Party of Ten

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Solo Dress!

In the world of Irish dancing, each school has their own school dress. The school constume is like a signature to identify a particular dancer with a particular school. Our school has a beautiful school dress, as you have seen in previous photos. In addition to the school dress, each dancer has the opportunity to qualify for a solo costume. While each dance school is a little different, most require the dancer to reach a certain level of dancing before she can qualify for this one-of-a kind dress. There are no two dresses alike anywhere on the planet, and at one time most all of these dresses were made in Ireland, hand embroidered with scenes from the Book of Kells. Today, thankfully, you also have the option of buying a used dress closer to home. The benefit of going this route is you don't necessarily have to sell your first-born to afford a beautiful dress.

Two weeks ago we told Moira that she could start shopping for a used solo dress. She has been excited about getting her solo dress since she was just starting out, at the age of five. It took her one week to find the perfect dress. First, she eliminated all the dresses that were out of our price range. Second, she eliminated the dresses that wouldn't fit her. Finally, she eliminated all the dresses that didn't have at least some green in them (what can I say, she's a Packer fan right down to the core). With no hesitation, she claimed that she found the perfect dress. Even the measurements seemed perfect. The dress is coming from AZ but we soon discovered, through conversations with the seller, that green and gold are in their family blood too....they are Packer fans! That cinched the deal for Moira. We are anxiously awaiting its arrival, later this week. Say a prayer that it fits so she can wear it to her spring recital!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Another Great Heart Check-Up For Erin!

Did you ever think that a large scar could be beautiful? I'm not sure I would have before Sept. 19th of last year. Today was Erin's heart check-up at the cardiologist office. After she had been thouroughly checked out and we were assured that her heart was still working perfectly, I was able to chat with the cardiologist about lighter issues. She called this the "fun" visit. As we were chatting, she commented on how nicely Erin's scar had healed. As she studied it, she said she wished there could be a way to avoid the scar, but that was just impossible (I have long ago picked up on that fact that she is a perfectionist. Fine by me...I'll take a perfectionist cardiologist any day). I explained to her how I thought Erin's scar was beautiful, a true work of art. I will always be thankful for that scar. Where would we be today if it weren't for the perfectionism of the cardiologist, and the God-given skill of the heart surgeon who left a three inch scar on Erin's chest? For us, it is a reminder of the day our little Happy got a new heart, and through that, the rest of our hearts grew a little closer to God. What a beautiful scar!

Erin's next scheduled cardiac appointment is in one year. Now that's music to my ears!!!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Katharine's Baptism

Last weekend our beautiful Goddaughter was baptized! It was such a lovely Mass and fun celebration. She is such a content baby and I was thrilled to be able to hold her throughout the entire Mass and baptism. She was all smiles. I made sure to get a little of her baptismal oil on myself because I just LOVE the smell. If you are Catholic, you know the scented oil I am talking about. The entire Mass fills the senses....eyes, ears, and yes, even scent. It is all such a beautiful gift. Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful child, Katharine Renatta.

"How Many More Years Until Spring?"

This title was a question that Aidan recently asked me. I think we were all thinking the same thing. After our long winter with record setting snowfall, we are all excited for spring! Here are a few pictures showing what we've been up to with the warmer weather.

Erin loves her new ride!

A visit to the creek to see the rainbow trout spawning (at least I think they were rainbow trout...could be wrong).

Lots of fun playtime here. The kids are masters at finding any item they can and then playing with it in an unusual way. We like to call it creative play. They do occasionally use jump ropes for jumping too; imagine that!

Time to Fire Up the Grill....

Literally!

It's Time For Croquet!

The backyard competitions have begun...

Can I have a Little Vitamin D Please?

Here's my little cherub taking in all that sunshine. What a bathing beauty if I do say so myself :) And for those who were wondering, she is still eating very well...just check out that tummy if you have any doubts.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Another Reason Why Moira Loves Irish Dancing...

On St. Paddy's Day the girls performed at a dinner party. Seated at the head table was Mark Murphy, whom Moira noticed instantly, even while dancing her opening reel. For those of you who need a little reminder who Mark Murphy is (I hope I'm not the only one), he's the president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers :) Here's the pic that Moira's friend took of her after the performance.

Monday, April 21, 2008

First Communion Pictures!

We had a perfect day for Teresa and cousin Conal's First Communion!!! Both sets of grandparents and uncle Patrick were able to be here. The Mass was beautiful. The weather was warm and so were our hearts. Teresa and Conal were so proud and thankful to recieve their First Holy Communion and we had a great celebration afterwards. Here are LOTS of pictures.

Here is Teresa's banner that she made earlier in the week in preparation for the big day.