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

Home - for my friend Jenn

So we have been home from our vacation for over a week now and to say I have yet to get out from under my depression funk, would be an understatement! LOL We had such a fantastic time that I truly did not want it to end. Not in the least bit. My parent's home in Naples is absolutely, breathtakingly, GORGEOUS! I loved every inch of it, especially "OUR" guest room! I felt like I was in a hotel the entire time we were there. The best part was being able to spend time with Mom & Dad. That to me, was the greatest gift. It was wonderful to see Mom so happy and fantastic to finally get some much needed bonding time with my Dad. To be able to smoke our cigar together at night and ponder the world's problems! I am such a Daddy's girl.

Of course there were a few bumps along the way. No sooner did we get off the plane Sunday evening and get the kids settled in bed, my Layla woke up with a 104 fever. It lasted for 5 days and then finally broke. She had no other symptoms and aside from being fussy, she really was a trooper about it. I did take her to the hospital on Marco Island to be sure that there wasn't a complication from her ear tube surgery she had a few days prior to us leaving. Yet, everything checked out so it obviously had to be a virus.

We spent tons of time in the pool with the kids, which they adored. We took walks and went for ice cream. We went to the Naples Zoo which was fantastic. What a pretty zoo and Mom got to see her beloved giraffes. We took a dozen trips to Walmart to stock our supplies..lol We ate our breakfast and had our coffee out on the lanai. We relaxed, we played and we enjoyed every single second of the most gorgeous weather.

On Friday, we got up super early and piled into the minivan and headed up to Orlando. (YES, I was able to drive a minivan.. and loved every single second of it) We met Grammy, Grampy and Auntie Jill up there and headed on out to Animal Kingdom. This was my first time in Animal Kingdom and I thought it was phenomenal. I would have loved to have had more time to spend in this park and to be able to see it in it's entirety. Hannah had a blast riding the Mt. Everest roller coaster. I think she and Billy went on it three times. She too, is a Daddy's girl!

Saturday we spent the entire day in the Magic Kingdom. I swear there is no place better. Unfortunately it was extremely crowded and Layla had a tough time adjusting to the masses of people. Yet, we still enjoyed ourselves and took in as much as we could before the park closed at midnight. Hannah was able to be dressed and made up to be a pirate. Something we just stumbled upon after coming off the "Pirate's of the Caribbean" ride. This was worth every penny and she had a BLAST! I was finally able to catch the firework display at night. Layla lit up at the sight of Tinkerbell on the float during the parade. Surely it doesn't matter how old you are, Disney is still the most magical place on earth.

Sunday we went to Hollywood Studios before making our trek back to Naples. From "The Little Mermaid", to "The Tower of Terror".. the thrills were all about us. I even finally was able to get on "The Rocking Roller coaster" for the first time ever. SO FUN! I wish I could have done it a million times! We all had such a great time and I cant even begin to explain how GOOD my Cameron was! He just rolled with it all. My happy little guy!

So I happily cross that one off my "Bucket List". To be able to take all three kids to Disney with both sets of grandparents was truly a very special moment in time for me.

We headed on back to Naples and then spent Monday at the pool before gearing up for our trip home. I really cant say enough about how much I love Naples. Of course I cried like a baby leaving my parents. I still get all teared up thinking about how it will be another month before I am able to physically hug them again. Although we talk every day.. it is still tough on us to have them so far away.

Now here we are, a week out from being home and I still have that "I want to go BACK" feeling in my gut! LOL I have been keeping busy with work and cleaning our entire house. Did I say "Cleaning" ? I meant SCRUBBING AND THROWING OUT every last bit of clutter! Remember when I said I would never Spring Clean? I take it back. I am Spring Cleaning my butt off! After being in my parent's home for a week, we got home and realized we had been slacking quite a bit! So now we are on a rampage to declutter, organize and scrub the entire house! It does make me feel good to finally have a chance to clean all the things I keep trying to ignore. Only a few rooms left and then my mission will be complete.. then we can concentrate on PAINTING! LOL Does it really ever end?

