Mama's been thinking...

Mama's been thinking about some really great ideas on how I can give back to all these children affected by cancer.  A good friend of mine put the buzz in my ear and now, I can't stop thinking about all these wonderful ideas and how great it's going to be.  I just hope I can accomplish what I am meant to do.  I have a feeling that this is what God intended for me.  To give back in this way.  The passion is there, I just need the rest to fall into place!  I have faith. 


After picking Hannah up at school yesterday, we headed to BJ's to get some Mother's Day supplies.  We then spent the rest of the evening finishing Hannah's homework and studying for her spelling test.  We have been working on both of these items all week.  How is it that it still took us 2 hours to finish it?  Boy I am in for it when I have three kids coming home every day with homework!  Praying she got 100% on her spelling test today because she sure studied hard enough for it. 


How did I get so lucky to have these little munchkins in my life?  As I type I am peering over my desk at the pack n play and a peacefully sleeping little man. What is it about sleeping babies that makes me melt? I love this little guy to pieces.

My Layla funny for the day was when we pulled up to McDonalds this morning.  Normally I make her a homemade egg sandwich, but this morning we were out of the supplies to do so.  Apparently just licking the cream cheese off the bagel I made her, didn't quite fill her up enough.  So as I was waiting to pay for an Egg McMuffin, her little voice says to me, "Mama, is this McDonalds?" To which I replied, "Yes, Baby."  To which she replied, "has a farm???"  Seriously.  Could she be any funnier?  The way her mind works just amazes me and sends me into hysterics.  This sweet little voice with all these crazy things to say.  This was her last night after her bath and we had blown her hair dry for the very first time.  Yes, folks, the child is three and a half and this was the first time we felt as though she had enough hair to blow dry!  Major milestone in our house! 

We started a chore chart yesterday evening and I can say as of day #1, Billy and I are thrilled.  I asked both the girls to each come up with three chores a piece and I wrote them on a chart.  Every day if their chores are complete, they will get a sticker for that day.  After 7 days of completed chores, they get a reward.  I let them choose what rewards they would like and we wrote them all down and put them in a hat.  Each week they will pick out a reward from a hat and work towards that reward.  Hannah picked a new pair of flip flops and Layla picked a $5 trip to the Dollar Store.  They got right to work yesterday without skipping a beat.  This morning, not only was their bed made, but mine as well.  Hannah couldn't do enough to please me and it was so very heartwarming.  I love that little booger...always trying to do me proud!

It was almost seven years ago that I became a mother for the first time.  The day that Hannah came into my life was the best day.  The day she made me a mother, will never be forgotten.  I will always carry that memory close to my heart.  As we go into Mother's Day weekend, I couldn't be more happy and proud to be called a mother of three beautiful children whom I love so very much my heart aches!  I always knew that I wanted children.  I wanted a bunch of children.  Yet, I never knew how much they would complete me.  How much they would fill my heart and how much love I could have for them.  I am honored to be their Mother.  I am blessed.  I am thankful to the Lord for giving me these most precious gifts.  To me, there is not greater gift than being a mother and I am forever grateful to have that term apply to me.  My princesses and my prince.. God I love you with all of my being!

I would be remiss if I didn't wish all the wonderful mothers in the world a very Happy Mother's Day!  Mom, I love you.  I love you for so many reasons, but I love you for being you.  I love you because you taught me so much, I could never repay you with my gratitude.  You gave me everything you had.  Every piece of you.  You sacrificed so much to raise us and I will always be so thankful that God sent me to be your daughter.  I will never, ever be able to give you what you so deserve in this life, but I will always be there to give you all of my love.  To my sister, sister in laws and friends, I love you all.  I love being on this Motherhood journey with you.  I love talking, venting and coming up with the best ways to be a mother with you all.  I love trading stories about all the wonderful things our children have done and I love trading stories about the crazy, crazy things they have done.  You make this journey such a fun place to be.  You are all such wonderful friends and phenomenal Mom's.  I am so very fortunate to have you all by my side.  Happy Mother's Day.. all my love xoxoxo

Something is askew...

