Explaining Myself

Ok...so I know I have been MIA for some time, but I can explain. We spent a few weeks in PA visiting family, and I once again, over-did-it with the taking pictures thing. This time well over a thousand. So, as you could imagine, going through them and picking out my favorites has been quite a task....I am still trying to narrow them down. So please be patient and I will have tons of pics coming up in the very near future :) Enjoy this one for now:

Camping

We went to Pawtuckaway State Park this past weekend, and had an awesome time camping. We were blessed with a beautiful campsite right on the lake....of course the boys naturally gravitated toward it the moment we arrived. We spent our time together going for bike rides, sitting around the fire, rock climbing, hanging out at the beach, snuggling in the tent while it down-poured. The boys really enjoyed themselves. Jared and I would sit in our camp chairs, facing the lake, watching Noah and Nate throw rocks in the water......it was so peaceful. I will remember this trip always, and thank God for His grace in blessing me with my husband and two little men.

Happy Mother's Day

I thank God for the mother that He gave me. I have learned so much from my Mom. The one thing that stands above all the rest is the example my Mother set for me when it comes to family. My Mom loves her family with her heart and soul; her husband, four children, and nine grandchildren and one on the way.
Thank you Mom for teaching me how precious the people that God places in our lives as family truly are. Thank you for loving us with your whole heart. I am a mother now, and my children are benefiting from some of the ways in which you inspire me. You have always gone above and beyond to show your love to us. You are whole when your gang is around you, and it is a beautiful blessing to be a part of such a loving family. It is a privilege for those of us who are able to call you Mom or Grandma. I Praise God for the love He expresses to me through you. I am grateful that you profess His name, and that you pray for the ones you love.
I miss you terribly and love you more than you could possibly know. Happy Mother's Day.

Running mom

Ok...so I've done something that I have never done before...I registered for a 5K race...gulp. My neighbor across the street is a veteran runner, and a huge inspiration to me. See I run sporadically, I'll do it for a while, then lose interest, (usually through the winter months.) My neighbor has been such an encouragement to me, in so many ways. A pillar of strength and wisdom with life in general. I find her presence a complete blessing. She helped give me the confidence to enter this race. I may come in dead last, but I already feel like a winner, spreading my wings to try things that I would never have in the past. The training is difficult for me, however, as I'm running, I ponder the verse....
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Family Day at the Lake

Spending family time together is such a blessing. Jared and I love being with our boys. We enjoy watching them explore their surroundings, having fun, just being boys. We take walks daily, and have started hiking with them. Noah and Nate love to be outdoors; always doing something. They surprise me by their endurance. I wish I could bottle up their energy. I am cherishing every moment God is blessing me with my 3 special guys. Time seems to move so quickly.......at least I have taken enough pictures to remember everything. The following pics are from an afternoon at a lake near our home. We spent time collecting rocks, throwing them in the water, hiking, looking at beaver dams and turtles relaxing on a log, noticing all of the buds delightfully showing a hint of spring. It was an amazing day; no agenda, no hurry, just being together.

Time to get outside!

So we live in New England.....that explains the 6 ft. of snow in our yard. The boys have been anxious to get outside. This day was perfect, the sun was shining, the air was comfortable.....it was time. Noah went out first and climbed the mountains in the yard. After a short time, he yelled my name. I poked my head out the door, (I was watching him from the window). He said, "Mom, you've got to bring Nate out here, he will love it!" He wanted his brother to enjoy the fun.....and I think he wanted someone to throw snow at. So of course Nate immediately gravitated toward the water. The ice had melted in some places and his eyes were fixed on "the puddles". Let's just say that I had two very "soggy" boys that afternoon. As I was wringing out their soaked clothes I was giggling to myself.....this is what it is all about...being a kid.....loving life. I praise God that my boys help me to open my eyes to the beauty of creation that surrounds us, and for being able to enjoy witnessing their passion to explore. They have no fear of getting dirty, wet or cold. The special time they have outside to play is totally worth it.