Happy New Year!!!
We had a nice, low-key new year. We went to dinner at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (so yummy), went to a local carnival, had wings at a local pub, and finally rung in 2012 from our couch while Brooke slept in her room. It was a beautiful day with my little family, just the way it should be.
I just know 2012 is going to be an amazing year for us and bring many changes (for the better, of course). I wish the same for you!!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Great Christmas!
I hope everyone had as great of a Christmas as we did!! Our whole family was totally spoiled!!
Brooke woke up at 7:30 (her normal time), and I managed to keep her in my bedroom for about an hour since we were waiting for Daddy to get home from work. Finally, she was too antsy and we came out to the living room - and she couldn't believe her eyes!! She had a HUGE stack of presents from Santa, not to mention Grandma and Pappy, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Kevin & family, Aunt Heather & family, Nana, Jacqui, and Becky....
She got so many great things. Of course, her favorites are her big kitchen and Ariel doll from Santa, but she also got play-doh, some board games, clothes, Tag Jr. reading system, etc., etc.
Jim totally spoiled me this year, too. I got a bracelet and earrings, new dishes I had been eyeing up, a great picture frame, a Kindle Fire, a meat grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid, and lots more!! I had gotten him a GPS system, replaced his lost wedding band, and got him a Raiders watch.
It took Brooke four - yes, 4!!!! - hours to finally get everything open. We spent the rest of the day playing and enjoying a delicious dinner.
I'm still homesick, but there is absolutely nothing better at Christmas than seeing the pure happiness and belief that eminates from Brooke. I am so happy to make the holidays magical for her.
Now, I need to focus on getting everything cleaned up this week (haha!) and figuring out what we will do on New Year's Eve. Happy Holidays!
Brooke woke up at 7:30 (her normal time), and I managed to keep her in my bedroom for about an hour since we were waiting for Daddy to get home from work. Finally, she was too antsy and we came out to the living room - and she couldn't believe her eyes!! She had a HUGE stack of presents from Santa, not to mention Grandma and Pappy, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Kevin & family, Aunt Heather & family, Nana, Jacqui, and Becky....
She got so many great things. Of course, her favorites are her big kitchen and Ariel doll from Santa, but she also got play-doh, some board games, clothes, Tag Jr. reading system, etc., etc.
Jim totally spoiled me this year, too. I got a bracelet and earrings, new dishes I had been eyeing up, a great picture frame, a Kindle Fire, a meat grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid, and lots more!! I had gotten him a GPS system, replaced his lost wedding band, and got him a Raiders watch.
It took Brooke four - yes, 4!!!! - hours to finally get everything open. We spent the rest of the day playing and enjoying a delicious dinner.
I'm still homesick, but there is absolutely nothing better at Christmas than seeing the pure happiness and belief that eminates from Brooke. I am so happy to make the holidays magical for her.
Now, I need to focus on getting everything cleaned up this week (haha!) and figuring out what we will do on New Year's Eve. Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas Eve!
Has it really been two months since I've blogged?? I don't know how time flies so fast - this is something I definitely need to keep up on, though, because it is the only written journal of our family for Brooke to see when she's older - to me, pictures capture the memories, but she won't have the memories without these stories.
What have we been up to? Thanksgiving, of course. Decorating for Christmas. Norton family trip to Disney (Brooke asks daily if today's the day we're going back).
But all of that pales in comparison to tonight and tomorrow - Christmas. My favorite days of the year.
Right now, as we speak, Brooke is asleep in her bed. We've sprinkled the Reindeer food, left out milk and cookies, and hung Santa's Magic Key on our door. Santa will be here really soon, cause Mama's tired.
I'm homesick. I miss my family, my friends. I can't wait to be living up north where we might be able to make it home for the holiday.
But still, I'm happy, and my heart is full. Brooke and I read the story of Christmas every day for the past couple of weeks. Her version? "We celebrate Christmas because Jesus' birthday. Angels told Mary baby named Jesus. Joseph walked. Angels told him baby born. Follow Star. Give gifts cause they loved him. Give presents to show our love. Say, Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!" Cue heart swelling with pride and tears gathering in my eyes.
Merry Christmas, everybody!!
What have we been up to? Thanksgiving, of course. Decorating for Christmas. Norton family trip to Disney (Brooke asks daily if today's the day we're going back).
But all of that pales in comparison to tonight and tomorrow - Christmas. My favorite days of the year.
Right now, as we speak, Brooke is asleep in her bed. We've sprinkled the Reindeer food, left out milk and cookies, and hung Santa's Magic Key on our door. Santa will be here really soon, cause Mama's tired.
I'm homesick. I miss my family, my friends. I can't wait to be living up north where we might be able to make it home for the holiday.
But still, I'm happy, and my heart is full. Brooke and I read the story of Christmas every day for the past couple of weeks. Her version? "We celebrate Christmas because Jesus' birthday. Angels told Mary baby named Jesus. Joseph walked. Angels told him baby born. Follow Star. Give gifts cause they loved him. Give presents to show our love. Say, Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!" Cue heart swelling with pride and tears gathering in my eyes.
