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/

Never Grow Up

This will go down in the books as being my all time favorite song

"Never Grow Up"

Taylor Swift

Your little hands wrapped around my finger

And it's so quiet in the world tonight

Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming

So I tuck you in and turn on your favorite nightlight

To you, everything's funny

You got nothing to regret

I'd give all I have honey

If you could stay like that

Oh darling don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh darling don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

It could stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you

Wont let no one break your heart

No one will desert you

Just try to never grow up

Never grow up

You're in the car on the way to the movies

And you're mortified your mama's dropping you off

At 14, there's just so much you can't do

And you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots

But don't make her drop you off around the block

Remember that she's getting older too

And don't lose the way that you dance

around in your PJs getting ready for school

Oh darling don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh darling don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow

It could stay this simple

No one's ever burned

Nothing's ever left you scarred

Even though you want to, just try to never grow up

Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room

Memorize what is sounded like what your dad gets home

Remember the footsteps, remember the words said

And all your little brother's favorite songs

I just realized everything I had is someday gonna be gone

So here I am in my new apartment

In a big city, they just dropped me off

It's so much colder than I thought it would be

So I tuck myself in and turn my nightlight on

Wish I'd never grown up

I wish I'd never grown up

Oh I don't wanna grow up

Wish I'd never grown up

Could still be little

Oh I don't wanna grow up

It could still be simple

Oh darling don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh darling don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

It could stay this simple

Won't let nobody hurt you

Won't let no one break your heart

And even though you want to,

please try to never grow up

Don't you ever grow up

Just never grow up

We Miss You Pete! xoxoxo

This article was written about our dear friends, Pete, Tammi and Miss Brenna. You can visit the link to see the video.

http://www.projo.com/news/content/THE_HOMEFRONT_12-30-10_OCLL39F_v14.426c05.html


War hits home for family of newly deployed captain from R.I. National Guard / Video
08:32 AM EST on Thursday, December 30, 2010
By Tom MooneyJournal Staff Writer
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SMITHFIELD –– On a snowy evening, the Christmas lights shine outside Tammi Lawrence’s home. A tree stands in the family room. A tray of goodies, from Tammi’s cookie swap at work, awaits someone’s attention at the kitchen counter. But look closer.
Something’s awry.
That’s Tammi dragging out the trash barrel and recycling bin to the curb. She hates that chore the most. And that’s her father-in-law pulling into the driveway every morning. He takes 4-year-old Brenna to preschool and has promised to clear the walk this winter with the snowblower he’s dropped off. During the big post-Christmas snowfall a family friend interceded and “plowed and shoveled me out,” she said.
Look at those outside lights again. That’s half what Peter Lawrence usually hangs for Christmas. Haven’t seen him around. And the Christmas tree? Brenna complains it’s short this year and fake. She wants a big, real fir.
Extra
R.I. National Guard fights battles abroad and at home
“When Daddy gets home,” Tammi has had to tell her daughter.
Until then, she explains, “we’re trying to do everything simple.” You have to when “you’re the only one.”
A new year dawns and with it Tammi Lawrence is learning to deal with new, painful emotions.
Two protracted wars drag into a new decade with scant notice from many Americans. She’s no longer one of them.
In September, her husband, Peter Lawrence, 35, a captain with the National Guard’s 103rd Field Artillery Battalion, deployed for the first time, something he’d been wanting and something Tammi hoped would never happen.

