Happy Birthday Mom

Yesterday was the day we would have celebrated my mom's 59th birthday. In honor of her, we all decided to meet at her church where we dedicated the alter flowers in memory of her. I know it was just as she would have loved it . . . her entire family, including noisy grandchildren, all in two pews. We sang some of her favorite hymns, The Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace, and had communion. It could not have been a more appropriate way to remind me what an amazing gift Christ gave by dying so that my mom could live in Heaven, so that I could be with her forever. There are still days this life seems like a dream, like someone else's life, but as a Christian I have the promise of eternal life with her. I miss her so much ~ her calls, hugs, and nurturing nature, but how amazing it is to know I will have them again one day.

We love you mom!!

Finally, a Day at Home!

Today we enjoyed being at home . . . well at least we enjoyed not travelling. We worked our hineys off here around the house, but definitely got a few things checked off the list. The morning started with parent day at dance class.

Dave took Savannah to class as usual and after I put Preston down for a nap I started the never ending yard work. Yuck! We raked leaves, pulled weeds, blew some leaves, picked up sticks, fixed the lawnmower, mowed the grass, watered flowers, scrubbed the swing set chains, and put down 15 bags of mulch. We underestimated the amount of mulch we needed so tomorrow (after we get back from Burvegas) we have to spread another 10 bags. We'll probably be super sore tomorrow, but I have to say our yard looks a lot better!

Standing

It finally happened, Preston has learned to pull himself to a standing position. He's been pulling to his knees for awhile now, but today I was making a bottle when I looked over and saw a little one standing next to the ottoman! Of course he had some serious motivation, the remote control. I have my camera ready to capture his next adventure . . .

Saturday morning ~ this is his new accomplishment ~ pulling up to see what's in the toy box!

Spring Break 2010

Normally Spring Break is a nightmare around here without school for an entire week. However, this year we decided to take a beach trip with my brother and his family. I'm so thankful my brother was there because on Thursday Savannah had a tick attached to her. I seriously think I would have taken her to the doctor had Denny not been there to calm me down and then pull it out! Disgusting. We have to monitor her for a week to make sure she doesn't develop any flu like symptoms, but otherwise she should be fine.

I have to say that it was much different doing the beach with 2 kids, one being an infant, but we still had a great time! The week flew by and Savannah had a BLAST with her cousins!! The weather was cooler than we anticipated so we only made it to the beach two afternoons. However, we also went to a park, out to dinner with Dad Deborah and Grandma on Friday, and celebrated my grandmother's 79th birthday too. With so many of us there Dave and I had a chance to escape for a run two different days. What a treat to be able to run with him and not have any kids to push along. I've never really run on the beach before and it was by far my favorite part of the week.

Soooo cute!

Playing play doh first thing

What a sweet picture of Dillon and Savannah

Preston loved the beach

My two beach buddies

Mostly Preston enjoyed eating the shovel and frisbee

Preston at the playground

The cousins

Preston enjoying his teething biscuits . . . boy were they messy!

Loving life on the beach

Savannah loved the hole Dave made!

Easter 2010

Preston enjoying some time with Papa

Savannah hunting for eggs!

She found one!

For the first time ever we were able to be in our own church for Easter Sunday! It was a treat to be able to celebrate the Risen Lord at Carmel. After church we rushed home, cooked up some mac n cheese for lunch, opened the Easter baskets, and hit the road for Greenville, SC! We enjoyed a delicious meal with the Weningers and another Easter egg hunt. It was a super fun day to be with family and enjoy the Easter holiday through the eyes of children!!

Easter Egg Hunt

We were super excited when we found out we'd be in town for Erica's annual Easter egg hunt this year! She goes all out and the kids love it (and the mamas and papas do too)! Although Savannah was scared to death of the Easter bunny, she enjoyed the delicious food and goodies in her eggs. Here are a few pictures from our morning. . .

Preston enjoying his egg

Savannah ready to hunt her eggs

Savannah and Sara with their baskets

Preston takes a milk break

My two content kiddos

An interesting conversation was struck up on the way home. Savannah starts by saying that she doesn't like Easter and doesn't want it to come again. After asking her why, she explained that it was because she "doesn't really like the Easter bunny." How thankful I am that we were able to say that Easter isn't about the bunny, the candy, or the eggs. It's about Jesus being alive! At the age of 3 our preschool director says to focus on the simple truth "Jesus IS Alive!" Savannah understands that and now is content with celebrating Easter. Although as an adult I know there is much more to Easter and the sacrifice Christ made, the bottom line is that He is Risen. So tomorrow we're off to Greenville to celebrate the Risen Lord. Happy Easter!

Madison's Birthday Party

Preston laughing with Dillon

The birthday girl ready to eat cake!

Today we travelled to Mebane for our niece Madison's birthday party. It was a long day, but our kids were awesome in the car! We even made it back in time for a quick trip to Concord Mills where I was able to get Savannah some Easter shoes and a cute sweater to complete her Easter ensemble. Anyway, the party was adorable . . . everything Tinker Bell. That girl racked up too. She got some of the cutest clothes and tons of new toys. I'm not sure what is going on with my camera, but most of my pictures were really blurry. ;( I guess I'm going to have to beg for a new SLR camera for mother's day/birthday?!