Earth Day Loudoun

Sunday turned out to be a wonderful family day! It was suppose to start with me running the GW Parkway 10 miler, and with much regret I didn't follow through with it. I do have one Lauren Bevington to blame for this :) -I still have much love for her though!

I will own up to my incompletion though, I totally could have gone by myself! In all honesty, I was really pumped for it, then with the projected forecast, and the prospects of me running another race on my own without fans (b/c I wouldn't make Mike and the babe drive into the city in the rain) I did have some doubts about it and just decided to stay home.

After my nights sleep, I was REALLY hoping to wake up and see it pouring rain. This way my decision of sleeping in would be justified. NOPE, actually it was perfect running weather, you see....and I had a loom of disappointment hanging over me! Instead, we headed to church, and we were determined to make right with the day!!!

Mike got a haircut, we treated ourselves to some brunch at Blue Ridge Grill, Lily napped and then we were off to Earth Day Loudoun which was taking place at Clydes. The rain pretty much held off alllllll day, and we even saw sun....and the sun was even a little hot....and that horrible feeling that most northern Virginians never forget even in the dead of winter, humidity decided to grace us with it's presence. Stefani, Josh and Ethan joined us for the family fun! Unfortunately because we got there a little later in the day it seemed as though people were closing up shop when we got there. Also, the beer and wine garden distracted us for a good hour before we actually decided to venture around the Nature Conservatory that the property sits on. We all immediately felt bad that we were selfish enough to take the kids away from some kid friendly fun, because we stumbled upon a petting zoo, among many other kid activities. But they too were on their way out, so for a short while we were able to spend some time with the animals.

Lily was ecstatic! She yelled with pure joy over seeing ducklings. In fact, she was the loudest kid of them all. All the other children were gazing over the cage of ducks and chicks ever so quietly, then Lily came along. I can't say I am complaining. I will not take away her excitement or the way she expresses it, although I am going to work on her volume control

Pictures to share.....After the piggies come out.....

Cat scratch

Ok, one might judge the look of these pics and videos...a baby on a cat scratcher, climbing, hanging and no stopping her! Well actually, no part of me likes the idea of her on this contraption but I am finding it very hard to stop her.

Now, most of today I spent my air voicing to her "NO, Lily, no climbing, Mommy is not going to help you!"

She in response would cry, get mad, but would eventually move onto the next thing, or I would distract her, we would read, eat lunch, etc....

This time, I just had to sit back and watch! I am so curious how long it will take her to get to the top! AGAIN, I DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN, but I am fearful it's the inevitable. You have seen the proof of her on top of my dining room table, and, just today I found her on the kitchen table pouring out the entire salt shaker. Maybe she was looking for better luck on the cat scratcher....bah dum ching!

busy spring..video/picture update

I wanted to share a few videos of Lil! Any bloggers have suggestions on how to properly upload videos? It seems to take FOREVER for me. AND I can't upload anything that is over a minute...oh well.

Lily is really loving the idea of babies! She is constantly pointing them out to me in stores, on our walks, etc. Honestly I have done nothing to spark this interest in her. It is just her true MOmmy instinct that I think is amazing little girls get at such a young age!

Lily is on the go having fun in the warm weather. It is hard to get her back inside most days. Sometimes I wish we had more of a yard so she could roam, but on the flipside, we would have more yard work, and lets be honest, we already have a hard time with what we have - or maybe Mike just does ;)

Our Visit to Lynchburg 2 weeks ago was GREAT! Lily and Walker had a great time playing in the pool and going to the park for lunch. It was here that Lily's Mommyhood really shined through. My friend Liz just had her second baby boy, and she was all over him, trying to give his paci, putting the blanket on, then off, then on, off, etc.

She's my climber for sure......Slides make her happy...


Lily is a true girl when it comes to jewelry. She loves finding my necklaces and putting them on. I have resorted to some plastic jewelry so she doesn't break anything else. Yes, thats right, she has already broken two necklaces of mine...

tuesday night dinner?

So Chicken and Dumplings were a hit last night. Although after having the weather today I wish I made it for tonight. It would have felt a bit more like comfort food!

