Moving Day

We're moving...blogs that is! 

After a lot of thought and consideration, we have decided to take the next step in the world of blogging.  We have started a new site where you can find lots of info about what's going on with us and the kids, plus a whole lot more.  Look for our favorite recipes and projects around the house (we're thinking about putting in a garden, that should be a good one). 

I've actually been blogging over there for about two weeks, so come catch up with us and make sure you read all the way to the first post, it will explain a lot :)

So come move with us and we hope to see you soon at our new home Red, White, & Home.

The Best Job In the World

Being a mom is the hardest job I have ever had. It's not glamorous or exciting; it's long hours with little sleep or rest; sometimes it's down right disgusting. But, it is the best job I have ever had. It's rewards are in kisses and smiles, hugs and giggles.

Thank you Paige and Collin for allowing me to be your mother, I love you with all my heart. And to my mom, thanks for being the best example; I love you too.

Paige has been working on her letters, this is her very first Mother's Day card to me, completed with just a little help. All day long today she kept telling me "Happy Valentine's Day". I think she was just a little confused. But then tonight, I went to tuck her in and she said, "Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you times a hundred." Agghhhh, melt my heart!!!

Just Keep Swimming

Paige started swim lessons today in preparation for a busy summer at the beach and the lake. I was a little worried about how she was going to like them since we weren't able to get her in a class last year and the fact that she kept telling me that she didn't want to put her face in the water - but she did GREAT.

Although slightly timid, she finally did everything the teacher asked, all the while saying, "I can't do that" I wonder where they lean that SO early? But she could do it and she eventually tried every time, so I'm a happy momma. We had tears at the end because we didn't want to get out of the water, so I guess that means it was a success. Good thing too, because we are headed back to the pool on Thursday and twice a week thereafter for the rest of the month.

May Day Resolutions

Alright, so I haven't been very good at keeping up with the blog lately. I even failed miserably at setting a New Year's resolution to start up again...it's now May and I haven't posted a single entry all year!!! So I'm making it a May Day resolution to begin again. What has brought on this renewed interest in blogging? I recently learned about a web site that will take your blog and bind all the entries into a beautiful book. I must admit that I've been bad about everything memory related lately (blogging, taking and printing pictures, and keeping up with the kids baby books) But being able to simply have my blog printed in a nice book - that appeals to this busy mom, so I'm making the effort.

I'm starting with a post that is mostly kid free. My mom came in town about a week ago and was so nice to stay with the kids for a whole weekend so Matt and I could get away. We went to the Greenbrier in West Virginia and had the best time. It was so nice to get away for a few days, reconnect, and just spend some time together. If you're not familiar with the resort, I suggest you check it out, it's beautiful. We did all kinds of things that we never take the time to do when we are busy being parents. We played checkers while having drinks, went to dinner without having to cut food, spent an afternoon on the river kayaking, went to the spa, and went bowling just to name a few things. We came back feeling rested and ready to wrestle the monkeys again. I'm secretly looking forward to our next get away!

Betrothed

We were so lucky that we were able to visit with part of the Miller family over the weekend. Matt and Geoff were college roomates and did ROTC together. The Millers now live in Germany, but Kim and daughter Michaela were stateside for a few days and were able to come down for dinner and some play time. We have joked since the day that we found out that we were both pregnant with a boy and girl respectivly, that they would make a great pair some day. And, as luck woudl have it, they were born days apart. Collin on the 1st of Jan and Michaela on the 6th. Don't they make a cute couple? We were sad that Geoff couldn't come and visit too, but hope to see them all agian in the Spring!

A Cinderella Story

Over the weekend, Paige went to a princess birthday party, for her very best friend Addison. They were instructed to come dressed in their finest princess attire. Then came a knock at the door and who could it be...

It was none-other than Cinderella herself. All of the girls were mesmerized, because of course it was THE Cinderella. She came and sang songs with them,

and danced with them.

They even had a parade around the house. She also gave them each some magic fairy dust to turn them into real princesses. They even got certificates so everyone would know that it was official. While Cinderella was explaining all of this, Paige pipped up and said, "but I'm already a princess." Agghhh, the drama.

Of course a Cinderella Princess party would not be complete without some face paint, and finger nail polish.

It was really a great afternoon. Paige came home talking about Addison and Cinderella all day long! We even had tears in the car, not so much for Cinderella, but becuase she didn't want to leave her best friend. Aren't they cute?

October Catch-Up

Wow, it's been a busy month and I haven't been great with the updates, so be prepared for a long "catch-up." Earlier in the month we took the kids to go pick apples. We found a great farm in Winchester, VA that had all kinds of things for the kids to do. Among picking apples, there were pumpkins, animals, food, and music. The weather was beautiful and we had a great afternoon. Of all the animals they could pet, both Paige and Collin like the goats the best. They were very friendly and even Collin was grabbing for them.
After visiting the animals, having some lunch, enjoying a hay ride across the farm, it was time to load up on apples. Paige thought it was pretty neat to be able to pull them off the tree, although we kept having to steer her away from the ones with worm holes.

By the end of the day, I think Paige had eaten about three whole apples. Oh well, there are worse things...

"I want one from the top"

Later in the month, Paige's preschool class visited Sneeds Farm to pick out pumpkins and have a picnic. Of course Collin and I had to tag along. Here is her class, aren't they cute all decked out in their jeans and red shirts? Can you find Paige?

Best Friends!

Picking out the perfect one.

Mom, I want one too!

Collin standing up to check out the goats of course.

Lastly, the kids were able to feed the chickens. I thought that Paige would be a little timid as the chickens were rather aggressive, but she had no fear and was a little disappointed when the feed ran out!

The weekend before Halloween our good friends Meredith and Aaron invited us to participate in a Halloween parade and contest. The contest was for the best "dressed" stroller. Since Collin was going as Charlie Brown, Aaron built him a snoopy house that fit over his stroller. It was SO cute and we did get lots of compliments. But seeing as how this was our first year, we had no idea of the competition that we were in for. There were some awesome entries. We may not have won, but we will definitely be prepared next year. (PS - Aaron is dressed as Charlie's best friend Linus)

Charlie Brown attacks Tinkerbell!!!!

The week before Halloween, Noni came to visit. She and Paige carved pumpkins on night. Paige was a much bigger help this year than she was last year, she actually dug out some of the insides.

Noni, however, did the carving, of Tinkerbell of course!

Collin got a pumpkin too! Somehow I didn't get a picture of him with the finished product, but his was just a silly Jack-O-Lantern. He also had a great time and helped fish out the insides. I think he ate more than he helped, but that's ok - pumpkin's a vegetable :)

Halloween night was filled with more fun. We meet up with Aaron and Meredith again, who invited us to a Halloween party some friends of theirs have every year (Carrie and Bill). We all got into the spirit a little, along with Tinkerbell and Charlie Brown, I wore my kitty ears and Matt dressed up as House.

Of course we had to pull out the snoopy house again!

Paige came home with quite a bit of loot. The street that Carrie and Bill live on really goes all out for Halloween. By the time we were finished, Paige could barely carry her trick-or-treat bag.

In other news, Collin is 10 months old today! He is growing up so fast and is now pulling up on everything and I know that it won't be long before he is running after Paige.

Hope you all had a great October and a very Happy Halloween!