The Fairy Foo Foo turns FIVE

Happy Birthday to my Layla-Grayce Viola!  FIVE!  Oye yoy yoy!!!  I've had that little pit in my stomach all week.  I've been savoring these last few days of you being four.  I just can't wrap my head around the fact that it was five years ago today, that I held you in my arms for the first time! 

Having Layla for me was like getting a second chance at experiencing what I should have experienced with my poor Hannah the first time around.  Han was so sick and that first year was a year full of stress and praying that she would survive and be alright.  Layla was my chance to relish in a newborn and know that she was healthy 100%.  I knew it all along, just like I knew she was a girl.  My purple, butterfly girl.  The second I laid eyes on her, I knew that she was something special and that she was going to be alright.  It took Billy a few seconds longer and him examining her entire body 5 times for red markings (hemangiomas) or anything askew.  I remember her having a little red mark on her eyelid and Billy kept questioning it... but I knew.. she'd be just fine.  Those first few hours of me cuddling her in her purple soft Pottery Barn blanket.  Staring at her.  Falling asleep with her in my arms (and getting reprimanded by the nurse).  I went a week over my due date and right there that foreshadowed exactly what the little cherub would be like.  A snuggle bunny.  Curled up in Mommy's arms.  Always.

I think that is what I am most afraid of with turning five.  Hannah just grew up.  I blinked and she grew up.  I can't carry her anymore if she falls asleep in the car.  She's too heavy.  I can't lift her in my arms and twirl her around when we dance on the kitchen floor and she just doesnt need me the way she once did.  She needs me now for different things and that's okay.  But as a Momma, you always want your child to need you for hugs, kisses and cuddles.  Those are the things that make being a Momma so special.  So when I would get down about Hannah growing up so quickly, I still always had Layla and Layla was born the cuddly, kissy baby girl.  And now Layla is five.  Will she still love to cuddle with me?  Beg me to let her sleep in my nook?  (underarm... it's always been her thing)  The child got through her first few years never sleeping in her crib... always in my arms.  I'd cook dinner with her in the Bjorn.  She always had to have a hand on me.  And as all these thoughts were floating through my head all week I also realized that I needed to take a deep breath and realize that as down as I can get about my babies growing older, I am so, so , so very blessed that I have them here in my life.  I am thankful and grateful that God made ME their Momma and that although we have had our share of trials and tribulations with their health, they ARE healthy and they ARE happy and they are so very LOVED!  And as I kissed Layla goodnight last night and wished her a happy last few hours of being four, I knew that everything would be alright.  That I am one lucky girl.  I tiptoed into my bedroom and climbed into my bed exhausted from the day's activities and cupcake making endeavor... and just as I went to close my eyes, I heard the pitter patter of not one set of toes, but TWO come running into my bedroom.  As they climbed into my bed I knew, yes everything's going to be alright.  As long as I am alive, my children will always have my arms to cuddle in. 

So my Miss Purple Fancy Pants, Fairy Foo Foo, Ravioli, Layla-Cakes... Happy 5 years!  You have brought Daddy and I SO much joy.  Aside from your beauty, you have this amazing little personality that usually keeps those around you laughing on their toes.  You are my mini me.. maybe not so much in looks, but certainly in personality.   Your innocent humor is something I will always cherish.  Like the other night when I was telling you to finish your dinner and you replied, "Oh Mama, you say that every night."  I tried to explain further about all the children who have no food and who have no shelter to which you said, "Well Mama, where do they live then?"  I told you that some poor children live on the street and you said, "Like the chipmunks?"  To which Daddy added, "Yeah, like Alvin, Simon and Theodore....  How I love that innocent mind of yours!  You always make me feel so loved especially on those mornings when you wake up and look at me and say, "Oh Mama, you look just like princess Ariel this morning." 

