Start of Kindergarten

I've seen so many first day of school photos in my social media feeds this week. Hard to believe Dylan's first day of kindergarten was over a month and a half ago. I took a few minutes last night to look back and put together a page for his yearly photo book of this latest milestone:

He's currently on his first "track out" break from the school year and won't be back in class until early September. The first quarter went well so while we're enjoying a break, we're also looking forward to seeing what the second quarter has in store.

Has your child (or children) started the school year yet?

Supplies: Road to Success kit by Karen Funk; Right Now brushes by Karla Dudley; Bugaboo elements by Deena Carter.

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Summer Fun - No List Required

I love summer. The warmth. The sun. The long days. The water. So many good reasons. I've never made a summer bucket list though. Partly laziness but most recently - why put that stress on myself? We're juggling full time jobs, house projects, one child in kindergarten (already over a month strong there!) and another on the way. So many things. But amidst the busy days and lack of a list, we're still squeezing in a lot of summer fun...

We've watched outdoor movies with neighbors in the parking lot of the neighborhood pool.

We're visiting the pool as much as possible to swim and take some gravity off my growing belly!

Dylan has had visits to see all 3 sets of grandparents (aka "grandparent camp") and been fully spoiled with swimming, fishing, his first ever trip to South Carolina, etc.

We celebrated Dylan's 5th birthday with a great at home pirate themed party complete with plenty of time playing in the backyard thanks to unusually cool weather.

We've gone geocaching.

We went to a Durham Bulls baseball game to celebrate Trent's birthday and attended a Carolina Railhawks soccer game with a good friend.

We played mini golf for Father's Day and the boys have played their own version of putt putt in the garage on rainy days.

We made S'mores.

We took a trip to the mountains and visited Tweetsie Railroad.

No trip to the coast this year, but we still managed to find the beach a bit closer and spent time at a local lake with friends.

Hmm ... thinking perhaps I should continue with the "no bucket list" thing - seems like we manage to squeeze in a lot of fun without one and summer isn't even quite over yet.

What do you do? Summer bucket list or no list?

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currently

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Currently, I am ...

thinking about how fast this year is going. Dylan is already in his third full week of kindergarten. I just entered the 3rd trimester with this pregnancy. Only 3 more months (plus a tiny bit if she's stubborn like her brother?) before we meet Baby Girl. And, no, we definitely do not have a name. Given we didn't pick Dylan's until he was 8 days late (he arrived 2 days later), I wouldn't expect us to have her name picked until at least mid-October.

preparing for our family changes. Nesting has started to kick in a bit in the form of house projects in general, but also on the nursery. I found a changing table on Craigslist last week for $15. Structurally in great condition, but definitely had seen better times which was fine. I knew I wanted to paint whatever I bought. Lucky for me, her big brother has been happy to help. Soon we'll have a beautiful new-to-us yellow changing table to match the dresser in her room.

reading The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. I had read her book, What Alice Forgot, earlier in the year and enjoyed it so thought I would try this one. So far, I don't want to put it down. And excited it's my 20th "real" book (i.e., not a picture book!) this year. My goal is to read 30 books and it looks like I'll accomplish that.

grateful that Dylan still enjoys books and snuggles at bedtime. He's growing up so fast, but still little too. I know these days are numbered and I'll soon have to split time between two kids so I'm enjoying them to the fullest.

enjoying regular after dinner game night with Trent & Dylan. It's a fun, relaxing way to spend time just the 3 of us after busy days of work and school. One of our current favs was a birthday present he received - Cars 2 Monopoly.

looking forward to an outdoor movie at our neighborhood pool on Friday night. It was an idea another neighbor started a few weeks ago that looks like will continue monthly into the fall and is a great way to kick off the weekend.

What are you up to currently?

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Baseball Birthday

Trent's birthday was in early June. Sticking with our tradition of giving memories versus physical gifts, I made baseball themed card for him and enclosed tickets for the 3 of us to see the Durham Bulls & Norfok Tide play on the following Saturday night.

Our seats for the game were directly behind home plate and the weather was absolutely perfect.

Dylan and I took a break mid-game to walk around the stadium and caught a glimpse of the gorgeous sunset. Amazingly, even after a long day in preschool and game start time of 7:05pm, he made it through the entire game. We headed out just as the 9th inning was starting and it was clear the Bulls were going to take home the win.

