And Finally.... The PARTY!

Yesterday we celebrated Kylie's birthday with an "under the sea" themed party at Pop Pop and Mom Mom Witmer's house. The day couldn't have gone any better. We had beautiful weather, delicious food, fabulous decorations (thanks to Aunt Susie and Aunt Katie), amazing family and friends, and tons of fun. The kids stayed busy for hours playing on the swing set, jumping in the bouncy castle, and splashing in the kiddy pool. Even the "grown ups" were able to enjoy some rounds of washer toss while the kids played.

The birthday girl, though most likely oblivious to the fact that we were all there to celebrate her, had as much fun as anyone. It took her no time at all to dig into her birthday cake. And when she had had her fill, she enjoyed painting her tray with what was left. Unfortunately, she did have a minor allergic reaction moments later due to the eggs in the icing and cake mix. But after a little dose of Benadryl, she was fine so we started opening her gifts. She was a good sport as I held her on my lap shoving tissue paper and clothes and toys in her face as she was fighting the urge to sleep brought on by the Benadryl.

Most of the guests went home just after 2:00 and Kylie got to take her nap, but the party didn't end. We hung around with Jim's family and chatted and played and even got take out from my father-in-law's fire company's chicken barbecue for dinner. We would've hung out all night if we could have, but we had a very tired Kyra and Kylie that needed to be tucked into their beds. So after much partying we called it a day.

First Birthday Photo Shoot

Happy 1st Birthday Kylie!

A year flew by and suddenly you're one.
You have been a blessing from the day you were born.
Never crying, always sleeping, good eater, smile wearer.
Today you have 8 teeth in that beautiful smile.
Crawling at lightning speed, even up the stairs.
You have amazing balance, yet that first step alludes us. For now.
Soon though, very soon, you will walk. Then run.
You will keep up with Kyra. You already adore her.
You point to things you want. Usually food.
Cheese curls, peas, carrots, grapes, bread.
But not eggs. No, not them. Someday though.
Chase makes you giggle. He loves to give you kisses.
And so do mommy and daddy.
You're just so kissable, huggable, lovable.
Happy birthday Punkin, Punkin!

Memories of a year

It's hard to believe that it has been an entire year since Kylie came into this world. The last 365 days have flown by, but have also been filled with joy, love, tears, laughs, and firsts. On this special day which celebrates Kylie, I can't help but reflect on some special memories of her.

I remember after we had our 20 week ultra sound and learned she was a girl Jim said to me, "You're carrying Kyra's best friend in your belly."

I remember the annoyance of the women at the check-in desk at the hospital after I was admitted when I didn't look like I was "laboring" at all. And further, their shock when 3 hours later Kylie had arrived.

I remember the delivery nurse saying Kylie would be a red-head and wondering how she could even tell through all the "gunk" that was covering her. I also remember getting excited and hoping she was right.

I remember having her in a bassinet next to our bed and waking up one morning and realizing she had outgrown it and needed to move into the nursery.

I remember how she used to sit/sleep in her baby carrier in the corner of my preschool class on Wednesday mornings.

I remember her wiggling. Her super silly, hair removing, giggly wiggling.

I remember being super emotional the first day she was totally weaned. I loved having that special bond with her.

I remember how impressed I was with her ability to sit up so well at 5 months.

I remember how much she loved jumping.

I remember her playing with her tongue all the time. She loves her tongue.

I remember that her motivation to finally crawl was the laser light on my dad's tape measure.

I remember trips to the zoo, the park, Tulsa, shopping, friends homes, church, and Wal-Mart.

I remember joy, Kylie Joy. And I look forward to the memories yet to be made.

