If You Want to Feel Connected, Just Disconnect

It has been a couple of months that my husband and I got off of all social media and all I can say is why didn't I do this sooner?!

I was like many with every social media app loaded on my smart phone: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, etc.  What I found myself doing, and my husband, was the mindless scrolling through a plethora of empty content. Not that it didn't mean something to the person posting it however it wasn't accomplishing anything in my mind, heart, spirit and soul. I was guilty myself of posting things that even though they spoke to me they didn't necessarily need to be shared with everyone. 

It is unbelievable to think back on my life so far (I am 40 years young this year) and see how much technology has changed every aspect of life!  When I was a kid we didn't have any of this technology.  We sent thank you cards. We called people...on land lines. We visited each other and had dinner around the same table. As families we talked about our day.  It makes me so sad to see how all that has been lost. People would rather text, email, post than to talk on the phone or in person. There is no connection to life, to each other or to ourselves. 

Ever since my husband and I disconnected (from social media), we have spent more time with each other, with our kids, doing things that make us happy.  We have a cooking contest between my husband and I where the kids are the judges. We look for recipes to cook. We go watch our son race his dirt bike. We are going out on more dates. We go for walks with our fur baby. We just sit outside and talk about our day. I am reading again. I am going to meet friends for coffee. I am spending a little more time praying/meditating.  I love listening to great podcasts that challenge me (The Deconstructionists). 

What we both realized is that now that we are off social media, WE DON'T MISS IT. We hardly grab our phones anymore!

The more disconnected you are from empty sources, the more connected to life you will be.

Change

Change: make or become different, the act or instance of making or becoming different

It is so unbelievable how many changes you go through in the course of your life.   The only constant we can count on is change. You can either go with the flow or resist it. Sometimes it feels like it comes in bursts and other times it feels like a soft wave.  Over the last year and a half, there have been a lot of changes in my life.  My life and how I see it, my marriage, my kids, my work and my health.  One change that I am settling into and feeling more comfortable with is that the older I get the less I care about what other peoples judgments are about me. I realized that life is too short to worry about insignificant things! There is so much about life that becomes clearer. The important things become obvious. 

All your life you are taught to stay in the box in different areas of your life. Don't venture outside the box because it's wrong! Only associate with those whose boxes look just like yours. There is a set of "rules" when it comes to thought, education, opinions, religion, etc.  Who wrote the rules for this box? All my life some of these rules never set well with me. I am not getting any younger so I wanted to know what I truly thought, believed...about everything.  I didn't want to keep going through the motions just because it is what you're supposed to believe. I wanted to really examine what I thought and believed on my own. I didn't want to be a hypocrite pretending to agree with all the rules. I don't want to do something or pretend to believe something just because that's what is required to be part of the box.  I realized that I could choose to continue to live my life with blinders or broaden my view of life. It is ok to look up; look around. All my life I felt like I was looking through a peep hole. When you actually look up and look around you realize you have the power to open the door!  I opened the door and all I can say is that the view is beautiful!

I made it a point to study a little bit about all religions and see what they believed. Do I agree with every aspect of all religions, of course not. Do I think most religions have something beautiful to offer? YES!  As long as the message is love, peace and service to others, I am ok with that. God made us all. God didn't just make Catholics or Baptists. I was raised Catholic.  I even went to nun school where we had to attend mass every week. I did my first communion alongside my classmates.  I went to mass on Sundays with my mom.  All my life my mom and grandmother would always tell me to pray and depend on God. God is in control of everything. That was my foundation. I still believe that. That is one thing that won't change. Once I got to middle school I attended a Baptist school until I graduated high school.  All I remember was the incessant amount of rules.  You can't dance. You can't go to concerts. You can't listen to "secular" music. Halloween is frowned upon. Boys can't have hair longer than their ears. You can't drink alcohol. You can't wear two piece bathing suits. One thing I started to realize is that some of these rules had no logical basis. Where did these rules come from?  Based on what? A lot of times it appeared to me as though it was based on judgment. I noticed there were rules as part of the Catholic church too.  So all of that to say this, what religion do I believe in? The answer: none of them.  It doesn't mean I am going to hell (if there is a hell...GASP!) just because I could no longer stand to fake a smile in this judgmental/cliquey box that I never fit into to begin with!! It's like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole!  I choose to believe that God cares more that we approach Him with a heart of gratitude, wonder and awe than if we are wearing jeans. God is bigger than any judgmental box some people try to keep Him in.

