April '10

It has been quite a while since the last update. Here is a taste of what has been going on so far this season. We have made some chocolate lollipops, colored Easter eggs, gone on 3 eggs hunts, visited Sweetbriar Nature Center, and celebrated Easter. Enjoy the snippet.

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Apple Pickin' '09

My mom, Caleb, Joshua and I headed out to Lewin Farm in Calverton to do a little apple picking. The weather in the morning was pleasant with some amazing clouds filling the sky. The apples were delightfully ripe and the picking was fun. Joshua had to hold an apple in his hand whether it was ripe or rotten (thankfully he didn't think to eat any of them). Getting pictures was a bit of a challege with Joshua not wanting to sit still- surprise, surprise. This was my mom's first time apple picking and I think she had the most fun. As we were heading out with our harvested apples I had a chance to watch Caleb try to run and catch my mom as she had Joshua on her shoulders. All three of them were running and laughing and I was suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling of gratefulness for my family and all the blessings I have been given. I prayed that God would let me keep the memories of this day forever.

my gymnast

Gone Baby Gone

Caleb started his first day of nursery school today. I wasn't sure how the morning was going to go as far as him letting me leave the school without him. Well, I guess his attachment has become much less, since I received a hug and swift, "bye" before he surveyed the classroom. I walked out content that he was content, yet waiting for the nervousness to grip him. Needless to say the moment did not occur when I was there- the boy didn't even look back. So he will go m-w-f mornings and hopefully enjoy himself to no end. Have fun today Caleb. We all love you very much.

He's One!

Joshua is one. We celebrated his birthday with an old fashioned backyard b-b-q. Heath grilled up hamburgers and hot dogs, Connie supplied the salads and my neighbor was nice enough to lend us her big blow up water slide. My mom was there to help Heath as he grilled and lent us her stereo to fill the yard with music. The party was filled with friends, family and neighbors and, in my opinion, went perfectly. There are so many more people who helped the party go off without a hitch and to them I give my heartfelt thank you. It was so nice to see everyone, watch all the kids play and celebrate one terrific little boy. Happy Birthday Joshua!

B. Zoo Baby

Caleb and I had a chance to get away for a nice day together at the Bronx Zoo. The weather was mild, the company was sweet and the day was nothing short of perfect. The animals were all very cooperating and posed for some pictures. The peacocks were looking for their peahens and so were eager to show their tail feathers.
Caleb was like a kid in a candy store when we came to the Children's Zoo: running into the gopher holes, climbing up the spider web, sliding down the tree slide and feeding the animals. It made me smile to see him smile and I was happy and sad at the same time. It was nice to be just the two of us because that is such a rarity these days but it was also sad not be able to share his excitement with others.
The sea lions were happy to see us and let us know by letting out some nice, loud noises. Caleb wanted to ride on the camels but the line was soooo long (at least that is what I told him :) The Bronx Zoo has a new playground across from the giraffes so while Caleb was climbing up some apparatus' I was able to catch a shot of a baby giraffe. We plan to make this trip a regular thing now that we have our passes. Anytime anyone would like to come along, please know that you are always welcome.

*pictures to come...blogger is being snarky about me adding them*

I'm A Walkin'

Joshua David Terry 8 months old:

SUPERBOWL

Challenge '09

All too often people dwell on the negative things that happen in their lives. Well here is a challenge set before all of you bloggers and facebook junkies alike. List 5 blessings in your life. This should be an easy challenge since there are so many things that I think we have all been blessed with. You can make it as in depth or as simple as you like. The challenge is set, who is up to it?

MY BLESSINGS:

1. My Health: although I have recently experienced a bit of a snag in this area, it also came with a blessing. The timing of the most recent gall bladder attack that sent me to the hospital was perfect. Joshua was able to be weaned with ease, Caleb was well taken care of and Heath got to spend some special quality time with the boys. The stay also made me see another side of Heath, which leads me to...

2. My Husband: apart from being a wonderful man, Heath is a wonderful father. He stepped up to the plate willingly when we needed him. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty by cleaning spit up or taking care of dirty diapers as well as getting up at all hours of the night to help with whatever task I need help with. He also is wonderful at letting me know how much he misses and needs me when we are not together.