Something is askew with the kids.  The past two days they have just not been themselves.  Hannah is off.  Layla is exceptionally tired and yet waking often in the night.  (She hadn't done this in quite some time.)  Cameron has just been plain fussy and not his normal happy self.  (Teeth?)  I am so looking forward to a night of rest and relaxation with them.  They all have coughs and I am hoping that it is just allergies and nothing more.  Fingers crossed.  Maybe a good night of vegging out and just cuddling would do us all some good.  (Myself included)  There doesn't seem to be enough coffee to keep my eyes open today..Hoping tomorrow brings us some more sunshine and my three babies are back to their bouncing selves!

Cancer Sucks...PERIOD

Recently, I have received many inquiries as to why I am so passionate about fundraising for children affected by cancer.  Why?  It's as simple as this:  Cancer Sucks!  Cancer in children is just plain evil and down right cruel.  To be a parent and to have to watch your child fight this demon has to be just plain torture!  I have three healthy children and I give praise to the Lord every day for giving me these blessings.  This is not to say that we haven't had our share of heartache between Hannah and Layla's infancy's.  We were so close to losing Hannah.  And although Hannah didn't have cancerous tumors her tumors were just as serious.  They were killing her.  I feel as though I stared death in her face but Hannah won.  She healed.  She battled and she survived.  Not every child has the same outcome as we did.  Not every parent gets to come out in the end holding their child in their arms.  That to me, has got to be the most unbearable pain.  The most unfathomable hurt.  I wrote a post about our journey with Hannah a few years back...
http://lifewithtwoprincessesandaprince.blogspot.com/search/label/Hemangiomas




It was a little over a year ago (January 2010) when I was sent Layla Grace Marsh's link asking for prayers.  I followed her parent's daily reports.  I prayed.  My own little Layla Grayce shared the same name and had many of the same issues initially.  Except my Layla, she had the best test results possible.  Layla Grace Marsh did not.  I felt connected to this family even though we never spoke.  We never met.  When it was time to for Layla Grace Marsh to return home to the Lord and fly with the angels, I cried.  I felt so much love for this little darling that I vowed I would make a difference.  I would help battle this demon.  I would find ways to fundraise and become more involved in helping to find a cure.  I want to be here when that day comes.  I want to be able to rejoice in the fact that no other child has to battle this awful monster. 


Since this time the Marsh family has set up a foundation and website that I have followed faithfully.  I have met many other children through this website that have also battled this demon.  I have rejoiced in the children that have won and I have cried when they have gone home to the Lord.  I make myself read these heartbreaking stories because it makes me appreciate what I have all the more.  The days when the kids are naughty and acting up.  The high stress lifestyle we can sometimes lead.  I appreciate it all because I have my three, HEALTHY children to love and to hold every day.  I appreciate that I can wake up and cuddle them and exchange "I love you's".  I appreciate that we can call ourselves a family of five.  I appreciate it all.  I embrace it and I will never, ever take one single day for granted.


I hope anyone who reads this will appreciate what they have in their lives and join me in battling this demon with these children.  No child deserves to have to fight for their lives.  No child should have to endure this pain, this horrible sickness.  No parent should have to watch their child die and be so completely helpless.  There are so many little ways you can help these children if you just give a moment of your time.  Let's find a cure for childhood cancer! 


To find out how you can help fight cancer, click on any of these websites below.  Donate or share the links to make more people aware.  These are the faces of cancer...


Bless you all.

"A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom." "

Layla Grace Marsh - http://www.laylagrace.org/

Ronan - http://www.rockstarronan.com/
Ezra - http://www.TheMathewsstory.com
Savannah - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahswandal
Memphis - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/memphis2cancer0
Michael - http://SupportMichael.com  (Michael is a local little boy fighting cancer and his family is having a fundraiser in July to help with his medical expenses.  I have dontated my photography services and a gift certificate for this wonderful cause and I hope you will consider a donation too!  No amount is too small!)


These are only a handful of pages that I follow.. there are so, so, so many more little angels fighting this demon!  Please consider helping! xoxoxo

She's got a new dress...or two.. or three...

Miss Hannah did a modeling show for Daddy when we got home from dress shopping tonight!  You have no idea how excited I am to see her dressing up again!!!  My beautiful, beautiful girl!  (Sorry for the cruddy cell phone pics..)

The munchkins going for a roller coaster ride in the laundry basket... out of all the toys they have... they had the most fun tonight playing in this!

Reason #2 Why I Love the Spring....

Playing Street Hockey in the driveway! 

