2 and half years!?

Hannah,
As I write this, you're sitting on the couch with a fever, watching Arthur and drinking juice....and whining to look at "Hannah" pictures. I think I've led you to believe that the only purpose of the camera is to capture you and your cuteness. Not that that isn't partly true, but I've got to let you down gently that there are other people out there that are important too. =)

You rarely get sick, which I'm grateful...but I have enjoyed the fact that you love to cuddle and lean on me for most of the day. I know these days are limited and I'm trying to cherish the ones that come.

I didn't realize this until Vickie pointed it out, but you usually refer to me as "Mama". At first I wasn't sure if I liked it. When I picture women who are called "mama" by their children, I see someone who looks more like Aunt Jemima and less like, well, Reece Witherspoon or something. But it's growing on me and feels more endearing than mommy or mom.

This phrase is overused, but you are growing up so fast. So much has changed even within the last couple months. Potty training and fighting for independence have been the primary challenges these past few weeks.

You are constantly talking and singing....whether or not there are people around. Every now and then, I'll find you in a corner with your piano singing whatever song comes to your mind.....or reading book after book to your favorite stuffed friends, Elmo, Dora, or Pooh. You love playing with your friends and anticipate each night at bedtime, "Wake up and see Katie & Addison?" You love having friends around, just like your mom. I'm so grateful for the family and friends we have that love and enjoy being part of your life.


My cousin gave you a vanily....and it has begun your relationship with the mirror. You love watching yourself make faces and talk. it's really cute, but I'm not ready for you to grow up too fast.

This age is so fun primarily because you are starting to say really funny things. You tend to pick up on grown-up phrases and apply them in many situations. Your new popular phrase is, "first of all" and inserting "actually" in your conversations. If Vickie calls you "Hanny," you've been saying, "My name is Hannah right now!" You tend to command instead of ask for things, so we are working on starting questions with, "May I." Your tone needs work, but you're getting the idea.


I write these letters periodically to record the milestones in your life as well as sit back and remind myself of my responsibility to you as your mother. But I find that words are so limited when I try to speak from my heart. Although it's hard to be too sentimental right now because at this very moment, you are pleading in a whiny voice, "Hannah pictures...movie....Hannah pictures....movie..."


So in this moment, these are the things I want you to remember: I love you. God loves you. People are important. I'm not perfect. But I'm here and will continue to try to show you God's love and grace in our lives. And you'll never be too old for me take care of you when you're sick.....or listen to you whine, I guess.

Love,
your mama

update in pictures

It's been awhile, so here are some of the past month's events:
-Road trip to Michigan with good friends, Pete & Janet. We were introduced to Sufjan Stevens & Danielson, among others, attended the Festival of Faith & Music, dined at Wonderdogs, and experienced good conversation.


-Birthday extravaganza, Omaha, Nebraska. My mom turned 50 and grandma turned 75! Really nice times just being with family.




-Vickie and I celebrated our birthdays (again) with Babs =) in Chicago. Good food, 3 trips to Ulta (or was it just 2?), carpet shopping, & manicures! (See Vickie's post on her blog.)

-Champaign apartment hunt: to ensure that the Formans really will return to us! (One of several places we looked at)

-Breaking in my new jogger!


-First official patio party....see Laurie's blog....she even came!

-Kite flying




-Terrific/Terrible Toddler stage...she's definitely challenging us.




-spring allergies...word of advice: get the stuff behind the pharmacy counter! That pseudoephedrine stuff is magic, I tell you.