Tammi Lawrence is managing Christmas alone in Smithfield this year with daughter, Brenna, age 4, while her husband, Peter, is deployed in Kuwait with the Rhode Island Army National Guard’s 103rd Field Artillery Battalion. The Providence Journal / John Freidah
Like that, war reached their threshold.
“This war has been going on for years and to me, people are numb to it,” she says. “Unless you’re in it, I mean.”
“We’re no different from other [deployed] families,” she says. “But it’s new to me so I feel like I’m the only person.”
She feels worse for Peter. “I have my daughter, I have my family. He just went through a sad period of not seeing his daughter. He really misses her.” And there’s little solace in finding distractions beyond his Kuwaiti headquarters: “There’s no trees, no water. All there is is desert as far as you can see.”
Some 50,000 troops remain in Iraq. Many are supported through supply lines stretching back into Kuwait. Captain Lawrence, whose grandfather flew P-47 fighters over Europe in World War II, whose father served in the Army during Vietnam, directs security missions for those truck convoys. He loves his job. He’s served in the Guard since he was a teenager.
Two years ago he took a risk and opened his own small Nationwide insurance agency in North Providence. While he set off to build a business, Tammi went about being a school nurse at Wilbur Elementary in Somerset, Mass.
“We worked and then we did our home stuff together,” says Tammi, “and we didn’t pay attention to that” — the war.
Then word came. The Lawrences had nine months to plan before their lives turned upside down.
Peter trained a good friend to run his new business. His dedicated secretary still refuses to take a day off. Nationwide called the office the other day asking what it could do to help Tammi at home. The company made arrangements to help with the oil bill.
Tammi and Peter e-mail daily. They use Skype often, seeing and talking to each other through computers. On weekends, Tammi sets up the computer at Peter’s parents so they can see their son, too.
Technology keeps them all connected but reminds them, too, of the distance between them; eight more months on Peter’s deployment.
Members of a family support group told Tammi that “you will notice that people just don’t think it’s a big deal that your husband is away.” That has come true on occasion, she says.
“It’s really bizarre. They’ll say, ‘How’re you doing’ and that’s it. But everyone is busy with their own lives. So I don’t think they know what to do. I don’t even know what I want them to do –– besides take out my trash,” she says, laughing.
Peter took care of the outdoor chores, the car-oil changes, the shoveling. She handled things inside. Now she tries to do both.
Not long ago little Brenna watched her friend being picked up by her father. “Please pick me,” she asked. “Pick me up, too.”
Nights are the hardest for them both. Too much time to think about him gone.
Now rather than brace for Brenna’s crying, Tammi has devised a new routine: they make popcorn together and then play the Candy Land board game over and over until they’re both sleepy.
No war news enters Tammi’s house, no pictures of soldiers in uniform. “We do a lot of Christmas specials here.”
The family set an empty seat for Peter at Thanksgiving. His dress uniform coat hung from the back of a chair. Three framed photographs sat among the silverware and plates: Peter in fatigues, with his rifle slung over his shoulder; Peter holding Brenna when she was 2; a family portrait of the three of them on vacation.
Peter called precisely at 2 p.m. local time as the family was preparing to sit down. Everyone got a chance to talk to him.
“It was tough for everybody,” says Tammi, “but we got through it.”
Peter’s parents arrived at the house at 6 a.m. Christmas morning. T-Mobile loaned Tammi a laptop so Peter could Skype and watch his daughter open presents under that small, artificial tree.
“We’ll do it up big next year,” Tammi says.
Meantime, Peter is scheduled to come home on leave in April.
Brenna is already asking how many days away is that. …Tomorrow? Her parents are gently reminding her it’s only for a few days. Then Daddy’s going back to work.
And Tammi will still be taking out that trash barrel.
tmooney@projo.com

Happy New Year

Well we have somehow found ourselves on the other side of the Holidays and here it is January, 2011! Our Christmas was spectacular! Once I got to 4pm on Christmas Eve, everything just went so smoothly. We went to Christmas Eve Mass and then up to Foxboro to visit with my mother's side of the family. It's always a treat to see my Pepere and it was especially nice to meet my new cousin, baby Isabelle. From there we went to my sister in laws and got to visit with Billy's mother's side of the family. I don't think we got home before 10:30! Yet, for once it didn't matter because I knew we had NOWHERE to go on Christmas day and what a fabulous gift in itself that was!



I awoke at 7:oo am Christmas morning to three snoring kids. I tried to fall back to sleep but in all honesty.. I was way too excited and bewildered that the kids were actually still sleeping! So I lay there for about a half hour before I went downstairs and put all the Christmas lights on and the Christmas music. I came back upstairs trying to make as much noise as possible and yet.. not a single one stirred! by 7:45 I couldn't wait any longer and I went into Hannah's room and gave her a kiss. She woke up, looked at me for a millisecond and then hopped out of bed in one leap and started heading for the stairs! I laughed and told her she had to help me wake the others first.



