Peeps!

I'm not a fan, but Owen sure thought they were wonderful!

Easter Goodness

What a glorious weekend we had! Saturday morning started out with the annual egg hunt and craft party at the base. Everyone seemed to have a blast, especially Owen who did a fantastic drunken sailor walk while trying to 'hunt' for his eggs. This year, Kailey wanted absolutely nothing to do with the bunny (even though she'd been talking about him for weeks), and it was Owen who wanted to give him hugs and love.

This morning, we woke up to many treasures left by the Easter Bunny. Kailey had been asking for a 'princess bike with butterflies' and of course he came through. Owen got a Step 2 water table that both kids have been thrilled with all day long. We can't wait for summer when we can actually fill it with water (not just a trickle) and splash all over our deck! Toosie also sent some well-needed Aquadoodle toys and accessories. We've been coloring and practicing letters and Aquadoodles are perfect for both...thanks, Toosie!

Overall, it was a great day filled with love and laughter. Happy Easter to all!

Appreciation

I try to keep my blog light and uplifting, but occassionally, something will happen that makes me pause and reflect. Today was one of those days.

Everyone was asleep in the house, so I took some time to catch up on my email, news and phone calls. Since I must multi-task, I flipped on CNN while I chatted with Krista about her upcoming transfer. A newsflash caught my eye about a University of Central Florida football player who passed away today. This was noteworthy to me for several different reasons. I'm unfortunately very sensitive to untimely deaths of young athletes for obvious reasons. My first thought is that there must have been some type of heart problem. After listening to the story for about ten seconds, I thought, "I know that name, I know that face." I then checked the Naples Daily News website and sure enough, the sinking feeling in my stomach was correct. This young man was a former student.

I in no way want to dramatize this terrible situation, but it certainly got me thinking. How many stories do we hear each day on the news where we listen, but then go on with our day? Do we even hear about the soldiers who are dying each day for our country? I am not saying we should consume ourselves with all of the terrible things going on in this world, but every once in a while, we should stop and think about what others are going through. Maybe our lives aren't quite so bad...

I haven't seen this former student in over six years, but from what I remember, he was a remarkable, respectful young man with a bright future. I had him in my math classes and he was student council president when I was the advisor. I hope by reading this entry and his story will cause you to give your kids and loved ones an extra hug and think about how fortunate we are for the good things in life. You never know when the flame can burn out too early. Please, take a minute to stop and smell the roses.


Here is the article from the Naples Daily News:
http://www.naplesdailynews.com/news/2008/mar/18/former-lely-high-football-player-plancher-dies-ucf/

Happy Birthday, Paulie!

Paul celebrated his 33rd birthday on Sunday with a well-needed relaxing day. We started off with a greasy, but delicious breakfast at a local diner. Then, we went for a Sunday drive up the bay to visit some of the small towns in the area. Paul loves to go for leisurely Sunday drives and I really don't. I always want to have a plan or a destination whereas he can relax and enjoy the beauty of everything. Since it was his birthday, we piled everyone in and off we went. When we returned home, both kids were pretty sleepy since we're battling colds (again) so they each took three hour naps! The greatest birthday gift ever...we both got to take Sunday naps too!!!

We topped the day off with a festive cake, which Paul noted almost immediately, was decorated in Michigan colors. Spoken like a true Buckeye, as I didn't even notice! Kailey also gave Paul a card which she picked out herself. It didn't matter that the card had Cinderella on it and was written to a granddaughter, she thought her Daddy would love it. Of course, he did!

I love you, Paulie and hope you had a wonderful day. Kailey and Owen are the luckiest kids in the world because they get to call you Daddy.