Flying By

This week is already flying by!!! Monday we had Jay's annual Uno's night to raise money for the Jay Lawrence Foundation and for the scholarship that is handed out in his name each year at the high school. This night is always so fun for me because it is all of my favorite people under one roof! It's almost surreal in a sense that the same loyal crew comes and everyone is always smiling and even those people that you haven't ever formally been introduced to, smile and say hello. It is also remarkable how much my family's life has changed in these 8 1/2 years. I am still in awe that Jay received his angel wings EIGHT AND A HALF years ago! Wow.. The first few years this dinner was a way for most of us to come together and drink away the pain of the loss. I am sure those first few years our bar tab was more than our meal tab. Now however, it's all of us "kids" chasing after OUR little ones all over the restaurant! It's comforting and almost peaceful because although there will always be that missing piece of us, we have endured the loss and have continued on. Our families have grown and this tradition will continue on and on and on and someday it will be OUR little ones running up the liquor tab! (UGH!) But for now, we can instill this tradition in our growing families and continue on each year. Jay will always be remembered and treasured as long as we can help it!

The rest of the week is busy with appointments and meetings but I am hoping to get my butt to the gym instead of continuing the work out sessions in my 2 X 4 bedroom! There is only so much you can do and after a while it just doesnt work anymore. Tonight there is a 2 hour lull in my night and i am hoping to head to the Precor machine! We shall see what I can accomplish. There are only so many hours in a day and I am certainly not a wonder woman but it would be nice to try and get some more weight off before Block Island! Darn genetics!

The girls are great! Enjoying the weather and the sun. I believe Miss Layla is teething again.. as the drool and cranky pants have told me so! Otherwise though, they have continued to crack us up. Hannah and her stories just kill me. She has a little girlfriend named, Angelica. She sees her from time to time and will play. The other night in the car she says, "Ma, I just dont get it.... She's too little to be an ant." It took me a minute to realize what she was saying and then I said, "Oh NO Han.. it's not Ant Gelica.. its ANNNN Gelica!" HAHAHAHAHA The kid just totally cracks me up!

I now must start preparing for The Banana's 5th Birthday party.. and I am so not okay with this turning 5 thing! Ahhh such is life and this is the way it goes, but I am surely not happy about my little premature baby turning FIVE! Where does this time go? Why cant I just freeze us here, in this place in time? sigh.....

This is the song that I use to sing to Hannah when she was in my belly... 6 very short years ago..

Biggest Part of Me by Ambrosia

There's a new sun arisin' (In your eyes)

I can see a new horizon (Realize)

That will keep me realizin'

You're the biggest part of me (Stay the night)

Need your lovin' here beside me (Shine the light)

Need you close enough to guide me(For all my life)

I've been hopin' you would find me

You're the biggest part of me

Well Make a wish, baby

and I will make it come true

Make a list, baby

Of the things I'll do for you

Ain't no risk, now, In lettin' my love rain down on you,

So we could wash away the past,

So that we may start anew

(Rainbow) Risin' over my shoulder;

(Love flows) Gettin' better as we're older

(All I know) All I want to do is hold her

She's the life that breathes in me

(Forever) Got a feelin' that forever

(Together) We are gonna stay together

(For better) For me, there's nothin' better

You're biggest part of me

Well Make a wish, baby

Well, and I will make it come true

Make a list, baby

Of the things I'll do for you

Ain't no risk, now,

In lettin' my love rain down on you,

So we could wash away the past,

So that we may start anew

More than an easy feelin', She brings joy to me

How can I tell you What it means to me?

Flow like a lazy river For an eternity

I've finally found someone

Who believes in me, And I'll never leave

Make life grand

Well Make a wish, baby

Well, and I will make it come true

Make a list, baby

Of the things I'll do for you

Ain't no risk, now,

In lettin' my love rain down on you,

So we could wash away the past,

So that we may start anew(Beside me)

Need your lovin' here beside me

(To guide me) Keep it close enough to guide me

(Inside of me) From the fears that are inside of me

You're the biggest part of me(Forever)

Got a feelin' that forever (Together)

We are gonna stay together (Forever)

From now until forever

You're the biggest part of me

You're the life that breathes in me

You're the biggest part of me

You changed my life

You made it right

And I'll be a servant to you

For the rest of my life

You're the biggest part of me....

Does this kid just keep getting cuter and cuter or what?

AH! I cant believe that I have hardly found a chance to sit and write! June is going to be another crazy month but hopefully we can find some time in July to sit back, relax and take in some sunshine. We are sooo very looking forward to our Block Island vacation the end of this month!