Merry Christmas, everybody!!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Halloween fun!
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love costumes, parades, trick or treating - all of it! It's even more fun now, with a child to dress up.
Last night was Harvest Night at Brooke's daycare. The theme was "Once Upon a Harvest," and each classroom was decorated based on a book. Brooke's classroom was Chicka Chicka, Boom Boom - one was Clifford, one was the Grinch (yay!), 5 Little Monkeys, etc., etc. Brooke had a blast going from classroom to classroom giving hugs, getting candy, and playing games with her little friends - and we had a great time swinging and playing on the playground.
I'm sure everyone's seen this on Facebook already but, without further ado, may I present to you.....BIG BIRD!!!
Today, we went trick-or-treating at the local mall, and Brooke got more candy!! She loves Halloween too, and she keeps asking to put her costume on. I love my girl!
Last night was Harvest Night at Brooke's daycare. The theme was "Once Upon a Harvest," and each classroom was decorated based on a book. Brooke's classroom was Chicka Chicka, Boom Boom - one was Clifford, one was the Grinch (yay!), 5 Little Monkeys, etc., etc. Brooke had a blast going from classroom to classroom giving hugs, getting candy, and playing games with her little friends - and we had a great time swinging and playing on the playground.
I'm sure everyone's seen this on Facebook already but, without further ado, may I present to you.....BIG BIRD!!!
Today, we went trick-or-treating at the local mall, and Brooke got more candy!! She loves Halloween too, and she keeps asking to put her costume on. I love my girl!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Fall fun weekend
This weekend was eventful, that's for sure.
Friday after work, Brooke (aka Abby Cadabby) and I headed to a Halloween party at Busy Bee Kidz. We decorated mini pumpkins, ate pizza and other goodies, participated in a costume contest, got pictures with Elmo and Abby Cadabby, and played until they kicked us out (literally!). They handed out goodie bags to all the kids that included lots of candy. They also had some Halloween movies playing in the "disco" room where the seats all looked like animals - we never even set foot inside there! There are a lot of times I feel guilty about the amount of time I'm away from Brooke due to working during the week, so I love doing these special things with her that she loves so much.
In the middle of the night, I heard Brooke moaning in her sleep. I went in to check on her, and she was burning up! She had a fever of around 101. That may not seem super high, but it affects her the way a 103 degree fever would affect another kid - she NEVER gets fevers. I woke her up and was surprised by a barky cough. Since she just had croupe in July, I figured I would bring down her fever and then call the doctor in the morning. Nope - she promptly vomited the Motrin I tried to give her and was acting lethargic and clingy (this may be because it was also the middle of the night and I woke her from a deep sleep). So, off to the ER we went - chest x-rays (normal), tylenol suppository (poor baby), oral steroids, and a popsicle later, we headed home. Tonight's her last day of her steroid, and the poor thing is feeling better but still not completely back to normal.
Saturday, we cancelled plans and lounged around the house. When Jim came home from work, Brooke was begging to go bye-byes. So, off to dinner we went, picked up her prescription, and picked up a pumpkin.
Sunday morning, I got to sleep in - until the fire alarm started going off. There was a fire a few apartments down in our building (small enough to be put out by the sprinklers). Loads of fun, let me tell you. Brooke was acting more like her normal self and wanted to go "paint pum-kin at fest-bal."
So, we headed to the Fall Festival at Flamingo Road Nursery. It was so nice - we got a beautiful pumpkin, and Brooke painted a sugar pumpkin. She loved it! We couldn't stay too long because Jim is really allergic to hay, but we got a few pictures.
This week is going to be full of more fall fun! Carving pumpkins (I'll give you a clue - the theme of the pumpkins is going to go with Brooke's real Halloween costume!), Harvest Night at school, and trick-or-treating this weekend!!
Friday after work, Brooke (aka Abby Cadabby) and I headed to a Halloween party at Busy Bee Kidz. We decorated mini pumpkins, ate pizza and other goodies, participated in a costume contest, got pictures with Elmo and Abby Cadabby, and played until they kicked us out (literally!). They handed out goodie bags to all the kids that included lots of candy. They also had some Halloween movies playing in the "disco" room where the seats all looked like animals - we never even set foot inside there! There are a lot of times I feel guilty about the amount of time I'm away from Brooke due to working during the week, so I love doing these special things with her that she loves so much.
In the middle of the night, I heard Brooke moaning in her sleep. I went in to check on her, and she was burning up! She had a fever of around 101. That may not seem super high, but it affects her the way a 103 degree fever would affect another kid - she NEVER gets fevers. I woke her up and was surprised by a barky cough. Since she just had croupe in July, I figured I would bring down her fever and then call the doctor in the morning. Nope - she promptly vomited the Motrin I tried to give her and was acting lethargic and clingy (this may be because it was also the middle of the night and I woke her from a deep sleep). So, off to the ER we went - chest x-rays (normal), tylenol suppository (poor baby), oral steroids, and a popsicle later, we headed home. Tonight's her last day of her steroid, and the poor thing is feeling better but still not completely back to normal.
