In ALL things....give thanks!

Last Saturday I was in a car accident. I'm fine, but let me back up to set the scene.

Saturday was a cuh-razy day. By 9:15 we were on the soccer field for C4's last game of the season...yay! Madison and I hopped in Colombo's car (Mazda) to race her to the church for her piano recital, with a quick stop at Big Y to buy her teacher flowers. The recital was over by 11:45 and 30 people were coming to Trevor's party at 1:00.

So, I was on my way home, 3/4 mile from the house, to finish party preparations when I was rear-ended by a teenage boy, who was carrying his sister and her friend.

In triumph AND in tragedy, the hand of God is so evident. This instance was no different. The goodness of God was undeniable.

1. I walked away unharmed. Actually, all 4 people involved walked away. That is just not a guarantee. Tomorrow is not a guarantee. That's why we always need to be ready. Even though I saw him in my mirror, that split second was not enough time prepare, pray or anything. It was a good reminder to live as though the next breath my be my last. Are you ready?

2. I didn't have any kids with me. From the recital, I sent Colombo to the party store to pick up balloons..with all 5 kids...that doesn't make sense!!! Who sends someone to pick up balloons with all 5 kids??!! I don't know why I didn't have some or all of the kids to take home while Colombo picked up balloons.

3. I had my license. Two days before we'd gone to a ticketed event and I had given Colombo my license in case we needed it. Standing waiting for the cops, I panicked and called Colombo, "Hurry up and come...you have my license." He answered, "It's in your wallet. I put it in there this morning."

That is just amazing to me (and maybe some other wives ;-))!!! Such a tiny detail, but God knew.

4. I was in the Mazda, not the family van. A small detail, but since we were left with only one car for 4 or 5 days until we got the rental, it was convenient to have the van.

5. We didn't need a tow. The car was drivable, but barely. The cop was kind and let us drive it to our body shop (only 1/2 mile) instead of having us pay the tow fee.

6. I was done in 30 minutes. The whole thing was wrapped up and I was in my kitchen making salads and celebrating my precious 4 year old's birthday.

I had a stiff neck for a couple days but am totally fine. The kid who hit me was very respectful and kept asking me if I was o.k. When Colombo arrived, the kid shook his hand and apologized to him, too.

God is good ALL the time. It baffles me why some people choose to do life without involving Him.

Madison's Piano Recital

Madison just completed 5 months of piano lessons and her first recital. She did a great job. Her teacher hosted a class-act recital with her 12 or so students. She had black and white balloons, red roses on the piano, and gave each student a certificate after saying something special about them as a person, not necessarily defining them by their piano ability.

Madison played, "Oh, When the Saints" and was obviously affected by her nerves.

Her teacher had very kind words to say about Madison that made me very proud. Indeed, she is a very special girl!

Father's Day

Father's Day was very relaxing, with little to no agenda.

Actually, the festivities began the night before when my 2 sisters and I and about 2/3 of my Dad's grandkids got together for pizza and a 'Pop Sing-A-Long'. Perfect for the kids, perfect for my Dad.



Sunday morning started with a big breakfast...omelets, bacon, and fruit.
Then came our annual treasure hunt.
Notice the wardrobe variety...swimsuits, sweatshirts, and bathrobes!
This was the final gift...and I have to apologize for turning my camera to take the video...will I ever learn?!


We spent the afternoon by the pool...Colombo's request. It was our first family day by the pool of the season...hopefully many more to come!I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful father for my kids. He cares deeply and works very hard for their physical, spiritual and emotional needs. He's a quality and a quantity Dad.

Andrea cooked dinner for all of the dads in the evening. She did a lovely job. I, however, flunked in the picture taking!

A perfect day!

C4's commercial update

C4's commercial is up and running for Mystic Seaport. Go to http://www.earnyoursealegs.com/ Click on "check out our TV ads" tab at the top of the page and he's in the one entitled "sail hoisting". You can see him really quickly in the first shot of the kids on the rope. Madison and Nathanael were on the "steamboat" but aren't seen in the commercial. All 3 were filmed the day we were there.

Nathanael--too funny!

I had to take Madison to the doctor to run a strep test last week (see previous post). While there, the doctor weighed her...49.5 lbs. Nathanael asked to also be weighed because he and Madison are usually within a pound or two of each other, as well as close to the same height. He hopped on the scale and the doctor said, "47.5."

Nathanael matter-of-factly replied, "That's 'cause I've been doing the 30 Day Shred."

I busted out laughing! The doctor kinda looked at me like, 'What did I miss?'

My sister introduced me to Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred. I was doing that video 2-3 times a week, alternating with going to the gym. Nathanael got on a kick of wanting to do it with me. The night before, he'd ask me to wake him up early. A few times he made it out of bed. A few times he told me he was too tired and went back to sleep. A few times I simply just let him sleep and never even tried to wake him.

But he liked the video. He and Madison even did it a handful of times without me. They're hilarious with their paperback books as hand weights.

Anyway, he was pretty proud of himself at the doctor's.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

One night we were eating carrots and hummus. Knowing the 'No Double-Dipping' rule, Nathanael asks, "Am I allowed to Flip-and-Dip?"

