How adorable?

We had a few inches of snow here yesterday and Jacoby had a wonderful time in it. Doesn't get much cuter than this does it?

Happy Birthday Kate and Luci!

Happy birthday Kate and Luci! What a special day November 29th has become to me. On this day my best friend and niece were born. Praise the Lord! God certainly feels that I have done something in this life worthy of such a best friend. Kate has been my constant rock during many hard times, my comedian (You are still funnier than Brian) when I need a laugh, an example of a Godly, Christian woman, and an ear just to listen when I need to vent. I thank the Lord daily for her friendship. My life would never be the same without her. Many people do not understand our relationship, sometimes I don't. I just go along for the ride, and thus far it has been sweet. How is it possible that when all else is driving you crazy, just a phone call from her can calm me down, and we never seem to get tired of each other? She truly is special. Happy birthday Kate, I love you!

Luci Bella,
Happy 3rd birthday my little China doll. Ya Ya loves you so much and is so proud of the young lady you are becoming. You make me smile and laugh every time I am around you. May the Lord continue to bless you this year as you prepare to become a big sister. You are going to be such a good one. Happy Birthday Luci, Ya Ya loves you!

Adam and Allie

This is a picture of my brother and my niece. I just had to share it. The picture was taken over a year ago, but it still makes me smile everytime I look at it. I don't get to see my brother or his family as often I would like, but looking at pictures always helps. I love you and miss you Adam!

Wordless Wednesday-Introducing Jacoby

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Red Sox Nation....

This is why Will watches the Red Sox.....




And this is why I watch the Red Sox.....




Yeah, he's hot! Will is just glad I am watching sports with him....cute guys in tight pants always helps! Congratulations Red Sox!

Happy Birthday Nana!

Happy Birthday Mom! We just wanted everyone to know it is your birthday and how very special you are to us. We love you and hope you had a wonderful birthday! We thank God for you and hope he gives you many many blessings this year. Happy birthday, we love you Nana!

Fun Day in Gettysburg PA

Saturday afternoon was beautiful here in Pennsylvania, so we decided to take advantage of it while we still can. Won't be this way for long. I decided to plan a surprise family fun day. We started off by going to Devil's Den in Gettysburg PA. The girls loved climbing on the rocks. That is until Emma went head first down one of the them. It sounds much worse than it actually was. Scared us both though. We then went out to dinner at an outdoor restaurant. I had a Shepard's pie and Will had what looked like a 3 lb. meatloaf. He made himself sick, and I didn't feel so well watching him eat it. Once we were done eating dinner we headed off to Thurmont MD for a moonlight corn maze. I was worried that this wouldn't go well since the girls never took a nap, but they loved it. Amazing what a flashlight can do. They walked all 2 miles and never complained once. We had a wonderful family fun day.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday Hanna!

On September 15th my baby turned 4. I don't suppose that she is still considered a baby by most, but she will always be my baby. We had to celebrate the joyous occasion with what else? A birthday party! In Ratatouille style. Hanna loves to cook, so Ratatouille was only appropriate. All of the children had a great time and it was such a blessing to see them all together to celebrate the birth of Hanna. Happy birthday Hanna, momma loves you!

Ultimate Healing

I am so full of sadness right now, but also rejoicing. I am not sure how many of you may have been following the link from my blog site titled, Living With Leukemia. Amy Wilhoite has been fighting for her life since she was diagnosed with cancer in July 2006. She is only 26 years old. I have been following her blog and praying on a continuous basis for healing of Amy. Amy has a beautiful boy named Gary who is 1 1/2 years old. I cannot fathom the pain that this family has had to deal with seeing such a young woman, mother, daughter, wife, friend deal with the pain and suffering of cancer. I always drew wisdom from Amy's post. She seemed so strong and praised God during her storm. I prayed each time I would click on her website that there would not be a post about Amy's death. I prayed that she would be healed. Just a moment ago I clicked on her blog and my heart broke. Amy went on to be with the Lord yesterday. Leaving behind a husband, son, and a family that made it so apparent how much they love her. I am rejoiceful for Amy in that her suffering is no more, but saddened by all those left behind whose life she has touched. I would like to please ask that each of you pray for Amy's family. For strength, healing, and that they may find comfort in knowing that Amy has truly experienced ultimate healing. Wilhoite family, you will continue to be in my prayers.

