And then she was.....TWO!

Oh Brooke, my sweet, happy, vibrant, singing, dancing, energetic, inquisitive, and highly-affectionate baby girl. How Mommy adores you! I can barely remember what life was like without you (though I think it may have involved a teensy-tiny bit more relaxation--but who needs relaxation, anyway? ;) You are the sunshine of our lives, and nothing makes my day more than when you run up to me, wrap your sweet, chubby little two-year old arms around the neck, and shower me with kisses! Sigh... You are wise beyond your years, and keep all of us on our toes, as your curiousity can sometimes get the better of you! Brookie, it's been two whole years since your sweet, shiny, PINK presence burst into this world, and we are soooooo very blessed because of this. Mommy, Daddy, and Connor love you dearly (as do your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends).
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank the Lord for the gift of having a daughter...and especially because that sweet daughter is YOU. May the Lord bless you, keep you, make His face shine upon you, and give you peace.....today, and always. Oh how I love you, sweet girl.

Sweet....

Doing the "Green" Thing...

St. Patrick's Day was yesterday, and we celebrated with our dear friends...not only St. Paddy's Day, but also the combined birthdays of Ms. Sadie, and Ms. Brookie..both who have turned (Sadie) or will be turning (Brookie) two this month. Steph and I were pregnant together, and watched as our bellies grew (mine MUCH more than hers, even though she spent 20+ weeks of her pregnancy on strict bedrest), and grew. We got together each week at her house for a Bible Study, and had such a special bond as we prayed together for the health and safety of our little ones, and leaned on each other for strength and support. Which is why Brookie and Sadie have been friends from day one!!!! We have had so much fun watching these precious little ladies grow, laughing at their wild antics, comparing notes, and wondering what the future will hold! I hope and pray that they will be wonderful friends for years and years to come.....Happy birthday month Sadie and Brookie!!! We love you!!

Best of Friends...though Sadie looks a little afraid of Brooke's affections in the first pic! ;)


We had chocolate cupcakes to celebrate...Sadie was seriously cracking us up with hers..she really liked it, and really liked showing us how much she liked it! ;)


Sophie got to wear her mommy's dress that her Grammy made her Mommy, circa 1970...something! ;)

All the kiddos together...

A Few More Pics from the Sunny South....

Salt Water, Sunshine, and the LOooooong Plane Ride Home!

Last week, we ventured down to Naples, Florida to enjoy some southern sunshine, and some of our most fabulous family members who reside there (and some who were visiting, like us...a.k.a. Mimi and Gramps). Fun, fun, fun, in the sun, sun, sun...(and the rain, rain, rain, two of the five days)! The rain allowed for us to do some fun trips, though..we went to the local zoo (formerly "Jungle Larry's" for those of you who know Naples), shopped at Tin City, had dinner at the Riverwalk Cafe, and meandered down 5th Avenue...some of my most favorite things to do!






We drank a lot of these.... ;)



And we did a lot of this (albeit the horrible sunscreen rashes both kids got...FYI, if you're looking to buy sunscreen for this awesome spring weather that is finally here, avoid the aveeno baby..eeeks!)






And loved seeing Aunt Marce, Uncle Ross, Tim, Andy, and last but not least, the matriarch and patriarch of the family, Nana and Papa! ;)




The flight home was pretty much...awful. As you can imagine, my child who doesn't like to sit for two minutes, had a pretty horrific time trying to sit still for over two hours. She literally CLIMBED me, pulled my hair, yelled, kicked, and made the flight oh, so NOT enjoyable. Can you believe I actually brought a BOOK in our carry-on bag? The poor guy sitting next to us...ugh! I told Daddy that next year we're ALL going down (he stayed home and continued our "hardwood floor" project and worked..)! We had a blast, though, and miss our Naples family so much, already!!!

Let the Sun Shine!

It's amazing what a little bit of warm sunshine on your face can do for a weary spirit! It's been such a long time since we were able to get outside and play, and run around, comfortably, without snowpants, coats, hats, mittens, and the whole winter get-up! Today was gorgeous--high 50's and pure sunshine. The kids and I put on our boots (as the snow is still melting, so it's muuuuddy out there ;) and went "exploring" in the wooded area behind our house. They thought it was the.greatest.thing.ever...seriously. They were so excited! We found a little stream that we had never really explored before and that was the icing on the cake! So much fun...I was giddy right along with them!
We needed this. We lost one of my mom's very dear friends to breast cancer last week, and it's been a little emotionally taxing. She was an incredible woman, self-less, and with abounding faith. Her service was amazing, but really pulled heart-strings that I wasn't quite ready to have pulled. Gretchen battled cancer for 13 years, and was diagnosed right after the birth of her third child. She did it with such dignity and grace, and the impact she had on everyone around her was so evident, especially at her time of passing, and it was yet another reminder of how much we need to savour every moment, and make the most of each second we are given on this earth!
So, the sunshine was good, and we made the most of it! The kids have had a rough couple of weeks due to bronchitis, and an ear infection. We had a week or so of redemption, and they seem to have been hit again. I just spent 20 minutes in Connor's room while he sweated in my arms, having night terrors. Too much medication, I am sure! The poor baby's lungs are the recipients of each and every cold virus that comes along, and he wheezes, and coughs something painful....meaning sleep doesn't come easily, to any of us! Tonight will probably not be very restful being that I had to give him benedryl, xopenex, and pulmicort before bed. I hate it, and I hate that he suffers. It's so hard to watch his little body struggling to breathe. It's at these times that I am reminded of the fact that we HAVE medicine to give our children, as well as doctors to over-see their care. As horrible as it is to watch your child in pain, at least we know that we have remedies for their ailments. I cannot imagine having to sit and watch as your child suffers, and not be able to get the medicine that they need. I just finished reading McMama's blog before I heard Connor's cries. She and her husband are visiting Kenya with Compassion International. Wow....puts things in perspective, that's for sure.

