What a Weekend

Days like this.....

I love days like this one. The sky outside is overcast and I can hear the wind blowing the trees back and forth outside. The temperature is comfortable but then chills a little with a gust of wind. Every now and then the sun peeks through the clouds and then quickly hides away as if to pull the covers back up over its head. I call these days snuggle days.
Whenever Luke and Hayley get up from their nap/rest time on days like today, I love to sit on the sofa and read book after book. Wondering if Sylvester's parents will ever realize that he wished himself into a rock or finding out if the Poky Little Puppy will ever get caught sneaking back home at night (our favorite books: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble and The Poky Little Puppy). I love to nuzzle my nose into their sweet smelling hair and kiss the tops of their heads. My heart is so full on days like today. I sit thanking God for the blessings of my husband who still treats me like his princess and my beloved children. I thank God for allowing me to experience motherhood and all the joy that it brings. I also thank God for the peace and quite of nap time!
Autumn is absolutely my favorite time of year. I love that it brings the cooler temps, football season(GO DAWGS!), smell of chili cooking, fresh baked bread, a cup of apple cider, and pumpkin pie!!!!! Autumn ushers in Thanksgiving and then my favorite holiday, Christmas. Oh how I love it all.

Soccer and Ballet

So the fun has begun! This year is the first that we are trying organized sports with Luke. He seems to love every bit of it so far. I think Luke is most excited that Chris is coaching his team. His first practice was last Tuesday. What a riot! Watching all the little four and five year olds chase the ball this way and that. Luke kept looking to me for a cheer or thumbs up when he would do something cool like shoot the ball or dribble down the field. Although Luke loves all the running, kicking, and shooting the ball, his absolute favorite part of soccer thus far is getting in the huddle and shouting, " One, two, three Go COBRAS!" Chris said that as they were closing practice yesterday, he called everyone back in to huddle up and put their hands in the middle. He said that Luke hustled all the way across the field and was yelling, "Wait for me! Wait for me! I've got to put my hand in the middle!" The Cobras first game is this coming Saturday. I'll keep you updated on how we fair.
Hayley began her new adventure as a ballerina. Our little firecracker is learning some poise and grace! HA! Chris and I always joke that Hayley will be the one that we get called into the office for because she just cannot control her talking. Sorry, darling girl, but you do get it honest! I can recall an "N" or two for needs improvement when it came to controlling my talking! There were several times during class that my little angel had to be reminded to raise her hand before she spoke and to join the rest of the class because she was too busy looking at herself in the mirror! Oh well.....
Hayley was just wild about putting on her beautiful leotard, tights, and ballet slippers. She couldn't wait to learn what ballet was all about. At the first lesson, the girls learned first position, and the arms that go along with first position, second and third position. I almost fell out of my chair watching her figure out how to get her feet in first position which involves her bending over and arranging her feet and so carefully trying to stand back up so that she doesn't fall while standing in this strange way. So CUTE!
At the end of each class, her teacher calls all of the girls together to hand out stickers to those who had been good listeners. So far, we have gotten a sticker each time. We will see if she can continue her winning streak.

Happy Anniversary

September 4, 1999 was an absolutely beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky and "Hot"lanta was starting to cool off just a bit. Our wedding day was one made of dreams. God's mighty hand was at work and all went off without a hitch. One of the most vivid memories I have from that day was the few moments before my Dad and I walked down the aisle toward Chris. Dad was cool and collected and so sweet. He asked me if I was ready and I told him that he might have to pull me back so I don't run down the aisle! The moment I saw Chris standing, waiting for me, my heart began to race and the tears of joy just came.

The joy and happiness I felt that day has grown so much over the past nine years. Chris, God knew what he was doing when we were set up on that blind date. He knew that only you could deal with my chatty mouth, list making, Christmas extravaganza, mood swings, and my love of romantic comedies that I watch over and over and over. I am so blessed to not only call you my husband, but truly you are my best friend. Thank you for the most wonderful nine years of my life. I can't wait to see what the next 50+ years will bring...... I love you!

