Time to Close this Chapter

It is time to close this chapter of my life. But look for a new one to begin. I am in a better place, finding myself again. Life is good, and it is only going to get better. Pay attention and you will find me somewhere else!

Wicked in New York

Off to NYC one of my favorite places to go….not that I would want to live there. It started off an early morning….Camille, Cindy, Terrie and I piled in the car and headed out around 6:00 am. Straight to China Town, one of my favorite places to shop. I can’t leave there without a pair of sunglasses. We found some cute jewelry, a purse for Cindy and a camera bag for Terrie (a purse, but don’t tell her that is what they are called.)

Before you know it Camille was rushing us out, we had reservations at Serendipitiy’s and so she hailed us a cab. You would think she was the one driving. Yummy food, and yes the Frozen Hot Chocolate is to die for, minus the whip cream, I didn’t care for it too much. Then off to Dylans candy store. I am glad we went there after we had eaten, although I did find the cutest Diet Coke bottle I have ever seen. Time flies when you are having fun and now for the main event….WICKED!
I had seen this once before, but it was just as good I was able to sit back and take it all in now that I knew the story (side note, my mom was seeing the same day in Tempe, AZ). A trip to the city isn’t a trip unless you make it to the M&M store, find out your color mood, use the restroom and pick something up for at least one kid. Then to the Hershey store. We were beginning to see a theme….Do you? Camille had to shop at her favorite store, obviously it wasn’t ours. JK.

Then sadly it was time to go, we headed home but then when we came to a screeching hault in front of some orange cones… we had to take the next exit which happened to be the IKEA exit. A quick pit stop and we called it a night. A lot of fun and a lot of laughs….my stomach and back hurt…..much needed!

Hiking

The boys and I found a cool little place with easy hiking trails last summer. We went there a few times last year and had a blast this day we went. Chandler was the photographer. We ran through paths, pretended we were airplanes, we danced and we sang, we balanced on broken tree limbs and even hugged a few. My favorite picture is of the three youngest walking towrds the light...no really is was a street, but let's pretend! Unfortunately the weather has been wet and we have had a lot of other appointments so the trails will have to wait until we return from Arizona!

4th of July

Well it was a crazy fourth of July.....We started out our morning with a ward Pancake Breakfast. The weather was questionable and although the women and I were fine to set it up outside the men were a bit whimpy...ha! ha! A few injuries got things going but lucky we have great people at church and it all worked out. This year was the first time that I can remember being cold, wrapped in a jacket and walking to the gas station to buy Hot Chocolate...LOL We had a good time though. We arrived at the Commons with KFC around 5:00 pm. We ate and the kids ran around with whoopi cushions, swords (made of foam) and bubbles. By the time the fireworks started we had a large group-10 families. It was a lot of fun!

It has been a bit crazy!

I am always amazed at how quickly time goes and things get away from you! Maybe it is the end of the year, or my crazy life. The kids have one more week of school, they are excited! Me too! I am ready for them to be home for awhile, the older they get the more social they are and the less they are at home. I really have been missing them a lot! And on top of it summer means a trip to Arizona. YEAAH! We are all very excited, the boys are getting in touch with their friends and making plans, I should be doing that too! My family is excited, they have all kinds of plans. I don't expect a lot of sleep - a lot to do and a lot of people to see in just a short amount of time. But I will savor every minute! I am realizing life is too short to not do that!

Thanks to all of you who sent me birthday wishes, I don't think you know how much it meant to me, and I know I didn't tell you! I am so blessed to have such good friends and family! Love to you all!

How is my baby 6 already!

How time flies, I can't believe that my youngest is already six. I am the luckiest Mom to have such wonderful boys. Preston being the youngest has been a different experience. We have had the opportunity to spend more one on one time together and how great that has been. Although being the last has it's drawbacks too!

We started the morning off with doughnuts and chocolate milk. Then off to school.

Half Day Kindergarten allowed me to take him to lunch with MaryJane and Jade at one of Preston's favorite places Moe's.

Then the whole family went to Friendlys for Dinner and IceCream. He couldn't wait for them to sing Happy Birthday to him. When he got his icecream he didn't want a Sundae only a single scoop. Me I went for the works! Yummy!

I had his birthday party the following day. It was a backwards party theme. When the kids arrived we had them turn their shirts around. We decoated them in streamers. We started out opening presents and then headed off to cake and ice cream where we sang Birthday Happy to you! Then instead of breaking a Pinata we made our own. Then outside for Goose, Goose Duck and backwards relays. We finished with Pizza. The kids had fun. Chandler was a huge help he ran most of the games for me and Jake kept the crowd under control.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

I was the first awake this morning. I think the boys forgot what day it was until Geoff reminded them. They quickly retrieved the gifts and cards and ran to my room. Nothing was more beautiful than the smiles on their faces as I read each of the handmade cards they had made at church and at school, their eyes lit up so big as I read them one by one. Nothing is better than a love for a child. It was quick to get ready and off to church. We were all so tired.

