Playtime, Playroom Makeover

After I came home from St. Louis, I really wanted to establish a set 'playroom' for Lily. Anne has such a great set up with hers in the basement. It's a separate room, toys all sprawled out, its a mess, and it's how it's suppose to be!

Our basement has a guest bedroom, which I'm not quite ready to give up to Lily for a playroom, sorry Lily, and a living area with a fireplace which we also use as a second tv room. I had to improvise because I didn't want to be overcome with toys in every room of the house which is what it was about to become. The baskets that I placed sporadically around the house were overflowing, and now the small baby knick knacks have turned into larger, louder, bolder, musical apparatuses and dolls, and strollers, and tables, oh my!

We have a small area right as you walk into the basement, with a little nook, a great wall, and it is semi blocked off by an oversized chair into the tv area. This area was currently zoned for a future bar which Mike so seriously claimed he was going to build. His no so used kegerator was out of commision, but was displayed and I know Mike peered at it with envy of his younger college years. Instead, I swooped in like a hawk and without little, actually lets be honest, no discussion, I executively decided that a bar was not important at this point in our life, and go figure, Lily was. So, a play area would be in the making!

So when I get something in my head, I want to be able to do it immediately. With this being a more realistic task to be done immediately, I travelled to our local AC Moore for arts and crafts. Mike was now on board and we both picked out the tree to be on the wall, and he claimed he saw my vision. I bought wooden letters, super cute scrapbook paper, ribbon, a tub of DecoPage and I was off.....The rest I had around the house and I utilized what I had so I didn't have to buy! I was so severely tempted by the looks of everything in Pottery Barn Kids but I with held and instead used it as inspiration. One day, just one day I will have a playroom that looks just like theirs, but mine, today will have to do!

Without further ado, I present my playroom makeover.....

It wasn't hard, I know you can do it!

Of course, I know things will change over the years, it will not always look perfect. I hope to have dress ups hanging from the flower hooks, her art on the wall, possibly a new lamp for better lighting, and I am sure, more toys. Just another joy of children! But there is no reason that a playroom cannot add a little bit of class to your home. It doesn't have to be a wreckage of mismatched decorations!

Sunny Days for Playground Fun

So last week was amazing! The sun was out everyday, temps reached highs of 70s and this meant we weren't stuck inside!! Most of our time was spent outside, and Lily could not get enough of it! With Ashburn being such a young area, it is only appropriate that there are playgrounds on every corner. We are lucky to have one so close to us that even Lily could walk to on her own....as you can see here. This particular playground isn't really catered to her age although she doesn't seem to care.

Around the corner is our new favorite spot....Dinosaur Park! It is a staple of Ashburn and most commonly visited by Moms of toddlers. Mike even got to take Lily here. A funny story, not one for the kids....when Mike and I were in high school, we actually came to this playground for an afternoon make out session.

Up the street, a little more walking distance....another park! Trailside Park! It sits right next to the W&O, so after an nice run, Lily can enjoy herself with her peers. I can tell this summer is going to be a blast! She fights at the instant you try to take her inside. I love how active she has become and by summer, she will be so much more.

I can't help but capture her cuteness, and grown up beauty :) A little girl is what she is becoming. Her attitude shines through all day long. She talks to me as if I know what she is saying, and we hold many minutes of conversation. I make sure to tell her how much I adore her each day. She is the light of my life and I am so grateful that she has made me a Mom. It has been the best gift!

'a doo run run Run'

Saturday morning at 4:30 I woke to my phone alarm, quite sleepy, after a not so good night of sleep. My nerves got the best of me, and I dreamt of my race, of me being late, also waking up every 2 hours on the hour. Even though I was sleepy, I was relieved it was actually time to get up so I didn't have to stare at the clock anymore. My first words were, "I don't want to do it, Mike!" He told me I was being silly and that I was going to do just great. I listened, also knowing I didn't want to let myself down. So, I was out the door by 5am on my way downtown to complete my very first half marathon.