The girls are doing well. We have had a few challenges this week with them but nothing too crazy! For the most part they are enjoying the sunshine, FINALLY and getting bigger every second! (WA!).

Hannah did go meet her Kindergarten teacher, new school, and classroom last week. As much as I would love to keep her at St. Philip's, I know that this school will be good for her as well. I'm not going to lie and say that this is not going to kill me and St.P's would have been a much easier transition for all of us.. but in the reality of things, we are not made of money and the Catholic schools are just so darn expensive. On a good note, she will be back with Miss Mackenzie and I know both girls are thrilled about that. I am also excited to be able to walk her to school this year as it is just a stone's throw away! I just cant believe how far we have come with Hannah and how quickly everything has flown by. She is such a smart little girl who is very aware of things and can tend to be emotional about the sad things in life. I see so much of Billy and Jill in her, but at the same time, I think she certainly got my emotional gene. Which in essence isnt such a bad thing because I think, it makes you appreciate life more. She also got my love for music gene too! LOL

Layla on the other hand.. I cant really tell who she is yet. In the beginning she was more of a very relaxed, calm baby girl. Now she is definitely on the go go go all the time. She is very wirey and is into EVERYTHING! She is so good at climbing things that I think she could probably climb Mt. Washington at this point! As far as her personality though, she is very needy and wants to be held. She wants that skin to skin contact and loves to be caressed. Her deep loud voice coming out of her little teeny body with a big ol head often makes people laugh. She's growing up right before my eyes, but because she is on the small side, I feel like I am getting a little bit more time of keeping that baby in her.

One thing I have always said about my parenting style and please note, I am very sensitive to this issue because I would never judge what others do. I firmly believe that you have to do what you feel is best for your children and what works for your family. This being said, I do like to let my kids be kids for as long as they can. I often wonder if this society tries to make our children grow up much faster than they really need to. Yes, Layla still drinks out of a bottle. It is honestly the only way we know if she gets any calories these days and it is what helps to put her to sleep. She can drink out of a sippy and has been drinking out of a straw since she was 6 months old.. and she will do it during the day as well. So what if she likes her bottles. I can guarantee she wont be on them when she is 5! Hannah was the same way and she turned out okay with it! I feel the same with the girls sleeping in the bed. They are only this little for such a short time, if they want cuddles at night then why cant they have them? Why is it looked upon as so wrong?

Okay, enough of my ranting and raving! I need to get my butt in the shower because I have a a blanket bingo picnic date with Miss Hannah today!

I have been so busy I havent had a second to update! But I will leave you with my favorite song of the week...

It's an oldie but goody!!!

Cowboy Take Me Away - Dixie Chicks

I said I wanna touch the earth
I wanna break it in my hands
I wanna grow something wild and unruly

I wanna sleep on the hard ground
In the comfort of your arms
On a pillow of bluebonnets
In a blanket made of stars

Oh it sounds good to me I said

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can
Into the wild blue
Set me free oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and
Closer to you closer to you

I wanna walk and not run
I wanna skip and not fall
I wanna look at the horizon
And not see a building standing tall

I wanna be the only one
For miles and miles
Except for maybe you
And your simple smile

Oh it sounds good to me
Yes it sounds so good to me

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can
Into the wild blue
Set me free oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and
Closer to you closer to you

I said I wanna touch the earth
I wanna break it in my hands
I wanna grow something wild and unruly
Oh it sounds so good to me

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can
Into the wild blue
Set me free oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and
Closer to you closer to you
Closer to you
Cowboy take me away.
Closer to you

New York State of Mind

Well this past weekend the girls and I braved a trip alone to Long Island to visit with Auntie Jill and Uncle Dave. Billy was supposed to come, but like anytime we make plans, he was called into work! He needs to take what he can get because jobs have been so scarce these days. So off we left on Saturday morning and we trekked on down to the New London Ferry. The girls were fantastic during the car ride and they even had a great time on the ferry despite Layla not feeling her best. I have to say that Hannah was on her best behavior the entire weekend and I was so very grateful!

Auntie Jill and Uncle Dave met us in Greenport which is a town located just after you get off the ferry. I have to say that the towns located just off the ferry are my favorite on the island. It is all green green rolling farmlands with farmhouses and farmstands. There are vineyards for miles and miles and it is all located just off the ocean. Truly a gorgeous area! Greenport was adorable as well! We walked all around the shops, had some lunch and then headed over to the carousel which actually sat up on a hill just off the ocean. The girls had a blast! Though I will say it was the fastest carousel I had ever been on! Uncle Dave took Hannah on a walk down near the docks while Jill, Layla and I headed into some of the shops. It was a fantastic day even if the weather wasn't at its best.

