Steel Magnolia

Come to mama...

2009-07-15T12:55:00.002-04:00

soon and very soon this lady will be in my hands!! Since I am co-owner of a legitimate photography business...it's no surprise that soon an upgrade would be happening! In a matter of days, this will be at my front door and I can't wait to try her out!! It's the little things, or in my case the very big ones...I will keep you posted on how she works for me!

Meet the newest addition to our family...

2009-06-29T14:05:00.003-04:00

Sweet Lilly! We rescued her from the Grateful Goldens of the Low Country. She is 3 years old and such a sweet girl! She has already made herself a part of this family and we are so in love. We still miss Bailey, but she is in our hearts too!! Welcome to our family Lilly girl!!

Rest in Peace Sweet Girl!

2009-06-16T13:57:00.005-04:00

On May 28, 2009 we had to send our sweet Bailey girl to the Rainbow Bridge! She was suffering on her last day and we felt she was trying to tell us that it was her time to go. This is the very last picture I took of her on that day. We were so deeply saddened! At the same time, we knew that we couldn't let her suffer any more. She gave cancer her all and lived a good life. She will forever be in our hearts and we will never forget the love she gave to us. Dogs bring so much love and happiness to your hearts! Rest in Peacer our sweet Bailey girl. We will always love you...

Our Happy Family

2009-05-06T08:07:00.003-04:00

Bailey continues to do well. It's been a while since I posted but she has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The emergency vet told us she had days to weeks to live and asked us last week if we wanted to put her down that day. We just couldn't, not that day anyway. We wanted at least one more day with her. We brought her home thinking that she would be in terrible pain and that we were selfish for wanting to keep her alive just one more day....well, she had news for us! She's not ready to go yet....she's like a puppy again at times. Her energy is great, she continues to eat in addition to all the extra treats and table scraps that I'm giving her now. She has a cup of Frosty Paws everyday....we are treating her like a queen. She continues to go on her walks and still jumps on people when they come to visit. We know with a diagnosis like this that her days are numbered and we will continue to watch for the signs that it is time, but until then, we are living it up with her! We love you Bailey-girl....

When you know...

2009-04-26T22:55:00.004-04:00

I don't even know if anything is going to happen...but have you ever had the gut feeling that something bad was going to happen? Right now Dan is over at the emergency vet with our sweet, sweet dog Bailey. I am beside myself right now. About 8:30 tonight she started coughing up blood. We were very startled and called the vet. They told us to bring her in right away. I immediately got hysterical and got this 'overwhelming' feeling that I was never going to see her again. Dan actually just called me and it doesn't seem as though the vet is optimistic either. They just took her back for x-rays...please say a prayer for Bailey girl. Bailey, we love you so much!!!

Erin Go Bragh!

2009-03-17T14:38:00.004-04:00

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone. I know it has been a while. I have no excuse except that it's been super busy. We are all decked out in our green today. I have an Irish Stew in the crockpot, made with beef instead of lamb so the boys will actually eat it. I also have some Guinness waiting to be consumed tonight with Dan. YUM! Because what says St Patrick's Day better than Guinness. I'll be back soon with more stories, pictures and posts! I promise!!!

Look Mom...No training wheels!!!

2009-02-23T08:01:00.009-05:00

Last week Harrison rode his bike with no training wheels for the first time. This video clip is from the first moments...I am amazed that he did not fall and was so confident. I guess he was ready...we had no idea. It was a rite of passage for him and I'm so happy we captured it on video....ENJOY!

And now they are.....2!

2009-02-12T14:49:00.004-05:00

Two years ago today our lives changed forever...and for the better. Brady William and Jackson Quinn entered this world 2 years ago today.

Brady,

You are my mommy's boy. I see a lot of you in me. You like things in there place, you like to help clean up, you are a very good eater and you think a smile could brighten anyone's mood. You are so right! You are really tall and look exactly like your daddy. You love cars and trucks and COOKIES! You and Jack have learned that when we pull into the Whole Foods parking lot that if you start saying 'cookie' really loud that Mommy will think you are so cute and get you one. It works everytime! You are in love with your brothers "zarisson" and "dack" and call them by name all the time to get their attention. You bring Jack his 'taggie' when he is crying which tells me what a kind heart you have. I love being your Mommy and love you with all my heart! Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet Brady!

Love,

Mommy

Jack,

Sweet little Jack! Although you are so small you have a very big heart. You are my active little man. You love to throw, catch or kick a ball...anytime or anywhere. You have so much energy, yet still like to be cuddled at night. You let me hold you or rock you anytime I want to. You love your 'taggie blanket' and I like the fact that it makes you feel so much better when you are hurting. You also love anything with wheels and especially love books about them. You are a comedian and love to make people laugh. Your favorite things are 'going bye bye' and 'going for a walk'. You love watching your big brother Harrison and want to be just like him. I love being your Mommy and love you with all my heart! Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet Jack!

Love,

Mommy

I can't believe 2 years has passed. I still remember when they looked like this...

We've been 'Obamacon'ed...thanks Jersey Baby!

2009-01-28T12:11:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Jersey BAby, we've been officially "Obamacon'ed". I've been looking for some funky ways to do the boys pictures to hang in the playroom and after working on photoshop for a little while, I stumbled across Jersey Baby's facebook page and fell in love with these. I went on the site and created 3-one of each of the boys. I'm thinking about having them made into posters to hang in the playroom. For $10 a piece you can't go wrong with these. I love having the words 'hope, progress, change' on each of them too. That way I can tell them that Obama was our President when these posters were made for them. Here are the three I came up with....now go and make your own. It's really fun...

I'm still here...with a list to boot!

2009-01-27T13:41:00.007-05:00

Between running, running to preschool, cooking, shopping and just being a mom...I feel like I've been too busy to post. I really don't have much to say but felt I needed to post. We are just knee deep in winter here and I've been in a cooking storm. I've dusted off some old cookbooks and pulled out some new ones. With my New Year's Resolution to continue to eat healthy, whole foods, we have been cooking more and more rather than doing take out or going out. So, ladies and gents, I've made a list of my favorite cookbooks. I know it's not exciting, but if you are a cookbook junkie like me, you'll like this list. Let me know which ones you like that are your faves too and I just may have to add them to my wish list. In no particular order, here are my top 5 favorite cookbooks.

1. The Williams-Sonoma Cookbook: The Essential Recipe Collection for Today's Home Cook

2. Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics: Fabulous Flavor from Simple Ingredients

3. Bon Appetit, Y'All: Recipes and Stories from Three Generations of Southern

4. The Bon Appetit Cookbook: Fast Easy Fresh

5. Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast: Simple Suppers.. because we all like to get dinner on the table pronto!

Happy cooking everyone! Don't forget to tell me what your favorite cookbooks are!!

A good find...

2009-01-13T09:04:00.003-05:00

as I continue on my quest to eat all natural foods..I discovered this. Ficoco is made from figs and cocoa...two of my favorite things! Although I love Nutella like nobody's business, I don't like the fact that it's high in fat. I spread Ficoco on one of those mini whole wheat bagels and it's Heaven on Earth. No fat and only 60 calories...and it's all natural! I found mine at Whole Foods, but I'm sure there are other stores that carry it too...

Where have I been???

2009-01-11T21:35:00.004-05:00

11 days into the New Year with no post...I know, I know. But I have to say...we have been all recovering from colds here in the magnolia household. Harrison and Dan were hit the hardest. Harrison got his first EVER ear infection at 4 years old. I could hardly believe it!! Anyway, things have been great besides the colds...

Resolutions? How do I top 2008's resolution of running a marathon? I don't know...but I am going to start doing at least one a year. I have my eye on either the Disney (Goofy Challenge, Jen? I'm up for it if you are) or the Charleston Marathon, which may or may not happen. However, these are both in Jan 2010, so technically not this year....So I came up with a list of things that I'd like to do or change for this upcoming year...

1. Lose the remaining 5 lbs and be at my wedding weight...I would love to accomplish this!!
2. Be in the moment with my children...they are growing up way too fast. The twins will be two next month. What happened to my babies?
3. Continue to grow the photography business
4. Continue to eat healthy...leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, veggies
5. Try a detox cleanse..thinking about the Blueprint Cleanse
6. Work on getting rid of all the hormonal havoc that happened to my skin. I'm working with someone and am obsessed with Dermologica products. Trying to conceive, while good for having babies, not good for my skin. (i.e. mask of pregnancy is still on my forehead...)
7. Continue to run 4/5 days a week and strength training 2 days a week.
8. Have fun! Be positive!
9. More date nights with Dan....went to S.N.O.B. downtown the other night and then drinks at Cypress...WONDERFUL!!
10. Surround myself with good friends and family!!

Looking forward to 2009...I promise to post some Christmas pics soon!

2008 was a good one...

2008-12-31T13:25:00.005-05:00

As I reflect on the last day of 2008 I realize what a wonderful year it has been. Dan and I both achieved our resolutions for 2008 by (me) running my first marathon and (Dan) getting a new job. On top of that I managed to start a photography business with my friend Blakely. I lost all and more of my baby weight and am now in the best shape I've ever been in. I feel great about where I am in my life and I have a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful little boys to boot. The best decision we ever made was moving to Charleston, SC. Seriously it doesn't get any better to live on the edge of the map. I think the salt air has done wonders for me emotionally, physically and spiritually!

Tonight we are celebrating the New Year at my friend M's house. We're bringing the kids with us and putting them down to sleep there and then celebrating a little more. I love fondue on New Year's Eve, but what I love more is Champagne. It's really my favorite libation. Can't wait to indulge in a little tonight!!! It should be fun! There are going to be 5 couples celebrating and all of their kids as well. Hopefully the kids will crash from the excitement.

We may bring our Rock Band Wii game over there....it is awesome! I love the singing vocals. So much fun...that's what Dan got from me for Christmas. He got me a great gift as well. I have officially joined the 21st century and am now mobile...with the Photography business I felt as though I needed to have access to emails while on the road. Since I spend so much time in the minivan in the carpool lane, this is what he gave me.....The Blackberry Storm I love it, but now I know why they call the Blackberry a "crackberry"...it's almost as addictive as Facebook!

Happy New Year...may 2009 bring health, happiness and prosperity!!!

Christmas wrap-up...

2008-12-29T13:26:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas here in the Magnolia household. It's been hard to adjust somewhat to reality today as Daddy went back to work this morning. The house is so quiet now as all three boys are taking naps (including Harrison).

I must have spent 5 straight days in the kitchen. I loved every minute of it! For Christmas eve, I decided to make risotto, green beans with garlic and shallots and seared bay scallops. If you have not had jumbo bay scallops before, you must try them. I got them from Whole Foods and they were some of the freshest scallops I had ever eaten. I just added salt, pepper and olive oil and seared them for just a few minutes on each side....YUM! For dessert, I made a cheesecake with strawberry sauce.

Christmas morning I made Barefoot Contessa's Challah french toast...with orange zest-YUMMY! For Christmas dinner I did a Boneless Leg of Lamb with a rosemary-garlic crust...delicious!

The boys had a great Christmas. It was really fun to see it through their eyes again. Brady and Jack are also starting to really get into it...I imagine next year they will all really be into it. I haven't gone through my camera yet, but will post some pictures when I do. I had a really good time just hanging out with my family and enjoying the Christmas season. I'm sad to see it end.

An unforgettable experience....

2008-12-17T08:28:00.004-05:00

AHHHHH...the marathon! I've been mulling over in my head what I was going to say about the whole marathon experience on Saturday. These words come to mind....unforgettable. magical. extremely difficult. long. amazing. grueling...I took every minute of the race in as I ran it. From the starting line to the finish...I took it mile by mile.

As soon as I crossed the starting line the tears started streaming. I was here. I was running a marathon. I couldn't believe it. It was almost magical. The run started off extremely well. It was 26 degrees at the start, but I felt good. I seem to run better in the cold. The sun was out and there was no wind. I started running with the 4 hour pace group. Well, after enduring hill after hill after hill...I knew I wasn't going to finish in 4 hours, so I met up with the 4.5 hour group and settled in with them. I ran with a man for a while that was running his 70th marathon. He was amazing and very uplifting to run with. There were so many inspiring people running next to me. I heard someone say "Look at all of us. Running towards nowhere." I have to say I disagree, we all had somewhere to go or something to run for.

