I started my planning while still in Australia. This was an occasion I wanted to be a part of. My first born, the child who made me a mother, was turning 40. This milestone called for a celebration and the element of surprise. I was hoping he thought enough fuss...
Cousins are both Family and Friends. They are the best of both worlds.
After going to the Taughannock Lookout, it was time to hike to the waterfall. I have to admit that when Laura and I came here the first time, this was the place I thought the children would enjoy most and have longed to be here with them. A perfect family...
While we drove to Letchworth State Park and were admiring the upper falls, part of our family were attempting a 14 mile run, which they managed to run 7 miles straight, for a total of 15 miles hiking and running combined.
I love our family Christmas Eve – charged with Christmas spirit, love for one another, and anticipation for the surprises that are ahead. Christmas Eve at our house are sweet, and intimate (not that we haven’t opened our door to others on a few occasions), and one of our big...
“Our home, our family is a circle of strength of love with every birth and every union the circle grows.” As always-tragic to be away from John, always good to be in the home of my childhood and with my children, and their children. On this return, I didn’t even...
John and I had been to Roadside America once before together, yet I wanted to go again, this time with the children. Roadside America is a model railroad miniature village. It’s located in Pennsylvania. It’s made with a lot of attention to detail. It was kind of interesting to see...
So we had a unusually warm holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it was on a chilly night Enric invited us around the fire. Not a holiday decorated fireplace in the house, no, the firepit in our cold back yard.
For her wedding anniversary, Miranda wanted photos of her and Enric, but she wanted to surprise him by wearing her wedding gown. He had no idea. After church, she sent him outside while he was still dressed up while she sneaked to get on her wedding dress. As it turns...
It’s not yet her birthday. It’s easy to remember, Miranda’s birthday is the same as Tax Day, April 15th. But today is her birthday party day. It was decided. The family then watches the Lego Movie.
We knew it was going to be a different kind of Easter. With Mom gone, the center of all holidays, we would have to cope with missing her and making new memories. Even though in some past Easters I have been in Australia, the internet and phone calls didn’t make...
We started Enric at the piano when he was small. So it only seems natural that Ezra would take to the piano, too.
Our Christmas is always on Christmas Eve. This year, from even the preparations for the holidays, it was looking to be different. Mom wasn’t well with her back, I got very sick, and a lot of the family weren’t well. There was a lot of people helping the other. Miquel...
John rejoined Facebook and on her birthday, told Miranda, “Nappy Birthday.” Not sure if that was a typo or a comment that she is having her birthday shortly after giving birth to Ezra.
Today Laura messaged me to tell me that the new baby Lopez had been born! John and I had just been talking to Miranda on Skype just that morning! Funny thing is, because of and by virtue of SKYPE, I was the first family member to see Baby LIVE….ALL THE...
Silas got the game Kerplunk for Christmas. I had no idea it would be such a winner of a present that everyone would enjoy!
Since part of the family was away at Christmas we held our traditional Christmas Eve on New Year’s Eve. Delaying it didn’t take away from how special it always is. More Christmas Eve/New Year’s Eve to come…
Bethel Baptist in Glen Burnie had their Christmas program tonight. I had been hearing in the house Enric and Miranda practicing some Christmas songs, but was lovely to see them in church, Laura got some movies with her camera: Silas singing with some young ladies a lovely arrangement of The...
Thanksgiving as usual was at Linda and George’s house. This year was a little different, Enric and family were not in Wisconsin and could be with us, and George had commitments in Florida, so he and Linda were getting a little taste of what John and I suffer through too...
After us thanking the Lord for sparing Laura’s life in a car accident, Miranda said, “Way to turn 20!” Indeed. So the birthday began in a sweet way… I am so thankful for these times with my family. I cherish them.
Tonight after dinner, it was play time with Daddy. Silas was busy with his new treasure, a folding up map of whales and dolphins. Rubà climbed on Daddy’s lap.
While in Australia, I missed three birthdays. (I might have been tempted to make it four, but Laura threatened me). I missed in order, Silas, Miquel’s, and Enric’s. So even in my jet lag stupor, it was up to me to make their promised dinner, Moroccan Lamb, which I learned...
We have so many October birthdays in our family, but Enric’s is the one who started it all. I am sad and sorry I can’t be with him, but looking forward to one of our silly and crazy family celebrations very soon. Enric was the first baby to our...
When you’re far from the ones you love, sometimes you just do what you have to do to be with them, especially on important occasions. Enric set it up so that we would Skype when they would celebrate Miranda’s actual date of birth, as it seems she already had a...
After all the Christmas celebrations, it was finally New Year’s Day. It was a perfect start of the year with family. We enjoyed our time together so much.
After many days of preparations, early celebrations, Christmas Day with the family was finally here.
After going to church and tucking Rubi to bed, it was time for the “Grown Ups” to open their presents.
Each Christmas Eve we go to church for its Christmas Eve service. This year, we decided to try to get some photos with the lovely poinsettias in the background. I left out the photo of them all which had two disgusted and exasperated parents with funny faces.
As I blogged yesterday, Laura got a wall decal for her bedroom as a birthday present from Yaya. Miranda was quickly enlisted for help, and she accepted.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~Philippians 4:8 My son preached last night...
It was sort of a different birthday, but like the rest in many ways. Mom was sick, so that was different. He wanted lamb instead of Canelons, so that was different. The cooking of lamb ended up smoking the house out in the broiler and had to be finished upstairs...
Once again, October gives us another birthday. This one is special in that Enric turned 30. It’s so hard to believe that I now have a son who is 30 years old. Even though it was an important event, Miranda had a few events to schedule around and finally decided...
Advice from a Tree – By Ilan Shamir Stand tall and proud. Sink your roots into the earth. Be content with your natural beauty. Go out on a limb. Drink plenty of water. Remember your roots. Enjoy the view! So I love trees as much as the next person. I...
Saturday we had as much of the family as we could assemble for a swim/picnic day. Not everyone is shown here, for some reason. I know Jenny and Miquel arrived late, when I had baby Harley, I was holding her in the pool and not a time to grab...
and...