Wordless Wednesday-5 days to go...

Bring on the Prison Break. Season 3 premieres Monday, September 17th. I know it is supposed to be wordless....but he is just so....YUMMY!

September 11, 2001

Wow. Six years ago today our world changed. I was 5 months pregnant with my first daughter and wondered, "How God can I bring a child into this crazy world?" I felt so guilty. But then I had to remember, God is the one who gave me that precious life I was carrying. I had to go on. The feelings we all felt that day are feelings that will never ago away: shock, disbelief, horror, shame, sadness, etc.... May we never forget Sept. 11th and all the days after. God has helped us to rise up out of the ashes. Thank you to all the troops that serve our country and for your dedication. We love you America! May we find a way to continue to praise God during the storms of this life.

Lifehouse Everything Skit

I received this in my email today and felt compelled to share it. Thanks Jennifer for sharing it with me.

Wordless Wednesday

This is precisely why the jewelery departments of all fine retailers cringe when they see us coming. Let me tell you, it was not easy untangling Hanna from her jewelery creation.

Emma's first day of Kindergarten

What a hard day today was. Today was Emma's first day of Kindergarten. I was quite emotional when I woke up this morning, but had promised Emma that I wouldn't cry. So I had to pull myself together. Guess she didn't want me to embarrass her at the bus stop?! I just seems like yesterday that she was being placed in my arms for the very first time, and now I am sending her to school. I don't know where the time goes, but I know she has so much in store for her and that she will be a blessing to her Kindergarten teacher and everyone else she comes in contact with. She blesses me daily with her optimism, graciousness, and unconditional love. What a wonderful, perfect gift I have been given. Thank you God. Hanna missed her sister while she was at school, but I am looking forward to some one on one time with Hanna. Since she was the second born we haven't had "alone" time. I will cherish every moment. I know in the blink of an eye she too will be going off to school. Then what....I guess I need to get dog or take up knitting. I love you Emma Kate and wish you a wonderful year in Kindergarten and make lots of new friends. Momma loves you so much!

Yo Gabba Gabba?

"
Has anyone seen the preview for this new series on Nick Jr? Personally I find it disturbing, but the girls seem to like it, and this particular song won't get out of my head now. So, I thought I would share it and take you all down with me. It is the funniest thing I have seen in a long time.

Silly Hanna!

A face only a mother could love! Hanna was being so crazy a couple of nights ago and kept making this face. It made me laugh so hard I had to share it. I hope it makes you smile too.

Wordless Wednesday-Superhero Emma!

After seeing Underdog this weekend, Emma became inspired to be a superhero herself!

Date Day with Daddy!

Saturday was Daddy Date Day. The girls were so excited to go on a date with daddy, "like the one's he takes mommy on". Will and all his women went to see Underdog. The girls loved it. Lots of cute animals, so it was enjoyable for me as well. After the movie we went to dinner at a new restaurant. It was called, The Gingerbread Man. Delicious. Very small restaurant with a menu quite the opposite. We had a wonderful Daddy Date Day. I just hope that the girl will want to always continue Daddy Date Day and realize that daddy will always be the coolest guy they know.

Happy Birthday Uncle Greg!

***This was written to post on Sunday, my Uncle's actual birthday, but our DSL line got struck by lightening, so I am a couple of days late. I think he would understand. Miss you Uncle Greg!***



This is my Uncle Greg. I called him Uncle, but he was more like a father to me. Nurturing, loving, unconditional, steadfast. You get the idea. Uncle Greg passed away in April due to a very cruel and hard battle with cancer. He was so brave and was so determined to beat it. But he was called home to heaven. I know he is playing golf right now on the most beautiful golf course that would put Pebble Beach to shame. I wish I could be with him on that golf course. But until we meet again Uncle Greg, always know that you will forever be in my heart. Happy Birthday! I love you and miss you so much.

