Happiness is....

Happiness comes in so many forms, really.

Waking up to fresh brewing coffee that you didn't have to get up and make and knowing it is just waiting for you in the other room. Ahh.

Having a picture you took posted on a blog you follow because it was chosen out of thousands.

Date nights with your husband and a night of complete, unitteruped sleep because your kids are spending the night with their grandparents. (even if you do miss them like crazy)

Two little girls that make my world seem all the better because they are in it.
Ballet moves. no idea where she gets it.
This one and her full fledged, from one side of the face to the other smile. Oh my sweet heart.... The way she looks up in wonder, knowing what better place she will be one day...
Kisses blown to me when I least expect it....


Two silly girls that love one another so much. A true friendship and deep relationship that goes beyond sisters.

That is Happiness...

Good Times

I love the evening time. Especially right now. The sun starts to set and the sky looks like a fire explosion with a touch of fluffy goodness. So pretty.

We had a stay out and play and forget what time it is kind of evening this particular evening. It was so much fun. A daddy riding two little girls around on the "tractor" as they call it. A mommy that hid in the bushes to jump out and scare them. Each and every time in the same place, yet it never got old. A big sister that joined me so she could help me be the monster. Good times.

Daddy has been working on his golf clubs and he brought out a tiny bag all set to accomodate and satisfy two little girls and their curiosity. Grandpa Paul had these made and even though I am not a huge golf fan, I have to admit they are probably one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Of course, the models that were rocking them help a little too.



The Bear is excited because now that she is five, Grandpa has planned a golf day for the two of them. Hitting a few balls and then an afternoon picnic under a shade tree. I can't wait for her.

We have landed a nasty end of summer cold in this house. It has been very short lived for each of us, so hopefully it will find it's way out of here quickly as we have some big fun planned this weekend. From date night dinners to cook outs with church family, it is gearing up to be a most awesome time!

I hope your weekend is wonderful and full of good times!

Pinterest and Play

I sat outside this evening after the girls had gone to bed. It was cool. Really cool. A friend posted a picture of a neighboring tree on Facebook that showed the changing color. School started and fall fell into place. I love this time of year. I have been Pinterest crazy and I have so many fall and Halloween projects I want to work on. All in good time. But oh, how the itch wants to be scratched. We fit one more hot, fun afternoon in before the changes though. The Bear celebrated her Lemonade Stand party with a group of precious little girls(and big girls). We decorated cupcakes, did nails and watched and enjoyed some of the cutest balloon crowns and wands. We ended with a splash! All of that in two hours. I was one tired mommy, but the smile on two little girls made it all worth it! Thank you to everyone that came and played and shared this day with my girl!



Back to Pinterest.(yes, I may be a bit addicted) I decided that if I was going to pin things, I need to start doing them. The recipes are easy. We always cook. Fun ideas for foods that we eat all the time, but need some new and inviting changes. It's the craft or DIY stuff that I want to work on. So, I have. My new favorite thing. The reading/hanging tent. The girls LOVE it. They read in it. They hide in it. They play The Wizard of Oz in it. It does make the perfect twister after all. I just finished up a very colorful one for the Bear's pre-school room. I am so in love with how it turned out. This is such an easy and fun project. I see me creating a new go to gift for birthday parties and such.



We enjoyed a fun play date at the lake this beautiful day. It was a feel good, laugh and chat kind of morning and lunch. I really am thankful for the mommies that are helping me figure this whole stay at home thing out. I learn something new everyday and I appreciate the support and non judging friendship they provide.

Two more weeks and we start school. The girls are excited. I am excited too. I do wish I could make myself a fly on the wall for the three hours they are in there. I love that they are so eager to learn. Teaching is not for everyone me. I am so thankful for those wonderful people that do it, because frankly, I need them. My children are going to be in such good hands this year. I know this and I am forever thankful.

My eyes are heavy and my heart is full. It has been a great day. I love the heavy breathing Andy exhales beside me and I know that in only minutes it will lull me to sleep.



Good Night!

Wrapping up summer...

We just returned from our beach week in Hilton Head and I must say, it feels good. I have enjoyed our busy, vacationing summer, but I am tired and ready to stay put! Summer still calls our name with it's hot days and afternoon showers, but as it always does, the air changes and the colors start to transform. I have been such a ball of emotions lately. So many things changing this fall. Both girls will be in pre-school. I am not worried about it as I know they are going to be in wonderful hands. It is just that, well, one is now five and the other is going to leave me two mornings a week. I am not really sure I am ready for it. She is. Our Bean has been ready for a long time. And I am so happy with our decision to keep the Bear in pre-school one more year before starting school. She and her sister will only be one year apart in school this way and I like that as well. We grow. We move up and we let go. All of it is bittersweet. But wonderful as well....




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We had a splashin' good time on our beach trip this year. From Birthday celebrations to new babies and all the sun and fun packed in between. Another year of memories and love all wrapped up in one short week.





We have our lemonade stand birthday party this weekend. Two little girls are very excited about that. A fun trip to The Hands On Museum with friends tomorrow awaits and that wraps things up for us. Down time and quality time while working on our bedtime and school morning routines.




I hope your summer has been fun, full filling and packed with great memories! I know ours has been and we have been blessed beyond measure!



Good Night!

Summer Ramblings

Once again, I have let the time get away from me. Almost a month since I have been here. In all fairness though....It has been one fun filled month!


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We took a weekend trip away without Andy. The first time I have ever been anywhere overnight with my kids by myself. I was a little nervous, but accompanied by the pro herself. Our first trip to an indoor water park in Pigeon Forge. Wonderful friends. Late nights. Early morning giggles. And feeling like a piece that we have been missing was filled. We have missed Tanya and her famiy. It was a wonderful treat to spend the weekend with them.






















Just getting back from a long weekend in Maryland visiting family and being part of a new baby's baptism. It was so precious. Cousins together once again. A new house with a new pool. No need for anything but swim suits and sunblock. One little big girl is a swimmer. No floats, no fear. Jumping off diving boards and swimming like crazy! Another little girl is not far behind her. All water bugs. Even sweet Audrey was in her element at 10 weeks old. I guess that is the McDonald in all of them.




























It ended with hugs and huge smiles, because this time, we only wait two more weeks to see them on our annual beach trip to Hilton Head. I can't wait on one hand, but on the other, that will wrap up our summer. The true bang will be when my Bear turns "5". I am not sure how we got here or where on earth five years have gone, but I am pretty sure I want the next five to slow down. We have a lemonade stand party full of yellows and pinks planned when we get back from vacation! Celebrating sweet summer style.

As I type this both girls are sleeping. I am refueled after a fun evening with my sweet, dear friend and I am so thankful for a husband that knows me. So completely. Giving me these breaks that come just at the right time. A rainy week has been just what the doctor ordered for us too. Inside days, lots of snuggles and together time. The hot sun returns this weekend and we will march on.

Hope your weekend is full of fun and you are enjoying your summer as much as we are!