California Girls

Here's a slideshow of photos that James has sent me over the past 3 days. He and the girls are having a wonderful time in California, but I can't wait for them to get home!!!

Our Graduate

On Tuesday night, we celebrated Maddie's 8th grade graduation. The graduation mass was beautiful and very long...2 hours! Following the mass, there was a reception for the graduates and their guests. The adults were encouraged to leave quickly as the remainder of the evening was reserved for the kids to party and bid farewell to their classmates. I picked Maddie up at 11PM and she was in tears, so sad to say goodbye to those she has spent the last 3 years of her life with.

We had a big group in attendance - GungGung & MaMa came from California, PopPop & Grandmom came from Delaware and Ed & Marty made the mad dash through Washington rush hour traffic to be in attendance. Maddie got a bit teary-eyed at seeing all of us cheer her on. I think she's starting to realize just how blessed we are to have a loving family and dear friends who support all of us in all our activities.

Here is Maddie's graduating class:


Her teacher, Mrs. Noller - who was so supportive of Maddie:


Maddie & Monica:


Some of the Boys - who rarely sit still for me when I want a photo!:




And, of course, Josie - who behaved beautifully even though it was WaaaaY past her bed time:


Our family photo - taken by Marty which is why she and Ed are not in it:


James has absconded with my daughters and taken them off to California...leaving me alone with the dogs for the next 6 days. He says I needed a break from the kids, but I know the real reason is because I refused to give Disneyland any more of my time or money...enough of the Mouse already!!! They traveled with James' parents so he had quite a few extra hands to help out with Josie...this includes Monica who went along with them.

I am taking advantage of the time by scheduling the rugs to be cleaned and getting those pesky chores done that I never seem to be able to accomplish with little Miss Josephine around... scrubbing her pencil marks off the walls, taking the Backyardigan stickers off the windows and getting little hand prints off the walls. That should fill up a few days!!

Josie's Piano Recital

Yesterday morning was Josie's first piano recital! She did terrific and James' parents were just thrilled to be able to attend. There's not much to say about 3 & 4 year olds playing the piano... it could have been the sound of nails on chalkboard and would STILL have sounded like Chopin to us!!! The presentation was about 20 minutes long and then a small reception followed. Josie will begin classes again in the Fall. Until then, we will have to make due with the Playskool piano in the family room!

Let the Spoiling Begin!!!

James' parents arrived from California yesterday afternoon. Josie has been asking me every morning when she wakes up, "Are GungGung and MaMa coming today?" Well, they're finally here!

Today, James and Josie took them to Monticello. It is EXTREMELY hot and humid here, so everyone returned home a bit spent. Here are the photos from their outing.









Tomorrow we are having a cookout with our neighbors to celebrate Maddie's 8th grade graduation. Looking at the forecast, however, makes me think that while we will cook-out - we will eat-in. It's supposed to be 90+ degrees with very high humidity. The heat index is expected to be 105 degrees. Already I can't wait to get to Alaska!!!

Happy Birthday to My Mom

This is (l-r) my sister Sue, Maddie & my Mom last summer. As you can tell, my Mom is a lively soul. Today is her birthday! I found a few old photos to share...there are more, but these will do for now...



This is my Mom with my Grandmom, me and my sister Sue. Taken sometime in the mid 1960's.


This is my Mom at my 8th grade graduation - 1976


This is me & My Mom the day I graduated from college - 1990 (yes, it took me a while...)


Doesn't she get more beautiful with age? Happy Birthday Mom! You are the BEST!!