Yogalates Anyone?!

Oh my word. Will and I were feeling a bit adventurous and decided to sign up for a Yogalates class at the gym. Well, it began today, and I don't know if either one of us will be able to walk later. Wow. I have seen people do Yoga and Pilate's on TV, but have never actually see first hand someone doing a headstand or back bend. I mean, there was a man in our class, probably in his 70's, doing the majority of the poses. While I on the other hand sat at stared in admiration of him. Impressive. I was also quite pleased when the instructor turned off the lights. Praise the Lord! Will and I were joking around at the beginning of classes, "He he he, this is our type of class". Boy were we naive. This was definitely a bonding experience for Will and I. He must really love me because he never once laughed at me, and there were ample opportunities to do so. I can't say for sure if we will return on Thursday for the next class, but we did enjoy ourselves today. Namaste!

Wordless Wednesday

God's Most Precious Gift

Here is a picture of one of my best friends since 6th grade. She just had her 2nd baby boy, Jackson Grant, on Monday and I was fortunate enough to be able to be there to share in the moment. God is so good! Congratulations Sandi. I love you!

Have you had your five servings?

Okay, I ran across an article that literally makes me jump for joy. I found out that.... chocolate is a vegetable! Praise the Lord! Who knew? I do know that I will have no problem now meeting my recommended daily servings of "vegetables". Let's all give a big shout out for chocolate....the worlds best vegetable. It may not be green and leafy, but it is mmm mmm good. For those of you who think this is to good to be true, here's the article. Check it out for yourself.


http://www.skywriting.net/inspirational/humor/chocolate_is_a_vegetable.html

Wordless Wednesday

Happy 7th Anniversary!

Today Will and I celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. Where has the time gone? Seems just like yesterday we were saying "I do" in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Now, seven years later, three states later, and two beautiful girls later life couldn't be better. I have been so blessed to have been given a wonderful husband who loves me uncondionally. Will is a wonderful husband and father. He has to be the hardest working man I know, and does it all for his family. Thank you Will for seven wonderful years. May there be 70 more. I was going to attach a picture of Will and I, but I can't seem to find any. This makes me a little sad, but more aware that I need to get from behind the camera and take some of just the two of us. Will did send me flowers at work yesterday. A dozen long stem red roses. Perfect! I was truly surprised. I don't remember the last time I got flowers. Thank you Will. I love you!

Happy 4th Of July!

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July. May we always remember to give thanks to God for true freedom. Now, bring of the fireworks!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day Will! We love you so much. Thanks for being a wonderful father and husband.

Mini-Me

Just had to share this picture of Hanna. I think she looks so cute. We were getting ready for a princess party and she had her hair up in curlers. Then she put on my glasses and was walking around saying, "Look at me, I'm mommy!" Looks like a have a mini-me.

Hanna Lou Retton

Hanna had her first day at gymnastics camp today. She had a great time. This is her first year for camp. It is for 3-4 year olds. Emma and I had some mommy/daughter time while Hanna was at camp. Emma missed her sister alot while she was gone. I hope Emma does okay with Kindergarten quickly approaching. Hanna says that her favorite part of camp was doing her straddle legs and the monkey bars. She does make an adorable gymnast if you ask me! An added bonus, Hanna didn't have any potty accidents during the camp!

Oh Boy! A Crap!

Actually, it is a craft, but the girls insist that I am saying crap. So, they call it a crap. Yesterday when we got home the girls had a package full of craps (crafts) from Aunt Judy. They get so excited when they get mail, and Aunt Judy's mail usually involved stickers, markers, or something crappy (crafty). Emma and Hanna woke up extra earlier to work on their artwork. Thanks Aunt Judy. The girls LOVED their package!

This is wack mommy!

Yesterday we had a nice family day. Girls were very well behaved while we were out looking for new bedding for Emma's bed. Funny story though. Kids really do say the funniest things. While we were in TJ Maxx Emma looks at Will and I and says, "Can we leave now mommy? This place is wack!" Oh my! Where did she learn that? It was hilarious. Upon further investigation we learned that Emma's cousin Zack taught her the word, "Wack". Thanks Zack. It gave us all a good laugh. These are a few pictures that were taken before our day out.I just love Hanna's dimples! They are growing so big and so fast, and are very beautiful girls. I am so blessed to have such a loving family! Thank you God for my family!

