Sunday, October 17, 2010

NYC!!

I had the privilege of spending UEA weekend in New York City with Hanna. We went with some friends and their daughters also. What a BLAST!! We shopped, ate, went sight seeing, shopped, ate and ate some more. Having a large family is wonderful. However, I realized how little one on one time I get with each of my kids. Hanna is so much fun. I will always cherish the memory of our trip to New York!

Miranda, Hanna and Brynne on the airplane

Big Suz, Me, Lucie and Polly on the airplane

The girls in the LIMO. That's right, I said LIMO

The moms getting in the Lime (I know, these two pictures are out of order)

Eating at Ray's Pizza

This guy sang to us on the Subway

The streets of New York

The moms on Canal Street

Hanna loves graffiti A picture seemed only appropriate.

The Subway

This was a church by our hotel. I loved the red door.

Sightseeing

There are the coolest churches all over town

The girlies in front of a church

Hanna and I at Wicked

The whole gang!

The whole gang in Central Park

Chilling in Central Park

The day we were leaving, we rented bikes and rode through Central Park. I didn't even have to pedal! (hee, hee, hee)


Hanna and Brynne riding Tandem

I loved hailing cabs

The Naked Cowboy!

I came home from this trip with a renewed appreciation for my family. For a husband who works so hard and makes it possible for us to do things like take trips to New York. For family and friends who helped with my kids at home. For all of my wonderful children who were happy and nice while I was gone. 

I am grateful for time spent with Hanna. Hanna is an amazing young woman. She is thoughtful, kind and respectful. I love her!

I came home grateful for the person that I am. Though my faults are many, at the end of the day I am a good person. I am grateful for all the many people and experiences that have made me the person that I am. I like me and I love that my kids like me.

 I loved, loved , loved this trip! Thanks everyone for a great time!

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Homecoming!

Having 4 sisters has finally paid off for Jax. He wanted to ask this cute girl to Homecoming but needed a female touch. Luckily for him, he has plenty of females around to lend a hand. Morgan and I helped him make up a poem and Morgan went with him to put it on her porch! I don't have a picture of his invitation. But, lucky for everyone, I have a picture of her reply....
 Jaxson took Ashley to Homecoming. Ashley is such a fun girl. She has been to the house a few times and never seems flustered by the craziness that we call "home." She is also very beautiful. All of Jaxson's sisters are enamored by her and think Ashley is so nice. Emmie even likes her!!
 Jaxson and seven of his friends are fortunate to have Joy as my friend and neighbor. I made dinner and Joy set her beautiful home up so these kids could have a semi formal. I loved having them all here. I can't express the gratitude I feel for all these amazing kids. I love that Jaxson has such good friends. I love that they feel comfortable around Tim and I. I am also lucky that most of them know and love Joy! My favorite comment of the day was Jaxson's reply when I told him that he needed to see Joy's house.  I told him that it looked so good. His reply to me was, "Mom, I know. It is Joy. I knew she would take care of us." Honetly, I almost cried! I love that Jax knows he can count on Joy! I have been blessed with really great friends that love my kids!
After dinner they went to the dance and then came back to my house for the ultimate ice cream sundae bar. I can't, nor will I even try, to imagine my life without so many wonderful people being part of it! I am so honored that these kids trusted me and Joy enough to let us serve them!