Hello, Hello, Lovely, Lovely, Smiles, Smiles...

My title was inspired by my Mommo...Alice...she still makes me smile! I remember her little hand written notes she would send. They always included smiles and often told me that I had intelligent eyes and that she had told my father that when I was a little baby and it's still true... AND I brought sunshine! I'm happy now just thinking about her! Yay for Mommo who is in heaven with Poppo the love her life. Can't wait to met the man who captured Mommos heart because she was something else...he must have been special.

Anyways...I didn't start to write this post thinking about Mommo but she popped up into my thoughts leaving my morning a little brighter then it was...thanks Mommo!

Soooo....this new blog template is the handywork of Crystal! She also updated the link to Val's blog! Thanks Crystal!

Things are going ok here. Still getting dizzy spells fairly often....daily! Doctor says I have Vertigo. It might be from my allergies enflaming all things including the tubes in my ears making me dizzy. So I'm taking more allergie and sinus medicine. Mom's having a rough patch with her health too! Been praying for her.

Owen gets cuter with evey passing minute! I adore him. He's such a gemini and reminds me of Noah's personality. When he's in a good mood he's the funnest one in the room and you can't get enough of him and when he's in a bad mood...he's in a BAD mood! Both moods come on easily and switch often. =) Love him to pieces!

Malachy is exhausting! He is full of life and energy and curiosity! He has a wicked sense of humor which I blame poppo for in both the nuture and nature catagories! I'm trying to learn how to let him be himself and celebrate his energy while keeping him under control so I don't go nuts....ahhhh...parenting! He starts dance class with Madison thursday and I'm thankful he will have an outlet for all that energy!

Mark's still working hard. The Chapel job is over but he has some other part time work he is picking up already. It's one of those things that is our blessing and our curse. He's fighting off a cold right now, has a bum knee from a bball injury, and had a filling fall out! Poor Mark!

It was Dad's bday this weekend but we didn't celebrate yet. I was in a bad mood too. Poor Daddy! We will celebrate when we get together with Noah and Lauren in a few weeks.

Haha I just noticed that I have ended nearly every sentence with ! That's so me! Well anyhoo...theres my update!

Update and some pictures too!

Hola! I thought I should update because I haven't in a while. Lets see...
Owen is doing really well and is already over 3 months old! He's so handsome and such a delight. I'm overwhelmed with love for him all the time and it makes me so happy. Of course Malachy continues to be the joy of my life as well and is always amusing me and exhausting me. I feel so blessed to have this time with them and never want it to end.

Mark and I are still struggling financialy. Mark continues to work 7 days a week and it is tring on us. I try and have hope knowing that this is only a season in our lives and will pass. However lately I have had a hard time believing it will pass. I'm trying to remain hopeful. =) Mark continues to be an amazing husband and I'm so thankful for him! We had an amazing time in Iowa and really enjoyed seeing the family there! Mark hopes to go back for his 30th birthday in November. I'm all for it if we can come up with the $270 in gas it takes to get there and back! I also have to start thinking about a birthday party for my little Malachy! I love birthday parties. =)

Moms had a hard month and I feel really sad for her. The worst of course was that Uncle Si died. Somewhat unepectantly and that was hard. Uncle Si was the brother that "found" Mom and I know that was very special for her. Growing up as an orphan it was important to her to have family that wanted her and Si did! He loved Mom alot and carried her picture in his wallet all those years till he found her. I will never forget the joy it brought Mom and how fun it was when they all came from Florida to stay with us for a week. It was one of the happiest times in our family for sure! I remember we stayed up late while Mom and Si played guitar and Si told us ghost stories! Sally made us yummy dinners and they taught us how to really be prepared for storms!

Si's passing came right after Kim had a miscarriage which was pretty devastating for all of us. It was a scary day and very emotional. Poor Kim was heartbroken and we were heartbroken for her and for ourselves because we of course were all looking forward to meeting this little baby. Kim is still grieving but is doing well. She is so brave and I admire her so much.

Mom made the decision to postpone her classes in order to be more available during this time. I know that was a disapointment for her. But it is another testament of her love for all of us and her desire to put family first. I know we are all greatful for her love and care and our looking forward to her getting her classes started next semister!

Dad seems to be doing well but his job seems tedious, long, and unpleasent. I'm hoping it ends soon because I barely see him and when I do he looks exhausted! I know he was pleased Notre Dame won this past week though!

Marks Mom is in Russia again so that is exciting! We only got to see her 1 day when we went to Iowa but it was a fun day! And we are happy that she still has the oppourtunity to serve Jesus and the Russian people because we know it brings her much joy and fullfillment! =)

I guess that is it...