My little love bug Cameron has somehow found himself fighting off a bout of pneumonia and an ear infection. Something he had to have picked up on the plane. I originally thought it was just a cold, but as his fever rose over the weekend and his sleep habits totally changed, I decided to take him in yesterday. The poor little bug. He is so not himself. Hopefully after a few more doses of the antibiotics, he will be back to his happy self. I will say that he took the nebulizer treatments a gazillion times better than Miss Layla ever did! She saw me get out the machine last night and FREAKED! It took me five minutes to calm her down and explain this time it was for Cameron and not her.

Heading out to an art show tonight for my Hannah banana meatball. A piece of her artwork was chosen to be displayed amongst several school systems to honor Art Month. She is so excited and so are we! As it stands she has decorated our dining room with pieces of art that she creates on a daily basis. (Only allowed because we know we are painting it in the near future) However, I think with this talent of hers, we will need to find a place to display her creativity!

So that is it in a nutshell. Plugging forward and hoping for some nice Spring weather in the near future. Gearing up for some outdoor photo shoots as well. Counting down the days til I can get outside and have some fun with the kiddos!

I will post some photos from home this evening as they are all on that computer!

Love to you all!

xoxoxo

Giving Back - Support Michael

I know I have said this time and time again, so please forgive me for being repetitive. However, I would be remiss in not acknowledging the fact of how blessed I am to have these three, gorgeous, HEALTHY babies in my life. Yes, Hannah is six, but she still is and will always be my baby. My miracle baby at that. These three babies are what get me through the days, weeks and months. There is not a moment that goes by when I don't think of how wonderful my life has been with them in it. I long to keep them little.. I long to protect them from harm...I long to have them to snuggle with forever and ever. Without them, there would be a hole in my heart. They are what make my life complete. They are and always will be the greatest gift I could ever receive.

That being said, how could I not give back. How could I not pay it forward? As long as I am able, I am committed to giving back out of supreme gratefulness for all that I have. Recently I was introduced to a group on Facebook through a friend. It was about a young boy who is battling cancer. There is a fundraiser being held this summer in order to raise funds for his treatment. Cancer is a demon. It is awful for an adult to endure... for a child, it is cruel. No child should ever have to fight this demon. I am very passionate about helping to fight this demon. I fell in love with little Layla Grace Marsh a year ago and read her story daily. I cried with her parents and mourned her when she passed at the age of 2. Born only weeks apart from my own precious Layla Grayce. I never met this family. I never met their Layla. Yet, she touched my life in a way that I could never explain. Her amazing blue eyes and smiling face. She reminded me so much of my own Layla. Again making me realize how very fortunate I am to have my Layla here on earth with me.

So I am paying it forward and doing all that I can do to help a determined 12 year old boy named Michael, fight this Leukemia battle. I have offered my photography services for the event and I have sent gift certificates as well. Yet, there is still so much more to do and I am hoping that if you are reading this, you will be able to help too. Anything at all would be so very appreciated. Whether it be in the form of money, gift certificate, service or just spreading the word, I am asking that you help me, help Michael. I am hoping that you will find it in your heart to give back as well. I don't know Michael. I've never met his family. But I do know how great it makes my heart feel to fight this horrible disease with them. For more information about Michael and how you can help give back, you may email me at: Rianna002@aol.com or visit his Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Support-Michael/180750448628582

Michael's family has just set up this wonderful website! Please visit the link!

www.SupportMichael.com

THANK YOU!

xoxoxoxoxo

Punked?

Okay. What I am about to write, I solemnly swear, truly DID happen. I had to document this because I know how hilariously funny it is now, after the fact!



We pretty much spent the weekend on the couch. Layla started with the stomach bug Friday evening and began vomiting around 10:30 PM. From there, the poor child did not let up until about 9:00 PM on Saturday evening. It was a solid 24 hours of non stop, every 20 minutes or so, puking. I have never in all my life done so much laundry. From bedding, to blankets, to pillows, pj's... scrubbing carpets, floors and couches. On top of her being sick, Baby Cam was still having explosive diarrhea and was not feeling well himself. I was washing his crib bedding, clothes and blankets as well. (Hannah at this point was the only one still standing.) I myself, started with the bug on Saturday, but didn't have it nearly as bad as poor Layla cakes did. Did I mention that Billy was working from 5AM to midnight? I was so not in a good place by Saturday night!