50 questions

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:30
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Children of Men
4. What are your favorite TV shows? Lost, The Office
5. What did you have for breakfast? cereal
6. What is your middle name? Marie
7. What is your favorite cuisine? nachos, if you call that cuisine
8. What foods do you dislike? any seafood
9. What are your favorite chips? Baked Lays cheddar & sour cream
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? John Mayer's Continuum...when I'm not listening to Dora or Veggie Tales
11. What kind of car do you drive? Honda
12. Favorite sandwich? not sure, depends on the restaurant
13. What are characteristics you can't stand? dishonesty
14. What are your favorite clothes? jeans and sandals
15. If you could go anywhere on vacation, wherewould it be? Europe & Hawaii
16. Favorite brand of clothing? not sure I care...it's more about the deal
17. Where would you want to retire? Colorado mountains
18. Favorite time of day? evening
19. Where were you born? Greeley, CO
20. What's your favorite movie? not sure, right now it's TV series..(British) The Office
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? none, except live...I'm learning to appreciate baseball (Go White Sox!)
22. Who do you think will not send this back? not sending it...but feel free to copy & paste=)
23. Person you expect to send it back first? same as above
24. Coke or Pepsi? Coke Zero
25. Beavers or ducks? I don't get this
26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I suppose night, but probably neither one
27. Pedicure or manicure? pedicures
28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? nope
29. What did you want to be when you were little? astronaut & president of the U.S.
30. What is your best childhood memory? hanging out with family at Grandma and Grandpa's house
31. Piercing? just ears
32. Ever been to Africa? no
33. Ever been toilet papering? yes
34. Been in a car accident? yes, but just minor
35. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
36. Favorite restaurant? Chili's
37. Favorite flower? not sure
38. Favorite ice cream? pretty much anything with chocolate in it
39. Favorite fast food restaurant? Subway, I guess
40. How many times did you fail your driver's test? none
41. From whom did you get your last e-mail? my sister
42. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target
43. Bedtime? 10 or 11
45. Who was the last person you had dinner with? Hannah & Isaac
46. What are you listening to right now? Hannah & Katie playing in the dining room
47. What is your favorite color? green
48. How many tattoos do you have? 0
49. How many are you sending this Email to? None.
50. What time did you finish this e-mail? 10:25 a.m.

embarassing confession

I think I realized why I don't play the lottery.
Tonight, HGTV announced who won their dream home in Winter Park, Colorado.
I entered everyday for a month and each time I entered, I got a little more excited about the possiblity of winning this house. I imagined all our friends spending their vacations with us, hosting my family reunions in the summer, deciding what pieces of furniture we would bring back to our Illinois house, and selecting what we would need to sell in order to manage both homes, because, of course, we would need to keep our place here.

I've been very aware of the impossible chances, but someone's got to win, right?
I know we didn't win, but as they got closer to surprising the winner, I peeked down the street to see if there was an unmarked van or a strange group of people carrying a bunch of balloons and a large check. Nope...clear street. But there's still a chance. I mean, they'd drive up to our house only seconds before the big reveal so they get the genuine shocked look for live t.v., right?

Well, not surprisingly, I didn't win. But for some strange reason, up until I saw the winner on the screen, I kept thinking there was a chance. It's amazing how distored my perspective gets when I really want something.

I need to remember this for the little things, because now I really want a double jogger. It's not quite a luxury vacation home, but it's pricy. But I'm still looking for a sweepstakes....or at least a good coupon.

Have you ever felt like you'll never be as cool, kind, funny, smart, pretty, contagious,...(whatever, you fill in the blanks) as everyone else around you? As I get older, I'm getting more and more comfortable in my own skin....but somedays, I feel like I just revert back to annoying, insecure old me.

I'll get over it, but right now, I just want to say, "Uggh."

Telling

A recent conversation I had with Hannah,

"Remember, Hannah, we're sharing the popcorn."

"Remember, Mommy, Hannah don't share."

Emphasis Intended

Hannah's new favorite song is "Zaccheus." You know the "wee little man" who climbed a tree so he could see Jesus walk by? We've sung it more times than I can count, and she's starting to do the actions with me. The cutest part of the song is when Hannah puts her hands on her hips, points, and in a bossy tone says, "Zaccheus, you come down!" She's just mimicing me, that's how I sing the song too.

This may sound trivial to some, but I started wondering what view of God am I creating when I put my own bossy, hand on hip-twist to the song. There are other children's songs that leave me wondering this as well. My first reaction is to think, "How harmless could a little kid's song be?" But on the other hand, I haven't stopped thinking about Hannah repeatedly yelling at Zaccheus, demanding that he come down from the tree, this instant! I mean, that's not the point of the actual story in the Bible. God's grace and unconditional love is the main point.

Tax collectors (Zaccheus) were highly disliked, deceitful, greedy people. Zaccheus knew he wasn't welcome in his community, but wanted to just get a glimpse of Jesus while he was in town. Jesus spotted Zaccheus, challenged status quo and invited himself over to his home, and spent time with him, a reject among his people. It's really a great story of acceptance and redemption, actually.

