Monday, December 13, 2010

Getting Ready









We are (for us) ahead of schedule with our Christmas prep. I'm all most certain something will step in the way to derail the train, but for now, we're on track. The kids keep focusing on the 'day', "I can't believe it's only x# of days till Christmas." I have been trying to instill in them to enjoy the journey leading up to the 'day'. It took me a long time to realize it, but I hope it sinks in for them sooner then it did me. They took so much pleasure in decorating the Tree, it made it truly special for Larry and I.

My father just had another short stay in the hospital. It just drives home the point to us to value every moment with those we have. He is fine now. He is chronically cold, to which my children love finding/inventing new ways to keep Pop warm. He is a trooper, and allows them to do whatever they want, he always has, and I love him for that. I love the relationship he has with them. My loving husband and adorable son went over to put my Mother's tree up for her. My Mom was always the reason our home had the Spirit of Christmas, if she wants her tree up....then so it shall be! Julia requested that she hold off on the decorating until she can come over and help. Mom wouldn't have it any other way :)

So here is some random 'getting ready' for the Holiday Hoopla pics taken by my talented aspiring Cinematographer son. He used the tripod which led to blurs and such. But, I think it is perfect as it shows the frenetic energy that is our home.

Friday, December 3, 2010

A Day in Haddonfield



The weather was just perfect for a stroll through beautiful Haddonfield. Really got us in the mood for the Holidays!

Friday, November 26, 2010

A Girl and her Saxophone




Our little one decided she was going to play the saxophone! Just like her brother, they pick the one instrument we don't have in the house. But, who are we to squash dreams ? So, my darling husband set out on a quest to learn all he could about an instrument that couldn't be any more foreign to him.

He finally found a good deal, and bought her her Saxophone! She was over the Moon about it. There will be lessons for her in the very near future, so she can master this beautiful piece of metal that is just about as big as she. But, for now, we are just reveling in the 'sweet' sounds she is able to produce, and the smile that accompanies it. We had to pry it away from her at bedtime :)

The Giving of the Thanks






We woke up to a little Thanksgiving Snow.It was a beautiful, peaceful Morning. We all just rolled with the flow of the day, Bliss.

This year was a bit odd in the 'practicing' of the THANKS. As a matter of logistics, we responded to one invitation before the next one rolled in, we are so grateful to have so many that wish to spend this day with us. The situation that arose was that our children REALLY wanted to spend the day with their cousin who was in from out of State, whom they adore and don't get to spend that much time with. I didn't know how this request could be denied, as it was coming straight from their hearts. Soooo, long story short, this is the first (and last) Holiday I spent away from my children. I could not in good faith, break my commitment the one who was first to ask. But, I also couldn't keep my children from seeing their beloved relatives from another State.

We had a wonderful meal at my brother's home. My sis-in-law did such a wonderful job making all feel so welcomed. My amazing Aunt Dolly was present, but my parents were not. My parents were asked first to a cousin's home (you see where I get this sense of honor & duty from?) She did not want to back out on her cousin, but, she hated being away from her children. I know how you feel Mom! Dad was not feeling great, so he stayed home. I'm glad my Mom was still able to get out for awhile and enjoy herself. We chatted at the end of the night on the phone, but I missed them terribly.

After our dinner was done, we rushed over to Lar's parents house, where dessert was just wrapping up, to enjoy the rest of the Holiday with our children and the rest of the Clan. One thing is guaranteed with this group, we laugh....A LOT !!!!! Many of the same stories get told, but, they never get old. And we laugh. The little ones will do something beyond adorable or sweet, AND, we laugh. Really we laugh A LOT! I love seeing my husband with his brother's reliving each story over and over again with all the skill of a Master Story Teller, holding their audience captive....as if we haven't heard the ending a bazillion times, we still laugh like it's the first time we heard it. So, really, these are the moments that mean the most. And when my kids sit around telling their favorite childhood memories, I hope they laugh, A LOT!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Halloween, All Saints, and then some.....










October has exited, and it caught me quit by surprise. Here is a photo re-cap so I don't get too far behind and I suddenly realize 2010 has exited without warning. Let the November to January Spiral begin!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

New Hope...not there was anything wrong with the "Old" Hope

As we McCay's do, we abruptly decided, in the afternoon, that we were embarking on an unscheduled adventure. I can't say it was totally unplanned, we had discussed a couple of weeks ago the various Fall family day trips we wanted to accomplish. We crossed O.C.N.J off our list last week, now, (again, abruptly) we were ready to conquer New Hope, Pa.

It was a gorgeous Sunday, and we were having a 'Carpe Diem' moment. So, the adventure begins. I leave it up to husband to nail down directions, and be able to program the GPS. I have a very dysfunctional hate/like relationship with the GPS lady, I felt it best to let him deal with her. As we leave driveway, hubs says,"we need to get to 95", this will come back to haunt us later. I ask, "what does SHE say?" Well, let's see.......NOT 95!!!!! OK, well we need gas anyway, so we'll just listen to HER. I really can't speak of it in great detail, as the Post-Traumatic Stress may once again rear it's head. Let's just say, I did not know there were actually that many twists and turns, detours and little towns and neighborhoods one could incorporate into one trip, and never leave NJ! Mind you, we never got lost, we were just on the road to nowhere. We did manage to cross a Bridge that spilld us into Pa., and after a very loooong country road (where you swear the Deliverance theme song complete with Banjos will begin playing) we finally see civilization, we see NEW HOPE!!!!! Now, I know why it is named that, we had just about given up on ANY Hope, and here, right in front of us, Hope was renewed!

