Where I Am

http://www.gostaffordva.com/stafford-visitorguide.cfm

So, I don't get to play tourist while I'm here, but there is lots to learn, do, see, etc. in the Stafford, VA, area.
I love all of the brick buildings. Everything looks clean, well-kept, and stately.

This Week's Favorites

UNIX Nail Salon, Freeport, IL - Avery and I had a girls day out the other day, which included a pedicure for me and painted nails for Avery. Avery picked our color out...hot pink, of course, and she LOVES her nails. The first thing she said, "I'm going to show Daddy" (he is still her prince:)
Panera Bread - This is the best place to eat, when you travel...very homey, good food...the place simply invites you to sit down and relax for awhile.
19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult - Wow, what a book so far. I just started it, and it already makes me want to keep our children in a "bubble" and bypass the teenage years.
O'Hare Int'l Airport - Had a travel day from Hell yesterday due to weather, but the airport ran seemlessly...including very nice customer service agents (and Lord knows they were stressed, from people complaining of flight delays and cancellations).
My Family - I'm away from home, without them, (add to that, the possibility of something going wrong due to inclement weather)...and I'm constantly reminded how EXTREMELY important family is to my little world. I have so much to be thankful for.

Happy 30th Birthday, Brian!

Today Brian turns the BIG 3-0! Why is it that this makes me feel much older, than when I turned 30 this past June? Must be because he still seems (and often acts) like the "fresh out of college" guy I married almost 7 yrs. ago :) You've had 30 great years, Brian...and here's to a few 30 more!

A Great Song...

You bet, the kids and I are sure to dance and sing along to this little diddy :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_wQe9Wq1r4

Nicknames

Isn't it funny how we choose nicknames for our children, and they stick like glue?! Here is how my conversation went w/ Avery today, in the truck:

"I missed you today, baby." (Jess)

silence....

"Huh?! No, Mommy, say 'I missed you today, Peanut." (Avery)

Guess she's right! I call Avery "Peanut." Brian calls her "Shnoob." I call Bryton "Sweetheart." Brian calls Bryton "Bubba." Anything different obviously throws them off!
And I think we've been using these nicknames since they were born :)

Family Holiday Pics

These are some of my fav's of times spent w/ both sides of our family over the holidays (thank you, Kristen, for sharing some of these w/ us). Caden's Bday; playing Wii w/ Aunt Sarah; Isaac and Samuel sledding w/ Papa and Nana, Uncle Eric putting Bryton's LEGO gifts together; Brian's Bday Party at Gma and Gpa's house; Grandpa helping Avery play drums; Bryton and Avery watching the tornado lamp; Bryton in his new Colt's gear; the kiddo's playing on New Year's Eve; Samuel's Baptism; Isaac getting a good look thru the binoc's; More sledding pics w/ Isaac and Samuel; and a Christmas picture w/ Gma Joyce and Gpa Chuck.

Happy New Year!!!

Time for New Beginnings. . . . . . . . . . . Taylor Addison, Blue Mountain Arts, 1989

"This is a time for reflection as well as celebration.
As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life,
Remember each experience for the good that has come of it
and for the knowledge you have gained.
Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached.
Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.
Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.
And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come.
Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings
and the celebration of life."