ALL Things Boys...

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

I realize I am probably one of 10 people in this world who's favorite holiday is Valentine's Day! It always has been, believe it or not, and it began when I was a little girl making homemade cards for my parents and friends. I don't decorate a lot for the holiday or go over board, which takes a lot of pressure off (we're still cleaning up Christmas stuff- AUGH!) It is perfect, in my opinion, for a little bit of warm celebration of love during the cold month of February, not to mention I have the excuse to add bits of girlish flare for a few days in this house full of testosterone!
Today, Holden had a Valentine's Day party and I signed up to make the class cupcakes. I'm not the best at photographing food, but here is what I came up with...

Strawberry Yogurt Cupcakes

...and they were SO yummy! I usually like to make things from scratch, but when it comes to time saving, these are great and came from my Betty Crocker Ultimate Cake Mix cookbook. It's the best cookbook ever to make quick, great tasting cakes!

Here's the recipe!

Holden had a great time at his Valentine's Day party! He screamed to me every Valentine he received and who it was from when the teachers were passing them out, he was so excited! Here's a little peek at the two 3 year classes together... Holden's next to the window with Samantha.

When I arrived at the preschool, Rhys and his classmates, Owen and Kian, were headed out for a winter walk with Nana Bonnie. Owen and Kian were being strolled by Bonnie and behind her was Rhys, strolling his Hippo and a doll. He was SO cute wearing his dinosaur hat and he looked surprised and happy to see me, but strolled on by, unshaken, as I told him I was going to Holden's class for a party! He is so funny! Good for him! He wasn't going to allow me to mess up his day at school by getting him out of his routine. After being in Holden's class for a little while, I did go down to Rhys's classroom to visit and help with their cupcakes! = )

I hope everyone's Valentine's Day has been fabulous and have enjoyed spreading a little love on this freezing February day!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Beautiful Birthday

2012-02-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

My mom (aka Nana) came to visit last week and we celebrated her 60th birthday! It was a wonderful visit as always! On the morning of her birthday, Greg was post call at the hospital and the boys were at school, so I took her to Topsail and had a glorious birthday walk. I captured a great picture on my iPhone. I'm so glad she was able to spend the day with us before heading back to WV.

Happy Birthday!

So Proud

2012-01-28T04:17:00.000-08:00

I've already touched on how intelligent Chase is and this year, in the 4th grade, he is continuing to shine! He has always been a great student, but this year, his interest in science has really taken off. This is his first year doing the science fair at school. Months ago, he came home to his mom's house, with the topic of bridge building. His project ended up being called, "Bridge Breakers," which focused on the strength and durability of various bridges we encounter in every day life. He tested each bridge, built with popsicle sticks, with plate weights and his project was one of 4 chosen to participate in the Onslow County Science fair on January 18th. Already so proud, we toted Holden and Rhys to Jacksonville, NC to participate in the action and to see Chase present his project.
At the end of the evening, they announced the winners to advance to the Regional competition. They called Chase's name first to receive the first award!!!!! The look of pride on Chase's face was priceless. It was wonderful to have experienced it. He was one of the 10 to be chosen out of 82 projects. Just amazing!
So...on February 11th, he heads to Wilmington to compete at regionals for the state competition! We have been sure to tell him how proud we are of him regardless if he wins or not, he has worked so hard. However, I'm sure this award is the first of many to come!

Oh- and might I continue bragging that he recently tested at the college Freshman level for reading. Wow!

So proud.

Wish him luck for the Regional competition!

Lullaby Luxe

2012-01-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

Last year, Greg got me a sewing/embroidery machine for Christmas with the thought that I might not use it. It has been the best gift I've ever gotten! With the use of the machine, I fell in love with fabrics as well! One thing led to another and I started making simple baby bibs and burp cloths with chenille backing.