The first half of the race (which we were told was the most hilly, ended up not being so) was awesome. There were about 1000 marathoners and 2500 half-marathoners and we were all running together. At mile 12 we split from the halfs and that's where it got a little harder, mainly because there were now far less people and spectators. Also, I felt there were far more hills in the second half. It could have been that I was tired. Extremely tired. Every hill was a challenge going up. You could see several hills ahead and that made it worse. I have to say...I wanted to stop several times but I didn't....I didn't stop running the entire 26.3 miles...the course was actually 26.3, not 26.2...how cruel and unusual...because believe me...that .10 of a mile hurt because it was all uphill! I kept telling myself to 'keep going, dig deep'. Crossing the finish line with my family watching, my arms in the air symbolizing victory, the medal going around my neck...I'll never, ever forget that!! My garmin time was 4:23:26...not too bad for my first marathon and a very hilly one at that! Did I also mention over 3000 calories burned? You better believe I had a great post-race meal with no guilt!

I'm feeling great today...it's day 4 post-marathon. I actually feel like I could go for a run. I'm not, I'm going to give my body a week to recover. Running is now in my blood. Do I want to run another? Yes I do! I've now got the fever. I found out on Saturday that Charleston is going to have a marathon in Jan 2010...The Lowcountry Marathon! I'm super excited because it should be a nice, flat course which is what I trained on.

I set a goal, set my mind to it and did it. Trust me...you can do anything you set your mind too. It also feels good to say that I am a Marathon Mommy!!!

T minus 8 days...

2008-12-05T11:41:00.003-05:00

until this marathon gets here. For those of you just tuning in, I am running the Charlotte Marathon next Saturday!! It gives me goosebumps just to write this. I have been planning this race all year. In fact, it was my New Year's Resolution for 2008, so it's been a long time coming. I am 30 miles to making my goal of running 1000 miles in 2008. With the marathon and a few runs between then, I'm well on my way. Right now I'm at 971.5..think of where I could have run if I would have run that straight...ha! ha!

Some people have asked me WHY I am doing this? Why not? I'm young (sort of), healthy and in good shape. When my sister's life was suddenly taken from us 10 years ago...it changed my thinking on lots of things...don't put off tomorrow, what you can do today. She was a runner and track athlete and I'd like to think that she would be a runner today. So when I run sometimes I think how nice it would have been for us to do something like this together. She is with me in spirit every step I take on those runs...I'm running for her and all of the other family members I've lost.

Dan lost his grandmother earlier in the week and I can't help to think of her while I run too.

In other very sad news, this family lost their wife, mother, sister, daughter yesterday and I am truly saddened by this. One minute she was taking her kids to the park and the next day she was in a hospital fighting for her life...Life is precious, fleeting, fragile.

I'm not trying to be a downer today...just brutally honest. I've said it before and I'll say it again...please, please squeeze your husband, wife, children tight and extra tight and tell them that you love them over....and over again!

I've been trying to think of something to wear on race day next Saturday...something that sums up this whole experience. I found the PERFECT running tech (dri fit) tee and I think it fits the job....here it is....

because...well...LIFE IS GOOD! So.very.good...

'Tis the season...

2008-12-03T12:09:00.002-05:00

I just love this time of year. Now that I have children I love it even more. I love living Christmas through their eyes. Every year I vow to enjoy it and I'm proud to say that I do! My shopping is completely 100% done. Now I have the rest of the month to make gingerbread houses, look at lights, bake cookies and spend time with my family. Life is good...

A few years ago, both sides of the family made an agreement to buy only for the kids and I have to say...it's been easier. Really, is there anything that we need? If so, we'll just buy it ourselves. Harrison really doesn't NEED anything and all he says he wants is a "black Polar Express train". Well, he's not getting the $250 dollar one, but a much, much, much cheaper one that is indeed black. Will he know the difference?

Brady and Jack love the tree. Everytime they see it they just smile the biggest smiles. They actually don't bother it...just stand there looking at each other and smiling. It's the sweetest thing! They are becoming fast friends, actually all of 3 of them.

I'm just sitting in my quiet house right now, with the tree lit, Christmas music playing, fireplace going and my cookie candle...and am enjoying every minute. As we all know, live the life you want to be living right now....Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving....

2008-11-26T10:43:00.003-05:00

We are headed to my parent's house tomorrow morning for Thanksgiving. I am contributing pie, rolls, cranberry sauce and sweet potato casserole. I can't wait to dig in to all the good food!

I actually have 2 photo shoots while I am up there...should be interesting to shoot in a new place! I also have my 15 year high school reunion on Saturday night. I will hopefully have some good stories from that...

The 20 miler is behind me now...tapering has begun. The big marathon is in 2 weeks. 20 miles in 25 degree weather was brutal...the wind was against me most of the time. I hope the marathon isn't that cold.

Here is a picture of my "Brave Little Bear" at his Thanksgiving Feast at school. Have a Happy Thanksgiving...I know we have so much to be thankful for!

Help a girlfriend out!!

2008-11-20T16:14:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Jessica has been chosen as a finalist in a "Comfort Food Cooking Contest". Please, please help her out by going here. Jessica is a good friend that now lives in Columbus, OH. She also writes the blog Sweet Peas & Pumpkins, which is where I get a lot of my recipes! We lived in Northern VA at the same time and her and Dan once worked together on Capitol Hill.

She has a very good shot at winning. As of today she was in the lead!! Voting ends on Sunday, so go cast your vote now...

Throwing caution to the wind...

2008-11-18T14:00:00.010-05:00

This past Friday we decided last minute to head to Clemson for the game. Imagine that, we were spontaneous!!! We dropped the twins off at my parents in Columbia on Friday, spent the night there and woke up early on Saturday to go to the game. We took Harrison with us and he had a blast!! Our friends from NC were also going along with their children. The kids range in age from 3 to 6-total 5 kids in all. Dan, Harrison and I walked around Clemson a little while, ate lunch downtown, went to the game and met our friends around the 3rd quarter on their side of the stadium. Our side was in the shade and it was pretty chilly! Harrison LOVES Clemson football. I loved being up there. I know I'm biased but it has to be one of the prettiest places around...GO TIGERS! After the game we all went to dinner in downtown Greenville. The kids sat together at one end of the table and the adults at the other. I was so proud of how well-behaved they all were!! It was nice to actually have adult conversation and enjoy dinner with the kids at the same time. One day Brady and Jack will get to participate...

Wholly Guacamole!

2008-11-07T13:33:00.003-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE guacamole. Love it!! I love the fresh, authentic, homemade variety. Sometimes however, I just don't have the time to make it. I've been enjoying having mashed avocados on a grilled havarti, turkey and tomato sandwiches lately for lunch. Imagine my excitement when I was in Super Walmart of all places the other day and found these. They are 100 calorie snack packs of guacamole! And they cost 1.88 for a pack of 3. I think that's great considering the time it takes to mash an avocado, not to mention the browning that occurs-GROSS! Granted it doesn't taste so much like guac, more like mashed avocado. Sometimes that's just what I'm looking for. When the pack is gone, then I'm done too. No more overindulging in guacamole. Seriously, sometimes my friends have to tell me to "step away from the guac". I can't get enough! Anyway, go to your nearest grocery store and see if they have this stuff. Sadly, so far I have only found it at Super Walmart-weird, huh?

Miles and miles to go before I sleep...

2008-11-06T14:37:00.003-05:00

I haven't talked about the "Training" in a couple of days...mainly because I am ready to get it done. In the last couple of weeks I've done 12, 15, and 16 mile runs. Well, this weekend is my 18 miler and I'm dreading it. It's only 2 more miles than the 16 miler, but I'm doing it alone. The 16 miler alone was long enough, but I don't know how I'm going to get through this 18 miler. Anyone out there have any suggestions to make it go faster? I have about 5 weeks until the actual marathon. My thinking is that by now if I can run 16 miles solo then I can run 26.2 with several hundred people-piece of cake, right?

I seriously could not do this without the unending support of my wonderful husband. Every Saturday while I'm out there pounding the pavement, he's getting the kids dressed and fed, not to mention when I have my runs during the week. He is the most important piece of the puzzle to all of this marathon training.

I get several questions from people about what I'm going to do to celebrate once I'm done...not sure yet, but I'll have to think of something special!?!

Who knows if I'll want to do another marathon after this. My goal has always been to do one, but we'll see if I catch that bug I hear so much about. I wouldn't mind doing Marine Corp one day, since we lived up there for 9 years...most of my adult life so far.

Anyway, been super busy with our photo sessions as of late. It's great, very great...I don't think Blakely and I ever expected to be this busy. We are having a lot of fun with it! Once again, I don't think either of us could do it without our husbands. Which is why they will be having fun at "man day" in our neighborhood this coming Saturday...I'll post about that later.

Happy Halloween 2008!

2008-11-01T13:27:00.007-04:00

We had a blast trick or treating last night! I just love our neighborhood-everyone was out on their porches and the atmosphere was so much fun. I made a big batch of chili with the fixins and several of the adults had drinks to share with the parents and candy for the kids. I LOVED Halloween being on a Friday night too. By 9:00 pm everyone was in bed and Dan and I caught up on Entourage. I decided to switch my run to Sunday morning instead of Saturday morning so we could all sleep in...and we all did...until 8:00 am. However, that meant rushing to get out the door in time for Harrison's soccer game. Here are a few pictures from last night. Brady and Jack LOVED getting dressed up. It was so cute to watch them in Harrison's costumes from previous years...Harrison kept yelling "I AM SUPERMAN! I can fly. I'll save you!"

Sweets for my sweets!

2008-10-28T09:41:00.002-04:00

Too cute not to share....I'll update more later.

Can you tell my boys love sweets? I wonder where that comes from....?

We are family...

2008-10-21T13:44:00.008-04:00

Harrison had a blast with his cousins this past weekend. We were out to lunch on Saturday and all of the older cousins (by older I mean 6, 6, and 4) were sitting together and I made a comment on their similarities. It's amazing how much they look alike. Want to see....

Look how cute they all are? Also, Harrison's 'new thing' to do when I take a picture is to make a funny face...it's pretty difficult to get good shots of him. Here's proof...one of them was taken when he didn't realize I was snapping....

I guess you could say he has his 'Halloween pose' all ready to go! Onnika, me niece, made some silly ones as well. Here's one of her...

The hardest part was trying to get a group shot of everyone on our front porch. Here is the best of the bunch...notice the 'cousins'. I can't wait to see how much fun they have together this Christmas!
Dan and his parents, sisters and their kids, along with Harrison. Brady and Jack were napping and I'm behind the camera (as usual)!

Halloween Fun!

2008-10-19T22:05:00.002-04:00

Last night's Halloween party was a lot of fun. It was nice that we could just walk on over to our neighbor's house. I was a 20's flapper girl and Dan was a prisoner from Prohibition. He looked pretty cute, but I haven't loaded the picture yet. My neighbor already loaded hers onto her Facebook page, so here is one from last night's festivities. My neighbors were dressed as 'rednecks'! Of course, morning came pretty early when I realized I had to run the 15 miles I was supposed to run the day before (it rained the day before). It was a LONG run! But I did it and will be paying tomorrow I guess. There were so many times I wanted to stop, but I pushed myself. I realized afterwards that if I can run 15 miles on little sleep then I can surely do this marathon in December.

We had a nice visit with Dan's family this weekend! It was great to see them and watch all the kids together, all 5 of them played their little hearts out. Harrison loves having visitors. When they all left, he said, "who's coming next?"

We took the boys to a Children's festival in our neighborhood and then I hit the beach for a photo shoot! The weather has finally cooled off, which makes it feel more like fall.

After a very busy weekend, I'm off to bed....

15 miles...

2008-10-17T13:43:00.004-04:00

is the amount I'm running in the morning! It's all I can think about today. Guess what will be waiting for me when I get back....?
That's right! I'll have time to think about solving the world's financial crisis, who will be the better President, etc. But this, my friends, will be on my mind to get me through it!!!

If Slacker Mama's gonna do it....

