Waiting.

Patiently Waiting. We are down to 6 weeks. 6 weeks!
I LOVE, love babies. They are the sweetest gift, so precious.  I do not want to wish away this pregnancy so quickly and I should be enjoying it more than I have.  This pregnancy has been well, let's say really different than my last 2.  No major health issues which I am SO thankful for, but has been by far the most challenging. I don't know what it is... Maybe feeling like I am going to burst into flames because of the heat, or chasing around a very happy, active 19 month old who likes to climb and get into everything while a very pregnant Mom tries to run after him. (Not a pretty sight)
A couple weeks ago, my contractions really started to kick in hard, and obviously earlier then expected .
Ouch. Is all I can say. So a trip to the hospital and some tests, yep. Pre-Term labor it is. I have been taking some medication to help with the contractions which they pretty much make me want to fall on my face some days. So tired!! And I do not do tired.  Among other things, the doc has advised me to "take it easy"...Ha...  Not in my vocab. Period.  I like to be busy, I like doing projects, cleaning like a maniac, exercising whenever I feel like it, or run around outside with my boys. "Taking it easy"  has been difficult for me. I know that may sound silly, but I guess that is just who I am. I have this inner argument with my body. My mind says go...my body says....Ahhh, I don't think so!  It let's me know for sure. After a day of  doing too much and feeling pressure as if  your water is going to break any second keeps me in check. Bleh. Like I said, I don't want to wish away this time or have our little guy come early,  but I am ready to meet my sweet new babe, to snuggle with him, and get my energy back!
 I am starting to get those excited, fluttery butterflies in my tummy, I went through the newborn clothes the other day, I had the biggest smile just imagining holding my baby boy!
Brady and our family have been incredible. Always helping out and offering to lend a hand.  I am so thankful for them. I do feel bad for Brady though, I am sure he has had enough of me (as you can tell) he has been such a great support, and helps with whatever he can. All his hard work this past year had earned him a fabulous trip for us at the end of August to Telluride, Colorado through Sysco. These trips are unreal, and not many get the chance to go. It made me so sad when I had to tell him that the doc told me I should not be traveling. I couldn't even finish my question to the doc before he was shaking his head  "No." I told Brady, "you just watch, nothing will happen if we stay home, but if  we go, my luck I would have the baby there"  And now that I said that, I probably will go full term :)
Anyway, there is always a lesson to be learned when things turn out a little differently then you expected them to be. Let's just say I have learned some simple lessons in the last month. But so grateful we have a healthy baby boy on the way very soon! Yay!

Pergola.

Ever since I have been a homeowner I have dreamed...yes, dreamed of having a pergola.  I always have wanted an additional structure with a simple architecture that adds to the yard.  A little oasis for me.  Our home is east/west facing, and our backyard in the summer just bakes! We couldn't  really enjoy having dinner out on the patio without roasting to death. Believe me, we have tried many times. So this little pergola provides just enough shade to keep it cool, yet it still filters the beautiful sunshine through. Every time I look out my kitchen window I cannot help but smile.  Brady and I wanted one last year for our 10 year anniversary but, whoa. It was out of our price range.  We were lucky enough to have a good friend that just started a pergola business on the side, build one for us. We debated back and forth for a while and finally decided to go for it. And I am so happy we did. Happy 11th Anniversary to us! It is something we will enjoy forever, we spend a lot of time outside in the yard, my boys in particular. Now we have a shady place to linger, and I think it is pretty dreamy....

Vacation.

Virginia Beach, V.A.

We just returned home from a wonderful family vacation.  It was fun and filled with images of my boys splashing in the salty waves and running with sand between their toes. They really turned into beach bums. When I saw the ocean I realized how much I had missed it. So beautiful and the sound of the waves crashing onto shore is so tranquil.

We also took a day to visit Brady's Aunt and Uncle. Yes, this is their home. Right on the water,  it was beautiful but HOT!! Really, the hottest I have ever been but worth it. The boys spent the day jet skiing in the ocean. They had a ball.

