Gone Fishing

Hayley's big catch being released back into the water!

Nice cast

When Mimi and Papa came in town a few weeks ago we headed out to a beautiful park in the area to do a little fishing. The weather was awesome and the pond wasn't too crowded. We all got a shot at casting a line in the water. Luke has become quite the fisherman. He was doing a much better job than I can at casting and reeling. He is so focused and determined to catch something while he is out there. I love just standing back and watching him.

Hayley was the only one to catch a fish that day. She felt the fish bite, handed me the reel, and then ran to Mimi for safety. The poor girl cried her little eyes out as I reeled in the fish. He was way to squirmy and jumpy for Hayley. All his movement freaked her out. We tried to get her to stand next to the fish for a picture but that wasn't going to happen. Better luck next time.

A Trip to the Pumpkin Farm x 2

Hayley's trip to Hunt Club Farms

Yes, that is a rabbit!

Luke's trip to Hunt Club Farm

Best friends

So Luke and Hayley always have field trips on opposite days, therefore I get to go on TWO field trips instead of one. I actually prefer the separation because I can focus on each child individually. They both had a wonderful time and Hayley not only had me tag along but her Mimi and Papa were in town for the big trip too. So much fun!

I Heart Fall!

Hayley's s'more, sans the marshmallows!

My men toasting marshmallows for me!

A few weekends ago, the weather was finally making a change and the cool, fall like air was making it's first appearance for the season. I ran to Walmart and purchased a firepit. Chris and I have talked about getting one for years, so we decided now was the perfect time. Of course, what campfire is complete with out making s'mores! I bought the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers ready for our first real s'more experience together as a family.

Come to find out, I am the only one who likes a true s'more (marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers all mushed together in a toasty gooey mess). Luke and Chris both don't like chocolate (which I have known), but I thought for sure they would have a toasted marshmallow between two graham crackers. NOPE. Neither of them like marshmallows either, so instead they feasted on just the crackers.

Hayley is a lover of chocolate, just like me. But when it came to the white gooey mess that is the toasted marshmallow, she opted out and just wanted chocolate between her crackers.

So for the first time in my life, I discovered that s'mores can be made more than one way and it was so much fun.

After the snacks, we sat around and took turns telling "G" rated ghost stories that always seemed to end up with someone shouting BOO! I think we are going to really enjoy all the cool crisp nights around our new firepit.

6 Weeks Left

Well...we are at 34 weeks as of today and I am definitely feeling it. We have been battling head colds in this house for the past few weeks (praise the Lord it has only been colds), and I have been exhausted by lunch time. I don't remember being this tired with the other two, but life was not quite as busy as it is with a 6 and 4 year old.

In the past week, my feet swell beyond recognition by the end of the day and my favorite spot in the world is lying on the sofa with my feet up.

I really cannot complain. The pregnancy has been a healthy one which is such a blessing. I am just so ready to hold her rather than carry her around in my belly. If Hannah Beth follows along the same lines as her brother and sister, she will make her arrival a week or so before her due date. I'm hoping for the first week of November.

For those of you wondering, we did finally get the nursery almost completely done. My Dad has made H.B. a beautiful quilt shelf just like he did for Luke and Hayley. My Mom put it in the mail this week and I can't wait to get it up on the wall. I love that all 3 will have a special shelf that their Papa made for them!

I believe that I already posted a picture of this corner of the room. Nothing has really changed here except that all the clothes in the closet have been washed and put away. Yes, I am so type A that I even washed the clothes for baby #3!

I found this adorable bookshelf/toy storage online at Target. It is actually very sturdy and I know she will be able to use it for many years to come. I LOVE LOVE LOVE her name hanging on the wall. I bought these exact same letters for Hayley's nursery and just had to get them for HB.

The crib all put together and dressed in the bedding! I just love the fun bright colors. I hope HB will love them too!

Game Ball

Of course, I don't have any pictures to prove it, but Luke got the game ball last night after his tee ball game. He has really been enjoying himself this season. I think he is finally getting the hang of all the rules, when to run, how to stop a grounder, which base to run to, etc. He LOVES to bat and run to the bases, but he is quite reserved about running fast. And trust me, I know the boy has some speed.

He made it to first base last night and the first base coach leaned down and told Luke he wanted to see just how hard and fast he could run to second base. When the next batter took a swing and a hit, Luke was off!!!! He was running as hard as he could and just before he made it to the base he fell. I mean dirt in your eyes, red clay on your pants, scrape your elbow kind of fall. He didn't shed on tear, just got right back up and got to the base. He is becoming such a little man.

When the coach pulled the team together to give away the prized game ball, Luke's face lit up like a Christmas tree when his name was announced. He looked right at me with the biggest grin on his face. I'm so proud of my Bubba and how hard he works and tries his best. I think more tee ball will definitely be in our future!

This Is What Happens........

When you have pregnancy brain and pack your children's snacks for school..........

At least I found the cheese only 15 minutes after I placed it in the drawer! Sheesh!