Again, we all laughed. I think he raises a very good question.

Recital Times Two

Saturday was Madison's dance recital and she did not disappoint! She danced in seven numbers, but there was a 1:00 and a 6:00 show, so really 14 dances!!!

The poor girl woke up with a fever and sore throat and was VERY distraught. Oh, the drama with a girl! I assured her that we would get through the day together. I loaded everyone up and ran her to the doctor's on our way to C4's soccer game. I wanted to rule out strep and not infect everyone else. She wanted to dance no matter what, and my feeling was that 'the show must go on' but I also didn't want her getting 100 other kids sick.

Luckily the strep test was negative. I bought half the pharmacy, medicated her, and let her rest in the van at C4's game. She started to perk up and feel encouraged when Gramma and Bobbi were at the soccer field with her friend Amanda.

Madison and I then headed for the high school. She was energized from the excitement and numbed by the Motrin. Things were looking up! Even though the afternoon performance was much easier and better for her, she muscled through the 2nd one anyway. A fantastic day!Then Sunday was C4's drum recital. He rocked it out! There were guitar, piano, drum, and voice students. C4's good buddy, Isaac accompanied him on piano.

Then C4 accompanied some guitar students for their Blues ensemble.

His teacher, Armando
Armando's brood

Thanks to all of our loving family and friends who came to support the kids!

Recent Happenings

Enjoying our spring....looking forward to summer!

Here's what we've been up to...............

School's out!!!!! Wooohooo!

We finished on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, which means we can do more fun things like lounging in the pool.

Or going to Pop's house to pick out a landscape rock.
Or swimming with the baby ducks at Gramma's lake. Ten very friendly baby ducks and one very panicked mama duck.


We've also been snuggling that new little niece, Gianna. She is so sweet!!! We've sat on the baseball field our share of nights, but now we're DONE!! Nathanael's team came in 1st place!!! He was so very excited about it. He tells everyone!
We did a DQ trip with Gramma and Bobbi after one game.
No school also means lots of extra time to get into trouble.
And time to pull a 'load' across the street for a BBQ with the neighbors.

School's out! Weekly activities are wrapping up. Let the F-U-N begin!

Recital Preview

Madison had her 1st of 2 dress rehearsals last night. Here's a little taste!

She's quite the little star and shines very brightly! It was such a joy to sit and watch her dance. It brings her so much pleasure. Three of her dances I'd never seen before. I was so proud! Can't wait for the recital, but I REALLY can't wait for a break!

Look at that kick!!Madison is the one in the air!This is her ballet number, "Music Box Dancer."

This is jazz competition, "Snow Day."

Picture of the Day

taken by my dad Madison, age 9

Sweet Baby Girl

Jonathan and Andrea welcomed their 2nd daughter, Gianna Grace, on June 2nd. She was 8 lbs, 5 oz. She is completely adorable and perfect! The consensus is that she looks just like Gabriella! Everyone is happy and healthy!

At first, Big Sister Gabby was more interested in all the gifts she received than the boring bundle of baby sister, but eventually she was curious.

This makes 7 DiSalvatore grandkids and my 8th niece!

Big Birthday Boy

Hard to believe, but Little Rocco had his big birthday! We threw his party on the actual day...May 29th. I was extremely emotional all morning, bursting into tears more than once. Thankfully I was able to control myself once guests arrived. I don't know why I struggle so much with birthdays. It's sad to me how fast the time goes by. No matter how hard I try to slow it down, or resolve to remember all the little things, it just doesn't work. His first year was fleeting, but so remarkable, so special. He is so, so special. This past year with him has been nothing short of a dream. Every day he brings joy, energy, love, and laughter to our home.

His party was a huge success thanks to our wonderful family and friends. The weather was perfect, including a little cloud cover to keep things cool.

Before guests arrived, the kids (and by that I mean Madison) decorated the driveway with chalk.
The bounce house arrived at 10am. Colombo's hockey buddy gave us a sweet deal on it. It was huge, providing hours of entertainment for the kids.

The kids also swam.Cake time...I was so upset about how the cake turned out. I almost just dumped it and wanted to start over, but I had my little cry and then moved on.

His smash cake...
Here we go... In true Rocco fashion, he needed encouragement with the cake. He didn't like the way the frosting felt on his fingers.

He loved this little walk-behind toy from Jon and Annie.

It was a very special day!

At his check-up he was 20.5 lbs (15th %ile) and 30" (50 %ile). He has 4 teeth. He LOVES playing outside, especially in this car.

Madison has it hooked to the wagon and pulls him around. He lifts his pudgy little feet so they don't drag. It's the cutest!

Basically his only word is "da". But everytime you give him something he says "da-da" for thank you...a very well-mannered little guy. We feel blessed beyond measure to call him ours.

In attendance: Pop & Kiki-Gramma & Bobbi- Ninny & Papa-Jon, Annie & Gabby-Shaun, Lisa, Avery, Amanda & Aiden-The O'Connor Family-The Minneo's-The Corsino's-The Volz-The Albano's