Getting to Know You!

 Happy, Beautiful Sunday Morning! As long as my girlfriend (due at any moment) doesn't go into labor this morning, we'll be headed down to meet my newest, littlest nephew, Drew! I can't wait to get a newborn in my arms again! 1. What kind of athlete has the hottest body?

Hmmm...I'm thinking and as my mind runs through a list of athletes who play various sports, all I can see is my sweetie dressed and ready for a game of golf in his khakis and collared shirt. ;) I like the look of a golfer--most are toned in all the right places, but not too muscular (at least for my taste).

2. Are you a planner or a procrastinator?

I am most definitely a procrastinator when it comes to completing tasks, however, I am constantly adding and deleting things from my "mental list", so I'm always prepared, even if it is at the last minute.

3. Diet or regular (soda)?

I'm not really a soda drinker, but if I'm going to have one, I'd rather it be regular.

4. What's your one "must have" for Fall?

I have so many "must haves" that I don't have at this moment, but I would have to say a really great pair of jeans. I'm not a big spender when it comes to clothes, but I will spend more (my definition being $80-$100, not budget breaking or outrageous--although now that I see how $100 looks typed out, it kind of seems budget breaking...Ha!) on jeans, which I know I'll get plenty of use out of during ALL seasons, plus have the option to dress them up or down!

5. What's your favorite fast food restaurant?

We don't eat out very often, and when we do, it's not fast food. That being said, I love to treat myself occasionally to a Mocha Frappe from McDonald's (their new smoothies are really good, too!). :) On days like these, Gracie indulges in a $1 Fruit and Yogurt Parfait and Sean likes his cheeseburger and fries.

6. What do you think is the sexiest profession for a guy?

Once again, I think I am slightly biased  here. My hubby is a network engineer, and while this is not a profession known for sexiness, I think he's raised the bar. Computer guys, they are stereotypically a little nerdy (just consider Best Buy's "Geek Squad"), but they are smart and can work your PC like no other. Knowledge is power, and power is sexy. ;)

7. Did you wear braces?

I did, thank God. I needed them and I don't take the fact that my parents paid for them for granted! I'm a big "teeth" person. One of the first things I notice on a person is their smile, so I'm thankful mine had the help it needed. :) If only I had worn my retainer like I was supposed to...

8. Would you rather have a guy that's super sexy or kind?
 
I loved Keely's answer here : "Kind is sexy." I don't think anyone could say it better! If you're sexy and unkind...well, your sex appeal just got overshadowed.
 

This was fun! Head over to MannLand5 for more "Getting to Know You" answers or to link up!

He's Here!

Our nephew, Andrew (Drew) George, finally made his appearance yesterday evening! His momma was induced Thursday evening (almost a week after his due date). After 24 hours of labor, the decision to take Drew by c-section was made. He's a beautiful baby, and a big one, weighing in at 10 pounds, 9 ounces and 21 inches long! We're going to meet him tomorrow and I am so excited!

I think I'm relieved for his mom that he was a c-section baby...Gracie wasn't even 10 pounds, 9 ounces at her 8 week appointment! I can only imagine how thrilled his football coaching daddy is about his big boy. Just thinking about how proud they must be puts a big smile on my face!

Wordless Wednesday...Birthday Edition

Happy First Birthday to my sweet, and handsome, nephew!

Delicious Fun!

My niece is visiting with us for a few days this week as we all anxiously await the arrival of her baby brother, who's scheduled to begin his journey into the world on Thursday (let's all pray for a quick and easy delivery for Momma! He's estimated to be a big boy--10 pounds, 3 ounces, and he's overdue...).

The girls have been enjoying their time together. Madison does a great job with explaining things to Gracie and coming up with fun things to do. This afternoon, we spent some time at our Butterfly Bush (which is recovering nicely from the lightening strike!). Madison came up with an idea--we would break off a sprig of flowers from the bush, hold it as close as possible to a butterfly, then watch as he ended up on the flower we were holding--and her plan worked! Both Gracie and her "ladybug" cousin spent the bulk of our outdoor time attempting to catch butterflies!

We also had a cupcake decorating party this afternoon! There were colored sprinkles, decorating gels, and marshmallows. Watching them choose sprinkles and place marshmallows was so much fun for me! I think this afternoon snack/activity was a hit! :)

Tomorrow I'll be sharing photos of yet another cousin...someone is turning ONE. That, therefore, can only mean one thing...photo session! :)

Meet & Greet Monday

  Since I've just recently completed my 365th day of blogging, I thought I would take a moment to re-introduce myself! So much has changed since Day 1!  

