We are home now and so very thankful! Nothing makes you appreciate being home more than being away. I love walking into my clean house, smelling the eucalyptus, laying down on my bed and taking a deep breath. Axel walked through the house with this humongous smile and touched everything. It was precious to see my baby recognize "home". Abigail went straight to Maelei, while Amelia immediately questioned if they could go see if Elizabeth was home!
The 4 days in the car went far better than I could have dreamed. The kids blew my mind with how patient, entertained and content they were. This is not to say that there were no "moments" but that the expected moments were few and fleeting. I think Ryan and I had a harder time than they did...but then again, we are old! ;-p
Michigan was beautiful...in a 1950's/parent trap/horror flick setting kind of way. Hahaha! The lakes and waterfalls were breathtaking and the dunes were stunning. Abigail and I have decided that next time we go we WILL conquer Devils Slide, but not by rolling down as we do not want to break our arms or necks. Instead we will walk down (without falling) and climb back up! We start training next week, hehehe!
Ryan had a blast being "off" of Dad/student/work duty, instead spending time fishing, golfing, playing cards and shooting with his dad and brothers. He claimed the most points and was crowned "king of the yoopers!"
Abigail loved the freedom! I tend to be a bit (or a lot) OCD and protective and the fact that I gave her some (the span of 5 cabins) to roam, and lots of time fishing and swimming were just what this girl needed! Oh, and she got to drive the golf cart which is always a big hit!
Amelia had lots of attention and time spent outside as well. She got to tag along on a few boat trips and swim/splash in the lake and run with the big kids. Of course my little social butterfly made a few new friends, Ethan and Riley.
Axel is such a happy baby and impressed his aunts with (what I am certain will prove to be temporary) ability to follow instructions! We finally celebrated his first birthday "correctly" with cake and he was loving all the new food he was offered and does not discriminate. He will eat pretty much anything and proved this when he picked up and ate duck poop. It made me quite ill as I saw what was about to happen but could not get there quickly enough to stop it. I shudder now thinking about it. He does not seem to have suffered any ill affects but I am still leery and pumping him full of the frozen milk I have in the freezer in hopes of killing any nastiness that might have found its way into my poor baby's system.
I am overwhelmingly happy to be home! I was not prepared to be quite so out of touch (no internet or cell signal) but I am proud that I managed so well. I had lots of time to spend with kids, reading/journaling and since there was really nothing else, I got to sit and watch HGTV and DIY because they did have satellite TV. I even got a break from dishes & laundry! :-D
We got to visit the Oswalds Bear Ranch and several state parks while we were there. Hiawatha National Forest was pretty impressive. I do have pictures thanks to "vella" but they will require a chunk of time that I do not have right now.
There is still so much to say, but I feel like this pretty well sums it up so there you go. I'll get the pics uploaded when I find that elusive "free" moment. :-)
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Vacation!
We are about to embark on our first McCormick Family vacation.
I am only a teeny tiny bit apprehensive. We have to drive over a bridge...shudder!
No, I am a whole ton lotta apprehensive!
But even more than apprehensive I am so ExCiTeD! The girls and I spent over an hour yesterday looking at websites and found some really cool things to do. But it's a secret.
Abigail is borrowing my old camera, since I get to borrow "Billy", and we are going to see who can get the best pictures! Hahahaha :-)
Lots of other stuff swirling in my mind (shocker, I know!) and I am ecstatic at the thought of having time to mull it over and get some stuff organized. Yes, I organize the craziness in my head. I have a blank journal and a new package of colored pens and two full days of drive time ahead of me.
This also means I'll get to catch up on some much needed sleep...I hope!
It has been nearly a decade since I have been able to take a trip like this. Nature trails, scenic sites, and some really cool activities await us up north.
And I get to do all this with all of my babies and my love! I could not be more excited!!!
Check back in a week or so for the update of how things actually went! :-p
I am only a teeny tiny bit apprehensive. We have to drive over a bridge...shudder!
No, I am a whole ton lotta apprehensive!
But even more than apprehensive I am so ExCiTeD! The girls and I spent over an hour yesterday looking at websites and found some really cool things to do. But it's a secret.
