Happy New Year!!

We rang in the new year at our favorite beach getaway....Topsail Island! It's the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate. Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy 2013-

Slaying the Ladies

I haven't posted for a while....there is so much to capture and not enough time to do it in. I need to dedicate an afternoon and catch up! In the meantime, I HAD to post this. Since we've moved, Cooper has been building more and more confidence with every day. He loves our new house, our new town, his new friends and to celebrate, he has a new attitude. He's still the same sweet boy but with a dose of easy that makes him visably more comfortable in his own skin. It warms my heart and makes me smile. Some days, it makes me laugh out loud.

I was in Colorado for a few days earlier this week and as such wasn't in charge of the morning routine. Jon sent this picture to show me what Coop wore to school on Tuesday. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Yes, those are sweat pants, a tshirt, Vans, pink shoelaces and a navy blue blazer. He also combed his hair straight forward. And he never had a doubt that he looked FANTASTIC. I've come to adore this about him- that he's comfortable enough in his own skin to make choices, set trends and be who he wants to be. He told me that a girl said to him that "real men wear pink"- of course they do! This wouldn't have happened a year ago...it probably wouldn't have happened a month ago, but a lot can happen in a few months and that sweet kid is proof that sometimes change is not just good, but great!! Hope the sight of this proud little kid makes you smile....it sure did for me!

Happy Birthday Ma!

My sweet mother is having a birthday today...

Happy Birthday Mom, Ma, Grandma, Babs.

And since he can't be there to give you a kiss in person, I thought this might help (at least a little)!

I spent some time yesterday cleaning out some drawers that haven't been touched in a while.

You never know what may turn up when you least expect it!

Oh, the memories we have from that porch...family vacations (sometimes with the addition of friends) were priceless. Such happy times...so much sunscreen, so much love!!

And this one....the day was so magical (although we both look completely shell shocked). I think it's safe to say that we've both become more photogenic with age!!

I love you, Ma! Hope your day is filled with happiness and love.

Happy Birthday!!

Chocolate Bar by Cooper

I went to the grocery store this afternoon and when I left my child was reasonably clean. When I returned about an hour later, that was not the case.

Jon and Cooper came out to help carry the groceries inside and Cooper was covered in something that I assumed was dirt.

I was wrong.

"What happened to you buddy? You're a mess."

"Oh, well, I tried to make a chocolate bar"

Huh???

When I walked into the kitchen it was a disaster.

Chocolate fingerprints were all over the counter, cabinets, microwave and fridge.

This was what I saw in the sink.

"Coop, what in the world???"

"Well Momma, I was hungry and really wanted a candy bar but we didn't have any. So, I took some chocolate chips, melted them in the microwave, poured them onto a plate and stuck them in the freezer. Then I tried to eat it."

"I see. How did that turn out for you?"

"Not good at all Momma"

I'll say.

I'll give him an A for creativity and resourcefulness.

Other than that? Epic FAIL.

Hope you're week gets an A for more than just creativity and resourcefulness!!

Overheard....

If you were in our kitchen this morning, here's what you would have heard.

Me: Coop, are those the best pancakes you've ever eaten??
Cooper: Well. I mean, they're good momma...maybe not the best. But still really good.

And then 10 minutes later as I'm mixing up a crazy concoction found on Pinterest (details coming).

Jon: What are you cooking up now?
Me: Oh, just these bars that I've been obsessed with lately. I'm not sure they're going to turn out like they're supposed to.
Jon: Sure they will, you're the best cook ever.
Me: I'm really not...it's ok, you can be honest.
Jon: Well. You have made some pretty bad stuff. But MOST of what you make is delicious.


Sigh.
Reality sometimes hits me right in the face!

Happy Saturday-

Brace yourself....

We've been waiting for this for years...braces.

We went for a consultation at the orthodontist today. It wasn't at all what I expected- which isn't a bad thing at all.

Our consultation lasted for 90 minutes and was a fantastic experience. Maybe I think that because at the end of the visit I didn't need to sign on the dotted line to begin treatment. Or, maybe it was a combination of really friendly people, a cheery office, a doctor with a sense of humor and a concierge who knew her stuff.

Regardless, we walked out with a plan. Oddly, the plan didn't include braces (I know- SHOCKING). Evidently our sweet kid doesn't have enough teeth to warrant any closing of the existing gaps and we're 2-3 years away from all heavy metal.

