So, I will continue to do my best - but I'll admit, I'm missing a few days, and I'll probably continue to miss a few days. I'm only human, being pulled in more than one direction, so I'll do my best. It HAS so far, made me snap a few pictures (some of which are currently locked so tight on my darn smart phone that I can't currently share) that I wouldn't normally have snapped of the kids/life. In the short 40+ days of the year, I have stopped more times than I would have in the past to snap a few photos of the kids doing random things - capturing moments I would have otherwise taken for granted. I'll count that as a small win - and I'm sure look back at these moments and be glad I captured that time. We so often take for granted that bad things will never happen to us, but reflecting the tragedy that was Sandy Hook, and recent rampage of a disgruntled cop, traffic accidents and other unexpected tragic moments, I may, in the future be glad I captured these memories, or god forbid, my children/husband will be glad I captured them. I have to remind myself to slow down, and live in the moment. Maybe that will be what I "give up" for lent - the fast pace, forgetting to appreciating the every day moments. I may be a little behind, Lent started yesterday, but in the wise words of Fr. Steve - I know if I tell God I'm sorry, he'll forgive me as long as I try to do better. I will try to do better, stop to enjoy the moments, cherish and appreciate the every day moments that are my children and husband. Stop getting upset over the delays and slow movings of my children (unless of course, I'm seriously, super late....then all bets are off!) Cherish their giggles, their snuggles, their love and the joy they bring to our life. I know soon, I'll look back and wonder where the time has gone - I do that now. Seems like just yesterday I was holding them in my arms for the first time, but now Lucy works on math problems and can read her own books. Lexi knows her letters, colors, and is thirsty for knowledge. Enough reflections....on to the pictures!
Jan 19th: a moment of joy in the snow
Jan 23rd:
The most beautiful ballerina in the land.....
Jan 25th:
Lexi putting on make-up, with a paint brush
Playing school with Grandma!
Jan 27th:
Leaving Port of Miami for a 7 day cruise with Ryan and Kurt & Rochelle Check. 7 days of sunshine, sea, good food, good friendship, and lots of drinks! :)
The first of many (19 total) Long Island Iced Teas.....
Jan 28th: Nassau Bahama
We stopped for Conch Fritters ..... a carribean favorite!
Jan 29th: Fun Day at Sea
An elephant friend awaited us back in our stateroom
Jan 30th:
St. Thomas - a gondala ride to Paradise Point. A little stressful for one mama who doesn't like heights, or hanging precariously from a cable high above the brush below. The views from the top were beautiful and the weather was PERFECT!
Are you freakin kidding me.....Don't Panic, and no need to worry that I will try to crawl out of the little tupperware container lifting me to the top!
Stopping for a moment during our walk to "downtown" for a picture with the ship as a lovely back drop. It was a nice day of seeing the sights and visiting the straw market. We had tiny rain clouds that passed through all day, brining sweet relief from the sun.
A pretty rainbow to end a wonderful day!
Jan 31st: San Juan Puerto Rico
We spent the day walking around San Cristobal and the downtime area of San Juan. It is amazing how well they have blended the new with the old.
2/1/13: Grand Turk
We got into port around 11am - so I was able to enjoy my coffee while enjoying the view of coming into Port. You can see Grand Turk behind me - was a relaxing way to start the morning!
Beautiful blue water, quiet shady beach - the perfect way to spend a day relaxing!! We didn't see any of the island, which was perfectly fine with me! We did learn the Grand Turk used to be a large supplier of salt. The water was pretty rough so there was no swimming for us, so we just dipped our toes in the water and relaxed.
2/2/13: Fun Day at Sea
We spent the day lounging around the pool, reading, and enjoying the company of friends.
The boys enjoyed the waterslide.....
*sigh* they sometimes never grow up......
Finally caught a sunset!
Toasting the end of a wonderful vacation!
2/3/12:
Back on land! Enjoying Miami after getting back in to Port.
2/5/13: Lucy's 100th day of school. They all dressed as 100 year olds....she of course had to be the sassy little old lady, complete with curlers!
2/7/13: After a particularily trying bedtime......you'd never know this little angel had been such a terror just 15 short minutes before this picture was taken. After a very fun "vacation" spent with Grandma and Papa Farnsworth while mom and dad were gone, all the fun finally caught up with her and an epic meltdown ensued. 15 minutes prior - there were a lot of tears, and "some" arguing over whether or not she was tired (or OVER tired). After she fell fast asleep...I couldn't help but snap a photo of our sleeping beauty, mainly to remind myself just how sweet and innocent she really is.
2/9/13:
A MUCH anticipated trip to see Grandma JoJo. I'll admit, I don't make the trip to see my Grandma nearly as often as I should, but thankfully my sweet children still love her dearly and ask to see her almost daily. After many, many weeks of begging, I finally secured a day on the calendar to make the trip to see our beloved Grandma JoJo. Lucy really wanted to paint Grandma JoJo's nails, but since she had just had a recent polish change, she settled for reading Green Eggs and Ham. It was so sweet to hear her read, and even sweeter to find out Grandma always enjoyed reading Dr. Suess books to her kids when they were little.
Lexi and Grandma JoJo
2/10/13: a sweet moment watching Lucy read to Lexi. It is hard to believe that our little Lucy is already READING!
hehehehehehe.....sisters, or clones?
