Megan Turns One . . .

On May 17th, Miss Megan Grace Valentine turned one!! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone and at the same time Jim and I find it difficult to believe that she's been a part of our lives for only a year. Above is a picture of Megan telling her Nana that she's one. We worked on that for about a month and I think she has it mastered!!

We had a small family gathering over for pizza and cake. Above are my father in law and my niece, Annie. Jim had to work so we kept it simple and made sure to record the highlights of the evening. We're going to be celebrating in a much bigger way on Saturday with a family picnic. We expect about 70 people and are praying the weather is okay. Jim has been hard at work everyday trying to make the backyard look nice and we even got the pool opened up in time for Saturday.


A couple of weeks ago, Jim and I were working a bake sale at Brendan's school and the music teacher brought one of these xylophones out of her classroom for Megan to play with. Megan loved it so I got her one for her birthday. She has been playing with it non-stop!! She absolutely loves music and I think she's even starting to try to sing along with the radio in the car. I swear!! : )

My father in law gave Meggie a dozen pink roses for her birthday. They were absolutely gorgeous!!! He is so in love with her. Even though they are not related by blood (he is my first husband's father) he calls her his granddaughter and Megan's whole face lights up when he comes into the house to visit. It is the sweetest thing to see. His whole family in Ireland always asks about her and he sends them pictures all the time. Anyone that doesn't believe in a power greater than us needs to hear our story and they will certainly think twice. Amazing Grace!!!

I'll share more pictures tomorrow. I'm pooped after a day of gardening and cleaning and my pillow is calling my name. : )


Many blessings ~ Wendy

Valentine's Day Just a Few Days Late . . .

This year, our friends Susan and Anthony invited us all to their house to celebrate Valentine's Day. How many people can say they had the "Valentine/McDonagh" family to their house on V Day?!!? You would think the invitations would be stacked up on the dining room table, wouldn't you?!!?


As usual, the food and the company were wonderful.


Susan has been my friend since first grade and is also my friend who could give Martha Stewart herself a run for her money. Her home is impeccable yet you feel comfortable enough to put your feet on her coffee table. That, to me, is the ultimate compliment. She and I always joke about going on the show "Wife Swap" so her husband would appreciate all that she does more. I'm sure my husband would jump at the chance to be married to someone like her for a week. I'm not known for my impeccable housekeeping skills and having dinner on the table every nite. Oh well. He sticks around anyway so I must be doing something right. :)

I didn't tell the men (hubby and sons) that we'd be having chocolate fondue for dessert. To say it was the hi-lite of their visit would be a gross under statement!! They are all firm believers that you could dip pretty much anything in chocolate and it would be the best thing they ever ate.





Thankfully, there were just yummy things and Susan opted out of the bugs and worms. BLAH!!!!





This is Susan and Anthony's son, Garrett. He has the most gorgeous eyelashes and hair you ever saw. Why do the boys always make out in that department!! :)



This is their daughter, Sofia. She is in kindergarten and makes me truly look forward to having a daughter!! I know my hubby feels the same way about her!!!!!




What a bunch of happy faces!!!!!!


I have to add that Anthony can cook homemade pasta and sauce for us any day of the week!!!! Definitely Food Network worthy!!!!



Many blessings ~ Wendy

Sunday Sayings . . .

♥ "You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." ♥

- Dr. Seuss

Happy Valentine's Day from the Valentine-McDonagh family (who magically turns into the McDonagh-Valentine family on St. Patrick's Day!!).

Many blessings ~ Wendy