Happy Birthday, America!

I've explained to the kids that we're celebrating America's birthday this weekend. To celebrate, we were going to go to a parade and wear red, blue and white with all of the other people at the parade. And we were going to have lots of special treats. And some cake later.

No, America is not going to blow out the candles.

We'll still have fun.

Trust me.

My Baby's Daddy

I'm a blessed woman.



I'm married to a real man who gives me real love, even when he's seen me at my worst and at my best, and chooses to still love me at my worst and my best. Even on days like today, when I seem to have lost my brain since I gave him a Happy Birthday card instead of a Happy Father's Day card. See what he get's to live with???

But because of him, see what I get to live with?

He's a good great daddy. And our chillin's think so too.


First he gave me her.


And then along came this booger.


And then this one.

Nothin' could be finer.

Love ya, P. Happy Birthday Father's Day.

All things through Christ are beautiful

I've been busy. I've learned that this is the story of my life. It's my normal. But, I'm busy with people. Little people. Little people who can bring me both great joy and great frustration. Little people who God has given me for just a short time to care for and direct to Him. As I was encouraged by my pastor on Sunday, my goal is to go about my career as a full-time without grumbling or questioning (I'm going to add complaining in there too). I want to choose to live as Jesus did - a man who saw equality with God as not something to be grasped but made himself nothing (willingly and without complaint) and humbled himself. Oh, if only I could do this! But I am a sinner. I cannot be humble without Jesus. BUT, according to Paul, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. May he strengthen me!

I had a great Mother's Day weekend. The last 2 mother's day have been hard and this Mother's Day was just perfect. My parents came up to watch the kids while Patrick took me to An Evening at The Cove in Asheville, NC to see Andrew Peterson in concert on Saturday night. If you've never been to the Cove, GO! If you've never seen Andrew, GO! If you've never listened to Andrew's music, LISTEN! It was a wonderful evening with my love. On Sunday, we went to church and then had a great dinner prepared by Patrick and my Dad (steak and shrimp!!!). Mom and I tried to see a sneak peak of Letters to Juliet, but it was canceled at the last minute(go figure!). We were a bit disappointed, but we were able to indulge in a half-price Frappuccino at Starbucks and relieve Dad and Patrick the responsibility of entertaining 3 kids while preparing dinner. Mom and I received big hugs from our men when we walked in the door. I had an early birthday celebration with my folks with cake and gifts. It was a great day.

My 32nd birthday is tomorrow. There isn't anything too special planned and that's OK. I've had a lot of "special" lately.

Life is good. Challenging, yes. But good. And beautiful.

Thanksgiving Day Menu

I'm starting preparations today for our Thanksgiving Dinner. This year, I'm hosting dinner...again. I enjoy cooking Thanksgiving Dinner very much. I love my kitchen. I love cooking. I love making yummy food for family and friends to enjoy.

The thing is, I haven't cooked in like 4 weeks. I feel a little rusty, but I'm getting back in the swing. I've planned the menu and figured I'd share. Here we go...

Smoked Lemon Turkey (Patrick's undertaking, which was mucho delicious last year)
Good Eats Roasted Turkey (complete with brine including some homemade vegetable stock)
Best Gravy Ever
Mashed Potatoes
Sausage and Cornbread Dressing
Sweet Potato Casserole (my own recipe)
Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Cranberry Sauce (...from a can)
Homemade dinner rolls
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownies
Apple Crumb Pie

My in-laws are coming in town, bringing some goods in toe (breakfast items) and we've also invited our neighbors over for Thanksgiving. They are Indian and will bringing an Indian rice dish to add to our traditional meal. We're thankful for the bounty that we'll be able to share with our friends and family.

A great 4th of July holiday!

I'm feeling much better since my crazy weekend last weekend...

My sister was here the day I was discharged from the hospital and she left on Thursday afternoon. On Friday, my in-laws came in town and left yesterday, so this is the first day I've had the house to myself and the kids. Though I appreciated all the help over the last 7 days, it's nice to have the house back and start getting back into a routine. This week is crazy with DR appointments; Ethan had his 18-month well visit today (off the charts in all measurements and is doing great dispite a small cold) and I have a follow-up with my OB on Wed and then an ultrasound on Thurs. We also have other appointments throughout the week that are just going to keep me and the kids VERY busy. I'm hoping to do something fun with the kids this week at least ONCE.

We had a great 4th with Gram and Pops. We went to the Jonesborough Days parade and experienced lots of tractors, something which both kids enjoy. Mallory got to hold a bunny and they saw many different animals, include baby donkeys, ducks, and chickens. On Saturday, Patrick, Grams and Pops took the kids to the park and out to lunch so I can have some quiet at home (always a blessing!!!). After dinner on the 4th, we went to the carnival at church and stayed up until 10 to watch the fireworks. I loved watching my kids experience such a marvelous event. They did great staying up so late, but needless to say they CRASHED that night. Yesterday was a nice day of rest for all of us and are geared up for a busy week, though Patrick's work is plum crazy right now, so I'm hoping he's ready! I'm sure he's already looking forward to the weekend...

Here are a few pics from our weekend adventures and you can find more here, too.

Halloween

Yesterday, I had a ladybug and a chicken. Both were very cute - both made me laugh out loud, especially the chicken. We took them to church and then the ladybug went out with her Daddy gathering candy from our neighbors. We had a great time!

See the difference and year or two can make...