Ode to Homework

One of the things Luke was most excited about for this school year was actually having homework. Yes, seriously. I think he believes this huge step officially moves him into the big boy category. Well, he didn't come home with homework the first day of school and I thought he might be devastated, but when I told him not to worry I'm sure we would get some homework this week he was ok with everything. Low and behold, Wednesday came and in his folder was his first piece of REAL homework. He was to work with me in making a book about himself to share during show and tell next week. Each day after lunch, we clear the table and sit together and work on his book. I have so enjoyed this time with him and he is so diligent in his work. Here is the product we have so far:

Now all he has to do is cut it into pages and put it together like a book. Hooray for homework time.

FAME!

This is the pose I got for a picture just before Hayley's first ballet class this year. Every time I look at this particular photo, I can't stop singing :



FAME! I'm gonna live forever. I'm gonna learn how to fly, HIGH! I feel it coming together. People will see me and cry, FAME! I'm gonna make it to heaven. Light up the sky like a flame, FAME!

Baby, remember my name

remember

remember

remember

FAME!



Silly girl! I love her so.........

Batter Up

Swing and a hit!

Another first in our house this week, tball. We had our first game as a Yankee! To be honest, I have been stressed out about how this tball thing would pan out. I was worried about my baby boy's feelings when he got out, missed a pop fly, or didn't know which way to run. I know that we all go through these life lessons, but I am learning it is so much harder on the Mommy side of things. I think I feel the hurt just as much as he does.

Luke's first practice went well. We couldn't be more thrilled with his coaches. They are so patient with all the players, especially those that are new to the game. Luke had a great time and couldn't wait to get his uniform and play in a real game.

We showed up on Wednesday night decked out in our new hat, pants, shirt, cleats, and socks. He even got a new glove and bat for the first game. I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when I found out:

1) They play three innings

2) They don't keep score

3) They don't track outs

4) Everyone gets to field

5) Everyone gets to bat and run the bases

Whew! All that silly stress for nothing. Watching all the little 4,5, and 6 year olds play ball was such a blast. Luke LOVED every minute of the game. He said his favorite part is hitting and running to first base. He did an awesome job and I couldn't be more proud of my little Yankee.

It's School Time Again!

The first day of Kindergarten and Pre-K went so smoothly this year! Both Luke and Hayley were excited about their teachers and meeting up with old and new friends. Having both of them at the same school is wonderful. We love the program and curriculum. They are both just loved and loved on by this year's teachers as well as their teachers from last year. It does my heart good to know how much they love school and learning. Here's to a successful and fun year.

10 Year Tally

Chris and I celebrated 10 years of marriage on Sept.4. My incredible husband planned a surprise getaway to Williamsburg , and boy, was I surprised. He asked my sister to come in town on Thursday and watch the kids while we went away. Holly got to the house and Luke and Hayley were beyond excited to see their Aunt Holly. After hugs and kisses and a quick bag packed, Chris and I were on our way. We went to dinner and a movie, toured Old Town Yorktown, shopped, ate some more, went to Williamsburg, and ate some more. It was a wonderful time laughing and enjoying each others company. Strolling around with no plans, holding hands, and talking. Needless to say, Chris did a great job with the surprise. I also may have gotten a beautiful sapphire necklace as a gift too. He still treats me like a princess and I am so blessed to call him my husband and best friend.

So for the 10 year tally:
5 moves
5 cars
1 sweet doggie that is very missed
2 beautiful children and 1 more to arrive in two months!
4 deployments
Trips to Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, Maui, and Okinawa
1 cross country trip from L.A. to Virginia
1 trip to Gatlinburg
2 trips to Disney World (and many more to come!)
Beach trips to Myrtle and Kure Beach
6 weeks of living out of our van last summer
1,000,000 + laughs
Hugs and Kisses (too many to count)

I love you so much, Chris. Thank you for asking me to be your wife. I am truly blessed. To the next 60+ years......I can't wait to see the tally then.

Baby Room Update

So we are about 1/3 done with Hannah Beth's room. The progress is slow but steady and I love how it is coming together. I actually see the light at the end of the tunnel and Hannah Beth might have a place to lay her sweet head down (besides my arms) by the time she arrives.

This is the same changing table we bought when Luke was on his way. It is one of the FEW things that we did not get rid of ....thankfully!! The cute art work came with the bedding set that Mimi and Papa got for Hannah Beth.

One corner of the room that is COMPLETE! The valance and pillow in the chair also match the bedding. I love the bright colors and it matches the blue in the room perfectly. So fun!

The bookcase/toy storage. This spot is not the permanent location for the shelf........

THIS spot will be the future location of the bookcase. As you can see, we still have to find a new home for the twin mattress.

Again, more items to be moved to the garage, but here is where the crib will be.


I will update again SOON with the finished product! (I hope)

Down on the Farm

The cutest pot-bellied pigs!

Friday was the first annual Ooorah Summer Bash at Hunt Club Farms. MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services) put the entire thing together for Marine families in the Norfolk/VA Beach/Chesapeake area. They had games, bouncy houses, food and of course the location, the FARM.

We spent most of our time hanging out with all the cute animals at the petting area. Hayley was always first to jump in and pet whatever creature we met. She absolutely loves animals.

Being the last Friday in the month of August, it was HOT! I really thought that I might melt, but we all had a good time. Yee-haw!