Because I don't have a recipe blog, I won't put how I cooked the dumplings on here, BUT I will say that instead of making my own dumplings, I used store bought Pillsbury biscuits. Although I have heard that they are super easy to make, I wanted to skip a step. And actually I will admit that I tried last year, and I did something that completely ruined the dish. (to this day I don't know where I went wrong) After the chicken and veggies were cooked, I just added the raw biscuits, covered it all back up and let it sit some more.

For the chicken and veggies, I didn't really follow a recipe but did go to my friends blog for guidance. It basically was chicken noodle soup with dumplings. YUMMY!

Tonight....I can't decide between Chicken Stirfy, or this sausage/lentil hodge podge that my friend recommended. (I am trying to add more fiber to my diet, although I already knew it was good for you, it is a great way to X out you daily carb intake)

BUT, in the oven as we speak are some Blondie Bars with Coconut. The rain put me in the mood for some baking!

yay for jACk!

I want to share this email that my cousin, Liz sent to me and my family, along with her direct family and friends as well. Although it is quite long, it was the very last paragraph that truly hit home for me. I think that it could also affect others who are in similar shoes as mine, whether it be a young momma, momma to be, or even a futuristic momma ;) or especially those who have family or friends who suffer from addiction.....

She wrote this email with sincere thankfulness for all those who prayed and thought of him during his tough time. She wanted to share the happy ending, and the hope involved as he gets better!

For a quick introduction, Liz is speaking of her nephew, Jack, 21 who has been suffering from severe drug and alcohol abuse since the young age of 12! While he hid it from his family for quite sometime, he headed into a downward spiral of crazy addiction the last few years.

So bare with me throughout the story as some may be things you don't even care about, but also contemplate how hard life must be for Jack who is recovering from something that has nearly controlled his body for a long time, and also think of hope! Hope is good feeling!

Liz speaking...

My brother Patrick was here for 4 weeks helping with the remodeling process, he brought his son Jack with him about half way through. And when Pat left 3 weeks ago to take on another project, Jack stayed on here in Roswell, to finish the painting and little fix-its. I was a bit nervous at the prospect of having him in the house as I think I told you he has had a long run with drugs, alcohol and basic laziness that has left him with nothing at the age of 21. He spent the better part of the last year in and out of rehab. And when he was out, he couldn't hold a job or get out of bed to find one.

He doesn't have a license or car, no clothes to speak of, and short of a computer-- no possessions. Upon his arrival, we had a harsh reality check.. very simple, I told him, no drugs... none.. and if I find drugs, which I will, because I will be checking his stuff daily, or find he is sneaking off to meet people for drugs or asking them to come to the new house or this house for ANYTHING.. I'd call the police and have him arrested. Plain and simple. It was a tough message to deliver, and an even tougher one for him to accept.. in the sense of accepting the sad fact that I had to actually lay it out there. We both cried and he promised me he'd stay clean and to please give him a chance to prove he wants to change..

So.. the project began.. and it was daunting.. he had to prep all the walls, the trim and the baseboards in the entire house.. Randy and I stripped wall paper. He had to repair drywall, sand, spackle, .. it was amazing. An entire week of just getting walls ready to go. Together we went to the paint store and picked out colors. He was instrumental in dealing with a friend of mine that helped me pick a color scheme for the house. He spoke with the paint store and ordered the paint, the finish, he estimated what we needed and returned with me to pick up the 25 gallons of paint.

Needless to say, he's done remarkably well. During the first week he was so scared of the task ahead, nervous to be doing work sober, and not sure if he would have the fortitude to see it through. Together we took the project and mapped it out on paper including what would need to be done in order of the spaces ie: ceilings, trim, walls,.. broke it down and made a chart. He would use this daily to prepare himself for the next task ahead.

He wakes on his own around 7:30AM and comes upstairs for a breakfast of 3 eggs, toast, bacon two 16oz. glasses of milk and he gets his daily dose of vitamins. I am amazed at the calories he takes in and still remains a lanky 6'2''. I take him over to the house and either stay and work with him, or return at lunch time with his lunch and then we lay in the yard or by the pool and talk for 15 minutes or so until he breaks the silence with a, "gotta go back to work" and off he goes to his brushes and rollers until I pick him up at 6 or so. He works long, he works hard and I know he feels good about his work, and I am pleased with the results.

