My Prince

Hannah's reward for good behavior during the day is playtime with Daddy before bed. She cherishes this time and is highly motivated to keep her precious minutes of one-on-one time with Brent. Today, she wanted to be sure she was still going to get to play after she had had a little trouble listening in the grocery store. I told her she would. The following conversation ensued:

"Mommy, do you wish you could play with Daddy?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because he's my best friend."
"Why is he your best friend?"
"Because you should marry your best friend. And, I love to spend time with him."
"He's not your best friend...he's your prince!!"

I told her she was right. He is my prince. And, I love him very much. As I reflect on this heartwarming exchange, I'm grateful that Hannah knows Brent is my prince. How important this is to her developing ideas about marriage, relationships, and love. We must be doing something right.

Celebrations

This summer has been full of joyous occasions for our family. Between Brent's, mine, and Hannah's birthdays, my cousin Nancy's wonderful wedding in Virginia, Brent's exciting news of passing his National Exams, and Brent's youngest brother Doug's graduation from high school, we have had much to celebrate!

NIC ADVANCED!!
I was amazingly able to TOTALLY surprise Brent with a little get together in his honor. I thought for sure he was on to me, but, he had NO idea! I don't know if you can see my schemingly triumphant expression, but I was pretty darned proud of myself. Even more, I was so proud of Brent. It took lots of courage to take this professional exam. His passing at such a high level represents a great milestone both professionally and personally in his life. Way to go, Baby!!














































HANNAH TURNS 4!!!!
I don't know about you, but when I was little, I thought going to Chuck E. Cheese's was the ULTIMATE. The bright flashing lights of the games, the possibility of being able to pick out a fabulous plastic toy with the 35 tickets I won, the greasy pizza, seeing Chuck E. himself - all of these added up to the perfect day. It seems to be universal with kids. Hannah had her fair share of choices for birthday party venues, but Chuck E. Cheese's had her vote - hands down.














































CONGRATULATIONS UNCLE DOUG!

My Obsessions

I can tell that I will very soon be addicted to blogging. It will be added to my rather long list of hobbies/obsessions. Other items on the list include:

Twilight (can't wait for Midnight Sun)
So You Think You Can Dance (sorely missed)
The Olympics (a great substitute for So You Think You Can Dance)
Cooking (which I do very little of these days)
AND
Quilting!!

I've been doing a little quilting lately. It's so satisfying and orderly. I suppose as a mother of young, energetic children I crave order. Quilting is an outlet for creativity, expression, and buying even more fabric than I already own! Here are pics of two of the quilts I've finished in the last year.

I'm finally a blogger!

Hello All!
We are officially technologically with the program!! We are so excited to share our family's adventures, funnies, photos, and cheesy touching moments with you! Just a general update to start us off:



Hannah turned 4 on July 26 and tells me frequently she can't wait to be 5 (this wish alternates with her other wish to be a teenager already). She starts her preschool 4 class on Monday...we are both counting down the days!!! She loved preschool last year, and is learning so much. She loves to sound out words and try to put letters together in her own creative way. Her favorite things to do outside of school are play with Mommy and Daddy, play with Mia, play with her dollhouse, and have playdates.



Mia is 9 months old today. She is full of smiles and giggles (except when she's crying because her little teeth are growing in). She has a quirky sense of humor that keeps us in stitches. Among her favorite things to laugh at are sneezes, burps, anyone blowing their nose, and Hannah. She's a mommy's girl through and through.



Charlotte has yet to make her appearance into the world. Lisa is 28 weeks pregnant. Charlotte is due November 11, and we can't wait to meet her. Hannah's nickname for baby Charlotte is "Giggle." She has already offered to share her room with her new baby sister. Hannah is one of the best big sisters I've ever known.

Brent keeps busy with work and being the greatest husband and father EVER! He recently passed his National Interpreting Exam with Advanced certification and we are SO proud of him. His favorite things to do are spend time with "his girls" and look at houses on the market in our area. We are looking forward to buying our first home at the beginning of 2009! This is especially exciting for Brent - a dream come true!

I am very busy with my two girls and one on the way. Motherhood is a blessing that keeps me on my toes! I'm tired a lot of the time, but SO thankful for these precious little ones that have been entrusted to us.