Their faces were priceless as they scanned over all of their gifts. The very moment I had been waiting for. The girls adore their Barbie Mansion and have yet to go an hour without playing with it. Cameron was actually unwrapping his own gifts at age 6 months! Granted he was trying to eat whatever paper he could get to his mouth... but still.. he has such good coordination already. To keep tradition alive I had also prepared my mother's Christmas Breakfast Braid, for the first time. Just the smell of it put me back to when we were kids and how wonderful our Christmas mornings would be. I am so grateful to have three, gorgeous children to carry on these family traditions. We had such a lovely, laid back morning that I didn't want it to end. There was no rushing around or hurrying into showers. I was able to take it all in and I can assure you that it felt so very good.



Our guests began to arrive around 2pm. This too ran so perfectly. There was no rush to sit down to eat or to get through courses. My turkey ... ohhhh it came out unbelievable! I have NEVER tasted a turkey so good. (To be honest, Billy actually went back to BJ's the day after Christmas to try and get another because all 20lbs of that bird went!) The dinner was just scrumptious. By mid-day I could tell the girls were starting to get watery eyes and sniffles and they quickly changed into their jammies, took some Tylenol and were able to carry on in the festivities. It was so perfect to have the family gathered around at our home. It is surely a memory I will cherish forever and I look forward to hosting many more Christmas dinners.



The day after Christmas I had Baby Aria's Baptism. What a beautiful ceremony and a beautiful Church. It was so wonderful to see baby Aria, Sara and Ethan and I even got to meet my girlfriend Val's new little Josephine. She is a doll! Her Gabriel is also getting so big so quickly. Cameron came with me to Church and he was so very good. So glad that I could be a part of that special day. As the snow came in we went on over to my parents to exchange gifts and spend time together and I think I even got to take a 20 minute snooze!



From there it all went down hill. The kids all ended up sick and so did I. I made it to work on Tuesday and then from there on out, I couldn't move. Everything hurt. To be honest, everything still hurts. The kids all had fevers, sore throats, chest coughs, drippy noses and my whole body just ached. It had to have been the flu as we barely got off the couch all week. Today is the first day I have managed to wear normal clothes and get my butt to work, although I am still feeling miserable. I have an appointment after work to get checked and I am hoping to get to the bottom of whatever this is and feel better! I feel so guilty for not being able to do anything fun and exciting with the kids during school break. Yet, at the same time I was so grateful for the rest and cuddles with them.



Yesterday I dusted off my "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook and I have vowed to get my family eating healthy with the proper fruits and vegetables. I am hoping that eating the right nutrients and a well balanced diet will help to keep the entire family healthy and germ free. I have to start somewhere and eating right needs to be it. The next thing we are adding on will be exercising again.



On an extremely sad note, my brother in law Dan's father passed away last Thursday very unexpectedly. I am still in shock as it was just on Christmas Eve that I had seen him last. It doesn't make sense and I can only imagine how Dan feels. He was such a sweet, full of life, type of person with the most amazing, twinking blue eyes I have ever seen. On Christmas Eve I went into Dan and Leanne's family room to greet him and his wife Jean and I was teasing them about being all cozy romantic on the couch by the fire. I just can't believe that less than a week later, he is gone. I am keeping the entire DeMarco Family in my prayers. My Faith tells me that he is in a better place, watching his family from above. May God Bless this entire family and help them through this terrible loss.

T minus 6 days

Christmas is only SIX days away! I cant believe how quickly these months just fly by and how I have so very little time to get to this computer and write! I really do miss it as it always serves as my therapy in many cases as well. I am missing a lot of things lately. First and foremost, my friends. Things have been a little stressful lately and I have been really backing away from them when the truth is that I need them now more than ever. My family has been faced with a situation that we never thought imaginable and I have found myself in a caregiver role for someone that I love with all my heart. Everything has changed and some days I am okay with that, while others I am so not. It has been quite the emotional ride so far and truth be told, I really don't want to drag my friends into that. I can only put up a front for so long and when people ask me how I am, I truthfully want to scream that I am an emotional mess. That I don't understand why this happening. Yet, I don't and instead I say, "Things are good," because in all honesty, I don't want to bog people down with this. Or I don't respond at all. I am having a tough time handling it all as well as taking care of the children and Holiday gatherings. Moreover, I drive myself insane thinking about what this next year will bring as it pertains to this situation. I do apologize to my friends for sort of sliding off the radar. I don't expect you all to understand, but I truly hope you will.