You're like chicken soup for my soul baby girl.  Here's to a year full of true bliss, good health and many, many more wonderful experiences with you!  My nook is yours forever and ever!!!

xo
Mommy

Gretchen's Day

 

www.WeLoveGretchen.net

 

 

How do I even begin?  Where do I start?  I simply just don't think I am going to be able to put into words what this event meant to me, but here goes.  I remember clear as day the night Shannon called me and said we needed to do something.  She had to pay it forward.  Being a two time breast cancer survivor, she knew what Gretchen was going through and she wanted to help.  People had come together to help her and now it was time to do the same.  All she had to do was say the words and I was on board.  The next call was made to Alyson because if there was anyone who could carry out the vision, it was she.  Alyson held a close bond with Gretchen and she took the vision and ran with it.  The beginning talks were about holding a softball tournament to raise funds to help Gretchen pay her hospital bills.  Our utmost intentions to be sure that Gretchen got healthy enough to attend the event and be hero'd as the guest of honor.  A cancer survivor.  God had other plans.  On May 19, 2012, the event became a Memorial Softball Tournament.  With heavy hearts, Alyson, Shannon and I headed up to say our final farewells to a woman whom I will always have an undying respect for.  Even with our heavy hearts, Alyson was in full force and we were making phone calls and arrangements from the car that evening on where to hold the BBQ and so on.  Shannon jumped right on making the most perfect logo for the event.  From there, something really special was born.

Meetings were held and people jumped on ship to help.  People I hadn't seen in a long time and some of them I hadn't seen since I graduated High School.  It didn't matter though because we were all there for one thing and that was to honor Gretchen and do right by her son.  Gretchen made the ultimate sacrifice for her son and we were going to do whatever it took to honor the person she was.  Ideas were flowing, responsibilities were taken and piece by piece, the vision came to life.  Time was of the essence and we didn't have much of it.  Less than three months to pull off something we wanted to be spectacular.  Yet, the team and yes we were a team, banded together.  Calls were made, donations began to come in, teams were formed and raffle prizes started to come together.  Before we knew it, Gretchen's Day was upon us.

Surely it was a tough week leading up to the event.  Stress levels were high, bumps were in the road and yet we forged ahead and kept our grip on what was important, Andrew and honoring Gretchen.  Saturday was upon us. The alarm went off at 5:00 AM and I awoke to down pours.  For the love of God, really?  I never even once thought that rain would be an issue.  Mostly because I was too caught up in everything that needed to get done and because there is no way it would rain on our parade.  It rained.  The decision was made to utilize the rain date and as I sat back that day taking a much needed rest from the events of my week, I realized that it was Gretchen's doing.  Everyone had been running ragged all week.  We needed rest.  A day to catch our breath and get a grip.  A day to regroup and that is just what we did.  She knew what she was doing. She had our backs.

Sunday I awoke to the most beautiful day.  It was a bright, sunny, cool morning.  This was it.  It was going down and we were going to do everything in our power to make sure it was a success.  I went into autopilot.  I had no idea what on earth I was doing but I didn't care.  I was going to do it and it was going to be good.  Phone calls to Alyson and Shannon.  Ice?  Sure I can get ice.  I'm just going to swing by CVS and grab the Sharpies for the balloons.  Before I knew it we were on the field.  Tables were set up and pictures were hung.  If there is ever a picture of what Gretchen will always be to me, it is that high school one.  It makes me laugh and feel good all at the same time.  People started coming in.  Helpers showed up.  Our Team had it going on.  DJ set up.  Signage hung.  You name it, it was getting done.  Everyone was doing whatever they could do get it done. 

Perhaps the most special moment of the day was when I got to meet little Andrew.  You all know I am a baby hog to begin with but for some reason, for me, holding Andrew and meeting him was a piece of closure for me if that makes sense.  I had all intentions of meeting Andrew before Gretchen left us.  We had chatted on Facebook and I was coming up to see her when she was well enough.  Shannon and I were going to go up and take pictures of Gretchen and Andrew and we were going to bring along a bucket of KFC.  (She had giggled about that)  I was going to bring her up Cameron's clothes to use for Andrew.  I never got that opportunity.  I will always have a pit in my stomach because of this.  I am so angry that we didn't get to take those pictures.  I know that there are plenty of pictures of Andrew and Gretchen, but this is what I do.  This is the way I know how to give back.  This was a memory I wanted Gretchen to have and a solid object for Andrew to hold on to when he was old enough to do so.  It didn't happen.  As I approached baby Andrew, Gretchen's family all welcomed me with smiles on their faces.  So welcoming and so thankful for what we were doing.  Chris offered Andrew for me to hold.  I don't even know what to say to him, but I hope he knows how very much this moment meant to me and how honored I was that he let me hold him.  Holding Andrew gave me peace and closure.  I felt like it was Gretchen's way of saying it was okay I didn't get to see her again. 