2008-10-16T16:04:00.002-04:00

then I'm doing it too. My friend, (yes, she is really my friend and I miss her) Slacker Mama, posted a high school picture of her from Facebook. Freshmen year of me was all I could find. So tell me friends, was I a 'hottie' freshmen year at Clemson or what? Gotta love the '90's. I'm the red-head in the middle...

Bend it like Beckham...

2008-10-15T11:52:00.005-04:00

Is there anything cuter than a 4 year old in shin guards, long socks and cleats? Makes my heart feel so full....

Life...

2008-10-09T13:56:00.003-04:00

Once again, where did the week go? Dan and I had a wonderful evening last week for our anniversary dinner! It was just so nice to be out all dressed up and feel like a grown-up again.

Friday we had a 'neighborhood block party'! It was so much fun, but A LOT of work. Now that the twins are both walking, they are in two different directions. Dan and I were busy chasing after them and talked and socialized when we could. After being there for a little while, we made our way back home where we met our good friends from North Carolina that were visiting us for the weekend.

It was so good to see Jason, Salley and the boys! Her boys are 3 and 5 and got along with Harrison very well. They played the entire weekend. It was just great to catch up with them too! Salley and I have been friends for years and whenever we get together, it's like we never left. I love that about our friendship.

Saturday morning I was hating that I had to run 13 miles, but once I got into it...it went by fast-all 2 hours and 53 seconds of it. A little slower than last week, but hey, not too bad considering I ran it solo this time! I even treated myself to not one, but two Dunkin Donuts when I got back.

I had to work the Fall Bazaar at Harrison's school, but not before we squeezed in lunch over at Red's on Shem Creek. Later that evening I did a photo shoot of Jason and Salley and the boys over at the beach and can't wait for them to see the finished product. I thought they turned out well.

Before I knew it, it was Sunday and I had two shoots at the beach-one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. Where else can you be barefoot, at the beach and make a little money too? I have to say...I am loving it!

All in all, last weekend was busy, but fun! I've spent the last couple of days editing photos and hanging with the boys! Not too shabby....

9 wonderful years...

2008-10-02T08:50:00.002-04:00

It seems like yesterday that we were getting married. Hard to believe all the incredible things that have happened these past 9 years....Let's see, 2 states, 5 cities, 1 apartment, 1 townhouse, 3 houses, 1 dog and 3 beautiful children! I'd say it's been a blessing for sure! I love you more and more as each day passes. You are a wonderful husband and amazing father and I could not ask for anything more. Here's to many, many more wonderful years together! Looking forward to our dinner out here tonight!

Happy 9th Anniversary sweetheart and love of my life! It has and continues to be an amazing ride...I love you.

12 easy miles...

2008-09-29T11:49:00.002-04:00

I ran 12 miles yesterday morning with my neighbor Jen. We left our houses at 5:30 am and arrived back by 7:15 am-so 12 miles in 1 hour, 45 minutes isn't too bad, huh? Then I quickly stretched, refueled and showered and we were in the car for church by 8:55 am! Afterwards, we treated ourselves to a little Mellow Mushroom downtown, which hit the spot! Eating pizza after running 12 miles = no guilt! It was a beautiful day downtown. We even managed to fit in a family bike ride that afternoon. This morning I was up to do my strength training and didn't even feel like I ran 12 miles the day before. It was awesome running with Jen...we talked the entire time! She's going to do 13 with me next Saturday and she's not even training for a marathon. Can you believe I'm actually looking forward to running 13? I think I'm officially 'addicted' to running! She's done two at 3:45, so I think she knows a thing or two about it :) This weekend is busy, but fun! I'm hosting Bunco on Wednesday, our 9th anniversary is on Thursday and we have good friends coming in town from NC for the weekend! I also have two photo shoots and tons of errands to do. I got called to jury duty and need to get out of that...one of the perks of being a stay at home mom I guess.

"When I grow up...

2008-09-23T16:43:00.005-04:00

I want to be Batman!" This is what Harrison told me this afternoon. I think he may be getting his future "career" confused with his Halloween costume. His choice of costume changes daily...from Spiderman...to Batman...to Superman. Well, at least we have the same 'super-hero' theme? Although, wouldn't it be nice if we really could be 'super-heroes' when we grow up?

We are all doing well. I've been super busy editing photos from shoots that I rarely have time to blog anymore. Ask my business partner...or my husband, editing is quite time consuming. I try do it at night or naptime...really, there is no other time to do it. I'd rather be hanging out with my boys than be on the computer, but I started this blog to talk about them and our lives.

Brady is walking up a storm. He gets better and better every day. Brady and Jack's language has really taken off. Brady will see Jack across the room and shout "DACK! DACK!?!" until his brother acknowledges him. Yesterday Jack said "I won wa-wa!" and walked over to the refridgerator. He was so excited that I understood him and granted his request. He must have been grinning from ear to ear! They, like their big brother, are really, really, really into cars and anything with wheels. As one of three girls I am learning all there is to know about raising boys and what they like.

Just lovin' this awesome weather. We all went for a walk this morning and we're getting ready for another one right now!!

My future 'super-hero'

Future Clemson Tigers

The time is NOW...

2008-09-18T14:23:00.002-04:00

I don't know why I've been so sentimental these days. Maybe it's because I've heard some stories about children losing their parents or parents losing their children or it could be that I'm reading The Last Lecture but I feel like doing all of these things that I say I will do "someday". I admit I'm a pretty busy woman but I when I feel the urge to tell my children I love them, I do. Most of you know that I lost my sister 10 years ago in a tragic car accident and because of that I realize how short and precious life is. It can be gone in an instant. Sometimes I find myself worried about what my house looks like or what I look like or what the boys are wearing and I stop myself and realize that IT SIMPLY DOES NOT MATTER. I'm not dying or anything but I want to live my days as if they were my last. I want my boys to see me as a happy person who had no regrets. I want to be nice to people and I want to have fun! Spending time with the people you love is so much better than decorating your house or obsessing over material things. I recently read a blog that my friend Slacker Mama shared on her blog. This mom lived right down the street from where we once lived in Northern Virginia. I could have seen her at church, the grocery store, Target, the park, etc and now she is in the hospital fighting for her life with a husband and two little girls-2 1/2 and 6 months old-at home. Her husband wrote something on his blog that sent chills up my spine and had me in tears...

First, life is very tenuous - very fragile - and very fleeting. I would give anything to be able to interact with Hyatt again... to hold her, talk with her, smile and laugh with her - and share the joy of life with her. Please do this with your family right now. Stop what you are doing - stop all the busyness of life and go spend some time with your loved ones.

So true, so very, very true...everyone please go tell your children that you love them. Go. Right now!!

Lady Luck

2008-09-16T23:42:00.000-04:00

I believe that I am one lucky lady. I have three beautiful (or handsome) little boys and an amazing husband! Tonight I took Harrison to see the Backyardigans. He liked it, but what I truly liked was watching him watch hit. Seeing it through his eyes made the whole thing worth my time. I love having one on one time with each child and as Brady and Jack get older we will be doing it more often with them too. I feel so blessed everytime I look at Dan and the boys. I am so thankful for all that I have been given. As I type this the rest of the house is sleeping and I should be too. I put a load of cloth diapers in the wash a little too late, but at the time time I am enjoying this time of reflection. I just checked on all three of them and they all looked like sleeping angels. I could literally have stood there for hours staring at them. Don't you just love them when they're asleep? Even Harrison still looks like he did as a baby when he's sleeping. However, my 6:00 am run will be here before I know it, so I better get to sleep. Night-night!

He walks...

2008-09-10T11:54:00.002-04:00

Two days before he turns 19 months, Brady took his first steps! We were in therapy when it happened. He walked for a long time between me and his therapist. He was so happy and proud of himself!!! I'm so excited and proud of him...Jennifer (his therapist) may discharge him completely after next week. She thinks there is nothing wrong with him at all. As a matter of fact, she just felt he needed his time to walk and he is not even tight in his heels anymore. I could literally jump for joy right now. I have prayed and prayed for this day to happen and it finally did!!! Prayers really do get answered. Thank you so much for all of your nice thoughts and prayers! I'll try to post some video if I can.

Alive and Well!

2008-09-09T13:28:00.003-04:00

Of course Saturday turned out to be a perfect day weather-wise! Oh well, we decided to drive over to the beach and eat at a restaurant right on the beach with great views. After lunch, Dan and Harrison went to the movies. We wanted to treat him to special things, since his party was canceled!! They saw "Space Chimp". Dan's opinion was "not that great". I think Harrison just enjoyed watching it on the big screen.

Hanna did not end up being quite the storm they thought, but that's OK! I've been through Hurricane Hugo 19 years ago and I will never, ever forget that storm. I'll take a wimpy storm like Hanna anyday over a hurricane.

Hanna, Hanna go away!

2008-09-05T15:18:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow was supposed to be a super busy day for our family. Harrison had a soccer game at 10:00, his party was at 1:00, and I had a photo shoot on the beach at 6:00 pm. Guess what? It looks as though TS Hanna is going to make an appearance in the Lowcountry and now none of these events will be happening. Oh, and I was supposed to run 10 miles tomorrow morning. I'm a little bummed...but I know it's out of safety that these events had to be cancelled. We hadn't even mentioned Harrison's party to him at all this week because I had 'that feeling' that it may be cancelled. I was going to reschedule but the place couldn't do it until the 20th anyway. We'll just treat him to something extra special. Besides, he's 4, plenty of time for parties! We did a family party last Friday (his actual birthday), treated him to Five Guy's (his restaurant of choice) and had another little party at my parent's house last Saturday. So, we've done a lot of celebrating his birthday.

Jen and I did a 'semi-long run' this morning, 7 instead of 10. It's already looking grey and cloudy out there, so no running for me in the morning. The rocking chairs and hammock are off the porch, the flag is down and the wreath is off the door. We have our 70 bottles of water, flashlights, batteries, candles and plenty of snack food-because when it's storming, there's nothing like eating trail mix and oreos!!!

Get into the groove...

2008-09-02T17:42:00.003-04:00

Whew! It's been hard to get back into the swing of things now that Harrison is going to 4K everyday. It really keeps us busy and me in the car! He had a great 1st day of school and birthday on Friday! We headed to my parents on Saturday after his first soccer game that morning. I think he's really just trying to take everything in and is adjusting...although slowly. I guess it will prepare him for next year when he goes everyday, all day to Kindergarten.

With Hanna on the horizon...there's a possibility that we may be evacuating on Thursday. That puts a big ? for his party on Saturday. I also have a photo shoot that day and he has a soccer game that morning. It may be a busy day that doesn't end up happening at all. My biggest concern about moving back to S.C. was the whole hurricane thing and now we may be 2 days away from evacuation. People were buying water like crazy at the grocery store today. I sent Dan over to Costco after work to buy 2 big things of it...YIKES! We'll see and I'll keep updating our status. In the meantime, I am writing down all of the things we should take with us in case of evacuation.

Signed up for my Half-marathon in October in Columbia. The Governor's Cup Road Race...ummm, that's in less than 2 months. The marathon is in December...where has the time gone? My training is going well but it is still hot, sticky and hot in the morning. Looking forward to those Oct, Nov, Dec mornings again. Bring on the cold (cooler) weather...and Hanna, if you're listening-Please don't come visit us! My 4 year old will not be happy! Oh, if only it was that easy...

4 years ago today....

2008-08-29T06:26:00.000-04:00

you blessed us with your entrance into this world. WOW, how long we waited to hold you and meet you. You have brought us so much happiness sweet boy! You are the family comedian, always trying to make us and your brothers laugh. Your laugh and smile are infectious! You have taught me a big lesson in your life so far...just wait and give things time. You are always doing things on your terms and now I know that is just your personality. You took a bottle when you were finally ready...even though you were 9 months old! You talked when you were ready...it's so hard to believe I was actually concerned about your language. Now you talk all the time and have so many questions about this world we live in. Your daddy and I love you to the moon and back and wish you the best 4th birthday ever....and also wish you the best first day of 4K! Love you forever, Mommy and Daddy, Brady and Jack too! Here you are through the years....1....2....3....4!!! Happy Birthday!

Last few days of summer...

