Landis Lane Living

Easter Prep at Mimis

2011-04-21T11:30:00.001-04:00

My parents watch the kids for me one day week while I do some bookkeeping work for a church in Staunton. It really works out great {well for me anyways, I assume it does for Mimi and Rog!}. This week she had them on Monday and she planned several things for the kids to do for Easter!

When the older girls were done with school they decorated cupcakes, dyed Easter eggs, had an Easter egg hunt, and got Easter baskets filled with goodies! I think Kaitlyn had a really great time. She seems to finally be getting the hang of the egg hunt idea- and having all that chocolate is a bonus for her! {not so much for me}

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What a great time making some family memories!

Easter Party

2011-04-20T18:50:00.001-04:00

My neighbor had an Easter Party today for her boy’s preschool class. Kaitlyn got to attend because she also has a daughter Kaitlyn’s age, and siblings of the preschoolers were coming over as well!

3 hours of activity included an Easter egg hunt, a bounce house, sack races, swings, slides, snack, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and more! I’m not so sure about all of those kids, but I was totally wore out after all that stimulation and running around!

Those kids had an awesome time! Probably ate too much chocolate…but they had fun being kids and playing {and getting worn out for mama!} What a blessing it was! The hostess went all out and gave Easter baskets/bags to all the kids with chocolate bunnies and bunny ears and bubbles and silly string {oh- now that was a HUGE hit!} and more chocolate!!!! I know Kailtyn had an awesome time.

Rainy Day Afternoon

2011-04-20T18:34:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we were under a Tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warnings! So… after we came up from the basement and the rain had subsided for a bit, we headed outside to check out the house and all.

Kaitlyn had other plans however! She so reminded me of when I was a kid.

Running through the rain puddles and just having a great time! Sitting in it, splashing in it, playing in it! What F-U-N for a kid!

Mini Vacation….

2011-04-08T08:33:00.002-04:00

Matt and I were able to get away this past weekend, without the kiddies, to spend some time together! We went to New York City and did a bunch of the typical tourist-y stuff.
We walked, and we walked, and we walked, and then well we walked some more! We never took a cab or the subway- impressive, I’d say!
We saw the Empire State Building, Times Square and all it has to offer with ABC, CBS, NBC, the coolest Disney store I’ve ever seen, lots of stimulating bill boards and lights and people….

We walked our way to Central Park and in and around it a bit, not the whole 6.2 miles of it, as I had already done my fair share of walking, but got a good taste of it! We ate lunch in Rockefeller Plaza and soaked up the sunshine.
We took in a Broadway show- A Million Dollar Quartet! We both really enjoyed the show. It was about the ONE and ONLY time that Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, & Jerry Lee Lewis got together for a “jam session” at Sun Records in 1956. The actors were wonderful, and great type-cast of the originals. The music and energy from the show were very entertaining. Although, I did not take pictures of the show, here is one I found on the web of the cast… and a picture of the signage…

I would really recommend this show, if you enjoy any of their music and music styles!

We continued our adventure of NY City with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, views of Lady Liberty and the Wall St. Bull, and of course of The World Trade Center Site along with the make shift 911 memorial space they currently have.

We had a great time together, getting away for just a little bit and a needed break for the Mommy, anyways, from the ever energetic, adventurous, creative, explorative kiddies!

Bath Time at our house!

2011-03-26T09:57:00.001-04:00

Bath time at our house these days can be pretty much fun!

Josh is sitting up well, but still in his little tub yet…

Josh 7 months and crawling

2011-03-25T15:18:00.001-04:00

The last 2 months have been busy for Joshua! He's gotten 4 teeth, learned to crawl, and is now standing up! GEEZ!!

I have to say I honestly am surprised, shocked, not ready for this...but Joshua is crawling like a crazy little man.... {whatever that really looks like?!} AND he is standing up- pulling himself up on the furniture... WHAT?! he is not even 8 months old yet...
My friends all say "that's a boy for ya"...yikes, what does THAT mean?! and what else is to come with that?

All in all it's been going smoothly, for me anyways, but Josh... well his sissy is not so sure about all of this! Is it a territorial thing or what that the older MUST hit, sit on, pull, push, squash, poke, prod, etc the younger one? I keep telling her she better teach Josh to be nice to one another, because before she knows it he'll be the one doing those things to her! {She doesn't seem to quite care so much about that line of thinking at the moment though}
Josh is holding his own...

Enjoying the Weather

2011-03-25T15:08:00.000-04:00

I know there are parts of the east coast getting snow this week, but I am so thankful we are not one of those parts! We have really been taking advantage of getting outside and soaking up the warm weather.... well earlier this week anyways!

Sometimes we talk about wanting to buy land and get 'out in the country' and have space; but boy I am so happy that right now at this time in our lives we live in such a great neighborhood where Kaitlyn has some kids to play with, it safe, and the street is not busy, and it's a cul-de-sac - making it such a great place for all the kids to get together and play! What a blessing it really is for us!

March 2011 Mini Vacation

2011-03-25T14:56:00.000-04:00

We just got back from a mini vacation with my family. We headed to OBX for a couple of days to visit with my brother and to just hang out as family.

We were very fortunate with the week we picked and had wonderful weather, into the 80s even one day! We visited the Wright Brother Memorial, Fort Raleigh/ Roanoke Island, the beach, and some shopping!

Joshua David Landis- Dedication

2011-03-25T14:38:00.001-04:00

We had the privilege of having Joshua dedicated recently at church! Such a blessing to us that so much of our family was able to come and be a part of it all! Some couldn't make it, and I know how that goes and have been there myself.

Sunday March 6 2011 Joshua was dedicate to the Lord with family in tow! Below are some memories from that day.

{Click play and then on right side of screen you can click icon to watch on full screen mode}

Kaitlyn & Tyler- oblivious to what is going on behind them!

This awesome Train Cake for Josh made by Lourdes- and yes, it tasted great!

We had Dick and Merle preform the dedication for us! We have such close relationships with both of them that it was the perfect match up for us. They both also did Kaitlyn's dedication.

So blessed! Really, what more can I say?

Way Behind

2011-03-25T14:23:00.000-04:00

So.... when you get this far behind what do you do? Just pick up where life is today or go back and try to catch up?! Still not sure myself because so much happens in life that we want to remember before we forget!

I think I'll try and post where we are now and then go back and fill in the holes when I have a chance... yeah, like that will ever happen?! But maybe!!!

So...something to come soon.... :)

Landis Family Visits

2010-11-15T10:01:00.000-05:00

Since Joshua's birth in August, Matt's family has been able to come for several visits, it was so nice having help and then getting to visit on different occassions.

Grammy and Tyler holding Joshua- October

Jarod and Kaitlyn playing together {nicely even!}

These two are something! Tyler and Kaitlyn rocking on the chair together.

Kaitlyn was all over him, she loves he cousins!!

Grammy and Pop Pop with Joshua- 2 months old

Tyler, Daddy, Zachy, Joshua

{Zachy, again- the proud cousin- he just loves Kaitlyn and Joshua}

Fun in the tub!

This pix was taken at the EMU Alumni baseball game.

I have to admit, it was so nice having all of his family come down to visit so much after Joshua was born, and we didn't feel the need to travel so much! What a blessing! I only wish I had more pictures of when Marci and Ashley were here and Lou and Marla and their kids. I think I was a little busy adjusting to the whole idea of parenting 2 children! :) .... there's always next time....

Quick visit with Uncle Mitch

2010-11-15T09:40:00.000-05:00

My brother lives on The Outer Banks- Kill Devil Hills, so we don't see him very often. He works for himself, so travelling on his part gets tight- as he needs to work when there is work! :) But this past weekend we got to have a quick visit with him and catch up on life a bit. He finally got to meet his new nephew.

Joshua- 3 months and Life!

2010-11-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

Wow, we've already passed the 3 month mark! Joshua is just growing and growing, quickly it seems to me. His hair is taking on more of a red tint... we'll just have to wait and see how all that turns out. He seems to be a little more laid back than his sister, but that too will have to develop over time, but I would be OK with that!

This is what happens when he tell Kaitlyn to SMILE for the camera.

She is so enthusiastic and puts her all into everything, can't you tell?

One Sunday morning, before Church- we were all actually dressed {nicely} and had a few minutes to spare before heading out the door, it seemed like a good idea to try and take a couple of pictures! You figure if you take like 20, you should have at least ONE that is good?!

Well... not so sure about that, but here they are, for what they are.

Kaitlyn has loved helping give him baths, she continues to love him and kiss him and hold him- as long as she doesn't squeeze him {too hard} then I suppose we're in good shape!

A Saturday afternoon spent at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton- the last day the train was running for the season! Kaitlyn wasn't sure what to think of it at first, but by about round 3 she started enjoying it! And Joshua was just along for the ride!

Kaitlyn and her Rogie making the train ride; when she got off the train, she got to blow the horn! Boy that was special stuff.

Next it was onto feeding the ducks at the pond

And lastly, up to the playground to do some swings and slides! We had a great afternoon!!

I love weekends where we get some good outdoor family time, they make such special memories.

Mimi Camp October 2010

2010-11-15T09:18:00.000-05:00

This summer my mom decided she wanted to take each of her granddaughters and do a 3day camp with each of them, doing things that each of them would enjoy!
Kaitlyn went in October for 3 days. She got to go to the Children's Museum in Lynchburg, the Safari Park in Lexington, she did fingerpaints and traced her body to color, and good hang-out time with her Mimi.
What a special, treasured time to be able to spend these days with her Mimi, and her Mimi with Kaitlyn. We look forward to many more Mimi camps!

Tracing Kaitlyn's body on this large piece of paper so that she can color herself!

Watching "her movie" on the computer, one of her favorite passtimes.

The "finished" product of Kailtyn

First attempts at fingerpainting. Went fairly well, from what I hear- except she didn't like to get her hands dirty! ha

Kaitlyn's special seat at mimi's house- eating her pancakes for breakfast

The Safari Park in Lexington; her cousin Hannah is holding her trying to get her to feed the animals.

Petty a baby kangaroo

The Farm magnets/ stickers- she can move all around and make her farm the way she wants.

Joshua - 2 months

2010-10-15T16:24:00.001-04:00

We had Joshua's 2 month check up last week! He is weighing in at 11 1/2 pounds and 23 1/2 inches long! Looking good! He is smiling so much more now and starting to grab for toys that are hanging within reach. He also likes to grab a hold of his blanket when he is covered up with one.

I just love his smile and how we can 'make' him smile alot of the time. Kaitlyn is still enjoying him and loves to lay on his floor mat with him! So cute!

Vacation- Emerald Isle 2010

2010-10-15T10:16:00.002-04:00

Let's see, I think this was our 6th year vacationing on Emerald Isle as a family! Even though our weather this year was a bit rainy (to put it nicely), we just couldn't complain too much; because every other year has been great; and it is hurricane season afterall.

Kaitlyn was a bit skittish of the sand at first, but quickly grew to like it and the ocean as well! I know she especially had fun playing with all the other kids. We had Hannah (11), Madison (10), Emma (8), Atticus (7), Sam(anatha) (5), Kaitlyn (2.5) and Joshua (2mos).

Since pictures are worth a 1,000 words- I just want to post some pix for memory sake!

Crusin'

2010-10-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

Kaitlyn and a little girl down the street are just about the same age; they love to play together! Well, Elana and her brother Cody have those battery operated cars they drive around- this is always a favorite pass time!

The girls get along so well together, and it is so nice to have her so close that they get to play often. Kaitlyn looks out the front door everyday to see if they are outside playing so that she can join them! They are so cute.

Photo Shoot at 3 weeks

2010-08-25T16:26:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my very good friend, Carla, I was able to get some shots of Joshua here recently! So here are some shots of him during his 3rd week of life!! Enjoy!!

And now there are 4

2010-08-13T15:50:00.001-04:00

August 1, 2010 Joshua David Landis made his way into this world at 3:29pm. Weighing in at 7 pounds 6 ounces and measuring 20" long.

We arrived at the hospital about 5:30am on Sunday the 1st; hard labor didn't really start until about 10am, by 1:30pm I was ready to start pushing. It took us a little longer to push him out because Joshua's heart rate kept dropping, he wasn't handling the pushing very well, so I was only able to push every 4th contraction until about the last 30 mins, then I was able to push every other. After two hours of pushing he arrived! The cord had been wrapped around his neck- so God had already showed himself strong in this little boys life!

