Happy Birthday!

Here are all the shots from our Birthday - day celebration!  What fun we had with some new adventures.  We began as we do each Saturday - making a list and getting to some errands.  If you can believe it, we went to IKEA again!  A return and to retrieve a missing part.  But it was a quick trip - and then we found a couple of other spots in Frisco for the rest of the errands.

Quick trip home to unload, freshen up and off we were to Allen, TX.  Here our destination was Watters Creek, a really cool outdoor mall with lots of places to shop, eat and enjoy!  We arrived for lunch at Blue Fish Sushi after the traditional lunch crowd - which worked perfectly for us.

We split several different combinations of sushi - and loved each one!  The staff was wonderful, the location was entertaining and the food was delicious.  We really found a winner with this one!

After lunch we walked through some of the outdoor mall, visiting a few stores along the way and even followed a family of ducks!  It was a wonderful afternoon ... who could ask for a better birthday than this!

Variety of sushi and tempura dishes to share

Nothing comes between a girl and her Daddy!

Couple shot of the Birthday girl and her Groom!

Dessert - Japanese style!
Tempura Ice Cream!

Friendship over the years..

This was my offering today for #Throwback Thursday.  Me out with friends to celebrate my birthday in 1999.  That's 15 years ago!

Other than that  hair, what fascinates me the most is that I can recall that night and those days so clearly.  Yet they were a lifetime ago.  My good friend, Christine and I messaged back and forth after the picture was posted - as she was the photographer and my dearest, closest friend at the time.  Now we both celebrate being a mom, in places in our career that make us proud and for knowing the power of friendship.

As another milestone approaches for me, I am in the habit of looking back to enjoy all those highlights of years gone by ... and to be able to celebrate all that my life overflows with today!

This night was one of those nights that overflowed back then.  The company of great friends, the ability to celebrate and the hope that more good days were on the way.  I know this to be true today.  My days are filled with old friends and new, a challenging work schedule, an amazing family and so much to enjoy.

Here's to the 'good ol' days, and to many, many more!

Remembering Maya Angelou

Today we lost a leader, teacher, mentor and tremendous role model to women far and wide.

Maya Angelou died today at age 86.

Her life lessons will live on through what she taught us over the years.

She may be remembered best by most for her poem read during President Clinton's Inauguration.

For me, I've had the above quote with my office things for years.  In fact just yesterday morning as I repacked boxes to take to work I found the quote and put it in the pile to take in to my new space.  Reminding me her wise words ...

Rest in Peace, Maya.

Your spirit and wisdom will live on.

Let's have dessert

Many of you know that Ellie's favorite part of the meal is dessert.  I seem to recall stories of my dad having the same sentiment.  There's even a story told to me by Aunt Debb or Aunt Diane that he was known to put a donut aside and call it dessert - for after dinner.  So apparently dessert fondness runs in the family.

The other night Ellie said, "Did you get a special dessert for the holiday?"  Although I didn't know there were rules about Memorial Day and dessert I did manage to put together Baking Power Biscuits and cut fresh strawberries in order to create these little strawberry shortcakes.

And that made her very happy!

Texas Sunsets

I never thought we'd see the kind of sunrises and sunsets the way we saw in the midwest.  It really didn't seem possible with all the flat land around us.  And yet, here we are in the state of Texas with the same storms and amazingly colorful skies that we had in the midwest!  Who knew?

And we're enjoying it all.  Even spending time on our covered patio - grilling and watching the sky.  I guess that's why they write songs about the Texas sky, huh?

Here's an amazing sunset we saw ...

No filter whatsoever.  The view from our backyard!

Ellie's new room!

It's taken time and patience to put together this new room.  As you may recall she wanted to paint her walls zebra stripes..... And as we immersed ourselves in the decorating of her room we found other alternatives without her feeling as though she was missing something.

She has graduated to a bigger bed, so that meant new bedding.  And of course a bigger room.  So there is more wall space.  And all of that creates lots of opportunity for her to express herself.

She's got an art gallery wall.  Things she has painted, or pieces she has chosen to go on the wall that express who she is.  Her idea.

