Happy Birthday, Marissa!

Where have the last five years gone? My baby girl, Marissa, turned five today. We had a Purplicious Party yesterday and everything went well. The girls painted, danced, bounced on the moonbounce, ate pizza and decorated cupcakes! Perfect day for a purple party!

It feels like a lifetime ago when I brought her home from the hospital and I just sat there in our living room staring at her. She was the most beautiful baby girl I had ever seen. Her skin was the most beautiful shade of olive and she had these tiny angel kisses on her eyelids. I loved to watch her breathe, sleep and dream.

It is bittersweet watching her grow. On one hand I am so excited to see her reach each milestone, on the other, I am saddened as she inches farther and farther away from me. Marissa has grown to be such a lovely young lady. She is smart, funny, frilly and sincere! She is just a darling and I know that she will grow to be strong and independent.

I could not be more proud of her and I am so thankful that God gave her to me.

Happy Birthday, Marissa!

Beach bums...

We decided to head to the beach on Friday. Marty spent the weekend with us, but then he went back to work early this morning. The kids and I are staying down until July 6th. This should be fun!

We'll get our fill at the pool, beach and boardwalk; thankfully the kids are pretty laid back and easy to entertain. Today has been a relaxing day of painting and movies. We'll probably head out to do some shopping shortly, but its just nice to not have anything planned.

It is so peaceful here. I'm glad that our house is sort of on the outskirts of town. We have the luxery of the beach feel without the beach traffic. I couldn't be happier.

So I guess we're having a lazy week, but I'm really loving having the quality time with the kids...

The Silver Lining

Whenever something bad happens in life, I try my best to see the silver lining. I have to believe that there is a reason. I try and find if there was some life lesson, some hidden blessing, or some other purpose for my misfortune. Some may say that I am naive or that I am in denial; life just isn't fair is what most would argue.

When I look at my life as a whole, without any hesitation I would admit to feeling blessed. Even when life throws me a lemon, I might not be able to make lemonade of it, but at least I know that I have the love and support of my family and friends.

Maybe there aren't silver linings to bad situations, maybe life just sucks sometimes, but I guess the greater lesson is knowing that you'll get through it and that everything will be ok.