So what am I? Just spiritual. I think spirituality is being connected to God. No matter what religion.  I see religion as a vehicle to spirituality. For example people can drive a Toyota or a Ford to get to Disney World. A Chevy isn't the only car that gets you there.  A Nissan isn't for everyone! So why look down on those that don't drive the same car as you?
I choose to see God in everything, even the most minute thing!  I choose to be at peace. I choose to be present. I choose to see God in every interaction. I sense God when my children laugh. I sense God when I feel the sun and wind on my face. In moments of silent meditation and prayer I feel God. I choose to pay attention. That makes my soul happy.  
#happy #life #change #mommy #wife #nurse #zen #rn #spiritual #God

LIVING ON A PRAYER

It's probably the most popular 80's rock song of all time.  We have all heard it on the radio, in movies or on our iPods.  Some of us have even had the chance to hear it in concert.  It's one of my favorite songs ever so I can't help but sing along every time I hear it.  Today was no different when it came on my playlist but as I heard the words it actually brought me to tears.  Even though the song is 26 years old and I've heard it a million times there is something about Tommy and Gina's story that feels personal to me.   

Tommy used to work on the docks

Union's been on strike

He's down on his luck...it's tough, so tough

Gina works the diner all day

Working for her man, she brings home her pay

For love - for love

She says: We've got to hold on to what we've got

It doesn't make a difference

If we make it or not

We've got each other and that's a lot

For love - we'll give it a shot

Ohh We're half way there

Woah Livin' on a prayer

Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear

Woah Livin' on a prayer

Tommy's got his six string in hock

Now he's holding in what he used

To make it talk - so tough, it's tough

Gina dreams of running away

When she cries in the night

Tommy whispers: Baby it's okay, someday

We've got to hold on to what we've got

'Cause it doesn't make a difference

If we make it or not

We've got each other and that's a lot

For love - we'll give it a shot

Ohh We're half way there

Woah Livin' on a prayer

Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear

Woah Livin' on a prayer

Livin' on a prayer

We've got to hold on ready or not

You live for the fight when thats all that you've got

Ohh We're half way there

Woah Livin' on a prayer

Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear

Woah Livin' on a prayer

Transitions

Kassidy and Turner

It seems like life is made up of times where we are either coming out of something, in something or on our way out of something.  No matter where we are in the journey there are specific and unique lessons we are supposed to learn.  Since January, I have felt like my life has been nothing but a succession of transitions. 

January was the beginning of the end of this two year program.  I started my last semester of Nursing school.  It was the hardest semester by far.  Everything about it was more difficult, the tests, clinicals, instructors, etc.  Difficulty aside, I wouldn't trade it!  I learned so much.

At the beginning of March my husband found himself without a job.  I was a very stressful situation for him.  I did my best to be positive and encouraging. I have always been lucky that I don't struggle with the big things; it's more the little things.   I had unwavering faith that God would take care of us.  And He did. Dennis got a job he loves!

 

Let me go back a sec...March 23 is Dennis's birthday. He said to me "Wouldn't it be great if I got a job on my birthday?" I don't know what made me say it but I told him he should call his previous boss in Miami and see if he had any projects going on in the area or possibly a contact here that can help. After thinking about it Dennis called Jim (they hadn't spoken in 15 years). He was so happy to hear from Dennis and told him he had so much work that he wished Dennis was working for him again. Dennis told him "Funny thing you should say that because I am out of a job." Without hesitation, he offered Dennis a job...the day of his birthday. Jim and his wife Laura are wonderful people and I pray God blesses them a million-fold! Dennis and I thank God for that opportunity every day...we know it is NOT a coincidence!