She's got some cool decals from Michaels on the walls, and is showcasing all her stuffed zebras on her bed.  It's really taking shape as hers!

Introducing ... Ellie's new room!

New warm weather comforter, zebra throw and zebra canvas

"there is no time in my life
to be sad or mad.
I'm too busy being AWESOME!"

Mr. Zebra

View at night with the added headboard lights that change color ....

IKEA

We decided part of our Saturday errands would include a visit to IKEA in a nearby city of Frisco, Texas to the IKEA.  We had managed a couple trips to IKEA in Chicago when we were in Bloomington but this one is now 20 minutes away!  And we're thrilled for the ideas they provide for organization and storage.

Of course it's the game room that still needs the most work and before we left we spent several hours unloading boxes, making a plan and taking measurements.  This is where we needed help from IKEA.

And no visit to IKEA is complete without a visit to their cafeteria.  The first time through you are a bit perplexed, but the food is awesome.  They have Swedish foods, of course, because that's where IKEA is based.  And our favorite is the Swedish Meatballs.  Ellie was looking forward to them all morning!

We had a very successful trip - and that will help us get to a better place in the organization and storage of the game room!

Farewells

Father Luke, Ellie and Father Jerry
on her First Holy Communion
April 26, 2014

We received the last Friday note from Ellie's second grade teacher in Bloomington, Mrs. Kimmel today.  We're happy to still be on the distribution list and I've enjoyed seeing these last few weeks after we moved.  Today she leaves us with a poem.

Great Expectations
Its time to say goodbye
Our year has come to an end.
I've made more cherished memories
and many more new friends.
I've watched your children learn and grow,
and change from day to day.
I hope that all the things we've done
have helped in some small way.
So its with happy memories
I send them out the door.
With great hope and expectations,
for next year hold in store.
~ Maria Cuellar Munson

It seems to be a day of good byes ... again.

I  learned today that St. Patrick's Church back in Bloomington is going through their own set of changes.  As I look back to our time in Bloomington, it's this parish community that begins with Father Jerry and Father Luke that was so special.  I was sad to leave and couldn't imagine finding the 'home' that we did there again.

Today I learned that Father Jerry has been moved to a parish in Morton, IL and Father Luke went back to University of Illinois at Champaign as the Champlain.  We had known Sister Rita was leaving and said our goodbyes before we left.  And now it sets in that no matter where you go, nothing is forever.

I am often reminded that the lineup in Spring Training never looks like the team that won the World Series the year before.  It ALWAYS changes.  Change is the one thing we can count on ... and yet it doesn't make it any easier.

I'm glad we had the time we did at St. Pat's.  It made our time special to get to know both Father Jerry and Father Luke.  We'll keep them in our prayers as they are faced with change - and a settling into a new routine.

It reminds me to continue to be openminded and open-hearted as we visit our potential new church.  Nothing is perfect, but perhaps we'll find a fit that feels like home!

Going into the L O N G weekend

Texas sky outside our back door this morning - promise of more to come!

We are celebrating this weekend.  Bill is home from a successful week in the Denver area.  It's a three day weekend AND we're going to get out and start enjoying our surroundings!

We've had lots of recommendations of places to visit and we're making a list.  Things in Dallas, Fort Worth and lots close to home.  Every one is so helpful making recommendations of things that we'd enjoy as a family.  It's beginning to feel like Bloomington - South with all the folks here and the family atmosphere.

That would really be something, huh?

To feel like Bloomington again?  Well, sort of with the addition of that urban flair - traffic, crime, noise and lots of adventure!

So here's to a happy Friday and the start of a great long weekend - and the start of SUMMER!

Weather Forecasting

Here she is at the kitchen table working the laptop 

Ellie has decided she is keeping track of the weather.  Not just the weather that we need to worry about when we head outside out our door, but weather from each place we've lived!  And since this has been quite a spring of storms and interest, she's found it fascinating to report on all the warnings and watches.

And she already knows the difference.

Which that took me about ... well, to be honest I still have to look up the difference when one is issued.

She checks the weather maps on her iPad and has an app that issues all the warnings.  She's got them set for Bloomington, New York and Dallas.  We'll see how the weather progresses across the country .. and have a built in weather girl for the information!

