Our Bella Rose is 5

It's so cliche, but it is hard to believe it's been five years. Every year we celebrate her birthday, we celebrate the hope we continued to have that God would bless us with more babies. After 3 miscarriages, many would have been happy with the children they had and been content to move forward. We are so thankful that we headed God's gentle nudging. Just think what it would be like without her dimpled face and sassy smile. Paul and I also remember our first date 16 years ago today. Sure is amazing how much things can change. It was only Divine Providence that I didn't turn around and never look back that afternoon; oh the days of bachelor hood.

We recently started giving the big kids an allowance, and they went shopping for gifts for Gabriella. It's pretty neat that they chose to do that with their money, and their gifts were a hit.

 Pauly got more than he bargained for, a hug and a smooch with her thank you. Yeah, water guns.

 Olivia made her a really sweet card about Bella's birth story and then here today she's five. She also got her a neat ball, make up, and a $. Boy did her eyes light up.

 Woohoo, bubbles and more. Elizabeth was excited at the bargain she found.

 A snazzy new outfit complete with shades from Auntie Missy, Uncle Dale, and Alexandria. We love the anticipation her wrapping creates; endless tape and pretty paper. All the kids know the trademark and quickly ask for scissors. An outfit this cute is worth the wait.

 The kids get so excited when we get packages in the mail. This one is from Uncle Mike and Auntie Julie. Thanks for the learning book, and as you can see, the headbands and barrettes are definitely needed these days.

 Cecilia of course couldn't help but steal a little lime light for herself; we'll let her.

 George just really wanted to at least say it was his birthday too; sorry buddy, not for quite a while.

Happy birthday Gabriella Rose. We are so thankful for your spunk and all you add to our family. We love you. May God bless you with more faith, hope, and love each day of your life.

A little of this and a little of that

So, I found some cool new Catholic blogs that focus on crafts, cooking, and baking ideas for the liturgical year. The best part is that they are actually ahead of the game with the ideas and post before the actual feast day, which means I can be prepared with some ideas for us. This first one is Ascension Jello which I made an brought to a gettogether at a friends. I totally screwed up the first batch of whipped cream. I was preoccupied trying to turn it into a little science lesson on the states of matter and good homeschoolling mom stuff like that, and I added enough sugar for like 10 batches. Like I said, I got preoocuppied and a little overwhelmed with all the helping hands and questions and forgot to double check the directions. 

I got really into Pentecost this year. I love making birthday cakes, and when I was reminded that Pentecost is the birthday of the church, I had to make a cake to celebrate. The kids made a ring of fire of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit with the help of my niece Heidi for a centerpiece for our table. It has been fun hearing all the questions about the different words on the flames, and Pauly is showing an interest and is actally trying to read the words and asking what they mean. And yes, we even sang. I told you we've lost it, right?

Elizabeth is really getting into drawing lately and wanted to make her own interpretation of the Apostles and Mary in the upper room on Pentecost. She spent hours on it; this picture does not due her or her picture justice. It was good to see her so proud of herself.

The girls had their spring dance recital Sat. They have been working so hard, and were so excited to perform. They did a great job dancing for Jesus.

The highlight of the day was getting a ride in a convertible with my niece Heidi.

 

We also celebrated Gabriella's birthday with the grandparents on Sat. It was a full day. I had a lot of fun with her cake. I decided to go with a ladybug after finding out that the ladybug is actually named after Our Lady. Story has it that back in the Middle Ages, some farmers prayed to Mary that God would send help because bugs were eating all their crops. Just after they prayed, the red spotted beetles appeared and became known as Our Lady's Beetles which has been changed over time into ladybugs. Since May is the month of Mary, I though it was a fun tribute and interesting fact. I love when I can relate our faith to real life things for the kids.

Just some fun random shots.