After parking, and the first of two funny bathroom 'incidents' (we won't go into detail;), our fun began. The sidewalks are so narrow, it forces you to encounter each and every passerby, whether you want to or not, but it really did lend itself to the 'vibe' that is New Hope. It feels like you are bumping into old friends, and common thread running through. The Artsie-hippie-eclectic-melodic-revolutionary-haunted-enchanting aura of this place just wraps itself around each person, you cannot help but be effected.

We were surprised so many things were still open, as our 'abruptness' allowed us to get there at 3:45pm, we were glad there was still so much to do. We promptly ate. A sweet lil' restaurant called the Sand Box did not disappoint. We sat outside and enjoyed all those walking by, and the many sounds of motorcycles making there way up and down the tiny Main Street. This is also where funny bathroom incident #2 (no pun intended) occurred. Again, you will be spared details, but let's just say, they CLEARLY need to distinguish a man/woman door, OR whoever occupies said bathroom CLEARLY needs to lock the door....nuff said!

Our History buff son read each and every marker along the way, explaining the rich history of this town. We were sad that the Parry Museum was closed, but we will come back again to experience that. We meandered in and out of stores, down to the water front, then crossed the Bridge over to the Jersey side into beautiful Lambertville. The kids loved both towns, and asked (repeatedly) if we could move there.

Can't wait to see where our next adventure will take us, imagine if we actually (dare I say) plan something? But, I do believe sometimes the best things occur when you just allow it to unfold, see where the day leads you and not over think it. Oh, and after asking two different people their views on directions for our trip home, we of course did not listen to them....and took 95!!!! STRAIGHT home, no twists or turns, imagine that!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Final Farewell to Summer






This weekend was absolutely gorgeous, blue skies, abundant sunshine and the perfect temperature. A great weekend for Indian Summer/Block Party in Ocean City.

There is that point when driving on the Expressway, just before the 9th Street/O.C exit, where the Bay runs right along side of you. It is a point where everyone in the car rolls down the windows, takes in the salty Bay air, and sighs a collective sigh. It is at this point that my sweet little family all feel we have arrived "home". That is how close to our hearts the Shore is to all of us. HOME.

We ventured up the still under construction 9th Street Bridge. It boggles the mind how this monstrosity of steel and cement will finally look when finished. At the present time, it looks like it will end up right inside of someone's living room, as it comes unbelievably close to the Condos that sit right at the foot of the bridge. Quit a daunting sight.

Our first stop was Asbury Ave, we wanted to eat, and there were amazing restaurant vendors lining the streets. After filling our bellies, we headed directly to the beach. We spent time on the jetty letting those glorious waves crash in around us. A walk on the Boards, with the pre-requisite visit to Kohl Bros for Ice Cream rounded out the trip. What more is really needed?

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

"There's 104 Days of Summer vacation, and School comes along just to end it!"






Well.....it's that bitter-sweet time of year for me. The cooler air moves in, forcing you to accept that which you are in denial of, Summer is over!!!!!!

Which leads to the other issue I have, sending my kids back to school. As much as they may drive me crazy (crazier), I truly love having my kids home. No real bed time. Sleeping in, well, for only the oldest, the youngest---never! Care-free days, planning trips to the beach, hanging out with their friends......just freedom to be kids.

September rolls around and slaps you in the face. The reality being, these children will be another year older the next time I get to have them all to myself again come next Summer. It has been a season of tremendous growth for both my children. My oldest really coming into his own, having a great group of friends to spend time with, and really devoting time to his music. It is a joy to see he and his father 'jamming' away, and just enjoying each others company so thoroughly. He now enters his last year in Middle School, really?!?

My Baby, celebrated a birthday over this Summer. We reveled in watching her become such a strong and confident swimmer this year. She is so extremely active, you can't help but get caught up in the energy that is Julia!

So, I will welcome, accept, and embrace this new school year. I will look forward to all the new adventures it will bring for my children. And, I will be counting the days till Summer returns ;)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Payton Christopher Murray, Welcome to the World!






Our family grew by two feet as they say. We are so Blessed to have this beautiful baby join us in this family. Lauren did an amazing job delivering this Baby Boy. The nurses on the Maternity Unit are talking Record Breaking performance, especially for a first time Mom!

I was so fortunate and privileged to be asked to be a part of the Birth and be in the Delivery room. It was awesome to be a witness and not a participant this time. It truly is a miracle to witness.

So, without further ado, I present:
Payton Christopher, born on August 11, 2010 at 9:28 a.m
he weighed in at 6 lbs., 4 oz.,....and 19 in. long.

It's a Swim Party!




Julia finally got to have her Birthday Party at Barclay Farm Swim Club on August 8. It was a great day!