Brady headed up to D.C. for a day with some of the family. Although I wished so bad I could have gone, I stayed behind to take the boys to the beach. He had a good time, it is so pretty there.

A visit to the naval museum. Nauticus was incredible. Brayden even got to walk on the USS Wisconsin. This ship is huge. It was used in battle in the first Gulf War.

We also drove down to Hatteras, N.C. Stunning. Charming houses, sandy white beaches, and I even found a darling antique shop. Couldn't resist picking up a couple of items. I will post about those later. The boys took a day and did a deep sea fishing outing. A great catch, we later cooked and ate fresh fish until we all had our fill. Yum.

Such a charming lighthouse...

Brayden saw this on the way there and we promised to stop on the way back and let him go Grave Digger crazy!  Monster truck heaven for 2 little boys.  It actually was neat to see all the big trucks being worked on and loaded into these giant semi's for touring around the country. There was a small petting zoo which Greyson loved as well.

The roads are lined with these yummy markets. Make your mouth water. We also hit a couple of thrift stores. These are things that give me simple joy.

We had a wonderful time together. I still have so many more pictures and could go on forever on what we did and saw. But, the boys were amazing.  They traveled well and were so very good. Thanks to our family for a wonderful, memorable time together. As you can see our boys were all tuckered out by the last day. We came home from Busch Gardens amusement park , laid them on the bed, and this is what they ended up looking like. Just snuggling together, melt my heart. 

What a great trip!

Le Bain.

Just a little bathroom update.

I really like the paint, it feels so fresh.

Preschool Grad.

How does time slip by so fast?...............

My Brayden boy is a Preschool Graduate. This was an emotional past year, but a fun one for our little family. Growing by leaps and bounds.  He has learned so much and has come out of his little "shell". I am just amazed at how much he has matured. I LOVE our little chats and to look at his face while he is trying to figure "things" out. He is a bright, loving, warm, fun little boy and I am so very blessed that he is mine. 

Children are amazing. He is growing so quickly just these short five years have seemed to be rushed. Right before my eyes, I can see many changes in him, everyday. It is bittersweet. But, I love the moment at the end of a busy day I can watch him peacefully fall asleep beside Brady and I, We cherish that. In these moments,  We often talk about when he was little, all the many, funny, touching things he has done in our lives. And always the whitty"one liners" he had said that day. He is a crack-up.

It was a precious evening, one that I will hold in my heart forever. You are my world, my heart, and we are so very proud of you. We love you Brayden.

No Fire Needed.

I cannot wait for Summer.  It has been so nice enjoying our yard and being out late with the kiddos playing just as the evening is cooling off. The other day I was thinking about camping and you can't think of camping without S'mores.  One of  Brayden's favorite summertime treats, mine as well. Roasting the perfect marshmallow over hot coals. We didn't have a campfire but wanted a ooey gooey treat!  I made some smore bars...a little bit of heaven even if you don't have a fire going.  They are the next best thing.

S'mores = Summer

Cannot wait for a wonderful summer FULL of activities and many more S'mores!

If  you are craving some summer at all, here is the recipe.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
• Pinch fine salt

Brownie:

• 1 Package brownie mix

Topping:

• 2 cups large marshmallows
• As many Hershey Bars as you would like!

Directions

For the crust: Crush the graham crackers into a fine crumb. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan.Pour melted butter over, press again into pan.  Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the brownie mix. 

Pour batter into the prepared pan over graham crust. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, (keep an eye on it, it can go quick), about 2 minutes. Cool on a rack, while still warm break up Hershey bars and arrange on top. Cut into 12 (2-inch) squares.

Enjoy the gooey love!

Soccer Star.

 Handsome little guy...GO Brayden!

Brayden loves soccer. He has been playing this spring and is doing so well, improving all the time! It is a riot watching him run after the ball, his little arms just swinging back and forth so hard. Every game he gets in the car.."Mom, but I really want to score a goal." he is so determined. He has enjoyed practicing with Dad at our little park. Our soccer star...we are looking forward to another season!