The plan does include some oral surgery. Eek.
Most people have 32 teeth. Our kid...has 33.
Technically a supernumerary left upper lateral incisor. And it must be extracted.

Here's the detail.....the original copy of this xray now functions as the front page of Cooper's notebook. He's all the rage in 5th grade!



Anywoooo....we've got an appointment for another consultation to discuss removal. Poor little thing. He's excited though- and will tell anyone who seems even vaguely interested all about "the extra tooth that needs to be yanked". If you see him, feel free to ask.

So, a few more years until braces but in the meantime we're clearing the path for the right teeth to come in and fill in that gummy/toothy grin.

Gotta love that kid!!!

Mary Mary....

Quite contrary.
How does your garden grow?



I'm not sure about hers...but my pitiful back yard tomato plant yielded this adorable little gem.

Happy Friday!

Ramblings

Totally random thoughts-

1) I have been banking with the same credit union for most of my working life. I love them, they've been good to me and so as a result I'm a very loyal customer. So loyal that I overlook the small things that could be considered annoying (like, the closest branch is an hour away). I just make it work. HOWEVER I have just rec'd a message from them letting me know that they are upgrading their security systems and I'm going to need to change the username and password to my account. The username and password that I've used for almost 20 years. Have I mentioned that I'm so not good with change?? I love my username and password- it's etched in my memory like my parents phone number. I don't have to think or pause- I just know it.


This is a line from the message "Please make sure you choose a username that is secure, yet something you can easily remember, as it cannot be changed once submitted." Really? I could easily remember my OLD username...you know, the one that you're telling me I MUST change. Sigh, such pressure.

Sometimes technology drives me crazy- how many passwords and log ins can a person remember? I'm pretty sure I have 50 of them between work and personal use, maybe more. How can a person be expected to keep up?

My brain is full and I'm in mourning.


2) We went to a surprise birthday gathering for a friend on Friday and were supposed to take an appetizer. No problem, I can do that!! But, when it actually came down to it the party was in an hour, I needed to take a shower and, as is sort of par for the course as of late- hadn't formalized my plan for the appetizer. Small town living means it's not as easy to just run to the store to solve the dilemma so I needed to make due with what I had in the closet. I could not love GOOGLE any more!

I typically keep cream cheese in the frig and crackers on the shelf "just in case". The rest is completely random (and totally saved the day!!)



Baked Pesto Dip-



So easy....cover cream cheese with pesto, chopped tomatoes and shredded parmesan, bake for 15 minutes and serve with crackers.

Fast, easy, tasty- can't beat it!

3) Cobwebs- my newest downfall....we must have a million spiders living on our porch and it drives me insane. Any ideas for getting them to move?

4) The Olympics are on and I LOVE THEM!!!! I cannot get enough....the stories, the smiles, the medals, the patriotism, the theme song, Bob Costas. Seriously, does it get any better?

5) You know when people say, "it's a small world"? Last night we were at a party. Some of our friends had friends visiting from Germany and they brought them along. Through the course of conversation, Jon learns that the woman from Germany (who is actually Swedish) played tennis in the US in college. And so he says to her, "You know, our old neighbor played tennis in college and is from Sweden...you don't by chance know the C's, do you?". Um, indeed she did, not only that but they are still great friends!! Stop the madness- I love a good 6 degrees of separation story!

That's what's been swimming around in my brain- what's happening in yours??

Can't Stop Eating These....

I love this time of year....when cherries are plentiful and best of all- cheap!!

watching the Olympics + eating cherries =a little slice of heaven.

Milk-

It does a body good!



We picked Cooper up from camp today....what a difference a year makes.
Last year as soon as I drove up to the cabin, Cooper ran towards me at top speed.
This year, Jon and I drove up and got a nonchalant wave when he saw us.

It was a good feeling- and one that pulled at my heartstrings.
We got in the car, took a quick tour around the camp and headed home.

I offered him some milk as soon as we left the gates....his face was priceless.
It's hard to know exactly what the situation was, but he says that they only gave kids milk in the morning for their cereal. I cannot fathom not giving kids the option of drinking milk with their meals- sheesh.

Did he love it? No.
Did he have a good time? Yes
Does he want to go back next year? Not to this camp- he has a new appreciation for the camp he attended last year and I think we'll try to make that happen.
Did he have some funny stories? Yes!
Is he glad he went? Yes.
Is his confidence higher than when he left? Yes.
Is he glad to be home? YES!!