I spent the day with Nonnie, Layla and Cameron running errands.  As usual, our errands always turn into some sort of adventure and we ended up down city walking to and fro without a stroller!  I had to go to the Attorney General's office to get a BCI check form in order to volunteer in Hannah's school.  Of course there is no parking down town so we parked a million miles away and trekked it.  Only to find out that I needed a bank check to pay for the BCI check and cash wouldn't do.  We ended up walking to Kennedy Plaza, making a stop at Sovereign where they suggested we head over to the Post Office for the bank check as the fee was cheaper.  Did I mention that we had the two little ones and NO STROLLER?  LOL  It was a gorgeous day and we took our time, making pit stops to go potty and stepping into Starbucks to get Cam and Layla a treat.  Thankfully, the kids were excellent and Nonnie and I took turns carrying Cameron.  After this two hour errand, we headed home exhausted! 


Kenzie came over after school to keep Hannah company and I really can't even get over these two and how much they have grown and matured.  Their friendship is like that of two little old ladies and it can be quite comical to watch.  One second they are loving on each other and the next they are snapping at each other.  Yet, the two of them would be lost without each other.  I got some cute video of them dancing to the Biebs that I will have to post. 


Papa came over to meet Nonnie and have dinner.  After dinner we were about to clean up the piles of dirty dishes when I decided NO.  I wasnt going to spend the beautiful evening cleaning dishes and wasting precious time.  I made everyone stop and outside we went.  (I'm learning)  Every single one of us.  We played, we laughed and it was an AWESOME evening.  Then the hockey net came out and the rest is history!  LOL  What a wondeful Spring evening and a memory I wont soon forget.  I gave the kids their bath and then cuddled them to sleep. 

After bedtime, I received a phone call that ticked me off.  That's as far as I will go with it but I was mad and I needed to vent.  I texted my Ana at 8:30 and headed on over for some girl talk, venting and some heavenly wine!  We sat outside just talking and talking and listening to each other.  Why hadn't we thought of this before?  Put the kids to bed and THEN get together!  LOL  It was just pure awesomeness and her friendship is something that I totally cherish.  It's amazing how people come into your life at exactly the most perfect time!  Now if I can only get rid of this pounding (wine) headache.. I'd be golden!  Oh how I love my McGuire girls!  You know who you are... what a fun summer we are about to have!


We had a FANTASTIC night at the Circus on Sunday.  We went full throttle and I completely SPOILED them!  I didnt care.  It was our girls night and I was going to make it a memorable one at that!  Layla was so hyped up on sugar (a full bag of cotton candy) that she had Hannah and I in belly laughs most of the evening with her craziness.  She was even attempting to do acrobatics in her seat!  It was beyond hilarious!

Needless to say, they were exhausted by the time we got home Sunday night!

I went to open the curtains yesterday and found this on the bow window.  Apparently, Hannah was trying to revive a Dandelion... it was the CUTEST thing!

Nonnie and Layla playing "Ghosts" yesterday, although Layla looked more like Cartman! LOL

This was Joseph and Layla playing after school yesterday.  I thought it was so precious!

And this was my gorgeous girl this morning before school.  She needed to dress up for a Mother's Day surprise and delighted I was, that she looked so beautifully dressed.  So much so, that I offerred to buy her some new dresses after school today.. and she took me up on it!  THANK YOU HEAVEN!  How nice it will be to see her in some dresses!!!!

April showers bring... lazy May afternoons!

This weekend has actually been a lovely surprise!  The weather has continues to please all of us and we couldn't be more grateful after the winter we have had.  Friday evening we got to spend with my side of the family celebrating the April birthdays and the kids thoroughly enjoyed each other.  I always get such a kick out of my niece, Reanna, as her personality is just so unbelievably funny.  The kids played and the adults relaxed and it was the perfect evening with little clean up.  (Thank you Jules for swiffering my floor!  Even though the soda explosion was sooo not your fault! LOL)

Yesterday I was able to take Layla to dance SOLO!  I usually have at least one of the kids in tow and this was a pleasant surprise to be able to watch her with my undivided attention.  She is so dramatic during dance that it can be quite comical to watch.  If she is suppose to hold her arms in a big circle, well then Layla's arms will be in a big grand exaggerated circle.  I was worried about her behaving due to the steroids, but thankfully she did great!  I can't wait to see this little munchkin dance in her first recital.  They are sooo going to be the hit of the show!  We got to take home her costume as well.... I will wait til dress rehearsal to show you this fancy garb!