Abigail is borrowing my old camera, since I get to borrow "Billy", and we are going to see who can get the best pictures! Hahahaha :-)
Lots of other stuff swirling in my mind (shocker, I know!) and I am ecstatic at the thought of having time to mull it over and get some stuff organized. Yes, I organize the craziness in my head. I have a blank journal and a new package of colored pens and two full days of drive time ahead of me.
This also means I'll get to catch up on some much needed sleep...I hope!
It has been nearly a decade since I have been able to take a trip like this. Nature trails, scenic sites, and some really cool activities await us up north.
And I get to do all this with all of my babies and my love! I could not be more excited!!!
Check back in a week or so for the update of how things actually went! :-p
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A boy and his Mom
Today is my son's birthday. For one year I have been a Mom to a boy, and yes, it is inexplicably different. Unless you have a son...you simply can't understand, but once you do...all you do is shake your head and nod, because you understand but cannot put into words the feelings in your heart.
Do I love my son more than my daughters, No at all. I love them all with every cell in my body. With every thought in my mind and every beat of my heart. They are all my children, hoped and prayed for, given to me as a gift, wanted, protected and cherished as every child should be.
As I watch them sleep, breathing slow and deep, I pray to God that they never question my love. That they never feel sadness or pain. At times I cry because I know there is nothing in this world I wouldn't do to ensure this...and yet there is NOTHING I can actually do to prevent it. So I settle for praying that they will learn to love the life they live.
I am so proud of my son (and my daughters). I am proud that they are mine, entrusted to me to raise. I am proud because I know that no matter where they may go in life, or what they may do...it will lead them exactly where they need to be and they will become exactly who they are supposed to become and that there is nothing that will decrease the love I have for him (them). They are constantly and unconditionally loved.
I pray that my son sees how I love his Father and how his Father treats me and stores it in his heart so that when he finds the one his heart loves, he will recognize it.
I pray that he is a man with strong morals. That he carries in his heart the lessons we have taught him about how to treat others.
I pray that he knows that his actions will not only speak louder than his words, but also any degree he may choose to obtain. A degree adds to your life but does not define your worth or stature. Common sense is far more valuable.
I pray this and so much more, and every day my prayers are tailored to grow with him.
Every night as I fall asleep, I am thankful that my son has a father who loves him and who will guide him into manhood. I am thankful for the many men in my sons life who will help set an example of how a man ought to act.
It sounds like an awful lot to think about such a tiny guy...but he is going to exceed any and all of my expectations. I know this...because he already has.
Do I love my son more than my daughters, No at all. I love them all with every cell in my body. With every thought in my mind and every beat of my heart. They are all my children, hoped and prayed for, given to me as a gift, wanted, protected and cherished as every child should be.
As I watch them sleep, breathing slow and deep, I pray to God that they never question my love. That they never feel sadness or pain. At times I cry because I know there is nothing in this world I wouldn't do to ensure this...and yet there is NOTHING I can actually do to prevent it. So I settle for praying that they will learn to love the life they live.
I am so proud of my son (and my daughters). I am proud that they are mine, entrusted to me to raise. I am proud because I know that no matter where they may go in life, or what they may do...it will lead them exactly where they need to be and they will become exactly who they are supposed to become and that there is nothing that will decrease the love I have for him (them). They are constantly and unconditionally loved.
I pray that my son sees how I love his Father and how his Father treats me and stores it in his heart so that when he finds the one his heart loves, he will recognize it.
I pray that he is a man with strong morals. That he carries in his heart the lessons we have taught him about how to treat others.
I pray that he knows that his actions will not only speak louder than his words, but also any degree he may choose to obtain. A degree adds to your life but does not define your worth or stature. Common sense is far more valuable.
I pray this and so much more, and every day my prayers are tailored to grow with him.
Every night as I fall asleep, I am thankful that my son has a father who loves him and who will guide him into manhood. I am thankful for the many men in my sons life who will help set an example of how a man ought to act.
It sounds like an awful lot to think about such a tiny guy...but he is going to exceed any and all of my expectations. I know this...because he already has.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
One year
Tomorrow the boy will be one year old. I asked Ryan to put together his car while I put him to bed.
He saw the box and thought otherwise.
He was determined to "help".
Such a smart boy...already in love with his car.
On another note...I really do have an obsession with brown, don't I?
Time to update our decor with a little color.
