My Dad is 90!

My dad turned 90 recently. Happy Birthday Dad!!

It’s not possible to write a post about my father without mentioning Notre Dame. Ever since I can remember my father has loved Notre Dame. He loves the football, the campus, the glory, and the faith in God. For his 90th birthday my oldest brother who is a graduate of the University, took him to a football game with my other brother and some friends. They tailgated, they ate food, they drank beer, and then they went to the night game. They had good weather and although it required a lot of maneuvering, they got to their awesome seats in the end zone (row 10) and they had an amazing time. Notre Dame won and my dad enjoyed it all very much.

My dad is loyal, kind, strong, faithful, intelligent, optimistic, loving, grateful, and sweet. He and my mom raised four kids in a small town in Upstate NY. He always made a point to be at our sporting events even though there were four of us on different teams all over town. He was always there for us. He took us on really fun vacations. He showed us the world. He encouraged us to study hard. And encouraged us to do our best. He worked hard as an engineer to put us through private schools, high schools and colleges. He encouraged us to have faith in God. And always keep a sense of humor!

My father always loved my mom fiercely and still does. He gave me a great example of a loving husband and father.

I’ve had the great blessing to spend the last five months living near my parents for the first time since I left for college. My husband and oldest daughter have been with me and I’m so grateful for the time I’ve had to spend with my parents. There’s something so comforting about just being in the presence of a loving parent. I’m sure it’s been good for my parents too. 

Happy birthday Dad! May you have many more years of happiness, joy, and love. 

Thank you for teaching me about love.

sky

Happy birthday sweet girl. Being your mom is one of God's greatest gifts to me. May this year be your BEST ever!!!

glimpses of my garden this year

There were some nice surprises. Our first longan and avocado harvest. Some taro, some mangos, and cherry tomatoes. Loads of bananas, tangerines. Papayas. And a canteloupe from compost I had buried. I built a new trellis from salvaged branches. And we discovered more about growing trees, including the value of eggshells for citrus and avocados.

18

 

Shawn, I love how you try new things and are quite fearless when you do. I love that you push me to stay strong and healthy. I appreciate it. Even if I almost die when we go to the trampoline park lol.

I love going out for ice cream and getting boba with you. I still enjoy outings with you.

This year you have worked really hard in school, you have had a couple jobs, including coaching kids in gymnastics, you got your TRIPLE full on floor! You have had fun hanging out with friends, done the entire college application process during a pandemic, saved the life of a starving stray kitten, and at the end of the day, you are simply a wonderful son who helped deliver sandwiches to local homeless people on your birthday.

You won't read this until you are much older, if ever. At this age, you no longer like your picture being taken by me. But these shots are too cool not to share. 

Happy birthday my sweet boy. Now you are a young man!

I love you!

Mom 

twenty two

What will your twenty-second year bring for you Annabel, as we all make our way out of a pandemic? I think it will unfold as it is meant to, as for all of us. 

One thing for sure I have learned -- Love knows no distance, and family is forever. 

You are growing up dear daughter. May you always feel the love of family and stay close to us. May the good times we all shared in childhood stay in all of our hearts as happy memories. You are now entering adulthood. May you be blessed every day and may your heart be light!

We are grateful for you.  We love you so much!

happy birthday my love

When I looked at these photos that tell a story of your life I feel so lucky that I have spent so much of it with you. I’m really glad that our paths crossed and we found each other so many years ago. You are an incredible man, with a huge heart and that’s what I love most about you. You are a wonderful father to our children and when they are grown up I know they will realize this more and more. I’m really happy to celebrate this day with you. Love you Q!!

twenty-five years

It is hard to believe so much time has passed. Marriage is a beautiful thing. It has brought me much joy. It is a honor to be a wife and a mother. I'm very grateful I found Gary, so many years ago. He is my bestie. I love sharing him with my family.  I love our kids. We have a blessed life together.

Sky is 24

I can't believe another year has gone by Miss Sky. It's been a wild year, huh?? Here we are, August 19th, the day you came to meet us, years ago.  

Becoming a mom changed me for good. I remember thinking the day after you were born that I felt connected to every mother around the world, that I would never be the same, but I didn't know what that meant then.

I do now. It means you have been given a glimpse of God in this gift of a child. You are asked to take care of this child and you feel so honored. That's what it is like for me to be your mom. I am simply honored.

I am honored to have been given the task to raise you.  I am honored to have been given the gift of your sweetness, your smiles and laughter, your trust, your innocence, your heart. I am honored to have been given the gift of your steady presence and your loving company for all those years. This is something I miss now, that you are grown up and making a life on your own. But what an honor it is to see and know the beautiful young woman you have become. I am so proud of you and I love you so much. I hope this is the best year ever! 

~Mama

17

Shawn it seems like the last couple years you have been growing at rocket speed. I shouldn't be surprised considering your personality. You are such a wonderful young man and I am so lucky to be your mother.  I loved our times this year at the trampoline park and how you always push me to be strong and try new things. I guess the roles have reversed lol! I can't wait to see what you do with your life. I know it's going to be amazing because you are such an amazing kid. Happy birthday honey!

the whole world has changed

In the course of a couple weeks the whole world has changed. I have been more absent here, although this blog and the community is very meaningful to me, and has been for years. But for the last many months I have been working on getting my life coach certification, finishing a book about parenting I started years ago, and not having much to say here...and then suddenly in the midst of this all, the whole world has changed.

Sometimes it's still hard to believe.

I have started a new blog for my business where I have been writing about this if you wish to read it.
https://www.creative-manifestations.com/blog

I hope you are all doing okay, staying home, finding ways to somehow enjoy the solitude and isolation. I hope you are safe and healthy and with your loved ones. Ours girls are both away at college, which makes it harder. But our son is still home. The girls are okay so I can rest knowing that. And airplane travel home is not wise, so it's the right thing to do.

So many lessons in faith, surrender, staying optimistic, being strong and brave. We are all being called to be on alert, and help our neighbors, to slow down, to be the best versions of ourselves.

I do think it is important to pray now. Pray not just for our own friends and families, but for the planet, for all of humanity. For our well being and our healing, not just of the people, but of all living things.

Let me know how you are.