Mother's Day 2009

Today is Mother's Day. I have been thinking about my own mother, women in my life that have influenced me and of course, the fact that I have three children that call me mom. How did I get here? When I was in high school, I wanted to be an airline pilot. I earned my pilot's license, I took school seriously, maybe a little too seriously. But somewhere along the way I changed direction. I decided to get married, start a family and be a full time wife and mother. It is the greatest challenge and blessing all rolled up in one. Some days are more rewarding than others, but I don't regret my choice. These are some of the things that I love about being a mother at this point in my life.

• reading books to Maura at bedtime



• combing out my girls hair



• driving them to school each morning so that I know they got there safely



• praying with my kids



• planning family activities, especially when it involves maps



• watching the kids try something new



• having Hayden attempt to put a cub scout pin on my shirt at pack meeting



• discovering a book that Hayden and Sydney will want to read



• painting my girls finger nails and toe nails



• watching cartoons with them wrapped in a blanket on the couch

The list will change as my kids grow older, but it is perfect for now. I don't regret my choice, I never will.

Just a little shout out to my awesome husband who gave me the coolest gift ever, my own iPod! It is blue, it is gorgeous and now I don't have to borrow one anymore. I can take it running, on the plane to NY and CA and even play it in the Tahoe. Thanks Michael, I love you!! And brunch was delicious too, of course, all the food that you make is better than anything that I cook- we all know that!

Five Places to Explore

Once we arrive in New York next month, we are anxious to hit the ground running and explore some new sites. These are some of the spots that have caught our interest.




This is one of the places that our children are dying to go to. The Great Wolf Lodge Water Park requires no sunblock and is open all year.



Vidler's Five and Ten on Main Street in East Aurora is a throw back to vintage Americana. You can buy almost anything here from army men to post cards to furniture.





The Hill Cumorah Pageant in July is held each year in Palmyra, NY. Can't wait to see it this summer! Jen's mom performed in it in the 1950's.




Imagine being on the Maid of the Mist boat as it approaches Niagara Falls, the thundering water is deafening and you are getting soaked. Did you know there are fireworks over the falls on summer evenings?

Historic Lockport, NY. A chance to experience locks on the Eric Canal. We hear the caves in the area are fun to explore too.

There will hundreds of more places to find and explore, so we will post them as we find them.