I then spent 6... yes SIX hours cleaning out the girl's and Cameron's drawers and closets.  It was a huge task.  Quite an overwhelming one at that.  Yet, the work isn't what gets to me.  It's the thought of them never wearing the clothes again that completely depresses me and makes me procrastinate the task all together.  I hate it.  I still had some of Layla's little cuddle toys in Cameron's closet.  She use to play with them for all of 5 minutes before screaming bloody murder in her crib.  Yet the point is, they were hers.  Her special "purple" snuggles and I can remember those days as if they were yesterday.  Our special moments when I nursed her in the rocker while listening to the Commodores.  Sigh...   I even packed up her precious mobile for Miss Stella to use.  I can;t believe I am at the point now of giving these things a new home.  I really cant bare the thought of it, so I am going to pretend that I am going to have at least 5 more kids.. LOL  Aside from it being a huge task, I will say... their drawers and closets look GREAT!  It's a great feeling to have them organized to start off the Spring with.  A good sense of accomplishment!

During my 6 hour ordeal, I received a phone call from Tammi asking us to stop by and see Pete.  I was sooo excited for the invite because it has been so very hard to try and stay away and respect his family time.  I had only texted him once since his return home so I was due for that hug in person.  He looks wonderful!  My first thought was, Oh my he looks just like Jay.  I kept staring at him the whole night because I couldn't believe how different he looked.  I really enjoyed catching up with the girls while the kids ran crazy throughout the house.  It was such a nice night amongst friends and I was so happy to have enjoyed the evening with the gang.  And how could I forget?  It was also Brenna's 5th Birthday!  Holy Cow Brenna is FIVE! 

Which brings me to my lazy day in May!  LOL  I woke up early with Mr. Cam and we hung out together this morning for a bit before I put him back down for a nap.  I was able to work for a couple of hours and I managed to finish all the edits on Noah's pictures.  Hannah headed out to her last day of CCD and Billy headed to BJ's to stock us up on some goods.  Layla got up around 10:00 (God I love her sleep schedule while on the asthma meds!) and snuggled on the couch for a bit before we took Cam outside to try and get a first birthday pic of him.  (Arggggg it didn't quite work as planned!) From there we have spent the rest of the day sooo being lazy and I am loving it!  The sun is shining and we are just completely enjoying each other's company.  The kids and I anyhow.  Billy is zonked on the couch not feeling so hot.  Hopefully he can sleep it off and feel better.  I have a Circus date with the girls this evening and I cant WAIT!  I think I may be more excited than they are!  I cant remember the last time it was just me and my girls!  We even painted our nails today to get ready for our big date! 

Keeping our little princess Olivia C. in our prayers tomorrow as she undergoes some testing at BCH.  As if my Helen hasn't been through enough, she has this looming over her.  Praying for positive results!

Reanna girl... I love that face!

The pile of Cheetos below were Reanna's pile.  She lept storing them up so no one would take them.  God I love her!  She definitely takes after her Auntie!

My little Rapunzel! 

How could I fail to mention that my Hannah Banana lost another tooth this week???????  Two teeth in one week!!!!!  AHHHH the Tooth Fairy is going to need a 3rd job!  The space however, is sooo darn cute!  I keep staring at her!  She even talks different!  I love it!

Our Circus nails

My baby boy picking tulips for his Mama... well maybe not picking.. more like trying to eat them!!!!

Reason #1 While I love the Spring

Blowing Bubbles with Layla!!!!

"Mommy, it says I can have this."

This is just one example of how I love the way Layla speaks and how her mind works. While watching me eat my lunch she discovers a bag of croutons. Picks it up, studies the back and says, "Mommy, it says I can have this." Spoken from a true blue severe peanut allergy kid! There are so many times when I feel terrible that she cant have certain foods. This is getting more difficult as she gets older and is more able to understand that other children can have foods that she cant. Sometimes it truly breaks my heart. Yet, then there are the times when there are yummy foods she can have and once we've checked and have given the okay, she is deliriously excited! So it is almost as if the not being able to eat certain things makes the things she can eat, that much better! (Does that make sense?)

