Sisterly Love

I walked into my parents living room during our visit to find this. They were snuggled up watching a movie together. I couldn't let the moment pass without taking a picture. Haha, I now have PROOF that they love each other even if they don't act like it!

My girlie girl

Conference Sunday Melanie walked into my parents kitchen wearing these (thigh highs). She even posed for a few pictures. We about DIED laughing at her - gotta love it!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday was such a treat. There were some awesome lessons prepared. I loved it! There is so much to be grateful for this time of year. It's a great time to count your blessings. Julia is modeling the dress that I made her for Easter. Melanie wasn't able to stay still long enough for me to take a picture of her... stay posted and hopefully I will get one within the next few weeks. I made a TON of mistakes, but I learned from it and can always add fun stuff to it as time goes. Julia just loved up being called a princess and wearing her "crown". She is so cute!

Coloring Easter Eggs on Saturday Night

Melanie has always loved coloring Easter Eggs. Julia didn't join us because she was getting a tubby. Melanie is quite the pro though, she decorated them with stickers and all!

My dad wanted to take the girls fishing this past Friday. So... the lake found us there that afternoon. Of course, we didn't catch anything because there were 30 others there. Maybe it had a TINY bit to do with my childrens' volume level in the outdoors (or indoors for that matter). Melanie kept hitting the water with her fishing pole, Julia kept reeling the line in (while saying "a reel a reel a reel" and swinging her pole around. BUT... I think the girls enjoyed it, better luck next time?!

For my hubby...

Most of you see me, but since my husband will be able to have internet access here soon - I am posting this picture so he can see what the baby has done to me so far. BTW I am currently 17 weeks! How crazy is that!? Fuzzy picture, sorry hon. But... you get the idea.

What's that SMELL??

This is what Melanie promptly asked me upon opening her car door when we arrived at Perrydell Farms (milk cow farm/family store). We decided it would be fun for them to see the cows and have some homemade ice cream! When my family lived in York PA we used to get our milk here. They always have the babies on "display" and if you get there at feeding time, they let you help with their bottles. Since my childhood, they have added a wooden face cut-out for people to take pictures at. My girls had a blast, you can tell from the pictures. Melanie was hilarious while trying to eat her Ice cream cone. She used about 5 napkins (or more) to make sure her face stayed pretty clean. Julia on the other hand - LOVE that face! Thanks for tagging along Jocelyn!

As a side note, upon reaching the farmland of Northern Maryland/Southern Pennsylvania my children kept calling out "BARN!! COWS!! HORSIES!! SHEEP!!"

The Land of Chocolate

While visiting with my family, we had the opportunity to have a couple "field trips". Our first one was a trip to Hershey. They have a place called Hershey's Chocolate World. It is free to get in and they have a great little ride that tells you about their factory. There are things there of course that you can pay for if you like... they have a pretty extensive variety of chocolate (of course!). We took the ride with the girls and got our free chocolate treat at the end (always a plus!).

Feeling Old

This is why.... I CAN NOT stay up all night (even though I currently am)! It's physically impossible for me. I would love to some nights - I really would. Not long ago - I could pull one of these no sweat. Now, AM (after Marriage), there is NO way! You will never find me up this late unless I have a very good reason. This all night affair is out of obligation to my sweet girls (to whom I promised myself I would make Easter dresses for). The zippers are on - the last few odds and ends need to go into it and they will be done - BEFORE Easter! Yay! I have then attempted to help my sister, Jocelyn, make her very own Tote. Which comes to why I am on here so very late at night (or early in the morning). I was hoping to find that tutorial that would just be perfect for this project. Maybe I'll just keep fussing around with it and see what we come up with. Pictures will be soon to follow. Alas, I think I'm going to finally catch some ZZZZZ's because Jocelyn has fallen asleep on the floor waiting for me to find what I wanted so we could get back to work! I can just hear... "Here's your sign....".

Spiritual Food

Gearing up to be off to listen to the leaders of our church! I hope with some extra hands around, I will be able to hear more of the talks that have been prepared. If you are looking for something to print for your children to do during Conference this weekend, check this out. If you have any other great ideas that you do with your children, please send them my way and I'll try to post them for others that might be looking (or as a reference for myself!).

