Currently

Drinking:
Can I just tell you how in love I am with Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice coffee? It's so delicious without the added sugar and such in lattes and creamers. I just add a splash of skim milk and a little Stevia and go. It's been super nice to sip on during these cool fall mornings!

 

Not drinking: Soft drinks. I have really kind of given them up. I never thought I could go without my Diet Coke, but I've been drinking so much water lately that I don't even miss it.

 

 

Reading: Chris and I have been reading several of Dave Ramsey's books. We had been doing the envelopes very loosely for a few years but this summer, we buckled down and read his books and FINALLY got on the same financial page after 10 years of marriage. I'm excited about where our journey will lead us. It's crazy to think about not having a house payment one day and retiring with money in the bank when we're old and gray. Maybe then I can get my trip to Bora Bora! :)

 

 

Working on: Webb's behavior is something we've really been working on. He is such a good boy but sometimes he is a bit on the sassy side. He also will still have accidents in his pants on a much more frequent basis than I think is necessary for an almost four-year old. I totally understand that accidents happen but we wanted to really encourage him to GO! He is so interested in playing and being social that he will just wet his pants and not think twice. This week, the teacher in me, created a little behavior chart and posted it on his toy closet door. Each day he has two tasks: use the potty and be a sweet boy. Here's how his week is going so far!

 

 

He chose his stickers and has loved adding them at night after we finish supper. I KNEW he could do better- he just needed a visual reminder. On Friday, if he earns most of his stickers, we are going to get him a SMALL treat. He wants to go to the Tractor Supply Store and pick something out so that's what we will do. Today he went to the chart and said "Today is Wednesday!" So double whammy for behavior and calendar skills!

 

 



Studying: We are getting ready to host a Life Group at our house this fall. Our church is huge so the best way to meet people is to join a Life Group. Last year, we attended two that were lead by our pastor. This semester, Chris and I are going to lead it (or attempt to lead it) and we're pretty excited about it. I met some of the most amazing people in the last group, many of whom are joining our group this go-round. We also have a few neighbors who go to our church who are coming!

 

 

Loving: This precious face. My sweet Webb who will be turning four in two months. The love of my life, the sweetest, most rambunctious, loving, talkative, imaginative, and full-of-life child I've ever seen. And did I mention handsome? Oh, so handsome.

 

 



 

 



I hope you are all having a good week and enjoying this cool fall weather!



 





What Weekends are Made For

I love weekends. It's such a great time to unwind, catch up, relax, and be with my boys. These last two weekends have been therapeutic in a way. Who thought that kicking the soccer ball around the yard and watching the chickens would be just what the doctor ordered!? Last weekend, we went canoeing and found a little island close by where we ate a picnic dinner. Webb also found a cool tree that someone had rigged up to climb so he and Chris spent a while climbing and jumping down.

 

This weekend, we enjoyed a fun night out as a family right here in our downtown! We went to a great restaurant that served the BEST pumpkin spice beer and then headed to another little hang out where Webb played while we hung out and talked with friends. When we came home, Chris built a fire in our little fire pit so we sat out and enjoyed that for a while. Saturday morning brought finger painting (YAY for no soccer!) and helping daddy mow. It was also fun to see NANCY!

 

 

I often look at this life and think about how blessed I am. Wow.

 

:)

 

 

 

 

These Days

These days Chris and I are focusing on what really matters to us and to our family. I learned last year that worry and busyness can make life miserable. I'm so thankful that Chris and I are becoming grounded in our faith as a married couple and as parents to begin making better choices for our family and for our future. So here's what is important and blog worthy these days . . .

1. Church. I can't even begin to articulate the impact that our new church has had on us. We are learning so much each week and are thinking of joining. We've been visiting for about a year now and absolutely love the inclusive, loving, warm, laid back feeling of it. It's so refreshing to go to church each week in jeans or a little sundress and not worry that someone will think less of me because of what I'm wearing. No one knows my mom or dad or how I grew up. No one cares really. I don't have to show-boat my child around in smocked outfits to impress anyone. He can wear his superman cape or his rain boots and no one cares. I can sit in church people from all walks of life and find comfort in knowing that I'm accepted for who I am just as they are. I can rest in the fact that my husband and I are truly growing in ways I never ever ever imagined. I pray to a God every night who I know now, at the age of 35, is more real than ever. He is working in amazing ways in my house and it's so cool to see!