Sunday proved to be a bit better as the two little ones started coming out of it. Layla was still not eating, but I was getting some water in her. She was not having anything else and pushed away the ice pops I offered her. After bathing her in the morning, I noticed under her arm she had that Petechiae rash that she had about a year ago. Remembering how the doctor made me head straight to the ER after he saw it on her.. I began to get a little concerned. I kept an eye on it throughout the day and by evening it had spread. Her Pediatrician's office was not on call so I texted a good family friend who is an ER doctor out of state. She had me take her temperature which was 101.5 at the time and then suggested I take her to Hasbro. (I remember all too clearly that this particular rash can mean some dangerous conditions and it is better to be safe than sorry.) After talking to Billy, we agreed I would take her while he stayed home with the other two who at this point were sleeping.

We headed out around 9pm. As I begin to take a right onto the on ramp of the highway, the car in front of me sees black ice and hits the brakes. OYE. She did a 360 before ended up to the left of the ramp. In order to avoid hitting her, I tried my best to steer out of the way of her car (missed it by inches) but ended up high up on an icy snow bank.. less than a foot away from the lamp post. The way I landed, the rear left end of my car was the only part not in the bank and this part was sticking out onto the ramp. The left side is also where Layla sits.. behind me in her car seat. The car behind me somehow managed to avoid the two of us and sailed on through to the highway. I quickly made sure that Layla was okay.. which, I don't think she skipped a beat in the movie she was watching. She was completely unaffected. (THANK YOU LORD) The car that had hit the brakes pulled up to apologize. It was two young girls, maybe college age. I could tell she felt bad and she offered to pull up ahead and help me. At this point I knew I was stuck too good for any of us to get my car out. I also did not want these girls to risk their lives on an on-ramp where they could easily be hit by the oncoming traffic. I told her not to worry, I would get some help, as I didn't want her to get hurt.

I was shaking like a leaf at this point as so many things were going through my head. I was most afraid of someone ramming into my back left side where Layla sat. I contemplated changing her car seat to the other side, but this meant, undoing two car seats of which in this time frame, she would be left unprotected by any seat belt. So in time of crisis, I called Billy. He told me to hang up and call 911. Which I did. They put me through to the Sate Police who then asked me if I had $85 cash to pay a tow. I didn't have that much cash on me, so he suggested that I call AAA since I am a member. I hang up and call AAA who after leaving me on hold for 20 minutes, comes back to tell me that they wont be able to get a truck out to me for at least an hour. UM.. at this point, countless cars have driven by me and have come within inches of hitting me as they too. slid on the black ice. Others were sailing by beeping and honking their horns like complete.. A$$'s. (Sorry.. but I didn't see it as a funny matter). I was scared to death.. mostly because of Layla's safety. I was panicked because no police showed up to put their lights on to caution other drivers. Just as the woman is telling me it will be at least an hour an AAA truck happened to drive by with a car already on it's flatbed. (AGAIN.. THANK YOU LORD) He got out and hooked the chains up to tow me out as fast as he could. He told me what to do as he towed me out. Yet, all of a sudden the car started to tip towards the left side. At this point, any calmness that I may have still had about me.. well.. I lost it.. I lost it all! I started screaming like a banchie for him to stop. It took a few screams but he finally heard me. (I am sure he thought I was insane by this point). NO way was I going to take the chance of the car tipping on the left side and Layla getting hurt. No way. I grabbed her out of the car and started up the ramp to where the traffic had now piled up because they couldn't get by. Slipping and sliding and holding Layla, I walked up to the first car...which had a car seat... (safe I thought).. I asked the gentleman if he would mind driving my car while the tow tried to get it out. He was so kind and offered to do it without a second thought. He put the heat on in the car for us to sit. I hesitated,, but thought what could possibly happen if the guy was in my car and we were in his. Plus it was freezing and Layla was cold. After a few tries, they got my car out. Once again, Layla and I were safely back on our way to Hasbro... (This is seriously not a lesson in not talking to strangers, but sometimes.. there are real good people in this world)

