twins are twenty

circa 1993

Our twin sons shall be celebrating a special birthday.  Twenty years old on the eighteenth.  I wanted to share this photo of my husband and I strolling along when we lived in Manhattan.  We had a double stroller but loved the how portable these striped strollers were.  I loved living in the city when they were little and then we moved to the suburbs when they were 3 to have a house, a garden and well more space for them to grow.  When they turned five, I left the fashion world and my full time career to devote my time to them and worked freelance as an artist.  I would not change a thing. It's true you cannot buy back the time.

 My sisters warned me that it would go fast.  I love this image of my boys.  I love them so very much.
I will be seeing my boys this weekend and spending time laughing together.  The smiles they have light me up and make me laugh.  I can hardly wait to see them.  Now they are men, compared to this photo.
Both boys are in college and they attend schools not even an hour away from each other.  How lucky are we!

We spent many fun times on Block Island flying kites and have some fantastic memories.  Look at that smile.  I still remember the way my red head would pat down his thick hair.  Both boys shave their heads now.

We have many photos of the boys with their little sister at Settlers Rock.

One son is an ROTC sophomore and here he is working in the classroom last summer while he was in Africa for CULP.  

He will be looking to intern this summer and I am in hopes he will find something interesting and challenging.  He is studying business and would be happy to land a job so keep me posted if you are looking for a summer intern.  I know he is open to learning and gain experience.

His fraternity has taught him all about brotherhood.  He calls them his brothers too.

He has a girlfriend and I love how happy they both look together at a fraternity/sorority dinner.

As a parent, we are fortified when our children are happy and thriving.

 Letting go as a Mom is not easy so sunglasses at goodbyes are highly recommended.  Here I am ready to cry as we said Goodbye as we left him at his College as a freshman studying Engineering and is a sophomore.

Over the December holiday, he went to Monaco to see his Grandparents and had a great time with his Auntie there.   I love this image taken in the Hotel de Paris Wine Cellar.   He had a special tour.

I love when I find funny photos of the two of them together.

New Helmets and goggles make everyone act silly.

The next week, I am taking a break as we have our schools shall be on Winter Break.

I know the week will go by fast and I intend to enjoy every minute.

Happy Birthday to my twenty year old twin sons.

That went fast.

summer time

Today my daughter shall be a teen.  I love this image of her riding this vintage bike while she was spending the weekend with a girlfriend and family at the shore.  She is my summer time girl.

beach birthday

Wishing "Summer is a verb" a beachy keen birthday!

We all know how much Allie would love a 5 mile run and then a party on the beach.

top image source

bottom vintage beach photo

love at eighteen

My twin sons are thrilled to turn XVIII today.

This photo was taken in Grand Central Terminal right before they were to attend thier first black tie event with their Aunt.

Happy Birthday boys.

Wishing you much love on your eighteenth birthday!

May this year be full of love, good health and happiness.

sunny side up

I need this sign as a reminder to go forth each day and bring my own sunshine with me. A pocket full of sunshine packed and ready for yoga class, sporting a yellow top and orange pants.

Today is my Dad's birthday. One thing he is never without is a ray of sunshine, he is one of most positive people I know, always looking on the bright side of life! One of nine children, raised seven and is kind and loving to all his 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Dad, may your day be like a bowl full of sweet berries and fresh cream.

May each of you go forth today full of sunshine, radiating warmth, love, peace and may you find time to share your sunny side self with those around you and celebrate life.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my Mom's birthday. I cherish this photo. My Mother is an incredible woman, she has been married for 62 years, raised seven children, and never ceases to amaze me with all that she can do with a smile. Don't worry Mom, I will not divulge your age because I know how you like to keep us all guessing. Happy Birthday Mom.

xvi candles

Here is my "big boy", he will be xvi today.  JP, you have always made us laugh and amazed us with your eyes.

You would build towers with the kapla blocks and lego cities.   You had a hard time pronouncing your brother's name - so you just called him "Jo Jo." 

I am still wiping spills and loving you more each day.

"Daddy" and I have enjoyed watching you grow and are thankful for each year as your parents.  We feel so grateful to have had twins.   Hard to imagine that 

the years have flown by so quickly.

Hey, "Jo Jo" - over here, it's me, wishing you a wonderful year ahead.  I know you cannot wait to drive.  You have always shown your independence, cruising about with curiosity.  It has been a joy to see you develop into the person you are.  Your dry wit, and strong hug make my day.

I know how appreciative you are after enduring a rough bout last fall.  The strength and courage you displayed served you well, on your road to a total recovery.    

May you both enjoy this day, full of thanks for all the ones who love you, your grandparents, family and friends.  I would like to thank "Ernie" for being there when they were infants and for showing me the obvious.   Life is not so hard when you have angels around you to carry you. Give thanks, and celebrate all the love and welcome xvi. 

black and white photos taken by a family friend, at their loft in New York City.  

cup of birthday wishes

"A cup of Jo, this gal's cup runneth over"

illustration by pve design

Pour yourself a cup of Jo and drink to this birthday gal.  I find myself smitten in her daily artful posts full of stunning photos, clever kisses, bikes, and stylish things.  Hop on over and leave her some sugar, like a sweet comment and a b-day wish.