2. Webb. The absolute love of my life. He has started back to preschool and is in the big room. He loves being with his friends, playing, and learning so many cool things. He is still at his sitters house a few days a week which he loves too since he's with his little buddies. We started him in soccer this fall as well which I really hesitated on doing. I wasn't sure how he'd do but so far, we're off to a pretty good start! Tonight he just wanted to pick the grass but he also did a great job with the stations and such. He is learning and thriving and becoming a well-rounded little boy. He also has a birthday coming in a few months and we're planning something BIG this year! YAY!

Can you tell we love Duke?! I had to include a picture of Jonah. That night at the park, when Webb and Jonah saw each other, they ran and grabbed hands and just hugged. It was the sweetest thing. I love those two boys so very much!

3. Chris- I have to give it to him. He is amazing. We've had a few date nights lately which have been nice. We made a commitment to each other that we would do date nights as much as possible or just watch a movie together instead of getting on our phones or on the iPAD. He has given up his Saturday morning gym sessions to be a soccer dad as well. Last weekend, he spent the afternoon getting our chicken coop cleaned out so we could be ready for our new chicks coming soon. He has also done countless loads of laundry and even bought me a new car. I'm not sure what I did to deserve him but I sure am THANKFUL!

Two of the greatest blessings . . .

4. My job- I am teaching second grade this year and like it so far! It's nice that the kids are a little older and can do more! The BEST part of my job are the two amazing women I work with every single day. One is a veteran teacher who has a wealth of knowledge and is inspiring on so many levels and the other is a first year teacher who has more energy and excitement than I ever dreamed of. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by amazing people who lift you up and keep you smiling. Last Friday, Caroline brought us both these little pots of flowers. Talk about making your day . . .

 



Summer Days

Hello blog world! I happened to read some old posts today and loved the memories so I knew I'd better get to writing to catch up on how our summer is going. Chris and I had a fantastic time out west. Montana is absolutely one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. We did some difficult and technical hikes, we drank an obscene amount of cold huckleberry beer, ate way too much food, and had the time of our lives. We can't wait to take Webb when he's a little older. He will love it too, I'm sure. Here is a quick snap of a few of my favorites.

 

While we certainly had a ball, we were very excited to get home to our little boy. I must brag a minute and say how proud of him we are. He stayed with Mimi and Pawpaw and they said he was a good boy. A friend kept him in the church nursery and wrote me to say how polite he was. If that doesn't make a mommy feel good, then I don't know what does. Knowing your child minds his manners and makes good choices while you're not around is so refreshing. Maybe we are doing something right. :)

 

Here are a few pictures of these last few weeks at home:

 

 

 

 

It sure has been fun being with my sweet boy and listening to the silly things he says. Right now he's very in to how cars and trucks are built. He talks about the cab, the wheels, hubcaps, windows, window shwipers, and tires. Today he told me we had to pull in the driveway because it was "obvious."

 

 

:)

 

 

 

 

 

Peppermint Patties

It's no secret that in our family, York Peppermint Patties are our favorite. Mimi has a stash in her cabinet that Webb got into last night.

 

With his helmet. Cause helmets make everything taste better.

First Week of Summer

Today ends our first week of summer! We have been busy having fun, watching movies, playing outside, going to the pool, and hanging with friends.

 

And ya'll, this boy is busy. I mean like very busy. We are always on the go. Keeping up with him is more exhausting than 20 first graders! Next week, he's going to a half day camp here in town which he will absolutely love. He's excited about riding on the "rolly things" in the big gym. While he's at camp, I plan on catching up on some things around the house and prepping for our big trip in a few weeks!

 

The big news is that Webb got his first bike! Someone had given us a hand-me-down bike for Webb to try but it broke and along with it, was Webb's little heart. He was so pumped about trying a big boy bike. I think it kinda broke Chris' heart too because the other day, he came home with a brand new bike for Webb. And it's Cars themed which is perfect. Now Webb thinks he's hot stuff!

 

 

 

 

 Last night Chris and I had a double date with our friends Jake and Buffy. We headed over to Salisbury to Go Burrito. All I can say is DELCIOUS! I had a huge basket of nachos smothered in all kinds of goodness and a giant Margarita. We enjoyed dinner on their rooftop overlooking downtown Salisbury. It was such a fun evening!

 

 

 

All in all, the best thing has been spending time with my precious baby boy. He may be like a live wire, but he is absolutely the love of my life and the sweetest thing I've ever seen. This morning he came running in after putting his shoes on and said "MOM! I put them on properwee!"

 

 

 

Happy Summer Solstice everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five on Friday

Did you know there are only 8.5 days of school left?! Can I get an AMEN!? I'm so excited about my final days with my students but I'm even more excited about the lazy days of summer. Bring it on!
Here's what is making my list this Friday!