Are we glad to have him home?? YES, YES, YES!!!!

This Just In....

Jon went to the Post Office to grab our mail (yes, that's right- we don't have a mailbox at our house..it takes some getting used to but I LOVE it now!) and guess what was there???

Letters from COOP!!

Here is his post card-



We couldn't be more thrilled....
But, the best part was his letter (exactly as it was written)-

Dear Mom and Dad,

Top bunk is not that great, here is why the air conditioning can't get up here. Some things that have been cool are the wet willie, carpet ball, sailing, Ski School and our cottage. I am going to send you another letter tomorrow.

Love,
Cooper


P.S. Can you send some candy cause all the people in my cabin are stuffing down stuff.

Turn page



When I turned the page, this is what I saw-




Oh my word!!! If you know my kid then you realize how dire the situation is to have no milk. He can't get through a meal let alone a week without milk!!

I'll be packing a 1/2 gallon in a cooler for him to drink on the way home when I pick him up! Sweet little thing!!

Oh, my heart is so happy right now-

Missing Him...

I am missing this little kid right now!
He's at Camp for the week and is probably having a blast but that doesn't change the fact that it's sort of lonely on the home front.

I can't wait to go pick him up on Saturday- last year when he came back he had so many stories and he had grown so much in such a short time. I'm so proud of him for going and for facing his fears about being away from home.

Come on Saturday!!!

because....

i want to be sure to remember the moments that melt my heart when he has no idea i'm watching!!

1st Crabs of 2012

The R's stopped for their yearly pilgrimage on the way home from the beach.



As usual, the crabs did not disappoint (and neither did the R's)!

Don't Worry

Bee Happy.

(words to live by!)

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that my family is fast asleep upstairs in their beds while I'm catching up on tv, blogging, work, and laundry.

I am thankful for losing a bit of weight and feeling really great.

I am thankful that a little girl is with her mom tonight and that God kept her safe (still saying prayers for this family as they face some pretty tough circumstances in the coming days/months).

I am thankful for our upcoming vacation!!

I am thankful for good friends who get more excited about my birthday than I do and shower me with love and treats.

I am thankful for people who share my sense of humor and who keep me absolutely sane on even the craziest of days.

I am thankful for my crock pot (and easy to follow recipes).

I am thankful for adventures with my boys and can't wait for the next one.

I am thankful!

Funny Kid

Cooper came down wearing this sock combo and said-

"Hey Momma- look carefully at my socks. Tell me what group I'm wearing."

I didn't get it.

He said- "Momma- think about music groups and look at my socks. Think hard. Which group are they??"

I had NO idea.
I tried, I thought, I pondered what songs we had listened to together recently that might have given him an idea.

Nothing.

So he said, "think about the colors and the order that the socks are in. I think that will help you."

I gave up.
I didn't have a clue.

"Momma- see how the green sock is 1st...what does that remind you of? The earth??"

"MOMMMA- It's EARTH, WIND and FIRE!!!!"

Where does he get this stuff?
(and how long did it take him to put 3 pairs of socks on?)

I've got to give that kid props....he's got some pretty eclectic taste in music for a 10 year old!!

My boys-

Today is a special day.

10 years ago today, my sweet husband became a father.



I love this shot. Cooper actually took it and if you look closely you can see both of us reflected in Jon's glasses.

10 years ago today, our lives changed forever.

10 years.
A decade.
Double digits.
It doesn't seem possible.



He's simply the sweetest, most kind, thoughtful, funny, loving, considerate and dedicated child on the planet. I love his little brain, his sense of humor, how independent he's become, how easily he's accepted the challenge of completely starting again and how excited he is to start each new day.


Happy Father's Day to the man I adore and to a wonderful dad.
Happy Birthday to the best kid I know.

I love you both more than words can say.

Love,
Momma

Free Roaming Pets...

Cooper and Jon went to PetSmart today.
This is the conversation I had with Cooper when he called me using Jon's phone.

Me- Hi honey
Him- Hi Momma, it's me!
Me- Well hi buddy, what's going on?
Him- Momma, we're standing in front of a guinea pig. I was wondering whether I could get one for my birthday.

