CookiesForKidsCancer.org

What better way to give back during September's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?  I was sent this link via a dear friend.  What a WONDERFUL cause and a fantastic way to get your kids, families and community involved in helping to find a cure for childhood cancer!  I am so on this.  Cookbook is already ordered!  The wheels are spinning as to how I can give this the most exposure and settling on a good date for a bake sale.  How excited I am to rally my community and do this!  Let's go people!  Look around you and realize what you have and then realize it is time to pay it forward!

GET YOUR COOKIE ON NOW!
http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/

 

If I havent struck a chord with you then maybe these faces will.  These are only a handfull of the BEAUTIFUL children who are no longer with us because we have yet to find a cure for this demon!  YOU can help change that!  (A CHILD DIES FROM CANCER EVERY 4 HOURS!!!!!)

Layla

Ronan

Ezra

Faith

Lindsey

Maddie

Gabby

Karrie

Ellie

James 

Again, these are just a FEW of the beautful children who are now playing amongst the angels.  Whose families are left behind to try and sort out their lives without their little love bugs.. Let's make a difference!  Together, WE CAN DO THIS!

Dancing in September

I can finally feel things beginning to calm down.  It feels good.  We had a good weekend.  We tried to do as many things as we could to just feel "normal" in between the chaos and I do believe it helped.  I picked the kids up from school on Friday and I don't think Layla could have been more excited to see me.  She jumped up from her nap mat and threw her arms around me and practically cried from excitement.  I get so much love from this boog.  We went to pick up Hannah and I let the kids play at the school playground for a little while since the weather was nice.  We then went home and the girls helped me make meatballs.  Flat meatballs per Layla's request.  Not sure where that one came from but we had a pot full of flat meatballs for dinner time becasue Layla said so! LOL  I also made a lasagna and it felt so good to just be home, cooking with the girls.  I let them stay up late and we snuggled in bed together and watched Nemo. 

Saturday we woke up with no crazy morning schedule.  Ahhh it felt good!  We took our time and I made the girls homemade waffles.  We got to be lazy and I loved every minute of it.  By mid morning we headed over to Nonnie and Papa's and continued the packing and unpacking.  The kids were a bit restless and I tried my best to keep them entertained while helping Mom and Dad.  I feel bad for them under these circumstances because it is not their fault.  They are bored and want my attention.  I find it sometimes difficult to split my attention under these circumstances where I am trying to be there for Mom and Dad and yet be a mother to my kids.  We left around 4 and I headed home to jump in the shower before heading down the beach to do a photo shoot.  Billy made it home from work just in time to watch Cameron and the girls and I drove down to our RCB for the first time since Hurricane Irene hit.  Thankfully the beach was still in tact as was our little piece of heaven.  I fed the girls and then hit the beach to do a fun family shoot for our beach friends the Kanaczet Family.  I got some great shots of this adorable family!  I hope they like them as much as I do!  After the shoot we headed over to Patsy and Oj's for a drink and then off to see SANTA!  Yes, Santa was at the beach in September.  It was very cute and the first time I have been down there for this event.  The kids were excited and Hannah got to ask for her electric guitar and Layla her drums.  (God help our house come December 25th!)  Layla also got to tell Santa she loved him.  I wish Cam were with us because I would have loved to see his reaction.  We hit the road home late and the girls fell fast asleep in the car. 

Sunday I left the kids with Billy for a little while so I could run and help my parents some more.  Pack, unpack, throw out, pack, unpack, throw out.  God help me come the day that I have to move.  Years and years of memories we went through.  SO many things I had forgotten about but were reminded of while packing.  So many little trinkets that would spark memories of the holidays and gatherings at my parent's house.  I realize how very blessed I was to have the upbringing that I had.  I have all good memories of my childhood.  My parents made sure of it.  I helped for a few hours and then headed back home to get my own house together for my nieces, sister and brother in law.  I had asked them to come by for a small cookout and really just to continue to do the things that keep my stress level down and feel normal.  I put together a macaroni salad and Billy ran to get some hot dogs and hamburgers and we grilled ourselves up a little meal.  The girls had a blast playing with their cousins and Billy and I enjoyed spending some family time with Leanne and Dan.  The girls play so well together and I love having them at our house so we asked Leanne if we could keep them overnight and we got to have a cousins sleepover!  So darn cute they are.  I made them more waffles Monday morning and just got to be silly with them before it was time for me to head back over to Nonnie and Papa's to keep going on the moving.  I told Julie we should open our own moving company after this.  JK Moving Company... and we aren't kidding.  She didn't laugh.  LOL  We are almost there.  They are almost entirely moved.  Things are almost back to "normal" if they were ever normal to begin with.