2008-08-26T13:03:00.006-04:00

I can't believe the last few days of summer are here. It really did fly by. We had a great summer playing with friends, going to the pool, parks, etc...just hanging out! Now in a few days Harrison will turn 4 and school starts on Thursday! Pretty soon we'll be back in the grind with Harrison going to school every day. We've been busy just getting ready for the big 4th birthday. His party is actually the first weekend in September since the place we are having it was booked for this coming weekend. He will be having a pirate-themed party with mostly all boys! All he's asking for his birthday is a scooter. We decided to get the Razor one, but it seems so big-boyish. How did my baby become a big boy in front of my eyes? We had to be creative in telling the grandparents what to get him because all he'll say is a scooter. He will be playing soccer this fall, so we'll get him some things to go with that. I can't wait to see him in his cleats, shin guards and uniform. It's so hard to believe that 4 years ago this week I was 55 lbs heavier, extremely swollen and about to give birth to one of the sweetest boys I know. Now 4 years later I have 3 sweet little boys. Here are some pictures from our latest excursion to the park. This park is one of Harrison's favorites because it's a big pirate ship...Ahoy matey!

Crescent Moon Photography is open for business!

2008-08-20T13:36:00.003-04:00

If you are in the Charleston, SC area Crescent Moon Photography is officially open for business. My partner and friend Blakely and I have been busy working on it to get it launched and are pleased with it. For those of you who don't know, the S.C. flag has a crescent moon on it, hence the name of the business. We South Carolinians have a lot of state pride (as do the Texans) and are proud of our state flag....so look around and let me know your thoughts. I'd love any feedback. We're hoping to be starting a business blog that will attach to our site as well. So check back often! If you're in the area or visiting, we'd love to take photos of your family.

So, in case you're wondering this is what I've been up to..between this, facebook (it's so addictive), Dan's birthday, him being off, planning Harrison's party, getting ready for preschool, soccer, Brady's physical therapy, etc...it's been a zoo. Then again, I wouldn't have it any other way!!

I've been MIA...

2008-08-18T08:07:00.005-04:00

I know it's been a while...we were so busy last week with Dan being home on his 'staycation' all week. It was nice having him home. We had a great date night out at the Hootie & the Blowfish concert on Friday night. I still love me some Hootie! They did not disappoint!!! I have so much to share, but I'll leave with you with our latest family picture and report back soon...

New kicks and a new biz...

2008-08-08T15:47:00.003-04:00

Last month I was in severe calf pain from running. I pretty much cut my running in half last month because it was too difficult to run. I couldn't figure out what was going on. I kept stretching, icing, resting...I even took up biking. I like biking, but it doesn't burn near the calories that running does. My last ditch effort was to get new shoes....well, guess what? It was the shoes. My calf is now completely better. My shoes were near the end of their life at 300 miles, so I didn't even think that they could actually cause pain. My calf is so much better and I have "OFFICIALLY" started training for the marathon. I am so excited, nervous, scared wrapped up in one!! Here are the shoes I got: the ASICS 2310's

On other notes...I've been super busy this week getting ready to get the photography business running with my partner. We are meeting next week and will hopefully get started on the website, pricing and various other things. I will keep you posted when the website launches. If any of you are planning on being in the Charleston area anytime, please look us up if you are interested in doing a shoot!!

Girl time in the 'Ville '08

2008-08-05T13:22:00.005-04:00

The girls and I had such a great weekend. It's always a great time when it seems like you never left each other. We also got to meet J's baby girl for the first time....she is so adorable. We went out to lunch, we walked around, we drank wine, I ran 3 miles with C after drinking 2 glasses of wine...wouldn't recommend that one! We did Chinese take-out and talked and talked and talked. On Sunday I did a photo shoot of R in Falls Park downtown Greenville, which ended up being a beautiful location. We also went to Blue Ridge Brewing Co. for brunch (which is my all time favorite meal) and get this, complimentary mimosa's. That's right, FREE! The crab benedict was incredible! Greenville is the cutest city. They have done so much to the downtown area, it makes me ALMOST want to live there....except I'd miss the beach. Next year, the girls will head to A's house in Athens, GA because her little boy will be around 9 months old this time next year...she's due in Dec. Here is a pic of me, A, and J with her little one (C had already gone back to Richmond, VA) and a sweet pic of R from the shoot. It went by way too fast...can't wait for next year!!!

A, J and baby R, me

Girls Weekend!

2008-08-01T14:21:00.003-04:00

I can't wait for my girls weekend! I leave tomorrow morning for Greenville where my friend J lives. Rumor has it we are eating lunch in Clemson!!! It will be nice to catch up with A, J and C. A is pregnant with her first child (a boy!!!) so she is the lucky recipient of boy clothes. I've been cleaning out closets...I can't wait to meet J's sweet little girl Riley for the first time. She was born in Feb. Here's a picture of us from last year's girl's weekend at my house (we meet every year during the summer). Wow! I've lost 15 pounds since this pic was taken and my hair is A LOT shorter. I'll be sure to take some of us over the weekend. I'm doing a photo shoot of Baby Riley as well.

J, me, A, and C this time last year

Mad about "Mad Men"

2008-07-31T15:57:00.003-04:00

I am LOVING the show Mad Men. Actually, Dan and I both LOVE it and I honestly can't remember being excited about TV in a long time. How did I not know about this until recently? We caught up with Season 1 on our On Demand and Season 2 just started this past Sunday. It's on AMC (I know, how random) on Sunday at 10:00 pm, so set up your DVR's. It's witty, clever, creative, very well written and very classy. It's set in the early 60's, so it definitely let's me feel as a woman how far we've come. There's just something about that period in time that intriques me. Go on, watch it, you'll see what I mean. Dan and I by all means don't watch all that much TV, but this show is definitely one we don't miss.

Took the boys to the free summer movie this morning. It's the last one for the summer, which means that summer is actually winding down. How can this be? School starts in less than a month down here. So hard to believe my little boy will be in school every day this year...

Brady had PT yesterday and he did really well. The PT doesn't seem to think it's really that bad. She assures me how strong he is, how social he is and that it is just a gross motor delay. She also made another observation. She was demonstrating a stretch on Harrison and said, "Wow, he's pretty tight too?" I asked what she meant. She said his muscles even at a relaxed state were tight. I told her that Dan and I are both pretty tight ourselves and she actually believes that Brady's issues may be genetic and his "tight" muscles are keeping him from walking at this point. In my mind, I know he will walk but for some reason this made me feel SO much better. We are taking everything day by day here and that's about all I can do.

"Shoot" for the stars....

2008-07-30T13:30:00.008-04:00

Last week I had two photo shoots with two different families. The first one was on the beach at Wild Dunes....they were so much fun to be around and I felt that I got some cute ones. Wild Dunes was a gorgeous area to do a photo shoot. The other family was taken in my neighborhood, which is a beautiful spot to take photos. My friend/neighbor/future business partner B and I are starting to talk names, websites, etc about the business so I'm getting super excited. Both families gave me permission to share the images on my blog, so here are a few that I captured.

Thank you...thank you...thank you!

2008-07-29T13:42:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to thank everyone SO VERY MUCH for their heartfelt support on the last post about Brady. You really have NO IDEA how much support from people I know (friends I haven't seen in a long, long time-I MISS YOU GIRLS-Sweet Pea Chef, Deep in the Heart, Slacker Mama, Marathon Mom, Clemson Girl...the list goes on) and from those I don't know. WOW! I am humbled and honestly touched. I had a little rough patch on Sunday (and I know I will) and went back and re-read the comments and they lifted my spirits so much. I look at that sweet little boy and I KNOW he is going to be OK! Anyway, just wanted to say thanks again for the support from the blogging world....who knew how special it could be?

I've put my heart back in my chest....and the pity party if officially over!

2008-07-25T14:39:00.003-04:00

*WARNING: This is not my usual happy-go-lucky post, but as true and raw as I can be right now. This post is about my sweet little boy Brady and the latest with him.* I promise to be happy-go-lucky as soon as possible*

I was hesitant about posting about this at first because of how vulnerable it would make me, but this blog was started for myself and my family. One day Brady will read this and I want him to know exactly how much his mommy and daddy are rooting and fighting for him.

For the last 3 days, I've been in a fog. We had Brady's PT evaluation on Wednesday and the news didn't seem all that great, but at the same time I knew in my heart of hearts that it wasn't going to be-he has hypertonia in his legs. What does this mean? It means that even at resting his muscles are contracted and stretched which makes it hard for him to walk (or which is why he is not walking). The PT informed me, even though I already knew, that he would not be walking anytime soon. In fact, this could be a very difficult road for Brady. When she left, I had a good, long cry in the bathroom and felt very, very sad for Brady. Images of Brady riding a bike, playing soccer, running with his brothers flashed in my head. As a parent we have visions for our children...we don't have visions of them with a disability. And although we don't know for sure if this is a "disability", it is what it is, he has a gross motor delay. So I spent the next several days questioning God, "Why Brady?", "Why me?", "How can another BAD thing be happening to us again?"

And today after a good cry in the shower, it hit me-the lights came on. God doesn't give this Steel Magnolia anything she can't handle. I guess He thinks I can handle more than the average person....losing my sister, dealing with infertility and now...? My job is to be Brady's mother, his cheerleader, his best advocate-it's not to be SAD for him and to PITY him. He doesn't need that-he needs someone who believes he can do anything and I know that he can and will walk one day. Besides, I have two other beautiful children that need me as well. We have an amazing and wonderful life and I it will continue to be just that.

Maybe I became a special education teacher for this exact moment. I know the right questions to ask and the right providers to talk to-just as I "knew" I would encounter infertility, I dealt with it, followed the advice of doctors and became my own best advocate and because of that I have these 3 wonderful boys in my life.

I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, my son, or the rest of my family. We are going to be OK, Brady is going to be fine because he has a family that believes in him and knows that he will do anything that he sets his mind to. He doesn't need a mother that is going to be sad for him, wishing he was this way or that way. He has a mother that is going to root and cheer for him like any mother would do for their child. He is still the same Brady he was yesterday, happy as a clam and very smart too. If I could only give you a recording of that sweet little voice of his. His and Jack's language is exploding everyday-new words here and there and it always makes me smile to hear them.

There may be those who don't think I should have posted all of this, but I'm doing so because there may be someone out there just like me, having their own pity party, and may need that extra boost of assurance that their child is going to be fine. My job is to be Brady, Jack, and Harrison's SUPER MOM and that, my friends, is what I am.

Are they twins??

2008-07-23T15:28:00.006-04:00

This is a question I get just about everyday when I'm out. Seriously, they are! "But one's bigger than the other". I always respond, "They are not identical, they're fraternal." Soooo, lately I've started dressing them the same, or at least in coordinating outfits. #1 because it's easier and #2 so that people may not state the obvious all the time. Also, for some reason because Jack is smaller, people often assume he is a girl. He looks nothing like a girl, but a lot of people assume the boy/girl twin thing. Anyway, here are some pictures from the other day. The boys were being silly and they were dressed the same...so I thought I'd share.

A rainy day baking project...

2008-07-18T17:01:00.000-04:00

Harrison has been in VBS all this week and today was supposed to be a family picnic over at Splash Island. Because of all of the rain we've been having, it was cancelled. I quickly decided since it was raining that we would have a baking activity to keep all parties interested while the twins were napping. For some reason, I enjoy baking when it's raining outside. To me, they seem to go hand-in-hand. Harrison LOVES to help me in the kitchen and we always have so much fun together. I decided since I had all the ingredients on hand that I would make pistachio biscotti. We are BIG fans of the pistachio in this house...so I was hoping it would turn out. Well, they did and all 4 of us devoured them during our tea-time. Tea-time, you ask? Are we in Britain? No, but I am trying desperately to teach my boys some table manners and I figured after naps/snack time was the best time to try. We all sit at the table and eat our snack together. Dinnertime can be so chaotic, so this has been fun to try out. Plus, it relaxes me a little before the "wild/crazy" time in our house, which is between 5:00 and 6:00 pm, before daddy gets home. I figure if it's good for the Brits, it's good for us...here are some pictures from our little baking/eating extravaganza.

A job that is "fun"...