What I experienced this day was like nothing I have ever experienced before.  An entire community banding together.  Businesses, locals, families and friends all coming together to do good.  To do right.  There were people at the event that did not even know Gretchen, but they would not pass up the opportunity to do right by her out of sheer respect.  People can say whatever they want about Smithfield.  People can say whatever they want about our community but I'll tell you what.  I am so very proud to be a part of Smithfield.  I am honored to be a resident and I am thrilled to be surrounded by good, loving, caring people.  I will always back my small town and I will always be grateful for the people who are a part of this community because they are like no other.  With so much bad in the world, there is also so much good and I intend to relish in that.

The games were a hit and so many people kept coming up to me to tell me how much fun they were having.  The BBQ was perfect and the food was fantastic.  The raffle was a huge success!  Everything went off without a hitch and as we released the white balloons to heaven, I couldn't help but feel Gretchen's presence around us.  I can't help to think that she was beaming at the way everyone had come together, for her, for Andrew.  In fact, I know she was...

Now comes the task in thanking everyone.  I am going to try my very best to not leave out a single soul because it is really important for me that people know how much I appreciate them and what they did.  If I do inadvertently leave someone out, PLEASE add them to the comment section below.  I truly want to cover all the bases so just add them in and I will apologize in advance if I should forget about someone!

Here goes...

Thank you Shannon for having the vision.  Thank you for wanting to give back and realizing how precious life is.  Thank you for all the flyers and logos and signage.  You truly are talented.  Thank you Alyson, for bringing the vision to life.  For taking charge and being so caring.  For giving so much of yourself.  Stacey, thank you for being on your feet for an entire day cooking your fanny off.  Thank you to Beth as well.  I know what a long day that was and I appreciate it.  Thank you Mrs. T. for putting all the raffle prizes together and adding all of your special touches.  Thank you Melissa SCETTA (lol) for working so diligently on getting so many raffle prizes and the getting the water donated.  Thank you to Kevin for being our grill man along with the Sullivans and Sandy.  Thank you Melissa Smith and Henry for all the great ideas and the autographed football.  As you can see, it went to a great home!  Thank you to all the local business, Tony's Pizza Palace for donating pizzas and a gift certificate to the event.  To John Huyler and Swing Juice for coming through and John for all your help in the days leading up to the event.  Erin Zompa, Lisa Delsesto, The Lawrence Agency, Cha Cha Louise, Outdoor Decor.  Thank you Renee Coutu for the beautiful gift basket.  Thank you Duchess Designs.  Thank you to Cara and Nicole for stepping in on the day and getting things done.  Thank you to all of the SHS alumni who donated to this worthy cause.  Thank you Madison, Garret and Olivia.  Thank you to all the players and teams.  Thank you Jenn Aceto Carofel for manning the registration table.  Thank you Chris L'Europa for DJing the entire day and just offering yourself for that day.  Thank you to the Corporate Sponsors and Home Run Derby Sponsors.  Thank you to the parents who just showed up to support their kids doing something good.  Thank you to the wee ones who handled the day like rock stars.  Thank you Jen, Jenny and Ana for looking out for the babies so we could make the event successful.  Thank you to Amy Furia. Thank you Leanne and Dan for being a part of the day even without knowing Gretchen.   Thank you Rome Packing for purchasing the food for the BBQ and thank you Adam for being a support for us during our first meeting.  Thank you KFC for the coleslaw.  Thank you Valerie Thomas Trainer for singing an awesome National Anthem.  Thank you Sandy for being my sidekick!  Thank you Scot Nassa for your donation of water and bars!  Thank you Jay Spinard for being a huge supporter and to the Boston Team who inspires us all to do good in this world.  Thank you to the people who couldnt attend but routed us on in their hearts.  THANK YOU DAY FAMILY, for allowing us to stand by your side and do right in this world.  For being so welcoming, helpful and thankful.  Thank you Chris, for allowing us to be a part of Andrew's life.  You truly are a special family and I can only hope we keep in touch and plan next year, bigger and better!  Lastly, thank you Gretchen, for letting us into your life while you were here on this earth and for watching over us while you now live above.  You have inspired us all to be better people.  I am humbled.  All my love.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Sail on

