Friday, May 30, 2014

Insta-Friday...

Our week in photos...
When Vic saw this picture, he said that he never noticed the red in a dandelion...proof that, although beauty can always be found, we may have to look for it.  
 The season of picnics...my favorite.
 Ellie made an appearance once again in Little Miss' artwork.
 Mem.
 Selfies.
 Another nest.
 This little girl makes me smile. 

"If you take the time to look at simple things, you will come to realize they really are beautiful."

Friday, May 23, 2014

Insta-Friday

It's looking like spring around here.

Little Miss can usually be found lounging in the hammock on our front porch.
"If dandelions were hard to grow, they'd be most welcomed on any lawn."
-Andrew V. Mason
Selfies by E and Sparkee
Every year we are able to see a bird's nest in our yard.  This year I have counted 6 nests so far.  Here is a quick video of some of my instagram pictures of the progression of one of the nests.

"Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old." - Franz Kafka 

 Happy Friday Everyone! Enjoy your weekend and be sure to find the beauty in your own backyard.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Have you heard this?



It's not a new song, but sometimes I don't think I'm tuned in.  Today I was and I really listened.  You should too.

"To be humble, to be kind, it is the giving of the peace in your mind.

We are how we treat each other when the day is done."

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

It's relay time...

This will be the third year we have participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.  In the past years, our team has raised about $40,000.  


It feels good to give back and make a difference.   There are few people who have not been impacted in some way by the Big C.   Almost everyone has a story, some more personal than others.  My story is personal and my experience is still quite fresh in my memory.  This relay is a way for me to fight back and show cancer who's boss.  It's a way for me to support others who just today are getting a dreaded phone call, saying goodbye to a loved one too soon, or fighting for his/her life.  

If you would also like to support others and are interested in donating to my relay team, please click here.  You can make a difference in the lives of people faced with the Big C.
  
When we get further away from difficult times in our lives, we may start to "forget" and become complacent with the day to day.  The Big C gave me a giant "tune-up" and now it's a struggle to get away from it.  In many ways, it's a good thing.  It makes me more aware of the bliss in everyday mundane moments and for that I'm grateful. 

Here is a quick 30 second video of my journey (unfortunately, it's in reverse order)...  




Thursday, May 8, 2014

Forty-two...

Forty-two years ago, on an Azorean Island in Portugal, this guy was born.


And, as fate would have it, this girl, born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island went to junior high with him and later said "yes" when he asked her to marry him.  

Today I celebrate him, all of him, the part that makes me laugh, smile, cry, get goosebumps, yell in frustration and love with all my heart.  


Wishing the happiest of birthdays to our Victor.  We love you bunches! xo

"Every year on your birthday, you get a chance to start new."

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Three months ago...

Three months ago, our little man turned 10.  We had a party to celebrate his first decade.  Each year he is very specific with the party theme and this year was no different. It's often a challenge for me because generally his themes are trendy and new and so there is not a lot available.  I'm forced to be creative.  Usually, I don't mind. 

I put together Undercover Detective Kits for each of the kids. Each kit had a disguise (fake mustache), weapon (laser gun), noise maker (whistle), clue detector (magnifying glass), record keeper (small memo pad), and a badge and ID.  

 I made them all take a picture before the pinata.  A certain 10 year old thought it would be fun to stick his tongue out.

 We played a Lego Game.  They used the pieces to create a vehicle.
 I'm always impressed with what children can create with Legos.


 Former party mascots also made an appearance.


And because much of the theme of the Lego City Undercover game has something to do with donuts, we made donuts and had a donut cake.
I'm hoping the next 10 years go a little slower than the first 10, but from what I hear, that's not what happens.

“Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of 'you' to the world.”

Monday, May 5, 2014

Dance with your heart...

 Maybe I shouldn't actually type out the words, but, I'll whisper them, "it's starting to feel like spring".

A new dress and beautiful weather calls for an impromptu "dance in your backyard barefoot" party. 
 This may have been another rendition of "Let it Go".  

 I'm looking forward to continued and complete healing from my last surgery so I can get out in the yard and get my hands dirty, another form of therapy for me.
 For now, I'll open the windows, let the fresh air in, and maybe, just maybe join my Little Miss in singing and dancing.
Happy Monday!  May your day be filled with impromptu dance parties.

"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another."