The name of my small company is, "Lullaby Luxe Baby Designs." I've bought a domain, but have yet to complete a website that I'm hoping will be simple and elegant like the burp cloths and bibs themselves. It would be wonderful to have a site up in the next couple of months. Recently, a friend of mine who has a store in Surf City called, "Decorate Your Soul," is now selling my items, which is exciting!
Here are a few pictures of what I've been up to the last 5 months...

Greg got a picture of me in action last September.

I also love monogramming these as well!

If anyone is interested before I have my website up...
Bibs- $15
Burp Cloths- $15
Bib/Burp Set- $30
Monogramming- + $3 per item
Email me or post a comment and I'll get back to you!

All Bundled Up

2012-01-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

We haven't had too many cold days this winter, but one day Nana and I decided to take a walk and Rhys wanted to come! Here he is being the little ham that he is...

The Little Monster! He's definitely got a huge personality.

Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium

2012-01-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

Probably the biggest highlight of the holidays was our week with Greg. He actually had a week off after Christmas and we really enjoyed having him home instead of working! We laid around the house, went out to eat, and went to the aquarium. Chase was with his mom seeing his grandparents and family in Virginia, so he wasn't able to come with us, unfortunately! We hope to take him there next time because we had such a good time!

Here are some of the pictures...

You wouldn't think a catfish would be really exciting, but this guy was great to talk to! The boys spent a lot of time making faces and laughing at him. Ha!

Holden amazed by the sharks.

What a great picture Greg caught! Scary!

The otters were a favorite as well! They were so cute swimming in the water and cuddling up to each other on the rocks. The boys would squeal when they would swim past them!

This is the best picture Greg took all day! It's absolutely hilarious and horrible of me! Rhys is reaching out to touch a horseshoe crab and my purse almost fell into the tank!!

What a fun day! We'll be visiting again soon!

A Busy Christmas

2012-01-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

What a busy holiday! Here are some pictures to recap on the festivities!

Here are "The Decorations" I worked so hard on. I decided to take pictures so it's faster to put them up this coming Christmas! How's that for preparation? I have no idea why we didn't take a picture of the Christmas tree, but I will make sure of it this year!

Dining Room.

Foyer.

Staircase.

Living room.

This was our 3rd visit to see Santa at the Cotton Exchange downtown in Wilmington. He is absolutely wonderful...he is THE Santa and always makes you leave having chills. We have had to explain to the boys that other Santa's are just "helpers" and this guy is the real deal. And I'm not kidding. Even Nana got tears in her eyes. He talked with the boys for at least 10 minutes, maybe more, about how their year has been, what they would like for Christmas, and with mention of the most important thing to remember, that it is Jesus's birthday.

Chase knows Santa here well and walked up quickly, but shyly. I love this picture as Santa takes his hand. He asked for a "PS3 and video games."

Holden took a little bit to get warmed up to him, but got the courage to sit in his lap after a few minutes and loved telling him that he wanted a "Lego Bumblebee from Transformers and a Lego Optimus Prime from Transformers."

Rhys wasn't so enthused about sitting in Santa's lap here, but did actually calm down a bit as Santa talked to him. He did say clearly that he wanted a "big hammer." Ha!

We didn't get a great picture with all of them smiling, but I think I like the pictures of them interacting with him best anyway.

Holden had a Christmas party at school and they did a skit and had a party. Holden is the wise man to the far left!

Holden and his friend, Samantha.

We went to the candlelight service at church and then came home and decorated cookies for Santa!

Rhys worked so hard!

Chase's creation!

Holden is concentrating very hard!

Here is our Santa plate ready to be put on the mantel with milk and notes to Santa. Of course we always put out carrots for the reindeer, too!

I am sorry to say that we did not get pictures of Christmas morning. Just a little bit of video and that's it! I don't know why, as we always do get a few pictures! Next Christmas...

To end...

I love this picture of Rhys asleep on Nana. He clung to her the whole time she was visiting and even cried for her in the middle of the night when she left. He is definitely in love!

Coming up, our Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium trip!