My wonderful husband, my mom and my sister were with me in the labor and delivery room. My sister probably worked the hardest, besides me of course :-) She was my massage therapist! She went above and beyond by even standing in the whirlpool tub to put counter pressure on my back!! It was so nice to have them all there with me, supporting me and cheering me on!

My nurse for the day was wonderful and really knows her stuff!! She has been working OB for 30 years! On top of that a strong christian woman and she attends my church! Thanks Ann for all the support, she always knew exactly what to say and do during my contractions to get me through them. She even made sure we had the largest labor room, as I had a few extra people! After Joshua arrived we must of had 10 people in the room plus the hospital staff! What a treat.

Kaitlyn was able to come and see her baby brother within the hour of his birth! Below are some pictures of her greeting and meeting him, I think they speak for themselves! She loves her babies! She loves holding him and kissing him.

We feel so blessed and honored to have been given this son to raise up in the ways of the Lord. He is melting our hearts and making his place within our little family of 4. The moments I have him all to myself and he is lying on my chest, I marvel at his tiny and precious features. The way his left ear has a 'nick' out of it, where his right ear is smooth. The way his fingers and toes appear to be so long right now. The way the fuzz on his face feels against my cheek and the smell of his little body brings such warm and loving feelings to me. The way his dark blue eyes are searching all the time as they respond to his mommy's voice. The way his belly will rise and fall as he is sleeping in my arms. All of it is a-m-a-z-i-n-g and over whelming at times, such precious moments we are in right now.

I have to note that when we left the hospital he weighed 6lbs 13 oz; and on day 5 he weighed 6lbs 12 oz. He also has a tint of red in his hair, we'll have to wait a while and see how that turns out!

Thank you Jesus for such a precious life!

Kaitlyn 2 yr Pictures ++

2010-07-24T03:32:00.000-04:00

Because it is too overwhelming to pick out which one of these I like the best, I've just put them all into a slide show for now! ENJOY
These are pictures taken with the daughter of very good friends of ours, her name is Addison. She is about a week shy of being 1 year old. Kaitlyn in 26 months in these pictures.

Wednesday???

2010-07-11T08:26:00.000-04:00

So this morning Kaitlyn was telling me that Baby "Wash-ua" was coming soon.

So I asked her, "Really? When?" and to this she replied...

"Oh, I don't know..... Wednesday?"

Then when Daddy came in the room she proceeded to tell him that Baby Joshua was coming on Wednesday!

I guess we'll see if it is this Wednesday or another one or some other day!

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Freeze Recipe

2010-07-07T07:20:00.001-04:00

A YUMMY recipe I wanted to share with you! If you're a chocolate and peanut butter fan like my family is, this is a great treat anytime of year, but especially the summertime.

What You Need

45 NILLA Wafers, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)

1/2 cup PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts, finely chopped

1/4 cup butter, melted

3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter, divided

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1 can (11 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Make It

MIX wafer crumbs, nuts, butter and 1/4 cup peanut butter. Reserve 1/4 cup; press remaining onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan.
BEAT cream cheese and remaining peanut butter in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Gradually beat in condensed milk. Stir in COOL WHIP; pour over crust.
DRIZZLE with chocolate syrup; swirl gently with knife. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Freeze 2 hours or until firm. Remove dessert from freezer 15 min. before serving; let stand at room temperature to soften slightly.

peanut butter-chocolate freeze recipe at kraftfoods.com

Quick Update

2010-07-06T07:50:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to post a quick update on the pregnancy! I know family has been checking in.
This week we are 37 weeks (on Thursday). So far, so good. However, I am really just exhausted and have no energy to get the final touches ready for this little guy! :)

Hopefully, my Mom and Sister will be coming this week to help me get all the infant items tracked down, unpacked, cleaned up, and put where I know they are! Including the car seat- I figure that is one important piece of equipment I MUST have....

In the meantime we've been dealing with Kaitlyn being sick for the past 4 days, on day 5 now- but things are looking up so far this morning! PTL! I hope we are on the mend there, because that just adds to the exhaustion; having a sick child to care for- I am so thankful it was over a long weekend and Matt was around so much to help out.

We continue to try and prepare K for this new arrival of her baby brother Joshua... however, I don't think she will fully understand until he is here to stay. Last night when I put her to bed she said "Baby Joshua's crib"- so that was encouraging that she is seeing his crib right beside her bed and knows that it belongs to Joshua! They will be sharing a room for a while; Lord willing!

The summer is flying by as we spend time with family, friends, swimming, playdates, work (blah), and Matt's golfing has pretty much wrapped up for the summer as he is preparing for our second child.

We'll keep you posted as to when we go to the NEW HOSPITAL!!! It looks very roomy and spacious; hope it is comfortable for Matt and my coaches (Mom and Michele)... we will see SOON!

30 Weeks... well almost

2010-05-17T19:30:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted much about this pregnancy of ours... and here we are approaching the 30 week mark on Thursday! There are moments when I think wow there is only 10 weeks left, that is alot... or that is nothing! Depending on what I'm focused on. Knowing that I am really not prepared in my home for this second baby yet, 10 weeks doesn't sound like all that much time to try and get everything accomplished I feel like I need to before the big arrival!

Kaitlyn seems interested and somewhat excited, although I am certain she will not fully grasp what is in this big belly of mine until she realized that this baby is coming home for good! She is aware and calls my belly "Baby Wash-u-a" or as we would say- Baby Joshua! She likes to rub my belly and say night-night baby wash-u-a. She loves babies and loves to take care of them, so we pray this will be true with our real baby boy!

Here are a couple of ultrasound pictures over the weeks of the pregnancy. Our next one is June 4th to double check on a couple of issues before delivery. We are praying the placenta has moved away from the cervix and there will be no issues with natural delivery, so please believe with us for this to be so.

Just about 7 weeks here!- It is amazing that you can already see some form in this picture.

19 Weeks- what a big difference

22 Weeks, even more changes from just 3 weeks prior.

We would get these 'high-tech' ultrasound pictures everytime, but they just never seem to come out very well, this is probably the best one we have so far.... Baby Joshua David with his hand up by his face all scunched up...

I'm looking forward to the next ultrasound in 2 weeks to see what he looks like now!

Happy Birthday Kailtyn

2010-05-16T15:33:00.001-04:00

W-O-W! Just like any other parent... it is amazing how fast things go with your children?!

Kaitlyn turned 2 years old just yesterday!!

What an amazing gift from God she is to her parents, her grandparents, her cousins, and those in her life! She is so full of life and spirit that she is at times a great reminder of how we should be before our Father!

She is genuinely a happy girl! I love when I'm sitting in a different room from where she is playing and I can hear her singing or talking or giggling! It brings such delight to my life and always put a smile on my face! I am blessed to have her in my life!

I am blessed to see the relationship she has with her daddy, it so precious to see the two of them together, memories to cherish for a lifetime and more. To tell a child that you love them is one thing, but to s-e-e it demonstrated in their life and the way they interact with you is even more amazing to me!

She has been sleeping in her 'big bed' for about 2 months now and is adjusting well to all that, at least most times!

She continues to find her new found freedoms in the things she is now able to do that she could not before! Some of which are a big help to mommy and daddy; like letting 'Bubba' (our dog Buxton) in and out side for us! We continue the battle of potty training. Some days the potty is winning and some days the diaper is winning, or my carpet is losing; not sure which way to look at that! BUT... we continue to make progress.

I joke at times and say her first real sentence is "Cows eat grass." I laugh when I tell people that, but I really do think that is true! She is repeating everything we say and learning more and more everyday. She will tell me things at times and I wonder how does she know this?!? A sharp cookie this one is... sometimes way to smart for her own good; I'm sure several of you have had this issue? Little miss independent.

She continues to love being outside- as much as possible. She loves swimming and water, and picnics outside. She enjoys walks, especially when she gets to take Bubba for a walk (although it is the other way around and he is taking her). The neighbors always get a kick of us parents making our 2 yr. old walk the dog! :)

She enjoys drawing (and amazingly enough mostly on paper!) and riding in her bubble car with her keys (one MUST have keys to drive you know?). She has such the mothering heart as she is constantly caring for her babies by putting fresh clean diapers on them, or holding them over her shoulder as she pats their little bums and she will sing and hum to them as well, she even makes sure they have a seat to eat in.

I know I could ramble on and on about the things she has accomplished in her 2 years, but hopefully these couple of tid bits will bring even more memories to mind for me as I look back on her life!

Below are some pictures over the past month or so! We love you Kaitlyn Olivia- what a blessing you are to your family, may the Lord continue to speak to your heart and guide you in His ways, always!

Kaitlyn got a new swimming pool for her birthday. Unfortunately,the day she got it, was a bit chilly outside to be playing in it! I'm sure we'll be getting in it soon enough. She loves the slide, and only wishes it was a little longer ride.

Kaitlyn unwrapping some gifts from her Mimi and Rogie. This one a little pink princess table with 2 folding chairs and an umbrella. It is set up on our deck now where I am certain many more picnics will be had.

Below: just hanging with the cousins at the new table and lickin my fingers from sticking them in the cake- YUMMY!

Spending a little time in the 'big pool'. She enjoys water so much! She wants so badly to be out in the water splashing around and swimming with the big kids... soon hopefully!

Eating more cake and ice cream... this birthday just keeps getting better and better! It helps we got to celebrate it two weekends in row... that means twice the cake!!

Opening the present from Aunt Shell and Uncle Sean and Hannah and Emma (or Hemma as she K says sometimes when she is too excited to say both names individually). She got Dora sheets for her big girl bed and comforter and a baby doll stoller... which I think was the biggest hit! She started playing with it immediately.

Well, she played so hard, go sooo dirty between playing outside and eating cake and ice cream, it was time to wash it all off in the outdoor shower! Aunt Shell helped her out and got her all clean and smelling more like my little girl!

And... this last picture... i couldn't resist. It was taken today. Her daddy put her up for a nap and we knew she was playing in her room, but since she didn't leave the room, we let her be. Once it got really quite up there, I went to check on her to see where she ended up. Here she is amongst a dozen pieces, or more, of clothing on the floor of her closet, curled up in a ball... sound asleep! (Alas, a moment to catch up on our family blog!)

Thanks for keeping up with us, sorry it takes me so long anymore to get posts up... tis the season of life.

A Day at the Park

2010-04-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

My Parents watch Kaitlyn on Wednesday's while I work. Now that the weather has turned nice, they try to get her outside more. Here are a couple of pictures from a trip to the Oakdale Park! I'd say they speak for themselves! She had a grrreat time!!! And of course it didn't hurt that she was with Mimi and Rogie.

YEAH!!!

Easter Weekend

2010-04-17T19:55:00.000-04:00

We were able to go to PA for the Easter weekend. It is Landis tradition to do an easter egg hunt for all the kiddos! They each had 24 eggs to find and some presents too! Of course Kaitlyn enjoyed it so much she wanted everyone's eggs, not just the ones with her name on them! :)
We had a great weekend catching up with family and spending time with one another! For most it had been since Christmas, and for some even since Thanksgiving! When you have a large family, sometimes it is hard to get everyone together.

The current 7 grandchildren- at least most of them are looking pretty happy, don't ya think?!

Surprise 40th Birthday Party

2010-04-07T20:28:00.000-04:00

W-O-W! My HUSBAND decided it would be a great idea to throw his wife a SURPRISE Birthday party for the big 4-0 birthday! He recruited the help of my family and some dear friends of mine and they pulled it all off!

See- don't I look surprised?!?

The perfect cake for me. It has stripes, polka dots, gerber daisy flowers and it's Red Velvet... that about sums it up! Great job Lourdes!

What a w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l afternoon with so many loved ones. I felt cherished and blessed by family and friends! A day that I will truly remember for a lifetime!

Vacation Hilton Head March 2010

2010-04-07T19:51:00.001-04:00

Matt and I decided we would try and take a vacation early this year with the baby coming in July! So we found a place in Hilton Head, SC for a week and took along both of our parents! The 7 of us had a very nice time! Lots of relaxing, sight seeing, shopping, golfing, walking, and then some!

We took several hours one day and went to Harbor Town, you know the place where the Verizon Heritage Classic Golf Tournament is played!

Not sure if Kaitlyn was walking Pop Pop or if Pop Pop was pushing Kaitlyn! I think it just depended on how tired she was at the moment!

The place we stayed was on a golf course, SURPRISE I KNOW! Earlier in the days you could take walks on the course and find alligators along the water holes on the course! This one was across the 'pond' from me, but it is still looking pretty big to me! That is as close as I needed to get.

A day in Savannah GA- Kaitlyn had the best ride all day long! I was wishing I had one of these by the end of the day and all that walking. But it was just as I pictured it- the weeping trees and Southern Homes.