Troublemakers!

Ellie says to me yesterday morning, "Mommy we got all our seats moved in class yesterday and now I'm sitting next to a trouble maker!"

I asked, "Does that mean now I have to worry about you getting in trouble too?"

Smart little girl answers me back, "No Mommy, I learned my lesson about trouble makers years ago!"

Me with a  'how did I know that was coming" look on my face, "Oh, years ago, huh?"

She's smart as a whip and loves to laugh, sing songs and be silly!  What an amazing perspective from an eight year old!

Texas BBQ

Our mission in Dallas was to find a new meat market in order to enjoy all the treats that Texas BBQ has to bring.  Over the weekend we visited David's Meat Market in Garland.  We were treated to the family history of the business dating back almost 50 years.  David, who was at the front register was telling stories when we arrived and we were waited on by David's grandson, Devon who grew up in the meat market and is now a part of the business.

We were on a mission to get ribs. And that we did.  Along with a couple strip steaks and a couple packages of brats.  It was a successful trip which we will repeat often!

In the picture you'll see country ribs that we dry rubbed, grilled outside and then finished in the over with sauce.  They went really well with the local Texas sweet corn and a potato salad!  Texas BBQ!

Love & Marriage

Today ... Monday, May 19th, 2014 would have been my parent's 53rd wedding anniversary.  It was also the date that my mother and I chose as the date to make my first communion, 40 years ago!

Back in 1974 my dad was already in the hospital and Mom and I were figuring things out on his behalf.  It was a marked day for them so we also chose it for me.  I was surrounded by friends, family and neighbors on that day - and was so proud to be finally making my First Holy Communion.

My parents - Jack & Ginny Mooney

Me - First Communion 1974

Next church on the list ...

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Catholic Community

And our search continued today to the next church on the list.  I know what you're thinking, "why are you looking for a church?  Shouldn't you have one in your neighborhood?"  The thing is that there is no Catholic church in Sachse.  The one we visited last week is in Wylie, which is likely the closest to our house.  Yet, didn't feel exactly right.

So we thought we'd experience other churches in order to decide where our new 'home' would be in order for Ellie to begin Religious Education again in the fall.  This may take a visit or two ... since we're feeling like we're missing St. Patrick's in Bloomington.

But that's what happens - we miss the familiar.  And if we don't lose sight of the shore, we'll never sail the ocean and reach the other side.  So off we go....

Today to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano.  A good 25 minutes from our house.  They call it the Seton Community.  It's an older church, build in the 1970's with a worn interior and exterior.  And it's not among the trees, but surrounded by the pavement of the city of Plano.

It's a larger church than St. Anthony's from last weekend.  And a parish with lots of families and children.  That we saw right away.  And we also found the people to be very friendly.  We begin mass by turning to our neighbors to say 'good morning' and shake their hands.  A family both in front of and behind us, made us feel as though we were in the right place.

We found the Associate Pastor, Rev. Reuben Chen to have a wonderful sense of humor and gave a meaningful homily on vocation.  And the best part was the family in front of us with three children.  Two school-aged girls and an infant little boy.  The mom and dad kept switching off the baby and he smiled broadly at Ellie sitting behind him.

At the sign of peace we all spoke to each other and one of the daughters, Marie-Claire and Ellie hit it off as fast friends.  Heather introduced herself and her husband, Eric to Bill - we stayed after mass to talk about the different churches in the area.  They gave an unbiased perspective - and then announced they were moving to Missouri at the end of the month for his job!

Ellie was heartbroken!  "But I just made a new friend!"  In order to spin it appropriately I said, "Ellie I think what this shows us is that there are lots of friendly people here in Dallas - and we're happy to have met them before they moved away!"

On the drive home Ellie announced that she thinks we've 'found' the church.  "I feel at home here, like I did at St. Pat's."  Well we'll certainly take that under advisement.  Next Sunday the pastor, Rev. Bruce Bradley is saying both the 8:15am and 10am masses so we'll be able to experience his mass as well.

All in all, we were very happy to have visited St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church in Plano!

