Boston trip

Danny and his brothers and Dad took a weekend trip to Boston and had a great time apparently, laughing, talking, sweating, eating, laughing, and did I mention, laughing?

No words needed

House For Sale!

Our home went on the market today and we celebrated by hubby getting some enormous steaks!  Yea, each one was about three meals worth...

Closing a chapter

Today I tackled the most dreaded task - sorting the toy closet.  How does one look at their kids childhood all packed into one closet and bear to part with one tiny piece of it?  Each item has some significant memory, and yet I know realistically I cannot keep it all.  But how does one throw away the colored plastic bears that used to be citizens of a wood block castle?  How does one discard the matchbox cars that made their way around many tracks, or the stuffed animals that slept with your child night after night? Or the plastic food items that were eaten over and over again or fed to you from your child's little kitchen?

Reason for my absence...

We have been just a little busy working our butts off to get the house ready to go on the market... okay, more than just a little.  We have literally worked from sun-up to way past sun-down every day for a month to sort, clean, organize, trash, paint, scrub, clean, and decorate every inch of our home.  Finally we are finished!  

There is still much packing to be done, but the house is ready to be shown.

 This is the sight we have all seen around the house almost 24/7. 

 Before and after power washing.  Then we decided to just cover it all up anyway with some black foam pieces.  Oh well.

 Giving stuff away...

 Planting flowers

 Re-decorating

And most important of all, cataloging memories.  It has been a huge challenge for me to get rid of stuff, but I have been taking some pictures of special things before I throw them out.

Now, hopefully, I will have time to get back on track with my blogging!

Happy Birthday Ryan

Ryan - Through the Years

Cute and happy baby!  Ryan was ALWAYS happy!

My snuggler...

 Always mutual love between Matt and Ryan

 Can't believe this was ten years ago!!

Lots of love between these two brothers too!

Ryan still loves to shoot.

Love this semi-serious shot of Ryan.

Celebrating the day with gifts and cake!

Big thanks to Matt who drove all the way from Baltimore to be part of Ryan's celebration.

 Indy wanted to be part of the celebration and asked for a ribbon.

While at dinner at Guapos, the white owl made another appearance.  (inside story)

Happy Birthday to the young man who lights up this family with his mischief and humor.  I am thankful to God for giving me one last baby oh those many years ago.  I am thankful that Ryan is part of this family - he has more caring and compassion than almost anyone I know.  He is faithful - if he loves you, it's for life.  He is generous with what he has - spontaneously blessing Hannah with money, or giving things away to others.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for his future - I believe it is something VERY special and unique.  I know for a fact that even Ryan isn't aware yet of the gifts that God has given him that I, as his mom, can see.  I know they will be revealed in time and grow to bear much fruit.  

Love you Ryan!!

My Baby is Turning Fifteen Tomorrow!!!

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  

I must remember, he will always be my precious baby whom I love more than life itself and nothing can ever change that.  Even growing up.