Yesterday the world lost yet another little cancer warrior, Bella. Her page came to me on facebook and I quickly learned of her journey.  Unfortunately, she was at the end of the journey as I began to read about her.  Stage 4 Neuroblastoma.  This damn Neuroblastoma.  I hate it.  I don't even know it and I hate it.  I try for a half a second to put myself in these paretns' positions and I cant even get through a millisecond of imagining what it must be like to see your child in so much pain and then to live their days through the emptiness of no longer having that child.  It's happening everywhere.  Every day I read about a new little warrior and it truly ticks me off that we can put a stupid land rover on the moon but we cant find a cure for cancer. If this doesnt get your blood boiling to a point where you want to do something then I dont know what will, but take a look at Isabella's journey...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Asz942m1q8&lc=r_UWpmWb2OFlc8CQQjF7X5mANjWK0siyWmH4ZgsT02c&feature=inbox

It was almost three years ago now when I fell in love with little Layla Grace.  The coincidence of having my own Layla Grayce being a mere month older.  There have been so many more little cancer heroes since then but Layla and Ronan the most adorable little rock star, were the two that I just couldn't peel myself away from.  That I felt something for, even as a complete stranger.  These children should not be dying and their parents shouldn't be forced to live in a world without them.  I can't help but think that helping to raise awareness and finding a cure for childhood cancer, specifically Neuroblastoma, is part of my job in life.  We all are put on this earth with a mission right?  I have a feeling this may be mine.  I always think that some day it may coincide with photography.  Sessions with families affected?  A way to raise money?  Yes, I definitely see something with this in my future.  Until then, I absorb and I smack myself upside the head for all the mistakes I make with my lovies through the course of the day.  Why did I scream at Hannah like that?  Why couldn't I have had more patience and spoken to her and explained to her in a much more appropriate way?  Why do I yell at Layla for whining?  Why do I yell at Cameron for being a little wrecking ball?  They are kids!  They need to be kids!  I need to chill out!  If they weren't the way they were then my life would be mundanely boring and unbearable.   I love them with my every being.  Each of them.  And when the day is done, the one thing I do right is make sure they know that.  I make sure they can feel it.  I make sure they know that Mama loves to the moon and the stars and back again...I make sure that I soak them up and appreciate every little inch of them because I do, truly feel blessed to have three "healthy" kids.

Its been a busy week with work and photography.  A lot of people I promised shoots to are wanting them done! LOL  The more experience I get the better, but I am so totally wiped!  I had a great shoot with teenage kids last week.  It was really neat to have grown kids at a shoot and it was a totally different  and unique experience.  Unfortunately I am unable to post any of the pictures because their mother decided to be childish.  I wont go any further but it is truly sad to see this mother berate the children's father and step mother (my friend) publicly on Facebook where the children could see.   I was actually fuming and had to talk myself out of engaging her because I knew it was classier to take the high road and I obviously wasn't dealing with a rational person anyhow.  Shame on her.  Love photographing this couple however because they love to get into the shoot and make my job 100 times easier.  Plus they are so very photogenic!

It's been a tough few weeks for Mom.  I think it's been said that she is sick, but if not, then there it is in black and white.  I've said it.  Mom is sick.  That's about all I can get out. Baby steps.  Trust me, I want to scream it out on a flipping megaphone, but I have to have respect for my family as well.  I think any of you who know me, or her, probably know and eventually I will be able to lay it all out there, but for now, this is as much as I can do.  She seems to be declining and I am not sure what is going on.  Dad looks like he's got a 250 pound weight on his shoulders.  My go to guy, crumbling around us.  There are some glimmers of happiness in there though.  Mom's dear friend, has been doing so much to help.  She loves to take her for a few hours and loves to do for her.  She's always doing!  And you know what?  When I go to pick Mom up, Mom's happy and D's happy too!  It's like she adores every last second she has with Mom.  It's such a blessing because time with Mom can really do a number on your psyche.  I say this only because Mom's communication skills have diminished quite a bit.  Yet D loves her time with her.  I'll never foget all she's done to help.  I'll never forget what a true friend she's been to Mom, even though I know it must hurt her inside to see her like this.