Supplies: cardstock; Studio G stamp; Stampin' Up ink. Scraplift of Make A Wish Birthday Card for Boys by RCreativeCreations.

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Preschool Graduation

A week has passed and I'm still in a bit of shock that we had "preschool graduation." The entire idea makes me giggle. I mean, really, they are 4 & 5 year olds. But ridiculously cute in the little caps & gowns and did an amazing job during the entire program which was held at night at a local elementary school. A long day for these kids.

Afte a couple of songs, the director called each child up by name. The staff had asked them during school what they wanted to be when they grew up and the kids had each drawn a picture to match. At her asking, they each stated their answer and shared their picture with the crowd. Dylan's response? A big brother. He drew a picture of himself and his sister dancing he told us after. Melt my heart. Yes, I definitely started to cry at that moment.

Now we have 3 more weeks until he starts kindergarten as his school is year round. Three weeks! Hard to believe we're so close. And, yes, I'm sure I'll be all teary-eyed that morning too.

Supplies: Challenge Me - Vol 1 template by Dawn by Design; Destination Adventure by Robyn Meierotto; Elementary and The Road to Success kits by Karen Funk.

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Baby Girl

So grateful on Monday to hear that our newest little family member is growing and looking totally healthy! Also fun to learn that Dylan was right all along - he's getting a little sister.

Supplies: DHD January blueprint template; Blossom and Claire kits by Karen Funk; Gidget paper pack by Gennifer Bursett; Spring Menagerie collaboration from Design House Digital.

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Grateful

Can I stress that word enough?? It's easy to get lost in the craziness of life and forget to be grateful. I assure you, I had a bit of forgetfulness yesterday. But as I write this, I'm glad it was just a moment and that I'm finding a lot to be grateful for lately ...

Morning Sickness - say what?? Yes, I am very grateful for morning sickness. This pregnancy has been far rougher on me. I've been much sicker and I am grateful for this. After 2 miscarriages, I'll happily be sick (and accept that Zofran prescription from my OB - thank you, doctor) as I know it's all a sign everything is going well.

Weekend Trip - we pulled off a weekend trip to Virginia with my sister, brother-in-law and brother to surprise my mom for her birthday yesterday. So grateful we could all manage to be there, surprise her and have quality time together. Such a fun time. Counting down to our next get together.

The Breakdown - so, no, of course I'm not grateful our car broke down yesterday. This would be that point of "forgetfulness" I mentioned in the beginning. We weren't quite halfway home on a 4 and a half hour trip. I was grateful though that we were all okay, we had nearby family that came to our assistance and we had AAA who towed our car to a local mechanic. The car can't be seen until this morning so we had to leave it and rent a car to get home, but again, we're all safe. That is by far the most important thing. I was already looking back and laughing last night. It'll just go down as one of those trips that you never forget and keep retelling the tale in years to come.

Now, the reason we had to get home last night and other thing I am very grateful for right now - our Ultrasound Appointment today! This morning we get our 3rd peek at our baby and, assuming this little one participates, we'll learn whether we're having a boy or girl. Dylan has been firm in his belief from the beginning that he's getting a sister. As for Trent and me? We haven't a clue. All we want is healthy. Either is a blessing.

What are you grateful for right now?

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Strawberry Patch

One of my favorite parts of spring? Visiting the strawberry patch to pick fresh berries. Last year we went over Memorial Day weekend and took my mom & brother with us. We filled two buckets full and I'm pretty sure Dylan ate about as many as he picked based on the red stains on his face.

Inspired by Book Boys by Jennifer McQuire.

Supplies: Linen Line No 3 - Fresh papers by Agnes Biro; Strawberry Patch and Summer Picnic kits by Sara Schmutz; One Year Older kit by Karen Funk

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Our Next Big Project

It seems we always have a project going on around the house. Our latest one is pretty big (well, getting there!) and I'm not referring to our kitchen project.

We've been sitting on a little secret ...

Yes, that would be our newest, tiniest family member. And we have a very excited little boy who is counting down to his new role as Big Brother!

It's going to be a fun 5 more months. We have a LOT to do between now and then. Trying to get a few more things checked off the list including just enjoying our family of 3 and this special time.

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Our Family - the layout

Playing catchup as always on the scrapbooks. :) We had family photos taken in September. This is one of my favorites.