There is a flip side to all of this and that is what I am really trying to grasp onto. I know that there are no guarantees in life and so I am trying to snatch up every single moment that I can with my family. This year more than ever, I am taking time to stop and take everything in. I'm making memories with my family and cherishing them with all my heart. I am thanking the Lord above for giving me all the good in my life because this is what certainly offsets the bad. I have these three beautiful babies that I truly cant get enough of. I love the magic this season brings and watching them squeal in delight about all the excitement that comes along with the Holidays. So even though there are bad days, there are so many more good days that I cant imagine my life without. And at the end of a bad day, I have my husband and children to snuggle up to and savour. I know that I am fortunate and that things could be so much worse. Some days it is just harder to remember that than others.

Billy and I are hosting Christmas dinner this year. Although I am a little nervous about trying to get all of my tasks done, I am so very excited to be having it here. Thrilled that my kids can be home the entire day and overjoyed to have the family all together around our dining room table. We are truly hoping to make this a tradition as I would most definitely like to host Christmas each year. As we speak, the dining room has been disassembled so that we can paint and switch the rooms up. I am very excited to see the end product as I think the layout is going to give us more room to entertain and just make it homier for our family gathering.

Shopping is DONE! Most of it is wrapped and I am just waiting for a few more things to trickle in by mail. I am beyond excited to see the kids faces this year. To watch Cameron experience his first Christmas at 6 months old. I can't wait to see the girls faces light up with their surprises and I am so itching to be able to play with them for hours over the coming weekend! I have to say, I have always been someone who enjoyed "giving" in the spirit of Christmas.


The health report is as follows:
Hannah successfully had her 4th ear tube surgery two weeks ago when the bad ear tube was taken out and a new one put in. She did very well with the surgery and only had a few issues with getting sick afterwards. She has her follow-up tomorrow and I am very curious to see what he says as she has not been herself this past week. I am also questioning a possible UTI for her because something is just off in regards to her and her behavior. Layla has been doing great after her last asthma attack. I am sensing a cold coming on but hoping the inhalers and singulair keep it at bay and we don't have any flare ups. Cameron has been a bit of a fuss budget and I am seriously wondering if he has yet another ear infection. We are going to try and ride it out as I have done some research and have learned that most ear infections are viral and will go away without antibiotics. I really don't want him on antibiotics three times in less than 5 weeks.. so hopefully it will clear up without incident. There is always a possibility that he could be cutting teeth as well..so we shall see. All in all, pretty quiet on the home front as it pertains to their health. I'll take it!


Please don't be offended if you did not receive a Christmas card from us this year! It was impossible to get the kids to pose for one. I tried three days in a row and then gave up. Maybe I will get lucky this week and I will be able to send out New Year's card!

I don't think I will have a moment between now and Christmas to get here and type so I will sign off by saying, Have yourself a merry little Christmas and God Bless!

New BABY and Sick Log

Hoping everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving as much as we did! Although quite hectic on my end, I made a point to stop, take a breath and appreciate those people around me several times throughout the day. Only the good Lord knows what is in store for next Thanksgiving and who will surround us at the dinner table so I really did take time to appreciate my family this year. It was also my little man's first Turkey Day and boy did he look dapper in his preppy attire! (Who knew dressing a boy could be so much fun?) Not only was it Cameron's first Turkey Day.. but it was also...

MY NEW NIECE'S! YES! Stella Mae was born November 23, 2010 at 3:53am weighing 8lbs 1 oz! She is DARLING! A little Italian Princess complete with a full head of dark hair! She is doing well aside from having some jaundice issues. Big sister Reanna adores her and I am soooo very happy that Reanna will know what it is like to have a sister to walk through life with. Lord knows where I would be without my Julie Moolie!

