Today, I got a phone call from my mom around 5:20 saying that she and Abigail had been in a minor accident while on their way to my work. My heart skipped a beat, but she quickly reassured me that they were both okay. I could hear Abigail in the background yelling "mama" which was a good sign . I immediately said a quick prayer and thanked all of our angels up above for watching over them. It's times like this that make you step back and realize how precious life is.
So what caused this accident you might ask? A woman who ran out of gas in the center lane on West Ox road! Luckily, my mom saw her in plenty of time to stop but unfortunately the man behind her didn't and ran into the back of them followed by someone else rearending the man. As a result, not only did they get hit once but twice! After driving by the accident and feeling helpless, I went to a nearby shopping center and waited for them. Thankfully all that were involved are okay.
Cherish each smile, each laugh, and each tear...You blink your eyes and one day becomes a year.
Thursday, November 29
Tuesday, November 27
Thanksgiving 2007
As I sit here thinking of all that I have to be thankful for, I realize we are blessed in so many ways. Here are just a few reasons why I am thankful, my sweet (most of the time) husband & my two amazing kids, being close to my family and friends, being healthy and safe, the list goes on and on!
When we asked Samuel what he was thankful for he responded, "the beach, toys, movies and my family" ;-)
We had a great time in the Outer Banks for Thanksgiving! Thanks Grandma'ma & Papa for a wonderful week! It is always nice to spend time with everyone and to watch the cousins play together. We had such a fun-filled week--running on the beach, playing football, watching movies, decorating sun catchers & a gingerbread house, shopping, eating, playing our annual game of Bingo, and much more! This year the weather was fantastic, most days was high 60's-70's--perfect! Both Samuel and Abigail had a blast running on the beach, splashing in the water and collecting seashells.
HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg!!!
Many, many, blessings and love to you all!
Friday, November 16
An Annual Event
Samuel and Abigail received this card from Papa the other day and it just cracks me up! The inside says It's the annual Turkey Drive....for over 17 years we have been going to the Outer Banks. I am so thankful that my kids are growing up with such a fun Thanksgiving tradition.
We hope everyone has a SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Monday, November 12
Our Family
I am proud to say that Samuel did not leave me out of this family portrait! **see "little artists" post. He has been drawing a lot lately but this was the first time he actually painted a recognizable picture. In case you can't figure out who's who's- (left to right) Abigail, mommy, Samuel, daddy & Isabelle. Oh and Isabelle doesn't have a face because she's looking in the other direction! Isn't he becoming a good little artist? 
Duck Countdown
Samuel has been asking me for the last 2 weeks if it was time to leave for the Outer Banks. My response "No, honey not this week. We leave in ___ days." Saturday morning he must have asked 3 or 4 times before 10am so I came up with this idea....a turkey countdown. Samuel drew his very own Thanksgiving turkey (very impressive, don't you think?) and then I traced his handprint for his second turkey. Of course, we couldn't leave lil sis out of the fun so she made one too. I must say she worked darn hard coloring on her paper. Each day we put stickers on the number of days we have left so whenever Samuel wants to know, he can figure out all by himself!
Sunday, November 11
Carderock
Tom and Samuel went climbing today at Carderock with his friend Mike and son Jake. Samuel is becoming a good little climber. This was his first time climbing the "real thing" and from what I hear, he did very well.
Guess what he wants to ask Santa for.....you got it--climbing gear!
When daddy was a baby...
Samuel and I recently watched my wedding video and in the beginning it includes pictures of our childhood. One of Tom's baby photos flashed on the TV screen and Samuel said "look at daddy's ears!" We laughed and joked about it. So the other night we were in Sam's room getting him ready for bed...this was our conversation. ;-)
Samuel: Daddy you were a cute baby when you were born, there was just a problem with your ears.
Tom: What's wrong with my ears?
Samuel: Well, they were just BIG, like this....(he made his ears stick out as far as they would go)
but, that's okay daddy sometimes people are just born like that, right mommy?
Samuel: Daddy you were a cute baby when you were born, there was just a problem with your ears.
Tom: What's wrong with my ears?
Samuel: Well, they were just BIG, like this....(he made his ears stick out as far as they would go)
but, that's okay daddy sometimes people are just born like that, right mommy?
Thursday, November 8
"Awards Night"
Tonight was the “Awards Night” for the Belmont Country Club Soccer league. Samuel was so excited to receive his trophy for playing this season. He had two awesome coaches, Coach Tim & Coach Ed.
1...2..3...Hawks Fly High! Go Hawks. 
Toddlerhood
We have a full-fledged toddler living with us now. She definitely keeps us busy! there's never a dull moment--not that we've had a problem with boredom since Samuel and Abigail entered the world.
