The Best Part of My Day

Grace and I have developed a tradition. Every day when I pick her up from school, I ask, "What was the best part of your day?" Without fail, she replies, "When you picked me up." It makes my heart smile. She's the best :-)

Grace is loving Pre-K and is learning so much! Lately, she's been pretending to be her teacher at home. She even started calling Colin by her teacher's son's name. Each week they learn about a different letter, and she excitedly tells me about all of the things that start with that letter. I love seeing how much she loves to learn!

Quote of the Day

As we were driving home from school today, I was pointing out all kinds of things to Grace. Airplanes. School Buses. Trucks. Numbers on signs.

Then, I pointed out a HUGE American flag blowing in the wind.

Grace excitedly replied, "That's my Pledge of Allegiance one!"

"What kind of flag is it?" I asked.

"It's an American flag, silly."

Cake Rules

Colin is officially a 2 year old! He enjoyed his cookie monster tremendously :) Even more he enjoyed the icing war that ensued after I put some icing on my nose. Then Colin and Grace proceeded to paint their faces with icing, cracking themselves up and making a HUGE mess! It was good fun! Love these kiddos so much!

If everyday is a day that's borrowed...

One of my favorite songs right now says this:

"If everyday is a day that's borrowed, why am I waiting for tomorrow?"

Food for thought. We always think we have more time. I'll get around to it later. I'll call her later. I'll start eating healthier later. I'll spend quality time with my family later. I'll apologize later.

The truth is, we're all on borrowed time. Our level of awareness of this reality varies. Those who have medical conditions know and feel this weight of this reality, while those who are perfectly healthy often buy into the idea that they have unlimited time. I've been guilty of this often...and sometimes still am.

Life is short. Let's live every single day with a focus on what matters most. Let's strive to be all that God is calling us to be. Let's say "I love you" and "I'm sorry" without hesitation. Let's soak up every moment and recognize the gift of THIS DAY.

Let's do this.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Colin!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Colin!
Happy Birthday to you!

Today Colin turns 2 years old! How is that possible? It seems like yesterday that he was born, a big 8 lb, 14 oz bundle of joy :-)

Here's his blog introduction, complete with an adorable picture of him on his birthday: http://thefogartyfamily.blogspot.com/2010/01/introducing-colin-james-fogarty.html

Happy Birthday, Little Man! You light up our lives, keep us laughing, and make our hearts burst with love!

Just A-Swingin'

Yesterday as I was pushing Grace on a swing at the park, I was thinking about how grown up she is. I mean, how can she really be 4.5 (going on 15) already?! I was remembering painting her room with Martin, wondering if we would be blessed with a son or daughter. Sitting in the rocking chair with my big pregnant belly trying to envision what it would be like to be rocking a baby in that chair. Driving to the hospital a month early, thinking it couldn't possibly be time for our little one to arrive. Being in complete shock as they wheeled me into the emergency C-section. Hearing her cry for the first time. Breathing a sigh of relief as they told us that she was perfectly healthy. Laying eyes on that tiny beautiful little girl and knowing that Grace was the perfect name for our daughter. Bringing her home and rocking her for hours on end, never wanting to put her down. Spending hours staring at her, in complete awe of the miracle we'd created.

It's amazing how the simplest moment, like pushing your kiddo on a swing, can bring about a tidal wave of memories. Grace Calleigh, you are such an awesome little girl. I look forward to continuing this journey as your Mommy :-) Let's just slow down a bit though...I'm not ready for you to be grown up just yet. Deal?

My Cousins Live in the Computer

Our kids have three cousins on my side of the family and five cousins on Martin's side. Of their eight cousins, seven live far away -- two in Pennsylvania and the other five in Ireland. This always makes me sad because I have great memories of playing with my cousins during my younger years in PA. On the flip side, it makes for an adventure when the cousins do get to see each other!

As we were preparing to say goodbye to Martin's Mam last week, I told Grace that we would visit Nanny and Grandad in Ireland soon. I then mentioned that we would also get to see all of her Irish cousins - Liam, Melissa, Michelle, Conor, and Sam - while we are there. Grace got a really confused look on her face and replied, "They don't live in Ireland."

Then I was confused. "What do you mean they don't like in Ireland? They all live close to Nanny and Grandad."

Grace wrinkled her nose and said, "No, they don't. They live in the computer."

It took all of my willpower not to crack up. Since we Skype with the Irish fam, Grace now believes they all live inside the computer. Hilarious!