Our Little Valentines

David and I went away for an overnight. It was a much needed break for both of us. A beautiful hotel overlooking the ocean, sleeping in, swimming, and lots of time just to be together. Little outings like that make me realize that I just don't love David but that I am in love with him. We were dying to get away but the funny thing was that what we talked about most was what we had just left: our two little kids. Our whole getaway was less than 24 hours. It was well worth it. We had an amazing time however it was so nice to get back to our little valentines. As soon as we got in the door I walked straight to Summer and Forrest and hugged and kissed them. We told them how much we loved and missed them. This morning they were soo excited to see us and were even more excited to open up their valentine gifts... valentine jammies.

Pretty Things

I am a sucker for all things pretty. While at Trader Joe's last week I walked past the flower stand. These hydrangeas were out and I knew I had to get them. I knew where I could put them. Having fresh flowers in our home is something I have always done. I go about every other week and it makes such a difference. I don't spend much either. A lot of times the "filler" is prettier to me than the flowers. I'll just see what they have and then load up on branches or just plain greens. It's really inexpensive and makes a HUGE difference for me in our home.

I painted our kitchen and the hallway the other week. I couldn't take the green walls any longer. I knew I could change the color to make the room feel brighter and I was right. I asked David to watch the kids one weekend and got out my paint brushes. When I get my mind set on something I just have to do it right then. I bought three frames for the long hallway wall. I found some pictures I love on etsy and am starting to save up so I can buy them. They're perfect. The best part though is how much we love the color especially early in the mornings. It makes me happy now just to go downstairs towards the kitchen.

The hydrangeas made it home and I love how pretty they look in our kitchen nook. Our home is small and so I have to make every room multifunctional. I got the large jar out this weekend and the kids were fascinated by it. They loved how when the sun came in the window it got "sparkly". They were also fascinated that the jar is made out of recycled coke bottles. The best thing for me is that I have noticed my kids starting to be aware of the pretty things around them. I want them to grow up and appreciate the little things around them that are pretty. I think that's important and it's so cute to watch.

Happy Birthday

Happy 10th birthday to my niece Brooke. We went to Charlotte to celebrate her birthday this past weekend. She is a ray of sunshine everywhere she goes and we adore her. Since she's so grown-up now and into fashion we gave her her very own sewing machine.

We love you, birthday girl!

Groundhog Day

Photo courtesy of Mrs. H (Summer's teacher)

We have been talking about this day for weeks. On our calendar that hangs in the kitchen Summer marked February 2nd with a brown marker. Grandma Schultz sent the kids two books about Groundhog Day in the mail. They were beyond excited to find out what the groundhog would see, his shadow (6 more weeks of winter) or not (spring is coming). Summer brought both books to her class and read her very first book to her classmates. We worked on the hard words the night before. When I dropped her off that morning, I looked at her, gave her a smile and whispered that she could nail all the hard words. The best part was her little face so happy with herself when she came home. She felt VERY proud. It was so, so simple and sweet. And for the record, the groundhog did NOT see his shadow so spring should be here soon!

Forrest Logan

My Forrest

I took these pictures of him this morning and the cutest thing to me about them are his little almond shaped eyes. Who knew eyes could be so cute? I love my Forrest. I love that i'm his favorite. I often whisper in my kids ears, "Out of all the babies in heaven, how did I get so lucky to get you?" He loves going to school. He loves going to lunch bunch at his school. He loves coloring. He loves playing with airplanes. He loves writing new letters. He loves playing cave in his room. This is one happy boy. I love you, Forrest Logan.

The Lake

As far as I am concerned, Lake Waccamaw is the happiest place on earth. I grew up going to a lake near our home. We are lucky to be living close to Lake Waccamaw. I am happy to report that we spent three hours on the sand without any whining. How sweet are the simple pleasures of a 3 and a 5 year old. We had a fabulous time and feel so fortunate to have each other.

Love Her...

My Summer has a heart of gold. She is sweet and sensitive. The sensitivity causes some issues at times but I think as she grows up it will become her biggest strength. This morning as we were sitting together at our favorite cafe she said, "Mama, I know I don't act like it outside my body sometimes but I really love you a lot inside my body. A lot. Even higher than the sky, space and heaven." It was such a sweet way to hear her put her feelings into words. She then told me that she wants to be just like me when she grows up. She said, "I've decided to grow my hair longer and to wear jeans, flip-flops, pearl earrings, tank tops and cardigans every day." Too funny!

I love this sweet girl.

Princess Summer Antoinette

Here's my Summer straight out of the tubbies this evening. Summer loves anything and everything related to princesses. As you can imagine, this is her favorite bath towel. It is so fun having a girl.

Forrest the Lion

I put Forrest and Summer in the shower with me this morning. Our shower is pretty much the family shower. The kids have their own but it is rarely (never) used. Our master shower is stocked with plastic toys and of course kiddie shampoo (A family fave... suave's kids orange mango. The best!) The kids smell soo good after their showers I want to just eat them right up. I wrapped Forrest up and set him on my bed and then went back to get a shivering Summer her towel. Summer ran off after her shower to choose her own outfit for the day (always interesting) but Forrest was content just like this on my bed. I can't get enough of him! Add his smelling orange mango and the lion towel and I was a goner. To die for cute.

Snow Day

Yesterday was the first time this winter that we actually had snow on the ground. Forrest decided it was the perfect day to break out his Tonka truck from the garage. He made tracks around our front and back yard. David took the kids for a ride around the neighborhood in his wheelbarrow. The kids were covered with layers of blankets. When they got back we drank hot cocoa topped with baby marshmallows. Hooray for a snow day!