Design inspired by Life is WonderFall by Brenda Cazes.

Supplies: Road to Success and Elementary kits by Karen Funk; Still mini kit by Gennifer Bursett; Pixels & Co More or Less collaborative kit; Destination Adventure freebie kits by Robyn Meierotto and Shannon McNab; Bugaboo kit by Deena Rutter.

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A Goofy Birthday?

A bit of an early (Thursday) throwback today in honor of my sister's birthday.

This photo was too cute not to share. That's Mary on the left and me on the right with Goofy at a character breakfast at the Contemporary Resort in April 1984. Our first trip to Walt Disney World. Before today I never realized that 1) apparently she got a birthday trip there [dear parents, where was my birthday trip to Disney?? ;) ]; 2) that lady in the background looks terrified of Goofy. Did she miss the memo it was a character breakfast? and 3) what's up with Goofy's eyelashes? I honestly don't recall them looking quite like that on my visit last year.

In all seriousness, a very happy birthday to my little sister! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and celebrating your birthday again.

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Modern Manners

In the age of Facebook and social media, the need/want/desire for instantaneous contact and to be included seem to be further magnified. I'm not knocking that. I know at times all of it (this blog too) is fulfilling my own need for those things. But we've also forgotten some manners along the way.

In light of the past week, one in particular has struck me and led me to write this post. Please, please, please refrain from posting or commenting on someone's Facebook page (or really any social media account although Facebook is more lasting/obvious) until the family posts a message. Think of it along the lines of how in a news media report names aren't given until next of kin is notified. I don't know that any of the family learned through Facebook of our loss. I certainly hope not. But you don't want your post to be the one that tells someone this news.

After the family has posted, I think it's wonderful to leave a message, a favorite memory, a photo. These can be uplifting and healing to all who loved the person.

Just don't be the first. Talk to those close to you. Share your grief. But please, wait and be respectful of the family before making a public comment online.

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life

I'm not sure the right words. The last 3 days have been, well, challenging. On Friday morning I learned news of the sudden, unexpected passing of my stepbrother. Only a few years older than me. Far too soon. My heart just breaks for his wife and daughters. I've personally rotated between grief and calm shock. It hasn't fully sunk in and probably won't until the service tomorrow.

Yesterday was an under the weather day in our house. I wasn't feeling 100% and then late in the day Dylan got sick. It was a rough night to say the least. Nothing worse than seeing your child struggling and hurting, and you can't fix it.

But, I was grateful. I was grateful in that it's either something he ate or another round of the nasty stomach bug going around. Nothing more. Either way, it's real. It's life. And he has two parents running to care for him and ease him back to sleep.

Life is the good and the bad. Don't forget to embrace all the moments no matter what because they pass so quickly.

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Lego KidsFest 2014: the layout

Two years ago, we had the opportunity to attend our first Lego KidsFest. When we heard it was returning to Raleigh and knowing we had a Lego obsessed son, Trent bought tickets for the 3 of us to attend again. To say Dylan had a blast was an understatement. Just yesterday morning he was once again studying the event pamphlet and talking about the different areas and what he wants to do next. Still trying to help him understand it was a one time event. Unless, of course, he can convince his aunt to take him when it's in Richmond in October...

We didn't take that many photos this time, but it still took some effort to slim down to a few that I thought helped give a good overview of the fun. And, I'm sure if KidsFest comes again in a couple of years, we'll be some of the first to scoop up tickets.

Have you ever attended Lego KidsFest or another kid focused special event? What was your favorite?

Supplies: Leathers: Sugar Frames by Gennifer Bursett; Courier, Legothick and Stencil Std fonts.

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Valentine's Day 2014

One of the fabulous things about being 4? Dylan woke up excited just to have another snow day at home. No realization there was a small surprise awaiting him for Valentine's Day.

He was so excited about the Minion card and robot t-shirt I made for him as well as the heart shaped box of chocolates. And, since the snow equaled a slow start to a weekday, we also had homemade Peanut Butter and Banana Stuffed French Toast, of course.

Hope you are having a wonderful Valentine's day! What's your favorite way to celebrate?

Supplies: Celebrate white cards; Minion printable from HaleGrafx; corner rounder punch.