At night Missy and Madison came on over and we all went to Cheeburger Cheeburger, which is an adorable diner type hot spot..and ohhhh how yummy. Surely gained 5 lbs at this pit stop! HA! The cheeseburgers were so yummy and the ice cream shake I had afterwards was even better! When we got back to the house the girls played Rock Band. Uncle Dave is truly one of a kind to let the kids play with this! He knows how much they love to play it and he is always very excited to set it up for them. Most people who don't have children yet would have their reservations about letting the kids play.. but not Dave. He enjoys watching them as much as we all do. Unfortunately this night Miss Layla decided she was going to get sick all over Uncle Dave's favorite slothing spot on the couch and I surely hope that it is faring well these days!

Sunday we slept in a bit and then Jill and Hannah went to get some NY bagels. Nothing like a NY bagel I tell ya! We then headed on over to feed the ducks. The girls had a blast and I got some real nice pictures of everyone. Once we ran out of bread we headed on over to Big Dave and Miss Linda's house where the word "hospitality's" true meaning shines. I swear they are just the nicest people on the planet and I love that Miss Linda shares my love for country music. She actually made me sit and watch the "Here Comes Goodbye" video by the Rascal Flatts and 4 minutes later Mr. Dave was handing me Kleenex to wipe up my sobbing face! Miss Linda and I will always have that moment! LOL Mr. Dave cooked us a fantastic meal. It first started with Guacamole. Can I just say that I have never liked the stuff.. ever.. but what he made was so darn yummy I made him give me the recipe! Afterwards we had chicken and salmon on the grill with grilled vegetables and pasta salad. The man can surely cook a fantastic meal! I always love spending time at their house because the house is just knock down dead gorgeous. It's all decorated in a wine vineyard theme and their house literally sits on a canal where their boat is docked. The landscaping is just gorgeous and Miss Linda's gardening is just so beautiful. The girls and I are always treated like VIPs when we visit!

Our trip back home went just as smoothly as our trip down and now that I know that the girls can tolerate the car ride we will definitely have to go down on our own more often! Although, I will leave Auntie Jill and Uncle Dave some rest in between because the girls surely had them going all weekend! Mind you, anytime I see Jill, she has an entire new wardrobe purchased for the girls! The most adorable clothes. I call her their sugar daddy!

Sunday evening Layla got sick again! She certainly wasn't feeling well at times throughout the weekend and she stayed home yesterday with Daddy to try and get some rest. She did have a good night so fingers crossed that it is just a virus we are dealing with and nothing more. The weird part about it is that she was only vomiting at night. Not during the day. This is day 5 of whatever it is and although she is still not herself she does seem to be a bit better today. Yet, she is not eating solids and only drinking her formula. Thank God for that! I really need to find a way to boost her immune system because every other week the poor kid is down and out with something!






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Pictures

Here are a few pictures from the other night. Also a few from our play date with Brenna! Dont have much time to post today as the girls are being incredibly unruly and I have spent most of the morning breaking up their bickering! AHHHH what has gotten into these two? I'm losing my voice from reprimanding them so much today!

Layla decided to put herself on the spin cycle!

Our play date with Brenna..... I will say that I love spending time with Brenna as Tammi & Pete parent very much the same as Billy and I. Also, Brenna and Hannah are two peas in a pod and I never have to worry about Hannah playing too rough because Brenna can surely hold her own! It was a lovely evening and I completely enjoyed spending time with Tammi, Mommy juice in hand of course!

I'm Back!

YAY! Finally I am feeling my self again! Oye, that was a few days of yuckiness but fellas.. I'm Back.

What a great morning it is to be Boston fan! With the Celtics trailing the whole game to squeezing out a win in the end and the Bruins tying the series 3-3 forcing a game 7 AT HOME! Life is surely good!

When I got home yesterday it was so wonderful to see both my girls. As much as it is nice to have a little break now and then, I surely do miss them when I am away from them for more than a few hours. Miss Hannah gave me the play by play of her day and Layla cakes gave me the cuddles I so much needed!

