Remember, Thank and Never Forget...

Spring is in bloom

Celebrating 10 Years!!!

10 years ago I married my best friend. We dated for 6 years before we wed and I never had a doubt that we would spend a lifetime together!

It was one of the happiest days of my life.

I couldn't ask for a better partner. Through good and bad you've been my rock, my supportor, my advice giver, my secret keeper, the one who makes me laughs, holds me when I cry and loves me unconditionally. You are the father of my children and you are teaching them to become great men. I could not have choosen a better man to call my husband, to be the father of my children, and to grow old with...'til death do us part.

Happy 10 year anniversary and to MANY, MANY more!!

Quick Update ~ In a nutshell!

I haven't blogged much lately, though I am still reading and enjoying the blogs I follow. For some reason spring/early summer is a really busy time for our family.

Some quick updates include:

Ray - looking forward to the end of the school year and trying to get the seniors graduated. He is helping to coach Nick's baseball team this year and trying to keep up with all of the spring s=chores around the house. We are thrilled to be accompanying him on a week long conference in Philly the last week of June. I never realized all there is to do in philly until I started planning our trip. Too bad the kids and I will ahve to tell him about our adventures when he returns each day from the conferance.

Nick - Finishing up first grade and enjoying his first season of baseball. We are finding out t-ball was much less competitive. He is exploring his boundries, making new friends, and enjoying life! He has discovered a new best friend via our new neighbor's. The lord works in mysterious ways! They moved in with 2 little boys exactly the same age as mine and the oldest is in Nicks class and the youngest attend preschool with Adam. Such a blessing!!!

Adam - He is attending preschool one day per week. Next year he will go to the pre-k program (so hard to believe). He is loving being home with me on the other days and we have a great daily routine. He is still not old enough to play sports in our area yet, but he has enjoyed making new friends as we cheer his brother on at games. He is so animated and full of life. He definately fills my day with laughter!

Me - I am officially a Stay at Home Mom. An unexpected opportunity arose (very long story!) and I embraced it! Though it's temporary, it could not have come at a better time ~ spring cleaning, flower planting, end of school eyar activities, etc :). I have a great routine and must admit I will not be happy when I re-enter the work force.
I am very much looking forward to summer vacations such as Raystown Lake, Philadelphia, and our annual week at our beach condo in July.

I promise to be a better blogger! I enjoy reading everyone's blog and I hope my bloggy friends will continue to support mine.

Paying It Forward!

Today Nick participated in Relay For Life with the Primary School he attends and his first grade class. I gave a donation and I also made him donate his $2.00 allowance for the week. He moaned and groaned about it but, reluctantly, knew in his heart it was the right thing to do so he did it. My Grandfather and my Dad's brother both died of cancer so I explained to him exactly how important what he was doing was.

Tonight, as we were leaving a store, a lady was waiting for us at the door. She told me my young boys appeared to be the same age as her young grandsons that live across county. She stated she only gets to see them twice a year. She had a 2 small toys that she purchased in that store and wanted my boys to have them.

The lesson is: in life it's not about what's in it for you, but what you give to others. A total stranger gave my boys a gift, Nick gave a give that could potential help total strangers. Kindness is often unrecognized, gratitude and selflessness is priceless and teaching my boys to think of others before themselves is a life lesson!!

10 Things to Smile About in April

1. An unexpected, unique opportunity to finally being a stay at home Mom!! :) It's not forever, but I am enjoying every moment for now!!

2. Nick lost his first tooth ~ I remember when he was 6 months old and got that tooth!

3. Spring cleaning!

4. WARM weather and playing outside

5. Planning summer vacations

6. The start of Nick's baseball season

7. I taught Adam to write and spell his name!

8. Easter egg hunts

9. Flowers poking through the ground and planting around my house

10. New neighbors with 2 little boys that happen to be the exact same age as my boys, endless play dates and new great friends to hang out with!!! :)

April was a great month and MUCH better than the last 3 months.

Celebrate!

What a great day to be an American, celebrate our freedom, rejoice in relief, and thank our troops for their dedication and bravery!!

Today we have won the battle on the 911 attack!!