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Lowe's Build & Grow: Croods layout

The project that started the boys regular visits to the Lowe's Build & Grow clinics - The Croods Piranhakeet Chomper.

The top right journaling inside the speech bubble features a short discussion Dylan & I had when looking at the photos. Always fun to add a bit of his own words to the pages.

Supplies: Grunge Frames and Noted brushes by Jen Allyson; ABC kit by Sara Schmutz; En Route kit by Erica Coombs; In the Garden by Gennifer Bursett.

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NYE 2013 and the DIY Union Jack shirt

The past few New Years, our friends have thrown a smashing good UK themed party with a countdown and balloon drop at midnight GMT (i.e., 7pm our time so easy for the kids to "stay up" and celebrate).

Last year wanting to dress Dylan in theme, I found a Beatles t-shirt and purchased a 5T. So far we've gotten 2 years out of it and it still is a little big so I'm thinking it might make at least one more appearance.

I decided last minute (as in Monday afternoon) that I wanted something fun to wear too. Somehow while in England in November, even while looking for a Union Jack flag for Stacey to hang at the party, neither Trent or I thought to get ourselves a shirt! So, after picking Dylan up from preschool, we swung by Michaels where I bought a plain light gray t-shirt and small bottles of red & blue fabric paint.

I resized a template from Beehive Bits and Pieces blog to fit my shirt (find it here). Printed and traced it onto freezer paper. Ironed the paper and painted it in.

The result was a fun, festive shirt I'll be able to wear for year after year.

Happy New Year!

Cost: about $7 using 50% coupon for t-shirt

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Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate

Trent surprised me a couple months ago by telling me he bought the three of us tickets to Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate! We used to love going every year. It was quite often his birthday gift to me. Then we stopped going when Dylan was born and began waiting until we felt he was old enough to sit, watch and enjoy. What we didn't do (unlike our trip to Walt Disney World last May) was tell Dylan until we were in our seats. He was so excited and pretty much captivated the entire show by the performances.

Here's a small taste of what we saw (all photos SOOC) …

A Very Merry Unbirthday with Alice & the Mad Hatter

Halloween fun with Sorcerer Mickey & Jack Skellington along with other Disney villains

Valentine's Day Ball with Disney Princess including Dylan's favorite - Ariel

Eyes focused on the rink and enjoying a new Mickey Mouse glow necklace (Party City $2)

Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch

Chinese New Year celebration with Mulan

Winter Wonderland with Buzz, Woody & Jessie

Grand finale

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Blessed

What a roller coaster of emotions the last twelve months have been. Our lives are in many ways vastly different than I imagined them a year ago today. And this month? It's been harder emotionally than I could have imagined.

Today marks one year to the day since I heard words that would shock, sadden and crush me. Nothing can prepare you to both see your baby on an ultrasound screen for the first time and hear the words "I'm sorry" all in one breath. Since then, we've prayed for healing and slowly began moving forward.

We found joy again and celebrated our family of 3 with a trip to Walt Disney World. A needed break from the every day and a chance to be together. Just us.

We celebrated again when we got another positive only to find ourselves grieving again. We pushed forward.

We celebrated our precious son and his 4th birthday. What a blessing to have such an amazing, sweet, loving, healthy child.

We went on our annual beach trip with friends. One that wasn't supposed to happen as we should have been home with a newborn. But again, it was as needed as our Disney trip in our healing. We kept moving forward one step at a time.

Last month Trent & I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and 14 years altogether of knowing, loving and supporting one another. We took a combined work/leisure trip to England. A first for both of us. Again, something not likely possible had events been different over the last year.

Thus, as challenging, frustrating and even heartbreaking at times the last year has been, I felt strongly about the selection for our Christmas card. I had been working on and off with my dear friend, Nila, for months to schedule a time to have family photos taken. It's something I always seem to procrastinate on and I truly wanted & needed to celebrate us. The three of us. The blessed, loving, precious family we have. If anything, I have learned even through my grief and tears in the last year to be grateful because we are truly blessed.

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10 Years

Somedays it feels like I blinked and we went from this ...

to this ...

Photo credit: Nila Garriga Photography

10 years. 3,650 days. 2 houses. 2 cats. 1 amazing son.

Love, laughter, tears and hugs. 

Millions of memories big and small. Together.

Happy tenth anniversary, love.

Here's to the start of our next decade together

and a million more memories.

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