Longwood Gardens: Round 2

Last Thursday the girls and I had the pleasure of taking another trip to Longwood Gardens with our season pass holder friends. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:

My Honey Did

When I went to Tulsa for 2 weeks back in May/June, I left Jim with his first ever "Honey-Do List". When I returned home, I was in awe at how much he had done. Not only had he nearly completed the list I left for him, but he went above and beyond, doing extras that he saw needed to be done. I felt as if I had come home to an entirely new house, all thanks to Jim's improvements here and there. I was so proud of him and blessed by all his hard work that I documented everything in photographs so I'd never forget. Here is a photoscape of Jim's completed honey-do list and then some:


He had my carpets cleaned

Installed a new digital thermostat

Got weights and worked on his new body (yes I consider this something he did for me) :)

Ordered a new dual compartment trash can so I no longer have to collect recyclable items on the counter top

Hung wedding pictures over our bed

Hung a mirror in my closet

Cleaned out the garage

He even painted the floor in the garage to make it extra nice

Refinished our front porch

Mulched my gardens

Put a border along the edge of my gardens

Surprised me with beautiful hanging plants

Purchased (and attempted to install) a storm door

AND..... last but DEFINITELY NOT LEAST...... He bought me a van!!!!!!!!

That's right folks, he surprised me with a beautiful Nissan Quest Luxury Edition van. Complete with leather seats, DVD player, and remote control doors. I am the most blessed woman ever! Thanks Baby for my cool new ride and for all the things you did to make our house more of a home. LOVE YOU!!

My poor forsaken blog

I never had a chance to finish blogging about my trip to Tulsa back in early June. As soon as I returned to PA, I immediately had to get myself, and my house, in gear for our vacation to the OBX. Not to mention that Jim was on a business trip to Boston the week before we left, so I was in "single parent" mode too.

On Father's Day we drove down to Nags Head where we stayed for a week, sharing a house with some of our dearest friends in the world. I had packed my computer with the lofty hopes of blogging whilst catching some rays by the pool. However, the wireless internet at the rental house didn't work, so..... I was forced to go an entire week without any connection to the grand ol' www.

Returning home after a glorious and exhausting week at the beach, I came down with the post-vacation blues. It took every bit of energy I had just to catch up on laundry, go to the grocery store, play with the girls, and fix a few meals. I missed my friends and my friends' kids and I sort of basked in my discontent with no longer being at the beach.

This week I finally began forcing myself to get over it and rejoin day to day life as it is. And I realized getting reacquainted with my blog is part of that. Then I got overwhelmed with all the things I could and should post about.... Tulsa, Vacation, etc. so I decided to give myself a break and just write random thoughts about my day today as I make my way back into my blogging world.


I realize that on days that I get out of bed and actually get dressed, as opposed to throwing on whatever I find just so I can get the girls up, my days get off to a better start.

That better start this morning motivated me to make my Aunt Kay's recipe for banana bread with chocolate chips and walnuts.

Making the banana bread motivated me to cook the 10 lb pork shoulder I bought on a whim this week after watching Food Network last weekend.

Trying and failing to shove the 10lb pork shoulder in my tiny slow cooker made me realize, I need a bigger Crock Pot.

Thank God for Mother-in-laws with bigger Crock Pots and for Sister-in-laws willing to deliver them.

I can now say I have successfully slow cooked my own pork shoulder. Tonight we feasted on pulled pork tacos and later this week I'll make bbq pulled pork sandwiches out of the leftovers. Divine.

I love lunches out with my sisters-in-law. I am growing less and less fond of lunches out with 2 1/2 year old Kyra.

I actually told Kyra the pizza place we went to for lunch didn't have pizza so she would eat chicken tenders instead.

I wish I had more time to read books. I am very proud of myself for the little bit of time I have found to allow myself to read lately.

Slumdog Millionaire was, in my opinion, a good movie, but watching it made me sick to my stomach and overwhelmed me with sadness. I wish I hadn't watched it by myself.

I love So You Think You Can Dance. I get so happy watching it that I sometimes laugh out loud.


And on that note, I'm going to wrap this blog up so I can give the show my undivided attention and fully revel in the happiness.