Kate Deflores, you're hired. Show me what you got.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Fireworks in my heart
We went to Stephenville for the 4th of July to enjoy a good ole fashioned, small town celebration. I haven't been to a plethora of 4th of July celebrations, but I have to say of the few I have experienced, nothing tops fun in the sun in the 'Ville.
First off, we were able to hang out with my family, which makes pretty much anything fun! Well, for me anyhow. :-) After dropping Ryan at Alexander to hang with the guys, Mom, PJ, JP and I took the kids into the park. Stephenville schedules "Dairy Fest" on the 4th and they have a ton of vendors and booths and bouncy house thingamabobs, a petting zoo, pony rides, rock walls and FREE ice cream!
Then we headed back to Alexander for grub, pool time, trampoline time, cookie decorating, ice cream making and a game of Wiffle ball. It cracks me up to see the boys and makes me sad that I missed so many of their baseball games while in CS. Amelia had a blast helping Miss M guard first base while Abigail helped wrangle Guster and heckle the batters.
Then we loaded up once again and headed back into town to watch the fireworks. There are just a few things in this life that I have become greatly attached to, and the firework show in Stephenville is one of those things. There is nothing like being in the park, with the booms so loud you feel it in your chest, head leaned all the way back to see the explosions right above you, smelling the smoke and every once in a while seeing the ashes settle around you. Families all around, huddled on blankets and eating ice cream, kettle corn or funnel cakes. In years past they have coordinated to have the Ft. Worth Symphony come and play during the show or have guys from the National Guard there in uniform. Nothing like watching this amazing light show, while hearing God Bless the USA and seeing men in uniform holding the flags while watching your babies faces light up to make you appreciate small town life and the freedoms we have.
I am so grateful for last night. The privilege of laughing with and loving on my kids, is something I make every effort not to take for granted. Nothing stings more than the absence of your child on Christmas morning or the 4th of July. I do not know how people make the choice to give up those priceless moments. I most certainly can't imagine making that choice. I could not fathom anything being worth losing birthday celebrations or Thanksgiving feasts with your children. But some people make that choice and so we deal with it and pray that they really are happier. Because that's what you do when you love someone~you let them go, sacrificing your happiness for theirs and thank God for his plan to open other doors.
It was a grand time and a day that will not soon be forgotten and for this we thank all the men and women who have served to give us days like this. God bless the USA!
First off, we were able to hang out with my family, which makes pretty much anything fun! Well, for me anyhow. :-) After dropping Ryan at Alexander to hang with the guys, Mom, PJ, JP and I took the kids into the park. Stephenville schedules "Dairy Fest" on the 4th and they have a ton of vendors and booths and bouncy house thingamabobs, a petting zoo, pony rides, rock walls and FREE ice cream!
Then we headed back to Alexander for grub, pool time, trampoline time, cookie decorating, ice cream making and a game of Wiffle ball. It cracks me up to see the boys and makes me sad that I missed so many of their baseball games while in CS. Amelia had a blast helping Miss M guard first base while Abigail helped wrangle Guster and heckle the batters.
Then we loaded up once again and headed back into town to watch the fireworks. There are just a few things in this life that I have become greatly attached to, and the firework show in Stephenville is one of those things. There is nothing like being in the park, with the booms so loud you feel it in your chest, head leaned all the way back to see the explosions right above you, smelling the smoke and every once in a while seeing the ashes settle around you. Families all around, huddled on blankets and eating ice cream, kettle corn or funnel cakes. In years past they have coordinated to have the Ft. Worth Symphony come and play during the show or have guys from the National Guard there in uniform. Nothing like watching this amazing light show, while hearing God Bless the USA and seeing men in uniform holding the flags while watching your babies faces light up to make you appreciate small town life and the freedoms we have.
I am so grateful for last night. The privilege of laughing with and loving on my kids, is something I make every effort not to take for granted. Nothing stings more than the absence of your child on Christmas morning or the 4th of July. I do not know how people make the choice to give up those priceless moments. I most certainly can't imagine making that choice. I could not fathom anything being worth losing birthday celebrations or Thanksgiving feasts with your children. But some people make that choice and so we deal with it and pray that they really are happier. Because that's what you do when you love someone~you let them go, sacrificing your happiness for theirs and thank God for his plan to open other doors.
It was a grand time and a day that will not soon be forgotten and for this we thank all the men and women who have served to give us days like this. God bless the USA!
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