One quick trip to the beach! We had to see the ocean while we were there! The weather was cooperative, but not so much as to spend lots of time laying around on the beach. Kaitlyn had fun walking and playing in the sand as we found sand dollars and starfish though!

A Few of her Favorite Things

2010-02-16T08:43:00.003-05:00

Kaitlyn is developing some definite opinions about things these days :) And it amazes me that she has the total girl instinct in different things that she chooses! So 10 of Kaitlyn's favorite things include:

Spicy Chips
Dill Pickels
Yogos
Ice Cream
Cream (lotion)
Cell Phones
Baby Dolls
Beads
Music-dancing
Bo-Bo (her teddy blankie)

Somewhere, somehow, K has developed a liking for Martins BBQ "Spicy Chips" and Dill Pickels! And NO it is not because her mommy is pregnant! :) She discovered these on her own and on a whim! Things I was eating at one time or another and continually asked mommy for
'mow-or' (more)... so I let her try them, KNOWING that she would NOT like either one and then I stood by and just watched her gobble them up!

Two of her favorite treats are Yogos and Ice Cream! Loving ice cream in this house I believe is like a pre-req. Everytime her daddy or mommy has a bowl, she eats like half of it! And the Yogos, we have to ration around here! She would eat them all day long if she could! Thank goodness Sharp Shopper carries these pretty regularly! :)

Her Mimi (my mom) always has lotion in her purse and pulls it out enough times that K has become very interested in it! Everytime Mimi has her 'cream' she has to have some for her hands too! Mimi made sure to include 'cream' in Ks Valentine package- and YES she has been carrying it around in her very own zipper bag for the past 2 days now! (I probably have lotion all over this house now! But kids need to be kids, right?!)

K still has a major fasination with cell phones! She has an older one that use to charge and light up, but now it no longer does, so this one is not nearly as intriguing as daddy's flip phone or mommy's slide phone with all the lights we have and all! She will take a phone and place it to her ear, put her shoulder to her ear to help hold the phone there and just start having a conversation with someone! It is so cute to watch her imagination!

Baby dolls have been a great entertaining toy for K. She loves to carry them and 'rock' them- she even sings "Rock A Baby" (her own version of rock-a-bye baby) to her babies as she holds them and rocks them! She loves to put diapers on them. And she knows how many babies she is carrying (well if it is no more than 2 anyways!) She even sets them at her little table and feeds them sometimes.

A quick trip to the dollar store and 8 strands of plastic color beads for $1 have provided more happiness and FUN for K than the $20 toys she got at Christmas! Go figure- right?! That seems to be the way it usually is! She loves to wear them and they have also helped her learn colors like - red, blue, green, purple! She also likes to put the beads on daddy so he can wear them too!

K watches a little TV throughout the day - she generally gets bored with it before we would even turn it off- but what she really likes is all the singing and dancing and music that shows like Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse Club House have- the "Hot Dog" song, is one of her favorties! Partially embarrassed to admit it, but she really likes the Gilmore Girls theme song... she can be playing in another room and if that comes on, she comes running to the TV to dance to it! (I wonder who watches that? hehehe)

Last, but defintely not least (probably most important to her) is her Bo Bo. This is a blankie with a teddy bear head on it that she sleeps with and wakes up with and plays with and MUST have when she is hurt or sad or crying or needy or happy or playing... you get the picture! A friend gave it to me at a shower and it has really become her security blanket I believe. It makes her so happy and makes her feel good!

Thanks for sharing some of K favorite things with us today! She is growing up so fast! 21 months already!!! She is so imaginative, intuitive, investigative, and so much more!!!

Snow Video

2010-01-30T16:25:00.003-05:00

Well, we were able to get the video camera working for just a bit this morning, so we captured just a few minutes of snow-fun!!!

The 4x4 Bubble Car

2010-01-30T10:59:00.009-05:00

So... we are getting a little snow this morning! Again.... I just LOVE to watch it come down! It is so beautiful! And this snow is actually Kaitlyn's first snow to get out and play in. Unfortunately, the last snow(s) we've had she has been sick or had a pretty bad cold- so Mommy made her stay inside. So we got her all bundled up (as best as we could anyways) and sent her out! I think she liked it, but she didn't last very long....

Buxton also l-o-v-e-s the snow... he loves to lay in it, roll in it, eat it, toss it in the air...

The 4x4 Bubble Car! In case you were wondering if these Bubble Cars were all terrain or not... Of course Daddy is getting double duty; shoveling a path and pushing the car...

This has GOT to be one of her favorite toys, all year round she wants to ride in this thing- rain, sleet, or snow (maybe it should be a mail carrier's vehicle?)

And YES.... she likes eating it too! i suppose we all do; made me think of when my Mom use to make snow cream!

11 weeks and counting

2010-01-11T07:58:00.002-05:00

I got a pleasant surprise last week when I went to my baby doctor appointment.... since I was only 10 weeks-6 days; the doctor was worried she would not be able to hear the heart beat with the doppler, so she opted to just give me an ultrasound and even just skip trying the doppler! What a great surprise that was for me!!!

So below is my cock-eyed scanned picture of our latest ultrasound picture! It is so amazing to me that you can already tell the head and body - even though it still really resembles a kidney bean... :)

Kaitlyn went with me to the appointment, so she got to see the baby before daddy did... the doctor was explaining to her that mommy has a baby in her tummy... and well- you guessed it- now Kaitlyn has a baby in her tummy! If you ask her where her baby is, she'll point to her belly! So sweet! She now points to Mommy's belly and says 'baby, baby' :) As time goes on and the belly gets bigger and bigger and Kaitlyn gets a little older- maybe she'll understand even more!

We are so blessed to be having our second child! Pray with us that everything continues to go well and for a healthy, full-term baby with no complications or surprises along the way!

Tinkerbell and then some

2010-01-10T19:45:00.003-05:00

Well, believe it or not- we celebrated our last Christmas of 2009 yesterday in Roanoke with my mom's brother and his family!

We decided before coming back home that we needed to stop into the Disney Store at the Roanoke Mall because they were having one of their 2 big sales of the year! :) I was able to pick up a couple of costumes / dress up clothes for Kaitlyn! Here she is in one of them... Tinkerbell :)

Ok, so the wings are as big (bigger) than she is!!! But she didn't seem to mind it too much!

She kept it on for quite a long time. We even had a tea party together with her all dressed up! She thought it was wonderful :) (It is so much fun for me to have a little girl, I am enjoying her more and more as she is becoming more and more interactive and we can build our relationship with more and more memories! )

I just had to throw a couple of other pictures in that have been taken recently... well this one was today after we got home from church! What a cutie....

Sort of proper (after mommy pulled her dress down over her knees for the picture! haha)

Not sure if she's making some sort of private deal on her phone in this picture or not... she was trying to hide from me! :) A bit cryptic in her language and all :)

What fun we are having lately! I'm just loving every minute of it!

Burnett Family Christmas 2009

2010-01-07T21:15:00.006-05:00

After Matt and I travelled back from PA on Christmas Eve, we made a quick stop at the house and dropped a couple things off and picked a couple things up and headed immediately to Staunton to stay the night with my parents. We had talked earlier in the day and since they were calling for snow/ice mix over night we thought it would be nice to stay with my parents overnight so that if it was really bad on Christmas they (and us) would not be alone on Christmas. As it were, we were able to travel on Christmas day to my Granddad's in Wythe Co., VA. My dad's family got together for a meal and family time that afternoon. We had not been in several years, so it was great to be able to make it again this year. It had been over a year since most of the family had seen Kailtyn as well... so it was fun to catch up with everyone!

Then... finally...we celebrated Christmas with my family on the 26th! My brother was unable to make it this year- he and Lyne were surely missed.... but the kids still made it fun for all of us and we enjoyed everyone that was there!

Kaitlyn's first necklace- and Daddy is even putting it on for her! ?! (of course she managed to break it later that night- but no worries Rog was able to fix it)

My sister opening one of her gifts... "Going Rogue"- Sarah Palin's book...She was pretty excited about that one!

Kaitlyn standing in the midst of the torn papers and looking around at all the new stuff! She had so much fun this year opening packages and helping others with theirs as well! It was nice to see her take a moment anyway with gifts that she opened! She seemed truly interested in everything she got to open up!

Of course, me opening one of my gifts- obviously I look pretty happy about it! (My "ugg" like boots- YEAH)!

Not the best picture here... but you can still see that Matt is extactic about his 2 Phillies tickets he got for Christmas, from me and my parents.... he will be going to a Red Sox game in May! This will be his first trip to Citizens Bank Park! Yeah for him!!!

I love Christmastime and spending time with family! Even though it all goes by so quickly and never seems to last long enough for all the time and effort we put into it...but i cherish the family moments and family memories that we make every year!

I received another charm for my charm braclet this year (as usual).... they are always so unique, special, perfect for the one receiving it... this year i got a charm that represents Faith, Charity, Love- to reflect the new beginning of a project that has long since been in my heart, and to see it coming to reality is a-mazing! In 2009 I was able to start a clothes closet through our church for people in need- to receive things for free, whether they are in our church or in our community! It is already making an impact in the community- and what a blessing that is to me!

In 2009 I was also able to help bring to life a new non-Profit Organization that will be running 'along side' our church family... it is called New Dimensions of Grace! It is a non profit that will help church reach community in new ways that our current church staff/elders are unable to because it would take them away from the church too much! I'm sure i'll be posting about that more later on...but what a blessing to be a part of such a 'momentus occassion' in my life... it is such a passion of mine!

So all that to say... my charm this year was absolutley perfect!

Just one more quick note about charms... Kaitlyn's this year was a cell phone, it even flips open!! A silver charm cell phone that flips- now how perfect is that for her? If you know her at all... you KNOW it is perfect! :)

December 2009 Blizzard

2010-01-07T21:00:00.003-05:00

Starting the evening of Friday, December 18th the Valley starting getting some heavy snow fall. It continued all through the night and into Saturday. These pictures are taken in Staunton at my parent's house; as my family was in PA for Christmas already....but I had to post some pictures for memory sake...it's been since---when???--- that we had this much around here?

This is Emma trying to dig her way to the grass... she hasn't gotten there yet!!!

My sister out with her girls enjoying the pretty snow fall!!! already up to her knees!

All the dogs were having a hard time making their way through the deep snow... it was pretty hard on our old dogs.... too much work to get out and even pee... but, it seems they all still really love it! Buxton will dip his nose in and throw the snow up in the air, he is sooo funny to watch!

This is the path to the hot tub, for those fanatics~!! and YES we have some of those in our family!

Yup, my dad in his hot tub... I'm not even sure how he managed to get in it with all that now piled up.... brrrrrr..... is all i'm thinking right now!!!

The beginnings of shoveling the driveway....

ahhhhh..... I just LOVE snow!!!! love it love it love it!!! I'm ready for some more!! How about you?

Christmas in PA 2009

2010-01-02T12:20:00.003-05:00

This year for Christmas we were able to travel to PA for a whole week prior to Christmas. We left the evening of the "Big Blizzard" on Friday the 18th and stayed until Christmas Eve. It was so nice to be able to just hang out, visit, relax (alot) and not rush all over and still get alot of good family time in!

Matt's brother and his family, graciously take us in everytime we come home! This time they had us for 5 nights and Matt's mom and dad has us for one. It was like a break for me having the cousins keep Kaitlyn occupied and entertained! Tyler was like having a built in babysitter for 6 days! Now that IS n-i-c-e!!!! They played so well together, and even after having spent that many days with 3 boys- Kaitlyn has managed to keep her 'girly' traits in tact.

Kaitlyn is just relaxin'! It seems she is really taking to lying down to drink her milk lately! She loves to prop her head up on the arm of the couch and just kick back. Other times she'll find the steps and lay back to drink it in. Tyler would wear her out, and she just needed a break now and then to re-coop. :)

The annual family Christmas picture at mom and dad's. Kaitlyn was trying her best to smile for the picture... how did she do?

This is Kaitlyn and her cousin Zachy. He just adores her! He wants to constantly help her and make sure she has whatever she needs. He watches out for her and is certain to let us know if there is a problem. Kaitlyn is pretty fond of Zachy too!

This is Kaitlyn and Tyler... these two kids would chase each other, play with each other, talk to each other and just down right have a good time! Tyler would always make sure Kaitlyn was taken care of.