A New Year and Catching Up

2012-01-16T13:19:00.000-08:00

First, Happy New Year! We had a whirlwind of a Christmas and New Year and it's finally starting to settle down a little...just a little! So now I am finally able to sit down and go back and post some pictures of our events through the holidays. I'll probably separate these posts as we have Rhys's birthday, Christmas, and the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium to cover!

First...

I can't believe our little boy has turned 2 years old! Rhys kept saying he was turning 4, but I'm sure that came from Holden announcing he will be turning 4 in a few months. He had a Mighty Machines birthday party on December 17th and he had such a great time!

We got a 3D cake that was absolutely amazing! I ordered a construction site that had a crane with a wrecking ball into a building and a dump truck filled with oreos and bricks! The whole thing was edible and really good!

Some pictures from the party...

Rhys, our handsome 2 year old!

Adorable Holden. He did great with all of the attention given to Rhys, I might add.

Our friends, Katie and Matt, with their daughter, Ella.

Our friend, Anne, with Jack. Jack is one of Holden's best friends.

Getting ready for the cake. He was getting shy!

Singing, "Happy Birthday!"

Blowing out the 2 year candle!

Of course, we had a to light the candle again and let Holden blow it out, too! To be expected.

A happy boy among his presents.

Rhys with Nana. "Don't even think about it...this is my cake!"

Rhys and Daddy

Our friends, Chris and Pete.

Greg with friends, David and Ladd.

I love this picture! Holden with friends, Miles and Jackson.

Rhys, Holden, and Chase playing with Rhys's toys after the party.

Next, a post of our Christmas. I hope to get up to date in a couple of days!

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that you're having a great start to the new year!

The Early Bird

2011-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

I am so tired. All day I have been listing things I need to be doing...putting up Christmas decorations, cleaning, doing laundry, putting away toys, even making the bed. It's days like this I feel like we've got 20 children. The culprit...

...THIS guy. Rhys William Woodfill.

Today he woke up at 5 AM...and this picture was taken at 5:15. Hmmm. Lately, this is a late day. Greg and I take turns in the mornings to get up with him and Greg has the magic to get him to "sleep in" until 6. However, with me, he screams and screams in the rocker until I give in to go downstairs with him. We sit on the couch, we draw, he plays with his tools, he even looks at magazines with me as I drink my coffee. I try to bore him to death with adult talk, but I think he enjoys it.

So as you wake up at a normal hour of the morning if you have little ones that actually sleep, your little ones are all grown up, or you don't have all the craziness of little ones, think of us and be thankful of your sleep. We've already been awake for hours!

Brotherly Love

2011-11-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

It has been a great month, and what a wonderful time to be so THANKFUL for our boys to get along. We've witnessed more laughing than crying together these days and it makes us so happy! Here are some adorable examples...

Holden is helping Rhys put on his shoes to go to school.

"Reading" magazines together behind the kitchen table.

Enjoying bath time together!

Headed to preschool together!

Starting early morning rock bands together!

Sharing rain boots, a current favorite activity!

Sneaking dad's scrub hats together!

Rhys - 23 months

Holden- 3 yrs 8 mos.

* Driving to preschool yesterday, Holden told me, "I like Rhys, Mom." I told them how wonderful it was that they had each other and that they will likely be best friends as they grow up. Rhys leans around the side of his car seat and lovingly says to Holden, "I love you, Holden." Holden looked down acting shy. After a minute, he said, "I love you, too, Rhys." My heart was so big that morning and I keep going over those few minutes so I can memorize it forever. Too soon, I will be looking in the rear view mirror at two teenage boys. Time goes by so fast. I am so thankful for these moments, all of them, the crazy and the calm, as these wild and crazy boys make us want to pull our hair out and eat them up from their infectious adorableness at the exact. same. time. I am so thankful to be their mom.*

Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

We had a great time getting dressed up and going trick or treating! Two months ago (Yes...2 months ago...) Holden decided he wanted to go as Obi Wan Kenobi during his Star Wars craze. And after we dressed up as a family last year, he didn't even question if we were going to be participants this year. He decided Greg was going to be Darth Vader, I was going to be Princess Leia, and Rhys was going to be Yoda. It's amazing how fast we agreed to the idea!

