Heads Carolina, Tails California

You know those times when "thanks" just doesn't seem to be enough?

That's how I feel about this past month. 

I want to say "thank you" Mom and Dad for everything you've done to help make my life a little bit easier and a whole lot brighter during our visit to California...

but "thank you" just seems...

inadequate

...

insufficient

...

lame.

But, here it is anyway:

THANK YOU!

Grandma, Grandad and Grace 

We're back in North Carolina for now, but we can't wait to see you again soon! 

Luckily I have the best sister ever, only 6 hours away! In just 1 week we'll be reunited for our half marathon! Eeeek! ("Thanks" for this weekend, too, Jen!) 

Again, "thank you" doesn't even begin to express my gratitude!

...

Finally, "thank you" Kayla, Naasief, and Lindsay for helping me orchestrate our airport drop-off and pick-up. 

I owe you all ice cream.  Or coffee. Or dinner...

Poop Watch 2012

I like to think I have a few hobbies. I dabble in crafts, running and photography. I've recently started following The Voice and Smash, and I read when I have time. I'm not really into politics or golf...

However, for the past week my greatest obsession has been waiting for Grace to poop.

Who knew it was perfectly normal for a baby to go 7+ days between poops? 
Not this mom!

Birthday Wishes For Cole

Skyping with Cole in Afghanistan!

Happy birthday to the love of my life!
❤

We miss you and love you like crazy.

❤

Hurry home, and we will celebrate in style!

(With breakfast in bed, brownies and ribs of course!)

❤

 I am so lucky to call you my husband,

and

Grace is so lucky to call you her daddy.

❤

Keep your eyes out for some more packages filled with goodies....

 

I traced Grace's little hands to make this adorable card inspired by A Day In My Life blog.

Soooo sweet!

❤

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLEY!

What My Chihuahua is Thinking

7 Things Griffin Thought Today 

{A look into the mind of mutt}

1. Grrrr, I'm sleeping. Don't touch me.

Seriously he growls if you touch him while he is resting...

2. Me too, me too, MEEE TOOO!

Anything Phazor does, Griffin does too! Play with the rope, go in and out the doggie door, smell this trash can, smell that trash can...

Griffin, left and Phazor, right

3. Just look into my eyes. Can't you see I'm starving? You know what would help? A bit of your Phish Food ice cream/cereal/enchilada/sandwich....

I swear we feed him regularly.

4. Phazor, if you would just hold still.... grrrufff... I could get myself situated... grrrufff ruff... and we could hump... I'm just saying...

He does this at dog parks too. So proud!

5.This is my baby. See how I lick her on/in the mouth. That means she's mine.

Sorry, Grace. You're his.

So kissable!

6. NOOOOOOOOO! Don't leave! How will I go on without you? Who will feed me and love me and vaccinate me? What about my walks and my treats?

Poor Griffin may suffer from a touch of separation anxiety. 

7. YOU'RE BACK! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!!!! 

There is nothing like being welcomed home by a loving dog who was sure you would never again return. 

List 7 things your pet thought today.

Capturing Time

A while back I entered a contest hosted by Skye Snyder Photography. The challenge called for a photo showing my interpretation of {Soul}. 

This is the photo I submitted with Cole and baby Grace sleeping.

My loves. My soul.

...and with the help of friends and family voting...

I WON!

Honestly, I have never won anything in my life! I was/am sooo excited! 

I won a photo session, so Monday Jennifer, Grace and I drove up to Reno (Verdi) for the shoot.

Skye was amazing! 

She is a sweet, patient, passionate and talented photographer! I had a blast even though Grace spit up and refused to smile the entire time we were there! (I swear my baby is better behaved than that!)

Super duper thanks go out to Jennifer and Joanna for their extra sets of hands! (Jennifer seriously might have a future as a stage mother!) 

  I am dying to see the pictures, and send them to Cole for his birthday later this month. Skye took a couple with Gracie holding his Army dog tags, so I hope they turn out! He doesn't know anything about the photo shoot... Shhhhhh! Don't tell.

Stay tuned for the finished product, and check out Skye Snyder Photography on Facebook and her blog. She does a fabulous job, and is always running fun contests and things. 

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail...

Happy Easter!

I think she really liked her chocolate bunny!

Cole called this morning on Skype! He said Grace looked huge. I agree.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day spending time with friends and family! 

I hid eggs all over the house. 

I hope Grace finds them soon...