Billy got quite a bit accomplished in the yard and was able to spread all the mulch and it looks so pretty now! Uncle Paul is hopefully painting the side of the house today (the side we just couldnt reach on a ladder) and man the house is really shaping up. Next.. on to building that deck! Soon enough we'll have it looking the way we want it! Although.. I suppose I should find some time to clean the inside one of these days! HA!

I took a bunch of pictures of the girls last night after their bath. This was before Layla decided to catapult off of Hannah's bed and do a complete rotation before landing splat on her face. The sad thing was that I was RIGHT THERE beside her and couldnt do a darn thing to stop it all from happening! Thankfully she didnt seem to be hurt and she didnt cry for very long. Unfortunately, I did forget my camera at home though and I will have to post the pics tomorrow!

We are looking forward to a trip to Long Island this weekend to visit Auntie Jill and Uncle Dave. I am hoping that the weather forecast turns around and we catch a nice weekend!!!

Alright my friend Jenn.. here goes.. HA! I am still feeling quite under the weather, but I promised I would blog about my wonderful weekend so without further ado,

Friday night's scramble to find sitters for the kids ended up being the best decision we could have made. Hannah went to visit Auntie Ju Ju, Uncle Moppy and cousin Reanna and had a wonderful evening bonding with Cali as well. Auntie Mi Mi got her much needed practice and came over to watch Layla cakes. I could tell she was very nervous but once she dove into it, she did wonderful and realized that maybe it wasnt going to be that difficult once her little bean arrives. Layla was great for her as well so that always helps! We headed up to the game and arrived at around the 3rd inning (Billy ended up working late - Murphy's law!) I think we tried at least one of everything at the concession stand before we settled into our seats with our brewski's. The night was perfect! The full moon was shining just over the stadium and it was so nice and warm! We were down 3 - 0 when we arrived, yet soon enough, Bay hit a home run to tie up the game and it just kept getting better from there! My man Jacoby did his share to help as well! I couldnt have asked for a better night and Billy and I had a wonderful time together.

Saturday was a little bit hectic since we were.. lets just say "tired" from the night before.. too many brewski's! I ran to pick up Hannah at Ju Ju's and then did a few more last minute Mother's Day errands. Hannah had skating at noon and then we headed over to Miss Gracie's 1st Birthday party. The girls had a blast, especially when the ice cream truck arrived! We left the birthday party and headed to Newport to see Grammy, Grampy, Auntie Jill and Uncle Dave and Miss Linda and Mr. Dave. We had a wonderful meal at Yesterdays. I always love catching up with Jill and I have to say that I get such a kick out of Miss Linda as well. I personally love the fact that she and I have the same taste in music! We hit the road at about 9PM and I have to say I couldnt wait to lay my head down on that pillow!

Mother's Day morning I got up early to make a fruit salad... yuummyy! Hannah woke up and came down to help. She was so very cute about it. Soon enough, Layla had her hand in the bowl as well. She loves to do everything that Hannah does. We were a bit hurried as I swear no matter how early I get up, there never seems to be enough time to fit everything in. As I was rushing around to get ready, the girls and Billy came in with some treats. I was SOOO very happy when I opened up my card and saw that I most certainly would be attending the Billy Ray Cyrus concert in September! Giddeeyyyuuppp! I was ecstatic! I also got a new Red Sox T-shirt and some workout gear. So very cute! We then rushed on over to brunch at Auntie Ju Ju's. Once again, we caught a perfect morning and all the food was scrumptious! Miss Reanna gave me a beautiful angel bead for my Pandora bracelet. Papa added to it as well and gave me a "H" for Hannah and an "L" for Layla, as well as a diaper bag with a pink rhinestone. So very cute and I am excited to finally be filling the bracelet up since I have had it for over three years now! By noon time the gang was getting a bit overtired and cranky so we headed on home for naps! Later in the day Momma came by and we got to visit with her for a little while. We ate dinner and gave the girls baths and played up in Hannah's room. Again, I do so very much love the smell of the girls right after their baths. It is by far my favorite smell!!! All in all it was another perfect weekend! I went to bed Sunday evening thinking how blessed I was to know what it felt like to be a mother. Truly blessed!

Today I am drop dead exhausted as it was another long night with Layla. I am wondering if she is feeling crappy and maybe has caught what I have or if it is her teeth. Either way I barely slept a wink last night and I think I could keel over on my keyboard today! Thankfully, Billy didnt get a call for work so both girls are home with him today. Hoping I can shake whatever it is that I have soon!!! Block Island is just around the corner and I need to get this butt in shape!