Kaitlyn in her Christmas outfit at Grammy and Pop-Pops. She was the center of attention for about 5 mins, until she just couldn't take it anymore and had to be taken off to bed. She missed the present opening that evening, but it worked out well for her the next morning, so it was all OK.

Kaitlyn with mommy's 'beads'. She has become fascinated with them and wore them for several days! She thought she was a princess and just had to have them!

The next morning, Kaitlyn finally got to open her presents! It was probably better anyways, she was able to concentrate a little better. She finally got the hang of ripping the paper and getting into whatever was inside!

Grammy and Pop Pop got Kaitlyn a small play kitchen that makes noises and has some accessories! She is so funny to watch when she pushes a button and different noises come out... she gets sooo excited!! What fun!

Kaitlyn with her cousin Michelle opening presents from her. Michelle got her a tea set that sings and talks to her, but the coolest thing it does (I think) is when you tip the pot to (pretend) pour it sounds like it's really pouring! It has really helped Kaitlyn learn to pretend to have a tea party. She has been serving up tea to mommy and daddy and Mimi and Rog...quite the little hostess.

Kaitlyn with her beads opening Christmas presents... she had the time of her life!

It was a wonderful Christmas vacation and time with family! Lots of food, fun, games and laughter! AND yes we had snow there too.... just not the blizzard that the 'burg received.

Relax

2009-12-19T19:02:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to say yes.... we are still alive and well... I feel like such a slacker lately, and am not sure what my problem is with keeping up with blog posts. It seems there is always something else that gets priority, family, work, house work, Christmas baking, Christmas cards, running errands, being sick for - let's just say a long time- and just on and on and on...

No excuses... I would solemnly pledge to do better and take more picutres and do more posts, BUT- alas, i know better... but how about I will try...

BUT... I have found lots of time to RELAX today and enjoy the SNOW.... I L-O-V-E SNOW!!! Really, really, really love it! I enjoy watching it and the way it clings to the trees and has the majestic look it does... and when you don't have to travel- it's so peaceful!

We are visiting family in PA for the week! We were smart enough to leave the burg last night and head on up, instead of leaving this morning - as orginially planned! We were able to make it for almost an hour at my company Christmas Party last night and then we hit the road about 6:30pm- we ran out of the snow about Woodstock and had clear travels the rest of the way here!

We too are enjoying the snow as it is falling outside! It is not anywhere near as much as VA, at least for now, but still beautful as ever and really, really cold outside!

Merry Christmas everyone and hopefully I will be back REALLY soon...maybe even this week, as we are on vacation!

Harrisonburg/Rockingham Community Clothing Drive

2009-12-02T18:56:00.002-05:00

Grace Covenant Church Community Wide Clothing Drive
Saturday, December 12 from 10am-1pm
there will be a City-Wide Clothing Drive.

Our focus is on Children’s clothes sizes 4-14, for under privileged children in our community.

Please bring your clean gently worn clothing to 1 of 2 pick-up sites.
1) JMU Convocation Center Parking Lot,
2) or the South end of the Sharp Shopper parking lot on Rt 11.

Join us love on these children and their families.

For more information call Anne Whitehouse at 433-9244.

The Blur of October into November

2009-11-17T14:51:00.009-05:00

The month of October was pretty much a blurr... but I was able to capture some things on camera!
These horse riding pictures are actully from last weekend, so November! What a great day to be outside! Dale, a friend of Matt's, has several horses and loves it when kids come out to ride! So we took my two nieces up for the afternoon! This is Hannah riding Ginger. Hannah says this is the first time on a horse (although Mommy thinks it's the 2nd). Anyways, she loved it!

This Emma riding Ginger! After she got comfortable on her, she didn't want to get off!

Little K, looking into the horse ring...wanting to get close, but then when we let her- of course she didn't want to!

Kaitlyn happen to fall into this little pile of leaves, and one of Dale's dogs just thought it looked to comfortable to not come and join her, she he just plopped right down on top of her... glad she likes big dogs!

K lookin into the ring again...

This is Hondo, 4 month old Colt of Dale's... Ginger is his mommy... he got a little mad at us i think for taking up so much of mommy's time that afternoon!

A nice October afternoon to get outside; finally Kaitlyn was thinking, I'm sure!

This is K riding her stick horse! She seems to really notice horses all time, and is constantly picking them out in books and pictures and anywhere!

This is K wearing her Phillies T-shirt after they won the NLCS; however, I am not to mention anything else about that whole deal and the World Series and all.... enough is enough I suppose.! hahaha...I shall honor my husband's wishes!

Just hanging with the girlfriends! And, I'd like to add that these babies are wearing Kaitlyn's premie outfits... how sad... she really was that small at one time, how I forget... But at least her babies are not naked anymore! ;)

Daddy even likes to hang with the girlfriends once in a while!

Yup, baby dolls have been a big thing for Kaitlyn these last 2 months probably! She loves to say 'baby" and carry one, or more, around with her, most times now!

So, even though we sort of breezed right over Matt's birthday (sorry babe) as i had just gotten out of the hospital and was staying in Staunton even.... we still managed to capture some good moments here and there! I'm glad Fall has not completely left us already - as it is my favorite season, I look forward to more nice weekends to get out with the family and enjoy LIFE!

October 2009 - Vacation

2009-11-17T14:30:00.007-05:00

As I previously mentioned, I was on Vacation for a week in Emerald Isle, NC with my family! It is always a fun time for me to spend with them, and now with Kaitlyn- it is even more fun! She seemed to really enjoy the beach (once she got use to the sand) and all the other kids to play with!
Every year, this trip falls over, or really close to Madison's (cousin to my nieces) birthday- she had a luau party with Japanese Nabe (yummy) and of course K was trying to dress for the occassion (of course it only lasted minutes)!

Aunt Shell hanging with K and some other kiddies down by the water... trying to break her in slowly to the ocean; she is sitting in a pink princess chair that belonged to Sam (cousin to my nieces)- which I might add, K ended up coming home with because she loved it so much!

Granddaddy Rog getting to spend some time with his youngest granddaughter!

This house has a home theater room in it with a stage! The kids L-O-V-E-D it! Several nights they would dress up and put on "A Show" for all of us! They are all quite creative... and entertaining! This is Sam in one of her 'get-ups'

From my bedroom balcony.... ahhhhh.....

From my bedroom balcony looking down at the pool (heated by the way- NICE), which overlooks the beach!

Mom and Dad getting some much deserved rest!

The kids also did a 'spa-day' for us adults one afternoon! Even did hot rock massages! We had neck rubs and back rubs, feet massages and lotion... very relaxing!

The Tiki Hut that sits by the pool and overlooks the beach!

A picture of our house from the beach! I was all the way on the top floor with Kaitlyn... just the 2 of us up there...

Just getting use to the sand, thinking she is starting to like this big play area!

Mommy and Kaitlyn back after a long walk/stroll on the beach!

The 3 granddaughters on the last day- such a great picture I think...

Some of you may be thinking... well where is Matt? As he would say... "Some of us have to work!" But... he is gracious enough to let his wife and daughter go away for a week and be without us... Thanks honey!

V-E-R-T-I-G-O

2009-11-17T14:10:00.002-05:00

Well, it has been quite some time since I've posted on this blog. I guess I just kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting for one thing and then another.
I kept waiting to be able to sit up and focus, waiting for something creative to pop into my brain, waiting to just feel good for a day, waiting for time, you get the idea! Now... it is time!

On September 29th, I was on vacation with my family at Emerald Isle, NC. A place we've been going now for several years, probably 7 or 8 years by now. It was a Tuesday... Kaitlyn and I had been down on the beach with the other kids playing and hanging out. It was time for lunch, I think... so we came back to the house where the Grandmothers were all hanging out! They wanted to go out, but one little girl was still taking a nap on the couch; i assured them it would be no problem for them to leave, that I was planning on staying in the house for a while and I'd watch Sam and Kaitlyn.

It must have not even been 30 minutes after they left, that I was sitting in a chair and Kaitlyn had dropped something, so I bent over to pick it up, and as I sat back up this overwhelming feeling of nausea, dizziness, and pure wretchedness came over me! My bedroom was 3 flights of stairs up... how was I going to manage this... alone? I'm not sure how, other than through prayer, I made it up those flights of stairs- carrying Kaitlyn- to put her in her crib so she would be safe until someone got home. I laid down on my bed for a short time, but knew that Sam was still alone 3 flights down napping; what if she woke up and got scared because no one was there?! I had to get back downstairs for her and for my phone to call the Grandmothers!

I managed to make it downstairs, got a phone, and made it to the bathroom... ahhh that cold tile floor felt so good! My mom got home just as quickly as she could. I was unable to move from that spot for sometime, and then finally made it to the couch to rest somewhat more comfortably.

We all thought it would be over the next day, as this had happened to me about 10 years ago... unfortunately, it did not pass so quickly... the rest of vacation went by and we returned home on Sunday. On Monday, I had gotten progressively worse and finally decided to go to the ER. I was unable to eat or drink, and dehydrating was a concern. I was in the hospital from Monday until Thursday. All the while, family was pitching in to help take care of Katilyn and Matt- thank GOD for family! I could not have done it without them!

Anyways, today is day 50; and I have come through not being able to drive, not being able to care for my family or clean house or cook or shop- daily life chores, i've dealt with medical doctors and all the drugs they want to throw at a problem, an ENT consult, Physical Therapy, and rehab exercises. I am somewhere between 90 and 95% healed and keep believing that my Faithful Father will finish what He has started and bring me to a full 100% recovery from this Vertigo and Vestibular Neuritis!

There is sooo much more to this story, but I think this is plenty to remind me! :)

A friend of mine prayed that the Lord would show me a Spiritual Truth to all this, and I believe He still is revealing some eye-opening things to me...but one neat thing He gave me is this:

V ictory
E xpressed
R elentlessly
T hrough
I nfinte
G race
O verall

Thank GOD for His Grace and His Faithfulness and His Healing and so much more!

A Fun Family Weekend

2009-09-15T14:58:00.002-04:00

Matt & I decided it would be a great weekend to get some family time is, as the next 3 we will all be different places :(!

So Saturday we headed over to Children's First Day. K seemed to enjoy it for the most part! It is a very busy place and LOTS to see! She got her first tatoo sitting on this blow up crown chair!
Not sure she knew exactly what was going on...but seemed to have a pretty good time there! Maybe next year she will be more into all they offer there!

Sunday afternoon we went to a friend's horse farm to visit and let the kids ride! What a beautiful day! I think all the kids got to ride and enjoyed it!

K didn't make it for a ride yet, but she did manage to get on and sit or a minute with her daddy.... maybe next time she'll go for a ride!

the girls... just playing on the farm! ;)

Family Visits

2009-09-10T22:31:00.003-04:00

Matt's family was able to visit us throughout the summer. It was so nice to have them come to us and cut back on our travelling! :) His Mom and Dad and youngest sister and her family made in for a weekend in July. His Oldest Brother and his family made it for a weekend in August and then his Oldest Sister and her family made it for a weekend in August as well.
I'm noticing I really need to take more pictures... i'm getting lazy about it... But, here are a few from the weekends we shared.
Tyler and K trying to figure out how to 'un-crash' the bubble car... they LOVED playing with this car together... so cute!

K and her cousin Ashley... this is about the best picture I got of the two of them, out of like taking a dozen or so! ;) Those little girls m-o-v-e around quickly!

Matt and two of his nephews sporting the Elway jerseys! Matt was soooo impressed they BOTH had Elway jerseys to wear now!

ahhhhh.... the bubble car... all to myself! :)

Nags Head Weekend

2009-09-10T22:19:00.002-04:00

Seems like just this past weekend I was in Nags Head with my Brother and Sister...but it must of been like 3 weeks ago now...
Anyways... K and I headed to the beach with my sister and her clan for the weekend. (Matt and his brother were playing in a 2 day golf tournament, so i wouldn't have seen him much anyways... it wasn't like i just abanoneded him or anything- for the record).

It was a great laid back weekend! Just lots of catching up and hanging low. My brother lives on the sound in Kill Devil Hills, back in Colington for those of you who are familiar. So the private beach back there is pretty much always empty....

My two nieces spending the afternoon on the Sound Side Beach.

The girls are totally into paddling now! They are really quite good at it too. It's a bonus that one of the kayaks is pink and one is blue... just perfect for the girls and their favorite colors!

K and her Uncle Mitch just after bath time! She really took to her Uncle Mitch! She would reach for him and want him to hold her! I was glad to see her take to him so quickly and enjoy him... and her Aunt Lyne too... they even babysat for me/ her so i could go run around a bit... what a treat! We had a great weekend visiting and catching up.

