Spring Happenings

This is how I start my mornings... I creep out of the bed, peek in on Gracie, and give her a little kiss on her cheek, walk downstairs, look out the front window at my quiet street to see if there is any early morning movement and then I  make me some coffee.  I must say I love the routine just as much as the taste and aroma.  This is me and this is how I roll...in the mornings.

Last week was a long and stressful week;  we were "a man down".  Our sweet little lady came down with Strep Throat or as the doctor diagnosed it..Scarlett Fever! Can you believe these pictures were taken 24 hours after she was couch bound with a high fever and not holding anything down.  All I can say is thank God for modern medicine and good 'ole snuggling.  It was a rough few days, but we all survived with flying colors.  I slept with her each night to be ready for anything that "came up" (no pun intended).  This what we do as moms.  We do what it takes to get through ANY situation.   I love this part of mommyhood.  The caring part.  When they get hurt physically or emotionally we are there to place patches made of hugs and kisses all over them and their wounded parts. I can remember when I was young and being very sick.  My mom would make sure I was so comfortable.  I would have clean, crisp, and fresh sheets to crawl into, a fresh glass of ginger ale and chicken noodle soup at just the right temperature.  Not too hot, not too cold.  I remember my mom tucking me in my bed and I would drift off to sleep to comforting sounds of her in the kitchen and just a few feet away if I needed anything.  It's all about home.  You can have a house, but I tell ya, having a safe, secure home makes life so awesome.

Now that normalcy has returned we are also getting excited about Easter coming.  I think that on a warm Spring day all you need is some egg-shaped sidewalk chalk and a driveway.  And soon it is going to be time to stroll down to my friend Susan's house for our Spring/Summer ritual of popsicle happy hour!  Can't wait!

Recently I feel like everyone I know is going to or has been to Disney World.  I admit, I love that magical place.  I went for the fist time when I was, ahem, 35!  I know, crazy...We had the most awesome time.  I was exhasusted every night, and me and my bottle of Advil became best buds, but let me tell you I would go tomorrow if I could.   Here is Gracie prepping her autograph book. Priceless.

And how about a fish face?  Totally in character.

Guess what I got to do on Saturday?  Go shopping by myself.  Darin said, "go, have fun, take your time."  What?! "take your time?"  Ok, if  I must.  So I headed out and found this little guy,  Mr. Owl.  He just needs a nice coat of spray paint and he will find a new home.  But, what color?  I am thinking high-gloss white.  Hmmm...soon enough, soon enough.

This was what I enjoyed during my me-time.  Ate a sammy, and perused these little guys.  I love my laptop, but a great magazine is still one of my first true loves.

After a rainy Saturday the sun finally returned and it was time for coloring Easter eggs in beautiful colors. I think Darin actually colored one.  Then it was off to find the perfect ferns for our front porch. 

After a long week, I must say, it was a fabulous day! 

Sweet Spring

Spring is here finally and we have been soaking up every minute.  Gracie has been playing soccer and we  really love watching her interact with her team and run around just having some fun.  My favorite part is when she makes a move, stops mid-stride and gives us a thumbs up.  She is so proud and l am soaking up every minute of it.

My birthday came and went.  It was a fantastic day filled with family, friends and of course flowers.  Hubby got me the prettiest roses and I could not get enough of them.  He also surprised me with a new camera. I was so excited, I actually shed a few tears.  Nothing makes me happier than capturing moments in the life of our cozy family of three. 

Aren't they purty?

Of course Daddy had to get Miss Gracie some flowers too.  These little beauties were front and center on the kitchen table for a long time.

I had to swipe this little beauty and put it in my kitchen window so I could enjoy it while doing the dishes.

It's the simple things, right?!

Birthday celebrations, in my opinion, are only fun when you can share them with the ones you love...

and I really love this crowd.  We enjoyed a dinner together and then came back to our house for cake, cocktails and conversation.  We sat around for a long time just talking and laughing.  This birthday was simple and sweet and  I enjoyed every minute.  I worked all day, but that is no big deal when you get to spend it with your husband.  We stopped working long enough to enjoy a take-out lunch together at our desks.  I am a lucky girl.  On the way home from dinner Gracie and Darin even stopped and got me a big bouqet of balloons.

I even spent time with the coolest brother one could ask for and his very sweet girlfriend, Julia.  Considering my bro is always traveling to way cooler places than Target and the grocery store, I was very honored to spend the evening with him.  Just wish my sister could have been there!

And how about these 2 sweeties?   Little Ben graces our doorway on most days with a knock and a "can Gwacie come out and play?"  I just love this kid.  It is fabulous  having neighbors who are also great friends; who come over anytime and feel like they can just kick off their shoes and have a dance party.  I love my street.