First Day of School

Well...we all survived our first day of school. Luke was beyond excited as he bounced out of the bed when I came in his room to get him up to start the day. He was up and dressed in no time and ready to take on the world. He couldn't stop asking me if it was time to go yet. We talked all through breakfast about the new friends he was going to make, his new teacher, Mrs. Wood, and what new exciting things he might learn this year. He talked a mile a minute about the days schedule and of course reminding me that after snack and recess I was going to pick him up (in case I forgot)!

Hayley woke up not quite as chipper as her brother. At first, she was telling me that she didn't want to go to school and she wanted to stay home with me. Those words actually did my heart some good knowing that she was going to miss me at least a little. But after we talked about Mrs. Holcombe's classroom and all the wonderful babies there were in the housekeeping center, she thought better of staying home. She of course wanted to wear a "beautiful outfit" as she says most mornings. Luke's excitement was contagious, and Hayley too began to get excited after breakfast.

Dropping both of them off was a little tough on me, but they were calm and happy to see all the new friends and faces. After a big hug and kiss from both of them and a gentle "I love you so much" whispered in their ears, my babies were off on their way to new adventures.

Hooray for a great start to a great school year!

Visit to the Virginia Zoo

Faces of Summer

 

Here are a few of my favorites! Check out the link to see the entire album!
http://picasaweb.google.com/cmsteele9499/Summer200802
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Anyone else Type A?

Moving is part of life with the Marine Corps. For the past 9 years, we have moved somewhere new every 2 to 3 years. I love going to new places, meeting new people, experiencing new things, but I strongly dislike the actual moving process. The miles of boxes and packing paper, the piles of pictures and decorations that just don't fit in the new house, the weeks on end with no routine, and leaving behind dear sweet friends. A definite love/hate relationship when it comes to moving. It's enough to make a type A person have to be committed to a place where all the walls are padded! God has been teaching me to stop and breathe over the past few months and be thankful in ALL circumstances. Thankful for my wonderful husband and silly children who can make me laugh like no one else. Thankful for the love and support from our families and friends. Thankful for all the blessings that have been given to me. Thankful for a home and wonderful neighbors. Although the piles still give me a twitch every now and then, God's faithfulness in my life makes that pile a blessing and not a curse. So I give Him thanks for the craziness and the routine of life. He wants us to be out of our comfort zone sometimes so that we can see just how awesome He truly is.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

One Crazy Summer

I think there is a movie by this title. Crazy best describes how our summer has gone. We moved out of our house in Jacksonville on June 13 and just moved into our new home in Virginia on July 21. As I type, I am sitting amongst boxes and packing paper galore, but more than thrilled to finally be getting settled.
Our vacation has been fantastic. We have been to Myrtle Beach, SC, Asheville, NC, Gatlinburg, TN, Atlanta, GA, Kure Beach, NC, back to Atlanta with our final destination being Chesapeake, VA. Luke and Hayley have been such troopers. They have loved every minute of our moving around (especially in the hotels)! Luke was asked where he was from when we were visiting Gatlinburg. He looked up at me and then back to the lady and said, "The cabin in Gatlinburg!" Too cute!!
During our travels Hayley celebrated her 3rd birthday and Luke celebrated his 5th! Instead of a birth"day", they have both enjoyed a birth"month". Aunt Holly had a party for them, we had a party for Hayley at the beach, Mimi and Papa had a week long celebration at their house, and we celebrated Luke's bday in our hotel room and dinner at the Olive Garden (one of his favorites)! I'd say that their births have been celebrated sufficiently!
Chesapeake is wonderful! Our neighbors have been nothing but gracious and friendly. They have brought candy, plants, cakes, etc. I have a feeling we will be making many new friends here and some treasured memories.
I will post pictures of our summer as soon as get my computer set up.
Luke and Hayley start school after Labor Day. Luke will also be playing soccer at the YMCA and Hayley will be taking dance this fall as well. We will have lots to report so check back soon.

Be Back Soon....

We are still on our whirlwind tour of the south. This week we have been at Mimi and Papa's house having an absolute ball! I will post our summer adventures as soon as we get moved in to our new home in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.....