We did have an awesome Monday though swimming in Ana's pool and catching up with an old friend.  One of my good buddies from college passed away in 1998 at the age of 24.  He left behind a brother who has Cerebal Palsey.  I havent seen him in 14 years and low and behold Ana's mother was one of his TA's.  She started talking about him one night during one of our wine nights and I knew the minute she said his first name, it was him.  She nearly fell off the chair when I stated his last name.  Needless to say I was blown away with how far he has come and how great he looks.  I truly can't believe how hard he must have worked to get where he is today.  Living in his own apartment and holding his own job.  He was even taking steps without his crutches!  God bless him.  I know his big brother is so proud of him!  This was technically the first time Mr. Cam has been in a pool aside from Billy and I holding him in the one in Naples.  I had thrown a floatie shirt on him because I was nervous with him being around the pool.  Needless to say, within minutes the kid had gone running and jumping in and was giggling hysterical over the fact that he was swimming.  I just shake my head.  He is TWO and has not one ounce of fear.  I will say that he was so good though.  All of the lovies were since they love to swim. 

Hoping to have another fun eveing to post about after tomorrow... well hello it's.... THE PATRIOTS OPENING PRE SEASON GAME and let me tell you... I am SOOOO READY for some FOOTBALL!  Very excited to be back in the football world again and see my boys play!

Pit stop

I woke up this morning with this weird pit in my stomach.  It took me a moment to realize why it was there but then it came to me.  This month has flown by.  In a week, we will be in August.  The summer is going so quickly and I feel like I haven't even begun to do the things with the kids that I wanted.  I sat up in bed and thought about how wonderful it would be to have the summers off.  What I wouldn't do to have a lazy day with them or to get up super early and head to the beach or to a museum or even to the library and just spend time!  It's so hard to work and fit all these things in as well.  They are growing up right before my eyes and I feel like I just want to stop and do nothing but enjoy them.  Soon enough Hannah will be entering the 3rd grade in a new school.  I'm beginning to get a little nervous.  How will she do?  Will she be ok?  Will she be nervous?  Will she have a hard time?  Will I have a hard time?  We were so use to our routine at McGuire and our little group.  We all looked out for each other and each other's kids.  I feel like I have to make new friends all over again as well. Deep breath, in and out and think again.   Hannah is outgoing and has a great personality.  She seems to have made friends well at camp so it's probably not going to be a problem for her.  I'm 37, I can do this too, AND we are BOTH looking forward to a new start at a new school.  One that I think is going to suit us real well.  My old alma mata.  We'll do just fine.  Yes we will.  I know we will.

We began out weekend at Joey & Jaina's wedding.  What a beautiful ceremony and a fun reception.  So cute watching them so happy together.  I can't believe baby Joey is married!  LOL.  She was stunning in her beautiful gown and Joey has never looked so happy.  Many years of happiness to them.  I had a moment that took me by surprise at the wedding however.  Apparently it was one that had been bottled up for several years.  The night had just begin when "Through the Years" came on by Kenny Rogers.  Several minutes later, Dad pulled Mom on the dance floor and began to dance with her.  I got up to snap pictures and then it started, without warning I may add.  The tears starting streaming down my face and I had no control.  I tried to get a grip several times, but to no avail.  I think what got me most was that Mom looked so happy and I couldn't stop thinking about what was in Dad's head.  I ran to the bathroom where I met Auntie Lynne.  God Bless her she tried to help.  The more she tried, the more I cried.  I was so pissed at myself that I couldn't stop.  I had no idea where it came from and I had no idea how to stop it.  I went outside for a breath of fresh air and finally got it together.  Thank you Jesus.  I managed to get a grip and get my head back into the celebration.  We all had a fabulous time dancing the night away.

I got to visit with Andrea on Saturday when she came over for some girl time.  I hadn't seen her in 7 months.  How did that happen?  I treasure her friendship and I love when we can have out chats.  I think we make each other feel more normal.  Sunday evening was filled with Hannah and her girlfriends for yet another sleepover.  The night was filled with walks, outside playing, bathing suits in the jacuzzi, nail painting and movies and popcorn.  Needless to say I think it may take me a month to catch up on sleep!  They were cute though and Hannah enjoyed her time.  We are now heading into baby Bailey's Baptism.  As the proud God mother I cant wait!  I ordered her cake yesterday and I am hoping it comes out as beautiful as Leanne and I envision it.

