Our quick trip to Philly!

Jared had the day off today, so we took a little road trip to Philadelphia. Our desire to sleep in, combined with our general laziness, as well as killer traffic, we didn't get into town until about 5:30. Believe it or not, most all the sights were closed, so we wandered and took pictures from outside. We did get to see the Liberty Bell which was cool, and Benjamin Franklin's gravesite. It's an interesting feeling to walk where our forefathers walked.

Jump, jump, jump

This is how white boys jump! Love you gramma!

Pathetic Contribution

Everyone on the ferry with the Statue of Liberty in the background

The peeps on the Staten Island Ferry

Baby Afton and her Grandma

Staten Island Ferry

Here is the sum total of the pictures I took while my family was here. You will have to check out their blogs to see more of the fun times!

Happy Birthday Sam!

A poem for birthday boy Sam!

S is for how silly and smart you are
A is for archeology which you love to learn about
M is for making me laugh all the time
U is for what a great uncle you are
E is for excellent skills in baseball, soccer, and tennis
L is how much we love you!

Happy birthday Sam, we love you!

Efficiency at it's best

My little guy is becoming more independent everyday. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. He's growing so fast!

Jersey Girl once more

No, I have not fallen off the planet, just relocated, and today I have finally dug myself out of the boxes, suitcases, and the mess that happens when your husband is a temporary bachelor. YAHOO! A laundromat just opened two blocks from our house. That may not seem to be such fantastic news, but it opens a whole new world for Paul and I. It means he can ride his motorcycle there, we can put the clothes in, he can ride his motorcycle home, get a snack, and ride over to switch the clothes. And it means I don't wait so long to do laundry since I don't have to devote an entire afternoon to loading it all up, making sure it's the right time for Paul (not hungry, sleepy, or cranky) I feel FREEEEEE! Yikes, pretty sad when that is what is exciting to me.

I've been using FlyLady.net to help me get organized since I was really overwhelmed and it seems to be working. I also set six goals for myself everyday. Spiritual first, physical, educational, financial, housekeeping, and sitting down with Paul and really teaching him something on purpose. I am amazed at what I get done when I have it written in my planner, and I can give myself a little "Check!" You know like when you do something good, you give yourself a little "Check!"

We are so happy to be back together as a family, and it was hard to send Jared off to Utah for his grandfather's funeral on Friday. Paul can't quite figure out why daddy always has to be a plane ride away, but hopefully we are done with that after Jared gets back on Sunday!

THANK YOU so much to those who helped me get in the air and back home. You are wonderful friends and family and I love ya!

Grandpa and Grandma Brown

Because we were so busy Memorial Day, and because my grandparents birthdays happen to fall this week (Grandma Saturday and Grandpa tomorrow) we decided to head up to their gravesite to spend a few minutes with them this evening. As I sat there with three of their kids, about five of their grandkids, and about ten great-grandkids, I began to think.

Because I think that if after I'm gone, my family can get together at the drop of a hat, and be in each others lives, and love each other no matter what, and have best friends in their sisters, and cousins, and second cousins, then I will have done a good job. I know that there are times when my mom and her sisters disagree (can you imagine 5 women always agreeing?) but I also know that I long for that strength that comes with having four other women in your life, that will always be there for you, and love you, and love your kids. And knowing that I could go to anyone of my aunts (or uncles, I love you guys too!) and get the same advice and support and love that I would get from my own mother. I am truly lucky to have the best family in the world, and I know that it didn't happen without work. Grandma and Grandpa always made sure that we knew that we were part of a family. And that family was were we should look for everything. Friendship, love, support, encouragement, and example.

So again, I say, if there is one thing that will help me to raise my own family, (I hope Paulie isn't the only one!) it is to look to grandma and grandpa's example, and the example of those who have made family a priority in my own life. Because everything falls into place if you can do that.

Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for the legacy you have given us, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. (Are there great-greats yet?)

Sorry to be so sappy, I think it's time for me to go home to my sweet husband. I'm a little emotional about family right now!