Can anyone guess what those little black dots are all over our family room??? Give up? Chocolate Chips! Abigail grabbed the bag and ran quickly into the family room them dumped them ALL over the floor. But I'm happy to report that both kids were very willing to help clean up the mess. This was their method of choice- 1 chocolate chip in the mouth, 1 in the bag, 1 in mouth, 1 in bag.
And little Miss has learned to climb on the coffee table.
Can anyone guess what those little black dots are all over our family room??? Give up? Chocolate Chips! Abigail grabbed the bag and ran quickly into the family room them dumped them ALL over the floor. But I'm happy to report that both kids were very willing to help clean up the mess. This was their method of choice- 1 chocolate chip in the mouth, 1 in the bag, 1 in mouth, 1 in bag.
And little Miss has learned to climb on the coffee table.
Little Artists
So, after being home yesterday afternoon and getting a little stir crazy, I decided the kids and I should sit down and paint together. I also wanted them to paint a picture for my artwork picture frame. I gave Abby the paint brush and away she went..until she realized it was easier to just use her hands. This was her first painting experience which I assumed she would like since she loves to color. She sat there for a good 30 minutes painting! Too cute!
Samuel loves to do anything crafty! He wanted to color first & then paint. So, he drew himself, Abigail, Daddy & Isabelle. When I asked him where I was, he replied "Your taking the picture!" Do you think he's trying to tell me something? I mean my 16 month old will now run over to me after I've taken her picture and point to the back of my camera and grunt twice--this translates in Abby language to show me the picture, lady!
Samuel loves to do anything crafty! He wanted to color first & then paint. So, he drew himself, Abigail, Daddy & Isabelle. When I asked him where I was, he replied "Your taking the picture!" Do you think he's trying to tell me something? I mean my 16 month old will now run over to me after I've taken her picture and point to the back of my camera and grunt twice--this translates in Abby language to show me the picture, lady! Tuesday, November 6
November already...
Saturday morning we headed over to Tag's house for playgroup and to have family photos taken by Stephanie. You can see her work at http://www.thehipstudio.com/ She's so talented and always manages to capture the kids personality. We also arranged for http://www.imaginethat2go.com/ to come as well. They bring pottery painting to you, you then create a keepsake using your children's hand or footprints. I can't wait to see the final product--I think they are going to be soooo cute.
After a jammed packed morning, we headed over to Jac's house for a Superhero party. This picture cracks me up. I'm not sure why Jac put his hand on Sam's head but man are they two serious Superhero's. What a fun party! Happy Birthday, Jac.
After a jammed packed morning, we headed over to Jac's house for a Superhero party. This picture cracks me up. I'm not sure why Jac put his hand on Sam's head but man are they two serious Superhero's. What a fun party! Happy Birthday, Jac.
When we got home Samuel asked if he could go to bed and even added "no books tonight, mommy"--sure, but it's only 5:30. He woke up later that evening with a 102 fever. Poor guy! We decided to take it easy on Sunday and spent most of the day watching movies.
Sunday, November 4
Movies and Pizza with an interesting ending....
Taken from Stephanie's blog because it's well written and I'm too lazy to write my own post. I hope you don't mind Steph!
Last night we took the kids to see the Bee Movie with several of our friends and their children-- 15 of us to be exact-- 9 adults and 6 children. The kids were very good at the movies, they sat there side by side, intently staring at the screen. Every now and then, Hannah and Ashley would cruise down to check on Lex, Olivia, and Andrew two rows down.
After the movie was over, we were hungry, so we headed next door for pizza. As we entered the smallish dining area, the staff scrambled to put the few remaining tables together for us. I glanced around apologetically to the "childless" patrons. It was late for a group of mostly 4 year olds and they were all on the verge of a break down. The first hurdle was determining where everyone would sit. After a game of musical chairs, we arranged ourselves with the kids at the end of the table closest to the back of the restaurant, the women in the middle, and the men at the other end.
The ordering process was uneventful, other than the quick shower of tears when Ashley thought she wasn't going to get a Sprite. Andrew and Olivia squared off next over a napkin. Samuel hit his head on the table and there were more tears. All the ladies ended up making several trips to the bathroom with the kids-- I think I probably had the prize for the most trips-- but then again I was the one with 2 kids-- everyone else was paired with only 1. Somehow we made it through dinner with few outbursts. I couldn't help glancing around every now and again to see if I could catch any stares or eye-rolling from the other tables. Our table was definitely the loudest, but I think the kids behavior was pretty darn good.
So fast forward to the check. The server brought us our check and explained that the man sitting at the table next to us when we first came in had bought our first round of drinks and pizzas. We all sat there in complete shock and amazement. Why? Did he feel sorry for us? Was he writing a book on "when good parenting goes bad"? Surely he wasn't impressed by our well-behaved children and exceptional parenting skills :) The server explained that he simply said that he liked what we were doing. Try as I may, I couldn't remember what the gentleman looked like. Marc and Havalynn said they remembered him and that they had exchanged glances... but didn't think anything of it. We all sat pondering, in dumbfounded appreciation, trying to figure out why in the mad chaos of everyday life someone-- anyone would notice and make such a kind gesture. With no answers, we gave the server a big tip and took our tired little ones home.
