This Blogging Thing...

Why do I do this blogging thing? 

At first, it was a great way to record the day to day of our life while Chris was deployed to Iraq.  Whenever he got the chance (which was maybe once a month), he could sign on and check out the blog to see us.  He could read about how Luke and Hayley were growing and my thoughts.  It was easier for him to get caught up on us this way rather than the 5 minute phone calls every other week. 

Then I continued blogging so our families could read about what we were up to.  Being so far from our parents and siblings, this blog was a way for us to keep in touch. 

When we moved to VA, my dear friend and neighbor, Sue, told me about making my blog into a book.  WHAT?!?!  Tell me more, please.

She too had been blogging about her families adventures, and had published the first year of her blog into a hard bound book.  One look at her book and I was SOLD. 

I'm not a scrapbooker and I rarely print photos anymore.  I thought this book would be a great way to document our lives and such a treasure to have and read through as the years go by (way to quickly). 

I have now published 2 books:  2007-2008 and then 2009

It takes a little time, but after a few weeks of working an hour or two at night I have my end product.

Blurb is where you can download the software and then upload your finished book to their website for publication.

I sit with the kids and read and look and laugh.  Sometimes I choke back the tears from the sweet sweet memories.  I have written down somethings that I would have never remembered on my own. 

I catch Chris browsing through our books too.  I think he loves them as much as I do.

I now try and find a few minutes in each day (sometimes week) to write something.  Something that I don't want to ever forget.  Something that I want my children to be able to look back at and read when they are grown and remember.

So that is why I do this thing called blogging.

To capture precious memories



So we will never forget them!

DISCLAIMER:
THIS IS WHAT MY COMPUTER ROOM LOOKS LIKE AFTER A 5 TO 10 MINUTE BLOG SESSION:

Well worth the clean up!!! 

What's Your Treasure

This boy of mine.  He is growing up so quickly. In only 6 more weeks, he will be 8.  He shows me in some way everyday that he is maturing, "getting it", and learning.  But he is still little.  Still so sweet and innocent. 

At school for the past few weeks, things are starting to wind down.  Center time themes have become summer orientated.  Last week was a Pirate/Treasure theme.  In the writing center, the students were asked to write what their treasure is.....and here is what he wrote.

Not money or a toy, but his Aunt Holly.

I took pictures with my cell phone and immediately sent the images to my sister.  I think it made her day, maybe week, possibly year.

He sure does love her to pieces and I do too!

Hand-MeDowns

Ummmmm....

At the rate we're going, Hannah Beth will be wearing Hayley's size 5 clothes in a YEAR!

Hayley at 3 years old

And Hannah Beth at 19 months!!!!

Say CHEESE!



Hayley's 6th "Un"Birthday

We're moving.  In July.  Two of our three babies were born in July.  The two that have made some of their very best friends here in VA.  So.....we decided to celebrate the July birthdays in June so that they can invite some of their friends.  Hayley's "unbirthday" was Saturday at The Little Gym where she takes dance.  OH MY WORD!  Worth every penny!!!!  She and all her sweet friends had an absolute blast. Hayley really bonded with her K class this past year and all but two of her classmates were able to attend.  And boy, was she glad to see all of them again after a week without them.

And then there is Josh, Will, Madie Ann, Hamilton, and Alexander.  Hayley LOVES these neighbors.  They are more like brothers and sisters to her.  Hayley, Madie, and HB are the lone girls on this street of 16 plus boys, I kid you not.  They are the best of friends and don't remember life without each other.  Thanks to all who came and made this such a special day for Hayley.  She was the happiest girl in the world!

A battle between boys and girls.  They all loved this game!

I blinked and this girl will be 6 in less than 4 weeks.  Happy Birthday to our Hayley Bug!

Stars and Stripes

Hayley and I set out to make one of those delicious American Flag cakes you see on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens for Memorial Day this year. 

We started with a cake

and these

First for the stars

Then the stripes

It may not make it on the cover of a magazine, but we had a great time putting it together.

And it was delicious!

Happy girl to help in the kitchen



Silliness!



Budding Artist

Last week, we attended a reception at Chesapeake Memorial Hospital where Hayley's artwork was selected to hang in the Mother/Baby Unit waiting room.  She was so excited to have her painting picked and what a thrill for us as well. 

Hayley with her painting "Bunny and Sunshine"

Proud of you Hayley Anne!



Soccer Stud....

......The exact text from my brother when I told him that Luke scored 5 goals at his game on Saturday.  And the kicker was that Mimi was here to see it.  I will have to get pics from her since I didn't bring my camera along this time (of course).  To say he had the game of his life is an understatement.  So fun to watch him succeed after all of his hard work this season.  So proud of you Luke!!!!



Memorial Day

Thank you to all the men and women who have selflessly served this great Nation of ours.  There are not enough thank yous in the world to those who have given all so that we may be free. 

Praying for our Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen and women.  Take time to pray for these heroes and also for their families.