Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Well, Well, Well



I know it's been awhile since I've had a substantial update - I'm not exactly sure why - but I've had a challenging few weeks and I've missed the little outlet that blogging provides for me. The kids are changing so fast that I sometimes feel anxious that I'm not enjoying or absorbing or something all of these fleeting moments. I am also realizing that my birthday (wow-32) kind of threw me for a loop this year. I thought a lot about my birthday - which is pretty unlike me - over the last few weeks.

Maybe because I remember when I found out I was pregnant with Seamus, in my head I did that "life scheduling" routine. "We want three kids. Baby at 27 means hopefully, baby at 29 and baby at 31." I remember having that thought. And now, here we are 4 years later and it's all already happened and it went by in a blink. And I now appreciate the ease with which my life has met, but I'm also much more aware of the luck we've had. I understand so clearly now that our plans are only plans, the future becomes the past while we're planning, decorating, cleaning, sleeping etc. So I'm trying so hard to live in the moment in every aspect of life but it ain't always easy - I tend to be a planner. Tom died shortly after his 32 birthday, when so many of his dreams had come true, and I take that as his reminder to me - to know that every day, every breath, every person who you love is a gift. I'm resolving to waste less time and to focus on the gifts, the joys, the moments.

The picture is from my birthday - we're on a walk with Andie, Connor, Grandma, Grandpa and cousin Jason. I have been so blessed with loved ones. Especially these.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Happy Birthday Grandpa Tom!

When it comes to people who are admired and loved, it's hard to beat Tom. James and I had a much needed date on Saturday and we went to Punch where we'd been with his parents right before MJ was born. And I felt like James and I were able to have a conversation for the first time in ages - I've been having a hard time completing continuous thought these days (3 kids under 4 is finally getting to me).

We we talking about how we want our kids to have a work ethic - how hard it is to be disciplined enough to make sure your kids do something the first time we ask them. And James was talking about how much he feels like he's learned from his dad - how much he feels like he learned about knowing and doing the right thing, doing your job no matter how you feel or what you want and not complaining. He said, "if I could be half the father that my dad is, I think the kids will be alright." We're grateful for Tom because of his guidance, his continuous support, his unconditional love and his great example.

Happy Birthday, Tom. We love you.

Link to last year's birthday posting: http://doughertyclan.blogspot.com/2006/11/happy-birthday-grandpa.html

Friday, November 02, 2007

Dressing Up for Aunt Helen



MJ in one of Kelly Reagan's old velvet dresses...

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Carving Time




Pumpkin Kids



Harry Potter Times Two






I have some more great pictures and some funny stories, but no time until later...here's some quick pictures...