It's been a long time in coming, but I finally...

had a photoshoot recently!

I'm still in the process of editing this shoot and I'm looking forward to shooting this cute little girl's birthday party next Saturday.

If you want to have a photoshoot, let me know. We'll work somethin' out!

Growing

We have a garden this year. Well, I guess you mighta sorta figured that out in my prior post, but I never really talked about it before. Here it is:


OK, that was a while ago.

We had a great time building this little thing. It was a family affair.






I did some of the digging and grass removal. Then I pooped out so I took pictures. Someone had to.

Patrick has been working very hard in the garden this year. We had quite a few yummy salads from the robust romaine we planted, which quickly were overtaken by the butternut squash. Our garden is small, comprised of tomato, green pepper, jalapeno peppers, and butternut squash, but it will give us a nice harvest which will allow me to produce a few jars of salsa, tomato sauce, and some delish butternut squash stirfrys. I talk sassy to my tomatoes in hopes they grow up to be nice and plump and juicy.



I give our peppers a lot of love, too. They need some spice in their lives. And they'll, in turn, give me some spice in my life.


We also are greatly anticipating our first crop of blueberries that I gave Patrick last year as a father's day gift. Hello, you beautiful berries, you. I'm dreaming about making some blueberry pancakes outta you...hmmmm...

I love you.

We bought some blackberry bushes at last year's Evergreen midnight madness sale and they are ripening very nicely. I go out and sweet talk my berries as I know they will sweet talk me with a glop of whip cream on the side. I dream of how I am to use them in scrumptious crumbles and cakey cobblers. And next year? Oh, I have high hopes for next year!



It's amazing seeing where our garden started to seeing the fruit of our labor. Well, of Patrick's labor. Patrick has put a lot of sweat in this garden. Since it's hotter than a fat woman runnin' in corduroys, he's been watering it a bunch. And the kids have been helping.

So, come on, boys and girls. Let's get growin' so I can make somethin' soon!

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.

Me and my littlest

I've been hangin' out with my little man this weekend as my older two are with Patrick visiting his parents in Charlotte. It's been quiet around here and I've had lots of time to work on projects around the house. I didn't get nearly as much as I wanted to get done, mainly because I was distracted by 23 pounds of cuteness.

It's the little things that melt me

Wrankles.



Wrinkled Ankles. Aren't they just the cutest?

I think I'd keel over if I had 'em.

But on him, I melt.

Don'tcha just wanna...

Kiss this:



And pinch this:



And while you're at it, sweep my floors?

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.

David and Goliath

David and Goliath, originally uploaded by Melanie.

Here's today's bug picture. Are you tired of the bugs yet? I'm actually enjoying playing with bugs.

Er...

Well, in my pictures, that is. Generally speaking, I don't like bugs.

Not.one.bit.

The Lily Bug

The Lily Bug, originally uploaded by Melanie.

Here's another picture of a bug I took on one of our blooming lilies in the front yard. If I think pictures all the time, I might as well take 'em, eh? I'm (or I guess I should say "we're"...though I don't know who "we" are...) assigned bugs, so here to I go...

Bugs, bugs, bugs!

Oh, Bahamas, how I miss thee!

A year ago, I headed to the Bahamas with my bestie. What a wonderful trip! As she is immersed in finals this week (hopefully is done by now...) and as I'm accutely reminded that I have 3 small little ones to care for, we are light years away from another vac-A like this one. Well, seemingly light years because we WILL do this again. We WILL. We WILL.

Soon.

Birthday Party Pictures!

Mallory had a WONDERFUL birthday party. We've been talking about it for weeks and knew what she wanted for her party and I think the entire weekend was a hit. Mommy is worn out, but I'm so happy that my little girl had such a special day.

Mallory has grown quite a special affinity to the flag of Norway. She asked weeks ago for a Norway cake. In addition to Norway, I decided to make United Kingdom and Germany cakes too, her second and third favorite flags. We had HUGE flags waving from the deck and small flags on her cake table. We had the jumping castle set up and had a wonderful spread of grillin' goods. Patrick manned the grill and did a fantastic job, I must say. Mallory received a Norway shirt made by our friends and a Norway pillow made by my mom. She was excited about them both, that's for sure. She's our Norway girl.

Evan Jerome

Here's our little guy...born today about 3:15pm, weighing 7lbs 10oz. More details to come...

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.

Christmas in Charlotte

Here are some pics from our Christmas in Charlotte. We spent one morning up at Concord Mills where Mallory rode a merry-go-round for the first time. We spent one day downtown looking at the BIG christmas trees (there were many), listening to the bear orchestra and stopping by the spot where Patrick proposed to me almost 6 years ago. I was also able to go by and see my dear friend, Courtney, and somehow successfully captured and image with all three kids looking at the camera! We had a great time! Sorry that the pictures are late, but better late than never, right????