The girls started dance yesterday.  I feel like the show was just yesterday, but here we were back in the swing of things.  It felt good and the girls seemed to enjoy their classes.  Layla is now in an hour class and I was delighted with how well she paid attention.  Hopefully the dynamic of this group will keep her focused!  Hannah's class is now an hour and a half and she has added jazz to the mix.  She was so excited to now own jazz shoes.  She did great and I was glad to see that her dance friend Mackenzie is back in the group!  Sp both girls now have their classes on Tuesdays which will leave the weekends open for Hannah's hockey.  Let the crazy sports calendar begin!!!  Poor Cam!  We've got to find something for him soon!

I can't believe that we are here in September.  One of my favorite months.  I can't help but say the word and automatically sing, "Do you remember, 21st night of September, Love was changing the mind of pretenders, while chasing the clouds away," by Earth, Wind and Fire. You know what else is so special about September?  It's National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!  Yes it is!  You all know how passionate I am about helping to find a cure for many childhood cancers.  I am going to continue to be passionate about finding a cure as long as I am on this planet and I am asking for your help as well.  PLEASE consider making a donation.  The smallest amount WILL HELP!  My three favorite donation sites you can find here in honor of Layla Grace Marsh , Ronan Thompson and Michael Cotrone.  These two little angels and cancer warrior are the sole reason why I have decided to light a fire under my butt and get out there and raise awareness.  Maybe you could order a bracelet or even just SPREAD THE WORD!  Throw it up on your facebook status or Tweet about it.  Anything at all... will go a great ways and help save children's lives!  There are so many things you can do to put a smile on a child's face who may be suffering from this disease!  Hannah has been collecting soda tabs all on her own to bring to Hasbro to help raise money for their child cancer ward.  We also put together a bin of toys that we plan to take over to the hospital as well.  These simple things make a difference.. they truly do!  So please jump on board with me and help spread the word this September! 

I'd like to leave with a note to each of my babies letting them know how grateful and thankful I am for them in my life.  They are what get me out of bed every morning.  My three tiny (okay maybe not so tiny anymore) miracles.....

     Cameron.  You are just plain NUTS!  Crazy nuts!  I say this in a good way and I am not complaining at all.  I just have never known either of your sisters to be as crazy as you!  You are all over the place and into everything that most days I find myself running in 3 different directions to just try and keep up with you.  You now try and do pull ups onto the kitchen table.  You are attempting to climb on top of the stove and Daddy found you out in the driveway after taking his eyes off of you for 30 seconds. (SCARY) You opened the front door and walked out!  God bless your 13.5 month old soul!  You are going to be my adventure seeker.. I can see it already.  I love to watch you shape into this little baby boy who is so determined and stubborn.  At the same time you love to laugh, giggle and bang your head into mine, which is your official way of showing me love.  LOL.  I love you baby boy.  I love you for you.  I love you for completing our family and making us a family of five.   I love you crazy!

     Layla.  My Layla cakes.  How lonely these days are without you at the office.  I miss you so much.  I wish you were here with me.  Yet I know you are where you belong.  I have to accept it and try and get my fill of love and hugs from you during the evenings.  Which you thankfully give me plenty of.  You are such a joyful, funny child that I am often laughing at your antics.  You're silly and you're my love bug at the same time.  I love my time at night with you when everyone else is sleeping and the two of us are up giggling and talking.  When you tell me that I'm the bestest Mommy in the whole wide world and how much you love me.  I can tell you are growing up on me, but I am also holding on to that part of you that is still my little Layla baby.  There is still a part of you that loves to be babied and I will take that for as long as I can get it.  I look forward to our Tuesdays and Thursdays when you are here with me.  I can't believe that you are soon approaching your 4th birthday.  How quickly time flies.  I can still remember those first few days with you wrapped up in your purple blanket in the hospital... it seems like just yesterday.  I love you my Layla bug.  My clone.  I love you to infinity and beyond!

