A Patriotic, Fun-Filled Weekend

Spoiler Alert: We are spoiled.

Thanks to Bill (and some very generous people he knows ) we had a weekend like no other.  We had 5 days off together with some pretty special events mixed in there. 

1. West Point.  We made a quick stop at this beautiful military academy.  We didn't have much time there, but we were able to see probably the most scenic spot!

Random cutie picture

2. The New York Air Show.  We didn't have tickets for the actual air show, but we were able to sneak a peak at the rehearsal the day before.  Wow!  Watching this in person is nothing like watching it on TV.  It was amazing.  The sights, sounds, and death-defying maneuvers left me with my jaw hanging open almost the whole time.  So cool.  We even got to see the Blue Angels.  Go Navy!

3. Matthew's Birthday/Iron Pigs Game.  Our little guy turned 9.  NINE!!
You know the drill....morning doughnuts, plus waffles and ice cream as he requested....

We spent some time at the local community center.  Dad taught us girls how to use the equipment while the boys played hoops.  The birthday boy felt pretty cool getting to play with some older boys in a pick up game.

 Then it was back home to eat chicken tacos and cake with strawberry icing.  Someone had too many tacos and wasn't feeling up for the cake when this picture was being taken.  It was a combination of feeling sick and feeling disappointed that the cake would have to wait.

And it just got worse.  Here he is a minute later...

(Side note:  Cake by Ann.  Upside down "6" candle by Mom. #momfail.)

We were gifted tickets to an Iron Pigs baseball game.  (minor league for the Phillies).  The weather was beautiful, the seats were great, and it just felt good being at the Great American Pastime on the 4th of July Weekend.  There was even fireworks and running of the bases at the end and special message for the birthday boy.

Then it was back to the house where someone still didn't feel like his cake, but was happier having his picture taken.

Happy Birthday to my favorite youngest! You bring us all so much happiness.

4. 4th of July in NYC.  On Tuesday we headed back to New York, but this time we were in the city.  We made a pit stop at Bill's work to check in on those who help keep us safe.  Then we had dinner at a nearby diner.

 Waffles and ice cream are just as good for dinner as they are for breakfast, in case you didn't know.

After dinner we went on a boat tour of the East River.  We traveled up to the Statue of Liberty.  The sun was setting and the views were spectacular.

Once the sun set, we were positioned in this great spot on the water to watch the fireworks.  These buildings were behind us....

Empire State Building

Chrysler Building

And this was our view in front of us....

It was spectacular.  To see the fireworks up close and feel the booming in your chest as the sound bounced off the buildings behind us, and being so close to be able to smell the smoke coming from them.....  Oh, and the boat had cookies and coffee on board and they were tasty...... So, every sense was incorporated.  What a thrill. 

So, it was an awesome weekend overall.  I have to say, one of the best parts for me was taking a step back and watching Big Bill secretly looking at the kids.  When he sees them all happy, that is when he is happiest.  The look of joy on his face was one of those everlasting snapshots taken in my mind. 

Love this guy of mine xoxo

Everyday Happenings

My last Everyday Happenings post was way back in March.  We have 2 months to catch up on!

Let's go!

* We have another teenager in the house.  Let's hear it for Thomas Andrew.

Morning doughnuts

He asked for a cake with no icing. (which makes absolutely NO sense to me)  

Happy Birthday, Bomber.

* I finished another year of teaching 1st Grade CCD.  One exciting day we were asked to be part of a Promposal for my aide, Maggie.  Her boyfriend was so sweet and arranged for the kids to hold up a sign inviting her to the prom.  She said yes.  (Just like the Blessed Mother did...haha)

* I went to breakfast with some good friends from my old Moms and Tots days. It was a great morning.   Love these ladies who always inspire me and support me.

* Before Matthew made his First Communion, he spent a morning on a retreat.  Here are some friends from his school. 

 * Around Easter-time, I found out these are a thing.  I bought them and didn't share. 

 * April had us attending a million concerts for Mary, Tommy, and Ann.

Ok, slight exaggeration...but we did have:

High School Band Concert

High School Orchestra Concert

Middle School Band Concert

Middle School Orchestra Concert (Ann won the Director's Award)

Middle School Jazz Band Concert (Tommy won outstanding 7th grader award)

They were all fantastic and it makes my heart happy to watch them. 

* Billy and Mary finished their track season.  Mary and her relay team even made it to the District Championship.  I'm usually unable to make it to their meets, hence no pictures. 🙁 ( Blogger has emoji's now?  Who knew?)

*We celebrated Easter of course, but I neglected to get pictures.  We attended the Vigil Mass this year (my very first time) and hosted my Dad, brother, nephew, and Uncle on Easter Sunday.  It was a great day.