2008-07-17T13:14:00.005-04:00

Lately I've been thinking about starting a photography business with a good friend of mine...I get so excited thinking about it. I've been taking pictures of families and children about every weekend for the last 5 or so weeks. Right now I am not charging anything, as I see it important to build a portfolio. Taking pictures of other people's families has been SO MUCH FUN! I can't explain in words how it makes me feel to know what I have done for another family by capturing their children in a special way. And although I haven't been "paid" with cash, every family that I have taken has given me some special gift, which is really sweet.

My "job" before motherhood was teaching in special education. Although very rewarding, it was also very, very stressful. I taught children with severe autism for a couple of years and then moved on to teach children with learning disabilities and serve as Screening Chair for my school. High stress let me tell you! As I contemplate one day re-joining the workforce, I don't see myself going back to all of that stress, especially now that I am a parent. It just wouldn't allow me the flexibility I want to be with my children. Yes, I know we have the "summers off", but as every teacher knows, you truly never have any time off-as there are always lesson plans, themes, trainings, etc to attend to.

I really hope that my friend and I can get this photography business off the ground...if I can have a job that is as much fun as I have had taking pictures for these families....I would start tomorrow. Here are a few of some of the pictures I've taken. I'm only including the backs of the children for privacy.

As pretty as a picture...

2008-07-15T14:23:00.005-04:00

This past Saturday we decided to throw caution to the wind (ha!), be spontaneous and drive the whole family over to Kiawah Island for the day. Turned out to be a wonderful family day. The drive took about an hour, but it was such a beautiful drive along Bohicket Rd, see for yourself...this is the view from the car.

The road was like this for about 10 miles or so and it was beautiful. When we got there, we decided to walk around Freshfields Village for a while. There were tons of cute shops and even an old fashioned soda fountain complete with formica tables and a bar with swivel stools. Harrison loved it. Dan and I shared a peanut butter and chocolate sundae with the twins and Harrison had his own ice cream of course. Afterwards we rode on over to the beach...the sand is very different from our beach...very white and fine. I liked it because it didn't get all over everything. We'll definitely be going back, maybe even for a vacation. Oh and honey, when we celebrate the big 10 next year, I wouldn't mind a night or two at The Sanctuary.

I love waking up and having no plans and then all of a sudden it being the best day ever...don't you love days like that?

The entrance to Freshfields Village, how cute is that?

Happy Birthday Dad, Grandpa!

2008-07-14T14:35:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Dad aka Grandpa-we hope it's a good one!!! Harrison hopes you enjoyed your birthday song....

Love,

Dan, Lee, Harrison, Brady and Jack

My dad and Harrison (14 months)

Love me do...

2008-07-11T16:04:00.003-04:00

I think I've pulled a fast one on Harrison. When we get in the car, he always request to listen to his "special music", which basically is the same Laurie Berkner CD we've been listening to since he was a baby. I am getting a little tired of it. Our van came with built in XM, so I love listening to it, since it really is the only time I can listen to "my" music. When we were in Vegas and went to see the LOVE show set to The Beatles, I got the urge to pull out my Beatles One CD (the one with all of their #1's in one CD) and pop it into the CD player in the van....well, Harrison thought this was great. "OOOO Mommy, I love this! Is it 'special music'?"....It only took me half a second to respond, "Yes it is sweetie, it's The Beatles and it's very special". Guess what? Now everytime we get in the car he requests his "special Beatles music"....I'm good, pretty darn good. See you around Laurie, there's some new special music in town!

Life is Good!

2008-07-09T13:12:00.004-04:00

My 3 super-active boys are settling into their naps, I'm drinking an iced Madagascar Vanilla Red tea-my new favorite, no caffeine, no artificial flavors, no calories and loaded with antioxidants-and sampling one of Bubba's Beer Biscuits that I made for tonight's supper club, which is an All-American theme. Bubba is Paula Deen's brother, for those of you who didn't know that. Don't judge me for eating them, I did bike 11 miles this morning, as well as yesterday morning. Biking, you ask? Well, I'm taking a week off from running. My right calf has been bothering me for a couple of weeks and after a terrible run on Monday, I've decided I can't risk being injured for my marathon that is 6 months away. I had a little pity party at first because I love running so much, but biking is working other leg muscles that running doesn't work, so I guess it is a pay-off. I still get up early to go and the scenery is amazing. My butt hurts when I am done for sure! I almost burned the same amount of calories running 5 miles as biking 11 miles, but I do miss the running!

Yesterday I took the boys to the library so Harrison and I could check out some books. That boy has never met a book he didn't love. I also love checking out cookbooks-LOVE it! I read cookbooks like regular books, always looking for that perfect recipe. I also picked up Paula Deen's autobiography, which so far has been a pretty fast read. I love reading biographies about cooks or chef's-always wondering how they got into the business. She has really come from nothing-she is an amazing woman! I sat on the porch last night after the boys went to bed and Dan was playing tennis with a friend, and with the coastal breezes in the air and the smell of the marsh, I actually felt like I was on vacation, reading her book while sitting in my rocking chair. So really, right now Life is Good!

Viva Las Vegas

2008-07-07T14:23:00.004-04:00

We had a great time last week. It has been forever since I've posted but between coming back home, doing laundry (lots and lots) and re-stocking the pantry...I feel like I've been playing catch up since last week.

Let's see. Last Saturday night was my cousin's wedding. It was so much fun catching up with people I hadn't seen in a really long time. After the reception, it was off to Charlotte to drop off Harrison at his aunt and cousin's house. Sunday morning we flew out bright and early with no issues at all. It was so neat flying into Vegas because it's such a different landscape than what I'm used to. Lots of red clay mountains, no trees, no vegetation....It was hot, hot, hot! 111 when we arrived in Vegas around noon. We quickly checked into our hotel and walked around for a while. Our first stop was Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay for lunch. It hit the spot! Afterwards, we ventured our way down the strip going in and out of hotels, shops and casinos. It was a lot of walking and I certainly was not used to the dry heat-it's still hot-even without the humidity. We walked through The Bellagio and watched the fountain "show". It was pretty cool, this particular one was set to Frank Sinatra-so that was pretty neat. We also walked through Caesar's Palace where I played the slots. That's really all the gambling I did...not really into it but fun to watch. For dinner we went to Mesa Grill-owned by none other than THE Bobby Flay! It was awesome-so uber-trendy and the food was quite good. I enjoyed myself at $12 margarita (the drinks in Vegas were outrageously expensive!) but it did not disappoint...we were pretty beat so hit the hay pretty much after dinner.

The next day, Dan had to work (after all this was a business trip for him) and I decided to hang out poolside in the morning. It was nice just being by myself at a pool with a book and magazine...AAAHHHH! Later on, I showered and walked back down to Wolfgang Puck's Spago located in Caesar's for lunch. I even sat at the bar, my choice and loved every minute of it. Afterwards, I walked into some of the upscale shops in Caesar's and Bellagio just for kicks...Jimmy Choo, Prada, Chanel, Hermes, Carolina Herrera, Fendi....of course I did not buy a thing from there, but it was fun to drool....I mean look! By the time I was done with my sight-seeing, Dan was done for the day so we sat by the pool at our hotel and sipped on a mojito and people watched. People watching was my all time favorite activity while we were there! I was amazed at how many drunk people there were and how many kids I saw. It's too darn hot for little kids to be there, not to mention pretty inappropriate...but anyway. We then got ready for dinner where we went to Mario Batali's San Marco restaurant located in The Venetian. It was OK, but did not in any way compare to Bobby Flay's restaurant. We were excited though, because after dinner it was off to see the show LOVE which is set to Beatles music at The Mirage. It was amazing!! I highly recommend seeing a show if you are in Vegas. We had an great time in Las Vegas, just the two of us, able to reconnect for a couple of days. Really we could have been anywhere, just being alone with Dan was worth it! Soon it was time to come home to our children, who did very well with their grandparents (thanks mom and dad for keeping Brady and Jack) and their Aunt Debbie (thanks Debbie for keeping Harrison). We missed them so much...but are so glad we got to get away.

We had a great 4th also. Went to a friend's house for a cookout and fireworks. The boys all had a great time because everyone slept in until 8:30 the next day. We really needed the sleep. Anyway, sorry this has been a book...

Seriously, Y'ALL have to try this stuff...

2008-06-27T17:28:00.003-04:00

Ummm, yep-that's what you think it is...Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and it's made right here in Charleston. This stuff is absolutely the best liquor I've ever had. If you ask for it with water and a splash of lemon (and on the rocks), it tastes just like a glass of sweet tea. Not too sweet though and you can't taste ANY alcohol-NONE, zip, zilcho- so they are dangerous. Sip slowly!! Last night we had MOM's night out and a few of us ordered one and I think I quite possibly have my favorite cocktail now. Unfortunately right now they are only sold in 6 or so states and they are literally flying off the shelves in S.C., but hopefully they can keep up with demand so everyone can sample this stuff. Makes me proud to be southern I tell ya, I tell ya.

We are off to my cousin's wedding tomorrow night. It should be a blast. I feel like it's going to be like a reunion. So many people I haven't seen in a LONG time (since high school) are going to be there and then Dan and I are off to Vegas on Sunday. Can't wait to share details about our trip! I'll be back online next Thursday-have a great weekend!

She got $91 worth of WHAT?

2008-06-25T15:27:00.002-04:00

Dear Regal Cinema Workers,

I thank you so dearly for offering the free summer movies during the week. It's been a great way to escape the sizzling heat and enjoy cheap popcorn and a drink. I love it when you tell me that it will be $2 for a popcorn and drink at the movies, instead of $80,0000. But anyway, I digress...the real reason I am writing you this letter is because of your lack helping the people waiting in line, instead focusing your efforts on filling the order of the lady who spent $91.00 for her concessions, yes $91.00! I know, I know I should be thankful that the movie was free and the food was cheap, but do you know how hard it was for me to get 3 young children dressed (myself included) and out the door to get to the theater by 10:00 to see the movie, only to have to wait in line for 20 minutes to wait for snacks? I saw you looking at me, me with my double stroller and 3 anxious children, patiently waiting to get in to the movie so my 3 year old could have his popcorn and drink in peace and my 16 month old twins could have their sippies and Annie's crackers. But did you help the others, did you try to hurry up the woman with the ginormous order? No, you took your sweet little time which made us 30 minutes late for the movie. My children didn't care because quite honestly the movie was not that good. In fact, it had what I felt was a scary part (which is when my son told me he did not like the movie anymore). So, we scooted out with popcorn and drink in tow. I now need another shower because I was drenched in sweat just trying to make it to the movie in time...just thought you should know.

Yours truly-
A very tired mommy just trying to show her kids a good time in this blazing, blazing heat
Steel Magnolia

Summer is flying by...

2008-06-24T08:11:00.005-04:00

I feel like we have been so busy these last couple of weeks. Harrison had camp every day last week and loved it. It was a week all about dinosaurs. This week we have some activities planned during the day (free summer movie, open play at My Gym, playgroups, playdates, pool, errands) but primarily getting ready for my cousin's wedding on Saturday night and then leaving right after that for our trip to Las Vegas on Sunday. I.Can't.Wait! I'm so excited just to be able to read a book or magazine on the plane, sleep in, eat dinner without having to cut food up into little pieces, people watch to my heart's content-you get the drift. I LOVE my children deeply, but sometimes everyone needs a little break, even if it's just to appreciate them that much more.

We had a great, low-key weekend. It rained A LOT here (which we so desperately needed), but we did manage to hit the beach on Saturday morning. After this past weekend, it gets really packed with tourists here, so I really wanted to get to the beach before it got too crowded. On Sunday, I had a Charleston Junior Woman's Club Board retreat, which lasted most of the afternoon, but it did get me excited about our upcoming year and the charities we are supporting. It was held at a member's home (which was an incredibly beautiful home downtown Charleston-it was like a museum). All I kept thinking was my kids would destroy this place...she even had a child (granted a 3 year old girl, but still). Anyway, it was a potluck and I made Paula Deen's Better Than Sex Cake....it was pretty good. Here's the recipe....

