cousins
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Sunday, September 2nd, 2012There is something special about being with extended family. It isn’t every weekend that you get to see relatives from near and far. Yet Labor Day weekend seems to becoming more of a traditional time. Not everyone was able to make it to my aunt and uncle’s house at the lake, but still so many were here.
Though I had a headache when we arrived, seeing my boys with my niece and nephew made me smile.
The kids had an amazing time running, playing, laughing, and being carefree.
They stopped a few times to have lunch and celebrate NHL’s birthday with some Kermit cupcakes.
Then there was time at the pool, lake, and on the boat. Everyone split up to divide and conquer. I missed JSL on the boat, but heard all about how he was able to drive.
At the end of the day, my “little” cousins – who now live in other states and Israel – were giving the next generation moments they will never forget. It isn’t every day that you are able to have a parade piggy back style with a phones and cameras capturing every magical moment.
These are just some of the photos from a small part of the weekend. A weekend with family to relax, rest, and get ready for school. So many memories, so many moments, such an amazing time.
Memories from July 2000
Monday, March 26th, 2012Saturday night, I sat in front of my computer searching our hard drive. I was on a mission to find photos of my parents. Yesterday, they celebrated their 39th anniversary and I had to find some pictures of them for the post. In my quest, I was side tracked a bit. Suddenly, I was sifting through photos from before I was married to TechyDad and WAY before we had the boys.
Just after TechyDad and I were engaged, we were invited to a celebration for Uncle M’s father’s 80th birthday. Here is a photo of TechyDad and I. This is just about two weeks after we were engaged.
My Mimi and Poppy were also there. Here is a photo of the four of us while at this dinner.
One other photo caught my eye. It was the two of us with three of my cousins. Hard to believe how we have all grown up. Everyone is out of college, on their own, and cousin AW was just married earlier this year.
Less than a year after these photos were taken, everyone was gathered again at our wedding. Hard to believe that it has been so long and some of these special people, like my Poppy are no longer with us. Thank goodness we captured these moments to remember and share with our kids.
These are just some of the pictures I came across the other night. Do you ever find yourself just sifting through old photos in books or digital ones on your computer?
Nana and Papa with the Grandkids
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
Putting My Family First Can Hurt
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012Guilt, sometimes it hits like a big freight train. This weekend, my extended family will all be together for a special reason and I will not be there. My first cousin is getting married and I am going to be home instead of doing the Horah in celebration.
Why, you ask?
I am putting my family first. For multiple reasons, going would not be a good choice for the four of us. No need to go into that here, those have been explained, discussed, and debated countless times over the last year. There is no doubt that I am hurting feelings, and I feel quite guilty about that. Still, I do hope that family members will forgive me and realize that I am being an adult and doing what is best for my children.
On the night of the wedding, I will sit and remember babysitting my cousin when he was little, going to his hockey games, and joking with him as he helped to paint our house. So many memories of watching him grow up into the man that he has become. Perhaps we will get some donuts to celebrate the event – I know Cousin A will get that reference. I wish both A and A a wonderful life ahead of them and much happiness in their new life as husband and wife. Although we will not be there in person, we will be with you in our hearts.
With that, I leave you with a song that seems fitting right now. The song is My Family by The Laurie Berkner Band. The song really hits home and seemed appropriate at this moment
When you’re in my heart, you’re in my family,
When I’m in your heart, I’m in your family.
When you’re in my heart, you’re in my family,
When I’m in your heart, I’m in your family!
Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers,
Cousins, friends, sons and daughters,
Uncles, aunts, and grandparents
I’m so glad you’re my family!
Have you ever had to put your family first and miss a big family event like a wedding? I would love to hear from you and share in the comments below.
P.S. Many tears were shed in the typing of this post, but I still know it was the right decision for my family.
Bridal Shower Weekend Out West
Sunday, November 6th, 2011Hello from sitting at my brother’s house while away from the boys for the weekend. I went with my parents to a bridal shower for the soon to be bride of my first cousin. It has been a non-stop day filled with many memories. Here is the gorgeous cake:
Of course, I miss my boys, but seeing my niece and nephew and being able to play with them for a little while without distractions has been a different experience.
Now, I feel a little helpless. Poor TechyDad is home with the boys and JSL is not feeling 100%. Let’s just say that they had an exciting evening with carpet cleaning, medicine avoidance, and more. Hopefully everyone will get rest and I can give them all hugs when I get home on Sunday.
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