Sometimes I forget that in my previous life I was a creative, dynamic Elementary School Counselor who taught and entertained children for hours and hours on end with enthusiasm and creativity. … [Read more...]

My dad has Stage IV melanoma. If there were such thing as Stage V, or perhaps even VI, he'd be that instead. And short of some unforeseen miracle, my dad will die within the next few months. In … [Read more...]

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.God may not have granted me girls, but I'm so grateful that he granted me boys (at least one) … [Read more...]

Our family had a wonderful time celebrating Easter at my parents' home in Virginia.  I hope you had a blessed holiday as well and were able to reflect on what Christ has done for all of us! Happy … [Read more...]

Make a Smilebox scrapbook … [Read more...]

This past weekend Matt had Friday off from work, so we celebrated the good weather and time off with visits to our favorite farms on Friday, hiking and kayaking on Saturday, and kayaking again on … [Read more...]

This past weekend my parents were up from Virginia to visit and we all had a wonderful time apple picking, walking by the river, and simply enjoying being together. Many of you following my blog have … [Read more...]

God created boys full of spirit and fun. to explore and conquer,to romp and run with dirty faces and banged up chinswith courteous heartsand boyish grins.When He had completed the task … [Read more...]

For those of you joining my blog late in the game, you might have missed the important fact that I hate going to the doctor. I mean, I really hate it. Even when the appointment isn't for myself, my … [Read more...]

If the sun is shining and the humidity is low, you will no doubt find me outdoors (which is where I have been since last I blogged). Now, even though I'm not a big fan of exercising, sweating, and … [Read more...]

We had so much fun this past weekend. On Saturday, our neighborhood had a block party which Asher donned "the street party". He was thrilled to be able to run around in the street for once! It was a … [Read more...]

While waiting to pick up Asher from preschool, I was eavesdropping on a conversation between two prego moms who were due to give birth to baby boys. As they waited for their daughters' class to … [Read more...]

If you are ever looking for a great vacation spot for your family, I just have to recommend the Hampton Roads area. (Hampton Roads is what they call the large geographic area that comprises the seven … [Read more...]

We recently returned from a trip to Virginia to visit my family. It was wonderful to spend time with my parents, sisters, nieces and nephews, but it was also very stressful. Asher was overstimulated … [Read more...]

The boys and I are currently in Virginia visiting my family while Matt's away at a conference. I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures from our adventures down here. Oh my goodness, these … [Read more...]

In order to honor my mom on her big day, I hacked into her blog and posted an entry. Please click on her picture in order to read about what an amazing mother I have!Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love … [Read more...]

For all of you stay-at-home-mommies that need an activity for a rainy day (which by the way won't cost you a penny), might I suggest the Bass Pro Shop. Visiting Outdoor World is like touring … [Read more...]

Although my boys have yet to meet a playground they didn't like, they are just as pleased playing with the sticks, stones, acorn shells, or pine cones scattered around each playground. (Shoot, even … [Read more...]

Our minivan is still in the shop. It is being held hostage while insurance companies, appraisers, and mechanics negotiate the terms of our poor car's release. In the meantime, my parents have … [Read more...]

This is what happens when you answer "yes" to the question, "Mommy, can I stay in the playroom and color by myself?"Five minutes later, I heard the bathroom stool sliding across the tile floor … [Read more...]

Just a few short weeks ago, I was wondering if I was going to have to be attending my dad's funeral during our Easter vacation. Those thoughts, combined with other recent stressors, put a bit of a … [Read more...]

One of the advantages of shopping in the city with two cute-little-kids is that merchants want to give them treats for free! The owners of the deliziosa Italian bakery near our home spoil the boys … [Read more...]

Last night, we went out to dinner as a family. Now, I am not an optimistic person by nature but for some bizarre reason I am always optimistic that this time when we go out it will be different. This … [Read more...]

The stories of Asher to Zephan could fill many a blog entry and most definitely will. My two little boys fill my days with such an array of emotion and activity that I need a place to capture (and … [Read more...]