HAPPY EASTER

We had a very good Easter. For the first time in 25 years my entire family was together. My mom and dad, my brother, Dickie, my sister Kass, my sister Jen and her family (hubby and two kids), Canio and I and Emily! We met at my dad's house and had a luncheon -- the kids got some gifts, we took a photo, and then the kids played outside. We parted ways at around 4pm. We went back to Punxsy to my sisters and had some pizza. We went to church on Sunday at my old church. It was fun to see everyone and catch up. Its funny how some people didn't age a day (especially all the people who were over 50 to start with) and how the younger ones are now the middle aged ones and the teenagers (like I was) were just Emily's age when I left. That's a little confusing to read ... sorry. Emily got a TON of things. Photos to follow. Easter started the week before when we had dinner with Canios family for Palm Sunday. My mom was here as she was watching Emily M-F from April 3rd-15. I had to work full time to attend a binding authority class for Allstate. I start work in the Allstate office on Tuesday. Anyone who needs a quote on home/auto please give me a call. My mom was great with Emily and Emily misses her. My mom got Emily to say Yeah when she wants to say yes (instead of just shaking her head). Phonetically Emily says Yee-aaah. Its ADORABLE! And the biggest news about my mom coming to stay is that she quit smoking while she was here!! We are all so very proud of her. Emily said A B C today. We got her magnetic ABC's for the fridge. Canio showed her a few times and wal-laa she has it already. Emily is also saying so many new words we have lost count but we know it is upwards of 60+ and growing by 2-5 words every day. She is also using the potty very good for a 17 month old. (She turned 17 mo today---so really she has been a 16 mo old). She will pee on the potty --especially if you set down and pee first. She will poop if you catch her squatting down to poop. While we were out of town this weekend, she went into my dad's bathroom and said... Potty. Its UNREAL how smart she is. In very sad news, a cousin of Canio's father (at least I think that is the relation) lost their 2 yr old on Sunday. She had been battling cancer and lost that fight Sunday. My heart has been ripped out just thinking about this family. I think because I have little Emily and they are similar in age... I know the love they had for their baby. And I cant imagine the actual pain they must be feeling. So, I would ask you all to please pray for this young family. Pray for the lovely little spirit of their daughter, and pray for the grandparents. I have been affected by this death in moreso than my own grandmothers. But I do find peace in my faith that this is not the end for that little girl. And I know her spirit had to have been pure for our Father to call for her to come home at such a tender age. Not the best way to end....but please know from our family to yours... Happy Easter! Photos to follow in the coming days. Don't forget you can make "comments" on these postings and then it emails me directly. Here is a cool link we found (my favorite comedian) http://frankcaliendo.com/index.php Everything cool about church clipart http://lds.about.com/od/clipartart/