When we got home they sent me to my room to rest while they made breakfast for lunch. I don't know how many times they came in asking what I would prefer (so cute, but little rest)! About an hour later breakfast was served, waffles, eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and sausage. Oh and don't let me forget my appetizer, some sort of milkshake they made in the mini food processor with icecream and assorted other ingredients. The food was good, but what I enjoyed more was their effort and desire, although in the end I did have a rather large mess to clean up!

We spent the afternoon playing on the driveway with train tracks and Lincoln Logs, until the rest of the nieghbor kids came over and I was freezing. A simple dinner and a game of Apples to Apples ended the day. These are the memories I want to keep from this day.....forever!

An unexpected visit by mom and some markers

My mom made an unexpected but welcomed trip from Arizona. The boys were so excited they went to bed at 6:30 so they could go to the airport to pick her up. And as soon as we picked her up they went right back to sleep, I was so happy! I got a lot of rest, it was cute the first afternoon I woke up and walked down to see her surrounded. Later the boys were asking her to draw on their feet, while she was occupied looking at their feet she was unaware of the artwork they were creating up above. Some of the marker was not washable. LOL it took a few baths. The boys were sad to see her leave, Jake in particular shared his emmotions!

Feels like AZ

Yesterday we were wearing sweatshirts, today we were sweating. According to the weatherman this morning our high would be the same as Phoenix, but Phoenix is a dry heat! What is up with the weather. Well today was a beautiful day, Chandler is on his first Scout campout, I am assuming all is well because I haven't heard from him. I am glad that I packed his zip-off pants. Jake is playing with Charlie, last time I checked with squirt guns. The two younger boys and I went to the park this afternoon and then they spent a lot of time with the hose today. They made our driveway into a lake and pretended to surf. I love them using their imagination and being outside. What a great day for them! It makes me happy!

It's the Little Things

I must say that despite everything I am going through I am on top of the world for this moment. It is those little things, that mean so much and today my boys shined. I was up early this morning, 5:30 (out of a alarm clock habit) so I was ready before I had to wake them up, well mostly. So I began putting away some clothes and cleaning upstairs a bit. Taking my time, no rushes this morning. Jake comes upstairs and asks if he can take leftovers for lunch, then he tells me he will make it, that has never happened. Then I notice he has made his bed, I didn't have to ask. Hayden made his lunch. They unloaded the dishwasher and even started loading it. There was not one fight or argument this morning, only brothers helping each other out. It is these things, small acts of service without request that mean more than anything. I wouldn't have minded making lunches, I do it almost every morning. But it brought tears to my eyes. In life's trials you are blessed!

Easter

The last holiday I spent in Arizona was Easter.....I felt that a lot this year. We did the usual, colored eggs the night before. The kids were very creative. We were all exhausted and went to bed early. The boys were excited to see what the Easter Bunny had left them and to hunt for eggs. They did a pretty good job, although I have found a few around the house lately! It was ham, spinach souffle, corn, mashed potatoes and rolls for dinner. I am thankful for what this Holiday represents and I am learning how to apply it in my everyday life.

It's Spring

Nothing like a beautiful day at a park with my youngest who adores me to remind me I am loved and that is what it is all about.

I think since moving to New York, spring has taken a whole new perspective on me. As the seasons change your environment changes. The green leaves turn beautiful shades and fall to the ground, and then everything becomes, in my opinion, ugly. It is cold, I gain weight, the kids are stir crazy, and then it is spring. The grass starts to turn green again, the trees grow new leaves and the tulips are peaking out of the ground, the kids are outside again enjoying nature like it is intended, the TV is off and the video games are put away. It is a new start, a fresh start, more to me than New Years.

I am observing all the damage from the icestorm, the trees with broken limbs still hanging from them, and the clean up crews everywhere picking up the piles of devastation along the roadsides, in my neighbors yards. Spring is my time to ring in my New Year! To start fresh, to begin a new cycle, and make it better than the one before. This is my year!

Great Escape Lodge

The kids had a day off school today, so thanks to a good friend Camille who invited us to come and then the luck of great neighbors who had already booked a room we were off. It was a great time. I picked the kids up a bit early from school and we checked in about 3:00. We spent 2.5 hours at the waterpark and then headed to our room for a rest and to wait for our friends. They got there just after 7:00 and with onl 1 hour til the park closed we were at it again. Then back to the room for pizza. 10:00 am the park opens and the kids are at it again, well all except Preston who was exhausted and needed a nap, so he did!

We all tried the Boogie board, the boys all showed some "moon" I was a wreck, but it was fun!

A quick NYC visit with a dear friend

It was great to get back to the city and even better to have some time to visit with an old friend. The time was short and it went fast but we managed to see the Statue of Liberty, The New York Stock Exchange, walk down Wall Street and through Little Italy and Chinatown. Then some time in Time Square. It was good to catch up, how I do miss all my friends from AZ. Anytime you want to visit the city let me know!

