We Have So Much To Be Thankful For

We are so thankful for our wonderful family and friends!

We spent Thanksgiving with all the Rossini's in Virginia. It seems like someone is always missing so this became a special weekend with everyone at mom and dad's. Our celebrating continued right through the weekend with Connie and Diane's 30th birthday.

Thanksgiving was spent at my grandparents when we were growing up. We had large gatherings of family. My grandparents always had games to play in the evenings. What great memories we have of those times. Now we play with our kids.

Aunt Diane, the whipped topping is for the pie!

Aren't I cute?

And my Aunts and Uncle are sooo much fun....

National Adoption Day

Congratulations to Matt, Amanda and Caelan!

Caelan was baptised on Sunday and his adoption is final today. What an exciting time. God's blessings on little Caelan.

Aunts or Ants?

The kids have been counting down the days until 'the Aunts' arrive. They couldn't wait to get to grandpa and grandma's house today to see them.

Madelyn and Grandma had a tea party this afternoon.

Full of Smiles

These pics are from this morning while getting ready for school. Happy Friday Everyone!

Family and Friends

For the first time since school and sports started for the season we have a few weeks of down time. The kids had two short school weeks with days off for a teacher work day, Election Day and the Veterans Day holiday. Soccer has come to end for the season. The weather turned cool and everyone retreated indoors.

Kurt went to Kansas to visit with his mom and dad. He very much enjoyed the time spent with his dad who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Kurt was able to help take his dad to chemo and radiation treatments but more importantly he was initiated into the men's morning coffee group and spend hours talking to his dad about golf courses, sports, his grandkids, you name it. They had a unforgettable visit.

Kurt and I have had a chance to reflect on some great friends we have in our lives. Our support network is unbelievable. Kurt knew he could be out of town for any length of time and the kids and I wouldn't need a thing. From our friends Denise and Chris who invited the kids and I over for a meal to Jayne who put the kids on the bus one day when I had an early morning meeting to Ken who comes running every time muscle is needed to get something done around the house. Lisa, my sounding board, you keep me sane. Karen and Bruce, for letting the kids play at your house so I could have a moment of silence. Sue and the many others that call every week...Thank you all! Kurt and I are blessed to have so many close friends.

Our quiet days will come to an end soon. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Connie, Diane, Mike and Carrie are coming. A good time is always had by all. The kids love it when their uncles and aunts come to visit. Basketball starts soon after, then Christmas, winter break and it will be 2009 before we know it.

Veterans Day

Today is a day set aside to remember and honor all the American Veterans who have served our Country. We remember the sacrifices made to preserve and protect our freedoms. Take time to honor those who gave their lives and those who returned home disabled. We owe both our Veterans and our Active Duty Military members our gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Wreaths Across America
Remember the Fallen;
Honor Those Who Serve;
Teach Our Children the Value of Freedom.




For over 17 years the Worchester Wreath Company has been donating wreaths to be placed on the headstones of our fallen heroes. Each December the wreaths are placed by volunteers at National Cemeteries across the country.

Volunteering for this event has become a tradition for our family and now many friends have joined us. This year our family will lay wreaths at both Arlington National Cemetery and Quantico National Cemetery to honor veterans that have touched our lives or the lives of those we know.

If you would like to sponsor a wreath you can do so by going to http://www.wreaths-across-america.org/.

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps

As the wife of a former Marine (correction...there are no 'former' Marines...Once a Marine, Always A Marine) it would be unforgivable for me to forget today is the 233rd birthday of the Marine Corps.

For all those who serve we thank you and appreciate you. God bless you and your families for the sacrifices you make each and every day. Semper Fidelis.


Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference to the world, but the Marines don't have that problem.
Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

Swimming

Ryan and Madelyn swim on Sunday mornings. Here are some pics from this morning.