I am hoping after this weekend that I can take a breath and find some down time with the kids.  That's always my plan however I am not very good at achieving it! LOL  Guessing I just need to take a second here and there and breath them in when I can!

Have a wonderful day!

This picture is from my photo shoot Thursday night.  These little girls are so very cute!

Joey & Jaina got their picture psted on the Patriot's website

Mom & Dad

Ang and the kids

Han and her crew

The summer wind, came blowing in...

Well hello summer!  I blinked and here we are!  So far we have been managing the summer well.  That's not to say that the germs haven't followed us.  Cam ended up with croup last Friday.  Then Layla got it, then Mommy and Daddy ended up with nasty sinus infections.  Layla's asthma flared up and yaddah yaddah, the same old germy rigamaroo!  The worst part was that it all happened on our vacation week when we were suppose to be doing an array of fun things.  MURPHY'S LAW and yes, I did marry a MURPHY! LOL  Yet, here we are, all on the mend and plugging on through. 

The girls are enjoying camp at Layla's Preschool.  They love going and I LOVE the program.  Hannah is having a blast and is very excited to be with KK and a new friend, Ava.  Layla's got Drew and Gracie by her side and she is thrilled.  They are also playing town tennis this summer and dear old Mr. Lawrence is teaching it.  God bless this man who looks and sounds EXACTLY like he did 25 years ago.  Hannah is still playing hockey and we are still spending time with Mom.  So it's a packed summer schedule.  Yet, we are still managing to escape down to RCB for some relaxation here and there.  The girls and I went down a few weeks ago on a Friday.  I picked them up from camp and surprised them.  It was so heavenly to plop myself in a chair and listen to them frolic on the beach and in the water.  We have also been working hard on cleaning up the yard and making it look all pretty.  So much I want to do, so little time... so little MONEY! LOL  How excited I am to be hosting Cam and Hannah's birthday party in this awesome back yard though!  I think I might be more excited than they are!  I'm pretty sure Billy wants to smack me upside the head with all the ideas and projects I have been throwing out there! LOL  I just cant help it! 

We were able to enjoy the 4th of July down the beach and the kids had a blast in the pots and pans parade as usual.  Being amidst their cousins is surely what makes it so fun.  We even got up to New Hampshire for a few days to breath in the mountain air. 

Now we are just hunkering down and getting ready for our PARTAAAY!  LOL  Which leads me to the fact that Mr. Cameron the Canneloni is TWO.  TWO?  Yes, TWO.  He is as crazy as ever and has been dubbed the Cameron Monster.  Lord help me with the TWO's!  LOL  He leaves me exasperated and exhausted most days, but at the same time, I eat him right up.  He is VERY smart.  VERY inquisitive and VERY busy.  He amazes me with the things he will do or try.  He throws caution to the wind and goes full force all day long... BUT, he is still my sleeper... YIPEEE!  So while I am usually pulling my hair out all day long with him, by night time, he's on my lap nuzzling with me and I realize how luck I truly am.  Love that little booger with all my heart.  Life would SURELY be boring without him. 

And then... there is Hannah Banana Meatball.  The meatball will turn EIGHT tomorrow.  EIGHT?  Oh dear Lord, EIGHT, tomorrow.  She is growing up right before my eyes.  I have seen so many changes in her recently.  Just her body alone.  I always loved to watch the kids sleep.  Lately, I watch Hannah and I just stand there in amazement.  She is so big.  Her limbs, her feet, her long gorgeous curly hair... she's so quickly growing right out of being a little girl that it is frightening me.  Truly scaring me.  I cant even hold her anymore!  I'm not ready for this.  AT ALL.  I just want to stop time, NOW.. before it gets too late.  Before she grows all up on me.  sigh.  Baby Hannah.  Sweet little miracle baby, who defied the odds.  Who taught me so much about this life and still continues to teach me.  I love her to pieces.  Attitude and all.  She's such a good little boog and so helpful.  A total messy pie but so helpful!  LOL  Happy 8th Birthday meatball.  I am forever indebted to you for giving me the miracle of being a mother.  To the moon and the stars and back.  I love you. 