1. Last weekend, we kinda celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a beach trip. It was more a trip we planned to go visit my brother and his wife and girls but Chris and I had fun just being together and hanging with my sister. Our real trip will come this summer! We had such a fun weekend soaking up the sun and sand!

 

Our view each morning. Heaven!

 

 

Just realized I cut Webb out of the collage. Sorry!

 

 

2. Webb loves to imitate what dad does. The other night, Chris went out to blow leaves and Webb ran out behind him. We rigged up this little leaf blower so Webb could help. It's a little book bag and the vacuum hose. He was doing some serious blowing!

 

 

 

 

3. I wasn't expecting anything this year for our anniversary. We had just been to the beach and are going on a big trip this summer. Last night, after Chris came in from the gym, I walked in the kitchen to this:

 

Three dozen roses, a bag of Yorks, and a cold beer. I will say he's a keeper. :)

 

 

4. As wonderful as that little surprise was, the day was also a sad one. We finally made the decision to put our dog to sleep. Isa was Chris' dog before I came along . . . 14 years ago. She was fiercely protective of all of us. She had chased many a mailman in her day. She was going blind and deaf and could barely get around. It was a heartbreaking decision but one we had to make. We told Webb she went to up to heaven. He asked if she went in an airplane. Bless him.

 

 



 

 

5. The pool has finally opened! For the last few months, Webb has asked to drive by the pool to see the 'yucky water.' We enjoyed a nice afternoon visiting with friends and watching these kids get CRAZY!

 

 





 



Five on Friday!

Hello blog world! Life has been crazy busy lately but we're here . . . doing well and on the down-hill to summer break! Here's what is making my Top 5 this Friday!

1. Last weekend, I watched my big sissy graduate from Duke's Fuqua Business School with her MBA. She worked two long years to accomplish it while working full time. She is truly my role model and I couldn't be more proud of her! We had a fun weekend celebrating her and hanging with her sweet friends!

 

My best friend and sweet sissy. Love her so much!

 

2. We've been spending a lot of time outside lately since it's been warm! Webb is loving his pool and slip and slide and lots of time eating popsicles!

 

 

3. Last week, the Couch to 5k running group did their first 5k race! I am so proud of their hard work and dedication. They showed up to practice in the freezing cold, the rain, and heat. It feels so good to know that I had a little hand in their success. I have loved sharing my love of running and fitness with others. Not something I ever thought I'd do!

 

 

4. I am signing up for a fitness boot camp in June. I am excited about stepping it up Crossfit style!

 

 

 

5. Chris and I will soon be celebrating 10 years of marriage! It's hard to believe that it's been that long! In a way, it feels like yesterday. I am so excited about our trip to Montana this summer!

 

Happy Weekend, Loves!

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Nicholas Park

Yesterday, we met up with our friends Liza, Will, and baby Andrew at Dan Nicholas park. All I need to say is my boy took a four hour nap afterwards. We had the best time playing and enjoying the beautiful weather. And the fact that Liza and I got to catch up while our boys played was a bonus. I love Liza. She has a heart of gold and is so grounded in who she is. I am thankful for our friendship.

Will and Webb are three months apart. They are both into all things 'boy.' It was a fun day for sure!

 

Can I just add that the top right picture of Webb is one of my favorites. I'm partial, but I think he's just a beautiful little boy. Those big brown eyes and that sweet little smile . . . melts this mommy's heart!

 

 

 

 

 



Spring Break

We have had the most fun over spring break! And hello, it's been over a month since I last posted! Time is flying by 'round here! So over these last few days, we have had a ton of fun! We've enjoyed lazy nights snuggling, watching movies, an egg hunt with the Ingram's, playing outside, going for stroller rides, hanging with dad and Nancy, eating yummy food, celebrating Easter, and just enjoying some down time! Yesterday, Webb found a long stick that he said was his 'weed eater.' He played with the stick for a good 45 minutes pretending to weed eat. Then it became a 'tree cutter' so he was pretending to cut down trees. I loved how imaginative he was and how entertained he was by a stick!

 

It is times like these that I'm reminded of how special my little Webb is. He has the sweetest heart and is always so happy and fun to be around. I am also reminded that he is a busy boy and requires a LOT of energy. I am so thankful that during his regular weeks, he gets to enjoy time at preschool being with his friends and learning new things. He is definitely a social butterfly like me!

 

 

If spring break was this fun, just bring on the summer fun! Won't be long!