3. My Family: this is a big one. My family is always there for us, whether I need someone to talk to, help with the kids, help with my house, a hot meal...the list is endless really. My family is an invaluable resource for us and is truly my pillar of strength. I would like to stress that my family includes everyone with whom I am privileged to be related to. Parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles etc.

4. My Extended Family: And by this I mean my in-laws. I could not have been more fortunate when I married Heath and received the blessing of his family. They are loving, supporting, caring, there whenever we are in need. They are endless supply of whatever we may be in need of. I would like to also note that when I say in-laws I really mean to include: sister-in- laws, brother-in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles and so on.

5. My Children: Caleb and Joshua bring a wonderful new dimension to my life. They made me a mom. This is a side of me that was born with Caleb's first breath and will continue until the day I take my last. They supply my life with love and exploration, challenges that I embrace and laughter that lights my life. This blessing is the most wonderful because it comes with a chance to raise a fresh life. To watch the wonder in their eyes as they discover the world around them and to be blessed to be the one to show them all that they can be.

I AM BLESSED IMMEASURABLY. APART FROM THE 5 BLESSINGS LISTED ABOVE I MUST ALSO STATE THAT IT IS BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT I AM GIVEN ALL OF THESE THINGS. I HOPE TO TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED BUT I FEAR THAT I DO EVERYDAY. BEING ABLE TO JOT DOWN A SMALL PART OF MY BLESSINGS IS A GOOD WAY TO REMEMBER THAT AS LONG AS I HAVE THESE THINGS, THERE ISN'T MUCH MORE THAT I NEED.

Christmas Cuteness (If I do say so myself)

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!

THANK YOU GOD, FOR THE SELFLESS GIFT OF YOUR SON TO THIS SINFILLED WORLD, ALL TO SAVE OUR SOULS.

THIS TIME OF YEAR WE ALL NEED TO KISS AND HUG THE LOVED ONES WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE NEAR US THIS YEAR, AND TO THINK ABOUT ALL OF THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE. LET US ALSO NOT FORGET THE ONES WHO ARE SPENDING THIS CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING HIMSELF (NO, I DON'T MEAN ELVIS).
GOD BLESS US ALL.

Baking w/Grammie

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

Scenes from a Party

We had Caleb's third birthday party yesterday at Sean and Lisha's house. The weather was chilly but that didn't stop the kids from braving the cold and playing outdoors. The house was full of family and friends and Caleb seemed to have a wonderful time. Thank you to everyone who was able to come to the party, you all made Caleb's birthday super special. Happy Birthday Caleb-man, we all love you very much :).

O Holy Night

Tia and Ryan (being the Tia and Ryan that they are) decided this year to have a live Nativity Scene at their house, complete with barnyard friends. The night was cold, but not the kind that freezes the tears to your face as they leave your eyes...thankfully. Many Terrys were involved in the making of this wonderful recreation: Tommy and Andrew were wise men (go figure), U. Tom, Rachael and Phoebe were angles, and Noah and Micah were the shepherds. Ryan represented Joseph, Tia's friend Sarah played a very pregnant Mary, Ryan's father and sister sang some beautiful Christmas Caroles as Tia narrated this creative reenactment. The piece d'resistance had to be Sherian Terry who played a very disgruntled inn keeper opening the door with a ferocious, "WHAT DO YOU WANT?!" It was a wonderful night, hopefully one that they will do again :).

Big Crib Time!

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Public Outcry

I am going a bit mad and I need some opinions from all my loyal readers. To all of you out there who at one point in your lives have or have had two children: how did you do it? How did you get through the day or string of days with two children who are either sick or just clingy? How did you dive into pile of overflowing laundry, washing, drying and folding? Stay enough on top of your house to have it not implode on you? To walk into your house and not want to hide your head in shame at the amount of clutter all around but still can't find energy to do anything about it? To be so overloaded with errands that even when you accomplish a few there are still ten more waiting in its place? How do you handle hurricane husband that comes in a night and destroys any amount of order you were able to establish that day (not a dis on you Heath, just a fact of live. Love you, honey :)) And then, how do you keep your mind from wandering to the person who has more children than you and seems to be handling it all just fine?