Do I want Hannah to look cute, but at the same time get the idea that God/Jesus was this purely bossy, harsh leader? Or do I want her to remember God's love and acceptance for all people, no exceptions?

I know, I'm probably taking this little moment, and making it bigger than it is, or am I? I just know, from now on, I'm focusing on the last, most important line (at least, in my opinion), "for I'm going to your house today." And of course, she'll look cute regardless.

Things you may not know about me

I know this is a cheesy post, but I needed ideas on what to post, so bear with me! Some of these aren't new to most of you, but here are some unusual quirks of mine.

1. I love a made bed. If I nap, I won't get under the covers...that's for nighttime sleep only. Isaac hasn't always appreciated this quirk of mine.
2. Cheese tastes better shredded or cut in thin slices. I'm convinced thick wedges or cubes taste completely different. I'll tolerate them, but definitely prefer the former....except for the government cheese we would get in our school lunches....I loved that no matter how it was served!
3. I secretly want to be a Broadway star....I'd even settle for American Idol. =)
4. I wish I would have practiced more on the piano....and not given up playing guitar. This skill definitely would have helped me with #3.
5. I google people....come on, you do too!
6. Hand washing dishes.....I don't hate it as much as I did. I can't believe I'm saying this.
7. Soda pop is yummy for any meal or time of day. But drinking water through a straw is just plain disgusting.
8. I like a challenging, deep book, but also read US Weekly....to Isaac's dismay.
9. Games are much more entertaining than movies.
10. I collect and alphabetize coupons.

You're turn! If you don't blog, post in my comments, I'd love to hear about your quirky traits!

Did I say it can only get better? Well, I should have known better....we rented a JACKHAMMER. So, we did make more of a mess, but I spent the rest of the weekend cleaning up and Isaac worked on the wiring. We always seem to pick the worst possible time of year as well...blizzard conditions. What were we thinking?! Oh well. We had the time, but this is going to take a lot longer than I thought. I sense lots of people saying, "I told you so." So if that's what you're thinking, keep it to yourself. =)

It can only get better

It may look messy, but it's a big improvement from yesterday's mess. We removed a closet...so the room feels bigger than it did before. I can't wait until this space is livable! A new living space will really make our little home more cozy. Stay tuned!

Things you may not know about me

I know this is a cheesy post, but I needed ideas on what to post, so bear with me! Some of these aren't new to most of you, but are unusual quirks of mine.

1. I love a made bed. If I nap, I won't get under the covers...that's for nighttime sleep only. Isaac hasn't always appreciated this quirk of mine.
2. Cheese tastes better shredded or cut in thin slices. I'm convinced thick wedges or cubes taste completely different. I'll tolerate them, but definitely prefer the former....except for the government cheese we would get in our school lunches....I loved that no matter how it was served!
3. I secretly want to be a Broadway star....I'd even settle for American Idol. =)
4. I wish I would have practiced more on the piano....and not given up playing guitar. This skill definitely would have helped me with #3.
5. I google people....come on, you do too!
6. Hand washing dishes.....I don't hate it as much as I did. I can't believe I'm saying this.
7. Soda pop is yummy for any meal or time of day. But drinking water through a straw is just plain disgusting.
8. I like a challenging, deep book, but also read US Weekly....to Isaac's dismay.
9. Games are much more entertaining than movies.
10. I collect and alphabetize coupons.

You're turn! If you don't blog, post in my comments, I'd love to hear about your quirky traits!

Snow Day!

The whole family is stuck at home! Not that I was going anywhere anyways, but I love days when we are all forced to just stay at home. We slept in, ate breakfast, watched the Doodlebops (mandatory if Hannah's around), made Valentine's cookies, and just had an all-around leisurely morning.

I'm also loving today because we've gotten a jump start on renovating our basement. I've been tearing it apart little by little for the last week, and now Isaac has had time to do the really messy stuff today. It's a huge mess, but we're on our way to making our home a little bigger. I'll post pictures soon.

While Hannah napped and Isaac destroyed old plaster, I got to reorganize the other half of the basement. We have so much stuff in such a little space, I have to reorganize every other month or so just so I can get in to do laundry. I LOVE organizing and packing. I think I'd be really good at Tetris...but I really don't need another puzzle to be addicted to.

