Picture of the Week - 2/27/2014

How is it almost March?  And why is it still so cold???

 

I'm sure most of you know by now that Bob and I went away last weekend without the boys.  I owe my parents a HUGE thank you for agreeing to manage our crazy clan while we were gone.  They did a fantastic job and not only did we return to 4 happy, healthy boys, but the laundry was completely done AND put away.  Now that is a special kind of babysitter!  Thank you!  Thank you!  A million times, thank you!

 

For anyone who might have missed it, we were away on our second Buckeye Cruise for Cancer.  To say that we had a nice time would be a significant understatement.  It was awesome.  So much fun!  For any Buckeye fans out there, you really must consider going on the bc4c at some point.  It is like nothing else.  If you happen to also like to cruise, you may be spoiled forever.  We are already looking forward to next year's cruise and they haven't even announced the destination.  It really doesn't matter.  It's all about laughing and relaxing and raising money for a great cause - while surrounded by a bunch of other people who want to do exactly the same thing.  It's a 2300 person family at sea!  Join us next year!  After raising 1.5 million dollars for cancer research this year, I'm pretty sure we can top 2 million next year.

 

Here's a cool little video that is making the rounds on social media.  It's less than 2 minutes, but gives you an idea of the crazy fun that happens on board.  We didn't do all of these events...  we were too busy heckling the dueling piano guys and drinking Carmen-tinis.  http://vimeo.com/sharedvision/review/87606837/90855e8fcb

 

We are back to real life this week.  That was a hard vacation to see end, but it sure was nice to get hugs from all my little dudes when we got back!

 

 

Picture of the Week - 2/20/2014

We are getting ready to board the ship. Those grins on our faces may be permanent for the next few days!

Huge shout out to my parents for making this kid-free vacation possible. 

Go Bucks!

 

 

Picture of the Week - 2/13/2014

Well...  you don't see that every day!

 

As you are all (probably) aware, Atlanta is snowed in.  Again.  We have only had a couple of decent snows since we moved down here in 1998.  Two in one year...  one MONTH - kind of unthinkable!  And yet, here we are!

 

The boys (all of them) have been home since Tuesday.  We haven't left the house since about 6 on Monday evening.  To say we're a little stir crazy is a bit of an understatement. 

 

I've really enjoyed some extra time with the boys.  The cuddles alone are worth the extra stress of trying to work and entertain and feed and take care of, but I have learned something pretty valuable over the last couple of weeks.  We are MUCH more effective when highly scheduled (aka busy) and following a plan (aka in a routine).  The school bus provides valuable motivation to get everyone dressed every day.  Evening activities provide a necessary reason to get everyone fed a pre-planned meal.  Having to cram all the "stuff" into a week shortened by 40+ hours out of the house working provides a backdrop that just doesn't tolerate being lazy. 

 

I'm hoping we can get back into some kind of NORMAL tomorrow, but in reality we won't really be able to get back into a groove until after Bob and I get back from our CRUISE!  Have I mentioned that we're going on the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer again this year?  We leave next Wednesday.  After a good week of togetherness even the 7 hour car ride is looking pretty attractive.  Not to mention the sun and flip flops and a cold beverage or two.  And if you are willing - send up a little prayer that my awesome parents get through their time with the boys with smiles on their faces!  I'm not sure if I'll get a potw out next week or not.  I'm not convinced I'm even taking a computer on the trip!  :)  If you don't hear from me, assume we are having a fantabulous time with around 2400 of our closest Buckeye friends - including the BIGS!  :)

 

Here are some pictures from this morning.  Not something you see every day down here in "hot"lanta.

 

 

Picture of the Week - 2/6/2014

Quinn turned 10 on Sunday.  My Quinn Quinn is TEN!  Wow, right?!?

 

It is so true that time heals all wounds and it's (honestly) been years since I've sat and dwelled on Quinn's early days.  It's healthy, however, to stop and remember them around special milestones.  Quinn's journey (and ours along with him) puts just about everything in perspective.  I am thankful for everything we went through with him.  Every painful memory and tiny triumph.  I am, simply, thankful for Quinn!

 

I'm pretty sure I have written before about the fact that Quinn baffles me regularly.  He doesn't behave in ways that I can understand.  He's definitely Bob's child from a personality perspective, which is fair since his older brother is basically me in an 11 year old boy body.  I think the fact that Quinn is so different is what contributes to my complete and utter inability to get angry at him.  I try!  But I fail every time.  As frustrated as I can get with him, he always has something funny to say or strikes some ridiculously hilarious pose and my anger flees.  (Kinda like his father...)  If Q can't make you laugh, you should consider medication because there's something wrong!

 

One of the things that I really noticed about Quinn this year was his need to help people.  I don't think he's necessarily doing it to win brownie points or because it's what might be expected of him.  I think there's a big part of Q's heart that needs to feel helpful and useful.  He delights in an opportunity to do something for someone else - anything.  He regularly brings me glasses of water in the evenings (even when I don't really need a drink).  He will be the first one to try to help a little boy into a coat or carry a package into the house.  He's so kind hearted - and gentle.  I hope that never goes away! 

 

This year Q tackled another year of lacrosse (both spring and fall) and threw in some basketball for good measure.  Watching him play sports is really fun.  He tries hard, he listens to his coaches, and he never, EVER, takes things too seriously.  His favorite thing about playing on a team is probably hanging out with his teammates after a practice and just goofing around.  Getting to experience Quinn on a basketball court has been such a pleasure.  Not because the team is good - because they *really* aren't - but because he's a little leader out there.  He has zero experience, but he's putting in the effort and showing a level of focus and confidence that have been as surprising as they are delightful.  I can't wait to see what he does on the lacrosse field this spring with some confidence behind him!

 

Quinn is still a little dude, but he makes him for his lack of size with the heart of a lion and a personality that fills every room he enters.  I hope I can always give him just enough freedom to be able to share himself with as many people as possible - while also making sure his feet stay somewhat firmly rooted to the ground.  I want him to follow his own beat and be happy with everything he takes on!  I wish him another year of laughs and smiles and chocolate.  I wish him the happiest of birthdays!