The poor bit is out of sorts today as she was up most the night with asthma issues. Darn, we were doing so good. She is still struggling this afternoon and I am contemplating a dose of prednisone when we get home. Thinking it might be a good idea so that she can get at least a few hours of sleep tonight. Thankfully, she hasn't given me a struggle with the inhalers. Hoping to get it under control and get her back on her feet!

This was her sleeping on me last night during the Bruin's game. She had woken up with a night terror and I carried her down so I could watch the last period of the game. I don't know how she was sleeping with Billy screaming profanities at the television. He is a die hard fan and I have to allow him this "guy" time to scream his comments, however, I think there were some words in there that I have never heard before! Then of course with the Bruin's scoring in overtime, I screamed and woke the ravioli up. Poor kid. She didn't know what hit her.

Mr. Cam is also not himself today and I am almost sure it is his teeth. He's been fussy and clingy. Once I gave him some Tylenol, he seemed to settle down a bit. He is drooling and biting his hands (and mine!). He is sleeping soundly now. Looking so very sweet curled up in the pack n' play. Needless to say, he still manages to be his Happy Go Lucky self when he is eating and lately, I have had to strip him down before feeding him. He makes SUCH A MESS! LOL Food goes flying everywhere during his feedings! He is such a BOY! (A very cute one at that!)

Hannah Banana is the same ol' Hannah Banana. Full of fun and surprises and constantly giving me stress in the mornings when getting dressed! The child is me when I was thirteen. Yet she is only SIX ... and a half (I hate that half part!) I swear, every day she tries to put these outfits together that don't match in the least bit and that usually don't even make sense! LOL For the most part, I roll with it, but sometimes.. the stress gets to me. I am getting this back 10 fold as my parents always warned me I would. So here is my public apology... I'M SOOOO SORRY MOM for the way I used to try and dress. I GET IT now. I SOOOO GET IT! LOL We have been working on Hannah's math skills and trying to teach her to not use her fingers to count. The other day while we were practicing, I saw her turn from me a few times and I kept telling her not to use her fingers. Finally she turned to me and said, "Mom.. I'm not using my fingers! I'm using my toes!" (Always a step ahead of the game she is that spitfire!) "You didn't say anything about me not being able to use my toes!" Right she was.

Lately, I have been noticing the three of them bonding a lot. Granted there are times when I have to break up the screaming fights, but I feel as though now that Cameron is getting bigger there is more of a bond between the three of them. He wants to be with them at all times and the girls treat him like a little baby doll. Always watching out for him. Making sure he wont get hurt. Hannah and Layla too, are bonding much more. Layla is constantly making Hannah laugh with her silliness. I LOVE to watch this! It's always those deep down belly laughs... warms my heart. I also see them cuddling in bed at night and THAT just melts me! I don't care what anyone says. I love the fact that they share a room. They will remember all the memories that came along with sharing a room, well into their thirties at least. I am fortunate enough to remember all the great memories with Julie and I when we shared a room. I even remember my mother saying, "I'm losing my patience!" when we would giggle too much at night. Which would send us more into a roaring fit because then we would tease.. "Yes, Mom.. we see your patients walking right down the hallway." Memories... oh how I love memories! :)

I took this picture the other morning. Neither one of them even knew I took it but I couldn't even handle the sweetness of this moment!

Spring has Sprung!

The weather has been so absolutely tremendous this week! How could you not be in a good mood? The trees are blooming. The flowers are sprouting. Our tulips are flaunting their beautiful colors. Spring is here and I couldn't be more thrilled! Easter day was magnificent! We had a lovely day visiting friends and family and it was quite relaxing. The kids got a huge kick out of the "Bunny Tracks" left all over the house by Mr. Easter Bunny. (Thanks to the help of some baby powder and fingerprints!) Layla is still talking about how there are tracks all over the place!

My Hannah banana lost ANOTHER tooth yesterday. ANOTHER! She is going to be toothless soon as she has yet another wobbly one working it's way out. I can't believe how big this kid has grown! I had her education night last night at her school. I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved that I was able to experience the way she is taught in the classroom. It is so magical to see how far she has come, especially with reading. I loved socializing with her teachers and meeting new teachers that she may have in the future. Everyone was so very nice and it turned out to be a great evening. Second grade.. just around the corner.. my baby girl.... Wasn't I just holding this 5lb miracle in my arms like last week?

