Is this really April?????

Yesterday, I believe we hit a record of 88 degrees here in New York. The kids actually went swimming in our friends pool...yes, swimming in April. It certainly felt more like the middle of August. We were all sitting around Mike and Annie's pool, eating, drinking and being merry...the kids had a blast swimming and playing horseshoes with Pete and Terry. It was a great day and here are the pictures to prove it!

My Karate Kids are now Orange Belts!!

John and Ryan took their karate test this past Friday night with Sensei Ray. They did amazing!! They are now officially "Orange Belts". The next ranking they hope to achieve is Purple belts. They were so proud of themselves!!! Way to go John and Ryan!!!! Here are some pictures from their big night....

Mirror

I was browsing some other blogs today and came across this inspirational message. The author is unknown. Take a moment to read it and reflect on your own life, your own thoughts.

The good you find in others is in you too

The faults you find in others are your faults too

Afterall to recognize something, you must know it

The possibilities you see in others are possible as well

The beauty you see around you is your beauty

The world around us is a reflection, a mirror showing

you are the person you are

To change your world, you must change yourself

To blame and complain will only make matters worse

Whatever you care about, is your responsibility

What you see in others, shows you yourself

See the best in others and you will be your best

Give to others and you give to yourself

Appreicate beauty and you will be beautiful

Admire creativity and you will be creative

Love and you will be loved

Seek to understand and you will be understood

Listen and your voice will be heard

Teach and you will learn!

A Poem to My Sons

I came across this poem and when I read it, it brought tears to my eyes...I just wanted to share it with you.

To My Sons

Oh how the years go by,
Oh how time can certainly fly.
From once just a thought in far away dreams,
now into my arms and in my eyes gleam
the presence of you.
Your laughter and smiles
which go on for miles,
warms my heart and soul.
You're growing up so fast,
as I wish each moment with you to last forever.
My little boy will someday be a man
and right by your side I will forever stand.
I will pick up the pieces when you fall,
I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.
And when the day comes when you are on your own,
never feel that you are alone.
No matter how near or far apart
I am always right there in your heart.
Always remember whatever you go through
that no matter what, I will always love you.

Nicholas, Kevin, John and Ryan....I just want you to know how much I love each and every one of you! You are the reasons I wake up everyday!!

Love,

Mom

My Office Helpers!

The kids are off from school this week so I took John and Ryan to the office with me. It kind of reminds me of when Kevin and I were little and we used to go to work with my dad. It was so exciting! John and Ryan were playing "office" today..here are some pictures of their day!