The girls and all my nieces! I managed to get a few shots a few weeks ago of them and although I had wanted to head over to Shanny's and use the studio.. taking them at my house didnt work out so badly! Thank God for editing programs!

100% Country

I have decided to blurb instead of blog today. Is there a difference? I'm not sure but I always thought blogging had more of a story line to it and blurbing was more of a thought process. Is blurbing a word? Not sure, but I am owning it and using it! HA! Chalk it up to me being completely sleep deprived or undeniably clever. Whichever you choose. My blurb today is going to be about Country Music, how it ties in with my baby girls and here goes nothing!

Growing up a dancer I have always been very attached to music and all it's elements. Anything that caught my heart and soul I would hold onto. Back then I would make mix tape after mix tape and hell I wouldnt leave home without them. People always ask that question, "If you could take one thing on a deserted island, what would it be?" For me, it would be music. I sincerely believe that I would die without it.

This being said the one thing you have to know about me is that I have always had crazy taste in music. It is seriously all over the board. From Broadway to Hip Hop to good ol' Rock n Roll, I have always loved it all. If it moved me, then I was in. So understand that country music was in this mix growing up as well. I was in the minority as most of the kids I went to High School and College with fell into 1 of two categories, Rock or Hip Hop. I remember going to this club that had four or so floors and something like 8 different rooms and levels which all played different style music. I would have to do some serious begging for my friends to hop on over to the top floor where they would be playing line dance music. And it was usually only after they were severely intoxicated that I would succeed in doing this.

Fast forward sem odd years and here I am. A crazed country music fan. I think it actually happened pretty much by accident. Hannah banana was a smart little baby and was speaking in sentences by the age of two. She would listen and pick up on everything. EVERYTHING! I had to quickly learn to stop saying "Fongule" shortly after I caught her saying it! I use to listen to a few different radio stations but at this point I was getting extremely frustrated with the language that was in the songs. These were everyday Mom and Pop stations I was listening too and I was a little disturbed when I would hear, "I'm in love with a stripper." ??? Excuse me, WHAT? It was in sheer frustration one day that I said enough is enough and turned on the local country music station. Right away the sound of Rascal Flatts put me at ease and Hannah quickly became a huge fan of Kenny Chesney's, "She thinks my tractor's sexy." It didnt take long for me to fall in love with everything country music had to offer.

What I like most about country music are the story lines. I dont think I have ever heard a song that I couldnt, somehow, someway, relate to my life. It is raw, it is real and it is true. For some reason it can touch my soul in ways that no other type of music can. Moreover, I love the fact that so many songs are dedicated to what life is really all about. It puts me right into that family zone. I love the places that country music can take me. I love the soft fuzzy love songs and I love the real American rock songs. I love most the songs where an artist talks about their babies and watching them grow. Those get me good. No matter what, they all make me visualize my dream house with the front porch on a farm. Those warm summer nights with friends and family.

If only I could get Billy to find an undying love for the same. He doesnt share my same passion for music. It doesnt move him and we often have ipod switching wars! I have however made him fall in love with my farmhouse idea. It was completely by accident one day when we were "House a for saling" and we came across this gorgeous old farmhouse with a huge barn. Stand still knock down fell in love with this place and the barn.. oh it was amazing and I could totally picture having Thanksgiving dinner in this barn all decorated with lights. Nevermind the fields and fields of land. How badly I would love for my girls to experience this life. Learn to ride horses and experience the true beauty in nature. I could totally see them running in those fields chasing butterflies! Bottom line, Billy and I couldnt have afforded that house and the updates we would have needed to do even if we had robbed a bank. Yet, all is not lost because it did bring us to the realization that we were on the same page when it came to the style house we both loved.

Someday, someday, I want that farmhouse. I want the girls to know that life and all it entails. I want them to learn about the simple things and not get so caught up in this crazed world. I want them to know that family is at the heart of it all. I want the simple, laid back ways of the country life and not this hustle and bustle we have somehow gotten caught up in. I want them to stand still and look around and truly see how beautiful this world can be if we all just took a second to notice.

I think i am done blurbing.. as Layla cakes just woke up from her nap and need some cuddles from her Mama. How do I get any work done at this office you ask? ...I do .. I truly do fit it all in!

I will leave you with the fact that I am currently obsessed with Billy Ray Cyrus's new album, "Back to Tennessee". Obsessed I tell ya. There is not one song on this album that I dont absolutely, positively, truly love! It's not often that I can listen to an album cover to cover and not want to fast forward through at least a song or two. This one.. aww every bit of it is just plain awesome!