Layla cakes and Cameron are also doing well. The two are quite the crazy pair and Layla continues to crack us up on a daily basis. Her choice of words is just down right hysterical to no end. Cameron is the Cameron MONSTER! (In a good way) I just turned around and found him to have climbed up on Layla's desk and he was standing on top of it. HOLY COW! I am waiting for him to take that first step. I can't believe we are already at this point with him. A whole year has almost gone by. He is still my lovable little guy and loves to snuggle with his Mama.. which I am so very grateful for!

I finally went to the doctor on Saturday for the crazy sore throat I had been having. I had literally had it for three weeks and it felt like I was swallowing shreds of glass. I was too scared to get it checked, which was why I waited so long. (Knowing that my bad habit of smoking cigars with Dad probably was not the best idea) Thankfully it was just an infection and after a few days of antibiotics I feel a world better!

I just finished reading Firefly Lane, by Kristen Hannah. Great book! I pretty much bawled through the last 5 chapters.. and I mean.. bawled. To the point where I woke up and my eyes were still red and puffy. It was a great read and I highly suggest it to anyone looking for a good book. I am a huge fan of Elin Hilderbrand and Kristen Hannah is now right up there next to her.

I was able to get out and walk this week too. I love when the weather begins to turn and I can get a good evening walk in with the cool breeze blowing. I swear it makes everything feel better. Although, I do have to find a good playlist to walk to. Sometimes the sappy love songs don't keep me at a good pace! LOL I am hoping that we will be able to work out a good evening walking schedule with my McGuire girls. I did buy a pair of Sketcher Shape Ups, which up until the point when I put them on and walked, thought they were a crock.. but let me tell you... I could not get out of bed the next day! My whole body was sore. My legs, glutes, calves... everything ached as if I had done legs at the gym! So take it from me, they work. Anything to help me get in better physical shape these days!

I am looking forward to a fantastic Spring spending time with friends and family. As my girl Ana says, "I'm getting all the chores and projects done now, so we can have a summer full of grilled pizza and margaritas!" Doesn't get much better than that!

Happy Spring!

Easter Preparations!

Happy Friday! This week FLEW by! I am so glad that I was able to do a few fun things with the kids and take the time to truly enjoy Hannah's vacation week. Mom and Dad are HOME! That was surely my highlight of this past week. Months without seeing them, is just way too long. I love coming into the office and seeing my Dad's face in the morning. He is my rock. My idol. My "go-to" man! To say that I am a "Daddy's Girl" would be a complete understatement! LOL They are home and I am happy!

We were able to go see "Rio" Wednesday night, which was sponsored by the PTA. It turned out to be a great evening complete with pizza and unlimited popcorn and soda for only $7 per ticket. What's better than that? The kids loved it and even Mr. Cameron had fun and was such a good little Cannelloni! I have been trying to get more involved with the PTA these days to try and make the school a better place for my Hannah. (In all my spare time of course) I think that with more parent involvement and more people caring about the school, it could really be a great institution for these kids. I am hoping to rally the troops for next year and organize some really great events for the kids and their families.

My mother in law greatly helped me out this week and took the girls a few days while I worked. I was stressing having all three in the office with me. Thankfully she came to the rescue and spent some quality time with them, which they loved. The girls adore their time with her and I am so grateful to have her. I was also able to grab some drinks this week with my mother in law, sisters in law and Auntie Paula. We had more laughs and more fun. I am thinking we are going to have to do that a little more often!

Yesterday, Mom and I made the traditional Italian Rice Pies. Four and a half hours into it, we realized we created a MASTERPIECE! This went so much smoother than last year. We didnt even have to take any extra trips back to the market! Surely Mama was watching us from above. We spent the afternoon laughing and talking and enjoying each other. I soaked up this special time with my Mom. I realize how very important it is to share these wonderful memories with her. It was a blessing.

Easter preparations are in full swing. I was able to get the food shopping done early this morning and I was in and out of the market in no time. I still have to put the kid's baskets together, but I am ahead of the game this year because at least I have all of the items to make the baskets! LOL I just have to add some of Layla's special chocolate (Peanut, soy and milk free). I'm so excited to have THREE little baskets this year to put on the dining room table.