It's wonderful to have him sitting at the counter with me as the kids are doing homework and he talks with them about his day and theirs. He laughs with them and even comes down hard when necessary. It's good to have another male role model helping them see right from wrong. Randy and I are grateful for his presence in the kids' lives. We all eat dinner and we hang out as a family and then he usually finds his way to his space down stairs and works on the Wii Fit or watches the tube..

About a week ago Jack and I went to the FOX theater for a Broadway Show. My friend Elaine and I usually go on a monthly basis but she couldn't make it, so I took Jack. He and I had so much fun, we ate Sushi at a really cool place, and then watched the show, a really fun night! He was so happy, and so was I !

I just can't tell you what a treasure he is to me. He has been such a big part of this new house. He meets with contractors for me, discusses pricing and work that needs to be done. He listens to the advice of different contractors/companies and helps me make decisions. If it weren't for him, I would have to literally be at the new house all day every day just waiting on deliveries and quotes. It's crazy! He has designed a surround sound stereo system for our Family Room. He built in the tubes to hide all the cords and has searched the internet for the best most reasonably priced equipment. He just can't wait for Randy to "ok" the purchase.. He has learned with us, things need to be based on 1. needs.. 2. wants.. it's a tough thing for us to teach but he definitely gets it.

I'm including a picture from the night we went out, I took him shopping for some hip "skinny" jeans.... he is so cute! As of last week, he's applied to community college near his home in NC and has saved almost $2500.00 from working for us! He's gained some weight and put himself on a healthier path with Asthma Meds regularly and vitamins and regular meals and protein bars for snacks. I think he's heading toward a good goal. I just fear when he returns to his home, he'll see the same old friends and fall into the same old patterns, I pray that isn't the case, but only he can take these good habits and make them into his way of living EVERY day. We have had a lot of talks about where he's been, what he has been doing, mainly he talks, I just listen trying really hard not to show disappointment or shock during his stories. He's been through a lot. And on his own, he seems to have come to recognize why he feels as he does, acts as he did, or dismiss the things he had. Randy and I try to help him see the answers to the questions he asks, 'what should I do in school' 'where should I live' we try really hard to not give "advice" just listen, he has a LOT Of thoughts, sometimes I think he's still that little nephew of mine that I knew at the age of 8, trying to figure out where his place is in the world. Hopefully, he will find that place, and know it when he does. Randy has been a huge influence on Jack. They talk about cars, Jack's true passion.. his dream is that Turbo Porsche or Audi or BMW or something, I have no idea, but he can spot all of these cars miles away just by their headlights.. it's hilarious! Randy has him drive his car on short trips, just to see the smile on his face. It's priceless. Now don't get me wrong, he has his love of beer, and he is smoking, which bums me out, but I'm not his mom.. he's an adult, and he'll have to kick those things on his own~ we all have our vices~!

I know this was long and detailed and way more than you wanted or needed to know. Sometimes, it's just good to hear happy news! So be grateful for your kids, and who they are.. I've learned first hand how easy it is to stray from the path and how much work and love it takes to help them find it in the dark and stay on it once they do!

Proud Auntie Lizzie and Jack Patton

YAY JACK!

i'm gonna do it

...i'm gonna plan my meals this week! Lets see how is goes.

After Mike and I made two grocery stops yesterday (wegmans and Giant) because we had separate coupons/deals for each, our fridge is STOCKED! This isn't a regular occasion for us, but my Mom had Lily for the day and we thought...today will be a one time challenge of double dipping into two Grocery stores.

It was actually quite fun to sit together at the coffee table, go through the adds and decide what we were going to get at each store according to the sales. We even made two separate lists, and I gathered all my coupons for each. We rode to the stores with our windows down, the sun was shining, and I was feeling very blessed to be alone with Mike. THEN...

....Mike forgets the lists. I. WAS. PISSED! I mean what was the point of all that effort and time we put into the lists if you are just going to leave them at home? Ahhh, I'm soooo mad is what I felt like saying, and then I did!

