52 Candles

Happy birthday Jeff Lewis... our rock, support, provider and friend!  With all our hearts we love you always and forever!

Birthday dinner at Admiral Risty.

Morning stop at Peet's.

Stroll through Riviera Village Fair.

Birthday wishes from the Storm Troopers.

Fun night with friends.

Jimmy, Aimee, Beau, Amir and Emily

PV bestsies

Family first, family forever!

Josette's 14!

Dear Diary,
My baby is 14!  Everyone says time goes by so quickly... and it's true!  Josette is so many things.  She's beautiful, smart, kind, fun and creative.  Josette has always been our little pack leader.  She's an awesome daughter and a great example to her sisters and brother.  I love watching her grow and handle life's challenges with grace.  She's an amazing girl and I'm so proud to say she's mine.  I love you JoJo to the moon and back and back again!

TBT

Dear Diary,
I love looking at old photos!  3 years ago after dinner at HT in the village.  My 4 little barneys!

Miracle Hour

My brothers Joe and Paul, sisters Cathy and Ann with Grams Furnare

I just found this draft I wrote nearly 2 years ago...

Dear Diary,
Yesterday I was having a frustrating morning... trying to get the kids ready for school, eat, get dressed, back packs ready and out the door.  Little Jess was pushing my limits not wanting to cooperate and fighting me every step of the way.  I was so frustrated and lost my patience.  By the time I dropped her off, I had apologized for losing my temper but was still ashamed of the way I behaved.  I hurt her little spirit inside.  I called my Grams, she's 91 and wonderful!  She always makes me smile!  I told her what had happened and that I said a prayer after dropping off the girls.  Grams asked me if I knew about the miracle hour and said that at 3 o'clock daily to stop and say a prayer.  Christ died at the 3 o'clock hour.  Ask the Lord anything or give thanks while praying and spending a few quiet moments with the Lord.  For at that moment mercy is opened wide for every soul.  In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others.  Christ wants us to ask for his mercy, in fact, he delights in it!  He wants us to share our intentions, our problems, our heaviness, our loved ones, our fears and our worries in his endless goodness and draw near to his loving and forgiving heart during the powerful hour that recalls his death.  Along with this, he also wants us to put our trust in his love. 

Let us take advantage of his special invitation to meet him daily anytime during the 3 o'clock hour, if only for a minute to share, reflect, pray and honor our Lord Jesus Christ. 

To Know Him Is To Love Him

My handsome Van Gene Lewis

Simple Pleasures

1.    Hugging your babies... no matter how old they are
2.    Finding money in your pocket
3.    Kissing
4.    Cookie dough
5.    Inside jokes
6.    Holding hands
7.    Clean sheets
8.    A good hair day
9.    Running into a friend
10.  Candlelight
11.  Tears of joy
12.  Helping someone in need
13.  Prayer
14.  Fresh flowers
15.  Sleeping in

Birthday Blessings

Dear Diary,
A few weeks ago I celebrated my birthday with 5 of my favorite people. It was a day of sun, spent with my beautiful family.  When I think of the things I really want, I know I am already blessed with everything I need.  My blessings include my faith in God, Jeff, my 4 kids, wonderful friends, our healthy bodies and a cozy home.  At 45 I can truly say my life is rich with love and hope.  My hope for the future is that I continue to have a positive outlook on life.  I pray for continued good health, patience and the confidence to make the right choice for myself and my family.  What it all comes down to is... LOVE and if you have it and are willing to give it... you have EVERYTHING!

Thanksgiving Reflections

Dear Diary,
There are so many things I'm thankful for with the most important being family.  I have a big one!  Growing up in a family of 7, there was little time in my world for peace and quiet.  Although I crave it sometimes... I really wouldn't have it any other way.  With 4 kids, our home is always loud and lively.  When we all get together for the holidays, it's even bigger and better.  My Mom does a great job hosting.  There's anywhere from 30 to 40 people at our gatherings.  I'm very thankful to have so many loved ones in my life... family and friends and I love that our kids have a boat load of fun loving cousins.  When I say I'm thankful... I'm thankful to God for making it all possible.  God puts joy in my heart!  Making a habit of thanking God through prayer helps me realize just how many blessings I have in my life.  This Thanksgiving and all year long I will continue to be grateful for family, friends, health, safety, freedom, food, shelter, laughter and my loving and forgiving God!

Gigi and Jessie Joy

Michael and Cathy

Gene and Ginny

Cathy, Grams, Joe, Mom... and sadly missing Paul and Ann

The kids table :)

My sisters Cathy and Sylvie

James and Jessie Joy

Dance Party

Jeff and Josette

Clean up time!

Halloween Memories

Dear Diary,
We had 2 days of Halloween fun!  Dress up for school and trick-or-treating.  My 4 were adorable!

Van the Ironman

Josette the Pink Lady

Jessie Joy the Mad Hatter

Gigi the cute soldier

Bailey and Josette

With Dad

So much fun filling our bags!