So in other words, LIFE IS GOOD. I am blessed and I am so very thankful to the Lord, for making the ultimate sacrifice. Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter. I hope you are able to wrap yourself in the arms of your family's love, the way I am able to.

Happy Birthday Billy!

Happy 36th to my fantabulous husband. THIRTY SIX! I met this wonderful guy close to 8 years ago and yet our courtship seems like it was only yesterday! Our "awkward" date at Spain.. where we sat as far away from each other as possible in a bundle of nerves... yet we did loosen up quite a bit after cocktails at the Ocean Mist! I remember him opening the car door for me and holding me on the deck of the Ocean Mist overlooking the ocean.. Okay.. wait.. no that was surely a lifetime ago because I havent seen that chivalry since! HA!

Truth be told, we have had our share of good times and bad times. Most importantly we have prevailed through the bad times. Together standing strong. He has given me three of life's most precious gifts and for that I will be forever grateful. I love him through thick and thin. I love him for his humor and I love him even when he leaves his stinky socks all over the house. I love him for being a great Dad and I love him because I simply cannot imagine my crazy life without him! So Happy Birthday Billy! I love you..through and through.

Everything,

Michael Buble

You're a falling star,

You're the get away car.

You're the line in the sand when I go too far.

You're the swimming pool, on an August day.

And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play it coy, but it's kinda cute.

Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.

Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.

Cause you can see it when I look at you.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, You make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,

And you light me up, when you ring my bell.

You're a mystery, you're from outer space,

You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,

And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.

Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,

And you know that's what our love can do.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, You make me sing

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, You make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're every song, and I sing along.

'Cause you're my everything.

xoxoxo

A jumbled bunch of thoughts

The title pretty much sums up where I am brain wise this evening. I have so many different thoughts all going through my head that I don't even know how to begin to sort them out. Therefore, I am apologizing ahead of time, if this post runs astray. The most prevalent thought at the moment is, "How do you even begin to say goodbye to your child?" In lieu of an old high school classmate and friend of mine, who is doing just that. I began writing this blog years ago as a way of being able to keep track of all the experiences I have with my children. To keep the memories close to my heart and to be able to go back and reread the many milestones they have already encountered. To be able to smile as I read them over and over again and remember these times as if they were just yesterday. As a way for my children to one day know how very much their mother loves them. My love for them has always been overbearing, this I know. I am overwhelmed by the amount of love I have for each of them. Day in and day out, I am consumed with keeping them safe from any and all harm. "Velcro Mom," as I have been dubbed. I never cared what people thought about how much I strive to keep them close to me at all times. I still don't. I never will. For what I fear the most is what the Mandeville family is currently encountering. The loss of a child. There never seems to be enough time in a day to do all the things that I want to do with my children. To cherish every second and literally sit down and play and teach and cuddle and love them. Before I know it, the day is at an end and they are nestled all snug in their beds as I am left wondering where on earth the day went. I suppose this very thought is what was nagging me on Saturday when I decided to forgo the housework and sit down and play. I did just that. I put aside the cleaning, the laundry and the cooking and I played. For four hours straight we laughed and giggled, snuggled and we drew the most amazing scroll pictures as a welcome home present for Nonnie and Papa. I enjoyed every last bit of it. Somehow the cleaning, cooking and laundry got done (or is still getting done) and it didn't really matter that it didn't get done when I intended it to. What mattered, was that I cherished the gift of time with the three little miracles I love the most. This lesson is something I revisit often. I somehow always end up in a vicious cycle of, "I have to get this done now," and "Okay kids, just one second, Mommy has to do this first." I don't want it to be like this anymore. I want to make a change and stick to it. The kids are growing and they are growing so quickly. These are the times when I need to stop, exhale and take them all in. In the blink of an eye, I know the day will come when I will have all the time in the world to do chores. I want to savour these moments with them now while I have them. I live in fear of experiencing what the Mandeville family is currently undergoing. I know that these blessings are a gift from God and when it is time, He calls them home to Him. How can I possibly not see that the most precious gift I have been given is this time with my babies? I see it, I do, but I need to make some changes to ensure that I am soaking up every last bit of them. As the clock ticks on and my eyes are becoming slits, I will leave you with this. I hope that if you do come to visit the Murphy household that you will most certainly understand why it may be cluttered, in need of a vacuum or mopping. Or if you see some dishes and toys strewn about.. you will know that it is only because I spent my day LOVING my children. With that, I am heading to bed with a very full basket of laundry sitting in the middle of the room waiting to be folded and there it shall sit.. . Please keep Bobby Mandeville and his entire family close to your heart and in your prayers as they now have to figure out how to get through their days without their beautiful daughter, Madison.

