What a Happy Day

Happy 4^th of July!

The Taste of Summer

Today, while at a meeting, a lady stopped by with her fresh out-of-the garden tomatoes and I just had to buy some. All I need to hear is fresh from the garden and I'm on it faster than flies on honey. That evening we toasted some white bread {yes, the non-healthy kind – thank you Amanda for giving me a taste of that the other day and now my whole grain just doesn't taste the same}. Anyway, we toasted some white bread, added a little dill-flavored mayo, fresh cooked bacon, sautéed arugula from our garden, and topped it with the delicious tomato with salt and pepper – it was a taste of summer. Fresh and refreshing like a pillow that dried in the sun after a good washing. Let me tell you I don't even like plain tomatoes, but I've been converted with this sandwich. Yum. More tomato sandwiches coming up in our near future.

A Pretty Pom-Pom

Maybe it's from my {brief} cheerleader days, but I just love a good pom-pom, especially the paper ones for a cost-effective decoration. Today, we went a little pom-pom crazy as we are gearing up for 4th of July. Don't ask – we had pink tissue paper so we decided to make a few for a little Saturday party as well. Pom Poms everywhere in the house. Caroline was in H-E-A-V-E-N.

What It’s All About

Today was one of those day's where you are reminded that this is what life is all about. We have two beautiful (I think they are) children that were absolutely perfect today. It was also Cory's birthday. We woke up early and got to visit with him before he headed to work, then set out to the farm at Sunray Road to run around for a little bit in the field so Caroline could "get her wiggles out." She made me laugh when we got back in the car, and as her hair is matted to her head with sweat, she said "I ot my iggles out!"

I always love the drive down Highway 90, or in the City known as Mahan Road, out there this time of year with the Crèpe Myrtles in bloom, which Mr. Mahan planted years ago to beautify "Mahan Road." On our way back we stopped to get a fresh hand-spun milkshake from the corner store and then headed home to meet a sitter so mama could have a few hours of "work time" and get ready for daddy's birthday dinner. And, Caroline and I went swimming at our little mommy and me swim lessons. Cory's Birthday Dinner was absolutely delightful with lots of laughter and good friends, and on our way home I commented to Cory – this is a day to remember – relaxing and really noting major happened, but 100% what life is all about: family, friends, laughter, outdoors and togetherness.

And, bye, bye Beemer --- type to trade it in for a more realistic "family vehicle." Sadness...

“Tucker” William Shattuck Couch

He has arrived! William Shattuck Couch graced us with his presence on Monday, April 26 at 2:36 p.m. It was an easy, breezy labor {much better than the three hours of pushing with Caroline} and we are beyond delighted. Words cant express the happiness we are feeling right now!

Books Were A Flyin’

We've been blessed to have Caroline be the perfect little sleeper. We usually put her in her bed and off we go on our merry way and she falls asleep with peaceful dreams. Well not last night, last night she didn't want to go to bed and finally subdued to get in there. After about 5 minutes we checked the video monitor, but couldn't see her (maybe she is in the far corner). That's what we thought until Cory said "wait a minute, did you see those books flying into the crib (from out of the crib)?" Not seconds later, guess who rounds the hallway into our room with a big smile and "hey." None other than Caroline. Our little climber, finally climbed out of the bed. I was talking on the phone and quickly hung up before Gretchen laughed "You life is over as you know it." Fortunately, it look only a little while of coaxing to convince Caroline to go back to bed and explain how she cant get out of the crib until we come get her. We will see how tonight goes. Wish us luck!

Our little Picasso

The Smell of Freshly Sharpened Pencils. Caroline has discovered the pencil sharpener. I'll admit, I'm a little compulsive about needing to use a freshly sharpened pencil or my preference of pen in the bic micro black pen so I shouldn't be surprised that she would go through a period where she wants to color with a handful of freshly sharpened pencils. Picasso better watch out. The rum,rum, rum of the pencil sharpener is probably a sound here to stay for a while. Here she is showing Nane her perfect marks.