Mother's pride

This weekend the clan got so much more accomplished! Almost the entire house has been painted! Yehaaawww! Who knew that with a little teamwork Billy and I could accomplish it ourselves? I am so excited and we have such a renewed sense of motivation to do all these things we can just never seem to find the time to do! We are finally MAKING the time to do them and the finished product is going to be spectacular!

Hannah had her 4th skating lesson on Saturday and can I just tell you... SHE DID IT! Yes! On her own the kid skated! The teacher kept pushing further and further back and Hannah would skate over to her. I swear to you there were tears of joy in my eyes and I truly was bursting with pride! I knew she just needed the confidence and once she did it once then she knew she could do and kept on. I was that crazy mother in the stands, jumping up and down clapping my hands and cheering her on. (Hmmm some things never change) I was so PROUD of her!

The rest of the weekend was filled with yard work and house painting and I think we are all a bit exhausted today because of it. Layla slept terribly last night. I just wish there were something I could do to help her sleep better. She should be so darn tired from running around outside all day that she should be sleeping all night long. What gives?

Off to finish my work and tend to a screaming Layla who is also refusing to nap today! Sheeeesh!

It Wont Be Like This for Long

Last night I went to put Layla down to sleep in her crib. She has been going down in the crib recently, she wont stay there all night.. but it is a start. I put her down and I sit in the rocker for a few minutes and she goes out quickly. Baby steps! I put the country radio station on for her and she loves it. So last night, as I am sitting in the rocker, staring at her beautiful face fast asleep, this song comes on.

"It won't be like this for long"

by Darius Rucker

He didn't have to wake up

He'd been up all night

Lay'n there in bed listen'n

To his newborn baby cry

He makes a pot of coffee

He splashes water on his face

His wife gives him a kiss and says

It's gonna be Okay

It wont be like this for long

One day soon we'll look back laugh'n

At the week we brought her home

This phase is gonna fly by

So baby just hold on

It wont be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty

She's crawling in there bed

And when he drops her off at preschool

She's clinging to his leg

The teacher peels her off of him

He says what can I do

She says now dont you worry

This will only last a week or two
It wont be like this for long

One day soon we'll drop her off

And she wont even know your gone

This phase is gonna fly by

If you can just hold on

It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager

And at times you'll think she hates him

Then he'll walk her down the isle

And he'll raise her veil
But right now she up and cry'n

And the truth is that he dont mind

As he kisses her good night

And she says her prayers

He lays down there beside her

Till her eyes are finally closed

And just watch'n her it breaks his heart

Cause he already knows

It wont be like this for long

One day soon that little girl is gonna be

All grown up and gone

Yeah this phase is gonna fly by

He's try'n to hold on

It wont be like this for long

It wont be like this for long

Of course then I quietly close the door and run to Hannah's room where she is waiting patiently to play cards with Mama and I smile and think how perfect my life is. How truly perfect. I sit down on the bed, play a round of cards and lay down beside her and watch her fall fast asleep.

Hot Diggety Dog!

WOW! This weekend was one word, FANTASTIC! We owe it all to this gorgeous span of weather we are having. If this doesn't get you into the summer mode, I dont know what will! By Friday evening the girls were finally feeling better and they enjoyed a lovely evening outside with Miss Brenna. We ordered takeout and had a blast watching the Sox wipe out the Yankees! There is nothing better than a warm night filled with friends, beer and the Red Sox.


Saturday, we started the yard clean up. It was sooo nice to be outside so early in the morning and get things done. We took a break to get Hannah to skating lessons and she did great! I can definitely see an improvement after only 3 lessons. I hope that Billy gets to take her to some public skating because I think his influence on her would be wonderful and would probably be more beneficial as well. Yet, sometimes I do have to remind him that she is a girl and that she very well may not be interested in hockey! HA!

After skating we headed on over to Auntie Ju Ju's to have lunch in the park with Reanna. It was soooo nice and sooo warm! It felt wonderful and Hannah really enjoyed running all over the play yard. Papa even made a surprise guest appearance at the park! Reanna is getting so big already and I cant believe 6 months have just flown by. It is going to be adorable to watch the girls at the beach this summer.

