Gratitude

Lately, everything seems to be flowing.

Gracie has been exceptional in communicating her feelings in a way that is NON-dramatic and effective. Cole has been making us all laugh on a daily basis and finally is really able to laugh at himself; he is not taking everything so seriously.
Bryan has regularly been coming up here to see us all and has done what he says; when he says he will be here at a certain time, he actually HAS been here at that time.
Onyx (despite the fact that she is nearly 14 yrs. old) is really hanging in there. Sometimes you can see her slower pace but in so many ways she still acts like a puppy with her hyperactivity and loveable self.
Brownie just wanders outside but is always only wandering in the backyard waiting for us to show our face so he can come press up against us. Even though he is going to snub us the minute we pay attention.
Robert has lightened his load and is really living in the moment and being present with all of us. He is loving me minute by minute.
I am being more patient and not jumping at the moment that something doesn't go the way I think it should.
These are all things that have happened on a weekly basis and have reminded me on a daily basis WHY I am grateful and that my family is the absolute BEST. I am not taking any of it for granted. (see SIDE NOTE below).

Love the ones you hold closest. Enjoy those seconds, minutes, hours and if you're lucky days, weeks, months and years you have with them. Put down your technological device and stare at her or him. Kiss them, tell them WHY you love them, why you appreciate them, and remember that moment you are in. Who do you love everyday and why?


Side note: Today at my DR. appt., I was relieved, but not surprised, that I am still as healthy as ever and was advised to "keep living my current healthy lifestyle." Another reason to be grateful.

Sometimes you just get your hopes up and POOF, the letdown

I tend to get really excited when I see things going in a direction that will be good, really good for me or us.  I just get right on board. I start to daydream and I really believe that the "change" will take us to a better place then we are. We can finally start to really "plan and get ahead." I believe in the "thing" that I have set my mind to- I believe it is going to happen. I really BELIEVE. Then after the steps that I have put into place are there and I have now focused on the future- things change and don't pan out the way I want or what I thought. I try not to be discouraged or sad or sorry, but the truth is I am. How do I get over these valleys? What have you looked forward to lately and it hasn't happened?

Proud as can be!

Robert and I attended parent/teacher conferences this week.  We were beside ourselves with pride. Our kids have always done well, but when you see it on a consistent basis and their teachers are beaming that they have gone above and beyond- in their school work and as a student with good life skills, it makes me well up with tears. Not for the reflection on me, but for the hope that you have had since the day they were born that they would excel, succeed and love life with a zest for learning and be excited about what's to come and wanting more! It is overwhelming and I am so happy, so thrilled! They, too, are beaming. I just want my kids to dream, believe and persist! That is all I could hope for!

Time sure does fly.

My first year with the kids at the same school and THEIR first year together. Cole started Kindergarten and Gracie is in 4th grade. I really wish I could freeze time because I have the best kids out there. They are so sweet, loving and thoughtful. I want them to stay little for as long as possible.

Trying very hard to keep up.

As I look back on my blog, I realize I really do suck at keeping it up. The things I write about are precious to me and I want to keep it going. Everyday something funny happens in our family and I want to log it down. I don't want to forget those times. So I am re-dedicated. I have even set a reminder on my phone so that I will be reminded everyday to at least write something. I know that my kids would love to have this to look back at - along with their scrap booking books. HA! Did I just say scrap booking? Yes, another craft I LOVE to do, but can't find the time for. Gracie is 9 and I am still scrapping her 1st year. :( This is going to change. I found a friend that I hope between the two of us we can get others to plan a monthly night to scrap.
More to come....xo, T

Cancun~pleasing to mind, body and soul.

When we booked our Cancun trip, I had done all the research. I researched the hurricane season and knew when they typically hit the Cancun peninsula (May-October). Apparently, the week before we got here the weather was beautiful, sunny, warm and clear skies. And apparently, after we are leaving- also the same. While we are here, - cloudy skies, torrential rains, high winds and hurricane warnings. Yes, I said it. Hurricane warnings. It's actually quite comical and romantic in a silly kind of way. We have had so much bonding time as a couple and with our good friends as well. Because yes, we are not all off and running in all different directions. We are only limited to a few activities- the SPA being one of them and long and lazy dinners - talking and laughing. Also, after dinners, sitting under the decks and watching the rain and having drinks. Really, it's an absolutely awesome trip. I haven't even included the small glimpses of the sun we have gotten are bonuses! Robert and I even decided we were going to swim in the rain and enjoy the pool- very romantic. We have had so much fun with Kim and Brian, Shelley and Joe, all of whom are wonderful friends. In a marriage, you definitely need that time alone to bond, talk and relate. I must also say that you need that time with your married couple friends also. It helps you relate with your friends on that level too. We have had so much fun!

Our journey up North, on the way to Cancun!!

We headed up north today where our awesome family friends (J & J) took care of the kiddos while we escaped for 5 days! On the way, we visited Papa and Nana! It was so much fun! Kids were excited because it was a vacation for them too! Thanks for having us Dad and Marilyn! We were lucky because we got to see them going UP and back Down!!