Is it Really Better than Sex? Cake
Ingredients:
1 18.25-ounce box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 3.4-ounce box French vanilla pudding, plus ingredients to prepare
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup flaked, sweetened toasted coconut
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare yellow cake mix as directed using a greased 13x9x2-inch pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. While cake is baking, combine the pineapple, 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Remove cake from oven and using a fork, pierce holes into cake. Pour pineapple mixture over hot cake and set aside.
Prepare pudding according to package directions. Spread pudding over cake and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Whip heavy cream and remaining sugar until stiff. Cover top of cake with whipped cream and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
Yield: 16 to 20 servings Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Ease of preparation: easy
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Silly boys and a dog...

2008-06-19T14:26:00.006-04:00

The boys and Bailey were being silly the other night after dinner...so I thought I'd capture the moment with my camera...
So Bailey doesn't LOOK very silly in this picture, but she really was being silly. And yes, Bailey is a girl-there needs to be another female in this house besides moi! She is so great with the boys-she actually spoils them a little, allowing them to climb all over her and not really caring at all. Please say a little prayer for her, we found another lump, this time on her leg and are taking her to the vet tomorrow. For those of you who don't know, she survived cancer last year and our vet has deemed her the miracle dog. She had 5 teeth and part of her upper jaw removed and she's still a trooper (she had an osteosarcoma in the mouth, this is usually lethal in dogs). Bailey-girl, we hope you will be OK and we love you very much.

Bathroom fit for a king....or 3 little princes

2008-06-17T14:38:00.004-04:00

I have recently re-done the boys bathroom and am so excited how it turned out. We still need to paint it...but that will come. Here's the picture from the Pottery Barn Kids website of the shower curtain, bath mat and towels...their's are the blue and green, of course!

A new running partner?....NOT!

2008-06-16T13:37:00.003-04:00

Saturday morning I got up at 6:00 am for my run. I was only going to run 6 miles because we had to drive to my sister's house in the morning and we had a party that night, so there was a ton of stuff to do around the house....I felt really good during the run and said, "What the heck, I'll just go ahead and run 9 and be done with it". I was plugging away, running my usual loops-when I turned the corner and saw what I believed to be a rubber tire in the middle of the street. I thought, "Hey, that's weird, but oh well". As I got closer "the tire" moved. Well, it wasn't a tire, but an ALLIGATOR people. That's right...I panicked! I was about 6 feet away from it (it was about 6-7 feet long)when I screamed and quickly turned around and ran back the other way. I was looking for someone to tell, but couldn't find anyone. At this point I was running so fast I couldn't catch my breath. My Garmin said I was running at 4:58mm. When I felt it was safe to slow down I did...but at this point I was done. I ran home and clocked in at 7.2 miles. We have alligators all over the ponds around here, but this is the first time I've ever seen one on the street before. I was a little freaked to say the least. My neighbor and I ran down that same street this morning and I have to say I was a little scared, but Mr. Alligator was no where to be seen. Hopefully, he will stay in his little pond and will not want to greet me on the street ever again.

Happy Father's Day!!

2008-06-15T10:04:00.004-04:00

Happy Father's Day to the greatest dad and husband around. We love you so much!

Love, me, Brady, Jack, Harrison and Bailey the dog

Summertime's a callin' me....

2008-06-13T13:57:00.007-04:00

I've definitely turned into a dress wearing girl. I've always loved dresses, but when I started staying at home with the boys, I started wearing shorts more and more. Moving back to S.C. where it's hot more than it's cold...I started to realize that dresses are way cooler than shorts-DUH! Plus, I feel cuter wearing them. When I'm home with the kids, I usually throw on a simple knit dress or a tank and skirt. I'm all about FUN fashion, I love wearing different pieces and making a fun statement with my wardrobe. My neighbor (who is not all that friendly-don't worry she doesn't read this) asked me where I was "going" the other day because I had on a knit dress, I replied, "Not going anywhere, we just got back from the beach and I'm showered and clean and felt like throwing on a dress". Do you have to be "going anywhere" to wear a dress? Anyway, the top dress is one of my favorites and I'm wearing it to a party tomorrow night. It's super-comfy and keeps me cool in the humidity. I've also included some of my other favorites....from J Crew, of course! However, these are not dresses that I wear everyday around the house...just fun summer dresses-either to a party, cook-out, dinner, etc....

Tag...you're it!

2008-06-12T13:29:00.002-04:00

This is for you, Slacker Mama-

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Newly engaged, finishing up grad school in S.C., packing my bags to start my new life in Alexandria, VA-had never lived outside of S.C. before, so I was ready for my new adventures with Dan.

2. What are five things on your to-do list today?
Work out, take the boys to the free summer movie, fold laundry, run errands, make dinner

3. Snacks you enjoy?
Pita chips and hummus, chips and guac or pico, greek yogurt, dark chocolate squares

4. Places you've lived:
Manning, SC
Clemson, SC
Columbia, SC
Alexandria, VA
Herndon, VA
Bristow, VA
Sterling, VA
Charleston, SC

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?
Buy a beach house in Hawaii and a chalet in Switzerland, travel (all over Europe, South America, Hawaii), take my family and friends on a vacation, start a charitable organization, donate money to help find a cure for cancer

6. People you want to know more about?

The people I tag...
Junebug and Sweet Pea
Two Boo Boos
Pinot and Pacifiers
Mommyvents
Magnolia Mama

and anyone else who wants to play....

Vegas Baby!

2008-06-11T07:51:00.003-04:00

Dan and I are off to Vegas in a little over 2 weeks for a couple of days. I CAN'T WAIT!! Special thanks to my mom and dad for watching Brady, Jack and Bailey (our golden retriever) and to Debbie (Dan's sister) for watching Harrison-it means a lot!! So, for all of you who have been to Vegas, where do you recommend we eat? What shows are good? Dan's been there a couple of times with work, so I'd like to go to places where he hasn't been before...(he's going for work again, I'm just tagging along with him). I'm really just looking forward to flying alone, sleeping in and spending some quality time with my husband....the rest is just a big bonus!

Some kids have a blankie, some kids have a teddy bear....

2008-06-09T15:23:00.003-04:00

but my sweet little boy has THIS to keep him warm and snuggly at night....

So cute I had to share...the boy loves his new truck and shovel set for the beach. We had a great weekend. First off, the bacon wrapped watermelon rinds were a hit-I even made them for another party on Sunday evening. Harrison had a blast running around with the other kids. I ran my 9 miles on Saturday and it was pretty hot-not a dry spot on my body! It was well worth it though-I felt great afterwards! We hit the beach later that morning and it was hot-even on the beach. We stayed in the water most of the time. Naps are always nice and long after we get home, so it's worth all the time it takes to pack the car, lunches, apply sunscreen, walk to the beach, set up, clean up, shower, bathe 3 kids....etc, Is it making you tired yet? Believe me, it is pretty tiring.

Later that afternoon, I did a photo session for a very good friend and her family. It was fun, but my car said 99 at 5:00 pm. Luckily I was able to get some good ones of her kids, but we will definitely re-shoot when the weather cools off a bit. A friend of mine and myself are in the very beginning stages of starting a photography business...so I am very excited about that! It's so much fun to capture children and families in a candid way. We hit Jack's Cosmic Dogs for dinner which Harrison had been begging to go to...he doesn't really like hot dogs though, but loves the atmosphere and the soft-serve ice cream (which we all indulged in) and it really hit the spot. He kept referring to the restaurant as Brady's Cosmic Dogs...because he is REALLY into opposites and thought it was so funny the restaurant was named after his brother and wanted to name it after his other brother. Oh, they have also started selling their sweet potato mustard, so I just HAD to buy some-that stuff is so GOOD!

Sunday we went to church and did stuff around the house during the day while the boys napped, then it was off to a pool party in the afternoon. The boys literally crashed when we got home. I think the true sign of a great weekend!

First Friday Happy Hour AND Fluffy Friday

2008-06-06T13:01:00.011-04:00

I am so happy it's Friday! I've started a new summer tradition with the boys on Fridays...for lunch we have "Fluffy-Friday" sandwiches-basically peanut butter and fluff sandwiches! I love fluff-especially strawberry fluff. I know, I know-it's not the greatest stuff around, but something about it screams childhood to me. I usually feed my kids healthy meals and snacks, but every now and then, I offer them treats...so they don't crave it all the time. Besides, how bad is a pb and fluff sandwich if it's made with 100% whole wheat bread and natural peanut butter? It actually has less sugar than some jams out there too. And look at these faces, can you tell they liked it?

Tonight, our neighborhood is having it's very first "First Friday" happy hour. Basically, we are getting together on the street around 6:00 pm-everyone brings chairs, their own beverage(s) of choice and an appetizer to share with everyone. The kids play and the adults chat...how fun is that? We are hoping to do this every first Friday of the month. Should be good times for all? A few weeks ago, I posted about my friend K's bacon-wrapped watermelon rinds...I am telling you, these are the bomb. These watermelon rinds wrapped in bacon...they're sweet and salty, how good is that? This is what I'm contributing to tonight's festivities. The watermelon rinds are sold at our local Publix grocery store. Don't knock it until you try it....Here is the recipe:

Jar of Sweet Pickled Watermelon Rines (top shelf in pickle section at Publix)
Package of Bacon (regular or center cut)
Toothpicks

Cut bacon in three pieces (each slice) I cut all of them at once – two slices with the knife and you’re done
On a cutting board, pour out jar and cut into smaller pieces.
Wrap one rine in a piece of the bacon stick a toothpick in it
Put on a baking sheet on Reynolds wrap
Bake at 400 for about 15-20 minutes
Watch.. you want it just before it burns

As for my beverage of choice...well, I must admit I'm somewhat of a beer-snob. But sometimes you just have to drink the cheap stuff, especially when it's HOT! I was also craving something light. I came across this in the store so I picked some up...sounds very summery and refreshing.
I picked up the orange-grapefruit-flavored one. I've had the pomegranate one before at another gathering and it was surprisingly tasty. I really wanted the lime-cactus one, but they were out. The bottle says it's all naturally-flavored. It's low calorie and low-carb-after all-I'll be running 9 miles in the morning. YIKES! I'll keep you posted. Happy weekend!

The power of a partner...

2008-06-05T14:28:00.003-04:00

-a running partner that is! I am usually a solo-runner. I actually enjoy running alone because it is one of the few times in the day that I'm actually by myself. HOWEVER, the past couple of days have been terribly humid and I've really had to dig deep to push myself to keep going. The thermometer reads 73, but the humidity is no joke! This morning as I was heading out for my 5 miler at 6:00 am, my neighbor Jen was heading out for a run at the same time. She asks if I won't to run with her....I agreed right away, but was a little hesitant at first. First of all, Jen is in the best shape of anyone I know and she's got 3 kids....she's done several marathons (all under 3:30!!), triathlons, races, etc....so you see why I was hesitant? It ended up being the greatest thing I've done. I didn't think I'd be able to talk and run, but it turns out I can. She said she was not running slow for me and that we were doing a great pace. My Garmin had us at an 8:10 pace. It was brutal towards the end with the humidity. I think I may need to be up at 5:00 am for my 9 mile run on Saturday. Not.Looking.Foward.To.That.!! All in all, I have changed my tune on running with someone...the run flew by and we have made plans to run together a few times next week too.

Bottle it up...

2008-06-04T19:13:00.003-04:00

The past couple of days I've heard some not so good news about people I know. A dear friend from high school, Drew, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is having surgery tomorrow. Drew is an old friend and a really neat guy. He is on the sports team for WIS-TV in Columbia and is married and has 21 month old son. Please click on his name to read the story about him. Drew, we will all be praying for you and your family tomorrow and wish you a speedy recovery.

On a sad note, the assistant principal at the school I used to teach at in Northern VA just lost his son to cancer today. He was only 8 years old and has lost his 2 year battle to cancer. I can only imagine the pain and sadness his family is going through right now. I remember just 4 years ago when I was teaching his two boys, then 6 and 4 at the time, were just little boys running all around and having a great time. His youngest son, Parker, was the almost the same age that Harrison is now. I am just devastated for his family. You can read about his story here.

Hearing news like this makes me want to squeeze my family a little tighter. I know that they wear me out and I am tired at the end of the day, but I love them so much. I just want to bottle my love and their youth up and save it forever and ever....

Please pray for both of these families.

Goin' Private...

