Vacation Recap

The first week of May my family took a Disney cruise to celebrate my Dad's 70th birthday.  I have to admit I was nervous and apprehensive about cruising especially with a 22 month old.  However the trip was amazing and the smiles on the kids faces are imprinted in my memory forever.  As my Mom said, it was exactly what she had hoped for - everyone got along, each family was able to do their own thing if they wanted, and oh yes we all had a little bit of fun!!

I have been wanting to recap our vacation and put together a slideshow video but cannot seem to get it to load.  Therefore I have decided to go the simplier route and just share some of the pictures and memories.

(sorry in advance for the picture overload!)

This might be my favorite picture...

Enjoying a sunset with Nana

Our day at sea consisted of unlimited drinks, ice cream bars, sunshine, and more water slides!

The cruise had two stops at port - one in Nassau Bahamas and the other the Disney private island Castaway  Cay.

In Nassau we took the kids to the Atlantis on an excursion.  While it was more money than we should have spent, we all had a blast enjoying their amazing grounds and water parks.  Did I mention how incredibly beautiful this place was, wow!?!

Stopping to check out one of the many many fish tanks 

The sixty foot water slide into a shark tank and YES that is ME!!!

The next day was Castaway Cay, equally beautiful but much more of a relaxing day.  

  The whole crew 

 Our little beach bum 

Nothing beats a nap pool side after fun filled days!

And because nothing is more magical than fireworks out in the middle of the ocean.

We cannot thank my parents enough for such a magical trip.  As the Disney crew told us when we departed " Until next time!" and we certainly hope we are fortunate enough to experience this again.

First Holy Communion

 On Sunday May 4, Reece celebrated his First Communion.  It was such a special day and we could not have been more proud of watching him grow and mature in his faith.

While milestones are emotional, to watch Reece receive his First Communion at the elementary school and Church I grew up going to was very surreal and made the day that much more special.  There was one moment in Mass where Monseigneur Tocco asked the boys and girls why today was so special,  Reece was called upon and answered with confidence, "because we are receiving the body and blood of Christ." 

At that moment I couldn't help but think back to all the Mondays after school when in route to Catechism, Reece was full of excuses because he didn't want to go, however sometime around November, we noticed a change in him.  Catechism was no longer like pulling teeth, in fact he started to enjoy it!  

Many times as a parent I find myself asking myself if we are doing "this" because we want it for our children or because they really enjoy it.  As far as Church and religion, we have always told Reece that it was a non negotiable, he would be going, as it is important to our family.  And believe me, there were many arguments.  However, to listen to him on Sunday and see the pride in his smile receiving his First Communion, I knew that Reece has also come to understand the importance of our faith as a family!

 A very proud Nana and Papa

 Reece looking so grown up!

 Running down his Big Brother...

After Reece received his First Communion we had a small celebration at my parents' house.  Reece really wanted to serve Mexican food which proved to be a bit challenging with the colors we decided on but it was a big hit especially considering Monday was Cinco de Mayo:) 

Here are a few of the highlights...

I had a banner made with pictures from Reece's Baptism and Reconciliation his prior sacraments received.  It served as a nice focal point for the party. 

A Mexican fiesta is not complete without a salsa bar...

The main meal consisted of a taco and burrito bar and all the fixings:)

Like any smart party planning, Reece found a cake first;)  As a result we went with a grey and light blue color theme for the decorations and invitations.

And no party is complete without cookies. 

 It was a beautiful day complete with celebrating with our closest friends!

 And as we celebrated Mother's Day yesterday I can't help but feel incredibly proud of who Reece is, in his faith and as a person.  I feel so blessed that God has chosen me to be his Mom.

FINALLY!!!

 I did it!  This past weekend marked the end of a very long road of following my dream of becoming a teacher.  It has been a very emotional journey and I know that this post will hardly do it justice but I wanted to share some of the weekend highlights.

For the better part of ten years I knew I wanted to go back to school.  While I spent some time taking classes here and there, I remember the exact feeling of knowing it was really time to make my dream a reality.  When I walked into Oakland University almost three years ago, I had no idea the journey that lie ahead.  Gregg and I spent so many hours talking and trying to prepare for the reality that he would be the primary supporter, emotionally,  financially and an over all super Dad, as I embarked on this journey.  Little did I know how much support I would really need.