1st Golf Trip with Daddy

Emma had her first golf trip with daddy on April 29, 2007. They went to South Hills Golf Course here in Hanover. She was so excited! They played 18 holes and had a snack at the clubhouse. Emma had a wonderful time, but to tell you the truth I think Will have an even better time spending time with Emma. And the fact that it was at the golf course made it even more perfect. These are a few pictures taken before the big outing. The golf glove Emma is wearing belonged to my Uncle. It is the lucky golf glove. Goes everywhere in the golf bag! Hanna and I spent some quality time together shopping while Emma and Will were golfing. Good time for all! They are planning their next golf outing. Emma may even have a new pair of golf clubs with a pink golf bag. Watch out Tiger.....Here comes Emma!

Kindergarten Orientation

I managed to survive Emma's Kindergarten orientation today. I thought it was going to be ugly, but I did well. I was a little concerned when she wanted to wear her Shrek ears, but was so relieved when she took them off in the car. Shew. Either the other kids would have thought she was cool, or a freak. :) I'm gonna go with original. She spent an hour with the Kindergarten teachers reading books, coloring pictures and singing songs. Emma said both of the Kindergarten teachers were very nice. She was such a big girl. Made momma proud. Hanna was so cute this morning. As we were leaving she ran to the door to give Emma a big hug and wished her a good day. Adorable. Love the sisterly love that is so evident, most of the time. The picture of Emma with the little boy is one of our neighbors. His name is Corey. The girls and Corey have a great time playing together and Corey will start school with Emma. While Emma was at orientation I went to Walmart, alone. It sure was nice to get to the check out without a lot of extras thrown in there. The girls are so good at "adding" things to the cart when I am not looking. I guess they think I won't notice as I am unloading the cart. As well as Emma did today it still did not ease my mind and heart for homeschooling. I would like to ask that everyone please pray for me as I consider homeschooling the girls. There is a huge population of home school children here, so I know that I would have a great support system if I am called to home school. I will keep you all posted as to my decision to home school. Enjoy the pictures!

Hanna's rendition of Jesus Loves the Little Children, with a slight Stevie Wonder flair.

Stranger Danger

Well, today I learned a very important lesson that I felt compelled to share with you all. I took Emma and Hanna over to visit with my mother last night. Today we went to the mall in Lancaster PA on a search for the Shrek babies at Build A Bear. After we found the babies, we ate some lunch then headed to the play area in the mall. All was well, not to crowded, just the way I like it. A man approached me and asked me if a particular man in a white shirt was with me. I told him no. At that point he explained to me that he had been watching this man watch some of the children. He stated that his "creep meter" was going off and he felt like he needed to make me aware. A tad bit skeptical I to started to watch the man. Now, if you know me you know, that I watch the girls like a hawk. They don't get far out of my reach. So, I stood there and watched. This strange man was following Emma. The man that approached me told me that the other man seemed very fond of this little girl, probably because she was wearing a dress. He then pointed to Emma. So..I marched over to Emma and picked her up. The nice man who had approached me then went over to the older man who had been watching Emma. He said something to him, he older man put his hands up in the air and said he would leave. The gentleman then walked back over to me to explain that he was a correctional officer and was trained to be on guard. I thanked him repeatedly and we all went on our way. I said a prayer and thanked God for the nice man who had approached me to make me aware. The moral of the story is, Watch your kids, but always be on the lookout for others who may also be watching your kids. I followed up with the mall security to report the man who was at the kids play area, obviously without a real need to be there. Praise God for the correctional officer who helped to open my eyes to a scary situation.

Mother's Day Gift

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. On Mother's Day my best friend presented me with my Mother's Day gift. This awesome blog! What a heartfelt and personal gift. I love it. I hope that I can become half of the blogger she has. Her blog rocks! So, a bloggin I go. Thanks Kate for my Mother's Day gift. I love it!