The Years Have Rolled Around....

Today Ashton, Kate, Paul and I took Scott and Gavin roller skating for Scott's birthday. Kate was so excited and couldn't wait to get her skates on. Ashton was amp'd up and was ready to go. Paul was nervous and mumbling things to himself along the lines of "It better be like riding a bike...". I was just happy to have the kids out of the house doing a physical activity. We had a blast.

Ashton looked like an octopus on wheels because at his skate size the wheels moved. Because Kate has smaller feet, the skating rink fixed the wheels so the wouldn't roll. She basically walked around the rink and danced to the music.

Gavin slept peacefully in his "wheels" (stroller) and when he awoke watched his daddy fly around the rink countless times, happy and smiling.

The afternoon took me back to the weekends of my youth, being dropped off at the rink around 7pm and being picked up at 11pm, spending time as an adolescent among my friends discovering who I was and where I fit in.

The most amazing part of the whole afternoon with my kids was laughing to myself how the Hokey Pokey song played was the exact same version that was played when I was a kid. Somethings never change!

Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí. {Gaelic}

"Praise the young and they shall blossom."

An Irish Blessing For A Baptism Day

May God grant you always

A sunbeam to warm you

A moonbeam to charm you

A sheltering angel so nothing can harm you

Laughter to cheer you

Faithful friends near you

And whenever you pray

Heaven to hear you.

Gavin Marc Rossmeisl was baptised at St. John Neuman Catholic Church and behaved like a perfect angel. The ceremony was beautiful and the party following was filled with wonderful food and good times.

In the spirit of the 95*F heat outside, everyone came warmly together to show their love and faith for Gavin as his sins were washed clean and he could begin his lifelong spiritual journey surrounded by those who love him.

Click Here for a more photos: http://the704reids.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b3477d0684b7

They're Baaaaaaaack...

Ashton and Kate arrived safe and, well, not really sound home last night. Well, I take that back. They arrived with their sound turned all the way up! Man, they can whine and dine with the best of them after a fun-filled weekend of excitement. They were excited about the new garage space (see video and photo below) and were waaaaaaaaay too amp'd up to make it to bed on time. But honestly, as much as I miss sleeping-in, I wouldn't trade a dream for a single smile or hug from them.

Ashton is also doing well with potty-training, he is at the point where he well just get up and go when the urge hits him. Woohooooooooooooooooooooo! In acheiving this progress, I do think Grandma fanned the flames of what I thought was his dying chocolate addiction - giving 1 candy each time a sucessful bathroom trip was made. I thought I had it all worked out, 1 sticker on a chart every time he went, giving him a candy or toy when he had amassed 5 stickers. I will happily give up this battle to win the war on dirty diapers, along with acknowldting it is a grandparent's right to spoil their grandchildren. (Also, BTW, according to Grandma Ashton's favorite book is - Click Clack, Moo by Doreen Corwin, Illustrated by Betsy Corwin.)

I was very excited to go visit with baby Gavin yesterday. Teresa semmed to be feeling better after the complications from the C-section and Scotty was busy mowing the grass when I arrived. I got to visit very briefly with Teresa's mother, who sadly leaves today.

The little blue-eyed Angel is a GREAT baby, not a cry uttered during any part of my visit! He is looking more like a handsome version of his father every day, but has his mommy's mouth. He is turning out to be quite the strong man, holding his head up when propped on my chest. Also, he tried very hard to push me away upon the great realization I had no milk to give. (Smart little booger he is!) Teresa gave me a great photo of Kate practicing her mothering skills with him and I just know they will bond together in the years to come, being the two youngest around here. I plan to put the photo of Kate & Gavin in Kate's bedroom and the photo of Gavin in Ashton's. I am so glad the kids have cousins around to grow-up with!

Ashton Learns to Park His Car

MOVIE! MOVIE! DOUBLE CLICK TO PLAY!