THE Tea Party

2009-08-13T11:43:00.003-04:00

My Mom and Dad threw a tea party for my nieces! They were each allowed to invite 3 friends. I tell ya, they really went all out on this thing! I'm not sure how they'll top this one.
You know... this will have to become an annual event!!! My Dad... The Butler- greeting young ladies as they arrived for the party.

Miss Emma awaiting the arrival of her guests.

Miss Hannah awaiting the arrival of her guests!

The Host and Hostess dressed for success! And a huge success it was, I tell ya!

My sister even dressed up for the occassion. She is putting the finishing touches on the decorations.

The Set up on the patio.

They all had place settings assigned by little place cards.

The Butler at work, serving his guests finger sandwiches and fruit and cookies and the like.

Now, this is where it got a bit unconvential for a Tea Party! My dad put a zip line up in the yard (woods sort of) and all the young ladies in their pretty little dresses just had to take turns on the zip line. It's just too much fun not to!

What a great afternoon! My mom gave them all ettiquette lessons prior to serving them 'tea' and finger foods. Some of them picked up pretty quickly on the napkin in the lap, no elbows on the table, please, thank you.... not sure they all got all the proper manners down... but they seemed to all enjoy themselves!

What a great idea!

Beware- POLITICAL POST--

2009-07-20T18:53:00.009-04:00

The Obenshain ReportJuly 20, 2009
Rest Area Closures:An Avoidable Blunder

They are among the most literal signs of Virginia's ongoing budget crisis, and if you've pulled off the interstate at a rest area lately, perhaps you've seen one: within the last two weeks, signs went up at eighteen rest areas across the Commonwealth announcing their imminent closure. These rest areas will officially shut down at midnight tonight – just as many motorists and truckers are looking for a place to stop for a break.

Some will see in these newly barricaded entrances a grim commentary on the Commonwealth's openness to tourism, travel, and commerce. Shuttering these rest areas makes those long stretches along our interstates less inviting to those contributing to Virginia's billion dollar tourism industry. As one op-ed columnist observed, a visitor to Virginia might soon tell friends and family that the Blue Ridge Mountains are spectacular, but, on the flip side of the ledger, Virginia closed all the restrooms.

But I have a still more pressing and immediate concern: as many as twenty percent of all highway accidents are caused by "drowsy driving," and eliminating places to pull off, stretch one's legs, or use the restrooms may sometimes be more than inconvenience. It rises, at times, to the level of a safety concern.

Virginia's budget is a mess; there's no getting around that. Cuts are unavoidable, and no department or agency is immune. Eliminating nineteen rest areas – eighteen on July 21 and another in September – to save a mere $9 million is, however, reckless and unnecessary.
As I have long pointed out, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) are no strangers to pork-barrel and wasteful spending. Scrapping plans for a single public rail pilot project, for instance, could fund keeping these nineteen rest areas open for another three years.

Several decades ago, a new term entered the political lexicon: the Washington Monument Strategy. Year after year, Congress would call upon the National Park Service to find ways to operate more efficiently, and invariably the response would be that if they had to cut one more penny, they would have no choice but to close the Washington Monument. Something very similar seems to be taking place here: ordered to make cuts, VDOT has responded by making the most painful and public cuts they can get away with in a game of brinksmanship in which Virginia's motorists are unfortunately cast as mere pawns.

Under federal law drafted in, and more appropriate to, a much earlier era, we do not have the option of commercializing or privatizing our rest areas to make them profitable or at least less fiscally burdensome. Sadly, last week Congressman Frank Wolfe's efforts to change that federal law were rejected with speed seldom seen in the halls of Congress -speed seemingly reserved for "stimulus" bills, bailouts, and possibly now for the nationalization of our healthcare system.
We do, however, have the option of cutting elsewhere. Delegate Todd Gilbert and I have called for an outside performance audit of VDOT which could identify far better targets for elimination.

The barricades are going up tomorrow, but it didn't have to be this way: with a little prudence and an eye toward eliminating needless expenditures, we could have recouped this cost and far more.

Don't let anyone tell you that this was unavoidable: there were always other options. Funds are tight, and painful cuts will continue to be necessary across the board, but the closure of these nineteen rest areas became a foregone conclusion because those who could have charted a different course chose to do nothing.

That's not a legacy I would want.

Mark ObenshainVirginia State Senator

P.S. If you share my commitment to auditing VDOT, please join my Expose VDOT Waste website and Facebook group and, as always, feel free to forward this email to any friends or colleagues who might be interested.

Forward email
Obenshain Reports 2 South Main Street Suite 402 P.O. Box 555 Harrisonburg VA 22803

Kids Klothing Exchange August 8th

2009-07-20T08:34:00.003-04:00

Grace Covenant Church - Harrisonburg

If you attend Grace, you need to check this out!

Kids Klothing Exchange
You give – You receive

This event has been scheduled to coincide with the back to school season. Clean out those bulging closets this summer and receive some “new” cloths for your children as they head back to school.

Families are asked to drop-off gently worn children’s clothes at the church starting Sunday, August 2 – Friday, August 7th. All clothes must be dropped off at the church office by 2:00 p.m. each day.

Bring clothes sorted by sizes! All sizes and ages will be accepted.

Then on Saturday August 8th, you are invited to come swap your clothes with others from our church family. Come experience the promise of if you give, you shall receive. All remaining clothes will be donated to the Grace Covenant Clothes Closet outreach initiative targeting our larger community. For more information contact Joy Stultz at 540-421-0431.

Ks Best Friend

2009-07-16T09:04:00.003-04:00

Man's Best Friend! Kaitlyn sure has found hers this past month or so! She has really taken an interest in Buxton. He is so gentle with her, I can't say much for her however!

Watch out Buxton..... here I come!

Maybe I can ride him, let's see....

Just a little pat....(whack!)

almost on him.... i'll keep trying! Now if he would only get up and take me around! (haha)

Maybe, she will learn the word "gentle" through these experiences with Buxton! I must say it 100 times or more when she is crawling on him or over him, or pulling on his ears or chops, or petting him (pounding on him)... she just giggles and is so happy when she is playing with her dog!

Buxton is so great with her, of course it may have something to do with being almost 11 years old!

Laundry....maybe?

2009-07-14T09:24:00.002-04:00

I suppose after watching me do countless loads of laundry K has learned the process. First you empty the basket, folding things and neatly placing them in piles, so that you can then place everything back in the basket to carry it upstairs.

Step 1,2,and.... She has emptied the basket... made um piles on the floor....
and she is filling the basket back up again.... just not with the neatly folded items?!

Occassionally, K gets a ride in the laundry basket around our open floor plan when i get the basket emptied! We sit in the basket and hold on for dear life as mommy bends over and drags her through the kitchen, the living room, the dining room and back into the kitchen again.... she LOVES it!

Do you think, this could have possibly been a hint that someone wanted a ride this morning?

hmmmmm.... my piles don't look as neat as mommy's.... i'll just keep trying!

what J-O-Y! a true treasure!

I tried...

2009-07-14T09:13:00.003-04:00

So... I had these great plans to take K's 1 year photos at my Mom and Dads. They have spent the last several months really working on their back patio area- which now looks like something out of Southern Living, I might add (NICELY DONE!)- BUT.... as I'm sure all mom's are aware, when you have a toddler; without some fishing line and an invisible hand; how are you suppose to take them by yourself?! If you have discover a way to do this- please share with us newer moms!
Sitting by the pond... i know these are little 'creepy' with the "face" behind her... that is one of my dad's 'widdling' (is it?) projects!

I mean, doesn't it look like such a great outdoor setting for a photo shoot?

These are the Micky or should I say Minni Mouse ears that my Mom brought back for K from Disney World...

Another great potential location for a summer time photo shoot! What pretty flowers, wouldn't you agree?

These were taken up on the new raised patio where the hot tub is.... VERY NICE.... :)

So, as you can see in the next post- that may have been a better idea.... We'll see how it goes at 18 mos....

What a treat this little girl is! SOOO MUCH FUN!!! She keeps us on our toes, and our knees, and our feet.... you get the idea!

New Photos

2009-07-13T13:45:00.003-04:00

Sorry I've been such a slacker lately! BUT- I did want to get K's 1 year pictures posted before too much time had passed! So enjoy these for now; and hopefully I'll be back at it soon!

Vacation- Boston

2009-06-05T13:23:00.006-04:00

The second week of our vacation we met up with Matt's family in Boston, MA. We rented a house in a little town- Sherborn- and made the trek into Boston a couple of days. Here are some highlights!

This is the State House-built between 1795 and 1797 on Beacon Hill; which overlooks the Boston Common. The site was orginally pasture land owned by John Hancock.

We followed the Freedom Trail throughout Boston. You simply follow the brick path that has been laid in the sidewalk and it takes you from site to site!

This is the Old State House- this building was the center of Boston's civic life in the 18th century and the scene of some of the most dramatic chapters in the lead-up to the American Revolution. This is where Samuel Adams, James Otis, and John Hancock debated the future of the British colonies. Just outside the building, five men were among the first casualities of the battle for independence, in what would be later known as the Boston Massacre. The declaration of Independence was proclaimed from the balcony to the citizens of Bostin in 1776.

This is the Old South Meeting House. The meeting of more than 5,000 colonists on December 16, 1773 which started the Boston Tea party to meetings today, the Old South Meeting House has been an important gathering place for nearly 3 centuries. Renowned for the protest meetings held here before the American Revolution, this National Historic Landmark has long served as a platform for the free expresseion of ideas. Today, the Old South Meeting House is open as a museum and continues to provide a place for people to meet, discuss, and act on important issues of the day.

This is Faneuil Hall (Marketplace). It has been a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1742. It is the site of several speeches by Samuel Adams, James Otis, and others encouraging independence from Great Britain, and is now part of Boston National Historical Park.

This is a man dressed up for the parade they have every year on June 1st. It is a parade to honor those fallen soldiers.

Paul Revere's House -On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his small woodend home in Boston's North End and set out on a journey that would make him into a legend! This home is the oldest building in downtown Boston and one of the few remaining from an early era in histroy of colonial America. The home was built in 1680 on the site of the former parsonage of the Second Church of Boston. Paul Revere purchased the home in 1770 from Robert Howard, a wealthy merchant. This is Old North Church - One if by Land, Two if by Sea... The Church was built in 1723 and is the oldest standing church building in Boston. On the evening of April 18, 1775, Robet Newman- the church sexton, climbed the steeple and held hight two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This fateful evecnt ignited the American Revolution.This is The USS Constitution - She is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world! Constitution launched in 1797. Her first duty was to provide protection for Amercian merchant shipping during the Quasi War with France. Her most famous era of naval warfare was the War of 1812 against Great Britain. Her mission today is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through education outreach, historic demonstration, and active participation in public events.

Bunker Hill Monument- built to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. The 221 foot granite obelisk was erected between 1827 and 1843 in Charlestown, MA. There are 294 steps to the top. The monument is not on Bunker Hill, but instead on Breed's Hill, where most of the fighting in the misnamed Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place. The Battle of Bunker Hill was the first major conflict between British and Patriot forces in the Revolutionary War, fought there June 17, 1775. Taken from the top of Bunker Hill monument.Boston North End at night.

Thanks for visiting! :)

Vacation Wrap Up!

2009-06-05T11:27:00.009-04:00

Well as you can see; posting daily didn't work out! As I am still not home in VA yet, it is hard to find time to post :) But this morning, while K is napping, i'm trying to catch up a bit. These pictures wrap up the first week of our vacation in New England.

We opted to drive the Mt. Washington road on our own. The road opens at 8am, and we were there at 8am! It made it really nice to not have so much traffic on such a 'skinny' road though! Mt. Washington is the highest peak in New England. We were fortunate enough to have a really clear day!

Picture of Mt. Washington from the base.

You can see it wasn't very busy at this time of year or day! Our lonely van in the parking lot overlooking some 6,000 feet down.

The Peak is 6,288 feet high. It is an 8 mile drive from the where the Auto Road begins.Kaitlyn at one of our many picnic lunches! :) This was on our way to Bar Harbor.Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor Maine. A picture of Frenchman's Bay.Picture of Frenchman's Bay from the top of Cadillac Mountain. This is another part of Acadia Park called Shoodic Pennisula. A lighthouse along the way.This is Portland Maine- and the Portland Maine Lighthouse- you've probably seen pictures of this one before!

