Matthew is 12

Our little Matthew.....

became the middle child when Michael was born...

seems like yesterday that he wanted the shortest hair cuts, camoflauge clothes and pocket knives....

now he wants to grow his hair long, play the guitar, skateboard

he is a tween now

we couldn't ask for more, he is hardworking, kind to others and lots of fun. Happy 12th Matt!!! We love you lots!

APRIL AT FOLLY BEACH

LOTS OF WATER SPORTS...

MORGAN AND AMANDA SURFING

MATTHEW IS HOOKED!!

MICHAEL DID SKIM BOARDING EVERY DAY AFTER SCHOOL...

THE KIDS ALL GOT TO HAVE THEIR FRIENDS OVER AND OUT TO EAT

WE LOVE THIS RESTAURANT, TACO BOY. IT'S NOT THE BEST FOOD, BUT THE DECOR IS SO FUN!!!

BEN, MATT & BRYCE

NANA ON EASTER, SHE LOOKS GREAT

MICHAEL AND BRUCE ON EASTER

easter morning, no pictures please!!!

the hot tub became a daily ritual

sitting here listening to the sound of the waves and thinking about the afternoon. Morgan and her friend went to get some fries and witnessed a man go into cardiac arrest & be resusitated right on the street in front of them!! Quite traumatic for 14 year old girls. We are praying that he will recover, but he was an elderly man. Dying is part of living, but not often do we witness that on a weekday afternoon. Life can change in the fraction of a second. We have been enjoying our time here at Folly. Playing in the sand, walking the town, sitting in the jacuzzi. Today I walked to the Post Office just to mail 1 letter. So fun walking everywhere. Well, the pictures say it all.

Morgan is 15!!

Morgan is 15! That means she can get her drivers permit, and she reminds us of that daily....

We have been practicing and she will go take her test this week. Bruce painted the boat out at Folly and Morgan took her best friends with us to Applebees for a late night feast. Happy Birthday Morgan. We love ya!!

Spring Break

Here I sit at the table overlooking the ocean at Pavilion Watch at the Edge of America...I just love Folly Beach; the river side is my favorite. The tacky old houses, the variety of locals, tourists, renters, owners, all of it. So we are spending a glorious month here. It is relaxing and the kids love walking Center Street looking in the shops and the view from the top floor of the Holiday Inn. All day long the french doors stay open over the porch and some nights when it is not to cold, I leave the french doors open in our bedroom and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Today around 5pm we will walk to the Crab Shack and order appetizers and sodas and have our "happy hour" Tonight I will hopefully remember to get the camera from Bruce's car so I can take some pictures. The condo is small, 1300 square feet or so which is perfect for spending time together as a family. Yesterday Michael and I walked to the tiny library and checked out books on sea creatures. The library has a cozy garden with tropical plants and a waterfall and even a bridge. Today we walked to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, lit a candle and walked in the prayer garden there. Right now we are all going to sit in the jacuzzi and relax. Ahhhh....

Folly Beach/Spring Break

I never cook ??!!

So Adele and our kids are sitting at Starbucks, outside of course because it is gorgeous, and Matthew says "mom, you NEVER cook anymore!" So, sipping our sinful smoothies with whipped cream and a zillion calories, I think, humm what about the pork loin and potatoes last week, and the pork chops I grilled with fresh rosemary with brown rice? Does that count? OK I admit, I don't cook EVERY night anymore b/c I work full time, but I do cook and we have leftovers when I don't cook.
Of course after that remark, here I am tonight while Bruce and Matt are out running, I am cooking fresh collard greens and have a chicken roasting in the oven. I am using some of my herbs from my window herb garden and feeling quite like the GOOD MOM!

Did I say that I am very happy that my "shy Matthew" is now outgoing, outspoken and full of spunk and confidence.? I am actually very glad for his commnent. He is a very normal tween.

Is it March already??

Where did FEBRUARY go?? Oh yes, 3 children took turns being sick,high fevers and GI viruses prevailed in the Root household...so lots of TLC, chicken soup and time off of work. BUT now Spring is right around the corner. Michael commented on the irises pushing up through the ground and was kind enough to cut them and put them in a vase for me. Now the house smells like Spring!

So, me and hubby got tired of being home, so we took the kids and rented a cabin at Edisto State Park for the weekend.And we loved it all freshly renovated and just waiting for a family like ours to enjoy it. We took Josie, although Michael reminded me over and over of the NO PETS ALLOWED rule ( you see, I am not a rule follower, Bruce is )

Morgan called her Jose all weekend, the illegal immigrant. We had sooo much fun hiking, boating and roasting marshmellows. Michael somehow managed to burn his lip with the stick his vigilant parents were letting him play in the campfire with; not good. Matthew is now off crutches and did some short trails with us. Now we are all well, happy and filled with good memories to start the week with.

HOW did I get soo lucky to live in this great place with family and friends to share it with?!