We arrived....

We arrived safely and without delay on Tuesday to my parents. I can't believe this week is already coming to a close!! I've started Easter Dresses, gone to the Outlets, and have many other plans I hope will work out. There should be some fun posts coming up soon if the weather cooperates. We'll be back home the day after Easter. Just postin' to let you know we are still going and hope to have some great fun while we're with family. Oh - I scheduled my ultrasound for April 29th. So, by the end of the month we'll find out what gender child will be joining our family come school time!

BOLT

I know, I know... super tiny picture. However, my children LOVE this movie! If you are wondering what you can do with your family and haven't seen this movie, check it out from redbox for $1 some night. So far, it has babysat my children better than I do! Definitely a movie the whole family will enjoy (including you). It will be part of our movie library eventually.

Need Dessert??

If you attended the dessert auction at our ward building last night, you wouldn't. There was pretty much a little bit of everything there. The highest bid of the night went for Heidi's delectable desserts for $425 (or $450)!! Jenn, the Vaughans and the Knights also had some pretty high bids for their yummy treats. I think the Gaines had some pretty high bids for their upside down apple pies as well. The youth of our ward should LOVE us!! I think it's safe to say that camp is paid for for all of them this year after this event! It was fun to finally attend one although I did lose my girls a bit in the beginning. We bought some twinkie derby cars made by Tara for $20. That would be the first twinkie EVER for both of them - and they took to it pretty well. All in all - a success for our little girls. Watch out high bid desserts, I'm on a quest for some really yummy recipes/ideas!

Dedication.... or Torture??

I've been doing really fabulous about exercising. So far my childrens' noses have cooperated too allowing me to get there every weekday since last Monday (16th). We've been bouncing around, trying new classes, visiting ones we've done before but haven't been to in a while.... BOY DO I FEEL IT!!! Everyday I've had a little muscle ache here or there or just felt kinda exhausted. I'm starting to think... is this dedication or torture? I've definitely gotta hand it to the ladies I work out with though - they are tough cookies!

A visit from Angels

I had a little visit from angels today. I know, I know... don't get jealous - they can come to a living room near you too! The sisters came over to my home to teach and it was wonderful. They talked about family (also the visiting teaching message for the month!). They didn't even know that it was, either! It feels so wonderful to have them in my home, and I am so glad that we have sisters so that poor military moms (alone)like me can enjoy hearing from the missionaries! If you haven't had them over yet, sign up to see them. It will greatly enrich your life and edify your spirit.

Happy Birthday Babe!

My dear, sweet husband turned 28 today! I can't believe it! The past 5 years and 3 months with him has been the best of my life. I look forward to getting to know him even better than I already do in the years to come. I couldn't even count the number of times he has made me laugh. He truly is my best friend. I hate being away from him, but now is the time in my life that I need to be self-less. Eventually I will get him all to myself (sorry ladies... he's mine!). =0) Happy Birthday Babe!

A busy week with some Hope

This week was a hopping one for our family. We were busy with something every day! Sometimes it took right up until dinner to finally get everything done. Most nights I slept horribly and didn't get the rest I was hoping for. Last night I got the most sleep I was able to get all week! It was wonderful! At first, I thought that it wouldn't happen with children who passed out by 6:30pm. They woke up a few hours later and I thought they might not go back to bed. They did and Heavenly Father blessed me with some really great sleep. I even had a dream! Can you guess what it was about? I am so excited about this.... I had a dream that the baby I am carrying is a BOY!! So, we'll see if my dreams can tell the future. I will keep you all posted when I get my ultrasound.

I treated myself to JOANN's yesterday. I bought fabric to make the girls' Easter dresses, fabric for a few baby blankets (all generic colors of course), and a few odds and ends that I didn't have yet to round out my sewing stash. I have projects to do! I am so excited! I'll post pictures of them as I finish.

It's finally here.....

THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!! I'll be visiting Rita's today. For those of you calorie conscious ladies, grab a sugar free treat (complimentary on the first day of spring). I will be trying one of those today. I will post later with an "update" letting you know what flavor I chose. I hope you beat the bleak weather and feel a touch of spring sometime today!!

