Baby Steps

Noah has taken his first steps, and has done it earlier than 11 months, when the other two did it. His life is on fast forward, we gave him a first haircut, and he has six teeth right now. I just can't believe how fast this is going!!

Last weekend we went to NY for mom's burial, and it was good closure for me. Renee was able to come out for it, and we got to show her around Mexico, NY, and even get her a T-shirt saying Mexico, just south of TX, NY that is! It was great having her there, and it was good family time.

Some days I can't believe Mom is not here, you think you can't go through a day, and realize it has been a few months already, and we don't really know what the new normal looks like. But I know we all grieve differently, and it is going to take time, but in the mean time I am learning not to fear. I feel like the psalmist when it talks about the fear of death overcomes me, but at those times I am learning how to really stand on the Word of God. I know that death is a part of life, and that death for a Christian means that we go to our home in heaven, the place where we are truly home. It is going take more time to make that a reality, but it is good to remember nonetheless.
I have had the opportunity to go to work a little more often lately, and last Friday Kevin watched the kids, and put them to work!
We went to the beach again yesterday, and although it was tough with the Memorial Day traffic, just the family time is good.
They all like to dig holes in the dirt!

This is us waiting for some food on our way home.
This is one of those funny videos with Noah falling asleep, and the kids laughing at him. It is amazing how he still tries to eat his pretzel.

Happy Memorial Day, we're going to try to watch a parade today and enjoy the last part of the weekend. June is going to be super busy, but happy summertime!

Zoo and Beach

This past weekend was a little busier than we had planned, but good. We went to the Zoo on Saturday and then the beach Sunday afternoon for some good family time. I have had the chance to go to work a little more lately with my friend having some time in the afternoon, and the break has been good, but honestly I have some rough times still. This upcoming weekend we are traveling to NY for Mom's burial, and that has been lingering for the last few weeks. I have blown up in the last few days and am trying to take it one day at a time. My mom would always know what to say, and I know what is right, but I also know what the Bible says and how we need to wait and trust in Him.

Here are the kids faces...

Daniel loves the beach, I think it is in his blood.
Noah did very well, he was playing and didn't even eat much sand. I went for a walk along the beach with Rachel, that's more my speed.
I would have to say the beach was almost relaxing this time, it's getting easier transporting the kids and going places with them all. It is a relief, and everyday I tell myself it is getting easier.
Well sometimes easier. Rachel is still testing the waters, Noah is getting more teeth, and Daniel still working on listening, but it is getting easier. We are off to Lowe's tonight to pick up a new washing machine, and I am excited about buying a new appliance, the last time I had to was 7 years ago. I am thinking high capacity would be smart with all the laundry I have been, and will be doing. I hope to post more pictures next of this upcoming weekend, we are going to celebrate life, and it will be a good time with family. My dad bought some camping stuff, and we are getting one of the bigblow up bouncy things for the kids. Thank you God for bringing us through.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Yes, it is bittersweet, I love being a mom to my kids, and love all the moms that have influenced my life, but also miss my mom. But we are getting though. I think I broke my little toe on my right foot this week, and that was another excuse to take things easy this week, it hurts a little, but I am keeping it iced and trying as hard as I can to keep off of it, but that didn't help as we went for a long walk today! Oh well. I also did a sewing project with my neighbor this weekend, and think I am almost ready to take the plunge and try the sewing thing for myself.

Rachel has been enjoying all her babies this week, and especially enjoyed seeing a newborn this week.

Today we went to Castle Island in South Boston, and although it was really windy, I think I want to go back and enjoy the fort when it opens and spend more time there. They had some nice parks for the kids, and reasonable hot dogs for sale.

Noah is almost walking, he can stand up and wants to take steps. He is quite big, but very happy, little boy. I can hardly fathom he's 10 months already.

Daniel took this picture below....
I love dressing her up in all the different colors thanks to family members and sale shopping.
We did end up reserving one of those iPads, I am going to pick it up this week and look forward to being high tech and learning how to use it. We have only had one computer for a long time, and it has been good, but there has been a lot more we have been doing on the computer lately so it was time. I am going to put in a few more hours of work this week, so that will be different, and it always makes the week fly by.

Disney World

I think each family has that place they go to that is their place. Like the beach, or to a cabin, but for my family it was always Disney World. Since the first time we went (back in 1986 was it?) we got the bug and went back almost every year from 1991 on.

Me and Beau with Mickey Mouse in 1991

A more recent photo, 2002 ish.

Well last Friday my dad, brother, sister, and nephew decided to take a last minute trip down again, and I was able to join kid and husband free, thanks to some great friends and very understanding husband. It's not that we won't be going to Disney World again, but the first time you do anything after someone passes away it is the hardest, and we wanted to experience that together. So it was a quick weekend but a time to really reflect and remember, and then to plan the next one with everyone again.

Me and my big brother Joe.

So in the mean time, it is May already and the weather is beautiful. The next few months will be busy and I know every week seems to go faster than the week before. I am just thankful for the times to be together, and am learning how to praise God for the little and big blessings in my life.