I'm going to lose it

Today, Hannah does not want to share any of her toys, but wants to hit, push, scream, etc. Meanwhile, I'm trying to remember the sweet moment we had yesterday when we were flipping through some of my childhood pictures together, and she kept seeing me, but saying, "Hannah"......just so I don't lose it.

I wish there were some solution or explanation that would magically make her realize, "Wow, sharing is the best thing ever! Mom, you were right all along."

Uh-oh

Part of Hannah's easel is dry erase. She already has a few markers for this, but I found a couple....probably from my teaching escapades. Anyways, I was working on the computer while she was drawing and I heard her sniff over and over. Before I know it, she comes over to me with a marked up nose and says, "Smells good, mommy. Smell it." Now she's asking for bananas...Expo markers awakened the craving, I guess. How many brain cells did she just destroy?

Caught in the act

Look! She really does know how to share!!

We are blessed

The last 24 hours...actually the last couple weeks.... have reminded me of how loved we are.

Last couple weeks:
-Celebrating and remembering when God became man to redeem us and remind us of His unconditional love
-spending time with all our family....Hannah visited 7 grandparents within one week
-watching how much joy our families get when spending time with our little girl
-playing games, laughing, and eating with dear family that we don't see near enough
-bringing in the new year with my sister and brother-in-law and trying new things (for me, at least)
-Mom driving back with Hannah and I, and buying a plane ticket just to aleviate Isaac's concern and relieve the extra work it is for me to travel alone with Hannah
-hearing that our dog, Schaeffer, seems depressed and misses us (if you knew how I often I "joke" about giving him away, this would surprise you)

Last 24 hours:
-Hannah, my mom, and I were locked out of our house upon arriving....3 neighbors spent an hour and a half "breaking in" so we could be home. In the meantime, Vickie brought food to stock our fridge and dinner for the evening...she even remembered details like the kind of bread, hot dogs, and soda we like.
-calls from friends to invite us to lunch and say how much they missed us and asked if they could help in any way
-Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Tony driving over just for the evening to deliver all the Christmas packages we left with them.

I'm so glad Hannah and I are home, but time with people we love was very good. Now Isaac, you just need to come home.

Where's Waldo/Hannah?

She loves Hide and Seek, but is only now figuring out how to hide. Here's her new favorite spot. Is she cute or what?

Signs that I watch too much Food Network

I dreamt last night that I was on the Rachel Ray show. I was a guest who needed a new hair style....dreams do have a way of revealing truth, don't they? Anyways, Rachel just happened to be a hair stylist in a former life. Apparantly, she opened a spa that became world-reknown. She took "before" shots of my hair, measured the length, then began snipping away. As she worked her magic, we chatted it up. I asked her how could she possibly come up with so many recipes to fill books as well as a couple tv shows. She confided in me (BIG mistake) that she was working on a kosher cookbook. I mean, who has tapped into that market? How many kosher 30 minute meals are there, really?

Then I woke. I never got a glimpse of the new do.....and I really need some ideas.
And, by the way, if you see a new kosher cookbook by Rachel, herself....you heard it from me first.

realization

I've been watching The Office recently and am completely sucked in.
Have you ever wondered if you were one of the characters, which one would you be? I'd like to think I'd be a Pam or a version of Jim, but if I were completely honest with myself, I'm more of a Dwight....a nicer version, but nevertheless, a Dwight. A depressing conclusion, but I definitely want to acknowledge this fact before others beat me to it. Just my way of dealing with my insecurities. =)

Dear Hannah,
Well, it's been a month since your 2nd birthday and I have to admit, you are no longer a baby anymore. Here are just a few new things in the last month:
-you've been sleeping in a "big girl" bed for about a week
-went potty in the "big" potty (just once, but we're on our way)
-identify several letters in the alphabet (H is your favorite, of course)
-can tell the difference between water from the kitchen faucet as opposed to the bathroom faucet
-throw tantrums more frequently and usually in public places

I know these letters tend to be sappy, so I'll try to keep this one short and sweet.
As you continue to grow, I just want you to know how much your dad and I love you and enjoy each new milestone.
You have brought so much joy and laughter and made me a better human being.
And even though the baby stage is over, you will always be my sweet baby.

We'll miss you , Lo Lo!

Here are a few pics of last Saturday before we bid Laurie farewell.



Thanks goodness for iChat! We love you, Lo Lo!

