End of Summer

Well the end of summer has officially arrived for the Gilmartins. Daddy's school started today and we have been spending lots of time trying to figure out the logistics of the fall semester. Thursday is Molly's last day of the summer program at Miss Helen's and will have a week off and start KINDERGARTEN on Tuesday, September 2nd. Yes, I said KINDERGARTEN. I cannot believe this day is almost here. I vividedly remember thinking soon after we arrived home from China that it would be a very long-time before Molly turned 5 and would be attending kindergarten and bam like a flash it is here. My precious little pumpkin is starting real school and before we know it, she will be getting her drivers license, going to the prom and looking at colleges. I wish I could capture every single second of her right now in a bottle, she is pure pure JOY. This last weekend we spent Saturday with our dear friends the Williams. Molly and Myka have a great connection as do Janine and I and I need to add how precious little Brynn is. The girls went to "My Little Dollhouse" and had an absolute blast. Well now we look forward to everything fall brings; football, crisp weather, fires in the fireplace, halloween and pumpkins, thanksgiving and of course our favorite holiday season, Christmas. Every month gets us closer to Maggie and we hope this time next year, we have her home.

"Mama Mia"

Since Daddy has been in New York since Thursday, I was trying to find a move that Molly and I could go to. Although "Mama Mia" was rated PG, I talked to a friend who had seen it and said there was no bad language or nudity so I decided to take the plunge. Boy did I nail it on the head. My girl, loved it and was dancing and singing in her chair while munching on popcorn and candy - she had a blast. This movie was adorable, such an uplifting enjoyable flick that daddy would have also enjoyed. Molly was in heaven thinking about her wedding day and her mommy helping her get ready. She is such an old soul and really gets it and enjoys things that a normal 5 year old would never enjoy. She was holding my hand and putting it up to her face during the movie - such a sweet little babe... Anyway, we had a great time and may just have to buy the movie when it comes out in DVD. Good news, daddy comes home in about 2 hours and believe me, we are counting the minutes...

Happy 5.5 Birthday, Molly

Today, Molly is 5.5 years old. I am making some WW friendly cupcakes and she wants to go to Outback for dinner (she almost said Flemings but she said she knew it was to expensive). How did this girl develop such expensive tastes?

Molly, you are such a delightful 5.5 year old. You amaze your Mommy and Daddy every day with your intelligence, sweetness, kindness, creativity, tenasity, endurance and beauty. The best day of our life was the day you entered it and we cannot imagine the path our lives would have taken without you - cannot even think about it. Thank you for being such a delightful child and for loving your Mom and Dad so much, we cannot get enough of you. Yesterday morning, you said "Mama, today I am a Mama's Girl" and last night you looked at me and said "Mama, is it ok if I am a Mama's and Daddy's girl today" and I said "of course". You are our girl every single second of every single day which makes our world a much better place. Love you deeply, Bo Bo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great Vacation

What a wonderful vacation we had with all of the other families in our travel group, it far exceeded our expectations... It was so nice to sit around and chat with other moms who had experienced some of the same issues. Although, Paul had to work on a care plan the first few days, we still had a great time together.

The weather in Colorado was so great, no humidity and bright and sunny. We really enjoyed seeing CCAI's offices and going to the picnic. I don't think we would need to go to Colorado again but we want to definitely get together with the families again next year and hope we can.

Happy Father's Day to Daddy

Today is such a wonderful day. As I grew up as a child and always longed for a wonderful father, I thought "I hope I marry a man that will be a wonderful father to our children". Well, did I hit the jackpot. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would marry such a wonderful man who is an incredibly devoted father. He is so loving, nurturing, protective, kind, smart, etc. I could go on and on and on. Molly is crazy in love with Paul and it is a wonderful fairy land for her to have such a big wonderful daddy to take care of her. Because of her father, she will grow up very secure and look for a mate that will match the wonderful qualities of her daddy. Watching them together is pure joy and makes my heart melt. What a wonderful day to celebrate a wonderful man who is overflowing with love for his little princess. Happy Daddy's Day, to the best Daddy in the whole wide world. I love you passionately.

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

What a wonderful 45th birthday celebration we had. Even though Paul had to study all weekend, Molly and I had a great time shopping and I had a great time opening presents. Paulie and Molly got me some wonderful things including an Ipod Nano so I can listen to music when I am walking. We had a nice dinner at Los Cabos with Lauire and the Bayles. The only problem was I ate to much and had a bit of a food hangover on Sunday. I never thought I would be 45 years old but I have to say I have never felt better or been happier. Thanks to the loves of my life for making it so special.

Last Days & Sad Week

This has been a very sad week. On Wednesday night, Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter was killed. Her older brother ran over her in the driveway. This precious little girl just turned 5 years old and is from China. She was the youngest of their three daughters adopted from China and was so adorable. She reminded me so much of Molly. How does a family recover from such a tragedy. Not only is everyone in mourning from Maria passing away but the older brother who ran over her must be suffering so much. My heart breaks for this family and I don't even know them. I wish them the best and hope they are able to heal over time.

On another note, I have witnessed such love and admiration for Evelyn Abrams. She is in the final stages of her life and her family loves her so much. Eve, Holly, April and Dan are keeping vigil at her bedside and it is so touching. No one has left her bed in days and the commitment and love they have shown for her is inspiring and so touching. Evelyn, you will be missed by so many but the memories of your life and the people you have touched and love will go on forever.