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....