I was able to bribe Rhys with a sucker to get his costume on, but the Yoda ears were a no go.

We went to our friend's house for a cookout beforehand and I was able to capture this...

It didn't take long for Greg to get into character. He looks like a natural...minutes earlier, he was driving home from work! Just the look in his eyes scream he's, "good gone bad!" Scary.

It didn't take long for the boys to catch on to the process! Holden was especially good at running up to the doors yelling Trick or Treat, which was so cute!

This house was a scary one and Holden ran up past the older kids who had stopped feet ahead of him and wasn't afraid at all. He laughed at their masks and skeletons and played with their fake hand. Rhys didn't like the idea, but quickly warmed up when he saw they had suckers!

Now don't we all look so naturally happy to be dressed up? Greg's seriousness about his role was really the treat of the night and I needed a reward for wearing those darn buns of hair for hours- they were so terribly uncomfortable- but it was fun! And we tell ourselves it's all for the kids! Holden and Rhys are pretty lucky to have such willing parents! They had a great night getting lots of candy and seeing other people's outfits!

I'm guessing this is the last year we'll be dressing up in themed costumes all together because as Rhys gets older and starts to get his own ideas, I'm sure he's not going to agree to Holden's ideas for Halloween, even if he likes them! I'm sure one of us will be dressing up like a nail or a hammer as Rhys dresses up as a carpenter...just a guess! = )

Hope y'all had a great Halloween!

ALL Things Boys...and Libby

2011-11-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

"Having children of your own is joyous, but when you are trusted and chosen to be Godparents... it is joy of a different kind."

It is such a high honor that Greg and I were asked by our dear friends, Kray and Mark, to be the Godparents of their daughter, Elizabeth (Libby) Davis Luxbacher. Another friend, Emily Sarver, is also a Godmother, who we had the pleasure of meeting at her christening this past weekend in Blacksburg, VA.

Mom, Kray, (Mark was upstairs in the church at the time), Emily holding Libby, me, and Greg

Kray and Libby

* I met Kray when my family moved to Bluefield, WV in 1989. Prior to meeting her at school, I remember seeing a little girl with a big bow in her hair watching us move in from the hedges of her Granma's backyard and wondering who she was. Little did I know that that little girl would be my best friend and the longest friend I would ever have. We were inseparable growing up from 5th grade through graduation in high school and maintained our friendship through college, medical school, and grad school. Now Kray, an engineering professor at Virginia Tech, and her husband Mark, also a mining engineer, have settled in Blacksburg with their adorable little boy, Will, who is Holden's age, and now beautiful Libby, who is 4 months old. It is so amazing to be able to watch our kids play together and start a new generation of friendships. Greg and I are so thankful to have such wonderful friends.*

It was such a beautiful christening and Libby is the most amazing little baby girl! We are so lucky and thrilled to be her Godparents...to love and support her throughout her life. What a wonderful gift.

A Parent's Dream

2011-10-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we went to Target to search for some fun Halloween decorations. Well, whoever invented Pumpkin Push Ins is brilliant! I could honestly be a spokesperson for these things! You have no clue how much happiness (from both parties) a few pieces of plastic stuck into a pumpkin can create until you experience this awesome purchase! Naturally, Holden chose Ironman and Rhys unexpectedly chose Cookie Monster, calling him Elmo. Maybe we need to watch more Sesame Street...

Here is what took us 2 clean minutes to create 10 days of pure JOY!

Halloween Countdown...9 days!!!

Sprint to the Finish!

