Happy Birthday!

She was two. It was only yesterday, I swear.

Her brother is trying hard to be good for the party, but that is a big task. Still amazes me that he always finds a smile.

She wanted a cupcake cake. I do what I can. She can't be 8!

The girls.

The smiles!

She lost another tooth this week. And she turned 8. What has happened to our little one. She is slowly, right before our eyes, becoming such a lovely little girl. My heart skips a beat when I see her, with her arms stretched out to give me a hug. I hope that never changes. Happy Birthday, Alexys Nichole! What a beautiful little girl you are!

Maaaaaahhhhhch

Ken and I had the most wonderful vacation! Maine winters can be long and cold and hard, on everyone. We have found a little bit of paradise, at least for 1 week, in a place called Madeira Beach. Here is Ken, trying his hardest to relax, and forget about 20 degrees and snow!

There is just something about looking down at your feet, with the white sand, and ocean as a background. Evie, I tried hard to get one with a para sail in the background, but did not succeed.

Just for the record, I hate having my picture taken, especially when I am in a bathing suit, but Ken got away with this one. Our condo is in the background (to the left) and our chairs are on the right (red and blue.) We spent lots of our week right here. But who in their right mind wouldn't?

Here are some shells that I found, just by sifting through the sand at my feet as we sat on the beach. The little fan shaped one is no bigger than a dime.

Sunsets on Madeira Beach are unbelievable. I tried with my little camera to capture some of the amazing natural beauty that we had before us each evening. It doesn't do it justice, but I will swear that they were all awesome!

It still amazes me as it sinks into the ocean. Several times we watched as the dolphins swam right here in front of us.

Do we look relaxed? We tried our hardest to soak up the sun, bake our bones, and just relax. Overall, I think we both succeeded at all of the above. Already planning our trip for next year.

Skating Lessons

We went to watch the grandchildren at their ice skating lessons. What a thrill to see them skating. Brooklynn wasn't real enthused about going back for a second lesson, but with the help from one of the teachers, she made her way across the ice.

This week, Dawson actually let go of the side and ventured away from the wall. He really seemed to be getting the hang of it by the end of the hour.

Lexy was able to move all around the rink, falling very little. She smiled the whole time.

Kloe was a natural. Very little fear, and also sporting a big smile. I think the skates and the lessons were worth every penny, as these smiles are priceless.

Even Gavin and Jen got their old skates sharpened and joined the grandchildren for the free skate. I really would like to find mine, but the pain in the knee tells me I should just operate the camera, and pour the hot chocolate.


I have been thinking a lot about skating the past few weeks. As a child, I spent quite a few hours in the winter days in a pair of skates on some ice. One winter, we rode the snow mobile to a friend's house in East Newport and spent hours and hours playing a made up game, using a partially deflated ball, and the frozen pond. We would stop long enough to have a bathroom break, a cup of hot cocoa, and then return for more hours of fun. I remember vividly the black and blue knees and shins I sported that entire winter. I would wear those bruises proudly if only I could do it again. I also remember one winter, skating from Bantons cove, (now Vic Firth) all the way out to Route 7, by the Paradis'. It was a sunny, clear winter day, and we skated and skated, then turned around and skated back. I wish I could do it again. I remember one of the last times I skated, on the pond down the road. We were going to play tag, and I was it. I had a brand new pair of just sharpened skates. I dug in the tip, took off, and immediately caught a tip, and did a chest flop onto the ice. I went down so hard, it knocked the wind out of me. Now my knees are old and worn, and I swear they have Rice Krispies in them when I walk up stairs. I can't jeopardize my ability to walk for a few spins on the ice. Oh, to be young again. I am thankful that my friends got to see me perform the last time in NH. Maybe I can live it all again through one of the grand children.

A New Year.....

This sweater and hat were made by a very dear friend of mine a few years ago. I think she started it for one of my boys when they were small, but Elizabeth never had anything done on time. I was so happy that they fit Dawson, and that he wanted to wear them. Elizabeth would be happy.

As the new year descends upon us, we are fortunate to be able to celebrate not one, but two of our grandchildren's birthdays. Kloe looks deep in thought as she turns 7.

Lexy trying very hard to be cool in her brother's new hat.

Kloe and her friend share a laugh. All five kids there had a great time.

And we all know that this little imp just had to get in on everything. There isn't much that she doesn't include herself in.

Kloe and Dawson getting ready to....

...blow out the candles.

Brooklynn gets a lesson from Uncle Gavin on how the gun works. Again, she is not going to be left behind.

Blizzard!

I took this picture this morning at about 6:30 AM. It had been snowing most of the night, but the wind was blowing like crazy too, and blew most of the snow somewhere else.

Ian came and plowed at about 6:30 PM. The picture doesn't really capture the amount of snow that was deposited in our driveway. There was a lot of drifting through out the day, and the snow was about 3 feet deep in places. Same view as this morning, 12 hours later. I think we will be doing lots of shoveling tomorrow. Oh well, today was a restful day, watching the snow fall, and listening to the wind howl. Betty and Herb, see what you are missing?

Merry Christmas

They say you can really find the holiday spirit through the eyes of children. I think they may be right.These four kids have brought so much joy and happiness into our lives. I didn't think my heart had much room left, but each day they prove me wrong. I love the little babies that they once were, holding them in my arms, rocking and caring for. Even more, I love the people they are becoming, children with a eye for awe, a spirit to find the fun in anything, and the unconditional love they have. I still hold them in my arms, and try to cherish every moment that I can. Their eyes and smiles complete me.
Merry Christmas to all!

Thankful

He is my best friend. He is my wonderful, loving, devoted husband. After this week, I know in my heart that he is all I will ever need in this lifetime. I have to be the most fortunate woman in the world to have him for a partner, a best friend, a true love. Sometimes it just takes a moment of suspense, of not knowing what lies ahead, to realize all you need, everything that makes you happy and complete, is right beside you, holding your hand through your days. I love you, Kenny.

Our two sons are the best. They were there, and that helped get me through. They have wonderful partners, too, that help them make life the best. I want for them what I have, and I think they may be on their way.

I also have the best friends. They listen, and offer help, but mostly they are there. There to call upon when life hands you those proverbial lemons. You can feel their hug when they say hello. It seems like I have called upon my friends a lot lately, and they have never let me down. I hope I am as a good a friend to them.

Life is what you make it. The way you handle situations will either make you or break you. I felt so weak and vulnerable, yet after we made it through, I felt strong and filled with a warmth. I don't know if it is the season that is around us, or just because I live life right, but life is good, better than good, and I hope we have many more days to prove that.