Now this is a picture of the "Little Women" house in Concord Massachusetts
After we left Concord/Lexington MA area, we headed on down to Boston for our last 5 days! (next post)

Vacation Photos

2009-05-27T14:45:00.004-04:00

Here is a slide show of pictures I've downloaded so far... !
Also, here is the LINK to see the pictures on Picasa Web.

New England Vacation Day 2-Part 2

2009-05-26T19:45:00.008-04:00

After Franconia Notch State Park we head across the Kancamagus Highway, NH. The Kanc cuts an east-west channel through the White Mountain National Forst from Lincoln to Conway.

We stopped along the way and had a picnic lunch.

This is the view from our lunch spot.

After lunch we headed to Craword Notch State Park for a ride through the notch and hike at Arethusa Falls.

The falls are approximately 200 feet high and the round trip 3-mile hike was of moderate difficulty! Rocky, straight up (for just about 1/2 of it)...but again, worth it! But, I also wasn't carrying a 20lb Kaitlyn on my back like someone else was :) Matt would say it was challenging as well!

As we drove through Crawford Notch we caught just a glimpse of a moose!!! If you look closely, you can see the Moose running away... at least it wasn't running towards us ;)

New England Vacation Day 2-Part 1

2009-05-26T19:02:00.008-04:00

Day 2 of our vacation started in Lincoln New Hampshire. We visited Franconia Notch State Park! The park is located in the White Mountain National Forest. There is a parkway (I-93)that extends from Echo Lake at the north to the Flume Gorge at the south.
Franconia Notch was the home of the famous Old Man of the Mountain, the same "Great Stone Face" immortazilized by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster (according the nhstateparks.org). However, in 2003 the face fell and so sadly enough, we did not visit that particular section of the Park.

The picture above is of Echo Lake. It was such a calm, peaceful morning when we stopped here to take a look! You can see how still the water is by the reflection of the mountains in the lake. Apparently, we had just missed seeing the bears roam about on the Cannon Mountain ski slopes, which would be to the right in this picture.
The picture above is one of many covered bridges that you can find in NE. This one happens to be along the trail to the Flume Gorge.

The Flume Gorge was discovered in 1808. It is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.

The notorious "Self Portrait" attempt!

Making our way further up and into the gorge. The price we paid to get in to see this "flume" was well worth it, we thought, once we saw all the hard work of the stairs laid out for us to make it to the top of the gorge.

This is Avalanche Falls- the 2 mile hike was well worth it to see this waterfall. It was a easy hike and a beautiful day for it!

New England Vacation Part I

2009-05-26T18:33:00.007-04:00

So our New England vacation officially started on Sunday, May 24th! Our first stop was Quechee Gorge in White River Junction, Vermont. We had been travelling for about 6 hours that day and were so happy for the break! Kaitlyn did so well travelling for such a long period of time; and then to go and put her right into a back pack! Luckily- she loved being in that and looking around at all the nature!

This was a relatively short hike - close to 2 miles by the time we were all done!

This is a picture of the gorge from the bridge on VT-4 165 feet above the river below ( you can see the bridge from down below in a lower picture). The Ottauquechee River flows southward and plunges into the narrow, rocky cleft of Quechee Gorge, 165 deep and over a mile in length.

Quechee Gorge is part of the 612 acre Quechee Gorge State Park

See the bridge in the background?

Although, we could not see rushing waters or waterfalls at this location, it is one of Vermon'ts longest and most famous gorges. It was a beautiful day for a hike!

Vacation Time!

2009-05-19T07:04:00.003-04:00

It is a B-U-S-Y week here at the Landis house! We are trying to prepare for our 2 week vaction to NE! We leave Friday and head to Quakertown PA where Matt will play in a golf tournament with his brother on Saturday and we'll leave from there on Sunday to head to Vermont and then on into New Hampshire!
If you're interested; these are the hotspot links for our trip!

White River Junction, Vermont - an Historic Railroad town in Hartford, VT
Franconia Notch State Park (NH)
Kancamagus Hwy (NH)
Mt. Washington (NH)
Arethusa Falls/ Crawford Notch State Park (NH)
Acadia National Park (ME)
Coastal Drive along Rt. 1 - (ME)
LL Bean (ME)
Boston (MA)

We will be doing lots of hiking and spending time in the State and National Parks; this is something we enjoy doing as a family and we are excited to try out Kaitlyn's new Kelty aluminum frame back carrier... she seems to like it OK around the house! Surely when we are hiking and she has so much to look at, she will be quite content to just 'tag' along with us :)
Of course we are also doing a lot of sight seeing as we travel along the Coast of Maine- seeing light houses and more!

We will travel a minimum of 1950 miles, but with only a couple of days of long periods of time in the car! We are looking forward to the week in VT, NH, and ME with the three of us as well as a week in Boston with Matt's family, where we've rented a house outside of Boston! The boys will be going to a Red Sox game and we will be doing parts of the Freedom Trail and enjoying lots of the historic sights in Boston!

So... off to finishing gathering needed items around the house and to seriously start pulling things to pack, as the rest of our week is filled with work and meetings :)

And a big, HUGE THANK YOU to our house/Buxton sitter while we are gone! We couldn't do it without him! Of course he will be quite spoiled with all the freezer meals I've prepared for him to have while he stays here! We may have a hard time getting him to go back home when we return :) .... right Folmar?!

Blessings,

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!!!

2009-05-15T07:53:00.003-04:00

Kaitlyn says it's shaping up to be a great birthday! And that she'll be making some calls here, just as soon as she can get this phone picked up and can dial!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!

LOVE, DADDY & MOMMY

One Year Old!

2009-05-12T08:31:00.002-04:00

I K-N-O-W every parent says "I can't believe they are this old already"...but seriously... i just can NOT believe that K is one year old this Friday!

This year has been, well.... amazing, superb, awesome, breathtaking, more than I could have imagined, wonderful, tear jerking, joyful, giddie like (is that a term?), cheerful, a blessing... anyways- I think you get the drift here?!

K is just about walking on her own (not that I'm in any hurry for that). She plays so well by herself and finds the most um, creative, things to keep her occupied! She is beginning to learn the 'NO-NO' concept... whether or not she chooses to obey --that is still a process.

She is still a great sleeper- thank you LORD! A Praise to the Lord for that! A blessing that He gave me when I refused to 'accept/believe' the "well intentions" of other parents that would say things like "Oh, are you ready for sleepless nights?" or "Hope you do well on just hours of sleep"... you get the idea. I remember telling people that I wasn't believing for that, that raising children didn't always have to consist of sleep deprivation! Obviously, there are days- but like I've said before... We ALL have those days!

Her personality is showing through! Such a determined one, she is! She loves it when she sees approval and admiration in us for her! I love the way she lights up and giggles and reaches out to be picked up! I love the way she will lay on the floor and just laugh and play, like there is someone right there keeping her company! She has such a sweet spirit, loving, giving, wanting....

Still, everyday I grab her and squeeze her, and nibble at her neck and her ears, blow on her belly... and generally try not to just gobble her up from the love that dwells so deep within and just bubbles out and spills over... it's just something you can't put the 'right' words to! Simply...AMAZING!

OK, enuf gushing here... We had K's birthday party a week early because my family left for Disney World on Saturday. She had her own cake that she thought about getting into... you can watch the video below if you want.
Monie got her the cutest summer hats and sandles and Aunt Shell got a July 4th outfit, the girls got her an xylophone (something to beat on... she LOVES that!) and we all just enjoyed being together since Granddaddy Rog had just gotten home from a 3 week work trip out of the county! What a blessing to have family close by!

Ok, so here is a little video --- let us eat cake!

When it rains...

2009-05-05T16:04:00.003-04:00

Don't know about ya'll; but when it's rainy outside and I have a little runny nose; I just like to kick back with my warm bottle of milk and watch a little Veggie Tales!

-- Kaitlyn... my guest post entry.

Spring Time

2009-04-18T20:14:00.007-04:00

W-O-W!! What a BEAUTIFUL day we had to enjoy today!
The pictures show a blanket with toys...but do you really think she spent most of her time there?! You guessed it... NOPE! But that was ok... we managed to spend several hours out there and not eat anything or get any cuts, bumps, or bruises! So all in all... a successful day!

This was mommy trying to be cute...by spelling her name out :0)

The Family... just hanging out and basking in the sunshine!

OK... I've had enough... see ya'll later now.

Easter

2009-04-17T19:27:00.002-04:00

This year for Easter, Kaitlyn and myself went to the Outer Banks to visit my brother and his wife. I had not been there since getting married! So I was way past due for a little visit.
Matt was unable to go with us because, as he says, "Some of us don't get hundreds of hours of vacation"... so the sad part was that we were apart on Easter, but.... It really was a nice mini vacation and a great visit.
We went with my sister and her family! We got to walk on the beach in Nags Head and watch the sunset back in Colington Harbor. We got to eat dinner at Jockey's Ribs- which holds a special place for my sister and me both- as we both worked there for years; me- during my college summers. It was awesome to go back and see some of the old gang and to of course... show off my baby girl! :0)

On Easter we went to the Church of the Outer Banks (www (dot) churchobx (dot) com). They currently meet in the YMCA. What a neat congregation they have there... there would be no mistaking you are at the beach!!

We even managed to have a yummy Easter Lunch, without our mommy being there! I guess we are all grown up (when we want to act like it). A little secret... this was my FIRST time ever making potato salad... and... it turned out really good, if I may say so myself!

Here are a couple pictures of the girls in their Easter dresses!
Kaitlyn - 10 months 3 weeks old...

Emma, Kaitlyn, and Hannah. (Notice Emma's foot cocked up behind her! oh my... )

Making Progress

2009-04-17T19:16:00.010-04:00

Our favorite passtime for the last several weeks has been conquering the stairs!! She is getting much quicker at it this week! Of course, we still need to learn to come down now. Kaitlyn will just laugh and giggle as she climbs! She is so proud of herself and must feel very accomplished as she reaches the top.

Just has to look back every so often to make sure mommy or daddy is there to catch her...just in case!

OK.... are you still there... you look really far away this time...

Shew! made it... now to go find daddy in that room.....

We continue to be amazed by this little one and all she contributes to our family! She gets a million squeezes and kisses everyday... you just can't get enough!

What a blessing!

Coupon Match Ups

2009-04-06T20:33:00.004-04:00

Hey gang...

just an FYI... Kristy an I are going to TRY and keep a blog in refernce to Harrisonburg Coupon Match Ups for Martin's, Kroger, Food Lion, and Walmart.
We can't promise that we will get to all of them. But for this week we have Martins and Kroger done!
You can check us out at

Making Cents Out Of Coupons

If you'd like to help or contribute, let us know!

Kaitlyn's Dedication

2009-03-31T15:40:00.007-04:00

Now that Kaitlyn is 10 1/2 months old, we finally got around to her dedication! :) She did GREAT! Of course, it helped that "Dicks" walked her around for the introductions and Merle led us through the 'verbage' of attesting to the fact that YES, as her parents we do fully intend to raise her to believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, and to teach her and train her up in the ways of the Lord.... to the best of our ability. We were missing 6 people from our entire immediate family; not so bad when there are 26 of us.

Matt and I decided to do a slide show of photos for the first 10 months of Kaitlyn's life and to play a song on CD for the occassion. We chose the song "I Saw God Today" by George Strait! YES... it is a country song... but one that we both like and enjoy, and even before Kaitlyn was born we would say, if we have a girl- we should use this song at her dedication... and so- we did! I even emailed ole Georgie boy to see if he'd come and sing it for us...but it must have gotten lost in all the other emails, because we never heard back from him :) hehehe! That's ok... we were still blessed!

Here is the video that was captured on Sunday at church... (thanks Dawn for being willing to do that).

And here are a couple of pictures...(thanks Christina for being willing to do that).!

The dress you see Kaitlyn wearing is very special. Two of my bestest friends got together and dreamed this one up! Dawn, who was in our wedding, gave her bridesmaid's dress to Lourdes. Lourdes, then cut off the bottom part of the long skirt and made this little dress for Kaitlyn to wear on her dedication. You can't see them, but she also made matching bloomers to go with it! What a sweet gesture and awesome idea! I think this could be a new business! It is so special and holds more sentimental value than just a dress!

What a great weekend of family and friends! We are truly blessed.

A Month of Celebrating

2009-03-19T08:03:00.006-04:00

March in our household is significant! It's the month we celebrate my birthday and our anniversary.
This year for my birthday my hubby made me homemade crab cakes for dinner... and they were delicious!!! We put the girl to bed and he set a romantic table in our dining room just for the two of us. We got to eat in peace and each others company. The dinner was A-mazing! The only thing for him now - is I know how good a crab cake he can make.... so guess who will be making these from now on?! Yup.... the hubby!