I am a 26 year old mother to one beautiful little girl, the very one that I dreamt up during the first 24 years of my life. I am also blessed to be the wife of one adoring husband, a lover of photography, literature, mocha frappuccinos, good friends, and most recently, cooking. I’ve easily learned 1,000 little lessons, and at least a couple big ones, in the 4 years that I’ve been married. Each one has made me tougher, wiser, and oddly enough, more in love. I am passionate about my career choice, one that contributes little to our budget, but an immeasurable amount to my heart and soul. I look forward to the day we add on to our little family of three, but understand that I’m doing best by both my daughter and her future sibling(s) by practicing patience and good planning. It isn’t easy, though. I’d love to join the many mothers I see with tiny miracles growing peacefully within growing bellies.

 

My faith is essential to my walk in this world. I can't imagine how lost I would be if I couldn't put my trust in Him.

 

One of the most important things I could tell you about myself is that I love my family. I love their faces, their company, and the fullness they bring to my life. I’m proud of my husband, his hard work and his persistence. I appreciate his support and encouragement. I just recently started my photography business and have been pleased with the steady line of happy families asking for my services. With each session I feel more comfortable and confident in my work. I’m redefining my comfort zone.

I’m excited about adding a new dimension to my blog, one that is revealing of who I am and how I take on life. I’m also looking forward to meeting new blogging friends and catching up with those I’ve been missing lately!

 

Happy Monday to All!

Back to Tot School!

(Gracie is currently 26 months old)

I’m shocked at how quickly this summer flew by! In only weeks, the school year will begin once more, and students and teachers everywhere will find themselves back in the classroom. I’m not technically a teacher, but I give it my best shot when it comes to Gracie! I’ve participated in Tot School in the past, but have taken an unintended break over the past few months. I’d like to get back into the swing of things and get back into Tot School!

I didn't plan many structured activities this past week. Instead, I let Gracie choose toys/games that she was interested in and let her do her own thing. I’ve noticed that if I get too involved, she backs off, so we kept things quite simple this week.

We've been working through this Colors and Shapes workbook ($1 at Target!). She's now completed all of the coloring pages, so I'm going to bind the pages together to make a book of her colorful artwork to refer back to!

Puzzles and the Magna-Doodle are still favorites! We're currently working on her recognition of numbers and letters.

For more Tot School ideas, visit 1+1+1=1...

I have this little sister...

I have this little sister…

Her name is not Lola, and I'm hoping I’m not the only one who fell in love with the Disney show, Charlie and Lola, a few years ago? I adored the tiny, British voice of little Lola while watching the show with my niece, who was Gracie’s age at the time, and still adore falling into the adventures of Charlie and his little sister now, through the books we check out at the library. Sometimes I read books to Gracie in my best British accent, and she says, “Talk normal, Mommy.”

Seriously, though, I do have a little sister. She’s four years younger than me, but it’s apparently not obvious, since people often ask if we’re twins or guess that she’s the older one. Anyway, about 6 months ago, she made the decision to stop working and instead stay at home with her son, who will be turning a year old next week! This was the opportunity I had been waiting for. What could be better than having the freedom to see your sister and nephew at any time, for any reason, throughout the week? And it has been wonderful! We’ve been meeting once a week with the little ones almost every week since. The only problem: It’s really tough to spend quality time catching up with your sister when you’re chasing, and pulling random objects out of the mouth of, a one year old, and responding to the demands and endless questions of a two year old. Needless to say, it was time for a sisters’ night out…

(Ashley and Austin)

And why exactly haven’t we done this before now? We met at one of the best “chat-and-catch-up” spots I can think of, Starbucks. And oh, our Caramel Frappuccinos with their frothy, rich whipped cream and caramel drizzle…the perfect “chat-and-catch-up” beverages.

To sum it all up, our 3 hour get-together was completely refreshing. Our conversation was fueled by all the things we’ve been wanting to say, but haven’t had the chance to, and by a little bit of much needed caffeine. We are 100% who we are when we’re together, and there is a definite freedom in that closeness. I sat across from my sister, plucked out of the daily grind and separated briefly from the titles we take pride in, and saw that she is happy. As her big sister, this has always been my greatest wish for her. We can excel at so many things in life, reach both financial and personal goals, set our sights on bigger and better, and all of that is great, but my little sister has found herself in a place of pure contentment, and true happiness, and it's one of her greatest accomplishments (aside from her gorgeous son). This realization just made my week. I'm so proud of her. :)