UPDATE:: Sorry it took me a day to post, but I got the sugar-free Pineapple (really quite yummy)flavor at Rita's. My girls tried the Mystery Flavor. They seemed to like that one too.

ONE of the best days of the year....

I got this pic from the Rita's Website!! Friday is the first day of spring which means a FREE regular Rita's!! They have some great flavors, I hope you all get the chance to stop in!! The one around here is located off of 21st street. I'll be joining all you Tropical Smoothie lovers for the first day of Summer too! If you get in to try a Rita's, leave me a message and let me know what flavor you got!

Happy St. Pattys!!!

Since I am part Irish - I need to respect my heritage and put up a nice greeting for St. Patrick's Day. Since it is a Holiday in Ireland. Don't forget to wear green so you don't get pinched!! Hopefully there will be a pot O gold at the end of the rainbow that comes after this dreadful rain passes!

Here is a recipe for those of you that want to add a little Irish to your dinner tonight:
IRISH POTATOES
Ingredients: 8-10 medium potatoes (peeled and cooked), 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (softened), 8 oz. sour cream (low-fat), ½ cup butter (melted), ¼ cup chopped chives, 1 clove garlic (minced), 2 tsp. salt, paprika.

Mix and mash everything and place in a lightly buttered casserole dish, then sprinkle paprika over the top. Place in the frig overnight. Bake @ 350 uncovered for 30 minutes. (Yields: 8-10 servings)

A Few things I've been doing lately....

As desperately as I try to sit down and "craft" I just haven't been able to do it yet! In lieu of the Visiting Teaching Workshop (being held today) I had an excuse to craft a bit. Here is what I have. The crowns are little magnets for your fridge with a fitting quote and the box I decorated to transport the handouts for today. I think I will get some uses out of it since Spring is on its' way!


Sorry the picture is a bit dark. The design showed up better without the flash.

3 weeks down

Hooray! We've made it almost a month now that Jeremiah has been away. I am SO grateful I've had help and had friends to visit with and things to keep me busy. Being busy really is the cure. I've been blessed enough to hear from him a few times since he's been away. It's always a comfort to know that he is safe and doing as well as possible. Thank you everyone! I may not have asked you for help yet, but just knowing you are there if I need anything is SUCH a comfort and relieves any stress I might feel!! I will have plenty of OB appointments - so you may get your chance to keep an eye on the girls!

got SOAP?

My Julia just loves to "wash her hands". Her favorite soap is the Kandoo foam. This morning was her latest adventure. She started out by saying "I need some soap", to which she plopped some soap on her chin to make a beard.... and shortly... a mess! My little sister took these pictures (the flash on my camera takes a bit at times... so these were the best she could get). No doubt this girl loves to get clean!

It's about time we joined the Zoo!

Last year I decided we should get a membership somewhere fun to enjoy what Norfolk has to offer. We started with the Botanical Gardens, and got quite a few chances to play and have fun (although the main attraction was the water in WOW - but what child doesn't love to be soaked to the bone?).

This year my adventure is joining the Zoo (since you've all seen the title).

Yesterday was in one word: Perfect. Everything about it was just beautiful so we decided to venture out and join the zoo (since we are all wild animals at our house anyway). It seems as though everyone had the same idea. The line wasn't too bad and the girls really enjoyed it. Melanie seemed to enjoy life a whole bunch more behind the lens of her camera. I watched her "creep" around with her camera trying to get a good shot. What could be better than that??

New "Do"

I decided to get a new "do" yesterday. I've definitely needed a cut for a LONG time!! Jaesi's sister, Julie, cut it for me (and hopefully Nancy will be around long enough to help me maintain it). I pretty much told her to have fun with it. It turned out looking similar to a few cuts in the ward - which is totally fine. I just wanted something different and I love it! It makes me want to go crazy with highlights now!! Maybe closer to summer though. What do you think my hubby will say?

Who needs Cali??

When you have the beautiful weather we had yesterday!??? Today is supposed to be just as beautiful followed by a beautiful Sunday! Hooray! Last Sunday we had some terrible rain, so I think this one will be a nice change!! Our beautiful yesterday just happened to be the first day that the Rita's on 21st street opened for the season! We went there to get our first Rita's of the year and look forward to going back many times! The lucky new flavor is Island Fusion and it is fabulous!