It was so special though to have him serve me and take care of everything, that in itself is always a nice treat!

Our anniversary was on a Thursday. So, the following Saturday we decided to go to Lexington, VA for day. K stayed at my sisters on Friday night with her cousins! And might I add that they ALL had a blast! The cousins LOVED playing with her, feeding her, carrying her around, and even changing her diaper! Matt and I were able to go out Friday night and Saturday morning came with rains and chilly weather. BUT, we were set on doing something with our day, so we headed out anyways to Lexington. We took our umbrellas and walked around downtown, did a little shopping, browsed through some museums, and had a quaint lunch at the Southern Inn.

All in all, I'd say I've had a blessed month of celebrations!

Look What I found?!

2009-03-10T10:02:00.004-04:00

About this time last week I went in to get K from her nap.... I walked in and she was sitting her crib, like usual! Then I went into her closet to get some things, came out... and this is what I found!
Yup..... she is pretty proud of herself! She is pulling up on everything these days....

and falling down..... oh the cycle!

She thinks she is just the neatest thing.... pulling up and banging on coffee tables, and the full-glass front door... she loves to bang on that and look outside! Her and Buxton usually have to share that spot!

She is taking a few steps when you hold her hands and walk with her... boy am I in for some fun!

We both really have enjoyed 'this age'! She is so much fun to be around! The way she smiles and giggles when her daddy comes home from work, or how she looks to you for approval and recogonition, or how she laughs when you play with her, or cries when she hurts herself- and holds up those arms for some lovin'!!! She tugs at every corner of our hearts, stretching it to a larger capacity everyday!

How much more then... does my Father in Heaven love?!

It makes me sit in awe at moments like this... it is seriously incomprehensible to me!

Enjoying the warm weather

2009-03-10T09:49:00.008-04:00

Probably like most families, this past weekend we got outside to enjoy the great weather we were blessed with! Matt, K, and I went to Staunton to my parent's to celebrate my birthday. I can remember some birthday's being 'blessed' with snow and others being 'blessed' with the touches of a spring day!

Kaitlyn loved being without socks and shoes and just sitting outside! I haven't seen her this still in weeks! There is just so much to take in around her she'll just sit and pick up one leaf (and if she doesn't eat it all) that entertains her for minutes! haha!
Kaitlyn and Aunt Michele just chilling by the pond and soaking up some warm sun shine!

Trying to get her use to the tire swing... she thinks it's pretty fun to swing! I think she wants mommy to let go.... (don't think mommy is ready for that yet...there's a big hole inside that swing that she could fall thru)

Sitting in the sandbox.... goodness knows what all is in there, after a long winter?! ( I shutter to think...)

Buxton, just taking a rest from all his playing and chasing balls and roaming around!

You should have seen her pants after sliding down this slide! But she doesn't care!!! Looks like we'll have to do some playground clean up this Spring, then mommy will feel better about her playing in the back yard!

We so enjoyed the afternoon and before we knew it, it was time to head home.... days like this just go way too fast!

Old Cell Phone(s)?

2009-03-07T10:44:00.003-05:00

FLIPSWAP

If you are like me, you have a few old cellphones around the house. Some really old (and big), some not so old.

Did you know they are potentially valuable?

FlipSwap is a webpage where you can look up your phone and accessories and they will let you know what they are willing to pay for it. It is so easy to use.

You send it to them FREE with prepaid postage........and once they receive it, they'll issue you an Amazon.com gift card.

If your phone is worth nothing ......they'll still plant a tree for sending it in to them.

Not so bad?!

So, if you happen to have some phones (or IPODS) in the house that you don't know what to do with......now you know how you can recycle them and make a few dollars.

Check out Flipswap here.

Meals for a Month

2009-03-03T08:20:00.008-05:00

Since I was blessed with help to make meals for a month by Jo, I've offered to help another pregnant friend do the same.

So, since this was in the forefront of my mind and thoughts, I thought why not post the information for anyone else who might like to also do meals for a month.
I've compiled a spreadsheet of recipes, ingredients, and a grocery list to make frozen meals for a month. If you're interested, click here for the information.

**This file is uploaded with scribd- you will need to create a FREE account to download it**

Also, if you like what you see, and want the recipes, let me know and I'll email them to you.

9 Month Pictures

2009-02-27T09:44:00.012-05:00

Sharing some of the latest....
First Big-Bath Time....

I LOVE this place!

Motoring around... a day in the life!

Learning to stand on these 2 legs of mine

9 Months old
(the official picture hehehe)

Another favorite place...under the coffee table!

Trying to pull up!

It continues to just overwhelm me at times how much you can love someone. I mean, I thought I loved my husband more than i could ever imagine loving someone, but having a child even increases that! I am continually amazed, blessed, surprised, speechless..... can I just say I LOVE my life!

My only worry is that I'll squeeze her and hug her too tight :)

Kaitlyn has found a friend

2009-02-27T09:39:00.005-05:00

Since K has started crawling, I seem to always find her going towards her new best friend, Buxton. I'm so thankful Buxton is gentle with her and 'puts up' with all her pulling and tugging and fingers on the chops! I think thier favorite place is looking out the front door!

Deals this week!

2009-02-23T14:44:00.002-05:00

Just for your information.... Our K-Mart is doubling coupons up to $2.00 this week. You can only use 25 coupons per visit.

Also- Quizznos is giving away 1 million free subs. Go here to register and they will email you your coupon :)

9 months and Crawling

2009-02-22T17:46:00.004-05:00

Kaitlyn is 9 months old already! She just started crawling last Wednesday. Buxton seems to be a good motivator for her to get movin. Check it out....

So Close

2009-02-17T06:49:00.003-05:00

This morning as I was reading in my Bible Study I found this...

"Sometimes God's hand is so close that it covers the eyes." (Beth Moore)

WOW! That really hit me. How many times have I found myself in a situation that I feel like I can't see around or through it or in it, I can't make sense of what is happening.... only to finally find myself on the other side of it all and then see how God did a work on my behalf- usually in spite of me!

So when I'm having trouble seeing with my eyes, take heart and trust the Lord has my eyes covered for a purpose, and He will see me through!

Now, my eyes have been opened... to be covered! by the Holy Spirit and Wisdom of my Father! How comforting that is to my heart! I know I'll be pondering on that one some more

Splish Splash

2009-02-10T11:02:00.004-05:00

Kaitlyn has learned how to splash! She is so proud of herself!

Take a peek.

and yes... we are still using the little blue tub in the sink...anything to save mommy's back- and bending over into the big tub! :)

Homemade Wheat Rolls

2009-02-05T11:03:00.002-05:00

OK... so I'm still on this bread kick... i've been watching videos on You Tube to find out the best way to make wheat breads. I came across this video for Homemade Wheat Rolls....
They were super easy and taste great! So I wanted to share it with you!
She neglects to mention how much yeast to use- so i used the equivalent to 1 pkg of active dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons).
So enjoy!

I Saw God Today...

2009-02-03T10:40:00.007-05:00

in my back yard...

It's just B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!
I had to share just a couple of pictures of my back yard this morning!
Someone posted recently about the magic of snow.... oh - how I do agree... how can you look at this and not feel the magic?!
Thank you Lord for an even greater taste of your beauty in my backyard today...

2 Front Teeth!

2009-02-01T17:59:00.004-05:00

Finally.... a picture of Kaitlyn's two bottom front teeth. She has been very selfish in showing them off!

The first one came in Dec. 19th and the second one on January 1st. She is not showing any visible signs on the top ones yet, other than the finger sucking!

She is still not crawling (now- I am NOT complaining about that!!), but she's up on all 4's and rocks, plus she is really good at getting around by moving backwards, somehow!
She is talking more and more to us and loves to use hand gestures :)
She continues to bring more light, love, and joy into our lives every day!

Basic Hearty Wheat Bread Recipe

2009-01-27T06:49:00.002-05:00

This is the recipe I followed to make the bread in the previous post. I'll post the recipe as is, and then put my variations in a different color.... If you have a favorite bread recipe, please post on your blog-I'd love to try it!

2-1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 packages instant active dry yeast (equiv to 4.5 teaspoons)
1/4 cup brown sugar (can use 1/4 C honey)
1 Tbsp salt
( can add in ½ C wheat germ & 1/2 C Rolled Oats) or (1/4 C wheat germ, 1/4 C Oat Bran, 1/2 C rolled Oats- this is what I did)

1 cup water
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs, beaten

1. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup, level off.
2. Combine flour, germ, oat bran, oats, yeast, sugar and salt in a large mixer bowl; blend. (I Activated my yeast first with some of the water and sugar above. Heat water to 105-115 degrees. Hold off on adding yeast just yet)
3. In a saucepan, heat the (rest of) water, milk and oil together until very warm (120 to 130 degrees F). (I only let mine get to about 115 to 120- if it gets too hot you can kill your yeast)
4. Add eggs and heated mixture to flour mixture. (I added the heated mixture to the dry ingredients first, mixed, add in the activated yeast, blend, then added blended in the egg)

MIXING
1. Blend at low speed until moistened. (if you use Kitchen Aid, use wire whisk for this part)
2. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed.
3. With a wooden spoon, (I used Kitchen Aid witih Dough Hook) stir in an additional 3 cups of Wheat flour to form a sticky dough.
4. In bowl or on a floured board, gradually knead in ¼ to ¾ C more white flour, kneading or working in with hands until dough is smooth, pliable and no longer sticky (about 5 minutes).

RISING
1. Place dough in a greased bowl; cover with a cloth or loose fit lid.
2. Let rise in a warm place until light and double in size, about 1 hour.

SHAPING AND BAKING
1. Punch down dough to remove air bubbles; divide dough into two parts.
2. Form dough into desired shapes; place in greased pans according to Shaping and Baking directions (follows). (I used expert village you tube video on making wheat bread to do the punch down/shaping of my bread)
3. Cover, let rise in a warm place until light and doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 375 degrees F according to shape until loaf sounds hollow when lightly tapped. If loaf becomes too brown, cover with aluminum foil during last 10 minutes of baking. (Baking for about 15 mins, then cover and bake 10 mins more)
5. Immediately remove from pans; cool.

OK... So GOOD LUCK! Seems like bread making is not so straight forward, and everyone has their "own thing"....

and p.s. IT'S SNOWING TODAY!!!!

FInally.... Homemade Bread!

2009-01-25T17:00:00.002-05:00

I mean... need I say more?! HAHA

If you only knew how many times I have tried to make homemade wheat bread in the past 2 weeks... that is edible! You would be as excited as I am today! Not only does it look good... it taste good too! I THINK I've finally found a recipe that we like...

Sarah, if you're looking at this picture and possibly salivating.... that's great, because this is your loaf...coming your way tomorrow! Hope your family enjoys it as much as Matt and I have today!

Precious to My Heart

2009-01-25T16:43:00.005-05:00

In keeping with my previous posts about special gifts, there is one that I just could NOT leave out!

My mom gave me her bible when I got married. That in itself was a special and significant gift...but.... she also wrote a piece of heart into a poem for me. You can see the framed poem and the Bible below.

And, since you can't really see what the poem says I want to type it out for my memoirs.

Dear Cheryl,

This Bible is old, it's weathered and worn

And through the years some pages have torn

But it's special to me for many reasons
And it has served me well through most of life's seasons.

It was 1958 in the Spring of the year
When I cam to know Christ and He became dear.
That year at Christmas this Bible was a gift to me
And on it my name was inscribed for everyone to see.

It was my first "complete" Bible and I was so glad
'Cause it was given to me by my Mom and Dad
I read it diligently taking it down off the shelf
But with dating, school and sports I often thought more of myself.

When I started my firstjob and I went off to DC
In my suitcase was this Bible remembering me who I was to be.
It was with me on 12/30/61, the best of my life
When I married your Father and became his wife.

As I walked down the aisle toward his smile of love
was carrying this Book with joy from above
My Bible was covered with a bouquet of flowers
And it marked the beginning of many happy hours,
For with Christ at the center, a marriage is blessed
As two become one and on His Word they rest.

So although it's old and visibily aged,
I wish you the love found on every page
For years it was the only Bible I carried
Now, I give it to you on the you are married.
Love,
Mom
March 12, 2005

This still brings tears to my eyes as I've now re-read it a hundred times probably!
I too carried this Bible the day I was married with a bouquet of flowers.
A mother that is also a friend, is something rare and so special.
Thank you Lord for my mom and her heart for you and for me!

Love you Mom!