Time to rest ...

On Saturday we sure did make more progress with our boxes!  Whew!  You can now pass through the dining room without being swallowed up in brown cardboard ... and Ellie has some art work on her walls and her bathroom is now fully functioning!

We definitely have more work to do .. but we are working on it a little at a time.  And it appears only on the weekends.

When our unpacking was coming to an end, our friend Alex and his two boys, AJ and Charlie came by to help Bill hang the t.v. over the mantle in the family room.  We'd been to their house in Frisco on our house hunting trip - and can't wait to have the whole family over as things settle down.

The settling down I'm referring to is Bill's travels.  He leaves on Monday for Colorado, and in two weeks he has back to back weeks away - Bloomington and California.  So the girls will play while the cat's away!

And this is a good example of our 'playing'.  Ellie decided she need to rest on our bed as the unpacking was winding down.  So I turned on the Rangers game and we snuggled up ... no sleeping, of course because we kept shouting, 'Score!' for the 7 goals being scored!

Couldn't resist sharing this sweet shot of her .. so happy to be under the blanket and not unpacking a box!

Old Photos and Old Friends

St. Peter's Elementary School - 4th Grade

An old friend from elementary school challenged me to put my 4th grade picture up today, and here it is for all to see.  Funny how years go by, and then your kids look like you used to look.  How is that possible?

Speaking of old friends, we hosted Bill's childhood friend, BJ Knapp for dinner tonight at our house in Dallas.  Who would have thought he'd have found us here?  But he was in town with other doctors and Bill went and picked him up to bring him to us!

We grilled steak and vegetables and of course toasted our time together with a cold beverage or two.  To old friends .. in new locations even!

Life continues to change ... houses, cities, schools, roads, parking places .. and yet in the end, we stay in touch with those that matter.  The friends and family and are far and wide still play such an important role in our lives.

We're thrilled to have such a support system throughout the country .. and as we continue to move, our network grows.

Here's to to old photos and old friends!

Why we're here

Here is a shot of the name plate outside my office.  You heard it right.  My office.  No backpack.  No table in a hallway.  My office.

Who would have thought, right?

There are many things that we love about this move.  Our house.  Ellie's school.  The climate.  The amount of awesome things to do in the Dallas area.  The proximity of Houston, San Antonio and Austin.

And now for me.  My job.  I love my job.  I admit, I was terrified on Monday morning.  I didn't know what I was walking into.  I didn't really know where to go, or anyone I'd be working with ... and yet after a few days I am convinced it was a tremendous move ... I love my job!

The people are from all over the country, not just Texas.  Kinda like the feeling in Bloomington with a southern flair!  And the energy of the department is amazing!  Bill and I have yet to see each other's space ... but we will .. it's only been a couple days!

We have so much to look forward to ... doing, seeing, living!

Church hopping

On our first venture into finding our new church in the Dallas area, we began at St. Anthony's in Wylie.  It was the closest - and when we realized it wasn't the old dilapidated church on the road, but the NEW church behind it, we thought we'd found a winner.

That was until we got inside.

It was diverse, to say the least.

Several women with black veils over their heads.  I spent a lot of time figuring out if they were widows, or was this a new Catholic church trend I wasn't aware of?  I never found out.

And then it happened to be the celebration of Mary.  On Mother's Day, of course.  So The Knight of Columbus did a big ta-do during the entrance carrying a HUGE statue of Mary to the front of the church.  It nearly fell several times.  It might have seemed humorous, except it was in church and NO ONE else found it funny.  At all.

Additionally it was the crowning of the May Queen?  I think.  And then there were lots of scholarships given out.  Our mass ended up being an hour and 20 minutes.  Bill decided this was not the place for us.  It just didn't feel right.  So our search continues....

Happy Mother's Day

the array of gifts, cards and notes from Ellie and Bill

I woke this morning to Ellie coming down the stairs to wish me a Happy Mother's Day!  And of course she couldn't wait to give me presents - she's such a giver!

What a wonderful bag of treats for me!  An awesome spa gift certificate ... for a pedicure or haircut and color.  Seems it's a BIG place with lots of choices.  Can't wait to find time to go!  And Ellie had several cards for me .. one she made at church school, one she made at school this week.