I can step back, take a breath, realize I am not wonder woman, and tackle one thing at a time but in a world where things are always happening the list will, in reality, never get shorter. Where do you find the time to devote to you? To remember just a small portion of the things you like to do, and maybe find time to do it, even if it is as simple as showering alone? This is a feeling I know that people go through, all the time, but having two kids need your attention all the time... a baby who won't give you a break and a preschooler just being a preschooler in need of your attention too. What do you do? Real advice moms, that's what I'm looking for. Wait it out isn't working... let him cry gives me a headache and wears on my patients for the other one. Give me something- those of you with this experience under your belt- that will get me through to the next impossible day. Or maybe just tell me a time you were as frazzled as I was, because although I know we all go through it, it is great to hear about it and solidify the fact that I am not alone. Thank you.

Dancing!

When you dance around the house it is mandatory to dance wild and free. To dance with complete abandon, with a blanket on your head. A baby blanket tied to look like a long bandanna, that you can swing around to the tune blasting through the house. The same blanket that your mom just took off her own head and place on your head to capture these cute shots.

Lucky for your mom, she had to be one the taking the pictures and not the one caught with the baby blanket on her head dancing wild and free with complete abandon. These moments are fleeting. Soon enough Caleb will be wielding a camera of his own and perhaps by then the obligation to dance with a blanket on your head will no longer be mandatory :).

Animal Kingdom

Lake Mary

After spending the weekend in Boca, the boys and I drove north to Lake Mary. We spent the next week visiting Amy and her family, though there were not many pictures taken. Here are some shots we were able to capture:

Boca

Before heading up to see Amy and her family, Heath, Caleb, Joshua and I flew into Fort Lauderdale to visit my cousin and her family. We all had a good time eating a delicious homemade baked ziti, enjoying the warm weather and just spending time with each other. Caleb and his cousin Alexa had the most fun of all. They played so well together. Joshua was passed around happily and posed for some photos in his Dolphins gear. Heath chatted about baseball with cousin Joe and I enjoyed capturing it all on film. Thank you for your hospitality Chrissy. We'd like to do it again soon!

check, check, check it out

new site, just launched, take a look THE NEW ME

Exersaucer

exersaucer already! wasn't he just in the womb?

Picking

October in NY is a time for picking: apples, pumpkins, peaches etc. So since we are New Yorkers who are we to buck tradition? So far we have picked two out of three of the above mentioned. Perhaps next week we can try our hand at peaches...if it is not too late.

Sesame Place

Sean, Lisha, Diane and Reed invited Heath, myself, Caleb, Joshua, Dave and Connie to accompany them to Sesame Place for the weekend. The weather couldn't have been better. Since we were in Pennsylvania, Heath thought of calling up Jason and Reina to see if they could join us as well. Unfortunately Reina was on call but Jason was able to bring Neela down for the day.

Day one was fun. Caleb, Neela and Reed all got along very well. They played on all of the rides they were able to climb on or swim in but the kids didn't seem very interested in riding any- although Neela did enjoy the carousel. The kids were able to get pictures with some of the characters such as Grover and Bert. None of them seemed to be too scared of the over sized characters, maybe just a little standoffish at times. Jason cut out a little earlier than the rest of us since Neela was overdue for her nap. It was great to be able to have the kids all play together and hopefully we will see them again soon. Day one came to a close with Caleb playing one of the carnival games and winning two stuffed penguins which we had upgraded for one cute stuffed worm, who is now named Tiddler.

The weather was a little warmer for day two but the kids didn't let that slow them down. Caleb and Reed had a bit of a treat in the late afternoon- a Dan Zanes concert! Both boys had a blast, and so did the adults. Caleb was in his zone clapping and dancing along to the music. Reed joined in the fun as did Sean, Lisha and myself. Heath watched Joshua as he slept and Connie took some pictures. The concert was great and after all that dancing what could have been better than a cooling and relaxing ride on the lazy river? Sean and Lisha took Caleb and Reed around and afterward we all enjoyed a bit of ice cream. Unfortunately Sean was given the smallest ice cream cone known to man. He seemed to enjoy it all the same.

The trip was a huge success and I hope we can do it again next year! Please enjoy the smallest of snippets of the pictures that were taken.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com