Before and After!

Here they are! I'm so proud of myself! I mastered two tasks; one: creating a collage, and two: posting the pictures successfully!

Before... and After :)

New Kitchen!

I'm not very good at uploading pictures!  These are supposed to be "before and after" pictures that I just created.  Guess the "after" will have to suffice for the time being! :)  I'm going to create another post... TBC!  Oh, yes, this new kitchen is one of my very talented hubby's recent projects.

check this out!

My bff (oh, how I love acronyms!) just launched her new ministry: Crowns of Hope ! Upon the loss of her beloved grandmother, Jill felt led by the Lord to reach out to women and children suffering under long-term illness. She has a precious testimony, and much to share. I am so very excited to see where God takes Crowns of Hope! Please keep both Jill and her family in your prayers. May the Lord bless this new ministry, and may many be comforted by His Love, Hope, and Joy as a result!

mom, mama, momma, ma-ma

Mother's Day was a such a special day to remember! They're always special, but with each progressive year changes come about. The boys are older, and they always prove to come up with something new.

My morning began with my two boxer-clad young sons presenting me with two beautiful bouquets of mixed flowers. Each had handcrafted a card to accompany their gift. Treasures of the sweetest form; a guaranteed means of melting a mother's heart.

I'll forever cherish the memory (read: must remember, due to the fact that my camera wasn't accessible!) of watching my two precious sons as they prepared breakfast for me. Sean, manning a pan of French toast, and Conor cautiously preparing bacon. Both were so excited to cook for me, and enjoyed every moment of serving me. Servants' hearts in their purest form. Great husbands in the making! :)

From: Sean :)

Sean and Weston

The weekend prior to Mother's Day we celebrated Conor's First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful ceremony, and stood - as yet - another reminder as to the fact that my boys aren't getting any younger. It saddens me to think that time is passing so quickly. However, I realize the fact that I am so very blessed in witnessing each milestone reached. Every day with my children is a gift.

Becket, Conor, and John

From: Conor :)

Conor's Second Grade Class

Conor's suit was hanging in the mud room. I passed it. I came back. I stood in front of it, and took it all in. Size 8. So small. A glimpse into the future of a man in the making. So very blessed to have two sons. What God has given me, is one of the greatest gifts of all: children. Every day is Mother's Day for me, and I thank you, Lord.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. ~ Psalm 127:3

whoa... mommy of a teen!

Sunrise: February 13, 2010

It's a party!

For: Sean

Where: Sean's house

When: February 12th after school

Why: Sean is turning 13!

Stay until you can't stand playing together any longer :)

The forecast: 3 inches of snow...

Reality: 8 inches of snow accumulation!

The night of the 12th (approximately 11:00 pm) -- Sean asks me, "if you're (I'm) going to put all the decorations and stuff up, Mom?". No rest for the weary!

Sundaes for all... 8!!

Daybreak: 8 boys in need of outerwear... comatose mother complies!

Strike a pose with some attitude!

Let the hot chocolate begin!

2 dozen doughnuts for 8 (did I mention that already?) famished young men!

Whip cream -- forgot to pick up Ready Whip!!

La Voila! Hot Chocolate for all!

Four of Eight. :)

5:30 pm: round 2!

Aunt, Uncle, Cousins, and Grands -- ribs for all. Birthday boy's menu of choice!

Lighting the way...

Bright accomplishment.

Cousins doing what cousins do best: joy!

Another birthday behind us, and teenage years ahead!!

sweetest valentino

Happy Valentines Day!

Life doesn't get much sweeter than spending time with the ones you love. Yesterday was Sean's birthday. My sister, her husband, and three children joined us for dinner and cupcakes. Nan and Pops came too, of course!

I had the honor of cuddling with precious Weston (11 days old!). He is every bit of sweetness, imaginable! What a blessing to have another healthy nephew in my life. Even more of a blessing: the fact that I get to love him without limits, and send him home to be cared for (read: middle of the night feedings!) by my sis!

Today was a day of recuperation for all of us. After having spent two days with 8 boys, and dinner guests, I was in need of some down time. The fact that it's Valentines Day, kind of escaped my mind. Not habitual on my part, as I'm usually pretty on-the-ball with holidays, and special events.

My boys, however, remembered! They returned home from church bearing gifts. Each had chosen a bunch of their favorite flowers for me. How sweet! I enjoyed every moment of arranging them.

Tonight, as I sit here writing this new post, I've been given a chance to reflect. Time to think about all of the blessings in my life that bring me love. My husband, children, sister, brother, in-laws, extended family, and friends; a wealth of love.

Thank you, Lord, for filling my life with love and joy. I am so very grateful. A Happy Valentines Day, indeed.

welcome baby!

Weston Grey

7 lbs. 5 oz. 19 1/4" long

February 2, 2010

Big Brother, Zephaniah

Big Sister, Finlay-Rose

Proud Aunt: ME!! :)

My sister (Christina) has blessed me and Jim with another sweet nephew. Cousins, Sean and Conor, are elated!

Christina's baby shower was celebrated on Saturday, as Weston made his debut a month early! God is so good!! Both baby and mommy are healthy and well.

Pictures from Saturday's baby shower to come!