On the sick agenda... Hannah's ear saga continues and she will be having her completely blocked ear tube removed and a new one put in next Tuesday. Fingers crossed that this will solve her most recent ear issues and reoccurring ear infections. My poor Hannah. I may be getting a 2 for 1 deal since Layla is now on her umteenth ear infection as well. It looks like it is time to get her to the ENT as well. I found this out after having a horrible night with her Friday when she had an awful asthma attack. Thankfully, I had some prednisone in the house and I gave her a dose which in essence saved us a trip to the ER. After being seen Saturday morning she is now on an even bigger dose and more inhalers. Roid rage anyone..??? My poor Layla. Last but not least, I swear little man is also suffering from an ear infection as he has not slept in a few nights and he is acting quite the same as he did a few weeks ago when we found that his ear was infected. We will see tomorrow what is bugging him as I plan to take him along to Layla's checkup. Poor Cameron... (Hmmm are you seeing a pattern here?)

To Be Continued ....

Oh My Gosh it's November!

How exactly did November creep up on me? How exactly is it almost Thanksgiving???? These past several weeks have been tough on us all but we are hanging in and keeping the faith. I know that we are being watched over by our angels in heaven and I believe that we are only given what the Lord knows we can handle. That being said, the kids are all doing great. Cameron is getting over his first ear infection and Hannah also was diagnosed with an ear infection this week. It's apparent the right ear tube is not in right, so we are heading to the ENT on Monday with her. (Sometimes I really do feel like my life is so rhetoric) Layla is actually healthy... and I am knocking on all the wooden surfaces in my office as I say this! I am praying we can keep them healthy for the holidays.

Cameron is getting bigger and bigger by the second. He is laughing and babbling and loves to wake up around midnight and just talk to me. As tired as I am, I love this special time with him. He is practically sitting up and I am just waiting for that first tooth to appear. All he does is SMILE.. all the time! If anyone talks to him.. he grins from ear to ear. He is such a happy little boy. God I am so very lucky!

Layla is cracking me up more and more as the days go on. She is just so very funny. She is three however, and three in our house seems to be a bit more to handle than age two. She likes to tune me out and the other day as I had asked her 50 times to put on her socks and shoes, "Layla-Grayce... PUT ON YOUR SOCKS AND SHOES!", she finally responded by saying, "ALRIGHT MOMMY GRACE!" We are doing well with the potty training and her new thing is that once you put her on she'll tell you she needs her privacy. I love her verbage. "Whats that smells?" and her little high pitched voice with all of her exuberant expressions. I could just cuddle this bug 24 hours a day.

Hannah is growing, growing, growing. So much so that it seems that this week she has outgrown every last article of clothing in her drawers! What happened? They fit her a month ago? I literally had to go out and get her a few new things to wear as the poor child had nothing left acceptable to put on for school! She was so happy heading on into school this morning and for the first time all week, she got dressed in 50 seconds flat! I love the little girl she is becoming. She is so strong and tough and yet so sentimental and emotional. We had rented Ramona and Beezus this week and she actually cried at the part where Ramona runs away. I looked over to see tears streaming down her face and it melted my heart. She does have some of her Mommy in her after all. She is such a HUGE help with the little ones and will do anything I ask. I am so blessed to have this little shining star dancing around in my life!

We said good-bye to Pete on Thursday as he flew overseas to Kuwait. I am so going to miss him. Hannah has already begun to draw him pictures. I pray that he stays safe and returns to us safely. Please keep him in your prayers. It's going to be a long year!

Now it is time to change gears after a very long week and get ready for Mom & Dad's 40th Anniversary. God Bless them! Following right behind is Thanksgiving and I have yet to do a thing for it. It will get done.. in the end it always does.

The Passing of Time

My Monster Cheerleader, Monkey & Mickey Mouse!

Good Lord it has been a bit since I have been able to get myself to a computer and actually think about the events of our week or weeks in this case. It's rhetoric, for sure, but life is just crazy busy. There is nothing more I can say in respect to that. If it weren't however, then we wouldn't know to appreciate those days when we were relaxing and cuddling at home.. so I will take it any way I can get!