I say I don't get bothered by the big things, however I found myself in the ER on March 16.  Craziest thing I have ever experienced. I got to the hospital at 6:30 a.m. for my clinical day.  The day started easy, one of my patients was getting discharged.  I was in the room with the patient and all of a sudden I felt like I was out of breath.  I just didn't feel right.  My instructor did a quick assessment but I just got worse from there.  My chest got tight, my hands and face were tingling.  I couldn't speak.  My hands were stiff.  It is definitely embarrassing to be an RN student being wheeled into the ER as a patient.  My classmate was able to practice doing on EKG...on me! The doctor ran a bunch of tests and he came in and said it was an anxiety attack.  I told him he had to be mistaken because I make fun of patients that come in with "anxiety attacks".  He said no mistake.  So doctors orders were to take it easy.  Try telling that to a RN student!




We love her so much!

 

On April 2, my husband started his new (old) job in Miami.  I started my practicum on April 4 and ended on April 20.  This was the hardest part of the entire nursing program and I would have to go through it without my best friend to go home to.  But I got a good trade-off!  Dennis brought my grandmother from Miami to stay with me while I finished school.  Turner, the girls and I were so happy to have her back.  She got permission from her doctors and took a break from all her treatments to help me with Turner and the girls while I finished up.  She is an angel!



Nerd Herd

 


Yummiest part of Graduation!

 

Finally, graduation was May 2.  It was a wonderful day that I got to share with my family.  (The best part was Cheesecake Factory that night :)  It was the exhale my family and I have been so anxiously waiting for the last 2 years.  I know there is no way I could have finished without my entire support system at home and at school.  I am so lucky to have a family that encouraged, supported and prayed for me every day.  I am a proud member of the "Nerd Herd".  At school, they are what kept me going on the days I just wanted to quit!  When all else fails, wash your hands!





Gruaduation flowers from my mom and my cousin Eddie and his beautiful girlfriend Jessica!

 Once the emotional high of graduation was over, I was face to face with reality again.  My husband and grandmother were back in Miami and the girls were finishing up school and oh yeah...that little thing they call NCLEX! Preparing for the boards is like training for a marathon!  Basically everything that we covered the two years of nursing school is fair game and then some!  The Nerd Herd made sure that I was prepared.  I am so thankful for all the help they gave me.  Most importantly I am thankful for the help I got from family and everyone who helped with Turner and the girls so I could have a few solid days of studying. 

July 17 arrived...test day.  I was not nervous...I was actually more excited than anything else.  I was just glad this day was here.  I arrived to the testing center.  I walked in and to my left is a few chairs lined up against the wall and to my right is the counter where one signs in.  There were only a couple of people sitting waiting.  A guy and a girl.  The lady at my counter asks me to approach the counter.  When I reach the counter the lady that was sitting against the wall approaches me and as discretely as possible whispers in my ear and informs me that my pants have a rip in them.  As I'm reaching back with my hands the lady adds "it's REALLY bad!"  I asked the lady at the counter if I had time to go to the restroom and she said yes.  On my way down the hall to the restroom the nice lady who informed me about my "wardrobe malfunction" was running behind me asking me if I wanted to borrow her sweater.  I accepted her offer and she said she would go to her car and be right back.  When I got to the bathroom I looked in the mirror and just shook my head.  I looked up and told God he had a great sense of humor.  All I could do was laugh.  So I walked back to the testing room and approached the lady at the counter again.  She asked me if I needed to go home.  I confidently told her "hanging out or not, I am taking this test today!"  As I approached computers, one of the other ladies gave me a sweater that someone had left.  Before I sat down I quickly scanned the room and I was so relieved to see one of my classmates there too...Joy!  Even though she didn't see me it was like having a security blanket.  I tied the sweater around my waist, sat down and took my test.  113 questions later the computer shut off.  I had no idea whether I had passed or failed but I was just relieved it was over. And I could go home and change my pants!  After my test I headed down to Miami to get my little guy and spend time with my hubby. 