So after I probably embarrassed him in the produce section at Wegmans (I mean I wasn't that loud, but it was crowded) he left me and went home to retrieve the lists. Only I didn't know he left to go home, I thought he was just going to pout in the car. So I carried on shopping, quite upset actually, got to the check out, proceeded back to our car to find someone else was parked in our spot....

OMG, Mike left me! I was certainly even more upset at the moment and didn't think my actions warranted my husband leaving me at the grocery store. Was he trying to teach me a lesson? I certainly hope not!

Anyways, moments later I see him breezing through the parking lot, he parked and approached me with two lists. He had thrown them in the trashcan!

Geez, Mike, you didn't have to leave me...

Well you wanted the lists didn't you and you said you were soooooo pissed, so I went home to get them...

I got in the car and we headed to Giant. I was not happy he left me, but inside I was kind of laughing at him. It was silent the whole trip, and again the sun was shining perfectly into the car, and the windows were down to cool off the steam.

By the time we got to Giant, we got out of the car, gave each other a kiss and embarked on our Giant store journey as if nothing had happened. And this time we had a list!

Typical Mike and Lauren! :)

The whole point of my story being, I am planning meals this week...first stop tonight, Chicken and Dumplings

Cherry Blossom Monday funday!

Before I start my whole spiel here is Lily before we headed out today! OK, so now she is climbing, which I semi knew because she gets ontop of HER table downstairs, but I never imagined that she would be on MY table!


Today, we bit the bullet and just drove.

My friend Stefani, and her sweet boy Ethan joined Lily and I for the trek into the city. I have been wanting to see the Cherry Blossoms this season and have procrastinated due to the ugly crowd. So, I thought it would be a good idea to go after peak days thinking that it wouldn't make much a difference in the sight......well it did.

I won't complain, because regardless of the Cherry Blossoms lurching the Tidal Basin Washington D.C. is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever experienced. Of course the weather aids my melancholy attitude, but I truly feel blessed to be a hop skip and jump away from our nations Capitol!

Today the Cherry Blossoms were a bit weak! Most of the blooms have blown away, and instead of the bright white and pink petals hanging from the trees, they were spread upon the streets and sidewalks as if they were almost tired of all the attention they were receiving!

It was sure nice to have the company I did today! Last year, Lily and I were on our own, and that too was a great experience, but it is always nicer to have a friend by your side!

So quick story before sharing of our pics.....Stefani, the kids and I had just strolled across the bridge by the Jefferson and we noticed a bit of a crowd along Independence Ave.

'What's going on?'...we both thought....people waiting for a shuttle? a tour group??

Well as we noticed more and more gazers, in addition to all the D.C. Police, it was quite obvious President Obama's Motorcade was about to pass through!

(insert video here that I took, although BLOGGER is making me very mad that it won't upload)

It was an experience to remember!!!

This experience brought us to the BRIGHT idea that maybe we should also go to the opening game of the Nationals. Obama was on his way to the opening pitch of the game. Stefani and I thought, lets give it a whirl!

We did, and we failed!

By the time we got back to the car, made our way to SO. Capitol St. the traffic was out of control and we were stopped, (being just one car away from the light we wanted to get through) for, again, Obama's motorcade! You see, we were running a little later than the start of the game and apparantly he had already thrown the pitch. He was now on his way home!

So the very reason we were enticed to the game, we were also strayed away from it.

We made it home safely, both glad that we went down town for the day, but also we both agreed for better planning next go round!

At the end of the day, Lily felt the drain of her energy. After traveling in the car, stolling around town and then playing with Ethan outside, it is safe to say that she was a MESS. I gave her a bath around 5:30, attempted to feed her dinner then suddenly...

Gone!

Her head bobbed a bit, but there was no doubt she was falling asleep right then and there!

Easter Sunday

Ok because my big mouth keeps blabbing away, I figure I should just dedicate one single post to Easter Sunday.

For one, it is quite important that it should stand alone, it is Jesus we are talking about.....

AND I take far too many pictures.