ABC's of Me

I got this from a friend's blog, and thought it was fun!
A-Attached or Single? attached to Chris
B-Best Friend? Chris, Nan, Jules, Krista, Linds, and Kelly
C-Cake or Pie? both please (cake-red velvet with buttercream icing and pie~pumpkin!)
D-Day of Choice? Anyday that I can be with my husband and kids
E-Essential Item? God's Word and chapstick
F- Favorite color? blue
G-Gummy Bears or Worms? Gummy bears
H-Hometown? my Georgia roots
I-Favorite Indulgence? dark chocolate
J-January or July? July~the month that both of my blessings were born
K-Kids? Luke and Hayley
L-Life isn't complete without? Great friends and family
M-Marriage Date? September 4, 1999
N-Number of brothers and sisters? 1 sister and 1 brother
O-Oranges or Apples? oranges
P-Phobia and Fears? Phobia:mice Fears: I lay them at the throne of my King. Trust in the Lord!
Q-Quote? "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!" Patrick Swayze(sp?) from Dirty Dancing
R-Reason to smile? my husband is home from Iraq and my hilarious children
S-Season of choice? Fall (football, apple pies, cool crisp air,...I LOVE IT)
T-Tag ten people? skip
U-Unknown fact about me? I love making lists
V-Vegetable? fresh corn on the cob
W-Worst habit? pop my fingers
Y-Your favorite food? so many, fresh seafood (shrimp and scallops), milkshakes, and Mexican food
Z-Zodiac Sign? Gemini

Ready, Set, GO!!!

Another week of blessings! It always amazes me how quickly everyone adjusts after Chris has been gone for so long. God has had His hand on us, and we are all getting used to being a family of four again! The kids have gotten over the initial "DADDY"S HOME" excitement, and are just enjoying playing, reading books, going on walks to the park, etc. They have both been thoroughly entertaining and I think Chris is getting a kick at seeing just how much they have grown and changed.
Movers come next Tuesday to pack the house for VA. Then we will be on our month long vacation to the beach (SC), Gatlinburg, TN, the beach again (NC), Atlanta, and then into our new home on July 21st (day after Luke turns 5!) . Hope to see some of you during our travels.

Home Safe and Sound!

It is hard to find the words to express how grateful I am that Chris made it home from Iraq! These past two years have been the toughest out of our almost 10 years with the Marine Corps. I am happy to say we are about to close this chapter, and move on to VA where life will not involve deployments for a while!!!!
When I saw Chris hop off the bus, it seemed surreal that he was actually standing in front of me. I didn't want to let go while I hugged his neck. The kids were beyond excited to see Daddy. They both were up at 5:45 am that morning and ready to pick Chris up. Hayley has not let him put her down for the past 3 days. Luke is busy showing Daddy all of his new tricks and filling him in on all the things he has done while Chris was away.
Praise God for bring Chris home to us for the second time. Thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers. They have been felt and much appreciated! God bless!

Only a few more hours.....

I am so relieved that this day is finally here! The kids made this sign for Chris on Saturday to welcome him home. I will post pictures of homecoming as soon as I can. Yippee!

My Little Graduate!

I am so proud of you, Luke! As I sat and watched your program last night, I was thinking of all the things you have learned this year. Your letters and sounds, numbers, writing, reading, making friends, sharing, and so much more. It seems not to long ago you were just a tiny 6 lbs 6 oz baby lying in my arms and sleeping. I imagined then what your personality would be like. Would you be shy and cautious? Would you be outgoing and silly? My imagination could not have done you justice! You are becoming the little boy God has made you to be and it is awesome to watch. He has blessed you with so many wonderful traits and talents and I know He has big plans for you, little man! I love you and can't wait to celebrate more big milestones with you.

Fun in the Sun!

We are having a little taste of summer as far as the weather goes around here. While playing in the backyard yesterday, I was HOT and thought what a great opportunity to bust out good old Tiki Soaki (aka the sprinkler!) The kids screamed with excitement when I mentioned getting him out and putting on our swimsuits for some relief from the hot sun. They had a blast and I had just as much fun observing. As I watched them play, I started getting so excited about our summer! With Chris's homecoming just around the corner, I can barely keep from jumping up and down and shouting for joy like the kids did when I put the sprinkler out. So many great memories are going to be made and I can't wait!!!!!