*Bill's nephew celebrated his First Holy Communion.  We high-tailed it to Alexandria, VA for an overnight trip.  Since, Tommy and Ann were on their band trip to Pittsburgh, we only had Billy, Mary, and Matt with us.  We met up with Bill's brother's family at a hotel, had some breakfast and some pool time together, and off to the mass and celebration.  It was SO much fun.

Congratulations, Joseph!

* Mother's Day was the same weekend and it did not disappoint.....my favorite Wawa hoagies and picnic with my family.

* Bill came into Matt's school (and my workplace) to talk at career day.

 *And last, but definitely not least, our oldest turned 17.  Is it just me, or does 17 sound so much older than 16?

 Happy Birthday, Billy! We love you.

And that's a wrap.  If you made it this far, thanks for visiting.

Only 12 more days 'til summer.  And the countdown begins.....

A Taste Of Boredom

Recently we had a Saturday with not much going on.  Not wanting the day to fall into a deep abyss of screen time, I had to come up with something for us to do.

I knew I had to go to the grocery store at some point.  This coincided with the nagging feeling that I really needed to start having us eat healthier around here. 

Enter: My Grand Idea!

Step 1: Have kids find a healthy snack recipe online. ( I had to do this for the boys.....they were NOT into this - obvi.)

Step 2: Have kids write down ingredients on my shopping list. ( I had to do this for the boys....they were NOT into this -obvi)

Step 3: Make our creations.  I did not do this for the boys.  I had to draw the line somewhere. Plus, it made for some great pics.  See how happy they look?

And now for the posed shots.

And now for the food.  Matthew made Baa Baa Black Sheep.

There was also Chocolate Drizzled Fruit Kabobs, Sweet Spinach Muffins, Roasted Chickpeas, and Granola.

We needed an impartial judge for the taste testing, so we invited our neighbor Christian over to help.  I'm not sure if he was excited or scared.

Turns out there were no losers.  Just winners. A fun day.  Well, a fun hour at least.  I think afterwards we all went back to our screens.

Max

When I was in college and working towards getting my Respiratory Care Practitioner degree, I worked part time at a pharmacy.  The pharmacist I worked with there had a friend who was already a respiratory therapist. He jotted this friend's name down on a business card and gave it to me in case I ever needed career advice.  I stuffed the card in my wallet and forgot all about it.

Fast forward about 5 years and I pulled out that business card one day.  On the back was the name of my friend and co-worker, Max.  Ironically, we had begun working together years before. I had never realized it was the name that was written on that card so many years prior.

I guess you could say our friendship was meant to be.

Max was always there for me as I set out on this new career.

-When I was nervous to treat a pediatric patient, Max went with me and helped me out.

-When we were stuck at work overnight during the Blizzard of '96,  Max was there and making it fun.

-When we worked the day of Princess Diana's funeral, we secretly caught glimpses of the TV together in empty hospital rooms.

-He took countless breaks with me while I smoked a Salem (yes, I really was a Respiratory Therapist who smoked.....the shame!)

You could say Max was my biggest cheerleader at work.  He was also the one who rallied the troops for our monthly gatherings to go country line dancing.

He always made me laugh.  One day I told the story of how a tree branch fell on the top of my car as I was driving to work, swearing those darn squirrels were out to get me.  The following day I found this creepy picture on my locker.

He gave his blessing when Bill and I got engaged and treated him like a long, lost brother.

More recently, when my Dad was having open heart surgery a few years ago, Max had a conversation with everyone who my Dad might come into contact with to make sure he got the best of care. From the staff in the Operating Room, the ICU, the cardiac floor, and I wouldn't even doubt the kitchen staff.....all knew that a VIP was coming and Max requested they roll out the red carpet.

Because he never forgets a birthday, and I always forget his, I started crafting this post.....a long overdue thank you to a good friend and mentor.  Max, you are the best!

My Bryn Mawr Hospital coworkers - June, 1998

Matthew's First Holy Communion

The priest said it best.

"Today is the day that you will be closer to Jesus than you have ever been in your whole life."

What an exciting thing for an 8 year old to hear.  Matthew was indeed excited for his big day.  Everything went well.  He looked handsome, he smiled and played, and he was surrounded by love all afternoon. 

It was a crazy morning before church, so I had asked Mary to snap some pictures of Matthew in his suit while I ran to the store to pick up balloons.  Here are the ones she took. 

Hilarious!

Now, let's get serious.

That face!

Grandpop and Gran and Gramps

Godparents Aunt Jenny and Uncle John

We are so grateful to have shared this day with our extended families.  They were there, yet I neglected to get pictures back home at our gathering.  There was so much goodness in the day, from the big cousins playing with the little cousins, "jam" sessions with musical instruments, and great conversations with loved ones.  Best family ever!

I am filled with such gratitude for the gifts of faith and family.  My two favorite things.