Surf's Up

Just wanted to mark an important event in the Gallagher home...Deveraux catching a wave and engaging with the ocean. Maui has been Deveraux's home with the exception of 6 months in Breckenridge. Of course, we have had the desire that she would love the ocean and the waves but she has been cautious about them and rightly so. But lately she has been starting to enjoy it's tumbles and unpredictability and especially having older cousins helped even more. So Deveraux tried out boogie boarding, paddle surfing, and just has enjoyed being tossed here and there. The highlight was watching dada and Deveraux paddle out on his board and catch a wave together. It was a good day.

Aloha Pacifier!

We recently said Aloha (goodbye and we love you) on July 30th, to Deveraux's pacifier, who we affectionately called paci since she was about 8 weeks old. I resisted the pacifier at first because I did not want her to get to attached. Well....




I personally thought the paci would go when the drivers license came, I honestly wondered when it would happen. Deveraux loved her paci's, she would use them to go to sleep and provide comfort when needed. Deveraux has never had another object (blankie, stuffed animal) that she consistently had for sleeping and comfort, it was just paci. We believe it happened when Noelle, her cousin came to stay with us and Deveraux just forgot about it for the first couple of nights due to the excitement of sleeping together in her room. So we just kept going. Deveraux has displayed much courage. We have had some hard moments, I know she relied on paci for much comfort and to help her with intense feelings. I miss paci for her and for me. It was a sign of Deveraux being my baby and just the look of her with paci in her mouth, well, hard to let go of.


The pictures reflect our paci celebration...a day of saying thank you and moving on. Deveraux got to choose her day, which included the park and yummy yogurt in the evening and cards to paci.





Oh and Aunt Roni (Stefany) bought Deveraux a hula outfit to celebrate...so we went from a paci to a coconut bra...

The Guest Room is Open!

It has been awhile since I have written because our summer took off with family guests! How blessed we were!





My mom (Gigi) came first for 3 weeks. Our time was so filled, we kept her hopping with activities around Maui and projects at home like painting a bed, a dresser, and two mirrors (wow!). Deveraux and Gigi were pals... talking up a storm, sleeping together at night, and coming up the stairs purses in hand ready for the day. When mom left I felt like a part of home was leaving. She is such a blessing to me. I don't think I touched the dishwasher the entire time she was here and I felt like I could have a running commentary on my life with her listening ear ever attentive. I love you mom!


Next was Papa D and Tia who showered us with attention...pedicure and massage for Andrew, hanging out regularly with Deveraux in bed reading stories, celebrating Andrew's birthday, getting to know Anderson(Papa D said Anderson is the busiest boy he has ever seen), time in our house, celebrating 4th of July, Tara cleaning our car (a gift I will not forget) and beach and pool time. We felt cared for and so enjoyed another Gallagher visit as Deveraux said they "overfill the whole family with love!"

One really wonderful moment was seeing Deveraux sit between her grandma's at dinner (Mom flew out the night Papa D and Tia came to Maui). Deveraux just looked so full!


Stefany (or Aunt Roni) and Carter and Noelle came and celebrated the twins birthdays with us. We went to so many pools and beaches in 10 days, probably a world record! We had such a good time seeing the kids explore, try new adventures, and just have fun! The Twins got reconnected with a more grown Anderson and just loved on him. When we weren't in water, they were at the house playing up a storm and creating dances and play kitchen. Stef and I of course enjoyed rich conversation and doing life together! Thank you sweet family for making the journey and loving on us!

We were so looking forward to opening up this new home of ours to those we love! It was the first time we have had a guest room! It was nice to spread out and for everyone to feel they had a place to be and fun to see how the space was used. Although, a couch in our living room might have a place in the future, it was fun to offer a space for everyone!

two lovely's

"It was not good for man to be alone"....I know the reason why....to be able to have these two lovely created beings....

Shall we Dance!

We had to get brother in the outfit, he wanted to wear it! (he he)

Deveraux could hardly wait to get out of her costume, once out the door, the costume was off. It was quite a picture watching her running free in her tights!

Deveraux had her first dance recital on a Sunday afternoon. "I am so excited that I did it. It was short. I loved that I could just do it, do it all my heart. I know it by heart. My favorite part was when I put my hands above my head and leg up because everyone would know it was a ballet thing."

Deveraux had butterflies on the way over, but once we made the drive, she was excited! It was fun, but exhausting. Who knew being a mom of a ballerina was so much work!

Birthday Celebration 39!

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Birthday Celebration 39!

Celebrated 39 years on May 29th! I felt very blessed. Deveraux turned to me first thing in the morning and said, "Happy Birthday." We all want to be celebrated and having that be the first words to greet me made for a lovely beginning. Catherine, a dear friend and our pastor's wife took me and the kiddos to breakfast (Andrew had to work). We had a peaceful yummy breakfast. We headed to the park for mom's group and one of my friends brought cupcakes for everyone to share. I had been feeling lonely for home and it helped to have some friends here celebrate. As a family we had dinner out and ice cream for dessert. Over the weekend we went over night to Wailea (about an hour from home) and celebrated with fun in the pools! Deveraux played so much and Anderson played in between really good naps! It was a fun family getaway.

I had the thought on my birthday morning that I don't necessarily feel old but I feel I have lived alot. The constant throughout is God's faithfulness in my life and seeing me through times of darkness to so much light that I have in my life right now.