Confession

We caught a mouse.
I'm embarrassingly terrified of them.
Isaac is out of town.
It's in one of those trap door things......still alive.
I put gloves on and threw the whole trap out on the hill, out of our yard.

I am just now realizing it would have been a little less silly and more responsible of me to at least throw it all away in our trash can...the lid would seal it in, right?
I guess I just wanted to leave a strong impression on that horrid critter: stay FAR away from me. Not sure if I really got the point across.

Which Theologan Are You?

You scored as Anselm. Anselm is the outstanding theologian of the medieval period.He sees man's primary problem as having failed to render unto God what we owe him, so God becomes man in Christ and gives God what he is due. You should read 'Cur Deus Homo?' Anselm 73% Martin Luther 47% Augustine 40% John Calvin 40% Jonathan Edwards 40% Charles Finney 33% Friedrich Schleiermacher 27% J�rgen Moltmann 20% Karl Barth 13% Paul Tillich 7% Which theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com

I love this week

Yesterday we returned from the Chicago marathon. I know. I'm crazy. But I LOVE race day. Plus lots of people I love came to cheer us on. What a good weekend.

We returned home to eat dinner with my in-laws and Hannah and listened to their weekend adventures.

Today I read book after book with my daughter.

Vickie came by to chat and play with Hannah.

Pete and Janet brought dinner.

I just got back from listening to Sarah Vowell, an author and contributor to a radio show I really like, and all I can say is, I want her to be my friend. We went to the book signing and all I could muster was to tell her my name. I mean, what do you say that is really of any significance in that moment? "WIll you be my friend" just seems a little needy and creepy. But then again, we stalked Pete and Janet and they still come around.

Friday, Hannah turns 2. 2 years old. I am so blessed and so grateful. My heart is full.

Those of you who know my husband, can you tell me what's wrong with this picture?

While it lasts

The second I publish this, it will all change...but as of right now, I'm sitting on my cozy couch watching the Food Network, while my three, sweet girls are sleeping upstairs...and have been sleeping for about 2 hours. This is very rare, and VERY nice.

Now before I begin, I realize how, in the big scheme of things, my life is pretty good. But I've been feeling very anxious lately. Not that this is all that unusual, for myself or for anyone else for that matter, but I'm trying to figure out the root of this reccurring problem. And my recent anxiety seems very trivial and petty, but nevertheless, it's mine.

I volunteered to lead a sing-along time for the kids at a mom's group on Wednesdays. This past week was my first attempt. The loud and large gym, the enticing, destracting toys scattered throughout the gym, the large number of very young children, and the tired, drained college kids were just the right ingredients for disaster. Now, I'm sure I'm exaggerating somewhat, but I felt ridiculous singing and acting out these fun songs to kids that either looked at me as if I were trying too hard, or they were completely unaware I was up front attempting to get their undivided attention. Very humbling, I must say....which is always good for gaining perspective, right?

As of now, I think the root of the problem is I care too much of what other people think of me....even the opinions of 3 year olds. Wow, that seems borderline psychotic. Now I realize this is just 20 minutes of their lives and doesn't hold much significance, so why does this make me so angst ridden? Because I have nothing else to do? Probably depends on who you ask. But how can I let go of this need/desire/fixation to make sure I leave positive impressions everywhere I go? (However, as I write this, I realize I don't do this with my husband, the one person I definately should value.)

I was just talking to a good friend and we were pondering the question, "Why are we so guarded with people? What does it take to be more comfortable in our own skin?" I'm sure there are some obvious answers, but right now I'm stumped. It's one thing to figure out the solution, but another to apply it in the moment, one act at a time.

Actually, it's rather liberating to be silly in front of a young crowd....and even more liberating to laugh at myself afterwards. Now, if they'd only join me in the tomfoolery.

more pics

The cutest White Sox fan, besides Vickie, of course. (Thanks, Barb!)

European beer guy

If you mess with the White Sox, you mess with me.

rookie observations

Vickie has opened my eyes to the world of baseball and I feel like a kid who's just learning about the basics. She's very patient, and a little amused I think, at my naive questions....and I'm grateful that she takes the time to answer them.
Here are a few things I've noticed (please accept my apologies for any misuse or neglect of baseball lingo):

1. Baseball is a game of multi-tasking. I couldn't believe all the stats they post and keep current play by play. We could get detailed facts on each player, the speed of the pitch, etc., PLUS we could watch the scores of other games. NOT ONLY THAT, but the stadium continually had games/songs/videos playing to keep us entertained. AND SOMEHOW, we still find time to feed our faces. Baseball is either a woman's game, or men have lied when they said they can't multi-task....being the skeptical person that I am, I'm opting for the latter.

