Summer SKY (and a giveaway too!)

My favorite thing about summertime approaching is that it stays light outside so much later!  There is nothing more fun than playing with our boys outside until after 8:00!  I can be guaranteed that they will fall fast asleep within seconds and a good night's rest will be had by all!!

 

The moon makes an appearance long before darkness arrives!!

Check out other pics of the beautiful sky here:

You Capture - Sky

Also, my sister is having a super, duper fun giveaway on her blog today!  Make sure to visit and enter before Monday!  You could win a gift card for $40.00!!!  Visit her here and enter...Once Upon A Penguin !!  Good Luck!

Look Ma!! No Training Wheels!!

Somehow we were blessed with the most adventurous children.  They fear nothing!  From Anthony's skydiving, to Andrew's swimming like a fish, to this...

3 years old and no training wheels!

Today, Daddy said that he thought Jack was ready to lose the training wheels.  So, while Mommy held her breath (literally!), Daddy took off the trainers and off he went!  Seriously, he just took off riding!  He is getting so big so fast!  

And I couldn't be prouder...

T-Ball Champ

Saturday was the last t-ball game of the season!  I can't believe all of the fun and hard work is over.  We made some wonderful friends that we hope to see again in the future. 

Truly, the best part of the day was this...

Can you see the pride written all over his face?

It's the BEST!!

Although Jack didn't play t-ball (yet!), he got in on the action!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Last night, I was preparing Jackson (3) for bed.  We were laying together cuddling, which is certainly a favorite part of my day.  My sweet little boy wrapped his chubby arms around my neck and in his syrupy delicious voice said (and I quote), "Mom, I only just hate you a little". 

Awesome.

Sweet dreams kid.  Sweet dreams.

When the Moon Hits Your Eye...

Every six months, a spectacular event hits the Las Vegas Valley.  The San Gennaro Festival, which is basically a festival of everything Italian (food!) with a huge carnival thrown in for good measure.  In the last couple of years, we have made it a tradition to attend with Rick's family every time it arrives!  This year was my favorite so far.  I think probably because the boys are old enough to get a kick out of all the rides! 

The boys at the way top of their favorite FunHouse!

Looks like they are having fun!

Andrew waiting patiently for a ride

These "Jet Skis" were a big hit!

Right after I took this pic, Jack had a MAJOR meltdown because the carnie dared to undo his seat belt!  That's my boy!

Riding the dragon on the Merry-Go-Round made it all better

So cute!

I'm a Mommy

When I was a little girl, I would always say that all I wanted to be when I grew up was a Mommy!  I mean, who could blame me?  I had perhaps the greatest example of motherhood possible in my Mom!!  My dreams came true unexpectedly and at a very early age.  My first son Anthony was born when I was 16 and still in High School.  I guess you could say that we really grew up together.  Although it was a very difficult experience having a child at 16, I wouldn't change my role as his mom for anything in the world!  It is a role I will cherish for all of my days.

Now, I am more blessed than I ever dreamed possible as a mom to 3 boys.  I know that being a mom is a very sacred calling.  I know that I was specifically chosen to be a Mom to these wonderful people.  Honestly, it is the biggest honor of my life.

Happy, Happy Mother's Day!  Enjoy your children and your role as a Mom today and everyday!

SPRING is in the Air

When I think of SPRING, I think of fun mornings in the park with the sun shining and the cool breeze floating across my skin.  I think of my boys playing outside with their cousins until their hearts are content.  And that is just what we did this morning...

"In springtime, love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head."

                       -Unknown

There is beauty in the Las Vegas Desert!!

You Capture - Spring

You Don't Know the Power of the Dark Side

Did you know that today is National Star Wars Day?

Well, we did!!

By the way, these cuties definitely use their powers for good...not evil.

Racing for the Cure

My sister Carrie, Sis Becky, Sis Janeil with her daughter Emma, Me and Mom

This is a picture of my mom 5 years ago.  It was taken only a few weeks after our family heard the dreaded words, "I have breast cancer".  Admittedly, this picture is hard to look at.  It's not that my sweet mom is bald.  She is beautiful...even bald (especially bald!).  It's that if you read between the smiles, you can see the fear written all over our faces. 

Today, I walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure as I have walked every year since my mom was diagnosed.  This walk and race is to benefit research towards curing this disease that affects millions of women, men and the people who love them.  It affects those whose doctors tell them they have cancer cells growing unwanted and uninvited in their bodies.  It affects those who undergo countless chemo sessions, surgery, radiation, blood draws, tests, sickness, nausea, exhaustion and bone chilling terror every single day.  It affects those who hold their loved one's hands while they lay on the couch unable to find the strength to participate in daily life, those who bring chicken soup on chemo days and those who clean houses or do laundry in an attempt to relieve just one burden.  It affects those who hold the shoulders of one they love as they look in the mirror to reveal themselves for the first time with no hair.  Someday, we will have a cure.  Until then, this disease will continue to affect millions.

As I was walking today, I couldn't help but think of the multitude of emotions swirling around me.  The sadness for the people walking in honor of loved ones lost.  The desperation of those fighting for their lives now.  The pride of surviving the trials of cancer.  The love of people united against a common cause.  But, mostly I felt gratitude.

This is a picture of my mom today.  She is about 3 years out of treatment and is cancer free.  We plan on keeping her that way!  I am so very grateful that my mom is still here today to walk with me.  I am grateful that she walks today, and everyday, with amazing strength (and hair!).  I am grateful that my mom never gave up.  I am grateful that cancer has taught our family just how much we mean to each other and that we can be grateful for

EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Here are some other pics from the festivities:

Sis Carrie, Mom, Me and Sis Nicole

Crowd at the starting line

Gavin, Rhiley, and Dylan

Mom got a flower from a Chippendale dancer.  This is a ransom photo if I ever saw one!!

Wearing her "Survivor" shirt

Early morning on the Las Vegas Strip.  Getting ready to walk!