Because Dennis is in Miami we spent a lot of time down there.  We had a great time spending time with both families.  While in Miami we went to a Marlins game.  We had a great time! The stadium is absolutely amazing.  Thank you Tio Eduardo for the tickets :)

Turner with one of the Marlin girls.

My two gorgeous girls!

July 18 was a wonderful day!  I learned I had passed my boards and I was now an official RN!  And July 19 I got my license number.  That very day I started applying everywhere.  To date I have applied to 6 hospitals in Tampa and 2 in Miami.  I submitted a resume at Mount Sinai and had an interview with them on August 6.  It went really well.  The recruiter told me last week I am at the top of the list and she wants me there.  They are just waiting for the RN internship to open up.  Either way I am still applying to positions here.  Dennis and I have been incessantly praying for God to show us where we need to be. 

Kayla started her Junior year at Freedom H.S.  We can't believe how fast time flies.  She is 16 and driving every chance she gets!  With the help of family, we were able to do a surprise party for her 16th birthday.  She had a great time with all her closest friends.  She is on the swim team again but she is learning that balancing swimming and school is tough.  She is taking 4 AP classes and honors classes.  I have no doubt she will do well in both!

Kassidy started Liberty Middle this year.  She is lucky to have friends from both Chiles Elementary and Maniscalco. It definitely made the transition into a new environment easier for her. She is lucky to have Uncle Jimmy at school.  He makes sure she is ok and keeps her in line too :) She is a social butterfly and is always outside riding her bike with friends and lately has discovered that she enjoys skateboarding.  She also says she wants to dance, do gymnastics and sing. She is getting so tall!  She grew 4 inches in one year.  She turned 11 in March and she had a cupcake party.  She is not a baby anymore :(

Both Kayla and Kassidy got to go to their first camp with Grace Family Church.  They had so much fun meeting new friends and they both said they would definitely go again :)   

Turner turned 4 on August 2.  He had a Power Rangers party at Aunt Ashley and Uncle Andres' house.  He had a blast having water play with all his cousins!  Since I am not working right now he is not in pre-school but he still likes "school time" and he practices his letters, numbers and likes cutting and gluing. 

When I feel like my life is uncertain (which has been a lot lately) I remember the things that I am certain about.  God is faithful.  As long as we seek his guidance things will happen just as they should.  We are a family and we are supposed to be together. Wherever that may be.  I know God has a plan for us and I'm so excited to see what it is! 

Life as I know It

It has been about 4 months since I updated but with being in school, it takes so much of my time! 

Turner on his first day of school.

Well since last time I posted Turner had not started school yet but Turner and I started school on the same day- August 22.  He was so excited to start!  When I dropped him off, he said "Bye Mommy!" and that was it!  However, the second day and third day, etc. were not so good!  Still to this day, he cries every time I drop him off.  It breaks my heart when I drop him off in the morning but when I come back in the afternoon or Daddy picks him up, he is always laughing, running around and playing with his friend "Wobert" (Robert).   So maybe he knows he can get to me with the sad face and unashemedly, I fall for it every time!!

My sick Kassidy.

Turner at the ER

Along with school starting comes all the germs too!  It seems like we can't catch a break from sickness-literally from July until today!  It actually started in July when Turner had pneumonia.  Then Kassidy had bronchitis.  After that, Turner got pneumonia again, along with an ear infection and pink eye...ugh!  Then Kayla got sick with bronchitis and of course Dennis and I had to follow.  With all the yuckiness going around, I should buy stock in the pharmaceutical companies!!

He caught a Lady Fish

During September we were pretty busy with Kayla's swim meets, Kassidy's gymnastics and of course a little time to relax and have fun.  We went on the boat fishing with Dennis's friend Rick.  Turner and Kassidy had a great time catching fish!

Kayla swimming away!

Cutest Minnie ever :)

Optimus Prime

Then came October and of course Halloween!  This year Kassidy was an 80's punk version of Minnie Mouse, Kayla I guess was Princess Jasmine and Turner was Optimus Prime from the Transformers.  They looked so cute!  However Kayla did say that she thinks she is getting a little old to dress up and take pictures with the little kids :)  We had a great time going to Allison's to eat her famous Chili and then going Trick or Treating with the kids.  We left a little early because the girls wanted to go Trick or Treating with their friends too.  Dennis and I were ready to sleep but Turner was ready to personally sample every bit of candy he got!