Sunday we spent all day in the yard and we got so much accomplished. It started out as a family affair before Billy got called into work. Yet even so, we got so much accomplished I feel great about it. The leaves were raked, loom spread, front porch and driveway hosed down and I even got a chance to continue where we left off in staining the fence. I really LOVE the color stain we chose. Granted it would look even nicer if the whole fence was new but I still love the color on the old part of the fence as well. Hoping we can get this finished within the next few weeks or so. Hannah also insisted that we plant some sunflower seeds throughout the yard and it should be interesting to see if they grow or not. Fingers crossed that at least one of them grows or else the kid will be crushed. Although.. it would be pretty funny if these huge sunflowers started sprouting all about everywhere as well.

I have to say that one of my favorite parts of this weather is being able to sleep with the windows open. There is nothing better than that. I swear I sleep so much better with the sounds of nature! Secondly, I love to watch the girls play. Both girls were so happy to be outside all day long and Hannah even set the table outside last night for dinner since she insisted that we eat outside. I love to see them getting all dirty and then washing their tanned little bodies up and putting on their summer pajamas. I love the smell of them just after a bath when their hair is still wet and curly.. well at least Hannah's is.. Layla is still working on the hair thing. There is just nothing better than the sweetness that the summer brings. Hannah kept saying all day long yesterday, "This is just the best day ever Mom." My heart smiled.

One last thing... TWO WORDS.. JACOBY ELLSBURY! Billy and I were watching the game last night and we went "OHHH what just happened?" Oh that was just Jacoby.. marking his name in history! LOL

Sick sick sick

I am utterly and completely done with these sicknesses! From Hannah's hive incident to Layla's scary weekend being covered in hives from head to toe, to me waking up this morning with a double ear infection and a throat infection! DONE! I have decided to put us all in bubbles from here in out, good LORD! I am so very Oscar the Grouch today as I am feeling terrible and Layla hasnt much improved either. The hives are not nearly as bad but her eyes are still bright red and gooping green gunk. Pink eye or virus? I am completely aggravated with the service we have recieved at the Pediatrician's office this week as well. When I went to get checked today I had explained to the doctor what we have been through this week and he asked if she were checked for strep. No! She wasnt! The doctor checked her throat and said it was very red, but simply stated a virus was to blame for all of her symptoms. I am getting completely frustrated with all of this! Moreover, Layla and prednisone do not mix and she has been quite unruly these past few days. I wish I could fast forward to our soon to be beach days when everyone is well and we are basking on the sand with our pails and shovels! I am going home to put my grouchiness on the couch and I am hoping the girls will follow suit!

Vacation Week

This week was Hannah's vacation week from school and we have somehow managed to do something fun every day! Two kids at the office every day has been a bit challenging but I have been determined to make it fun for them! Monday night Hannah and I had a date night and I took her out to dinner and to see the much anticipated Hannah Montana movie. I need to rant a little bit on this subject because up until this movie I was a little unclear about how I felt about Miley Cyrus. I do like watching her show and I like to listen to her music with Hannah. Hannah sure gets a kick out of her and wants to be just like her even at such a young age. I have always been a fan of Billy Ray as country music has my heart and soul, yet I was a bit afraid of Hannah looking up to a pop star that was much older than she. Although adorable, HM's character has a bit of a little attitude in the show and I was afraid that Hannah may pick up on this and it is not exactly what I wanted her to look up to. I also was a little concerned about the pictures that had surfaced of her on the Internet and on the cover of Vanity Fair. However, I do believe that the media is to blame for some of these issues and is often found manipulating these young actors and actresses. This being said, I do believe this show was created for teenagers and low and behold it caught on to the youngsters as well. I have also followed many news articles about how Miley was raised and how her parents keep a tight hold on her so that she doesnt end up this teenager running all over Hollywood. All in all Hannah got hooked on Miley because of the name thing and many family members would buy her items because of the name thing as well. What I am trying to lead up to here is that we went to see the movie Monday night and I have to tell you, I would see it again a million times over. It was sooo good and it put any fears to rest that I had about Hannah looking up to Miley Cyrus. I adored everything about this movie, what it stood for and the message it was meant to send. Everything about it was adorable from the characters right on down to the music and I will even admit there was a part where I got teary eyed (the Butterfly Fly Away song)! The all star cast from Miley, to Billy Ray, to Taylor Swift and the Rascall Flatts was phenomenal. Again.. a country gal at heart, this was truly delightful and entertaining to watch! Okay, I am done my rant.

The most important part of the evening was that I finally got to spend some one on one time with my Hannah. We had more fun giggling and skipping into the movie theater. Although I think I may have actually embarrassed the kid at one point. She made me stop skipping! Whoa.. already this is starting! HA! I am in for it. She got a big kick out of how we kept the whole evening a big secret and wouldnt tell anyone where we went and what we did. It was so wonderful to have this Hannah time and a nice change of pace.

