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