Remembering Uncle Jerry

My Uncle Jerry passed away last night. I feel comforted that he passed peacefully, but I am going to miss this man so much. His kindness, love, and fun filled spirit will always be an inspiration to me. He was a brother to my great Aunt Mary ("Nanny") who I was also very close to. When I would visit with Uncle Jerry, I could always feel Nanny's spirit with us. They were very much alike and now they are together again. Uncle Jerry taught me so much about life and the way I want to live it. He loved The Lord, his family, music, parties, and enjoying every moment. He was a gentle soul, a free spirit, very funny, kind, confident, smart, moral, loyal, musically inclined, a veteran, an amazing listener, and just all around had that "cool" vibe going that's hard to put into words. He was a patriot. He told me many stories about the war and fighting for this country's freedom. The last few times I visited with him he played the piano amazingly (he use to be in a band and has always been a musician). I got many videos that are priceless to me. The 1st thanksgiving, when the girls were still in the NICU, his music brought so much joy to me, I thanked him over and over again for sharing his gift with me. I knew sitting there in that moment right by his side that I only had that fleeting moment to enjoy his music--that one day he would be gone from here and I wouldn't be able to hear it again. I'm so blessed he got to meet the twins -- that is very special to me -- and now he can tell Nanny (his sister & my great aunt) all about them. I loved his pink rose colored glasses. He always wore them, and I always told him I loved them. I will get a pair!! I'll miss you Uncle Jerry. My life will never quite be the same - a piece will always be missing. Another very special person in my life is gone which for me is a reminder that this life is very temporary, there is something much better awaiting those who choose a Spirit led path, and my faith is refreshed as I turn to the Lord for comfort. As I get older, I realize daily that life changes, good things happen, painful things happen, people come & go, death is difficult, birth is beautiful, and all any of us have is this very moment to live.

Zebra Come Home!

The girls stayed at Noni & Kpaws for a few days recently. Eden has a favorite animal she sleeps with at night named Zebra. Well Zebra got left behind. On the way home Eden had a meltdown about Zebra, so I called mom and asked if she'd overnight Zebra back to us. Eden made it fine one night without Zebra she just hugged "blue bear" a little tighter. This whole incident reminded my mom & I about when I left "Ally" my green alligator in Hawaii. I didn't have any meltdown (since I was quite a bit older than Eden), but mom still called the hotel and Ally ended up coming home. It's neat to still have Ally for my girls to play with!

Here are a few pictures and a video of when Zebra came home...

Swimming Lessons

The girls have started their swimming lessons. They've had 3 lessons now. Here is a short video and a couple of pictures. Between the lessons, the bathtub, our backyard pool, Cozumel, and my parents' pool they are really progressing. Holding their breath underwater for a few seconds, kicking, jumping, and just overall getting more comfortable in the water. We're really working on the back float right now and trying to get them to calm down and just lay there "like a pancake". Even with me they don't love to do it! Megan (their teacher) said it's just all about giving up the control and for 2.5 thats tough to do. It's so amazing to see them growing up. I know all parents feel this way, I'm no different. It's probably boring to read BUT I'm going to say it anyway! This is their 1st teacher experience and they are doing so well. Just the fact that they are learning to listen to someone else is totally cool. They don't even mind me sitting and watching. They just look back at me every now and then & smile like they are so proud of themselves. I love that my girls are little fish!

Happy Daddy's Day, Big Shoes, & Silly Faces!

All day we called Father's Day --- Daddy's Day. Here are the girls singing to Brian. He says it's the best day ever, so I think the three of us were successful! The girls also enjoyed playing in Daddy's shoes...

"I am just so so cute"

I caught her mid-swing! Those arms were going!!!

Silly Kiss Face

Donald Duck

No more curler 

Happy Father's Day

Just wanted to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day. He is pretty incredible & I'm very blessed to have him. He has taught me so much about life and what it's all about. I'm so extremely thankful for his love, kindness, and understanding. You are the best dad! I hope you enjoyed all of the blog updates today :)

To celebrate Brian's 2nd father's day the girls picked out a "dewey doo" card, and we got him some things to help him relax & rejuvenate after working so much lately. I'm so proud of him & thankful for the wonderful father he is. His love for the girls shines through daily, he makes them laugh harder than anyone else, and watching the three of them together melts my heart!

I'd also like to wish my grandpa (Pepa) a Happy Father's Day. The beautiful example he's set for what a father's love should be - can't be put into words.

Happy Father's Day to 3 amazing men!!! 

Special soap just for dad, smells good to Pryscilla!

A little "Dewey-Do" time with dad on father's da

rest/relaxation goodies 

special card just for dad that the twins picked!

epsom salt mix!

My Dad's card!

It takes a whole lot of caring to be the kind of father you are...
And it's a real blessing to have that special kind of love,
Happy Father's Day

My Dad has instilled in be the virtues that make me the person I am today. The characteristics that I strive for & that stand out to me in others are because of what my dad (& mom) taught me...

To be humble 

To enjoy life

To count your blessings daily

To be thankful for God's great creation

To be an individual 

To be creative

To take risks

To get back up after falling

To be kind

To be funny 

To think outside the box

To not take life too serious

To be dedicated

To be passionate

To be courageous 

To be gentle 

TO LOVE

Thank you Dad! 

1st Swimming Lesson

The girls had their 1st swimming lesson yesterday...

Cozumel 2012

We recently took a trip to Cozumel, Mexico with the girls. They were invited to be flower girls by our friends, Erin & John, who have truly become the girls Aunt E & Uncle John. We were so thankful to our family for making this trip possible! My mom and I had a deal before leaving the US --- she promised to help lots with the girls!! I was pretty nervous about taking them on the plane, the sleeping situation (yes I have spoiled my girls), and traveling with twins in general. Mom is always such a big help with them, so I knew this wouldn't be any different. Well she held up her end of the bargain. Between me, Brian, my mom, my dad, mema, pepa, Aunte K, and Uncle Brian the girls were well taken care of. They had a blast and were excellent travelers!!! They did better than I ever could have imagined. I guess it's in their blood!!!! If Brian & I could travel for a living we would!! They were the most precious flower girls ever and were a delight throughout! Here are a few pictures and some short videos.

Dad & I cooking dinner. I was Chef Ramsey's soux chef in Hell's Kitchen... we had a lot of fun!

hugs for Pepa