COLOR ME RAD

Saturday I was able to do a fun run with some of my oldest and dearest, my hubby and my favorite gals. I have known each of these girls for over twenty years and cannot imagine anyone else I would rather do this with. Together Christine, Annie and I have ran a Marathon relay, a half Marathon and now a fun 5K. This is not a run to keep your time on or be competitive, its just a run to enjoy the hype, get dirty and experience it with great friends. Mission accomplished!

Haden Turns Eleventeen :)

This past week we celebrated another Birthday with our special man, Haden. Haden and Madison both say that they are not turning eleven, they are turning eleventeen. Mommy does not like that, they will be teenagers soon enough. How quickly time is passing. Haden and I were talking about his birthdays that we have celebrated together and we have celebrated more together than apart. I met this little man when he was five years old. It dosen't seem that we have been a family that long but we have. I love this little man and have already shared so many unforgetable memories with him. He is my baseball buddy, my jokester and I love him dearly.

Reno Trip

The past few month Jay has been having to spend a little time in Reno for work. A few weeks ago we made a trip up to see him and did some sking. It was the kids first time, Jay and I were exhausted after getting everyone fitted and out on the slopes but we had an amazing time. Reno has quickly became one of my favorite places, it is beautiful.

It's That Time Of Year Again

The weather is starting to warm up, the smell of fresh cut grass is in the air, and our nights are filled with bats and balls. Its baseball season, one of our family's favorite time of the year. Yes, it keeps us running with both of the boys but we love it! Bowen will be playing for the Yankees and Haden for the Mets. Talk about an NY rivalry! Play ball!

Cutie Patooties

Here are the kidos all dressed up for our yearly party and trick or treating, Bowen was sick so I stayed home with him while Daddy took the other kids. Our very own Madison won for best costume. She really is the Mad Hatter.

Cruise

This past week we took a cruise with our kidos. We made a stop in Catalina and then again in Ensenada. We had such a great time. The kids were so excited with every new adventure. We cannot wait to go again.

Cruise - slideshows

Welcome to the newest member of the Mercer family. Miss Cotton joined our crazy brood almost two weeks ago and what excitment she has brought. She is the sweetest dog with lots of personality. She has recently found her bark and is meshing well with our other girl Fiona. She loves the kids and her and I have become very close on our morning walks. Here she is!

Happy 4th Of July!

The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays! I love the fireworks and all the red white and blue and just being with friends and family. The kids and I had so much fun shopping for decorations and then seeing the finished product. We had a great time and enjoyed celebrating our country's independance!

Our Love Song

TURNING PAGE

Written by: Ryan O'Neal (Sleeping At Last)

i've waited a hundred years.
but i'd wait a million more for you.
nothing prepared me for
what the privilege of being yours would do.

if i had only felt the warmth within your touch,
if i had only seen how you smile when you blush,
or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough,
i would have known what i was living for all along.
what i've been living for.

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/turning-page-lyrics-sleeping-at-last.html ]
your love is my turning page,
where only the sweetest words remain.
every kiss is a cursive line,
every touch is a redefining phrase.

i surrender who i've been for who you are,
for nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart.
if i had only felt how it feels to be yours,
well, i would have known what I've been living for all along.
what i've been living for.

though we're tethered to the story we must tell,
when i saw you, well, i knew we'd tell it well.
with a whisper, we will tame the vicious seas.
like a feather bringing kingdoms to their knees.

Yummy Breakfast

Source: yummymummyclub.ca via Tarrah on Pinterest

Family

Family is Where - Quotes - Pictures

Delicious

Source: aisletoaloha.blogspot.com via Tarrah on Pinterest

Croissants, cream cheese, jalepenos and bacon!

Funeral Service For Grandma Compton

http://www.worshipandwordlive.com/event.php?event_id=4952

Another Soldier Has Gone Home

As many of you know we lost our sweet Grandmother this last week. What a beautiful Godly woman she was. Jay and I are so thankful for the many trips we have made the last five years to see her and Grandpa, they are memories we will cherish forever. Here is something that Jay wrote and read at her funeral that I thought was beautiful and wanted to share. Please remember our family, especially Jays mom in your prayers.



One Stitch at a Time

Jay Mercer

Two blankets sit on my bed; your beautiful crocheted pieces traveled to the homes of the ones you loved. The stitches are perfect and the colors are beautiful, it is obvious you took your time and stitched one stitch at a time.

The quality of each piece shows your patience and perseverance. You would sit for hours, you did not worry or fret about the time, something in you could see the end result and you sat there hour after hour working on the items you would so freely give. These pieces show, love given, one stitch at a time.

I believe you liked to crochet so much because it was how you lived your life; through all your trials, your hurts and disappointments, you held fast to your beliefs and never wavered. Year after year, day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute, you lived your life, one stitch at a time.

Although you have gone from us, we have learned from you to take the good with the bad, the storms with the sunshine and the defeats with the victories. As you lived, we too should live, never fretting about the things we cannot control, but seeing the final product or destination, and living, one stitch at a time.

I love you Grandma Lucille Compton.

Madison Turns The Big 10

On April 6th our beautiful girl hit double digits. Following in our family tradition we had to make this one special. Her invitations read, come celebrate our SWEET girl's Birthday. In keeping with the theme we had a beautiful candy and dessert bar that was loaded with sweets. Madison had her friends and family near to help in her celebration. We love this girl so much!!!

Quote

A friend sent me this quote and I wanted to share it.


A stepmother might have to rise above a little more than everyone else to make everything go smoothly and for everyone to feel comfortable. It's one of the nicest gifts they could give.


Unknown quotes

The Artist

Last night we were so happy to attend the Almondale Allstar Art Exhibit Open House. Madison received an invitation for herself and her family to attend. It was a formal event where apple cider and hors d'oeuvres were served. Madison had drawn a beautiful fruit bowl with chalk and received a second place ribbon. We are so very proud of this little lady! Her many talents amaze us and we are excited to see where they will take her!

YUMMY

World's Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies
Posted by Ali

Three ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies. They are yummy, they are quick, and they satisfy a peanut butter cookie urge in a pinch. The texture is of course different than traditional peanut butter cookies, since there is no flour. All in all they were great.

World's Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies
Makes 15 cookies

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg

1. Stir all ingredients together. Form into balls. Place on baking sheet. Dip a fork in sugar and use it to make the criss cross marks.

2. Bake at 350-f degrees for 8-10 minutes.

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR HIM

Man Of The Year
© Aimee Rice
You’ve been in our lives for so many seasons
I’m pouring my heart out for that very reason
I’ve given you life, my husband & friend
Our love affair shall never end
And though our love has been through the fire
You and only you are my true hearts desire
I pray for the man that is paving the way
For our children each and everyday
A man who is…
FEARLESS
A man who’s…
ADMIRABLE, TRUSTWORTHY,
HEROIC, EXCEPTIONALLY RELIABLE
It’s no wonder why God’s on your side
He gave you the strength to father a child
And even when we don’t know what to say
Your wisdom consistently saves the day
I opened my heart to you, simply to say…
YOU'RE THE BEST HUSBAND & DAD EVERYDAY!


Source: Man Of The Year, Husband Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/man-of-the-year#ixzz1qQR61c1C
www.FamilyFriendPoems.com

Another East Pinterest Meal

Family loved this!

Source: theenchantedcook.blogspot.com via Tarrah on Pinterest