Sunday, May 31, 2009

Maggie's big day

I'm pretty late on this post, but our sweet Maggie Grace had her first communion early in May. She was absolutely stunning, and we enjoyed the day immensely. Here's a rundown...
We got up early, as usual, and Mags and I went to get her super-fine hair (thanks to my genes) done. I am not the kind of mom who normally would fall to such pressure, as the other moms are getting their girls up-dos done at the salon, or having their french manicures the day before, but my dear friend, Becky, used to do hair for a living, and Maggie's hair is hard to work with (see genetic trait above). SO, we went to Becky's with much time to spare before pictures. However, because the barrette was large, we had to do some serious hair work to get it to stay in... We got a bit silly while there- plaintiff's exhibit A

We got to the church in time for Maggie's real portraits. She looked lovely. Here are some shots from the church.









We then went to grab some lunch before heading back to church. It had been a hectic, but fun morning, so of course I needed to ruin it somehow... I slammed Maggie's little hand in the car door in the parking lot. Good heavens, that was a scream! She was a trooper, though. We got home and got some ice. Then turned right around and went back to church for the big event. She was really nervous. I' m pretty sure that Maggie was the ONLY child to NOT use her hands to receive the host. She was so afraid of dropping it that she just stuck out her tongue and took it in her mouth. She was so nervous, she made us nervous! Bless her heart, she did fine, though. Mind you, two nights prior we had her rehearsal. She came home, got a migraine, and threw up. Who says kids can't feel stress?

Anyway, we made it through without a hitch. She was awesome, and we were (are) so proud of her.
Our little girl is getting older every day. Sometimes I look at her and wonder where all this time has gone. Wasn't it yesterday that we took her to church and held her in our laps? Now she's an active part of the service. I can only hope that this day was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with the Lord and that her faith carries her through life. We could not be more proud of her. She's an amazing little girl, with a lifetime ahead of her. I hope she knows how much we love her, and how much the Lord loves her. He's as proud as we are, that's for sure.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Bring your parent to kindergarten

Mairin had the distinct pleasure of schooling her father and me a few weeks ago. We participated in Hinkle's "Bring Your Parents to Kindergarten" day. It's amazing to see your child in his/her element. Not only was I surprised, but proud. Mairin Reilly is one smart little girl. Her wit is quick (I take full credit) and her heart is big (me). She knows no stranger and all the kids seem to gravitate to her (that's Pat). It was very eye-opening!

Here's our day:
I arrived earlier than Pat, and the kids were in the story pit with their wonderful teacher, Mrs. McKamie. Mairin was listening with rapt attention, eyes fixed on the story. After a brief set of instructions, the kids were sent to find their "people". Mairin spied me quickly and came to take my hand. She led me to her seat which was clearly made for a Liliputian, not a full-grown woman! I squatted into the chair and watched my daughter show me her literacy stations. When Daddy came we moved onto the computer station, craft, science and math. She was so focused, so poised. Not my crazy ball of energy that dances to the beat of her own drum... but then we went to recess... At one point every kid in Mairin's class was chasing Pat because Mairin yelled, "Let's GET HIM!!!" She's a leader, my kid! :)


Luckily, she composed herself when we came in and we finished up our stations. It was a fun day. Mairin is such a treasure. I hope every year in school is as fun and as rewarding as this year has been for her.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Four times blessed

Everyday I wake up. I get dressed, wake my hubby and feed the dog, then it's off to wake my sleeping beauties. It's NOT everyday that they get up willingly, smile at me, and thank me for being their mom... Of course, it's not everyday I get up willingly, smile and thank God for the day (even though I know that I should). It's also not everyday that I stop and thank God for the wonderful blessings that are my daughters.

We are pretty lucky parents. We have three happy, healthy, sassy little girls that are by all relevant terms, "typical". They aren't perfect, but they are pretty darn close... My main concerns are whether or not they do the right thing each day, and treat others kindly. Not all parents are given such a luxury. Like my friend, Diane. She gets up everyday and promptly dispenses a handful of pills to her daughter, Tori. Tori is a spry little girl with a smile that will light up the room. Diane has to go through her day with the worry that Tori may catch a bug, have an asthma attack, or worse yet, forget to take her enzymes and get sick.

Tori has cystic fibrosis. Follow the link to learn more. Tori knows no other life. This is the life she's lived since she was two. Diane does, though. She has three other healthy children. Tori's health is always questionable. So, while I go to bed worrying how Maggie will do on her spelling test tomorrow, if Mairin will turn in her book report, or if Molly will take a nap, Diane goes to bed wondering if Tori will wake up well, if her CF will flair up, or one of her other ailments that accompany this disease. Diane has to go to bed wondering if a cure will be developed, so that Tori can have an adult life. I'm pretty blessed... but then again, having the chance to know Tori, to see first-hand her determination and strength, well- that is a blessing that cannot be overlooked.

Help us get one step closer to a cure. Make a donation by clicking the button on this page. Help Diane, and many other mothers just like her, get a good night's sleep. Thanks!