2011-10-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today, we got up early, ate breakfast, chugged some coffee, packed some snacks, pumped up the double Bob's tires, then loaded the boys in the car to head to the First Bank Oktoberfest 5K run that was to be held at Brunswick Forest in Leland, NC (we decided on that one instead of the Ocean Isle Fun Run). It was a gorgeous morning, a crisp 46 degrees when we got in the car, with the sun rising bright as we drove. 45 minutes later, we checked in and got at the rear of the runners with our wide load, ready to run! Chase was really excited! This would be our second race in a month and he was ready to try to beat his time at the Poplar Grove Race- 44 minutes 15 seconds. Holden and Rhys were excited, too, to participate this time!

Greg gives a pep talk to Holden and Rhys...the Coaches!

Ready to Run!!

Starting out strong...

Reaching a stride...

Looks like Holden is ready to jump out! Really, he was dying to run the whole time!

Only a mile to go!...

Even the beginning of the race was better for Chase than the last. His confidence had grown from last time as he knew what to expect. He reached a good stride, then ran the majority of the way only walking less than 100 yards to catch his breath! Greg and I knew he had beat his time already from the last race and we commented throughout the race, how GREAT he was doing! And really, he was loving it, which was so fun to see!

Greg ran ahead and I made a landmark that was 100 yards away from the finish line! When we reached the mark, we sprinted as fast as we could!! Greg got this great picture of us finishing!

32:30 was on the timer. 11 minutes 45 seconds better than the Poplar Grove race! Wow!

Adorable Rhys watching people finish.

And Holden, the future runner!!

Feeling good afterwards, we waited for the awards to be announced.

And...as he had hoped, Chase won his first running award! With a huge age group of competitors (Ages 1-15), Chase won 5th place!!! He won a mug stating that he was a 5K Award Winner! We all are SO PROUD!

Mike's Farm

2011-10-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Greg and I took the boys to Mike's Farm! We had such a good time on the 1/2 mile hayride to the pumpkin patch! We intended to try to eat at the restaurant that we have heard great things about, but it was pretty busy so we settled for ice cream! Here are some pictures of our fun trip...

Waiting in line for the hayride, Rhys and Holden found a cute tractor!

After the farm, we got ice cream!

Rhys insisted on the kiddie table!

Rhys and his hippo. He was so tired from trip, he fell asleep immediately after the ice cream. Funny how he sleeps with Hippo clenched in his teeth!

Attaining the Impossible

2011-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

It's never been too much of a challenge for me to reach for my dreams.

College...Check

Medical school...Check

Getting married...Check

Having children...Check

Raising children...Check

And there's more to come, I'm sure.

I've done a lot of things in my life.

To begin, I've climbed aboard a Japanese school bus full of children I couldn't understand when I was 6 years old, promising to take me to a trusted place unknown to me...

I've went to camp for several summers growing up bravely learning to rock climb, rappel, and kayak...

I've gone away to college and joined the crew team that taught me the discipline and grueling nature of competitive sports by doing 5 am, 2 hour, workouts every morning with afternoons as well...

I applied to medical school 2 years in a row knowing I would continue to work towards my goal of being a doctor...

I made the careful and thoughtful decision to not continue with residency so I could be home with our boys...

All of these things have taken courage, self esteem, and the belief I have in myself to attain these dreams and desires.

I mark yesterday, October 10, 2011 as very, very important. Because at this age, after being told for years and years that I could and I didn't believe it...I for some reason, after being told again...I made my Papaw and Mawmaw Stella's English Muffin Bread. And I made it well!

I don't know if other people do this- accomplish many things in life, but never dream of trying to recreate their grandparents recipes until they feel a different kind of confidence. I've kind of graduated a very internal, special kind of graduation. In a way I feel more grown up and I believe in myself in more ways than I used to. Not only did I go and find the most wonderful husband and have the most beautiful kids, I am caring to take care of them and me...well. It's a kind of "settling in", a comfort that bonds us deeper as a family.

Bread can do this. At least this English Muffin Bread can. Everyone in my family knows it. Knows it's smell, it's texture, the way butter melts right into it. They know the comfort it gives you when you see it on the table. It makes us think of family. A full table of family. And...mostly...a wonderful memory of Papaw.