At the game.

Kayla with Papa Rondall

One of the special moments in October was when Kayla was selected to represent her class at Homecoming this year.  Part of Homecoming is being walked out on the football field during half-time.  Normally the dads walk out their daughters but she talked with her daddy and they both agreed that Papa Rondall would be the perfect person to walk her.  I know that it meant so much to Kayla and to all of us that Granny and Papa came all the way up here to make this day special for her.   Seeing her on the field with Papa just made me think back of when Kayla was born and Papa would sit and rock her in his chair...who would have thought!  The day of the football game I was on my way back from Daytona so Donna was a lifesaver and took Kayla to all her appointments, hair, nails, dress fittings, etc.  I have to thank Ashley also!  Kayla wore the dress that Ashley wore for her Homecoming!  All around it was so special because it was a group effort and EVERYone came out to the game, in the rain to see Kayla walk out in the field with her Papa Rondall.  I am glad this is a memory she will cherish forever!  The day after the football game she had her Homecoming dance.  I had a great time taking Kayla, Kelsey (our adopted daughter!) and Lara to the hair salon to get their hair done, then back to Kelsey's so they could finish getting ready and then off to take pictures before the limo came to pick up the group.  I am glad she is getting to have some of the fun experiences I had when I was in high school!

Best Friends: Kayla & Kelsey

I love this girl!

We are so proud of the young lady she is.  She is smart, a good big sister, a wonderful daughter and most of all has one of the most giving hearts.  Dennis and I thank God any time someone comes up to us and tells us what a great girl she is.  We are not perfect parents but we are proud of who she is.  I am glad that we have never have felt ashamed or embarrassed of who she hangs around with, what she says or what she wears.  I love her bunches and can't wait to see how successful she will be in life!

Kassidy with her friend Ana

My princess Kassidy is doing so well in school and gymnastics.  She got straight A's...AGAIN!  And she got moved up a level in gymnastics.  She is definitely my little ray of sunshine all the time.  What I love about her the most is how happy and positive she is, no matter what.  She is always so good with her little brother.  Dennis and I call her Punky Brewster because she has her own sense of style.  I love that she is confident enough to do what she wants no matter what other people think!  She is having fun this year in 5th grade.  She has tons of friends...they are always at my house in the front yard playing.  I guess it's the meeting place of the neighborhood, but I love that they want to hang out here.  Just last week she had to write a speech for school.  They had to perform it in front of their classmates and the best part, she won 1st place out of 40!  Now she is going to compete against her school and if she wins then she competes for the district, then county then state.  She is so proud.  Her teacher will be working with her to help her prepare for each phase of the competition.  If anyone can win an award for speaking and being cute and funny, it's definitely my Kassidy!!  I love my baby girl!

I love her bunches!

Kassidy doing Limbo

Turner in the bounce house.

November came and went so quickly too.  I got to take the kids to the open house of one of the hospitals I did clinicals at.  They had a great time.  Radio Disney was there (Kassidy won a t-shirt), a ton of bounce houses and they got to go in the BayFlight helicopter.  Turner thought it was cool. 

Turner in the helicopter.

Then it was time for Thanksgiving; I am so glad we got to go to Miami for Thanksgiving this year.  With me graduating and hopefully starting a new job soon, I doubt I will be able to come next year so it was really important for me to come this year and spend time with all the family. 