Let's check off the Health Report first and catch you up to date. For the most part we are all well. We did however, learn that miss Layla does indeed have asthma. It wasn't a surprise to me at all. (She couldn't have gotten my red hair??? Instead she got my asthma). Asthma is quite common in kids that have food allergies, allergies in general and eczema. She never really recovered after having the RSV last February and every time she gets the tiniest cold, it turns into this full blown wheezing and coughing bit. Now it is just a matter of keeping it controlled. She refuses to do nebulizer treatments and it is impossible for us to force her to do them so right now we are solely working with inhalers and are about to start Singulair. She was wheezing enough last week for them to put her on Prednisone. Layla and steroids.. dont mix! Billy and I had to take turns being around her the poor kid was off the wall! Hyper one minute, yelling the next, crying the next. It was a bit... how shall I put it.. exhausting to be around her. She was also on antibiotic for an ear infection. Hmmm.. why is she getting so many of these all of a sudden??? No sooner did we make it through the weekend, the poor kids ended up with the vomiting/diarrhea bug. The poor kid cant catch a break but as of today.. I think she may have gotten over it and I am keeping my fingers crossed she will have a healthy week. Hannah went to school complaining of a stomach ache which I am hoping isnt the beginning of the bug for her.. no phone calls from school yet. Last but not least, Chubba Luv and I seem to have this nasty chest cold type thing that we are muddling through. I feel so bad for him because I know how horrible I feel and he sounds so congested! Hopefully he will get through it this weekend and be back to my healthy baby boy by Monday!

The kids are all well otherwise. We are having more fun watching their little personalities develop. Hannah is turning into my sensitive little darling with a style all her own. She is studious and conscientious and is really enjoying dance and hockey this year. She is one heck of a hockey player and I am so proud of how far she has come. She kills me with her attire because I want to say, "OH NO.. that looks horrible" but in my head I am reeling back to 30 years ago and remembering how my mother and I use to butt heads about my attire. Instead I let her be and figure who am I to change the person she is? (All within reason of course). Layla is a trip. Simply put. She is so very funny that Billy and I will be keeled over in laughter at some of the things that come out of her mouth. She is SO sincere and SO lovable and affectionate. Her expressions are priceless. We have been back and forth with the potty training and her new thing is when she goes into the bathroom and I follow her to help.. she shoos me out and says, "I need my privacy." Her birthday party was a blast and I would have spent a million dollars to see the expression on her face when Mickey Mouse entered the house. She was completely thrilled and in all her glory. I still can't believe she is three. Cameron is a doll. A DOLL! He is SUCH a good boy and is usually very content just hanging out. He is all over the place rolling and cooing. He looks so big to me already I cant even believe how quickly these past 4 months have flown by. He loves his blankets and loves to cuddle as well. He is sooo alert and is always trying to grab things and turns his head to whomever is speaking in a room. He LOVES his cereal and bananas and will devour a huge bowl of it. He sleeps in his crib most of the night and cuddles with me the rest of the time. All I can say is that this is going to be such a fun Christmas with my three little blessings and I am so looking forward to it.

Aside from work, this is also my busy time for photography and it has really begun to take off. We have been able to do a bunch of Fall photo shoots and I am thrilled that everyone seems to be really happy with our product. I wish I had more time to devote to this passion of mine. I am still holding out much hope that this passion, in time, will become my career. I couldnt ask for a more fulfilling one!

So we have been running all about from showers, to birthday parties and school activities, CCD, sports and such. We are gearing up for another fun filled weekend and I am truthfully glad that it is Friday! I will try and post some pictures of the past several weeks over the weekend. You can check out my recent photography at http://www.kerrimurphy.smugmug.com/ Pete was able to get home for three days before he leaves for a year and I had the pleasure of capturing some really special moments. Stay safe Peter.. we are thinking of you always..

Last but not least, I am patiently waiting for the arrival of my new niece or nephew! T minus 3 WEEKS! Whoopppiee!

Help Fight Cancer!