Positive Week

Back in Arizona I had a great group of friends that quilted together. We had a lot of fun, and could be very silly. At one time we laughed all afternoon about our attempt to make it on Deal or No Deal, we then moved on to trying to gain enough weight tobe on the Biggest Loser. Diana reminded me the other day about her trying to eat my sandwich...lol, JK Diana. But besides the great friendships that I made, I can't remember for sure but I think it was Linda and I decided on making every other week a Positive one, and well that meant the opposite one was the negative one.

Now for the point. I want a positive week, so if you have any ideas let me know!

Almost Spring

It has been a busy weekend in the Mellon household. Living back in the NE you learn that once it reaches high 40's low 50's the scooters and bikes come out....The kids say they are sweating in their coats. Hayden had a science project due, he choose Saturn, I didn't realize how many moons it had. Hayden did a good job painting Saturn and coming up with interesting facts.

The older boys took out the summer sleds, for those in Arizona you know what they are, here people don't have a clue. The ground was a bit muddy-not too much luck, but in a few weeks when the rest of the snow is gone and we have a bit of color to the grass.

But the most exciting news is Preston learned how to ride a bike....not really planning on it, we pulled out the little bike for a neighbor to use so I asked Preston if he wanted to try, thinking for sure he would say no, but he didn't and it took no time at all. The first time I let go he went a few feet, the second time he had it. He doesn't want to stop. The best is his first full trip around the culdesac he screams out wooo-hoooo.

Hayden gets baptized!

What a special day for us. Hayden was baptized today. Something that he has been very excited about. He was able to choose the program and asked me to talk on Baptism, Chandler to talk on the Holy Ghost and for his Dad to perform the baptism. It was the first time that I have participated in one of the Boys Baptisms, more than just being a mom, and in charge of refreshments. It was very humbling to look into his eyes as I talked to him. I am grateful for that opportunity. Chandler, although he started out his talk saying he couldn't top that, did awesome. He sounded so mature, he handled himself so well, his hands in his pockets, not always reading from his paper. At one time he asked Hayden to come up. When Chandler sat down he told me had ad-libbed half of it. I would have never known. The whole things went well. Chandler was ordained a Deacon and will proudly pass the sacrament tomorrow as Hayden takes it for the first time with full meaning and purpose. I am proud of these boys, of all my boys.

Hayden turns 8

Holy cow....another milestone. Hayden turned 8 today. He has been so excited for his birthday. Last night he couldn't sleep. He came downstairs and said I am just so excited for tomorrow. It took a few extra prayers but he did finally fall asleep. Geoff was home this morning so he was able to go in with me to wake him up by singing Happy Birthday, he jumped out of bed so fast. I think he was actually already awake, but he had the Happy Hayden Grin on. He was ready in no time. It was torture to wait to open his presents but finally everyone was ready. He tore through them all. I brought him McDonalds to lunch for school. He kinda knew I would so that wasn't a huge suprise. He handed out sour stix to his class. He has let me know that he would like to go back to ring pops.

It was also the Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts so that is how we celebrated his birthday. The boys had to decorate a cake that represented the state they were born in. They had fun!

For the final part of his birthday I placed a underwater webkinz on his pillow. His face lit up and I knew he had a great day. And that is the most important thing of all. He is a great kid, and I love him so much!

Prestons 100th day of School

I can't believe my baby has been in real school for 100 days. I was able to go in the classroom today for the celebration. It was fun to go with MaryJane because we normally trade off. The kids made crowns with a 100 dollars on them, they counted out a 100 pieces of cereal and made a 100 day necklace, they read a story and had a 100 dollar treat. It is always fun to be able to go in the classroom and spend time with your child. As they get older you get less and less of an opportunity so I will take anything I can get. The teacher also printed up large one hundred dollar bills, put their faces in the middle of them and laminated them, oh so cute!

Chandler

It is hard for me to believe that my first born is 12. I remember the day he was born, and it seems like yesterday. My little blue-eyed blonde baby boy in the ICU hooked up to IV's and oxygen, is now a preteen, hooked to his MP3 player and his laptop. He has always had an amazing personality, a fun loving, easy going, entertaining kid. When he was little he used to squish his face up and make silly faces, he loved to hold his bottle with his feet. He was a little charmer. He was fascinated with Godzilla's at age 2 and called them zilla's, at 3 he loved Blues Clues and wanted to be Steve, he also loved Mulan and wouldn't answer to his real name. I would ask, "Chandler, are you hungry?" and he would say, "I don't know, ask Mulan." He quickly moved to the Superhero era of Batman. Then he entered school and his passion for reading took off like the Space Shuttle to the moon. He has a book with him at all times. He is a people person and has many friends. He loves to write and he loves to sing. I am proud to have him as my son. Happy Birthday Chandler, I love YOU!