     Hannah banana meatball.  SECOND GRADE.  You are in second grade.  How did that happen?  You are so old and mature to me now.  So independent and eccentric.  You march to the beat of a different drummer and I love that about you.  You are a leader.  You seem to like this year in school and I am hoping that this will be a great year for you.  I don't often worry about you because you are such a strong child.  You are my helper of all helpers.  I love how much you come to my rescue and help me with your brother and sister.  You're my early riser.  You wake up happy and rearing to go.  Last night you told me that you were going to get up earlier than me so that you could make me breakfast.  You have such a sweet side to you.  I find you being a bit more affectionate with me.  Last night, while I was laying with you and Layla, you fell asleep holding my hand again.  I hope that you continue this affection because I eat it up and love to give it in return.  I love you my little Rock Star.. I know you are going to do great things in this life.  I can feel it.  I love you meatball... To the moon and stars and back! 

xo

The girls with Santa...

Some shots of the Kanaczet Family



Rainy Wednesdays

I haven't much to report today.  It's one of those rainy days when you wish you could be curled up on the couch with the kids watching a Disney movie.  Layla is in a bit of a mood from not sleeping well last night.  I had them in bed at 7:30 but unfortunately they giggled and played for almost two and a half hours and didn't fall asleep until 10:00.  Thankfully, Hannah seemed okay this morning.  She can be wicked if she doesn't get enough sleep.  Cameron had a tough time going down last night as well.  He is normally my easiest.  I put him in the crib, he curls up with his blankets and goes right out.  Last night however, he needed a little help.  To be honest... I loved it.  I sat and rocked him for a while as he curled up in my arms.  I think I gave him about 1,000 kisses and each time he smiled up at me.  I can't believe this baby boy is 11 months.  Heck, I still can't believe I have a baby boy!

I am feeling a little tired myself.  I think it is these boogie allergies that have me achy and well, drawn out.  My eyes are heavy with dark circles.  I couldn't quite cover up the exhausted look today.  Does anyone have any good products they can recommend?  I've had two coffees and still cant quite seem to snap out of it!

Heading to dance with Hannah banana today and there are only a few more weeks left until recital time.  Today though, will be different because PETE is HOME!  I am so excited for him to see Brenna dance.  I still cant even handle that he is home and staying home.  Praise the Lord that he doesn't have to go back to Iraq.  He is home and he is safe.  I couldn't be happier. 

I was finally able to get through Mommy Maya's post last night.  I waited until I was alone and I sat in bed and read and cried.   There are no words.  No words seem to even come close to the compassion I have for this family and how angry I am that cancer took another child's life.  Please continue to keep this family in your prayers.  http://www.rockstarronan.com/

Stay well my friends..xoxoxo

"I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams.  And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things.  I'm here for you whatever this life brings.  So let my love give you roots and help you find your wings."  Mark Harris

Best Day

This Mother's Day was by far the best one ever!  It began Saturday night when Miss Layla was having a restless night and couldn't sleep.  She asked if she could brush my hair so I sat on the floor for twenty minutes and she brushed and brushed and brushed.  (I love having girls!)  The best part was while she was brushing, she was singing the song from Tangled..."Flowers gleam and glow, let your powers shine.."  God I love this snuggly baby girl.  She gives me so much love and it all comes from such an innocent place.  I love our night time bonding while everyone else is asleep.  Sure she should be asleep as well.. but Lord knows I wont get this time back and I am determined to suck these moments up as much as possible. 