For the most part I truly consider myself one of those people who count their blessings. I really do. I am always trying to savor every moment with my children, husband, family, etc. I know how blessed I am to have them. I know they are gifts from God for me to cherish and treasure. Yet, there are those days, (and we all have them) when the weight of the world can wear you down. When things dont always go the way you want, or you are caught up in the crazy, hustle bustle and stresses of every day life. It's on those days, that I make it a point to visit this website. www.laylagrace.org.

I remember the pain and trauma Hannah went through as a newborn. I remember the day when I thought we were going to lose her. I also remember how much Layla went through with her stomach and allergy issues. All the testing the poking and prodding each one of my girls went through. I can't imagine what it is like for these families to watch their babies, their children suffer. To be in so much pain. We have to find a cure!!!

I ask you, please help in the fight against cancer. Donate, share the links and stories of these children and their families, pray like you never have before for these children, or just be grateful for what it is that you do have. Remember, together we can find a cure for cancer!



http://www.thematthewsstory.com/

http://www.ourturkey.blogspot.com/

Gearing up for a party!

We have been busy busy busy over at the Murphy household! All of it good of course and knock on wood.. we haven't been too sick these past several weeks aside from the coughs and runny noses that go along with colds. We just came off a gorgeous and most delightful Holiday weekend. We usually spend this weekend up in New Hampshire but this year we were able to attend my beloved Scituate Art Festival for the first time in years! The kids had a wonderful time and they were so well behaved. Billy and I ended up picking up a few trinkets to be given as Christmas gifts as well. Nothing better than doing some of that shopping now to stay on course for a fun Christmas Season. We were also able to visit our favorite boutique http://ChaChaBelle.com and pick up some new accessories.. I seriously can't get enough! I told Sarah that it might be best if I just set up an account with her that I can pay monthly! I just love love love all of her creations and my girls love to wear them! I cant begin to tell you how many compliments we receive when the girls are in their Cha Cha gear!

We also celebrated my childhood best friend's wedding with them on Sunday. What a fantastic time this was! Alyson looked absolutely stunning in her dress and it was quite emotional to watch her walk down the isle. I swear I could still see her walking up William's Rd to come play when we were kids. Adam and Alyson do make the perfect couple and I wish them all the happiness in the world as they begin their marriage together. Billy and I had a blast at the reception and it was sooo nice to have this time together. We dont get too much of that with 3 kiddos! The kids did fare fine however with Auntie Charl, Uncle Stephen, Amy and Kevin. They had a grand time and havent stopped talking about all the things they did!

Layla had a fantastic birthday and we had a very nice dinner to celebrate with the grandparents. She was delighted to receive the only gift she asked for, a fish. Which she aptly names, "Nemo"... because.. who isnt named Nemo in Layla's world? HA! She is doing great with potty training and I just can't believe how grown up this little doll is! Despite her age and her new found maturity, the kid continuously has us rolling on the floor in laughter. Most importantly.. she is STILL MY CUDDLE BUG! (sigh of relief here). I cant imagine not snuggling with this little cozy monkey every night!

Both young ins had their checkups yesterday. Layla gained 5 pounds in a year! Whoooooppiiee! Although she is still below average on the weight chart.. gaining 5lbs a year is average for her age so we have made much progress there! She also grew 4 and a half inches! Holy Cow! She is my tall little petite beanpole! Everything else checked out great and Dr. Sowa had fun conversing with her. She received her 2 immunizations and 1 flu shot and handled it all very well considering. Only a few minutes of crying and then she was bandaged with some Bugs Bunny Band-Aids and all was good with the world.

Chubba Luv also had his 4 month check up. I was shocked to learn that he too was below average in weight because to be quite honest.. he looks so darn chubby!!! LOL Come to find out.. it's because he does not seem to be so tall in length.. HA! So he looks chubbier than what his weight really is. Did I mention he is teething? Teething at 4 months! Layla cut her first two teeth at 9 months and didnt get any more til well after a year old! LOL He is doing tremendously though, rolling all about and talking and laughing. I cant believe how much more alert and advanced he is at this stage than the girls. They both were still immobile at this age. Dr. Sowa reminded me however, that Cameron is well. He feels good and that's probably why. My poor princesses didn't have such luck. Needless to say I am scared out of my mind that this little monkey will be crawling waaaayyy too soon! He is such a happy little love bug and I think he too, is going to be all cuddly like Layla.