Scenes from the Weekend

We had a super fun weekend. It's always interesting when Nancy comes to stay! Webb loves "Noncy" (he sounds very British when he says her name) and she lets him do crazy things. Like Sunday morning, she carried him around the house in her bag. I mean, who thinks of this stuff? Webb and Noncy. Two peas in a pod for sure. Saturday morning started with a 10 mile run that felt so good in the warm sunshine. I was VERY excited to run into my best girl, Carrie who is coming back from Baby #4 and who is out running already! Loved seeing my sweet friend out there giving it her all. When Nancy got there before nap time, all hell broke loose she demanded we take a trip to the drug store. We went and Webb ate a pack of cookies, a bag of "Burritos" (Doritos), and an "orange-nade." See, unusual shenanigans, here folks. After I finally got Webb settled in for a nap, I crashed myself and woke up at 4:00 to a glass of wine in my face. Again, Nancy, folks. Nancy.  After everyone got moving, we walked to the cemetery to visit my dad or Webb's "Pawpaw in Heaven." We put a flag on his grave to mark the three year anniversary of his passing. Nancy and I agreed that Webb would be dad's best buddy. I'm pretty sure he'd have him drinking whiskey and shooting guns by now. :) Saturday night, we ate outside and watched Webb pretend our patio lights were fire hoses. Anything that moves and can be pointed is a fire hose.

Sunday ended with a rainy day in, a nice WOD at the gym, and a yummy dinner at Mimi and Pawpaws.

It was a great weekend, for sure. Now, if Old Man Winter would kindly step aside, I'm waiting for those 70 degree days to reappear!

Top Five Friday

Happy Friday loves! Here's what is making my top five this Friday!

1. My new running shoes finally arrived in the mail. They are smoking hot and feel so wonderful! If I get my Sunday run in, I'll have a weekly total of 29 miles! I may just have to round that out to 30!

2. I love my co-workers. I work with the most amazing women. We laugh together, cry together, and are bonded for life. I am thankful for them in so many ways.

3. It's raining outside and I love it. Enter a cozy afternoon in and lots of snuggling.

4. Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful. I hope we can get outside and visit the park.

5. I am so thankful for my Chris. His patience is amazing as well as his yummy dinners. I love you, Chris!

Winter Storm 2014

I'm sitting on my couch, eating chocolate cookies, watching the Olympics, and watching the most beautiful snow fall! We are under a winter storm warning until tomorrow night with expected accumulation up to 10 inches! I haven't seen a snow like this since I was in college and I absolutely love it. We are all snuggled up and ready for a cozy night in. Maybe later, we'll venture out to play! My sister is here too which makes everything more fun. She came to get her hair done and it was just snowing too hard for her to drive home. Oh darn! :)

 

AND . . . I don't know if you can tell, but Webb has a rash on his face, between his little eyes. Yesterday, he woke up with red spots all over his legs and truck, face, and neck. I called the doctor and come to find out, he's allergic to amoxicillin! Lord, after 8 days, you'd think it would have shown up sooner, but the doctor said it can pop up any time. Good to know!

 

Everyone stay safe and warm!

Saturday Nights

I feel like this winter, we have hibernated. Like tonight. Instead of attending a party we go to every year, we are hibernating here at home. I RSVP'd that we would be there and we've been talking about going all week. Today we decided that a lazy night in sounded pretty nice. In fact, for the last few weekends it seems like, we've had a Saturday night tradition of going to the grocery store together and then spending time at home while Chris cooks a yummy meal. It's really out of my character to miss a party but for some reason, being at home with my two boys just sounds like way more fun. Maybe I'm getting old. Or maybe that's just what makes me the happiest. I will say that last weekend's date night was fun and much needed but being at home all snuggled up with my family is unbeatable.

And the weatherman is calling for snow this week! Bring it on!

The Right Thing

Today when I picked Webb up, he had a toy car that I'd never seen before. Mimi said he told her it was his when they were leaving the YMCA and since he has about 50 million cars, she totally believed him! However, I knew this car was not his. It was Finn McMissile from Cars. He kept saying it was his, but I knew it wasn't. When we got in the car, we had a talk about how that car did not belong to him. I explained that it belonged at the YMCA where all the children could play with it. We drove straight to the Y and we got out to go return the car. He walked in the child care room and walked over to the nice lady and laid the car down in front of her and said "thank you." I asked him what he had done that was wrong and he said "I took the car from da Y." The two of them walked over and put it back in the bin where it belonged. They hugged and he turned and grabbed my hand to walk to the car.

