Scrapbookers Nightmare. . .

My camera is Broken :-(


All of a sudden it just won't snap the picture. I spent what felt like forever on the computer with Sony CS. The only hope is to take it to an authorized servicer but of course there aren't any around here and I'd have to mail it. It will cost more to repair than the price of new camera. Looks like I need to get camera shopping. Just what I need is to spend money on a camera right now. Ugggggg! It's just that I was not able to capture the first day at the beach, the last day at school or the final events and cookout for soccer just to name a few. When we moved here in October I didn't get pics when they started school because my camera was packed. So I figured I would get pics at the end of the year. I suppose I will just have to journal in that spot for their school scrapbooks. No sense in whinning, although I really want to. Such huge life events shall remain photo less. Ouch that hurts!

Waiting to march in the parade

On a happier note, we had an awesome Memorial Day weekend. Filled with baseball, parades, cookouts, and the like! We marched in the Memorial Day parade. The kids were cute in their baseball uniforms waiving to their friends as they marched by. As always it ended at the Cemetery for a memorial speech and ceremony.

We visited Nana's grave and just enjoyed the beautiful breeze and ocean views. Then we went to Jenn and Greggs for celebration and games. McKel and Courtnie won the egg toss. Wow, I have to give them credit, that was tough. Even Jeannie and Ellen joined in. Jillian struggled with the donut contest. She just couldn't seem to grab hold of it. Bobbing for apples was hilarious. Jillian kept trying and trying until she got that apple. !!! Daddy and Joey Dunphy won their egg throw contest. The Maxwells really cleaned up with many medals! Next year we will host a musical chairs. I think it will be hilarious. Watch out America's funniest home videos!

We topped the evening off with Billy and Jillian's baseball game. What a gorgeous night to sit out at the ball field.

Life is Good!!

Full Circle

Field of Dreams Childrens Hospital

On Friday, May 30th, Billy experienced a full circle moment. As a little boy growing up in Tampa, Florida he always loved the Cincinnati Reds and The Boston Red Sox. The Tampa Area didn't have their own team. I have a picture of him in a Red Sox uniform his grandmother made him as a little boy. As a huge Red Sox fan myself I can't tell you how much I cherish that photo.
His love for The Reds turned into an 8 year career in the minor leagues as an athletic trainer and on Friday he played in FENWAY PARK in his own Field of Dreams! What a day! What a dream come true! And to think I had to strong arm him into moving to Boston!

Next at bat is #13 Billy Maxwell

Billy in the dugout just like old times. Check out the name on the big screen. It says William Maxwell along with the announcement on the loud speaker.

The girls had fun making T-Shirts. Daddy sitting in the dugout waiting to go up to bat.

Little Billy checking out the park. Jillian, McKel, and Billy enjoy the seats behind home plate.

Hallowed Ground "The" dugout of the Boston Red Sox. Daddy showing us the line-up

Another view from the Dugout. The stairs to the locker room

I kept the kids out of school to experience this incredible opportunity. While daddy got suited up we sat right behind home plate in the very first seats. I don't have to tell any Bostonian what a chance that is. There is a running joke that you have to sell your home and sell your first born to even get near seats like that during a true game. We watched daddy play, little Billy chased around batman, spiderman, darth vader, and the green monster.

We all ate a hot dog lunch, enjoyed face painting, t-shirt making and went on a tour of Fenway. My words could never really explain what a great day we had. Or how blessed Billy felt by this experience. We'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

In front of the Boston Red Sox Locker room

Game Over

Being Greatful

I love this time of year. You can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin while still enjoying the cool ocean breeze. This is the type of weather I missed most when I was in FL. It really is all the little things that can add up to make life enjoyable. Sometimes we don't understand how to appreciate the everyday, the mundane we call our lives until one day we're faced with the prospect of losing it all. When Billy was in the hospital, I really missed our nights together watching TV and laughing at all his funny jokes. I missed his daily routine and the socks on the floor!!! I also realized I would die without him. It made my heart hurt for what could have been but also for those who have suffered with the loss of a spouse. I am so greatful for moving back home, for the sound of the ocean, the salt in the air, and yes even for my husbands bad habits. I am so glad he made a full recovery and I am so much better for having experienced it because it just helps me appreicate him and our life all the more.

I am sharing some pictures of new classes at the Shop.

Pastor Pollock and Preston did not survive the crash

I can't believe the news today. The verse from the U2 song keeps playing over and over in my head. I am at a loss for words or understanding. All I know is that I should be feeling that this is God's plan. It is Gods will and we need to believe that there is some divine purpose for this tragic incident. So many thoughts are running through my head about the church and its changes since Pastor Forrest took over in 2002. There were certainly some who opposed the mega Church philosophy or the intentions of Pastor Pollock. I can't help but to wonder if this was the work of the divine or if it is yet another blow from the "other side" to keep the church from spreading its love of Christ Jesus and it's christianity through the community and the world.
Pastor Pollock with his son Preston were enroute to Arkansas to pick up a friend before moving on to a conference in Texas when his plane went down outside Asheville, NC approx. 30 miles from the Rutherfordton, NC airport where Pastor Pollock departed at around 4:10 AM. When they didn't arrive at their destination they were reported missing. Search teams discovered the plane sometime tues morning according to BSBC and Paster Forrest Pollock and his 13 year old son Preston did not survive the crash.

I just can't image what Dawn or what his children are going through right now. The people of Bell Shoals Baptist Church have been through a lot of pain over the years with the lost of the paster before Dr. Pollock and now this tragedy is almost too surreal to believe. His visions for BSBC as a mega worship center were being realized with the construction of a new parish. It is just so sad.

Jillian lost her front tooth today!

What a gorgeous day in Boston.
Extra, Extra, read all about it, Jillian lost her front tooth.




Nantasket Beach in March


It was in the 70's today! The sun was shining and you could smell the salt in the air from the ocean. Baseball season has begun! I really love this time of year. I took some pics of the kids at the beach in March but they were freezing. I can wait to take more pics when we have another nice day.

Rebecca, Cindy, Geri, Kristen

Look at all those candles

Are all these books for me?!!!




We had Cindy's 40th birthday party. It was a great turnout. There was a ton of food and drink and everyone brought more food and drink! Mary manned the blenders making Margarita's and Daiquiris and best of all it was Girls Night out! I didn't get home until almost 5 AM!!!!!!! Geez, I felt like I was in high school again coming home in the wee hours of the morning. I swore I would never do Karaoke but once I got the mike it was all over. I really think Cindy had a good time. I enjoyed making the invitations and bookmarks. That was some Book Club, heeee. Happy Birthday Cindy!