2. I love being in the midst of greatness. No matter if it's sports, academics, cooking, music, whatever, I love being present while people, who are considered some of the best in their field, do their thing. I find I especially watch them in the mundane moments. For example, I couldn't help but watch and wonder what the pitchers talk about in the bull pen area. What do they drink? What were they doing prior to the game? Did they drive here on their own after grocery shopping? I never knew that they had their own area, separate from the bull pen.

3. Baseball is all about the pitching. I'm still confused at the complexity of the pitch, but what pressure!

4. How cool would it be to have 40,000 people get up from their seats cheer for you! What a rush! On the other hand, having every mistake under the microscope would be devastatingly humbling.

5. Baseball fans (probably not ALL) are very passionate about their team. However, the players (at least from my observation) seem friendly with other teams.

Here are a few pictures from this past weekend's game:
Vickie and her mom, Barb (and our ticket into the game...thanks, Barb!)


The pitchers heading to the bull pen.

The picture that almost made the big screen!

If only Laurie would have displayed her shirt at the game!

just wondering

I've always thought the word "condone" was misleading. Doesn't it sound like it means the opposite of its actual definition?
I'm surprised some politician or entertainer hasn't misused it in some humorous way. That, or I'm the only one who has to think twice whenever I hear it.
The more I think about it, it's probably just me.

22 months

Hannah,
I know it's cliche, but time has flown by. It seems the minute I feel I've adjusted to a new milestone in your life, you're moving on toward the next.
A few of the milestones:
1. Speaking. You're amazing. Several new words/sentences everyday. I can't keep up.
2. Using utensils. It's messy, but you love to eat applesauce all by yourself.
3. Throwing fits. Telling me, "no." Especially in public. Very humbling. And probably very satisifying for my own mother.
4. You seem to have two sides. One that is very social, friendly, and courageous. And another that is timid, shy, and fearful. You love the playground and seem to have no fear. Yet, when it comes to getting wet, you cling to me and beg to be taken away.

A few thoughts I want you to know about these milestones:
1. Words are powerful. Despite my own failures, I hope you grow to learn how to use them to build up, encourage, and praise. I also hope you know that I will do my best to listen to your heart when words reach their limit for understanding. With God's help, I will try to be slow to speak, and quick to listen.
2. My job is to help you become responsible and independent. But I will always be there for you whenever you need me.
3. I think this is the beginning of a tough stage for me. Your will vs. my will. I hope I always show God's and my love for you throughout the process.
4. I love you just as you are.

Isaac told me that this verse opened the first chapel service at LCC. I think I found my new favorite verse.

"Ask questions. Find out what has been going on all these years before you were born. From the day God created man and woman on this Earth, and from the horizon in the east to the horizon in the west—as far back as you can imagine and as far away as you can imagine—has as great a thing as this ever happened? Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? Has a people ever heard, as you did, a god speaking out of the middle of the fire and lived to tell the story?"

Deuteronomy 4:32-35 (The Message)

Tasks completed:
1. Successful completion of a Sudoku puzzle (I'm new at this, but I think I'm addictied)
2. Answered a million questions...many of them were duplicates...from 2 children I'm temporarily watching.
3. Housecleaning...not worth recording the details, because it's a never ending job and back on the list for tomorrow.
4. Fed the children.
5. Fed & medicated the dog (don't worry, I'm not drugging him for my benefit, it's the doctor's instructions)
6. Babies sleeping and kids having quiet time =)


Still left to do:
1. Shower

We all scream for ice cream!

As part of Laurie's summer extravaganza (or whatever she's calling it.....but who are we kidding, we'd get ice cream for any reason), we took a trip to a favorite ice cream parlor. So we hopped into the car,


and headed to Emack & Bolio's.


Delicious ice cream was consumed and great conversation was had. A good time was had by all. The end.

...worth a thousand words

Where's a sarcastic caption when you need it? Any suggestions? Anyone?

New computer with camera!

I know, you're amazed at my photography & modeling skills. More to come...you're on the edge of your seats, I know it.