Sunday morning I woke up at 6:30 to hear Hannah fumbling and crawling around on my bedroom floor. I was about to sit up and ask her what on earth she was doing when Billy motioned for me to stay still and let her be. I rested for a half hour when Hannah grabbed my hand and yanked me out of bed and hurried me downstairs to where the kitchen table was covered in all of my beauty supplies. My blow dryer, lotions, nail polish, brush, makeup etc...was all neatly placed on the table along with a waffle and a strawberry placed in the middle.  There was a large glass of chocolate milk placed beside it.  Also a sign that read, "I love you" Along with a sign placed on the chair indicating where I should sit that read, "Mom". I was completely blown away at the time and thought that went into this display of love from my six year old daughter. Did I mention she was wearing one of her new dresses? It was the one that I had told her I loved the best. The amount of love I have for this child overwhelms me. My Hannah can be so strong willed at times but this very moment truly showed me how much love there is between us. How much she appreciates me and how much she cares. I spent the next half hour being pampered. She painted my nails and put lotion on my hands and feet. At this point Miss Layla had come to join in the fun and I can assure you that my legs have never been so moisturized! They continued the pampering session and applied my makeup and brushed my hair. I could not have been more thrilled with my first class treatment. I have said this before and I will say it again, how did I get so lucky?


The day continued on in the awesomeness in which it began. The beautiful cards. The gorgeous new hanging plant adorning my front porch.  The once again beautiful day in which to celebrate motherhood. We headed on over to Julie and Mikey's for our annual Mothers Day brunch. It was a feast at it's best. Antipasto pie, pancakes, frittada, mimosas... YUM! I made this French toast casserole that was scrumptious and I created a new delectable delight and filled croissants with a cream cheese mix and raspberry jelly. Double YUM!  I loved spending the morning with my mother, sister and family.  It was so nice to sit out on the deck and play with the kids and talk with the Moms that I adore so much.

After Julie and Mikey's we headed on over to the Verizon store because my darling Billy surprised me with an IPhone for Mother's Day.  Yippeeee!  I am thrilled to have this latest gadget and I am completely addicted to it. The girls helped me pick out a case and it was up and running in no time.  How have I lived without this technology?  LOL 

As the afternoon rolled around, we hurried home to clean up the house and the backyard.  With everyone pitching in, it was done in no time.  I loved the way everything looked with all the blooming flowers, hanging plant, tulips, freshly cut grass.. ahhh Hello Spring.  How very much I have missed you!  The Murphy side gathered over in the late afternoon and we had a lovely cookout.  The girls played with their cousins and were still outside as it began to turn dark.  It was one of those nights where they ran around in bare feet and came in filthy, but I LOVED every minute of it.  It reminded me of those perfect summer nights after you had played all day and came in to take your bath and scrub your feet and put on a pair of summer pj's.  As much as I love my IPhone... it is these simple things in life that bring the MOST joy.  Materialistic things could never come close to these precious memories.  I fell asleep Sunday night feeling so full of love that I thought my heart would burst!  I am so very appreciative for everyone who made this Mother's Day so special to me.  This by far, was the best Mother's Day. 

This saying that I now have stenciled on my bedroom wall says it best....

"Life is not measured by the amount of breaths we take, rather the moments that take our breath away."





As I was still riding on this natural high yesterday, unfortunately I learned of some very sad news.  The little boy, Ronan, whose story I had been following passed away.  I really thought, I really did think that there would be a miracle in his case.  That he would beat this demon.  I can't imagine the pain his family is in.  I can't imagine the hell his mother Maya is enduring.  His story further solidifies why we need to find a cure.  We have GOT TO FIND A CURE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER!  Please pray for his family.  Keep them in your thoughts...I've yet to be able to get through the most recent post without breaking down and crying.  No child and no parent deserves this pain!
http://www.rockstarronan.com/

Layla enjoying the tulips...

a note from Hannah...filled with so much love

my girls

The first favortie gift I received

Papa & Layla & Reanna

Cousinly love.. Reanna and Layla enjoying a lunch date

Does it really need a caption?

The kitchen table Mother's Day morning and my pampering surprise! (My second favorite gift.)

Crazy Cam.. enjoying his first ice cream sandwich last night

Rapunzel Feet - Layla made me take this picture

Mom & Dad Murphy with their granddaughters!