Anyway...I apologize for the rambling...I think I'm ready for bed, so I'm just "streaming" right now! ;) The kids and I leave for Florida this week, and we're really excited!! Just hoping and praying that the sickies are left behind when we board the plane (and that no other sick germs attack while we fly--should I make them wear masks? :)

Have a blessed week!!! More from the sunny south!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just about 22 hours of heaven....

Wow....getting away was...incredible. Isn't it amazing how you don't realize how much you NEED to get away until it happens. Sometimes it seems like too much effort/money/production/etc., but it's so worth it, and necessary. I feel like I need to step back at times from my role as mommy, teacher, house cleaner, and all of the tasks that go along with each of these roles, and just....be.

Tommy and I left one sick kiddo, and one, hmmmmm...."extra-energetic" kiddo with my parents on Thursday...well, actually, with Tommy's parents at first, they were then picked up by my mom later that afternoon--gotta love having two sets of grandparents near by! ;) We drove about an hour until we reached our gorgeous destination. Nestled into the hills and trees, among 120 acres of incredible landscape, we checked into the charming Scottish Inn. There is something about the feeling of not having to rush to do anything, be anywhere, or tend to someone else's needs that allows one to completely relax. We arrived at 3:00pm, and the cocktail hour before dinner wasn't until 6:30. My first thought was to take a nap (of course), but instead we decided to take advantage of the beautiful setting and get outside.




One of the foundations of Tommy and my relationship is exploring the terrain together--doing physical things, and being outside. In the summer, we love to go for long walks together. When we vacation on the beach, one of our most favorite things to do is walk the beach all day long. Some of the things we used to do all of the time are no longer regular occurrances due to the kiddos. Don't get me wrong--we do get outside together as a family quite a bit. But to be together, just the two of us, amidst the most beautiful backdrop I have witnessed in quite some time was divine. Ahhhhhhhhh.......I felt like I was myself. Just me....a glimpse of who I used to be in my earlier years! ;) And together, we felt so young and carefree!!! It was invigorating and romantic just the same! It made me realize just how important it is to take time out in your marriage to do the things you adore doing as a couple. So often we do things by ourselves, or with the kids, or with our respective friends....but neglect to do things as a couple. This was so good for us, and made us appreciate each other so much!




Can you believe the size of the icicles in the gorge? Amazing!





Here's Tommy hanging out next to them, for reference of their size!



Remember when I posted about getting new boots? My old UGGS have had it, and it's time for some new ones. Well....still never got them. Soooo, it was a little treacherous, hiking through the snowy trails in boots with no traction what-so-ever. I did slip and fall quite a few times. So, when Tommy decided to go down into the gorge, I stayed at the top and looked on. He disappeared down at the bottom, exploring and galavanting through the caves. I enjoyed the quiet. It was breath-taking. Sooooo quiet you could hear a pin drop. The only sounds were that of my breath, and the occassional rustle of the wind through the trees causing a gentle mist of snow to cascade from their sheilding branches. God's creation at it's finest. Glorious.


After hiking, it was nice to return to our cozy room, turn on the fire, and get ready for dinner. Six courses. Divine. Dinner was served by candlelight, and as we ate, we watched the flicker of the candle reflect in the window next to our table, illuminating the dripping icicles hanging along the roof line. The main course was filet mignon...usually one of our favorites. Unfortunately, the chef prepared it in a soy sauce making it a little too salty for our liking, but it was still amazing, and we were soooo full from the previous four courses, that it didn't really matter, anyway.



We were able to get out and hike again the next morning after a delightful breakfast, which consisted of the most wonderful homescones and Scottish oatmeal I've ever tasted.

So refreshing, renewing, and nice to be together. 22 hours of heaven...that's what it was!

Happy Anniversary!!!

