Thomas' Visit!!

We had a very special guest in our home last week!!! Thomas came down from Maine and stayed with us for 3 nights!! Many moons ago, I met Thomas and his family when they moved to Maine. I taught him for 3 years: kindergarten, first and second grades. I mention this because Thomas begins HIGH SCHOOL next year!!! CRAZY!!!

Wes was so happy to have Thomas' companionship and Hails loved playing with him on the floor. I am quite proud of Thomas and it is so neat to see how much he's grown each time I see him!

This summer, Thomas is going to visit for a week and we are looking forward to lots of fun!

A Visit to Arlington National Cemetery

John's beautiful Grandmother, Aura Charlene Kendall passed away in May 2005. She was buried in Arlington National Cemetery and we returned to visit her burial site with Grandpa, Aunt Karen and Uncle Vern, Hailey and Wesley over the holidays.

These special moments don't begin to capture the love that Grandpa has for Grandma. I teared up watching his journey through the headstones, thankful that the snow had melted the day before. I can't imagine living a portion of my life without John by my side, or vice versa, and my heart aches for the losses that my mother and grandparents have endured over the past years.

Grandpa says Hailey Belle has a smile that reminds him of his Lady. A true compliment. John's "Mammo" was a remarkable and beautiful woman, wife, and mother from every account that I've heard.

The little storm before the 2 big storms!

"I can't move!!!!"

"hey you guys...look at me!!"

these crack us up...we laughed the whole time on the playground

Weirdo...

"I not need to sweep in my bed. I need to sweep on the floor". Everynight, for the past few weeks, Wes has added a new step into his night-night routine. What will he think of next? Why does this provide him comfort?? We just laugh and think he's weird. Whatever works, right??

Air and Space Museum

A few weekends ago we went with our good friends, the Huzzards to the Air and Space Museum. It really was designed well and all--- probably and Air Force guy's dream day of looking at planes.

The boys had so much fun, even though John wanted to read everything and Wes just wanted to look!!

Wes is all about space-shuttles now!

Jacob signed airplane for the first hour!!! Precious!

The proud owner of a new space shuttle and Planets and Stars glow in the dark stickers for his ceiling! Our little guy had lots of fun and a great nap!

Hailey and Wes

Tabu...the color of our kitchen!

More snow came to our area, so we decided to paint the kitchen. It is now a sage gree. I had a tough time getting shots with good lighting, but here are a few...

The Making of Our Cornice--We did it!!!

Mom came to visit after Christmas and we put her right to work...kind of! We had a wonderful, relaxing visit...until Deb and family came (totally kidding!!!). Ha, ha, I crack myself up. Anyway, after months of thinking about window treatments, fabrics, and colors, we decided to make our own cornice and save hundreds of $$$$$! John and mom were instrumental in getting this project completed in ONE day! We couldn't believe we finished it. I tried to help, but with 2 little ones, I often tended to them! We are so proud of this project and in the next post below, you can see the painted room....now on to furniture!!! And lots more painting!

Painting and snow...

This weekend has brought a record breaking snowfall/storm to the area. The snow is beautiful and plentiful...over 20 inches so far! More pics to come...

The snowy weekend provided a much needed opportunity (in my mind) to begin painting our new home! After trying a few samples, we went with my mother's original recommendation, Vanilla Brandy.

Clearly a before shot...

and after.....ta da!!! Just waiting for Wes to start painting on the walls. He loved to hold the brush with me and paint, although he really just wanted to do it himself!

And she's off!!!!

Hailey loves to push this toy around the basement. When she started this at 8 months, I quickly decided to let it be a special activity...as in, I don't encourage mobilization at this age!!