This Moment...

Awakening

My Friend Kate has been begging for me to post this story, and has offered to post it herself on her blog...(kate you can if you want) but here it goes.

Josh and I aren't really huge on celebrating Valentine's day. We get each other small gifts (maybe) and the girls a small box of chocolates then later that night we have Fondue as a family. But as our couple date we usually beat the crowds and go out to lunch. Two years ago, (McKinlee was almost one) We went to one of Josh's favorite places to go called Tillie's in McKeesport.

We were sitting there enjoying our lunch having good conversation, when I saw a woman across the way. I looked at her and though to myself. "That woman could be beautiful if she would just try...she just needs a little makeup, some nicer clothes and she could be stunning. Instead she looks like a homeless Hispanic woman, it was really tragic." So being the pointer-outer that I am I wanted to show her to Josh and get is opinion on this woman. I realized that where I saw her sitting was a mirrored wall so I started to follow it across the room( I didn't want to show Josh a reflection...he needed to see the woman in real life.) So I followed the image across the wall, down the wall, and found myself staring right back at me! I was the HOMELESS HISPANIC WOMAN!!! and I had tried that day! I vowed right then and there I would put a little more effort into myself...I always swore I wouldn't become one of "those moms" you know the ones who have kids and become frumpy...

I told Josh what had happened and he busted a gut laughing, then said..."Honey in your defense you didn't know you were looking in a mirror, and it's on the otherside of the restaurant, and it may be time to have your eyes checked..." good boy Josh and right answer.

Sadly as I sit her and share this story, I am still in my pj's, no makeup hair, pulled in a pony tail...lesson clearly was NOT learned.

{This Moment}

i'm taking this invitation. every friday i'll be sharing a photo, no words, capturing one moment i want to remember from our week. if you feel so inspired, i'd love to see yours too. comment with a link to your moment. or just comment. happy weekend all.
Kate it is a brilliant idea

A Dream come true

Anyone who knows Josh knows he is a bbq king...he loves it, he is the kinda of guy who digs his way through a blizzard to do it. So when I suggested dinner on Monday he was trilled to try something new
yep, thats pizza






it was delicious and it made two very happy girls

The Proof

If you have ever wondered why I can't get anything done during the day I finally have proof


This is the EIGHT loads of laundry I was folding...





While McKinlee was doing this....

yep she unloaded my paper recycling box.

To Bathe or not to Bathe

It doesn't matter how many times we try to bathe Wynter she just doesn't like it

This is more her style

A Tribute

Last week, for my family, was spent in Sunny California, we flew on a plane, which, I might add the kids did fabulous. I am proud to say that in nearly 12 hours flight time (round trip) there was not a single melt down by any of them. Josh and the babies even managed to get a few winks.
We Spent some time in the California Sun, and took our kids and, Josh's brother, Jeff's kids to the beach where we met up with my dear friend and former roommate April and her three little girls. The girls had a wonderful time collecting sea shells, chasing waves, and playing with cousins and new friends. McKinlee wasn't feeling well, which I am ashamed to say made our lives a little easier, but sadly no funny stories to tell there.


And then it was time for the purpose of the trip, we attended my beloved sister-in-law Taylia's funeral. It was beautiful, she was such an amazing woman which was apparent by the number of people who traveled from all over the country to attend. Taylia in her short life had touched so many lives, she was so giving, and kind. And a lot of fun to be around. I remember just before McKinlee was born I had plans to meet my best friend in Tennessee and the night before my flight both her and I and our husbands admitted that we had bad feelings about the trip so we cancelled it. In tears I called Tay to complain about not getting my girls week, and together we decided that my family and I should head up to Detroit. Josh had already taken the time off so we did. She wouldn't let me lift a finger or help with the (at the time) 4 kids, it was my vacation. And once or twice we left the kids with Josh and went out and played ourselves. I loved her dearly and will miss her more than words can express, I have been overcome with sadness several times in the last two weeks, and long for our early morning or late night chats. I take comfort in the knowledge of the gospel and in knowing that death isn't the end, and I will see her again. I look forward to that day, I long for it, and will rejoice in knowing that it is true.

As a final tribute to her and our trip we Blessed our little Wynter-Elizabeth in Taylia's parents home. It was a hard decision for us to make, because we wanted our dear Pittsburgh friends to be a part of it, but I know it was exactly what Tay would have wanted. She loved nothing more than to have all of the cousins together, and was sad when Her and her family couldn't make it down to McKinlee's two years ago. We love you Tay, and look forward to being with you again.

Easter Tales

Easter Came early to our house because we were catching a red eye flight to California to go to Taylia's Funeral on Easter Morning. So I had to place a call to the Easter bunny to let him know he needed to come early.

Mia watched me call with extreme interest, and tried her hardest to see the Bunny's phone number which I was successfully able to disguise. Later that day she told me..."Mom, when I get old like you, I will have the Easter Bunny's phone number too"

So the day before Easter Morning came, and the girls who were all sleeping in my bed woke up to find that the Bunny had been particularly mischievous this year. He had left them empty baskets with clues, and hid eggs through the entire apartment. The girls followed each clue and found themselves in the bathroom, where in the tub were their REAL baskets full of toys and goodies. McKinlee was so excited that she started to pull the things out of her real basket and place them in the felt one, until we pulled her basket out for her, then she dove into mine and Josh's and started to empty that one out too.

Big 2

This year McKinlee's birthday was accompanied by a dark cloud; but we were determined to make the happiest we possibly could. She loves beebugs (ladybugs) so that was our theme.

We just had a few friends over for cake and ice cream, and She loved every minute of it

Happy Birthday my Little Beebug, we love you. You bring us so much laughter and Joy