Ciao!

We had sort of a surreal weekend last weekend.  Angela and her family came to visit all the way from Italy.  It was so wonderful to have them all here.  It was truly a joyous occasion.  It was one of those moments when you just feel completely happy.  We haven't seen Angela in 10 years.  Not since we went to Italy and stayed with her family.  We only had a 9 month old Olivia at the time and Angela was engaged to Nico.  Now, we each have 3 beautiful little girls.
I first met Angela when she was serving a mission in Temple Square.  I was a BYU student and Joey and I were dating.  Her took me up to Temple Square once to meet her.  It really was then that I recognized what a wonderful person Joey was.  I saw how he had kept up meaningful relationships from his mission and I could really see how his mission influenced his life.  He loves Italy so much.  It is just a part of who he is.  I am so blessed that I was able to go back with him to Italy and meet so many wonderful people.
Angela and her family stayed with us in our house.  Then Joey's parents came down to see her family too.  Then Nico's sister, Camilla,  called her mission companion in San Jose and her companion came down with her husband to see Camilla. 
The kids were a bit frustrated that they couldn't understand each other.  I think by Sunday they were a little more patient with it.  Poor Ilaria (almost 8) was so frustrated every time she would try to ask me something.  When I didn't know what she was saying she would sigh and then try to find Joey.  I can understand some things, but I didn't prepare myself for this weekend at all because we weren't sure if it was going to happen until just a few days before it did.
It was busy and joyful and my house and my body are still recovering.  But it was so very worth it.  We hope that next time we meet it will be sooner than 10 years and that it will be in Italy :)

Lots of pictures, but too many cameras.  No one knew where to look in some of these.

Life

Abby is probably one of the most fun people to hang out with.  She just talks and talks and talks.  She always has something to say.  This week she and I had sort of a slow one.  Not many places to go and her sisters were busy with play practice in the evening.  One night when everyone else was gone, she wanted to play Life. 
"I love life!"(Thinks a moments)  "Ha ha...That's funny.  It's like, of course I love my life."
She was so happy setting it up and "playing."
I love the quiet moments of motherhood when I am reminded what a great adventure it is.  I love these moments with my kids one-on-one when they just talk to me about whatever is on their mind.  Sometimes if I'm not paying attention or worried about other things, these small precious moments go by unnoticed.  I was reminded that I needed to remember that these are the blessings in my life.  These small sometimes fleeting moments are what make my life meaningful and give me the most joy.

Life Musings

Last night I was so frustrated/disgusted with Olivia's long hair that I sat her down in the bathroom and cut off 3 inches.  She was resistant at first, but now realizes that it really does look better.

At the same time I was doing that, Sammie was helping Abby take her bath.  This morning I noticed a big greasy spot in Abby's hair at her scalp that she keeps scratching.  I think they may have not rinsed too well.

Last week I hurt my back.  It was terrible.  I was miserable.  It is doing much better, but I still have to be careful.

Sammie and Olivia are in a play and it is getting really busy.  For the next 2 weeks, we won't be doing much else.

Olivia was doing science homework last week.  She has never liked science and is so hard on herself.  She thinks that just because she doesn't like something then she must be bad at it.  While doing her homework she said, "I'm actually really good at science, but I still don't really like it."

For some reason Abby has been stressed out about St. Patrick's Day.  I just mentioned that they would need to wear something green.  Abby had tears welling in her eyes and told me that she just doesn't like St. Patrick's Day.

Last week I was resting my sore back while laying on the trampoline.  I looked up and noticed these beautiful clouds.  The sun was hiding behind them creating an amazing effect.  I was reminded of how much my Heavenly Father loves me.  I really needed that. 

A never-ending birthday

(Sammie with her 1st birthday cake on her birthday)

Sammie had a little party with a few friends last weekend.  We were going to do it the weekend before, but I hurt my back and so we postponed it.  It seems like her birthday has been going on ever since March 1st and now here we are at the 17th.  It is now officially over.  She just had friends over for cake and ice cream.  They came in pajamas and made a blanket for their stuffed animals then watched the "Jungle Book."  It was short and sweet and not too crazy.  Sammie mostly just wanted friends over.  It seems like we hardly ever do.  And I think she really wanted another birthday cake.  The first was yellow with chocolate frosting and the second was strawberry with vanilla frosting.  I love this little Sammie girl.

Baptism Day

 After the baptism we took some photos and had refreshments at the church.  I love the cousin pictures.  Beautiful weekend :)