Sunday, July 26, 2009

Just the Girls


This past Thursday, Kennedy and I enjoyed some much needed "girl" time together. Fancy Nancy (the latest book craze amongst toddler girls) was having a pajama party at Barnes and Noble! Miss K was looking forward to this event all week and as the day arrived she literally minded every possible manner she had! We arrived at bit early so as we waited for the clock to strike 7, we delighted in our favorite drinks - chocolate milk for her and an iced chai for myself YUMO! The night was packed with stories, games, and a chocolate cookie to finish it off. I absolutely devoured this time with her! We chatted away on our way home and shared some great laughs and as always some awesome memories! Love you MISS K!



As Fancy Nancy would say, "This was an extraordinary evening!"

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Perspective

There's times in life where were given this aha moment. Where something clicks..something makes more sense than ever before...something that has the ability of changing your whole perspective. That moment happened today. I've always been amazed at how God is everywhere. In everything we do He is there. When we need Him most, all we really need to do is listen. I've found this simple task hard to do. Well I found that moment today. 


On my to the YMCA today, I was thinking about the dreaded drop off at the Kid Zone that was ahead of me. Kennedy has been SUPER, with a huge capital S, attached lately. Right smack dab next to mom and dad is where she wants to be. This presents some challenges and at times major frustration for me. I've tried convincing her that mom "has to work out" but it usually ends with me dropping her off and running (sounds pretty harsh I know!) We've tried every method - distraction, reward, praise, you name it and we've tried it. But regardless of our efforts, Kennedy wants US plain and simple. Which leads me to my moment! As I was on my way to the Y, I was flipping through radio stations. Seeing that I was in a somewhat tense frame of mind, a little country music was in order. This is what I heard: 


He didn't have to wake up

He'd been up all night

Layin’ there in bed listenin’

To his new born baby cry

He makes a pot of coffee

He splashes water on his face

His wife gives him a kiss and says

It gonna be OK


It won’t be like this for long

One day soon we'll look back laughin’

At the week we brought her home

This phase is gonna fly by

So baby just hold on

‘Cause it won't be like this for long


Four years later ‘bout 4:30

She's crawling in their bed

And when he drops her off at preschool

She's clinging to his leg

The teacher peels her off of him

He says what can I do

She says now don't you worry

This’ll only last a week or two


It won’t be like this for long

One day soon you'll drop her off

And she won’t even know you're gone

This phase is gonna fly by

If you can just hold on

It won’t be like this for long


~ Darius Rucker, "It Won't Be Like This For Long"



WOW! Talk about speaking to me! I sobbed! 

For so long, I've wanted Kennedy to be a BIG girl and be strong. I realize that she won't be my little 4 year old for long. One day I WILL be missing this! The interesting part of this whole "moment" is that when I dropped her off at the Kid Zone, she did awesome. I was sooo proud of her! But if she decides that mom's leg or arm is where she needs to be than I'll take it because it won't be like this for long!




LOVE THESE TWO! 

Thursday, July 16, 2009

My Pirate and Princess


another Beth original invite ~ thanks again friend!

It's hard to believe it's almost been three weeks since Miss K and Landon's birthday party! We sure had a blast! The best part was having all the grandparents in town celebrating another year that we've been blessed with!

My Pirate 

and Princess were ready for their special day.

We rounded up all of Granny Smith's puppets 

who were eager to greet all the guests to show!

The puppet show was such a hit! Granny Smith put together a pirate and princess skit that the kids absolutely adored. 

Daddy's lap was the best seat in the house!

With a smile and a swing... 

the pinata revealed some amazing treasures. 

For the princesses...

and the pirates 

Happy Birthday Princess K!!!

Happy Birthday Pirate Landon!!! 

Thank you to all of you who made this day so special. We will truly treasure this birthday for years to come!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Where Dreams Come True!

FAMILY VACATION = Fun, Memories, Smiles, Laughter, Sleepless nights, Beautiful Moments, and a Whole Bunch of Love




The Raftery quad decided to take a much needed vacation to Disney World over Fourth of July weekend. Papa Raftery treated us to an amazing four days packed with memories that I will always hold close to my heart! Disney was magical! It's a place where every child can dream and a place where dreams truly do come true! Each day brought new adventures that brought the most amazing expressions to Kennedy and Landon's face. I've come to understand that their joy is so much a part of my joy! Thank you Papa Raftery for giving us a gift that will truly last a lifetime! 


Monday, July 6, 2009

So Happy Together!


Last week, we welcomed some REALLY special people to Jacksonville to celebrate Miss K and Mister Landon's birthday (pictures to come soon)!

(in order of appearance)


The Whole Clan 
(minus Auntie Evi who came in Saturday)

Miss K and Landon had no idea what to do with all this extra LOVE!

Gifts were plentiful this year (this is what happens when you bring 4 sets of grandparents in town!)

Landon and Kennedy sported some new Irish outfits from Papa Raftery


The shirt (not pictured) and kilt will definitely be a hit this Christmas! 

We enjoyed a awesome brunch at our local Whole Foods before everyone headed back home. 
Great Food and as always Great Company!

Our weekend was busy but a GOOD busy! We are truly blessed with the family God has given us...a family that values laughter, love, moments big or small, and time together. 

We love all of you so much! Thank you for everything you put into Kennedy and Landon's special day! We will have these memories for years to come!