Special people in our lives

We are very blessed to have such wonderful family.  My kids think the world of their cousins and their aunts and uncles.  This past Sunday, we met Aunt Maria, Uncle G, Aunt Melissa and Uncle Dave for a winter hike.  The Dargan kids love hikes.  It's part of our routine.  It's even more fun and special when family joins us on our favorite adventures.  TJ hikes the mountain - no problem.  Joey can climb a rock like a pro.  Ryley has a little of her mommy in her and jogs up the mountain a bit.  Owen sticks with Joey no matter what.  He is a trooper.  They all adore Aunt Melissa and being with her makes them so happy.  Their eyes light up when they see her and they are so proud to show her all they know.  We are fortunate to have such a special person in our lives.  Thanks Aunt Melissa for coming on a hike with us.   I hope you realize how much these kids love you and look up to you.  We love you!

Show time for daddy

A couple of weeks ago, Joe was playing a hockey game with his former St. Peters Prep guys in an arena in Newark.  We all took a ride to watch and support daddy as he played.  The kids got to see daddy in action with his very quick and smooth moves.  Joe scored a few goals and the kids shouted "yeah daddy".  I could tell for Joe how good it felt to play with his friends and to have his kids watching and cheering him on.  We were all proud of him and happy for him.  After the game, Ryley, Joey, Owen and TJ got a chance to skate where the guys just played.  Joey was showing off his moves.  Ryley happily skates around at her own pace.  TJ is starting off and smiling as he tries to get more steady.  Owen does not like to fall.  He is getting better and I have a feeling once he gets the hang of it, he will be flying around with confidence. 

Happy Birthday TJ

Happy Birthday to my little sweetheart.  Each birthday, I can't believe that one of my kids is a year older.  I think I would freeze time if I could just so I can keep them little.  We celebrated TJ/s birthday all weekend.  Friday night, Joe and I took the cousins bowling.  They are at a good age right now where they can enjoy bowling more.  TJ would put the ball between his legs and roll the ball or basically drop it and watch it roll.  Owen got a strike and was so proud of himself.  He had a good eye and he was good! Joey would roll the ball and then dance through the lanes while waiting for it to hit the pins.  Ryley was very serious.  She was in it to win it.  I got involved myself and acted like I didn't care but secretly wanted a strike each time.  The kids had a blast and I had more fun watching them.    GG and Grandpa were there too.  Owen needs his Grandpa everywhere he goes. 

We woke up Saturday morning to just enjoy our morning together.  I said "Happy Birthday"  to TJ and he said happy birthday back to me.  We all took a trip to Grandma and PopPops.  The Dargan kids pick grandparents over everything!  We went night ice skating for TJ's bday.  The kids thought it was the greatest to be ice skating at night.  I treasure our time when it's just the 6 of us.

TJ is 4.  Happy Birthday baby.  Your favorite things are yogurt, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese sticks and macaroni.  I love how you always out of the blue say, "mommy, I love you."   I love how you sleep in Ryleys room every night.  I love that you like to be funny and make everyone laugh.  I love how affectionate you are and how you give the biggest hugs.  I love that you always want to sit next to me when we go out.  I love that you are sitting next to me right now and leaning on me as I write this.  I love everything about you and am so proud of you.  I love being your mommy.

A new year

The holidays are over and things have finally slowed down a bit.  The past few months have been exciting and busy.  The kids look so forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving and all that goes with Christmas.  There is so much planning and shopping and parties and holiday songs are on every radio station.  The kids are all smiles in anticipation of Santa.  It is such am exciting time.  When it's all done, there is a slight sigh of relief.  Things will finally calm down.  At the same time, I get sad each year at this time.  I realize that half of the school year has gone by and my babies are getting older.  I know that TJ's birthday is coming up and that he will be a year older.  I am so proud of their accomplishments, yet I wish I could slow down time.  I love watching them grow and learn new things.  I am proud and lucky to be with them each day and I realize that.  I just love them so much with all my heart and want them to stay little sometimes.  I hope someday Ryley, Joey, Owen and TJ realize that they make my world complete and that being their mommy is the best thing that ever happened to me.  Here is to a healthy and wonderful 2013.  Looking forward to making more new memories.