Hannah and Ashley fell asleep before we got out of the parking lot. Still Marc and I thought back to the restaurant and continued speculating as to why he would pay for our meal. This is definitely something that doesn't just happen everyday. I felt bad because I couldn't remember him-- I should have at least noticed. I wanted somehow to thank him-- but how? I decided that the only way I could was to tell the story here. I'm hoping that if you made it this far, you are smiling and thinking that there are still some good people in the world. And to the kind and generous gentleman who crossed our path last night, thank you.
Last night we took the kids to see the Bee Movie with several of our friends and their children-- 15 of us to be exact-- 9 adults and 6 children. The kids were very good at the movies, they sat there side by side, intently staring at the screen. Every now and then, Hannah and Ashley would cruise down to check on Lex, Olivia, and Andrew two rows down.
After the movie was over, we were hungry, so we headed next door for pizza. As we entered the smallish dining area, the staff scrambled to put the few remaining tables together for us. I glanced around apologetically to the "childless" patrons. It was late for a group of mostly 4 year olds and they were all on the verge of a break down. The first hurdle was determining where everyone would sit. After a game of musical chairs, we arranged ourselves with the kids at the end of the table closest to the back of the restaurant, the women in the middle, and the men at the other end.
The ordering process was uneventful, other than the quick shower of tears when Ashley thought she wasn't going to get a Sprite. Andrew and Olivia squared off next over a napkin. Samuel hit his head on the table and there were more tears. All the ladies ended up making several trips to the bathroom with the kids-- I think I probably had the prize for the most trips-- but then again I was the one with 2 kids-- everyone else was paired with only 1. Somehow we made it through dinner with few outbursts. I couldn't help glancing around every now and again to see if I could catch any stares or eye-rolling from the other tables. Our table was definitely the loudest, but I think the kids behavior was pretty darn good.
So fast forward to the check. The server brought us our check and explained that the man sitting at the table next to us when we first came in had bought our first round of drinks and pizzas. We all sat there in complete shock and amazement. Why? Did he feel sorry for us? Was he writing a book on "when good parenting goes bad"? Surely he wasn't impressed by our well-behaved children and exceptional parenting skills :) The server explained that he simply said that he liked what we were doing. Try as I may, I couldn't remember what the gentleman looked like. Marc and Havalynn said they remembered him and that they had exchanged glances... but didn't think anything of it. We all sat pondering, in dumbfounded appreciation, trying to figure out why in the mad chaos of everyday life someone-- anyone would notice and make such a kind gesture. With no answers, we gave the server a big tip and took our tired little ones home.
Hannah and Ashley fell asleep before we got out of the parking lot. Still Marc and I thought back to the restaurant and continued speculating as to why he would pay for our meal. This is definitely something that doesn't just happen everyday. I felt bad because I couldn't remember him-- I should have at least noticed. I wanted somehow to thank him-- but how? I decided that the only way I could was to tell the story here. I'm hoping that if you made it this far, you are smiling and thinking that there are still some good people in the world. And to the kind and generous gentleman who crossed our path last night, thank you.
Thursday, November 1
Bath Time
This is what happens when I run to the store and leave Tom in charge of bath night.
A giggling Sam met me at the door when I arrived home.
Samuel- Guess what Abigail did while you were gone?
Me- What did she do this time?
Samuel- She got in the tub with her clothes on! Isn't that funny, mommy? Her shoes are even wet!
It's not the best picture but at least, they managed to capture the moment, even if it is blurry!
Let me reassure you, we do not leave our kids unattended during bath time. Apparently, Tom went to find Abigail in her room, and somehow she managed to get past him and climbed in the tub before he could stop her.
Halloween 2007
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
(Spiderman Sam & Abby the Tulip Fairy)
We started our day off with a Halloween parade at Samuel's school. Samuel was one of many who wore a Spiderman costume! Thank goodness he wore his bright green crocs so I could spot him. Everyone looked so cute dressed in their costumes.
We later headed up the street to a pre trick-or-treat party. Both Samuel and Abigail had fun playing with their neighborhood friends.
Samuel was a veteran trick-or-treater this year, so he was off and running. Abigail took right to it- maybe it was "monkey-see, monkey-do", but she was totally into it, at least for the first 2-3 houses! She then went back and helped Grandma'ma hand out candy. Tom and I walked with Samuel and some friends around our neighborhood. It was a very memorable night, that's for sure!
Abigail was too funny. She grabbed both pumpkins and went running down the street after her big brother. She wasn't going to miss out on anything!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)