Hannah is doing well also. She is back to loving school and being with all of her friends. Her schoolwork is coming along great and her reading is progressing as well. I am so very proud of her. She really is so grown up that sometimes I forget she is only 6! I have to remind myself of this because the kid truly is as mature as they come.

We are now throwing ourselves into planning a kicker of a birthday party for Miss Layla Cakes. Mickey Mouse everywhere! We finished up our cookies last night and we are heading into creating some cupcakes tomorrow night! So very excited for the day and our big Mickey surprise. I hope the weather cooperates and we get a gorgeous Fall day. I am sure to have a bunch of great pictures to put up!

xoxoxo

Happy 3rd Birthday Layla Grayce!

Dear Lord where does the time go? I can still remember every little detail about Miss Layla's day of birth and I can't believe it was THREE whole years ago! She is truly such a ray of sunshine in my life. She brings me more laughter than I ever thought imaginable! My snuggle bug, my sidekick, my little princess in all her frills. We had a marvelous day today and I was so happy to be able to have the day off with her! I can't tell you how many people remarked on how adorable she looked in her Cha Cha Belle outfit complete with a brown tutu, matching hat and cowgirl boots! I seriously could just eat this child up! I love you baby girl... Mommy loves you so very much! xoxoxoxo

Off to finish making dinner for the grandparents for her celebration!

It was a long week. It was a tough week. It was an extremely emotional week. Yet, we did pull through and at the very end of the week, stood my baby boy's Baptism. How very happy I was to have a celebration to look forward to after a week filled with sadness and many tears. The day could not have been more perfect! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and somehow by the grace of God I had planned everything just right so that there was no stress and no rushing around. The Lord was definitely present!

Auntie Jill and Uncle Dave had come over early enough so Jill could dress baby Cameron. It is the Italian tradition to have the Godmother dress the baby into his Baptismal attire. This attire was bought by the Godparents and it was just so perfect for Cameron. It's golden ivory tone was exactly what I had wanted. We were able to get some pictures out on the deck as well with plenty of time to spare!

Cameron looked dashing in this Baptism attire and he was so very good in Church! He is just the sweetest little boy! Father Najim performed the hat trick as he had Baptized the girls as well. Just this time the venue was different as we are now parishioners of St. Augustine's. The whole ceremony was beautiful and personal being that it was private. The girls looked gorgeous in their fancy dresses and I was just so happy to be celebrating this day with the family. After the week that had passed, I made sure to say an extra prayer of thanks that I still had so many loving family members surrounding us. What a truly remarkable day as my baby Cameron entered into his Catholic faith!

The reception was FANTASTIC! I absolutely adore Via Roma and all of it's Italian ambiance! It was exactly how I had imagined it. The cake was GORGEOUS and tasted simply delicious as it was from Scialo Brothers Bakery up on Federal Hill as well. I will most certainly be ordering from them again! The photographs that I had taken of Cameron were the perfect centerpieces along with the hydrangeas I had dried from our yard. Mom Murphy had whipped up some scrumptious chocolate covered Oreo cookie favors and they were so yummy as well. (Rumor has it that Miss Julie was devouring them when the guests weren't looking!) HA! It all goes to that new niece or nephew I will be having in less than two months! The food was phenomenal and everyone remarked about it. The ambiance.. well it was just perfect. A family celebration set to Sinatra and Bennet, who could ask for anything more? I can't thank our parents and Jill & dave enough for helping to make this such a spectacular day!

I am surely saying my prayers this week. Last week is gone but I am still keeping Helen and her family in these prayers as well as Peter, Tammi & Brenna. I wish there were something more I could do, but I will certainly keep the prayers coming.

Onward to planning a 3rd Birthday Party for Miss Layla Cakes!

Dear Lord,

Please keep this man safe

Protect him from harm

Wrap his family in your embrace

Return him to us safely

Peter, thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect us and our Country. We love you and can't wait for your safe return. 364 more days!