I am so happy, because unbeknownst to them, our boys will have a taste of what I always have loved so much about being at Papaw and Stella's house and maybe they, too, can make it one day for their kids.

WonderFall

2011-10-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

The humidity is gone and in it's place are cool fall mornings. There are pumpkins for sale, decorating stores and restaurants, and adorned with mums and pansies. Plans of Halloween are starting to be made and kids are gearing up for Trick or Treating...

As I've already stated, we love this season. With the boys in school, I have had the pleasure of planting pots and our window boxes with fall flowers.

In celebration of the season, I've also become addicted to making pumpkin butter and spoiled us with Pumpkin Lattes. Really- these are such simple and wonderful recipes...

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/10/pumpkin-butter.html

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/10/skinny-pumpkin-spiced-latte.html

I've blogged about the pumpkin patch already, but the other day I was able to get more pictures before I got the boys from school. They have really loved coming here almost every day after school! It's a magical place here among the large oak trees.

And here...Holden begged me to rake our front yard leaves into a pile so he and Rhys could jump into them! Ha! This is the saddest, most pathetic pile of leaves ever, but they LOVED it! That's what we get for living in North Carolina! As you can see, our trees' leaves went straight from green to brown! We can't wait for our trip to Blacksburg, VA at the end of the month to hopefully spot some colorful leaves!

Hope you're having as great of a fall season as we are!!

The Pumpkins Are Here!

2011-10-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yay! This weekend the pumpkins were delivered to the church! It is our favorite time playing around the pumpkins after preschool and I have the chance to pick out some through the weeks before Halloween. Last year, we ended up with so many, our house looked much like the cover of this month's Southern Living (or so I wish.) I was happy today to get a cute picture of Holden and Rhys enjoying their first look at the patch!

Happy Fall Y'all!

A Runner is Born

2011-09-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

This morning, Greg, Chase, and I ran the Poplar Grove 5K. It was Chase's very first race and he had such a good time! We are so proud of him for running the majority of the way let alone finishing 3 miles that he has never run before!

Before the race...

After the race...

He is now setting his sights on winning a medal! That means lots of running with the double Bob stroller for us! = ) The next race is the Ocean Isle Fun Run in October, so we'll see!!

And...They're Off to School!

2011-09-09T04:20:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. The summer went by so fast this year! We were so busy with swim lessons, summer camp, days at the beach, and play dates, that the school year snuck up on us!! I can't say I'm totally disappointed. It is my favorite time of year when back- to- school signs start popping up everywhere. The weather starts getting cooler (unless you live here in NC where it's still in the 90's), you can hear the occasional crow cawing hinting of the fall season ahead, planting ideas of pumpkins, falling leaves, chilly evenings, football, and blooming mums. I love it! The beginning of the school year means "new beginnings" with the start of new school supplies. It has always meant more to me than New Years, when I am at my highest stress level amongst birthdays and Christmas.

This year, Chase starts the 4th grade! He's nine years old (going on 13), and we can hardly believe how fast he is growing. He could not be a better brother and role model for Holden and Rhys. He is so smart, kind, funny, and handsome! He already has made new friends in his class and is loving school!

Holden is in the 3 year class in preschool and was SO excited to get going Wednesday morning! This is his third year in preschool and his confidence shone as he walked in to his new class with Mrs. Sonya. He immediately sat down at the table next to a new little boy and starting coloring after giving Rhys and I a hug goodbye! He didn't flinch as I walked out of the classroom! He loves his new class!

