Dreaming

I'm getting pictures organized for Project Life and am a tad bit behind because I'm working on July! I'll catch up soon but looking at all this summer fun is making me wish it was summer again! I love all the carefree days of summer. We play, eat Slurpees, swim, eat ice cream, do projects, and eat some Popsicles! With a one year old last summer I didn't do much sleeping in but that helped me maximize our days.

 I'm looking through all our wonderful lazy days of fun and dreaming for summer again. If my calculations are correct, there are roughly 92 school days until summer vacation! Now that sounds do-able.

 These pictures crack me up! The joy on their faces is priceless.

Before we know it we will be back to fun in the sun!

One Little Word

Last week while at some lunch with a few friends I was reminded of the One Little Word Project. You pick a word to focus on for the year instead of a New Year's resolution and for me it is much more do-able. Although I've only done it one lonely year (2008) it made an impact on me and I believe I'm a better person because of it.

I've contemplating their selections and ideas were running through my head but nothing struck me as "this is it!" until I came across these pictures I took while in California. Now do you see that love, the joy, and happiness in my children's faces? This is something I want to cherish forever.

 CHERISH. I want to cherish each day I am given. Cherish my children. Cherish my husband. Cherish my dear friends who are always there for me. Cherish all that is good around me so this year my one little word is cherish.

 Life seems to have the fast forward speed I do not ever get use to. It seems each day is a blur but each day I want to hold dear to my heart because I cherish the moments I have with those around me.

 I want to cherish the moments and not rush it away with hopes of a quieter house and less messes. I want to cherish these boys and the love that fills our home.

 Cherishing Shane is an easy thing to do. He has a heart of gold. He has compassion and love that most 7 year olds do not obtain until a much greater age. He is charming and full of life. He protects those who need protection and love to his family.

 My Trevor is so easy to cherish too. I cherish this 5 year old full of life. He loves school and learning. He is my boy who does not demand attention but when it's given he is full of love and joy. I cherish how he continues to keep my on my toes with his wit and zest for life.

 Cherishing my baby is pretty much the easiest thing for me to do. However, he is in the get into everything-draw on the walls-smear yogurt in his hair-stage, and this I need to cherish. I cherish his little personality as he is growing. This little guys adores attention and loves people. He is my little charmer that will do anything for a laugh. He is a perfect mix of Shane and Trevor. I want to cherish his snuggles in the morning and chasing him around the kitchen as I cook dinner at night. I want to cherish this stage of life forever.

Although life is hard, life is good. I'm excited for a new year and the journey ahead with those I love and will cherish forever.

The Night Before Christmas

We have not traveled for Christmas since Trevor's first Christmas 5 years ago. It's hard getting ready for Christmas and vacation. Really only hard on this Mommy, but it was a task I was willing to do in exchange for the beach and the hopes of warmer weather.

As always, we love the spoiling that goes on at Grandma and Grandpa Young's house. On Christmas Eve Lynette and I decided we didn't want to cook so we opted for Andrea's for the best clam chowder and fish around. We walked around the Harbor and the boys talked Grandpa into ice cream and then hot chocolate. We came home to play with Grandpa's train. Each of my boys have loved this train as we visit at Christmas time. I'm sure Landon's mouth is stuffed with some sort of candy since it is Christmas Eve after all!

 Trevor could not wait to make cookies for Santa. I added a Santa Tracker app on my phone and Trevor loved seeing where Santa was and how many more hours until he came to our house.

 Landon "helped" with the cookies by eating a pear!

 If we are at Grandma and Grandpa Young's house on Christmas Eve the kids all sit around the piano and sing Christmas songs as Grandma plays the piano. Trevor loved singing all the words to each song and kept requesting more and more songs.

 We aren't sure how it happened but someone their jammies fell off the sleigh and made it to Grandma and Grandpa's doorstep.

Once the cookies were baked we hurried and decorated them because the boys were EXCITED to get to bed!  

 Shane decided each boy should sleep with a parent so Shane slept with Damon and Trevor slept with me. I loved it! The excitement of Christmas with them and being there was so fun! I guess Shane woke up at 1:57 a.m. wanting to see if Santa came.

 These little moments just melt my heart. Landon loved sitting and listening to Grandma play the piano. He does "help" a little too.

 Cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Trevor had to count out 9 carrots so each reindeer got one!You'd think the long note was from Shane but nope, Trevor was so excited to write to Santa all by himself.

 Sorry Santa but Trevor got thirsty! I had to refill his cup twice because Trevor and Shane kept stealing his milk!

Now the waiting begins. These little boys were beyond excited for Santa to come.