The Intentional Life

Paul and I have returned tonight from a seven day cruise adventure to the beautiful island of Bermuda. Ten years ago, when we were enjoying our short little 3 day honeymoon, we discussed about going out on a longer trip someday. After 10 years of saving and planning, Paul and I got to see it all come to fruition. It.  Was.  Wonderful. Many thanks go out to our parents who watched over and cared for our three kiddos in our absence.  And a hearty thanks go our to our fellow houseparents Jon and Amy and Shane and Stef who took some longer days so that we could enjoy our 10 days off. Paul and I have not seen too many beaches or experienced the ocean all that much so it was even more special to us to travel on a cruise ship and relax on the gorgeous beaches of Bermuda. New York City in the background - look close and you can see the Statue of Liberty! We started our journey on Saturday night at 11:30 PM as we traveled from home to New Jersey to meet our cruise ...

June, for us, is summer in full swing.  I know it wasn't officially summer until the end of the month, but it was summer for sure starting at the very beginning. HOT. Long days. Falling into bed exhausted at night. But looking back at some pictures, there were highlights for sure. As we sorted though some stuff in storage, I came across my dress from Senior Prom.  You can't tell in the picture...but I am holding my breath.  (pretty sure this wasn't a highlight but those two goobers are too cute not to post) Maddie found a Sharpie and proceeded to make herself into a 'faffe' (giraffe).  She somehow managed to not get it on her clothes at all....just the kitchen table and a few windows. The super heroes made a return. Hannah got her haircut for the first time ever.  Just the ends were trimmed, but I feel like it was so much more! We had a few bridal showers, welcoming Laura into our family.  She will love me for this one! Celebrating...

4 hotel suites, 13 Suvar's, 2 full days, and 1 luxury baseball suite add up to a fun, exhausting weekend with family.  Paul's mom has had it on her bucket list to take the whole family to a Cincinnati Red's game, and watch it all from a Box Suite.  As a Father's Day gift/ family getaway rolled together we headed down to Cincinnati on Friday afternoon.  Paul's mom set us up in hotel suites - one for each of the families.   Our suite had a room with 2 queen beds, a kitchen, a living room with a convertible sleeper sofa, another bedroom with a King size bed, oh, and two bathrooms.  I think the whole thing was as big as our apartment.   Seriously.   We spent the weekend eating tons of food, visiting the Creation museum, swimming in the hotel pool, staying up late playing games, and, the crown of the whole weekend..... experiencing a Major League baseball game from the primo seats. Thanks George and Becky for a once in a ...

I have been kind of quiet on here lately.  I've wanted to post something but have had several things rolling around in my brain and haven't been too sure just which topic to land on.  Plus, I think I have had a bit of writer's block. Plus, it is summer and I am tired. But enough excuses.  I am back and I am going to type. ____________________________________________________________ This afternoon our little kids, and our big kids, broke out the crayola and construction paper and started making cards. Father's Day cards. People, I did not tell them to do this.  They did it on their own volition.  I thought it was a sweet, tender moment. Because, you see, some of these kids don't even know who, or where, their dad is. One kid can't even remember their dad. One is not allowed to talk to their dad until they turn 18. One never met his dad. But thankfully each of these kids now has someone they can call "Dad." One is adopted, one...

Owen graduated from Preschool!  So hard to believe that he is moving on to Kindergarten this fall.  He did not ask me if he could do this: this growing up thing.  I highly protest it and want to slow down time and have him stay like this for awhile longer.  Mother's Day.  I have decided that I would take all the hoopla that goes with my birthday and just transfer it to Mother's Day.  I would much rather celebrate the second Sunday in May anyways.  My birthday can pass quietly by with just a nod to my mother for the sacrifice she made to get me here.  Super Heroes.  This may be one of my most favorite pictures of my three kiddos of all times.  Ever.  Owen with his most precious blanket, Hannah with a baby afghan (did i spell that right?), and Maddie with a handkerchief.  All their idea, all their own poses. All I did was tie the knots and snap the picture.  Love how their personalities are shown quite clearly. ...