Tuesday we went to Toys R Us with the girl's Easter gift certificates. Although this wasnt without incident as I had gone to get Hannah out of the car seat and the poor kid's face was covered in hives and these huge welts. What??? I mean this is Hannah now? I had to run to CVS and grab some Benadryl to get it to calm down. It did and we went skipping through the isles of Toys R Us no problem! Hannah ended up with a beauty salon kit and Layla.. a 6 pack of high heels. Yes, she is my high heeled kid. I can't open my closet without her freaking out and putting her feet in my heels. Usually we see her strutting around with just one on and it is hilarious! If Hannah takes her shoes off, Layla is right there putting her feet in them. Ahhhh the fun of having girly girls!

Yesterday we established Hannah's face hives were from Cadbury Mini Eggs after we had another episode of the facial hives. RANDOM! Yet, in looking up the ingredients, apparently they have Hazelnut protein in them and this could be the cause. Hannah was always able to eat peanut butter without an issue but I did read that you can be allergic to one and not the other. So it is between this and the dyes in the candy that must have caused her to be allergic. I swear there is never a dull moment in our household and Lord did I get it back 10 fold! After dinner our treat was to walk to Cool Licks. Although it was quite cold, I bundled the girls up and off we went! Hannah ordered her usual vanilla Dole Whip with rainbow sprinkles and Layla and I shared a vanilla Dole Whip as well. She seemed to be alright with it, which is good to know for this summer as it is dairy free so hopefully she'll be able to have some here and there.

So this is what we have been up to all week! BUSY BUSY BUSY! I have also been trying to work some extra hours throughout the week so that we may take a half day tomorrow as cousins Arielle and Addison are coming over for a play date!

I am also happy to announce that I am going to visit my new little man Luke who was born April 15th @ 2:30 AM. Both Melisa and Luke are doing great and I cant believe he is finally here! I cant wait to hold a little boy in my arms and I am dying to see this bundle of hair he is said to have. Moreover, I cant wait to turn my camera on him!

Unfortunately, I am ending on a sad note as Boxer puppy dog face, Bauer passed away Monday evening. I know how hard it is to lose a fur family member and I know how much Bauer meant to my dear friend Shannon who is a two time breast cancer survivor. Bauer was her chemo buddy and a wonderful dog. Both my girls had a bunch of fun with her on Thursday when we were doing their Easter shoot and I am so very glad I grabbed the camera and got some great shots of Shannon and Bauer. Who knew then what little time she had left. She lead a good life and was soo loved. She will be missed but I know that she is running around in fields of gold with my Mandy girl. Kisses to puppy dog heaven Bauer! xoxoxo

Here are the lyrics to the song that had me bawling in the movie theater!

Butterfly Fly Away

You tucked me in,
Turned out the light
kept me safe and sound at night
little girls depend on things like that

Brushed my teeth and combed my hair
had to drive me everywhere
you were always there when I look back

You had to do it all alone
Make a living, make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be

And when I couldn't sleep at night
Scared things wouldn't turn out right
you would hold my hand then sing to me

Caterpillar in the tree, how you wonder who you'll be
can't go far but you can always dream
Wish you may and wish you might
don't you worry hold on tight.
I promise you there will come a day
Butterfly Fly Away
Butterfly Fly Away (butterfly fly away)

Got your wings now you cant stay
Take those dreams and make them all come true
Butterfly Fly Away (butterfly fly away)
We've been waiting for this day
All along you knew just what to do
Butterfly,Butterfly,Butterfly,
Butterfly Fly Away

(Butterfly Fly Away)

(Butterfly Fly Away)

Picture it Sicily!

Last night I took the girls over to my friend Shannon's house to do an Easter photo shoot with them. I actually held a Nikon 200 in my hands and went to town! Granted it was a bit of a crazy afternoon as the girls had been at work with me all day and by 3:30... well you know how it goes with kids. Yet, under the circumstances, they both did very well and let me get a few good shots in. Shannon's set up is unbelievable and I feel like a kid in a candy store when I go over there!

With Shannon editing and myself shooting.. we truly make a great team!

Shannon and dear Bauer.. Quite the Pair! Shannon is recovering from her second battle with breast cancer and poor Bauer is suffering from heart disease.. and yet they still look like movie stars!

I am off to get my work done and finish all of my Easter preparations! Have a wonderful weekend and a fantastic Easter!