This one is for you Daddy!!

We hope you have an awesome time at the game today with Mike!  We’ll be cheering at home hoping for a win! Go Bucks!!

Have an awesome birthday weekend!
We love you!

xoox

A few weeks ago we headed to NYC to visit with some of good friends. (which i’ll blog about soon!) While we were there we made a stop at ground zero to pay our respects and also bring my mom who hadn’t been there since the attacks.  Of course the was some internal dialogue but no words can compare to the emptiness you feel in your heart while you walk the streets around the world trade center.  The last time I was there about 4 years ago, we walked around but we didn’t go into St. Josephs Chapel – this time we did.  It was the only thing that remained untouched across the street from the twin towers.  It is the place that became a safe haven, a place to sleep, a place to fall apart, and even a simple place to eat.  Many of the fireman remained at the church for days in order to stay close but still have the basic needs to function .  I had no idea the inside has become a memorial .. I snapped some pictures so I can keep them and share them with the kids when they get older.   Somedays it’s still hard for me to believe that even happened – It all becomes so personal when you see names of people and their families.  They all had a story. They all still have a story.  We are all better people for their stories.

As I was walking into St. Joseph's Chapel I pushed the shutter without knowing or looking through my camera. When I uploaded my images this is what I saw - I love how the sign 'they are in peace' is there in front of the chapel and how the sunshine is pouring over the church entrance and the sign - i've always called those sunshine rays 'angels' so when i saw this image it struck something in my soul. accident? I dont think so....

When you first walk in this is to your left - All the fire/police badges that were sent in from around the world.

Piles and piles...

This is one of the first things that stuck me. I just stopped in my tracks looking at the firetruck. A small child, thought enough to send a firetruck that I'm sure they loved - just to show their respect?! Amazing. A true reminder that this day affected people of all ages.

Firemans coat.. so many spent so many hours, days, weeks here...

Jackson, Rick, Molly, My Mom and I stopped to light a candle and to said a prayer....or a few.

Bless their hearts. This struck my heart. There is something about the children supporting the amazing men and women who were working endlessly that blows me away. How lucky are we to have such amazing children in our World.

This was my favorite shot. Those nails were pulled from ground zero- it now sits in the center of St. Joseph's Chapel.

The Steel Beams that were also pulled from ground zero..

The sign.

To those we lost – we are forever grateful. We will never forget. We will see you again someday.. May you be surrounded by  love and light until we meet again.

Much love and a heart of gratitude,

Somehow right before my very eyes my little baby boy has become a little man.  Today was the first day of school as he entered his second year of preschool.  How did that happen?

Over the last few weeks Jackson has been asking these questions and making little remarks that make him seem so old.  The other day I asked him if he wanted a snack and he replied ‘Actually Mom, I can easily get it myself.’  First of all, where did he learn ‘actually,’ and second of all how does he know how to use ‘easily’ correctly!?  I’ll have you know, he walked into the pantry and did in fact get his snack himself.

Last month I came across a movie we made on my computer of Jackson when he was just under 2 years old. (I’ll have to post some of it if i ever figure out how to post video!)  I remember thinking ‘Oh my goodness, he is almost two – he’s so big!’   After I watched it (and maaaybe cried a little!) I realized just how small he really was – and just how big he has become..

Jackson,

As you start your second year of preschool, may your heart be open and may you be kind to your new classmates.  Even though you don’t have the same friends this year, I know you’ll make new ones and we’ll still play with your old ones. May you help your friends, teachers and always do good listening.  Remember to use your manners but still make time to be silly.  Always help clean up the messes you make while having fun.  Share your toys and special things with your class, and most of all – just be yourself… thats the best part.

I can’t wait to see how much you grow this year.  I love you. I’m so proud of you. Thanks for keeping my heart smiling so big.

Love, Mom

remember his little face – so excited for school from last year?! Talk about looking little! He looks so young in those two shots!

Here’s to another year (and some time for mommy to get a few things done – yahoo!!)

xoox

Oh. my. goodness.  I have been having troubles with my blog for well over a month and half now.. I tried to post things, it deleted it.  I tried to upload images, it wouldn’t do anything.  I was so frustrated AND more importantly I was sad I couldn’t figure out how to get information to my clients (and friends and family) without wanting to throw my computer away!  After about all I could take, I sent a SOS email to my sweet friend Mark. I officially owe him   Seeing as I’m terrified of losing anything I don’t dare try to update things on my own – or at least without some help.  But the idea of erasing my entire blog when updating this software (which I imagine is a possibility if you really don’t know what you’re doing!) I didn’t dare attempt it myself.

So, Mark worked on it  – doing who knows what – but he’s all computer smart and stuff!  He sent me an email last night and said everything was updated and should be good to go.. all before going out to enjoy his evening — What a guy, right!  So I opened my blog to post this morning and its TOTALLY different -I love it!   He told me to try and post and see if there was anything out of place even though I knew there wouldn’t be…. and of course its perfect! Too bad I didnt update this when I was supposed to a long time ago… Maybe this will make my blogging easier and more often now that its all where its supposed to be
Mark – You are the best.  I am so lucky to have you as a friend – sorry for you, you have me as a friend! hahaha… Thank you for doing everything you have… You rock!

On a sidenote — Check out Marks company – Take on Life – and then bookmark his Blog. He’s so inspiring. I love what he believes in. I love what he shares with us.  His story is amazing. His spirit is a gift.  Mark, you are a blessing.. I’m better to have known you. Thanks for reminding me when things seem stressful theres much bigger things to focus on.  Hopefully we can catch up soon.. Thank you 1000 times for all your help!! xoxo

Mark and Lis at the Mashpee Open Market: (yep I ‘borrowed’ this from your blog Mark!)

Much Love,