We got through the ER pretty quickly and got settled in a room. Layla was a trooper during the entire process and although inserting the IV was a bit dramatic for her, once it was in she calmed right down. It did of course help that they found her a Scooby Doo dvd. They did all the appropriate blood work and it all came back negative for any of the "bad" things associated with the Petechiae rash. (THANK YOU LORD... I am seeing a trend here.. the guy really takes care of us!) She was however really dehydrated so they started her on IV fluids. Within a few hours I saw a complete difference in her so I was very glad we had gone. After we were finally released I headed out to the Valet Booth to hand them my ticket. We waited outside a few and then moved into the waiting area as it was freezing out. After waiting at least 20 minutes for my car, the valet came in and told me that he was sorry... he tried repeatedly but my car wouldn't start. Now subconsciously.. I sort of had this thought in my head already that there was something wrong with my car after waiting so long. I mean, it was stuck in an icy snow bank.. why would it start? I laughed..literally at the valet. I swear he thought I was a loon.. but seriously, how much more could go wrong in one night? Yet, here he was thinking my battery was dead and here I was thinking... no buddy.. it's probably so much worse than that. He asked if I had someone to jump the battery. It was 3:00AM.. I did not. So he said I would have to sign a consent to have them do it and he called security to take us up to the car. Then he hands me "my" keys. Guess what... they were NOT my keys. I told him so and he said, "You don't drive a blue Mazda?" No sir, I do not. LOL ... Please could you go get MY car because I am about to explode in a fit of laughter after the events of this night and then you will have me admitted to RI Hospital.. for sure. Thankfully, my car was fine and I loaded the ravioli in and got home safety and without any more incident.

At different points in the evening, I swear I expected Ashton Kutcher to jump out at me and tell me I was being Punked! I will tell you that I find it all quite funny now, especially knowing that Layla's blood work came back fine. All in all things could have been so much worse and I know that we were being watched over from above. Thank you to all my angels up there. You certainly took care of us.

Layla is still not doing well however. She woke up this morning with her face all swollen and puffy. She was so not herself today and well I hate to say this.. but she was flat out wretched. I have never seen her this fussy. By mid afternoon I noticed her wheezing and decided I should take her in to the Pediatrician. Her asthma was definitely acting up so we are upping all of her inhalers and trying to keep her off steroids if we can. I can't imagine how horrible her mood will be if we do have to put her on them. I have to call the Dr. in the morning and let her know how our night went and make a decision from there. She also noticed her left ear was infected so we were suppose to get a Zpac for that.. but when Billy went to pick it up, the pharmacy had no record of it so it looks like we will be trying to get that in the morning as well. I ended up giving her a dose of Benadryl tonight because her eyes were getting very red and puffy and looked like they had hives on them. Do you think the child is sleeping yet? Nope.. the kid just defies all the odds. Needless to say, I had to cancel her ear tube surgery for tomorrow. There was no way she could go under anesthesia under these circumstances.

So that is my life for the past several days in a nutshell.. Hoping the next several days get a bit better!

Thanks again to my angels.. I love you! xoxoxo

Mama said there'd be days like this...

Does it seem as though every time I blog, my kids are sick? Hmmm maybe that is because my kids are sick ALL THE TIME! LOL Despite my loading them up with fruits, vegetables and vitamins... they somehow always seem to catch something and catch something often..sigh. Poor Cam has a nasty virus and has been exploding his diaper out every hour or so since yesterday. He started vomiting last night but thankfully that has subsided today. Yet, through it all he is still my darling, little, happy boy! God I love him so much. What a completely different experience to raise a son. He is so very good natured and much more advanced motor wise than my girls. He has already begun to crawl at 7 & 1/2 months! He has begun the Ma Ma and Da Da babble as well. AND he is the only one to have said MA MA first! Just saying! LOL