As Holden holds up 3 fingers to show which preschool class he is starting this year, I love seeing Rhys in this picture as he tries to process what Holden is doing and begin to imitate him. I tried to get Rhys to hold up one finger, but since Holden was holding up 3, that wasn't going to happen! = )

Sweet Rhys is beginning his 1st year at the preschool with Nana Bonnie. He was so excited to be a part of the action! Now that he has a backpack like Holden, he thinks he is so big! That morning, he followed Holden's instructions as to how to get ready for school, walked into Holden's class to say goodbye, and then walked into Bonnie's class without hesitation. He happily played while I said my goodbyes and didn't even care when I left the classroom! I couldn't believe it, but I knew it would be different the next day as he caught on to the program! That morning, the only time he cried was when he caught sight of Holden. I was told Holden came over to give him a hug which warms my heart! This is how their lives will be throughout school, two school years apart! How nice to be able to see each other!

Now with the boys in preschool 4 days a week and an extra hour on Mondays and Tuesdays for Lunch Bunch, I am planning what to do with my valuable time alone! I have a list of things, such as cleaning out closets and organizing our desk, as well as enjoying the time by working in the yard, sewing, doing yoga, and walking! On Wednesday, I met a friend of mine, Katie, for coffee and we spent 3 hours talking! Wonderful!! Yesterday, I took a walk and I felt naked without a stroller. It was great, however, I missed pointing out birds and flowers and it brought tears to my eyes. The first couple of weeks may be nice to have alone time, but I will quickly miss my little men more and more.

The school year is a wonderful time, but it does take some adjustment! I'll post more as the weeks progress!

A First

2011-08-13T08:55:00.001-07:00

It has finally happened. Holden and Rhys were sitting on the couch together this morning and Holden asked Rhys to sit on his lap to watch cartoons. I cried. I was just mentioning to Greg yesterday about the difficulty of their ages, their fighting, and about how exhausted we are. But...seeing this...how can I complain for a second?

Priceless.

Star Wars Mania

2011-08-01T11:42:00.001-07:00

This summer, we stumbled upon Star Wars, The Clone Wars, on HubTV. Holden has always had an interest in Star Wars without even knowing the movies or characters, so when we found The Clone Wars, he was hooked!

One weekend recently, we had a Star Wars morning...complete with watching Star Wars IV and making Star Wars pancakes from Williams-Sonoma. They were a big hit!

These turned out really well and the kids loved them!

Rhys is such a funny guy! He loves to be silly!

Holden and Chase love to cuddle...then, it's back to battling with light sabers and someone yelling that one is beating the other up!

Rhys loves light sabers because his brothers love them, but it was truly love at first sight when he saw they have handles! His favorite things consist of vacuums, brooms, rakes, and now...light sabers!

"May the Force be With you."

Pictures We Love

2011-07-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Going through our albums I found so many pictures I wanted to share. I can't upload 100's of photos, so here are several I found from the last couple of years. I will catch up soon to share our current pictures of our summer fun...the NC Zoo, swim lessons, Holden's summer camp, etc.

Holden and Greg making a snowman in our front yard. 2010

Chase playing in the snow. A favorite. 2009

Family photo. October 2010

Rhys testing out the new swing set in our backyard. July 2010

Ashley and Holden 2011

Holden swinging. October 2010

Rhys and Holden in the tub having a blast! It's still the highlight of the day! 2010

Halloween at Kiwanis Park in Hampstead. From the Left...Mrs. Potato Head, Woody, Rex, and Buzz Lightyear. 2010

Chase and Holden. NC Aquarium in Fort Fisher 2010.

Rhys and Nana. 2011

Rhys keepin' it real! 2011

Ironman (aka Holden). The best Christmas gift Santa has ever made! 2010

Rhys swinging on a cold day! We do a lot of swinging if you haven't guessed that already! 2011

Rhys and Holden waiting on Daddy to get home from work! This is one of my favorite pictures.

2011

Rhys decided to mix Thor and Ironman to make the coolest Superhero ever! Actually, these were what Holden allowed Rhys to wear at the moment.

Holden's Jeep. Don't even think about it little ladies...he's taken! April 2011

More to come! Hope y'all are having a great summer!