Most importantly I do not want to forget how lucky and blessed I am to have such an amazing grandmother that will leave everything to come live with me so she can watch Turner while Dennis works and I go to school.  For some reason, God had different plans...she was diagnosed with lung cancer a few months ago which is why she had to go back to Miami.  It has been super hard for her because she loves us and loves being with us.  She loves how the kids always make her laugh and keep her occupied.  For us it's been hard too.  The the girls miss their Paca Paca and Turner misses his Yaya.  He reminds us all the time of stuff Yaya used to do and eat (Papita soup), her favorite bowl, etc.  It's really cute!  It's funny also to hear the kids talking to her on the phone.  Kayla actually speaks Spanish really well!  My goal right now is to stay positive for her and make sure everyone else stays positive too.  Hopefully that will help her through her treatments.  She is getting radiation every day and chemo every 2 weeks.  The chemo is what makes her feel the worse but she is tolerating the radiation well.  I told her she looks like a hot mama with her new hair do.  Since her hair starting falling out, she went to get it all cut off.  I think she looks super chic!!  Whatever happens, I think the main thing is that she knows and feels loved all the time,she deserves it.  That is how she makes us feel every time we are with her...

Best Grandma in the whole wide world!

Happy Birthday Turner and Miami + Mickey Mouse = 2 weeks of FUN :)

We have been so busy with LIFE that it was time we all got away and had some fun!  We started out going to Miami for our yearly trip. Click for pictures.  I went with the kids and Kelsey (Kayla's best friend) and had a great time.  We started out at Mima's house and got to visit with her and Paca Paca.  Turner was so happy to see them!  He played and giggled with them til late!  He loves Mima's "super toilet" and big beautiful bathtub, ha ha!  I had to tell him she had a "super toilet" so he would go potty somewhere else besides his house.  Then when we went to Mimi 2's (my aunt) house, he was excited to see she had a super toilet too!  Funny what kids focus on :)  We had a good time with Mima, she took them shopping, going to Fuddruckers for dinner, walking around Pembroke Gardens, watching movies and just hanging out spending girly time.  We also went to Mimi 2's house and got to see my cousins and my uncle which is always fun.  Turner and Kassidy went in their pool while my cousin Eddie and his girlfriend Jessica took Kayla and Kelsey to South Beach.  When they got back we had some pizza and hung out until late.   Paca Paca, as usual, makes us all laugh and our nightly cafe con leche...yummy! Can't wait to see them again!

After we spent a few days with Mima and Paca Paca, we went to Granny & Papa's house.When we were here last time, we weren't able to spend time with them because Papa was in the hospital but thank God he is doing better and looks great!  Turner had fun playing with Granny's box of toys.  We played Phase 10 with Granny and Papa and of course...ATE a bunch!  We all probably gained a few pounds :)  We also went to Hollywood Beach with Nikki and Tim.  They are always so much fun and we are always laughing about something!  Michael, Taylor and Wyatt are hilarious and they keep us cracking up all the time.  Turner and Kassidy had so much fun playing with the kids.  Dinner with them was great and I miss them so much and wish we still lived close to them.  Kassidy and Turner loved the beach.  Turner stayed in the water most of the time with the boat floatie Papa bought him.  The rest of the week I took the girls sightseeing:  University of Miami Bookstore

(got some school supplies), Coconut Grove, South Beach and pretty much most of Miami.  The kids got to swim and hang out at Vick and Don's house too :) The burgers and hotdogs they made were super yummy!!  Miss everyone already :)

One of my favorite parts of my trip was being able to visit with my friend Claudia!  I haven't seen her since Kayla was 1 month old.  We both went to the same school, cheered together and have known each other for a long time.  Kayla enjoyed talking to her too about how things were when we were growing up and learning about life as a teenager.  She is beautiful inside and out and can't wait to see her again too!  I got to meet her 3 beautiful children and her husband; she has a beautiful family!  

Then it was time to come home, unpack, wash clothes, pack again and go to Disney for the week for Turner's birthday! Click for pictures. In usual Disney style, they greeted him with Birthday buttons and balloons.  He was so excited! Our first night we just swam in the pool and relaxed, then we hit the ground running the next morning.  We were up early every morning and stayed up 'til midnight just about every night trying to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours.  I have to say it was worth it!  Hardly any wait and less crowds.  The girls said they don't remember anything about having gone to Disney before so it was new for all 3 of them.  Turner was overwhelmed by everything but I do have to say that he LOVES Mickey Mouse. I think the highlight was having breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and Friends at the Crystal Palace inside the Magic Kingdom.  They had the special center table decorated with confetti and being that it is the birthday table, the characters come to Turner first.  To see Turner's face when the characters came up to him was priceless! 