First Snow Accumulation

My husband is so funny when he can correctly predict things that don't really matter. He's pretty good about the weather here. Maybe it's because he lived just across the bridge most of his life. Who knows? His prediction? That it would snow in March... and... what did it do? IT SNOWED MARCH 2nd!!! Ok, ok.... we got a few flurries this winter, but nothing actually stuck until this one. We got so much snow schools didn't know what to do. The roads were completely dry by lunch time.... better watch out school buses!! My apologies... I grew up in a northern state and have gone through many a snow (and blizzard). A half foot of snow or more constitutes a school delay, half an inch does not. Right on the nose with that prediction honey... now... maybe you can predict when you'll come home to us!?? =0)

Baby!?

I had my appointment this week and was able to get my first ultrasound as well! Yay! I've been having this fear that since I've been asking for a boy so much, that maybe Heavenly Father in His good humor, would send me twins (one boy, one girl) to appease my pleas for a son. Gladly, I have only one little person growing inside of me. It has a head, strong heartbeat, arms, legs, and is VERY active. Sucking its' thumb is apparently already a favorite past time! Haha. Big sister Melanie will be proud.

One Week Down

Who knows how many more to go!? Well, we are one week down in the countdown to see Jeremiah again. Hooray! What a week it has been too!! We've been so sick the house was in shambles, that not much sounded scrumptious enough to eat, no homemade cookin, then was feeling great for the wonderful weather we had just yesterday and the day before, and back to the cold dreariness! I think the girls have been through every emotion imaginable. I have another OB appointment this week and I think I will get some wonderful pictures of my little baby this time around! HOORAY!! I'm excited. Seeing the little life inside of you on the screen always makes the pain and suffering a bit more bearable. My mom and little sister are going to come out too to give me a little peace of mind. That way I can hopefully tackle some "bigger" organization projects that I wouldn't be able to do without the girls tearing up the other part of the house. So, I will have their help later on this week. Hopefully we'll be able to get a lot done during their visit so that I can really be prepared for what may lie ahead. I am really looking forward to feeling better and have some big time energy and opportunities to help others and be productive! I have so many goals for myself during this pregnancy!

A BIG SHOUT OUT TO ALL WHO WERE ABLE TO MAKE THE PARTY LAST NIGHT.... I had a great time visiting with all of you and I hope you all enjoyed the chance to get out too! I'll have to have little get togethers over at my place more frequently so that I can visit with you all more often and give you all an excuse to have your husbands watch the children for a few hours! =0)

Final count for Pampered Chef!

Hey there ladies! I wanted to give a shout out for a final count as to who can make it. I've got Tara, Jaesi, and Kristy so far. Leann and Heidi, I will get you the catalogs. Anyone else? We'd love to have anyone who wants to come!

A baptism and life..

We were blessed to attend Jonah's baptism today. It was wonderful! He and his family were so happy and it was wonderful to share this day with them. Congratulations to Jonah!

Poor Julia didn't hold up so well after the baptism and I fear we won't make it to church tomorrow. She's already gotten a blessing and so we just need to exercise faith. Any prayers on her behalf would be GREATLY appreciated.

As a side note, Jeremiah's cruise ship departed for the world today. So... overall - it has been a little discouraging lately. We love him and wish him a safe trip!

Monday

Mel and "Koala" (how fitting)


Julia and "Fluffy" (suggested by Daddy)



Boy was I glad Monday was a holiday!! The Navy almost took it away from us, but we only lost a few morning hours before he came home to us! My family headed home after a nice weekend visit. We headed out to take care of a few things and have some much needed family time before the big "D" (departure). We ended up at the mall and stopped in to buy some overpriced but still cute Build-a-Bear hugables.

Our January... my little girl is growing up!!

Most of our January was spent with just us girls. Jeremiah was gone most of the month... so nothing too great to note. EXCEPT.... Melanie's FIRST EVER Primary Activity! That happened the very last day of the month. Here are some pictures...


Stop at the right picture Mel! We're routing for you!!


Looks like Bingo is your thing!!