I was proud that he walked in that big room to admit that he'd done something wrong. Even though I made him do it, I didn't do the talking for him. I was proud that he spoke softly and laid the car gently on the table. I was thankful for the sweet girl who was so impressed and grateful that we stopped in to return the toy.

I can only hope that one day, he'll know that you should always do the right thing. Whether it's returning something that wasn't his, sacrificing something for a friend, helping a teacher carry something, or giving someone his cookie at lunch, he should always do the right thing.



Couch to 5k and Running Stuff

  

Running continues to become a great part of my life. When I'm not running, I'm wishing I was. Like this morning in church. The service and music were great, but all I could think about was getting out of there, changing into my running stuff, and taking off. I had to take a week off of all exercising to recover from a nasty sinus infection so perhaps the urge was a little greater than normal. But it really is such a huge part of who I am. I think it's cool that I got a message from a friend the other day asking me to coach the spring session of Couch to 5k at our YMCA. I am so excited about sharing my love of running with others and hopefully motivating people to lose weight, get a little healthier, or just get out and move! I've had several friends message me about my running and workout success and I thought this was the perfect place to share my knowledge and help a few people get in shape. I'm no pro but I do know how to run. :) In addition to this bit of fun, I was notified as well that I can take a few classes to become a certified personal trainer through the YMCA. It's a basic course; just enough to make my own schedule through the Y and build a base of clients on my own time. There are more courses for more advanced training which I'm definitely interested in but this is a start.



 The goal at the end of the Couch to 5k is to well, run a 5k! Except we're getting crazy and running a 3.6 mile race called the Davidson Doozie. Last year, I ran the 10k or 6.2 mile race and let me tell ya, it's a doozie! I guess this year, instead of running the 10k, I'll be running with our Couch to 5k team. I think seeing them cross the finish line will be way more exciting!

I also am going to need new running shoes soon. Now that I've been fitted for shoes and socks, I know what I like and what works. I do believe these will be coming next. They are the same shoes as what I have now. Since switching from Brooks to New Balance, my feet are a lot happier. 

 

Women's Tie Dye 890V3 

Also, coming in a few short months, is my second half marathon at OKI. There's something about running along the coast of North Carolina that just makes me happy!

Well, that's about all for now! Good night, all!







Getting Excited!

So for our 10 year wedding anniversary, Chris and I decided to take a trip. I'm so excited that this amazing place awaits us!

 

 

 

 

Images from google

 

 

 

A picture my sister took during her visit a few years ago!

 

 

 

Now to read up and watch the video on bear encounters! YIKES! :)

 

 

A New Year and The Weekend (Sans Pictures)

Happy 2014! I will say the new year started off well first and foremost because my little Godson, Baxter arrived on the second. I went to visit Friday. Carrie and I had the best time snuggling him, catching up on our never-ending conversations, and just soaking up the quiet of a hospital room. It was relaxing! I'd post a picture of my sweet boy but my computer is acting up tonight.

I keep seeing people post their resolutions so I thought I should join in. I really hate resolutions because they sometimes end up being empty promises or things we start doing but leave behind after a few months. Chris and I joke that by February, our YMCA parking lot will be empty again. :)

In thinking about what I'd like for myself and my family this year, here's list of a few things I'd like to do:

1. Pray more. Nothing else goes right if God isn't the center of everything.

2. Keep running. Duh. That doesn't even really need to be mentioned. It's like eating and breathing really. I want to of course run more, get a little faster, and complete two half marathons. Along with running, I want to continue heavy cross and strength training. Is it bad to want cut arms? ;)

3. Do nice things for others including the people in my family! My friend Catherine and I were talking the other night about doing one 'random act of kindness' every day. Whether it's a kind word on a sticky note, a phone call to someone, a handwritten card in the mail, running an errand for someone or whatever. It's all about putting others before yourself. That's a hard one but one I most want to challenge myself to.

So our weekend was super fun! Friday night we went with friends to a Cuban restaurant called Mambo Grill and Tapas. It was freakin' awesome! I had the best margarita and a delicious chicken dish with rice and beans. We'll definitely be going back for more! Saturday, some of our neighbors had a get-together so we did that. Can I just say how much I love our little street? Such sweet people! Sunday was the best. My best friend is adopting a little boy from China and they'll be picking him up in a few months. Several of us girls threw her a shower and it was such a fun afternoon. It's so special to watch two people have such joy in their hearts for their new baby boy who they've never even met.

You know, I continue to be so thankful for the friends in my life. I am so lucky to have a group of girls who are my backbone. Those friendships are so rare and so precious and I'm just so blessed by each one of them.


Everyone stay warm! It's cold out there.