The big 35

My 35th birthday was a really, really good one! My week started with an amazing birthday dinner made by Chuck, followed by chocolate covered strawberries (hand dipped by Chuck and Hughie), my favorite dessert, and a bouquet of lillies, my favorite flowers. So thoughtful and sweet.

And then there was Alan Jackson. Mark thoughtfully coordinated a "girls night out" for me and Jen in State College, complete with an Alan Jackson concert. We watched the first two acts and then were approached by a man with two front row tickets. Yes, we got the hot chick upgrade. And then I say upgrade, I mean that we had the two seats directly in front of Alan's microphone. It was absolutely insane. There was a whole of row of young girls in hot pants, but we were the ONLY ones who knew all the words to all of the songs. Not sure why that guy picked us, but I'm glad he did. It was definitely the best birthday present EVER. So thanks to Mark and his incentive to get us out of the house!!!

Some pics of our new house

So yes,I had to leave my dream house in Lancaster, but I truly love this house. I love it's curb appeal, the mature landscaping, the great neighborhood, the nearby park and the layout of the house. I'm definitely a fan of the rancher! And this house has a HUGE unfinished walk-out basement, so there's plenty of room to expand. I'd love to put another bedroom, full bath and playroom down there. But, one thing at a time! My neighbors are having a block party in a few weeks and I would LOVE to have been able to get to know everyone better, but I am going to a wedding. I'm sure there will be more opportunities.

I Hope You Dance

I know I haven't been updating much lately, but we are so busy! The kids have been doing and saying so many funny things, I wanted to take a moment to get a few in the blog. Hughie recently asked me, "Mommy, are you mad at me or happy at me?" And I think he tells me that he loves me at leat three times a day. Every morning (these days it's been about 5:30), Hugh crawls into bed with me, wraps his arms around my neck and whispers, "Mommy, I love you. It's morning time, wake up." He's so sweet I ALMOST don't mind that he's waking me at 5:30. This morning I had Hughie snuggled up on one side and Georgia on the other. I thought to myself, this is one of the best moments of my life and I wish I could stay in it forever! i don't want my babies to grow up. :(

Georgia has been such a gem lately. She is so loving and sweet. She's gone to the office with me several afternoons now and she colors quietly or naps while I work! You wouldn't even know she is there, unless she's getting something for me from the printer or taking a file to the judge. This week she drew me the sweetest picture of the earth, with a heart in the middle and me, Hughie and Georgia holding hands on top. Then she wrote, "YOU ARE THE BEST MOMMY IN THE WHOLE WORLD." I just can't express how full my heart is these days. We celebrated her 6th Birthday in full pool party luau style and she had a blast. I really can't believe that my baby is 6! And so tall and lanky. She needs a size 7/8 for length, but then the waist doesn't fit. So, I'm grateful it's summer and she can wear her size 4/5 skirts and shorts. :)

And Mimi and Papa have finally returned from Florida! It's such a relief to know that they are near by once again. Josh and Patricia are returning in a few weeks so that Josh can study for the PA bar. Patricia will be living with me and the kids during the week to nanny for us. She's hoping that the kids will help to teach her English! And I hope she teaches them some Portugese. I think she will help take some of the pressure off my schedule for a few months.

Fishing and Bowling

We've been experimenting with some new adventures lately, resulting in a lot of fun. We recently participated in a fishing derby and the kids got to fish in an overstocked pond and catch trout. Hughie caught one and Georgia caught four!! They got to hang out with their cousin Liberty, and had a blast.





Tonight we went bowling for the first time and Hughie broke a hundred! Granted we had bumpers, but it's still impressive. Hughie was particularly taken with the flourescent bowling shoes. Can't say I blame him.





We are anxiously awaiting the return of Mimi and Papa this weekend. It's been a long, dark 4 months without them. And the Revolution are back in season! Looking forward to going to lots of games this year, even if Keoni isn't playing. :(

Painting Easter Eggs

My baby is three!

Hughie is three!! Where does the time go? Yes, we celebrated at Chuck E. Cheese, as per Hughie's request and he loved it.

To My Girls

You know who you are. Those amazing women in my life who support me and help keep my head above water. I feel like I have been such a slacker friend these past few months!! Yes I've barely had time to put pants on in the morning, but I want you all to know that I miss you and I do think about you. Betsy and Suz, congrats on your nuptials, you are both gorgeous and deserve to be deliriously happy. Lauren, what the hell? Where are you and why have we not gotten together to drink margaritas? Steffy, I can't believe how fast your babies are growing and how handsome they are. Beth, you look way to good to be pregnant with your third child and that is why I haven't called you. Jealousy. Emily, when's this year's trip to PA? Jodi, we'll catch up on Wednesday, we're going completely trash blonde for the srping and summer. Ashley, I still haven't met the puppies?!?!?! Let's work on that. Paige, you are awesome. That is all I have to say about you. Angie, I want to see the new place when you have a minute to spare between three kids and two jobs. Bree, COME VISIT ME. Kara, I hope you are still alive and your boys haven't buried you in a pile of chicken nuggets and sand toys. Bil, I'm here for you always. Kerry and Elene, Lancaster isn't THAT far away. Ok?? I need decorating help. Call me people. And I will try to call you back. Love you all.