When we went to Epcot, we got to take pictures with Mickey and all his friends.  Turner had a ball with all of them.  Like with anything else, all good things must come to an end :(  We had a wonderful time and Turner asks me every day if we are going to Disney World!  He thinks that because today is his real birthday, we are going back.  I wish we could!

One more important thing...today is my little guys 3rd birthday.  I can't believe how fast time has passed.  It has been fun having a little boy and watching him interact with his two sisters.  He loves us and we love him bunches!  Life is definitely not boring with a little boy in the house :)  Now the next phase starts...he starts pre-school on August 22 and he is very excited to start.  Every time we pass his school, he screams "That's my school!"  I will definitely update you on that!

I am extremely blessed and lucky to have the life that I do!

So Nice To See You Again!

I have noticed that the last time I was on here was in December.  So I am noticing a pattern that I blog only when school is out.  I am taking a class right now but it's online...so piece of cake.  It seems like so much has happened since I was on here last!  Dennis, Kassidy and Kayla all had birthdays.  Dennis turned the Big 4-0!  With the help of so many, I was able to throw him a surprise party (I think he knew but he will never tell).  I am so grateful for all the family and friends that came.  It really made his day special.  CLICK for pictures.



Kayla and Kassidy have been doing great.  They both finished the school year.  Kayla had a great report card.  She took and AP class and did really well...so onto 10th grade.  Seems unreal!  She spends a lot of time with her friends...mainly Kelsey, which is like another daughter!  Kayla turned 15 in May so we all went to the beach with a group of her girlfriends.  They had a great time!  Then about a month later I took her and Kelsey to a concert, they had so much fun.  CLICK for pictures.



My baby girl had a birthday in March.  She wanted to go to the bowling alley with her friends and cousins.  She had a great time!  Kassidy ended up with straight A's...again.  She is my little smarty pants.   Kassidy went to her first acting/singing theater camp.  She went the entire week and loved every minute of it.  I have never seen her so excited to something.  When she is home, she is constantly singing and dancing so when she had a chance to do it for a whole week of 8 hours a day, she jumped on it.  They had a little showcase on the last day and she actually got up and sang in front of everyone.  I didn't she would but she did and she did great!  CLICK for pictures.


They both have been enjoying the summer hanging out with their friends and at home.They got to go to the beach with their Nana & Papa Dale and aunts, uncles and cousins.  They had a blast and look like little indians they are so tan! 


Turner is growing so fast and is such a boy!  He has so much energy I wish I could put it in a little pill and take it.  Lord knows I need it with him :)  Anyhow, the last couple of months have been all about milestones for him but depressing at times for me.  We finally finished the potty training about 2 months ago.  I thought it would be harder for boys because that is what I have always heard but surprisingly enough it was really easy.  Then the last "baby" thing he had left was his pacifier.  I had become one of those mothers that I would judge when I saw their child with a pacifier knowing they were too old for one.  Yeah, well I guess because he was my last and is and will always be my baby, I let him keep it longer than he should have.  One day I asked him "Buddy, why do you like it so much?" and he said "It makes me feel better".  I laughed and then almost cried...he is too sweet.  But after that I said if he is old enough to tell me with words about his dependence on this piece of plastic and rubber then it is time to go!  So while the girls were gone to the beach with the family, I took the opportunity to take it away then.  That way when he cried and whined, they wouldn't be around to hear it.  Here we are 4 days later and he is doing great.  He will ask for it from time to time but I told him it is not for big boys like him.  He takes a nap and goes to bed at night fine without so I am so glad that I got rid of it.  At the same time, I know there is no more baby things left so it's kind of sad because I know we are not having anymore. 


The next thing for us is our yearly trip to Miami and then when we get back, we are going to Disney for 4 days.  Turner will be 3 in less than a month and he knows who all the characters are, Kassidy has only been once, we haven't had a family vacation in a long time so it is definitely time to go!