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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Cruise 2014

Chris and I went away in January on our first cruise. It was AWESOME! We are officially hooked on cruising. We had such a relaxing and enjoyable time. Many thanks and kudos to our moms who watched our kids so we could enjoy this to the fullest.

So, we kinda went crazy on the number of pictures we took on our cruise. To the tune of almost 550. So even 10% of our pictures would be overkill so I am posting the link to our Shutterfly photobook instead.

View



Thursday, February 13, 2014

Links I Love: 2.13.14

In the midst of Snowpocalypse 2014, I have been doing some additional reading, some books but mostly articles from the web. The links to the articles below have been especially thought provoking.

Isn't is pretty?

I saw this article today and it was extremely thought provoking. One thing I was taught was to look at the WHOLE picture before making a decision. I can remember my dad playing "devil's advocate" to various research papers I wrote or to "theories" I was testing out. I truly believed it helped me see both sides of an issue and thus creating a more balanced approach to life. The vaccine issue is a HOT topic and I have really good friends on both sides of the issue. 

It is so refreshing to see those that haven't medaled to be gracious and loving in their responses. I have seen this genuineness displayed several other sports during the Olympics. I am grateful that my kids can see that it takes work and dedication to get to the Olympics but also humility and grace when you didn't place where you wanted to. 

I have seen this rude and ungrateful attitude played out so many times recently and this sums up my feelings on the subject nicely. I have found that hospitality to this type of people is especially difficult and frustrating. As a disclaimer, those with actual diagnosed food allergies fall into a different category entirely. I have read several books on food allergies lately and I have found that I have gained a HUGE level of respect to my friends who have kids with allergies and I WANT to show hospitality by learning to cook for them.

I have also been addicted to the Waterlogue app on my phone since we have been snowed in. See why? Pictures from our trip coming soon. :)


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

2013 Recap

Here is our 2013 Recap. Better later than never, right? :)

January


February
// LegoFest outing with Derek // Trip to the outlets in Williamsburg //


March
// Chris’ Birthday // Dyed Easter Eggs // Easter Dinner with Megan’s Family //


April
// Chris started new job at PieTech // Chris obtained his Registered Paraplanner Certification // Yard Sale //


May
// Megan’s sister’s wedding // Chris’ brother’s wedding // IKEA Trip //


June
// Brooke’s 2nd Birthday // Megan’s Birthday // Derek's First Dentist Appointment //


July
// Kids 1st baseball game // Derek’s 4th Birthday // Busch Garden’s trip with Megan’s family // Anniversary trip to IKEA //


August
// Family Day at Monkey Joe’s // Laundry Room project completed // Derek started Soccer //


September
// Apple Picking // “Talk like a Pirate Day” at Krispy Kreme // Slugs and Bugs Concert //

October
// Went to the Pumpkin Patch // Family Vacation in Williamsburg //


November
// Derek’s Autism Diagnosis // Thanksgiving with Chris’ Family // Pig Roast at Chris’ Office // Saw Thomas the Train at the local TV Station //

December
// Kids Christmas Party at Chris’ office // Built our Family's Manger // Family got sick // Christmas //


Whew! We have had a blessed 2013 and look forward to what God will do in 2014. Looking back it seems we were busier than it felt like at the time. :)

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Happy Birthday Derek!

Happy 4th Birthday Derek!

We love how thoughtful and caring you have become.
You are growing up so fast and we are very proud of you. 
We love your smile and contagious laughter.
You have become such a big helper and we love your willing spirit.

Happy Birthday Derek!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

A Minnie Mouse Party

Saturday was Brooke's Birthday Party and we had a Minnie Mouse theme. There was lots of hot pink and polka dots going on for decorations!



Drinks and Dessert
For the cupcakes, I used a wired ribbon to tie the bow and then hot glued the bows onto toothpicks.

Menu

Minnie Burgers
Pluto's Pasta Salad
Donald's Dippers
Daisy's Dip
Figaro's Fruit Salad
Cupcakes
Lemonade and Tea

Here is the birthday girl blowing out her Minnie Mouse candle



Monday, June 10, 2013

Happy Birthday Brooke!

Happy 2nd Birthday Brooke!

We love your spunky, independent personality and your love for singing - even if it is Jingle Bells.
You make us smile when you insist on doing exactly what your brother is doing and insist on knowing where he is at all times.
We love the snuggles and cuddles and that you want to share them with us.
You are becoming such a lovely little girl and we can't wait to see what God has for you this next year.

Happy Birthday Brooke!