Saturday, we cancelled plans and lounged around the house. When Jim came home from work, Brooke was begging to go bye-byes. So, off to dinner we went, picked up her prescription, and picked up a pumpkin.
Sunday morning, I got to sleep in - until the fire alarm started going off. There was a fire a few apartments down in our building (small enough to be put out by the sprinklers). Loads of fun, let me tell you. Brooke was acting more like her normal self and wanted to go "paint pum-kin at fest-bal."
So, we headed to the Fall Festival at Flamingo Road Nursery. It was so nice - we got a beautiful pumpkin, and Brooke painted a sugar pumpkin. She loved it! We couldn't stay too long because Jim is really allergic to hay, but we got a few pictures.
This week is going to be full of more fall fun! Carving pumpkins (I'll give you a clue - the theme of the pumpkins is going to go with Brooke's real Halloween costume!), Harvest Night at school, and trick-or-treating this weekend!!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
MIA
Looks like I've been missing for far too long. I don't even know where to begin.
October 1st, we moved into our new apartment. We love it! Brooke and I are so much happier being closer to work/school, and the hubby is just happy to be in this area. We're still working on getting everything together.
I have LOTS of DIY/crafty projects going on right now, alone and with Brooke! I love crafting/sewing, and I'm planning on making some Christmas gifts this year, too! Right now, I'm finishing up my "autumn" themed coasters, then I'll be making some Christmas coasters, then coasters for the rest of the year. Then there's throw pillows, wall hangings, and more! Watch for lots of posts about my projects ;-)
Brooke took a trial ballet/tap class yesterday. She says it was fun and she liked it, but she doesn't want to go back. We'll see what happens with that.
Now that we're slowly getting settled, I'm hoping to post more frequently!
October 1st, we moved into our new apartment. We love it! Brooke and I are so much happier being closer to work/school, and the hubby is just happy to be in this area. We're still working on getting everything together.
I have LOTS of DIY/crafty projects going on right now, alone and with Brooke! I love crafting/sewing, and I'm planning on making some Christmas gifts this year, too! Right now, I'm finishing up my "autumn" themed coasters, then I'll be making some Christmas coasters, then coasters for the rest of the year. Then there's throw pillows, wall hangings, and more! Watch for lots of posts about my projects ;-)
Brooke took a trial ballet/tap class yesterday. She says it was fun and she liked it, but she doesn't want to go back. We'll see what happens with that.
Now that we're slowly getting settled, I'm hoping to post more frequently!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
10 years ago
When I think back on the last 10 years, there are many things I can point to as eye-opening, life-changing events. Graduating college, moving to law school, losing my grandfather, graduating law school, my wedding, having my first baby...the list really goes on and on.
And I bet you think this is another post about 9/11. It's not. (Of course, I remember exactly where I was, exactly what I was doing...). In fact, I blocked myself from the images of 9/11 - because I remember and because I didn't want my daughter paying attention - she's only 2, she has plenty of time to learn how this world can be. And I will never forget.
But, no, something else happened to me 10 years ago that changed my life and rocked my world. I met my hubby.
On September 16, to be exact. In the afternoon. In front of the IUP Hub. He had on a white t-shirt (of course!) and his Virginia baseball cap. I had on a lavendar tank top with a long striped cardigan that was lavendar, blue, and green. Would have been the day before, but his parents took him to dinner for his birthday that day. (See, told you I remember ;-) ).
Sometimes I can't help but wonder what my life would have been like if my mom had grown up in NY, if Dad had taken the job in Philly when I was young, if I hadn't gone to IUP, if Jim had joined the Marines like he'd planned - would my path still have crossed Jim's, would we still be here, in this place, a family of three? I like to think we would have - that there is that one person you are intended to be with and God will find a way to bring you together.
Regardless, the past 10 years have been filled with ups and downs, good times and bad - here's hoping the next 10 are just as amazing.
And I bet you think this is another post about 9/11. It's not. (Of course, I remember exactly where I was, exactly what I was doing...). In fact, I blocked myself from the images of 9/11 - because I remember and because I didn't want my daughter paying attention - she's only 2, she has plenty of time to learn how this world can be. And I will never forget.
But, no, something else happened to me 10 years ago that changed my life and rocked my world. I met my hubby.
On September 16, to be exact. In the afternoon. In front of the IUP Hub. He had on a white t-shirt (of course!) and his Virginia baseball cap. I had on a lavendar tank top with a long striped cardigan that was lavendar, blue, and green. Would have been the day before, but his parents took him to dinner for his birthday that day. (See, told you I remember ;-) ).
Sometimes I can't help but wonder what my life would have been like if my mom had grown up in NY, if Dad had taken the job in Philly when I was young, if I hadn't gone to IUP, if Jim had joined the Marines like he'd planned - would my path still have crossed Jim's, would we still be here, in this place, a family of three? I like to think we would have - that there is that one person you are intended to be with and God will find a way to bring you together.
Regardless, the past 10 years have been filled with ups and downs, good times and bad - here's hoping the next 10 are just as amazing.
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