100th Post for Savings

2009-01-24T21:18:00.006-05:00

I kept thinking i'd do something special for my 100th post... but that means a little extra effort at the moment... and this too has been something i've wanted to post about...

Ways to Save Money... i do several differnt things to save us money. One of which is cutting coupons. These days though it's not just cutting them, it's uploading them to your store card(s), and printing them off line, as well as getting the Sunday paper(s).

I thought I'd just post a few links that i've found helpful in hopes it may help someone else save a little here and there!

If you shop at Kroger, Foodlion or CVS check this page out:
http://southernsavers.com/
She also gives you the upcoming insert deals- very cool!
She will tell you what is on sale for the week and what coupons are available for those products. If there are printable coupons for the product, she puts the link right there so you can print it off.
The CVS link on Southern Saver is wonderful! She gives you "Deal Ideas" and then also at the bottom of each weeks post she'll tell you what her plan is for the week- she rarely spends any money there - but walks out with lots of product!

Also- if you're a CVS shopper- or want to be; here is a link to a great blog entry entitled CVS 101
http://www.thethriftymama.com/2008/08/cvs-101.html
This entry will give you the basics of How To Shop at CVS!
I get FREE stuff at CVS every week! If I can't use it, i always know someone that can!

If you are a Walmart Shopper check out:
http://www.dealseekingmom.com/walmart/

Also- Kroger again- you can upload P&G coupons to your Kroger Card.
At Kroger you can double coupons up to 50 cents PLUS use the coupons you've uploaded to your Kroger Card for more savings! Go to:
http://www.pgesaver.com/Sites/PG_eSAVER/Page/SelectCouponsPage/

If you want to save a small percentage on purchase at 100s of different stores (including Martins and Kroger and lots of online stores) for a college fund go to:
http://shop.upromise.com/mall/home
to sign up and get started!

Some other links you may find helpful are:
http://shortcuts.com/
http://www.becentsable.net/2008/08/becentsables-original-grocery-gathering.html
http://www.redplum.com/pages/Grocery.aspx
http://coupons.smartsource.com//index.aspx?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO

Aside from coupons there are a couple of blogs that I've found to be a good source for coupon information and freebies and current deals, they are:
http://www.5dollardinners.com/
http://www.thethriftymama.com/
http://frugalisfab.blogspot.com/

Just remember, buy on sale and with a paper coupon, and an e-coupon and you can walk out with them giving you money!

I use to think that Sharp Shopper was my best deal on several items... I've learned that if a grocery store has it on sale and I have a coupon for it... lots of times I can get it cheaper there! Now, for certain - there will always be items I can get cheaper at Sharp Shopper or Finders Keepers....but I have to keep an open mind and play the game from now on to get the best deal! I use to think Kroger and Martins were the most expensive grocery stores in town, that is probably true if you just run in...but if you're a planner you can get things cheaper there when they are on sale and with a double coupon, than you can any where else!

I hope some of these links helps someone out there!

Happy coupon-ing!

p.s.- the next P&G Savers will come in the Feb. 1st-OOPS that's the 8th paper (around here that is Richmond Times and Staunton News Leader papers)

Snow on the Outer Banks!

2009-01-22T14:45:00.008-05:00

As if you didn't already realize....

I LOVE SNOW!!!!

I love this picture- snow on the pier- Outer Banks- Jan 2009 (LB)

I love to watch it snow, I like to play in the snow, I like to eat the snow, but mostly- watch it from inside a warm, cozy home with the fireplace burning!

Today, my sister-in-law, who lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in Kill Devil Hills, sends me some pictures... needless to say- I am a bit jealous!

The Wright Brothers Memorial- Jan 2009 (L. Burnett)

After 3 days, the still have snow on the ground there! Take a look!

This is my sister-in-law, Lyne, enjoying the snow!!!

This is Willow- one of their Labs. And this is my brother, Mitch, he is looking pretty chilly!

THANKS FOR SHARING ALL THE PHOTOS LYNE!

It's Snowing!!!

2009-01-19T10:48:00.002-05:00

Just a Quick post to say YES

IT IS SNOWING!!!

Now...if it would only accumulate and last for a while.... wishful thinking i believe...

Another Special Gift

2009-01-15T09:12:00.022-05:00

My previous post got me to thinking about other special gifts I received at Christmas (either this one or previous ones). I wanted to document for memory sake another one of those gifts.

Sometime in the late 90s my mom started charm bracelets for my sister, myself, and my sister-in-law. Each year she gets us a charm that reflects something special about that year in our lives!

This is what my charm bracelet looks like now, after Christmas 2008.
I want to highlight each charm and the year I got it- if I can remember (thus the need to document) - They are not in much order, because the charms are not placed sequentially on the bracelet!

1998- My First Charm- the Labrador. I got my own dog for the first time in October of 1998. I named him Buxton, after Buxton, NC. Buxton, NC is actually a small town outside of Hatteras where the Hatteras lighthouse is located. This was one of the first places Buxton ever went to the beach and went swimming. (It was a bit chilly mind you.... October weather.)

2000- The Airplane. The Lord introduced a great friend to me in 1996 (or so)- Carla VanPelt (at the time...now Carla Yoder); and we discovered we had LOTS in common, of which one thing is TRAVELLING! We started taking like 2 trips a year that involved getting there by an airplane! What fond memories! Not to mention trips with other friends as well! (Right Dawn?! ) I've visited Mexico (numerous times), Bahamas x2, Ireland x2, London x2, Hawaii x2, California, Colorado, Florida, Canada....

1999- The Year 2000 Charm- The New Millennium was right around the corner, worth documenting, the turn of a century that I was living through.

2001- The 9-11 Charm-here on the far left is a charm of the Twin Towers. It is a charm documenting the 9-11 Tragedy that the US experienced on September 11, 2001. The back of the charm is engraved with the date 9-11-01. 9-11 has been documented as the worst terrorist attack on US soil.

2003 - The London Bridge Charm -A trip to London with 2 great friends! Dawn & Carla. We found a great deal (see the Piggy Bank charm) on a week long trip to London over Thanksgiving. So we flew out on Thanksgiving Day 2003 for a trip to London! I bought this charm while we were touring the Tower of London, by the London Bridge. Weather was a bit challenging on that trip (remember riding a double decker bus on top- in the rain!) But we had a GREAT Time- right girls?!

2004- The Engagement Ring Charm- In October of 2004 on the 31st I was in Charleston, SC with my boyfriend at the time. We went to Isle of Palms one evening for a stroll on the beach. We had been really dating at this point about 4 months. Matt got down on his knee, pulled a ring out of his pocket, and asked me to marry him! Now the funny part of that story is- the ring he pulled out of his pocket at the time was one that he had 'borrowed' from my jewelry box! It was a ring that I had noticed was missing, and I was actually a little distraught about it. He said he wanted to give me a ring, but he also wanted me to pick out my engagement ring with him! So that was the only thing he could think of to do at the time! So sweet! :)

2002- The Piggy Bank! Over the years I have always tried to find "the deal" I'm always on the look-out for the best price, the cheapest place to buy something, buy it on sale- never- ever pay full price for something, and just all around ways to save a penny here and there to make it add up! My parents have recognized that in me and I got this charm one year for my bracelet!

2006- The Pineapple Charm- In September/October 2006 Matt and I took a trip to Maui, Hawaii. This was a wedding gift we received- a timeshare to use anywhere we wanted. So we decided on Hawaii. We spent about 7 days in Maui, a day on Oahu, and 3 days on the Big Island.

2003-Hatteras Lighthouse Charm- this was my Christmas Charm I received that year. Hatteras has always been a special place for our family, probably because my sister and my brother have spent so much of their lives on the Outer Banks- which means lots of trips for me down there! I also spent many summers there in my college life waiting tables and doing an internship- and Hatteras is a great place to drive out on the beach and hang for the day!

2005- The Golf Charm- this was my Christmas Charm I received that year. Back in 1998 my sister and I took golf lessons together. I remember that year because she was pregnant with her first daughter at the time. Over the years I played off and on. When Matt and I started dating and got married we would golf together sometimes. He is a great man to play golf with! He is VERY patient with me and gives instruction in a way that I can receive it! On a sad note- I have not played golf with him since I got pregnant with Kaitlyn...maybe this Spring we can change that!

2006-The Irish Charm- this was a charm I got on a trip to Ireland in February of that year. Matt and I along with the Yoders found a great deal (see The Piggy Bank Charm) on a trip to Ireland that included airfare, 5 nights in bed and breakfasts; 1 night in hotel, & 1 night in a castle, car rental, and a couple of meals! Again, February- probably not the best time to take a vacation- but that's why it was cheap! Carla and I had been to Ireland back in 2002 and when we saw this deal we wanted to take our husbands back this time! We had a great trip and another funny story about our rental car! If you watch Seinfeld- I'll just say it was the "You know how to take the reservation, you just don't know how to hold the reservation" episode to a "T". But all worked out and we managed!

2004- The Charleston Charm- See the note above with the 'Engagement Ring Charm'. Matt and I bought this charm in Charleston as a memento of where we got engaged!

2007- The Stork Charm- I got this charm for Christmas the year I was pregnant with Kaitlyn. I would have been 4 months pregnant at the time.

2008- The Mother Charm. You can see the front on the left here and the back on the right. This Christmas Mom gave me this charm engraved with Kaitlyn 05-15-08.
She also gave Kaitlyn a charm bracelet to start and her first charm is a birth certificate on the front and her information engraved on the back! How Precious! I can't wait to see her bracelet when she's like 20 years old!

How precious this bracelet has become to me. It has become a family heirloom, it is more than just silver jewelry, it tells a story of what has been, and it will always carry that story with it, whomever has it in the future.
I am so blessed.

A Special Christmas Gift

2009-01-09T11:07:00.010-05:00

This Christmas my mom gave Kaitlyn something very special!

When I was a little girl, I had this one doll that i would drag around E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E... I mean everywhere! She was simply my favorite dollie! The Kewpie Doll

My parents and us three kids moved to Staunton in 1970 (the year I was born) and in 1972-1973 they started building a new home, the home they still live in today. So, I would have been about 2 1/2 to 3 years old at the time. It was a bit cold outside, so they had a fire burning in the yard as the whole family was there working.

Well.... in my 3 year old logical mind, it was cold outside, and my dollie didn't have enough clothes on, and the fire is nice and warm... so what better thing to do for the dollie than to throw her in the fire!! I thought for sure that would keep her nice and warm.

Unfortunately, my logical 3 year old mind didn't think about her N-E-V-E-R coming back out of that fire! :( so 'twas a sad day for this little 3 year old girl.

So my mom searched ebay and online and antique stores (yes! antiques- I KNOW!) and found 3 Kewpie Dolls at an antique store actually!!! (We won't discuss how that makes me feel).
She cleaned them up and bought clothes for them (Webkinz clothing actually- very creative my mom) and gave these "Vintage 1970 Kewpie Dolls" to Kaitlyn for Christmas.

Wondering.... does that make me 'vintage' as well?!

Kaitlyn doesn't appreciate them quite as much as i do at this point, but i'm sure she will grow to love them as much as i did! What a very precious gift!

Thanks Mom!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-31T20:08:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! Travelling to PA on Christmas Eve and being able to spend time with the Landis family was a huge blessing. I'm not sure there are too many families that ALL get together any more. All of Matt's 4 siblings and thier families were there as well as his mom and dad, 17 of us total- i think!

Here is a slideshow of some pictures from the PA trip, as well as the couple hours we got to spend in Staunton on Saturday the 27th!
My family too was all together to celebrate Christmas. This was a bit unusaual for us, so it made for even a more special time for us.

Kaitlyn seemed to enjoy the wrapping paper and tissue paper more than anything! But as usual she was a delight and did w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l even though she was staying up late, sleeping in places other than her own bed and being around LOTS of people!

Family- if you want to download any of these pictures, just click on the slide show and it will take you to Picassa- you can download from there!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2009 be better than we all could imagine!

Boston

2008-12-23T21:07:00.003-05:00

We are trying to plan a vacation to Boston for this May!
It is an extended family vacation, therefore- meaning LOTS of people involved!
We would love to be able to rent a house IN Boston, or very close to Boston for about 5 nights. One would think with an historic town that is a tourist attraction, this would not be a problem...but let me tell you- we can't find anything...well for all of us anyways. There are several smaller places you can rent, but nothing inside of an hour's travel that will sleep 14+ people.
So... i'm posting in hopes that someone might know something that I haven't tried yet!
So if you know of anything.... let me know!

Merry Christmas to all!