Me- Ohhh, wow buddy. You know, I don't think that's a good idea.
Him- Why not?
Me- Well, I think maybe Gypsy would eat a guinea pig.
Him- No Momma, that won't happen. This guinea pig would live in a cage so Gypsy wouldn't be able to eat him.
Me- Hmmm, I still think it's not a good idea. What about a nice fish instead?


Thankfully they didn't come home with either. (whew-dodged a bullet there) It makes me laugh that clearly he thought that I thought there was an option for a guinea pig to NOT live in a cage. Have you ever??

Funny kid!

(my word, has it almost been a month since I last posted. I have been so nuts lately...good thing vacation is just around the corner!)

New Discovery

Early this spring, our neighbors had a cocktail party to say "welcome to town" for us. Besides being able to meet everyone, the best thing about the party was hands down this bowl of delicious-ness.



It's pimento cheese.
I don't like pimento cheese.
Actually, I've never had it before but it seemed like something that I wouldn't like....pimentos are weird.

When we walked into the party the host grabbed a cracker, spread a huge hunk of pimento cheese on it and handed it to me with absolute certainty that I would eat it.
I couldn't say no.
It was a horrible moment and I braced myself.

BUT I LOVED IT.
Evidently it's a secret family recipe that's been handed down from generation to generation. It was so good.

Since the party we've been to their house twice and both times the pimento cheese has also been in attendance. I've made it very clear that I think it's some of the best stuff I've ever eaten. They've made it very clear that the recipe is still a secret.

Sigh.

And so begins my quest to find a recipe for pimento cheese.
Do you have one that isn't a secret?

Let me know- pronto!

Memorial Day

Hope your day is spent with people you love doing things you love. Remember to take a moment to remember why we celebrate today, and to be thankful for those who have so bravely fought and gave their lives for our freedom.

how do you eat this???

We went to a party yesterday...a surprise 50th birthday of epic proportion. The unsuspecting birthday girl was treated to about 150 friends and neighbors who turned out to celebrate in her honor.



We had a great time, met a ton of new people, ate amazing food and were entertained by a band who played until the wee hours of the night.



But quite possibly the most memorable part of the night was when Cooper tapped me on the shoulder and said,

"Hey Momma, how do you eat this??"



Jon and I have fond memories of attending an annual craw fish boil in our pre-Cooper years.....




And were more than happy to pass the experience on to him!

Here's to good friends, good food and making new discoveries!!

Happiness is-

Seeing pure joy on the face of someone you love...




knowing how far they've come....



and thinking about what may be on the horizon.


(besides braces)

Hope you're having a great week!

tough lessons, big heart

Life hands us lessons to learn and make us stronger, better humans.
Sometimes those lessons are tough....

Today Coop hit a home run.
It was his first hit all season long (we're 9 games into a 13 game season).
We've talked to him, bribed him, tried to build his confidence, and have even (sadly) been disappointed in him....nothing mattered.

He's been watching that ball and waiting for his pitch. He's let beautiful pitches come right across the plate and hasn't moved a muscle...he's swung and missed....he's had some bad calls here and there, but at the end of the day he either strikes out or gets walked.

Until today.

Today he connected with the ball.
Today that kid hit a to the fence drive that was beautiful!

He ran to 1st base....rounded to 2nd....



ran through 3rd.....





and was waved on by the 3rd base coach because of an overthrow....
and when he got to home....



he was called out by the ump.

Was it a bad call? I think so.
Did he take it hard? Absolutely. Harder than I ever expected.

It was horrendous.
Everyone was SO excited for him, the crowd went wild, the coaches were jumping up and down, I was screaming at the top of my lungs and he experienced about 2 minutes of complete and total elation.

Until reality set it and so did devastation.

This is about 20 minutes later....after the game ended and he was chosen to "break it down for the team"...after everyone there congratulated him and told him what an amazing hit it was....after his shoulders stopped heaving and the tears stopped falling.



A tender moment with his coach telling him that he KNEW he could do it, and that it didn't matter the call, what mattered was that he hit the ball and did what the coaches told him to do. Was he out? Sure, but that's not the point.

The point was that he did it. He accomplished something that he'd been working towards for months. He did it and he did it well. And nobody can take that away- ever.

How to handle disappointment and anger with grace....important life lessons that we'll need to perfect in the coming years.

Congrats on an awesome hit little kid....that and Life 101.

Two Word Tuesday

Silly pup!


(I can't just say 2 words...this is what I came home to today. I think it may be illegal to be jealous of your dog, but I am!!)