness, Worry & New Traditions

Faced with a government order to stay home until April 30th at this time due to the spread of COVID-19, we have weeks of togetherness, worry and new traditions.  I remember when the girls came home on Friday, March 13th and they had all of their books and school supplies. They informed me their teachers told them to clean out their desks and bring everything home.  They had not yet announced anything on the news and I did not understand what was going on. Later that day, the Governor announced the stay at home order.

Here we are 22 days later and we still have another 26 days to go.  Maybe even longer. For now, they have gotten the hang of e-learning.  They kind of understand why they can't go on play dates with their friends, go to school, or attend their after school activities. 

We have been taking lots of bike rides and walks together.  We're watching a lot of movies.  We're not sticking to anything resembling a schedule.  We're playing a lot of cards and board games.  We're cooking together.  We're cleaning together.  We're working out together.  You name it, we're doing it to occupy the time.

I realize they miss their friends, teachers, coaches and well, their old routine.  As siblings, they are strengthening their bond.  As for me, I am enjoying our family time together, creating memories and even new traditions.  One day, Isabella and Giselle will look back and remember the time they lived through a global pandemic.  We miss seeing all of your beautiful faces and your company.........