The Essence of a Mother

15 years ago, Donnie and I "tied the knot" It was a very hot July afternoon (what was I thinking) It was about a year after Justin (our oldest) was born... (we didn't want to be married just because I was pregnant) our family and friends braved the heat and joined us at our simple ceremony Even though it was about 100*... we still enjoyed our time :) 15 years later, my husband never ceases to surprise me No.... I didn't get  a new car a new house nor a bigger diamond that would have been nice too...maybe next year...ha ha :) but.....Nope My darling honey blind folded me and took me out for an ice-cream yep...still blind folded I stayed in the van... I don't like stuff like this.... you should have seen me. I played along with him though I didn't know where he was taking me After I felt like I just got off space mountain, trying to figure out where on God's green earth we were headed to.... I actually guessed... The duck pond The d...

I am playing catch up! I been wanting to type every other day but you know how the story goes.. life happens!! So I will take you back a few weeks sharing with you all... Galen's 6th birthday! boy where does the time go Galen at about 5 months Look at those eyes... Here he is now! Dunkin Donuts was his place of choice for a birthday breakfast Chocolate frosted donut all the way!! Picking out his coffee (no...not really) my kinda guy...ha ha! Ephraim wanted to come along for the treat too Later...it was off to the mooo-vies at the summer free movie fest Kole was so scared of this cow that he ran and hid in a theatre I couldn't find him...I even had the ushers helping.  At home for chocolate cake! I'm so embarrassed about this cake.. you only get to see a small portion of the mess I made. I attempted to make a double layer cake which I frosted way to early It was ONE BIG MESS! And if you are wondering about the recipe....this is Ms. Betty's ...

**This Moment** inspired by Soulemama {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

While my husband and the oldest two were away to Oregon, I decided to make a short trip up to visit my mom, sisters, and nephews.  It was such a great time to hang out with them.   To be honest we haven't seen each other in months I know that sounds ridiculous, especially when we only live a few hours away.  You'd think that they lived in another state or even country but  nope, they live only two hours away in the same state.   I don't know what has kept us away....  I can make a million excuses such as busyness, not much gas money, and we have to drive in two separate vehicles when we travel as a family.   (oh yeah, most don't know because I don't disclose these things on my blog....) he he... Yeah, we are yet to buy a bigger vehicle for our family of 10. We currently drive a Chevy Astro which seats 8 We outgrew this thing 3 years ago.... It's ok... It doesn't bother me to much...just becomes an inconvenience when we want to travel so...

 Our team is to the right Justin in the far back and Moriah up front They are along side the Puerto Rican Drill team who won National champs for Drill Yep, they WON!!! After putting in hours of  running, marching, and other practices to get everything in sync.... Their hard work paid off! They have outstanding character and team spirit.   I am so proud of these kids. Here are a few pictures of their competition and visit to Oregon...  During inspection by an US Air Force Honor Guard.... Moriah running her mile ran it in 7 mins 58 sec... Dillon This young man was the fastest runner at competition, winning the Fleet Foot award for our team He ran the mile in 5 mins 28 sec Left to right: Dillon, Tyler, Justin, Mary Elizabeth  My handsome son!!  :) Mt Hood (they didn't get a chance to go to the Coast due to their strict schedule)  On the airplane... Donnie and Tyler Moriah was in tears when they announced the winners....