Dana Daily

I didn't even think about it at the time, but Sal and I should have planned to take Seth to the Memorial Day parade in Etna. I feel bad for missing it actually. Instead we said good-bye to the girls when they're dad came and picked them up around 9am. Then we ran some errands, and all three of us came home and took a nap. After naptime we headed outside to do some yard work, and Seth finally ventured off the cement patio. He's quite the little explorer. We hadn't really seen him run yet, but he had no choice when he took off down our side yard. He tried so hard to keep his little legs under him, but eventually toppled over. This little guy is just so cute, and I love that I was picked to be his mommy. Tomorrow starts 8 days of band camp for Sal, and then his summer can officially begin.

It was another lazy day at the homestead. Even though we added some warm water to the freezing hose water, Seth was still not a fan of his wading pool. He refused to sit, but would at least stand with Emmy there for moral support. In the background you can see the lilac tree that I took a hacksaw to. We need to have the remaining bush and stump removed, but I think we're done with trees for the year.

Those crazy girls didn't go to sleep until 10:30, but I should have known there would be no sleeping in. They were up bright and early at 6am. By 9am we were at the park. I pushed Seth in the baby swing until the girls decided they wanted to go home. They pulled out a couple water toys and had a blast for a good while. Then it was lunchtime. It's always an adventure when you're feeding someone else's child, but I don't think anyone went hungry. Emma's mom came and got her later in the day, and then we just kind of took it easy the rest of the day. The weather was absolutely gorgeous so there was plenty of sprinkler time.

We hosted our first sleepover this evening. The girls have stayed at Emma's house any number of times, and we felt it was only right to return the favor. We made s'mores over the grill, and it was finally lights out at 9:30. They finally fell asleep around 10:30, which I didn't think was too bad. The Girls                                          Seth with his graham cracker             Sal

Our time at St. Ursula's has come to an end. I'm not sad. The girls had wonderful experiences and I've met many like-minded, wonderful parents. With Sister Joanita at the helm, St. Ursula's has been a positive place for growth and learning for all of us over the last 5 years. I have no regrets. Zero. Since last week when we were first notified that significant changes are in the works for next year, and the foreseeable future, I have fretted and prayed for guidance and clarity. Despite forces pushing me one way, I tried very hard, successfully I feel, to take an objective look at our options. As I formulated a game plan and tried to work out the logistics of next school year, I kept coming back to one path that just feels "right." Sarah and Emmy will be attending Shaler Area Schools next year. I'm genuinely excited for the next chapter; new opportunities, experiences, and friends.

I am not sure what the outcome of these unexpected decisions will be, but I feel rather irrelevant to the conversation since I already know that next year will be Sarah and Emmy's last at this school. That alone was a bitter pill to swallow. I feel horribly for how families were notified and for Sister herself. Many prayers.

We celebrated Emmy's First Communion and Mother's Day with a cook-out at home. Unfortunately the weather was chilly, but we packed everyone into our house. Seth slept while the rest of us enjoyed. My dad made burgers and Sal grilled, my mom made the potato salad and helped the girls make a fluffy fruit salad, and I pulled it all together as guests arrived around 1pm.  Emmy really seemed to enjoy herself and received quite a few presents. My mom gave her this print of the Blessed Mother with Baby Jesus. I plan to hang it on the wall behind her bed. Sal and I gave her a cross that was made from the old doors at St. Ursula when they were replaced a couple years ago. She also received a rosary, a St. Anne figurine, bracelets, and cash. Emmy's cake from  Jean-Marc Chatelier Bakery  was beautiful, and tasty too.

Emmy's First Communion was this morning at 10am. My mom and I arrived early to make sure Emmy had her picture professionally taken by the photographer. She and Sarah both sung solos, and performed beautifully. If either had stage fright, no one could tell. There are only three girls in the second grade class at St. Ursula's, and another mom took this picture of them. They were all so excited. Emmy and I took several pictures together, but this was by far my favorite. Below is Emmy's pew marker. Each communicant had one so that their families knew where to sit. A funny story. Sarah's not used to being one of the first to receive the blood of Christ at Communion. It was full when they handed her the cup and she ended up with a gulp of wine, rather than just a sip. She said not only did it not taste good, she felt hot all over and then her heart started racing. Listening to her tell this story had me cracking up, but I hope she remembers how awful that feeling ...

I've been wanting to get a hanging basket and shepherd's hook for the last couple of summers. I sprung for it this year. I loved the weedy, whimsy, messy look of this particular arrangement. I also loved the yellow. It's such a bright, fun, and happy color. The gold shepherd's hook sort of blends in, but I like it in person. I posted this bouquet on facebook and someone told me the flowers are "Million Bells." I hadn't even considered that they had a name. Oh, Dana. In the background you can see the back of one of the over-sized giant pinwheels from 5 Below that Emmy and I picked out Saturday night. This is  the front stoop and railing we're hoping to replace this summer so please don't judge.