2008-06-03T13:42:00.003-04:00

OK everyone, I'm going to be going private soon. So please send me your emails if you'd like to be added to the list. I will not publish anyone's email. It's something I've been thinking about for a while and have finally decided to do it. Just leave me a comment if you want to be included-I'll set it up in about a week or so. Like I said, I won't publish your email....

Girls just wanna have fun...

2008-06-02T13:12:00.006-04:00

I went and saw the Sex and the City movie yesterday with a group of girls and I must say it did not disappoint. I actually LOVED it! The shoes, high fashion, and hair-styles were all to die for, as well as the music! I think I'll be putting the soundtrack on my Ipod soon. I so relate to Charlotte in the movie....but no spoilers here. Go see it for yourselves and grab a couple of girlfriends... Anytime a movie can make you laugh out loud and cry, it's good for me. It was a great movie about girlfriends and the bonds we have...I highly recommend it. Afterwards, we all went out for dinner and cosmos. I hadn't had a cosmo in a long time and it was so good, not to mention that it was PINK and GREEN!

We had a great weekend here. Hit the beach yesterday morning...the temp is creeping up there though. The car said 99 on the way to the movie yesterday afternoon. The beach felt good! The boys and the van were covered in sand. I still saw a lot of sand in the van this morning and it actually made me smile...thinking about how much fun it is to live at the beach!

Perspective!

2008-05-31T13:36:00.003-04:00

It's amazing what a dinner on the beach, an 8 mile run and a morning spent at the pool with your family can do to your mood. Feeling like my old self today and am just not going to worry about things until I KNOW that there is something to worry about. Thanks everyone for the upbeat posts...you all helped as well. I know that Brady will be OK. He is my most social child-talking, smiling and babbling all the time! He is really a sweet little boy...

A full plate...

2008-05-30T14:56:00.002-04:00

Just not feeling inspired lately. We have a lot going on right now and I will post about it later. It has a lot to do with one of the twins, Brady. There's just not much to say yet, as we don't really know what is wrong. There's something that just happens to a mother when she thinks there is the possibility that "something may be wrong" with her child. Like I said, we are just starting the investigative process and he has been referred to be seen by a physical therapist. The bottom line is that he is 15 months old and not walking yet. He crawls extremely well and he pulls up and cruises...he's just on his tip-toes most of the time. I have already done the "internet research" which can be a terrible, terrible thing sometimes...and the fact that I am a special education teacher doesn't make it any better either. So if you do pray, please say a prayer that he's going to be fine....I'll keep posting because it makes me feel better to get my thoughts in print.

The greatest compliment...

2008-05-28T15:07:00.002-04:00

Last night I received one of the nicest compliments from a friend of mine...she told me that I was an inspriring person. Seriously, it was one of the nicest things someone could say to me. It has made my week. Thank you! Girlfriends are seriously the best.

Official start to summer...

2008-05-27T14:26:00.002-04:00

We had a great 4 day weekend. It was four days because Dan took Friday off to finish some painting. The downstairs is officially painted, thanks to him. It was quite nerve-racking watching him paint the 2 story foyer from a 2o ft extension ladder.

Anyway, we had 3 cook-outs in 3 days and it was a lot of fun. Saturday night a neighbor had us and some other neighbors over for chicken and steak fajitas with all of the fixin's-YUM! I LOVE anything Mexican, so this hit the spot.

We had a neighborhood block party on Sunday and that was fun too. Everyone brought a dish and a couple of neighbors pulled out their grills and we all hungout in the horseshoe area of our street. The kids had a great time on their bikes, scooters, big wheels, etc. Monday morning we packed the family and headed to the beach, along with everyone else-it was pretty crowded. I guess when you live in a tourist town, this is the beginning of 'high season'. The weather was great though and the kids were WORN out when we got home. They all slept for 3 hours! Last night we headed over to Dan's sisters for a cook out and that was fun too. It was a great Memorial Day and I enjoyed hanging out with friends and family. I hope everyone had a great one too! I did manage to squeeze in 3 runs on those 4 days-I did 5 miles on Friday, 8 on Saturday, 5 on Monday and 5 today...so I definitely made up for all that eating I did over the weekend-and believe me, it was ALOT!

Tried and true pasta...

2008-05-22T15:15:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to post a quick recipe that is a Magnolia family tried and true dish. It was inspired by a dish at a restaurant in Old Town Alexandria that Dan and I ate at a couple of times when we lived up there. The restaurant is not there anymore, but the dish still lives on in our house. I take Barilla Plus Multigrain penne, toasted pine nuts, raisins, chicken sausage (I use the Al Fresco sundried tomato and basil), steamed broccoli, olive oil, salt and pepper and grated parmesan and toss it all together-and voila'-dinner is on the table. Simple as that!

"Bum" genius of an idea!

2008-05-21T13:31:00.003-04:00

It's been almost 3 weeks since the twins started wearing cloth diapers and I have to tell you, it's not bad at all. Cloth diapers have come a long way. There are no pins, no leaks, and best of all no scraping. I use flushable rice paper liners with them, so all I have to do is flush the waste away. Simple as that! I wish I would have used them with Harrison. Think of the money and the environment we would have saved! I use the Bum-genius all in one brand and they are excellent! The boys look oh so cute in them too. I can honestly say that only one leak has occurred and I think something definitely went wrong there. So there you have it-I'm sold on cloth diapers and feel better that I can help the environment one diaper at a time.

The Perfect Summer Cocktail...

2008-05-19T19:17:00.003-04:00

I love a good cocktail! I've created a new one that just screams summer to me-it's not even that hard to make. I take a peach-flavored Izze (I LOVE these drinks!) and mix it with Grey Goose Vodka (or any other vodka you have, this one is my favorite!) and pour over crushed ice, add a lime wedge and cherry-and voila-the perfect summer cocktail!

We had a great weekend-the beach, the pool, barbque, need I say more? Unfortunately, Brady is under the weather now, so it has been a long day today. It just breaks my heart to see one of my boys sick...he looks pretty pitiful. He was up pretty early this morning too-so that means no run this morning. I was able to squeeze in a 30 minute strength training workout. This week I'll have to do 3 runs back to back (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Friday-strength training and Saturday 8 miles-UGH).

So, here's to a GREAT week, I'll think I'll go make one of those cocktails! YUM!

Either I'm a Rock Star or just plain crazy...

2008-05-16T13:38:00.004-04:00

So this morning we had NO plans. Now that Harrison is out of school, I've got be creative with our activities. Every morning he wants to know what we are doing that day. The boy isn't too picky though, a park always makes him happy. So I decided we would try the BEACH...We had a blast. I took the boys to a park that is right on the beach and we played around for a while and then went for a walk on the beach for about 20 minutes or so, looking for shells and watching seagulls. It was so much fun! I feel exhilarated from the sand and salty air and the boys loved every minute of it. Of course I heard a lot of "wow, that lady has her hands full" as we were walking on the beach...I didn't care, I was just taking in every minute of the fun the boys were having. I think next time we'll bring our towels and sand toys and set up camp. Yes, oh yes- I am a ROCK STAR! Sometimes the best days are when you have NO plans.

We have a pretty laid back weekend on tap. Tonight we're doing Oceanside Dining again. And when we put the kids to bed, Dan and I will have a cocktail on the porch. I'm thinking of a Whiskey Sour-YUM! I love winding down the week like this. I have an 8 mile run in the morning and then we may head out to the beach after lunch and try Ray's Barbeque that just opened up on Shem Creek for dinner. All in all, it should be a wonderful weekend!

We've just been busy!

2008-05-15T15:22:00.004-04:00

We've been busy around here the last couple of days...let's see, what have we been up to? Monday night I was initiated into the Charleston Junior Woman's Club. They had a nice dinner for us at Sunfire Grill and I was officially handed over duties of my new office, which I will be co-chairing with my friend Liz. Liz and I go way back-we were in the same sorority at Clemson and it has been so nice hanging out with her again. We are taking over the Hospitality office, which should be fun because we get to plan all the social activities and parties. I love this organization because it allows me to give back and volunteer my time to the community, but at the same time is very flexible.

Yesterday was Harrison's last day of preschool. I think he is going to be sad. He loves school so much. We have two camps lined up over the summer, but at the same time I'm just content hanging out and playing because in August he will be going to K4 5 days a week....how did my baby grow up before my eyes?

Last night we had supper club-it was so much fun. My friend M made these tasty drinks called "Blue with Envy" (with blue curacao and tequila)-our theme was American Idol! We did finger foods and played the American Idol Wii game. So.much.fun! I ended up making guacamole-YUM! My friend B made an awesome cheesecake, my friend A made these baked potato things with blue cheese and bacon bits, my other friend A made the beef empanada things with crescent rolls, and my friend K made these bacon wrapped pickled watermelon rinds that were awesome...ladies, if you are reading this, please send me the recipes...NOW!

I'm still running...but it's getting hotter and hotter! I may have to go even earlier soon. When will I sleep?-I don't know!

So as you can see, we've been pretty busy...hope everyone is having a great week!

A great Mother's Day...

2008-05-12T21:30:00.001-04:00

Despite the wind, rain and storms-I had a WONDERFUL Mother's Day. We lounged around the house in the morning and then went to brunch at Atlanticville. It was so good. I had the eggs with lump crabmeat and chives, along with a mimosa-YUM! Couldn't have been better! It cleared a little in the afternoon, so we went for a short family walk, followed by a family bike ride-when I see all of my family together on our bike rides, I realize all of my dreams have come true...We did cedar-planked sockeye salmon on the grill for dinner-also very good! All in all it was a great Mother's Day, just hanging out with the love of my life and my 3 little boys. Oh, I also can't wait to use my spa gift certificate here.

Boys Photo Shoot

2008-05-10T19:44:00.015-04:00

I did a photo shoot with the boys in the park today...check it out. Turn up your volume to hear the music....I cry everytime I watch it!

Here's the link...(also, watch it as a slide show too)

My 3 Sons Photo Shoot

My favorite "room" of the house...

2008-05-08T17:25:00.011-04:00

Down here in the south, we consider porches to be another room of the house. I LOVE our wrap-around porch...I spent almost the entire afternoon reading and gabbing with a good friend on the phone today while the boys were napping. It was especially nice today because of the breeze. Here's why I love it so much....

1. The S.C. flag we have hanging from it. We South Carolinians have A LOT of state loyalty. Who wouldn't love a flag so beautiful?

2. The hammock! Ahhhh-how I love this thing. It's great for a Sunday afternoon nap. Or sipping some sweet tea or lemonade...

3. My ferns. Nothing says the south like ferns. There's just something about them that screams southern to me. Most people have these somewhere on their porch around here...

4. My wreath and wreath hanger. I found this on sale at Target. It looks very Martha Stewart to me...as if I made it myself-ha! ha!

5. My little herb garden. I put herbs in my two front window boxes and I love them. I did basil, rosemary, tarragon, and dill. I also through in some red begonias for color.

6. The rocking chairs. LOVE these! You can't have a porch without a rocking chair. Brady and Jack were rocked on these many times when they were newborns. I love to read a book or magazine or people watch on these chairs. They were a house-warming gift from Dan's parents and we appreciate every minute on them.

So there you have it. My favorite room of the house. So come on over....the sweet tea is waiting!

This gift is going to make me FAT...

2008-05-07T16:04:00.004-04:00

Tonight I'm making dinner for a neighbor (Roasted Vegetable Lasagna-thanks Sweet Pea Chef !) who just had a baby. I'm also making dessert. I got the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker for my birthday and I LOVE it. I don't know how I went this long without it. I've been making batches upon batches of it, experimenting with a little of this and a little of that. It tastes so creamy and fresh...but it's also addicting.So tonight, I'm making some for the neighbors (and us too!). This time I'm doing the Basic Vanilla Recipe and I'm putting in crushed peanut butter/chocolate Newman-O's . What's a "Newman-O" you ask? It's like an Oreo, but without all the nasty hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. I found them at Whole Foods AND they're cheaper than regular Oreo's AND they have peanut butter in them...need I say more? They are so good...
Like I said, I LOVE my new gift, but hopefully it won't make me FAT! Guess I better keep up with all of this running, now I have something to really run for...

Darn near perfect weekend...