The letter reads as follows:

I Love My Mom!!
by Ellie Fricano

My mom is a wonderful person.  My mom takes me to church school, swimming lessons and soccer practice.  I am very grateful.  My mom and I like to do crafts together like the banner I made.  I buy my mom flowers.  It makes my mom happy!  I love my mom!

Since the church we're 'visiting' today had mass at 10:30 we had a little time.  So after coffee and a green smoothie, I went for a two mile run while Bill & Ellie took to the game room boxes.

More to come on our church visit ... stay tuned.  Let's just say I think we'll visit a different one next week ....

Does the Tooth Fairy visit Texas?

Yup, that grin is missing a tooth!

At pick up today, when asked how her day at school went Ellie smiled broadly .. and she wanted us to guess what happened today.  She lost the last of the four middle top teeth.  Whew .. it was really a hanger-on-er.  But with just a little tug today, she lost that tooth.

She made her way to the nurses office who gave her a cool band to tie on to her backpack that said, "I lost a tooth!"  She sure is making her way around the school isn't she?  Making friends everywhere she goes!

The missing tooth didn't slow her down on her BBQ chicken, green beans and corn on the cob tonight!  She ate two pieces of corn!

And on the fourth day, it continues to go extremely well.  Even the part about having homework EVERY night.  She has a choice each night of the different activities, website problems or even 20 minutes of reading.  And then she marks her homework journal with the activity she chose and signs to confirm the work.  She feels very proud of herself each evening when she signs off!

More to come ….

Muffins with Moms

Ellie's new cafeteria at Whitt Elementary School
Muffins with Moms

Wednesday morning began early.  Yes, early so that I could drop Ellie at school on time - but even earlier today!  From 6:45 am - 7:15 am there was a school wide event called Muffins with Mom inviting the moms to school to have breakfast with their students in celebration of Mother's Day!

It was a fun event with students already recognizing Ellie and calling her by name in the cafeteria.  Remember she's only been to this new school for two days!  We had our breakfast together .. and then she gathered her stuff and off she went to line up with her class!

And then back to the house for the fun to continue … we had a full docket of workers traipsing through this morning.  First was my favorite 'blind' buy to install the permanent blinds (they look great!), the HVAC guy to repair the downstairs a/c unit, the delivery and installation of the washer and dryer and then the Overhead Door guy to install the garage door opener!

Yikes - all that between unloading and unpacking boxes!  Its coming together - slowly, but surely!  Watch for pictures soon as we begin to put the place together!

Surprise, surprise!

From my secret admirer ….

In all the commotion and comings and goings with the house we had a lovely surprise delivery of these beautiful flowers!

Tuesday began with the guy I now fondly refer to as the 'blind' guy.  He sees just fine and is the blind installation expert.  He measured for real blinds and hung paper ones in the meantime.  As he was finishing up the movers arrived - and they were here the WHOLE day with us.  Sherman and his brother Eric from Bloomington and another two-man brother crew from Texas, Trey and Derrick.  They hustled the whole day only stopping for a quick lunch from Whataburger!

IN addition to the movers, we had the delivery of the fridge, DirectTV installer, the guy to fix a couple shingles on the roof, the guy who cleans under the sink, the mowers did one last mow of the back yard,  and the two guys here to uncrate the T.V.s … wow!  And all that while directing the movers as to where we wanted furniture set up …. it was bedlam at its finest!

Back to the flowers … arriving in the middle of all this was a floral delivery.  I answered to door to find a delivery guy holding this arrangement addressed to me.  He asked if it was my birthday, and I said no, it wasn't.  And he said, we'll someone likes you!

So I went back inside smiling from such a lovely bouquet and read the card.  It said, ' thank you so much for being wonderful."  And that's all it said.  No name.  I called the florist and they had no idea who sent them either.  So they shall remain a mystery until I learn more!

First Day of School in Texas!

First Day of School at Whitt Elementary

Mommy & Ellie waiting in the attendance office

Ellie & Daddy under the Whitt Elementary School sign!