Having two children and trying to go to college full time in addition to Gregg taking a new job was not for the faint of heart.  There were many moments where people tried to convince me to take a semester off, take fewer classes, or just ease up the pace.  It was never an option for me.  I knew that God had given me a second chance and I needed to take it, head on.  All along I focused on April 26, 2014.  I knew sooner or later if I chugged along the day would come.  Well it certainly did and it was everything I imagined and hoped for.  When I walked in the arena to the Bagpipers playing I was overcome with emotion.  While this had been the moment I worked so hard for, I couldn't help but think about every person who helped me get to this point.  

Going back to college with a family brings a whole new dimension.  This second time I now had a family and especially two little men who were also dependent on me everyday.  Reece certainly knew that Mommy was going back to school to be a teacher but it doesn't change his homework, baseball practice, catechism, simply daily needs.  I now completely understand the saying it takes a village to raise a child.  I had a tremendous amount of support to help bring me to the OU arena stage.  So yes while I was feeling very proud and excited, I was and am also overwhelmed with thinking of the tremendous support I (we) have received the past three years.  

One of the speakers at graduation spoke about success being personal.  He said we all came here with our own stories and what this moment means to each of us.  I have yet to fully process it all, but as I recently said on an interview, I will spend the rest of my life teaching children the importance of education.  I do know that these past three years I was able to show Reece in particular what education means, the hard work and dedication it takes, and the meaning of preserving.  For now, that is my success!  

After graduation we celebrated with a luncheon at the country club with a close group of friends and family who have been pivotal in helping me reach this day.  

Afterward we head home for comfy clothes and a bonfire celebration.  It really was a magical day!

And now the job hunt begins....

Graham is 21 months old!!

Graham,

You are feisty, you are funny, you are shy, you are independent, you are such a love bug, you are strong willed, and we cannot believe that you are going to be two years old in three months!  
You are growing into such a big boy.  Daddy and I look at each other every day and cannot believe what you are attempting or how fast you are growing.

Here are a few of the highlights:
Eating:  Ms. KK, at daycare, calls you a baby hippo because you eat anything and everything. We aren't that lucky always at home but a few of your favorites include any fruit, peanut butter and jelly, peas, "ookies" (cookies) or anything which is on your brother plate! 

Talking:  We have decided to take away your binki ( you call "baby") except for nap or bed time.  Since we have done that, your language is exploding.  You talk non stop and we cannot wait to be able to understand all that you are telling us.  Some of the words you use regularly are Mama, Dada, Reecie, Esly (Presley), uck (duck), ruck (truck), Rara (Our neighbor Roger), Nana, Papa, baby, woof woof (dog), uh oh, done, nite nite, "oofy" (Goofy) and can sign more and eat.  

Likes: You absolutely LOVE trucks, any kind-from Dada's truck, to the garbage truck, dump trucks, or campers, you don't discriminate.  Graham you love watching the ducks, birds, and swans and reading books which make noise or are  a touch and feel book.  You love and want to do anything and everything your brother does whether it is playing catch in the street or sitting in a big boy chair at the table.  In your head there are no limitations to being 21 months old, except getting us on that same page;)

Dislike:  You hate being told no, taking something away, or when we don't understand what you are trying to tell us.  You are incredibly feisty and want what you want when you want it.  If Mama and Dada give you the wrong cup, you will throw it on the floor so I witnessed yesterday at Easter brunch as you poured a cup of water on me then threw the food across the table:( As frustrating as it can be for us, we also know that you are very frustrated in your ability to communicate, so we are working very hard on using your words. You are even pulling your hair when completely frustrated (holy heartache)!  Mommy has also had to put you in your first time out because throwing is just not okay!!  But as feisty and strong willed as you are, it is those same qualities which we love when you are determined to climb up the play structure ladder by yourself or are feeding yourself with a spoon or fork.

Sleep: You are transitioning still between one and two naps a day (maybe we just haven't figured it out yet!)  Since you have been in daycare full time, one nap seems to more often be the norm.  You go to bed around 7 pm and sleep until 6:30 or 7 am the next morning.  

Being a little Brother- Our Highlight:

  It seems like this past month  your and Reece's relationship has really flourish, you adore him and he you.  He is the first person he asks for in the morning and you for you him.    You stand next him in the shower and make music with him to just be a part of the every moment with him.  You climb up on his top bunk and holler, Reecie!  Even when we can't understand what you are telling us, Reece knows exactly what you are trying to say.  You love Roger because your brother does!  You steal everything he lays his hands on and he gives it to you without shrugging.  You are just like Reece with your passion and will but also the complete opposite in your patience and independence. While we certainly hoped you would love each other, Daddy and I had no idea how amazing it would be to watch you two grow together. When you start to get upset Reece immediately tries to make you happy.  You smile bigger when he is around and Reece's smile is much prouder because he gets to show you the way.

