Meet the newest addition to our family...

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!

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

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...

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!!!

And now they are.....2!

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...

2008 was a good one...

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...

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....

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!!!

'Tis the season...

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....

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!

Bend it like Beckham...

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

Life...

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...

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.

"When I grow up...

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

He walks...

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.

Hanna, Hanna go away!

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...

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...