Leading up to this day, I ran and trained the best I could. There were a lot of bumps in the road that strayed me from training and following through with my goal, including travelling, the weather, Lily, injury, etc. Also, my partner in running was injured so he was unable to run completely. I was left alone to run which wasn't the biggest problem, but what was, was Mike was not going to be there to cheer me on. I knew that half of the run was composed by your mental capacity, and that would be fulfilled by your support on the sidelines to cheer you on. I would not have my biggest fan there, my husband, and I was very upset. I knew that it was just another challenge thrown in my direction and I couldn't let me down.

My race was off to a great start! The weather was just right, my ipod was blaring with just the right music, and I was filled with such joy to see all the runners around me. I knew once I started running that I had made the right decision in coming down to the city on my own, and even running on my own. The crowd around you was full of good morning energy and it immediately uplifted me! My heart was racing and I was truly excited, I just wish that I had someone to share it with. By mile 2-3, the National Capitol was in sight, and we turned the corner to run down the hill into the center of the city. I was starting to feel emotional. Physically I was feeling GREAT, and I was filled with joy to see the crowd cheer me on. I was staring at the backs of the runners in front of me. Some wore t-shirts with funny sayings that made me giggle, others had displays of the family members for who they were running for due to illnesses like cancer, autism, etc. At that moment, I remembered how lucky I was. I was running! What a feeling it is to remember your health and that you are ok. How grateful I was for the ability to be running on Saturday. Sometimes we forget the little things that mean so much.

The rest of my run was great. I felt such pride running through the city. I was a little troubled by all the hills I had to endure, but I knew it could be worse. My knees were really aching by about mile 10 and I tried walking for a bit, but it actually made it worse. I quickly stretched and was on my way, and before I knew it I was turing the corner of mile 13. Again I was emotional to be near the finishing line. I really wanted to see Mike there to give me a big congrats hug! I ran straight through the finish line in awe that it was over. I was relieved. My heartbeat gradually slowed down and I refueled with the free bananas and bagels they were passing out. I got back to the car in one piece feeling very achey but stretched a bit then was on my way home.

Next stop...GW Parkway Classic 10 mile run....I'm loving it!

AT

I feel like the word 'jet setter' has become somewhat appropriate for my lifestyle in the past few months. Although I may not be setting across the world to exciting new places, I have been travelling a lot. And I'm not really jetting, but mostly driving ;)

Monday night/Tuesday morning, Mike, Lily and I arrived home at 0300 from an exhausting, very long day of driving home from Georgia. The trip was well worth it! It started Friday morning where Mike, Lily and I picked Craig up at my parents house to drive him to Georgia for a hiking expedition. Since the summer, Craig has been training to hike the Appalachian Trail, and Monday, March 15, was his start date. When he asked me a few months ago if I would take him to the beginning of the trail, I couldn't say no! I was so excited that he thought of me to take him. Craig and I, maybe like most brothers and sisters sometimes butt heads. Both our heads are quite strong and sometimes it hinders our family bond. As always, we work things out, and over the years we have grown much closer! Needless to say I was honored to send my brother off. It was reassurance that we will always be there for each other. I am so proud of what he has accomplished and can't wait to hear all the stories he will have for us. My pride for him is strong, although during our drive down to GA, I got quite emotional thinking of him being all alone on the trail, hoping and praying that he would make it home in one piece. He kept telling me how silly I was being and that he is FULLY prepared physically for this trip. The hike will take him from Springer Mountain, GA, all the way to Maine....over 2,000 miles folks! Here is his blog that he will be updating quite a bit. www.trailjournals.com/craigtorbett He also has his cell phone, although he will only be using it to update family, and of course call Sarah, his lovely girlfriend :)

