About Time...

So, last year Sierra had a year from hell after her breakup with that dirt bag Scott. For about 8 months, she was depressed, bawling often, etc. She FINALLY came out of it about 5 months ago and has been doing great. For the first 2 weeks of summer, she had a couple random dates...but nothing worth anything. Then 2 weeks ago, she met Patrick, "Pat". He is also going to be a senior this year, but goes to a private boarding school in New Hampshire (about 2 hours away). His parents are very successful here in town. He is SOOOO likable, well mannered, proper and he treats Sierra LIKE GOLD!! He has picked her up in the morning and brought her to his house to cook her breakfast (!) , he's taken her to lunch, to dinner, brought her to the lighthouse to eat bagels, has met my curfew restrictions each time, insists on walking her to the door each time he brings her home, talks with ME for 20 minutes each time, and genuinely seems to ADORE my daughter. SHE is blown away and thinks he can't possibly be real. She's seeing how it feels to be treated like she deserves to be ! They are together nearly EVERY MINUTE that they aren't at work (they both are working a lot this summer). Yesterday, I had said they couldn't go out after his work b/c she'd been out w/him until 11:30 for 4 nights in a row and I was exhausted from staying up. SO, knowing he couldn't see her at night, he woke up at 7:30 in the morning to come get her and spend time w/her before work...then stopped by for 5 minutes after work to give her a hug. He's told her he's never felt this way about anyone...thinks about her all the time...and she feels the same way. WHO KNOWS where it'll go...but he is SO good TO and FOR her self-esteem...I'm thoroughly enjoying every minute of watching her smile. I am THRILLED that she is seeing she DESERVES to be treated like gold. She's going to a dinner and movie w/him tonight and to Martha's Vineyard with him tomorrow. She texted me earlier to tell me they are "officially dating now". :) I'm so very happy for her, it's about time my girl shows her beautiful smile :)

Happy 60th Birthday to My Beautiful Mom :)

On Sunday, July 5th, I arranged for a 60th Birthday Celebration for my Mom. Scott, Mike, Megan, Steve, the kids and I threw Mom a party and Cheryl, DJ, Tracey and Glenn came as surprise guests:) She enjoyed it very much. Here she is with her 5 grand-kids :)

The cake I made her :)

She's "Aged to Perfection"

Our gift for Mom (from all of her kids & step-daughters) was her first ever (deluxe) Pedicure! Here she is getting ready for the royal treatment :

The kids and I took Granny to Chappy for on her actual Birthday today, where she was able to relax and enjoy the sand between her newly pedicured toes :)

It has been a wonderful treat having Mom here for the past week. I've missed having her around SO much since she moved back to Maine. :( My Mom is a dear treasure to me, and I never realized or appreciated what a gift she is...until she was gone again. :( I hope to go to a movie a night this week with her...just the 2 of us :) That will so much fun. :) Life is so short and this past year I've really seen how it can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye. I'm really trying to focus on making the most of the time I have with my family. When Mom blew out her Birthday candles, I made my own wish...I can't say it out loud, or it might not come true...but it has something to do with her...the Cape...and forever ;)

Happy, Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Mom. :)

Happy Birthday My Miss Malia Kensie!

Our beautiful Malia Kensie turned SEVEN years old today! Here she is at her family Birthday party...

















Seems I blink and another year is gone by. I can't quite wrap my head and heart around the fact that my little Miss Malia is 7!! :( Malia is a very special little girl. Her smile lights up a room and her giggle is contagious. She is chock full of imagination and creativity. She loves to write and read. She's a talented little gymnast (she moved up to Level 4 recently with the older girls). Malia has a huge heart, and is so very eager to please. She's a wonderful big sister to Kassia. Malia is an observer, she sits and soaks everything in...and is incredibly determined when she puts her mind to something. She brings me immense joy and is such a blessing :)

Malia received a big surprise for her birthday...























A new bike :)




















She was very happy with her 18 inch bike :)





















Malia and her Daddy :)





















My sweet Malia Love :)





















A bit wind-blown, but still beautiful :)

Deep Thoughts...

Steve and I were up until 3am last talking night. I suppose it was more me talking...and not talking...and talking...and a lot of Steve listening. I often wonder what I did to deserve a husband as wonderful as Steve. The poor man patiently listens...at all hours of the night...to the trials that trouble my heart. It is his deep love for me that necessitates my utmost honesty. Memory Lane was the subject...and my apparent need to wander down it. An old quote I've always enjoyed: "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present." I must remind myself of this, and cherish every moment with my love.

Happy 9th Birthday to My Shawny Boy...

Shawn Michael is 9 Years old today! Wow, where has the time gone? He is such a sweet and loving boy and I'm so very proud of who he is.

We had his friend party on Sunday with 9 of his best buddies. I made my little athlete and fellow Sox fan this cake with lots of love:

I just wanted to steal a moment away to focus my thoughts on my amazing son. If I were to describe him these are a few of the words I would choose (in no particular order): helpful, sensitive, thoughtful, amazing memory, caring, human compass, athlete, adventurous, funny, Daddy's helper, Disney fan, camper, friendly, compassionate and loving. Shawn loves nothing more than to be a helper. He can remember the tiniest of details--he has an incredible memory. Shawn can find directions to anywhere (unlike his Mom). :) He has super high pain tolerance, yet a marshmallow heart (like his Dad). He shares his Mom's love for all things Disney and enjoys camping at Bear Pond and Washburn Island. Shawn is a wonderful son and we are so blessed to have him in our lives.

It appears that the sun may be trying to make an appearance, and Shawn wants to go to the beach. This evening will be his family party and I'll insert some more photos then.

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Well, that didn't go so well. We drove to the beach so Shawn could bridge jump for the first time (with Mom of course). As soon as we got to Chapoquoit Rd, it started lightning and thundering. :( Oh well. Hopefully the sun will decide to come out and play this summer.

We had one of Shawn's favorites for dinner: haystacks :) Then he had ice-cream and cupcakes. His plate had a little surprise on it ... a big Whatchamacallit (his fave) :)

Then he got his new bike, which he's been begging for. His knees knock on his old bike.

Happy, Happy 9th Birthday Shawny Boy :)