Sigh...

So... Where do I start? The picture is blurry because I did not have the camera ready...it was a quick...oh my goodness I need to catch this so I can document the story later kind of thing. No flash...didn't have time. So... Duncan runs into the kitchen on Monday (as he always does) to give me a big hug. Only today I see tear remnants on his cheeks. Uh oh I think...what did he do this time? John comes in and tells me the story... At nap time Ma Jane (John's mother) took Duncan upstairs and laid him down in his crib (as she does everyday) where he rolled over, put his thumb in his mouth and closed his eyes. Nothing strange...same ol' routine. So you can imagine Jane's utter confusion/amazement/fear when, about a half an hour later, she hears a small knock...then a quiet "hellooo?" coming from the basement. Wasn't it a dear friend of ours (THANK GOODNESS) who had found Duncan out on the corner on the sidewalk!!! Yup, you read right. Duncan climbed out of his crib, out of his room, down the front stairs, down the hall, down the back stairs, through the basement, out the garage door, down the driveway and up Campbell Street!!! What do you do? Punish the child? Laugh till you cry because he is fine? Try to reason with him (he's 3)? I'm thinking a simple GPS implantation device is the only sound solution... PS. The picture is a "oh mom, I'm in trouble again"...

Perfect

Tell me please...

why do I spend so much time trying to wipe that off?

At the museum

Light

If you listen,

Not to the pages or preachers

But to the smallest flower

Growing from a crack

In your heart,

You will hear a great song

Moving across a wide ocean

Whose water is the music

Connecting all the islands

Of the universe together,

And touching all

You will feel it

Touching you

Around you...

Embracing you

With light.

John Squadra

From his book 'This Ecstasy'

Bye bye baby

Turning 5 meant giving up a much loved companion. He has been just fine without it...a few moments of sadness but rising to the occasion. For Cooper I think it's more of "a deal is a deal"...he wouldn't go back on his word even if it hurts a little...that's just the kind of kid he is. For John and I it's a reminder that our baby is growing up...bit of an ache in our hearts, but a deal is a deal and we too are rising to the occasion.

And so

He's 5

Major life milestone.

This year's birthday morning went something like last years. Cooper came to my bedside early Sunday morning and lightly tapped me...then whispered "mom, am I 5 now"? "Yes sweetheart, you are 5 now". Next came a grin that truly made his face sparkle. He ran to the mirror in the hall to examine his new age. Then he was off to Duncan's bedroom..."Duncan, do I look familiar?...I am 5 now". Cooper then made Duncan come out to the mirror to stand side by side with him. Cooper said "see Duncan, I am taller...do you see where your head comes to on me? that's because I am 5 now".

I just laid in bed, listening and smiling...and I'll bet...my face sparkled a little bit too.

Ahoy, me hearty!

Join the fun.

History

Final stop on the way home from Pittsburgh...Horseshoe Curve in Altoona. My mom has been trying to get the family here for years ~ it was worth the stop. I love when I see all these neat historic (or just plain old beautiful) stuff right in my backyard. My handsome father and brother.

Love family, love traveling, love history, love creating history, love all the smiles and laughs on this trip!

Family + Travel

We drove to Pittsburgh this past weekend to visit some family on my father's side. This is my dad with his 100 year old Aunt Lenore. Does she look fabulous or what?! She was the best looking one at the dinner table...AND I think she had the sharpest mind too! She is an amazing woman that I am so glad I got to spend some time with. It was like sitting next to a history book at dinner and having someone read out loud to me...And here are our future Paleontologists (otherwise known as cousins) getting instruction before their big dinosaur dig at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. What a wonderful time we all had. Great to see (and meet some new!) family. Wonderful to get all the generations together to visit, reminisce and learn. Love that my children keep adding travel and more destinations and more experiences to their memories. Thanks to all of you in Pittsburgh for your hospitality, kindness and a wonderful visit. Looking forward to seeing you all again.

An invitation

To come to the party.

To embrace imperfection.

To create memories.

To take the time.

To step out of your comfort zone.

To make someone smile today.

To smile today.

To do something for yourself.

To do something for others.

To let it go.

To love.

Have a great weekend!

Time of change

Okay, so yes, I've been a bad blogger this last week. So to catch up: 1.) John and I celebrated our 11th anniversary on Saturday (picture above thanks to Cooper) 2.) Trying to get back into the "school routine"...getting everyone up, dressed, fed etc. 3.) Actually doing some scrapbooking...put together an Arizona book and just finished Coop's birthday invitations. 4.) Happy 38th birthday to me. 5.) Planning another trip away this weekend to Pittsburgh with my (entire Adelson) family Lots of change going on...change in seasons (starting to get a bit cooler here), going back to school (I was asked to be "Classroom Mother"), still thinking/planning/debating on when to build a house, changing focus at Comfort Keepers (very big recruiting push). All good changes, growth changes, moving forward changes...but changes that seem to be taking me away from the blog! I imagine that cooler weather will bring me inside more which means I will be in front of my computer more...which means more regular blogging (which I miss).

To my boys,

Today was your first day of school.

Cooper - you were excited to go back and see your friends. You asked me to hold your hand on the way in. You walked very slowly, hiding behind me for awhile. You were shy but not scared or sad. You gave me a big huge hug and a kiss. Your first day report from the teacher said you did just fine and that you wrote your name and drew a shark. Duncan - it was your first day of school ever! You asked me if you would make friends and I promised you would. You were very excited to finally be going to school instead of having to stay home. You seemed to have no fear...you walked right in to your classroom and started playing. You said "love you mom" as you waved and walked away. Your teacher sent home a report that said you deserve a great big hug because you helped pick up the puzzles and put them away + she said you spent a lot of time playing with the toy food. Cooper says you did make a new friend...a girl!

Labor Day Fun

We spent a wonderful day at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (yes there really is a Grand Canyon in PA). We hiked and grilled and talked and played and just had a great time. I got these beautiful photos of the boys with their Grammy K (my mom). I love love love these days with family...not only do I have a great time but I love the memories I am creating for my kids.