Myrtle Beach

Kevin has now entered into the 30's and we were able to celebrate with his family down for the week in Myrtle. It was a good trip, I didn't get burned, the kids all had fun, and it was good family time. We also were able to celebrate Father's Day down there, and cover a whole bunch of birthdays and celebrations.

Noah is a beach bum.

Rachel and Aunty Nay
The easiest way for me to get Rachel back out to the beach was to entice her with an italian ice. It matched her bathing suit.
I like this type of play pen.
We were able to go out mini-golfing with Ryan, Kristin, and Renee, and it was a good evening out.

We got back on Saturday and I went to bed around 7... honestly. I think with the full time work the week before, and then a week at the beach, it has been a full past few weeks. VBS has started, and it is a joy to watch both Rachel and Daniel enjoy it. It is fun being a part of it, even though I mess up my lines in the skit, the kids don't seem to mind. The kids are singing all the songs already, and it has only been one night. God has blessed us the last few weeks, and I am very thankful for all the family time, and the things to celebrate. I still feel like we will need to move out of our town house before the summer is over, however, but I am waiting to see how things pan out and what the next step is. And I am doing better at enjoying life in the process.

Whale Watching and Working

Since moving to NE I have wanted to whale watch, and I got the opportunity last weekend when my sister and dad visited. It was amazing. We saw 4 humpback whales two moms and two calfs, and we didn't get sea sick. We also visited the Constitution with the kids in Boston, and at way to much sushi in one sitting!

I love how the boys take care of each other.
Here's everyone looking out into a dry lock, I have a lot of the pictures from the back because I am a little slower. It was nice to have one adult to one kid ratio though. The USS Constitution museum had some great hands on exhibits, if you have the chance to go with the kids you should!
My dad with the boys.
Beau and I on the boat.

I have been working full time this week, and am almost done. It has been a good week of work, but I am glad it is almost over. We are trying to get things ready to leave for Myrtle Beach on Saturday, but it will probably be more last minute, and I think we do work better under pressure.

Noah is walking around all over now, it is fun to watch him toddle and explore. Now time to get the kids ready for bed, and lets see how those Celtics to tonight!

Let June begin!

I have been anticipating June for a while, a month were Kevin is gone to San Diego this week, I am working the full week next week, going to Myrtle Beach after that, and then being involved in VBS the following week, in the mean time fitting in Kevin's 30th birthday, Father's Day, and a visit from my dad, sister and nephew. It is a good busy. I also guess I am apologizing now if I don't take many, or post many, pictures, over the next few weeks, but hopefully we'll capture the highlights.

Noah has been walking a lot, falling down, and then getting back up and trying it again. He enjoys the spotlight, and when he feels sad, he goes to the refrigerator door and plays with toy that plays music, dances a little, and then goes on his merry way. He is really feeling like such a little boy now.

Here are some pictures from the Memorial day parade we went to. It was a good parade, and fun family time.

Daniel had a dentist appointment, and we decided to take Rachel along to to see how she liked it. She did alright, I know she is a little young, but Daniel did very well, and hopefully that will rub off on her.
She was mostly proud of the little toys she got afterward. The dentist said she had a large mouth, and wouldn't need braces for space issues in that large jaw. It is funny to start thinking about braces and things the kids may need in the future. The all so far have a gap in between their front two teeth, but maybe it will even out in the next few years.
I am trying to get my sister to come out a few days earlier, but in the mean time I am trying to pace myself with the kids. I did get one of those iPads, it was a belated Mother's Day (birthday, just because your special day) present, and it has been a good distraction. The scripture verse I have been going back to over the last few weeks is Psalms 27. If you get a chance, read it, and let it encourage you too!

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.