Graham we love watching you grow. We love your curiosity and your independence of wanting to discover everything on your own.  It is so hard to believe that you are charging toward 2 years old and I have to admit I am a little nervous:)

We love you,

Mama and Dada

Life Lately

I think back to my Dad's toast at our wedding almost ten years ago when he spoke about how Gregg and I always noticed the little things.  He spoke about how we would pull over on the side of the road to take a picture because the fall colors were so magnificent, or notice a Great Blue Heron fishing off the dock in the morning.  He spoke about little things being instinctual for me.  I remember babysitting for the greatest family and their little boy.  Johnny would stop on a walk into town just to notice the ants in the sidewalk cracks.  I told Gregg numerous time "I pray we have children just like that, that our children notice the little things".  Life happened, and it was our chance with our two boys to slow down and notice the birds, to actually listen to a stranger's response when one of us asked them how their day was, or snuggling on the top bunk with Reece talking about his excitement for passing his multiplication facts.  I found myself treasuring the moments when Reece would holler from the back seat "Mom pull over, I think I see...." As life got hard as it often has I would stepped back and focused on those little moments.

Well it has been since January that I have blogged because yes life has been hard, incredibly busy with so much focus on a few very big things - my graduation, and finishing student teaching.  Without getting into every detail, I often would find myself lost in the intensity and stress and pressure.  On my fifteen minute drive to or from school I would remind myself that April 26 would be here soon.  However, as soon as I walked in the door after not seeing the kids since the night before, my instinct kicked in and the focus shifted from the one big goal to it being only about those little things - a quick hug before bed, reading with Reece, giving the boys a bath, coming home to Gregg preparing dinner, or the chance to catch up with a friend.

Two in a half years ago I prided myself in enjoying the small moments, taking advantage of time especially with the boys.  However, these past five months lead me to realize that I had no idea what enjoying a small moment really meant.  

A lot has happened since January and I am grabbing tight onto little moments like these when I the big things blind me...

fresh showered faces...

teething drool...

that smile...

a night out...

finding the perfect home improvement....

 the ultimate taste of sweetness...

day lights savings which means time for some after school catch...

watching Graham reachhhhh to do just what his big brother is doing...

and waiting for this moment since fall...

So while April 26 is around the corner and I know that the big moment of graduation will change so much for me, YET I hope I will only continue to realize that it has been every little step along the way which has really changed the most not just for me but for my family!!

I have missed sharing our families adventures and hope to be able to update more regularly soon

2014

Happy New Year!

It has been a while since I have written a post and while there is certainly a lot of wonderfulness, festiveness, and all over just some fun with the four of us which has happened, I spent the end of 2013 reflecting on our year.  It really was a year of growth, new beginnings, and so many firsts individually and as a family.  However, as we are continuously reminded time does not stand still.  So we are moving forward and looking forward to making 2014 just as blessed!

I'm not really sure how I feel about resolutions because I often find myself disappointed when I don't follow through or fall off track.  So this year I am refocusing on a few goals...

• Living in the moment - so often in the craziness of life I find myself saying I'll work out tomorrow, or am sitting at one of Reece's sporting events surfing the internet instead of watching the "game", or simply just not being present in the moment, especially with the boys.  As time is fleeting I want to be able to say I am engaged in school when its school, being a wife, or being a mom when my boys need me.  Everything else can wait!

• Being satisfied - This goes hand in hand with living in the moment.  We have had many big changes in our lives in 2013 but I often found myself not truly being satisfied.  As a result I am often saying "well when..." I remember telling Gregg when we met 12 years ago that if we don't appreciate where we are, we never will appreciate where we are going.  I want to make this my short term and long term goal.  Tomorrow is going to happen regardless, therefore I need to focus on making the most of today.  Also and maybe more importantly I have realized I cannot be my best at everything which often leads to the dissatisfaction, so simplification is key!

• A few small points that will help me in reaching these goals...
• Meal Plan
• Make exercise a regular part of my routine not just when training for a race
• Make the time to read a book (and not a teaching book)

So its time to get busy...