Memorial Day, 2011

The morning after big party days are always a bit sluggish around here. We sleep in and the morning is slow as we try to recover from picnic food overload and clean up the aftermath. Yes, having big groups of people over is a lot of work--before, during and after--but so worth it for the fun times, the laughs and lots of memories made. Our Memorial Day was filled with all of those, but also a spirit of remembrance of those who have given their lives and are still serving our great country.

I hope you enjoy a little peek into our day yesterday, and I hope you all had a wonderful one as well!

(Remember you can click on any picture to see it bigger and clearer!)

Cousins decked out in Patriotic wear

My sweet decorating skills came to life on the food table. 3 flags, a bandanna and a vase? Bet you didn't know I had it in me!

Getting a little patriotic with the brownies 

My cute little Kiddos enjoying their meal

Trying to stick to somewhat of a healthy meal--turkey burger on a whole wheat bun, strawberry spinach salad, cherries and whole wheat macaroni salad. Yum! 

Too Many Cheetos!

One of the Grill Masters (My hubby was the other one and he did a great job!)

He (above) made these gourmet Hot Dogs that he saw on a cooking show that morning! They were amazing!

Wearing the same shirt from last year...she's grown a few inches this year but only gained 3 pounds so not much different! ;)

 Love that Man!

We are blessed with a yard big enough to play volley ball in, great for big groups

Cousins and best Friends

Pretty like her Mommy :)

More Volley Ball!

Of course he had to be patriotic too!

Peek-A-Boo!

And last, our little family at the end of the day. We are so thankful for our country and the wonderful freedom to celebrate with friends and family because of so many who sacrificed their lives! God Bless America!

The Big Four

Dear Brooklynne Nicole,

Yesterday was your fourth birthday. The whole day before I mourned your "last day being 3" but you would have none of it. You were so excited to be 4 that there was no delaying it any further. Poppy and Nonnie sent you a big box of presents that you opened on your last night of being 3. The next day you woke up and got showered with kisses and hugs from me and a phone call from daddy at work to wish you happy birthday. After your requested breakfast of honey-nut cheerios (which you request every day) you played with your new letter puzzle from Nonnie and Poppy.

Lunch was a butterfly cheese sandwich, chips and melon.

Joe-Joe wished you "Happy Birthday" in only a language he could come up with and you guys shared a sweet hug

                                                      

The paper towel on the fridge tradition has been passed down from my family, and we of course continued it on your birthday.

You helped Mommy make your cake (really it was brownies, but I didn't tell you ;) and because it was your birthday, I let you lick the batter.

We frosted your cake together...it ended with a bit of a meltdown and being sent to your room, but it was fun while it lasted.

Buddy joined in the festivities by having cake batter dripped on his poor white head

You got all the special "treats", but you were so sweet and shared with your brother! Brownie batter, pink frosting and a juice box. You are such a kind big sister!

You love your new doll from Poppy and Nonnie and played with her a lot

After your little meltdown, I finished frosting your cake and put on sprinkles that you requested. We went to church and had to wait until we came home to have your party.

Pizza with olives on it and orange pop was the dinner request, but we got a hot-and-ready, so no olives were available  Never fear, I saved the day and bought you a can of them instead. I chopped them up and put them right on top. Plus, you got to eat lots of whole ones too!

After dinner it was present time! You had presents from your Grammy in N.Y. and Daddy and Mommy...so many!

And after presents, time for cake! 

You hardly ate any of it--to many presents to play with ;)

Joe Joe of course enjoyed his cake while you played!

And Mommy had some too--it was delicious if I say so myself.

I hope that you know that Mommy loves you with all of her heart. Despite the daily mistakes and apologies I have to make to you, I try my best to be the mommy that you deserve. I can't believe you are 4 and I am so proud of the sweet little girl you are becoming! I pray that you always love and serve Jesus with your whole heart! Happy, Happy Birthday.

 Love,

Mommy

(Mothers Day, 2011)

Enjoying the Small Things...

 Not too much going on around here besides the normal busy-ness of life. :) I don't bring my camera with me wherever I go because it's too much to carry when we're just going about our normal lives with the kids, but my phone is always with me and I'm constantly snapping away! Tonight I copied a bunch of pictures off my phone on to my computer, just to show the small things we've been doing lately--and enjoying every minute of it!

Watching the kids play in the driveway on a warm night...

An impromptu picnic one Sunday after church...

Happy for creative lunch ideas (spinach salad, pita chips and carrots with hummus)...

Date Night to spend a little time focusing on our marriage and each other...

 Treating myself on date night with a mini cupcake... ;) It was worth every single 180 calorie!

And a treat from the ice cream truck for the first time ever!

It's still "spring" here but feels like summer--in the 80's and sometimes 90's every day. Soon we'll be in the 100's and won't be spending much time outside unless there is swimming involved, so I'm enjoying this gorgeous weather while I can! 

Hope you all are enjoying the little moments that make up our days and not letting them slip by! Life passes to quickly and we tend to take it for granted. Enjoy your small things!