Photo - Op at a Local Park

I dressed my boys in fun matching clothes.

I bribed them.

I begged them.

I even had to yell "please just smile and cooperate".

I promised we could feed the fish.

I promised we could play in the playground.

I pinky swore we would chase the ducks.

And I most definately gave my word I would push them on the swings.

In the end I got the shots and I LOVE them! Who need to hire a photographer. Momma did it. I photo edited and printed what I like and my frames are filled with new pics that look as food as professional. I am proud!

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.

Monday Mugs ~ Wind

I'm teaming up with Heather and her cuties for Monday Mugs. This weeks theme is * WIND * Last Labor Day Weekend, my best friend Liz and I decided to leave life behind and escape to the beach for a glorious 5 day weekend.

Hurrican Earl also decided to join us. The wind was undescribable. The best part was, after the hurricane passes, we had the most pretty, warm, sunny, fantastic weekend ever.

He finally lost it!!

His first tooth that is !

April 4, 2011

*Priceless*

Everyday, at the beginning of class, the first grade students do independant journal writing for 15 minutes. This week Nick brought home the first complete journal he made since the first day of school. The second one will come home at the end of the year. I was amazed at the little things that meant enough to him for him to want to write and illistrate about it. He's such a special kid and this journal is a very special gift! Below are some of my favorite entries. Someday, when I am old and grey and he has his own family, this book may mean even more to me than it does now, but for today * It's Priceless*

Remembering September 11th...

Do you remember where you were when you first heard of the attack? I do! I remember the disbief, shock and sadness that overcame myself and all Americans as we mourned the tragedy.

Remember this day and honor those who lost their life too soon!

Friday Flashbacks

Flashing back to my wedding in 2001.

Visit more flashbacks @ http://minyards7.blogspot.com/

Our Weekend

This weekend, and the next few days are a little different in our house - not the norm.

Ray and Nick are camping, in a tent, up near Erie Pa with Ray's family (about 4.5 hours from home). They will not be back until Tuesday and they left on Saturday. This leaves just me and Adam. My house is much quieter, and almost too easy.

Yesterday was Adam's Special Day since he didn't get to go on the campout.

Here is what we did: After we said good bye to the campers, we went out shopping. We hit all of Adam's favorite stores. We did lunch at the place of his choosing, played in the evening and, after baths, we had our own campout - Mommy style. We snuggled in my bed, watched

Toy Story 2 with the lights out, we each had a flashlight handy in case we needed it, and we shared a bowl of popcorn. The little guy had to stay back but we are having a great time and I made sure he never felt jealous.

Our kids play great together. They love each other very much and really miss each other when the other is away, but my husband and I always felt that individual time is very important. You get to see a different side to a child when they are alone. They need time to epress thier indivuality and to have some undivided attention. Those times are special and create their own unique set of memories.

So thus, this was Adam's special weekend, and Nick's special weekend. Each in very different ways, but not any less special.

But we sure do miss Daddy and Nick. We hope they are having fun but we will be waiting with lots of hugs and kisses after their safe return home!! :)

Thursday 5

This is my first week ~ Let's go!

Wanna play..all YOU have to do is post 5 things that have made you..

Happy
Giddy
Joyful
Excited
Appreciative

Then got to the host's blog and link up!

My Five

Happy ~ I am so happy it's summertime!

Giddy ~ I'm giddy over going to the beach next week!

Joyful ~ I am joyful that my children are able to spend the summer having quality time with Daddy since he is a teacher and home all summer!

Excited ~ I am so excited to have a whole week at the beach to relax and play!

Appreciative ~ Of our many summer activities and the time spent with my family!