2008-05-05T10:05:00.003-04:00

We had yet another great weekend! Friday started off great with Dan coming home early and the family going for a bike ride together. These bike rides have started to be so much fun. Dan got me the bike trailer for my birthday. We loaded the twins in it, hooked it up to his bike and with me on my bike and Harrison on his, we rode for about 2.5 miles. This is about as long as Harrison can go right now.

Saturday was beautiful. I got up and ran my 8 miles and by the time I was done, everyone else was getting up. We did a little house-cleaning (I did the inside, Dan did the outside), went out to lunch, came home, put the twins down for naps and I laid on the hammock for a nice nap myself. A neighbor made us some mango juleps for the Kentucky Derby-which were quite tasty! We went out for dinner to a local seafood place, came home and hung out with some neighbors for a little bit! I also made some homemade ice cream in my new ice cream maker-vanilla with peanut butter chips-AMAZING!

Sunday we went to church. The twins are doing so well in the nursery and Harrison was in Sunday school, so Dan and I were able to sit in the sanctuary by ourselves. It was nice, but felt odd being without the boys! After church, we made lunch, put the boys down, and laid on the hammock some more! When the boys woke up, we loaded up and headed to the beach for a little while. I wish I would have taken the camera. Brady and Jack loved it! On the way home, we picked up some burgers (made with shredded cheddar and bacon-YUM!) and sides from a local market and threw them on the grill. It couldn't have been a nicer weekend! Only 5 more days until the next one. Here is a picture of Brady and Jack wanting to come outside sooooo bad-too funny!

The very hungry caterpillar...

2008-05-01T14:18:00.003-04:00

Harrison had the best time with a caterpillar the other night while we were grilling out. The first step of many...pretty soon he'll be filling his pockets with caterpillars, worms, bugs, frogs, etc!

33 never felt better....

2008-04-29T08:34:00.005-04:00

As I reflect on this past year, I realize that it has been a great one! I have a beautiful family, live in an amazing place (it really IS paradise!) and am in the best shape I've ever been in. I honestly don't feel a day over 25...ha!ha! No really, I once worked with a man who always believed that age was a state of mind...and he was a 73 year old man who looked like he was 50...so if he can live by that philosophy, so can I!

We had a great time on our date night at Fig on Saturday night. They specialize in fresh, local and organic food-and they lived up to that. Everything was amazing, right down to our cozy little table in the corner. Perfect night with incredible food!

The giant-cupCAKE was unbelievable as well! Hands-down, the best dark-chocolate cake I've had! So, if you're in this neck of the woods-you'll have to check out Fig and Cupcake! (Cupcake was also opened by a fellow Clemson grad-Go Tigers!!!) Look how cute it is....

This morning we have playgroup and in the afternoon after naps, the boys and I are going to hit the Farmer's Market. Tonight Dan and I are going to Red Drum for drinks and dessert! All in all a great birthday awaits!!

His Blood Runneth Southern....

2008-04-28T11:44:00.004-04:00

Harrison had his very first taste of mommy's sweet tea yesterday. He has been initiated into southernhood...though it's his first, I doubt it will be his last. It's the one thing about being southern that I can't give up....I love sweet tea and from the looks of this picture, Harrison does too!

A weekend of good eatin'...

2008-04-25T10:28:00.003-04:00

Dan and I are headed to Fig tomorrow night for dinner to celebrate my birthday. My parents are coming this weekend and will watch the kids for us (thanks mom and dad!). I'm so excited I can hardly stand it because I've heard nothing but great things. Cupcake just opened in town on Tuesday, so I went ahead and ordered a mega-cupcake for my birthday, it's a giant cupcake that feeds 6-8 people. How cute is that? Chocolate and peanut butter-hey, I'm a girl that knows what she likes. I'll be sure to post a picture!! So after my 8 mile run on Saturday, I'll be ready to dig in!

Thanks K Slacker Mama!

2008-04-23T19:39:00.002-04:00

I ~~think~~ know I figured it out! Time to go drink some ~~wine~~ water. It's been a long day!

What's on your list?

2008-04-23T13:34:00.005-04:00

I am definitely a list-maker. I love making them and crossing them out when I'm done. If only I could figure out how to cross things out on the computer (Slacker Mama-could you tell me the secret?). After my sister died, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish during my lifetime. I wrote it on a piece of paper and stuck it in my sock drawer-it's been there for almost 10 years now. Every year on my birthday, I get it out and read it, and cross off the things I have accomplished and add new things. My birthday is next week so I can't wait to get it out and read it! Here are some of the things on my list-remember, I was 23 when I wrote it...

1) Become a mom
2) Always be in love with Dan
3) Live in the moment
4) Be healthy-exercise and eat whole foods
5) Travel more often-go to Italy, Ireland, France, Greece, Germany
6) Ride in a hot air balloon
7) Love my job
8) Run a marathon

Here are some things I have added in the last couple of years...
9) Be content with what I have-count my blessings!
10) Raise my boys to respect women
11) Start a photography business
12) More date nights with Dan
13) Feed my family nutritious and wholesome meals
14) Do my part to protect our Earth
15) Journal more-(does blogging count?)
16) Have a house on the beach...a girl can dream, right?
17) Eventually run the Boston Marathon (not my first one!)
18) Put together a cookbook of gourmet meals
19) Always remember-Life.Is.Good.

Hot air balloon, you ask? I don't know why-I just do. Since Dan doesn't like heights, I may be doing this one solo!!! So as you can see, some I've done, some I'm always working on and others may happen in the future...so this is my list. It's pretty random and ALWAYS growing. What kinds of things do you have on yours?

Mommy hair...

2008-04-22T09:58:00.003-04:00

Well, according to my 3 year old son, I have "mommy hair". I got my haircut on Saturday, my usual chin-length bob these days. It took him a couple of hours to notice, but while we were getting dinner ready, he looked at me and said, "Mommy, you got your haircut?". I said, "yes I did". He then says, "Mommy, you have mommy hair". True, so true. I definitely have mommy hair.

While I was at the salon, there was a girl getting her prom-hair done for the prom that night. She had long hair and was clearly getting an "up-do". I actually detest up-do's. Alex, who cuts my hair and OWNS the salon, refuses to them also. I don't blame her. After she finished cutting my hair, the girl getting the up-do says to her mom..."I love her haircut, it's so cute on her". Did she say that because she liked it, or did she want to have "mommy hair" too?

Which brings me to another interesting point. I was talking to my cousin yesterday and we were talking about women's haircuts. His fiance just got her haircut too. Dan likes long hair, as does my cousin-I think a lot of men do. His theory, and I sort of believe it, is that women get their hair cut to impress other women, otherwise they'd keep it long. He thinks the same thing about what women wear. So, ladies, do you dress and style yourself to impress other women or men?

Waste not, want not...

2008-04-20T12:09:00.003-04:00

I am not writing this post to be preachy or judgemental at all. The main reason I write this blog is to let my children know more about their mom and to keep a virtual scrapbook of their lives growing up. One day I want them to read this and know that their mommy tried to make a difference in their lives and others just by trying to help the environment and to teach them that one person can make a difference....I am far from perfect though. I still have areas that I need to work on too. This blog is for me and my family, so if I say something that offends, I don't mean to, I write for me!

I feel like I am a new woman. I don't know when it hit me or how...I just feel like this past year has been one of new growth. Maybe it was because instead of focusing on myself for so many years about getting and staying pregnant, I have had a year to focus on my family and the environment around us. I want my children and their children to have a safe environment...and to honor Earth Day, which is on Tuesday, 4/22, I am writing this post.

I feel like we as humans are extremely wasteful. So over the last year I decided that this household would reduce our waste as much as possible and I feel like we've done a pretty good job of it. Here's some of the ways we've done it...

1. We do all of our bills online. This saves paper, money, and time! I think the biggest is time-it takes me under 5 minutes to do our bills with just one click of the mouse.

2. We do not buy water bottles. I drink all of my water from Sigg water bottles. After I found out how dangerous plastics were to the environment and the potentially harmful effects-this was a no brainer.

3. We recycle everything that can be recycled! My husband is now a convert and wants to recycle everything. Sometimes I have to take stuff out that he's put in the bin that can't be recycled (yet!)-like orange juice containers.

4. To help the environment, we use only phosphate-free detergents and those free of artificial colors and dyes, those that are biodegradeable and not tested on animals. I have also switched to hair products and make up that is organic, all vegetarian based and not tested on animals. I use the Alba Botanica brand of products. My hair never smelled better either.

5. As a family of five with three small kids, we needed to have a car that would fit 3 car seats. Sure, we could have picked a bigger SUV, but one of the reasons we picked the Odyssey was for it's fuel efficiency. I still feel guilty driving a big car, but for now this fits our needs best and I know it's better on fuel and energy than a lot of cars out there.

6. We cook at home often. As I've said before I am a self-confessed restaurant snob. I love to cook too. I would rather cook a gourmet meal at home than eat a chain restaurant anyday. Don't get me wrong, I love to go out to dinner. LOVE it, but only at local restaurants with really good food. This saves us money too! Some people say that cooking at home is more expensive than eating out, but if high-quality food is what you are aiming for cooking at home is always cheaper than eating out. Oh, we eat left-overs too!

7. I wash all of our clothes in cool/cold water. This was a no-brainer too. Clothes still get clean even if washed in cold water.

Now the things I'd like to work on....
a)still considering the cloth diaper thing-leaning towards DOING it.
b)my biggest time suck is the computer. This week I am aiming towards only 15-30 minutes a day on the computer. Enough time to check emails, favorite blogs and post. I need to spend my time more wisely like reading a book outside, etc...

Like I said before, we are FAR from perfect. But I feel like I actually LIVE my life better knowing that I am teaching my children to help the Earth and to be better people.

Oceanside Dining...

2008-04-18T19:19:00.006-04:00

It was a beeeea-u-ti-ful day today! Daddy came home from work early, so the five of us loaded in the Odyssey, picked up a pizza and headed to the beach for a picnic-oceanside!! It was a wee-bit windy but the boys were all troopers. It was also high-tide, so there was more ocean than beach...and we forgot the wagon (a necessity on the beach with 2 14-month olds), so we kept Brady and Jack in the stroller, which wasn't as fun!! However, it was nice to sit on the beach and listen to the waves....Harrison especially liked the birds!

So me.....so NOT me!

2008-04-16T10:04:00.016-04:00

I thought this would be fun-I saw it on another blog....

So me-So NOT me-

So me-

So NOT me-

So me-

So NOT me-

So me-

So NOT me-

So me-

So NOT me-

So me-

So NOT me-

So me-

So NOT me-

So me-

So NOT me-

I have so many more, but ran out of time! It was fun to do!!!

Call me crazy...

2008-04-15T11:45:00.004-04:00

but I'm actually THINKING of giving cloth diapers a try with the twins!!! I just feel so darn guilty about throwing them out into the environment, plus by the time they are out of them, we would have spent a small fortune. Did you know it can take upwards of 500+ years for them to biodegrade? Maybe I'm becoming the tree-hugger type (I'll post about that later). I have no idea where to start, but there was just an article in my local paper about the benefits and how much easier they are to use now. Anyone out there have any advice or brands that are good? I'd love to know...they are now 14 months old, so I have a while before they will be out of diapers!!!
Besides, look how freaking cute that baby in that cloth diaper is!! All comments welcome and appreciated...and Dan I know we haven't even discussed this yet-but I may be saving us thousands, yes you heard right, THOUSANDS!!

Busy little bees....

2008-04-14T17:47:00.002-04:00

For some reason, having 3 kids seems really busy right now, busier than it's ever been. With preschool, swimming lessons, play dates, play groups-I feel so rushed all the time! I think it's hitting me that I really have 3 kids. I know the older they get, the busier it gets. We had a great weekend though. I worked the MOMS club consignment sale in the morning and Dan did yard work and powerwashed the front and back porch while I was on kid duty.

We went to a neighbor's house for a block party Sat night-it was fun watching all the kids run around and catch up with neighbors too. We were all exhausted after we walked home!

Sunday morning I got up super early for a 5 mile run. I finished my best time ever-39:55 at a pace of 8:04!! I felt good about that! However, the long runs will be starting soon. I'm doing 7 this weekend and then it's all uphill from there.

Not too much else to report...oh, the pool opens tomorrow and the high is only supposed to be 59! Spring, where are you?