Spring Fever

The kids and I have definitely got the Spring Fever bug! Yesterday I actually did a photo shoot of them with their umbrellas and rain boots, along with their bathing suits! We are certainly longing for the warmer weather and I know it is just around the corner! I am currently in the beginning stages of starting up Kerri Murphy Photography and I am a bunch of feelings all jumbled inside. It is so scary to begin a business venture in times like these. Yet at the same time, I feel so very fortunate to be able to actually turn one of my dreams into a reality. It's actually happening! I can't wait to be able to market the business and create a satisfied client list. Ahhhh... (that was just me.. taking it all in!) The kids are fantabulous! Hannah lost yet, another tooth. She is so grown up that it is killing me. She has somehow turned into a "mini me" although she still most definitely has her father's personality. They are two peas in a pod! Layla, too has sprouted and grown up so very much. It is heartbreaking and bittersweet at the same time, to see her growing up. Thankfully, she is still my cuddle bug though and I get those night time cuddles with her often. Layla's big news these days is that two nights ago I forgot to put a pull-up on her and yet, she woke up completely dry! We tried again last night. She woke at around 11:00PM to use the bathroom and then again, woke up completely dry! What a milestone for her. I am so proud of this accomplishment. It's almost as if the second I stopped enforcing it and caring about it, is when she really took to it. (Mental note for the next one!) Speaking of the next one.. Mr. Cam is so totally mobile and into EVERYTHING! Did I mention that he is into EVERYTHING? LOL Things my girls never even bothered to notice, this little booga has his hands into. He is scaling furniture and pulling himself up on anything he can find. It is amazing to watch. He is his Mama's little boy and I just melt with his cuddles. Last Sunday I woke up and decided it was time to buy a new couch. Just like that. Billy and I have been doing some renovations in the house and I am just loving how it is all coming together. So I woke up and couches it was. In all honesty.. WE NEEDED to buy a new set. Ours was seriously becoming a health hazard with all the potty accidents, juice stains, milk stains and everything else you could think of soaking in it's cushions. It was for lack of a better word.. DISGUSTING! Off to Jordans we went and we bought this gorgeous chocolate brown leather set that I am in love with! It is so elegant and beautiful and matches the decor perfectly. We did salvage the old love seat and chair and that is currently residing in the almost finished basement! Billy completed the floors and it looks amazing. He did such a great job. I'm so lucky to have such a handy man as my hubby! Sunday, we also celebrated our 7th Wedding Anniversary. SEVEN years! Holy Cow! That flew by! I still cant believe it was 7 years ago that I walked down the isle. We have learned so much in our 7 years together and I truly believe that our bond has grown stronger with time. Seven years and three gorgeous children, I couldn't be happier. I am so blessed to have this wonderful family of mine. From my immediate family to my extended family, I am one lucky gal! We are finishing out our week saying goodbye to two extended family members. My Auntie Jen's father Robert Warren and Billy's great Uncle Joe Gesualdi. Both lost their battles with cancer and yet, I am at peace knowing that they are no longer suffering and that they are now with the Lord. I would like to give mention to my girlfriend's new jewelry business. I currently own 4 pieces of my own custom designed pieces and I can say that I LOVE every single one of them. My girls as well were fortunate enough to receive a custom bracelet from Miss Andrea and they have yet, to take them off their arms. These pieces are not only fashionable and elegant... but they are truly beautiful. You can learn more at http://duchessdesignsbyandreaduchnowski.blogspot.com Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Cha Cha Louise (www.ChaChaLouise.com) and her gorgeous HANDMADE couture dresses and accessories for little girls. Both girls will be wearing custom Easter dresses and I am just dying to get their photos in them as these dresses are simply divine! If I only had a quarter of the talent my friend Sarah had... seriously. If I could afford to buy the whole store, I would! Last but not least, if you are looking for someone to market your business, check out ViaSoMedia@ www.viasomedia.com for some great social media advice! Hmmmmm you know what I'm thinking? I'm thinking that I am surrounded by some extremely talented WOMEN! xoxoxo