NYC

Hubs and I took JM and J to NYC for a few days in July.  C and G had to work and couldn't join us.  We had a lot of fun in the big apple! Spiderman was on the agenda, which was chock full of stunts and flying.  We ate way too much good food! One of my favorite spots is Sarabeth's for breakfast.  Dinner one night was at Quality Meats on 58th Street, so delicious!

Traveling with these three is always an adventure!

Happy Birthday, J!

This poor blog has been SO ignored over the last month.  I will try to do better.  April 20 was J's 19th birthday.  I cannot believe our "baby" has finished his first year of college.  He had a great year, and now he and his brother are both home for the summer.  J is doing an internship at a small business in town for a few weeks and then will be working at the tennis center. J, you have brought us much joy over the last 19 years, and we love you to the moon and back!

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior.  We went to our church's Christmas service on Sunday.  Then, we attended our traditional Christmas Eve breakfast for my husband's extended family that has been held for over fifty years.   And, last night we had my family over for our Christmas Eve dinner.  This morning, we had the pleasure of having had our very soon to be son-in-law stay overnight and experience "Santa" with us for the first time.   

My three sons!

Christmases Past - Part Two

This ornament just makes me laugh!  J made it at the age of three, and it is SO him.  He has an idiosyncrasy about numbers.  He doesn't like odd numbers, either.  In his car the stereo volume dial must be turned to an even number.  He is a freshman in college now and thinking of majoring in business/actuarial science.  It sounds like it suits him perfectly.  Even he laughs at this ornament, thinking it was the perfect way to place sticker "ornaments" on his tree!    He loves his linear design.

Christmases Past - Part One

I have quite a few handmade ornaments from my children's school days.  They are my favorite things to look at on one of our trees.  Each one has a story, and that is what I LOVE!  So, let's begin:

This first one is a preschool picture of our boys embellished with whatever supplies their teachers had on hand at the time.  Oh, how these make me smile every time I pass the tree. 

 

This JOY ornament used to be on my parents' tree.  But, our daughter loved it so much when she was little that they just let her bring it home.  It was the sparkle that she adored!

One more preschool picture just because they were so cute!

This Santa ornament always hangs at the bottom of the tree because it is interactive.  Little ones can pull the string and his arms move up and down.

Truly Thankful

All of my children are in the house this morning.  As I sit here and hear the three of them in another room, it warms my heart.   Their laughter is music to this mama's ears.  Oh, how very thankful I am to our gracious God who allows me to be their mom.  It is such a blessing; thank you, God!

Off to College

Today we took our sons to college.  JM is a returning sophomore, and J is a freshman, both at the same great school in our state, not very far down the road from us.  May I just tell you that I am very thankful for that! We got an early start this morning and it was a gorgeous day.  It took us about half a day to get everything in and them settled. JM's roommate moved in today also and joined us for lunch after the moving party. J's roommate doesn't move in until Friday. C even got to help her brothers move today.  She was excited since they have helped her move, ahem, 13 times!  I am not sure exactly what came over me today, but I held it together VERY well and didn't even cry.  And, for me, that is HUGE! You might say I am a tad on the sentimental side (if any of my children are reading, they are laughing hysterically.)  I cry at the drop of a hat, even sappy commercials!  So, the only explanation I can come up with is that the good Lord is preparing my heart for this season that our family is getting ready to experience.  And, I am grateful and my heart is full.

J's Graduation 2012

A new chapter begins... Congratulations, J! We love you.

LAST last day of school

May 31 was J's LAST last day of school.  He was very excited; can you tell?  ;-) And, the baby picture is just for pure cuteness factor!  I couldn't help myself.....

J's Senior Prom

J enjoyed his Senior Prom on May 19.  He and L looked smashing!  The first picture is my very favorite from the evening. I prefer candid shots to "posed" pictures.  The other two are my attempts at being creative with the camera! Fun shots.  ;-)

Happy 18th Birthday, J!

Today our youngest turned 18 at 2:16 pm. It doesn't seem possible that it has been 18 years since God blessed us with the addition of another son.  We love you, J!

College Decision

Our youngest, J, will graduate from high school on June 8. He has finally made his college decision! Any guesses as to where he will call home for the next four years? We are so proud of him and pray he will make the most of this opportunity as he journeys into the next chapter of his life. And, this thankful mom is very glad he will be a short distance down the road! ;-)