Random Thoughts

It has been one of those months. The kind where you look at the calendar and actually have to really hunt for the date, because there is no way that it is almost the end of the month. I mean, I still haven't gotten used to writing 4/day/10, yet. And somewhere as all those days slipped by, life happened. Yep. Life happened and my blog did not. So, as I sit here staring at the screen wondering where in the world to begin, the only thing that comes to mind are an onslaught of random thoughts. So, here we go.... Random thoughts. That phrase actually makes me giggle a bit to myself, because this is what I always accuse Emily of doing. For those of you who haven't seen her in awhile...the girl can talk. And I mean TALK. Literally, from the time she gets up in the morning, until she finally falls asleep at night, she talks. And it isn't about anything particular. Just whatever comes to mind. And she will actually change an entire conversation mid-sentence because another thought popped into her head...which can leave you completely confused, even if you were paying close attention to what she was saying. She is like that commercial that aired a few years ago, of the little girl whose daddy is buckling her into the car as she is chatting away. He closes her door, walks around the car to his side, opens the door and gets in, and the conversation is still going to no one in particular. This happens to me at least 3 times a day. And I am amazed at her stamina. My family calls it the "Keller curse", after my mom's side of the family. My Uncle Steve has it, my sister Rachel has it, and now my sweet Emily has inherited it. It literally is the ability to talk non-stop about anything, to anyone, at anytime...all the time. Now, I admit (to some degree) that I have the recessive talking gene which allows me these afore mentioned qualities, when necessary. But unlike my previously mentioned family members, I can be quiet...and actually enjoy not talking at times. But for those poor souls, it is like asking them to hold their breath. As painful as it may be, they can hold their breath only for so long, but then they pass out, regain consciousness, and begin breathing..er, talking again. So, begins my feed of random thoughts... Family time...in all its many forms, is heaven. I LOVE it, and can never get enough of it. There were so many reasons I didn't want to move back to South Florida four years ago. But the one reason that brought us "home" was FAMILY. Although we have our droughts, where we go sometimes go weeks without seeing each other, it is always comforting to know they are just a phone call or short car ride away. And soon, we will welcome my brother Tom, and his family, Jen, Tommy and Danny, "home". After years of anticipation, Tom will finally be completing his fellowship in Gainesville at the end of June, and joining my dad's practice in Ft. Lauderdale! On one of their recent "house hunting" visits we were so happy to have them stay and play with us for a few days. They all play so well together. And as you can see below, both of my kids are in love with their newest cousin, Danny.

Yes. The pure, unconditional, fills you up and makes you smile kind of love for babies. And they come by this love of babies 100% honestly....and I L.O.V.E it. Every second. And here you can see my baby singing his version of "Twinkle, Twinkle". Makes me very itchy for number three.... Speaking of babies, I have to take a moment to give props to mine. I love how much they love each other. Now don't get me wrong, they fight and have sibling rivalry just like every other brother and sister duo out there. But their outward love for each other is worth mentioning. Now that Stephen is much more verbal, I love to sit back and listen to their conversations which start umpteen times a day like this: Stephen: "Ya-ya, ya-ya..?" (his name for her) Emily: "Yes, buddy...?" And the conversation continues. I love that she calls him buddy all the time. And he truly is her little buddy. Emily has also become the Great Comforter lately. When there are tears or tantrums that can't be soothed by mom, leave it to Emily. He walks over to her, puts his head into her chest, and cries. She in turn, hugs him, kisses him, "shh, shh" him and then whips out a Tinker Bell napkin (which apparently has magic powers) and wipes his tears. I love their amazing little bond. It freakin' makes my heart smile. And while we are on the subject of hearts smiling, here are a few more to make you smile...

Ahh, yes. Life is GOOD.

Speaking of the good life, I had the opportunity to escape to Cancun, last weekend, for a fast and fabulous rendezvous with the love of my life. Twenty-four hours of sun and fun. Drinks by the pool and walks on the beach. Dinner at a beautiful restaurant without the worry of antsy or disruptive children. Can you say, Heaven? Now don't get me wrong, we love our children more than life itself. But a night away (it had been a year)....ahhh!

And I have to give credit, where credit is due. First and foremost, to my amazing husband who spent two previous overnights (rough duty, I know) in Cancun on "recon missions" to get our night...perfect! Not a detail was missed, or a drink underserved. Next, to my Dad and Peekie for making my escape possible by offering to tame my two wild beasts for a weekend. And in no way were any animals harmed in the making of this weekend ;) Finally, to JetBlue. You may make my home life challenging by constantly taking our daddy away from us, but you sure know how to make up for it in free airfare and free resort stays. We need to find a way to take advantage of you more often.

Because it has been a soggy kind of day, I have to post these pictures of my two goofballs singing in the rain. Leave it to children to make wet and miserable weather into a fun little splashpark....because puddles were meant to be splashed in and rain is meant to be danced in..

We will be splashing alot more this week with the start of swim school! Yes, it's that time already. Time to get my babies back in the pool, because the heat of summer is right around the corner. Have a great week, and Happy Splashing!