San Francisco and Napa Valley Trip

Happy 41st Birthday to me! Carolina Bussemas one of my best friends, and I went to San Fran and Napa Valley. It was truly one of the best trips I have ever taken. I learned so much about wine and ate amazing food. It was a wonderful birthday.

Ethan and Nathan in Pittsburgh

Nathan and Ethan went to Pittsburgh as their annual baseball trip. Paul and Justin Flaherty always go too.  They got to see Chris Archer and had a great time.

the swing and closure

This swing. This swing has swung a million times over the years. There have been many talks, many prayers, many laughs, many tears, many hugs, many corn was shucked, many scripture was quoted, many advice was given, many quiet moments on this swing. This swing sat under a special tree at my parents house in the front yard and whomever was on the swing if you road by you would get a big smile and a wave.  No one has sat in this old swing this past year but today I got it. I am cleaning it and making it new. For new talks, new laughs, new tears, new hugs, new memories.

I went back home probably for the last time. I walked around and remembered my childhood, running down to the old shop to see what my daddy was piddling on. Walking down to the pond and playing in the water or fishing with my Grandma or Joey getting ready for our fish fry. We had a fish fry for everything! Birthday, Holiday, Graduation, Baptism, Wedding you name it. I went to my bedroom and looked out my door. My safe place, Looking out that door as I did so many times growing up wondering how my life would turn out, who would I marry, how many kids would I have, where would I live..... now I'm looking out this same door in this empty house all these years later and I can say God has been good to me. What a year this has been. Change is hard but I made it. Through God's strength and promises to me, I made it.

Cullen v/s Oyster Shell

We were on the boat with Ethan and his friends. Cannon and Justin Flarhty got off the boat and went towards the island. Cullen had a life vest on and he thought if he floated rather than walked he would not cut his feet on the oysters. When Cullen fell forward in the water the oyster cut right through his vest and sliced him bellow his belly button close to  his private parts. The boys helped him back to the boat and we went straight to the ER. A few stitches later he was ok. Lesson learned. Don't go near oyster shells.

Happy 13th Birthday Ethan

We now have another teenager! Ethan is 13. I can't believe it. He is getting so tall. We celebrated at the beach. He had Luke Bouch, Hayden Liggens, Just Flaherty, Cannon Lee down for the weekend. He had a great time.

Driver's Ed

We were able to get Ava in driver's ed down at the beach. I am so glad they fit her in so she will be able to get her permit on her birthday. This is the best picture I could get. These days she doesn't like me to take her picture.

It is a great day to go fishing!