Monday, June 28, 2010

Reds Game Part 1



On our list of things to do this summer is to go to a Cincinnati Reds game.
Isaac, lover of all sports, but especially baseball kept asking when we were going to go. So we checked the schedule and lo and behold they were home this weekend and who of all teams were they playing? Only the Cleveland Indians, Mark's favorite team, perfect.

We packed a little cooler full of juice boxes, squeeze yogurts (these are only for super special occasions) and other little snacky items, 'cause really, who wants to spend five bucks on a bottle of water?

Isaac was a buzz... literally the entire drive to the game.

We got there a bit late, but as soon as we sat down, Isaac's favorite player, a rookie named Drew Stubbs was at the plate and don't you know he hit a home run! It was as if the baseball gods were shining down on Isaac and just cementing his love for the game even further!

Meg, not the biggest sports fan, had a great time... as long as there was some type of music blaring in which she could shake her groove thing to.

There were home runs, a couple of wild pitches, and a hit so hard that it broke the bat...and to top it all off... it was Fireworks Friday! More on that tomorrow!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

simple summer pleasures #4

Smores!




...and marshmallows --- roasted or not... suit yourself.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

a balancing act

It can be a tough balance, being a parent.

You want to be loving yet firm.

You want to teach your children all the important lessons of life while holding on to their innocence.

You want to protect them, yet teach them how to be independent.

All the while, trying to make their childhoods fun and memorable.
Somehow, he makes it look so easy!

Thank you, Mark for being such a wonderful partner in this journey. I definitely could not do it without you! You have become such an amazing daddy to our children, and you can tell how much they love you by the way they look when you get home, or by the way their eyes light up when they talk about you.
Happy Fathers Day, sweetheart!




Happy Father's Day to you too Dad! I love you for so many reasons,
I hope you have a wonderful day!

Monday, June 14, 2010

simple summer pleasures #3

what can be better than pb&j with homemade "j"

eating it outside!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

two peas in a pod


These two...

I don't know what we're going to do with them.

They are nine months apart.

They have a love/hate relationship, and are as close as sisters.

They are both sweet as can be... most of the time.

They are both a bit on the ornery side.

The gruesome twosome...

Aggie and Meg

Monday, June 7, 2010

The smell of love

I am always amazed at how strong your sense of smell can trigger memories.

I can still smell the little ice cream shack that was located in the middle of a two lane highway across from the first house I ever lived in... I haven't been in it in about 25 or more years. I'm not even sure it is still standing, but I can smell it's distinct cherry-ish, almond-ish sugar cones and that I always had Superman ice cream.

This weekend my mom and I ~with the help of two other little ones~ made strawberry preserves and the smell of three gallons of strawberries was overwhelming! They were so colorful and vibrant... really, what food says summer like strawberries?

Even more remarkable is the smell of the warm preserves. It is simply intoxicating. I am amazed that fruit with sugar and pectin can transform something already wonderful into a jar of sunshine that we can open on the dreariest of February mornings.

This is the jelly that I have eaten my entire life.

It was on the english muffin when I was a baby, drinking my coffee (that's a story for another time).
It was on the toast I would eat when I was sick.
It was on the peanut butter sandwiches I had for lunch.
It was mixed with butter, so I could dip my biscuits in it.
It was all of these things because my mom made it.

And now it's on Isaac and Meg's toast, peanut butter sandwiches and biscuits.

This is a tradition. One I have enjoyed my entire life and one I plan on continuing and hoping that my children will have as many wonderful and comforting memories as I do that include "Strawberry 'erves".
Thanks mom. For everything.

Friday, June 4, 2010

simple summer pleasures #2


Blowing Bubbles...


in tutus...


while mama knits a bit.


Thursday, June 3, 2010

It's official...


Isaac is a kindergartner.


Heaven help me.