Monday, we drove to Springer Mountain, after spending a wonderful weekend with our cousins in Roswell. Our plan was to make it to the top, where the parking lot was, and there I was planning on taking tons of photos of Craig, maybe hiking a bit with him so we could have a proper 'goodbye' Well, that plan was shot, when we got stuck in the MUDD, about 2 miles from the drop off point. Springer Mountain is in the middle of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and thanks to all the rain a few days prior, the roads were almost impossible to drive through. We were hoping for more of a gravel road, but wet dirt was all we got. Craig told us to turn around and that he would be fine walking the rest of the way. Immediately I was crying, hating that this is how I would say goodbye to him. We hopped out of the van, Mike took a quick shot and then, that was it....Craig was gone. He is so excited to be making these travels. Please pray for his safety. I can't wait for him to come through Virginia so we can see him again, and even hike with him for a bit! The pack on his back, he sewed himself. He has a small mat to sleep on, a single person tent, only about 2 pairs of clothes, two jackets, personal items, and some food. It only weighs 22.6 pounds. Crazy, I know! Throughout the trail, there will be 'drop offs' where he will pick up more food, clothes, or whatever he requests, that we will send him.

Here are some more pics of him getting ready Sunday afternoon. He showed the kids all his gear and they were fascinated! You can also see how small his mat is because Anna, who is 11, just barely fits on it. Uncle Craig and Lily....he will definitely miss his little 'Monkey' (he insisted on calling her that all weekend :)

We couldn't drive all the way down to Georgia, and not see my Mom Mom in South Carolina, so on our way home, we made a pit stop in Greenville and we were able to see my grandmother and Aunt Dee and Uncle Bill. Although it was a bit out of our way, it was so worth it! My grandmother could not have been happier!

She loved Uncle Bill's cell phone!

Why not take a ride on Mom Mom's walker :)

Aunt Dee and Uncle Bill (My Dad's sister)

It was definitely a LONG trip, and one I will remember! Lily was an angel in the car, and I only hope that she will be like that for any other drives we decide to embark upon! Next on our list, a portable DVD player!!

sharing new pics

So for Valentine's Day, Mike got me a Canon Powershot Digital Camera. We already have an amazing Nikon camera which I famously carry around with me everywhere, but it is quite a hassle and some may call me a fool or even paparazzi. Over the summer I lost my pocket camera and have been whining about wanting a new one. Apparently my whines were heard and I now have a super cute blue digie. Anyways, the point of my babble is that my smaller camera has been more easily accessible in certain places, and here are some moments I have captured on hand ranging from in the morning at home, to St. Louis, to special time with Daddy....

Lynchburg for Liz's 'baby shower' Since it is her second, AND another boy, her girlfriends in Lynchburg threw a small shower at this place called 'Make and Take'. We all made meals for her and Andy so when she gets home from the hospital she can spend quality time with Carter :) (ps...she had baby Carter last night...Congrats to the Reels to another healthy baby boy!!!)

On the way to St. Louis, trying to capture Lily's airplane ride. The woman I sat next to was an angel, and she kept snapping away. Although I look like a total goof, this shows how happy Lily was throughout the whole flight!

Early morning, Lily seeks to find her favorite book, 'Pinkalicious'. Here she is reading away....

Although I know Anne will kill me for posting this...this particular day she felt GREAT and was so happy to finally be spending time with her girls! Pocahontas was on the tv, the girls were in heaven to just be with their mommy! I had to capture the moment!

Home sweet home with Daddy!

i found my calling...

The month of February has been nothing but calm and March too will roll in like a lion.....between snow storms, our trip to San Diego, work, a weekend in Lynchburg, and now most recently my quest to Missouri with Lily, it is safe to say I would enjoy a week at home with Mike and Lily, with NO work, and even no play, just plain family time. I can see this free time in our future and maybe by the end of the month I will feel more like a lamb. (get it, in like a lion out like a lamb, I'm sure I could even think of something for April showers brings May flowers, stay tuned!)