Nearly eight years ago, Tommy and I said our "I-do's" on a bright, sunny, 50 degree day, that made conditions perfect for taking pictures outdoors! I wore a strapless dress, and was so warm due to the brilliant sunshine, blue skies, happiness and adrenaline, that I was able to get all of my outdoor shots without wearing a cape around my shoulders! My poor bridesmaides must not have been quite as high on adrenaline, as I do believe they froze in their strapless gowns, taking pictures outside the church with bare shoulders and arms! ;)

Our wedding was perfection, aside from the groomsmen (and women) dropping like flies with various illnesses...Tommy's one and only sister was so excited to be his best (wo)man, and was over-taken by the flu during our rehearsal dinner. God bless her, she made it to the wedding, flu and all, but was in no shape or condition to walk down the isle...I can't believe looking back, that she made it at all--unable to keep anything down! Poor thing! Thankfully her husband stepped in as a groomsmen!
One of the problems with holding a winter wedding, and flying people in from all over the country, is the germs that come with them...especially on planes! Tommy's poor eldest brother (who had graciously stepped in as his best man) made it through half of the ceremony, until, over-taken by strep throat and the overwhelming urge to faint, had to step down and sit out the rest....meaning Tommy's next brother stepped in as the best man, and was forced to write a speech on the way over to the reception--which was actually very well-written and poignant!

But, other than all of the illness in Tommy's poor family, our wedding was perfect--a dream come true! :) Eight years ago on February 23rd we promised to love each other, respect each other, be true to each other, in sickness and in health, through thick and thin, kids and tantrums, puppy training, potty training, breastfeeding, no sleep, times when the money is flowing, and when it comes to a complete hault, grumpy times, and happy times, through moves, new jobs, lost jobs, births, and deaths, new wrinkles, balding heads, and graying hair (all due to the two who joined us since our wedding ;)...we've seen a lot in eight short years. And though at some points I'm sure we've re-neged a bit on our promise to respect, I know that we have never stopped loving. And that promise remains true today, tomorrow, and always! (And the respect thing--well, that's always a work in progress, and has gotten a lot better over the years! ;)

In order to celebrate eight years together, we are going away tomorrow night. A beautiful Scottish Inn amidst a hundred acres of hiking trails in the middle of the snowiest winter we may have ever seen, awaits us. A six course meal, and a beautiful room looking over the woods...and, no kiddos! For 24 hours....bliss! ;) We are very excited, and although our time away will be short, it will be worth every second, I am sure! Happy anniversary my love...looking forward to an eternity together with you!

xoxoxoxo!

I WON, I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm soooo excited! I jumped on here to check on all of my lovely friend's blogs, and as I hopped over to With a Chirp, a Buzz, and a Lion's Roar by the lovely Jess (who just so happens to be one of my earliest childhood friends :), I was in shock and awe as I realized I WON HER GIVE-AWAY!!! Woohooo!

Jess is an incredible seamstress and designer of children's clothing, and I'm off to email her Brookie's size and will be overcome with anticipation and excitement, waiting to see what she creates!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, JESS!!!

xoxoxoxo!!!

Rockin'

My awesome friend Heather made this hat for Connor...she needed a project during our winter snowstorm, so she tried something new! How cute is this??? :)

Taken....

I've been "window shopping" today as I sit from my couch, comfy and SNOWED IN!!! I spied this in the Boden catalogue that came today...I'm taken. I'm contemplating attempting to hand-make one...what do you think? :)

Snowmagoodness....

The snow began on Friday--the heaviest, fattest, flakes I've seen in a loooong time, falling at the rate of an inch an hour! We had some dear friends over for a playdate...some of whom got to be snowed-in with us a good part of the day!




And, it kept falling all of Friday night until noon on Saturday! I think we had snowfall totals of 15 or 16 inches....





We had a couple of really cold, sunny days, and voila, it's snowing again! Another 5-8 inches today! Eeeeks! Tommy just got home early, and I cancelled my classes this morning...we're snowed in, again! Thank the Lord for our wonderful neighbors up the street who had Connor over this afternoon, because cabin fever has set in, big-time! ;)

I think I'll attempt to bake shortbread cookies with my new cookie press that was just delivered from the Pampered Chef this afternoon....it's a shortbread kind of day! ;)

Hope you're all staying safe and warm...I know a lot of you are snowed in, as well!!!

xoxoxoxoxo!!!!

Five for Five....

Copied from. Ms. Marie's blog Every Day Matters

Here’s how it works:

The first five people to leave a comment on this post will get something from me.
But in return, you have to do the same thing on your blog and make something for five other people. The details are as follows, and if you want to play, copy the following onto your blog and leave me a post:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.

3. It’ll be done this year (2010).

4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do something strange.

6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.

7. Send your mailing address – after I contact you.

Progression of the White Paint Project

So, we started painting some of our trim last week.....the living room is done, and I was so excited to hang my new espresso colored, silk dupioni drapes from the Barn (as my husband so lovingly refers to it ;), but alas, I'm not too happy with the purchase. To the right, the gold drapes that we already had, and to the left, the espresso colored new drape. Not digging it. Oh well...I have a lot of other stuff to buy still, so that's okay. What do you all think?



Here's a close-up of the mantle:


And, a close-up of one of the pics on the mantle. I found it in the basement last week, and it's hilarious! I can't believe how young we were--16, and 18 respectively...right before T's senior prom! ;)



We still have a lot of work to do--I'll keep updating as more progress is made...but first, that means I have to get back to it...yikeys! ;)