And the ravioli is doing well too!  We've managed to stay away from the ICU the past several months (knock on wood) and keep her asthma mostly controlled.  She is growing like a weed and is this tall beanpole.  She is maturing alot but still has that same Layla, "hold you" personality.  Thank you Jesus!  She'll be my cuddle bug to the end without a doubt.  She' so laid back and so darn funny.  I wish I could remember half the stuff she says because all day long I just laugh with this child.  The way she interprets words and comes out with sayings.  It's just a trip.  She is also very helpful.  If I sit down to fold laundry, she is right by my side helping.  Always wants to be with me.  :)  And soon she'll be turning five and I'll be in the middle of another heart attack!  LOL

And that's the rundown.  I'm sure there is so much more Im forgetting but lets face it.  The mind is not what it use to be!    Enjoy the beautiful weather and remember to enjoy every second with the people you love!
xo

Lucky Ol' Sun

I swear I feel as though it has been raining for weeks straight around here.  But today, oh today that sun is finally shining and I finally feel as though Spring might be here.  Please oh please let it stay this way for out big day on Sunday!  Thank you Jesus!

I had begun to write several posts the past few weeks, but I couldn't seem to find half a second to finish them.  I swear there are never enough hours in the day!  So I am beginning a new post.  Lets see if I can finish it!

My Mother's Day was awesome.  I was granted my one wish and that was for all five of us to attend Church together.  Cameron has been at that age where taking him out in public has become a public safety hazard, let alone take him to Church.  However, we soon will be switching back to my beloved St.  Phillips and the cry room there is much bigger than St. A's so we gave it a shot.  He was excellent...ok, well almost.  Most of the parishioners came out of it unscathed! LOL  It was just nice to have all five of us there (plus Nonnie and Papa).  It was exactly the way I had wanted to start my week.  After Church we went to our annual brunch at Julie's.  The kids played and the adults sat and talked while Billy and I took turns chasing Cameron.  Dad got his ritual hair cut by Uncle Mike on the front porch.  After spending some time with my family, we met Billy's family at La Cucina for some more yummy food.  This is where I was asked to be Miss Bailey's God Mother.  I cried.  Of course I cried.  How lucky am I?  I love that little pudding pop and having the chance to be a God Mother to both Reanna and Bailey, means the world to me.  It's an honor I dont take lightly.  Thank you Auntie Leanne and Uncle Dan, for chosing me!  The girls were on their best behavior while playing with their cousins, but Cam was toast with no nap so he and Mommy hung out in the car for a bit while he entertained the parking lot pretending to drive the car... and then he found the horn.  No explanation needed.  I think we finally arrived home around 5:00 PM and I was able to relax on the deck with a glass of wine!

This week has been NUTSO!  That is an understatement.  Miss Hannah is making her First Communion this Sunday.  St. A's is super strict and the kids all have First Communion practice every day from 3:30 - 5:00.  Needless to say it is a very long day for these 7 year olds.  School from 9-3, CCD from 3:30 - 5 and then all the other activities that they have commitments too.  For Hannah it's dance and hockey.  Poor Hannah barely made it through Monday and that was her easiest day.  By 6:00 she was melting down.  We sent her outside to play with the chickens and that seemed to help calm her down.  (Have I mentioned that we have chickens now?)  Only 7 (well almost 8) but I swear the poor kid was stressed out..and quite frankly I don't blame her!  Personally, I think it is a little excessive to have practice every day.  But we are almost at week's end and we have survived!  Did I mention she was asked to do a reading and therefore will need to be back at practice on Saturday at 11?  So much of my week has been carting kids back and forth here and there.  We are almost done!  We were able to fit in a photo shoot of Han in her dress after her interview with the Priest last Saturday.  (Yes, they had to have an interview as well... to make sure they knew their stuff.)  The dress looks adorable on her.  It is so HER!  We had fun taking pictures.  She is very easy to photograph!

