Maryn's 2nd birthday

We were delighted to have the chance to join Tim, Audrey, and Larinda for our Maryn's 2nd Birthday Party this month.  It was so much fun to watch our little one celebrate for herself!  She is a delight!  Daddy took loads of pictures and has been after me to get them up on the blog...here we go!

 Steve was our master barbecue chef!  Yummy HotDogs just like I like them...a bit singed.  yummmmy!

memories from long ago...

Poppo was cleaning his computer and found this wonderful video he made of Liam and Isa with their mama before you all moved away to Tennessee...I had to share as we both had a tear or two at seeing it and missing you so very much.

We love you all so much and miss you every day....
love,
gramachele & poppo

Idaho adventures with my brothers...

 I had a wonderful time reconnecting with the Williams side of the family!  I love Grandma Williams.  She recently had a stroke and was so positive and joyful during the funeral.  Seeing all the cousins and realizing what an amazing group of people I married into was awesome.  I love this family every bit as much as my blood relations.  They are wonderful people and I am lucky to be apart of their clan...
After the funeral, I spent the Saturday getting to know my niece.  Oh I LOVE her.  She wasn't too sure about me in the beginning...

It didn't take too long for her to warm up to me....Isn't she beautiful! 

 I love that our family gets so silly.  This is Price and Tim laughing about shriveled peanuts.  Yep, If you know them, you'll know where this was going. Funny boys! 
It was awesome to be all together.  I was wishing the kids could have joined in on the fun.  Next time we will make sure we are ALL together!

    Tim makes friends with everyone!  His old neighbor in Poky, lent him his harley for the day just because.  I tell you that man has a gift!   I enjoyed my ride with Tim, and laughed so hard my cheeks hurt at Price and Tim's antics!  

Monday, we went rock climbing!  I love to climb and haven't been for ages.  I was super nervous that I wouldn't be able to make it up, but went all the way to the top.  Maryn was fabulous.  She loved walking on the rocks.

 

I love Audrey, I couldn't ask for a better sister in law.  She loves Tim in all his craziness.  She is patient and determined and strong.  She is loving and kind and positive.  She is a fantastic mama too.  It was good to connect with her as well.  Talking over the phone is great, but face to face is so much better!

 Last one for tonight.  I was telling Maryn to show me Beema and she took me to the pillow she made.  Love it!  (PS doesn't Maryn have the most beautiful baby blue eyes?!!!!)

Surprise!

I'm only going to take a minute, but I need to start recording my trip, or else I may begin to forget the details.  The Saturday before the 16th, I was running around like a crazy lady, going from cleaning job to cleaning job.  I was between jobs and had run home to change into my uniform for the one job, when Morgan stopped me to talk about scheduling the 16th.... Me being in a rush and not very patient at the moment, interrupted him and said something to the effect of, " I know you need to go to Idaho for Grandpa"s funeral, I'm OK with it.  We will be fine."  Morgan being persistent and knowing me entirely too well, continued with something like, " you're going to need to adjust your schedule for a trip to Idaho..."  I stopped right where I was, sat down on the stairs and began to cry.  It still makes me tear up when I think about it.  I immediately broke into the "I can't and what will I do with the kids and do you realize how much time I have to plan this?"  Morgan lovingly waited for me to finish before hugging me and telling me I had no choice the ticket was already taken care of, thanks to some loving family members who shared sky miles.  So it was off to Idaho.   This trip was made possible by my amazing family and friends who lovingly took on my kids.  More on their adventure later...  So I was able to keep the trip a surprise and not tell my parents.  I will never forget as long as I live the look on my mom and dad's face and how long it took to register that it was really me.  It was perfect.  I'm so grateful for the blessing of being able to surprise them, grateful for the family and friends who made it possible to enjoy the trip and not worry about my kids and especially for my sweet husband who orchestrated the whole surprise!

Dear Liam

Dear Liam,  11 ago (well technically 12 years ago) you came into our lives at 11:20 am. It was in that moment, that my life changed. You have taught me how to love deeper than I ever thought possible. You have brought me so much joy. You continue to brighten my days. I know we have our moments, especially when you have to write something long in school, but those moments are so small. You remind me to be creative. I love your artwork, stories and your lego designs . You've helped me learn patience. I am grateful for your honesty. I appreciate that you will tell me how you feel about things especially about how I am handling a situation in our home. You've helped me make great strides in communication and controling my mom temper. I appreciate so much your work ethic and your determination to work hard and succeed in your business. I love that it matters to you how your customers feel about your work. You remind me to do my best and give whatever comes my way, my all. You are an awesome big brother. I'm grateful that you aren't too big for mom hugs and good night kisses. I'm proud of your accomplishments and your ability to set a goal and accomplish it. I'm grateful for your testimony and faith. Liam I'm just plain old grateful for you. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter blessing than to have you join our family first. You are a leader and a friend to your brother and sisters and I love you. Happy Birthday little man!
Love, mom

 

 

           I'll have to head home to find some photos of you at 3, 2, 1, and birth.  You've grown up so much!  I love you buddy! Hope your day is FANTASTIC!

(Liam just reminded me via skype that he is officially out of hand counting stage.  He is older than he has fingers to count!  YIKES!  who said time could fly so fast!!!!