She didn't enjoy being a Nephite any more than they did during their time of bondage it seems.


Pull, Pull!! Ahh, Shelby is such a great sport!

VERY much delayed Christmas Pictures

We got to spend a few days (VERY few) in PA visiting with my family. My sister and her adorable little family were blessed to be able to fly in for a visit. I got to meet her little girl for the first time, and see the TINY bump with what we have since found out is another niece for me! YAY for girls! I guess my Dad must really really love girls.... or he needs to love them some more. Hmm... no one will know for sure I guess. I promised my best friend, Erin, that I would post pictures of the girls and of her while she was able to come visit (also very briefly). I hope to visit PA soon and stay a bit longer than 2 days!! I look forward to seeing you guys! I miss you all!



My best friend, Erin and my super cute niece!!


Erin with my first baby! Golly I miss that hair sometimes.


Look at that little ham! This was how she smiled when prompted. TOO CUTE!


The grand babies! Just think... by October of this year, there will be 5!!


My beautiful little sister, her hubby Cameron, and little girl Cambri!! (plus one!)

Slacker

Ever looked up the word slacker in your dictionary? If you have, you'd find my picture RIGHT next to it!! A lot of things have been slipping through my fingers lately (card exchange, playgroup, cross stitch, etc) and oh boy... I'm getting behind. So many great intentions, so little energy. For starters, gearing up to send my other half (and at this point better half) off exploring the world without me. It's been kind of tiring. Getting the car fixed (well maintained is a better definition), sort of rearranging my house (meaning it's half done), getting rid of things, washing everything, trying to organize everything that needs to take the trip with him, plus having enough time together (which we never have), and coming to grips. Crazy crazy crazy. It's times like these I really am amazed by those other seemingly stronger women. Then again, each time he has left for a lengthy period of time - I've had the great pleasure of pregnancy hormones. haha. I guess it is Heavenly Father's way of keeping me weepy. Then, after all the praying I have been doing about the girls being ready for potty training and fighting my own "symptoms" of great fatigue with the occasional gag reflex, I had a break through! Why not potty train them WHILE I'm feeling yucky and have no desire to go anywhere (including the gym)? So... that is what I am doing - we are on day 2. So far today, one successful potty trip and no accidents. Yes, I am knocking on wood right now. I won't be at book club tonight, but my thoughts will be with you ladies!! I loved the book and look forward to reading March's.

The other way I am slacking is in updating (of course!). I have so much to post. Including from way back in December. I have family pictures to post, some funny clips of my children and my nephew running around my house, and a few things we've done in preparation for Jeremiah's big trip. Oh, and quite a few recipes for that recipe blog I've got going with my sister. I have a lot to do - my goal is to do it within the next few days so I can be caught up and get to do some of the other things I've been wanting to!

Spread the Word....

I will be having a Pampered Chef Party at my house on the 27th of February (Friday). It will begin at 6pm. I have a few invitations going out today - but I ran out of invites before I ran out of friends!! I didn't get to address anything for the 1st ward - so please spread the word to the other women in the ward as well. (Michelle, Jaesi, Nicole, etc) If you want to drop me a line and let me know if you can make it.... you can leave a post on here if that is easiest. Come have a fun time visiting with friends and check out some of the Pampered Chef items you may have always wanted to see in action. The more the Merrier! Thank you!

Fun filled Day!??

Saturday was pretty hoppin' for our family. We started the day off with Melanie's first Primary Activity. She was pretty excited to go to church. Her teachers must be something!! After that, we had lunch out on the town so that we could see a movie that was playing on the base close to the church. Jeremiah first wanted to stop and check out the new uniforms at the exchange. It was pretty stinkin crazy over there and there weren't very many sizes Jeremiah could try on. Hopefully we will have better luck when we go to the exchange by us later this week. Then we attended the movie and actually saw some friends that had been up at the church as well! After that, we tried to visit the commissary. Tried is the key word there because, it was PACKED!!!! Payday weekend of course! So.... we decided to take a little more convenient route and stop by Walmart on our way home. We were finally home for the day around 4 pm. Oh... and did I mention I am feeling nauseous pretty much all the time these days!? GOLLY! When all added up, not the most exciting of days for me, or my girls.