Back to the chickens.  Who knew that this was one of my husband's life long dreams?  To raise chickens as pets.  I thought he had severely bumped his head when this all came out.  Actually, he kept most of it from me which in retrospect was probably a good thing.  He disassembled his grandparents old shed and reassembled it in our yard.  I sincerely thought it was for the kids yard toys.  My assumption was entirely incorrect and I began to realize this when bails of hay started making their way into the shed and then a coop was being built.  That being said, these one year old Rhode Island Reds have made their way into my heart.  All seven of them.  They really are cute and quite easy to care for.  I love watching them and they have begun to get really use to us.  They come up to us now and actually like to be pet.  Hannah is their mother.  She picks them all up and loves on them.  Feeds them and cares for them.  She is a pro with them and it is so adorable to see.  Never in a million years did I think that we would be doing something like this but I so love it.  Farmer Bill.. who would have thunk... ???  The best part is the fresh eggs! 

Aside from all the running around, I was able to take a few days off last week and chaperon Hannah and Layla's field trips.  Layla had hers at the circus.  No way in God's name was I about to send her off without me on that one.  Good thing too, because the two of us ended up needing inhalers and allergy medicine just from sitting in the audience.  It was however, an awesome show!  Probably the best I have seen.  It was so nice to just spend that time with Layla alone as well.  We never get that.  Plus, she is my easiest!!!  My cuddle bug love hog.  We had a blast!  Hannah's field trip was at an Audobonne Society in Bristol.  The weather did not cooperate and it poured.  Buckets.  Yet, it didn't stop us from exploring the wetlands outside.  Out we were, with rain pouring down, checking out salamanders, birds, nests, frogs, ponds, gunk... and everything nature like.  By the time we got back to the school we were all drowned rats!  It was fun and I was so glad that I was able to experience these trips with my girls! 

Other than that I am full speed ahead the finishing touches of the Father Daughter Dance.  We have over 100 responses which is pleasing.  After this weekend I will then finish up the last minute details and I cant wait for that day to arrive! 

Now on to the weekend filled with errands, house cleaning, birthday parties, block parties and preparing for my baby girl's First Communion!  God Bless!

Bailey Anne..

It's official!  I am an Auntie of 6!  My 5th Niece was born early Sunday morning (2:30am) weighing in at 8lbs 4oz.  Mama and baby are doing very well!  She is a DOLL!  I might be a little obsessed with her.  Just a tad.  I can't help it.  Something about a baby makes me all gushy inside!  I love babies!!!  LOL  We had a great weekend waiting on her to come.  Arielle and Addy came over Thursday night and played with the girls.  The rest of the family also ended up coming by and we threw dinner on the grill and just enjoyed each other's company.  Auntie Paula, Mom Murphy, Leanne and I took a walk up the street to try and help get Leanne's water to break.  Wine in hand we took our stroll and I swear that I felt like I was on vacation.  My love affair with my road is apparent.  Just the girls, walking on and talking and all surrounded by the fact that the Lord was about to grant us another miracle and that baby would soon appear.  The flowers, the Lilac smell in the air, the farmland and rolling hills... it was the perfect Spring evening.  The girls stayed the night and then I took them all to Grammy's in the morning while I went to work with Cam.  Leanne went in around noon time and although it was a long day for her, the princess finally arrived!  Congrats Dan and Leanne!!!

I'm completely bummed that the school vacation week is over and we are back to our hectic schedules this rainy Monday morning.  I loved having the girls home and having our mornings be laid back and not rushed.  I am so looking forward to the summer!  It stinks to have to work, but at least I will be able to soak them up more and have our days be laid back!  Cheers to a great week!

The girls waiting on the 5th Princess to arrive!

The Murphy side.. waiting on the 6th

and here she is!  Auntie Leanne looking great after 12 hours of waiting!

LOVE HER!

Cam was very intrigued by her! 

I might steal her! 

Cam and I being silly! 

Childhood Dreams

So I can finally officially come out and say that YES we have moved back to Smithfield and are in the home I grew up in. I know I have posted a bit about this previously, but I now have the permission of Hannah's principal that she may stay at her school through the end of the year so I'd pretty much like to scream to the world how happy I am that we are in this house! I love everything about this house. I love the memories I have as a child and I love hearing my children making those same memories. The lot is just beautiful and embodies everything it means to live in the country right down to our little groundhog living under the shed. The street is breathtaking with it's wildlife, nature and beauty. This time of year has always been my favorite with the trees budding and the birds chirping. I can't wait to enjoy the summer here on Williams Road. There is nothing that feels more home to me...

The five of us took a walk up the street the other night.  I grabbed my camera and took some pictures of the kids near my favorite farmhouse...