Thursday, August 28, 2008

Graduation


On August 28th Jeff graduated from a special course in preparation for his upcoming deployment. The course was a grueling four months of early mornings, late nights and long weekends. The class made for long hours away from Jeff and limited family time, but we survived!

During the graduation ceremony, Jeff and his team were given an award for the Outstanding Team of the class. He also graduated with one of the highest GPA's. In true Jeff fashion, if he is going to commit to something he gives 110 percent.

Although, these last four months have been difficult, knowing he has such an elite training under his belt helps me sleep a little easier at night. My hopes...the more prepared he is, the safer he will be during deployment. The girls and I really missed him, but we are so proud of his continued commitment to his country, the Navy and his fellow service members. Congratulations Sweetie, job well done!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Our Street Kids

During the summer I was able to help out a few of my friends here in the neighborhood by watching their children. The girls LOVED having their "friends" here and enjoyed all the special activities we tackled. I know, I know....4 kids and only one of me. It actually wasn't that bad. The other kids helped keep my two busy and made the long summer without Jeff fly by. Here are some pictures of the fun we had with Van, Maci, Jill and Mallory. Crafts, swimming, baking cookies, play-doh, the sprinklers and swing set, going out for ice cream, dress up, the park....we tried it all!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The Early Years

7 years ago today, in the sunny city of San Diego, my ridiculously sweet husband was down on 1 knee asking me to be his wife. Who would have known what our life had in store for us.....




I love you Honey. Thanks for giving me my happily ever after!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Daddy Days

The girls are really missing Daddy these days. He's been gone for a while getting ready for deployment. Unfortunately we haven't even had phone contact. Both girls are feeling blue about the lack of Daddy time. Even Emma comes running into our bedroom searching for Jeff and saying "Dada, Dada!" Here are some pics from a few weekends ago. It was a BEAUTIFUL 85 degree day with a cool ocean breeze. It was a nice afternoon and a refreshing change of pace from the extreme heat and humidity we've been having here in Virginia.

We miss you so much sweetie!




FAMILY FEET

Friday, August 15, 2008

A MUST SEE...

My new favorite girl movie!! You must see this movie ladies! Kim and I were laughing and trying to hold back from breaking out into a song and dance. Make sure you pause my music on the right before you watch the movie trailer.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Virginia Aquarium


My friend, Erin and I took the kids on yet another adventure. Here are some pictures from our trip to the Virginia Aquarium yesterday. The kids had a blast seeing all the fish and just being together. They especially loved the sharks and sea turtles. There was also a nice nature walk between the facilities. Thanks for the great play date Erin, Jack and Sylvia!







































Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Thoughts

i am: known as Irene (also called Rene by Jeff and my sister) or Mommy
i think: i can do anything with Jeff by my side
i know: my children are my greatest accomplishment
i want: Jeff to have a safe deployment
i have: a wonderful husband and 2 happy children
i wish: my family was closer, there were 6 more hours in every day, my sister could get some peace, Lily and Em would nap every day with no struggling, Jeff was home right now
i miss: my family being together for dinner every night
i hate: intolerance, bugs, selfishness, clutter, deployments
i fear: something bad will happen to the people I love
i feel: that most people are inherently good
i hear: the Olympics on TV and a quiet house
i smell: fresh flowers
i crave: sweets....always
i search: for self acceptance
i wonder: about friends I have lost touch with
i regret: some decisions I have made, although I have learned from them
i love: hidden love notes, organization, time with family & friends, sincerity, thoughtfulness, the feeling after I exercise, watching my children grow, photography and scrapbooking, creativity, orange tick tacks, adult conversation, new blog comments, being outside, candle light, great Mom days, Grey's Anatomy, solid friendships, bubble baths, Christmas, warm chocolate chip cookies, being in the water on a hot summer day, hearing my girls say I love you, sleeping in, travelling, living in Europe, a clean house, cuddling on the couch with Jeff, pedicures, being inspired by other blogs....
i care: about my family, contributing to society
i always: say I love you
i am not: always right
i believe: in God and the goodness of others
i dance: with the girls to fun kids music almost every day
i sing: in the car
i don’t: always know the right way to say things, but I usually mean well
i write: on my blog
i win: when I see the situation for what it truly is
i lose: when I can't keep my cool
i never: stop thinking about how blessed I am
i listen: when confided in
i can usually be found: with my girls
i am scared: of heights
i need: a little time just for me every day
i am happy about: being a Mom and wife

Your turn....leave me a comment when you post your answers! THANKS for the inspiration Bernie!

14 Month Stats











As Emma is almost 15 months....I thought I would put up a quick few 14 month stats and pics.
  • Loves to run and climb on EVERYTHING
  • All 4 of her molars came in this month...12 teeth now
  • Sleeping like a champ at night, 13 +hours (YEAH)
  • Is in the horrible 1 or 2 nap transition period (BOO)
  • Is having a word explosion.... some of her words include; apple, Kimmie, up, kitty, Maci, baby, ball, doggie, Emma, mama and dada
  • Being on the kitchen table, coffee table or her little table is her favorite spot
  • Loves being outside and can climb up the slide to the playhouse by herself
  • Eats just about everything
  • Drinks NON stop
  • Favorite books: Pajama Time, Fuzzy Fuzzy and Where is Baby's Belly Button
  • Has tuned into a complete Daddy's girl!
  • Is FEARLESS

Lily Candids

Here are some candid shots of Lily over the last month or so. Enjoy....


























All cozy and ready for bed





















Getting so fast at puzzles



Snack time with Em















Always wants to be helping in the kitchen



Loves wearing mommy's heels











































Always in motion

Looking for her next big adventure









Being sweet to Em (a rarity)
WHAT A SMILE!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Lily-isms

Today while playing with her cash register in the Toy Room:
Lily:Look Mom, I have $100!!
Me: Wow, that's a lot of money, what are you going to buy?
Lily: Hmmm.... some sugar and pants.

Friday, August 08, 2008

8-0 on 08-08-08





Happy 80th to an amazing woman. You are so beautiful both on the inside and out. We hope you had a wonderful day Grandma! We love and miss you!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Blessed


How lucky am I to have two such sweet little girls! I love you Lily and Emma xoxox

Saturday, August 02, 2008

The Oldest of the Youngsters

Happy 6th Birthday to our nephew Trevor!
Have a great day Buddy...we love and miss you!