We had a great day! It started quite early with 8:45 mass which we got to at 8:15. Our church parking lot was a mess! It always has been, but with the new build I think people enjoy coming to church more now, so our parish attendance has increased. Anyways, it was a beautiful service, and our priest gave a beautiful homily. I saw some of my Mommy group friends and it was cute to see all the kids dressed in their best :)

We only got ONE family shot...shoot! But I have a ton of Lily to share. I did a small Easter Egg hunt outside for her just cuz you gotta start somewhere. My expectations were far exceeded when she actually picked up the eggs and put them in her basket. TOO CUTE!
Uh oh.....
She found what was inside....a yummy chocolate treat :)

The sun shined alllllll day, and it was a lot warmer than I expected. I'll take it though. We couldn't keep Lily inside! She fought us tooth and nail to stay on the playground. She is really taking to the outside, and I can't say I mind, although with this record warm weather it isn't hard to work up a sweat.

Anyways, we were grateful for the day and celebration of the Risen Lord. What a great day it was. I cooked lamb, had some awesome deviled eggs that included smoked salmon. My Mom made a great dessert and we enjoyed some Mimosas.

Our friends Kristin and Ryan Reese even joined us with their baby boy Kage. Just like in the fall when we put him in a pumpkin, we put him in a basket for Easter. We tried with Lily was she wasn't as willing.We were also happy to have my father-in-law over. Grandpa Ray Ray. He claims he hates being called that, but you know he is just shining inside :)He was a loner for the week because my mom-in-law was travelling abroad in Ireland with Jenny to visit Katy. I know super jealous! How cute he was to even bring over her Easter basket :)
My parents were just bursting with joy to be with the Lily. She is their pride and joy. I was so happy to have them here to experience such a fun Easter. It makes me think about my brother and how much I miss him. It is times like this with family when you think of those missing. He is still enjoying himself on the trail!At the end of the day, Lily was POOPED :)

Spring Sprang Sprung

Whoooody whooo for Spring!

Ok, comments allowed for what a dork I am!

This weekend was so fulfilling of warm weather, the sun, family, friends!

Here, we enjoyed visiting our friends Laurie and Matt, and their new baby Reagan in Shirlington for some Margaritas and yummy fajitas! Lily did a great job hanging out with us until her antsy pants were full and she decided to climb off my lap, over this here railing and then straight into the brick path, HEAD FIRST. It was totally embarrassing, and totally my fault. It basically happened in slow mo, but also so fast that I couldn't even stop it! Needless to say, the brick marked the spot on her dear little forehead. She cried a bit, I felt HORRIBLE, people probably stared, but in the end she was just fine, and she continued on throughout the day enjoying herself.....

Hence the swings.....

Pediatric Update

It was no joke, (get it, April fools?) on this first day of April, that Lily was at the pediatrician's office. Although I am sure she wishes that it was. We had our 15 month check up this morning, which would otherwise be uneventful except that she received ('i' before 'c' excepts after 'c', seriously i think this EVERY time!) 4 SHOTS! OUCH!

I am a strong proponent of children receiving (see i did it again) their vaccines, but I can't say I get any sort of joy seeing my baby hurt! As Lily gets older she is much more understanding of pain. And when 4 needles are coming at your arms I don't doubt you would be pleased. None the less she was quite strong, and with a quick pop of the paci in the mouth, her little tears almost went away. I also stashed some fruit snacks in my bag to treat her with. (even though there are large signs in the office that say don't feed your children in the office , oops)

Here are her stats:

Height: 31 1/2 inches = 75-90%

Weight: 23 lbs 10 oz = 50-75%

Head Circumfrance (for her large smarty pants brain): 18 3/4 inches = 90%
I caught her on video while we waited to be seen. Such a big girl she is!

watching her weight alreadyjust passing the time with a book

a sad soul after her shots, paci and fruit snacks to make it all better

Today has been such a lovely day, and after Lily's appointment (which we walked upto), I went on a run around the neighborhood, stopped at the park, then headed back home for some finishing touches on my flowers, THEN ate lunch outside! I love it! Lily enjoying some blackberries and a peanut butter/jelly sammie :)

This was actually a couple days ago. She is sooooo enthralled with Baby Einstein I had to get the proof. Plus I can't get enough of those eyes!