Miss Layla also has a taste of the bug. Her's seems to be more of a high fever and belly ache. She has spent most of the day on the couch watching SCOOBY DOO... Where are you! She hasn't eaten a meal since yesterday morning but is thankfully taking her special formula to keep her hydrated. This child is an utter joy. Her personality is second to none. She is quick witted, cute as a button and extremely disobedient lately... the last part we are trying to nip in the bud. It is sometimes so very difficult to reprimand her because as you are talking stern to her, she'll look you right in the face and say, "Mommy... you're fired!" The kid is a trip! The things that come out of her mouth are priceless. She came up to me yesterday all exasperated saying, "Mommy, it's a miracle! I found my baby doll!" Her verbiage is just hilarious. Thankfully she still says, "Hold you Mommy, hold you." So glad I still have that one! :) This little ravioli will be following her sister's suit and will be getting ear tubes put in on Wednesday. Hoping that this cuts down on the constant ear infections and the constant antibiotics. I wasn't sure what to do with her, but her doctor made some very good points. Due to her asthma and respiratory issues, she really needs to save her antibiotic treatments for when she has these breathing issues and infections. To be having her on all this antibiotics for ear infections will make her immune to them for when she really needs them for the more serious breathing issues. Made total sense to me! Praying that the tubes diminish the ear infections so we can get her back on her feet!


Miss Hannah banana meatball is growing like a weed! Seriously, if she falls asleep on the couch or in the car, I can't even carry her anymore! I have to wake her up! She is just so grown up that it really depresses me sometimes. There is no more "little girl" in her anymore. There's no more princess and fairy tales. She thinks she is a rock star. It kills me. No more flowy dresses and fancy shoes. It's all about the black leggins and rock star shirts. OHHH Mon Dieu! I am so brought right back to my own childhood and all the battles I would have with my mother over this very same isssue!!!! (and in my head I hear... " I hope your kids do to you, what you do to me.") For the most part, I let her be her own person. Within reason of course. She is doing tremendous in school and received a fantastic report card this quarter. Complete with an "Outstanding" in spelling! All that studying has got her 100% on every test! She is maturing so much in dance as well. I can't believe the difference a year has made. She is so much more focused and she has gotten so much stronger! I watch her gracefulness in awe and remember how very much I use to love dancing. (Although we do reserve time every week to groove on down and I bust a move with them on several occasions!) On the flip side.. she is growing even stronger in hockey. Her skating is unbelievable! I still shake my head at having a dancing, hockey player! LOL


Other than that, we have just been getting buried in snow, sleet & ice. Literally. I dont remember having a winter this cold and with as many storms as we have had. We are gearing up for another tomorrow. For the most part, I have found the snow covered earth very beautiful and peaceful. This last sleet/ice storm however.. I was not very fond of. Thinking I may be tiring of it all real soon.


We lost Pa Sutcliffe last week. He was 87 about to be 88. He was a true hero in my eyes. A gentleman to the core. An amazing American with so many wonderful attributes. His wake went on for longer than an hour after the calling hours ended. There were lines and lines of people waiting to pay their respects to him. This spoke volumes to me. He is so going to be missed. This was Pete's worst fear, that his grandfather would pass while he was serving our Country in Kuwait. I am so sorry he wasn't able to say good-bye the way he had wanted. I do know, that Pa is still surrounding us with his love and watching over us from above. He is a man that many could learn a thing or two from just by following his example. I plan to do just that!


In closing, I just wanted to share a little information that I received yesterday via a friend. (Thank you Allison!) There is a local family in Lincoln, RI that is in need of help. They are planning a fundraiser to raise funds to help their 12 year old son, Michael fight cancer. I have said this many times throughout this blog but I am about to say it again. I haven't had it easy with my children's health.. that is for sure. Especially with Hannah, when we almost lost her as an infant. But I got a second chance. God healed her for me and I will never, ever forget how truly blessed I am to have these three "healthy" kids. Ear infections can be fixed, viruses go away. Cancer is evil and rocks you to your very core. To hear of yet another child fighting this disease frustrates me to no end! I would be ignoring all the good Lord has given me, if I didn't choose to help. I'm asking that you do to. No amount is too small. A gift certificate, a donated service... anything at all will help. Please visit the link to learn more and keep this family in your prayers!


http://http//www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Support-Michael/180750448628582


Here are some pics of Miss Ravioli that we took for my friend Sarah's Cha Cha Louise clothing line... visit her site for some GORGEOUS handmade vintage clothing for little girls! http://www.chachalouise.com/