There is no doubt, though, when I say I had the most fantastic week in Missouri with my best friend Anne, and her most wonderful family. Although I was there on terms of a caretaker for Annie and the girls, I can still say it was time well spent. Lily and I flew to St. Louis Missouri last Sunday on a small, small plane, much smaller than I actually expected. With much anxiety over how Lily would handle the flight, my fears were put away when I was graced with a wonderful woman who sat next to me. I said many prayers, hoping for a good and easy flight and that it was. With so many business men around me in other seats, I was nervous I too would be next to an old grumpy man who would be no where near interested in Lily and her nonsense. Instead, this wonderful lady embraced Lily, we chatted the whole way, and before I knew it we were landing! Thank you Lord! Being at the airport was another adventure because this is where I would have to carry all my bags, push Lily in a stroller, and haul her car seat on my back, while trying to check in with the Enterprise for my rental car. It was one for the books folks, and I can't be more grateful for all the help I received from complete strangers at the airport. From St. Louis, Lily and I drove 2 1/2 hours to Hannibal, Missouri for our final destination at the Woods home....oh and it was snowing :)

I may seem like a fool for conquering this all on my own, but it was all made easy with the help of the Lord. I really put trust in His hands that it would be possible for me, and turns out it was. This was only the beginning of His great works throughout the week! While in Hannibal I had the pleasure to spend time with Anne, and witness her strength as a Mother and Wife! With her situation at hand, she is pregnant, extremely ill with nausea and vomiting, very weak, but still so positive! Throughout the week she gained back some strength and she has said she can see the light ahead where she will begin to feel even better.

Not only did I spend some quality time with Anne, but I spend most of my time being a mommy of three! This gave me such joy, that I know I am destined to do it myself. I have found my calling as a Mommy and I can't wait to expand our own family. Anne and Sam have twobeautiful girls, age 5 and 3, Savanna and Charlotte. They are energetic, senstive, loving, laughable little girls with extreme imaginations who can play all day as princesses, deers, indians, house, etc. They took so well to Lily, and I was so happy to have there interaction. I think it was great for Lily and also a great distraction for the girls. I could go on with all the fun stuff we did, played, etc.

The week came to an end too fast, and although Sam's revelation that Anne would be up and shopping with me by the end of the week didn't come true, we still all agreed that the Lord was truely working among us. Anne is feeling better, and I survived the week with flying colors. This week was a great start to the Lenten season and I am inspired to more serving for the Lord. My hope is to see Anne, Sam, the girls, and mystery baby soon, only next time Mike will be with me AND we will do some serious shopping! Something we are quite good at together!!!

Artsy Fartsy

Although Lily at times can be quite gassy, the name of this post doesn't REALLY explain things except that today we embarked on the world of art. There will be no farting on camera today :)

I have decided that I need to get better at doing interactive things with Lily, and art, of course, is one of them. I actually have started reading 'What to Expect: Toddler Years' and it is amazing how spot on the explanations are for a 14mos old in correlation to Lily. I have become most concerned with discipline which is when I turned to the book, and there I found that it is totally acceptable and appropriate for a toddler to begin art. Today's attempt was a success only because I sort of forced it for some birthday thank you cards I wanted :) but I could definitely tell that she was interested. I will continue to work with the supplies I recently purchased and see what masterpiece will come of it all!

After art time, we rinsed off in the bath, then she was cuteness all over! She was very into the lotion I was slathering her with so she insisted taking it downstairs. Oh, and I can't forget my phone. I should practically attach it to her hip, because she is obsessed! I am good about locking it so she can't make calls, but trust me, she has already done enough pranking for her days! Lily is quite the diva, and I can't say I hate it! I see a lot of me coming out in her, and as long as I can teach her patience (something I admit to not have much of) and keep her grounded I have a sweet little girl evolving!

Her hair is getting pretty long, and I want to try new things with it, so I have tried using these tiny clips! They are super cute, but she absolutely hates me putting them in her hair. The great thing about them though, is once they are in, she doesn't mess with them. The headbands she doesn't keep on too long these days. I am also really surprised with how blonde it has stayed! It looks like we have a toe head on our hands :)

I try and take a little video of her each day if I can remember, and these are from the past few days. She is talking soooo much now. She talks, I listen, respond, then she talks again. I haven't been able to capture a full blown conversation with her quite yet, but when I do, it's one for the books! The world is her stage!

After nap, I hear her chatting away to herself, and it is always fun to try and get a candid moment of her! Apparently when she woke up, she reached down to the floor to her clean pile of clothes.......