Ellie entered a second grade classroom for the last month of the school year!  Her teacher's name is Chelsea O'Neal, and Ellie sure does love Mrs. O'Neal!  She had a classmate, Victoria help with classroom directions throughout the day .. she learned so many names of classmates!

The best part was when she told us everyone was so impressed she already knew cursive!  She beamed when she told us that one boy asked for her autograph because she could already 'sign' it!

She had lots of stories to tell - mainly about the differences between Grove and Whitt.  Yet, in the end everything seemed to work out just fine.  She has a code to punch in for lunch, and was happy to have it written on a post-it note for her.  By the end of the day she had it memorized too!

The other thrill for her was sharing a birthday with Mrs. O'Neal!  That made them both laugh - certainly Ellie feel at ease in her new surroundings!  On our way to the pool for the last time on Monday evening Ellie said, "Mommy, I think I'm going to like my new school just as much as my old school!"

That made Bill and I extremely happy to hear!  And although she was pretty beat at bed time, she had a smile on her face when she closed her eyes!

Breakfast!

Fresh cup-up mango for breakfast - while watching the dinosaur show!

Sunday morning Ellie was up early to make sure she enjoyed every bit of her weekend in Texas - before her normal week started!  Our friend, Vivian packed us a wonderful treat basket full of cookies, crackers, fresh fruit and all kinds of wonderful treats for the car trip!  For breakfast on Sunday I cut up one of the ripe mangos for breakfast … seemed more tropical than Texan, but it worked until the breakfast place opened in the lobby!

As you can see she is already with her Texas t-shirt.  Bill brought that back from one of his business trips .. who knew we'd make good use of it so soon!

Welcome to Texas!

Autumn watching Ellie blow bubbles!

We first met Beau and Lindsey Hartwell in Charlottesville, when they were in Fire Underwriting with me.  And in June 2011 when we relocated to Bloomington, Beau was hired in the same wave I was and our relocation happened at the same time!  Just about 9 months ago they relocated to Dallas with Kaitlyn and Autumn.

They graciously invited us to their home for dinner on our second night in Dallas!  Ellie had a great time playing with the girls - Kaitlyn is 5 - starting school in the fall, and Autumn just turned a year old.  What a combination they are together!

They live in Wylie - just a few miles from us - and of course in the State Farm way have offered to help with anything we need.  So glad to have such great families near by as we did in Bloomington!

IN preparation for tomorrow ...

Scratched - PP#11 Hoppertunity

Thinking Mrs. Homey's pick has to be Wicked Strong, but the odds will likely continue to go down as it just may be a sentimental favorite!

Starting to say goodbye ..

A couple of Ellie's friends were able to say goodbye to her this afternoon since we'll be picking her up after school tomorrow.

Her good friend, Reagan asked if we'd give her mom our email address so the girls could keep in touch.  We thought that would be a good idea!  Her mom works at Bright Horizons so it was a good match for them.

Here's Ellie getting lots of hugs from her friends ... and I'm sure school friends will surround her again tomorrow!

From left:  Reagan, Kaitlyn, Ellie and Zoey

Serenity now ....

Packing is no fun.  Even when you're not the one doing the physical labor of the packing.  Having a crew of strangers in your home, touching all your stuff, sometimes making comments along the way is one of the challenges of a move.

I continue to remind myself that this is just a few days.  And during that time I try to stay out of the way and keep busy.  The other thing I need to do is keep reminding myself that everything is packed. So I continue to walk up to drawers and cabinets opening them expecting the find something inside ... and ta-da nothing inside!

Silverware, not there.
Coffee filters, not there.
Lamps, not there.

Oh dear, I guess this is a grin and bear it type of situation.  And remember that it is short-lived.  In just a few days we'll be in our new home unpacking our lives in our own time.  And for that I'm grateful and very much looking forward to!

In the meantime, Bill and I are able to take breaks of leaving the house one and a time to run errands. Since one of us should be here at all times, and besides we only have one car - we take turns.  I had the opportunity yesterday during the chilly 44 degree weather to spend an hour at Starbucks - with hot coffee and my book.  It was likely one of the best hours of the day!