TWO COUNTRIES~ONE FAMILY: Finally an update~2010

Sorry for the lack of posting. It's been quite a while so I thought I would just catch you up on 2010. So here it goes.

January:

After Michael's Birthday, we had the MMTA piano competition. Anthony and Maria both advanced to the Cities to compete to play at Northrop Auditorium in June.

Uncle Charlie and Aunt Rhonda had a sledding party. It was so much fun watching all the cousins slide down the hill and even the Big kids(Adults) had a go at it. I don't know who enjoyed themselves more the kids or the adults:)

Anthony started taking a couple on-line courses through MNWest as a PSEO (Post Secondary Educational Option). He is liking it so far.

February:

Anthony had his confirmation and became an adult member of the Catholic Church. He was so excited to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was so emotional seeing our son standing up there with his Sponsor(Clayton) receiving the blessings and annointings.

March:

Anthony, Michael and Maria played for their Gold Cups the beginning of March. Anthony received his final Piano Gold Cup with another perfect score. He received 9 perfect scores(one for every year since he started). He was a little emotional that he was done because he will be starting at MNWest in the Fall and won't have time. He will play to receive his last Gold Cup next year for Organ. Michael and Maria also had perfect scores. We are so proud of the time and effort they put into it.

Anthony and Maria competed in the Cities for MMTA. Maria won so she will be playing at the Northrop Auditorium in June.

Anthony celebrated his 17th Birthday. We are so proud of the man he is becoming. He is doing well at MNWest and is a safe driver. He is so loving towards his brother and sisters. He is amazing with Christina...he affectionately calls "Chub Chub or Chubbin." He is so strong in his faith he is not afraid to talk with anyone about it.

May:

The kids were in a play called Beauty Is a Beast. They practice for a week and then performed. It was very well done and funny. Teresa, their Spanish Teacher, was the director.

Our piano teacher, Helen, had a recital for the residents of Hill Street place. There was a skit for each of the piano pieces performed. The residents all said they really enjoyed it but I think the kids had the best time. They had an opportunity to visit with the residents afterwards.

We drove to the Cities to practice for the Northrop Auditorium twice in May. I became a seasoned Cities driver when were were done. We also had an adventure on the way to one of the practices. I ended up getting two flat tires at the same time and did you know there aren't many tire places open on Saturday. We found a good Samaritan at a dealership that was just closing shop to go visit his mother in the hospital and he still wanted to fix our tires. He was such a sweetheart.

June:

We drove to the Cities to spend two nights in a Hotel for Maria's MMTA Concert. Joe has always met us up there. and arrives just before the concert begins We did a lot of praying that week that he would be able to go up with us for the two days since we usually only stay one . But we were so suprised when God answered our prayers (A child's prayer availilth much). Joe arrived home an hour before were were going to leave. He was rained out for the weekend. It was so much fun being a family for two full days.

The day after we returned from the Cities Maria went to Schoenstatt camp with all her friends. My shy little girl didn't even miss me. When I arrived to pick her up she asked if it would be OK if she didn't miss us and I said "YES" that meant she had a great time.

July:

We celebrated another Niece's Wedding Francesca Callens (Affectionately called Frenchy). It was a very hot day but it was a very beautiful wedding. She just beamed and looked like an angel. Anthony was so honored when he was asked to be an usher in her wedding. Peter will fit in the Callens' family really well. He always has a smile on his face and has a fun personality. He even likes to hunt...Anthony, Joe and Michael said he is a shoe in. We have two new nephew-in-laws and they both like to hunt. What are the chances.

Maria took swimming lessons and didn't pass due to not being able to do a flip in the water. She is such a small thing she said the water kept pushing her up. She wants to go back next year and do the flip...if she does they said they would pass her.

Carolee and Logan came to stay in July. Logan has changed so much in a year. He doesn't look like a baby any more. We always have so much fun and hate it when they leave. Christina sobbed for Logan until she fell asleep and then she woke up crying for him all over again. The good thing is they will be returning in November.

August:

We had Vacation Bible School with three churches combined this year with a total of 120 kids. It was so much fun seeing all the kids fired up for Jesus. It was such a great success that we will do it together next year.

Little Miss Christina celebrated her 4th Birthday on the 21st. She thought her Birthday was a week long celebration. She kept asking, "More presents?" each morning when she woke up. I haven't written much about her up until now but she is definitely in the pictures and the center of our lives plus if we slack on giving her attention she definitely lets us know. She is...yes....spoiled. I dare any of you to look into those big brown eyes and bright smile and try to discipline her. She has done everything our other three didn't even think about. She amazes us everyday and what she can come up with, like... climbing out of bed in the middle of the night and hiding, Figuring out how to get into or out of every child safety feature known to man kind. She can charm anyone to let her have her way which makes us look like the bad guy when we try to discipline her. She is the love of our lives and she is keeping us young with all her antics. She will always be our little "Princessa".

September:

Maria celebrated her 11th Birthday. She is such a sweetheart. She is so quick to help when needed and she loves to surprise us with cleaning then house when we are gone. (She really enjoys organzing...I have a finally have a partner because I love to organize but I don't like to clean.) She is like a second mother Christina. She is so happy to have a roommate. She is very quiet but she talks all the time at home. She is a very inciteful little girl.

We started school this year with one less. Anthony started full time at MNWest double majoring in Electrical/WindPower which he hopes to complete in three years. He is adjusting really well....getting up at 6:30 AM everyday and being in school until 4PM. He has a lot of homework which is all over my head. Thank goodness for Dad only being a phone call away. If you have ever been married to a road construction worker, carpenter etc... they are great at pointing out mistakes with the paved road , house/building etc...now we have Anthony letting us know what was not done according to 2010 Electric Code in our house and our buildings. Michael and Maria are receiving more one on one attention in school..if they like it or not.

Michael started Tae Kwon Do in September. He has gained so much confidence, inner strength and self control. He has found something he excells at and his teacher has made him the leader of his group which has really been important to Michael because the teacher said whatever he does they will copy good or bad. He is always right there if they aren't paying attention or if they need help.

October:

We had two weddings.... one for a Friends' Daughter, Natalie and the other was for my cousin Joey. They were both so beautiful. Michael was so proud of his pheasant he shot. He is just like his brother. Loves the Hunt.

November:

Cary, Carolee and Logan came home over Thanksgiving. We had so much fun. Christina and Logan were reunited and made up for lost time. Carolee and Logan arrived at the airport during the sleet and snow. Logan kept saying "owe owe" because he was being pellted by sleet. Cary came during the snow as well. Boy, what a welcome home.

December:

It was so nice being home to get ready for Christmas with all the baking and decorating. The kids have really taken over the baking. We even have turned Belgian Joe into a Norwegian. He is great rolling out the lefse and even loves to eat it!!

Christmas came so fast again this year. Christmas is my favorite time of year. The beautiful Christmas music and waiting for Jesus' Birthday has meant so much to me but seeing it through your children's eyes is even more special.