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!