Our 4th Anniversary

2011-07-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

On June 18th, 2007, Greg and I were married. It was such a dream to get married at Guthrie Castle in Angus, Scotland. Our visit to the UK, Greg's first, was much like the movie, "Just Married," with Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy. One of my favorite memories of Greg is him driving our rental car. It was a Fiat, of course with a right sided driver's seat, a stick shift, only large enough to carry us and our luggage, and it couldn't drive over 50 mph. It was hard enough getting out of the airport parking lot, much less drive down the centuries old roads that were to take us through tiny towns to St. Andrews where we were expected at our hotel, The Fairmont. We could hardly stop laughing as we crossed the Firth of Forth in our Fiat. We must have said that a thousand times. Yes...needless to say, we were giddy from the lack of sleep on the plane and excited to say our vows in the next couple of days. Really, it was funny.

Greg and our orange Fiat. He drove it like a pro. I never once touched the driver's seat.

Views of The Fairmont St. Andrews.

The ruins of St. Andrews cathedral.

More St. Andrews Photos

I'll never forget the day of our wedding, being picked up by a gorgeous black Jaguar to be driven to Guthrie Castle in Angus, 40 minutes away. It was a beautiful drive through the country. I remember reminding myself to be totally conscious of every moment, to catalog it in my mind forever. Talking to the driver, the green countryside, Greg sitting to the right of me holding my hand and squeezing it every so often, and then seeing the entrance to the castle (above).

The winding dirt road we went down was paved with ancient trees and stone walls built hundreds of years ago. We crossed over a bridge and in the distance could see the castle we were to be married in.

Guthrie Castle dates back to 1468 and the garden we were married in, dates back to the 1600's. It truly was the most amazing place to get married, and we had the castle all to ourselves for a day and a half.

At 3 pm we were married in the garden. Pastor Brian Ramsey married us. He lives on the castle grounds.

We spent the most romantic evening with dinner in the grand dining room and we walked around the castle grounds. In the morning, we had an amazing breakfast and then were picked up by our driver to return to The Fairmont. From there, we began our fabulous honeymoon touring parts of Scotland and England (Edinburgh, York, London, and the Cotswalds).

It truly was a dream. I can't wait to show Chase, Holden, and Rhys where we got married someday.

To celebrate our anniversary, we decided to go away for the weekend. It was our first time away from the boys and we were nervous, but ready for some alone time! We drove 2 hours to New Bern, NC and stayed at the Aerie Inn Bed and Breakfast and we had such a fabulous time. We had no idea after years of being woken up consistently every night by our children multiple times, how much a full night of sleep can do for a person...and we got two nights! We felt alive again, like real people!

The Aerie Inn.

We had lunch one day at The Persimmons restaurant. It was great and had fabulous views of the water. I really loved the decor, simple and modern with a Southern flare.

We were given a carriage ride to The Chelsea restaurant downtown on Saturday evening. I thought Greg was going to die riding in the Cinderella carriage, but he survived! We had a wonderful dinner.

4 years later, I am more in love with this man every day. Getting married to someone, you know you love them and want to spend your life with them whatever that life may bring. I had no idea after all that we have experienced, 4 moves and 2 more children later, even how much more love I would have for him. I had never thought that was possible. He gives everything of himself for all of us and loves us unconditionally. I am so grateful. Happy Anniversary, Greg. I love you!

The Fight for Flip Flop Photos

2011-07-07T04:56:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be a good idea to get a good photo of the boys in their beloved flip flops that they wear all day long, inside and outside the house, with or without pants on, just marveling at the feeling of hard plastic wedged between their toes. Whatever works, right? I never got a great shot. Here's how our photo shoot went down...

Holden decided to tickle him instead of pose. It's never that easy!

Hugging is always good to get documentation of. Rhys looks kind of forced, don't you think?

Could this pic get any worse? Just terrible.

And then, after some wrestling, I finally was able to get a sloppy picture of their feet. Whew! That all happened in a matter of 30 seconds.

More pics to upload soon!